OU’s Robinson ready to come home
PINE ISLE, LAKE LANIER – Yeah, I’m getting this blog up because I’m officially shamming today. Playing in coach Mike Smith’s Hacks vs. Jacks golf tournament. Doing what they call in the journalism game: networking.
However, I talked to Big George “Duke” Robinson, the Washington High kid, who went on to star at
Duke Robinson, a former star at Washington High, is fired up about his workout with the Falcons. (Courtesy of the University of Oklahoma)
Oklahoma. He’s working out for the Falcons on Thursday.
What a cool kid. I’d talked to him before in a mass media setting at the NFL scouting combine, but our little chat on Tuesday was very nice.
He seems to have a real good head on his shoulders. I wanted to know why he went all the way out to Oklahoma. (Full disclosure: I like the Sooners. My first cousin, the great Weldon Ledbetter played fullback there for coach Barry Switzer 1979 to ‘83. He was a 7th round draft pick by Tampa Bay and went on to block for Herschel Walker with the New Jersey Generals in the USFL.)
“I wanted to get away from the things that were surrounding me,” Robinson said. “I wanted to change my life and see how far I could get. It worked out well for me. I’m proud of myself and my family is proud of me.”
Will the Falcons be singing "Tears of Clown" if they pass on Robinson?
Robinson, who is related to the great Motown singer/songwriter Smokey Robinson (his great uncle), is projected as a late first round or early second round pick. So he really doesn’t make sense for the Falcons, who appear to be set at guard with Justin Blalock and Harvey Dahl. The 24th slot appears too high for Robinson and he likely won’t be around when the Falcons pick at 55 in the second.
But the Tony Gonzalez scenario could come back into play on draft day with the Falcons trading down out of 24 and amassing second round picks. Then Duke, who’s 6-foot-5, 329-pounds, could be up!
Of course, he’d love to play for the hometown team. He’s also worked out for St. Louis, Cleveland, Miami and Pittsburgh. Most teams have him as a guard and some think he can play some right tackle.
“Right now, I’m just trying to stay focused,” said Robinson, who worked at Braves game selling peanuts and baseball caps in his youth.
He thinks that Oklahoma’s multiple sets and pro passing attack has helped his pro stock. (The Sooners have moved on since cousin Weldon was pounding the ball between the tackles from the Wishbone).
“We ran a lot of stuff,” Robinson said. “No-huddle, regular huddle-up offense. We had some great athletes.”
The Falcons went to Oklahoma in the second round last season and appeared to have found a middle linebacker in Curtis Lofton.
“We are cool,” Robinson said. “I played with him for three years. He’s my dog, but he knows I’ll put that hat on him, too.”
“Tears Of A Clown”
By William “Smokey” Robinson
a.k.a. The King of Motown
Now if there’s a smile on my face
It’s only there trying to fool the public
But when it comes down to fooling you
Now honey that’s quite a different subject
But don’t let my glad expression
Give you the wrong impression
Cos really I’m sad, Oh I’m sadder than sad
Well I’m hurt and I want you so bad
Like a clown I appear to be glad ooh yeah
CHORUS:
Well they’re some sad things known to man
But ain’t too much sadder than
The tears of a clown when there’s none around
Oh yeah, baby baby, oh yeah baby baby
Now if I appear to be carefree
It’s only to camouflage my sadness
And honey to shield my pride I try
To cover this hurt with a show of gladness
But don’t let my show convince you
That I’ve been happy since you
Cos I need to go, oh I need you so
Look I’m hurt and I want you to know
For others I put on a show …CHORUS
Just like Pagliacci did
I try to keep my surface hid
Smiling in the crowd I try
But in a lonely room I cry
The tears of a clown
When there’s noone around, oh yeah, baby baby
Now if there’s a smile on my face
Don’t let my glad expression
Give you the wrong impression
Don’t let this smile I wear
Make you think that I don’t care
Cos really I’m sad..
(I know, shamelessly stealing the lyrics thing from the DOB, but it works here. HOMAGE PAID TO THE DOB!!!)
Where do you think Robinson will go in the draft? The Falcons don’t appear to need an offensive lineman, but would Robinson be a good pick for them? Can you ever have too many good offensive lineman?
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217 comments Add your comment
Art in TN
April 15th, 2009
7:13 am
I personally would like to see the Falcons take Darius Butler, the CB from UConn. He can play zone and man to man and the Birds need DBs… or Peria Jerry from Ole Miss, but I’m not sure he fits the Falcon’s scheme. He’s certainly not a John Henderson or Marcus Stroud type body.
mountain_jim
April 15th, 2009
8:12 am
Nice blog D Led. I just want the draft to hurry up and get here. I will be interested to see if we do trade down for more picks.
JB
April 15th, 2009
8:23 am
The birds should take matthews at 24 and then take jones the safety from alabama with 55th pick. 2 solid defensive players who could both play as rookies and help! they could take a TE in round 3 or 4, then continue to build defense all the way through the draft. We must address safety in early part of the draft, and i could live with us taking delmas with the 24th as well. Guys we have the offense to score on anybody and ryan will only get better, so we will be a force on offense. All we need is the defense to contend for a super bowl. I think we should have signed a cb in free agency, but i guess they consider having grimes back as a big pickup? 2 more weeks!!!!!
Mac
April 15th, 2009
8:40 am
I’d like to add him. That Oklahoma offensive line was terrific.
I may have seen your cousin blocking for Herschel. I was part of the largest crowd in USFL history — Generals vs. Bulls in Jacksonville.
TheManMike
April 15th, 2009
8:44 am
I agree with Mountain_Jim….
Bring on the draft, its getting a little tiresome talking about it.
Also – Nice blog – I like the song lyrics when they play a part in your blog, as DOB’s often do – nice touch. Let the good times roll…
Poorbrave
April 15th, 2009
9:10 am
Cool blog..love Smokey Robinson! DOB is the music man but like your lyrics. Wish draft was today but I trust GM’s picks.
Got to go to the TEA party at Capital, come on down.
Edward
April 15th, 2009
9:29 am
I don’t think the Falcons would go after Robinson even if they are able to trade out of the first round. First thing as DOB explained, he’s a guard. Who would have to go? Dahl or Blalock? Both are fairly young and don’t have a lot of miles on them. Dahl signed a $1 million+ tender and Blalock is still under his rookie contract. Second, if neither Blalock or Dahl is going to be traded or released then you don’t spend a high second round pick on a backup. I think the Falcons are doing their due diligence on a good player. If he happened to fall to the bottom of the second round or even to the third (very doubtful), then he would be a great value to pickup. The Falcons have more urgent needs than OL.
D3
April 15th, 2009
9:37 am
DOL – nice blog. Cool connection story with the great Smokey!
Personally, I’d love to have the kid. We know they can grow’em out there at the OU program, with Lofton being such a stud for us as a rook, but it doesn’t make sense for us if he’s rated high enough to go in the second round. We gotta stockpile on D(have you seen the schedule?), with the lone offenseive exception going to TE in the first(Pettigrew), second(Nelson, Cook), or third(Coffman, Casey). If Pettigrew or Matthews are there @ #24, I don’t think it’ll be an issue because we’re taking one of them. I just got a gut feeling that the TG deal is kaput. Obviously, I have no evidence, but if it were going to happen, it would have just happened with no leaks or fanfare, JMO. We do need to add some depth via FA or late in the draft, but Boudreau has shown a great ability to take raw talent and mold them into studs. His cross-training theory will most likely have us seeing Brett Romberg, Alex Stepanovich, Renardo Foster, and Ben Wilkerson playing some G if need be.
PoorBrave – you’re going to get tea-bagged at the capital? I’m with you on the draft, it’ll be here soon enough. But not soon enough for NFL/Draft junkies like us.
TN Art – Darius Butler looks to be a solid future CB for sure, but I don’t think he’s a first round grade, especially @ #24, IMO. Jerry would be a nice addition for sure, but me thinks he’ll be gone by then.
JB – right on the money brother-man. Matthews is my pick as well @ 24. Even though I must say that if Pettigrew and Matthews are there, flip a coin. Love to have both. My mock alters just a touch from yours. I would take Matthews, but spend a second on Shawn Nelson or Jared Cook at TE. I think they’re a head above Coffman or Casey for instance. Then address SS in the 3rd. Who knows, R.Johnson might still be there. If not, Chip Vaughn should be there. I could see both for sure though. A Matthews, William Moore, Chase Coffman 1-2-3 would be a great run.
TheManMike – where you been bro’? Nice to have you back.
falconidiot
April 15th, 2009
9:42 am
What is this, American Idol, to early of a pick to go away from D, outside of TE. Peria Jerry!
Stirg d'Nahisf
April 15th, 2009
9:44 am
Nice article, D.O.’better. Although we’re set at guard, Robinson would still make a wonderful addition. Competition makes another one better and depth is always a good thing. In addition, he can play tackle, an area we need to add depth to, also. Nonetheless, I can see the Rams drafting him.
D.O., are there any other “homeboys” in the draft that the Falcons may be considering? Are there any “homeboys” out there that fit our more demanding needs (i.e., defensive tackle, linebacker, safety, cornerback)?
Kurt
April 15th, 2009
9:58 am
We could have Deion Sanders, Darrell Green, Ronnie Lott and Brian Dawkins in our defensive backfield, but if our front 7 can’t generate any kind of pass rush, we still couldn’t get opposing offenses off the field. I look for TD to trade down and pick up a big body, play disrupting defensive tackle with one of the 2nd round picks that we end up with. I’m starting to believe more and more that Tony Gonzalez will be a Falcon come draft day too, thanks to another one of those 2nd round picks.
row3
April 15th, 2009
10:03 am
My hope is that Malcolm Jenkins or Vontae Davis falls to #24. I like R. Johnson or W. Moore at #55.
richbrave
April 15th, 2009
10:08 am
After perusing TOM WAITES on another AJC blog its refreshing to see some MOTOWN songs – something I relate to. Keep it up DOL. I like it.
WR
April 15th, 2009
10:20 am
Kurt thats what I have been saying. I like Butler, Chung, Vontae Davis, and whoever else, at the same time I think Houston, Chevis Jackson, Coleman, and Decoud would have a better chance if the Falcons get the front seven right, hell Jenna Jamerson would have trouble getting men covered with our front seven as it is.
D3
April 15th, 2009
10:33 am
Row3 – I would love to have Jenkins, but Vontae Davis is too much of a head case. Gil Brandt from NFL.com described him as “like Deangelo Hall, both on and off the field.” H to the E to the Double L NO! Given the choice I’d take Moore over Johnson, but would be happy with both.
Kurt – agree with you on trading down, but only if the right players are gone. If any of the following are available, grab’em(IMHO): Cushing, Matthews, Pettigrew, Maybin, Jerry, & maybe English. All gone, then I agree witch’a.
Edward – smart man my friend. OL can wait for a FA pickup after roster cuts or 6th round.
D3
April 15th, 2009
10:36 am
WR – great, great Jenna reference…….LMFAO!
kdbanks
April 15th, 2009
10:36 am
If we give up our second for Tony Gonzalez I’ll be very, very confused. Second round picks are like gold – good players at a great price. Old tight ends are nothing like gold.
row3
April 15th, 2009
10:49 am
Will Fili Moala be on the board at #90
HGN
April 15th, 2009
10:50 am
I just think the Falcons have far too many holes on defense to even consider an offensive palyer at Number 24. Now Brandon Pettigrew, as slow as he is, may be the one player on offense worth taking at #24 if he slips that far. But why would he slip? A starting LB or DB has to be taken at #24. To trade out of the First Round would mean bringing in inexperience as your backups.
richbrave
April 15th, 2009
10:52 am
MOVIN’ ON UP:
Redskins blog now touting GREG TOLER from tiny ST. PAULS COLLEGE into the first half of the third round. That 4.27 forty in the REDSKINS workout and his size evidently turned some heads. I would impress upon the FALCONS staff to take a look at this guy.
Kurt
April 15th, 2009
11:03 am
kdbanks, I agree wholeheartedly. but if we trade out of the first round and end up with multiple 2nd and 3rd rounds picks, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the trade with KC happens. I’m not saying that I would be crazy about it, but, I know that Gonzalez is already 10 times better than any tight end we can draft and will be a force from the first snap of the first game. No learning curve needed.
I, like most everyone else on here, would prefer that we use all of our picks on our D, but, you have to think that Mularkey is licking his chops at the thought of giving his prize pupil (Ryan) another weapon such as Gonzalez. And I have to believe that he (Mularkey) is in Mike Smith’s ear pleading his case that this one little addition will complete his offense and make them nearly unstoppable.
But, that’s just my opinion.
Kevrock/Smarty Jones
April 15th, 2009
11:08 am
Folks. Pettigrew is another super slow TE that will be a bust in the NFL as a TE. I like Delmas as a DB or the Butler from UCONN. LB’s are dime a dozen like TE’s in mid – lower rounds. You can find one and groom them.
I just had this feeling that Dimitroff is going to have a draft that
will stand the test of time of the ‘85 draft of legend Bill Walsh.
Boy did we get screwed on the schedule. 4 games with the other Teams
coming off their bye weeks. Ouch. Another thing. How in the heck does
the Superbowl Champ had the 3rd easiest??
My favorite Song by Smokey and it’s a classic and I DID SEE Jenna at the Crazyhorse before she went hardcore. ‘Going to a Go go’ Best Smokey song of all.
Go Falcons!
richbrave
April 15th, 2009
11:20 am
Kevrock/Smarty Jones:
It’s a horse race, I get it. You don’t get the last place schedule unless you finish there.
Supes
April 15th, 2009
11:29 am
“I played with him for three years. He’s my dog, but he knows I’ll put that hat on him, too.”
Not sure if he knew this, but best not to mention “dog” when referring to the Falcons or any of their players;)
D3
April 15th, 2009
11:33 am
Kevrock – agreed on the schedule. SB champs with the 4th easiest schedule, is that a joke? Gotta depart from you your assessment of Pettigrew. For our scheme we don’t necessarily need a burner. Pettigrew would be more in the mold of a Witten, tough as nails blocker, 3rd down conversion machine, & red-zone threat. We already have our burners in Norwood, White, & HD, and maybe even T-Brown. Like Delmas and Butler a lot, but not first round worthy, IMHO. LB’s might be a dime a dozen, but they have the highest grade of top-end talent in the draft and that’s what you gotta look for so late in the round. Particularly, I like Cushing and Matthews work ethic. We saw what an outstanding work ethic as a rookie did for us last year in Matty Ice. Saw a little Jenna pre-film work, eh? Wowsers.
Kurt – I’m with you on TG. Honestly, I’ll be happy either way. Getting TG for 2 to 3 years or just finding a TE in this year’s deep class. Either way works for me.
BULLSEYE
April 15th, 2009
12:04 pm
Who is this Dimitroff anyway? Does he have experience drafting players? does he even consider consulting with AJC reporters for draft knowledge?
Why does he not have an open mind and review this bloggs suggestions in order to get a starter with the no. 24 pick?
Glen Dorsey had one sack last year.
angry banker
April 15th, 2009
12:05 pm
our o-line did a good job last year – but after the schedule was announced all I can think about is playing haynesworth, demarcus ware, osi, kris jenkins and all the great defenses we’re going to face this year…
it sure would be nice to have a little blocking help – even a big tight end would help. It sure would be nice to pick one up around the 2nd round… wait a minute…. isn’t there a TE we can trade for with 10 consecutive pro bowl appearances on the trading block?
Chris
April 15th, 2009
12:17 pm
Mays Highschool cant get any love???? There is a former Mays Highschool player that is also working out for the Falcons tomarrow…..
WR
April 15th, 2009
12:20 pm
D3 and Kurt I agree, if we can get TG or a good tight-end in the first round I would be okay. If you really look at the schedule, New England and the Saints are the only offenses that strike any real fear when considering the state of the defense. Offensively, there are a mass number of very good defensive teams on the schedule. Complete the offense if the opportunity is there, continue to develop the defense with the remaining picks. The last thing the Falcons need is a QB that gets shell-shocked by the defenses he will face this year, finish the offensive puzzle by giving Ryan a security blanket and giving the offense more consistent blocking on the perimeter, this schedule will allow a young defense to develop if they can recover psychologically after the beat-down that they will surely take after visiting New England. That game will make or break the season even though its early in the season, if the young defense can take the bull by the horn and grow after getting massacred, the defense will get better as the season goes on, if their youthful thoughts gets in the way of understanding its a marathon not a sprint then the birds will be in trouble after that game.
Ken Strickland
April 15th, 2009
12:27 pm
KURT-if we trade down and acquire an extra 2nd rd pick, we could trade for TE TGonzalez and still retain our current compliment of 7 draft picks. Now that would put us in an awsome position. By even considering trading down, it shows we aren’t that committed to drafting any of the top 3-4 LB’s.
On the last blog there was mention of the number of wins we can expect this yr. It ranged from 8-8 to 10-6. Even with what is considered the 4th toughest schedule, I believe we’ll end up with the same 11-5 won/loss record we had last yr, and here’s how.
Of the 8 teams on next yrs home schedule, we played 6 of those teams last yr and defeated all but one(Eagles). Buffalo and and Miami are the 2 new teams on this yrs home schedule and I’m confident we’ll be strong enough to defeat them on our home turf. Bottomline, we should go undefeated at home. That leaves away gms against the 49′ers, Cowboys, Giants, Jets, Patriots and division rivals Tampa Bay, New Orleans and Carolina. I find it hard to believe we can’t manage to come away with at least 3-4 wins out of those gms.
Anyone that knows anything about professional football knows confidence is often more important than talent when determining winners and losers. After the way this franchise overcame the humilations of 06 & 07 and all of the uncertainty at the start of last season, we’ll certainly start this season with 3 vital elements that were missing at the beginning of last seaon. Those 3 elements are loads of (1)CONFIDENCE (2)FOCUS and (3)CHEMISTRY.
ANYONE THAT THINKS WE WON 11 GMS LAST YR BECAUSE OF A WEAK SCHEDULE IS A FOOL. Why do you think we were given a weak 08 schedule in the 1st place? IT WAS THE NFL’S REWARD FOR US BEING UNABLE TO PRODUCE WINNING SEASONS IN 05, 06 AND 07 WHILE PLAYING SIMULARILY WEAK SCHEDULES.
Kurt
April 15th, 2009
12:38 pm
I gotta be honest WR, I’m not gonna think for one minute that our defense is gonna take a beatdown and get massacred in New England. They are good, no doubt, but our Falcons are different than the Falcons of old. This will be our second year in Coach Smith’s system and will have gone through 2 drafts and free agency periods managed by TD. I’m thinking we’ll do OK. We may get beat, but I kinda like our chances. I guess you could say that I may be a tad bit inebriated from drinking so much of the TD and Mike Smith Kool-Aid. That’s OK though, I’m a believer until he signs a Hartwell or drafts an Aundrey Bruce or Bruce Pickens or Jimmy Williams or…..well, you get the picture.
Cobra Lalalalalala!!
April 15th, 2009
12:42 pm
Washington HIGH SCHOOL??!!
And I thought you meant the Redskins, wow you’re amateur!
Kurt
April 15th, 2009
12:46 pm
Ken, I’m with you. My thoughts exactly. Have you seen the draft value for the 24th pick? It looks to me like it will take a couple of 2s and maybe a 3rd, depending on who we traded with (if we traded). That would be sweet, even if one of the 2nds is for next year. It’s pure genious. I swear I think the man (TD)has a clue about this whole football thing.
WR
April 15th, 2009
12:53 pm
Thats the point Ken, as tough as everyone is making this schedule out to be, outside of New England, no other team strikes any real fear. Cutler has no targets in Chicago, NC has Jake and probably no peppers, the jury is still out on Eli in NY, Jason Campbell and Washington’s offense scares no one, T.O. is not going to turn Trent Edwards into Joe Montana anytime soon, do the Jets have an offense, does Tampa have a team, Romo and the boys are a bunch of head cases, the 49ers plain suck, Pennington is trying to win as hard as he’s trying to stay off the disabled list, McNabb and Westbrook are the walking wounded and even if they weren’t we have them in Atlanta, if the colts, titans, ravens, steelers, chargers, and maybe even the cardinals were on our schedule, I could see cause for concern, their not, and all I see is beatable teams, so panic, not so much.
Steven
April 15th, 2009
1:00 pm
“THE FALCONS DON’T APPEAR TO NEED AN OFFENSIVE LINEMAN?”
Wow, this is the last column of yours that I will ever read, sir. Try doing a little research and look at what the yds/cry number was against teams with winning records last year.
