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- Jan 12, 2013
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- Nick
I'm not trying to be an apologist or excuse some of the many mistakes our team made, but I think the Falcons just beat our coaches with smart situational playcalling. Another thing I want to say about the D in regards to playcalling. I want to wait and see little bit more before we "throw our schemes out the window" like many suggest. Yes there were plays we gave up by playing off man, but nobody mentions the times it worked. For example on ATL's first drive of the 2nd half they were in a 3rd & 8 and most of our DBs were playing about 5 yds off. They played that down incredibly well which allowed Quinn to get a coverage sack. The D seemed to play better in the 2nd half, & I don't necessarily think it was a schematic change. CBs were still playing off for the most part, I just think the Rams eliminating the run, making the pass more predictable helped them. Also remember, aside from the Jones TD ATL only put up 10 pts offensively in the 1st half (should have never scored the first drive: see below). I think also people expect that because this team has all the talent in the world that it will immediately translate by week 2. Yes we have all the talent in the world, but most of the players on our squad still have much to learn.
1st ATL Drive (SJ TD)
-People have mentioned this and I can verify it on tape. ATL's RT definately began rolling back before the ball was snapped causing Long to react. Keep in mind this was a 3rd & 12 that came up a yard short. A 3 and out would have been huge to begin the game with on the road (Also think of the field position we could have had)
-There was a key 3rd and 7. Jenks & Finn are lined up left covering Jones & Douglas (slot). Falcons show screen to Jones which momentarily makes Cort commit and open his hips towards Julio. Thats is all the leverage Douglas needs to run his quick slant just by Finn.
3rd ATL Drive (Jones TD)
-This looked to also be a promising defensive drive for STL. The Falcons were immediately staring a 3rd & 7 in the face to begin the drive. Jones was lined up in the right slot w/#19 out wide. Jenks was covering the slot w/Tru covering the flanker. I'm not excusing what Jenks did or saying it wasn't his fault, BUT I can UNDERSTAND why he bit for Jones' subtle fake slant on the play. Jones ran a slant and go, with the slant right around the depth needed for the 1st down. Jenks was probably guessing (and guessed wrong) that Julio was going to round off his route just past the sticks. AGAIN, not excusing Jenks, just saying I can understand why he made the miscue.
This is just my take aways from the shaky D in the beginning of the 1st half. I don't fully agree with those who put it all on Schotty. Were there some questionable play calls in the game? Sure. But is Schotty the one failing to make route adjustments on a blitz (TA), dropping passes (Kendricks, TA, DRich), or stumbling when running his route (Cook). Also when you are in the shadow of your own endzone, your playcalling is limited.
Last but not least I want to give the Falcons credit for a great play design on the 3rd & 1, game clinching 1st down. The Rams were playing the percentages on 3rd and 1 and came out in a base alignment. Those who blame JL for allowing Snelling to make the catch out of the backfield from the FB position are very short sighted. I don't care if you are the fastest LB in the NFL your not getting across the formation in time to stop a FB for 1 yard from over the center. Not a bad defensive call, just a better offensive call and Fish acknowledged that
1st ATL Drive (SJ TD)
-People have mentioned this and I can verify it on tape. ATL's RT definately began rolling back before the ball was snapped causing Long to react. Keep in mind this was a 3rd & 12 that came up a yard short. A 3 and out would have been huge to begin the game with on the road (Also think of the field position we could have had)
-There was a key 3rd and 7. Jenks & Finn are lined up left covering Jones & Douglas (slot). Falcons show screen to Jones which momentarily makes Cort commit and open his hips towards Julio. Thats is all the leverage Douglas needs to run his quick slant just by Finn.
3rd ATL Drive (Jones TD)
-This looked to also be a promising defensive drive for STL. The Falcons were immediately staring a 3rd & 7 in the face to begin the drive. Jones was lined up in the right slot w/#19 out wide. Jenks was covering the slot w/Tru covering the flanker. I'm not excusing what Jenks did or saying it wasn't his fault, BUT I can UNDERSTAND why he bit for Jones' subtle fake slant on the play. Jones ran a slant and go, with the slant right around the depth needed for the 1st down. Jenks was probably guessing (and guessed wrong) that Julio was going to round off his route just past the sticks. AGAIN, not excusing Jenks, just saying I can understand why he made the miscue.
This is just my take aways from the shaky D in the beginning of the 1st half. I don't fully agree with those who put it all on Schotty. Were there some questionable play calls in the game? Sure. But is Schotty the one failing to make route adjustments on a blitz (TA), dropping passes (Kendricks, TA, DRich), or stumbling when running his route (Cook). Also when you are in the shadow of your own endzone, your playcalling is limited.
Last but not least I want to give the Falcons credit for a great play design on the 3rd & 1, game clinching 1st down. The Rams were playing the percentages on 3rd and 1 and came out in a base alignment. Those who blame JL for allowing Snelling to make the catch out of the backfield from the FB position are very short sighted. I don't care if you are the fastest LB in the NFL your not getting across the formation in time to stop a FB for 1 yard from over the center. Not a bad defensive call, just a better offensive call and Fish acknowledged that