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
Nookah
May 22nd, 2009
11:56 pm
I’m out for tonight. I’ll check back the Bird Cage in the afternoon.
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!!!
jason
May 23rd, 2009
12:01 am
Nookah, In my lifetime of watching sports, it’s always been that. The Falcons, Braves, Hawks , and my DAWGS. The thing is Atlanta went and got a superstar. Look at what happened. UGA got a superstar. What did they get in return. Sports is a TOTAL team effort. The NBA, they just don’t get. Never will. The team gets lost in the shadow of said “Superstar”. Matt Ryan will only shine as bright as the stars around him. Turner, Gonzo, White. The OL. He will not be able to go alone. That’s why in football, I love the defense so much. Defense defines team. The LBs know they can’t make plays behind the line if not for the DL. The DBs know its the pass rush of the front 7 that lets them get ints.
Unca' Bob
May 23rd, 2009
8:56 am
Happy Memorial Day weekend. To all the Vets out there, Thank You! Without the sacrifices you have made, we would have nothing. God bless you.
jason
May 23rd, 2009
8:57 am
Good morning Cage. Looks like everyone tunrned early last night. I know uts the holiday weekend, but I will be around off and on all day.
D3
May 23rd, 2009
8:59 am
Great Saturday A.M. Gents! Wow, had to take a rest from the blog last night. The blog monster was straight up p—-d at me last night. I literally tried submitting my post 15 times. I tried to re-word it, change it, and edit and…….nada. Have no clue what the H—- was going on. The point I was trying to get across was that I truly enjoy being in the ‘Cage with you guys and gals. Great Holiday Weekend full of brew, madden, recipes, and rollin’ in the ‘Cage. To Falcons and Football……..
RB#2 Roster Spot Analysis Coming in a bit
Sarah B – thought for sure you were heading to ‘Vegas by now? Maybe I got my weeks messed up. You gonna hit the craps tables, roulette, blackjack, or slots?
JJ, jason, row3, and others – great work on getting our crew out of that quagmire. Just really nothing at all to be gained from all that mess. It wasn’t near as bad as I thought, but just imagine how many posts got deleted. Its just time to move on from that, plain and simple. Wish him the best and we sure as the H— have a lot to proud of with our Falcons.
Nookah and Seminole – what a great friday both you guys re-joining your rightful place here in the ‘Cage.
Former Falcons – I will have to admit that I was a 49ers fan when I was a youngster(really a Montana, Rice, & Lott fan), but I liked the Falcons as well. Two favs: Steve Bartkowski & Gerald Riggs.
Don’t know if you guys ever watch Food Network, but for those of you who like grillin’, Bobby Flay is like the messiah of the grill. These are my absolute favorite wings to do on the grill. Little prep, but totally worth it, also gotta do the homemade blue cheese to top it off:
Red Hot Honey Chicken Wings w/ Homemade Blue Cheese
(The Master Bobby Flay)
Ingredients
For the wings:
1 cup hot sauce
1/2 cup honey
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
24 chicken wings, tips removed
For the blue cheese-celery dipping sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup finely diced celery
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (DO NOT GET THE BLOCK CHEESE)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
For the wings:
Directions
Heat grill to medium-high.
Combine the hot sauce, honey and butter in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture comes together, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Pour half of the sauce in a bowl and keep the remaining sauce in the pan, warm over low heat.
Season the wings on both sides with the salt and pepper. Brush the wings with the reserved sauce in the bowl and place on the grill. Grill on each side for 5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove wings from the grill and toss with the warm hot sauce. Transfer to a platter and serve with the blue cheese sauce on the side for dipping.
For the blue cheese-celery dipping sauce:
Whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
So there you have Bird-Cagers, enjoy the weekend to kick off the summer season. Be back in a little while with my RB#2 Roster Spot Analysis…..
D3
May 23rd, 2009
9:02 am
Thank you for reminding me what Memorial Day is TRULY all about: thanking, remembering, and showing our appreciation to all the veterans who have served our country with honor, pride, and committment.
I know we have a few Vets in the ‘Cage – Thank you for all that you have done for this great country!
Unca' Bob
May 23rd, 2009
9:12 am
Seminole Warrior,
If you get the ear of the Comish for Humphrey, whisper Tommy Nobis in it. A great MLB playing on gawdawful teams. It didn’t help his cause any playing in the Butkus era.
