Penalties – FalconAlley Football

Another Decent Three Quarters of Falcons Ball

September 28, 2020

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Unfortunately, there are at least 4 quarters to play. The Falcons had NO penalties in the first 3 quarters, then 7, costly, penalties in the final quarter of the game for 75 yards. Similar to the Super Bowl year, similar to last week, and similar to many other games we have suffered through over the years, the Falcons can’t play a full 4 quarters of ball. In the Dan Quinn era, the Falcons have blown leads of 25, 20, 17 twice, and 16. For a forever Falcon fan, it is long suffering, but 5 of the 13 biggest leads have been blown in last 5 years. As you know, the 20 and 16 leads are back to back the last two weeks.

Everyone is accountable for their own performance. Whether prep work, education, coaching, play calling, or player execution.

With a 16 point lead late in the fourth quarter, the Falcons ran through three possessions, all of which were 3 and Outs, taking a TOTAL of 2 ½ minutes off the clock. The final possession was 3 ill-fated passes that took 22 seconds, with 2 of their best 3 receivers unavailable. Who didn’t know the ball was only going to Calvin Ridley? Chicago didn’t even have to take a time out at any time to save time for their comeback. Someone needs to have the responsibility to look at clock and the score and make opposing team use their time outs. As a coaching staff, you cannot run a much depleted defense back out on the field after a minute or less off the field. Instead of running time off the clock with the much touted run game, you put the defense back on the field. They have not proven able to stop in clutch situations, they started the game with a depleted staff due to injuries and just lost two more. The running backs were averaging 5.8 yards. Use what is working and eat up the clock. If the Falcons didn’t learn that in 2016, I guess they never will.

As bad as the defense had been in completing a full game especially in clutch situations, what has the offense done with turnovers or short fields?

Against the Bears, Blidi Wreh-Wilson intercepts Mitch Trubisky at the Bears’ 19, Falcons get a field goal. Bears are intercepted in the end zone, 5 plays later the Falcons punt. Bears, 4^th and 17, Falcons get the ball and 3 plays later punt.

The Falcons cannot stop a team or score WHEN THEY NEED TO. In both 2-minute drives before halftime, the Falcons failed to get any points. Very conservative play calling to have the offensive weapons that the Falcons have. Everybody knows, the Falcons run on first down, get a few yards, then pass it the rest of the time. EVERYBODY knows that. That was seen in many of the 3 and outs on the day, and certainly near the end of the game.

The defense did seem to communicate and tackle better overall Sunday. On 3^rd downs, the defense got off the field more or forced 4^th downs that were unsuccessful. But with Ricardo Allen missing, you could see some assignment confusion and lack of leadership on the field. Rookie Mykal Walker stepped in and up to lead the team with 8 tackles, 1 for loss and a QB hit. Keanu Neal also had 8 tackles with 1.5 for loss, Isaiah Oliver and Deion Jones had 7 tackles a piece. Darqueze Dennard had 6 tackles, 2 passes defended and a crucial interception. This week, many defenders were rookie starters and others just off of the practice squad.

The defense gave up a 45-yard run by Trubisky. Oliver got turned around on the easiest wide receiver coverages in the NFL. On a 2^nd and 6, the Bears scored a 35-yard touchdown because Oliver cannot make the tackle. He dropped or missed two interceptions. On a 3^rd and 8, another explosive play, a 29-yard touchdown to Anthony Miller. The defense nearly gave up a touchdown on the 2^nd of the exact same play back to back in the end zone. Jimmy Graham and Miller ran the same route, the first time Oliver was in position and tips the ball, then Neal is in coverage and Miller caught the touchdown, but after review it was determined he didn’t have possession as he hit the ground. Good luck.

Does the defense have the right guys on the team? From the first 3 games it doesn’t look like it. The Falcons have the worst red zone defense in the NFL. In their 12 defenses of/in the red zone, 11 turned into touchdowns and one a field goal.

The offense looked good early as well, Ridley was targeted 13 times and caught 5 for 110 yards, most of those misses were on Ryan, not Ridley. Olamide Zaccheaus had 4 receptions for 41 yards, and returner Brandon Powell stepped in and had 3 catches on 4 targets for 27 yards. Russell Gage went out early after his 2^nd reception, totally 26 yards. Brian Hill had a single reception for 22 yards and 9 rushes for 58 yards and that long 35-yard touchdown run. Todd Gurley had 14 carries of 80 yards.

If Gurley cannot go more, then the Falcons need another solution (there are 3 other RBs on the roster), if he can, then use him. The run game started very positive with 144 rushing yards, Gurley was finally making people miss – broke out for 16-yard run and made 2 defenders miss on his touchdown run. Hill definitely made some defenders miss on a couple of nice runs, including his touchdown. If Gurley is supposed to be a weapon as a rushing receiver, Ryan needs to throw to him more than once a game.

It is the little details and focus. On a 3^rd and 5, Hill cannot hold onto the football, likely if he caught it, Hill was making a big gain, if not a touchdown. Certainly, it keeps the drive alive. On both 2-minute drives near the end of the half, no points scored and Ryan missed Ridley. Of course, the costly, possibly game winning interception near the end of the game. On a 3^rd and goal from the 4, with the Bears in man to man coverage, they brought cover zero and Ryan gets sacked, moving them so far back, they settled for a field goal. This was a nice 12 play drive for 53 yards before half. Ryan may have put up big numbers, but he did not have an overly good game. The 4^th quarter begins and Ryan has his pass batted down at the line. The Falcons sideline called a timeout. Back to the 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. How do you have a time out and still get sacked? Then the Koo miss.

Now declining is the 3^rd down offense. The Falcons were 4 for 13 on 3^rd down conversions. Anything that did go well last week, was bad again this week. Too many times the Bears were in man coverage and the Falcons made no adjustments. That is on the coaching.

Special Teams didn’t have a complete melt down, but Koo missed and early extra point and a manageable field goal. The Falcons lost by 4 points.

Guys cannot make plays when their number is called, is the defense even staffed correctly? You have to make the play when the play present themselves. Win your one on one match up. Wreh-Wilson, Dennard, Ridley did. Not many others did Sunday.

If the final falls on Quinn…..and the players love him so much…..they should be performing better. Maybe THIS loss is the one that makes the change. They have to be coaching and playing for jobs very soon. The Falcons have not started 0-3 since 2007, the Bobby Petrino era. We all know how that ended.

Overall, to me, the lack of concern by Dan Quinn and Matt Ryan is even more frustrating. “Being close” and just not finishing, that isn’t enough. “Not getting blown out” is not a good response. Your team is allowing huge and disastrous collapses. Until there is a * noting close games or injury riddled teams and you get partial credit for good play. The Falcons are not finishing on either side of the ball.

Good teams find ways to win. I have been a fan since the 1980s and know bad teams and bad direction. There is no reason with the talent that is on this team, that the performance is so bad.

This does not bode well for a primetime trip to Green Bay. Even a non-snowy, quiet Green Bay.

Golden Talon:

Calvin Ridley – The up and coming Julio Jones. Even with no touchdowns this week, opened the game with a 63-yard touchdown. Finished the game with 5 receptions for 110 yards.
Brian Hill – Running and catching and breaking tackles. 58 rushing yards, 22 receiving yards, and a touchdown in limited playing time.
Darqueze Dennard – After a rough first couple of games, Dennard was moved to his natural CB position and was aggressive and aware for most of the game. 6 tackles and 2 passes defended.

#RiseUp

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Self-Inflicted Wounds Clip the Falcons’ Wings

September 24, 2019

Article by Allison Smith

Pictures courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

After a great Sunday Night Football win, the Falcons seemed to be soaring up. Then, they traveled to Indianapolis where their wings were clipped.

With the good play and weapons that the Falcons have, this game should not have gone this way. You cannot win in the NFL with 16 penalties for 128 yards and turnovers in the red zone. While there was only one Falcon turnover this week, instead of 7 points, the Colts scored 3 their way, after a long 97-yard drive. Indianapolis is a good team that did what they needed to do, but this was definitely a winnable game for this Falcons. And now we wait for the fallout with all the injuries and what happens to clean up the penalties and unpreparedness….AGAIN.

Matt Ryan’s interception may have been only one play, but it is consistent within all 3 games so far and took points off the board. Remember when complaining about one hold by a lineman and one PI by a defender, every bad, bad play is impactful. This was definitely a team loss.

