Smith’s visit to the Branch went “Great”
Things are starting to pick up at Flowery Branch.
Tight end L.J. Smith and center Brett Romberg visited the Falcons on Thursday. They were the first players to drive through the gates during free agency this offseason
Daniel Loper, a reserve guard/tackle with the Tennessee Titans, is slated to visit on Friday, according to our friend Jim Wyatt of the Nashville Tennessean.
Brian Mackler, Smith’s agent, has been a busy man in free agency. He worked out Domonique Foxworth’s great deal with the Baltimore Ravens. He also has Sean Jones, the Cleveland Browns safety from UGA and Westlake High. Surprisingly, Jones has been keeping a low profile in free agency. Reportedly he’s headed to Philadelphia for a visit on Friday.
“It went great,” Mackler said of Smith’s visit with the Falcons.
When asked if they were working out a deal, Mackler said, “Call me tomorrow and I’ll let you know what’s going on.”
That wasn’t a no!
So it looks like the Falcons may have zeroed in on Smith as their pass-catching tight end. The Falcons feel it’s important to the development of quarterback Matt Ryan to add that weapon to the offense.
Smith must convince the Falcons that he’s at least a decent blocker. He was a second rounder coming out of Rutgers in 2003.
His career got off to a fine start as he caught 27 passes and started five games as a rookie. In his second season, he started eight games, caught 34 passes and was a weapon in the redzone with five touchdowns.
He was a full-time starter in 2005 and 2006, starting 31 of 32 games. He caught 61 and 50 passes and appeared headed for the Pro Bowl. But he’s been plagued by injuries the last two seasons.
Over his career Smith has averaged 10.9 yards on 231 catches. He caught four passes and scored a touchdown in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl loss to New England. The Eagles beat the Falcons in the NFC Championship game to advance to the Super Bowl.
Like Smith, Loper is coming to Atlanta after a visit with the Detroit Lions.
Loper is massive at 6-foot-6, 320 pounds. He was a fifth round pick out of Texas Tech in 2005. He has played in 40 regular-season games with no starts. Coming out of Texas Tech, he is a good pass protector. The key will be if he’s a mean and nasty attacker in the run game.
Should the Falcons pull the trigger and sign Smith? If they get Smith, should they still pick up a tight end in the draft? What about Loper? (You can’t teach anybody to be 6-6 and 320! He certainly passes the eye-ball test.)
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111 comments Add your comment
willie
March 6th, 2009
11:49 am
I like it that we are not hearing anything about the Falcons have interest in any of the FA safeties out there. That means they are doing it right, which is quietly.
Wink from Lithonia
March 6th, 2009
11:59 am
Getting a tight end at the right price in free agency will save a draft pick. Our main focus this draft is on defense. Smith would be just another cog in the process. We will keep the other tight ends for blocking. Murlarkey will find a way to use him. Signing Loper will add depth ot OL. With our first pick I would take any player from USC defense that fills a position of need. Focus should be linebacker, safety, defensive tackle, cornerback, defensive end…
SeminoleWarrior
March 6th, 2009
12:10 pm
Free agency this year is all about VALUE and VERSATILITY. TD and Coach Smith are adding depth and potential starters. Smith would be a short term fix at best given his health issues but if he pans out, he would be a steal. I personally thing the first pick should be used on SS/FS Patrick Chung. He has the skill set Coach Smith loves in his safeties. This ENTIRE draft should be about defensive upgrades. Six picks should yield at least TWO starts and a lot of depth. GO FALCONS!!
JerseyFalcon
March 6th, 2009
12:12 pm
Mike Smiths defense was always two huge tackles in the middle so the LBs and DE’s would get get singled…the falcons don’t have that with kackson being gone and the under tavle babs being in that slot. Draft two massive tackles and then work on everything else that would fit Smiths system.
Flappin' Falcon
March 6th, 2009
12:14 pm
Any truth to the Darren Sharper interest in Falcons rumors? He’d be a definite upgrade over Milloy. Great cover guy and run stuffer with flexibilty to play both Safety spots. He brings experience/leadership. Word is he is will end up in New Orleans or ATL.
JerseyFalcon
March 6th, 2009
12:31 pm
How old is Darren Sharper?? Old=Slow…and thats why Lawyer got burnt!
Rob
March 6th, 2009
12:44 pm
I think Peele is a fine receiver, he showed possibilities last year. I would rather they spend free agent money on a safety. Why are they not pursuing any safeties? You can’t rely on the draft alone when all of the veteran players on D are being let go.
JG
March 6th, 2009
12:51 pm
24. ATL: Clay Matthews, LB, USC
Atlanta’s safeties led the team in tackles which points to a mediocre linebacker play. Too many plays reached the third level, so an upgrade is imperative. Matthews’ Senior Bowl performance elevated him to the middle of the 1st round. Extremely talented and with a chip on his shoulder, Matthews should start from training camp.
This is just one of the many strong Opinions on Matthews. Get a Safety Second Round and trade our 2nd 5th round pick to move up to get the Safety from Alabama, Hard hitting, and good in coverage.
Poor McKay
March 6th, 2009
1:06 pm
I agree with others. Pelle was “good enough” as a TE last year. I’d rather see them focus on the defense and O-line now and find a cheap pass-catching TE in the summer. If Harry Douglass is going to emerge as a viable weapon in the slot, I don’t see how a pass-catching TE becomes a priority.
JoePhillyFan
March 6th, 2009
1:07 pm
We were excited about LJ when we first drafted him too ! He’s not a good blocker and gets the “drops” . The “change of scenery” idea may apply here and be good for him IF he stays healthy and doesn’t pout.
When he was waiting for a new contract with the Eagles before they tagged him….he was walking around like someone stole his dog or his woman.
oldbrave
March 6th, 2009
1:12 pm
fact is none of us know who the Falcons are looking at The New England way and we all know how well they have done. our front office did wonders last year and am sure they will again this year go birds
Marcus
March 6th, 2009
1:17 pm
I am a Falcons fan that lives in the Philly broacast area and get all PHI games, and if LJ became a Falcon, the fans up here would send Mr. Blank, TD, and Mayor Franklin a years supply of cheesesteaks and soft pretzels.
Can’t say I would blame them. I am surprised we would entertain LJ seriously, as with such a pass-happy offense the Eagles have, and not having a clear No. 1 WR for so long (save the season-and-a-half w/TO) you would expect better nos……esp. last year when he seemingly came up small after being franchised and had the ‘08 season to play his way into a BIG contract.
Now, if we get him for some nominal salary and he becomes the pass-catching TE of a 2 or 3-headed monster, that might be servicable, but in my non-NFL trained opinion, I would go with a talented rookie.
Marcus
March 6th, 2009
1:19 pm
DOL,
How do you like Madden on Wii?
I have been eyeing getting one for the kids for a while and Madden would be the prime reason I would even venture to play. Can’t imaginet how you play it with those controllers, as I am used to the PlayStation controller.
Sly Ty
March 6th, 2009
1:29 pm
“Marcus” if L.J.Smith was franchised at one point by the Eagles, that meant that at some point the team thought very highly of him, and his production. Also, isn’t it true that Philly fans are very impatient, as of right now several are calling for MCNABB to be replaced as well. Players don’t like being Franchised, because getting hurt during the Franchised season negatively affects them for renogotiating if they get hurt, like Smith has. If the Falcons take Smith, it clears us to take a Safety, or the USC LB Clay Matthews. I like Matthews, but I do believe the Front Office will take a Hybrid Safety in round 1. TD is probably looking for his young version of Rodney Harrison. My thing is though, this guy TD is like a Mad Scientist, and whatever he comes up with in his evil genius, will benefit us. I say let the man do his thing, cause last year, after the draft, I threw away my favorite falcon hat because we chose the ICEMAN instead of GLENN DORSEY…and I know I wasn’t the only one either. NOW LOOK AT HOW STUPID MY IDEA WAS DUDE!!!!
ChuckTown38
March 6th, 2009
1:29 pm
I am a HUGE FALCON fan but everyone needs to get off the UGA players, that does not make them NFL players.As far as TE Jared Cook should be there in later rounds,pass on smith.As for safety forget it with a 1st round pick,get a LB if you get better up front then any CB will look like a super star.
Green Tea
March 6th, 2009
1:45 pm
I don’t give a ratz azz what Philly fans think. In any sport for that matter. They suck and everyone hates them because they are losers. Just wanted to throw that out there…
ndadome
March 6th, 2009
2:38 pm
I like Connor Barwin from Cincinnati, DE, plays both ways. .don’t get too excited, jock sniffers. .he also plays tight end. .maybe second round or so. .fits the Patriots/now Falcons profile. .versatile.
Doesn’t seem to be a whole lot going on with any NFL team right now. .may be the quiet before the storm.
tbhawksfans
March 6th, 2009
2:46 pm
Falcons need a starter at: LB, CB, SS, DT.
If Trey Lewis comes back, we still need a starter caliber DT or Anderson moves inside and works a rotation with Lewis and Babs, then we draft a pass rushing DE. Seems like Anderson gives us the potential to draft best DL, then shuffle. Davis re-signed and wants to start, maybe if Lewis makes it back, DL isn’t such a big need.
At CB, we have a bunch of young guys that can play a little. Jackson and Houston might be starter material. We need a good CB.
LB is a mess, we have one starter with Lofton. Wire is not a quality starter and Nicolas hasn’t shown much. We need one, maybe two starters at LB.
We need a stater at SS.
I like what TD has done and is doing. He has a lot of work to do. I count five starters on base D.
So far, no FA to fill those five slots. Our needs are too big to rely on the draft alone. Seems like two or three FA starters are needed.
Bright side.
On O we only need a pass TE and some OL depth.
kc
March 6th, 2009
3:08 pm
Attn. ChuckTown38 … Do your homework man. One of the main problems with the falcons is that they haven’t drafted enough Dawgs over the years. Did you know : It’s a fact that UGA is 2nd of all NCAA 1A colleges for putting players on pro rosters right now as we speak. And … Sean, and Jermaine have already proven that they are great pro’s. I realize your a jacket, or Vol, or gator but wake up ! Pay attention! Know your facts before you dog on the Dawgs. No need to respond, I know that what I just said is factual. Your talking from your heart, not your head !
chc4
March 6th, 2009
3:55 pm
Like someone said above, Sean Jones is a FS. We already have Erik Coleman at that spot and he played very well last year. Jones is a very good player but has been injured alot. We need a thumper which doesn’t describe the former Dawg.
chc4
March 6th, 2009
3:59 pm
Jermaine Phillips would’ve been a better fit for SS but he’s back in Tampa. I’m a little surprised we didn’t pursue him. As for LJ Smith, if healthy he’s a nice player and will probably come relatively cheap. I’m more concerned with the WLB and SLB spots on either side of Lofton. I’ve gotta think that’s where we’ll look in round 1.
Sly Ty
March 6th, 2009
4:20 pm
TbHawksFan, you are right about the D-line rotation. Trey Lewis will be back in place of Ole Grady, and don’t forget about how well Kroy Bierman was at the end of the season on pass rush downs, he was a 5th rd pick last year, and he will only get better. I do believe the corners will be better, because TD has the D-line set, which will make everyone behind them better. We have a stud MLB Lofton, and really guys, I love Keith Brooking, at a minimum LB Stephen Nichols will be at his same level of production on the field. If we add USC LB Clay Matthews, we will be good. There are a several good Safety prospects this draft, and the same goes for TE. You can always find big fat run stopper DT in later rounds, the same way Rich McKay found Trey lewis. TD, the evil genius, has a plan. He is the Anti-Matt Millen. Falcons may not make playoffs this season due to difficult schedule; NFC East and AFC East, but we will have a superior foundation in place…did I mention that TD is an evil genius.
brian
March 6th, 2009
4:20 pm
Trust me you only LJ Smith ona one year prove it deal – he is as inconsistant as they come and can’t block a lick – and did I mention he fumbles after the catch plenty too.
chc4
March 6th, 2009
4:45 pm
Sean Jones just signed w/ Philly. I sure hope we don’t chase ex-Cowboy Roy Williams.
JG
March 6th, 2009
4:50 pm
Now, I am starting to get Nervous, Why does it seem our reaction time is slower than all other teams?
Loper signs with Lions
Free-agent offensive lineman agrees to deal with Detriot after rescheduling visit with Falcons.
tbhawksfan
March 6th, 2009
5:09 pm
Think back about three months ago, Braves fans were very irate with Wren. He hadn’t made a single move. it was the end of the (Braves) world. Things turned out pretty well.
I think TD will do even better. The delay also gives us more time to play out our personnal senarios, fret, whine….etc.
One thing I like to do is use a mock and do the Falcons draft based on the mock order. Something to pass the down time.
Sly Ty
March 6th, 2009
5:09 pm
JG be patience my young padawan, we had many more issues this time last season, and we turned out pretty good. Would have been nice to get that guy Loper though. Good for the Lions, they have to protect our Georgia Dawg Stafford after they take him with the 1st overall pick.
Atlanta Falcons Talk » Blog Archive » Falcons Courting Free Agents L.J. Smith, Daniel Loper
March 6th, 2009
6:00 pm
[...] ever-informative D. Orlando Ledbetter over at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution tells us that L.J. Smith’s courtship with the Dirty [...]
Ken Strickland
March 6th, 2009
6:26 pm
KC-you are the kind of dillusional, can’t see the forest for the trees, kind of UGA fan that rational fans on these blogs are complaining about. HOW CAN ANYONE BUT AN UNINFORMED UGA FANATIC CLAIM UGA IS RANKED 2ND OF ALL DIVISION 1A SCHOOLS IN SENDING FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO THE NFL, WHEN THEY DON’T EVEN RANK IN THE TOP 10(#10 Miami-292, #9 Texas-309, #8 Penn St-311, #7 Tenn-317, #6 Michigan-324, #5 Nebraska-326, #4 Oklahoma-330, #3 Ohio St-382, #2 USC-441 and #1 Notre Dame-459)? NOW, AS A STATE, GA RANKS 4TH IN THE NATION IN SENDING PLAYERS TO THE NFL, BUT AGAIN, UGA DOESN’T RANK IN THE TOP 10. CLOWNS LIKE YOU MAKE RATIONAL, WELL INFORMED UGA FANS LOOK REALLY BAD.
It appears to be rather obvious that GM Dimitroff, HC Smith and OC Mularkey don’t feel TE Peele has enough speed and quickness to get the job done. I’ve read several reports that said Peele has good hands, but lacks the speed and quickness to get down field, get separation, and split the zone before the DEF gets to our QB. That’s why they’re looking for a TE with the speed and quickness to get those things done.
KING
March 6th, 2009
6:37 pm
LOOK HERE THE FALCONS ALWAYS LACKED IN THE SECONDARY THEY ALWAYS GET THESE LIL GUYS THEY NEED TO RACK UP ON SOME BIG SECONDARIES AND CORNERBACKS, AND LINEBACKERS THE O-LINE AND D-LINE IS ALRIGHT THEY JUST NEED TO RACK UP ON THOSE THREE POSITIONS
Mark E Scherer
March 6th, 2009
7:10 pm
Loper the Lofer went to Detroit to get his meal ticket with Gravy –Grady Jackson
ShamusThacker
March 6th, 2009
8:38 pm
Anybody know how much Georgia is paying Charles? lol
ShamusThacker
March 6th, 2009
8:43 pm
Anybody remember Jim Mitchell and art Malone squaring-off outside the huddle, during a game YEARS ago?
gegodda
March 6th, 2009
8:58 pm
Just before free agency started we signed a guy named Will Svitek who wasn’t on an NFL team who has the same size as this Loper. Being a Falcon fan in the Kansas City area I’ve seen him play (he actually started a few games at T for KC) and he should provide some depth. He isn’t going to take over as a starter but could fill in nicely as a sub. I’m glad to see TD not overpaying for these backups, you can’t buy championships and making headlines in March isn’t nearly as fun as watching a playoff game in January.
Be patient and let the man do his thing.
Nookah
March 6th, 2009
9:02 pm
Just be patient guys. I like what TD and MS are (not) doing. Why get all these high priced FAs and in a year or 2 you have to re-tool because you are over the salary cap and can’t get solid FAs who may be out there then? Don’t forget we have to ante up to sign Roddy very soon. I have faith in this management and not because they made good personnel choices last year, but you can see there is obviously a plan. Why? There is consistency, there is obviously a push to have high character guys and youth. It is also obvious that they have faith in the younger guys to provide the leadership on and off the field. This management is building a foundation not just to compete for 1 or 2 years but to be one of the NFL’s elite for a long long time and as someone alluded to earlier, we are doing from the New England blueprint!!!
With the LJ scenario, it appears we will not be pursuing Pettigrew. 1) he may be gone by the time we pick and 2)we need solid players on the defensive front. That has to be the priority. Personally I like LB, SS, DE and CB. Oh by the way if they decide to take LJ, you better believe the due diligence will be done.
Don’t worry about a thing….every little thing is gonna be alright!!!!
