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
jason
May 11th, 2009
5:28 pm
And the red helmets, my favorite
angry banker
May 11th, 2009
5:53 pm
D3 – couldn’t agree with you more on Shockley v Redman – I would add they both have a very high Football IQ; will be important to keep atleast one of the around during the first few years for Matt Ryan’s career, even if JPW winds up being a solid 2nd.
cutter
May 11th, 2009
6:22 pm
Roddy White continues to have problems catching the ball. I’d say his catch/drop ratio was about 50/50. Not a great way to win a new contract. At one point, after a drop in the photo I’ve included in the stream above, the wide receivers coach yelled “You can’t drop [gizflammin'] passes if you want to be a receiver in the NFL!”
Matt Ryan is still a beast. He looks so comfortable now that he’s been leading this offense for a year.
William Moore will be a serious contender for first team. At one point, he made an extremely athletic pass deflection, almost catching the ball. The skills are there. They only need be honed.
Mike Peterson was a very smart sign. Throughout the drills, he swarmed to the ball quickly and covered short passes well. He also intercepted a Redman pass and returned it for a touchdown mid-way through practice.
Peria Jerry is humongous. He also has a very good push and a serviceable swim. He consistently pushed through the line when the second team drilled.
Dahl is a smack talker. Now if he could just stop false-starting, which he did during an 11-on-11.
John Parker Wilson will give Shockley and Redman some competition this summer. He was very consistent with his throws and even landed a 40 yard touchdown pass to Harry Douglas. The only issue he has right now is a tendency to hold on to the ball too long after a snap. On one occasion, he pump-faked in the very direction he was about to throw. The ball was easily swatted down.
Weems can catch, but for some reason, only when Wilson is behind center.
Snelling was categorically slow out of the handoff and failed to gain more than two or three yards a carry. But he can catch like mad. Situational player right there.
Norwood has to have an invisible jet engine strapped to his back. He ran three balls to the endzone, once slipping between two touches on his way. At one point, he was out of the handoff and between the DTs before anyone noticed he had the ball.
Turner was Burnin’ it up during running drills. He was tackled (aka touched) maybe once out of ten carries.
Mike Smith cusses like a sailor. F-bombs freely rained down on some soft-headed players.
Tony G has a habit of using his shoe to scratch his shin.
Don’t expect Owens to make first team this year. He bites hard on cuts.
cutter
May 11th, 2009
6:23 pm
More info I found.
WR
May 11th, 2009
6:45 pm
Cutter, nice post about Jamaal I am one of the few fans who believe he will break out this year.
Stirg,
Players are paid based on preformance whether thats past,present or futute expected preformance. The proportion of what they earn is a direct result of not letting the league or owners use them to pad their own pockets. If players didn’t demand the money they got it would be the equivalent of companies hiring cheap illegal aliens to maximize their profits as the poor immigrants suffered, but I guess as fans we are helping to pay millions for a guy to sit up on the DL as Mike Hampton did for the few years he was with the braves,players get hurt thats part of the game, they make playstations for those fans that can’t understand that. Now as a fan if your unwilling to understand that you have no idea whats going on with a player especially health wise, and you stoop to the level of calling a grown man Mrs because of it, your wasting your money. Stirg, earlier I said I respected your opinion and I believe that was rightfully so until you called the man Mrs. For you and anyone reading this post, if I sound heated its because I am, its because someone is being degraded by a fan when we have no idea whats going on with him. Back in 1992 that happened to another player, people wondered where he was, what was going on with him, made statements like he’s being wimpy because he can’t play through the little flu bud that he had, and then he stepped out and said he had HIV, his name Magic Johnson. I’m not comparing Abe’s situation to his, what I am comparing is the fact that people especially so-called fans shouldn’t resort to name calling or berating a player until the facts come out.
WR
May 11th, 2009
6:48 pm
Jason I agree, I don’t know if they should do it full time but I would like for them to bring out the old red helmets.
WR
May 11th, 2009
7:37 pm
Does anyone find the whole ordeal with Farve worth going on and on about, I know its not a usual birdcage topic but figured I would gave the interest here in our group because the network sportscasters seem to think its a big deal.
WR
May 11th, 2009
7:42 pm
gave should be gage
JJ
May 11th, 2009
9:19 pm
D3: My man, I’m always here, just dont post. First thing I do after my fresh cup of ground joe (another hobby, not hobby but neccessity,- best bean coffee-?)before work, I check this blog. Awesome football intelligence, without the usual racist bs. I applaud you all and like D3, this is and has been my fav. hobby for quite some time.
To the newcombers: welcome, with a bit of advise. These guys/gal know their shit. Research is recommended, my chris houston vent a few weeks ago was put to rest with logic and I was sent to to the corner of the room.
FALCON NATION:
D3
May 11th, 2009
9:29 pm
cutter – thanks for the updates and information brother. Get more information from you than anywhere else. Appreciate it. Don’t know where you got that last bit of info from, but that’s more in-depth description we’ve gotten in a while.
I’m all for throwbacks once or twice and I may be in the minority, but I actually like our uniforms a lot. Red jerseys and black pants are my favorite combo, although I’m a very big fan of all black too.
WR & Stirg – you know its all good guys; we’re bro’s in here in the ‘Cage, and sometimes we’ll just have to agree to disagree. Sometimes we get passionate about a player/subject and use colorful language about it. All good peeps.
WR – yeah, the Favre thing is ridiculous. The dude is one of the biggest drama queens to play. I respect his career, skills, and ability but how many times can you retire? Gimme a break. Gonna put up the division/team analysis in a bit, let me know what you think.
Ed
May 11th, 2009
9:29 pm
Notes found from minicamp…
Roddy White continues to have problems catching the ball. I’d say his catch/drop ratio was about 50/50. Not a great way to win a new contract. At one point, after a drop in the photo I’ve included in the stream above, the wide receivers coach yelled “You can’t drop [gizflammin'] passes if you want to be a receiver in the NFL!”
Matt Ryan is still a beast. He looks so comfortable now that he’s been leading this offense for a year.
William Moore will be a serious contender for first team. At one point, he made an extremely athletic pass deflection, almost catching the ball. The skills are there. They only need be honed.
Mike Peterson was a very smart sign. Throughout the drills, he swarmed to the ball quickly and covered short passes well. He also intercepted a Redman pass and returned it for a touchdown mid-way through practice.
Peria Jerry is humongous. He also has a very good push and a serviceable swim. He consistently pushed through the line when the second team drilled.
Dahl is a smack talker. Now if he could just stop false-starting, which he did during an 11-on-11.
John Parker Wilson will give Shockley and Redman some competition this summer. He was very consistent with his throws and even landed a 40 yard touchdown pass to Harry Douglas. The only issue he has right now is a tendency to hold on to the ball too long after a snap. On one occasion, he pump-faked in the very direction he was about to throw. The ball was easily swatted down.
Weems can catch, but for some reason, only when Wilson is behind center.
Snelling was categorically slow out of the handoff and failed to gain more than two or three yards a carry. But he can catch like mad. Situational player right there.
Norwood has to have an invisible jet engine strapped to his back. He ran three balls to the endzone, once slipping between two touches on his way. At one point, he was out of the handoff and between the DTs before anyone noticed he had the ball.
Turner was Burnin’ it up during running drills. He was tackled (aka touched) maybe once out of ten carries.
Mike Smith cusses like a sailor. F-bombs freely rained down on some soft-headed players.
Tony G has a habit of using his shoe to scratch his shin.
Don’t expect Owens to make first team this year. He bites hard on cuts.
Second-year wide receiver Harry Douglas looks comfortable in the third-receiver role. The offense lined up multiple times in three-receiver sets and Douglas appears capable of continuing the promise he showed as a rookie. Over the three days he caught the ball well in traffic as well as adjusting to some occasionally poorly thrown balls.
Second-year running back Thomas Brown made a case for his consideration for the third running back position. He ran with authority, speed, and elusiveness.
Undrafted rookie receiver Aaron Kelly seized his opportunity at mini camp and seemed to impress the coaches. The 6′5″, 190 pound former Clemson receiver made numerous nice catches, including one diving grab in the end zone on the second day.
JJ
May 11th, 2009
9:35 pm
D3: always here my man, just workin’ too many hours lately to come home and research with you guys/gal(:)hey sarah b, seen you on v. blogs over yrs.)
I check this blog first thing before I go to work and last thing before I retire. Like D3 says: it’s my favorite hobby!
I’m sure of all of us have been on other sports blogs and it seems like its all teenager angst or racist crap, both black and white. This blog is different and I thank you ALL (guys/gal). After my chris houston beating I took a few weeks ago (maybee justified.lol), you need to research a little on this blog.
Example:I respect stirg, but he kind of unzipped his fly this weekend with Abe (he came around).
No biggie, this blog comprises ADULTS who can agree to disagree without getting personal.
This fact makes FALCON NATION STRONGER…… cue barry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!lol
D3
May 11th, 2009
9:35 pm
Ed – thanks for the update brother. Particularly, the updates on HD, TBrown, and Aaron Kelly. I thought Kelly was over 200 lbs. Guess not. He definitely needs to put on some serious weight.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 11th, 2009
10:09 pm
cutter, you are definitely, and officially, the man. Thanks for the details. I, for one, really appreciate that.
WR, you know that guy that sits in the stands, right behind the home team, and speaks his mind? I’m that guy. I am going to be honest as I possibly can. If my honesty and opinions hurt your feelings, I apologize. In this situation right here, though, I paid for this. I have paid, royally, to have the right to heckle every single player in the NFL. As a fan, I can heckle every player on the roster. Hopefully, they’ll play better. I did not heckle you. You will notice that I redirected the tone away from you and towards him. Why be sensitive to my offense towards him? I’ve said some foul things, on this blog, and I’m probably going to say some more. I’ll say those things because, again, I’ve paid for that.
