After Kirk Cousins lead the Atlanta Falcons to another 4-touchdown game and win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dave Archer of 92.9 The Game spoke to him in the locker room.
Asked about a near sack or possible scramble that turned into a pass to Bijan, Kirk commented that you “just have to be patient and drop the ball off sometimes.” Kirk was “really trying to not take the sack, so just give it to Bijan and most often, he will make something happen.”
Arch commented that this game was stressful with the back to back scoring and Tampa taking it to the last play. Kirk noted that it is stressful, but “fun to make big plays and have teammates make big plays.” He commented that the defense played really well too. Arch complimented Kirk on his game and reading the situations, noting two of the touchdowns that were not the first choices on the play. Kirk noted that Kyle’s first touchdown was the 4th progression and Bijan’s was his 5th. Kirk complimented the offensive line because he can’t get to 4th and 5th progressions without time.
Talking about the partnership with Darnell Mooney, Kirk said that they worked and talked about different angles that would work during practice that week. So when Kirk had a good pocket and Mooney had created that separation, Kirk knew it was time to throw it in that coverage for the touchdown.
Asked about bleeding the clock from 6:52 to 1:04 in the fourth quarter, Kirk replied, “the main focus is to bleed clock.” “You still needed to snap and play ball, gotta move the ball.” And noted that Charlie Woerner made a big play at the start of that drive, to get the offense down the field before starting several runs.
Overall about the team, “This team responds….it was tough coming back from last week, but we gotta pick ourselves back up off the mat, we are playing a good team, building from here.”
The weekly presser with Head Coach Raheem Morris started off jovial with Rah and the press in attendance. There were some complaints about the parking and walk, so it was pretty loose to begin, also, everyone is happier after a win.
D. Orlando Ledbetter began with several questions. He questioned injuries, Rah said there are none. Nate Landman was placed on IR before the game, Antonio Hamilton is healthy, just need to check him out at practice today and rest of the week. Everyone else is good, just game day bumps and bruises.
D Led also asked about evaluation of the new Offensive Coordinator, Zac Robinson, after 2 games. Rah commented that the first game wasn’t great, but the 2nd we did enough to win. Good calling, especially later in the game and the last 2 minutes. Overall ran the ball well, splitting with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Offense is moving in the right direction, but want to continue to improve, in all phases. This Philadelphia game found the offense more in sync and Rah is very happy about how everyone is coming together. The offensive line had better protections, improvement in the run game and good protection of Kirk Cousins, especially in the last drive.
Asked if the team identity/slogan has come along yet (in the summer, Rah said that it would create itself, he isn’t creating a theme or slogan). Coach said again, this would be defined on the field. “That is where you make your identity.” But one thing he saw this week was finish, never give up. Rah was excited about the Monday night game overall, the environment was prime time, very hostile, everyone is against you, but this team continued to go, did not blink and fought til the end. The sideline was electric, didn’t get caught up in emotion, but supported each other. They got a stop on D, moved the ball down the field with little time, then overcame a penalty for the 49-yard extra point. All phases of the game, won this game in the last 2 minutes.
Asked thoughts on the 2 penalties on Ray Ray McCloud and Drake London. Coach noted that Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is known for taunting, junk talking, but they practiced for that in the week. Micah Abernathy emulated Gardner-Johnson at practice, acting up, egging teammates on, crossing the line early, etc. In the game Gardner-Johnson was talking and grabbed Ray Ray’s mouthpiece and the referees caught Ray Ray reacting.
On Drake’s shooting into the air, which Drake apologized for even before Coach could get to him. Rah acknowledged that is not allowed, but Drake was caught up in the moment, celebrating with the Falcon fans he could see (likely shooting t-shirts into the stands). The entire team is super sensitive to the situation in the country right now and in the Atlanta area with the recent shooting at Apalachee High School. They had the football team from Apalachee at Flowery Branch and wore Apalachee t’s during warm ups before the Pittsburg game. There was no disrespect intended. Luckily neither of these penalties hurt the team, we want “to play fast and free and physical” but in the confines of the rules and obviously care about the sensitivity of the state of the country.
