Before I go into this I need to offer this quick disclaimer - I have not had the opportunity to actually watch a Falcons game yet - all I've seen are highlights and some plays detailed on Sportscenter. That's out of the way - are the Falcons appearing to be far better than they actually are? Sportscenter pointed out their main play right now - a QB option. Basically Vick is looking to see if the LB's are playing the run on the inside or to the outside - if its on the inside, he takes off to the outside, if they are playing to the outside, he hands it off to Dunn who picks up some big yardage. This seems to be the bread and butter play of the offense (which has certainly worked quite well). The problem is this: how long will this work? NFL Teams are too good to let them run the same basic play over and over again. Eventually teams will figure out that the Falcons have given up on Vick being a QB and have turned him into the RB that we all know he is. There is certainly a defensive coordinator who will devise a gameplan to neutralize the dual running threat that is Vick & Dunn...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (vikingfan)</div><div class='quotemain'>Before I go into this I need to offer this quick disclaimer - I have not had the opportunity to actually watch a Falcons game yet - all I've seen are highlights and some plays detailed on Sportscenter. That's out of the way - are the Falcons appearing to be far better than they actually are? Sportscenter pointed out their main play right now - a QB option. Basically Vick is looking to see if the LB's are playing the run on the inside or to the outside - if its on the inside, he takes off to the outside, if they are playing to the outside, he hands it off to Dunn who picks up some big yardage. This seems to be the bread and butter play of the offense (which has certainly worked quite well). The problem is this: how long will this work? NFL Teams are too good to let them run the same basic play over and over again. Eventually teams will figure out that the Falcons have given up on Vick being a QB and have turned him into the RB that we all know he is. There is certainly a defensive coordinator who will devise a gameplan to neutralize the dual running threat that is Vick & Dunn...</div> Kudos to Mora Jr. for having the guts to use this college offensive scheme in the NFL. Most situations, this wouldn't work...ever! But you have two guys who really fit the college game better than they ever have the pro game in Dunn and Vick. Nothing against Warrick Dunn. It's phenomenal what he's been able to do in the NFL at his size. He wasn't supposed to be able to do what he did, but he still fits the college game so much better. A team will eventually neutralize this play and Vick will eventually have to throw more than 15 times a game, but for right now it's a tough play to stop. There will be elite defenses that can stop it though, but not every team in the NFL will. There will be teams that this play will absolutely tear up only because of the speed of the two guys running the ball. The Falcons still will not win a Super Bowl or really contend for one until Vick can throw the ball though.
I think its a credit to Mora too to try something different to get a win or two....as long as he knows its only temporary. I think it stops when they run into a 3-4 defense or someone who has disguised blitzes like Pittsburgh. If you cant tell when the LBs are going to be for sure, or that run-stopping SS like an Ed Reed or Roy Williams, and that would help. Ultimately, this is playing right into both Vick's and Dunn's talents right now, so the longer they can pull this off, the better. Of course, their defense is giving them the opportunity too. Its not like the Falcons are scoring a lot.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (vikingfan)</div><div class='quotemain'>Before I go into this I need to offer this quick disclaimer - I have not had the opportunity to actually watch a Falcons game yet - all I've seen are highlights and some plays detailed on Sportscenter. That's out of the way - are the Falcons appearing to be far better than they actually are? Sportscenter pointed out their main play right now - a QB option. Basically Vick is looking to see if the LB's are playing the run on the inside or to the outside - if its on the inside, he takes off to the outside, if they are playing to the outside, he hands it off to Dunn who picks up some big yardage. This seems to be the bread and butter play of the offense (which has certainly worked quite well). The problem is this: how long will this work? NFL Teams are too good to let them run the same basic play over and over again. Eventually teams will figure out that the Falcons have given up on Vick being a QB and have turned him into the RB that we all know he is. There is certainly a defensive coordinator who will devise a gameplan to neutralize the dual running threat that is Vick & Dunn...</div> Urlacher nuetralizes this strategy by himself, since he can run with vick. I think other teams will use a speedier backer to stop it as well. They are using personel mismatch, which is great, til a team can match, or devise a strategy to stop. Obviously tampa saw film from first game and saw that play and still couldnt stop it. I guess it has to be right coordinator, and then everyone will copy
