Are you ready for some Mini-Camp football?
Falcons coach Mike Smith making a timeout call in the second quarter against Arizona in the playoffs. (CURTIS COMPTON/ccompton@ajc.com)
FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons coach Mike Smith was fired up about hitting the practice fields today with his re-tooled team.
“We plan to introduce a lot of new things to our rookies and young guys,” Smith said. “Try to show them how we do things. How we work. How we practice. It will be an indoctrination this weekend into our tempo, our scheme and the pace of how we practice.
Loading ...Smith has a different philosophy in getting the rookies ready. He elects to throw everything, including the kitchen sink, at his young players. Another theory is to give them things piecemeal and then build on it, block by block.
“I’m a big believer in the whole-part-whole theory of teaching,” Smith said. “Throw all of it at them at once and then see what they can retain. Then you come back and refine it the second time. Then the third time when you throw the whole at them again. . . different people approach it different ways, but I really like this and have always done it that way.”
Tony and October Gonzalez. (CURTIS COMPTON/ccompton@ajc.com)
It’s going to be a little different with some of the mainstays like Keith Brooking, Lawyer Milloy and Grady Jackson no longer on the team. The Falcons elected to get younger this offseason, especially on defense.
“Right now we have 25 players on our roster with three years or less NFL experience,” Smith said. “We are also going to be a faster and more urgent football team with the infusion of the players we drafted. That was one of the things we set out to do. We wanted to increase or speed and urgency on our roster.”
Smith is looking forward to seeing his rookies.
“They have some very good measurable and numbers coming out,” Smith said. “We are excited as a coaching staff. We get to do the closest thing to playing football that we’ve done since the end of the season.”
All right now, time to go camping!!!
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191 comments Add your comment
D3
May 9th, 2009
5:23 pm
Apologize if re-post, the blog eating monster decided to rear its ugly head………..
Since no updates on here, some tidbits from AtlantaFalcons.com:
“William Moore moves really well for as stout as he is. He and Thomas DeCoud are going to be fun to watch as the starting strong safety battle progresses in Training Camp.
DT Trey Lewis worked individually with Assistant Coach Ray Hamilton prior to the start of practice, and he fully participated in drills once the session got underway.
WR Harry Douglas put a devastating move on an unsuspecting cornerback, selling a curl pattern and releasing on a go route. Chris Redman’s 45-yard pass was right on the money, prompting “Oooohs and Ahhhhs” from the fans watching from the hill.
Speaking of long passes, John Parker Wilson demonstrated some of his arm strength on two very well-thrown balls of 40+ yards. One of the knocks on Wilson coming out of ‘Bama was his arm strength, but the undrafted free agent was able to get the ball down field during one-on-one receiver/corner drills.
An official count of just over 1,600 fans watched the morning practice, and several hundred fans were already lined up at the gates 30 minutes before the gates opened for the afternoon session.”
Good to see Moore and hear Jerry walked off on his own power.
Ken Strickland
May 9th, 2009
5:37 pm
LONG TIME FALCON-it’s been established that it takes most DE’s an average of 3yrs to mature and produce at an acceptable level. Now, that’s for a player that’s played DE his entire college career. Knowing that, why expect quicker development from a player that was switched from OFF(TE) to DEF(DE) 2 yrs into his college career?
If you use DE JAbrahams 1st 2yrs to measure JAnderson’s success, then most DE’s in the league would have to be considered busts their 1st 2 yrs. Fortunately, the very coaching staff you say failed to coach him up last season doesn’t seem to share your opinion of him. With the improved speed, quickness, stamina, mobility and interior pass rushing ability of DT’s TLewis and PJerry and VWalker, JAnderson’s ability to defend the run might be valued over his pass rushing limitations. As a rookie he registered 30 total tackles, 26 of them solo. That means he defended his area and got to the ball carrier before anyone else. That might also explain why he’s still assigned as the starting DE in mini camp. Considering the number and diversity of the DE’s we have in camp, it would make good sense to let the coaching staff worry about JAnderson’s development. I love the fact that PJerry, TLewis and JBabineaux, will provide us with 3 potential playmakers in our DT rotation.
