Are the Falcons ready for Prime Time again?
The NFL is set to release the week-by-week schedule for the 2009 season at 7 p.m. tomorrow
Who is going to bring the popcorn when Terrell Owens and the Buffalo Bills come to the Georgia Dome in 2009?
The Falcons already know their opponents.
Home games include: Tampa Bay, New Orleans, Carolina, Philadelphia, Washington, Buffalo, Miami and Chicago.
Away games include: Tampa Bay, New Orleans, Carolina, Dallas, New York Giants, New England, New York Jets and San Francisco.
The Falcons should get at least one Monday night game and possibly a Sunday night game. The away game at New England with Matt Ryan returning to the Boston area should get prime time consideration.
The Falcons will get a chance to see some of the players who left during free agency. Keith Brooking will get a shot at his old team when the Falcons go to Dallas. Linebacker Michael Boley is now with the New York Giants and will host the Falcons in Giants Stadium.
This offseason’s bad boy, Jay Culter, will lead the Chicago Bears into the Georgia Dome. Miami running back Ronnie Brown of Cartersville will get a chance to play in front of some of his hometown folks.
Cartersville's Ronnie Brown.
Also, the Falcons organized team activity schedule was released by the league. Each team is permitted to conduct up to 14 organized training sessions as part of their offseason workout programs
The sessions are supposed to be non-contact, but let’s just say that the big guys get “tangled” up from time to time.
The Falcons’ OTAs are sent for May 20-21, May 26-28, June 2-4, June 9-11 and June 16-18.
Wonder if Keith Brooking will be this fired up when the Falcons roll into Dallas?
How many prime time games do you think the Falcons should get? How tough does that road schedule look? Excited about the teams coming to play in the Georgia Dome? How important are the OTA’s to getting ready for training camp?
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205 comments Add your comment
Nookah
April 14th, 2009
2:41 pm
Reno, Reno, Reno!!!! Why did you have to bite on the apple? You’ve been a bad boy even after you were warned by D3!!!! I know you sent that on behalf of all of us!!!!
Ok, let’s assume there is no TG trade. Well, what happens next? The same thing that went on a couple of days ago before the speculation!!!
11 days and counting baby!!!! God’s willing I’ll be live on the blog, pick by pick!!! Sorry I can’t be there guys I’m north of you….I’m a yardie in the cold, salubrious climate of Canada.
You may ask how does a Jamaican living in Canada become a Falcon fan? Simple I went to GSU in the early 90’s. Now you have it. So I can definitely feel the Red Stripe vibe, right Stirg, D3!!!!
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!
Reno 911
April 14th, 2009
3:10 pm
Hooray, beer.
Ken Strickland
April 14th, 2009
3:42 pm
VICK SUPPORTER 2-Do yourself and everyone else a favor and do a little research and then answer the following question. DO YOU THINK ESPN’s JOHN CLAYTON, OR ANY OTHER SPORTS ANALYST, PREDICTED LAST YRS FALCONS WOULD WIN 11 GAMES AND MAKE THE PLAYOFFS? It’s amazing how clowns like you treat the OPINIONS and PREDICTIONS of these sports analyst as infallable only when those OPINIONS AND PREDICTIONS support your position.
Considering the limited range of your comments, intellectually you seem to be as weak, limited and unimaginable as your comments. Before the hiring of GM TDimitroff and HC MSmith, your comments might have had some merit. But for anyone to continue treating the current Atlanta Falcons organization and team like the old regimes shows a weakness in thought, understanding and a life filled with little imagination, but a lot of wasted time. GET A LIFE DUDE.
The idea that next yrs schedule is the 4th toughest is relative. How many teams that had us or the Dolphins on their schedule had us as a sure win? How many teams thought the Chargers and Saints would fall like they did, the Steelers would win the SB and the Patriots would miss the playoffs? In our playoff loss to Arizona, our MRyan led OFF scored 24pts. Even a fool can see it was our DEF, which gave up 30pts, not our OFF, that cost us the gm. This yr, we’re going to expand our OFF and solidify our DEF. The so called NLF’s 4th toughest schedule shouldn’t be a problem for what could be the NFL’s 4th best team.
tbhawksfan
April 14th, 2009
3:47 pm
Like the TG trade. I disagree with the win in three years theory. Sure we have some young players and a new regime, but I don’t think they were thinking win in three years last year and I don’t think they’ll think that way this year. the trick is to turn over players as need be and to win every year.
Trade for TG, draft:
#24: Maybin OLB
#90: Barnes CB
#125: Taylor DT
#138 Maiva OLB
#143: Shaughnessy DE
#176 Wiley SS
At least 9-7 next season and a playoff repeat.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 14th, 2009
4:18 pm
RENO911: Where is the beer? Hooray for you!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 14th, 2009
4:25 pm
Here’s the link to Teicher’s report: (Tried to give you all the link earlier)
http://videos.kansascity.com/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=3779610
He’s say Atlanta doesn’t have the look of a Super Bowl team to him!
This is good stuff. Wonder if I’ll have to start doing these video logs!!! That would be a riot!!!
Reno 911
April 14th, 2009
4:27 pm
Just throwin props to the Red Stripe contingent.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 14th, 2009
4:34 pm
Nookah, I’m not too far from You. I’m in PoTown (and currently drinking a Stripe!). I’m from the Dirty, though. Born, raised and went to school there (da House!). Love my Falcons and love my Hawks. I’m trying to like the Braves but I sure do miss Dale Murphy, Bob Horner, Chris Chambliss and Mr. 285-Perez.
I’d be willing to give up everything and move back home for a potent Falcon’s season, though. How do we create potency, you ask? Gonzo and Morrah; Pettigrew and Peele; Gonzo and Peele; or, Pettigrew and Morrah. deanodog said it way better than I can: “A great ball control offense makes a bad defense good.” Nuff said. Give me Gonzo and give me Matthews, Jr. in the first round. Give me Morrah in the later rounds. Forget the whole thing and give me Pettigrew at “24″. Matter of fact, somebody give me another beer!
JG
April 14th, 2009
4:38 pm
Ken Strickland
Thank you for that comment to VICK SUPPORTER 2. Vick is busy being a Janitor and until he wises up and figures out he can’t keep Three Mercedes, a Mansion and still declare Bankruptcy, We won’t have to worry about playing against him anytime soon.
And VS2:
And why are you all over Matty Ice? I can understand throwing out stats about Vick and how great he was with his Rushing title etc..
But don’t take out your hate on Matty Ice? Wasn’t the Arguement for Vick was that no matter how he did it, he won? Well… Matty ICE 11-5 Rookie year. I would say he has only won and has the stat’s to back it up. If you want to Support Vick I understand. But when he goes to another team, Please go with him!
Tyger
April 14th, 2009
4:50 pm
Big Ray – your analysis is right on. There absolutely will be a major run at the top of the 2nd, that’s where the value is, including the projected 15-32. As a general rule, teams do not trade their 2nd rd picks b./c there’s still 1st rd. talent there. So, moving up or back to the top of the 2nd will be hard, if not impossible.
At #24, a reach for a “targeted” player with a 2nd rd. grade wouldn’t be bad. At least you get the player you want and then hope that your 2nd choice falls to you. That’s where your draft board comes into play, but those are all over the place.
But if these analysts are correct and Michael Johnson is still there mid-second, what a blessing for us! However, I don’t believe he’ll make it outta the 1st or top of the 2nd.
If we came out of the 1st day with Michael Johnson and William Moore, I would be giddy. But that’ll take some teams to fall for the fool’s gold: Connor Barwin, DJ Moore, Ziggy Hood, Pettigrew, Darius Butler.
Reno 911
April 14th, 2009
5:18 pm
Not that it has anything to do with the Falcons, but here’s a good story on Aaron Curry, who is inviting a young leukemia survivor to accompany him to NYC for the draft. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft09/news/story?id=4068223
big ups to Stirg- I didn’t think there was anyone left out there who remembers the Pasqual Perez “285″ story.
Stirg d'Nahisf
April 14th, 2009
5:52 pm
Watch out there, Reno 911. Everybody don’t know about Pasqual “285″ Perez; at least, no one knows how he got the nickname “285″.
In regards to the Gonzo rumor, I think the National Football Post needed some hits on their website. I think the story was fabricated to gather a little recognition.
The Dean 21
April 14th, 2009
6:28 pm
Ken Strickland – Way to tell him in a professional like way! VS2 has the mind set of a ancient buffalo!
D3- your facts and research are solid just like Ken’s but I’ve stated all along that this was a rumor not a fact which was not a caused for concern regarding the Falcons. The Falcons, well let’s just say the new Falcons Brass will leak what they are sure in, they don’t leak rumors.
Nookah – right on point, I totally agree!
Reno911 – Now that you took the bait, you know he still might not get it. Let’s hope that keeps him busy for while!
The draft is exciting and once again I agree with Ken that this is only year #2 of the process. Year #3 will set this team up as a winning organization for years to come.
The draft is near, the trade for TG will hopefully fizzle out and the mocks will continue for now.
jerry
April 14th, 2009
6:31 pm
How about this year’s 3rd and next year’s 3rd for Gonzales or something like that? Ryan needs help….he only had 1700 yards passing.
The Dean 21
April 14th, 2009
6:33 pm
Stirg d’Nahsif – Good Posts, but I do think a good blocking, good hands tight end will do. I don’t think the Falcons want 90 catches from their tight end spot. I do agree with you if the TG trade was fact.
BigSherm7
April 14th, 2009
6:46 pm
Get your cryin’ towel ready when the Birds play my Bills . . . that is, if most of the Bills aren’t doin’ time by then . . .
JJ
April 14th, 2009
7:00 pm
How many times around 285 does it take to find the stadium?
A great question for VS2!
There’s not much talk about the Oline, but we need a quality back-up in case Baker repeats last yr. injuries. I’m sure the matrix has some big, nasty temper guys in the later rounds.
Less than 2 weeks…hooray for beer!
As the golf nut on here, I was really hoping for K. Perry, nice guy.
JJ
April 14th, 2009
7:09 pm
2 Primetime: – chi. here sunday night
– NO there monday night
Ken Strickland
April 14th, 2009
7:12 pm
STIRG D-come on now. Anyone over 30 should know about one of our favorite Braves characters. He might have gotten lost on I-285, but he certainly wasn’t lost on the pitchers mound when he arrived at the stadium that day. Can anyone say that they ever saw him do anything but bunt?
TBHAWKSFAN-that’s an impressive draft list you have there, and I like it. You’ve obviously done some research in order to come up with that list.
NOOKAH-anyone that can survive anywhere in NY state, especially a Jamaican(smile), should be able to manage Canada my friend. You broched the question about player development. Well, look at the impact our coaching staff had on the in season progress of rookies MRyan(QB), SBaker(OT), CLofton(MLB), CJackson(CB), KBiermann(DE), TDeCoud(SS) and HDouglas(WR). You should also look at the improvement our coaching staff got from vets like DE’s JAbraham, who had a career yr, and CDavis, DT JBabineaux, RT TClabo, RG HDahl, LG JBlalock and WR MJenkins.
I agree that the upcoming draft is going to be off the chain, but I’m more excited about the discussions that will take place after the draft. If we get a pass rushing DE, a SLB, TE and DT, our DEF could end up being solid.
Reno 911
April 14th, 2009
7:20 pm
Schedules are out. First half looks ugly for the Falcons, but if they can make it to the stretch run at .500, they’re in great shape. The good news is that the last six games are potentially the ’softest’ part of the schedule. The bad news is that the ten games leading up to that are rough, IMO. On the other hand, another factor that may make the stretch tougher is that game at the Jets, whose defense under Rex Ryan may have found their groove by week 15. That’s the only tough weather road game, too, which is good, I guess. That Sunday night game in ATL against Chicago and Cutler should be fun, too. Like I said, if the Falcons can make it to week 11 at 5-5 or 6-4, I think they’ll be ok.
JJ
April 14th, 2009
7:37 pm
WEEK 1 VS. DOLPHINS W (1-0)
WEEK 2 VS. PANTHERS W (2-0)
WEEK 3 AT PATRIOTS L (2-1)
BYE
WEEK 5 AT SANFRAN W (3-1)
WEEK 6 VS BEARS W (4-1) PRIMETIME
WEEK 7 AT COWBOYS L (4-2)
WEEK 8 AT SAINTS L (4-3) MNF split
WEEK 9 VS REDSKINS W (5-3)
WEEK 10 AT PANTHERS L (5-4)split
WEEK 11 AT GIANTS L (5-5)? close
WEEK 12 VS BUCS W (6-5)
WEEK 13 VS EAGLES W (7-5)payback! fxxk ref!
WEEK 14 VS SAINTS W (8-5)split
WEEK 15 AT JETS W (9-5) WHO’S QB?
WEEK 16 VS BILLS W (10-5)clinch nfc at home
WEEK 17 AT BUCS L (10-6)rest starters for playoffs
10-6
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 14th, 2009
7:50 pm
SORRY GUYS BUT YOUR POSTS TO THE ONE AND ONLY VICK SUPPORTER 2 ARE NOT READ, BUT FEEL FREE TO WASTE YOUR TIME POSTING TO ME
ANYWAY, BACK TO THE TOPICS AT HAND.
WEEK 1…….MIAMI
WEEK 2….. CAROLINA
WEEK 3….. IN NEW ENGLAND (OUCH)
THIS SEASON SHOULD BE DONE BY WEEK 4 (BYE)
“D-LED”…..NO I DIDNT GET A CHANCE TO SEE “THE GREATEST” FOOTBALL PLAYER ON HIS STOP IN ATLANTA. THAT WOULD BE HARD TO DO SINCE ATLANTA IS 3,000 MILES AWAY, BUT GOOD TRY
ENJOY YOUR SHORT LIVED LIME LIGHT GUYS…… NO MORE WEAK SCHEDULE FOR YOU……LET’S SEE HOW GOOD RYAN LEAF IS
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 14th, 2009
8:04 pm
THE FALCONS SCHEDULE:
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2009/04/14/atlanta_falcons_2009_schedule.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab
Here’s the schedule (Home games in BOLD):
Sunday, Sept. 13 vs. Miami, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 20 vs. Carolina, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 27 at New England, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 11, at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 18, vs. Chicago, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Oct. 25, at Dallas, 4:15 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 2, at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Nov. 8, vs. Washington, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 15, at Carolina, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 22, at New York Giants, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 29, vs. Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 6, vs. Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 13, vs. New Orleans, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20, at New York Jets, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 27, vs. Buffalo, 1 p.m.
DeadManWalking
April 14th, 2009
8:20 pm
“SORRY GUYS BUT YOUR POSTS TO THE ONE AND ONLY VICK SUPPORTER 2 ARE NOT READ, BUT FEEL FREE TO WASTE YOUR TIME POSTING TO ME”
Which is BS, otherwise he would not know to post this. And to prove a point he replied to D. Orlando Ledbetter’s post. Duhhhhhh. Not only is nobody home, but the lights arent on either. In fact there is a foreclosure notice on the front door. Hey that sounds like his boy Vick too.
JJ
April 14th, 2009
8:22 pm
D-led: Sunday Jan. 03, at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. = 16 (just back’in you up)
Big Ray
April 14th, 2009
8:26 pm
I see VS and VS2 have returned….
Yes, the schedule is going to be tough. I’m looking forward to it. Challenges are what make you better. This is the NFL. Is there really such thing as an easy schedule that guarantees you an 11-5 record?
And the writer from K.C. can say what he wants. He might try analyzing the local team for starters. Of course Atlanta doesn’t look like a Super Bowl team. Rome was not built in a day. And as I recall, Arizona didn’t look like a SuperBowl team EITHER, until they were IN the SuperBowl…wonder how many experts got THAT one wrong?
wxwax
April 14th, 2009
8:42 pm
Holy c**p what a tough schedule!
Draft for defense and steal some extra picks! They’re gonna need all the help they can get. Man, oh man.
D3
April 14th, 2009
8:45 pm
Remember, don’t do it boys, no takin’ the hate bait………
What’s up gents? So much to cover in so little time. Get to the schedule a little later in the p.m. Gotta write a GD paper for my class, so just a couple of tidbits.
DOL – thanks man.
Nookah – did you graduate from GA Southern or GA State? I’m finishing my masters @ Georgia State now(hence the BS paper). Too bad to hear you’re thousands of miles away. I was looking forward to sharing a Stripe w/ ya. But hey, you got some good brews up the Northern Way. Moosehead, Molson, & Labatts are some of my favs. Gem alert for ya: WR Marko Mitchell from Nevada; 6′3″5/8, 218 lbs, 4.47, Good hands. Check him out.
