Grady Jarrett – Page 8 – FalconAlley Football

This One is on The O

Bills 23 Falcons 17

October 1, 2017

Cover Photo & Article by Allison Smith

I love our offense, I really do, but they were not firing on all cylinders Sunday while hosting the Buffalo Bills. Granted Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu only played the first half, but overall, the offense was just not that explosive. We put up 17 points, which is obviously only 2 touchdowns, a Devonta Freeman rushing touchdown and a dark horse, Justin Hardy 3-yard catch.

For the second week in a row, receivers were missing balls, tipping balls for interceptions, and this week, Matt Ryan had several wayward passes. Taylor Gabriel was on the field for 60 of the 75 offensive snaps and was targeted 5 times and had no actual catches. That just isn’t right.

The Falcons received the ball to start the game, and we all assumed they would march down the field and score the opening score of the game. Instead, 8 plays in to the game, Matt Bosher was on the field to punt. Damontae Kazee got his first start with Ricardo Allen out under concussion protocol this week and performed well. He’s no Rico, but combined for the second tackle of the day, then followed up with a single tackle a play later. Overall, Kazee had a good day finishing with 8 tackles and a forced fumble. On this same drive, Keanu Neal had one of his patented big hits, Derrick Shelby had a sack on Tyrod Taylor for a 9-yard loss, and Brooks Reed continued to be disruptive. The defense forced a punt, after allowing the Bills to move to the Atlanta 38….and started their second drive of the game at their own one. Thank you and welcome back to Atlanta, Patrick DiMarco. We love you, but downing the punt on the 1 was unnecessary.

The teams traded punts back and forth the entire first quarter and finally, with just over 10 minutes left in the half, the Falcons were on the board with a Matt Bryant 28 yard field goal. Problems in the red zone anyone? Once again, we had a big Tevin Coleman gain of 29 yards, which everyone thought was going to the end zone, but alas, it did not and Coleman was stopped at the Buffalo 16. Ryan did spread the ball around similar to the previous season, including a pass to Hardy, then a short pass to Sanu that he, literally, snatched over the defenders’ head. Unfortunately, this was only to the 10-yard line with a 4^th and 4 and the successful Bryant kick.

The Bills then answered with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Matthews in a quick 8 play drive.

Another punt for each team, catching the boring theme here, led to the Falcons final drive of the first half. Coleman, quickly becoming a highlight reel, caught a 39-yard pass, got both feet and a knee down before falling out of bounds. This call was challenged, and the play upheld. Nick Williams was active and caught a 14-yard pass. Finally, down to the 5-yard line, we pulled out the 12 Gauge with a direct snap to Mohamed Sanu. Typically, this is called the Wild Cat, but the Falcons and Sanu clearly had to have their own name. I submitted “BeanCat,” but Dan Quinn landed on “12 Gauge.” Ryan went out left, tripping himself on his shoe strings, rolled back up and was ready to block. Sanu received the snap, ran the ball himself for the 5-yard touchdown. Which was reversed, so again, we did not get a good touchdown dance. The next play, Freeman ran the ball in from the 1 and immediately headed to the sideline and gave the ball to Sanu.

The half ended not long after with the Falcons leading 10 to 7, Julio leaving slightly earlier, then he and Sanu not returning in the second half. Jack Crawford was also injured and did not play the rest of the game.

The second half, Bosher booms another one into the end zone and the Bills start at their own 25. Suddenly, Brooks Reed met Taylor in the backfield for a 9-yard sack, lighting up the crowd. Two plays later, the Bills were punting. The Falcons take over on their own 20 and after a couple of passes and hand offs, at 3^rd and 9, Ryan drops back to pass and fumbles the ball, which is returned by Tre’Davious White 52 yards for a touchdown. The play was reviewed and determined to be a fumble, not a forward pass (which not only fans, but the announcers believed) so the touchdown stood and suddenly, the Falcons are trailing.

So you are clear, this game was going downhill, on the ensuing kickoff, Andre Roberts fumbled, which was recovered by Ben Garland, but 5 plays later a Gabriel tipped pass fell into the hands of Micah Hyde anyway, giving the Bills the ball back at the Buffalo 12. On the positive, it was a bomb, so they were deep in their own territory.

During this next long drive, Kazee forced a fumble, nearly everyone had a tackle on the 19 play drive and the defense stood up and stopped the Bills at the 1-yard line. On fourth and one, the fans about busted the roof off the Benz Nest, causing a delay of game and forcing the Bills to settle for a field goal.

During the next drive, we cheered almost that loudly for a review confirming that Justin Hardy did NOT make a catch, as it was originally called a catch and fumble. After some reliable Freeman running and Coleman catching, Ryan found, that’s right, Hardy in the end zone for a touchdown. It is all tied up with 7 minutes to go and the Benz was feeling good, or at least hopeful again. This is our kind of game…..the kind we pull out and win.

