Dirty Birds Preview
 

Atlanta comes in really banged up, pretty much like we were all last season. Matt Ryan has been very good and we all know about Julio and Ridley. That offense is still very good but they have no run game right now with Freeman out. The key to Ryan has always been pressure, and we do that really well.

On defense they are bad on all 3 areas giving up 30 PPG and ranking 30th in yards.

It could be a upset but I don't see this team losing while this hot.

Skins 26
Falcons 21

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Both Atlanta's starting Guards are out for the season....that's gonna be a problem for them

Both Atlanta's starting, super talented Safeties are out for the season and their secondary has been getting lit up because of it.

Matt Ryan is on fucking fire...and their receiver group is the most talented we've seen all year. TE is solid and they got some RB that can catch too.

Glad we got Ha-Ha...we will need him.

Win in the trenches and run the ball to keep Matty Ice on the sideline. We've stymied Aaron Rodgers that way...I think the game could play out similar.

Even though the Falcons are coming off bye, they haven't played well on the road. But the sample size isn't great...they've only played twice on the road.

If there was ever a time to score big plays in the passing game, its this one. Falcons simply cant cover. We should win...too much pass rush. Their receivers are too talented not to get a couple scores:

Skins 35
Falcons 23

Alex coming out party...(fingers crossed)

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[quote=skinsfaninok;1205195]Atlanta comes in really banged up, pretty much like we were all last season. Matt Ryan has been very good and we all know about Julio and Ridley. That offense is still very good but they have no run game right now with Freeman out. The key to Ryan has always been pressure, and we do that really well.

On defense they are bad on all 3 areas giving up 30 PPG and ranking 30th in yards.

It could be a upset but I don't see this team losing while this hot.

Skins 26
Falcons 21[/quote]

We definitely have some momentum at this point.

The past 3 weeks we've won with our smash mouth style of football, which should be effective against Atlanta's defense. However, I think to win this one we'll need a little bit more from the passing game. If Alex can throw a couple scores to go along with another strong day from AP we should be in good position.

I just don't think 20 points will win this one. Gonna need at least 24, closer to 30.

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You guys remember our deal, right?

You're up a game and a half above your nearest division opponent and my Panthers are personally responsible for giving you one full game of that (by gift wrapping you a "W" while handing each of your rivals an "L")

In return, so far you've screwed the pooch losing to NO on top of handing us a loss. So, we put you on top in your division and you knocked us to 2nd in ours.
But you can redeem yourself in my eyes if you beat the Falcons and Bucs. You promised!

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I think you actually have the perfect setup to beat ATL.

As you know, Matt Ryan is putting up huge numbers, but struggling to make up for RB Freeman being out plus devastating injuries on D.

That being the case, likely the best attack is going to be slow steady drives on offense to keep away from ATL trying to turn it into a shootout. Alex Smith is perfect for that, especially combined with AP's production. ATL's weak D should make that even more feasible.

I kinda doubt that Ha Ha will be ready to contribute a bunch yet. If so, that's a shame. That would be ideal against the Falcons, but you know they're close to one dimensional, especially if they get behind, so pressure on Ryan may help them have some short, unsuccessful drives and keep him on the bench most of the game.

Re: Dirty Birds Preview
 

[url]https://www.ajc.com/sports/football/notable-things-consider-after-the-falcons-bye-week/n24t3cCYr0TicWW2rfEC3N/[/url]

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[quote=coffee;1205210]I think you actually have the perfect setup to beat ATL.

As you know, Matt Ryan is putting up huge numbers, but struggling to make up for RB Freeman being out plus devastating injuries on D.

That being the case, likely the best attack is going to be slow steady drives on offense to keep away from ATL trying to turn it into a shootout. Alex Smith is perfect for that, especially combined with AP's production. ATL's weak D should make that even more feasible.

