Grady Jarrett – Page 6 – FalconAlley Football

Redemption in The ATL

Eagles 20/Falcons 24

September 18, 2019

Photos and Article by Allison Smith

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

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

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

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

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

Calvin Ridley Making the Catch with Defenders Closing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Freeman Preparing to Block then Receive the Shovel Pass

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

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

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

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

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

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

Injury Report:

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

Golden Talon:

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

FALCONALLEY OWT

Mistakes in Minnesota

September 9, 2019

Article By: Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

The offense is one of the best in the league, on paper. The Defense is back at full strength, young, healthy, and with a new Defensive Coordinator. A revamped Offensive line, that never played together in the preseason. New Special teams coach with restructured and built up return game. Overall game plan. BLAND. Overall, team play. BAD. This is how the Atlanta Falcons begin the 2019 campaign.

The only player not active due to injury was Matt Gono, leading Kaleb McGary to start at right tackle. Next to him is fellow first round draft pick, Chris Lindstrom. McGary did share time with experienced Ty Sambrailo.

The first offensive play of the game was indicative of the entire game. The Falcons offense takes the field after the opening kickoff. The first offensive play ends in a sack on Matt Ryan for an 8-yard loss. Followed by a short Devonta Freeman run, then a 12-yard scramble by Ryan, that resulted in a fourth down. The punt was blocked and Minnesota starts their first drive on the Falcons’ 21. Two plays later, Kirk Cousins finds Adam Thielen for the touchdown.

The Falcons managed 4 turnovers, while the defense officially forced one, but did not recover that ball. Ryan threw 2 interceptions. The first was a bad decision to an overly covered Julio Jones, the other seemed like a miscommunication to Luke Stocker in the end zone. Stocker pulled up while Ryan threw the ball to the corner of the end zone, into the hands of Anthony Harris. Meanwhile, Mohammed Sanu, Julio, and Calvin Ridley were on the sidelines. The usually sure handed Freeman had a fumble in the red zone, which Sanu came up with, but was ruled a turnover to Minnesota. As a note, Freeman was nearly down and going for extra yards and not just dropping or mishandling the ball, but in the end, a fumble is a fumble.

Ryan didn’t look comfortable Sunday, clearly beginning with a sack doesn’t help your quarterback feel confident with his mostly new offensive line.

Austin Hooper lead the team in receptions with 9 catches for 77 yards, but was used too late in the game to matter. Ridley had 4 receptions for 64 yards and an uncelebrated touchdown. Jones had 6 receptions, 31 yards, and a very late touchdown. As usual, Sanu made some incredible catches for 57 yards and Justin Hardy looked sharp on limited time with 4 receptions for 41 yards. Russell Gage had one reception that lead to a no call hit to the head and left the game under concussion protocol.

The offensive line that was built in free agency and the draft (including moving up in the draft to take 2 offensive linemen in the first round), was no better than last season. The starting lineup never played together in any of the 5 preseason due to rotations, injuries, trials. The Falcons rotated tackles in and out instead of settling on a single player for the game.

Freeman and Ito Smith were the only running backs activated for the game. Freeman had 8 rushes for 19 yards while Smith tallied 31 yards on his 6 carries. Ryan was the second leading rusher with 2 scrambles for 24 yards. Third downs became easily predictable due to the lack of the running game. The o-line allowed 4 sacks (3, against Jake Matthews) and 7 hits on Ryan, so he never really had time to set and make good passes and with the running game nearly non-existent, there were many 3 and outs, leaving the defense on the field much of the game.

That being said, the defense did a decent job and adjusted well after half time, but it was too little too late at that point. The defense gave up 265 yards on the day, but could not stop the run game. The first score for Minnesota was immediately after the punt block, so was a short field and an instant 7/0 lead. Now healthy, Keanu Neal, Deion Jones, and Ricardo Allen had good games, with 1, 5, and 3 tackles respectively. Likely Keke and Rico will receive fine letters this week due to “physical” hits. Meanwhile, Vic Beasley pulled up on a possible sack, possibly because of the rules in the back of his head.

The leading tackler was new Falcon Tyeler Davison with 8 total tackles, followed by Minnesota grad De’Vondre Campbell with 6. The interior defensive line had a decent day (Davison, Grady Jarrett, Jack Crawford), however the defense could not set the hard edge and ended up giving up the soft corner too often. Dalvin Cook had a 21-yard play when Takk McKinley ran inside and didn’t have containment. Overall, the defensive ends had a rough day. As expected, Isaiah Oliver was picked on, very successfully for the Vikings.

The defense was not able to make Kirk Cousins uncomfortable, so he was able to easily complete 8 of 10 passes for 98 yards, then rely on the running game. Cousins did fumble three times, one caused by Jarrett, the other by Neal, but was ruled out of bounds, and simply missed the hand-off once. The rest of the game however, Cousins was not under duress.

Like many fans, I think the Falcons did not have enough starters time on the field, or on the field at the same time during the preseason. They needed more real playing time, together, and better communications. The communication issues were even more prevalent in the offensive issues, offensive line as well as Ryan and some of his receivers. The team accumulated 9 penalties. And after the drama of bringing back Matt Bryant, when the Falcons did finally score 2 touchdowns, they went, unsuccessfully, for the 2-point conversion and did not even utilize Bryant.

Overall, the team looked ill-prepared for the start of the season. All 3 phases of the games were near disasters. The first play of the game was a sack allowed by the offense, three plays later, a punt was blocked, then two plays later, the defense gave up the first touchdown of the game. Everyone’s post-game interviews sounded mad and frustrated with their performance. As they should have. Hopefully this means big things for the home opener on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Injury Update

Russell Gage: In concussion protocol.
Chris Lindstrom: Broken foot, on IR, out for 8 weeks.

Golden Talon: Grady Jarrett – Grady recorded a sack, forced fumble, 2 tackles for loss, and 5 total tackles in the game. He had good pressure all day, despite often being held with no calls.

#RISEUP

FalconAlley Owt

Defense Shines in Falcons Third Pre-Season Game

August 25, 2018

Falcons 6 at Jaguars 17

Inactives for Game 3: Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman, Desmond Trufant, Deion Jones, and Ricardo Allen. Getting the start in their place, Justin Hardy, Tevin Coleman, Isaiah Oliver, Foyesade Oluokun, and Damontae Kazee.

After the coin toss, the Atlanta Falcons’ offense begins the game, which means that Calvin Ridley is back to receive the kickoff. Kicked into the end zone and Ridley downed it there.

Starting with a play fake and then a 20-yard pass from Matt Ryan to Mohamed Sanu. Logan Paulsen is the starting tight end with Brandon Fusco getting the start this game at right guard. Tevin Coleman has a single yard run, to the right. Ryan and Paulsen are in the backfield, Coleman goes on a slant to the left side and gained the first down. Behind a big Ryan Schraeder block, Paulsen makes a catch for 7 yards. Coleman gains another first down, this time behind the right side (Fusco). Ito Smith joins the fun. From the backfield, Smith gains 3 yards. Then, they give up a 3-yard loss sack. Tyler Patmon knocks the ball intended for Ridley down, leading to Matt Bryant coming in and easily making a 47 yard field goal.

As the Falcons D hits the field for the first time, they come out READY. Jacksonville’s drive begins with Blake Bortles scrambling for a 4-yard gain, then a handoff to Leonard Fournette for another 4 yards, where he is quickly met by Terrell McClain and Brooks Reed. On 3^rd and 2, Bortles’ short pass is tipped by Robert Alford and picked by Keanu Neal. Suddenly, the Falcons have the ball back and at the Jacksonville 42.

Then…..the Falcons go 3 and out. Again. Incomplete to Reggie Davis, a Coleman 1-yard run, then a sack on Ryan. Matt Bosher on to punt 39 yards to the Jaguars 7-yard line.

