Never count the Falcons out. Especially in a close game in prime time. For the world to see, after losing the first game of the season, at home, without giving up a touchdown, the Falcons fought to not become the 10th team with an 0-2 start to the 2024 season. And in good timing. The first 6 games are pretty tough, good Pittsburg and Philadelphia teams, the defending Super Bowl champs of Kansas City, then, the Falcons make their first run through the NFC South. Two of the NFC South teams are 2-0. Also of note, 3 of those games, while at home, are in a 12-day window, 2 prime time games, before heading up 85N to Carolina.
All that to say, this was a good time to win and get some momentum started for the season. The defense was lights out in both games, only giving up (long) field goals in game one. In Philadelphia, they made some great stands as well. A stop on 4th down, a touchdown pass deflected forcing a field goal. All in a very hostile and loud environment. The Falcons’ D went toe to toe with a great offense. Their win Monday night really validated the defense and Head Coach Raheem Morris and the plans for 2024. This sets the team up well to host Kansas City this coming week. The fourth and one stop early in the game, set the tone. There was better tackling overall this week. Saquan Barkley and Jalen Hurts definitely were harder to get down, but only gave up a few big plays.
Jessie Bates was the all-star of the win Monday night. Not because of the game winning interception, but he led the team in tackles, is always active and applying pressure, leader on and off the field. But his actual biggest play of the night was knocking that touchdown catch out of the receiver’s hand – stopping a third quarter touchdown that would have put the game out of reach. The Eagles settled for a field goal. Jessie finished with 12 tackles, 7 solo, 1 tackle for loss, 2 passes defended……oh, and an interception. Being so aggressive, Bates did outrun the play a few times, was out of position giving Hurts some extra yards, but he is always the closer in the end.
Justin Simmons is making his presence felt, knocking folks around last night (5 tackles), which will continue and show why he was brought in. Speaking of newly added free agents, Matthew Judon had a sack, 6 tackles, 2 for loss. Grady Jarrett was a beast on the inside as usual, while only having 2 tackles, he had 3 quarterback hits (most on the team) and often chased Hurts out of the pocket and forced errant throws. Speaking of affecting the quarterback, Kaden Elliss was a step away for Hurts as he released his last ball of the night, that found its way into Bates’ hands. Elliss amassed 11 tackles (2nd most) and 1 QB hit. Troy Anderson followed with 9 and AJ Terrell with 7 total, all solo. Elliss and Anderson struggled a little with open field tackles on Barkley and Hurts, but made up for it with the rest or their play. Arnold Ebiketie and David Onyemata stepped up later in the game and had 3 tackles a piece.
We are starting to see some new, good things from the O. Still think we need to use Drake London and Kyle Pitts more, but definitely see the impact of adding Darnell Mooney and Clemson boy Ray Ray McCloud. Kudos to the Falcons for actually using him as a receiver instead of just a returner. Everyone slept on Ray Ray, except for Rah and Terry Fontenot (and me). Similarly, Mooney never was appreciated or used enough in Chicago, but getting him more active in this offense is going to spread it out and allow everyone to get in on the action. Mooney had a touchdown, a 41-yard reception, and lots of motion in the backfield. Seeing Drake fake the post and catch that touchdown shows why he is so special and drafted so high, now that we are using him correctly. Drake’s first visit back in end zone since the London, England game October of 2023.
Kyle and Bijan Robinson were picking up blitzes and chipping guys….so even though Kyle didn’t have huge numbers, he had them when we needed them and blocking, giving Kirk Cousins a few more seconds to make decisions and get completions. Bijan is just a beast, still can’t believe this is his second year in the NFL. Overall, Kirk was composed and calmly led the team down the field for the game winning touchdown.
