re: Hard Knock Falcons Edition

They need to change the name of the show to fit the product on the field. From hard knocks to balloon knots.

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The problem they are going to have all year is that you can't manufacture toughness. Either those guys are mean and tough or they aren't. Most of the Falcon players are satisfied and happy. They aren't hungry enough.

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I love this board. Like you have any freaking idea

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Like you have any freaking idea

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Was said a lot last year by many outside of ST.

It grew after the KV hit on ice.

No video? Herr ya go

LINK

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As much shite that has been talked from the local media, people around NO and this board. You guys *better* win this game against ATL in week 1.

All the pressure seems on NO. Apparently Cooks is Jerry Rice without having played a single snap. Atlanta is so weak, I just pray we show up. We're probably scared of driving though. And some more of the rabble rabble blah blah.

ETA: I do think NO has a better team and depth than ATL at the moment, on paper. But we were 4-12 last year and both games against NO came down to the final minutes/seconds. Just seems like some act like ATL is so inferior. Guess we get to find out soon.
Sure hope we can contain Jerry Rice.

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Neither team has played its first preseason game and DD is already whining about Saints Talk. Can the Falcons lose their first 4 games already so this guy can disappear.

ETA: Again! Same shite last year. News flash, you are on a Saints board. Yeah, we talk up the Saints and down to the Falcons. Get over it.

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ETA: Again! Same shite last year. News flash, you are on a Saints board. Yeah, we talk up the Saints and down to the Falcons. Get over it.

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this is what i dont get. what does he think is going to happen? the falcons are our most HATED rival. what sort of fan base wouldnt want to crush their fricking rival week 1 in their home?

go eat some beef jerky, snort some coke, slap a stripper, and gain some balls.

How many receivers we got? Julio and Roddy.

How many balls we got? One

Better get your arse on special teams!

Lol

I caught Hard Knocks on Demand last night. It was pretty interesting. The conversation between Mike Smith and Peria Jerry was awkward as hell. Jerry looked like he just didn't want to be there any longer than he needed.

He is only a falcon fan since Julio Jones was drafted.

Been to a few training camp sessions already; just to give you a pretty unbiased, football-oriented look at your favorite rival, here are some notes.

Offense
To no one's surprise, this will be the make or break side of the ball for the 2014 Atlanta Falcons. The biggest improvement has got to be on the offensive line. Matthews is an absolute stud, and Blaylock plus our new guard, Asamoah, are solid as well. If Sam Baker can stop being such a pussy, this line can actually hold serve to allow Matt Ryan to remain upright more often.

The wide receivers speak for themselves, nothing new to report. Jones, White, and Douglas are obviously a very talented trio; whether or not they can stay healthy for 16 games, and whether or not Ryan will have time in the pocket to get them the ball is the real question.

In terms of RB's--it looks as if Steven Jackson might give way to Devonta Freeman quicker than we think. The kid is probably the most talented offseason acquisition we made. His speed, agility, and vision is ridiculous. Right now though, he's a liability in pass coverage. Jaquizz Rogers is most likely still the 3rd down back.

I know everyone here digs on Ryan, but, I think everyone here knows what you get with him. He looks in typical form; very comfortable with his WR's. I heard the coaches stressing for him to not check down as much, which I hope is this case this year. Not having Gonzalez is going to suck, but on the bright side, it might encourage Ryan to look downfield more often, like he did his 2008 rookie year. Levine Tolio will be a darkhorse in the redzone-- 6'7 former basketball player guy with range in the same mold as Gonzo and Jimmy Graham. By no means am I saying he is nearly as talented. However, that's the mold he is under right now.

Defense

Ah, the part of the team that sucks.

The defensive line and secondary are strengths. Our linebackers, especially with the loss of Witherspoon, are terrible. I think we'll get a good push up front with Soliai, Jackson, and Babineaux. Biermann is getting pushed around and the dude really needs to step up his game. Osi seems to still 'have it' and will be used in spurts to keep him fresh.

Alford and Trufant are incredibly talented. The bright news from last season's sinking ship was the ability to get those guys on the field, and have them make plays. Trufant was as good as advertised and Alford came around as well. In camp, they've been absolutely killing it. Considering our pass rush will be next to nothing, they'll need to have a big season. William Moore is as good as a run stuffing SS as you get, but is still somewhat of a liability in pass coverage. Haven't seen enough of Dwight Lowery at FS to make any sort of evaluation, so I won't comment.

Special Teams

Matt Bryant is a good kicker, and Matt Bosher was top 10 in punting average last year. They're competent.

Overall
Honestly, this team is extraordinarily talented in a few spots, but also has several glaring weaknesses--namely at linebacker, and at DE. The jury is still out on the offensive line. While it is improved, there is just no telling how good it will be. Sam Baker is flatly, uninspiring and I hope he can get his act together.

As of now, I think you're looking at a 9-7, best case scenario 10-6 team. They will probably finish second to New Orleans in the division, and ahead of a Carolina team who I think really, really takes a step back in 2014.