Ken Strick – good research and analysis as always my friend. Agreed that J.Anderson WILL NOT be given to him. I definitely think C.Davis has a great chance to win the job. Always like his toughness, tenacity, and motor. The dude just makes plays when he’s on the field. So Coy Wire is listed as a WILL? That’s what I thought too, but everybody else was saying that Peterson was slotted for WILL. Being a former MLB would seemingly make him a better fit at SAM, but who knows. And I know Stirg said that Stephen Nicholas’ natural position was WILL as well.
Reno – just goin’ on gut feeling, but I think the TG trade is done. If it were going to happen, it probably would have just happened without any leaks or publicity. Even though I saw it in KC and Atlanta, I could never find a national source like NFL.com or ESPN NFL that picked it up.
Dan – nice points on strength of schedule. Look at what the Steelers did with the hardest schedule AND tons of injuries. You never know who’s going to turn out solid and not. Jets will be better, but who’s throwing the ball there again? T.O. will ruin the Bills, and with the Giants we can throw and run right at Boley, as we know from experience.
deandog – you got it. If you truly want to make a run at the SB and not just make the playoffs, you have to get battle tested.
tbhawks – nice mock. I like Maybin a lot too, but I guess many scouts project him as a DE. Gotta disagree with you on Barnes in second and Taylor in the 3rd though, drop each a round and now we’re talkin’, JMVHO. Me thinks that 9-7 may very well win the division, most definitely probably make the playoffs. With a great draft, I don’t think 10-6 is out of reach.
Stirg – now you’re talkin’. Wish we could all have a few(or ten) brews on draft day. Think the TG trade is dead, IMO. That being said, gimme Pettigrew. If Matthews AND Pettigrew are there, flip a coin.
JG – c’mon now brother. No bitin’ on the hate-spewing, vitriolic phrenetics that have come out of the shadows. Let’s just have some good football talk, like we have had in the past. Negative attention is still attention
Tyger – agree that Hood and DJ Moore are fools gold, but Barwin, Pettigrew, and Butler are the real deal. Pettigrew only one 1st round worthy. I could see us taking a chance on MJ in the second, but we should definitely move JA inside and kill two birds with one stone, under the assumption that eventually MJ & C.Davis would be our future at DE.
Dean21 – agreed.
JJ – where were you on sunday brother? I was tearing up the Masters talk with no feedback. Man, I know about Kenny Perry, the dude seemed like a really nice guy and deserved it. All he had to do was make ONE par the last two holes and he’s wearing the Green Jacket. Call me nationalist, but 2 years in a row an American hasn’t worn the Green. Kinda sucks. The Tiger-Phil heavyweight bout really fizzled the last two holes.
More to come on the schedule, gotta work on this GD, MF’n paper. Later gents.
10 DAYS, 15 HOURS, AND COUNTING!!!! H- YEAH!!!!!!
Stirg d'Nahisf
April 14th, 2009
9:04 pm
Judging from the schedule, I see us making the playoffs with a 9-7 record. I’m certain a blogger is going to debate with me but I simply think that 11-plus winning teams are done. I think the talent is so well distributed amongst teams this year, that divisional winners will have 10-6 records.
Ken, you got me; and I stand corrected. I didn’t know that there were other fans that remember “285″ Perez. I still wish I could have been a bug on his windshield when he pulled over to ask an Atlanta-native for directions to the stadium. I’m from Atlanta and, sometimes, even I don’t understand my fellow resident’s directions.
That reminds me of an experience I want to share with you guys. I had just ended my tour in Germany (U.S. Army) and I went to visit my Uncle in the, now historic, Westview area (Cascade and Ralph Abernathy, to be exact). I had never visited his home before, so I didn’t know how to find it. I had to pull over and ask for directions. I pinpointed my target…a ruff-neck, standing at the liquor store. I told him the street and he gave me directions that I will never forget. He said:
“Okay. When you go down here (he gestured), you going to come to a red light. Turn right there and just keep going. You going to come to a stop sign and then another stop sign. Just keep going and keep going. When you past the park, you going to see a beat-up yellow truck; Just keep going and keep going and keep going, until you get to another stop sign. When you see your third stop sign, just keep going and keep going. You going to pass a lady sitting on a porch, turn right there (he never indicated right or left). Keep going and keep going; and when you get there, you’ll be right there.” Needless to say, I ended up in Austell.
So, I say to the Falcons, in regards to the 2009-’10 season, “Just keep going and keep going.” Come Super Bowl time, we’ll be right there. (Lifting my Red Stripe), Here’s to you, Falcons! (gulping)
Stirg d'Nahisf
April 14th, 2009
9:05 pm
(belching)
JJ
April 14th, 2009
9:08 pm
D3 – On masters sunday – it’s golf only buddy. How about tiger and phil thru the first few hours? Incredible, could not beleive phil not only out drove him by 20 yds, but really outplayed him. I always want an american to win, but if not, let the 40+ win it. I digress..
We protect our home turf like we did last yr. (think Barry’s anthem…………….not now Barry!)
We win 2 on the rd. (sanfran/jets) = 10-6 !clinch nfc south
If we’re tied going into week 16, we have bucs to clinch nfc(11-5)home field to s.bowl!
Guys/Gals, this is doable!!!
Can’t help it: Hey VS2 – BACK TO BACK WINNING SEASONS – HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES?
WILLSTER
April 14th, 2009
9:20 pm
ol,you can go to vegas, if you like because i guarantee,a NEW ENGLAND SUPER BOWL WIN,yiu people that wanted prime time you got it, what is gonna kill the falcons,the bye week is week 4 which means 12 straight weeks without a break,6-10 like i said.ol you can go to betus.com and lay your money now,ibet the falcons under the total,I WILL WIN.
WILLSTER
April 14th, 2009
9:25 pm
tom brady has had a year to rest,and now fred taylor,please people,i live in georgia, but they should just hand the trophy to the patriots now and do all of yall a favor because the falcons will not have a winning season but next year,look out.
D3
April 14th, 2009
9:32 pm
Ken & Stirg – before I forget, let me say thank you for your service to our country.
Schedule talk later, after I get started on this GD, MF’n, SB’n paper………….such a bad procrastinator.
Big Ray
April 14th, 2009
9:36 pm
WILLSTER,
So what did you bet when the Patriots lost to the Giants? Heh, heh heh. I can guess….
Ken,
Good points about the draft.
D3,
I think the Gonzalez trade is dead, too. I’m not crying. Ten days until draft (give or take some hours), and I’m stir crazy as hell.
I’m not worried about the schedule. I’m not worried about going 11-5. I want to win, and make the playoffs. I’m looking forward to back-to-back seasons doing this, and even the clown that is so fascinated with the team and quarterback he claims to hate so much can’t keep my spirits down. Apparently, there’s not as much to do on the West Coast as we thought….well, for some people, anyway.
Big Ray
April 14th, 2009
9:38 pm
Fred Taylor. Fred Taylor? So what if he’s had rest. When’s the last time HE was a huge impact all season long?
Again, who said we were going to the SuperBowl this season? Talk about a straw man argument…
Stirg d'Nahisf
April 14th, 2009
9:40 pm
Thanks, D3; ’twas my pleasure. I, too, am a student again and I, unintentionally, wait until the last hour to do my papers (writer’s block). I usually find it helpful to be amongst others studying, at the same time (library, Barnes & Noble, strip club, etc.). If all that fails, just start writing. Even if your doodling is unrelated to your subject, just keep writing. After awhile, you’ll start writing towards your subject. Then, keep going and keep going and keep going…
marko
April 14th, 2009
9:49 pm
Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star has suggested that the Falcons might not be Tony Gonzalez’s ideal choice. He says that Tony wants to play for a contender and that we were lucky last year. He adds that we benefited from an easy schedule. He concludes that we’ll be lucky to finish eight and eight next year. I can’t speak for the rest of you, but I don’t give a damn for Adam Teicher or the Kansas City Star. First of all how lucky were we? We got to start a rookie quarterback, a rookie left tackle and a rookie middle linebacker. I hope every team we play this year follows that formula for success. Now let’s address the easy schedule that we supposedly benefited from. True ours was one of the easiest schedules played by any of the playoff teams last year, but did we benefit from that. Last I heard Pittsburgh won the Super Bowl and they faced the NFL’s toughest schedule. I’d say that if you want to be the best you need to beat the best. If we have a tougher schedule, good we’ll be in better shape when the games come down to win or go home. Let’s examine the eight and eight prediction. We have a young team, a hungry team with players that haven’t spent the off-season smoking pot or attending dog fights. Does anybody out there really think that our kids are going to raise white flags just because somebody put New England on our schedule? The day after our loss to the Cardinals, the coaches had to run Matty Ice out of the film room and force him to take a little R@R. Matty is already looking forward to going home for that game. If the Ptriots want my advice they’ll practice hard that week because they’re going to be in one helluva fight. Want my advice? Take the Pats. I’m not that crazy, but I never suggested that we’re going sixteen and O. The point is that Dimitroff deliberately selected kids that wouldn’t stop the first time that the breaks didn’t go their way. I don’t know whether Tony wants to play for the Falcons or not, but I would like him to know that the Falcons make the playoffs next year with or without him. If he’s up for the challenge, I hope it’s the later.
JJ
April 14th, 2009
9:56 pm
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcsouth/0-10-65/Falcons-schedule-analysis.html
Pat’s take on our schedule.
Nookah
April 14th, 2009
9:59 pm
D3, I’m with you, 10-6, at worst 9-7. People underestimate how we have improved. We’ll be fine….
Don’t worry about a thing ’cause every little thing is gonna be all right!!. Just some words from the great Robert Nesta Marley!!!!
D3, oh by the way it’s Georgia State.
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!
Ed
April 14th, 2009
10:44 pm
On Friday’s blog D-Led has Chris Sintium as the Falcons pick. On Monday he is on Fox Sports and they ask him who the Falcons would pick and after throwing out many names, none of which were Sintium, he came up w/ Larry English. So what happened over the weekend D-Led?
Mike
April 14th, 2009
10:56 pm
TBHAWKSFAN- I would love to have Maybin in the first. I am afraid he will not last until 24. I feel he will be the comparable to Suggs in Baltimore (who I was hoping to make a run at before he was franchised). I think he is the best LB in the draft next to Curry. If he is off the board, I like Ayers. Maybe Chung, or R Johnson at Safety in the second, they may also be looking at DT’s Brace or Moala in the 2nd…if either are available. Depending on need come the third they should have choices of DT’s Scott or Marks, S Mcbath, CB Mickens, or maybe start looking at TE…Nelson if still on the board, or Ingram. In the 4th you may want to defintely look at Corners if we have not selected one by then. I think Washington from Ohio St maybe the rawest DB in this years draft, probably a 4th rounder. This guy is 6ft and runs in the 4-5’s (which is not blazing, but not bad in this years DB class).Also Harris out of USC. Also in the later rounds if we are still looking for a safety you have Greene out of Rutgers,and Hodge out of TCU. They both have good size, decent speed, and are solid tacklers. Hodges name happened to be called a lot in the Poinsetta Bowl against Boise.I saw him also in the Oklahoma game where he seemed to be the bright spot for TCU. Two weeks from now we can all go from speculating who get, to how they will all fit.
Falcons lost in space
April 14th, 2009
11:37 pm
Do you see how the sport media is pumping up Matt. They are bias as hell! new Flash he is just a every day QB nothing more. They have found out that he is a punk under pressure. a few hit, his game is gone, he become a sissy. Matt has a weak arm all you need to do is play bump and run them his game will be lost. They gave the guy a brake last year. The new Face of the Bum’s. ATL save your cash and your feeling from being hurt!!!! now If and only if you clowns want to win draft Defense that what you clown should have did with the first pick last year. sell out or black out you make the call wannabe’s!!!! NFC south losers in 2009!
Boxcarar
April 14th, 2009
11:43 pm
DOL,
Can you add “VS2″ to your filter parameters?
D3
April 14th, 2009
11:50 pm
Alright, peeps last of the night……some ibuprofen and to bed. I will tell you that the last two nights have been scorching on the Bird-Cage blog with the TG trade talk last night and the schedule talk today. Nice little departure from the stir-crazy draft frenzy we’ve whipped ourselves into (right Big Ray, Stirg, Ken, Reno, JJ, Nookah, and the rest of our brethren?). Let the draft talk resume tomorrow or thursday. Got some dish from the ‘Path to the Draft’ OLB edition I DVR’d to share tomorrow, if I can remember for godssake…………….
Because of the mass overload of giddiness having all this Falcons info. to discuss, I’ll take my vitamins and slow it down one game at a time:
Game 1
Dolphins @ The Dome – Some great backstories including the two ‘turnaround’ teams of ‘08. Worst to playoffs, both lost in the first round to a team that went pretty far. And of course the return of “The Stinky Tuna” after he played us like a fiddle for more dough (BEST BLESSING IN DISGUISE, WHICH GAVE US TD….Thank the Lord).
‘08 Stats
DEF
Total D: Miami – 329; Birds – 348
Passing D: Miami – 228; Birds – 220
Rushing D: Miami – 101; Birds – 127
OFF
Total O: Miami – 346; Birds – 361
Passing O: Miami – 227; Birds – 208
Rushing O: Miami – 118; Birds – 153
This one will be a tough battle. IMO, the Dolphins and our Falcons are pretty evenly matched. Very similar story lines, revamping entire team, coach, GM, etc. They were a pretty gritty football team last year, finding ways to win when maybe they shouldn’t have in a pretty tough conference.
Does Pennington have another year like last year? With still no #1 receiver? Maybe. Like us to a certain extent, they go as Ronnie Brown goes. If he gets going that opens up the passing game to short routes for Ginn Jr., Fasano, Bess, Camarillo, & Martin. They really spread it around pretty good. Meaning our Run D’s gotta improve (Lewis, DT & OLB draft picks, Anderson, Davis) gotta step it up. Houston, Jackson, & Hutchins should be able to hold down Ginn Jr. and Peterson/Nicholas should keep the underneath routes away from Martin & Fasano.
Their back seven is pretty tough with Porter & Crowder leading the LB’s and Bell & Hill leading the secondary. We should match up pretty good with them, assuming we have an upgraded threat at TE, O-Line continues to get better, Ovie leading the way on that 3-4, and of course Matty Ice just doubles-down on his rookie year. Its a tough, pretty balanced match-all around.
We need this one men. It’ll be really hard to lose to ‘Fins in week 1, host the panthers in next week, and have to travel to NE in week 3. Not a must-win, but D— close.
‘Birds take it by a field goal
1-0
Agree? Disagree?
See you on the flip side boys, and on that note…………
10 Days, 12 HOURS, AND COUNTING!!!!!
N Nine
April 15th, 2009
1:15 am
Lets get Gonzo!!! He’s legit…
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 15th, 2009
1:50 am
ED: The draft situation is fluid. Fox had a different scenario than my mock. Tomorrow, going on NFL Network to do their mock and Clint is still the man.
BOXCAR: We only get the moderated VS2 here. So long as he’s not spewing hate, he’s good. Don’t take the bait if you don’t like his take. Everybody is entitled to a take.
JJ: Thanks for the backup. Cut and paste didn’t work too well. Was rushing off to the golf range. Got to play in Smitty’s Hacks vs. Jocks event in the morning. Will have to stay within my limited game and not try to do too much!!
Sivart48
April 15th, 2009
8:28 am
I can not believe all the commentors here saying no to the possible trade for Tony G. A 2nd round pick, #55 at that, for a proven top tier TE is a gift. Look at the number 55 pick in previous drafts and it is pure hit and miss. Even if Tony G only played say 3 years those are 3 years that you have the possiblity of going to the big dance. You can not even come close to saying that with taking an unknown at the 55th slot.
Personally, I am saying a little prayer that K.C. is stupid enough to make this trade.
GO BIRDS
Scott
April 15th, 2009
9:23 am
Tough schedule. The Falcons have four games against opponents coming off their bye week (Chicago, at Dallas, Washington, At NYG) – that’s the most in the league. Plus they play in a tough division, and this year against the AFC East, another tough division.
Scott
April 15th, 2009
9:28 am
For what it’s worth, here’s the breakdown of teams playing after an opponent’s bye:
Atlanta – 4 games after opponent’s bye
Baltimore, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Denver – 3 games* (Each team plays opponent coming off bye after their own bye)
Detroit, Houston, New Orleans, St. Louis – 2 games
Dallas, Green Bay, Kansas City, Miami, NYG, San Francisco, Tampa Bay, Washington – 1 Game
Everyone else – ZERO games after opponent’s bye.