Bijan’s breaking tackles, and the consistency with the run game between Bijan and Tyler Allgeier, really opened up the offense, credit to OC Zac Robinson. Tyler and Bijan ran well behind the offensive line against a stout Eagles’ defense. Got a broad stroke catalog of what this offense can and will do. Zac Robinson is just now scratching the surface of this new offense, now that we are out of the bland pre-season.
Cousins was 20 of 29 for 241 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions and sack, due to Chris Lindstrom not holding his block long enough. Cousins was more mobile this week and spread the ball around pretty well. Especially on the final drive, going 5 of 6 for 70 yards and the touchdown, note that the 1 incompletion should have been PI for Ray Ray, but here we are. Overall, Mooney was targeted 7 times, caught 3 for 88 yards, 47 on the final drive.
London caught 6 of 7 passes for 54 yards, Ray Ray caught 3 of 5 (again, 1 should have been a PI), making several conversions early. Pitts caught 3 of 4 for 20 yards, 2 of those receptions in the final drive. Bijan caught 4 balls for 25 yards with Tyler catching his only target for 12 yards. In the run game, Bijan carried 14 times for 97 yards, while Tyler had 9 carries for 53 yards. Tyler had more playing time this week, but still not as much as they could do with this two headed monster.
The offensive line was much better this week. The first drive of the 2nd half was a pass to Bijan, then 2 Bijan runs, another pass to Bijan, then 3 Tyler runs before a sack and field goal. This series really gassing the defense. The O line was holding up and really making the strong Philly defense work. Cousins was only pressured 5 of his 25 drop backs. Matthew Bergeron and Drew Dalman were much improved, while Lindstrom did struggle some. But there were no penalties on the line.
Overall, there were only 3 penalties on the whole team, 2 of which were on Drake for celebrating and Ray Ray, for – no one knows. The third was on JD Bertrand covering a punt and blocking above the waist. That is a really clean game.
This game was well worth staying up past midnight to watch the dramatic end, celebrate online with fellow fans, and hear and see all of the interviews and excitement from the team.
Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons – Jay Bendlin
August 23, 2024
Pre-season game 3 is in the books. A third loss by the Falcons, but no starters have been seen suited up. Each of the games provided allot of evaluation and insight into who should be on this 53-man roster by Tuesday.
The Jaguars start with their number one defense while the Falcons continue to hold their starters. Taylor Heinicke gets the start at QB and has two failed attempts, but on 3rd and 10, finds Casey Washington over the middle for a 20-yard gain. The next first down has a hold on the offensive line, for a 1st and 20 that leads to a 2nd and 20 after a no gain run by Carlos Washington, Jr. Heinke finds Washington Jr on a quick flip for a gain of 8 yards on the left side. On 3rd and 12, an incompletion leads to a punt at midfield.
Jacksonville sends out their first team offense. Trevor Lawrence, from the 10, hands the ball to Travis Etienne, twice, for gains of 7 and 19 yards, stopped both runs by DeAngelo Malone. From the 29, Lawrence misses a receiver, then finds another for a huge catch and run, a gain of 42 yards. Back to Etienne, quickly stopped by Anthony Johnson. On 2nd and 7, another run for a gain of 2 yards. On 3rd and 5, Lawrence quickly throws a pass to the sideline for a first down, covered by Jayden Price. Milo Eifler was called for roughing the passer and the ball is moved to the 8. Etienne goes to the 5, Zion Logue got off his blocker and stopped Etienne. On 2nd down, outside toss to Etienne is stopped by Kevin King, who was flying across the field to stop the play near the sideline. Then Lawrence finds a receiver in the back of the endzone for a touchdown. King and Price were in close coverage, but not close enough to break up the pass.
Q1: 7:01 Jax 7/Atl 0
Natrone Brooks takes the kick off from the end zone to the 30. Heinicke dumps the ball out to John Fitzpatrick, who leaps over a defender for a gain of 9 yards. Washington gets the fake as Heinicke takes the ball along the right side for a first down. A quick pass for 2 yards, then a first down to Chris Blair along the sideline. Across midfield, Heinicke hands off to Washington Jr for a 5-yard gain. Heinicke keeps the ball and goes out of bounds on the left side after a 2-yard gain. From the shotgun, the pass is tipped in the air and falls incomplete. It’s 4th and 3 from the Jaguars’ 38, Heinicke takes a shot towards the end zone for Washington. The ball falls incomplete and Jacksonville will take over at the 38.
Lawrence has a short pass to Evan Engram, who is quickly pushed out of bounds by Brooks after a 5-yard gain. Then, Etienne for 4 yards, stopped by Donavan Mutin and Micah Abernathy. On 2nd and 6, Lawrence with the bootleg to Engram with Brooks quickly bringing him down. Etienne finds a small hole and shoots up the middle for 14 yards, finally stopped by Abernathy and King. From the Falcons 39, Lawrence finds a receiver at the first down marker to move the chains again. Lawrence is pressured and has to run out of bounds after a 9-yard gain.
End of the First Quarter
After a failed pass and rush, on 4th and 1, Tank Bigsby gains 2 yards and is stopped by Brooks, after the first down. Bigsby is stopped for no gain by Price. On 2nd and 10 from the 17, Lawrence finds Engram for an 11-yard gain and first down. From the 6, Etienne gets the ball and gains a singe yard before being stopped by LaCale London. Lawrence has an incompletion, then returns to Engram for another touchdown in the corner of the end zone.
Q2: 11:19 Jacksonville 14/Atlanta 0
From the 25, Heinicke throws high, but Washington snatches the ball out of the air for a first down. Jase McCellen goes up the middle for 11 yards and another first down. A quick release to Blair and the Falcons are across midfield. No huddle continues on 2nd and 3, Heinicke stands too long and is sacked. On 3rd and 6, Heinicke drops back, is hit as he throws an incompletion. Bradley Pinion punts 40 yards to the Jacksonville 11.
Mac Jones enters at the quarterback position. Hands off to Bigsby who is tackled by Mutin after a 7-yard gain. Brooks makes the next short stop, but there is an offensive penalty that moved the Jags back to the 9 for a 2nd and 12. From the shotgun, Jones is hit as he throws from the goal line and the ball is incomplete along the sideline. On 3rd down, Jones quickly finds a receiver for a 6-yard gain, immediately stopped by Price, forcing a punt at 4th and 6.
After a 60-yard punt, McClellan goes for 3 and then 5 yards. on 3rd and short, Heinike has to step up, nearly sacked in the pocket and passes incomplete, with a flag on the play – holding on the offense. Pinion back on to punt for a 44-yard punt.
Jones hands off to Bigsby who only gained 5 yards. Quick pass across the middle and immediate stop by Price. At midfield, Jones finds a receiver along the sideline for 5 yards, pushed out by Eifler. Another single yard gain stopped by Brandon Dorlus and then a SACK by Bradlee Anae for a 5-yard loss. The sack forces a punt from the 50 which falls into the end zone.
Heinicke completes a pass to Drummond for 5 yards.
Two Minute Warning
From the 25, Heinicke throws 2 incompletions and Pinion is back on for another punt, this one, 45 yards.
From their own 30, Jacksonville’s Bigsby runs up the middle for a first down, stopped by King. After an incompletion, Jones finds a receiver for a 12-yard gain, finally stopped by Eifler. On 2nd and 4, with 41 seconds to go before half time, Jones hits a receiver for a 6-yard gain, another stop by Brooks. On first down, the receiver has a 15-yard reception, then Jones scrambles 8 yards, stopped by Eifler. On 2nd and 2 from the 13, Jones finds a receiver in the end zone for another Jaguar touchdown.
Half time: Jaguars 21/Falcons 0
Again, watching via online app is sketchy at best. This gives a good account of the first half, but not sure this changed any minds on any players. The same standouts continued to stand out. The first team – guaranteed starters – were is sweats on the sideline, so this is not indicative of what we will see in 2+ weeks when Pittsburg comes to town to kick off the season.
