Ask The Falcoholic!

by Dave Choate on Nov 15, 2010 11:35 AM CST

I know you're all filled with burning questions about the Atlanta Falcons. I'm here to help with that burning sensation....but not in that way.

For those who don't know me, I'm the editor-in-chief over at The Falcoholic, our network's Falcons blog. I've being tracking you guys closely this season and I gotta say that I'm impressed with how far your team has come in a short time. It should be an interesting game this weekend.

In the meantime, I'm here to answer what I can about the Falcons. If you need fantasy help for Matt Ryan and Michael Turner, I can help you. If you want to know the proper way to address His Holiness Roddy White, I'm glad to answer that. I do not, however, have any recipes for pork osso bucco readily available. Sorry.

Please Recommend this so it stays at the top of the FanPost list. Here's to a great game!

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What do you think of Stephen Nicholas?

Sam Bradford

by Jombari on Nov 15, 2010 12:23 PM CST reply actions

Very versatile linebacker

He’s capable of being a force at both outside spots and on special teams, and he’s one of our backups. I’m curious to see if he’ll keep the starting job one more week with Sean Weatherspoon returning, but he’s a great pursuit athlete and a solid tackler. We could use him against Jackson.

by Dave Choate on Nov 15, 2010 12:42 PM CST up reply actions

Do Falcons fans

legitimately give the Rams a shot at winning this game? Be honest, I can take anything after yesterdays loss…

Also, how have your rookies been? Most notably Weatherspoon.

"I kind of stepped my swagger up. You look at the Madden game and the swagger's so low, maybe they'll bump me up. Before it was a meatball flex, so you've got to liven it up a little bit." - Animal Jr.

by douchiedude on Nov 15, 2010 2:58 PM CST reply actions

I think we're wary about it

You guys are playing better than anyone expected. I fully expect the Falcons to win this game, but there’s some nagging doubt.

by Dave Choate on Nov 15, 2010 4:30 PM CST up reply actions

Cool, cool.

I expect us to win every home game right now after seeing how we play at the EJD. BUT the Falcons are easily the best opponent we’ll be facing. I’m scared to go 4-6 :(

by douchiedude on Nov 15, 2010 11:24 PM CST up reply actions

Only two rookies making a difference

Corey Peters has been very solid and has drawn starters’ snaps at defensive tackle. Not a big play guy, but as solid as they come.

’Spoon’s been great when he hasn’t been hurt. He’s missed the last several games with nagging injuries, which is a concern. He’s supposed to be healthy against you guys, and a healthy Spoon piles up tackles and gets at the quarterback.

by Dave Choate on Nov 15, 2010 4:32 PM CST up reply actions

I see.

I don’t like seeing players get hurt but I do hope, for our sake, that Weatherspoon isn’t at 100% yet then. I did really like him coming into the draft, very vocal guy.

by douchiedude on Nov 15, 2010 11:33 PM CST up reply actions

1. I think we are very confident as a whole. But because of our team’s past history and a lot of close games this year we won’t say 100%.

2. Like Dave said Peter’s has been very solid for a 3rd round pick. Spoon when playing has been everything you want out of a first rounder. He is fast and doesn’t miss tackles. Our O-lineman haven’t seen much of the field. Meier was hurt in camp, and Franks (CB) had an INT against Arizona and has been inactive on game days for awhile now.

by Whyte Bler 000 on Nov 15, 2010 5:15 PM CST up reply actions

But the best news about Spoon is

he’s coming back and, like Dave said, it will be interesting to see if Nicholas holds his spot. I expect heavy rotation at the LB position.

Check out this week's Falcons best case/worst case article here.

by Turner_The_Burner on Nov 15, 2010 7:50 PM CST up reply actions

Two questions

1 – How do you think the falcons front 7 will be able to deal with Jackson?
2 – I haven’t watched any falcons games this year, how is your OL doing keeping Matt Ryan clean?

Steven Jackson .... Boss

by Swatsky on Nov 15, 2010 3:09 PM CST reply actions

They've done an excellent job on run defense this year

I expect they’ll put Stephen Nicholas, Sean Weatherspoon or Mike Peterson on him full-time. It’s the only way to slow him down, in my opinion.

OL’s been up-and-down. Fully healthy at the moment and they managed to keep Ryan alive against the Ravens, so I like their chances the rest of the way.

by Dave Choate on Nov 15, 2010 4:31 PM CST up reply actions

1. Outside of the first 2 games we haven’t let any single runner cross the 100 yard mark. The second game came with a 80 yard run, and the first a 50+ yard run. Take those two plays away and we have been very good against the run all year. Not Pittsburgh great, but far from porous.

2. The OL has been average, with some really good games, and some really bad games.

by Whyte Bler 000 on Nov 15, 2010 5:19 PM CST up reply actions

It's notable about our O-Line

We have let in 15 sacks tied 7th lowest and tied 8th fewest QB hits. But despite what the stats say I think average is a good evaluation

Please read Turner_The_Burner and my Best case/Worst case analysis of the upcoming week

by dunlagh on Nov 17, 2010 10:15 AM CST up reply actions

I have Ryan and Roddy BOTH on my fantasy football team...hence I'm #1 in the league!

BUT…

1. When Chris Long sacks Ryan, how many of Ryan’s vertebrae do you think will be crushed?
2. When Roddy White catches 8 balls for 37 yards, who will be crying first, me because I’m gonna lose in fantasy fooball, or him? Or you perhaps?
3. You’re 6th worst in the NFL in passing defense (yards/g and TD/g). What’re you gonna do when the greatest QB prospect in the history of the NFL starts throwing TDs at an alarming rate?
4. Will Matt Ryan shudder in the royal presence of KING SAM? Will he be intimidated into throwing interceptions to prove he’s better than the KING in his 3rd year vs. his majesty’s rookie year?

I still don’t like the Falcons…all the way back to the old school days. We’re gonna whoop the Falcons’ butts this week. KING SAM is gonna be pissed over this week’s loss…we’re at home where we can’t be beat…and KING SAM is gonna shave this week so he’s gonna be soooooooo sleek that he’s gonna throw for 400 yards and 4 TDs.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!!!

And thank you for making yourself available to answer our questions about the Falcons, but a dude from the 9ers did it last week and we lost so I ain’t falling for it again this time. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me!

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Nov 15, 2010 3:52 PM CST reply actions

Well now

1) None. Chris Long will crumple up like the front of a Pinto when he hits Ryan’s force field of awesome.
2) That only will happen in an alternate dimension where none of us have tear ducts, so the correct answer is none of us. None of us will be crying.
3) Well, one a game is pretty alarming.
4) He may throw a pick, but it’ll probably be because he feels bad that Bradford’s thrown three.

That’s my story, and I shall stick with it as well!

by Dave Choate on Nov 15, 2010 4:34 PM CST up reply actions

"force field of awesome"

now that was just funny.

by crashoveride01 on Nov 15, 2010 4:37 PM CST up reply actions

I think the Pinto reference adds about a million style points.

Sam Bradford drops back, sees Laurent Robinson in the open, and he completes the pass for a gain of 28! Oh- Wait, looks like a holding penalty is going to call this one back...(Oh wait; Barron's gone, ignore that last sentence).

by Eric Nagel on Nov 15, 2010 5:54 PM CST up reply actions

Touche my enemy, touche!

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Nov 15, 2010 5:01 PM CST up reply actions

I have Ryan, White, and Turner

Scored over 200 points the week they played Cincinnati, and topped 150 this week.

1. Ryan has taken some nasty hits this year and popped right back up from all of them. One thing you can say about him is he is tough.

2. If Roddy only catches 8 for 37 the only tears I’ll be shedding is for my fantasy team, because someone else will be ripping the defense to shreds : P

3. With the exception of Philly, we have had large leads throughout the game, and due to questionable defensive schemes have been hemorrhaging yards through the air. Not a huge concern, as we will pick Bradford off a couple times.

4. Matt Ryan is the messiah, this King Sam will be bowing down before Matt and beg to learn the ways of the QB.

Mwa ha ha ha ha ha ha

by Whyte Bler 000 on Nov 15, 2010 5:25 PM CST up reply actions

OK, here's one:

You appear to have one of the best offenses in the league…Ryan, Roddy, Turner and ….whomever.

But your defense doesn’t appear to be that great (on paper). You’re middle of the pack in rushing yards per attempt, toward the bottom in passing yards given up, and middle of the pack in sacks. What is “your game” on defense? And you drafted DTs with your first pick last year and 2nd pick this year and Weatherspoon with your first this year. Are these guys any good yet?

It appears to me that you are strongest against the run. However, while you are #1 in the NFL with 14 INTs, you have also given up the 6th most passing TDs in the league (16) compared to having given up only 3 rushing TDs. Do you give up big plays? Or do many of these TDs come late in the game during “garbage time?”

And, what do you like to do LEAST on offense? The way I’m seeing it, we’re gonna do WHATEVER WE CAN to pressure Ryan to make him uncomfortable in the pocket. Does he got a good “short game?” I ask cause it doesn’t look like Turner catches very many balls.

In your losses to Pitt and Philly, Michael Turner averaged 2.2 and 3.0 ypc, respectively, and he’s not much of a pass catcher this year. Does shutting down Turner cause the offense to go into coniptions? (note that last week against Baltimore he averaged 2.3 ypc so I realize the offense can compensate, but in your best games, he’s been great, whereas in your closer games he’s been…average).

Finally, Chris Long is “Ram Tough”…..Pinto…..sheesh!

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Nov 15, 2010 6:37 PM CST reply actions

You forgot Gonzalez on offense

Our rush defence has been extremely solid this year and maybe that is a factor contributing to our pass defence issues (stat wise). personally, i think we hold up quite well against the pass, but maybe thats because i’m basing it on last year’s absolutely atroucious performance in pass d.

Peria Jerry was hurt for all but two games last year, and his snap count is increasing week to week. He is still yet to have a huge impact, but he does his bit in the heavily rotated DT spots. Corey Peters has taken Jerry’s starting job and is going extremely well. Add in a newly rejuvinated Vance Walker and the always impressive Jonathon Babineaux and our DT group is one of the better in the NFC I feel.

Spoon was doing nicely in the firstf ew weeks, and was lewading us for tackles through a few games, but then he got hurt. He has missed about 4 games but should be back this week, so I expect he and Nicholas to rotate frequently. If Spoon isn’t right, Nicholas is a more than adequate replacement.

And finally, Turner doesn’t catch many out of the backfield but we rotate a fair amount between he and Jason Snelling, who is a pass catching threat out of the backfield big time. When turner struggles rushing the football we can still get it done, although usually we prefer to set up the run game before going to the pass (in the Ravens game we were passing 8/10 plays on the opening drive from memory, which was really unusual for us, but I liked it).

Whew.

Check out this week's Falcons best case/worst case article here.

by Turner_The_Burner on Nov 15, 2010 7:57 PM CST up reply actions

As for the TD's

In most of our games when we win, we were winning at half time, so like in the Bengals game they need to catch up fast and they do that through the air and that is where most of our TD’s are allowed.

I think the 23rd ranked pass defense is due to the fact we have given up some big plays in the air but also because teams have been playing catch-up often in the games against us which leads to alot of throwing. I think our secondary are quite good when healthy and when we aren’t giving up big plays we are quite stingy.

Ryan has definately played worse when pressured, some plays he looks unfazed when a defender is in his face but it seems more often then not he makes most of his mistakes under pressure. However our reciever group has shown alot of ability to get YAC however we rarely use screens, so the pressure will be interesting.

Please read Turner_The_Burner and my Best case/Worst case analysis of the upcoming week

by dunlagh on Nov 17, 2010 10:28 AM CST up reply actions

The Rams only win games at home

when everyone in the world thinks they will lose. You might want to put it to a vote on the Quija board or magic 8-ball to find out for sure. Better yet call up McNab or Rivers and ask them what happened to their force field of awesome, once it was nulified by the dome of invincibility.
I’m not sure if the DX missle will be ready for Sunday, but I hope they get the WR’s cloaking device fixed by then.

by OakCityRam on Nov 15, 2010 7:16 PM CST reply actions

I think DX will be ready to go

What Would Joey Votto Do?

by OGC Reds on Nov 15, 2010 11:03 PM CST up reply actions

I read that

he’s still not making the cuts needed :( but at least he’s running at full speed.

by douchiedude on Nov 15, 2010 11:29 PM CST up reply actions

but they are not awesome

the Chargers had a special teams that made them suck and the Redskins are inconsistent at best….. Atlanta is a much better team than either of them….

from the lou and im proud AND st. louis (ahem bitches)

by stlcardsfan4 on Nov 16, 2010 9:08 AM CST up reply actions

I don't know if you've been watching any Rams games

but the Rams defensive line has been awesome. Chris Long, no homerism involved, is playing like one of the best defensive ends in the league right now with constant pressure and hits or drawing holds. Who is your right tackle and is he any good? If you’ve seen Long play this year, do you think he can stop him 1 on 1?

What are your initial thoughts on Mr. Bradford? I ask this to everyone, don’t worry. He’s just too awesome. Plus, it helps him that we have the most fearsome receiving corp in the league… In case you couldn’t tell, that is 200% sarcasm.

This one is just because I’m a USC fan. How has Sam Baker been for the Falcons?

by douchiedude on Nov 15, 2010 11:40 PM CST reply actions

I hate USC!

Hey…maybe this guy is a Pete Carroll/Seattle Seahawk fan!?!?!?

a spy perhaps…

Do you hate Pete for jumping ship right after “the news?” Or do you love him cause he won you one national championship (one on the field that is)?

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Nov 16, 2010 1:55 PM CST up reply actions

How bout we start calling our WRs "the fearsome foursome?" Original eh?

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Nov 16, 2010 1:56 PM CST up reply actions

The OG

Fearsome Foursome can’t even hold a candle to this one.

I can’t say I hate Pete. It’s pretty clear USC knew about Reggie, but I’d hate him more if every school didn’t turn the other cheek with these things. If PETE actually did something wrong I’d hate him but I’m not too happy with him jumping ship. Either way, it’s Reggie that I hate.

Also, my dad and grandfather were L.A. Rams fans. I’m born and raised a Rams fan. I’ll have to find you and kill you if you ever call me a Seahawks fan again ;)

by douchiedude on Nov 16, 2010 4:26 PM CST up reply actions

LOL! Good thing our profiles are anonymous...right?

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Nov 16, 2010 4:41 PM CST up reply actions

Oh you think you're safe.

Little do you know, Die Hard 4’s villain was based off me.

by douchiedude on Nov 16, 2010 7:43 PM CST up reply actions

....

I can’t say I hate Pete. It’s pretty clear USC knew about Reggie, but I’d hate him more if every school didn’t turn the other cheek with these things. If PETE actually did something wrong I’d hate him but I’m not too happy with him jumping ship.

yeh… cause pete carroll had nothing to do with it…. anyway im not fan of how he left the program because they were suspended from bowl games… he could have been an NFL coach any year he wanted and he just so happened to choose the year where his school gets bowl games removed

from the lou and im proud AND st. louis (ahem bitches)

by stlcardsfan4 on Nov 16, 2010 4:48 PM CST up reply actions

He didn't personally do anything illegal.

He turned the other cheek, we all know damn well he knew Reggie was getting benefits. The dude showed up with a new car and everything. HOWEVER, Pete’s name almost never came up in the files, he himself didn’t do anything illegal but what he did was still wrong and unethical. We got busted for lack of institutional control, not for anyone from the school paying Reggie. Mike Garrett definitely didn’t help, the idiot. Just for the record, for anyone who thinks Lane had anything to do with it, his name never even came up in the report.

by douchiedude on Nov 16, 2010 7:47 PM CST up reply actions

well im sure he's not in the minority in terms of what coaches do

but i feel like you’re being extremely naive if you think carroll wasn’t involved…

from the lou and im proud AND st. louis (ahem bitches)

by stlcardsfan4 on Nov 17, 2010 10:30 AM CST up reply actions

When did I say Carroll wasn't involved?

I said he didn’t do anything illegal or wrong. BUSH got paid by AGENTS who weren’t affiliated with USC and Pete Carroll knew and did nothing to stop it, which is what LACK OF INSTITUTIONAL CONTROL comes from so OBVIOUSLY, he was involved. He should have done something about it, but he’s not the one who did it is all I’m saying.

by douchiedude on Nov 17, 2010 3:40 PM CST up reply actions

I'll answer your question

Rams are impressive with their front 7 and have the most sacks on the season, so thats going to be one of the main points where you guys can beat us. Our right tackle is Tyson Clabo who I like alot, it’s tough to say how good he is playing this year, but from what I can tell he is doing well not allowing sacks as we are one of the stingier teams in that department. I think he could fare decently against Long, but i wouldnt be suprised if Long beats him a couple times.

I am a bit of a Rams fan so I am very impressed with Bradford, what he has done for the team reminds me of the Falcons when Ryan came along albeit with healthier WR’s. I think Bradford can become great and when Avery and Clayton return they will be a force offensively aswell, I like that Amendola and Gibson have stepped up to be sufficient WR’s considering the injuries. I can see him emulating Matt Ryans success and being great.

Please read Turner_The_Burner and my Best case/Worst case analysis of the upcoming week

by dunlagh on Nov 17, 2010 10:44 AM CST up reply actions

Oh and Sam Baker

He did well in his 1st two years with the team, but at the start of this year he struggled for some reason making alot of mental errors and giving up alot of penalties. In recent weeks he has beeen playing fine and hasnt given up any/many flags in the last few weeks. Alot of people have started screaming that we need to draft for an OL to replace him, but I think he just had a bad few weeks and is now back to his normal, tallented, ways

Please read Turner_The_Burner and my Best case/Worst case analysis of the upcoming week

by dunlagh on Nov 17, 2010 10:48 AM CST up reply actions

That sucks.

Hopefully he’s back to normal and even better, just not in this game :)

by douchiedude on Nov 17, 2010 3:44 PM CST up reply actions

I love Clayton, he was AWESOME in a Rams uniform.

But still, imagine us having Sidney Rice across from him and Amendola in the slot with Avery as the deep threat along with Danario Alexander…and they all stay healthy. We still need a #1 receiver and Clayton would make for an elite #2 receiver across from him. Amendola has been AMAZING. He’s among the league leaders in first down conversions and receptions and the sad thing is, he started seeing double-teams when Clayton went down lol.

by douchiedude on Nov 17, 2010 3:44 PM CST up reply actions

Think about how well Avery did before Bradford

I think Avery is a solid #1 WR, apparently in preseason he started working well with Bradford before he got hurt. I think most people can apreciate that Bradford is the best QB that Avery will have so far in his NFL career.

Avery had an average of 37 yards per game last year as the Rams #1 WR. Clayton had an average of 75 yards per game before he got injured. Sure that would change during the year. Brandon Gibson has an average of 43 yards per game and Danny Amendola has an average of 48 yards per game (including 5 games he didn’t start). I’m a big Avery fan and I think with Bradford they can be an elite QB/WR combo.

Please read Turner_The_Burner and my Best case/Worst case analysis of the upcoming week

by dunlagh on Nov 18, 2010 6:16 AM CST up reply actions

Can we get back to talking about Atlanta with the Falcons guys?

by andyhawk on Nov 17, 2010 12:16 AM CST reply actions

These threads do tend to flit around

No worries. Still here to answer questions.

by Dave Choate on Nov 18, 2010 11:08 AM CST up reply actions

A friend of mine is a Falcon

and incredibly knowledgeable, I should probably refer him to SBnation’s Falcons site…
but anyway, he was saying after the first two games that there is a sense of frustration in Falcons camp with the offensive playcalling.
It is pretty obvious that your best play is a deep out to Roddy White, but the Falcon’s dependancy on this play is a point of contention to some fans.
do you feel like the playcalling or playbook is archaic and in need of revitalisation, the fact the roster is so talented making poor playcalls look good, or do you feel they are executed well and successful because they are the right system for these players?

here at TST we have a lot of discussion about offensive playcalling, and it’d be interesting to hear your (in depth) thoughts on your teams offensive playcalling, regardless of where it has gotten you so far this season.

Bradford to Onobun!

by Infemous on Nov 18, 2010 2:31 PM CST reply actions

The ravens game was a step forward

where we came out straight from the opening kickoff in a pass heavy no huddle offense. Prior to that most of our drives can be labelled run to the left, run up the middle, run/pass short middle. Over the course of the year we’ve developed a bit of an identity, and we tend to mix it up a little more, and our frustration with Mike Mularkey our offense co-ordinator seems to be alleviating a little, but we tend to call pretty vanilla plays at times.

Check out this week's Falcons best case/worst case article here.

by Turner_The_Burner on Nov 19, 2010 9:55 AM CST up reply actions