SB Nation User Blog: Dave the Falconer

A Very Falcoholic Discussion: Curtis Lofton

Dave the Falconer — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:41:34 -0000

by Bill Feig - AP

Curtis Lofton's a tackling machine. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

That may seem to be an odd way to start off a discussion-based post, but it's most certainly true. This is a dude who leads the league in tackles—not a marquee or even particularly critical stat, but it's worth recognizing—and has been in on seemingly every play this season. With a pair of jarring hits which forced fumbles and a pair of pass deflections, he's quietly making things happen beyond the stops, and it would seem to me that he's got a good chance to get his due from the ~~completely asinine~~ wonderful arena of the Pro Bowl.

I know I've asked this before, but what do you think young Lofton's ceiling is after having seen him play this season? Do you think he'll have a big game against the Panthers, where his run-stopping skills will be needed against a terrific Teal Cats ground game? Will we ever come up with a really awesome nickname for him?

Crash in like a killer whale at a seal bar mitzvah, if you would.

Falcons And Redskins Recap: Winning Is Always Easy

Dave the Falconer — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:42:02 -0000

by Erik S. Lesser - AP

Michael Turner high-kicked his way to victory Sunday. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)

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This game was the polar opposite of last week's.

Against the Saints, we executed well all the way through and nearly won against a very tough team. In this one, we played poorly for long stretches and still found a way to win against the Redskins. The Falcons are maddeningly capable of switching back and forth between sheer brilliance and utter ineptitude, something that will hopefully disappear with time.

Still, the win is what's most important here, and the Falcons managed that 31-17. There were also quite a few encouraging bright spots this week, so it's not like there's any reason to be truly concerned here. I hope.

Follow me after the jump and we'll get to the real meat n' potatoes of this post.

HIGHLIGHTS

Michael Turner is awesome. My greatest fear right now is that he's going to be running, the camera's going to switch to the back of the end zone and he's going to keep running and come right through the television screen and punch me in the stomach. I'm sorry I doubted you! That 58 yard touchdown was beautiful!

I maintain that there was something not quite right with Turner earlier in the season, but whatever it was has vaporized like an ant under a death ray. Right now, I think the Panthers, who have the top-rated pass defense in the league, are going to have to worry about our good friend Touchdown Vampire.
Big ups to Tye Hill, who went from not playing at all to locking down the starting job in Atlanta in the span of two weeks. Hill's interception and 62-yard return for a touchdown clearly caught the attention of the coaching staff, as the AJC speculates he'll start again. He's got the physical skills to win the job and may just have developed in the system well enough to make this work. This comes at the expense of Brent Grimes, obviously, but I still think he'll do good things at the nickle.
Jason Elam's back! Yes!
Tony Gonzalez had a very underrated game. The Redskins blanket the tight end, but Gonzo still managed to pick up 40 yards and a touchdown against that suffocating coverage. He's simply the most reliable option in the passing game, though he's not blowing up like Roddy White is.
Speaking of blowing up, Jonathan Babineaux went off like ten tons of dynamite. Ten total tackles, two-and-a-half sacks and some generally rage-filled play went a long ways on Sunday. Teams with weak interior offensive linemen ought to be peeing their pants about now.
Props to Kroy Biermann and Chevis Jackson (?), who both managed to sack Jason Campbell in a hit parade which unfortunately knocked the young quarterback out of the game. Half props to John Abraham, who managed a half of a sack.
Eric Weems is the man. Still doing well in the return game, so he gets another gold star.

LOWLIGHTS

Matty Ice, appropriately enough, is not doing so hot right now. It's not so much the one interception as it is the handful of bad throws, the inability to find anyone open downfield and the happy feet. It's not anything I'm worried about long term—I mean, hell, I'm barely worried about it short term—but it's yet another reminder that he's human and needs time to grow as a quarterback. Let's all give him that time.
This was a tough secondary, which partly explains both Ryan's struggles and Roddy White's. I don't think the injury was affecting him so much as he wasn't open all that often. Wasn't much of a game for either of 'em, really.
Everyone has different feelings about Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling, but can we all agree that it would be nice to have them back? I have no problem with Aaron Stecker and Verron Haynes, but they're not getting the job done behind Turner.
As orang3b astutely noted, Mike Peterson was getting killed in coverage today. He wasn't alone, though, as the entire defense forgot how to tackle and cover anyone for long stretches. The Redskins' offense isn't exactly dynamic, especially with that O-line, so our inability to make things happen during the second half of the game was disappointing. Again, it comes down to simple consistency.

THE WRAPUP

Game MVP: I dare not incur the wrath of Michael Turner. Here's your MVP, sir!

Game Theme Song: It's been too long.

One Thing To Take Away: We're still very much in the thick of the wild card race. I'm pretty happy with that.

Next Week: Our damnable foes in Carolina, the Panthers, who as you know are represented by Cat Scratch Reader (bwao naw now). Be sure to visit 'em during the week.

Final Word: Win.

Ask The Falcoholic Part Two: The Askening

Dave the Falconer — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:56:17 -0000

Heck of a game against the Saints, guys. I was really hoping you'd win.

Coming this weekend is a game I really hope you don't win, of course, but you've turned your season around in a big way. I'm anticipating a tough game.

But of course, that's not why I'm here, to make you guys feel good about yourselves. I'm here to answer your questions about the Falcons. You wanna know about Matt Ryan? You sez you gotta know about Michael Turner? Okays then.

Please remember to recommend this post so it will stay near the top for anyone who wants to ask questions this week. Fire away!

Post-Game Thread: Falcons End Uneven Effort With 31-17 Win Over Redskins

Dave the Falconer — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:12:29 -0000

More photos » by John Amis - AP

Perhaps you'd like to visit our world class turf, Mr. Campbell! (AP Photo/John Amis)

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One could argue that this was a really good game or a really terrible game, and I'm not sure I'd say either viewpoint was incorrect.

The Falcons got the win at the end of the day and moved to 5-3, so it's not like there's bad news to be had here. It just wasn't as strong of an overall effort as we might have hoped given all the background factors in this game (i.e. the Falcons' rage and the strength of our opponent). At the end of the day, I'm just happy to have this one in the W column, and I hope the team learns from their mistakes along the way.

A few thoughts to mull over for the afternoon:

Jonathan Babineaux was among those defenders who went absolutely nuts in this one. It was great to see the Tye Hill interception and the number of sacks we piled up, but Babineaux was determined to hold this defense together with his two-and-a-half sacks and 10 total tackles. Good man.
I'm just not worried about Matt Ryan. Sorry, guys, but I don't think the world's ending. He's struggling, yes, and he needs to improve his play, but I don't think he's doomed to be a terrible quarterback because of this stretch. Let's all relax.
Spoiler Alert: Michael Turner is my game MVP. When he's on, there are very few running backs in the NFL capable of his level of production. Very happy to see him turn the corner on his season.
The defense as a unit continues to have problems tackling and defending the short pass. We must improve there.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Redskins Open Thread

Dave the Falconer — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:49:48 -0000

by John Bazemore - AP

Hopefully the Redskins can't keep Michael Turner on a leash. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

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May our foes be swiftly dispatched, may our stats runneth over like wine, and may we walk away with a victory today. Amen.

Last week we hit a record number of comments for the game thread, so let's see if we can keep that good juju going. Hit the comments hard and I'll see you there.

What? Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Redskins, 1:00 p.m. ET

Where? Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Weather? You've got a better chance of seeing flying Coke glasses than you do rain.

Fun Fact? At 1 a.m., following close to four hours of driving, Dave the Falconer is incapable of thinking of fun facts. If you have a good one, mention it and I'll move it up here.

Injuries? We've got a host of 'em. Jerious Norwood is listed as questionable, but he's clearly out, and Thomas Johnson is likely warming the bench with him. There are a ton of questionables, ranging from Eric Weems (!) to Jason Snelling, but most of them will probably play today.

The Redskins will be missing punter Hunter Smith and tight end Chris Cooley, as well as cornerback Byron Westbrook. S Chris Horton and linebacker H.B. Blades are questionable.

Odds? Atlanta over Washington, 8.5, O/U 41.0

Foe? Be sure to visit the fine folks at Hogs Haven today and see what they have to say.

GO FALCONS! Let's beat the Redskins!

Saturday News And Notes: Tackling The Washington Redskins

Dave the Falconer — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:49:34 -0000

by Bill Feig - AP

Don't expect Matt Ryan and the Falcons to overlook at the Redskins. (AP Photo/Bill Feig, File)

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There's a danger with a game like this.

The Washington Redskins have been no one's idea of a great or even good team this season. Their fans are dealing with tragic missteps at every level of the organization with the impassiveness of true stoics, but it's clear that this is a team that's a mess. In a lot of ways, they may seem like the perfect opponent for the Falcons, who are reeling a bit after two tough losses against quality teams the last couple of weeks. Though I wouldn't dare suggest that Mike Smith & Co. would bring an unprepared team against Washington, it's still a very real danger that this team, coming off a bye week and with a lot to prove, could come out of the gate strong against the Falcons.

It's often said that good teams win the games they're supposed to, and a punishing effort this weekend would put us at 5-3 and firmly in that warm and cozy bracket. This is a game we definitely should win, but desperate teams can do interesting things. Hopefully the Falcons swing the hammer early on Sunday.

How about some links, gang?

Despite being banged up, both Sam Baker and Roddy White are expected to play this weekend. With all the negative injury news we've gotten over the last couple of weeks, this is like a fresh breath of air carrying a $100 bill your way.
To absolutely no one's surprise, Jerious Norwood isn't playing. If he's listed as questionable again this week, I'm going to laugh out loud. Jason Snelling is still a bit of a question mark.
Oh, heavens to Betsy, Harvey Dahl and Tyson Clabo are physical players! I hope Albert Haynesworth doesn't get the vapors from their rudeness. That would be horrid!

Seriously, though, it's just before the game trash talk. Nobody likes the way Big Mean and Clabo play the game of football, but it sure as hell works. Haynesworth will be a guy to watch this weekend, because he's still a force to be reckoned with.
Here's kind of an unofficial keys to the game list for the Redskins, courtesy of Hogs Haven. The likeliest might be that Fred Davis, who is taking over for injured tight end Chris Cooley, will blow up. The Falcons will have to keep an eye on him.
This Matt Ryan thing is getting out of hand. He's been far from perfect this season and I'd like to see him make better throws, but I'm not exactly worried about his future in the league because of a middling half-season. It's really too bad that we've all gotten into the habit of expecting instant results and changing our minds on the fly (myself included), because we all end up yo-yoing on some of these guys.

A Very Falcoholic Discussion: John Abraham

Dave the Falconer — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:57:57 -0000

More photos » by Paul Sakuma - AP

John Abraham SMASH! (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

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The topic today is one John Erasmus Ezekiel Awesome Abraham, our former pass-rushing master who has not quite lived up to his billing thus far this year.

What inspired me to spark this discussion, honestly, was a question from a commenter over at Hogs Haven about my expectations for Abraham on Sunday. While their question was light-hearted—at least I hope it was, considering they were asking if I predicted 3+ sacks from the guy—it got me to thinking about Abraham's relatively low sack total and whether he might be entering the decline phase of his career.

Rather than write a whole big post where I basically guessed, I thought I'd turn to you, the reader, for a more educated guess. Is Abraham slowing down after a run of excellence, or is it just a slow start to the season? Can he kill Jason Campbell on Sunday, or just maim him?

Your call.

Falcons Lose Long Snapper Mike Schneck For The Season

Dave the Falconer — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:48:31 -0000

Another day, another injury.

Many of you are probably relieved that these aren't star players going down, and with good reason. Still, Mike Schneck was quietly a very good player in his limited role, and replacement Bryan Pittman will have to do just as well. With a long snapper, invisibility is your best trait. If you do your job well, nobody notices you, and during his time on the time, Schneck was rarely visible. As a free agent after the season, he may not be coming back.

Still....these injuries, man. They trouble me.

Falcons Place S Jamaal Fudge On I.R., Sign S Charlie Peprah

Dave the Falconer — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:02:12 -0000

Some years even your depth can't escape the dreaded injury bug.

That's right, folks, that cursed little bastard has dug his plague-encrusted fangs into Jamaal Fudge, knocking everybody's favorite backup safety out for the rest of the season. This is especially unusual because the team never disclosed what happened to Fudge, who had mostly played his time out on special teams in 2009. We wish him well.

His replacement is kind of an intriguing guy, or at least he would be if he wasn't doomed to spend the rest of the season warming the bench. Charlie Peprah was an effective special teamer for the Green Bay Packers, jarring two fumbles loose in 2007 and generating 37 total tackles during his three years there, and he could be a valuable piece of our kickoff return coverage team. If nothing else, his name will be fun to say for the rest of the season. Peprah peprah peprah.

In the big scheme of things, this is a blip on the back of an atom zipping its way through the universe, but it does illustrate just how heavily we've been hit by injuries this season. Let's hope Fudge is the end of it.

Thoughts?

Ask The Falcoholic!

Dave the Falconer — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:02:12 -0000

Hey, 'Skins fans!

Those of you who have long memories may remember when I first broke into SB Nation a few years back. Hogs Haven was a good friend of The Falcoholic in those days, and I still like to pop over here and give things a read from time to time. Blah blah blah.

But that's now why I'm here. I'm here because we're playing you guys this weekend, and you're likely burning with questions about the Atlanta Falcons. If that's not what you're burning with, please see a doctor. Please feel free to direct any and all questions about Matt Ryan, our close loss to the Saints or our fortunes in 2009 this way and I'll be happy to answer them.

Also, please Recommend this post so that it will remain up top for those who have questions all week long. Thanks, and here's to a great game!