Falcons start offseason workouts
Falcons defensive tackle #97 Trey Lewis goes down with a season ending injury against the Buccaneers during 1st half action at the Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. CURTIS COMPTON / AJC
Dana Point, Calif. — Falcons head coach Mike Smith was beaming ear to ear.
He said he’d receive a “good report” from the first day of offseason workouts.
He told the AJC that defensive tackle Trey Lewis, linebacker Robert James and running back Thomas Brown were all medically cleared to participate.
The Falcons let defensive tackle Grady Jackson leave via free agency and have not replaced him with a veteran. So the news about Lewis, who is coming off of two knee surgeries, was important.
Lewis was off to a promising rookie season before suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2007. He missed all of last season after re-injuring the repaired knee while walking down the stairs. Lewis might be able to help offset the loss of Jackson.
Robert James was nicknamed "The Beast" at Arizona State.
James, who was nicknamed “The Beast” in college, was a fifth round pick last season. He missed the season with a head injury. The Falcons are in the midst of re-vamping the linebacking unit. James was called a “run and hit” linebacker and might be able to help next season.
Brown, a seventh round pick from Georgia last season, appeared to have the team made as a kickoff returner before a horse-collar tackle took him out with a groin injury.
Smitty wasn’t as forthcoming about the secondary. We told him we were having trouble figuring out what they were doing at safety. We told him about a “no-cover, no-hit” 46-year-old safety they might be over looking. He said “you can find plenty of those.”
Falcons running back #27 Thomas Brown returns the opening kickoff for a long gain during 1st quarter action against the Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Saturday, August 9, 2008. CURTIS COMPTON/ AJC
Georgia safety Reshad Jones #9 gets his hand on a pass caught by South Carolina tight end Jared Cook #84 Iast season in Athens. RICH ADDICKS/AJC
Also, tight end Jared Cook is coming in for a visit. He’s a local player from North Gwinnett High and South Carolina and will not count against the limit of pre-draft players the Falcons can bring in. The Falcons flirted with signing free agent L.J. Smith and may be looking for a receiving tight end in the draft. The draft is considered to be deep at that position.
Those were the Falcon highlights of the AJC’s first day at the Owner’s meeting.
The overall highlight was running into Condoleezza Rice in the hall way of the hotel. The former Secretary of State and super football fan spoke to the Owners on Sunday night.
Team Prez Rich McKay and Tennesse head coach Jeff Fisher, co-chairs of the competition committee, went over the rule changes and points of emphasis for next season. Nothing major, other than banning low hits (Tom Brady rule) on the quarterback. They stopped short of saying they’d just let the QB’s wear skirts or kilts.
If they are out there with the ball, set to do damage to the defense then they should be able get hit anywhere. But in the name of player safety, they can’t be hit in their lower extremities. Players can reach out with their arms and take the legs out, but not lead with the pads.
The theme of the rule changes was player safety. The wedge on kickoff returns will become a thing of the past. Only two-man wedges will be allowed. Call that one the Kevin Everett rule. No more busting up the wedge and ending up with a devastating neck injury.
The AFC coaches speak Tuesday morning. The NFC coaches speak on Wednesday.
Excited about Lewis, James and Brown being back? What about the rule changes?
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113 comments Add your comment
this gets old
March 24th, 2009
6:12 am
46 yr. old safety ????!!!!! Yeah, riiiiight! C’mon off of that thang and give the real age brother!
JJ
March 24th, 2009
6:59 am
good report d-led! Keep the info flowing, cannot wait for draft and spring training. This time of year (march madness) is the WORST time of the sports year for some of us. However, the masters and baseball are close!
mountain_jim
March 24th, 2009
7:59 am
Appreciate the updates. Keep em coming. For me the WORST time of year is when bball is over and golf and baseball is left. snore.
Willie Coyote
March 24th, 2009
8:00 am
Where exactly can you hit the QBs now?
uga_b
March 24th, 2009
8:17 am
Willie, you can only hit them in the equivalent of a the strike zone: above the knee and below the shoulders.
At what point do we ban hitting a defenseless reciever coming across the middle? Seems like catching them and tickling them might be safer.
The Robot Nesbitt
March 24th, 2009
8:18 am
This is the Robot Nesbitt seeking information on the professional sport of football. My series is designed for use in the college game and will be modified in two years to play at the professional level. I will dominate and destroy opposing defenses.
The Robot confirms that Trey Lewis is healthy but is a step slower that he was prior to injury. Result: Ineffective. Protocol One: Draft a defensive tackle early.
That is all. Thank you.
Robot out.
Todd
March 24th, 2009
8:21 am
Does anyone know who Ledbetter is referring to when he said “We told him about a “no-cover, no-hit” 46-year-old safety they might be over looking.” ??
chris 4 prez
March 24th, 2009
8:25 am
Robot SHUT UP!!!
TheManMike
March 24th, 2009
8:46 am
DLED-
“The stopped short of saying they’d just let the QB’s wear skirts or kilts.”
Come’on now….Kilts and skirts should never be in the same sentence unless your telling someone who (obviously) does’nt know that a Scot wearing a kilt would kick your arse for saying that. Watch it now…
-But literally, I’m Scottish and you should read up on Scottish history before you try to use Kilts as a term for “panzy” or “sissy” – the implication just does not fit – Scots are historically pretty effin ballsy….
rob
March 24th, 2009
8:47 am
DLED thanks for the article on the Falcons..We are starving for anything new on the Falcons..What do yuo know about the second free agency period that starts around July 1st or so..
TheManMike
March 24th, 2009
8:47 am
You still the man DLed – Just cant be messing with my heritage like that…..gotta inform the masses. haha.
No worries.
noah
March 24th, 2009
8:51 am
Keep up the Falcon news! Thanks!!
SeminoleWarrior
March 24th, 2009
9:15 am
Glad to hear the Trey Lewis is on the mend. But I too think we could use a plug in the middle. Terrance Taylor or Roy Miller should be available in round five.
The Robot Nesbitt
March 24th, 2009
9:22 am
Robot has been alerted to the presense of a virus. System scan. System scan completed. Chris 4 Prez will be eliminated. Thank you.
Robots do not wear kilts.
Falcons safety situation does not compute. Protocol Two: Draft safety in third round of draft.
SeminoleWarrior
March 24th, 2009
9:23 am
If James can get up to 225-230, we could have a potentially potent pair with James (WLB) and Nicholas (SLB). Will be interesting to see how they hold up in coverage. It is a known fact they both are tackling machines given their college histories as well as Nicholas’s special team work to date. GO FALCONS!!
SeminoleWarrior
March 24th, 2009
9:25 am
Robot, I personally like Patrick Chung as a surprise in the late first round. But if we went another way, what do you think of Courtney Greene of Rutgers in the fourth?
The Robot Nesbitt
March 24th, 2009
9:50 am
SeminoleWarrior, the Robot has completed it review of Courtney Greene v1.0 of Rutgers. v1.0 processing speed is sufficient for basic tasks in a cover two scenario. v1.0 however is lacking in sufficient hard drive to RAM opponents against the run.
Conclusion: Greene is upgrade and would result in 12.3% improvement in year one; 43% improvement by year four.
griffdawg1
March 24th, 2009
10:13 am
The wedge going away!!! cmon are you kidding me. This is football, it is supposed to be violent. If a guy thinks he can run headfirst into 4 250 lb. blockers then that is the risk he takes. That guy is already banned from leading with his helmet , they just need to enforce that rule on that particular play. Roger GOD-ell needs to leave the integrity of the game in place!!
gdg73
March 24th, 2009
10:19 am
regardless of Lewis’ injury status, I would still go DT in the first. If Robert James is as good as people think or say he is, we can forget LB in the first round (Clay Matthews, Jr. and Brian Cushing fans). I also think that Cook will be a fine addition as well in the 2nd or 3rd. He might be better than Pettigrew anyway.
clthurman
March 24th, 2009
10:19 am
Well sounds like what I thought they have no plan on the secondary…what a crock….so it looks like a lot of zone and cover 2 crap where we dinked and donked to death and then a fade route over Grimes or Houston for 6. After a great beginning last year you would think a little more planning would be in effect. The three that are coming back from injuries are Question Marks until they prove it on the field of play. No back ups on the defensive side which was our weakness and it has only gotten worse. And if you think this years draft is the answer I dare anyone to say that this draft will most assuredly address these shortcomings and be for real. And reading all of Ken’s Kyperisms is giving me a headache since if the younger player does shine we wont pay them ala Foxworth because TD has a plan and he is from New England and I can go on forever. Improve the D please and Orlando quit being a suck up and ask the hard questions…I get enuff cheese from the losers on the local broadcast channels.
gdg73
March 24th, 2009
10:25 am
In meant to say “sorry Clay Matthews, Jr. and Brian Cushing fans”
DR. SEUSS
March 24th, 2009
10:55 am
Reportedly, Mike Vick has written a “book” in prison.
Any guesses on the title?
“WHERE’S WALDO?’” FOR DUMMIES
FEE! FI! FO! FUM! SET! HUT!
SUCCESSFUL DATING WITHOUT WOMEN
WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
MIKE VICK: JAILHOUSE RAPE SURVIVOR
HERE, POOCHIE!
ALL EYES WANT 4 CHRISTMAS IS SOAP ON A ROPE
THE MIKE VICK COLORING BOOK
COTTON PILLOW FIBERS TASTE THE BEST
uga_b
March 24th, 2009
10:58 am
I still think they go DL, but I am not sure if they go end or tackle. I think it will depend on who is higher on their board. The big question is when they make the decision on Anderson. Before the draft to target DE or DL based on where he plays or move him based on who the select?
Jim
March 24th, 2009
11:14 am
Y’all who are worried about the qb’s being sissies need to get a grip. If it were you paying the big bucks, it would be different. Last season, half the qb’s in the league spent time on the bench due to injury. Not cool at all. Park the comments and realize it is a business and business people are going to protect their investment. Simple as that.
TrueFalconFan
March 24th, 2009
11:34 am
Trey Lewis is a perfect replacement for Grady, almost like a free agent pickup. I am also excited to see him back along with Robert James. Many people don’t know these guys, but by the beginning of the season you will see their impact and forget about Michael Boley and Grady.
Baba O'Riley
March 24th, 2009
11:34 am
Thank goodness Thomas Brown is back. What would we do without these ex-UGA players on the sidelines???????
Mitch
March 24th, 2009
11:42 am
Milloy is still out there. Does anyone think there is a chance he could come back? Why is he still unsigned?
Nique
March 24th, 2009
11:45 am
Trey Lewis is not proven enough for us to be going into the season relying on him, I think he is a good back (if he can ever stay healthy), but not a starter! That’s why I think drafting one of the 3 lagit NT’s in the draft (Raji, who will be gone, Brace, or Taylor is so important) or after figuring who get in the draft, going back & signing a vet NT like Tank Johnson, Dwayne Robertson, or William Joseph would all fit in nicely I believe. Hood & Perry are UT’s & won’t fit the system we run since we already have Bab as the starter at UT, so the acqusition of a NT is a MUST!!!
This injury update doesn’t mention Von Hutchings, is he also a go?
& with everyone talking about a OLB in the 1st round, with Peterson, Lofton, & Nicholas as our starters & then Wire, James, & Gilbert as reserves, we already go 6 deep at the position, why would we go there in the 1st round?
I say trad down unless Vonte Davis, Andre Smith, or Ray Maualuga falls to us.(& I only ofter this as an option for ppl who really believe that our LB core is still to weak the way it is compossed. Maualuga is an absolute stud! English & Matthews are good players, but niether are the quality of Maualuga)(& then the other part of this option is that this is only an option, if we believe that Lofton can truly play the SAM backer position, like they said that he could when we drafted him or vice a versa with Maualuga)
While there have been some convincing arguements for English, I still don’t feel his i the selection the 1st round if he’s not gonna be an everydown player! & also there is not consecious that he’s a definate 1st rounder, some ppl have him there others don’t, so he could still be a reach at 24, if they really love him & he’s still there, once again the might want to think about trading down a few spots & picking up an extra selection.
& all of this Micheal Johnson love, I totally agree that if he wasn’t a local guy he wouldn’t be getting half of this love from the readers! I don’t like him in the 1st for us, although i am unhappy with Anderson’s total production, he did make steps last year & i think that him & Davis at DE is not more of a defeciency than our NT, SS, TE, or CB positions, so i don’t see how you can justify going there 1st.
darrell starks
March 24th, 2009
12:16 pm
This is an important off season work out for the falcons i am realy looking forward to a couple of player in the off season one player is LAURENT ROBINSON who in my opinion is the second best wide receiver on the team the other player is TREY LEWIS WHO WAS ON HIS WAY OF BEING A DOMINATE PLAYER ON THE TEAM .GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JG
March 24th, 2009
12:23 pm
I would like to see Robert James, Lofton and Peterson. Sounds like that could be a exciting trio, and draft a Linebacker in the 3rd or 4th round?
I would definitely draft a Tackle though in the first or Second round. I still would take Pedigrew if available, to make the offense unstoppable and give Turner another shot at Rushing title and Ryan another solid weapon. With our 2nd Round and Third round pick up a Safety or Tackle,
Fourth Round Linebacker or Corner, Then Our Two Fifth round picks more Defensive Backs , 6ht round Offensive line help..
Good to see some exciting talent healthy again!
darrell starks
March 24th, 2009
12:42 pm
Everyone is talking about we need a TE i say we dont JUSTIN PEELLE CAN BE A solid TE FOR US HE CAN CATCH he can block plus i think him and MATT RYAN CAN DEVOLOP in to a nice combanation in this system NOT ONLY THAT THE GUY GETS OPEN.GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SeminoleWarrior
March 24th, 2009
1:02 pm
Take a look at the 2000 Baltimore Ravens defense and you may see some insight into the type of size that Coach Smith is looking for in his defense. Then DL coach Smith had a very aggressive DL with a strong push inside and speed rushing on the outside.
Atlanta Jackets
March 24th, 2009
1:04 pm
Are the Falcons looking at Micheal Johnson from Tech? I think a line with him and Anderson at the ends would be killer in a few years.
I love the Robot!
darrell starks
March 24th, 2009
1:06 pm
The falcons bigger need is on defense bad we have no one on defense except ABRAHAM WHO WILL BE 31 this season as i said it before defense give you more opportunity to score and defense wins championship THE FALCONS HAS NEVER HAD A DOMINATING DEFENSE IN THE HISTORY OF THIS ORGANIZATION. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 24th, 2009
1:09 pm
WILLIE COYOTE: Next, you will be able to tag the QB, Or they’ll let them wear belts and the defensive players can pull the flag out of the belt. Actually, UGA_B gave a pretty good strike zone analogy.
ROBOT: Good posts. Now, can you get beer from the Fridge, too?
THEMANMIKE: I feel you about the kilts. Maybe I should have just stuck with the skirts.
MITCH: Dude is 35. Don’t think he’s an option. The actually released a “good-bye” release. But our man super agent Todd France said he’s had some preliminary discussions with teams.
OWNERS MEETING UPDATE: Just finished up the morning press interviews with the AFC coaches. And we had our Pro Football Writers of America meeting. (I’m the Second Vice President and took the minutes. We’re fighting for better access league wide so that we can give the fans all the information that you want. Some teams (Belichick and some of his disciples) have real sketchy records on access and throwing obstacles in the way of the media. At the Combine, Coach King Bill got up on the mike and rambled on for about 20 minutes straight, just so he wouldn’t have answer any questions. He’s a piece of work. Any way, let’s move on here.)
1. JACK DEL RIO: The AJC tried to get the hard-nosed Jacksonville head coach to expound on his rife with Falcons LB Michael Peterson. That went no where. (Got one those “I’ll break you in two. I used to play linebacker in the NFL looks for Coach Jack. I thought we were cool!!!)
2. MARVIN LEWIS: Cincinnati’s coach wouldn’t touch an Odell Thurman question from the AJC, but instead took the opportunity to say some nice things about David Pollack. “Pollack was a No. 1 pick. He was the guy who brought the charisma, life and energy. The loss of David, it’s taken a while to come back from. . . The loss of David was hard to overcome. We’ve over come the other one (loss of Thurman). But that’s part of football.” He wouldn’t even say Thurman’s name. OUCH! Lewis was aware the Pollack is doing local sports radio.
3. OFFICIALS MEETING: Mike Pereira the NFL’s supervisor of officials will address the media later today. (I’ll ask your question Willie Coyote. “Exactly where can we hit the QB, now?)
Cameron
March 24th, 2009
1:10 pm
If only we could ban the Robot from this site altogether, then we all would not have to lose brain cells from reading his idiotic comments. What a loser!
hawesg
March 24th, 2009
1:13 pm
I think trading down a few spots and looking at Sean Smith, Louis Delmas or a similar DB makes sense. Or maybe Ron Brace if you want to go that way. But sitting at 24 with only three picks in the first three rounds seems iffy. I have a hard time believing Dimitroff’s “plan” involves drafting questionable effort guys like Vontae Davis or Michael Johnson. But that’s just me.
darrell starks
March 24th, 2009
1:15 pm
NO WAY DRAFT A TIGHT END WE NEED DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nique
March 24th, 2009
1:17 pm
JG
There is NO WAY Nicholas doesn’t start for us this year, the coaches seem to be in love with this guy & his potential! That being said, i do agree that waiting until the 3rd round or maybe the 4th to gat an additional OLB would be the way to go, hopefully getting M. Freeman out of OSU, but i would push corner up on my need list.
darrell starks: I agree, well for the most part, adding a TE would be nice & we have the potential to upgrade there, but i don’t know if it’s a necessity. & because of this, I’m not sure that we have to go with Pet. bc there are other TE’s who are willing blockers, not great by any means but willing & we could teach the draftie how to improve their blocking while he excells in stretcging the field, which is the true need that we have at TE since Hartstock & Pelle are already primaraly blocking TE’S. so getting one in the late 2cnd-4th sounds really wise to me.
SeminoleWarrior
March 24th, 2009
1:33 pm
D Starks, I too want to see Laurent Robinson come back. If healthy and he can simply return to the type of play he showed in his 2007 rookie year, he would be the THIRD leading receiver on the team (37 catches, 440 yards, 2 TDs in ‘07). That would also minimize the need for a TE selection early as Jenkins and Fin would be able to work the seems with more speed and size than we had last season. Robinson and White would both provide deep threat potential for Ryan on the outside. This would also allow Douglas to become the primary KR/PR, thus adding another very dangerous weapon to our arsenal. GO FALCONS!!
SeminoleWarrior
March 24th, 2009
1:39 pm
The question is whether DeCoud is ready to take over at FS or SS. Coleman could move over to SS. But Nique…I am with you. Marcus Freeman is going to be a steal anywhere after round three if he is available. I hope we take him in the third. Additionally, the big run stopper we need is DT Terrance Taylor of Michigan. “Sugar Bear” can coach him up, he is a premier run stopper, and paired with Babs, Smitty would have the interior he desires. Taylor will be there in the 4th or 5th unless Parcells jumps in there before us.
fanATicaL
March 24th, 2009
1:42 pm
Before James was injured .There were some sounds of him playing safety not LB.Maybe this is the plan being so deep at LB ?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 24th, 2009
2:04 pm
CAMERON: That wasn’t very nice. I like ROBOT.
fanATical: He’s a bit smallish, but they made it clear he was a LB. They are not deep at LB. Only 1 full-time returning starter.
To Darrell Starks: Once We had It!
March 24th, 2009
2:05 pm
Falcons still hold the record for the fewest points allowed per game for a season in the late 70’s. This was referred to as the “Gritz Blitz”!
Nique
March 24th, 2009
2:48 pm
I am also excited to see what Laurent Robinson can add to the mix, bc before his injury last year, he was going to & well on his way to taking Jenkins job! However, Jenkins stepped his game up last year, so i think he might be penciled in at #2, him & Matt seemed to have some chemistry. But SeminoleWarrior while i see your point, I hope that they continue to use Douglas as an important weapon within the passing game to, he made plays for us last year, that no other receiver could have/would have made bc of his ability as a skat WR & his quickness. But with the return of T. Brown our return game should be better with him KR/ & Douglass PR.
hawesg I’m right with you, I also think trading down a few spots is the way to go!
I’d like to see us address our needs in this order,
*early 2cnd NT- Brace, Late 2cnd SS- Delmas, Moore, Chung – or Smith if he’s still there. 3rd -CB, D.J. Moore or OLB M. Freeman. (1st)4th (which we would also get from trading down out of the 1st into the early 2cd)- TE Beckman or Coffmen, & then(2cnd our original)4th -Tackle Gardner or Lydon Murtha*
The Robot Nesbitt
March 24th, 2009
2:57 pm
The Robot will retrieve beer from refrigeration unit. Robot has three koozie hands.
Cameron, Robot is not build for emotion. But your internet website blog posting hurt Robot curcuitry. Robot sad. Salty. Need to reboot.
…setting preferences… logging on…
Laurent Robinson is outdated and will be replaced. Hands are sufficient, but damage to lower regions have slowed response times.
Must destroy Jack Del Rio.
Reality Check...
March 24th, 2009
3:23 pm
The Robot Nesbitt and Baba O’Riley needs a reality check….
oldbrave
March 24th, 2009
3:27 pm
wrong falcons had one of the best defenses in nfl history set record for fews points allowed one year > Clude Humphrey John Zook Breg Brezina
oldbrave
March 24th, 2009
3:28 pm
was early 70s before the Grits Blitz
oldbrave
March 24th, 2009
3:30 pm
grita blitz had williams, curry, kykendall, Bone Marrow and Flea dog yates
oldbrave
March 24th, 2009
3:33 pm
both great defenses
Terrell
March 24th, 2009
3:52 pm
SeminoleWarrior, the one thing we agree on is having the arsenal weapons, if Robinson is 100%, but I don’t agree with you in how we use HD. We’ve seen him on KR, and that’s not his strength, but he does excel at PR, and also I don’t think regulating him to just being a PR would help us nor do I think he would care too much for just being a PR when he was a exceptional WR for us last year. I would take him over Robinson at WR anyday.
uga_b
March 24th, 2009
4:12 pm
Laurent can compete for the number 2 spot or would be the number 4. However, Finneran would get more redzone and third down looks. He’s a talent, but pretty much the forgotten man.
I like that despite having needs, we are adequately positioned so we still have 5 number one options increasing our likelihood of drafting the best player available. Meaning we don’t have to have one of the first tackles, DE, TE or corners, which appear to be deep. These Safeties won’t go all that early.
Brian Hunt
March 24th, 2009
4:16 pm
Why does everyone keep forgetting about Chevis Jackson at CB? He’s going to get an opportunity to win the starting job opposite Houston. Improving the range at SS and getting a better pass rush will be the defensive key to improving the pass defense. More athletic linebackers should improve the run defense.
The Robot Nesbitt
March 24th, 2009
4:27 pm
The Robot Nesbitt conducted a search of Chevis Jackson (match case, find whole words only). Chevis was selected to fit the pass defense scheme proposed by the coaching staff. The Robot Nesbitt offers kudos to Brian Hunt for his observation on this internet website blog posting. This Robot expects a 74% increase in the effectiveness of Chevis Jackson in his version 2.0.
Robot still requires pass rush.
MARK IT DOWN!
March 24th, 2009
4:43 pm
The falcons defense will be in the top 15 by mid season and in the top 10 before the playoffs!! Smith will build this defense.
Northern Falcon
March 24th, 2009
4:51 pm
Just put your trust in the Brain Trust everyone! You just gotta believe that T.D. and Smitty along with the scouts know what they are doing. Sit back and enjoy the ride!
By the way very good article Mr. Ledbetter
cutter
March 24th, 2009
4:54 pm
Chevis Jackson, Stephen Nicholas and Thomas Decoud will get a chances to start on defense. Robert James and Thomas Brown are purely special teams guys. James will be lucky to make active roster.
angry banker
March 24th, 2009
4:56 pm
All this talk about peele – its to my understanding we still have Ben Hartsock on the depth chart. Didn’t we bring him in to be a run blocking TE? Isn’t that what we are? A run first offense? We added depth to our o-line in FA – I think our offense is set.
row3
March 24th, 2009
5:26 pm
I thought we had our safety of the future in Darren Stone. I’m not a coach, but I thought he had what it takes…Maybe DeCoud is the Man!
falcon21
March 24th, 2009
5:33 pm
I think 77 was the record year for the D, least points allowed for a 14 game season and I think Jerry Glanville was DC.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 24th, 2009
6:16 pm
ROW3: I liked Stone, too. But he was explained to me that he was straight-line guy, without the range to cover the field. Everybody wants this hybrid range rover type striker.
QB UPDATE: Mike Pereira, the NFL Supervisor of Officials, did a very good job of explaining the rule changes, the additional three proposals, clarifications and points of emphasis for next season.
The QB does have a strike zone as uga_b wrote: shoulders to knees. However, you can grab or wrap the QB below the knees. You just can’t lunge into the lower leg with your pads. Makes sense? They had highlights to show us.
BIG POINT OF EMPHASIS: The Horse Collar tackle. They doubled last season from 12 to 24 and 47 players were fined for the drag down tackle. Got a really simple suggestion for all of the coaches out there, youth all the way up, teach the players how to tackle properly and stop going for kill shots. HIT, WRAP and LIFT!!!
SeminoleWarrior
March 24th, 2009
6:40 pm
Nique/Terrell…so you are seeing HD as a “Wes Welker” type guy? I can see that in your analysis but without the number of catches. Robot, I still think that a healthy LR adds depth to the receiver corps.
Falcon 8211
March 24th, 2009
7:09 pm
hey fans, i think the safety is rodney harrison. TD come from new england. hrodney would provide leadership for the secondary. we can draft a safety in the mid rounds and let him learn a year or 2. what do you guys think.
falcon fan
March 24th, 2009
8:04 pm
The brady rule is bulls@#%. He clearly steps into that hit if you watch the film. That was the choice he made on that play. deliver the football, but take a hit in order to make the gain, nothing different than any of the other 31 starting QB`s do in this league every sunday except that it just happened to involve tom brady. I did`nt know their was a polite way to tackle someone. What a crock.
Shamus Thacker
March 24th, 2009
8:38 pm
Just draft a Ted Hendricks, a Ronnie Lott, and a Kellen Winslow Sr., and we’re good to go… Be nice to get a John Hannah in the later rounds too! I’d settle for a Keenan Forney…
D3
March 24th, 2009
9:13 pm
DOL – you’re on fire lately, man. Getting a new blog up every other day or so. Good work! Feel the draft coming……31 Days and counting!
JJ & Mountain Jim – Men, you couldn’t be more right on. This is the dead-zone for sports. The end of the Super Bowl brings a dark cloud over my sports interest. Baseball and The Masters not quite here yet, bball and hockey are definitely no fun to watch on tv, and FA sucked for us Falcons fans because nothing happened. Things are starting to heat up though, especially with the Braves looking strong and The Masters right around the corner. I was half-way interested in March Madness until my bracket got busted b/c of dumb@ss picks.
Seminole – good to see you back on the blog. It’s a fairly big IF, but if James, Nicholas turn out to be what the coaches think they will then we’ll be in good shape with them competing against Coy Wire for one spot, while Peterson holds down the other. My only concern with Nicholas is that he had his chance to win the job after Boley started tanking, and they went with Wire.
gdg73 – good point on Lewis. He has potential, but he is hardly close to a safe bet after getting injuried twice in a year. We definitely need a pick. Raji will be gone, period. I say that Jerry would probably be a safe pick at DT @ #24, but I’m still not sure about Hood. I think he has a chance to be good, but Missouri’s D definitely didn’t stand out to me. But hey, what do I know. I see your point on Matthews being a potential risk, but if Cushing falls to us(which I don’t think will happen), it will dang tough to pass on him. He’s a proven stud on the highest level of college.
clthurman – I’ll concede that our secondary is definitely weak as of now, potentially. But, Hutchins was a full-time starter the majority of his career and he has the potential to be a nickel and Chevis Jackson started his entire career at LSU, which ain’t too shabby and had a solid rookie season. Grimes did pretty average last year, but not just absolutely terrible. Irons has to prove himself as a dime or quarter back. If DeCoud doesn’t win the spot against a drafted SS (Chung, Sean Smith), he and Fudge could possibly play elsewhere in the secondary.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 24th, 2009
9:44 pm
D3: Thanks. We’ve got Coach Smith speaking in the morning. Got his overall take on the offseason moves.
Get your Cold Beer!
March 24th, 2009
9:48 pm
Okay,
Since defense is so unsettled this is what we’ll do. The best defense is a good offense! If we can keep the ball all day we don’t care what’s on the other side of the field. We’ll trade the rights for Mike Vick to Detroit. Tell em we want Calvin Johnson and we won’t worry about anything else except some real “O” lineman. We want to bounce people around at the snap! They can’t double cover both our receivers and between punishing them between the tackles and running Norwood or Brown on the reverse. They’ll be happy to just get off the field after the T.D. (don’t take this too seriously)
D3
March 24th, 2009
9:48 pm
Nique – nice draft, assuming we could trade back. Don’t agree with Moore; anytime a player just totally disappears from one year to the next, just can’t pull the trigger. Would love Chung, Smith, or R.Johnson(in that order). We gave up two second round picks & a fourth round pick for #21 to get Sam Baker and got two 3rd rounders, and I sure hope we get more than an extra fourth round pick. I like Jared Cook, Shawn Nelson, & maybe Chase Coffman as solid TE’s to pick up in rds. 3 or 4.
Robot – definitely original style.
Cutter – usually right with you, but I gotta disagree on the players you listed. Robert James shows all signs of being able to compete, and possibly win, a spot in the starting rotation. Thomas Brown, had all but locked up the KR/PR position before he got hurt and I definitely could see him getting some snaps rotating with Norwood at 3rd down back.
Falcon4Life
March 24th, 2009
9:49 pm
What # will LB Robert James have? He had 51, but LB Gilbert had it last year. And will LB Nicholas give up his #54 to Peterson?
falcon21
March 24th, 2009
10:09 pm
Heck no, Nicholas will keep 54 and will still have it when Peterson is long gone.
SeminoleWarrior
March 24th, 2009
10:56 pm
What’s up D3!! I personally would like to see James on special teams where he could possible replace DeCoud and Nicholas as the gunner. If we take Marcus Freeman in the third like I would suggest, then that would give us a nice trio with Lofton, Nicholas, and Freeman. Zach Follett of Cal is a fine SLB prospect as well. I definately want to draft Chung and Nelson will turn out to be the best TE in this draft when all is said and done.
Ball 4, Take Your Base
March 24th, 2009
11:12 pm
The QB has a “stike” zone now? Does this mean if Tommy Hanson doesn’t make the big league club he can be our starting DE?
Ball 4, Take Your Base
March 24th, 2009
11:12 pm
Enter your comments here
You're Not The GM
March 25th, 2009
4:11 am
clthurman is a raving idiot. Somebody please just shut him up. All he does is come to this blog and then complain that everything about the team, about the people blogging here, and about the beat writer just sucks. Well clthurman sucks. A big fat one.
So f’in go somewhere else, a-hole! You’re not needed here! Sorry nobody offered you the GM job, but I can see why. Maybe, just maybe, Smith doesn’t have much to say about the secondary because they have some plans they don’t want to tip anyone off to. Moron! And by the way, why aren’t you the super duper combine analyst? Because you’re a raving idiot who knows nothing about football!
You're Not The GM
March 25th, 2009
4:12 am
I nominate robot to go find clthurman’s sorry arse and kick it like Van Damme. Of course, you might have a rough time finding him, since he lives in his gramma’s basement.
Zoomie
March 25th, 2009
9:03 am
Add another voice of appreciation for DOL keeping us up-to-date on the movement, posturing, and minutiae of the off-season. It really helps to calm the withdrawals. I’ll be excited to see Thomas Brown back in play this season. He showed a bit of promise in the few seconds we got to see him play last year!
crabapplejoe
March 25th, 2009
9:04 am
Mitch wrote: “Milloy is still out there. Does anyone think there is a chance he could come back? Why is he still unsigned?”
You’re joking,right? Did you not watch the game we played against Arizona in the playoffs. There is a reason Milloy has not been signed in FA…he can’t cover anymore.
marko
March 25th, 2009
9:29 am
Orlando, ask these guys all the questions all you want. Just don’t expect much in way of a straight answer. coaches have elevated covering their mouths to an art to avoid having plays stolen. Imagine the lengths they must go to keeping their draft plans under wraps. I don’t have any idea where Thomas is going with this years draft. When he hired the two Mikes, Smith and Mularkey, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. In Mularkeys case I was pretty much right.
Supes
March 25th, 2009
9:33 am
D3,
Not sure if this is a likely scenario, but as far as filling the LB need, Matthews Jr. could fall into the early 2nd round, where the Falcons can grab him, therefore leaving the 24th pick for trying to fill another need. Maybe TE with Pettigrew, maybe the DL-DE position (depending on who’s there), maybe even go for a SS?
I think several projections have Clay Matthews Jr. going in round 2, and I heard him on Buck/Kincade a few days ago, sounds like a winner, someone who’s never had it handed out to him, had to work where he is, from a walk on, to special teams, to starting defense. I can definitely see him in the OLB position. He also had good things to say about Atlanta (and yeah, take that for what it is:) )
However, if, and it is a big “if” Cushing is there at 24, I just don’t know how you pass on him (drug use aside, hey any LB in the NFL is doing something…look at Shawn M. from the Chargers, so as long as he’s on my team and playing well, drug use aside).
Shane
March 25th, 2009
9:39 am
I am definitely in favor of the infamous hitting style, ‘catch and tickle’!!!
Ken Strickland
March 25th, 2009
9:40 am
I must say I may have made a mistake thinking Dimitroff and Smith wouldn’t consider drafting TE’s that aren’t good inline blockers. I don’t remember who it was, but a fan commented about drafting a TE and coaching him up, and the fact Dimitroff and Smith considered signing FA TSmith, a TE not known for his blocking, made me rethink my position.
Maybe they’re not looking for the finished product, but someone they feel can be developed into a finished product with the right attitude and good coaching.
I also have to agree with the assessment of CLTHURMAN. He appears to be someone with a very negative minded approach to everything who always seems to see the glass as half empty. He also seems to be extremely lazy because he chastises Ledbetter for not keeping him informed and providing him with info he’s too lazy to search the internet and find for himself.
marko
March 25th, 2009
9:40 am
Sorry about that, seems I hit the enter button by mistake. Anyway Mularkey’s a run first throw later kind of guy his Atlanta offense was’nt much different than the others he’s coached. Dimitroff and Smith on the otherhand are a puzzle. New England and Jacksonville feature two of the largest defensive lines in football. that’s the direction I thought that they’d take here. That’s not what I’m seeing. Given the chance to do it their way, they seem to prefer small and quick to big and strong.
I MUS.WRITE
March 25th, 2009
10:15 am
Enter your comments here
clthurman
March 25th, 2009
10:23 am
Sorry to hurt you ladies feelings with my negativity….hey I like to win what can I say. Of course I don’t expect to get the top secret actions planned by our hired braintrust. But I root for the Falcons win or lose and don’t mind hearing other people’s comments or viewpoints even if some and there are many on this blog which are borderline racially offensive or in poor taste. I don’t call them out because we know what they are here for…to get a rise out of people. Thank you D3 for your response and I have to say it illuminated some areas I was not really sure on. No I’m not a GM just a season ticket holder who likes a strong D…because that is what wins championships. I am not going to hunt on the internet for the cute Kyperisms that some of you blog incessantly about. I do know this for sure….you cannot in the NFL count on injured returnees until they are in uniform and playing. Remember Finneran and his 2 year odyssey. And Ken if you want to tell me about who in this years or hell even next years draft mister fact and combine queen who is a better player than Foxworth is…then I’m all ears. See guys I don’t like fantasy scenarios and what if’s….I just want to continue a winning streak past 1 season for a change. Abraham is getting older and if something happens to Ryan ….yikes!!!! You need a strong D to compensate for that. I refuse to play suck up to the writers of the AJC simply because in the past they have ….sucked. Johnny after the facts. Don’t like my tone fine, don’t like Robot’s fine. But you can’t argue with the facts that as of now our defense ranks as the worst in our division….yes even the Saints have done more recently. Sorry I won’t suck on the sweet grapes that were last year….I want the wine from hopefully next years winning season and playoff visit…and who knows a Super Bowl trip(without Eugene this time). A fan never has to apologize unless he gives up on his team….I never have. Nor will I try to rally the troops to villify someone I disagree with. I love Coach Smith and TD so far is a slam dunk…but we got cheap at the wrong time and did not lock down a good young DB which we got for peanuts…now we gotta hope that people are healthy and Grimes and Irons grow 7 inches. Not likely.
JJ
March 25th, 2009
10:25 am
Ken, I’m worried about Lewis(DT) and his knees. In your research of returning IR players (good blog), did you find out/know what type of knee injury? A 300lb tackle is going to get chopped and if he goes out again, would you think differently about the draft? Maybee Ron Brace of BC, I know Raji will be gone.
During last year pre-season, I was extremely impressed with Jason Snelling. He reminds me of a andrews/riggs type runner. Would love to see him and turner in the backfield with norwood split out. Anyway, great blog everybody, go falcons!!!
Barry
March 25th, 2009
10:32 am
Hey Y’all:
Oh the smell of offseason workouts just give me “chills” because I know the Falcon football season is near. Our FALCONS are getting things together with new players who are bonding with the old and studying their playbooks. I anticipate this season being more exciting than last season and I can’t wait for things to get started. The draft is coming soon and I know all the current players and fans are waiting for the reinforcements they will be getting to continue the “PROCESS” of getting our Falcons to the Supper Bowl. The “PROCESS” of our players getting back together for the offseason workout I know is exciting at Flowery Branch. I can feel the “HEARTBBEATS” of the players and the fans waiting to reintroduce themselves each other to become “ONE” again. I can’t wait, y’all. This will be a “GREAT” season. I can feel it! So join me as we do this in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”.
THE FALCONS AND THE FANS ARE BACK!!!!
NOW, ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!???
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!
“ONE HEARTBEAT,BABY!!!”
FalconFan57
March 25th, 2009
11:02 am
Enter your comments here
FalconFan57
March 25th, 2009
11:06 am
Marko, I think you were right to start off with. I do believe Smitty and Thomas prefer the larger d-linemen but chose to address the offense in last years FA and draft. Doing so they had to work with what they had on defense. Also, I think Thomas’ background as a college scout had him aware early last year that this year would be a deep draft for several defensive positions and enable them to hopefully make the kind of selections this year like they did for the offense last year. Just give them this draft and I think you’ll see some meat added to the line.
marko
March 25th, 2009
11:47 am
Perhaps the Falcons are looking for a pass rusher like English or Johnson . I ‘m inclined to think not. I’m of the opinion that they filled the position last year when they selected Biermann. Kroy’s a small player from a small school. In limited playing time he recorded two sacks and twenty-one tackles. Mostly he got knocked on his butt a lot . That’s what I really like about Biermann ,when most guys get knocked down they take the rest of the play off. Not our Beer Man, gotta love that name, he gets back up faster than any player I can remember. I swear I remember one play where he was knocked down twice by a mean ugly offensive lineman and still participated in the tackle. So what if it was five yards down the field. The point is that the kid doesn’t quit. Many admired Larry English’s bulging biceps. They should bulge he bench pressed 225 lbs. 24 times. Poor little Kroy, who was ten pounds lighter could only manage 29. The question is why would we draft a player in the first round, and pay out first round bucks, that has a set of skills so close to Biermann’s who only cost us a fifth round pick. Five B at that. If I were to guess I’d suggest that the Falcon’s are asking Santa for a cornerback, if the old guys outta corners a linebacker will do. Any way now that Kroy knows he’s an end and not an outside linebacker, I suspect he’s spent the winter lifting weights. He seems to actually enjoy that sort of thing. Next year all those big mean bullies that picked on poor little Kroy are going to meet the new and improved Beer Man.
SeminoleWarrior
March 25th, 2009
11:50 am
Marko, I am reminded once more of the comment of “Sugar Bear” Hamilton when he accepted the ATL DL coaching position last year. He noted two key points that HE wanted in his interior DL. “Bear” wanted great hands and active feet to mix things up in the middle against the run so that the linebackers could be more active. One part of that equation is Babs hat as the undertackle. A clogger may be added later but the clogger is purely a two-down player. So with that, we may see a late selection like Terrance Taylor, Roy Miller, or Terrance Knighton…big, run-tested cloggers who could give away on third down to another quick, penetrating tackle. Ken Strick, as far as the TE goes, I think the pick will be in the third and it will be USM’s Shawn Nelson. GO FALCONS!!
SeminoleWarrior
March 25th, 2009
11:53 am
Marko, again we agree. The English pick would be a waste in that we have a similiar play in Biermann who already has a year in the system.
marko
March 25th, 2009
11:54 am
FalconFan57, Assuming they’re not putting all their eggs in Trey’s basket, who’s Gradys replacement?
D3
March 25th, 2009
11:54 am
Afternoon guys. Hump day baby, and exactly 30 days ’till Draft Time!
Supes – I’m right in your mindset. If Cushing falls to us(which I don’t think will happen), we gotta take him, period. He’s too talented to pass up. I could see passing on Clay Matthews, but I love his grit and toughness and he ran faster than Cushing and has similar measurables, BTW. I don’t think he slips into the second round, personally, particularly not back to our spot in Rd.2.
Ken – I may not have been the first or only, but I definitely think we should get one of the following at TE in the 3rd round: Cook, Nelson, or Coffman. They all have similar measurables: tall, fast, big, and can catch. One of our stud coaches can teach them to block.
clthurman – I can understand your point. Whatever it takes, we MUST put this back-to-back season winning thing away, once and for all. I get sick of hearing that about our franchise. I personally think we should’ve re-signed Foxworth too. He may not be Asante Samuel, but I don’t think the Ravens overpaid that much for him. And its not like we spent money on anyone else besides Peterson. I just think TD knows what he’s doing and they must feel they have more than advertised with we have currently.
Zoomie – definitely agreed on Thomas Brown. Watched him up close all 4 years at Georgia, and up until recently he held the highest strength total, pound for pound of any other Bulldogs. He’s a stud and great leader to have in the locker room. He’s an excellent KR and 3rd down back option.
SeminoleWarrior
March 25th, 2009
11:57 am
Barry, love your spirit my brother but this is going to be a tough “09 season. The schedule is a beast and while I’m confident Smitty and the team will represent each weekend, there is still a lot of work to be done. Back to back winning season is FINALLY within reach but a playoff berth, given our youth and this gruling schedule, would truly be divine intervention at its finest. But as Jesse would say, we can keep hope alive!! GO FALCONS!!
marko
March 25th, 2009
12:00 pm
Sorry Falconfan57, I think SeminoleWarrior answered my question.
JJ
March 25th, 2009
12:32 pm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trey_Lewis
cutter
March 25th, 2009
12:34 pm
D3- What are these signs that lead you to believe 5′10 219 lb Robert James could land a starting spot at OLB. He was a waive/injury IR last year from a concussion in training camp. Is there some coaches quote that gives you some clue or is it his stats last year (none), I can go along with the guy maybe making the team and maybe even being a special teams leader but there is absolutely nothing that tells me he can take a starting OLB posiition from Nicholas, Peterson or Wire. The Falcons will draft an OLB this year so that will be 7 linebackers I think the magic number in 6. PR/KR is special teams and dont forget about Jason Snelling. If Thomas Brown stays healthy, which has been tough for him to do in his career, he could replace Snelling as the 3rd back.
SeminoleWarrior
March 25th, 2009
12:35 pm
My mock draft: 1)SS Patrick Chung 2) CB Jairus Byrd 3) OLB Marcus Freeman 4)DT Terrance Taylor 5a) TE Brian Mandeville 5b) Roy Miller
SeminoleWarrior
March 25th, 2009
12:40 pm
Snelling is 220+ and should not undervalued at any cost!! He has a tough interior running style (skilled at both FB and RB), is a solid blocker, and has good hands out of the backfield. He is a throw back to the days of Andrews, Riggs, and Iron Head. Has the size to also continue what “Mad Mike” loves to do running the ball. TB and JNor are not big enough to carry that load.
cutter
March 25th, 2009
1:00 pm
Snelling’s contract is up after 09 and could probably get more playing time elsewhere which means more money that is why I say Brown could get 3rd spot next year. I would be surprised if they kept 4 backs on the active roster this year.
FalconFan57
March 25th, 2009
1:08 pm
Marko, how about Ron Brace from BC or Evander Hood from Missouri?? Either could possibly be there at #24…….
Stirg d'Nahsif
March 25th, 2009
1:41 pm
What’s going on, here in the cage? I thought some of you guys may be interested in some information I’ve been researching the past couple of days. I was very interested in knowing what kind of players Thomas Dimitroff showed interest to, in the past. His subtle, but simple, resume include titles of NFL Scout, Area Scout, College Scout; and in 2002, he was hired by New England to be National Scout. Just after one year, the organization elevated his title to Director of College Scouting and he held that position from 2003-’07. That is where I began my research. Although TD was not general manager (not the final word), I’m certain his suggestions and opinions of draftees and players were most relevant. So, I’m suggesting that TD had a hand in evaluating, interviewing, drafting, researching and/or recruiting these names. You can draw your own conclusion, after you consider the player’s status today.
ROUND…OVERALL…PLAYER…POSITION…COLLEGE
2003
1 13 Ty Warren DT Texas A&M
2 36 Eugene Wilson CB Illinois***
2 45 Bethel Johnson WR Texas A&M
4 117 Dan Klecko DT Temple
4 120 Asante Samuel CB Central Florida***
5 164 Dan Koppen C Boston
6 201 Kliff Kingsbury QB Texas Tech
7 234 Spencer Nead TE BYU***
7 239 Tully Banta-Cain LB California
7 243 Ethan Kelley DT Baylor
2004
1 21 Vince Wilfork DT Miami***
1 32 Benjamin Watson TE UGA***
2 63 Marquise Hill DE LSU (Died 052807)
3 95 Guss Scott S Florida
4 128 Dexter Reid S N. Carolina
4 128 Cedric Cobbs RB Arkansas
5 164 P.K. Sam WR FSU
7 233 Christian Morton CB FSU
2005
1 32 Logan Mankins OG Fresno State
3 84 Ellis Hobbs CB Iowa State***
3 100 Nick Kaczur OT Toledo
4 133 James Sanders S Fresno State***
5 170 Ryan Claridge LB UNLV
7 230 Matt Cassel QB Southern Cal.***
7 255 Andy Stokes TE William Penn
2006
1 21 Laurence Maroney RB Minnesota***
2 36 Chad Jackson WR Florida
3 86 David Thomas TE Texas
4 106 Garrett Mills TE Tulsa
4 118 Stephen Gostkowski K Memphis
5 136 Ryan O’Callaghan OT California
6 191 Jeremy Mincey DE Florida
6 205 Dan Stevenson OG Notre Dame
6 206 Le-Kevin Smith DT Nebraska
7 229 Willie Andrews DB Baylor
2007
1 24 Brandon Meriweather S Miami
4 127 Kareem Brown DE Miami
5 171 Clint Oldenburg OT Colorado State
6 180 Justin Rogers LB SMU
6 202 Mike Richardson CB Notre Dame
6 208 Justise Hairston RB Central Conn. State
6 209 Corey Hilliard OG Oklahoma State
7 211 Oscar Lua LB USC
7 247 Mike Elgin C Iowa
Now, I’m certain that most of these names were recruited as situational players. Furthermore, teams draft on need and I’m sure a number of players were drafted, during TD’s tenure, based on positions that were vacant on the roster. Nonetheless, TD was responsible for researching and evaluating the best player to fill those needs. This entry simply gives us an idea of how TD operates. Again, you can draw your own conclusion. What I noted was the type of schools he recruited from and the number of late rounders that eventually rose to national recognition. In conclusion, I decided to shut-up and let TD, and staff, do their thing. What do I know?
D3
March 25th, 2009
1:48 pm
Cutter – honestly, you helped me correct my mistake, because I thought James was somebody else I guess. I thought he was like 6-2, 235 until I checked. You’re definitely right about starting then. Well, learning that makes me go back to my original assumption of drafting an OLB first, assuming Raji & Jerry aren’t there. James might be able to spot a LB here or there, but with his size I doubt he’s an every-down player.
That being said, everyone is raving about Nicholas(and I think he has enormous potential to start as well), but the only question I have is ‘Why was he not able to beat out Wire last year when Boley started tanking?’
Just food for thought.
1st-Cushing/Perry/Maybin/Matthews/English in that order
2nd-Chung/S.Smith/R.Johnson in that order
3rd-Nelson/Cook/Coffman in that order
4th-Hill/Taylor/Miller
5th-Best Available CB
I assumed Raji will be long gone in 1st.
Ken Strickland
March 25th, 2009
2:25 pm
JJ-TLewis suffered a torn ACL. He reinjured it before training camp last yr and had to have additional surgery. However, the good thing about his situation is when training camp starts this yr, he will have had approximately 13-14 months of intensive rehab. It’s quite possible he could return even stronger and more mobile than he was before the initial injury. His weight is actually down from 323lbs to 317lbs.
CLTHURMAN-you seem to be hung up on the loss of CB DFoxworth and the idea that his loss will make it impossible for the Falcons to field a pass DEF. I have news for you. Even with CB DFoxworth and SS LMalloy, he Falcons finished 21st in pass DEF, 25th in rushing DEF and 24th in overall DEF, and that was with CB DFoxworth. The only reason our pass DEF wasn’t rated lower is the fact teams found it more expediate to attack our poor rushing DEF, allowing them to control the clock and keep our potent OFF on the sidelines.
It doesn’t take a high football IQ to know that a good pass rush, especially from your front 4, can make even an average secondary achieve above average results. The Falcons haven’t had a good pass rush, and what we did have was one dimensional(DE JAbraham). Replacing DT GJackson will automatically upgrade our pass rush. The hoped for pass rushing improvement of DE JAnderson, or the hoped for increased production of CDavis, if hegets starters mins, or the improvement of KBiermann as a situational pass rusher, and/or the addition of a quality pass rushing OLB/DE will definitely improve our pass rush. There have been very few CB’s in NFL history talented enough to excel without the aid of an effective pass rush.
Last yr, if a team ran a pass play before we substituted, the entire L side of our DL(DT GJackson & DE JAnderson) was almost totally ineffective pressuring the passer. Teams could just wall off, or double the R side(DT JBabineaux & DE JAbraham) and limit our pass rushing ability. Add TLewis’s athleticism and pass rushing ability, a LDE with pass rushing ability, and we create a solid pass rush by making it counterproductive to double or wall off the R side of the DEF.
Adding a SS with cover skills, along with an improved pass rush, will automatically make it easier for our CB’s, and overall secondary. Just because you can’t see a solution doesn’t mean Dimitroff and Smith don’t have one. LOOK, DON’T GET SO WORKED UP OVER THIS. OUR PASSING, RUSHING AND OVERALL DEF WILL BE BETTER THAN IT WAS LAST YR, EVEN WITHOUT LB’S KBROOKING & MBOLEY, SS LMALLOY, DT GJACKSON AND CB DFOXWORTH.
clthurman
March 25th, 2009
3:13 pm
KEN I see your point and I am to say the least a little bent out of shape about Foxworth because I watched the tapes on this guy and he was a steal. And granted a pass rush makes everything in the secondary look better. So that said we need to find someone other than Abraham who makes me flich everytime he grabs his groin to help with the rush. In this draft it looks like it will have to be OLB’s with speed and nastiness. Its easy to say the USC backers but not realistic at our spot. There are no real definates…so like last year I will cross my fingers and hope. Hate that.
cutter
March 25th, 2009
4:20 pm
D3- That is a very good question the experience could not have hurt Nicholas. 1st pick is DT or OLB . DOL just said he found out Decoud is gonna get the chance to start at safety.
wes
March 25th, 2009
4:42 pm
wouldnt we be in a mess if we waited til this year to get a qb.ryans the real deal hes all business.
Ken Strickland
March 25th, 2009
7:15 pm
CLTHURMAN-you’re last statement tells a lot about the kind of person you REALLY are, and that’s good. I read 2 articles that said Foxworth wasn’t going to resign with the Falcons, or likely anyone else besides the Ravens, unless they threw a boatload of cash at him. He grew up in Maryland, his mother lives a short distance from the stadium and he attended the Univ of Maryland. He was determined to give a hometown discount unless some other team made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. One article said the Falcon’s offer was as good, if not better, than the one he accepted from the Ravens.
Here’s the problem our DB’s had last yr. VHutchins, JIrons, BGrimes, CHouston and CJackson are all very good man or one on one defenders. But because of our less than stellar LB play, and our very poor DL play, we played a lot of zone. That was the weakness of all of CB’s except DFoxworth, but especially JIrons. The CB that replaces Foxworth might not be as good, but if we get a decent pass rush and a SS with cover skills, he won’t have to be. which I am certain will happen. Because of Malloy’s coverage libialities, and the way he was used, FS RColeman had to cover a lot of extra ground, and he did an excellent job under the circumstances. Having a SS with cover skills will make us less vulnerable to TE’a and deep passing routes.
BOTTOMLINE, IF WE FIX OUR POOR RUSHING DEF, IMPROVE OUR POOR PASS RUSH, AND START A SS WITH COVER SKILLS, OUR PASS DEF, AND OVERALL DEF, WILL BE JUST FINE. IT ALL STARTS WITH FIXING OUR DL. And on that issue, consider this. If TLewis returns and plays up to his talents, we might see him replacing JBabineaux’s and another roadblock replacing GJackson at NT. Babineaux would be used on passing downs and the regular DT rotation. JUST FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
jason jones
March 29th, 2009
4:02 pm
I can’t help but continue to suggest that this team is headed for mediocrity. They don’t want to keep key veteran players, knowing you can’t keep all, but you have to want to compete. One year with a 11-5 record does not qualify you to start low-balling players, then suggest to the public that the players left. The players have to get what their worth is. Smith’s comments about free agents leaving this team is not totally correct. He and DT did not want to pay market value for guys like Bolley and Foxworth. Certainly, Brookin had to take a pay cut, because this is what happens to players around the 10 year point. Grady, will be used 1-2 years on a team, then he’ll move on as a role player. Bolleyand Foxworth should have been paid what the market suggested players in their position and expertise should get, not higher than that, but the market.
What we are seeing is now the team thinks they are in New England, where a championship process is in place (it took them some time to get there). It will take a while before this team ever is able to model what NE does in low-balling players, yet keeping enough to sustain excellence year after year. Again, I say the falcons will struggle to get 8-8, because their hope is that Ryan is the man. Ryan without “The Burner” will not happen, and a defense that hold down offenses.
The Blog Planet - Prodcut Review: Scot McKay The Leading Man
May 25th, 2009
1:01 am
[...] Falcons start offseason workouts | Atlanta Falcons with D. Orlando … [...]
FalcFans.com » Falcons get three back from injury
May 28th, 2009
11:46 pm
[...] The AJC reports that three Falcons have been cleared to participate as the team opens off-season workouts today. Those three were injured last season and include running back Thomas Brown, linebacker Robert James, and defensive tackle Trey Lewis. [...]