Devonta Freeman – FalconAlley Football

Falcons Still Can’t Put a Game Together

October 27, 2019

Article and Photos by Allison Smith

Seattle 27/Atlanta 20

It is a beautiful pre-Halloween weekend in Atlanta. The roof to Mercedes Benz Stadium is open, there is a slight breeze. Lots of Falcons and Seahawks fans outside, tailgating, enjoying Falcons Landing activities, and meeting each other. After all, there is no real animosity towards each other, and Atlanta does have the Seattle former Defensive Coordinator.

Seattle takes the field on offense. On the first play, Vic Beasley, Jr. makes a great spin move, GradyJarrett almost has Russell Wilson in his grasp, but instead, Wilson scrambles for 15+ yards and has a first down near the 50. Hear the life already leave Mercedes Benz Stadium. On a 2nd and 9 at the 24, Wilson has a deep pass to the end zone which is perfectly defended and broken up by Isaiah Oliver. On the 3rd and 9, Wilson throws the ball out of bounds. The Falcons’ defense has held up ad forces a field goal. With 11 minutes to go in the first quarter, the Seahawks lead 3/0.

With 38-year old Matt Schaub at the helm, his first couple of plays are hand-offs to Devonta Freeman, which go for nothing behind no blocking. Then Schaub finds Austin Hooper for a big first down. Freeman has a short run and then a short catch to keep the ball moving. Calvin Ridley can’t make the 1st down reception and the Falcons, with their 3rd punter of the season, Kasey Redfern, are forced to punt.

After a couple of run attempts, on 3rd and 11, Russell has another incompletion with Oliver in coverage. The Falcons take over on their own 10-yard line.

Schaub has a quick 25-yard pass to Julio Jones on the right side, then finds Freeman for a 2-yard, then 11-yard gain. Spreading the ball around, Schaub finds Ridley down the left side line for another first down. The offensive line give Schaub time to view all of his options and he then finds Justin Hardy for an 8-yard gain. Freeman runs to the left for the necessary 2 yards for the first down. Another big Hooper catch, Freeman up the middle for no yards, then the Falcons get backed up by a Wes Schweitzer false start. Another pass to Freeman leaves the Falcons 2 yards short of the first down and force a 51-yard field goal attempt. Gasp. Matt Bryant’s first miss on the day.

Wilson takes the field again, at their own 41. Deion Jones has his first tackle of the game, waiting on the ball carrier to come to him, but makes the stop. De’Vondre Campbell and Damontae Kazee combine for a tackle. At the 33, Beasley steps up for the sack, but instead, Wilson finds Tyler Locketfor a first down. Several plays later, on a 2nd and 4, DK Metcalf is wide open in the end zone and with 11 minutes to go in the half, the Seahawks lead 10/0.

With the ball back in the Falcons’ offense’s hands, Freeman gains 3 yards up the middle. Schaub overthrows Julio downfield, then hits Julio for a short gain on the left sideline. With a 4th and 1 on their own 34, the Falcons go for it. Schaub finds TE Jaeden Graham, wide open, for 11 yards and the first down. Now rolling, the next pass is a 20-yarder to Jones along the sideline. He is called for an OPI. The Falcons call a time out. There is no challenge. Now, the Falcons are 1st and 20 at the 35 instead of 1st and 10 at the Seahawks 35. Schaub drops back and finds Seattle’s Mychal Kendricks for the interception.

Foye Oluokon trips up the Seattle rusher so Campbell can tackle him. Grady gets off the blocker and away from a hold for the next tackle. Wilson fakes a handoff, then carries down the right side himself, bypassing Jones, then Oliver finally knocks him out of bounds. A few plays later, another touchdown. With 4 minutes to go in the half, Seattle leads 17/0.

The Falcons’ offense takes the field. Again moving quickly with a pass to Julio at the 44, a pass up the middle to Freeman. Then a lob back to Freeman for another big gain. A quick pass to Hardy while on the run was knocked out of his hands, as he rolled the ball, still trying to bring it in. An errant throw by Schaub toward Ridley was a near interception by Akeem King. King had the ball and an open field, but dropped it before he could run. Fourth down, Bryant on to attempt a 53 yard field goal. The score remains 17/0.

