Teams Atlanta Falcons - The Dirty Birds

Dasher39

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Falcons vs Cardinals

Well Week 3 of the NFL Season has come around, and for my team this week we face the perennial strugglers Arizona. Below I will do my best to preview the game, based on my limited but growing knowledge!

NFL - Week 3
Conference Game
Arizona @ Atlanta


Venue: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
When: Sunday, September 26th @ 1.00pm

This week sees Atlanta at home to Arizona it what looks likely to be a big win for Atlanta. Currently on their longest winning streak since 2002, Atlanta are full of confidence heading into this game with a perfect 2-0 record, and perhaps their most dangerous weapon...a fit Michael Vick.

Vick has been excellent in Atlanta's opening 2 wins, last week Rushing for 109 yards (the 3rd time in his career) and passing for 179 yards, against a St Louis team that is more highly regarded than Arizona.

The Falcons have won the last 2 meeting between the two teams, with the last being a 31-14 win at the Valley of the Sun. A critical part of the Atlanta game this year has been their ability to get a fast start. They have outscored their opponents 31-10 in the first half in the first two games, and come up against an Arizona outfit, that is stingy in defence only conceeding 40 points in 2 games. This for a team like Arizona is an excellent effort, so they are a team that shouldnt be taken lightly. But this week they face the ultimate defensive dilemma...how to stop Vick! He is unlike any QB in the game, in that not only does he have a strong, deadly accurate arm he also has the ability to cut up the defence with amazing runs and this weapon is just as deadly as his arm. Arizona will need to be on their A-game if they are to limit Vick, with the possibility of him recording an amazing total of 300+ Total Offensive Yards! This is Vicks 13th career start at the Georgia Dome, and he has a 10-2 record as a starter, including 7-1 in the last 8 starts!

But while their offense is top class, the defensive unit also holds its own. In the 2 games this season they have only conceeded a total of 36 points!! Based on this stat alone, Atlanta will win. Their defence has only allowed a total of 123 total rushing yards in the first 2 games, keeping St Louis to only 30 yards last week. Put the strong Atlanta offense up against the weak Arizona offense and we could have a blowout game here. In the first 2 games, Arizona has conceeded 51 First Downs, over 800 yards of total offense and 348 Rushing Yards, the latter being the most frightening stat for Cardinals fans. 348 Rushing Yards in 2 games, at an average of 174 is scary and with Vick, Duckett and Dunn to combat they will find it very tough.

Whilst I am talking a lot about the rushing capabilities of Atlanta, it is one of their strongest areas and one that will pose a lot of problems for Arizona. Of Atlanta's 36 First Down's this season, 19 have been from rushing! In terms of Total Yardage, Atlanta have a total of 337 Total Rushing Yards and 306 Total Rushing Yards.

Looking at the QB of each team, Michael Vick, the guide to Atlanta's form over the last few seasons, is rated 6th in NFL for passing, while for Arizona is ranked 32nd! Here are the stats for passing:

Michael Vick

Attempted: 41
Completed: 27
Yards: 342
TD: 2
Sacks: 5

Josh McCown

Attempted: 58
Completed: 31
Yards: 341
TD: 0
Sacks: 7

Very interesting to note that McCown has Attempted 17 more passes, and completed 4 more yet has one yard less and has been sacked 7 times. Atlanta sacked the Rams QB on 3 occasions last week if I remember correctly, so McCown will have to be wary of the Falcons defence, but he will also need very good protection.

Arizona will be helped by Running Back Emmitt Smith of Dallas Cowboys fame, who will need to be at his absolute best of Arizona are to pull off an amazing upset. He is ranked higher in the NFL than Warrick Dunn of Atlanta for RB Rushing, and with Josh McCown struggling as QB, Smith might have to become the main attacking prospect for Arizona. While Atlanta are very strong at keeping the opposition rushing yards to an absolute minimum, I would be surprised if Smith didnt rush for over 80 yards, as I can see him, as I said, as their main form of attack!

So anyway you look at it, it all leads to a comprehensive win to Atlanta. I cant see Arizona getting within cooee of Atlanta, and expect Atlanta to make one of thier characteristic fast starts and build on it from there!

My Prediction:
Atlanta - 41 (5 TD, 2 FG)
Arizona - 10 (1 TD, 1 FG)

Michael Vick to get over 300 Total Offensive Yards!
 

catattack

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Re: Falcons vs Cardinals

Awesome write up there, Dasher. I admire your knowledge in this sport, considering I am quite a newbie to the concept.

