SB Nation Atlanta - Falcons Vs. Steelers: Passing Game, Jacquizz Rodgers Showcased In ATL Losshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46601/atlanta-fave.png2011-08-30T16:47:15-04:00http://atlanta.sbnation.com/rss/stream/21498702011-08-30T16:47:15-04:002011-08-30T16:47:15-04:00A Friendly Reminder: The Atlanta Falcons Are Playing Preseason Football
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Maybe a disproportionate level of expectations are thrust on <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/8/30/2393379/peter-king-predictions-2011-super-bowl-si-cover" target="_blank">teams picked to win the Super Bowl</a>, and if so, that's cool and the gang, because we'll fess to having never lived that high on the prognostication hog. But an increasing amount of <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Matt-Ryan-throws-42-passes-in-the-first-half-vs-?urn=nfl-wp6025" target="_blank">scrutiny from respectable outlets</a> has been levied against Matt Ryan, Mike Mularkey and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> following 42 pass attempts called in the first half of Atlanta's 34-19 loss at Pittsburgh.</p>
<p>Sure, <a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2011/8/28/2388922/when-pre-season-goes-wrong-a-falcons-steelers-recap" target="_blank">Atlanta looked alarmingly hapless</a> at times against a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> team assumed to be of equal prestige in 2011. Sure, the bulk of Ryan's 42 throws were errant, lacked timing with receivers and some even ended up scoring touchdowns for Pittsburgh, but, uh.... so what?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Falcons are in the process of following through on a promise to beleaguered fans and critics in revamping their passing attack to include those elusive "explosive plays" and justify the costly draft of <span>Julio Jones</span>. The <a href="http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/falcons-no-huddle-attack-1151057.html?cxtype=rss_sports_82014" target="_blank">AJC also noted</a> that Mularkey called for the no-huddle offense three times in the first half, something previously unseen this preseason.</p>
<p>That means passes on first down almost every time Ryan's been on the field. That means little interest in clock management and a bare bones use of starting running back <span>Michael Turner</span>. The return of <a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2011/8/29/2389803/why-harry-douglas-is-set-to-be-a-great-story-in-2011" target="_blank">would-be slot superstar Harry Douglas</a> and the addition of Jones means Ryan has keyed on both to develop timing and trust, leaving the reliable <span>Roddy White</span> and Tony Gonzalez practically ignored. </p>
<p>If Ryan throws 85 passes in the first half against Baltimore this week, so be it. Far too often we enter the preseason so starved for the game we love that we forget that sensible coaches often use exhibition games - in which outcomes have no lasting effect on the season - to fine tune and practice facets of particular schemes or certain plays, rather than PLAYTOWINTHEGAME. Besides, Peter King picked the Falcons to win the Super Bowl, and since September of 2010, <a href="http://host.madison.com/sports/football/professional/article_48610134-276d-11e0-9adc-001cc4c002e0.html" target="_blank">he's never been wrong picking world champions</a>.</p>
<p>But what's that? <a href="http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/falcons-secondary-is-primary-1149974.html" target="_blank">The secondary?</a> Yeah, uh, we've got no salve for that. Resume your widespread panic.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/8/30/2394096/a-friendly-reminder-the-atlanta-falcons-are-playing-preseason-footballSteven Godfrey2011-08-28T12:30:38-04:002011-08-28T12:30:38-04:00Falcons Vs Steelers Recap: Atlanta Still Sloppy In Preseason Loss
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Now don't get me wrong, the team showed alot of positives last night, as well. There were a few great individual performances, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> first-stringers kept pace with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> up until halftime. The Falcons may be 0-3 in the preseason, but that means absolutely nothing (if it makes you feel any better, the 2008 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a> went 4-0 in the preseason before finishing 0-16. True story!).</p>
<p>However, that doesn't mean the Falcons don't have areas they need to address. They still do. I think after tonight's game, however, the mistakes that were made could simply have been a case of preseason football. Dropped passes, penalties, and missteps in coverage can all pretty much be chalked up to simply a rough night all around. Let's look at specific performances:</p>
<p><b>Ray Edwards Played... I Guess</b><br>Edwards was very quiet in his preseason debut. He more or less didn't show up on the stat sheet, but there was maybe one time I remember seeing Ray scooting into the backfield and forcing a hurried Roethlisberger pass. I suppose it's good to hear that <a href="http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2011/08/28/ray-edwards-not-pleased-with-his-first-outing/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog" target="_blank">Edwards himself wasn't too happy with his performance</a>. Regardless, he'ss still shaking off the rust, we can only hope he continues to play himself back into game-shape.</p>
<p><b>The Secondary Was A Little Sluggish</b><br>Actually, the secondary was <i>really </i>sluggish. The two TD passes to <span>Antonio Brown</span> were both close plays in which <span>Brent Grimes</span> nearly came up with a pick, but Roethlisberger pretty much picked the Falcons apart all night. <span>Thomas DeCoud</span> was out of position on one TD play, and on another <span>Hines Ward</span> broke free of coverage and almost came up with another long score. <span>Dominique Franks</span> looked a little wide-eyed out there. Still, I'm not too worried, and this looks to be a talented group once they have a healthy <span>Dunta Robinson</span>.</p>
<p><b>The Falcons Have A Potent Passing Attack</b><br><span>Roddy White</span> finished with eight catches for 101 yards and a TD, <span>Julio Jones</span> made five grabs for 59 yards, and <span>Harry Douglas</span> caught three of his own for 31 yards. On the night, Matt Ryan went 22-for-42 for 220 yards, a touchdown and a pick. He wasn't immaculate, but also consider that two potential TD throws by Ryan were erased by a dropped pass and a penalty. This success, however, can mostly be credited to...</p>
<p><b>The Offensive Line Looking Much Better This Week</b><br>Although the first possession they looked a little overwhelmed, the O-line settled down quite nicely and gave Matty Ice good protection all game against one of the best pass rushes in the league. <span>Garrett Reynolds</span> had another nice game, as did Baker and Clabo. The group also paved the way for a couple of solid <span>Michael Turner</span> runs.</p>
<p><b>Jacquizz Rodgers Does It All</b><br>'Quizz carried the ball seven times for 38 yards in the second half, caught two passes for 12 yards, and blocked about as well as you could expect him to. He somehow managed to look shifty and tough at the same time. Yes, I realize this was against Steeler backups, but it's still worth mentioning.</p>
<p><b>A few more quick notes:</b><br>-- <span>Jonathan Babineaux</span> and <span>Vance Walker</span> each recorded a sack. It was a good night for the D-line.<br>-- <span>Matt Bryant</span> continues to be automatic, nailing all three of his field goal attempts in the game.<br>-- The kickoff coverage unit could use some extra practice. The Steelers had good position off kick returns all night long.<br>-- That said, <i>our </i>kick return unit looked good too. <span>Eric Weems</span> made a great cut on his way to a nice 48 yard punt return.<br>-- Sylvester Phillips fumbled in last night's game. Unfortunately, that'll probably cost him a job.<br>-- Neither <span>Antone Smith</span> nor <span>Gartrell Johnson</span> impressed either. Smith had a nice 19-yard catch and made a few tackles on special teams, so he might be slightly favored at this point.<br>-- <span>Reggie Kelly</span> didn't do much in his debut, save for incurring a false start penalty. The guy is here to block though, so I'm not expecting huge numbers or anything<br>-- <span>Michael Palmer</span> had a nice 19-yard catch and run in the third quarter. I'd like to see more of him next week.<br>-- No <span>Darrin Walls</span> appearances last night. Not necessarily a bad thing for fans of D-Walls.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Falcons, check out <a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com" target="_blank">The Falcoholic</a>.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/8/28/2389541/falcons-vs-steelers-recap-atlanta-still-sloppy-in-preseason-lossTurnerTheBurner2011-08-27T22:51:48-04:002011-08-27T22:51:48-04:00Falcons Vs. Steelers Final Score: Jacquizz Rodgers, Roddy White Shine In Fake Game Loss
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The three biggest plays of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 34-16 victory over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a>: a 77-yard touchdown from <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> to <span>Antonio Brown</span> that was nearly broken up by <span>Brent Grimes</span>, a 44-yard score to Brown that Grimes nearly picked off, and a 95-yard <span>Crezdon Butler</span> interception return of a <span>Chris Redman</span> pass.</p>
<p>Obsess over the score if you like, but Atlanta's first team hung with the AFC champs' first team, down by a score by the time backups came in. The Falcons put 405 yards on Pittsburgh, outgaining the Steelers by 85. Yayyy, preseason stats!</p>
<p>And no major Falcons injuries occurred, at least that we know of yet. Former Atlanta quarterback <span>Byron Leftwich</span> suffered a broken arm, however.</p>
<p>Falcons coaches definitely established the weekend's areas of focus. Matt Ryan passed 42 times in right around one half of play, throwing 220 yards and a pick but almost finding <span>Julio Jones</span> on a long bomb. <span>Roddy White</span> caught a 10-yard strike with <span>Troy Polamalu</span> in coverage and produced 101 yards on the day, with Jones adding 59.</p>
<p><span>Jacquizz Rodgers</span> was the star of the second half, putting up 50 squirrelly yards on nine touches, his most extensive activity yet. Considering he did some of that against Pittsburgh's starting defense, which might be the NFL's best, count his performance as one of the brightest spots of the preseason so far. We didn't get to see much of him in weeks one and two -- worth the wait? I'd say so.</p>
<p><span>Ray Edwards</span>' debut didn't feature anything eye-popping, but Atlanta's pass rush looked strong early on. <span>Jonathan Babineaux</span> and <span>Vance Walker</span> each contributed a sack.</p>
<p>Atlanta wraps up its preseason Thursday night against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Baltimore Ravens</a>.</p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">For more on the Falcons, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/" style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">The Falcoholic</a>. For more on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Steelers</a>, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Behind The Steel Curtain</a>.</i></span></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/8/27/2388968/falcons-vs-steelers-final-score-results-jacquizz-rodgersJason Kirk2011-08-27T22:02:03-04:002011-08-27T22:02:03-04:00Falcons Vs. Steelers Update: Jacquizz Rodgers Busts Out The Moves As Score Remains 24-16
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Well, the second-team <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> took the field in the third quarter, and performed about as well as I reasonably expected. Even the 2nd-string Steelers D is pretty tough. The Redman-led offense went to work, and Rojohombre has yet again been the efficient game-manager we all expect him to be. <span>Michael Palmer</span> had a really nice 19-yard catch and run on the first drive.</p>
<p>Then on the second offensive possession of the half, we got reacquainted with our friend <span>Jacquizz Rodgers</span>. He racked 30 yards on only five touches, and added in two catches for 12 yards just for good measure. Some runs he looked shifty as he busted to the outside, and others 'Quizz showed suprising power as took it up the middle against the backup Steeler defense. If he ends up being third-string, I'd call him the best No. 3 back in football. Good draft pick.</p>
<p>The defense was solid, and held the Steelers scoreless on their one possession of the quarter. While backup <span>Isaac Redman</span> had a few pretty successful runs, the rotating front four of the Falcons never really let Bryon Leftwich get settled enough to make a good throw. While we'll likely see more of the second-string teams next quarter, it will be interesting to see who gets playing time and who doesn't.</p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">For more on the Falcons, check out <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" target="_blank" href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/">The Falcoholic</a>. For more on the <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>, check out <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Behind The Steel Curtain</a></i></span></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/8/27/2388853/atlanta-falcons-pittsburgh-steelers-score-update-preseason-gameTurnerTheBurner2011-08-27T21:23:46-04:002011-08-27T21:23:46-04:00Falcons Vs. Steelers: Antonio Brown Scores Twice On Near Brent Grimes Picks
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>You know that feeling you get when you smell some homemade cooking in the oven as you get home? You know it's there, and you just can't wait until dinner. That's exactly how I feel about this <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> offense. They're already looking pretty strong against one of the best defenses in the NFL, and I am <i>really </i>excited about the prospect of watching this group come regular season.</p>
<p>Taking the field after the defense had just allowed a 77-yard TD pass, the offensive unit again went to work and calmly, methodically marched its collective way down to the red zone yet again. Ryan hooked up with <span>Julio Jones</span> twice for 32 yards, and also connected with Roddy, Gonzalez and <span>Harry Douglas</span> on the drive.The Falcons made it all the way down to the two-yard line, and just as it seemed Ryan had completed the game-tying TD pass to Gonzalez, the play was called back due to an interference penalty.</p>
<p>So, again the Falcons settled for a field goal as <span>Matt Bryant</span> made it two for two on the night. What's worth noting on that drive, however, is that we saw Ryan go long to Julio on a deep post route to the end zone. The pass was incomplete, but it just shows you how dangerous this offense can be. A 'la <span>Roddy White</span>, "you can't cover all of us."</p>
<p>For the secondary, it's just been a tough night. The Falcons defense had Pittsburgh in a 3rd-and-10 and <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> again went deep to <span>Antonio Brown</span>. The pass, nearly picked off by Grimes, somehow floated over two Falcon defenders and Pittsburgh was credited with a 44-yard touchdown pass.</p>
<p>The Falcons offense took the field once more before halftime, and Ryan was able to hook up with Roddy a couple of times on third down and push the offense into field goal range. Matt Bryant nailed a 46-yarder, making him a perfect three-for-three on the night. The offense was at the very least able to come away with points and finish their night on a high note.</p>
<p>As the first half comes to a close, Ryan finishes his night with a respectable 22-for-42, 220 yard performance (1 TD, 1 INT). Roddy White has already racked up eight catches for 101 yards, and his new partner in crime Julio Jones grabbed five catches of his own, good for 59 yards. While the ground game was pretty quiet, this Falcons passing attack is looking like quite potent against a notoriously tough Steelers defense.</p>
<p>On the negative side, the secondary could stand to tighten things up a bit. I understand Roethlisberger is a good quarterback, but I wouldn't exactly mistake Antonio Brown for Larry Fitzgerald, either. Falcons trail 24-16 at halftime. Bring on the backups!</p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">For more on the Falcons, check out <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" target="_blank" href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/">The Falcoholic</a>. For more on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>, check out <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Behind The Steel Curtain</a></i></span></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/8/27/2388785/atlanta-falcons-pittsburgh-steelers-score-update-preseason-gameTurnerTheBurner2011-08-27T20:43:26-04:002011-08-27T20:43:26-04:00Falcons Vs Steelers Update: Roddy White, Offense Looking Sharp As Atlanta Trails 17-10
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> offense took over trailing 10-0, and put together a great drive that probably <i>should have</i> ended in a touchdown. Matt Ryan ran the no-huddle and relied on the devastating receiving combo of <span>Roddy White</span> and <span>Julio Jones</span>, hitting Roddy twice for 35 yards and Julio twice for 22 yards. He also mixed in a couple of solid runs by Turnelling (Turner + Snelling = Turnelling?).</p>
<p>The Falcons took the ball all the way to the Pittsburgh 5-yard line, and Ryan had <span>Harry Douglas</span> wide open in the corner of the end zone. Alas, the pass was a little high and Douglas couldn't quite come down with it. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> D held strong and limited the Falcons to a 23-yard <span>Matt Bryant</span> field goal, cutting the Falcon deficit to 10-3.</p>
<p>On the following drive the Falcons defensive line showed up big once again as <span>Vance Walker</span> applied the pressure and sack of Big Ben, Atlanta's second one of the night. That put the Steelers into another third and long, one that the Falcons almost blew as Hines Wards broke free of coverage and nearly got his hands on a deep Roethlisberger pass. </p>
<p>Still, it was a great start to the second quarter for the Falcons. The defense came up with yet another stop, and return man extraordinaire <span>Eric Weems</span> followed up that defensive stand with a beautiful 48-yard return to the Pittsburgh 38.</p>
<p>Set up with good field position, Matt Ryan quickly went to work and marched the Falcons offense all the way down the field, capped off by a 10-yard TD pass to the one and only Roddy White. Ryan has looked stronger as the game has worn on, and this drive he really utilized all of his weapons, completing two passes to Harry Douglas, one to Tony Gonzalez and the TD pass to Roddy that tied the game up 10-10. If Ryan can get good protection, this offense can be really special.</p>
<p>However, that score deadlock didn't last long as Roethlisberger hit <span>Antonio Brown</span> for a 77-yard touchdown pass. Brown beat out the usually unflappable <span>Brent Grimes</span> on a seam route, and as <span>Thomas DeCoud</span> went for the pick and failed, no one was going to beat Brown as he took it to the house. Falcons trail 17-10.</p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">For more on the Falcons, check out <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/" target="_blank">The Falcoholic</a>. For more on the Steelers, check out <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" target="_blank">Behind The Steel Curtain</a></i></span></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/8/27/2388740/falcons-vs-steelers-update-roddy-white-offense-looking-sharp-asTurnerTheBurner2011-08-27T20:14:05-04:002011-08-27T20:14:05-04:00Falcons Vs Steelers Score: Atlanta Trailing 10-0 After Goal-Line Stand
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>After looking a little shell-shocked during the first <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> possession, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> defense settled down and stood strong, forcing a quick three-and-out. Pittsburgh found themselves in a third-and-long situation, and a combination of Abe and Babineaux put the pressure on and brought the big-bodied Roethlisberger down for a sack.</p>
<p>The offense, however, did not quite have the same success. After an 11-yard <span>Michael Turner</span> run on first down, things looked to be going in the right direction. However, the Steelers have been getting their hands on passes all night, and on third down a tipped pass landing in the hands of <span>Lawrence Timmons</span>, who return the ball all the way to the Atlanta four-yard line.</p>
<p>Following that interception, the Steelers offense trotted onto the field looking for a quick score. But the Falcons defense had other plans, and came up with a big goal-line stand, holding the Steelers to only a field goal. </p>
<p>Outside of that first drive, this Falcons defense is looking very strong against a darn good Pittsburgh offense. I like what I see out of Mike Smith's group.</p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">For more on the Falcons, check out <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" target="_blank" href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/">The Falcoholic</a>. For more on the Steelers, check out <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" target="_blank" href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Behind The Steel Curtain</a></i></span></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/8/27/2388726/atlanta-falcons-pittsburgh-steelers-score-preseason-game-statsTurnerTheBurner2011-08-27T19:59:06-04:002011-08-27T19:59:06-04:00Falcons Vs Steelers: Pittsburgh Quickly Up 7-0 After Short TD Drive
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Well, we're under way in Pittsburgh, and if the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> actually <i>did </i>do any sort of gameplanning for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>, the first two drives of the game did not show it.</p>
<p>On the game's opening kickoff, the Steelers got a 51-yard return from WR <span>Antonio Brown</span>. Brown would have gone all the way if it weren't for the TD-saving tackle made by <span>Matt Bosher</span>. However, that tackle was ruled a horse collar, allowing the Steelers to start with the ball on the Atlanta 35-yard line.</p>
<p>With that, it only took <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> & Co. three plays to make it into the endzone. Two were the actually the same play- a bootleg pass to backup TE David Johnson- and then <span>Rashard Mendenhall</span> capped off the drive with a 1-yard TD run.</p>
<p>On the offensive side of the ball, the pass protection again looked a little confused out there. At least two times Steeler defenders went untouched on their way our QB, forcing Matty Ice to rush his throws a little bit. Other than a nice 12-yard completion to <span>Roddy White</span>, however, the Pittsburgh D was everywhere in pass coverage.</p>
<p>But really, what do you expect from the Steelers? Not a cakewalk, clearly.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Falcons, check out <a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com" target="_blank">The Falcoholic</a>. For more on the Steelers, check out <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com" target="_blank">Behind The Steel Curtain</a>.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2011/8/27/2388704/atlanta-falcons-pittsburgh-steelers-preseason-game-scoreTurnerTheBurner