Flying back to Glory - An Atlanta Falcons Dynasty

[cabowers]

Wk 1 @ Bills

I won the toss and decided to kick the ball with the wind to my back.

On the first play of the game Marshawn Lynch took the ball to the outside before barging over Renaldo Moon and goin 80 yards for the score.

ATL 0 BUF 7

Josj Johnson started to impersonate a competent QB with a couple of decent completions but he wasn't helped by a big drop on 3rd down by Martrez Milner, meaning we had to punt

On the Bills next possession, Renaldo Moon made up for his missed tackle with an INT setting the Falcons up on the Bills 32.

Josh Johnson took a sack before having to dump the ball off to TE Sean Riley when Doucett was clear in the back of the Bills endzone. 3rd and 13. Johnson took the snap before moving to his right slightly, he fired the ball to Roddy White who sidestepped a tackle for a 34 TD.

ATL 7 BUF 7

The Falcons stood firm despite a gain of 9 on the Bills 1st down.

Johnson again proved competent eventually finding Roddy White for a 29 yard TD, but White dropped the ball when open and on the one yard line, meaning we has to settle for a 46 yard FG from Serna.

ATL 10 BUF 7

The Bills run game continued to damage moving the ball to my 26 before we came up with some stops forcing a 46 yard FG of their own.

ATL 10 BUF 10

Josh Johnson continued to prove that Coach Carter was right in naming him the starter, moving the Falcons down the field before finding Sean RIley for a 10 yard TD pass.

ATL 17 BUF 10

Buffalo again started to drive before rookie Renaldo Moon stepped in front of his 2nd pass of the day setting the Falcons up on the Buffalo 48.

The Bills decided now was the time to pressure Johnson forcing 2 sacks and an incompletion meaning the Falcons had to punt.

The Bills were forced into a 3rd and 5 when Trent Edwards lofted a bomb downfield. Eugene Wilson mistimed his jump which resulted in an easy catch and run for the TD from Mario Manningham

ATL 17 BUF 17

Johnson moved the ball well in the 2 minute drill but again a dropped pass, this time in the endzone from Marques Coulston meant we had to settle for a 41 yard FG.

ATL 20 BUF 17

As the half winded down, Eugene Wilson went behind the receiver looking the pick, however the receiver picked the ball out the air and took it the rest of the way.

ATL 20 BUF 24 at the half.

The Falcons started the second half with Johnson finding receivers but they were unable to bring the ball in even though they were open.

The Bills moved into the redzone but they my defence eventually held firm forcing a FG.

ATL 20 BUF 27

Johnson produced his first poor series not getting the ball anywhere near a receiver on 3 throws.

The Bills began to move the ball but I created a couple of blitzes and tthey produced a sack and a hurried throw forcing the Bills to punt.

Johnson however couldn't take advantage going long for Sean Riley but being picked off in the process.

The Bills again reached the redzone but we again held firm forcing another FG.

ATL 20 BUF 30

Johnson was again picked as he tried to avoid a blitz setting the Bills up on my 12.

This time the Bills got into the endzone to all but end the game

ATL 20 BUF 37

Johnson gained a decent amount on the ground on first down before going for the big play and being picked off for the third time. This led to him being benched in favour of Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers was put straight into the fire when Eugene Wilson came up with a pick of his own.

Rodgers immediately overthrew Coulston but on his next throw found Sean Riley who broke a tackle and went 68 yards for the TD.

ATL 27 BUF 37

A failed onside kick put the Bills in decent field position allowing them to move down methodically before finding the endzone again.

ATL 27 BUF 44

Aaron Rodgers tried to get something going before failing on 4th down.

The defence finally held firm forcing a punt.

Rodgers drove down the field with help from a couple of penalties, before Jerious Norwood powered into the endzone.

ATL 34 BUF 44

The Bills recovered the onside kick but were unable to move the chains meaning a FG which was no good.

Rodgers took voer and moved the Falcons down the field finding the endzone with 24 seconds left

ATL 41 BUF 44

Buffalo however recovered the onside kick and knelt out the clock.