Sadly, that did not happen. The defense, once again, stopped the Bills, causing a 56-yard field goal. Three plays later, another tipped Ryan pass, this time by Williams, and another Bills interception. This is when Grady and I took over. I was screaming, literally,

Grady Jarrett Welcoming LeSean McCoy to The Benz Nest — Grady Jarrett Stopping LeSean McCoy – Photo Courtesy of Grady Jarrett’s Instagram

my lungs out. Grady Jarrett met LeSean McCoy 4 yards behind the line of scrimmage, then 2 yards past the line, then met Taylor at the line for his third tackle in a row. NOW, is when you knew we were going to win. Stephen Hauschka now makes a 55-yard field goal, with Ricardo Allen coming quickly on the left side.

The Falcons get the ball back with just over 3 minutes left in the game. MORE than enough time for a Falcons team to do anything. All we need is a touchdown. There are incompletions, short passes, Ryan scrambling, a sack. Finally, the Falcons are 1^st and 5 at the 14, over throw Gabriel twice, a short successful pass to Austin Hooper. Then, on 4^th down, the final chance, another overthrow to Gabriel and the game is over. The final salt in the wound, during that last play, Buffalo only had 10 defenders on the field. Apparently none of the Falcons realized this to take advantage, so the Bills kneeled twice and the game, and the suffering was officially over.

And think we can all agree with Dan Quinn this week…..”Missed opportunities….first thing is ‘the ball’.”

Some notable stats, Tevin Coleman led the team in receiving and rushing with 65 and 79 yards respectively. Freeman had 58 rushing yards, a long of 16. Ryan completed passes to 9 receivers, Hooper had 5 for 50, Julio 3 for 30.

Takk McKinley had good pressure on Taylor, and while he did not register a tackle, he was disruptive and pursing. Dontari Poe and Grady Jarrett were both being double teamed much of the day, as big and strong as they are, that is all you can do to stop these guys. Yet, still, Poe had 5 tackles and Jarrett ended with 7. Deion Jones led the team with 8 tackles and a sack, Kazee also had 8 tackles and a forced fumble, De’Vondre Campbell followed with a solid 5.

Good news, it is the bye week, which originally seemed early, but possibly came at the perfect time, providing rest for the injured and reflection time for all. I don’t think we should be in full panic mode, but definitely need to get some stuff cleaned up and even more definitely need people healthy. We were stacked at offensive weapons and defensive depth. Now our top 2 receivers are injured, defensive line is down from 12 to 8, with 3 away games, including New England coming quick. Defense has been keeping us in 3 of the 4 games, but that depth is depleting quickly.

Injury Report: From Buffalo game: Julio Jones – hip flexor, not expected to miss the Miami game. Mohamed Sanu – hamstring, expected to be out 2 to 3 weeks. Jack Crawford – IR with bicep injury. Lingering injuries: Vic Beasley, Jr – hamstring, still to be determined based on practice next week. Ricardo Allen & Ryan Schraeder – still under concussion protocol. Courtney Upshaw – ankle, tbd. Terron Ward – neck, tbd.

Iron Falcon Award: I think we all know, Grady Jarrett is getting this one. Through the game, Jarrett was double teamed, still disruptive, managed 7 tackles, 3 of which were back to back to back to single handedly force a 55-yard field goal attempt late in the game.

#RiseUp

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Defense on Display

August 26, 2017

Arizona 24 at Atlanta 14

Allison Smith

Apparently our strategy this year is to not show ANYTHING on offense until the season begins. This game was rough. Julio Jones and Taylor Gabriel made their preseason debut, however neither had a catch in their limited playing time. Both looked excellent in warm ups, so no concern there, but the rest of the O, under Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub did NOT look like our typical offense.

So, let’s talk about the defense. This was a start studded event tonight. The defense caused 5 fumbles and recovered 3 of those. Everyone looked good, the veterans, the rookies, a fierce “see ball, get ball” D for sure.

Atlanta gave Arizona the ball to start. On their third offensive play, Adrian Clayborn punched the ball out and an offensive lineman recovered. Thanks to Ricardo Allen’s pass break ups, two plays later, Arizona had to punt. That, was also not pretty. Andre Roberts dropped the ball, but luckily Terron Ward had his eye on the ball to recover. Or not, since the Falcons came out and with one offensive play, Matt Ryan’s first play, first pass, was aimed at Levine Toilolo, but was tipped and intercepted.

Again, turn to the positive, the Atlanta D stepped up and with the Cardinals closing in on the end zone, Allen had another pass break up in the end zone, then Keanu Neal caused the 2^nd fumble of the game which was recovered by Duke Riley. All of that was still early in the first quarter.

082617 Takk Fumble Recovery — Jack & Takk Show – Crawford causes fumble that McKinley recovers. Photo Courtesy of NFL.com

Defensive highlights include the Jack & Takk Show. Takk McKinley and Jack Crawford have buddied up to disrupt play. Takk knocked a ball out early, but the play was called dead, which Dan Quinn challenged, to no avail. Next play, Takk’s pressure on QB Drew Stanton forced him in to the waiting arms of Crawford, which forced a long field goal. Later in the game, Crawford caused a running back fumble, which Takk recovered after running over the blockers like they were not even there. Takk is going to be incredible this season.

As always, Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley, Jr. were applying great pressure to the quarterback, forcing rushed and errant throws. Deion Jones had 4 tackles in the first quarter alone, while Neal continued his tough hitting style for which he is known. Courtney Upshaw caused the other fumble that Arizona recovered, and late in the 3^rd quarter Jalen Collins caused a fumble which CJ Goodwin was able to recover for the Falcons.

While the defense did give up 24 points, these points were against guys that are likely not going to be on the team this time next week. Not solely based on this game, but a number of guys are not helping themselves.

The offensive highlight is now suddenly Matt Sims. On Matt Schaub’s first play of the game, he had a fumble that Arizona recovered and lead to their 2^nd touchdown – on a short field. Sims threw the only touchdown for the Falcons and led them to the successful 2-point conversion.

While special teams still looked questionable, not the key Matt’s of course, Matt Bryant making his field goals, and except for one short kick, Matt Bosher was his typical kicking self. At least no big returns were allowed this week.

Wes Schweitzer did get the start at right guard, however Ben Garland and he split the time evenly and remains “too close to call” per DQ.

Couple of injuries of note. LaRoy Reynolds who started all 3 preseason games at middle linebacker went out early with a shoulder injury. Brian Hill, after looking better with the first team than in the first 2 preseason games went out with an ankle.

While I was frustrated and yelled allot, I am not concerned about our offense once the games are for real. And if this defense cannot get you excited, no need to show up at The Benz this year. Remember, this is just preseason, a test for players and time for others to get into some rhythm.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Competition Continues in Preseason Game 2

Atlanta 13 / Pittsburgh 17

August 22, 2017

Allison Smith

No big surprises Sunday during the second Atlanta Falcons preseason game. Once again, the first team offense came out on fire. After the defense caused a 3 and out for the Pittsburg Steelers, the offense took 10 plays and just over 4 minutes to score on their opening drive once again. Terron Ward ran in a 5-yard touchdown. Ward is definitely making his argument for the 3^rd running back spot. Granted, Brian Hill, is playing with weaker blockers, but he is still not making great moves to prove his draft day statement of “being the best running back in the draft.”

Another draft pick that is not helping himself so far is Eric Saubert. Saubert had 4 penalties in 2 preseason games with limited catches for his targets. The tight end spot is really Austin Hooper’s to lose, and not looking like anyone is going to give him much competition at this point.

There were 13 different receivers this week, most hauling in catches from 3^rd string, Matt Sims, who played most of the game. Interesting note, nearly all of the passes were for over 10 yards. Looks like the coaching staff is getting some good looks at the offense, as both Julio Jones and Taylor Gabriel were in street clothes for the game.

The second offensive possession for the Steelers was the same as the first, another 3 and out. Duke Riley and Grady Jarrett were not letting anything happen. On the opening drive, Jarrett had a strip sack, which was ruled an incomplete pass, to force the Steelers first punt of the day. In limited playing time, Jarrett was swarming the ball and making ball carriers regret their carries. Riley finished with 2 tackles and 2 assists and was alert and focused enough to collect and down the blocked punt. Riley is living up to his hype.

Another defensive rookie that is living up to his hype is Damontae Kazee. From his corner spot, he had 3 tackles on the day and was contributing well on special teams, until going out with a sprained ankle. He had issues in training camp with his ankle, nothing too serious, but he will not play against Arizona on Saturday.

Possibly the most shocking statement I will ever say is, Falcons Special Teams is failing. Don’t worry, I don’t mean our dependable long snapper, or either of the Matt’s, but the rest of the squad was not having a good day. Whether allowing punt returns for touchdowns or allowing Matt Bosher’s punt to be blocked, the overall coverage was suspect at best. I am sure that Keith Armstrong will remedy this situation quickly. Realize that many rookies, drafted and undrafted, are seeing special teams time. The two players helping themselves the most with good returns are two locals, hometown favorite Reggie Davis out of Georgia and Andre Roberts from the Citadel. Davis also had 3 receptions for 74 yards, one impressive 44-yard catch.

Takk McKinley finally saw some playing time, and by that I mean 10 plays. While Takk did not log a tackle, he looked good, was getting in some good blocking and hits. Look forward to seeing him play more against Arizona.

Overall, the defense was fast and constantly moving the quarterbacks off their spots. And a week after De’Vondre Campbell’s interception, he causes a Pittsburg fumble, but the Falcons were unable to recover the ball in bounds.

The right guard battle is still tight with Wes Schweitzer getting the start this week, but sharing time with Ben Garland. I wonder if Head Coach Dan Quinn will actually name a right guard for the season, or they will divide playing time, as Garland is extremely versatile as a back-up center and occasionally helping out on defense.

In the end, it was the second preseason game, which is all about evaluations and after the first half a little rough to watch. Look out, the official opening of The Benz is Saturday, August 26^th, game 3, where the starter will likely play into the 2^nd half and the Benz will be rocking. Look for the largest crowd for a preseason game in the NFL this year.

#RiseUp

Cover Photo: Atlanta Falcons