With less than 2 minutes to go in the half and driving, Seattle is near midfield, Wilson throws a 20-yard pass to Locket, that was perfectly covered by rookie CB Kendall Sheffield. Carson goes up the middle for 5 yards where he meets Jarrett. The FALCONS call a time out. Wilson has an incomplete pass to Metcalf, then another 20 yards to Lockett, again, covered well by Sheffield. Then the FALCONS call their final time out. With a minute to go, Chris Carson gets to the 2, then as Wilson scrambles away from Campbell, he finds Metcalf in the end zone. With 27 seconds to go, the Seahawks lead 24/0.

Somehow, the Falcons get off 4 quick plays. Two passes of 18 and 15 yards to Luke Stocker and Jones, respectively, then at the 42, Schaub spikes the ball with 4 seconds left. No clue what the plan is at this point, but likely it was not to get sacked by Jadaveon Clowney, lose 11 yards, and fumble the ball. Thankfully, the half is over.

The Falcons get the ball to start the second half. Hooper has a reception, then stiff arms defenders to turn it into a 35-yard gain. Freeman finds a hole and gains 15 yards, which is called back on an Alex Mack hold. After a couple of quick passes and a neutral zone infraction, the Falcons are 3 and 1 at the 31 and lose a yard to Clowney. With over 11 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, the Falcons use a time out and determine to go for the 4th down. Luck has it that Clowney is super active suddenly and has his second neutral zone infraction and provides an automatic first down. Freeman goes around the right end for 4 yards, then Brian Hill comes in to relieve him and runs 23 yards for his first NFL touchdown. The Falcons line up for a 2-point conversion, where Schaub finds Ridley in the back of the end zone for a miraculous catch, both feet down and the score is 24/8.

The defense comes out as hyped as the offense. Seattle manages -11 yards in a 3 and out effort, including tackles for loss by Ricardo Allen and Jarrett and a quick stop by Beasley. GRADY JARRETT gets the Sack on Wilson – the first Falcon sack since week 3 against the Colts. On 4th and 20, Seattle punts.

Schaub has a short pass to Freeman that goes for 7 yards. Mack has another holding penalty backing the Falcons up. On 2nd and 13, Schaub hits Julio for 17 yards. Hooper and Hardy are running the same route as Schaub releases and Hardy speeds up and nearly makes the catch. Freeman gains 13 yards on another pass. Then Freeman bounces right for a 9-yard run. Hill has back to back runs for a total of 6 yards. Schaub is sacked, but holds onto the ball this time. His next pass is behind Russell Gage. Bryant comes on for a successful 47-yard field goal. With just over 3 minutes in the 3rd quarter, Seattle still leads 24/11.

The defense forces another 3 and out, including forcing offensive penalties and a net gain of 2 yards on the series.

When you think it is all turning around, it does not. Traveling 85 yards down the field with successful runs by Freeman, and receptions by Jones, the Falcons are at the 27 when Schaub throws a 19-yard pass to Ridley, who makes another great catch, takes the hit and holds onto the ball. He was taken off and evaluated for a concussion from taking a big hit and nearly landing on his head. Then…..Freeman gets the pass, runs 7 yards to the 1, while twisting and stretching for the end zone, he fumbles the ball which was recovered by Seattle.

Seattle has a quick run for 3 yards for breathing room. Then Wilson finds Lockett for 19 yards, where Rico brings him down. The offense has a holding penalty to back them up, but Wilson finds Lockett wide open for a 12 yard gain, Sheffield tackles out of bounds, then David Moore for 23 yards wide open by Blidi Wreh-Wilson who trips Campbell and Kazee finally makes the stop at the 47. Several short rushes, stopped by the line, then Tyeler Davison gets off his block and turns around for the sack on Wilson for a loss of 2 yards. On 2nd and 12, the scrambling Wilson is watching Jarrett in the backfield, runs to escape, but is quickly stopped by Beasley, an OPI on Lockett, then short pass to Jacob Hollister, and the Seahawks successfully kick a 54-yard field goal, to lead 27/11.

