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
WR
May 13th, 2009
6:34 pm
Unca’Bob, I’m going to take a script from your pages here,I just got back on the blog and it appeared we had a chip and dale forum going on with people talking about watching men slap the back of their legs during the games.
WR
May 13th, 2009
6:42 pm
Stirg, do you have a link for the sports page you were talking about earlier. Whoever came up with the idea of Shockley in the wildcat could be on to something.DJ in the Wildcat brings up enormous capabilities. Does anyone remember that last year when Norwood lined up in the wildcat the sportscasters actually called it the Dirty Bird alignment.
WR
May 13th, 2009
6:44 pm
Blog monster has struck again
jason
May 13th, 2009
7:00 pm
D3, man when you post, you POST !!! How,s it going today? I think the “wildcat”/ “dirtyBird” Formation might just give DJ the edge at back up QB. His ability to throw, scramble, throw on the run… Endless possibilities. Every team in the NFL has some type of wildcat.you will see “MOBILE” QBs in collage get a shot in the nfl at their natural position who otherwise would never be afforded the oppurtunity thanks to the wildcat. RandelEl would be QB now instead of a WR.
Then you will see even more smaller LBs, and Safties occupying Defenses across the NFL to sto this formation. I think the versitality of this formation will be what allows it to stick in the NFL.
jason
May 13th, 2009
7:03 pm
WR, I didn’t know there was such a post. I know we were talking about it the past couple of days here in the Bird Cage. I think the coversation started on the first page. Hmmm, who do we give credit to for that idea?
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 13th, 2009
7:25 pm
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/04/nfl-draft-first-round-breakdown/
WR
May 13th, 2009
7:40 pm
Stirg, thanks for the link
Jason, I was thinking the same thing, with the speed and strength of players nowadays coordinators have to come up with new gimmicks and wrinkles.
JohnWaynesworld
May 13th, 2009
7:50 pm
Yea DJ in the “Talon” formation! Like Pat White but bigger with experience and a stronger arm. Not as fast though. I’ll tell you what though, it will be interesting to watch Pat White in the wildcat or white cat. He’s gonna do great hopefully the week AFTER we play them.
I always hated the last cut down. There was always someone in there that I really wanted to make the team. But it is good to know there are other opportunities out there for those guys. Hopefully not on the team opposing us though! I hate that. For instance when we play the Sain’ts or Carolina. There are some of my favorite college players, like Thomas Davis or Charles Grant on those two teams and I hate when they do so well against us. But I’m glad they are doing well.
I like Thomas Brown to at least make the special teams. He will prove them all wrong (once again) and show them all that he is the hardest worker on the entire team. I don’t care who returns punts as long as they have iron vice grips for hands. And no fear.
jason
May 13th, 2009
7:56 pm
The one former UGA player that I wish played for ATL would be Thomas Davis. If Davis played for ATL, would he be a LB, or have stayed at Safety. I love my Dawgs and root for them whereever they are except when thay play the Falcons.
D3
May 13th, 2009
8:14 pm
My San Diego Chargers 2009 Analysis:
Offense
San Diego looks to have a huge year in 2009 after having a terrible couple of months in 2008, rallying, and coming up big to beat the Colts and move into the second round of the playoffs with their best player. They were 2nd in the NFL in points scored per game (27.4) without a healthy LT. Darren Sproles will definitely get many touches after his studly performance in the playoffs. A true thunder and lightning with LT and Sproles. Chris Chambers had a solid year, Vincent Jackson continues to develop, and Philip Rivers carried that team for many games last year. Malcom Floyd gives them another big target (6′5). Gates gets healthy and back to Pro-Bowl Form.
Defense
By all accounts, the Chargers had a bad year, especially after being one of the most dominant D’s in the league. They did lose DE Igor to the Cowboys, but they added a perfect complement to their system in Larry English. Shaun Phillips might be possible moving to DE, which will give them tons of options with Merriman’s return. They look to dominate the AFC West, close to sweeping it.