Kazee starts the Jags possession with back to back tackles, followed by a Brooks Reed stop of Fournette, then an Oluokun stop of TJ Yeldon. Kazee is back at it and blasts Dede Westbrook for a 2^nd down stop. Bortles passes to Fournette who gets by Duke Riley for the first down, with Brian Poole closing quickly. The elusive Fournette spins past Jack Crawford and gains 4 yards. Kazee deflects the next big pass down the field. Kazee almost intercepts the next Bortles pass, while Grady Jarrett is grinding him into the ground. Now the Jags are forced to kick and miss a field goal.

The Falcons get the ball on downs at the 37, but immediately go 3 and out and are forced to punt. The 54-yard punt falls at the 5 and JUSTIN BETHEL downs it on the 2.

The Jaguars begin at their own 2. Deadrin Senat, anticipating the snap jumps offsides to move the ball up to the 7. The running back heads up the middle, but Senat and De’Vondre Campbell quickly meet him for an immediate stop. Isaiah Oliver makes the next stop after a big reception, clearly a mix up on coverage as Oluokun or Campbell should have been on that side to slow down that reception. From the 18, Bortles throws another pass that is deflected, this time by Oliver. Meanwhile, Poole was called offsides and negated the play. Donte Moncrief gets a 37-yard reception, with Oliver spinning and trailing the entire way, finally being pushed out by Alford. Two plays later, Fournette gets in for the 21-yard touchdown behind good blocking and missed tackles by Neal and Campbell.

Another unreturnable kick. Wes Schweitzer comes in at center in place of Alex Mack – who is not injured. Andy Levitre and Jake Matthews are on the left side, with Fusco and Ryan Schraeder to the right. Ryan had 4 receivers on the field, but could not find anyone open and runs out of bounds for a “sack.” Russell Gage is in, but Ryan throws to Austin Hooper who cannot hold onto the ball and suddenly it is 3^rd and 11. In the gun, Ryan overthrows Coleman. The o-line did not hold up well on this series, the 3^rd 3 and out in a row.

Bosher on for the 52 yard, unreturnable punt. Campbell, playing inside linebacker now, was fooled by the play fake, but did make the push out of bounds after a big gain.

Fournette gets by Riley again, for another 3^rd down conversion. Oluokun stayed in his gap and stopped Fournette for minimal gain. Bortles steps up for a big pass but is met and sacked by Crawford with Brooks Reed coming. Grady Jarrett, being jealous, grabs his Clemson buddy Vic Beasley, Jr and heads to the backfield. Beasley is shoving one lineman back blocking Bortles’ path, while Grady is being held up by a lineman, causing Bortles to trip and immediately Grady is on top of him.

The Jags are forced to punt to Hardy. Ryan finds Sanu (against mouthy Jalen Ramsey) for a nice and quick 16-yard game. Sanu is in motion with a play fake to Coleman, but Ryan overthrows the ball. The next pass, to Ridley is dropped. On 3^rd and 10 to Hooper, Barry Church is charged with the pass interference penalty and moves the Falcons to the 48. Coleman gets the call for a few yards, then….behind Matthews and Levitre (left side), escapes down the field for a big 21-yard run down to the 24-yard line. Smith pushes the ball down 5 yards, inside the red zone. A short pass to Hooper, then at the 15-yard line, it is 3^rd and 1, and a pass to Sanu at the back of the end zone is knocked out and Bryant is back on for another successful field goal.

Bosher handles the kickoff where Manual Smith makes the stop at the 25, where the Jags will begin their next drive. Kazee and Riley meet to make the tackle on Keelan Cole. Corey Grant on the screen play is knocked out by Campbell after a 28-yard gain. Defense was caught blitzing. In confusion, Takk McKinley was off the field trying to get on in time, so, alertly, Grady shoves Crawford in to DT and Grady plays DE for a play. The Jags gain 6 yards, stopped by Keke. Takk is clearly back on the field and makes the next tackle, then nearly makes another. Oliver and Kazee combine for a stop forcing a 3^rd down and timeout by Jacksonville. After a Campbell pass break up, it’s 4^th down and the Jags settle for another field goal. Teams head in to the half with Jacksonville leading 10 – 6.

As the second half begins, Bortles comes back out with most of the first team, starting at the 16. The Falcons have completely reset. Senat is still in, but Anthony Winbush, Casey Jones, Justin Zimmer, Jonathan Celestian and Kemal Ishmael, Blidi-Reh Wilson and Justin Bethel are all in now. TJ Yeldon gets the first two plays and is stopped by Celestin then Ish for minimal gains. Bortles has a 9-yard pass to Moncrief that is covered by Blidi Wreh, then runs up the middle himself and CB Bethel comes up to make the stop. Senat makes a good read forcing 3^rd down. The Falcons are in man-to-man and as Bethel gets tripped up covering his man, gets Moncrief out of bounds at the 17. The next play, Bortles throws down to the 2-yard line, where he finds Blidi Wreh. And, the defense heads off the field in lieu of the 2^nd team Falcons offense.

Matt Schaub comes out to lead the offense, including Justin Crawford with the first carry of the 2^nd half, for a loss of 1 yard. Offensive line updates to Jamil Douglas, Ty Sambrailo, Matt Gono, Sean Harlow, and Wes Schweitzer. Schaub has a short pass to Gage, then a short pass to Eric Saubert that turned into a 44-yard gain. A play fake to Crawford, throws up to Ridley for a 12-yard game. Gono has a false start. Another run by Crawford, for another lost yard. Schaub in the shotgun is hit as he throws, Gage almost reeled it in, but could not. It’s 3^rd and 15, due to offsetting penalties on a defender and Gage (again) for movement. Schaub lets one go, Ridley cannot handle the pass, it bounces off of his foot and is intercepted and returned 27 yards before Gage makes the stop. The play is reviewed and reversed determining the pass was incomplete. Bosher on to punt 20 yards to the Jacksonville 17.

Cody Kessler comes in replacing Bortles at quarterback and immediately throws a 33-yard pass to midfield. Ryan Neal makes the next 2 tackles, forcing Grant out of bounds, then tackling Rashad Greene for short gain. Cooper and Celestin made the next few stops for 12 and 4 yard gains. Then Zimmer has a big 7-yard sack at the Falcons 49, then is in the backfield again. Unfortunately, Kessler is able to get a short pass away to Wilds who goes for 31 yards to the Falcons 8, then another to Grant down to the Falcons 4. R. Neal makes the stop at the 2, while Celestin makes the stop at the 1. These two are making the Jags work for this score. On the next play, Kessler fumbles the hand-off, sees and recovers it, then scrambles into the end zone.

Ito Smith brings the kickoff out to the 31-yard line, with no bobbling the ball like last week. Crawford gets the first run, for 5 yards. Then newly acquired RB, Justin Fowler takes the ball another 3 yards. Schaub throws incomplete to Byrd, forcing another Bosher punt. This one for 49 yards, covered by Reggie Davis for a 1 yard loss on the return.

Jacksonville has a quick 3 and out with the new defense stepping up. The 53-yard punt is muffed by Oliver, who loses the ball, but is recovered by Crawford and the Falcons will begin at their 31.

Malik Williams has the first 3 carries, for 9, 2, then 1-yard gains, trying each side, left, right, then up the middle. Kurt Benkurt in at quarterback passes up to Christian Blake for a 9-yard gain, then is sacked for an 11-yard loss. From the shotgun, Benkert hits Crawford for 4 yards, then hits his favorite target, Devin Gray for a 15-yard gain. On 4^th and 2, the Falcons go for it, but the pass goes off the hands of Dontez Byrd and falls incomplete and they turn it over on downs.

The Jaguars begin at their own 40-yard line. Grant goes for 4 yards and meets Neal. A quick pass for no gain, then a sack by Richard Jarvis for a 9-yard loss. And another punt and chance for Oliver, who catches the ball cleanly and returns the punt 6 yards.

Benkert opens it up quickly as he goes deep to Byrd for 41 yards. Crawford carries it for 8 yards, then 7 yards. After 2 incomplete passes, Benkert finds Gage for 12 yards to the Jacksonville 8-yard line. Another 2 incomplete passes by Benkert, but Jacksonville is called for roughing the passer and the Falcons have a 1^st and goal at the 4. Four incomplete passes and the Falcons turn the ball over on downs. Gray caught the pass in the end zone, but could not get both feet down. Crawford had the ball go through his hands.

Time winds down and the Falcons are 0-3 in the pre-season, remember last season, they were 0-4 and a play away from the SuperBowl.

Some guys are definitely making the play for starter spots. Kazee is continuing to play incredibly well and shows himself as extremely versatile. If Kazee could be brought in, Keanu Neal can be moved up to play more inside and really cause a raucous on offenses. Blidi Wreh continues to impress defensively as well and made a definite jump from last season. Oluokun is playing well and looks to be on that 53.

Fusco looks to be the winner at the right guard spot playing well against a very good Jacksonville defense. Ricky Ortiz has likely won the fullback spot.

Oliver is struggling in man-to-man, but doing well in zone coverage. Of course, Grady was very disruptive and Campbell stopped a touchdown. Overall defense, causing turn overs was good, but gave up allot of yards as well. They still need more pass rushing to be dominant this season. There were signs of fatigue (again – as seen in previous seasons) late in the 2^nd quarter.

Levitre allowed a sack, the left side O-line was weak and allowed too much pressure on Ryan. Coleman looked good as expected, especially running left when Matthews and Levitre did pair up for good blocking.

Special teams is much improved from last year, the obvious addition of Bethel, but some of the young guys trying to make the team too, Gage and Paulson especially.

Again, no one injured – so there is that. And the Jaguars are a very good team and therefore a good test. They did not sit anyone, while the Falcons did have several key players on offense and defense that did not play at all. Also note that Jacksonville played their starting offense later than the Falcons played their first team defense.

#RiseUp

@FalconAlley Owt

Photo Credit: Atlanta Falcons

Back at The Branch

July 31, 2018

Monday was back in Flowery Branch where the team was in full pads and played 11 on 11. One of the offensive teams scored twice while the other, did not score at all. Monday was a definite treat for fans in attendance.

Takk McKinley and Ito Smith were on the sidelines working with trainers, just not involved in the full, regular practice.

OC Steve Sarkisian seems more comfortable with the offense (so far) in year 2. Remember, although their year ones held different issues, the leap that Kyle Shanahan made from year 1 to 2 was huge and there are expectations for the same success for Sark.

Despite some offensive trickery, the always studying and football smart, Ricardo Allen had an interception. Matt Ryan pitched over to Justin Hardy, who threw up a bomb, but was very contested by 3 defenders and Rico came up with the ball. Rico was quoted, “True champions do the ordinary things right all of the time.”

Calvin Ridley and Justin Hardy were the returners for each team during the game like scrimmage. Devin Gray hauled in the first touchdown of the day. Damontae Kazee picked off Garrett Grayson.

Devonta Freeman commented that “We are getting better every day, striving for greatness.”

Grady Jarrett was getting individual work with assistant d line coach.

Overall, Mohamed Sanu, Sr. is in midseason form. He continues to make awesome catches, whether high or one-handed, contested or on the sideline, Sanu is catching everything. Mic’d up, he was heard “All I know how to do is take reps and get better.” Deadrin Senat is impressing as well. He is willing and happy to listen to all advice and feedback from the veterans, especially Jarrett, who has been telling him about hip movement and how that varies by different plays. He is honored to be learning from Bryant Young. It was noted that Jarrett has come to camp even bigger, but in the good muscular way (as I have reported in the off season).

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

Cover Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

FalconAlley at The Draft

Article & Photos by Allison Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@FalconAlley Owt

#RISEUP