Unca' Bob
May 23rd, 2009
9:32 am
FLOWERY BRANCH — While reporters scurried from Roddy White to Mike Smith to Matt Ryan with questions about the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback, Michael Turner sauntered off the practice field almost unnoticed.
It was a rare occasion on a football field for Turner, who quickly caught and kept the attention of opposing defenses in 2008.
Outside the white lines, Michael Vick’s release from prison was the story that cast a shadow over the Falcons’ first organized team activity of the offseason Wednesday . On the field, the story was of a team reconvening after shocking the NFL in 2008.
Turner, a free agent acquisition last offseason, was a big part of that success. He rushed for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns — both totals ranked second in the NFL — and shouldered much of the offensive burden while Ryan, the team’s rookie quarterback, found his footing. The formula produced 11 wins and an appearance in the playoffs few saw coming.
Turner, who had never been a featured back in the NFL before coming to Atlanta, admitted even his expectations were surpassed.
“I didn’t expect all that,” said Turner, who spent his first four NFL seasons backing up LaDanian Tomlinson in San Diego. “I just wanted to take it one game at a time and feel like I could play a whole season starting every game and knowing the grind that can take on you. But it went pretty well.”
That’s an understatement.
Turner debuted his blend of power and speed in the Georgia Dome last year with 220 yards rushing in the season opener against Detroit. He showed no signs of wear late in the year, finishing the regular season with 208 yards in a win over the Rams.
But there were games when he struggled to get his 245-pound frame moving in the right direction. He was limited to less than 60 yards four times in the first seven games as teams focused on stopping the run and forced the Falcons to beat them through the air.
As Ryan quickly matured into the NFL Rookie of the Year, that mode of attack became less of an option for Falcons’ foes, and Turner rushed for more than 108 yards per game as the team won seven of its last nine contests.
With the addition of 1,000-yard threat Tony Gonzalez at tight end this season, Smith expects more balance on offense and more success for his 27-year-old running back.
“When Tony was coming out of college, he was considered one of the best blockers in the draft, and I think that’s often overlooked — that’s he’s an excellent blocker” Smith said. “By having him on the field it’s going to create mismatches and options for defensive coordinators. Are they going to load the box and leave one-on-one coverage? Or if they play seven-man spacing, we’re going to have an opportunity to run the football.”
Added Turner, “Teams have to play us honest now. They can’t just load up to stop the run because we have threats everywhere on the field now. We should be difficult to stop.”
The challenge for Turner is showing that last year wasn’t a fluke.
“I’ve still got something to prove. I can’t be a one-year wonder.” Turner said. “Now that I know I can do that, I can set bigger goals. The sky’s the limit.”
The only downside of taking the league by storm?
Turner won’t be going unnoticed much any more.
jason
May 23rd, 2009
10:10 am
Nobis, Curry, Tuggle, Lofton. Now that’s a nice set of MLBs…
jason
May 23rd, 2009
12:52 pm
Unca’ Bob, Another excellent article you pulled. The main thing for Turner is keep on moving ahead. Try and be more consistent from game to game. Yoy won’t get 100 yds. every game but to 85-90 every game would be sufficient. You have to remember Norwood. Hopefully he can add another 50. That’s 140 per game. You can win with that.
I also think with Gozo added to the fold, Ryan’s 300 yd games will increase. Maybe not at first, but they will. As long as ryan is making the correct reads and audibles, it does’t matter how many yds. he throws for as long as he gets the offense in the right play.
WR
May 23rd, 2009
1:11 pm
Quick check in before I head out,
Unca’Bob, definitely another nice post, any little bit that we can get about our current Falcons is nice
D3, thanks for the shoutout, I too felt the crew did a nice job of avoiding negative press, and yes it did go better than I thought it would but I’m pretty sure thats because the blog monster stayed glued to the delete key. Oh, and by the way I was also a victim for some strange reason the blog monster didn’t want us to get the word out to stay away from the hate and venom section. I think its kind of sad when you have a problem with keeping things positive and avoiding negative issues from the past, but that could just be me.
Sarah, you are one of the fellas although a lady so I try to keep things that way, but considering you pointed it out, that was a playboy bunny statement, but it was more of a funny statement than a bad one, plus it makes you look more and more like you would be a riot if the bird cage got together. One more thing, how and the h@ll do you keep getting so much rain, I haven’t seen nothing but the occasional sprinkle in the last week.
