Archives for September 2005

Vick, offense roll in victory (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Falcons turn weaknesses into strengths (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

New cornerbacks prove fast learners (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

A cold start to season for Bills (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Vick’s road to maturity begins (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Reserves get starting roles (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

The game’s 5 key moments (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Game Photos (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Buffalo soldiers (Macon Telegraph)

Hall holds secondary together (Macon Telegraph)

Vick, and hamstring, look OK in win (Savannah Morning News)

Vick uses a little more arm than usual (Savannah Morning News)

Gameday (AtlantaFalcons.com)

Photo Gallery (AtlantaFalcons.com)

‘”I’ve been here 10 years,” wide receiver Eric Moulds said, “and when there are corners out there playing who are not starters, you have to go after them. The coaching staff said that we should run the ball a little bit more, and I didn’t want to second-guess what they wanted to do, but at some point, we have to be able to take shots down the field and make some plays.”‘

‘The Buffalo defense uncharacteristically gave up 236 yards rushing. To make matters worse, they might have lost Takeo Spikes for the season. The linebacker hurt his right achillies tendon and did not return.’

‘Third downs were not a happy place for the Falcons in their first two games, as they converted just five of 26, a 19.1 percent success rate that was the NFL’s worst. Sunday, though, they converted 7 of 12 – seven of their first nine – and several were critical. Facing third-and-10 at Buffalo’s 39-yard line early in the fourth quarter, Vick quickly fled the pocket, scrambling to his right and outrunning defensive end Ryan Denny to the corner. With a first down already gained, Vick put on the brakes, cut back inside (faking free safety Troy Vincent) and picked up another 15 yards on a 27-yard scramble to Buffalo’s 12-yard line. Running back T.J. Duckett plowed up the middle for a touchdown on the next play, giving the Falcons a 24-16 lead that all but sewed the game up with 9:46 left.’

‘After chasing Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick on a second-quarter play, Spikes fell to the ground and remained there for several minutes. He had to be carted off the field and did not return to the game. It is unknown at this time how much time Spikes will miss.’

‘Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr. kicked off the 8th annual Food Bank of Western New York fan food drive by placing a few hundred dollar bills into the collection bucket his wife was holdling outside the stadium gates.’

‘He required help getting to the sideline, unable to place much weight on his right foot, and appeared to be in tears when he was carted off the field.’

‘“I was able to bounce back in the second half,” Hall said. “I feel real good right now.”’

‘J.P. Losman was awful for a second week in a row as he threw for only 75 yards on 10 of 23. He turned the ball over twice, one interception and one fumble. He was stopped on a fourth down sneak and had a QB rating of 33.8. Grade F: It may be too soon for the kid to be starting.’

‘So much for getting off to a fast start this season, the Bills dropped their second straight game with a loss to the Falcons. The defense couldn’t stop the Falcons on third downs or the running game. The offense couldn’t get the ball in the end zone, settling for field goals on three of four scoring chances.’

‘The Atlanta Falcons controlled the game with 236 total rushing yards between the three way rushing attack of running backs Warrick Dunn, T.J. Duckett and quarterback Michael Vick.’

‘Spikes was hurt when he was pressuring Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick deep in the Falcons’ end.’

‘In three games under Losman, Buffalo has managed two touchdowns and settled for nine field goals.’

‘J.P. Losman was not sharp and completed just 10-of-23 passes for 75 yards and an interception for the Bills, who will travel to San Antonio next Sunday to take on the Saints in a game relocated due to Hurricane Katrina.’

‘He was replaced by backup Angelo Crowell and his return to the game was ruled out.’