Ricardo Allen – FalconAlley Football

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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Rico is Ready

September 4, 2019

By: Allison Smith

Just days away from the season opener, Ricardo Allen calls in to Dukes and Bell to share his thoughts on the upcoming season.

Rico was on Injured Reserve most of last season, going out in the third game of the season. Now, he has healed, rehabbed, and studied to come back even stronger. His wife, Grace, helps….or ensures he is doing is film study at home as she helps break down film. With all of his rehab time, he had plenty of time to watch film and prepare. This training camp and preseason, he has begun sitting in on many of the offensive meetings in order to hear their views and discussions and be even more prepared for other teams. Rico is the defensive play caller and last line of defense on the field. Rico always makes sure the defense is lined up correctly, especially when there is any offensive movement before the snap.

Ricardo told Carl Dukes and Mike Bell of 92.9 The Game’s afternoon show that he is glad pre-season is over. He’s ready to play. He has been limited in pre-season as a starter and returning from injury. Rico said that Head Coach Dan Quinn (serving as defensive coordinator) is keeping everyone busy and excited. DQ really gets into the details.

Ricardo is excited to see Isaiah Oliver at Cornerback this year, he did his learning last year and is ready this year. “He will give up some plays, but will make more plays; he’s been putting the work and study in.”

Rico noted they are a competitive defense and ready to put some hits on some guys in real games. If they are throwing the ball up, we are going to try and go get it. Rico is very confident in this defense and the work they have put in so far and know they are going to do their part to keep the score low and let the offense do their part.

Discussing the grind to get back to playing this season, Rico was trying to enjoy the process and learn from that slow process. Sometimes you feel like you are going backwards, but you just have to keep working and trying and know you are blessed to be able to heal up and come back.

#RiseUp

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Back at The Branch

July 31, 2018

Monday was back in Flowery Branch where the team was in full pads and played 11 on 11. One of the offensive teams scored twice while the other, did not score at all. Monday was a definite treat for fans in attendance.

Takk McKinley and Ito Smith were on the sidelines working with trainers, just not involved in the full, regular practice.

OC Steve Sarkisian seems more comfortable with the offense (so far) in year 2. Remember, although their year ones held different issues, the leap that Kyle Shanahan made from year 1 to 2 was huge and there are expectations for the same success for Sark.

Despite some offensive trickery, the always studying and football smart, Ricardo Allen had an interception. Matt Ryan pitched over to Justin Hardy, who threw up a bomb, but was very contested by 3 defenders and Rico came up with the ball. Rico was quoted, “True champions do the ordinary things right all of the time.”

Calvin Ridley and Justin Hardy were the returners for each team during the game like scrimmage. Devin Gray hauled in the first touchdown of the day. Damontae Kazee picked off Garrett Grayson.

Devonta Freeman commented that “We are getting better every day, striving for greatness.”

Grady Jarrett was getting individual work with assistant d line coach.

Overall, Mohamed Sanu, Sr. is in midseason form. He continues to make awesome catches, whether high or one-handed, contested or on the sideline, Sanu is catching everything. Mic’d up, he was heard “All I know how to do is take reps and get better.” Deadrin Senat is impressing as well. He is willing and happy to listen to all advice and feedback from the veterans, especially Jarrett, who has been telling him about hip movement and how that varies by different plays. He is honored to be learning from Bryant Young. It was noted that Jarrett has come to camp even bigger, but in the good muscular way (as I have reported in the off season).

#RiseUp

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Cover Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

Dukes and Bell Catch up with Ricardo Allen after Day 2 of Mini Camp

Recap of Interview by Carl Dukes and Mike Bell, written by Allison Smith

June 13, 2018

Ricardo Allen enters his 5th year as an Atlanta Falcon. From a late cut his rookie year, to the practice squad, to a leader on defense, Rico has had quite a ride in the NFL so far. In the 2017 off season, Rico and wife Grace welcomed their second baby, he graduated from Purdue, and most recently signed his 2nd round tender to stay a Falcon for another season. It was very important to Rico to earn his degree as an example to his children, “Anything you start, you need to finish.” While he hopes to be in Atlanta playing the rest of his career and not need his degree, he is proud of the work he put in to receive it and actually walk at graduation.

After Day 2 of Falcons Mini Camp, Rico spoke to Dukes and Bell (Carl Dukes and Mike Bell of 92.9 The Game’s afternoon show). If you know about Rico, you know he is one of the hardest working guys on the team and is a film nut. As I have reported numerous times, just days after the playoff loss in Philadelphia, Rico was at the Branch watching film and working out. He said that he watched the game over and over on the flight home, already taking notes on things to improve. He noted that the team was a tackle or turnover or an inch away from the SuperBowl last season. He knows this team is not that far off.

When asked about vacation time between Mini Camp and Training Camp, Rico replied, “We had vacation and time off after the season ended. There is no vacation time now, I am ready to go.” Anytime there are not official team activities at The Branch, Rico is working out 2-3 times a day, either at home or at The Branch.

Dukes and Bell asked about the current team and the work outs, Rico said that they are competing and taking care of each other. “Can’t win games right now, but can put in the work.” Rico is the mentee assigned to Isaiah Oliver and said that Oliver is long and can run with any receiver on the Falcons roster, he has great ball skills and comes in very mature.

Asked about some of the new offensive weapons, Rico commented that Ito Smith is fast out of the backfield and finishes every rep like he is going to score a touchdown. He said that Calvin Ridley is a “Good dude. He did not come in like a first round pick, but instead like a rookie willing to work. He is definitely going to make something happen.” He noted that all of the rookies came in knowing the team was already a good team, but there were some roles to fill.

Defensively, Allen commented that “We have allot of speed on defense, and when one of us is coming, know the other 10 are coming too.” As the deepest defender in the secondary, Rico has the best view and depended on for lots of communication to the rest of the defense. He said that he will watch 2 to 3 years of film on an offense to learn all of their tendencies (did I mention film nut?). He also plays allot of Madden. Madden shows their best plays and when a team is in a crunch, that is what they pull out of the bag, so you know Rico is already ready.

Dukes and Bell asked about the best offense they face in the NFC South. Rico said they go against the best of the best each week in practice.

On the Cornerback front, Rico commented that Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford (Tru and Rocky) are good. “They have been grinding, already getting balls popping up in the air” even though there is no tackling happening yet.

Plans for 2018 as a defense…..”Want to get more turnovers.” He noted that they had at least 5 turnovers overturned by penalties last season, clearly they plan to clean that up. After going from a 30something ranking up to the 8th ranked defense last season, Rico wants “Our Defense to be the #1 defense” this season. On the rookies and young defenders, “We got some dawgs out there – pull the leash off of them and let them go.” And commented that we have the fastest linebackers around.

Sounds like the defense is ready to go. We know many of the guys came in bigger and stronger and faster, so the 2018 defense is definitely going to be something to look forward to.

#RiseUp @FalconAlley Owt

**Graduation photo courtesy of Ricardo Allen, Interview photo is courtesy of 92.9 The Game

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

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All Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons