Austin Hooper – FalconAlley Football

The Rivalry is Real

November 12, 2019

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

So, apparently change IS good. Not only did the Falcons move coaching staff around after the bye, but on game day, instead of Dan Quinn calling the defense plays, play calling was split between Jeff Ulbrich (Linebackers coach) calling 1^st and 2^nddown defense and Raheem Morris (formerly WR coach) calling 3^rd down and 2 minute defense. Morris’ work with the secondary was evident immediately. Also, after winning the coin toss, for the second time this year, the Falcons chose to receive the ball first.

The extra Captain this week was Calvin Ridley.

The offense started strong, pushing down the field quickly. The first play was a speed sweep to Calvin Ridley for 19 yards. Then run-run-run by Devonta Freeman. Within the first series, Free had 27 rushing yards. Then, on cue, the offense stalled with back to back false start penalties pushing them back to unmanageable down and distance and forced a 37-yard field goal. Out comes the Saints’ offense, Latavius Murray and Alvin Kamararunning for short bits and pieces, then Drew Breeshits Michael Thomas for a 16-yard gain, Jared Cook for a 22, then back to Thomas for another 17 yards. The defense stood up. Murray had no gain,Taysom Hill had a 2-yard reception, then De’Vondre Campbell sacked Brees for a 9-yard loss, forcing the 29-yard field goal. This is when you knew you had a game.

I did hold my breath until the 20/9 touchdown, as I know what Brees can do and know you need a big lead, but felt good about the Falcons most of the day (after the initial forced field goal by the D). The only real negatives on the day were an interception by Matt Ryan and a slightly short kickoff that lead to a big run back….even those were not followed up with any points. After the interception, the defense came out inspired, allowing 8 yards and receiving the ball back on downs at the New Orleans 19. After a 46-yard return, the Saints had another 4 downs to move the ball -9 yards and turn it over on downs again, this time at their own 33.

With a successful run game, the Falcons were able to dominate the time of possession, 34 minutes to New Orleans’ 26. The Falcons had 4 drives that took at least 5 minutes and 4 scoring drives that were 10+ plays. While I have always heard “The best offense is a good defense” the case here is “the best way to keep Brees from scoring is to keep Brees on the bench.” This allowed the defense to be rested and ready when they did take the field, and seemed to energize them as well. Even on the final drive, while playing prevent, they still did not allow a score. The Saints had the ball with a 1^stand goal from the 9 and the Falcons forced a 4^thdown, that was a yard short of the end zone as time expired.

The offense played allot of no huddle, which is Matt Ryan’s comfort zone. Ryan even had a 17 mph run himself for a big first down. Freeman went out early with an injury, but tallied 38 rushing yards at that point. Brian Hill had 20 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown reception. Ridley had 1 rush for 19 yards and caught 3 of 5 balls thrown his way for 28 yards. Julio Jones caught 3 for 79 yards, one being the 54-yard breakout, mostly YAC, and had several crucial blocks, and is of course, is the world’s best decoy. Russell Gage continues to impress with 4 receptions for 23 yards, Austin Hooper 4 receptions for 17 yards and another touchdown. Newcomer Christian Blake snuck in and caught his first 2 NFL receptions, one for a big 11-yard gain.

The defense was almost unrecognizable, there seemed to be no confusion or communication issues this week. The defensive line and secondary were in sync, the backend playing tight coverage made it easier for the D line to be aggressive. At one point, with 3 on the blitz, the Falcons managed a sack. Campbell logged a sack on the first drive, leading the team to 6 total sacks on the day, when the team had 7 on the season. Clemson was repped well with Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley, Jr sharing a sack, which was for a loss at the 10, forcing the unsuccessful 3^rd down attempt. Grady ended the game with 2 ½, Vic got another – WWE spear on his own, and one by Adrian Clayborn, who uncharacteristically seemed to be missing most of the season. Claybo started this week, which was enough to shake it up and help Beasley and Takk McKinley work differently and get pressure on Brees all day. There were times when Brees actually looked confused. They crowded the pocket all day and when the Saints were doubling Grady, that opened it up for other guys to get pressure and sacks.

Who knows which came first, the chicken or the egg…but the defense was working perfectly Sunday. Whether the man on man coverage provided the line more time to push to Brees, or the line forced Brees into rushed and errant throws, it was a well-orchestrated defensive day. Brees completed 32 of 45 passes, was sacked 6 times, losing 46 yards and hit 11 times and nearly hit many, many more. The defense was tackling in space, wrapping up, and not giving up much YAC. The Saints started at the 38 and were held to a field goal. The defense allowed no big plays and only allowed 25% completion on 3^rd down conversions, there were several 3 (or 4) and outs.

Rookie Kendall Sheffield is really coming on strong in Desmond Trufant’s absence. He recorded a coverage grade of 89.9 on 53 snaps Sunday. He was targeted 7 times and allowed 5 receptions for only 28 yards, no first downs or touchdowns. Foye Oluokun lead the team with 8 tackles, Isaiah Oliverstepping up with 6, along with Campbell andDamontae Kazee, the later had a pass defended. Kazee was injured late in the game, but did come back in. Ricardo Allen and Deion Jones had 5 tackles a piece.

Special teams. WOW. New kickers all around and still was a successful day. Younghoe Koo – now known as #KooDat, had 4 successful field goals, with a long of 48 yards. Ryan Allen only had 2 punts on the day, but was also the holder for Koo. After a punt attempt where Allen was tackled and left, it seemed, crippled, the Falcons were provided the first down on the roughing the kicker penalty. A few plays later, the Falcons were forced to kick a field goal, Matt Schaub comes out to hold, Allen takes the field and shoos Schaub off the field, as he is ready to do his job. Talk about touchness. Younghoe Koo was awarded the NFC Special Team player of the week in his first week in the NFL! Kenjon Barner had 2 punt returns, one a breakoff of 21 yards. Defensively, was the one long kickoff return that yielded no points, and one punt return of 19 yards. Koo was also the tackler on the 48-yard return. We may like this kid.

The Saints scored double digits at home in 100 straight games…until Sunday. This put them one shy of the NFL record. Drew Brees has not been sacked 6 times in a game since the Panthers in 2013….until Sunday. The Saints had only 4 games since 2006 without a touchdown…..until Sunday. No one has ever had 4 “Hands to the Face” penalties in a game…..until Sunday. The Saints WERE the least penalized team in the league…..until Sunday. They had 12 penalties for 90 yards, many turning their 3^rdand short into 3^rd and long, their defensive penalties providing the Falcons with many free first downs

The Atlanta Falcons are the only UNDEFEATED team in the NFC South. Are the Saints the new “Get Right” team????

Per the Atlanta Falcons website, Grady Jarrett was quoted “It’s definitely encouraging. Going through any kind of losing streak, it’s definitely hard. For us not to be able to give up and try to make changes where we can, wherever we can, to not quit and beat a real good team in their house, it means a lot and it says a lot about our team.”

Injury Report: Devonta Freeman and Austin Hooper are both being evaluated through the week and are listed as questionable at this time.

Golden Talon: THE WHOLE TEAM. 11 and 11 all did their jobs successfully, without mistakes. With injuries, next man up stepped up. And Special Teams was on fire.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

Falcons Win Rivalry Week, Part One

November 10, 2019

Atlanta 26/New Orleans 9

Article by Allison Smith

Photos courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL

Inactives are Jamal Carter, John Cominsky (lingering injury), Matt Gono, Brandon Powell, Wes Schweitzer (concussion), Deadrin Senat, and still Desmond Trufant (turf toe). Ito Smith was placed on Injured Reserve on Saturday, Sean Harlow moved to the active roster, and Qadree Ollison is on the active roster for the first time this season.

The Falcons won the toss and decided to take the ball first. There was no return, so the Falcons begin on the 25. Matt Ryan hands off to Calvin Ridley who gains 18 yards (behind a great Julio Jones block) on his first carry of the season. Devonta Freeman gains no yards, but the Saints have a hands to the face penalty and give up 5 yards. First and 10 at the 49, Ryan drops back and throws up to Freeman at the line of scrimmage, where Free gains a yard. On second and 9, Ryan is in the shotgun and hands off to Freeman who is standing next to him and gets the first down. At the Saints’ 41, Ryan changes the call and hands to Freeman who goes behind the left side for 12 yards. A big flip back to Freeman, far left, he gains 4 yards and is forced out of bounds. Now, Ryan hands off to the left side to Kenyon Barner who gains another first down. Now at the 13 with a 1^st and 10, naturally, there is a false start, by Kaleb McGary this time. Before the ball can be snapped, another false start, Jamon Brown, thanks to the crowd noise, which is louder now. First and 20, Brian Hill gains one yard. On the 2^nd and 19, Ryan finds LSU’s own Russell Gage on the left side for a quick 3 yards. On 3^rd and 16, Ryan is under pressure and throws the ball incomplete. This flag is on James Carpenter for holding and Younghoe Koo comes on for the 37-yard field goal.

Koo kicks the ball out of the endzone for the touchback. Drew Brees and the offense begins at their own 25. Latavius Murray gets the first run and is stopped quickly by Takk McKinley. Alvin Kamara gets the ball for an 8-yard rush along the left side. Murray gains the first down and more. At the 40, the Saints pass up to Michael Thomas for 16 yards, covered and pushed out by Isaiah Oliver immediately. In Falcons’ territory, Brees drops back and easily passes to Gerad Cook for 22 yards, with Kemal Ishmael in coverage. Taysom Hill in the shot gun hit Thomas at the 5, who gets both toes inbounds as he falls out. Murray takes the ball a yard where Ish flings him to the ground. Brees fakes, then throws to Cook who is immediately stopped by Kendall Sheffield in the open field. Third and goal from the 2, Brees drops back and is SACKED by De’Vondre Campbell for a big loss. The Saints are forced to kick a 28-yard field goal.

Freeman gets the first handoff of the 2^nd possession, for a 2-yard gain. Julio is in the slot, Ryan drops back and overthrows Austin Hooper. On 3^rd and 8, long pass to Ridley along the right sideline. Ryan under pressure finds Gage for a 9-yard pick up. Near midfield with a 2^nd and 1, gives to Free who begins way in the backfield, he is at full speed by the time he hits the line of scrimmage and easily gains the first down and several more yards. On the next play, the linebacker doesn’t drop into coverage and gets Free for a 1-yard loss. Ryan passes to the sideline to Freeman for a 7-yard gain. At the Saints’ 44, the Falcons are 3^rd and 4, with a 4 man rush, Freeman gets the pass and bats it to himself, but with the defender on him, cannot bring the ball in. On the 4^th and 4, Ryan drops back, in trouble, yet scrambles for the first down. At the end of the first quarter, the Falcons are driving and tied.

With a first and 10 at the Saints 39, Ryan hits Julio, but Marcus Lattimore knocks the ball loose before Ju has possession. Second and 10, Ryan from the shotgun gives to Hill who finds a hole up the middle and gains 7 yards. Third and 3, Ryan is on the left side line, the ball is snapped directly to Hill who gains 2 yards. The defense has a hands to the face penalty and provides the Falcons with a first down. From the 25, Ju is in motion, but Ryan calls a time out to talk it over. A handoff to Freeman, who runs into a wall, the rolls off for a yard. Ryan changes the play at the line, fakes a handoff to Freeman, then under pressure throws the ball just over the defense. Another 5-yarder for hands to the face and another first down for the Falcons. From the 19-yard line, Ryan hands to Freeman, up the middle gains 3 yards. A pass to Freeman in the flat and 2 defenders immediately stop him at the line of scrimmage. On 3^rd an 5, Ryan from the shotgun, lobs it to Julio near the end zone. The flag is a hold on Lattimore, another 5 yards and another first down. On the 9, Hill is in the backfield and gets the call for a single yard up the middle. On the 17th play of the drive, HOOPER for the touchdown. He jumps up, catches the ball, absorbs the hit and falls to the ground, with the ball. With 11:09 to go in the half, the Falcons lead…..10/3.

Koo has a short kick, but the Saints only get the ball out to the 20. Brees drops way back, throws up to Kamara at the line of scrimmage and gains one yard before Campbell stops him. Allen Bailey nearly gets to Brees as he pushes him out of the pocket and the makes an errant throw. The offense has a false start, now at 3^rd and 14 from their own 15, under pressure, Brees throws to the fullback at the original line of scrimmage. He is met and stopped by committee, led by Sheffield, Damontae Kazee, and Blidi Wreh-Wilson. The Saints are forced to punt. Barner takes the ball at the 28 and finds a seam for a 22-yard return.

Freeman gets the opening carry for 2 yards. At midfield, a fake to Freeman, gets Hooper for 5 yards on the left side, but Julio is called for a PI and backs the Falcons up to the 41. On 2^nd and 18, blitz coming, Gage gets the ball back to midfield. The Dome is getting loud at 3^rd and 9, Ryan drops back, stands in and hits Ridley for 3 yards. Ryan Allen (5^th punter of the year) punts to the 10-yard line.

Brees goes far side for a 9-yard pass to Thomas. On 2^nd and 1, Murray goes to the left for a few yards and the first down. Brees in the shotgun, changes the play, drops back and throws to the sliding Thomas who is wide open in the middle of the field. Under pressure, Brees running, nearly sacked, gets the ball to the fullback where he is stopped at the line of scrimmage by Foye Oluokun. Brees hands to Kamara who leaps over the line for a few yards. On 3rd and 4 with a 4 man rush, Adrian Clayborn comes through hard and fast for a SACK. Another punt, Barner lets it take a Falcons bounce and will begin at their 12.

Ryan throws a little high to Jones with Eli Apple in tight coverage. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan in the shotgun, fakes the hand off to Freeman and overthrows Julio again. 3^rd and 10, the dome is loud again, Ryan under pressure, throws up to Christian Blake just past the first down marker – his first NFL reception. Teams go to the 2-minute warning.

First and 10 from the Atlanta 28, blitz coming and Ryan flings the ball down to Julio for the 54-yard reception, with Apple being taken out by Ridley’s big block. Lattimore is on the sideline and headed to the locker room after this play. Ryan finds Hooper across the middle for 6 yards. With 1:42 to go in the half, from the Saints’ 10, Ryan from the shotgun, gets sacked, untouched. 4^th and 10, Koo on for the 36-yard field goal. With 91 seconds to go, Falcons lead 13/3.

From the 25, with no times, Brees throws quickly to Ted Ginn Jr, Wilson is called for PI. Moved up to the 33, Brees finds Jared Cook wide open in the middle of the field immediately hit by Campbell. Sheffield is called for a hold, that is declined. Another quick pass to Cook for 6 yards. Across midfield, Cook, still wide open, makes another catch for the first down. Brees goes another direction finally, to Thomas in the slant, who jams Kazee in the face and doesn’t let go, gets the 15-yard facemask. 1^st and 12 from the 40, Thomas is still open for the reception, being taken down by Oliver in bounds. Brees dumps off to Kamara for the first down. Brees spikes the ball with 15 seconds to go. Then passes to Kamara along the sideline to the right side and out of bounds. An o-lineman trips/kicks Grady Jarrett and is called for the 10-yard penalty. Its 2^nd and 20 with 9 seconds to go. Kamara gets the ball and takes it out of bounds at the 32. Lutz on for the successful field goal.

At the half, the Falcons lead 13/6.

Brees opens up with a quick pass to Kamara for 4 yards. 7 gets the back toss and gains the first side, stopped by Kazee finally. Kamara gains 4 up the middle. A big pass down to Thomas, but Sheffield is in perfect coverage to break up the pass. Thomas gets the running pass across the field, Oliver makes the big stop and forces the 4^th down. The offense stays on the field, Murray and Kamara are both in. Brees with the hard count. False start on the offense, 4^th and 8. The punt is taken at the 10.

Ryan is under center with Hill in the backfield, fakes the handoff and throws to midfield to Ridley under double coverage. On 2^nd and 10, from the shotgun, Ryan hands off to Hill for a 5-yard gain. Barner in motion, under pressure, Jones is guarded by PJ Williams and makes the easy catch at the 27-yard line. Hill tries up the middle to no avail. Ridley is called for a false start. Ryan throws a highly contested ball high to Gage, but he cannot bring it in. The noise is deafening again on 3^rd and 15. Ryan throws way to the right of Jones and the Falcons are forced to punt.

Josh Harris has a false start to back the punt up. The punt is short, and Harris returns 20plus yards to give the offense the start at the Falcons’ 38.

Murray rushes for 2 yards. Brees drops back and throws the ball high, Ginn tips the ball cannot bring it in. A quick snap and pass to Trevon Smith who is hit by Kazee. Smith’s helmet flies off, but he holds on to the first down catch. Thomas runs the ball for 8 yards. Fake to Kamara, then handoff to Ginn an another first down, now at the 10. Low throw to Kamara that he cannot bring it, tightly covered by Ricardo Allen. Clemson unites at the quarterback again. Getting out of the offensive hold, Grady Jarrett spins Brees and Vic Beasley, Jr. taps him the rest of the way down. Rattled, Brees calls a time out.

Under a 3 man rush, Brees under pressure, throws short to Murray, Kazee makes the big time open field tackle, but is hurt. He eventually pops up and runs to be checked out. His big hit forced the field goal, Falcons lead 13/9 now.

After the kickoff – Hill gets the first call and the 15-yard run along the sideline, behind a good Jones block. Hill goes up the middle for 4 yards. On 2^nd and 6, Ryan hands to Hill again for a 1-yard gain. Ryan changes the play at the line, takes the shotgun snap and the ball to Ridley is incomplete. Illegal use of the hands is called, 5-yards and an automatic first down. At midfield, Hill gets the ball for no gain up the middle. On 2^nd and 10, from the shotgun, Ryan sees the blitz and finds running Ridley for a 15-yard gain. After a fake to Hill, Jones hauls in the 14-yard pass across the middle. The Saints challenged Julio’s catch….no one is challenging the no call on the hug he received before the ball arrived. The play was overturned. It is 2^nd and 10 at the Saints’ 35. Back to Julio for the completion, with no PI or “drop.” From the 22, Ryan hands off to Hill who loses a couple of yards. Ryan finds Blake for 4 yards. On 3^rd and 8, Ryan is in the shotgun, under pressure, Ryan runs for the 8 yards, behind a big Hooper block. Both Julio and Ridley were being mugged. Ryan is under pressure again, starts to run, sees Hill fall and get back up and tosses to him, but Hill can’t bring the ball in. The Falcons call a time out on 2^nd and 10 at the 12. Showing blitz, under pressure Ryan throws to Gage for a couple of yard gain.

Third and 8 to begin the 4^th quarter. Under pressure, a defender touching Ryan’s shoulder and he gets the pass away to Hill, who gets the first down and scores the touchdown. Ridley is the first with congrats, then Barner and Keith Smith from the running back room. With seconds gone in the 4^th quarter, the Falcons lead 20/9.

After a kick just inside the end zone by Koo, the Saints avoid a tackle by Kazee and get back close to midfield. A quick run by Kamara, then pass reception, but the left tackle is hooking Takk to stop the sack, and suddenly its 2^nd and 14 back at the 42. Brees throw to a covered Thomas, who is holding onto Campbell and he is blocking Thomas completely. 3^rd and 14, Falcons drop everyone, Brees can’t find a receiver and Grady gets another SACK with Takk and Claybo in the backfield.

After the punt, the Falcons take over at the 34. Hill runs on the left side for a first down. A short run, then a 2^nd and 7, Ryan from the shotgun fakes to Barner, nearly sacked and throws the ball away. Ryan fires one to Hooper for a gain of 9 and the first down. Hill rushes on the left side for another 5 yards. A fake to Hill, Ryan throws to Hooper for a loss. Hooper limps off the field. On 3^rd and 11, Ryan from the shotgun, overthrows Jones. The Falcons punt to the 12, but Allen is taken out and the offense returns to the field as Allen is helped off the field.

Hill runs into a wall for no gain. Ryan fakes the handoff and runs for his life toward the sideline and finally throws the ball away. On 3^rd and 10, Hill runs for a couple of yards. On the 4^th down, Koo comes on to kick the 48-yard field goal and extend the Falcons’ lead 23/9.

Koo’s kickoff again goes short into the end zoe, but Jaeden Graham hits the returner HARD at the 20 to ensure there is no big run back. Thomas hauls in the quick 15 yard catch in front of Oliver. Claybo and Grady meet at Brees, for another Sack. Kamara gets a big chunk back of the 2^nd and 19. On 3^rd and 4, Brees is hit by Grady as he throws an errant pass. On 4^th and 4, Brees drops back and is WWE speared by Beasley.

Falcons take over on the 46. Hill runs left for one yard, but there is a holding on rookie #17. First and 20, Ryan hands to Hill again, for a few yards up the middle. Ryan drops back to throw a bomb to Ridley, it is picked off by Marcus Williams in excellent coverage and read of Ryan.

The Saints take over at their own 11. An immediate pass to Cook for a 7-yard gain. Brees throws to Ginn, and the ball is almost picked by Wilson. Third and 3, Brees over throws Cook. Campbell had perfect step by step coverage and the ball had to be thrown past Cook. Grady peels himself off of Brees on the ground. It’s 4^th and 3 deep in Saints territory, Brees throws incomplete to Cook. Jack Crawford had a chip in the middle of the field on Cook, knocking him off his spot.

It’s the Falcons’ ball at the 18. Hill gets the ball back to back before the Saints call a time out. Another short Hill run. Koo hits another field goal and Falcons lead 26/9.

Ishmael is hurt on the kickoff, but walks off the field under his own power.

Brees has a completion that is quickly stopped by Oluokun as Takk hits Brees. Brees has two more pass completions to Thomas as the 2-minute warning stops the clock. Brees hits Thomas for a gain up to midfield. Kamara runs for 6 yards. Brees finds Cook for another first down. With 12 seconds to go, Brees spikes the ball at the 9. An incompletion to Thomas in the end zone. Third and goal, under pressure, Brees throws into the ground. On 4^th and goal with 2 seconds in the game, the Saints have a delay of game and are back at the 14-yard line. Brees throws to Thomas, he is stopped at the goal line by Beasley, Oluokun, and Allen.

In week 8, the Falcons have their 2^nd win of the season and are the only team to be undefeated in the NFC South.

Injury Report – Devonta Freeman did not return after a 2^nd quarter ankle injury. Austin Hooper did not return, but was hurt late and likely would have returned with more time or need in the game. All other players evaluated played again.

#RISEUP

FalconAlley OWT

Second Half Come Back, Not Enough for Falcons

Seattle 27/Atlanta 20

October 27, 2019

Article and Photos by Allison Smith

Stop me if you have heard this one before…..the Falcons are down at half and have to abandon the run game to come back in the second half. Once again, the Falcons, offense and defense, come out soaring in the second half, but again, were down too much to overcome.

After a great morning of meeting other Falcon fans and actually some nice Seahawks, and my weekly picture with Freddie, I headed into the stadium. The limited crowd still seemed rowdy as I headed to the Mercedes Benz dance cam and did my touchdown dance with Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley, Jr. As I started to my seat, I was awarded the #1 fan of my section and given a Falcons prize. I feel like this is going to be a good game. Well…..then there was the game part.

The most annoying part was the fact that I had already resigned myself that we may not win another game this season, but the team still suckered me in with their fight and comeback, al biet, some in trash time. But you could definitely tell a difference in the first half vs. the second half. Again.

Russell Wilson is no Deshaun Watson, but he can escape and make some crazy things happen, which he did on Sunday. Near escapes for successful passes or massive runs on his own. The Seattle defense may no longer be the Legion of Boom, but they did manage to hold the Falcons to 20 points, had an interception, near interception (that would have been a pick six) 2 sacks, 7 quarterback hits, and forced and recovered 2 fumbles. The Falcons, well, they finally managed 2 sacks. Which was a major feat as they have not had a sack since the 3^rd week of the season. As a total team, they have 7 sacks, 3 by Grady Jarrett who added to his total on Sunday.

The Falcons started with Damontae Kazee at Free Safety, Ricardo Allen at Strong Safety, Isaiah Oliver and Blidi Wreh-Wilson at the outside Cornerback spots, and Kendall Sheffield a the Nickel. The line was set up normally.

When Grady got the sack, for a 9 yard loss, forcing a punt, you would have thought we had won a game. Everyone knows how long it has been and Grady is so excitable, his celebration was infectious. The team did manage 4 hits on Wilson and some good pressure and near tackles or sacks, but alas, almost doesn’t count. Tyeler Davison had the other sack on the day and continued a good season on his part. Both Beasley and Takk McKinley were close several times and Takk did get hands on Wilson. There were literally only 3 tackles for loss on the day, Grady and Davison’s sacks, and one by Allen. The defense continues to allow teams to come to them.

On DK Metcalf’s 2 touchdowns, the Falcons defense was not set, they came out and quick snapped. The other was a communication error between two players. Even on the 3^rd touchdown, the defense seemed confused. But also, the defense had 3 back to back to back 3 and outs. The first half and second half look completely different. Again.

On the bright side, Alex Mack, Kaleb McGary, Devonta Freeman, and Austin Hooper all had tackles. Maybe we are preparing to flip some of these guys to defense? Seriously, the offense and team have improved their penalties. Only 5 for 40 yards this week, and the OPI on Julio was complete BS, so I will tally 4 penalties. Holding or false starts, two by Mack, which normally is unusual, but becoming a habit this year. Is that because he is doing too much to make up for other offensive line deficiencies?

Matt Schaub did not appear to have lost a step since his last start in 2015. He was 39 of 52 for 460 yards….in the FALCONS LOSS. He did have an interception, but still a pretty good game for an old man. He spread the ball around to 7 receivers, including all 3 tight ends, who had big catches. Luke Stocker with an 18 yarder and Jaeden Graham with an 11 yarder. Sometimes the big guys aren’t just blockers or decoys. Naturally, Hooper had another good game catching 6 of the 7 passes thrown his way for 65 yards and a touchdown, and his biggest reception of 35 yards was mostly YAC. Freeman took most of the running duties, 13 carries for 39 yards, but also had 8 receptions for 63 yards, catching everything thrown his way. Free did fumble the ball trying to stretch across the goal line for a touchdown, but was on his back and not ruled down as the ball was knocked out.

Some people say that was the turning point/play of the game. Mine, was not. Schaub had a 20-yard pass to Julio Jones along the sideline. Instead of a first down, OPI was called on Julio, and the Falcons were backed up with a 1^st and 20 at their own 35. The Falcons call a time out. There is no challenge or question on this call. This is when I lost my mind (the first time) and really questioned Dan Quinn’s thought process. That was not the only time on the day. After returning from the time out, Schaub throws an errant pass that was intercepted.

On the losing my mind and screaming things to the field topic…..I still do not understand calling time outs near the end of the half to help Seattle have time for their touchdown. I believe I suggested Pete Carroll load Dan Quinn on the plane to Seattle at that point. With a 4th and 1 on their own 34, the Falcons go for it. On their side of the field, the attempt two over 50-yard field goals. Then, at the end of the game, already wasted time outs through the second half. After the 2 minute warning, DQ has Schaub spike the ball and Bryant come on for a field goal, which still leaves the team in a 7 point deficit. Why not go for the touchdown first and worry about the field goal IF you get the ball back? Bad clock management and wasted time throughout the half left little time for the ultimate comeback. It is annoying to look that close, but Seattle was giving up more late than they had all game, knowing that time was running out for a comeback.

Julio Jones ended the game with 10 receptions and 152 yards while Calvin Ridley had 4 receptions for 70 yards. As mentioned, Russell Gage, Justin Hardy, and all 3 tight ends had receptions. It was obvious that Gage will be the air-apparent to the 3^rd WR spot have 9 targets on the day.

Jarrett continues to get better every week, tallying 8 tackles, followed by De’Vondre Campbell at 7 – who leads the team in tackles and is #6 in the NFL. Kazee had 6. The up and coming Sheffield, Allen, and Beasley had 5 a-piece.

Punter, Kasey Redfern was released Monday after having 1 punt on Sunday. Currently, we have no punter. Quarterback Danny Etling was added to the practice squad, which makes you question Matt Ryan’s health, but he may be released again after the bye. Longtime kicker Matt Bryant was released after missing 2 over 50-yard field goals Sunday and replaced by Georgia Southern’s Younghoe Koo.

Injury Report:

· Matt Ryan is rehabbing well, should be ready to head to New Orleans for the November 10^th game.

· John Cominsky left the game with a sprained ankle, hoping to be back after the bye.

Golden Talon:

· Grady Jarrett – Clearly he is going to get this every week. Closest to making plays, always moving and pushing the line back. Disruptive. Lead the team in tackles this week and got the first sack in 5 weeks.

· Kendall Sheffield – Really stepped up and playing well in Desmond Trufant’s open CB spot. Has had some really good coverage and still not being picked on as much as Oliver.

· Matt Schaub – Dude is 38 years old. Didn’t play a snap in 2017 and hasn’t started in 4 years. Lit the field on fire for 460 yards and had limited mistakes.

FalconAlley Owt

Falcons Still Can’t Put a Game Together

October 27, 2019

Article and Photos by Allison Smith

Seattle 27/Atlanta 20

It is a beautiful pre-Halloween weekend in Atlanta. The roof to Mercedes Benz Stadium is open, there is a slight breeze. Lots of Falcons and Seahawks fans outside, tailgating, enjoying Falcons Landing activities, and meeting each other. After all, there is no real animosity towards each other, and Atlanta does have the Seattle former Defensive Coordinator.

Seattle takes the field on offense. On the first play, Vic Beasley, Jr. makes a great spin move, GradyJarrett almost has Russell Wilson in his grasp, but instead, Wilson scrambles for 15+ yards and has a first down near the 50. Hear the life already leave Mercedes Benz Stadium. On a 2nd and 9 at the 24, Wilson has a deep pass to the end zone which is perfectly defended and broken up by Isaiah Oliver. On the 3rd and 9, Wilson throws the ball out of bounds. The Falcons’ defense has held up ad forces a field goal. With 11 minutes to go in the first quarter, the Seahawks lead 3/0.

With 38-year old Matt Schaub at the helm, his first couple of plays are hand-offs to Devonta Freeman, which go for nothing behind no blocking. Then Schaub finds Austin Hooper for a big first down. Freeman has a short run and then a short catch to keep the ball moving. Calvin Ridley can’t make the 1st down reception and the Falcons, with their 3rd punter of the season, Kasey Redfern, are forced to punt.

After a couple of run attempts, on 3rd and 11, Russell has another incompletion with Oliver in coverage. The Falcons take over on their own 10-yard line.

Schaub has a quick 25-yard pass to Julio Jones on the right side, then finds Freeman for a 2-yard, then 11-yard gain. Spreading the ball around, Schaub finds Ridley down the left side line for another first down. The offensive line give Schaub time to view all of his options and he then finds Justin Hardy for an 8-yard gain. Freeman runs to the left for the necessary 2 yards for the first down. Another big Hooper catch, Freeman up the middle for no yards, then the Falcons get backed up by a Wes Schweitzer false start. Another pass to Freeman leaves the Falcons 2 yards short of the first down and force a 51-yard field goal attempt. Gasp. Matt Bryant’s first miss on the day.

Wilson takes the field again, at their own 41. Deion Jones has his first tackle of the game, waiting on the ball carrier to come to him, but makes the stop. De’Vondre Campbell and Damontae Kazee combine for a tackle. At the 33, Beasley steps up for the sack, but instead, Wilson finds Tyler Locketfor a first down. Several plays later, on a 2nd and 4, DK Metcalf is wide open in the end zone and with 11 minutes to go in the half, the Seahawks lead 10/0.

With the ball back in the Falcons’ offense’s hands, Freeman gains 3 yards up the middle. Schaub overthrows Julio downfield, then hits Julio for a short gain on the left sideline. With a 4th and 1 on their own 34, the Falcons go for it. Schaub finds TE Jaeden Graham, wide open, for 11 yards and the first down. Now rolling, the next pass is a 20-yarder to Jones along the sideline. He is called for an OPI. The Falcons call a time out. There is no challenge. Now, the Falcons are 1st and 20 at the 35 instead of 1st and 10 at the Seahawks 35. Schaub drops back and finds Seattle’s Mychal Kendricks for the interception.

Foye Oluokon trips up the Seattle rusher so Campbell can tackle him. Grady gets off the blocker and away from a hold for the next tackle. Wilson fakes a handoff, then carries down the right side himself, bypassing Jones, then Oliver finally knocks him out of bounds. A few plays later, another touchdown. With 4 minutes to go in the half, Seattle leads 17/0.

The Falcons’ offense takes the field. Again moving quickly with a pass to Julio at the 44, a pass up the middle to Freeman. Then a lob back to Freeman for another big gain. A quick pass to Hardy while on the run was knocked out of his hands, as he rolled the ball, still trying to bring it in. An errant throw by Schaub toward Ridley was a near interception by Akeem King. King had the ball and an open field, but dropped it before he could run. Fourth down, Bryant on to attempt a 53 yard field goal. The score remains 17/0.

With less than 2 minutes to go in the half and driving, Seattle is near midfield, Wilson throws a 20-yard pass to Locket, that was perfectly covered by rookie CB Kendall Sheffield. Carson goes up the middle for 5 yards where he meets Jarrett. The FALCONS call a time out. Wilson has an incomplete pass to Metcalf, then another 20 yards to Lockett, again, covered well by Sheffield. Then the FALCONS call their final time out. With a minute to go, Chris Carson gets to the 2, then as Wilson scrambles away from Campbell, he finds Metcalf in the end zone. With 27 seconds to go, the Seahawks lead 24/0.

Somehow, the Falcons get off 4 quick plays. Two passes of 18 and 15 yards to Luke Stocker and Jones, respectively, then at the 42, Schaub spikes the ball with 4 seconds left. No clue what the plan is at this point, but likely it was not to get sacked by Jadaveon Clowney, lose 11 yards, and fumble the ball. Thankfully, the half is over.

The Falcons get the ball to start the second half. Hooper has a reception, then stiff arms defenders to turn it into a 35-yard gain. Freeman finds a hole and gains 15 yards, which is called back on an Alex Mack hold. After a couple of quick passes and a neutral zone infraction, the Falcons are 3 and 1 at the 31 and lose a yard to Clowney. With over 11 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, the Falcons use a time out and determine to go for the 4th down. Luck has it that Clowney is super active suddenly and has his second neutral zone infraction and provides an automatic first down. Freeman goes around the right end for 4 yards, then Brian Hill comes in to relieve him and runs 23 yards for his first NFL touchdown. The Falcons line up for a 2-point conversion, where Schaub finds Ridley in the back of the end zone for a miraculous catch, both feet down and the score is 24/8.

The defense comes out as hyped as the offense. Seattle manages -11 yards in a 3 and out effort, including tackles for loss by Ricardo Allen and Jarrett and a quick stop by Beasley. GRADY JARRETT gets the Sack on Wilson – the first Falcon sack since week 3 against the Colts. On 4th and 20, Seattle punts.

Schaub has a short pass to Freeman that goes for 7 yards. Mack has another holding penalty backing the Falcons up. On 2nd and 13, Schaub hits Julio for 17 yards. Hooper and Hardy are running the same route as Schaub releases and Hardy speeds up and nearly makes the catch. Freeman gains 13 yards on another pass. Then Freeman bounces right for a 9-yard run. Hill has back to back runs for a total of 6 yards. Schaub is sacked, but holds onto the ball this time. His next pass is behind Russell Gage. Bryant comes on for a successful 47-yard field goal. With just over 3 minutes in the 3rd quarter, Seattle still leads 24/11.

The defense forces another 3 and out, including forcing offensive penalties and a net gain of 2 yards on the series.

When you think it is all turning around, it does not. Traveling 85 yards down the field with successful runs by Freeman, and receptions by Jones, the Falcons are at the 27 when Schaub throws a 19-yard pass to Ridley, who makes another great catch, takes the hit and holds onto the ball. He was taken off and evaluated for a concussion from taking a big hit and nearly landing on his head. Then…..Freeman gets the pass, runs 7 yards to the 1, while twisting and stretching for the end zone, he fumbles the ball which was recovered by Seattle.

Seattle has a quick run for 3 yards for breathing room. Then Wilson finds Lockett for 19 yards, where Rico brings him down. The offense has a holding penalty to back them up, but Wilson finds Lockett wide open for a 12 yard gain, Sheffield tackles out of bounds, then David Moore for 23 yards wide open by Blidi Wreh-Wilson who trips Campbell and Kazee finally makes the stop at the 47. Several short rushes, stopped by the line, then Tyeler Davison gets off his block and turns around for the sack on Wilson for a loss of 2 yards. On 2nd and 12, the scrambling Wilson is watching Jarrett in the backfield, runs to escape, but is quickly stopped by Beasley, an OPI on Lockett, then short pass to Jacob Hollister, and the Seahawks successfully kick a 54-yard field goal, to lead 27/11.

With under 6 minutes left to go in the game, the offense takes the field again. Back to back receptions by Gage for 10 and 17 yards. Then Kaleb McGary has a false start. Schaub finds Hardy for 15 yards, misses Gage, then back to Hooper for 14 yards, mostly after the catch. On the 1^st down, Schaub finds Gage on the sideline for 5 yards, then under pressure, he throws towards Jones, he is knocked down with no penalty called. 3^rd and 5, Schaub lobs it into the end zone, toward Ridley, but hits the helmet of the Seattle defender. The defense was off sides, and Schaub smartly knew he had a free play there. Moved up to the 14, Schaub finds Gage for 6 yards, then way over Hooper in the end zone, with the defender draping him and hitting him in the head – again – no call. Julio gets the call and shoves his way to the 1 yard line. Seattle calls a time out. Stocker is in motion, Hooper gets another touchdown reception. Going for 2 points again, with the exact same play to Hooper and the defense was not fooled, so the score is now 27/17.

With just under 3 minutes to go, the Falcons D forces another 3 and out with Jarrett and Campbell leading the way in stops. The Falcons get the ball back, a quick 21-yard pass to Julio, then to Ridley for 30 yards. In the no huddle, short pass to Hooper who smartly runs out of bounds, then another 8-yard reception to Ridley. The two minute warning stops the clock.

After the 2-minute warning, Schaub hits Gage over the middle then near the sideline and another first down. At the 19 with a minute and a half to go, Schaub spikes the ball and the Falcons send Bryant on for the 37-yard field goal. The score is 27/20 and after the unsuccessful onsides kick, Seattle runs out the clock.

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Need a Get Right Game? Play Atlanta.

October 13, 2019

Atlanta 33 at Arizona 34

Article by Allison Smith

Photos by Atlanta Falcons

In this week’s episode of “How can the Falcons lose?” they had a good strong start, lulling fans into a happy zone. They took the ball, went down to a score by Calvin Ridley. The defense held the Cardinals to a field goal. Then…..they allowed scores on the next 5 drives, while not scoring themselves. In the second half, they had to come out fighting for their lives…..again….and almost made it this week. Well, to a tie. Matt Bryant, very uncharacteristically misses an extra point with 1:53 left in the game.