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Urlacher nuetralizes this strategy by himself, since he can run with vick. I think other teams will use a speedier backer to stop it as well.</div> It all comes down to tackling, essentially. Everyone who plays the Falcons KNOWS what they're going to do. They just need to make the plays. You're right about Urlacher. He's an exceptional tackler.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BearsFan1)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (vikingfan)</div><div class='quotemain'>Before I go into this I need to offer this quick disclaimer - I have not had the opportunity to actually watch a Falcons game yet - all I've seen are highlights and some plays detailed on Sportscenter. That's out of the way - are the Falcons appearing to be far better than they actually are? Sportscenter pointed out their main play right now - a QB option. Basically Vick is looking to see if the LB's are playing the run on the inside or to the outside - if its on the inside, he takes off to the outside, if they are playing to the outside, he hands it off to Dunn who picks up some big yardage. This seems to be the bread and butter play of the offense (which has certainly worked quite well). The problem is this: how long will this work? NFL Teams are too good to let them run the same basic play over and over again. Eventually teams will figure out that the Falcons have given up on Vick being a QB and have turned him into the RB that we all know he is. There is certainly a defensive coordinator who will devise a gameplan to neutralize the dual running threat that is Vick & Dunn...</div> Urlacher nuetralizes this strategy by himself, since he can run with vick. I think other teams will use a speedier backer to stop it as well. They are using personel mismatch, which is great, til a team can match, or devise a strategy to stop. Obviously tampa saw film from first game and saw that play and still couldnt stop it. I guess it has to be right coordinator, and then everyone will copy</div> The real question is can everyone copy what other teams do. Urlacher should do well against this defense although I wouldn't consider him as fast as Vick, but he takes the proper angles to catch him most of the time. I agree with Cowboy71 in that 3-4 defenses should be able to stop this with more success. I think the Cowboys are equipt to stop that play. They have big and quick OLB's and along with Roy Williams, they should contain the play fairly well. This is where the next stage for Vick has to come in. When teams are able to put the players in position to stop that play, can he complete a pass to Jenkins, White or Lelie to make them pay for scheming against that play? I'm not convinced he can. Atlanta has the WRs for deep play action passes with speedsters Lelie and White. Defensively, I love what the Falcons added this offseason. They have a very good OL with Kerney, Abraham, Grady Jackson and Rod Coleman. Keith Brooking has been overlooked the last couple of years as a great LB because of the lack of players around him. I'm a fan of Demorrio Williams as well. We all know what DeAngelo Hall and Lawyer Milloy can do. Jason Webster and Jimmy Williams have been nice CBs as a platoon on the other side of Hall for the first two games. I expect Williams to take over the position full time at some point. I originally had them barely missing the playoffs. They might be the favorite to win the division now if Steve Smith doesn't hurry up and get back for Carolina..
I had debated starting a thread similar to this about <u> Runnning the option in the NFL</u>. I read that the Titans have added some of the zone read/spread option aspects for Vince. As for Dale's "buddy", I joked a while back that Mora just ought to install the single wing. I would not even call what Atlanta does option based. Alex Smith IMO has progressed more towards becoming an NFL QB than Ron Mexico. Ironically, the Niners no longer run the WCO. It appears Norv Turner's scheme is just what AS needed. Gore and Vernon Davis apear to be beneficial Alex's development. Having Hartwell comeback as well as adding Milloy, J Williams, Abraham, and Grady Jackson was just what the Atlanta D needed. DeAngelo Hall, Kerney, & Brooking could not do it alone. The Media just loves doing Vick highlights. Have you heard Bradshaw just coo about #7? At one time, I swear Bradshaw was highly critical of Vick's style. I have the Falcons making the playoffs but exiting early.
Right now I like the Falcons to make a serious run. Pending who they play I think they can do a lot of damage and reach the Super Bowl. The Bears are the only team I really see giving Atlanta a lot of problem if they were to meet. I think Chicago could shut down Atlanta's run easily and force Vick to throw and beat them. Vick can't do that. Outside of the Bears I think Atlanta matches up on offense very good to a lot of the NFC teams. They took care of Carolina and Tampa Bay real easily. Those are 2 of your better defenses on paper in the NFL. Seattle, N.Y. Giants, Dallas, and Minnesota are the other teams I think are real hot as of late but Atlanta could match up well on them in my opinion. Right now like him or not, Vick is being used the right away and it's working. If Atlanta avoids Chicago in the playoffs, they have a real good chance to go the Super Bowl. Right now in my opinion Chicago and Atlanta are playing the best football in the NFC with Seattle and the Giants behind them.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (porky88)</div><div class='quotemain'>Right now I like the Falcons to make a serious run. Pending who they play I think they can do a lot of damage and reach the Super Bowl. The Bears are the only team I really see giving Atlanta a lot of problem if they were to meet. I think Chicago could shut down Atlanta's run easily and force Vick to throw and beat them. Vick can't do that. Outside of the Bears I think Atlanta matches up on offense very good to a lot of the NFC teams. They took care of Carolina and Tampa Bay real easily. Those are 2 of your better defenses on paper in the NFL. Seattle, N.Y. Giants, Dallas, and Minnesota are the other teams I think are real hot as of late but Atlanta could match up well on them in my opinion. Right now like him or not, Vick is being used the right away and it's working. If Atlanta avoids Chicago in the playoffs, they have a real good chance to go the Super Bowl. Right now in my opinion Chicago and Atlanta are playing the best football in the NFC with Seattle and the Giants behind them.</div> Thank you for giving the Falcons the respect they so rightfully deserve. I knew there was a reason I liked you. :thumbsup:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (JustBry07)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (porky88)</div><div class='quotemain'>Right now I like the Falcons to make a serious run. Pending who they play I think they can do a lot of damage and reach the Super Bowl. The Bears are the only team I really see giving Atlanta a lot of problem if they were to meet. I think Chicago could shut down Atlanta's run easily and force Vick to throw and beat them. Vick can't do that. Outside of the Bears I think Atlanta matches up on offense very good to a lot of the NFC teams. They took care of Carolina and Tampa Bay real easily. Those are 2 of your better defenses on paper in the NFL. Seattle, N.Y. Giants, Dallas, and Minnesota are the other teams I think are real hot as of late but Atlanta could match up well on them in my opinion. Right now like him or not, Vick is being used the right away and it's working. If Atlanta avoids Chicago in the playoffs, they have a real good chance to go the Super Bowl. Right now in my opinion Chicago and Atlanta are playing the best football in the NFC with Seattle and the Giants behind them.</div> Thank you for giving the Falcons the respect they so rightfully deserve. I knew there was a reason I liked you. :thumbsup:</div> And thanks for giving bears slightly more respect :thumbsup: i still dont like you HAHAHA j/k
Falcons have what wins championships. They can run the ball & they play tough on D. As much as we rip on Vick here he is a major cog in that runing game. I don't think the option can work in the long run, but it's an inovative idea by Mora. There's something to be said for a coach who isn't stubborn in his philosophy *coughmikemartzcough*
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (bakes781)</div><div class='quotemain'>Falcons have what wins championships. They can run the ball & they play tough on D. As much as we rip on Vick here he is a major cog in that runing game. I don't think the option can work in the long run, but it's an inovative idea by Mora. There's something to be said for a coach who isn't stubborn in his philosophy *coughmikemartzcough* </div> They could run the ball and play tough D last year. They didn't make the playoffs.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DolfanDale)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (bakes781)</div><div class='quotemain'>Falcons have what wins championships. They can run the ball & they play tough on D. As much as we rip on Vick here he is a major cog in that runing game. I don't think the option can work in the long run, but it's an inovative idea by Mora. There's something to be said for a coach who isn't stubborn in his philosophy *coughmikemartzcough* </div> They could run the ball and play tough D last year. They didn't make the playoffs.</div> Their D was not very good last year especially against the run. 22nd total D 26th run D 14th pass D 18th scoring D