ATL 41 BUF 44 at the end

J.Johnson - 17/39 for 192 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs
A.Rodgers - 10/21 for 224 yards, 2 TDs
J.Norwood - 9 carries for 37 yards, TD
S.Riley - 8 catches for 143 yards, 2 TDs
C.Douglas - 4 TACKs, 2 TFLs, 2 Sacks
C.Campbell - 4 TACKs, 2 TFLs, 2 Sacks
R.Moon - 3 TACKS, 1 TFL, 2 INTs

Coach Carters Thoughts
We gave up too much on the ground. Lynch gained nearly 200 yards which is unacceptable. Because of this we just weren't able to get going. Johnson looked good in the first half but he slumped in the second. Aaron came in and looked good and next week in practice will be interesting.

Injuries
Martrez Miller - Sprained Knee - 2-3 weeks

[cabowers]

Wk 2 Vs Lions

The Falcons won the toss and elected to receive.

Johnson made a couple of decent throws before overthrowing Coulston straight into the arms of the Panthers FS.

The Falcons defence improved from last week and held the Lions.

The Falcons were moving well with Jerious Norwood on the ground but when Johnson went to the air he was again picked off.

The Lions however couldn't get out of their own 5 and had to punt.

Johnson finally hit a receiver but Roddy White dropped a pass. On 3rd down Johnson found Early Doucet who held onto the ball and found the endzone for a 36 yard TD.

DET 0 ATL 7

The Falcons defence again came up strong forcing incompletions even when the Lions receivers looked to be moving the chains

On 2nd down Josh Johnson took off before being hit anf fumbling the ball.

Once again the defence showed that last week may have just been a blip with Eugene Wilson stepping front of a pass and taking it to the house.

DET 0 ATL 14

Detroit moved down the field methodically eventually going in from 6 yards out

DET 7 ATL 14

Josh Johnson produced 2 good throws with the second being a great play finding Early Doucet for a 59 yard TD. THe good thing was though Docuet caught the ball with 2 defenders and 3 Falcons in front of him. The Falcons for once picked up the blocks giving Doucet an easy run.

DET 7 ATL 21

On the Lions next possession, the defence made a couple of decent plays before Eugene Wilson made a mistake allowing Calvin Johnson to go 81 yards for a TD.

DET 14 ATL 21

Johnson showed just why he is so frustrating when he made a beautiful throw one play before throwing his third pick trying to evade a blitz and throwing back across his body when he had plenty of open field in which to scramble

The Falcons defence though came up with an INT of their own with Renaldo Moon this time picking off the pass.

Joshn Johnson made a couple of decent throws before Jerious Norwood took the handoff on the Lions 6 and dragged his way into the endzone.

DET 14 ATL 28

The Lions were settling to run out the clock after a Thaddeus Cheeks sack but Marshall Givens managed to bounce a run outside and go 75 yards for a TD to end the half

DET 21 ATL 28 at the half

The Lions started the second half moving down the field before we stopped them just inside Falcons territory.

Johnson began finding the TE Riley often before throwing his 4th pick of the game. I was thinking about pulling Johnson but we were ahead so I decided to keep him in.

We did however hold the Lions and forced another punt.

Johnson used his arm and his legs to move the Falcons down the field before finding Sean Riley for a 14 yard TD.

DET 21 ATL 35

The Falcons defence held firm with Cheeks getting more and more disruptive as the game goes on

Johnson however could capatilise and took a sack on 3rd down instead of trying to force something

The Lions were moving slowly eventually having to go for it on 4th down and failing.

Johnson again proved costly as he threw his 5th pick of the day at which point he was pulled for Aaron Rodgers

The Lions again moved the ball carefully before failing on another 4th down.

Rodgers moved the ball once before Norwood tried to take the ball outside but fumbled.

Another failed 4th down from the Lions placed the Falcons firmly on top.

The Falcons tried to run out the clock but ended up having to punt the ball.

The Lions continued to try and mount a comeback but again the Falcons defence held firm

The Falcons ran the clock out to seal the win.

DET 21 ATL 35 at the end

J.Johnson - 15/31 for 294 yards, 3 TDs, 5 INTs
J.Norwood - 18 carries for 70 yards, TD
S.Riley - 7 catches for 103 yards, TD
T.Cheeks - 6 TACKs, 3 TFLs, 2 sacks
C.Campbell - 10 TACKs, 2 TFLs, sack

Coach Carters Thoughts
We played well at times. Our defence really stepped up in the second half however our run defence was at times non existent. Josh Johnson is still learning and this is his first season as a starter. He did throw 5 INTs but he also threw 3 TDs. Given time I really believe Johnson will turn out to be a NFL QB.

Player of the Week
Defence - Eugene Wilson

[cabowers]

Wk 3 Vs Redskins

The Redskins won the toss and chose to receive and took the kickoff to the house.

WAS 7 ATL 0

There was a small scare when Patrick Lee fumbled the kickoff but the decision was reversed after a challenge. Josh Johnson moved the ball easily. He threw the ball into the endzone and it looked as though Roddy White had dropped it but gathered up the bobble for the levelling score.

WAS 7 ATL 7

The Redskins made it into Falcons territory and looked to have converted a 3rd down before a fumble recovery from the Falcons gave them the momentum.

Johnson again started brightly but ended up being picked off just as he seemed to be finding a rhythm.

Washington moved the ball down the field on the ground with the Falcons unable to stop them before Jason Campbell eventually found the endzone.

WAS 14 ATL 7

Johnson again was able to move the ball efficently eventually finding Jurious Norwodd for the 15 yard TD.

WAS 14 ATL 14

For once the Falcons defence came up strong and gave the offence the 2 minute warning to try and force themselves ahead before half time

However, Johnson did what he does best and threw his second pick of the game trying to get rid of it as he got hit.

The Falcons defence seemed to be failing as the Redskins moved the ball with ease, before Campbell threw the ball no where near a Redskins receiver. Instead Renaldo Moon picked the ball off and took it to the house.

WAS 14 ATL 21

The Redskins moved the ball but weren't able to get into the Redzone so had to settle for a FG.

WAS 17 ATL 21 at the half

Josh Johnson started the second half with a hot hand eventually finding Sean Riley for another TD.

WAS 17 ATL 28

The Redskins hit back immediately with Eugene Wilson again blowing it by missing the deflection allowing Antwaan Randel El to score.

WAS 24 ATL 28

The Falcons made it into Redskins territory and due to field position went for it on 4th down but were unable to convert.

The Redskins were unable to capatilise however and had to punt the ball away.

The Falcons had to settle for a punt due to a sack and a holding penalty.

The Redskins however had some bad luck with Renaldo Moon getting his second INT of the game

We took over in some good field position but were unable to make it count and had to settle for a FG but Serna hit the post.

The Redskins were again ineffective and had to punt the ball away

The Falcons had to punt the ball away giving the Redskins another chance to go ahead.

The Redskins had 3rd and short to continue the drive but an Elvis Bryant sack led to another punt

3 and out from the Falcons

The second half was becoming more boring to watch as the Falcons and the Redskins trade punts.

The Redskins entered the two minute warning in good position but Asomugha showed his worth by picking Campbell off on 3rd down.

Jerious norwood gained 8 yards on 3rd and 6 to cement the win.

WAS 24 ATL 28 at full time

J.Johnson - 24/42 for 309 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
J.Norwood - 13 carries for 51 yards
S.Riley - 13 catches for 191 yards, TD
C.Campbell - 7 TACKs, 2 TFLs, Sack
R.Moon - 5 TACKs, TFL, 2 INTs, TD

Coach Carter's Thoughts
We played another good game. Although we gave up 24 points our run defence improved and we forced takeways at crucial moments. We're still dropping the ball too much but that will improve with time. Sean Riley is really becoming a top class receiving TE and Josh Johnson I think started to show just what he is capable of.

Player of the Week
Defence - Renaldo Moon

[Mike3207]

What draft path are you on? I recognize the name Luke Rambis, but I forget the path.

[cabowers]

I have the Maceo Sweetney draft path

Wk 4 - Bye Week

Wk 5 Vs Pats

We won the toss and elected to receive.

Well that was inevitable, two missed passes and a sack led to a Falcons punt.

The Pats then began marching down the field but two deflections from Falcon defenders and a short 3rd down conversion led to a Patriots FG.

NE 3 ATL 0

The Falcons had to punt after a failed 3rd down run.

On Patriots 1st down Brady had a ton of time to throw but could only find Renaldo Moon who gladly took the pick to the house.

NE 3 ATL 7

Once again the Pats were able to move down the field but weren't able to convert when necessary and had to settle for another FG.

NE 6 ATL 7

Another punt from the Falcons due to Coulston dropping a pass when he was wide open with nothing in front of him except the endzone.

The Pats once again moved into the redzone and again failed to convert a 3rd and short instead settling for a third FG

NE 9 ATL 7

The great work of the defence was undone by Josh Johnson who thought it was perfect time to throw a pick setting the Pats up on my 12

However, Renaldo Moon showed just why I used the 18th pick of the draft on him as he picked Brady off for his second pick 6 of the game

NE 9 ATL 14

The Patriots again reached the redzone and just as it looked like they would have to settle for another FG, Brady found the endzone

NE 16 ATL 14

The Patriots defence came up big in the redzone but the Falcons did kick the go ahead FG

NE 16 ATL 17

The Pats moved into FG range but were out of time outs. They had time to spike the ball but decided to run another pass play which the Falcons stopped short of the endzone

NE 16 ATL 17 at the half

The Pats looked to spread the field vertically and on 3rd down threw short but teh reciever had enough open space to get the first then from nowhere Renaldo Moon accelerated and brought the catcher down short of the marker forcing a punt.

The Falcons moved to just inside NE territory but a false start penalty pushed them back and the Patriots forced a punt.

The Patriots caught a 3rd down but the receiver went out of bounds just inches short meaning another punt

Johnson was just about to put the Falcons up by 8 when Gibril Wilson stepped in front of the ball picking him off but the Pats were at their own 4.

The Pats moved out of the shadows of their posts but back to back to back sacks from Cheeks and Campbell put them in 3rd and long which they just could convert meaning a 5th consecutive punt

The Falcons moved into the redzone but a sack followed by some conservative playcalling meant we had to try for a FG which Serna hooked to the left.

The Pats moved down the field very methodically before Lawrence Maroney powered in from 7 yards. The 2 point conversion just snuck in making it a 7 point ball game

NE 24 ATL 17

Josh Johnson led the Falcons down the field but just couldn't convert a 4th down from inside the redzone.

The Pats had to settle for a punt meaning the Falcons had another shot.

Or at least we had a shot before Johnson threw his third pick. I took the approval hit by refusing to bench him however.

However, the Patriots weren't able to move the chains giving the Falcons 2 minutes to go 50 yards for the tieing score.

Johnson made it hard by taking a sack but on 3rd down we moved closer before Early Doucet dropped a pass past the 1st down marker and it was game over.

However, poor clock management meant the Falcons had a shot, they tried and failed with Johnson being picked off a 4th time this time for 6.

NE 31 ATL 17 at full time

J.Johnson - 18/39 for 240 yards, 4 INTs
C.Campbell - 5 TACKs, 2 TFLs, Sack
R.Moon - 5 TACKs, 2 INTs, 2 TDs

Coach Carter's Thoughts
I thought for the first 3 quarters we played well. Our defence held firm on a number of occassions limiting the Patriots to FGs as well as scoring 14 points ourselves. A lot of people thought Renaldo shouldn't have gone that high in the draft but today he showed you why he did. Our offence just didn't really click but then again we were playing against one of the best teams in the league and to still be in with a shout of winning it with 5 minutes to go after the Patriots had so much more of the ball showed that we are definitely on the up.

Coach Carter refused to comment if we would see a change at QB or if the team would try and pursue a trade before the deadline.

Trades
The Atlanta Falcons today traded TE Martrez Millner, a 210 5th round pick and their 2011 1st round pick to get QB Kevin Kolb from the Eagles. Kolb is expected to start straight away with Ken Dorsey likely to be cut.

I may regret making this trade as both Eli Manning and Phillip Rivers are out of contract this year but I couldn't take the chance of either of them not resigning as Josh Johnson was starting to stink the place up. I did try and trade for Luke Rambis as he is currently sat behind Andre Woodson, maybe next year if he is still in the same position I may look at trying to grab him. This also means I don't have a 1st round pick for the next two years which is something I am worried about but will have to deal with.

[cabowers]

Wk 6 Vs Jets

Trade
The Josh Johnson era in Atlanta won't be restarting as he was today shipped out along with a 2010 4th round pick and a 2011 6th round pick in exchange for New Orleans RB Reggie Bush. Bush signals a change in philosophy to a more receiver orientated backfield while also adding an exciting playmaker to the Falcons offence which at times has seemed devoid of ideas.

The Falcons win the toss and elect to receive.

The first Falcon series showcased what could only be described as idiotic playcalling which the Falcons got away with due to a pass interfearence call on 3rd and long. The Falcons made the Jets pay with kevin Kolb finding Sean Riley for the TD.

NYJ 0 ATL 7

The Jets retaliated by marching down the field but were stopped at the Falcons 30 forcing a 47 FG which hit the upright.

Kevin Kolb took over and showed just why so much was given up to take him from the Eagles as he drove the Falcons down the field before finding Early Doucet in the back of the endzone.

NYJ 0 ATL 14

The Jets went 3 and out and Kolb was given another oppourtunity to increase the Falcons lead

Kolb drove the Falcons into the redzone but was unable to find the endzone having to settle for a FG instead

NYJ 0 ATL 17

The Jets continued having problems having to punt the ball away again

However, Kolb had his first failure with the Falcons going 3 and out.

A fourth 3 and out from the Jets however followed meaning the scoreline stayed the same.

Kolb moved the Falcons down the field before Reggie Bush took a pitch outside the 4 yards for the TD.

NYJ 0 ATL 24

The Jets again went 3 and out giving the Falcons the 2 minute warning to all but put an end to the game.

However, some conservative playcalling resulted in a punt.

Just as the Jets thought they had a first down a holding penalty brought it back. 2 downs later a Patrick Lee INT gave the Falcons another chance of some points before the half.

Some conservative playcalling from Jim Caldwell meant the Falcons only got a FG though.

NYJ 0 ATL 27 at the half

The Jets began the second half with u guessed it another 3 and out

Kolb went 1st down, sack, TD to continue to extend the Falcons lead

NYJ 0 ATL 34

The Jets finally managed a 2 1st downs but this was soon ended when Patrick Lee picked off Clemens for the second time in the game

Kolb produced three poor throws as the Falcons had to settle for a punt

The Jets thought they were moving the ball but a 3rd down pass completion was challenged and reversed forcing a punt.

Kolb took back over and looked to put a poor series behind him but he wasn't able to move the chains very far.

The Jets tried to get something going but were stuffed on 4th down.

The Falcons didn't try anything too outlandish and settled for a punt

The Jets tried to move the ball but they ended up punting it away

Kevin Kolb continued his impressive 1st game before having to settle for a FG

NYJ 0 ATL 37

The Jets tried to move the ball but ended up having to punt again.

Reggie Bush fumbled the ball giving the Jets decent field position to at least avoid a shut out.

However it wasn't to be as on the very next play dime corner, Chris Houston picked Clemens off

After 4 Bush carries, Kolb was able to find Early Doucet to run out the clock.

NYJ 0 ATL 37

K.Kolb - 29/44 for 386 yards, 3 TDs
S.Riley - 13 catches for 175 yards, TD
C.Campbell - 8 TACKs, 3 TFLs, 2 sacks
P.Lee - 6 TACKs, 2 INTs

Coach Carter's Thoughts
We played extremely well today on both sides of the ball. Obviously it's always great to shut out the opposition but to do it in the fashion we did very rarely allowing first downs, getting to passes first, harrassing the QB all day it was very satisfying.

As for our offence, no disrepect to Josh but what a difference a week makes. Kevin came into a very difficult situation and only had a week of practice to get himself ready the same with Reggie. Kevin did extremely well to pick up the playbook in such a short space of time and I'm sure Reggie will improve as he learns the playbook as well.

I will however say now that I will not be having the three receiving backs active next week. At the end of the game I felt we lacked that power punch needed to run down the clock and in games which are closer we will need that.

Player of the Week
Offence - Kevin Kolb

[cabowers]

Wk 7 @ Cowboys

Trade
HB Jerious Norwood was sent to Detroit in exchange for a 2010 6th round pick and a 2011 4th round pick.

Game
The Falcons won the toss and elected to receive

Reggie Bush decided that after not doing much in his first game for the Falcons that he would start with a bang taking the opening kickoff 96 yards for the opening TD.

ATL 7 DAL 0

The Cowboys gained a decent amount of first down but consecutive losses forced a punt.

Kolb moved the Falcons down the field but were unable to convert a 3rd down and Alexis Serna missed the 43 yard FG

The cowboys lost some yards on 1st down and couldn't move the ball meaning a second 3 and out

Kevin Kolb continued his impressive start with some help from a couple of clutch catches allowing Kolb to find Sean Riley in the endzone.

