Falcons

By Chris McAndrew

October 30, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this

It’s funny how the Falcons can’t seem to ever put it all together. Before long the defense will be hot again, but the offense won’t be able to score. Always seems that way with the Birds.

By Jagstang76

October 30, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

The issues with pass coverage is really a result of not getting pressure on the QB with the front 4. Ever since Abraham went down, they have struggled to cause enough fear in opposing QBs’ heads. This allows them to sit in the pocket and pick the Falcons defense apart. Things changed somewhat when Mora and Donatel started blitzing in the 2nd half against CIN. However, that causes weaknesses in coverage should the QB find a WR before the blitz gets to him. Therefore, the BEST or IDEAL way to fix the coverage issues is to find a way to get to him with the front 4 DL and allow the LBs and DBs to go back into coverage. That means better performances from Kerney, Coleman, Davis, and company to allow Donatel the liberty he needs to shutdown other avenues.

By Jeff

October 30, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

The sooner they demote Webster, the sooner they’ll put it all together.

The next two weeks are important to this team. The good teams perform well in tough games. But they perform just as well in games they are supposed to win.

The Falcons should win the next two games, but they will need to stay focused (it should be easy considering last year’s plunge). Let’s see how well Mora prepares them.

By jroc133

October 30, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

I like what I’m seeing but I still have reservations. I still want consistency and the game in Baltimore will be even bigger than the win in Cincy. Still, MV7 has had this ability for quite some time - its just Greg Knapp had to be put on notice. Sorry, Greg - but Arthur and Rich will fire you before they ship Vick off. Especially if its not just MV7 making complaints nationally.

The loss of John Abraham has been huge. Even when the offense struggles (and there will be games down the road when it will) a team has to rely on their defense to keep them in games or change the makeup of a game. Without Abraham, this team has had to rely on good backup play; however, John makes this team a force defensively.

Jason Webster needs to go. He’s never been a starting corner in the NFL, he was just one of Mora’s guys from San Fran who followed him here. Newsflash: he used to get repeatedly torched in SF and now we’re seeing it on a weekly basis in ATL. Bench him and the staff needs to begin to take their lumps w/ Jimmy Williams. Why did you trade up to get him and you don’t want to play him in the middle of the season? Detroit on the road and Cleveland at home are too good opportunities to give him game time before the team kicks up for the stretch run.

I don’t see any talk right now about Mike, but wait until the team’s next loss and they’ll come out like vultures. Honestly, we saw the same kind of play last year - but the defense was so bad that Joe Montana, John Elway, and Steve Young would not have been able to get that defense into the playoffs. If they were, it’d be one and done.

No team is built into a SuperBowl contender overnight and it does take time. But Blank and McKay are putting everyone on notice (and I do mean everyone - from coaches to players). They want to win and they want to win in the next two seasons. I like the ride that we’re on right now…

By StillDirtyBirdin

October 30, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

Quality wins, both for me as a fan and the networks (hopefully= more primetime games in the future). I do however share the concerns expressed by many: where did the D go? With Abe out and rest of the d-line struggling, obviously there will be less pressure generated. Four down rushers worked against CAR and TB, but hasn’t really been effective since. We need to bring pressure like we did in the second half. The strength of our D is our aggressive LB’s and if we send them, they are hard to pick up. That also forces man coverage, and while it might seem like a problem- that only plays into the hands of “Aloha” with man to man being his strength. J Web has been suspect, but dropping the end to his side could help the short area, while he maintains outside responsibility or so.

Now I grant you I’m no expert, nor is that a cure all, but I noticed, as did everyone else, that Blitz=success- and I’m willing to take shots as a defense too, some you win, some you lose, but ask ol’ Ed about what playing soft zones will get you (re: 4 and 26th or even the 1/4’s coverage on the Henry TD).

All that said I’ll take 5-2 and first place. HOW BOUT THEM ‘CONES BOIII!

By Larry

October 30, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Remember in 1980 the only weakness was a suspect secondary. It moved from “suspect” to conviction in the playoffs when Dallas came from far behind in the 4th quarter because of a weak secondary.

Here’s hoping history doesn’t repeat itself!

By Redkrush

October 30, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I agree the defensive backfield letdowns really need to be fixed.But at the same time,when you blitz it leaves you open to the possibility of a big play.The 55-yarder by Henry yesterday was on the secondary forsure.But the pass rush has gotta be better also and not have to rely on the blitz all the time to get QB pressure.

