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
JohnWaynesworld
May 8th, 2009
7:25 am
A nice way to start the day with Mrs. Gonzalez.
This is how you do it. You draft high character guys who were proven leaders on their college teams and give them the whole playbook. You can find out right away who are the brightest minds in the new class and who needs help memorizing all the hundreds of plays and schemes. Then the real mentoring begins from coaches and players.
I can’t wait to see team. I am going to make it up there this Saturday. Any ideas on contingencies for parking for the increased number of newly excited fans?
WR
May 8th, 2009
8:41 am
JohnWaynesworld, I’m with you on that, I plan to attend myself if I can find a way to manage the fact that today I have my fathers birthday and sunday is mother’s birthday and it just happens to be mothers day also. So I’m going to at least try to sneak a peak sometime on Saturday, I can’t wait.
Andrew
May 8th, 2009
8:55 am
Woot! Mini-Camp time!
Can’t wait to see Gonzo in the Red and Black!
JohnWaynesworld
May 8th, 2009
9:10 am
WR, yea I know, this Mother’s day thing is cramping my style! Just kidding, I know exactly where I would be without her…NOWHERE! lol
Someone out there please what’s a typical opening day at mini-camp for the fans? I don’t want to go in there dressed like a giant bird of prey and find out everybody’s in the same outfit, or worse that there are no giant bird of prey outfit allowed!
And what about the parking??
D3
May 8th, 2009
9:15 am
Good Friday AM Brothers! Mini-camp time is HERE. Ready to get rollin’ and see the new faces, who’s coming out with a bang, and who’s on the hot seat. Looks like I won’t be able to make it to the ‘Branch tomorrow. On to football………
JohnWayne – you got it right on the money about high character. I think teams too often discount the huge effect that can have on a team; not only in the locker room, but also on the field. Take some good notes up there. P—-d I can’t make it.
WR – Wow, now thats a busy weekend right there. Let me know how everyone looks, particularly the rooks and our boys coming back from IR. Will it mainly be individual drills or do they start to work it into spring. I assume its helmets and shorts only at this point.
Keep the ‘Cage rockin! Each blog topic DOL puts up now averages between 150 & 200 posts, and its OFF-SEASON!!!
JJB
May 8th, 2009
9:23 am
Hey DOL, what is the contract status of the new draftees? Have they all been signed or do they not need to be for these types of minicamps?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 8th, 2009
9:25 am
Just arrived in the Branch. The Birds are in meetings and sent to hit the field in about an hour.
row3
May 8th, 2009
9:26 am
The Duke,
I’m with you on the high character, smart minded draft picks. If anyone was passed over we thought we should have picked, It may have had something to do with their ability to grasp the playbook. For Coach Smith to have his guys ready to play in their first year this has to be a major consideration when evaluating these players.
Real Men of Genuis
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 8th, 2009
9:30 am
Reggie Roberts and his PR staff are getting me the parking info. Will post shortly.
JJB: Rookies are officially “unsigned,” but normally have insurance type waivers in case of mini-camp injury.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 8th, 2009
9:32 am
PARKING: ACROSS THE STREET in the Flowery Branch Sports Complex and Shuttles will be available to bring fans inside the gates at 4400 Falcons Parkway.
Unca' Bob
May 8th, 2009
9:34 am
WR,
Happy Birthday to your Mom & Dad. Sounds like Saturday will be the icing between the cakes. When Lil’Dave gets on board perhaps you and JohnWayneworld could hammer out a means to meet. I.E. “I’ll be at the ticket booth at 9:00 sharp wiht a sign saying Lil’Dave over my head”. Ya’ll enjoy!! I’m that ugly shade of green.
jason
May 8th, 2009
11:03 am
Looking for some reports from the field throughout the weekend. Shout out to Seminole, D3, Ken, and everybody for the great updates during draft weekend. Are you ready for some football.
angry banker
May 8th, 2009
12:13 pm
here we go junkies! our first falcon fix in four months
Unca' Bob
May 8th, 2009
12:15 pm
D-Led,
Got any kind of update? What’s going on at Flowery Branch?
JohnWaynesworld
May 8th, 2009
12:36 pm
DOL,
Should we bring full rain gear with umbrellas for standing for hours in the rain or will they have tents set up everywhere, OR will they cut short practice if it start raining hard?
Anyone else been up for mini-camp? What to do, what to avoid, etc.
Thanks
Nookah
May 8th, 2009
1:20 pm
Well, well, well!!!! It’s so good to see the roots spreading. This tree is getting quite large. Falcon Nation has truly become a Glob-log Village. All the way from Japan, welcome jp3stacks. I know I know he was on the last blog but I have to welcome the man. It’s all good. We need to have a representative from each continent…Africa are you hearing me? Europe where you at? Asia I know you’re in the house, jp3stacks representing!!!…….and the beat goes on.
It’s been a while posse but it’s good to be back. My wife keeps asking me who is D3? Who is Ken Strick? Who is Stirg? Who is Seminole? Who is D Led? Who is……………..you get the drift.
Good to see the Birds of Prey are back in the Branch and ready to rock!!! I can’t wait posse. Is it September yet? I’m like a kid going to my first Disney World and it’s taking a lifetime to get there.
D3, I see you have been busy as usual and you know I have to join the fray. Better late than never.
DEF ROY – 1) William “Agent 007″ Moore – will benefit from the increased interior pressure from Peria “Piranha” Jerry, Johnathan “Pocket Rocket” Babineaux and Trey “Thou shalt not run” Lewis. 2)Brian Orakpo – Same thing – he’ll benefit from Haynesworth’s penetration. 3) Aaron Curry – Just a plain beast.
