Falcons to lean heavily on NFL draft
Free agency has been a real big yawner here in the ATL.
The Falcons biggest offseason move so far has been to re-sign defensive end Chauncey Davis.
Here’s the breakdown on Davis’ four –year, $14 million contract. He received a $3 million signing bonus and has base salaries of $2 million in 2009, $2.6 million in 2010, $3 million in 2011 and $3.4 in 2012.
The $3 million signing bonus accounts for $750,000 on the cap each year of the contract giving Davis’ salary cap numbers of $2.75 million, $3.35, $3.75 and $4.15.
The Falcons free agent shopping list is short. They want a pass-catching tight end and a reserve offensive lineman.
They still may get the L.J. Smith and Brett Romberg deals done today. Romberg has fired his agent, Drew Rosenhaus and is in the middle of switching representation.
The Falcons approach to free agency reveals that they will address their secondary and linebacker units in the draft, which will be held April 25 and 26.
They still have to replace Lawyer Milloy. Right now, Thomas DeCoud and Jamaal Fudge would be competing for that spot.
They also have to replace cornerback Domonique Foxworth. They are placing a lot of stock in the return of Von Hutchins, who missed last season with a broken foot.
Hutchins is more of a nickel back. His return would free up Chevis Jackson to compete for Foxworth’s spot against Brent Grimes, David Irons and the draft pick(s).
The linebacker unit is in better shape with the re-signing of Coy Wire. He was starting at strongside for Michael Boley at the end of last season. Stephen Nicholas appears ready for his chance to win the weakside spot.
Taking a look around the NFC South, it has been pretty darn busy down in Tampa Bay. They are re-vamping their offense and picked up running Derrick Ward and tight end Kellen Winslow II after losing out in the Albert Haynesworth sweepstakes.
New Orleans re-signed linebacker Jonathan Vilma, which was their main goal.
Carolina has been relatively quiet after re-signing Jordan Gross and slapping the franchise tag on Julius Peppers.
Here’s a look at how the conference is doing in the offseason, player procurement business:
ATLANTA FALCONS
MAJOR PICKUPS:
OT Will Svitek
PLAYERS RETAINED:
P Michael Koenen, franchise tag
DE Chauncey Davis re-signed with the Falcons. He received a four-year, $14 million contract. $3 million signing bonus.
LB Coy Wire
LB Tony Gilbert re-signed with the Falcons.
TE Justin Peelle
RG Harvey Dahl, 2nd round tender
RT Tyson Clabo, 2nd round tender
C-G Ben Wilkerson, 0ne-year, $535,000
RB Jason Snelling re-signed.
CB Brent Grimes re-signed.
DB Antoine Harris re-signed.
DT Jason Jefferson, re-signed
S Jamaal Fudge, re-signed
PLAYES LOST
LB Michael Boley: Giants; $25 million, five years.
LB Keith Brooking: Cowboys; $6 million, $2.5 guaranteed, three-years
CB Domonique Foxworth: Ravens; $27.2 million, four years, $16.5 million guaranteed.
DT Grady Jackson; UFA Lions; $8 million, three years.
LT Todd Weiner (retired).
CAROLINA PANTHERS
MAJOR PICKUPS:
None
PLAYERS RETAINED:
LT Jordan Gross
DE Julius Peppers, franchise tag
PLAYERS LOST
C Geoff Hangartner (Buffalo)
T Frank Omiyale (Chicago)
OL Jeremy Bridges (released)
WR D.J. Hackett (released)
RB Nick Goings (released)
TAMAPA BAY BUCCANEERS
MAJOR PICKUPS:
LB Niko Koutouvides (Denver)
RB Derrick Ward (Giants)
TE Kellen Winslow II (Cleveland)
K Mike Nugent (Jets)
PLAYERS RETAINED:
WR Antonio Bryant
S Jermaine Phillips
S Will Allen
WR Michael Clayton
WR Cortez Hankton
TE Jerramy Stevens
PLAYERS LOST
LB Derrick Brooks (released)
RB Warrick Dunn (released)
CB Phillip Buchanon (Detroit)
DT Jovan Haye (Tennessee)(
LB Cato June (released)
QB Jeff Garcia (released)
WR Joey Galloway (released)
WR Ike Hilliad (released)
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
MAJOR PICKUPS:
CB Jabari Greer ( Buffalo)
PLAYERS RETAINTED
LB Jonathan Vilma
OT Jon Stinchcomb
WR Devery Henderson
LB Troy Evans
PLAYERS LOST:
RB Deuce McAllister (released)
WR David Patten (released)
Who’s winning the offeseason game of roster building in the NFC South?
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142 comments Add your comment
roman88
March 9th, 2009
6:59 pm
there’s a site I read earlier about the compensatory picks and how they’re calculated, with some interesting things about new englands philosophy when TD was there, yeah I’d like to have seen big names picked up, but I’ll trust in TD until proven otherwise, and they’re not finished yet, that site was drafthistory.com, shows different routes some teams took and didn’t take, remember daniel snyder first bought the skins a few yrs back and loaded up with big free agents and bombed, he’ll try again now, the secondary with safety is my biggest concern, along with some help for abe on the other side.
D3
March 9th, 2009
8:09 pm
TheManMike, you really should actually READ the entire post you helmet. If you would have READ the whole post you would have found that I agree with the rebuilding process, but that it is a risk. I don’t think anywhere in my post did I mention Foxworth being the glue in the dam (nice metaphor, by the way). I simply said that Foxworth would have foritified our secondary. Simple. Reading comprehension can be a very enlightening process that can lead many fun experiences.
Again, if you would have READ, as mentioned before, you would have seen that I agree with this process. But it is a risk, we do have 4 open spots on defense (if you assume Wire takes over at OLB), 5 if you don’t. I also went through scenarios that would need to occur to have a good performance, which was much more analytical than your “everything will be fine,” “you guys are idiots,” non-sensical rant. It actually is a FACT that we did lose 5 starters. Facts are also fun, you should check into them. Milloy, Brooking, Foxworth, G.Jackson, & Boley all started at some point. I was simply saying that anytime you have younger players with less experience, you are taking a risk. No more, no less. Do me a favor and put a self-edit button on your dumb@ss comments before you post.
By the way, what the Hell does bigname-nogamers mean? Ever hear of a space, hyphen, or better yet a comma? Thanks!
TheManMike
March 9th, 2009
9:00 pm
D3-
You called me a helmet – hahaha, nice.
Besides repeating yourself, i like your retort. I found it rather amusing and enlightening, as you say. You are correct, we lost 5 “at one time” starters, but all this talk of there being this lack of veteran leadership is just getting irritating and i guess your posts stood out to me. But, its OK – no worries.
Oh yea, ‘bigname-nogamers’ (Big names with No game….come on, like you didn’t get that…) is simply a made up word, so there you go, your the winner of the blog ranting decathlon. (That’s a joke)
Also – love the name calling. Good touch.
By the way, i stand by my comments. I think the quote i pointed out pretty much states my point, so, word it however you like.
Ken Strickland-
Nice last post. This “end of the world” mentality is simply dumbfounding. Cheers!
TheManMike
March 9th, 2009
9:02 pm
Thanks DLed for your earlier post answering my question. Good looking out.
Phrase of the week should be….”All in due time my friends, all in due time.”
falcon21
March 9th, 2009
9:33 pm
Heck, all you guys make good points, some of it is kinda off the wall but it is only opinions. Hell everything I write is off the wall, so I’ve been told but Im gonna keep doing it until I get ran off. This is good reading guys and gals, keep it up. GO TD and FALCONS!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 9th, 2009
10:00 pm
TheManMike: Like the quote of the week.
Hey y’all, “What’s a helmet?” Don’t get that one.