I tell you what I’ll do for you, though, to show you how loyal of a fan I am to this organization. First, I apologize to MR. Abraham if I offended you and/or your manhood. Secondly, for WR, if MR. Abraham starts every game this upcoming season, I’ll wear those same panties on my head to every post-season game, home and away. You’ll know its me because, if there’s a man in the stands with a pair of panties on his head, it’ll certainly be on TV. Will that patch up any bad blood? We still on for Ramen Noodles and a buur?
JJ
May 11th, 2009
10:10 pm
“THOU SHALT NOT RUN” !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peace brothers/sis-I’m out-5:30am cometh!
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 11th, 2009
10:34 pm
I just thought about something. Perhaps I should have told Jamaal Anderson to pull his panties up, since so many call him a bust. Is it because of Abraham’s 16.5 sack total that brings everyone to his defense? Because I don’t recall anyone, besides a few (you know who you are) that defended Anderson’s name when so many offended him in past posts.
WR
May 11th, 2009
10:42 pm
Stirg, so your a heckler, man you should have said that in the beginning we could have saved some of this space. I’m use to it at the games, didn’t expect to hear from one on the blog. My bad, and don’t worry about me being sensitive, I saw a post that got the blood flowing and responded to it, I’m pretty sure it will happen again and anyone of any intelligence wouldn’t take it personally and I don’t. Definitely still on for the Ramen Noodles, gotta be the beef flavor ones though, if we mess around and bring some spam along with the beanie weenies and a keg, I’m going to have a college flash back and start chasing skirts all over again.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 11th, 2009
10:48 pm
I’m one of those that like Anderson. I appreciate the piece that cutter posted earlier. I’ve thought, all along, that its going to take this man three years to establish himself as a defensive end in the N.F.L. He showed an enormous amount of maturity by disregarding all the negative sayings about him. For three years, he’s had to endure this negativity; still, he’s starting. What a remarkable example to set for the rest of your teammates. You mean to tell me, I can tell Anderson to pull his panties up, for three years (and I’m sure he’s heard worse) and he’s still motivated to come out and try his best. Anderson will fool alot of fans and media, alike, this season. He’ll prove my logic and he will have the last laugh. Guess what? He’ll be here after two more years.
WR
May 11th, 2009
10:49 pm
What about not using panties, when I think about panties its not on football players no matter how much they suck. Grow a pair or something works better, the panty is sacred and should not be used when referring to men.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 11th, 2009
10:51 pm
No, WR. You got to throw cheese in there. Ramen noodles with sausage and cheese.
WR
May 11th, 2009
10:53 pm
On second thought pull your panties up works, maybe not for Abe but the entire Atlanta Hawks team, especially Joe I’m an all star only during the regular season.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 11th, 2009
10:53 pm
You know what, WR, you right. I’m sitting over here grinning, with an image in my head about a football player with pink grandma panties ’round his head. How funny would that be?
Albeit, it is offensive. I’ll lay off. (but still. That is so funny to me…)
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 11th, 2009
11:04 pm
Speaking of the Hawks, and I’m not going to redirect this blog to their attention, I discovered the starting five’s weakness. I once thought it was the lack of a big man (and in some cases, that is the case). But I thought, what are you going to do with two number one picks and Josh Smith. You got to start them all and Josh needs to rebound more. So, you can’t do much about that but bring in a serious big man, at back-up. That leaves the back court. Joe Johnson may have been off and he may have been inconsistent during that stretch; still, he’s an all-star and he create mismatches like it was going out of style. Can’t find too many 6′8″ two guards.
That leaves the most glaring weakness in Hawks defense, Mike Bibby. There is a reason why Coach yanked Bibby very early in the third quarter (almost, immediately after haltime). Mike Bibby, just like last year with Rajon Rondo, was beaten off the dribble on every opposing play. His offense and control of the game is veteran-like and essential to the team. Mike Woodson is a defensive coach, however, and Mike Bibby had ziltch.
We need a guard.
D3
May 11th, 2009
11:07 pm
WR & Stirg – great thing about this blog is that we can agree to disagree, respectfully. As JJ noted, the other blogs are simply ridiculous crap; especially the college ones. I got so sick of that “my teams rocks, your teams sucks” infantile crap that I just stopped looking. Ramen noodles for sure, but gotta go with classic Chicken. Big fan of shrimp too, but can never find it. I had some today as a matter of fact. Buur consumption has dropped considerably since having little man at the house. Still put away some, just 5 instead of 10.
Stirg – used to be a big-time heckler, depending on how many cold ones I took down, but have chilled it a little. After a nuclear meltdown with the CEO at the Falcons-Cowboys game a couple of years ago, the heckling has dropped.
WR – alright so see what you think of the following schedule. It seems that our post mini-camp buzz is starting to wear off a little. Let me know of any changes.
2009 Bird-Cage Division/Team Analysis & Final Standings Competition
-go through each division week-by-week
-start on a monday perhaps and analyze a different team each day
-analyze schedule, starters, possible wins/losses, draft picks, etc
-analyze a team each day mon-thurs, & friday-saturday can be our final standings prediction, which I will save
-predict where wins & losses will come, final standings, & division rank
Point System
-each correct win notches 1 point
-keep tally throughout the year
-winner gets bragging rights & we can throw in some extra spice if we like
WR’s analysis of each division/teams(mon – thurs):
-Break down the teams, division by division, where you think they will finish & why, give your take on what they need to do for things to go right in order to succeed, give your thoughts on what they are missing in order to get to the big game, predict their record, position in the division and playoff finish if you believe they will make it.
Schedule
5/11 – 5/17 = AFC West
5/18 – 5/24 = AFC North
5/25 – 5/31 = AFC East
6/1 – 6/7 = AFC South
6/8 – 6/14 = NFC West
6/15 – 6/21 = NFC East
6/22 – 6/28 = NFC North
6/29 – 7/5 = NFC South
Final records/standings for each team due by the following sunday at noon
WR – let me know what you think, what we need to change/add/alter. Hopefully, we can keep the Football Mojo strong here in the ‘Cage during the dry spell, but I know we’ll lose a few if we’re not Falcons all the time.
D3
May 11th, 2009
11:09 pm
Blog Grendel has escaped and is on the loose for some good posts!
WR & Stirg – great thing about this blog is that we can agree to disagree, respectfully. As JJ noted, the other blogs are simply ridiculous crap; especially the college ones. I got so sick of that “my teams rocks, your teams sucks” infantile crap that I just stopped looking. Ramen noodles for sure, but gotta go with classic Chicken. Big fan of shrimp too, but can never find it. I had some today as a matter of fact. Buur consumption has dropped considerably since having little man at the house. Still put away some, just 5 instead of 10.
Stirg – used to be a big-time heckler, depending on how many cold ones I took down, but have chilled it a little. After a nuclear meltdown with the CEO at the Falcons-Cowboys game a couple of years ago, the heckling has dropped.
D3
May 11th, 2009
11:10 pm
WR – alright so see what you think of the following schedule. It seems that our post mini-camp buzz is starting to wear off a little. Let me know of any changes.
2009 Bird-Cage Division/Team Analysis & Final Standings Competition
-go through each division week-by-week
-start on a monday perhaps and analyze a different team each day
-analyze schedule, starters, possible wins/losses, draft picks, etc
-analyze a team each day mon-thurs, & friday-saturday can be our final standings prediction, which I will save
-predict where wins & losses will come, final standings, & division rank
Point System
-each correct win notches 1 point
-keep tally throughout the year
-winner gets bragging rights & we can throw in some extra spice if we like
WR’s analysis of each division/teams(mon – thurs):
-Break down the teams, division by division, where you think they will finish & why, give your take on what they need to do for things to go right in order to succeed, give your thoughts on what they are missing in order to get to the big game, predict their record, position in the division and playoff finish if you believe they will make it.
Schedule
5/11 – 5/17 = AFC West
5/18 – 5/24 = AFC North
5/25 – 5/31 = AFC East
6/1 – 6/7 = AFC South
6/8 – 6/14 = NFC West
6/15 – 6/21 = NFC East
6/22 – 6/28 = NFC North
6/29 – 7/5 = NFC South
Final records/standings for each team due by the following sunday at noon
WR – let me know what you think, what we need to change/add/alter. Hopefully, we can keep the Football Mojo strong here in the ‘Cage during the dry spell, but I know we’ll lose a few if we’re not Falcons all the time.
D3
May 11th, 2009
11:11 pm
These technical issues on this site drive me absolutely insane. I’ve had like 4 posts in a row eaten. Gone. Kaput.
GDWTF?
D3
May 11th, 2009
11:12 pm
ok
D3
May 11th, 2009
11:14 pm
Attempt #5
WR – alright so see what you think of the following schedule. It seems that our post mini-camp buzz is starting to wear off a little. Let me know of any changes.
2009 Bird-Cage Division/Team Analysis & Final Standings Competition
-go through each division week-by-week
-start on a monday perhaps and analyze a different team each day
-analyze schedule, starters, possible wins/losses, draft picks, etc
-analyze a team each day mon-thurs, & friday-saturday can be our final standings prediction, which I will save
-predict where wins & losses will come, final standings, & division rank
Point System
-each correct win notches 1 point
-keep tally throughout the year
-winner gets bragging rights
WR’s analysis of each division/teams(mon – thurs):
-Break down the teams, division by division, where you think they will finish & why, give your take on what they need to do for things to go right in order to succeed, give your thoughts on what they are missing in order to get to the big game, predict their record, position in the division and playoff finish if you believe they will make it.
Schedule
5/11 – 5/17 = AFC West
5/18 – 5/24 = AFC North
5/25 – 5/31 = AFC East
6/1 – 6/7 = AFC South
6/8 – 6/14 = NFC West
6/15 – 6/21 = NFC East
6/22 – 6/28 = NFC North
6/29 – 7/5 = NFC South
Final records/standings for each team due by the following sunday at noon
WR – let me know what you think, what we need to change/add/alter. Hopefully, we can keep the Football Mojo strong here in the ‘Cage during the dry spell, but I know we’ll lose a few if we’re not Falcons all the time.
D3
May 11th, 2009
11:30 pm
Since we’re on a shortened week how’s this for this week
Tuesday – Broncos
Wednesday – Chargers
Thursday – Chiefs
Friday – Raiders
Saturday/Sunday – Final AFC West Predictions
DrJ
May 11th, 2009
11:49 pm
Cutter: great comments with specifics about the players. Didn’t see anything from DOL, so I guess you are taking over. Keep it up.
WR
May 11th, 2009
11:55 pm
D3, sounds good to me. Hopefully we can get things amped up, some hawks fans probably will be joining the crew soon since the Hawks just got swept.
Big Ray, join in the post,look at D3 post to get an overview. We know you work late so most of us will be sleep by the time you post, but your football knowledge has been right on and we always welcome different opinions.
Where is Seminole Warrior, been a while since we heard from him. D3, I miss the draft countdown, maybe you should consider starting a training camp count.
As Nookah would say, Nuff Respect everytime, now its bedtime.
D3
May 12th, 2009
12:21 am
WR – alright so we’ll get it cranked up tomorrow. Probably take a little while to get going but it should be fun. Great idea. Seminole had to go up and see his son off for duty over the weekend.
And on that note………
80 DAYS AND COUNTING TO TRAINING CAMP!!!!!!
jason
May 12th, 2009
7:01 am
Having a nice day dream about some girl and panties until someone mentioned Grandma (UGH). Seriusly though, I frequent alot of blogs on the AJC. I look at UGA’s page daily. I want facts, info, ans opinions from not only the journalist such as DOL, Chip Touers, and the such, but from intelligent and Passionate football fans. I’ll admit, I am a Georgia Homer. If it is sports related and Georgia related then I’m there. UGA is my #1 love. Don’t get upset guys, the Falcons are a real close #2. I even gave Gatorzone a compliment yesterday. I love my teams, but i try not to take it to seriously. Now back to my original point. It is refreshing that I can go to a blog and read about one of my favorite teams. Get updated information, and very well thought out analysis/ opinions from fans who are just as passionate about the same team. A place to go without having to read past all the immature post bashing your/their team behavior. A place where you can debate; hell even argue different opinions and still leave it in the blog and go drink a beer cyber style when you are done. I am beyond extactic that I found this site to achieve all these objectives. Keep up the good work Fellas. This is gonna be a hell of a season, and one hell of a ride along the way to back to back… no not winning seasons; rather play off visits.
D3
May 12th, 2009
7:07 am
Good Tuesday A.M. Fellow Bird-Cager’s! One of the most enjoyable lines from my favorite sitcom Seinfeld, “Monday has a feel, Wednesday’s hump-day, & Thursday starts the weekend. Tuesday has no feel.” So our mini-camp buzz has seemed to finally wear off which means all our loyal Bird-Cager’s are taking a hiatus, right? H— NO!!!!!
We’ve created and maintained an extraordinary community here in the ‘Cage “talking intelligent Football with cool fans in a respectful manner.” So through many ideas generated here in the ‘Cage (WR, JJ, Ken Strick, etc.) we got plenty of Football to discuss through the drought that has finally settled over us. Here’s the idea and reasoning behind them……
We have roughly 11 weeks until the 2009 Atlanta Falcons Training Camp starts on August 1st. We’ll get some tidbits here and there from the OTA’s, but in general Falcons and NFL information, updates, and tidbits will have evaporated. So we gotta get creative to keep the Football Mojo going. Many of our ‘Cagers will lose some interest since its not Falcons talk all the time. But for Football junkies like many of us, football talk, predictions, and competitions are way more enjoyable than many other sports talk.
So here’s the proposal/idea from WR on getting through the Football drought. Similar to the Mock Draft Competition we held, we are creating a Division-by-Division/Team Analysis & Final Standings Competition described WR as the following:
2009 Bird-Cage Division/Team Analysis & Final Standings Competition
-go through each division week-by-week
-start on a monday perhaps and analyze a different team each day
-analyze schedule, starters, possible wins/losses, draft picks, etc
-analyze a team each day mon-thurs, & friday-saturday can be our final standings prediction, which I will save
-predict where wins & losses will come, final standings, & division rank
This will not only keep the Falcons/Football Mojo going here in the Bird-Cage, but also help to gradually build the excitement, while analyzing each team in the NFL and competing in a friendly competition.
Scoring is based on the following:
Point System
-each correct win notches 1 point
-I will save the predictions throughout the summer
-keep tally throughout the year
-winner gets bragging rights
Weekly Schedule:
5/11 – 5/17 = AFC West
5/18 – 5/24 = AFC North
5/25 – 5/31 = AFC East
6/1 – 6/7 = AFC South
6/8 – 6/14 = NFC West
6/15 – 6/21 = NFC East
6/22 – 6/28 = NFC North
6/29 – 7/5 = NFC South
This week:
Tuesday – Broncos
Wednesday – Chargers
Thursday – Chiefs
Friday – Raiders
Saturday/Sunday – Final AFC West Predictions
Alright so let’s hear it. Any changes/additions/alterations/suggestions to the competition?
Don’t want to seem like I’m trying to dominate the blog or anything, just love what we’ve started here in the Bird-Cage community and want to see it continue to flourish through this dry-spell.
D3
May 12th, 2009
7:12 am
jason – you’re the man brother! I knew there was a reason I liked you. Two favorite loves: Dawgs and Falcons. I couldn’t agree with you more. This blog is pretty amazing and is my favorite hobby. It’s even replaced Madden as my fav, which is saying A LOT. Yeah, I can’t even hardly read the UGA blog anymore because thats all it is: non-sensical, irrational, infantile arguments. Team bashing crap. Couldn’t agree more. Great to have you in the ‘Cage my friend. On a side note, little worried about our Dawgs if that spring game was any indication on offense. Have no idea who’ll be our RB, only have 6 WR’s on scholarship, and lets pray our defense improves. We’ll see.
jason
May 12th, 2009
7:20 am
A couple of thoughts on the ATL. Kelly, I think will not make the team. I do however think ke will be on the practice team. The talent is their; however the boy needs to eat some of GranMa’s cooking. Look at it in the way that this will be a red shirt year for him.
Nice to see Brown running hard. recovered from injuey.
Snelling looking more like a FB everyday. Not a bad option in short yardage situations where you have the run/pass option.
Norwood apparently was all the rave at practice. Would love to see him break loose this year. Would like to see apackage with him and Turner both in the backfield together.
I want some info on how the OL is looking. We had a good line last year considering it was susposed to be the worst line in football. Are they improving even more? Who are the projected starters? Who are the 2 deep?
Thanks guys for all the info.
JJ
May 12th, 2009
7:23 am
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/peter_king/05/10/may11/index.html
Mornin’ Falcon Nation – Peter King is the top NFL writer, IMHO. Every monday he writes – MMQ: monday morning quarterback. It’s very good.
This week he ranks all 32 teams, with a little paragraph about each.
Although I beleive we’re a top 10, maybee top 5, here’s how he breaks down the nfc south:
11 – ATL (all depends on D, offense a powerhouse)
18 – CAR (lost faith in delhom)
24 – NO (no D)
26 – TB (rebuilding)
Unca' Bob
May 12th, 2009
7:54 am
Y’all ain’t gonna believe this. I clicked on D-Led this morning and got redirected to a Victoria’s Secret blog. They were pullin’ panties up, they were puttin’ panties on their heads, and some even had their panties in a wad…Sarah B, dont look darlin’. cutter & Ed: are we allowed to say “[gizflammin']” in panty blog? LOLOL!! Really some good stuff. I started laughing so hard, my wife came into the den to see if I was OK. She thought I was having a heart attack…
cutter & ED,
That is the info’ we all come here for. Thanx
D3,
Sometimes I have a hard time reading anagrams. GDWTF, not a problem. I feel your frustration.
jason
May 12th, 2009
8:01 am
D3 we might have to see about starting up a new and improved DAWG blog, but this is the Falcons here… I play Madden and NCAA; well used to. Now I spend time looking for updates here. If my boss new what I was doing at work when the work is slow. You know the military, if work is slow they will find something for you to do. Anyway, I’ll be off and on throughout the day checking things out. Later for now.
D3
May 12th, 2009
8:17 am
2009 Bird-Cage Division/Team Analysis & Final Standings Competition
Weekly Division: AFC West
Today’s Team: Denver Broncos
Bronco’s 2009 Schedule
1 Sep 13 DEN @ CIN
2 Sep 20 CLE @ DEN
3 Sep 27 DEN @ OAK
4 Oct 04 DAL @ DEN
5 Oct 11 NE @ DEN
6 Oct 19 DEN @ SD
7 Bye
8 Nov 01 DEN @ BAL
9 Nov 09 PIT @ DEN
10 Nov 15 DEN @ WAS
11 Nov 22 SD @ DEN
12 Nov 26 NYG @ DEN
13 Dec 06 DEN @ KC
14 Dec 13 DEN @ IND
15 Dec 20 OAK @ DEN
16 Dec 27 DEN @ PHI
17 Jan 03 KC @ DEN
Projected Starters(Best Available)
Offense
QB – Kyle Orton
FB – Peyton Hillis
RB – Correll Buckhalter/Knowshon Moreno/JJ Arrington
TE – Tony Scheffler
WR – Brandon Marshall
WR – Eddie Royal
LT – Ryan Clady
LG – Ben Hamilton
C – Casey Wiegmann
RG – Chris Kuper
RT – Ryan Harris
Defense (3-4)
NT – Marcus Thomas
DE – Robert Ayers
DE – Jarvis Moss
OLB – Boss Bailey
ILB – DJ Williams
ILB – Andra Davis
OLB – Mario Hagan?
CB – Champ Bailey
CB – Josh Bell/Alphonso Smith
SS – Brian Dawkins
FS – Renaldo Hill/Darcel McBath
K – Matt Prater
P – Brett Kern
So there you have it. Let’s hear it about the Broncos described with the following:
-analyze schedule, starters, possible wins/losses, draft picks, etc
-analyze a team each day mon-thurs, & friday-saturday can be our final standings prediction, which I will save
-predict where wins & losses will come, final standings, & division rank
JohnWaynesworld
May 12th, 2009
8:30 am
This is what I like about this team:
Asked about his new playmate Tony Gonzalez, Ryan pointed to the field, where practice had technically ended. “You see six guys still out there, and four are doing interviews,” Ryan said. “But those two are working. [Indeed, Gonzalez and another Falcon were hitting a blocking sled.] He’s teaching young guys how to work. It’s not by chance — there’s a reason he’s the greatest tight end of all time. He’s a huge pickup for us.”
This wasn’t staged, it was real. I am digging the honesty in this bunch. And I am really liking all the Falcon fans that are on this blog! We have many personalities on these pages and all are straight up positive fans!
So D3, today is the Denver Broncos day? OK…
Denver is in a bad situation that can only get better if A) Knowshon blows up and has a 1500+ yard season, AND B) Kyle Orton has a 2 to 1 ratio of TD passes/INT’s. This is not an “or” situation. Both of these has to happen. There is no way the D is going to get well for at least a couple of more years, whether through drafts or FA signings or both. Additionally, Denver’s schedule is almost as tough as the Falcons. The Broncos have at one point, in order: DAL, NE, SD, (bye), BAL, PIT, WAS, SD & NYG. Then they have toward the end of the season two away games at IND and at PHI.
I’d give them a puncher’s chance to win the AFC West if Knowshon delivers and Orton shines. Otherwise, I’ll say they don’t even break .500 this year.
TheManMike
May 12th, 2009
8:45 am
Thanks Cutter and ED – yous the mens….
I like the article on JA – Nice to know that he KNOWS the fans sentiments, even though they dont matter much on the surface, you know they matter inside….I think we see a change in him this season. If he really has been working out extra hard and all – then we should see some real progress. If not, then im sorry for him….
Go Birds.
jason
May 12th, 2009
8:49 am
JohnWaynesworld, I agree. From where I am sitting I am seeing .500. That is a brutal stretcg of games around the bye. The DL looks really young.I’m not buying the LBs either. At this point you have to say the Boss is a bust and injury prone. On offense, where orton will not get you beat, he doesn’t have an impressive skill set to get you wins. Denver is going to have to run the ball. I don’t see much sustained success, especially against the supreme teams in the AFC. As musch as I would like to see Moreno with 1500 yds. I son’t see it happening. Lucky to break 1000 and 5TDs. Defenses will line up to stop the run and dare Orton to beat them throwing.
D3
May 12th, 2009
8:51 am
I’ll start us off:
I’m going to try and be objective as humanly possible because my personal feeling will be to root against the Broncos solely to see Josh McDaniels and his arrogant hubris fail miserably. No first year coach, maybe in history, has the light shining brighter on him than McDaniels. Even though Cutler may share some blame, the fault ultimately lies with McDaniels for even considering trading his best player. Young, Pro-Bowl, Franchise QB’s are hard to come by and because of his arrogance, Cutler is in Chicago. Cutler absolutely carried the Broncos last year, as we here in the ATL can attest. Without him, they lose 2, 3, or more games last year. Enter Kyle Orton.
The offense may be ok with McDaniels and Orton(who is no Brady and didn’t tutor under the “system” for years like Cassell) but their running game is a hot mess. They have like 8 rb’s on their roster this year, signing 4 in the off-season before they drafted Moreno. As a UGA grad and fan, I can say that Moreno seemed to buy his own BS this year, as much of the rest of the team did. As much as I love him, he was wearing his OWN shirt on draft day. Ridiculous. They’re transitioning away from the zone blocking which won’t be easy. Brandon Marshall is suspended for at least 3 games, maybe more.
Defense got upgraded a little with Robert Ayers, Brian Dawkins, & Alphonso Smith. Ayers had one good year at Tenn and we know about the development time of DE’s. Their LB corps is in total disarray. Nate Webster and Jamie Winborn gone. DJ Williams moving to ILB and I have no clue who will start on the outside. Besides Dawkins and Champ Bailey, don’t know who will be starting in the secondary. Their draft strategy was scattered and haphazard.
1 Sep 13 DEN @ CIN (Win)
2 Sep 20 CLE @ DEN (Win)
3 Sep 27 DEN @ OAK (Win)
4 Oct 04 DAL @ DEN (Loss)
5 Oct 11 NE @ DEN (Loss)
6 Oct 19 DEN @ SD (Loss)
7 Bye
8 Nov 01 DEN @ BAL (Loss)
9 Nov 09 PIT @ DEN (Loss)
10 Nov 15 DEN @ WAS (Loss)
11 Nov 22 SD @ DEN (Loss)
12 Nov 26 NYG @ DEN (Loss)
13 Dec 06 DEN @ KC (Win)
14 Dec 13 DEN @ IND (Loss)
15 Dec 20 OAK @ DEN (Win)
16 Dec 27 DEN @ PHI (Loss)
17 Jan 03 KC @ DEN (Win)
Final: 6 -10
Comment: Great job getting rid of Shanahan and McDaniels seat is ablaze!
richbrave
May 12th, 2009
8:53 am
Hey ED:
See you’re giving props to my man AARON KELLY. I was boosting him to the REDSKINS, but they don’t know what they’re doing and passed on him. I think he’ll develop into an excellent receiver. How’d my man SIDBURY do?
D3
May 12th, 2009
8:53 am
2009 Denver Broncos
I’m going to try and be objective as humanly possible because my personal feeling will be to root against the Broncos solely to see Josh McDaniels and his arrogant hubris fail miserably. No first year coach, maybe in history, has the light shining brighter on him than McDaniels. Even though Cutler may share some blame, the fault ultimately lies with McDaniels for even considering trading his best player. Young, Pro-Bowl, Franchise QB’s are hard to come by and because of his arrogance, Cutler is in Chicago. Cutler absolutely carried the Broncos last year, as we here in the ATL can attest. Without him, they lose 2, 3, or more games last year. Enter Kyle Orton.
The offense may be ok with McDaniels and Orton(who is no Brady and didn’t tutor under the “system” for years like Cassell) but their running game is a hot mess. They have like 8 rb’s on their roster this year, signing 4 in the off-season before they drafted Moreno. As a UGA grad and fan, I can say that Moreno seemed to buy his own BS this year, as much of the rest of the team did. As much as I love him, he was wearing his OWN shirt on draft day. Ridiculous. They’re transitioning away from the zone blocking which won’t be easy. Brandon Marshall is suspended for at least 3 games, maybe more.
Defense got upgraded a little with Robert Ayers, Brian Dawkins, & Alphonso Smith. Ayers had one good year at Tenn and we know about the development time of DE’s. Their LB corps is in total disarray. Nate Webster and Jamie Winborn gone. DJ Williams moving to ILB and I have no clue who will start on the outside. Besides Dawkins and Champ Bailey, don’t know who will be starting in the secondary. Their draft strategy was scattered and haphazard.
1 Sep 13 DEN @ CIN (Win)
2 Sep 20 CLE @ DEN (Win)
3 Sep 27 DEN @ OAK (Win)
4 Oct 04 DAL @ DEN (Loss)
5 Oct 11 NE @ DEN (Loss)
6 Oct 19 DEN @ SD (Loss)
7 Bye
8 Nov 01 DEN @ BAL (Loss)
9 Nov 09 PIT @ DEN (Loss)
10 Nov 15 DEN @ WAS (Loss)
11 Nov 22 SD @ DEN (Loss)
12 Nov 26 NYG @ DEN (Loss)
13 Dec 06 DEN @ KC (Win)
14 Dec 13 DEN @ IND (Loss)
15 Dec 20 OAK @ DEN (Win)
16 Dec 27 DEN @ PHI (Loss)
17 Jan 03 KC @ DEN (Win)
Final: 6 -10
Comment: Great job getting rid of Shanahan and McDaniels seat is ablaze!
D3
May 12th, 2009
8:53 am
I’m going to try and be objective as humanly possible because my personal feeling will be to root against the Broncos solely to see Josh McDaniels and his arrogant hubris fail miserably. No first year coach, maybe in history, has the light shining brighter on him than McDaniels. Even though Cutler may share some blame, the fault ultimately lies with McDaniels for even considering trading his best player. Young, Pro-Bowl, Franchise QB’s are hard to come by and because of his arrogance, Cutler is in Chicago. Cutler absolutely carried the Broncos last year, as we here in the ATL can attest. Without him, they lose 2, 3, or more games last year. Enter Kyle Orton.
D3
May 12th, 2009
8:58 am
The offense may be ok with McDaniels and Orton(who is no Brady and didn’t tutor under the “system” for years like Cassel) but their running game is a hot mess. They have like 8 rb’s on their roster this year, signing 4 in the off-season before they drafted Moreno. As a UGA grad and fan, I can say that Moreno seemed to buy his own BS this year, as much of the rest of the team did. As much as I love him, he was wearing his OWN shirt on draft day. Ridiculous. They’re transitioning away from the zone blocking which won’t be easy. Brandon Marshall is suspended for at least 3 games, maybe more.
D3
May 12th, 2009
9:01 am
The offense may be ok with McDaniels and Orton(who is no Brady and didn’t learn under the “system” for years like Cassel) but their running game is a hot mess. They have like 8 rb’s on their roster this year, signing 4 in the off-season before they drafted Moreno. As a UGA grad and fan, I can say that Moreno seemed to buy his own BS this year, as much of the rest of the team did. As much as I love him, he was wearing his OWN shirt on draft day. Ridiculous. They’re transitioning away from the zone blocking which won’t be easy. Brandon Marshall is suspended for at least 3 games, maybe more.