This Week's Enemy Fan Forums: The Atlanta Falcons

[frosted]

It's 'Teddy Time'! I am disappointed by the loss this weekend, as I am sure we all are, but I see a glimmer of hope in that, we are embarking on a new era. Good or bad, it will be different, and that, in and of itself, oftentimes lends to some excitement. As we prepare for this week/reflect on last weekend, a few thoughts:

* Quite frankly, the offense was terrible. I know we talked about this last week, but the offensive line was even worse, IMO, than it was against the Patriots. Had Cassel not thrown 4 interceptions in week 2, things could have been different offensively, but in this game, we didn't even turn the ball over. We simply could not move the rock. Hopefully Ted can bring some juice to the position. That said, this offensive line worries me.

* The defense looked good, after the dreadful start. I know there are a lot of varying opinions on how they have actually played this season, but after the shell shock of last year, any improvement seems wonderful to me, and we are seeing a big improvement through three games. I thought we did a real nice job handling Jimmy Graham Sunday, which was very nice to see. A few stats/rankings to consider defensively:

Code: Select all

11th in Total Yards/Game Allowed
13th in Passing Yards/Game Allowed
15th in Rushing Yards/Game Allowed
9th in Points/Game Allowed
7th in Net Yards/Punt 
5th in Sacks
27th in Takeaways - We need to force more turnovers.

* I really liked the way Gerald Hodges played this weekend. I want to see him get on the field more, he's an explosive athlete, and can do some very good things for us. With Greenway's injuries, I do think we might see him more this week.

* I know a lot of people are on Asiata for his struggles, but honestly, most running backs wouldn't be able to do a damn thing with the way we have been run blocking this season, either. That needs to improve, first and foremost.


Going to be another big time offense across from us this Sunday afternoon - you can't say the defense isn't being tested so far this season. I do know the Falcons play better at home than they do on the road, so we have that going for us at least. Julio Jones is a MONSTER, plain and simple and they have a multitude of other weapons as well. Matt Ryan can pick a defense apart, so it will be imperative that we get pressure on him and force him off his spot. I don't know a whole lot about their defense - hopefully we can put more pressure on them than we did the Saints by attacking the deep and intermediate parts of the field in the passing game. I am confident Ted can do this. I am cautiously optimistic regarding our chances this week. I hope Devin Hester doesn't kill us. Hate that.

Here are the opposing fan forums for this week:

Falcons Official Fan Forum

http://boards.atlantafalcons.com/forum/ ... e-falcons/

Atlanta Falcon's Talk

http://www.atlantafalconstalk.com/

Football's Future

http://www.footballsfuture.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=7


What they're saying:

I'm pretty sure Rudolph is out..... Sports hernia surgery.

No AP either, of course. Asiata has looked like he's running in mud. Jerrick McKinnon doesn't seem to get a lot of touches.

That leaves Patterson and Jennings, two very, very good weapons. But save for some tricky stuff, with our corners, we should be able to deal with an offense with two good receivers and no running game. We SHOULD be able to hold them to 17 or less.

I think Bridgewater is smarter than your average rookie QB. But a rookie, nonetheless. Aside from the occasional blitz to keep him honest, I think we should generally rush four or five and play coverage. Soliai and company against their run game should get us in plenty of third and longs.

Even with our defense, I can't see their offense consistently driving the field all game. I think we need to maximize the decisions Bridgewater has to make. That maximizes our defensive opportunities.

Offensively, I don't think there's a defense out there that can scheme us. Matty's too smart and our weaponry is too talented.

Our offensive success, and in turn, our team success is reliant on a very basic formula. If our offensive line is not dominated, we will win.

Even more specifically, if our offensive tackles are not dominated, we will have offensive success.

In my estimation, this game boils down to whether Brian Robinson, Everson Griffen, Anthony Barr, and Corey Wooton can have success against Jake Matthews & Lamar Holmes. I'm fairly confident in Lamar holding up, and even moreso Jake.

I say we put up between 27 and 31.

27-17 Falcons

Feel like this is going to be another heart breaker.

I am nearly as confident that we win ad I was the Bucs game. I just don't see us losing at all.

It's hard to really judge but their defense held Brady to 150 yards. Maybe he was getting good field position because of turn overs and he hasn't been awesome this year , I don't know.

Their offense is where they struggle and I'm sure Zimmer is planning on running wild on us with their receiver and qb.

This is a game we SHOULD win but I felt pretty confident our offense could overcome the Bengals D

Just don't be surprised if you see bodies flying out of tatf's Windows Sunday evening

I'd like to see us win the coin toss and defer, then come out aggressively on defense and blitz Bridgewater right off the bat - like on their first offensive play. Bridgewater is going to be nervous given that this is his first NFL start and in front of a hyped up home crowd, so we need to bring the house early and often.

I am usually a proponent of us always receiving being that since '08 we lead the league in 1st drive scoring. As an offensive team going out and scoring fast and easily can be a great demoralizer. That saud watching how nervous he was with pressure against the Saints I would be perfectly happy for us to start the game defensively and aggressive. Try and hit him early and often and shake him up.

To be honest I wouldn't even mind seeing a head cracking late hit if it comes to that early on. Take the 1st down and 15yds just to get in his head. Of course though I'd rather it be legal and of course am not looking to actually hurt the kid. Just a sort of welcome to the NFL type hit.

In fact because our offense has a big advantage over their D I think we should blitz the hell out of the rookie and see what happens. Our D numbers are pretty high but their offense isn't very good. I expect our D to have a good game.

Our biggest concern is we need to win on the road. We haven't in awhile.

AP out
Cassel out
Kyle Rudolph out
Rookie QB in
Patterson is their only heavy duty weapon on offense.

The stars are lining up for our D to come in and have a good game.

As long as our offense has their way with their D we'll be alright.

The Vikings weren't managing anything offensively until Cassel went out. I told my wife that his injury might hurt us. Bridgewater kept several plays alive that Cassel would have ended early.

Cassel hardly looked at Greg Jennings, but Bridgewater went his way a lot.

Losing Rudolph is a big loss, though.

Their defense was much better than I expected.

Go Vikes!

[Orion]

No way they score 27+ points if we can hold the Saints to 20 on the road even with Bridgewater's first ever game. Our offense will be better prepared. I expect another dominant win similar to beating the Rams. Thank god Cassel isn't starting and hopefully Teddy continues to perform and better.

[Purple Domination]

Not sure what game they were watching where Bridgewater looked nervous due to pressure.

[fiestavike]

I can't predict a win/loss but if we are 2-2 after these first 4 games, I would be pretty content with that given the level of competition. I just really hope we can find a way to our offense out of neutral and start putting up some points. I think our defense is good enough to make us a contender for the division if we can find some way to start moving the football and putting points on the board.

[frosted]

I can't predict a win/loss but if we are 2-2 after these first 4 games, I would be pretty content with that given the level of competition. I just really hope we can find a way to our offense out of neutral and start putting up some points. I think our defense is good enough to make us a contender for the division if we can find some way to start moving the football and putting points on the board.

I agree with that - it's such a shame that Fusco will not be up front to help Ted.

[Mothman]

I can't predict a win/loss but if we are 2-2 after these first 4 games, I would be pretty content with that given the level of competition. I just really hope we can find a way to our offense out of neutral and start putting up some points. I think our defense is good enough to make us a contender for the division if we can find some way to start moving the football and putting points on the board.

I think your suggestion of spreading the formations more might be a good idea, a way to kickstart the offense. The biggest potential problem I see with it is that it could put more pressure on an already-struggling o-line. In fact, even though most of the criticism I've seen of the o-line has been critical of their pass-blocking, I think blocking has a lot to do with the team's struggle to establish a running game without peterson too. Peterson's ability to gain yards after contact has helped mask some genuine shortcomings in this line. Where are Scottie Graham and the 1993 Vikes o-line when we need them?

Regardless of formation, with the personnel losses they've suffered, I think the Vikings have to find a way to shift the focus to their passing game, especially their wideouts. They can't bail on the run and hang Bridgewater out to dry but at this point, Jennings and Patterson are probably the two best weapons they have available so I say get the ball in their hands.

[frosted]

I think your suggestion of spreading the formations more might be a good idea, a way to kickstart the offense. The biggest potential problem I see with it is that it could put more pressure on an already-struggling o-line. In fact, even though most of the criticism I've seen of the o-line has been critical of their pass-blocking, I think blocking has a lot to do with the team's struggle to establish a running game without peterson too. Peterson's ability to gain yards after contact has helped mask some genuine shortcomings in this line. Where are Scottie Graham and the 1993 Vikes o-line when we need them?

Regardless of formation, with the personnel losses they've suffered, I think the Vikings have to find a way to shift the focus to their passing game, especially their wideouts. They can't bail on the run and hang Bridgewater out to dry but at this point, Jennings and Patterson are probably the two best weapons they have available so I say get the ball in their hands.

Agreed, that was what I was alluding to in the OP, I know Asiata is not the kind of guy who will ever set the world on fire, but most RBs would be struggling behind this offensive line too.

[fiestavike]

I think your suggestion of spreading the formations more might be a good idea, a way to kickstart the offense. The biggest potential problem I see with it is that it could put more pressure on an already-struggling o-line.

Absolutely a concern. Part of my thinking is that we could transition to a run game that resorts to a lot of draw plays and more zone blocking. This is not the type of football I like playing, but without Fusco and without Adrian to cover up deficiencies in the blocking, I just don't see us having a lot of luck pulling linemen or winning 1 on 1 battles. Zimmer alluded to going to a gameplan where they are passing to set up the run as one option during a recent press conference. I wonder if this might be what they have in mind. As for pass protection...I just don't think we can rely on much of it any way we go. That's why I think Teddy should have 2 reads, a dump off, and the option to scramble and get down. He isn't going to be getting to 3rd and 4th reads this year, especially if we are only blocking with 5. At least it creates more opportunities to make plays, even if its taking advantage of lanes than develop as the blocking breaks down.

IPeterson's ability to gain yards after contact has helped mask some genuine shortcomings in this line.

No doubt about it!

Where are Scottie Graham and the 1993 Vikes o-line when we need them?

That was a line! If the Vikings do cut ties with AP, I hope they use some of that cap money to really bolster our front line into a dominant unit. I miss those days.

[J. Kapp 11]

I think your suggestion of spreading the formations more might be a good idea, a way to kickstart the offense. The biggest potential problem I see with it is that it could put more pressure on an already-struggling o-line. In fact, even though most of the criticism I've seen of the o-line has been critical of their pass-blocking, I think blocking has a lot to do with the team's struggle to establish a running game without peterson too. Peterson's ability to gain yards after contact has helped mask some genuine shortcomings in this line. Where are Scottie Graham and the 1993 Vikes o-line when we need them?

On the other hand, spreading the formation usually leads to quicker throws, which could negate that pressure. Or maybe I'm just looking for a silver lining.

I continue to be baffled at the lack of use of Cordarrelle Patterson. Like last year, it just feels like he's not getting nearly enough touches. I would have thought that an offensive mind like Norv Turner would lie awake at night dreaming up ways to get this guy the ball. It makes me wonder whether there's something going on in practice, maybe his work ethic, something that would make (now) multiple coaching staffs underutilize him. Or at least SEEM to underutilize him.

The Falcons' fan base seems pretty confident about this game, and why not? They have an explosive offense, while we obviously do not. But I'm not convinced that Atlanta is a physical football team, and I'm hoping that a great start on DEFENSE will buoy the Vikings' confidence. The offense will have to figure out a way to score, but a physical defense that delivers an early blow -- a big sack, a heavy hit on a receiver, a big stop on third-and-short, a turnover -- could get the crowd in the game and give the offense the momentum they need to finally get something done.

[The Breeze]

Whatever they do offensively must result in manageable distance on 3rd downs. Spread the field and run slants and drop offs to the backs. I feel that if they can get to 3rd and 5 or less that TB will be able to make plays either way...running or passing.
No huddle would be a nice way to start the game and get them into a flow.

They just have to find a way to take charge and keep the pressure on. This is a very winnable game IMO. Take care of the ball and limit penalties.

[Mothman]

On the other hand, spreading the formation usually leads to quicker throws, which could negate that pressure. Or maybe I'm just looking for a silver lining.

No, you're right and as Fiestavike was saying, it might even make sense to limited the number of reads, with everything designed to move quickly and compensate for shortcomings in the blocking. It's a less than ideal way to approach offense but it may be necessary.

I continue to be baffled at the lack of use of Cordarrelle Patterson. Like last year, it just feels like he's not getting nearly enough touches. I would have thought that an offensive mind like Norv Turner would lie awake at night dreaming up ways to get this guy the ball. It makes me wonder whether there's something going on in practice, maybe his work ethic, something that would make (now) multiple coaching staffs underutilize him. Or at least SEEM to underutilize him.

I wonder how much of it is just that with Peterson out, defenses are keying on him in a big way since he's the game-breaker on offense. jennings can be a big playmaker so maybe if they can get the ball to him more, it will help draw some attention away from Patterson. I don't know what the answer is but they have to find ways to get the ball to him and enable him to make a bigger impact on these games.

[J. Kapp 11]

I wonder how much of it just that with peterson out, defenses are keying on him in a big way since he's the game-breaker on offense. jennings can be a big playmaker so maybe if they can get the ball to him more, it will help draw some attention away from Patterson. I don;t know what the answer is but they have to find ways to get the ball to him and enable him to make a bigger impact on these games.

That's a good point about defenses keying on CP. And if he's still not a great route-runner, it makes it even more difficult for him to get open.

It was interesting (and sucky) how New Orleans completely snuffed out the jet sweep to CP last week. He was hit the moment he got the ball for a 5 yard loss. Somebody up front must have missed an assignment big-time. Color me shocked.

I think you're right, though. The loss of Peterson seems to be hurting this team in ways we are only beginning to see.

[Boon]

Banyard needs to start. Asiata reminds me of a pig on a beach, not even kidding. How can they not see this?

[dead_poet]

Banyard needs to start. Asiata reminds me of a pig on a beach, not even kidding. How can they not see this?

Maybe they think he's Eddie Lacy (pretty much the same height/weight)?

He's safe and probably the best pass blocker on the team, which is what it probably boils down to.

[fiestavike]

Maybe they think he's Eddie Lacy (pretty much the same height/weight)?

He's safe and probably the best pass blocker on the team, which is what it probably boils down to.

Occasionally he shows some burst (back to back plays against NO at one point) which indicates to me that he is being "patient" when he looks slow as molasses. He just seems not to have any lateral ability and loses his footing much too easily.