WR
May 9th, 2009
6:08 pm
Ken Strickland,
No point in arguing with some fans, I agree that Jamaal Andersen will have a great year and though some may disagree he had a good year last year when not considering sacks. Funny how everyone remembers his lack of sacks but fell to recognize his key role in the Falcons limited run defense. By the way for naysayers, pretty much everyone talks about the improved play of Babs, and it was well deserved, but what side of the line did he play on, as I remember he played next to Abe, where as JA played next to a DT in Grady Jackson, who’s sole purpose was to eat up space, yes at times he was able to get good penetration but he was a stop gap space eater who funneled plays to the help, one part of that help was JA. People talk about Sidbury unseating JA, it won’t happen, Sidbury will be a pass rush specialist that will have good numbers in his first year, yeah fans will say why not start him over Jamaal, and thats because most fans only see sacks, but a true fan of football realizes that sacks don’t win many games, stopping the run and limiting the pass does. Show me a team that can’t run the ball effectively and I’ll show you a team that hasn’t won a Superbowl, try New England if you would like but the truth is they have only won Superbowls when their running game was effective even if it was a running back by committee approach. Point is, sacks get all the glamour, but I’ll take an all around defensive end over a sack specialist anyday.
Stirg,
Whats up my man, I knew you had the intelligent football talk down, but I had no idea you could go back in the day like you did with Casillas, I still can’t believe we let the Cowboys get him, talk about diamond in the rough, well we did give up Brett Favre and we let Deion get out of here, oh the memories, okay enough with depressive talk, in Smitty and TD we trust, back to back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history will happen in 09.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 9th, 2009
6:39 pm
I agree with, WR. I will turn blue trying to convince Anderson-haters his effectiveness on defense and at defensive end. I thought I killed that noise back in March, when I discovered that the average defensive end didn’t reach pro-bowl status until after their third year (their were some exceptions after two years of experience). Even all-time sack specialist, Bruce Smith, didn’t enter the Pro Bowl until his third year. Still, some fans are only interested in numbers and consider the sack total as a form of evaluation of a player. Did anyone answer my question, Why didn’t John Abraham enter the Pro Bowl, after a franchise high 16.5 sacks? Hmmmm…maybe its not about sack numbers, afterall.
Sorry to remind y’all about Tony Casillas? I cried for two season, everytime I watched a Super Bowl.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 9th, 2009
6:46 pm
Is anyone familiar with Pisa Tinoisamoa, linebacker with St. Louis Rams? He played strongside linebacker and he was their leading tackler last season. He was released by the Rams today. Is he worth the lobby?
Ed
May 9th, 2009
7:15 pm
Since D-Led is being slow on his updates, here’s a report from the “bleacher report”…
The first day of Atlanta Falcons Mini-Camp is in the books.
It seems like Tony Gonzalez, who was traded to the Falcons right before the draft, is fitting into the offense quite smoothly.
Matt Ryan made sure he developed a significant QB-TE chemistry. In the 11-on-11 player drills, Ryan through plenty of passes his way.
“As a quarterback, any time you get a new toy you want to try it out,” Ryan said. “I threw a few balls his way and he didn’t disappoint.”
Mike Peterson, who was signed as a free agent on March 10th, also made his presence known, flying around the ball and being loud.
Yes, I said loud.
He’s one of those guys who motivates and keeps his teammates loose.
Author Poll
Who are you most looking forward to hearing about during mini-camp?
Matt Ryan Tony Gonzalez Peria Jerry William Moore Mike Peterson Christpher Owens vote to see results Peria Jerry and William Moore both played on the second team defense. But expect Jerry to slide into the first team defense sooner than later.
As for Moore, he’s going to compete for the starting safety position against Thomas Decoud, who played on the 1st team defense today.
Stephen Nicolas played on the 1st team defense at outside linebacker. Nicolas and veteran Coy Wire are expected to compete for the other outside linebacker spot.
But don’t sleep on Robert James who missed all of last season due to injury.
Rookie cornerback Christopher Owens, who was selected in the 3rd round (90th overall), also looked pretty impressive. Owens is a little guy but boy is he fast. His recovery speed is remarkable.
Jamaal Anderson and Kroy Biermann both started on the 1st team defense today. Kroy Biermann stepped in for starting defensive end John Abraham.
John Abraham, Kicker Jason Elam, Center Alex Stepanovich, Cornerback Von Hutchins, and Cornerback David Irons all sat out because of injury.
And of course, Matt Ryan looked great, connecting on every pass, hitting receivers between the numbers. He’s going to have a great season so make sure you target him on your fantasy football team
cutter
May 9th, 2009
7:21 pm
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Falcons just finished the second of two Saturday minicamp practices and got some good news on first-round pick Peria Jerry.
He has a mild sprain of his right knee, the team said Saturday evening.
The defensive tackle bumped knees during the morning practice. He spent the afternoon having tests before the team gave the update.
My guess is Jerry probably won’t be practicing Sunday. It would be wise to be cautious with this valuable property. The Falcons should rather have Jerry practicing at full strength in July and August rather than risking anything in May.
In other news, guard Harvey Dahl, who has been known for getting into tussles on the practice field and in the regular season, has started this year early. Dahl got into a mix with defensive lineman Jamaal Anderson in the afternoon practice. The two went at it for a few seconds before teammates broke up the fight.
I’m leaving Flowery Branch in a few minutes and won’t be at the minicamps final practice Sunday morning. But I’ve got a tape recorder full of Falcons’ stuff that will be coming at you in the near future. Matter of fact, keep an eye here Monday for a story on Anderson, about how the former first-round draft pick is hoping to have a breakout season in his third year.
WR
May 9th, 2009
7:22 pm
I just came to a realization after hearing about Jerry today, we are so amp’ed up for this season that everytime we hear a player has as much as a sniffle we are going to be scared. Sounds bad in a way but when was the last time we had such high hopes for this team, for me it was the year after the Superbowl, than we cut Tony Martin, lost O.J.Santiago,Jamal Anderson got hurt as did Travis Hall,probably cut Cornelius Bennett a year too early because we lost leadership even though a young Keith Brooking was ready to step in, poor Eugene Robinson was never the same and all hope was lost. We ought to make a rule that if you hear someone got injured, unless its a major injury, keep it to yourself, it sounds bad but we are going to be nervous wrecks if we keep things up at the current pace.
cutter
May 9th, 2009
7:23 pm
Got this off twitter guys
Unca' Bob
May 9th, 2009
7:23 pm
Strig,
Pisa was drafted ‘o3 43rd over all. He had 98 tackles last year, 83 solo. His ‘06-’07 numbers were 33 & 37 tackles. seems to indicate to me he was hurt, but I don’t know how. 3 Mil+ contract. Rams are going to a 3-4 and he did not seem to fit.
cutter
May 9th, 2009
7:27 pm
I think JA is reading your blogs.
Unca' Bob
May 9th, 2009
7:36 pm
Ed & cutter,
Thanx for the great up dates. I have interest in Moore & Owens. I really want to know how they shake down.
cutter
May 9th, 2009
7:40 pm
Enter your comments here
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 9th, 2009
7:52 pm
Thanks, Unca’ Bob. I think there are going to be a number of defensive linemen and linebackers that are going to be released because of the rise of 3-4 defenses. Should we attack the market to fill our need at strongside? Are we satisfied with Peterson, Lofton and Nicholas?
cutter, I sincerely JA is reading this blog. If JA means Jamaal Anderson, I’m with you, bro. A wise man once told me, “if you keep doing what you been doing, you’re going to get what you been getting.” If its working for you, then don’t change a thing. Obviously, it has been working for you because you’re still the starter.
If JA mean John Abraham, then pull your panties up and get back out there on the field. If your absence is because of a major injury, it would have been reported already. Anything less, you should be out there with your teammates. We need for you to play like your children are eating Ramen Noodles, not lobster and steak. I hate to seem harsh but we need some tutalege out of you. Set the example and be the leader that you were hired to be. Now lets play some football.
WR
May 9th, 2009
8:06 pm
Stirg,
Abe is still getting healthy no need to over do it in a three day minicamp, but hard to argue with a man who knows about Ramen Noodles, I know we could hang out at the game with a couple of brews, you may have some arguments that I disagree with but you keep it real. The days of Ramen noodles,life was actually simple then even though I didn’t realize it.
Cutter,
I hope JA, as in Jamaal Andersen, is reading this blog, hopefully he will get the chance to see that we believe. Trust me when I say that I not only argue on his behalf on this blog, but I do the same with my Pop and my brother and for some reason I just get the feeling that this man is going to turn out to be a beast.
cutter
May 9th, 2009
8:44 pm
JA is Jamal Anderson
cutter
May 9th, 2009
8:47 pm
FYI the players definitely read the AJC blogs as well as TD. He has actually commented on reading AJC blogs in interviews.
cutter
May 9th, 2009
8:50 pm
Some even participate…I would imagine.
D3
May 9th, 2009
9:13 pm
Good Evening Gents! 2 days down for our first look at our new 2009 Atlanta Falcons. Anyone head up to the ‘Branch today and get a glimpse in person? Does anyone have any specifics other than the few tidbits we’ve gotten from various sites? Let’s dive in……….
DOL – c’mon brother, what goes on today? We know you’re busy as all get out, but you know we’re a bunch of junkies here in the ‘Cage and need our fix. Please allow us to keep our dignity and not have to resort to going to Twitter or Facebook to get our updates.
cutter & Ed – thanks for the update men. As mentioned earlier, its pretty dry around here, and we appreciate all the info we can get from the mini-camp today.
Stirg – what’s up my brother in D-Town? Peterson is definitely a short term fix at SAM, maybe two years, three at most. Hopefully, Nicholas will be a long-term answer at WILL, we’ll find out the answer this year. Don’t totally discount The Sid taking some shots at SAM with his amazing skills, a la Terrell Suggs. As Ken Strick pointed out, it’s impossible to replace every need we had on defense, OLB being that exception this year. Maybe we have an answer with Robert James, and the two UDFA’s, Nicholson in particular. Remeber, we have probably two years for someone to learn under Peterson. If TD, Smitty, & Co. don’t feel comfortable with Nicholas/Wire, then I could see us looking at the released/cut players around training camp time.
WR – waht’s up brother? I may be reading your comments about keeping players out of drills wrong, but there’s a fine line in watching out for players fearing for injury. The only reason I say that is you lose your edge; I saw it first hand as UGA went “soft” in practice and it showed on the field.
Still scowering for more details about today’s practice. C’mon DOL, hook us up!
cutter
May 9th, 2009
9:29 pm
D3- How many 8 million dollar a year 10 year veterans did you guys have on the team at UGA?
cutter
May 9th, 2009
9:31 pm
Oh I’m sorry 8.583 million a year.
long time falcon
May 9th, 2009
10:00 pm
Jesus christ ken we didn’t draft jamal anderson 8th overall and give him tons of guaranteed money to be a marginal run stopper. So far the dude hasn’t lived up to expectations and I’m sorry you’re in complete and utter denial about it. I watched the second Carolina game last year and they were forced to play a journeyman right tackle due to injury. I watched Jamal Anderson intently that game to see what he could do and he was completely shut out of the game. And I will bet you if he doesn’t show marked improvement this season he will be on his way out. Just the facts.
D3
May 9th, 2009
10:04 pm
cutter – good point. Obviously, I guess you missed the basic point I was trying to make. I agree with sitting vets like TG and Abe. I was simply relaying the fact that we don’t want to enter into the game of not hitting and being physical in practice, sacrificing our edge and toughness. If you prefer, you can use Lil’ Jimmy Mora’s reign as an example. His practices were known to be soft, fun, playing music, etc.; we see how well that turned out. Obviously, there are HUGE differences between Pro and College and we have financial investments with the ‘Birds, but boiled down to its basic core, football is football.
Sarah B
May 9th, 2009
10:48 pm
D3 are you still here??? 1st time checking in today. Did major yard work for like 4 hrs today then went and had lunch and shoe shopping with a friend, then my neighbor across the streets b-day for cake and drinks – mostly drinks. Read all the updates b4 posting anymore word on Jerry?? But D3 since you are always asking for recipes and like things grilled I have the sauce for you. It’s called George’s, it’s a bbq/marinade sauce from eastern Carolina that is the bomb – right now I have one extra bottle I would give to you. Goes on chicken and pork the best. Let me know if you are interested…
Sarah B
May 9th, 2009
11:07 pm
It’s a little hot so don’t let your one month old suck on the bones. Oh wait I mean your future HOF WR…
D3
May 9th, 2009
11:43 pm
longtime – I understand your frustration with JA. To say he’s under-performed is putting it mildly, especially considering he was taken 8th overall. He was a HUGE project when he came out: junior, position changes, etc. It probably is one of the best examples of reaching for a player simply to fill a need. I think what Ken Strick and others are saying is that he has all the tools and skills to “potentially” breakout. He will have an improved D-Tackle position working next to him with Jerry and Lewis, an improved secondary, and the 3rd year in the league. Regardless of all that, this is put up or shut up time for him. I think he’s going to get all he wants from C.Davis at a run for the starting position, and Smitty & Co. have shown that the best player plays.
Sarah B. – how’d the yard turn out? It’s amazing how the time always slips away when workin’ in the yard. From now on, I simply double the amount of time I think it “should” take. It’s always really satisfying when finished though. Thanks so much for the BBQ offer. I love me some grillin’, especially now that my Future HOF little man is in the house. George’s huh? Gotta check that out. Speaking of grilling, I tried Lil’ Dave’s tenderloin sauce and WOW it rocked the house. On the Falconi’s, its been pretty dry around here for updates. Luckily cutter, Ed, and others have found updates on other websites because not much has come down the Bird-Cage pipe. I think(and hope) that Jerry just banged it up a little and they’re being cautious, rightly so. Sounds like Matty Ice looked good as expected, HD had a huge touchdown catch and run, William Moore moving around well, Peterson taking command of the D from Day 1, Dahl getting physical and nasty from the first snap, Stephen Nicholas flying around the ball starting at Weak OLB, Chris Owens showing off his speed and toughness, and John Parker Wilson making a case to make the team in some capacity.
Braves win, Hawks lose again, and talk of the Thrashers leaving town(pray to G that doesn’t happen again).
cutter
May 10th, 2009
12:09 am
D3- You know I get caught up in these blogs and sometimes it dawns on me that people are entitled to there opinion no matter how little it has to do with any current issues pertaining to the team. It’s like the media if nothing is going on hey lets create something. Somebody earlier wanted to cut Abraham now were are in jeopardy of being soft and losing our edge while being compared to college programs and Jim Mora practices. Not to long ago we were singing the praises of the GM and the coaching staff now a veteran sits out a minicamp session and theres mutiny afoot. Fans…you can’t live with them and you can’t live without them. Much like a women.
D3
May 10th, 2009
12:10 am
On a side note, nicknames from rookies themselves:
Peria Jerry – P.Jerry
William Moore – Mo City
Chris Owens – Peanut
Lawrence Sidbury – Sid
D3
May 10th, 2009
12:18 am
cutter – understood. I want to be clear about what I was referring to, though. I wasn’t saying we’re being soft, or that Smitty and Co. have any plans of becoming that way. I was referencing WR’s statement about us fans being afraid of having an injury, thats all. I am 100% completely behind TD, Smitty, Blank, and Co. and they have my full trust, conviction, and support. I agree with you; vets who have proved themselves over a long career, such as TG & Abe, deserve to get the rest and don’t have anything to prove in mini-camp after coming off record years. I think you may have misunderstood my intent; I was just saying that we as fans can’t get paranoid and a nervous wreck about injuries because they’re a huge part of football. The Falcons and UGA are really nothing at all alike, I was just saying that coaches sometimes can over-react when injuries pile up. As a UGA grad and fan, it was obvious last year that something was missing in practice the way they showed up (or didn’t in the case of last year) and Richt admitted that they had gone soft in practice. It’s all good brother. In TD, Smitty, Blank, & Co. I TRUST!!!!!