Alright cage members, Im out for a while maybe even the whole day but I will try to sneak a peek here and there, until than Nookah’s back
Nuff Respect everytime
Sarah B
May 23rd, 2009
1:58 pm
WR it did just sprinkle yesterday off and on all day. But none yet today. I think I just love spring and summer so much that I complain when I can’t tan.
D3 leaving June 3rd until the 10th. And yes I can’t wait. Don’t gamble much but I do like slots, roulette and video poker. I don’t gamble much because I never win.
Glad we got everyone back to the right blog. Now I’m off to weed whack.
Nookah
May 23rd, 2009
3:02 pm
What’s up Posse? It’s great to be back and to read all the comments from genuine Falcons fans.
WR, Seminole, D3, Jason and Unca Bob, thanks for the shoutout. You guys are truly my “family”.
I found something that I think should interest you all. Don’t know if anyone saw this before:
Here goes:
Atlanta residents have Sept. 13 circled on their calendars. That’s the date of the opening game of the 2009 NFL season when the Atlanta Falcons host the Miami Dolphins at the Georgia Dome.
After an improbable 2008 season, in which the Falcons shocked the NFL world by going 11-5 and making the playoffs after an off-season of turmoil, next season brings with it even more hope, right?
Wrong.
The Falcons have one of the brightest young quarterbacks in the NFL in 2008-09 Offensive Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan. Atlanta also has one of the most exciting running backs in the league in workhorse Michael Turner, who ran for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.
Oh, and don’t forget speedster Roddy White, who finally realized his first-round draft potential last season when he caught 88 passes for 1,382 yards and seven touchdowns. The addition of All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez from Kansas City, who hauled in 96 passes for 1,058 yards last year, would seem to have the Falcons destined for the playoffs.
Given these facts, it’s almost a certainty that Falcons fans are buzzing with excitement over the thought of what the 2009 NFL season will hold in Atlanta. Unfortunately, Falcons fans are keeping their giddiness about the upcoming season to a minimum. They are not punching the team’s playoff ticket just yet.
Why not? One word—history.
The Falcons don’t have history on their side when it comes to a season following good fortunes. The last time that Atlanta had a winning record prior to last season was 2002, when the team posted a mark of 9-6-1. The next year the Falcons couldn’t handle prosperity and stumbled to 5-11 in 2003.
How about the 2004 season, when the Falcons won the NFC South with an impressive 11-5 record? You guessed it; Atlanta once again struggled and missed the playoffs with a .500 record of 8-8 in 2005.
The last time that the Falcons were the NFL’s unexpected darlings prior to 2008 was when they made their only Super Bowl appearance in 1998. The city was caught up in the excitement of the Falcons’ Dirty Birds persona and the success of a 14-2 record.
What happened next? Losing. The Falcons followed their Super Bowl season with another 5-11 record in 1999. In fact, since the City of Atlanta became the home of an NFL team in 1966, the Falcons have never posted consecutive winning seasons. How’s that for futility?
The closest the Falcons have come to back-to-back winning records occurred in 1971 & 1972 when they went 7-6-1 and 7-7. Atlanta also posted a 7-7 record in 1977 and then went 9-7 in 1978.
This season, Falcons fans have good reason to hope that the franchise’s past history won’t be repeated. With a solid coach in Mike Smith, a franchise quarterback in Ryan, the running of Turner, and the receiving of White and Gonzalez, the Falcons seem to be poised to end their curse of losing the season after tasting success.
But you’ll understand if the fans in Atlanta want to wait and see before they take it to the bank. (End)
However, we all know that the foundation has been laid and we have stability now. This is year 2 of “The Process” and we’ll rewrite history.
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!!
jason
May 23rd, 2009
4:51 pm
Nookah, Good article. It’s sad but true. That is an unheard of stat I have seen in sports. Never had back to back winning seasons. I learned a while ago, especially after the SuperBowl run; to go into each season cautiously optimistic. It’s a weird, but likable feeling to feel superiorly confident. I have never seen this Franchise like this. I think Authur Blank learned some hard lessons as to what it takes to be successful in the NFL as a team owner. I think he got wrapped up with the success achieved at the start of his ownership. He corrected the mistake of firing Dan Reeves by hiring Smitty. Talk about Karma. Look what Blank and the Falcons had to go through sfter firing Reeves.
Now, I am not going to go in great detail on the MV situation. I will say this though. Reeves was the only one that would have been able to keep MV’s head on straight. Whatever team that decides to sign MV, might want to consider Reeves as a team consultant.
Back to my original point. Atlanta is at a important point in their history. There is alot of pride from the fans. There is also alot of GREAT expectations. Some of you guys are older than me, so tell me, Has Atlanta ever had this kind of energy, and these kind of expectations before? And yes I am including that Magical 1998 team.
Nookah
May 23rd, 2009
5:46 pm
Jason, I agree with you. Good point. I do believe in karma. Perhaps that is what got to us but as you alluded to I think we are on the right path now. The MV7 saga was the “tipping point” and like an oversold stock we are now on the way up.
I understand that history has a way of repeating itself but it is also a fact that if we learn from our mistakes we can influence history by changing the future. Think about it. What is now the future for this franchise will be history for our kids and if we continue with this “process” we will be proud to say we are Falcon Fans from an ever growing Falcon Nation!!! The future is now and history will be kind to this current Falcon franchise regardless of what the so-called experts say.
The culture is changing, I can see the signs!!!
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!!…….
I can see clearly now the rain has gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way,
All of the dark clouds have passed us by,
It’s gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day!!!!!!……….Jimmy Cliff!!!!
jason
May 23rd, 2009
10:20 pm
Nookah, Soory the wife took over the computer. I agree with what you are saying. Just don’t think that I am being, or seeing any negative. I think Arthur Blank has grown leaps and bounds during his time as owner, and you can see how the football TEAM has grown. You can feel the energy. That’s what’s so great, The ENERGY. We had a player, and then we had a team. In football, great players are team players. They posses the ability to make those around them better. Everyone assumed MV7 was a great player. He was not, he was the most supreme talent in the NFL. Think about it, who did maker better? What teammates did he take their individual talents to another level. That’s what we have now. A team who are working hard to make each other better overall players. That’s the key to success.
falcon21
May 23rd, 2009
10:42 pm
It’s kinda slow in the cage this evening, I guess that a lot of kids or young men and women are graduating today. My son’s graduation was this morning and I was proud. It’s a long weekend so maybe we will get the Falcons talk going again. GO BIRDS!!!
D3
May 23rd, 2009
10:50 pm
What’s goin’ on Bird-Cager’s? Little slow on Saturday as expected, but its raining here in the ATL and doing a little bit of recovering from a big night last night at the Locale. Apologies for the roughly 8 posts of the EXACT same thing, but I guess the blog monster decided to spit out my posts after gobbling them up. To Falcons….
Roster Spot Analysis
Running Back #2 – Jerious Norwood
2006 Stats – 99 Att, 633 Rush Yds, 2 TDs; 12 Rec. 102 yds, 0 TDs
2007 Stats – 103 Att, 613 Rush Yds, 1 TD; 28 Rec. 277, 0 TDs
2008 Stats – 95 Att, 489 Rush Yds, 4 TDs; 36 Rec. 338 yds, 2 TDs
Pros
One of the absolute fastest players with the biggest game-breaking potential of anyone in the NFL. Lightning quickness and moves. Always a home-run threat every time he touches the ball. A true burner on the outside, and has stretches where he runs hard on the inside. Loyal teammate and apparently a hard worker who puts his team first. Great versatility running the ball, catching the ball out of the backfield, one of the best kick returners in the game, and can even line up at slot receiver. One of the most versatile RB’s in the NFL. True game-breaking skills that many NFL athletes don’t possess.
Cons
Can disappear in games. Will tip-toe through the line at times. Easily brought down. Extremely inconsistent. Questions if he is an every down back. Does he run the same between the tackles as he does on the edge? How long will he be happy in a secondary role to Turner? Is in final year of his contract, will other NFL teams be ready to pay him starters $$ the way we did with Turner? How much are we willing to fork over to keep him as a #2?
Final: With Turner approaching 400 carries last year, need to turn Turner-Norwood into a legitimate RB tandem similar to what Smitty had in Jax with Taylor/Jones-Drew, with a 60/40 split and increase his overall touches. Should make it a high priority to re-sign him ASAP, especially with all the cap room we have. Question isL whill other teams pay him starter’s money?
2009 Outlook: Over 1,000 rush-rec yards. 600 yds rush, 550 yds receiving, 10 total TDs. Chance of making final roster: 100%.
Sarah B
May 23rd, 2009
11:10 pm
What up guys??? I’m just winding down for the night. I feel some what sure this is the year we break that piss azz record of no back to back winning seasons. YES this is the year – I am SURE!!! With Ryan, Turner, White and Gonzo we will be the bomb! We might even beat NE at home. We will see week 3… I’ll check in tomorrow.
JJ
May 24th, 2009
9:55 am
” With the Packers, going to the 3-4 along with a few others, do you think the 3-4 really offers what people say it does: better run defense and better run stopping than the 4-3? And during your career, did you find it harder to block and plan against a 3-4 defense than a 4-3 defense? Basically, what’s it like as an o-lineman vs. the 3-4?”
– Thomas DeCaro III, Albuquerque, N.M.
“If executed correctly and with the right personnel, a 3-4 offers a better run front and more options from a pressure standpoint.
The key to the 3-4 from a run perspective is having outside linebackers who can effectively “set the edge,” which really means stuffing the tight end or the offensive tackle from outside-in and forcing the runner to cut back inside toward the other six defenders who are maintaining their proper gap discipline.
As for the offensive lineman’s perspective, it really depends on the position and the player. Personally, I preferred going against 3-4 defenses. If the defensive lineman is attempting to “two-gap” the offensive lineman by holding his ground and controlling the gaps on either side, he’s usually not penetrating into the backfield, and that’s really what I was most concerned about because a quick penetrator can really make you look bad. I liked the predictability of the 3-4 defense, which is usually so fundamentally sound that opposing lineman can anticipate technique and don’t have to worry about the unexpected.”
I found this article on SI and thought it was prettu interesting given our new draft picks. I know were a 4-3 with situational 3-4, but our new guys should work well in both!
Just stirring the topic, this blog has been dead this weekend.
Besides the holiday, I wonder why?
Thou shalt not run!
Go falcons!!!….2 months and counting……
Unca' Bob
May 24th, 2009
10:49 am
jason, WR,
I’m glad you enjoyed the read. It was a story I liked, thought I’d pass it on.
Nooka,
I don’t know where you got the story from, but whoever it is, nailed it. The facts are the facts. I give them a B++. Having said that…I do not agree. I’m ready to take it to the Bank. When A Blank was wooing Tuna for our new GM, Tuna said, and we should all be forever grateful, talk to TD. He did. At that point it is no longer about history, it’s ALL about the Future. If I were to circle something, it certainly would not be the wagons.
Falcon21,
Congrat’s to your son. You have every right to be proud. Another future HOF’er, perhaps?
D3,
As usual, great pros/cons. I did read one story coming out of Mini-camp that stated that Norwood was getting off the ball so fast, that he got into the backfield before anyone even saw him. Said he looked like he had a rocket strapped to his back. In the reading I’ve done, his name is all over the Net. I hope we keep him,too.
To all- Upon depressing the shift key, please, please, please, consider long and hard about your next key stroke…Just a thought.
Unca' Bob
May 24th, 2009
11:05 am
JJ,
Wow! I don’t know who was answering that question. That was so well stated even I got a great mental picture of not only the 3-4, but the Gap-two, also. Thanx JJ.
Unca' Bob
May 24th, 2009
11:06 am
My “Process” continues.
jason
May 24th, 2009
11:30 am
Could it be that ATL might have to many offensive weapons? Not griping. I am just trying to think of ways to involve as many players in offense.
Just look at this offense with Matt Ryan running the show. Turner, White, Jenkins, Douglas, and Gonzalez. Then you have Norwood, Finneran, and possibly Kelly and Brown as back ups.
I have special place for Brian Finneran. He is the one constant I would keep from the past eras of Falcon football. The injuries he has over come, and to still produce at his level. He’s not an everydown player and he knows that. He also knows he is a very important piece to ATL’s offensive success; especially on third down. He was like a 7th round draft choice out of Villanova. You could say that Finneran is the true grit of what Falcon football is all about.
jason
May 24th, 2009
11:53 am
My thoughts on the 3-4 are that ATL can use this formation effectively; just not exclusively. Especially if you cross train DEs Sibury and Biermann at OLB. DO Peterson and Nicolas have the size/speed conbo to play the 3-4? You would get excellent line play from Anderson, Lewis, and Abe. Or you could sub Abe with Daviis.
LE) Anderson NT) Lewis RE) Davis
LOLB)Sidbury LILB)Peterson RILB)Lofton ROLB)Biermann
CB) Houston FS)Coleman SS) Moore CB) Owens
Unca' Bob
May 24th, 2009
12:05 pm
jason, I,too, have had the same thought. One football, way too many weapons. On the surface it is a good thing. I don’t see this happening, ala T.O., gimme, gimme gimme. Coach Smith & Co. have no doubt placed all concerned in a seperate room and talked this over throughly. It could come up at some time in the future but not this year. The team is too focused at this point on ” The Process”. Big numbers do go a long way in contract talks, so at some point it will rear it’s ugly head.
Unca' Bob
May 24th, 2009
12:11 pm
jason,
Versatility, speed, urgency. They used it last year a little and will use again this year, but Coach Smith is big on the 4-3.
jason
May 24th, 2009
12:33 pm
I agree, the 4-3 will be the base defense. It seems to me that TL’s DL is equipped for both. You read all the time about this tem needing a NT for their 3-4, or a 250-260 lb Hybrid OLB that can play DE as well. We are in a good situation, because we have the personell to run bot. You are right though, the 4-3 will be the backbone for what the Falcons do as a defense.
Unca' Bob
May 24th, 2009
12:48 pm
jason,
When the 3-4 is installed, from what i read in JJ’s post, the point would be to stop the run. The people you had on field IMO are mostly Gap-twos. In order to work properly someone needs to penatrate into the backfield. Jerry/Babs, Lewis, and Abe would seem most likely to be the people to man the line. What do you think?
jason
May 24th, 2009
1:28 pm
Could be. I was looking at size on the line. That’s why I had Davis/ Abe at first. Abe is great at penetrating. The LB spots are a little more difficukt for me. I haven’t really studied the 3-4 much. All I know is that they look for a huge NT and big LBs. The point on Anderson is that he plays the run so well, I figured he would be obvious at end.
Who would be your ideal front 7 in the 3-4?
jason
May 24th, 2009
1:31 pm
I just reread JJ’s post. If you leave Peterson on the outside, who do you put inside with Lofton? Gilbert?
Unca' Bob
May 24th, 2009
2:46 pm
jason,
I would go with Nicholas assuming a run. He is fast and hard hitting. Lofton and Peterson have called his name so to me is high praise. Sidbury is going to get a lot of playing time in situational calls. It will take some time but when he arrives…Ouch!
Unca' Bob
May 24th, 2009
2:54 pm
Jason,
Sorry.I did not address J Anderson. There are several people in the Cage that feel this is going to be his break out year, myself included. Should that be the case, he will play every down. If not, the 3-4 has to put disruption in the backfield, ergo, he sits.
jason
May 24th, 2009
3:58 pm
Gothcha…
JJ
May 24th, 2009
5:36 pm
Jason, Unca’Bob – I posted this article a few months ago that really goes into some details and different variations of 4-3 vs 3-4 and it has graphs so idiots like myself can understand.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80d6974b&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
The article I posted earlier from SI.com caught my eye because of the “penetrating lineman”…Our #1 P. Jerry. I beleived he’s know for doing just that in college.
Sarah B. “Queen of our blog” – They had the falcons/denver on nfl replay and I have to disagree with you about Roddy. They showed the replay 3 times in slow mo and he just muffed it. That’s why they play the games, but I’m sure you will agree–he should have had it. Still, he had a great year. Ryan did not have the best day but finn had 5 or 6 3rd down catches for first downs! Now add Tony G…whoa!!!
JJ
May 24th, 2009
6:04 pm
Some observations on that replay today of DEN_ATL:
- Ryan did not have a good day. He’s a rookie so of course he’s going to have games like this. He threw some unbeleivable passes but overall-not his best. His one interception was the air ball sraight up when he was about to get sacked. Denver should have intercepted 2 more, 1 in the LB chest (which would have been 6pts) right before roddy’s muff. Hey, he’s a rook and had a great rookie yr., not dissing, just bored for some football!
- I’ve never seen a falcon player have such a great/shitty game as Malloy. He had at least 8-10 head shattering tackles/hits that sent the opposing player backwards. Every long pass completed (counted 3 for houston, 2 for fox), you see malloy coming onto the pile AFTER the catch.
- A few months ago I posted a scathing report on Houston and I beleive Coach Ken, Stirg and someone else set me straight. They had no help from the safety (malloy) and little pressure on the qb. So I really watched our cb’s and they were right. Every deep pass that cutler connected with, our cb’s were right there.
- I bet our DT had no tackles. They ran (esp. after the half) straight down the middle and no one touched them until 8 yds later where lofton would tackle and brooking would jump on. (no disrespect c.joe!)
