Wow. Talk about two steps forward and one step back. Fans completely discounted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then the team gets slaughtered, in their own house, first time back home in quite a while. And coming up in 4 days, the New Orleans Saints. Wanting revenge.
No one can seem to explain how the team could go so far backwards after 2 excellent games against good teams. The defense is back to cover 3, for no good reason. The Falcons didn’t have enough depth covering the Tampa Two plays. Most of what Tampa got were big plays. Obviously the 71-yard touchdown, but a 22-yard reception, on 2ndand 21, a 30-yard reception, on 3rdand 9, twice, converted on 24 and 25-yard runs. The Bucs were excellent on 3rddown conversions, while the Falcons were 25%, inside and outside the red zone. There were too many missed tackles. There were no sacks and only one hit onJameis Winston, when they had nearly lead the NFL is sacks allowed…and interceptions.
Deion Jones lead the team in tackles with 9 and had the only hit on Winston. Ricardo Allenwas on a mission with 9 tackles, tied withDamontae Kazee. De’Vondre Campbellhad 8 tackles, one for loss and one of the interceptions and a pass defended. Foye Oluokun, getting more playing time, had 5 tackles, and rookieKendall Sheffieldwith 4 and a near pass defended on a touchdown, but just out of reach. Qadree Ollisonhad 2 tackles – on punt returns. He is really making a contribution in limited playing time.
Winston was able to step up in the pocket and make plays, throwing for 313 yards and 3 touchdowns, with his 2 interceptions. The Bucs ran for an additional 133 yards. The Falcons tried to balance their man to man vs. zone, but whatever “disguising” was supposed to be happening was not working. While the Falcons did have 2 picks on the day, they got no points out of the first one, a touchdown out of the second. After starting out quickly, moving 68 yards in 3 plays, then stalling at the 7-yard line and ended up kicking a field goal to open the game. Instant momentum slasher themselves. Two plays later they get an interception, then end up punting themselves. There was never any momentum.
The Bucs had so few sacks all season and had given up the most in the NFL, until Sunday. They sackedMatt Ryan6 times and hit him 13 times. The Falcons’ offensive line was horrible. Allowing pressure, sacks, hits, or were holding. Wes Schweitzerwas rotated in, according toDan Quinn, as a designated/planned rotation. In my opinion, they need to revamp the entire line again (short ofAlex Mack– but need to think of a replacement for him before too much longer). And find someone that can evaluate O-Line talent, because the partial revamping done this season has not done any better than the last few years, while still keeping some of the weak points as back-ups. Jake MatthewsandKaleb McGaryneeded help andLuke Stockerwas in as a legit blocker, ie, no additional receivers down the field. Which explains how/whyJulio JonesandCalvin Ridleywere both double covered a couple of times, and Ryan still could not find anyone.
The Falcons could not run the ball, again. Ollison had 8 carries for 20 yards and Brian Hill 9 for 15 yards. Accuracy on passing or receiving was way off – even from our earlier bad games. Overall Ryan was 28 of 52. Ridley caught 6 of his 14 targets (some out of bounds so not drops or complete misses) for 85 yards. Russell Gage8 of 10 for 76 yards, with Jones limited to 5 of 9 receptions for 68 yards, one of which was 31 yards. Christian Blakecaught 2, Ollison 1. Jaeden Grahamcaught 1 of his 2 targets, which he turned into a 53-yarder.
Again, so many coaching decision questions. Down 15 points in the fourth quarter and go for the field goal instead of the touchdown. Late in the game, inside the 10 yard line – went for 3 passes and no run plays, after you had seen some good running from Ollison. Unlike most of the games in the first half of the season, there did not seem to be adjustments at half time, as the same team that went into the locker room at half is what came out after the half.
Julio moved up on the All Time Receiving Yards list – now 30th, passingCalvin Johnson.
One highlight continues to be Sheffield, who blocked an extra point that Sharrod Neasmen picked up and returned a long distance before being tackled.
Injury Report:
·Julio Jones tweaked his shoulder.
·Brian Hill – no information, but did play the rest of the game.
