Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Defense Manhandles Manning; Falcons 2-0

Scoring Summary

First Quarter
Atlanta: Michael Turner 1yd run (7-0)
Atlanta: Matt Bryant 37yd field goal (10-0)

Second Quarter
Atlanta: Matt Bryant 42yd field goal (13-0)
Atlanta: Tony Gonzalez 1yd pass from Ryan (20-0)
Denver: Demaryius Thomas 17yd pass from Manning (20-7)

Third Quarter
Atlanta: Roddy White 4yd pass from Ryan (27-7)

Fourth Quarter
Denver: Willis McGahee 2yd run (27-14)
Denver: Willis McGahee 2yd run (27-21)

The Atlanta Falcons ended the second week in the NFL on Monday Night Football hosting the Denver Broncos. This game featured two undefeated teams, a legend playing in his first road game since 2010 and a fifth year signal caller trying to silence the critiques and thrust himself into the elite category.

As a Falcons fan you have to have been excited about this game as the defense went toe to toe with one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game, Peyton Manning ( I surely was, since I had been placed in twitter jail twice during the broadcast). In the end the Falcons did just enough to hold off the Broncos and win 27-21. This was a good team win but still Atlanta has things to improve upon as the season moves forward.

Offense

Versus the Chiefs, the Falcons run game was practically nonexistent as the team managed only 84 yards on the ground. This week against the Broncos it wasn't much better, actually it was worse. Once known for being a power running team, Atlanta averaged just 2.4 yards on 28 attempts totaling out at 67 yards. Where is the rushing attack? Michael Turner led the team in rushing but only had 42 yards on 17 carries and 15 of those yards came on one play at the end of the game as the Falcons were running out the clock. Needless to say, that’s not going to cut it.

Another problem the offense is having this season is leaving points on the field. On four Denver turnovers, Atlanta only managed 13 points on three relatively short field drives. That is just unacceptable when your offense features Roddy White, Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez, Michael Turner and Matt Ryan. Not turning turnovers into points can come back and bite you, and especially when you’re facing quarterbacks like Peyton Manning the lead is NEVER safe so scoring on every opportunity is very important.

The last issue with the Falcons is somewhat the play calling. Toward the middle of the game leading 20-7, Atlanta became really conservative, excessively running the ball up the middle gaining nothing more often than not. Matt Ryan was money the majority of the game so trying to pound the ball with a back that’s not producing was a bit puzzling to many fans. More often than not playing not to lose instead of playing to win will cost you a victory and possibly a chance to make the playoffs.

On the other hand, Matt Ryan and Roddy White seemed to be unstoppable as they played pitch and catch for most of the game. During the third quarter, it just didn't matter who was covering White, he was going to catch it and for big yardage. The two even connected for Ryan's 100th career touchdown pass during the game. None of this would have been possible without the outstanding play of the offensive line. The unit kept Ryan clean and allowed him time to find his receivers down the field. Ryan has been sacked twice this season however two sacks is a far cry from the nine allowed in the first two weeks of the 2011 season.

The offensive game ball goes to Matt Ryan and Roddy White.

Defense

This Mike Nolan defense picked up right where they left in Kansas City. My only gripe with the unit is the run defense has allowed 270 yards in the first two weeks including 118 by Willis McGahee. Running the ball give the opposition momentum and make you more susceptible to the big play or play action pass. The Falcons are going to have to improve in this area, especially with teams like Carolina, Tampa Bay, Oakland, Dallas, Washington and New York on the schedule.

I was really impressed, dare I say it, stunned by the style of defense played last night. It was like nothing I've ever seen in my years as a Falcons fan. There was so much pre-snap movement it was hard to tell what the unit was going to play. Don't believe me? Ask Peyton Manning. On his first three drives Manning threw three interceptions in his first 10 attempts.

Not only did they force three picks and a Moreno fumble, the defense led by safety William Moore had "The Sheriff" shaking in his boots most of the game. Nolan dialed up tons of pressure sending defensive backs and linebackers and the unit added three sacks to the already impressive stat line. However the most impressive part about the defense is the ability of the next man to step up when called. The Falcons used three different corners in the nickel position. Early in the game Asante Samuel went down and forced Christopher Owens to play outside and sent Robert McClain in to play as the nickel corner. A few plays later Owens went down with a head injury bringing Dominique Franks into the game and for the most part the unit didn't skip a beat.

The last thing that impressed me was the physicality of the defensive backs attacking the ball and bringing the BOOM to the Broncos players. If the unit can continue this intensity and "swagger" the rest of the season then look out for this Falcons Defense.

The defensive game ball goes to William Moore.

Other News

Early this morning, Atlanta Falcons running back, Michael Turner was arrested and charged with DUI and speeding, going 97 miles per hour in a 65 zone. The team has released a statement on the situation as we are forced to sit and see how the surely ensuing punishment unfolds.

During last night game Christopher Owens left the game with a concussion and is likely out for next week’s game vs. San Diego. Meaning Franks and McClain will battle for the open position at nickel corner.

In week two the New Orleans Saints dropped their second game of the season against the Panthers falling to 0-2 and last place in the NFC South. Tampa lost a close game to the Giants in the Meadowlands. Atlanta is now leading the division at 2-0 followed by Tamps (1-1) Carolina (1-1) and the Saints at 0-2.

Week 3 Preview

Falcons head to the west coast in week three to face the San Diego Chargers in a battle of unbeaten teams. Last time Ryan and Co. played the Chargers was in 2008, this was Michael Turner's first game against his former team and he rushed for 120 yards as the falcons left Qualcomm Stadium with the 22-16 Victory.

This year, however, the circumstances are a bit different. In 2012 Ryan is a five year pro, the Chargers are looking to go 3-0 for the first time in years, and former Charger Michael Turner may be riding the bench for his recent run in with the law. If the Falcons are going to win this game, they are going to have to bring the defense from Monday night and the offense from two weeks ago. If Atlanta plays a team game it could get ugly for the Chargers who are looking to get a win versus the first winning team they have played all season.

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