It's not Murlarkey or Ryan; Its the ...

[Aria7]

...Offensive Line Men.

Before Matt Ryan was drafted many critics sited that our line sucked and whoever would be QB that he would be running for his life. Yes we got a first rounder Sam Baker that year but he was a big reach even for a late first rounder because TD saw a run on OLinemen in that year's draft. Baker at best was a projected 3rd rounder maybe late second rounder, and we really didnt make any real strides since then.

In order to have a downfield passing game you need linemen to sustain their blocks long enough for the receivers to get open. The only real deep threat is roddy white; the rest are **cough** hands receivers with no real deep speed. So Murlarkey is working with what he has. Could you imagine anyone, save Roddy, doing an end around on our offence. Yes Tony G has great hands but he is not going to stretch the defense. Our linemen are tough and they work hard, but they are not the most athletic; If you notice TD tends to get players with great character/team leaders that tend to lack athletic ability. There are a few exceptions, but that has been the case so far. We play well when teams play sloppy because of our discipline and spirit but we get manhandled when dealing with superior athletes to which the eagles have.

I agree the passing curls are boring, and particularly dangerous if a cb picks one off simply by stepping into the route. Getting picked off on deep routes are more like a punt. Being picked off with short curls can be taken to the house. Anyway, Ryan, as some people mentioned on this forum, has a very short internal clock because he knows that he has a crappy o-line and must get rid of the ball quickly. He goes for the dink and dunk because he knows he can not wait for the longer routes. If by chance the receivers are open downfield, he seems so paranoid, by now, that he goes for the safe bet. We have no real Left tackle to protect Ryan downfield, so what do you guys expect.

Edited October 17, 2010 by Aria7

[EastCoastFalcon902]

...Offensive Line Men.

Before Matt Ryan was drafted many critics sited that our line sucked and whoever would be QB that he would be running for his life. Yes we got a first rounder Sam Baker that year but he was a big reach even for a late first rounder because TD saw a run on OLinemen in that year's draft. Baker at best was a projected 3rd rounder maybe late second rounder, and we really didnt make any real strides since then.

In order to have a downfield passing game you need linemen to sustain their blocks long enough for the receivers to get open. The only real deep threat is roddy white; the rest are **cough** hands receivers with no real deep speed. So Murlarkey is working with what he has. Could you imagine anyone, save Roddy, doing an end around on our offence. Yes Tony G has great hands but he is not going to stretch the defense. Our linemen are tough and they work hard, but they are not the most athletic; If you notice TD tends to get players with great character/team leaders that tend to lack athletic ability. There are a few exceptions, but that has been the case so far. We play well when teams play sloppy because of our discipline and spirit but we get manhandled when dealing with superior athletes to which the eagles have.

I agree the passing curls are boring, and particularly dangerous if a cb picks one off simply by stepping into the route. Getting picked off on deep routes are more like a punt. Being picked off with short curls can be taken to the house. Anyway, Ryan, as some people mentioned on this forum, has a very short internal clock because he knows that he has a crappy o-line and must get rid of the ball quickly. He goes for the dink and dunk because he knows he can not wait for the longer routes. If by chance the receivers are open downfield, he seems so paranoid, by now, that he goes for the safe bet. We have no real Left tackle to protect Ryan downfield, so what do you guys expect.

I agree. They're "nasty" but definitely not a pass blocking Oline

[DirtyBirdNorth]

...Offensive Line Men.

Before Matt Ryan was drafted many critics sited that our line sucked and whoever would be QB that he would be running for his life. Yes we got a first rounder Sam Baker that year but he was a big reach even for a late first rounder because TD saw a run on OLinemen in that year's draft. Baker at best was a projected 3rd rounder maybe late second rounder, and we really didnt make any real strides since then.

In order to have a downfield passing game you need linemen to sustain their blocks long enough for the receivers to get open. The only real deep threat is roddy white; the rest are **cough** hands receivers with no real deep speed. So Murlarkey is working with what he has. Could you imagine anyone, save Roddy, doing an end around on our offence. Yes Tony G has great hands but he is not going to stretch the defense. Our linemen are tough and they work hard, but they are not the most athletic; If you notice TD tends to get players with great character/team leaders that tend to lack athletic ability. There are a few exceptions, but that has been the case so far. We play well when teams play sloppy because of our discipline and spirit but we get manhandled when dealing with superior athletes to which the eagles have.

