Falcons studs and duds

[Pokerbrat2000]

Not all that big a fan of the revelation. Was hoping he’d fly solo for a while. Hope that neither wants it to get serious. Would rather see him blitzed on every play. This is significantly and potentially more dangerous.

I can see it both ways. A GF can have a nice settling and calming effect or a distracting effect.

That said, I think Danica deserves a lot of credit for who Aaron is today. If you know Danica and have listened to any of her podcasts, she is all about getting in touch with your inner self (insert male jokes here). I won't go into details on that process, but I really think she matured Aaron quite a bit and got him to really figure out who he is and what he wants to be, while being his true self.

 

[Dblbogey]

Overall game management as well.

Speaking of lousy game management, Cowboys fans here in Texas are already calling for Mike McCarthy's head.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Speaking of lousy game management, Cowboys fans here in Texas are already calling for Mike McCarthy's head.

When in reality they should be staging a coup to try and take the team over from Jerry Jones. While I am not going to claim to be an expert on the Cowboys, but Jones acting as his own GM seems to be wrought with all sorts of bad decisions. So much talent has gone through that team, but either because it was "troubled talent" or just talent that the Cowboys didn't know what to do with, it appears to have been wasted.

 

[rodell330]

Missed tackles are still an issue...I mean at this point I have no ideal who the MLB is going to be. I see safeties playing the position.

On another note...I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen so much creativity on offense. Even in Rodgers best years, it was him running around throwing long TD passes outside the actual play call. The ball is coming out a lot quicker than I can remember...and the route concepts are actually scheming guys open. After hearing “we need to win our 1 on 1’s” for so many years, it’s nice to see guys wide open.

 

[rodell330]

Speaking of lousy game management, Cowboys fans here in Texas are already calling for Mike McCarthy's head.

I live in Texas and surrounded by Cowboys fans, and it’s a beautiful thing right now. Especially my buddies who were begging for Jerry to hire McCarthy haha now they are asking me how he lasted so long in Green Bay? My answer, Aaron Rodgers...and that will ALWAYS be my answer.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

On another note...I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen so much creativity on offense.

I'll take that one step further, the offense seems to be a bit different every game and I think it is because MLF does a very good job at adapting it towards 2 things, the defense that they will be facing and most recently, the personnel that will be playing on offense. Last night was a great example of both. The offense was short its #1 and #2 WR's as well as its best blocking TE. In prior seasons, we have seen a game or two where the offense was short on weapons' due to injuries. What did McCarthy do different in those situations? Not much, he seemed to run the same offense and hoped that the replacements would step up. Sometimes forcing Rodgers to focus only on that one healthy regular starter. MLF on the other hand went into last night knowing he was short players and playing against a depleted Atlanta Secondary. He used a lot of motion to start the game and attacked the Atlanta defense with very controlled pass plays, many designed for his RB's and TE's. More importantly I think, he didn't over rely on his inexperienced young wide receivers. The 3 of them combined for 7 receptions and that was enough, as MLF and Rodgers had the rest of the offense ticking. I think had both Adams and Lazard been healthy, you would have seen MLF call a much different game plan on offense.

 

[Mondio]

When in reality they should be staging a coup to try and take the team over from Jerry Jones. While I am not going to claim to be an expert on the Cowboys, but Jones acting as his own GM seems to be wrought with all sorts of bad decisions. So much talent has gone through that team, but either because it was "troubled talent" or just talent that the Cowboys didn't know what to do with, it appears to have been wasted.

you're remembering the offense with very little talent or the years where we had all new guys. When it was a steady rotation of mostly seasoned guys with a young guy or 2 tossed in, it was a timing and rhythm offense. But then we had to play Divisional playoff games with Jared abbredaris and jeff Janis. One could argue that's what we did last night and I'd counter with, that wasn't the playoffs and the Falcons are not a playoff team.

Guys that wide open is cool, but it won't always be that easy. Once the motion and things get figured out you won't have a defensive backfield filled with guys that don't even know a base defense, let alone the changes need to account for the movement. and they will, good teams will. They'll not get confused and simply pass guys off and take the next one and then we'll be left with guys needing to win their one on ones.

Not to say these are the same offenses, they aren't. maybe last night was just brilliance, or maybe it was just a really bad defense easily confused.

 

[swhitset]

I'll take that one step further, the offense seems to be a bit different every game and I think it is because MLF does a very good job at adapting it towards 2 things, the defense that they will be facing and most recently, the personnel that will be playing on offense. Last night was a great example of both. The offense was short its #1 and #2 WR's as well as its best blocking TE. In prior seasons, we have seen a game or two where the offense was short on weapons' due to injuries. What did McCarthy do different in those situations? Not much, he seemed to run the same offense and hoped that the replacements would step up. Sometimes forcing Rodgers to focus only on that one healthy regular starter. MLF on the other hand went into last night knowing he was short players and playing against a depleted Atlanta Secondary. He used a lot of motion to start the game and attacked the Atlanta defense with very controlled pass plays, many designed for his RB's and TE's. More importantly I think, he didn't over rely on his inexperienced young wide receivers. The 3 of them combined for 7 receptions and that was enough, as MLF and Rodgers had the rest of the offense ticking. I think had both Adams and Lazard been healthy, you would have seen MLF call a much different game plan on offense.

Agreed... and to take it a step further, I have been watching Cowboys’ games. I have always liked McCarthy and have been torn. I wanted to see McCarthy succeed... but not the Cowboys lol. Anyway, what I have seen so far, is some of the same things we have complained about when he was in Green Bay. The game tempo and play selection has seemed odd. Meanwhile the thing I have been most impressed with now that LeFleur is in GB... is how each game has been managed. I always feel like Lefleur has a good handle on the clock. I feel confident that once the Packers have a lead that the offense won’t go into hibernation. With McCarthy, I always felt like the Packers would get a small lead and the just try and hang on until the clock runs out. More often than not, that would work, but it was never a comfortable game to watch.

 

[gopkrs]

When in reality they should be staging a coup to try and take the team over from Jerry Jones. While I am not going to claim to be an expert on the Cowboys, but Jones acting as his own GM seems to be wrought with all sorts of bad decisions. So much talent has gone through that team, but either because it was "troubled talent" or just talent that the Cowboys didn't know what to do with, it appears to have been wasted.

Or it's the Jimmy Johnson curse. Looking back, getting rid of him was the stupidest move ever. He was all about football and Jerry was all about ego.

 

[swhitset]

you're remembering the offense with very little talent or the years where we had all new guys. When it was a steady rotation of mostly seasoned guys with a young guy or 2 tossed in, it was a timing and rhythm offense. But then we had to play Divisional playoff games with Jared abbredaris and jeff Janis. One could argue that's what we did last night and I'd counter with, that wasn't the playoffs and the Falcons are not a playoff team.

Guys that wide open is cool, but it won't always be that easy. Once the motion and things get figured out you won't have a defensive backfield filled with guys that don't even know a base defense, let alone the changes need to account for the movement. and they will, good teams will. They'll not get confused and simply pass guys off and take the next one and then we'll be left with guys needing to win their one on ones.

Not to say these are the same offenses, they aren't. maybe last night was just brilliance, or maybe it was just a really bad defense easily confused.

You are right... the Falcons’ defense was not up to the task of stopping any NFL offense last night, but the fact remains that the Packers were certainly not showcasing top talent at receiver either. I wouldn’t have wanted to field that roster against a top defense, but it’s my guess that Adams might have been out there if that had been the case. I still think that after a 14-4 record
last year... and now 4-0 this year Lefleur has to get a lot of credit.

 

[gopkrs]

Meanwhile the thing I have been most impressed with now that LeFleur is in GB... is how each game has been managed. I always feel like Lefleur has a good handle on the clock.

I thought it was funny and really great that Rodgers went to the sidelines with a big smile on his face when LaFleur called a time-out with 1/2 second left. He actually did not need to call it but...

 

[rodell330]

you're remembering the offense with very little talent or the years where we had all new guys. When it was a steady rotation of mostly seasoned guys with a young guy or 2 tossed in, it was a timing and rhythm offense. But then we had to play Divisional playoff games with Jared abbredaris and jeff Janis. One could argue that's what we did last night and I'd counter with, that wasn't the playoffs and the Falcons are not a playoff team.

Guys that wide open is cool, but it won't always be that easy. Once the motion and things get figured out you won't have a defensive backfield filled with guys that don't even know a base defense, let alone the changes need to account for the movement. and they will, good teams will. They'll not get confused and simply pass guys off and take the next one and then we'll be left with guys needing to win their one on ones.

Not to say these are the same offenses, they aren't. maybe last night was just brilliance, or maybe it was just a really bad defense easily confused.

It was actually both. Good Motions and route concepts do just that...confuse the defense.

 

[GBkrzygrl]

Studs: Tonyan Ajones Arod
Duds: Announcers

For the past several seasons, ESPN has had terrible announcers. You mean they can't get anyone better than those guys?

 

[GBkrzygrl]

Studs
Tonyan- becoming what I thought he could. Things are coming together and when the ball comes his way he's catching it. not just doing the stat stuff either, blocking and doing the things a good TE must do.

Jones- is Jones

Jamal has always been underrated by fans here. he and Mercedes (out last night) have to be 2 of the best pass protectors in the NFL that aren't offensive tackles. Atlanta was trying to pressure Rodgers because that was there only hope, they didn't have the horses in the back to actually play a defending defense so we had Williams in there a lot. He's a solid runner and I think for all the talk about Jones and Ervin catching the ball, I think Williams is probably the best pass catcher out of the backfield.

Rodgers everyone sees why.

Have some pretty good "solids" from last night

Everyone's favorite whipping boy King was having a pretty good game until he went out. A couple of our TFL's or bigger plays on defense, he was there doing dirty work. I wouldn't exactly call him a stud, very solid, but every mistake or play made on him and many act like it's common place. Atlanta really started getting to the edge in the run game when he went out.

Alexander, Amos. Savage is up and down, can clearly see the talent there to be a big time playmaker, but isn't quite there yet. has some lapses.

Keke had a pretty good game and Lancaster seems to be coming around. He was pretty stout in most plays last night. Lowry was just ok, but he's clearly not giving us what he has in past years. he's not on my solid list, he's just being made mention of while I talk about the rest

No duds really. Tackling I guess. it's frustrating, but is what it is at this point. They're up and they have moments and drives that just make you ask, WTF? The good news is we're winning and they have room to really improve. They put teams in positions that will stress them offensively, but then they routinely give it up many times while "almost making" the play. a tick faster on somethings and they could really be shutting some teams down. so close, yet so far away.

What I feel is a little different about the defense is, they seem to be playing with more energy. Aside from the missed tackles that is. And the same mistakes don't appear to be happening like I feel they have in the past. Maybe in a weird way not having fans in the stands is forcing them to provide their own energy rather than getting it from the crowd. JMO.

 

[Zartan]

Studs

Big Bob Tonyan

Aaron Jones

Aaron Rodgers

Jamal Williams

Z Smith

Jair Alexendar

Matt LaFleur with great playcalling and using what we got with Adams and Lazard out. My only gripe was should went for a PA on that 4th and Goal


Duds

Shepard with not knowing where the End Zone was

 

[jon]

Not quite dud material, but the D is a concern. A not very good ATL team put together a 20 play drive. If ATL had a few weapons, the score would have been very different. I hope this game was a case of playing down to a bad opponent, but I worry that a good offense will score a lot against GB.

 

[HardRightEdge]

Stud: "3x" personnel with only one playing running back, not to be confused with a full house backfield. That was some fine lemonade made from the WR injury lemons.

 

[RRyder]

Not quite dud material, but the D is a concern. A not very good ATL team put together a 20 play drive. If ATL had a few weapons, the score would have been very different. I hope this game was a case of playing down to a bad opponent, but I worry that a good offense will score a lot against GB.

I'm not sure wth your talking about Atlanta was the #6 ranked offense in the league going into the game and has nothing but 1st round picks in their starting lineup on offense. If they aren't a good offense who is exactly?

Please tell me this is satire cause holding this Falcons team to 16 points is pretty damn good

 

[longtimefan]

I'm not sure wth your talking about Atlanta was the #6 ranked offense in the league going into the game and has nothing but 1st round picks in their starting lineup on offense. If they aren't a good offense who is exactly?

Please tell me this is satire cause holding this Falcons team to 16 points is pretty damn good

I agree..

That atl team has maybe best wr duo out there.

They been scoring like crazy.

 

[BrokenArrow]

LaFleur is looking like coach of the year

How many first time head coaches have started their careers 17-3 or better? Anyone know the best start over 20 games in history?

 

[BrokenArrow]

Great win but there were 2 instances in the game that were not great and thus duds: Going for the TD in the second half instead of taking the points

You know, I see people make hindsight criticisms like this all the time, but what if we had gotten the touchdown?

I've never seen anyone say, "Dud: Going for the TD in the second half instead of taking the points. Yeah, we got the touchdown but it was an unnecessary risk. We should have just kicked the easy FG.

 

[Don Barclay]

I just rewatched the game looking pretty much just at the second- and third-tier players -- i.e., not the traditional stars and studs.

Studs I saw among that crew were Raven Greene, Krys Barnes, and Tyler Lancaster, consistently doing their jobs and acting like they knew what they needed to do to be part of a real defense.

The dud, no doubt, was Josh Jackson. I know he's a scrub at this point, but given his draft spot and theoretical potential, what a disappointment in coverage and tackling. I guess he's decent on special teams, maybe. Ugh.

 

[RRyder]

You know, I see people make hindsight criticisms like this all the time, but what if we had gotten the touchdown?

I've never seen anyone say, "Dud: Going for the TD in the second half instead of taking the points. Yeah, we got the touchdown but it was an unnecessary risk. We should have just kicked the easy FG.

I may not have posted it here but I legit said that during the NO game at the bar cheering with friends

 

[PackerDNA]

How many first time head coaches have started their careers 17-3 or better? Anyone know the best start over 20 games in history?

Best start ever over first 20 games is George Seifert. MLF is tied for second with Paul Brown.

 

[GleefulGary]

Not quite dud material, but the D is a concern. A not very good ATL team put together a 20 play drive. If ATL had a few weapons, the score would have been very different. I hope this game was a case of playing down to a bad opponent, but I worry that a good offense will score a lot against GB.

If only ATL had a few weapons, like Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Gurley, or even Hayden Hurst. If only.