Sacks – FalconAlley Football

Another Great HALF of Atlanta Falcons Football

Atlanta Falcons 27/Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31

December 20, 2020

Article by Allison Smith, Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

On the first play of the game, Matt Ryan hands to Todd Gurley for a 1-yard loss. On 2^nd and 11, Brandon Powell caught the ball, but was immediately stopped. On 3^rd and 9, Ryan finds Gurley for the first down reception. From the 36, Ito Smith comes in and finds a seam on the left side for a 5-yard gain. On 2^nd down, Ryan hits Hayden Hurst who stretches for the first down, but the refs mark him 1 yard short. On the 3^rd and 1, Ryan finds Calvin Ridley crossing the field at the 40, then Ridley goes for anther 8 yards. From the Tampa Bay 32, Ryan finds Russell Gage now in the middle of the field and Gage goes to the 5-yard line. On first and goal, Ryan in the shotgun, easily finds Gage in the left edge of the end zone for a TOUCHDOWN.

With 10:34 to go in the first quarter, Falcons lead 7/0.

Tampa Bay starts on their own 25 and a quick throw to Antonio Brown at the line goes for another 6 yards. On 2^nd down, Tom Brady is under pressure but finds the tight end for a 14-yard gain, taken out of bounds by Foye Oluokun. From the 45, Brady drops back, looking deep, but throws it short out of bounds. Brady hands off to Leonard Fournette who is immediately met hard by Keanu Neal, Fournette circles around behind the line and is finally taken down by Sherrod Neasman and Neal. On 3^rd and 18, Brady finds LeShaun McCoy or a 14-yard gain where he is stopped short of the first down by Deion Jones. Powell fair catches the punt at the 10.

On the first play of their second possession, the Falcons hand off to Brian Hill for a single yard. From the shotgun, Ryan hits Powell for a short gain along the left side for a 3-yard gain. On 3^rd and 6 from the 14, Ryan is pressured, then decides to run, not only for the first down, but up to the 30 for a 16-yard gain along the right sideline. On play action, Ryan finds a wide-open Luke Stocker on the right side for a big first down of 25 yards. On the Buccaneers side of the field, Stocker cannot haul the pass in. On 2^nd and 10, Hill gets buried behind the line of scrimmage and a 5-yard loss. Gurley is back in for the 3^rd and 14, on a 4-man rush, Ryan hits Gurley, short of the first down marker. The punt goes to the 7 and is returned for a couple of yards.

Fournette goes up the middle for a yard where he is met by Allen Bailey. Brady passes short to Cameron Brate for 8 yards where he is met by Oluokun and Jones. On 3rd and 1 from the 21, a pitch to Fournette goes for the first down along the far right side, pushed out by Isaiah Oliver. From the 23, Fournette goes up the middle again, being pulled backwards by Neal. On 2nd and 9, Brady throws to the line to Scotty Miller, who is immediately stopped by Oliver. On 3^rd and 7, blitz coming, Brady throws toward Brown who is tightly covered by Kendall Sheffield and the ball falls to the ground. From the 26, Ryan cannot make the completion to Gage.

End of Q1 – Falcons 7/Buccaneers 0.

Ryan has the ball tipped before it can reach Gage. On 3^rd and 10, from the shotgun, Ryan throws downfield just over Ridley along the sideline. He leaves the field holding his midsection as Sterling Hofrichter punts 48 yards to the 26.

Brady begins with an incompletion to Rob Gronkowski. Second down, Mike Evans hauls in the reception and is immediately stopped by Sheffield. On 3^rd and 3, Jones goes behind the line and sacks Brady with Grady Jarrett inches away, an 8-yard loss. A 3 and out for the Bucs and a punt to the Falcons’ 35.

Deion Jones Sacks Tom Brady – Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Ryan finds Hill at the 40 for a quick reception. On 2^nd down, Ryan hands to Hill who goes up the middle for a couple of yards. On 3^rd and 2, from the shotgun, Ryan hands to Smith who finds a hole and 3 yards for the first down. Ryan changes the play at the line and has the pass intended for Powell tipped at the line of scrimmage. Hill gets the call again for no gain on the left side. On 3^rd and 10, Keith Smith gets the reception and gains 8 yards. On 4^th and 2 across midfield, Ryan rolls to the right and finds Gage open for the first down for 7 yards. On the Tampa 39, Ryan fakes the handoff, looks at two receivers, then hits K. Smith again for 13 yards. Ryan finds Laquon Treadwell for 14 yards. From the 12, Ryan fakes to Hill and finds an open Ridley in the front corner of the end zone for another touchdown. Ridley made a move in the end zone to escape his defender and get open as the ball was released.

With 7:48 to go in the half, Falcons 14/Buccaneers 0.

Tampa Bay begins on their own 25 and Brady’s pass falls incomplete. Second down, Brady finds Chris Godwin, Oliver pulls the ball out, but the Bucs recover. First down from the 41, Ke’shaun Vaughn goes for 3 yards. Brady finds Gronk, right at the first down marker, shoved out by Neal. Brady under pressure, drops back, but Godwin cannot make the catch. On second down, Evans makes the reception along the sideline with AJ Terrell shoving him out of bounds at the marker. With the blitz coming, lead by Oluokun, Brady releases the ball into the sideline. Vaughn gets tripped up and gains a couple of yards up the middle. On 3^rd and 9, Neasman zips up the middle and sacks Brady for a 9-yard loss. On 4^th and 18, the Bucs punt to the 11.

Ryan begins with a 2-yard pass to Ridley. From the shotgun, Ryan hands off to Smith for a 3-yard gain. On 3^rd down, seeing no coverage on the outside on Ridley, Ryan makes the completion for 7 yards.

2 Minute Warning

From the 23, Ryan throws to a wide-open Ridley at the 37. Ito Smith with the block to give Ryan time. Another reception by Ridley, for 18 yards into Tampa Bay territory. Ryan’s next pass is tipped at the line. Smith gets the reception of 5 yards near the sideline. The blitz is picked up, Ryan finds Gage crossing the field for 15 yards. A scrambling Ryan is able to find Hurst for 12 yards down to the 13. The Falcons take a time out. Gage is being looked at on the sideline – ribs. Ryan throws to Blake behind the line of scrimmage. Falcons take another time out with 33 seconds to go in the half. On 2^nd and 11, Ryan drops back, flushed from the pocket and has to throw it out of the end zone. On 3^rd and 11 from the 13, Ryan’s pass to Gage is knocked away in the end zone. Younghoe Koo kicks the 32-yard field goal.

On the kickoff, the Buccaneers return the ball to the 18. Jaedon Graham on the stop and is injured on the play. Brady takes a knee.

At half, Falcons 17/Buccaneers 0

The Buccaneers begin on their own 20. Brady starts with a 20-yard pass to Brown, who is stopped by Oliver. An incompletion to Evans is followed by a 14-yard reception by Brate at midfield and the first down. Fournette pushes through the middle for 9 yards. Fournette gets the next run along the left side for 4 yards stopped by Neasman. Then, Brady lobs it downfield to Evans for 32 yards, he is stopped at the 1 by Neal. Fournette goes in for the touchdown.

With 11:28 to go in the 3^rd, Falcons 17/Buccaneers 7.

Under pressure, Ryan steps up and able to find an open Ridley for 13 yards. From the 38, Ryan hands to Smith who gains 2 yards up the middle. Ryan drops back after the fake and throws on a rope to Ridley flying out of bounds, one foot down, one foot drag, a 28 yard reception. Smith gets a big lead block and zooms for 7 yards along the right side. Smith runs up the right side, turns, catches the ball and gains 4 yards behind a big Matt Gono block. Ryan finds an open Gage for another 14 yards. On first and goal from the 7, Gurley is in and Ryan finds a tightly covered Hurst in the end zone for the touchdown.

With 7:34 to go in the 3^rd, Falcons 24/Buccaneers 7.

From the 25, Brady throws behind Gronkowski. Brady is successful to Gronkowski for 5 yards, shoved out of bounds by Neal. On 3^rd and 5, Brady drops back and under a 3-man rush, Evans makes the 26-yard reception. Next, Brady finds Fournette who out moves Terrell and is taken out by Oluokun and Jarrett. Fournette rushes for no gain, stopped by Jacob Tuioti-Mariner. On 2nd and 10, Brady is under pressure by Jarrett and Jones, he points for Evans to come back and Evans makes the reception at the 4. With Jaylinn Hawkins in tight coverage, Brown cannot make the touchdown reception. On 2^nd down, Godwin makes the touchdown reception.

With 3:44 left in the 3^rd quarter, Falcons 24/Buccaneers 14

After the fake hand off to Hill, Ryan drops back and throws up to Hill for a 4-yard gain. With time, Ryan throws incomplete to Ridley crossing the with the inroute. An incompletion out of bounds on 3^rd down forces a quick punt.

From their own 24, the Buccaneers’ first pass falls incomplete. Second down, Brady finds Gronkowski who is tightly covered by Oluokun for 17 yards. Another incompletion, going for Tyler Johnson, but Terrell knocks the ball away. Blitz coming, Brady finds Miller wide open, who is hit by Jarrett (who was rushing the passer) forcing the fumble that is recovered by Jones. Jarrett is pressing the offensive lineman, as soon as the ball goes by, he turns toward the ball carrier. The referees decide his knee was down, the Falcons challenge. The play is confirmed and the Falcons lose a time out and the challenge. An incompletion to Evans is negated by a “hands to the face” and a PI by Terrell. Both penalties are accessed for 28 yards. First and 10 at the 17, Brady finds Fournette wide open in the flat for 8 yards. Second and 2 at the 9, Brady’s pass is complete to Brown for the first down, but not the touchdown. Terrell slows Brown up and Oliver saves the touchdown. At the 1, Gronkowski can’t haul in the pass, but gets another PI. On first down from the half yard line, Fournette takes it in for another touchdown.

First and 10 from the 25, Ryan hands to Hill for a 3-yard loss.

End of the 3^rd quarter, Falcons 24/Buccaneers 21.

On 2^nd and 12, Gage cannot make the reception thrown slightly behind him. Ryan drops back and passes to Stocker at the line. There is another penalty for movement and the Falcons punt. And there is another penalty on the punt. After Tyler Hall was blocked in the back, he hit the returner with his helmet. Offsetting. Still 4^th and 16, Falcons will punt again. On the re-punt, Barner gets a 21-yard return to the 49.

Brady’s pass to Fournette is incomplete. A 5-yard completion to McCoy who is stopped by Oluokun. Oliver is injured on the play, Hall in for Oliver. On 3^rd and 6 from the Falcons’ 46, Evans is wide open for the easy first down at the 35. Brady passes to Godwin for 9 yards, stopped by Hall and Oluokun. A side pass to Brown goes for 13 yards, shoved out of bounds by Hall. From the 13, Brady throws out of end zone over Gronkowski who is covered by Oluokun. Quick throw to Miller at the line, Terrell stops Miller after a 4-yard gain. On 3^rd and 6, Brady fires incomplete to Gronkowski, covered by Terrell.

With just over 11 to play, game is tied at 24.

Ito Smith Pushing Through – Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

First play is an 11-yard reception by Keith Smith. From the 36, Ridley is wide open again, makes the reception and gains 34 yards, 15 after the catch. Ito Smith picks up 4 yards. Ryan fakes to Smith, then looks to Ridley in the end zone, but the defender gets a hand on the ball to knock it incomplete. Ryan is quickly sacked on 3^rd down. On 4^th and 14, Koo comes on to kick a 52-yard field goal.

With 8:22 to go in the game, Falcons take back the lead 27/Buccaneers 24.

From the 22, Brady finds Brate in the middle of the field, big hit by Neal stops him, after an 18-yard gain. Fournette gains one yard, stopped by Jones and Deadrin Senat. On 2^nd and 9 from the 41, Godwin makes the reception and gains 13 yards, pushed out by Jones. Brady then finds Brown for a 46-yard touchdown reception over Hall.

With 6:19 to go in the game, Falcons 27/Buccaneers 31.

From the 25, under pressure, Ryan throws to Hurst behind the line of scrimmage who is tackled for even more of a loss. On 2^nd and 12, Ryan drops back under a 4-man rush, he goes long for Gage, but the ball is too long, just off his fingertips. On 3^rd down, Ryan is sacked, again. Hofrichter kicks from inside the endzone for 57 yards.

Fournette easily gets the first down and is stopped at the 44-yad line by Jones, Neasom, and others. Fournette is stopped for a single yard gain by Jones. After the play fake, Brady meets Jarrett again. On 3^rd and 16, after the Falcons final timeout (wasted one with a challenge), McCoy is 3 yards short of the first down.

Grady Jarrett After Reacquainting Himself with Tom Brady on the Sack – Jarrett sacked Brady 3 times in SB51

After the punt, the Falcons begin on their own 12-yard line with 2:44 to go and no time outs. Ryan throws incomplete toward Powell. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan is under pressure and steps on an offensive lineman and falls to the ground. Then throws in the area of Hurst. On 4^th and 16 from the 6, Ryan throws to Ridley at the 20, but needs the 22. Buccaneers take over at the 22.

Fournette goes for 2 yards, then another 6 and another 2. They come out to measure for the first down or not. The ruling is that it is a first down, while the chains, the announcers and Raheem Morris disagree. The Bucs are “given” the first down and can take a knee to win the game.

Falcons 27/Buccaneers 31.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

Atlanta Falcons Sacked Out in New Orleans

November 22, 2020

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons 9 at New Orleans Saints 24

The Falcons take on the Saints for the first time of the 2020 season, two weeks removed from their hosting of the Saints in Atlanta.

Inactives for the day, recently added to active roster, Kurt Benkert. Qadree Ollison is back to inactive, along with the still healing Deadrin Senat. Calvin Ridley was questionable, but is active, as is the hamstring hampered Julio Jones.

The New Orleans Saints win the toss and defer the ball. They kick to the Atlanta Falcons.

From the 25, the Falcons begin with a fake to Todd Gurley, then hits Gurley at the 28-yard line. Matt Ryan changes the play at the line, fakes to Gurley again, then finds Calvin Ridley for 42 yards. Ryan finds Olamide Zaccheaus for another first down of 16 yards. Gurley gets the call for a 2-yard run along the right side. From the Saints 14, Ryan throws to Keith Smith for 4 yards. On 3^rd and 4, Ryan cannot connect with Hayden Hurst, who was covered by 3 defenders. Younghoe Koo successfully kicks the field goal and gives the Falcons the lead.

First and 10 from the 21, Taysom Hill passes to Michael Thomas for an 8-yard gain, stopped by Deion Jones. Latavius Murray goes for a yard forcing a 3^rd and 1. Grady Jarrett and Allen Bailey combine for a sack of Hill. The Saints punt to Brandon Powell at the 32.

Before the Falcons snap the ball, Chris Lindstrom has a false start and backs the Falcons up to the 27. On 1^st and 15, Ryan flips it out to Powell who gains 3 yards along the right side. Under a 4-man rush, Ryan finds Russell Gage for 1 yard and is immediately stopped. On 3^rd and 11, Ryan is sacked by Cam Jordan. Sterling Hofrichter punts to the 30-yard line, where the special teams group ensures he gains to yards.

Alvin Kamara gets the ball for a quick 6-yard gain, stopped by Jarrett. On 2^nd down, Deonte Harris gets the ball for a big 24-yard gain around the left side. Keanu Neal finally knocked him out of bounds. Under pressure Hill takes the ball himself and gains 4 yards before sliding to avoid the Neal hit. Kamara goes up the middle for 4 yards up the middle. On 3^rd and 2 Hill throws toward Thomas, but he has been knocked down for Darqueze Dennard. Automatic first down. From the 23, Hill drops back and finds Adam Trautman for the first down, eventually stopped by Foye Oluokun. From the 4, wild cat, Kamara gets the direct snap and gains a few yards. The Saints call a time out. Hill drops back and throws into the end zone, Mykal Walker nearly made the pick. Walker read the play perfectly and got a single hand on the ball. ON 3^rd down, Thomas gets the ball but Dennard hits him immediately at the line of scrimmage. The Saints kick the field goal to tie the game.

At 2:47 to go in the 1^st quarter, Falcons 3/Saints 3.

Ryan scrambles for no gain. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan, from the shotgun, under a blitz, finds Julio Jones for a 17-yards. From the 42, Gurley gets the call, after a stutter step, he finds a 7-yard hole. Gurley is behind the block of Jones. Gurley breaks tackles to cross midfield for the first down. Brian Hill gets the call from the backfield and gains 5 yards along the right side.

End of Q1. Tied at 3.

On 2^nd and 6 from the Saints 41, Ryan cannot find a receiver. On 3^rd and 6, Ryan is pressured and dumps off to Smith. A flag on the Saints for holding moves the Falcons up 5 yards and provides the automatic first down. From the 36, Ryan is in trouble, throws the ball that is tipped at the line. Gurley goes up the middle for 3 yards. Third and 7, another incompletion toward Hurst, under pressure, Ryan throws behind Hurst. Another Koo field goal.

With 13:56 to go in the half, Falcons lead 6/3.

Hill finds Thomas for a 26-yard gain. The biggest play against AJ Terrell this season. Walker is injured on the play. Near midfield, Hill finds Thomas for 9 yards. Kamara gains 6 yards for the first down, then the Saints get a free 5 on a hold in the defense. Hill cannot connect with Thomas on the next play. On 2^nd and 10, Hill has all day, but cannot find an open receiver, Charles Harris tackles him for a 3-yard loss. On 3^rd and 13, Hill throws an incomplete screen to Kamara. Will Lutz hits the goal post on the field goal attempt.

From the 44, Hill goes up the middle for 4 yards. On 2^nd and 6, Ryan changes the play at the line, Powell gets the ball, but the play is called dead on a penalty on Luke Stocker. Ridley makes the 8-yard reception. Ryan is sacked on 3^rd down for a 6-yard loss. Jake Matthews gives up the sack. Hofrichter on for the punt that falls into the end zone.

From the 25, Hill hands off to Murray for 2 yards. Hill’s next pass is incomplete. Hill finds Harris for a yard gain, but is met hard by Terrell. Isaiah Oliver is being tackled by two blockers, giving Terrell the space to make the play.

After the punt, the Falcons begin on their own 30. Ryan flips back to Hill, who cannot find any space along the edge. From the shotgun, the draw to Gurley for 2 yards. On 3^rd down, Gage makes the reception for 11 yards. The next pass is to Gage as well for 17 yards along the sideline. A quick 3-yard gain by Gurley. On 2^nd down, Ryan fakes to Gurley and has the ball knocked out of Christian Blake’s face by the defender. On 3^rd and 7, the Saints call their second time out. Jones has been missing for quite a while and is back on the field. On the 3^rd down, with Jones in the slot, Ryan drops back and has the ball tipped at the line and falls incomplete. Koo kicks a successful 52-yard field goal.

With 4:31 to go in the half, Falcons 9, Saints 3.

The Saints bring the kickoff out of the end zone, but met by the Falcons special teams at the 20. Hill fakes to Kamara, under pressure finds Thomas for 16 yards. Terrell in tight coverage and makes the stop. Kamara gains 7 yards. on 2^nd down, Hill lobs the ball to the 15 where Emmanuel Sanders makes the reception. Sanders rolls, gets back up, then Dennard knocks the ball out and Neal comes up with the fumble. After a booth review, Neal had tapped Sanders while he was down originally. Frist and 10 at the Falcons 13. Kamara takes the direct snap and goes for 2 yards. After a fake handoff, Hill goes along the right side with Jacob Tuioti-Mariner in hot pursuit, making the tackle with Blidi Wreh-Wilson.

Two Minute Warning.

From the Falcons 9, on 3^rd and 6, Hill finds Jared Cook right at the first down marker, stopped at the line by Oluokon and Allen. Atlanta takes a time out, meanwhile, the spot of the stop is under review. The play stands and is a first down at the 3. Hill hands to Kamara who goes in for the touchdown.

With 1:46 until the half, Falcons 9, Saints 10.

From the 25, Ryan drops back and finds Ridley at the 32. Ryan finds Ridley again at the 43 for a first down. Ryan is under pressure and throws near Ridley, incomplete. A flag is thrown on the defense for holding, a first down and 5 yards. From the 48, Ryan drops back and lobs the ball down field for Ridley, but the ball goes out of bounds. Ryan finds Hill over the right side for 2 yards, another defensive hold for another 5 yards and first down. From the Saints 47, Ryan hits Gage for an 8-yard gain. Ryan throws toward Blake, where he is covered/blocked by a defender. The ball falls incomplete. On 3^rd down, Ryan is sacked again by Jordan. The loss knocks the Falcons out of field goal range. The Falcons call a time out with 3 seconds remaining. Ryan throws to the end zone and he is intercepted by Marcus Williams who makes it to the 20-yard line. Hill is called for a horse collar, the Saints are provided 15 yards and a free play. The Saints decline the penalty and go in at half.

Half Time – Falcons 9/Saints 10

The Saints begin on their own 20. Kamara tries to go up the middle, for no gain. Hill draws Steven Means offsides. On 2^nd and 4, Hill rifles the ball to Thomas at the 41. Hill quickly hits Thomas for 9 yards. Kamara gains the first down crossing midfield. From the Falcons 46, Hill finds Murray who breaks tackles and gets down to the 21. Murray goes up the middle for another quick first down. From the 10, Hill has all day, finally runs the ball himself and is knocked out of bounds after 3 yars by Dennard. Hill’s pass is tipped high by Falcons defense. On third down, Thomas makes the reception, but is in the arms of Terrell and stopped there. On 4^th and goal from the 2, the Saints beef up the line, then Hill runs the ball in for a touchdown.

With 9:11 to go in the 3^rd quarter, Falcons 9/Saints 17.

Beginning on the 25, Ryan fakes to Gurley and is sacked. On 2^nd and 17, Ryan throws to Gage for a 4-yard gain. A flag is on Atlanta for illegal formation, but declined. On 3^rd and 13, Ryan has his foot grabbed by a defender and is sacked for the 6^th time today. On the 4^th down punt, there is movement and Hofrichter kicks from the end zone.

The Saints begin on their own 43. Hill drops back and hits Sanders for the touchdown. There was a hold – complete bear hug on an offensive lineman calling the play back and backing the Saints up. On 2^nd and 20 from the 33, Hill hands to Murray who goes up the middle for 7 yards. Hill finds Thomas for a huge 19-yard gain and first down. Immediately stopped by Allen. From the Falcons 41, Kamara gains a yard. Hill is sacked quickly by Jones for an 11-yard loss. Tuioti-Mariner and John Cominsky were closing. Hill connects with Sanders for a short gain and the Saints punt to the 12.

Gurley goes left for a couple of yards, then is stopped at the line. On 3^rd and 7, Ryan’s pass to Gage is knocked out in good coverage by the defender. Another Hofrichter punt from the edge of the end zone.

Saints begin on their own 47. Hill throws out of bounds toward Cook, Oluokun is called for PI. Hill throws the same pass, this time caught by Cook under coverage by Kendall Sheffield. The play is called back due to a hold on the offense. It is first and 20 from the 45. Murray goes 11 yards. Jarrett forcing a quick pass by Hill. Hill finds Sanders for a 6-yard gain.

End of 3^rd quarter, Falcons 9/Saints 17.

Hill runs for the first down. Kamara finds a few yards up the middle. Murray gets the first down up the middle. Jarrett is tackled and taken down from behind, opening the hole for Hill to run for the 20-yard touchdown.

With 12:41 to go in the game, Falcons 9/Saints 24.

Powell brings the kickoff out, rams into his own teammates and is stopped at the 17. Ryan drops back and finds Blake at the 20. An incompletion toward Ridley. On 3^rd and 7, Ryan is sacked again, by Jordan, again. Falcons punt to the 35.

After AJ Terrell Forces a Fumble. Foye Oluokun Recovers

Kamara goes 12 yards before Oluokun makes the stop. Murray goes for 2 yards before meeting Jarrett. On 2^nd and 8, Sanders gains the first down. Murray gains no yards on the next run. Hill makes a big run, Terrell pops the ball out and Oluokun recovers the fumble.

Ito Smith gets the first play after the turnover and goes for 5 yards. Ryan nearly throws an interception on an attempt to Stocker. On 3^rd and 5, Jones is back on the field, Ryan is nearly sacked, but gets the ball out to Gage for the first down. Ryan has back to back passes to Gage knocked incomplete. On 3^rd down…..Ryan….sacked….again. On 4^th and 13 from the 25, Ryan finds Jones at the 50 for a first down. Another pass to Gage is knocked out of his hands. Jones is limping on the sideline and sits down to be looked at again. Hill goes up the middle for 7 yards. Pass to Ridley is picked off at the 36.

With 5 minutes remaining in the game, the Saints continue to run the ball and the Falcons take back to back time outs.

Under a minute to go in the game, the Falcons get the ball back just outside their endzone. The first two passes are to Ridley. Both very contested. The first was a leaping catch of 18 yards, the next an incompletion. The incomplete pass to Gage is reviewed and the incompletion is upheld. Ryan finds Gage on the next play for a 9-yard reception. As time runs out, Blake makes the 15-yard reception.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

The Rivalry is Real

November 12, 2019

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

So, apparently change IS good. Not only did the Falcons move coaching staff around after the bye, but on game day, instead of Dan Quinn calling the defense plays, play calling was split between Jeff Ulbrich (Linebackers coach) calling 1^st and 2^nddown defense and Raheem Morris (formerly WR coach) calling 3^rd down and 2 minute defense. Morris’ work with the secondary was evident immediately. Also, after winning the coin toss, for the second time this year, the Falcons chose to receive the ball first.

The extra Captain this week was Calvin Ridley.

The offense started strong, pushing down the field quickly. The first play was a speed sweep to Calvin Ridley for 19 yards. Then run-run-run by Devonta Freeman. Within the first series, Free had 27 rushing yards. Then, on cue, the offense stalled with back to back false start penalties pushing them back to unmanageable down and distance and forced a 37-yard field goal. Out comes the Saints’ offense, Latavius Murray and Alvin Kamararunning for short bits and pieces, then Drew Breeshits Michael Thomas for a 16-yard gain, Jared Cook for a 22, then back to Thomas for another 17 yards. The defense stood up. Murray had no gain,Taysom Hill had a 2-yard reception, then De’Vondre Campbell sacked Brees for a 9-yard loss, forcing the 29-yard field goal. This is when you knew you had a game.

I did hold my breath until the 20/9 touchdown, as I know what Brees can do and know you need a big lead, but felt good about the Falcons most of the day (after the initial forced field goal by the D). The only real negatives on the day were an interception by Matt Ryan and a slightly short kickoff that lead to a big run back….even those were not followed up with any points. After the interception, the defense came out inspired, allowing 8 yards and receiving the ball back on downs at the New Orleans 19. After a 46-yard return, the Saints had another 4 downs to move the ball -9 yards and turn it over on downs again, this time at their own 33.

With a successful run game, the Falcons were able to dominate the time of possession, 34 minutes to New Orleans’ 26. The Falcons had 4 drives that took at least 5 minutes and 4 scoring drives that were 10+ plays. While I have always heard “The best offense is a good defense” the case here is “the best way to keep Brees from scoring is to keep Brees on the bench.” This allowed the defense to be rested and ready when they did take the field, and seemed to energize them as well. Even on the final drive, while playing prevent, they still did not allow a score. The Saints had the ball with a 1^stand goal from the 9 and the Falcons forced a 4^thdown, that was a yard short of the end zone as time expired.

The offense played allot of no huddle, which is Matt Ryan’s comfort zone. Ryan even had a 17 mph run himself for a big first down. Freeman went out early with an injury, but tallied 38 rushing yards at that point. Brian Hill had 20 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown reception. Ridley had 1 rush for 19 yards and caught 3 of 5 balls thrown his way for 28 yards. Julio Jones caught 3 for 79 yards, one being the 54-yard breakout, mostly YAC, and had several crucial blocks, and is of course, is the world’s best decoy. Russell Gage continues to impress with 4 receptions for 23 yards, Austin Hooper 4 receptions for 17 yards and another touchdown. Newcomer Christian Blake snuck in and caught his first 2 NFL receptions, one for a big 11-yard gain.

The defense was almost unrecognizable, there seemed to be no confusion or communication issues this week. The defensive line and secondary were in sync, the backend playing tight coverage made it easier for the D line to be aggressive. At one point, with 3 on the blitz, the Falcons managed a sack. Campbell logged a sack on the first drive, leading the team to 6 total sacks on the day, when the team had 7 on the season. Clemson was repped well with Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley, Jr sharing a sack, which was for a loss at the 10, forcing the unsuccessful 3^rd down attempt. Grady ended the game with 2 ½, Vic got another – WWE spear on his own, and one by Adrian Clayborn, who uncharacteristically seemed to be missing most of the season. Claybo started this week, which was enough to shake it up and help Beasley and Takk McKinley work differently and get pressure on Brees all day. There were times when Brees actually looked confused. They crowded the pocket all day and when the Saints were doubling Grady, that opened it up for other guys to get pressure and sacks.

Who knows which came first, the chicken or the egg…but the defense was working perfectly Sunday. Whether the man on man coverage provided the line more time to push to Brees, or the line forced Brees into rushed and errant throws, it was a well-orchestrated defensive day. Brees completed 32 of 45 passes, was sacked 6 times, losing 46 yards and hit 11 times and nearly hit many, many more. The defense was tackling in space, wrapping up, and not giving up much YAC. The Saints started at the 38 and were held to a field goal. The defense allowed no big plays and only allowed 25% completion on 3^rd down conversions, there were several 3 (or 4) and outs.

Rookie Kendall Sheffield is really coming on strong in Desmond Trufant’s absence. He recorded a coverage grade of 89.9 on 53 snaps Sunday. He was targeted 7 times and allowed 5 receptions for only 28 yards, no first downs or touchdowns. Foye Oluokun lead the team with 8 tackles, Isaiah Oliverstepping up with 6, along with Campbell andDamontae Kazee, the later had a pass defended. Kazee was injured late in the game, but did come back in. Ricardo Allen and Deion Jones had 5 tackles a piece.

Special teams. WOW. New kickers all around and still was a successful day. Younghoe Koo – now known as #KooDat, had 4 successful field goals, with a long of 48 yards. Ryan Allen only had 2 punts on the day, but was also the holder for Koo. After a punt attempt where Allen was tackled and left, it seemed, crippled, the Falcons were provided the first down on the roughing the kicker penalty. A few plays later, the Falcons were forced to kick a field goal, Matt Schaub comes out to hold, Allen takes the field and shoos Schaub off the field, as he is ready to do his job. Talk about touchness. Younghoe Koo was awarded the NFC Special Team player of the week in his first week in the NFL! Kenjon Barner had 2 punt returns, one a breakoff of 21 yards. Defensively, was the one long kickoff return that yielded no points, and one punt return of 19 yards. Koo was also the tackler on the 48-yard return. We may like this kid.

The Saints scored double digits at home in 100 straight games…until Sunday. This put them one shy of the NFL record. Drew Brees has not been sacked 6 times in a game since the Panthers in 2013….until Sunday. The Saints had only 4 games since 2006 without a touchdown…..until Sunday. No one has ever had 4 “Hands to the Face” penalties in a game…..until Sunday. The Saints WERE the least penalized team in the league…..until Sunday. They had 12 penalties for 90 yards, many turning their 3^rdand short into 3^rd and long, their defensive penalties providing the Falcons with many free first downs

The Atlanta Falcons are the only UNDEFEATED team in the NFC South. Are the Saints the new “Get Right” team????

Per the Atlanta Falcons website, Grady Jarrett was quoted “It’s definitely encouraging. Going through any kind of losing streak, it’s definitely hard. For us not to be able to give up and try to make changes where we can, wherever we can, to not quit and beat a real good team in their house, it means a lot and it says a lot about our team.”

Injury Report: Devonta Freeman and Austin Hooper are both being evaluated through the week and are listed as questionable at this time.

Golden Talon: THE WHOLE TEAM. 11 and 11 all did their jobs successfully, without mistakes. With injuries, next man up stepped up. And Special Teams was on fire.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

Falcons Team Rolls Cowboys

November 15, 2017

Dallas at Atlanta

The defense continues to run on all cylinders and getting hotter. Similar to last year, the later in the season it goes, the better the defense plays. Clearly, the standout for the game was Adrian Clayborn and his 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Clayborn surpassed the great Chuck Smith and legendary Claude Humphrey who both had 5 sacks in a single game. Only Derrick Thomas has more sacks in a game. Claybo was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

111217 Sack — Claybo on Dak – Photo Credit: Atlanta Falcons

And the best, not only on the sideline, but in the locker room after the game, Clayborn just looked like he had an average tackling or blocking game. His team, especially the defense was out of control excited for him. Literally jumping on him after his 6^th sack. In Coach Quinn’s locker room recap, he rattled off some stats, said, “Guess that is about it for the day” and the entire locker room started yelling “AC AC AC.” What a truly great brotherhood.

But what about the rest of the defense? Well, second year, fourth rounder, De’Vondre Campbell amassed 11 tackles. Talk about stepping up. Campbell has made great strides all season, covering top tight ends, defending the run, making life hard on quarterbacks.

This was truly a defensive win and Claybo would be the first to say so. This physical unit contributed to Clayborn’s sacks. Desmond Trufant and Campbell were covering and knocking receivers off their marks. Keanu Neal was a huge factor on the run this week. Everyone was sticking to their assignments, forcing Dak Prescott to run and covering so well he was holding the ball too long.

Neal had 5 tackles, while team leader in tackles, Deion Jones only had 4 tackles Sunday. Takk McKinley, Brian Poole, and Brooks Reed had 3 tackles a piece, Takk also had a fumble recovery and Brooks a sack of his own. Dontari Poe also had a sack, and as usual, he and Grady Jarrett were disruptive in the backfield, including causing a few actual called holding penalties. Sean Weatherspoon is back and contributing, while only logging a single tackle on the day, Spoon was running around, looking fast and affective.

Dallas has allowed 10 sacks all season, but they “allowed” 8 in the Benz Nest. Of the 59 defensive plays, 21 went for 0 or negative yards. They had 10 quarterback hits (besides all the sacks). Poe jumped in as the most un-stereotypical fullback.

Then, there is the offensive line. They do not get the same accolades as the defense. Alex Mack, is, well, Alex Mack. No complaints there. Jake Matthews allows, maybe even helps take down Matt Ryan as the Dallas defender rolls up on Ryan’s leg, forcing a third down. Then, after a time out, Ryan Schraeder allows a big sack. This offensive line held up Sunday, actually limited holding calls, but needs to get much better to keep Ryan on the field and healthy and create running lanes for Tevin Coleman, Devonta Freeman, and now Terron Ward. We need to replace a couple of these guys with Dontari Poe and Ben Garland. But that is none of my business.

The offensive stars played well and looked to be in a good (2016) rhythm with Ryan passing to 7 different receivers, two having receiving touchdowns. Taylor Gabriel was actually targeted this week with 3 receptions for 58 yards, and 1 impactful rush of 15 yards. Julio Jones had 6 catches for 57 yards, followed by Austin Hooper with 6 receptions, including back to back catches leading to a touchdown.

111217 Justin Hardy TD — Justin Hardy Touchdown – Photo Credit Atlanta Falcons

Mohamed Sanu had an awesome day blocking downfield and making other plays possible, but also caught 3 balls for 29 yards, and of course had the tip for an interception. Note, Sanu was being tackled for the no call PI, and made the tackle to stop the Dallas defender. Levine Toilolo and Coleman also had a catch a piece, while Justin Hardy had 2 catches, one for a fabulous back of the goal line touchdown. Prior to Sunday, Hardy had 10 catches the whole season.

Devonta Freeman went out after 2 plays with a concussion, which may have fired up the other running backs to compete in his stead. Coleman had 20 rushes for 83 yards and a touchdown, behind Poe and Garland. Ward had 9 rushes for 23 yards and a break out of 17 yards.

The offense was 7 of 11 on third down, most of the non-conversions were late in the game. The Falcons went 3 of 4 in the red zone and ended overall +1 in the turnover margin.

And then, there is Matt Ryan. He was 22 of 29 for 215 yards and 2 touchdown passes. He is also the fastest quarterback to pass for 40,000 yards….only his 151^st start. Ryan not elite??? It took Drew Brees 152 games and Dan Marino 153 games, and Ice was over 40,000 early in the 3^rd quarter. Also, Ryan moves into 19^th overall in yards behind Joe Montana and Johnny Unitas…and just ahead of Aaron Rodgers. Ryan also has at least one touchdown pass in 28 straight games, a first in Falcons history.

Finally, we are convinced that the Falcons have their groove back. Hopefully, it is not too late with the 3^rd best record in the NFC South. We still get to play the Saints twice and the Panthers once more, but here’s hoping that this week was the official turnaround of the season and not just a great home win.

Shout out to the crowd, as Prescott noted that the crowd noise was making it difficult to hear during parts of the game.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

Welcome To The Claybo Sack Show

November 12, 2017

Dallas 7 at Atlanta 27

By Allison Smith
So, the game starts as usual. Off-setting penalties, then an exciting interception by the little heard from this season Desmond Trufant, but that is overturned due to a defensive penalty. So early, you already know how the game is going to go. But wait, the headline makes it sound like a better than average Falcon game. And it lived up to the hype.

Sean Weatherspoon is back and starting again. Trufant seemed already on his game like the Tru of 2016. Rookie Takk McKinley has several tackles for a loss in the first series, so Takk is coming in to his own as well now. We all know the defense has been doing their job this season, missing some tackles, but playing so much in the game, tiring out by the end.

Then, the storyline of the day, that you don’t know is the storyline this early. Adrian Clayborn, who has definitely returned healthy this season, has a sack, for a big loss and to cause a long 3^rd down. On the 3^rd down play, Claybo hits Dak Prescott as he releases the ball, that goes into the ground. The Cowboys punt and the Falcons begin their opening drive on their own 15.

After 2 hapless Devonta Freeman runs, the referee steps in noticing that Free is wobbly, but not mentioning anything to the team – as is Free’s normal. We now know that Freeman already has a concussion on the season, and he did not play again on the day. On the next play, the Cowboys defender, hugging Mohammad Sanu, tips the pass which is intercepted by another Cowboy, giving them the ball on the 21-yard line. I think this is when I tossed down my 3^rd drink of the day.

The Cowboys take over and the first pass was tipped by Deion Jones and could have been intercepted by Ricardo Allen, as he was reading Prescott’s eyes very well. A couple of plays later, Prescott, running for his life from Takk, while the receivers were covered, runs in for the touchdown. The good news is, now, we know that is the only score for the Cowboys.

The first play of the 2^nd offensive drive for the Falcons is a pass to Julio Jones. Catching, in typical Ju form, double covered and still hauling in the pass. Then, Matt Ryan begins the 2016 campaign of spreading the ball around. Mohamed Sanu, Austin Hooper, Tevin Coleman running. Maybe Freeman coming off the field inspired the offense to step up. This drive stalled and required a Matt Bryant 50-yard field goal, so guess his injury from the previous week is as good as healed. At the end of the first quarter, the Cowboys lead 7-3.

The defense was really making it difficult for the Dallas O all day. On a long 3^rd down, Prescott begins to run again and is met by, Claybo, yet again behind the line of scrimmage, for the 2^nd sack of the day. The Cowboys set up to punt, but instead attempt a pass, which was called back due to offensive pass interference and end up punting anyway. Back at the 42, Chris Jones punts the ball, that again Andre Roberts lets go over his head, where a Cowboy is already standing to down the ball and the offense gets to start yet another drive from their own 2.

An immediate pass to Julio at the 12 for a first down shows that Offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian has finally found the good play book that has been hidden away. Again, spreading the ball out to Coleman, Sanu, and Levine Toilolo. After a time out, clearly a confused offense, Demarcus Lawrence easily shoves by Ryan Schraeder to sack Matt Ryan forcing a 4^th down punt.

The Cowboys start at midfield due to a good punt return, but the defense stands up, forces loss of yards. Then, not wanting to be outdone, Dontari Poe comes over from the right side and lays Prescott out.

Taylor Gabriel starts the next drive on a misdirection handoff and a good Toilolo block, Turbo gains 15 yards. Then Jake Matthews has a penalty that negates the clobbering Ryan took because Schweitzer allowed two defenders easily by him. Coleman finally has a good run that gets additional yards based on being tackled by his helmet. Sanu sets up the defender, sets the angle for Ryan, who double clutches to see when Sanu is ready and makes a big catch leading into the 2-minute warning. Now, at the 15 with Terron Ward in the backfield, Ward runs up the middle for a couple of yards. Guess we should be happy Ward was even active this week with the injury to Freeman. Gabriel is hugged and stopped from getting to the end zone pass. With the pass interference penalty, the ball is moved to the 2.

Now, the fun begins. Dontari Poe is in at full back….now THAT is a FULL back. Also, Ben Garland is in on the line finally. Julio and Gabriel are both on the sideline, in case you think this is going to be a big pass play. This time, Poe makes a big enough hole and Coleman pushes in for the touchdown. Meanwhile, Garland has also moved his guys into the end zone as well. If anyone wants my improved line up suggestions.

With a minute and a half to go, the Cowboys come out trying with big play attempts. Trufant nearly gets an interception. The next play, the entire defensive line nearly gets a sack, but the elusive Prescott manages to escape and make it to the sideline for a first down. Flushed out again, Vic Beasley chases Prescott down for a 2-yard gain. With Zeke Elliot out, apparently Prescott is the only runner and runs again for a first down. Jason Whitten is finally targeted for a 6-yard reception and is pushed out by De’Vondre Campbell. While still at midfield, Claybo sacks Prescott again, not even forcing a fumble, but stripping the ball out of Dak’s arms before allowing him to go to the ground. Grady Jarrett’s arm was on Prescott’s back too, so there was not going to be any escape.

With only a few seconds going into the half and being near midfield, Ryan lobs it up a couple of times to no avail. Going into half time with the 10/7 lead.

111217 Tevin run — Tevin Coleman Making Up for the Freeman Injury – Photo Credit: Atlanta Falcons

We start the second half by lighting it up. A huge run by Coleman and 26-yard reception by Jones on the sideline quickly get the Falcons into Cowboys territory. Then a big catch by Hooper is negated by a block in the back by Toilolo. Gabriel, having his most targets of the season, makes an incredible catch down the middle after escaping coverage and sets the O up at the 8 with a first down. Ryan, while being tackled, gets a pass to Julio who is being covered by 3 defenders. Then, Justin Hardy makes a great move to escape the coverage, runs along the back of the end zone and gives Ryan the perfect touchdown target.

The Cowboys come out working the run pretty well for a couple of first downs. Clayborn and Jarrett were closing, but Prescott is getting rid of the ball much quicker now. Down in the red zone, Prescott drops back and has no clue that Clayborn has now left his feet and is about to land on him, for Claybo’s 4^th sack of the day…so far….and a loss of 7 yards. Campbell causes a loss of 2 on the next play. On 3^rd down, they cannot get back to the line of scrimmage. The 38-yard field goal attempt dings the upright and falls out to the right.

111217 Turbo — Turbo Showing His Speed Photo Credit: Atlanta Falcons

After taking over and a few short plays, Gabriel, with inside leverage, catches a 34-yarder across the middle, turns on his Turbo speed and goes. Coleman gets a first down along the left sideline. Down at the 15 with a first down, the 3^rd quarter ends. Hooper gets to the 1-foot line. Poe is back in at fullback, then on play action, Hooper gets the 1-yard touchdown reception.

After a 2 yard loss caused by Deion Jones, an errant pass, it’s 3^rd down….Claybo and Dak get together again. This forces a punt from deep in Dallas territory, giving the Falcons the ball back near midfield. Both Coleman and Ward blasting out big runs have the Falcons quickly in the red zone again. Unfortunately, all the Falcons could manage was another successful field goal and the game is set at 27/7.

Really late in the game, Whitten final gets another big pass to move the Cowboys to the 35-yard line. The next play is another errant pass based on a quick throw because of Clayborn swarming close. In the annoying prevent defense, the Cowboys continue to drive down the field. Clayborn almost has another sack, but falls/gets tripped. Robert Alford and Trufant had great coverage of Dez Bryant all day. With 3^rd and 6 at the 20, Prescott is scrambling with Beasley and Clayborn on his heels. With just over 4 minutes to go, the Cowboys have to go for it on 4^th down. Not to be forgotten for his early season game winning sack, Brooks Reed sacks Prescott, deep in the backfield, closely flanked by Beasley and Jarrett. While, on the same play, there was offensive holding, which must have been the only thing keeping Clayborn for being back there too.

The next Falcon drive goes for nothing with runs up the middle and the Cowboy defense standing up, trying to get the ball back for their offense. Little did they know what that would entail.

The 2^nd play in the Cowboys final drive, Clayborn strip sacks Prescott. Completely in the backfield, way behind Prescott, Clayborn knocks the ball out, Takk and Jarrett both see the loose ball and head for it, where Takk recovers the fumble, giving the Falcons offense the ball back. Claybo is then attacked by Reed, Rocky, Debo, all jumping on him in celebration. He smiles, walks over to the sideline like, “Another day another dollar.”

Dallas had utilized all of their time outs, Atlanta ran out the clock and the Falcons are officially back on track. We hope.

Injury Report: Devonta Freeman, concussion, no updates yet. Not yet ruled out against Seattle, but I would suggest unlikely.

Iron Falcon: Obviously, Adrian Clayborn defensively. Claybo passes the great Chuck Smith and legend Claude Humphrey who both tallied 5 sacks in a single game. Clayborn’s 6 sacks not only set a Falcon record, but clearly took the Cowboys out of their passing game and without the running of Zeke Elliott, Prescott was left to run or pass really quick himself.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt