birdz4i Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 By GEORGE HENRY (Associated Press)FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) -- The Atlanta Falcons are missing tackles left and right, and it's no coincidence that they've dropped five straight games. Defensive coordinator Richard Smith knows the Falcons (6-6) stand little chance to win Sunday at Carolina (12-0) if they don't play proper technique.They whiffed on 15 tackles two weeks ago against Minnesota and had double-digit misses in last week's loss at Tampa Bay.''We all know last week was our worst week of tackling,'' Smith said. ''Very disappointing, and I talked to the players. It needs to improve.''In what's likely the lowest point of the season defensively, Atlanta allowed Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston to scramble deep in its territory to convert a third-and-19 deep and set up the winning touchdown.Linebackers Brooks Reed, Paul Worrilow and Justin Durant all took turns hitting Winston, but the rookie didn't go down. Cornerback Robert Alford used a bad angle on his attempt, and Winston made defensive end Vic Beasley miss, too.Defensive tackles Tyson Jackson and Jonathan Babineaux also joined the shenanigans, failing to speed their pursuit even though Winston was still on his feet.''We called a zone coverage, four guys rushing and seven dropping to keep our vision on the quarterback,'' Smith said. ''For him to scramble for that was extremely disappointing. It was bad ball. That's the difference in the game.''Against Carolina, the Falcons will face the league's third-best ground attack. Longtime running back Jonathan Stewart has caused opponents fits all season, but quarterback Cam Newton, at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, is the focal point.Newton is a load when he's running, whether it's from a shotgun formation or from a direct snap when runs inside. If Newton gets on the perimeter, smaller defensive backs have to tackle at his feet to keep from getting run over.''That's really where I think the difference takes place,'' head coach Dan Quinn said, ''because there's some in the gun that have an option or a read element and then the ones under center that don't.''The Falcons ranked among the league's best in stopping the run earlier this season, but they since have dropped to 16th.One problem is poor performances from their top free-agent acquisition, linebacker Brooks Reed, and Beasley, the league's eighth overall draft pick.They have combined for just two sacks and 21 solo tackles.Beasley can only hope for a big turnaround on Sunday. It won't be easy against Newton, who has 40 rushing touchdowns and an average of 5.3 yards per carry in his five-year career.''They are rolling right now,'' Beasley said. ''They are in a good position. He's an awfully good and talented quarterback.''Notes: WR Julio Jones, the NFL's leader in catches and yards receiving, is listed as probable after fully participating in practice. He was limited the last two days with a sore knee. ... NT Paul Soliai (calf) has been ruled out. Rookie Grady Jarrett will take his place. ... PK Matt Bryant (right quadriceps) will miss his third straight game. Shayne Graham, his temporary replacement, is perfect on five field-goal and two extra-point attempts. ... LG Chris Chester (shoulder, knee) fully participated after missing last week and is probable.http://sports.yahoo.com/news/falcons-keep-whiffing-defense-during-5-game-skid-231005912--nfl.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFanSince1970 Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 And the missed tackles continue. Same problem Smitty had. Are we still playing players out of position or can we finally admit we've been Troffed in the talent department? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FentayeJones Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 And the missed tackles continue. Same problem Smitty had. Are we still playing players out of position or can we finally admit we've been Troffed in the talent department?For some of the players it dont matter if they are playing in the right position or not, they still cant tackle worth chit. (Worrilow, Durant) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blkbigdog35 Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 We need better tackling playmakers on defense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PokerSteve Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 I was excited to hear Dan Quinn was coming in because he was going to teach our marshmallow defense how to rugby tackle. LOL. Here we are in week 13 of the season and this bunch of campfire girls can't even wrap up a rookie QB who has to get 20 yards for a first down. It's hard to see this as being a talent problem as much as it looks like an effort and attitude problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheeTKOBeatz Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 I was excited to hear Dan Quinn was coming in because he was going to teach our marshmallow defense how to rugby tackle. LOL. Here we are in week 13 of the season and this bunch of campfire girls can't even wrap up a rookie QB who has to get 20 yards for a first down. It's hard to see this as being a talent problem as much as it looks like an effort and attitude problem.I think that points directly talent actually...can't make chicken salad from chicken ****.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
likeriver Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 I was excited to hear Dan Quinn was coming in because he was going to teach our marshmallow defense how to rugby tackle. LOL. Here we are in week 13 of the season and this bunch of campfire girls can't even wrap up a rookie QB who has to get 20 yards for a first down. It's hard to see this as being a talent problem as much as it looks like an effort and attitude problem.Well, I think the scary thing is that it they might actually be working really hard. That would be bad because it means they suck so bad that, even if they work hard, they still fail. I hope to God it's an attitude problem. At least that means there's room for improvement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwifalcon Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 And the missed tackles continue. Same problem Smitty had. Are we still playing players out of position or can we finally admit we've been Troffed in the talent department?For some of the players it dont matter if they are playing in the right position or not, they still cant tackle worth chit. (Worrilow, Durant)Tackling and how long are they going to keep there heads up there there AR$es and admit its the worst coached skill in the NFL.When are they going to go to a sport that know's how to do it better than them.As soon as they do the tackling will improve if they don't expect more of the same.I have preached technique on here for years but in all reality tackling is an attitude thing and here in is why I bring in a guy from where we come from.Take all the pads and helmets and BS it off and start again man on man no protection thats where you learn technique and all the rest of it.You watch teaching a guy TACKLING without the pads how much his confidence goes up.I'm telling all who will listen now I'd bring these 2 guys off the top of my head from our rugby league bretheren Toni Carroll or Trevor Gillmiester they'd sought this issue out in an off season I'd put $$$$ on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talen Kylon Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 I think part of the reason we are missing tackles is because guys are going for the ball first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andras Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 It doesn't require "talent" to tackle. It requires discipline and fundamentals. Tackling isn't a gift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying Falcon Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 This team isn't Seattle. And for those who thought that they would be because of Quinn, well, the jokes on you!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mc Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 And the missed tackles continue. Same problem Smitty had. Are we still playing players out of position or can we finally admit we've been Troffed in the talent department?Biggest issues are Beasley, Durant and Reed. Thise are Quinns players . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diesel_Bird Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 We should have tried to trade for bowman when San Fran was trying to get rid of anyone and everyone.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazoo Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 I usually like George Henry, but he's become a Ryan apologist. I mean, many here know these missed tackles are directly due to a failure of leadership of Matt Ryan. You can't blame the coaches at all.We lost last weeks game becuase we couldn't stop a 3rd and 18 and this is directly on Matt Ryan.Purple Rain// Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDirtyWordII Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 I usually like George Henry, but he's become a Ryan apologist. I mean, many here know these missed tackles are directly due to a failure of leadership of Matt Ryan. You can't blame the coaches at all.We lost last weeks game becuase we couldn't stop a 3rd and 18 and this is directly on Matt Ryan.Purple Rain//During the Falcons 1-6 slide...the Falcons are averaging 16.3 PPG on offense.The defense is holding opponents to a respectable 20.7 PPG during this same stretch.The average NFL team scores 23.2 PPG in 2015. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DixieTwister Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 " We all know last week was our worst week of tackling. Smith said. "Very disappointing, and I talked to the players. It needs to improve." Well no sh--! That is so lame and I believe at least some of these guys have lost the drive and are just playing out these remaining games just to not get hurt. Like a spreading disease when guys see their team mates going half a--ed others say well I'm not busting my a-- and getting hurt when so many other guys are half a--ing it. One would like to think they are smart enough to realize they need finish the season out hard and strong because sloppy play and/or lack of effort is going to insure some will be looking for another job next season..But what do I know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoFalconsFan56 Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 All we do is whiff whiff whiff no matter what.I got whiffing on my mind I can never get enough. Every time we step into the GA Dome we turn the fake crowd noise UP! And we lose games! To the no names! Jameis and Blaine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andras Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 #WHIFF UP! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.11 Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 I was excited to hear Dan Quinn was coming in because he was going to teach our marshmallow defense how to rugby tackle. LOL. Here we are in week 13 of the season and this bunch of campfire girls can't even wrap up a rookie QB who has to get 20 yards for a first down. It's hard to see this as being a talent problem as much as it looks like an effort and attitude problem.Old habits die hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bring It Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 Their Defense is about at a level of AA Georgia High School.Below dismal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ovie_Lover Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 Our offense is the problem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nino11 Posted December 12, 2015 Share Posted December 12, 2015 Early this season I thought we finally would field a defense that was respectable. They were getting stops at key times, not dominant but forcing turnovers and getting off the field on 3rd down when we needed. The play has fell off as of recent but I actually think our offense is worst off then the defense. I hope they offense pulls it together because they are putting alot of pressure on the defense with the turnovers and quick 3 in outs. That may be why the play has dropped off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bring It Posted December 13, 2015 Share Posted December 13, 2015 Our offense is the problemLOL.......our FRANCHISE is the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgarsmoker Posted December 13, 2015 Share Posted December 13, 2015 Tackling speaks directly to two things. Hustle - guys running to the ball and gang tackling.Toughness - guys looking for contact and to make a impact on the play.The way Carolina runs the ball, the Falcon defense might be in for a very long day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManInBlack Posted December 13, 2015 Share Posted December 13, 2015 We haven't tackled well all season. We were fortunate to win the Giants and Cowboys games with such poor tackling. Nothing to do with talent. All of these guys have been taught and are more than capable by now. This is a discipline problem just like excessive holding penalties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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