was key. It was embarrassing to see the Falcons OL handle the Giants DL in the 1st half. But JPP, Hankins, and the DL wrecked the Falcons in the 2nd half. No way we win this game without that big DL resurgence. I'm still not 100% sold on our DL though, we will need them to play at a high level to win this division.
The offense played a solid game. They couldn't get in a groove in the 1st half but scored points. But once Beckham started getting involved, the entire momentum of the game shifted and the Giants offense looked terrific. Not only is Beckham a deep threat who can take the top off the defense, but his route running and catch radius make him a great possession receiver as well. How could you not be impressed with him? First game of his career and he was arguably the X-Factor that allowed us to win.
Randle is a good player who can make plays, but he is not a #1 WR. Beckham looks like a #1 WR. I can't wait for Eli to stop forcefeeding Randle and start getting Beckham more targets. I think it's inevitable that Beckham surpasses Randle in this passing game sometime over the next handful of weeks, it's just obvious that Beckham is more talented. Great debut for Beckham.
I love how Beckham, Williams, and Richburg all looked like studs today. Williams is just fun to watch. He's not quite as shifty as Bradshaw was, but he looks even more physical than young AB. That TD run was impressive, he went through the defender. Just an exciting player and I hope he stays healthy and continues to improve on his pass blocking and receiving. Jennings/Williams could be a nice duo this year. And Richburg is just a beast. I focused on him a bit during this game and he looked flawless. He had a big block on Williams' first down in the red zone to set up a TD in the 2nd half. Great to see rookies contributing.
And Mike Smith is a complete moron. I don't care how hard Lynch tried to rationalize it, it was an awful coaching decision to go for that 4th down. It's not the reason we won the game or anything, but it definitely made things easier.
Rolle has to make the tackle, but I can't kill him for that.
Smith is a good player (not the easiest to tackle in open field), plus the 3rd & 4 aspect led Rolle to play it far more aggressively than he might've on 1st or 2nd down/3rd and long. Atlanta gained more yards on that 1 play than the rest of the 2nd half combined.
Heading in, on paper, this was a gimme according to all we heard. We know the Giants better, and know there's nothng that's ever "a sure thing". In fact, confident as many felt (myself included), I think we knew that it would be a battle.
Things started great...Eli having an eternity to throw, Jennings clicking, and after 2 drives, 7-0. Then, the "bad Giants" showed up and let the Falcons dictate pace of play. Soft coverage, little pressure.
Then, the second half rolled around, and things changed. Jennings banged up? Williams comes in and provides a spark, even using his famous stone hands to make important grabs. Hillis did his job, slow and steady and was excellent at blitz pickup. Adrien Robinson contributes. The unveiling and emergence of Beckham was a revelation. DRC in and out due to being nicked up, and Demps, Bowman and McBride pitch in to pick up the slack.
I look at the depth we have, and while solid yet unspectacular, it is something that becomes a source of hope and strength as the season unfolds. Knowing we can produce victories with all men pulling on the oars, and moreover, having the added threat of Beckham on offense now truly opens things up for Eli whether we're looking at Cruz, Randle or Donnell makes this early adversity a catalyzing agent for what I hope will be a very resourceful and productive year.
IMO it was a bad call to go for it on 4th down but I can understand
Not only did the defense need to make a stop, they needed to do it fast... 1 or 2 1st down allowed by the defense and time would run out even with 3 TOs at their disposal.
Considering the previous 3 drives by the Giants offense resulted in 2 TDs and & a FG, not how good the odds would have been for them even if they did punt.
Going by the book a terrible call, but under the circumstances probably not something you can really hang him for.
but that's typical of him. He's not a very good coach and the Falcons aren't a very good organization.
Not shit, I could understand if it was at the 40 or 50, but in Giants field goal range? Weird call.
I thought that call speaks volumes about what Smith thinks of his defense. To have your coach make it clear to the whole world that you aren't very good must be incredibly demoralizing.
That's exactly what I said to a friend right after that completely idiotic decision.
to go for it there by Smith. His only chance was to keep his O on the field and try and tie it up. That D is awful. His only shot was to drive down and tie it and then it's anyone's game. I absolutely understand the logic of punting there, though my gut feeling is they needed to keep the ball if they had any shot.
Kick it and let's see what our offense can do. We were trying to kill the clock so the play call would probably be run, run, pass... Punt? Or new series..
You know our team is prone to idiotic mistakes and you have to give the ball to a rookie, because Jennings is out. You never know if you can get a turnover. I would have punted and played defense. Sure we could have scored again, but at least you make us earn it and make the rookie hold on to the ball on those runs.
could have been in there in lieu of Williams. And, betting on a rookie to fumble when you know Mc and TC would have reinforced the ball security issue prior to him stepping on the field.
If placed in that position, I think most people would have punted. Smith's a very good coach and gambled based on the situation. He lost the gamble. I'm not saying it was the right call to make, just that I respect Smith and understand the rationale.
call to go for it. I just my gut feel was the same as his there- your best shot is to keep the O on the field. By the way Smith is fine as a coach. This concept the mob has that you either win super bowls or you an awful coach is silly. When they have been healthy they get in the playoffs most years. Exactly what did the shitty Falcons do year in year out before he got there?
is to extend the game (keep your team in it) for as long as possible. With 4 minutes left and only down one score the best choice is to punt. The other team will be running the ball to burn the clock and you have TOs and a reasonably good chance of getting the ball back only needing one score.
Giving the ball up in FG range was not the right call. It failed and pretty much ended the game right there
RE: Anish like I said I'd be a fool to try and insist it was the right
call to go for it. I just my gut feel was the same as his there- your best shot is to keep the O on the field. By the way Smith is fine as a coach. This concept the mob has that you either win super bowls or you an awful coach is silly. When they have been healthy they get in the playoffs most years. Exactly what did the shitty Falcons do year in year out before he got there?
Nothing, but you can say the same thing about their GM too. I am impressed with him. I did work for them so had a chance to meet and talk to their GM. Great guy, and I thought it was ballsy to trade up to draft Julio Jones. That was a power move.
But injures and such have taken course. I thought that move though wasn't a good one. Same in the playoffs. Damn QB sneak while Turner was on the bench. Not sure why the hell would he do that.
is to extend the game (keep your team in it) for as long as possible. With 4 minutes left and only down one score the best choice is to punt. The other team will be running the ball to burn the clock and you have TOs and a reasonably good chance of getting the ball back only needing one score.
Giving the ball up in FG range was not the right call. It failed and pretty much ended the game right there
Spot on. This might have been the most critical play of the game.
is to extend the game (keep your team in it) for as long as possible. With 4 minutes left and only down one score the best choice is to punt. The other team will be running the ball to burn the clock and you have TOs and a reasonably good chance of getting the ball back only needing one score.
Giving the ball up in FG range was not the right call. It failed and pretty much ended the game right there
I agree completely. Can you imagine what BBI would be like if Coughlin did that?
RE: Anish like I said I'd be a fool to try and insist it was the right
call to go for it. I just my gut feel was the same as his there- your best shot is to keep the O on the field. By the way Smith is fine as a coach. This concept the mob has that you either win super bowls or you an awful coach is silly. When they have been healthy they get in the playoffs most years. Exactly what did the shitty Falcons do year in year out before he got there?
What mob mentality? The guy is a middling coach who has zero passion and is lucky to have the talent on offense he does. Loser coach, loser franchise. Plenty of excellent coaches out there who haven't won a Super Bowl. I've watched this guy screw the pooch for years now the way he mishandles games. Go check out a Falcons msg board - guarantee they are calling for his head after he fell on the sword in his post game presser.
Your sweeping generalizations are off the mark. Especially regarding a coach who has no problems ending games at the 55 minute mark. There are several notable examples on his resume of his out and out failure as a game manager at the end of games stretching back several seasons.
going to give JPP the sack he was screwed out of when Ryan was given credit for throwing the ball before his knee hit the ground?
Not that it matters, ultimately, but i'm sure it matters to his agent.
Yeah what exactly was up with that non-call? Either that was grounding or a sack as IMO his knee(s?) Clearly were on the ground before he shoved that ball at some empty turf. But overall it seemed like a well called game; the ref crew was not at all flag-happy.
was the fact that most of the game, Matt Ryan played amazing football. Right on time with many passes. Several of which he had to really put some mustard on to avoid a pick. The guy is good.
when you have all day to throw in the first half. That system works well. A lot of throws to the Rb. Moreover, both Wrs were finding the zone perfectly and he hit them. No pressure at the time, and Wrs finding holes in coverage was great pitch and catch.
They had Jackson running well too at the time. Just good play calling overall to help Ryan. It's ironic now that the offense is so good, that injuries hit and that their defense sucks badly.
1) The only real complaint I had was the lack of pressure in the first half. Really, the overall DL play that half. They made up for it in the second half.
2) I was very surprised and disappointed they took a knee to end the half with that field position. Why would you not throw a Hail Mary? There really is no downside.
3) Smith really has no faith in his D to go for it on that 4th down with that much time left. That has to be demoralizing for the team.
especially how the team found its energy in the second half. I will add one point for improvement:
Play to the end of the whistle!
At least twice the Giants Defense was hurt by players letting up when they thought the play was over - the PI/Interception/Fumble play where several Giants can be seen turning and walking away from the play, and the last Falcon's TD where DRC let up apparently assuming Rolle would make the play.
These errors from multiple players bother me a lot.
part of the issue in the 1st half is that Falcons did have a lot of heavy protection with Jackson staying in and the TE staying in. Also explains the backs open early
The 2nd half though once again showed why sacks are so misleading. JPP was living in the backfield disrupting everything but has little to show for it. Keep bringing pressure - it is having an effect
is that if Eli had thrown a better ball to Parker ... Parker would've been able to keep his feet and score on the play !!!! I mean ... REALLY ... C'mon Eli !!!! ;)
not MY ONLY complaint ... I agree with those who've said that Giants defensive players need to keep playing until the play is OFFICIALLY over (whistle is blown!). (SERIOUSLY!!!). :)
they played a whale of a game and got all the lucky bounces. also an off game from eli and a special teams turnover.
for the gmen - tackling, tackling, tackling. players love rest but there is no doubt a rust factor. our tackling looked like we hadn't tackled anyone in 10 days
especially how the team found its energy in the second half. I will add one point for improvement:
Play to the end of the whistle!
At least twice the Giants Defense was hurt by players letting up when they thought the play was over - the PI/Interception/Fumble play where several Giants can be seen turning and walking away from the play, and the last Falcon's TD where DRC let up apparently assuming Rolle would make the play.
These errors from multiple players bother me a lot.
Totally agree. Lots of standing around by Giants when they didn't think they would affect the outcome play. Need 11 guys to the ball on defense and ST...all the time.
DRC should have been flying to support Rolle's initial tackle attempt anyway. And I have no idea what the entire secondary was doing after Demps picked off that ball.
I thought Smith made the right call going for it...
on fourth and one. I don't think he had confidence in stopping the Giants offense, and frankly, I agree.
However, Smith should be criticized for the use of his timeouts after the sack!!! Why did he wait to call them.
And the most outrageous error was not telling Devon Hester to bring the ball out after it was 30-20. How cna Hester simply down the ball? What if he returns it for a TD. Or how about returning it to midfield?
Was elis pick in end zone. ..that was out of bounds...
then we run it in ....we should have ran on 1st and goal
instead of throw...allmost picked...el I lu c ky
Well, I originally had the Giants winning in a laugher...
But I didn't account for a nearly lifeless first half. Thanks goodness for staunch red zone defense or else this game would have turned out very differently. There were some nice things happening and some not so nice things. But if the Giants can put together four quarters with high energy they'll be a lot for any team to handle--too much for most teams actually.
kept referring to the Falcons' use of 6 OLin the first half. This could have affected the pass rush and defense overall. Did the Falcons' discontinue this tactic in the 2nd half ? Or did the Giants adjust how to attack it ?
I don't have a replay available. Did anyone notice ?
The offense played a solid game. They couldn't get in a groove in the 1st half but scored points. But once Beckham started getting involved, the entire momentum of the game shifted and the Giants offense looked terrific. Not only is Beckham a deep threat who can take the top off the defense, but his route running and catch radius make him a great possession receiver as well. How could you not be impressed with him? First game of his career and he was arguably the X-Factor that allowed us to win.
Randle is a good player who can make plays, but he is not a #1 WR. Beckham looks like a #1 WR. I can't wait for Eli to stop forcefeeding Randle and start getting Beckham more targets. I think it's inevitable that Beckham surpasses Randle in this passing game sometime over the next handful of weeks, it's just obvious that Beckham is more talented. Great debut for Beckham.
I love how Beckham, Williams, and Richburg all looked like studs today. Williams is just fun to watch. He's not quite as shifty as Bradshaw was, but he looks even more physical than young AB. That TD run was impressive, he went through the defender. Just an exciting player and I hope he stays healthy and continues to improve on his pass blocking and receiving. Jennings/Williams could be a nice duo this year. And Richburg is just a beast. I focused on him a bit during this game and he looked flawless. He had a big block on Williams' first down in the red zone to set up a TD in the 2nd half. Great to see rookies contributing.
And Mike Smith is a complete moron. I don't care how hard Lynch tried to rationalize it, it was an awful coaching decision to go for that 4th down. It's not the reason we won the game or anything, but it definitely made things easier.
Things started great...Eli having an eternity to throw, Jennings clicking, and after 2 drives, 7-0. Then, the "bad Giants" showed up and let the Falcons dictate pace of play. Soft coverage, little pressure.
Then, the second half rolled around, and things changed. Jennings banged up? Williams comes in and provides a spark, even using his famous stone hands to make important grabs. Hillis did his job, slow and steady and was excellent at blitz pickup. Adrien Robinson contributes. The unveiling and emergence of Beckham was a revelation. DRC in and out due to being nicked up, and Demps, Bowman and McBride pitch in to pick up the slack.
I look at the depth we have, and while solid yet unspectacular, it is something that becomes a source of hope and strength as the season unfolds. Knowing we can produce victories with all men pulling on the oars, and moreover, having the added threat of Beckham on offense now truly opens things up for Eli whether we're looking at Cruz, Randle or Donnell makes this early adversity a catalyzing agent for what I hope will be a very resourceful and productive year.
Not only did the defense need to make a stop, they needed to do it fast... 1 or 2 1st down allowed by the defense and time would run out even with 3 TOs at their disposal.
Considering the previous 3 drives by the Giants offense resulted in 2 TDs and & a FG, not how good the odds would have been for them even if they did punt.
Going by the book a terrible call, but under the circumstances probably not something you can really hang him for.
Quote:
In comment 11900782 clatterbuck said:
Quote:
but that's typical of him. He's not a very good coach and the Falcons aren't a very good organization.
Not shit, I could understand if it was at the 40 or 50, but in Giants field goal range? Weird call.
I thought that call speaks volumes about what Smith thinks of his defense. To have your coach make it clear to the whole world that you aren't very good must be incredibly demoralizing.
That's exactly what I said to a friend right after that completely idiotic decision.
There comes a point when you have to coach to win the game you're playing, and worry about your team's psyche later on.
Haha vax! I think Hillis must've been inspired by Snee on the sidelines on that blitz pickup. Or Brandon Jacobs' pass blocking tape...
You know our team is prone to idiotic mistakes and you have to give the ball to a rookie, because Jennings is out. You never know if you can get a turnover. I would have punted and played defense. Sure we could have scored again, but at least you make us earn it and make the rookie hold on to the ball on those runs.
If placed in that position, I think most people would have punted. Smith's a very good coach and gambled based on the situation. He lost the gamble. I'm not saying it was the right call to make, just that I respect Smith and understand the rationale.
Giving the ball up in FG range was not the right call. It failed and pretty much ended the game right there
Nothing, but you can say the same thing about their GM too. I am impressed with him. I did work for them so had a chance to meet and talk to their GM. Great guy, and I thought it was ballsy to trade up to draft Julio Jones. That was a power move.
But injures and such have taken course. I thought that move though wasn't a good one. Same in the playoffs. Damn QB sneak while Turner was on the bench. Not sure why the hell would he do that.
Giving the ball up in FG range was not the right call. It failed and pretty much ended the game right there
Spot on. This might have been the most critical play of the game.
Giving the ball up in FG range was not the right call. It failed and pretty much ended the game right there
I agree completely. Can you imagine what BBI would be like if Coughlin did that?
What mob mentality? The guy is a middling coach who has zero passion and is lucky to have the talent on offense he does. Loser coach, loser franchise. Plenty of excellent coaches out there who haven't won a Super Bowl. I've watched this guy screw the pooch for years now the way he mishandles games. Go check out a Falcons msg board - guarantee they are calling for his head after he fell on the sword in his post game presser.
Your sweeping generalizations are off the mark. Especially regarding a coach who has no problems ending games at the 55 minute mark. There are several notable examples on his resume of his out and out failure as a game manager at the end of games stretching back several seasons.
Two other major contributors today were J Brown and and Weatherford.
He plays bigger than he is. He reminded me of Plaxico there
Not that it matters, ultimately, but i'm sure it matters to his agent.
Very excited for the next two games!
Not that it matters, ultimately, but i'm sure it matters to his agent.
Yeah what exactly was up with that non-call? Either that was grounding or a sack as IMO his knee(s?) Clearly were on the ground before he shoved that ball at some empty turf. But overall it seemed like a well called game; the ref crew was not at all flag-happy.
Quote:
but the announcer mentioned Williams brought the hammer. Has a nice ring to it Hammer Williams
Hammer was Keith Hamilton's nickname.
Andre "Wrecking Ball" Williams
They had Jackson running well too at the time. Just good play calling overall to help Ryan. It's ironic now that the offense is so good, that injuries hit and that their defense sucks badly.
Not that it matters, ultimately, but i'm sure it matters to his agent.
You gotta give Ryan credit for that, smart move on his part to save his team a few yards.
2) I was very surprised and disappointed they took a knee to end the half with that field position. Why would you not throw a Hail Mary? There really is no downside.
3) Smith really has no faith in his D to go for it on that 4th down with that much time left. That has to be demoralizing for the team.
Play to the end of the whistle!
At least twice the Giants Defense was hurt by players letting up when they thought the play was over - the PI/Interception/Fumble play where several Giants can be seen turning and walking away from the play, and the last Falcon's TD where DRC let up apparently assuming Rolle would make the play.
These errors from multiple players bother me a lot.
The 2nd half though once again showed why sacks are so misleading. JPP was living in the backfield disrupting everything but has little to show for it. Keep bringing pressure - it is having an effect
for the gmen - tackling, tackling, tackling. players love rest but there is no doubt a rust factor. our tackling looked like we hadn't tackled anyone in 10 days
also - rueben randle scares the sh#t out of me
He makes too many mistakes for a guy who isn't a big play maker.
and the spirit of the crowd was inspiring. Loud as hell, even from where you can't be heard in the nosebleed section. Great atmosphere today.
Play to the end of the whistle!
At least twice the Giants Defense was hurt by players letting up when they thought the play was over - the PI/Interception/Fumble play where several Giants can be seen turning and walking away from the play, and the last Falcon's TD where DRC let up apparently assuming Rolle would make the play.
These errors from multiple players bother me a lot.
Totally agree. Lots of standing around by Giants when they didn't think they would affect the outcome play. Need 11 guys to the ball on defense and ST...all the time.
DRC should have been flying to support Rolle's initial tackle attempt anyway. And I have no idea what the entire secondary was doing after Demps picked off that ball.
However, Smith should be criticized for the use of his timeouts after the sack!!! Why did he wait to call them.
And the most outrageous error was not telling Devon Hester to bring the ball out after it was 30-20. How cna Hester simply down the ball? What if he returns it for a TD. Or how about returning it to midfield?
Blatant error.
then we run it in ....we should have ran on 1st and goal
instead of throw...allmost picked...el I lu c ky
I don't have a replay available. Did anyone notice ?