Falcons Week #5: Tennessee Titans

Game Result
Week #5 (October 7, 2007)
Atlanta 13
Tennessee 20

Game Analysis
This is the first time I have every seen a team give the visiting team every opportunity to win the game and the Falcons still couldn’t get the “W”. It was almost like the Titans felt sorry for the Falcons and continued to give them turnovers to help them win, but the Falcons could not score in the red zone. Atlanta even blocked a punt, drove down to the Titans goal line and turned it over to lose the game. Joey once again had very little time to throw the ball. Even when he did, he had those indecisive happy feet and could not get the ball out of his hands. I am tired of watching these 2 yard dump off passes to the running backs and tight ends. I would like to see them start attacking down field a few more times during the game. But it is hard to run those long routes when you are scrambling for your life. The Falcons still cannot get the running game going and it isn’t going to get any easier now that Wayne Gandy is gone for the season. Now with two rookies on the offensive line, it is going to be a tough season for the Falcons backfield. On the brighter side, maybe it will be good to get the rookies some playing time together for the future. I totally disagree with the decision to replace Harrington with Leftwich at that time in the game. I could see if Atlanta was being blown out and they were trying to get Byron some snaps in a live game, but the Falcons still had a good chance to win this game. Byron looked good on his first pass of the game, but after that he was throwing souvenirs to the fans. He missed the rookie Laurent Robinson wide open in the end zone for a touchdown that would have tied the game. I am really impressed with Laurent and wished they would get him more involved in the passing game. Petrino says Joey will be the starter next Sunday versus the Giants. I think Petrino also needs to punt the ball more. Both field goal kickers are struggling from beyond the 45 yard line and when they miss, they are giving the opposing team good field position.

I don’t have much to say about the defense side of the ball. They did their job very well on Sunday creating 5 turnovers, 1 for a touchdown, and blocked a punt to give the Falcons one last chance to tie the game. I was most impressed that even with the Titans keeping John Abraham from making any plays, the linebackers really stepped it up in this game. The only negative thought I have about the defense is the cornerback Lewis Sanders, AGAIN! It seems like every game he is giving up two or three big plays and missing tackles or creating pass interference calls. Just start Chris Houston already. The Falcons are not going to make the playoffs, so the coaching staff might as well see what they drafted for the future of the Falcons defense.

Game MVP
Titans defense
Michael Boley (10 tackles, 1 INT)

Game Grades
Offense = C- (no offensive touchdowns, no running game, no passing game)
Defense = B+ (5 turnovers, 1 for TD)
Special Teams = B+ (Norwood with great kickoff returns, 1 block punt, 1 fake punt)
Coaching = C+ (should have punted instead of field goals, keep Joey in the game)
Overall = C+

Composite (Season) Grades
Offense = C+
Defense = B-
Special Teams = C+
Coaching = C+
Overall = C+

Upcoming Game Analysis
The good thing for the Falcons is that they are only 2 games out of first in their division, and have only played one division opponent. But they need to start playing aggressive, scoring touchdowns, and finding ways to win games and this week would be a good start playing at home against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. Hopefully a Monday night game will get them pumped up to show everyone on a national televised game that they are not the worst team in football and that they can win without Vick. Maybe with the extra day of preparation and the extra day of rest for some of the wounded Falcons, they will be ready for the Giants. Rod Coleman may make his first start which could be a big impact because teams need to double team him and maybe the rookie Jamaal Anderson will get his first sack or John Abraham will go off and have a 3 sack game against E-cry Manning. The Falcons need to use that extra day to figure out how to stop the Giants defensive line. I do not want to see another 9 sack game like they had against the Eagles. I predict the Falcons win this game, manly because my older brother will be in town and we are going to watch it together without any kids or wives, so I am trying to put a positive vibe out there. It is more of prayer than a prediction, but it is Monday Night football and anything can happen in the NFL. The Bills proved that against Dallas.

(Final Score: Giants 24 Falcons 30). I know the Falcons haven’t scored 30 points in any of their games, but liked I said before, I am getting pumped up for this game and nobody can bring me down! Except for the Giants, after they win this game.