theProf Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 Stock Watch: NFC SouthOct 8 2:49 PM ETRISINGMike Nolan, defensive coordinator, Falcons. There was a lot of debate in the offseason about if the Falcons got the best new defensive coordinator or if the Saints did with Steve Spagnuolo. It hasn’t even been a contest. While Spagnuolo and the Saints have struggled from the start, Nolan has had his defense playing well all season and it’s probably only going to get better as guys get more comfortable with the scheme.Marques Colston, wide receiver, Saints. There was some talk earlier in the season that Colston might be washed up. The reality was he wasn’t completely healthy. He is now and he’s put together two big games in a row. With a bye coming up, Colston should be rested and should stay productive.Dunta Robinson, cornerback, Falcons. Since signing with the Falcons in 2010, a lot of people have written Robinson off as a bust. That might have been partly true the past two seasons, but I’m seeing a guy who's playing well this season. Robinson had a crucial interception at Washington and it was one of the first true big plays he’s made since joining the Falcons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Negatorris Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 I've been really impressed. Nolan has the most scrutinized guys from previous years playing well. All except for Ray. All hope is lost for that bum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theProf Posted October 8, 2012 Author Share Posted October 8, 2012 I've been really impressed. Nolan has the most scrutinized guys from previous years playing well. All except for Ray. All hope is lost for that bum.Nolan needs to get Dent playing better too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethanga62890 Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 Nolan needs to get Dent playing better too.He's on the field for like 10 plays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shredman Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 He's on the field for like 10 plays.he was on the field more than that yesterdayi saw him on his back 10 times lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theProf Posted October 9, 2012 Author Share Posted October 9, 2012 he was on the field more than that yesterdayi saw him on his back 10 times lolFrom an sbnation.com article:Moore and DeCoud are playing like Pro Bowlers, and Robert McClain has gone from surprise roster addition to more-than-capable nickelback, a much welcomed improvement over last year's Franks/Owens combo.Mike Nolan is earning every dollar of his paycheck right now. Or at least fifty cents on the dollar. Why?I knew a ground game, once...I give credit where credit is due: Alfred Morris is a talented running back. How he slipped into the sixth round I'm not sure, but he looked much more like a Jamal Lewis as he ripped Atlanta's front seven for 115 yards on 18 carries.The team impressively limited the always dangerous Griffin to just seven yards rushing, which is incredibly impressive, but Morris exposed Akeem Dent for the inexperienced linebacker that he is. A simple toss sweep play became the bane of Dent's existence.The Falcons are currently allowing over 142 rushing yards per game. Most of this is attributable to the scheme change. Mike Nolan seems much more intent on employing complex coverages and preventing the pass.I'm calling this now: at some point this season, an opposing team will get out to an early lead, and the Falcons will lose because they cannot stop the ground game. Weatherspoon and Stephen Nicholas have been impressive, especially in coverage, but right now Dent is not the answer at middle linebacker.http://atlanta.sbnation.com/2012/10/8/3472996/atlanta-falcons-washington-redskins-recap-matt-ryan-robert-griffin-iii Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wardog357 Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 he was on the field more than that yesterdayi saw him on his back 10 times lolHe was told to lie down and play possum...maybe someone on the offense would notice and that would tie up at least one guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFatboi Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 From an sbnation.com article:Moore and DeCoud are playing like Pro Bowlers, and Robert McClain has gone from surprise roster addition to more-than-capable nickelback, a much welcomed improvement over last year's Franks/Owens combo.Mike Nolan is earning every dollar of his paycheck right now. Or at least fifty cents on the dollar. Why?I knew a ground game, once...I give credit where credit is due: Alfred Morris is a talented running back. How he slipped into the sixth round I'm not sure, but he looked much more like a Jamal Lewis as he ripped Atlanta's front seven for 115 yards on 18 carries.The team impressively limited the always dangerous Griffin to just seven yards rushing, which is incredibly impressive, but Morris exposed Akeem Dent for the inexperienced linebacker that he is. A simple toss sweep play became the bane of Dent's existence.The Falcons are currently allowing over 142 rushing yards per game. Most of this is attributable to the scheme change. Mike Nolan seems much more intent on employing complex coverages and preventing the pass.I'm calling this now: at some point this season, an opposing team will get out to an early lead, and the Falcons will lose because they cannot stop the ground game. Weatherspoon and Stephen Nicholas have been impressive, especially in coverage, but right now Dent is not the answer at middle linebacker.http://atlanta.sbnation.com/2012/10/8/3472996/atlanta-falcons-washington-redskins-recap-matt-ryan-robert-griffin-iiiI just got off the phone with Asante Samuel and he said the return of Corey Peters should help stiffen the run D. Plus he said they played the read option 2 weeks in a row so responsibilities in the run game changed but you're right, Dent must play better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATL Fan in the DMV Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 From an sbnation.com article:Moore and DeCoud are playing like Pro Bowlers, and Robert McClain has gone from surprise roster addition to more-than-capable nickelback, a much welcomed improvement over last year's Franks/Owens combo.Mike Nolan is earning every dollar of his paycheck right now. Or at least fifty cents on the dollar. Why?I knew a ground game, once...I give credit where credit is due: Alfred Morris is a talented running back. How he slipped into the sixth round I'm not sure, but he looked much more like a Jamal Lewis as he ripped Atlanta's front seven for 115 yards on 18 carries.The team impressively limited the always dangerous Griffin to just seven yards rushing, which is incredibly impressive, but Morris exposed Akeem Dent for the inexperienced linebacker that he is. A simple toss sweep play became the bane of Dent's existence.The Falcons are currently allowing over 142 rushing yards per game. Most of this is attributable to the scheme change. Mike Nolan seems much more intent on employing complex coverages and preventing the pass.I'm calling this now: at some point this season, an opposing team will get out to an early lead, and the Falcons will lose because they cannot stop the ground game. Weatherspoon and Stephen Nicholas have been impressive, especially in coverage, but right now Dent is not the answer at middle linebacker.http://atlanta.sbnat...ert-griffin-iiiThis is my fear as well. We have to somehow find a way to stop the run, because in the games we haven't started with a lead (vs Carolina, @Wash), we've almost lost. We tightened up against the run in the second half of the Redskins game, but we gotta do a better job for the entire four quarters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethos Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 Dent and Edwards should be in Cleveland. They don't deserve to be on this team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigSmackDaddy Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 We seem to stop the run when we really need to. More about scheme than personell IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis York Morgan Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 I'm calling this now: at some point this season, an opposing team will get out to an early lead, and the Falcons will lose because they cannot stop the ground game.I fear the same thing. But at the same time, we can get back into a game so fast that I'll never worry about us being "out" of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconsd56 Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 One thing that will help vs the run is playing more "base" defense.we have run ALOT of our D in the Nickle and dime looks which are ALWAYS tough to stop the run on a consistent basis because of the sheer nature of the personnel.Our run d has bee an tail of 2 halvesthe first half in 4 of 5 games we gave up a good chunk on the ground only to lock it down in the second half in all 4 of 5.Save the charger game we locked that bish down all game until Battle had that one big run at the end Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFromSpain Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 (edited) The coaching staff is not in love with anybody and if they see Dent is playing like crap and a team is running all over us, Smith and Nolan will put Peterson out there, who is not fast but more than capable at stopping the run. Edited October 9, 2012 by FalconFromSpain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOVAFalconFan Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 (edited) I'm calling this now: at some point this season, an opposing team will get out to an early lead, and the Falcons will lose because they cannot stop the ground game.Uhhhhh....yeah I don't see this happening. Edited October 9, 2012 by NOVAFalconFan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peyton Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 He's on the field for like 10 plays.He'd be on the field for more plays if he didn't suck so bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethanga62890 Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 He'd be on the field for more plays if he didn't suck so bad. touche peyton touche Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peyton Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 Uhhhhh....yeah I don't see this happening.I can...more than once too. Right now the front 7 of this defense is Charmin soft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethanga62890 Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 I can...more than once too. Right now the front 7 of this defense is Charmin soft.a complete team like the 9ers and Houston will give us major fits. It'd be a good game and we could win but ya. I don't like those matchups. We can beat both of em though. Just gotta keep improving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blizzard_falcon Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 Nolan needs to get Dent playing better too.If he can't get Dent playing better next week, what do you think we could do? We have to shore up the run defense during the bye week.Some folks are calling for Schillar or even Peterson to start instead.Could we just mix it up a little? Maybe slide Spoon inside and play James in his spot when we run a base 4-3? He was balling in the preseason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vabchbirdlover Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 Maye Lofton's absence if more sorely felt than ppl wll admit? Just putting it out there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mid-Nite-Toker Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 To add to Nolan/Robinson stock rising...Biermann is all over the place(versatility) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdawg4876 Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 I said it all offseason bringing back the beerman was a great decision Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theProf Posted October 9, 2012 Author Share Posted October 9, 2012 If he can't get Dent playing better next week, what do you think we could do? We have to shore up the run defense during the bye week.Some folks are calling for Schillar or even Peterson to start instead.Could we just mix it up a little? Maybe slide Spoon inside and play James in his spot when we run a base 4-3? He was balling in the preseason.All of the things you mentioned would be viable options. To add one more possibility, Atlanta could slide Nick or Spoon inside and use Kroy Biermann as an outside LB. Then Atlanta would also be able to play Ray Edwards at DE in the base defense, as he plays fairly well against the run, and still have Biermann and Abe on the field at the same time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mid-Nite-Toker Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 I said it all offseason bringing back the beerman was a great decisionYou were right, Nolan is maximizing him...KB is responding.Love what we are doing with KB as a LBer and on the outside when PJ/VW/Babs are all in the game.KB was great on the edge(right) in that formation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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