·Kemal Ishmael – no information, concussion in Panther game.
·Devonta Freeman – making progress, evaluation continues Tuesday/Wednesday.
·Austin Hooper – making progress, evaluation continues Tuesday/Wednesday.
·Chris Lindstrom – being evaluated, once released from IR will determine play date.
Golden Talon
Qadree Ollison– coming in when called, scoring another touchdown, 2 special teams tackles, trying to make things happen.
De’Vondre Campbell– another interception, nearly leading in tackles again.
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. YounghoeKoo kicks the 25-yard
field goal.
With 12:47 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons with the
early lead, 3/0.
JameisWinston 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.
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 1st and 10, naturally, there is a false
start, by KalebMcGary 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 2nd and 19, Ryan finds LSU’s
own Russell Gage on the left side for a quick 3 yards. On 3rd 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.
De’Vondre Campbell Sacks Drew Brees
Freeman gets the first handoff of the 2nd possession,
for a 2-yard gain. Julio is in the slot,
Ryan drops back and overthrows Austin Hooper. On 3rd 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 2nd 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 3rd
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 4th 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 3rd 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 3rd 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 2nd
and 18, blitz coming, Gage gets the ball back to midfield. The Dome is getting loud at 3rd and
9, Ryan drops back, stands in and hits Ridley for 3 yards. Ryan Allen (5th punter of
the year) punts to the 10-yard line.
Brees goes far side for a 9-yard pass to Thomas. On 2nd 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 FoyeOluokun. 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 2nd and 10, Ryan
in the shotgun, fakes the hand off to Freeman and overthrows Julio again. 3rd 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. 4th 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. 1st 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
2nd 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
4th down. The offense stays
on the field, Murray and Kamara are both in.
Brees with the hard count. False
start on the offense, 4th 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 2nd 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 3rd
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 2nd 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 2nd
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 4th 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 4th
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 2nd
and 14 back at the 42. Brees throw to a
covered Thomas, who is holding onto Campbell and he is blocking Thomas completely. 3rd 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 2nd 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 3rd
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 3rd and 10, Hill runs for a
couple of yards. On the 4th
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 2nd and 19. On 3rd and 4, Brees is hit by
Grady as he throws an errant pass. On 4th
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 4th 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 4th
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 2nd 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 2nd 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.
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 3rd
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.
Austin Hooper Making Plays
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 3rd 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 4th
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 2nd
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 4th 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 3rd 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 2nd half,
on a 3rd 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 3rd 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.
Chiefs 28 at Falcons 14 Deion Jones and Matt Bryant were in street clothes, announced inactive. Again, Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones were dressed, but did not play at all. So many teams have seen season ending injuries already, so happy to have those guys sit. Justin Hardy and Calvin Ridley were sent back to receive the opening kickoff. Ridley received the kick and returned it 34 yards. Brandon Fusco got the start at right guard. Ridley, Marvin Hall, and Mohamed Sanu with the start as receivers. The first play was to Ridley for no yards. Then to Tevin Coleman for no yards. Third and eleven, Matt Ryan finds Austin Hooper for 29 yards. Tevin stepped behind Alex Mack and rushed up for back to back 15-yard gains. Ito Smith now in at running back for 3 yards. Then a 4-yard diving touchdown pass to Hooper. Matt Bosher resumed his kickoff duties. Foye Oluokon had a good stop on kick coverage. Terrell McClain and Duke Riley made a good stop. Clearly Riley trying to step up his game this week. Brian Poole came across the field and took the receiver out of the air to stop the Chiefs with a 3 and out.
Hardy is starting for punt returns as well and returned it 17 yards. Unfortunately, Smith had an illegal block in the back to cancel the return, but we did get to see what Hardy can do.
The first team returns to the field and Ryan shoots a 16-yard pass to Hall. Then, the upcoming star of the year, Ridley catches a big 36-yard pass over his left shoulder as he falls. And the Falcons are instantly inside the Chiefs’ 30. A few plays later, facing a 4 and 2, Andy Levitre had a hands to the face penalty and the Falcons turn the ball over on downs. Brooks Reed, Deadrin Senat, and Keanu Neal combined for a stop, and Neal (not surprised) gets called for the helmet to the head penalty. But if you watch the replay, he did not lead with the head, but took the call. Grady Jarrett got major pressure up the middle and Poole was able to make the 11-yard loss tackle. Poole continued to show out with another tackle to the sideline. Then Grady made a stop to cause 3rd and 5. The running back was able to get around the side along the sideline where he was stopped by Ricardo Allen. Duke Riley was in pursuit, but got caught up in a block. Robert Alford had a nice pass break up. As seen in training camp, Blidi Wreh-Wilson has greatly improved and playing smart and aggressively and nearly had a pick in front of Sammy Watkins.
Kansas City had a first down at the 4 and the Atlanta defense stood up and forced a field goal.
For the third offensive set, Matt Schaub comes in. Smith is in at running back. Ben Garland and Ty Sambrailo are in on the left side, while Wes Schweitzer is in at right guard. Hardy had a nice quick reception for a first down. Russell Gage gets his shot and hauls in an 18-yard reception. Reggie Davis comes in at receiver. Smith is getting allot of carries and being successful with his quick spin moves and pushing through for some good yardage. Schaub finds Ridley on a crossing route for a first down. Justin Crawford gets a chance at running back and gains 2 yards. Back to Smith who goes to the right side for another few yards. On 3rd and 4, Schaub finds Davis. Then, Big Play Ridley, catches his first touchdown as a Falcon.
Blidi Wreh made the stop on the kick off. Patrick Mahomes threw up a pass to Sammy Watkins, and Damontae Kazee picked it off. Kazee came to play tonight again. Blidi Wreh knocked Watkins off his timing a bit and Kazee reads the play from the start, cuts across the field, and leaps up and rips the ball out of the air.
Schaub and the offense come back out. More successful hand-offs and passes to Smith, then a big 24-yard catch by Eric Saubert, with many of those yards after the catch. Schaub finds Davis on a crossing route, just short of the first down, due to having to slow up for the pass. On fourth down, Smith gets stuff and the Falcons turn the ball over on downs.
The second half took on the same hot mess as last week’s game. Kurt Benkert looked good, until he threw an interception that he should have tucked in. Oliver looked good in kick coverage. Ito Smith had several kick returns, which except for bobbling each several times, looked good. He also had 13 carries for 34 yards at running back. Brandon Fusco looked good at the right guard spot and pancaked several guys making room for Tevin to get some good yards.
Foye Oluokon flew around at the linebacker spot, finishing with 1 tackle, but also very active on special teams. Duke Riley stepped up tonight and was better in coverage most of his time in. As always, Brian Poole was on point and covered the explosive Tyreek Hill perfectly. Russell Gage came in with the 2nd team and had 1 reception for 18 yards.
Of course, Damontae Kazee is a stand out again, with no tackles, but a big interception. Terrell McClain really stepped up tonight.
The first team offense got into a good rhythm tonight. No pre-snap penalties, Ryan went 5 of 7 for 90 yards and a touchdown. Calvin Ridley had 3 receptions, 1 touchdown, 49 yards, and a 35-yard return. Austin Hooper had a touchdown and 2 receptions for 33 yards. Definitely more consistent.
First team defense did not give up a score. Robert Alford with the knock down in the end zone. They started with a 3 and out. And the regulars were swarming. Dave Archer spoke to Calvin Ridley after the game, he is so humble, with his stats on the night and he is just “ready to contribute.” Ridley said he’s just working and practicing, and again, “Willing to contribute however the team wants me.” Again, said that Julio Jones is coaching him up after every play.
Overall, this game was not as painful as the first, and saw some real bright spots for the first teams and some guys on the 2nd or 3rd. And another week and no one is hurt. Likely, 50 spots are already on lock and there are not many position battles. We will see what we see in game 3 next Saturday.
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. 4th and 10, Koo on for the 36-yard field goal. With 91 seconds to go, Falcons lead 13/3.
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