Tag: Preseason Football

Atlanta Falcons Lose a Rainy One in New York

August 22, 2022

Article by Allison Smith

Atlanta Falcons 16 at New York Jets 24

New York won the toss and decided to kick to Atlanta.  Avery Williams takes the kick to the 23.  Damian Williams is the only set back, Marcus Mariota from the shot gun, hands to Williams who gains 4 yards around the left side.  Cordarrelle Patterson is lined up in the slot as Mariota drops back and hits Kyle Pitts for a 52-yard gain. From the Jets’ 21, Mariota drops back, rolls to the right and hits Brian Edwards at the 9.  On first and goal, a quick handoff to Williams for a couple of yards up the middle.  On second down, Tyler Allgeier has checked in and takes the fake, Mariota under pressure skips the pass to Parker Hesse for an incompletion.  On third down, under center, Mariota throws to Allgeier for a few yards.  Younghoe Koo comes on for the 23-yard field goal.

Q1 11:22, Atlanta 3/New York 0

Bradley Pinion kicks 68 yards into the end zone, Tevin Coleman comes out to the 19.  Mike White rolls to the right and passes for a 4-yard gain.  On 2nd and 6, Brian Hall carries for one yard, quickly stopped by Casey Hayward. A defensive holding penalty moves the ball to the 29 and a first down.  Hall tries to go up the middle, but is met behind the line by Adetokunbo Ogundeji and Anthony Rush (who just had the penalty).  On 2nd and 13, under great pressure by Lorenzo Carter, White gets the ball away to Tyrek Black for an 8-yard gain.  On 3rd down, swarming pressure in the backfield, White tucks the ball and runs for a yard, stopped by Ta’Quon Graham, forcing the punt.

Williams returns the punt to the 25-yard line. Allgeier gets the ball for a 4-yard gain along the right side.  On 2nd down, from the shotgun, Mariota finds KhaDarel Hodge for a first down, but takes the ball 34 yards…..which was called back because his knee touched down at the 42. Defense has an encroachment penalty, first and 5 at the 47. Mariota, behind great blocking, finds a wide-open Anthony Firkser for a 40-yard gain. From the 19, Allgeier gets the call along the right side for a singe yard.  On 2nd down, Mariota starts to run, then drops back and throws towards the end zone, in complete.  On third down, with 2 high safeties, Mariotta sees Olamide Zaccheaus for a 13-yard touchdown reception.  Tight coverage, Zaccheaus out reaches the defender for the ball.  Koo makes the extra point.

Olamide Zaccheau’s Touchdown Reception Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Q1 5:16 Atlanta 10/New York 0

Coleman brings the ball from the 3 to the 20.  White hits the fingertips of Jeff Smith for an incompletion.  A quick pass to Garrett Wilson along the sideline, immediately stopped by Corey Ballentine, who refused to allow Wilson to gain another inch. Third and 3, offense is moved back for offsides, White throws the ball into the grown near the receiver.  White was under pressure from Ogundeji, who was called for roughing the passer (tackling his legs) while Arnold Ebikitie was being held and horse collared. Free first and 10, running back is quickly met by Ogundeji for a 1-yard gain.  Hall goes left for another yard. On 3rd and 7, White drops back and hits Wilson who is tripped up by Dee Alford, stopped 3 yards short of the first down, forcing another punt. Williams takes the kick at the 10.

Qadree Ollison gets the first rush of this possession.  A low throw to Ollison follows, then a pass behind Zaccheus that falls incomplete. A quick three and out brings Pinion on to kick from the end zone to 50. 

White quick throws to his tight end, Mike Ford makes the stop. On 2nd and 3, White hands off to Coleman who finds room on the left side for 8 yards and first down. 

End of Q1

From the Falcons’ 35, White throws an incompletion out of bounds.  Coleman tries to run right, but his forced wide by Daren Hall until out of bounds.  A hold backs the Jets up 10 yards, on 2nd and 20 from the Falcons’ 46, White drops back, sets up the screen and hits Ty Johnson for a short gain. On 3rd and 18, a short pass to Jeff Smith is forced out by Ballentine. Another penalty, backs the Jets up, a 3rd and 27 White hits the receiver for 8 yards and is stopped by Dean Marlowe.  Another punt, goes into the end zone and the Falcons will begin on their 20.

Desmond Ridder fakes to Allgeier, then passes to MyCole Pruitt for 18 yards.  Next is a handoff to Allgeier for no gain.  On 2nd and 10, Ridder fakes the handoff and finds a tightly covered Firkser for a 17-yard gain.  Allgeier with the ball again for 3 yards behind the right side.  On 2nd and 7, under center, Ridder hands off to Ollison, who goes up the middle for 4 yards, another Jets’ penalty gives the Falcons another first down.  From the 33, Ollison gains another yard. Ridder drops back, then stands casually and throws up 12 yards to Jared Bernhardt for the first down. From the Jets’ 20, Ridder fakes to the left, finds Cameron Batson who gets to the line of scrimmage and is demolished there. On 2nd down, a fake hand off and Ridder hits Damiere Byrd in the chest for 12 yards. Another penalty moves the Falcons to the 8, Allgeier shoves his way to the 1. Allgeier moves forward slightly, Rick Leonard gets a holding penalty, so back at the 10, Ridder throws up to Allgeier at the 5. On 3rd down, Ridder from the shotgun, finds Allgeier at the one and is forced out of bounds.  Offense stays on the field, 4th and goal from the 1, Jalen Mayfield has a false start, calling the offense off the field and Koo on for the field goal.

