Falcons bracing to face Gruden, resurgent Raiders
The Falcons will play their second AFC West opponent on Sunday when the Oakland Raiders come to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Under coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock, the Raiders have become contenders with weapons on offense and a defense that has been playing much better of late. They very nearly beat the Kansas City Chiefs for the second time this season on Sunday, and figure to be a tough out for anyone.
As Atlanta's offense looks to get back on track after a down performance against New Orleans, it will need to find a way to protect Matt Ryan and move the ball against a defense trending upwards. D. Orlando Ledbetter wrote more about the matchup for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
"They started the season maybe giving up a lot of yardage rushing," Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said. "But the last month of the season, they are playing much faster on defense. I think when you play 10 games into the season, your stats tell one story, but how they are really playing well over the last month. They are playing much better than their stats indicate."
A look at all eight sacks Falcons allowed against Saints
After showing improvement prior to the bye week, the Falcons' offense allowed the most sacks of the season in their loss to the Saints. Both coaches and players have said that the responsibility for the eight sacks falls across the board, which includes the offensive line, wide receivers and quarterback Matt Ryan.
Jason Butt of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution provided a thorough breakdown of each of the Saints' eight sacks and how they unfolded. For those of you who subscribe to The Athletic, Tori McElhaney ran her own audit of Atlanta’s performance on offense against New Orleans and where things went awry.
"First of all, eight sacks is horrendous by us," offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said when asked for his own review of the game. "We just can't do that. Most people are going to look at that and think it was all on the O-line. It really wasn't. There were some coverage sacks in there for sure, where we just couldn't get anybody open and Matt had nowhere to go. There were a couple of times where we did have somebody open and Matt couldn't find them, couldn't see them. And then we had some where they just had pressure."
Falcons' pass protection woes re-emerge on eight-sack day
Jason and Tori weren't the only two to write about the high number of sacks allowed by Atlanta, which makes sense given that it was the defining theme of Sunday's game. ESPN’s Mike Triplett also provided some context for how the offensive line was playing and where things now stand after their performance against the Saints.
"Nevertheless, eight sacks is disturbing enough that the Falcons need to make sure this was just a blip on the radar," Triplett writes. "Unfortunately, now that they have fallen to 3-7, the focus will only increase on long-term evaluations of team needs. And they'll need to decide where the offensive line fits into that. Atlanta has invested a lot in this offensive line in recent years -- including drafting both right guard Chris Lindstrom and right tackle Kaleb McGary in the first round in 2019. And the pass protection had shown improvement this year, allowing just 19 sacks in the first nine games.
But now Ryan is suddenly on pace to be sacked 43 times this year after he was sacked a career-high 48 times in 2019."
What we learned from Week 11's Sunday games
The Falcons were building momentum with three wins in four games under interim head coach Raheem Morris, but that came to an end on Sunday with a 24-9 loss to the Saints.
It was a game in which Matt Ryan was sacked eight times and the defense, after holding strong in the first half, gave up two second-half touchdowns that proved to be the difference. The Falcons had their worst offensive performance of the season against New Orleans, which was a standout point for NFL.com writer Kevin Patra in his recap of the game.
"Life without a healthy Julio Jones is difficult," Patra writes. "The star receiver was in and out of the game Sunday while dealing with a hamstring injury. Jones played only 21 snaps, per Next Gen Stats, just five in the second half. Missing Julio was part of the reason the Falcons offense struggled. Without the field-tilting receiver, New Orleans was able to toss coverage at Calvin Ridley and make Ryan hold the ball longer. Unable to score a TD or hold down Hill, there wasn't much good for Atlanta to take from Sunday's game, particularly in the second half. Losing to a backup QB in his first NFL start at the position is a tough one to swallow for a division rival."
5 things we learned from Falcons' 24-9 loss to Saints
Every game in the NFL provides some lessons about the two teams on the field. Sunday's loss to the Saints was an important reminder for the Falcons about the importance of getting open downfield and providing Matt Ryan with time to find those receivers. The Saints' eight sacks on Sunday were the most Atlanta allowed against an opposing team since the last time it played New Orleans, when the Falcons allowed nine sacks on Thanksgiving Day in 2019. D. Orlando Ledbetter mentioned the pass protection in his five things piece for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
"We didn't play well," left tackle Jake Matthews said after the game. "That's completely out there. We have to regroup and watch the film. We felt like we had a solid plan going in. Obviously, we didn't execute. The numbers speak for themselves."
NFL Week 11 grades
With the type of performance they had on Sunday, the Falcons weren't exactly in line to receive high marks. In John Breech's post-weekend grades piece for CBSSports.com, they didn't. Breech gave the Falcons a "D" for their loss against the Saints, who were given an "A-" in their win.
"Coming off a bye, the Falcons had an extra week to prepare for this game, but apparently they didn't take advantage of that," Breech writes. "With Drew Brees out, Taysom Hill gave the Falcons defense fits as he rushed for 51 yards and two touchdowns. Offensively, although the Falcons moved the ball well in the first half, they couldn't punch the ball in the end zone. In the second half, Matt Ryan and the offense went ice cold as the Falcons weren't able to cross into Saints territory a single time until there was under six minutes left in the game. Ryan got sacked eight times and rarely had time to throw, and that showed, as he threw two interceptions while completing just 51.4% of his passes."
More headlines for Falcons fans
- AtlantaFalcons.com: What to know about the Raiders
- AtlantaFalcons.com: Gruden: I pull for Morris every week except this one
- AtlantaFalcons.com: Julio’s status for Sunday up in air
- AtlantaFalcons.com: Tabeek’s NFL Power Rankings
- NBCSports.com: FMIA Week 11
- PFF.com: Saints-Falcons ReFocused
- AJC.com: Falcons move into top 10 for draft
- AJC.com: ‘We didn’t execute. The number speak for themselves’
- AJC.com: Falcons receivers struggle with Jones injured
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints with top photos from Week 11
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur M Blank, shakes hands with Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 during warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 and quarterback Matt Schaub #8 bump fists during warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons huddle before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 receives the ball during the first quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 receives the ball during the first quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 celebrates with teammates after completing a field goal during the first quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 tackles New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill #7 during the first quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 complete a field goal during the first quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Allen Bailey tackles New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill #7 during the first quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 gestures during the first quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 celebrates after New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill #7 is sacked during the first quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 makes a long catch during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 runs the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley II #21 smiles during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 leads the huddle during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 with his mother Elisha Jarrett during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Josh Harris #47 tickles New Orleans Saints wide receiver Deonte Harris #11 during the first quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the first quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Josh Harris #47 tickles New Orleans Saints wide receiver Deonte Harris #11 during the first quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 in action during the second quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 makes a catch during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 high-fives tight end Jaeden Graham #87 during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Allen Bailey #93 celebrates sacking New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill #7 during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws a pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Allen Bailey #93 sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill #7 during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 is shown at the end of the second quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #83 in action during the second quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is shown during the second quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 celebrates with cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill #7 during the third quarter quarter the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 prepares to pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 puts on his helmet for the second half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #7 prepares to kick a field goal during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons free safety Ricardo Allen #37 reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Steven Means #55 in action during the first half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris looks on during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 and safety Sharrod Neasman #41 make a tackle during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 gestures during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons center Matt Hennessy #61 talks with the offensive line on the bench during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 and strong safety Keanu Neal #22 celebrate after the Falcons recover a fumble. By New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill #7 during the fourth quarter quarter during the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 makes a sack during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 stands ready during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foye Oluokun #54 recovers a fumble by New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill #7 during the fourth quarter quarter during the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 makes a catch during the second half against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones #11 and quarterback Matt Ryan #2 are shown during the fourth quarter quarter during the game against the New Orleans Saints on November 22, 2020.