Anyway, I will agree with you here, it’s hard not to when you have two teams of very different abilities going at it. Atlanta will whip up a storm, and hold an unassailable lead about half way through.

Michael Vick will have an absolute field day, and will be complemented well by his teammates. I’ve been looking high and dry to see if there is any glimmer of hope for Arizona, and all I have ascertained is that there is none. If they can curtail their embarrassing statistics, then they may get within a respectable margin.

Whichever way you look at it, there is very little chance of Arizona getting up.
 

COOL-A-ROO

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Re: Falcons vs Cardinals

I gladly took the Cards getting +10pts start at the line!!!!

Surprisingly low score made it an easy collect. :D

You think the Cards are bad? Just look at my impotent Dolphins!!! :eek:
 

Dasher39

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Re: Falcons vs Cardinals

DEVO said:
Bit off with your prediction Dasher. :D

Still it is great to see a fellow Dirty Bird on the board.

Go Falcons.

Yeah just a tad off, got quite a shock when I saw the score this morning. Either our offense had an awful game, or I really underrated the Cards defense. As I predicted, their offense was awful, with McCown getting sacked on 6 occasions.

Also, my prediction of a 300+ Total Offense game from Vick was way off, although I did notice he made a 52 yard rush at one stage.

Still a win is a win, and we are 3-0 and we cant complain with that.

GO FALCONS!
 
Re: 6-3 result?? WTF ??

Dasher39 said:
This week sees Atlanta at home to Arizona it what looks likely to be a big win for Atlanta. Currently on their longest winning streak since 2002, Atlanta are full of confidence heading into this game with a perfect 2-0 record, and perhaps their most dangerous weapon...a fit Michael Vick.

........

So anyway you look at it, it all leads to a comprehensive win to Atlanta. I cant see Arizona getting within cooee of Atlanta, and expect Atlanta to make one of thier characteristic fast starts and build on it from there!

My Prediction:
Atlanta - 41 (5 TD, 2 FG)
Arizona - 10 (1 TD, 1 FG)

Michael Vick to get over 300 Total Offensive Yards!

As much as you can PUMP UP the Dirty Birds (I agreed with your landslide preview) but somehow there is a MASSIVE JINX happening... note that I deliberately rated my belovered Steelers at 1 point coz had I put them any higher, you can bet your sweet backside they would of LOST !! Call me superstitious... but I find it unbelievable that as soon as you TALK UP your team it's BAD KARMA !! Happens 9 outta 10 times. Just zip it and tread carefully.
 

Dasher39

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Falcons vs Panthers

Well its that time of the week again, time for a bit of NFL Action!! :)

This week my boys Atlanta take on SuperBowl Runner Up Carolina at the Bank of America Stadium!

atl.gif
VS
car.gif


Atlanta have got of to a great start this season, going unbeaten in their first 3 games, last week toughing it out against Arizona for a 6-3 win! On the other side of the coin, last years fairytale story, Carolina, hasnt started as well going 1-1-0 losing to Green Bay in Round One, before bouncing back in Round Two to defeat the struggling Kansas City. This is by far the biggest tesr for Atlanta so far this season, lets see how they will stand up to the challenge!

In the last meeting between these two sides, Atlanta got over the line in OT, in the match that saw the startinf return of Atlanta QB Michael Vick. In an awesome display Vick rushed for over 100 yards at was at his awesome best, and is with every team that faces Atlanta this year, he is the key player they have to watch if they want to get over Atlanta. We saw Arizona last week change up their Defence which caught Atlanta off guard and Vick struggled to break that.

But while Vick is getting all the plaudits, full credit has to go to the Atlanta defence. It has been their D that has won them games this year, especially last week against Arizona. Their ability to constantly force teams into Fourth Down situations has given Atlanta a clear advantage, and not only that in the 3 games so far this season they have sacked the QB on 14 occasions including 6 times last week. Defensive End Patrick Kerney leads the way in the NFL for sacks, with 5 so far this year, and Atlanta have 3 players in the Top 15 ranked players for sacks, while no Carolina player appears in the Top 30, which is good news for the RB and Vick. In the 2 games this year, Carolina has conceded 31 points, with hauls of 14 and 17 being scored against them. The Carolina D will have to be at the top of their game this week with Vick, Dunn and Duckett all capable of big runs, and so far Carolina has conceded 261 Rushing Yards in their two games, and with Atlanta being ranked #1 in the NFL for Rushing, the Panthers D will have to keep a close eye on these 3 players, but they dont want to become pre-occupied by them, because Vick also has the ability to pick out a player and pin point a pass. Vick has been widely criticised for his lack of passing to the receivers, and while this may catch him out on a few occasions he has the uncanny ability to get himself out of trouble, but against this Panthers D he will have to eb careful. Warrcik Dunn is proving himself this year, ranked 17th in the NFL, rushing 53 times for 223 Yards at an avergae of 4.2 but more importantly with 4 TD's. Vick on the other hand is ranked 23rd, one ahead of DeShaun Foster, rushing 27 times for 187 yards at an impressive average of 6.9, the only man in the NFL with an average over 6.

Having said that, Atlanta's D will also need to be at their best, with Delhomme and DeShaun Foster Carolina's two main offensive weapons. Delhomme has completed 39/68 for 464 yards this season and 5 TD, while at the same time being sacked 3 times. Delhomme will need goos protection this week, with Patrick Kerney, Rod Coleman and Brady Smith racking up 11 sacks between them. On the Rushing front, DeShaun Foster in the man, rushiing 35 times for 186 Yards and 1 TD. But after that there isnt much hope for Carolina on the rushing front, but with them having a strong QB capable of anything it isnt something that they need to rely on. But it does limit them, if the Atlanta D can get on top of either Delhomme or Foster, then it puts increased pressure on the other to perform as the main strike weapon.

It promises to be a tantalising affair, with Atlanta looking for a 4-0 start, while Carolina look to get themselves on track for another Playoff shot.

It will be shown LIVE on Fox Sports at 6am Monday morning, for those like me who will get up and watch it!

My Prediction:
Atlanta - 24
Carolina - 17

Lets hope I have a bit more luck this week with my prediction!
 
Re: Falcons vs Panthers

It should be a great game. It could also prove to be a key game in the fortunes of the three NFC South contenders.

If Carolina lose, they then travel to Denver and Philly, a home game against the Chargers, and then off to Seattle. Their season could be over before they get any more games against divisional rivals. They do however get an easy run for four games after that, but I'd expect the Falcons and Saints to beat these teams also (NFC West trash like SF, StL and Cardinals). Five of the last six games are then against divisional rivals.

For the Falcons to win, they are going to have to get the passing game going. The Carolina secondary is their weakness on defense. If the Falcons are unable to captialise on this, they'll struggle to put enough points on the board. Running the ball and short dump off passes wil not faze the Carolina defense.

The game however will probably be decided in the Carolina o-line, Atlanta D-line battle. Jake is a statue with a good arm. The panther backs are good, but not great. If the O-line can provide the sort of protection Jake has become used to, the Carolina running game will look after itself. But if the Falcons D-Line can get at Jake, the panthers will again be in trouble.

Form would indicate that the Falcons are likely to win this battle, but the injury Brady Smith is carrying is a worry. If he doesn't start, I think the Panthers will win.

I'm tipping the panthers. I'd expect they would like the game to be low scoring, at least early. If it turns into a shootout, the Falcons have more weapons and will probably win.

For me, Panthers to win 20-17
 

Dasher39

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Re: Falcons vs Panthers

I have a favour to ask some one on this board. Seeing as though my Foxtel has been disconnected (really should pay those bills on time :p ) was wondering if someone would be able to tape the game, and send me a copy! I have asked Foxtel to reconnect my Foxtel, but they said it might not be til Tuesday, and I will miss the game.

So if anyone can help me out can you please PM me!

Cheers!
 
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Re: Falcons vs Panthers

As long as atlanta holds the panthers running game they should win. Smith is a bigg loss for the panthers as he is their deep threat. Muhammed has started this year off very slowly and Ricky Proehl is a third down specialist and hardly a guy who is going to win you a football game. Smith was able to spread the defense to allow muhammed to tear it up through the middle. If i were Atlanta i'd throw as many guys in the box as possible knowing they can handle the Panthers WR's in man coverage, and blitz the living crap out of carolina.

Atlanta will win 17-10
 
Re: Falcons vs Panthers

ATLANTA 27
Carolina 10


Can I talk about Finals Yet??? :D :D

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

I've just spent a few minutes on the NFL.com website, and everyone is going nuts about the new Falcon's 4-3 defence. It has really been the biggest turnaround in the NFL this season. We are not the biggest defensive unit, or the deepest, so injuries may cause problems later in the season, but things are looking good so far.