With under 6 minutes left to go in the game, the offense takes the field again. Back to back receptions by Gage for 10 and 17 yards. Then Kaleb McGary has a false start. Schaub finds Hardy for 15 yards, misses Gage, then back to Hooper for 14 yards, mostly after the catch. On the 1^st down, Schaub finds Gage on the sideline for 5 yards, then under pressure, he throws towards Jones, he is knocked down with no penalty called. 3^rd and 5, Schaub lobs it into the end zone, toward Ridley, but hits the helmet of the Seattle defender. The defense was off sides, and Schaub smartly knew he had a free play there. Moved up to the 14, Schaub finds Gage for 6 yards, then way over Hooper in the end zone, with the defender draping him and hitting him in the head – again – no call. Julio gets the call and shoves his way to the 1 yard line. Seattle calls a time out. Stocker is in motion, Hooper gets another touchdown reception. Going for 2 points again, with the exact same play to Hooper and the defense was not fooled, so the score is now 27/17.

With just under 3 minutes to go, the Falcons D forces another 3 and out with Jarrett and Campbell leading the way in stops. The Falcons get the ball back, a quick 21-yard pass to Julio, then to Ridley for 30 yards. In the no huddle, short pass to Hooper who smartly runs out of bounds, then another 8-yard reception to Ridley. The two minute warning stops the clock.

After the 2-minute warning, Schaub hits Gage over the middle then near the sideline and another first down. At the 19 with a minute and a half to go, Schaub spikes the ball and the Falcons send Bryant on for the 37-yard field goal. The score is 27/20 and after the unsuccessful onsides kick, Seattle runs out the clock.

FalconAlley Owt

Need a Get Right Game? Play Atlanta.

October 13, 2019

Atlanta 33 at Arizona 34

Article by Allison Smith

Photos by Atlanta Falcons

In this week’s episode of “How can the Falcons lose?” they had a good strong start, lulling fans into a happy zone. They took the ball, went down to a score by Calvin Ridley. The defense held the Cardinals to a field goal. Then…..they allowed scores on the next 5 drives, while not scoring themselves. In the second half, they had to come out fighting for their lives…..again….and almost made it this week. Well, to a tie. Matt Bryant, very uncharacteristically misses an extra point with 1:53 left in the game.

While some want to bash Bryant, let me write out the rest of THAT game. The game is tied with 1:53. Arizona gets the ball. Works to get down field. The defense holds them, forces 3^rd downs. With seconds to go in the game, the defense breaks and the Cardinals score with :08 seconds to go and crush all hopes anyway. I’ve been a fan a long time, I know how this story ends. Bryant’s miss just ended it earlier.

Sadly, it crushed him. The rest of the team could have done so much more in the other 58 minutes, that this game is not on Bryant. I don’t know the issue for sure, but he does need some consistency in his holds. The injury of punter Matt Bosher, then parade of other punters, and now Matt Schaub holding cannot be good.

Now, the referees did not help any on the day. They ruled a catch, that was not an Arizona catch. A Falcon caused fumble was ruled not a fumble. There was a no call on a fair catch interference, and near the end of the game, Kyler Murray was ruled to have a first down, when he did not actually reach the marker.

A bright spot of the day was Austin Hooper. He caught all 8 balls thrown his way, tallying 117 yards and a touchdown. Devonta Freeman had another good game, looking like his old self again. He accumulated 88 yards on 19 carries and one breakout run of 15 yards; and again, caught all 3 targets for 30 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. Running the ball worked well early and late in the game, but during the catch-up time, it was more difficult. Keith Smith had some good blocks, working hard and getting into a little fight, good fullback play.

The offense did score 33 this week, Matt Ryan had another stellar game, one so good, that of the 67 other times these stats were recorded, 66 of those quarterbacks won their games. Ryan was 30 of 36, for 356 yards and 4 touchdowns with no interceptions; a 144.9 quarterback rating. Ryan spread the ball around well with 8 (or 9) different receivers, even Kaleb McGary “caught” a pass. Ill-fated as it was. The offense had several big packages, and lots of tempo and mixed packages, in which Ryan thrives. Which makes one wonder where these have been all season.

Ryan admittedly made a bad decision on an overthrow to Ridley while Jones was on a sail route, Ridley came back, but Ryan missed him. Naturally, this was on a 3^rd down. Ryan was heard admitting to this overthrow, but saying that they would continue to work and just needed one game under them to start. He even quoted former teammate Mud Duck (Todd McClure) “There ain’t no mentum like momentum.”

The defense gave up so many explosive plays, many on Isaiah Oliver again. Note that Oliver was only in because Desmond Trufant was out with a toe issue, as Kendall Sheffield was slated to replace Oliver until Trufant was ruled out. There were no quarterback hits at all this week, clearly no sacks. Gave up a 4^th and 2, which eventually led to a touchdown. The defense has allowed an average of 34.5 points in the 4 losses.

The defense also came out strong in the 2^nd half. After being down 20/10, the defense had 3 back to back stops while the offense scored 17 points. They weren’t giving up any free lanes or open looks. Even with no hits on Murray, they were starting to get good pressure on him. The defense gave up 240 yards in the first half, 100 in the second. Why can this not be the entire game?

On the glass half full view, the Falcons lead the league in forced fumbles, none recovered, but they are hitting hard and grabbing for the ball on occasion.

In the 4^th quarter, Deion Jones made a big stop on David Johnson, forcing a punt, with led to the Falcons tying the game at 27. If the Falcons had won the game, this may have been the play of the game.

Once again, Grady Jarrett was the best player on defense, affecting the quarterback, causing penalties, stressing the line. Grady had 6 tackles. De’Vondre Campbell lead the team in tackles with 9, followed by Oliver, Kemal Ishmael, and Debo at 6 a-piece. Rookie Sheffield had 4 tackles, one of which was on a 3^rd and 10, forcing an Arizona punt.

Penalties were down this game, only 8, but again, at costly times. On the Falcons’ 2nd possession, from the Arizona 49, Ryan scrambled for 4 yards, negated by a James Carpenter hold. 1st and 20, delay of game. Way back in Falcons territory, at 1st and 25, Julio Jones gains 3 yards, Hooper has a 6-yard reception, then Jones drops a ball, which would have been mute with a Ridley PI. And it’s 4th down and a punt. In the beginning of the 2^nd half, on a 3^rd and 8 by Arizona, Oliver has a penalty, on a no catch, that instead turns into a first down.

There was a block in the back on a punt, so instead of the ball at the 25, the Falcons were backed up to the 10. On a 3^rd and 10, a sack/fumble leading into a punt. A horse collar on Vic Beasley that lead to the final Arizona score.

Special teams was looking better this week, trying a variety of returners. Kenjon Barner was back and returned 3 punts for 17 yards, and 1 kickoff for 24 yards. Ito Smith had 2 kickoff returns for 59 yards. Newly acquired punter Kasey Redfern punted 3 times for an average of 43 yards. Bryant had 2 successful field goals and 2 of 3 extra points made. One of his field goals was close in the right side, which is why I think he pulled the missed XP too much to the left.

Again, the young quarterback of a seemingly hapless team ends up being the offense player of the week, setting records. Chase Edmonds has his first touchdown (ended with 2) of his career.

Overall, the offense looked good, special teams was ok – between returns vs. coverage, and the defense was good in the second half. Both sides of the ball were not consistent throughout the game and led to the fourth game in a row.

Injury Report:
Jamon Brown left the game with a knee injury, but was full practice on Wednesday.

Desmond Trufant did not practice on Wednesday, continuing with his toe injury.

Several others were limited after tweaks from the game, Blidi Wreh- Wilson is trending up and hopefully will be back this Sunday.

Golden Talon

Austin Hooper and Devonta Freeman for standing out and stepping up offensively this week, getting better each week.

FalconAlley Owt

Falcons, One Good Half

Written By Allison Smith

Photos by Atlanta Falcons

October 6, 2019

Atlanta 32 at Houston 53

Once again, the Falcons put together one good half of football. Today it was in the first half and you thought it was going to be a shootout the entire day, but alas, it was not and the Texans ate them alive in the second half.

Kendall Sheffield receives the opening kickoff and gets up to the 16-yard line. Mohamed Sanu, Calvin Ridley, and Julio Jones are in with Devonta Freeman to begin the game. Freeman runs left and is met behind the line by Whitney Merciless. Austin Hooper hauls in the next short pass for a gain of 5 yards. A ball intended for Jones is batted down. Another, 3 -0 to start the game.

Matt Wile is in to punt, gets a good one off and DeAndre Carter is stopped quickly by Sheffield in the open field. Carlos Hyde takes the first hand off of the day from Deshaun Watson and is stopped by Grady Jarrett. Hyde meets Jarrett again, this time, Grady knocks the ball out and it rolls back for a 15-yard loss. Their 3^rd run attempt is stopped for a 1-yard gain by Adrian Clayborn.

Sanu is back to receive the short punt, but the punt does not reach him. The Falcons take the ball at their own 34. Matt Ryan drops back and completes a beautiful pass to Jones for the first down. In I-formation, Freeman gains a single yard. Ryan in the shotgun, quick pass to the left side intended for Ridley, but he slips and cannot get back up in time. Then, Ryan hits Jones again for a first down. JJ Watt is called for roughing the passer, adding an additional 15-yards on the play. Another handoff to Freeman, who is immediately stopped again. Ridley has 1-on-1 coverage, Sanu is in the slot, Ryan looks to Julio, then Sanu catches his first touchdown of the season. Sanu made the catch at the 3, then forced his way the rest of the way in.

Early in Q1, the Falcons lead 7/0. Watson tosses a 5-yard pass to Will Fuller. Hyde bounces off several defenders with Allen Bailey knifing inside, and Hyde is finally stopped after the first down by Deion Jones. Hyde is now off and running, gains 14-yards, running by Jones and is stopped at midfield by Ricardo Allen. Another short run is stopped by Jarrett. Watson attempts a pass to Deandra Hopkins and is broken up by Desmond Trufant. Three wide outs in for Watson, from the shotgun, he bounces to the right and Vic Beasley chases him, along with Claybo who knocks the ball out, but it bounces back to Watson for 9-yard gain and first down. Duke Johnson gets the handoff and is stopped quickly. Watson has another successful pass to Fuller for a near first down. Damontae Kazee is too far outside in coverage vs. the inside. Watson in the shotgun and finds Jordan Akins wide open for a 21-yard reception, everyone is playing zone, Isaiah Oliver is man to man and the only one there. Hyde is in the backfield, Watson throws the touchdown pass to Fuller between Allen and Trufant.

Sheffield, with no blocking, made his own way up to the 25 on the kickoff. Facing zone coverage, Ryan pitches to Freeman on the left for a yard. An incompletion to Jones on 2^nd down. On 3^rd and 8, Ryan lobs one up to Sanu who leaps up among many defenders and makes the reception for the first down. It appeared this was intended for Ridley, who was sliding on the ground again. Ito Smith is in at running back with all the tight ends, he gets a couple of yards. Three wide tight end package and Smith gets 11 yards, behind the block of Wes Schweitzer. Ryan throws a 24-yard pass to Ridley on a deep out route. Justin Hardy is in motion, Ryan changes the play, shoots the ball out to Hardy who makes the 5-yard reception. Smith runs into the Houston wall, gains 1 yard and the first quarter is at an end.

JJ Watt shoves Kaleb McGary out of the way and sacks Ryan. Matt Bryant on for a successful 35-yard field goal.

Wile kicks the kickoff out of bounds at the 40. Hyde gets the call and Bailey wrestled him down after a 2-yard gain. On 2^nd down, Watson to Hopkins and a 14-yard gain, stopped by Kazee and the newly acquired Johnathan Cyprien. Watson to Fuller with a quick stop by Tru, forces a 3^rd and 1. Hyde gets the call, looks to be stopped, is not and gets the first down, finally stopped by Tyeler Davison. The next play, Watson eyes the field and tosses it to Fuller in a deep crossing route for a touchdown, while the Falcons are knocking each other out of the play. The Texans miss their extra point, but lead the Falcons 13/10 with only 3 minutes gone in the second quarter.

Sheffield to ATL 15 for 13 yards. Ryan throws incomplete to Jones, then finds Ridley for 7 yards. Smith up the middle for 4 yards. Freeman is hit in the backfield on the next play, then doesn’t make the reception on the short pass. Smith is back in, makes the short reception for a 4-yard gain, on a 3^rd and 12. Wile on to punt from inside his 15-yard line to the Texans 12. The returner is hit by Luke Stocker, but there is a block in the back by the Texans, so they start their next drive at their own 7.