D3
May 10th, 2009
12:39 am
A few pics from AtlantaFalcons.com blog, good stuff:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/atlantafalcons/page4/
-Matty Ice and T.Gonzalez were around each other quite a bit
-Thomas Brown’s guns are HUGE!!!
-Chris Owens dish-ragging William Middleton
Tons more pics as well.
Ken Strickland
May 10th, 2009
12:41 am
LONG TIME FALCON-maybe he hasn’t lived up to your expectations, but our coaching staff obviously doesn’t appear to have problems with his production. Why do you think he’s been the starting LDE the last 2 yrs and is listed as the starter now, despite his low sack total? He’s demonstrated an ability to effectively defend the run and run DEF has been our #1 problem for the last 3-4yrs.
You stated that we didn’t draft him #8 just to defend the run. Well, we didn’t draft him #8 just to get sacks either. We traded a #1 pick and paid a lot of money for DE JAbraham to get sacks. COME ON MAN, YOU’RE WASTING A LOT OF UNNECESSARY TIME AND EMERGY ON SOMETHING THAT’S OBVIOUSLY NOT A PROBLEM FOR OUR COACHING STAFF, JUST YOU.
Nookah
May 10th, 2009
12:57 am
I’ve taken a back seat and read all the posts. Very entertaining to say the least. The Bird Cage is really humming with enthusiasm and fandemodium. It’s nice to be a citizen of Falcon Nation. Let me add a personal shout out to Sarah B…nuff respect. Any more women in the house?
I have to side with Ken Strick here. I think JAnd. will be much better this year and will prove his worth. However, I think we may be making the mistake of measuring his productivity with sacks (or lack thereof) only. In all team sports there are many players who are very effective but what they do may not show up in the stats. e.g when I’m watching soccer, I always like to watch the run by teammates who are off the ball, because those are the most dangerous players. They not only may be providing another option for the man with the ball but may also draw other defenders thus creating space for the ball carrier. So unless we are seeing film every Sunday don’t be quick to rush to judgement on JA’s productivity. Do you think Smitty would keep him in for so many plays if he wasn’t being a major contributor? I don’t think so.
WR, you are right on target man. We need to relax a little. We are so pumped up about our Falcons that we hang on to any little “news” about our beloved players. We just have to keep the faith and hope we go through this season with the minimum amount of injuries.
I just hope my nickname for Trey “Thou shalt not run” Lewis is not an indictment on him personallybut rather on his opponents.
There are 2 rookies who I am expecting good things from, William “Agent 007″ Moore (will play to prove to the league that he should have been taken higher in the draft) and Christopher “Just call me Jesse” Owens. I think our much maligned secondary will be greatly improved this year. Of course they will get the credit but using the same argument I did earlier, the real cause for their improvement will be the greater interior pressure we will be putting on offensive lines and giving opposing QB’s less time to make decisions.
I think it’s shaping up to be one heack of a season!!
Go Falcons!!!!…………THE PROCESS CONTINUES…………….
Nuff respect everytime!!!!!!!!
‘
Larry
May 10th, 2009
3:07 am
If you want to view a much larger gallery of photos from Saturdays mini camp check out this link
http://www.flickr.com/photos/learnslr/sets/72157617926111128/show/
Unca' Bob
May 10th, 2009
7:48 am
To everyone out there that is one, has one, or even wants to be one…Happy Mothers Day. Don’t forget to visit or phone.
Nookah,
Long time, no see. Ya’ need to unbuckle your seat belt and get into the game. The TEAM needs ya’. THOU SHALT NOT LURK. I’m the only lurker allowed…Nuff respect everytime!!!!!!!