Some reporters asked about certain players:
Bijan blocks on Monday night, “he is mature and really coming on as a protector.” He opened up the hole for DarnellMooney’s touchdown. Had that massive chip block everyone is talking about. “That is the ultimate development for a young player, to be so well rounded, such a special runner, can catch and now blocking.” Coaches have worked on that with Bijan, but it is up to him to take it in and put in the work, which he has done.
Kirko does not need critiquing or challenging, he is his own worst critic, analyzing how he played and noting what needs to be better. The coaches just need to provide feedback the way Cousins can take it in, he is already going to be harder on himself, it is up to the coaches to support him the way he needs it.
OC Robinson and Kirk are working well together, but it ultimately “starts with me – to tell anyone what needs to improve – be open and honest to the coaches and players will be honest back.”
Kaden Elliss – “I tried to tell everyone before season, he’s a super star, with his physicality to rush the passer, run, play on or off line of scrimmage.”
Overall, per Rah, “it’s been a fun, learning process for us and players – this is how we go about our business.” The young guys, we hold accountable but are finding their own groove. Everyone holds each other accountable and each will get their own rhythm, while coaches set the goals each week.
The questions turned to the upcoming game and Rah’s thoughts on Patrick Mahomes. Coach said “he’s the best, back to back Super Bowl champions.” He is “smart, unique, fast, can buy time, knows your defense” and has been playing at the highest level. When your running back can give you 80 yards and your quarterback can give another 70, that is allot to defend. Then you add tight end, Travis Kelce to the mix, he is very “unique, a freak.” Rah said that no one can draw up his routes, he was not sure if Travis or Patrick even knew them or do they just happen? That makes it hard on defenders to replicate in practice. You have to play a long time to cover Kelce.
In order to defend KC, you have to create bad angles, you have to keep Mahomes in the pocket and from the designed runs. Do not over play the second play. Focus your tackling approach – when he is in the pocket versus when he is a runner and out in the open, but don’t assume he is going to slide. You will need to make Mahomes uncomfortable/frustrated in the pocket. “But in the end, it is about us executing our own business.” May have to accept what Mahomes and Kelce can do, so do make sure no one else gets anything. Rah compared it to playing Michael Jordan, he’s going to get his 30, but stop Scotty Pippen and Ron Harper.
Even being back to back Super Bowl champions, each year you have to hit reset. Kansas City has played allot of football, mastered how much rest and readiness needed. They are really impressive, from Andy Reid down.
Rah has not heard if Taylor Swift will be attending the game in Atlanta on Sunday night. He joked that he hasn’t heard anything from his daughter, but she may not be a big fan anymore…..then asked, with a light in his eye and laugh, “Now Swifties, don’t come after her, she is only 8.”
As far as the first 5 games or the September stretch that media and fans are well aware of and overanalyzing – Monday night in Philly, Sunday night at home to begin 3 games in 12 days, including two of the NFC South 2-0 teams coming in. Rah simply replied, “I just know KC is up next. I don’t look ahead or at the big picture. Focus on what is in front of you.”
“We can’t read our own articles (Week 1 we were horrible, week 2, we are the greatest). Each week is its own entity, either we get better or we get worse. We focus on better each week. Pivot, persist, deal with it. We are not in pointing finger business in the getting better business.”
Never count the Falcons out. Especially in a close game in prime time. For the world to see, after losing the first game of the season, at home, without giving up a touchdown, the Falcons fought to not become the 10th team with an 0-2 start to the 2024 season. And in good timing. The first 6 games are pretty tough, good Pittsburg and Philadelphia teams, the defending Super Bowl champs of Kansas City, then, the Falcons make their first run through the NFC South. Two of the NFC South teams are 2-0. Also of note, 3 of those games, while at home, are in a 12-day window, 2 prime time games, before heading up 85N to Carolina.
All that to say, this was a good time to win and get some momentum started for the season. The defense was lights out in both games, only giving up (long) field goals in game one. In Philadelphia, they made some great stands as well. A stop on 4th down, a touchdown pass deflected forcing a field goal. All in a very hostile and loud environment. The Falcons’ D went toe to toe with a great offense. Their win Monday night really validated the defense and Head Coach Raheem Morris and the plans for 2024. This sets the team up well to host Kansas City this coming week. The fourth and one stop early in the game, set the tone. There was better tackling overall this week. Saquan Barkley and Jalen Hurts definitely were harder to get down, but only gave up a few big plays.
Jessie Bates was the all-star of the win Monday night. Not because of the game winning interception, but he led the team in tackles, is always active and applying pressure, leader on and off the field. But his actual biggest play of the night was knocking that touchdown catch out of the receiver’s hand – stopping a third quarter touchdown that would have put the game out of reach. The Eagles settled for a field goal. Jessie finished with 12 tackles, 7 solo, 1 tackle for loss, 2 passes defended……oh, and an interception. Being so aggressive, Bates did outrun the play a few times, was out of position giving Hurts some extra yards, but he is always the closer in the end.
Justin Simmons is making his presence felt, knocking folks around last night (5 tackles), which will continue and show why he was brought in. Speaking of newly added free agents, Matthew Judon had a sack, 6 tackles, 2 for loss. Grady Jarrett was a beast on the inside as usual, while only having 2 tackles, he had 3 quarterback hits (most on the team) and often chased Hurts out of the pocket and forced errant throws. Speaking of affecting the quarterback, Kaden Elliss was a step away for Hurts as he released his last ball of the night, that found its way into Bates’ hands. Elliss amassed 11 tackles (2nd most) and 1 QB hit. Troy Anderson followed with 9 and AJ Terrell with 7 total, all solo. Elliss and Anderson struggled a little with open field tackles on Barkley and Hurts, but made up for it with the rest or their play. Arnold Ebiketie and David Onyemata stepped up later in the game and had 3 tackles a piece.
We are starting to see some new, good things from the O. Still think we need to use Drake London and Kyle Pitts more, but definitely see the impact of adding Darnell Mooney and Clemson boy Ray Ray McCloud. Kudos to the Falcons for actually using him as a receiver instead of just a returner. Everyone slept on Ray Ray, except for Rah and Terry Fontenot (and me). Similarly, Mooney never was appreciated or used enough in Chicago, but getting him more active in this offense is going to spread it out and allow everyone to get in on the action. Mooney had a touchdown, a 41-yard reception, and lots of motion in the backfield. Seeing Drake fake the post and catch that touchdown shows why he is so special and drafted so high, now that we are using him correctly. Drake’s first visit back in end zone since the London, England game October of 2023.
Kyle and Bijan Robinson were picking up blitzes and chipping guys….so even though Kyle didn’t have huge numbers, he had them when we needed them and blocking, giving Kirk Cousins a few more seconds to make decisions and get completions. Bijan is just a beast, still can’t believe this is his second year in the NFL. Overall, Kirk was composed and calmly led the team down the field for the game winning touchdown.
Bijan’s breaking tackles, and the consistency with the run game between Bijan and Tyler Allgeier, really opened up the offense, credit to OC Zac Robinson. Tyler and Bijan ran well behind the offensive line against a stout Eagles’ defense. Got a broad stroke catalog of what this offense can and will do. Zac Robinson is just now scratching the surface of this new offense, now that we are out of the bland pre-season.
Cousins was 20 of 29 for 241 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions and sack, due to Chris Lindstrom not holding his block long enough. Cousins was more mobile this week and spread the ball around pretty well. Especially on the final drive, going 5 of 6 for 70 yards and the touchdown, note that the 1 incompletion should have been PI for Ray Ray, but here we are. Overall, Mooney was targeted 7 times, caught 3 for 88 yards, 47 on the final drive.