It should take about 15 minutes, and you could probably do it from the golf course if you were so inclined, but you obviously aren’t, Mr. Ledbetter, so enjoy the sunshine, and when you come back keep telling every idiot fan with a Falcons jersey what a huge impact a receiving tight end will make on our offense.
supa
April 15th, 2009
1:18 pm
I trust our GM and will celebrate any pick he makes. It’s been a while since I had that much confidence in a Falcons decision maker.
Ryan, Lofton, Turner – this guy’s made some terrific player decisions.
angry banker
April 15th, 2009
1:18 pm
hate hate hate
in DOL defense, we are DEEP at o-line. now, quality is another subject all-together…
Rule .303
April 15th, 2009
1:25 pm
I always thought it was Maurice Carthon who blocked for Herschel Walker while at the new Jersey Generals?
D3
April 15th, 2009
1:41 pm
Quick Hit @ Lunch:
Ken – I agree with a trade scenario to get TG, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not enamored with a certain draft pick possiblity, just that they’re looking at all options and doing they’re due diligence. Personally, I think the TG trade is dead, but that’s just me.
Agreed on schedule. This stuff get’s waaaaaaay overblown. If you wanna be the best, you gotta beat the best. I’m looking forward to the test honestly. Who in the H— thought we would go 11-5 at the beginning of last year?
Steven – nice vitriol brother. I’d say we need some depth help, but our OL did a pretty nice job helping Turner be second in the league in rushing. They struggled a few times, granted, but we can’t be liontamers all the time.
mars
April 15th, 2009
1:54 pm
How about this scenario? Your previous draft ESP had the Jaguars taking Sanchez with the #8 pick. I don’t see Sanchez as being a good fit there. However, the Falcons have a QB who would be a good fit there. What do you think of a trade sending our #24 plus DJ Shockley for their #8? The draft possibilities for the Falcons would change radically. And yes, blog fans, I am a Shockley fan who feels like he could start somewhere in the NFL. Jacksonville would be perfect. Atlanta belongs to Ryan. Go Matty Ice!
#8 for shockley and a #24?
April 15th, 2009
2:05 pm
wow, you are from Mars
#8 for shockley and a #24?
April 15th, 2009
2:08 pm
I can see Jim Mora’s twisted face saying: shockley? shockley? did you say shockley?
a former 7th round pick who’s now had ACL surgery? wow
Reno 911
April 15th, 2009
3:02 pm
Mars: Applause for getting creative. While I don’t think that Jax would necessarily see Shockley as an improvement over Garrard, whom they are already paying a lot to play this year, I do think the idea of moving up may be worth talking about. I think that the only defenders who would make a big impact for the Falcons will be gone by 24, or long before, and as much as I like the idea of trading down, the idea of trading up is worth a spin. (Someone who has an idea of what the draft ‘point’ values are will likely correct me here, because I have no idea what it says picks are worth.) But if Raji is clean, and the drug test rumors are false, and he’s still there at #7-10, which he might be, would the Falcons pull the trigger? What about trading into the 15-20 range for Robert Ayers? Who knows how much the price would be for these, but someone might be game. As has been said by others more knowledgable than I, the Falcons are looking to get some compensatory picks next year for their FA losses, and while they can’t trade those picks, knowing that they have them might free them up to trade some of their regular picks coupled with their #24 in this year to move up a few spots, or maybe even into the top 10. it would at least give the Falcons a shot at one of the few potential defensive game-changers out there; as much as I like Matthews and Cushing, I think they’re going to be just good players, at best, while Raji and/or Ayers might be great.
Reno 911
April 15th, 2009
3:05 pm
(all that being said, I’d still rather the Falcons trade down and pick up another 2nd and 3rd rounder, maybe in combo with one of the Falcons’ 5th rounders…. but it’s worth consideration.)
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 15th, 2009
3:07 pm
THAT 4-GAME ROAD STRETCH SANDWICHED WITH DALLAS AND THE GIANTS HAS GOT TO HURT – “OUCH”.
SURELY THE “NEW FACE OF THE FRANCHISE” WILL GET THAT 1ST PLAYOFF WIN BEFORE 2015
MAYBE THIS PRESEASON THE NUMBER 3 (BEST QB ON ROSTER), YOU REMEMBER HIM, D.J. WILL FINALLY GET A START IN THE PRESEASON. I MEAN WHAT DO THE FALCONS HAVE TO FEAR?
BULLSEYE
April 15th, 2009
3:13 pm
Maybe we could trade DJ for Gonzalez straight up. Then both teams head straight to the Superbowl.
chuck
April 15th, 2009
3:21 pm
Do whatever it takes to get TG-he will help keep our defense off the field by keeping drives alive-unless he scores a quick TD which i could live with also!
MiltonDawg
April 15th, 2009
3:29 pm
TG is too old. Body is banged and bruised after 12+ yrs in the NFL. Stick with our current roster or pick up another one in the later rounds of the draft. QB, RB, WR, O-LINE..all good. Do we still have that TE from TN?
BULLSEYE
April 15th, 2009
3:43 pm
Yeah, maybe Keith Zinger is ready to step in at tight end instead of Hall of Famer Gonzalez.
Sam Canada
April 15th, 2009
3:49 pm
I think most people are forgetting the fact that we drafted a cb in the third round last year in chevis jackson, plus we have von hutchins comin back this year so i think out cb’s are set. we also drafted a safety in the third round last year in decoud. i think our biggest need is OLB. peterson is a short term replacement and we can use some youth and athleticism to rush the qb from our OLB spot. i think matthews would be a great pick, i also think laurinitis would also be a good pick. in the second round we can address our d-line to help our run defense.
JG
April 15th, 2009
4:15 pm
BULLSEYE,
That one sack that Dorsey had was one more than Jamal Anderson,
So that must have made him worth the 4th pick in the draft!
HA!
Jon
April 15th, 2009
4:29 pm
Hey D, don’t know where Mr Robinson will land but that song is my favorite by Smokey!
Bryan
April 15th, 2009
4:29 pm
If we could trade our #24 and a 5th or 6th for Gonzo and get their 2nd and 3rd that would be incredible. Whats the difference between the #24 and a second rounder. It’s all chance at that that point. Also any word about signing another Free Agent? Harrison maybe to a a vet and some help on D.
Falconless in SEATTLE
April 15th, 2009
4:31 pm
GO BIRDS!!!!!!!! Representing the Falcons in the North West.
Olskool
April 15th, 2009
4:34 pm
nice story. keep it coming
country boy
April 15th, 2009
5:17 pm
Hello fellow Bird fans. Just wanted to post an opinion on the T. Gonzolaz? trade for our #2. Last year the catch phrase from Dimitrof and Smitty was “it’s a process”. I think they truely believe the this philosophy – meaning gradual forward movement. I would be surprised if we gave a coveted #2 round pick for 2 seasons even from an accomplished TE. Remember last year we added Lofton in the second round ( high second I know) and he is currently considered a cornerpost of our team.
jerry
April 15th, 2009
5:19 pm
Do you think it is a disadvantage for a team not coming off a bye to play a team coming off a bye week? Well they are 26-55 over the last three years. I don’t know what the NFL has against the Falcons but they have handicapped them by scheduling them to play 4 teams coming off their bye week when the Falcons don’t have a bye week. No other team has more than 2 such games and 10 teams don’t have any such games at all including some NFL “bluebloods” like the Bears, Patriots, and Steelers. I have long felt there were two sets of rules in the NFL-one for the haves and one for the have-nots. There is no way in hell the NFL would let Jay Cutler go to a have-not. Now the “blue blooded” Bears have 5 prime time games and didn’t even make the playoffs while the Falcons have only 2 prime time games. And on their little NFL Network, if a Cowboy or Giant farts they expound on it endlessly. It is nothing but a bully pulpit for the favored ones. You tell me why the Falcons have to play 4 opponents coming off a bye. Does someone want them out of the playoffs. NO team in the “clique” would get f–ked like the Birds did in Philly.
Ken Strickland
April 15th, 2009
5:21 pm
WR-do you remember a few yrs ago when MShaub, our backup QB, took a Falcons team that was far less talented than our current Falcons into Foxboro and everyone thought we’d get humilated by QB TBrady and the Patriots? Yes, we lost that gm, but it took everything they had to defeat us at the very end. Don’t be too quick to write that gm off as an automatic loss for the Falcons. The Patriots will have as much to contend with from QB MRyan and MTurner as we’ll have to contend with from them.
D3-acquiring TEGonzalez would only make drafting a TE less of a priority, not prevent us from drafting one. The same would hold true for a DE/OLB hybrid like, say, English or Maybin. In passing situations, we send him in at DE, move MPeterson to MLB and send in SNicholas and RJames to replace CWire, assuming he’s the starter. That combination, along with babineaux and JAnderson at DT, would give us a serious pass rush, especially off the edge, along with some serious quickness, speed and flexibility at LB.
I hope those who think last yrs success was the result of luck and/or a weak schedule continue to think that way. I hope those who think a stronger schedule will force us to revert back to the Falcons of old also continue to think that way. Remember, virtually everyone, and I mean everyone, had those same negative assessments, opinions and predictions about last yrs Falcons, and we made liars out of of them all.
row3
April 15th, 2009
6:09 pm
Package TG and G Dorsey for J Anderson and our first round pick.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 15th, 2009
6:44 pm
“DOOM” “DOOM” “DOOM”
DARN YOU “NFL SCHEDULER” – HOW DARE YOU MAKE THE FALCONS PLAY REAL TEAMS
D3
April 15th, 2009
6:56 pm
Good evening gents! Listened to Buck and Kincaid on the way home and got some snippets from TD, Chris Mort, and Smitty was coming on next before I got out of the car. Mortensen gave a lead that the Falcons are eyeing one player in particular, but didn’t give it up out of respect to TD & Smitty. That golf tournament sounded like a fun party @ the golf course. And TD evidently’s a pretty good golfer as well.
Ken Strick – right on with an English or Maybin pick. I would love for the Falconies to get their hands on Maybin, even though several experts project him more as a DE than an OLB. There are some mocks having him drop. Would be nice.
Sam Canada – agreed on OLB, especially since this OLB class is so deep. I’m a big fan of Matthews as well, but the knock on him is that he might be the best nickel LB in the draft, but will have trouble on 1st & 2nd downs. But his work ethic alone proves that he’ll correct it, if he struggles. Depart from you on Laurinitus. Just not a big fan of his.
BigTex
April 15th, 2009
6:56 pm
Did the Falcon staff not watch the Texas vs OU ? Brian Orakpo ate Duke Robinson lunch all game. To slow and cannot stop a speed rusher he will need help and a TE will need to line up next to him. Don’t do it the film does not lie.
irvin
April 15th, 2009
7:50 pm
Reno 911- Moving up to the 7-10 range would cost us our 1, 2 and 3. But the 15-20 range would be plausible.
Bryan- KC traded their #2 to NE, so that trade would not work.
TD is the one pushing for the trade. I think that the thought process behind this trade is that an established TE like Gonzales would do wonders for Ryan’s game vs. trying to develop a young TE on the field during his maturation. Think about this trade scenario… Trade our 2(#55) for Gonzales. Trade our 1(#24) to the Bengals for their 2(#38), 4(#106) and 5(#142). This trade might be plausible. Especially if they don’t get an OT with their #6. Cincy has a slew of picks and could really use some help all over their roster.
WR
April 15th, 2009
7:51 pm
Ken, I do believe the Falcons have a chance in every game this year, In my reference to a New England beating I am referring to the fact that New England is a very well coached team which the young birds can use as a Barometer of where they stand, especially defensively. Win or lose New England is the only team on the schedule that really sets the NFL standard for success in this era. Trust me, if Redmond was under center for that game I believe the birds would have a chance.
SeminoleWarrior
April 15th, 2009
7:54 pm
What’s up my brothers in blog city? We knew that the “09 schedule would be a challenge and it will be. K Strick is going with 11 wins agin this season. I respectfully disagree with my borther. We will be very young this season, even more so than last. 9 wins is what I see this season and a second place finish in the division. The process will continue. As far as the draft D3, I heard Mort’s statements as well. I have noticed that there is a erry quiet at the Branch given all the talk about the Gonzalez deal. It seems that perhaps TE is getting more attention than we thought. But given it all, I think the pick will be Matthews, DJ Moore, or Vonte Davis. Davis and Moore are considered the closest things in this draft to “shutdown” corners and we may want to add that. Both are also noted as physical against the run as well. GO FALCONS!!
Ed
April 15th, 2009
10:01 pm
On Irvin’s suggestion for trading down the deal leaves us short. The #24 pick is worth 740 pts & your group of picks only adds up to 637. I like trading down but getting a high 2nd rd pick & high 3rd rd pick is more like it (#38 & #72 = 750 pts for example).
falcon21
April 15th, 2009
10:32 pm
Points, what the heck? This is the NFL. Drafting is hit or miss, leave it to TD and he will do the right thing. He has a plan.
falcon21
April 15th, 2009
11:05 pm
As for TG, we can score but getting to the next level is to stop the scoring. We need D. And a TE is not going to help. It is just my opinion and most of the time I am wrong. Go Falcons!!!
irvin
April 15th, 2009
11:10 pm
You are indeed right about the points Ed, but a trade has to be feasible to both parties. Besides, most teams don’t use the standard chart. They use their own charts to evaluate trade value. While I would love to see a straight up points trade like yours, most teams just will not give up that type of value. I wouldn’t say 3 for 1 leaves us short, seeing as how we could use depth at a few different positions.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
April 15th, 2009
11:35 pm
The Tournament was a blast! My team — D. Led, Wes Durham, Mike Mularkey and Mike Williams (one of the owners) — finished 3-under which was good enough for 7th place. Dunham pounded the ball. Coach Mike dropped some nice putts. I’ve got to get back to the range. Did get a couple of good drives launched! One of the highlights included one of the assistant coaches blasting a goose with a tee-shot.
Glad you all seem to like the Motown tunes.
ROW3: No! Moala will be long go by 90.
STIRG: “Homeboys” Jared Cook (North Gwinnett/South Carolina) and Asher Allen (Tucker/Gerogia) will be available and could possibly help. Cook is a tight end and Allen is a cornerback.
SUPES: Good point about the dog reference.
Rule.303: My cousin Weldon did most of his blocking for Herschel in practice. He was Carthon’s backup.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Mort wasn’t the only one looking for draft info. Friday’s mock draft blog should be steaming hot. Got lots of draft knowledge to drop. Also, talked to my main man “Super” John Clayton tonight after doing a video spot for NFL.com. Information is flowing as the draft order is starting to set. Also, we’ll kickoff our draft coverage in print on Sunday. THE DRAFT IS ALMOST HERE!!!!
D3
April 16th, 2009
12:46 am
Little slow tonight boys, eh? Guess we had information overload last night with the schedule talk Still working on this GD paper. The worst, biggest bunch of BS I’ve ever written. Pretty bad. Anyway…
Just browsing the Mock Drafts and I got a real kick out of this one. The first three go through pretty good taking 1)Robert Ayers 2)Fili Moala and 3)Jared Cook. Ok, understandabls so far, but get a load of some of the other picks: Scott McKillop(?) ILB & Ian Johnson (RB). They also have Brian Cushing going to the Bengals @…#34, WOW. And Pettigrew dropping to #42. I do appreciate the effort, even though they probably were throwing darts while drinking Red Stripes in the 6th and 7th rounds. Rest of draft.
http://www.nfldraftsite.com/
DOL – heard TD was The Man at golf. You guys call that work? JK. Listening to Buck and Kincaid, it sounded like it was a good time all-around. Mort gave a snippet of the Falcons zeroing in on a certain draft pick, but wouldn’t spill the beans. How ’bout you? Great work, especially lately. You had us shuckin’ and jivin’ trying to post on two blog posts the other day.
Reno – don’t see us moving up. We need depth, depth, and more depth, so I see us trading back if anything.
Seminole – what’s brother-man? I’m dying to know who “that draft pick” is. Pettigrew, Matthews, or someone else. Right on Matthews; I think DJ Moore’s a reach in the first, and when Vontae Davis was described by NFL.com’s Gil Brandt as “almost exactly like Deangelo Hall both on and off the field,” that would be a big, fat NO! JMVHO.
Make no mistake that the schedule is not tough, but Smitty has the boys ready play week in and week out. Is there one game last year where we didn’t come to play?
Have a good night boys, see you on the flip side, and on that note……….
9 DAYS, 11 HOURS, AND COUNTING!!!!!!!!
Ken Strickland
April 16th, 2009
1:49 am
BIGTEX-even though Robinson played OT in college, he’s projected to be an OG in the pros. Remember, our own JBlalock was an OT in college and has successfully converted to OG.
VS2-you’re hanging your hopes for a Falcon collapse on us playing a more difficult schedule. Didn’t you and a lot of other haters, doubters and naysayers use that same lame excuse to predict the same doom and gloom for the Falcons last yr? It seems you have little to say because you seem to have little to work with.
WR-EXACTLY. Our DEF kept us from a shot at the Superbowl, instead of Arizona, and TD will take the necessary steps to strengthen that DEF. We need to shore up our run DEF and upgrade our pass rush. Drafting a widebody DT, and the return of DT TLewis will definitely help our run DEF. Drafting a pass rushing hybrid DE/LB will definitely upgrade our pass rush.
Big Ray
April 16th, 2009
2:15 am
D3,
I got to thinking. The Gonzalez trade may or may not be dead. It could end up being a draft day trade. In fact, that may actually be the smartest thing to do: conduct your trade when some of the picks have already been made, and your board looks a lot less confusing that it has up until then.
I mean, I don’t know how that works for certain, but that’s how I’d do it. Pull the trigger when you have less gambling to do. After all, on draft day, all the free agency and general trade stuff is all over with. Trading for Gonzalez this early might be too soon, tipping off where we might be going in the draft. It could be that TD is simply playing a very tight game.
As to Pettigrew, don’t let people get you down on that. Everybody wants to talk about his slow 40 yd dash times, but we both know that running the 40 is not all it might seem to be. Besides, as you say, we don’t need him to be an absolute burner. His blocking is paramount; that much we MUST have. Being a big, sure-handed target is a close second. Two things on 40 yard dash times: 1)I don’t recall Alge Crumpler being a speedster, and 2)Jerry Rice consistently ran a 4.6 in the 40. Yet he was always running away from the pack when he got the ball…..
I don’t know what we’ll do about the TE position. And I don’t know if we’ll trade out of the 1st round. If we do, we need any pick(s) we get to be HIGH in the second round. That’s a must.
KEN STRICKLAND,
I like it when VS2 comes around. He brings us so much luck with his predictions! Like he did last year!
marko
April 16th, 2009
6:16 am
There’s very little the Falcons could do on April 25 that would surprise me, but seeing a guard drafted on day one would just about do it. Duke does seem like a pretty likable sort though. I wonder if he can sing little like his uncle Smokey. That would be funny. First he starts singing tears of a clown in a soft falsetto voice, then somebody snaps the ball and he knocks the snot out of somebody. Too bad he doesn’t play defensive tackle.
D3 says he heard an interview where Thomas said that he’s already got his man picked out. If that’s the case he’s pretty sure that he’ll be there at 24. That will also mean that immediately following the words,” with the twenty-forth pick of the draft, The Atlanta Falcons select blank.”. This will be immediately followed by the Mel Kipers of the world screaming REACH REACH. This is because the only way he can be sure that the player he’s selected will be there is to take him a bit earlier than expected. If you want to find the Falcon’s guy look for athletes in a position of need that project as early second rounders, and forget about the Falcons snapping up a great athlete that unexpectedly fell to them at twenty four.
One player that fits that description is Clint Sintim. If that’s the case, Orlando going to force feed me a healthy dose of crow for all cracks I made about his pick. First, I’ll take my medicine like a man. Second, I’ll know that Sintim or whoever the pick is a much better player than I thought.
WILLSTER
April 16th, 2009
6:35 am
LISTEN PEOPLE ESPECIALLY THIS KEN .S. GUY THE FRIGGIN NFL SCHEDULE IS MADE OUT 10 YEARS AHEAD OF TIME,IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH HOW BAD IT WAS FOR THE FALCONS 2 YEARS AGO,THE FALCONS WILL DRAFT DEFENSIVE THE FIRST PICK,IT WILL BE A LINEBACKER,OR A SAFETY,BUT THE FALCONS HAVE MORE PROBLEMS THAN THAT GETTING THE BYE INTO WEEK 4 THAT WILL DO A YOUNG TEAM IN THIS YEAR,AND THE SCHEDULE THEY WILL NOT WIN ALL GAMES IN THE DOME THIS TEAM WILL WIND UP 7-9 0R 6-10 THIS TEAM IS NOT THAT GOOD YET I CANT WAIT TO BET AGAINST THEM,especially the patriots game, and the bears have not forgot how ryan completed that pass, i guarantee that wont happen this year.
WILLSTER
April 16th, 2009
6:43 am
O.L. good article the only reason they are bringing that guy in is poker,to make things interesting maybe get him in round 4,i know for fact the falcons are trying to trade down to get ray malaluga he is the real deal DAN PASTORINI SERVICES out of vegas told me that the falcons may trade there 1st and 2nd this tear for kc- 1st and gonzales but they want a 3rd also.
WILLSTER
April 16th, 2009
6:46 am
also a first next year,that would not be wise because the falcons will get a good player next year a top 5 player.
WILLSTER
April 16th, 2009
6:49 am
o.l. will give you my KENTUCKY DERBY PICK IN II DAYS.TAKE IT TO THE BANK.
JJ
April 16th, 2009
7:55 am
Willster: You’re an idiot! The draft is not made up 10 yrs in advance. Did you skip elementary school when they taught english and grammer? You draft logic is hillarious. I bet you made a fortune betting against the falcons last year. I cannot wait for your highly trained IQ on derby picks!
jerry
April 16th, 2009
8:18 am
JJ: Willster said the schedule—-not the draft. But you are right. He doesn’t know what he is talking about.
JJ
April 16th, 2009
8:32 am
jerry: thanks, I meant the schedule. I’m still on my first cup of coffee. Sorry D3, it’s really hard not to take the bait when such idiots spew their logic.
JG
April 16th, 2009
9:18 am
Willster,
If you are correct, I would be happy with that Trade!
We could take care of two Major needs, TE and Either OLB or DT.
Curry or Raji ? I wish this was true. But, I doubt it.
We could also get which ever one we don’t pick OLB/ DT in the 3rd round. A Safety in the 4th Round. and in the 5th Round a CB & TE for the Future. 6th Round Reciever or OL…
D3
April 16th, 2009
9:42 am
Good A.M. Gents! I swear these last couple of days have been the longest EVER. The Draft has always been one of my absolute favorite events of the year, but after great discussions with you guys, there’s not a whole lot of players that we won’t have heard of when their name is called. I think I’ve finally narrowed my choices for or first pick down to four. And, unfortunately, I have no order of preference but here it goes……Pettigrew, Matthews Jr., English, or Jerry. I just added Jerry to the list for fun, because I’m pretty sure he’s not dropping past the Bucs. And after looking at many O’ mock drafts, it also appears that Matthews looks like a good fit for NE’s 3-4. If someone held my dog for ransom and asked me who the pick would be today, I would have to say…..Pettigrew (yep, I said it Stirg!).
It appears that Philadelphia is the only legitimate team that might take him before us, but if Moreno is there I’d be shocked if they passed. He’s the perfect fit for their OFF. Buffalo WILL NOT be spending their #11 on Pettigrew. If all three are gone, right in line with Ken, I say they take English. He gives us a one for 2 punch. He can put his hand down on obvious passing downs and learn under Peterson at the SAM, allowing Nicholas to move back to his original position of WILL.
Big Ray – what’s up my man? That was my question: how many great TE’s ARE burners? Witten(no), Gates(somewhat), Gonzalez(not really), Winslow(somewhat, I guess), Dallas Clark(not really). Even though it wouldn’t be a D pick it would set us on OFF for years and years. Just imagine: Pettigrew, Roddy, Jenkins, HD, Turner, Norwood, TBrown, & another young WR we’ll draft. No need to mention that Matty Ice will be running the show with those young weapons. WOW! Nice examples of Crump & Rice.
marko – good point about reaches. Personally, if English is on the board, then I would think that Sintim is a reach, but like you said, they know a lot more than I do, especially when it comes to fit and schemes. If we pick Sintim, then we’ll have to put in some money for DOL for the Men’s Wearhouse, so he can pimp out some new bow-ties. I’m usually a Kiper critic too, but he pegged Matt Ryan the whole way to us last year, even with all the Dorsey obsession(throw myself in that mix, unfortunately).
JJ- its all good brother. Sometimes the hate bait is too juicy and tempting to pass. Especially non-sensical, fatuous arguments that you can take to the woodshed.
JT
April 16th, 2009
9:50 am
Has anyone seen the article over at the SI Falcons homepage about Todd McClure possibly retiring and not showing up for off season workouts (its actually a link to a pro football talk article)? DOL- any truth to those rumors?
JG
April 16th, 2009
10:26 am
Even if it is true, There are some young Up and comer Center’s ( Woods, Caldwell) in the Draft and dont forget we signed Romberg from St Louis Last year.
I like McClure but remember he is undersized, and just think if you had a big Anchor in the Middle that could push the line around…
Remember Smitty Likes big Olines and Dlines.. Not undersized Centers who want more money close to retirement age.
Ken Strickland
April 16th, 2009
10:35 am
WILSTER-it’s obvious you needed a target to shoot at and you chose me. However, you’re trying to do target practice with an empty weapon. The teams that are on our schedule weren’t determined 10yrs in advance. The only thing that’s determined in advance is the conferences those teams will be chosen from. Once the conferences have been predetermined, a teams won/loss record is used to determine which teams within that conference are selected.
Since you intend on betting against the Falcons, the need to believe you have a chance of winning has to be strong. So, the preseason ritual of convincing yourselves the Falcons are a good choice for you to bet against becomes necessary. That might explain why VS2’s posts are so redundant. He seems to be having difficulty convincing himself the Falcons will fall apart, so he repeats the same theme over and over and over for reinforcement. I guess you singled me out because my posts make a lot of sense, even to you, and I’m making it hard for you to believe your own crap about the Falcons. In VS2’s case, he simply avoids addressing me and ignores the comments of everyone else, which he actually admitted to in one of his earlier posts.
Tell me WILLSTEER & VS2, how many bets did you win last yr betting against the Falcons? Are your animosities toward the Falcons due to the financial bath you took while grossly misjudging the team last yr, like you’re doing again this yr? It’s got to be very hard for you guys to accept how the Falcons overcame all of the adversity of the previous 2yrs. You were certain the loss of 11 of 22 starters, plus our PK, starting over with a completely new regime with a new system, a rookie QB, revamped OL, new RB and a weak DEF further weakened by the departure of 5 starters, would lead to certain disaster. But in the end, YOU CLOWNS GOT PUNKED BIG TIME. The sad thing is, you’re back with the same sad approach, the same stupid responses, and the same sad motives. The two of you are perfect examples of the old saying, “YOU CAN’T SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES”.
Nookah
April 16th, 2009
11:23 am
Just finished getting caught up from yesterday. It’s been good to read the logical and meaningful posts and the worthwhile contributions.
Willster, the only thing I’ll say to you is this….”if illogical, ridiculous and baseless statements were a ship, you would certainly qualify to be a fleet”!!!
D3, what’s up my man? Finished that paper yet? Don’t stop working, it will pan out in the end…trust me!!! I also read your post regarding Mortensen’s comment about TD/Smitty locking in on their man. This adds more intrigue, anxiety and anticipation to our blogs. I was sold on the TG trade and it may still go down. However, be that as it may I think we will take a DE/OLB at #24. Unfortunately Maybin will not be there unless something really untoward happens which I doubt or unless the Dynamic Duo do the unthinkable and un-NewEngland-like move and trade up which I also doubt. I am not sold on English, not because of his ability but his dur”ability”. Correct me Ken if I am wrong but are there health issues there to consider? If the DD take him then I will accept that the due diligence has been done by the medical team. I also think Matthews Jnr will be gone by #24. He will be taken by Houston or even New England.
If we do like we did last year and draft what most of us thought was an apparent 2nd rounder in the 1st round (a la Sam Baker), and take like a Clint Sintim, then we will all realize how much we know that we don’t know!!! In any measure it contributes to great excitement and will climax in 9 days!!!
Go Falcons!!!!
One love….Nuff respect everytime!!!
richbrave
April 16th, 2009
11:25 am
KEN STRICK:
If you know anybody in the FALCONS org. drop SIDBURYand TOLER’s names will you? These guys are going to be NFL caliber at DE or OLB and CB. I keep beating the drum for them. GREG TOLER has worked out individually for half the league. Just trying to improve the birds my man. I also like CORNELIUS LEWIS(5th round) and CECIL NEWTON(FA) from TENNESSEE STATE.
richbrave
April 16th, 2009
11:26 am
I haven’t personally seen either of the TENNESSEE STATE players, but have seen both SIDBURY and TOLER numerous times each.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 16th, 2009
12:22 pm
FACT CHECKER:
2009 VS “4″ COMING OFF BYE WEEK (OUCH)
DOOM DOOM DOOM
IF THEY DON’T MAKE THE PLAYOFFS CAN MEAN ONE THING:
LEAF PART-II
BUST BUST BUST BUST
Reno 911
April 16th, 2009
12:23 pm
Ken Strick: Unfortunately, Willster is mostly correct, in that 14 of the Falcons’ opponents are, indeed, set in stone. Divisional opponents are set in stone far in advance, seeing as how each team plays all four teams in two divisions, and six against there own division. The previous season’s result ONLY determines which of the remaining two intraconference teams they play. So the Falcons result last year only determined that they’d play the Bears and the 49ers, both of whom finished second in their respective divisions. The rest of the opponents (six games in the NFC South, four against the NFC East, and four against the AFC East) are, indeed, determined years and years in advance. That can’t be a source of a gripe. It’s just reality. What can be the source of frustration with the league schedulers, however, is the number of teams we play coming off of bye weeks (4), which is a definite disadvantage to the Falcons. Statistically, we’d be lucky to win two of those four. So, yes, the Falcons got screwed by the scheduling of bye weeks, but not in the teams we’re scheduled to play, which can’t be helped. It all comes around. Last year Atl got lucky by playing eight games against the crappy western divisions. This year unlucky, playing both of the much better eastern divs.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 16th, 2009
12:29 pm
“TRIVIA”
WHO IS THE YOUNGEST QB IN FALCONS HISTORY TO WIN A PLAYOFF GAME?
WHO IS THE YOUNGEST QB IN FALCONS HISTORY TO MAKE THE PRO BOWL?
WHO WAS THE 1ST QB IN NFL HISTORY TO BEAT BRETT FAVRE IN LAMBEAU?
“HINT” HE WAS THE LAST QB FOR THE FALCONS TO W-I-N A PLAYOFF GAME.
WE ALL KNOW THE ANSWER
Reno 911
April 16th, 2009
12:35 pm
Now, as to the scheduling, I’m fairly confident that the league schedulers quickly eliminate the variations wherein the Giants, Patriots, Steelers, or Cowboys are loaded with opponents coming off of bye weeks. Do you think the commish signs off on a schedule where the hometown Giants have the sked with that many teams coming off byes? Hell no. There are definitely teams that are to be protected, and teams that, if necessary to make the overall schedule work, it’s ok to screw over. I think we all know which group the Falcons fall into. But the Pats were in that group 10 years ago, too, so it’s fixable. If the Falcons can go 5-5 through week 11, they can finish 9-7 and have a chance at the playoffs, and after another year or two, they’ll be one of those teams that, when the schedule lands on Goodell’s desk, he’ll pay attention to how it’s arrayed for the Falcons. We just gotta make it there. Whether we like it or not, the franchises that don’t get screwed with four opponents off of byes have, at least economically, earned it.
Mart
April 16th, 2009
12:39 pm
Wow, I remember Weldon Ledbetter. He was a good one. He had a teammate on the Sooners named Jerome Ledbetter. Any relation?
bigeasy830
April 16th, 2009
1:16 pm
Welcome to the family WILLSTER. They keep talking about last year. It’s a new year and new season. Falcons you better get game one against the Dolphins or your looking at a 0-4 start.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 16th, 2009
1:51 pm
“BIGEASY” YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. THE 2008 EASY SCHEDULE WAS WHY LEAF BECAME A STARTER – NOBODY COULD HAVE SCREWED UP THAT WEAK LIST OF TEAMS, NOT EVEN A WEAK ARMED 5TH YEAR COLLEGE PLAYER AT BOSTON COLLEGE.
I DOUBT THEY WILL EVEN HAVE AN ANSWER FOR THE WILD CAT IN THEIR FIRST GAME. THIS TEAM HAS MORE HOLES THAN SWISS CHEESE.
I AM GOING TO ENJOY THE POST GAME BLOGS BETTER THAN 2007.
SEE YA GUYS – ENJOY YOUR NEW FACE, EVEN IF IT WILL BE COVERED WITH BROWN BAGS.
WHAT?
April 16th, 2009
2:26 pm
I don’t give a flying fluzzie fart who the Falcons play! The coach will make sure the team is ready. Bigeasy830 go to a Saints board and drop your trash there. I’m sure the players are not in the corner of their lockers in the fetal position crying about the schedule!! GROW UP AND BE MEN!! 11-5! GO FALCONS!!!
WHAT?
April 16th, 2009
2:28 pm
VS2 YOU CAN SHUT YOUR MOUTH ALSO!!
I MUS.WRITE
April 16th, 2009
2:31 pm
Ditto JJ…… that he is , 10 years ago huh?……….the texans were’nt even in the league 10 years ago, do your research dude. Butler might be a slight reach at pick 24 but I think he should be wearing a falcons jersey next year. Watchn film of the guy i like him morre than DJ Moore, A.Smith,Sean Smith etc……….. Im okay with a Cb at 24 as long as we take care of the D line and OLB in the following rounds
We need sum horses up front…….DL guys i like include….. J Gilbert,R.Miller,Sidbury,T Taylor
SPACE EATERS APPLY HERE……………….
D3- U are everywhere my man…. keep it going good info
Whats up – KS, RAY,RICHBRAVE, BOW TIE etc…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………I.MUS IS THE FUTURE…………………………………………………………..
WHAT?
April 16th, 2009
2:32 pm
VS2.
Who was the youngest NFL qb to go to prison for dog fighting while in the process letting an entire team and fan base down?
You dumh @#$!!