Q2 4:20 Atlanta 13/New York 0

From the 15, White fakes the hand off and throws a completion just short of the first down marker, stopped by Erik Harris.  From the 24, White is nearly intercepted by Ballentine who jumped high just in front of the receiver.  Harris makes the 3rd down stop, forcing another punt. Batson takes the punt, trying to make some moves, loses 5 yards.

Ridder begins at the 32 from the shotgun, throws the ball out of bounds.  Ridder is called for intentional grounding, clearly a miscommunication.  On 2nd and 20, Ridder fakes the handoff and finds Bernhardt for 34 yards, clearly the play intended for the first down play. 

Two Minute Warning

From the Jets’ 44, play fake, Ridder fires the ball down the field, but the ball was tipped en route to Frank Darby.  On 2nd down, Ridder drops back and hits a wide-open Pruitt for a gain of 24, but another flag.  Illegal shift, two receivers in motion.  Back to the 49, Ridder drops back and finds an open Bernhardt for 22 yards, penalty….on the defense.  The ball is on the 14, Ridder pitches it back to Kaleb Huntley who gains 4 yards. Ridder rushes to the left, gains the first down at the 3.  Mayfield called for another hold and the Falcons are back at the 22 with a 2nd and 18.  Ridder escapes pressure, hits Byrd for a short gain, another penalty for holding, Rick Leonard this time. Now at the 32, Ridder throws to Byrd, who had cleared out the middle and had no defenders close, for 20 yards.  Play action is gutting the defenders. On 3rd and 8, Ridder misses Darby and another flag is thrown.  Offensive pass interference on Williams (ran into a defender) is declined, it is fourth down and Koo hits another field goal. 

Q2: :32 seconds Atlanta 16/New York 0

The kick off is returned to the 35. With 23 seconds remaining, White drops back and finds the receiver at the 42, Alford with the quick stop. On 2nd down, White finds a wide-open Denzel Mims for a 26-yard gain.  From the Falcons’ 31, the receiver can’t haul in the reception.  Another pass to Mims who is instantly stopped by Marlowe. With 5 seconds remaining, the Jets kick a 44-yard field goal.

Half Time: Atlanta 16/New York 3

White and the Jets begin on the 25 with a hand off for a loss of a yard, stopped by Jalen Dalton.  From the shotgun, White finds Irv Charles for a 2-yard gain. Another errant pass by White is followed by a flag for PI on Alford, but picked back up. Batson returns the punt to the 20.

Huntley carries the ball 6 yards then 3 more yards, on 3rd down, he cannot gain the final yard for a first down.  The Falcons punt to the 35, returner to the 40 with a flag for illegal block in the back by two players. 

First and 10 from the 26, a run up the left side for 5 yards.  Johnson takes the ball for 14 yards until he is pushed out of bounds by Marlowe.  Followed by an offensive holding penalty, backing the Jets up to their own 25.  Second and 11, Chris Streveler passes up to Laurence Cager who gains 23 yards and is stopped by Marlowe. Near midfield, the running back is stopped Thurman for no gain.  Streveler drops back and finds a wide open Black in the middle of the field for another first down.  From the 25, Streveler short pass for 4 yards, then a handoff to Knight for a 4-yard loss, forced out by Ballentine. Third down, Streveler hits wide open Cager for a touchdown. Falcons had a communication issue, 2 men covering one receiver, man to man across the field, and the free safety in the middle of the field.

Q3: 7:26 Atlanta 16/New York 10

From the 25, Feleipe Franks is under center and fakes to Ollison, throws right to Pruitt for 11 yards.  Franks hands off to Ollison who goes 5 yards behind the left side, then is sacked for an 8-yard loss.  Pressure came quick, Pruitt didn’t touch the defender.  Ollison gets the short reception and is rocked by the defender for a 3-yard loss. Pinion punts to the 25.

The running back gains a single yard along the left side.  After a penalty, Streveler drops back for 1st and 20 and runs the ball up the middle 7 yards.  On 2nd down, Streveler passes close to the first down marker, but is stopped and slung out of bounds by Teez Tabor.  On 3rd and 2, Streveler hits his receiver for a first down.  Streveler throws an incompletion way down the field. Second and 10 from the 44, a handoff gains a first down across midfield.  Streveler on the run, drops back and finds his receiver who is stopped by 36 and 44, for a 6-yard gain.  On 2nd down, a fake, then Streveler completes a pass across the middle, followed by an offensive pass interference call, receiver pushed off of Jaylinn Hawkins to make the catch.  From midfield, Streveler runs for 14 yards, near the marker.