OFF ROY – 1) Michael Crabtree – Playing with a chip on his shoulder. 2)Percy Harvin – blinding 0-60 speed. 3) Kenny Britt
A couple of blogs ago I designated some nicknames to some of our Birds. Below are some of them I came up with:
* Johnathan “Pocket-Rocket” Babineux (I’m undersized but I move from 0-60 very quickly)
* Peria “Piranha” Jerry (Because I’m the human QB eater – yes D3 I know I had the same name too)
* John “Predator” Abraham (Well you know I have been around a while)
* Chauncie “I ain’t no Point Guard” Davis (because I can dictate the pace)
* Lawrence “I’ll let you remember #56″ Sidbury (I will be faster than LT off the line)
* Trey “Thou shalt not run” Lewis (Run at your peril)
* William “Agent 007″ Moore (Because I’m always on dangerous missions)
I also suggested that the Falcons should have a large banner in the Dome every Sunday reading……
11th Commandment……………..”THOU SHALT NOT RUN!!!!…………….
Just a few of what I have thought of so far. Again guys it’s so good to be back.
Go Falcons!!!!………………..THE PROCESS CONTINUES…………..
Nuff respect everytime!!!!!……………….
“Ain’t no stopping us now, we’re on the move……..McFadden & Whitehead !!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 8th, 2009
1:34 pm
HERE’S A LITTLE UPDATE. FIRST PRACTICE IS OVER:
By D. Orlando Ledbetter
dledbetter@ajc.com
FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons defensive end John Abraham and kicker Jason Elam were surpise hold outs of mini-camp practice during Friday’s morning session.
Abraham and Elam, joined defensive back Von Hutchins (broken foot), offensive lineman Alex Stepanovich (back) and cornerback David Irons (knee) as players who were held out of practice.
“We felt they weren’t 100 percent ready to go so we made a decision to limit those guys today,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “Abe is leftover from the rigors of the 16 game season. He had a number of ailments.”
Smith would not confirm if Abraham had any offseason surgeries or medical procedures.
“Not going to talk about it,” Smith said.
Abraham, who started all 17 games last season and set a franchise record with 16.5 sacks, has a history hamstring issues. He was a Pro Bowl alternate last season, while playing with a shoulder injury.
“You look at those guys, Jason and John, they are up there in years,” Smith said. “They’ve got a number of mini-camps underneath their belts. We are going to limit them and limit some of the older players. We want to get a look at as many of these young guys as we can.”
D3
May 8th, 2009
1:46 pm
What’s up gents? Waitin’ on DOL to feed us junkies some Falcons updates. Thought it was pretty funny seeing Hartsock line up with the 1st team OFF. No knock against him, but I think we traded for a Hall of Fame TE; what’s his name again? Speaking of, sure was d@— great to see TG in red and black, even if it is a practice jersey.
jason – thanks for the props man. It’s easy for me to do because its so much d@— fun.
angry banker – c’mon now, man. you know we’ve been rockin’ Falcons and Football here in the ‘Cage on an almost daily basis. But actual Football, yeah you’re right.
Nookah – where you been my brotherman? I was about to put out a ’search and rescue’ call for you. JK. Pretty cool about spreading throughout the world, eh? You are the man on nicknames, I tried a pitiful attempt of my own, but pales in comparison to your mad skills. Explain Sidbury’s nickname for me; I guess I’m a little slow on that one. You ever have Carib brew? Got it last weekend and it was pretty frackin’ good.
Brew update: I don’t like Blue Moon beer, but they make a summer brew called Honey Moon, and it is d@— tasty. Good warm weather brew.
D3
May 8th, 2009
1:56 pm
DOL – thanks for the quick update. Can’t wait for more.
Just a quick note from DOL’s update, Hutchins and Irons are out AGAIN! I know its ridiculously too early, but those two better be chompin’ at the bit to get back on the field. Particularly Hutchins. Not knockin’ the dude, but we haven’t seen ANYTHING from him since we signed him as a FA 14 months ago. By my count, there are 7 legit candidates competing for 4-5 CB spots. You have to assume that Houston, C.Jackson, & Chris Ownes are pretty solid. We only carried 4 corners on our active roster last year, but we may carry 5 this year and 3 safeties. Using my math that leaves Hutchins, Grimes, Irons, and Middleton fighting for 2, maybe even 1 spot. Do we take someone who is obviously severly injury prone? Just sayin’……….
Nookah
May 8th, 2009
2:03 pm
D3, with such deep football knowledge that I know you possess, I can’t believe you have not made the connection. Which great sack-master wore #56? LT of course, of NY Football Giants fame.
If we bring this kid along, as you know our coaching staff is prone to do, and with his natural athletic prowess and “head space” (because you know it takes more than athletic ability to get to the QB), he can be a mix of # 55 (”Predator”) and #56 (LT). He could actually wear jersey # 55 1/2 (average of the 2). If he achieves a percentage of both these sack-masters, we in Falcon Nation will surely be happy. I’m sure you’ll agree with me on that. Perhaps his nickname could be Lawrence “#55 1/2″ Sidbury? Nah!!! Just a thought.
Oh yes, I’ve had the Carib brew. I think it’s originally from Trinidad. Could be wrong.
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!!!……………THE PROCESS CONTINUES………….
richbrave
May 8th, 2009
2:25 pm
Keep you eyes on my man SIDBURY and let me know how he’s doing. Anybody got a report on him from the recent 3-day camp, and my other pick AARON KELLY?
D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
May 8th, 2009
2:38 pm
D3: I love Blue Moon. Taste like Kool-aid.
Carlun
May 8th, 2009
2:50 pm
Man…I can’t wait to see if Moore and Perry live up to what we think are two excellent picks!
Sarah B
May 8th, 2009
3:06 pm
Ah yes also thanks for the Gonzo pic… I’m so excited there is some news from camp. Makes August seem so much closer. D3 Still working on my ROY awards. Trying to dig a little deeper so as not to have the same list as everyone else. I mean I bet noone had Matt Ryan on the list last year. I almost went for Percy Harvin when the Farve to Vik’s was floating around. And I’m glad they are resting Abraham, I mean does he really need to practice at this point?
Lil'Dave
May 8th, 2009
3:06 pm
JohnWaynesworld – Like DOL said the parking is across the street at The Sports Complex you cant really miss it because Flowery Branch High School is also right there. There really isnt tents for the public so diffently bring some rain gear and a chair to sit in. I’m personally leaving my house at 9:10 just to get good parking but practice isnt till 10:30 as we all know. But the place really fills up fast as far as parking is concerned and the longer you wait the fur you have to walk. Plus the better sit you get before the practice the better chance you have a getting good autographs afterwords because you already be in position. And if you want autographs they sell 20$ footballs on-site just for that purpose so you dont have to worry about picking something up before hand.
And if you guys actually wanted to meet up once you got to the facility that’d be cool with me cause I’m already bringing a crew with me from South Carolina.
O ya if you need any extra small details about what you can and cant bring into the training camp just check the Falcons offical web site its all posted there. Keep in touch Bird Cage!
Marcos
May 8th, 2009
3:25 pm
im so excited to see a lot of guys, i agree chevis should be the other starting cb not grimes,and what about johnathan babinuex he shoukld be an impact player too,i am very concer about the saftey position i hope moore can play as his he play in his junior season,and if anybody is interest in espn.com the nfc south blog they are posting very very good articles aboy the falcons and today its gona be matt ryan column i hope you can read it
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 8th, 2009
4:19 pm
BIG RUMBLE: Surprise, Surprise!!! Right guard Harvey Dahl got into a little tussle with Jason Jefferson during the morning session.
blord
May 8th, 2009
4:35 pm
Hey guys I know i am new around these boards but I have enjoyed your comments. I wish I could make it up Sat. but I think the Mother’s day thing is not going to allow it. Thanks for the updates Ledbetter. Keep them coming. Glad to hear that Harvey Dahl is already causing some nastiness.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
4:38 pm
Red Alert! Red Alert! Red Alert! Read Alert!
I say we cut John Abraham (or trade him, one). Last year, I watched a piece on Abraham (that thing when they “Mic you up”) and I watched John tell another defensive player “I’m done for the day; I got my two sacks and I’m done.” As if to say, I’ve done enough. When your salary is millions per year, you keep doing until you can’t do no more. I was very disturbed by his “giving up” and thought that was a very selfish attitude. When you look at Abraham’s sack numbers, you’ll notice that none of them came in the fourth quarter. Isn’t that crunch time…the fourth quarter?
D.O.’better’s reporting of Abraham has flat out scared me. Last year was the first full season Abraham has played in a long time. Considering the patience that the coaching staff has extended to John, you would think he’d come to camp ready and prepared. His absence, for whatever reason, is unacceptable to me. My godson makes $14/hr and injured his shoulder at work on Tuesday. Friday, he returned to work, aqainst the doctor’s wishes, because he didn’t want to lose his job to someone in the waiting. I got a secret for you, Mr. Abraham. We just drafted one of the best defensive ends in the draft. We also have millions of dollars invested in a defensive end that is begging to start (Davis). Now get your ass out there on that field.
Right now is an appropriate time to quote Ike Turner…”We got the right songs, in the right place, at the right time; Now, I need for You to get your ass out there on that stage, right now!”
Pull your panties up and play some football!
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
4:40 pm
D.O.’better, Just watched NFL Live! Good Job; Good reporting!!!
What!!!
May 8th, 2009
4:52 pm
Nahsif, I agree with you. I think we should use old Abe for trade bait.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
4:56 pm
That’s two votes. Who else is with Me? Thanks, What!!!
Lil'Dave
May 8th, 2009
4:59 pm
Welp my work days is done guys! You all have a great weekend and I’ll talk to you on monday! GO FALCONS!
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
5:05 pm
Make no mistake about it, gentleman (and now lady), Dimitroff is not afraid to get rid of star players. We have watched how negative attitudes become a disease in the locker room. That is why we no longer employ Boley, Hall or Vick. We wouldn’t even pull the trigger on L.J. Smith because of his selfish attitude.
I think Abraham is one of the most talented defensive ends in the NFL; but if your attitude stinks, all the talent in the world won’t keep you on the team (i.e., Hall). Right now, Abraham’s character seems to be incongruent with the Falcon’s philosophy.
Replace Abraham with a young linebacker and let’s play some sound football.
cutter
May 8th, 2009
5:13 pm
Stirg- This is the silliest sh@#t you have said thus far. This is the first day of mini-camp and Abraham is going into his 10th season, mini-camp is primarily a time to evaluate rookies and get them exposed to the playbook… Abraham already knows the playbook. Calm down and let players play and coaches coach and you just be a fan.
