Tag: Features

Falcons vs Steelers Preseason roster battles

What’s good Falcons Fam? Falcons are taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers, and players are still battling for starting jobs and roster spots.

Here’s a few players to keep an eye on.

I’ll start with the running backs since we’re pretty much know Matt Ryan Matt Schaub’s are cemented.

Running Backs

Terron Ward with a strong performance last week against the Miami Dolphins, is expecting to continue his battle with Brian Hill for the 3rd roster spot. Kelvin Taylor, Jhurrel Pressley are expected to see action late in the game.

Wide Receiver

Marvin Hall a couple of mishaps in his first game against the Miami Dolphins looks to redeem himself, should see a lot of action along with Reggie Davis, Anthony Dable.

Tight End

Austin Hooper, Levine Toilolo spots are certainly guaranteed. Which leaves Eric Saubert, Josh Perkins, and Dorian Griswold to battle for the last two spots.

Offensive Line

Wes Schweitzer will have his opportunity to make an impression on the coaches to see who will win the starting right guard position. Ben Garland got the start last week versus the Miami Dolphins. Newly signed Austin Pasztor is expected to see action as well.

Corners

CJ Goodwin, Deji Olatoye, Akeem King, Janor Jones will battle it out for a roster spot…

Highlight of the game is obviously the debut of Falcons 26th overall pick Takkarist McKinley. He was held out of the first preseason game to give him extra time to recoup from off-season surgery.

What are your looking forward to seeing Fam?

Let me know your thoughts….

3 Falcons Defensive Linemen To Watch For In 2017

Falcons Fam! Coach Quinn will have the privilege of having a more versatile group of defensive linemen. If they stay healthy of course.

Ra’Shede Hageman, Jack Crawford, Grady Jarrett, Courtney Upshaw, Dontari Poe, Derrick Shelby, Brooks Reed, Takkarist McKinley, Adrian Clay born and Vic Beasley to name a few. 

However! here are 3 players to keep an eye on the defensive line. Let’s start with Big Shede Hageman.  

1. Ra’Shede Hageman – Falcons will have a much better chance of matching up with physical teams like Carolina Panthers. Panthers like to run right at you and get a body on your linebackers. With the addition of Dontari Poe, Quinn can use Grady Jarrett, and Shede in short yard situations and keep Deion Jones clean. This is where Hageman will have the opportunity to make an impact.

2. Grady Jarrett – Jarrett showed what he’s capable of in Superbowl 50, where he piled up 3 1/2 sacks. The Patriots were not going to let 2016 sack leader Vic Beasley have a major impact on the game. They doubled him every chance they got, which in turn left Grady Jarrett in one on one opportunities. 

With Dontari Poe playing alongside of him. Expect Jarrett to continue to show why his Superbowl performance was not a fluke.

3. Jack Crawford – Here’s one I looked at closely. Dan Quinn did a film breakdown on what falcons fans should expect from Crawford. He showed the ability to get instant pressure in the backfield. Something the Falcons will need if Adrian Clayborn cannot stay healthy.

Final Thoughts – Vic Beasley is not on the list because I expect him to do what he always does. If Poe Jarrett can reek havoc in the middle. Vic Beasley will have the opportunity repeating as the NFL’s sack leader. 

Let me know what you think Falcons Fam. 

BTW! Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @MadMikeSports 

3 Things you should know about Kyle Shanahan vs Patriots

Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has the NFL’s number one scoring offense and of course Mad Mike has interesting fact for you guys.

Check it out!!!


What are your thoughts? Do you think this trend will continue?

Falcons vs Panthers Week 16 Keys To Victory 


​Falcons are 9-5 and looking to solidify a playoff spot. They traveling to Carolina to take on the Panthers at 1Pm Saturday on Fox. 

So let’s stop the chit chat and get to my keys to victory. 

Take care of the ball

Offensively – Carolina without star linebacker Luke Keuchley is still a dangerous defense. Veteran Thomas Davis and his defense have 22 takeaways and that’s where it begins. 

Falcons must take care of the ball. Things should be a lot easier, as Julio Jones comes back from toe strain. Last time these two teams played Julio had a career high 300 yards receiving in a 41-26 win. 

Hit Cam Newton hard. Hit him often

Defensively, it’s quite simple. Hit Cam Hard and hit him often. It maybe a little bit of a challenge with running back Jonathan Stewart back in action. 

Carolina will without a doubt try to establish the run to limit Atlanta chances of getting to Newton. 

When they get the chance to hit Newton, whether it be in running game or passing. Falcons have to try to knock the living hell out of him. 

Frustrate Cam and you can win easily. 

Can’t forget about tight end Greg Olsen. Safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen have to keep an eye on him on 3rd downs and goal line situations. Cannot afford Olsen  to have a huge day. 

With that said… those are my keys to victory. Tell me what you think by commenting below. 

Mad Mike OUT!!! 

Falcons vs Broncos Week 5 Keys To Victory 

The showdown at Mile High Stadium

 

The Atlanta Falcons head west to take on the Super Bowl Champs Denver Broncos!!! If you’re anything like me you’re nervous as hell. Wondering how the Falcons will fair against the Broncos.

Without any further ado, let me give you my keys to victory.

Offensive Key – Establish the run

Falcons offensive line is playing great. But they are going against the NFL’s leading sack team. If they want to keep Von Miller quiet.  Establishing the running game has to be top priority.

Expect to see a heavy dose of Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman in both running and short passing game.

Defense Key – Must establish Pass Rush 

With Sean Weatherspoon on IR… Deion Jones De’Vondre Campbell out with ankle injuries. First round pick quarterback Paxton Lynch making his NFL debut.

Falcons cannot afford to play poorly. They need Dwight Freeney and Vic Beasley have to have their best game of the year… If  not!!! CJ Anderson and that Broncos rushing attack will have a field day.

Final Thoughts 

Falcons are the number one scoring offense in the NFL.

Denver Broncos have the NFL’s 4th ranked defense.

Something has to give.

Will the Falcons continue to disappoint their fan base by losing another BIG game?

Will they do what no one expects them to do…. Defeat the Super Bowl Champs in Denver?

What are your thoughts?

Game starts at 4:30 pm CBS

Credit Vaughn McClure with injury report



Falcons vs Saints Week Things To Watch For 

Week 3 Keys to victory


After a big win on the road against the 2-1 Oakland Raiders. The Falcons have a chance to take hold of first in the NFC South. 

Falcons first round draft pick Keanu Neal in his NFL debut in New Orleans against Drew Brees and the Saints. 

Before I get to the Keys to victory here’s the Injury report for both teams. 

Falcons Saints Injury reports

Mohamed Sanu, Julio Jones, Brooks Reed In. Return of O’Brien Schofield. 

De’Vondre Campbell, Paul Worrilow Out. 

Willie Snead, Delvin Breaux, PJ Williams, Terron Armstead, Kenny Vacarro, Cameron Jordan Out. 

3 KEYS TO VICTORY 

1 – Keanu Neal vs Cody Fleener 

Coming off a knee injury, the sAints will test Neal  often and early. Look for the sAints to split RBs out wide and force Keanu to test out that knee. 

2 – Deion Jones return home to Louisiana Super Dump (excuse me Super Dome)  will be an exciting one for him. sAints love to get RBs in space and attack the middle of the field. Deion Jones is the key to this game. 

Drew Brees is a master manipulater. His accuracy is second to none….. If Jones is not prepared. Brees will carve him up. Jones HAS TO HIS BEST DAY AS A PRO. 

3 – Running game has to be on point. The sAints are in the Super Dome and it’s the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The crowd will be nuts and you have to limit Drew Brees offensive opportunities. 

Falcons have to get Devonta Freeman Tevin Coleman going early. Keeping Drew Brees off the field, limiting their big play opportunities… Falcons should walk out the Super Dome in first place in the NFC South. 

What are your thoughts Sports Fanatics? 

Falcons vs Raiders Week 3 Keys To Victory

Lastest Falcons news

Mad Mike is the man of the people and the people have spoken. They want sacks and they want SACKS NOW! Falcons were unsuccessful against Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston and reporters ask Dan Quinn what he thought about the pass rush. 

“The pass rush isn’t totally made up of sacks. It’s hits, it’s forced fumbles, “Quinn said. But, he conceded,”Sacks are definitely a factor, because you have an opportunity to get the ball out and they lose yards. Those are significant factors.” 

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Falcons vs Buccaneers Week 1 Recap

Atlanta Falcons kickoff the NFL Season against division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Georgia Dome. Going into the game the story  was Can Matt Ryan cut down on turnovers in the red zone?

While they improved in the red zone, another problem came to the forefront. Tackle Jake Matthews, guard Chris Chester, had two costly penalties on offense in key situations. 

Adrian Clayborn two crucial offsides penalties and Robert Alford personal foul hurt the Falcons coming back 31-13 deficit. 

However, Falcons did not quit. After falling behind 31-13 Falcons closed the gap to 31-24 but fail short when bucs All-Pro DT Gerald McCoy batted Matt Ryan’s fourth down pass to the ground.  

Final Thoughts 

I was Impressed with the Falcons linebackers Deion Jones De’Vondre Campbell speed to the ball. Tackling was much better compared to last year’s defense despite the halftime blunder. 

This is a young defense and there will be a lot of WTF moments. Timing of those moments are my only concern… 

What are your thoughts? 

Falcons Team Stats 

Next on the Schedule 

Falcons vs Buccaneers related tweets 

Preseason Falcons vs Jaguars – 3 Things to watch for 

Matt Bryant’s BACK!!!

After last week’s debacle against the Miami Dolphins. Dan Quinn point of emphasis was on the red zone. Matt Ryan threw yet another interception. Dan Quinn wasted no time working on it this week. 

What should we expect? 

1) Quinn made it quite clear certain players will play longer than others. If you saw last game both fronts played awful… Including Matt Ryan who played into the second quarter. 

Expect Ryan to play at least the first two series. If Ryan scores on the first drive… Do not expect Ryan to play the rest of the game. 

Matt Schaub & Matt Simms should see most of the game. Simms ( Shanahan’s best pal) beat out Quarterback Sean Renfree for the third quarterback position….should see the bulk of the snaps. 

2) Terron Ward comes back from his ankle injury that kept him out of the first three preseason games. Keep an eye on him… He has to make an instant impact to stay off the bubble. 

Going to be interesting to see how Ward performs. He has to make an impact tonight…or else Brandon Wilds will take his spot. 

3) Defensively, tackling continues to be main point of practice. Quinn will be watching to see how guys finish tackles with authority. 

Don’t expect starters to play much into the game… This will be an opportunity for backups to make last impressions on the coaching staff. 

Preseason Falcons vs Dolphins – 3 Things to watch for 

Falcons are 2-0 going into Thursday nights preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. There are players still battling for starting positions and here what you need to keep an eye on.

1. Wes Schweitzer battling for Chris Chester’s right guard spot. 

According to Dan Quinn Wes Schweitzer has a pretty good chance of winning the starting right guard position from Chris Chester. So Monday night is huge for both guys.

Who do I expect to be starting right guard ?

Despite the constant chatter around Wes Schweitzer. I have to go with veteran Chris Chester. Falcons want to win now and Chester’s experience gives them the best opportunity.

2. Vic Beasley back from shoulder soreness. 

Like most I was disappointed I didn’t have the pleasure of seeing both Vic Beasley and Dwight Freeney on the field last week. So my main focus will be on pass rush.

Can Falcons create pressure without blitzing? We will see.

3. Quinn wants turnovers NOW!! 

Despite their 2-0 record Head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Richard Smith are not happy with the lack of turnovers.

Here’s what Richard Smith had to say about creating turnovers.

“To do that, you have to hunt like a dog to get them,” Smith said in an interview with AJC. “You have to be conscious of it. We haven’t been able to get that done.”

I know it’s only preseason but I’ll watching to see linebackers trying to cause fumbles and the secondary to making plays on the ball.

Turnovers! Turnovers! Turnovers! Turnovers are a must. Watch out Falcons Fam