Todd Gurley – Page 2 – FalconAlley Football

Falcons Have Deja Vu of Week 2

September 27, 2020

Chicago Bears 30 at Atlanta Falcons 26

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

The Mercedes Benz Stadium roof is open and 500 family, close friends, and staff members are in attendance. Inactives include Julio Jones, Takk McKinley, Ricardo Allen, Kendall Sheffield, Foye Oluokun, Kaleb McGary, Deadrin Senat, and on COVID protocol, AJ Terrell.

The Falcons won the toss and decided to kick off to Cordarrelle Patterson, who returned the ball to the 25 where Mitch Trubisky begins. The first play is a handoff to David Montgomery, for a gain of 6 where he is taken down by Grady Jarrett. On 2^nd and 4, Trubisky connects with Demetrius Harris for a big first down. Rookie Mykal Walker, in for AJ Terrell on the stop. First down at the 39 and another pass, to Jimmy Graham this time for 11 quick yards, pushed out of bounds by Darqueze Dennard. At midfield, Trubisky drops back, is being pressured and chased by Jacob Tuioti-Mariner as Damontae Kazee nearly makes the pick downfield. On 2^nd and 10, Trubisky hands to Tarik Cohen who spins off would be tacklers down the field for 17 yards. First and 10 from the Falcons 33, Patterson goes for no gain, stopped immediately by Keanu Neal. Second and 10, Trubisky throws to the right to Allen Robinson who slides out of bounds after a 5-yard gain. On 3^rd and 5, Trubisky tries to hit Robinson, but Dennard is on him and knocks the ball out. The 46-yard field goal is wide left and the Falcons will take over on their own 27.

Matt Ryan and the Falcons’ offense begins at their own 36. A fake to Todd Gurley and Ryan hits Calvin Ridley with a 63-yard completion and it is first and goal at the 5. Gurley gets the next play for minimal gain. Another fake to Gurley and Hayden Hurst with the touchdown reception. Younghoe Koo misses the extra point again this week.

With 9:43 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 6/0.

From their own 25, Trubisky hands off to Montgomery who is stopped by Tyeler Davison – activated this week. On 2^nd and 5, Trubisky connects with Robinson over the top for another first down, brought down by Deion Jones and Neal. From the 37, Trubisky has time, ball is caught by Demetrius Harris and is brought down after a 5-yard gain by Jones. Across midfield, Anthony Miller zooms for another first down, finally forced out by a closing Isaiah Oliver. After a fake handoff, Robinson makes another reception in the middle of the field for another first down and 19- yard reception. Patterson is in the backfield and takes the handoff for a good gain, but the left tackle is holding and the gain is negated. First and 20 from the 40, an empty backfield, Trubisky finds Miller for 13 yards, tackled by Dennard. Patterson goes up the middle for 6 yards, stopped just short of the line by Jones and Neal. On 3^rd and short, Patterson easily pushed through the middle of the line for the first down. From the 18, Trubisky is sacked by no other that GRADY JARRETT for a 5-yard loss. Jarrett recognized the play and disrespect of being blocked by a tight end. Second and 15, a handoff to Montgomery for a short gain. Blidi Wreh-Wilson breaks up the next pass, forcing a 4^th and 9 and another field goal attempt.

With 2:47 to go in the quarter, the Falcons lead 6/3

The Falcons begin on their own 25 where Ryan drops back and fires to the 41 where Ridley is waiting on the ball. From the shotgun, Ryan finds Gurley short to the left side. On 2^nd and 8, Gurley goes up the middle for a few yards. On 3^rd and 5, Ryan throws to a crossing Russell Gage, but the ball is incomplete.

Sterling Hofrichter punts it out of bounds near the awaiting Cohen.

The Bears begin on their own 19. Trubisky drops back and airs it out, but Ted Ginn Jr. is out of bounds, with Dennard in good coverage. On 2^nd and 10, Trubisky hands off to Montgomery, Davison grabs his foot stopping any progress as the line swarms. On 3^rd and 7, Trubisky, under pressure, lobs it out of bounds past Cohen.

End of the first quarter, Falcons lead 6/3.

Brandon Powell returns the punt for a few yards and the Falcons begin on their own 36. Brian Hill goes to the left side for a yard. On 2^nd and 9, an empty backfield, Ryan finds Olamide Zaccheaus for a first down. Near midfield, Ryan connects with Gage for another first down and gain of 15 yards. From the Bears 39, Hill gets the call again and finds a 5-yard hole on the right side. On 2^nd and 5, Ryan hands off to Ridley on the end around, for a 5-yard gain and another first down. From the 27, Ryan is back, fakes, then scrambling, finds Luke Stocker for a 6-yard gain. On 2^nd and 4, Hill goes up the middle right for a yard. In the red zone, a 3^rd and 3, Ryan from the shotgun, stands in and nearing the line of scrimmage finds Gage at the 8. First and goal, a handoff to Gurley who makes it to the 3. Ryan cannot connect with a heavily covered Ridley in the end zone. With Gurley, 3 wide receivers and a single tight end in the game, Ryan is clobbered for a sack. Koo makes the 29-yard field goal.

With 8:31 to go in the half, the Falcons extend their lead 9/3.

Trubisky hands to Montgomery who is immediately met by LeRoy Reynolds, as he spins off, Dennard and others. On 2^nd and 17, Trubisky fires to Darnell Mooney, where he slides out of bounds at the 30. On 3^rd and 5, Trubisky is pressured and taken down by Jarrett for a 6 yard loss. The secondary had tight coverage allowing the 4-man front to get to Trubisky. On the punt, there is a false start, on 4^th and 16, the Bears punt from inside his 10. Powell goes a few yards on the return.

Ryan and the offense begin on their own 38. Play action, Ryan looking for Ridley, who is covered near the sideline. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan hands to Gurley who goes around the right side for 7 yards. On 3^rd and 3, Ryan is hit and the ball is loose. Khalil Mack knocks the ball out, Balil Nichols recovers and tries to advance it with center Alex Mack in coverage. Nichols laterals to Buster Skrine, who fumbles the ball out of bounds. However, all of that is negated by a penalty on Mario Edwards for roughing Ryan.

First and 10 from the Bears 40, the pass is tipped near the line and falls incomplete. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan’s bad pass is tipped and nearly intercepted right at Ridley who is double covered. The ball was too high. On 3^rd and 10, there is a flag before the ball is snapped. Mack jumped offsides and the Falcons move up 5 yards for a 3^rd and 5. Ryan hands off to Hill, who finds the crease, makes a cut, turns on the speed, and takes the ball 35 yards for the touchdown.

With 4:37 to go until the half, the Falcons extend their lead 16/3.

From their 25, the Bears allow another sack. Charles Harris gets to the scrambling Trubisky. On 2^nd and 13, Trubisky finds Robinson for an easy first down against Dennard. An inbreaking route in front of Dennard where he can’t catch up. First and 10, a pass to Cohen that is knocked out by Steven Means. On 2^nd and 10, Trubisky connects with Cohen for a first down. Then, Trubisky runs for 45 yards to the 5-yard line. There was no Falcon in sight until he closed in on the 5.

2 Minute Warning.

First and goal from the 5, Montgomery takes the handoff to the 2. Trubisky finds the wide-open Graham along the right side who steps in for the touchdown.

With 1:50 before the half the Falcons lead 16/10.

Powell takes the ball out of the endzone to just short of the 15-yard line. Ryan finds Ridley on the slant for a 5-yard gain. Ryan is nearly pulled down by his jersey and throws a quick incompletion. On 3^rd and 3 from the 19, Ryan finds Ridley for a 1-yard gain.

The punt is angled away from Cohen and the Bears will begin on their own 35. Trubisky overthrows Mooney with Oliver in good coverage. On 2^nd and 10, Trubisky rolling right dumps it off to Cohen for an 8-yard gain. On 3^rd and 2, Trubisky over throws Miller near the 10-yard line. The Bears punt the ball with under a minute to play.

The Falcons have the ball on their own 13. Gurley runs to the left side for a first down. Ryan finds Zaccheaus for another 1^st down at the 37. The Falcons use a time out. Ryan airs it out for Ridley, but was too far over his head. With 17 seconds to go in the half, 2^nd and 10, Ryan runs just past the line of scrimmage. The Falcons had a hold on the play, so with 10 seconds to go, it is 2^nd and 20 from the 28. Ryan hands to Gurley who goes for a few yards, then another flag on the play. A holding call on the defense, which is a first down with 3 seconds on the clock. The Falcons down the ball and go in at half time.

Halftime: Falcons lead 16/10

The Falcons begin the second half on their own 25. Ryan hands to Hill, who goes up the middle for 6 yards. Hill gets the ball again on the left side for 2 yards. On 3^rd and 2, Ryan throws to Powell behind the line, but Ryan was under great distress. There was a flag on the play for roughing the passer, which provides 15 yards and a first down. From the 50, Ryan drops back and tries to throw to Gurley on the left side, but is nearly picked. On 2^nd down, Ryan hands to Gurley who finds a big hole up the middle and gets to the 35-yard line. On play action, Ryan throws 24 yards to Ridley at the 10-yard line. A first down hand off to Gurley who finds the end zone, rather easily. He makes a cut at the line, Keith Smith makes the block on the edge, and Gurley is in.

With 12:34 to go in the 3^rd, the Falcons extend their lead 23/10.

The Bears begin on their own 38 after a huge kickoff return, that was finally stopped by Hofrichter’s ankle grab. Robinson makes the first catch for a 5-yard gain. Robinson is stopped by Means in the back field immediately after the handoff, but he escapes, back to the line where the rest of the defense is waiting. On 3^rd and 8, Wreh-Wilson makes the PICK. The Defense was lined up at man to man, then went to zone on the snap. Trubisky was leading Graham when Wreh-Wilson stepped in, grabbed the ball, and returned it to the 19.

Gurley gains one yard. On 2^nd and 9, Ryan fakes to Gurley and fires out of the corner of the end zone over Ridley who is well covered. On 3^rd and 9, Ryan goes to the same corner but overthrows Powell. Koo makes the 36-yard field goal.

With 9:58 to go in the 3^rd, the Falcons extend their lead 26/10.

The Bears catch the ball with one foot in and one foot out, so they start at the 40. Nick Foles comes in at quarterback. He hands to Robinson for a 4-yard gain. Foles finds Graham over the middle for a first down on the Falcons’ 45. Foles goes far right, then looks far left to Cohen near the sideline, but the ball goes incomplete. On 2^nd and 10, Foles dumps off to Cohen who gains 20 yards, tripped up by Oliver. From the 25, a handoff to Cohen, who makes a cut for 4 yards. On 2^nd and 6, Foles hands to Montgomery who is immediately stopped by Tuioti-Mariner. On 3^rd and 6, Foles has a 3 receiver set and he goes long for Robinson in the end zone, but Dennard rolls up with the ball. After extensive review, the Falcons are awarded the ball.

The Falcons start their next drive on their own 20. Ryan fakes the handoff then hits Zaccheaus across the middle for a 13-yard gain. First and 10, a dump off to Hill on the right side gains 25 yards. Across midfield, Ryan fakes the handoff again and hits Keith Smith for a 3-yard gain. Hill goes for another 2 yards. From the 40, Ryan drops back and finds Hill for the first down, but Hill drops the ball as he runs. The ball just went through his hands.

After the punt, the Bears begin on their 9. Foles hands off to Montgomery, one-yard loss. After the fake, Montgomery makes the reception, at the line of scrimmage, where Oliver immediately meets him and knocks him out of bounds. John Cominisky gets in on the sack game and zooms through the line to lay out Foles. On 4^th and 8, the Bears punt.

The Falcons begin on their own 48. Ryan hands off to Gurley for a 4-yard gain. Across midfield, Gurley takes the ball again for another 2 yards. On 3^rd and 3, another handoff to Gurley from the shotgun, Gurley goes for 16 yards on the outside.

At the end of the 3^rd quarter, the Falcons still lead 26/10.

Gurley gains 3 yards as the 4^th quarter begins. Ryan, from the shotgun, has his pass batted down at the line as he reaches over Mack. On 3^rd and 7, the play is called dead before the snap. The Falcons sideline has called a timeout. Back to 3^rd and 7 and Ryan is sacked at the 30. It is 4^th and 11. Koo’s 48-yard field goal is wide left.

Foles and the Bears take over on their own 38 and have a failed pass attempt. On 2^nd down, Foles finds Robinson who is taken out of bounds by Reynolds, but is called for handling the helmet. First down on the Falcons 40. Foles finds Mooney for a 7-yard gain. On the 2^nd down, Reynolds tackles the receiver, knocking the ball out for another incompletion. On 3^rd and 3, Foles finds Mooney near the goal line, as he comes down Dennard knocks the ball out. After an extremely late call, the Offense had an illegal shift and provided another third down opportunity. On 3^rd and 8, Foles rolls out and finds Graham at the 16. Walker knocks the ball out, but it is recovered by the offense. Oliver nearly had the INT, literally went through his hands. First and goal from the 9, Foles fires through the end of the end zone under great pressure. Jarett comes out of the game gimping and Kazee is down in the end zone with an untied shoe. On 2^nd and goal, Foles flips it out to Cohen where he is met by Neal. On 3^rd and goal from the 17, Foles fires one to Graham in the end zone, but Oliver gets a finger on the ball, enough to knock if off trajectory for Graham. On 4^th and goal from the 17, Foles finds an open Miller in the end zone. He ran the same route as Graham, but different coverage and was able to haul in the ball. The catch was reviewed and determined an incompletion.

With 10:45 to go in the game, the Falcons begin at their 17. Hill runs for 4 yards, then a single yard gain. On 3^rd and 5, Ryan overthrows Zaccheaus at the 45. On 4^th and 5, the Falcons are forced to punt.

Cohen makes the catch, with a flag on the play, and hops off the field with help from staff. The flag was picked up as the defender was pushed into Cohen.

Foles continues to fling the ball, but Dennard on the receivers is not working, pinning receivers to the sidelines for incompletions. A quick pass to Robinson gains 4 yards. On 3^rd and 6, Foles tries to go over Oliver for #12, but the ball is knocked out. Another 4^th down, Foles finds a wide open Ginn for 29 yards. Dennard and Jalen Hawkins were in zone coverage. From the Atlanta 29, Foles throws short for Javon Wims who cannot come back for the ball. Montgomery gains the first down with the Falcons blitzing off the edge, so the back side was open for Montgomery’s run up the middle. After an incompletion, rookie Jaylinn Hawkins is called for leading with the head – as the receiver was falling down and gives the Bears a first and goal at the 9. Foles hits Montgomery who shakes off several tackles and goes to the 3. On 2^nd and goal, Graham in motion, Foles throws to far to the left of Graham. On 3^rd and goal, Foles finds Graham, who turns away from Dennard to make the reception. The Bears have their 2-point conversion attempt intercepted by Walker.

With 6:20 on the clock, the Falcons lead 26/16.

Powell takes the ball up to the 15. Ryan hands to Gurley who gains 2 along the right side. On 2^nd and 8, Ryan drops back and airs it out to midfield for Ridley, but the ball is short. Third and 8, Ryan steps up and tries to dump it off to Hurst, but the ball is incomplete. The Falcons are called for an illegal shift, the penalty is declined and it’s a fourth down punt.

The Bears have a first down on their own 45. The snap count gets Means to jump. It’s a first and 5 at the 50. Foles hands the ball to Montgomery for an easy first down. On 1^st and 10, Foles hits Graham for a 4-yard gain. Foles drops back, finds Robinson who escapes an Oliver tackle for a touchdown.

With 4:21 remaining in the game, the Falcons lead is only 26/23.

From the 25, Ryan drops back and under pressure, throws short to Hill over the middle. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan’s pass sails off the tips of Ito Smith’s finger tips to out of bounds. False start by Ridley, now on 3^rd and 15, Ryan, under great pressure, throws way down field over Zaccheaus.

The Bears take the punt to the 35, but due to a late hit by Keith Smith, the Bears get the balled moved up 15 yards. On first and 10 from the Falcons 44, the Bears hit Robinson for a 6-yard gain. Montgomery shoves through the line for another first down. Foles has time at the line, but throws out of the end zone over Montgomery. On 2^nd and 10 from the 30, Foles finds Harris for a short gain near the sideline. Dennard is hurt on the play.

After the 2-minute warning, on 3^rd and 8, Foles finds Miller in the end zone.

With 1:53 to go in the game, the Bears lead 30/26. Note, there is a missed field goal and extra point earlier in the game for the Falcons.

Ryan finds Powell who gains the first down at midfield. Ryan hits Zaccheaus for a 6-yard gain. The next pass intended for Ridley in triple coverage is intercepted by Tashaun Gipson.

Montgomery goes for a first down rushing along the right side. Kazee is hobbling across the field. Despite the Falcons taking timeouts, the Bears kneel and run out the clock.

Players that left and did not return, but no updates, Russell Gage, Grady Jarrett, Damontae Kazee.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

Strong Start Ends in Falcons Defeat

Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys

September 20, 2020

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons won the toss and decided to receive and take the ball first. After the touchback, the Falcons start on their own 25. On first down, Todd Gurley goes wide right for a 3-yard pick up. On 2^nd and 7, the give goes to Gurley again, up the middle for an additional 4 yards. Third and 3, under a four-man rush, Matt Ryan finds Russell Gage who cannot hold on to the ball which falls incomplete. Sterling Hofrichter has a good high punt to the Dallas 22, where a fair catch is called.

Tony Pollard takes the first Dallas handoff, quickly stopped by Takk McKinley. Pollard runs along the left side and suddenly the ball is out and Foye Oluokun is running with the ball. Unfortunately, Pollard was ruled down at the time and Dallas retained possession. It is 3^rd and 4 from the 29, Dak Prescott is hit as he throws, by Deion Jones, and the ball is high in the air where the receiver knocks it down to avoid an interception.

Brandon Powell fair catches the ball at the Falcons’ 26. Gurley takes the ball to the left for 5 yards. On 2^nd and 5, after the fake handoff, Ryan goes long to Hayden Hurst, who, under pressure with a high ball cannot haul it in. On 3^rddown, a pass intended for Gage, the ball is nearly intercepted, but the defender can’t bring it in.

Ezekiel Elliott gets the ball for the first time on the day for a 3-yard gain, stopped by Jones. Prescott airs it on to a receiver, tightly covered by Darqueze Denard. McKinley was draping Prescott as he threw, with the blitz quickly getting to Prescott from the right side. Jones tackles Prescott as Dante Fowler knocks the ball out and John Cominksy recovers the ball.

The offense comes out to the Dallas 22. Matt Gono is on the field with 5 other offensive linemen. Ryan drops back, still under pressure and hits Calvin Ridley on the corner and hits the end zone marker with the ball, as he falls out of bounds. Ridley started inside, did his patented stop and change direction and headed to the outside, while Ryan is holding the ball forever and making the perfect pass.

With 10:58 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 7/0.

Dallas brings the ball out of the end zone where they are quickly met by Jacob Tuioti-Mariner and begin this drive on their own 13. A quick pass to the tight end goes for a first down along the left side, Dalton Schultz is shoved out by Keanu Neal. At the 18, Elliott gets the ball, stutter steps for a few yards, where he is hit for a fumble. Oluokun gets the ball out. The call is Falcons ball, but the Dallas offense remains on the field. The referees apparently pointed the wrong way. On the next play, McKinley is called for roughing the passer and moves the Cowboys into Falcons territory. Elliott with the next run, AGAIN Oluokun knocks it out and Grady Jarrett snatches the ball and advances it a few yards. THIS is a fumble recovered by the Falcons.

From their own 48, another hand off to Gurley for a 3-yard gain. Ryan is under center, fakes to Gurley, back to the nearside, Hurst hauls in the 2-yard reception. On 3^rd and 5, Ryan, from the shotgun, runs up and sees the first down marker. Behind the Gurley block, Ryan makes the first down. Next, Ryan rolls out to the right and finds a wide-open Hurst for a 42-yard touchdown.

With 7:37 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons are up 14/0.

The Cowboys have a penalty on the kickoff and will begin on their own 13. A four-man rush and a Prescott quick pass to Schultz, who is stopped by Oluokun. On 1^st and 10, a handoff way in the backfield to Elliott, Jarrett is immediately in the backfield for the tackle, with McKinley inches away to assist. Prescott from the gun, good protection with a rushing defense and he finds CeeDee Lamb to gain some yards back. On 3rd and 3, showing blitz, but then pull back and with a 4-man rush, the Falcons get to Prescott who cannot get the pass off and is incomplete. A fake punt is tried, but the punter cannot get the ball to the sliding receiver and the Falcons take over on the Dallas 29.

Brian Hill is in the game at running back, and gets the call for a single yard gain on the left side. On 2^nd and 9, Ryan drops back and goes deep for Ridley, who is covered perfectly by the defender who knocks the ball out. On 3^rd and 9, Ryan dumps it over the middle to Hill, who is swarmed and stopped after minimal gain. On 4^th and 6, Younghoe Koo kicks the 46-yard field goal.

With 4:30 left in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 17/0.

Dallas comes out of the end zone again, this time, LeRoy Reynolds stops the returner at the 17. Olamide Zaccheaus had a penalty moving them out to the 32. Schultz catches the ball, makes a move and Oluokun makes the tackle and punches the ball out. Deadrin Senat fights the pile for the ball and comes up with the recovery.

Zaccheaus blocks the right-side giving Hill enough room for a first down. Another Hill run up the middle for 3 yards. On 2^nd and 7, Ryan drops back and looking for Julio Jones, but chooses Hurst with a low uncatchable ball. From the 26, Ryan in the shotgun, throws near the end zone for Jones, but the ball is over his head. A Pass Interference call is finally made and the Falcons get the first down on the 14. Gurley goes up the middle for no gain as Kaleb McGary has to be helped off the field. And does not return to the game.

Gono is in for McGary on the 2^nd and 9. Gurley goes up the middle for another yard. On 3^rd and 8 from the Dallas 12, Ryan sees the pocket collapsing and runs for a few yards. Koo makes a 26-yard field goal.

With a minute still remaining in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 20/0.

Finally, the Cowboys let the ball go out of the end zone on the kickoff and will start on the 25. Prescott, from the shotgun, finds Amari Cooper on the right side for a first down. Elliott finds some room and rushes up to the 44-yard line. The flag is for holding on Jarrett and moves the ball 5 more yards. Elliott gest another good cutback and finds a hole to move up 5 yards. On 2^nd and 5, Prescott finds Lamb for another first down as the quarter comes to a close. Rookie Mykal Walker in coverage.

End of Q1 – 20/0 Falcons.

Lamb gets another speeding first down. From the Falcons 26, Elliott runs down to the 15 for another first down. Rookie AJ Terrell immediately tackles Elliott when he receives the pass behind the line. On 2^nd and 13, Elliot finds Blake Bell over the middle for 10 yards, where he is stopped by Denard. On 3^rd and 3, Elliott gets the handoff and another first down. Tripped up by Tuioti-Mariner and Allen. Allen is walked off the field with an elbow injury, he does not return to the game.

First and goal from the 2, Prescott hands to Elliott who is stopped at the line by Tyler Davison and Jarrett. On the next play, Elliott makes it into the endzone, plowing over Damontee Kazee, who went too low on the attempted stop.

With 12:09 left in the half, the Falcons lead 20/7.

From the 25, Ryan fakes to Gurley and finds Ridley for a 26-yard reception at midfield. Ryan has to settle for a short pass to Keith Smith for no gain. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan hands to Gurley for 8 yards up the middle. Gage is in at quarterback for the wild cat, he hands it off to Gurley for no gain. Now on 4^th and 1 at the 41, Smith easily gets the first down. Under pressure and scrambling, Ryan finds Jones at the 35. Jalen Smith with a hit to the head of Jones garners a flag for personal foul and an extra 15 yards and first down. From the Dallas 19, Ryan hands to Gurley who gains 3 yards up the middle. Ito Smith is in at running back, Ryan decides to run up the middle himself. On 3^rd and 2, Hill at running back, Ryan under center and throws to Gage just past the first down marker.

It is first and goal at the 7. Ryan pitches back to Ito Smith who zooms behind a good Jake Matthews block on the left side and makes it to the 1. Smith gets the ball behind the line and Jalen Smith stops him behind the line. Lining up, Dallas calls a time out – clearly in mass confusion. Gurley is back in for 3^rd and goal, Ryan passes to wide open Ridley in the end zone. Ridley spun and lost his defender at the 2^nd O and caught the ball near the helmet of the end zone. After missing the 2-point conversion, to a heavily covered Ridley in the middle of the end zone, the Falcons still lead 26-7.

With almost 6 minutes until halftime, Falcons lead 26/7.

On first and 10, Elliott breaks a tackle to get back to the line of scrimmage, but the leg grab by Jarrett slowed him enough to not make it past the line of scrimmage. On the next play, Elliot makes a first down up the middle. Again, Elliott up the middle, but carrying Senat, so was stopped for only a 4-yard gain. With a 4-man rush, Pollard gets the short pass on the right for a few yards, forcing a 3^rd and 3. Prescott from the shotgun, under pressure finds Schultz again, who is stopped by Walker as Prescott was being pressured, then hit by Jarrett.

After a fake handoff, Prescott finds Cooper who forces a missed tackle by Denard. Terrell brings him down. Michael Gallup has his first catch of the day after getting way away from Isaiah Oliver, but Kazee makes the stop. After a holding call on an offensive lineman with his hand on Jarrett’s facemask and jersey, Dallas has a 1st and 20 from the 27. The pass is incomplete, Oliver knocking it out. On 2^nd and 20, there is a false start moving the offense back to a 2^nd and 25. Prescott finds Elliott for a 6-yard reception.

After the 2-minute warning, on 3^rd and 19, from the shotgun, Prescott takes the ball himself and is met by Jarrett down the field forcing a 4^th down and field goal.

With 1:41 until half, it is Atlanta 26/Dallas 10

Powell brings the short kick out to the 21. Gurley finds 7 yards up the middle. A false start by Matthews pushes the Falcons back to a 2^nd and 8, but Ryan finds Gage for a big reception to the 38. Ryan flings another first down pass up to Ridley near midfield. A false start moves the ball up 5 yards. Ryan finds an open Ridley again for 24 yards with Jones, the best distracter, on the other side of the field. Next, Ryan sees Jones in the end zone, but throws too high out of the corner of the end zone, where Jones is double covered. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan throws out of bounds over Gage. Koo has a successful 41-yard field goal.

At the half, the Falcons lead the Cowboys 29/10.

Dallas begins on their own 24. Elliott finds a seam for 11 yards and is stopped by Neal and Oliver. On 1^st down, Prescott drops back, under pressure, cannot connect with Cooper, as Oliver is covering well, with his hand knocking the ball out. Cooper makes the next reception, but Terrell is on top of him immediately. ON 3^rd and 6, Atlanta was moving, Prescott takes advantage and finds Lamb 37 yards down the field. Suddenly the defense is not playing man to man. On the Falcons’ 23, play fake Prescott find Schultz again for another first down. WIDE OPEN. On the 5, Elliott goes to the one. Second and goal, Prescott fakes to Elliott and walks in on the left side for the touchdown.

With 12:23 to go in the 3^rd quarter, the Falcons still lead 29/17.

After the kickoff and return, the Falcons start at their own 26. Ryan fakes to Gurley, then throws to Keith Smith at the line of scrimmage. On 2^nd and 9, Ryan pitches to Gurley who finds a few yards on the left side. Ryan finds Ridley along the sideline for another 10 yards. Another fake to Gurley, another pass to the line of scrimmage, this time to Hurst. On 2^nd and 8, Ryan hands to Gurley who gains a couple of yards up the middle. 3^rd and 6, Ryan in the shotgun, blitz is coming and still gets the ball out to Gage, just short of the first down marker, who then rolls for a first down.

Gurley gains a yard to cross midfield. Blitz coming, Ryan hits Hill on the right side, who gains 7 yards. On 3^rd and 2, Ryan is to the right, a direct snap to Gage, who lobs a 40+ yarder to Jones, but Jones, at the end zone, cannot make the cath. The Falcons plan to go for it on 4^th and 2 until the flag for too many people in the huddle and suddenly an almost touchdown is a punt from midfield.

Dallas takes over at their 17. Prescott hits Elliott on the right side for 8 yards. Prescott goes deep to Cooper who had escaped Neal for a 58-yard gain. Elliott forces his way for 8 yards. A 2^nd and 2 on the Falcons 8, Elliott pushes for the first down. First and goal from the 7, Prescott fakes to Elliott, makes the pass to Schultz who is nailed by Kazee at the 1. A penalty flag for roughing the passer on Jones, moves the ball to the half yard, but knocked Prescott out for the play. Andy Dalton comes out at quarterback and fakes to Elliott. Dante Fowler is not fooled and stays with Dalton who has to throw out of the end zone. Elliott shoves up the middle of the line and is short, then Prescott returns and gets the rushing touchdown.

With 4:14 to go in the 3^rd, the Falcons lead dwindles to 29/24.

Powell takes the kickoff out to the 26, where Ryan runs on first down for 4 yards. Ito Smith gains no yards on the next rush. Ryan finds Hurst for a few yards, which Hurst turns into a 22-yard gain. Across midfield, Ryan hands to Ito Smith for 6 yards. The next play, Ryan airs it out to Ridley in the end zone, but he is perfectly covered by Trevon Diggs who almost intercepts the ball, but Ridley knocks it out. The Falcons take a time out.

Ryan finds Gage who is immediately stopped forcing a fourth down. At the 40, 4^th and 2, Jones makes the reception on the ground, rolls back up for several more yards, for a 19-yard gain. Ito Smith rushes for 9 yards before the end of the quarter.

With Julio Jones’ last reception – 808 – ties Roddy White for all time Atlanta receptions.

Gurley rushes for 4 yards. Ryan throws on the run towards Ridley, but intentionally short. On 2^nd and goal, Ryan finds a double covered Gage in the end zone for the touchdown.

With only seconds gone in the 4^th, the Falcons extend their lead, Atlanta 36/Dallas 24.

Neal stops Pollard on the 24. Prescott hands to Elliott who somehow pushes the entire line up the middle for a first down. At the 35, Prescott drops back and hits Cooper, but he cannot hang onto the ball as he sees Denard closing. Elliott pushes up for 5 yards. On 3^rd and 5, Prescott changes the play at the line, then steps up as he is being pressured around the right side by Fowler, Terrell is blitzing and hits Prescott in the middle forcing an errant pass and a fourth down. Another fake punt, this time up the middle, but Cominsky makes the stop as the rest of the defense converges.

The Falcons take over at the Dallas 43 where Gurley gets the call and loses 2 yards. On 2^nd and 12, Ryan from the shotgun sees the blitz coming and hits Hurst for a short gain. On 3^rd and 8, Ryan dumps it to a wide-open Gage, for a 12-yard first down. From the 29, Ryan hands to Gurley who goes to the right side for 5 yards. Gurley is caught behind the line for a loss. On 3^rd and 7, he stands in tight coverage and hits Ridley for another 12-yard gain. From the 14-yard line, Gurley gains 4 yards. On 2^nd and 6, Ryan throws it out of the end zone over a covered Jones. Third down is an incomplete pass toward Hurst. Koo has a successful 32-yard field goal.

With 8 minutes to go in the game, the Falcons extend their lead to 39/24 over the Cowboys.

Prescott finds Schultz again for 6 yards. From the shotgun, Prescott tries to get the ball to Lamb, but Denard nearly picks it off, both had hands on the ball. On 3^rd and 4, Prescott tries to pull the Falcons offsides, then in trouble, steps up and gets the ball to Bell for a 24-yard gain. Across midfield, Prescott runs, but Steven Means pulls him down from behind. Gallup cannot haul the next pass in, close to the sideline, tightly covered by Oliver. On 3^rd and 7, Prescott finds Lamb for a first down, covered by Oliver, but not in man to man. Oliver gets the stop, but had no play on the ball. Cooper is tackled immediately by Denard after the next reception. Schultz gets the first down, but is dropped at the marker. From the Falcons 18, Prescott finds Noah Brown who is rocked by Neal. Next play, Schultz catches a touchdown pass over Walker, who had decent coverage. The two-point conversion goes wide to Elliott, but slowed by Kazee and stopped by Davison.

With just under 5 to play, Falcons 39/Cowboys 30.

Starting at the 25 again, Ryan hands to Gurley who goes to the right for 6 yards and stays in bounds. Dallas takes their first time out. Another Gurley run for a first down. Dallas challenges the spot of the ball. The loose the challenge and a time out. First and 10 from the 35, Ryan hands to Gurley who is stopped behind the line for a 3-yard loss. On the 2^nd down, the first sack of the game comes by Everson Griffen, forcing a 3^rd and 18. Zaccheaus makes the catch, but only 10 yards, so a punt is forced.

Hofrichter punts 42 yards, Lamb brings it up for 3 hard yards. Cooper gets a first down catch along the sideline. Prescott dumps it off to Elliott who is held in bounds by Terrell. Prescott throws toward Cooper and Denard nearly gets the interception. On 3^rd and 7, Prescott is in the shotgun and over the middle finds Brown for a huge gain, but a blindside block on Neal moves them back 15 yards. Prescott passes to Lamb at the 5-yard line for a 35-yard gain. First and goal at the 5, Dan Quinn throws the challenge flag for the completed catch. Lamb caught the ball as he was falling near the sideline. The call stands and Elliott takes the next handoff for 4 yards to the 1.

After the 2-minute warning, Prescott goes to Gallup in the corner of the end zone, where Oliver is called for PI. The ball is at the one-yard line and a first down. Prescott throws too low for the sliding Lamb in the end zone. Second down, up the middle for Prescott for the touchdown.

With 1:49 to go in the game, this is now a 2-point game. Falcons 39/Cowboys 37.

Everyone lines up for the onsides kick, when the Falcons call their final timeout. Dallas has already used all of theirs. The Cowboys recover the onsides kick. The Falcons didn’t move toward the ball, apparently confused on the rules when coming to you vs. from you.

The first pass toward Gallup is out of bounds. Denard falls down and Lamb is wide open to catch the ball and is already in field goal range. They hand off to Elliott for 2 yards, then no yards. On 3^rd down, Prescott downs the ball to stop the clock.

With 32 seconds left, the field goal team comes on the field for a 46-yard field goal to win the game.

Atlanta Falcons lose to the Dallas Cowboys 39 to 40.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

Why Did We Want Falcons Football Back?

September 16, 2020

Article by Allison Smith

Photos courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

An excellent question after week 1 of Atlanta Falcons football. While we could not attend the opening game of 2020 in person, after a while, you didn’t regret that. The long 4 + hour drive back to Charlotte, the exhaustion from being up at 5 a.m., the expensive of gas and snacks and game goodies. Glass half full.

Also, in the glass half full category, the good of the game. The Falcons have 3 leaders in the league after week one. Matt Ryan leads all quarterbacks with 450 passing yards, Julio Jones leads all receivers with 157 yards, and Takk McKinley lead the NFL with 6 quarterback hits. The Falcons also had 3 receivers with over 100 yards each. Calvin Ridley with 130 yards and Russell Gage with 114 yards, joining Julio. Early in the fourth quarter, Ryan passed John Elway to become the 9^th all-time NFL passer.

TE Hayden Hurst had a good Falcons debut with 3 receptions for 38 yards, one, a stretching catch of 27 yards. His 2 additional targets were non-called PI’s, but we won’t get into that here.

Todd Gurley’s debut was successful as well, while he was in the game. Gurley had 14 carries of 56 yards, one blast for 15 yards. Brian Hill and Ito Smith combined for 4 carries of 16 yards, not what we want to see out of the additional running backs. Qadree Ollison was not on the active roster Sunday. It appears the Falcons will attempt a one running back team, with Gurley being limited and relieved by Hill and Smith, but not the tandem we are use to from the past few years. Hopefully he can hold up.

Once again, like the last few seasons, short yardage and red zone inefficiencies plagued the offense. The offense was 0-4 on 4^th down conversions, and 50% on 3^rd downs, especially the short yardage 3^rd downs. And once the Falcons were having to play catch up, they had to abandon the run game and be a throwing only offense. Younghoe Koo had 2 field goals over 40 yards, Gurley a single yard touchdown, and Ridley’s 7 and 18-yard touchdown receptions, late in the game. Touchdowns on 3^rd downs and a missed 2-point conversion added to the frustration of the day.

The offensive line held up well. With Ryan’s 54 pass attempts, he was only sacked twice, so the blocking was good most of the time. Jake Matthews completely missed a block. James Carpenter and rookie Matt Hennessy were swapped out at Guard all day, both playing well, but no stand out yet. Kaleb McGary’s play was good, but the Seattle pass rush is not the strongest the Falcons will see.

While the defense did give up 24 second half points, the offense did not help with 4 failed 4^th down conversions that lead to Seattle scores, and other mistakes. While driving early, Gurley runs out of bounds instead of pushing for more yards, Matthews misses a block, the Gurley isn’t looking for the ball on the 4^th down and the Seahawks get the ball at their own 40. The fake punt was executed perfectly, until the fumble. A pass to Julio for a 44-yard gain would have been a touchdown if placed properly. Little things along the way decide the game.

Of course, the referees did not help. On the Seahawks’ first possession, they were given 41 yards on a very questionable PI called on Ricardo Allen. Hello, it’s Rico! Two plays later, a touchdown. The defense kept Russell Wilson in the pocket, most of the day, but his arm still burned them. The front 7 were good overall, tallying 3 early sacks and holding running backs to 55 yards, only one rush over 12 yards. Of course, Wilson did get loose a few times, once or 28 yards himself, but since the Seahawks were limiting him, when he did take off, it was unexpected.

Deion Jones made a good comeback with 9 tackles, followed by Isaiah Oliver with 7 and rookie AJ Terrell with 6. Foye Oluokun and the returning Keanu Neal also tallied 6 a piece. Grady Jarrett had 5 tackles, 1 for loss, 2 sacks and 3 QB hits.

Takk had the 6 QB hits, a sack, 4 tackles, and a pass defended – in an opportune time. John Cominsky and Deadrin Senat both had limited playing time in 2019, but were active and aggressive on Sunday. Darqueze Dennard was in for Rico much of the game and was missing tackles or at least not playing close in man to man coverage. Rico was in for 25 snaps, Keke for 51 and Damontae Kazee for all 62, wrapping with 4 tackles and playing as aggressive as ever.

The defense only gave up 14 points in the first half, but also caused no takeaways, which will be needed this year if the offense continues to sputter and not help themselves in crucial situations. The first touchdown, after the 41-yard gift, was a good play that would fool many defenses. It was a loop pass, just when the defenders think the running back has the ball, you realize he doesn’t, change your attention and Wilson finds him anyway with the pass.

The defense only gave up a couple of big plays, but one was a 4^th and short that went for a touchdown, Oliver was burned. Overall, they need to tighten up the man to man coverage. The pass rush was successful in the first half. Dante Fowler was taking on major guard blocks, allowing others to get to Wilson, and sniffed out the toss sweep for a big stop and loss. Overall, the tackling wasn’t bad, Seattle was very physical and Wilson nearly perfect.

Keke did look good, back to 100% after another season of being injured. Even with him on the field, Rico was playing in the box, which he did some last year, but may account for his lack of tackles on Sunday. The rookies did not have first outings. Terrell wasn’t picked on or challenged directly, but he held up well. Seattle was running over routes, which is hard for anyone to guard and stay glued to the man. Mykal Walker was in the box and had limited time, but was active, similar playing still to Keke, although he didn’t knock anyone’s head off.

Sterling Hofrichter has 2 punts, a 45 yarder and 55-yarder, with one return of 15 yards, on a missed tackle. Koo was good on both a 44 and 49-yard field goal, but missed an extra point.

On the plus side, the Falcons continued to fight on both sides of the ball. They were just out matched and out coached in some aspects. The offense had missed opportunities on good field position and the defense had no take-aways and only two 3 and outs in the game, the second with 8 minutes to go in the game.

The turnover ratio wasn’t all together bad. The fumble on the fake punt was crushing, but the other was an interception at the end of the game in the end zone, so technically 0-1 in the turnover margin. But the Falcons do need to force some turnovers to give the offense a short field, or score themselves.

Only 6 penalties on Falcons all day, one of which was the PI early in the game, which was questionable for big yards. So that was cleaned up

Injury Update

DNP Weds: Jake Matthews – knee; Kendall Sheffield – foot; Charles Harris – ankle

Limited Weds: Julio Jones – hamstring; Marlon Davidson – knee

The Golden Talon

Grady Jarrett and Takk McKinley for making their presence known early and often, early sacks and many quarterback hits.

Calvin Ridley for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns; and Russell Gage with 114 yards. Combined being legit receivers.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

FalconAlley Squawk – DQ on Game 1

September 15, 2020

Recap & Photo by Allison Smith

Head coach Dan Quinn spoke to 92.9 The Game’s Carl Dukes and Mike Bell Tuesday afternoon. They discussed the week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Quinn commented that in all 3 phases of the game (offense, defense, special teams), “We didn’t perform like we wanted to.” Specifically, on fourth downs on both sides of the ball, the results were not favorable for the Falcons and became deciding factors of the game. The Seahawks were 1 for 1 on 4^th down – for a long touchdown, while the Falcons were 0 for 4, including a fumble.

Quinn did comment on the fumble specifically, noting that was the real game changer. “The look and opportunity was there” for the Falcons, unfortunately a Seattle defender got his hat on the ball and knocked it out. With 9:41 to go in the 3^rd quarter, Seattle had extended their lead to 21/12 over the Falcons. On 4^th down, the Falcons faked a punt, which led to the turnover, giving the Seahawks the ball on the Atlanta 36.

DQ thought that overall, the offensive line played well together. DQ noted that the short yardage game needs to be in order, have to be able to execute. “We have the right people, so needs to be executed better.” They rotated James Carpenter and rookie Matt Hennessy in at Guard. “Both had good points in the Seattle game,” and their rotation will continue until there is a stand out.

The run game started strong, but needed to continue, offensive balance, throughout the game. But once you get behind, the run game is difficult to keep up. DQ did comment that new addition, Todd Gurley, came out strong and is a very physical runner and will be featured going forward.

Defensively, “We have to create take-aways.” DQ always wants to win the take-away numbers, but this week there was the fake punt for a fumble and the end of the game INT, while forcing no turnovers. The defense “needs to give the offense a short field, or score on defense.”

Quinn also commented on the no call on the helmet to helmet hit by Jamal Adams on Russell Gage, Quinn talked to the officials at the time, while medical staff was gathering and looking at Gage. The referee with the best angle thought Adams turned his shoulder to the side, so no ‘head to head’ was determined. Gage’s head was down heading into the tackle, which was a disadvantage. It was determined that Adams tried to make a move at the end, so no call.

On the lack of fans in the stand, DQ said that it was definitely worthwhile to have scrimmages in Mercedes Benz Stadium before the season began. That way, the Falcons were use to the quiet and low rumble of the “crowd noise.” He noted that it was a very different experience because you could really hear players yelling at each other and other sideline noise. DQ said “It is great to be back playing and appreciate all the sacrifices of everyone to get to this state.”

The interview wrapped with Quinn noting that they learned from Sunday’s game and will evaluate what actions to take next. Before the game, “We didn’t know what the tackling would look like. Now we know all that pre-work worked and will focus on other things.” He was pleased with a “fantastic camp.” After ‘Tell the Truth Monday,’ the will get back to it and turn their focus on Wednesday to the next game, in Dallas, Texas.

Quinn ended with, “We have a hard-working team, with the mindset and energy we want, now to turn it into wins.”

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT