Tag: InBrotherhood

In The Wind and The Rain, The Falcons Deliver a Win

October 29, 2017

Atlanta 25 / New York 20

By:  Allison Smith

A much needed win at that, as they head into NFC South play next week, heading up to Carolina, but still remain in 3rd place, behind Carolina and New Orleans.

I’ve seen prettier games, but a W is a W and I will take any win after 3 straight bad losses.  Once again, the offense was not efficient in either the red zone or third down conversions, but they did enough to get the win.  The playing time was nearly even this week, the Falcons offense being on the field 28 minutes, so the defense could get finally get some rest between outings.  Of the 6 trips into the red zone, the Falcons had 2 touchdowns and 4 field goals.  They were 4 of 15 on 3rd down conversions.

The offense did at least take some shots downfield and were more creative in play calling than previous weeks.  They had 32 runs and 29 passes, so pretty even, finally, on play calling and could actually set up the play action.  Of course, after the 4th fumbled exchange from Alex Mack to Matt Ryan, they did move to the shotgun.  Their opening possession consisted of the first 5 passes to the tight ends, who had 9 of the 29 targets on the game.  Much of the rest of the game, they started with a run on first down, and Freeman or Coleman got good yardage to set up manageable 2nd and 3rd downs.

The Falcons offense’s only turn overs this week were on 2 of the 4 mishandled snaps from Mack to Ryan.  Which was, obviously, caused by the weather.  Every time, Mack and Ryan would be over on the sideline trying to work out their issues.  Finally, they determined they needed to go to the shotgun and not worry about additional turnovers.  A few dropped balls, mostly caused by the weather as well, but the passing overall was better and not overly affected by the rain or wind.

Head Coach Dan Quinn said last week there would be extra time spent on 3rd downs – on both sides, as well as the red zone efficiency.  The defense must have paid attention.  They held the Jets to only 5 of 15 successful third down conversions.  The Jets had 2 yards per carry and 5 negative plays and finished with only 43 rushing yards.  The Falcons defense really controlled the line of scrimmage and forced the Jets to throw the ball in the bad weather.  Of course, Grady Jarrett and Dontari Poe were getting some great pressure up the middle.  It was noted that Grady is taking it personally that teams want to run against him.

With Duke Riley out, Kemal Ishmael has really stepped up and shown his versatility.  Ish has been playing on special teams and making an impact, including recovering a fumble today.  Now, Ish is in for Riley at linebacker and definitely making his presence known there as well, with 8 solo tackles and 5 assists.  Only one significant penalty today, a PI on Ricardo Allen that provided a big first down that led to a touchdown, but at least it didn’t reverse a turnover.  Glass half full?!?  Of the FOUR fumbled snaps, two were recovered by the Jets and the Falcons defense only gave up 3 points on short yardage.  The average starting position of the Jets’ offense was the 48….always short yardage for the D to defend.

Vic Beasley, Jr was giving the Jets left tackle trouble, Jarrett caused at least one offensive hold, and Adrian Clayborn was destroying the line all day.  Takk McKinley got his first strip sack of his rookie career.  The addition of Ahtyba Rubin (in replacement of IR Jack Crawford) has been a big help as he is very active and brings a similar demeanor to the defensive line and had 2 tackles against the Jets.

You know if DQ was talking to the O and D about “mishaps,” that Special Teams coach, Keith Armstrong, lit up his group.  Likely to the Matt’s and Josh Harris (long snapper) he just gave them a nasty look, a quick “WTF” and moved on.  Their mistakes were so random and rare, they don’t need to be talked up.  They know better.  Clearly, he got to the rest of his team and the only real issue with the special teams today was one punt return that Andre Roberts let go by and ended up settling inside the 1-yard line.

The game changing moment of the game was a Bosher punt.  The returner, standing at the 25, with the rain and swirling wind, fumbles the ball and Ishmael is quickly there to recover.  Bosher was consistent with an average of 42.8 and a long of 55 yards.  Of course, Money was back on track, even in the rain and wind, with 4 successful field goals, a long of 45.  DQ said of Bryant, that Bryant is someone you “Want to trust in these situations and he nailed it in a big way tonight.”  Derrick Coleman, the full back, had several drilling stops on returns, as well as Ishmael being involved with many punt and kickoff stops.

Interesting note, while Julio was grabbing his 8000th+ yards last week, Ryan now has 200+ passing yards in 62 straight games, which is the longest streak in NFL history.

Overall, a win is a win, especially a road win, in the wind and rain.  Defense was much improved.  Special teams was fixed.  Offense, better and more evenly distributing the ball.  No injuries sustained.  As Grady noted, we were 4 – 3 this time last year, and we all know how that ended.  Now, the real fun begins.

Cover Photo Courtesy of NFL Films

#RiseUp

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Falcons, Their Own Worst Enemy

Miami 20 at Atlanta 17

October 15, 2017

Photos & Article by:  Allison Smith

The game started off a little sluggish.  The Falcons received the opening kickoff, but once again were not able to score a touchdown, held to a 50-yard field goal.  By the time it was 17/0, I felt better and confident and assumed the second half would be a repeat of the first half instead of a repeat of previous games.  The Falcons did not score a point in the second half, and actually had limited offensive snaps.  Offensive Coordinator, Steve Sarkisian, was in the box for the first time this week, supposedly able to see the field and plays better and therefore make quicker adjustments. 

The opening drive did have a few good plays, one of which was by Julio Jones.  He was not credited with the catch as he was blanketed with a defender.  Note though, that Julio, while completely hugged, did catch the ball on the sideline and likely would have been credited with that 12 yard catch.  Unfortunately, a few plays later, at 3 and 1, Matt Ryan tossed several yards back to Tevin Coleman, who ran up, but still lost a yard.  This forced the first Matt Bryant field goal of the day.  Of course it was successful, even at 50 yards.  Bryant was listed earlier in the week as sitting out some practices with back issues, we did not see those Sunday.

Deion Jones was on fire Sunday, nearly collecting 3 interceptions.  One was almost, one was an interception, and a third was an interception that was negated due to a penalty.  Whatever “get the ball” speech was given last week took for Debo at least.  And other defenders were definitely reaching for strips allot on the day.  Keanu Neal was back to the power hitting he is known for.

After Debo’s near interception and a big stop by Neal, the Falcons moved the ball quickly between Taylor Gabriel and Jones, who refuses to be tackled.  Then, Marvin Hall, who was on the practice roster Saturday morning.  Active roster Saturday afternoon.  End zone Sunday.  Just before the end of the first quarter, Ryan hit Hall with a 40 yard pass for the first touchdown of the game.

We start to see the game turn around now.  Jay Cutler has 3 errant passes, caused by pressure from the Falcons D line and a good Brian Poole break up.  The Dolphins punt, thinking they are trapping the Falcons deep, but expert returner Andre Roberts puts a linebacker block on the gunner ensuring the ball drops into the end zone and the Falcons O starts on the 20.  Then instantly, an Andy Levitre has a false start and they start on the 15.  And, here we go.  The beginning of the end.  Julio now tips the ball, but not for an interception.  Coleman and Devonta Freeman both had unsuccessful runs.  Well, stopped deep in their own territory, the ever dependable Matt Bosher comes on to punt.  And kicks it out of bounds near midfield.

On the Dolphins next drive, the defense stepped up.  Poole knocked the air out of Cutler, Robert Alford his the runner so hard, his own helmet came off.  Miami then, disrespectfully goes for it on 4th and 3 at the 39.  And Dontari Poe, the big man in the middle knocks the pass back to Cutler. 

Energized by the big stop, the offense comes out hitting on all cylinders now.  Freeman goes for a big 44 yard gain, as he gets in the open field, the jets turn up and as he feels the defenders, he double wraps the ball.  Free is so smart and aware and loves to eat.  A couple of plays later Coleman stretches for the end zone, crosses, fumbles, recovers and the Falcons are now up 17 to 0.  I think everyone (in black and red) in the Benz Nest now feels better about the game and safe and ready for a quick half time break.

With just over 2 minutes until halftime, much drama ensues.  The Dolphins have already been a little chippy all game.  Which continues, including Takk McKinley and Poole.  I personally would pick another Falcon to fight before Takk, but to each his own.  Some shoving and talking.  De’Vondre Campbell gets a personal foul for a “late hit” on Cutler, Desmond Trufant almost gets a pick himself.  After the 2 minute warning, Grady Jarrett gets a big tackle.  Debo knocks one down, along with the crowd, the impending defensive look causes a false start.  Then suddenly, the Deion Jones interception on the day!

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 With limited time remaining, the offense drives quickly, with the benefits of the stars, Freeman and J Jones making big plays, then with 2 seconds remaining, they try a 59 yard Bryant field goal.  The ball falls short, a Dolphin under the goal posts runs the ball out and takes a pretty vicious hit from Bosher.  With that miss, the half ends and the scoring for the Falcons ends.

The second half started well enough.  The Dolphins received the ball, Cutler isn’t getting his feet set on pass attempts due to the Falcons rush.  Jarrett almost gets a sack on Cutler, then he and fellow Clemson teammate Vic Beasley, Jr. combine for a tackle.  Had to be in the middle of that.  The D keeps standing up, causing 4th downs, then on a 4thand 1, allow a 3 yard gain.  Neal continues his hitting streak, the defense starts tipping balls of their own, Beasley almost making a pick of his own.  While almost doesn’t count, but at least the effort is there, just not the full execution.  Then, possibly my favorite play of the game.  The D has a false start, Cutler recognizes the free play, as he drops back to lob up a big pass, until he notices TAKK coming strong.  Cutler immediately downs the ball. 

Unfortunately, that bit of fun was not enough and the Dolphins continued their drive and scored.  The Falcons O, goes 3 and out.  Another unusual short, Bosher punt up to the 49.  And it is all downhill from here for sure.  Jones has another interception, runs all over the field for limited yards, but was trying at least.  Two flags are seen.  One is the expected block in the back, with so much change of direction.  The other, a roughing the passer call, which was before the interception, therefore nullified the interception, giving Miami the ball back deep in the Falcons territory leading to another touchdown.

Now, I know this is a crap call because I check my twitter feed and they say this call is on Grady Jarrett.  Just because he is so big and fast, does not make him dirty.  Jarrett clarified the call on Dukes and Bell on 92.9 The Game this week.  He chatted with the referee making the call, it was not a late hit, the ref felt like Jarrett hit Cutler too high.  Sadly, besides this call being hogwash, it was a game changer.  The Falcons having the ball vs. the Dolphins keeping the ball with a short field.

As the 4th quarter begins, the Falcons drive up to midfield, then implode.  Jake Matthews gets a holding call.  Freeman gets no yards.  Ryan is sacked.  THEN the capping blow.  Bosher doesn’t even have a chance for a bad punt because Josh Harris has a low snap, Bosher runs for a yard or two and Miami has the ball at the 50. 

The defense has had a minute off the field, but come back on, Jarrett causes a 2nd bad throw.  It’s 4th and 2 at the 44, and the Dolphins gain 9 yards.  Campbell, who has been impressive and active all day, knocks a Cutler pass back at him forcing a field goal to tie the game.

The offense goes 3 and out again, but thankfully Bosher hits his usual (55 yard) huge punt finally.  Poole starts to step up to the Poole we know and snaps up a fumble and heads down the field, with whistles blowing to signal a downed play.  The defense is really going after the ball late in the game.  Campbell knocks down another pass, forcing another field goal, giving Miami the 3 point lead, with over 2 minutes to go in the game.  MORE than enough time for Matty Ice to bring out another miracle.

The Falcons quickly march down the field as Miami was giving up the run and under passes, but nothing over the top.  Miami was playing for the tie.  With 47 seconds to go, I turned to a neighbor and said, “Just put Money (Matt Bryant) out there and tie this up and let us have a few minutes break.  Coach did not listen to me, the drive continued, until, you guessed it, an interception.  This was not a tipped ball, if that makes it any easier to swallow.  Austin Hooper should have caught the ball, however, this game is not on him.  First, he was being tackled and the ball knocked out by another Tiger, rookie Cordrea Tankersly.  Reshad Jones caught the ball for the final real play of the game.  Miami, who had been fighting and cheap shotting all day, now storm the field, run around like they won the super bowl, received an unsportsmanlike penalty, which backed them up for the final snap and kneel down of the game.

Ryan finished the game 24 of 35 for 248 yards a single touchdown and a single interception, his 6th of the season.  The Falcons have moved too far away from the running game, with Freeman and Coleman combining for 82 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown (by Coleman) in the first half. In the second half, they had six rushes for 18 yards combined.  The offense had 54 plays on the day.  The Dolphins controlled the tempo of game most of the day.  Coleman, the leading receiver before Sunday was targeted once on 37 passes.

Ricardo Allen led the defense with 7 solo tackles.  Debo had 11 combined and an interception, followed by Neal with 8, and Campbell’s 4.  Campbell is excited to go against Rob Gronkowski next week.  He definitely has the size to handle Gronk.

 The Falcons had 6 penalties for 73 yards, again, at the worst possible times.

Overall, I do not think this is a Super Bowl hangover, or another choke job.  If you’ve been around long enough, you know this is how the Falcons play sometimes.  Doesn’t make it any better, just an observation.  The defense still looked gassed early in the 3rd quarter, offense is still not clicking or using all of their weapons.

While, this is very frustrating, I will always support my team and pick myself back up for Sunday night’s “Super Bowl Rematch.”  Let’s go ahead and figure out our over/under on the number of times the Super Bowl is mentioned.  Remember, we may have given up the biggest lead ever, but we also took the great New England Patriots with Tom Brady to OVERTIME.

Dan Quinn may have very well been playing possum these last two weeks, just to get the biggest revenge of them all.  We all know that is unlikely, but wouldn’t that be a worth it couple of losses? 

I am expecting a big win this week and the season to go up from there.

Iron Falcon Award:  Two 2nd year defenders this week.  Deion Jones should have been credited with 3 interceptions and was active all day.  De’Vondre Campbell for knocking down numerous passes and being very disruptive in the backfield.

#RiseUp

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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 4th 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 3rd 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 1st and 5 at the 14, over throw Gabriel twice, a short successful pass to Austin Hooper.  Then, on 4th 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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Falcons Fall Into October

Bills at Falcons

October 1, 2017

Photo & Article By: Allison Smith

Well, no one really expected the Atlanta Falcons to go undefeated, BUT, it is hard pill to swallow even against a solid Buffalo Bills team.  You simply cannot hand a team like the Bills the ball 3 times.  The defense did play a bit off early in the game, but stood up and made the big stops when necessary, causing 2 long field goals, and only gave up 16 points.

After over 300 passes with no interceptions, in two games, there have been 5 interceptions and a fumble by Matt Ryan.  Agreed, these were not all on Ryan, 4 of the 5 interceptions were tipped by our receivers.  Point is, catch the ball or don’t touch the ball.  It did seem that this week’s passes were a little off, as the receivers were stretching or falling for these and other passes.  And it isn’t a single receiver that we can get to and shake, it seems to be something in the locker room they are passing around.

Not sure if Ryan is back to his old days of trying to do too much and getting a little pass crazy, or we are just having some bad luck.  Clearly, it did not help with Julio Jones and Mohammed Sanu not returning for the second half, but we have enough receivers to make up those spots…not BE Ju or Sanu, but to catch some passes.  I think the biggest issue was the size difference and Ryan is not use to throwing to smaller receivers and couldn’t lay the ball where it needed to be.