There was bad play calling and bad decisions. On a 2nd and 11, Ryan throws out of the end zone over Austin Hooper on the left side. Meanwhile, Julio Jones was uncharacteristically wide open on the other side of the end zone. On the ensuing 3rd and 11, Ryan is under great pressure and he throws out of bounds and the Falcons settle for a Matt Bryant 34-yard field goal. With just over two minutes to go in the half, the Colts lead 13/3.

The Falcons offense took too much time on the 2nd half drives, causing them to use all of their timeouts around the 2-minute warning in hopes of getting a defensive stop and the all back. Clearly, the defense couldn’t get the stop and the Colts were able to run out the clock.

Hooper Forcing His Way into the End Zone

Devonta Freeman finally looked the Free of Old and made some good breaks, other times lost in the backfield when the offensive line didn’t hold up. Free had 16 carries for 88 yards, with a breakout of 28 yards. Julio Jones was near perfection again with 8 receptions on 9 targets for 128 yards and another touchdown, one nice 34-yard reception. Mohamed Sanu was his usual dependable self on several 3rd down conversions, as well as blocking, taking direct snaps, finishing the game with 1 rush for 2 yards (and a first down), and caught all 6 balls thrown his way for 75 yards and several on 3^rd down. And of course, Austin Hooper caught 6 of the 7 balls thrown his way, 2 for touchdowns, and forced extra yards, and was doing his job at blocking again.

With Keanu Neal’s Achilles injury taking him out for the season, Damontae Kazee will likely move back to the Safety spot. Kemal Ishmael and rookie Kendall Sheffield should get time at nickel. The Falcons will be evaluating their current team members and practice squad, then possibly looking outside for another safety.

Isaiah Oliver is really struggling so far. With Desmond Trufant being a shut down corner so far, offenses will continue to target 2nd year corner Oliver. The defense is not tackling or containing well. This was one of the worst tackling games since early 2018. The defense played soft coverage, making it difficult to get interceptions as there are no real contested receptions. While they were efficient stopping the run game, the short passes were open and easy most of the day. Add in missed tackles and yards after the catch, and it was a rough day for the defense. The defense provided 7 free first downs with their penalties, while the offense continued to create re-work for themselves with theirs.

The Colts offense took what the defense gave them, the Falcons didn’t tackle well on runs and played soft on passes. Small runs after catch became more efficient. There were too many missed tackles. A late 3rd and 5 had Jacoby Brissett off his spot, and the defense still couldn’t sack him and he ran for the first down, and extra yard.

Vic Beasley, Jr. had an overall good game, including a ½ sack shared with Takk McKinley. Jack Crawford had two uncharacteristic off-sides penalties and a missed sack. Deion Jones led the team in tackles with 9 and 1 pass defended. Oliver did get his man down with 7 tackles and 2 passes defended. Ricardo Allen had 7 tackles and a head to head penalty, which I feel was due to the speed he was closing. Rico is not a dirty player. Ish and Kazee had 6 tackles a piece. As a note, Vic had 2 quarterback hits, while Allen Bailey, Adrian Clayborn, and Takk all had 1 a piece. That is not enough to really affect the quarterback. And there were only 6 tackles for loss in the game. Brissett was 16 of 16 before the defense finally got some pressure and started to affect him. Heck, Grady Jarrett was barely affective with 1 tackle for loss and a penalty of his own, which was for 12^th man on the field as he was on the edge trying to get out….but that has more to do with too much changing of the D too far on the ends of the field.

Overall, the whole game was a hot mess and repeat of week 1. In 3 games, the Falcons have committed 35 penalties for 264 yards. Head Coach Dan Quinn is bringing in officials for practice this week to ensure everyone understands the penalties…what officials look for and are going to call. There are numerous repeat offenders, then several random unusual offenders this week.

This is the second slow start on the road, but the Falcons have put themselves too far in the hole both games. Making adjustments at half time, coming out almost like a different team, but again, too little too late. Changing to man to man late in the game, but not able to wrap up. Offensively near perfection, but too much time and too much of a deficit to overcome.

Injury Report:

· Keanu Neal – out for the season with Achilles

· Ito Smith – concussion protocol

· Kenjon Barner – concussion protocol

· Grady Jarrett – toe, expected to be back by the end of the week

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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.