FACT: First time since 1986 the Falcons have won their first 4.

Go Falcons.
 
Re: Falcons vs Panthers

DEVO, yes I think you can.

Don't know if you caught the game, but the Atlanta defence were sensational.

I've been having a go at the Falcons with their reliance on the run, but I think I've finally got it - they don't need to throw the ball. :eek:

The Atlanta defensive line is playing better than any in the league. Time after time, the Carolina offensive line just collapsed. What makes the Falcons defence so good, is how consistently the DE's get into the backfield. Up until late in the game, Delhomme managed to dump off enough throws to avoid countless sacks. But the defence didn't let up and finally got to him. I thought this battle was were the game would be decided and in the end it was a no contest. Kerney is a sack machine. Brady Smith not far behind. The panthers continually double teamed Smith and Kerney made the most of it. I'm not sure how, but weaker offensive lines are going to have to double-team both.

The effect of having these guys playing so well, is the DB's don't need to blitz and can double team receivers. Some of the hits the Carolina offense were taking even when they made plays, eventually led to them dropping passes and giving up stupid penalties. They smashed the Carolina offense into submission.

The panthers and the saints losing :mad: , has really opened the NFC South for the Falcons. Home games coming up against Detroit and the Chargers will be good contests, but the Falcons should get over both. Kansas City and Denver on the road present difficult games, but both will need to play at their best to get over the Atlanta defence.

After today we have learnt some things about the NFC South (well ok, I'm a slow learner) :

1) Atlanta clearly have the best defence in the division. The best defence from this divsion has for the past couple of years gone on to the superbowl.
2) New Orleans has one of the worst defences in the league. Probably the worst run defence.
3) Tampa Bay have no offensive weapons that can win them a game.
4) Carolina need Smith back and playing at his best. In fact, they need their entire starting offense to play near their best if they are going to beat decent defenses.

All in all, the Falcons will win the NFC South.
 

Dasher39

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Falcons on a roll

Well, its been a few weeks since I last posted, and my Atlanta Falcons are still travelling on very nicely. Currently sitting at 8-2, I dont think Falcons fans could have dreamed for a better start.

All facets of our game have shown awesome signs of what we are capable of, and Michael Vick is getting used to the new style of offense that we are playing and can only get better.

Another win overnight against Tampa Bay puts us clear at the top of NFC South, and a real challenger to Philly for the NFC Championship.

Keep it up Falcons!
 

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Re: Falcons on a roll

Dasher39 said:
All facets of our game have shown awesome signs of what we are capable of, and Michael Vick is getting used to the new style of offense that we are playing
You mean he's actually throwing the ball? ;)
 
Re: Falcons on a roll

They're actually 7-2, and seem to have the NFC South already under control.

But New Orleans @ 4-5 still have two games against the Falcons - so their fate is in their own hands. But Atlanta have a much softer draw than NO's on the home stretch. @NYG, NO , @TB, OAK, CAR, @NO, @SEA - all look winnable if the Atlanta defence holds up.

So if the Falcons can hold the defence together and keep Vick fit, they should manage home field in the playoffs. Another NFC South team to stop Philli in the Divisional championship? Looks the most likely matchup atm.
 
Re: Falcons are overated

JeffDunne said:
They're actually 7-2, and seem to have the NFC South already under control.

But New Orleans @ 4-5 still have two games against the Falcons - so their fate is in their own hands. But Atlanta have a much softer draw than NO's on the home stretch. @NYG, NO , @TB, OAK, CAR, @NO, @SEA - all look winnable if the Atlanta defence holds up.

So if the Falcons can hold the defence together and keep Vick fit, they should manage home field in the playoffs. Another NFC South team to stop Philli in the Divisional championship? Looks the most likely matchup atm.

I don't have much confidence in the Falcons. Sure, great season... but who have they beaten ?

Got over the line by a TD or less vs SF, Arizona, Detroit and San Diego.
The likes of KC totally smashed them by an embarrassing scoreline and after Vick they are extremely vunerable. Falcons are 7-2 but don't let that fool you.
 
Re: Falcons on a roll

Don't worry Woodson, I'm not sold on the Falcons. Certainly wouldn't be backing them with the hard earned.

They got luck today - again! Tampa Bay aren't the opponent they once were, and if the Falcons are serious, they should have waltzed ths game. But they got some very lucky breaks early in the game.

Tampa's first posession they get two false start penalties. Very quickly are 2-21 from their own 29. No biggy, the falcons have only three points in the game. So Tampa go safety first and run the ball. Why? I have not f'in idea. Griese completed 19/26 and has been in good form. Anyhow, on comes the punter and kicks a massive 32 yard punt. Vick then gets away for 41 yards on a 3rd and 6 despite some questionable blocks. Then in the red zone, gets a pass interferance call when throwing on 2nd and 4. The extra couple of yards made it easier for Duckett to run it in. 3rd and 4th would have been a tricky call for the Falcons.

On Atlanta's next possesion, Vick is sacked on his own 15 on 3rd down. Then another bloody penalty. Face mask, automatic first down, the Falcons go on to score. It's now 17 - 0 and the Tampa Offense have harldy been on the field.

Crumpler is helping the Falcons look like they have a passing game. Without him, they are screwed. Without Vick and his running ability when no receivers get open, they are also screwed.

Trust me, I'm not a fan. But the NFC is bloody ugly atm, and they still have 4 games against these teams. Anyone over .500 could win this conference, that's how bad it is.
 
Re: Falcons on a roll

On our way to a third Divsional Title. Every time we have won a Divisional Title we have gone further into the playoffs that previous.

1980 - 1st NFC West. L30-27 to Dallas in Divisional Playoff
1998 - 1st NFC West. L34-19 to Denver in Superbowl XXXIII.

Surely if we keep our record going, we will win it all this year. :D :D
 
Re: Falcons on a roll

DEVO said:
On our way to a third Divsional Title. Every time we have won a Divisional Title we have gone further into the playoffs that previous.

1980 - 1st NFC West. L30-27 to Dallas in Divisional Playoff
1998 - 1st NFC West. L34-19 to Denver in Superbowl XXXIII.

Surely if we keep our record going, we will win it all this year. :D :D

Win by default.... just as JeffDunne points out. ;) On the flipside, the Falcons may give some cheeky value against a team like Philly who are proven bridesmaids in Conference Championships.
 

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Re: Falcons on a roll

Just hope Vick stays injury free. Without Vick, the Falcons are ordinary, like last year.
 
Re: Falcons on a roll

Woodson said:
Win by default.... just as JeffDunne points out. ;) On the flipside, the Falcons may give some cheeky value against a team like Philly who are proven bridesmaids in Conference Championships.

I agree with JeffDunne, the NFC is pretty ordinary this season. Philadelphia appears to be the only team with a genuine chance of upsetting the AFC this year, but to underestimate the Falcons could be a foolish thing. We have a new coach and new offensive and defensive game plans to learn, and outside the Kansas game, we have been showing improvement with each game. Vick is also getting more confidenet playing under the "West Coast" Offence, so I think we have a lot of improvement to go.
To be sitting 7-2 and 3 games clear in South, all is looking good.
 

dale34

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Re: Falcons on a roll

Guys don't forget the 2002/03 season, us Falcons jumped Green bay in the Wild card playoff...

When the birds get on a roll, they do ok.

We got more then just Vick too, I mean, he needs someone to pass to and people are forgetting how well crumpler is doing at TE.

Also have a better defence then last year, and how can anyone really argue with a 7-2 record... thats all that matters in the end.
 

Dasher39

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Re: Falcons on a roll

We are 8-2. Just defeated the NY Giants 14-10 in what appeared to be a very uninspiring game. Atlanta dominated the first half and looked set for a big win, but nothing worked for them in the 2nd Half and the Giants came back in the game. Alge Crumpler scored both TD's for Atlanta from Vick passes.

Probably not our most entertaining or best win for the year, but a win is a win and we move onto 8-2 and look on our way to the Playoffs.
 
Re: Falcons on a roll

Dasher39 said:
We are 8-2. Just defeated the NY Giants 14-10 in what appeared to be a very uninspiring game. Atlanta dominated the first half and looked set for a big win, but nothing worked for them in the 2nd Half and the Giants came back in the game. Alge Crumpler scored both TD's for Atlanta from Vick passes.

Probably not our most entertaining or best win for the year, but a win is a win and we move onto 8-2 and look on our way to the Playoffs.

Our Defence held strong in the second half. Both New Orleans and Tampa are 4-6 and Carolina are 3-7. 4 game lead with only 6 to go. New Orleans are not good enough to pose a threat, and either are Carolina. Tampa may be different, but after a 0-4 start they are giving too much of a head start. I think the NFC South has been decided.
 
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