Atlanta Falcons President and CEORich McKayand ownerArthur Blankheld a press conference Friday, December 27, 2019 to discuss the announcement earlier in the day. The Falcons site and Twitter announced that the team would retainDan Quinnas Head Coach,Thomas Dimitroffas General Manager. Rich McKay will take on an increased role in football operations, where he had been mainly overseeing the new stadium. Raheem Morriswill be the Defensive Coordinator for 2020. There was no mention of other coaches, offensively or other defensive/position coaches.
Mr. Blank began the press conference by stating that the last 2 seasons have been a great disappointment and as the steward of the team, he understands everyone’s disappointment. He noted that overall since the drafting ofMatt Ryan, the Falcons have been 4thin the NFC and 7thin the NFL overall in winning percentage. He noted that consistently is important, with the right things and for the right reasons. Mr. Blank recurring brought up the difference in the first half to the second half of the season. Mr. Blank noted several other leading reasons for the retention of Quinn and Dimitroff.
1-Falcons had two/three-ish new coordinators. Quinn wasn’t fully aware/prepared what all that would take, with defensive coordination and running the team overall and connecting all of the other moving parts. That is when Quinn made the decision that he needed to just be the head coach and gave up the defensive coordination.
2-The change at defensive coordinator also changed the defensive scheme, making the defense simpler, communication was better, moved some players around where they could win more easily. “Round pegs in round holes and square pegs in square holes” as Mr. Blank said. And also saw young talent emerge.
3-The players played hard for the coach and the organization, even when they may not have been in the best position in the first half of the year. With the coaching/position changes, they were able to perform better.
4-Players believe and support the Brotherhood, each other, the coach, and the organization overall.
With the 2017 opening of the stadium, leading the NFL in stadium experience each year, Rich McKay will now be at The Branch at least 4 days a week, working directly with Quinn and Dimitroff, who will now report directly to McKay, instead of Mr. Blank. Mr. Blank will still be in charge and involved, but McKay will be a sounding board and leader with great experience and wisdom with his 25 years of GM and the like experience.
Rich McKay – “We look at this season as one we will not celebrate, but one we can build on.” You can see there was a complete change in the 2ndhalf of the season, lots of credit to Dan Quinn, his coaches, and the players. McKay noted this is not a complete turn-around like he has ever seen before. Usually, play will fall off as you are eliminated from the playoffs, but this team has played better and better. “We looked at studies on consistency, what gives us the best chance to win 2020 and beyond.“
Mr. Blank, “We are about winning games and winning championships. It is my belief that this personnel will get us there more quickly than other decisions we could have made.”
Mr. Blank sounded a smidgeon frustrated at the suggestion of constant or quick coaching changes, noting several teams that had down years, stayed the course, and were winning again. He believes that keeping everyone in sync, keeping coaches and management together, not having draft choices from a previous regime. He believes this is the team and the players that can win over time, noting San Francisco, New Orleans, and Carolina tough/competitive wins on the road. The defense moved from 31stto 6thin the league. He reviewed Dan Quinn’s self-awareness and willingness to step down from DC and HC to just HC and other changes he was willing to admit and make.
Mr. Blank’s only criticism of Quinn is that he made changes and decisions too late. And “I don’t think he will make those errors again.” McKay will help with that, meeting with Dimitroff and Quinn on these type decisions. “The whole mid-season coaching change has little value.” If you feel like the staff is going to make changes – as you started to see in the 2ndhalf of the Seattle game. Mr. Blank stated that you could see that the players were committed. When you see major changes and wins in 7 games, not just part of a game. Mr. Blank believes that Quinn has learned from that and will make adjustments quicker going forward, including mid-game. It is a great credit to these players to make the change, accept the change, and continue to play at 100% throughout the season.
Quinn will continue to have the final decision on the 53 man roster. Quinn, Dimitroff, and McKay will work closely together – discussions and group decisions, no one person will impose their will on the organization.
Asked about the future, Mr. Blank replied that without a crystal ball, “I believe our best opportunity going forward is to keep Quinn and Dimitroff in place.”
With McKay’s experience in football operations, being on the competition committee, his close link to the commissioner, this is not a surprise or big change to move him back to football operations. It is a matter of focus, not change. With the 5 year process of planning and implementing the stadium, 80% of his time was on the stadium, but he was in touch with Quinn and Dimitroff. Now, McKay will be making sure the processes are working and in constant working and talking contact with Quinn and Dimitroff.
McKay believes that the team ended up taking on too much change around all the other coaching, defense and offense leadership.
When asked about deadlines or number of losses to start the next season, Mr. Blank replied that there are no set numbers/parameters set for next season. There is no reason to think that the second half of the season is not sustainable into 2020. With the same coaches, many of the same players, free agency and the draft coming up.
McKay is not concerned about the salary cap, he has lived in that since 1993. He is ready to restructure, resign, evaluate anything and feels confident in the Falcons ability to manage the cap. Mr. Blank called out several players as “guys you would not want to not have signed”Julio Jones, Matt Ryan,Grady Jarrett, Deion Jones, andDevonta Freeman….sounds like he just laid down the Free is a Falcon stamp.
The Falcons return home after a long time away from Mercedes
Benz Stadium, ready to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Inactives for the day, due to injury are John Cominsky,
Devonta Freeman, Austin Hooper, and Kemal Ishmael. Other inactives, Matt Gono, Brandon Powell,
and Deadrin Senat.
The extra captain on the day is Damontae Kazee. Each Falcon wears a number on their helmet
representing a fallen soldier, with their families in attendance for Military
Appreciation Day. And you know, no one
appreciates the military more than Dan Quinn. Note that this year, the Falcons are representing
94 fallen heroes, each player representing several heroes on their helmet. All of these families had a great Sunday
receiving jerseys with their name on them as well as spending time with the
team and touring the facilities.
The Falcons win the toss and will take the ball on offense
again. This has led to back to back wind
the last two weeks. The opening kickoff
goes way back in the end zone and the Falcons offense will start the game at
the 25.
Matt Ryan is already in the shotgun and hands off to Brian
Hill for no yards. In the no huddle,
Ryan yells commands. Again in the shotgun,
Ryan drops back and lobs it to wide open Jaeden Graham for a big 53-yard
gain. About half and half pass and
YAC. Now on the Bucs’ 23, a sweep to Calvin
Ridley along the right side, Ridley goes down to the 7, behind a good
Graham block. Ryan throws the next pass
way out of the back of the end zone. From
the shotgun, Ryan is under pressure, gets itchy feet, but throws the ball out
of the back of the end zone again. Now
on 3rd and goal, Ryan hits Ridley, who is double covered, and cannot
hold onto the all. With 2 receivers
double covered, you would think someone would have been open. YounghoeKoo kicks the 25-yard
field goal.
With 12:47 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons with the
early lead, 3/0.
JameisWinston begins at the 25 and a rush for
11 yards by Ronald Jones II who is met and sat down by Kazee. On the second offensive play, Winston has his
first pick of the day. Desmond Trufant
is running the route in from of Mike Evans like he is the receiver, Winston
still makes the pass and Tru picks it off.
Falcons take over at their own 47. A rush by Hill for a 1-yard gain. Next a pass along the right side to Russell
Gage who forces his way past the first down marker. Ryan’s next pass is out of bounds. Still in the shotgun, Ryan quickly passes to
Gage on the left for 7 yards. With Hill
in the medical tent, Qadree Ollison gets the call and gains no yards
along the left side. On 4th
and 3, Graham has a false start forcing the punt. The ball rolls out of bounds at the 3.
On the first play of their second possession, the Bucs have
a false start and are at the ½-yard line.
Winston drops back, then chooses to run, past the first down marker where
Isaiah Oliver makes the tackle. From
the 11, Winston hands off to Jones for a few yards. Grady Jarrett is over center with Vic
Beasley, Jr. beside him, rushing 4, but Winston gets the ball out to Jones
who is tackled after the first down by Ricardo Allen. Rushing 4 again, Winston hands off, Jones up
the middle and he is med and stopped by De’Vondre Campbell after a
4-yard gain. Adrian Clayborn
nearly gets to Winston, but he manages to get the ball away, even with it
tipped by Deion Jones, Chris Godwin makes the reception, escapes Kazee,
and goes 71-yard for the touchdown. With
6:45 to go in the quarter, the Bucs lead 7/3.
Another touchback and the Falcons begin on their 25
again. Ryan throws over the middle to Julio
Jones, but the ball is deflected.
Hill is back in the game and takes the fake as Ryan throws near the marker
to Ridley. On 3rd and 3, Ryan
throws big for Julio on the right side, even with his jersey being held,
catches the 31-yard pass. Hill gets the
call and gains 3 yards. Another fake to
Hill, Ryan avoids the sack and throws a low ball toward Julio as a Bucs defender
lays him out. 3rd and 7, Ryan
drops back then decides to run it himself, short of the first down marker. There is an offensive hold on the play by
Jake Matthews (that opened the hole for Ryan).
3rd and 17, Ryan hits Ridley, but he can’t get high enough to
hold on, with the help of the defender’s shove.
Ryan Allen punts out of bounds at the 10.
De’Vondre Campbell with the INT
Winston hands off to Peyton Barber who gains 3 yards. Winston drops back and throws out of bounds
over the receiver out of bounds. On 3rd
and 7, Winston makes another errant pass under pressure, tipped by the receiver
and Campbell comes up with the interception.
Falcons offense takes over at the 19. Ollison gets the first carry for 6 yards. On 2nd and 4, Ryan under big pressure, finally gets the ball toward Ridley, who cannot hold the ball with a defender clubbing him. With a 3rd and 4, Ryan scrambles for the first down. At the 5, Ryan is under center, Ollison goes to the 1. Still in, Ollison pushes behind the line, but still cannot get across the line. Ollison jumps over the offensive and defensive lines for the touchdown!!!!! His second in 2 games. Koo for the extra point and the Falcons lead 10/7 as the first quarter is nearly ended.
The Bucs begin again at their 25. Winston, from the shotgun, passes out to
Evans who runs before the catch and therefore an incompletion. On 2nd and 10, Winston passes to
Jones who is stopped after a 6-yard gain.
Time expires on the first quarter.
A quick stop by Debo and it’s 4th and 2, and the Buccaneers
have to punt. Kenyon Barner catches at
the 13 and is immediately stopped there.
Ryan finds Julio just past the first down marker after a
stop and start route. From the 26, Ruan
is under center, fakes to Hill and is immediately sacked. 2nd and 19, Ryan is in the shotgun
and scrambling, Matthews can’t hold his block and another sack. 3rd and 27 from the 9, hand off to
Hill for no gain. Allen from the middle
of the end zone, gets the ball to the 39, and special teams allows a return.
The Bucs begin at their 49.
Winston drops back, finds Godwin on the far right side who is knocked
out by Kendall Sheffield. From
the 29, Winston hands off to Jones who loses a yard behind a fierce defensive
line, lead by Jack Crawford.
Winston from the shotgun, has Debo nearly push the lineman into him,
gets the ball out to a receiver, but the Bucs were called for holding and backs
them up. 2nd and 21, Winston
get it all back by finding Godwin who then gets the 10-yard line. A quick short pass to Godwin for a couple of
yards. From the Falcons’ 9, Winston
throws left to Miller who is shoved out at the 1. Winston then finds Godwin just inside the
goal line for his second touchdown of the day.
Kazee nearly tips the ball, but can’t get his fingers on it. With just under 8 to go in the half, the Bucs
miss their extra point, but lead 13/10.
Again at the 25, Hill finds a hole on the left side and
gains 5 yards. Back under center, Ryan
flips it back to Hill who runs along the far left side edge for a first down. From the 35, Ryan finds Gage again for
another first down. From the shotgun,
Ryan throws just out of Julio’s reach. A
hand off to Hill gains 2 yards. On 3rd
and 8, Ridley in motion, Ryan is sacked again.
Allen punts to the 10, a return to the 35, stopped by Ollison. An illegal black is called and the Bucs will
begin on their own 5.
The Bucs come out running and are stopped back to back for
minimal gain. Another 3rd and
7, Winston in the shotgun and throws to Breshad Perriman at the 49. Quinn challenged the reception and it was
upheld. After a short run, under Claybo pressure,
Winston throws out of bounds over the receiver.
On 3rd and 9 Winston finds Evans for the first down, Kazee
and Rico converge for the tackle. Cover 2
is not working today.
Two-minute warning.
From the Falcons 30, Winston hands off and Jones is met with
the whole defense and forced back for a 3-yard loss. From the shotgun, Winston decides to run, not
slide, and is stopped after 4 yards.
Falcons call a time out. 3rd
and 9, Winston finds wide open Godwin at the 3.
A run goes for nothing. After another
Falcons timeout, Winston from the 1, fakes a handoff and finds a defensive
lineman in as a fullback open in the end zone.
Vita Vea for the touchdown reception. With 40 seconds til the half, the Bucs lead 19/10.
Ryan throws underneath Julio across the middle and he cannot
bring the ball in. Ryan drops back and
nearly throws an interception, not seeing the defender step between him and
intended receiver Christian Blake.
On 3rd and 10 with 29 seconds to go, Ryan finds Hill at the
30, but Hill cannot gain any additional yards.
Allen on to punt again with 20 seconds to go. The punt goes to the 17 and takes a Bucs
bounds, but roles until 5 seconds remain.
The Bucs take a knee and go to have leading the Falcons by
9.
The Bucs start with no gains, then on a 3rd and
10, Winston runs the ball himself past the marker, fighting with Rico all the
way. A sweep to Scotty Miller
goes for a loss, spotted and dropped by Rico.
On 2nd and 12, Dare Ogunbowale goes up the middle for
a first down. Note that Grady was not in
on that play. Another run up the middle,
then bounces to the right side for a big first down at the Falcons 10. Jones runs up the middle for a short gain,
but there is a flag on the play. Illegal
formation was declined and the Bucs are at the 14 with a 2nd and
9. Winston finds O.J. Howard over
the middle for another first down. Then
Jones in for the touchdown.
The Bucs kicker has his extra point blocked by
Sheffield. Sharrod Neasman picks up the ball, goes for a number of yards before being
touched, then spins and waits for blockers and is finally pushed out of
bounds. Grady and other lineman were
down field still blocking.
Ryan in the shotgun at the 25, to Hill on the right side for
a yard. Ryan finds an open Gage up at
the 45. Hill on the left side for no
gain. Ryan throws big downfield for
Ridley, who catches the ball in tandem with Carlton Davis III and the
refs give the ball to the Bucs.
From the Bucs 11, Winston hands off twice. On 3rd and 2, under pressure,
Winston throws an incompletion.
After the punt, the Falcons begin on their 44 and Ryan finds
Ridley for a 17-yard gain. After a false
start on James Carpenter. Ryan throws an
incompletion toward Stocker and high to Gage who cannot haul it in. Ndamukong
Suh has an illegal use of hands after a misthrow by Ryan towards Ridley.
Automatic first down, Hill gets the ball on the left side
for no gain. At the 40, it’s 2nd
and 10, Ryan drops back and hits Julio for the first down just past the
marker. Another reception by Julio, and
its 2nd and 3 at the 21. Hill
goes up the middle for a gain of one yard.
On 3rd and 2, Ryan is lined up on the left side of the line,
Gage takes the snap and tosses to Ollison for the first down. A fake to Ollison leads to a short pass to
Julio, which is negated by a flag on Matthews.
On 1st and 18 Ryan almost throws an interception. Then he hits Ridley in the corner of the end
zone, but he lands with one foot in, one foot out. Another hold on Matthews. It’s now 2nd and 28, Gage with the
9-yard reception. On 3rd and
19, Hill gets the call for short yardage.
Koo on for the successful 40-yard field goal. With 1:40 to go in the 3rd quarter,
Falcons down 25/13.
Winston comes out slinging to Godwin again, who avoids tackles
before Kazee gets him down. Quickly
driving with multiple missed tackles, as the quarter ends.
The Bucs are at the 33 as the fourth quarter begins. Debo’s pressure on Winston does not stop his
quick pass and completion. Then Jones around
the left side for another few yards. On
3rd and 4 at the 14, Claybo and Grady are both held with no
penalties called. The Bucs do not get
the first down and are forced to kick the 32-yard field goal and lead the
Falcons 28/13 with nearly 13 minutes to go in the game.
The first pass of the next possession goes to Gage for a
first down. Then to Julio for another first down. Gage along the sideline for 6 yards. Near the 50, Ryan misses Ridley over the
middle with defenders cloaking him. On 3rd
and 4, Ryan scrambles, finally throws low toward Graham which falls incomplete. The Falcons go for it on 4th and
4, Gage catches the ball at the marker.
Ollison up the middle for 7 yards, then a pass to Ollison over the
middle for the first down. Ridley goes
down the left side and is stopped at the 14.
After an incompletion to Gage in the end zone, Ryan is sacked – on Matthews’
side. There is a near sack, the ball is
in the air, nearly intercepted. This leads
to a 38-yard field goal. Falcons still
down 28/16 with just over 8 to go in the game.
Winston starts again with a quick first down pass. Then no gain as Rico makes a big stop. On 2nd and 10, Winston is under
pressure and throws incomplete to the tight end with Rico in coverage. The next incompletion is null as Beasley is
offsides. On 3rd and 5, there
is a false start on the Bucs. Third and
10 meets a Trufant pass breakup. The Bucs
punt to the 19.
The first play is a sack given up by Kaleb McGary. Ridley has another catch, again with one foot
in and one foot out. Another failed play
and the Falcons punt again.
After another short Bucs’ drive, the Falcons give up their 6th
sack of the day, which is also a fumble.
Bucs take the ball and increase their lead to 35/16.
Matt Schaub replaces Ryan at quarterback, has a low ball to
Blake which is intercepted, but the turnover is overturned and marked
incomplete. Schaub hits Ridley for the 21-yard
touchdown. The Falcons go for the unsuccessful
2-point conversion. The score is 35/22
with just under 2 minutes to go in the game.
The Bucs run out the clock and issue the Falcons their first
lost in the NFC South and end any insane hope of a playoff run.
This is my roster, very close to the 53 and without practice squad. I know I have too many WR, but assumption is Nick Williams and Andre Roberts are more ST until they can move themselves up. And realize, the defensive guys are listed at X position, but many of them play a couple of different positions in Dan Quinn’s scheme.
I am picking Ben Garland as MY starting right guard, but keeping Wes Schweitzer on the roster. I am sure I am off on the O line side, but we may also pick someone up after the cuts.
I think we will keep Jalen Collins on the team for now. He will not cost money or a roster spot and think we will have someone watch over him (even secretly – not sure the exact rules on suspension) and see if he is in ballgame shape and our roster status by week 11.
FalconAlley Football 