Tevin Coleman and Andre Roberts both fumbled, but the ball was recovered by the Falcons, otherwise we could have lost the ball 5 times in a single game.  I am sure that “ball control” will be on the top of Dan Quinn’s list of topics this week.  Along with “missed tackles.”  There were too many of those as well, allowing the Bills to gain too many extra yards.  Some are growing pains with the young guys, some are due to being down several starting defenders, Vic Beasley, Jr., Courtney Upshaw, Ricardo Allen, and mid-game, Jack Crawford.

The defense, overall, held up well, especially when the game was on the line.  On the final two Buffalo drives, the defense forced a 56 then 55-yard field goals.  Kudos to Stephen Hauschka for making these field goals, but as far as they were, they were kicked low, so I would like to have seen one or two of the giant tight ends in the middle trying to block these field goals.  Robert Alford had good pressure on the edge for one, but there was not enough pressure to stop either of these field goals.

There were many reasons for this loss.  So many missed opportunities.  A loss to a good team is acceptable, but when you helped the opposition so much and know you could have won, it is a little harder to swallow.  Included with the turnovers, the allowing too many extra yards….there were two questionable plays that went against the Falcons.  As fate would have it, the football gods were not smiling on us.  According to the announcers, and anyone with eyes, the “fumble for a touchdown” was clearly a forward pass knocked out of Ryan’s hand.  And the Nick Williams tipped pass (note, he was laid out reaching for the ball) that hit the ground as Micah Hyde caught it for the “interception.”

The capping blow of the day was the ending drive.  After the defense had two great stops near midfield, the offense drives into the red zone, Ryan has 4 straight passes, one a completion to Austin Hooper, but three bad passes over Taylor Gabriel.  I don’t know that anyone is sure why, even with limited time on the clock and no time outs, why you would not double up with Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman behind Derrick Coleman and just run the ball in.  Heck, let them run behind Dontari Poe or Ben Garland.  Try anything better than 3 errant passes.  Except for a few times on the day, the running game ran pretty smoothly….even behind the right side.  Which again allowed Ryan to take quite a beating.

Buffalo controlled the tempo of the game and it never felt like Atlanta had a rhythm, even when leading.  Buffalo was easily doing whatever they wanted with running game.  They were doubling up on both Grady Jarrett and Poe and able to knock them back into the linebackers, and some of that was with uncalled holding calls, but that doesn’t matter now.  Falcon defenders were never really in space, they were constantly locked up with Bills.

Throwback Black Jersey Game
Repping Grady Jarrett

It was black jersey, throwback day, so maybe, hopefully, it was just a throwback type loss for the Falcons.  Long time fans know, it can be very nerve racking and frustrating to be a fan from the 1990’s.  Close games always went the bad way back in the day.  I was repping my brand new black Grady Jarrett jersey, but because of my long hair, you couldn’t see the name, so I took it as a great compliment when someone yelled “Kerney” at me.

 

 

Good news on the day, the Benz Nest was packed with over 71,000 in attendance, al biet too many Bills fans made it in as well.  It was a beautiful, breezy day for tailgating.  The crowd was loud, excitable, and stayed until the end.  If there is anything a Falcons fan knows, if it is close at the end, the game could go either way.

And, as a nice Brotherhood story, after running the “12 Gauge” (the Falcons play call for the Wild Cat), Sanu lined up under center, ran the ball in for a touchdown, was ruled down at the inch line.  On the ensuing play, Freeman ran in the touchdown and promptly gave the ball to Sanu.  We may be down, but we are never out when we are together in our Brotherhood.  Note that Rico was coaching as best he could from the sideline as he was usually lined up close to the defense on the field.

#RiseUp

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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 4th 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 2nd 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 500th 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