Falcons: Musings From The Tampa Bay Game

[RFlagg]

Well, we're coming off our 2nd loss of the season, both on the road. We've looked bad in our 2 road games this season, but the bright spot is that of our remaining 6, only 3 look like challenges. As for this past Sunday, I watched on a tiny TV in a Buffalo Wild Wings, but I saw the same problem everyone else has pointed out: Our O-Line is horrible. I realize McClure is still recovering and Reynolds is a first year starter, but that's no excuse for how bad we looked. We couldn't keep Ryan upright, we couldn't open holes for the ground game, even on special teams the blocking was bad. In the first 3 weeks it has looked as if this entire team has forgotten how to block entirely.

Is The No Huddle That Much Better?
Over the first 3 weeks, Ryan and the entire O has undoubtly looked better coming out of the no huddle. I don't have exact statistics, but suffice it to say that our no huddle offense is the only reason this game was close. When Matt took over calling the plays, we suddenly could move the ball. We drew to within 3 points (How much did not taking the field goal earlier hurt?) and looked like we might be able to get the ball back one more time. Alas, it was not meant to be.

I know we can't run excusively a no huddle offense, we're not prepared for that and teams would figure it out. However, I wouldn't mind going to the no huddle to set the pace, rather than to stage a furious comeback.

Can't Blame The D This Time
In the first 2 games of the season, our defense looked lost. They gave up 61 points and 833 yards in those 2 games, and we were lucky to come out of them 1-1. This time around, the D was more up to the task. They held Tampa under 300 yards of total offense and only allowed 16 points. While there were 0 sacks, there were 6 tackles for a loss and 2 INTs. The only downer was the now infamous jump by Corey Peters. In my opinion, while a bad play, we can't lay the blame for this loss on his shoulders. Peters played well for most of the day, but he was trying to make a play and got too anxious. In reality, we never should have been in that position to begin with.

Any Guesses On O-Line Starters?
Mike Smith has already said there will be open competition this week for each O-Line position. That sounds great, but really, I don't think that happens. Clabo is getting paid too much to lose his spot, as is Blalock. McClure is too seasoned a veteran to get pulled for someone that didn't look up to snuff in his first 2 starts. In reality, I think 2 positions are open for competition this week, RG and LT. At LT, it will either be Baker or Svitek, we don't have anyone else on the roster. No idea who wins this one, but hopefully either way they've got a fire lit under their ass.

At RG, we'll have at least a 3-way battle between Reynolds, Hawley and Johnson. Judging by the performance of the formers, I'm wiling to bet on the latter if for no other reason than I don't think he'll be any worse. In reality, Reynolds, Johnson, Hawley, Baker and Svitek need to wake up and start playing like they're expected to play. After this season, it's a pretty safe bet that we are going to bring in a ton of O-Linemen before next season.

Tampa Bay, Thoughts On A Division Opponent
Is Tampa Bay the best team in the NFC South? According to the standings, they are in first place because they are the only team with a win within the division. In reality, they have looked anything but stellar in their first 3 games, and Sunday was no exception. Yes, they won the game, but they looked bad doing it. Twice we turned the ball over and gave the Bucs field position inside the 20, and in both cases they only came away with field goals. They did have one good, long TD drive that went 81 yards in 12 plays. Outside of that and the turn turnovers, the Bucs other 2 FGs were drives where their offense stalled.

Looking forward, right now I'd put the Saints as the best team in the NFC South, followed by the Bucs, us, and the Panthers. Right now, the Saints offense has been surgical. If their D ever figures it out, look out, cause it's going to be a long season.

Looking Ahead: Seattle Seahawks
Question: What team is ranked worse than the Falcons in both QB Hits and Sacks Allowed. There's only 1 team (scary thought), and that's the Seahawks. In 3 games, the Seahawks have put up 30 points and 644 yards of offense. Their defense has been better, allowing only 954 yards in 3 games, but surrending 67 points. This game has all the makings of a turn around game for the Falcons, which they desperately need.

Interesting side note, the Seahawks have given up a combined 27 sacks while recording only 10.

[Paulitik]

If we give up a single sack in Seattle, we need to seriously panic. Seattle BLOWS. If we get behind at all, win or not, Blank needs to have a serious talk with Smitty about his coordinators.

[Jayhawk-Falcon2012]

I think if we give up more than 4 sacks against seattle, yeah there should be reason to panic...One sack? c'mon be real.

Overall I'll agree to your points made, but man does it suck having to discuss how terrible the line is so early in the season. It is a scary thought, someone did the numbers, we are on pace for giving up 65+ sacks this season....WTF?! How do we go from only giving up 23 sacks last year to almost half of that number. Man if we keep having Matty get hit, he's gonna end up being David Carr (somewhat kidding).

I hope Smitty is true to his words on this with having open competition on the Oline.

[RFlagg]

I really hope Smitty lays into the O-Line this week. Hell, make them go against the first team D-Line a bit. I know when I played back in high school, the first team O never wanted to go against the first team D.

[papachaz]

the articles about the 'shakeups' all stated he was looking at 'scheme, then players'

maybe the players aren't the only ones who're gonna get their asses lit up this week