Keanu Neal – Page 2 – FalconAlley Football

Penalties Rock the Falcons, Again

September 22, 2019

Article By Allison Smith

Photos courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Inactives for the Falcons: Matt Bosher, Matt Gono, Brian Hill, Jordan Miller, Qadree Ollison, Deadrin Senat, Olamid Zaccheaus.

The captains are Alex Mack, Julio Jones, Ricardo Allen, Matt Ryan, and the 5^th for this week is Adrian Clayborn.

Matt Wile starts the game with a touchback and the Indianapolis Colts will begin on their own 25. A quick run to the left side and stopped on the 33 by Isaiah Oliver. Another short run gains the first down, but is a quick stop by Tyeler Davison. Jacoby Brissett drops back for his first pass, scrambling with Grady Jarrett and others in pursuit, he completes the pass to Marlon Mack who is pushed out of bounds by Vic Beasley, Jr. On 2^nd and 1, the Colts run again, through the middle, tackled by Deion Jones. At the 50, Jack Crawford jumps offside to move the Colts to the Falcons 45. Brissett slings one to Parris Campbell who makes the 11-yard catch. Damontae Kazee slows him up for Ricardo Allen to make the stop. Another run goes for nothing up the middle with Allen Bailey and Kemal Ishmael making the stop. On 2^nd and 10, the Colts run again, this time for a yard, with Beasley, Takk McKinley, and Claybo making the stop. After a Falcons timeout, the Colts facing 3^rd and 9 have a quit toss to T.Y. Hilton who is immediately knocked out of bounds by Oliver. Adam Vinatieri comes on for a successful 49-yard field goal. The Colts lead 3/0 at the Q1 9:30 mark.

Kenyon Barner takes the kickoff out to the 17-yard line. Matt Ryan opens up with a handoff to Devonta Freeman, who zooms through for 28 yards!!!! Ryan hands off to Freeman again, for a 3-yard gain. Ryan drops back and finds Austin Hooper for a 10-yard gain. And you hear “Hoooop” throughout the stadium. Ryan hands off to Ito Smith for no gain. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan throws to Luke Stocker who makes the reception, but it is still 3^rd and 5. Ryan hands off to Smith who goes to the left side for no gain, plus James Carpenter is called for holding. It’s 3^rd and 15 from the 46. Ryan throws a bomb way over Julio Jones’ head. He is covered by Rock Ya-Sin, a Temple and Presbyterian College cornerback.

The Falcons only other active running back, Smith, is helped up from the field, then helped off the field.

Matt Wile punts to the 7-yard line.

The Colts begin with a pass to Hilton for a quick 6 yard gain. 2^nd and 4, Marlon Mack runs up to the 27 and is finally stopped there by Rico. Another long pass to Hilton and Rico makes the immediate hard stop. A ridiculous helmet to helmet is called and the Colts are given another 15 yards. The Colts have the ball at the Falcons 32. De’Vondre Campbell calls a shift before the snap, the Colts run for no gain with Jones on the stop. The Colts have a holding call that backs them up, on 2^nd and 20 a 5-yard pass that is stopped by Ish. 2^nd and 15, a pass to Doyle who is immediately stopped by Campbell. A successful pass to Eric Ebron and missed tackle by Campbell provides another Colts first down. On the 18, Brissett finds a wide open Zach Pascall in the right corner of the end zone. The Colts take a 10/0 lead with 1:25 left in the first quarter.

After the kick-off, a wide-open Julio Jones makes his first reception of the game, for a 17-yard game. His tackler is being checked on the field, as the entire team is PHYSICAL. From the 42, Ryan flings one to an open Hooper, for a 19-yard gain. Freeman gains 5. Quarter 1 comes to an end.

Freeman pushes through the middle to get another first down. 1^st and 10 at the Colts 28, Ryan throws an interception in the middle of the field at the 3, in an attempt to Stocker.

First down and the Colts get a quick pass and first down. Next pass goes for a short gain with a quick stop by Oliver. On 2^nd and 5, Brissett fires downfield to Ebron who is knocked out by Ish after a 29-yard gain. Just across the 50, the Colts try to run and are stopped by Davison for a loss. 2^nd and 12, the Colts barely get back to the line of scrimmage, nearly stopped for a big loss by Grady Jarrett, but stopped at the line of scrimmage by Claybo. On 3^rd and 12, Brissett short passes to Hines who is dripped up by Rico who lunges for a first down. Back on the ground, the Colts attempt to run up the middle for a 2-yard game. A side pass to Hilton gains a few yards, forcing a 3^rd and 3 from the 32. Crawford jumps again and gives the Colts a first down. Brissett to Jack Doyle for a first down, stopped by Kazee at the 19. On 1^st and 10 from the 15, Brissett hands off to Mack who gains 9 ½ yards where he is finally stopped by Campbell. Hilton tries for the touchdown, but is in the arms of Keanu Neal and Oliver. While the Falcons are substituting, the Colts try for the hurry up and call a time out.

After the time out, a play fake with Ish coming in hard, Campbell with a hold in the end zone, Brissett throws the ball away, but instead it is still 1^st and goal. Handoff to Mack and is stopped for loss by Bailey. Brissett is chased way back by Bailey and throws his first incompletion of the game (17^th pass) and throws through the end zone. On 3^rd and goal, the defense stands up again, as Brissett is pursued by Rico who grabs at his feet and causes another throw through the end zone. The Colts kick another field goal and with just under 6 minutes to go in the half, the Colts now lead 13/0.

Ryan comes out throwing to the always sure handed Mohammed Sanu for a first down. Another successful pass to Sanu for another first down. FREEEE breaks through for a 24-yard pick up. From the Colts 30, Free gains no yards and a Colt and Jamon Brown are injured on the play. 2^nd and 10, Ryan drops back and has another zinger to Jones for another 1^st down. In the red zone, Jones is not on the field. A handoff to Free that gets stopped before he hits the line. Julio rejoins the team, next to Hooper at the 16. 2^nd and 11, Ryan throws out of the end zone over Hooper. Jones was open in the other side of the end zone. On 3^rd and 11, Ryan is under great pressure and he throws out of bounds. Matt Bryant on for the successful 34-yard field goal. With just over two minutes to go in the half, the Colts lead 13/3.

After a 31-yard kick return, Kendall Scheffield makes the stop before the Colts have a runback for a touchdown. Nyheim Hines loses a yard to Claybo and Kazee on the first down.

After the 2 minute warning, the Colts throws big for Deon Cane, but the ball is just short and incomplete. 3^rd and 9, Brissett drops back under major pressure throws an incomplete pass, but Keke is called for PI. Meanwhile, Brissett digs himself out from under Grady and Claybo. Another incompletion by Brissett to Hilton under Oliver coverage. Brissett completes to Cane for a first down, with Kazee stopping him at the marker. 90 seconds to go, Colts on the Falcons 40. Under Claybo pressure, Brissett throws to Hilton for a 3-yard loss – as soon as Hines receives the ball, he is leveled by Debo. The next play is a pass to Hilton, a yard shy of the first down with Desmond Trufant with the big stop. 4^th and 1, Grady cannot get off the field in time and the Falcons provide the automatic first down and 5 yards. Brissett throws to Hines who gets big yards after the catch, making Foye Oluokun and Debo miss. Keke finally brings him down on the 9 ½. Oliver knocks down the touchdown pass to Hilton. Keke is now injured in the end zone, throws his helmet and receives a penalty for THAT. Debo closes quickly on the pass and ensure another incompletion for Brissett to Hines. Then the touchdown to Hilton with Oliver in coverage. The Colts lead 20/3 leading into the half.

The first half begins with the Falcons offense taking the field at the 25. The first pass goes for yards to Stocker for 5 yards. Freeman is then stopped behind the line. Another big pass to Sanu for another first down. The Falcons are at their own 43 when they hand off to Freeman for 3 yards. A 6 ½ yard reception to Justin Hardy forces a short 3^rd down. Jones and Hardy are off the field, with Free and FB Keith Smith on the field. Freeman up the middle, right at the 50 for the first down. Ryan drops back and throws the bomb to Jones to the 13. Julio looked back, faked the defender who tripped as Julio turned and made the break. Next play, finally, a touchdown, to Hooper. Coverage is drawn short, Hooper is a few yards out, makes the reception and forces his way across the goal line. The Falcons are now 10 back, down 20/10 early in the 3^rd quarter.

On the Colt’s first possession of the second half, they hand off to Mack who is jammed up by Grady, who looks annoyed at the world today. Beasley gets the big sack on the next play, forcing a 3^rd and 23. While Takk is laying on the field, after having Brissett in his grasp. Debo forcing the running back out of bounds after a few yards gain. Very little time has moved off the clock, no movement, and the defense forced a quick punt.

Barner takes the punt back 14 yards, with a flag on the play. Blidi Wreh-Wilson had a blindside block on the return, so the Falcons begin on their own 22. A screen to Freeman is a loss and it’s instantly 2^nd and 15. Freeman gets the call again for a 5-yard gain. Ryan to Jones for another first down. Looks like he will go deep, but stops short and makes the first down reception. Ryan and Free miss the handoff, Free makes a block for Ryan to gain 4 yards. Looked like Ryan didn’t hand off the ball as Free looked surprised, then also asked for the shovel pass as he lead the way. Free does get the next run, to the left side for a few yards. On 3^rd and 2, Sanu and Jones on the sideline, Calvin Ridley is in blocking, Hooper makes the first down reception. BUT, Ridley is called for the PI and it is 3^rd and 12. Ryan, HIGH over the middle of the field, 22 yard reception for JULIO JONES. Now tied for 4^th most 100-yard games in NFL history. Ju was on the left side, single coverage, and just flay outran the defenders.

On first down, Free goes to the right side for 2 yards. Another run by Freeman, stopped 2 yards back in the middle of the line. On 3^rd down, pass to the left side, to who else….Sanu right at the first down marker. Freeman gains another 3 yards and heads to the sideline. Barner comes in at running back and receives a pass for 5 yards. Ryan makes a great completion to Ridley for another first down. The Falcons at the Colts’ 19, Ryan hands off to Free who finds a big hole, and jukes a little, on the right side and gains 12 yards. Forcing additional yards on top of a defender. The Colts challenge that Free fumbled while on top of their defender. The referee declared you cannot challenge this play as the runner had given himself up and the play was dead. The 3^rd quarter comes to an end.

The 4^th quarter begins with the Falcons down by 10, with a first down on the Colts’ 7-yard line.

Free gets the call and gets inside the 5-yard line. Ryan drops back and throws to Stocker at the 2 where he is stood up and stopped. Ryan to Hooper for his second touchdown of the day. Falcons down by 3 with most of the 4^th quarter to go. Colts 20/Falcons 17.

Colts begin their possession with a delay of game, 1^st and 15 at the 20. Brissett starts to throw, but there are too many Falcons around applying pressure and he tosses a ball that could have been intercepted, but falls short and incomplete. Crawford, Beasley, and Claybo were on top of Brissett and his blockers. Brissett finds Mo Alie-Cox for a first down, taken down by Oliver. A pitch to Mack and Debo finds him immediately for a 5-yard loss. Beasley set the edge pushing him outside into Debo. Grady is called for a false start. 2^nd and 10, Brissett completes a sideline pass to Mack, Debo immediately shoves him out. 3^rd and 5, Brissett is under pressure, nearly sacked, but runs for the first down himself. Crawford and Grady at his feet tripping him up as he falls for the 6-yard gain. On first down near the 50, with a play fake, he throws long for Ebron and Oliver makes the perfect knock down, closing as the ball drops and knocks it out. Meanwhile, Grady says hello to Brissett from the turf. Another incompletion leads to 3^rd and 10 as Brissett picks himself up from the turf again. Pass is incomplete with flags flying again. Holding by Kazee, another free first down. Colts at the Falcons 48, rookie John Cominsky is in pursuit of Brissett, but he still gets the pass off for a 9 yard gain, stopped by Ishmael. Mack tries to get the first down in the middle of the line, to no avail. Bailey pulling from the back, Kazee meeting him at the line. Wide open Pascal gets to the 5-yard line, with Oliver saving the touchdown. Another busted coverage by the Falcons as Pascal was wide open at the reception. Mack runs to the far right side and gets the touchdown with a stiff arm to Tru, Kazee, and Olukon. With 8:40 to go in the game, Colts go back up by 10, leading 27/17.

Barner brings the kickoff out to the 29-yard line. A quick pass to Freeman gains 2 yards, as a flag lays on the ground. Again. Brown called for the block in the back. 1st and 20, Ryan throws to Freeman again, who is stopped for a 7-yard gain. In the shotgun, Ryan throws to Hooper, who refuses to be tackled and gains an additional 8 yards after the catch, but is a yard short of the first down. Direct snap to Sanu, who goes left for the first down. Ryan to Sanu for a few yards gain, but Brown is called for holding this time and backs the Falcons back up. 2^nd and 20 from the 30, Ryan to Sanu for a 10-yard gain. Ryan finds Jones for another first down. Ryan with a high pass to Freeman that falls incomplete. Under great pressure, the ball flies into the air and to the ground. Smartly, Ridley grabs the ball-just in case, which is called an incomplete pass. Jake Matthews is called for holding and once again it is 2^nd and 20 and back in Falcons territory. A quick pass in the middle of the field to Hooper for a 9-yard gain. Just across midfield, Ryan drops back to throw to Jones, who has been pulled down by Quincy Wilson. PI was called, and Colts head coach Frank Reich throws the red challenge flag.

The ruling on the field of PI stands and the Falcons are 1^st and 10 at the 36. Ryan with a big pass to Sanu, along with a hitting the QB, first and goal at the 9-yard line. Atlanta has the 16^th penalty as Kaleb McGary moves early, 1^st and goal from the 14. Pass to Jones at the 10-yard line. Next pass…..JUUUUU with another big touchdown reception. Leaping over defenders, hauling it in. With 4:11 to go in the game, the Falcons are down by 3.

A quick 8 yard pick up for the Colts with time ticking away. Brissett continues hand-offs, this time Mack for another 1^st down, stopped by Crawford. Another 4-yard run and the Falcons take a time out with 2:36 to go in the game. Behind the big left guard, Mack gets 26 yards, untouched until Debo takes him down at the Falcons 33. Mack gains another 3 yards and we roll in to the 2-minute warning.

With 2 minutes to go in the game, the Colts are up by 3 and the Falcons have one timeout. Colts are 2^nd and 7, rush up for 3 yards. Grady is out with a toe injury for this crucial 3^rd and 4. Brissett in the shotgun, passes to Doyle, who gains the first down, then slides before Kazee can push him out of bounds to stop the clock. Now, the Colts only have to run out the clock.

Injuries – With no official updates:

Ito Smith – Concussion
Keanu Neal – Achilles
Jamon Brown – Hand
Grady Jarrett – Toe
Kenjon Barner – Concussion
Takk McKinley – Knee

Golden Talon:

Allen Bailey – several key tackles, tackles for loss, and saved a touchdown that turned into only a field goal by stopping Marlon Mack and causing an errant throw on 1^st and 2^nd and goal.
Mohammed Sanu – always being dependable, reading the cover 2 so well, converting 3^rd and 8 and a 3^rd and 10, getting the direct snap for a running first down.
Austin Hooper – dependable hands for 6 of 7 target, 66 yards, 2 touchdowns, always pushing, leaning, and forcing additional yards.

FalconAlley Owt

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

Even 12 Men Can’t Beat the Falcons

Atlanta 34 at Seattle 31

When you take the opening kickoff back 50 yards, you know this game is going to be lit. Well, as lit as an Atlanta Falcons game will get when it goes to the wire….again. But a good start no doubt. Andre Roberts gave the offense excellent starting field position and they used it. The first pass is a drop by Julio Jones. Then Tevin Coleman has a good 5-yard run. Justin Hardy ensured a 9-yard catch on a low pass by Matt Ryan but going to the ground and getting under the ball for a great catch, then follows that up with a 7-yard sideline catch. Then, early in the game, trickery begins. Mohamed Sanu and the 12 Gauge up the middle for 3 yards. Ryan goes right back to Sanu for the touchdown, which results in an incomplete pass with a Pass Interference call, so moves the ball to the 1-foot line. Then behind Dontari Poe and Ben Garland, Coleman easily goes in for the 1-yard touchdown. With 3 minutes off the clock, the Falcons are already on the board.

The ensuing kickoff tells you how the kicking game is going to go all day. Matt Bosher, nursing an ankle injury, kicks off and the Seattle Seahawks’ Tyler Lockett takes the kick back 57 yards. Bosher did lay a hit out on Lockett to slow him down before Desmond Trufant knocked him out of bounds. Vic Beasley and company are in the backfield as Russell Wilson quickly gets a pass off to Lockett for a 9-yard game before Deion Jones (who else) makes the first tackle for the Falcons defense. On a reverse pivot, Wilson releases the ball, a little behind Lockett and it hits Trufant in the chest, surprises him a little, but he gathers the ball in for the interception and returns it 44 yards, behind the excellent blocking of Beasley. Credit to Wilson for the tackle.

Ryan and company come back to the field and he lobs up a high pass for Jones, who, naturally, in double coverage, leaps up and comes down with both feet in on the sideline for a 16-yard gain. Coleman has a short run, insert the same plan as the first possession with a successful pass to Hardy, for a first down. At the 5-yard line, a low, errant pass is tipped and at least 5 Seahawk defenders tipped the ball before it finally fell to the ground. After a time out to recoop their thoughts, Coleman gets a couple of yards rushing, then Bean Talk. Sanu makes the one handed over a defender catch in the corner of the end zone look easy. Now, midway through the first quarter, the Falcons are up 14/0.

112017 Sanu — Mohamed Sanu Making a Big One Handed Catch – Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Back to the kicking game. Bosher hits the end zone, but Lockett brings it out to the 35-yard line. Once again, Bosher is in on the tackle with the assist going to Robert Alford. Some quick passes by Wilson, runs by Mike Davis, and a tripping penalty on the Falcons helps move the Seahawks down the field. Keanu Neal is taken off the field after one of those Keanu hits and is evaluated for a concussion. J.D. McKissic runs for 6 yards and is stopped by Damontae Kazee. Three Falcons are covering Doug Baldwin in the end zone causing a 3^rd and 4. Wilson gets chased back out of the pocket, Grady Jarrett is held and gets the penalty call. Then the tripping penalty moves the Seahawks back down the field and on a 2^nd and 3, Wilson finds Jimmy Graham in the end zone where he leaps and catches over De’Vondre Campbell for their first touchdown of the game.

The next Falcon drive was lack lustered, 7 plays, incomplete passes, penalties on both sides, and another Bosher punt to start the 2^nd quarter. The Seahawks started on their own 23. Then because of Poe, they were at the 20. THEN because of a combined defensive line unit, they did not have the ball. On 2^nd and 13, Takk McKinley busted through the line, and falling was able to pull Wilson down from behind. Meanwhile, Courtney Upshaw slides over Wilson knocking the ball out, and who was right there for the scoop and score? Adrian Clayborn. He may not have gotten the sack, but he did get the touchdown. Now, with 14:04 left to go in the 2^nd quarter, it is 21/7 Falcons!