London caught 6 of 7 passes for 54 yards, Ray Ray caught 3 of 5 (again, 1 should have been a PI), making several conversions early. Pitts caught 3 of 4 for 20 yards, 2 of those receptions in the final drive. Bijan caught 4 balls for 25 yards with Tyler catching his only target for 12 yards. In the run game, Bijan carried 14 times for 97 yards, while Tyler had 9 carries for 53 yards. Tyler had more playing time this week, but still not as much as they could do with this two headed monster.
The offensive line was much better this week. The first drive of the 2nd half was a pass to Bijan, then 2 Bijan runs, another pass to Bijan, then 3 Tyler runs before a sack and field goal. This series really gassing the defense. The O line was holding up and really making the strong Philly defense work. Cousins was only pressured 5 of his 25 drop backs. Matthew Bergeron and Drew Dalman were much improved, while Lindstrom did struggle some. But there were no penalties on the line.
Overall, there were only 3 penalties on the whole team, 2 of which were on Drake for celebrating and Ray Ray, for – no one knows. The third was on JD Bertrand covering a punt and blocking above the waist. That is a really clean game.
This game was well worth staying up past midnight to watch the dramatic end, celebrate online with fellow fans, and hear and see all of the interviews and excitement from the team.
Inactives for this week include, several of the draft rookies, Jase McClellan, Ruke Orhorhoro, and Brandon Dolus. NateLandman went on injured reserve, opening up space for Kevin King to the active roster. Dane Cruikshank and CaseyWashington are elevated from the practice squad.
The Atlanta Falcons won the toss and deferred to take the ball to start the second half. Bradley Pinion kicked to the 5 and the ball was returned to the 33-yard line. First play was a pass over the middle to the 47, stopped by TroyAnderson and Jessie Bates. The second play was a pass completion, quickly jammed and stopped by AJ Terrell, but was called back due to an ineligible man down field . On 1st and 15 from the 42, the running back is quickly shoved out of bounds my Mike Hughes for a 1-yard gain. Jalen Hurts on a quick throw close to the original line of scrimmage and forced out by Justin Simmons. On 3rd down, Hurts with 3 to the right from the shotgun, takes the ball himself and is quickly shut down by Anderson, leaving it at 4 and 6 for the punt.
High punt to Avery Williams and the ball drops and stops at the 8. First play is Bijan Robinson running left for 7 yards, then another 7. After an incompletion by Kurt Cousins, on 2nd and 10, Cousins finds Drake London for a 6-yard completion. Another incompletion to Robinson, forces the punt.
First at 10 from the Eagles’ 36, Hurts hands off to Saquan Barkley for 9 yards before Richie Grant made the stop. On 2nd and 1, Hurst finds his receiver on the perimeter who crossed midfield. Dee Alford missed the initial tackle and allows the first down. Another handoff to Barkley, stopped by Terrell and Bates short of the first down. On 2nd and 1, Hurts from the shotgun with a play fake and pressured, the receiver catches the ball and is rolled out of bounds by Anderson, after 4 yards, but a 1st down. First and 10 from the 36, Barkley again for the first down, stopped at the maker by Bates. From the 26, Barkley again for another 10 yards. Anderson missed the tackle at the line, but Dyland Drummund gets the stop. From the 15, another reception for 4 yards. On 2nd down, the receiver is stopped by Hughes after a couple of yard gain. Barkley comes back in the game, 3 guys to the left, Barkley in the backfield, Hurts with lots of time, but no open receivers, he finally throws into the end zone where Grant knocks the ball incomplete. The Falcons rushed 4 and had everyone tied up. On 4th and 4 from the 9, Hurts calls a time out. Barkley is in the back field with Hurts, pressured, with Grady Jarrett quickly closing, Hughes knocks the pass down.
The Falcons take over on their own 9. The single back is Robinson with Ray Ray McCloud in motion. Robinson gains a single yard along the left side. McCloud and Darnell Mooney to the right side, Robinson up the middle for 16 yards and a first down at the 25. Fully loaded pistol, Robinson along the right side for another 3 yards. Tyler Allgeier comes in on 2nd down and 7, where he goes for a couple of yards, then on 3rd and 5 from the Drake London is in motion, Cousins nearly throws a pick out of London’s hands, but the defender was out of bounds.
Pinion punts and the Eagles start on their own 25. First down, Hurts from the pistol hands to Barkley who gains a single yard, swarmed by the defense. Two tights to the left, Hurts finds a receiver, AJ Terrell was flying in and made the stop after 5 yards. On 3rd and 4, almost a 5 front, Hurts barely escapes David Onyemata with Kaden Elliss applying even more pressure forcing the errant pass that falls incomplete along the sideline with Dee Alford ensuring no completion.
After the punt, Play action fake to Robinson, Cousins finds London in the middle of the field for a 19-yard gain at the 46 as the first quarter expires.
From the 46, Cousins hands to Allgeier who crosses midfield. On 2nd and 6, a quick pass to Allgeier who gains the first down and more. From the 38, Allgeier gets the call again and he takes the ball left to the 20, barely stopped from a touchdown. Robinson gets the ball and fumbles/juggles the ball, but retains the ball at the 24. From the 25, Robinson gets the call again and gains a yard. A time out is taken by the Falcons. On 3rd and 9, Cousins can’t find a receiver and runs for a single yard gain. Younghoe Koo makes a 39-yard field goal.
Philly begins at their own 30. Hurts in the shotgun with Barkley next to him, after rolling off his own player, gains 4 yards. Matthew Judon was shoving the offensive lineman into Barkley. Hurts drops back to pass for a 19-yard gain, Alford with the immediate stop. At midfield, Hurts dancing in the pocket, Jarrett chasing him nearly out of bounds, throws out of bounds. On 2nd and 10, Hurts has single receivers on each side, hands off to Barkley and Judon was already there making the stop for a 1-yard loss. On 3rd and 11, two receivers on each side, a quick pass for 8 yards, Bates and Anderson immediately make the stop. On 4th and 3, Hurts drops back, then runs for 23 yards. Hurts gets a penalty for spiking the ball, it is first and 15 on the 23. Atlanta does not allow the running back to move, being tackled by 4 defenders. Now on 2nd and 20, two receivers on each side, Hurts runs up the middle to the 19, where Kaden Elliss then Anderson make the stop. On 3rd and 11, a 3 man look to the left, from the shotgun, Hurts runs along the right side and outruns all of the defense to get to the 4. After an incomplete pass, there is an ineligible man down field, the Eagles are backed up to the 9. On first and goal, Hurts throws across the field, Justin Simmons makes the hard stop at the 7. On 2nd and goal, Hurts with time, finds DeVonta Smith for the touchdown over the middle, covered by Bates, Grant, and Elliss. The extra point is good.
With 5:15 left in Q2, Philadelphia 7 – Atlanta 3
Williams takes the ball from the 1 up to the 23, with a flag for a block in the back, the Falcons begin this drive on the 14. Cousins is under center, with a sweep to McCloud to the right for 2 yards. On 2nd down, play fake to Kyle Pitts for 2 yards. On 3rd and 6, lots of crowd noise, Cousins finds McCloud in the middle for a big first down at the 35. Robinson gets 9 yards along the left side. After a big first down run for 15 yards by Robinson, the Falcons are at midfield. On 1st down, Cousins play fakes, double pumps, then is sacked. A flag on Philadelphia for pass interference tackling London while Cousins is still pumping and looking. Flag moves the ball to the 41, Cousins misses Mooney on the out route. On 2nd and 10, Cousins shoots it to an open McCloud for another first down with 3 defenders swarming. McCloud gets a 15 yard penalty for unnecessary roughness as the two-minute warning arrives. Clearly, many of us do not know the rules of football. He’s a receiver.
