Gonzalez shines as minicamp closes

Okay, we are looking at CBs. DTs can wait. Who does ATL have for sure? Houston and Jackson. I think Owens and Middleton are both locks also. How many CBs will Smitty/Van Gorder take? If 5 then Grimes or Hutchins are in trouble. It will depend on who is diverse; can play nickel, possibly safety in a pinch. Who is strong coming up on the run. If they go 6, they both may be ok. I don’t see Irons making the roster at all.

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JJ, I am going to give you a reply on the Dolphins matchup. It’s a Bill Parcells team so you know what is up. The Dolphins are going to play sound fundemental football. They are going to run the ball and stop the run. Then they are going to throw blitzes at Matty Ice.
ATL is going to try and establish the run. This will be no easy task. Like last year against the Lions I think ATL will come out throwing. But this time it will be establishing Gonzo first. That will intell set up Roddy in the second Half. I say Turner doe not go for a 100. I look for him to be in the 90’s range. I do however expect Ryan to 300 and 4 TDs. 2 each to White and Gonzo. On Defense ATL will stop the run. The X Factor, the Wildcat will be interesting. I think ATL will get Burnt on that formation once. After all it is the first game of the season. But only once. The speed ATL has at DE and OLB they will neutralize the Wildcat. I say Pat White either turns the ball over, or has a negative yardage play. I see 3 TOs for miami and ATL wins 31-17.

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Got it Unca’Bob, no more one and done years. We may be on one heck of a roll now. Sorry JJ, it is still Falcon football we are talking about.

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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!

D3 & Unca Bob>>>>>>THANKS MAN but I don’t think this was a difficult process, just an idea to slay the blog monster which I’m sure all of us have been a victim a time or two…again, just helping the Cagers stay free of that little eat em up monster!
Just call me the blog slayer! (jk)

Jason>>>>>>> Hers’s a shout out to you & your son…CONGRATS MAN, give your son a high 5 from the Dean!!

Turning in for the night, just thought I drop a few lines on the defense side real quick..Ken Strickland, you are right on point brother…our defense will be much improved and will surprise a lot of people except the folks who believe like the Falcons Bird Cage!
The key people to watch are the dT & CB’S. Again, I asked Trey Lewis during mini-camp was he 100% healthy and he gave me a thumbs up and said he was ready, so not only did I leave with his autograph, I also left with a smirk on my face knowing that this kid will be awesome given the opportunity to play at full strength. This will be this kid’s year as well!

I agree with Jason on the 3 year development process, I’m sure we will know exactly what we have in C. Houston and J Anderson this season. I must admit, Chris is a nice guy off the field, did me a solid by taking a pic with my son…truly made his day! (Thanks Chris!)

Sarah B….I will be glad to work with you on initiating a committee to join the cagers at training camp this season, just let me know…and I’m sure D3 wlll be glad to assist as well.

Alright Cagers, I’ll be back later today for my analysis per D3 schedule.

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Great Late Sunday/Very Early A.M. Bird-Cagers! My sleep schedule is all jacked up, so I took a nice, long needed nap when got home from the rained out Bravo’s game. To Falcons & Football……

JJ – what’s up brother-man? Don’t leave the ‘Cage bro. The move away from pure Falcons can be blamed on me. I just tried to give us some supplemental material as we roll into the dry spell of downtime from mini-camp to training camp. It’s something I enjoy doing more on a daily basis, rather than a weekly, and it will be really difficult to talk Falcons all the time during this dry period and still have a lot of participation(DOL hasn’t posted in a week, most likely taking a break since there’s absolutely nothing going on). I basically have just thrown out a ton of different options and our Bird-Cager’s can post on what ever they like as they please. I have been planning to give my Atlanta-Miami in-depth analysis, but just haven’t gotten around to it. We got our each game opponent analysis we’re touching on each week, which I say we just continue into this week since we’d didn’t have a bunch of posts on it. We’re also analyzing a roster spot per weekday taking us through the summer. Anything you want to analyze, just let us know. Your recipe ideas was the bomb and I’ve used Lil’ Dave’s tender sauce and want tons more from our ‘Cage. Let’s get that kicked up again. So, I ask for you to stay here rockin’ out your great analysis here in the ‘Cage.

jason – great to hear about your son. It’s amazing to hear stories of great things happening to great people.

Unca’ Bob – yep, go figure that my nephews first ever Braves game gets rained out. All good b/c we can exchange for another game in the summer. Also, thanks for the props. Just trying to keep the Bird-Cage healthy and rolling strong.

Possible Topics This Week

Weekly Falcons Opponent:
Atlanta vs. Miami (continue this week)
-include matchups
-key player/strategies
-how game will play out
-final score

Roster Spot Analysis
1 Monday 18-May QB 1
2 Tuesday 19-May QB 2
3 Wednesday 20-May QB 3
4 Thursday 21-May RB 1
5 Friday 22-May RB 2

AFC North Analysis and Predictions
Monday – Bengals
Tuesday – Browns
Wednesday – Ravens
Thursday – Steelers

Guys and gals, these are just ideas I’m throwing out there to help keep the Bird-Cage alive during this downtime. This is by no means the only things to talk about, simply just additional things that will help us stay engaged until OTA’s and Training Camp. If any of you have any other ideas, suggestions, topics, or things you like changed feel free to let it fly. The Bird-Cage is a community of us, by us, and for us.

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D3, I saw the headline and refused to subject myself to that. I posted earlier about his blog and Terrance Moore’s blog(when he was here). It goes to show you that no matter how far we have come; apparently we still have a ways to go. Here’s to keeping the CAGE healthy and moving foward. Not going to put up with any craziness in here.
I wamt to go back to the ATL/MIA match up. I am not going to get into every position group for both teams. I am going to pick one player on offense and one on defense. On offense, I picked a combination. Turner and rush OL. As I said earlier, I don’t think Turner gets 100 yds. in this game. The rush OL against MIA’s run defense in my opinion is going to be most pivotal in the game. I see a team effort fo 1oo yds. I think ball control and time of possession is crucial. Keep the ball and score; keeps Wildcat and Pat White on the sideline. Score enough and it takes Wildcat out of the picture. I am going on the fact that Miami is deploying the Bill Parcels 3-4. They have a good anchor in UGA’s own Jason Fergurson. Now, I don’t see Taylor as DE in this formation. A rush OLB. Their D will only go as their LBs go. Porter, Ayodel, Torbor, Crowder, and Taylor. LBs are very active. Have to create mismatche maybe get Taylor on Gonzo. Let the two old men do battle. Atlanta will have to pass to set up the run. I think they will be successful in that the first half by going to Gonzo and opening up the outside for white in the second half. ATL has 3 big WRs to take advantage of small inexpirenced DBs. Don’t forget Douglas in the slot.
On th ATL’s D side, they have to get a strong pass rush. Miami always seem to have a good OL. Add that to Penningto getting the ball out quickly, ATL could have their hands full. Now at WR I don’t see alot of physicality there. That’s not a bad thing considering a lack of size in our DBs. Run Defense is going to be huge because of the situation at LB. Nicolas and Wire are going to have to make plays. Peterson will have to gel quickly with the front 7. Lofton will be stable if not spetacular in the middle. Lofton’s biggest job will be QBing the signals to the Front 7. Making audibles and such.
This game will be a struggle in the first half simpily because its the first of the season. ATL will pick up momentum in the second half. I see Pat White making a negative yradage play hurting Miami’s chances. Either a fumble or big yardage loss. 31-17 is my final score. I say you will see a total team victory by ATL. I say White gabs a TD and Gozo grabs 2. Turner geta one yd. plunge.
31-17 Falcons win.

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Good morning all! What’s up on deck today? Is is ATL vs MIA? Or is it the AFC Norris? Or is it Falcons QB’s?

ALL of the above? Ok…

I am really concerned about this opener. I consider Miami and the Falcons similar in their front office’s approach to success. They started by using free agency, they drafted according to need, and they brought in character guys and threw out dissenters. In my opinion the Dolphins have only helped themselves with this year’s draft with the additions of Vontae Davis, Pat White, and my personal favorite of the draft, cornerback Sean Smith. They, like the Falcons, have increased their overall team speed and will be hard to contain on offense in early downs. On third down and medium to long yardage is where I think we have the advantage. Our defense will have to maintain space or “stay home” on many of the trick “wildcat” plays the Dolphins use and our offense must make rookie defenders pay for their young mistakes while at the same time team block on Miami’s great pass rushers.

The Cincinnati Ben-Cincos:

1 Sep 13 DEN @ CIN -L
2 Sep 20 CIN @ GB -L
3 Sep 27 PIT @ CIN -L
4 Oct 04 CIN @ CLE -W
5 Oct 11 CIN @ BAL -L
6 Oct 18 HOU @ CIN -W
7 Oct 25 CHI @ CIN -L
8 Bye
9 Nov 08 BAL @ CIN -W
10 Nov 15 CIN @ PIT -L
11 Nov 22 CIN @ OAK -W
12 Nov 29 CLE @ CIN -W
13 Dec 06 DET @ CIN -L
14 Dec 13 CIN @ MIN -W
15 Dec 20 CIN @ SD -L
16 Dec 27 KC @ CIN -W
17 Jan 03 CIN @ NYJ -L

The Bungles make it out of the jungle with a 7-9 record. A fresh young defense with some diamond in the rough leaders could make this team playoff ready in two years (if Carson remains verticle and brave and 85 doesn’t turn into Joe Horn). In ‘09 they start to show some juevos.

Ok here’s the Falcons QB scenerio:

Management either pays Redman or they don’t. He is the best qualified back up we have (and right here I am tempted to say “by far”). Redman has produced for the Falcons in the regular season before and is an accurate passer, something which is huge for this offense.

I don’t see any way JPWilson will leapfrog over DJShockley unless DJ gets injured again or unless he flat out underperforms (which he won’t). The only other scenerio I can see is the Falcons let Redman walk because of money (and I don’t think they will because they just were awarded more cap money by the NFL) and use the two young ‘uns as quick understudies.

I actually don’t mind any scenerios of the backup QB except cutting DJ because of his paltry salary for JPW’s paltrier one.

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1 Sep 13 DEN @ CIN -W, Good start to the new season
2 Sep 20 CIN @ GB -L, Road woes ahead?
3 Sep 27 PIT @ CIN -L, Pitt class of division
4 Oct 04 CIN @ CLE -W, Clev is well cle
5 Oct 11 CIN @ BAL -L, BLT can still play D
6 Oct 18 HOU @ CIN -L, SUsprise pick in the AFC this year
7 Oct 25 CHI @ CIN -W, Carson goes off; chi O still bad
8 Bye
9 Nov 08 BAL @ CIN -W, Bye week helps prep for Raven D
10 Nov 15 CIN @ PIT -L, Close loss, but it is Pitt
11 Nov 22 CIN @ OAK -L, Not what you want, no offense; D is still not vey good
12 Nov 29 CLE @ CIN -L, Where’s the defense
13 Dec 06 DET @ CIN -W, Only guarranteed win
14 Dec 13 CIN @ MIN -W, Ugly game, helps Minn has no QB
15 Dec 20 CIN @ SD -L, SD is on a mission; CIN just another notch
16 Dec 27 KC @ CIN -W, KC D worse than CIN
17 Jan 03 CIN @ NYJ -L, tough road game to close out year.

Cinncinati Bengals – 7-9
The Bengals are kinf oJeckel/Hyde. Can’t seem to get the three facets of the game in sync. The Bengals will win a game with O, win games with D. Palmer is still Palmer, but he and Ocho will miss TJ. The defense is slightly improved. They need a better overall pass rush, and more consistentencey. They are a decent team, but not in the same league as Baltimore and Pissburgh.

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Stirg d’Nahsif, I thought about what I sain with MIA/ ATL. Yeah don’t know what I was thinking when I said 300yds. Guess I gotta a little excited with Gozo at TE. I still say ATL will have throw in hopes of setting up the run. Turner in 90 yd range; with team gaining 120+. AtL has to stay out of long yardage. Miami has got some serious Pass rushers. My final score came on the ability of ATL to get turnovers and stay on the short field. Not saying they will blow MIA’s defense off the field. Turner and Gonzo inside the twent is going to be dangerous.

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I’ve said it before, Atlanta and Miami in the 2010 Superbowl, Miami, FL.

Now, that’s a bold statement. AFC is going to be rough this year. Miami, NE, BUF, Jets all are going to be playoff contenders. Miami is going to struggle just to make it in; if they do. My early AFC Champion would have to be San Deigo.

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Seems like we all are picking 7-9. Okay team but inconsistent. How are you today Sarah B ? It’s amazing how close we all are inour picks. Not bad for a buch of ametuers. Lets keep it going. D3, wake up man, Rise and shine. Is your ‘lil WR days and nights mixed up? Looking foward to your commentary.

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Blame it on the Alc-Alc-Alc-Alc-Alcohol, whats up birdcage, took the week in off, trying to catch up on the goings in the cage now, I took a look at the Shultz blog and I was worried that it may have filtered over into the cage but looks like the mess stayed where it belongs. Now some catching up

JJ,everyone is apologizing because we’re not talking enough football for you, sorry I won’t apologize like other people, I will inform you that this may not be the place for you. I’m not trying to be harsh but the cage is a place for Falcons fans, and most fans have a life beyond the Falcons, we want members such as yourself but we want to keep the family atmosphere that is present. I mean take for instance Jason, he just told us about his son and how amazed and happy he was, did you ever think that someone in the cage may have needed to hear that. I don’t know about you but when your down and out and feelings of giving up surface in your thoughts, a story like that is uplifting. There are plenty of people who go to all types of sporting events to get away from the daily grind of life,and this is that type of place, here in the cage. The Falcons are the number one subject and chances are they will be the only subject once the season starts. Even then, if someone wants to mention something good that has happened in their life it should be considered a good thing. Ken Strickland, one of the brightest minds in the cage has talked about hardships and we look forward to good things happening for him, I didn’t even know the state of Jason’s son but anytime a family is living under that type of stress and a father wants to share some good news it really puts a perspective on what we are all going through, and to think the guy is posting comments everyday and we have no idea what he is going through, it works the same way at the games,because trust me when your sitting in a stadium with 70,000 people, alot of people are going through something even while cheering on the birds. I for one really appreciate the various post, I recently begin to cook more and the recipes for the upcoming season have been a pleasure, I have also found it hard to break into the field of HR and when getting down on myself I hear what Jason and his family has to deal with, and the joy they got from being a part of “make a wish”,the hardships that Ken is facing but taking it like taking a bull by the horns,that helps me realize that life is not that bad, because whatever you are going through someone may be going through something much worse.

I apologize to any cage members who may be offended by the seriousness of my tone, and yes I understand that this is a football posting site, but I’m sure that everyone who has been committed to the site can understand that this site and the comment postings have been almost family like. That is not to say we don’t welcome all postings as long as there not sprinkling hatred, that is to say that we are all fans of the Falcons and as fans we have personal lives and circimstances within those personal lives that we can comment about and sometimes those comments inspire or are admired by others.

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Miami’s OFF relies partially on gimmicks, such as the Wildcat formation. That reminds me of the Falcons gimmick laden OFF under HC JMora. If our DEF limits the effectiveness of their gimmicks, their OFF will be severely limited. On the other hand, our OFF is based on solid fundemental football. We’ll start the season with the #2 rushing OFF and the 14th rated passsing OFF, and that’s before the addition of the greatest TE in NFL history. Miami’s DEF will have a lot more to contend with than our DEF.

Their rushing DEF finished #10, while the Falcons rushing DEF was #25, which means theirs was much better than ours. However, their pass DEF finished #25, while ours was #21, which means their pass DEF was awful. Their #1 and #3 leaders in tackles were their safeties(120 & 77 respectively), which explains their poor passing DEF. Unless they drastically improve their pass DEF, they’re going to have some serious trouble containing TE TGonzalez, RWhite, MJenkins and HDouglas, let alone our powerful rushing OFF.

I believe the improvement in our overall DEF and DEF will be greater than theirs. More importantly, we’ll be playing them at home.

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With Miami you have to gaurd against the underneath stuff. Everyone knows about Pennington’s lack of armstrength, but he is still avery efficient QB when healthy. Limiting YAC will be a huge part of the defensive game plan deployed by the Falcons.

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Ken, it seems that your sentiments are congruent with mine, in regards of Atlanta’s offense versus Miami’s defense. Our defense, on the other hand, will contend well against the Dolphin’s offense. Contrary to the pundits that would suggest the “Wildcat Offense” would disallow NFL defenses to contain them, I think we (Falcon’s defense) will substantially prevail against it. Reason being, our defense is filled with (or going to be filled with) players that are most recently familiar with that style of offense. William Moore, Peria Jerry, Curtis Lofton, Chevis Jackson, Chris Owens, etc., are more familiar with the “Wildcat” look than most veteran-filled defenses around the NFL. One things for sure, Big Tuna wouldn’t be building around it, if it didn’t work. We’ll beat them, first game, because its simply, the first game; but come week eleven, when Pat White will be more comfortable, its going to be hell to stop.

WR, I’m going to have to respectfully call you out on this one, buddy. I think JJ’s argument was extinguished when we began to recall the Atlanta/Miami game. JohnWaynesWorld, jason and myself all commented on his analysis. I don’t think he was attacking jason or anyone else, particular. I just think, like most of us, he simply wanted to discuss Falcon Football. Nothing against jason and his son (I’m proud for him); I just don’t think that was the case at all. Like jason mentioned, JJ even acknowledged his accomplishments. I think you introduced something that was extinguished a long time ago.

Can we get back to the game?

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JJ, I know you wasn’t slamming on me. I took that post the wrong way at first. I went back and reread page seven. I apoligise if I offended you with what I thought was a sarcastic post (10:17P.M.) I was like where did that come from? Oh well. Sorry man.

I didn’t respond to the Miami match up at first. I was discussing different topics on ATL. Like the OL, Then there was the DL, and the DBs. The Miami game is going to be hard fought. I just thin Miami will have alot of self inflicted wounds that will prevent them from winning. I say they turn the ball over at least 3 times giving ATL short field to work with.

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jason, you sticking with that high 31-17 score, huh? I don’t blame you, my man. I’d like to think our offense is going to be high-powered too. I just think its too early in the season to expect a lop-sided score, from two teams with so many similarities. At least you and I are close with Miami’s score.

I didn’t include his name a while ago (when I mentioned the rookie defenders versus the “Wildcat”) but I just watched some video on V. Walker, from G.Tech. Boy, this kid is ferocious. How in the hell did he slip to the seventh round? Here is another player that is going to defend well against Miami and more contemporary styled defenses. I’m not sure if this is going to work but I’m going to paste a page that will display some footage on Walker. This kid looks like Peria Jerry with a Georgia Tech uniform on.
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=12936439&ch=396337&src=sports

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WR, I agree as well with your post. We sometimes forget that life goes on either with or without football. As a fan, we have personal issues to deal with outside of fighting for our beloved Falcons! We all can agree to disagree; none of us will ever be perfect. Yet, we can allow a guy such as Jason to vent about his family celebration on something special, that’s what teammates does because there is no I in team. I think of this blog as a team of one, sure it’s goal is Falcons football, but it’s also whatever we can do to assist one another. Okay, there is my take on that. I too don’t mean to offend any cagers, just giving my honest opinion of the matter.

D3, you stayed up way too late man! (LOL) Okay, we need to move forward with today’s schedule.

Stirg, don’t think we officially had a convo. since the draft; it’s a pleasure to have your posts brother! If i’m not mistaken, you are in my 2nd home from the states. I actually dated someone who lived in the Capital of Canada, a very beautiful place. Oh yeah, back to the football topics! Whew ~memories…lol

I think the Atl/Miami game will be close until the 2nd half. This is when the adjustments will be made and the Falcons will prevail. I predict the defense will rise up to the challenge and with all the Falcons faithful in the Dome rockin with the white towels, TG will score his second TD in the 3rd quarter. The Falcons will win a hard fought battle to the score of 21-17.

QB #1
Matt Ryan will not only improve this season, he will surpass his efforts from last season. I agree that being a rookie last year, he did not have the entire playbook in his head, but this year, he will be a joy to watch because this kid does have the IT factor. The biggest thing that impressed me about matty ice is his determination to get better by watching film on his opponents and himself.

I’ll return later with my schedule prediction~

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The Cincinnati Bengals: – Dean 21
1 Sep 13 DEN @ CIN -L
2 Sep 20 CIN @ GB -L
3 Sep 27 PIT @ CIN -L
4 Oct 04 CIN @ CLE -W
5 Oct 11 CIN @ BAL -L
6 Oct 18 HOU @ CIN -W
7 Oct 25 CHI @ CIN -L
8 Bye
9 Nov 08 BAL @ CIN -L
10 Nov 15 CIN @ PIT -L
11 Nov 22 CIN @ OAK -W
12 Nov 29 CLE @ CIN -W
13 Dec 06 DET @ CIN -W
14 Dec 13 CIN @ MIN -L
15 Dec 20 CIN @ SD -L
16 Dec 27 KC @ CIN -W
17 Jan 03 CIN @ NYJ -L

Total = 6-10

A toss up game at the Jets, not sure, but my gut tells me the Jets will win.

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Great Afternoon Bird-Cage Boys and Gals! Been a little slow-go over the weekend as the last few days have had my House CEO and I all jacked up. My little guy has his days and nights completely flipped, so I take the sleep where I can get it. We got a full slate today and this week as we approach a record Page 8. Let’s hit it……..

Bird-Cage Topics – the ‘Cage is a community of us, by us, and for us Falcon/Football fans. Any topic you want to discuss, it is always welcome. Many of us just want to keep the ‘Cage as a daily hobby, so we throw many different topics out there to supplement our Falcons talk. Feel free to comment on all, some, or none of the topics. This is simply a very slow time for NFL Football; if you don’t believe it than take a peek at NFL.com, they’re doing a top to bottom rank of all 32 teams by the fans (not a bad idea). Ultimately, it’s amazing what we’ve done here in the Bird-Cage: intelligent, respectful, engaging Falcons/Football talk with cool fans.

Got all of your Cincy Ocho-Cinco predictions you’ve submitted. Speaking of…..

2009 Cincinnati Bengals
General: First off, how does Marvin Lewis still have a job? I posed that question to one of my best friends whose a Bengals fan, and his answer was simple: Because the owners don’t want to spend the money. I thought for sure that Lewis was getting the hook to get in on all the coaching candidates. Wrong. They did have a Helluva draft, IMO. Andre Smith, Mauluga, MJ, & Coffman should all start or immediately contribute.

Offense
Boy did they let the wrong WR go. They should’ve traded the walking distraction named Ocho Dumb@–, and resigned TJ Housh. They signed Laverneaus Coles as a FA, but he’s been on the serious decline for awhile now. Looks like Cedric Benson may have jumpstarted his career, rushing like a madman at the end of the season. Current TE’s Utecht and Kelly don’t scare anyone, but Coffman adds a great element. Andre Smith finally shores up their OL. But it all goes back to Carson Palmer. He has been injuried the last two years, so this is kind of a big year for the once bright, shining QB. If he stays healthy, they may have a shot.

Defense
They have dramatically improved their DEF on paper. They should have a solid LB trio with Keith Rivers from last year and Mauluga from this year and Dhani Jones. Leon Hall & Jonathan Joseph are a promising CB tandem and if Roy Williams can resurrect his career than they may have a chance in the DB backfield. Their D-Line is pretty anemic, especially considering Abe had double the sacks of their entire defensive line. They need MJ to come on strong in a hurry. Overall, much improved year, but too weak on the D-Line playing the Steelers and Ravens twice a year. Final: 8-8.

1 Sep 13 DEN @ CIN (loss)
2 Sep 20 CIN @ GB (win)
3 Sep 27 PIT @ CIN (loss)
4 Oct 04 CIN @ CLE (win)
5 Oct 11 CIN @ BAL (loss)
6 Oct 18 HOU @ CIN (win)
7 Oct 25 CHI @ CIN (loss)
8 Bye
9 Nov 08 BAL @ CIN (loss)
10 Nov 15 CIN @ PIT (loss)
11 Nov 22 CIN @ OAK (win)
12 Nov 29 CLE @ CIN (win)
13 Dec 06 DET @ CIN (win)
14 Dec 13 CIN @ MIN (loss)
15 Dec 20 CIN @ SD (loss)
16 Dec 27 KC @ CIN (win)
17 Jan 03 CIN @ NYJ (win)
Final: 8-8

Tons, tons more to come on this monday and throughout the week. Got my QB 1 (i.e. Matty Ice) Analysis coming up and my Atlanta-Miami breakdown coming, finally. Great start to the week ‘Cagers!

76 DAYS AND COUNTING TO 2009 ATLANTA FALCONS TRAINING CAMP!

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Dean 21, no. I’ve not taken the opportunity to meet your acquaintance; but, believe me, the pleasure is all mine. I’ve read your entries. Every now and then, you’ll sneak an entry into the Cage and then disappear. Your thoughts have not disappointed me yet and I mostly agree with your sentiments. I assumed you were referring to Canada, when you mentioned your second home from the states. I am very, very close to Canada (at the border; Windsor, Ontario) but I do believe Nookah is the one residing there. I’m not sure but I think Detroit is still a part of America. Sometimes it looks like a third-world country, situated between the Canadian and American border.

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Oops typo:
Stirg, my apologies, I knew one of the “cagers” lived there. Yes, I’ve been to Ottawa a few times and I even travled to Canada from the bridge in Detroit.

It’s hard to stay in the cage as much due to the Dean’s employment status…way too tied up at time, so I try to stay a float with the posts each week. It’s cool to hear we share similar thoughts about our birds!

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Blog monster alert, F5 sword not working on the alien.

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I’m not sure if this topic reached the Cage yet (the blog monster may have eaten it) but do you think Miami will be bold enough to start Sean Smith and/or Vontae Davis in the season opener? If so, then I agree with jason. The score will be high and White will catch two touchdowns. Take the rookies to school.

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Falcons OFF vs. Dolphins DEF
In theory, Matty Ice should have a field day on their secondary. Roddy will dominate Will Allen and Michael Jenkins will have be running circles around Head-Case Vontae Davis. I sure hope that we get Harry Douglas matched up on Sean Smith, because theat will be a serious beatdown as Smith will not translate to DB status in the NFL. As we saw last year, our OFF goes as Turner goes and the addition of Jason Taylor will be trouble-some for our young Sam Baker. Taylor and Porter are the only ones that strike fear on their DEF. Channing Crowder is too much of a head-case in his own right and will lose his mind when Harvey Dahl puts him on his @– a couple of times. Oh, did I mention HOF TE Tony Gonzalez? As many of our opponents will learn throughout the year: play back in 3-4 Drop or Nickel and Turner/Norwood will run wild, crowd the box with 3-4 Blitz or 4-6 and White/Jenkins/HD/TG will destroy one on one matchups. Double cover our WR’s and blitz LB’s and TG will have a career day in the middle. This is all with Matty Ice improving on his amazing Rookie of the Year Performance with more weapons and a much improved defense.

X-Factor: Pat White and that ridiculous “Wildcat”. We take a page directly from the Ravens playoff victory, crowd the box, cover Fasano and Martin and dare them to beat our CB’s man to man because they don’t have the WR’s to do it.

Final: Last second Falcon FG puts it out of reach.
Falcons 38, Dolphins 28.

So what you guys think?

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