Turnovers – FalconAlley Football

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

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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

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Falcons Déjà Vu….the Bad Way

Miami 20 at Atlanta 17

October 15, 2017

By Allison Smith

First, sigh, shake your head, then relax, and try not to panic. If you have been a Falcon fan since before the 2012 season, you know this is typical Atlanta Falcons football. Take the full 60 minutes and win, or break your heart. Being a fan since the early 1980’s, I got use to this. But then we got spoiled with the Mike Smith winning years, and last year with the Super Bowl run. All is not lost. We have the team to do this year, we just need to wipe out the mistakes.

Clearly we all know, the untimely penalties are killing us. There were 6 for 73 yards this week. A couple on offense to back us up, and of course the “roughing the passer” penalty on Grady Jarrett (clearly that is hogwash) that negated a Deion Jones interception late in the game. In stadium, we never got to see the replay, but I think we all know that Grady would not hit someone late. If Jay Cutler was just standing there, he’s gonna get hit. Jarrett is a big guy, he can’t stop on a dime.

One note that likely everyone did not see, there was a defensive encroachment, so Cutler knew he had a free play, however, as he dropped back and scanned the field, preparing to throw, he saw a quickly closing Takk McKinley and downed the ball. Cutler must have seen Takk fighting linemen earlier and decided not to take that on himself.

Also, turnovers, not helping so much. At least this week, Debo had a couple of picks and if you watched, the defense was definitely aggressively going for the ball. On many of the gang tackles, because that is often what it took to make a tackle again this week, the defenders were actively reaching for the ball. The Falcons offense ended with only 1 interception this week, but at the worst possible time. Near the end of the game, driving for the win, a low pass to Austin Hooper was knocked out and intercepted by Georgia boy, Reshad Jones. Hooper possibly could have fought harder for the ball, but Clemson boy, rookie Cordrea Tankersly made a good play to knock the ball out. I am not less annoyed, but it not being yet another tipped pass for an interception is a slight positive.

I said, with 47 seconds left, and the ball on the 29, to let Matt Bryant do his thing and take the tie and see what overtime holds. With the recent turnovers and red zone woes, I still think that would have been a good, logical idea. Clearly, the Dolphins were playing for the tie, as they were not letting anything over the top.

Dontari Poe and Grady Jarrett were being double teamed again this week, but, along with others, getting major pressure on Cutler. Many passes, he was not able to set his feet and you could tell with is passes. Jarrett had 4 tackles, 1 combined with Clemson teammate Vic Beasley, Jr., while Poe only had 1 tackle, but also a key knockdown as well. Who knew Poe could jump like that?!?

On a happy note, highlight reel, Marvin Hall was moved to the active roster on Saturday and had a 40-yard touchdown reception on Sunday. Sadly, he was only on the field a few more snaps
and did not have another reception. Maybe, Hall would have been a good target on the day?

When you really knew the game was going downhill……early in the second quarter, the Falcons receive a punt, on 1^st and 10 Andy Levitre has a false start, backing the offense up. They go 3 and out, and I said, “At least we have Bosher, he will….oh crap.” Before I could finish my sentence, he hits a 37-yard punt that goes out of bounds at the Miami 44. Later, Bosher had another short punt, 26 yards to the Miami 49. We all know this is very unusual. To add insult to injury, Josh Harris has the first horrible snap I can even remember, causing Bosher to try to run the ball…all of this happening at midfield.

In the end, the Falcons had 54 plays on the day and the Dolphins really controlled the tempo of the game, especially the run game, both sides. Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman combined for 18 carries and a total of 100 yards, exactly. Freeman had one of 44 yards and Coleman a long of 20, so take those big runs away, and our rushing game was 36 yards. THAT is not our kind of running game.

Again, within the fan base at least, there is question as to the use of Julio Jones. While we realize he is often double teamed, Ju can catch nearly anything anyway. On the opening drive, Julio was interfered with, i.e. tackled as he was attempting to catch a 12-yard pass on the sideline. The PI was called and enforced, and if you noticed, Julio still caught the ball and would have come down with the pass anyway. Julio caught 6 of the 7 times he was targeted, so he is healthy and reliable as ever.

With Mohamed Sanu still out with his injury, we finally got to see some good targets and catches for Justin Hardy and Taylor Gabriel, both of who stepped up and did a good job, combining for 73 yards. I thought early on, this was going to be the Turbo Show. Sadly, this still did not open up the much needed running game however. And the Falcons scored no point in the second half.

I’m no coach and never played, but the defense comes out after half time looking gassed to start. I thought we were so fast and physical and deep. I don’t know if running in and out is causing more trouble than letting guys play more consecutive plays. But, I do know, we have too much talent on this team for missed tackles, tipped balls, and 17 points against a wayward Miami team. Cutler had an all-star game compared to the entire first 4 games of his 2017 season.

I am always Falcon Faithful, but that doesn’t mean I am not frustrated right now. Mark down my prediction for Sunday Night Football…..34/0. I haven’t made up my mind if it goes to the Falcons or the evil Patriots….but I feel a blow-out coming one way or the other. Forget the Super Bowl rematch, too much has happened and changed for both teams since that ill-fated night in February.

#RiseUp

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This One is on The O

Bills 23 Falcons 17

October 1, 2017

Cover Photo & Article by Allison Smith

I love our offense, I really do, but they were not firing on all cylinders Sunday while hosting the Buffalo Bills. Granted Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu only played the first half, but overall, the offense was just not that explosive. We put up 17 points, which is obviously only 2 touchdowns, a Devonta Freeman rushing touchdown and a dark horse, Justin Hardy 3-yard catch.

For the second week in a row, receivers were missing balls, tipping balls for interceptions, and this week, Matt Ryan had several wayward passes. Taylor Gabriel was on the field for 60 of the 75 offensive snaps and was targeted 5 times and had no actual catches. That just isn’t right.

The Falcons received the ball to start the game, and we all assumed they would march down the field and score the opening score of the game. Instead, 8 plays in to the game, Matt Bosher was on the field to punt. Damontae Kazee got his first start with Ricardo Allen out under concussion protocol this week and performed well. He’s no Rico, but combined for the second tackle of the day, then followed up with a single tackle a play later. Overall, Kazee had a good day finishing with 8 tackles and a forced fumble. On this same drive, Keanu Neal had one of his patented big hits, Derrick Shelby had a sack on Tyrod Taylor for a 9-yard loss, and Brooks Reed continued to be disruptive. The defense forced a punt, after allowing the Bills to move to the Atlanta 38….and started their second drive of the game at their own one. Thank you and welcome back to Atlanta, Patrick DiMarco. We love you, but downing the punt on the 1 was unnecessary.

The teams traded punts back and forth the entire first quarter and finally, with just over 10 minutes left in the half, the Falcons were on the board with a Matt Bryant 28 yard field goal. Problems in the red zone anyone? Once again, we had a big Tevin Coleman gain of 29 yards, which everyone thought was going to the end zone, but alas, it did not and Coleman was stopped at the Buffalo 16. Ryan did spread the ball around similar to the previous season, including a pass to Hardy, then a short pass to Sanu that he, literally, snatched over the defenders’ head. Unfortunately, this was only to the 10-yard line with a 4^th and 4 and the successful Bryant kick.

The Bills then answered with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Matthews in a quick 8 play drive.

Another punt for each team, catching the boring theme here, led to the Falcons final drive of the first half. Coleman, quickly becoming a highlight reel, caught a 39-yard pass, got both feet and a knee down before falling out of bounds. This call was challenged, and the play upheld. Nick Williams was active and caught a 14-yard pass. Finally, down to the 5-yard line, we pulled out the 12 Gauge with a direct snap to Mohamed Sanu. Typically, this is called the Wild Cat, but the Falcons and Sanu clearly had to have their own name. I submitted “BeanCat,” but Dan Quinn landed on “12 Gauge.” Ryan went out left, tripping himself on his shoe strings, rolled back up and was ready to block. Sanu received the snap, ran the ball himself for the 5-yard touchdown. Which was reversed, so again, we did not get a good touchdown dance. The next play, Freeman ran the ball in from the 1 and immediately headed to the sideline and gave the ball to Sanu.

The half ended not long after with the Falcons leading 10 to 7, Julio leaving slightly earlier, then he and Sanu not returning in the second half. Jack Crawford was also injured and did not play the rest of the game.

The second half, Bosher booms another one into the end zone and the Bills start at their own 25. Suddenly, Brooks Reed met Taylor in the backfield for a 9-yard sack, lighting up the crowd. Two plays later, the Bills were punting. The Falcons take over on their own 20 and after a couple of passes and hand offs, at 3^rd and 9, Ryan drops back to pass and fumbles the ball, which is returned by Tre’Davious White 52 yards for a touchdown. The play was reviewed and determined to be a fumble, not a forward pass (which not only fans, but the announcers believed) so the touchdown stood and suddenly, the Falcons are trailing.

So you are clear, this game was going downhill, on the ensuing kickoff, Andre Roberts fumbled, which was recovered by Ben Garland, but 5 plays later a Gabriel tipped pass fell into the hands of Micah Hyde anyway, giving the Bills the ball back at the Buffalo 12. On the positive, it was a bomb, so they were deep in their own territory.

During this next long drive, Kazee forced a fumble, nearly everyone had a tackle on the 19 play drive and the defense stood up and stopped the Bills at the 1-yard line. On fourth and one, the fans about busted the roof off the Benz Nest, causing a delay of game and forcing the Bills to settle for a field goal.

During the next drive, we cheered almost that loudly for a review confirming that Justin Hardy did NOT make a catch, as it was originally called a catch and fumble. After some reliable Freeman running and Coleman catching, Ryan found, that’s right, Hardy in the end zone for a touchdown. It is all tied up with 7 minutes to go and the Benz was feeling good, or at least hopeful again. This is our kind of game…..the kind we pull out and win.

Sadly, that did not happen. The defense, once again, stopped the Bills, causing a 56-yard field goal. Three plays later, another tipped Ryan pass, this time by Williams, and another Bills interception. This is when Grady and I took over. I was screaming, literally,

Grady Jarrett Welcoming LeSean McCoy to The Benz Nest — Grady Jarrett Stopping LeSean McCoy – Photo Courtesy of Grady Jarrett’s Instagram

my lungs out. Grady Jarrett met LeSean McCoy 4 yards behind the line of scrimmage, then 2 yards past the line, then met Taylor at the line for his third tackle in a row. NOW, is when you knew we were going to win. Stephen Hauschka now makes a 55-yard field goal, with Ricardo Allen coming quickly on the left side.

The Falcons get the ball back with just over 3 minutes left in the game. MORE than enough time for a Falcons team to do anything. All we need is a touchdown. There are incompletions, short passes, Ryan scrambling, a sack. Finally, the Falcons are 1^st and 5 at the 14, over throw Gabriel twice, a short successful pass to Austin Hooper. Then, on 4^th down, the final chance, another overthrow to Gabriel and the game is over. The final salt in the wound, during that last play, Buffalo only had 10 defenders on the field. Apparently none of the Falcons realized this to take advantage, so the Bills kneeled twice and the game, and the suffering was officially over.

And think we can all agree with Dan Quinn this week…..”Missed opportunities….first thing is ‘the ball’.”

Some notable stats, Tevin Coleman led the team in receiving and rushing with 65 and 79 yards respectively. Freeman had 58 rushing yards, a long of 16. Ryan completed passes to 9 receivers, Hooper had 5 for 50, Julio 3 for 30.

Takk McKinley had good pressure on Taylor, and while he did not register a tackle, he was disruptive and pursing. Dontari Poe and Grady Jarrett were both being double teamed much of the day, as big and strong as they are, that is all you can do to stop these guys. Yet, still, Poe had 5 tackles and Jarrett ended with 7. Deion Jones led the team with 8 tackles and a sack, Kazee also had 8 tackles and a forced fumble, De’Vondre Campbell followed with a solid 5.

Good news, it is the bye week, which originally seemed early, but possibly came at the perfect time, providing rest for the injured and reflection time for all. I don’t think we should be in full panic mode, but definitely need to get some stuff cleaned up and even more definitely need people healthy. We were stacked at offensive weapons and defensive depth. Now our top 2 receivers are injured, defensive line is down from 12 to 8, with 3 away games, including New England coming quick. Defense has been keeping us in 3 of the 4 games, but that depth is depleting quickly.

Injury Report: From Buffalo game: Julio Jones – hip flexor, not expected to miss the Miami game. Mohamed Sanu – hamstring, expected to be out 2 to 3 weeks. Jack Crawford – IR with bicep injury. Lingering injuries: Vic Beasley, Jr – hamstring, still to be determined based on practice next week. Ricardo Allen & Ryan Schraeder – still under concussion protocol. Courtney Upshaw – ankle, tbd. Terron Ward – neck, tbd.

Iron Falcon Award: I think we all know, Grady Jarrett is getting this one. Through the game, Jarrett was double teamed, still disruptive, managed 7 tackles, 3 of which were back to back to back to single handedly force a 55-yard field goal attempt late in the game.

#RiseUp

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