Crocker just seemed to get mixed up and was very upset about the play.That’s good to see,because it tells me he cares and will fix it.His sack was a really big play for the defense also.And I’m really glad the Falcons picked him up.

Webster I’m confused with.Everyone else was lining up to jam the WR’s but yet he was giving alot of cushion.Since coming to the team,he’s always done this.Is his confidence shot? Is he playing hurt? He’s made some big plays for us,but he’s given some up also.Maybe he and Mathis need to swap places and Webster play the nickel position and see what happens.But it does seem the opposing teams pick on him alot for this cushion he gives.

Is Williams ready? If he’s not making it into the nickel defense, I guess that’s your answer.He’s a rookie I know,but he’s gotta get some time playing time other than special teams to get the experience needed.He could be the big,physical corner to play the opposing teams posseion WR and let Hall play the split ends that go deep often,since he has the better speed.

Overall,I just think better communication and assignment knowledge will correct alot of the problem,as this secondary has faced some really good passing teams the last 2 weeks.But if this problem is not addressed and the Lions have a field day passing the ball,then someone should get benched.

By BirdDawg

October 30, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

STEVE, PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS

Steve, there is no way that that improved line play is just a coincidence with the worst offensive lineman in the NFL currently not playing because he’s a dirty cheat.

Matt Lehr is absolutely horrible. He constantly gets beat in one-on-ones. He’s constantly grades in the passing game as the worst lineman on the team, and I guarantee he’s in the bottom 5 of all NFL guards.

And you know what, Forney is overrated, too. He’s never lived up to his great promise, and these two rookies are playing like their hair is on fire.

Steve, we as a fan base need to know that Jim Mora will not insert either of these two losers back into the line when they are healthy / back from suspension. The weakness of the Atlanta line has always been up the middle the last two years.

This now seems to be a strength. Please tell us, Steve, that Jim Mora will not screw up what is turning into a strong pass blocking offensive line, and give that complete lose, Matt Lehr, his job back. He never earned it to begin with.

Jaws on ESPN just said that the difference in Michael Vick’s game is improved protection by the O-Line. So I know I’m not the only one seeing it.

No one here in the Atlanta media ever wants to admit it, but Lehr and Forney suck, and Lehr especially should never have been given a spot on an NFL team.

The only reason why I am worried is because this coaching staff seems to make boneheaded decisions all of the time. I fully believe that Donatell got into with Knapp at the end of the Giants game. And I fully believe that Blank heard what Vick had to say and agreed with him, that his OC wasn’t setting him up for success, so he sat down both his DC and OC and told them they better start adjusting or they’d be gone.

Since that meeting, we’ve seen Donatell discover something called the linebacker and safety blitz (it’s all the rage in the NFL) and Greg Knapp call a pass or two on first down. It shouldn’t have taken the owner getting in their faces and their QB call them out on national and cable TV, but it did.

And because this staff is so stubborn and so slow to change, I can see Matt Revolving Door Lehr suiting up in 3 games, and then watching Vick get sacked 6 times, and Jim Mora stupidly wondering why that just happened.

I can really see that happen.

So please, let us know if this is going to happen, so we can go to the Dome en mass with our Matt Lehr Sucks T-shirts and chant the moment he steps on the field so we can let Mora know how much of an idiot he is.

By Redkrush

October 30, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

And another thing,what has happened to Rod Coleman? He has disappeared.

By Phat Phalcon

October 30, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Any good qb will pick apart a cover 2 if he’s getting 5 seconds to throw. The deep middle just behind the LBs is left open by design. The concept is that by getting pressure the deep middle won’t have time to develop. Short passes and deep sideline routes are completely worthless against this scheme. Send a fifth rusher from a different place on every passing down and some first downs and it will make a huge difference. Donatell seems gutless.

