This is a different idea for me. If it does well, I may stick with it. This is not a conventional article; rather, it is the questions and thoughts I had while watching Atlanta’s third preseason game against the Dolphins. This is late because I’m watching the replay on NFL Network.
First quarter, Offensive Possession No. 1:
Does Eric Weems need competition for the kick-returning job?
Why is Brian Finneran starting; we do have Harry Douglas?
It looked like Matt Ryan’s first pass got tipped. Did anybody else see that?
Good punt coverage by the Falcons.
Defensive Series 1:
The secondary exposed early with the pass to Brian Hartline. We are missing Dunta Robinson, will he be able to fix the problem?
That looked incomplete to me, he never really had possession of the ball.
Good challenge, Smitty!
Looking at the replay, Marshall did have possession of it. We’ll probably lose this challenge.
Oh, that surprises me. I thought he had possession of the ball. Anyway, good for us!
Field Goal Miami 3-0
Offensive Possession No. 2:
Wow, maybe Weems doesn’t need competition, what do the readers think?
Michael Turner looks like the 2008 version of himself. He’s showing some speed he did not have last season. I guess he’s healthy and lost some weight.
Matt Ryan really under threw that pass. Was he afraid Jason Allen was going to get a pick? If he was, why wouldn’t he over throw it?
Jason Snelling is built a lot like Michael Turner.
Tony Gonzalez was covered well by Karlos Dansby.
There’s Harry! He should really be our starter opposite Roddy.
Touchdown Falcons 7-3.
Matt Bryant has won the kicking job, he did well last season.
That looked like someone tripped Nolan Carroll? I didn’t think that was legal.
Defensive Series No. 2:
The run defense is holding up pretty well.
Kroy Biermann is looking so good! He better start over Jamaal Anderson.
Offensive Possession No. 3:
Turner once again showing some speed, this is a great sign.
Good push by the offensive line to pick up the first down.
Almost looked like a fumble by Roddy, but great pass from MattyIce.
The Dolphins secondary keeps making plays.
Defensive Series No. 3:
Our secondary is leaving Ronnie Brown wide open.
Curtis Lofton and Lawrence Sidbury had a great rush pass rush. These young guys are starting to emerge.
The secondary is still looking weak!
Holding penalty saves us. Thanks, Jake Long.
Start of second quarter, Offensive Possession No. 4:
Ovie Mughelli should come out of the backfield more often.
Roddy is in midseason form, well until the dive and drop.
The Falcons do stay committed to running the ball.
Defensive Series No. 4:
We leave somebody open again? Dunta is going to need to be Superman to fix this problem!
Ricky Williams would have been great if he wouldn’t have retired. The Falcons are used to some quitting, too. We feel your pain Dolphin fans!
Offensive Possession No. 5:
Roddy is established as Matt Ryan’s favorite target.
Michael, don’t turn into Adrian Peterson with the fumbles.
Defensive Series No. 5:
The run defense is still looking good and the Dolphins do have a good running game.
Leaving more receivers open!
Clutch fourth-down stop by the defense.
Offensive Possession No. 6:
How about a more open offense! It’s been Roddy White or Michael Turner on almost every play.
Gonzo shows why he is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
We need more play action in the offense. With a legit running game, it would throw a defense off.
Harry Douglas has great hands.
Here is the open offense I was just asking for!
What is the point of the two-minute warning? I’ve never understood how it improves the game. Just another excuse for a TV timeout?
Only if Jerious Norwood could stay healthy! He’s like the Falcons version of Bob Sanders—great for a few games each season.
Field Goal Falcons, 10-3
Defensive Series No. 6:
The Dolphins are catching on to this weakness in the secondary.
Offensive Possession No. 7:
Matt threw that right to Yerimiah Bell.
Defensive Series No. 7:
Another long passing gain for the Dolphins.
Why did the Broncos not demand a first-round pick for Brandon Marshall, he’s a beast!
Great tipped pass and INT! Finally, the secondary does something right.
Offense Possession No. 8:
Kneel down to end the 1st half.
Third Quarter, Defensive series No. 8:
The secondary reverts back to looking weak.
I’m not sure why Eric Coleman wasn’t called for a late hit on Brian Hartline. I hope Hartline is okay.
Offensive Possession No. 9:
Nothing new, same thing we saw the first eight possessions. The starters should be coming out soon.
Defensive Series No. 9:
Chad Pennington in the game, replacing Chad Henne. I’ve always liked Pennington, he’s a class act.
Now Pennington is shreading our secondary.
Good play by Chevis Jackson, messed up by a William Moore penalty. Isn’t that the first penalty of the game for the Falcons?
The secondary showing some hope, good job Brian Williams.
Bend but not break! Not allowed a touchdown to a pretty good offense. As much as I’ve criticized the secondary, they’ve not allowed a touchdown. The rest of the defense has looked really good.
Field Goal Miami, 10-6
Dominique Franks getting his shot at the return job.
Offensive Possession No. 10:
Chris Redman in for Matt Ryan.
I loved Michael Palmer coming out of Clemson, he needs to make the team. Maybe he can unseat Justin Peele and Tony Gon…nope not him! Taking Peele’s job would be a great step for him. Possible replacement for Tony Gonzalez when he retires? I guess we’ll see.
Good job, Finn! I thought your career was over after last season’s knee injury. I’m glad to say that I was wrong.
Touchdown (Missed extra point) 16-6, Falcons
Defensive Series No. 10:
Looks good so far.
Fourth Quarter:
I have yet to see Sean Weatherspoon! Not that he’d be in the game right now, but I don’t remember seeing him. Did anybody else?
The fact that this is a preseason game is starting to show!
Offensive Possession No. 11:
Michael Palmer continues ro impress.
The Falcons have a great backfield. Turner, Snelling, and (if healthy) Jerious Norwood.
Troy Bergeron always looks good, but is not at strength for the Falcons. Another team should scoop him up if he gets cut.
Defensive Series No. 11:
Do the Dolphins no longer run the wildcat? This is the perfect opportunity to run it with Pat White in at QB. Are they just not wanting to show secrets in the preseason? The secret is out, Mr. Sporano.
You can no longer switch directions on the Falcons defense, they’re gaining speed. That speed is partly because they have gotten much younger.
Offensive Possesion No. 12:
It doesn’t look like we’ll get to see John Parker Wilson. I guess the third preseason game is more for the starters to tune up.
Another pointless two-minute warning!
Final Score: Falcons 16, Dolphins 6
Thanks for reading my first-ever edition of Falcons’ reaction. Give me your thoughts on the game and how you liked this concept.
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