I agree the passing curls are boring, and particularly dangerous if a cb picks one off simply by stepping into the route. Getting picked off on deep routes are more like a punt. Being picked off with short curls can be taken to the house. Anyway, Ryan, as some people mentioned on this forum, has a very short internal clock because he knows that he has a crappy o-line and must get rid of the ball quickly. He goes for the dink and dunk because he knows he can not wait for the longer routes. If by chance the receivers are open downfield, he seems so paranoid, by now, that he goes for the safe bet. We have no real Left tackle to protect Ryan downfield, so what do you guys expect.

Good post... Right now, Sam Baker is playing horribly. When he is not letting a DE get around or thru him, he is holding. If Sam doesn't get it together very soon, he is going to find himself backing up Will Svitek.

[War Damn Eagle]

Pretty fair assessment, but it amazes me how people are just now getting upset. This offense has been pretty dismal for 2 years now.

Edited October 17, 2010 by War Damn Eagle

[PokerSteve]

...Offensive Line Men.

Before Matt Ryan was drafted many critics sited that our line sucked and whoever would be QB that he would be running for his life. Yes we got a first rounder Sam Baker that year but he was a big reach even for a late first rounder because TD saw a run on OLinemen in that year's draft. Baker at best was a projected 3rd rounder maybe late second rounder, and we really didnt make any real strides since then.

In order to have a downfield passing game you need linemen to sustain their blocks long enough for the receivers to get open. The only real deep threat is roddy white; the rest are **cough** hands receivers with no real deep speed. So Murlarkey is working with what he has. Could you imagine anyone, save Roddy, doing an end around on our offence. Yes Tony G has great hands but he is not going to stretch the defense. Our linemen are tough and they work hard, but they are not the most athletic; If you notice TD tends to get players with great character/team leaders that tend to lack athletic ability. There are a few exceptions, but that has been the case so far. We play well when teams play sloppy because of our discipline and spirit but we get manhandled when dealing with superior athletes to which the eagles have.

I agree the passing curls are boring, and particularly dangerous if a cb picks one off simply by stepping into the route. Getting picked off on deep routes are more like a punt. Being picked off with short curls can be taken to the house. Anyway, Ryan, as some people mentioned on this forum, has a very short internal clock because he knows that he has a crappy o-line and must get rid of the ball quickly. He goes for the dink and dunk because he knows he can not wait for the longer routes. If by chance the receivers are open downfield, he seems so paranoid, by now, that he goes for the safe bet. We have no real Left tackle to protect Ryan downfield, so what do you guys expect.

[PokerSteve]

Alas, you speak great truth kemosabe. Yet I believe better play-calling from Mularkey and a more composed and talented QB could take at least some of the heat off these guys.

[The Birds are the truth]

...Offensive Line Men.

Before Matt Ryan was drafted many critics sited that our line sucked and whoever would be QB that he would be running for his life. Yes we got a first rounder Sam Baker that year but he was a big reach even for a late first rounder because TD saw a run on OLinemen in that year's draft. Baker at best was a projected 3rd rounder maybe late second rounder, and we really didnt make any real strides since then.

In order to have a downfield passing game you need linemen to sustain their blocks long enough for the receivers to get open. The only real deep threat is roddy white; the rest are **cough** hands receivers with no real deep speed. So Murlarkey is working with what he has. Could you imagine anyone, save Roddy, doing an end around on our offence. Yes Tony G has great hands but he is not going to stretch the defense. Our linemen are tough and they work hard, but they are not the most athletic; If you notice TD tends to get players with great character/team leaders that tend to lack athletic ability. There are a few exceptions, but that has been the case so far. We play well when teams play sloppy because of our discipline and spirit but we get manhandled when dealing with superior athletes to which the eagles have.

I agree the passing curls are boring, and particularly dangerous if a cb picks one off simply by stepping into the route. Getting picked off on deep routes are more like a punt. Being picked off with short curls can be taken to the house. Anyway, Ryan, as some people mentioned on this forum, has a very short internal clock because he knows that he has a crappy o-line and must get rid of the ball quickly. He goes for the dink and dunk because he knows he can not wait for the longer routes. If by chance the receivers are open downfield, he seems so paranoid, by now, that he goes for the safe bet. We have no real Left tackle to protect Ryan downfield, so what do you guys expect.

+100 If I can literally give to you. Right about everything you said I don't disagree with nothing. When Matt Ryan drops back I am terrified because I know Oline is going to collasp. Like I said in another post if Falcons don't get this corrected we are staring Chris Redman or John Parker Wilson right in the face.

[Point_Blank]

..It isnt all on the them. It could be worse. Look at Chicago's.

Edited October 18, 2010 by Point_Blank

[DemDirtyBirds4]

I know alot of people want to try and get a WR but I would like to see us make a move for a LT. Sam Baker has been horrid all year and I think it is time for him to be benched.

[Aria7]

I know alot of people want to try and get a WR but I would like to see us make a move for a LT. Sam Baker has been horrid all year and I think it is time for him to be benched.

Baker is a patch work LT until he is moved to RT where he will be much more servicable. We need help on o-line in general. This was and IS a weakness for the last 4 years or more and our front office has been focusing on defence. Many people critize the falcons for losing but i really feel we are over achieving. We dont have the players that people assume we have. We have been winning by playing smart safe disciplined football; but we will be overmatched each time when we run into athletic teams that can manage to play disciplined as well. We dont have the muscle or speed to match with alot of teams.

Edited October 18, 2010 by Aria7

[synaptic apoptosis]

I agree. They're "nasty" but definitely not a pass blocking Oline

they're nasty, but they suck at blocking a pass rush. Hmmm, they are nasty little daisies.

[OilFuturesTrader19]

Pretty fair assessment, but it amazes me how people are just now getting upset. This offense has been pretty dismal for 2 years now.

exactly!! Had the same problems last year.

[Aria7]

they're nasty, but they suck at blocking a pass rush. Hmmm, they are nasty little daisies.

pretty much

[Aria7]

Pretty fair assessment, but it amazes me how people are just now getting upset. This offense has been pretty dismal for 2 years now.

Posted 25 October 2009 - 07:20 PM

I think the fans bought into the hype to much, including yours truly. Ryan's quick release made the line look alot better than they are. Remember we only drafted one O-line men in the last 2 years and we had a rag tag o-line before that. Last year people were assuming that Ryan would be killed; Fortunatly, Ryan has a quick release but his arm strength still seems to be a concern. I was watching the Viking-Steelers game prior to the Falcons-Cowboys game and I have to say the 40 Year old Farve STILL has a MUCH stronger arm than the our 24 year old Qb.

But before I seem too pessimistic I want to say that our Jamaal Anderson is stepping up as DT and looks like he may have a shot of turning things around. Our defence even with the injuries seems to be making more plays than our offence and may be the ones who will save this team. Honestly I think we need to start drafting O-linemen and use that money that will be free next year because we released the dog killer for YOUNGER free agents with upside.

And yes age is a factor that is huge. This past year the falcons drafted a 25 year old DT with high character, which is good, but a history of injuries. Now he is out for the year and next year he will basically be a 26 year old rookie. This is not good.

Speaking of older and ageing. I have to say I did NOT like the Tony Gonzalas trade when it occured and I still dont like it. Tony is a great player but he is showing his age. I would have MAYBE given up a 4th rounder at the most. Trading a second rounder which is high a customary pick of getting steals of players who dropped on draft boards. We potentially gave away a guy who could play for the falcons for at least 10 years to someone who may have 2 decent years left.

Yes Gonzo has helped open some games for us but it only seems like a giant leap because our team had no receiving TE's last year. Any flux in the posistion would have seemed overwhelmingly positive. Taking Gonza has reduced the role of Michael Jenkins and might have hurt his progression. Jenkins was an unsung hero last year and made some game saving catches.

I live up north and I am familiar with how the jets operate their team in the past and I hope Atlanta does not do the same thing. Trading draft choices for older vetern players whom the people think is the missing link to a superbowl. No I do not like the jets but I do read the sport pages and I can tell you that it NEVER pans out. The older guys start great out of the gate but fade over the course of the season and the trade is really putting a band aid on huge chasm. We are going to have a good amount of money for younger free agents next year and no reason to sell out our future for SEEMINGLY immediete gratification.

The good news is that for the most part our team is disciplined and allows us to excell against more talented but sloppier teams. The bad news is when we do face a team even with some discipline we are facing an uphill battle.

I am somewhat concerned also that Joe Flacco seems to be playing much better with less talent. Could be that he has more zip on his ball which allows for more bombs and more of a downfield passing attack. Our passing attack primarily is alot of dink and dunks, short curls and quick screen passes to our backs. Which is the reason why prior to this game Ryan was not getting many sacks because he could dump it off quickly but at the same time we are becoming extremely predictable and Ryan is inching closer and closer into Chad Pennington; High completion percentage but low amount of touchdowns and the running game will suffer as a result.

I'm not sure if Mularky is just being ultra conservative becuase he want mistake free football or he knows what the fans do not know just yet; That Matt Ryan's arm strength, while stronger than last year, is still suspect and realizes that downfield throwing would lead to disaster.

Just to let you know I do root for this team because this is quickly becoming or is a high class high character team that in the long run will have a long rich history that all falcons fans wanted for the team. That being said I just want to point out that we should come to reality; Be Happy what the team has accomplished so far but don't get carried away with a big win or too down in a disappointing loss. The best franchises are in it for the long haul and win with consistancy.

This post has been edited by Aria7: 25 October 2009 - 07:24 PM

I did mention what was wrong before; people simply are in denial.

Edited October 20, 2010 by Aria7

[Nono]

Pretty fair assessment, but it amazes me how people are just now getting upset. This offense has been pretty dismal for 2 years now.

I agree but weren't we told before the draft and all through free agency that we're ok on the offense by Coach Smith and TD? Well they are just that---ok and nothing more. When I think of how we missed out on the second round and did not consider a single trade I could puke.

I don't want to scare anyone but everyone on the offense is healthy---what if we lose one of "adequate" offensive weapons? Then there will be trouble

[Aria7]

I agree but weren't we told before the draft and all through free agency that we're ok on the offense by Coach Smith and TD? Well they are just that---ok and nothing more. When I think of how we missed out on the second round and did not consider a single trade I could puke.

I don't want to scare anyone but everyone on the offense is healthy---what if we lose one of "adequate" offensive weapons? Then there will be trouble

Yes we were told the offence was adequate aka matt ryans quick decisions help mask the problem. Front offices all over the league try to soften the idea on how bad the team is. They are selling a product. Omit the bad and stick to the positive. The reality is that our O-line is leakier than the titanic. The ship is sinking. We need blockers badly or else the Matt ryan pick will be useless because he will never be able to fullfill his potential.

I hope this doesnt become a team in constant transition, losing players and replacing them but never really gaining ground, in perpetual adequecy and never a super bowl team. I hope I am wrong.

Edited October 20, 2010 by Aria7

[dominatethesouth]

Baker is a patch work LT until he is moved to RT where he will be much more servicable. We need help on o-line in general. This was and IS a weakness for the last 4 years or more and our front office has been focusing on defence. Many people critize the falcons for losing but i really feel we are over achieving. We dont have the players that people assume we have. We have been winning by playing smart safe disciplined football; but we will be overmatched each time when we run into athletic teams that can manage to play disciplined as well. We dont have the muscle or speed to match with alot of teams.

That's why it's on MM to out scheme teams that we don't match up well against.

[rugger8]

Good posts Aria. I don't agree with everything- or I may be misunderstanding, but your points are well substantiated.

Regarding Roddy being the only deep threat, I think you're under estimating Jenkins. He's actually faster, and I think we missed him quite a bit when it comes to stretching the field. I was glad to see him back Sunday, and he was actually a bright spot in a pretty dismal game.

It also sounds like you think that playing smart, disciplined ball is something akin to smoke and mirrors. I think that's the best way to play. The absolute stars of the league are smart, disciplined and the most athletic, but there are only so many of them to go around. I think rather than putting our premium on highly athletic guys (when we can't get both in one package), we put our premium on the leaders, the smart and disciplined players. Dimitroff has only been putting this team together over 3 years, and I think he's done a great job in upgrading the talent and general attitude of the team; as time rolls on, and he's able to get more of his first choices in place, you'll see a team that has more of those guys that have both the athleticism and the personal characteristics that we're looking for.

EDIT: I had been concerned about the tony G trade at one point, for the reasons you outlined, but his performance and what he's brought to the team have warmed me to the idea. He's an exception to the rule that you mentioned about not trading for older players.

I also agree about the OL. I think Baker can be a fine RT, but I'm not sure where we're going to find a LT to beat him out. I'm hoping for McNeil from the Chargers in next year's FA.

[Dr. Billings]

I was hoping you said the O-Line. You didn't disappoint. You gotta wonder why the former qb can go to another team and look like a superstar. Coaching is better where he is, also the O-Line is better.

[CraigSmackDaddy]

Good posts Aria. I don't agree with everything- or I may be misunderstanding, but your points are well substantiated.

Regarding Roddy being the only deep threat, I think you're under estimating Jenkins. He's actually faster, and I think we missed him quite a bit when it comes to stretching the field. I was glad to see him back Sunday, and he was actually a bright spot in a pretty dismal game.

It also sounds like you think that playing smart, disciplined ball is something akin to smoke and mirrors. I think that's the best way to play. The absolute stars of the league are smart, disciplined and the most athletic, but there are only so many of them to go around. I think rather than putting our premium on highly athletic guys (when we can't get both in one package), we put our premium on the leaders, the smart and disciplined players. Dimitroff has only been putting this team together over 3 years, and I think he's done a great job in upgrading the talent and general attitude of the team; as time rolls on, and he's able to get more of his first choices in place, you'll see a team that has more of those guys that have both the athleticism and the personal characteristics that we're looking for.

EDIT: I had been concerned about the tony G trade at one point, for the reasons you outlined, but his performance and what he's brought to the team have warmed me to the idea. He's an exception to the rule that you mentioned about not trading for older players.

I also agree about the OL. I think Baker can be a fine RT, but I'm not sure where we're going to find a LT to beat him out. I'm hoping for McNeil from the Chargers in next year's FA.

Agreed. Jenkins is not quick but he is faster than Roddy.

[FFFALCON]

I agree, but my question is why aren't we playing our two o line draft picks in at least some type of rotation?

[Aria7]

Good posts Aria. I don't agree with everything- or I may be misunderstanding, but your points are well substantiated.

Regarding Roddy being the only deep threat, I think you're under estimating Jenkins. He's actually faster, and I think we missed him quite a bit when it comes to stretching the field. I was glad to see him back Sunday, and he was actually a bright spot in a pretty dismal game.

It also sounds like you think that playing smart, disciplined ball is something akin to smoke and mirrors. I think that's the best way to play. The absolute stars of the league are smart, disciplined and the most athletic, but there are only so many of them to go around. I think rather than putting our premium on highly athletic guys (when we can't get both in one package), we put our premium on the leaders, the smart and disciplined players. Dimitroff has only been putting this team together over 3 years, and I think he's done a great job in upgrading the talent and general attitude of the team; as time rolls on, and he's able to get more of his first choices in place, you'll see a team that has more of those guys that have both the athleticism and the personal characteristics that we're looking for.

EDIT: I had been concerned about the tony G trade at one point, for the reasons you outlined, but his performance and what he's brought to the team have warmed me to the idea. He's an exception to the rule that you mentioned about not trading for older players.

I also agree about the OL. I think Baker can be a fine RT, but I'm not sure where we're going to find a LT to beat him out. I'm hoping for McNeil from the Chargers in next year's FA.

I dont think that smart sound football is smoke and mirrors. you need that no matter what talent that your team has. All I am saying is that the coaches are MAXING out in what they have because of that reason. People think that we are underachieving and i think the opposite. The falcons are overacheiving with the personal they have and that when it faces a team that is both talented AND focused it will be overwhelmed.

Attitude is great but its not sufficient.

[rugger8]

I dont think that smart sound football is smoke and mirrors. you need that no matter what talent that your team has. All I am saying is that the coaches are MAXING out in what they have because of that reason. People think that we are underachieving and i think the opposite. The falcons are overacheiving with the personal they have and that when it faces a team that is both talented AND focused it will be overwhelmed.

Attitude is great but its not sufficient.

I can see that, I guess. The Eagles have been building a team like that for the last 10+ years, though. Dimitroff has been here for 3. We can change the personnel in that time frame, but can't get all our 'first choices' in that time frame.

That said, I don't think the Eagles game was all being athletically overwhelmed. We looked flat, and it's already been said that we prepared for things other than what they showed us. We were out coached, and it took us too long into the game to adjust to the changes.

[Aria7]

Agreed. Jenkins is not quick but he is faster than Roddy.

Actually I think there both the same speed. If i recall correctly, both we stop watched in the draft at around 4.4. The problem is only roddy plays with that speed while jenkins does not. Roddy is also much more consistent.

Jenkins was supposed to be the tall wide receiver that could grab jump balls. He does do that time to time but not consistently. I hope that changes.

Edited October 20, 2010 by Aria7

[Aria7]

I can see that, I guess. The Eagles have been building a team like that for the last 10+ years, though. Dimitroff has been here for 3. We can change the personnel in that time frame, but can't get all our 'first choices' in that time frame.

That said, I don't think the Eagles game was all being athletically overwhelmed. We looked flat, and it's already been said that we prepared for things other than what they showed us. We were out coached, and it took us too long into the game to adjust to the changes.

Yes Reid had 10 vs 3 of the falcons. But they, the falcons, should not be EXPECTED to win either. If you dont think the eagles were better athletes, then why did smitty have his corners play such soft zone.

Answer: He knew his corners could not match the speed of the eagles. None of our defense could. So the team needs everything to be in front of them. It also answers why the eagles can do trick plays like the end around and play action more often and with more effectiveness. THEY HAVE AN O-line that can SUSTAIN THIER BLOCKS. THE HAVE FAST WRS. WE DONT.

The falcons are smart, deligent and tough. The falcons are NOT durable, fast or strong.

Edited October 20, 2010 by Aria7