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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