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.
So, apparently change IS good. Not only did the Falcons move coaching staff around after the bye, but on game day, instead of Dan Quinn calling the defense plays, play calling was split betweenJeff Ulbrich(Linebackers coach) calling 1stand 2nddown defense andRaheem Morris(formerly WR coach) calling 3rddown and 2 minute defense. Morris’ work with the secondary was evident immediately. Also, after winning the coin toss, for the second time this year, the Falcons chose to receive the ball first.
The extra Captain this week was Calvin Ridley.
The offense started strong, pushing down the field quickly. The first play was a speed sweep toCalvin Ridleyfor 19 yards. Then run-run-run byDevonta Freeman. Within the first series, Free had 27 rushing yards. Then, on cue, the offense stalled with back to back false start penalties pushing them back to unmanageable down and distance and forced a 37-yard field goal. Out comes the Saints’ offense,Latavius MurrayandAlvin Kamararunning for short bits and pieces, thenDrew BreeshitsMichael Thomasfor a 16-yard gain,Jared Cookfor a 22, then back to Thomas for another 17 yards. The defense stood up. Murray had no gain,Taysom Hillhad a 2-yard reception, thenDe’Vondre Campbellsacked Brees for a 9-yard loss, forcing the 29-yard field goal. This is when you knew you had a game.
I did hold my breath until the 20/9 touchdown, as I know what Brees can do and know you need a big lead, but felt good about the Falcons most of the day (after the initial forced field goal by the D). The only real negatives on the day were an interception by Matt Ryan and a slightly short kickoff that lead to a big run back….even those were not followed up with any points. After the interception, the defense came out inspired, allowing 8 yards and receiving the ball back on downs at the New Orleans 19. After a 46-yard return, the Saints had another 4 downs to move the ball -9 yards and turn it over on downs again, this time at their own 33.
With a successful run game, the Falcons were able to dominate the time of possession, 34 minutes to New Orleans’ 26. The Falcons had 4 drives that took at least 5 minutes and 4 scoring drives that were 10+ plays. While I have always heard “The best offense is a good defense” the case here is “the best way to keep Brees from scoring is to keep Brees on the bench.” This allowed the defense to be rested and ready when they did take the field, and seemed to energize them as well. Even on the final drive, while playing prevent, they still did not allow a score. The Saints had the ball with a 1stand goal from the 9 and the Falcons forced a 4thdown, that was a yard short of the end zone as time expired.
The offense played allot of no huddle, which isMatt Ryan’s comfort zone. Ryan even had a 17 mph run himself for a big first down. Freeman went out early with an injury, but tallied 38 rushing yards at that point. Brian Hillhad 20 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown reception. Ridley had 1 rush for 19 yards and caught 3 of 5 balls thrown his way for 28 yards. Julio Jonescaught 3 for 79 yards, one being the 54-yard breakout, mostly YAC, and had several crucial blocks, and is of course, is the world’s best decoy. Russell Gagecontinues to impress with 4 receptions for 23 yards, Austin Hooper 4 receptions for 17 yards and another touchdown. NewcomerChristian Blakesnuck in and caught his first 2 NFL receptions, one for a big 11-yard gain.
The defense was almost unrecognizable, there seemed to be no confusion or communication issues this week. The defensive line and secondary were in sync, the backend playing tight coverage made it easier for the D line to be aggressive. At one point, with 3 on the blitz, the Falcons managed a sack. Campbell logged a sack on the first drive, leading the team to 6 total sacks on the day, when the team had 7 on the season. Clemsonwas repped well withGrady JarrettandVic Beasley, Jrsharing a sack, which was for a loss at the 10, forcing the unsuccessful 3rddown attempt. Grady ended the game with 2 ½, Vic got another – WWE spear on his own, and one byAdrian Clayborn, who uncharacteristically seemed to be missing most of the season. Claybo started this week, which was enough to shake it up and help Beasley andTakk McKinleywork differently and get pressure on Brees all day. There were times when Brees actually looked confused. They crowded the pocket all day and when the Saints were doubling Grady, that opened it up for other guys to get pressure and sacks.
Who knows which came first, the chicken or the egg…but the defense was working perfectly Sunday. Whether the man on man coverage provided the line more time to push to Brees, or the line forced Brees into rushed and errant throws, it was a well-orchestrated defensive day. Brees completed 32 of 45 passes, was sacked 6 times, losing 46 yards and hit 11 times and nearly hit many, many more. The defense was tackling in space, wrapping up, and not giving up much YAC. The Saints started at the 38 and were held to a field goal. The defense allowed no big plays and only allowed 25% completion on 3rddown conversions, there were several 3 (or 4) and outs.
RookieKendall Sheffieldis really coming on strong in Desmond Trufant’s absence. He recorded a coverage grade of 89.9 on 53 snaps Sunday. He was targeted 7 times and allowed 5 receptions for only 28 yards, no first downs or touchdowns. Foye Oluokunlead the team with 8 tackles,Isaiah Oliverstepping up with 6, along with Campbell andDamontae Kazee, the later had a pass defended. Kazee was injured late in the game, but did come back in. Ricardo AllenandDeion Joneshad 5 tackles a piece.
Special teams. WOW. New kickers all around and still was a successful day. Younghoe Koo– now known as #KooDat, had 4 successful field goals, with a long of 48 yards. Ryan Allenonly had 2 punts on the day, but was also the holder for Koo. After a punt attempt where Allen was tackled and left, it seemed, crippled, the Falcons were provided the first down on the roughing the kicker penalty. A few plays later, the Falcons were forced to kick a field goal,Matt Schaubcomes out to hold, Allen takes the field and shoos Schaub off the field, as he is ready to do his job. Talk about touchness. Younghoe Koo was awarded the NFC Special Team player of the week in his first week in the NFL! Kenjon Barnerhad 2 punt returns, one a breakoff of 21 yards. Defensively, was the one long kickoff return that yielded no points, and one punt return of 19 yards. Koo was also the tackler on the 48-yard return. We may like this kid.
The Saints scored double digits at home in 100 straight games…until Sunday. This put them one shy of the NFL record. Drew Brees has not been sacked 6 times in a game since the Panthers in 2013….until Sunday. The Saints had only 4 games since 2006 without a touchdown…..until Sunday. No one has ever had 4 “Hands to the Face” penalties in a game…..until Sunday. The Saints WERE the least penalized team in the league…..until Sunday. They had 12 penalties for 90 yards, many turning their 3rdand short into 3rdand long, their defensive penalties providing the Falcons with many free first downs
The Atlanta Falcons are the only UNDEFEATED team in the NFC South. Are the Saints the new “Get Right” team????
Per the Atlanta Falcons website, Grady Jarrett was quoted “It’s definitely encouraging. Going through any kind of losing streak, it’s definitely hard. For us not to be able to give up and try to make changes where we can, wherever we can, to not quit and beat a real good team in their house, it means a lot and it says a lot about our team.”
Injury Report: Devonta Freeman and Austin Hooper are both being evaluated through the week and are listed as questionable at this time.
Golden Talon:THE WHOLE TEAM. 11 and 11 all did their jobs successfully, without mistakes. With injuries, next man up stepped up. And Special Teams was on fire.
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.
Fully Opened Roof
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.
Team Warm Ups
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.
And I don’t just mean the weather. It seems that after the first New England score, the fireworks went up, and the fog came down. From that point on, it was clear that the fog set in on the Falcons as well, taking over 90 minutes to score points from the previous game to just over 5 minutes left in this one.
The game started well enough. The Falcons won the coin toss, deferred to the second half, and put their fast and physical defense on the field. The Patriots had a 5-minute, 9 play drive that resulted in a forced punt short of midfield. At this point, Deion Jones and Keanu Neal both were already amassing tackles and making their presence known. Then, the Falcons offense came out….and….went 3 and out. Again. Then Matt Bosher comes out to punt. Short. Again. Not to be a Negative Nelly, but this is likely when Falcon fans should have turned off the game and gone to bed. We all know, they were going to refer to the Super Bowl 200+ times, so at best, we would be tortured to the end of the game, win or lose.
De’Vondre Campbell’s Sack of Tom Brady – Atlanta Falcons
On the second Patriot possession, the first play, Tom Brady drops back and is immediately sacked by De’Vondre Campbell. So, you start to think this may go well. On 2nd and 17, Brady goes deep to Rob Gronkowski, who is called for offensive pass interference. Suddenly, a couple plays later, the Patriots are punting again.
While everything is still looking positive, the Falcons take the field again. Ryan fakes to Tevin Coleman, bootlegs to Julio Jones, who has a stretch run, gaining 16 yards. Devonta Freeman and Coleman are sharing the load already. On a 4th and 7 near midfield, Ryan drops back and looks, then takes off running to the right and gains the first down. After a short Freeman run, have a play action pass to Mohammed Sanu for 19 yards over the middle. A few plays later after a pass to Andre Roberts is knocked incomplete, Matt Bryant comes on to kick a 37-yard field goal….and Cassius Marsh comes between the left guard and tackle and blocks the attempt. This is for sure your sign. Good news, Ben Garland is in for special teams and ended the play after the Patriots recovered the blocked kick.
Again, first play of the Patriots drive is met with a sack. This one, after a nice spin move by Vic Beasley, Jr., giving him his 3rd sack of the season. Desmond Trufant stuffs the run, and the first quarter ends in a 0/0 tie.
On 3rd and 11, the offense draws Brian Poole and a speeding Grady Jarrett into the backfield, now on 3rd and 16, Brady finds Chris Hogan for 20 yards downfield. And this is how the rest of the game would go. Atlanta NOT converting on third downs, while New England had big gains on third downs. Brady has a pass intercepted by Robert Alford in the end zone, it is nullified by a roughing the passer penalty (similar to last week, not a late hit, but head to head hit) by Adrian Clayborn. On the sideline, Head Coach Dan Quinn asked what they called, and it seemed Claybo was confused on when you can still hit the quarterback, not realizing out of the pocket, he was still seen as a quarterback and could not be touched. Now at the Atlanta 16, two plays later, the Patriots score the first touchdown of the game.
The Falcon offense comes back out aggressive. Ryan fakes it to Freeman and throws a bomb to Julio, but his feet are tangled with the defender and it’s second down. A pass behind the line to Taylor Gabriel, then hit a defender in the helmet, and Bosher is back on for a 49-yarder, where Justin Hardy hits the punt returner immediately.
The Patriots continue their drive, and again the Clemson tandem of Jarrett and Beasley combine for stop. On the 2nd down, Beasley applies the pressure and causes a 1-yard pass play that Jarrett ends with a solo tackle. Then Neal, watching Brady’s eyes, has a perfect pass knockdown in the end zone, causing a New England field goal.
With under 5 minutes until the half, the Falcons start their comeback drive. Freeman has a nice 11-yard crossing the field gain, gives a little juke and has a great cutback, and then his speed kicks in. The offense goes no huddle, 13 yards to Sanu, a 6-yard run by Freeman is called back with offsetting penalties, then the single target to Coleman is incomplete, and Ryan is sacked. With 3rd and 20, Julio Jones catches a 14-yard pass for his 8007th receiving yard (2nd fastest to 8000 yards). Sadly, the Falcons needed 20 yards, but with 4th and 6 to go, again, at midfield, the offense stays on the field. A Ryan overthrow of Sanu gives the Patriots great field position with almost 2 minutes to go. Seven plays later, the Patriots have their second touchdown of the game and take a 17/0 lead into the half. The Falcons did have 3 offensive plays, but not enough to get far enough down the field for even a Bryant field goal attempt.
The Falcons received the ball in the 3rd quarter, marched pretty well down the field until being stopped at the 17 (just inside the red zone) and then had Bryant hit the goal post on the 37-yard field goal attempt.
Once again, Brady and team march down the field, passing to Hogan, running behind Dion Lewis, and with a 1st and goal, the defense stands up, allowing the Patriots down to the 1, where Beasley and Kemal Ishmael combine to push Mike Gillislee back to the 3, forcing another field goal.
With a heavy dose of Freeman (who in his 3rd game that I have notice running really angry), and some help from Jones, the Falcons move down the field. On 2nd and goal, Sanu makes an awesome catch with double coverage and lands just outside of the end zone, 10 inches to be exact. Then, instead of Freeman or Coleman up the middle, or even Dontari Poe passing the ball, or a Sanu 12 Gauge, Ryan throws low to Jones allowing Malcolm Butler to make a good play on the ball. Then on a jet sweep to Gabriel, he loses 5 yards. This playing in completely questionable, but also, the execution was poor, with the blockers for Gabriel being easily taken down.
With an entire quarter to play, you can already feel the stake to the heart. The Pats drive down to the 20, where Poole makes the stop causing 4th down and the final field goal of the day. With over 9 minutes remaining, the Falcons use over half of that time, and over 90 minutes since their last score, to finally find Julio Jones in the end zone. Naturally, Ju makes a miraculous catch, snatching the ball out of the air and away from defenders.
Julio Jones Snatching The Ball Out of the Air – Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta has an onside kick, recovered by the Patriots, who graciously only drove to the 17 where they took a knee from the 2-minute warning to the end.
Once again, there has been no offensive rhythm. If Freeman has a few good runs, they pull him out and put in Coleman. While I think they are both awesome running backs, and have crazy numbers, running in tandem, the team needs to pick a starter. Let Freeman, the highest paid RB in the league, earn his money. Let him tell you when he is ready for a break. Use Julio Jones….MORE. Make 3rd downs shorter. The first half were 3rd and 11, 8, and 2. Second half had 3rd and 16, 1, 8, and 9. Successfully on 2 of 9. Then, of course the famous 4th and 6 and 7s.
Freeman and Coleman combined for 88 yards. Julio was a yard short of 100. Sanu, welcomed back from his hamstring injury, was on fire with 65 yards, while others had 1 or 2 catches only. Once again, the defense was on the field too long, but does allow them to run up stats. Poe and Jarrett were both on the field for 77 snaps, Beasley for 47, Brooks Reed 45. Campbell led the team in tackles with 8 total and the forced fumble on the sack. Ishmael, who came in when Duke Riley went out injured, quickly amassed 9 total tackles, with Jones and Neal just behind with 11 and 10 combined. The Clemson boys had 5 a piece, and of course, Beasley’s sack.
Overall, this game was a complete suck. Even without the Super Bowl revenge, which clearly the team was not buying into, you would have thought they would have put on a better show. Now, we watch, and wait. See what the 3 game road trip holds. They head up to the 3 – 4 Jets, who just got beat by Miami earlier in the day. Then, to Carolina…which at least will be a home game for me, and many, many Falcon fans will make the 85 North trek. Hopefully, the fog will be lifted by next Sunday.
Injury Update: Deion Jones was dinged up, but returned to the game. Duke Riley is having knee surgery and expected to be out at least 4 weeks.
Due to the Riley injury, Sean Weatherspoon is back, bringing a veteran presence and some spunk back to the locker room. Let’s home this helps.
Iron Falcon: If one can continue to be awarded on such a bad loss. De’Vondre Campbell. He tried to set the tone early with a big sack and pressuring Brady all day. Julio Jones, for always being unselfish, getting to over 8000 receiving yards, nearly 100 yards on the day, and his first touchdown of the season, and not even caring because it was in a losing effort.
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