Mike Peterson was in to visit the Falcons today. Found out late in the day. All is quiet on the L.J. Smith front. He’s not ruling out the Lions (translation: I really want to come to Atlanta, but I need somebody to drive my price up).
panic
March 9th, 2009
10:05 pm
Something that has not been STATED is the fact our gm looks beyond just this yr, has been SAID our gm is looking at next 2 yrs to fill needed holes as has been proclaimed . what is next yrs draft class look like if we sign ok player this yr we can have true stud next yr,
or hope that god shines down his glory on these new reborn birds
I think that these fine folks at the branch have a very good plan just not tipping our hand ,we will all be in shocked thought once this
voted best NEW GM and NEW COACH take there turn at the player table!!
D3
March 9th, 2009
10:06 pm
TheManMike, its all good. I actually agree with your point of view and I’m not saying the sky is falling, just that there is a little risk with all younger guys. As far as name calling, you did call me a stooge and rip into my post several times.
All good bro. I agree with you that Foxworth was over-paid, just that if we were going to keep any of the FA’s we should have kept him. Just hoping we don’t take a huge step back. That’s all.
Good Banter.
D3
March 9th, 2009
10:09 pm
DLed, a helmet’s another deragatory term for tool. I got a little carried away. In your opinion, do you think LJ Smith would be a good pick-up? And if we do, do we still draft a TE in the draft?
Good reporting, thanks for the updates.
falcon21
March 9th, 2009
10:21 pm
I don’t think LJ is the best option. I think we have a couple of good TE’s. We should draft Defense,Defense,TE and more Defense.
roman88
March 9th, 2009
10:39 pm
amen
a feared pass rush and a beast in the middle would really help that secondary,
FalconNVA
March 9th, 2009
11:15 pm
Adam Schefter of NFL.com has reported that the Falcons have signed ex-Jags LB Mike Peterson to a three year contract. Peterson played for Head Coach Mike Smith in Jacksonville for 4 years before losing favor with Del Rio’s staff.
Gunner
March 9th, 2009
11:20 pm
I understand that this year has a great crop of linebackers. Remember Mr D. was head of college scouting at New England. I suspect he knows what he’s doing.
Ken Strickland
March 10th, 2009
12:14 am
Think about this.
(1)DT TLewis(6′3″ 323lbs) should return healthy and at full strength. We draft another big, strong run stuffing DT like maybe Ron Brace(6′3″ 330lbs) of Boston college, or Sen’Derrick Marks(6′2″ 305lbs)of Auburn, or Evender Hood(6′3″ 300lbs) of Missouri, and maybe, just maybe, a stud like Peria Jerry(6′2″ 300lbs) of Ole Miss drops into our laps. Add DT’s JBabineaux and KMorehead to the rotation and we have a solid interior DL.
(2)With a solid DL, our LB’s would have more time to read and react rather than dodging OLinemen coming at them, or chasing RB’s in the open field.
(3)If your DL is solid against the run, the OFF will usually be put in a lot of 3nd and long situations. This situation allows us to bring in our pass DEF personnel.
Look at the teams that make it to the Superbowl and tell me how many of them have what is classified as shutdown CB’s. If you have a strong rushing DEF, and a strong pass rush, you don’t need shutdown or Probowl calibur CB’s. A young, strong, energetic, athletic, solid DL will make all of you apprehensive fans forget all about the loss of SS LMalloy, OLB’s KBrooking and MBoley, DT GJackson and CB DFoxworth. By the way, the offer we made to CB DFoxworth was more than the one he accepted with the Ravens.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 10th, 2009
12:48 am
Mike Peterson has not “signed” with the Falcons. They have agreed to terms on a three-year contract.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 10th, 2009
12:52 am
D3: Thanks for help on the “helmet” deal. I get it now. If L.J. Smith can revert to his 2005 and 2006 form, then he could be helpful. If he’s slipping real fast and doesn’t want to block, then get one of the young guys in the draft and teach them how to block.
