Gonzalez shines as minicamp closes
See if you can find Falcons owner Arthur Blank? Minicamp was open to the public on Saturday. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC)
FLOWERY BRANCH – The one lasting impression of the Falcons minicamp, was seeing Tony Gonzalez whizzing around the field like a youngster.
He appeared to catch everything thrown his way. On Sunday, he drove out to tip a pass that was too far in front of him. While falling to the ground, he caught the ball.
Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey had him run a couple of vertical routes and it doesn’t look like the 33-year-old has lost a step. (Wonder if the Hawks have called the Falcons to see if he can suit up for Game 4 on Monday. Gonzalez also played hoops at California and went to the Sweet 16 with Jason Kidd and the crew back in the day.)
“He’s everything that I’ve seen for the last nine or 10 years,” Falcons head coach Mike Smith
Falcon fan Michael "STATS" Walling (42), of Dawsonville, was excited to see new tight end Tony Gonzalez. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC)
said. “He’s the prototypical tight end. He can block. He can catch. He can run after the catch. He’s just a guy who’s going to make everybody on this team, offense and defense, better.
KICKING IT WITH THE BVG: Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder is still the loudest coach on the field.
He’s got perhaps the toughest job, but has tons of help from his assistants and Smith. Molding at least five new starters into the unit is going something we’ll keep tabs on.
POSITION OUT IN
Strong safety Lawyer Milloy Thomas DeCoud
Cornerback Dominique Foxworth Brent Grimes
Weakside LB KeithBrooking Michael Peterson
Strongside LB Michael Boley Stephen Nicholas
Nose tackle Grady Jackson Trey Lewis
BVG thinks he has enough veterans to blend in some of the young talent.
John Abraham did not practice during mini-camp. The Falcons would not say if he a surgery or medical procedure. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC)
He cited Erik Coleman, Michael Peterson, John Abraham and Chauncey Davis.
“We’ve got enough veteran leadership that can work out to be a great blend with the young players,” VanGorder said. “With young players . . . right now it’s kind of crucial to allow them to get comfortable.”
COMPETITION: Smith said don’t put too much stock into how the unit lined up in mini-camp. There will be plenty of competition for those starting spots. First round pick Peria Jerry could push Lewis. Chris Owens could push Grimes and William Moore could push DeCoud.
“They are competing for playing time,” VanGorder said. “That playing time could come in a lot of different forms. That doesn’t mean, just as a starter. Certainly a lot of guys are battling for starting positions. Some guys are trying to earn spots on the roster. Some guys are trying to get into the two-deep so that they can gain reps. There are a lot of dynamics involved in that.”
NO MATTER HOW IT GOES DOWN, THE DEFENSE WILL BE YOUNG: “We’re going to be young,
Trey Lews (97) had a minor scare on his first day back after two knee surgeries. He spent last season on injured reserve. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC)
but I still think we’ve got a good mixture,” VanGorder said. “We have a number of guys going into their third year. We played with some rookies last year, who gained some valuable experience and should improve this year.
We’ve got a good formula set up.”
MULARKEY ON THE OFFENSE: Mularkey knows that with Gonazlez on board, teams will have trouble keying on one player.
There were games last season, when teams could sellout on stopping Michael Turner or Roddy White and shut the offense down.
“It will be hard to beat down on one guy with Tony in there,” Mularkey said. “It should help the run game with him in there.”
The theme for the offense is “Get Better.”
“We want to get better, everywhere,” Mularkey said.
THE ROOKIES: Made it a point to meet all of the rookie draft choices. Real nice and intelligent group. The Garrett Reynolds kid is huge. He’s the second biggest lineman next to Tyson Clabo. Was worried about the cornerbacks — Chris Owens and William Middleton — being to small. But one Falcon scout told me “as long as they can play.” And warned not to get caught up on their height. William Moore looks like a stud, now it will just be a matter of how fast will he pick up the defense.
Well, now that mini-camp is over, did you get your football fix? Learn anything new about the rookies? Worried about the defense still? Excited about the offense?
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768 comments Add your comment
Ken Strickland
May 17th, 2009
10:24 am
D3-What’s up my friend? I didn’t include LSidbury as a primary backup because KBiermann has a yr under his belt and Sid hasn’t shown his stuff yet. However, you can bet Sidbury will be used regularly as a pass rushing specialist in passing situations.
In FS CCrocker’s defense, he was more of a SS that was forced to function as a FS. He didn’t have the speed or the instincts to be an effective FS, but he would have been a far better SS than LMalloy. To be honest, I don’t think BPetrino even cared about the DEF side of the gm.
I think CB JWilliams’ size, speed and strength would have made him a better SS or FS than CB. He was a little short on technique as a CB, but that wouldn’t have been an issue at safety. It appears other teams have the same idea, which explains why he’s still in the league.
DHall was one of the best cover CB in the NFL. When our DEF coordinator under JMora decided to switch to his version of the cover 2 zone scheme, it reduced his effectiveness and he struggled. You might have gotten the same reaction and results if the same had been done to Dion Sanders. Man to man and Zone, especially the cover 2 zone, require entirely different skill sets. Last yr 3 teams decided to switch to the cover 2 zone scheme, which is why 3 of the NFL’s top cover CB’s were released or traded. It also had a negative effect on SS LMalloy and FS CCrocker, since neither had the skills to be cover 2 safeties.
It doesn’t matter how quick, fast or talented a player is, if he’s not placed in a system that allows him to take full advantage of his talents, he’ll look average and become frustrated. Wouldn’t you have the same reaction in the same situation? Our OL is a great example of that.
Look at the difference in RB WDunn’s career with Tampa Bay and the Falcons. Tampa Bay used a power rushing attack that featured FB Alscot and focused on running between the tackles. That wasn’t a good system for a 185lb RB like WDunn, so he was limited to being a situational RB. With the Falcons, he was used in a system that took full advantage of his speed, quickness, ability to read blocks and cutback. As a result, he excelled and become a Probowl RB.
Once upon a time a QB was taken as a top draft pick. He was eventually criticized by fans and the media for making bad decisions, being inaccurate and overthrowing WR’s because his arm was too strong and he had no touch. He was also criticized for being one dimensional and running too much instead of staying in the pocket. CAN ANY OF YOU GUESS WHO THAT QB WAS?
WELL, IT WASN’T WHO SOME OF YOU ARE THINKING. IT WAS HOF 49ER QB STEVE YOUNG, BEFORE HE WAS TRADED FROM TAMPA BAY TO THE 49ER’S. The same holds true for another former Tampa Bay QB, Doug Williams, who flurished with the Redskins and won a SB while setting a Superbowl passing record. One system supressed the players talents while another system took full advantage of it.
jason
May 17th, 2009
10:46 am
Ken, where would we all be without your insight and football wisdom? Excellent post, but you are known for that. I agree with it all. That other QB you knew we were thinking about… Similar set of circumstances. He just didn’t show the maturity to pesevere. The lines on the OL are acurate.also. The reply you sent me this morning said it all. Every player that’s in the NFL is there because they can play. They all need 3 things. 1) Talent 2) Oppurtunity 3) A system to let the other 2 needs Flourish.
jason
May 17th, 2009
10:48 am
Hey guys, lets pick it up here in the Cage. We need 600 posta, and we are still on page 6. Lets get the Bird Cage rockin!!!
Jimbo
May 17th, 2009
10:53 am
Found this link on John Abraham:
http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFL/NFC/NFC+South/Atlanta/WWHI/2009/wwhi051509.htm
I know I’ve seen the specualtion over Mr. Abraham and this certainly doesn’t answer any questions, however, I remember the team not releasing any information a few years ago about Crumpler’s off-season surgeries and it turned out that he had indeed had some procedures done on his knee.
jason
May 17th, 2009
11:04 am
Jimbo, interesting article. My thoughts on Abraham are that he is the Defensive player ATL has. Most important also. He makes the rest of the front seven better. He even has an effect on the DBs too. My concerns are that Abraham is not durable. He is injury prone, and 10 years in the league, he is not getting younger. The injuries he may have in the future will take even longer to heal. Kroy Biermann was drafted last yeat and did a stellar job backing Abe up. In come Sidbury, whom I think will be developed to take Abe’s place as the signatyre sack specialist in the near future. Near I mean, as soon as next season. More than likely though it will be 2011.
jason
May 17th, 2009
11:07 am
Also, do not underestimate the great job of Smitty’s abilty to substitute for Abe. Therefore getting the most production out of Abe, and keeping hime fresh and at a low risk to injury.