Hyde gets the first call for 4 yards and is met by De’Vondre Campbell and Jack Crawford. Watson passes short to Fuller, Kemal Ishmael going for the strip. On 3^rd and 3, Watson in the shotgun, up to Keke Coutee for 4 yards and the first down, stopped by Ish. On first down Hyde gets 7 yards and is hardly met by Devo and Ish, who is making himself known today. Hyde is met by….you guessed it, the spinning Jarrett and has a 1-yard loss. At their own 26, Watson is in the gun and tosses up to Fuller, again and he gains 36 yards. Oliver slipped as Fuller goes by, Oliver and Ish finally get enough jersey to pull him down. At the Falcons 38, Johnson gains 3 yards on the right side. Then the Texans are called for a false start to make it 2^nd and 12. Watson is in the shot gun, throws over the middle, is tipped and incomplete. 3^rd and 12, Fuller catches the 8-yard pass and stopped by Claybo, forcing a 50-yard field goal. The field goal is good, the Texans lead 16/10 with 4 minutes left to go in the half.

Sheffield runs into traffic on the return and gives the Falcons the ball on their own 18. Ryan in the shot gun, quick pass to Jones for 8 yards across the 26. Hand off to Freeman, gains the first down by starting left and cutting right. Three receivers on the field, Ryan is under pressure, Ridley makes the 16-yard reception at the 44. Free another couple of yards as they go to the 2-minute warning.

To begin the final 2 minutes of the half, Ryan has 3 receivers to the left, pocket collapses, he runs and is tackled by Watt just before the first down. Sanu is behind center, takes the snap, Freeman gets the handoff, goes to the right for 21 yards. With just over a minute to go in the half, Falcons are at the 26. Ryan is in the shotgun, under pressure, Ryan scrambles for 4 yards, but Smith is called for holding. Falcons back at the Houston 36, it is 1^st and 20. Ryan fires downfield, ball is tipped over the outstretched hands of Ridley, with Sanu trailing the ball and almost hauling it in. Ryan quick throws to Smith, who is forced out by the facemask, so the Falcons are 1^st and 10 at the 14. Ryan incomplete to Ridley. Smith was called for holding, but the refs saw the replay and wipe out the penalty. Texans coach calls a time out.

From the Houston 15 and 37 seconds to go, Ryan takes the snap and hands off to Smith for 5 yards and call their first time out. On 3^rd down, Freeman is back on the field, Ryan off a screen to Freeman who forces his way in for a TOUCHDOWN.

With 22 seconds left in the half, the Falcons take the lead at 17/16.

Wile kicks into the end zone. Johnson takes the ball up the middle for 9 yards where he is stopped by Takk McKinley and Kazee. After another Houston time out, Watson has on incomplete pass to Fuller, defended by Takk. Another Johnson run up the middle, stopped by Jones and Ish. The final time out with 5 seconds left, Watson finds Coutee for 17 yards and he runs out of bounds at time expired.

The Texans received the ball in the 2^nd half. Hyde again takes the ball first, a 2-yard run stuffed by Davison. Watson then has a 4-yard pass to Hopkins. On 3^rd down, Watson goes deep to Coutee for 51 yards, where he is finally stopped by Rico. Johnson goes to the right side for 6 yards and is stopped by Debo. Hyde tries up the middle again, where Jarrett and Ish are waiting. First and goal at the 7, Watson to Fuller at the 1, Oliver makes the big stop. From the 1, Hyde gets the call, up the middle and in for the touchdown. The extra point is good and the Texans take the lead 23/17.

Next Falcons series, Ryan throws a screen to Freeman who is swarmed again. Then a receiver screen to Sanu – flags everywhere – personal foul, clipping by Alex Mack. Falcons on their own 15, with a 2^nd and 20, Ryan throws out of bounds over Ridley. 3^rd and 20 and big completion to Smith, who only makes it to the 25, forcing a Wile punt.

First and 10 from their own 34, Watson runs for 30 yards. From the Falcons 36-yard line, Johnson spins for 7 yards, stopped by Jones. Fuller makes the reception, fumbles, recovers and still gets 14 yards. At the Falcons 13, first down, Watson in the shotgun, Jones wraps up Johnson quickly. Watson scrambles right after 5 yards and is pushed out by Sheffield. After an incompletion to Fuller, Houston is forced to kick a field goal, 26/17 Texans.

First play is a pass for loss to Hooper, who then collapses on the field, apparently leg/ankle twist. He eventually jogged off under own power. A big pass over the middle to Freeman gains 7 yards. On 3^rd and 2, Ryan is pressured up in the pocket by Watt then sacked by DJ Reader. Watt easily gets by the right tackle and Freeman. Wile on to punt again, out of bounds. A flag is called on Houston and they will begin their own 12.

Watson is chased back into the endzone by Jarrett, after the ball is thrown, Bailey knocks Watson and is called for the penalty. Meanwhile the ball is a bomb up to the 50 that is nearly intercepted. With the ball at the 27, Hyde goes for 7 yards and is stopped by Trufant, there is a penalty on Darren Fells, and for the 3^rd time, it is first down, now and 20 from the 17. Watson, never shaken, finds Fuller 32 yards up the field, who is stopped by Sheffield, for a big first down. Hyde gains 7 yards and is stopped by Jarrett. Second and 3, Watson rushes to the right for the first down. At the Falcons 41, Watson fakes to Hyde, throws over the middle to DeAndre Hopkins for a 36-yard gain…..knocking Jones down and tackled yards later by Rico. Fuller makes the reception and is stopped at the 1-yard line by Oliver and Campbell. On the next play, the offense is called for a false start and moves the Texans back to the 6. From the shot gun, Watson drops back and lobs it out of the reach of Akins. Sheffield is called for the hold, providing a first down at the 3. Another false start on the Texans, then from the 8, Watson easily throws over all the Falcons defense to Fells over Campbell for the touchdown. With less than 2 to go in the third quarter, the Texans lead 33/17.

Ryan comes out throwing, a successful 14-yard pass to Ridley. Then a rushed incompletion to Hooper with Watt all over Ryan. 2^nd and 10 at the 39, in the wild cat set, Sanu runs left side for 1 yard. On 3^rd and 9, McGary gets the false start and it is 3^rd and 14. Ryan out of the pocket, throws to Hooper at the 44, and is hit as he throws. The third quarter ends as the Falcons prepare to punt.

On the Wile punt, Carter fumbles the ball and Jordan Miller pounces on it for the recovery. Now starting at the Texans 16, Freeman gets the ball for 3 yards. A shovel pass to Freeman gets to the 6, but there is an illegal shift prior to the snap and it is 2^nd and 12. Ryan’s pass is batted down by Watt. Empty backfield, Ryan makes the completion to Smith at the 8, 1 yard short of the first down. Fourth and 2, Ryan runs way back, makes the completion to Sanu, who is at the edge of the goal line and fumbles the ball. His knee was down before the ball came out – in a reach – so, no loss. First and goal at the 1. Smith gets the handoff to no avail. Second and goal, Jones is split out, doubled on the left. Freeman gets the call up the middle, even with the push of McGary – he is short. Third and goal from the half line, Ridley is wide out to the left, Ryan on the sneak, fumbles the ball and the Texans recover and Freeman makes the stop on the defender.

After the touchdown evaluation during the commercial break, the ball broke the goal line before Ryan fumbled it, so the touchdown is good, and the Falcons go for two. The ever-reliable Hooper catches the ball and gets the 2. Now, the Falcons are down 25/33 with over 11 minutes to go in the game.

Another Wile touchback, but this time, Carter runs it out to the 19. Watson is in the shotgun and hands off to Hyde who easily runs up the middle for the first down. Another Hyde run up the middle for only a 4-yard gain. Watson finds Hopkins for 20 yards over Oliver as Rico and Debo bring him down. In Falcon territory, Hyde tries another run, but is met by Jarrett again for no gain. A big pass over the middle to Hopkins with Oliver in chase, for 10 yards. Playing man to man, but the defense still cannot get a stop. Johnson takes the ball left, fast. After 24 yards, Rico is able to bring him down. At the Falcons 13, Johnson gets the ball again, but only a yard gain, Bailey and Jarrett. 2^nd and 9, Watson under center, chased by Grady, circles way back in the backfield and finally throws out of the end zone. 3^rd and 9, Hopkins in the shotgun, lobs one to Fells in the end zone stretched out over Ish.

With 6 minutes left in the game, the Texans lead 40/25.

On 1^st and 10 from the 25, Ryan throws over the top to Freeman for a gain of 9. From the shotgun, Ryan throws way down field to Sanu, the ball is tipped incomplete. Watt is called for roughing the passer and gives the Falcons 15 yards and a first down. From the 50, Ryan scrambles and is sacked by Watts, getting by McGary again. Ryan completes a 3-yard pass to Sanu, the 18 yards to Hooper. Another successful pass to Hooper for 11 yards. With 4:20 to go, at the Houston 27, Ryan is being chased and throws the ball out of bounds. Another incompletion out of bounds, while Schweitzer is called for the holding (on Watt). 2^nd and 20, Ryan in the shotgun, flips the ball to Freeman who gains 8 yards. 3^rd and 12, Ryan steps to the right, scrambling, Ridley for the 29-yard touchdown. The Falcons are down 40/32 and there is hope again.