READ THIS-
Five players were held out due to injury: Center Alex Stepanovich, cornerback Von Hutchins, cornerback David Irons, kicker Jason Elam and defensive end John Abraham.
“We felt they weren’t 100 percent ready to go we made the decision to limit those guys in practice today,” the coach said.
Abraham nursed several injuries through his 16.5-sack season in 2008. Smith would not go into detail about his current ailments other than to say he and other Falcons were taking it slow after the “rigors” or the NFL season.
The coach said more veterans will be held out in coming practices to keep players fresh and give the staff a chance to evaluate younger players.-
So you wanna trade all of the veterans that the coaching staff holds out of mini-camp? C’mon guy. Michael Strahan never came to mini-camp…never, so get rid of him to huh…he’s only the sack leader in the NFL.
Falcon Devil
May 8th, 2009
5:19 pm
Stirg I know you didnt just suggest cutting our best defensive player. Respect points just have been lowered… lets cut Roddy White while we are at it.
cutter
May 8th, 2009
5:34 pm
And Stirg I hate to discuss family issues in here but since you brought it up. If your godson did hurt his shoulder on the job and the doctor advised him not to return the next day…depending on the severity of his injury someone should have advised him of his rights as an employee because if his condition worsens the companies liability has significantly diminished because he went against doctors orders.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
6:02 pm
cutter, I was trying to make an example using my godson. The truth of the matter is, upon his return, he was sent home. He’ll be back on Monday, per M.D. Don’t get caught up in examples when trying to make a point. We’re talking about John Abraham here.
…and you’re right. Abraham is going into his 10th season, which is even more reason to get some value for his trade before he gets any older. Another two years from now, who’s going to want him? I’ll be surprised if Abraham won’t complain about being hurt this season. We all know that there is a big difference between being hurt and being injured.
…and while you are suggesting that mini-camp is for the rookies, why did Ryan, White, Jenkins and other veterans show up? I’m just merely suggesting that we get rid of negative attitudes before it becomes contagious. You’ll thank me later.
Falcon Devil, with all due respect, I’m really not in the market for cool points. I don’t think Thomas Dimitroff was overly concerned how Falcon Devil or cutter felt about releasing Keith Brooking, Lawyer Milloy, Warrick Dunn, Grady Jackson or any other player that would be too old to play the game in another year or two.
Again, Abraham has great game; but we need for his motor to be turned on for four quarters, not just until the second sack.
Reno 911
May 8th, 2009
6:30 pm
One mitigating factor toward the “Abraham question” might be diminished playing time with the incorporation of and better play from Davis, Biermann, and Sidbury (and, dare I dream, Anderson)–just a decrease in total snaps, maybe by 10-20%, which would decreased chances for injury, give more rest, and lead to more consistent effective late-game performance. I’m not saying that guy shouldn’t play hard, every down, all game long. He should. I didn’t hear the soundbite you referenced, either, but I’d hope he’d have a better attitude, or at least sound like it. Actions speak louder than words, though, and the guy did rack up a franchise record sack total last year, without much help from the rest of the D-line and only rare blitz help to draw blockers away. I’m not defending him, but I am saying that, whatever he says on the bench, but he was hands down the best defender on the field last year, in all four quarters. And the factors that draw on the reserves of 10+ year vets like Abe can be mitigated somewhat.
cutter
May 8th, 2009
6:37 pm
Stirg- I understand your position I just don’t think Abraham is the problem if he does get 2 sacks a game and sits on his hands for the rest of the game he will have accumulated more sacks in a season than any player in the history of the game since sacks have been counted. Yes, Abraham has a history of injuries but I don’t quite understand how you perceive him to have a negative influence on the team, when a player gets injured and sits it hurts the team and the player…look I played DE in college and you are constantly going up against a guy who outweighs you by 50+ pounds and some people who have never played may say aw he twisted his ankle and can’t play well it sounds minor but if you can’t plant your feet and run the ark like you should you are a liability to the team. Abraham just turned 31 two days ago and he has 2 years left on his conract and last year he got more sacks than any other season in his career (16.5)…he’s a beast and you make sure he’s healthy for when it counts, the regular season.
falcon21
May 8th, 2009
6:55 pm
You got it cutter, the Falcons seem to making moves to get to the big dance sooner than later and Abe is a big part of that. If they was to trade Abe now, then TD would not be as smart as I thought. When a plyer has a mic on him half the stuff they say is bulls#$% anyway.
falcon21
May 8th, 2009
6:58 pm
player
Scoot
May 8th, 2009
7:07 pm
I’ll tell you who i would like to see in action at Falcons mini-camp, October Gonzalez.
cutter
May 8th, 2009
7:09 pm
Randy Moss told the world years ago that he takes plays off…did that stop the Patriots from going and getting a beast WR? Has his comments caused any negative influences in the locker room? I believe TD was a part of that front office at the time.
falmouth
May 8th, 2009
7:36 pm
jp3stacks! where are you, man? i’m in japan, too. (gumma)
no need to be worried about abraham. mike smith did a great job of managing all the vets’ practice time last year and look how productive and injury-free they were…well most of them. i don’t think we owe it ALL to coach smith but i don’t think it’s a coincidence that j.a.’s only injury-free season (in recent memory) was m.s.’s only year as head coach. besides, what excactly did you think we’d get for abe and his sacks? a draft pick would be a gamble. no one would give up a young sack machine (if we could get a younger guy like osi it’d be a different story) for an old one. a corner? wouldn’t be effective without a pass-rush. trading him wouldn’t make sense in my opinion. besides, sid vicious can hold it down for him if he gets injured during the season. i was happy about getting peria but sid vicious in the 4TH!!! that’s easily my favorite pick.
falcon21
May 8th, 2009
7:40 pm
Sid Vicious, thats good.
Unca' Bob
May 8th, 2009
7:57 pm
To whom this may or not concern,
It was, and I stress still is my opinion, that this particular blog is about Brotherhood, with a Capital B. It is about opionon, always has been and hopefully always will be. The tenor and tone that I have been reading is counter productive to anything I have read in my short tenure. Ya’ll have made me so angry I may or may not have another buur.
Falcon Devil
May 8th, 2009
8:09 pm
Stirg: I don’t think Thomas Dimitroff was overly concerned how Falcon Devil or cutter felt about releasing Keith Brooking, Lawyer Milloy, Warrick Dunn, Grady Jackson or any other player that would be too old to play the game in another year or two.
OOOOOOHHHHHH, and I guess TD really cares that YOU think we should cut our most productive defensive player. I wasnt refering to cool points I was talking about respect of opinion. I no longer respect yours. You obviously don’t know much about football if your brilliant idea is to cut one of the best pass rushers in the entire NFL because you didn’t like one of his sound bytes. Abraham is definately a productive leader on our defense and cutting him would be moronic. That idea is so retarded I am flustered anyone besides MV7 would of suggested it.
falcon21
May 8th, 2009
8:12 pm
Unca’Bob everything is cool. This is alot better than a few months ago. As true Falcon fans , we will agree and disagree sometimes but nothing major.
Falcon Devil
May 8th, 2009
8:12 pm
Before we cut our sack leader lets cut our rush leader, pass leader, and reception leader. It’s starting to make so much sense!
Ken Strickland
May 8th, 2009
8:25 pm
Allow me to get in on the nickname game.
1-Lawrence “SACK” Sidbury
2-Peria “SCARRY” Jerry
3-William “MONSTER” Moore
4-Garrett “BUZZ SAW” Reynolds
5-Vance “BEAST” Walker
6-Christopher “ROCK” Owens
7-Toney “TILT” Tiller
8-Chavis ‘JET” Jackson
9-John “JP” Wilson
10-Robert “HIT MAN” James
falcon21
May 8th, 2009
8:38 pm
How about Jack Hammer James Ken?
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
8:46 pm
Did I create some raucous in the Bird Cage this evening? Good! We need some activity up in here.
Falcon Devil, again (I cannot express this enough), I’m not trying to attract your respect for my opinions. Just like Thomas Dimitroff does not care what You, Stirg or anyone else thinks about his actions, your respect for my opinions is really irrelevant. You can save the negative comments and attacks for the Bucs, Saints and Panthers during regular season. I am merely blogging just to talk football. If you don’t agree with my comments (or anyone elses), simply enter your suggestions and wait for the next blog. Negative attacks and name calling is simply too juvenile for me.
…back to football. John Abraham is a good football player and a great defensive end. He does some things that most defensive ends cannot get away with. I agree with cutter…sixteen games against a man that fifty pounds heavier than you, does have its toll. Can we agree, however, that Abraham will not be a Falcon in two years (for whatever reason; retirement, free agency, release, injury)? If that is the case, why not get something for him while he’s still valuable? Do not let my opinion suggest that I don’t like Abraham. On the contrary, I think he’s one of the greatest defensive ends to ever dress in a Falcon uniform. This is a business, though; this is not flag football in your back yard. Davis and Anderson on the ends, backed by Biermann and Sidbury will suffice the philosophy and scheme that the Falcons are trying to achieve.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
8:48 pm
Ken, “Rock” Owens is a winner. I like that one.
Unca' Bob
May 8th, 2009
9:05 pm
Falcon21.
Having not been a guest of this site for months with out an “s” I have had a really good time. Having said that, some times the Devil comes out of me too.
cutter
May 8th, 2009
9:06 pm
Hey Stirg I’m with you on the name calling, no place for it here. Those types of things should never happen but if it does it should be done face to face. We can respectfully agree to disagree on the Abraham issue.
cutter
May 8th, 2009
9:09 pm
I heard Trey Lewis went down in camp and they were looking at his knee. Grimes practiced with the first team and TG was impressive as usual.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
cutter, everything copasetic. I just lost it when Abraham didn’t show up today. To me, that’s not showing veteran leadership. Damn what the coaches are talking about, “we kept him out for precautionary reasons”. At least show up. Show some leadership.
I’m online now and I’ll see if I can dig up the piece I referenced earlier. I’ll get back with you…
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
OH NO; SAY IT ISNT SO!!! Trey Lewis went down, for real cutter?
cutter
May 8th, 2009
9:13 pm
Yea don’t know how serious
falcon21
May 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
Unca’Bob enjoy this site, it is fun. I have had my hand slapped a few times from some of these bloggers as I well deserved but most of them are good people that can talk some serious Falcon football.
cutter
May 8th, 2009
9:16 pm
Abraham was at practice he just did not participate.
