Desmond Trufant – FalconAlley Football

Redemption in The ATL

Eagles 20/Falcons 24

September 18, 2019

Photos and Article by Allison Smith

There is nothing more Atlanta than the way the Sunday Night Football game went down against Philadelphia.

With 2:10 left, and down by 3, the Falcons are near midfield with a 4^th and 3. Quarterback Matt Ryan falls back and throws to Julio Jones for the 54-yard game winning touchdown.

Naturally, the Eagles have too much time left on the clock, drive back down, until 2^nd year Cornerback Isaiah Oliver makes the tackle of the game, keeping Zach Ertz from gaining the needed yardage on fourth down. After a review, it is confirmed that Ertz did not gain the yards needed and Mercedes Benz Stadium was the second loudest it has ever been….the first loudest was moments early during the Julio 54-yard run.

There was a yard that each fan saw Julio reach when that fan knew he could not be stopped. For Mohammad Sanu, it was as soon as he had his guy out of the way and saw Jake Matthews flatten another defender. As we all know, no one can catch Julio if they are not already next to Julio. Possibly the fastest to him was actually Calvin Ridley who joined him from across the field to celebrate in the tunnel that Julio had run into. When you are going 20.7 MPH, it is hard to stop, even in the end zone.

With this touchdown, Ryan threw the 300^th touchdown of his career, while Julio became the all-time leading receiver, surpassing his big brother, mentor, and friend, Roddy White. Julio finished the day with 10,868 receiving yards, with Roddy wrapping his career in 2015 with a total of 10,863. Of course, Julio had no clue, but when asked after the game, Julio said he was “Honored to be mixing it up with him.”

Calvin Ridley Making the Catch with Defenders Closing

Julio was also asked about being double covered so often, and he replied that he was just “Trying to play each play at a time, because that means Sanu, Calvin Ridley, Justin Hardy are out there 1 on 1.” Note that Julio was being double covered when Calvin Ridley hauled in his touchdown.

While the end of the game was action packed and exciting, the real story, to me, was the redemption of the team as a whole and many individual players. After the ugly Minnesota loss, fans and experts alike were picking apart numerous players for looking unprepared and definitely not playing up to their potential. Almost every one of those players not only played better, but really stepped up and had significant contributions against a tough Philadelphia team. Most, redeemed themselves.

Takk McKinley was in the right spot all night, had 2 tackles, both for loss, 2 quarterback hits, lots of pressure and energy. Vic Beasley was in the backfield all day with near sacks, 3 quarterback hits and an actual sack. De’Vondre Campbell had 8 tackles and great movement all game. Desmond Trufant was finally back looking like the Tru of old, hauling in 2 interceptions, one returned for 10 yards and 3 passes defended, 1 of his 2 pass break ups forced an early punt for the Eagles. Trufant credited the corner’s successful day with the defensive line play.

Overall, the defense had 10 quarterback hits, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions. The defense did not allow anyone outside this week. They may have allowed receptions, but all receivers knew they were stopped immediately with this physical Falcon D. Note that many Eagles did not practice yet this week due to bumps and bruises. The D had big stops on 3^rd and goal and a 4^th and goal, included a monster hit by Ricardo Allen on Nelson Agholorin the end zone to dislodge the touchdown pass. Naturally, Rico read that one all the way and told Kendall Sheffield to push the WR to him because he had jumped the seem earlier and knew Carson Wentz would try to take advantage.

Keanu Neal led the team in tackles with 9, followed by Campbell, then Damontae Kazee that really stepped up this week, tallying 8 tackles, but was much more affective this week, mostly because of the catch up the Falcons played last week.

In the first quarter, Grady Jarrett’s sack forced the Eagles’ first field goal vs. allowing the Eagles to continue to drive for a possible touchdown. Grady played even better than game 1 and had a special salute to his Mom, that was in attendance, just days after surgery. She wasn’t going to miss a Grady game. Grady finished with 5 tackles, 1 for loss, and 2 quarterback hits.

The offensive line only allowed 1 sack and 6 quarterback hits while Ryan dropped back 34 times. And the bulldozer leveling that Matthews did to open the lane for Julio proved he was redeemed for his opening play sack from the previous week. Jamon Brown had a solid day at right guard, in for the injured rookie Chris Lindstrom.

On the negative offensive side, Ryan had another 3 interceptions. A bad pass to Sanu, who was triple covered, another bad decision into the end zone – which stopped a touchdown, and when Julio was in cover zero, but the pass was still picked off. All bad throws/decisions on Ryan’s part. Julio did have a WWE like tackle on the Ronald Darby INT, so, there is that.

Also not redeeming or even helping the justification for being on the team vs. other TE’s that were traded….Luke Stocker tried to leap over a defender (ala Austin Hooper) which led to no more yards gained, but a fumble. Naturally, Sanu was right there and saw the ball come out and instantly jumped on it, saving what could have been a disastrous turnover in the Falcons’ territory.

In the toughness category, rookie starter Kaleb McGary went out with a knee issue, was actually helped off the field. Ryan was shoved into him/rolled up on his leg and Ryan commented later, “I feel bad, I thought I hurt him.” Meanwhile, Ty Sambrailo came in and was a solid back up for McGary. After being evaluated, McGary told coaches that he was going back in, his team was depending on him and he was ok and needed to be out there with his brothers.

Freeman Preparing to Block then Receive the Shovel Pass

While the numbers are not overly impressive for the running game this week, it was actually a successful week on the ground, gaining necessary yards at crucial times. Devonta Freeman had 11 runs for 22 yards, one being a long 9-yarder, and several for loss when the O Line wasn’t so good. Ito Smith had 4 carries for 32 yards, one was a 28-yard break out that was nearly a touchdown. Often overlooked, Free had 3 receptions (which often look like runs – shovel passes) for 42 yards, a 28 of his own that was nearly a touchdown, and Ito caught 2 passes for 13 yards. The Eagles using Cover Zero most of the day, while appreciated, didn’t make much since, playing Ju, Calvin, or Sanu 1:1 is never a good plan; leading to Julio’s 2 touchdowns and Calvin’s 1 on the day.

Julio had 5 receptions for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns, while 2^nd year receiver Ridley had 8 receptions for 105 yards. Sanu had 4 receptions for 16 yards, and tight end Austin Hooper finished with 4 catches for 34 yards, another big 14 yarder on the day. Stocker was targeted once, caught, then fumbled that one.

Last week, the fourth play of the game was a blocked punt and the Falcons had 2 failed 2-point conversions. While the return game was all but non-existent, we did finally got to see Matt Bryant’s leg, possibly more than we had hoped. Matt Bosher pulled a hamstring in warm ups and did punt twice, but did not perform any of the kick offs in the game. Bryant kicked a successful 50-yarder to give the Falcons the early lead, but then also handled all of the kickoff duties in the game. Kicks were good, not touchbacks, but several times, the Special Teams over pursued and the returner gained more yards than preferred, but nothing crippling.

On the second half kickoff, rookie Sheffield forced a fumble that was recovered by Sharrod Neasman providing the Falcons with excellent field position at the Philly 33. Three plays later, Ryan threw a 4-yard pass to Julio for the touchdown. A definite improvement from the first week.

In 2 games, the Falcons have committed 19 penalties, 10 this week. A couple were questionable, so I will give them 8….either way, still needs to be cleaned up as several were costly on yardage at the wrong time.

After seeing the play on the field this Sunday night, not just the fact that the Falcons won, but how they won against a really good Philadelphia team, I feel better about the season, but hope we do not start to play to our opponent. We have seen some insufferable games against some mediocre AFC opponents in recent years.

Injury Report:

Kaleb McGary – knee issue is being nursed, but not a deep concern.
Matt Bosher – groin is being monitored, another punter has been signed to practice squad to watch throughout the week.
Kenjon Barner – ankle issue is being monitored and did not practice Wednesday.
Matt Gono – back issue is improving and was limited.
Keanu Neal – groin issue, also limited.

Golden Talon:

Most people would say Trufant with his 2 interceptions, but I would have to say De’Vondre Campbell for his relentlessness, pursuing, 8 tackles and overall awareness of the day. Also, Mohamed Sanu for his receptions, tackle after an interception, and constant blocking for his teammates. Sanu is a leader on the team in so many unsung ways.

FALCONALLEY OWT

Together We Rise Fan Day

July 29, 2018

On Sunday, we saw the first padded practice of Training Camp. The first open practice in Mercedes Benz stadium. AND, the first official, public opening of the roof.

Videos and pictures can be found on our Facebook page, or just videos from the day on our YouTube channel (Falcon Alley24). Both links can be found on our home page.

Together We Rise Fan Day was held inside the Benz Nest. Gates opened at 10 and the roof was set to open at noon, and official practice at 12:30. First, what a great event! 60,000 fans streamed in to The Benz Nest on a sunny Sunday in July for FOOTBALL!!! The highlight was, of course, the first official opening of the roof.

Sunday literally felt almost like a game day. Most fans had on gear, likely toned down, but shirts, hats, jerseys. The Porch was open and full before practice started. Once you entered The Benz Nest, all the music and video boards and concession stands were running as normal. 92.9 The Game was in attendance to cover the pre-game and many of the drills and events of the day. Harry Douglas was on hand to participate in those discussions, as well as to meet fans. Wes Durham, typically on the airwaves, was on the field providing commentary for some of the practices. Wes was announcing what many of the drills were going to be or explaining the mini scrimmages and teams.

During the 12ish minute opening of the roof process, the video boards told a history of Atlanta and of the Falcons. It was a great presentation of information while you watched the sun beam in and onto the field. Freddie Falcon was on the field, basking and moving around in the sun stream. It was interesting to see what would be covered in sun around 1:00, a normal kickoff time. Especially since it was hitting the opposite side of the field as my regular seat. As the opening continued, most of the team came out and started their personal warm-ups as well as some drills. Eventually, most of the field was under the sun as well as part of one quarter of the stadium. As the team began quick runs and ball handling drills between the goal line and the 20, the roof was closed, with no pomp and circumstance. Many of us just happened to see it closed and tried to see if anyone noticed as it was closing. It is a very quiet process and worked to perfection on the opening and closing on Sunday. It actually opens, only directly exposing the field, sidelines, and lower rows, so if it was raining, straight down, most of the stadium/seats would still be covered. But to see that blue sky, it was really awesome.

Takk McKinley and Ito Smith did not practice.

Sunday’s Together We Rise training camp day was filled with the usual drills, individual team workouts, and 7 on 7 game day situations at both ends of the field. I have many videos on my YouTube page (link at the bottom of our Homepage) of the practices with my commentary.

From my training camp experience, this was a typical practice, the variety of drills all over the field. Most of the day, the offensive line was to the side working on their own stances, drills, and blocking schemes, while the rest of the guys moved in and out of a variety of drills or mini scrimmages. There were passing drills with all four quarterbacks passing to four different receivers, each being covered. Some were short passes, others high, others to the edge of the end zone. Keanu Neal was able to tip a ball and create an interception under Austin Hooper. Duke Riley in tight coverage was beat by Terrance Magee. Desmond Trufant got a big roar by not allowing Julio Jones to haul in a pass. Tru has looked much better already this year. He was injured for the second half of the SuperBowl season, but seem either not confident or fully healed last season, but in the off season this year, he has already looked more impressive, from early workouts, to mini-camp, to Sunday.

Keith Armstrong was working his special teams hard as well. Not the kickers, but the coverage. They practiced with Matt Bother or Georgia boy David Marvin running up to kick, and then the coverage team practicing blocking and returning with the new kickoff rules. Naturally, Matt Bryant came out and kicked a few field goals – most of which went through, he did have one from the 50+ that hit the goal post and popped back in to the field of play, but we all know how rare that is.

In drill mode, the defense went against itself in passing drills, so basically 2 defenders were competing for passes lobbed up by coaches. The defensive line worked on barrel drills.

During 7 on 7 play, the offensive line started off slow. While there was a big pass to Julio, in real time, the new 99, Terrell McClain would have sacked Ryan before the ball was released. The defense definitely came out aggressively. Brooks Reed caught RB Justin Crawford in the backfield. Ryan faked the handoff to Devonta Freeman, then passed up to Freeman, who was immediately stopped. De’Vondre Campbell made a stop in the backfield. Finally, rookie WR Christian Blake had a good catch and run. FS Marcelis Branch had a good pass breakup. The offensive line stepped up for a number of plays after they got into a rhythm.

Check out the Falcons’ twitter for Ricardo Allen’s mic’d up practice, upbeat and entertaining.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

It Was Over From the Start

September 17, 2017

Allison Smith

Green Bay 23 at Atlanta 34

No, really. We lost the coin toss and Green Bay made their first mistake of the day. They gave Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Devonta Freeman the ball…..first. I felt good at that point, then 9 plays later, I knew it was already over as Free ran in his 1-yard touchdown. Which also answers the question of, “Who will have the first official touchdown in Mercedes Benz Stadium?” Free. Who else!?!

What a way to open Mercedes Benz Stadium. A Sunday night prime time, national game, hosting Green Bay, for the third time since last Halloween. Same two teams, same result. The Benz Nest was electric, the crowd loud, the roof, open.

Within 5 minutes, the Falcons were up 7-0 and did not look back. The Packers did drive back down the field to tie the game at 7 all with a 1-yard touchdown run of their own. From that point on, it was Atlanta scoring and Green Bay punting. On the Falcons next drive, Freeman had his second touchdown of the day, and celebrated with a jump shot into a net created by Andy Levitre. NOW, this is fun. We still need Mohamed Sanu or Taylor Gabriel to score, so we can get a good touchdown celebration, but we will take this for now.

Free Running Free – Leading to the first Touchdown in the Benz Nest

Sanu did have 5 catches on the day, good, over the middle, hit taking, stretching catches for 85 yards, yet no touchdown yet. Turbo had 2 catches for 14 yards. Which means, that Julio Jones was not the decoy, but the lead receiver for the day. Ju finished the day with 5 catches for 108 yards, including a big 34-yard reception, where he fought for those additional yards.

In the second quarter, “Money” Matt Bryant easily kicked a 51-yard field goal, followed by the first official receiving touchdown in the Benz Nest, a 3-yard catch by Tevin Coleman.

Don’t you worry, it was not all offense Sunday night. Healed and on his return tour, Desmond Trufant had an interception to stop a Green Bay scoring drive near the end of the half. In true Falcon style, with 47 seconds on the clock and 36 yards to go, Matt Ryan ran for 8 yards, passed over the middle to Sanu for 21 yards, had a short pass to Austin Hooper, then the touchdown pass to Coleman. The Falcons took a 24 to 7 lead into half time….to the ROAR of the crowd.

The second half started with the Packers receiving the ball, since they had chosen to give us the ball in the beginning of the game. Aaron Rodgers hands off for a quick 5 yard run by Ty Montgomery, who was quickly greeted by Deion Jones. THEN, the real excitement began. As Rodgers dropped back, Vic Beasley, Jr. sacked Rodgers, causing a fumble, which Trufant collected and ran in for a touchdown. Instantly, the Falcons now lead 31 to 7.

The teams then traded field goals, including Money’s 53-yarder. Finally, the Packers find the end zone again, go for the 2-point conversion, which fails. To be sportsmanlike, the Falcons ran some time off the clock, allowed the Packers to score another touchdown, have a successful 2-point conversion, then called it a game, running over 4 minutes off the clock and giving the ball back with just a minute and 2 seconds to go. The game ended with a Robert Alford tackle of Geronimo Allison.

De’Vondre Campbell had his first NFL sack and tallied 8 total tackles. Brian Poole started off hot once again this week, having the first and fourth tackles of the game, constantly swarming the ball carrier and ending the game with 6 total tackles. Grady Jarrett caused another couple of holds this week. Overall, the defense had many less missed tackles this week, which please Head Coach Dan Quinn, as there were double digit missed tackles in week 1. While there were only 3 sacks in the game, Rodgers became familiar with many of the Falcons defenders as he was knocked down all day, including getting to introduce himself to rookie, Takk McKinley.

Special teams was on fire once again, with Bryant tallying his 200^th field goal as a Falcon, Matt Bosher had touchbacks on all 7 kickoffs, punts of 50, 45, and placement punts of 38 and 32 yards. Andre Roberts had one kickoff return of 15 yards.

Overall, it was a great game. The only negatives were the injuries. Ryan Schraeder left early in the game with a concussion, and is in concussion protocol this week, therefore unlikely to play against Detroit. Courtney Upshaw was also injured with an ankle injury, which looks to be a sprain. Upshaw had an MRI and is out against Detroit. And finally, the most devastating, possibly more as a fan than to the team overall, was Beasley. DQ reported Beasley’s injury as a hamstring sprain and is out for this week, but will be week to week after that. Early reports and rumors defined Beasley’s injury as a tear and expected to be out 4 – 6 weeks. I’m going with DQ. Beasley may be out for a couple of weeks, then we have the Bye, so we may not see Vic until after that.

As we know, DQ loves versatility and depth, so we should be ok for a few weeks with the above injuries. Recently signed, Ty Sambrailo came in and did a good job for Schraeder. Brooks Reed, Adrian Clayborn, and Takk McKinley will step in and up for Beasley. With no defender playing all of the defensive snaps anyway, splitting Beasley’s and Upshaw’s snaps should not be a problem. Campbell can also step in to provide line support, as he has been playing multiple positions already and proven himself to have really stepped up his game this season.

Iron Falcon Award: While many are giving the MVP of the game to Trufant, and I do love Tru, my Iron Falcon goes to Adrian Clayborn this week. If you were at the game and watching, Claybo was SO close to Rodgers all night. And for a big guy, he’s got moves. He was all over the backfield, chasing Rodgers from side to side, out of the pocket, and while he only had 1 sack, Claybo was definitely disruptive.

#RiseUp

@FalconAlley OWT