AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2006 > October > 31 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBabineaux’s a blessing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With so much talk about the defensive line centered around John Abraham, Rod Coleman, Patrick Kerney and Grady Jackson – and rightfully so – the emergence of Coleman’s backup, Jonathan Babineaux, has gone overlooked.
Babineaux, in limited action, has recorded 17 tackles, a sack and he knocked down a pass from Carson Palmer, late in Atlanta’s 29-27 victory over Cincinnati last week that led to a fourth-down punt. In the Falcons’ 41-38, overtime win over Pittsburgh, when Coleman sat out with a turf toe injury, Babineaux had five tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery and earned the team’s defensive player of the week honor.
Thrust into action after being drafted in the second round last season, the athletic Babineaux floated between end and tackle. Atlanta made a decision this offseason that even though Babineaux was slightly undersized (6-2, 280), he would be most effective rotating with Coleman. The decision appears to have been a good one. Babineaux is hitting his stride. That he is strong against the run and is really taking off as a pass rusher, the Falcons have additional depth to cause problems over the course of the season.
Defensive end/tackle Josh Mallard has also made some solid contributions in a backup role. The high-motored Mallard has a sack and almost got another one but instead, he was the player who forced Palmer into Kerney for the game-ending sack at Cincy.
Comments
By larry w.
October 31, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Babineaux and Mallard have both played exceptionally well. Babs has been a big play machine, especially in the second half of the last two games. Mallard has a non stop motor and has a knack for being able to apply pressure directly up the middle against much bigger lineman. You cannot help but notice when both of those players are in the game. They definitely have a way of attracting your attention.
By We know but what about
October 31, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
Webster. Thats the most glaring weakness and the coordinators lack of blitz packages. Though he did better on the latter Sunday still kept the game closer than I think it had to be. Does Mora explain to you and the media why Webster is still in the lineup or if its Crockers fault, why won’t they make changes. I can’t wait until Crocker gets in Webs tail again after another busted assignment.
By Bruce
October 31, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
Unfortunately for Jason Webster, it seems that any mistake he makes on the field is taken advantage of by the opposition. He may play a perfect game in coverage only to have a few mistakes magnified by big plays. He just doesn’t have the recovery speed to get himself back in position to make a play. So far this has not cost us a game. Hopefully it won’t as well in the future. I certainly side in the camp that says that the team should not suffer for a single player psyche.
By Madden King
October 31, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
Even though the Falcons are having trouble getting pressure with just a four man rush, I like the emergence of Babineaux. It seems that he is understanding how to pass rush by not do the same move over again, ala Dwight Freeney no sacks this year because everybody has caught up to his spin move, and he is stout against the run. Babineaux and Chauncey Davis is delevoping into some real players and is creating real depth on this team. Keep it up guys. GO FALCONS, SUPER BOWL CHAMPS. HOLLA!
By rian
October 31, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
Guys, I certainly agree with everyone on this blog the last few weeks questioning Webster’s coverage skills. However, the coaching staff has different expectations for Webster than you guys seem to.
Webster’s reputation is as a zone coverage corner who is not scared to come up and lay the wood (although he hasn’t really done that) on a running back. He is not a man cover corner that is expected to lock down another teams #2 receiver week in and week out. The coaching staff knows that, hence all the zones we play on his half of the field while D-Hall nmans up the other half. Crocker cheats Webster’s way on every play regardless of strong side or weakside.
Mora like DBs who will come up and tackle a running back. He likes the fact that even though Webster gets beat he is fundamentally playing his quarter of the zone correctly. Hence the comments about the safety over the top the past two press conferences. Ha has one cover corner and he is grooming another.
Please be patient and calm down fans. No team is perfect. Put it into perspective, if Webster is our biggest problem then we are doing pretty darn good.
By TD
October 31, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
Although I really like Babineaux the Falcons have a tendency to fall in love with players of this type, emphasizing speed over size, which makes the signing of Jackson so important. I hope when Abraham comes back the Falcons keep employing more a blitz scheme and don’t solely on a 4 man rush. As far as Webster goes, when you’re a DB, your mistakes are what get noticed and what makes Sports Center highlights.
By Jay Black
October 31, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this
No corner is supposed to get beat like that on a consistent basis, no matter what your system calls for. The zone is still meant to cover something and he aint doin it.
By Jay Black
October 31, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this
No corner is supposed to get beat like that on a consistent basis, no matter what your system calls for. The zone is still meant to cover something and he aint doin it.
By Larry
October 31, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this
Rian,
J. Williams will lay just as much, if not more, wood as Webster. Plus, he can play man.
You’re right - no team is perfect. However, every team should strive for perfection.
Do you think the Bears’ defense will give up a TD then say “oh well, no team is perfect”? Heck, no! Well, neither should the Falcons. The Falcons have a problem that can be fixed, and they need to fix it!!
By dom
October 31, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this
I NOTICED MALLARD EARLY ON AS WELL HE HAS A SERIOUS MOTOR AND APPEARS TO BE DIFFICULT TO BLOCK WHEN RUSHING THE PASSER. HE IS A KEEPER!
By Bench Webster
October 31, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this
Rian you are kidding right? If that’s their philosophy than we can forget playing in January. Points won’t be as easy to come by when you play quality teams late in the season, especially if it happens to be Soldier Field or the Meadowlands, or Qwest Field and believe me, if Websters a given, they will gladly take. As for Patience, its been 3 freaking years and nada, zip, just maddening to watch week after week. Gees, you think the fox coverage didn’t realize it as they kept zooming in on Webster. They even showed Jimmy W. with his head buriied in his hands, aching to get out there and show his skills. Just wish they would strive for perfection, dominance, not this give a little crap, don’t give crap make em earn every inch of real estate. Thats what the truly elite defenses do, get you down and crush your psyche. Just want to see these guys maximize the talent on the team and put this team over the top. No reason why we shouldn’t be a carbon copy of Chicago, in fact we have as many Pro Bowlers on that side of the ball as they do if not more. These soft schemes will get you beat, its basically a prevent and the only thing it does is have you die a slower death. A precision team will carve us up if we don’t at least have the ability to man up in the playoffs or playoff stretch run. Webster is a huge liability, and now would be the perfect time to work in an answer, Williams, Mathis hell a bum off the streets could cover better.
By This gets old
October 31, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this
You guys actually the coaching staff had its best game since our win out in Denver two years ago. Knapp noticed that teams had not been covering the back on the wheel route from the shotgun. Vick didn’t see it last week but hit it big twice this week with Norwood and Griffith.
The offense was infuriating last week by the handoffs up the middle from the gun. This week on the first TD Vick faked a handoff, LB’s came up and Crump was wide open behind them.
Good D blitz’ in the second half. They used DWilliams well. They gave a 3-4 look then brought Malloy up to make it a 5-3, blitzed 5 with Williams dropping off on Johnson for no gain. Then in the 4th the gave the look again and brought 6 and Brooking was all alone on Palmer.
They played much better than against Pittsburgh. Omar with two big special team plays both weeks.
Resign Lelie.
Matt Lehr: We hardly knew ye. When you bring a guy off of the practice squad and get better….
By Nookah
October 31, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this
Where are the Vick haters?
Go Falcons!!
By Where are the Vick haters?
October 31, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
I hate Vick. I wait for him to stumble again. He will. He will stumble. When he does, I will howl at the moon……. and post here. It will happen, Vick lovers, it will happen.
By Numba One Fan
October 31, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this
I don’t consider myself a “Vick Hater” more like a Vick Doubter. Yes he has shown more consistency in the last 2 games… could it be the young man has finally discovered touch on his passing….. Is it a coincidence the O line is doing a better job of pass protecting…. Or could it be that the O coordinator has finally seen the light. I don’t profess to be a Vick fan and all I am looking for is more of the same from the young man, the O line an the O coordinator. When I see the same results every week then I will give M Vick his due. Now for the Jason Webster situation…… Pluleeshz this guy cant cover and is a liability with no man cover skills. It was plaun to see in sundays game that Crocker was calling out Jaosn Webster for the broken coverage and his lack of skills. Even J Williams has got to be better than this stiff. If we continue to play Webster the teams we face will continually attack this weak link.
By kent
October 31, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this
stop with the ” vick’s haters” bs. i hve said this long ago and will say this one more time for all of you slow folks out there who think that just because people knocked vick do not meant that they hate him. they just hate LOSING period. i ststed a while back that vick is a bad qb in the current( 3 weeks ago) system but he may be a great qb in other system. one more game like the past two from mike vick and both HE and I will be vindicated. people, it not that we don’t like vick, we just hate losing. losing stinks. do not tell me that the past two game were won by vick alone. he is the qb, lose and he will be crucified, win and he will be call saint vick. got it?????????????? stop this racial bulls and get with the program. i do not paid hard earn moneys for ticket to the falcons games to wait for vick to falter so i can say the ” black men is the reason we lost”. i paid to see the team wins and that’s the bottom line.if there are any true racist out there, it may pretty well turns out to be the same people who did not see past the color of the men skin to recognize that winning is not every thing, it’s the only thing. so let keep on winning saint vick and please take my belove falcons to the promise land. go birds.
By keeping it REAL !
November 1, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this
we must play better defense. Bone head Ed Donatell has to play Williams more . Let your pride go. KEY WORD (PRESSURE) work on the run and a lot better coverage what the hell is going on! Keep a safety valve for vick to dump a pass to Norwood or Dunn. Let the receiver run what I call play ground routes to the side Vick rolls to defense’s will go nuts. Greg Knapp new thing on run and pass plays and reilly open this thing up.
By Tim
November 1, 2006 01:51 AM | Link to this
Keep taking the steroids Lehr, you have done this team a favor !! At first I thought you made the organization, Atlanta and your teamates look bad, you did us all a favor by seeing just how bad you really were. Get your bags packed.
By Najeh Davenpoop
November 1, 2006 03:41 AM | Link to this
Over the last two weeks we are looking like we have some of the best D-line depth in the league. We still need to blitz more to create pressure, the young guys can’t perform consistently when they are just rushing 4, but it’s definitely nice to know that there are talented young backups who can hold their own when the stars like Abraham go down. Gotta give props to Rich McKay, once again proving he’s one of the best at spotting talent in the draft.
By D-Line
November 1, 2006 05:33 AM | Link to this
Jury is still out on the D-Line. Thought Cincy abandoned the run game early and the pass rush was mostly absent without the blitz packages. But they do look better than last year, and lets not kid ourselves. We will need Abe for that late season push which includes Tampa, Dallas, Carolina, and the Eagles. Not Chop liver at all and most if not all will be fighting for their playoff lives. Thats why these next two are must wins, The Ravens play well just don’t get Vick hurt in that one. Then they got to take it to the Saints and the Redskins. Hopefully get Abe back at 9-3 or better and battle for homefield on that stretch run. Really November should be no excuses, not taking any of those teams lightly but aside from the Ravens the Falcons should destroy those inferior teams. We have the talent, Mora seems to have them motivated. None of that taking games lightly crap and putting up stinkers. Its time to perform like the NFC elite. Other than the receiving core and back up defenders this is a veteran laden team. The time is now and the Falcons should go out and blast the Lions and the Browns. Any thing less and you really have to look at the coaching staff because they have the pieces in place. But with Mora and that blind loyalty to guys like Webster, you really wonder about this staff.
By Kudzu
November 1, 2006 07:15 AM | Link to this
Vick’s not the one I hate…
By Will Blog for Food
November 1, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this
Being able to give USS Babineaux and Mallard some valuable playing time now will pay off when Coleman and Abraham (hopefully) return. Having fresh legs rotated in throughout the game on the D-line can turn a game or secure it like we did against Cincy. That play Babineaux did against Steelers was phenomenal - disrupts the run, knocks the ball out of Parker’s hands, and then recovers the fumble. Finishing touch would have been to run it in for a TD. The way Babineaux popped up after driving through the O-Line showed a real hunger. Of course I had Parker on my fantasy team that week so he’d have a crappy game…
By CQ
November 1, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this
Ed hartwell has to play. Even though he is not up to full speed right now he supports the run game alot. The past 2 Weeks he has limited the Steelers and the Bengles running backs and it frees up Brookings and the other line backer to make tackles.
As for Webster, I dont understand how a man with a broken foot can play better than Jimmy Williams with a health foot. true enough Jimmy has to learn to play corner since he was a safty in the NFL, but he can’t be no worse than Webster.
By Bary
November 1, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this
Hey Yall:
Oh Yeah, I hear us getting on the defensive scheme and I agree, we have the personnel to be just as tough as Chicago. So it leads to the coaching philosophy of the defense. It means a lot. Therefore Donnatell and Mora, who the minds behind the defense must make the adjustments to make us just as tough as Chicago. That cushion stuff they have with the defensive backs is getting me a little sick and teams are burning us inside and out on passes. If you look at our last two wins, we almost blew it because of the defensive lapse and inability to cover in the secondary. The coaches know this that is why they increase the blitz pacjkages in the second half of both games. They were great moves but we have to be careful we do not use these packages too late in the game and other teams figure it out and leave some of our less than capable defensive backs (Jason Webster) out on the limb to be dogged again. Lets play hard with our linebackers on blitzes every defensive play. Lets keep offensive guessing and afraid of getting hit and when they get hit,hit hard. Our defense can be just as feared as any team in the NFL. Therefore, Mora and Donnatell, get our defensive schemes and packages up to snuff so that nothing can stop us. And please get Jason Webster together. I blame you guys for making him look bad on national T.V. If you know he can’t play, don’t let him on the field. This situation is hurting him, the team, and the fans. Again, SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!. This is a secret among us Falcon fans.
Go Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Charlie
November 1, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this
Props to Babs and Mallard. Both appear to be players who are coming on strong and will eventually be starters in this league. Still want K,C,A out there but isn’t it great to have depth for a change :).
Vick looked great the past few games. Combo of things, including more aggressive play calling from Knapp, two O-linemen who can actually pass block and the emergence of Lelie who can open up the field. I’m looking for Vick to continue to show the naysayers that his passing game is here to stay….and what a nightmare for opposing D’s!
Webster. I hate to waste blog space, so I’ll just say let Williams play…can’t be any worse. I know he is struggling to learn the defensive schemes, but for cryin’ out loud just let the guy play man and see what happens. Just might have the positive result we saw when Clabo stepped in on the o-line.
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
November 1, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
Hey not to change the subject, but let the Bears fan start blasting our QB begin. This is the least Bears fans have compiled as most overrated in the NFL. Gues who tops alot of the lists. Hope we play them for the NFC Title. http://blogs.suntimes.com/fullcourtpress/2006/10/youroverratedlist.html
By Doc Reem
November 1, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
Webster’s deficiences are show up on film like evidence when the blue light hits it on C.S.I.
This has to have opposing QB’s and Ofeensive Cord. salivating. I really hate see us against someone like Peyton Manning or Tom Brady with Webster on the feild. They will pick on this dude like an 7th grade bully. The dude never makes a play on the ball and as a DB this taught every day in practice. He is just content to play his space in the zone. The only problem with that is NFL recievers are to good for any DB not to make a serious effort to disrupt the flight of ball or the recievers route before the ball arrives. The thing is this…If you get beat get beat trying to make a play and being aggresive. This dude never gets beat attempting to make a play it’s always after the play is made.
By Dawg Gone!
November 1, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this
It is definately time to start Jimmy W. Move Webster over to nickle packages. He has some skills but I believe he would be a lot better as a Safety since he likes to hit RB’s so much. It isn’t a bad deal as there are many CB’s that move to safety as they progress through their career.
By m92238
November 1, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this
I have been reading the message boards this year and no one has mentioned this topic yet. Did Rick McKay pull off one of the best trades in Falcons history when we traded Byron Scott to the Saints? Byron Scott last year, was our worst player on the football team(this year it is lehr), and we received Gandy from the Saints, who turns in outstanding performances week after week. He did a great job on Peppers, S. Rice from Tampa, and this past week flattened Gathers in Cincy. I believe in the trade we also gave the Saints a very late round pick(6 or 7). Gandy is playing at a Pro Bowl level, while Scott has been injuried most of the year and was a backup to Roman Harper a rookie. Great job McKay and your actions do not go unnoticed.
By chuck
November 1, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this
I call Babineaux, the Bamming Bab; because he is reckless on the opponents. When he hits a ball-carrier, they go down without mustering extra yards after the hit. He is ferocious as a hitter. Also he has a bead to get to the QB, like a heat missile or something that just zero in on a specific target. He gets props from me. Not just Bamming Bab but all the other players who have stepped up in the absence of our key starters due to injuries. However, I would like to see more blitz packages on third and long downs. Go Falcons Super Bowl 2006-2007 season.
By Jay
November 1, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this
Hey Wyche,
Step up and write about how Webster is killing our defense. He got abused on multiple 3rd downs and two touchdowns vs the bungals. Youre only as strong as your weakest link and Webster is an extremely weak link. Other teams know it…they rotate their stars to his side and away from Hall, they throw underneath against him because Webster always gives a huge cushion because he doesnt have the speed to catch up if a wr is running next to him (soon to be past him). Mora’s loyalty to him is making all our games shootouts.
By Eternal Optimist
November 1, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
Yeah, it seems as if JWebster sucks all together,but there has to be something going on. This guy has been picked on all year and no changes have been made. It is obvious that offenses are attacking whatever side of the field or receiver that he is covering and we have not made any adjustments. Mora tell the fans what’s going on because we simply don’t understand. I mean to not play the rookie 1st rounder at all has to be a monumental mistake, and I know Websters psyche has paid a toll on him all year. His confidence has to be lacking after being toasted week after week. You think the guys in a slomp now if coach doesn’t sit him for a while and allow him to maybe regain some of his swagger he’s gonna be labeled as another Ray Buchannon. The guys just too small. I don’t normally judge players by their size but it is obvious that Webster is getting man-handled. Donatell/Mora help the poor guy out and put in the big/fast/first rounder.
By Doc Hill
November 1, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
J. Williams must be horrible if the play of WEBSTER IS KEEPING HIM ON THE BENCH. At this point though, I think we should put someone else out there. Webster is a step slow but dollars long. What a bad combination in this league.
By jamaal
November 1, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
Wyche, Thank you. It’s not so much the big plays,lets for the sake of argument say erase the long pass to Henry at the end of the game and just look at the repeated 3rd downs, and short plays. He is not aggressive. Like you said, they just rotated their receivers to his side. D.Hall had his side locked, but then Webster is 10 yds back, from the receiever then when they do catch it, he so far away they pick up the first down, shake him for a touchdown or a big gain!
What does a blitz do, if your db is giving 10-yd cushions?