Post by Guvmintcheeze on Sept 23, 2014 21:04:01 GMT
The Film Don't Lie: Falcons
September, 23, 2014
By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com
A weekly look at what the Falcons must fix:
It's hard to find much wrong when a team wins 56-14, as the Atlanta Falcons did against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But there is always room for improvement. Now the 2-1 Falcons prepare to face the 1-2 Minnesota Vikings.
Specifically, the offensive line's run blocking has to continue to evolve. Coach Mike Smith wasn't happy with the run blocking against the Buccaneers when the Falcons went into their four-minute mode to milk the clock. Rookie Devonta Freeman had nine carries for seven yards in the fourth quarter. Throw out Antone Smith's 38-yard touchdown in the third, and the Falcons gained just 21 second-half rushing yards.
There always seemed to be a Buccaneer running free due to what appeared to be a bad combination of blocks. Tampa Bay loaded up the box, with the Falcons expected to run.
But Atlanta's run-blocking problem was evident earlier in the game, as well. Looking back in the second quarter, the Falcons faced a second-and-10 from their own 38-yard line. Rookie left tackle Jake Matthews made a mental mistake and blocked the wrong guy, allowing Bucs linebacker Dane Fletcher to run free and stop Steven Jackson for no gain.
It's difficult to single out Matthews after he pushed his guy almost 20 yards down the field on Devin Hester's 20-yard reverse for a touchdown. But Matthews' reaction on that missed block, the way he slumped his shoulder and adjusted his face mask, indicated his frustration. If anything, it showed Matthews cares about his mistakes.
Maybe Matthews and the rest of the line will get plenty of opportunities to work more on run blocking come Sunday, particularly if the Falcons jump out to an early lead. The Vikings aren't too shabby against the run, though, allowing just 3.63 rushing yards per play.
September, 23, 2014
By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com
A weekly look at what the Falcons must fix:
It's hard to find much wrong when a team wins 56-14, as the Atlanta Falcons did against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But there is always room for improvement. Now the 2-1 Falcons prepare to face the 1-2 Minnesota Vikings.
Specifically, the offensive line's run blocking has to continue to evolve. Coach Mike Smith wasn't happy with the run blocking against the Buccaneers when the Falcons went into their four-minute mode to milk the clock. Rookie Devonta Freeman had nine carries for seven yards in the fourth quarter. Throw out Antone Smith's 38-yard touchdown in the third, and the Falcons gained just 21 second-half rushing yards.
There always seemed to be a Buccaneer running free due to what appeared to be a bad combination of blocks. Tampa Bay loaded up the box, with the Falcons expected to run.
But Atlanta's run-blocking problem was evident earlier in the game, as well. Looking back in the second quarter, the Falcons faced a second-and-10 from their own 38-yard line. Rookie left tackle Jake Matthews made a mental mistake and blocked the wrong guy, allowing Bucs linebacker Dane Fletcher to run free and stop Steven Jackson for no gain.
It's difficult to single out Matthews after he pushed his guy almost 20 yards down the field on Devin Hester's 20-yard reverse for a touchdown. But Matthews' reaction on that missed block, the way he slumped his shoulder and adjusted his face mask, indicated his frustration. If anything, it showed Matthews cares about his mistakes.
Maybe Matthews and the rest of the line will get plenty of opportunities to work more on run blocking come Sunday, particularly if the Falcons jump out to an early lead. The Vikings aren't too shabby against the run, though, allowing just 3.63 rushing yards per play.
