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
Intramural Team Is Aggressive
April 13th, 2009
11:20 am
D-Led, hear any rumors around Flowery Branch about a possible trade for T-Gon for a 2nd round pick?
Poor McKay
April 13th, 2009
12:01 pm
I could see the Falcons-Dolphins game getting some prime time love. Both teams rose from the ashes last season and I could see that serving as the back-drop for a nationally televised game.
Poppa Falcon
April 13th, 2009
12:09 pm
I’d give my right arm to have that Dallas game a prime time game. It would be LOVELY to whip them Cowboys in their NEW crib.
Blake
April 13th, 2009
12:10 pm
I think they SHOULD have two prime time games, but that doesn’t mean it will happen. Schedule looks brutal. My concerns are with the defense. If they are going to pull off back to back winning seasons for the first time, the defense is going to have to be much better (and I’m talking night and day from last season).
Khao$
April 13th, 2009
12:18 pm
Intermural,I saw that rumor on ESPN as well. I wouldn’t make that trade. With all the holes we have on defense, we need to go all out on defense. I think a tight end would make our offense even more explosive. However, our defense looks pitiful right now.
TSD
April 13th, 2009
12:20 pm
I currently live in Houston, TX and I want to go to the Dallas/Atl game. I know it’s getting some serious prime time consideration. I want to go and represent my Falcons.
I have a feeling that the New England, if it doesn’t get prime time consideration, might be involved w/ the flex scheduling, if later in the season. I want to see the Giants/Falcons and Dallas/Falcons on prime time.
terry
April 13th, 2009
12:23 pm
we’ll get a least 3 and possibly 4 (New England, Dallas, Giants and a division game, probably the Panthers
Marcus
April 13th, 2009
12:29 pm
I think one of the CAR games will be primetime (MNF or SNF) and also the DAL game, with an outside shot at being the Thanksgiving Day matchup. I dont see any other compelling storylines.
Optimist
April 13th, 2009
12:31 pm
Falcons Dolphins wont be in prime time because of the strong chance that both teams regress this year…and the small fan bases
Intramural Team Is Aggressive
April 13th, 2009
12:32 pm
I don’t disagree. I’m not gung-ho about that possibility. However, if you’re going to get a TE, that’s a better option in a weak draft for tight ends than taking one. Gonzo is proven, had over 1000 yards receiving last year, and is a good blocker. I think the prudent move would be to resist temptations to trade for it, but I think it would be more likely to provide more immediate benefits to have Gonzo catching balls for Ryan than any defensive pick we can make in the second round (unless we can find another Curtis Lofton at the bottom of the round).
Optimist
April 13th, 2009
12:37 pm
Falcons not as defensively deprived as most suggest. Lewis will be a force, Hutchins is back, and our LB group will round itself out somewhere in the draft. we do need a safety. All this being said, a late second rounder for gonzalez would be a steal IMO. Let’s not forget that these same Gonzo rumors were around last offseason as well.
dacha
April 13th, 2009
12:46 pm
That road schedule looks downright brutal! If we can just win a few of those and defend the dome like we did last year, we should still be in good shape for back-to-back years in the playoffs. That’s right, I said it, BACK-TO-BACK playoff years! BTW, Intramural Team: Where did you come up with that this draft is weak at TE? That’s one of the deepest positions for the ‘09 class! Pettigrew,Cook,Nelson,Coffman,Casey and Morrah just to name of few, buddy. We don’t need Gonzo.
Al Beeski
April 13th, 2009
12:49 pm
hey marcus NO way dallas game on turkey game gets picked, b/c dallas played NFC last year, gonna be an AFC team on thanksgiving
Intramural Team Is Aggressive
April 13th, 2009
12:51 pm
Pettigrew is the only decent blocker in an offense that’s predicated on TEs blocking. Cook is a great talented receiver, not much for blocking. Coffman, Casey, Morah all decent deep round values but none of immediate impact.
Not saying we “need” Gonzo, but if you’re thinking of taking TE in the second round like some mocks have it, then why take it on a tight end when you can trade for something proven?
Intramural Team Is Aggressive
April 13th, 2009
12:53 pm
To finalize, I do think we should be taking defense with those early round picks, but I wouldn’t be floored if we made that trade.
PMC
April 13th, 2009
12:54 pm
I’m not sure Keith Brooking has enough left to make the kind of killer impact Chris Draft did when Mckay dumped him for that bum Hurtwell.
Season Ticket Holder
April 13th, 2009
12:57 pm
Primetime games stink from a Season Ticket Holders point of view..here’s hoping just 1 Primetime game is at home this year.
Reno 911
April 13th, 2009
12:57 pm
Why not trade for Gonzalez? Because Gonzalez is 33, not 23. If you were the Chiefs, drafting in 1999, would you rather trade to the 49ers for an aging, past his prime Brent Jones, or pick Tony Gonzalez, and watch him develop and excel for 10 years?
Reno 911
April 13th, 2009
12:59 pm
Correction: 1997 draft (man, that guys been in the league for 12 years?)
Intramural Team Is Aggressive
April 13th, 2009
1:09 pm
Once again, don’t disagree. That’s a question for TD and his scouts to figure out.
Comparing the Chiefs situation then with our situation now isn’t very fair because there may not be a player of similar caliber available in this draft. Gonzales may be 33, but he also had over 1000 yards receiving last season. Plus none of this stops you from looking at next year’s crop of tight ends and using a pick there, in which case you have even more depth.
If the Falcons talent evaluators believe that any of the TEs in this draft can reach that level, then I fully support it. They’ve certainly earned the benefit of the doubt and I’m just joe schmoe sitting down watching football on Saturday and Sunday. But if none of these guys really fit the bill of what you’re looking for, it makes some sense to get a proven commodity. That’s all I’m saying.
Reno 911
April 13th, 2009
1:13 pm
Man, the more I think about the rumored Gonzalez trade, the more I hate it. This draft is loaded with good, 2nd round defensive talent (one of whom the Falcons might hav to take with their 1st round pick, if they can’t trade down). I just can’t see how it makes sense to trade 4-8 years of Chung/Brace/Moala/Delmas for one or two years of Gonzalez, especially when there are enough TE’s in this year’s draft to push a good enough talent into the 3rd round or later (Casey/Coffman/Cook/Ingram/Morrah/Quinn). A 2nd rounder for Gonzalez would be a “Falcons of old” pick, not characteristic of the new regime.
Preston
April 13th, 2009
1:13 pm
Blake, I don’t quite understand. The Falcons D was quite good last season so I don’t see a need for a “day to night change” for them to have another successful campaign in 09′. Coach Smith was a brilliant choice and he WILL have a good defense on the field.
Reno 911
April 13th, 2009
1:17 pm
Note: if the Falcons are leaning “old” at TE, O.J. Santiago is thought to be available.
Intramural Team Is Aggressive
April 13th, 2009
1:18 pm
Now there’s where I agree with you. If you draft a TE anywhere, I would prefer it be in the later rounds where the gamble costs a lot less. Spend the early picks on good defensive prospects. TE is far from a pressing need at this point.
By the way, he was drafted in 1997, but he was the 13th pick in the draft, which is why analogizing to the Chiefs situation at that point isn’t really similar to our present one.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 13th, 2009
1:21 pm
We’ve been checking out the Gonzalez rumors. At the AJC want the parties on the record.
1893 Reporter
April 13th, 2009
1:26 pm
Finally some talk of professional foot-ball in this town. I have searched the google for foot-ball talk and all I find of pictures of girls. And now I find this aJc foot-ball blogpost. Hazzah!
What is this talk about selecting a 33 year old professional foot-baller with our second round pic? That’s utter nonsense. First, the draft is for amateur athletes. Second, I wouldn’t want an amateur that is 33 years old. Nonsense.
Select a large man with good feet to man the middle of the line. The center nose tackle guard. Or the middle center guard as we use to call it.
WHAT?
April 13th, 2009
1:29 pm
Optimist I agree with you. The defense will surprise some folks this year. Our coach built a good one in J-ville and will in ATL also!
Edward
April 13th, 2009
1:37 pm
Schedule looks brutal. NFC South will always be rough, both home and away. Then include the two top division from last year: the NFC East and AFC East. If the Falcons break the streak this year, they would have earned every bit of it.
As far as prime time games, I think they’ll get 1 for definite (vs. Carolina) and a second possible (vs. NE).
Intramural Team Is Aggressive
April 13th, 2009
1:38 pm
96 Receptions, 1058 yards passing, 10 TDs. Definitely amateur numbers.
I’d for sure pull the trigger if the price were a little less (like maybe our late third round pick). The second round pick is probably just a bit too much.
Falcon228
April 13th, 2009
1:38 pm
The Prime Time Games can be a pain and it seems the years we get them they give us not just one but three or four with 3 of them at home. Now that’s a pain. This Gonzalez trade has been hanging around since about a week before last season’s trade deadline. They may pull the trigger to acquire him but they’re not going to give up the goat farm for him. He’s worth, maybe, a 4Th round but I wouldn’t give more than a 5Th. I know he can still play but he’s got mileage.
Intramural Team Is Aggressive
April 13th, 2009
1:39 pm
Yards receiving, pardon me, not passing
Reno 911
April 13th, 2009
1:41 pm
1893: welcome. You’ll also be pleased to learn that the game has been revolutionized by the forward pass.
Ryno
April 13th, 2009
1:42 pm
**Sleeper pick for a prime time game**
Anyone think it might be an ATL/New Orleans matchup? The Rookie and Coach of the year vs. The Offensive player of the year.
I love the NO/ATL rivalry and think it’s absolutely worthy of a Sunday or Monday night time slot.
JG
April 13th, 2009
1:43 pm
Strong Offensive and Defensive lines win games.
I would love to have Gonzales, but I am not sold on the 2nd round pick? We have too many future needs. We need A DT, LB and then a Tightend- Jared cook, Shawn Nelson, etc…
Dont forget Safety and Corners. AND a back up or some one to compete for offensive Lineman. Too many needs.. We need to be trading for more picks.. not our Second round pick for One or two years out of a 33 yrd Old Tightend. Remember, The Tennesse Titans thought they were getting more than they got when they picked up Alge Crumpler.
Kansas City looks at his age and is trying to get something for him now..
Edward
April 13th, 2009
1:45 pm
RE; the Gonzalez rumor, remember that last year when this was mentioned, Tony was the one who didn’t want to go to Atlanta. Does anyone think he may have changed his mind about that?
Falcon228
April 13th, 2009
1:46 pm
Oh yeah about the schedule? I heard it’s the 2nd toughest in the league this season.
willie
April 13th, 2009
1:50 pm
If we don’t do the Gonzo deal, I hope they either take Pettigrew (he will be solid without question) or either wait until at least 4th or 5th round to take a TE. Don’t burn a 2nd or 3rd round pick on a 1-dimensional TE. The “experts” seem to think Pettigrew is the only complete TE in the draft. Don’t be a bit surprised if they grab him, regardless of the defensive holes. He ran a 4.8 which is very similar to Crumpler ran and probably close to what Gonzo, Witten and Gates run these days. TE’s don’t have to be burners.
Intramural Team Is Aggressive
April 13th, 2009
1:55 pm
Willie you’re right on the money.
Larry
April 13th, 2009
2:08 pm
My preference? None! Why would any employed or sain individual want to return home from a football game bwteen 12:00-1:00 AM on a Monday or Tuesday morning? Plus, how fair is this to the kids sho must go to school?
This is selfish and selfserving!
JG
April 13th, 2009
2:08 pm
willie,
I agree with that.. Take Pettigrew.
2nd, 3rd and 4th round OLB,Dline,and Safety (not in any paticular order.)
5th Rounds Defensive backs or O Line help..
Josh M
April 13th, 2009
2:10 pm
The NFL already announced the Thanksgiving matchups – it ain’t Atlanta.
WR
April 13th, 2009
2:18 pm
Finally someone that understands tight-ends, Willie I have been on this blog for weeks arguing the same point, even with D-Led, tight-ends do not have to be burners. Pettigrew is 6′5 with a long wing-span which he uses to be a very effective blocker and receiver, if he’s there at 24, as Mike Mayock said on the NFL network, the Falcons should run to the podium. As far as the Gonzo deal, not only does he have only a couple of years left but he’s a tight-end thats use to getting the ball often, which he most likely wouldn’t with the falcons, any fan of the NFL who has paid attention to receivers whether WR or TE that are use to getting alot of balls thrown in their direction and all of a sudden they don’t, they become disruptive and thats the last thing a second year quarterback or the falcons need.
Terrell
April 13th, 2009
2:25 pm
I hope there are 3 or 4 primetime games. How is it fair that my job has placed me in Detroit and the only time I can get to see a game is if I go to a bar, and then it’s not even in sound because it’s not the main game in the region. Also, I am church on Sunday mornings and when I do get out I miss the 1st half of the game. It would be nice to have a few prime time games. I would prefer them to be at home because I get to see my fellow Falcon fans supporting the team!
Terrell
April 13th, 2009
2:32 pm
WR, if what you are saying is true in regards to Gonzo not getting the ball much in this offense if we trade for him, then why should we spend a first round pick on a TE that’s is going to be used mostly for blocking? This would be worst than us trading up to get Reggie Kelly, a blocking TE in the 2nd round because now we would be using a 1st round pick to accomplish the same purpose.
If we are going to just use the TE to block and get the occassional pass then we should pass on Pettigrew and used that 2nd round pick to get a veteran TE who is very productive. We know what Gonzo brings to the table, but we can only speculate what Pettigrew may bring.
chc4
April 13th, 2009
2:34 pm
Gonzo for a #2 is a bad deal… I really hope we don’t do that. That’s an awfully high pick to give up for an old TE (even if he is still very good). Our D has too many holes to fill.
WR
April 13th, 2009
2:42 pm
Terrell, we need a combination tight-end, when I said Gonzo want get the ball as much I am referring to the 80 to 90 receptions he averages each year. Kansas City had to use him in that manner he was pretty much there only option, I see Pettigrew as being more of the Jason Witten, Todd Heap, old school Brent Jones, Novacek, type tight end, excellent blockers, who can keep the defense honest and serve as security blankets for the QB.
Intramural Team Is Aggressive
April 13th, 2009
2:44 pm
I’d take the Chiefs 4th round pick (#2 in the round) + Gonzo for the second round pick.
KC in Smyrna
April 13th, 2009
2:53 pm
I like that trade I.T.I.A.
Chiefs – Falcons 2nd round
Falcons – Gonzo and Chief’s 4th round.
Great trade for the birds, but I wouldn’t accept that if I ran the Chiefs.
Reno 911
April 13th, 2009
3:05 pm
Still don’t like it. If Gonzalez was floating out there on the FA market and would work for cheap, then yes, but trading opportunities for good future players in return for, in NFL terms, an old player is a bad move. The Falcons would get a year or MAYBE two out of Gonzalez, making 50-60 catches in an offense that doesn’t throw to the TE much, whereas they could get adequate production out of a 3rd round pick for at least four years in Casey, Coffman, et al. The thing the Falcons need at the TE spot that would help their overall offensive performance (already top 10 in the league last year) is a player who can provide matchup problems for defenses coming off the end of the line. Gonzalez definitely presents matchup problems… 2004. But not now. Man, I’m hoping this story fades away quietly.
Reno 911
April 13th, 2009
3:08 pm
“…in 2004″ I meant to say. Trading future contributors 9which 2nd rounders almost always are) for has-been all stars is bad policy. For those who love the idea, I suggest checking out the Redskins. They’ve been torturing their fans with just those kinds of moves for years.
1893 Reporter
April 13th, 2009
3:09 pm
Rener, I appreicate your fondness for the forward lob. But it’s a fad and it’s bad for the game. All this spread this and spread that nonsense is killing the game. We need to get back to the fundamentals.
Mr. Orlando, I hear word that Coach Smith will be sporting a new suit on the sidelines this fall. Please report on the progress of this.
1893 Reporter
April 13th, 2009
3:11 pm
Please report on foot-ball related injuries. Thank you.
Falcons 4 Ever
April 13th, 2009
3:19 pm
I was wanting to trade for Gozalez this time last year when he first wanted out of KC. I think it’s a misnomer that Mularky woudn’t use Gonzalez much in his offense. For one Mularky never had a TE with his gifts and it would all but end those 7 and 8 men in the box formations we saw so much in the second half of last season. Also consider that fact he’s been a perennial Pro Bowler whose best QBs have been Steve Deberg and Warren Moon at the end of his career. Outside of that it’s been the Tyler Thigpens and Damon Huards. He’s had no QB with the ability of Matty Ice, I think he’s the perfect fit for Matt and vice versa. As far as the schedule I’m praying that if we have prime time games it’s on the road or Thanksgiving or a Saturday. I still haven’t recovered from the Monday night trifecta from a couple of years back. Brutal. Looking forward to the schedule just the same. It’s a great time to be a Falcon fan. Go birds!
D Money
April 13th, 2009
3:47 pm
We need a pass-catching tight end but not enough to give up a second rounder for Gonzo who’s 33 this year. Denver has Scheffler on the trading block and he’s only 27 or so and can play very well and will not be as expensive. We have too many needs on defense so we need the best available defensive players at the time we draft. The highest I would take a TE is in the 3rd round. My first two rounds will be an OLB and a SS. I’m hoping we can trade down to either the bottom of the first round or the top of the first round for extra picks.
D Money
April 13th, 2009
3:48 pm
oops I meant bottom of first round or top of second round
scottbravesfan
April 13th, 2009
3:51 pm
Optimist
The Dolphins actually have a pretty big national fan base. They are kind of like the Braves of football. They have a lot of national fans but the city itself is awful. Miami and Atlanta are pretty brutal when it comes to supporting sports. Hopefully the Hawks will sell out their playoff games.
Olskool
April 13th, 2009
4:17 pm
I saw the rumor that the Falcons were interested in TE Gonzalez, reported by Michael Lombardi for the National Football Post. Now that Sam Wyche has moved on to bigger and better things you can forget hearing real investigative reporting from the AJC, unless its from a blogger. By the time D-Led reports something I’ve already heard it somewhere else. Perhaps he is just too busy downloading pics and keeping his bow tie straight. Oh well…
Anyway, the report said the Falcs would give up their 2nd round pick.
marko
April 13th, 2009
4:22 pm
I remain optimistic about next season, but it’s going to be a much tougher schedule than we played last year. Strig and I were debating what kind of tight end Thomas might be shopping for. I must admit that he made a pretty good point. Given the fact that the godless goons our beloved Falcons will be facing this year are bigger stronger and uglier than the ones we kicked around last year, it may be that our best defense might be a stronger offense. If Thomas feels that Brandon Pettigrew helps us more than Clay Matthews, I’ll just wipe the tears from my eyes and deal with it.
