- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
re: Hard Knock Falcons Edition
Posted on 8/7/14 at 11:09 am to NorthGwinnettTiger
Posted on 8/7/14 at 11:09 am to NorthGwinnettTiger
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.
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.
4
Posted on 8/7/14 at 11:11 am to ATLabama
I honestly agree with your assessment. Good post.
Posted on 8/7/14 at 11:15 am to ATLabama
When I read falconslife, they seem excited about their linebackers, particularly that UDFA from last season y'all never stop talking about.
What do you think about that?
And by the way, I really doubt the Bucs end up fourth in the division.
What do you think about that?
And by the way, I really doubt the Bucs end up fourth in the division.
Posted on 8/7/14 at 11:18 am to ATLabama
quote:
The defensive line and secondary are strengths.
DLine looks good, on paper. They should be better with the new guys, but we thought the same thing a couple of years ago with Franklin and Rogers. I don't think you are looking at the same thing, though. I'm a huge fan of Soliai and Jackson is solid. Secondary is young and talented. I wanted Trufant in New Orleans. I think Alford has more of a tendency to bite and get burned. They are still young, but should be solid. I have no confidence in the Safeties. Moore is a slightly better Harper.
Your biggest issue, IMO, will be depth across both lines and CB. When, not if, when injuries hit, there is a big drop off from starter to backups. Matthews (a rookie) to your backup RT, would be a big hole, for instance.
If Atlanta can stay healthy, there is no reason they can't compete for the division and win 10 games.
But frick the Falcons.
This post was edited on 8/7/14 at 11:20 am
Posted on 8/7/14 at 1:08 pm to ATLabama
Some Saints-fan flavored thoughts sort of based on your roster notes:
Offense
-OT Matthews indeed looks legit. Wished the Falcons would've fricked up that pick, but to the contrary, they've actually drafted well in the 1st round the last four times out (Spoon, Julio, Trufant, and Matthews). Serviceable offensive line with the exception of Baker. Hawley needs to tone the antics down. His foolishness could cost you drives and TDs.
-Mattiocre gonna Mattiocre.
-Roddy is on the decline like Joe Horn rapidly did for us. Horn went from 90+ catches and 10+ TD's to under 50 and 1 TD. Roddy's down from 115 catches with double digit TD's in his prime to 60+ with just 3 TD's. I think the loss of Tony G in the middle will accelerate the numbers drop.
-Julio scares the shite out of me, but foot microfractures for a WR can be worse than ACL injuries. Douglas... meh...in a Meachem/speed-guy role player sorta way. Toilolo will never be a threat.
-Freeman looks like a keeper. SJax is like a used car; best bet is to use him infrequently like the Steelers did with Bettis.
Defense
-Solai is legit. Jackson & Babineaux are below average. Osi is another used car. Biermann is below average. I'm betting Hageman is more bust than boom his rookie year. Way to early to tell, but just HK's footage of him winded and getting pancaked (this, before hurting his wrist) shouldn't inspire hope of the next ND Suh.
-Not scared of Worrilow & Bartu. The loss of Spoon hurt an already shady position.
-Trufant & Alford are legit. Moore is one-dimensional. Lowery is a concussion waiting to happen. Southward was trash in college. You still don't have Bush.
Overall
The biggest thing I noticed about 2012 was the discipline & focus that the team had for most of the year. Great teams have that, along with the luck of health. You didn't really see the mental false starts, offsides penalties, late hits, etc. the year you guys were a legit force.
First impressions from Hard Knocks is that the team will be so focused on being "tough", the discipline & focus on the nuances in winning football is not gonna be at the 2012 level. The mass of injuries so far this season also complicates the return to contender status. I think the Saints win the NFC South with Tampa trailing, and Atlanta firmly over surprise cellar dweller Carolina.
Overall, I give the Falcons a great big grade of Mattiocre: 8-8.
Offense
-OT Matthews indeed looks legit. Wished the Falcons would've fricked up that pick, but to the contrary, they've actually drafted well in the 1st round the last four times out (Spoon, Julio, Trufant, and Matthews). Serviceable offensive line with the exception of Baker. Hawley needs to tone the antics down. His foolishness could cost you drives and TDs.
-Mattiocre gonna Mattiocre.
-Roddy is on the decline like Joe Horn rapidly did for us. Horn went from 90+ catches and 10+ TD's to under 50 and 1 TD. Roddy's down from 115 catches with double digit TD's in his prime to 60+ with just 3 TD's. I think the loss of Tony G in the middle will accelerate the numbers drop.
-Julio scares the shite out of me, but foot microfractures for a WR can be worse than ACL injuries. Douglas... meh...in a Meachem/speed-guy role player sorta way. Toilolo will never be a threat.
-Freeman looks like a keeper. SJax is like a used car; best bet is to use him infrequently like the Steelers did with Bettis.
Defense
-Solai is legit. Jackson & Babineaux are below average. Osi is another used car. Biermann is below average. I'm betting Hageman is more bust than boom his rookie year. Way to early to tell, but just HK's footage of him winded and getting pancaked (this, before hurting his wrist) shouldn't inspire hope of the next ND Suh.
-Not scared of Worrilow & Bartu. The loss of Spoon hurt an already shady position.
-Trufant & Alford are legit. Moore is one-dimensional. Lowery is a concussion waiting to happen. Southward was trash in college. You still don't have Bush.
Overall
The biggest thing I noticed about 2012 was the discipline & focus that the team had for most of the year. Great teams have that, along with the luck of health. You didn't really see the mental false starts, offsides penalties, late hits, etc. the year you guys were a legit force.
First impressions from Hard Knocks is that the team will be so focused on being "tough", the discipline & focus on the nuances in winning football is not gonna be at the 2012 level. The mass of injuries so far this season also complicates the return to contender status. I think the Saints win the NFC South with Tampa trailing, and Atlanta firmly over surprise cellar dweller Carolina.
Overall, I give the Falcons a great big grade of Mattiocre: 8-8.
This post was edited on 8/7/14 at 1:11 pm
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News