It’s OTA time for the Falcons
Second-year man Curtis Lofton calling signals in the defensive huddle at mini-camp. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC).
OTAVILLE – Took a little post-draft, post-mini-camp break.
Back up and ready to roll through the Organized Team Activities, then there will be another break for us before training camp.
The Falcons start their OTAs tomorrow at 10:15 a.m.
They are allowed to have 14 sessions, which are to be non-contact drills and can last no longer than six hours. Only two of those hours can be spent on the field.
While the drills are to be non-contact, seven-on-seven passing drills are allowable. The drills are not mandatory, so it’s always an issue when a veteran or two doesn’t show up.
The Falcons were near 100 percent last season. Which makes sense with a new coaching staff. This year it will be interesting to see if any of the veterans elect to miss a few of the sessions.
The Falcons will practice again on Thursday.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank welcomes rookie safety William Moore. OTAs will be important for Moore in his quest to land a starting spot. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC).
After this week, they will practice on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday over the next four weeks to get all of their 14 sessions end. After OTAs are completed on June 18, the team will break for the summer and reunite on July 31 for the opening of training camp.
The media will be allowed to attend five of the sessions, with each Wednesday has been designated by Coach Mike Smith as the media days.
With so many young players on the roster, the Falcons OTA sessions will be key.
On defense, seven of the 11 starters could be players with three years or less. The offense could have three starters.
Also, cornerback Von Hutchins, who broke his foot and spent last season on injured reserve, is expected to be available. First round draft pick Peria Jerry, who suffered a mild right knee sprain at mini-camp, is expected back.
Considering the youth of the Falcons team, how key are the OTA session for the Falcons? How much time should be used in the seven-on-seven drills to sharpen the passing attack? Do you expect all of the veterans to take part some or all of this non-mandatory workouts?
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509 comments Add your comment
jason
May 20th, 2009
4:08 pm
Maybe I am a Homer. I believe in Coach Smitty’s ability. I think the process is in full swing. The ripple effect will be felt all along our defense this year. Sometimes, I try to catch myself. Not grow to great of expectations. I am sure the defense will have some growing pains, especially the DBs. But I am confident that Smitty will get them coached up.
I just think with ATL’s offense this year, they should beat Carolina. Even with last years defense. I am that confident in the offense. The thing is… Carolina always plays ATL tough. The DBs vs. Steve Smith is a crucial part to this game. That’s why I think we have to get DL pressure so we won’t have to blitz as much. Delhomme can be rattled. He is only effective when he has all day to throw. Carolina will run the ball. That to me is a given. ATL gas to control Smith to win this game. ATL also has to get Turner and Norwood running the ball. ATL has to have the time of possession on their side. ATL will win this game, because of the fact that they will keep the ball, and not expose a young defense.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 20th, 2009
4:09 pm
I want to apologize for entering a post without doing my research. My Carolina versus Atlanta predictions was merely based on the knowledge at the top of my head. It was not supported by any research, at all. Since I’ve been corrected, I reviewed a very hard-to-find depth chart on Carolina’s defense. Outside of a very discontent Julius Peppers, I recognized none of the names on their defensive line. Even the linebacker corps have names that are unpopular in NFL media.
Still, my prediction goes unchanged. What’s in a name? Just because I’m unfamiliar with the name or have never seen the name in an ESPN highlight, does not make them less valuable. I have a 1974 Ford F250 that I call “‘Nana Puddin’”. It may be a ‘74 but she sure does look good when she’s driving through Belle Isle. Carolina’s front seven is, mostly, unheard of; but on gameday, their defense shows up. They’ll have ample time and a regular season game with the Eagles, to prepare for the I-85 Rivalry. We need not take these people lightly, my Falcon bretheren. I say we all meet right outside Charlotte (you know, where that California Dreamin’ restaraunt on the left, if driving north) and kidnap their logistics coordinator prior to the game. That way, they’ll be unprepared for gameday. What’d you say, Big Ray? Ride or die?
jason
May 20th, 2009
4:12 pm
Unca’ Bob, What’s NE? I think we split home and home also. I know how important the lines are to winning football. I can not express how important the DL will be this year. Anderson, Davis, Babineaux, Lewis, Jerry, Walker, Abe, and Biermann. They are vital to the success of this team’s chances. They will help not only the LBs, but most important, the DBs.
Sarah B
May 20th, 2009
4:23 pm
ATL vs. CAR – well last time we saw them in our house the score was… wait for it… 45-28 ATL! Soooo 2nd game of the year, not quite that high. 28-13 ATL.
Sarah B
May 20th, 2009
4:26 pm
They don’t call him “Shaky Jake” for no good reason.
JohnWaynesworld
May 20th, 2009
5:45 pm
We still owe Carolina for the past few years. We owe them a good thumping.
chc4
May 20th, 2009
5:47 pm
Carolina is going to slip big time this year. That DL is weak especially when you consider what an unhappy Peppers will (or won’t do) — see 2007. I’ll be surprised if the Panthers aren’t a 6-7 win team.
D3
May 20th, 2009
5:55 pm
Good Afternoon ‘Cagers! Great analysis on the Atlanta-Carolina game. Individual matchups coming soon. Looking to be a nice weekend weather wise, good time to pop a few brews and crank up the grill. Looks like the ‘Cage has been reduced to a few of us today: jason, WR, Stirg, Unca’ Bob, Sarah B & JWW. Hey, its all good; we knew there would be some drop off during the downtime, but its about quality, not quantity.
Hate – don’t take the hate bait fellasl even as tempting as it may be. When you engage in non-sensical, infantile arguments, you always lose because you validate the stupidity.
OTA’s – curious to see who’s absent. Judging by the photos we know Matty Ice, TBrown, Mike Peterson, and Stephen Nicholas are present and working hard. That’s leadership by example. Gotta especially love Peterson’s presence with him being a 11 year veteran. It looks like Nicholas understands the opportunity put in front of him. We all know Matty Ice would be there, and its always been known that TBrown will outwork anyone on the field.
j-man(1) – totally agree on your QB#2 assessment. As I mentioned in my analysis, Shockley simply has more upside than Redman. We are talking about the BACKUP spot, so its ok to be a little flexible. I can understand both routes if they decide to go there. The question is this: would we still NFC contenders with Redman OR Shockley? If the answer is no on either, than it makes the most sense to go the cheaper, younger player with more upside.
JWW – expecting a pretty big drop by the Ravens, eh? I definitely could see it with their aging defense, loss of Bart Scott, Rex Ryan, and NO receivers. They have a really weak schedule, so that will help them for sure.
WR(1) – what’s up brother? Understood on Van Gorder from last year, but this year will be much more of a true sign on his intent. It has been mentioned many times how good a job that Van Gorder and Smitty did with what they had to work with. Fox redeemed himself really well last year during the regular season, but that was one of the worst collapse/meltdowns I’ve seen playing at home in the playoffs.
Stirg – settle down big fella. Its just one OTA, but I’ll agree wth you if he misses all three. TG doesn’t NEED to be there but it could be a great way to gel with his new teammates and continue his relationship development w/ Matty Ice. Don’t understand the Chris Owens rule. Why should that matter? What about underclassmen who declared early & don’t even plan to graduate? Strange.
more to come………
jason
May 20th, 2009
5:56 pm
Where’s the CAGE crew? Sarah B, you still there? D3, WR, Stirg? Do ya really think the Carolina game is going to be that tough? Let’s talk some football.
jason
May 20th, 2009
6:18 pm
D3, what’s up? I think Shockley is the man at the #2. He just has more upside. He has the ability to make plays when the original one breaks down. Like I said, Redman ran the same offense with ATL as he did as a QB for Louisville. I just don’t see why you would blow 4 mil. on him. not saying he’s a bad guy mind you. The only reason he was kept last year was because DJ was injured.
I thought that TD and the coaching staff gave DJ a fair shake. They let him rehab from injury. They let him show what he had. Well, he had enough to remain on the roster through 3 different HCs, and 3 different offensive systems. Seriously, what more can you ask from him? D3, I am not talking about you. You and I both agree on this. I just don’t quite understand why ATL doesn’t get. Or maybe they do…
jason
May 20th, 2009
6:21 pm
Oh Yea D3, what was that other beer you were talking about at 1:30 A.M.? Please don’t say Land Shark. I tried it , not very appealing to me. I tried that and one other, don’t remember. I’ll just say when I want a beer, I want a REAL beer. The Stripe was was pretty Dam good though.
WR
May 20th, 2009
6:35 pm
D3, definitely right about the hate bait thats why I never take it I’ve gotten use to them sliding off into the sunset if no ones biting.
Jason, Carolina is always a tough game because its somewhat of a rivalry game but I think the Falcons completely out match them this year. For all of three quarters this game will be close but birds pull away in the end.
chc4, I agree, their DL will not be the strength that it use to be but Fox is a good defensive coach and Carolina tends to preform when there are no expectations for them to do so.
Unca’bob-Yeah Ray Hamilton may be the coach on the hot seat, not in terms of job security but in terms of how far this team will go. If the players remain healthy and he gets them to maximize their potential the DL could become a strength instead of a weakness for the first time in years. With Lewis,Babs,Jerry,and Walker the DT rotation could be outstanding.
D3
May 20th, 2009
6:43 pm
j-man – whats up brother? Don’t know if you’re a big fan of micro-brews (aka craft beers), but man I just got the best surprise ever last week. I was at Kroger getting a few things for the grill and of course zoomed by the brew section and my head almost popped off when lo and behold I saw……….New Belgium Fat Tire Beer! New Belgium is a micro-brewery in Ft.Collins, Colorado and it makes several brews, the most famous one being Fat Tire. Well, they never sold it east of the Mississippi until last week. Don’t know if its available in Texas or not, but it is a d@— good brew. Another one for ya is Sierra Nevada. Its pretty hoppy, but really tasty especially with some barbecue or burgers.
Carolina breakdown comin’ in a few……..
jason
May 20th, 2009
6:47 pm
WR, the HATE Bait, Yeah I saw it. I didn’t respond. You the man. You were called out by name, and you didn’t either. Props to you.
Yeah Carolina is a rivalry game. Thhey give us more hell than the Saints. Rivalies are a good thing though. they bring out the best in both teams.
DL will be the strenght of the defense this year. I will tell you now… Alot of people are talking up Sidbury. He may be good. I don’t doubt that. But Jerry and Walker are the ones that are going to carry ATL in the future. The DTs are the reason ATL will be good on D. Babs, Lewis, Jerry , and Walker.
jason
May 20th, 2009
6:50 pm
D3, Did you mean Flat Tire? I have tried it, and like Samuel Adams I will pass. Now if you are offering Killian’s, then I am game. Have you tried World Select Lager? Now that is a good beer.
So, are you and I the only ones on the DJ train?
jason
May 20th, 2009
6:55 pm
D3, Have you tried Shinerbach? In San Antonio, you have to try that once. It’s Bottled and brewed in Shiner TX. There is a German heritage here that I didn’t know of until I moved here.
row3
May 20th, 2009
7:00 pm
1 KC @ BAL – W
2 BAL @ SD – W
3 CLE @ BAL – W
4 BAL @ NE – L
5 CIN @ BAL – W
6 BAL @ MIN – L
7 BYE
8 DEN @ BAL – W
9 BAL @ CIN – W
10 BAL @ CLE – W
11 IND @ BAL – L
12 PIT @ BAL – L
13 BAL @ GB – W
14 DET @ BAL – W
15 CHI @ BAL – L
16 BAL @ PIT – L
17 BAL @ OAK – W
10-6 WON’T WIN THIS DIVISION
falcon21
May 20th, 2009
7:19 pm
Jason I’m on the DJ train also. The man has a future. I would love to keep him here but it may be with another team.
WR
May 20th, 2009
7:26 pm
Jason have you been by the Papasito’s in San Antonio, Shiner is one of the few beers they offer on tap and I agree its pretty good.
JJ
May 20th, 2009
7:32 pm
Brew Crew- you guys rock! It’s off-season and you guys/gal still rockin it! I check this blog before I go to work (6am) and as soon as I get home and walk the ceo. She (actually a he- rocky) cant hold it for more than 10 hrs..- your ceo’s the same ? ..lol..j/k! I’ve been extremely happy and enjoying life with out a mrs. ceo for 3 yrs. now!
Need to finish reading the comments today and finish my carolina research….the weather today is AWSOME, like hawaii 365 days a yr. Always windy with blue skies and puffy white clouds, i.e Toy Story…great movie if you like that stuff…Wall-e even better!
JJ
May 20th, 2009
7:34 pm
awEsome…yup, gsu!
falcon21
May 20th, 2009
7:35 pm
WR, I just read todays comments. Good job not taking the bait.
jason
May 20th, 2009
7:39 pm
WR, No I haven’t the CEO say its good eats though. She’s from this area. Shiner is a good brew. Not my fave, but still good. I am World Select Lager. That’s a good brew.
I think DJ has a good future with ATL. He will be the #2. He has a few years seeing how he hasn’t played much the past few years. H e is skilled, and his moment will come for ATL.
falcon21
May 20th, 2009
8:00 pm
Jason I hope you are right. I’ve seen Redman throw some pretty passes and then turn around and throw some of the most ulgy passes I have ever saw. He is not a good decision maker and all we can hope is the coaches see that. I think they are going to keep Ricky Bobby from bama so maybe Redman will be the odd man out.
D3
May 20th, 2009
8:11 pm
2009 Atlanta Falcons Schedule Analysis
This Week: Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers (Game 2)
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers; September 20th @ The Georgia Dome
2008 Atlanta Falcons
W/L: 11-5; Playoffs: Wild-Card Round
Scored 391 points (24.4/g), 10th of 32 in the NFL.
Allowed 325 points (20.3/g), 11th.
Differential of 66 points (4.1/g), 11th.
Takeaway/Giveaway Differential -3 (-0.2/g), 21st
Coach: Mike Smith
Key Losses
Dominique Foxworth, Grady Jackson, Keith Brooking, Lawyer Milloy, Michael Boley, Laurent Robinson
Key Addition
Mike Peterson, Tony Gonzalez
Draft: Peria Jerry, William Moore, Chris Owens, Lawrence Sidbury
2008 Carolina Panthers
W/L: 12 – 4, Division Champ; Playoffs: Divisonal Round
Scored 414 points (25.9/g), 7th of 32 in the NFL.
Allowed 329 points (20.6/g), 12th.
Differential of 85 points (5.3/g), 8th.
Takeaway/Giveaway Differential +6 (0.4/g), 7th.
Coach: John Fox
Key Losses: Ken Lucas, DJ Hackett, Julius Peppers(Franchised)
Key Additions: Jake Delhomme signed to extension
Draft: Everette Brown, Sherrod Martin
Match-ups
Carolina Offense vs. Atlanta Defense
LT-Jordan Gross vs. LDE Jamaal Anderson
LG-Travelle Wharton vs. RDT-Peria Jerry
C-Ryan Kalil/FB-Brad Hoover vs. MLB-Curtis Lofton
RG-Keydrick Vincent vs. LDT-Jonathan Babineaux
RT-Jeff Otah vs RDE-John Abraham
TE-Dante Rosaria vs. SLB-Mike Peterson
WLB-Stephen Nicholas/SS-Thomas DeCoud vs.
RB-Deangelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart
CB-Chris Houston vs. WR-Steve Smith
CB-Chevis Jackson vs. WR-Muhsin Muhammed
Rest coming in a bit……..
D3
May 20th, 2009
8:13 pm
Quickly…
falcon21 – never heard from you on the Rome connection. You grow up there or just live there now?
JohnWaynesworld
May 20th, 2009
8:18 pm
falcon21, you are right, Redman has thrown some ducks but usually downfield. His short passes were pretty tight (unlike Joey’s 8 yard passes that went straight into the ground). I agree if we had to play catch up Redman would not make enough plays.
I saw the hater too and also heard the crickets chirping. Good job everybody!
falcon21
May 20th, 2009
8:18 pm
D3 I live about 20 minutes outside of Rome, between Rome and Cartersville. I have 3 kids all born in FMH. Rome is a big part of my life.
Turfhogs
May 20th, 2009
8:19 pm
How do Falcon fans??? I have been entertaining myself by reading your posts. This seems like a great group of fans and I have enjoyed myself. I am a Bucs fan (since the beginning). Prior to the bucs inception, I was a Falcons Fan (logistics)- I live in Saint Petersburg (across the bay). Thank you for the excellent reading and I wish you guys the best EXCEPT when you are playing against the “rebuilding” Bucs…
Turfhogs
Turfhogs
May 20th, 2009
8:27 pm
PS: You guys seem to think the packers are a lousy team this year – based on your Raven/Cleveland predictions…??? I am not a GB fan, but they do seem better than you have them.
Turfhogs
Unca' Bob
May 20th, 2009
8:28 pm
jason,
Sorry, jason, my bad. That would be the Samuel Adams of the northeast, Patriots
falcon21
May 20th, 2009
8:39 pm
Turfhogs, join in we enjoy talking with good football fans even if you are a bucs fan. Heck you used to be Falcon fan!
falcon21
May 20th, 2009
8:41 pm
to be a. sorry
Sarah B
May 20th, 2009
8:43 pm
Season tix renewal deadline is June 1st don’t forget. Not like they’ll let you.
jason
May 20th, 2009
8:44 pm
If they keep JPW, Redman is gone.Nothing Redman has done in the TD/Smitty era. He was running a collage offense while in ATL. Not meaning to bash him, but He was saeling insurance fot the prior 3 years.
I just don’t see it. DJ’s the man. The #2 QB is his to lose.
JohnWaynesworld
May 20th, 2009
9:45 pm
I am beginning to warm up to this idea of Redman being the odd man out. I agree with Jason that Redman has no real history with Coach Smitty and TD. If DJ makes #2 QB that means it will be a fun preseason to watch. It will be nice to see some competition between DJ and JPW. You know there’s a whole boatload of Alabama fans just waiting to find that college/NFL connection, and to be new Falcons fans.
falcon21
May 20th, 2009
9:59 pm
I just re-read my 8:00 post, ugly not ulgy!!!
jason
May 20th, 2009
10:00 pm
JohnWaynesworld, You Tide? If you are, it’s all good. I would rather have JPW as #3. Like DJ, he showed in collage that he can run a pro style offense. His only negative is having to run multiple offenses in his time at UA. But on the other hand, it shows how intelligent, and how quick a study he is. He started 3+ years, right?
I think the further away they can get from the stinch of Pricktrino, the better. Redman may be a good guy, class guy…But he is a Pricktrino guy.
Turfhogs
May 20th, 2009
10:54 pm
Falcon21
Thank you very much…I believe I’ll drop in from time to time.
Turfhogs
jason
May 20th, 2009
11:00 pm
What is going on with the AJC blogs? This is twice this week where the blog shut down. Disapeared completely fom t he home page and the sports page?
D3
May 20th, 2009
11:22 pm
What’s up fellow Bird-Cager’s? Great P.M. to you and yours. Just another day until I can put a few cold ones down. As I mentioned to jason earlier, if you like brew you need to try New Belgium Fat Tire brew. It just became available east of the Mississippi and it absolutely is one of my favorite brews EVA! Check it out even if you haven’t heard of it before. On to the matter at hand………
JJ – I guess you’ve been to Hawaii before, eh? Man, would love to make that trip, but too d@— expensive. Me and the House CEO checked on a honeymoon, but we decided on much cheaper version to Nookah’s homeland.
Speaking of…….Nookah and Seminole: come back brothers, we miss you fellas.
j-man – gotta depart from you on the World Select. Not a huge fan of that one. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure they stop making that one, or at least cut back production a ton. Pricktrino, love it! I’m also a fan of my creation: Dic-trino. I could throw in a real good curse word as well.
falcon21 – you live in K-town by chance? I’m real familiar with the whole part of NW Georgia. Grew up in Calhoun until about high school and then moved to Rome and went to Armuchee. Don’t know if you get out much to watch High School Football around there, but it used to be really good, but has seemed to fall away a good bit. All my family still lives in good ol’ Rome-GA.
Turfhogs – great to have you my friend. We always welcome other fans to join in the debate with objective, insightful football commentary. I hate the Bucs a good bit less now that Gruden is gone. That guys just got under my d@— skin. I thought you guys had a pretty good draft. Love your pick of Roy Miller. He became a pre-draft favorite target of ours in our heated draft discussions. All goes back to Freeman, as I’m sure you know.
Sarah B – thanks for the reminder. I just went ahead and got on the payment plan taking some out each month. What year is this for you? My House CEO and I became tix holders last year and one of the BEST decisions we ever made. One of the happiest days of the year is the day those tix come in the mail. Can’t Wait!
JohnWayne – what’s up brother-man? I don’t really see DJ competing directly with JPW for the 3rd spot. As jason mentioned earlier, I just can’t see any positives coming out of making one the all-time hometown fav’s having to earn his job AGAIN. He’s won his job outright with 3 different coaches, in 3 different systems, in three years. I could be wrong but we’ll see. Much more on my QB#3 Roster Spot Breakdown later.
The Bird-Cage is alive and well, averaging almost 100 posts a day in our downtime. Now that is some good stuff………
QB#3 Roster Spot Analysis to come.
On Deck Tomorrow
Weekly Division: AFC North
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Continue our Atlanta-Carolina Game #2 breakdown
Roster Spot Analysis: RB#1; Pro-Bowl Turner on deck.
jason
May 20th, 2009
11:35 pm
D3, I will try anything once. Yeah they quit making the World Select a couple of years ago in San Antonio. I moved to Montgomery 2 years ago and they sold it there. I was like trying to by stock in it Ithink. They quit selling it there to. Man I pissed. I call Budweiser and chewed them out. They must have thought I was Darn alcholoic. But yeah I will try anything once, Blue Moon… not a fan. I tried this Japanese beer, Osaka, I think. It was pretty good.
Anyway, on to football. Why does some people think DJ is going to be fighting for #3 QB spot? Not gonna happen, He will be #2. What can you say about the #1 RB, Mr. Turner. is there anything to be said. Easily top five RBs in the game. I’ll try to come up with something tomorrow.
Memorial Day Weekend almost upon us. I am doing ‘Lil Dave,s marinade on the grill. The wife pulled one off foodnetwork the other night. It was good. Try this when you get a chance.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/apple-brandy-grilled-pork-loin-recipe/index.html
That’s some good eating. I have a good Rib Eye recipe also. I will tear the Rib Eyes up.
Well, if anyone is still up, give a shout . My vacation is almost up so I am going to be browsing a little bit tonight.
Turfhogs
May 21st, 2009
12:01 am
Thanks D3,
I was one that did not appreciate the Freeman pick… I have no choice of course. I do have hope for Roy Miller.
Yeah, Chuckie wore out his Offensive genius here, I guess he’ll do the MNF thing and not get another NFL gig. I tossed in the towel for 2009 for my Bucs when I heard the name Freeman. New GM, new HC etc, old QB merri-go-round.
You guys are breaming with pride over your Falcons. I hope they live up to your expectations. Just hope there is no sophomore slump for your QB.
Thanks for the greeting and best of luck. I’ll just sit back and watch this year go by.
Turfhogs
WR
May 21st, 2009
12:14 am
Falcon21, stop re-reading your post, trust me by now we understand, if anyone did a spell-check in here we would all be screwed, don’t worry about it you make some excellent post and most of us can’t spell grammar much less try to check it.
Jason, your house CEO is right, Papasito’s is some good eating though expensive, I was a server in the only one in Georgia and trust me when I say that I’m not a company man, but the food this organization comes up with is amazing.
Now as for DJ, if he moves up to the number 2 spot that would be the feel good story of the year so far for Atlanta. This guy has been all you can want in a leader, even at UGA. As some of you know I’m a Tech fan and I can honestly say that I would like for DJ to get a chance because he’s hometown grown, humble,competitive, and quietly seeks to improve without making demands.
As far as season tickets, I still have two suite tickets from the first game ever in the Georgia Dome, one was mine and the other was my father’s. Speaking of my father he has the a ticket from the first ever game in Atlanta Fulton County Stadium, so I guess you can say we are fans.
D3 and Jason, my family is also fans of the Falcons, but it was a house divided,remember when starter jackets were the thing, well me and my older brother remember, his first starter jacket was a red and black bulldog jacket which I despised so my parents got me the navy blue and gold Georgia Tech Jacket and a in house rivalry was born.
WR
May 21st, 2009
12:22 am
Turfhogs, its never to late to rekindle your old love for the birds. I’m a Falcon fan first but I have to admit that back in the day I loved the Raiders. Now many people won’t remember but I loved Techmo Bowl and the Raiders back in the day, Bo Jackson was unstoppable on that game when he was 100%.
row3
May 21st, 2009
12:40 am
Been a little behind on the work front lately, I feel like I owe it to everybody to read first, blog later. Quiet interesting reads on roster spots, and schedule foes. I really enjoy what all the Cagers bring to this blog, the ole saying you learn more by listening than you do talking, I have managed to throw my team by team picks on here, something I really enjoy, thanks for the effort its going to take to keep up with all that.
