Falcons talk to Pettigrew and Gardner
INDIANAPOLIS alias THE NORTH POLE – The NFL scouting combine kicked off in earnest today with the several team executives — including Falcons head coach Mike Smith – addressing the media.
The offensive linemen, special teamers and tight ends are flowing throw the media room to do interviews.
Georgia Tech offensive tackle Andrew Gardner and South Carolina tight end Jared Cook have been through.
Just got done talking with Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State’s stud tight end. Nice kid. He’s already spent 15 minutes with the Falcons last night.
Gardner interviewed with the Falcons, too and Cook is set to visit with them later.
Smith basically covered all of the stuff in his end of the season presser. Off to the aside, he wouldn’t take the Michael Vick bait, when I asked him about the team’s efforts to trade the suspended quarterback.
Arthur Blank is due to fly in later tonight and is set to take all of the team’s executives to world famous St. Elmos Steakhouse.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
128 comments Add your comment
Ken Strickland
February 20th, 2009
8:31 pm
Like I said, the decision to try and resign Brooking has obviously already been made by the Falcon braintrust. Anyone continuing to focus on making excuses for not resigning him has to be a football illiterate, or just an idiot.
NO WAY 2 WIN-I didn’t make the decision to try and resign Brooking. And, I never said anyone was wrong, just stupid for continuing to make an issue of a decision that’s already been made. I’ve chosen not to make it an issue, because I support whatever Dimitroff and Smith decide to do to improve the DEF. If they think resigning Brooking, instead of trying to draft replacements for both he and Boley, or spending big money signing 1 or 2 FA LB’s, makes us better, I’m all for it.
While CRABAPPLEJOE tends to go overboard with his adulation of Brooking, others, like you, are going overboard trying to undue, in your dilusional minds, the decision to resign him. The Falcons need a DT, TE, SS, CB, LB’s and possibly a DE. Yet, clowns like you are focusing on the possiblity of resigning Brooking and rediculing me for supporting the decision. You redicule me, but it’s clowns like you, who think you know more than GM Dimitroff, HC Smith and our DC’s about Brookings abilities, and continuously complain about their decision to resign him. I’m going to leave the possible Brooking resigning to you obsessive minded, football illiterate fans and focus of the overall improvement of the team, especially the DEF.
no way 2 win
February 20th, 2009
8:34 pm
Back the hell up Crabapplejoe, you are the one with the man crush on Keith Brooking. What else can it be? He sure as hell can’t play football worth a crap anymore.
CYRIL
February 20th, 2009
8:34 pm
This guy named Gazoo? ( I think its Keith ) had this Q & A going around? I thought it was a joke then
I realized they are actually people who think Keith Brooking is a NFL linebacker? Anyway here’s the Q & A . I tried to be nice but his answers made me want to vomit?
(ABOUT BROOKING)
0 sacks(Was never asked to rush the passer much)
He was asked to Blitz about 40 times, he was pathic!!
0 INTs(I will give you the next three)
Brooking played on all passing downs, 0 interceptions is not leadership!!
0 forced fumbles
This is actually disgraceful. I’d quit today if I played all season with out a forced fumble.
0 fumble recoveries
Speaks for itself!!
0 TDs(None of our LBs did, lets get rid of them too)
0 safeties(Same as above)
0 blocked kicks(See above)
1 game changing assist(Just what you think you remember)
So we are admitting linebacker is our weak area except for Lofton?
3 bone head plays(Same as above)
1 playoff game losing play(So one play lost us the game? Where were the other two LB’s?)
The other two linebackers were right where they we suppose to be, the Cardinals went after Brooking because he would make a rookie mistake at this point in his overpaid career. It paid off for them didn’t it? Why don’t you answer the questions with football answers?
There is no doubt that Brooking is as washed up as an old rag. Notice no one said a good thing about Keith’s football play!!(There is none)
Its a shame a veteran who could never stand up to Tuggle or Nobis would ruin what reputation he has left!! Brooking was a disgrace last year, Thomas D. will not sign him, he’s not stupid!!
JJ
February 20th, 2009
8:34 pm
actually it was the other actor that bugged the scotch bottle, gufferson? great actor
JJ
February 20th, 2009
8:42 pm
deep breath you brooking lover/haters – life goes on!!! Does D-Led ever answer/respond to our questions?
Questions? Def. Tackle ? Lb ? SS ? TE? CB? to sit on houston!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!dingdingding
JJ
February 20th, 2009
8:45 pm
what is our cap space? If vick doesnt count until july, what is our april pre-draft cap?
Sage of Bluesland
February 20th, 2009
8:53 pm
Before any yahoo (umm, Ken Strickland, that’s you) criticizes anyone for being “illiterate”, I recommend you first learn how to spell “delusional”…
Let me guess, Ken, you’re a product of the public school system? You must be proud?
Now, back to our precious Hometown Hero. I have one name for all of the folks who actually believe the propaganda about this fraud of a linebacker: You are sheep.
Pure and simple. It’s embarrassing, really…
Dan
February 20th, 2009
9:07 pm
Disclaimer: would like to upgrade at OLB as well. But if both Boley and Brooking leaves, who plays SLB and WLB?
Brandt
February 20th, 2009
9:18 pm
By the way. Where has DOL been? He has been in Indy for three days now and we get three lame a$$ stories (Falcons Scout Defense; No Current Interest in Vick: Falcons Will Not Pursue Haynesworth) and two updates on the blog. That is weak DOL. I can remember when Dave O’Brien was at winter meetings, at least two meaningful stories a day and updates galore on the blogs.
How arethe top names performing at the combine? Who looks good, who does not? What player is most impressive, who is too overhyped? Come on man, get out of the clubs and go do your job.
crabapplejoe
February 20th, 2009
9:19 pm
SageofBluesland wrote: “Now, back to our precious Hometown Hero. I have one name for all of the folks who actually believe the propaganda about this fraud of a linebacker: You are sheep.
Pure and simple. It’s embarrassing, really…”
Just curious…are you including Thomas Dimitrof and Mike Smith in our group of sheep? Let me guess….you wanted us to take Dorseys instead of Matt Ryan right? LOL (sorry Reno 911…its just too much fun)
crabapplejoe
February 20th, 2009
9:27 pm
JJ wrote: “Crabapple, do you think we have covered the brooking blog enough? We all know how you feel about brookings and the detractors have had their say, can we get past this subject?”
JJ, I think you are on to something. Actually I came onto this thread to read about Pettigrew and Gardner…you know, the subject of the article. Then I come across these wonkers trashing a five time pro-bowler who has given his all to my team and this city…so I responded. You’ll note that I don’t start any “Keith Brooking is the greatest LB ever” threads. But I, and others, tire of the outright hatred of the dude. There is a poster on AtlantaFalcons.com whose signature is “Google” the worst linebacker ever and the answer is “Keith Brooking”…pleez. I really hope the Falcons release him so he can play to a fan base that appreciates him. It really is a racial thing and everything in Atlanta is racial….I know I grew up here.
Sage of Bluesland
February 20th, 2009
9:33 pm
A racial thing? I’m white. Pitiful attempt–try again.
Typical emotional nonsense from a sheep…
What makes it even more laughable is how ignorant that statement is!
(Oh well, sheep have proven they’re not too smart)
Stirg d'Nahsif
February 20th, 2009
9:58 pm
D.O. Ledbetter, my man!
I’ve read a number of comments in regard to re-signing of Keith Brooking (KB). At first, like the novice Falcon fan, I was upset at the notion of bringing him back, considering his faulty closing at the post-season. Later, I thought about it and it actually makes sense to keep him on the team.
Here’s why: KB and the nation of the NFL is not oblivious to his deteriorating performance. It happens; it happened to the great Neon Deion “Primetime” Sanders, it happened to KB. The organization can afford the option of offering KB pocket change to play in the same state as he played high school, college and pro football. If he goes anywhere else, he’ll never receive the respect of “playing the game” that he would receive from the fans of Georgia. We keep a leader on the team for little and he can earn his starting position. Now, We have depth and leadership. For this reason, the Falcons should also consider re-signing Lawyer Milloy and draft at safety position. Louis Delmas is an excellent candidate for tutelage at his position.
What are the chances, based on his presence at the combine, Delmas is available when Falcons pick in round 2(55)? If you don’t expect him to be available, does he rank well enough for the organization to consider him for the number one pick (at 24) or trade up, before the second pick, to nab him? I referenced Yahoo’s NFL mock draft: Version IV. How I wish the Falcons were able to pick like the eagles. I say:
round 1
(24)Brandon Pettigrew
round 2
(55)Louis Delmas
round 3
(90)Best DT or OLB available
gdg73
February 20th, 2009
10:29 pm
Crabapplehoe,
Is it racial when white bloggers “hate on” Brooking? What about when black bloggers say Jamaal Anderson “SUCKS”? Could be that they are both speaking the truth. And another thing, who in Atlanta was singing Jamaal’s praises when he was drafted? I don’t think anybody was. Just you making *ish up!!
crabapplejoe
February 20th, 2009
10:40 pm
SageofBlueland wrote: “A racial thing? I’m white. Pitiful attempt–try again.
Typical emotional nonsense from a sheep…”
Dude, I knew you were white…c’mon with a moniker like “SageofBlueLand”. The white “self-loathers” are the worst. I kind kinda respect the black Brooking bashers…they’re playing for their team…like the O.J. jurors on the murder trial. But you white “self-loathers” are the worst…you are the ones who throw out the phrase “athletic” most. By the way, you didn’t respond to the more important question…do you think Thomas Dimitrof and Coach Smith are ignorant sheep?
crabapplejoe
February 20th, 2009
10:46 pm
gdg73 wrote: “Is it racial when white bloggers “hate on” Brooking? What about when black bloggers say Jamaal Anderson “SUCKS”? Could be that they are both speaking the truth.”
C’mon gdg73…are there one one hundreth of the threads talking about Jamaal versus Brooking sucks. No. And never forget that Jamaal has “potential” and is “frustrated”. LOL (sorry Reno 911). As far as white “self-loathers” hating on KB56 please see my previous post to SageofBlueland
Ken Strickland
February 21st, 2009
12:04 am
It’s going to be very interesting to see who we draft with our first 2 picks. Will we take a TE, DT, LB, SS, or maybe a DE with the 1st pick. Will we try to acquire a TE, SS and/or LB during FA. Very often, a coaching staff will value players for their leadership and intagibles, much like Brooking and Malloy. That’s one of many factors that’s very difficult for football illiterates to comprehend, especially suedo intellectuals that have been privately miseducated.
ORLANDO LEDBETTER-what is the teams position on possibly resigning SS LMalloy? The coaching staff obviously soured on LB MBoley’s attitude, off season issues and overall decline in production. Also, are there any indications they’re considering using on of our picks on a DE?
TEAMPLAYER
February 21st, 2009
2:57 am
What in the world is going on…..”Crabapple Joe” YOU and few others need to apply for own sports columns and quit taking up space or get the phone numbers of these people you’re going back and forth with about this display of support for KB…move on man and let the front office take care of this matter…..
Mediator
February 21st, 2009
10:28 am
Cut KB sign him back for the league minimum and play him on 4th downs punt time. There everyone is happy!
ATL32FALCONS
February 21st, 2009
11:40 am
Obviously, there will always be people out there who can’t see and won’t accept the fact that one of their favorite players is just not getting the job done anymore. Both sides of this discussion can always find stats, numbers, comparisons to other players etc. to support their opinion. Here’s the thing….. IF YOU WATCH BROOKING PLAY, HE IS NOT GOOD ANYMORE AND IS A LIABILITY EVERY SNAP THAT HE IS ON THE FIELD FOR. It has gotten progressively worse to the point that I cringe every time the ball is headed in his direction either pass or run. I used to really like his play, you know, back when he played really well, so I am not a “hater”. I’m a realist, I know football and he has no business being a starter for ANY team at this point in his career. So with that said, I am very confident that if he is resigned it will be as a backup and for a substantially reduced salary. I don’t dislike the guy, he hasn’t done anything wrong, I truly believe he plays hard, but his ability to perform at an NFL level has diminished, simple as that. Any one that does not see that is in denial, there’s no other explanation.
Tim Parker
February 21st, 2009
12:51 pm
It amazes me that people fail to see what Brooking STILL brings to the field every play: character, leadership, intensity, professionalism, and solid football play. Does he miss an occasional tackle? Yes. Does he blow an occasional coverage assignment? Yes. Does he get trucked occasionally? Yes. Now, give me the name of ONE NFL LB that doesn’t, and before you give me some BS answer to some player that you have a hard-on for, make sure that you know what you are talking about.
ATL32FALCONS
February 21st, 2009
2:14 pm
Tim,
First of all, KB just doesn’t bring solid football play to the field anymore. He just doesn’t. And as for the other attributes you listed, his character and leadership are apparently not as incredible as you think according to his teammates who did NOT vote him in as a captain for this upcoming season. This was mentioned previously but is very telling of what the most important people think of him, which I’m pretty sure they have better knowledge of than anyone here.
But hell, even if he is of great inspiration to younger players, a class act, professionalism to spare, etc. he can still do that on the bench the way Joe Horn did for our receiving corps in 07.
falcfansince68
February 21st, 2009
7:11 pm
Professor Strickland,
Pseudo is spelled with a silent P you imbecile. Don’t attempt to be intellectual yet misspell numerous times on this blog. It is sad. Do you watch the games? Are you a season ticket holder? Bottom line, Brooking is soft and overpaid. Do you think that he has earned his paycheck the last 4 years? Answer that and I’ll know whether you understand one iota about the game of football.
Robert
February 22nd, 2009
9:48 am
Man, all the hate for Keith. I was angrier about that supposed “star” at CB, Chris Houston, being beaten on almost every play. Keith did make some good plays this year, but y’all are correct in saying he didn’t make game changers and for what he is, he’s much overpaid. That said, if they can re-negotiate I’d take him…..the Falcons don’t usually keep their stars until they retire, and I’d like to see it w/Keith.
SCOTT
February 22nd, 2009
2:11 pm
Now is the time to also get rid of Keith Brooking
guy0nthec0uch
February 23rd, 2009
1:23 pm
Stirg… you seriously wrote this?
“At first, like the novice Falcon fan, I was upset at the notion of bringing him back”
Novice? You think people that read these blogs just started watching the Falcons? Keith “Caught-Looking” Brooking lost it 5 years ago. He was Charlie Hustle when we signed him and since hanging out with Warrick Dunn, found the fountain of Youth. It’s simple, don’t get hit. As a FOOTBALL fan I can’t think of a more over-rated LB in the NFL. Keith is doing nothing more than keeping a roster spot from someone that can play WLB. Who if it’s not Brooking? Why not someone like Lofton? Didn’t he start all last season in Keiths “unnatural” position? Atleast Boley and DeMorrio showed signs of playmaking in the past couple of seasons. What do we have left? Brooking. The one guy that doesn’t effect the game in a postive way at all. He’s a rah rah team guy but he’s done. With a superior supporting cast “New England, Pittsburg, etc” he may still have a career. But as the leader of our defense we rank in the bottom 20%. Let him go to a team that can hide his flaws. Those being tackling above the ankles, picking off a pass, sacking a QB and making first contact on a player. The Falcons can survive without him. It’s a miricle they survived with him.
Atlanta Falcons Talk » Blog Archive » College players who Falcons have shown an interest in
March 18th, 2009
8:50 am
[...] http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/…ew-and-gardner/ [...]
FalcFans.com » Falcons show interest in TEs at Combine
May 28th, 2009
11:40 pm
[...] D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC reports that the Falcons have conducted interviews already at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis with two top tight end prospects and an offensive lineman. The two tight ends are Oklahoma State’s Brandon Pettigrew and South Carolina’s Jared Cook. The offensive lineman is Georgia Tech tackle Andrew Gardner. The Falcons have been looking to upgrade their tight end position for some time, even making an attempt to acquire Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez back in October according to the Wisconsin State Journal. Combined last year, the team’s top two tight ends Justin Peelle and Ben Hartsock combined for 18 catches. Peelle is a free agent and both players are known primarily as blockers. Pettigrew caught 42 passes last year at Oklahoma State. He is widely considered the top tight end in this year’s draft class and is billed as a first round pick, making him a possibility for the Falcons with their top selection (24th overall). Cook is one of the better tight ends in the class as well and most indicate him as a potential second round target. He caught 37 passes this past year with the Gamecocks. Scott Wright of DraftCountdown.com has Pettigrew and Cook billed as the No. 1 and No. 2 tight end prospects, respectively, in this year’s draft. Gardner was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Yellow Jackets. He suffered a shoulder injury this past October, and missed the rest of the season. He is rated as the 19th best offensive tackle in the class by Scott Wright of DraftCountdown.com. [...]