Falcons Vs. Titans: Michael Turner, Atlanta Outlast Tennessee

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Sam Baker Injury Update: Falcons LT Still Having Issues With Back, Questionable For Sunday Vs. Vikings

Starting left tackle Sam Baker was inactive Sunday for the Falcons. While Atlanta was able to eek out a 23-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, the ability to protect franchise quarterback Matt Ryan and plow holes for Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner hasn't been as easy in recent weeks.

Mike Smith spoke about Baker at length in his weekly press conference, including an update on Sam's progress:

"Sam was worked with this morning. The guys that didn't play in the game have already all worked with our athletic performance staff this morning, have gotten a workout. Sam practiced on a limited basis and we'll continue to see how he progresses. We think, because he's been able to increase his workload each and every day that he will continue to increase that workload and get back to full speed." -- Mike Smith

On the left tackle position and whether there has been a decision on the starter with Baker healthy:

"Again, we're not going to make that determination until we get Sam back out there on the field." -- Mike Smith

The Falcons will do their best to prepare Will Svitek or Sam Baker for their next battle, a date with the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in Minneapolis.

For more insights about the Falcons, check out the SB Nation blog The Falcoholic.

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Falcons Vs. Titans Highlights: Michael Turner, Jake Locker And Stifling Defense

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Falcons Playoff Picture: Exactly Why Is Atlanta Relegated To The Wildcard Race?

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NFC South Report: Roddy White, Fat Guy Touchdowns, And The Panthers

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Michael Turner Week 11 Fantasy Update

Falcons' running back Michael Turner rewarded his fantasy owners with his fifth 100 yard rushing effort of the season finishing with 21 carries for 100 yards and a touchdown. Turner's four yard scoring run on Atlanta's first drive of the second half extended their lead 20-3 in their eventual 23-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. 

Turner lost one fumble in the game but made up for it with a 27 yard run that helped the Falcons to run out the clock and preserve the victory. Sunday's 100 yard effort from Turner was his 24th in an Atlanta uniform which is No. 1 all-time in team history. 

For the season, Turner is closing in on 200 carries and 900 yards and barring injury should eclipse the 1,000 yard barrier for the third time in his four seasons with the Falcons. 

For more on Michael Turner's performance against the Titans be sure to check out The Falcoholic and Music City Miracles.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Roddy White Week 11 Fantasy Update

Atlanta Falcons' wide receiver Roddy White stepped up with a big game in the absence of Julio Jones who sat out this game with an injury. White finished with seven catches for 147 yards but was held out of the end zone in Atlanta's 23-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. 

White's 147 yards was the most he has gained in a game this season eclipsing the 140 yards he had against Tampa Bay earlier. The seven receptions is his third best performance of the season. Sunday's game was just the second 100 yard game for White this season. 

With Jones missing from the Falcons' offense, quarterback Matt Ryan relied on White and tight end Tony Gonzalez to make plays in the passing game. Ryan targeted White 14 times in the game so the potential was there for an even bigger game from the wide receiver. 

For more on Roddy White's performance against the Titans be sure to check out The Falcoholic and Music City Miracles.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Falcons Vs. Titans Update: Birds Hold 23-10 Advantage As Jake Locker Enters The Mix

Early in the dreaded third quarter it was more of the same for the Falcons. After a drive that would've stalled at Atlanta's 40 was kept alive by a Tennessee penalty, Matt Ryan would throw an absolutely beautiful strike to Roddy White into double coverage for a 43-yard gain. Three plays later, the big man Michael Turner would punch it in for the touchdown to put the Dirty Birds up 20-3.

After converting on a fourth-and-one on their next offensive possession, the Falcons would drive all the way to the Tennessee five and ultimately settle for a field goal, extending the lead to 23-3. Atlanta continued to shut down the Titans passing game- in part thanks to two tipped passes by Jonathan Babineaux- and when Hasselbeck would leave the game with an injury, all hope for the Titans seemed lost.

And then inexplicably, rookie first-round pick Jake Locker would come into the game and do what Tennessee had not been able to all day with Hasselbeck at the helm: score a touchdown. On a three play scoring drive, Locker would complete two of three for 48 yards and a touchdown. The 40-yard TD strike to Nate Washington should have been limited, but somehow both Thomas DeCoud and Chris Owens took bad angles trying to tackle Washington.

However, following another offensive possession by Atlanta, which produced almost nothing yardage-wise, the Falcons were able to continue shutting down Chris Johnson and keep Locker in check. This time around, he would only complete two passes for 12 yards. The coverage was much improved, and any chance at a comeback crisis will be averted with another score here.

In any case, the Falcons should walk away with a win today (I fervently hope so).

For more insights about the Titans, check out the SB Nation blog Music City Miracles. For more insights about the Falcons, check out the SB Nation blog The Falcoholic.

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

VIDEO: Jake Locker's First NFL Touchdown Comes Against Falcons, Because Of Course

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

VIDEO: Roddy White Catch Makes Up For A Drop Or Two

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Falcons Vs. Titans Halftime Score: Dominant Defense Has Dirty Birds Up 13-3 At The Half

In the second quarter, it was more of the same for both teams: more dominance on both sides by the Falcons, and more mistakes and penalties by the Titans. Honestly, at some points it looks as if the Titans have already given up. But for the Falcons, it's been a display of sheer excellence thus far.

Just how dominant have the Falcons been on defense this half? Well outside of their final drive, the Titans have yet to run a single play on the Falcons side of the field. Chris Johnson has been limited to only 12 yards on nine carries. Multiple tackles behind the line of scrimmage combined with some pretty steady pressure on Hasselbeck has kept them in third-and-long situations all day.

On offense, both possession found their way into Tennessee territory, but a couple of miscues prevented any chances of scoring a TD. With two minutes left, the Falcons were driving very quickly and appeared as if they would put this game out of reach early. However, a well thrown ball to Tony Gonzalez was dropped (his first pass in a long time), and the Falcons would elect to punt.

Then with about one minute left in the half, Hasselbeck essentially check-downed the Falcons to death and ultimately got into Rob Bironas field goal range. His kick would hold true, and the Titans would finally put some points on the board and end the shutout.

Still, defensively this is probably the best we've seen this unit play all season (outside of perhaps the Colts). If the Falcons can score early out of the gate in the next half, we should see Atlanta put this game out of reach.

For more insights about the Titans, check out the SB Nation blog Music City Miracles. For more insights about the Falcons, check out the SB Nation blog The Falcoholic.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Falcons Vs. Titans Update: Matt Ryan, Tony Gonzalez Connect As Falcons Lead 10-0

The Falcons came into this game knowing that should they prove effective in stopping star running back Chris Johnson, they'd have a great shot at the win. Well on the game's first drive, the defense was able to do just that. Jonathan Babineaux was able to tackle Johnson for a four yard loss on first down, and the Titans never really could get anything going and went three and out.

After a poor Titans punt went out of bounds on the Falcons side of the 50, the Falcons got things going with a nice 15-yard run by Michael Turner. Soon afterwards, well... Tony Gonzalez just completely took over. Matt Ryan found Gonzalez on three consecutive passing plays for a total of 39 yards, including a 17-yard strike that would give the Falcons a 7-0 lead very early in this ball game.

Coming off last week's tough overtime loss to the Saints, this is exactly how you want to start the game if you're the Falcons. Even better, the Titans offense would remain ineffective the second time around. Though Matt Hasselbeck was able to make a few nice throws over the middle against Atlanta's secondary, Dunta Robinson made a better one when he picked off the Titans QB around midfield.

So back on offense once more, the Falcons would continue their success, this time on the back of Michael Turner. An offsides penalty would keep the drive alive that otherwise would've stalled at the 40, and after a 12-yard completion to Roddy White the Falcons would end the quarter in a third-and-goal situation on the one-yard line.

Alas, the Titans would stop Turner inches short of the goal line, and Mike Smith would settle for a field goal. The Falcons now lead 10-0 after a strong start in this one.

For more insights about the Titans, check out the SB Nation blog Music City Miracles. For more insights about the Falcons, check out the SB Nation blog The Falcoholic.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Tony Gonzalez Week 11 Fantasy Update: A Must Start In Your Fantasy Lineup

Matt Ryan has had to deal with a ton of inconsistency on his offense all season. The peaks and valleys of Michael Turner and the running game. The injuries that have ravaged rookie wide receiver Julio Jones all season. The drops that have plagued star wideout Julio Jones.

The one constant? Future hall of famer Tony Gonzalez being the reliable receiver option for the Falcons offense.

From a fantasy perspective, Gonzalez will be pitted against a Tennessee defense that has given up the 7th most fantasy points to Tight Ends this season. In fact, the Titans are giving up the 4th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends over the last five weeks.

Let Tony Gonzalez cook.

Per Numberfire,Gonzalez is projected to get 4 catches and 50 yards. I'd suspect a bigger game than that for the former Cal power forward.

For more insights about the Titans, check out the SB Nation blog Music City Miracles. For more insights about the Falcons, check out the SB Nation blog The Falcoholic.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Roddy White Week 11 Fantasy Update: With No Julio Jones, Roddy White To See Plenty Of Targets

With the news that rookie wide receiver Julio Jones out for the Atlanta Falcons versus the Tennessee Titans, Matt Ryan will have to rely on the tried and true receiver that he's leaned on for the majority of his career in Roddy White. 

While its been somewhat of a down season for the standards that have been set by White, today could be a breakout game. An interesting note about White versus AFC foes from Yahoo Sports:

WR Roddy White has 53 catches for 766 yards (127.7 per game) and seven touchdowns in the past six games against AFC teams. He has gone over 100 yards in five of those six games.

Be on the lookout for Harry Douglas to get a ton of touches as well underneath, as that is his specialty working from the slot.

The Falcons and the Titans kickoff at 4:15pm ET.

For more insights about the Titans, check out the SB Nation blog Music City Miracles. For more insights about the Falcons, check out the SB Nation blog The Falcoholic.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Titans Vs. Falcons Injury Report: Julio Jones Will Not Play Vs. Tennessee

The Atlanta Falcons will be without the services of their phenom rookie wide receiver Julio Jones due to a lingering hamstring injury. Harry Douglas will start in his place versus the Tennessee Titans at 4:15 p.m. ET on Sunday.

For the Titans, wide receiver Nate Washington has been dealing with an illness over the past week. He is slated to suit up and be available, but head coach Mike Munchak has leaned on former USC wide receiver Damian Williams to step in for Washington.

Here is the Falcons Vs. Titans Injury Report for Week 11:

For more insights about the Titans, check out the SB Nation blog Music City Miracles. For more insights about the Falcons, check out the SB Nation blog The Falcoholic.

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NFL Picks, Week 11: Titans-Falcons, Buccaneers-Packers, Eagles-Giants And More

There are spreads big and small in the NFL's Week Eleven, and money to be made with all of them. Walk the minefield with care, though, and pay attention to the starting quarterbacks - don't get blown up by a Skelton, Palko or Young.

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Titans Vs. Falcons: Time, TV Schedule, Radio Streaming And More

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Falcons Fantasy Football Start 'Em/Sit 'Em, Week 11: A Remarkably Average Defense

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Titans Injury Report, Week 11: Barrett Ruud Questionable For Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons will be facing a Tennessee Titans team that is near full strength this Sunday in NFL Week 11 action. But a few players are questionable for this weekend's match-up.

The only player who is out for Tennessee is defensive end Dave Ball, who is recovering from a concussion. But the Titans injury report has three players listed as questionable on it, including linebacker Barrett Ruud, who is third on the team in tackles.

Ruud, who has a groin injury, is one of three linebackers on Tennessee's injury report. Colin McCarthy and Gerald McRath are the two others.

Tennessee is coming off a dominant performance against the Cam Newton-led Carolina offense in Week 10. The Titans held the Panthers to just a field goal in a 30-3 victory. But Ruud didn't play in that contest, either.

Here's the full Titans injury report for Week 11:

OUT: Defensive end Dave Ball (concussion).

DOUBTFUL: none.

QUESTIONABLE: Linebacker Barrett Ruud (groin), linebacker Gerald McRath (hamstring), linebacker Colin McCarthy (knee).

PROBABLE: Wide receiver Nate Washington (illness).

For more on the Falcons, head to The Falcoholic; for more on the Titans, visit Music City Miracles.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Falcons Injury Report, Week 11: William Moore Out, Julio Jones Questionable For Titans

The Atlanta Falcons may be diminished in their capacity to throw and stop the pass on Sunday against the Titans. Two key Atlanta players showed up on the Falcons' Week 11 injury report.

The only Atlanta player who will be out for Sunday's game with the Titans is playmaking safety William Moore, whose quadricep injury kept him out of practice all week . The most important player on the list, though, is probably wide receiver Julio Jones, whose hamstring injury kept him out of practice. He's listed as questionable for the Falcons' Week 11 match-up with their second AFC South opponent of the 2011 NFL season.

Offensive tackle Sam Baker is also listed as questionable for Sunday's game.

Here's the full Falcons injury report for Week 11:

OUT: Safety William Moore (quadricep).

DOUBTFUL: none.

QUESTIONABLE: Wide receiver Julio Jones (hamstring), offensive tackle Sam Baker (back).

PROBABLE: Defensive end John Abraham (held out of practice for reasons not injury related), wide receiver Harry Douglas (thigh), defensive end Ray Edwards (knee), cornerback Brent Grimes (knee), center Todd McClure (held out of practice for reasons not injury related), running back Antone Smith (knee), running back Jason Snelling (hamstring), and linebacker Curtis Lofton (ankle).

For more on the Falcons, head to The Falcoholic; for more on the Titans, visit Music City Miracles.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Falcons Vs. Titans: Stopping Chris Johnson Key For Atlanta Defense

It has been a disappointing season for Tennessee running back Chris Johnson but he still has Falcons' head coach Mike Smith's full attention heading into Sunday's match up. 

He's a guy that you have to make sure that you get multiple pads on him and it's going to be very important, as I said yesterday, to leverage the football.  He's a guy that can go however long the field is on that particular down at any time. He's super-fast. Chris is a very fast running back, maybe the fastest running back in the league. Again, they use him a little bit differently than the way that the guy we played last week [Darren Sproles]. He's going to be a guy that will run the ball inside the tackles. Last week, we knew that the ball was going to be on the perimeter, but Chris can run between the tackles and outside. It's going to be good for us in terms of having that type of speed out there on the field last week and it'll be some carryover to this week.

After rushing for over 1,300 yards last season, Johnson has just 496 this season. He is coming off of his best performance of the season rushing for 130 yards last week against Carolina. Johnson has two 100+ yard rushing efforts this season and its no coincidence that the Titans have won both of those match ups. The Falcons are tied for third place in the NFL in rushing defense allowing just 90.3 yards per game. 

For more on the Falcons, visit The Falcholic. For more on their opponent this weekend, theTennessee Titans, visit Music City Miracles. 

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Julio Jones Injury: More Bad Luck, Or Downside Of Falcons Trading Up?

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Falcons Vs. Titans: Remember Derrick Morgan?

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Falcons Vs. Titans Injury Updates: Julio Jones, William Moore Out Again

The injury status for two of the Atlanta Falcons' key players -- rookie WR Julio Jones and third-year S William Moore -- is still in the air for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans:

FalconsJAdams Jay Adams 

Coach Smith reported today that Julio Jones and William Moore did not practice again. Tomorrow will tell the tale for them. #atlten11

11 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Jones has battled a hamstring injury all season, and after returning to score the first two TD's of his NFL career against Indianapolis, re-injured it in the second half of the Falcons loss to the Saints last Sunday.

Moore, a Missouri product whom Atlanta drafted in the 2nd round of the 2009 Draft, was not active against New Orleans due to a quadriceps injury. In eight games this year, Moore has 32 tackles, four pass deflections and one interception. 

The good news for the Falcons is that both injuries come in the passing game, which may not be essential against a Titans team that starts Matt Hasselbeck at QB and rank 19th in the NFL in points scored.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Tennesse Titans Injury Report, Week 11: LB Gerald McRath And DE Dave Ball Miss Practice

The Titans come into Sunday's matchup versus the Atlanta Falcons relatively healthy and a new outlook on their season after news that the division leading Houston Texans will be without the services of starting quarterback Matt Schaub. If Tennessee can keep winning, and the Texans begin to struggle, they can make up some ground in the AFC South divisional race.

Which makes the non-conference battle between the Titans and the Atlanta Falcons all the more impactful. Tennessee is healthy, but a few key players are dinged up. Per John Glennon of The Tennessean: 

Linebacker Gerald McRath missed practice Wednesday because of a hamstring injury he suffered Sunday in Carolina. Defensive end Dave Ball, who sat out the Carolina game because of a concussion, also missed.

Coach Mike Munchak said McRath may return to practice on Thursday, but that a decision on Ball probably wouldn’t be made until later in the week.

Here is the breakout of the Wednesday injury report for the Tennessee Titans:

Player

• DE Dave Ball (concussion) DNP
• LB Gerald McRath (hamstring) DNP
• LB Barrett Ruud (groin) FP

Legend

LP: Limited participation in practice
FP: Full participation
DNP: Did not practice

For more insights about the Titans, check out the SB Nation blog Music City Miracles. For more insights about the Falcons, check out the SB Nation blog The Falcoholic. For more news on the NFL, check out the SB Nation NFL hub page.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Atlanta Falcons Injury Report, Week 11: The Old Men Don't Practice On Wednesdays

Sometimes you've got to let old men just be old men and let them have their way. For the Atlanta Falcons, seeing John Abraham, Todd McClure and Tony Gonzalez on the injury report has become customary for the organization. There's nothing to question about seeing them on the list, because you know when the ball is snapped you'll see all three line up in their respective positions.

They are secondary foundation of the team, outside of superstars Matt Ryan and Roddy White, they are the integral pieces of the squad. So let them have their day of rest, you'll see them on the field Sunday versus the Tennessee Titans.

Here is the breakout of the Wednesday injury report for the Atlanta Falcons:

Legend

LP: Limited participation in practice
FP: Full participation
DNP: Did not practice

For more insights about the Titans, check out the SB Nation blog Music City Miracles. For more insights about the Falcons, check out the SB Nation blog The Falcoholic. For more news on the NFL, check out the SB Nation NFL hub page.

• over 1 year ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Julio Jones Injury Update: Atlanta Falcons Rookie WR Misses Another Practice

Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Julio Jones missed practice on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury that he aggravated on Sunday against the Saints. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter:

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Falcons Fantasy Football Projections, Week 11: Julio Jones Hurt, Harry Douglas Finally Emerges

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Falcons Vs. Titans Odds, Spread: Bettors Back Atlanta Over Upstart Titans

• over 1 year ago
• Article
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

NFL Playoff Picture 2011: Falcons Still Up For Wild Card Run

• almost 2 years ago
• Update
• 0 comments

1. Link
2. Facebook
3. Twitter

Falcons Schedule 2011: Titans Matchup Marks A (Slightly) Easier Stretch For The Falcons

After facing the Colts and Saints in back to back weeks following the team's week 8 bye, the schedule does ease up for the Falcons, if only a little bit. With the Titans, Vikings, Panthers and Jaguars all on the schedule in those five weeks following Saints-mageddon, that's four games Atlanta should be able win if the 2011 Falcons are who we think they are.

The Titans are clearly a team in transition. A new head coach in Mike Munchak, two new coordinators, and a new QB of the future in Jake Locker. However, it's pretty likely this season the Falcons will see vet Matt Hasselbeck leading a Chris Johnson-powered offense. Well, if CJ2K actually signs a contract this season that is.

THE SKINNY
Record: Finished 6-10, missed playoffs in 2010
Last Meeting: October 7, 2007 (Falcons lost 20-13, despite three Vince Young INT's)
Notable Additions: LB Barrett Ruud, QB Matt Hasselbeck, S Jordan Babineaux, TE Daniel Graham
Notable Losses: QB Kerry Collins, QB Vince Young, WR Randy Moss, LB Stephen Tulloch, LB David Thornton, DE Jason Babin

Regardless if Every Coach's Dream is playing in this one or not, I think the Falcons should be able to handle the Titans. This is really one of the only "easy" games on the schedule, so it's absolutely imperative for Atlanta to take care of business in this one.

While I have no doubt that Munchak is a good coach and should be a good fit for Tennessee, the Titans simply don't have enough options on the offensive side of the ball to do much. The oft-injured Hasselbeck has been pretty mediocre these past few years. If this Falcons defense can shut down the running game (something they've been pretty good at) I wouldn't expect any trouble in this one. Really, it's as simple as that.

The defense wasn't much better last season, either. The unit ranked No. 29 in pass defense in 2010, and that is exactly what Ryan & Co. will attack. I don't want to come off as arrogant and call this one a blowout, as any team is capable of winning on any given Sunday. That's what makes the NFL exciting. However, on paper this matchup looks as winnable as any. Hopefully the Falcons can take care of business and power onward.

For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic. For more on the Titans, check out Music City Miracles.