The bloodletting in Atlanta has begun

[raduray]

Scapegoat? Well, the OC (Shanahan) is gone and it certainly can't be the HC, can it?

 

[meatface]

Thats seems like a really stupid reaction. Obviously it could be unrelated

 

[FrodoBagginz]

Just another added to the list of teams we've broken. Can't wait to add to the list next year as well.

 

[Marko]

Especially, since their defense played really well. IMHO better than the offense.

 

[dafoe2016]

Crazy. Their defense played completely over it's head.

 

[bormio]

We did not get a TD until 2 minutes to go in the 3rd. The D could not help that the offense did squat the last 4-5 times they saw the ball. They were gassed. Their scheme was outstanding. And Alford came a lot closer to a 2nd INT than I would like to think about.

 

[luuked]

Especially, since their defense played really well. IMHO better than the offense.

Crazy. Their defense played completely over it's head.

You guys haven't seen the rest of their season right ? They had one of the worst defenses of the entire league throughout the year and got bailed out a lot by producing turnovers. Playing 2.5 excellent quarters before totally collapsing doesn't change that.

 

[bormio]

You guys haven't seen the rest of their season right ? They had one of the worst defenses of the entire league throughout the year and got bailed out a lot by producing turnovers. Playing 2.5 excellent quarters before totally collapsing doesn't change that.

They started like 4 rookies. Of course they were going to struggle. But the playoff Falcon D was very good.

 

[moejr]

The BB interview with Chris Berman was insightful as far as what BB figured out by the end of the 1st qtr. WE gifted them 14 of their points so their O really wasn't that great and their D gassed themselves by going against what they were used to

 

[luuked]

They started like 4 rookies. Of course they were going to struggle. But the playoff Falcon D was very good.

They played two overly injured teams and couldn't hold on to a 25 points lead with about 17 minutes to play. A postseason doesn't undo a full 16 game sample of fundamental issues. It also doesn't help that coaches like Cox were remnants from the Smith era.

This is the inverse of the Ravens paying Flacco that insane contract because of what he did in a postseason. Finally, don't forget that we are only privy to what we see on Sundays but Quinn might have not liked what he saw throughout the season almost 7 days a week.

 

[Marko]

You guys haven't seen the rest of their season right ? They had one of the worst defenses of the entire league throughout the year and got bailed out a lot by producing turnovers. Playing 2.5 excellent quarters before totally collapsing doesn't change
Understood, but in that game their high powered offense scored 21 points, and could not move the ball for that 1.5 quarters that the defense faltered.

 

[Koma]

Atlanta will be replacing both coordinators (well, they already replaced the OC) going into next season. I know they can't control a guy leaving for a head coaching job, but that seems like it could break up the continuity they were building in Quinn's first two years. Maybe it works out, but they could slide back or tread water next year.

 

[bormio]

That was a quality D we played. They stopped the running game, got pressure on the QB, pursued FAST, tackled well and forced 2 TOs. They disguised their coverage on the INT - Alford came off Edelman late and jumped Amendola's route. They are quite young and have good individual talent. Quinn probably impacts the D a lot - so the D.C. may not be a big deal. But I was impressed with their D. And they were missing their best cover CB.

 

[Uptown]

That was a quality D we played. They stopped the running game, got pressure on the QB, pursued FAST, tackled well and forced 2 TOs. They disguised their coverage on the INT - Alford came off Edelman late and jumped Amendola's route. They are quite young and have good individual talent. Quinn probably impacts the D a lot - so the D.C. may not be a big deal. But I was impressed with their D. And they were missing their best cover CB.

Yeah that "Cover 1 Man Lurk" coverage is very deceptive if you don't see it on tape that often. Especially if a team like the Falcons or Seahawks primarily play Cover 3 zone type schemes.

 

[bormio]

That D really did enough to win. Up 28-3 they gave up a 6 minute TD drive then forced a FG after excellent red zone D. But then the vaunted Atlanta offense crapped the bed and the rest is history.

 

[RecoveringCowboy]

This game may hurt them not only psychologically, but in these decisions. Nearly every NFC champion this century missed the playoffs next year. While I think they should be back, maybe they won't.

 

[ausbacker]

Why in heaven's **** would you dismiss Bryan Cox? The Atlanta DL, Grady Jarrett especially so played damn well for the most part.

 

[TheBostonStraggler]

A fraction of a step from winning the SB but ends up an acrid, bitter loss. Talk about a bad time to make snap decisions about staff (if these are in fact snap decisions). The Falcons have a damn good team that is now experienced. Not sure why they wouldn't want to go into next season with as many intact parts as possible.

 

[rochrist]

Especially, since their defense played really well. IMHO better than the offense.

Certainly better than their record indicated.

 

[deroc5050]

You guys haven't seen the rest of their season right ? They had one of the worst defenses of the entire league throughout the year and got bailed out a lot by producing turnovers. Playing 2.5 excellent quarters before totally collapsing doesn't change that.

I would say closer to 3 1/2 quarters but I get your point.