I kinda doubt that Ha Ha will be ready to contribute a bunch yet. If so, that's a shame. That would be ideal against the Falcons, but you know they're close to one dimensional, especially if they get behind, so pressure on Ryan may help them have some short, unsuccessful drives and keep him on the bench most of the game.[/quote]
The main problem is that their 1 dimension is the one giving us fits this year, that is heavy passing teams. Teams that have a bellcow RB we can focus our front 5 on stopping that, but Preston and RK haven't been consistent adding pressure to prevent Ryan's type of passing game. Hopefully Dix comes and plays a freewheeling back end safety, letting our CBs cover without fear.

This is going to be a hard game for the Skins to pull off a W, but hope we do - for Carolina's sake of course!

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I think the standard formula for winning this year will be hard pressed to succeed in this one. At the same time, I don't think getting into a shoot-out is to our benefit either. Stick with the one that got you here, but maybe buy her a new dress. Smith does not need a "coming out" party; he just needs to be able to consistently move the ball and the sticks through the air. Rather than a successful "bombs away" approach from Smith, I want to see him consistently complete passes in the 8-15 yard range and succeed in the RZ.

This is a different Skins team from past years, and, as fans, we need to adjust our understanding of what winning football looks like. If we can play from the front, control the ball, avoid TO's, and score TD's on the clock consuming drives, we win - I'd don't care who the opponent is (We did not do any of these these things in either of our two losses). Patience will be the name of the game, if we can get to a point where our D-Line can just pass-rush, I feel the game is ours. However, that's a lot of things to go right.

If our tackles are just pushing the pocket back into Ryan's face, it will have a BIG impact on his game. Ryan is not mobile. If we can keep the score low and close through half-time, I suspect they will be getting a little more desperate. If the Skins work hard and are all business on game day, I really like our chances - even without a prolific passing attack.

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Little history on how they got the name Dirty Birds.

In September 1998, the Falcons came storming out of the gates and never looked back. Head Coach Dan Reeves lead the ’98 Falcons to a 14-2 record, a first place seat in the NFC West, and a Super Bowl appearance.

This unexpected, massive, franchise-best season came on the shoulders of Jamal Anderson. The young running back banged pads, lowered his shoulders, danced down the sidelines, and scored like a monster. Anderson tallied 1,846 yards and 14 touchdowns running the ball for Atlanta, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.

But it was Anderson did in the end zone after he scored that made him a national sensation. He popularized a touchdown celebration called, you guessed it, the Dirty Bird. His arms would flap up and down wildly like wings and he would bounce with the roaring crowd as his teammates rallied around him. The name of the dance would stick like glue to Anderson and the entire team.

This is the week we get the ball moving through the air to help out AP. The only issue is if we can slow down the Falcons air game. I like what our D is doing and we do slow down their air attack.

Skins 28
Falcons 13

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[quote=Back2RFK;1205230]Little history on how they got the name Dirty Birds.

In September 1998, the Falcons came storming out of the gates and never looked back. Head Coach Dan Reeves lead the ’98 Falcons to a 14-2 record, a first place seat in the NFC West, and a Super Bowl appearance.

This unexpected, massive, franchise-best season came on the shoulders of Jamal Anderson. The young running back banged pads, lowered his shoulders, danced down the sidelines, and scored like a monster. Anderson tallied 1,846 yards and 14 touchdowns running the ball for Atlanta, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.

But it was Anderson did in the end zone after he scored that made him a national sensation. He popularized a touchdown celebration called, you guessed it, the Dirty Bird. His arms would flap up and down wildly like wings and he would bounce with the roaring crowd as his teammates rallied around him. The name of the dance would stick like glue to Anderson and the entire team.

This is the week we get the ball moving through the air to help out AP. The only issue is if we can slow down the Falcons air game. I like what our D is doing and we do slow down their air attack.

Skins 28
Falcons 13[/quote]

Yep they had a great run that season, and Anderson was really good for a couple years. Too bad they ran into Elway and TD

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[quote=JoeRedskin;1205228]I think the standard formula for winning this year will be hard pressed to succeed in this one. At the same time, I don't think getting into a shoot-out is to our benefit either. Stick with the one that got you here, but maybe buy her a new dress. Smith does not need a "coming out" party; he just needs to be able to consistently move the ball and the sticks through the air. Rather than a successful "bombs away" approach from Smith, I want to see him consistently complete passes in the 8-15 yard range and succeed in the RZ.

This is a different Skins team from past years, and, as fans, we need to adjust our understanding of what winning football looks like. If we can play from the front, control the ball, avoid TO's, and score TD's on the clock consuming drives, we win - I'd don't care who the opponent is (We did not do any of these these things in either of our two losses). Patience will be the name of the game, if we can get to a point where our D-Line can just pass-rush, I feel the game is ours. However, that's a lot of things to go right.

If our tackles are just pushing the pocket back into Ryan's face, it will have a BIG impact on his game. Ryan is not mobile. If we can keep the score low and close through half-time, I suspect they will be getting a little more desperate. If the Skins work hard and are all business on game day, I really like our chances - even without a prolific passing attack.[/quote]

As someone who has called for running the ball from day 1 and stopping the run...its a relief to finally see it. Both the losses we couldn't run the ball, we tried and it didn't happen.

Do you think Jay see this as winning football? I still see him as trying to go up with big plays, go conservative and win with defense. I think he fears playing from behind. I think Jay wants more balance in the offense.

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C-D is wearing #20

Dunbar is back out there as well

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[quote=CRedskinsRule;1205215]The main problem is that their 1 dimension is the one giving us fits this year, that is heavy passing teams. Teams that have a bellcow RB we can focus our front 5 on stopping that, but Preston and RK haven't been consistent adding pressure to prevent Ryan's type of passing game. Hopefully Dix comes and plays a freewheeling back end safety, letting our CBs cover without fear.

[COLOR="Red"]I would think that's why Time of Possession would be critical. If you wear down their D with long drives (which seems very realistic between your QB, AP and their defensive injuries), they would actually be in a quandary. If they do their down-the-field quick scores, they put their weak worn out D back on the field too quickly. You would actually force them to need to slow it down some.[/COLOR]


This is going to be a hard game for the Skins to pull off a W, but hope we do - for Carolina's sake of course!

[COLOR="red"]Of course![/COLOR] [/quote]
....

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Saw some stat they said we've lost like 6 straight to them and haven't beat then since 2003. That needs to end just like Panthers. This is actually more absurd.

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speaking of jamaal anderson... dude was borderline unstoppable in madden 98 lol... or 2000 w.ever edition it was. Relative to friggin Bo Jackson or Christian Okoye in tecmo super bowl

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[quote=Chico23231;1205198]Both Atlanta's starting Guards are out for the season....that's gonna be a problem for them

Both Atlanta's starting, super talented Safeties are out for the season and their secondary has been getting lit up because of it.

Matt Ryan is on fucking fire...and their receiver group is the most talented we've seen all year. TE is solid and they got some RB that can catch too.

Glad we got Ha-Ha...we will need him.

Win in the trenches and run the ball to keep Matty Ice on the sideline. We've stymied Aaron Rodgers that way...I think the game could play out similar.

Even though the Falcons are coming off bye, they haven't played well on the road. But the sample size isn't great...they've only played twice on the road.

If there was ever a time to score big plays in the passing game, its this one. Falcons simply cant cover. We should win...too much pass rush. Their receivers are too talented not to get a couple scores:

Skins 35
Falcons 23

Alex coming out party...(fingers crossed)[/quote]

Someone said this about Brees recently, and I think it holds true for Ryan: yes, they're both great QBs, but you don't play coverage and hope your DBs win those match-ups. You blitz and force them to beat it, no matter how good they are. I don't believe we blitzed Brees that often and we had major trouble. Not to see Ryan can't beat it, but at least keep him on his ass. Manning got shell-shocked last week the more he went down.

More of the same pls.

Weirdly enough, I think if we win the coin toss, take the ball and score, we'll win.

They score first, I think it'll be a long day, but still have a good feeling about it.

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[quote=sdskinsfan2001;1205242]Saw some stat they said we've lost like 6 straight to them and haven't beat then since 2003. That needs to end just like Panthers. This is actually more absurd.[/quote]

Up until 2003 we owned them but after 2003 they have owned us.

[url]https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/atlanta-falcons/teamvsteam?opp=32[/url]

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[QUOTE=Chico23231;1205234]As someone who has called for running the ball from day 1 and stopping the run...its a relief to finally see it. Both the losses we couldn't run the ball, we tried and it didn't happen.

Do you think Jay see this as winning football? I still see him as trying to go up with big plays, go conservative and win with defense. I think he fears playing from behind. I think Jay wants more balance in the offense.[/QUOTE]

In my opinion, Jay sees the "run/stop the run" philosophy as winning football only if it is complimented by a good passing game; rather, he thinks winning football looks like "run/stop the run/have a credible/functioning passing threat" philosophy.

More importantly than any concern over his commitment to the run, I think Gruden's fatal flaw is his inability to go for the jugular. There was an article, somewhere, recently that Jay coaches out of fear. Didn't read it (probably means it was behind the Post's firewall), but I thought the headline was a solid take. Two games ago, Gruden ran on almost every first down. Last week, after catching flak for doing so, he opened up with three passes on the first three drives. In addition, his end of game calls - when we need to run the clock out and a 1st down wins the game - just seem horrific and incredibly predictable: Run, run, pass (incomplete/short), surrender the ball with lots of time on the clock.

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[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;1205246]Weirdly enough, I think if we win the coin toss, take the ball and score, we'll win.

They score first, I think it'll be a long day, but still have a good feeling about it.[/quote]

I don't think this is weird at all. I feel exactly the same (and, no, contrary to CRed's inevitable posting, this does not [I]confirm[/I] the weirdness of this idea).

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[quote=JoeRedskin;1205248]In my opinion, Jay sees the "run/stop the run" philosophy as winning football only if it is complimented by a good passing game; rather, he thinks winning football looks like "run/stop the run/have a credible/functioning passing threat" philosophy.

More importantly than any concern over his commitment to the run, [B]I think Gruden's fatal flaw is his inability to go for the jugular.[/B] ...[/quote]

The rest is all true, but this is why we will never see blow out games under Gruden. He feels a 7point lead is winnable, and he will play to not lose.

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Atlanta lights it up v. teams with bad defenses (e.g., 37 v. NO, 36 v. CIN, 34 v. Tampa), but doesn't necessarily v. good defenses (e.g., 12 v. PHI, 17 v. PIT), although there are some outlier games (only beat NYG 23-20; beat CAR 31-24). Ours will be the best D they've faced.

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This is a true test to see how good this D can be. We know they can shut down the run, but can they limit a high octane passing game? If so this could be a special D in the making. One that could carry us far.

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More about Matt Ryan mvp like season:

Random QB observation: After brutal 1st game
@AtlantaFalcons
Matt Ryan has been DEALING! 1st in 3rd down success
@NFLMatchup
, 3rd best Int%, 4th best comp%, 4th best vs. blitz, 4th best in conflict (under pressure), 5th best when kept clean
@PFF

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15 tds 2 ints for Matt

Hasn't thrown a pick since week 2

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[quote=skinsfaninok;1205256]15 tds 2 ints for Matt

Hasn't thrown a pick since week 2[/quote]

Matty Ice is straight fire. Going from Eli to Matt Ryan will be like the defense seeing little league pitching to major league fastball.

Don’t expect Matt Ryan to sit back there and dance. 3 step drop and ball will be out fast to his receivers. He will be ready for the rush. They’ve had an extra week too.

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The difference with this team's rush that sets it apart (as far as I am concerned anyway) is the center push by the tackles. The Max Pain interior front of Allen/Payne/Ionaddis has the potential to disrupt even a three step drop.

I know Ryan is red hot and if we don't get a push on him it could be a very long day. I just suspect that the DT's are going to be tossing the Atlanta guards around like rag-dolls.

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Getting to Ryan is key. He's having a great season, but he does get sacked -- 20 in 7 games, so nearly 3 per contest. He got sacked 6 times by PIT, 4 by PHL, and 3 each by NYG, NO, and CIN. Our pass rush ought to be able to get to him. Of the 5 games where he's been sacked 3+ times, the Falcons are 1-4 (beating only the lowly NYG).

Hit this chump.

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[quote=JoeRedskin;1205266]The difference with this team's rush that sets it apart (as far as I am concerned anyway) is the center push by the tackles. The Max Pain interior front of Allen/Payne/Ionaddis has the potential to disrupt even a three step drop.

I know Ryan is red hot and if we don't get a push on him it could be a very long day. I just suspect that the DT's are going to be tossing the Atlanta guards around like rag-dolls.[/quote]

Yeah it’s not the typical pass rush, but up the middle pocket collapsing. Ryan is a stand tall type, got to knock him off his spot. Def an advantage for us.

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I'm not worried about the front 7, they'll get after it. Our DBs though are going to have their hands full. Everyone needs to step up even HHDC.

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[quote=MTK;1205270]I'm not worried about the front 7, they'll get after it. Our DBs though are going to have their hands full. Everyone needs to step up even HHDC.[/quote]

Watching Calvin Ridley play...first thought, Dallas is so fucking dumb

Atlanta's pass catchers...they all can play. Those RB come out the back field hot too. Need Dunbar back healthy.

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We need a pass rush or it will be a long day.

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[url]https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-trade-deadline-reveals-ugly-truth-2015-draft-class-061639654.html[/url]

Remember how so many people were talking shit about the Scherff pick back in 2015. (ever Leonard Williams) Those fuckers eating crow now. Looking at that draft, no doubt Scherff would be the #2 pick in a redo

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If our D can find ways to slow Atlanta's passing game a bit, I think this week is a very good test for our offense:

Atlanta's D is bad (30th Ovr, 30th Pass, 20th Rush), but with Dunbar still questionnable you may very well have to score 24+ pts to win this one.
The early drives will be decisive: if we can get an early one score lead and keep running the ball and throwing WR/TE screens, we have the tools to win this one. If we get behind, we're going to need our D to create turnovers and/or Alex Smith to step it up big time.

In our defense I trust: Skins 24 Falcons 21

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Not sure what was said or done but after the Saints game our D has really turned this on.

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[quote=FrenchSkin;1205285]If our D can find ways to slow Atlanta's passing game a bit, I think this week is a very good test for our offense:

Atlanta's D is bad (30th Ovr, 30th Pass, 20th Rush), but with Dunbar still questionnable you may very well have to score 24+ pts to win this one.
The early drives will be decisive: if we can get an early one score lead and keep running the ball and throwing WR/TE screens, we have the tools to win this one. If we get behind, we're going to need our D to create turnovers and/or Alex Smith to step it up big time.

In our defense I trust: Skins 24 Falcons 21[/quote]

I hate when stat's say a defense is really bad, because it always seems like they know how to step it up against us.

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[quote=MTK;1205270]I'm not worried about the front 7, they'll get after it. Our DBs though are going to have their hands full. Everyone needs to step up even HHDC.[/quote]

Hopefully the Secondary has learned from that Saints game and play better Sunday. It's a great chance to redeem themselves against another high-powered aerial attack.

I wanna see Norman follow Julio some. I know Atlanta has weapons on both sides but Norman knows Julio from his time in Carolina and has historically matched up well with him.

If the ENTIRE defense comes out with the attitude they've been playing with the last 3 weeks I think we win this one and raise some eyebrows while doing so.

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I will not be surprised if the Skins when a close game, but I would also not be surprised if the Falcons have a 10 point win. Ryan is hot and has a great receiving corp. We have only faced one hot QB this season and he lit it up. Different circumstances and different game this time.

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I hope the DB's have gone back and watched the Saints game tape - if only to remind themselves that it is important to know and communicate assignments. While the whole team was flat, the defensive backfield was a particularly confused mess.

I am hoping that their communication skills have improved considerably.

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If we win this game, and NO losses to LAR, we would be right there for the #2 seed. Its still a little early but if we stay on this path, a playoff bye is not out of the question. We need the Saints to lose a few tho.

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Play-offs? Play-offs?

[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7fjDS0jKiE[/url]

Just like Mr. Mora, I just want us to win a game. Take that play-offs sh** out the door now.

6-2