There is no “Free” in Free Agency
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff promised that the team would not be emotionally driven when making some tough decisions this offseason.
The team’s laser-focused evaluations have pushed several players into free agency including longtime local legend Keith Brooking.
Also, out on the free agency market are cornerback Domonique Foxworth, safety Lawyer Milloy, linebacker Michael Boley, defensive end Chauncey Davis.
The team is clearly planning to rebuild the defense.
Milloy and Foxworth must be replaced in the secondary.
Brooking and Boley, both of the outside linebackers are exploring other opportunities.
On the line, nose tackle Grady Jackson is also a free agent.
That’s five of the 11 starters. However, linebacker Coy Wire, who started for Boley late in the season is set to sign a two-year deal on March 1st.
The good news on offense is that they have the “Bruise Brothers” – right guard Harvey Dahl and right tackle Tyson Clabo – back. Both were restricted free agents.
Here my list of five possible free agent targets for the Falcons:
RON BARTELL, CB, Rams: Could be a nice replacement for Foxworth. He went to Howard University, so we know he’s smart.
MIKE BROWN, S, Bears: Savvy veteran who could stabilize the unit.
L.J. SMITH, TE, Eagles: A decent pass-catcher, but would have to get reacquainted with blocking. (My man PhillyDawg told me that the next block he throws will be his first. That won’t flow well with offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.)
DRE BLY, CB, Broncos: The veteran cornerback market could be a nice option.
SEAN JONES, S, Browns: Former Georgia Bulldog is the type of combo safety the Falcons covet.
Also, we’ll check on defensive end PAUL SPICHER, 33, who spent time with head coach Mike Smith and defensive line coach Ray Hamilton in Jacksonville.
So do you like the Falcons’ moves? Where is Brooking going to land? Would you welcome him back if the free agency thing doesn’t work out? How can they let Foxworth go? Share your list of free agents you’d like to see the Falcons pursue.
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198 comments Add your comment
Sportznutt23
February 27th, 2009
2:58 pm
Peria Jerry wouldnt be the worst pick… I kinda like that pick actually. LB’s and TE’s are really abundant throughout this draft, so let’s go after DT’s and S’s either early in the draft or in FA.
Joe
February 27th, 2009
3:02 pm
And I did not insult thomas dimitroff ability to draft I just said we have to many holes to fill via the draft!! We need some free agents I said nothing about trading any draft picks!!!! What are you reading!!??? And I also never said anything about how many championships the rs or cb won!!!! I was saying that they are always signing whoever they want, that doesn’t mean they win that just means they sign whoever they want!! Idiot!! Dude are you just wanting to argue or what?? Again just so you understand completely, Thomas is the best gm and talent evaluator in the game but we still need some free agents.
Sarah B
February 27th, 2009
3:12 pm
D Money is Leigh Bodden available? That guy is great. And he returns kicks for TD’s. I know I had him on my fantasy team.
Reno 911
February 27th, 2009
3:24 pm
Heard on NFL network interview with Winslow that Leigh Boddin is in New England today, presumably talking with the Patriots.
Sarah B
February 27th, 2009
3:24 pm
Joe, take a pill dude or your head is gonna blow up. Bugkiller is right. Ut oh – now he will need another pill.
Scott
February 27th, 2009
3:26 pm
I absolutely hate that Foxworth is gone. But, what’s done is done, time to move on. To replace him, I would like to see the Falcons get Bartell from the Rams. Very similar athlete in respect to Foxworth. Safety Mike Brown from the Bears would nicely replace Milloy, very nice pick up if the Falcons are wanting to pursue a good safety. Also, isn’t Von Hutchins, free agent CB from last year, going to be available for play this coming year?
Sarah B
February 27th, 2009
3:26 pm
Reno 911 that’s sad news
I love that guy.
Mark
February 27th, 2009
3:27 pm
Does anyone remember the CB for the Rams that ran down “The Burner” Turner in Week 17 inside the 10 to strip and recover the ball in the endzone? That was Ron Bartell and the Falcons desperately need him with the departure of Fox to Baltimore.