End of Q3 – Atlanta 16/New York 10

From the 35, Streveler drops back, throws near the end zone into double coverage, Lafayette Pitts and Henry Black on the coverage and Pitts called for the PI, giving the Jets the ball at the 7.  The running back immediately gets the ball, turns the corner and speeds into the end zone, just out of reach of DeAngelo Malone.

Q4: 14:49 Atlanta 16/New York 17

Bernhardt returns the kick off 27 yards to the Falcons’ 24. Franks fakes the handoff, runs himself for 4 yards.  Allgeier runs up the middle for 2 yards, then Franks scrambles for 8 yards along the right side, lowers the shoulder and takes the hit to go out of bounds.  Shaffer with the false start, from the 32, Allgeier runs out of bounds for 5 yards, but offensive holding backs the Falcons up to a 1st and 25 from the 22.  From the shotgun, Franks hands off to Allgeier, who goes up the middle, but a flag for illegal shift.  Now, 1st and 30 from the 17, Franks runs up the middle, gets hit and fumbles the ball. His knee was marked down and continues the offensive drive.  On 2nd and 18 from the 30, Franks fakes the handoff and runs, puts his head down and runs into two defenders, gaining 10 yards. With a 3rd and 8, Atlanta calls time out.

Franks scrambles, has the football knocked out while scrambling and the defender takes the ball in for the touchdown.  With the rain, Franks is hit and slips and put the ball hand down and the ball squirts out towards the defender.

Q4: 10:22 Atlanta 16/New York 23

Bernhardt brings the ball out to the 27.  Huntley is tripped up before he can get to the line of scrimmage.  Franks is nearly sacked, but gets the ball to Huntley for a gain of 5 yards.  Huntley another few yards, short of the first down.  Pinion punts 48 yards to the 18. Darby makes the hard stop after a 3-yard return.

Teez Tabor and Dee Alford Celebrate an Interception, Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Streveler hands the ball off, Landon makes the quick stop. An incomplete pass is followed by an interception by Tabor. Alford in tight coverage on one side of the receiver, Tabor lunges and takes the ball out of his hands for the interception, giving the Falcons the ball back on their own 47. Personal foul on the Jets, moves the ball to the Jets’ 32.

Franks is in the shotgun and hands off to Huntley 4 times in a row.  At 3rd and 6, Franks runs along the sideline, knocking the helmet off one of the defenders as he heads out of bounds.  First and goal from the 6, Franks throws out the back of the end zone, followed by 3 additional incompletions outside the end zone. 

The Jets take over at the 5, make it out to the 31 then kneel on the ball to end the game. 

#DirtyBirds

FalconAlley Owt

FalconAlley’s Roster

August 30, 2018

Prior to the kickoff of preseason game 4, I compiled my roster.  Not sure why this is so hard.  I even saved some money with 52 on the roster and 5 on the practice squad.  I don’t do fantasy, but do like to go through the roster and compare to DQ’s final.  Let’s see how I do.  First list is bolded…that is my roster, then 5 in italics for the practice squad.

Player # Position Weight Age Years College
Alex Mack
51 C 311 32 10 California
Justin Bethel 28 CB 200 28 7 Presbyterian
Isaiah Oliver 20 CB 210 21 R Colorado
Desmond Trufant 21 CB 190 27 6 Washington
Blidi Wreh-Wilson 33 CB 190 28 6 Connecticut
Robert Alford 23 CB 186 29 6 Southeastern Louisiana
Brian Poole 34 CB 211 25 3 Florida
Derrick Shelby 90 DE 280 29 7 Utah
Brooks Reed 50 DE 254 31 8 Arizona
Takkarist McKinley 98 DE 230 22 2 UCLA
Jack Crawford 95 DL 288 29 7 Penn State
Terrell McClain 99 DT 302 30 8 South Florida
Deadrin Senat 94 DT 305 24 R South Florida
Grady Jarrett 97 DT 305 25 4 Clemson
Ricky Ortiz 30 FB 233 24 1 Oregon State
Andy Levitre 67 G 303 32 10 Oregon State
Ben Garland 63 G 308 30 5 Air Force
Sean Harlow 64 G 284 23 2 Oregon State
Wes Schweitzer 71 G 314 24 3 San Jose State
Brandon Fusco 65 G 306 30 8 Slippery Rock
Matt Bryant 3 K 203 43 17 Baylor
Foye Oluokun 54 LB 215 23 R Yale
De’Vondre Campbell 59 LB 232 25 3 Minnesota
Deion Jones 45 LB 227 23 3 LSU
Duke Riley 42 LB 230 24 2 LSU
Josh Harris 47 LS 224 29 7 Auburn
Vic Beasley Jr. 44 OLB 246 26 4 Clemson
Matt Bosher 5 P 208 30 8 Miami (Fla.)
Matt Ryan 2 QB 217 33 11 Boston College
Matt Schaub 8 QB 245 37 15 Virginia
Ito Smith 25 RB 195 22 R Southern Mississippi
Tevin Coleman 26 RB 210 25 4 Indiana
Devonta Freeman 24 RB 206 26 5 Florida State
Ron Parker   S 206 31 8 Newberry
Kemal Ishmael
36 S 206 27 6 Central Florida
Keanu Neal 22 S 216 23 3 Florida
Damontae Kazee 27 S 190 25 2 San Diego State
Ricardo Allen 37 S 186 26 4 Purdue
Jake Matthews 70 T 309 26 5 Texas A&M
Ty Sambrailo 74 T 315 26 4 Colorado State
Ryan Schraeder 73 T 300 30 6 Valdosta State
Austin Pasztor 68 T 305 27 6 Virginia
Logan Paulsen 82 TE 268 31 9 UCLA
Eric Saubert 85 TE 253 24 2 Drake
Austin Hooper 81 TE 254 23 3 Stanford
Calvin Ridley 18 WR 190 23 R Alabama
Russell Gage 83 WR 184 22 R LSU
Justin Hardy 14 WR 192 26 4 East Carolina
Mohamed Sanu 12 WR 215 29 7 Rutgers
Julio Jones 11 WR 220 29 8 Alabama
Marvin Hall 17 WR 190 25 2 Washington
Justin Crawford 32 RB 200 23 R West Virginia
Ryan Neal 40 DB 200 22 R Southern Illinois
Kurt Benkert 6 QB 215 23 R Virginia
Alex Gray
89 TE 230 27 1 No College
Devin Gray 7 WR 192 23 R Cincinnati
Reggie Davis 13 WR 170 22 1 Georgia
Deante Burton 39 CB 205 24 1 Kansas State
Leon McFadden 29 CB 190 27 4 San Diego State
Mackendy Cheridor
96 DE 236 23 R Georgia State
J.T. Jones 55 DE 245 24 1 Miami (Ohio)
Justin Zimmer 92 DL 292 25 1 Ferris State
Garrison Smith 93 DL 295 26 5 Georgia
Jacob Tuioti-Mariner 79 DT 262 22 R UCLA
Jon Cunningham 91 DT 309 22 R Kent State
Jalston Fowler FB 261 28 4 Alabama
Marcelis Branch
38 FS 180 24 1 Robert Morris
Salesi Uhatafe 62 G 315 23 R Utah
Jamil Douglas 75 G 309 26 2 Arizona State
David Marvin 1 K 215 23 R Georgia
Emmanuel Smith 53 LB 240 23 R Vanderbilt
Anthony Winbush 56 OLB 207 23 R Ball State
Richard Jarvis 49 OLB 220 23 R Brown
Emmanuel Ellerbee 52 OLB 235 21 R Rice
Garrett Grayson 9 QB 220 27 2 Colorado State
Malik Williams
35 RB 215 22 R Louisville
Terrence Magee 41 RB 220 25 2 LSU
Chris Lammons
30 S 190 22 R South Carolina
Secdrick Cooper 35 S 211 23 R Louisiana Tech
Tyson Graham 32 S 210 24 1 South Dakota
Matt Gono 77 T 305 22 R Wesley College
Daniel Brunskill 76 T 260 24 1 San Diego State
Jaeden Graham 87 TE 250 22 R Yale
Troy Mangen 80 TE 251 24 R Ohio U.
Lamar Jordan 86 WR 176 23 R New Mexico
Dontez Byrd 19 WR 180 23 R Tennessee Tech
Christian Blake 15 WR 182 22 R Northern Illinois

Defense Shines in Falcons Third Pre-Season Game

August 25, 2018

Falcons 6 at Jaguars 17

Inactives for Game 3:  Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman, Desmond Trufant, Deion Jones, and Ricardo Allen.  Getting the start in their place, Justin Hardy, Tevin Coleman, Isaiah Oliver, Foyesade Oluokun, and Damontae Kazee.

After the coin toss, the Atlanta Falcons’ offense begins the game, which means that Calvin Ridley is back to receive the kickoff.  Kicked into the end zone and Ridley downed it there.

Starting with a play fake and then a 20-yard pass from Matt Ryan to Mohamed Sanu.  Logan Paulsen is the starting tight end with Brandon Fusco getting the start this game at right guard.  Tevin Coleman has a single yard run, to the right.  Ryan and Paulsen are in the backfield, Coleman goes on a slant to the left side and gained the first down.  Behind a big Ryan Schraeder block, Paulsen makes a catch for 7 yards.  Coleman gains another first down, this time behind the right side (Fusco).  Ito Smith joins the fun.  From the backfield, Smith gains 3 yards.  Then, they give up a 3-yard loss sack.  Tyler Patmon knocks the ball intended for Ridley down, leading to Matt Bryant coming in and easily making a 47 yard field goal.

As the Falcons D hits the field for the first time, they come out READY.  Jacksonville’s drive begins with Blake Bortles scrambling for a 4-yard gain, then a handoff to Leonard Fournette for another 4 yards, where he is quickly met by Terrell McClain and Brooks Reed.  On 3rd and 2, Bortles’ short pass is tipped by Robert Alford and picked by Keanu Neal.  Suddenly, the Falcons have the ball back and at the Jacksonville 42.

Then…..the Falcons go 3 and out.  Again.  Incomplete to Reggie Davis, a Coleman 1-yard run, then a sack on Ryan.  Matt Bosher on to punt 39 yards to the Jaguars 7-yard line.

Kazee starts the Jags possession with back to back tackles, followed by a Brooks Reed stop of Fournette, then an Oluokun stop of TJ Yeldon.  Kazee is back at it and blasts Dede Westbrook for a 2nd down stop.  Bortles passes to Fournette who gets by Duke Riley for the first down, with Brian Poole closing quickly.  The elusive Fournette spins past Jack Crawford and gains 4 yards.  Kazee deflects the next big pass down the field.  Kazee almost intercepts the next Bortles pass, while Grady Jarrett is grinding him into the ground.  Now the Jags are forced to kick and miss a field goal.

The Falcons get the ball on downs at the 37, but immediately go 3 and out and are forced to punt.  The 54-yard punt falls at the 5 and JUSTIN BETHEL downs it on the 2.

The Jaguars begin at their own 2.  Deadrin Senat, anticipating the snap jumps offsides to move the ball up to the 7.  The running back heads up the middle, but Senat and De’Vondre Campbell quickly meet him for an immediate stop.  Isaiah Oliver makes the next stop after a big reception, clearly a mix up on coverage as Oluokun or Campbell should have been on that side to slow down that reception.  From the 18, Bortles throws another pass that is deflected, this time by Oliver.  Meanwhile, Poole was called offsides and negated the play.  Donte Moncrief gets a 37-yard reception, with Oliver spinning and trailing the entire way, finally being pushed out by Alford.  Two plays later, Fournette gets in for the 21-yard touchdown behind good blocking and missed tackles by Neal and Campbell.

Another unreturnable kick.  Wes Schweitzer comes in at center in place of Alex Mack – who is not injured.  Andy Levitre and Jake Matthews are on the left side, with Fusco and Ryan Schraeder to the right.  Ryan had 4 receivers on the field, but could not find anyone open and runs out of bounds for a “sack.”  Russell Gage is in, but Ryan throws to Austin Hooper who cannot hold onto the ball and suddenly it is 3rd and 11.  In the gun, Ryan overthrows Coleman.  The o-line did not hold up well on this series, the 3rd 3 and out in a row.

Bosher on for the 52 yard, unreturnable punt.  Campbell, playing inside linebacker now, was fooled by the play fake, but did make the push out of bounds after a big gain.

Fournette gets by Riley again, for another 3rd down conversion.  Oluokun stayed in his gap and stopped Fournette for minimal gain.  Bortles steps up for a big pass but is met and sacked by Crawford with Brooks Reed coming.  Grady Jarrett, being jealous, grabs his Clemson buddy Vic Beasley, Jr and heads to the backfield.  Beasley is shoving one lineman back blocking Bortles’ path, while Grady is being held up by a lineman, causing Bortles to trip and immediately Grady is on top of him.

The Jags are forced to punt to Hardy.  Ryan finds Sanu (against mouthy Jalen Ramsey) for a nice and quick 16-yard game.  Sanu is in motion with a play fake to Coleman, but Ryan overthrows the ball.  The next pass, to Ridley is dropped.  On 3rd and 10 to Hooper, Barry Church is charged with the pass interference penalty and moves the Falcons to the 48.  Coleman gets the call for a few yards, then….behind Matthews and Levitre (left side), escapes down the field for a big 21-yard run down to the 24-yard line.  Smith pushes the ball down 5 yards, inside the red zone.  A short pass to Hooper, then at the 15-yard line, it is 3rd and 1, and a pass to Sanu at the back of the end zone is knocked out and Bryant is back on for another successful field goal.

Bosher handles the kickoff where Manual Smith makes the stop at the 25, where the Jags will begin their next drive.  Kazee and Riley meet to make the tackle on Keelan Cole.  Corey Grant on the screen play is knocked out by Campbell after a 28-yard gain.  Defense was caught blitzing.  In confusion, Takk McKinley was off the field trying to get on in time, so, alertly, Grady shoves Crawford in to DT and Grady plays DE for a play.  The Jags gain 6 yards, stopped by Keke.   Takk is clearly back on the field and makes the next tackle, then nearly makes another.  Oliver and Kazee combine for a stop forcing a 3rd down and timeout by Jacksonville.  After a Campbell pass break up, it’s 4th down and the Jags settle for another field goal.  Teams head in to the half with Jacksonville leading 10 – 6.

As the second half begins, Bortles comes back out with most of the first team, starting at the 16.  The Falcons have completely reset.  Senat is still in, but Anthony Winbush, Casey Jones, Justin Zimmer, Jonathan Celestian and Kemal Ishmael, Blidi-Reh Wilson and Justin Bethel are all in now.  TJ Yeldon gets the first two plays and is stopped by Celestin then Ish for minimal gains.  Bortles has a 9-yard pass to Moncrief that is covered by Blidi Wreh, then runs up the middle himself and CB Bethel comes up to make the stop.  Senat makes a good read forcing 3rd down.  The Falcons are in man-to-man and as Bethel gets tripped up covering his man, gets Moncrief out of bounds at the 17.  The next play, Bortles throws down to the 2-yard line, where he finds Blidi Wreh.  And, the defense heads off the field in lieu of the 2nd team Falcons offense.