Smokey Bell
April 13th, 2009
4:30 pm
Gonzales offers a skill set that no other Te available in this year’s draft does. He can block, catch and has enough speed to split the safeties. Why spend a 1st round pick on a TE with only two of these skills just because he is younger? Why pass on Gonzales for a #2, then draft Pettigrew with a #1? Perhaps we could even swindle a #5 or 6 in the deal and draft another pass catching TE to develop.
Daniel Bell
April 13th, 2009
4:31 pm
It should be a no-go on Gonzo. The one thing we should have learned by now is that this staff likes young guys. Sure they signed Peterson, but they’ll draft at least one (maybe more) LB this year too. It they want an good TE, they’ll draft him. I don’t think it’ll be in the first round, but if they take Pettigrew, I can certainly learn to deal with that.
JG
April 13th, 2009
4:33 pm
Marko,
I agree, I too liked Matthews.
But,
Even if we all agreed about how much we loved our defensive draft this year. They are still gonna take more than a year to develop. If we got a Ready Tightend, Gonzales or Pettigrew- At least we could compete with this schedule by trying to keep up Offensively, and Hope our competition makes mistakes with turnovers, etc.. till our Young defense can develop and grow through out the year..
Gonzales had more TD’s last year than Roddy Whites and more receptions.
This can’t be a bad thing and if the scouts are right and Pettigrew can do it all and my be a younger version of Tony, would we be better off going ahead and drafting Pettigrew and then taking care of our defense with the rest of the picks?
That way we can start our 2nd pick on Defense?
But there is no Gaurantee Pettigrew will be there at 24?
Soo Confused..
marko
April 13th, 2009
4:33 pm
Olskool, no offense intended, but Orlando does a pretty good job of keeping us up to date with the facts. That’s what newspapers do. report facts. It’s our job to provide the rumors. Thats what bloggers do. Provide rumors. Also I wish you guys would lay off Orlando’s damned bowtie. We all know it’s kinda goofy looking, but Ledbetter’s proud it, and I’m afraid that we might hurt his feelings.
marko
April 13th, 2009
4:36 pm
JG, If Tony will promise us two years, three would be better, I’d say what the hell are we waiting for.
WR
April 13th, 2009
4:36 pm
Something to think about, with Micheal Vick as the starting QB we felt the falcons had a chance in any game and so did the old Falcons regime, namely Mr. McKay. What happened, the Falcons stopped drafting talent around Vick, they went defense, defense, and some more defense. Most of those players are gone some of which are barely holding on to NFL jobs. Point being, yes the defense appears to be the biggest concern because the offense was good, but wait. Where as I can see drafting a Cushing or Matthews because of defensive concerns I also can remember Brian Bosworth, trust me, he was more hyped with the god-send statistics and measurables and if your old enough to remember, you know what happened. I’m not putting cush or clay in his category but I am making a point that we should not just sit on what has appeared to work. Even if we could somehow get Aaron Curry who is considered the best linebacker and safest pick in the draft, the defense will be noticably younger, my point being that if Pettigrew is there at 24, complete the offense, and use the other picks to continue to build the defense. The Falcons were the sixth highest scoring team in the league last year and they play a ball control type offense. An excellent blocking and receiving tight-end will help keep the defense off the field which is the best antedote for a young defense. Yes there is tight-end value throughout this draft, but has anyone noticed that over the past few months players from every position have been mentioned as risers that could sneek into the first round except tight-end. Yes Jared Cook gets a nod or a mention here and there but no other TE gets mentioned in the same category as Pettigrew which can’t be said for any of the other positions in the draft whether referring to offense,defense, or special teams.
WILLSTER
April 13th, 2009
4:39 pm
THIS TEAM WILL NOT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS THIS YEAR,IT WILL BE A BAD SEASON I GUARANTEE IT, BUT NEXT YEAR WITH THE 1TO 5 TH PICK AND EASIER SCHEDULE, THEY COULD GO TO SUPER BOWL,REMEMBER IT TAKES PURE HARD WORK, AND LUCK TO GET TO THE SUPER BOWL,THE NEW FALCONS WORK HARD WITH THIS NEW COACH,BUT SORRY FALCON FANS THIS CITY IS JINXED,AND THE FALCONS LEDBETTER DOES NOT NEED A PRIME TIME GAME KEEP IT SIMPLE EACH SUNDAY,FOR THIS YOUNG TEAM, GOOD ARTICLE.
Smokey Bell
April 13th, 2009
4:43 pm
Matt Ryan with another 1000 yard reciever. Turner with an extra blocker/decoy to keep safeties and linebackers honest. A legit red-zone TE threat to go along with Roddy and Jenkins. I dont think there is a player there at #55 that these guys would rather have.
Daniel Bell
April 13th, 2009
4:43 pm
Good points there WR. You may have convinced me that Pettigrew is the best choice.
Reno 911
April 13th, 2009
4:52 pm
Dan Reeves? Is that you, posting under the name “Smokey Bell”? Who else would propose trading a #2 pick for a TE nearing the end of his career, using the 1st round pick on another TE, and then grabbing a third TE in the late rounds? Welcome back, coach.
SirReal
April 13th, 2009
4:52 pm
There are a LOT of interesting storylines for the games this coming season. It will be a very brutal schedule. If we have another winning season, we’ll have earned it. We’re dealing with teams in the upper echelons of the league in regard to this year’s schedule. It’ll definitely show us what we’re made of. With that said, this fan of 20+ years really hopes that this new regime knows what they are doing. I’m just cautiously optimistic given what happens to the Birds every time they taste a little success. For once it would be good to see us not go backward again. I’m tired of the highs and lows. Can we get some consistency?LOL I think the GM is doing an ok job. He did wonders for our offense but defense is a totally different animal. He’s either very confident in what we have/will draft or he is absolutely nuts and his indecision to bring in at least a couple more vets will come back to bite him….we’ll see. Go Birds!
WILLSTER
April 13th, 2009
4:53 pm
also the falcons do not need gonzo,at all.
Reno 911
April 13th, 2009
4:53 pm
Of course, they’d have to draft yet ANOTHER TE in 2010 after Gonzalez retires, or else we’d drop below the Reeves-minimum 5 TE’s on the roster.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 13th, 2009
4:54 pm
GONZALEZ UPDATE: Nothing shaking on that front. There were some conversations, but nothing concrete. It could percolate into something, but you have to note that Thomas Dimitroff and Scott Pioli are best buds and it might not be all the way dead. This isn’t a new rumor. Like many of you pointed out it dates back to the trade deadline.
1893: Smitty in a suit? Now, that’s a story.
OLSKOOL: Steve’s the man!!! See above. Stop hating on the bow tie. It’s a major fashion statement.
MARKO: THANKS.
JG
April 13th, 2009
4:55 pm
Reno 911,
Well, Coach Reeves is the ONLY coach to get us to a Superbowl..
So I guess, WELCOME BACK DAN..
Tampa is gonna be terrible this year..
April 13th, 2009
5:09 pm
As tough as our Schedule is this year, Remember we play Tampa twice and it’s not your Mama’s Tampa anymore.
They are gonna be horrible,
IF we can get Two Wins from Tampa, then win our home games vs New Orleans and Charlotte. That puts the Falcons in a better place already.
I really don’t think it is gonna be as bad of a season as you think Willster. We have a opportunity to still make the Playoffs.. The Saints still don’t have a defense and as long as Jake Delhomme is still in Carolina we still have a chance in our division, So we need to win those two home games vs the Aints and can’ther’s.
We have Washington and Buffalo in the Dome,
There is two more wins.. We are up to 6? Also Miami in the Dome, Is that 7 wins? Then we can end up beating the Jet’s and San Fran away,
That would be 9 Wins..
That could be a playoff record..
Don’t count them out so fast..
Dan Reeves
April 13th, 2009
5:13 pm
Why did you fire me? I was the only Coach to get you to the Superbowl and Mike Vick had his best production Statistically under my offense?
WILLSTER
April 13th, 2009
5:17 pm
been a fan since they drafted tommy in 1966, this team will finish 6-10, because TURNER will not have the year and ryan,with this schedule,we will have a very good draft choice ,and to you fans that want to see the falcons on prime time,against the patriots, or dallas,the falcons will lose them both because NEW ENGLAND WILL WIN THE SUPER BOWL THIS YEAR ALREADY BET IT AND I WILL WIN .
dorrel
April 13th, 2009
5:19 pm
I don’t care if the coach is wearing a Thong”’BACKWARDS!!! Just Win ATLANTA!!!!!
Larry
April 13th, 2009
5:21 pm
WILLSTER,
Let me guess, a product of the Atlanta Public School System, are you?
WILLSTER
April 13th, 2009
5:25 pm
every team in atlanta is jinxed,the hawks, falcons,braves, thrashers, gt, and the bulldogs, the bulldogs will lose the opener,at oklahoma state so the season will be over before it starts,and the gators i saw there schedule what a pansy schedule they will go undefeated, that is a tragedy.
falcon21
April 13th, 2009
5:26 pm
Terrible Tampa, 9 wins would be great and if we could steal a couple, 10 or 11 would be even better. If we fix the D then it could happen. TE should be late round priority only.
