The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly - Falcons 2022

[richardc]

I don’t think many, if any of us, put the mortgage money in the Falcons winning the Super Bowl this year…or going to the playoffs…or having  winning record.  The 2022 season isn’t officially over, but it’s technically over.  
 

The Good:

- We can run the ball. Some of the best ground and pound drives I’ve seen since MV7/Dunn or Turner the burner or the Dirty Bird himself, were this year.  
-TA - This guy is a brick layer.  No tiptoeing, no dancing, no hopscotching, just laying bricks, all day, every play.  Add an off-season of good food and NFL workouts, this guy will be nothin but thunder.  No lightning, just thunder. 
- London/Pitts - they should be a potent combo going forward…if London can hold onto the football and we find a QB who can make plays. I’m not an NFL analyst, but Pitts seems lost sometimes on plays, unsure of his route, etc.  When he is confident, it shows and his talent takes over with great play.  
- Penalties- AS has them playing clean football.  Very few penalties are a sign of a well discipline and prepared team.  offense, defense and special teams. Reminds me of when Dan Reeves came to town, got them playing clean football, with a running game, and built on that to go to the SB the next year.  FYI, I’m not predicting SB next year, just saying penalty free football with a violent run game goes a long way.

The Bad:

- Pass blocking - We just can’t do it.  With three 1st rounders, (4 if you count Pitts) on the line, it’s a sad situation. I’m hopeful this gets resolved for 2023 and beyond.  That said, I expected it to be addressed last off season.  

- QB - Mario wasn’t good, but he was better than Ridder has shown.  Regardless, the focus is Ridder.  Is he the guy for 2023? When I look around the league at backup QB’s, and compare them to Ridder, I have to say no.  He is not making plays.  Yes, he’s a rookie and I expect some mistakes, but if he is “the future,” I also expect to see some flashes of talent where he makes some plays.  I’ve not seen him scramble away from pressure and make a play.  In fact he looks very slow.  His deep balls have not landed within 5 yards of the WR.  Many passes seem off target (behind, above, low, etc).  I cannot recall a pass where he hit his target in stride and out in front.  Will he develop into  great QB?  Maybe he will, but he has shown no evidence of such talent.  I know he’s a rookie, but if you look around the NFL, most starters (not all) either have it from day 1 or they don’t.  Yes, they develop and improve over time, work out the kinks, less mistakes, but they have it.  I was in the GA dome when MV7 took the field the first time.  It was just for a series, he later admitted he couldn’t even call the play correctly nor the protection, but he dropped back, a defender broke broke through the line, he rolled left, looked downfield some more, then took off running.  The GA dome erupted.  Not over her 7 yard play, but EVERYONE saw it.  We all saw this guy had it.  I was also there when MR2 threw his first pass.  Literally the entire GA Dome was silent for a few heartbeats while the reality of what had just happened registered. Then it erupted, because EVERYONE saw it.  Has everyone seen it with Ridder?  I’m not hating on him, just being honest. 

- Pass Rush - We still don’t have one.  We may have made improvements, but I don’t think any teams we are playing is worried about our pass rush.   

The Ugly:

- Talent - After years of losing seasons and high draft picks, we still have no talent.  Why is that? See the next item. 
- GM - TF has 2 drafts under his belt and 2 off seasons of FA.  TD was terrible and left the team in cap he11, so there is a lot to correct.  Yet, how much has been corrected?  You expect your 1st and 2nd rounders to be starters.  Pitts and London are starters.  Now ask this question? Where are the others?  Allgeier, Grant, I think Anderson is now starting.  So that’s 5 starters from 14 draft picks?  Should we even discuss the failed Watson move?  Was Mario really the best QB on the market?  I just saw Philly’s Gardner Minshew play a heck of a game in Dallas.  He’s way better than Mario or Ridder.  Maybe the Huntley guy in a Baltimore who just beat us.  What about we could have drafted Purdy in the 7th round?  Why didn’t we?  Our Front office does not seem to evaluated NFL talent very well.  Again, should we discuss the Watson move?  The Falcons obviously thought he was “all that,” but he has 2 TD’s, 3 INT’s and a 69 QB rating.  Do you expect the 2023 draft to somehow be suddenly better?  Will we get 3 or maybe 4 starters?  Past performance suggests we won’t.  One thing we will have is FA money.  On the surface this is great, but I question if TF will bring in more 5 more Mario’s, Watson and who knows who else that wouldn’t start in any other NFL team.  
 

listen to Kirby Smart,  he is all about getting talent.  
They say Purdy is playing great because he has great team around him.  Ok, I’ll buy that, so that means Ridder and Mario are not great because they don’t have a great team around them.  Why don’t we?  Because our FO is a joke and will prevent us from being a serious competitor in the NFL for the next several years.
 

 I hope I’m wrong.  Feel free to flame on and tell me why I’m wrong.  

Go Falcons! 

[papachaz]

stopped reading at "Mario wasn't good but he was better than Ridder has shown"...

[richardc]

2 minutes ago, papachaz said:

stopped reading at "Mario wasn't good but he was better than Ridder has shown"...

Thx.  I stopped reading after “stopped reading”. 
 

Go Falcons 

[A Dog Named Brian]

3 minutes ago, papachaz said:

stopped reading at "Mario wasn't good but he was better than Ridder has shown"...

Yea, I was right there with him until my eyes met this. I’m not saying he’s the next TB12, but anybody dogging Ridder either has an agenda, doesn’t watch the games, or just doesn’t know what to look for when assessing a QB. 

I say the term, ‘assessing’ lightly, I’m just like the rest of ya and am not a professional scout nor do I have prior professional playing experience. But at the same time it’s not rocket science either 🤷‍♂️ 

[dothan_birdman]

9 minutes ago, papachaz said:

stopped reading at "Mario wasn't good but he was better than Ridder has shown"...

This. 

[richardc]

2 minutes ago, A Dog Named Brian said:

Yea, I was right there with him until my eyes met this. I’m not saying he’s the next TB12, but anybody dogging Ridder either has an agenda, doesn’t watch the games, or just doesn’t know what to look for when assessing a QB. 

I say the term, ‘assessing’ lightly, I’m just like the rest of ya and am not a professional scout nor do I have prior professional playing experience. But at the same time it’s not rocket science either 🤷‍♂️ 

So tell me what you’ve see that tells you he has “it.”  I’m honest in saying I don’t see anything.  I don’t see him escape pressure and deliver the ball downfield, I don’t see him run a bootleg for 10+ yards.  I don’t see him connect with WR downfield, I don’t see him throw the ball in stride to WR, RB or TE’s. 

[A Dog Named Brian]

7 minutes ago, richardc said:

So tell me what you’ve see that tells you he has “it.”  I’m honest in saying I don’t see anything.  I don’t see him escape pressure and deliver the ball downfield, I don’t see him run a bootleg for 10+ yards.  I don’t see him connect with WR downfield, I don’t see him throw the ball in stride to WR, RB or TE’s. 

Ok, so we’re looking at it from two different angles (that’s ok)

You seem to be looking at more of the physical traits, I’m looking more at his mental makeup. His decision making for a rookie is very good, he has command of the offense, he operates with poise and he’s had some clutch moments but guys like London and others have let him down.
 

Him and Mariota are total opposites, Mariota is an athlete that happens to be a QB, Ridder is a QB that also happens to be an athlete. He’s also shown improvement game over game and wants to legitimately get better and hone his craft, I’m hoping he works out for us but the jury is still out. It’s a team sport, even Brady is looking terrible in Tampa without a good supporting cast. Fix the pass protection issues, get another receiving threat, give Ridder a full off-season as the starter and I’m fairly confident he’ll look even better next year. 
 

I agree with most of your assessment, we just disagree about Ridder. 

Edited December 26, 2022 by A Dog Named Brian

[PokerSteve]

Ridder has played TWO NFL games. The first in one of the most daunting places for a rookie QB to play, and his second game in arctic cold playing against one of the top defensive teams in the league. Are you going to not give the kid credit for at least standing in and competing in those situations with zero experience?

You're looking for "it" in a player, but yet you don't see "it" when "it" is staring you in the eyeballs. Maybe you should revisit this post in about a year and tell us then if you've been able to discern at least a little bit of "it" in Ridder's play after a more reasonable sample size?

[VTCrunkler]

25 minutes ago, richardc said:

MV7 took the field the first time.  It was just for a series, he later admitted he couldn’t even call the play correctly nor the protection, but he dropped back, a defender broke broke through the line, he rolled left, looked downfield some more, then took off running.  The GA dome erupted.  Not over her 7 yard play, but EVERYONE saw it.  We all saw this guy had it.  I was also there when MR2 threw his first pass.  Literally the entire GA Dome was silent for a few heartbeats while the reality of what had just happened registered. Then it erupted, because EVERYONE saw it.  Has everyone seen it with Ridder?  I’m not hating on him, just being honest. 

Vick was the number 1 overall pick and a transcendent talent.  Ryan was the #3 pick overall and a borderline HOF player.  Thats really unfair to compare a 3rd rounder.

[richardc]

3 minutes ago, A Dog Named Brian said:

Ok, so we’re looking at it from two different angles (that’s ok)

You seem to be looking at more of the physical traits, I’m looking more at his mental makeup. His decision making for a rookie is very good, he has command of the offense, he operates with poise and he’s had some clutch moments but guys like London and others have let him down.
 

Him and Mariota are total opposites, Mariota is an athlete that happens to be a QB, Ridder is a QB that also happens to be an athlete. He’s also shown improvement game over game and wants to legitimately get better and hone his craft, I’m hoping he works out for us but the jury is still out. It’s a team sport, even Brady is looking terrible in Tampa without a good supporting cast. Fix the pass protection issues, get another receiving threat, give Ridder a full off-season as the starter and I’m fairly confident he’ll look even better next year. 
 

I agree with most of your assessment, we just disagree about Ridder. 

Fair points.  Thx. Like I said, I hope I’m wrong.  

[richardc]

1 minute ago, PokerSteve said:

Ridder has played TWO NFL games. The first in one of the most daunting places for a rookie QB to play, and his second game in arctic cold playing against one of the top defensive teams in the league. Are you going to not give the kid credit for at least standing in and competing in those situations with zero experience?

You're looking for "it" in a player, but yet you don't see "it" when "it" is staring you in the eyeballs. Maybe you should revisit this post in about a year and tell us then if you've been able to discern at least a little bit of "it" after a more reasonable sample size?

Will do. 

[PokerSteve]

1 minute ago, richardc said:

Will do. 

Still agree with you Morris Day and the Time's "The Bird" would be a great Falcons song. I have to listen to it every time you post. lol. 

[richardc]

1 minute ago, VTCrunkler said:

Vick was the number 1 overall pick and a transcendent talent.  Ryan was the #3 pick overall and a borderline HOF player.  Thats really unfair to compare a 3rd rounder.

Ok.  That’s a valid point.  Do you believe he is the future for the Falcons?   I hope he is.  But based on what I see so far, I don’t think he is.  Maybe he lights it up next game, or next year.  Maybe. 

[socalriseup]

Solid points. Minus the ridder opinion

[mc]

Lol. Mariota better than Ridder? How? Qb are good from day 1? Have you not seen L. Jackson, J. Hurts and Josh Allen? Horrible ppassersthat became good over several years. Even Lawrence has taken 2 years to look like a good qb. How delusional some people are.

 

 

 

 

[hjerry]

First read the title as

The good, the bad, the ugly, and the falcons 

 

[VTCrunkler]

2 minutes ago, richardc said:

Ok.  That’s a valid point.  Do you believe he is the future for the Falcons?   I hope he is.  But based on what I see so far, I don’t think he is.  Maybe he lights it up next game, or next year.  Maybe. 

I do agree that with Vick and Ryan you could basically spot their talent right away and that with Desmond, its not overtly in your face kind of obvious.  But i do like the growth that i have seen from his game 1 to 2.  I hope that he can continue to grow over the next two weeks.  I would like to see him with a full offseason of qb1 reps, and a full offseason of strength conditioning.  He was basically inserted into live action in  difficult situations.  

 

We just have a lot of mess to clean up after the previous front office.  I feel like the FO is putting pieces together for a longer term team building.

 

[VTCrunkler]

Remember the team also has the opportunity to evaluate Ridder, McGary, and others these next two weeks.  A tryout of sorts.  Lot to be interested in if you are looking forward to the future.  An added bonus is that hopefully we can help knock the Bradys out of the playoffs

[1989Fan]

16 minutes ago, richardc said:

Ok.  That’s a valid point.  Do you believe he is the future for the Falcons?   I hope he is.  But based on what I see so far, I don’t think he is.  Maybe he lights it up next game, or next year.  Maybe. 

He still Needs time. You mentioned all QBs show it from game 1 (paraphrasing), but that’s just not true. Look at Trevor Lawrence, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Justin Fields. (Though still don’t think Fields is there). These guys take time, especially when they are thrown onto a bad team. Guys like Purdy jade reality, as that team is loaded and they can and have won with a revolving door at QB.

Ridder has the physical talent and the moxie, he needs to let the game slow down for him. The inability to pass protect and crappy WR play hasn’t helped either.

that said, overall good post, enjoyed reading.

[Mid-Nite-Toker]

Front offices doesn't have the money to put proper talent on the field.

I think both drafts has yielded some keepers.

Way too soon to make an informed opinion about Ridder.

[celtiksage]

4 minutes ago, richardc said:

Ok.  That’s a valid point.  Do you believe he is the future for the Falcons?   I hope he is.  But based on what I see so far, I don’t think he is.  Maybe he lights it up next game, or next year.  Maybe. 

I'm not sure who these QBs are that you're comparing Ridder to in 2 games other than Vick and MR, which is like comparing Mims to Marino. I would argue Ridder has done better in his first two games than Justin Fields or Trey Lance did in theirs. As a matter of fact, in his second game he threw for more yards than Fields has in 15 of 16 starts. I believe he also rushed for more yards than Fields did in his corresponding 1st two games. So at a minimum, you could say he's done better in 2 games than two of the most sought after prospects have done in their first two games. Brett Favre sucked so bad early on that he got traded. Again, these are unfair comparisons, but on the other hand, you have a guy throwing to a rookie borderline WR1 and a bunch of WR3/4s. Give it some time, bro. It'll look much better this time next year with Ridder at QB. QBs don't become stars on day 1. They pretty much stink actually in their first half a season at least. It's waaaaay too early.

[Herr Doktor]

I think this assessment is your own.  I think this is a team that is clawing its way out of a massive financial and talent hole.  I knew last season that next season was the real building.  I will look at this team this time next year and really comment on what's what.

[Williamb]

1 hour ago, 1989Fan said:

He still Needs time. You mentioned all QBs show it from game 1 (paraphrasing), but that’s just not true. Look at Trevor Lawrence, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Justin Fields. (Though still don’t think Fields is there). These guys take time, especially when they are thrown onto a bad team. Guys like Purdy jade reality, as that team is loaded and they can and have won with a revolving door at QB.

Ridder has the physical talent and the moxie, he needs to let the game slow down for him. The inability to pass protect and crappy WR play hasn’t helped either.

that said, overall good post, enjoyed reading.

Crappy wr play is a key ingredient. Some of the best qb's have wr's capable of finding open spots in coverage when the qb scrambles. Our wr's are used to finding people to block because 9 times out of 10 our former qb would revert to hb with even the slightest pressure. Wr's need to be taught to get open and adjust until run is the only option. This, I think, is like Pavlov's dog...learned behavior.

It makes a huge difference when your pass catcher is running towards coverage trying to make a block instead of trying to find open grass.

Edited December 26, 2022 by Williamb
Addition

[andrews31cain21]

2 hours ago, richardc said:

QB - Mario wasn’t good, but he was better than Ridder has shown.  Regardless, the focus is Ridder.  Is he the guy for 2023? When I look around the league at backup QB’s, and compare them to Ridder, I have to say no.  He is not making plays.  Yes, he’s a rookie and I expect some mistakes, but if he is “the future,” I also expect to see some flashes of talent where he makes some plays.  I’ve not seen him scramble away from pressure and make a play.  In fact he looks very slow.  His deep balls have not landed within 5 yards of the WR.  Many passes seem off target (behind, above, low, etc).  I cannot recall a pass where he hit his target in stride and out in front.  Will he develop into  great QB?  Maybe he will, but he has shown no evidence of such talent.  I know he’s a rookie, but if you look around the NFL, most starters (not all) either have it from day 1 or they don’t.  Yes, they develop and improve over time, work out the kinks, less mistakes, but they have it.  I was in the GA dome when MV7 took the field the first time.  It was just for a series, he later admitted he couldn’t even call the play correctly nor the protection, but he dropped back, a defender broke broke through the line, he rolled left, looked downfield some more, then took off running.  The GA dome erupted.  Not over her 7 yard play, but EVERYONE saw it.  We all saw this guy had it.  I was also there when MR2 threw his first pass.  Literally the entire GA Dome was silent for a few heartbeats while the reality of what had just happened registered. Then it erupted, because EVERYONE saw it.  Has everyone seen it with Ridder?  I’m not hating on him, just being honest. 

You have to take into consideration....Ridder has only had 2 weeks of practice with the 1s. Other QBs had all of mini camp, and training Camps with their starters to get rhythm and timing down.  I'm not sure what to think of Ridder yet, but I'm not going to trash the guy or saying he doesnt have "it" after only 2weeks and 2 games with the 1s.

[papachaz]

9 hours ago, richardc said:

Thx.  I stopped reading after “stopped reading”. 
 

Go Falcons 

I've just stopped completely