AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > November > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKeep the hammer down on Cutler
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons took the “bend, but don’t break” defensive philosophy to the extreme in the fourth quarter against the Saints.
Call the 294 yards in one quarter empty yards if you like. Whatever you want to call them, that was way too much bending.
Now just about anybody who’s ever walked on a football field has heard the story about the hammer and the nail. I tell it to my Smyrna Spartans of the North Georgia Youth Football League every year. (One year, I took hammer and piece of wood to practice. I started hammering away at the nails and nearly whack my hand off. Ouch!)
The little football speech goes something like this, “Well, Lil’ Johnny do you want to be the hammer or the nail? Do you want to hit that kid or are you just going to stand there and let him whack you? Now, go out there and be the hammer!” Eventually, they catch on. Nobody likes being the nail for long.
For three quarters, the Falcons were swinging that hammer on the Saints. Driving them into the Georgia Dome turf. They were batting down passes like it was volleyball match. They were racing to quarterback Drew Brees and had him running around for his life.
But when the Falcons got the 27-6 lead, they backed off in coverage.
Against the Broncos on Sunday they’ll need to keep the hammer down on Jay Cutler. The Vanderbilt product just pulled off an improbable fourth quarter comeback, throwing for 204 yards and three touchdowns in the fourth quarter against the Browns.
I know what the coaches are going to tell the Smyrna Spartans 140-pound Division II team, who are set to play in the Instructional League Super Bowl against Achworth on Saturday.
“Keep the hammer down, Spartans. Keep the hammer down for FOUR quarters.”
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Rico
November 11, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
**Nice Blog Orlando! And I couldn’t agree with you more. We certainly have to play a complete game against Denver. I expect their passing game to be a little more dangerous with the likes of Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal as two targets that can truly expose a secondary. But as long as we play with that same fire, I don’t see why we should be the Denver Unicorns.
I think the game they played against the Browns showed the holes that they have in their secondary with a missing Champ Bailey and no free safety to help over the top down the field. So I look for Roddy White to have a big day. Any word on whether Champ will be back Sunday versus the Falcons?**
By rick
November 11, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Great comments and a realistic view of what went on in the 4th quarter….This is a young team with a young coaching staff…but they apparently they learn every week…lets hope they learned from last week…..This will be the best test of the defensive to date……Should be a good one…Go Birds
By Barry
November 11, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
Don’t worry. I am more than confident that Coach Smith and his staff will fix whatever they need to do to ensure a win against Denver. The defense let up in the fourth quarter due to their over confidence in the route they had going on during the game. Sure we need to be careful but its no time to panic. the defense played fantastic agaist the run and the pass and they are only going to get better. the young guys in the secondary are starting to jell and get in sinc with Lawyer Milloy and his confidence and hitting. When the process of the secondary clicking on all cylinders and the defensive line pressuring the quarterback be expecting some new secondary stars in the NFL.. Those young guys back there are quick and tough. They are not playing. Its starting to get scary on the defensive side of the ball. On offense, the Falcons are very creative and aggressive. They are going to be a problem for any defense. And they know it. These guys are playing with “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” And we have not gotten started yet. The more we play, the stronger our “HEARTBEAT” goes. They are playing together and it is really, really fun and exciting to watch. This is professional football and I am glad we have it close to us in Atlanta. Right down the street. Therefore, any team that comes to “OUR HOUSE” should be expecting a “BUTT KICKING” in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SEE YOU AT THE DOME:OUR HOUSE!!!
LET”S GO FALCONS!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY.
Ringold
By Bopro
November 11, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
I couldn’t agree with you more. The offense has shown that they are capable of moving the ball on just about anybody. Turner is a beast. Norwood has enough speed to turn nothing into something really quick. Ryan is gaining more and more confidence and R. White and M. Jenkins look like true #1 & #2 NFL receivers.
However, the defense is a cause for concern. Pressure on the QB must come from someone other than J. Abraham. Maybe we should send a few more zone blitzes. I’m not confident in our secondary enough to let them go man to man. The defensive scheme from last week was to jam the receivers at the line. I look for more of that this week. Hopefully, we can get some clean hits on Cutler.
Overall, the home team is looking great! See you at the Dome on Sunday! Go Falcons!
By roan st
November 11, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Part of the problem was the falcons offense inability to burn the clock. Against the raiders they were able to burn the final 7 minutes with snelling running hard. Is it just me or does turner seem to be tiptoeing to the line of scrimmage lately? He just not driving the pile on some of those runs like a 244 lb back should. Don’t get me wrong I love the burner but on some of his runs sunday he looked like T.J. duckett. He needs to be more explosive to the hole like Norwood. And the falcons have to continue to get Norwood involved in the offense scheme. If this guy touches the ball 15 times in a game you can just about garuantee he’s going to take one to the house. I want to see the falcons run more screens for this kid because once he gets in the open field opposing defensive coordinators crap their pants.
By McRly?
November 11, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Dude, Really…take it easy on the “ONE HEARTBEAT” thing. It’s been done..by you…ALOT. I get it. I get the “ONE HEARTBEAT” thing. You’re pumped, and I love it bro. I’m pumped too. Can’t wait for Sundays. Can’t wait hear them Hells Bells right before kickoff with 70,000 screaming a lil ‘Let’s Get it On!’. Let’s just keep the ALL CAPS ASSAULT of the ONE HEARTBEAT thing in “ticks” down to like, maybe once or twice per post. Love ya bro. FalconsFan4Life. Go FALCONS!!!!
you Ringold brothers are Hardcore lol
By SHOTYME
November 11, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
ONE HEARTBEAT thats funny. Go Falcons
By Thane
November 11, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Once the fourth quarter arrived, the Falcon’s weren’t playing the Saints anymore, they were playing the clock. That’s a luxury that you can afford after you beat the crap out of your opponent for the previous 3 quarters. I don’t care if the saints had 700 yards of offense in the fourth quarter. If the opponent has to burn 12 minutes of clock and only comes away with 10 points, when you have a 20+ point lead, then so be it.
On the other hand, you can say what you want about the yardage, but when you play the loose, prevent defense, you’re forcing the opponent to keep throwing the ball into coverage. Even the best quarterbacks will have a hard time not throwing an interception in the situation, which is exactly what Brees did.
Save the criticism for when it’s needed Ledbetter. This Falcon’s deserve nothing but praise after that great game.
By D. Orlando Ledbetter
November 11, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Can’t get enough of the ONE HEARTBEAT!!
By Rico
November 11, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Thane **LEARN YOUR FOOTBALL. Ledbetter is completely right. You have to play just as solid in the fourth quarter as you did through the first three quarters. You don’t want to show teams a sign of your potential weaknesses when you have a big lead.
Denver could look at the fourth quarter only and pretty much determine that we are very much vulnerable down the field. I like Lawyer Milloy, but his cover skills are horrible. We are very fortunate that teams have not decided to torch us on long passes. Which is what was Drew Brees plan on Sunday, before we made him very insecure after the first play. Ledbetter is completely right, when you dominate teams you have to finish them out; Point Blank.**
By JerseyFalcon
November 11, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Can the Falcons please sign KGB!! The team has less than 15 sacks, and 11 of them are from Ab. Either Anderson needs to shed some weight and become quicker, or gain a whole lot to become a tackle. No wonder why Brees passed for over 400 yards the other day…now imagine what Cutler will do? If they sign KGB, you can switch up the LE and RE…he had 9 sacks last year, as a part time/ third down pass ruusher.
By brAves Sucios
November 11, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Watching the 49ers game last night and thinking about how good an idea I thought Singletary was as head coach for the Falcons last winter… sure am glad we went the way we did. Keep getting better in every facet of the game every week, Birds, and we’ll do fine.
By NS from Kennesaw
November 11, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Hi there,
I’m a Falcons fan and love what I saw this season. I’m sure the coaches are now going through what they need to do to cope with the Bronco.
One point about the Saints though, we still need to be more stiff. Giving up 243 yards when there was no Reggie Bush … what would that be when he is there ???
Time to turn the page, focus on next opponent - - realize what we need to work on and … WORK ON IT
GO FALCONS !!!
By Gregg
November 11, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Do the AJC writers ever read their stories before posting. Good lord it gives me a headache sometimes. I mean come on D. “I took hammer and piece of wood” “nearly whack my hand off” “like it was volleyball match”
By Fan since 1966
November 11, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Rico——we value your opion but, let the coaches deside whats best for the team in the 4th quarter.I think there doing a fine job.After last year, 6-3 an’t bad
By Ryno
November 11, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
DOL - The Broncos have a significantly less effective run defense (in comparison to the Saints). I think the the Birds get the lead in the 2nd half, the offense might have to help the defense by keeping them off the field.
Picking up 3 or 4 first downs every possession and making it a goal to take 6 minutes off the clock every offensive series. Also, if Denver is gonna score - let’s make them drive the length of the field. Michael Koenen, I’m looking at you! You did well in trapping the Saints inside the 10 last week - keep it up!
By Rico
November 11, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
FAN SINCE 1966 I completely agree with you. All of us Falcons fans would take 6-3 any day over what we expected coming into this season and what we endured last year. But all I’m saying is that now that we realize that we are a legitimate contender, we should not just be satisfied with what we’re doing. Why not try to make a super bowl push? I know it’s a little early to make that statement. But we have a quarterback who has won big games in college, and a bunch of playmakers around him. And to be quite honest, I truly don’t think that there’s not anyone in this league that we cannot compete against.
Just trying to be optimistic and give some insight that’s all.
By Johnny B
November 11, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Great article D! I think the players and coaches are doing an outstanding job! If you would have told me the Falcons would win 6 games this year I would have said that’s good and we’re going in the right direction.
Now, if you would have told me the Falcons would have 6 wins after 9 games I would think you delusional! LOL!
Point is there are doing GREAT by any ones standards and we are definitely going in the right direction. Never understood “prevent” defense especially when you’re defense has been so strong all game. As for pressuring the QB I think they do a good job and did an excellent job against Brees.
Sacks are great but the lack of them doesn’t mean we aren’t getting pressure! Brees is mobile and a hard QB to get a sack on. The Falcons had 2( which is above what the Saints were allowing @1.5 ) and many pressures and hurried passes.
I think the offense needs to keep doing what they do and not get conservative with the lead…I understand running the clock, but seems for 3 quarters we ran clock AND scored points…
BUT, again I am extremely happy with the way we are playing and the coaches are coaching and the bottom line is winning!
By saint
November 11, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
It was great to hear MonNiteFootball give their defensive award to the Falcons’ Secondary! I know the stats have us rated high with our running game, but I see a whole lot of one and two yard rushes: we need to blow some big holes open against Denver! Great that the Falcons are getting attention around the league.
By Fan since 1966
November 11, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Rico—-I agree with you.Put the hammer to the nail falcons and lets see where we end up,Great job so far.
By JerseyFalcon
November 11, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Anyone know if any of the key falcons are injured? They might be 6-3, but they don’t have a real depth to have starters going down.
By Johnny B
November 11, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
Other than the tackle Baker we are in great shape injury wise..Looking @ NFL injury report. A better report comes out today.
By row3
November 11, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Brent Grimes is a gamer, But Foxworth earned that top spot Sunday. If he can play lights out against his old team we can limit Cutler. The Broncos have no running game, We sould be able to play alot of nickle and dime packages. Be in the Dome early and be LOUD!!!
By humble
November 11, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
somebody has to say it with all the “one heartbeat: stuff going on here today. “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose”!
By Michael
November 11, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
If the Falcons can keep the Broncos to 27 points or less the Falcons should still beat them. Denver does not have a very good defense and I do think our offense will have a big day. Prediction: Atlanta 41 Denver 24.
By Michael
November 11, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
The Falcons Defense is 9th in the NFL in total points allowed. The Broncos are 28th.
By Boo Boo
November 11, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
The hammer is always easier in the first quarter than the fourth. Players are fresh, full of energy when the game begins. They are sucking wind by the fourth quarter. It is not simply the secondary coverage changed in the fourth quarter against the Saints. The D-linemen were being pushed to the ground with one Saint’s O-lineman’s hand, when they tried a stunt. They overran in pursuit, with no legs to make loops back to the QB, like they did earlier. Fresh fourth quarter legs, with which to make the hammer strike, depends on an offense that cannot be stopped. The third quarter Falcon offensive drive that took 11:36 off the clock made it possible for the Falcon D to run like they did in the fourth quarter. When they tried that style of ball control, time consuming, defense resting offense in the fourth quarter, Roddy White dropped a bullet to the numbers on third down and 7. He catches that ball and its a first down; and the Saints burn their last timeouts. One or two more first down and the game ends 27-13. In other words, the hammer is not only the defense. The offense has to hammer down. They have to sustain drives throughout four quarters, so the defense can hammer down through four quarters too. The Falcon time of possession in the fourth quarter was probably around three minutes, because they scored the Norwood TD quick, went three and out after the failed onside kick, and possessed the ball long enough for a 95-yard interception return for TD. Keeping the defense on the field for 12 minutes a quarter will make many defenses wilt.
By Exodus Mentality
November 11, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
And Boo Boo hits the nail squarely on the head, thank you very much.
I think this team is a little bit afraid to be as good as I always knew they were. When you look at really good teams, what you often find is that the level of play of even supposedly marginal players tends to rise to the level of the team effort. The coaches and team have confidence that the back-ups can come in and run the system, and those backups most often do just that. I’ve seen flashes of that from the Falcons on both offense and defense this year.
Maybe we need to see more of it. The Falcons, both coaches and players, need to have that kind of confidence in all whole team. Rotate a little more on the D-line and WLB to keep the defense closer to that frenzy level they have been displaying early in almost every single game this year. Give a guy like Snelling the opportunity to do some bruising in the fourth quarter. Especially when we are putting the beat down on the other squad. Nothing more disheartening than to see the other teams second string come in and yet still the butt whipping continues.
Like the Ringold’s say, “ONE HEARTBEAT”. Now that’s change you can believe in. LOL
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
November 11, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
DENVER/CAROLINA/TAMPA/MINNESOTA/NEW ORLEANS/SAN DIEGO/ST LOUIS
8-8 (AT BEST) WON’T GET A PLAYOFF BIRTH
GUESS YOU WILL BE WATCHING THE POST SEASON ON A BIG SCREEN :)
2009 THE RETURN (MV7)
GO CAROLINA (MV7 NEW TEAM)
By Edd
November 11, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
A win is a Win. The Falcons team knows how to win. Do we think that New Orleans would rather have all the yards in the forth QUARTER or a WIN ? Case closed ! The Falcons Brass and players are concerned with the W’s. Thats what it’s all about. Next we would be worried about Ryan’s qb rating or how many penalties we have. Numbers are fun to look at but the bottom line is a W.. Each game is different. Are we concerned we intercepted the ball too many times/only had two long runs in the game/didn’t block an extra point? Come on people ,!! This is Pro Football, any team can win on any Sunday(Monday, Thursday or Saturday) to be politically correct, yes we can find areas to improve win or lose but any team will take a win and look to next weeks game the next day. Be proud of the Falcons, try not to break down every aspect of the game, leave that to the coaches. I am so proud of the Falcons from top to bottom. We don’t have to look back very far (last year) to just wishing we would just be competitive. We are seeing something special here. Enjoy ! Go Birds. Thank you Mr. Blank for not giving up on The Atlanta Falcons and the Fans, God Bless !
By Edd
November 11, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
As far as Vick goes!! I was the very one that thought it would take a very very long time to get over Vick But !! I did say that the only thing that would make us forget about him was to WIN. I am a real Vick fan, All over my Falcons room in my house and he is there forever BUT, The new Falcons have made me forget and move on which I thought would not happen for a long time. Love ya Mike and I wish you the very best and I will watch you and pull for ya But I feel you had many chances to be honest with Mr. Blank and to grow up and leave those thug friends of yours alone. The lord works in mysterious ways, follow him and you will be rewarded once again, I’m am A Falcons Fan and I approve this message!!!
By Saints #1
November 11, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
You kicked our butts up and down the field. Good luck Falcons ya’ll have turned the corner. What a great team ya’ll have. We will meet again in the Super Dome, ya’ll come, Ya hear.
By Exodus Mentality
November 11, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Edd I agree with you 100% about “he who shall remain nameless”. But all of us Monday morning quarterbacks and wanna-be coaches/GM’s come to these blogs for the precise purpose of breaking balls about the game, breaking it down and (over)analyzing our team. I applaud Mr. Ledbetter for presenting sometimes controversial, and usually thought provoking topics for discussion.
This would be a very boring (and likely very empty) place as simply an offshoot of the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader site.
By FanATicaL
November 11, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Can you be a Falcons fan and a Vick supporter without opposing either ? I read the other day. That someone compared the Falcons season to what the Aints accomplished after Katrina.The difference is the formula of support in place,That will be able to repeat this formula season after season.Can you say Dynasty ? As to Vick lets cross that road when it gets here.Enjoy the team and the wins as they come.Let this man pay his debt to society. And still a Falcon asset.
By The Grinch
November 11, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Thanks for being classy, Saints fan. We could use some more of that in our own fan base. And I think another flaw in comparing the Vick/Petrino season to Hurricane Katrina in overcoming adversity is that nobody in Atlanta lost their homes or lives. Let’s get some perspective, people. Especially on Veteran’s Day.
Speaking of perspective, about 60 of those yards and 7 points the Saints gained wouldn’t have counted if one of our players had just swatted the ball to the ground like he was supposed to on the last play instead of tipping it up like a volleyball. We whipped their behinds 34-13 for all intents and purposes.
Go Falcons!
By D. Orlando Ledbetter
November 11, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Let’s ignore the VickSupporter. He’s clearly just trying to get everybody worked up.
This blog is about KEEPING THE HAMMER DOWN ON JAY CUTLER!!!
STAY FOCUSED, Y’ALL!
By row3
November 11, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
I want to commend the Saints fans Sunday, It did’nt feel like a Falcons/Saints game. Thanks to the Falcons fans for not selling their tickets to the away fans. Keep your tickets and pack the Dome. Keep it LOUD and the team will keep it PROUD!!
By Thane
November 11, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Hey Rico, I wasn’t on the sidelines coaching the Falcons like you apparently were. I’m just a fan who thinks that other than the hail-mary pass that had no impact on the outcome of the game… the Falcon’s defense gave up 1 touchdown and made 2 interceptions in 1 quarter. Against a really good offense, that’s nothing to be ashamed of. I think that Mike Smith and the players have earned MY respect to a degree that I’m not going to sit here and question their strategy or their efforts after they got a “W”. I believe that when the challenges come, when the score is 21-21, the defense will step it up.
“But when the Falcons got the 27-6 lead, they backed off in coverage.”
Yea.. because when you’re up 3 touchdowns, keeping the receivers in front of you, making tackles, and killing the clock is not a bad strategy. Giving up quick strike TD’s would have been disastrous.
JUST WIN.
By Condorcet
November 11, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
It’s been entertaining seeing these Vick Supporters constantly resetting their season predictions. Now they’re admitting the Falcons will go 8-8 at the least (which ironically was Vick’s final few seasons), and they’re still saying we’d be better off with Vick.
By Kaye
November 11, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
hey someone, how did foxworth look, and did yall see we cut Jennings…bout time.
HEY VICK SUPPORTER….I LOVE YOU DOG AND SUPPORT YOU ALL THE WAY
By row3
November 12, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
When did this stop being about football.
By Ken Strickland
November 12, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
Did everyone notice how JOCK SUPPORTER 2 literally took over the blog after OLEDBETTER suggested everyone ignore his rants? That shows he’s all about getting attention and recognition, nothing else. He’s like a child that craves attention and IS willING do almost anything to get it, even if it generates a negative reaction, and/or results in punishment.
LEAVE HIM TO HIMSELF BY NOT RESPONDING TO HIS BS. EVEN IF HE’S REALLY A VICK SUPPORTER, HE’S CERTAINLY NOT A FALCON SUPPORTER. ANYONE THAT ONLY FINDS FAULT WITH A FALCON TEAM THAT’S 6-3, AND BECOMING STRONGER AND MORE IMPROVED WITH EACH PASSING GM, HAS TO HAVE SOME PERSONAL ISSUES.
Denver is ranked 27th in rushing DEF, 28th in passing DEF and 29th in overall DEF. They rank 3rd in passing OFF and 18 in rushing OFF. Defensively, Denver is worse than New Orleans in almost every category. Denver has been better rushing OFF, but their passing OFF hasn’t been quite as good as the Saints. Basically, they are simular teams on both sides of the ball.
Their OL isn’t very big, so our DL should have more success rushing their QB than they had against the Saints. A stronger pass rush plus the improved man coverage of our DB’s should give us an edge. Their near bottom rated DEF will have to stop our passing and rushing OFF, and that won’t be easy. We have to keep them out of the endzone, like I said we needed to do against the Saints, and keep their OFF off the field by wearing their DEF down with our rushing attack. WE CAN WIN THIS GM BY PLAYING THE SAME TYPE OF GM WE PLAYED AGAINST NEW ORLEANS. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Matt Yoder
November 12, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
As President Obama would say. Vick supporter 2, you are so full of devicive exchange!!! But you did make me laugh with all that wonderful heartfelt poetry! You might should get a job with Hallmark;) But on to football. Today is a day we should celebrate!!!! Remember that bone head Bobby Petrino? Remember how he cut that great kickoff return man Allen Rossum last year in favor of the joke we know as Adam Jennings??? JENNINGS IS GONE!!! This team is 6-3 and I feel like every tarnished piece of BS that Petrino and Vick left for this team to work through is GONE!!! HOW BOUT THEM FALCONS!!!!!! Life is GOOD!!!!;)
By VickSupporter 2
November 12, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
To everyone, Iam a ignorant fool and nobody should pay one ounce of attetnion to me ignorant rants and raves about the Falcons. I have recently decided to bow down to Matt Ryan because he is the man!
By Spud Webb
November 12, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Excited about playing the Broncos. The cannot run the ball (Tatum Bell getting carries this sunday??) and this is to our advantage. Sit in a zone and Cutler will make mistakes. He will make plays but just minimize. Smith knows what he’s doing and will have us ready to go. Cannot wait!! Yahoo. Thank you for finally cutting Jennings, not sure how he even made the team, but we now see what a difference even a decent punt returner can do! NICE. I agree with whom ever said sign KGB. It can’t hurt, let him come in on obvious passing situations. Cheap and maybe he will want to prove something? Again, it cannot hurt! Even if this team doesn’t win another game this year, the core is set. This coaching staff and GM have really done an A+ job. I hate to say it but I’m already looking forward to next year (along with this). We will get a pass catching TE, a pash rusher on the other side of Abe and hopefully some safteys and someone to replace Brooking. YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Go Birds.
By Ken Strickland
November 12, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
SPUD WEBB-I believe Petrino chose Jennings over ARossum because he was also a WR. Petrino perferred hsving an extra WR because of his pass oriented Off system. As it turned out, Jennings didn’t do much as a WR either.
I have to differ with you on the type of pass coverage we should employ. Denver pioneered the zone blocking system the Falcons used so successfully to lead the NFL in rushing 3 consecutive yrs. The system requires their OL to be quick and agile, which means they won’t be very big by NFL standards. Therefore, our front 4 should be able to pressure Cutler into making quick reads and quick throws.
Unless they use multiple WR sets, I’d use a 5 man rush by blitzing at least 1 LB. Cutler is mobile, so we should use a LB to key on him like teams did MVick. I’d play man DEF with the CB’s and force Cutler to make quick and accurate throws under strong pressure and take away his running ability. That would also force their WR’s to run shorter, quicker routes, which would limit their yds per catch.
If we’re going to take time off the clock and/or play prevent DEF, we should start doing it in the 4th, not the 3rd qtr. We should win this gm. This is a good yr to be a Falcon and Hawks fan.
By Judge
November 12, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
VickStrap2 How’s things in mom’s basement? Now that the neighborhood kids have shunned you, must you take out your frustrations here? I can’t wait for the 3rd round draft pick we get for your waterboy.
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
November 12, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
anybody knowz whoz my daddy iz?