SB Nation User Blog: Grayson

Roddy's 15 Yard Penalty explained by coach Smith

Grayson — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:40:58 -0000

Roddy's 15 Yard Penalty explained by coach Smith

This is funny just watch from halfway if your saving bandwidth, coach explains how Roddy can avoid a flag next time.

ESPN Predicts Atlanta Falcons season, consensus is 1st in the Division

Grayson — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:25:12 -0000

ESPN Predicts Atlanta Falcons season, consensus is 1st in the Division

Something that amazes me about this too is when they list our strengths and weaknesses the strengths seem to be all offensive and our weaknesses all defensive. Bit of a concern to me.

Chandler to play Power Forward with the Cats

Grayson — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:01:02 -0000

Chandler to play Power Forward with the Cats

Now this makes me laugh. Apparently Larry Brown wants Chandler to defend players on the perimeter...man that could be disasterous.

The Falcons and their expectations

Grayson — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:08:36 -0000

Since the sporting season has in my view come to a complete hault with baseball as the only means of entertainment (I hate baseball by the way) I thought that we should breakdown the Falcons and what parts of our team will be the focal point of our team and how we shape our identity for the upcoming season.

I have seen this happen all to often in sports, a team is given the title of being future contenders and they fall from grace and people often ask themselves, "How did we not see this coming?" An example is the Cleveland Browns. Remember the media touting them as leaders of the gritty AFC North and possible playoff steamboats? I do. Everyone looked at an offense that had gained a weapon on offense and improved its weak defense. Sound familiar?

Lets break it down to each aspect our our team: Passing game, Running game, Run Defense and Pass Defense and finally individuals that may or may not have an impact on the team and its success.

Passing Offense

Matthew Ryan. You would think this would sum it up but there's a lot more to the teams success through the air than just the QB. Okay you have Roddy White, who is an all-star calliber receiver. However, I feel that the success of Michael Jenkins and Harry Douglas have fuelled what was a consistent passing game. Now we are not the New Orleans Saints, nor do I think we will become them in their take on what an offense does. What this team has and will do is move the chains. Consistently last season Matty was able to find both Jenkins and White on third downs when we needed to convert. This reminds me a lot of both the Patriots and the Colts. Both teams are not the most explosive air out offenses but they get it done. Jenkins reminds me of Brian Finneran. A large target who when he catches the ball converts for a first down. Tony Gonzalez people say will really make Matt Ryan a better player. While I agree with this on a whole I think peoples line of think is slightly detracted. TG is not going to catch 5-8 balls a game. He may have a couple of games like that later in the season. But I think mostly Tony is going to provide Matty Ice with another option. Not another 80 catches for 1000 yards in a season but another guy the defense has to worry about. In that, I think that the development of our offensive line combined with this young receiver corps should make us a threat not only this year but the years to come.

2009-10 Prediction: Matt Ryan 20+ TD's with 10 INT, White stats similar to last year, expect Jenkins numbers to decline slighty as Gonzalez emerges throughout the year as well as High Defintion, Harry Douglas.

Matt Ryan Highlights 2008 Regular Season (via PhiladelphiaFalcons)

Running Offense

I think it is safe to say that if there is any part of our team that is the most dangerous and diverse it is our run game. Here we have a big time bruiser in Michael Turner (who does have speed) combined with a nippy, change of pass, lightning bolt in Jerious Norwood. I hounstly believe that we are right there with running back tandems such as the Cat Attack (Panthers).

Something that has been on the lips of almost everyone is, "Will and how will Norwood get involved in the offense to relieve pressure of the Burner?" I think to find our answer we have to look towards to back end of our past season. Take particular not of the Rams game. Now I know they are the Rams and not the best of teams out there. But Norwood's involvement sparked the Falcons to come out with an important win heading into the playoffs.

With this was the development of the Dirty Bird formation which entailed Norwood and Turner line up in the backfield as Norwood acting as the QB. By no means should this be implemented reguarly this season but it indicates the creativity willing by the Falcons coaching staff to get Norwood onto the feild.

2009-10 Prediction: Hopefully Turner gets less carries than last year while still producing at a similar rate. Norwood gets involved, makes some impact but not a huge deal.

Passing Defense

I think if there is one area that frustrated me most last season was that of our secondary. We were 28th in the league at interceptions better than teams like Detroit and worse than teams such as the Rams and the Chiefs. We now have a bunch of corners that have an oppurtunity to shine. Chris Houstan, Von Hutchins, Chevis Jackson, Brent Grimes combined with newcomers Chris Owens and William Middleton make up a solid group of defensive backs. However history shows that the Falcons have never had a solid group of defensive backs that force turnovers not since 2004 have we cracked the top 10 in intercpetions. And only once have we lead the lead in some form of takeaway when in 2003 we lead the league in forced fumbles.

Figure 1: Rank is on the Y-Axis, being 1st in the league at the bottom.

