PS Game One Observations

[Kung-Pow]

WARNING: LONG READ

I won't spend a lot of time on the starters; they looked fantastic.

-- Garrett Reynolds had a very uneven performance from my vantage point. He looked very strong in run-blocking; his size allowing him to be a quintessential "road-grader" next to Clabo. But it was obvious he was having struggles in pass-protection. He was blown off the line more often than he should have been. He can get way too high and sloppy with his footwork, leading to him having a very poor base underneath him.

-- He left the door open for Mike Johnson to sneak back in this race.

-- Very hard to not get overly excited about Julio. The kid is explosive in every sense of the word. There was great, unselfish blocking by Ovie and Roddy on his end-around. Julio's speed got him to the edge, but their grunt work got him around the corner. The speed and quickness that he used to turn up-field after that drag route was amazing.

-- Harry Douglas was very, very impressive. He looked quick and confident and most of all, healthy. If this performance was any indication, he may finally be ready to build upon such a promising rookie year. His hands were sure, and his routes precise. Great decision by him to make all the offseason workouts; he and Matt seem to have their timing down.

-- I can't believe I was so indifferent about Snelling staying or leaving. He is such a great fit and provides just an absolutely awesome spell for Mike Turner.

-- Falcons have enviable depth at RB. Border-line incredible depth. I don't think Quizz will have the immediate significant impact that many of us and the media predicted early on. Given all the different weapons, including Snelling, I think it'll be difficult finding even five touches a game for him. And that's assuming he's automatically vaulted up the depth chart in front of Gartrell Johnson and Antone Smith.

-- I still like Antone Smith over Gartrell Johnson. He looks faster and smoother in his play. I think the coaching staff disagrees with me, though.

-- Again, if this first game is any indication, expect Eric Weems to contribute a lot of positive plays for Atlanta this year; both offensively and STs.

-- Corey Peters and Chauncey Davis did not show well at all, IMO.

-- Laurence Sidbury had a lot of success getting upfield and to the QB. As was often the case with Abe two years ago, and Kroy last year, he was often just a step late. He's a legit pass-rusher.

-- Robert James is very fast. I was stunned to learn he was the LB I had been marveling at. He makes up ground very quickly. There is so much athletic ability in him. He's gonna be something to watch if, and when, he puts it all together.

-- Falcons still struggling to bring down the QB. Franks has missed; Sid has missed 3xs; Jerry has missed; Corey Peters has missed;

-- Shillinger gave a disappointing performance. I don't think he handle his over-the-top duties very well. Was angry to see both he and Darrin Walls bite on an underneath route on the TD before the half. Counted two missed tackles.

-- Franks and Owens looked a lot better at corner with Moore and DeCoud playing safety than Shillinger and Rafael Bush. Hard to say who won the day; both spent time outside and in the slot. Neither stood out particularly well. Owens was seen chasing on MIA's first TD. Appeared to be more of blown coverage/missed responsibility than him being beaten.

-- JPW has got some moxy. Between he, Redman and Ice, Falcons are in good hands at QB. I'm all for drafting any kid coached by Nick Saban.

-- Backup LB seems to be the perfect fit for Mike Pete at this stage in his career. Can still tackle as well as anyone and is a great presence in the huddle and on the field.

-- CB Darrin Walls looks like he has the speed to run with any WR. Low on awareness, however.

-- Haven't seen why P Matt Bosher was worth drafting yet...

-- Brandyn Harvey made some nice grabs, specifically, a nice sideline grab in which he did a double toe-tap.

-- Don't think DE Emmanuel Stephens will make it off the PS this season.

-- While not very productive, I was pleased to see DT Peria Jerry play so many snaps. It tells me he's getting close to full strength if he isn't already.

-- I like DE Cliff Matthews; could be a nice player if the staff can coach him up.

[Chitown2ATL_Falcon]

WARNING: LONG READ

I won't spend a lot of time on the starters; they looked fantastic.

-- Garrett Reynolds had a very uneven performance from my vantage point. He looked very strong in run-blocking; his size allowing him to be a quintessential "road-grader" next to Clabo. But it was obvious he was having struggles in pass-protection. He was blown off the line more often than he should have been. He can get way too high and sloppy with his footwork, leading to him having a very poor base underneath him.

