Falcoholic: Tackling Common Complaints Surrounding Atlanta's Offense

[paulitik]

http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2015/11/13/9720306/tackling-common-complaints-surrounding-atlantas-offense?utm_campaign=mcdraft2&utm_content=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

Tackling Common Complaints Surrounding Atlanta's Offense

By Charles R. McDonald  @McDraft2 on Nov 13, 2015, 3:00p +

Atlanta knifed through the opening portion of the season with an explosive offense that has sputtered after averaging 32.4 points per game after the first five games. Since the overtime win versus Washington, the Falcons have averaged 16.8 points per game while dropping three of the last four games. The one game they did win was an uninspiring 10-7 victory over the beleaguered Tennessee Titans, who were starting Zach Mettenberger at quarterback.

The fanbase has predictably grown impatient with the drop off in production and there seem to be a few common complaints with the offense. The bye week is great time to evaluate and validate (or invalidate) current concerns.

1. They never throw the deep ball!/Roddy White is always open and they never throw to him!

These were actually two separate complaints, but they correlate so heavily that they should be treated as one. Roddy White's struggles this season have been well documented; he currently has a measly 17 catches for 230 yards and 1 touchdown through nine games. Those numbers are abysmal, but placing most of the blame on Kyle Shanahan and Matt Ryan is ludicrous.

Truthfully, Roddy White isn't a good receiver anymore and hasn't been since the 2012 season. It's a bit surprising that people expect a 34 year old receiver to magically produce when his production has declined the past two seasons.

Since Kyle Shanahan has been an offensive coordinator, his offenses have typically been centered around the abilities of the best receiver on the team. While Julio Jones is rightfully carrying the bulk of the passing game, the number two receiver has to be fairly competent in his own right.

The "chunk plays" that the Falcons have been missing are due more to the incapability of Roddy White to effectively run the routes that forces defenses to respect every skill player on the field. Here's an example from the Falcons game against Washington.

Julio Jones taking triple coverage running deep, Roddy has to be able to seize advantage of man coverage he's going to receive. He can't effectively run the route combinations that produce big plays, like the one above.

Atlanta is facing the perfect storm regarding the elimination of their deep threat: Julio is facing double and triple coverage, and Leonard Hankerson, who is explosive enough to run these longer routes, has been hurt, and Roddy doesn't have the burst to run these routes anymore.

Kyle Shanahan is facing a lot of flak for "not adjusting," but he has adjusted by relegating the Falcons offense to a more conservative dink and dunk type offense. There's no one else to fear on the offense, and Roddy White just can't be the answer anymore.

There are certain times when Roddy is open, but he hasn't shown Matt Ryan any reason (this season) to trust him in high pressure situations. The receiving corp is a mess right now. Improving it has to be one of the top priorities in the offseason.

2. They never turn to Devonta Freeman in the redzone!

This issue is a bit more complicated than simply not giving Freeman the ball in the redzone. Over the past month the Falcons offense has sputtered in the redzone mainly due to bizarre turnovers. Poor snaps, fumbles at the point of exchange between Ryan and Freeman, and unfortunate interceptions have been the reason why Freeman hasn't seen the ball in the redzone.

This isn't really anyone's fault, just freakish turnovers that should even themselves out over time. Before Atlanta kicked the field goal that cost them the game in San Francisco, they were effectively throwing the ball in the redzone. In a situation like this, there isn't really any reason to divert from what's working. Once the ridiculous turnovers stop, Freeman should see a healthy amount of redzone opportunities down the home stretch of the season.

3. Matt Ryan holds on to the ball too long, he's got tons of time in the pocket.

Ryan holding the ball too long in the pocket really goes hand in hand with the first issue of Roddy not being the receiver that he once was. There's also a strong relationship between Leonard Hankerson going down against the Titans and the passing attack coming to a screeching halt.

The pass protection is leagues better than it was a year ago, even if it's come back to Earth a bit after a sky high start. The biggest reason for Ryan holding on to the ball too long is that no one is consistently getting open besides Julio Jones. It has become abundantly clear over the past four or five games that the lack of a competent number two receiver is hurting this offense more than Ryan is (no matter how many jokes are made on Twitter).

This isn't to say Ryan is playing well, because he isn't. He's been fairly inaccurate over the past month, missing throws to the sideline and heaving throws to Julio Jones in triple coverage. Right now the Falcons offense is building up great stats between twenties, but points aren't being put on the scoreboard. It's a junk, volume-based offense that hasn't been particularly effective.

As amazing as Devonta Freeman has been this season, the Falcons offense is hampered by him being the second best receiving threat on the team.

4. Kyle Shanahan calls the same five pass plays over and over again.

There isn't any claim with less credibility than this one. If the same complaints were made about the running game, it would make sense, but even then most teams have three or four run concepts that make up the bulk of their rushing attack.

Shanahan has been forced to mix it up through the air because of the limitations at wide receiver. In year one of his coaching tenure in Atlanta, it's a bit perplexing that so many fans have taken issue with his play calling halfway through the season. Reflecting on last year, he's been a major improvement over previous offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. Shanahan was given a patchwork offensive line and unproven weapons at running back and receiver, yet the Falcons offense was soaring through the early part of the season.

Give Dan Quinn and the coaching staff a few offseasons to get "their guys" into the system. This team won a whopping total of ten games the past two seasons; they still have a great shot to surpass or equal that total in this season alone.

R-E-L-A-X.

[falcon22]

Great post, those are very strong points.

[A Pimp Named Slickback™]

Don't see anything I'd disagree with here.

[vel]

I love Charles posts and we seem to be on the same page a lot when we chat on Twitter. Like he said, "This isn't to say Ryan is playing well, because he isn't. He's been fairly inaccurate over the past month, missing throws to the sideline and heaving throws to Julio Jones in triple coverage. Right now the Falcons offense is building up great stats between twenties, but points aren't being put on the scoreboard. It's a junk, volume-based offense that hasn't been particularly effective."

Ryan hasn't been good and it's not the OL to blame, as much as people have become accustomed to using that default excuse around here. I just wish he showed more passing plays than just that one.

[Dirtybird56]

Anyone watching the all 22 sees Roddy only gets open when his CB doesn't pay attention to him and tries to help on Julio/another route. When he's getting 1 on 1 he's not winning and that is a huge hindrance to any offense when the #2 can't beat single coverage

But if we bench him he'll whine. Thought we were done trotting old vets out there despite better options behind them (SJax/Freeman), (Roddy/Hardy)

Our O would flow much better with our 3 receivers being 1) julio 2) Hank 3) Hardy. Can't wait to see if DQ/Shanny have the balls to bench him now that we're losing

[paulitik]

I love Charles posts and we seem to be on the same page a lot when we chat on Twitter. Like he said, "This isn't to say Ryan is playing well, because he isn't. He's been fairly inaccurate over the past month, missing throws to the sideline and heaving throws to Julio Jones in triple coverage. Right now the Falcons offense is building up great stats between twenties, but points aren't being put on the scoreboard. It's a junk, volume-based offense that hasn't been particularly effective."

Ryan hasn't been good and it's not the OL to blame, as much as people have become accustomed to using that default excuse around here. I just wish he showed more passing plays than just that one.

Slightly disagree. It's not the tackles, but the Center has been a huge issue. The snaps have been horrifying since week one. Guard play has been questionable, but that might be because they are covering for the center.

I think a QB constantly having to worry whether the snap is going to roll between his legs or over his head is going to throw a lot of his timing off.

I'm not saying Matt has been great, but the snaps stood out to me well before the fumble issues started.

[vel]

Slightly disagree. It's not the tackles, but the Center has been a huge issue. The snaps have been horrifying since week one. Guard play has been questionable, but that might be because they are covering for the center.

I think a QB constantly having to worry whether the snap is going to roll between his legs or over his head is going to throw a lot of his timing off.

I'm not saying Matt has been great, but the snaps stood out to me well before the fumble issues started.

Not talking about the snaps. The protection. He's had plenty of time compared to the last two years. I'd say he's had average QB time in the pocket most of the time. That's plenty.

[vel]

Anyone watching the all 22 sees Roddy only gets open when his CB doesn't pay attention to him and tries to help on Julio/another route. When he's getting 1 on 1 he's not winning and that is a huge hindrance to any offense when the #2 can't beat single coverage

But if we bench him he'll whine. Thought we were done trotting old vets out there despite better options behind them (SJax/Freeman), (Roddy/Hardy)

Our O would flow much better with our 3 receivers being 1) julio 2) Hank 3) Hardy. Can't wait to see if DQ/Shanny have the balls to bench him now that we're losing

Roddy is a tougher situation. Homegrown talent. It's like when Hines Ward still played, even though the Steelers had Wallace, Sanders, and Brown.

I agree with how they're handling the situation. Doesn't help we lost Hank and Hester. Put more on Roddy's plate. Bad situation. Add in Hardy not fully grasping the playbook and it's a perfect storm of WR ineptitude.

[A Dog Named Brian]

Sadly, the bulk of the people that need to read and understand this won't.

Edited November 13, 2015 by A Dog Named Brian

[PokerSteve]

Anyone watching the all 22 sees Roddy only gets open when his CB doesn't pay attention to him and tries to help on Julio/another route. When he's getting 1 on 1 he's not winning and that is a huge hindrance to any offense when the #2 can't beat single coverage

But if we bench him he'll whine. Thought we were done trotting old vets out there despite better options behind them (SJax/Freeman), (Roddy/Hardy)

Our O would flow much better with our 3 receivers being 1) julio 2) Hank 3) Hardy. Can't wait to see if DQ/Shanny have the balls to bench him now that we're losing

Agree. If he can't win against 1 on 1 coverage any more, he shouldn't be starting. And obviously a very persuasive argument can be made for that being the case. Bottom line, he's not happy now anyway as the starter because he's not contributing, so it's not like things would get much more dramatic if they sit him. Maybe the only reason he's still out there is this is his official Farewell Tour of the league?

[Dem Birds]

Throw one gif in the article and everyone jumps on board with it lol. Lemmings.

[A Dog Named Brian]

Throw one gif in the article and everyone jumps on board with it lol. Lemmings.

Thank you for proving my point

[paulitik]

Not talking about the snaps. The protection. He's had plenty of time compared to the last two years. I'd say he's had average QB time in the pocket most of the time. That's plenty.

The protection is better, but I think the new scheme has him out of his comfort zone, and the snaps throwing off the timing isn't helping.

[Falcon Ben]

That pick looks to me like it's on Matt. If he puts more air under it, the play goes for 20+.

ETA: And in the current climate, it is necessary that I say that I am a huge supporter of Matt, but he is "struggling" this season.

Edited November 13, 2015 by Falcon Ben

[4dabirds]

I look at that Gif, and I see a ball that Ryan shouldn't have thrown. Ryan actually had some time to see that everyone was well covered, and he should have ran/scrambled to extend the play or simply thrown it away. There was no safe outlet for throwing the ball on that play at all.

While I agree that Roddy is not as fast as he once was, I do think he still runs a good route, and you can see often during a pre-snap that he is getting single coverage. Roddy runs a good slant over the middle, and the skinny post well, and to make use of that you have to throw the ball quicker. I like Ryan, but he has made a lot of **** plays this year between INT's, fumbles and numerous batted balls, so I'm thinking a big reason for the sputtering offense comes from him not reading the defense, not moving out of the pocket, or not standing up to the coaches and trying to get the offense to work to his strength instead of this no flow thing they're doing at the moment.

[JDaveG]

Anyone watching the all 22 sees Roddy only gets open when his CB doesn't pay attention to him and tries to help on Julio/another route. When he's getting 1 on 1 he's not winning and that is a huge hindrance to any offense when the #2 can't beat single coverage

But if we bench him he'll whine. Thought we were done trotting old vets out there despite better options behind them (SJax/Freeman), (Roddy/Hardy)

Our O would flow much better with our 3 receivers being 1) julio 2) Hank 3) Hardy. Can't wait to see if DQ/Shanny have the balls to bench him now that we're losing

Yeah, I assumed he was getting open because people were saying he was. I haven't seen it, and I don't have access to the all 24, so I have to go by what others say.

In any event, it isn't working.

[DMT11]

roddy is still strong but the fast twitch is going away - either way hes still an awesome blocker which is why hes still here - JUST WAIT TILL WE GET DEVIN AND HANK BANK - we will be able to breath again. Watch.

[FentayeJones]

Good article. Its not about emotions...its about whats on film.

There was a thread posted a couple of days ago about the correlation between the offense sputtering and Hankerson being out and its true.. Hank may have some drops but at least the opposing DBs have to honor his speed and ability to separate... especially on third down.

As much as it hurts to admit, Roddy now isnt the same Roddy from a couple of years ago. Quinn know it, Shannahan know it and Matt know it. Decline happens to the best of them. He is still a very good run blocker though.

Getting Hank and Hester back is going to help a lot because they will take some attention away from Julio.

Edited November 13, 2015 by FentayeJones

[raysnill1]

Roddy has been getting open just fine and to show a gif of an under-thrown pass is funny when there has been 3 pictures and a gif or 2 of Roddy wide open on the boards this week. Ryan throwing to a double or triple covered Julio is no different than throwing to a single covered Roddy? don't spit on Roddy cause he's older.

[theDIRTYcode]

I'm calling BS on the first point. That gif shows that Ryan was late with the throw. When Ryan hits his drop, he should be pulling the trigger cause Roddy is open. He waits too long, under throws the ball, and it gets picked. That was a poor example to use.

[JDaveG]

In Shanny's system, Roddy is number FOUR in Ryan's read progression, behind Julio, Hank, and Tamme. That also contributes to his lack of receptions. He has lost a step, but he can still play.

It looked like he was 1 or 2 in the play they show in the article.

[etherdome]

Roddy is not the receiver he once was, but he is getting open more than he is being targeted.

If Roddy is garbage, then sit him and play Hardy. Either way, this offense needs to get its act together.

[Flying Falcon]

Shanahan sucks. Playcalling and all. He seems to forget that we have a running game at the wrong times. He ignores Roddy on purpose, so ALL this criticism about Roddy is unnecessary. He's STILL a very valuable, productive #2 WR that gets on the field. Hank can't stay on the field to even be a "good" #2 WR. Shanahan is trying to replace Roddy with this guy who couldn't even make an impact in Washington. Pathetic.

Shanahan is the cancer and needs to be purged.

Blessed be the founding fathers......

[Dem Birds]

Thank you for proving my point

Sure buddy.

[Flying Falcon]

In Shanny's system, Roddy is number FOUR in Ryan's read progression, behind Julio, Hank, and Tamme. That also contributes to his lack of receptions. He has lost a step, but he can still play.

Same thing happen to Harry Douglas. He was the 4th option.