Poor play on third down hurts Atlanta's defense

By GEORGE HENRY
Associated Press Writer

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga.(AP) — Linebacker Curtis Lofton is sick of
that sinking feeling when opponents convert another third down
on the Atlanta Falcons.

“It’s a letdown because we put a lot of work into it,” Lofton
said Thursday. “When they get it, you know, everybody feels like
they’re letting each other down. We’ve just got to keep
fighting, and when third down comes around again, we’ve just got
to get off the field.”

Not being able to get timely stops is part of the reason the
Falcons have lost three of their last four.

Now Atlanta (5-4) must go on the road and keep the New York
Giants (5-4) from putting together long drives.

That’s easier said than done for a unit that’s sunk to 31st in
the NFL. In their last three losses, the Falcons have allowed
opponents to convert nearly 53 percent of 38 third-down
attempts.

“Well, we’re not very good,” coach Mike Smith said. “It’s plain
and simple. Statistically we’re not very good on third down.”

The Falcons finished 11-5 and earned an NFC wild-card spot in
their first season under Smith, thanks in part to a defense that
ranked 13th.

But when opponents have reached the 20-yard line over the last
four weeks, 12 red-zone possessions led to nine TDs.

“You have to look at what you’re doing wrong and make sure that
once we get it fixed that you don’t have to get corrected on it
again,” free safety Erik Coleman said. “Just hold everyone
accountable to their job and what we have to get done on third
down.”

Frustration has come in short- and long-yardage situations.

In the same first-quarter drive at New Orleans, the Saints
converted a pair of third-and-four scenarios with a 13-yard pass
to Jeremy Shockey and 22-yard TD run by Pierrre Thomas.

The Cowboys took a 17-7 lead the previous week when Tashard
Choice’s 23-yard catch converted a third-and-eight and Martellus
Bennett’s 15-yard catch took care of third-and-14.

Coleman says some Atlanta defenders need to pay closer attention
when studying film.

“I think that’s another big part of it,” Coleman said. “Knowing
the different situations. On third-and-short, what do they like
to do? Just being mentally aware of what’s going on and prepared
to do the right thing. We have some smart players on our
defense. I think it’s getting better.”

Regardless of down and distance, nothing has irritated defensive
tackle Jonathan Babineaux more than watching quarterbacks scurry
across the line for big gains.

Dallas quarterback Tony Romo converted a third-and-long with a
17-yard scramble up the middle.

“It’s pretty sad when you see a quarterback run for a first down
right up the middle of the D line,” said Babineaux, who’s tied
with Kroy Biermann for the team’s lead in sacks with four. “Even
though we’ve been in the right pass lanes, we’ve got to be able
to move around and get to him no matter where he’s at.”

The Giants have lost four straight, but they’re coming off a bye
week. Led by quarterback Eli Manning, New York’s offense has
completed a combined 118 passes to Steve Smith, Mario Manningham
and Hakeem Nicks for 1,617 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Running backs Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw have combined
for 1,132 yards and six TDs.

“They like to spread you out,” Lofton said. “They’ve got a lot
of receivers that make plays for them and then they like to get
in their heavy package, give it to the big back and let him
pound it. They’re going to test us in all phases of the game,
but this third-down stuff has got to stop.”

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