D3
May 17th, 2009
11:12 am
jason – you’re right on j-man. I know we have a lot of our peeps here in the ‘Cage that like to hate on Houston, but I thought he had a lot better year last year and will only get better. Many like to point to the times he got burnt, which is understandable to an extent. However, most CB’s in the league get torched a time or two. Also, we found out first hand what a liability Milloy was in pass coverage in the Arizona game; BVG just disguised it better throughout the year. I agree totally on Middleton. To most GM’s that’s kind of a throw-away pick, but to TD that might as well be a 3rd rounder. His 5th rounder last year, Kroy Biermann, made the team and contributed heavily as a rookie. Grimes is a tough player and works his tail off, but I think he’s better suited as a quarter back, than a starting CB or Nickel. It’s amazing how much our secondary will have improved in a matter of a couple years.
77 DAYS AND COUNTING TO 2009 ATLANTA FALCONS TRAINING CAMP…………
D3
May 17th, 2009
11:12 am
PAGE 7……….WE HAVE ARRIVED BIRD-CAGE BRETHREN!!!!!!!
D3
May 17th, 2009
11:21 am
Taking the Nephews to their first Braves game today, so gotta run for now, but I’ll be back later with some good stuff.
Ken Strick – I agree with you 99% of the time, but I gotta depart from your defense of MeHall. Very true that his skills were some of the absolute best of any cover corner in the NFL, but he has one of the worst attitudes in the League and there are absolutely no excuses or anyone to blame but himself. I understand the system may have changed, head coaches may have changes, but he gets paid millions of dollars to adjust. He is one of the most talented CB’s in the league, but also possesses the worst attitude as well. Give me Brent Grimes any day of the week over MeAngelo Hall. JMHO.
Later bro’s……..
jason
May 17th, 2009
12:34 pm
I think it takes at least 3 years before you know what you have in a typical NFL player. Doesn’t matter the position. As good as Matty Ice did last year…Lets say he struggles this year. Could happen, NFL teams are known to adjust. If he does struggle( hope not)it will say alot about his mental makeup by what he does in year 3. Adversity only makes you better as a player if you put in the hard work to improve yourself. You do this in the most part by studying film. Not just what your opponets are doing, but what you are doing. How you are positioned, what you are reading. That’s why I think this is a critical year for a few players. I just reviewed ATLs roster and there are alot of key contributors going into their 3rd year. This season is going to be critical in the process of the Atlanta Falcons. OL) Blalock, Dahl, Foster, Ojinaka.QB) Shockley( need to show this year) RB)Snelling On defense you have DL) Anderson, and Lewis( has to prove the ability to sta healthy. The rest will take care of itself) LB) Nicolas( he has sat and learned, now its showtime) DBs) Houston, Irons, Harris. Irons, has to show more that ST. He also has to prove he can stay healthy. Final point on the two Razorbacks Houston and Anderson. Noone can deny the talent. We are all waiting on the execution, and the production. You are going to be in for a ride this year. These two know they are playing for their jobs. They both are ready to bust out. Remember year three, it starts to sink in. How much they have to work, how much they have retained from the previous two years.
It also helps that this is the second year in the Smitty system, and that is going to go a long way in what each of these individuals accomplish as a team. I think this group that I have mentioned is in sense the core of the team, along with Ryan and Lofton.
JJ
May 17th, 2009
12:50 pm
WEEK 1 PREVIEW: MIA VS. ATL
2008 Stats:
MIA Offense: Rush – 11 Pass – 10
ATL Offense: Rush – 2 Pass – 14
MIA Defense: Rush – 10 Pass – 25
ATL Defense: Rush – 25 Pass – 21
Common Opponents:
MIA: vs ARI (10-31) L DIFF: -21
vs SD (17-10) W DIFF: +7
vs DEN (26-17) W DIFF: +11
vs OAK (17-15) W DIFF: +2
vs KC (38-31) W DIFF: +7
————
4-1 DIFF: +6
ATL: vs KC (38-14) W DIFF: +24
vs OAK (24-0) W DIFF: +24
vs DEN (20-24) L DIFF: -4
vs SD (22-16) W DIFF: +6
vs ARI (24-30) L DIFF: -6
—————
3-2 DIFF: +44
FA: MIA- Jason Taylor LB
ATL- Tony Gonzalez TE
DRAFT: MIA- 2 CB, 1 QB, 1 WR
ATL- DT, S, CB, DE
Observation:
Miami is similar to Atlanta in that they surprised allot of people last yr. They both have good offenses and average defenses. The stat from 2008 that jumps out is MIA defense against the rush: 10th. They just resigned Taylor so that should improve or stay around 10th. They drafted 2 CB, but how good are rookie CB? I think they’ll be good against the run but shaky against the pass again this yr. On offense – all I see is they added to their wildcat bs!
Atlanta, on the other hand, has greatly improved their offense with Tony and their defense with a healthy Lewis, Jerry, Peterson and one of our draft picks in the secondary. I beleive we would have beaten them straight up last yr, although a tough game. Chad can have explosive games but come on – we have matty. Their offense is relatively unchanged and their defense still middle of the league.
As it is the first game at home, with Barry singing his anthem and the bird cage’brothers/sis screaming “THOU SHALT NOT RUN”, I predict a blow-out like last yr.’s first home game!
ATL 35 MIA 14
Welcome to ATL Tony G.- 3 TD day!
Ken Strickland
May 17th, 2009
1:41 pm
JASON-KBiermann was actually a LB in college and Sidbury was a DE. So, he has more experience rushing the passer as a down lineman. Actually, LB’s MBoley and SNicholas were used as down linemen to rush the passer. This yr, our DEF will be able to rush the passer without using LB’s as DE’s and a lot of gimmicks.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, DT has been our main DEF weakness over the last few yrs. However, with the addition of DT’s PJerry, VWalker and the return of TLewis, DT could end up being our major strength. The same can be said for SS, OLB and LDE. It’s going to be difficult for the Falcons DEF not to be good. The only question is, HOW GOOD WILL THEY BE?
MAN, I’M ABOUT TO WET MY PANTS THINKING ABOUT THE POTENTIAL OF THIS YRS FALCONS. I DON’T EVEN WANT TO THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH MORE EXCITED I’LL BE WHEN TRAINING CAMP OFFICIALLY STARTS. How many teams can boast that 4(WR RWhite, TE TGonzalez, QB MRyan & RB MTurner) of their 6 off skill position players(HB, FB, TE, WR, FL & QB) played in last yrs Probowl?
jason
May 17th, 2009
2:54 pm
Ken Strickland, I think Biermann was a DE in Collage. Never the less I see what you are saying about not needing gimmicks. I was actually think about all the possibilities Atlanta could do with the diversity of the personel. They have alot of pieces that can do multple things. Whether they do or not,I don’y know. But it sure is fun to think about. Man, I am with you waiting on the preseason so I can get a look for myself at the talent of this years team. You are so right about the offense and the ProBowl talent level. I think the Defense will be underrated and flying below the radr. The Defense will be the key to a successful Atlanta Falcon Season. We know what the Offense is capable of. The question marks on defenses and just how good can they be?
Jimbo
May 17th, 2009
4:03 pm
Preach it Ovie . . .
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/Shout_out_to_my_NFL_homies/629211
Is there really any question? Sometimes these blog sites just need to create controversy . . . You be the judge.
Jimbo
May 17th, 2009
4:12 pm
2009 Oakland Raiders
1 Sep 14 SD @ OAK – L
2 Sep 20 OAK @ KC – W
3 Sep 27 DEN @ OAK – L
4 Oct 04 OAK @ HOU – L
5 Oct 11 OAK @ NYG – L
6 Oct 18 PHI @ OAK – L
7 Oct 25 NYJ @ OAK – W
8 Nov 01 OAK @ SD – L
9 Bye
10 Nov 15 KC @ OAK – L
11 Nov 22 CIN @ OAK – W
12 Nov 26 OAK @ DAL – L
13 Dec 06 OAK @ PIT – L
14 Dec 13 WAS @ OAK – W
15 Dec 20 OAK @ DEN – L
16 Dec 27 OAK @ CLE – L
17 Jan 03 BAL @ OAK – L
4-12
Jimbo
May 17th, 2009
4:14 pm
http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/Shout_out_to_my_NFL_homies/629211
Check out Ovie’s comments. Looks like this blog site is trying to start a controversy.
