Welcome to the Bird Report, your 1 stop for everything Georgia Southern Eagles & Atlanta Falcons Football. This week we had 2 big wins in each Home Opener, and I had the pleasure of attending both. Thank the lord we have football again.
Georgia Southern vs. Western Michigan
Our boys in blue washed the foul taste of the WVU game from my mind in epic fashion. The WVU game was so bad, I had to wait a week to write about football. The sad part is, that game could have easily gone worse, but great football teams have a short memory, and our boys got back on track. A torrential downpour had little to no effect on morale, as Paulson was as packed as it usually is.
History Made: This win was a historic one, because this was the first time a non conference FBS program has ever played in Paulson Stadium. The bowl implications were huge here, and getting a win got us one step closer to our first ever bowl game.
Breida is Back: I had to wait a week longer than I wanted to get to watch Breida run into the end zone and cross his arms, but the wait was worth it. We got 4 TDs from our golden child this time, and he ruined the lives of Western Michigan. It really stinks that we had so many offensive linemen graduate, but the young guys stepped up and helped him find the end zone just fine this week.
Grade: I give them an A. Unlike the Falcons, I really can't think of anything GSU could have done better. We were an "underdog" going in to the game, and it sure didn't look like it. One constant concern I usually have is deep pass coverage, and even that looked sound. It is a performance that I think is indicative of a team that is primed to defend the belt.
Next Week: We have a cupcake game against the Citadel. Hopefully our boys will remember to not treat it as such and come to play. If anyone can appreciate a FCS team trying to get a win vs. FBS it is Georgia Southern. The it's time to defend the belt once that's out of the way. GATA Boys.
Atlanta vs. Philadelphia
I am pretty sure my heart stopped a couple of times during this game. I can't remember the last time I went back and forth between utter joy and complete despair, with a consistent addition of sheer disbelief. Both teams were trying their hardest to blow this game, and Cody Parkey managed to really get the job done by missing the potential game winning Field Goal. Following a divine intervention, the Defense came back on to actually make a play. Ricardo Allen, a former practice squad corner turned safety made a statement with a late interception and told us all he is here to stay.
Julio Went Off: following rolling around in gold coins this offseason, he is doing everything in his power to ensure that all the people that drafted him in fantasy leagues do too. On behalf of such people, I thank you for that. Byron Maxwell and the rest of Philly's defense completely forgot to cover him, and he kept us in that game all night. He showed why he is worth every penny of his 70 million dollar deal tonight. Thanks for helping me win 3/4 fantasy games bro, I am really glad I drafted you in every league that I am in. 141 yards and 2 TDs is a pretty good start to what many believe to be a historic season from him.
Tevin Coleman has arrived: My favorite pick (Yes more than I liked Vic Beasly) from the draft was Coleman in the 3rd. His rookie debut of 80 yards was a more than welcome addition to the success of this game. If he isn't drafted in your fantasy league hit up the waiver wire NOW, he just getting started.
Matt Bryant > Matt Ryan tonight: Ryan didn't play his worst game in the world, but he's lucky that he wasn't picked off 4 times. Ryan has definitely had better games, but I'm not particularly worried. Stuff happens, let's see him bounce back next week. On the other side, Bryant made 4/4 Field Goals, and continues to be a rock that we can lean on. Also with the new longer extra points, it's worth noting he was perfect on those as well. The NFL saw 4 missed extra point kicks this past weekend, so those can no longer be taken for granted. Ice Ice Baby.
The 3rd Quarter was a train wreck: After half time, the Georgia Dome quit serving Alchohol due to it being a night game, which really stunk because I think pretty much everyone in that stadium wanted to drown their sorrows after 15 minutes of hell. Capped off by what I will dub "The Penalty Drive," our defense had one of the sloppiest quarters I've ever seen. With 9 minutes left in the 3rd, after a brilliant Matt Bosher coffin corner punt to the PHI 5 yard line, our defense absolutely imploded. Despite 5 penalties and 2 injuries, Philly marched right down the field and made it a 3 point game in a 95 yard 6 minute drive. It was an absolute disgrace. I wanted to throw my hat on the damn field. It was so bad I was actually applauding the Ricardo Allen horse collar TD save. Too bad it only delayed the inevitable.
Who is Ricardo Allen? Unless you really follow roster depth, you may not be familiar with the guy that made the game winning pick. He was a Cornerback from Purdue that we selected in the 5th round last year. His rookie training camp saw him getting cut and sent to the practice squad as a corner, but under the new Dan Quinn coaching squad he saw himself changing to safety. A player that had little to no expectations from any of us has turned into one of the most pleasant surprises of this offseason. I am looking forward to what he has to show us next.
Grade: 1st Half: B. This game should have been at least a 3 touchdown lead before half, but I can't complain going in up 17 at half. 2nd Half: F--. Our win was nothing short of a divine intervention.
Jake Long Incoming: Per Ian Rapoport of nfl.com, Jake Long is expected to sign with Atlanta this week. He is coming off 2 ACL surgeries, but the former 1st overall draft pick and 4 time pro bowler would be a welcome addition to our offensive line. Hell, almost anyone would be at this point. Beggars can't be choosers.
This guy's jersey deserves an award: I caught this gem a few rows down in the crowd. His team may have had one of the most horrible losses I could ever imagine, but he is always winning with this jersey.
