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Is It All Just a Bunch of Mularkey?

Published: December 20, 2009

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Going into the 2009 season, Falcons’ Offensive Coordinator Mike Mularkey was one of the names mentioned for possible head coaching jobs in 2010. He was a hot commodity in the pool of assistant coaches looking to move back to the head coaching role. Much of this is due to his prior experience going into the 2008 season as first-time head coach, Mike Smith’s choice for offensive playcaller.

While being persued by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their vacant quarterbacks coaching job, Mularkey recieved an offer he couldn’t refuse from the Falcons. With almost 25 years of coaching experience behind him, the opportunity to call plays for the Falcons new offense was just too great an opportunity.

He tried his hand at head coaching in 2004 with the Buffalo Bills. After two seasons, he stepped down and moved to Miami to work with then-college coach-turned pro, Nick Saban. That went south the following year when Saban returned to the college ranks and new head coach Cam Cameron struggled in his first season.

Now a Falcon, Mularkey seems to be in the perfect situation with a solid running game led by 2008 Pro Bowler Michael Turner. The system used by Mularkey is a run first to setup the pass offense with a host of gadget plays thrown in for good measure. However, this season the offense has struggled to regain it’s 2008 momentum with injuries to most of the teams returning starters.

Standout second-year quarterback Matt Ryan has spent the last three weeks watching the games from the sidelines with a turf toe injury. Turner has been banged up and starting offensive linemen Harvey Dahl and Sam Baker have missed games with various ailments. The offense took an early hit before the season began with the season-ending injury of second year receiver Harry Douglas.

So can we as fans deflect the obvious struggles due to injuries? Or should we take the high road the coaching staff has used and enforce the concept that every player should be capable of replacing their peers? Personally, I believe both are relative.

While Turner struggled early in the season, the pressure mounted on Ryan. After five games, the Falcons found themselves at 4-1 and were touted by NFL analyst as the second best team in the NFC behind the still undefeated Saints. Once Turner came out of his funk, Ryan began his struggles. After tossing 10 interceptions in five games the Falcons fell to 5-4 and since that time, the only victory was accomplished on a last second pass from Chris Redman to receiver Roddy White to thwart a Buccaneers upset.

After last weeks matchup against the Saints, the grumbles of Mularkeys predictable system gained momentum. After catching a break against the Saints failed fake field goal attempt, Mularkey called a wildcat formation used to execute a reverse. The result was a 12 yard loss and it was followed by an interception of Redman that all but sealed the fate of the game.

If you listen to the conversations of Falcons fans, you will quickly learn that the sacrificial dagger has turned on Mularkey. It’s not exactly unfounded, but it does appear premature. Truth be told, the Falcons have created a strong foundation on offense and with the system in place it would set the team back quite a bit to replace him with a new coordinator.

Whispers have mentioned ex-Patriots coordinator and Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis. His work with Tom Brady is well documented. But this offense isn’t built for the run and gun style of Weis. You have a power running back, a very underrated fullback and two very solid run blocking receivers. This offense is built much more like the Steelers in the Jerome Bettis days than the Patriots in the Charlie Weis years.

Whatever the case may be, the Falcons have three games remaining to close out the season on a high note against teams without a winning record. If the Falcons can manage to get Turner back on the field, the results should come soon. And if the Falcons can manage to pull off a winning record to break the 43 year curse of futility in back to back seasons, the fan base will likely be very forgiving of an injury plagued year. Winning cures all wounds and right now the Falcons need some good news going into the offseason.

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Has Chris Redman Ressurrected His Career?

Published: December 20, 2009

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That’s a question worth pondering right now. Having to step in for injured Matt Ryan, Redman has shown many of the physical tools he displayed in his stellar college career. Those tools resulted in his being selected 75th overall in the 2000 draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He left college throwing and completing more passes than anyone in NCAA Division I history.

A recipient of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award and Conference USA Player of the Year, his skill set was determined. He was a fantastic passer. He started six games in three years with the Ravens and managed seven touchdowns and five interceptions.

During those three seasons, Redman had severe back problems. He was injured his rookie season and was never the same.

He bounced from team to team afterwards eventually signing with the Arena Football League before a phone call came in from then Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino.

With time during the season to support his family, he went into the insurance business. He kept his arm warm and persisted with his dream to play football as a career. That phone call from Petrino changed his life.

“After a couple of years you have your doubts. I didn’t know if I was going to play this game again,” Redman said. “But I think that was a good thing for me. Now I don’t take anything for granted. Everything that happens I look at as a blessing.”

“Last year at this time, I think this very day, I was cold-calling a plumbing company — walking into a place I had no clue about trying to sell somebody insurance,” he said. “Now I get a chance to play. It definitely was a big change.”

So Redman was back in the NFL. His wounds had been given time to heal and he was prepared to do whatever it took to hold on to his dream.

If nothing else, he has an interesting story for Hollywood some day. As a result of the Falcons trade of Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans, Redman was given another chance in the league. Overshadowed by the trade, the eventual indictment of Michael Vick and cowardly departure of Bobby Petrino, Redman is still a Falcon. And he’s playing like a man fighting for his place in the sport he loves.

He finished the final four games of 2007 with the Falcons and posted some pretty impressive results. During that time he was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week and ended the season with a 90.6 passer rating.

When now head coach Mike Smith took over coaching duties, he retained the veteran as the backup and mentor to his rookie selection Matt Ryan. Once again, Redman was cast in the shadows. Certainly he was a capable quarterback, but Matt Ryans only come around so often. Management decided to gamble on Ryan rather than address the more pressing defensive needs and it paid off.

But where did that leave Redman? Would he play out his two-year contract and once again disappear into obscurity? Did he keep that insurance license as a back-up plan?

“I don’t have to help [Ryan],” Redman said, “but it’s the way I am. If a young guy comes in, you help him. I was fortunate to have good quarterbacks when I was in Baltimore. Trent Dilfer helped me out a bunch. It was just the way that I was coached.”

People often credit those in command for the success of others. Last season, the press laid praise for the maturity and poise of Rookie of the Year winner Matty “Ice” Ryan on GM Thomas Dimitroff, coach Mike Smith, offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and even quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave. A very impressive list of people that all had an impact of the success of Ryan, but how much praise should be attributed to Redman?

“Matt’s unbelievable,” Redman said. “I think he’s a Hall of Famer.

So reality has to have set in for Redman. He would never be the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. He admits Ryans upside makes him the face of the franchise. So where did that leave him?

But in 2009, with Ryan struggling through his sophomore season, he got another chance to make a name for himself.

In week 12 against the Buccaneers, Ryan was injured on the Falcons first possession and since that time Redman has raised questions of his value. He finished that game by tossing the winning touchdown to Roddy White in the final seconds. The spotlight shown on his face once again. Finally, he was gaining praise with his peers and getting noticed.

Redman was in, and he could win!

That’s when the wheels came off of this feel good story. The following week, the Falcons hosted the Philadelphia Eagles and the return of number one disappointment of the Falcons franchise, Michael Vick. Vicks’ story is on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Given more chances than he admittedly deserved, he returned and it once again cast Redman into the shadows. The crowd made their choice and rallied more around the opposing quarterback based on his story. A story of deception, destruction, and murder.

I won’t pretend I understood the emotions of a hard working misfit who’s back injury almost ended his career. I would imagine it was a euphoria of being named the starter to being disappointed that no one really cared. He trotted out on the field and faced a defense that was determined to exploit his rust and lack of weapons.

There was no Michael Turner, the Pro Bowl running back that in 10 games scored 10 touchdowns and averaged 4.9 yards a carry. The offensive line was short due to injuries to both left tackle Sam Baker and reigning meanest man in football, right guard Harvey Dahl.

It was like watching a man bring a knife to a gun fight. Still, Redman managed modest stats, but his two key interceptions resulted in 14 Philadelphia points. With the game in hand, Philly coach Andy Reid put in the man the Georgia Dome was waiting to see in Michael Vick. He played the entire fourth quarter and was cheered for his efforts where as Redman was surrounded by the jeers of the crowd.

The following week was an even greater challenge. The undefeated New Orleans Saints came to town and by all laws of logic, the Falcons were in serious trouble. A win would keep them in the hunt for the playoffs and a loss would all but end those dreams. It was on Redman to lead the team to victory against all possible odds.

To the surprise of many, Redman played well. Very well in fact. Without his power running back, he led the team into the red zone three times only to come away with nine points for the trouble. Once one of the best red zone teams in the NFL, they found themselves struggling to push those extra few yards for the score.

With the game tied and his chance to make a statement for the franchise, Redman came on the field in a 2nd-and-22 situation. The prior play was a botched wildcat formation that left Redman on the sidelines watching. He took the snap, underthrew his pass, and it was intercepted. Regardless of his 300 passing yards it’s that throw that will be remembered.

When you take everything into perspective, Redman is truly a feel-good story that has snake bitten written all over it.

Having fewer starts in his career than week 15 opponent Mark Sanchez, a rookie, he is now relied upon to keep the Falcons dreams of back to back winning seasons as well as their playoff hopes alive. As a Falcon fan I will be cheering for the underdog to succeed. Not merely because of the team, but because I believe hard work and perseverance will be rewarded.

I have your back, Chris Redman. I hope when time reflects back on your life the story has a happy ending.

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Saints-Falcons: New Orleans Marches Into Atlanta and Remains Undefeated

Published: December 18, 2009

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On Sunday, the Atlanta Falcons went into the game against the Saints with their backs against the wall. Their starting quarterback was in street clothes, their Pro Bowl running back was sidelined, and their top offensive lineman, Harvey Dahl, was ruled out before the game.

So without half of your starting offense going against an undefeated rival you should just concede and go home right? That’s why they play the game.

From the opening kickoff to the final ticks of the fourth quarter, this was a game worth the price of admission. I should know, I paid a lot to go see it.

See, after being a Falcons fan my entire life this was the first time for me in the Georgia Dome. It felt very strange to enter a stadium where the black and red jerseys were more prominent than the opposing teams. I’ve been to many games in the past, but mainly in New Orleans and Dallas. This was a day I looked forward to witnessing for months.

Then reality set in. No Ryan, Turner, Dahl or Peele. No way could the Falcons bring me a victory in my first ever game in the Georgia Dome. Boy was I surprised the way the game turned out.

The first half was pretty much what I expected to see. Drew Brees was almost perfect, the Saints held all the momentum, and even Reggie Bush looked good. The Falcons tend to make over-rated players look like Pro Bowlers. Ask Panther fans about Delhomme after he’s played the “birds in black”.

When the second half kicked off, the Falcons were down 16-9 and the Saints took the opening kickoff down the field for another Reggie Bush score. My first trip was going to end badly. The “WHO DAT’s” were out in full force as well. Spouting jeers and rubbing the Falcons fans’ faces in their undefeated team’s success.

We all know New Orleans is and always will be a mecca for the gifted and successful. You’d think after so many years of winning championships they would show a little more class in their success. Wait, nevermind they sucked worse than Atlanta in their history.

No wonder they are so dillusional, they simply do not know how to act. But I digress, this is about the team and not those fans who can’t act like they’ve been there before since they haven’t…

The Falcons tightened their belts, lowered their shoulders, and gave the Saints all they had in the second half of the game. They scored on back-to-back possessions to tie the game at 23-23.

The Saints drove downfield, but stalled and were forced to kick a go-ahead field goal. With the game at 26-23, the Falcons had plenty of time left in the fourth quarter to drive downfield and either tie or take the lead.

This is where our story gets weird. On 1st-and-10, the Falcons came out in a Wildcat offense with Jerious Norwood in the shotgun. Norwood then proceeded to hand off to Eric Weems coming around the back on a receiver reverse. The Saints sniffed it out perfectly. The result was a 12-yard loss and the Falcons then faced a 2nd-and-22.

The next formation the Falcons came out in was read immediately by the Saints defense and linebacker Jonathan Vilma stepped in front of Chris Redman’s pass to give control back to the Saints.

“It was obvious, while we were getting ready to run that play that they were coming off the edge,” said Head Coach Mike Smith.

“Really, I’ll take responsibility for that. It should be my responsibility as the head coach to call time out and make sure that we don’t run that play. Either we call time out or put it in the hands of the Lord and hopefully we can run around a blitzing corner. I take full responsibility for that play. It’s not on the players. There is nothing in our system for us to get out of that play. It’s something that I should have handled.”

The air in the stadium was let out and the crowd started heading towards the exits. Not me. I paid too damn much for the overpriced tickets and I expected better. No, I demanded better! I wasn’t planning to leave with my head down while Bourbons finest shouted their heckles to the Falcons faithful.

I was going to be proud of the backups’ ability to keep in the game and the defense’s job holding the Saints to their second lowest point total of the season.

That’s when something weird happened. The Saints, already in Falcons territory, stalled on the 15 yard line and setup for a field goal to go up by six. But that tricky Sean Payton, he thought it would be cute to fake it with 82 (guessing here…) year old Mark Brunnell which didn’t quite work out.

The Falcons had the ball back, time on the clock and only down by three. A touchdown to win, field goal to tie and two minutes on the clock. It’s go time.

That’s when the wheels fell off the bus. The play-calling had become predictable. The bunch formations Mike Mularkey utilized limited options and the Saints defenders read it like an open book. On 4th-and-2, the Falcons came out bunched and the Saints read screen.

Once again, linebacker Vilma sniffed out the screen and hit running back Jason Snelling one yard short of the first down. The game was over, the Saints remained undefeated.

Leaving the stadium, I was a bit numb from it all. My expectations going in were the Falcons would lose by two touchdowns. When I left I couldn’t help but be optimistic about the future. For a team on it’s last leg, it fought all the way to the end.

If the Falcons can manage to win their final three games they will have achieved their first ever back to back winning season in it’s much maligned history. Based on how they played the best team in the NFC on Sunday, that is certainly within the realm of possibility.

One game at a time, and that kicks off at 1pm EST on Sunday in New York against the brutal Jets defense.

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Atlanta-Philadelphia: Atlanta Fans Should Feel Shamed, Eagles Send in the Dogs

Published: December 8, 2009

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You know, I started writing this article many times and had to stop and change the venom in my words. To be honest, words can’t describe how upsetting Sunday’s game was for many reasons. For a team that started 4-1 and seemed to be positioned to make another playoff run, they were absolutely terrible Sunday afternoon.

“This was not a very good performance today,” said Falcons coach Mike Smith. “Obviously we were beaten soundly in all phases of the football game. We have to put that behind us as quickly as possible as a team and that is what we intend on doing.”

I’m aware the Falcons ended the game with four offensive starters in the lineup. I had a feeling with the Eagles’ blitz schemes that it would rattle quarterback Chris Redman. I expected the running game to be slow to start with guard Harvey Dahl in street clothes.

What I didn’t expect was the way the crowd applauded the collapse of the season.

“When you’re out there on the field, you’re not listening to the crowd noise,” said coach Smith. “You’re focused on the task at hand and the task at hand for us was to try to score when we had the ball on offense and to stop our opponent when we were on defense.”

Why exactly is crowd noise a factor at home against the same team that twice in this decade put the Falcons out of the playoffs?

I realized there were still fans of Michael Vick in attendance. Hell, I’m one of them. After all the destruction that happened as a result of Michael Vick’s off-field actions, I never forgot the joy he brought me on the field.

I have to be honest; it made me nervous seeing him on the Georgia Dome turf once again. I remember many games where he brought excitement to the field that few in history can boast.

But this past Sunday, he brought a dagger and shoved it into the Falcons’ playoff dreams. And while he was executing the dreams of actual Atlanta Falcons fans, he was elating those Vick fans that once filled the dome.

I’m sure in next Sunday’s game against the undefeated New Orleans Saints, there will be a few of those who cheered the fallen son of Arthur Blank remaining. Those that cling to their loyalty to an athletic felon and their desire to support a team that repeatedly fails to put together back-to-back winning seasons.

That said, I’m left with one lingering question. How can you call yourself a fan of the Atlanta Falcons when you cheer for their opponent?

When Michael Vick scored his first touchdown, the cheers that rose from that stadium were appalling. It reminded me of the days of the Roman Coliseum and the crowd’s elation at the site of blood. As an Atlanta Falcons fan, it was embarrassing.

I’m embarrassed at the realization that those who stated Atlanta was too fickle to be a sports city were correct. Did Green Bay fans cheer when Favre walked out of Lambeau victorious? Did Raiders fans wear jerseys with the name “Gruden” on them while they watched him defeat them in the Super Bowl?

There is no question that Michael Vick put butts in the seats during his time in red and black. The dome stayed full capacity, but for the wrong reasons.

It will take many years of success and championships to earn the respect of the city. The new regime of Falcons with Thomas Dimitroff, Mike Smith, and Matt Ryan seem to be the right components to turn around this franchise. However, hearing the cheers for the one-time face of the Falcons had to be disheartening for the sidelined Matt Ryan.

If I were Matt Ryan, I would take this as a challenge to cleanse the dome of those who refuse to let go of Vick and create my own legacy. A win against the Saints on Sunday would go a long way in establishing that belief.

Normally, this is the point where I name the studs and duds of the game. I’m finding it difficult to lay praise on any Falcons player. I realize both Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez had statistically great games, but it achieved nothing more than avoiding a shut out that the Falcons staff seemed to care little about.

This brings me to my second question. Why would you not want to score to avoid a shut out?

On the final drive of the game, the Atlanta Falcons allowed two minutes to tick off the clock without so much as a time out. Does being shut out at home mean nothing anymore? I, for one, will take any points I can get. Thanks to the heads-up catch on a deflected pass by Roddy White with time expiring, the Falcons avoided complete domination.

I have decided to toss this game aside, forget it happened, and focus on the Saints this Sunday. I hope for the return of Ryan, Turner, and Dahl because they will be needed to unseat the Cajun killing machine from New Orleans.

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Atlanta Falcons Escape Sunday Worse for Wear as Buccaneers Drop a Heartbreaker

Published: December 2, 2009

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The Falcons kept their heads above water in the NFC playoff race, but they paid a huge price.

From the onset of Sunday’s kickoff, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came out physical. With the announcement that head coach Raheem Morris will be calling the plays, the Tampa Bay faithful had a close eye on the results. They were not disappointed.

From the first snap of the game, the Bucs came out to punch the Falcons in the face. It didn’t take long before the first of many injuries surfaced.

On the 10th play of the game, Falcons golden boy quarterback Matt Ryan was rolled up while being sacked by two relative unknown defensive ends. One of the two, named Tim Crowder, was just signed this season as a free agent from Denver.

I mention Crowder merely due to the fact that I pined for him in 2007, when then Falcons GM Rich McKay was steering the ship. Crowder went in the second round, 17 picks after the Falcons selected cornerback Chris Houston.

Crowder had a much better game Sunday than the disappointing Houston.

When Crowder emerged from the sack high-fiving his teammates, quarterback Matt Ryan limped slowly off the field and wasn’t seen in the huddle for the rest of the game. His replacement, veteran Chris Redman, had to take the reins and lead the Falcons to victory.

Redman stepped on the field for the first time in 27 games for the Falcons and delivered the mail. He did a solid job keeping the chains moving, and for someone that takes very few reps with the first string offense, he performed very well.

“I am always in the game whether I am in or not,” said Redman after the game. “As the backup, you have to be prepared to play at any second to be in the game. I understand that I am one play away from getting my number called to step in. This approach enabled me to focus in and help the team as much as possible.”

The Falcons are lucky they have a backup that prepares this way. Tampa Bay was playing “Nothing to Lose” football Sunday and came out with massive pressure packages—namely, blitzing safety Ronde Barber.

Before the first half had ended, the Falcons had lost their starting quarterback, left tackle, and right guard. Physical indeed. The birds got beat up.

Shortly after the second half was under way, another blow was struck to the Falcons offense. Stud running back Michael Turner went down with another leg injury.

So welcome back to the huddle, Chris Redman. You are working with backup running backs who have both been injured, a backup offensive tackle guarding your blind side, and the meanest offensive lineman on the team standing on the sidelines injured.

Now go win the football game!

And that he did. It took a last second pass on fourth down to Roddy White to do it. This game was controlled by Tampa Bay from start to finish. But it isn’t about who wins the battles; it’s about who wins the wars.

“We had double slants called with man coverage on the last play,” said Redman. “We liked our chances with WR Roddy White one-on-one making a play for us on fourth down. Roddy is a great player and we had all the confidence in him. Our timing was a bit off prior to that touchdown catch.”

All that matters is the war was won.

The Falcons are still alive for a playoff berth going into a very difficult two-week stretch against Philadelphia and New Orleans. Both games are at home. If the Falcons plan to sniff the playoffs, they must win at least one of these two games, with the Eagles game being the most important in the case of a season-ending tiebreaker.

They will go into these games likely without Matt Ryan. It all falls on the shoulders of Chris Redman. I personally have faith in his ability to distribute the ball to the playmakers. The real question mark going into those games is honestly that porous Falcons defense.

It is up to the defense to shore up and impose their will on these two dynamic offenses. Both teams have been stopped this season in different games—the Saints against the Jets and the Eagles against the Raiders. What’s troubling is both the Jets and Raiders are better defensively than Atlanta.

Defensive coordinator Brian Van Gorder is terrified to blitz good quarterbacks. He plays two of the best in the next two weeks. Expect to see more bend and break defense.

But back to observations from the Tampa Bay game.

STUDS OF THE WEEK

Chris Redman

Stepped in admirably with half the offensive unit injured. He tossed the winning touchdown pass as well as several key third and fourth down completions.

Tony Gonzalez

Until the final drive of the game, Gonzo was relatively invisible. He was double-covered much of the game and fought through those to be ready to win the game. That last drive was worth the price of admission.

Michael Koenan

I can’t say enough about the boybarian. He’s one of the best in the league. Between forcing touchbacks and booming 60-yard punts that take six seconds to land, he’s just solid. He kept Tampa Bay pinned back anytime he was called upon.

Michael Jenkins

I defend him constantly to fellow Falcons fans. He’s one of the best blocking receivers in the NFL and gets little credit in that area. There is a reason the Falcons get so much production running his direction. His problem has been dropping passes. Well, not Sunday. He had a great game with Redman throwing him the rock.

Roddy White

Between the receiver screen he took past Aqib Talib for over 20 yards and the game-winning touchdown, he played hard Sunday. He’s a guy I’m glad to have on our side in the battles. I have a feeling he’s going to have a helluva day Sunday with Redman tossing him the rock deep.

Chevis Jackson

I have to show my LSU alum some love here. He played very well—better than any other cornerback on the field. Not saying much there, but he was the best.

Jonathan Babineaux

Invisible for most of the game, he came through with a clutch sack and forced fumble to force the Bucs to punt midway through the fourth quarter.

DUDS OF THE WEEK

Jason Elam

I hate to pile on this guy because he’s been so clutch in his career in the past. This season, something’s up. He missed another pretty automatic field goal Sunday. It was announced today that he was released, and I wish him the best. He seems like a great guy, but he’s either injured or he has Rayfinkleitis.

Sam Baker

Matt Ryan isn’t the only one going through a sophomore slump. Baker had a really bad November and topped it off with getting injured. His replacement, Will Svitek, doesn’t thrill me, but the way T-Rex (yes, Baker has short arms) has been playing, I can’t say with any faith it’s a downgrade.

Tye Hill

I hope you put some of that famous lasagna in your refrigerator the night the Falcons signed you. You can freeze it and take it with you next year to whatever team signs you. Sunday I had D.J. Johnson flashbacks. The difference is, Antonio Bryant is no Jerry Rice.

Chris Houston

Turn your head and play the ball Chris!!!! Write this down, take a picture, I don’t give a…well, you get the idea. Turn your head and play the ball!!!

John Abraham

…To say I’m disappointed would be too much of an understatement.

Mike Peterson

Has he played in the month of November? I swear I see a jersey whose name is covered by hair sometimes. I just figure it can’t be Peterson because it’s usually side camera walking into the play after the whistle. Very disappointed in him after a fantastic September.

Chauncey Davis

Is he still on the active roster?

I can’t say I’m optimistic about Sunday’s game against the Eagles after watching the home game against the Buccaneers. The Falcons are supposed to be a force at home. I realize injuries are mounting, but Tampa Bay was a 1-9 team going into Sunday. You aren’t supposed to rely on last second heroics in those games.

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The Atlanta Falcons Try to Regroup against the New York Giants

Published: November 18, 2009

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Starting the season, this match-up stood out to me. My expectations were that if the Falcons could win this game they would be contenders. After 10 weeks in this NFL season, the value has changed.

The Falcons are playing like a team that just can’t get in sync. They started the season 4-1 and appeared to be a legitimate contender in the NFC as many had expected, then came the downward spiral.

Just as the Falcons found their running game and seemed to be clicking on all cylinders, their second year “face of the franchise” hit a slump. Even with Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner averaging 142 yards a game over the past three weeks, Matt Ryan has been very unstable at best.

And what’s worse? Turner went out in the second quarter last week against the Panthers and isn’t expected back for at least this week’s contest against the Giants.

The Giants are having much of the same problem this season as the Falcons. Expected to take the NFC East by most, they have fallen into the same spiral that effected the Falcons.

They have lost four of their last five as well including four in a row. During that stretch their quarterback Eli Manning has been very inconsistant. The fourth quarter was once his strength,now it’s his weakness.

Another of their issues has been the play of that talent filled defense. Many in New York are calling for the head of linebacker Antonio Pierce as a result. They have had a bye week to prepare for this struggling Atlanta offense.

THE ICE HAS STARTED MELTING

In his last five games, Matty “Ice” has taken a nose dive in his progression. He is playing scared and not planting his feet when he throws. During this time frame Ryans’ mistakes are crushing the teams chances to pull games out in the end.

He is 96 of 175 (54.8 percent) for 1031 yards seven TDs 10 INTs during that stretch. Several of his interceptions cost the Falcons the game in the fourth quarter, the quarter where great quarterbacks shine.

He has not appeared the be the same quarterback at all. I went back and watched the week two meeting with the Panthers at home and then back to last Sundays game. The biggest difference was his mechanics.

In Atlanta, Ryan changed one play to a quick crossing post by Gonzalez for a touchdown at the line of scrimmage. He did with using his cadence drawing the blitzers in and reading their intent. He planted his feet on a three step drop and delivered the mail like a professional.

In Carolina, with a similar set, Jake Delhomme used his cadence to draw in the blitzers and made the exact same pass to Jeff King for a large gain. The Panthers watched tape of Ryan, and Delhomme used that same play to hurt the Falcons.

The difference was they saw something that worked on tape and used it. The Falcons haven’t followed suit. So, is it the offensive line? Are the receivers not getting open? Is it the play calling? The Falcons better figure it out soon because their “face” is drowning out there.

GIANTS OWNER UPSET WITH HIS SCHEDULE

Owner John Mara came out earlier this week to complain about the Giants schedule. In particular, his trip to Denver for a Thursday night game against the Broncos.

“It’s not an ideal situation,” Mara told the New York Daily News. “I don’t mind playing on Thanksgiving. My complaint is sending us all the way to Denver on a short week.”

All I can say John is when you have to face four teams coming off their bye weeks, three of which at their home, you have a right to complain. Getting a Thanksgiving game isn’t a cause for complaint. Especially when your team comes in refreshed from their bye, at home, against a team that has struggled against teams coming of their bye weeks, at home.

KICKING THE HABITS

Not only does Ryan need to kick his habit of not planting his feet and making the correct reads, but kicker Jason Elam needs to kick his habit of shanking the ball. His percentage of success (64 percent) looks more like what Ryans completion percentage should be going into Sunday.

When he takes the field all Falcon fans tense up. He’s one of the best the NFL has ever seen, but he and Ryan both appear to have problems getting it done. It could be attributed to a young, inexperienced long snapper or the way punter Michael Koenan sets the ball. Either way, it needs to be corrected in a hurry.

THE PREDATOR REDUCED TO PREY

The Falcons are still looking for signs of life out of veteran John Abraham. He doesn’t appear to be injured, but he’s playing worse now than when he was dealing with his groin. That’s pretty mind boggling being a male just thinking about that pain.

If the Falcons expect to win Sunday, they must get pressure on Manning. It’s up to Abraham to take this game on his shoulders and lead the charge.

TAKING WHAT THE OFFENSE GIVES YOU

I’m so sick of this saying. You take what you’re given. So when exactly do you impose your will against your opponent?

Watching Delhomme sit back in the pocket and scan the field just infuriated me. Not just as a Falcons fan, but as an NFL fan. There is no reason anyone should have six or seven seconds in one spot to scan the field.

This week against a pretty solid Giants offense, defensive coordinator Brian Van Gorder, had better grow a pair and send the house at Manning. We all know the corners are struggling, but I like their odds of covering a receiver for three to four seconds much more than seven.

The Giants will try and establish the run so each and every play the Falcons needs to control that line of scrimmage. If it takes blitzing Lofton, Nicholas, Coleman, DeCoud, and Peterson so be it. The Panthers showed what happens when you control the line of scimmage, and they did it with a four man front; the Falcons do not have that luxury.

SO IS THE CHEETAH HEALTHY YET?

Everything has been so hushed about the status of running back Jerious Norwood. When he’s healthy, he’s electric in the open field. The problem has been he hasn’t been on the field much this season at all.

With Turner down the back-ups must step up. Jason Snelling has been admirable in his role as fullback, running back, and special teams ace, but it’s time for him to show he can endure the punishment of a starting back in this league.

Norwood has proven he cannot make it 20 carries in a game without going down to some random injury but his presence on the field causes defensive coordinators to scramble and make sure he has enough athletes on the field to counter that speed.

WHO TO WATCH?

Corey Webster vs. Roddy White

White is having another fine year. His main problem has been Ryan getting him the ball on the run. Roddy has been forced to sit down on routes or run comebacks to the ball. He’s much more effective on the move. Webster is a smart corner and if Ryan isn’t careful, he could create turnovers against Corey.

David Deihl vs. John Abraham

As much as Abraham has been held this season I don’t believe it matters who he lines up against. Deihl has had some issues this season and can be beaten. If Abraham can unnerve Manning from the blindside the Falcons could take advantage of some rushed plays.

Brandon Jacobs vs. Curtis Lofton

Lofton at present is leading the league in tackles and he will be facing a freight train Sunday. It will be interesting to watch these two collide. One thing is certain, neither will back down from the challenge.

Fred Robbins vs. Todd McClure

This match-up truly scares me. I don’t believe McClure has the physical strength to compete with Robbins. He will require attention from Harvey Dahl to keep contain which give either Justin Tuck or Osi Umenyiora one on one against the Falcons tackles.

Hakeem Nicks vs. Tye Hill

Finally a match-up I like for Hill. Granted he will be covering a rookie, but his speed will help him stay attached

SO WHO WILL WIN?

As much as I’d love to say the Falcons pull this one off. I do not expect that to be the case. No Michael Turner, Ryan regressing, the secondary in shambles and the Giants at home coming off a bye is just too much to take Atlanta.

NEW YORK 31, ATLANTA 23

The Falcons are a much better team at home. If they can manage to win out at home the will atleast achieved back to back winning seasons. But whoever made the schedule this season really wanted the Falcons out of the playoffs.

Three NFC EAST team off their bye weeks just wreaks of sabotage in an up and down NFC conference.

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Panthers Send Falcons To Back Of The Bus

Published: November 16, 2009

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I would imagine that bus ride home was not pretty. The Falcons went into Carolina with an opportunity to sweep the division series and laid an egg. It was probably the most predictable game I’ve witnessed this season.

Either long snapper Bryan Pittman or kicker Jason Elam caused the Falcons’ first opportunity for a lead to disintegrate. On the shank heard ’round the world, Elam missed a chip shot to put the Falcons up 22-21 late in the game.

But this game was far from their fault alone. Throughout the season, we’ve learned the Falcons’ kicking game is terrible. Because Elam averages less than 65 percent on his attempts this year, I often cringe when I see him come on to the field.

But losing this game was a team effort. Practically every leader on the team let the fans down in one way or another.

Whether it was the continued disappearance of defensive end John Abraham or the regressing of second-year standout quarterback Matt Ryan, the team effort became a team loss. And that goes all the way back to coaching and ownership.

Let’s take a moment to break down the blunders, shall we?

The Falcons kicked off to open the game. They held the Panthers to 3-and-out, and the Falcons got the ball on their own 31-yard line.

On the second play of the drive, Michael Turner took the handoff and rumbled 40 yards. With Turner seemingly returning to his old form, I told my wife that we should be able to control this game if he keeps running like that.

The drive stalled shortly after, and the Falcons sent out kicker Jason Elam. I must admit my cheeks clinched up as if I was in prison wearing makeup and a dress. But to my surprise, it sailed through the goal posts, and the Falcons took the lead 3-0 with only four minutes off the clock.

After Koenen’s second touchback, the Panthers took over at the Falcons 20-yard line and proceeded to march right downfield almost effortlessly.

The Panthers tried to run the ball, but tackles Jonathan Babineaux and Jamaal Anderson wouldn’t allow it, forcing Delhomme to take matters into his own hands. Then he found out just how weak that secondary is this season.

Without Brian Williams to guard Mushin Muhammed, the Panthers tossed two long passes to Moose totaling 43 yards (21,22) and moved into the red zone, where running back Jonathan Stewart punched it in from one yard out.

Down 7-3, the Falcons took the next possession and moved the ball into Panthers’ territory, but stalled and were forced to punt. They attempted six passes and three runs. Right there, I could see the signs of a bad game.

Quarterback Matt Ryan is struggling badly. Running boot legs that cut off half the field. The way Ryan stares down his receivers. Have no doubt, both are serious issues. More on that later.

When Carolina regained possession, they did what the Falcons failed to do. They ran the ball effectively without forcing Delhomme to win the game. Take note, Mularkey, your young QB goes as your running game goes.

After scoring the touchdown and taking an 11-point lead, the Falcons did what they have done many times this season. They marched down the field and scored a touchdown.

That drive consisted of Turner pushing out 42 yards, and Mike Smith deciding to go for it on a 4th and 8 situation. Everything about that drive screamed guts. But after that drive, everything went wrong.

Michael Turner left the game with an ankle injury, and Ryan continued his slide of the last several weeks.

The defense came in and forced a 3-and-out. The Falcons’ offense took the field, and Ryan needed all of five seconds to throw his first interception of the game.

Then the Panthers turned the turnover into seven points, and it wouldn’t be the last time.

To open the second half, the Falcons marched downfield to kick another field goal. Once again, my cheeks were so tight you couldn’t insert a pin with a jackhammer. Elam makes me very, very nervous. But, he made it! At this point, the Falcons are only down by eight.

When the Panthers are forced to kick a field goal of their own, a great jump from Chauncey Davis blocked it. Time to play catch up.

Again on the move, the Falcons score on a three-yard pass to Justin Peele. The game is in hand, and the momentum belongs to the Birds. That is, until they missed the two-point conversion.

Behind DeAngelo Williams, the Panthers moved into Falcons territory. The Falcon defense snuffed out any further nonsense and forced the Kittens to punt. Down by two with 11 minutes left, the game was well in hand.

Then my fears became reality. After failing to convert a 3rd-and-1 on the Panthers 16-yard line, coach Smith sent out Elam to put the Birds up by one. Because it was an important kick, you wouldn’t expect the entire thing to be botched.

Elam appeared to start moving at least two seconds before the snap. Once the kick was off, it sailed far left. With the Falcons still down by two, Carolina had the ball back with six minutes left.

But again, the Falcons oft-criticized defense held strong, forcing the Panthers to punt with four minutes remaining. Then Atlanta needed only five seconds to give it back.

After a great return by kick returner Eric Weems to mid-field, Matt Ryan took the first snap and proceeded to toss another sailing pass to Jenkins that was picked off. Ball game.

Deja vu for Falcons fans, as many remember Mora, Jr.’s 11-5 season, followed by a 5-2 start the next year. They finished 8-8 and all hopes of back to back winning seasons were dashed.

This is all too familiar territory for this team. As much as I’d like to stay positive, word of possibly losing Turner to injury for several weeks is devastating.

THE ICE HAS MELTED

Well, folks, it’s official. Matt Ryan is no longer Matty “Ice” any longer. He’s playing scared. After watching every game multiple times, I’ve concluded several disturbing things about QB1:

He is not planting his feet to pass the ball. More often than not, he is throwing across his body while on the move. If he would set his feet and throw, his accuracy would increase dramatically.
He is running far too many bootlegs. He cuts off half the field with these boot outs. They may help the running game, but they aren’t using the field effectively.
He’s not feeling the pressure like he did last season. Far too often, he’s moving backwards, causing him to throw off his back foot and make errant, sailing releases.
He is wasting offsides penalties. He has done an outstanding job with his cadence forcing multiple linemen to jump early, but he wastes them by taking a knee. Pro Bowl quarterbacks will take a shot deep down field. Who knows? You may get a pass interference to go with the offsides.
The no-huddle offense has been removed from the playbook. Used briefly yesterday, it resulted in a touchdown drive. Then it was forgotten.
Why the hell do you have three tight ends on the field? When Keith Zinger is catching passes, you have a serious problem. Are we that thin at playmaker, or do we need mass protection to keep Ryan from throwing the ball away?
Quit staring down your receiver. Ray Charles can see who Ryan is targeting after the snap. Last season, Ryan was amazing at looking off safeties. This season, they are making a living off his errant passes.

I could list more, but I think I’ve made my point. The same quarterback I didn’t want from Boston College last season has made an appearance this year. And more than one game has been lost because of his poor decisions with the game on the line. I realize you can’t just bench him to teach him a lesson, but something must be done. You can’t blame his youth and inexperience any longer. He’s played in 25 games, and his first 20 were much better than his last five.

WAS GETTING TONY A MISTAKE?

Don’t get me wrong, I love having the future Hall-of-Famer in red and black, but what did we sacrifice to obtain him?

The Falcons are without a second-round pick next season, which would have been the perfect spot to snag a back-up running back. They gained a great pass catcher, but lost that sixth blocker on the line of scrimmage Ryan had last season.

To compensate, the Falcons take receivers off the field and run these stupid bunch tight end formations with two and three tight ends. That leaves your playmaking receivers on the sidelines, bunching up the offense and allowing defenses to play press coverage.

Gonzalez seems to be out running routes, and Ryan is feeling the pressure too soon and abandoning his pocket protection. The offensive line lost Ryan’s trust, and I suspect it has to do with that sixth pass protector running routes.

THE BURNER IS IN THE SHOP

After yesterday’s cheap shot (more on that later), the Burner is out for several weeks with a high ankle sprain. Without him in the line-up, the Falcons are extremely thin at running back.

Turner struggled earlier in the year, but has since put on a rushing clinic. In a mere three weeks, he went from averaging less than four yards a carry to more than five. Let’s hope his injury is not as serious as originally expected.

THE GAMBLE PAID OFF

At what point do you get called out for injuring players? Culpepper’s existence in Minnesota was ended by a low helmet hit from Chris Gamble, and Sunday he repeated the same dirty play on Turner.

After Turner was tackled on his last run, Gamble came in low and put his helmet on Turner’s ankle. Then he was gone.

It’s bad enough you hold receivers seven and eight yards down field, but to lower your helmet to hit a player already tackled is just dirty. I wish Dahl would have come out on one of those useless boot legs and knocked some sense into the corner.

The officials should review that play again.

RODDY NEEDS THE BALL MORE

It seems every week the most overlooked player on the field in Roddy White. What happened to those quick slants he used to abuse teams with last season? This year, it seems like screens and comeback routes are all we are using.

If you get the ball to White in the open field, he can make people miss. If you force him to turn his back or side to the defense, it’s stopped almost instantly. Did the coaching staff just decide to change the schemes entirely?

SNELLING IS THE UTILITY MAN

Enough can’t be said about the contribution Snelling has made this season. He’s stepped in for Ovie Mughelli at fullback and both Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood at running back. All the while, he’s lined up on special teams.

He is the Falcons’ iron man who is good at everything he does. The problem is he isn’t great at any of it. The Falcons need someone to fill Turner’s shoes while he’s out, but Snelling isn’t the 20-carry guy the Falcons need. For that matter, I doubt even a healthy Norwood is the guy.

I enjoy Snelling, but, if he’s the starting running back, the Falcons likely miss not only the playoffs, but also back-to-back winning seasons.

WHO PUT THE DOGS UP?

OK, we are past the midway point in the season, and John Abraham has just three-and-a-half sacks. I realize he’s pretty constantly held, but that never stopped him before. I’ve watched him closely the past few weeks, and he’s just not making any impact.

As a huge fan of Abraham, I’ve allowed his situation to slide because of the lack of help he has on the line, coupled with the poor officiating when he is being held. But this is a career low for Abraham, and I can’t think of anything that will correct the issues he’s having.

GO SIT IN THE CORNER

Since Brian Williams went down earlier this season, the Falcons are really struggling to replace his presence on the field. Both Williams and Peterson were a one-two punch on defense, and it seemed one keyed off the other. Without Williams, Peterson has slipped back into the shadows, and Williams’ replacement has become a revolving door.

Originally, Brent Grimes was slated to take over. He’s played his heart out, but, when you’re too short to ride the roller coaster at Six Flags, you’re too short to cover the Mushin Muhammeds of the world. So the Falcons put in Tye Hill, who has blazing speed.

But that blazing speed does little to help when on 3rd-and-5, you’re playing 10 yards off the ball. Hill was torched several times yesterday, and it’s time to let rookie Christopher Owens sink or swim. After injuries to both the Falcons’ first and second round picks, it’s time for the third rounder to make a name for himself.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Falcons had plenty of opportunities to win this game and threw them all away. Missed field goals, interceptions, etc. The Panthers are playing much better in the month of November, and I take nothing away from them.

The fact is Atlanta and Carolina have changed roles in the past five weeks.

At the start of the season, the Panthers had sloppy play at quarterback, their defense gave up in the 4th quarter, and their offensive coordinator made some head-scratching play calls.

The Falcons had great play from the quarterback, the defense played hard all four quarters, and the coaching staff made some great challenges and play calls to put games away.

It’s a total reverse now. Delhomme just completed his third game in a row without a pick. Matt Ryan has thrown an interception in seven straight games, including four multiple-interception games.

If the Falcons are going to have a chance at the playoffs or back-to-back winning seasons, field general Ryan must remove his head from his…well, you know. It’s up the coaching staff to utilize him more effectively. No more bootlegs!!