ATL 14 DAL 0

The Cowboys managed a first down before rookie standout Renaldo Moon picked off Romo and took it the distance

ATL 21 DAL 0

After a couple of first downs the Cowboys made it into Falcons territory but a Keith Brooking tackle behind the line of scrimmage on 3rd down forced another punt.

Kevin Kolb made a couple of decent throws before Reggie Bush bounced and span his way into the redzone on a 20 yard run. The following play, Kolb found Bush out of the backfield for a TD.

ATL 28 DAL 0

Dallas seemed to be starting to fire on offence but a big 3rd down stop resulted in another punt.

On the resulting Falcons 1st down, the Cowboys blitzed the ROLB, Kolb faked to Bush, the MLB bit, the LOLB was occupied with Sean Riley allowing Early Doucett and easy catch and run for an 88 yard TD.

ATL 35 DAL 0

Dallas finally managed to string a drive together eventually finding the endzone

ATL 35 DAL 7

Kolb made a great 1st down throw to get the Falcons to midfield before Jim Caldwell went ultra conservative yet again calling run plays to run out the clock (er Jim, yes we are up by 28 but we have 50 seconds and 2 TOs, we have a great chance to extend it so stop calling run plays)

ATL 35 DAL 7 at the half

The Cowboys started the second half with a 3 and out giving the Falcons decent field position

Kolb started the second half badly with an incompletion, a drop and another incompletion meaning a punt

The Cowboys again seemed to be finding a rhythm but another 3rd down stop forced another punt. The Cowboys thought they had pinned me at my own 1 but a holding penalty forced it to be rekicked.

Kolb continued his poor start to the second but it wasn't helped by some inept playcalling from JC.

Romo finally started to find a rhythm resulting in them reaching the Falcons 1, however 2 consecutive tackles behind the line of scrimmage forced them into 3rd down where Thaddeus Cheeks came up with a stop 3 yards behind the line. The Cowboys went for it but a Keith Brooking sack turned the ball over

Kolb did well to move the Falcons from their own 9 into Cowboys territory but a punt still followed.

Dallas again tried to start to mount a late comeback before Renaldo Moon did what he does best picking off Romo and taking it back for another TD.

ATL 42 DAL 7

Romo again took over trying to get over this poor performance. He decided to do this by trying to pick on other CB but found it to be Nnamdi Asomougha who gleefully accepted his first pick of the game

The Falcons tried to make the Cowboys pay but a failed 4th down conversion put pay to that idea.

Romo again showed some promise driving down to Atlanta's 29 but a failed 4th down attempt all but put the game to bed.

The Falcons tried to start running the clock down but could only go backwards

More good work from the Atlanta defence forced another punt from the Cowboys

The Falcons were able to run out the rest of the clock

ATL 42 DAL 7

K.Kolb - 21/35 for 356 yards, 3 TDs
R.Bush - 16 carries for 60 yards, 2 catches for 22 yards, TD, 1 KR for 96 yards, TD
E.Doucet - 4 catches for 141 yards, TD
T.Cheeks - 7 TACKs, 4 TFLs, sack
R.Moon - 4 TACKs, 2 INTs, 2 TDs

Coach Carter's Thoughts
Wel played another very good game this week. Once again our offence clicked with Kevin managing the game superbly. Our catching definitely improved and I was happy with the run game allowing us to run out the clock towards the end.

On defence we once again played the run well and the pass superbly. Cheeks and Moon both showed why they were first round talents and I really do think we have the best pair of corners in the league right now.

Injuries
FB Carl Stewart - Dislocated Knee - 2 to 3 weeks
ROLB Elvis Bryant - Starined Hamstring - 3 to 4 weeks

Player of the Week
Offence - Kevin Kolb
Defence - Renaldo Moon

[cabowers]

Wk 8 @ Giants

This should be a real test. The Giants are ranked 1st i points allowed and total yards allowed. They are second in TDs allowed and sacks and 4th in passing yards allowed. My offence is really going to have to be on it's game. However, I was happy to note I was 4th in sacks, 1st in INTs and defensive red zone % with teams only scoring against me 50% of the time when they are inside my 20. On offence I am first in points scored but tied 2nd in sacks allowed which could be problematic against the Giants.

The Giants won the toss and elected to receive.

Eli Manning was picking my cover 2 defence apart but when they reached my 20 they weren't able to move any further and had to try for a FG but they missed it.

Kevin Kolb took over but he was immeidately picked off for the first time in a Falcon shirt.

The Giants mader th emost of it with Marion Barber powering into the endzone.

ATL 0 NYG 7

Kolb drove the Falcons into the Giants redzone but was unable to move any furtehr forcing us to settle for a FG.

ATL 3 NYG 7

On the ensuing Giants possession Marion Barber was taking down behind the line of scrimmage forcing Manning to throw which the Falcons were able to deal with comfortably.

However, Kevin Kolb was having serious problems when he threw his second pick trying to find Roddy White deep.

Thankfully the Falcons defence again proved difficult to move the ball again forcing a punt.

Kolb found Coulston for 8 yards on 1st down before a Sean Riley drop stalled the drive meaning a punt

Eli Manning marched the Giants down the field but it was more a case of porr defence due to missed tackles and corners playing off the coverage and not taking a chane jumping routes.

ATL 3 NYG 14

On first down Kolb found Coulston to take the Falcons to midfield, however 3 encroachment penalties took the falcons to the Giants 35 before a sack on 2nd down pushed us back. A great leaping catch by Coulston the Falcons to the Giants 22 before Marques Coulston broke a tackle on a WR screen and took it the distance

ATL 10 NYG 14

The Giants started trying to move down the field to try and score before the half but the defence again held firm foricng the Giants to try a FG which didn't have the legs.

The Falcons had 17 seconds and decided to go for a couple of hail marys, Kolb connecting with Early Doucet on the second of them giving Serna a FG to end the half.

ATL 13 NYG 14 at the half

Kolb moved the Falcons to the Giants 2 but a Reggis Bush fumble was scooped up by Aaron Ross and took the entire length of the field.

ATL 13 NYG 21

Kolb couldn't replicate the previous drive and the Falcons had to punt.

Thankfully the Giants weren't able to get into the endzone but they did kick a FG to extend the lead.

ATL 13 NYG 24

The next Falcons drive was all about dropped passes with drops on each play resulting in a punt.

The Giants were moving but Eugene Wilson recovered a fumble.

Kolb moved the Falcons down the field and into FG range which left a decision to be made on 4th and 13. As it would be a difficult 1st down to get, Coach Carter sent out Serna who made the FG and make it a 1 possession game

ATL 16 NYG 24

The Giants couldn't move the ball forcing the Giants to punt.

The Falcons drove to the Giants 30 but a holding penalty pushed them back 10 yards before Early Doucet gained 19 yards, forcing a 3rd and 1 which became a 4th and 1. The Falcons decided it was time to go for it and succeded. However, only 8 yards could be gained setting up 4th and 2 which was also went for. Kolb took his time trying to find a receiver but ended up leading him out of bounds

Manning took over and faced up to the blitz firing off the pass just before the rush got to him, however Plaxico was hit by Steltz and Asomougha recovered the fumble, or at least we thought we did but it was reversed after a challenge

The Giants began to grind down the clock and it worked until the Falcons abandoned deep coverage and started to put 9 guys in the box finally forcing a punt

Kolb drove the Falcons down the field but 2 consecutive drops from Early Docuet forced a 4th down which Kolb couldn't convert.

The Giants were stuffed trying to run the ball giving the Falcons 1:15 to go 55 yards for a chance to tie the game.

Kolb tried to start a drive but he was picked for a 3rd time this time it went for the TD.

ATL 16 NYG 31

Kolb continued to try something but Doucet continued to drop the ball which was a constant problem throughout the day

ATL 16 NYG 31 at the end

K.Kolb - 24/55 for 397 yards, TD, 3 INTs
M.Coulston - 8 catches for 114 yards, TD
E.Doucet - 5 catches for 117 yards, 5 drops (3 for first downs on 3rd down)
K.Brooking - 8 TACKs, 3 TFLs,
C.Campbell - 3 TACKs, TFL, Sack

Coach Carter's Thoughts
It was simple we just didn't catch well enough. We had plenty of oppourtunites to move the chains on drives where we had to punt but we just couldn't grasp the ball. It is disappointing as we defended well and were close at HT but just couldn't get the ball to the endzone when it mattered.

Injuries
Todd Weiner - Bruised Hip 4 to 5 weeks