From the 38, on 1st and 10, Cousins, in the gun, Philly bringing 4, finds Robinson on the right side for 7 yards. On 2nd and 3, Robinson goes up the middle for 14 yards to the 14. Robinson goes left and right, shakes a tackle and just keeps moving. Allgeier comes in and goes up the middle for a few yards. Cousins, from the gun, back to Allgeier to the 6. After a timeout, with 26 seconds and the ball at the 6, Cousins to Robinson, who is tackled by the facemask. The ball moves to the 3. Robinson in the backfield with Cousins, goes up the middle for no gain. After taking their final timeout and 17 seconds to go, Pitts is on the field to the left, Robinson to right, Cousins throws outside of Mooney’s reach. The Eagles call a time out. Cousins cannot find an open receiver between London, Pitts, McCloud, Mooney and throws the ball out of the end zone. Koo kicks the field goal to bring the Falcons within a point right before half.
Half Time: Atlanta 6 Philadelphia 7
After half time, the Falcons begin on their own 30. McCloud, London, Mooney to the left, play fake by Cousins, to Robinson for 7 yards. Mooney was streaking across the field open. On 2nd and 3, Robinson gets across midfield quickly. Robinson gets the ball again and falls to the 39. Mooney to the left, London and McCloud move to the left, Robinson gains 13 yards. Cousins hands to Allgeier who gains 12 yards to the 14. On 1st and 10, Mooney in motion, Allgeier pushes down to the 10. On 2nd and 5, Charlie Woerner to the left, Allgeier around the left corner knocked out of bounds at the 8. It’s 3rd and 4 from the 8, Cousins in the gun, looks left and is sacked at the 18. Chris Lindstrom could not hold his block. Koo for a 34-yard field goal.
Falcons take the lead 9 to 7 over the Eagles
After the kickoff, the Eagles begin on their own 30. Hurts hands off to Barkley for a quick 9-yard gain, stopped by Anderson. On 2nd and 1, another run up the middle for an easy first down. From the 43, Hurts drops back and then starts to run when JUDON sacks him spinning. After a loss of 4 yards, Hurts drops back again, finds a wide open receiver for a first down, stopped by Alford and Ellis. From the Falcons 49, Hurts finds Barkley over the middle for another first down, stopped by Ellis at that point. On 1st down, Hurts hands to Barkley left for 4 yards, stopped by Anderson, with Jarrett clogging up the middle and limiting the run. On 2nd and 6, Hurts has 2 tights to the left, runs to the right with Bates in his face, slings the ball down to the receiver at the 18. Simmons and Terrell in coverage. Barkley up the middle for a 4-yard gain. From the 9, Hurts finds a reviver along the left side, shoved out by Terrell. From the 5, Hurts throws into the end zone, Bates knocks the ball out saving the touchdown. Philly starts to kick a field goal, then the kicker goes up to the line, then as time expires, they get a delay of game. Falcons’ field goal block team is not fooled and do not move. The field goal is good.
With 4:28 to go in the 3rd quarter, Eagles 10, Falcons 9.
After the kickoff, the Falcons begin on their own 30. Cousins in the pistol, with Allgeier, London in motion, London gets the ball makes 3 defenders miss and is finally taken out after 9 yards. Allgeier, the lone set back, gets the first down on along the right side. First and 10 from the 41, play fake to Robinson, chased way back under pressure, Cousins throws out of bounds over McCloud. 2nd down, Cousin flips to Robinson behind the line, defense swarming and the Falcons lose 2 yards. On 3rd and 12, pressure coming, Cousins finds Pitts who is 4-yards shy of the first down. The offense stays on the field, Cousins looks hard to the right at London and Pitts, then finds McCloud cutting across the field for a big first down. McCloud dumped upside down for no penalty.
Then immediately lined up, Cousins going backward finds Mooney, who refuses to go down and flips into the end zone for a touchdown! Counts as a 42-yard touchdown, but Mooney caught the ball at the 25 and made the rest on YAC. Falcons attempt the 2-point conversion, Cousins shoots it to London who is double covered and the ball is knocked out.
With 1:21 to go in Q3, Falcons lead 15 to Eagles 10.