Once again, on the ensuing kickoff, Lockett has a big return and is stopped at the 39 by Kazee. The pressure continued through this drive. Wilson completed passes to Baldwin and Davis, with Trufant and Poole in coveraged, and Poe and Clayborn forcing even quicker throws. Driving deep inside the Falcons’ territory, the Tigers combine with Beasley chasing Wilson and Jarrett reaching him as he lobs a ball out of bounds. Neal has returned to the field and stopped Davis at the line of scrimmage. At 2^nd and goal McKissick and Graham are both in with no backs. Brooks Reed is chasing the scrambling Wilson, while Clayborn reaches him and again, Jarrett hits/taps him as he releases the pass. Then one of the most memorable defensive plays of the day. It is 3^rd and goal from the 2, big Jimmy Graham gets the pass and thinks he has an easy run in to the end zone. Instead, he meets an unmovable force in Keanu Neal. Neal crosses the end zone, circles around Alford and a receiver and hits Graham so hard at the goal line, Graham is knocked back out to the 1. There is an offensive holding call that moves the ball back to the 12. Wilson is now running for his life. Clayborn and Beasley both nearly sack him and as he lets the errant pass go, Jarrett is shoving him in the chest. The Seahawks settle for a field goal.

Just when you think the momentum is fully on the Falcons side, the turn over, the big stop and forced field goal. Now, the special teams strikes again. The Seahawks have a short kick, which bounces right past Roberts, who then touches it, Seattle recovers and have the ball at the 11. The defense trots immediately back on the field. The d steps up again, knocking the first pass out of Baldwin’s hands. Beasley trips Davis to slow him down for Trufant to make the stop. Neal and Poole combine to stop Graham at the goal line again. 1^st and goal at the 1, takes them 4 tries, and the D stands up, until Seattle takes a time out, comes up with a perfect blocking scheme and Wilson walks in for the touchdown.

The next kickoff, the Falcons special teams was a little more prepared. Ben Garland received the kickoff and returned it 11 yards. The first play is a beautiful pass to Sanu, who is shoved out of bounds before the ball arrives. He gets the PI and the ball is moved up 16 yards. Then the collapse begins. Eric Saubert has a false start, moving the ball back. Coleman has a 4-yard run, then on a pitch back is stopped behind the line of scrimmage. Coleman then has a nice 15-yard pass, gaining most of those yards after the catch behind a good Hooper block. Sanu catches a big 21-yard pass at the 21 as the 2 minute warning comes. Unfortunately, the Falcons could not continue the quick movement and settled for a 44-yard Matt Bryant field goal.

Grady Jarrett Does Not Bite on Fake Punt

Now, for the craziest drive of the game. Again, Bosher kicks off to the 2 and Lockett runs it out to the 41 where he is met by Kemal Ishmael. With 58 seconds on the clock, Wilson has quick passes to Graham for a 4-yard gain, out jukes Beasley for a big first down. Throws to McKissic in the end zone where Jones has perfect coverage and as McKissic’s hands went up, so did Jones’ and his finger tips knocked the ball out of alignment. Wilson overthrows Graham, then scrambling, way back in the backfield gets hit by Takk as he releases the ball, but Richardson did not have the first down. The field goal team comes on, they try the fake, but Jarrett sniffs it out, picks Luke Willson up, spins him around and lays him down for a 4-yard loss.

The teams go in for half time with the Falcons leading 24 to 17. Life is good.

The second half began with a Bosher kick and a return only to the 28, so that was a half time improvement. Wilson starts with a high pass to Thompson which Alford knocks out. Everyone is applying such great pressure to Wilson that he has a fake handoff to Davis, then throws a screen to Davis who gains 21 yards. On a 24-yard pass to Richardson that is tightly defended by Alford, he is called for the PI. Next play, Alford has a good pass knocked out. Then on 2^nd and 4….here comes Grady!!! He slaps the hands of the right guard as he goes past for an 8-yard sack. After a short pass to McKissic, Seattle settles for another field goal.

Once again, just when you think the momentum is going one way, it flips to the other team. In 8 plays and under 4 minutes, the Falcons score another touchdown, on a 25-yard pass to a wide open Levine Toilolo. Ryan showed his scrambling ability by running and sliding for a 14-yard gain, with former Falcon Dwight Freeney in hot pursuit. Earl Thomas was called for a hit on a defenseless player, so the Falcons got the touchdown and an extra 15 yards on the upcoming kickoff.

Bosher kicks it out of the end zone. Immediately, Wilson connects with a wide-open Richardson for an 18-yard gain. Then fakes it to Lacy and runs 17 yards himself, as Campbell slips on the wet field. McKissic meets Takk again after a 4-yard gain. Takk almost gets to Wilson, while Beasley gets his hands on Wilson, meanwhile there is also an offensive holding penalty on the play. The D is really roughing up the offensive line. Clayborn, on a mission chases the elusive Wilson, who escapes his grip twice. Wilson outurns Jarrett and Beasley and slides out of bounds at the first down marker. The 1^st and 10 has Wilson scrambling and over throwing Willson. Then 2^nd and 10 has the pocket collapse with Ishmael and Derrick Shelby combining for a 12-yard loss. After another perfect Alford defended pass, Seattle settles for a 46-yard field goal.

The 3^rd quarter ends with the first pass of the day to Taylor Gabriel, Coleman with a 5-yard stutter run, and a 7-yard reception by single covered Jones. Terron Ward has a first down catch then 9-yard run to open the 4^thquarter. Then the typical 4^th quarter meltdown begins. A side throw for 2 yards to TE Hooper, a false start by Andy Levitre, a short 5-yard pass to Gabriel leads to a 4^th and 13 and a punt. Good news, the punt was fair caught.

The defense causes a quick 3 and out when Baldwin did not catch the 3^rd down pass. Seattle challenged the play and lost a time out.

The Falcons quickly drive back down the field on the backs of Coleman and Ward, both earning their pay with stiff arms, breaking tackles. With a 3^rd and goal, Coleman spins off the stacked up offensive line to the end zone. It is reviewed by the officials and determined that he was 6 inches short. Bryant makes yet another field goal.

Under 4 minutes to go in the game, the Falcons are up 34/23. Yet, the game is not safe with Russell Wilson on the other side. In a few plays, Wilson runs for a first down, finds Graham across the middle, McKissic shows off his running skills, and with the help of an accidental hit out of bounds penalty, Wilson finds Baldwin wide open in the end zone. Then Graham has an easy 2-point conversion in the corner of the end zone.

Now there are 3 minutes remaining, and the Falcons have a 3-point lead. They prepare for the onsides kick with the hands team up, but Seattle kicks it deep to Roberts. Coleman comes blasting up the left side behind FB Derrick Coleman. Then T. Coleman is tripped up behind the line. Immediately following the 2 minute warning, Wes Schwietzer gives up a big sack forcing another Bosher punt.

The punt is short, but bounces and the coverage team is there and Marvin Hall lays Lockett out. There was also an offensive holding penalty to back Seattle up a little more for their final stand. Trying to not give up the big play, the defense has a 3-man rush through the rest of the game. Graham gets 11 yards, Clayborn hits Wilson as he throws an air ball that is nearly hauled in by Poole. Then, Clayborn runs up causing Beasley to jump and give the Seahawks a free play. Trufant blocks a pass intended for Graham, then Wilson scrambles for another first down. With time dwindling, Wilson has an 8-yard toss to Richardson who is tackled by Alford and Neal, who try to wrestle the ball away. Since the Seahawks are out of time outs, Wilson has to spike the ball at the 34 with 7 seconds remaining on the clock. Blair Walsh attempts a 52-yard field goal, which falls a few feet short and the game is over. The Falcons have won and moved into 6^th place in the NFC.

Injury News: Keanu Neal left the game temporarily, was evaluated and returned at least 98% as he was continuing to lay out Keanu type hits. Late in the game, Brian Poole was shaken and slow to get up, but was fine by Tuesday. Devonta Freeman remains in concussion protocol. Matt Bosher’s ankle caused him to miss practice on Wednesday.

Iron Falcon: Grady Jarrett ended with 2 tackles and a sack on the day, however, Jarrett was hugely effective once again. He was close or hitting Russell Wilson all day, causing errant or quick throws. Jarrett is the fastest 305 pounder you will see, is smart and quick to think and spot what is happening in front of him. And remember his sniffing out the fake field goal before the half. It was not merely a stop of Seattle getting the first down, but a complete read of the situation and stuffing the runner for a huge loss. And, huge boost going into half time.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

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.

Tag: Keanu Neal

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Feature Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons