AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2005 > October > 17
Monday, October 17, 2005
Little thrill of victory
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons escaped with a 34-31 victory over New Orleans Sunday and the mood in the locker room after the game and today at Flowery Branch was hardly celebratory.
Today, after watching film, players and coaches said they made enough plays to win, despite all of the questionable officiating against both teams. They knew they got handled for the most part, but the long offensive drive in the second half that took more than 10 minutes and the final drive before the do-over field goal by Todd Peterson were the types of plays that propel teams to victory when they don’t play their best, they said.
That was about it for the good stuff, though.
The talk was mostly about finding some way to stop the bleeding on run defense, which has been a chronic problem since Seattle opened the gash in Week 2. Little of the blame was pointed on the reshuffled linebacking corps, even though Demorrio Williams and Keith Brooking seemed to bust the call and go opposite ways, opening up the center of the field, on Antowain Smith’s 24-yard touchdown run.
No particular problem was cited, but, to the naked eye, the Falcons are not gang tackling like great defenses do, that’s why you see so many ball carriers getting yards after initial contact. The run support they’re getting at from the safety spot also is spotty at best.
As for the cornerbacks, it’s about time DeAngelo Hall realizes that teams are throwing at him for a reason. Even if he is in zone coverage, he is getting lost when the ball is in the air, surrendering enough separation for receivers to make catches. Jason Webster is what he is and the Falcons are simply going to have to live with him getting beat deep every now and then, especially by taller receivers.
On offense, the big concern, and rightfully so, is the play of Dez White at wide receiver. Coach Jim Mora has supported White, mainly because of his ability to block, but it’s never a good thing when you talk about your starting receiver because of his blocking and not his penchant for making plays.
White has become more of a liability whose confidence appears to be in the tank. A change could be forthcoming, with Brian Finneran or Roddy White taking his place and veteran Jerome Pathon moving up the depth chart.
Otherwise, the only other offensive concern is quarterback Michael Vick being more consistent in the passing game. Tailback T.J. Duckett is nursing a sprained right ankle and is questionable for Monday night’s game with the Jets, but Warrick Dunn showed once again that the Falcons are fine with him logging the brunt of the rushing load. Justin Griffith would move to the backup tailback spot if Duckett does not play.
Working in the Falcons’ favor, they have a long week to fix their problems then have a bye week after that, which affords them even more time to get things together.