The Eagles begin on their 30 again with 3 receivers and Barkley in th backfield. Hurts looks to throw, then runs to the left for 3 yards. Arnold Ebiketie blocked the line of sight not allowing a pass. An ineligible man down field negates the second play as he is holding/blocking/tackling Anderson. On 2nd and 13 from the 28, Hurts finds a receiver at the 36 who is tackled by Elliss.
End of Q3 – Atlanta 15 – Philadelphia 10
From the Philly 36, Hurts is chased right under allot of pressure, finally passes short right for a 9-yards gain, stopped by Alford. Hurts throws again after a yard gain, another Alford tackle/shove out of bounds. Elliss and Anderson make a quick stop after a 3-yard gain up the middle. On 3rd and 6, Hurts finds the receiver short of the first down marker, tackled behind the line by Terell. On a very short 1, Hurts, under center, shoves under the defense and gets the first down. A long count trying to draw the defense offsides, unsuccessful. From the 43, Barkley tries the right side, Alford, Hughes, then a swarm of defenders join to maintain him. On 2nd and 6, Hurst quickly passes to the receiver who is caught by Terrell immediately. It is 3rd and 2, Hurts stacks the left side, he runs up the middle, stopped by Bates after another first down. Barkley runs up the middle for 9 yards. Hurts tries to dodge, is almost sacked, but gains the first down – stopped by Ebiketieand Onyemata, gaining the 2 yards needed but not escaping. On 1st and 10 from the 12, 3 receivers left, Barkley gets the ball to the right down to the 4, but there is a holding penalty (tackling the defender) backing the Eagles up to 19 with a 1st and 16, Hurts gets to the perimeter and is stopped at the 6 by Terrell. From the 6, on a 2nd and 4, Barkley is tackled at the 5 by Eddie Goldman. Third and 3, overload on the left side, Hurts throws to Barkley on the right for the touchdown. After the review, Barkley’s knee was down before the ball crossed the plain. From the ½ yard line, Hurts drives the pile for the touchdown. The two point conversion attempt is to Barkley who tries to hurdle the defense, a Falcon comes up with the ball, with the replay it is decided Barkley got the ball across the goal line before his knee hit the ground.
With 6:47 remaining in the game, Eagles 18 Falcons 15
Beginning at their own 30 again, Cousins hands to Robinson who gains a single yard along the right sideline. Cousins under center with 3 wide receivers to the left, drops back and throws a bomb, but Mooney slowed down and the ball went over his head. Several players from both sides got a little jumbled up and knocked off their stride. A free Philadelphia time out due to an injured player that was off the field and the defense scrambling, but the officials called it an injury time out. On 3rd and 9 from the 31, Cousins finds London close to the first down marker, measured ½ a yard short. Robinson gets the ball and is shoved back, a flag is thrown but picked back up. A Philadelphia player is running around the entire field with his helmet off, but no penalty. A TV time out and time to review the spot of the ball.
With 5:38 to play, Philadelphia has the ball at the Falcons’ 39. Barkley gets a quick first down, but called back due to offensive holding. The ball is at the 46 with a 1st and 17. Hurts hands to Barkley who is stopped in the backfield by James Smith-Williams. 2nd and 18, Hurts drops back and finds a receiver 3 yards short of the first down. Barkley to the left, Hurts with an empty set, throws to Barkley who turns the corner and got 4 yards and another first down. On 1st down, Barkley is stopped behind the line by Jarrett. On 2nd down, Barkley up the middle for another first down.
Two Minute Warning. Falcons have all 3 of their time outs. Philadelphia has the ball at the Falcons’ 18 with a 3rd and 1.
A Falcon jump offsides, they decline the penalty and get the first down. Atlanta takes their first time out. From the 17, Hurts hands off to Barkley who gets to the 14. Another Falcon time out. On 2nd and 6, Barkley gains another couple of yards and the final Falcons’ time out. On 3rd and 3, the Eagles take a time out. Barkley drops the pass which forces a 4th and 3 and stops the clock. The Eagles kick another field goal, with 1:39 to go in the game, the Eagles lead 21 to 15.
From their own 30, Cousins drops back and finds Pitts at the first down marker in the middle of the field. Cousins then throws to Mooney close to the sideline inside the 40. At the Philly 38, Cousins finds Mooney at the 14 and he takes a couple of yards then goes out of bounds. From the 12, Cousins passes to London who steps out at the 8. With 43 seconds to go, Cousins throws to McCloud in the end zone – no flag or PI with lots of contact, including being hugged as the ball is in the air. Now, on 3rd down, Cousins finds London in the end zone for a TOUCHDOWN. Tying the game with 34 seconds to go. London celebrates the touchdown, his first in a LONG time, but that is a penalty and the extra point is going to be a 49-yarder, but for Koo, that is day.
With 26 seconds to go, the Falcons lead by 1.
The Eagles begin at their 30 for a 13-yard gain, stopped by Kevin King. After their timeout, from the 43, Hurts goes deep and the ball is intercepted by none other than JESSIE BATES at the Atlanta 32.
The Falcons take the knee to win the game. The Falcons are now 1-1.
Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons – Jay Bendlin
In the last pre-season game, Atlanta hosted Jacksonville. Many spots are already set, but many more are still on the bubble and making the decisions harder on Head Coach Raheem Morris and others. Many guys have stepped up in practice and in the first 2 pre-season games, making decisions harder. Then, of course, the addition earlier this week of pass rusher Matthew Judon and Safety Justin Simmons moved everyone in those positions down a spot. Both are expected to play in week one, although they just arrived in The ATL.
Per numerous insiders at 92.9 The Game that have been at Flowery Branch and exposed to training camp and the team, “This vibe is different.” Very happy and connected team, everything is feeling different than previous training camps. Coach Rah is constantly challenging players, but in a positive way. Everyone is clear on the standard that has been set.
The entire team came out dressed….complete prep for a regular game, from staying at the hotel, dressing out, warm ups – by team and location on the field, then went in for a “half time” then back out. After that, the guys not playing changed back into their sweats, but trying to get that routine as much ready as possible. In just over 2 weeks, it is real ball.
I don’t know that this third game changed anything for the coaches and their evaluations. There were no additional stand outs or surprises. In my opinion, this game reinforced some of the guys that were not on the bubble going into the game. It seems that many positions are so stacked, it will be interesting to see how the Falcon staff evaluates and decisions some of these positions.
My one sidetrack of the pre-season….while offense finally has a leader, defense is healthy and bolstered…..now, Special Teams is sketchy. Missed field goals and short punts. But we will see what the regular season holds.
Pre game discussions had Dave Archer with 65 on his must keep roster, will see if I can do any better on mine. We know this is going to be hard on the coaches and GM Terry Fontenot. They are headed to meet after the game….then get the roster to 53 by 4pm on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, snatch some guys for the practice squad and hope to “hide” some diamonds in the rough from the rest of the league.
QB: Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix, Jr – need a third, don’t think he is currently on the team
O Line: Jake Matthews, Kaleb McGarity, Matthew Bergeron, Storm Norton, Chris Lindstrom, Drew Dalman (need additional here – but not an o line expert or fan)
RB: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Jase McClellan, Carlos Washington, Jr
Dline: Grady Jarrett, Ruke Orhorhoro, Zion Logue, Brandon Dorlus, Kentavius Street, David Onyemata, Zach Harrison, Ta’Quon Graham
CB: AJ Terrell; Natrone Brooks, Kevin King (at CB or S), Dee Alford, Jayden Price
LB: Troy Anderson, JD Bertrand, Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie, Kaden Elliss, Matthew Judon, Nate Landman, DeAngelo Malone
S: Jessie Bates, Justin Simmons, Micah Abernathy, Richie Grant (DeMarcco Hellams – when he returns)
And our starting to be questionable ST: Liam McCullough, Younghoe Koo, Bradley Pinion
I have us at 48, clearly need more backups at Offensive and Defensive Line, but at least I got us close to a game day roster. We will see what happens on the way to Tuesday.
FalconAlley Football 