Tag: Brian Hill

Falcons Defense Wins the Final Stand

Atlanta Falcons 25 at Carolina Panthers 17

October 29, 2020

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Inactives of note this week are Takk McKinley, still with the groin injury.  Marlon Davidson and Jordan Miller and late scratch Ito Smith, which I can only assume is because LB Edmond Robinson was flexed to the active roster.  For the Carolina Panthers, Christian McCaffrey will not play.

It is a balmy night in Charlotte, NC, where remnants of the tropical storm Zeta went through earlier in the day.  At game time, it started to drizzle.

The Falcons will receive the ball to start.  From the 25, Matt Ryan drops back to throw to Julio Jones at the 49.  Play action again, Ryan finds Jones again for another 27 yards along the sideline.  Jones comes off the field, Hayden Hurst is in motion.  A fake to Todd Gurley and a pass to Hurst at the 12.  Gurley gets the ball for a single yard game around the left end.  In the shotgun, Ryan passes to Calvin Ridley who makes a move away from the defenders for a 7-yard gain.  On 3rd and 2, Gurley gets the call up the middle for inches short of the first down.  With 11 minutes to go in the first quarter, the Falcons take a time out.  The offense leaves the field and Younghoe Koo kicks a 20-yard field goal. 

With 11:14 to go in the first quarter, Falcons lead 3/0.

The Panthers begin on their own 25.  Teddy Bridgewater throws toward DJ Moore who cannot haul it in as Kendall Sheffield and Keanu Neal combine to knock the ball out. Sheffield is hurt on the play, as Neal hit him in the side/back.  On 2nd and 10, Bridgewater fires to Robby Anderson for 5 yards.  Neal was closing on Bridgewater as he released the ball.  Hit as he throws (by Grady Jarrett), the pass falls incomplete as Isaiah Oliver is called for PI, giving the Panthers the yards and a first down.  Chased out of bounds by Dante Fowler, then tapped on the sideline by Deion Jones, Bridgewater is given another free first down.  Across the 50, Mike Davis gets the ball for a 7-yard run.  A quick pass to Davis gains the first down and more. He escapes Neal and is finally stopped by Jarrett.  From the 29, Davis escapes all tackles, spins and switches field, lowers his shoulder and gains another first down, finally brought down by 3 Falcons.  Curtis Samuel takes the next handoff in for an easy touchdown. 

With 8:14 to go in the first quarter, the Panthers lead 7/3.

From the 25, Ryan hands off to Gurley who gains 4 yards.  On 2nd down, Ryan finds Jones for another 13 yards.  From the 42, Ryan hands to Gurley who goes 3 yards along the left side.  Ryan changes the play, takes the snap and finds an open Jones in the middle near the 35-yard line for a 20-yard gain.  Gurley and Hurst blocking well along the right side to give Ryan time to find Jones.  Gurley is stopped at the line of scrimmage.  Ryan drops back, flings the ball toward Hurst as the blitz is closing.  On 3rd and 10, Ryan takes another time out.  Then, the Panthers take a time out.  Back on 3rd and 10, Kaleb McGary jumps and moves the Falcons back to the 41.  On the 3rd and 15, Ryan finds Ridley in double to triple coverage for the first down and an extra yard.  Brian Hill gets the call and goes 12 yards along the right side for a quick first down.  At the 13, Ryan throws in the end zone for Jones, who cannot make the reception.  No PI was called for the defender tugging and tapping Jones.  Ryan throws for Jones in the corner of the end zone with two defenders in his face.  On 3rd and 10, jones is off the field, Ryan is sacked.  Koo comes on for another field goal.

With 3:00 to go in the first quarter, the Panthers lead 7/6.

During the kick return Keith Smith late hits the returner, so the Panthers will begin at their own 37.  Bridgewater drops back and finds Anderson near the sideline, he escapes AJ Terrell’s tackle.  Before the pass was thrown, there was a defensive hold, but it was declined.  Jarrett gets hands on Davis’ ankles and slows him enough for the rest of the defense to get him down behind the lin.  On 2nd and 14, Jarrett and Terrell converge to stop Davis at the original line of scrimmage.  On 3rd and 9, Bridgewater is sacked by Oliver and Foye Oluokun for a loss of 12 yards.  Oluokun came straight up the middle, while Oliver was along the left side.  The quarter ends before the punt.

End of Q1:  Panther 7 Falcons 6

The Falcons punt to Brandon Powell who fair catches at the 17.  Ryan drops back and is picked off by Dante Jackson who is covering Ridley.

The Panthers begin on the Falcons 40.  Davis is brought down by Oluokun after a 6-yard gain.  ON 2nd and 4, Davis gets the ball again, along the right side this time, still stopped by Oluokun for a 2-yard gain.  Bridgewater changes the play, takes the snap, passes to Samuel along the sideline, gains the first down and is knocked out by Neal.  Bridgewater and Davis with the flea flicker, finds an open Samuel in the end zone.  The Falcons were in zone coverage and Ricardo Allen could not catch up and knock the ball down, although he got a finger on the ball. 

With 12:40 to go until half, Panthers 14/Falcons 6.

Hayden Hurst Making a Big Reception –
Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons/Mark Brown

Again at their own 25, Hill goes along the right side for 8 yards.  On 2nd and 2, Ryan gives to Hill again who goes up the middle for a 4-yard gain and first down.  From the 37, Ryan finds Hurst who has to pick the ball off the ground.  Before Ryan can snap the ball, the Panthers challenge the play.  The play was kept.  Hurst credited with the 18-yard pick up.  Hill drops the next short pass.  On 2nd and 10, Hurst makes the standing reception of 8 yards where he is rocked by Shaq Thompson.  Quadree Ollison in at running back.  Ollison pushes through for the first down.  Hill gains a yard on the next play.  Ridley gains 19 yards on the next pass.  Nine yards on the catch, 10 yards on the YAC.  His ankles were twisted up by the defender and Ridley is down on the field.  From the 14, Hill gets the call, Gurley is on the sideline still.  On 2nd and 9, Ryan scrambles and eventually goes into the edge of the end zone himself.

With 8:02 to go in the half, the Panthers lead is cut, Carolina 14/Atlanta 13.

Bridgewater finds Ian Thomas for a 21-yard gain, but paid for it as Jones was unblocked and leveled Bridgewater. The Panthers are on their own 46 and Samuel goes between the tackles for 9 yards and is stopped by Steven Means.  Across midfield, Davis gains the first down, stopped by Neal.  Bridgewater calls their final timeout of the half.  Bridgewater scrambles way to his right and finally finds Anderson for a 4-yard gain. Davis pushes through the right side of the line for 3 yards.  Samuel gets the handoff, Jarett gets through the double team and gets hands on Samuel to stop him on 3rd down.  The Panthers go for it on 4th down.  Bridgewater keeps the ball, tries to go around the edge, tries to stiff arm Oluokun, but he is stopped and shove out of bounds behind the line of scrimmage.

Falcons take over at their own 35.  Ryan finds Russell Gage for the first time.  Gage takes it from behind the line of scrimmage for 19 yards and a first down.  Gurley is back on the field at running back.  Across midfield, Ryan finds Christian Blake for 7 yards on the sideline.   Hill is back in and gets the ball, makes a nice cut and is down at the 30, behind the blocking of McGary.  From the 30, Ryan hands to Hill, but his stopped behind the line. 

Two Minute Warning.

Gurley is back on the sideline, Jones is on the field.  From the 30, Ryan finds Blake for 6 yards.  Ryan scrambles and runs for a few yards, short of the first, but a flag is on the play, on defense.  From the 16, Ryan throws to double covered Jones in the end zone, 42 Franklin knocks the ball up and out of Jones’ hands before his hands can close.  On 2nd and 10, Ryan is sacked.  On 3rd and 16, Ryan is nearly sacked, runs up 4 yards.  Brian Burns easily spins off of Jake Matthews and nearly gets the sack.  Koo makes another field goal.

At Halftime, Panthers 14/Falcons 16.

After the second half kickoff, the Panthers begin on their own 25.  Bridgewater is under pressure and finally runs up for 8 yards.  He finds Thomas for the first down, Neal stops him at the marker.  Bridgewater is under pressure again, and outruns the Tyeler Davison and Fowler for 14 yards.  At midfield, Davis gets the call, makes a couple of spin moves before Jarrett picks him up and lays him down.  On 2nd and 5, Bridgewater passes to Davis, Neal hits him so hard, the ball flies out, #92 grabbed it, then there was a pile of players from both sides.  The play goes under review.  The Booth determined there was no catch.  Oluokun had penetration to force a bad throw and nearly ended up with the fumble recovery.  It is 3rd and 5 at the 46.  Bridgewater hits Anderson, short of the first down where Terrell ensures he gains no yards after the catch.  On 4th and 2, the Panthers come on to punt, then change their minds and the offense returns to the field.  Davis gets the call and Oluokon and Jarrett stop him behind the line.

Falcons begin on their own 43.  Gurley is brought down way in the backfield by Tre Boston, for a loss of 4 yards.  Ryan starts to run again, then sees Jones 23 yards down the field.  From the Panthers 38, Ryan fakes the handoff and passes to Smith, who cannot hold onto the ball, at the line of scrimmage.  On 2nd and 10, Ryan hands to Gurley this time and he makes a move and crosses the first down marker.  From the 27, Ryan hands to Gurley gain for 2 yards and another 2 yards.  ON 3rd and 6, Ryan sees the blitz and rushes to his right and he throws an incompletion.  There was a hold by the defense for the defender holding and yanking the jersey of Blake downfield.  The Falcons have a 1st down on the 18.  Hurst cannot haul in the pass.  Gurley goes up the middle for a single yard.  Ryan changes the play, takes the snap, and flips it to Gage crossing in the middle of the field, short of the first down marker.  Koo makes the 30-yard attempt.

With 6:26 to go in the 3rd quarter, Falcons lead 19/14. 

The Panthers begin on their 31.  Bridgewater sees the blitz coming, Jones closing and forcing an errant pass.  Bridgewater finds Chris Manhertz and is stopped by Sheffield.  Bridgewater goes long for Samuel, but overthrows him.  Terrell in tight coverage.  On 4th down, the Panthers are charged with a delay of game and punt on 4th and 9.  It is a fake, a direct snap to Jeremy Chinn, who gains 28 yards.  Davis cuts back for 3 yards.  On 2nd down, the pass is tipped at the line by Charles Harris.  On 3rd and 7 from the 37, Bridgewater is tripped by Fowler.  He falls and is hit by two more Falcons.  Bridgewater is down on the field.  Harris is ejected for his late hit on Bridgewater once he was on the ground.  From the 24, PJ Walker goes to the end zone to Anderson, Terrell in perfect coverage ensuring the ball cannot be caught.  After the snap and hand off and reverse, Anderson gets back to the line of scrimmage with Oliver on the stop.  On 3rd and 7, the pass is high and incomplete.  Joey Slye kicks the 39-yard field.

With 2:59 to play in the 3rd, the Falcons lead is cut to 19/17.

From the 25, Ryan hands to Gurley who is tackled from behind by Chinn.  Gurley immediately leaves the field.  On 2nd and 7, Ryan finds Hill just past the line of scrimmage. Ryan scrambles and runs again and gets 10 yards and a first down.  From the 38, Hill finds a huge hole and gains 15 yards.  Across midfield, the Falcons cause a neutral zone infraction and get a free 5 yards. 

End of Q3: Falcons 19/Panthers 17.

Gurley finds 4 ½ yards.  Play action and Ryan finds Hurst for 12 yards.  Gurley leaps over one defender, then forced out by another after a single yard gain.  Ryan finds Jones who is at the first down marker.  Gurley hesitates, then gains 7 yards.  Gurley jams and spins behind an Alex Mack and Smith block and gest down to the 5-yard line.  On the next play, Gurley goes behind a James Carpenter and Smith block for the touchdown.  Koo misses the extra point.

With 11:01 to go in the game, the Falcons lead 25/17.  An 8-point game.

Bridgewater stays on the sidelines.  Davis gets the handoff and goes for 8 yards, stopped finally by Jones.  Walker hands to Davis again for a 12-yard first down, stopped by Terrell.  An incomplete pass gives Bridgewater enough time to recover. On 2nd and 10, he finds Anderson for a 5-yard gain where Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Oliver combine for a stop.  On 3rd and 5, Bridgewater throws to Samuel behind the line of scrimmage where Wreh-Wilson is immediately for the stop.  The Panthers punt this time with the ball going out of bounds at the 5.

Blidi Wreh-Wilson Making a Big Stop on Curtis Samuel Photo Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons

Ryan hands to Hill who gains 2 yards.  Ryan drops back and passes behind Hill who forces his way past the first down marker.  From the 16, Hill runs into a wall, rolls off the pile and gains one yard.  A flag for defensive holding moves the Falcons up 5 yards and provides a first down.  From the 22, Hill gets the ball again, 3 yards along the left side.  The Falcons call a timeout from the sideline.  On 2nd and 7 from the 25, with Hurst in motion, Ryan finds him at the 30 for a 5-yard gain.  Ryan is sacked by Burns.  A defender was holding Hurst and another first down.  Ryan finds Jones again for 20 yards, down at the Panthers 45.  Gurley is smashed behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of 4 yards, behind a missed McGary block.  Ryan quick throws at the line to Gage, the ball pop ups, but no one catches it and it falls incomplete.  Gurley returns to the field.  On 3rd and 14, Ryan tosses to Gurley who goes 5 yards before running out of bounds.  Sterling Hoffrichter punts to the 5.

With 2:58 to go in the game, the Panthers are down by 8 and have 95 yards to go.  DJ Moore gets the reception for a 13-yard gain and goes out of bounds to stop the clock.  Bridgewater passes to Anderson for minimal gain, but there is a flag on the play.  Fowler jumped offsides, moving the ball up 5 yards.  On 1st and 5 from the 23, Bridgewater sees the blitz and starts to run, Jones stops him after 3 yards.  Oluokun had good pressure forcing Bridgewater out of the pocket.  On 2nd and 2, Bridgewater finds Thomas just past the marker and is stopped by Terrell. 

Two Minute Warning

The Panthers have the ball at their own 32.  The safeties are playing tight to the line of scrimmage, a blitz from Jones and Jarrett and Bridgewater throws towards a receiver.  Bridgewater is sacked by Jones for a loss of 7.  Jarrett was right behind him.  The Panthers take their first time out.  On 3rd and 17, Bridgewater is hit as he throws and finds Moore for a 42-yard gain.  The next pass is underthrown.  From the Falcons 34 Bridgewater is scrambling and has to run out of bounds after a gain of 4.  On 3rd and 6, Bridgewater gets a delay of game call.  But they claim the Panthers’ sideline called a time out first.  Bridgewater drops back, throws a bomb to BLIDI WREH-WILSON.  Wreh-Wilson leaped high in the air to make the grab and seal the game. 

The offense takes the field to kneel down twice.  In 2020, we didn’t even know that was still a thing. 

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

Another Decent Three Quarters of Falcons Ball

September 28, 2020

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Unfortunately, there are at least 4 quarters to play.  The Falcons had NO penalties in the first 3 quarters, then 7, costly, penalties in the final quarter of the game for 75 yards.  Similar to the Super Bowl year, similar to last week, and similar to many other games we have suffered through over the years, the Falcons can’t play a full 4 quarters of ball. In the Dan Quinn era, the Falcons have blown leads of 25, 20, 17 twice, and 16.  For a forever Falcon fan, it is long suffering, but 5 of the 13 biggest leads have been blown in last 5 years.  As you know, the 20 and 16 leads are back to back the last two weeks. 

Everyone is accountable for their own performance.  Whether prep work, education, coaching, play calling, or player execution.

With a 16 point lead late in the fourth quarter, the Falcons ran through three possessions, all of which were 3 and Outs, taking a TOTAL of 2 ½ minutes off the clock.  The final possession was 3 ill-fated passes that took 22 seconds, with 2 of their best 3 receivers unavailable.  Who didn’t know the ball was only going to Calvin Ridley?  Chicago didn’t even have to take a time out at any time to save time for their comeback.  Someone needs to have the responsibility to look at clock and the score and make opposing team use their time outs.  As a coaching staff, you cannot run a much depleted defense back out on the field after a minute or less off the field.  Instead of running time off the clock with the much touted run game, you put the defense back on the field.  They have not proven able to stop in clutch situations, they started the game with a depleted staff due to injuries and just lost two more.  The running backs were averaging 5.8 yards.  Use what is working and eat up the clock.  If the Falcons didn’t learn that in 2016, I guess they never will. 

As bad as the defense had been in completing a full game especially in clutch situations, what has the offense done with turnovers or short fields? 

Against the Bears, Blidi Wreh-Wilson intercepts Mitch Trubisky at the Bears’ 19, Falcons get a field goal.  Bears are intercepted in the end zone, 5 plays later the Falcons punt.  Bears, 4th and 17, Falcons get the ball and 3 plays later punt.

The Falcons cannot stop a team or score WHEN THEY NEED TO.  In both 2-minute drives before halftime, the Falcons failed to get any points.  Very conservative play calling to have the offensive weapons that the Falcons have.  Everybody knows, the Falcons run on first down, get a few yards, then pass it the rest of the time.  EVERYBODY knows that. That was seen in many of the 3 and outs on the day, and certainly near the end of the game.

The defense did seem to communicate and tackle better overall Sunday.  On 3rd downs, the defense got off the field more or forced 4th downs that were unsuccessful.  But with Ricardo Allen missing, you could see some assignment confusion and lack of leadership on the field.  Rookie Mykal Walker stepped in and up to lead the team with 8 tackles, 1 for loss and a QB hit.  Keanu Neal also had 8 tackles with 1.5 for loss, Isaiah Oliver and Deion Jones had 7 tackles a piece.  Darqueze Dennard had 6 tackles, 2 passes defended and a crucial interception.  This week, many defenders were rookie starters and others just off of the practice squad. 

The defense gave up a 45-yard run by Trubisky.  Oliver got turned around on the easiest wide receiver coverages in the NFL.  On a 2nd and 6, the Bears scored a 35-yard touchdown because Oliver cannot make the tackle.  He dropped or missed two interceptions.  On a 3rd and 8, another explosive play, a 29-yard touchdown to Anthony Miller.  The defense nearly gave up a touchdown on the 2nd of the exact same play back to back in the end zone.  Jimmy Graham and Miller ran the same route, the first time Oliver was in position and tips the ball, then Neal is in coverage and Miller caught the touchdown, but after review it was determined he didn’t have possession as he hit the ground.  Good luck. 

Does the defense have the right guys on the team?  From the first 3 games it doesn’t look like it.  The Falcons have the worst red zone defense in the NFL.  In their 12 defenses of/in the red zone, 11 turned into touchdowns and one a field goal.   

The offense looked good early as well, Ridley was targeted 13 times and caught 5 for 110 yards, most of those misses were on Ryan, not Ridley.  Olamide Zaccheaus had 4 receptions for 41 yards, and returner Brandon Powell stepped in and had 3 catches on 4 targets for 27 yards.  Russell Gage went out early after his 2nd reception, totally 26 yards.  Brian Hill had a single reception for 22 yards and 9 rushes for 58 yards and that long 35-yard touchdown run.  Todd Gurley had 14 carries of 80 yards. 

If Gurley cannot go more, then the Falcons need another solution (there are 3 other RBs on the roster), if he can, then use him.  The run game started very positive with 144 rushing yards, Gurley was finally making people miss – broke out for 16-yard run and made 2 defenders miss on his touchdown run.  Hill definitely made some defenders miss on a couple of nice runs, including his touchdown.  If Gurley is supposed to be a weapon as a rushing receiver, Ryan needs to throw to him more than once a game. 

It is the little details and focus.  On a 3rd and 5, Hill cannot hold onto the football, likely if he caught it, Hill was making a big gain, if not a touchdown.  Certainly, it keeps the drive alive.  On both 2-minute drives near the end of the half, no points scored and Ryan missed Ridley.  Of course, the costly, possibly game winning interception near the end of the game.  On a 3rd and goal from the 4, with the Bears in man to man coverage, they brought cover zero and Ryan gets sacked, moving them so far back, they settled for a field goal.  This was a nice 12 play drive for 53 yards before half.  Ryan may have put up big numbers, but he did not have an overly good game. The 4th quarter begins and Ryan has his pass batted down at the line.  The Falcons sideline called a timeout.  Back to the 3rd and 7 and Ryan is sacked at the 30.  It is 4th and 11.  Koo’s 48-yard field goal is wide left.  How do you have a time out and still get sacked?  Then the Koo miss.

Now declining is the 3rd down offense.  The Falcons were 4 for 13 on 3rd down conversions.  Anything that did go well last week, was bad again this week.  Too many times the Bears were in man coverage and the Falcons made no adjustments.  That is on the coaching.

Special Teams didn’t have a complete melt down, but Koo missed and early extra point and a manageable field goal.  The Falcons lost by 4 points. 

Guys cannot make plays when their number is called, is the defense even staffed correctly?  You have to make the play when the play present themselves.  Win your one on one match up.  Wreh-Wilson, Dennard, Ridley did.  Not many others did Sunday.

If the final falls on Quinn…..and the players love him so much…..they should be performing better.  Maybe THIS loss is the one that makes the change.  They have to be coaching and playing for jobs very soon.  The Falcons have not started 0-3 since 2007, the Bobby Petrino era.  We all know how that ended.

Overall, to me, the lack of concern by Dan Quinn and Matt Ryan is even more frustrating.  “Being close” and just not finishing, that isn’t enough.  “Not getting blown out” is not a good response.  Your team is allowing huge and disastrous collapses.  Until there is a * noting close games or injury riddled teams and you get partial credit for good play.  The Falcons are not finishing on either side of the ball.

Good teams find ways to win.  I have been a fan since the 1980s and know bad teams and bad direction.  There is no reason with the talent that is on this team, that the performance is so bad. 

This does not bode well for a primetime trip to Green Bay.  Even a non-snowy, quiet Green Bay.

Golden Talon:

  • Calvin Ridley – The up and coming Julio Jones.  Even with no touchdowns this week, opened the game with a 63-yard touchdown.  Finished the game with 5 receptions for 110 yards.
  • Brian Hill – Running and catching and breaking tackles.  58 rushing yards, 22 receiving yards, and a touchdown in limited playing time.
  • Darqueze Dennard – After a rough first couple of games, Dennard was moved to his natural CB position and was aggressive and aware for most of the game. 6 tackles and 2 passes defended.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

Brian Hill – Player Guest on with Dave Archer on 92.9 The Game

September 28, 2020

Dave Archer started with “What is the mindset of the team right now?”  Brian Hill quietly replied, “Only mindset is to turn this thing around and win on Monday.” Speaking of the Monday Night Football game in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The running backs combined for 135 yards on the ground “We definitely want to contribute to the team.” Hill noted that there are things “we can learn and improve on,” but feel good about their production so far.

Asked about the success change from the first 3 quarters to the 4th quarter, the Bears made some adjustments to the run game, “but it is more us and missed opportunities.  Us stopping us.” 

Ito Smith and Hill have been together for a couple of years, now, Archer asked Hill how Todd Gurley blended in with them.  He replied, “He blended in well from the jump,” even from just virtual meetings before we met in person. So when we met in person, already felt like a teammate.

Asked about the evolution of his game: My rookie year was a struggle and a learning experience.  Over time, I have learned how to work harder.  “Blessing to learn that, wouldn’t have the work ethic I now have.”

What did you do to work on yourself and change your body and running style? Hill replied that he didn’t focus on his weight.  Hill focused on running and cutting, with or without the ball.  His admitted downfall was his ability to change direction, so he’s focused on footwork drills.

Arch asked, “Did you have to re-teach yourself patience?”  “Yes, back in Wyoming, knew I was the guy and if you missed something, you had the next chance.”  In the NFL, Hill was first trying to make a big play to earn that top spot, “learned that I don’t need the big play every time.” 

Back to the game and in regards to Hill’s big 35-yard touchdown.  Hill noted, “after offsides gave us the 3rd and 5, the play call was a run and while I was surprised, I knew the Bears would be surprised.”  So as soon as there was an opening from my blockers, I shot through and sped through for the touchdown.

Hill has focused on his receiving skills.  He’s worked hard for 4 years to improve his hands.  He admitted to “kicking myself on the 3rd down pass conversion.”  After watching the film, just have focus more.  “I will continue to be on the jugs before practice and get more catching reps in.”

“We know as a team we have to do better, but we have to look and fix ourselves.  Continue what we are doing well and improve what we are not doing well.”

Hill wrapped with “We have started off well the last two weeks, we just need to work on finishing.” 

Dan Quinn Coach’s Show – Bears 30/Falcons 26

September 28, 2020

Dan Quinn joined Dave Archer on 92.9 The Game for the weekly Coach’s Show.

Over the last 2 weeks, it has been tough. This is as challenged as you can get, but lessons are here to be learned.

The coaches are talking to the players about the difference in playing hard vs. playing well.  This was not a tale of two halves, but a tale of the 4th.  It started with a missed a kick, then 3 and outs and inability to stop the Bears. 

Quinn was pleased that the Falcons “Ran the ball better, defense was much improved on 3rd down. Just need “lessons of finishing, can’t miss those.”

A coach knows the team and this locker room is tough enough to get fixed.

With so many defenders and leaders out Sunday, as well as Julio Jones, is it difficult to find experience to compete?  How deep you have to dive is a double-edged sword.  Many of these players are getting way more playing time than they normally would at this time, so you can see what they can handle.  “This will pay dividends in the future.  Many may be playing this week.”  There is always stuff to learn and gain and grow from in loss. 

Asked about the lack of experience, with rookies and practice squad guys coming up, could they have tightness creeping in?  Quinn said, “Not really,” players should be making the plays that come your way, You always look back at the throw or tackle or turnover missed.  “You don’t get multiple chances – focus issues.  Have to close it.”

When you look at last two weeks and try to find root of trouble, how do you break the game down?  Quinn replied that they look for the turnover margin – to gain a possession or protect the ball, explosive plays, as those flip the field; then break off and deep dive review those.  Last week, they focused on the run game and that was improved.  Quinn commented “Always some part that needs to improve.”  Yeah, we just need to tweak that one thing to be better.

Quinn noted the team will really work on the 4 minute offense this week.

Do you worry about the psyche of the team? “When you don’t get what you want, emotions come through – angry, upset.” The team has been challenged, and will take the lessons from the L’s and are going to be able to close it.  Each game is a different story.

Quinn complimented the offensive line and the run game.  Todd Gurley and Brian Hill had successful games.  Gurley’s physicality has increased, pushing guys out of the way.  Gurley and Hill both run really hard.  Hill has really transitioned and worked really hard at his craft, facing adversity but changed his narrative. Calvin Ridley worked really hard in the off season, with Julio in or out, he is taking the next step and being really aggressive. 

Darqueze Dennard started at nickel, but with AJ Terrell out, moved out to corner back Sunday.  “He is a rare competitor.”  Even in practice, he picked off in front of Russell Gage, but then coached him up to tell him how and why he was able to.

Mykal Walker was in for Foye Oluokun.  Certainly encouraged, felt his speed and length in man to man coverage.  Jaylinn Hawkins making an impact on special teams, but good hitter on defense.  Marlon Davidson had his first game and was making some plays and will get better.

Asked about what will happen if Younghoe Koo cannot go this weekend.  Quinn said that Sterling Hofrichter can do some kicking.  Also have a punter and kicker on the practice squad, “Will see how everyone looks as the week progresses.  All of the practice squad guys get good practice during the week so everyone is ready if needed. “

First Half Falcons Return in Loss to Buccaneers

Article by Allison Smith

Photos courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Tampa Bay 35/Atlanta 22

11.24.19

The Falcons return home after a long time away from Mercedes Benz Stadium, ready to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Inactives for the day, due to injury are John Cominsky, Devonta Freeman, Austin Hooper, and Kemal Ishmael.  Other inactives, Matt Gono, Brandon Powell, and Deadrin Senat.

The extra captain on the day is Damontae Kazee.  Each Falcon wears a number on their helmet representing a fallen soldier, with their families in attendance for Military Appreciation Day.  And you know, no one appreciates the military more than Dan Quinn.  Note that this year, the Falcons are representing 94 fallen heroes, each player representing several heroes on their helmet.  All of these families had a great Sunday receiving jerseys with their name on them as well as spending time with the team and touring the facilities.

The Falcons win the toss and will take the ball on offense again.  This has led to back to back wind the last two weeks.  The opening kickoff goes way back in the end zone and the Falcons offense will start the game at the 25.

Matt Ryan is already in the shotgun and hands off to Brian Hill for no yards.  In the no huddle, Ryan yells commands.  Again in the shotgun, Ryan drops back and lobs it to wide open Jaeden Graham for a big 53-yard gain.  About half and half pass and YAC.  Now on the Bucs’ 23, a sweep to Calvin Ridley along the right side, Ridley goes down to the 7, behind a good Graham block.  Ryan throws the next pass way out of the back of the end zone.  From the shotgun, Ryan is under pressure, gets itchy feet, but throws the ball out of the back of the end zone again.  Now on 3rd and goal, Ryan hits Ridley, who is double covered, and cannot hold onto the all.  With 2 receivers double covered, you would think someone would have been open.  Younghoe Koo kicks the 25-yard field goal.    

With 12:47 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons with the early lead, 3/0.

Jameis Winston begins at the 25 and a rush for 11 yards by Ronald Jones II who is met and sat down by Kazee.  On the second offensive play, Winston has his first pick of the day.  Desmond Trufant is running the route in from of Mike Evans like he is the receiver, Winston still makes the pass and Tru picks it off. 

Falcons take over at their own 47.  A rush by Hill for a 1-yard gain.  Next a pass along the right side to Russell Gage who forces his way past the first down marker.  Ryan’s next pass is out of bounds.  Still in the shotgun, Ryan quickly passes to Gage on the left for 7 yards.  With Hill in the medical tent, Qadree Ollison gets the call and gains no yards along the left side.  On 4th and 3, Graham has a false start forcing the punt.  The ball rolls out of bounds at the 3.

On the first play of their second possession, the Bucs have a false start and are at the ½-yard line.  Winston drops back, then chooses to run, past the first down marker where Isaiah Oliver makes the tackle.  From the 11, Winston hands off to Jones for a few yards.  Grady Jarrett is over center with Vic Beasley, Jr. beside him, rushing 4, but Winston gets the ball out to Jones who is tackled after the first down by Ricardo Allen.  Rushing 4 again, Winston hands off, Jones up the middle and he is med and stopped by De’Vondre Campbell after a 4-yard gain.  Adrian Clayborn nearly gets to Winston, but he manages to get the ball away, even with it tipped by Deion Jones, Chris Godwin makes the reception, escapes Kazee, and goes 71-yard for the touchdown.  With 6:45 to go in the quarter, the Bucs lead 7/3.

Another touchback and the Falcons begin on their 25 again.  Ryan throws over the middle to Julio Jones, but the ball is deflected.  Hill is back in the game and takes the fake as Ryan throws near the marker to Ridley.  On 3rd and 3, Ryan throws big for Julio on the right side, even with his jersey being held, catches the 31-yard pass.  Hill gets the call and gains 3 yards.  Another fake to Hill, Ryan avoids the sack and throws a low ball toward Julio as a Bucs defender lays him out.  3rd and 7, Ryan drops back then decides to run it himself, short of the first down marker.  There is an offensive hold on the play by Jake Matthews (that opened the hole for Ryan).  3rd and 17, Ryan hits Ridley, but he can’t get high enough to hold on, with the help of the defender’s shove.  Ryan Allen punts out of bounds at the 10.

De’Vondre Campbell with the INT

Winston hands off to Peyton Barber who gains 3 yards.  Winston drops back and throws out of bounds over the receiver out of bounds.  On 3rd and 7, Winston makes another errant pass under pressure, tipped by the receiver and Campbell comes up with the interception. 

Falcons offense takes over at the 19.  Ollison gets the first carry for 6 yards.  On 2nd and 4, Ryan under big pressure, finally gets the ball toward Ridley, who cannot hold the ball with a defender clubbing him. With a 3rd and 4, Ryan scrambles for the first down.  At the 5, Ryan is under center, Ollison goes to the 1.  Still in, Ollison pushes behind the line, but still cannot get across the line.  Ollison jumps over the offensive and defensive lines for the touchdown!!!!! His second in 2 games.  Koo for the extra point and the Falcons lead 10/7 as the first quarter is nearly ended. 

The Bucs begin again at their 25.  Winston, from the shotgun, passes out to Evans who runs before the catch and therefore an incompletion.  On 2nd and 10, Winston passes to Jones who is stopped after a 6-yard gain.  Time expires on the first quarter.

A quick stop by Debo and it’s 4th and 2, and the Buccaneers have to punt.  Kenyon Barner catches at the 13 and is immediately stopped there. 

Ryan finds Julio just past the first down marker after a stop and start route.  From the 26, Ruan is under center, fakes to Hill and is immediately sacked.  2nd and 19, Ryan is in the shotgun and scrambling, Matthews can’t hold his block and another sack.  3rd and 27 from the 9, hand off to Hill for no gain.  Allen from the middle of the end zone, gets the ball to the 39, and special teams allows a return. 

The Bucs begin at their 49.  Winston drops back, finds Godwin on the far right side who is knocked out by Kendall Sheffield.  From the 29, Winston hands off to Jones who loses a yard behind a fierce defensive line, lead by Jack Crawford.  Winston from the shotgun, has Debo nearly push the lineman into him, gets the ball out to a receiver, but the Bucs were called for holding and backs them up.  2nd and 21, Winston get it all back by finding Godwin who then gets the 10-yard line.  A quick short pass to Godwin for a couple of yards.  From the Falcons’ 9, Winston throws left to Miller who is shoved out at the 1.  Winston then finds Godwin just inside the goal line for his second touchdown of the day.  Kazee nearly tips the ball, but can’t get his fingers on it.  With just under 8 to go in the half, the Bucs miss their extra point, but lead 13/10. 

Again at the 25, Hill finds a hole on the left side and gains 5 yards.  Back under center, Ryan flips it back to Hill who runs along the far left side edge for a first down.  From the 35, Ryan finds Gage again for another first down.  From the shotgun, Ryan throws just out of Julio’s reach.  A hand off to Hill gains 2 yards.  On 3rd and 8, Ridley in motion, Ryan is sacked again.  Allen punts to the 10, a return to the 35, stopped by Ollison.  An illegal black is called and the Bucs will begin on their own 5.

The Bucs come out running and are stopped back to back for minimal gain.  Another 3rd and 7, Winston in the shotgun and throws to Breshad Perriman at the 49.  Quinn challenged the reception and it was upheld.  After a short run, under Claybo pressure, Winston throws out of bounds over the receiver.  On 3rd and 9 Winston finds Evans for the first down, Kazee and Rico converge for the tackle.  Cover 2 is not working today. 

Two-minute warning.

From the Falcons 30, Winston hands off and Jones is met with the whole defense and forced back for a 3-yard loss.  From the shotgun, Winston decides to run, not slide, and is stopped after 4 yards.  Falcons call a time out.  3rd and 9, Winston finds wide open Godwin at the 3.  A run goes for nothing.  After another Falcons timeout, Winston from the 1, fakes a handoff and finds a defensive lineman in as a fullback open in the end zone.  Vita Vea for the touchdown reception.  With 40 seconds til the half, the Bucs lead 19/10. 

Ryan throws underneath Julio across the middle and he cannot bring the ball in.  Ryan drops back and nearly throws an interception, not seeing the defender step between him and intended receiver Christian Blake.  On 3rd and 10 with 29 seconds to go, Ryan finds Hill at the 30, but Hill cannot gain any additional yards.  Allen on to punt again with 20 seconds to go.  The punt goes to the 17 and takes a Bucs bounds, but roles until 5 seconds remain. 

The Bucs take a knee and go to have leading the Falcons by 9.

The Bucs start with no gains, then on a 3rd and 10, Winston runs the ball himself past the marker, fighting with Rico all the way.  A sweep to Scotty Miller goes for a loss, spotted and dropped by Rico.  On 2nd and 12, Dare Ogunbowale goes up the middle for a first down.  Note that Grady was not in on that play.  Another run up the middle, then bounces to the right side for a big first down at the Falcons 10.  Jones runs up the middle for a short gain, but there is a flag on the play.  Illegal formation was declined and the Bucs are at the 14 with a 2nd and 9.  Winston finds O.J. Howard over the middle for another first down.  Then Jones in for the touchdown. 

The Bucs kicker has his extra point blocked by Sheffield.  Sharrod Neasman picks up the ball, goes for a number of yards before being touched, then spins and waits for blockers and is finally pushed out of bounds.  Grady and other lineman were down field still blocking. 

Ryan in the shotgun at the 25, to Hill on the right side for a yard.  Ryan finds an open Gage up at the 45.  Hill on the left side for no gain.  Ryan throws big downfield for Ridley, who catches the ball in tandem with Carlton Davis III and the refs give the ball to the Bucs.  

From the Bucs 11, Winston hands off twice.  On 3rd and 2, under pressure, Winston throws an incompletion.

After the punt, the Falcons begin on their 44 and Ryan finds Ridley for a 17-yard gain.  After a false start on James Carpenter.  Ryan throws an incompletion toward Stocker and high to Gage who cannot haul it in.  Ndamukong Suh has an illegal use of hands after a misthrow by Ryan towards Ridley.

Automatic first down, Hill gets the ball on the left side for no gain.  At the 40, it’s 2nd and 10, Ryan drops back and hits Julio for the first down just past the marker.  Another reception by Julio, and its 2nd and 3 at the 21.  Hill goes up the middle for a gain of one yard.  On 3rd and 2, Ryan is lined up on the left side of the line, Gage takes the snap and tosses to Ollison for the first down.  A fake to Ollison leads to a short pass to Julio, which is negated by a flag on Matthews.  On 1st and 18 Ryan almost throws an interception.  Then he hits Ridley in the corner of the end zone, but he lands with one foot in, one foot out.  Another hold on Matthews.  It’s now 2nd and 28, Gage with the 9-yard reception.  On 3rd and 19, Hill gets the call for short yardage.  Koo on for the successful 40-yard field goal.  With 1:40 to go in the 3rd quarter, Falcons down 25/13.

Winston comes out slinging to Godwin again, who avoids tackles before Kazee gets him down.  Quickly driving with multiple missed tackles, as the quarter ends. 

The Bucs are at the 33 as the fourth quarter begins.  Debo’s pressure on Winston does not stop his quick pass and completion.  Then Jones around the left side for another few yards.   On 3rd and 4 at the 14, Claybo and Grady are both held with no penalties called.  The Bucs do not get the first down and are forced to kick the 32-yard field goal and lead the Falcons 28/13 with nearly 13 minutes to go in the game.

The first pass of the next possession goes to Gage for a first down. Then to Julio for another first down.  Gage along the sideline for 6 yards.  Near the 50, Ryan misses Ridley over the middle with defenders cloaking him.  On 3rd and 4, Ryan scrambles, finally throws low toward Graham which falls incomplete.  The Falcons go for it on 4th and 4, Gage catches the ball at the marker.  Ollison up the middle for 7 yards, then a pass to Ollison over the middle for the first down.  Ridley goes down the left side and is stopped at the 14.  After an incompletion to Gage in the end zone, Ryan is sacked – on Matthews’ side.  There is a near sack, the ball is in the air, nearly intercepted.  This leads to a 38-yard field goal.  Falcons still down 28/16 with just over 8 to go in the game. 

Winston starts again with a quick first down pass.  Then no gain as Rico makes a big stop.  On 2nd and 10, Winston is under pressure and throws incomplete to the tight end with Rico in coverage.   The next incompletion is null as Beasley is offsides.  On 3rd and 5, there is a false start on the Bucs.  Third and 10 meets a Trufant pass breakup.  The Bucs punt to the 19.

The first play is a sack given up by Kaleb McGary.  Ridley has another catch, again with one foot in and one foot out.  Another failed play and the Falcons punt again. 

After another short Bucs’ drive, the Falcons give up their 6th sack of the day, which is also a fumble.  Bucs take the ball and increase their lead to 35/16. 

Matt Schaub replaces Ryan at quarterback, has a low ball to Blake which is intercepted, but the turnover is overturned and marked incomplete.  Schaub hits Ridley for the 21-yard touchdown.  The Falcons go for the unsuccessful 2-point conversion.  The score is 35/22 with just under 2 minutes to go in the game. 

The Bucs run out the clock and issue the Falcons their first lost in the NFC South and end any insane hope of a playoff run.

#RiseUp

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