Jonathan Massaquoi Making Impact With More Playing Time

[theProf]

Jonathan Massaquoi making impact with more playing time

Oct 20 8:00AM ET

By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com

BALTIMORE -- Jonathan Massaquoi obviously didn't want to make too big a deal out of his performance on Sunday considering his Atlanta Falcons lost to the Ravens, 29-7.

But there was no denying the significant contribution Massaquoi made in defeat. The outside linebacker/defensive end was as active as he has been all season, finishing with six tackles, a tackle for a loss, and two quarterback hits while also drawing a couple of holding calls. He was able to build on the momentum he gained during last week's loss against the Chicago Bears.

So what has been the spark behind Massaquoi's inspired play?

"I ain't doing nothing better. It's just all mental," Massaquoi said. "Ain't nothing changed. It's a mental game. Once you have the mental part of it, everything else, physically, is God-given. You have to come to peace with everything.

"You can't really ask me that question when I've only been given so many reps throughout the season. Things are starting to change. Hey, that allows you to change mentally as a person and feel comfortable. You know what I mean?"

Massaquoi played 51 of 67 defensive snaps against the Ravens for 76 percent participation. His previous high percentage was against the Bears, when he played 59 percent (43 of 73).

"Jonathan Massaquoi put some pressure on the quarterback; got a couple of holding calls," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "I still felt like we left some sacks out there. ... But I did think that Jonathan Massaquoi did some good things."

Although his pressure was consistent Sunday, Massaquoi did not record a sack. And it bothered him.

"That's what gets you even more hungry to go out and work hard every week, because you were just that close," said Massaquoi, who leads the team with two sacks. "I've got to get better this week."

[Dirtybird56]

Wow who would've thought? I am seriously so thankful we have a proactive coaching staff constantly evaluating our players without bias and staying one step ahead. Us fans could have never seen this

[dmo_dlo]

I think the parts may be a sign of some tension between players and coaches.

It is so annoying to see Smith downplay a great day by Mass, when not a single soul on that defense is bringing any pressure.

"You can't really ask me that question when I've only been given so many reps throughout the season. Things are starting to change. Hey, that allows you to change mentally as a person and feel comfortable. You know what I mean?"

Massaquoi played 51 of 67 defensive snaps against the Ravens for 76 percent participation. His previous high percentage was against the Bears, when he played 59 percent (43 of 73).

"Jonathan Massaquoi put some pressure on the quarterback; got a couple of holding calls," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "I still felt like we left some sacks out there. ... But I did think that Jonathan Massaquoi did some good things."

[MSalmon]

Wow who would've thought? I am seriously so thankful we have a proactive coaching staff constantly evaluating our players without bias and staying one step ahead. Us fans could have never seen this

Stuff like Mass making an impact in last two games with increased role makes me wonder if it isn't the coaching staff that is the problem. Not the GM or front office. Even in running game. SJax appears to be a goal line or protect the lead guy, or is he? Freeman shows ability or dies he? How the heck can you tell with the constant rotations and sporadic playing time. We know biermann blows, see goodman look good, yet he doesn't get expanded playing time. It's just a silly mess

[Culain_04]

Stuff like Mass making an impact in last two games with increased role makes me wonder if it isn't the coaching staff that is the problem. Not the GM or front office. Even in running game. SJax appears to be a goal line or protect the lead guy, or is he? Freeman shows ability or dies he? How the heck can you tell with the constant rotations and sporadic playing time. We know biermann blows, see goodman look good, yet he doesn't get expanded playing time. It's just a silly mess

I agree, everyone has been replaced except the HC, and we have seen the same issues every year.

[Culain_04]

Jonathan Massaquoi making impact with more playing time

Oct 20 8:00AM ET

By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com

"Jonathan Massaquoi put some pressure on the quarterback; got a couple of holding calls," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "I still felt like we left some sacks out there. ... But I did think that Jonathan Massaquoi did some good things."

Although his pressure was consistent Sunday, Massaquoi did not record a sack. And it bothered him.

"That's what gets you even more hungry to go out and work hard every week, because you were just that close," said Massaquoi, who leads the team with two sacks. "I've got to get better this week."

Mass should have had 2 sacks, but Flacco was getting a free ride from the ref's

[nolove4thecrook]

"who leads the team with TWO sacks" omfg nobody is fired yet??

[MSalmon]

I agree, everyone has been replaced except the HC, and we have seen the same issues every year.

Yeah it's hard to say the problem is the GM after this cycle of coordinators. And I believe it was KOG that said correctly this doesn't look like a Nolan defense. It looks like a Smitty defense with Nolan type players!

[Door Gunner]

Stuff like Mass making an impact in last two games with increased role makes me wonder if it isn't the coaching staff that is the problem. Not the GM or front office. Even in running game. SJax appears to be a goal line or protect the lead guy, or is he? Freeman shows ability or dies he? How the heck can you tell with the constant rotations and sporadic playing time. We know biermann blows, see goodman look good, yet he doesn't get expanded playing time. It's just a silly mess

LOLOLOLOL Statistically Goodman is in the toilet and hasn't done squat, He's had 8 tackles all season. only 2 solo. I want to see hard numbers that say he is worth putting on the field. As for Biemann. Like him or don't but he is a team leader in tackles and leads the team with 5 tfl/stuffs.

http://www.sportingcharts.com/nfl/players/495645/malliciah-goodman/#Tackles%20&%20Assists$GameType=279588574&SeasonMax=9999&SeasonMin=1990

[Deep2Julio]

"Jonathan Massaquoi put some pressure on the quarterback; got a couple of holding calls," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "I still felt like we left some sacks out there. ... But I did think that Jonathan Massaquoi did some good things."

Sacks are overrated

[HEIST]

"who leads the team with TWO sacks" omfg nobody is fired yet??

We have as many sacks as Seattle... how.

[capologist]

"who leads the team with TWO sacks" omfg nobody is fired yet??

He'd probably have 4 by now had he been playing this much at the start of the season...

[Andre5000]

Took the coaches long enough to figure it out.. watching "Pancake" Bierman out there is painful

[MSalmon]

LOLOLOLOL Statistically Goodman is in the toilet and hasn't done squat, He's had 8 tackles all season. only 2 solo. I want to see hard numbers that say he is worth putting on the field. As for Biemann. Like him or don't but he is a team leader in tackles and leads the team with 5 tfl/stuffs.

http://www.sportingcharts.com/nfl/players/495645/malliciah-goodman/#Tackles%20&%20Assists$GameType=279588574&SeasonMax=9999&SeasonMin=1990

How many snaps has goodman got? I'm not saying he's a stud, but will he be proven NFL caliber or not unless he gets on field. Kroy has what a career high of 5 sacks? He's chauncy Davis at best for a comparison

[Psychic Gibbon]

What good is a pass rusher if he can't kick out into coverage every other play?

[Door Gunner]

How many snaps has goodman got? I'm not saying he's a stud, but will he be proven NFL caliber or not unless he gets on field. Kroy has what a career high of 5 sacks? He's chauncy Davis at best for a comparison

Goodman has had over 200 snaps. That's more more than Mass. I never said Kroy was a world beater. I just put some stats out there that get ignored. A TFL/Stuff is a good thing. but it takes away the focus from His Sack record and that's all anyone cares about. Personally with Mass on the QBs blind side it may improve Kroy's chances of having a decent season. His play has improved and it looks like he has confedence in his leg again. As far as sacks go, Goodman's only sack was a wiff in the 4th against Minnesota and he missed Ponder.

People can like who they want for what ever reason. But I like to see some numbers when it comes to calling someones play being good or bad. Not that PFF garbage, but real stats

[DoYouSeeWhatHappensLarry]

Goodman has had over 200 snaps. That's more more than Mass. I never said Kroy was a world beater. I just put some stats out there that get ignored. A TFL/Stuff is a good thing. but it takes away the focus from His Sack record and that's all anyone cares about. Personally with Mass on the QBs blind side it may improve Kroy's chances of having a decent season. His play has improved and it looks like he has confedence in his leg again. As far as sacks go, Goodman's only sack was a wiff in the 4th against Minnesota and he missed Ponder.

People can like who they want for what ever reason. But I like to see some numbers when it comes to calling someones play being good or bad. Not that PFF garbage, but real stats

Stop it with the "stats" thing. "Stats" don't necessarily track performance....especially when it comes to DL and OL players.

Goodman has looked like a talented young player given his dearth of playing time, its not surprising that he isn't JJ Watt.

[autigerfan]

Lets not forget the BS call on Flacco that should have been intentional grounding. Massaquoi is without question our best pass rusher on the defensive line. We still need another 2 guys that can apply consistent heat.

[theProf]

From PFF:

Jonathan Massaquoi, DE: +6.9

Breakdown: Working against a struggling tackle for the second straight week, Massaquoi posted another career game. The third-year player is finally coming into his own and was far too athletic for left tackle James Hurst. He tallied three hits and two hurries on the day and also forced three separate holding penalties. Not only was his +4.3 pass rushing grade the highest of his career, but Massaquoi’s +1.9 run defense grade was the second-highest of his career. After a season high 52 snaps on Sunday, it’s gotten to the point where the Falcons need to scrap any thoughts of keeping Massaquoi as a rotational player that he was earlier in the season.

Signature Play: Massaquoi put on a display as a pass rusher, but the play that sticks out in my mind came with 10:48 left in the fourth quarter. On that play, the Ravens ran a toss left, and Massaquoi got such a good jump off the line of scrimmage that he rendered Steve Smith’s attempt to crack block him useless and brought down the runningback for a 5-yard loss.

[Door Gunner]

Stop it with the "stats" thing. "Stats" don't necessarily track performance....especially when it comes to DL and OL players.

Goodman has looked like a talented young player given his dearth of playing time, its not surprising that he isn't JJ Watt.

You think he's good. I don't. AS far as stats go, I agree if you only use one stat to track performance of players. like only looking at sacks, But that's all anyone wants to look at on DL. That is the only thing used to judge some players on this team. How about we judge our DBs on interceptions only and not count passes defended or tackles etc and see who is the best player in the secondary is... I'm not drinking the Goodman Kool-Aid

[Door Gunner]

Apologies to the OP for getting off topic. Go Mass!!! looks like he's all out of bubble gum

[truth..]

You think he's good. I don't. AS far as stats go, I agree if you only use one stat to track performance of players. like only looking at sacks, But that's all anyone wants to look at on DL. That is the only thing used to judge some players on this team. How about we judge our DBs on interceptions only and not count passes defended or tackles etc and see who is the best player in the secondary is... I'm not drinking the Goodman Kool-Aid

Are you trolling here? Open your eyes. Who ever is responsible for getting our young guys on the field should be fired today. Its ridiculous.

Massaquoi finally gets PT, and balls out.

Goodman and Hageman have been phenomenal in their snaps this year. To the point that I dont know why we bothered bringing Tyson Jackson in.

Ishmael gets a chance and steps up.

Freeman is sitting on the bench for a bad team that insists on playing old men with no futures.

Im so sick of this coaching staff

[MSalmon]

Are you trolling here? Open your eyes. Who ever is responsible for getting our young guys on the field should be fired today. Its ridiculous.

Massaquoi finally gets PT, and balls out.

Goodman and Hageman have been phenomenal in their snaps this year. To the point that I dont know why we bothered bringing Tyson Jackson in.

Ishmael gets a chance and steps up.

Freeman is sitting on the bench for a bad team that insists on playing old men with no futures.

Im so sick of this coaching staff

I'm disgusted at this staff. Weatherspoon as a rookie started 5 games, but played in 11...he was a first round pick and clearly the best LB talent we had. Hageman is raw, but he's got much better strength and ability than say Babs. The list goes on and on with young players so called having to "earn" more playing time. Which is fine when quality vets are entrenched. But what we're seeing is vets get majority of snaps regardless if theyre quality starters or not. It's a wonder matt started from day one

[Dr Long Shot]

At this stage there should be absolutely no excuse to not play the young guys a bulk of the snaps. We are basically dead last on defense almost half way through the season. How could they do worse??

[theProf]

What good is a pass rusher if he can't kick out into coverage every other play?

The play after Mass nearly got a sack on Flacco, he was back in coverage on the very next play. I still don't understand why a team wants its best pass rusher to play back in coverage on some of the passing plays, rather than just rushing the passer.