The World is rife with Contrarian’s and the way I look at it, everyone in the World IS one, except of coarse,…ME. Just a thought.
richbrave
May 10th, 2009
8:48 am
D3:
Agree on SIDBURY being slow go to OLB. He never played the position. Only space he defended was in the flat on certain plays. His game will have to ramp up mucho to become an effective OLB for you. I’m sure you’ll see him used this year where his strengths lie – along the line on run defense and rushing the passer.
doc bailey
May 10th, 2009
9:37 am
Anyone know the status of Tyson Clabo. I saw a picture of him at the min-camp but he is listed on the roster as a RFA. I hope the Falcons don’t loose him. He was a very important member of the offensive line last year
doc bailey
May 10th, 2009
9:39 am
Tyson Clabo is listed as a RFA on the team roster, but i saw a picture of him at the mini-camp. anyone know the status of him
D3
May 10th, 2009
10:05 am
Great Mother’s Day Morning Brothers and Sisters! A special Happy Mother’s Day to all of your moms, grandmoms, sisters, aunts, and daughters. Really looking for big, juicy tidbits from DOL. I’m hoping he’s waiting until camp wraps up to give us a huge combo deal at once. A litle pigskin on this sunday A.M………
Nookah – what’s goin’ on my brotha from the North-Side? You’ve missed out on some lively debate this weekend. Some of our bro’s have gotten into some spirited debates regarding our ‘Birds. Unfortunately, we’ve had to piece-meal together updates from camp by our bloggers through other websites. Looks like Stephen Nicholas is starting WILL currently, and good reports about him flying around through camp. If he can step up and shine, that will be a HUGE boost to our D and hopefully be a long term answer at that position. From reports, it sounds like Chris Owens will be a lead candidate for the nickel corner and maybe even compete for a true CB position.
Richbrave – yeah, you’re right in that your boy Sid playing OLB would be a stretch, and it probably won’t happen. I’m just thinking its a small possibility with his huge skill set of speed and quickness. He seems like he may be a little too big to effectively drop into coverage, but he would be an ideal fit for OLB in a 3-4 look.
Since we’ve dried up a little on the mini-camp, the division draft analysis/grading continues with the NFC North…….
Chicago Bears
3 68 Jarron Gilbert DE San Jose State
3 99 Juaquin Iglesias WR Oklahoma
4 105 Henry Melton DE Texas
4 119 D.J. Moore CB Vanderbilt
5 140 Johnny Knox WR Abilene Christian
5 154 Marcus Freeman LB Ohio State
6 190 Al Afalava FS Oregon State
7 246 Lance Louis OG San Diego State
7 251 Derek Kinder WR Pittsburgh
I actually think Chicago had an excellent draft with their fairly limited options of not having any 1st or 2nd round picks. Let’s also consider they got their young, franchise QB for the next decade or so. Jarron Gilbert was a huge steal in the 3rd; some had him going late 1st. Jaquin Iglesias was a good pick to add to their young group of WR’s. Unbelievable they got DJ Moore in the 4th round; saw him going no later than 2nd round. Fastest WR in the draft with Johnny Knox. Marcus Freeman was a great pick, one that many of us in the ‘Cage coveted. Other picks not as familiar. Considering they got their franchise QB in Cutler and examining true value, great draft. Final: A-
Detroit Lions
1 1 Matthew Stafford QB Georgia
1 20 Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State
2 33 Louis Delmas CB Western Michigan
3 76 DeAndre Levy LB Wisconsin
3 82 Derrick Williams WR Penn State
4 115 Sammie Lee Hill DT Stillman
6 192 Aaron Brown RB TCU
7 228 Lydon Murtha OT Nebraska
7 235 Zack Follett OLB California
7 255 Dan Gronkowski TE Maryland
I may disagree with several “experts”, but I believe the Lions had an excellent draft, one of the best of the weekends. Obvious Stafford is a big risk, especially with him being a junior QB, but it can hold high reward as well. Many thought they should go tackle first, but I disagree. When you got the chance, grab your franchise qb b/c you can always plug in a LT immediately(they did draft a T first last year). I expected them to go T next such as Oher, but they used best available and grabbed our former boy Pettigrew. Great pick. Best blocking TE in the draft, an extra blocker, and great secure weapon for Stafford. With Stafford, T Gosder Cherilus, Calvin Johnson, Pettigrew, and Kevin Smith they have all the makings of an explosive, young OFF. Delmas might be the steal of the draft. Levy and Sammie Hill are good additions to some key pieces of rebuilding the DEF. Derrick Williams will be a good, speedy complement to CJ. Murtha is a great steal in 7th and has starter potential. Follett good pick as well in late round. Gronkowski was a true gem with their last pick and somehow got way overlooked. Overall, think Detroit had one of the best drafts of any team. Final” A
Packers and Vikes to come later. Join the debate if you need a little football fix while we wait (maybe forever) for some camp updates.
long time falcon
May 10th, 2009
10:57 am
Ken, I like you so I don’t want this to be nothing more than intense debate. However, I guess we will have to agree to disagree. Again I want to be crystal clear that I am a true falcon fan and would like nothing more than for Anderson to break out like gangbusters but I just don’t see it. And I’m pretty damn sure the falcons envisioned more than 1 sack in two years when they gave all of that money to anderson. Whether you want to believe it or not defensive ends make the big bucks because of their ability to get to the QB. Jared Allen got the big contract from minnesota because he could sack the QB period. Reggie White and Bruce Smith’s greatness can be atributted to the fact that they are #1 and #2 on the all time sack list. What was Deacon Jones famous for? The QB sack! Pressure from a teams defensive ends takes the heat off of the Corners. It is absolutely vital to a teams defensive success. And I will be willing to bet if he doesn’t improve those paltry sack totals he will be on his way out the door. Sidbury was drafted for a reason.
Barry
May 10th, 2009
10:59 am
Hey Y’all:
Coaches and players, keep up with the timing, coordination and teamwork in our becoming a force in the field. The hard work now will payoff when all you guys get together as a unit to start official practice for this season. Coach Smith and Mularkey are acting like a “kid in a candy store’ with all the “goodies” they received from the draft and free agency. Now they know that ,if we as fans thought last year was something, we haven’t seen anything yet with what schemes and plays they have for this bunch. The detailed “operation” and the continued “PROCESS” to make the “HEARTBEAT!!!” STRONGER is going to fun to watch. I feel in my spirit that these FALCONS are going to be “FLYING”. Once these Falcons get their plays down and confidence establish, we in FALCON LAND know what is going to happen. It’s going to “ULTIMATE MAYHEM” around these parts with our Falcon wins. I am so excited about getting this season started, but I know we first have to start with “PRACTICE”. Therefore FALCONS players get your “groove on” in practice and earn your keep. You will enjoy it even more when the season start and you will see how you, THE TEAM, THE FANS, THE MEDIA, and the COMMUNNITY operate in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” to make the GEORGIA DOME and the FALCONS the “TERROR” of the NFL. WE, THE FANS ARE WITH YOU. Moreover,we still owe a lot of teams something when we went through things beyond our control before last year. WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN!!! WE ARE GOING TO DO IT IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!” ON OUR WAY TO THE SUPER BOWL. WE ARE DOWN WITH THROUGHOUT THE SEASON IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!!!!”.
YOU JUST DON’T KNOW HOW READY WE ARE FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!!! WE ARE READY IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
…………………………..”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!!…………
Ken Strickland
May 10th, 2009
4:03 pm
LONG TIME FALCON-please don’t get the idea that disagreeing with someone, especially me, is any indication of a lack of loyality, because it’s not. After all of the crap that was a part of these blogs the last few yrs, believe me, it’s a pleasure to have someone disagree in such a civilized manner.
It feels sooooo good to be able to express support and love of the gm and the Falcons without having to verbally fight through so much negativity, which was the rule of thumb during the MVick era and even a while after. The hate and animosity seems to have evaporated, and now we can discuss real football and the positive aspects of the Falcons, and there certainly are a lot of positives to be discussed.
Barring injury, I don’t see WMoore beating out TDeCoud this yr. However, I do see he and DeCoud eventually becoming the teams starting safeties. WE’re going to be in good shape no matter who gets the starting nod at DT. With a pass rush, we’re going to be in good shape at CB as well. This is going to be one of the most exciting, competitive training camps and preseasons in team history.