Matt Schaub comes out to lead the offense, including Justin Crawford with the first carry of the 2nd half, for a loss of 1 yard.  Offensive line updates to Jamil Douglas, Ty Sambrailo, Matt Gono, Sean Harlow, and Wes Schweitzer.  Schaub has a short pass to Gage, then a short pass to Eric Saubert that turned into a 44-yard gain.  A play fake to Crawford, throws up to Ridley for a 12-yard game.  Gono has a false start.  Another run by Crawford, for another lost yard.  Schaub in the shotgun is hit as he throws, Gage almost reeled it in, but could not.  It’s 3rd and 15, due to offsetting penalties on a defender and Gage (again) for movement.  Schaub lets one go, Ridley cannot handle the pass, it bounces off of his foot and is intercepted and returned 27 yards before Gage makes the stop.  The play is reviewed and reversed determining the pass was incomplete.  Bosher on to punt 20 yards to the Jacksonville 17.

Cody Kessler comes in replacing Bortles at quarterback and immediately throws a 33-yard pass to midfield.  Ryan Neal makes the next 2 tackles, forcing Grant out of bounds, then tackling Rashad Greene for short gain.  Cooper and Celestin made the next few stops for 12 and 4 yard gains.  Then Zimmer has a big 7-yard sack at the Falcons 49, then is in the backfield again.  Unfortunately, Kessler is able to get a short pass away to Wilds who goes for 31 yards to the Falcons 8, then another to Grant down to the Falcons 4.  R. Neal makes the stop at the 2, while Celestin makes the stop at the 1.  These two are making the Jags work for this score.  On the next play, Kessler fumbles the hand-off, sees and recovers it, then scrambles into the end zone.

Ito Smith brings the kickoff out to the 31-yard line, with no bobbling the ball like last week.  Crawford gets the first run, for 5 yards.  Then newly acquired RB, Justin Fowler takes the ball another 3 yards.  Schaub throws incomplete to Byrd, forcing another Bosher punt.  This one for 49 yards, covered by Reggie Davis for a 1 yard loss on the return.

Jacksonville has a quick 3 and out with the new defense stepping up.  The 53-yard punt is muffed by Oliver, who loses the ball, but is recovered by Crawford and the Falcons will begin at their 31.

Malik Williams has the first 3 carries, for 9, 2, then 1-yard gains, trying each side, left, right, then up the middle.  Kurt Benkurt in at quarterback passes up to Christian Blake for a 9-yard gain, then is sacked for an 11-yard loss.  From the shotgun, Benkert hits Crawford for 4 yards, then hits his favorite target, Devin Gray for a 15-yard gain.  On 4th and 2, the Falcons go for it, but the pass goes off the hands of Dontez Byrd and falls incomplete and they turn it over on downs.

The Jaguars begin at their own 40-yard line.  Grant goes for 4 yards and meets Neal.  A quick pass for no gain, then a sack by Richard Jarvis for a 9-yard loss.  And another punt and chance for Oliver, who catches the ball cleanly and returns the punt 6 yards.

Benkert opens it up quickly as he goes deep to Byrd for 41 yards.  Crawford carries it for 8 yards, then 7 yards.  After 2 incomplete passes, Benkert finds Gage for 12 yards to the Jacksonville 8-yard line.  Another 2 incomplete passes by Benkert, but Jacksonville is called for roughing the passer and the Falcons have a 1st and goal at the 4.  Four incomplete passes and the Falcons turn the ball over on downs.  Gray caught the pass in the end zone, but could not get both feet down.  Crawford had the ball go through his hands.

Time winds down and the Falcons are 0-3 in the pre-season, remember last season, they were 0-4 and a play away from the SuperBowl.

Some guys are definitely making the play for starter spots.  Kazee is continuing to play incredibly well and shows himself as extremely versatile.  If Kazee could be brought in, Keanu Neal can be moved up to play more inside and really cause a raucous on offenses.  Blidi Wreh continues to impress defensively as well and made a definite jump from last season.  Oluokun is playing well and looks to be on that 53.

Fusco looks to be the winner at the right guard spot playing well against a very good Jacksonville defense.  Ricky Ortiz has likely won the fullback spot.

Oliver is struggling in man-to-man, but doing well in zone coverage.  Of course, Grady was very disruptive and Campbell stopped a touchdown.  Overall defense, causing turn overs was good, but gave up allot of yards as well.  They still need more pass rushing to be dominant this season.  There were signs of fatigue (again – as seen in previous seasons) late in the 2nd quarter.

Levitre allowed a sack, the left side O-line was weak and allowed too much pressure on Ryan.  Coleman looked good as expected, especially running left when Matthews and Levitre did pair up for good blocking.

Special teams is much improved from last year, the obvious addition of Bethel, but some of the young guys trying to make the team too, Gage and Paulson especially.

Again, no one injured – so there is that.  And the Jaguars are a very good team and therefore a good test.  They did not sit anyone, while the Falcons did have several key players on offense and defense that did not play at all.  Also note that Jacksonville played their starting offense later than the Falcons played their first team defense.

 

#RiseUp

@FalconAlley Owt

 

Photo Credit:  Atlanta Falcons

Falcons First Half Highs, Second Half Lows

August 17, 2018

Chiefs 28 at Falcons 14
Deion Jones and Matt Bryant were in street clothes, announced inactive. Again, Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones were dressed, but did not play at all. So many teams have seen season ending injuries already, so happy to have those guys sit.
Justin Hardy and Calvin Ridley were sent back to receive the opening kickoff. Ridley received the kick and returned it 34 yards.
Brandon Fusco got the start at right guard. Ridley, Marvin Hall, and Mohamed Sanu with the start as receivers. The first play was to Ridley for no yards. Then to Tevin Coleman for no yards. Third and eleven, Matt Ryan finds Austin Hooper for 29 yards. Tevin stepped behind Alex Mack and rushed up for back to back 15-yard gains. Ito Smith now in at running back for 3 yards. Then a 4-yard diving touchdown pass to Hooper.
Matt Bosher resumed his kickoff duties. Foye Oluokon had a good stop on kick coverage. Terrell McClain and Duke Riley made a good stop. Clearly Riley trying to step up his game this week. Brian Poole came across the field and took the receiver out of the air to stop the Chiefs with a 3 and out.
Hardy is starting for punt returns as well and returned it 17 yards. Unfortunately, Smith had an illegal block in the back to cancel the return, but we did get to see what Hardy can do.
The first team returns to the field and Ryan shoots a 16-yard pass to Hall. Then, the upcoming star of the year, Ridley catches a big 36-yard pass over his left shoulder as he falls. And the Falcons are instantly inside the Chiefs’ 30. A few plays later, facing a 4 and 2, Andy Levitre had a hands to the face penalty and the Falcons turn the ball over on downs.
Brooks Reed, Deadrin Senat, and Keanu Neal combined for a stop, and Neal (not surprised) gets called for the helmet to the head penalty. But if you watch the replay, he did not lead with the head, but took the call. Grady Jarrett got major pressure up the middle and Poole was able to make the 11-yard loss tackle. Poole continued to show out with another tackle to the sideline. Then Grady made a stop to cause 3rd and 5. The running back was able to get around the side along the sideline where he was stopped by Ricardo Allen. Duke Riley was in pursuit, but got caught up in a block. Robert Alford had a nice pass break up. As seen in training camp, Blidi Wreh-Wilson has greatly improved and playing smart and aggressively and nearly had a pick in front of Sammy Watkins.
Kansas City had a first down at the 4 and the Atlanta defense stood up and forced a field goal.
For the third offensive set, Matt Schaub comes in. Smith is in at running back.  Ben Garland and Ty Sambrailo are in on the left side, while Wes Schweitzer is in at right guard. Hardy had a nice quick reception for a first down. Russell Gage gets his shot and hauls in an 18-yard reception. Reggie Davis comes in at receiver. Smith is getting allot of carries and being successful with his quick spin moves and pushing through for some good yardage. Schaub finds Ridley on a crossing route for a first down. Justin Crawford gets a chance at running back and gains 2 yards. Back to Smith who goes to the right side for another few yards. On 3rd and 4, Schaub finds Davis. Then, Big Play Ridley, catches his first touchdown as a Falcon.
Blidi Wreh made the stop on the kick off.  Patrick Mahomes threw up a pass to Sammy Watkins, and Damontae Kazee picked it off. Kazee came to play tonight again. Blidi Wreh knocked Watkins off his timing a bit and Kazee reads the play from the start, cuts across the field, and leaps up and rips the ball out of the air.
Schaub and the offense come back out. More successful hand-offs and passes to Smith, then a big 24-yard catch by Eric Saubert, with many of those yards after the catch. Schaub finds Davis on a crossing route, just short of the first down, due to having to slow up for the pass. On fourth down, Smith gets stuff and the Falcons turn the ball over on downs.
The second half took on the same hot mess as last week’s game. Kurt Benkert looked good, until he threw an interception that he should have tucked in. Oliver looked good in kick coverage. Ito Smith had several kick returns, which except for bobbling each several times, looked good. He also had 13 carries for 34 yards at running back. Brandon Fusco looked good at the right guard spot and pancaked several guys making room for Tevin to get some good yards.
Foye Oluokon flew around at the linebacker spot, finishing with 1 tackle, but also very active on special teams. Duke Riley stepped up tonight and was better in coverage most of his time in. As always, Brian Poole was on point and covered the explosive Tyreek Hill perfectly. Russell Gage came in with the 2nd team and had 1 reception for 18 yards.
Of course, Damontae Kazee is a stand out again, with no tackles, but a big interception. Terrell McClain really stepped up tonight.
The first team offense got into a good rhythm tonight. No pre-snap penalties, Ryan went 5 of 7 for 90 yards and a touchdown. Calvin Ridley had 3 receptions, 1 touchdown, 49 yards, and a 35-yard return. Austin Hooper had a touchdown and 2 receptions for 33 yards. Definitely more consistent.
First team defense did not give up a score. Robert Alford with the knock down in the end zone. They started with a 3 and out. And the regulars were swarming.
Dave Archer spoke to Calvin Ridley after the game, he is so humble, with his stats on the night and he is just “ready to contribute.” Ridley said he’s just working and practicing, and again, “Willing to contribute however the team wants me.” Again, said that Julio Jones is coaching him up after every play.
Overall, this game was not as painful as the first, and saw some real bright spots for the first teams and some guys on the 2nd or 3rd. And another week and no one is hurt.  Likely, 50 spots are already on lock and there are not many position battles. We will see what we see in game 3 next Saturday.

#RiseUp
FalconAlley OWT

 

Photo Credit: Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Pre-Season Game 1 Was Rough

August 10, 2018

Falcons 0 at Jets 17

 When you get back to back offensive penalties with your first team, then it takes until 10 seconds remaining in the first HALF to get the 1st first down of the game….you can tell how this night is going to go. 

Granted this is a scouting game and the first team didn’t play much on offense or defense, but neither squad looked great in their short time.  Ty Sambrillo and Matt Bryant were the only inactives.  Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman never stepped on the field, but both are 100%, just did not play. 

The issue with Friday’s game was that we basically have no backups.  There were a few guys that did their job and will come in as good substitutions, but overall, anything past first team is a mess.  At least, no one was injured and these guys will not be on the field in mass together. 

Overall, the defense did not to a good job tackling.  Also, penalties.  The starting offense had 2 penalties in the first 3 plays and the team ended with 10 overall.  Head Coach Dan Quinn was not pleased with this number after the game.

The highlight player of the game, was Damontae Kazee.  He has definitely made that sophomore year jump.  Kazee was all over the field.  Running down a receiver, then on the next play, in the backfield.  He ended the game with 11 tackles (10 in the first half) and was definitely circling on many others.

Dave Archer spoke with Kazee after the game, “I was very comfortable,” clearly fully prepared for his opportunity.  And in true Brotherhood spirit, when asked about his versatility, Kazee responded, “Just trying to fit in where ever they need me.”  And while all Falcons fans thought he was the star of the game, Kazee commented “I need to work on my game, especially keeping my head up.”  He did accumulate one of the new “lower the head” penalties.

Other defensive standouts were rookie Jon Cunningham with 2 tackles and a forced fumble, and the expected, Deadrin Senat who was getting good pressure on the o-line.  He and Terrell McClain spent a good bit of time as the defensive tackles together.  Deadrin was maybe over running or out of position some, but did tally 2 solo tackles and was definitely moving people back.  Isaiah Oliver was not afraid to tackle Friday night.  Sometimes Oliver was caught on his heels and chasing receivers, but he managed 2 solo tackles, and was a good start for the second-round rookie.

While Wes Schweitzer got the brief start, Brandon Fusco played with 2nd team 0-line, so hard to judge what he could do as the entire line was getting pushed around/back. 

081018 Devin Gray.JPG
Devin Gray rips the ball from the defender – photo credit: Atlanta Falcons

There was some highlight for the 3rd team offense.  Kurt Benkert was 9 for 17 for 125 yards, 4 of those passes went for 83 yards to Devin Gray.  Granted they were playing against the 3rd team defense, but they were definitely on the same page, likely because they spend much of their practice time together, but may be making spots for themselves on the team…or at least practice squad.  Benkurt looked good and very comfortable, while Gray, literally, ripped a ball out of the air…..away from the defender. 

Matt Ryan was 1-1 to Calvin Ridley for a 2-yard loss.  First team went a quick “three and out” and were backed onto their own end zone before Matt Bosher came out to kick.  Matt Schaub, who played most of the first half, was 9-9 for 54 yards. 

No running back touched the ball more than 6 times, Malik Williams lead with those 6 carries for 19 yards.  Tevin Coleman started and had 3 rushes for 8 yards.  Austin Hooper struggled in blocking, had 1 catch, but was choppy getting there, but he did make the 5-yard catch. 

In the Oddity Column, after being shown on the depth chart as the first returner, Justin Hardy did not line up to return all night.  Marvin Hall and Ito Smith made kickoff returns, while Isiah Oliver and Hall split the 3 punt returns.  Ito had 1 return for 35 yards, while Hall had one long return of 21.  No word on what happened to Hardy, although he did have a lead block for Ito.

So, as hard as this game was to watch, there were a few highlights and again, no injuries.  And as a note, DQ has gone 3-6 all-time in the pre-season, and we all know what he has done in the real season!

After the game, Archer caught up with DQ who called out penalties, missed tackles, and lack of execution.  DQ noted that the team has shown in training camp who they can be, just did not show that on the field Friday night.  “We have allot of work to do.” DQ says it all.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

 Photos courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons