Falcons-Panthers Coverage

Friday, Nov. 9

• SCOUTING REPORT: Game preview and more from AF.com
• ONE-ON-ONE: J. Michael Moore catches up with Michael Boley
• INJURY REPORT: Take a look at the final injury report
• FOOTBALL FIESTA:  Falcons thoughts on college match ups
• ROOKIE DIARY: David Irons previews Auburn-Georgia

Thursday, Nov. 8

• FEATURE: Milloy providing veteran stability on defense
• ASK THE COACH: Kevin Wolthausen breaks down the D-line
• VIDEO: Head Coach Bobby Petrino
• VIDEO: NFL Neighborhood MVP Build

Wednesday, Nov. 7

• NEWS: Falcons look to take rushing success on road
• FALCONCAST: Ready for a rivalry game
• VIDEO: Head Coach Bobby Petrino
• TRANSCRIPT: Head Coach Bobby Petrino
• VIDEO: Quarterback Joey Harrington
• VIDEO: Center Todd McClure
• VIDEO: Wide receiver Joe Horn
• VIDEO: Tight end Alge Crumpler
• VIDEO: Safety Lawyer Milloy
• CONFERENCE CALL: Panthers head coach John Fox
• CONFERENCE CALL: Panthers tackle Travelle Wharton
• NEWS: Grimes re-signed to practice squad

 
Tuesday, Nov. 6

• NEWS: Milloy nominated for defensive player of the week

 
Monday, Nov. 5

• NEWS: Run game comes alive in first NFC victory
• VIDEO: Head Coach Bobby Petrino
• TRANSCRIPT: Head Coach Bobby Petrino
• VIDEO: Falcons-49ers Highlights
• VIDEO: Play of the Game -- San Francisco

 

J. Mike's Missives

Making Momma Proud

Mother's Day is still several months away. The holiday Sunday was one to honor the nation's veterans. But you know Alge Crumpler made his mother happy with his game-winning touchdown reception against the Panthers.

Crumpler, a North Carolina native, got his second score of the season in big fashion -- a 30-yarder with 20 seconds left to give the Falcons a big NFC South win. As Crumpler darted into the end zone I tried to find his mother in the stands with little success. She probably had a big smile on her face.

I got the chance to meet "Momma Crump," as she introduced her self, last night at the team hotel. A kind, soft-spoken woman she made a point to find out what I did for the organization her son has served for the balance of his career.

Too bad I couldn't find her after the game to thank her personally for her role in Crumpler's life. The man is tough (he fought of ankle and knee injuries to play today). And though his heart may reside in his home state of North Carolina, he had one of those proud Atlanta moments today.

Go Falcons.

Sunday, Nov. 11, 5:12 p.m. EST
J. Michael Moore

Fourth Quarter Notes

13:47 -- An 18-yard completion from Joey Harrington to Roddy White has the Falcons in business inside of Panthers territory.

12:31 --We have third-and-2 now at the 26. Ball goes to Artose Pinner who's dropped short of the first down (loss of 3). That brings on the field goal team... Forty-seven yard attempt for the 47-year old Morten Andersen. It's good, gives the Falcons a 13-10 lead and ties Andersen's season long.

10:52 -- Third-and-2 for the Panthers at their own 28. Pitch goes to DeShaun Foster, who gets no where near the first down. Chris Crocker had the honors of escorting him out of bounds and the Panthers will punt after a 2-yard loss.

I always seem to have bad timing, but I'm going to have to close down the in-game blog again. Stay with AtlantaFalcons.com for all your postgame coverage.

Sunday, Nov. 11, 3:27 p.m. EST
J. Michael Moore

Third Quarter Notes

13:56 -- The Falcons offense opens the second half with a three-and-out.

11:35 -- If games had a speedometer, this one would be hovering around the 5 mph. range. The Falcons held the Panthers deep in their own territory and -- after a steady diet of DeShaun Foster runs -- the Panthers punted. The Falcons now take over first-and-10 at their own 37.

7:41 -- The field has officially turned to straight molasses now as neither team appears capable of picking up a first down. I find myself looking up from my lap top every few moments just to see if I can get a glimpse of a punt in flight.

7:30 -- I should post blog post like that more often... Joey Harrington just found Warrick Dunn in the flat for a 35-yard gain down to the Panthers 24-yard line. Let's see what will come of this opportunity because you get the feeling neither team will have that many more shots at the ball.

5:56 -- Harrington had to run quite a ways for a short, 2-yard gain. He also took a big hit from Julius Peppers. But it was enough for a first down in the red zone. A short run and a sack brought up third-and-17 just a few moments later, however.

4:07 -- A handoff to Dunn picks up a yard and Morten Andersen is on for a field goal try. The clock is ticking, the ball is down, the kick is up from 36 yards and it's good. 10-10.

That marks Morten's 2,500 career point. There aren't many milestones left for Andersen, who is already the league's all-time leading scorer. But, it's an addition to the lofty numbers the 47-year-old has made a habit of putting up. If I know Mort, though, he's more happy that his leg helped tie this game.

