Deion Jones – FalconAlley Football

Another Great HALF of Atlanta Falcons Football

Atlanta Falcons 27/Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31

December 20, 2020

Article by Allison Smith, Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

On the first play of the game, Matt Ryan hands to Todd Gurley for a 1-yard loss. On 2^nd and 11, Brandon Powell caught the ball, but was immediately stopped. On 3^rd and 9, Ryan finds Gurley for the first down reception. From the 36, Ito Smith comes in and finds a seam on the left side for a 5-yard gain. On 2^nd down, Ryan hits Hayden Hurst who stretches for the first down, but the refs mark him 1 yard short. On the 3^rd and 1, Ryan finds Calvin Ridley crossing the field at the 40, then Ridley goes for anther 8 yards. From the Tampa Bay 32, Ryan finds Russell Gage now in the middle of the field and Gage goes to the 5-yard line. On first and goal, Ryan in the shotgun, easily finds Gage in the left edge of the end zone for a TOUCHDOWN.

With 10:34 to go in the first quarter, Falcons lead 7/0.

Tampa Bay starts on their own 25 and a quick throw to Antonio Brown at the line goes for another 6 yards. On 2^nd down, Tom Brady is under pressure but finds the tight end for a 14-yard gain, taken out of bounds by Foye Oluokun. From the 45, Brady drops back, looking deep, but throws it short out of bounds. Brady hands off to Leonard Fournette who is immediately met hard by Keanu Neal, Fournette circles around behind the line and is finally taken down by Sherrod Neasman and Neal. On 3^rd and 18, Brady finds LeShaun McCoy or a 14-yard gain where he is stopped short of the first down by Deion Jones. Powell fair catches the punt at the 10.

On the first play of their second possession, the Falcons hand off to Brian Hill for a single yard. From the shotgun, Ryan hits Powell for a short gain along the left side for a 3-yard gain. On 3^rd and 6 from the 14, Ryan is pressured, then decides to run, not only for the first down, but up to the 30 for a 16-yard gain along the right sideline. On play action, Ryan finds a wide-open Luke Stocker on the right side for a big first down of 25 yards. On the Buccaneers side of the field, Stocker cannot haul the pass in. On 2^nd and 10, Hill gets buried behind the line of scrimmage and a 5-yard loss. Gurley is back in for the 3^rd and 14, on a 4-man rush, Ryan hits Gurley, short of the first down marker. The punt goes to the 7 and is returned for a couple of yards.

Fournette goes up the middle for a yard where he is met by Allen Bailey. Brady passes short to Cameron Brate for 8 yards where he is met by Oluokun and Jones. On 3rd and 1 from the 21, a pitch to Fournette goes for the first down along the far right side, pushed out by Isaiah Oliver. From the 23, Fournette goes up the middle again, being pulled backwards by Neal. On 2nd and 9, Brady throws to the line to Scotty Miller, who is immediately stopped by Oliver. On 3^rd and 7, blitz coming, Brady throws toward Brown who is tightly covered by Kendall Sheffield and the ball falls to the ground. From the 26, Ryan cannot make the completion to Gage.

End of Q1 – Falcons 7/Buccaneers 0.

Ryan has the ball tipped before it can reach Gage. On 3^rd and 10, from the shotgun, Ryan throws downfield just over Ridley along the sideline. He leaves the field holding his midsection as Sterling Hofrichter punts 48 yards to the 26.

Brady begins with an incompletion to Rob Gronkowski. Second down, Mike Evans hauls in the reception and is immediately stopped by Sheffield. On 3^rd and 3, Jones goes behind the line and sacks Brady with Grady Jarrett inches away, an 8-yard loss. A 3 and out for the Bucs and a punt to the Falcons’ 35.

Deion Jones Sacks Tom Brady – Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Ryan finds Hill at the 40 for a quick reception. On 2^nd down, Ryan hands to Hill who goes up the middle for a couple of yards. On 3^rd and 2, from the shotgun, Ryan hands to Smith who finds a hole and 3 yards for the first down. Ryan changes the play at the line and has the pass intended for Powell tipped at the line of scrimmage. Hill gets the call again for no gain on the left side. On 3^rd and 10, Keith Smith gets the reception and gains 8 yards. On 4^th and 2 across midfield, Ryan rolls to the right and finds Gage open for the first down for 7 yards. On the Tampa 39, Ryan fakes the handoff, looks at two receivers, then hits K. Smith again for 13 yards. Ryan finds Laquon Treadwell for 14 yards. From the 12, Ryan fakes to Hill and finds an open Ridley in the front corner of the end zone for another touchdown. Ridley made a move in the end zone to escape his defender and get open as the ball was released.

With 7:48 to go in the half, Falcons 14/Buccaneers 0.

Tampa Bay begins on their own 25 and Brady’s pass falls incomplete. Second down, Brady finds Chris Godwin, Oliver pulls the ball out, but the Bucs recover. First down from the 41, Ke’shaun Vaughn goes for 3 yards. Brady finds Gronk, right at the first down marker, shoved out by Neal. Brady under pressure, drops back, but Godwin cannot make the catch. On second down, Evans makes the reception along the sideline with AJ Terrell shoving him out of bounds at the marker. With the blitz coming, lead by Oluokun, Brady releases the ball into the sideline. Vaughn gets tripped up and gains a couple of yards up the middle. On 3^rd and 9, Neasman zips up the middle and sacks Brady for a 9-yard loss. On 4^th and 18, the Bucs punt to the 11.

Ryan begins with a 2-yard pass to Ridley. From the shotgun, Ryan hands off to Smith for a 3-yard gain. On 3^rd down, seeing no coverage on the outside on Ridley, Ryan makes the completion for 7 yards.

2 Minute Warning

From the 23, Ryan throws to a wide-open Ridley at the 37. Ito Smith with the block to give Ryan time. Another reception by Ridley, for 18 yards into Tampa Bay territory. Ryan’s next pass is tipped at the line. Smith gets the reception of 5 yards near the sideline. The blitz is picked up, Ryan finds Gage crossing the field for 15 yards. A scrambling Ryan is able to find Hurst for 12 yards down to the 13. The Falcons take a time out. Gage is being looked at on the sideline – ribs. Ryan throws to Blake behind the line of scrimmage. Falcons take another time out with 33 seconds to go in the half. On 2^nd and 11, Ryan drops back, flushed from the pocket and has to throw it out of the end zone. On 3^rd and 11 from the 13, Ryan’s pass to Gage is knocked away in the end zone. Younghoe Koo kicks the 32-yard field goal.

On the kickoff, the Buccaneers return the ball to the 18. Jaedon Graham on the stop and is injured on the play. Brady takes a knee.

At half, Falcons 17/Buccaneers 0

The Buccaneers begin on their own 20. Brady starts with a 20-yard pass to Brown, who is stopped by Oliver. An incompletion to Evans is followed by a 14-yard reception by Brate at midfield and the first down. Fournette pushes through the middle for 9 yards. Fournette gets the next run along the left side for 4 yards stopped by Neasman. Then, Brady lobs it downfield to Evans for 32 yards, he is stopped at the 1 by Neal. Fournette goes in for the touchdown.

With 11:28 to go in the 3^rd, Falcons 17/Buccaneers 7.

Under pressure, Ryan steps up and able to find an open Ridley for 13 yards. From the 38, Ryan hands to Smith who gains 2 yards up the middle. Ryan drops back after the fake and throws on a rope to Ridley flying out of bounds, one foot down, one foot drag, a 28 yard reception. Smith gets a big lead block and zooms for 7 yards along the right side. Smith runs up the right side, turns, catches the ball and gains 4 yards behind a big Matt Gono block. Ryan finds an open Gage for another 14 yards. On first and goal from the 7, Gurley is in and Ryan finds a tightly covered Hurst in the end zone for the touchdown.

With 7:34 to go in the 3^rd, Falcons 24/Buccaneers 7.

From the 25, Brady throws behind Gronkowski. Brady is successful to Gronkowski for 5 yards, shoved out of bounds by Neal. On 3^rd and 5, Brady drops back and under a 3-man rush, Evans makes the 26-yard reception. Next, Brady finds Fournette who out moves Terrell and is taken out by Oluokun and Jarrett. Fournette rushes for no gain, stopped by Jacob Tuioti-Mariner. On 2nd and 10, Brady is under pressure by Jarrett and Jones, he points for Evans to come back and Evans makes the reception at the 4. With Jaylinn Hawkins in tight coverage, Brown cannot make the touchdown reception. On 2^nd down, Godwin makes the touchdown reception.

With 3:44 left in the 3^rd quarter, Falcons 24/Buccaneers 14

After the fake hand off to Hill, Ryan drops back and throws up to Hill for a 4-yard gain. With time, Ryan throws incomplete to Ridley crossing the with the inroute. An incompletion out of bounds on 3^rd down forces a quick punt.

From their own 24, the Buccaneers’ first pass falls incomplete. Second down, Brady finds Gronkowski who is tightly covered by Oluokun for 17 yards. Another incompletion, going for Tyler Johnson, but Terrell knocks the ball away. Blitz coming, Brady finds Miller wide open, who is hit by Jarrett (who was rushing the passer) forcing the fumble that is recovered by Jones. Jarrett is pressing the offensive lineman, as soon as the ball goes by, he turns toward the ball carrier. The referees decide his knee was down, the Falcons challenge. The play is confirmed and the Falcons lose a time out and the challenge. An incompletion to Evans is negated by a “hands to the face” and a PI by Terrell. Both penalties are accessed for 28 yards. First and 10 at the 17, Brady finds Fournette wide open in the flat for 8 yards. Second and 2 at the 9, Brady’s pass is complete to Brown for the first down, but not the touchdown. Terrell slows Brown up and Oliver saves the touchdown. At the 1, Gronkowski can’t haul in the pass, but gets another PI. On first down from the half yard line, Fournette takes it in for another touchdown.

First and 10 from the 25, Ryan hands to Hill for a 3-yard loss.

End of the 3^rd quarter, Falcons 24/Buccaneers 21.

On 2^nd and 12, Gage cannot make the reception thrown slightly behind him. Ryan drops back and passes to Stocker at the line. There is another penalty for movement and the Falcons punt. And there is another penalty on the punt. After Tyler Hall was blocked in the back, he hit the returner with his helmet. Offsetting. Still 4^th and 16, Falcons will punt again. On the re-punt, Barner gets a 21-yard return to the 49.

Brady’s pass to Fournette is incomplete. A 5-yard completion to McCoy who is stopped by Oluokun. Oliver is injured on the play, Hall in for Oliver. On 3^rd and 6 from the Falcons’ 46, Evans is wide open for the easy first down at the 35. Brady passes to Godwin for 9 yards, stopped by Hall and Oluokun. A side pass to Brown goes for 13 yards, shoved out of bounds by Hall. From the 13, Brady throws out of end zone over Gronkowski who is covered by Oluokun. Quick throw to Miller at the line, Terrell stops Miller after a 4-yard gain. On 3^rd and 6, Brady fires incomplete to Gronkowski, covered by Terrell.

With just over 11 to play, game is tied at 24.

Ito Smith Pushing Through – Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

First play is an 11-yard reception by Keith Smith. From the 36, Ridley is wide open again, makes the reception and gains 34 yards, 15 after the catch. Ito Smith picks up 4 yards. Ryan fakes to Smith, then looks to Ridley in the end zone, but the defender gets a hand on the ball to knock it incomplete. Ryan is quickly sacked on 3^rd down. On 4^th and 14, Koo comes on to kick a 52-yard field goal.

With 8:22 to go in the game, Falcons take back the lead 27/Buccaneers 24.

From the 22, Brady finds Brate in the middle of the field, big hit by Neal stops him, after an 18-yard gain. Fournette gains one yard, stopped by Jones and Deadrin Senat. On 2^nd and 9 from the 41, Godwin makes the reception and gains 13 yards, pushed out by Jones. Brady then finds Brown for a 46-yard touchdown reception over Hall.

With 6:19 to go in the game, Falcons 27/Buccaneers 31.

From the 25, under pressure, Ryan throws to Hurst behind the line of scrimmage who is tackled for even more of a loss. On 2^nd and 12, Ryan drops back under a 4-man rush, he goes long for Gage, but the ball is too long, just off his fingertips. On 3^rd down, Ryan is sacked, again. Hofrichter kicks from inside the endzone for 57 yards.

Fournette easily gets the first down and is stopped at the 44-yad line by Jones, Neasom, and others. Fournette is stopped for a single yard gain by Jones. After the play fake, Brady meets Jarrett again. On 3^rd and 16, after the Falcons final timeout (wasted one with a challenge), McCoy is 3 yards short of the first down.

Grady Jarrett After Reacquainting Himself with Tom Brady on the Sack – Jarrett sacked Brady 3 times in SB51

After the punt, the Falcons begin on their own 12-yard line with 2:44 to go and no time outs. Ryan throws incomplete toward Powell. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan is under pressure and steps on an offensive lineman and falls to the ground. Then throws in the area of Hurst. On 4^th and 16 from the 6, Ryan throws to Ridley at the 20, but needs the 22. Buccaneers take over at the 22.

Fournette goes for 2 yards, then another 6 and another 2. They come out to measure for the first down or not. The ruling is that it is a first down, while the chains, the announcers and Raheem Morris disagree. The Bucs are “given” the first down and can take a knee to win the game.

Falcons 27/Buccaneers 31.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

New Coach, New Result for Atlanta Falcons

October 18, 2020

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons 40 at Minnesota Vikings 23

The Atlanta Falcons are in their all white uniforms today in Minnesota. Julio Jones is back from his hamstring injury. Inactives include Takk McKinley and Jaylinn Hawkins due to injury, and Jordan Miller, Qadree Ollison, and John Wetzel. Note that John Cominsky and Marlon Davidson are on the COVID reserve list.

“Interim” Head Coach Raheem Morris makes his debut today leading the Atlanta Falcons into Minnesota. Morris made a few staffing changes after being named the HC of the Falcons and will not continue his Defensive Coordinator role.

Younghoe Koo kicks off to start the game with a return to the 24.

Kirk Cousins fakes the handoff and throws to…..DEION JONES. After a 17-yard return, the Falcons offense will take the field at the Minnesota 29.

A handoff to Todd Gurley for 9 yards to start, then Gurley gets the first down on the next play. From the 19, Matt Ryan tosses back to Gurley, who is stopped by Cam Dantzler for a 4-yard loss. On 2^nd down, Ryan looks down the field but tosses to Gurley for a 3-yard gain, still 11 yards to go for the first down. Ryan finds an open Julio Jones in the end zone for a quick score.

With 12:02 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 7/0.

Koo to kickoff again, a big return across the 25.

Cousins is under center, fakes the handoff, is nearly sacked, but dumps it to Justin Jefferson who is stopped, hard, behind the line by AJ Terrell. On 2^nd and 12, it is a handoff by Alexander Mattison who is stopped after 7 yards. Terrell makes the stop again forcing the 4^th down.

The Falcons begin on their own 14, with another handoff to Gurley for a 6-yard gain. On 2^nd and 4, Ryan from the shotgun, confuses Gurley who is called for a false start. He leaves the field and on 2^nd and 9, Ryan is pressured, finds Jones short, who turns the gain into a 23-yard gain. Russell Gage and Jake Matthews opening up a hole for Jones on the left side. Next, Calvin Ridley gains 8 yards as a running back along the left side. Near midfield, on 2^nd and 2, Ryan hands to Gurley who is stuffed in the backfield again. On 3^rd and 3, Ryan drops back and finds Hayden Hurst across midfield for an 8-yard gain and first down. A play fake yields an incomplete pass by Ryan. Ryan changes the play at the line, then scrambles and runs for 5 yards along the right sideline. On 3^rd and 5, Gurley forces through for 4 yards. The offense stays on the field for a 4^th and 1 at the 33. Gurley goes straight ahead for several yards and another first down. A short pass to a sliding Ridley for 5 yards. Under center, Ryan changes the play several times, then tosses back to Brian Hill for no gain. On 3^rd and 7, Hill gains a single yard and the Falcons are forced to kick a 50-yard field goal.

With 3:12 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 10/0.

Mattison gets the first call of this series where he meets Keanu Neal for a massive hit and 3-yard loss. Cousins passes to Mattison near the line of scrimmage and the Vikings have a 3^rd and 9. Cousin drops back, under pressure throws short of the receiver with D Jones in coverage and the ball falls incomplete. Terrell’s tight coverage down the field closes off that option. The Vikings punt to Brandon Powell.

From the 45, Ryan rolls right and finds Russell Gage for a 19-yard reception. Another play action pass to Keith Smith for a 3-yard gain. On 2^nd and 7, Ryan, from the shotgun, hands to Hill who has a good run, but the ball comes flying out and is recovered by the Vikings.

The Vikings take over at their own 24. Cousins fakes and throws long to wide open Irv Smith with Neal in coverage. A 36-yard reception to end the quarter.

The end of the first quarter has Minnesota driving, but still down 10/0.

Mattison gains a single yard to start quarter. Cousins hits Kyle Rudolph for a 19-yard gain, to the Falcons 20. Cousins finds Jefferson near the end zone for a first down. From the 3 1/2, Mattison gets the ball and meets Foye Oluokun quickly at the line. On 2^nd down, back to Mattison up the middle where he is stopped by the defense at the 1. Cousin fakes to Mike Boone, a pass to Smith and Jones knocks the ball out at the goal line. On 4^th down, a quick snap goes to Boone and Dante Fowler sniffs it out and slows him down, while Neal and Grady Jarrett make the stop.

You Shall Not Pass….Keanu Neal and Grady Jarrett stop Mike Boone at the goal line on 4th down. Photo Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons

Starting on their own 2, Gurley moves the Falcons out to the 5. Gurley gets a first down on the next run, along the right side. Gurley gets the toss play and steps out of bounds for a 3-yard loss. On 2^nd and 13, Ryan throws the ball short to Gurley. The flag on the play is for a personal foul for a player lowering his head, so a freebie first down and move out to the 30. On first down, Ryan fakes to Ito Smith and finds Ridley who spins his way near midfield. Ridley makes a cut and change of direction before the catch to completely get open from the defender. Ryan scrambles around after a fake to Smith, then falls down to end the play. On 2^nd and 14, Ryan is sacked. Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary are blown through for the sack. Third and 17, Ryan is under great pressure and throws into the dirt.

Sterling Hofrichter punts to the 15-yard line.

Rookie AJ Terrell Makes Remarkable and His First Interception of the Season – Photo Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons

Cousins hands to Mattison who finds room along the left side for a 16-yard gain. Cousins cannot find anyone downfield, he runs toward the sideline, getting knocked by Neal as he lets go of the ball. Next is another handoff to Mattison for a short gain. On 3^rd and 9, Cousins finds AJ TERRELL, for his first INT of his rookie season. A low ball, Terrell left his guy, caught the ball between his legs, rolled up to maintain possession. Falcons ball at the 40.

With 5:46 to go to the half, Ryan hands to Gurley for a couple of yards. Ridley makes the short reception, makes a man miss, twirls and makes another first down as he heads out of bounds. Seeing something he didn’t like, Ryan calls a time out. From the 24, Ryan finds Ridley at the first down marker, but had to come back to escape a tackle and ended with a 9-yard gain. From the Vikings 15, Ryan hands to Gurley who is dropped in the backfield for a loss. Keith Smith let the defender by. From the shotgun, Ryan finds Jones who gets the first down, right at the marker. Ryan finds Jones on the sideline for a quick 5 yards.

After the 2-minute warning, Ryan finds Ridley at the 7, who then zooms in for the touchdown!

Koo’s successful extra point extends the Falcons lead just under 2 minutes til half time to 17/0.

Cousins scrambles and finally finds Adam Thielen for a first down. Rudolph makes the next reception for 9-yard gain. Then a quick rush for a first down to the left, stopped by Oluokun at midfield. From the shotgun, Cousins reception is complete, but the play is negated by an offsides penalty. 1^st and 5, Cousins finds….FOYE OLUOKUN this time. With Jarrett inches away from the sack, Jacob Tuioti-Mariner tips the ball that falls into Oluokun’s hands.

At midfield, Ryan finds Hill along the sideline for a 3-yard gain. Ryan’s ball is deflected by the defender draping Jones, but the ball falls incomplete. On 3^rd and 7, Ryan finds Gage, who leaps over defenders to gain another few yards. Gage makes the next reception and runs out of bounds after another 4-yard gain. Hill gains 3 yards before the Falcons call a time out. On 3^rd and 3, Ryan finds Ito Smith 2-yards away, who then turns it into a 17-yard gain and almost a touchdown. Ryan throws out of the end zone, then a run by Hill up the middle. The Falcons take their final time out with 4 seconds to go and Koo adds another 3 on a 21-yard field goal.

With 1 second to go, the Vikings run a play, stopped by Terrell….and the whole Falcons line.

Halftime: Falcons 20 Vikings 0.

Powell takes the ball out of the end zone, loses the ball, but rookie Mykal Walker recovers the fumble. Ryan starts at the 16 with a change of play and move into the shotgun. He finds Olamide Zaccheaus upfield, who cannot hold on due to a hard hit by the defender. Ryan fakes to Ito Smith, then finds Ridley near the sideline for 7 yards. On 3^rd and 3, Ryan finds Gage at midfield for a big 27-yard gain. At the 50, Ryan drops back and throws across the field toward Ridley, but too short. On 2^nd down, Ryan finds Jones for a 5-yard reception, Jones forces 2 more. On 3^rd and 3, Ryan throws over the middle to Hurst, who makes the first down, but then takes a seat on the field after being flipped over. Fake the toss and Ryan throws across the field to Powell for no gain….but there is a flag on the defense, moving the Falcons up and another first down. From the 32, Gurley runs for 4 yards to the right. Changing the play at the line again, Ryan is pressured and throws way out of bounds over Ridley. A third and six is thrown out of bounds, out of the reach of Christian Blake. Koo kicks a 47-yard field goal.

With 10:45 to go in the 3^rd, Falcons lead 23/0.

The Vikings throw to Jefferson for a 35-yard gain with Kendall Sheffield in coverage, just a couple steps too far away. Cousins finds wide open Rudolph for a 9-yard gain, with an illegal hands to face by Atlanta, which is accepted for a 1^st and 5. Mattison tries to go up the middle, but Jones is there to stop for an 11 yard loss. The reception is made for a short gain, but Walker is there for a big tackle immediately. The offense is called for holding, which back them up farther. On 2^nd and 24, the Vikings at midfield, Cousins hits Jefferson for 19 yards. On 3^rd and 5, Cousins finds Jefferson along the sideline with tight coverage by Sheffield. From the 22, Cousins bootlegs out, is rocked by Jones as he releases the ball that goes out of the back of the end zone. On 2^nd down, Cousins drops back, throws up to Boone who is dropped at the 16 by Isaiah Oliver. On 3^rd and 4, Cousins throws out of the end zone again. The Vikings offense lines up on 4^th down. Cousins finds Smith over the middle, at the first down marker. Tackled by Jones. From the Falcons 11, Cousins rifles one to Jefferson that Terrell takes down, but in the end zone for their first score of the game.

With 6:25 to go in the 3^rd quarter, Falcons still up, 23/7.

Powell brings the kickoff out again, this time maintaining possession and up to the 30-yard line. Ryan hands to Hill for a 5-yard gain. Hill again, up the middle for a first down. Ito Smith goes up the middle for 4 yards. On 2^nd and 6, Ryan fakes to Ito Smith and finds Jones along the sideline for 7 yards. Gurley in for the play fake, but nothing is open so Ryan throws it at his feet. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan pumps then runs for an 8-yard run. Gurley gets the call, but is stopped behind the line.

Julio Jones – You Can’t Touch This, Photo Courtesy of Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons

On 4^th and 3 at the 40, Ryan takes the high snap, scrambles ands starts to run, then comes back behind the line of scrimmage, finds Jones at the 29. Jones stiff arms the defender, then runs along the sideline for the touchdown. In the end zone, for the 2^nd time today, salutes the Atlanta Braves with the “Mix it up” sign.

With 2:01 to go in the 3^rd, the Falcons extend their lead 30/7.

From their 20, Cousins drops back, but is met by Allen Bailey for a 10-yard loss and sack with Jarrett right behind him. On 2^nd and 20, Cousins can’t find Mattison as he was tightly covered by Oluokun. On 3^rd and 20 from the 15, Cousins finds Jefferson at the 25, but stopping him there are Oluokun and Oliver. Another punt and no return.

Ryan hands off to Gurley for a 2-yard game before the quarter ends.

Fourth quarter begins with the Falcons driving and leading 30/7.

On 2^nd and 8 from their own 30, Ryan hands to Gurley for another 4 yards. Ryan finds Gurley short of the first down marker, but Gurley turns it into a 14-yard gain and first down. Near midfield, Ryan hands to Gurley again for a couple yard gain. Another 6 yards for Gurley, forcing a 3^rd and 1. From the backfield, Gurley gets the handoff but stopped way behind the line for a loss of 2 yards. On 4^th and 3, Hofrichter comes on to punt, but there is a false start by Tuioti-Mariner, moving the Falcons back to 4^th and 8. The punt goes to the 25.

Cousins is hit by Bailey as he throws out of bounds. Fowler was coming behind him as well. Mattison is knocked down by Bailey as he goes up the middle. On 3^rd and 6, Cousins has his pass batted down by Oliver, out of the hands of the receiver. Another Vikings punt taken by Powell at the 21 and returned to the 33.

Ryan opens it up and finds Jones for a 31-yard gain. One on one Dantzler and Jones – Jones always winning that one. Hill gets the handoff, but cannot gain any yards behind the left side. Ryan drops back and finds Hurst for 8 yards along the sideline. On 3^rd and 2, Ryan is in the shotgun and hands to Gurley who finds the first down up the middle of the line. Zaccheaus is headed downfield while Ryan is throwing short for an incompletion. Blake is in motion and makes the reception for 5 yards. On 3^rd and 5, after some scrambling, Ryan is sacked. The Falcons kick another field goal of 43 yards.

With 7:16 to go in the game, the Falcons extend their lead 33/7.

After the kickoff, the Vikings start at their own 25. Cousins finds Jefferson who is in the arms of the Oliver, but gains the 17-yard first down. Cousins finds Johnson, but a flag on the play by Sheffield moves the ball up and a first down. Amir Abdullah makes the reception, but falls just past the line of scrimmage. On 2^nd and 9, Cousins hits Smith for a 2 yard gain, stopped by Neal. Then, Thielen makes a 35-yard reception as he was blanketed by Terrell. From the 15, Cousins finds Beebe who is WWE slammed down by Jones. From the 6, Cousins throws to Rudolph just inside the end zone, but the ball hits the ground first. Abdullah gets the first down up the middle. From the 2, Cousins finds Thielen in the middle of the end zone for the touchdown, escaping the coverage of Jones. In for the 2-point conversion, Smith easily runs through the left side.

With 3:58 to go in the game, the Falcons lead 33/15. The onsides kick goes directly to Deion Jones and the Falcons take over the ball as the Minnesota 44. Ryan gives to Hill, who is stopped near the line, but then drags tacklers for a 9-yard gain. Hill gets no yards on the next attempt. On the 3^rd and 1, Hill gets the call again along the left side and doesn’t gain the first down. Minnesota takes a time out. On 4^th down, a fake to Hill, Hurst is wide open on the left sideline at the 30, with Zaccheaus taking on 3 defenders to keep him open. Hurst in for the touchdown.

Uncovered Hayden Hurst in for the 30-Yard Touchdown – Photo Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons

Beginning on their own 22, Cousins connects with Rudolph for a 19-yard gain, in the arms of Neal.

2:00 Warning: Falcons 33 Vikings 15 at their own 39. On first down, Cousins drops back, up to Smith across the 50 for a 13-yard gain. Jefferson escapes Sheffield for the 49-yard touchdown. They add the 2-point conversion.

With 1:26 to go in the game, the Falcons lead 40/23.

Another onsides kick, this time, similar to the INT’s to the Falcons, 2^nd onsides kick goes to AJ Terrell.

From the 49, Ito Smith goes 4 yards. Ryan takes a knee and the clock runs out…..with a Falcons WIN.

#RISEUP

Falcon Alley OWT

Why Did We Want Falcons Football Back?

September 16, 2020

Article by Allison Smith

Photos courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

An excellent question after week 1 of Atlanta Falcons football. While we could not attend the opening game of 2020 in person, after a while, you didn’t regret that. The long 4 + hour drive back to Charlotte, the exhaustion from being up at 5 a.m., the expensive of gas and snacks and game goodies. Glass half full.

Also, in the glass half full category, the good of the game. The Falcons have 3 leaders in the league after week one. Matt Ryan leads all quarterbacks with 450 passing yards, Julio Jones leads all receivers with 157 yards, and Takk McKinley lead the NFL with 6 quarterback hits. The Falcons also had 3 receivers with over 100 yards each. Calvin Ridley with 130 yards and Russell Gage with 114 yards, joining Julio. Early in the fourth quarter, Ryan passed John Elway to become the 9^th all-time NFL passer.

TE Hayden Hurst had a good Falcons debut with 3 receptions for 38 yards, one, a stretching catch of 27 yards. His 2 additional targets were non-called PI’s, but we won’t get into that here.

Todd Gurley’s debut was successful as well, while he was in the game. Gurley had 14 carries of 56 yards, one blast for 15 yards. Brian Hill and Ito Smith combined for 4 carries of 16 yards, not what we want to see out of the additional running backs. Qadree Ollison was not on the active roster Sunday. It appears the Falcons will attempt a one running back team, with Gurley being limited and relieved by Hill and Smith, but not the tandem we are use to from the past few years. Hopefully he can hold up.

Once again, like the last few seasons, short yardage and red zone inefficiencies plagued the offense. The offense was 0-4 on 4^th down conversions, and 50% on 3^rd downs, especially the short yardage 3^rd downs. And once the Falcons were having to play catch up, they had to abandon the run game and be a throwing only offense. Younghoe Koo had 2 field goals over 40 yards, Gurley a single yard touchdown, and Ridley’s 7 and 18-yard touchdown receptions, late in the game. Touchdowns on 3^rd downs and a missed 2-point conversion added to the frustration of the day.

The offensive line held up well. With Ryan’s 54 pass attempts, he was only sacked twice, so the blocking was good most of the time. Jake Matthews completely missed a block. James Carpenter and rookie Matt Hennessy were swapped out at Guard all day, both playing well, but no stand out yet. Kaleb McGary’s play was good, but the Seattle pass rush is not the strongest the Falcons will see.

While the defense did give up 24 second half points, the offense did not help with 4 failed 4^th down conversions that lead to Seattle scores, and other mistakes. While driving early, Gurley runs out of bounds instead of pushing for more yards, Matthews misses a block, the Gurley isn’t looking for the ball on the 4^th down and the Seahawks get the ball at their own 40. The fake punt was executed perfectly, until the fumble. A pass to Julio for a 44-yard gain would have been a touchdown if placed properly. Little things along the way decide the game.

Of course, the referees did not help. On the Seahawks’ first possession, they were given 41 yards on a very questionable PI called on Ricardo Allen. Hello, it’s Rico! Two plays later, a touchdown. The defense kept Russell Wilson in the pocket, most of the day, but his arm still burned them. The front 7 were good overall, tallying 3 early sacks and holding running backs to 55 yards, only one rush over 12 yards. Of course, Wilson did get loose a few times, once or 28 yards himself, but since the Seahawks were limiting him, when he did take off, it was unexpected.

Deion Jones made a good comeback with 9 tackles, followed by Isaiah Oliver with 7 and rookie AJ Terrell with 6. Foye Oluokun and the returning Keanu Neal also tallied 6 a piece. Grady Jarrett had 5 tackles, 1 for loss, 2 sacks and 3 QB hits.

Takk had the 6 QB hits, a sack, 4 tackles, and a pass defended – in an opportune time. John Cominsky and Deadrin Senat both had limited playing time in 2019, but were active and aggressive on Sunday. Darqueze Dennard was in for Rico much of the game and was missing tackles or at least not playing close in man to man coverage. Rico was in for 25 snaps, Keke for 51 and Damontae Kazee for all 62, wrapping with 4 tackles and playing as aggressive as ever.

The defense only gave up 14 points in the first half, but also caused no takeaways, which will be needed this year if the offense continues to sputter and not help themselves in crucial situations. The first touchdown, after the 41-yard gift, was a good play that would fool many defenses. It was a loop pass, just when the defenders think the running back has the ball, you realize he doesn’t, change your attention and Wilson finds him anyway with the pass.

The defense only gave up a couple of big plays, but one was a 4^th and short that went for a touchdown, Oliver was burned. Overall, they need to tighten up the man to man coverage. The pass rush was successful in the first half. Dante Fowler was taking on major guard blocks, allowing others to get to Wilson, and sniffed out the toss sweep for a big stop and loss. Overall, the tackling wasn’t bad, Seattle was very physical and Wilson nearly perfect.

Keke did look good, back to 100% after another season of being injured. Even with him on the field, Rico was playing in the box, which he did some last year, but may account for his lack of tackles on Sunday. The rookies did not have first outings. Terrell wasn’t picked on or challenged directly, but he held up well. Seattle was running over routes, which is hard for anyone to guard and stay glued to the man. Mykal Walker was in the box and had limited time, but was active, similar playing still to Keke, although he didn’t knock anyone’s head off.

Sterling Hofrichter has 2 punts, a 45 yarder and 55-yarder, with one return of 15 yards, on a missed tackle. Koo was good on both a 44 and 49-yard field goal, but missed an extra point.

On the plus side, the Falcons continued to fight on both sides of the ball. They were just out matched and out coached in some aspects. The offense had missed opportunities on good field position and the defense had no take-aways and only two 3 and outs in the game, the second with 8 minutes to go in the game.

The turnover ratio wasn’t all together bad. The fumble on the fake punt was crushing, but the other was an interception at the end of the game in the end zone, so technically 0-1 in the turnover margin. But the Falcons do need to force some turnovers to give the offense a short field, or score themselves.

Only 6 penalties on Falcons all day, one of which was the PI early in the game, which was questionable for big yards. So that was cleaned up

Injury Update

DNP Weds: Jake Matthews – knee; Kendall Sheffield – foot; Charles Harris – ankle

Limited Weds: Julio Jones – hamstring; Marlon Davidson – knee

The Golden Talon

Grady Jarrett and Takk McKinley for making their presence known early and often, early sacks and many quarterback hits.

Calvin Ridley for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns; and Russell Gage with 114 yards. Combined being legit receivers.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

Self-Inflicted Wounds Clip the Falcons’ Wings

September 24, 2019

Article by Allison Smith

Pictures courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

After a great Sunday Night Football win, the Falcons seemed to be soaring up. Then, they traveled to Indianapolis where their wings were clipped.

With the good play and weapons that the Falcons have, this game should not have gone this way. You cannot win in the NFL with 16 penalties for 128 yards and turnovers in the red zone. While there was only one Falcon turnover this week, instead of 7 points, the Colts scored 3 their way, after a long 97-yard drive. Indianapolis is a good team that did what they needed to do, but this was definitely a winnable game for this Falcons. And now we wait for the fallout with all the injuries and what happens to clean up the penalties and unpreparedness….AGAIN.

Matt Ryan’s interception may have been only one play, but it is consistent within all 3 games so far and took points off the board. Remember when complaining about one hold by a lineman and one PI by a defender, every bad, bad play is impactful. This was definitely a team loss.

There was bad play calling and bad decisions. On a 2nd and 11, Ryan throws out of the end zone over Austin Hooper on the left side. Meanwhile, Julio Jones was uncharacteristically wide open on the other side of the end zone. On the ensuing 3rd and 11, Ryan is under great pressure and he throws out of bounds and the Falcons settle for a Matt Bryant 34-yard field goal. With just over two minutes to go in the half, the Colts lead 13/3.

The Falcons offense took too much time on the 2nd half drives, causing them to use all of their timeouts around the 2-minute warning in hopes of getting a defensive stop and the all back. Clearly, the defense couldn’t get the stop and the Colts were able to run out the clock.

Hooper Forcing His Way into the End Zone

Devonta Freeman finally looked the Free of Old and made some good breaks, other times lost in the backfield when the offensive line didn’t hold up. Free had 16 carries for 88 yards, with a breakout of 28 yards. Julio Jones was near perfection again with 8 receptions on 9 targets for 128 yards and another touchdown, one nice 34-yard reception. Mohamed Sanu was his usual dependable self on several 3rd down conversions, as well as blocking, taking direct snaps, finishing the game with 1 rush for 2 yards (and a first down), and caught all 6 balls thrown his way for 75 yards and several on 3^rd down. And of course, Austin Hooper caught 6 of the 7 balls thrown his way, 2 for touchdowns, and forced extra yards, and was doing his job at blocking again.

With Keanu Neal’s Achilles injury taking him out for the season, Damontae Kazee will likely move back to the Safety spot. Kemal Ishmael and rookie Kendall Sheffield should get time at nickel. The Falcons will be evaluating their current team members and practice squad, then possibly looking outside for another safety.

Isaiah Oliver is really struggling so far. With Desmond Trufant being a shut down corner so far, offenses will continue to target 2nd year corner Oliver. The defense is not tackling or containing well. This was one of the worst tackling games since early 2018. The defense played soft coverage, making it difficult to get interceptions as there are no real contested receptions. While they were efficient stopping the run game, the short passes were open and easy most of the day. Add in missed tackles and yards after the catch, and it was a rough day for the defense. The defense provided 7 free first downs with their penalties, while the offense continued to create re-work for themselves with theirs.

The Colts offense took what the defense gave them, the Falcons didn’t tackle well on runs and played soft on passes. Small runs after catch became more efficient. There were too many missed tackles. A late 3rd and 5 had Jacoby Brissett off his spot, and the defense still couldn’t sack him and he ran for the first down, and extra yard.

Vic Beasley, Jr. had an overall good game, including a ½ sack shared with Takk McKinley. Jack Crawford had two uncharacteristic off-sides penalties and a missed sack. Deion Jones led the team in tackles with 9 and 1 pass defended. Oliver did get his man down with 7 tackles and 2 passes defended. Ricardo Allen had 7 tackles and a head to head penalty, which I feel was due to the speed he was closing. Rico is not a dirty player. Ish and Kazee had 6 tackles a piece. As a note, Vic had 2 quarterback hits, while Allen Bailey, Adrian Clayborn, and Takk all had 1 a piece. That is not enough to really affect the quarterback. And there were only 6 tackles for loss in the game. Brissett was 16 of 16 before the defense finally got some pressure and started to affect him. Heck, Grady Jarrett was barely affective with 1 tackle for loss and a penalty of his own, which was for 12^th man on the field as he was on the edge trying to get out….but that has more to do with too much changing of the D too far on the ends of the field.

Overall, the whole game was a hot mess and repeat of week 1. In 3 games, the Falcons have committed 35 penalties for 264 yards. Head Coach Dan Quinn is bringing in officials for practice this week to ensure everyone understands the penalties…what officials look for and are going to call. There are numerous repeat offenders, then several random unusual offenders this week.

This is the second slow start on the road, but the Falcons have put themselves too far in the hole both games. Making adjustments at half time, coming out almost like a different team, but again, too little too late. Changing to man to man late in the game, but not able to wrap up. Offensively near perfection, but too much time and too much of a deficit to overcome.

Injury Report:

· Keanu Neal – out for the season with Achilles

· Ito Smith – concussion protocol

· Kenjon Barner – concussion protocol

· Grady Jarrett – toe, expected to be back by the end of the week

FalconAlley Owt

FalconAlley at The Draft

Article & Photos by Allison Smith

I was not at the actual draft in Dallas, but I was at the Atlanta Falcons’ official Draft party at Mercedes Benz Stadium, “The Benz Nest.”

This was another great event hosted by Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank. This was a free event for Season Ticket owners, you merely had to register. Much of the stadium and many food vendors were open, mostly the main level and parts of the 200 level. Yet another event where you almost didn’t realize there was not a game to be played by the attendance and activity.

Fans were allowed on the field, where the RISEUP sign was displayed, corn hole was set up, along with many football skill games and local radio and other booths were on the field. Many people stayed on the field the entire time. Several Falcon players were also on the field, signing and taking pictures with fans.

Meanwhile, we were also allowed in the locker room, where my feature photo here was taken. We followed the tunnel along a short path into the locker room where you could see several jerseys displayed. Then you could head back out to the field to hang out or back up to the main level to see the sites or grab some food.

I toured the locker room, chatted with several Benz Nest employees and headed back up. The radio ship of the Falcons, 92.9 The Game was broadcasting the draft and the local commentary leading up to the draft. Randy McMichael, Carl Dukes, Mike Bell, and Chuck Smith provided insight into the Falcons as well as the other teams ahead of the Falcons. I was able to chat with Chuck briefly, but had great time with Carl and Mike, speculating, chatting about FalconAlley Football, and about the event overall. Harry Douglas was on hand for a radio interview, then taking pictures with fans as well. Many current players were on hand to chat with 92.9 The Game as well.

The players that were on hand, spoke to 92.9 The Game, then signed autographs and took pictures as well. There were some on the field, some in the upper level, and at two stations on the main level of The Benz Nest. I worked my way back and forth on the main level, so missed some other great guys, but did get some of my favorites. Unfortunately, the elusive Ben Garland was already in Dallas preparing to announce the 3^rd pick, so he was not available, however, there were some big stars at the Falcons Draft event.

**When they say you can have a pic OR autograph….but Grady knows his biggest fan….**

Grady Jarrett, Keanu Neal, Takk McKinley, Deion Jones were all on the main level, along with numerous cheerleaders. I know that De’Vondre Campbell was at one of the special areas upstairs, as I saw his interview, but he was whisked away. While I missed a picture with Takk, I did see him close up and he seemed like a great guy. Did get pictures with Grady, Kiki, and Debo. Got to chat with them for a few minutes, but of course there was a huge line of us fans running around after all of them.

Overall, it was a great event. I did not stay until our pick as it was so late, but did see many of the early picks as they were displayed on the million tv’s throughout the stadium.

Check out my YouTube channel for my announcement and thoughts on the 2^nd day picks. Our FalconAlley Football Facebook page has pictures from the Draft Day event.

Now, we wait and see how the entire draft turns out for our beloved Falcons.

@FalconAlley Owt

#RISEUP