Behind Enemy Lines - Atlanta Falcons

[Zod]

The Panthers play their division rival Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. A win could propel the team's playoff hopes higher than they have been in five long seasons.

 

Here are a few key stories about the Falcons...

 

The Atlanta-Journal Constitution updates the Falcons injuries...

 

 

The Falcons had 10 players, including eight prospective starters, were listed on the injury report on Wednesday.

 

 

In addition to Baker, linebacker Akeem Dent (ankle), offensive linemen Joe Hawley (elbow), safety William Moore (hip), defensive tackle Peria Jerry (toe), defensive end Osi Umenyiora (knee) and right guard Garrett Reynolds (knee) were limited in practice.

Wide receiver Roddy White (ankle/hamstring), running back Jason Snelling (ankle) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (thigh) did not practice.

 

The Falcons are a crippled team at the moment. Roddy White has missed two consecutive games and is now limited to only running on the sidelines. I do not expect to see him on the field on Sunday. With Julio Jones out for the year the Falcons have limited options at wide receiver.

 

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AJC also says the Falcons defense is on the spot this Sunday....

 

 

Nolan will speak to the defense today about his 5 critical factors to winning the game, which are: points, takeaways, red zone, third down efficiency and quarterback rating.

 

The Falcons defense is much maligned and looking for vindication from Cam Newton. The Panthers offensive line cannot overlook the struggling Falcons. I expect to see late hits and extra contact on Cam early and often. This game may look the Rams game look like a friendly hug.

 

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ESPN says the Falcons may want to avoid trash talking...

 

 

"He’s an extremely competitive player, and if you’re good enough to back up what you say when you’re around him, be ready,’’ Nolan said, "because he’s going to give it his best effort. He’s one of the fiercest competitors, I think, in the NFL.

"That little guy ... and you don’t like to inspire guys that are already inspired. It’s not a good move. So hopefully, they don’t learn their lesson in a bad way. I would think they’d be smart enough. So we’ll see.’’

 

Smart of Falcons Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan to warn against his unit trash talking Steve Smith. He has been around long enough to know when his players will be on the losing end of that battle.

[Guest]

Agree on the Dirty Birds being Dirty Birds with late hits/extra love for Cam. Hope the refs throw some flags early to stop that. 

[rayzor]

yeah, i can see the falcons playing with a lot of frustration this week and making a lot of mistakes. i can see our guys pushing them over the edge.

 

the downside of that is sometimes when people play stupid, other players get hurt.  here's hoping that doesn't happen, esp. to our guys.

[Hotsauce]

I live in Atlanta and have been listening to the sports radio here this week. The entire week that I have listened, they haven't really talked about the falcons, instead talked about baseball and UGA. When they have talked about the falcons, the general consensus is that they are done.

Yesterday around noon they started talking about the panthers. For like :30 mins, the hosts sucked off Cam, Riveria, the Panthers, and Mike Shula. They specifically praised Shula, because apparently in the beginning of the year, they really doubted his abilities. There was not an ill word spoken about the Panthers. There weren't even any callers talking smack, however I have heard their own fans refer to Matt Ryan as "noodle arm". This town is deflated, and I love sitting back and watching their world burn!

[nctarheel0619]

My thing is, our defensive line is so good.  The refs have slowed down on the holding calls, even though their blatant................especially the Bucs game.  So, lets hope they bring the flags or something.  

[mr beauxjangles]

[mav1234]

It may just be the insecurity of years of losing, but I've got a feeling this game isn't going to be a blowout at all...

[Khaki Lackey]

It may just be the insecurity of years of losing, but I've got a feeling this game isn't going to be a blowout at all...

I think it's shell shock. I'm still in the mode of assuming we're going to get beat.

Hopefully the division rivalry will keep the players from overlooking this game.

[AceBoogie]

It may just be the insecurity of years of losing, but I've got a feeling this game isn't going to be a blowout at all...

Your not alone. The panthers should win but I don't think anybody will be shocked if they lost. They have to win consistently to earn my trust. I'll still be at the game screaming my lungs out, but I don't walk into BOA expecting a win.

[mbarbour21]

I'm expecting the W! Regardless of whether its a divisional game, regardless of history; this is a beat up, banged up Falcons team. I don't care if they have their back against the wall, or if they are cornered. I expect the W, because I EXPECT our team captains to remind everyone of last year, to make sure they take this game seriously, to rally them together and come out swinging.

I EXPECT!!!!!!

[panthers55]

Your not alone. The panthers should win but I don't think anybody will be shocked if they lost. They have to win consistently to earn my trust. I'll still be at the game screaming my lungs out, but I don't walk into BOA expecting a win.

That is the thing.  I remember being at the St Louis game and when they came back to make it 20-12 I remember having doubts creep in.  But then we marched down the field and scored again to make it 27-12.  As I look at this team it really isn't the same team as the past 2 years.  Players expect to score and stop the opponent.  Look on defense.  When they give up a big play they come out on the next play angry and try to make up for the lapse.  There is a new attitude with this team where they expect to win and for good things to happen.  I for one am excited that we have turned a corner.  The attitude and chemistry on this team is the best I have seen in the Rivera era.

[Kyle82]

5-3 going to San Fran.....it's cool to be a Panther Fan again  ;)

[markbm62]

5-3 going to San Fran.....it's cool to be a Panther Fan again ;)

It has always been cool.

[Cyberjag]

It may just be the insecurity of years of losing, but I've got a feeling this game isn't going to be a blowout at all...

 

I feel it too.  It's going to take a couple of close wins where Cam hits the huddle needing a drive and a score, where we actually DO drive and score, and win, for me to shake that feeling.

 

Back in the teens, when we were down 2 with a minute and a half and the ball, there was this feeling like, "Ok, we've got them just where we want them!"  That was in Jake's heyday, and we haven't had that feeling here since the playoff disaster of 2008.