0:31 -- The Panthers are now 2-of-11 on third down as John Abraham gets his mitts on a Vinny Testaverde pass and tips it incomplete. That forces another punt (I lost count on how many we've had in this quarter) and the Falcons have a chance to take the lead.

Sunday, Nov. 11, 3:16 p.m. EST
J. Michael Moore

Second Quarter Notes

14:07 -- The Falcons defense just came up with a stop on third-and-1 at its own 20. But, the Panthers are going for it. Testaverde goes to the air to Steve Smith, who goes up over DeAngelo Hall and fights his way into the end zone. He fumbles out of bounds in the end zone... That's a touchback. Atlanta ball with a 7-0 lead.

No need for the Panthers to challenge. If they reverse it, it goes to an incomplete pass. It was fourth down, so the Falcons would have gotten the ball at the 20. But you get the sense this one can do something to the momentum.

11:47 -- As it turned out, an offside penalty and a couple of less-than-successful plays lead to a three-and-out. The Falcons punt and the Panthes return the ball to the 40.

9:57 -- Atlanta's defense did the job again forcing a three-and-out and an incompletion on third down. The Panthers punt from their own 44. The kick is a bomb and it takes one hop into the end zone.

7:23 -- A long offensive possesion didn't produce many yards and the Falcons punted with a 7-0 lead. The defense responded by turning up the heat and got in Testaverde's face on first down to force an intentional grounding penalty.

6:11 -- Penalties and stout defense put the Panthers in third-and-25. A 22-yard gain was nice, but it wasn't enough for a first down and the Panthers punt. Adam Jennings elected to return this kick and he's dropped inside the 15-yard line.

4:20 -- Well, the Panthers are on the board and it took a defensive play. Cornerback Ken Lucas picked up a Laurent Robinson fumble and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown. Tie game. The pass went for a first down and Robinson, his left arm tangled with a defender, couldn't secure the pigskin.

3:30 -- Tight end Martez Milner is hurt. The rookie tight end got his first reception of the day and got hit in the back of the leg after 1-yard gain. He's sitting close to the Panthers sideline, but there's enough room for the cart, which is now taking him off the field. Another replay revealed a Panthers' helmet hit Milner square on the left knee.

2:22 -- Keith Brooking just made a great defensive play to save a touchdown. Testaverde was looking deep in the end zone for tight end Jeff King but Brooking, as if he sensed the ball coming, turned his back and sprinted toward the tight end and knocked the ball away without looking back to the quarterback.

0:02 -- A personal foul penalty on Jonathan Babineaux kept this Panthers drive alive, but the defense stood strong inside it's own 15. The Panthers are getting ready now for a field goal attempt that will end the half. John Kasay's 29-yard kick is good. 10-7 Panthers at halftime.

Sunday, Nov. 11, 2:27 p.m. EST
J. Michael Moore

First Quarter Notes

15:00 --Vinny Testaverde will get the start at quarterback for the Panthers and he'll hit the field early. Carolina won the toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff.

13:32 -- The Falcons defense got what it expected -- runs. Atlanta just forced a three-and-out as the Panthers went with three straight running plays to start the game. The Panthers punt rolled to a stop at the Falcons 30.

11:35 -- Atlanta finds itself with third-and-1 at the 49 after opening the game with three straight passes. Warrick Dunn barely picks up the first down on the play after a measurement.

8:43 -- The running game is back for the moment, as Dunn takes the ball on a draw play on third down and sprints up the middle for a 30-yard touchdown run. Extra point is good. 7-0 Falcons.

7:27 -- Things don't look sturdy around the Panthers offensive line as the Falcons defense continues to press from inside, out. The Panthers have completed back-to-back passes to Drew Carter (starting in place of Keary Colbert) and have moved to their own 45.

6:30 -- Third-and-5 for the Panthers at their own 45. Testaverde has one back behind him and two wide. Back to throw, ball is low to a wide open Steve Smith. That forces another punt. The Falcons sent six players on the blitz that snap. Fair catch on the kick. First-and-10 for the Falcons at their own 20 coming up.

5:37 -- Joey Harrington escaped a blitz to his left but couldn't get the ball away cleanly as Thomas Davis ran straight through him. The pass fell incomplete, but Harrington still hasn't gotten his legs under him. The training staff is on the field and we have a timeout. Chris Redman, the only other healthy quarterback has jumped up and is playing catch... He is now taking snaps with Todd McClure on the sideline... Well, it's official now as Harrington walks off the field under his own power.

First play with Redman at quarterback -- Three wide receivers, Dunn in the backfield. The Pantehrs have loaded up the line with eight players and Redman takes advantage, complete pass to Alge Crumpler for a first down.

5:12 -- Harrington back in the game. Timeout.

4:55 -- Dunn is running like he's 22 instead of 32. He just exploded through a huge hole in the middle and ran for 11 yards.

3:30 -- Dunn doesn't pick up the first down on third-and-1 and the Falcons are in punt formation. Dunn took a pitch from Harrington on the near side and got his legs taken out by rookie Jon Beason.

0:56 -- Personal foul on Lawyer Milloy as he gets DeAngelo Williams out of bounds. The rush went for a first down, so tack on 15 yards and the Panthers are marching to the Falcons 29.

Sunday, Nov. 11, 1:40 p.m. EST
J. Michael Moore

Game Inactives

Well, we knew this one was going to get crazy...

Running back Jerious Norwood is out. He's out with an ankle injury. Artose Pinner will backup Warrick Dunn and Adam Jennings will likely return punts and kickoffs.

Wide receiver Joe Horn is also out. He likely get replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Laurent Robinson, who has 16 catches for 161 yards on the season.

Now for the Panthers, who are listing Vinny Testaverde as the starter, Matt Moore (the third-stringer who will provide some comic relief in the pregame Falconcast with AF.com's Matt Moore). Carolina also brought former UCLA quarterback Drew Olson up from the practice squad. He and David Carr are on the inactive list, however.

The Panthers will also be without starting wide receiver Keary Colbert.

Sunday, Nov. 11, 11:51 a.m. EST
J. Michael Moore

Pregame Ponderings

Players have started to take the field for some pregame work here at Bank of America Stadium. Earlier, I and other AF.com staffers got to enjoy a little touch football game amongst members of the Panthers offensive line. Couldn't tell who exactly we were watching, but there were a few nice throws, which leads one to wonder... What if the Panthers have more trouble at quarterback today?

Carolina's quarterback situation, of course, is the big news around Charlotte this morning. Veteran Vinny Testaverde is questionable and there's a strong possibility third-stringer Matt Moore could start (I'll post official word when I get it). Moore is out warming up now in sweats backward cap. He's a tall thrower and looks like he's zeroing in on his control this morning.

The Falcons defense isn't necessarily concerned about who will line up under center. The real issue is guarding against DeShaun Foster and the run game, which figures to get plenty of work to protect whatever quarterback suits up. Safety Lawyer Milloy said the Falcons installed a few new wrinkles this week in an effort to avoid another 100-yard game by Foster.

I haven't been able to spot Jerious Norwood yet (maybe we should start a "Get J. Mike Some Binoculars Fund). Norwood is listed as questionable for the game with an ankle injury. He practiced Friday, however, and has a history of fighting through injury. If he doesn't go, look for Artose Pinner to serve as Warrick Dunn's backup.

Pinner has a 49-yard run this season on a fake punt.

In the next few week's we'll add some functionality to the in-game blog allowing you to comment on my entries and ask questions. When that happens, I'll be happy to address anything you, the fans, find interesting on game day.

Sunday, Nov. 11, 11:22 a.m. EST
J. Michael Moore

The Intricacies of Press Box Food

If there's anything on the plant better than a warm, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, I'd like to see it.

Maybe it's the coffee in my stomach talking. Maybe it's the fact that when in an NFL press box you're required, by law, to eat. Maybe it's the ole' southern boy demanding comfort food.

Or maybe it's the fact -- as I said earlier -- Krispy Kreme doughnuts are amazing. And they're rallying 10-dozen strong in the Bank of America Stadium press box.

You might remember me talking of DenverBroncos.com's Andrew Mason and his affinity with press box food across the league (you can sometimes find pictures on his blog). As reporters, we consider it our privilege to critique the free morsels presented to us each Sunday.

A lot of friends over the years have asked exactly what I do before a game. Well, it's simple. I listen to U2's greatest hits and take great care to listen to "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" at least once. I check my email, surf the net, watch some clips on YouTube and all-in-all get some creative juices flowing.

A little Krispy Kreme definitely doesn't hurt that process.

Sunday, Nov. 11, 11:09 a.m. EST
J. Michael Moore

Hello from the Queen City

First some news from this morning.

Wide receiver Joe Horn was added to the injury report just before the team departed Atlanta. The veteran is listed with a hamstring injury and is questionable for tomorrow's game.

Now for the rest of your pre-game tidbits...

One of the greatest things about the NFL is fan support and, even though I've been in Charlotte, N.C. for less than an hour, I can feel a Falcons presence. Several fans in red and black welcomed the team at the hotel, including one young fan sporting a foam claw with a Falcons logo (not really sure what that was about). Point is, you can feel the rivalry.

With the Panthers winless at home this season, you'd think that plays into the Falcons favor.

Now for the news you've likely all been waiting for...

OK, that was a bit of false advertising. I have no new news on the Panthers quarterback situation, but there are some thoughts on the team possibly rolling out third-stringer Matt Moore as its starter tomorrow at Bank of America Stadium. Those thoughts? I have two.

One -- isn't it funny that we have a Matt Moore on staff at AF.com? I'm sure he'll have some curious observations tomorrow during our pregame Falconcast. Maybe he'll even leave here with a photo with the quarterback he shares a name with.

I tried to find the AF.com Matt Moore's records from his combine workout at Flowery Branch... I think he made that video conveniently disappear.

Thought two -- John Abraham has had his success against the Panthers offensive line no matter who is lining up at quarterback.

Also, rest assured the Falcons have done their homework on all the possibilities that exist at quarterback for Carolina come tomorrow.

Saturday, Nov. 10, 4:26 p.m. EST
J. Michael Moore