Falcon21, D3
Been reading the Rome talk, I’m 50 mi South on Hwy 27, Home of the Carrollton Trojans, I’m probably older than you too, East and West Rome were in our region in the 70’s and early 80’s, made that trip many times to Barron stadium. If your too young to remember, ask your folks about the Tutt brothers of West Rome, I’m sure Kenabrew(sic) is still a legend in those parts as well. In those days Carrollton was coached by the late Charlie Grisham, he went on to be elected into the Ga HS hall of fame.
D3, I heard the fish would’nt bite today. they’ll try new bait, but your to smart to get caught.
jason, keep it rolling. Hope you had a great vacation.
I’ll jump in on the beer talk later,(one of my favorite subjects)
D3
May 21st, 2009
12:41 am
2009 Atlanta-Carolina Breakdown; Game #2 (cont’d)
Forgot one match-up on Carolina OFF vs. Atlanta DEF
FS-Erik Coleman vs. QB-Jake Delhomme
Atlanta OFF vs Carolina DEF
LT-Sam Baker vs RDE-Tyler Brayton/Everette Brown
LG-Justin Blaylock vs RDT-Maake Kemeouta
C-Todd McClure vs MLB-Jon Beason
RG-Harvey Dahl vs LDT-Damione Lewis
RT-Tyson Clabo vs LDE-Julius Peppers
TE-Tony Gonzalez vs SLB-Thomas Davis
RB-Michael Turner vs WLB-Na’ill Diggs
FB-Ovie Mughelli vs SS-Chris Harris
WR-Roddy White vs CB-Chris Gamble
WR-Michael Jenkins vs CB-Sherrod Martin?
QB-Matty Ice vs FS-Charles Godfrey
So there’s all your individual matchups.
Where are the Falcons weaknesses/strengths in these individual match-ups?
QB#3 Next……..
D3
May 21st, 2009
1:49 am
WR – where is Papasito’s? The CEO and I lived in the city for many years and one of our fav things was hitting up good restaurants. Is it still open? If so, that’s on our list. Speaking of House Divided, I grew up an Auburn fan b/c my dad’s a huge AU fan, went to UGA and you know the rest from there, but then I married the House CEO who is a TENN grad and football fan. Better than Florida I guess.
row3 – all good man, I’m right with you. The summer gives me some extra time and since I’m taking some time off to be with my little guy. But come August, my posts will not be nearly as frequent(ok maybe just a little less, but it will decrease some). Oh yeah, I definitely know of Carrolton. We played Bremen several years when I played ‘ball at Armuchee. My entire mom’s side went to West Rome. Mother, Both Aunts and Uncles, and my Grandmother used to be a secretary there. There are still people to this day that cry when they think about the old East and West Romes High Schools. My pops graduated from the party school that is, WGU. Small, small world.
j-man – I hate Blue Moon too, but if you like lighter, summer brews than try Honey Moon, which is Blue Moon’s summer brew. I was shocked at how tasty it is. Best Japanese beer ever…..Sapporo. Nothing like a 22oz can of Sapporo at the Japanese Hibachi Grill. RB#1 Turner is the man, but does have some areas where he can improve for sure. If you dig deep enough, you can always find areas for improvement.
And finally, the QB#3 Roster Spot Analysis:
Technically, two players competing for #3 QB spot(using current depth chart): DJ Shockley & John Parker Wilson. Since neither have any NFL stats we’ll go on there last year in college.
Stats
DJ Shockley; 2005-UGA: 2588 Pass Yards, 24 TD’s, 5 Int’s, 148 QB Rating
John Parker Wilson;2008-ALA: 2243 Pass Yds,9 TD’s, 7 Ints, 121 QB Rating
DJ Shockley
Pros
Has shown a tremendous work ethic, tenacity, and determination both in college and in pros. Waited 3 years on bench for shot at starting. In his only season led UGA to a 10-2 record(10-1 as starter; hurt against FL; 4th and 19 collapse by DEF allowed loss to AUB). Beat Top 5 LSU team in SEC Champ game, winning MVP honors. Natural leader, great teammate, excellent game manager. Extremely knowledgable QB. Son of long-time high school football coach Don Shockley. Learns X’s & O’s and systems well. Earned his spot on final Falcons roster 3 years in a row with 3 different coaches in three consecutive years. Rocket arm. Pocket passer first, runner second in mold of McNabb. Make something out of nothing.
Cons
Severely injury-prone. Suffered several injuries at UGA, one causing him to miss FL game, which they lost. Tore ACL in 2007. Very inconsistent playing time since high school days. Rythmic passer that can take time to get into good routine. Somewhat inaccurate passer, usually missing high.
JPW
Pros
Good game manager. Accurate mid-range passer. Good leader who exhibits ability to make the key comeback. Extremely intelligent QB who learns systems well and makes adjustments. Model of consistency starting in the SEC three years. Shows promise of developing.
Cons
Game manager only, not a proto-typical NFL passer. Knocks on him include weak arm not being able to make deep throws required in the NFL. Had fairly paltry stats with #1 Alabama, throwing 9 TDs, with 7 Ints. Sacked often, 25 times his senior year. Not a franchise QB at the NFL level
Overall: As mentioned in QB#2 analysis, there are several routes that TD & Co. can take with the JPW signing. Another arm to use in training camp. But I highly doubt seeing TD as a GM signing someone just to sign them, especially since they signed him the day after the draft. Can be looking to allow DJ to win #2 job, while getting younger, and more in the process having JPW develop as #3. If it is a true competition between Shockley and JPW for the #3 spot, its a non-argument. How can JPW be expected to beat out Shockley who has 3 years total in NFL(1 year injuried), learned the speed of the pro game, knows the system, and has developed relationships with current WR’s. My theory goes as stated before: too much upside, going with “process”, getting younger, and saving money against cap allowing Shockley to win #2, and JPW #3.
Chance of making final Falcons roster: Shockley – 90%, JPW – 50%
QB#1 – Matty Ice
QB#2 – DJ Shockley
QB#3 – John Parker Wilson
jason
May 21st, 2009
3:18 am
WR, I was UGA my brother was FSU. Man, the crap I would have to hear about Bobby Bowden. That stopped when we grabbed CMR to be HC. D3, You sound like typical UGA HC. D3,Have totry the Honey Brew, also it was Sapporo. Now that was a good beer. I liked your DJ analtsis. I thoght it would have been longer. To me he has 3 flaws to his game. 1) durability, 2) inexpiraece, and 3) Innaccuracy. #3 can be fixed the same as #2. By more playing time. More repitions. #1 he will just have to prove himself, and get lucky for once.
Turfhogs, There was a time once when ATL, TB,and NO were really. They all three SUCKED. You go into a season wishing, hoping to get6 wins. I had no problem pulling for wither one when I was young. Those 3 got beat so bad, it felt good for one to get a win, even though that one was not your team. Dungy has done more for TB, and probably didn’t get propeer recognition for it. Thank you for reading and sharing thoughts and opinions with us. Come back anytime. We may bring a former Falcon fan back to his roots. Guys see ya tomorrw…
JJ
May 21st, 2009
7:22 am
WR, You made a great point a day or 2 ago about practice, I never gave it much thought. How much better our D will be practing against one of the most feared offenses this yr. Excellent point, I wonder if thats why they played over their skills last yr? “bend not break”
Jason, I was finishing up my carolina summary and then read yours. Great in-depth analysis, but this game worries me. As you said, S. Smith always seems to burn us (thank god meangello is not around)! Did someone say rib-eye recipe?….mmmm…foood!
Stirg: I think you are right with the game coming down to the last seconds….with elam kicking the winning fg. But yes, a close game that will tell us allot about our birds on the road.
D3: great summary but I think the status quo stays for one more yr. Money is not the issue with the additional 12mil every team got. I would love to see shockly at 2, but I dont like the ala. kid at 3!
Went to maui when I was 16 with the family-no way I could during these times. But the weather, 20-30 mph winds with 75-80 deg. I work outside and cherish this weather, because the 90’s and humid are on their way.
P.S. I must be the biggest dork because I loved the latest trek movie (ahurra-wow, babe in space) and I tried world of warcraft – that ozzy commercial got me!