Tag: Brotherhood

Defense on Display

August 26, 2017

Arizona 24 at Atlanta 14

Allison Smith

Apparently our strategy this year is to not show ANYTHING on offense until the season begins.  This game was rough.  Julio Jones and Taylor Gabriel made their preseason debut, however neither had a catch in their limited playing time.  Both looked excellent in warm ups, so no concern there, but the rest of the O, under Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub did NOT look like our typical offense.

So, let’s talk about the defense.  This was a start studded event tonight.  The defense caused 5 fumbles and recovered 3 of those.  Everyone looked good, the veterans, the rookies, a fierce “see ball, get ball” D for sure.

Atlanta gave Arizona the ball to start.  On their third offensive play, Adrian Clayborn punched the ball out and an offensive lineman recovered.  Thanks to Ricardo Allen’s pass break ups, two plays later, Arizona had to punt.  That, was also not pretty.  Andre Roberts dropped the ball, but luckily Terron Ward had his eye on the ball to recover.  Or not, since the Falcons came out and with one offensive play, Matt Ryan’s first play, first pass, was aimed at Levine Toilolo, but was tipped and intercepted.

Again, turn to the positive, the Atlanta D stepped up and with the Cardinals closing in on the end zone, Allen had another pass break up in the end zone, then Keanu Neal caused the 2nd fumble of the game which was recovered by Duke Riley.  All of that was still early in the first quarter.

082617 Takk Fumble Recovery
Jack & Takk Show – Crawford causes fumble that McKinley recovers.  Photo Courtesy of NFL.com

Defensive highlights include the Jack & Takk Show.  Takk McKinley and Jack Crawford have buddied up to disrupt play.  Takk knocked a ball out early, but the play was called dead, which Dan Quinn challenged, to no avail.  Next play, Takk’s pressure on QB Drew Stanton forced him in to the waiting arms of Crawford, which forced a long field goal.  Later in the game, Crawford caused a running back fumble, which Takk recovered after running over the blockers like they were not even there.  Takk is going to be incredible this season.

As always, Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley, Jr. were applying great pressure to the quarterback, forcing rushed and errant throws.  Deion Jones had 4 tackles in the first quarter alone, while Neal continued his tough hitting style for which he is known.  Courtney Upshaw caused the other fumble that Arizona recovered, and late in the 3rd quarter Jalen Collins caused a fumble which CJ Goodwin was able to recover for the Falcons.

While the defense did give up 24 points, these points were against guys that are likely not going to be on the team this time next week.  Not solely based on this game, but a number of guys are not helping themselves.

The offensive highlight is now suddenly Matt Sims.  On Matt Schaub’s first play of the game, he had a fumble that Arizona recovered and lead to their 2nd touchdown – on a short field.  Sims threw the only touchdown for the Falcons and led them to the successful 2-point conversion.

While special teams still looked questionable, not the key Matt’s of course, Matt Bryant making his field goals, and except for one short kick, Matt Bosher was his typical kicking self.  At least no big returns were allowed this week.

Wes Schweitzer did get the start at right guard, however Ben Garland and he split the time evenly and remains “too close to call” per DQ.

Couple of injuries of note.  LaRoy Reynolds who started all 3 preseason games at middle linebacker went out early with a shoulder injury.  Brian Hill, after looking better with the first team than in the first 2 preseason games went out with an ankle.

While I was frustrated and yelled allot, I am not concerned about our offense once the games are for real.  And if this defense cannot get you excited, no need to show up at The Benz this year.  Remember, this is just preseason, a test for players and time for others to get into some rhythm.

 

Feature Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

 

 

DRAFT EXCITEMENT COMES TO THE ATL

Photo Credit:  Atlanta Falcons

By Allison Smith

There was lots of excitement for the new Atlanta Falcons during the 2017 NFL Draft in late April.  The Falcons ended with 6 picks, which they split equally between additions on offense and defense.

Falcons 2017 Draft Class

1 – 26: Takkarist McKinley, DE from UCLA; 6’2, 250 lbs
3 – 75: Duke Riley, LB from LSU; is 6’0, 232 lbs
4 – 136: Sean Harlow, T from Oregon State; 6’4, 303 lbs
5 – 149: Damontae Kazee, DB from San Diego State; 5’10, 184 lbs
5 – 156: Brian Hill, RB from Wyoming; 6’1, 219 lbs
5 – 174: Eric Saubert, TE from Drake; 6’5, 253 lbs

 Takkarist McKinley, will forever be known as the emotional, f bomb dropping draft pick, unintentionally creating his own catch phrase, “Fine Me Later.” All I know is that this kid WANTS to play and prove himself and make his promises to his grandmother come true.  In pure class fashion, Takk has pinned an apology to his Twitter page, which is still there as we wrap Training Camp.

Takk is known for his pass rushing skills and actually getting to the quarterback, compiling 10 sacks in 2016 alone. He had 61 tackles, 18 for loss in his final year at UCLA.  Takk immediately began referencing Falcons players like Vic Beasley and others from which he is eager and ready to learn.  He also said, “It’s a brotherhood. I’m so excited to be home.”

Second, we add our 3rd LSU player in as many years.  Duke Riley was the team captain and leading tackler his senior year and rejoins the previous holder of those titles, Deion Jones. Jalen Collins was the LSU pick the previous season.  When Riley heard his name called, he immediately jumped up in excitement to be a “Dirty Bird.” Duke assured Head Coach Dan Quinn and General Manager, Thomas Dimitroff, that “You guys got the best guy in the draft.” Riley had 93 tackles in 2016 and is known for making plays, playing sideline to sideline, and having high football IQ.

To add to the offensive line competition this year, the Falcons added Tackle Sean Harlow, likely be converted to Guard.  Harlow’s size will be a definite benefit, at 6’4, 305 pounds, he is within an inch and 5 pounds of the rest of the members of the O line and was recruited out of high school by new OC Steve Sarkisian.  Harlow is excited to join the Falcons as well, “I’m at a loss of words. I’m excited to be around great players and learn from them.”

Cornerback Damontae Kazee, also, super happy to be a Falcon. “Words can’t explain how I feel right now. I almost already took a flight out there.” Kazee was a MW Defensive Player of the Year, holds the SDSU record for interceptions at 17 and is known to force fumbles. The Falcons noted that Kazee is tough, aggressive, and fiery.

The Falcons then added a running back out of Wyoming.  Brian Hill ran for 4,287 yards and 35 touchdowns. He is big and athletic and self-noted, “I am the best running back in the draft.”  Lots of flash coming to The Atl.  Quinn noted that Hill has “The strength to be a solid 3rd down pass blocker, like a fullback, he runs angry.”  Likely to start with special teams and see if he can work his way on to the already stacked running back squad.

The Falcons wrapped their draft with Eric Saubert, a Tight End from Drake.  He had 111 catches and 17 touchdowns in his final two seasons. Echoing what many other draft picks said, “I can’t wait to get out there with Matt Ryan, it’s a blessing.” Dimitroff said Saubert has the opportunity “To be an explosive tight end in our scheme.”

DQ seemed overall pleased with the 2017 draft, noting that the defensive side added “Speed, athleticism,” and overall acquired “explosive, speed, competitive, grittiness” and got the on and off the field personalities that would fit in to this Brotherhood.

It took quite a while, but I am now able to move on from the game that will not be mentioned here and be excited about 2017 and our future. Whether these guys have swagger, confidence, or something to prove, I think this is our Super Bowl WINNING season.  You will soon learn, I am a huge Clemson fan and saw how they recovered to return and win the 2nd time around.  When I am right next February – remember FalconAlley said it first.

For a more detailed recap of the draft, check out our YouTube Channel Falcon Alley24.

#InQuinnWeTrust   #Brotherhood