1 Sep 14 SD @ OAK – Win
2 Sep 20 BAL @ SD – Win
3 Sep 27 MIA @ SD – Win
4 Oct 04 SD @ PIT – Loss
5 Bye
6 Oct 19 DEN @ SD – Win
7 Oct 25 SD @ KC – Win
8 Nov 01 OAK @ SD – Loss, upset & only division loss
9 Nov 08 SD @ NYG – Loss
10 Nov 15 PHI @ SD – Win
11 Nov 22 SD @ DEN – Win
12 Nov 29 KC @ SD – Win
13 Dec 06 SD @ CLE – Win
14 Dec 13 SD @ DAL – Win
15 Dec 20 CIN @ SD – Win
16 Dec 25 SD @ TEN – Loss
17 Jan 03 WAS @ SD – Loss; Rest Starters after long winning division
Weak Schedule, Healthy LT & Gates = Huge OFF, Rebound D + English;
Final: 11-5, Division Champs
2009 Bird-Cage Division/Team & Final Standings Competition
Unca’ Bob
Broncos: 5-11
Chargers: 11-5
WR
Broncos: 5-11
Chargers: 10-6
Sarah B.
Broncos: 6-10
Chargers: 13-3
Lil’ Dave
Broncos: 7-9
jason
Broncos: 8-8
Chargers: 12-4
row3
Broncos: 7-9
Chargers: 10-6
JohnWaynesWorld
Broncos: 8-8
Chargers: 10-6
Stirg
Broncos: 6-10
Ed
Broncos: 5-11
D3
Broncos: 7-9
Chargers: 11-5
JJ
Broncos: 2-14
JJ, Stirg, Ed, Lil’ Dave, and anyone else join in on the fun. Ken Strick, Cutter, Nookah, Seminole, Gatorzone, where ya’ll at?
jason
May 13th, 2009
8:21 pm
D3, i am the only one who has them going 12-4. I wanted to pick them to sweep the division, but that is hard to do. I have them losing on the road to KC. They are going to be dangerous once in the playoffs.
cutter
May 13th, 2009
8:47 pm
D3- Well I played DE for the Razorbacks years ago but now that I’m in Ga. and you know who coaches the Razorbacks it would have to be UGA.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 13th, 2009
9:27 pm
I said I wasn’t going to get into this debate about the backup QB situation that has been presented. To me, its not that much of a situation. In fact, its a good situation. Release, trade, cut or renegotiate Redman’s contract and make DJ number two. I suggest this because I think I know what y’all talking about, with this new “Wildcat” thing. I watched a little of the Dolphins last year and thought “that’ll never work, in the NFL.” Boy, was I ever wrong. I should have stated “that’ll never work without the right personnel, in the NFL.” The same post that WR asked me about earlier (The National Football Post), did a breakdown of the second round, where the Dolphins took Pat White. They offered this:
Picks I like from a scheme perspective…
QB Pat White, Miami Dolphins
I wouldn’t be doing this post justice if I didn’t include White in this portion of the breakdown. I took quite a bit of flack from some readers for penciling in White as the Dolphins’ second-round pick in most of my mock drafts. I guess the brass in Miami thought the idea of White in their wildcat offense was just too intriguing to pass up. Can you imagine all the wrinkles quarterbacks coach David Lee is going to come up with now that White is in the fold? The wildcat was tough enough to stop, but now, with a legitimate running and throwing option in the form of White, things could be interesting for AFC East defenses. White has also developed significantly over the past year as a pocket passer, so it isn’t out of the question for him to eventually become the Dolphins’ starting quarterback.
Now, Bird fans, I ask you to remove Pat White’s name and enter D.J. Shockley (omit the sentence that says “(he’ll)…eventually become the…starting quarterback.). DJ would be a perfect fit and get some playing time. You’re right, jason, we need to discover who, first, suggested this idea and give that man credit. (Wasn’t it you, Unca’ Bob?)
falcon21
May 13th, 2009
9:34 pm
Wow was I behind! Sorry guys and gal but I have been busy. I have read a lot of good comments and have enjoyed every minute of it. D3 I see where the blog monster got you as I re-read and got caught up. GO Falcons and forgive me but GO Dawgs!!!
D3
May 13th, 2009
9:35 pm
Great Evenin’ Cagers! Rolling towards to the weekend. Bravo’s on a little bit of a roll, eh? Took both series from Phillies and Mets on road; maybe they’re turning it around a little. But we’re here for one thing only >> Football…….
jason – yep, I was going to go with 12-4 originally, but it was hard for me to get the Chargers to sweep their division. I’d like to see how many times that actually happened in NFL history. I was going to have them getting beat by Denver, but I already had them beating the Broncos twice.
cutter – sweet man. Mad props on playing at a major SEC school. My respect level was already high for you, but it just skyrocketed. Nice. I actually liked Arkansas before J—@$$ moved there. I’ll never know why they got rid of Houston Nutt. It all worked out great for us though, so now some of my bitterness has passed.
Question to all the ‘Cagers: Do you think there are bloggers who read the posts but never actually post themselves? Just curious.
A little research on the breakdown of roster spots by position, according to last year as of Sept.12th, 2008:
- 5 defensive ends
- 4 defensive tackles
- 6 linebackers
- 5 cornerbacks
- 4 safeties
- 6 wide receivers
- 9 offensive linemen
- 3 tight ends
- 3 quarterbacks
- 5 running backs
- 1 kicker
- 1 punter
- 1 long snapper
Interesting on how that will affect this years roster.
Tomorrow
Weekly Division: AFC West
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Sarah B
May 13th, 2009
10:02 pm
WR – I thought you agreed to give me my space with the back of the leg slapping and all? I mean really it wasn’t like I went on and on and I still seem to be the only (I would say girl but… not really a girl anymore) female in the cage… oh do we really have to do the rest of this pitiful division? OK – up next KC. We’ll do it in the morning when I have more energy.
Sarah B
May 13th, 2009
10:14 pm
Stirg – yeah thanks for the link earlier. I clicked it and guess who was posted on there… none other then our DOL with a brief update on Roddy White’s contract deal, what?? He couldn’t tell us first? Just saying…
falcon21
May 13th, 2009
10:20 pm
Sarah, I really enjoy your comments and you have good football knowledge. Sorry about the gal thing, I should have said girl or football fan!
Sarah B
May 13th, 2009
10:28 pm
falcon21 – I don’t mind gal, that’s southernly very acceptable. At least you didn’t say sugar or honey, HA HA I just cracked myself up because I hear that crap soooooo much.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 13th, 2009
10:35 pm
Sarah, you’re in the south now. What about “shawty”?
I, too, peeped D.O.’s contribution to the National Football Post and felt the same way. I mean, I know you a celebrity now, and all, but you aint got to act like Rogers Nelson or somebody. Dag.
Anywho, let me play the game…
1 Sep 14 SD @ OAK W
2 Sep 20 BAL @ SD W
3 Sep 27 MIA @ SD L
4 Oct 04 SD @ PIT L
5 Bye
6 Oct 19 DEN @ SD W
7 Oct 25 SD @ KC W
8 Nov 01 OAK @ SD W
9 Nov 08 SD @ NYG L
10 Nov 15 PHI @ SD L
11 Nov 22 SD @ DEN W
12 Nov 29 KC @ SD W
13 Dec 06 SD @ CLE W
14 Dec 13 SD @ DAL L
15 Dec 20 CIN @ SD W
16 Dec 25 SD @ TEN W
17 Jan 03 WAS @ SD W
I think LT is out to prove something this year; actually, he’s out to prove alot. We all know that today’s offense requires a two-headed monster in the backfield and LT/Sproles is one of the best one-two punches in the NFL (besides The Burner and The Flame, of course).
I’ve always questioned, “with so many all-stars, why is San Diego so consistently unsuccessful in the post-season?” They have the perfect compliments to each other in the backfield (Rivers, LT and Sproles) and they have a solid offensive line. When I look at their passing game, they have the best tight-end duo in the NFL but that’s it, they have no serious threats out wide; however, with their high-powered offense, the receivers will see a lot of man matchups.
The defense is going to be as potent as the offense. Any team with an all-star tandem at corners, that can man up on an island, is bound to be a top ten ranked defense.
San Diego Charges: 11-5
falcon21
May 13th, 2009
10:41 pm
Thanks Sarah, I was hopeing I didn’t make you mad. You go SUGAR, just kidding! Falcon fans for life.