Falcon Devil
May 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
Good call, I will save the negativity for the fans of the crappy NFC teams. I just feel very strongly on this issue so I can get carried away. A great pass rush end is the most coveted and expensive position in football next to QB. Abraham prob has 1-3 great seasons left in him. I am of the position we are Super Bowl contenders this year and next barring significant injuries. We had absolutley no pass rush last year from anyone but Abraham. While are stocked with young potential at DE no one (Davis excluded) has yet to perform at an elite level and NFL history is full of guys who had tons of potential and never reached it. Abraham’s trade value would not be close to the value in actual production this year and next he can provide. We are no longer “rebuilding” and we should not trade our most productive player for future potential. We drafted Abraham replacement (Sidbury) but he is still raw according to scouts. We have the pass rush of the future to develop, Abraham is the pass rush of now. I say we fufill his contract and in two years say good-bye thanks for being a Falcon.
Falcon Devil
May 8th, 2009
9:23 pm
Defensive tackle Trey Lewis, who is coming back from a knee injury, went down briefly and trainers looked at his knee. But Lewis was fine and returned to practice.
WHEW!!! I got scared, thats from ESPN NFC South blog
falcon21
May 8th, 2009
9:28 pm
Thanks Falcon Devil for the quick info on Lewis. That is a relief.
Unca' Bob
May 8th, 2009
9:30 pm
Falcon21,
Thank you. I have always enjoyed this site. I have to agree with you, they are all good people and most of them can talk Falcon football.
falcon21
May 8th, 2009
9:34 pm
Your welcome Unca’Bob, you are one of us. Enjoy the blog!!!
cutter
May 8th, 2009
9:37 pm
Falcon Devil- I got a little salty myself but we are all loyal Falcon Fans.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
9:47 pm
Okay, I may have to retract my suggestion. If Trey Lewis is unable to perform, then that makes Abraham’s presence more relevant. Two sacks a game and let Sid “bury the QB at wounded knee” come in at the fourth quarter, I can go for that.
Still, my thoughts remain the same. If the Falcons do as well as we are blogging about, that means we’ll pick low in next year’s draft. I’m sure Abraham’s value would command, at least, a first round pick. These are just my thoughts, before the Lewis’ scare. Now, I change my mind. We cannot afford to lose Abraham AND Lewis. Whew! That was a close call, heh birds?
JoeBrave
May 8th, 2009
9:49 pm
Oh!yesssss finally some action from a real winner in this Town!
Great to hear the band is cranking up, Gonzo,Turner,White,Jenkins,Douglas,Norwood,Mughelli,OMG,what are the NFC South defenses gonna do when Matty Ice lays the smack down on You????
Looking for real good things from C.Iceman Jackson,and M.jackhammer Peterson.
No more getting beat on them lame crossing patterns that Brooking used to get torched on!!!
al in all I am lovin on me some Falcons Football!!!
cutter
May 8th, 2009
10:02 pm
Grady Jackson’s brother, Javorris, is facing murder charges after allegedly killing his girlfriend last Saturday.
Javorris was invited to Lions camp for a tryout last weekend, but he failed a physical due to a wrist injury. The Savannah State star turned the gun on himself after shooting his girlfriend, and he’s currently hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the chest
Falcon Devil
May 8th, 2009
10:02 pm
Saints 4th rounder LB tore his achilles tendon. Feel bad for the man, feel good the Saints defense isn’t getting better.
Unca' Bob
May 8th, 2009
10:17 pm
Strig,
Funny how the worm can turn. LOL. Have always thought the world of you.
Nothings changed.
Scoot
May 8th, 2009
10:21 pm
How about “Want Moore”.
Ken Strickland
May 8th, 2009
10:36 pm
Don’t be too alarmed if DT TLewis initially has some issues with his knee. After having 2 knee surgeries so close together, he’ll have a lot of scar tissue. The sooner that scar tissue gives way, the sooner he can adjust and get his knee back to normal.
I made a post on the last blog thinking I was posting on this one. I mentioned how I did some additional research on both the backups and new hires that are competing for starting positions. Based on the information I found, I’ve revised my starting DEF lineup.
DE-JAbraham & CDavis(will change if JAnderson dominates during training camp and preseason).
DT-PJerry & TLewis(if his knee holds up and he can go all out)
LB-MPeterson, CLofton & SNicholas(has more versatility and range than
CWire and more experience than other competitors).
CB-CHouston & CJackson(is healthy and had an excellent rookie season as nickel back. BGrimes will be his biggest competitor).
SS-TDecoud(has more experience and fewer holes in his gm than WMoore at this point).
FS-EColeman.
Trini Falcon fan
May 8th, 2009
10:38 pm
Nookah
you are right Carib is from Trinidad
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
10:39 pm
Nice piece on Gonzalez and the Falcons, on NFL.com. I remember, just a couple months ago, we were going at it about getting a blocking/catching tight end. I don’t know what tipped Dimitroff off about Pettigrew being gone before the 24th but it was a wise move to grab Gonzo before the draft. As Steve Wyche reported, I’ve been saying all alone that two-tight end sets (and sometimes three-tight end sets, as Wyche suggested) is going to to downright confuse defenses. They won’t know to either defend against the run or the pass. What a great acquisition. I guess I do know a little something about football, heh Falcon Devil?
Unca’ Bob, you alrgight with me.
Sarah B
May 8th, 2009
10:52 pm
Ya’ll calm down, Abraham isn’t going anywhere. So he may not want to give his all in the 4th qtr, thats what backups are for. Remember when stupid Jimmy Mora left him in the 4th qtr in the 4th qtr of the first game of the year 2007 when we where way ahead??? I do I was there and was thinking “what the hell is he still doing on the field?” 2 minutes later he took a cheap shoy from a Panther and went down for almost the whole year…. yeah we want that to happen again. Sorry Stirg, but you are wrong! This time but you still have my “benefit of the doubt” because you usually sound sane. BTW – I’m born and raised in the Motor City – is it looking any better lately???
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
10:54 pm
Ken, your starting lineup mock resembles mine, except for a couple positions. Lets get this debate started.
C. Davis is a good end and is ready to start for some (not most) NFL teams. You were one of the first ones in this cage that acknowledge that piece I did on defensive ends and the time it takes them to mature. I really do believe that Davis has reached that level of maturity and is ready to enter a run for pro-bowl type numbers. I just don’t think we should give up on Anderson this early, however. He’s entering his, what, third year? This is the year, according to my research, that he is supposed to blow up. Let’s give him a chance, at least the first couple of regular season games; and I agree with you, start Davis if he doesn’t show us something in the first quarter of the season.
Thomas Decoud showed up last year and he’s going to be even more impressive this year. You can’t sit William Moore, though. The boy is hungry; the boy is thirsty. I wouldn’t normally suggest on the job training for a normal rookie; but in the case of William “No” Moore, he’s like a Matt Ryan of defense. In due time, I can see this kid quarterbacking the defense. I think the value of drafting him, is equated to the value of drafting Hip-Hip Peria or Matty Ice, if not more.
Sarah B
May 8th, 2009
10:55 pm
That was cheap shot from a Panther – like there is any other kind. Damn Pussycats! BTW – that is a great roadtrip…
Sarah B
May 8th, 2009
11:00 pm
what happened to my last comment? this blog is eating posts…
falcon21
May 8th, 2009
11:03 pm
I got it Sarah, 10:52.
Sarah B
May 8th, 2009
11:05 pm
What I sid was it was a cheap shot from a Panther, but then is there any other kind? But it is a great roadtrip me and my bud have made it 4 years in a row until last year when we went to Tampa instead, better because there is a beach.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
11:06 pm
Sarah B., Detroit is the most depressed city in the nation right now. If the United States ever declared a Depression, it would look very similar to how Detroit looks right now. I live downtown and in the neighborhoods south of Eight Mile, every third or fourth house is boarded up; and the ugliness of reality comes when you see families walking out of those houses. People are actually living in residences that would be considered condemned in most cities. I’ve traveled alot and I’ve been to a lot of major cities. Detroit is the most depressed and prejudiced city, I have ever lived.
Didn’t mean to talk about your city like that but I believe in being honest.
JohnWaynesworld
May 8th, 2009
11:06 pm
Stirg d’Nahsif, I seem to recall the Abraham quote in question. I believe he said it when celebrating a game clinching sack with fellow teammates that gave us the ball and the clock for the win. I remember it as a celebration not as a stupid spoiled brat remark. Beside I have heard interviews with John and interviews about him and I just don’t believe he is that kind of guy. Brittle? Maybe. Lazy and conceited? NO!
Sara B, hey girl!
Sarah B
May 8th, 2009
11:15 pm
Strig – when I was a child I remember the tanks rolling down Woodward because of the riots there. When I was in 2nd grade we moved to Grosse Isle because my dad had been transfered to the Ford Flat Rock plant. Oh, I just showed my age. I work with Willie Stroud cousin of Marcus Stroud and was shocked when he knew nothing about the race riots of the 60’s. But he was very interested when I told him. Went online to research. Stirg I knew it was bad – but not that bad I still have sisters in Pontiac & Brighton. I’m supposed to do a family thing in Grand Harbor this August. That’s why I get so mad there are sooooo many Hondas on the road here. Buy American!!! I have a Ford Mustang Conv. It’s fabulous.
Sarah B
May 8th, 2009
11:17 pm
Hey JWW – I agree he is definately not lazy but brittle – a good part because of Mora’s dumb azz move in Charlotte I mentioned above.
Sarah B
May 8th, 2009
11:29 pm
Oh and good luck to Seattle with that move.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
11:30 pm
I feel you on that, Sarah B. Before even coming to Detroit, I’ve always driven Ford. I wasn’t here for the race riots but I just did a paper for class (I’m a grad student at Wayne St.; that’s why I’m here) and I recall the “blind pig” fiasco. You’re right; it is some very interesting reading. Don’t be alarmed that people, especially from the south, are unaware of that riot. I just learned about it two years ago, since coming here.
Things are turning around, I think. There’s a new mayor, at least until November. The NBA great Dave Bing! City Council is shaking up a little bit…it looks positive.
What confuses me, though, is why draft Matthew Stafford for the number one pick? The city is depressed and you want fans to come to the stadium (Red Wings, Tigers and sometimes Pistons, sell out all the time). If I’m the Lions owner, I won’t attract people by sitting my number one draft pick. Fans want to see some positive action…at least some effort. Detroit Lions made some pretty good picks, however; their defense can be awesome. We’ll see. I plan to tailgate for the pre-season opener, vs. the Falcons. If you’re not there, I’ll tell You about it.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
11:33 pm
Can anyone come up with a logical reason why John Abraham wasn’t voted into the Pro Bowl, with the impressive numbers he produced last season? Anybody.
Sarah B
May 8th, 2009
11:33 pm
Stirg I will have just been to MI in Aug. for M&D 50th anniversy in Grand Haven or that would be a great roadtrip too. Is Ford Field as cool as it looks on TV?
Sarah B
May 8th, 2009
11:35 pm
All the Giants homers is the only reason I can think of Stirg. Hey I was born at Grace Harper Hospital. Is it still there?
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
11:39 pm
You know, that’s one thing I got to give this city. They love their sports. Yes, Ford Field is awesome; and so is Comerica Park (baseball). There are plans to build a hockey arena, where the old Tiger Stadium was and it could be the best in the NHL.
The few good things thats keeping this city alive is Motown, the Casinos and professional sports (Pistons, Red Wings, Tigers, …)
Unca' Bob
May 8th, 2009
11:40 pm
K Strick,
In my minds eye you are THE geru of football. Nothing but respect. In my humble opinion, I feel William Moore will be a dominate force in the NFL for a very long time. DeCoud has a year on Mr Moore in the NFL. Having said that, in ten games played, Mr DeCoud had one tackle in ten games during the ‘08 season. Granted he was playing behind Milloy.
I truely believe Wm. Moore will turn a lot of heads. The disclaimer “at this point” understood completly.
WR
May 8th, 2009
11:41 pm
Wouldn’t you know it, theres a heated debate and I just happen to sign on at bedtime, well before I catch some Zzzz, how about a little catching up.
Stirg and Cutter, great arguments and remember there just arguments and that makes for some good football talk. Don’t lose respect for someones opinion, just disagree, if we all blog about the same thing with the same ideas I doubt this blog would have lasted this long, kind of like people complaining about D-Led bringing up the Lion’s, GA or GT, its Falcon territory but a football Nation. I actually thought about the same idea Stirg had for different reasons. I can care less about the mic’d up talk, but the age and value issue was something I thought about during the draft. On the one hand you have our most productive defensive player on the other you have a player who is getting long in the teeth. Solution, we just drafted his replacement,yes as his production decreases he will lose value but as of right now his value off the field is as important as it is on the field. If you look at Sidbury he is in the mode of a Abraham type and who better to learn from than Abraham, kind of like that commercial talking about people comparing a car to a camry, why not just buy a camry. Both of you guys make a good point but one of you just mentioned how smart of a move it was to get Gonzo,I agree, but consider although his production hasn’t decreased Gonzo too is on the downside of his career, so why get an offensive player with only a couple of years left in the tank and trade your best defensive player with a couple of years left in the tank. Stirg, the idea of value is a good point but consider the value the falcons get by having a mentor for a player in Sidbury who most if not all of us agree is a steal. If the birds were further away from being a contender I would agree with you stirg, but I feel as many on the blog feel, the birds are now a contender so lets see can Abe help bring a parade to peachtree over the next couple of years, and if not at least help mentor the DE who will.
Unca’Bob, sounded like you were going to break out the wiping stick for a second there,gotta get the fellas back in line right, if I haven’t said it enough once again, glad to have you abroad.
All is well from the cage, goodnight fellas
Sarah B
May 8th, 2009
11:43 pm
Strig – did the Lions get any DEF? They allowed like 571 pts last year. It was/wasn’t that hard to switch to the Falcons in ‘87 as I was used to rooting for the Lions all my life. My HS marching band marched for a pre-game when I was in HS in the SilverDome. I was thrilled! God no wonder I love football, grew up in the big 10, had the pitiful Lions to root for growing up, aaaah Football.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
11:50 pm
WR, we can kill my suggestion, now. That Trey Lewis report of him going down today, scared the hell out of me. We’ll need Abe. I agree with you, Abe would make a wonderful tutor for Sid “bury me a G”. We can stop that debate.
Sarah B
May 8th, 2009
11:50 pm
Stirg – down here in GA they think Stafford is the cat’s meow. Not like GA won anything major with him but their D did suck and he had a strong arm But……… I’m still a Mich State girl and was sad to give up the B’Ball title to UNC but wait until next year.
Big Ray
May 8th, 2009
11:51 pm
Greetings my Falcon Brethren!
Damn, I thought it was Harvey Dahl and Jason Jeffers that got tangled up, not Stirg, Cutter, and Falcon Devil! LOL!
On the real, I know what Stirg is talking about. That fire, urgency, and what not, that Mike Smith wants. That mic’ed up moment with John could easily be taken out of context, or it could be on target with what he thinks.
Still, I’m rolling with the coaching staff’s decision to hold Abe out, knowing that he knows what to do on the field and when, and that he’s banged and nicked up.
At the same time, we already have proof that Dimitroff and Smith have no problem cutting a guy loose once they feel he doesn’t have enough left to offer them, at the price they’re paying him. I say Abe stays for now, considering how talented he is. But if in the future, it appears that the pros do not outweigh the cons…watch the hatchet do it’s thing. Until then, may Abe get another Pro Bowl appointment.
On the flip side, the options are coming into play. Chauncey Davis was given the deal he got for a reason. Jamal Anderson will have a tough time getting a starting job anywhere on that line if he doesn’t “bring it.” And if he does “bring it,” as I suspect he will (he’ll have to), there’s another option…inside or outside. Peria Jerry will most likely give us a pass rush dynamic that we haven’t had at defensive tackle since Rod Coleman. Babineaux is already in place. And if I was a betting man, I wouldn’t bet against the speedy Sidbury making an impact this season.
Hate to see Trey Lewis starting up with the injury bug again, already. I know the article said he was up and on his feet again, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he was back up and PLAYING again, more specifically pain free. I sure hope he can get healthy and stay that way. We need him. If not, again, look for other options to come into play. Don’t sleep on Vance Walker, either…
Sarah B
May 8th, 2009
11:54 pm
Big Ray – I still blame Little Jimmy Mora as stated above for Abe’s “Im done in the 4th qtr” Even though sound bites don’t mean squat.