vafalconfan Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 SAN FRANCISCO — Dan Quinn wants to make this very clear: He doesn’t take pride in the Falcons’ Week 16 win over the Super Bowl-favored Carolina Panthers. “Nope,” he says. “Honestly, nope. I don’t take pride in saying we are good enough to beat them once.” Fair enough. But, beating Carolina once is more than anyone else in the NFL has done thus far this season. Quinn’s Falcons spoiled the Panthers’ bid for a perfect season, handing them a 20-13 loss in Atlanta that is the lone blemish on their 17-1 record. (He was also the defensive coordinator for the Seahawks team that eliminated the Panthers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs last year.) That makes him the only head coach in the league qualified to answer the million-dollar question going into Super Bowl 50: How can the 2015 Panthers be beat? As a caveat, on the road and within the division can be the trickiest kind of game, because the opponents know each other so well. And in this case, the Falcons were just two weeks removed from a humiliating 38-0 loss to the Panthers in Charlotte. “In fairness, for the second game, we were really pissed,” Quinn says. “In my opinion, they had celebrated and laughed at us, and that happened on our watch, and we didn’t like that. I think that was a factor, too. Emotionally, we were ready to go.” Regardless, the Falcons put on film a demo of how Cam Newton and the Panthers can be slowed and stopped. The Broncos, cornerback Aqib Talib assured, have watched and taken notes. And Quinn, with the assistance of a steno pad and pen, gave us a short tutorial while walking through the Super Bowl 50 Media Center Thursday morning with Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff. Atlanta’s success started where most winning defensive game plans start: By getting pressure on the quarterback. What’s interesting is not that they got pressure on Newton, it’s how they did it. Some teams are gun-shy about sending the heat against mobile quarterbacks like Newton, who can leak out of the pocket and burn you, but Quinn wasn’t deterred. They weren’t getting to the quarterback with just four rushers, so he regularly sent a five-man rush. “Whether you are a mobile quarterback or not, Cam or Russ [Wilson] or guys who have the ability to create, you better still hit them,” Quinn says. “You can’t, in my opinion, play so vanilla, just push it and spy ’em. You’ve gotta still play aggressive because otherwise you’re not being true to what you do.” All quarterbacks are affected by pressure, but as Pro Football Focus’ Neil Hornsby broke down for The MMQB, Newton’s production drops off markedly. He ranks third in the league in passer rating on dropbacks where he has a clean pocket. When he’s pressured, he slides to the 19th-ranked passer, with his passer rating dropping more than 40 points. “You nailed it,” Quinn says, when asked about those statistics. “To me, defensively, hitting him is way more important than disguising him. He knows what the coverage is, it’s just a matter of, can the route take the time to develop.” That was reflected in the Falcons’ game plan that day. They sprinkled in some man-to-man coverage, but for the most part used their staple Cover-3 defense with three defensive backs splitting the field into zones. The pass rush has to come alive when you’re playing a zone defense—and the Falcons got rookie Vic Beasley’s best production of the season against right tackle Mike Remmers. Since the Falcons had a good pass rush, the seam routes and deep routes the Panthers like to throw to tight end Greg Olsen didn’t develop, plus the zone defense presented Olsen from making the route adjustments that wily receivers use to get open against man coverage. “When you are playing man to man, [Olsen] is really good, almost like a wide receiver at saying, ‘OK the guy is outside; I’m breaking inside.’ ‘He’s inside; I’m breaking outside,’ ” Quinn says. “When you are playing a zone, there is no one for the guy to break off of, so he has to run his route, and you are able to play.” An example of how much Atlanta limited the Panthers' passing game: Of the seven pass attempts Newton had on third or fourth downs, he had zero completions. The first time the teams played, Ted Ginn Jr., had a pair of long touchdown catches, for 74 yards and 46 yards, that helped break the game open for Carolina. Getting beat deep is nothing more complicated than a lack of technique or a lapse in focus. Fixing that was sort of reflective of Atlanta’s overall approach on defense in the second meeting against the Panthers: Do what you do, just do it better. Quinn says they actually had less in the game plan for the second meeting. It’s tempting to over-prepare as a defensive coach, anticipating all the wrinkles the opponent might present that are different from any other opponent—like the designed quarterback runs that bolster the Panthers’ diverse ground game. But instead of getting wrapped up in the opponent, Quinn took his team into Week 16 emphasizing out-executing the Panthers on the things the Falcons do well. “It’s not easy to do, but it’s not complex mentally,” Quinn says. “It’s can we be at our best, not, we have to do all these different things to play these guys and you have to have the best game of your life. No, it’s just the opposite.” That would be Quinn’s advice for the Broncos. He was the defensive coordinator for the Seahawks in both of the last two Super Bowls, one a win against Peyton Manning and the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. Based off of that, and what worked against the Panthers in Week 16, he recommends the Broncos stick to their core defensive principles. “Re-emphasize that,” he says. “They are a really good front. They know the importance of that. Maybe [they can use] some of the scheme we played, but the style and attitude they play with, I don’t think they are going to go too far away from what they do. That’s the biggest coaching point. You don’t have to play the game of your life and make up new stuff. You’ve got to do what you do really well.” * * * Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDaveG Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 I thought Cam Newton's kryptonite was men's clothing: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlfanstckndenver Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 The Panthers have a disrespectful attitude, and Quinn just confirmed that. People argue with me about this but it's just the reality of the situation. I think the Panthers are putting a target on their own backs, and to their credit, they have owned up to it so far. To me it's just unwise to make things any harder on yourself when your already trying to obtain greatness in this league. What happened when the falcons beat them is going to become the norm if they continue to behave the way they do. This league is ultra competitive and things are already hard enough trying to stay at the top of the mountain without adding insult to defeat for opposing teams. Then again, it takes balls to not care about these types of things, and if they do stay on top despite giving opponents added motivation they will earn my respect for sure as being the toughest team around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidecar Falcon Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 (edited) Said something similar to this in another thread. You want to beat Cam, hit him hard, hit him often, and hit him early. We have all seen what happens to Cam when things don't go his way. As good as he is when he is "hot" , is as bad as he is when he is "cold". Edited February 5, 2016 by Sidecar Falcon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papachaz Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 I hope Von Miller buries him on their first play sunday and the second and the third........rattle him early and make sure PM doesn't throw the ball to kuechly and the broncos have a chance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Old Pappy Falcon* Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 I'm tellin ya right now........those Denver Broncos are gunna whoop dat azz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JOEinPHX Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 2 hours ago, JDaveG said: I thought Cam Newton's kryptonite was men's clothing: If that is men's clothing. I'm pretty sure I've seen Hillary Clinton in the same outfit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duff_Man Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 Laptops? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDaveG Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 21 minutes ago, JOEinPHX said: If that is men's clothing. I'm pretty sure I've seen Hillary Clinton in the same outfit. That's my point -- I've never seen him wearing men's clothes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toadfishtom Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 yoga pants ?? ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazoo Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 This is the X Factor in the game for me. All the Broncos defense has to do is hit Newton a coup,e times early in the game really hard and otherwise get pressure on him most snaps, and he becomes erratic throwing the ball. It also gets in his head. Denver has good CBs that can defend in man coverage or zone and their front 4 can create tremendous pressure just by rushing 3 or 4 each snap. This allows an extra defender to spy on Cam so he doesn't break out for too many 1st downs on busted plays or designed runs. if Manning steps up and has a good day and can get some points on the board, I think Denver will beat the Panthers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesus Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 I wonder if the Panthers lose if Cam will shake anyone's hand or run off the field at the gun... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoYouSeeWhatHappensLarry Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 Wait.....if you pressure and hit a QB, he performs worse than if he is unpressured? Come on............ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazoo Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 13 minutes ago, DoYouSeeWhatHappensLarry said: Wait.....if you pressure and hit a QB, he performs worse than if he is unpressured? Come on............ as strange as it may be, TheFatbio does not see a correlation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazoo Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 1 hour ago, JOEinPHX said: If that is men's clothing. I'm pretty sure I've seen Hillary Clinton in the same outfit. That's pretty funny bro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoYouSeeWhatHappensLarry Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 1 minute ago, gazoo said: as strange as it may be, TheFatbio does not see a correlation. Fatboi didnt say that. He's effectively saying Ryan sees significantly less pressure than people suggest. Which I think is probably correct but where he and I differ is that Fatboi thinks its because the OL has been more or less decent. I'm of the opinion that Ryan most frequently sees less pressure than others because he's one of the best in the league at getting the ball out quickly. I think we're probably all correct in some way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Falcon Jedi Knight Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 I approve of this article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clark Kent™ Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 Hitting a QB effects his play in a negative way. This is new and exciting.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karst41 Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 2 hours ago, JOEinPHX said: If that is men's clothing. I'm pretty sure I've seen Hillary Clinton in the same outfit. and here I was thinking that he raided his mama's closet...............! Would also explain this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youngbloodz Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 4 hours ago, Old Pappy falcon said: I'm tellin ya right now........those Denver Broncos are gunna whoop dat azz. I'm starting to believe it closer we get to Sinday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCFalconfan Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 I mentioned it in another thread but very early in that 2nd Panthers game Hageman absolutely destroyed RG Andrew Norwell and delivered a hard hit to Newton in which I think set the tone for that game. Hageman was a monster in that game and wasn't quieted until the Panthers started to double team him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCFalconfan Posted February 5, 2016 Share Posted February 5, 2016 5 hours ago, Atlfanstckndenver said: The Panthers have a disrespectful attitude, and Quinn just confirmed that. People argue with me about this but it's just the reality of the situation. I think the Panthers are putting a target on their own backs, and to their credit, they have owned up to it so far. To me it's just unwise to make things any harder on yourself when your already trying to obtain greatness in this league. What happened when the falcons beat them is going to become the norm if they continue to behave the way they do. This league is ultra competitive and things are already hard enough trying to stay at the top of the mountain without adding insult to defeat for opposing teams. Then again, it takes balls to not care about these types of things, and if they do stay on top despite giving opponents added motivation they will earn my respect for sure as being the toughest team around. Win lose or draw I was extremely pleased to see the Falcons were obviously pissed off about Carolina rubbing their nose in it in Charlotte a few weeks earlier. I honestly think Carolina thought they would roll us again going into that game and ran into a buzzaw that their antics on the sidelines helped to create.Gives me hope for the team and staff. Panthers fans point to the Julio bomb and say the Falcons won by luck but honestly the Falcons left a crap ton of points on the field that day and it should have been a worse beating. Things will get very interesting Sunday if Denver punches Carolina in the mouth early. We've seen that Carolina can get rolling and can embarrass teams, but we've only seen them really get punched in the face once and that was the Falcons in that 2nd game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazoo Posted February 6, 2016 Share Posted February 6, 2016 3 hours ago, DoYouSeeWhatHappensLarry said: Fatboi didnt say that. He's effectively saying Ryan sees significantly less pressure than people suggest. Which I think is probably correct but where he and I differ is that Fatboi thinks its because the OL has been more or less decent. I'm of the opinion that Ryan most frequently sees less pressure than others because he's one of the best in the league at getting the ball out quickly. I think we're probably all correct in some way. Well, let's ask him. Fatbio, do you feel pressure allowed at times by the interior of the Falcons OL had any impact whatsoever on any of Matt Ryan's interceptions this year? Yes or or no. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musikron Posted February 6, 2016 Share Posted February 6, 2016 8 hours ago, JDaveG said: I thought Cam Newton's kryptonite was men's clothing: What the **** kind of pansy *** **** is that? I swear the feminization of men in our backwards liberal society will be our downfall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wardog357 Posted February 6, 2016 Share Posted February 6, 2016 7 hours ago, JOEinPHX said: If that is men's clothing. I'm pretty sure I've seen Hillary Clinton in the same outfit. LOL....she may have loaned them to him! Hahahaha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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