Figure 2:

This is the passing defense. On one occasion have we been under the 200 yards per game mark. Compare this graph with the other (the interceptions) and it becomes obvious that our best group of DB's was either the 2004 championship run or 2005. My point is this. We have not had a renound, gritty defense since Jessie Tuggle was around or the gritz blitz defense. Ever since 2004 we have been mediocre at best. I think that if our expectations were to fail us it will be in this youthful department.

Getting interceptions will be difficult as none of our current CB corps have over 3 interceptions in one season. In fact Eirk Coleman is the only guy in the whole Defensive Backfield to have over 3 interceptions in a season at 4. This was during his rookie season so since then he has not surpassed his total. Forget the pass rush for a moment, if a good defensive backfield can cover their guys then it forces the QB to hold onto the ball more, thus creating more sacks. 2004 we were 9th in the league at interceptions, that same year we lead the league in sacks. Coincidence? Doubtful, it was the last time that our defensive backs allowed our pass rush to get sacks while getting some interceptions of their own.

Run Defense

Im not going to go into the numbers heavily. But a solid defensive line is what will allow us to improve in run-stop ability. By shortening the history stick and just looking at 2008 we were ranked 25th in Run D by giving up a gaunlet of yards in 2046. That is huge. Now having a somewhat new DT rotation with youth and a healthy Trey Lewis hopefully we can block up the holes that were ever present last year.

Last years defense was not really about making game changing plays nor was it about being "tough nosed". Last years defense made stops when they needed too. Making a team settle for a field goal or getting a key 4th down on the halfway mark.

By not trying to be pessimistic I think it is boom or bust time. Countless times have promised shown up only to be shattered the next season. Tlozwarlock got me thinking about how the consensus is for us to have a winning season. I believe we will have a winning season. But it starts with our defense. If they show up in the first 3 weeks against Detroit, St.Louis and San Deigo then I think it will be the confidence to propell them to averageness, as per Figure 1 and 2.

New Acquisitions

What can we expect from our rookies? Bust our numbers. Or perhaps just provided depth. I think the latter applies in relations to our new young guns. But again expect Tony G to operate in an altered offense compared to last years which involves more bootleg options to the tight ends both Justin Pelle and TG. As well getting offensive line depth has been important to TD as he has gone out and signed three experienced guys to compete in training camp.

What this has to do with our expectations is that it heightens them up. New rookies are a sign of promise, and getting a hall of fame Tight End increases that promise. But be wary Falcons fans because all to often in sports expectations are often never met. No back to back winning seasons in franchise history has to mean something, small steps are needed to break it.

Poll

How will the Falcons handle their 2009 expectations?

Hit it out of the park, win the division, go to the big dance. 14-2

102 votes

Do swell, runner up in the division 10-6

183 votes

Defense is achilles heel, fall short of playoffs but get 9-7 record

75 votes

Typical Falcons 2 year football, 5-11

13 votes

Smitty goes crazy starts running defense as offense and offense as defense, banned from NFL

7 votes

380 votes | Poll has closed

Potential future PG starter

Grayson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:11:05 -0000

Just to clarify, I am a New Orleans Hornets fan. But I also happen to live in Australia and I congradulate all Blazer fans on getting Patty Mills. I am Australian so yes I have some bias, but watching Patty in the Olympics tear up team USA then betting some of the top rated PG's in the collegiate game made me wonder why he fell into the second round. But you guys truly have a Point guard of the future.

First off he has speed. I am quite sure you all know that but he has speed which he can use on both ends of the floor. I think if you can develop him he could develop into a back up for Steve Blake and eventually replace him. Please trust me on this, I really wish you guys to win a championship, but on one condition. That Patty is playing, embrace him because everyone in Australia wants him to succeed more than Andrew Bogut.

What went wrong?

Grayson — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:30:22 -0000

A question that many fans might be, or rather have been asking is, what went wrong from last season to this? Now, I'm not a stats guy who over analyses ever facet of the game. What I am interested in is as a whole what did the team do wrong? I have the belief it had a lot to do with the last offseason and preseason, more after the jump.

These two did little this year after big expectations last year.

To establish where the Hornets went "wrong" I think you have to look at the expectations presented to us after last years playoff run. Everyone, I mean everyone, thought we were going to be contenders this year. And I think that rubbed off on the team. Even they thought they were contending, Byron made it clear that James Posey was to be our sixth man and no more, that all other parts of our team were constructive towards a contending team. I guess that's where it really began mentally for the team was the handling of expectations, unwarranted I might add. People saying that we would make it into the conference finals and might even get to the finals didn't look at our depth, our lack of rebounding, what they did look at was what occurred in the past to make their judgments of today.

Morris Peterson Injury

When Mo Pete got injured early in the season I think it was the key to the break down in this team. Let me explain. Prior to the season our starting team was exactly the same. Exactly. We also could count on Mo to score for us a little bit, not just from three but off screens and iso's some what. When he went down there was a huge gap to be filled, which was somewhat by Rasual Butler. The Phoenix came in and rose from the dead to resurrect a dead basketball career to show us that he still had that three point stroke we all knew he had. He also showed us that he could play a little D, but again, the team chemistry was affected in my view because he brought a different role to the team. Okay, your thinking that Mo pretty much did the same, stood on the wing and waited for the ball on the three point line. But I beg to differ. I watched Mo for a couple of games last season and I saw him cutting for the O board, for that backdoor cut moving around to give CP another option, not just standing there like another Peja Stojakovic. Not only was Mo's injury bad for the fact that he left the starting lineup, BUT he also was stuck DEEP in Byron's rotation. Meaning; little playing time unless proved otherwise. That is what got to me during the year. We didn't replace the gap that Butler left on the bench, that other scoring threat. I am all fine with Mo being on the bench, but getting little to no time, that makes your bench a lot weaker.

The Absence of a Jannero Pargo

In other words, the absence of Jannero Pargo. Now I have heard it a million times here atthehive and over at hornets247 that Daniels is just as an effective player as Pargo in terms of shooting the ball etc. But, Pargo was good for two reasons. One he could get the ball through the hoop in a flurry. JP could score, it was as simple as that. In fact he was one of the reasons our bench was so good last year. Yeh, he jacked up the ball a tonne, but he could in fact get it to go. The second reason is his ability to push the ball up the court. He was a relatively quick guy, that is why he complimented CP so well, a similar (not the same duh) game to that of #3. He could pass it reasonably well despite his assist statistics in comparison the AD. Jannero brought those intangibles, he was established from prior seasons. I think the rush to replace him midseason was a mistake because our bench could not find its groove.

A coach Phil Jackson "X-Factor"

Still Rookies

We'll I think it is safe to say that Hilton Armstrong and Julian Wright are still somewhat rookies. I mean rookies in the mind of Byron Scott. Byron gave these guys every opportunity to excel, but they just didn't simple as that. I'll say it now, I am afraid of the word inconsistency, the connotations of the word means that nothing is assured. One night something can be everything you thought it could be and more, others that thing can be the most horrific sight ever seen. That was the story with these two guys, JuJu showed that he can play, see 20 points against OKC and also a terrific night against Dallas on TNT (for my memory). Hilton never really showed up, he put in some nice performances here and there showing he can be an okay center, but a center who can't rebound isn't really a center. If and when these guys can perform is a big Q. I think everyone still loves the promise of JuJu, but everyone has pretty much given up on Hilton "Longneck" Armstrong. We will see, time is not on our side.

Coaching

I don't think this really was as much of a weak point as everyone was eluding to during the playoffs. I just think that we were beat down, and showed little heart or desire. Last year we were ready to go, full of words like "ZING" and "ZANG" and "ZWIP" which no one really knows about yet still are energetic just saying them! I think everything with Byron starts with motivation, if the team is willing to listen they do, but if they don't, well they just simple tune out. I got that sense in the timeouts over the TV. I could sense sometimes that the guys had their heads up were keying at his every word, where as other times they were heads down, tired just enjoying the break wondering why a bald guy was talking to them. I think that Byron is very similar to Mike Brown of the Cavs. I can very easily see the Cavs falling into a little bit of a hole if they do what we did and just sign ONE guy (which I doubt). I think a coach is only as good as his team. Sure coaches can put their touch on the game here and there but overall I think a lot of the coaching is done prior to the game and during halftime for adjustments.

The Future

What does the future hold? We'll an off-season that could well be a surprising one. If your looking for what I think will happen, I think TC will get traded despite what Hornets management is elluding too. I think that the rest of the team will stay relatively the same, maybe add one guy here or there but I wouldn't bet on it. Our chances next year? We'll we MUST, MUST, get a third scorer. Not necessarily a CP or David West type guy, just someone we can run an iso too here or there who can create his own shot. The guy could very easily be on our roster, Mo Pete. We'll he did it in our run to the playoffs in 07-08, why not 09-10? Health is the key for our guys, we are old and young at the same time (confusing I know). If we are to contend we have to have a group of guys playing for at least 70 games next season.

My new blog.

Grayson — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 06:20:34 -0000

I thought I should let everyone here know that I have started my own blog over at the blogger network.

If you want to check out any of the material that I will be packaging together go ahead and check it out as there are my two cents on Hornet issues.

Don't be alarmed when you see stuff on the Atlanta Falcons or a team called the NSW Waratahs, its just I am a devoted Falcoholic as well as a ravid 'Tahs rugby fan.

So check it out.

http://unprovocativesports.blogspot.com/

Just the image that was left on my computer for 30 minutes.

Grayson — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:14:13 -0000

Just the image that was left on my computer for 30 minutes.

A glance look at the Hornets 2008-09 season.

Grayson — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 06:04:55 -0000

A glance look at the Hornets 2008-09 season.

I just thought I might put this up here, I don't know if it warrants postage here, but I figured that some might like to look at what I have observed this year on our team at my blog.

Ravens sign LJ Smith to a One Year deal

Grayson — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 05:17:26 -0000

Ravens sign LJ Smith to a One Year deal

This is a very odd thing. According to most sources we were supposedly going to sign LJ but alas he goes to Baltimore. Thoughts?