Nuff respect FALCON FANS!!!
kc
March 6th, 2009
9:40 pm
Ken Strickland – Your talking about “all time” . I’m talking about “right now” . It’s in the 1 inch thick 2008 media guide that I’m staring at. We lost Verron Haynes, David Greene, and Mack Strong last year. The others are still active. I’m very knowledgeable about sports. Especially Football and baseball. I would LOVE a sports debate with you anytime. Your probably an Obama guy aren’t you? One thing is for sure : You better be a Gator, LSU, or Trojan fan. Those are the only 3 programs I’ll take seriously as being equal or better than us. No big 10 period ! Maybe Texas … maybe !?! Your one of those people that doesn’t realize we had 19 players out last year on the D.L. 12 were starters Ken. I’m sure you know this already because you know everything. If you dont …. That would be because we don’t whine about injuries or give excuses like some teams. BTW – Nobody in the “Bulldawg Nation” ever makes themself look bad. I dont get what point you were trying to make with your previous remarks ??? Sounds like you have some personal issues to iron out ! Good luck dude. And … Gooooooooooo Dawgs !
Saul
March 6th, 2009
11:04 pm
Falcons draft Steve Broussard while Rodney Hampton is still on the board
Draft Kevin McAdam with Jermaine Phillips on.
Let the Cowboys get Hershel.
Let Sean Jones sign a 1 year deal
Why cant this team scout the back yard? Its so stupid. Signing quality UGA NFL’ers equals a sellout without the wins…a la Minnesota.
Im just saying sign the obvious ones.
Would we draft Stafford?
darrell starks
March 7th, 2009
4:44 am
SEAN JONES GONE DAM DAM DAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
March 7th, 2009
4:45 am
WHAT IS TD DOING . GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!
tbhawksfan
March 7th, 2009
5:25 am
I’m looking at Laurinaitis to slip to us.
SlimG
March 7th, 2009
11:30 am
Sign both if affordable. Not first tier players, but does add depth. This center is a monster looking type guy to protect our valuable QB asset. Insurance policy.
As for the TE, he would give us another option to Roddy on 3rd and 6. Looks like we will go offensive in Free agency and draft defense. That’s fine. We did the opposite last year so we will be saving some of Arthur’s cash. We need to after last year.
Go Birds!
Ken Strickland
March 7th, 2009
12:47 pm
KC-what was the significance or intention of that stupid “YOUR PROBABLY AN OBAMA GUY AREN’T YOU” comment? Trust me, that statement, and assumption, speaks volumes about your assumptive mentality. And for your information, THE UNIVERSITY OF GA DOESN’T EVEN RANK 2ND IN TOTAL NUMBER OF NFL PLAYERS CURRENTLY ON NFL ROSTERS. #1 is Miami with 46, #2 is Ohio St with 44, #3 is Fla St with 41 and Ga is #4 with 37.
I could be as stupid, arrogant and assumptive as you and say YOU MUST BE A REPUBLICAN AND A MCCAIN/PALIN SUPPORTER, SINCE YOU OBVIOUSLY CAN’T SEEM TO GET YOU’RE FACTS STRAIGHT, BUT I WON’T. HEH, HEH, HEH.
Considering all of the attention TD gave to SS’s at the combine, and the lack of attention paid to SS’s in FA, it appears he and the coaches intend to draft what they need. It also appears they have confidence in the SS’s currently on our roster. I believe the same approach will be taken to fill the LB and DT positions. It appears LDE will be given to the winner of the competition between DE’s KBeirmann, JAnderson and CDavis.
marko
March 7th, 2009
3:47 pm
Loper signs with the Lions. That’s like losing your girl friend to a fat kid with pimples.
Greg
March 7th, 2009
4:39 pm
A few things people are missing: Safeties are made/converted, not drafted. Read this article from 2005 by Pasquerelli: it’s amazing, and covers why production is NOT linked to draft round in safeties the way it is in many other positions. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft05/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2038751
Secondly, this is a VERY deep draft in defense, including safety, and especially when one considers that many of the CBs are taller, a little slower…which is perfect for converting a safety! There’s no reason to draft one that high, really.
Also, LJ Smith would have to *really* be healthy for TD to sign him. For one, he can’t block. For two, he gets the “yips” over the middle at times, not something you want from a TE. For three, Peelle only needs to catch one more ball per game on 3rd down, ideally, to make our offense unstoppable. After all, Ryan, was worse off getting blitzed and on 3rd down in part because he lacked a #3 option in pass routes. Add in Douglas in the slot, and there will be plenty of conversions for about 3.5million less than LJ would cost…and LJ can’t run the play when the TE rolls to the backfield in motion, and we have him dive R and Mughelli dive L and Turner picks the hole.
Next, there are TONS of TE prospects in the draft. Keep in mind it’s a rare TE that goes in teh first round…Gates, Winslow (glorified WR), Heap (not a blocker); these guys don’t fit the Falcons mold anyways. Better off getting a guy in the third round and pairing him with Peelle.
Lastly, I live in Cleveland. I’ve watched Sean Jones. I know he signed with Philly yesterday, and all I can say is better Philly than us. Jones is a gambler and is caught out of position. So for all his INTs, he also loses the primary receiver too often for my taste.
I trust Dimitroff/Smith to do it right. Let’s have some patience (and FA prices will drop soon, and we’ll sign a few more then, I’m sure…no one flashy, but part of the process in case some draft picks need extra time to transition). Falcon Pride!
Ken Strickland
March 7th, 2009
6:39 pm
GREG-interesting article and a very informative post. How hard or how high we go after a SS will depend on how much confidence the coaches have in the abilities of Fudge and McCloud to become possible starters. The same goes for LB. If our coaching staff feels confident in the abilities of Nicholas and Wire’s ability to become effective starters, we might end up drafting a DT or CB with our #24 pick. Then we use our 2nd, 3rd, or 4th rd picks to draft a SS and LB.
ray
March 7th, 2009
7:39 pm
Ken,
You should be stock in idiot repellant. Even if it doesn’t work…
I’m okay with the LJ Smith signing (if it happens) if it’s reasonable money. The guy was pretty good a few years ago, and struggled with injuries the last couple of years. If Dimitroff, Smith, and the crew think he can contribute, then sign him.
We need to focus on defenders in the draft anyway.
I wanted Sean Jones here, but it didn’t happen that way. We didn’t get Phillips, either. I figure we’ll pick up a few more free agents along the way, but Dimitroff said they weren’t going to make a huge splash in free agency. Apparently, a lot of people weren’t listening or didn’t believe him.
Not making a big splash doesn’t mean not making good moves. It means not acting like the Redskins did….
If there are two guys we seriously need to sign, it’s Dahl and Clabo. Those guys earned their dough. And I do NOT want to see them go. I’ll bet Matt Ryan doesn’t either…
ray
March 7th, 2009
7:52 pm
Ken,
Meant to say “buy stock” in idiot repellant. Lord knows there is no shortage of idiots…
By the way, what did the almighty UGA do this past season? Yeah, thought so…and I’m a UGA fan. I say get Richt the heck out of there if he’s not going to make tough decisions..
kc
March 7th, 2009
8:16 pm
Ken – 1) Yes, I’m a McCain/Palin person and prooouuuuud of it !!! (But I’m a Libertarian)
2) Your facts may be correct, but that only means that we lost 7 people from the pro’s this year, not just the 3 that I mentioned. Once again dude, The 08′ media guide I’m lookin at right now has us at 2nd last year. I’m not lying.
3) You have me at a disadvantage : What team do you support ? I’m sure when I find out … It will be like magic and your opinions will all make sense.
4) Your probably a “Big 10″ guy that moved down to our city. Delta’s ready when you are !
John Sleven
March 7th, 2009
9:23 pm
http://apps.facebook.com/baseball_tycoon/?ref=1435488722
Ken Strickland
March 7th, 2009
10:50 pm
KC-I’m an Atlanta Falcon fan. I don’t get into college football because I relish maintaining a level head and there’s just too much fanaticism and greed associated with the college gm. Why do so many UGA fans think the Falcons can solve all of their problems and be more competitive if they load up on UGA players? UGA hasn’t been a serious national power since the Herchel Walker days. So, how can these players do more for the Falcons than they’ve been able to do for UGA? Based on team accomplishments, we should load up on players from teams that have won the majority of the national championships over the yrs like Alabama, Auburn, Florida, LSU, USC, FSU, Miami ETC. It’s perfectable to have pride in your school, but don’t let pride alone become you logic.
RAY-other than myself, you’re only the 3rd person I know of that’s mentioned the need to resign the right side of our OL. Both Dahl and Clabo are 2nd tier OLinemen, and aren’t among the most talented in that group, but the strengths they do have fit perfectly with our OFF scheme.
As far as our DEF is concerned, it won’t matter who plays SS, because if we don’t solve our poor DL play, our SS will end up being used primarily as a 4th LB anyway. We need a LDE that can pressure the QB, and DT’s that can hold their ground at the point of attack, stuff the run, and push the pocket in passing situations. That, plus improved OLB play, will make SS and CB play less of a problem.