darrell starks
March 10th, 2009
2:00 am
This will be a big draft this year 1stpick have to be LB LAURINAITIS OF OHIO STATE OR CUSHING OF USC either or there both are playmaker and we need that bad AT THE LB POSITION, 2nd pick do what ever it take to move up in the draft to get SEAN SMITH OF UTAH who can play CB OR SAFETY i would play him at safety with COLEMAN THIS WOULD be a still for us if we can get him in the 2nd round,3RD PICK DT DORRELL SCOTT OF CLEMSON a big run stopper who if you play him with TREY LEWIS THAT WOULD BE A BIG PLUS ON DEFENSE i would love ASHER ALLEN BUT HE WILL BE GONE BY THE FOURTH PICK. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Las Vegas
March 10th, 2009
2:13 am
If the Falcons sign anybody, they should sign some refs for the playoffs the way Arizona did.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
March 10th, 2009
2:55 am
D-LED…….
WHAT’S GOING ON BUDDY? WHAT HAVE I BEEN UP TO? YOU KNOW DOING MY RESEARCH AND SUPPORTING THE “GREATEST” ATHLETE TO EVER SUIT UP IN THE NFL.
I RECALL WHEN HATING FANS WERE SAYING MV7 WOULD NEVER SUIT UP IN THE NFL AGAIN, AND I WAS LIKE “DREAM ON”. LITTLE DID I KNOW, THEY WERE RIGHT!!!
AS IT TURNS OUT, THE BELOW LINK REPORTS THAT THE “UFL” HAS BEEN STATED ON THE “PRO FOOTBALL SITE” THAT BY 2011, THE UFL MAY BE THE ONLY FOOTBALL LEAGUE SOUTH OF CANADA THAT WILL BE COVERED BY THE MEDIA AND GUESS WHAT? THAT’S RIGHT, THE UFL HAS BEEN QUOTED STATING THEY ARE HOT AND HEAVENLY PURSUING THE ONE AND ONLY MV7.
http://www.profootballtalk.com/category/rumor-mill/
BELOW IS A SPECIFIC COLUMN IN THE ARTICLE:
HASLETT TO COACH IN UFL, TOO
Posted by Mike Florio on March 9, 2009, 2:57 p.m.
Our effort to identify, in haphazard, speculative fashion, the other three folks who’ll be among the first four head coaches in the UFL failed to include a name that should have been obvious, and that gives the UFL an added boost of initial credibility.
Per an NFL source (we need to be clear on that because the “league” in this case is the UFL), former Saints head coach and Rams interim coach Jim Haslett will spend the 2009 season coaching a UFL team.
Haslett was a finalist for the Rams’ head-coaching position after leading the team through the final 12 games of the 2008 season. He then was linked to a couple of vacant defensive coordinator jobs, but ultimately was not hired at the NFL level.
Finally, to the folks who might be wondering why we’re covering the UFL more closely than we ever covered the Arena League, consider these realities: (1) no former NFL head coaches ever became head coaches of AFL teams; (2) the no-defense AFL is more like basketball in pads than football; (3) come 2011, the UFL might be the only pro football league south of Canada that any of us will be covering.
THEREFORE……MV7 MAY HAVE IN FACT SUITED UP IN THE NFL FOR THE LAST TIME, BUT COMES 2011 ALL THE NFL FANS WILL BE WATCHING THE UFL ANYWAY
MV7 HAS PUT THE NFL ON THE MAP, NOW IT’S TIME TO DO THE SAME FOR THE UFL.
DON’T WORRY GUYS, I WILL BE MAKING MY MARQEE APPEARANCES DURING THE 2009 SEASON TO ENSURE I SUPPORT THE OUTCOME OF THE 4TH TOUGHEST SCHEDULE
ENJOY GUYS — MV7 SENDS HIS REGARDS
It Doesn't Matter
March 10th, 2009
7:02 am
WTH, we let KB go supposely because his has lost a few steps, then turn around and sign another aging LB, but one with an attitude problem. TD, did you fall off and hit your head on a snow board. I can’t believe this crap. TD, what are you going to do next, trade Ryan and put Vick back behind center. You need to send me a refund for my season tickets you SOB!!!
TheManMike
March 10th, 2009
7:58 am
VS2 – hahahahaha – you actually think this UFL will over-take the NFL??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA DAMNIT you make me smile…
D3 -
Yea – its weird when people get in violent agreement, but yes, good banter. Also – still love that Helmet reference…will definately have to use that one soon.
DLed – Did you laugh as hard as i did when you read the article about UFL?
VICK SUPPORTER 2 lost in space
March 10th, 2009
8:22 am
UFL?? LOL
NOW THAT’S HILARIOUS!!
MY OH MY HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED
hawesg
March 10th, 2009
8:38 am
My guess is that Peterson will play SLB? He doesn’t have the wheels to play WLB does he? OK, not exactly a great move, but it does allow you to take one hole off the depth chart. (I think Coy Wire is a great special teams/back-up, not a starter.) It also allows you to perhaps draft a developmental player late in the draft or perhaps wait until 2010 to do so.
I think we can count on the Falcons now drafting a DB with the 24th pick. Maybe they go with Jeria to solidify the front, but I bet they pick a S like Louis Delmas.
Wire and Peterson sharing SLB is more comforting than relying on Wire alone. Again, I think the CB situation is dodgy, but that’s one less hole to fill in the draft.
hawesg
March 10th, 2009
8:44 am
Strickland: It’s not that Foxworth was the equivalent of Deion Sanders, but he was the best CB on the team last year (or maybe Chris Houston just made him look that way). When you lose a player, it would be nice to replace that player with something equivalent.
Also, you left Babineaux off your DL depth chart. As for DeCoud, how do you compare a mid-round pick with the #3 pick in the draft? Or even the 37th (or whatever pick Lofton was)? DeCoud couldn’t even beat out the unfortunately named Jamaal Fudge.
Big Ray
March 10th, 2009
8:49 am
Funny…so funny….
So it looks as though Peterson has agreed to terms with the Birds. Well, there’s a veteran signed. And what is the first thing we hear? Waaaaaaahhhhh! Isn’t he too old? Isn’t he too slow? Isn’t he this, isn’t he that?
Gee, I thought that was what was wrong with all the veterans we let go…so what gives? Some people, I swear…
hawesg
March 10th, 2009
8:53 am
Super Bowl teams with shutdown CBs? First of all, how would you define shutdown CBs? Since I might limit that class to about four in all the NFL, that’s a false measure. But Asante Samuel was a big part of New England’s defense when they were going to the SB. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was a huge part of Arizona’s run.
But you’re right that most Super Bowl teams have impressive front sevens that ease the load on the DBs. Right now we have three above average starters there: Abraham, Lofton and Babineaux. And only Abraham is an All-Pro, and he’s usually hurt for some of the season. But I’m sure the return of Trey Lewis will even everything out.
doodoobailey
March 10th, 2009
9:20 am
UFL???????? hahahahahahahah!!!!!! MV7 is a thug and should be shot just like you who support him; ever heard of the USFL dumba$$? oh yeah you can’t read just like dumb vick and his brother.
cutter
March 10th, 2009
9:33 am
hawesg- thomas decoud did not beat jamaal fudge out because first of all they play two different positions fudge-ss decoud-fs. secondly, “couldn’t even beat him out” for what?… the starters last season were milloy-ss and coleman-fs. coleman will move to ss and decoud will get a chance at fs. fudge will likely remain back-up and special teams.
clthurman
March 10th, 2009
9:35 am
Anybody who knocks Foxworth did not watch the man play last year. Despite our crappy linebackers and lack of pass rush by line outside of Abraham he was the only secondary player who offenses tried to avoid. Now that we have signed Peterson which makes no sense in the need category we have the same crappy rushers with no outside linebackers except for Coy Wire(a special teams player)and Stephen Nicholas(another special team beast) and 2 middle linebackers. THERE IS NO ONE IN THE DRAFT WHO WILL PLAY TO FOXWORTH’S LEVEL THIS YEAR and those players on the roster….cmon Grimes, Jackson and Von Hurt..with Chris “toast” Houston, please get realistic our defense will be worse this year and the onus will have to fall on the offense to be bigger than last year against a tougher schedule. And for those who think Foxworth was asking for too much…how much is a good young corner with paying? He wasn’t the second coming of Deion Sanders but he wipes the floor off the retreads and rookies we are gonna see. We got him for a 7th rounder he did his job…pay the man. Oh wait the plan is to better the team through the draft and no exceptions unless some retread from Smith’s old team shows up on the market. Alright final question….is any draftee gonna be better than what we paid to get Foxworth for…7th rounder.NO!!!! The defense had to upgrade to allow the team to progress and we have not, thus no playoffs and the Atlanta tradition of not having 2 playoff years in a row continues. Thanks guys!!!!
marko
March 10th, 2009
9:47 am
I trust the D-Man’s judgement, and will be happy with who ever he drafts this April. However, James Laurinaitis is my pick, and I’m sticking to it. I understand his forty time was a bit slow at the combine, but I’m not paying him to run forty’s. He’s paid to knock the snot out of people and take away their footballs. In these areas it’s hard to find fault with the kid. If he still runs 4.8’s on his pro day I’ll reconsider, but for now I see him as this years Emmitt Smith. Sixteen teams passed on the NFL’s all time leading rusher. They felt he was a great college player, but he was too slow for the big time. The Falcons did’nt pass on him, they drafted after Dallas. Still, had Emmitt fallen to them, I beleive they would have selected Steve Broussard anyway. After all Steve had a faster time in the forty.
steve'o
March 10th, 2009
9:59 am
MAN!! Some of ya’ll are so depressed it’s kind of sad. Let the people in charge worry about next year. Let them put the players in place. Let the rest of use cheer on our team and if it don’t work out then rip the GM, coach and owner apart.
cutter
March 10th, 2009
10:01 am
Foxworth will be missed he was our best corner but he is from maryland and i heard he wanted to play for the hometown team. to all of you who feel his contract was too large… it is not about the about of money a player asks for it is about the market and when you have a young corner who is a almost 6 ft and runs a 4.34 forty and a vertical of 41 in and great shuttle and cone times at the combine the market is pretty high for that type of POTENTIAL, if you dont pay to keep them someone else will gladly take them off your hands.
wr
March 10th, 2009
10:51 am
Tron5000, I didn’t say that GM’s specifically sign players because we as fans want the player signed. I did say that some GM’s peak into what fans are saying and at times they let fan speak overshadow the actual business process of making a team better. You asked for an example, here’s one, “Peerless Price”, fan support for his signing was off the charts, he had a couple of good years in Buffalo and graduated from tennesee, we needed a good receiver and fans were basically screaming heres a natural fit. As you recall we signed Peerless and when he turned out to be a bust, Dan Reeves said his self that Authur Blank got caught up with the expectations and desires of the fans more so than what was best for the team. Of course, Authur claimed that it was Dan who wanted Peerless and so on. I could give you more examples if this blog was about pleasing you, its not, and so as I stated earlier and to which is the general purpose of my blog, I as well as many people who have responded am concerned about the state of the falcons, but I also know this is only the 2nd year of this regime and if the falcons take a step back to move 5 steps forward, meaning the end of the lack of back to back winning seasons and a consistent contender I am all for it. Once again, no I don’t believe GM’s solely make decisions on what fans want or believe, but I am realistic and knowledgable enough to know that it does happen and when it does happen teams tend to get themselves in trouble more often than not. Any fan that has been a life time fan of the falcons recognize that this has been a problem in the falcons past, not only with taking players, but also selecting coaches (Jerry Glanville). I am just glad that we are making moves that we as fans have a hard time understanding, but we all will be happy with if it all works out, if not, same old falcons and we will have to continue to hope.
clthurman
March 10th, 2009
11:31 am
Cutter I could not have said it better and Ledbetter your assumption that Foxworth took less in a hometown discount has yet to be proven. Kinda doubt that and the fact you were biased against his ability shows where your facts are derived from.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
March 10th, 2009
11:35 am
“UFL” I HAVE 3 WORDS WHY THE UFL WILL RAIN ON THE “NFL” PARADE — “MARK CUBAN & GOOGLE” BETWEEN THE 2 OF THEM ALONE THEY HAVE ENOUGH CASH TO CHOKE THE NFL AND THEY HAVE SOUND BACKERS AND A HOST OF FORMER NFL EXECUTIVES. BESIDES, I’M SURE THE OLD “AFL” WAS SAYING THE SAME THING WHEN THE “NFL” LAUNCHED IT’S FIRST SEASON – OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW. CHANGE IS HAPPENING PEOPLE….THE TRADITIONAL “1 DIMENSIONAL” QUARTERBACK IS A THING OF THE PAST AND THE “UFL” IS RECRUITING THE FUTURE OF SPORTS
IT’S AMAZING THAT “ONE” SINGLE PLAYER COMMANDS SO MUCH ATTENTION AND HASN’T SUITED UP IN 2-YEARS
I AM GOING TO LAUGH MY “YOU KNOW WHAT” OFF WHEN 75 % OF ATLANTA JERSEY SALES SWING OVER TO THE UFL
ENJOY 2009 & 2010 – IT PROBABLY WILL BE THE LAST SEASON IN ATLANTA
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE 2009 SEASON FOR BOTH LEAGUES, BUT FOR DIFFERENT REASONS. SURE HOPE YOU GUYS GO 16-0 & SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS, BECAUSE OTHERWISE, YOU CAN COUNT ON MY APPEARANCE ON EACH AND EVERY AFTER GAME BLOG.
HAVE A NICE 2009 AND 4TH TOUGHEST SCHEDULE. LOVE YOU GUYS
GeorgiaBoy
March 10th, 2009
11:35 am
Stop panicking, Falcons fans. Dimitroff and Smith know what they were doing. The defense wasn’t good last year, so the fact 5 defensive starters are gone doesn’t upset me. They will sign a few key players and build through the draft, just like New England did. So what we didn’t sign Haynesworth. We freed up a lot of money not doing it, and the Falcons will be better for it. Just relax, Falcons fans!!!
steve'o
March 10th, 2009
1:58 pm
VS2, I read your post and I didn’t see your buddy vick mentioned anywhere. Remember this, Vick will never play pro football again. Public backlash would be to great for a team to handle. The NFL,UFL or any other football league owes vick nothing at all! He was given every chance to be an NFL superstar he messed that up himself!
VICK SUPPORTER 2 lost in space
March 10th, 2009
5:26 pm
UFL?? LOL
DON’T GO AWAY ANYTIME SOON VS2. I’VE RATHER ENJOYED OUR BATTLES OVER THIS PAST SEASON AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT. YOU MADE LAST YEAR SUCH A BLAST!! WHILE SOME PEOPLE GOT BEYOND ANGRY AT YOUR COMMENTS, I LAUGHED ALL THE TIME. NEXT YEAR WON’T BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU SO IF FOR NO ONE ELSE WOULD YOU AT LEAST STAY FOR ME? THE ONE AND ONLY VICK SUPPORTER 2 FAN. IF NOT, I UNDERSTAND. IT IS AFTER ALL THE UFL, LOL, AND MV7 WILL SHOW THAT HE CAN BE A ONE MAN TEAM AFTER ALL. IT WILL BE LIKE WATCHING A MADDEN GAME. UNFORTUNATELY NO 130 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT. YOU KNOW, BECAUSE IT IS, AFTER ALL, THE FREAKIN UFL!! LOL
Kenny
March 11th, 2009
1:06 pm
Bullseye,
I really cannot see how you think Brent is going to or better than Deion. Man I don’t know what Deion you are speaking of ! lol The wat you sound is like, you must have been a huge D.Hall FAN !
Brent need a lot of time and games in the NFL, to compare to Deion.
Speaking of T.O., you are speaking of Cancer with NO cure ! I will take this offline.
Go Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!
Ken Strickland
March 11th, 2009
6:57 pm
HAWSG-First, go back and read the last sentence in the 1st paragraph and you’ll see I did include Babineaux. Secondly, Foxworth wasn’t really tested because teams chose to go after the younger, less experienced Houston. Thirdly, contrary to what you seem to believe, you can compare a midlevel draft pick with any other pick in the draft. CAN YOU SAY QB TOM BRADY. Tell me, can you name a single player drafted ahead of him that’s out performed him so far? In every single draft you will have players drafted in the lower rds that out perform players drafted in higher rds.
As far as our DL ie concerned, letting DT GJackson go was a positive step. Everytime we’ve signed big Grady, it was to improve our poor rushing DEF. I’ve got news for everyone, our rushing DEF was poor with him, and it can only improve without him. Also, his presence severely weakened our pass rushing ability, especially on 1st and 2nd downs.
As far as replacing Foxworth, I think we’ll draft a CB with our #24 pick.
Peterson was signed to provide the vocal leadership and versatility that KBrookings once provided(playing all 3 LB positions). However, he provides something Brookings never provided, and that’s a physical style of play, which Smith seems to prefer.
Smith and Dimitroff are making moves and decisions that will improve the team, not satisfy the likes and dislikes of fans. Last yr, I fell into that trap and thought I knew better than they did, and like some of you, I expressed my dislike with THEIR selection of QB MRyan instead of either DT Dorsey or Ellis. Well, I’ve learned my lesson, but I guess some Falcon fans are just hard headed learners. INSTEAD OF COMPLAING ABOUT, AND OVERANALYZING, THE MOVES THEY’RE MAKING, I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING HOW THOSE DECISIONS AND ADDITIONS IMPROVE OUR TEAM NEXT YR. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
drmondo
March 11th, 2009
8:55 pm
I get nervous about their using the draft exclusively to fill the holes in the defense. Yes, last year the front office did a spectacular job building an 11-5 team out of what was projected to be a 2-14 team. Because of that, I’m not panicking just yet. This is Atlanta, though. The franchise which hasn’t had back-to-back winning seasons EVER. As a fan since 1980, I’ve been burned too many times for me not to wince like a battered woman whose husband just raised his hand to fix her hair. I’d feel a lot better if they’d get a quality S or CB in free agency. They obviously aren’t going out and getting a pass rusher (which we need desperately)in free agency. Does that mean they have faith in Davis/Anderson/Biermann? Will Biermann play DE on passing downs? Instead of picking up TE L Smith, what about converting Finneran? He might have to bulk up a bit but we know he can catch and he’s never shied away from throwing a block. I’m sure I speak for most Falcons fans when I say I don’t care if they sign a donkey that can kick or a dog that returns punts as long as they win. Bottom line: back-to-back winning seasons is the goal. Playoffs would be nice, but make sure you’re at least 9-7 by the end of the season. Good luck Falcs!
diesel47
March 15th, 2009
9:11 pm
i think maybe the birds ought to look at brooks out of tampa. he may be getting up in age, but, he could add some veteran pressence in the defensehe seemed to have real good games against the birds, maybe we oughta get him on our side and let him take his anger off at tampa .