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Dan Quinn Coach’s Show – Falcons 39/Cowboys 40

September 21, 2020

Hosted by Dave Archer on 92.9 The Game

Head Coach Dan Quinn began his chat with Dave Archer lamenting over the gut punch loss on Sunday to the Dallas Cowboys. “As much as it hurts, it is only one loss. But, there is no more tale of two halves.” Quinn stated that the responsibility is on “everyone to perform for 60 minutes.” He included the players, but also the coaching staff and himself. As frustrating as this loss is, the Falcons need to move on to planning for Chicago.

The Defense set the stage for the game, notably the multiple forced fumbles by Deion Jones and Foye Oluokun. Quinn really complimented Foye, saying that he has worked extremely hard to learn and know his assignment and as a special player, Foye has taken it farther than just the tackle, but aiming to take the ball out. Those aggressive and successful plays become contagious to the rest of the defense. As you could see from the numerous take-aways early in the first quarter.

Quinn also had high praise for Calvin Ridley. His mindset is set to be better and better, always wanting to learn and better himself. Ridley worked so hard in the offseason and in training camp, learning to break people off in man to man, etc. Quinn knows this is going to be a special season for Ridley. His first touchdown Sunday was a work of art. His cut and concentration to catch the ball, and keep focus to stay in bounds to get the touchdown.

Another stand out was Hayden Hurst, on the half roll to get open and into the end zone. Hurst is amazingly fast and able to make plays because of that, not only a catch, but make a catch on a flat and up and go.

Some misses were the short field after the unsuccessful fake punt by the Cowboys, but the Falcons only got 3 points on that and the next drive. “When we get our chances, we want to take our shot and be more successful in the red zone and get in the end zone” instead of settling for 3’s. Quinn is happy to have Younghoe Koo be so successful, but need to be more successful in the red zone.

With the first half coming to a close and the score 26/7, Dallas drove but was stopped for a field goal, but then the Falcons were able to use their much practiced 2 minute drill and finished the half with another field goal.

After the half, Dallas came out with a good opening drive. In less than 3 minutes they drove for a touchdown. Then, Atlanta gets inside Dallas territory, runs the wild cat with Russell Gage throwing to Julio Jones at the goal line, but Ju couldn’t haul in the ball. “We had a second play ready, but had a penalty” which pushed them back from 4^th and 2 to 4^th and 7. Quinn has been very pleased with Gage, he had a really good game and can really throw the ball too. Quinn wasn’t too sure on that penalty, too many men in the huddle was called, but it was really changing personnel on a long play and Ridley wasn’t in the huddle, still coming back up the field. “But, you have to overcome whatever comes to you.”

Quinn also contributed the second half turn around to the Falcons committing some penalties and big plays by Dallas. Allot of those plays are 50/50, but they kept going Dallas’ way. Dallas was able to stay in the passing game at that point and provided them with short and manageable 3^rd downs.

The team kept trying, after back to back Dallas touchdowns, the Falcons answered with a touchdown to Gage, to maintain the lead.

Asked about the failed execution on the onside kick, clearly there needs to be more education and clarity on what to do. But when you see the ball, you “need to be more aggressive and go after the ball.”

On the numerous defensive injuries on Sunday, Quinn noted that rookie Mykal Walker played well subbing for Foye, but there isn’t another Foye, especially as well as his game started. He noted that it is hard subbing in some guys. Someone gets knocked out and put in someone new and young, so you try to feature that player in their best light, but difficult when that wasn’t planned pre-game. But you have to be ready.

On the health of everyone that left the game on Sunday, “Nothing that will knock anyone out long term.” So, while everyone is still being evaluated, no one is expected to be out more than a week or two at this point.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