WR
May 13th, 2009
10:44 pm
Sarah, I have to crack a joke every now and then, keeps things interesting. Its nice having a female on the blog I think most of us get a kick out of your baby daddy, comments its funny fun and like I said keeps the blog interesting.
Stirg, I think JohnWaynesWorld or Jason came up with the idea of DJ being utilized in the wildcat formation, not sure though.
WR
May 13th, 2009
10:50 pm
Sarah, by the way do you visit the waffle house often hun. Its funny how being from the south I feel as though I rarely hear the sugar, honey,hun,sweetie, comments except at the waffle house. But people from up north seem to hear it all the time. I wonder have I gotten so use to it that I don’t pay it much attention, god I wonder do I say it without knowing.
jason
May 13th, 2009
10:59 pm
SarahB, I feel tha same with this pitiful AFC West.
Stirg d’Nahsif, I was saying the same thing about SD’s WRs. Imagine if they had a… Maclin, someone who could stretch the field; go deep.
Wr, If I mentioned DJ in the wildcat, I didn’t realize. I get so caught up reading everyone’s post I lose track of what I posted. If I did, it’s because of like D3, DJ holds a special place in my DAWG heart. If there’s a way to get him on the field, you gotta hope ATL will go for it.
Well Guys and Lady, KC is on tap tomorrow. Thank goodness I have one more day to try and figure out what to say about the Raiders. Kc, I think is going to be an interesting team with the personelle changes they made. See you all tomorrow in the CAGE.
Sarah B
May 13th, 2009
11:00 pm
WR – I love the Waffle House and yes I really hear it there but it’s OK – I love the Waffle House!! 2 eggs over light, wheat toast and hash browns scattered. Ummmmm…
Also, not that I really wanted to say this out loud but, I’m well endoud so it is said to my chest a lot… which used to bother me but now I find funny at this age. Which I won’t mention.
Sarah B
May 13th, 2009
11:05 pm
Stirg – I LOVE Shawty…
falcon21
May 13th, 2009
11:07 pm
Come on Sarah, 27 ain’t old! Another southern word -ain’t!!!
Sarah B
May 13th, 2009
11:08 pm
falcon21 – I’m running with 27!!! And I like Ain’t
Sarah B
May 13th, 2009
11:10 pm
BYW – I’ve been here since ‘85
falcon21
May 13th, 2009
11:19 pm
I guess that makes you 24. Never been good in math!!!
Sarah B
May 13th, 2009
11:21 pm
OK – I’m out I’ll be back about 9 tomorrow.
WR
May 13th, 2009
11:25 pm
Quiet night in the cage, except for a couple of boobies not much posting going on. Well I guess its on to KC tomorrow, good thing we have Oakland on friday, people probably will be going out and won’t care to think much about their post, and the Raiders don’t require much thinking.
falcon21
May 13th, 2009
11:37 pm
Sorry WR, we will get more serious tomorrow!
Sarah B
May 13th, 2009
11:52 pm
Well, I had to sneak one more peek in. WR – your’re welcome for the boobies. I’ll be back tomorrow for the KC losing record. Nite all for real. From June 3-10 I’ll be blogging from Vegas – going to visit a friend since it won’t quit raining here. I need to lay by a pool.
D3
May 13th, 2009
11:56 pm
WR – yeah, I agree that its pretty much just boiled down to a few of us at this point: me, you, Lil’ Dave, Stirg, Sarah B, jason, row3, Unca’ Bob, falcon21, johnwaynesworld,cutter, occasionally Ken Strick, JJ, & Nookah. Which is a pretty good group of core loyalists, and a few fellas are probably on a little hiatus: I know Seminole had to go to North Carolina for the weekend. Hadn’t heard from dacha, Dean21, Marko, irvin, and Falcon Devil in awhile.
I think that some of our guys don’t really get into the non-Falcons football talk. I don’t know. I think your idea has been da’ BOMB! We’re averaging like almost 100 posts a day. Any ideas on getting our boys back in the ‘Cage? That’s why I asked about people reading and not posting. I’d say between us loyalists and the occasional, we probably have a good solid 30 or so that are in the mix on a consistent basis. Personally, I’m lovin’ the excitement, engagement, and activity of the ‘Cage.
D3
May 14th, 2009
12:04 am
d@—, how could I forget The Mock Draft Champ – Reno911. Where the H has he been?
Gatorzone, Ed, and Cameron as well.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 14th, 2009
12:11 am
D3, lets try the same analysis for the teams we have to play. If we analyze one team each week (13 teams total), it’ll lead us right into the season. Say we start with Miami (instead of KC tomorrow), our first week opponent, and breakdown their strengths, weaknesses and off-season acquisitions. We can even do matchups with corners and wide receivers (that’ll be interesting).
I think a lot of us are just reading and not posting. To be honest with you, who has interest out side of the Falcons? I, for one, certainly don’t. I’m not that much of a football fan; I’m a Georgia boy and I love my Georgia teams. I think you’ll fing more interest and participation.
jason
May 14th, 2009
12:26 am
Someone asked earlier about people reading and not posting. I read for a couple of weeks, and then when draft weekend blew up; you guys went off. Ever since then I have been posting. So, I’m sure there are alot of people out there in cyber world reading.
Stirg d’Nahsif, I agree. It probably would be more interesting looking over ATL’s opponets. The damage we could do by looking at one team for a week. As you, I am a casual NFL fan. I only nutt up when I am watching ATL; as far as the NFL goes. ( don’t get me started on my DAWGS) But at the same time, I am also growing more interest in the NFL. The stratagey side anyway. But I’m cool with whatever. I can talk Falcons, Dawgs, and my Syrupmakers all day long. Since I live in Texas, hard to find some Georgia sports fans round these parts. So, whinchever way you want to take this ride; I’m following. We can go straight ATL, or NFL, I’m cool with it.
Later guys, be on when I wake up in the morning. I’m on vacation for the next week and a half. Nothing to do but catch up on some house duties, hit some golf balls, and hang out in the Bird Cage.
Big Ray
May 14th, 2009
12:45 am
WHAT’S UP GUYS????!!!!! …..Guys..?
Talk about being late for a party. I’m so behind, and y’all have been going post-crazy (which is good to see), so it took me a while to catch up, and I’m not sure I’m caught up. Guess I’ll summarize in short sentences.
Cutter,
Your tidbits were great. Any and all info in the offseason is helpful.
Sarah B,
Nice to have a lady on board. Welcome!
Stirg,
I see you your competitive fires are still burning strong. Good points you made there.
WR,
Good counterpoints.
D3,
If there is anybody who is more addicted to this new brand of Falcon Nation, I haven’t met them.
Nobody organizes the competitions like you do. Keep it going strong!
The word I’m getting on Chris Owens is that he has great speed, but gets fooled and/or shaken out there from time to time. Okay. So he’ll receive some coaching. As long as he’s a reasonably quick study and a hard worker, he’ll be fine.
I don’t know just how good Thomas Decoud is right now, but he better have on eye on the ball, one eye on the quarterback, and one eye on William Moore. Oops, only got two eyes…The good news is that the competition level will make them BOTH better.
I really hope Peria Jerry and Trey Lewis can stay healthy. We really need them.
Peace out everybody!
row3
May 14th, 2009
12:52 am
The Question was, who first suggested DJ running the wildcat offense? It first hit home with me reading D3’s QB comparison posted May 11 @ 11:44. Thats when the whole QB3 eligibilty came into question. I know I can count on everyone’s knowledge and insight on this blog to come up with the answer’s to some tough questions that arise. I enjoy the intresting conversation and opinion’s these blog’s provide.
Thanks, Cagers
D3
May 14th, 2009
1:04 am
Stirg – yeah, I understand that a bit. I guess I’m just an extreme Football junkie. I used to be strictly a Dawgs/College Football fan when I was @ UGA. I was always a Falcon fan, but became obsessed when I moved to the ATL in 2004. I was the same way about Pro ball as well, until I started playing fantasy football and that unlocked the Pandora’s box of interest in the NFL. Especially as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become totally absorbed in All Football. Enough about me…..
My idea to keep the Bird-Cage rockin’ was to lay out a schedule of ideas to talk about through the dry spell from mini-camp to training camp. I wanted to supplement our Falcons talk with a little NFL in the idea that it’s a running competition for fun for all of us while learning about all the teams in the NFL. As far as participation goes, I think its at an all-time high up to 400 posts in 4 days is pretty good in my opinion, especially after looking at some of the other fan blogs. I actually had the idea of analyzing each opponent closer to the season.
Here’s an idea to appease the masses, see what you think:
Continue Division/Team Analysis & Final Standings Competition AND including Week-by-Week Falcons Opponents Analysis. How about this schedule:
14 total weeks
5/11 – 5/17 = AFC West & ATL vs. Miami
5/18 – 5/24 = AFC North & ATL vs. Carolina
5/25 – 5/31 = AFC East & ATL @ New England
6/1 – 6/7 = AFC South & ATL @ San Francisco
6/8 – 6/14 = NFC West & ATL vs. Chicago
6/15 – 6/21 = NFC East & ATL @ Dallas
6/22 – 6/28 = NFC North & ATL @ New Orleans
6/29 – 7/5 = NFC South & ATL vs. Washington
7/6 – 7/12 = ATL @ Carolina, NY Giants
7/13 – 7/19 = ATL @ Tampa Bay, Philadelphia
7/20 – 7/26 = ATL vs. New York Jets, Buffalo
7/27 – 8/2 = ATL vs. Tampa Bay
8/3 – 8/9 = Training Camp Starts
This will allow for our fans to do one or both if they please. I’m such a football junkie that I like both, but its not for everyone.
So what you guys think? I’m just trying to keep the MOJO going here in the Bird-Cage because its so much d@— fun!
D3
May 14th, 2009
1:08 am
Big Ray – great to have you back my man! How we’ve missed you so here in the Cage. I peeked over at your Hawks blog and d@— fine work my brother. I’m not a b-ball fan, per se, but I like the Hawks and your work over there was superb.
All right peeps, check out my new proposal and see what ya’ll think. Gotta get a little shut-eye since the House CEO is on lil’ WR shift. Have a good night fellas and see you on the flip side………
79 DAYS AND COUNTING TO 2009 ATLANTA FALCONS TRAINING CAMP!!!!
Ed
May 14th, 2009
1:48 am
1 Sep 14 SD @ OAK – W
2 Sep 20 BAL @ SD – W
3 Sep 27 MIA @ SD – W
4 Oct 04 SD @ PIT – L
5 Bye
6 Oct 19 DEN @ SD – W
7 Oct 25 SD @ KC – W
8 Nov 01 OAK @ SD – W
9 Nov 08 SD @ NYG – L
10 Nov 15 PHI @ SD – W
11 Nov 22 SD @ DEN – W
12 Nov 29 KC @ SD – W
13 Dec 06 SD @ CLE – W
14 Dec 13 SD @ DAL – L
15 Dec 20 CIN @ SD – W
16 Dec 25 SD @ TEN – W
17 Jan 03 WAS @ SD – W
13 – 3 Phillip Rivers is the real deal.
Ed
May 14th, 2009
3:14 am
Just so you know D3, I am a night owl as I work at night so most of my posts are after midnight. I meant to put it down that Moreno wins the AFC Rookie of the Year. Denver didn’t waste their first pick on him not to run him & Knowshon is going to be a hellava RB.
JJ
May 14th, 2009
6:33 am
SD 12 – 4
Unca' Bob
May 14th, 2009
6:47 am
Strig, Ref: “Raptor” Formation
No Sir, it was not I. I did some backing and on the first page of this blog Ken Srickland had posted it. It was placed May 11, at 12:50 AM. After re-reading Ken’s post, it makes more sense than ever. He nailed it!
D3
May 14th, 2009
6:52 am
Wonderful Thursday A.M. my Bird-Cage Bro’s & Sis’s! Thursday is definitely one of my favorite days of the week. It stems back from my high school playing days, the day before the big game and walk-throughs, extended to college and Thursday was the opening party shot for the weekend, and I’ve digressed. On to my favorite hobby…….
Changes – we’re going to continue our Division/Team Analysis & Final Standings Competition for us crazy Football junkies, but on Stirg’s excellent suggestion we’re also adding some Falcons flavor to the mix because, after all, this IS a Falcons Blog. Enjoy both or just one. In addition to the NFL Competition, we’ll be breaking down a Falcons opponent each week leading up to Training Camp in August.
See what you guys think of this schedule, any and all suggestions/changes are encouraged. The ‘Cage is a community:
5/11 – 5/17 = AFC West & ATL vs. Miami
5/18 – 5/24 = AFC North & ATL vs. Carolina
5/25 – 5/31 = AFC East & ATL @ New England
6/1 – 6/7 = AFC South & ATL @ San Francisco
6/8 – 6/14 = NFC West & ATL vs. Chicago
6/15 – 6/21 = NFC East & ATL @ Dallas
6/22 – 6/28 = NFC North & ATL @ New Orleans
6/29 – 7/5 = NFC South & ATL vs. Washington
7/6 – 7/12 = ATL @ Carolina, NY Giants
7/13 – 7/19 = ATL @ Tampa Bay, Philadelphia
7/20 – 7/26 = ATL vs. New York Jets, Buffalo
7/27 – 8/2 = ATL vs. Tampa Bay
8/3 – 8/9 = Training Camp Starts
Atlanta Opponent Match-Ups
Stirg’s Analysis Idea:
-breakdown their strengths, weaknesses and off-season acquisitions
-individual position match-ups
-potential starters
-must win/potential loss
-prediction (outcome & score)
What ya’ll think?
JJ
May 14th, 2009
6:57 am
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcsouth/0-11-64/NFC-South-D-line-coaches-face-big-challenges.html
Good article on nfc south D-line, no mention of T.Lewis though.
D3
May 14th, 2009
7:16 am
2009 Bird-Cage Division/Team Analysis & Final Competition
Weekly Division: AFC West
Today’s Team: Kansas City Chiefs
(OK, maybe the AFC West wasn’t the best to start with)
2009 Kansas City Chiefs Schedule
1 Sep 13 KC @ BAL
2 Sep 20 OAK @ KC
3 Sep 27 KC @ PHI
4 Oct 04 NYG @ KC
5 Oct 11 DAL @ KC
6 Oct 18 KC @ WAS
7 Oct 25 SD @ KC
8 Bye
9 Nov 08 KC @ JAC
10 Nov 15 KC @ OAK
11 Nov 22 PIT @ KC
12 Nov 29 KC @ SD
13 Dec 06 DEN @ KC
14 Dec 13 BUF @ KC
15 Dec 20 CLE @ KC
16 Dec 27 KC @ CIN
17 Jan 03 KC @ DEN
Potential Starters to come.
jason
May 14th, 2009
8:25 am
Good morning people. I am on vacation. got to sleep in a little bit. First topic, the ‘Raptor” Formation. I don’t know who exactly said it first but D3 and Ken both hit the nail on the head about DJ being perfect for it. D3, like you I was always a UGA fan growing up. I liked the Falcons, but UGA was my team. Throughout school I always had my football season set up. Fri. was Cairo, Sat/ UGA, Sun/ ATL. I look back at those days and see the history assiociated with the Falcons. I know about the not winning back to back seasons. I look to players in that era. QB Bartkowski, RBs Andrews and Cain. TE Junior Miller. WRs the 2 Alfreds Jenkins and James. Buddy Curry at MLB. Those were the days. The ‘Hail Mary” Steve Bartkowski through to Billy “White Shoes” Johnson against the 49ers. We could never beat those guys. The beat goes on with players such as a personal favorite Scott Case, Tuggle, Riggs, Settle through Mike Rozier , Chris Miller, The early “neon” Deion days. Deion was great in his younger years with the Falcons. I know, I know just Rambling on and on. I know this may make me a young Falcon fan but the first game I can remember was the NFC Championship against Dallas. All I knew at the time was Dallas won. A couple of years ago I watched that game on ESPN Classic. Litterly sat up to around 3AM remenicing the good old days. There was a saying that UGA used a couple of years ago. I thnk it was ” I am Georgia” Someone can correct me. But the point being… “I am Georgia” and like alot of fans on this board “We are Georgia” in the sense that alot of us are Die Hard UGA fans as well as Atlanta Falcons. If it is Georgia sports related we are amid all the talk. Whether it ATLFAL, UGA, Braves, Hawks; we are there. I have talked enough. Gotta take some time to put up my KC Synopsis. See ya in a few.