Mercedes Benz Stadium – FalconAlley Football

Falcons Have Deja Vu of Week 2

September 27, 2020

Chicago Bears 30 at Atlanta Falcons 26

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

The Mercedes Benz Stadium roof is open and 500 family, close friends, and staff members are in attendance. Inactives include Julio Jones, Takk McKinley, Ricardo Allen, Kendall Sheffield, Foye Oluokun, Kaleb McGary, Deadrin Senat, and on COVID protocol, AJ Terrell.

The Falcons won the toss and decided to kick off to Cordarrelle Patterson, who returned the ball to the 25 where Mitch Trubisky begins. The first play is a handoff to David Montgomery, for a gain of 6 where he is taken down by Grady Jarrett. On 2^nd and 4, Trubisky connects with Demetrius Harris for a big first down. Rookie Mykal Walker, in for AJ Terrell on the stop. First down at the 39 and another pass, to Jimmy Graham this time for 11 quick yards, pushed out of bounds by Darqueze Dennard. At midfield, Trubisky drops back, is being pressured and chased by Jacob Tuioti-Mariner as Damontae Kazee nearly makes the pick downfield. On 2^nd and 10, Trubisky hands to Tarik Cohen who spins off would be tacklers down the field for 17 yards. First and 10 from the Falcons 33, Patterson goes for no gain, stopped immediately by Keanu Neal. Second and 10, Trubisky throws to the right to Allen Robinson who slides out of bounds after a 5-yard gain. On 3^rd and 5, Trubisky tries to hit Robinson, but Dennard is on him and knocks the ball out. The 46-yard field goal is wide left and the Falcons will take over on their own 27.

Matt Ryan and the Falcons’ offense begins at their own 36. A fake to Todd Gurley and Ryan hits Calvin Ridley with a 63-yard completion and it is first and goal at the 5. Gurley gets the next play for minimal gain. Another fake to Gurley and Hayden Hurst with the touchdown reception. Younghoe Koo misses the extra point again this week.

With 9:43 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 6/0.

From their own 25, Trubisky hands off to Montgomery who is stopped by Tyeler Davison – activated this week. On 2^nd and 5, Trubisky connects with Robinson over the top for another first down, brought down by Deion Jones and Neal. From the 37, Trubisky has time, ball is caught by Demetrius Harris and is brought down after a 5-yard gain by Jones. Across midfield, Anthony Miller zooms for another first down, finally forced out by a closing Isaiah Oliver. After a fake handoff, Robinson makes another reception in the middle of the field for another first down and 19- yard reception. Patterson is in the backfield and takes the handoff for a good gain, but the left tackle is holding and the gain is negated. First and 20 from the 40, an empty backfield, Trubisky finds Miller for 13 yards, tackled by Dennard. Patterson goes up the middle for 6 yards, stopped just short of the line by Jones and Neal. On 3^rd and short, Patterson easily pushed through the middle of the line for the first down. From the 18, Trubisky is sacked by no other that GRADY JARRETT for a 5-yard loss. Jarrett recognized the play and disrespect of being blocked by a tight end. Second and 15, a handoff to Montgomery for a short gain. Blidi Wreh-Wilson breaks up the next pass, forcing a 4^th and 9 and another field goal attempt.

With 2:47 to go in the quarter, the Falcons lead 6/3

The Falcons begin on their own 25 where Ryan drops back and fires to the 41 where Ridley is waiting on the ball. From the shotgun, Ryan finds Gurley short to the left side. On 2^nd and 8, Gurley goes up the middle for a few yards. On 3^rd and 5, Ryan throws to a crossing Russell Gage, but the ball is incomplete.

Sterling Hofrichter punts it out of bounds near the awaiting Cohen.

The Bears begin on their own 19. Trubisky drops back and airs it out, but Ted Ginn Jr. is out of bounds, with Dennard in good coverage. On 2^nd and 10, Trubisky hands off to Montgomery, Davison grabs his foot stopping any progress as the line swarms. On 3^rd and 7, Trubisky, under pressure, lobs it out of bounds past Cohen.

End of the first quarter, Falcons lead 6/3.

Brandon Powell returns the punt for a few yards and the Falcons begin on their own 36. Brian Hill goes to the left side for a yard. On 2^nd and 9, an empty backfield, Ryan finds Olamide Zaccheaus for a first down. Near midfield, Ryan connects with Gage for another first down and gain of 15 yards. From the Bears 39, Hill gets the call again and finds a 5-yard hole on the right side. On 2^nd and 5, Ryan hands off to Ridley on the end around, for a 5-yard gain and another first down. From the 27, Ryan is back, fakes, then scrambling, finds Luke Stocker for a 6-yard gain. On 2^nd and 4, Hill goes up the middle right for a yard. In the red zone, a 3^rd and 3, Ryan from the shotgun, stands in and nearing the line of scrimmage finds Gage at the 8. First and goal, a handoff to Gurley who makes it to the 3. Ryan cannot connect with a heavily covered Ridley in the end zone. With Gurley, 3 wide receivers and a single tight end in the game, Ryan is clobbered for a sack. Koo makes the 29-yard field goal.

With 8:31 to go in the half, the Falcons extend their lead 9/3.

Trubisky hands to Montgomery who is immediately met by LeRoy Reynolds, as he spins off, Dennard and others. On 2^nd and 17, Trubisky fires to Darnell Mooney, where he slides out of bounds at the 30. On 3^rd and 5, Trubisky is pressured and taken down by Jarrett for a 6 yard loss. The secondary had tight coverage allowing the 4-man front to get to Trubisky. On the punt, there is a false start, on 4^th and 16, the Bears punt from inside his 10. Powell goes a few yards on the return.

Ryan and the offense begin on their own 38. Play action, Ryan looking for Ridley, who is covered near the sideline. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan hands to Gurley who goes around the right side for 7 yards. On 3^rd and 3, Ryan is hit and the ball is loose. Khalil Mack knocks the ball out, Balil Nichols recovers and tries to advance it with center Alex Mack in coverage. Nichols laterals to Buster Skrine, who fumbles the ball out of bounds. However, all of that is negated by a penalty on Mario Edwards for roughing Ryan.

First and 10 from the Bears 40, the pass is tipped near the line and falls incomplete. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan’s bad pass is tipped and nearly intercepted right at Ridley who is double covered. The ball was too high. On 3^rd and 10, there is a flag before the ball is snapped. Mack jumped offsides and the Falcons move up 5 yards for a 3^rd and 5. Ryan hands off to Hill, who finds the crease, makes a cut, turns on the speed, and takes the ball 35 yards for the touchdown.

With 4:37 to go until the half, the Falcons extend their lead 16/3.

From their 25, the Bears allow another sack. Charles Harris gets to the scrambling Trubisky. On 2^nd and 13, Trubisky finds Robinson for an easy first down against Dennard. An inbreaking route in front of Dennard where he can’t catch up. First and 10, a pass to Cohen that is knocked out by Steven Means. On 2^nd and 10, Trubisky connects with Cohen for a first down. Then, Trubisky runs for 45 yards to the 5-yard line. There was no Falcon in sight until he closed in on the 5.

2 Minute Warning.

First and goal from the 5, Montgomery takes the handoff to the 2. Trubisky finds the wide-open Graham along the right side who steps in for the touchdown.

With 1:50 before the half the Falcons lead 16/10.

Powell takes the ball out of the endzone to just short of the 15-yard line. Ryan finds Ridley on the slant for a 5-yard gain. Ryan is nearly pulled down by his jersey and throws a quick incompletion. On 3^rd and 3 from the 19, Ryan finds Ridley for a 1-yard gain.

The punt is angled away from Cohen and the Bears will begin on their own 35. Trubisky overthrows Mooney with Oliver in good coverage. On 2^nd and 10, Trubisky rolling right dumps it off to Cohen for an 8-yard gain. On 3^rd and 2, Trubisky over throws Miller near the 10-yard line. The Bears punt the ball with under a minute to play.

The Falcons have the ball on their own 13. Gurley runs to the left side for a first down. Ryan finds Zaccheaus for another 1^st down at the 37. The Falcons use a time out. Ryan airs it out for Ridley, but was too far over his head. With 17 seconds to go in the half, 2^nd and 10, Ryan runs just past the line of scrimmage. The Falcons had a hold on the play, so with 10 seconds to go, it is 2^nd and 20 from the 28. Ryan hands to Gurley who goes for a few yards, then another flag on the play. A holding call on the defense, which is a first down with 3 seconds on the clock. The Falcons down the ball and go in at half time.

Halftime: Falcons lead 16/10

The Falcons begin the second half on their own 25. Ryan hands to Hill, who goes up the middle for 6 yards. Hill gets the ball again on the left side for 2 yards. On 3^rd and 2, Ryan throws to Powell behind the line, but Ryan was under great distress. There was a flag on the play for roughing the passer, which provides 15 yards and a first down. From the 50, Ryan drops back and tries to throw to Gurley on the left side, but is nearly picked. On 2^nd down, Ryan hands to Gurley who finds a big hole up the middle and gets to the 35-yard line. On play action, Ryan throws 24 yards to Ridley at the 10-yard line. A first down hand off to Gurley who finds the end zone, rather easily. He makes a cut at the line, Keith Smith makes the block on the edge, and Gurley is in.

With 12:34 to go in the 3^rd, the Falcons extend their lead 23/10.

The Bears begin on their own 38 after a huge kickoff return, that was finally stopped by Hofrichter’s ankle grab. Robinson makes the first catch for a 5-yard gain. Robinson is stopped by Means in the back field immediately after the handoff, but he escapes, back to the line where the rest of the defense is waiting. On 3^rd and 8, Wreh-Wilson makes the PICK. The Defense was lined up at man to man, then went to zone on the snap. Trubisky was leading Graham when Wreh-Wilson stepped in, grabbed the ball, and returned it to the 19.

Gurley gains one yard. On 2^nd and 9, Ryan fakes to Gurley and fires out of the corner of the end zone over Ridley who is well covered. On 3^rd and 9, Ryan goes to the same corner but overthrows Powell. Koo makes the 36-yard field goal.

With 9:58 to go in the 3^rd, the Falcons extend their lead 26/10.

The Bears catch the ball with one foot in and one foot out, so they start at the 40. Nick Foles comes in at quarterback. He hands to Robinson for a 4-yard gain. Foles finds Graham over the middle for a first down on the Falcons’ 45. Foles goes far right, then looks far left to Cohen near the sideline, but the ball goes incomplete. On 2^nd and 10, Foles dumps off to Cohen who gains 20 yards, tripped up by Oliver. From the 25, a handoff to Cohen, who makes a cut for 4 yards. On 2^nd and 6, Foles hands to Montgomery who is immediately stopped by Tuioti-Mariner. On 3^rd and 6, Foles has a 3 receiver set and he goes long for Robinson in the end zone, but Dennard rolls up with the ball. After extensive review, the Falcons are awarded the ball.

The Falcons start their next drive on their own 20. Ryan fakes the handoff then hits Zaccheaus across the middle for a 13-yard gain. First and 10, a dump off to Hill on the right side gains 25 yards. Across midfield, Ryan fakes the handoff again and hits Keith Smith for a 3-yard gain. Hill goes for another 2 yards. From the 40, Ryan drops back and finds Hill for the first down, but Hill drops the ball as he runs. The ball just went through his hands.

After the punt, the Bears begin on their 9. Foles hands off to Montgomery, one-yard loss. After the fake, Montgomery makes the reception, at the line of scrimmage, where Oliver immediately meets him and knocks him out of bounds. John Cominisky gets in on the sack game and zooms through the line to lay out Foles. On 4^th and 8, the Bears punt.

The Falcons begin on their own 48. Ryan hands off to Gurley for a 4-yard gain. Across midfield, Gurley takes the ball again for another 2 yards. On 3^rd and 3, another handoff to Gurley from the shotgun, Gurley goes for 16 yards on the outside.

At the end of the 3^rd quarter, the Falcons still lead 26/10.

Gurley gains 3 yards as the 4^th quarter begins. Ryan, from the shotgun, has his pass batted down at the line as he reaches over Mack. On 3^rd and 7, the play is called dead before the snap. The Falcons sideline has called a timeout. Back to 3^rd and 7 and Ryan is sacked at the 30. It is 4^th and 11. Koo’s 48-yard field goal is wide left.

Foles and the Bears take over on their own 38 and have a failed pass attempt. On 2^nd down, Foles finds Robinson who is taken out of bounds by Reynolds, but is called for handling the helmet. First down on the Falcons 40. Foles finds Mooney for a 7-yard gain. On the 2^nd down, Reynolds tackles the receiver, knocking the ball out for another incompletion. On 3^rd and 3, Foles finds Mooney near the goal line, as he comes down Dennard knocks the ball out. After an extremely late call, the Offense had an illegal shift and provided another third down opportunity. On 3^rd and 8, Foles rolls out and finds Graham at the 16. Walker knocks the ball out, but it is recovered by the offense. Oliver nearly had the INT, literally went through his hands. First and goal from the 9, Foles fires through the end of the end zone under great pressure. Jarett comes out of the game gimping and Kazee is down in the end zone with an untied shoe. On 2^nd and goal, Foles flips it out to Cohen where he is met by Neal. On 3^rd and goal from the 17, Foles fires one to Graham in the end zone, but Oliver gets a finger on the ball, enough to knock if off trajectory for Graham. On 4^th and goal from the 17, Foles finds an open Miller in the end zone. He ran the same route as Graham, but different coverage and was able to haul in the ball. The catch was reviewed and determined an incompletion.

With 10:45 to go in the game, the Falcons begin at their 17. Hill runs for 4 yards, then a single yard gain. On 3^rd and 5, Ryan overthrows Zaccheaus at the 45. On 4^th and 5, the Falcons are forced to punt.

Cohen makes the catch, with a flag on the play, and hops off the field with help from staff. The flag was picked up as the defender was pushed into Cohen.

Foles continues to fling the ball, but Dennard on the receivers is not working, pinning receivers to the sidelines for incompletions. A quick pass to Robinson gains 4 yards. On 3^rd and 6, Foles tries to go over Oliver for #12, but the ball is knocked out. Another 4^th down, Foles finds a wide open Ginn for 29 yards. Dennard and Jalen Hawkins were in zone coverage. From the Atlanta 29, Foles throws short for Javon Wims who cannot come back for the ball. Montgomery gains the first down with the Falcons blitzing off the edge, so the back side was open for Montgomery’s run up the middle. After an incompletion, rookie Jaylinn Hawkins is called for leading with the head – as the receiver was falling down and gives the Bears a first and goal at the 9. Foles hits Montgomery who shakes off several tackles and goes to the 3. On 2^nd and goal, Graham in motion, Foles throws to far to the left of Graham. On 3^rd and goal, Foles finds Graham, who turns away from Dennard to make the reception. The Bears have their 2-point conversion attempt intercepted by Walker.

With 6:20 on the clock, the Falcons lead 26/16.

Powell takes the ball up to the 15. Ryan hands to Gurley who gains 2 along the right side. On 2^nd and 8, Ryan drops back and airs it out to midfield for Ridley, but the ball is short. Third and 8, Ryan steps up and tries to dump it off to Hurst, but the ball is incomplete. The Falcons are called for an illegal shift, the penalty is declined and it’s a fourth down punt.

The Bears have a first down on their own 45. The snap count gets Means to jump. It’s a first and 5 at the 50. Foles hands the ball to Montgomery for an easy first down. On 1^st and 10, Foles hits Graham for a 4-yard gain. Foles drops back, finds Robinson who escapes an Oliver tackle for a touchdown.

With 4:21 remaining in the game, the Falcons lead is only 26/23.

From the 25, Ryan drops back and under pressure, throws short to Hill over the middle. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan’s pass sails off the tips of Ito Smith’s finger tips to out of bounds. False start by Ridley, now on 3^rd and 15, Ryan, under great pressure, throws way down field over Zaccheaus.

The Bears take the punt to the 35, but due to a late hit by Keith Smith, the Bears get the balled moved up 15 yards. On first and 10 from the Falcons 44, the Bears hit Robinson for a 6-yard gain. Montgomery shoves through the line for another first down. Foles has time at the line, but throws out of the end zone over Montgomery. On 2^nd and 10 from the 30, Foles finds Harris for a short gain near the sideline. Dennard is hurt on the play.

After the 2-minute warning, on 3^rd and 8, Foles finds Miller in the end zone.

With 1:53 to go in the game, the Bears lead 30/26. Note, there is a missed field goal and extra point earlier in the game for the Falcons.

Ryan finds Powell who gains the first down at midfield. Ryan hits Zaccheaus for a 6-yard gain. The next pass intended for Ridley in triple coverage is intercepted by Tashaun Gipson.

Montgomery goes for a first down rushing along the right side. Kazee is hobbling across the field. Despite the Falcons taking timeouts, the Bears kneel and run out the clock.

Players that left and did not return, but no updates, Russell Gage, Grady Jarrett, Damontae Kazee.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

Falcons Unplugged with Arthur Blank

September 9, 2020

Recap by Allison Smith

Cover Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Unplugged is special PSL owners call, where PSL owners get to listen and watch Dave Archer interview a player or staff member of the Atlanta Falcons. Tonight, Owner Arthur Blank was on the hot seat. Archer introduced the call, but all questions were submitted by PSL owners before the call.

Mr. Blank immediately began answering fan questions. He said he is most excited that the 2020 season is actually happening. Mr. Blank saluted the NFL and doctors and teams and medical council to ensure everyone is healthy and safe, although he is definitely disappointed to not be able to see and have fans in attendance.

The team is excited and ready to go. They have had a really good, al biet odd, training camp. Mr. Blank noted that Head Coach Dan Quinn did a great job keeping in touch with the players via Zoom or in person. The coaching staff and players have all become experts in technology, and now on the field, they have a great energy and they are all ready to play.

With a great team, bulked up in free agency and the draft, Mr. Blank expects the team to pick up from 6-2 record at the end of the 2019 season and to play at that level and above at beginning of this 2020 season. In speaking with Matt Ryan, Matt feels strongly that we have the offense needed to win games. Our Defense ended ranked 8^th last season, so they can continue to give us a competitive edge and give the ball quickly back to the offense.

One of the biggest challenges during COVID-19 is making sure everyone is healthy. Having a large family, 6 children and 6 grandchildren, Mr. Blank’s first focus was trying to keep everyone safe. Followed closely by trying to ensure the team is healthy and following all of the best protocols. Falcons CEO Rich McKay is very involved in the decision making for the NFL, so we are on the front line of making sure the Falcons are all healthy. We are hoping to have some fans in the building in October. But we will protect our fans and ensure they are safe first.

The NFL requires a family to own the organizations/teams, so the ownership is on the owner to take the financial impact of no fans and decisions can be made with the good of the fan, not a corporation in mind. The good news is, the golf business is booming. So, Mr. Blank is financially ok with the no fans….for now. The loss of revenue will not changes the aggressiveness in the team, going after the best players, paying players, or any changes to the stadium and services once re-openend. Mercedes Benz Stadium continues to be ranked number 1 or 2 in all fan experience polls.

Mr. Blank serves on the NFL social justice league, organizations including the active and retired players, and numerous other committees and organizations. He remains very in touch with all of the discussions and will be truly listening to the social injustice issues that are facing America today. The NFL overall is making huge financial investments in communities and organizations helping those communities. In Atlanta, there is a social action committee on the team, made up of players that volunteered because of experiences or desire to serve. These players steer discussions to affect their home communities, shoulder to shoulder with the team and NFL to affect change. It is not about making instant change, but continuing to move the ball down the field toward constant change.

Mr. Blank encouraged everyone to ensure that they vote in the elections. He quoted a discussion with the late John Lewis, “The most significant protest you can do is to vote.”

To be an Atlanta Falcon, you have to be a good person and give back to the community, not just a good player. As an example, all of the current Team Captains are deeply involved in the community, through donations, volunteering, creating their own charities, and going into the community to lift them up and build partnerships.

Mr. Blank continues his support and praise of Dan Quinn. He noted that midway through the season last year, Quinn recognized and made the change to the coaching staff and some player reassignments. He realized he had spread himself too thin. Quinn has kept to the decisions made late last season, to not be diluted, and let the responsibilities lie where they were. Quinn really believes and lives Brotherhood, it isn’t just a cool slogan.

Although Matt Ryan is the franchise quarterback, the plan for the future, is to possibly play into his 40’s. Mr. Blank commented that Matt is in the best shape of his career, he’s smart and motivated. He is moving quickly and always taken excellent care of himself, still putting up Hall of Fame statistics. He is a leader on the team and becomes more dominant as time progresses. He is always early in and late out of Flowery Branch. One of the best, if not the best, draft move the Falcons ever made. At some point in time, there will be a discussion with Matt and make a mutual decision the years are coming to an end.

Joking with General Manager Thomas Dimitroff, Rich McKay, and Dan Quinn, Mr. Blank suggested cutting the salary of some of the defenders since they will greatly enjoy getting to knock Tom Brady around twice a season, as the new Tampa Bay quarterback. He reiterated that he was joking. But what a joy for those left over from the SuperBowl season to see Brady twice now.

Asked about the rivalry with the New Orleans Saints, Mr. Blank commented that the Falcons still have the win advantage over them, and it is a heated rivalry, no matter the yearly record. It is always very competitive. The NFC South is always competitive and will be even more so this year. Carolina has coaching and quarterback changes, the ever-consistent Drew Brees, and the New England transplants into Tampa Bay.

After purchasing the team in 2001, Mr. Blank has changed personally from his early ownership days. H now realizes that the highs are never as high as the lows are low. “The losses are like daggers, especially certain kinds of losses.” The wins are great, but you have to turn around in a day or two to prepare for the next game. As an early owner, he would take everything home and personally, really feel deeply for the fans, players, families, but realized you have to let it go and not let it ruin or interlope into relationships and daily life. And here I am still pouting and being mean to people have the week after a loss.

Mr. Blank has also learned that you cannot just change coaches on a whim, there is so much related to the head coach, to the rest of the staff, the players that fit into that scheme. There is so much transition time, you need to value the continuity in coaching and the general managers and other staff. Everyone is still held accountable, but let them gel and create consistency. The most successful teams over time have maintained consistent leadership and tweaked other things.

Mr. Blank referenced his book, “Good Company,” noting his 6 core values, and his goal that he learned from his mother, Molly, “You do the right things, for the right reasons and live with the consequences.” Mr. Blank said that, “I live my life with purpose.”

Mr. Blank realizes his responsibility to the fans. Fans do not only give their money, but their time, their support, their enthusiasm – and he wants to bring rings to the city and fans and team.

Mr. Blank ended the call with a “Thank you – Stay Safe and May God bless you all.”

I could not be prouder to call Mr. Arthur Blank my owner.

#RISEUP

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Falcons Still Can’t Put a Game Together

October 27, 2019

Article and Photos by Allison Smith

Seattle 27/Atlanta 20

It is a beautiful pre-Halloween weekend in Atlanta. The roof to Mercedes Benz Stadium is open, there is a slight breeze. Lots of Falcons and Seahawks fans outside, tailgating, enjoying Falcons Landing activities, and meeting each other. After all, there is no real animosity towards each other, and Atlanta does have the Seattle former Defensive Coordinator.

Seattle takes the field on offense. On the first play, Vic Beasley, Jr. makes a great spin move, GradyJarrett almost has Russell Wilson in his grasp, but instead, Wilson scrambles for 15+ yards and has a first down near the 50. Hear the life already leave Mercedes Benz Stadium. On a 2nd and 9 at the 24, Wilson has a deep pass to the end zone which is perfectly defended and broken up by Isaiah Oliver. On the 3rd and 9, Wilson throws the ball out of bounds. The Falcons’ defense has held up ad forces a field goal. With 11 minutes to go in the first quarter, the Seahawks lead 3/0.

With 38-year old Matt Schaub at the helm, his first couple of plays are hand-offs to Devonta Freeman, which go for nothing behind no blocking. Then Schaub finds Austin Hooper for a big first down. Freeman has a short run and then a short catch to keep the ball moving. Calvin Ridley can’t make the 1st down reception and the Falcons, with their 3rd punter of the season, Kasey Redfern, are forced to punt.

After a couple of run attempts, on 3rd and 11, Russell has another incompletion with Oliver in coverage. The Falcons take over on their own 10-yard line.

Schaub has a quick 25-yard pass to Julio Jones on the right side, then finds Freeman for a 2-yard, then 11-yard gain. Spreading the ball around, Schaub finds Ridley down the left side line for another first down. The offensive line give Schaub time to view all of his options and he then finds Justin Hardy for an 8-yard gain. Freeman runs to the left for the necessary 2 yards for the first down. Another big Hooper catch, Freeman up the middle for no yards, then the Falcons get backed up by a Wes Schweitzer false start. Another pass to Freeman leaves the Falcons 2 yards short of the first down and force a 51-yard field goal attempt. Gasp. Matt Bryant’s first miss on the day.

Wilson takes the field again, at their own 41. Deion Jones has his first tackle of the game, waiting on the ball carrier to come to him, but makes the stop. De’Vondre Campbell and Damontae Kazee combine for a tackle. At the 33, Beasley steps up for the sack, but instead, Wilson finds Tyler Locketfor a first down. Several plays later, on a 2nd and 4, DK Metcalf is wide open in the end zone and with 11 minutes to go in the half, the Seahawks lead 10/0.

With the ball back in the Falcons’ offense’s hands, Freeman gains 3 yards up the middle. Schaub overthrows Julio downfield, then hits Julio for a short gain on the left sideline. With a 4th and 1 on their own 34, the Falcons go for it. Schaub finds TE Jaeden Graham, wide open, for 11 yards and the first down. Now rolling, the next pass is a 20-yarder to Jones along the sideline. He is called for an OPI. The Falcons call a time out. There is no challenge. Now, the Falcons are 1st and 20 at the 35 instead of 1st and 10 at the Seahawks 35. Schaub drops back and finds Seattle’s Mychal Kendricks for the interception.

Foye Oluokon trips up the Seattle rusher so Campbell can tackle him. Grady gets off the blocker and away from a hold for the next tackle. Wilson fakes a handoff, then carries down the right side himself, bypassing Jones, then Oliver finally knocks him out of bounds. A few plays later, another touchdown. With 4 minutes to go in the half, Seattle leads 17/0.

The Falcons’ offense takes the field. Again moving quickly with a pass to Julio at the 44, a pass up the middle to Freeman. Then a lob back to Freeman for another big gain. A quick pass to Hardy while on the run was knocked out of his hands, as he rolled the ball, still trying to bring it in. An errant throw by Schaub toward Ridley was a near interception by Akeem King. King had the ball and an open field, but dropped it before he could run. Fourth down, Bryant on to attempt a 53 yard field goal. The score remains 17/0.

With less than 2 minutes to go in the half and driving, Seattle is near midfield, Wilson throws a 20-yard pass to Locket, that was perfectly covered by rookie CB Kendall Sheffield. Carson goes up the middle for 5 yards where he meets Jarrett. The FALCONS call a time out. Wilson has an incomplete pass to Metcalf, then another 20 yards to Lockett, again, covered well by Sheffield. Then the FALCONS call their final time out. With a minute to go, Chris Carson gets to the 2, then as Wilson scrambles away from Campbell, he finds Metcalf in the end zone. With 27 seconds to go, the Seahawks lead 24/0.

Somehow, the Falcons get off 4 quick plays. Two passes of 18 and 15 yards to Luke Stocker and Jones, respectively, then at the 42, Schaub spikes the ball with 4 seconds left. No clue what the plan is at this point, but likely it was not to get sacked by Jadaveon Clowney, lose 11 yards, and fumble the ball. Thankfully, the half is over.

The Falcons get the ball to start the second half. Hooper has a reception, then stiff arms defenders to turn it into a 35-yard gain. Freeman finds a hole and gains 15 yards, which is called back on an Alex Mack hold. After a couple of quick passes and a neutral zone infraction, the Falcons are 3 and 1 at the 31 and lose a yard to Clowney. With over 11 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, the Falcons use a time out and determine to go for the 4th down. Luck has it that Clowney is super active suddenly and has his second neutral zone infraction and provides an automatic first down. Freeman goes around the right end for 4 yards, then Brian Hill comes in to relieve him and runs 23 yards for his first NFL touchdown. The Falcons line up for a 2-point conversion, where Schaub finds Ridley in the back of the end zone for a miraculous catch, both feet down and the score is 24/8.

The defense comes out as hyped as the offense. Seattle manages -11 yards in a 3 and out effort, including tackles for loss by Ricardo Allen and Jarrett and a quick stop by Beasley. GRADY JARRETT gets the Sack on Wilson – the first Falcon sack since week 3 against the Colts. On 4th and 20, Seattle punts.

Schaub has a short pass to Freeman that goes for 7 yards. Mack has another holding penalty backing the Falcons up. On 2nd and 13, Schaub hits Julio for 17 yards. Hooper and Hardy are running the same route as Schaub releases and Hardy speeds up and nearly makes the catch. Freeman gains 13 yards on another pass. Then Freeman bounces right for a 9-yard run. Hill has back to back runs for a total of 6 yards. Schaub is sacked, but holds onto the ball this time. His next pass is behind Russell Gage. Bryant comes on for a successful 47-yard field goal. With just over 3 minutes in the 3rd quarter, Seattle still leads 24/11.

The defense forces another 3 and out, including forcing offensive penalties and a net gain of 2 yards on the series.

When you think it is all turning around, it does not. Traveling 85 yards down the field with successful runs by Freeman, and receptions by Jones, the Falcons are at the 27 when Schaub throws a 19-yard pass to Ridley, who makes another great catch, takes the hit and holds onto the ball. He was taken off and evaluated for a concussion from taking a big hit and nearly landing on his head. Then…..Freeman gets the pass, runs 7 yards to the 1, while twisting and stretching for the end zone, he fumbles the ball which was recovered by Seattle.

Seattle has a quick run for 3 yards for breathing room. Then Wilson finds Lockett for 19 yards, where Rico brings him down. The offense has a holding penalty to back them up, but Wilson finds Lockett wide open for a 12 yard gain, Sheffield tackles out of bounds, then David Moore for 23 yards wide open by Blidi Wreh-Wilson who trips Campbell and Kazee finally makes the stop at the 47. Several short rushes, stopped by the line, then Tyeler Davison gets off his block and turns around for the sack on Wilson for a loss of 2 yards. On 2nd and 12, the scrambling Wilson is watching Jarrett in the backfield, runs to escape, but is quickly stopped by Beasley, an OPI on Lockett, then short pass to Jacob Hollister, and the Seahawks successfully kick a 54-yard field goal, to lead 27/11.

With under 6 minutes left to go in the game, the offense takes the field again. Back to back receptions by Gage for 10 and 17 yards. Then Kaleb McGary has a false start. Schaub finds Hardy for 15 yards, misses Gage, then back to Hooper for 14 yards, mostly after the catch. On the 1^st down, Schaub finds Gage on the sideline for 5 yards, then under pressure, he throws towards Jones, he is knocked down with no penalty called. 3^rd and 5, Schaub lobs it into the end zone, toward Ridley, but hits the helmet of the Seattle defender. The defense was off sides, and Schaub smartly knew he had a free play there. Moved up to the 14, Schaub finds Gage for 6 yards, then way over Hooper in the end zone, with the defender draping him and hitting him in the head – again – no call. Julio gets the call and shoves his way to the 1 yard line. Seattle calls a time out. Stocker is in motion, Hooper gets another touchdown reception. Going for 2 points again, with the exact same play to Hooper and the defense was not fooled, so the score is now 27/17.

With just under 3 minutes to go, the Falcons D forces another 3 and out with Jarrett and Campbell leading the way in stops. The Falcons get the ball back, a quick 21-yard pass to Julio, then to Ridley for 30 yards. In the no huddle, short pass to Hooper who smartly runs out of bounds, then another 8-yard reception to Ridley. The two minute warning stops the clock.

After the 2-minute warning, Schaub hits Gage over the middle then near the sideline and another first down. At the 19 with a minute and a half to go, Schaub spikes the ball and the Falcons send Bryant on for the 37-yard field goal. The score is 27/20 and after the unsuccessful onsides kick, Seattle runs out the clock.

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Dukes & Bell Sneak into Mr. Blank’s Office

By: Allison Smith

August 5, 2019

On Monday, August 5, 2019, Carl Dukes and Mike Bell (from the 92.9 afternoon show “Dukes and Bell”) showed up to Mr. Arthur Blank’s office to talk Atlanta Falcon football. I can neither confirm nor deny if they were actually invited, but Mr. Blank did speak with them on a variety of topics.

This interview was the day after the Military focused Fan Day in Mercedes Benz Stadium. Tickets were $5 each and sold out, raising over $200,000 to be donated to Veterans Empowerment Organization.

Dukes and Bell started with questioning the expectations for this season for the Falcons. Mr. Blank’s expectations are for the team to be in the discussion every year, to be competitive each year. He noted the defense is healthy, the team made some good draft choices and FA pick-ups. Mr. Blank loves where the team is right now, but said, “You have to play the games.” He quipped that, “Matt Ryanplays better vertically than horizontally.” Matt is in great shape and he needs to be kept that way. Mr. Blank commented that the staple is a great O and D line to play successfully, carry you throughout the season, and into the colder climates late in the season.

Head Coach Dan Quinn said “the compass was off last year.” Mr. Blank “One of the great strengths of Dan is that he is brutally honest with himself and with me.” Dan looked at his coaching staff and evaluated and made changes. DQ brought in several guys that are familiar with Matt with great offensive minds. With Dan now calling the plays on defense – he will be able to really focus on the defensive plays and players and help with all the current and new guys. Mr. Blank doesn’t think they necessarily lost the compass, but DQ looked without filters and made necessary changes. He and General Manager Thomas Dimitroff agreed on what changes needed to take place.

Julio Jones will be a Falcon for life, and we all know his accomplishments and he will be the highest paid receiver in the NFL….and Ju will be kept healthy and ready for game 1. He is physically and mentally in great shape. There is great trust on both sides, just waiting on his agent to finish talks.

Mr. Blank thinks we have moved from protest to progress. He serves on several NFL committees to help and lead progress and believes players should use their platform to affect change. The league is definitely paying attention to the need for change and the climate of change.

Thanks to Dukes and Bell for bringing us the top interviews.

#RiseUp

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Together We Rise Fan Day

July 29, 2018

On Sunday, we saw the first padded practice of Training Camp. The first open practice in Mercedes Benz stadium. AND, the first official, public opening of the roof.

Videos and pictures can be found on our Facebook page, or just videos from the day on our YouTube channel (Falcon Alley24). Both links can be found on our home page.

Together We Rise Fan Day was held inside the Benz Nest. Gates opened at 10 and the roof was set to open at noon, and official practice at 12:30. First, what a great event! 60,000 fans streamed in to The Benz Nest on a sunny Sunday in July for FOOTBALL!!! The highlight was, of course, the first official opening of the roof.

Sunday literally felt almost like a game day. Most fans had on gear, likely toned down, but shirts, hats, jerseys. The Porch was open and full before practice started. Once you entered The Benz Nest, all the music and video boards and concession stands were running as normal. 92.9 The Game was in attendance to cover the pre-game and many of the drills and events of the day. Harry Douglas was on hand to participate in those discussions, as well as to meet fans. Wes Durham, typically on the airwaves, was on the field providing commentary for some of the practices. Wes was announcing what many of the drills were going to be or explaining the mini scrimmages and teams.

During the 12ish minute opening of the roof process, the video boards told a history of Atlanta and of the Falcons. It was a great presentation of information while you watched the sun beam in and onto the field. Freddie Falcon was on the field, basking and moving around in the sun stream. It was interesting to see what would be covered in sun around 1:00, a normal kickoff time. Especially since it was hitting the opposite side of the field as my regular seat. As the opening continued, most of the team came out and started their personal warm-ups as well as some drills. Eventually, most of the field was under the sun as well as part of one quarter of the stadium. As the team began quick runs and ball handling drills between the goal line and the 20, the roof was closed, with no pomp and circumstance. Many of us just happened to see it closed and tried to see if anyone noticed as it was closing. It is a very quiet process and worked to perfection on the opening and closing on Sunday. It actually opens, only directly exposing the field, sidelines, and lower rows, so if it was raining, straight down, most of the stadium/seats would still be covered. But to see that blue sky, it was really awesome.

Takk McKinley and Ito Smith did not practice.

Sunday’s Together We Rise training camp day was filled with the usual drills, individual team workouts, and 7 on 7 game day situations at both ends of the field. I have many videos on my YouTube page (link at the bottom of our Homepage) of the practices with my commentary.

From my training camp experience, this was a typical practice, the variety of drills all over the field. Most of the day, the offensive line was to the side working on their own stances, drills, and blocking schemes, while the rest of the guys moved in and out of a variety of drills or mini scrimmages. There were passing drills with all four quarterbacks passing to four different receivers, each being covered. Some were short passes, others high, others to the edge of the end zone. Keanu Neal was able to tip a ball and create an interception under Austin Hooper. Duke Riley in tight coverage was beat by Terrance Magee. Desmond Trufant got a big roar by not allowing Julio Jones to haul in a pass. Tru has looked much better already this year. He was injured for the second half of the SuperBowl season, but seem either not confident or fully healed last season, but in the off season this year, he has already looked more impressive, from early workouts, to mini-camp, to Sunday.

Keith Armstrong was working his special teams hard as well. Not the kickers, but the coverage. They practiced with Matt Bother or Georgia boy David Marvin running up to kick, and then the coverage team practicing blocking and returning with the new kickoff rules. Naturally, Matt Bryant came out and kicked a few field goals – most of which went through, he did have one from the 50+ that hit the goal post and popped back in to the field of play, but we all know how rare that is.

In drill mode, the defense went against itself in passing drills, so basically 2 defenders were competing for passes lobbed up by coaches. The defensive line worked on barrel drills.

During 7 on 7 play, the offensive line started off slow. While there was a big pass to Julio, in real time, the new 99, Terrell McClain would have sacked Ryan before the ball was released. The defense definitely came out aggressively. Brooks Reed caught RB Justin Crawford in the backfield. Ryan faked the handoff to Devonta Freeman, then passed up to Freeman, who was immediately stopped. De’Vondre Campbell made a stop in the backfield. Finally, rookie WR Christian Blake had a good catch and run. FS Marcelis Branch had a good pass breakup. The offensive line stepped up for a number of plays after they got into a rhythm.

Check out the Falcons’ twitter for Ricardo Allen’s mic’d up practice, upbeat and entertaining.

#RiseUp

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