Tag: Preseason

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

Falcons vs Browns Recap – Running game stole the show in 24-13 win

Kyle Shanahan did a great job getting Matt Ryan into rhythm mixing run and pass in 24-13 win against the Cleveland Browns.

Ryan completed  6 -11 passes for 78 yards. Devonta Freeman had 4 carries 42 yards rushing and scored on a 19 yard touchdown. Mohamed Sanu made his presence felt finishing with three receptions for 45 yards.

“I thought he really looked sharp and came out and performed (well), just getting some of the connections going right off the bat,” Quinn said about Ryan. “Any time when the running game and the play-action that goes along with it (is working), it’s a handful. And that was certainly the case tonight.” 

Defense

Robert Griffin gave Atlanta fits all night long completing 6/8 passes for 96 yards two touchdowns. Including a 50 yard touchdown to Terrell Pryor over Desmond Trufant.

Adrian Clayborn continues to showcase his pass rush skills sacking Griffin in the 2nd quarter. Paul Worrilow’s job seems to be in major trouble.

Both Deion Jones and De’Vondre Campbell had couple of plays where they looked like rookies, but for the most part had a good night. Paul Worrilow on the other hand struggled in coverage and missed a couple of tackles.

Story of the night was undoubtedly running game. Brandon Wilds ran wild with 8 carries 49 yards & a touchdown …Gus Johnson 5 carries 42 yards and Cyrus Gray 18 carries 76 yards rushing. Totaling 224 yards.

Dan Quinn had this to say about the running game.

“The running backs, the offensive line, I thought they stole the show tonight,” I was pleased with the running backs; they were totally pulling for one another.”

Final thoughts 

Kyle Shanahan did a great job with offensive balance. Got the running game going early and use it to create a lot of short easy throws for Ryan.

This is one area of the Falcons offense that has to stay consistent. Particularly on the road where crowds will be extremely loud. Having a running game that can chew up the clock will leave fans little to cheer for… Most importantly give Dan Quinn’s defense time to rest.

YES, I know it’s preseason but a big shout out goes to Kyle Shanahan for a improved offensive flow.

What are your thoughts Falcons Fans?

 

Preseason Falcons vs Browns – 3 Things To Watch For 

In the first preseason game against the Cleveland Browns,  Falcons offense got off to a rather slow start. Matt Ryan was 0-4…. zero completions, zero yards causing yet another panic in FalconsNation.

Fans went as far as saying that Ryan needed to be benched for 35 year old Matt Schaub. (Stupid I know)

That was last week and this is what Mad Mike will be looking for this week sports fanatics.

1 – Kyle Shanahan play calling

Confidence means everything for your quarterback. If he’s not confident the offense WILL STRUGGLE.
In the first game Shanahan’s focus was obviously taking shots down field, rather than shorter passes. As a result Ryan didn’t do well. Backup Matt Schaub and wide out Aldrick Robinson had a good night connecting on a couple of big plays.

Ryan’s struggle is nothing to worry about, but I would much rather start with a shorter passing game to get the blood flowing.

So I will be watching Kyle Shanahan’s play calling early in the game. Will he go to short quick developing routes. Or will he continue with long developing routes. We will see.

2 – Linebacker Paul Worrilow 

With the additions of veteran linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, rookie linebackers Deion Jones and De’Vondre Campbell. Paul Worrilow starting position is DEFINITELY in danger.

Their athleticism, closing speed, the way they finished tackles….was impressive. Worrilow HAS to make a impact (and soon) if he plans to keep his starting job. Watch how Paul Worrilow responds to the pressure these rookies are putting on him.

3 – Dwight Freeney & Vic Beasley show 

Falcons were ranked 32nd in the league in sacks, like most fans I’m anxious to see how Dwight Freeney and Vic Beasley work together on the field.

Freeney is expected to play in the first quarter and I will be watching how Cleveland handles the two.

Who will receive double teams?

Who Cleveland deems more of a threat.

What are your thoughts Falcons Fans?

Falcons vs  Redskins First Preseason Breakdown 

Falcons preseason game review against the Washington Redskins

Fans got what they what they were looking for as the Falcons defeat Redskins 23-17 in their first preseason game of the 2016 year. 

OFFENSIVE – Matt Ryan and the first unit were a little bit rusty in the first two (only) possessions of the game. Ryan was 0-4 no completions, no first downs. 

Matt Schaub Aldrick Robinson had a helluva night. Schaub 10-15 179 yards two to receiver Aldrick Robinson 47,68 yards.  

Running back Brandon Wilds had a pretty decent night. Rushing for 25 yards on nine carries and one touchdown. 

DEFENSE – Linebackers Deion Jones and De’Vondre Campbell played great in their first game. Both guys showcased their speed and hitting ability in tonight’s game. Campbell especially showed why everyone around Falcons camp is raving about.. 

Campbell was incredible diagnosing plays….impressive for a guy in his first year. 

Sean Weatherspoon had a very productive game. Had three tackles one big big hit on Redskins running back Matt Jones. 

Special Teams – JD McKissic returned a kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown in the 3rd quarter. 

Positives – Falcons back up quarterback position seems to be in good hands should Matt Ryan miss time. 

Linebackers were noticeably much faster, more aggressive than last year. Vic Beasley showed off his spin move, he’s been working hard on getting a secondary pass rush move all off-season. Dan Quinn has his defense flying around and confident in the system. 

Negatives – Matt Ryan and first unit could not get in any rhythm in the first two possession.  I know it’s only the first preseason game, but it was sloppy to say the least. 

I thought Kyle Shanahan could have done a better job of getting Ryan in a rhythm by giving him easy throws, but we’ll have to see next game against the Cleveland Browns. 

Fan Reactions to the game. 

Watch Matt Ryan’s post game interview