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When You Use All Your O in Week 12

December 3, 2017

Minnesota 14 at Atlanta 9

By: Allison Smith

Apparently we used up all of our good offense and points in last week’s win against Tampa Bay. At least that was a fun game. Now, with today’s loss to Minnesota, the Falcons are in quite the pickle. They must win out, and likely hope for some help to make the playoffs.

With Desmond Trufant and Brian Poole (late scratch) both out at Cornerback, Blidi Wreh-Wilson stepped in. Ricardo Allen moved to the nickel spot and Damontae Kazee took Allen’s spot at Free Safety.

The Minnesota Vikings take the opening possession of the game. With a quick first down pass to Stefan Diggs and Deion Jones on the stop. Then Brooks Reed and Grady Jarrett combine to stop a 1-yard run by Latavius Murray. Jerick McKinnon has a 6-yard run, then Case Keenum throws a pass to Diggs that is perfectly defended and knocked out by Robert Alford forcing an early punt. Andre Roberts fair catches at the 22 and the offense begins there.

Matt Ryan begins the Falcons offense with a pass to Julio Jones, unfortunately an overthrow of Jones. Then a hand off to Devonta Freeman goes into the line for no gain, as Jones lines up for the crack back block. The 3^rd down pass to Mohamed Sanu falls incomplete, but the defender was all over Sanu and called for the PI. In the shot gun, Ryan immediately hands off to Tevin Coleman who is immediately stopped for a loss of 2. A pass to Austin Hooper gains 6 yards, then a quick snap leads to a 16-yard pass and first down to Levine Toilolo. With Taylor Gabriel in motion, Ryan fakes to Freeman, the passes up to the line of scrimmage where Gabriel makes the catch, but it is nullified by a Jake Matthews’ block in the back. Freeman knocks off 5 of the 20 needed yards. Near midfield, Hooper makes a catch on a low ball, stumbling, but holds his balance and holds on to the ball and behind a Jones block, gains 7 yards. Freeman has a big run behind great blocking by Sanu and Gabriel, but, it is nullified by a very uncharacteristic holding penalty on Alex Mack. Back to 3^rd and 12 a pass to Coleman nearly gets the first down, but is stopped 2 yards short. Ben Garland comes in, along with an extra tight end. The Falcons 4^th and 2 plan causes a Minnesota time out (note this as it will come in to play later in the half.) Out of the time out, Ryan has a 15-yard pass to Coleman, easily converting the first down. Again, Freeman, again holding penalty, this time on Garland who is it for Andy Levitre who just went out with a tricep injury. Garland’s “hold” was more of a perfect take down, but that is not how the referees marked it. Now, a 1^st and 17 at the 31, Ryan fakes the run and overthrows Coleman in the end zone. The pocket collapses for a throw away ball. Suddenly it is 3^rd and 17 and Ryan hands off to Freeman who gains 11 easy yards. Matt Bryant comes in for the 38-yard field goal. With just over 5 minutes to go in the first quarter, the Falcons lead by 3.

Keenum brings the Vikings out for their second drive of the game at the 25. They begin with a rush for 4 yards. The coverage downfield was tremendous, giving Vic Beasley time to apply great pressure and Keenum to have an out of bounds throw. Jones is called for a hold, moving the ball downfield and giving a free first down. A couple of successful quick passes have the Vikings across midfield. Reed is constantly in the backfield while Beasley is in and out of pass coverage. A long pass to Rudolph is defended perfectly by Wreh-Wilson. On 2^nd and 10 with a 4-man rush, Keenum connects with Diggs for a great over the shoulder catch, but both feet are out of bounds. Now, on a big 3^rd and 10 at the 39, GRADY JARRETT gets in there for the SACK, on a quarterback that does not get sacked. A loss of 9 forces the punt.

Roberts lets the ball bounce over his head and it bounces out of bounds at the 2. Coleman runs up the middle but again, called back for a Justin Hardy block in the back, which is declined forcing a 2^nd and 8 at the 4. Another Coleman run on the far right side gains another couple of yards. At the 8, it is 3^rd and 4, Coleman is lined up as a wide receiver, and Ryan throws a quick slant to Sanu, a little high and Sanu only gets his finger tips on it, but luckily it fell to the ground. Matt Bosher, under great pressure, gets the kick off to the 47 of the Vikings.

As the 2^nd quarter begins, the Vikings start their short field drive with some quick passes and spinning runs. Murray makes a big break through the line for a 30-yard gain until Keanu Neal makes the stop at the 2-yard line. Jones makes a stop at the 1 forcing a 2^nd down. Then a floating pass to the end zone to McKinnon, who celebrates disrespectfully doing the Dirty Bird. With 10 minutes to go in the half, the Vikings lead 7 to 3.

Roberts takes the kickoff out of the back of the end zone up to the 17, leading him to a sideline chat with Keith Armstrong. Then, Ryan starts this possession the same as the first, a low, shoe lace pass to Jones, who catches it for the first down. A fake handoff turns into a low pass to Marvin Hall and the Falcons are up to mid-field. With 3 tight ends in the game, a handoff to Freeman who is tripped up, keeps his feet and gains another first down. Ryan throws to Sanu and the Falcons are inside the 25. When every play is to a different player, you cannot defend that offense. Sanu and Ju are both on the left side, Ryan fakes, then scrambles up to the line of scrimmage, and instead of continuing his run, throws to Freeman at the first down marker, but it is too high for Freeman. Jones had been knocked down by Xavier Rhodes. 2^nd down and Hooper moves causing a 2^nd and 15. With a quick rush, Ryan throws to the line of scrimmage for a quick stop. Now another long 3^rd down, a pass to Hooper that is 5 yards short and forces another Bryant field goal.

Another Bosher touchback gives the Vikings the ball at the 25. They pick on Wreh-Wilson again for a long pass, but Adam Thielen is out of bounds. McKinnon runs along the sideline for 2 yards, until stopped by Alford. Then Takk McKinley has an encroachment penalty. To make up for that TAKK makes the SACK on the next play. His 3^rd sack in 3 games. The Vikings punt to Roberts who returns from the 29 up to the 32.

A quick Coleman run gets 6 yards, a jet sweep that FINALLY works to Gabriel, gets the first down. A quick pitch on the right side to Coleman for a 6-yard game. Freeman replaces Coleman, as the 2-minute warning break is called. Ryan next two passes are incomplete and Bosher punts to the 9.

Deion Jones quickly stops the 1^st down draw. A wide open pass over the middle for a first down and the Vikings use their first time out. From the 23, Keenum is running from Beasley and gets a quick 5-yard pass off. After another first down completion, the defense is swarming causing a very quick out of bounds throw. Hit as he throws by Derrick Shelby, Keenum connects with Michael Floyd for a first down. The Vikings have no time outs (remember they wasted one early), are at midfield with 20 seconds to go. Keenum to Thielen at the 30 in the middle of the field, but is stopped as time runs out of the first half.

The Atlanta Falcons receive the ball in the 2^nd half on the 25. A fake to Freeman leads to a 9-yard pass to Toilolo. Freeman easily gets the yard and turns on his jets and spin moves to gain 13 yards. Garland gets held by a defender for a free 5 yards. Sanu has a huge leaping reception, cutting back to Ryan for another first down. A pitch back to Freeman gains 4 yards along the left side. A pitch then to Coleman gains limited yards. With 3^rd and 3, Ryan stands in the pressure and throws over the middle, the ball on the ground with Sanu trying to get under it in time. The Vikings challenged the catch, it was overturned and Bryant came on for another successful field goal. The Falcons lead 9-7.

The Vikings have a big runback to the 30. After a run, the Vikings are called for holding Neal who still made the tackle. With a 1^st and 20, they try to run the ball and Ricardo Allen comes in from the right side backfield and helps Beasley stuff the run for a 2-yard loss. Adrian Clayborn again applying pressure, Beasley chasing Keenum causing him to pass beyond the line of scrimmage. Now, the Benz Nest is getting LOUD. 3^rd and 25, crowd noise, and the Vikings dump off a short pass with Debo and Rico combining for the stop and forcing a 4^th and 13 punt. A Viking tries to start a fight with Neal (really?) and Rico coming in to break everyone up as the D unites to defend each other.

Roberts fair catches at the 29 and begins again there. First play, Sanu with a big 14-yard catch moving the Falcons to the 43. Followed with a big pass to Jones, who was LITERALLY covered on the play, for a no call. Freeman runs for a few yards, Hardy is called for another block in the back, and again, the Vikings decline forcing a 3^rd and 8. Being blitzed, Ryan heaves the ball down to Gabriel who cannot catch up with the ball with the defender slowing him up.

Kemal Ishmael holds on the punt and Bosher is forced to punt a second time, a booming, high kick and the Vikings start at their own 11. Good call on the Vikings to make the Falcons re-kick.

Thielen makes his second catch of the day, 6-yards before meeting up with Rico. Then Murray runs 12 yards for a first down, the Vikings up to the 29. Murray is then stuffed by Takk. Keenum has some time, avoids an ankle tackle by Courtney Upshaw and finds Diggs near midfield. Several missed tackles by Falcons leaving their feet, McKinnon gains 7 yards. THEN Murray is met by that unmovable force, Keanu Neal! The crowd is loud again for 3^rd down, but the Vikings still gain another first down. After a 2-yard run, they try a jet sweep that is stopped by De’Vondre Campbell forcing a 3^rd and 2. The Falcons seem to have some personnel confusion and call a time out. Rico makes the stop right at the first down marker. The Vikings have the ball at the Falcons 24. Murray makes a couple of good runs, before breaking out to get inside the 10. Then he runs into Ahtyba Rubin as the 3^rd quarter ends.

As the 4th quarter begins, Keenum throws an easy pass to Kyle Rudolph in the back of the end zone. The Vikings now lead 14 to 9 over the Falcons.

Roberts takes the kick at the 2 and forces his way to the 23. The pitch to Coleman is bobbled several times off his right shoulder pad, but Coleman captures the ball and still gains 3 yards. Under pressure, Ryan throws in complete as he is hit. Facing another long 3^rd down and very unsuccessful today, Ryan is nearly sacked, but escapes and runs to the line of scrimmage. Bosher punts a 56-yarder which is returned for a few yards and the Vikings begin a their own 27.

Keenum comes out throwing to Rudolph for 8 yards. McKinnon fighting for a first down. McKinnon runs for a couple, but is called back for illegal chop block on Jarrett’s legs. Meanwhile, Debo is being helped up and walks off the field on his own. The next 3 plays are all stops by Rico who has taken this defense and possession onto his shoulders.

Roberts returns the punt to the 29-yard line. Freeman starts the drive with a 3-yard gain, then a 7-yard gain, running and leaning forward to get the first down. The Falcons fake the run, the in trouble, Ryan tosses to Freeman who spins off tackles and gains another 7 yards. Freeman takes a pitch back, goes to the left side, gains the first down and more behind the blocking of FB Derrick Coleman and Sanu. The pass to T Coleman is dropped, then toss to Jones at the line of scrimmage, who forces his way for the first down, head first into defender. Rhodes makes a stop on Coleman. Ryan is a little high to Jones over the middle. Another 3^rd and long to Gabriel who is 4 short of the first down. And, Bryant on for a field goal attempt that pulls just left of the goal post.

With just over 4 minutes to go in the game, the Vikings come out moving the ball easily to midfield. The Falcons take their 2^nd time out and allow a 3-yard gain, then take their final time out. 3^rd and 4 and an easy 22-yard gain by Thielen. Murray breaks through the line for a 9-yard gain, then the first down.

After the 2-minute warning, the Vikings take a knee to run out the clock for the win. And all of the Falcon fans and Dan Quinn look as grumpy as I feel.

Injury Update: No significant injuries occurred in the game.

Iron Falcon Award: Ricardo Allen for single handedly stopping the Vikings in one series, from a different position, and continuing to be a team leader on defense. Rico ended with 8 total tackles from his new nickel position.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

All Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Not Ready for Prime Time

Atlanta 7 at New England 23

October 22, 2017

By: Allison Smith

Apparently, the Atlanta Falcons were not ready for Prime Time. The long awaited Super Bowl rematch occurred on Sunday Night Football. Except, even with all the questions, story lines, and hype, it truly was not a rematch. The New England Patriots came in with 2 losses and the 32^nd ranked defense. The Falcons came in…off back to back winnable losses and played their worst game of the season.

The Patriots started with the ball, had an 11-play drive, encompassing 5 penalties between the 2 teams. Very sloppy start on both sides. The Falcons defense forces the punt and seem to have a good plan on the night. Then, the offense goes 3 and out. Once again, before the defense can even sit down, they are back on the field after a Matt Bosher 35-yard punt.

That’s right, not only did Bosher have another bad punt this week, Matt Bryant had one field goal blocked and another hit the goal post. That should have really been your clue this game was over early.

The Patriots really did not do anything spectacular, except stay on the field. Which we have found is incredibly affective. You don’t give Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Devonta Freeman a chance to explode. You tire out the defense. So, it doesn’t take allot to outscore the Falcons. The defense was able to force 3 field goals.

On the good side, Ju finally got his first touchdown of the season. Which I am sure means more to statisticians than to Julio, it was so late, too late in the game to help. Julio also reached 8000 yards, the 2nd fastest receiver to do so. Defensive positives include a big sack by De’Vondre Campbell for a 7-yard loss on NE’s second drive, a Vic Beasley, Jr. sack, and a Robert Alford interception, which, was of course returned on a defensive penalty.

The story of this week is the question of what has happened to our Falcons?!? The entire NFL seems to be in a vortex of confusion this year. Except for Cleveland and San Francisco (both still winless), everyone else is up and down any given week. If a team started off undefeated, they’ve had 2 losses, if they started off in the hole, they are on a win streak.

So, the Falcons are not out of anything yet, even sitting in third place of the NFC South. Luckily, they have not played anyone in their division…yet. In 2 weeks, they start with the Panthers, who are suffering their own woes. Apparently, both teams’ set of fans are calling for the heads of their respective Offensive Coordinators. Mike Shula, who has been with the Panthers as long as Cam Newton, while Steve Sarkisian is in his first season with the Falcons.

The real confusion seems, we heard that Ryan greeted Sark on Day 1 with a hand shake and the current playbook. Seems that Sark lost that, and Dan Quinn doesn’t have his to share. With all of the offensive weapons at his disposal, Ryan should be able to have more success than he is having so far. Ryan admitted he is not playing his best, yet, and there are some throws he would like to have back. This week, one such includes the incomplete low pass to Jones in the end zone, that allowed the defender to knock it away. In the simplest followship of the playbook, even I can remember that everyone got at least one pass a week. Austin Hooper had 1 catch on his single target, and the former leading receiver, Tevin Coleman had 1 target.

Ryan and Quinn both commented on Monday, that they felt confident in the play calling throughout the game, including two 4^th down attempts near midfield, and the 4^th and inches jet sweep to Taylor Gabriel at the goal line. Only 1 of those was successful. One has to question why you would go for a 4^th and 7 and 4^th and 6 at midfield, and why run a jet sweep to Turbo instead of rushing the best running back in the league up the middle in a short yardage situation. Once again, my personal call for Ben Garland, this time as a full back opening the way for Free. Freeman gained 47 yards after contact and forced 4 missed tackles on a mere 12 carries. How do you not give him the ball at the goal line?

Apparently the issues with the offense is due to execution and inconsistency. Ryan’s errant throws, tipped passes, missed blocks, dropped passes. Without focusing on the run game, they cannot open up the passing game. Once again, Coleman and Freeman did not have 100 yards rushing combined.

So far, in six games, Ryan has thrown for 300 yards, in one game. Jones has had 100 yards, in one game. Follow me here…..Freeman has rushed for over 100 yards….in one game. There is clearly no offensive rhythm. First and second downs are marginal at best, but converting on third down has become nearly impossible, as it is almost always 3^rd and long.

Missed tackles, ill-timed penalties, lack of turnovers, i.e., inconsistency is haunting the defense as well.

I may not know what the answer is, but I think that many of us do not think anyone at The Branch does either. Everyone seems to think they are having great practices, working the process, just need to fix these couple of issues. Except these issues, are different every week. The O did not turn the ball over, and the D had less missed tackles, which is execution. But, are they really coming to the field as prepared as they should be? Are these play calls the best for the members we have?

If so, how are the Atlanta Falcons, with only additions to the Super Bowl team, this chaotic and bad?

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt