10-23: Falcons Tame Detroit Lions

This week I tried something new. I predicted winners and losers and I must say, I did pretty well. 9 teams that I picked won. It would have been 10 but the Ravens couldn't beat the Jaguars (never would have guessed that one). However our action took place in Motor City, Where the Atlanta Falcons looked to hand the Lions their second straight loss of the season. We all knew this game would be a physical one, but no one expected to see any pregame theatrics, but that's what they got as the Atlanta Falcons emerged from the tunnel to face a mob of Detroit Lions, but no punches were thrown, so without further ado, let’s get to some action.

Recap

Detroit won the toss and elected to receive, but the Atlanta defense came out and forced a quick three and out for the Lions offense. However the Falcons came out and on Matt Ryan's second pass of the game, He throws and INTERCEPTION backing the defense into a 15 yard corner as they tried to stop Detroit from scoring a touchdown. On the Lions first play Stafford drops back and is SACKED by The Predator John Abraham for a 5 yard loss.  Second down and 15 Stafford is SACKED again, this time by linebacker Sean Weatherspoon for a 9 yard loss. Third down with 24 to go, Stafford dumps the ball down to his running back for 4 yards and the Drive ends with a 43 yard field goal. (3-0)

After the Falcons and Lions exchange punts, Atlanta takes the field after a Eric Weems, who had a Kick Off return called back for an illegal block, takes a punt 37 yards to set the offense up wit good field position 7 plays later Matt Bryant kicks a 23 yard 3 pointer to tie the game up 3 a piece (3-3). On the ensuing kick off, someone lines up offside which means rookie kicker Matt Bosher has to kick off again, so on the second kick off rookie linebacker Akeem Dent makes a dent in Detroit Returner Stefan Logan and cause him to put the ball on the turf. Recovered by Jason Snelling, ATLANTA FOOTBALL!!! 3 plays later, its 3rd and 12, Matt Ryan finds Roddy White for 15 yards and a first down. Two plays later Ryan looks for his basketball playing tight end, Tony Gonzalez, but he pass falls incomplete. WAIT did somebody drop their hankie? Oh, never mind it’s a just a flag for defensive pass interference on Stephen Tulloch in the end zone, which means Atlanta get the ball on one yard line and they know what to do with it. Matt Ryan QB sneak for a FALCONS TOUCHDOWN!! (3-10)

The Atlanta Falcons Defense over the last two weeks have started to adopt a bend but don't break attitude. The Stafford lead Lions start the drive on the 30 yard line and march down to Atlanta 23 yard line in 5 plays. First down from the 23 the Kevin Williams is met by Sean Weatherspoon after a 3 yard gain down to the 20. On 3rd down Stafford lofts the ball into the end zone looking for rookie WR Titus Young, unfortunately for the QB, Young breaks off his route which leaves Optimus Grimes (Brent Grimes) alone with ball fluttering into his uncontested hands. As fans watched in Ford Field, the Lions must have ask for a favor from the football Gods, because the normally sure handed DB drops what could have been the easiest interception of his career. This sends Jason Hanson on to the field to kick this second field goal of the afternoon. (6-10)

After the score, The Falcons and Lions again swap punts giving Atlanta time to work its four minute offense just before halftime (well 3 minute and 30 second offense, but who is counting) 1st and 10 Ryan passes the ball to Michael Palmer for 8 yards. 3 plays later, while running the no huddle offense, Ryan fires to Tony G for a 30 yard gain up to Lions 39 yard line. Next play Turner takes the ball up the middle for 19 yards and is pushed out of bounds by ex Falcon Chris Houston at 19. Two plays later Ryan hooks up with Roddy White for amazing 18 yard grab for a Touchdown. At first glance it seems like a simple catch but after watching it being broken down by John Brenkus of Sports Science, was the true difficulty of the catch reviled. TOUCHDOWN ATLANTA as we take it in for halftime. (6-17)

Fast forward to Atlanta's second drive of the second half, 3 and 6 Matt Ryan is SACKED and is down on the turf writhing in pain. The replay shows as Ryan was dropping back his ankle is stepped on by his left tackle and the Falcons are forced to punt his return is questionable. On Detroit's drive, the Lions marched down to the Falcons 16 yard line, the drive stalls and they are forced to try yet another field goal well actually two field goals. The first field goal was BLOCKED, but was called back because of a off sides penalty on Ray Edwards who shot through up the middle to send the kick right back into Jason Hanson's face. The second try was good from 29 yards out (9-17). As I said Matt Ryan was injured on the previous drive so enter Chris Redman, First play from scrimmage Turner picks up two yards, coupled with the next plays pass falls incomplete put the Falcons in a 3 and 8 hole. WAIT guess who comes sprinting out of the tunnel to save the day as if he was Superman emerging from the phone booth, ITS A BIRD, ITS A PLANE, NO!!!! ITS MATT RYAN. Matt Ryan returns to action and on 3 and 8 He drops back and hits Harry Douglas with a 49 yard catch and run down to the Detroit 29 yard line. Four plays and 0 yards later Matt Bryant boots a 47 yarder to take the lead to 11 points. (9-20)

Remember that statement about the Falcons defense becoming a bend but don't break defense... Well on the Lions series they broke.... and they broke bad. First and 10 from the 43 yard line, Detroit fakes the hand off up the middle, fakes the reverse and hits MEGATRON on a slant and he takes it the distance 57 yards and a touchdown (16-20). Not much action to report in the 4th quarter. Matt Bryant adds another field goal to take the score to (16-23) and that's where it stands as Jacquizz Rodgers picks up the first down and allows the Falcons to run out the clock and escape the Lion’s Den with a much needed victory. Winning back to back games for the first time this season. 

Offense 

For the second straight week the Falcons have been without rookie receiver Julio Jones and for the second straight week Atlanta has came away with a victory. The offensive game plans apparently consisted of run the ball with Turner and when the Lions stacked the box, and throw it to one of your weapons. Many people would think well duh its common sense but many other people, namely Falcons fans have been wondered why did it take 6 weeks to figure it out. I could harp on what took so long but honestly who cares, all that matters is they figured it out and are now tied for second place in the NFC South. The Falcons ran the ball 31 times for 129 yards and 1 touchdown. Turner, of course got the bulk of the carries, and yards. 27 carries for 122 yards as a matter of fact. I'm sure we all remember Turner and Ryan's first games an Atlanta Falcons, Ryan's first pass went for a touchdown and Turner broke the franchises rushing yard record in a single game, against the Detroit Lions which jump started the 2008 Falcons to a 11-5 record. If Atlanta can take this game and use it as momentum going forward this could turn out to still be a very promising season for the Birds of the South. 

Offensive Notables and Player of the Week 

This season the Falcons have ran all over the wide 9 technique of defensive ends, first against the Eagles and now the Lions. This week Turner picked up 122 yards on 27 carries. Matt Ryan completed 20 passes for 218 yards including a beautiful pass to Roddy White that went for 6 points, unfortunately Ryan also completed two pass to the Lions. Roddy finished the game with 5 receptions 52 yards and 1 touchdown. Harry Douglas who is having a nice year so far had caught 4 balls for 62 yards and was on the receiving end of Ryan's first pass after returning to the game after suffering an ankle/knee injury. Gonzalez also had 62 yards receiving but not only that Tony Gonzalez also made history in this game moving into second all time on the NFL's receiving list behind only Jerry Rice. Tony caught his 1104th career reception. At this point he is just pouring on stats until he makes that inevitable trip to Canton. 

Player of the Week: Tony Gonzalez 5 Receptions 62 yards 12.4 per catch 0 TDs (would have had a touchdown if he wasn’t interfered with in the end zone)

Defense 

What can I say? This defense is really coming on as the season progresses. The Atlanta Falcons defense, the same defense that I was ready to disown after allowing the Carolina Panthers to convert 8 of 12 3rd down conversions last week put their foots on the Lions throat when it came to 3rd down. Only converting 1 third down in the game, apparently Coach Smith gave them an ear full during practice or someone on the Falcons reads my blog and wanted to rub my nose in it. The Falcons held the injury riddled Lions running back group to 94 yards on the ground, and also for most of the game, minus one play that went for 57 yards and a score, held Calvin Johnson to 4 catches and 58 yards.

 Atlanta sacked Mathew Stafford three times in this game and he was injured on the last play for the Lions offense which as an incomplete pass intended for Brandon Pettigrew. At this point I've lost count, The Falcons have forced a turnover in I think 27 straight games, this one coming on from a hit by rookie Akeem Dent on kickoff coverage that dislodged the ball from the kick returner and was recovered by Jason Snelling. This is the longest active streak in the NFL. 

Defensive Notables and Player of the Week

I'm not sure if I should write this, because it’s becoming a full drawn conclusion that the player who leads the team in tackles will either be Sean Weatherspoon, or Curtis Lofton. This week Lofton takes the lead with 10 tackles 5 solo and 1 QB hit, but don't think Weatherspoon was slacking off this game, he is next with 6 tackles, 5 solo 1 sack 1 QB hit, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 pass deflection. Brent Grimes has held his own the over the past two weeks facing Steve Smith and Calvin Johnson had 5 tackles and 2 Pass deflections, including one, when he out jumped Megatron and knocked the ball away. 

Player of the Week: Brent Grimes AKA Optimus Grimes AKA Grimey 5 Tackles 4 solo and 2 Pass Deflections. This was a tough pick, but anytime you can out jump Megatron then you deserve some acknowledgment 

Preview

This week the Falcons get the week off, and try to rest up during the bye week. Take care of some injuries and get ready to head into the final half of the season. 

10-16: Falcons Pounce Panthers

Well seems like after my post last week things in the NFL went in reverse. I jinxed the once unbeaten Detroit Lions and "The Dream Team" woke up. Week 6 featured potential on field fights and major knee injuries... and I'm not talking between players. Also things reverse from last week the Falcons opponent, last week the Falcons hosted the 2010 NFL Champs and this week Atlanta hosted the 2010 NFL Chumps also known as the Carolina Panthers. 

RECAP 

With rookie receiver Julio Jones out with a hamstring injury, Atlanta started this game with the ball and was forced to punt after just 6 plays.  Cam Newton, the number one overall pick in this past draft, led his Carolina offense onto the field looking to jump to a fast start in the building he grew up just 15 miles away from in College Park, GA. Well the Panthers didn't start that fast, after all their first possession only yielded 3 points. (0-3)

On Atlanta's second possession, the Falcons used a series of runs and short passes to move the ball down the field until on 2nd down and 11 Matt Ryan drops back and launches the football 37 yards to Roddy White who is open in the end zone...... INCOMPLETE!!! But wait; there is laundry on the field. That's right Roddy was so open that the defender had no other choice than to interfere. Interference in the end zone doesn't do your team any good because it just gives the offense the ball on your one yard line. First and Goal at the one, that's easy pickings for Turner, who took it off the left tackle for the 1 yard score. (7-3)

 

Into the 2nd Quarter we go. Carolina with the football and Cam starts to carve up the defense averaging 19.3 yards per pass attempt on this drive, including a 31 yard strike to Jeremy Shockey on 2nd and 8. Johnathan Stewart caps off the Carolina 9 play 81 yard drive with two runs one for 13 yards and the next for 1 yard but this one gave the Panthers the lead. (7-10)

The problem with the Falcons this year has been with its ability... or lack of ability to answer the oppositions blow. 1st and 10 Turner rumbles off the left side for 33 yards, five plays later Matt Ryan goes over the middle for Harry Douglas, who started for Julio Jones and the next play Matt Ryan goes deep down the right sideline looking for Roddy White. Remember earlier when I said White was so open the defender had to interfere?  This time was no different Chris Gamble was hit with the second defensive pass interference flag which set up Atlanta again at the 1 yard line. Three plays later Matt Ryan finds..... I’ll give you 3 chances Roddy White? Tony Gonzalez? Harry Douglas? So close, OVIE MUGHELLI for the one yard score to take the lead (14-10) over the visiting Panthers.

On Carolina's ensuing possession, Newton has the Panthers marching. 3rd and 10 he finds Shockey for 12 yards and a first down. A few plays later on 2nd and 10 Cam scrambles for 13 yards and is tackled by Thomas Decoud and another first down for Carolina. 1st and 10 with the time ticking way Cam fires a pass Steve Smith, but its tipped by William Moore and INTERCEPTED by half man, half leopard, all amazing, Brent Grimes. 

3rd Quarter of every Football game Atlanta has been HORRIBLE. The Panthers used a 13 play drive to take the lead on a 14 yard scamper by rookie QB Cam Newton (14-17) .  Carolina did a good job to keep the Atlanta offense of the field, taking 9 min and 52 seconds off the clock and held the Falcons to just two possessions one was a punt and the next carried over into the 4th quarter which resulted in a Matt Bryant field that tied the score at (17-17)

In the 4th, after forcing a Panthers punt Matt Ryan and the offense take the short field and makes Carolina pay on a 3rd and 6 he finds his tight end Tony G, three plays later he hooks up with Harry Douglas for 34 yards on another 3rd down. Two plays later Turner rumbles 11 yards down to the Panthers 1 yard line. Next play Matt calls his own number and scores the 1 yard go ahead TOUCHDOWN!! (24-17)

The Panthers need a score, and need a score fast, on the first play of the drive DeAngelo Williams bursts up the middle for 18 yards and a first down... On the next the Falcons defense makes them pay, Cam Newton drops back looking to hit his running back on the screen but BIG MAN WITH FOOTBALL!!! Defensive tackle Corey Peters stretches out to make the one handed interception to stop Carolina in their tracks 8 plays later Atlanta adds the game sealing score to beat the Panthers (31-17)!

Offense 

The Falcons offense got back their bread and butter. RUNNING THE FOOTBALL! The team stock piled yards on the ground with 166 and 3 scores, in large part of Michael Turner who had 139 yards on 27 carries and 2 scores. Mike Mularkey, who was under some pressure, did a nice job in keeping the offense on track calling a nice mix of play action passes and run plays. While he isn't off the hot seat just yet, a few more games like this one and he might be looked at for head coaching jobs during the off season.  It seems like so long ago I was ripping the offensive line about protecting Ryan and opening holes for Turner and they played well today and are starting to get that chemistry down that made them so successful over the past 3 years. The offense seemed to flourish without rookie Julio Jones and it makes me wonder if the woes of the offense came from trying to force the ball into his hands.  If Atlanta is able to incorporate Jones into what they accomplished versus Carolina, this team is posed to finish this year among the top teams in the NFL. 

Offensive Notables and Player of the Week:  

Matt Ryan finished the day with 163 yards and 1 Touchdown. Not great numbers but Matt Ryan managed the game and took what allowed, even a few shots down the field for those coveted "explosive" plays. Harry Douglas led the team in receiving yards with 57. Tony Gonzalez led the team with receptions. Jacquizz Rodgers one rush for 8 yards and a 1st down and Reggie Kelly caught his pass of the season for 7 yards.

Player of The Week: Michael Turner 27 Carries 139 yards 2 TDs 5.1 per carry and 8 receiving yards 

Defense

The Falcons Defense for the second straight week showed up and played their hearts out. Brian Van Gorder, similar to the offensive coordinator, heard whispers of people (mainly the fans) wanting Smitty to take over the defensive play calling. One problem the defense still has is getting off the field on 3rd down allowing Carolina to convert on 8 of 12 first downs. They did however shut down Steve Smith, limiting him to 66 yards (most of which came after trailing). The defense also forced Cam Newton to throw three interceptions, none more amazing than the one handed pick by defensive tackle Corey Peters, that virtually sealed the victory for Atlanta, along with 3 interceptions the Falcons caused 2 fumbles but recovered neither.  Atlanta Falcons added two sacks marking the second straight week that Ray Edwards posted a sack which is great news for fan who are wondering if Atlanta addressed their pass rush during the off season. 

Defensive Notables and Player of the Week

The Falcons have a lot of talent with this defense and if they could find some type of way to get off the field on 3rd down they could be feared throughout this league. Thomas Decoud registered 8 tackles which was most on the team and also added an interception as the game clock ran out. Curtis Lofton added 7 tackles of his own. Brent Grimes also added an interception to turn the Panthers away as they looked to take the lead just before the half. Ray Edwards is starting to cause destruction registering his second of his young career with the Falcons, and drawing a holding penalty which could have very well been his second of sack of the day. 

Player of the Week: Corey Peters- 1 tackle and 1 Interception  

Preview

Week 7 Atlanta gets to travel to Motor City to play The Detroit Lions. These are the Lions of the past few years; they are coming off their first loss of the season and are looking to rebound against a Falcons team who is still trying to put together back to back victories for the first time this season. If Atlanta expects to leave Ford Field with a win they are going to have to find a way to slow down Georgia Tech stand out wide receiver Calvin Johnson and stud defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Atlanta hasn't played the Lions since Matt Ryan's rookie season way back in 2008 and if the Falcons want to win they will have to control the clock and put up points on the road if they want to improve to above .500

10-09: Falcons Get Lambeau Leaped

Welcome back Falcon faithfuls, week 5 in the NFL was a world wind of action. The Detroit Lions are still unbeaten and the "Dream Team" is still trying to wake up from their nightmarish start to the season and the Atlanta Falcons host the Super Bowl Champions in a Rematch of the NFC Divisional Playoff game. 

Recap


The game starts off with the Atlanta Falcons receiving the ball and the drive starts on the 20 yard line. Atlanta starts the game off true to form with two runs by Turner for a gain of 8 yards and a short pass to Tony Gonzalez to pick up the first down. Two plays later its Turner again for a 15 yard run, where he was pushed out of bounds, later in the drive Matt Ryan connects with Harry Douglass for a pickup of 13 yards another first down as the Falcons march deeper into Packers territory. On the next play Julio Jones takes the reverse hand off and picks up 17 more yards for the Falcons first trip inside the red zone. Four plays later Matt Ryan finds a wide open Roddy White in the end zone. TOUCHDOWN ATLANTA (7-0)

The Falcons defense forced a Packers punt and the Atlanta offense comes marching back onto the field. During the week of practice the Falcons must have discovered a new play, called a screen pass because on the second play of the drive Matt Ryan floats the ball out to Jason Snelling with blockers in front and he rumbles for a pickup of 17 yards. Two plays later Ryan hooks up with the rookie phenom Julio Jones for 16 yards. A few plays later Turner was plowing his way off the right guard into the end zone for another FALCONS TOUCHDOWN!!!! (14-0) At this point Atlanta is all over Green Bay. 

On Green Bay’s next possession they added their first points of the game by way of a 32 yard Crosby field goal. Atlanta came out passing on its next touch and had a 47 yard completion to Harry Douglass called back due to a holding call on Tyson Clabo and two plays later the Falcons are forced to punt the ball and Green Bay adds another field taking the score to (14-6).

After Halftime the Falcons Defense forces a 3 and out for the highly taunted Green Bay offense. The Falcons offense come back onto the field looking to add to their lead is stop dead in their tracks after another penalty is called on Tyson Clabo for illegal use of hands and pushes Atlanta in a 3 and 12 which they do not convert.

The Falcons Defense held their own most of this game because they again forced another Crosby field goal and got the ball back for the Offense. (14-9) But now it seems the Falcons on offense has began to unravel. On first down Matt Ryan finds Tony Gonzalez for 15 yards but is waived off for an illegal formation penalty on Julio Jones and 3 plays later they are forced to punt. Then the defense has a break down. The Green Bay Packers use one play to go 70 yards to score a touchdown to take the lead (14-15) after a failed two point attempt. 



The Falcons offense hasn't done much since the first two drives of the game, and apparently had no intentions of doing anything else. Green Bay however went on to add another touchdown on a 29 yard reception by Greg Jennings and another field goal by Crosby before eventually taking a knee to end the game. Packers score 25 unanswered points to win the game 25-14.





Offense

Similar to last week The Falcons offense started out fast and slowed down to screeching halt after half time, but differently from last week they were not able to hold on for the victory. This game could have been different if not for self inflicted wounds that ended what could have been assumed to be promising drives. We as Falcons fans are still waiting to see a full 60 minute games from the team, one week it’s the offense and the next it's defense and this week it was offense. On 10 offensive possessions 2 were touchdowns, 1 was a kneel down to end the half, 5 were punts, and the last 2 were interceptions. That alone does not scream being a consistent offense, nor does 3 drives that didn’t have one run in it. Many fans are looking for a change with the offensive coordinator, Mike Smith has gone on record saying that all offensive calls go through him but as I learned recently on ESPN, it’s never good for anyone to receive reassurance because that means your job is up for discussion.


Offensive Notables and Player of the Week


Matt Ryan did throw for a touchdown and complete just about half of his passes. Julio Jones pulled his hamstring and did not return. From what I saw during the game Roddy had no drops this week, and had a productive game for the Falcons 6 catches 50 yards and a score. The Falcons still are struggling in the 3rd quarter of ball games and this week their struggles over flowed into the 4th as well. Turner had 16 carries for 56 yards and a touchdown. Tony Gonzalez led the team in receiving yards with 60.

Player of the Week: Michael Turner 16 Carries 56 yards 1 Touchdown


Defense

The Falcons defense had the Packers offense looking for answers during the half, but like the Falcons offense, the defense came out flat. However, the defense has forced a turnover in 24 straight games and they held that Green Bay offense to just 25 points and Aaron Rodgers to only 2 touchdowns. The Falcons have not registered a sack since Jonathan Babineaux was in the starting lineup. Sunday night Bab was back in the lineup and the Falcons sacked A-Rod four times, and none of them where from John Abraham. Not because he wasn’t productive but because he was held out with a groin injury, new comer Ray Edwards got his first sack as an Atlanta Falcon. The Falcons couldn’t get off the field, allowing Green Bay to convert on 9 of 15 third downs. Sean Weatherspoon was all over the field with 11 tackles, and Curtis Lofton wasn't far behind with 10. Both are among Tops in the NFL in tackles Sean Weatherspoon is ranked second with 49 and Curtis Lofton is fifth with 47. After the Falcons defense melt down in the second half many fans are hoping for a change on the defensive side of the ball as well, hoping that Mike Smith would take over the play calling in hopes of rejuvenating a defense that has been revamped from the past years

Defensive Notables and Player of the Week

Brent Grimes forced a fumble early in the game, which a recovered by Vance Walker. The Falcons had 5 pass deflections and four sacks. Lofton had 10 tackles and 4 solo. Thomas Decoud was third on the team with 8 tackles and nickel back Chris Owens left the game with after suffering a concussion while covering a punt. Babineaux returned to action and recorded one tackle but it’s always good to see Big Bab on the field.

Player of the Week: Sean Weatherspoon 11 Tackles 6 Solo 1 Sack 2 Tackles for loss and 1 QB hit

Preview

After suffering a loss over the NFL Champs, Atlanta faces the team who had the number one draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, The Carolina Panthers. Carolina isn’t the same team they were last year and I’m sure many Panthers fan are happy about it. With the first overall pick the Panthers selected Georgia's very own Cam Newton and in the first couple of games his young career he broke the NFL record for most passing yards for a rookie QB in the first two games. The Atlanta Falcons have already dropped one divisional game to Tampa Bay and losing this one, to of all people the Panthers, could mean disaster for a team that had Super Bowl expectations just a short while ago.

10-2: Falcons Squeak Past Seahawks

It’s October so you know what that means? No, not "31 Days of Horror"..... Time for pink football gear!!! This time of year, every year the NFL goes pink to support the fight against Breast Cancer.. So I figured I'd use pink text to promote the cause as well. Let’s get into the action!

Recap

To start the game the Falcons defense came out and shut down the Seahawks opening possession with a three and out and made way for the Falcons offense to do something they haven't done all season... SCORE on their drive of the game. Not only did they score, but they did it the way the Atlanta Falcons are supposed to score. They ran the ball and used short pass completions to move the ball down the field on a 12 play 72 yard drive which led to Tony Gonzalez catching a 1 yard TOUCHDOWN. (7-0)


The Action continues in the second quarter, with Seattle moving the ball down the field, thanks to 20 yards in defensive penalties. Third down and four Tarvaris Jackson pass is tipped and picked off by Curtis Lofton. Four plays later Turner runs off the left side for 21 yards and another FALCONS TOUCHDOWN!! (14-0) Things are starting to look as the Atlanta’s offense has returned the 2010 form that led them to a 13-3 record.

Then things start going downhill for the Falcons defense. On the ensuing possession, giving up two explosive plays, the Seahawks only need four plays to move 84 yards. Rice BURNED pro bowler Brent Grimes down the field for the easy 52 yard score, not to place all the blame on Grimes but that was horrible football from an all pro looking for a contract extension either during or after the 2011 season. (14-7)


The good thing is the offense is in a zone. Michael Turner is really becoming a receiving threat out of the backfield; on the first play of the drive Ryan dumps the ball off to Turner for a pickup of 10 yards. Three plays later Matt Ryan finds his Rookie Receiver Julio Jones for a 29 yards to the 35 yard line. A few plays later he finds his go to guy Roddy White for 16 yards down to the Seattle 2 and the Falcons are rolling down field, and two plays later Turner, stretches the ball over the goal line dragging defenders for the 1 yard score! Falcons all over the Seahawks. Atlanta also adds a field goal just before the half to take a 17 point lead into the locker room (24-7)

Third quarter, well here is where the Atlanta Falcons have struggled in every game of the season, being outscored by opponents 52 to 13 and that trend does not end in Seattle. While the Seahawks are pouring on 14 points in the quarter the Atlanta Falcons muster up the strength to add 3 points on three 3rd quarter possessions heading into the fourth with only a 6 point lead. (24-21)


With all the troubles Atlanta has in the 3rd quarter of ball games, they sure make up for it in the 4th. Atlanta outscores opponents 33-7, and yes that seven comes from this game with Seahawks, this game looked to be a blowout early but the Falcons just barely escape Seattle with the victory after kicker Steve Hauschka missed a 61 yarder that would have given the Seahawks the lead and the win. 30-28 Atlanta Falcons over the Seattle Seahawks.





Offense

FINALLY the Falcons play a game of football that everyone from the Football GODs to the unborn future Hall Of Famer expected them to play. They ran the ball and used dink and dunk passes to move the ball down the field. Who cares that it was on the Seattle Seahawks? The point is, IT HAPPENED! The Offensive line did something they haven’t done all year... PROTECT! Matt Ryan wasn’t sacked this game and I’m sure he greatly appreciates it, but I’m sure some of that protection also comes from not trying to force the ball down the field and taking what is allowed by the defense. But something is starting to concern Atlanta Falcons fans, myself included, and it’s Roddy White. Roddy White is leading the NFL in drops with 6, and has only had one 100 yard game this season while Julio Jones has had two back to back and it can’t help but be noticed that he has been listed on the team’s injury report for the past 2 weeks with a "thigh" injury. Falcon’s fans are seeing a lot of Jacquizz Rodgers, who is getting a lot of touches ass the speed back, and filling in for Jason Snelling who missed last week with a head injury. The team was 56 percent on the 3rd down and a perfect 2 for 2 in the redone.

Offensive Notables and Player of the Week


Matt Ryan and the offense were unstoppable for a large portion of this game, and I’m not just talk about the big lead they had at halftime. The Falcons held the ball for 40 minutes and they got back to the balanced football that has become a common trend in Atlanta since Mike Smith took over. Matt Ryan put the ball in the air 42 times and handed it off 36 times for 121 yards averaging 3.4 yards a carry, which by my estimation is when you combine 3 carries its 10.2 yards which is normally good for a first down. Julio Jones is really showing why he was worth a 21 spot move in the draft. He was targeted 17 times making 11 catches for 127 yards, but the young star has yet to find the end zone. Roddy had 6 catches for 78 yards and Tony Gonzalez had 7 of his own for 56 and Ryan’s only touchdown.

Not the line but this is what happens when
they do their job correctly!

Player of the Week: The Offensive line, this group has been under much pressure and after Mike Smith pondering a change in the unit they stepped up their play and keep the QB off the ground.

Defense

If anyone told you that they were completely satisfied with the way the Falcons defense played this game, they would be lying. After a great first half, the Falcons defense got whipped up and down the field by the Seattle offense. Tarvaris Jackson had his first 300 yard game of his career, and just between us he is far from a rookie QB, and 3 touchdowns. On the other hand the defense held Seattle to just 53 yards on the ground and did force 2 turnovers making this the 23rd straight game that they have taken the ball away from the other team. Although they are still having a problem with getting of the field on 3rd down allowing the Seahawks to convert 6 of 11 attempts. The revamped D-Line has not recorded a sack in 3 games and that’s not good when you have names like John Abraham, Ray Edwards, Peria Jerry or Kroy Biermann. WE NEED SACKS, but they don’t just come from the d-line it’s a such thing called coverage sacks and well the coverage in the secondary hasn’t been anything close to great and that has things buzzing around Atlanta that the Falcons should go in a different direction with the defensive coaching to match the players skill in the secondary main in the corners. Dunta Robinson is a bump and run corner who can play the ball well in the air, and Brent Grimes can do it all with help over the top and can really climb the ladder for the interception. Bottom line is the Defense as a whole needs to step up. On top of all that Ray Edwards has yet to record a sack as an Atlanta Falcon, which has a lot of critics whispering that he was a benefactor of playing alongside Allen, and the Williams wall, but the season is still young and we will see how he answer the call.

Defensive Notables and Player of the Week

For the first time someone not named Sean or Curtis led the team in tackles. William Moore led the team with 8 solo tackles and 8 total tackles, While Lofton also had 8 but he only had 4 solo placing Moore on top. Sean Weatherspoon wasn’t far behind; he added 7 of his own. Curtis however did add an interception along with Thomas Decoud, who has recorded his second straight game with an interception... I guess he had a lot of time to thing after he got bench a few weeks back.

Player of the Week: William Moore 8 tackles... I know 8 tackles doesn’t sound like much but the defense didn’t have the best game and he led the team with tackles. After battling injuries early on in his career, He is becoming the best thing in the Falcons secondary since Lawyer Milloy.

Preview

We all remember The Falcons sudden and embarrassing end to the 2010 season. This week they have a chance to get revenge against the defending Superbowl Champ Green Bay Packers. This will not be an easy task as the Packers are coming into the GA Dome smoking hot looking to steam roll the team with the best record in the NFC from a year ago. With Aaron Rodgers coming off a 6 touchdown game the defense will have to step up and make it difficult for the charging Packers. Needless to say The Falcons wanted to get more explosive and that Playoff loss is the reason why, the offense is going to need to put up points and a lot of them as the face the Packers on Sunday Night Football.