Atlanta Falcons Offense: Week 11 Grades Versus Dallas
Turkey of the Week
Calvin Ridley – Wide Receiver
Rookie Calvin Ridley had somewhat of a rough game against the Dallas Cowboys. On one hand he did catch three of four targets for 75 yards. Unfortunately the one target he dropped, proved to be detrimental.
Ridley’s drop was picked off by fellow rookie linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. It was a critical turnover that led to to a touchdown and the Falcons trailing by ten points.
The tip interception marked the second week in a row that Matt Ryan has thrown an interception that was the fault of Ridley. Against Cleveland him running the wrong route led to a turnover.
More than just the turnover, Ridley did not consistently separate from his defender. He did carry the ball once, but he dropped the pitch. He managed to pick it up and run for five yards. Yet the dropped pitch was a visible sign that Ridley was out of sorts.
We are at the point in the season when the college football season would be nearly over, so hopefully Calvin Ridley isn’t hitting a rookie wall. Regardless he must fight through it and play better as every game is a must win for the Atlanta Falcons.
Pro Football Focus Grade: 55.3
ATL All Day Grade: D
Wes Schweitzer – Left Guard
Back to life, back to reality. After playing well and making our high flyer list for two weeks in a row, Wes Schweitzer regressed back to his normal level of sub par play. He didn’t allow any pressures, thanks to Alex Mack helping him double team his man on most snaps. He did commit his sixth penalty of the season.
Where Schweitzer graded badly was the running game. PFF gave him a terrible run blocking grade of 45.8. At this point the Atlanta Falcons coaching staff should seriously consider replacing Schweitzer with another guard such as veteran Zane Beadles for the stretch run.
Pro Football Focus Grade: 53.9
ATL All Day Grade: D
Other Mentions
Ryan Schraeder did a very good job in run blocking, so he didn’t grade low enough overall to make our low flyers list. However his pass blocking was horrid and must be mentioned. Schrader allowed two of the three sacks on Matt Ryan. His PFF pass blocking grade was a lowly 54.5.
The Valdosta State Blazer Schraeder, has inexplicably struggled all season in pass protection and sometimes in run blocking too. I wonder if he’s fighting an undisclosed injury, because Ryan is typically on of the best right tackles in the NFL.
Left Tackle Jake Matthews allowed three pressures and one hit on Matt Ryan.
Rookie running back Ito Smith only gained 1.7 yards per carry and graded 58.4 overall.
Overall the Atlanta Falcons will need better performances across the board on offense, against the New Orleans sAints on the road. The hated rival is averaging nearly 38 points per game. The offense must put up major points, for the Falcons to have a chance. They must score touchdowns. Field goals will not get the job done.
Related Story. Time for the Falcons to Move on from Robert Alford. light
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