Ken Strickland
May 17th, 2009
4:21 pm
D3-I wasn’t trying to justify DHall’s attitude, just offering an explination for it, or at least some of it. I believe he should have found a way to deal with the issue instead of allowing it to consume him and derail what could have been a potential HOF career.
JASON-you might be correct. At any rate, thanks for the correction.
Earlier in the blog someone asked me about CB Middleton. Later I stated wondering why that person singled him out. After thinking about it for a while, I did some digging on him. It appears the biggest knock on him is his height. He has the speed and quickness to play CB at the pro level. However, the player that blew me away was DT Vance Walker. I’d seen several comments about him being a steal in the 7th rd, but I didn’t realize how much of a steal. This guy was an All-American in 07 and made 3nd team All-American in 08 despite having a down yr after suffering a concusion and other injuries. Man, the DT position is looking better and better for the Falcons. I’m starting to like our DEF’s potential more and more as I find out more and more.
jason
May 17th, 2009
4:53 pm
Question, Does Atlanta’s defense line run DT and a NT? Or, the DTs interchangable? I don’t know much about the DTs. All I know is that they are space eaters to free up the LBs? You know like one DT is a gap shooter, and one a space eater. if you look at the DTs like that who would start at each, and how do youe set the rotation.
For example, in premature depth chart I have DT) Babineaux followed by Jerry, and Anderson(plays all along the DL). At NT, I have Lewis(if Healthy), Walker, and Jefferson. Just an example, don’t hold me to it.
jason
May 17th, 2009
4:54 pm
Oh yeah, right now I am counting just 5 DTs, because Jamaal Anderson can play the whole DL.
Shamus Thacker
May 17th, 2009
5:06 pm
About every ten years it occurs to me that Tommy Nobis is not in the HOF. Pizzes me off every time…
I’m so blitzed that I can’t remember who does the voting on the NFL version. Is there some kinda selection committee, is it sportswriters? Either way, somebody’s overlooking a worthy party.
jason
May 17th, 2009
5:11 pm
I have some good news to share with you. I know this is off topic. But I had a visit today from a director with the Make A Wish foundation. My son who has multiple Special Needs was just approved for a wish. He gets to go to Walt Disney World this summer. We just have to coordinate the time. I thought I had him trained. You know for Team Captain for the DAWGS or the Falcons. But what can you do. It’s hard to compete with Disney when you have an 8 yr. old. I thought that was pretty cool. You know when someone wins something and they say”I never could have dreamt that this could happen to me.” That’s kind of how I feel, even though this gift is for my son. I never could have seen this coming. Anyway, I thought I would share this bit of good news with everybody on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.
jason
May 17th, 2009
5:13 pm
You know to be Team Captain for a DAWGS or the Falcons game.
JJ
May 17th, 2009
5:37 pm
Congrats to your son, Jason!
Jimbo
May 17th, 2009
5:48 pm
Here’s a thought provoking article.
http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/messages/chrono/15060241
apparently, the Falcons are $20M under the salary cap for the 2009 season. This could allow up to “sprinkle in” some free agents come June depending upon what we see from the folks in camp today. It’s nice to see that we have the extra flexibility to make some moves if needed. Also, might make keeping Redmon a little more palatable.
No matter how you slice it, it nice to give TD a few more tools in the ol’ toolbox.
falcon21
May 17th, 2009
5:53 pm
Jason, that is great news for your son and you. Who cares if it is off topic! Glad to see good things happening for your family. From a true Dawgs and Falcons fan to you and your family!!!
Jimbo
May 17th, 2009
6:01 pm
Ken, You mentioned that some of other people were knocking Middleton because of his height. One of my favorite players was Darrell Green. I realize that he was the exception rather than the rule. I’m just saying, he was 5′9″ and about 185, and also one of the all-timers at the position. What I like about all the guys they brought in for the secondary is that they were leaders on their respective teams. That tells me they have heart (and you can’t teach that) and know how to play the game. So, I’m not worried. Will there be occasions whre they will get beat because of their height, absolutely. Will they learn from it and be better prepared the next time, I think so.
Jimbo
May 17th, 2009
6:04 pm
Jason, That is awesoem news for your little guy. I’ll bet he can hardly contain himself. Congratulations, I hope y’all have a blast. This is one of those once in a lifetime deals. You must be excited.
jason
May 17th, 2009
6:05 pm
Thanks you guys. With the cap room 20 mil. Do you think we need to sign any FAs? Other than say locking up Redman, and Clabo. With Atlanta’s draft, is there a true need? I’m thinking anexpierenced CB with some size, but other than that I don’t know. I am happy with the team as it is now. Maybe if you can’t work the trade for MV, ATL could afford to cut him and absorb the hit. Although I’m not sure what the hit would be.
Unca' Bob
May 17th, 2009
6:20 pm
Dean21,
You are now the official “IT” geru for the Cagers’ blog. That “F5″ thing works much , much better than the refresh button. To paraphrase D3 you are the MAN!
jason,
San An Tone’. Got my first taste of Tex-Mex there in the early ’60’s. Spoiled me from everything I have eaten since. I’m like you , in that, where I live I see very few Falcon games. Twice a year when they play Carolina are my only sure things. This year the Falcons play in two prime-time games so I’m looking forward to the expanded exposure.
K Strick,
Words alone can NOT express the gratitude for what you have done for not only me, but for the other minds that want to know. I have learned a great deal, and for that, I am eternally grateful. My “process” continues.
D3,
What did the ‘phews think of their first “Crackers” game? With wide eyed wonder, loved it, no doubt. Good Man. If I recall, I saw an earlier post you made refernce to, “practicing our typing skills”. Heck,( I hope that does’t get filtered) in the time I’ve been reading this blog you have probably burned-up three keyboards and no longer have finger prints that even the FBI can identify. Thanx for keeping up with the day to day happenings on our blog. You da’ MAN, too.
falcon21
May 17th, 2009
6:22 pm
Jimbo, do you remember Bobby Butler? He was 5-9 and to me was one of the best DB’s or CB’s the Falcons ever had. I think Deon was the best but Tim Mac. was pretty good himself! Not sure how to spell T.Mac’s last name.
Unca' Bob
May 17th, 2009
6:36 pm
jason,
That is the best news I’ve read in a long, long time. ” When you wish upon a star…Best wishes.
Unca' Bob
May 17th, 2009
6:41 pm
falcon21,
# 23 on the roster. One more in a line of over achievers.
Sarah B
May 17th, 2009
6:57 pm
Hey guys, just checkin in first time I’ve turned on the laptop this weekend. What’s up?? I’m glad to srr somr more of you want to meet up at training camp. I’m game I live at Dhallofond and 85 in Dekalb County. I’m ready let’s go!!!
Sarah B
May 17th, 2009
6:59 pm
Wait that was hear.. and ShalloWford Rd = damn tiny laptop keys…
Sarah B
May 17th, 2009
7:05 pm
Jason – Faboulous news about your son I’m very glad something very good happened for him. I love a happy story. May his life be happy and long…
Jimbo
May 17th, 2009
7:06 pm
Falcon21, I got to Atlanta in ‘88 and really wasn’t much of a fan until about ‘91. By then he was on the downside of his career. I remember him giving the Eagles fits one game, I think in ‘85. Back then, I had some colorful adjectives to describe him, and since Sarah is in the Cage, I better not repeat them.
Sarah B
May 17th, 2009
7:10 pm
Jimbo I am in the cage but can handle bout anything you can dish out, I’m tougher than most guys. Youngest of 6.
Unca' Bob
May 17th, 2009
7:23 pm
Shamus Thacker,
I didn’t know Tommy Nobis was not in the HOF. Why that is I don’t know. In my minds eye, Mr Nobis is one of the best to ever, ever play the game. Honestly, it comes to me as a shock that he is not a member. I remember your name from a post from a different blog that had to do with K Brookings and M Chambers. Man, that is with no doubt, THE funniest line I have ever read. At that time I changed your name to Shameless Thacker. Thanx for a great laugh.
falcon21
May 17th, 2009
7:41 pm
I hear you Jimbo but Sarah is just another bird in the cage. You will not hurt her feelings.
falcon21
May 17th, 2009
7:53 pm
Unca’Bob, the only reason Tommy is not in the HOF is because he played on such pizz poor teams. I agree it is not right, Tommy was one of the best but that is how the NFL is. Things are changing now, these are not the same old Falcons.
Unca' Bob
May 17th, 2009
8:28 pm
falcon21,
Thank you for your reply. Mr Nobis is, and always will be Falcon #1 to me. The times are a’ changin’, and some how , I still get a great deal of comfort being an ol’ Falcon.
Unca' Bob
May 17th, 2009
8:59 pm
Enter your comments here
JJ
May 17th, 2009
9:01 pm
D3: last time my friend, these “new” bloggers want to social with each other and I just really want to talk my falcons! I spent some time re-searching miami and not one dame reply, damn i miss the guys from pre-draft we had. I’ll watch every day, but damn – this is not nfl blog!!!
Too much research for ZERO reply – thanks for the recipes bro!!!
falcon21
May 17th, 2009
9:04 pm
Unca’Bob, ol’Falcon fans as you and I are, we have always hoped for this kind of management to carry this team to a higher level for years to come!!! The times they are a changing.
falcon21
May 17th, 2009
9:14 pm
Sorry JJ, I thought I was talking Falcon football. I will put my hands in my pockets and only read.
Ken Strickland
May 17th, 2009
9:17 pm
JIMBO-Middleton and DHall are the same size. I remember the yr DHall went up against WR TOwens twice when he was with Philly and DHall ate his lunch both times. Darrell Green was better at 40 than most CB’s were at half his age. I believe Dion Sanders would have been the same way if his feet hadn’t betrayed him.
UNCA BOB-you don’t know how much I appreciate the compliment and the acknowledgement, THANKS MY FRIEND. It appears DE JAbraham did have some sort of surgery during the off season. That would make the acquisition of DE LSidbury even more of a steal. A DE rotation of JAnderson, JAbraham, CDavis, KBiermann, LSidbury and possibly MLucas or WEvans ain’t bad at all. A DT rotation of PJerry, TLewis, JBabineaux, VWalker and either JJefferson, TJohnson or Tmiles ain’t bad either.
The more I read about CB COwens, the more I believe he will be the one to replace former CB DFoxworth. The report said teams respected and feared his playmaking ability so much they just didn’t throw his way. He was rated as the best shutdown corner on the entire West coast and one of the best in college. That’s why TD and Smitty were watching him so closely.
He was so good that he didn’t get anywhere near the opportunities to make as many plays as his CB teammate. The other CB’s that played opposite him got the recognition and made more plays, but he was the reason they got so many chances. If Middleton has a good camp, we might see either VHutchins or BGrimes traded or released. Hutchins is considered more of a cover 2 CB that’s very physical and well suited for nickle back, but CJackson might have that locked up based on last yrs performance.
jason
May 17th, 2009
9:59 pm
falcon21,I remember Bobby Butler. He was Deion before Deiom as far as ATL CBs are concerned. FSU, Seminole Warrior would be so proud.
falcon21
May 17th, 2009
10:03 pm
Ken S. I agree with you on C.Jackson. V.Hutchins, I still have no clue about. Grimes got beat a few times last season at corner in the limited amount of time he was there. As you said, one of the two will porbably be cut or traded. Hopefully some of the younger guys will make a good showing in preseason.
falcon21
May 17th, 2009
10:14 pm
Yeah Jason, BB was a small CB but could hold his own with anyone.
jason
May 17th, 2009
10:17 pm
One thing, has ATL ever had a player go to the HOF? I was talking one day a while ago about great players who never made the HOF. I always thought Steve Bartkowski was a great player. I thought if he played on a winning team he would have gotten more noteriety. Steve had a cannon, long before Farve.
Did anyone see my post earluer about the DTs? It was at 4:53. I am courious on opinions. Hey, Ken, I know you can provide me and answer. I am courious.
JJ sorry, I had some exciting news I needed to share with some people. I thoought what better than the Bird Cage considering he is afterall a DAWGS, and a Falcon born and raised.
D3, what’s up? Did you and your nephews get rained out. If not give me a score.Unca’ Bob’s right. Dude you have to be on your third keyboard just this blog alone. Mad typing skills with great research to keep us all up to date. Like my kid, when ATL wins the Super Bowl, I want to hear I am going to Disney World!!! Keep the info coming, I am waiting to drop the AFC North tomorrow. What team is up first ?
Seriously, the conversation about Middleton is intriging. I believe TD drafted Middleton for a purpose. I don’t believe he drafts players for the sake of depth. I think he looks at each transaction whether draft or FA,the decision is made on the premise of can he help our team get better. TD banks on getting starters; if not, getting productive players who fit the scheme and can excell at their roles for the ultimate benefit of the team.