While some want to bash Bryant, let me write out the rest of THAT game. The game is tied with 1:53. Arizona gets the ball. Works to get down field. The defense holds them, forces 3^rd downs. With seconds to go in the game, the defense breaks and the Cardinals score with :08 seconds to go and crush all hopes anyway. I’ve been a fan a long time, I know how this story ends. Bryant’s miss just ended it earlier.

Sadly, it crushed him. The rest of the team could have done so much more in the other 58 minutes, that this game is not on Bryant. I don’t know the issue for sure, but he does need some consistency in his holds. The injury of punter Matt Bosher, then parade of other punters, and now Matt Schaub holding cannot be good.

Now, the referees did not help any on the day. They ruled a catch, that was not an Arizona catch. A Falcon caused fumble was ruled not a fumble. There was a no call on a fair catch interference, and near the end of the game, Kyler Murray was ruled to have a first down, when he did not actually reach the marker.

A bright spot of the day was Austin Hooper. He caught all 8 balls thrown his way, tallying 117 yards and a touchdown. Devonta Freeman had another good game, looking like his old self again. He accumulated 88 yards on 19 carries and one breakout run of 15 yards; and again, caught all 3 targets for 30 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. Running the ball worked well early and late in the game, but during the catch-up time, it was more difficult. Keith Smith had some good blocks, working hard and getting into a little fight, good fullback play.

The offense did score 33 this week, Matt Ryan had another stellar game, one so good, that of the 67 other times these stats were recorded, 66 of those quarterbacks won their games. Ryan was 30 of 36, for 356 yards and 4 touchdowns with no interceptions; a 144.9 quarterback rating. Ryan spread the ball around well with 8 (or 9) different receivers, even Kaleb McGary “caught” a pass. Ill-fated as it was. The offense had several big packages, and lots of tempo and mixed packages, in which Ryan thrives. Which makes one wonder where these have been all season.

Ryan admittedly made a bad decision on an overthrow to Ridley while Jones was on a sail route, Ridley came back, but Ryan missed him. Naturally, this was on a 3^rd down. Ryan was heard admitting to this overthrow, but saying that they would continue to work and just needed one game under them to start. He even quoted former teammate Mud Duck (Todd McClure) “There ain’t no mentum like momentum.”

The defense gave up so many explosive plays, many on Isaiah Oliver again. Note that Oliver was only in because Desmond Trufant was out with a toe issue, as Kendall Sheffield was slated to replace Oliver until Trufant was ruled out. There were no quarterback hits at all this week, clearly no sacks. Gave up a 4^th and 2, which eventually led to a touchdown. The defense has allowed an average of 34.5 points in the 4 losses.

The defense also came out strong in the 2^nd half. After being down 20/10, the defense had 3 back to back stops while the offense scored 17 points. They weren’t giving up any free lanes or open looks. Even with no hits on Murray, they were starting to get good pressure on him. The defense gave up 240 yards in the first half, 100 in the second. Why can this not be the entire game?

On the glass half full view, the Falcons lead the league in forced fumbles, none recovered, but they are hitting hard and grabbing for the ball on occasion.

In the 4^th quarter, Deion Jones made a big stop on David Johnson, forcing a punt, with led to the Falcons tying the game at 27. If the Falcons had won the game, this may have been the play of the game.

Once again, Grady Jarrett was the best player on defense, affecting the quarterback, causing penalties, stressing the line. Grady had 6 tackles. De’Vondre Campbell lead the team in tackles with 9, followed by Oliver, Kemal Ishmael, and Debo at 6 a-piece. Rookie Sheffield had 4 tackles, one of which was on a 3^rd and 10, forcing an Arizona punt.

Penalties were down this game, only 8, but again, at costly times. On the Falcons’ 2nd possession, from the Arizona 49, Ryan scrambled for 4 yards, negated by a James Carpenter hold. 1st and 20, delay of game. Way back in Falcons territory, at 1st and 25, Julio Jones gains 3 yards, Hooper has a 6-yard reception, then Jones drops a ball, which would have been mute with a Ridley PI. And it’s 4th down and a punt. In the beginning of the 2^nd half, on a 3^rd and 8 by Arizona, Oliver has a penalty, on a no catch, that instead turns into a first down.

There was a block in the back on a punt, so instead of the ball at the 25, the Falcons were backed up to the 10. On a 3^rd and 10, a sack/fumble leading into a punt. A horse collar on Vic Beasley that lead to the final Arizona score.

Special teams was looking better this week, trying a variety of returners. Kenjon Barner was back and returned 3 punts for 17 yards, and 1 kickoff for 24 yards. Ito Smith had 2 kickoff returns for 59 yards. Newly acquired punter Kasey Redfern punted 3 times for an average of 43 yards. Bryant had 2 successful field goals and 2 of 3 extra points made. One of his field goals was close in the right side, which is why I think he pulled the missed XP too much to the left.

Again, the young quarterback of a seemingly hapless team ends up being the offense player of the week, setting records. Chase Edmonds has his first touchdown (ended with 2) of his career.

Overall, the offense looked good, special teams was ok – between returns vs. coverage, and the defense was good in the second half. Both sides of the ball were not consistent throughout the game and led to the fourth game in a row.

Injury Report:
Jamon Brown left the game with a knee injury, but was full practice on Wednesday.

Desmond Trufant did not practice on Wednesday, continuing with his toe injury.

Several others were limited after tweaks from the game, Blidi Wreh- Wilson is trending up and hopefully will be back this Sunday.

Golden Talon

Austin Hooper and Devonta Freeman for standing out and stepping up offensively this week, getting better each week.

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