Atlanta Falcons: Pass Rush Strong, O-Line Weak Vs. Dolphins

The Atlanta Falcons took the good with the bad in their loss to the Miami Dolphins in the third preseason game of 2015, falling 13-9 to the ‘Phins.

Atlanta did not start out the game well due in large part to the offensive line’s inability to keep QB Matt Ryan upright. Ryan went 3-7 for 49 yards in his four series of play, getting sacked an unhealthy three times in limited action. I’m sure HC Dan Quinn wanted to keep Ryan in the game longer, but there’s no reason to put the Face of the Franchise under that much duress in an exhibition game.

Ryan’s counterpart, Miami QB Ryan Tannehill had a strong night passing, going 15-19 for 145 and a touchdown strike. It was a low scoring affair as both defense played particularly well. After the initial touchdown, the Falcons only allowed two field goals the rest of the ball game. When was the last time the Atlanta Falcons held a team to 13 points?

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When Miami HC Joe Philbin pulled Tannehill in favor of backup Matt Moore, Atlanta’s defensive front took over. Adrian Clayborn has had a tremendous preseason with a sack and a forced fumble tonight. I loving the chemistry Clayborn and Vic Beasley are developing as our primary pass rushers. They feed off each others energy and have no problem assisting other defensive linemen to make big plays.

Paul Worrilow was another standout as was LB Allen Bradford. Worrilow seems like he’s taken the next step in his development, cutting weight and playing as fast as possible in this minimalistic defense of Dan Quinn. Bradford has stood out with his playmaking ability on special teams as well as his strong tackling in a reserve linebacker role. The Atlanta Falcons need to reserve a roster spot for Bradford because the dud can play.

Offensively, I thought TJ Yates looked pretty solid tonight despite his protection of collapsing around him. Yates went 18-28 for 187 yards tonight. Though none of his drives ended in touchdowns, I like how he played with poise and stepped up in the pocket even as it was crashing around him. He handled the duress way better than I anticipated. The two other backups Sean Renfree and Rex Grossman didn’t play. Yates kept the Atlanta Falcons in the game offensively with some timely passing.

Again running the football was a major issue, only 50 yards on the ground in 24 combined carries between 4 backs. At least we got to see Tevin Coleman debut as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. He finished 2 yards on 4 carries with a long of 6. Yes, there were some negative rush attempts there.

Matt Bryant continues to amaze with his great field goal kicking, nailing a 40, 43, and 50 yard field goal. We’re lucky to have a Top 5 kicker in the NFL like Matt Bryant.

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The offensive line is a massive concern entering the season. The zone blocking scheme is not holding up as Dan Quinn and his staff cannot find a suitable starting five up front. Joe Hawley played sparingly tonight and the interior combination of James Stone and Mike Person at Left Guard and Center didn’t work at all. Ryan Schraeder got beat a few times on the right side, too. The protection up front has to find some continuity or else the Atlanta Falcons are going to have to rely on their front seven to bail them out in games.

Progress has happened in most areas of the team, but the ZBS and the running game have fallen way below expectations entering the final week of the preseason. OC Kyle Shanahan and Offensive Line Coach Chris Morgan have to address this now. Atlanta will take on the Baltimore Ravens at home on Thursday, September 3rd at the Georgia Dome. At least we have a pass rush. Rise Up!

Next: Julio Jones Agrees to 5-yr Deal to Stay with Falcons

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