-- He left the door open for Mike Johnson to sneak back in this race.

-- Very hard to not get overly excited about Julio. The kid is explosive in every sense of the word. There was great, unselfish blocking by Ovie and Roddy on his end-around. Julio's speed got him to the edge, but their grunt work got him around the corner. The speed and quickness that he used to turn up-field after that drag route was amazing.

-- Harry Douglas was very, very impressive. He looked quick and confident and most of all, healthy. If this performance was any indication, he may finally be ready to build upon such a promising rookie year. His hands were sure, and his routes precise. Great decision by him to make all the offseason workouts; he and Matt seem to have their timing down.

-- I can't believe I was so indifferent about Snelling staying or leaving. He is such a great fit and provides just an absolutely awesome spell for Mike Turner.

-- Falcons have enviable depth at RB. Border-line incredible depth. I don't think Quizz will have the immediate significant impact that many of us and the media predicted early on. Given all the different weapons, including Snelling, I think it'll be difficult finding even five touches a game for him. And that's assuming he's automatically vaulted up the depth chart in front of Gartrell Johnson and Antone Smith.

-- I still like Antone Smith over Gartrell Johnson. He looks faster and smoother in his play. I think the coaching staff disagrees with me, though.

-- Again, if this first game is any indication, expect Eric Weems to contribute a lot of positive plays for Atlanta this year; both offensively and STs.

-- Corey Peters and Chauncey Davis did not show well at all, IMO.

-- Laurence Sidbury had a lot of success getting upfield and to the QB. As was often the case with Abe two years ago, and Kroy last year, he was often just a step late. He's a legit pass-rusher.

-- Robert James is very fast. I was stunned to learn he was the LB I had been marveling at. He makes up ground very quickly. There is so much athletic ability in him. He's gonna be something to watch if, and when, he puts it all together.

-- Falcons still struggling to bring down the QB. Franks has missed; Sid has missed 3xs; Jerry has missed; Corey Peters has missed;

-- Shillinger gave a disappointing performance. I don't think he handle his over-the-top duties very well. Was angry to see both he and Darrin Walls bite on an underneath route on the TD before the half. Counted two missed tackles.

-- Franks and Owens looked a lot better at corner with Moore and DeCoud playing safety than Shillinger and Rafael Bush. Hard to say who won the day; both spent time outside and in the slot. Neither stood out particularly well. Owens was seen chasing on MIA's first TD. Appeared to be more of blown coverage/missed responsibility than him being beaten.

-- JPW has got some moxy. Between he, Redman and Ice, Falcons are in good hands at QB. I'm all for drafting any kid coached by Nick Saban.

-- Backup LB seems to be the perfect fit for Mike Pete at this stage in his career. Can still tackle as well as anyone and is a great presence in the huddle and on the field.

-- CB Darrin Walls looks like he has the speed to run with any WR. Low on awareness, however.

-- Haven't seen why P Matt Bosher was worth drafting yet...

-- Brandyn Harvey made some nice grabs, specifically, a nice sideline grab in which he did a double toe-tap.

-- Don't think DE Emmanuel Stephens will make it off the PS this season.

-- While not very productive, I was pleased to see DT Peria Jerry play so many snaps. It tells me he's getting close to full strength if he isn't already.

-- I like DE Cliff Matthews; could be a nice player if the staff can coach him up.

Walls and Matthews might be a steals if the coaches can coach them up.

Edited August 13, 2011 by Chitown2ATL_Falcon

[The Falcon Jedi Knight]

I dont know if this Mularkey offense is the right fit for JaQuizz Rodgers. This is more of a power running built offense, and it may be a challenge to get JaQuizz out in space. I dont see him succeeding much with running between the tackles. Turner and Snelling have succeeded because they can power through, but I think we may have a problem similar to what we had with Norwood.

[peoriabird]

I think that you are being too hard on Reynolds. although i agree at times he was being pushed back on passing plays, he never flat out whiff on blocks like YKW playing left tackle. He also gave Matt Ryan plenty of time to go through his progressions. I didn't notice pressure coming from the Falcon's right side. Its his 1st game so I'll give him some time. Also I agree with you regarding G. Johnson...He didn't look good to me at all while both A. Smith and J. Rogers displayed shiftiness and bust that Johnson just does not possess. Also Peters looked pretty stout against the run to me! Good assessment otherwise.

Edited August 13, 2011 by peoriabird

[LADBABY]

I dont know if this Mularkey offense is the right fit for JaQuizz Rodgers. This is more of a power running built offense, and it may be a challenge to get JaQuizz out in space. I dont see him succeeding much with running between the tackles. Turner and Snelling have succeeded because they can power through, but I think we may have a problem similar to what we had with Norwood.

Norwood got hurt. He could run anywhere and did so when healthy.

Quizz can run inside and he will be hard for defenders to find.

Mularkey had a problem using Norwood and it was that he seldom used

him. When he did he tried to toss the ball to him on a naked sweep

that was never blocked, did not have a lead blocker and it always got

stuffed. When they run that play with Snelling he gets killed and the

message board lights up with people calling Snelling slow. Mularkey

has got a poorly designed and executed play in his arsenal is what it

amounts to. Quizz better hope when he gets his touches that is not the call.

Oh, I forgot about the thread! Kung Pow you are pretty much dead right

and saying all you said that is doing something. Good post.

Edited August 13, 2011 by LADBABY

[kiwifalcon]

Thanks Kung Pow that gives alot of perspective great post..

Also love the honesty its alot better read than the bag CO's posts that are floating around the boards so it +1 from me.

[HASHBROWN3]

thanks for the take OP. I think you're being just a bit too hard on our huge tackle. I do agree he has to learn to stay lower and use better feet but for his first time out with the starters I have seen much worse. The good thing is run blocking is sound and so he can work on mirror technique with rushers.

Quizz will look sensational when given his opptys with our starting lineup because it is so loaded and I want to be in the front row when they work him in. That power run was flat out awesome for a man of his stature. He is a strong young man. HIs quick feet will blow our minds soon just wait and see!!

I disagree with your assessment on Corey Peters. He was looking pretty good to me. Both he and Jerry look stronger this year and I think Jerry will be extremely difficult to stop with one guy. Both will look great as soon as we have Ray Ray. I was proud of Sidbury! That was refreshing to see especially after Dled did that Q&A segment where he did not really seem enthused about the spinster...

1 preseason game down, 3 to go, and man if anybody doesnt see what amazing potential we have, then they need to go back to the nut house...

[raysnill1]

1 preseason game down, 3 to go, and man if anybody doesnt see what amazing potential we have, then they need to go back to the nut house...

I just got off the phone with my uncle in Milwaukee & he said the only team hat makes him nervous is the Falcons. he said he already didn't like us picking up Ray Edwards cause Ray is the A-Rod killer (his words not mine) but he didn't like that Ryan was airing the ball out. he said playing short ball played up to the Packers strengths. so far we both got it about even cause the Pack have a slight receiver edge & we have a big running edge but the x-factor comes down to QB play and that remains to be seen

[HASHBROWN3]

I just got off the phone with my uncle in Milwaukee & he said the only team hat makes him nervous is the Falcons. he said he already didn't like us picking up Ray Edwards cause Ray is the A-Rod killer (his words not mine) but he didn't like that Ryan was airing the ball out. he said playing short ball played up to the Packers strengths. so far we both got it about even cause the Pack have a slight receiver edge & we have a big running edge but the x-factor comes down to QB play and that remains to be seen

Sounds like your uncle is an honest dude. I think the falcons are really beginning to make a name for themselves. By this I mean, there are certain teams that you see coming up on your schedule which cause great concern and make you think about the L word....

We are among those special teams at this stage... I think the only thing that holds us back this year is going to be our ability to understand just how devastating we can be. If we believe in our hearts and minds that we can go out and blow up teams like the packers, Patriots, Eagles, etc.., then we will. We're the mighty fu**ing falcons and we're fixin to whip yo' a$$!!!!

Edited August 13, 2011 by HASHBROWN3

[Zodiac]

WARNING: LONG READ

I won't spend a lot of time on the starters; they looked fantastic.

-- Garrett Reynolds had a very uneven performance from my vantage point. He looked very strong in run-blocking; his size allowing him to be a quintessential "road-grader" next to Clabo. But it was obvious he was having struggles in pass-protection. He was blown off the line more often than he should have been. He can get way too high and sloppy with his footwork, leading to him having a very poor base underneath him. Agree

-- He left the door open for Mike Johnson to sneak back in this race. Disagree

-- Very hard to not get overly excited about Julio. The kid is explosive in every sense of the word. There was great, unselfish blocking by Ovie and Roddy on his end-around. Julio's speed got him to the edge, but their grunt work got him around the corner. The speed and quickness that he used to turn up-field after that drag route was amazing. Agree

-- Harry Douglas was very, very impressive. He looked quick and confident and most of all, healthy. If this performance was any indication, he may finally be ready to build upon such a promising rookie year. His hands were sure, and his routes precise. Great decision by him to make all the offseason workouts; he and Matt seem to have their timing down. Agree

-- I can't believe I was so indifferent about Snelling staying or leaving. He is such a great fit and provides just an absolutely awesome spell for Mike Turner. Agree

-- Falcons have enviable depth at RB. Border-line incredible depth. I don't think Quizz will have the immediate significant impact that many of us and the media predicted early on. Given all the different weapons, including Snelling, I think it'll be difficult finding even five touches a game for him. And that's assuming he's automatically vaulted up the depth chart in front of Gartrell Johnson and Antone Smith. Agree

-- I still like Antone Smith over Gartrell Johnson. He looks faster and smoother in his play. I think the coaching staff disagrees with me, though. Disagree

-- Again, if this first game is any indication, expect Eric Weems to contribute a lot of positive plays for Atlanta this year; both offensively and STs. Agree

-- Corey Peters and Chauncey Davis did not show well at all, IMO. Disagree with first, Agree with Second

-- Laurence Sidbury had a lot of success getting upfield and to the QB. As was often the case with Abe two years ago, and Kroy last year, he was often just a step late. He's a legit pass-rusher. Agree

-- Robert James is very fast. I was stunned to learn he was the LB I had been marveling at. He makes up ground very quickly. There is so much athletic ability in him. He's gonna be something to watch if, and when, he puts it all together. Agree

-- Falcons still struggling to bring down the QB. Franks has missed; Sid has missed 3xs; Jerry has missed; Corey Peters has missed; Agree

-- Shillinger gave a disappointing performance. I don't think he handle his over-the-top duties very well. Was angry to see both he and Darrin Walls bite on an underneath route on the TD before the half. Counted two missed tackles. Agree, will get to Walls in a sec

-- Franks and Owens looked a lot better at corner with Moore and DeCoud playing safety than Shillinger and Rafael Bush. Hard to say who won the day; both spent time outside and in the slot. Neither stood out particularly well. Owens was seen chasing on MIA's first TD. Appeared to be more of blown coverage/missed responsibility than him being beaten. Agree with DFX, Owens still had no idea what he was doing

-- JPW has got some moxy. Between he, Redman and Ice, Falcons are in good hands at QB. I'm all for drafting any kid coached by Nick Saban. Agree

-- Backup LB seems to be the perfect fit for Mike Pete at this stage in his career. Can still tackle as well as anyone and is a great presence in the huddle and on the field.Agree

-- CB Darrin Walls looks like he has the speed to run with any WR. Low on awareness, however.Disagree, it's his 2nd week in the system, he blew one coverage besides that he blanketed his guy and made a great play on the ball

-- Haven't seen why P Matt Bosher was worth drafting yet...Disagree, you obviously didn't see the Punt he boomed about 82 yards that netted 58.

-- Brandyn Harvey made some nice grabs, specifically, a nice sideline grab in which he did a double toe-tap.Agree

-- Don't think DE Emmanuel Stephens will make it off the PS this season.Disagree, he had a good showing and got a sack, Davis is overpaid and sucks

-- While not very productive, I was pleased to see DT Peria Jerry play so many snaps. It tells me he's getting close to full strength if he isn't already.Agree-ish, he was productive he got consistent pressure against all the stringers

-- I like DE Cliff Matthews; could be a nice player if the staff can coach him up.Agreed

My Comments and thoughts are in bold outside of yours.

[Guest Big A]

Funny Matt Ryan Video

[atljbo]

I dont know if this Mularkey offense is the right fit for JaQuizz Rodgers. This is more of a power running built offense, and it may be a challenge to get JaQuizz out in space. I dont see him succeeding much with running between the tackles. Turner and Snelling have succeeded because they can power through, but I think we may have a problem similar to what we had with Norwood.

I disagree... I think we need to run more screens ofcourse but Rodgers is more of a between the tackles RB then Norwood... Lets remember.. The guy was running with the 3rd sting O-Line...

In 08 .. Norwood had 338 receiving yards... Norwood was just always hurt during this new regime... Snelling 303 receiving yards in 44 catches .... I think Quizz can be very effective

[Zodiac]

I think you are forgetting about a certain LT.

[KANE337]

Very nice observations. I agree with most of them. +1

[The Falcon Jedi Knight]

I disagree... I think we need to run more screens ofcourse but Rodgers is more of a between the tackles RB then Norwood... Lets remember.. The guy was running with the 3rd sting O-Line...

In 08 .. Norwood had 338 receiving yards... Norwood was just always hurt during this new regime... Snelling 303 receiving yards in 44 catches .... I think Quizz can be very effective

I dont doubt Jaquizz abilities at all. I am just concerned that Mularkey wont maximize him in this offense. Time will tell.

[atljbo]

I dont doubt Jaquizz abilities at all. I am just concerned that Mularkey wont maximize him in this offense. Time will tell.

Iagree that as of now i dont think we will maximize his skills... Its just not what we do... I do think he can be a very effective player for us tho

[falcndave]

I dont know if this Mularkey offense is the right fit for JaQuizz Rodgers. This is more of a power running built offense, and it may be a challenge to get JaQuizz out in space. I dont see him succeeding much with running between the tackles. Turner and Snelling have succeeded because they can power through, but I think we may have a problem similar to what we had with Norwood.

Everytime people start with the logic that small quick powerful runners aren't effective between the tackes, the only words that come to mind are, "Warrick Dunn."

[Califalconfan84]

I dont know if this Mularkey offense is the right fit for JaQuizz Rodgers. This is more of a power running built offense, and it may be a challenge to get JaQuizz out in space. I dont see him succeeding much with running between the tackles. Turner and Snelling have succeeded because they can power through, but I think we may have a problem similar to what we had with Norwood.

Well i dont agree with the Norwood comment, if he wouldn't have been hurt so much he would have had alot more success. Every power runner has a fast counter-part to screw with coverage. Also something we never got to see is a double Rb situation, which if the line thinks its going to turner, and then it is handed off to a zippy little RB, threre will be nice little chunks of yrds. Rodgers just had to plow straight into a 3rd string OL.

[The Falcon Jedi Knight]

Everytime people start with the logic that small quick powerful runners aren't effective between the tackes, the only words that come to mind are, "Warrick Dunn."

And how many Warrick Dunns have you ever seen? It is very very difficult for smaller RBs to succeed in the NFL. There are very few. I hope Quizz becomes one of those few, but the odds are not in his favor.

[falcndave]

And how many Warrick Dunns have you ever seen? It is very very difficult for smaller RBs to succeed in the NFL. There are very few. I hope Quizz becomes one of those few, but the odds are not in his favor.

It is a self fulfilling prophecy. People think smaller guys can't run inside, so they don't call inside running plays. There are plenty of things that were believed to be true until people started challenging the assumptions.

I agree he will be more explosive in space, but you really can't get many snaps if you can't function in the base offense. That is why he is getting a chance. They have to no he can run the playbook for a series or two if called upon.

I admire the team for giving him a chance to run the base offense before conceding that he just can't do it. Every player is better if they are multi dimensional.