Hunk Erdown
February 27th, 2009
3:33 pm
Bugkiller-
How dare you try to suggest that the Falcons make a run for the Super Bowl with an all-rookie defense! … Oh… Wait… you never suggested anything of the sort, did you? Actually, I don’t think anyone did… Seems to be some arbitrary accusation just plucked from the sky.
Anyone missing their bi-polar meds?
Seth
February 27th, 2009
3:42 pm
I know we may be putting a band-aid on a wound but ill throw this out there…. What do you think Brian Dawkins price tag is for a 1-2 year deal?
singndablues
February 27th, 2009
3:44 pm
Just don’t get the Falcons letting Foxworth get away. I mean they have indicated that they intend to improve the defense. Strange place to start by letting your best CB walk. I’ll just have to trust TD knows what he’s doing in the meantime.
Falconboy
February 27th, 2009
3:48 pm
DOL, Has TD met/talked with any free agents today?
WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!!!
February 27th, 2009
3:50 pm
I wish Brooking the best. He is one of the best linebackers in falcons history. He will be missed.
D3
February 27th, 2009
3:54 pm
As mentioned many times before, TD is going to have to add at least one position on D via free agency, assuming Coy Wire or Stephen Nicholas slides into one of the OLB slots and Chevis Jackson or Von Hutchins take over for Foxworth, we still have a safety, LB (possibly 2), DT, and TE to fill. I think the best option would be too add Sean Jones or Jermaine Phillips and concentrate on LB, DT, and TE. Adding depth to T & CB in the 4th & 5th Rounds.
JG
February 27th, 2009
3:57 pm
Guys/ Gals etc..
Foxworth was a serviceable Corner. He did well for us.
BUT, Was not a shut down corner. Definitely is not worth 28 million for 4 years. That would count too much against our salary cap and I can think of other Positions / Players that deserve 7 Million a year before he does. Don’t forget we have to resign Roddy White next year, and would you rather have Roddy White or Foxworth? That is no Brainer to me. ProBowler or serviceable Corner?
richbrave
February 27th, 2009
3:59 pm
JOE:
Listen up to bugkiller. He’s got the knows. I’ll repost my thinking on DANNY BOY and his bag-man VINNIE.
DAN SNYDER collects FA’s like a night-time thief in OCALA stealing grapefruits from a farmer’s grove. While the TITANS and the new regime in ATLANTA shun these misanthropes, UNCLE DANNY provides them with a collective home, and the playdough to spend on shrinks who attempt to make them less sociopathic. Meanwhile, the results show on the field. You have nothing to fear from the REDSKINS, FALCONS fans. They will continue to be mediocre whilst you ascend the NFL’s hierarchy of teams headed toward a SUPER BOWL. Roll on.
Hunk Erdown
February 27th, 2009
4:12 pm
Starting last year with a new GM, Head Coach, and rookie QB… plus all the questions about O-line and D-backs… well, I figured we were in for a 7-9 season at best. I think most knowledgable fans (skip that part Joe) expected we would be at least a couple of years away from building a team that would make the playoffs. That being said, Dimitrof has earned our respect and deserves the benefit of the doubt in whatever decisions he makes to continue building this team, which was a mess.
Brent S.
February 27th, 2009
4:17 pm
I would just like to say to everyone, that Keith Brooking was a CLASS ACT guy for the Falcons. Yes, I’ll be the first one to admit that he has/had lost a step or two over the past few years. Considering the situations he’s had to play in during the ‘99,’00, and ‘01 seasons and then couple that with the the whole 7-9 underachieving year in ‘06, and the DISSASTER of ‘07, give the guy a break!! He was the only one among the veterans, i.e..D. Hall, Crump, etc, that never complained, pitched a fit or showed his butt in the press and sports talk radio. Keith always carried himself with class and integrity. I am a die hard Brooking fan, and if we aren’t able to re-sign him after he tests the FA market, then God Bless him. He was a wonderful mainstay in Atlanta, and carried himself in a manner that is second to NONE! Thanks for the great hustle and memories Keith–your one of a kind!!
jackson
February 27th, 2009
4:54 pm
Free Agency is the time after the season when fans are worked into a frenzy about the “all we need” factor. Too often, Owners and GMs fall prey to what they think their fans want. At the end of the day, the businness of sustainability and keeping within a theme are paramount. Smith, Mularkey, and BVG all believe in the philosophy of Run the Ball and Defend the Run. Period. As such, everything revolves around the core of ball control and running… for those who still remember the 98 run, the Falcons focused on those things… when it comes to identifying what you need it comes down to DTs that command double teams and quick DEs… fast LBs and hard hitting safeties. (See Steeler/Ravens football model). CB is important in the scheme but not as critical as a good safety… thus Foxworth over valued. Brooking, tough lunchpail guy, but did not match the defensive philosophy, Milloy had the requisite skills but not the value needed for sustainability. I would bet the biggest heartburn for the staff was Chauncy… not an elite guy but definitely a top tier second tier… a tweener. those guys are critical. As for how FA shapes up, look at depth to plug holes rather than top tier talent…
As for the draft… the Falcons will go S with the first pick… no doubt. (polamalu was a 16th pick and reed was a 24th pick… both fit the falcons scheme). I would think best value OL next, followed by OLB/TE/CB. DE could pop up any time after the first based on value. OLBs can often be converted to situational DEs… meaning Anderson lines up at DE on Run situations and DT on passing situations. TEs might be deep in the draft but they are grading out poorly in blocking capacity… something this staff covets. Look for a late rounder at TE. Overall, the FA departures are important but not game changers and as such we should not lament on their loss. By the same token, I think we as fans have done enough in acquiring high valued high cost FAs that haven’t panned out… think Price, Hartwell, and even Abraham(I love him but we spent a lot to get a phenomenal part time DE).
NEXT#13
February 27th, 2009
5:00 pm
VS2,SKIN’S OWNER DANNY SNYDER HAS ONCE AGAIN THROWN AWAY GOOD MONEY @ LOSER PLAYA’S!!! HANYESWORTH HAD A CAREER YEAR DUE TO CONTRACT TIME(WHICH WANT BE DUPLICATED,EVER AGAIN IN HIS CAREER),ME ANGELO IS…WELL HE’S ME ANGELO!!! CAN’T COVER(EVEN IF HE HAD A BLANK) WANT TACKLE(INSERT GURLY GUY A.K.A. HE’S SKEERED) CHECKOUT DAN S.S’ PAST AS ALWAY’S HE THROW’S MONEY @ LOSER PLAYA’S!!! HE’LL NEVER LEARN THAT CHEMISTRY NOT MONEY WIN’S IN THE NFL!!!
Falcon Devil
February 27th, 2009
5:16 pm
Please dear god don’t get Dre Bly, he sucks!
Falcon Devil
February 27th, 2009
5:20 pm
Jackson, you are saying Abraham didnt pan out?!! Did you watch a single game last season? What a joke. Lets get FA secondary and stock up in the draft on LB and DL. Drafting secondary doesnt work for the Falcons i.e. Chris Houston, D Hall, etc. They take forever to develop and are huge gambles.
SL3
February 27th, 2009
5:28 pm
Finally the Falcons have professional management. Wish the Braves would take some cues. That crucial play against Arizona that would have given us one more chance is still in my mind. Announcers and most any knowledgable fan saw that coming, but Brooking looked clueless. Time for younger faster talent.
Trent
February 27th, 2009
5:35 pm
DOL, I like the idea of adding Bartell and Sean Jones. If not Jones, Jim Leonhard might be a solid option. I think I’d try to get by with our existing TEs and maybe one via the draft (2nd or 3rd round) before I’d sign LJ Smith. At LB, I’d look at maybe Vilma or Eric Barton. Just my quick thoughts.
Falcon Devil
February 27th, 2009
5:37 pm
Jim Leonhard is legit
Reno 911
February 27th, 2009
5:42 pm
Vilma just re-signed with the Saints.
Ken Strickland
February 27th, 2009
5:58 pm
RENO 911-I don’t think we’ll start 2 rookie LB’s. Probably either Wire or Nicholas will man one of the OLB positions. I think we’ll try to sign a vet SS and draft his replacement in the later rds. We’ll have 3 CB’s, DIrons, BGrimes and VHutchins, returning from IR. Hutchins was signed in FA to be the starting CB. When he became injured, he was replaced by Grimes, who also became injured. Grimes’ injury prompted the trade for Foxworth. I doubt if there will be more than 2 rookie starters(TE and OLB), unless DT Jerry falls into our laps and we draft him.
Most of our picks will be used as backups and on special teams. Honestly, I believe the coaching staff rates DE a higher priority than DT.
dude
February 27th, 2009
6:36 pm
Congrats to Keith Brooking on great career w/ Falcons. I personally hope u’ll be back bro. But I wish u the best. Good luck!
VICK SUPPORTER 2
February 27th, 2009
6:42 pm
FOXWORTH……GONE
MILLOY…..GONE
BROOKING (WEAK BUT)……GONE
15-MILLION CAP HIT…..GONNA HURT
4TH TOUGHEST SCHEDULE……OUCH
GOOD LUCK 2009
Realist
February 27th, 2009
6:43 pm
Brooking gone? Only about ten years too late. Sure he gets tackle stats. But, where are those tackles made? Not in the back field, that’s for sure. No sacks, no interceptions, no fumbles forced. Not worth the money, never has been.
Now if we could just get rid of Sonny and Saxby.
dledbetter
February 27th, 2009
7:52 pm
FALCONBOY: We are hearing, but have to confirm, that nobody was in today. L.J. Smith rumors are out there. Paul Spicer doesn’t seem to make sense. Agents have been pretty busy today. L.J. has Mackler, who was busy showing Domonique Foxworth the money today.
Good to see that some bloggers are showing Brooking some love. He did give the Falcons a lot over 10 seasons.
Rod
February 27th, 2009
8:36 pm
I think that letting Keith Brooking go was best for both sides, but it also provides us the opportunity to see if Stephen Nichlas is as good as they though he would be. I think that picking up LJ Smith is a great move considering that most of the TE’s will be gone within the first two rounds. I think that people have forgotten how good LJ realy is and if the Falcons can keep Abraham healthy 16 games…..I say get LJ. Resign Chauncey Davis. Pick up Jermaine Phillips (S) and Cato June (LB) and let the draft supplement the rest. 1st Round – Larry English (DE/LB). 2nd Round (CB). 3rd Round (LB).
zach
February 27th, 2009
10:17 pm
i believe we need to pursue S Sean Jones, S Jermaine Phillips, or S Roy Williams to fill the gap that Lawyer left. They all have shown that they can play at a high level and we do need young and better talent at the S position. For CB we should look at Ron Bartel or Dre Bly they both have talent that the falcons need to improve the secondary. Also Paul Spice would provide some leader ship for a young defense. Hope we draft a tight end or linebacker in the draft. Thats what we really need in the draft.
poppa falcon
February 27th, 2009
11:03 pm
I can’t believe some of u are cowering in the corner over this upcoming so-called “tough schedule!” the NFC EAST doesn’t strike fear in me! The Giants are good, but DALLAS, PHILLY AND WASHINGTON honestly don’t scare me! in fact, whoever we play SHOULD BE FEARING US!!! Some of u got this team mixed up with your “daddy’s” Falcons.
Big Ray
February 27th, 2009
11:23 pm
Brooking was a good guy. If he comes back, I say let him come on back. He wouldn’t hurt us, though he probably will be a situational guy. Enough of the bashing. Nobody’s talking about giving him $50 million and a starting role.
I thought Foxworth was a keeper, but I don’t know what the financial details are. I didn’t like losing Milloy either, he’s a tough guy who was a good leader of the defense. Yes, I know he’s 35/36 yrs old.
Dimitroff says they will rely heavily on the draft, but you have to think that some veterans will be added, particularly in the secondary. I think he’s just being very careful about showing his hand on that side of things. Also, consider that Vick is out, and going home to “house restriction” until his sentence is up. Though it’s not a guarantee, the Roger Goodell will probably reinstate him, and then we’ll trade him. Who knows what we’re looking to get back in return, or will get in return.
I notice some teams won’t take Vick because (well, they say because of pressure from PETA and others) of what he went to prison for. Guys, this is the NFL. I can see California teams not going for him, since Cali is where a lot of these tree-huggin’ freaks come from. But somebody will want him. If not, then it’s the greatest self-induced tragedy I’ve seen of an NFL talent in a long time. But I doubt it. Vick will probably play, and somebody will want him. I’m sure Dimitroff and crew are thinking up an angle on getting a good piece or draft pick (or a few) as we speak.
I’m really excited about the draft.
And no, I wouldn’t sleep on guys like Bly and Jones. I wonder just how strong the LJ Smith connection is. If we sign him, that will most likely tell us more along the lines of where we’re going in the draft. Sign Smith and say goodbye to the idea of Pettigrew, most likely.
Sportznutt23
February 27th, 2009
11:47 pm
YO! POPPA FALCON!!!
I like that attitude!!!
GO FALCONS!!!
VICK SUPPORTER 2
February 28th, 2009
1:00 am
2009 UPGRADE?
FOXWORTH……GONE
MILLOY…..GONE
BOLEY…..GONE
BROOKING……GONE
UPGRADE?
BETTER KEEP UP WITH THE REST OF NFC SOUTH!
2009 AND 4TH TOUGHEST SCHEDULE……GOOD LUCK!
todd
February 28th, 2009
2:14 am
D Hall was released early into the season by the first team that offered him a big contract. just wanted to remind you in case you forgot.
darrell starks
February 28th, 2009
4:56 am
2009 Starting defensive line, ABRAHAM, JONATHAN B, DORRELL SCOTT FROM CLEMSON, JAMAAL A,back up, BIERMANN, TREY LEWIS , KENDAL MOREHEAD, starting lb, BRIAN CUSH FROM USC or JAMES LAURINAITIS from OHIO STATE, LOFTON, CORY WIRE, back up, STEPHEN NICHOLAS, starting cb, CHEVIS JACKSON, the beast SEAN SMITH FROM UTAH i will starte him at corner only if we get SEAN JONES FROM CLEVELAND back up BRENT GRIMES, CHRIS HOUSTON,starting safety,ERIK COLEMAN, SEAN JONES, back up VON HUTCHINS move him to play safety, THOMAS DECOUD . GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rex D.
February 28th, 2009
6:45 am
Let’s keep it real – Brooking would have been best as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. But we never had a 3-4 scheme. He was rarely out of position, and he also had a lot of fire. And early on, he had speed. But he never had the aggressive pursuit or tackling instincts of a real MLB like Orlacher or Ray Lewis. And he didn’t make enough “plays” to be a star OLB. So he never really found a position of the field that made sense, and they kept moving him from the outside to the middle, and back to the outside, because he was a talent without a position. I think if he had played ILB in a 3-4 scheme, and was pair on the inside with a TRUE MLB, then he would have been an asset to the team. But in a 4-3, he was either a non-impact player on the outside (a position that breeds playmakers, i.e. see LT, Andre Tippett, etc.), or a liability in the middle because of his style of pursuit and tackling . . . As for his tackle stats, and “leading the team in tackles,” etc., most of us understand that this can be one of the most overrated stats in the league . . . If you are left unblocked, and a guy runs past you for 7 yards, and then you make a shoestring valuable, that is NOT as valuable as, say, a Ray Lewis being double-teamed and yet pursuing the ballcarrier to a point that he must turn his running back into the crowd of defensive linemen and other linebackers for an easy tackle one yard behind or past the line of scrimmage . . . Brooking never really was involved in a lot of plays like that, and I hated year after year seeing his tackle stats printed . . . He played 100% of the snaps, and Loften played about 45% of the stats, so it was obvious he would have more tackles than Lofton because he had more chances, but clearly Lofton was the better pursuer and more aggressive tackler . . . Keith, we’ll miss you because you wore the uniform with pride, and never totally gave up on a play, but I think this is a veru good day for the 2009 team. Rex D.
bigdon85
February 28th, 2009
8:26 am
Can’t say that I liked Brooking or any other Falcon for that matter because I don’t know them on a personal level. What I can say is he needed to leave and he’s gone. I spend waaaay to much money on season tickets to get personally involved with players and “rewarding” them for good service or “insulting” them with “small” single digit million dollar contracts. What does insult me untimately is that they are insulted by these “lowball” offers. Hey, pal, there ain’t a schlub out here on the street that wouldn’t pay to play on the Falcons so you, Glavine, Francour, Smoltz and all you other athletes can bite me. Other than that GO Falcons. Boo-hoo, Keith. Now you have to spend the rest of your life figuring out how to spend your millions. My heart bleeds.
Birdy
February 28th, 2009
8:34 am
Letting Brooking enter free agency definitely is a step in the right direction. The reality is, however, that it is likely that he won’t sign with any other team because only in Atlanta does he get a free ride of zero accountability. He will have to come upfield and fill gaps and make solid contact in a new environment — things he never wanted to do here because of the risk of injury (and why risk get injured when you have the owner/Marketing Dept in your pocket and jeopardize a huge contract?).
Once he and his agent receive the “clarity” regarding his free agency worth, they will be ringing Dimitroff’s phone off the hook with various promises of how he’s going to be a good sub, “leader”, gopher, you name it — for one last cool million bucks.
A guy who has played the system like he did here won’t sign anywhere else. I said this weeks ago and we will all see it proven correct in the next few weeks.
Sage of Bluesland
February 28th, 2009
9:25 am
Good ol’ Keith isn’t gone yet, folks. Once he finds out there isn’t much of a market for ankle-grabs eight yards downfield, pile-jumping, or empty ‘rah-rah’ bombast, he’ll be back here to continue his tradition of being the most overrated, overpaid (even at vet-minimum), fraud of a linebacker I’ve ever seen.
The front office will bow down to the pathetic sheep and re-ink him for his “leadership”.
It will be their first big mistake and the honeymoon will indeed be over. So be it.
darrell starks
February 28th, 2009
10:33 am
SAGE OF BLUELAND i strongly suggest before you make a comment on any one that you go back to summer school of american education service and let them teach you on how to use your own imagination when read some one sentence TY STAND FOR THANK YOU . GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!
Ken Strickland
February 28th, 2009
10:51 am
REX-the Falcons did play a 3-4 DEF under HC Dan Reeves, when Wade Phillips was the DC. Brooking played inside LB and was selected to the Probowl. Most of these distractors feel compelled to go overboard with their negative assessments of him. They either ignore, or trivialize, his accomplishments(leading tackler 8 consecutive yrs, and A 5 time Probowl selection, playing both inside and outside LB). They focus on selected trivialities(like forced fumbles) in an attempt to hide the real and personal reasons they wanted him gone. And they pretend not to notice, and refuse to address, the fact that their negative assessments of Brooking are in total opposition to what our coaching staff thinks about his abilities and contributions. TALK ABOUT BEING DELUSIONAL AND IN COMPLETE DENIAL. I WANT TO SAY GOOD LUCK KEITH BROOKING. INFORMED FALCON FANS APPRECIATE YOUR CAREER CONTRIBUTIONS, UNSELFISH ATTITUDE AND TEAM SACRIFICE. ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END, SO FAREWELL FALCON WARRIOR.
I believe we’ll go after a SS, LB, CB, and maybe a TE, in FA. Looks like Dimitroff is using the same blueprint and approach that’s been used so successfully to help New England build and maintain a winning organization.
POPPA FALCON-NOW THAT’S THE WAY TO COME OUT STRONG. I LIKE YOUR SPIRIT. I’ve said on several occassions, the schedule can’t beat us, only the teams on the schedule can. Winning teams like the Patriots, Steelers, Colts and Giants play the strongest schedules annually, and they still manage to win a Superbowl or two, or three, or six. Even last yr, DEF’s were forced to find ways to stop our rushing OFF. Early in the season they crowded the line and forced us to pass, because we had a rookie QB and our passing OFF was extremely limited. After our bye week, and the installation of our complete passing OFF, teams had to find ways to stop that.
We failed to go farther in the playoffs, because our DEF didn’t hold up. This yr, DEF’s will be forced to deal with the NFL’s strongest rushing OFF, a very much improved passing OFF(with the addition of a pass catching TE) and one of the NFL’s most balanced and potent OFF’s. We made them worry about our OFF last yr, why would anyone think it will be any different this yr. This yrs OFF will be even more potent and versatile than the one that finished the 2nd half of last yr so strong, and at the top of the NFL in rushing. Upgrading our DEF by adding more speed, quickness, athletism and depth will make us much stronger overall. THE FALCONS DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE SCHEDULE, OR THE TEAMS ON THE SCHEDULE. IT’S THE TEAMS ON THE SCHEDULE THAT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT US!!!!! THE ATLANTA FALCONS WILL NO LONGER BE AN EASY WIN FOR ANY NFL TEAM, LIKE IN THE PAST, NO MATTER WHO THEY PLAY.
willie
February 28th, 2009
11:48 am
I am constantly amazed at how so-called Falcons fans rip Keith Brooking. In this day and age, don’t you think we need more guys that play hard on every snap and keep their noses clean off the field. And you don’t get to 5 Pro Bowls without being a heck of a player. I agree that he has he lost a step and probably should not be starting, but show the guy some respect and quit ripping him. I have to assume that most of this is from obnoxious UGA fans, since he went to GT, but enough is enough.
tom
February 28th, 2009
1:02 pm
Over the last few days, I’ve heard some Falcon fans get hysterical over the players we’re losing to free agency.
Can we all take a chill pill for a second and remember that last year’s defense was ranked in the leagues “BOTTOM 10″ (25th against run – 24th in yards, etc.). The bitter pill we all must swallow is – with that group of guys our defense was not going to get better.
It may take a year or so to gel – but I believe that Smith & Dimitroff know what they’re doing. Go find fresh young talent and mold them into great team players that will take our Falcons further than any regime has ever taken this team before!
SlimG
February 28th, 2009
2:01 pm
Only one of those I like which is Jones, solid tackler who can cover deep. I think you’ll see us getting younger through the draft. Defense seems to our focus, how about a WR we can call on when it’s 3rd down and 6.
Lets pick up in this order, DT, S, and TE. Then maybe a linebacker or two. Don’t resign Brooking or Boley please.
Later fellas
Brent S.
February 28th, 2009
2:08 pm
Willie, thank you for saying that. I have read blog after blog ripping Brooking. It kills me that people don’t recall all the bad Falcons teams he’s played on since he came into the league in ‘98. He has carried himself with class and integrity, willing to help young players develop and learn their assignments. Yes, his INTS, FF, and sacks have gone down in recent years, but everybody gets older. Heck, I can’t run like I did when I was 20, and I am 37 now. So yeah, age catches up with everybody if injuires don’t get them first.
Cameron
February 28th, 2009
2:23 pm
Can someone please do their job and find out who the falcons are pursuing? NOT a list of who they might be interested in, which turns out to be a list of all the top potential free agents at each position. Have we contacted Jermaine Phillips or Sean Jones yet?