The bloodletting in Atlanta has begun

[luuked]

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

I wanted to write 3 quarters but then remembered that we actually had 3 sustained drives that ended with a LG fumble, the pick six and a FG so I just added those in. But, whatever, it doesn't really matter anyway.. nitpicking

 

[Tony2046]

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 played well enough to win that game. The OC or HC blew that game. imo.

Freeman taking a nap and letting Hightower get to Ryan didn't help either.

 

[IllegalContact]

my only issue is why so many defensive players played at least 80% of the snaps......up 28-3, you'd think they'd would do some strategic substituting to keep 'em more fresh........even freeney played more snaps than anyone on the pats D

 

[luuked]

They played well enough to win that game. The OC or HC blew that game. imo.

Freeman taking a nap and letting Hightower get to Ryan didn't help either.

Again, there were many, many more games this year where things didn't work at all. Nobody was fired over the result of the SB.

 

[luuked]

my only issue is why so many defensive players played at least 80% of the snaps......up 28-3, you'd think they'd would do some strategic substituting to keep 'em more fresh........even freeney played more snaps than anyone on the pats D

No depth.

 

[BKapatsfan]

They got rid of the dline coach? They massively overperformed in the post season stupid stupid.

 

[Tony2046]

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

Their game plan was to get pressure on Brady and it worked. But the risk/reward is that creating pressure wears down a defense. I remember BB saying "they can't pass rush all day" a few years ago.

Anyways they were ahead 28-3 and the offense had a golden opportunity sitting first and ten at the 22. The offense gave that away.

 

[IllegalContact]

No depth.

ya........it does not appear that quality is an issue.......the only way they can execute the scheme they started with is with the starters.....subbing out guys like jones, campbell, beasley means replacing them with reed, upshaw and wheeler

 

[neuronet]

They will have a season like the Panthers did last year. You're welcome, Carolina.

 

[Tony2046]

Again, there were many, many more games this year where things didn't work at all. Nobody was fired over the result of the SB.

Ok. I see what you're saying. It's a good point.

Well it was a hell of a game plan for the SB. Nothing to be ashamed about.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I get that they were fixing on sacking the DC for 1/2 the season but no idea why Cox deserved to get shot.

If they want to cut into the actual coach that should be held accountable it's Quinn.

Not pacing the defense and changing up the strategy was issue #1

Not coaching up Matty on situational football is issue #2

Not keeping Shanny Jr. from becoming the next Mike Martz is issue #3

Quinn was out-coached by BB (then again, so is everyone)

 

[slam]

I don't think this is a reaction to the Super Bowl, just the move that was going to happen. Imagine if the Pats had managed to win the Super Bowl last year. I still think DeGugliamo would've been shown the door anyway as they had gotten tired of his act, and of course Scar wanted to come back.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

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

Just so much you can do when your pass-happy offense leaves you on the field for over 43 minutes. Surprised they weren't all wheeling oxygen tanks behind them in OT.

 

[Ring 6]

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.

The defense allowed 31 points on 5 consecutive scoring drives. They allowed 37 first downs, 43 completed passes and almost 550 yards of offense. How is that good?

 

[Ring 6]

I am now convinced Atlanta will not recover from this.

 

[TomPatriot]

I get that they were fixing on sacking the DC for 1/2 the season but no idea why Cox deserved to get shot.

If they want to cut into the actual coach that should be held accountable it's Quinn.

Not pacing the defense and changing up the strategy was issue #1

Not coaching up Matty on situational football is issue #2

Not keeping Shanny Jr. from becoming the next Mike Martz is issue #3

Quinn was out-coached by BB (then again, so is everyone)

Quinn is like BB, a defensive guru. Smith is a journeyman D coach. This was Quinn's D.

I don't care how many sub packages you use, 93 plays is too much for a D to handle, especially with the amount of no-huddle the Pats displayed. Changing the strategy isn't on Smith or Cox.

Why does a QB who has been in the NFL nearly a decade need to be coached up on situational football?

If ATL runs the ball twice for no gain - likely given the putrid second half Falcon running game (as Deus has pointed out) - and then Bryant misses the FG, or there's a strip and recovery by the Pats, fans would be saying Shanahan was too conservative. I hate this play-calling criticism, just like I hated the criticism of Bevel after the Butler pick in SB 49. If you can't execute pass plays against a team anticipating running plays, you don't deserve to win.

 

[neuronet]

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.

The head coach took over defensive responsibilities halfway through the season, so this was planned.

 

[bormio]

The defense allowed 31 points on 5 consecutive scoring drives. They allowed 37 first downs, 43 completed passes and almost 550 yards of offense. How is that good?

They were gassed - their legs were gone. They needed the offense to keep them off the field. But they held us to 3 points in the first 43 minutes - who saw that happening? And it was not as if we spent the night on their goal line in the first 3 quarters. Like Alabama - they were on the field too many plays.

 

[farn]

I am now convinced Atlanta will not recover from this.

I was never convinced they were going to be "back" next year anyways. There is nothing there to suggest these guys are going to keep it up. Carolina, TB, and NO could easily supplant them in that division. It's been a carousel for years.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Quinn is like BB, a defensive guru. Smith is a journeyman D coach. This was Quinn's D.

That is Quinn's problem right there. He needed to be a head coach and overrule play calls that were not appropriate for the situation.

I don't care how many sub packages you use, 93 plays is too much for a D to handle, especially with the amount of no-huddle the Pats displayed. Changing the strategy isn't on Smith or Cox.

I'm not talking about just sub-packages. They stayed in cover 1 until they got gassed. They knew NE was going to run a ****load of plays. Poor game/personnel management. In addition, I'm talking about complimentary football. Use more of the clock, etc. Give your D time to rest and also limit the number of plays the opposing team runs.

Why does a QB who has been in the NFL nearly a decade need to be coached up on situational football?

Are you serious? Do you think BB stops coaching Brady?

If ATL runs the ball twice for no gain - likely given the putrid second half Falcon running game (as Deus has pointed out) - and then Bryant misses the FG, or there's a strip and recovery by the Pats, fans would be saying Shanahan was too conservative. I hate this play-calling criticism, just like I hated the criticism of Bevel after the Butler pick in SB 49. If you can't execute pass plays against a team anticipating running plays, you don't deserve to win.

There is conservative playcalling and there is calling plays in certain situations which give your team the best chance to win a game and manage risk.

...and yes, Bevel deserves criticism for running a play they hadn't all year when you have Lynch in the backfield.