Vic Beasley Jr – FalconAlley Football

Falcons Win Rivalry Week, Part One

November 10, 2019

Atlanta 26/New Orleans 9

Article by Allison Smith

Photos courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL

Inactives are Jamal Carter, John Cominsky (lingering injury), Matt Gono, Brandon Powell, Wes Schweitzer (concussion), Deadrin Senat, and still Desmond Trufant (turf toe). Ito Smith was placed on Injured Reserve on Saturday, Sean Harlow moved to the active roster, and Qadree Ollison is on the active roster for the first time this season.

The Falcons won the toss and decided to take the ball first. There was no return, so the Falcons begin on the 25. Matt Ryan hands off to Calvin Ridley who gains 18 yards (behind a great Julio Jones block) on his first carry of the season. Devonta Freeman gains no yards, but the Saints have a hands to the face penalty and give up 5 yards. First and 10 at the 49, Ryan drops back and throws up to Freeman at the line of scrimmage, where Free gains a yard. On second and 9, Ryan is in the shotgun and hands off to Freeman who is standing next to him and gets the first down. At the Saints’ 41, Ryan changes the call and hands to Freeman who goes behind the left side for 12 yards. A big flip back to Freeman, far left, he gains 4 yards and is forced out of bounds. Now, Ryan hands off to the left side to Kenyon Barner who gains another first down. Now at the 13 with a 1^st and 10, naturally, there is a false start, by Kaleb McGary this time. Before the ball can be snapped, another false start, Jamon Brown, thanks to the crowd noise, which is louder now. First and 20, Brian Hill gains one yard. On the 2^nd and 19, Ryan finds LSU’s own Russell Gage on the left side for a quick 3 yards. On 3^rd and 16, Ryan is under pressure and throws the ball incomplete. This flag is on James Carpenter for holding and Younghoe Koo comes on for the 37-yard field goal.

Koo kicks the ball out of the endzone for the touchback. Drew Brees and the offense begins at their own 25. Latavius Murray gets the first run and is stopped quickly by Takk McKinley. Alvin Kamara gets the ball for an 8-yard rush along the left side. Murray gains the first down and more. At the 40, the Saints pass up to Michael Thomas for 16 yards, covered and pushed out by Isaiah Oliver immediately. In Falcons’ territory, Brees drops back and easily passes to Gerad Cook for 22 yards, with Kemal Ishmael in coverage. Taysom Hill in the shot gun hit Thomas at the 5, who gets both toes inbounds as he falls out. Murray takes the ball a yard where Ish flings him to the ground. Brees fakes, then throws to Cook who is immediately stopped by Kendall Sheffield in the open field. Third and goal from the 2, Brees drops back and is SACKED by De’Vondre Campbell for a big loss. The Saints are forced to kick a 28-yard field goal.

Freeman gets the first handoff of the 2^nd possession, for a 2-yard gain. Julio is in the slot, Ryan drops back and overthrows Austin Hooper. On 3^rd and 8, long pass to Ridley along the right sideline. Ryan under pressure finds Gage for a 9-yard pick up. Near midfield with a 2^nd and 1, gives to Free who begins way in the backfield, he is at full speed by the time he hits the line of scrimmage and easily gains the first down and several more yards. On the next play, the linebacker doesn’t drop into coverage and gets Free for a 1-yard loss. Ryan passes to the sideline to Freeman for a 7-yard gain. At the Saints’ 44, the Falcons are 3^rd and 4, with a 4 man rush, Freeman gets the pass and bats it to himself, but with the defender on him, cannot bring the ball in. On the 4^th and 4, Ryan drops back, in trouble, yet scrambles for the first down. At the end of the first quarter, the Falcons are driving and tied.

With a first and 10 at the Saints 39, Ryan hits Julio, but Marcus Lattimore knocks the ball loose before Ju has possession. Second and 10, Ryan from the shotgun gives to Hill who finds a hole up the middle and gains 7 yards. Third and 3, Ryan is on the left side line, the ball is snapped directly to Hill who gains 2 yards. The defense has a hands to the face penalty and provides the Falcons with a first down. From the 25, Ju is in motion, but Ryan calls a time out to talk it over. A handoff to Freeman, who runs into a wall, the rolls off for a yard. Ryan changes the play at the line, fakes a handoff to Freeman, then under pressure throws the ball just over the defense. Another 5-yarder for hands to the face and another first down for the Falcons. From the 19-yard line, Ryan hands to Freeman, up the middle gains 3 yards. A pass to Freeman in the flat and 2 defenders immediately stop him at the line of scrimmage. On 3^rd an 5, Ryan from the shotgun, lobs it to Julio near the end zone. The flag is a hold on Lattimore, another 5 yards and another first down. On the 9, Hill is in the backfield and gets the call for a single yard up the middle. On the 17th play of the drive, HOOPER for the touchdown. He jumps up, catches the ball, absorbs the hit and falls to the ground, with the ball. With 11:09 to go in the half, the Falcons lead…..10/3.