By Dpaul

October 30, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this

Okay, okay, Hartwell is back. Time to send Demorrio Williams to the bench. Why? Well, because Edgerton Hartwell is better, right? He must be. The Falcons are paying him $26.5 million dollars over six years. I’m not sure what we’re paying Williams this year, but I do know that he made $311,160 last year, a year when he led all Falcons in tackles with 127. In that same year Derrick Brooks, Lance Briggs, Keith Brooking, and Brian Urlacher all went to the Pro Bowl as some of the NFC’s best linebackers. It’s instructive to look at each of these players’ stats (see below) for 2005, and compare them to those of Williams. Most football experts would agree that tackles are the best measure of a linebacker’s skill. Somehow Demorrio Williams topped all of these Pro Bowlers with 127, finishing 3rd in the entire NFC in tackles in his first full year. He posted respectable numbers in interceptions, sacks, and passes defended, and his field goal block return for a TD against the Saints should not be forgotten. Somehow, however, Demorrio’s name was kept quiet. Williams did not receive recognition or consideration for the Pro Bowl, and all we heard about during the off-season was the return of Edgerton Hartwell, the former Raven and $26 million dollar man who had missed most of the 2006 season.
Well, after missing the first five games, Edgerton is finally back. And he hasn’t done much. 6 tackles in the two games he started. It’s not that we should expect him to be great – after all, he is coming back from over a year of not playing. But something must be said when the Falcons take their leading tackler in Demorrio Williams, and relegate him to third-down and special teams work. We hear about Brooking, Boley, Abraham, Coleman, D. Hall, Kerney, Milloy, and Crocker, but somehow no one ever mentions D. Williams. He’s quietly leading the team in tackles this year, even after having not started the past two games.
Hartwell was good when he was with the Ravens, particularly in 2002, when he posted 142 tackles. One should take into account that in 2002 Ray Lewis, the Ravens’ linebacking leader, played in only 5 games, leaving Hartwell as the team’s key linebacker for 11 games. In subsequent years his production dropped, as Lewis was back to pick up the load.
Demorrio Williams, however, has flourished in the presence of Pro bowl teammate Keith Brooking. Willams led the team in tackles last year, and is neck and neck with Brooking for the team lead in tackles this year, even despite not starting the last 2 games. Maybe I’m crazy, maybe I don’t understand football, but from up in my seats it sure looks like number 51 is someone we want on the field. Demorrio Williams is a great tackler with great speed and a nose for the ball, someone we want on the field. His head-nodding energy is contagious and he intimidates opposing offenses.
Waiting around for Edgerton Hartwell to “come around” or “get back into football shape” by starting him is unacceptable for a team that is a legitimate contender. Hartwell is surely a great player, but Williams deserves both recognition and a role as starter.

Demorrio Williams Year Games Solo T A. T Total T 2005 16 99 28 127 2006 16 36 14 50 *in 2005 D Williams also returned a blocked punt for a TD 59 yards against the Saints

Edgerton Hartwell Year Games Solo T A. T Total T 2002 16 103 39 142 2003 16 66 27 93 2004 16 55 41 93 2006 2 4 2 6

Keith Brooking Year Games Solo T A. T Total T 2005 16 88 27 115 2006 16 37 10 47

Brian Urlacher Year Games Solo T A. T Total T 2005 16 97 24 121 2006 7 36 19 55

Derrick Brooks
Year Games Solo T A. T Total T 2005 16 93 32 125 2006 7 42 9 51

Lance Briggs Year Games Solo T A. T Total T 2005 16 83 24 107 2006 7 50 6 56

By dpaul

October 30, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

formatting issue with the stats, thats why they look all jumbled. Trust me, Demorrio is as good as any pro bowler.

By mj

October 30, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

With 4 minutes left in the game and up by 9 points, its a pure rookie mistake to get beat by the long ball for a touchdown. So, either put the rookie JW in or Kevin Mathis and lets see what they can do. Webster plays too soft and its time for the change. Its also disappointing that the only person that wears a 55 Falcon jersey on Sunday is the traffic guy at 11 alive news! However, these last two games have been the most entertaining of the years past. Great job Falcons! Lets put these next two weak teams away, then get the Ravens!

By Doc Reem

October 30, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

BirdDawg I’m 100% with you. I told my wife yesterday if they bring Matt Lehr back as the starter once he comes back off suspension I’m going to make a sign protesting it at the game. If Lehr is brought back as a starter we’ve got to do something to show our displeasure as ticket holders. We’ve got enough people on the blog to do something. Let’s just hope we don’t have too.

By bushwacker

October 30, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

DPaul do U think anybody actually read that long a* message?

By bushwacker

October 30, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

“EVER SINCE ABRAHAM WENT DOWN” OK people, listen up, we only had him for ONE game, YOU CAN’T LOSE SOMETHING YOU NEVER HAD AND ONE GAME DON’T COUNT. Its time to quit making excuses and who ever is playing needs to get it done,whether that means blitzing lb’s or safety’s or whatever, once we fixed that and a few missed coverages WE WILL WIN IT ALL!!

THIS IS OUR YEAR!!!!

By bushwacker

October 30, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

Remember 2 years ago when KC put an a* whooping on us then we went out and did the same thing to Denver the following week, then ended up winning 11 and going to the championship game. Well its happening again, lose bad to the Giants, followed up with not one but two excellent games against good teams, mark my word, we will not lose again THIS YEAR!!!

By Jeff

October 30, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

People, please. The team has looked good, but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves …. we aren’t even through half the season.

We have to beat the Lions and the Browns before we begin talking about the Ravens.

The good teams beat up on the not-so-good teams (like the Bears did Sunday). Let’s stay focused on this week’s game against the Lions.

By Eternal Optimist

October 30, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

Hey Dpaul! Love those comments man DWilliams has certainly earned his starting position. Actually I think he and Boley are our best two LB’s. They are certainly the two fastest and most atheletic. We’ve given alot of money to Abe and Hartwell and honestly they havent earned it as of yet. But Hartwell is coming off multiple knee surgeries so I will wait to pass judgement. But for now I’m definetely holding down my boys DMOe and Boley. Thanks for dropping the knowledge to the uninformed.

By Saint Jo, Mo Falcon Fan

October 30, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this

Quarterbacks coach excelling at another location? Prior mention\comment below was of Montana, Young and Elway as the greats? Only one has backed up and learned from the best-Bill Musgrave. Praise and progress always follow his arrival. If and when he is given adequate time to refine a program or project, nobody will beat him at the game of coaching offense-. Now that he has “the” talent -Vick-he will not improve Vick’s physical talents, but will allow Vick to be introduced to a broader horizon on reads and certain conceptual philosophies that were never before put in front of him.

By dom

October 30, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this

JASON WEBSTER IS HORRIBLE AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN HE HAS SOMETHING ON MORA. SOMEBODY ON THAT BENCH OR PRACTICE SQUAD HAS GOT TO BE BETTER. HELL EVEN A SAFETY COULD COVER BETTER IN A ZONE.

By bigbelly

October 30, 2006 07:48 PM | Link to this

I’ve been b**chin bout Brooking for a while now, but it’s time for me to give him his due. Brooking played a hell of a game, flying to the ball, blitzing, and even was tight in pass coverage. He played like an all-pro lb yesterday and he deserves props. If he keeps that up, I’ll go out and buy a #56 jersey for real.

What can I say about Jason Webster that hasn’t already been said. He has to play 10 yds of the LOS just to be ineffective. It’s time to give the rook a shot. If you draft a cb in the first 2 rounds he should automatically go into the starting line up anyway until you have proof he can’t play.

Lehr should never be allowed to set foot in the Ga. Dome for the rest of his life. Put him on the first plane going Anywhere But Here. Matter of fact, they should position a flight attendant by his seat so that they can pull down his shade so he can’t even see the Dome on his flight out of town.

By MARC

October 30, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this

THE COMPETITION WITH THE WR’S MOVING LELIE INTO THE STARTING LINE-UP CAUSED ALL THE WR’S TO START CATCHING THE BALL. MY POINT IS PUT WEBSTER ON THE BENCH SO HE WILL NOT GET COMFORTABLE THINKING HE HAS THE #1 SPOT LOCKED DOWN, AND THAT WILL MAKE HIM EITHER STEP UP OR SHOW HOW HE REALLY IS! BUT I THINK JIMMY WILLIAMS WILL DO GREAT IF HE ACTUALLY GOT GAME TIME!

By falcouga

October 30, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

I really enjoyed watching my birds sunday but webster must go its not fair to the fans to have to put up with him considering he’s not a real falcon he was thrown on us by mora so its his job to get him out of here before he become a distraction like he already has he’s a liability and only going to get worse as his confidence fall its not to late to fix this major problem with a minor and very popular change all in all i am very happy with my falcons

By Najeh Davenpoop

October 30, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

D. Williams got benched for Hartwell because he is too small to play run defense. Chris Draft was once one of the team leaders in tackles too, problem is most of those tackles were 6-7 yards up the field because it took him that long to shed run blocks because of his size. Hartwell may not show up in the stat sheet but his presence definitely helps the run defense out. The Falcons should count their blessings that they have 4 good linebackers they can play in various situations (5 if you count Jordan Beck, who I’m sure would be solid with more playing time).

Jason Webster is the worst corner in the league and should be 5th on the depth chart behind Hall, Mathis, Rossum and J. Williams. The Bengals were repeatedly throwing to whichever receiver was on Webster, with plenty of success. But it is true that the lack of pressure from the front 4 doesn’t help him out any. When we rushed 4 yesterday Palmer got all the time he needed to stand in the pocket and throw; when we blitzed, he was erratic and inaccurate with his throws, which helped mask the blown coverages. When (if) Abraham gets back healthy again, I’m guessing we won’t notice Webster sucking quite as much.

PJ Alexander and Tyson Clabo deserve a shoutout, they were phenomenal against the Bengals. Todd Weiner also made the decision to extend his contract through 2011 look like the right one. Please, please, please get rid of Matt Lehr, there is no reason why he should still be on this team.

By Andy

October 30, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

Everybody is pointing to Webster as the weak link in the secondary, but Mora has pointed to Crocker the past two weeks (and during the game)…what is up with that side of the secondary???? I think Jimmy Williams has to get some snaps…Mora always says you have to play top draft picks and he is ours this year, he needs to play some. I am worried because we are going about Mad Martz this week. He will chew the secondary alive, no matter how good we look.

By Birdy

October 30, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

BirdDawg and DPaul, I wholeheartedly agree with you both.

In short, Hartwell is not a difference maker. JWeb is horrible and Jwill and Lowe could not be any worse than he is. In both of these guys case, playing them will not bring back any of the signing bonus they received. They can’t help the team right now so get them out of there.

And as for Lehr and Forney: If Lehr is reinstated and if Forney is rushed back then Mora will be confirmed as a pure LOSER, unworthy of being a had football coach at the NFL level. He would be unfit, in my opinion, because he would be shirking his responsibility to the TEAM, instead placing a disgraced player above the team.

This is Arthur Blank’s team and he owes the man who has given financial security to his family the right decision-making that ensures TEAM success first.

Two guys brought in by the scouts are better players that the erstwile “starters”. SO WHAT? It’s time to WIN. Here’s hoping Mora doesn’t do something so obviously stupid.

By singletary

October 30, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this

dPaul — don’t listen to the naysayers. I like your playbook. Hey, some dude with 700 plays was hired for $2m by the Redskins. That was an analytical, quality post.

So, here’s my conspiracy theory. Did the coaches, entranced by the mantra “West Coast Offense,” actually forget their assets, the responsibility of every field and military general? It’s hard to believe that reasoned individuals (you can challenge me on that) would honestly try to make MV7 into a Manning (pick one) Gumby.

So, what if, they were reasoned, and decided to play a one-dimensional offense (conspiratorially, mind you) for as many games as they could get away with it as to out-fox opposing team film watchers. Alas, the Giants game ripped the rose-colored glasses from the owner, and the coaches realized they couldn’t hide their playbook any longer. MV7’s HBO interview was the theatrical prelude to UBER-FALCONS, a hook for the media…

Okay, back to reality. I’m just trying to find an explanation in the known universe as to why games 1 & 2 and 6 and 7 looked much better than NOLA & Giants. (I’m not counting the Cards.) dPaul and others may be right… it’s the enhanced OLine.

By Blogs Must Work

October 30, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this

The Offense is finally doing what we real Falcons fans have been screaming for for quite some time now. Spread the field and with all that speed, pick your poison. Plus we know that if need be, we can line it up(cold weather) and pound the ball. Kudos to Knapp for not being stubborn and changing his focus. I think he really thought he was using Vick’s strengths, but it was painfully obvious he didn’t trust Vick to throw. Now, the leash is off and really the skys the limit for a guy with Vick’s talent. We are bearing witness to what may be the greatest dual threat the game has seen. I think he will be the first to throw for 300 and run for 100 in the same game. As for Webster, he’ll destoy the unity the Defense is building. You can hear it in the other players quotes after the game. You know Crocker is tired of Mora singling him out for not compensating for Websters lack of skills. Going to be a huge on field blow up soon as it was about to be Sunday if Mora would not have stepped in. Mora keeps harping on the safeties and defends this guy to no end. Get rid of Web, let J Will get acclimated against the upcoming foes to get ready for the late Nov, early Dec playoff push. One guy can derail those plans, we were fortunate Sunday. hell what if Cin would have attempted an onside kick and recovered. This Webster stuff would have really burned us. Get him out before it does!

By Lefty Ga

October 31, 2006 05:24 AM | Link to this

Where’s J.Glanville? Get the Gritz Blitz back! Hire J.G as An Asst.Defensive Coodinater and watch us take off. Yah got to be un-predictable to succeed in this leaque. No one has ever been better at defence than the GRITZ-BLITZ!! Go Falcons win the ones your suppose to. Lets take care of business! ( BY The Way have yah noticed that the Saints schedule is finally catching up with them)?

By Nikki

October 31, 2006 05:36 AM | Link to this

Blogs must work, Your 300/100 scenario for Vick could come as soon as the Detroit game. Why not?! Clabo and Alexander have done marvelous jobs of pass blocking. Vick is utilizing the whole field (including throwing to the backs) and the WRs are making plays. If the Birds could just figure out what to do about this defense (namely J-Web) we’d be on the fast track to the Superbowl. All I can say is Jimmy Williams must be absolutely horrible if Webster is still the starting CB @ this point in the season.

By savannah falcon

October 31, 2006 06:46 AM | Link to this

ok, lets bench Webster, trade Lehr, bench Forney. Start Clabo, Alexander and J. Williams. We may have a team to go all the way. Keep Michael Vick rolling to the right 3 out of 4 times. Bring in Norword as a slot receiver. Blitz, blitz and tackle. Lets send Mora a message. No more Lehr! No more Lehr! No more Lehr!

By THL

October 31, 2006 07:33 AM | Link to this

Before you all call to bench Forney, remember he played most of the Pittsburg game when Vick didn’t get any pressure either.

I have hated seeing Webster on the field since he first came to Atlanta. He hasn’t covered anyone since he’s been here. I’d rather the rookie go out there…he couldn’t do worse and he needs experience to get better.

The pass rush isn’t consistant because most of the attention can be focused on Coleman and Kerney and the other two linemen aren’t taking advantage of that. The pass rush will definitely improve when Abraham gets back because he’s a great pass rusher and that will be 3 pass rush threats instead of two for the offensive line (& backs) to worry about.

It seemed that the three-man line got a better pass rush at the end of the game than our four did at the start. Who’s 94? He was getting after it. Maybe he should get the bulk of the pt instead of Chauncey Davis.

By THL

October 31, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this

Oh, yea. Let Boley do more pass rushing and let Demarrio play more. I’m not saying it’s Hartwell fault but the defense did seem to take a step back when he got the starting job back. Hopefully he’ll round into form because he really does look like a beast out there (but Demarrio plays like one).

By Will Blog for Food

October 31, 2006 07:57 AM | Link to this

Rules for Vick Club:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/langwhitaker/10/30/the.links/index.html?eref=sinfl

By dirty til I die

October 31, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this

Crocker never expected Webster to get beat so quickly on that big play. Web was 15 yards off the line at the snap and Henry beat him so fast to the inside and deep that only a safety in dime coverage could have helped him. Web is supposed to get deeper than the WR, and be in a position to make a play on a deep ball. And everyone on the team knew that (he didn’t even look Crocker’s way after that play cause Crock would probably have slapped him). But Webster is hurting and cannot explode when he has to change direction. Cornerbacks who can’t do that usually end up on the street or back at safety (because safeties don’t have to change direction as much seeing as how they start so much further back.

I feel bad for J-Web. Last year the poor safety play left him on an island a lot and he got lit up. This year, he probably knows is his last to show he belongs in the league, and he is trying his best to play hurt to secure his future. And he is agian getting lit up. The article in the AJC today about how Mora loves his veterans indicates to me that he is not going to bail on Webster just yet. But something has got to change because other teams are going to throw at him even more, especially when the Falcons bring the heat. Anytime a receiver has a 15 yd cushion he automatically becomes the hot receiver in blitz reads. My prediction: Jimmy Williams will get the start against Cleveland, John Abraham comes back against the Ravens, and the additional pressure makes J-Will look like the second coming of Champ Bailey. Falcons are SUPERBOWL BOUND BABY!!!!!!!

By JP

October 31, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

The guy who wears 27 is garbage. He is the problem in the defensive backfield. Him and the DC. The DC is too conservative. We cannot get any pressure on the qb with just four. I know he has to know that. His damn ego won’t let him change his scheme and he is hurting us. Put J. Williams in there he can’t do any worst than 27. He is going to cost us a chance at winnig big because every team picks on him. I want to know how every team but ours knows that he can’t play.

By alex

October 31, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

Why is Jason Webster still starting? He’s a good nickleback but we drafted a first round talent at corner back, the whole “we don’t want to start to many rookies because that is what we did last year” argument doesn’t hold water.

Put Jimmy Williams in the game. PLEASE!!!!!

By JP

October 31, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

I don’t feel bad for 27. He is a professional and if he isn’t healthy sit his a* down. You don’t get beat deep when you are already 15 yards off the ball and playing an outside technique. There is no excuse. The man is stealing money. Oh and #50 is too!

By Jeff

October 31, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

For all of you calling for Hartwell’s job, do you not remember what happened against the Giants?

Since Hartwell’s return, the defense has held the Steelers’ Willie Parker and the Bengals’ Rudi Johnson in check.

D. Williams makes a lot of tackles, but he just isn’t good in run support. Have you all forgotten that opposing teams ran right at him last season. Tiki Barber did the same thing during the second half of the Giants game.

Keep Hartwell in. Bench Webster.

By Keeping it real

October 31, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

The problem skill level or coaching. our DB’s have both problems. Williams needs to be put in the game more as a DB . How more can we get burn than what Webster is doing. The coaches mush show new looks and coverage. This is the NFL you cant keep doing the same thing . What you did last week was last week. What can you do now is always the question! Can our coaches be known as good coaches around the league by how they get there teams ready and how they adjust in games and game plans and more over how they execute, execute , execute, and focus at the task at hand! Jim Mora , Greg Knapp, Ed Donatell that is the QUESTION!

By Jack

October 31, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

To Steve Wyche: This is a blog, and that usually means the columnist will interact and respond to the fans that take the time to post. Dave O’Brien does a great job with the Braves and you don’t.

By I think with a silky, southern drawl

October 31, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

They better get that coverage scheme together, December 16 is approaching real fast!!!!

Got yo popcawn ready???!!!???

By Mike L.

October 31, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

Steve,

I had a quesiton about an issue that had not been discussed yet. We have four tight ends on the active roster. Why and how are they used - we definitely havent seen them catch any passes. are they used in blocking and if yes how?

i wouldnt be opposed to seeing one of those tight ends placed on the practice squad and bringing Marlion Jackson on the active roster - he is a good candidate to replace Duckett for short yardage situation isnt he? (6-2, 240). With red zone offensive struggles he could be another weapon to use for pounding it in with the power run.

what do you guys think - or Steve what do you think?

By J-Man

October 31, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

The only reason the falcons had a close game with the Bengals was Jason Webster he has shown that he can’t get the job done and its evident that the Falcons won’t put anyone else in if your not gonna put J Williams in then why did you trade up to get him and if not williams why not Kevin Mathis or Allen Rossum because they’ed be better in coverage than Webster. To Steve Wyche, looks like old Jack called you out ya better put him in check and to answer your readers and fellow bloggers.

By Ken Strickland

October 31, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

MIKE L, I recently posed a simular question on another blog. I suggested we use them more in redzone formations. Try this, we use 2 TE’s as wideouts. The outside TE, on the strong side(the side with 2TE’s), blocks down to seal the inside and the slot TE blocks out. The weakside TE goes in motion, which would place 3 TE on one side, thus creating an overload to that side. Vick hands the ball off and the the ballcarrier is led off tackle with the motion TE and FB as lead blockers. Teams would be forced to overload to that side, which would create some interesting options.

The outside TE, instead of blocking down, would run a slant against the flow, Vick would fake a handoff and also roll against the flow, with the FB ahead of him. He would have the option of running or passing to the TE or FB. This would be a perfect power formation to use in redzone, goal line or 3rd and short situations.

One very positive outcome of Vicks last 2 performances , besides the wins, is it has eliminated, at least for now, the participation of those confederate loving morons. How many of you have noticed how refreshing it has been not having to deal with that foul stench they bring with them?

By THL

October 31, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

I agree with Mike L. I loved the way Marlon ran in pre season and he probably could get into the end zone from the 1. The thing is, you could put McCrary in at FB, Griffin in at TB for the short yardage offense. You could also put in Norwood or Dunn as a kind of wing back (for added versatility).

By Falcon4Life

October 31, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this

Great post, Jeff. All the people calling for Hartwell’s head know little about football. Our run defense has been solidified with his return. Everyone forget what Tiki did to us? “Fast” Willie Parker was about as fast as Grady Jackson against our run defense. Hartwell stays, D-MO comes in and Brook goes to the bench. Then watch how dominant this defense can be.

Glad to see M. Lehr no longer in lineup. Too bad it took the NFL’s steroid policy to get him removed. Our coaching staff is clueless. Forney returns to the lineup when he comes back from injury. He’s one on the top guards in the league. The improved play of the line has nothing to do with him not being there. However, it has everything to do with Lehr not being there. PJ has done a good job in Forney’s absence but he will be our top backup interior lineman when Forney returns.

Go Birds!!!!!!1

By Keeping it real

October 31, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

It is about winning not making friends. we need a shake up in the DB ‘s. Williams need to play more . Mora we want to win we can make friend later. The last TD the Bengals got should have never happen . Donatell need to work more on the blitz package and it’s timing of use! Greg Knapp keep it comming with new plays. This is a good team sunday to try your new plays and try some please! You need new thinking!

By Ken Strickland

October 31, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

I think it is a damn shame that a coach, on the NFL level, would handicap his DEF by playing a soft zone to protect a DB. JWebster is playing hurt and his injury is hurting both him and the team. It’s not like last yr when we didn’t have sufficient replacements at the position. The problem is already starting to wear on the other DB’s. Did anyone notice the reaction of Crocker after the 4th qtr TD pass by Cincy?

We should all take our hats off to GKnapp for putting his ego aside and making the necessary OFF adjustments. The overall results have been over the top. Our next project is to get our boneheaded DC to do the same. Donatell’s philosophy seems to lean toward rushing 4 linemen while flooding the secondary with 7 defenders. When that fails, and it consistently has so far, he will change to man coverage and rush 6-7. Despite the overwhelmingly positive results of this DEF, Donatell avoids playing it until his preferred soft zone puts the team in a bind.

From this point on, the success of the Falcons rests in the hands of our DEF. If Donatell doesn’t wake up and make the necessary adjustments, the team will fall short of it’s potential. Now I understand why the Packers got fed up with his ultra conservative approach and fired him when it cost them a possible SB berth.

By fred

November 1, 2006 01:58 AM | Link to this

Good Post Bird Dawg, hopefully Lehr is gone for good. The big improvement on the O-line is a good indication that the problem has been solved with Lehr’s departure. If the coaches are doing thier job this will be a permanent suspension.

By dom

November 1, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

MIKE MARTZ WILL DESTROY JASON WEBSTER ON SUNDAY. LOOK FOR TWO QUICK SCORES AGAINST JASON. I THINK WE ARE LOOKING PAST DETROIT, BUT THEIR OFFENSE AINT THAT BAD AND THEY HAVE SPEED AT WITH THEIR LINEBACKERS. IF KITNA IS GIVEN TIME HE WILL BE EFFICIENT.

By Ken Strickland

November 1, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

Let’s not get too carried away with blaming MLehr for all of the Falcons past OFF problems. I’ll admit, pass blocking wasn’t his strong suit, but he did a very good job of run blocking. The most important OFF upgrade wasn’t in personnel, but in play calling and OFF formations. Spreading the OFF and passing on 1st and 2nd downs forced DEF’s to spread out, instead of putting 6-7 defenders in the box. Blitzing that many overloaded the OLine and forced the OFF to hold backs in to pickup the excess.

Spreading the OFF, and changing predictable play calling, has been the biggest contributor to the OLine’s improvement. Having said all of that, I also hope MLehr isn’t reinstated as a starter. Forney’s return should improve the rushing attack. If we can resolve our DEF problems, this team could go all the way to the SB, and that is no joke. GOOOOOOOOOOOOO FALCONS!!!!

By robert johnson

November 3, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

Living out of state and on an island, without college or high school football leaves much to be desired, however, I am disappointed in one facet of the falcons game, defensive backs and the zone defense, every receivers just goes into the middle of the zone, await the pass, and about 7 falcons show up after the reception. Now, I know the Defensive Coord, makes tones of money, but, yet we see the same thing week after week, someone please help this guy out.