Atlanta Falcons: Fast, Physical, Undisciplined

Undisciplined Defensive Penalties

The Atlanta Falcons defense must also be disciplined and limit their defensive penalties. Isaiah Oliver is doing his best Robert Alford impression, matching the defensive and team leads, with three total penalty infractions.

The now injured Keanu Neal also has drawn three flags. Unfortunately for Atlanta, Neal sustained a torn Achilles tendon in the team defeat in Indianapolis.

The club has announced the a series of moves in lieu of the injury. They placed Keanu on injured reserve, ending his season and promoted safety Jamal Carter from the practice squad to replace Neal.

The team also resigned offensive lineman John Wetzel and cut punter Matt Wile. The latter did a good job replacing Matt Bosher as the punter, kickoff man and holder for Atlanta. This move signifies that Bosher is good to go this week against the Tennessee Titans.

As for the defensive penalties the team has committed 12, with Ricardo Allen, De’Vondre Campbell and Jack Crawford all committing two. 11 of the Falcons 12 penalties have been violations in the passing game, with eight defensive holding calls, two pass Interference and one unnecessary, unnecessary roughness call.

In saying that I mean it was a bad call. The receiver had made a football move and lowered his target range as Allen was coming at him full speed like a missile. What else was Rico supposed to do?

Speaking of bad calls, Keanu Neal was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for throwing his helmet in disgust, after he was severely injured. The officials should be ashamed of themselves for making that call. Sure he violated the rule, but in a physical, emotional game, the referees should use discretion and common sense.

Unfathomably the Atlanta Falcons gifted seven first downs to the Colts offense on yellow flags alone. They are using their hands far too much, rather than being in proper position in coverage. This is inexcusable and must be fixed yesterday!

In all the Atlanta Falcons were guilty of 16 penalties for 128 yards given away. Amazingly that was one short of a Franchise record 17. It is paramount that the Falcons adjust to officiating and cut the number of flags they are drawing.

Currently the team is tied for first in the NFL with 35 penalties and are second in yardage allowed. The Falcons must play a clean game if they are to avoid their first losing streak of the season.

The Atlanta Falcons must take advantage of the time that division rival quarterback Drew Brees is injured. Their season absolutely depends on being more disciplined going forward. That must start in week four at home against the Tennessee Titans.