I'm making this intro quick because I'm on vacation in the motherland (Buffalo). We got the Falcons this week and dishing the dirt on the birds is Matt from The Falcoholic. Enjoy and tell a friend.
1) What has happened to the Falcons this year?
The convergence of multiple worst-case-scenarios. Injuries tops the list, particularly on the offense, which at one point was six of our starters. Julio Jones is clearly a game changer that helped cover up a lot of deficiencies on the offensive line and allowed everyone to ignore a bad defense. Those deficiencies have gotten worse with most of our younger guys not developing and our former Pro Bowl players struggling.
2) Why have you guys struggled with running the football? Judging by your stats, you are dead last in rushing attempts, but your 4.0 yards per carry isn't exactly horrendous.
The offensive line has been a rotating dumpster fire. Both starting tackles are on injured reserve, our 2012 2nd round center has been benched again and our right guard is probably one of the worst in the league. Basically, there is a 50/50 change any running back is met in the backfield by a defender and we don't have an elite runner who can power through tackles. Steven Jackson looked pretty good last week but has mostly plugged away for fewer YPC than our other backs.
3) Why has your defense struggled so badly this year in comparison to last year when you were ranked 5th in the NFL?
I wish I could blame this on a bunch of rookies starting. However, corner Robert Alford and undrafted linebackers Paul Worrilow and Joplo Bartu have been great. A good percentage of the blame should probably be placed on Mike Nolan, who hasn't been able to figure out how to stop the run or the pass. The Falcons are pretty consistently giving season-best games to opposing quarterbacks and running backs. Remember Bobby Rainey's ridiculous performance a week and a half ago?
Personnel hasn't been great either. Atlanta sent both their safeties to the Pro Bowl last year (albeit, as alternates) but both seem ready to give up explosive plays multiple times a game. The loss of John Abraham has hurt and to no surprise Atlanta still struggles to get at the quarterback. The Falcons are short of anyone both healthy and interested in setting the edge in the run game so we have been gashed by runs to the outside.
4) How has Matt Ryan looked for you guys? Stats wise, he seems to be on par what he normally does. Has he regressed at all?
He is doing fine with what he has. I've seen some people give him flack after his contract but he is doing much more than Joe Flacco, just with less weapons, a worse defense and a bad offensive line. Ryan hasn't been comfortable because he hasn't gotten protection. Remember when I said we sat Konz multiple times? He gave up three sacks in under a half. Atlanta is still struggling to find a pass catcher who can get separation and catch the ball.
So regressed? No, not in my opinion. He isn't improving either and has made some bad decisions on the field. I would liken his play a bit to how Andrew Luck fell off after Reggie Wayne and how Tom Brady improved once he got all of his weapons back. I'll expect another slightly-above average game on Sunday.
5) If you were the opposing offenses or defenses, how would you attack the Falcons?
Attack the middle of the offensive line and double Tony Gonzalez and the offense will predictably stall pretty quickly.
There isn't too much to worry about the defense. I'm struggling to figure out what their strength is but running the ball outside and attacking the safeties in the pass game would certainly be a recipe for success.
6) Are there some under the radar players Bills fans should keep an eye out for?
Undrafted wide receiver Darius Johnson is a speedster who caught six passes against the New Orleans Saints. He was bumped up from the practice squad just a month ago and has already moved into our three-wide sets. He is pretty explosive and did a nice job of plucking the football in traffic, so he may get even more play time against the Bills.
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