Atlanta Falcons Q&A: Sharper tells how they shut down the Falcons

[Falconmama]

Saints safety Darren Sharper played a key role in shutting down the Falcons offense on Monday night.

He played over the top of Roddy White and helped hold him to three catches for 42 yards.

Here’s what he had to say about the Falcons’ offense after the game.

Q: What was the key to shutting down the Falcons passing attack?
A: The main thing is that we knew who they were going to try to get the ball to. We keyed on certain players. But I think the main thing overall was that we had good coverage overall as a secondary. We have guys that can cover. That’s our strength as a team. They kind of played into our hands.

Q: How did you all stop the run after giving up 208 yards last week?

A: “That was one of our goals. We knew if we didn’t tackle well. It was our goal this week to not allow them to rush the ball. We knew with Michael Turner that was going to be a tough challenge. Our guys up front did a heck of a job and our linebackers did even better by not allowing him to get going.”

Q: How are you all viewing the playoffs? Hoping to still win the NFC South title?

A: “Well, we are in the tournament. That was our main goal. Just to have a chance to be in the tournament. Anything can happen. If Carolina can play their best game of history and beat these guys, we’ll have home field. That’s what we are rooting for. We have to make sure that we take care of our business and beat Tampa Bay, who is playing extremely well right now.”

–D. Orlando Ledbetter

[Ballfan]

Seems like HD should have been the man then. Jenkins was on HD on most of the passes I saw. Several was close, but they HAVE to get the 3rd receiver involved if Roddy and TG are doubled.

Why not short crossing routes under? That seems to be the missing play.

[Dyoshot]

(12-28-2010 10:46 AM)Ballfan Wrote:  Seems like HD should have been the man then. Jenkins was on HD on most of the passes I saw. Several was close, but they HAVE to get the 3rd receiver involved if Roddy and TG are doubled.

Why not short crossing routes under? That seems to be the missing play.

I agree, other targets have to be involved. Everyone knows Roddy and TG are the main guys, but when they are locked down the other guys have to win their matchups. I don't know if Ryan doesn't spread the ball around enough, or guys just aren't getting open, but this needs to be corrected or it may come back to bite us.

[g-dawg]

I'm happy with Roddy as our #1 and I think Jenkins is an adequate #2.......Our problem is our #3 WR. Harry Douglas is simply not gettin' it done. Maybe he needs that extra year to recover from the knee injury - I don't know.

I really think the Falcons need to draft another WR or two. Finneran is near the end and Matt Ryan needs more options. Falcons are easier to defend in passing game than the Saints because we have fewer options.

I think the next draft needs to focus more on offense - Wide Receiver, 3rd down back and maybe another offensive lineman as somebody that is a starter won't be back most likely. Falcons need some speed on offense.

[markdzul]

Jenkins played great last night.

harry really struggled getting open last night. perhaps we will upgrade that position next season.

Saw nothing of finn last night. only one target i think.

[Falconmama]

Not having a capable slot wr hurts us.

[AsylumGuido]

(12-28-2010 12:25 PM)Falconmama Wrote:  Not having a capable slot wr hurts us.

This and not having pass catchers at other positions, as well. The Saints were able to double White and Gonzo knowing full well that Jenkins could be single covered by a corner and the others by a free safety or nickel. Turner is not a threat as a receiver and can easily be handled by a LB. Having only White and Gonzo as legitimate threats wears them out. Spelling Gonzo with Peele is a huge step down. Replacing White with anyone is huge downgrade. Snelling has a decent catch and run game, but that takes Turner out of play.

On the other hand, this bears out the offensive strength of the Saints. As was pointed out on last night's broadcast, ten different Saints have 20 or more catches. In virtually every offensive alignment the Saints have five play making targets. Someone will be there to make a play given any time at all. Matt Ryan usually only has two or three viable targets at any given time. Against lessor defenses that is enough, but that doesn't quite cut it against better pass coverage units.

I think Atlanta is still a couple of play makers away from being really, really good. I hope you don't find them anytime soon, though.

[BrockSamson]

Sharper on how they stopped the Falcons:

DS: Well, when we put 9 in the box they ran right at us, and when we dropped into coverage they tried to pass. Thankfully they rarely ran the no-huddle, as it was completely effective when they did. Thank you Mike Mularkey!

[The Falcon Jedi]

Mularkey's play-calling, Ryan's bad throws, WR drops, McClure's brain-fart, Turner's fumble... that's pretty much it. the Entire Offense cost us this game.

[Shnikies]

(12-28-2010 04:03 PM)The Falcon Jedi Wrote:  Mularkey's play-calling, Ryan's bad throws, WR drops, McClure's brain-fart, Turner's fumble... that's pretty much it. the Entire Offense cost us this game.

Pretty much sums it up.