Falcons First Half Highs, Second Half Lows

August 17, 2018

Chiefs 28 at Falcons 14
Deion Jones and Matt Bryant were in street clothes, announced inactive. Again, Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones were dressed, but did not play at all. So many teams have seen season ending injuries already, so happy to have those guys sit.
Justin Hardy and Calvin Ridley were sent back to receive the opening kickoff. Ridley received the kick and returned it 34 yards.
Brandon Fusco got the start at right guard. Ridley, Marvin Hall, and Mohamed Sanu with the start as receivers. The first play was to Ridley for no yards. Then to Tevin Coleman for no yards. Third and eleven, Matt Ryan finds Austin Hooper for 29 yards. Tevin stepped behind Alex Mack and rushed up for back to back 15-yard gains. Ito Smith now in at running back for 3 yards. Then a 4-yard diving touchdown pass to Hooper.
Matt Bosher resumed his kickoff duties. Foye Oluokon had a good stop on kick coverage. Terrell McClain and Duke Riley made a good stop. Clearly Riley trying to step up his game this week. Brian Poole came across the field and took the receiver out of the air to stop the Chiefs with a 3 and out.
Hardy is starting for punt returns as well and returned it 17 yards. Unfortunately, Smith had an illegal block in the back to cancel the return, but we did get to see what Hardy can do.
The first team returns to the field and Ryan shoots a 16-yard pass to Hall. Then, the upcoming star of the year, Ridley catches a big 36-yard pass over his left shoulder as he falls. And the Falcons are instantly inside the Chiefs’ 30. A few plays later, facing a 4 and 2, Andy Levitre had a hands to the face penalty and the Falcons turn the ball over on downs.
Brooks Reed, Deadrin Senat, and Keanu Neal combined for a stop, and Neal (not surprised) gets called for the helmet to the head penalty. But if you watch the replay, he did not lead with the head, but took the call. Grady Jarrett got major pressure up the middle and Poole was able to make the 11-yard loss tackle. Poole continued to show out with another tackle to the sideline. Then Grady made a stop to cause 3rd and 5. The running back was able to get around the side along the sideline where he was stopped by Ricardo Allen. Duke Riley was in pursuit, but got caught up in a block. Robert Alford had a nice pass break up. As seen in training camp, Blidi Wreh-Wilson has greatly improved and playing smart and aggressively and nearly had a pick in front of Sammy Watkins.
Kansas City had a first down at the 4 and the Atlanta defense stood up and forced a field goal.
For the third offensive set, Matt Schaub comes in. Smith is in at running back. Ben Garland and Ty Sambrailo are in on the left side, while Wes Schweitzer is in at right guard. Hardy had a nice quick reception for a first down. Russell Gage gets his shot and hauls in an 18-yard reception. Reggie Davis comes in at receiver. Smith is getting allot of carries and being successful with his quick spin moves and pushing through for some good yardage. Schaub finds Ridley on a crossing route for a first down. Justin Crawford gets a chance at running back and gains 2 yards. Back to Smith who goes to the right side for another few yards. On 3rd and 4, Schaub finds Davis. Then, Big Play Ridley, catches his first touchdown as a Falcon.
Blidi Wreh made the stop on the kick off. Patrick Mahomes threw up a pass to Sammy Watkins, and Damontae Kazee picked it off. Kazee came to play tonight again. Blidi Wreh knocked Watkins off his timing a bit and Kazee reads the play from the start, cuts across the field, and leaps up and rips the ball out of the air.
Schaub and the offense come back out. More successful hand-offs and passes to Smith, then a big 24-yard catch by Eric Saubert, with many of those yards after the catch. Schaub finds Davis on a crossing route, just short of the first down, due to having to slow up for the pass. On fourth down, Smith gets stuff and the Falcons turn the ball over on downs.
The second half took on the same hot mess as last week’s game. Kurt Benkert looked good, until he threw an interception that he should have tucked in. Oliver looked good in kick coverage. Ito Smith had several kick returns, which except for bobbling each several times, looked good. He also had 13 carries for 34 yards at running back. Brandon Fusco looked good at the right guard spot and pancaked several guys making room for Tevin to get some good yards.
Foye Oluokon flew around at the linebacker spot, finishing with 1 tackle, but also very active on special teams. Duke Riley stepped up tonight and was better in coverage most of his time in. As always, Brian Poole was on point and covered the explosive Tyreek Hill perfectly. Russell Gage came in with the 2nd team and had 1 reception for 18 yards.
Of course, Damontae Kazee is a stand out again, with no tackles, but a big interception. Terrell McClain really stepped up tonight.
The first team offense got into a good rhythm tonight. No pre-snap penalties, Ryan went 5 of 7 for 90 yards and a touchdown. Calvin Ridley had 3 receptions, 1 touchdown, 49 yards, and a 35-yard return. Austin Hooper had a touchdown and 2 receptions for 33 yards. Definitely more consistent.
First team defense did not give up a score. Robert Alford with the knock down in the end zone. They started with a 3 and out. And the regulars were swarming.
Dave Archer spoke to Calvin Ridley after the game, he is so humble, with his stats on the night and he is just “ready to contribute.” Ridley said he’s just working and practicing, and again, “Willing to contribute however the team wants me.” Again, said that Julio Jones is coaching him up after every play.
Overall, this game was not as painful as the first, and saw some real bright spots for the first teams and some guys on the 2nd or 3rd. And another week and no one is hurt. Likely, 50 spots are already on lock and there are not many position battles. We will see what we see in game 3 next Saturday.

#RiseUp
FalconAlley OWT

Photo Credit: Atlanta Falcons

Falcons 2018 NFL Draft

Written by Allison Smith

Photos by Atlanta Falcons

So, the 2018 NFL Draft is in the books. Atlanta Falcon fans seemed very excited and pleased with the first pick of Alabama’s Wide Receiver, Calvin Ridley. As a Clemson fan, I have seen enough of Ridley across the field, so I know what he can do and am excited to see him play for MY side.

Another 6 picks this year, another even split between offense and defense. I think the big surprise, however, is that in the first round, Head Coach Dan Quinn did NOT select a defensive player. I do not know that anyone had thoughts of drafting a wide receiver, much less with the first Falcon pick. It is clear that the Falcons drafted best player available at each time, not just the couple of holes that we needed to fill. And those aren’t many.

The 6 rounds are listed below:

1 – 26: Calvin Ridley – WR, Alabama – 6’1” 189 lbs

2 – 58: Isaiah Oliver – CB, Colorado – 6’0” 201 lbs

3 – 90: Deadrin Senat – DT, South Florida – 6’0” 314 lbs

4 – 126: Ito Smith – RB, Southern Miss. – 5’9” 195 lbs

6 – 194: Russell Gage – WR, LSU – 6’0” 184 lbs

6 – 200: Foye Oluokun – LB, Yale – 6’2” 215 lbs

In Calvin Ridley’s senior year at Alabama, he caught 63 balls for 967 yards and 5 touchdowns and was named to the First Team All-SEC. Ridley waited patiently with family and friends for the draft day phone call, when the phone (finally) rang and Thomas Dimitroff was on the other end, Ridley was very appreciative and polite. I think Ridley at 26 was a surprise to him and many others, but as he heard that the Falcons were interested he said he “was stoked…(and this) was a blessing in disguise. He was not smarmy or negative, but I am sure everyone was telling him that he would go earlier. There was only one other receiver type (TE) that went before him, so clearly this draft was a little different that the norm.

As Ridley’s name was officially announced on television, his family and friends celebrated and Ridley was overcome with emotion. Early Friday, Ridley with mom and girlfriend in tow, was in Atlanta where he toured the Flowery Branch facility, was presented with his new #18 jersey, and spoke to the media. After a weekend in the sun, Ridley is ready to work and knows the commitment needed to be an NFL receiver and appears ready to put in that work.

Ridley was well-spoken, very appreciative to be in Atlanta, ready to light it up and bond with others in the Brotherhood. He noted that being drafted by the Falcons was “The best day of my life.” Ridley can play the slot or outside and will very likely be tested at punt and kick returner as well.

Ridley and Julio Jones were already in touch before the draft and both are excited to be partnered up, along with Mohamed Sanu, Sr. for an explosive 2018 season. TD said of the Ridley pick, “We wanted to add an extra additional of explosiveness to the offense” and they feel like they have done so with Ridley.

In the second round of the draft, the Falcons selected Isaiah Oliver. He is a decathlete, so he should be good for endurance; he runs a 4.5 40 and is praised for his speed and explosive leaping ability (hello disruptive). TD said that Oliver is a “long, versatile athlete than can get his hands on the ball.” Sounds like another ball hawk. Coming out after his junior year and missing a few games due to a leg injury, Oliver still shined, being named first-team All-Pac-12 with 2 interceptions, 27 tackles and 13 pass breakups. DQ mentioned his speed and length (33 inch arms) and his ability to play inside or outside and had spent some time on punt returns. You know how DQ likes versatility. TD seconded those emotions saying that Oliver “had some of the best skills in the draft” and is very versatile.

Oliver was “beyond excited” to be drafted into the Brotherhood. He said that he is “ready to work, ready to ball and make plays on the field.” He is definitely ready to contribute to this team.

Finally, in the 3rd round of the draft, Ben Garland takes the stage to announce the Defensive Tackle we all expected in the 1st round. Deadrin Senat is another interesting story and looks to be a perfect fit to the Brotherhood. Quinn noted that with the adversity he has already faced in life, it is obvious that Senat “has tremendous amount of resiliency.” Senat is definitely motivated. He grew up in a rough neighborhood, lost both parents before he was 20, helped his older sister with her daughters, but still stayed in college, and finished his 4 years. He is compared to Grady Jarrett in size and is noted to be strong and active, (big and quick) a real gym nut. His game tape shows a persistent disruptor, and we know DQ isn’t all about stats and numbers, he knows who is causing havoc in the backfield. And it looks like Grady Jarrett and Deadrin Senat are going to do just that.

Senat has shown marked improvement each year at USF, successful at both run and pass defense, he has steadily moved his run defense grade from 75 to 86.7 and pass rush grade from 69.2 to 80.1 from freshman to senior year. He started 36 games for USF with 178 tackles, 23.5 for loss and 7 sacks. In 2017, Senat had 30 run stops which is the 4th most among the draft DL class.

TD noted that Senat is a “big interior guy that can be very strong holding the point, he moves well inside.” While DQ followed that he is strong, square, and tough and will be in there with Grady and Jack Crawford. Likely will be in the rotation very early in the season.

Senat is very excited to be in Atlanta, “It is all about my family, I love my nieces. I am willing to work, eager to soak in knowledge from anyone.” He also said that “If they want me to play fullback, I will play fullback.” That is definitely the heart that you want added to your team. Also, he would make his own hole at FB!!! He has clearly already bought in to the Brotherhood, already using the “one thing at a time” improvement mentality.

In the 4th round, the Falcons selected running back Ito Smith, likely looking to groom the next RB behind Devonta Freeman. Thoughts are that Tevin Coleman is too good to be a 2nd or joint back and will move on next season, especially since Free has already been paid. Clearly Smith could be used at a variety of positions, or even throw 3 backs in there at one time. Smith ran a 4.45 40 at the combine. He had 1145 yards on 248 carries and 13 touchdowns while at Southern Mississippi. He had 7 – 100 yard games as a Senior. He is “willing to line up in the slot or in the backfield.” And seems excited to be in Atlanta as well. Falcons new running backs coach, Bernie Parmalee worked him out and clearly had some good insight into this pick. Smith is a good utility back and, as with Free and Tevin, can run and catch the ball. He is not a big bruising back, but that is not the Falcons’ current backs either. He was 1 of 10 players in NCAA history with at least 4000 rushing yards and 1000 receiving yards.

Smith said that when he saw Atlanta back on the clock, then the phone rang and it was an Atlanta number, excitedly, “Oh my God. Here we go.” He later noted, “Only 256 guys gets picked. Coach Quinn gave me a chance. They are going to get my best….going to give it my all.”

The Falcons skip out of the 5th round and their first of two picks in the 6^th round had Atlanta picking another offensive weapon, WR Russell Gage out of LSU. A departure from our 3 years of back to back LSU defenders, but a 4th year of LSU Tigers joining the team. Gage is recognized for being really fast. He also (versatility comment coming) played defensive back in high school, so you wonder if he may be converted. Gage is recognized for being a Special Teams stud, one of the nation’s best kickoff and punt gunners. Again, make the team, then work. You never know where that will lead.

And with their second 6^th round pick and final pick of the 2018 draft, the Atlanta Falcons select linebacker/safety Foye Oluokun out of Yale. Oluokun is very athletic and has a proven track record on special teams. Likely, if he comes in on defense, it will be as depth at the linebacker spot. Oluokun is smaller than the average linebacker, but his speed and athleticism may make up for his size. Oluokun is very effective against running backs and tight ends coming out of the backfield, but less affective directly against the run. He is often so fast however, that he does make stops behind the line of scrimmage.

Overall, we need to see everyone in game day action, but sounds like another good draft class; maybe not big names, but I am excited about these guys and seeing what all they can do. Clearly, Ridley will/should be the star of this class, but Senat is likely going to be a standout as well.

@FalconAlley Owt #RiseUp

Dukes and Bell Catch up with Ricardo Allen after Day 2 of Mini Camp

Recap of Interview by Carl Dukes and Mike Bell, written by Allison Smith

June 13, 2018

Ricardo Allen enters his 5th year as an Atlanta Falcon. From a late cut his rookie year, to the practice squad, to a leader on defense, Rico has had quite a ride in the NFL so far. In the 2017 off season, Rico and wife Grace welcomed their second baby, he graduated from Purdue, and most recently signed his 2nd round tender to stay a Falcon for another season. It was very important to Rico to earn his degree as an example to his children, “Anything you start, you need to finish.” While he hopes to be in Atlanta playing the rest of his career and not need his degree, he is proud of the work he put in to receive it and actually walk at graduation.

After Day 2 of Falcons Mini Camp, Rico spoke to Dukes and Bell (Carl Dukes and Mike Bell of 92.9 The Game’s afternoon show). If you know about Rico, you know he is one of the hardest working guys on the team and is a film nut. As I have reported numerous times, just days after the playoff loss in Philadelphia, Rico was at the Branch watching film and working out. He said that he watched the game over and over on the flight home, already taking notes on things to improve. He noted that the team was a tackle or turnover or an inch away from the SuperBowl last season. He knows this team is not that far off.

When asked about vacation time between Mini Camp and Training Camp, Rico replied, “We had vacation and time off after the season ended. There is no vacation time now, I am ready to go.” Anytime there are not official team activities at The Branch, Rico is working out 2-3 times a day, either at home or at The Branch.

Dukes and Bell asked about the current team and the work outs, Rico said that they are competing and taking care of each other. “Can’t win games right now, but can put in the work.” Rico is the mentee assigned to Isaiah Oliver and said that Oliver is long and can run with any receiver on the Falcons roster, he has great ball skills and comes in very mature.

Asked about some of the new offensive weapons, Rico commented that Ito Smith is fast out of the backfield and finishes every rep like he is going to score a touchdown. He said that Calvin Ridley is a “Good dude. He did not come in like a first round pick, but instead like a rookie willing to work. He is definitely going to make something happen.” He noted that all of the rookies came in knowing the team was already a good team, but there were some roles to fill.

Defensively, Allen commented that “We have allot of speed on defense, and when one of us is coming, know the other 10 are coming too.” As the deepest defender in the secondary, Rico has the best view and depended on for lots of communication to the rest of the defense. He said that he will watch 2 to 3 years of film on an offense to learn all of their tendencies (did I mention film nut?). He also plays allot of Madden. Madden shows their best plays and when a team is in a crunch, that is what they pull out of the bag, so you know Rico is already ready.

Dukes and Bell asked about the best offense they face in the NFC South. Rico said they go against the best of the best each week in practice.

On the Cornerback front, Rico commented that Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford (Tru and Rocky) are good. “They have been grinding, already getting balls popping up in the air” even though there is no tackling happening yet.

Plans for 2018 as a defense…..”Want to get more turnovers.” He noted that they had at least 5 turnovers overturned by penalties last season, clearly they plan to clean that up. After going from a 30something ranking up to the 8th ranked defense last season, Rico wants “Our Defense to be the #1 defense” this season. On the rookies and young defenders, “We got some dawgs out there – pull the leash off of them and let them go.” And commented that we have the fastest linebackers around.

Sounds like the defense is ready to go. We know many of the guys came in bigger and stronger and faster, so the 2018 defense is definitely going to be something to look forward to.

#RiseUp @FalconAlley Owt

**Graduation photo courtesy of Ricardo Allen, Interview photo is courtesy of 92.9 The Game

The Brooks Reed Road Show

Atlanta 23 / Chicago 17

By: Allison Smith

Brooks Reed maybe didn’t do it all, but he certainly stepped up all game and sealed the win to give the Atlanta Falcons their first win of the season. Reed had an early pursing sack, 5 solo tackles, and the sack that basically ended the game, leaving 3 seconds on the clock and the ball back in the Falcons’ hands for the final kneel down to conclude the game.

The opening game in Chicago was a little rough, but in the end, we won and that is all that matters. Also, we came out with no injuries. The defense looked good early on, fast and physical, but seemed gassed later, which is unexpected with the constant change and depth. The offense was also not overly impressive, but did enough to get the job done.

091017 Hooper 88 yards — Austin Hooper in the middle of the Chicago C with his 88-yard Touchdown. Photo Courtesy of NFL.com

The unexpected star of the offense was Austin Hooper. Apparently with all the big named stars, the Bears’ defense forgot about our Tight End. He was left wide open early in the 4^th quarter for a pretty easy 88-yard touchdown. He did have a pretty nice stiff arm on a defender, and most of the receivers were running and blocking for him. On the next Falcon possession, Hooper hauled in a 40-yard pass that led to the final points of the game, a Matt Bryant field goal.

As expected, Julio Jones was a decoy much of the day, which Ju is always happy to be. He was blocking, running downfield, and decoying to allow others to get open. Mohammed Sanu had the most receptions at 6 for 47 yards. Taylor Gabriel hauled in 3 for 36 yards, while running backs, Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman also combined for 6 catches for 22 yards. While they had more rush attempts, again combined, they only tallied 53 yards. Heck, Ryan had a 13 yard run, for nearly a touchdown early in the 2^nd quarter. Yes, I was holding my breath when Ryan tucked it and ran, but he handled it well and seemed energized after that run. That set up the FIRST touchdown of the season! Who had their money on Freeman for the first TD??? With just over 4 minutes left in the half, Freeman ran in a 5 yarder while everyone pulled to the right, Free used the rest of the field to run into the left corner of the end zone.

Unfortunately, as high as we were after that Freeman touchdown, the Bears marched down the field in 7 plays and matched our touchdown and went into the half tied at 10/10.

If you want to improve your game, apparently the answer is laser surgery. De’Vondre Campbell was on fire Sunday. Campbell had 6 total tackles, and played multiple defensive positions and was all over the field, making plays with much improved closing speed. Rookie Duke Riley was also impressive and involved in 5 tackles, and definitely eyeing the ball and ball carrier. Also disruptive, without the official stats, Grady Jarrett, having 2 offensive penalties called on offensive linemen trying to block him (and several more could have been called). Vic Beasley, Jr. and Brian Poole both had sacks on the day. Ricardo Allen and Robert Alford both had some good pass break ups on the day and 3 tackles a piece.

As mentioned earlier, even with the defense in and out so much, they looked gassed late in the game and were playing a little far off and giving up too much. They did cause 2 fumbles and had 4 sacks on the day, but overall had too many missed tackles. Throughout most of the game, however, there were not many yards after the catch, as the D was there when the ball arrived. The biggest problem with the defense on Sunday was Bears running back Tarik Cohen. He had 4 rushes, one for 46 yards, caught 8 passes, one of which was a touchdown, and returned 3 punts, a long of 17 yards. Yes, he apparently does everything. Kudos to the rook out of North Carolina A&T, glad we don’t play him again.

Special teams fared pretty well. Of course, the Matts performed as expected. Bryant hitting all 3 field goals and 3 extra points. Bosher with 3 punts, a long of 62. Andre Roberts showed well returning all punts and kickoffs. The opening kick, he took back 63 yards, but a penalty was called, placing the ball back on the Atlanta 8. At least Roberts was showing what he can do. He had a long of 11 yards that did count, and a punt return of 15 yards. There is a spark there, he just needs a little help.

Overall, a good start to the season, al biet a little frustrating for us fans. We did start 0-1 at home last season, so I am sure there will be some changes before opening our new home to the Green Bay Packers this weekend. I know one change, the offensive line will shape up. Matt Ryan gave him a piece of his mind Sunday, “you’re going to get me killed” out there. Akiem Hicks had 2 sacks and a late hit on Ryan, who was hit several other times on Sunday as well. Don’t be married to that o-line as it stood on opening day.

Side note…Mr. Decoy….Julio Jones, had his 500^th catch Sunday. This ties him for the quickest to 500 catches in only 80 games. He is tied with Anquan Boldin for fewest games to that 500.

091017 Game Winning Sack — Brooks Reed’s Game Sealing Sack of Mike Glennon Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Iron Falcon Award: Obviously goes to Brooks Reed this week, but note, it was a team win, but Brooks stepped up at the end when we needed a stop the most. His first sack on the day, Brooks chased Mike Glennon, put his hands up to force Glennon to pull the ball back down, then pursued on to the sack. The game winning sack, Brooks shed his blocker and chased Glennon down for a 9-yard loss and sealed the win.

Featured Image is courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons