FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons coach Mike Smith discussed the aftermath of the 27-17 victory over the Tampa Bucs on Monday.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Here are five things that we learned:
5. Not getting behind the chains: Smith was pleased with the offense's first down efficiency.
4. Pass rush/stopping the run: He felt the pass rush was good and that the run defense was strong. The Falcons had a season high four sacks and 11 quarterback hits against the Bucs. "We didn't do a good job with rush lanes," Smith said. "They got 42 of their rushing yards on scrambles. We were putting good pressure on the quarterback. The numbers are going down, we are slowly starting to play better. It's a group effort. It starts with being able to occupy blockers with our front and then having linebackers and safeties fit it well. But it's encouraging we are improving."
3. Penalty corner: Smith was happy with the team just committing five penalties. "The coaches and the players did a really good job In terms of game plan," Smith said. "We were fresh. Thought bye week came at a good time. Some guys not get as many snaps as normally get because a little bit banged up. Last week didn't want to have a bye week, wanted to get back out there and play and compete."
2. Dropped passes: He was not happy with the dropped passes. "We left a lot out there," Smith said after talking about Devin Hester's dropped touchdown pass. "It's been an issue in a couple of games," Smith said. "That sequence, first and 10 on the 10, illegal procedure, then a sack, 3rd and 19 opportunity to make a play in end zone and don't get it done. (Hester's drop) That's something we can really stress with players. We left a lot out there. Didn't play up to the ability we can."
1. Defensive end Kroy Biermann had his best game of the season: "Kroy probably had his most productive game of the season," Smith said. "He was one of the players we recognized for his performance. Not only against the run, he set the edge a couple times and didn't allow ball to get outside, he (also) put some pressure on the quarterback.
FALCONS FAN MAILBAG: We take your questions from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday.
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