Jimmy P.
April 13th, 2009
5:27 pm
I would like to see a Sunday Night game and a Monday night game. 2 Games this year should be plenty.
Like to see the New England and the Philly Games in Primetime.
WILLSTER
April 13th, 2009
5:28 pm
no larry,i work for myself,i am a gambler and i dont have to work
WILLSTER
April 13th, 2009
5:30 pm
i make alot of money betting against the ATLANTA FRANCHISES.
WILLSTER
April 13th, 2009
5:33 pm
ATLANTA FRANCHISES ARE PATHETIC,
WILLSTER
April 13th, 2009
5:35 pm
the braves used to be good now they are awful,but atlanta falcons are the worst,have never had back to back winning seasons,are you kidding me?
Reno 911
April 13th, 2009
5:36 pm
being a gambler, Willster knows “when to hold ‘em” and knows “when to fold ‘em”, but apparently does NOT “know when to use the shift key.”
WILLSTER
April 13th, 2009
5:38 pm
at least the food in atlanta is good
JG
April 13th, 2009
5:39 pm
Falcon21,
You never know which Dallas might show up.. Is that another win?
They did just lost there best receiver, and Roy Williams didn’t show me anything last year. Troy Aikman is right if he doesn’t pick it up, he could be known as one of the pickest bust for what they gave up for him. And I don’t think Wade Phillups will still be there.. Plus remember they have Brooking, the Falcons know all his tenedancy’s..
I am not sure we can return the Chicago Magic though, different team.
Great Quarterback that beat us with Denver, even if the Media thinks he is a baby. That Baby has a Arm
JG
April 13th, 2009
5:42 pm
I meant biggest Busts.
Sorry
WILLSTER
April 13th, 2009
5:45 pm
SUPER BOWL 2010 NEW ENGLAND VS DALLAS
WILLSTER
April 13th, 2009
5:50 pm
MAYBE THE SLEEPER IS WASHINGTON, SERIOUSLY,IF JASON CAMPBELL GETS BETTER LOOK OUT DANIEL SNYDER MIGHT GET THE RING IT WOULD NOT SHOCK ME FOR THEM TO BE IN THE SUPER BOWL THIS YEAR.
WILLSTER
April 13th, 2009
5:54 pm
the draft will tell the tell.
WILLSTER
April 13th, 2009
6:02 pm
okay are you ready for some football
falcon21
April 13th, 2009
6:06 pm
JG, you are right, Dallas could be one that we steal. Wade is a BUM, Ha Ha, and I don’t think Roy will be what they think he can be. Romo is no Troy either. As for Chicago, if we have more than one D-lineman that can rush and CB that can cover, well maybe two and SS and OLB it is a possibilty. I’m not asking for too much am I?
Cable Guy
April 13th, 2009
6:13 pm
Will MV7 be able to afford cable to watch the FALCONZ this season?
Steve
April 13th, 2009
6:22 pm
Get off the Gonzalez bandwagon. He is too old and not much of a blocker these days. You are talking about trading a future building block with a number 2 pick for a guy with a year or two left at max who only functions in one part of the offense.
I have faith in our front office for the first time in decades, and I think we will easily be able to find a player in the second round who will not only help us now .. but for the next 4-5 years minimum. That is a much better play than trading for a retiring Hall of Famer. We could have kept Milloy or Brooking if we wanted to go that route (not meaning they are HOF’s, but older and average even at this point of their careers).
richbrave
April 13th, 2009
6:27 pm
DOL:
Nice article in today’s TIMES-DISPATCH sports page about UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND student-athletes from ATLANTA area.
D3
April 13th, 2009
6:33 pm
Good stormy afternoon my Bird-Cage brethren. The NFL is the most dominant and popular sport for a reason. The way they lay out their sport througout the year is pretty D- impressive. Except for a couple of weeks throughout the year, their is always something going on as the NFL schedule release indicates.
Schedule, Schedule – Well we all knew that with being a playoff team brings the fun reward of a harder schedule. Thats a good problem to have and to be the best you have to beat the best. We went 11-5 against a mediocre to challenging schedule with new GM, new coaching staff, rookie QB, rookie LT, new RB, rookie MLB, patchwork secondary, and (at the time) unknown RG & RT. Think that worked out pretty well. Also, remember, we could have just as easily won the Denver, Philly, & New Orleans games (I know the counter-argument could be that we could have just as easily lost the Chicago, San Diego, or Minnesota games, but the possibility is there.
NFC South Enemies
Carolina – as always a tough, tough competition. Deangelo Williams has finally blossomed and Jonathan Stewart will only get better. There defense is always solid to great. Steve Smith is one of the best and Muhammed came back and played pretty well back in Charlotte. However, don’t discount the Peppers saga brewing there assuming a trade doesn’t go through. Locker room issues always play a bigger role than people realize. How can we forget Jake Delhomme. He had his moments last year, but if has any peformances like last year’s home playoff debacle. No 1st round draft pick this year either. I think a split is fairly reasonable, or even a sweep.
Rest of enemies to come later……..& we got possible TG trade talk and our usual draft round table. Man, is really heatin’ up around here or what?
BTW, don’t even respond to the infantile, juvenile cretins that have evidently infiltrated our blogs today. As I know with my students, negative attention is still attention. I guess the storms that rolled through broke the doors at the nuthouse.
Zup
April 13th, 2009
6:46 pm
Lordy, getting Gonzo for two or three years is a tempting prospect. How good would the offense be with Tony Gonzalez converting 3rd and long passing opportunities? The defense would be able to stay off the field with Gonzo on the squad.
Zup
April 13th, 2009
6:56 pm
By the way, are the Bucs really acquiring Leftwick as a starting QB? I predict Abraham tallies seven sacks in the two games against the Bucs.
falcons lost in space
April 13th, 2009
7:09 pm
don’t waste your time on the melt down Falcons! The best this year is 8-8 and that a may be . 90 dollars a ticket is see a bunch of chumps.
The league will make money that why Atlanta won last year. Back to being the bums they are !! sell out this year or black out? you make the call!!!
Supes
April 13th, 2009
7:16 pm
We know that TD style (the patriot’s style) is to bring in 1 or at the most 2 high impact FA via trade and or signing per season. The rest is all drafting well.
However, they already brought in Mike Peterson (not sure how impactful he’ll be, but he’s going to be a starting LB).
If, if they do trade for Tony Gonzalez, the most production you can get out of him at this point is what…2-3 years max. After that he’s almost surely going to decline due to age. Remember, he’s been taking the load for the KC offense as far as passing goes, has taken a lot of hits. He’ll be 35 in 2 years, there is only so much the body can take before he breaks down. The other thing is, he’s never been seriously injuried during the NFL season so far. 12 Years straight, so while that’s impressive…everyone gets their eventually. It would be a huge blow to the team to trade for Gonzalez and then have him get hurt to where he’s rendered ineffective for the season. You basically wasted a 2nd round pick (at that point).
On the other hand, if you draft a TE, and he gets hurt, he’s a long term investment. Injury will be bad, but not devastating.
Trade for Gonzalez, and you are sending the signal that you are playing for RIGHT now. Rolling the dice for a deep playoff run in 2009. Draft a TE, you don’t have that burden of expectation.
I don’t know…I just don’t think the Falcons are one piece away from a NFC title game or superbowl. In that case, I wouldn’t trade for Gonzalez, I’d draft and develop a TE that will be here for the next 4-6 years.
dave
April 13th, 2009
7:22 pm
Please! No prime-time games. None! How many times have we had a winning season, then gotten into the prime-time mix the following year, only to make complete and utter fools of ourselves? We’ve never had back-to-back winning seasons, and those Monday night drubbings hurt! So please, let’s stay under the radar and out of the limelight until we can put together two winning years in a row. This team has broken my heart too many times over the years for me to hope for more nationally-televised games.
dave
falcon21
April 13th, 2009
7:22 pm
Sorry D3, the storms were terrible. I’ll go back and fix the doors. How many days until the draft? Maybe I’ll get a little less crazy as it gets closer!
dacha
April 13th, 2009
7:25 pm
boy, i think accidentally came to the Falcons FAN blog when they meant to go to the Dallas Criminals blog. I totally agree with the point mentioned earlier about how horrible Tampa will be this year. Maybe a force in a few years but the rookie coach was not wise when he fired all of his veteran’s, restructures a perennial top 5 defense AND signs Byron Leftwich. That guy must be playing for the NATIONALS because he’s batting a thousand. Back to the Gonzalez rumor, I still don’t think it would be worth it unless they were just giving him away. He is already on the decline plus he would have to come here and learn Mularkey’s offense, which I think is very complicated. I know that we would be in the same boat if we draft a rookie TE, but you know what they say: you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. I agree with ITIA on being joe schmoe…none of us really know what to do. I’ll be the first to admit that I was extremely upset when we passed on Dorsey and well…we all know the rest to that story.
CTrim
April 13th, 2009
7:45 pm
Please don’t trade a 2nd round pick for a 33 yer old TE!
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 13th, 2009
7:46 pm
4TH TOUGHEST SCHEDULE
CORNER BACK HOLES
SAFETY HOLES
LINEBACKER HOLES
TIGHTEND HOLES
EXPOSED WEAK ARMED QB
………..I’M READY FOR PRIME TIME
WILL HAVE MY REMOTE CONTROL ON SPEED DIAL……
SEE YA GUYS
WR
April 13th, 2009
8:26 pm
Bad news fellas, its now being reported on NFL network by Mike Lombardi, that it is an 80 to 85% chance the deal for Gonzalez will get done. I just hope the Falcons are not going to give up a 2nd round pick for him, not even a third, but definitely not a 2nd. If this deal is done I finally have to take a sip of the USC kool-aid, because Matthews becomes the pick at 24 under these circumstances.
falcon21
April 13th, 2009
8:35 pm
WR we still have a 15 to 20% chance it will not happen. Look at the bright side. Not good is it?
D3
April 13th, 2009
8:49 pm
DOL – you’re on fire brother. Two blogs within a couple of hours or so. Don’t even know which one to post on. Very interesting talk of TG for a second round pick. This is a tough one. What’s your thoughts?
Well, this certainly is a very intriguing possibility that has been put on our plate. As DOL mentioned, TD and Pioli being such good pals does raise the possibility. When I first heard of the prospect, my immediate reaction was to recoil at the thought of giving up a second rounder in such a deep draft. TG is 33 years old and probably has about 2, maybe 3 years left in him. So the question comes to, Does TD, Smitty, & Co. think we’re a Super Bowl contender in 2 years?
That’s a tough one to answer. On one hand, it looks like thats more of a 3 to 4 year plan due to the great unknowns on defense. Even though we have tons of guys (Chevis Jackson, Thomas DeCoud, Stephen Nicholas, Trey Lewis, Chauncey Davis), they’re still unknowns at this point. As Supes noted on the other blog posting, if we make the trade it is sending the signal that we are ready to compete for the SB now, and kind of goes against the ‘process’ that has been preached from day 1. The NE way was to build through the draft and add veterans via FA (Adalius Thomas, Junior Seau, Mike Vrabel, Fred Taylor), but rarely give up high picks for these guys. What’d they get Moss for, like a 4th rounder or something? Second round would be passing on a potential Patrick Chung, Shawn Nelson, Ron Brace, Louis Delmas, Connor Barwin, or someone of their ilk. As Supes also mentioned, what if TG were to get hurt? Basically throw that pick out the window in a prime year of our rebuilding process in a year with deep talent.
On the other hand, as TazTurner mentioned, he is one of THE premier TE’s in all of football, period. Consider all this with who has been throwing him the football for the last 3-4 years: Brodie Croyle, Damon Huard, Trent Green, Elvis Grbac, & Tyler Thigpen. Not exactly stud QB’s, eh? He’s at the top of his game and shows no sign of slowing down. If, and a BIG IF, TG came in and pushed our OFF to the next level, say a Top 5 in the league, it would have been totally worth it. No learning curve, like there would be for a Pettigrew, Cook, Nelson, Coffman, or Casey. Not only would this put our OFF over the top, but it would help out our DEF immensely, because TG would be a 3rd down conversion machine and keep them off the field. Finally, TD has shown an innate ability to mine talent in the draft. Chevis Jackson, Thomas DeCoud, Harry Douglas, Kroy Biermann, and Thomas Brown to name a few, just in one draft.
Really, really tough and big, big decisions to make. Glad I’m not TD.
Olskool
April 13th, 2009
8:57 pm
“OLSKOOL: Steve’s the man!!! See above. Stop hating on the bow tie. It’s a major fashion statement.”
not hating on the bow tie, just wondering if keeping up with the fashions prevents you from writing more columns. besides, somebody’s got to be a Terrance Moore/thorn in your side.
falcon21
April 13th, 2009
9:16 pm
Enter your comments here
Nookah
April 13th, 2009
9:19 pm
TG signed a 5 year extension on Jan 12, 2007. That would mean he would spend 3 years with us. When I heard this rumour I started thinking, is the Dynamic Duo (DD) going against their philosphy? After all TG is 33, which means he may finish his career as a Falcon when he is 36. However, what are the pros and cons?
Pros: 1) Allows the Falcons to have the best catching TE (arguably) in the NFL and therefore provides us with an additional weapon on 3rd Down. 2) Provides the Falcons with a potent weapon of mass proportions (WMP) in the Red Zone (something you can never have too much of) 3)Provides the Falcons with another undeniable leader who can tutor all other TE’s who will be on the Falcons roster…Peele, Harstock, Zinger and Radar. 4)Allows Roddy to have an additional offensive player who will attract possible double teams and therefore opens up the middle for Douglas, Finneran, Jenkins et al……..this offense can be awesome…5) Allows the Falcons not to draft a TE at #24 and can concentrate on a)another rookie who we can spend 2 years to develop…..Yes Marco, I love your guy Dan Gronkowski and I will ask the same question you did….why is this guy not getting more attention? 6-6; 255 runs a 4.79 40 (yes folks he is a TE, does not need to run 4.4), 33″ vertical or b) is it that the DD are satisfied with the 4 TE’s that they have and feel with some mentoring they can get better? Just a thought. That may also mean that if TG comes here 1 or 2 TE’s will be no longer needed.
Cons: 1) We lose a 2nd round pick, where I think we can get an excellent player for our defensive system. 2)How willing is TG to block now? We know Mike Mularkey’s schemes call for blocking first, after all we are a run-first team. 3) Will he be satisfied with not being the go-to-guy all the time? He was the most important cog in the Chiefs offence. Is he willing to forego that “spotlight” for some wins? I guess any professional would. 4) We become a somewhat older team but I guess the trade off is the mentoring.
Personally I like the idea of getting TG and I think he still has a few good years in him and with his presence on the field it will open up our options and if he has a decent year he can take us to the next level in our offense. However, I would try to give up less than a 2nd round for him unless I am getting maybe an extra 3rd round or so.
My conclusion is simply that he will add another dimension to our attack and will benefit us as a franchise both on the field and in the player development of our TE’s. I would still try to negotiate with the Chiefs and get him for less than a 2nd round if possible.
My thoughts….
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!
Stirg, where you at?
Falcon 8211
April 13th, 2009
9:24 pm
NFL Network is saying tony g has cleaned out his locker. saying that there is an 80-85 percent chance that he is coming to the atl for a 2 rd . pick
Back 2 Life
April 13th, 2009
9:26 pm
POP!!!!! The sound of the Atlanta Falcons bubble being burst. They will have another winning season but not 11-5. Won’t be sneaking up on anyone this year and the competition is a little better this season!
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 13th, 2009
10:15 pm
I’m right here, Nookah…(pump pump)
You would think that I’d be ecstatic over the trade for Gonzalez but, I must admit, I have mixed emotions about this one. On one hand, we would trade a defensive starter (pick #55) for a player that’s giving us two years, maximum. On the other hand, trading for Gonzalez will allow us to use “24″ for a first round defenseman (i.e., Clay Matthews, Jr.) instead of Pettigrew; subsequently, we can use the remaining picks on guys like Michael Johnson, Chip Vaughn, Sammie Hill, etc. Trading for Gonzo, gives us two tight ends that average more that ten yards per reception. I can go along with a two tight ends (Gonzo, Peele) set with White and Jenkins. With Turner or Norwood in the backfield, the only defense that can stop us is The Department of… Trading for Gonzalez, makes me look like I know what I’m talking about. There will be a high demand for tight ends, this year, in an attempt to negate Tampa 2/cover 2 defenses. Trust me, when you’re watching the games, you’re going to notice more offenses playing two-tight end sets.
D3, you and Supes ask “What if he (Gonzo) gets hurt?” You don’t make it to 10 (I said 10) Pro Bowls by complaining about injuries. Even in his displeasure with management, Gonzo played with professionalism and caught over a thousand yards, last year, behind three mediocre quarterbacks. Still, I like Pettigrew but give Me Gonzo. Its like getting a Pettigrew in the second round and drafting Matthews, Jr. in the first round.
WR, big ups on your entry on the previous page. Like how you think, offensively. The pundits don’t regard any other tight end, like they do Pettigrew.
Ken Stickland, for some odd reason, I’m feeling you more and more about defensive ends. If you want me to join the bandwagon wholeheartedly, however, convince me to mock Michael Johnson, GT. NFL.com describes Johnson as a “rare athletic specimen.” Shouldn’t a description like that make you evaluate or entertain the notion of drafting Johnson? If so, what round?
D.O.’better, I wish there were more nationally televised games (at least two Sundays, one Monday and Sunday night). Do they still do Thursday night football? Don’t sweat the Haters on your bow tie (Katt Williams says that we need Haters). I kind of got the feeling that no matter what you were, people are still going to talk about you. Next time, take a head shot from the chin up. Maybe then, they’ll talk about your nose. Amazing.
Nookah, I like how you think, buddy. True, adding Gonzo adds another dimension to the Gritz Attack! He may have only two years of gas-in-the-tank left; but that’s all we need. We’re not looking to throw to him 100 times a year, anyway. Good call.
Nookah
April 13th, 2009
10:27 pm
Assuming this trade goes down, that’s why LRobinson was expendable.
Go Falcons!!
Nuff repect everytime!!
D3
April 13th, 2009
10:28 pm
Even though I can’t find national sites to confirm the story, you will ABSOLUTELY LOVE this posting from a KC Chief Blog:
“Atlanta, for all its problems after the 2007 season, is closer to the Super Bowl than the Chiefs. A lot closer. And that’s what is so disappointing for this community and, probably, for Tony. The Falcons were 4-12 in 2007. So were the Chiefs. Then Atlanta made some changes — a coach, a GM, a quarterback — and they were in last year’s playoffs. The Chiefs made no changes, really, after that ‘07 disaster, and they went 2-14 last year. Groan. Double-groan if you’re Tony Gonzalez and have been waiting a dozen seasons to win a playoff game.”
Great point. However, he goes on to blather that the NFC is terrible and the NFC South is awful. Might want to check your records, bud. Panthers 2nd seed in the NFC, Falcons take wild card spot. And in case he hasn’t noticed: the AFC West is second only to the NFC in bottom-feeding. Didn’t their division winner get it with 8-8 for godssake?
Whole article here:
http://chiefsblog.kansascity.com/?q=node/770
Big Ray
April 13th, 2009
10:46 pm
LOL…Stirg and his tight ends, I swear. No really, I feel ya bro’.
I don’t know about this trading the #55 pick for Tony Gonzalez. I don’t think that’s Dimitroff’s style. But what do I know?
On the subject of trading out of the first round…again, I say this is only a good idea if you are trading for a HIGH second round pick. Anything less than something say, within the first 5-7 picks is not worth it. To me, anyway. Why?
Well, if you want a guy, but don’t think he’s worth “reaching” for in the first round, then he’s probably good enough to go early in the second round. Not only that, but you have to worry about the teams in front of you making a “run” on certain positions. Here’s an example:
Let’s say you want a safety, 2nd tier DT, or 2nd tier LB. After all the “obvious” guys come off the board, then one or two teams starts a “run.” I can see a run on safeties happening easily. Especially since some of this year’s safties have CB potential/ability in certain situations. So when a guy like Chung or Delmas gets grabbed first thing in the 2nd round, you could see Moore, Johnson, Sean Smith, and Vaughn get snapped up in 4 of the next 5 to 7 spots. By the time our pick rolls around, that’s it. Over. Done.
Same thing could happen with the higher DE/OLB hybrids and other LBs. Sure, we’ll see Curry, Cushing, and Matthews all probably go in the first round. Guys like Maybin might go that high as well. But then you have guys like English, Sintim, Laurinaitis, and Michael Johnson that will likely be 2nd rounders. Watch one go…and unless teams have a fixation on guys in other positions, or gaping-hole needs at other positions…you can watch the rest of these guys go within the next few picks.
So yeah, trade out of the first round if you want to. But you better be hunting your man high in the second…
Big Ray
April 13th, 2009
10:48 pm
Agree Stirg. Nobody out there with an “expert” rating (i.e. a job as a sportswriter/commentator/whatever) has anything to say about ANY tight end in the draft that’s better than what they have to say about Pettigrew.
D3
April 13th, 2009
10:59 pm
Meant to say NFC West. I think a stoke up DOL’s anger, but I swear there is an angry blog post eating monster in the shadows of this website. Sometimes for absolutely no reason, the post just isn’t there, and its not waiting for moderation either. Don’t get it. Maybe DOL is secretly plotting against me to shake my confidence. JK. Anyway, I digress…….
Nookah – the post that was gobbled up by the monster had mad props for you on your pro/con argument. I gotta buy you a Red Stripe sometimes. Basically said the same thing as you, that its definitely worth it considering that we’re giving up a #55, not a #34 and TD has mad ability to mine talent deep in the draft. Great point on Robinson trade as well. Maybe thats why we pulled it, to get into position for some other gems.
Stirg – just arguing devil’s advocate, my brother. I’m with you on TG, especially for what we’re giving up and we would have him for the remainder of his career(No Teixera crap trade, like the Braves did). And we can draft a TE next year if Peele, Rader, or Zinger don’t develop like we think. If we did it, we’d have to give up on our boy Pettigrew. That’ll be a hard habit to shake.
My post from other blog(why does DOL have us trying to hit 2 blogs at once? No complaints on multiple blog posts). What the H am I going to do after the draft? It’ll be a struggle.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 13th, 2009
11:01 pm
WILLSTER: CAN I go to Vegas with these Super Bowl picks?
RICHBRAVE: Nice article. They even quote my man Cecil Flowe of Parkview High. http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/sports/college/article/URSP12_20090411-221607/254461/
Olskool: I don’t do columns. I’m the beat guy, working the phones late on this Gonzalez stuff. Steve’s my buddy, so you can invoke his name and the great job he did anytime. We went to the same University and were friends way before we worked this beat together.
Jack Bauer did his thing again tonight. Also, the basketball hoop at the Ledbetter Driveway Philips Arena was blown over. Luckily the Batmobile was not in the driveway.
Big Ray
April 13th, 2009
11:09 pm
D. LEDBETTER,
Hope all is well at the homestead. Weather’s bad down here in the Savannah area, too.
I’m curious as all get out about this Tony Gonzalez thing. It’s actually a good distraction for those of us who are draft stir-crazy right about now. Speaking of which….
WHAT’S UP D3??!!
D3
April 13th, 2009
11:13 pm
Big Ray – whats up my man? Great point of trading out of 1st. Its almost exactly like Fantasy Football, for those of you play. Once a position goes on a run, better watch out. Especially if we get TG, no trading out of the first.
Just DVR’d ‘Path to the Draft’ examining the top 5 OLB’s in the draft. Didn’t watch it, but they have listed as follows:
1)Curry
2)Orakpo
3)Cushing
4)Matthews
T-5)Larry English
T-5)Aaron Maybin
Post from other blog:
When I first heard of the prospect, my immediate reaction was to recoil at the thought of giving up a second rounder in such a deep draft. TG is 33 years old and probably has about 2, maybe 3 years left in him. So the question comes to, Does TD, Smitty, & Co. think we’re a Super Bowl contender in 2 years?
That’s a tough one to answer. On one hand, it looks like thats more of a 3 to 4 year plan due to the great unknowns on defense. Even though we have tons of guys (Chevis Jackson, Thomas DeCoud, Stephen Nicholas, Trey Lewis, Chauncey Davis), they’re still unknowns at this point. As Supes noted on the other blog posting, if we make the trade it is sending the signal that we are ready to compete for the SB now, and kind of goes against the ‘process’ that has been preached from day 1. The NE way was to build through the draft and add veterans via FA (Adalius Thomas, Junior Seau, Mike Vrabel, Fred Taylor), but rarely give up high picks for these guys. What’d they get Moss for, like a 4th rounder or something? Second round would be passing on a potential Patrick Chung, Shawn Nelson, Ron Brace, Louis Delmas, Connor Barwin, or someone of their ilk. As Supes also mentioned, what if TG were to get hurt? Basically throw that pick out the window in a prime year of our rebuilding process in a year with deep talent.
On the other hand, as TazTurner mentioned, he is one of THE premier TE’s in all of football, period. Consider all this with who has been throwing him the football for the last 3-4 years: Brodie Croyle, Damon Huard, Trent Green, Elvis Grbac, & Tyler Thigpen. Not exactly stud QB’s, eh? He’s at the top of his game and shows no sign of slowing down. If, and a BIG IF, TG came in and pushed our OFF to the next level, say a Top 5 in the league, it would have been totally worth it. No learning curve, like there would be for a Pettigrew, Cook, Nelson, Coffman, or Casey. Not only would this put our OFF over the top, but it would help out our DEF immensely, because TG would be a 3rd down conversion machine and keep them off the field. Finally, TD has shown an innate ability to mine talent in the draft. Chevis Jackson, Thomas DeCoud, Harry Douglas, Kroy Biermann, and Thomas Brown to name a few, just in one draft.
Really, really tough and big, big decisions to make. Glad I’m not TD.
D3
April 13th, 2009
11:24 pm
Man, I did another re-post for godssake. Its a little too late…..
DOL – great work today home skillet. You crack me up with your descriptions(Batman, Phillips, etc.) Green Lantern’s my personal favorite. Never got into 24, gotta go with Heroes on monday night. Did you get an email I sent to you, BTW?
Great stuff tonight my Bird-Cage brethren. See you boys on the flip-side
11 DAYS, 12 HOURS, & COUNTING!!!!!!!
Big Ray
April 13th, 2009
11:52 pm
D3,
Agreed. And whoever the cat is in Kansas City, he’s being greedy. Tony Gonzalez said it himself, more or less. 2nd rounder my a$$, is what I say. And something tells me that’s what Dimitroff is saying, too.
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 14th, 2009
12:02 am
If we draft Pettigrew, like I originally suggested, that’ll eat up our first round pick; and then, we’ll draft for complete defense, thereafter. We’ll then be left with round 2, and lower, caliber type players. At least with the Gonzo trade, we’ll get a first-round-ranked defenseman (whomever we decide to go with) and still get our combo blocking/catching tight end. I think most of the fans were skeptical about drafting Pettigrew in the first round because there are so many needs on defense that deserves first round drafting.
Pending on the trade, who do we, NOW, want at “24″
Stirg d'Nahsif
April 14th, 2009
12:23 am
Okay, I’m sold. I’d rather the Gonzalez trade than drafting Pettigrew. NFL.com offered this:
Of the top 10 pass catchers among tight ends last season, only three of them were first-round draft picks. One, the Chargers’ Antonio Gates, was not drafted at all.
Top 10 pass-catching tight ends in 2008
Player Team Rec Draft rd.
Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs 96 First
Chris Cooley, Redskins 83 Third
Jason Witten, Cowboys 81 Third
Dallas Clark, Colts 77 First
Owen Daniels, Texans 70 Fourth
Antonio Gates, Chargers 60 Undrafted
Bo Scaife, Titans 58 Sixth
Zach Miller, Raiders 56 Second
John Carlson, Seahawks 55 Second
Greg Olsen, Bears 54 First
I’m sold on Gonzo; and I think a second round pick is substantial enough for him.
D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
April 14th, 2009
12:28 am
FROM THE GONZO CAMP: “There (is) no validity to that rumor at this time Orlando. It is speculation at this time.”
Good night, y’all.
D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
April 14th, 2009
12:31 am
*CAMP
Jack Bauer
April 14th, 2009
2:45 am
You need to pick me at “24.” I’m unstoppable.
dan
April 14th, 2009
10:17 am
Strength of schedule in the NFL doesn’t mean a whole lot. There is so much parity that a team that was 4-12 one year can turn it around to 11-5 like the Falcons did last year. I gurantee you that nobody looked at the their schedule last year, saw the Atlanta Falcons, and said ” Man, this is going to be a tough out”. I’m not saying the Falcons won’t have to prove themselves this year. But those other teams will too. The Saints are weak on defense, The Panthers are good but long in the tooth, the Buc’s are starting over with a new team and coaching staff. So the NFC South is very winnable this year regardless of what people say. The Cowboys are starting over from scratch, New England has to prove that Tom Brady can bounce back from last year’s injury. The Dolphins have to prove they aren’t a one hit wonder. Washington, Philadelphia, and New York(Jets and Giants) are good but beatable. All of these games are VERY winnable. Maybe we should worry more about the teams under the radar like the Bears with Cutler or the 49ers.
deanodog
April 14th, 2009
10:55 am
As good as Atlanta’s offense was last year imagine how good they can be this year. Matty Ice has a full off season to learn the system inside and out. Add Gonzo or Petti and this could be the best ball control offense in the league. A great ball control offense makes a bad defense good. Remember, we have a lot of young D players who could step up this year. I trust T.D. and coach Smith’s eye for talent. There is a reason they did not make a run on defensive free agents.
I can’t believe some of you are giving up on this season. 2nd toughest schedule? Bring it on baby! To be the man you have to beat the freaking man!
Underdog
April 14th, 2009
11:04 am
Can we trade Vick’s rights to the CHIEFS for Gonzalez’s…. used socks?
Ken Strickland
April 14th, 2009
11:23 am
D3-on the last blog you mentioned a scouting report that had a mostly negative assessment of TE Cameron Morrah and it got me to thinking. Instead of going by outside assessments of our players, I wanted to know what the Falcons assessment of them. So, I went to a Falcon wedsite that featured an updated Falcons depth chart and found what I was looking for, as well as some suprises.
(1) DT-KMoorehead is listed as the starting DT next to JBabineaux. Because of injuries and the lack of experience, they were cautious about what can be expected from TLewis. It indicated DT lacked quality depth.
(2) DE-JAnderson and JAbraham were listed as the starting DE. Personally, I think Anderson was the starter the last 2yrs because of his draft status. I don’t think he’ll automatically get that privledge this yr. CDavis strongly indicated his desire to become a starter when he became a FA. Him resigning tells me he knows something and I think he’s the frontrunner, not Anderson. Again, it was indicated there wasn’t a lot of quality depth at the position, especially with pass rushing ability.
(3) LB-CWire was listed as the starting WLB. Even as a starter last yr, he was replaced on passing downs. Based on the overall LB assessment, there’s a strong possibility a OLB could be our 1st pick.
(4)CB-VHutchins was listed as Foxworth’s replacement at CB. In every CB evaluation I read, the indication was weak zone coverage skills, but strong man coverage skills. The indication was we had good depth at CB, but needed to add one more.
(5)S-This seems to be the position of strength on the DEF. DeCoud(SS) and Coleman(FS)were listed as the starting safeties. Both DeCoud and his backup, AHarris, can play SS and FS, and Harris is said to have CB skills as well. It said we have talent, depth and versatility at safety.
Based on the Falcons evaluation of it’s DEF players, SS might not be as high on the radar as DE, OLB, DT or CB. I also checked up on TE TGonzalez and found some interesting info. It said even though he’s lost a step, he’s still a very dangerous receiver because of his intelligence and knowledge of the gm and his position. It also said although he’s not known for his blocking, that may be misleading, since as the Chiefs primary receiver, he might have been spared that responsibility. So, getting Gonzalez might not be such a bad move, especially if that 2nd rd pick is in 2010. Remember, we’ll receive those extra supplemental picks because of the 5 quality starters we lost to FA and the limited number of FA’s we signed.
JG
April 14th, 2009
12:29 pm
Ken,
Great Point!
It could be 2nd round pick in 2010…
Look we all need to relax and see how things unfold.
But If Gonzalez has lost a step and had 96 catches and 10 TD with 11 Yd average and our Pro bowl reciever ( Roddy White) had 7 TD’s 80 something catches and 15 yd average. I think I will take the risk, considering Roddy had Matt Ryan throwing to him and Gonzales had Huard, Croyle and Thigpen.. I think this is a no brainer.
Reno 911
April 14th, 2009
12:30 pm
Great discussions on the potential TG trade, guys. But I still don’t like the idea. One of the things that made me feel good about the Falcons and the direction they were going (all this talk about “the process”), is that it felt like–and still feels like–this team is built for the long haul. No FA acquisitions of note this year, outside of Peterson, who was in effect a cast-off from Jax. Why all of the sudden go “Redskins” and start trading away future long-term players for a two year contributor in Gonzalez. Don’t get me wrong. I love Gonzalez’s play over the last 12 years. He’s one of the most consistent, well-rounded offensive weapons in the AFC for the decade. But his best days are gone and, yes, even though TG at 33-35 may be a greater threat than, say, Casey, Coffman, or Ingram would be in their first two years, it’s what happens after those two years that’s important. TG retires, and that 2nd or 3rd round draft pick is gone. Look, I love the Falcons, and want to see them win and win now. But I think the thing standing between them and being a Super Bowl-caliber team is a nasty front seven. They don’t have it yet. And if they give away picks that they’d use on defense, then they aren’t going to get that built any time soon. Now, if KC would give up Gonzalez for a 4th and a 5th, then play ball… but in my mind you can’t give away 1st and 2nd rounders, which should be considered near-time starters and future mainstays, in return for a player who’s at the end of the line, like TG is.
Vick Supporter
April 14th, 2009
12:38 pm
Ready for “Primetime”, LMFAO. We’re gonna see what “Ice” is made of this year. He won’t be a surprise anymore. Vick will be in the NFL this season. Redemption is near……………….
Reno 911
April 14th, 2009
1:22 pm
Here’s a wild card: does anyone think that the 2010 labor agreement might have something to do with the thinking on this (potential) trade? Might the Falcons brass think that there will be a labor stoppage in 2010,and try to push into contention this year? I don’t think so, but you never know. Might the Falcons think that 2010 will be an uncapped year? If so, then has Blank made it clear that he will be a big bidder in FA in 2010, and bring his “blank”check book (sorry, couldn’t resist. Just tryin to think how a trade for TG makes sense, and I feel like there’s something else out there that I’m not seeing, unless that is that TD has drawn a line in the ground at a 3rd rounder or 4th rounder for TG. …’cause I just don’t see two years of TG being worth a 2nd rounder.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 14th, 2009
1:33 pm
HATE TO INTERRUPT THE “FANTASY WORLD CELEBRATION” BUT IN THE REAL WORLD IT DOESN’T LOOK GOOD FOR THE BIRDS IN ATL.
JOHN CLAYTON OF ESPN REPORTS THAT THE NFC SOUTH TEAMS CAN EXPECT A 3-4 GAME DECLINE THIS SEASON.
SO YOU GUYS CAN CONTINUE TO GIVE EACH OTHER A PAT ON THE BACK, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY OR SEASON FOR THAT MATTER, 2007 IS IN YOUR FUTURE FOR 2009. THANKS FOR PLAYING
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 14th, 2009
1:33 pm
JACK BAUER: What position do you play? I’m sure you can be the wedge buster on the kickoff coverage unit and the gunner on the punt coverage unit. Are you a 3-down backer or a run-and-hit free safety? Haven’t seen your coverage skills on the show.
NOTHING NEW ON GONZO: But K.C. Star reporter Adam Teicher rips the Falcons anyway. Claims they were 11-5 last season as they benefited from a weak schedule. AT predicts 8-8 for next season and no division title. Check it out:
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 14th, 2009
1:39 pm
“ADAM TEICHER”—– LIVES IN THE “REAL WORLD” AND THE 8-8 RECORD IS A MODEST PREDICTION.
Ken Strickland
April 14th, 2009
1:54 pm
STIRG D-my reasoning for drafting a DE was the fact we finished near the bottom of the league in pass DEF, even with DE JAbraham having a career yr. How bad off would we be if we lost him to injury? Every yr he gets older and more prone to injury, especially with all of the double and triple teams he receives because we haven’t complimented him with adequate LDT and LDE help.
DE-Larry Johnson might be a raw talent, but his pass rushing skills aren’t among those shortcomings. We have the coaching and the mentor(DE JAbraham) to make him into another JAbraham, without the injury problems. In the meantime, he could be the situational pass rushing deamon we need opposite JAbraham.
JG-you expressed my sentiments about the possibility of us acquiring TE TGonzalez precisely. He demands the DEF put a LB over him to slow his release and a SS to cover him at all times. That means he would improve our rushing and passing OFF from day one. Any TE we draft would have to prove himself before that happens.
RENO 911-Remember, the plan wasn’t to rebuild this team in just 1 or 2 yrs/drafts. Next yr will be the draft that defines our future. Not jumping into FA like we did last yr saved us money, which we had to do until the MVick situation is decided. Because we lost 4 of 5 starters to FA, and replaced only one through FA(LB MPeterson), we’ll gain valuable supplemental picks next yr. With Gonzalez, and the number of TE’s already on the roster, we can afford to wait until next yr to draft our future TE. Maybe, just maybe, Smitty and TD would rather give QB MRyan an experienced TE to work with, rather than giving him a rookie TE going through OJT. Trading for Gonzalez and drafting a TE next yr would allow him to mentor and help develop his eventual replacement. IT MAKES PERFECT SENSE TO ME.
Nookah
April 14th, 2009
1:54 pm
Ken, you beat me to the punch. I too took a look at our roster this morning, and my conclusion was pretty much the same. We need quality because we do have quantity. There are curently 66 players on the roster (excluding MV) and the average age is 26.27 years. We have 8 CBs and 6 Safeties. If we still need a CB (and I think we do), that is telling me we have no quality. What we draft this year will also tell us where our Dynamic Duo think we are weak.
However, Ken, you did a good job of analysing the weaknesses, DT (6 players), DE (6 players) and CB. I concur that the safety position is pretty solid so we may not need one in this draft unless he is a special hybrid.
What I really would like is insight into the “State of Player Development” in our franchsise. D LED could you do a piece on that? Perhaps the DD does not think we need as many players this year as we did last year so we can afford a #2 for TG.
Reno 911, good points on TG but apart from the on-field attributes we will get from TG, I think he is seasoned veteran and will help with the development of our current TE’s (4 on current roster). Perhaps (and this is pure speculation), Smitty is high on Peele or another TE on the current roster and thinks all they need is some mentoring and additional time in the system. There may also be other TE’s such as Marco’s guy, Dan Gronkowski who we can have in this year’s draft in the later rounds, or maybe even next year’s draft.
Something interesting I came upon while researching. There was a WR we released:
[Falcons] Falcons Release WR Tony Gonzalez
——————————————————————————–
The Atlanta Falcons on Friday released wide receiver Tony Gonzalez, who was originally signed as a rookie free agent on May 19. The 5-10, 192-pound Gonzalez played for three seasons at Boston College, where he was a teammate of quarterback Matt Ryan, the Falcons’ first-round pick in this year’s draft.
This was last year. Isn’t it ironic we may trade for another TG? No comparisons however!!!! Just an intersting tidbit.
Go Falcons!!!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 14th, 2009
1:57 pm
D3: I did get the email. The proper folks have it, too. I’ll make sure it gets address, but its kind of hectic at the paper right now.
VS2: Where have you been? Did you get to see Vick when he stopped by on his way back to Kansas. The wildcard on his return in what Commish Goddell is going to do.
Nookah
April 14th, 2009
2:04 pm
For all the naysayers and doom and gloom preachers!!!!
Last year all the so-called experts said the Hawks would barely or not make the playoffs. The Dolphins would have a bad season!!!! The Falcons would win less than 8 games!!!….and on and on…….Oh by the way they say the Braves will finish third in the division…we’ll see. I say they’ll win the division!!! So what?
I have watched enough sports in my lifetime to know that I read those articles for entertainment, nothing more. After looking at their predictions I’m not sure they know anything more than we do. The only difference……they get paid to say it……we get a lot of excitement and enthusiasm in saying it!!!
So who cares what John Clayton, or any other so-called expert say?
Thoughts guys or it’s not even worth the time?
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!
Reno 911
April 14th, 2009
2:12 pm
Nookah- good point on the relative youth of this team, and the need for seasoned vets. I didn’t know that’s how young they were. I see the need that TG potentially fills, but just don’t think that it fits for the Falcons enough to give up a second-rounder. The question, if they go after TG, is: who is the Falcons’ TE of the future? If it’s Justin Peele, and the Falcons believe that he can be a real threat in the future, then I can see getting TG. But if Peele isn’t going to be that in the future, then they still have to go after a TE in this draft, in which case it’d probably be in the 3rd (or Quinn in the 4th/5th). If so, then the Falcons would be spending two of their top 5 draft picks on TEs (one on the TG trade)… and I just can not see how that makes sense. If Peele is the man, then I guess he is, I just haven’t seen it. Bottom line: in two years, going into the 2011 season, TG is retired, right when the Falcons are in position to be sustainable contenders, and you’ve got one less defensive starter whom you’d otherwise have picked up in the 2009 2nd round, and now you’ve got to replace TG’s spot with another TE pick. I just don’t see it.
D3
April 14th, 2009
2:17 pm
Quick hit @ Work:
DOL – What’s Teicher’s dumb@ excuse for going 2-14 in THE WEAKEST divison in the NFL? What won their division, 8-8? Sounds like the TG deal is off table. KC reportedly rejected the trade. Any truth to that?
Good to see the infantile cretins back on the blog. Don’t take the bait boys.
Reno 911
April 14th, 2009
2:20 pm
VS2: if you hadn’t already checked it out, you can start following the latest news on your favorite player’s future home here: http://www.ufl-football.com/home (also a possible place for future Quincy Carter sightings).
Reno 911
April 14th, 2009
2:21 pm
I took it, D3. I couldn’t resist.
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.
marko
April 15th, 2009
9:57 am
Does anyone get the impression that Adam Teicher annoys me? Sorry about the diatribe, but there just seems to be something about sticking a camera in some people’s face that really brings out the stupid in them.
I liked the way JJ broke the season down all in all, his win loss scenario seems pretty realistic. If anything I’m a bit more optimistic. I see real turmoil for Tampa next year. I predict we sweep the series. Football being football, we’ll lose to a team we shouldn’t lose to and beat one that most folks had figured a sure loss. Don’t get to cocky New England. We have a general manager and a quarterback that would love to show you that there doing pretty well for themselves these days. September 27 might not be a day that you want to wake up with a serious case of big head.
Strig did a really great blog a while back about defensive linemen and demonstrated pretty effectively that they take a few years to develop. If his numbers are correct, they looked pretty good to me; we’re likely to be pleasantly surprised by our own roster. Babineaux in particular was beginning to show signs that he about to become a serious force up the middle
I was sorry to see the fans dump on Anderson the way they did. It’s not totally surprising considering the fact that he was drafted as an elite pass rusher, and he has two sacks to show for two years on the clock. The fans might have given up on him, but I’m not sure that the coaches have. I think that they’re really sold on the idea of using him as an end on running downs and sliding him inside on passing downs. It’s consistent with what Smitty said when he took the job. He’d find what the players did well, and ask only that they do those things. Anyway if he has the pride I think he has, he’s going to read those poll numbers and come back with a serious chip on his shoulder.
I’m curious to see how big Beirman’s going to be this year. I think that he can easily carry another ten pounds of muscle. If so, He’ll be close to Abraham size. Trust me on this the last thing the bad guys want to see is kid from Montana that thinks he’s John Abraham.
Ken Srickland says that Kindall Moorehead has been penciled in as starter next to Babineaux. I had all but forgotten about him, but I remember him from his days at Alabama. He was a major load back then. Just a thought, but maybe Dimitroff had something in mind when he signed him.
We’ve all come to trust Thomas on all matters concerning personnel. He himself considers himself some thing of an expert on defensive backs. Asante Samuel was one of his guys. He takes justifiable pride in his abilities to spot quality DB’s in the mid rounds. I don’t see any reason to suspect that he’s lost his touch.
I see our defense is still very much a work in progress, but I’m confident that we didn’t cut Brooking, Milloy, Jackson, Boley and Foxworth without a solid plan to replace them. While we look to the draft, we shouldn’t forget the roster. Some of the no-names we signed last year might not be so anonymous next year.
WR
April 15th, 2009
10:13 am
Anyone notice that the Saints, Panthers, and the Bucs have almost the same tough schedule if not worse, that the Falcons have. I don’t think it will come down to it but win your division and your in the playoffs, once in anything is possible just ask Arizona. Lets see the Panthers are stuck with Jake the flake at QB and their best defensive player wants out, Tampa just strapped a top ten defense and their QB will be either Mcnown or Leftwich, the same once again will be potent on offense but also once again their defense will stink, I think I like the Falcons chances.
WR
April 15th, 2009
10:15 am
same should be saints
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 15th, 2009
3:00 pm
“FALCONS LOST IN SPACE” & VICK SUPPORTER – EXCELLENT POSTS.
THAT “4-ROAD GAME” STRETCH HAS GOT TO HURT
WELCOME BACK 2007
CONSIDER THIS
April 16th, 2009
8:42 pm
The Falcons schedule is even tougher than it looks on the surface. The Cowboys, Giants, Bears, and Redskins all have bye weeks before they face the Falcons giving them two weeks to prepare and rest their players! We’re also stuck with a fourth week bye. What other NFL team has ever had to face this kind of scheduling disadvantage? It is flat out unfair.