Jump to content

Rapid Reaction: Atlanta Falcons


blkbigdog35

Recommended Posts

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Rapid Reaction: Atlanta Falcons

By Vaughn McClure

ATLANTA -- A few thoughts on the Atlanta Falcons' 27-13 loss to the Chicago Bears at the Georgia Dome.

What it means: The Falcons needed this one badly but instead dropped to 2-4. It was their third loss in a row and first at home this season. The Falcons won't be back at the Georgia Dome until Nov. 23 against Cleveland. That means their next four games are on the road, including a "home" game against the Detroit Lions in London (Oct. 26). Things look rather bleak for the Falcons moving forward.

Stock watch: Mike Nolan can't go out there and make plays, but the Falcons' defensive coordinator knows he has to absorb a bulk of the blame for the defensive woes, which makes his stock fall. In all fairness to Nolan, he doesn't have enough talent to work with, and it has caused him to be too conservative at times. There were a few signs of progress with the pass rush Sunday, but not enough to prevent Bears quarterback Jay Cutler from setting a new career high in passing yards with 381. There is no quick fix for Nolan. This defense is going to be bad this season, period.

Dropping the ball: The Falcons never really got a chance to get going on offense, thanks in large part to a handful of drops by Levine Toilolo (three), Julio Jones and Roddy White. Since the Falcons obviously have to win games with their offense, the last thing they can afford to do is drop the ball. White has had more issues with drops lately, which is unfortunate for a veteran player with such dynamic ability. Toilolo is still young and learning, but he works enough on the Jugs machine after every practice to prevent this from happening.

Game ball: The game ball has to go to Antone Smith once again, since he seems to be the only thing Falcons fans can be excited about these days. Smith scored his fifth touchdown of the season on a 41-yard catch-and-run in the third quarter. He has averaged 51 yards per scoring play this season.

What's next: The Falcons visit Baltimore (4-2) next Sunday to visit a Ravens team that just demolished the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 48-17.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We get blown out in Baltimore I guarantee it.

Yeah if Cutler can carve up this pathetic defense in the Dome Flacco might get 700 yards in Baltimore.

Just a pathetic, trash defense.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah if Cutler can carve up this pathetic defense in the Dome Flacco might get 700 yards in Baltimore.

Just a pathetic, trash defense.

At least on defense, I think we've finally achieved full NFL sister-city status with the Jags. It's going to be exciting, battling them down to the wire for the number 1 draft pick. blink.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...