Koo has a short kick, but the Saints only get the ball out to the 20. Brees drops way back, throws up to Kamara at the line of scrimmage and gains one yard before Campbell stops him. Allen Bailey nearly gets to Brees as he pushes him out of the pocket and the makes an errant throw. The offense has a false start, now at 3^rd and 14 from their own 15, under pressure, Brees throws to the fullback at the original line of scrimmage. He is met and stopped by committee, led by Sheffield, Damontae Kazee, and Blidi Wreh-Wilson. The Saints are forced to punt. Barner takes the ball at the 28 and finds a seam for a 22-yard return.

Freeman gets the opening carry for 2 yards. At midfield, a fake to Freeman, gets Hooper for 5 yards on the left side, but Julio is called for a PI and backs the Falcons up to the 41. On 2^nd and 18, blitz coming, Gage gets the ball back to midfield. The Dome is getting loud at 3^rd and 9, Ryan drops back, stands in and hits Ridley for 3 yards. Ryan Allen (5^th punter of the year) punts to the 10-yard line.

Brees goes far side for a 9-yard pass to Thomas. On 2^nd and 1, Murray goes to the left for a few yards and the first down. Brees in the shotgun, changes the play, drops back and throws to the sliding Thomas who is wide open in the middle of the field. Under pressure, Brees running, nearly sacked, gets the ball to the fullback where he is stopped at the line of scrimmage by Foye Oluokun. Brees hands to Kamara who leaps over the line for a few yards. On 3rd and 4 with a 4 man rush, Adrian Clayborn comes through hard and fast for a SACK. Another punt, Barner lets it take a Falcons bounce and will begin at their 12.

Ryan throws a little high to Jones with Eli Apple in tight coverage. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan in the shotgun, fakes the hand off to Freeman and overthrows Julio again. 3^rd and 10, the dome is loud again, Ryan under pressure, throws up to Christian Blake just past the first down marker – his first NFL reception. Teams go to the 2-minute warning.

First and 10 from the Atlanta 28, blitz coming and Ryan flings the ball down to Julio for the 54-yard reception, with Apple being taken out by Ridley’s big block. Lattimore is on the sideline and headed to the locker room after this play. Ryan finds Hooper across the middle for 6 yards. With 1:42 to go in the half, from the Saints’ 10, Ryan from the shotgun, gets sacked, untouched. 4^th and 10, Koo on for the 36-yard field goal. With 91 seconds to go, Falcons lead 13/3.

From the 25, with no times, Brees throws quickly to Ted Ginn Jr, Wilson is called for PI. Moved up to the 33, Brees finds Jared Cook wide open in the middle of the field immediately hit by Campbell. Sheffield is called for a hold, that is declined. Another quick pass to Cook for 6 yards. Across midfield, Cook, still wide open, makes another catch for the first down. Brees goes another direction finally, to Thomas in the slant, who jams Kazee in the face and doesn’t let go, gets the 15-yard facemask. 1^st and 12 from the 40, Thomas is still open for the reception, being taken down by Oliver in bounds. Brees dumps off to Kamara for the first down. Brees spikes the ball with 15 seconds to go. Then passes to Kamara along the sideline to the right side and out of bounds. An o-lineman trips/kicks Grady Jarrett and is called for the 10-yard penalty. Its 2^nd and 20 with 9 seconds to go. Kamara gets the ball and takes it out of bounds at the 32. Lutz on for the successful field goal.

At the half, the Falcons lead 13/6.

Brees opens up with a quick pass to Kamara for 4 yards. 7 gets the back toss and gains the first side, stopped by Kazee finally. Kamara gains 4 up the middle. A big pass down to Thomas, but Sheffield is in perfect coverage to break up the pass. Thomas gets the running pass across the field, Oliver makes the big stop and forces the 4^th down. The offense stays on the field, Murray and Kamara are both in. Brees with the hard count. False start on the offense, 4^th and 8. The punt is taken at the 10.

Ryan is under center with Hill in the backfield, fakes the handoff and throws to midfield to Ridley under double coverage. On 2^nd and 10, from the shotgun, Ryan hands off to Hill for a 5-yard gain. Barner in motion, under pressure, Jones is guarded by PJ Williams and makes the easy catch at the 27-yard line. Hill tries up the middle to no avail. Ridley is called for a false start. Ryan throws a highly contested ball high to Gage, but he cannot bring it in. The noise is deafening again on 3^rd and 15. Ryan throws way to the right of Jones and the Falcons are forced to punt.

Josh Harris has a false start to back the punt up. The punt is short, and Harris returns 20plus yards to give the offense the start at the Falcons’ 38.

Murray rushes for 2 yards. Brees drops back and throws the ball high, Ginn tips the ball cannot bring it in. A quick snap and pass to Trevon Smith who is hit by Kazee. Smith’s helmet flies off, but he holds on to the first down catch. Thomas runs the ball for 8 yards. Fake to Kamara, then handoff to Ginn an another first down, now at the 10. Low throw to Kamara that he cannot bring it, tightly covered by Ricardo Allen. Clemson unites at the quarterback again. Getting out of the offensive hold, Grady Jarrett spins Brees and Vic Beasley, Jr. taps him the rest of the way down. Rattled, Brees calls a time out.

Under a 3 man rush, Brees under pressure, throws short to Murray, Kazee makes the big time open field tackle, but is hurt. He eventually pops up and runs to be checked out. His big hit forced the field goal, Falcons lead 13/9 now.

After the kickoff – Hill gets the first call and the 15-yard run along the sideline, behind a good Jones block. Hill goes up the middle for 4 yards. On 2^nd and 6, Ryan hands to Hill again for a 1-yard gain. Ryan changes the play at the line, takes the shotgun snap and the ball to Ridley is incomplete. Illegal use of the hands is called, 5-yards and an automatic first down. At midfield, Hill gets the ball for no gain up the middle. On 2^nd and 10, from the shotgun, Ryan sees the blitz and finds running Ridley for a 15-yard gain. After a fake to Hill, Jones hauls in the 14-yard pass across the middle. The Saints challenged Julio’s catch….no one is challenging the no call on the hug he received before the ball arrived. The play was overturned. It is 2^nd and 10 at the Saints’ 35. Back to Julio for the completion, with no PI or “drop.” From the 22, Ryan hands off to Hill who loses a couple of yards. Ryan finds Blake for 4 yards. On 3^rd and 8, Ryan is in the shotgun, under pressure, Ryan runs for the 8 yards, behind a big Hooper block. Both Julio and Ridley were being mugged. Ryan is under pressure again, starts to run, sees Hill fall and get back up and tosses to him, but Hill can’t bring the ball in. The Falcons call a time out on 2^nd and 10 at the 12. Showing blitz, under pressure Ryan throws to Gage for a couple of yard gain.

Third and 8 to begin the 4^th quarter. Under pressure, a defender touching Ryan’s shoulder and he gets the pass away to Hill, who gets the first down and scores the touchdown. Ridley is the first with congrats, then Barner and Keith Smith from the running back room. With seconds gone in the 4^th quarter, the Falcons lead 20/9.

After a kick just inside the end zone by Koo, the Saints avoid a tackle by Kazee and get back close to midfield. A quick run by Kamara, then pass reception, but the left tackle is hooking Takk to stop the sack, and suddenly its 2^nd and 14 back at the 42. Brees throw to a covered Thomas, who is holding onto Campbell and he is blocking Thomas completely. 3^rd and 14, Falcons drop everyone, Brees can’t find a receiver and Grady gets another SACK with Takk and Claybo in the backfield.

After the punt, the Falcons take over at the 34. Hill runs on the left side for a first down. A short run, then a 2^nd and 7, Ryan from the shotgun fakes to Barner, nearly sacked and throws the ball away. Ryan fires one to Hooper for a gain of 9 and the first down. Hill rushes on the left side for another 5 yards. A fake to Hill, Ryan throws to Hooper for a loss. Hooper limps off the field. On 3^rd and 11, Ryan from the shotgun, overthrows Jones. The Falcons punt to the 12, but Allen is taken out and the offense returns to the field as Allen is helped off the field.

Hill runs into a wall for no gain. Ryan fakes the handoff and runs for his life toward the sideline and finally throws the ball away. On 3^rd and 10, Hill runs for a couple of yards. On the 4^th down, Koo comes on to kick the 48-yard field goal and extend the Falcons’ lead 23/9.

Koo’s kickoff again goes short into the end zoe, but Jaeden Graham hits the returner HARD at the 20 to ensure there is no big run back. Thomas hauls in the quick 15 yard catch in front of Oliver. Claybo and Grady meet at Brees, for another Sack. Kamara gets a big chunk back of the 2^nd and 19. On 3^rd and 4, Brees is hit by Grady as he throws an errant pass. On 4^th and 4, Brees drops back and is WWE speared by Beasley.

Falcons take over on the 46. Hill runs left for one yard, but there is a holding on rookie #17. First and 20, Ryan hands to Hill again, for a few yards up the middle. Ryan drops back to throw a bomb to Ridley, it is picked off by Marcus Williams in excellent coverage and read of Ryan.

The Saints take over at their own 11. An immediate pass to Cook for a 7-yard gain. Brees throws to Ginn, and the ball is almost picked by Wilson. Third and 3, Brees over throws Cook. Campbell had perfect step by step coverage and the ball had to be thrown past Cook. Grady peels himself off of Brees on the ground. It’s 4^th and 3 deep in Saints territory, Brees throws incomplete to Cook. Jack Crawford had a chip in the middle of the field on Cook, knocking him off his spot.

It’s the Falcons’ ball at the 18. Hill gets the ball back to back before the Saints call a time out. Another short Hill run. Koo hits another field goal and Falcons lead 26/9.

Ishmael is hurt on the kickoff, but walks off the field under his own power.

Brees has a completion that is quickly stopped by Oluokun as Takk hits Brees. Brees has two more pass completions to Thomas as the 2-minute warning stops the clock. Brees hits Thomas for a gain up to midfield. Kamara runs for 6 yards. Brees finds Cook for another first down. With 12 seconds to go, Brees spikes the ball at the 9. An incompletion to Thomas in the end zone. Third and goal, under pressure, Brees throws into the ground. On 4^th and goal with 2 seconds in the game, the Saints have a delay of game and are back at the 14-yard line. Brees throws to Thomas, he is stopped at the goal line by Beasley, Oluokun, and Allen.

In week 8, the Falcons have their 2^nd win of the season and are the only team to be undefeated in the NFC South.

Injury Report – Devonta Freeman did not return after a 2^nd quarter ankle injury. Austin Hooper did not return, but was hurt late and likely would have returned with more time or need in the game. All other players evaluated played again.

#RISEUP

FalconAlley OWT

It Doesn’t Have to Be Pretty to Be a W

12.18.17

Atlanta 24 Tampa Bay 21

Captains for tonight’s game are Devonta Freeman, Matt Bryant, and Ricardo Allen.

The Buccaneers won the toss and deferred.

Andre Roberts gives the Falcons good field position with a 31-yard return to the 36-yard line. The first play is a run into the line by Devonta Freeman. Then a toss back to Freeman, who goes to the left and gains 4 yards. With a third and five, Matt Ryan drops back and throws to Julio Jones who is tightly covered by, you know it, Brent Grimes. Matt Bosher punts a high 42-yard punt to the 17 for a fair catch.

The Buccaneers start off with a run as well, gaining a quick 5 yards. Robert Alford in great coverage on Mike Evans causes a missed catch and a 3^rd and 5. Another Jameis Winston pass is caught, but stopped short by Deion Jones with Keanu Neal closing. And instantly, the Falcons have the ball right back near the same spot they just were.

A quick pass to Austin Hooper for a 4-yard gain, then a running angry Free quickly gets the first down and are up near the 50. Then a wide open Justin Hardy gets a 27-yard birthday catch. After a fake to Freeman, Ryan throws to Freeman who makes allot of moves for a 7-yard gain, but is called back by a Ben Garland block in the back. Freeman is replaced by Terron Ward. Stacked with receivers, the Bucs decide to take a time out. Back at the 34, Ryan drops back and finds Jones for 8 yards. Next, Ryan finds Ward for another 6 yards. Freeman is back in and makes a big 13-yard reception and is suddenly down at the 7-yard line. A play fake and an off pass to Derrick Coleman. Freeman tries, unsuccessfully to run up the middle as he is quickly met with 3 Buc defenders. It’s 3^rd and goal, Ryan is in the shotgun and easily throws a birthday touchdown pass to Hardy.

As I said pre-game on Periscope, birthday boys have had good games all season. Now, let’s see Rico get a nice pick 6 for his celebration.

Bosher kicks for a touchback, so the Bucs start at the 25. Winston quickly hands off to avoid the swarming Grady Jarrett and the rusher is stopped by De’Vondre Campbell, who makes the next tackle as well. Winston lobs a big pass up the field to Cameron Brate who is quickly met with a flying Alford, who apparently hits too hard and is called for a penalty. He went in for the shoulder, but the receiver was leaning to catch the questionable pass. Charles Sims makes a catch, just short of the first just across midfield. Peyton Barber looks stopped, but keeps his feet moving and rolling off defenders for a big gain and first down. Derrick Shelby ensures the next run is not as successful, hitting Barber behind the line. Takk McKinley jumps, but Winston doesn’t snap the ball in time to get the call, resets and throws to DeSean Jackson for a 1 yard short of the first down again. Again, on 3^rd and 1, there is a big play. The Falcons blow their coverage and OJ Howard makes the receiving touchdown. With just under 2 minutes to go in the first quarter, it is all tied up at 7.

On the next kickoff, Roberts brings it out of the end zone and up to the 25 the hard way. A Ryan toss back to Ward who gains 9 yards, who, on the next run gains the first down. Back in, Freeman goes 15 yards virtually untouched. A pass to Freeman who goes for another 29 yards after a light stiff arm to a defender, then turns up the speed.

As the second quarter begins, Ryan overthrows Mohamed Sanu in the end zone, covered by, shakes head, Robert McLain. Still just outside the 20, the handoff to Taylor Gabriel goes for 3 yards. Again, this does not work, but we stick with a play if nothing else. Third and 7 as Ryan drops back and tosses a short pass to Jones, who then goes untouched for a number of yards and is hugging the sideline as he is pushed out at the 2. Dontari Poe is in at fullback and Freeman follows him in to inches from the goal line. Still in at fullback, Freeman flies into the end zone, drops the ball, then Levine Toilolo comes off his block and recovers the ball. It doesn’t really have to be this dramatic.

Next kickoff, another familiar name, Jaquizz Rodgers with the return, but is called back on a block in the back penalty. Starting with their backs against the end zone, Winston finds Mike Evans for a quick first down. After a short run, Evans makes a big catch downfield, but is called back for an offensive pass interference for jamming up Desmond Trufant. At 2^nd and 17 from their own 12, Winston drops back, finds Sims who is knocked out of bounds after numerous missed tackles. As he is just stepping out of bounds, Rico hits him and is called for the penalty. Then DC Raheem Morris notices that Jones likely had Sims down at the 11 and challenges the call. The call is reversed, but the penalty (that would not have happened if they called the game correctly to start) is still enforced and the Bucs are at their own 26. Jackson runs around the back and left side for 7 yards where Jones forces him out. Kemal Ishmael makes a huge leap, but the pass is still too high for him and another pass is completed. Third and 4 seeing midfield, (shoot me) Joe Hawley is in at center and assists with the 36-yard reception by Cross. However, before the Bucs can snap the ball, Dan Quinn challenges the catch on the sideline as one foot was in bounds but the body fell out of bounds. This challenge, the Falcons lose.

The Bucs continue their drive with Winston in trouble, but gets a big pass off for a 14-yard gain. Brooks Reed was nearly touching Winston as he released the ball. Inside the 20, the Bucs rush up the middle quickly to the 9-yard line where he is tackled by Rico. Then, Barber rushes to the 5, where Neal knocks the ball out with the back of his elbow.

The Falcons offense comes out, immediately gets a defensive penalty to move up the field to the 39 for a first down. Then Free gets loose and runs 22 easy yards behind the blocking Garland and runs over defenders. Freeman runs again for 3 yards, then takes a break on the sideline. Ward is stopped way behind the line. Ju and Sanu are lined up next to each other on the right side as Ryan lays the ball up to Jones tight double covered in the end zone by the time Ryan released the ball. Matt Bryant successfully kicks the 57-yard field goal like a boss.

The Bucs have just over 3 minutes to go in the half and start at their own 25. Winston airs it up and Rico gets his birthday interception, but the refs called Rocky for holding and give the ball back and the automatic first down. While Vic Beasley is being blocked and tackled in the back and Jarrett is being held around the throat, Winston is able to run up the field for a few yards. On 3^rd down, Winston throws too low for the sliding Cross to catch. They kick to Roberts who is hit late out of bounds by Cross, but the refs pick the flag back up.

Ryan has the team moving with passes to Sanu and Gabriel, then a wide open Freeman on the run cannot make the reception. Ryan under major pressure and running around, gets the pass off to Sanu on the sideline for 21 yards. With under a minute to go, Ryan tosses up to Freeman, who quickly gets out of bounds after an 8-yard gain. A slightly high pass to Sanu falls incomplete. On 3^rd and 2, Ryan has a sprint out to his left and throws it down the sideline to Jones who is tightly covered by Chris Conti. Bosher kicks out of bounds at the 17-yard line.

With 25 seconds to go, the Bucs throw for a quick first down. Next, Winston is scrambling and meets the young buck TAKK who sacks him, causes a fumble, but the Falcons are unable to recover it. The half ends and everyone heads to their locker rooms with the Falcons leading 17 to 7.

Bosher kicks off to Quizz, who easily returns it up to the 45 and is finally stopped by rookie Damontae Kazee. Winston lays it up for Evans who SHOVED Rocky down to make the reception. Evans goes off the field whining on the most unquestionable PI ever. Backed up, Barber gets the call for 8 rushing yards. The Bucs are called for offsides and backed up again. A short pass to Adam Humphries is immediately stopped by Brian Poole. On 3^rd and 9, the Bucs are in the shotgun and Winston steps up where he is met by CLEMSON. Beasley on one side, Jarrett being held but on the other side, with a push by Takk. The Bucs are forced to punt which goes into the end zone and they have a flag for holding on the offense.

A quick 3-yard gain, a penalty on Wes Schweitzer and it is 2^nd and 13 at the 27 leads to a pressured Ryan errant pass that falls incomplete. Out of the shotgun, Ryan scrambles, continues to look for a receiver, finally kicks it and goes for the first down. Unfortunately, Garland is called for a (Gruden called) not existent hold. Gabriel leaps for a high pass, but cannot escape the defender and only gains a few yards. Bosher is on to punt and the Bucs start at their own 47.

Barber rushes up the line and is immediately across midfield into Falcons territory. Winston passes to Barber for the first down at the 42-yard line, as Jarrett hits Winston. After being hit in the back, Neal whiffs by Winston and he lobs the ball down for an Evans touchdown. Just like that, it is a 3-point game.

Roberts runs out the kick again, just short of the 25-yard line. Ryan is under center, rolls out and dives head first for a little short of the first down, while Toilolo is wide open at the 50 on the far side of the field. On 2^nd and 1, Ryan airs it out for Jones, who missed the perfect catch under tight coverage by Conti. With Ryan wide right, the ball is snapped to Sanu, who gets the first down on a run to the left. Great pressure, Ryan escapes and runs for a first down, with the defenders chasing Ryan down as they collided. Ryan tosses back to Freeman who runs up and over Conti – laying the hit on the defender for a 9-yard gain. Ryan audibles, then gives to Freeman who runs on the right side for no gain. 3^rd and 1, the Falcons have Ryan in the shotgun, hands to Freeman who gains 2 yards. Ryan running, throws off target off the hands of a wide open Sanu. Ward gets the rock and runs behind Coleman’s great block and gains 9 yards. Freeman is back in and goes around the left corner for the first down.

At the 26-yard line, Freeman pushes through the middle for a 3-yard gain. From the shotgun, Ryan glances at the field and again runs, for the first down. Ryan fakes the run, then throws the ball over Hardy in the end zone. 2^nd and 10 from the 16 and overthrows Jones in the left corner of the end zone. A low pass that Hardy cannot bring in falls incomplete and the red zone woes continue. Bryant’s 33-yard field goal is blocked by a lineman.

The Bucs start at their own 23 and Winston scrambles 13 yards for a first down. A quick run is stopped by a fleet of Falcons causing a 2^nd and 5 to begin the 4^th quarter.

On play action, Winston connects with Brate for another big first down. Humphries makes a 1-yard catch and is immediately met by Poole. Winston drops back for an on target throw, but is met hard by Ish and drops the ball back out. Under pressure, Winston runs, but appears to fall down in the middle of the field. Holding is called on the offense, but declined forcing a fourth down punt. The balls drops into Roberts’ arms at the 11.

Freeman runs as hard as ever, loses the football from a Conti hit, but is recovered and still counts the 7-yard gain. Right back to Freeman, but he is stopped behind the line after easily slipping by Jake Matthews. Now a pass to Freeman for a first down and a few more. A play fake to Ward and 7-yard pass to Hooper. Ward goes through the left side for another first down. An incomplete pass is followed by a cutback run for the elusive Ward for another first down. Freeman runs for 3 yards. Another quick run and it is 3^rd and 2 at the 32-yard line. Then…..FREE……MAN. Who hands the ball to a lineman, hugs Ryan and Sanu, and calmly walks off the field. Off a Sanu block, Freeman gets free, jukes a couple of defenders and hits the speed and goes in for the 32-yard touchdown.

With 8 minutes to go in the game, Bosher kicks into the end zone and the Bucs offense comes back to the field. Winston, from the shotgun, throws behind Chris Godwin, who is covered by Tru, but makes the catch. Already at the 43, Winston passes again to Godwin, but Rocky knocks the ball loose. Winston has an easy 14-yard pass to wide open Humphries. Again, to a wide open Evans for another 9 yards. Winston is being taken down by Poe as he throws an incomplete pass. On 3^rd and 1, Barber comes in and runs up the middle for 7 yards. Back in the shotgun, Winston throws to Humphries at the line of scrimmage where he is met quickly by Rocky. Falcons show blitz and cause a false start, backing the Bucs up to 2^nd and 11. An easy target to Brate, stopped by Neal for a first down at the 17. Winston airs one out for the end zone, but over throws his receiver. Winston, throws on the run to Humphries in the back of the end zone who has escaped Trufant who has fallen down.

With 4 minutes left to go in the game, it is a 3-point game again.

Roberts sets the Falcons up at the 28. Freeman has a single yard run. Another short run by Freeman. 3^rd and 5, Ryan throws to Freeman right at the first down marker. The Bucs burn their second time out, Ward has a short run, then the Bucs use their final time out of the game. A toss sweep to Ward in the backfield gains no yards. At the 2-minute warning, the Falcons face a 3^rd and 9. Ryan is sacked after running over Schweitzer.

The Falcons let the clock run down to 1:14, take a time out, then Bosher punts the ball to the 9-yard line, then returns to the 29-yard line. With a minute to go, Winston (just before getting slammed by Jarrett) completes a 13-yard pass to Brate. Another first down stopped by Rocky at the 47. Winston spikes the ball, then tosses another pass that is caught and the receiver is stopped and flipped by Campbell. Now, 5 seconds to go, Tampa attempts a 54-yard field goal that is wide right as time expires.

One more win and we are definitely in.

Iron Falcon: Clearly goes to Devonta Freeman with 22 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown, and 68 receiving yards, almost 200 all purpose yards. Basically serving as a single running back this week (no shade to Ward) Freeman took the offense on his back and performed like the Pro Bowl running back we all know and love.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

Pictures courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

In The Wind and The Rain, The Falcons Deliver a Win

October 29, 2017

Atlanta 25 / New York 20

By: Allison Smith

A much needed win at that, as they head into NFC South play next week, heading up to Carolina, but still remain in 3^rd place, behind Carolina and New Orleans.

I’ve seen prettier games, but a W is a W and I will take any win after 3 straight bad losses. Once again, the offense was not efficient in either the red zone or third down conversions, but they did enough to get the win. The playing time was nearly even this week, the Falcons offense being on the field 28 minutes, so the defense could get finally get some rest between outings. Of the 6 trips into the red zone, the Falcons had 2 touchdowns and 4 field goals. They were 4 of 15 on 3^rd down conversions.

The offense did at least take some shots downfield and were more creative in play calling than previous weeks. They had 32 runs and 29 passes, so pretty even, finally, on play calling and could actually set up the play action. Of course, after the 4^th fumbled exchange from Alex Mack to Matt Ryan, they did move to the shotgun. Their opening possession consisted of the first 5 passes to the tight ends, who had 9 of the 29 targets on the game. Much of the rest of the game, they started with a run on first down, and Freeman or Coleman got good yardage to set up manageable 2^nd and 3^rd downs.

The Falcons offense’s only turn overs this week were on 2 of the 4 mishandled snaps from Mack to Ryan. Which was, obviously, caused by the weather. Every time, Mack and Ryan would be over on the sideline trying to work out their issues. Finally, they determined they needed to go to the shotgun and not worry about additional turnovers. A few dropped balls, mostly caused by the weather as well, but the passing overall was better and not overly affected by the rain or wind.

Head Coach Dan Quinn said last week there would be extra time spent on 3^rd downs – on both sides, as well as the red zone efficiency. The defense must have paid attention. They held the Jets to only 5 of 15 successful third down conversions. The Jets had 2 yards per carry and 5 negative plays and finished with only 43 rushing yards. The Falcons defense really controlled the line of scrimmage and forced the Jets to throw the ball in the bad weather. Of course, Grady Jarrett and Dontari Poe were getting some great pressure up the middle. It was noted that Grady is taking it personally that teams want to run against him.

With Duke Riley out, Kemal Ishmael has really stepped up and shown his versatility. Ish has been playing on special teams and making an impact, including recovering a fumble today. Now, Ish is in for Riley at linebacker and definitely making his presence known there as well, with 8 solo tackles and 5 assists. Only one significant penalty today, a PI on Ricardo Allen that provided a big first down that led to a touchdown, but at least it didn’t reverse a turnover. Glass half full?!? Of the FOUR fumbled snaps, two were recovered by the Jets and the Falcons defense only gave up 3 points on short yardage. The average starting position of the Jets’ offense was the 48….always short yardage for the D to defend.

Vic Beasley, Jr was giving the Jets left tackle trouble, Jarrett caused at least one offensive hold, and Adrian Clayborn was destroying the line all day. Takk McKinley got his first strip sack of his rookie career. The addition of Ahtyba Rubin (in replacement of IR Jack Crawford) has been a big help as he is very active and brings a similar demeanor to the defensive line and had 2 tackles against the Jets.

You know if DQ was talking to the O and D about “mishaps,” that Special Teams coach, Keith Armstrong, lit up his group. Likely to the Matt’s and Josh Harris (long snapper) he just gave them a nasty look, a quick “WTF” and moved on. Their mistakes were so random and rare, they don’t need to be talked up. They know better. Clearly, he got to the rest of his team and the only real issue with the special teams today was one punt return that Andre Roberts let go by and ended up settling inside the 1-yard line.

The game changing moment of the game was a Bosher punt. The returner, standing at the 25, with the rain and swirling wind, fumbles the ball and Ishmael is quickly there to recover. Bosher was consistent with an average of 42.8 and a long of 55 yards. Of course, Money was back on track, even in the rain and wind, with 4 successful field goals, a long of 45. DQ said of Bryant, that Bryant is someone you “Want to trust in these situations and he nailed it in a big way tonight.” Derrick Coleman, the full back, had several drilling stops on returns, as well as Ishmael being involved with many punt and kickoff stops.

Interesting note, while Julio was grabbing his 8000^th+ yards last week, Ryan now has 200+ passing yards in 62 straight games, which is the longest streak in NFL history.

Overall, a win is a win, especially a road win, in the wind and rain. Defense was much improved. Special teams was fixed. Offense, better and more evenly distributing the ball. No injuries sustained. As Grady noted, we were 4 – 3 this time last year, and we all know how that ended. Now, the real fun begins.

Cover Photo Courtesy of NFL Films

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

It Was Over From the Start

September 17, 2017

Allison Smith

Green Bay 23 at Atlanta 34

No, really. We lost the coin toss and Green Bay made their first mistake of the day. They gave Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Devonta Freeman the ball…..first. I felt good at that point, then 9 plays later, I knew it was already over as Free ran in his 1-yard touchdown. Which also answers the question of, “Who will have the first official touchdown in Mercedes Benz Stadium?” Free. Who else!?!

What a way to open Mercedes Benz Stadium. A Sunday night prime time, national game, hosting Green Bay, for the third time since last Halloween. Same two teams, same result. The Benz Nest was electric, the crowd loud, the roof, open.

Within 5 minutes, the Falcons were up 7-0 and did not look back. The Packers did drive back down the field to tie the game at 7 all with a 1-yard touchdown run of their own. From that point on, it was Atlanta scoring and Green Bay punting. On the Falcons next drive, Freeman had his second touchdown of the day, and celebrated with a jump shot into a net created by Andy Levitre. NOW, this is fun. We still need Mohamed Sanu or Taylor Gabriel to score, so we can get a good touchdown celebration, but we will take this for now.

Free Running Free – Leading to the first Touchdown in the Benz Nest

Sanu did have 5 catches on the day, good, over the middle, hit taking, stretching catches for 85 yards, yet no touchdown yet. Turbo had 2 catches for 14 yards. Which means, that Julio Jones was not the decoy, but the lead receiver for the day. Ju finished the day with 5 catches for 108 yards, including a big 34-yard reception, where he fought for those additional yards.

In the second quarter, “Money” Matt Bryant easily kicked a 51-yard field goal, followed by the first official receiving touchdown in the Benz Nest, a 3-yard catch by Tevin Coleman.

Don’t you worry, it was not all offense Sunday night. Healed and on his return tour, Desmond Trufant had an interception to stop a Green Bay scoring drive near the end of the half. In true Falcon style, with 47 seconds on the clock and 36 yards to go, Matt Ryan ran for 8 yards, passed over the middle to Sanu for 21 yards, had a short pass to Austin Hooper, then the touchdown pass to Coleman. The Falcons took a 24 to 7 lead into half time….to the ROAR of the crowd.

The second half started with the Packers receiving the ball, since they had chosen to give us the ball in the beginning of the game. Aaron Rodgers hands off for a quick 5 yard run by Ty Montgomery, who was quickly greeted by Deion Jones. THEN, the real excitement began. As Rodgers dropped back, Vic Beasley, Jr. sacked Rodgers, causing a fumble, which Trufant collected and ran in for a touchdown. Instantly, the Falcons now lead 31 to 7.

The teams then traded field goals, including Money’s 53-yarder. Finally, the Packers find the end zone again, go for the 2-point conversion, which fails. To be sportsmanlike, the Falcons ran some time off the clock, allowed the Packers to score another touchdown, have a successful 2-point conversion, then called it a game, running over 4 minutes off the clock and giving the ball back with just a minute and 2 seconds to go. The game ended with a Robert Alford tackle of Geronimo Allison.

De’Vondre Campbell had his first NFL sack and tallied 8 total tackles. Brian Poole started off hot once again this week, having the first and fourth tackles of the game, constantly swarming the ball carrier and ending the game with 6 total tackles. Grady Jarrett caused another couple of holds this week. Overall, the defense had many less missed tackles this week, which please Head Coach Dan Quinn, as there were double digit missed tackles in week 1. While there were only 3 sacks in the game, Rodgers became familiar with many of the Falcons defenders as he was knocked down all day, including getting to introduce himself to rookie, Takk McKinley.

Special teams was on fire once again, with Bryant tallying his 200^th field goal as a Falcon, Matt Bosher had touchbacks on all 7 kickoffs, punts of 50, 45, and placement punts of 38 and 32 yards. Andre Roberts had one kickoff return of 15 yards.

Overall, it was a great game. The only negatives were the injuries. Ryan Schraeder left early in the game with a concussion, and is in concussion protocol this week, therefore unlikely to play against Detroit. Courtney Upshaw was also injured with an ankle injury, which looks to be a sprain. Upshaw had an MRI and is out against Detroit. And finally, the most devastating, possibly more as a fan than to the team overall, was Beasley. DQ reported Beasley’s injury as a hamstring sprain and is out for this week, but will be week to week after that. Early reports and rumors defined Beasley’s injury as a tear and expected to be out 4 – 6 weeks. I’m going with DQ. Beasley may be out for a couple of weeks, then we have the Bye, so we may not see Vic until after that.

As we know, DQ loves versatility and depth, so we should be ok for a few weeks with the above injuries. Recently signed, Ty Sambrailo came in and did a good job for Schraeder. Brooks Reed, Adrian Clayborn, and Takk McKinley will step in and up for Beasley. With no defender playing all of the defensive snaps anyway, splitting Beasley’s and Upshaw’s snaps should not be a problem. Campbell can also step in to provide line support, as he has been playing multiple positions already and proven himself to have really stepped up his game this season.

Iron Falcon Award: While many are giving the MVP of the game to Trufant, and I do love Tru, my Iron Falcon goes to Adrian Clayborn this week. If you were at the game and watching, Claybo was SO close to Rodgers all night. And for a big guy, he’s got moves. He was all over the backfield, chasing Rodgers from side to side, out of the pocket, and while he only had 1 sack, Claybo was definitely disruptive.

#RiseUp

@FalconAlley OWT