Falcons review

[falcon057]

Falcons review
LexisNexis Feed
D. Orlando Ledbetter; Staff , The Atlanta Journal-Constitution


Updated Sep 21, 2010 7:21 AM ET

The game that was

The Falcons rediscovered their rushing attack and took advantage of an undisciplined Cardinals team in their 41-7 victory. On the first play from scrimmage, they ran behind left guard Justin Blalock, who drove rookie linebacker Daryl Washington about 10 yards down the field. Fullback Ovie Mughelli got in right behind Blalock on the power run and plastered linebacker Paris Lenon. Michael Turner picked up 6 yards --- and the tone was set.

What we learned

1 The defensive front can attack quarterbacks. The Falcons had only two sacks, but the defensive front was relentless. Through three quarters they had 14 hurries, five knockdowns and two interceptions. "We wanted to disrupt the timing in their passing game," said defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux, who had one sack.

2 Roddy White is unstoppable. The Pro Bowl wide receiver had another big day, catching seven passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. Before Monday's game he was tied for the league lead in receptions with 20. White and Dallas' Miles Austin are on pace to catch 160 passes. Marvin Harrison holds the record of 143, set in 2002. White expects teams to start getting more creative with their coverages. "We have to get everybody else going, too," he said.

3 The offensive line figured out how to block against a 3-4 defensive front. They gashed the Cardinals for 221 yards rushing on 45 carries. "I felt like we had a little more success with our double teams," right tackle Tyson Clabo said. "I honestly feel that's one of the things that the 3-4 does differently. It's a lot harder to get double-teams against a base 3-4 defense."

Injury report

Running back Jerious Norwood suffered a knee injury after returning the opening kickoff 34 yards. Cornerback Christopher Owens suffered a back injury and did not return. Running back Michael Turner suffered a groin injury. His injury was not serious and he's expected back at practice Wednesday.

Numbers game

Matt Ryan completed 21 of 32 passes for 225 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He had a rating of 117.3.

Sound bite

"Somebody said that he might hold out for a new contract before the next game. We might have a grievance on our hands. Jason is one heck of a back."

Fullback Ovie Mughelli, on running back Jason Snelling

Loose ends

Wide receiver Michael Jenkins (shoulder) was expected to miss four to six weeks after being hurt Aug. 6. It's past that window and he's still not practicing.

What's next

The Falcons (1-1) visit the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints at 1 p.m. Sunday. The Saints opened the season with a 14-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. It was the fewest points scored in a Saints win in four-plus seasons under coach Sean Payton. The secondary has a new look with second-year man Malcolm Jenkins taking over at safety for injured Darren Sharper.

[phocis850]

Hmm... pay snelling.
Jenkins still out.
Saints offense is slowed.

[Peyton]

(09-21-2010 08:45 AM)phocis850 Wrote:  Hmm... pay snelling.
Jenkins still out.
Saints offense is slowed.

The Falcons guard injury information like it is nuclear secrets, and they lie a lot.

I get it, but in this case, it's not like anybody is game planning for Jenkins anyway.

[falcon057]

If RB Jerious Norwood's knee injury is a torn ACL, as rumored, then the Falcons will consider signing another RB. If that's the case, Atlanta likely won't go after a high-profile name since RB Jason Snelling has been proving his worth as a backup. Falcons RapidReports

[bF™]

Roddys right, we HAVE to start spreading it around more.

Looks like mularkey was right though when he said roddy was going to have a huge year.

[The Falcon Jedi]

Snelling could be a starting RB on many teams.