Another bad kick off by Wile and the Texans start at their own 40. Johnson gains one yard stopped by Bailey and Davison. The Falcons take their first time out. Watson gets the snap and passes to Fuller on the left side for 7 yards, stopped by Takk and Tru. Falcons take their 2^nd time out. On 3^rd and 2, Watson hits Hopkins who is stopped by Oliver in bounds and take their final time out. 3 minutes left with no time outs, only the 2-minute warning and the Texans at midfield.

Takk makes a tackle for a 3-yard loss, ripping at the ball as well. On 2^nd and 13, Watson fires left for Hopkins for 8 yards, stopped by Sheffield and Rico as the 2-minute warning stops the clock. 3^rd and 5, Hyde in motion, Watson dancing and throwing to Fuller for another touchdown – Trufant in busted coverage.

After the kickoff, Ryan throws to Russell Gage at the 46. Ryan is hit as he throws another incompletion. Freeman gains another 5 yards, then a 14-yard pass to Hooper. Ryan steps to the right, on the run, and throws a pick six, as every falcon fan throws something through their tv and calls it a year. A 79-yard interception for a touchdown.

With 24 seconds to go, the Falcons actually put the offense back on the field. Ryan takes a knee and all of Houston celebrates.

FalconAlley Owt

Arch Analyzes Loss to Indy

September 25, 2019

Recap by Allison Smith

Dave Archer was on with the Andy & Randy Show on 92.9 The Game’s Midday Show.

Former Falcon quarterback and now game announcer joined Andy Bunker and Randy McMichaels on Wednesday to talk about the last game and the next.

Archer was asked about fixing the penalties. Note the Falcons were penalized 16 times in the loss against Indianapolis. Archer commented that penalties are on the player. “The coach can tell you the techniques and try to show you in practice, but as a player you have to concentrate and focus on yourself.” As he noted, players know the rules, but have to do it and take ownership of your issues. Dan Quinn is bringing in referees this week to practice, but Archer mentioned this may not be overly affective. You can have some drills with refs watching and telling the players, checking hand placement on blocking, etc. It is difficult to simulate game day stress and action with the limits the NFL imposes on contact in practice. Something needs to change however, in 3 games, the Falcons have given up an average of 90 yards a game on 11 ½ penalties.

Archer did say that even with the zone defense this week, the defense did not play horribly. They were in position, just overall didn’t tackle well, giving up way to many yards after the catch. Again, with the ever changing NFL rules, no defensive backs want to tackle low as not to hurt themselves, or lead with the shoulder or head. You also cannot hit too high to the opposing team’s shoulder/head. Another thing difficult to simulate with limited contact in practice.

With Keanu Neal out for the season, Archer thinks it is likely that Kemal Ishmael will start at Safety, but as he is much bigger than Keke, he is also slower. Damontae Kazee will stay at Nickel. Jamal Carter was moved up from the practice squad so will likely be in and out throughout the day. He is quick and a hard hitter.

Archer commented that Devonta Freeman looked much better because the offensive line gave him the creases he needs in Indianapolis. Except for the fouls/holding penalties, the O line looked better and more coordinated and gave the running backs more room, and did not give up any sacks. Archer noted they needed to continue to give Free those cutback lanes. Rookie Kaleb McGary played the entire game and did a great job.

When asked who needs to step up…..Archer said the Falcons need more out of Isaiah Oliver, clearly no more fouls, but he is getting it and improving. The Falcons also need the edge players to take another step up. While playing better, need to make another jump this week. The Falcons can get in Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota ’s head. With pressure, Mariota can get down and rattled, but the Falcons want to ensure they don’t just push him out of the pocket, because he will run.

Archer referenced that Dirk Koetter admitted the offense needed to come out quicker with a faster tempo to start. But also, Quinn said the defense needed to come out and start faster. Today’s practice will begin with 1’s on 1’s to get them ready early.

Practice began with a light feel to it, will see how it goes today and Sunday, as they begin Tennessee game prep today.

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