Conclusion: Although our defense cost us that game, we have improved drastically exactly where we got burned in that game. Another observation of that game, Cutler is a hell of a qb. Some of his passes, his touch lob screen…wow. I would never trade him for Matty but if this kid matures, he’s going to take the Bears deep into the playoffs in a yr. or two. After watching that game, no way you let him go. New denver coach is toast in a yr. or two.
JJ
May 24th, 2009
6:45 pm
D-led Why the filter? – no cussing, – no mv, what gives?
JJ
May 24th, 2009
6:51 pm
D-led: Will you please release my post about the denver/atlanta game I posted 30 min. ago. I know this is your blog and I was/am critical about your new blog, but I’ve never been disrespectfull. I just disagree with you or your bosses at coxs!
jason
May 24th, 2009
7:28 pm
JJ, that was an educational article. It was primarily for pass rushing. What kind of effect will the 3-4 have on stopping the run? I get that we need spped rushers outside, but the ILBs will have more say to stopping the run. Unless of course the offense runs toss sweeps.
Nookah
May 24th, 2009
7:31 pm
Just checking in guys. I had to catch up on the reading. Great posts as usual JJ, Jason, Unca Bob. You guys, among others, are just assets for this blog. Good work.
I’d like to weigh in a little on the “too many weapons on offense” argument. That’s a good problem to have for any coaching staff but it can also prove to be a difficult challenge. As Unca Bob mentioned, too many weapons and one ball. However, this is where Smitty gets to prove his worth as a motivator and sell the “team” concept. This is where he’ll have to get people to suppress their egos and sacrifice individual stats for team success. Of course this will be made easier if the wins are coming. It’s a totally different ball of wax if the losses are predominant. However, you can take this to the b(l)ank, sorry my bad….bank, the wins will come this year. I feel very confident that we are a more technically sound team with far more depth than we have ever had for a very long time and that will translate into W’s.
D3, if we get a combined 1,000 yards out of Norwood I would be very happy. I think we can if we scheme him right. That is why I said in an earlier post that the “lesser” stars will have very good performances this year because opponents will have a hard time “picking their poison”.
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!!
JJ
May 24th, 2009
7:31 pm
D3: I know your frustration with this blog…I dont know if its the system set up or D-led, but I would guess the system. I watched the ‘08 denver game but with objectivity than watching it live. I used all the info that I have learned (FROM YOU GUYS) to pay closer attention to certain aspect. I explained all this in my blocked blog which I’m hoping our man (D-LED, BEST BEAT WRITER EVER!) will release soon. It’s nothing, but I saw a few things thats worth discussion for this year.
Regardless, hope everyone is having a great vacation and thanks to all of our veterans AND their families for sacrificing their freedom so we could have ours!!! Especially our man SEMINOLE AND HIS SON!
jason
May 24th, 2009
7:33 pm
Can anybody set me a line up for ATL in the 3-4? I am curious to see how the personnel groupings differ.
JJ
May 24th, 2009
7:53 pm
jason: we will only be in a 3-4 during obvious passing situations from last yr. execution. Coach Ken S.(our man) schooled me on the 4-3 a few months ago when I posted that 4-3/3-4 discussion. It’s all about personnel, and last yr. we definately did not have the guys to run the 3-4.
The latest fad seams to be the hybrid DE/LB which gives every def. coord. options. I really think if DT lewis/jerry are healthy, our defense upgrades 50%! Are linebackers have more time to react (with out linemen on them immediately) and our DB have to guard their men less.
I like Coach Mikes approach, which is as 4-3 with some big boys with attitudes! I also like his versatility of going to the 3-4 when needed.
Coach Ken S: if your around, you gave a good intelligible football summary of this defense. Can you summarize?
D-Led: will u release my den blog?
jason
May 24th, 2009
7:53 pm
This is an estimated of what I would like to see.
Turner 1200+/10-12 TD
Norwood 600 Yds Rushing 500 yds.Rec.500-600 Yds.Returns 10Td total
White 1200yds 10+TDs
Jenkins 800 Yds
Douglas 600-800 YDS 1+return TDs.
Gonzo 800 Yds 10 TDs.
Ryan 65% 4000 yds. 25-30 TD range
I know that’s to much to ask for, but I believe Ryan will have a few more 300 Yd games. Think about how many times Turner was stopped for a whole game. Now, I know that was Turner’s first as a full time starter and he will improve with more consistency. But with defenses loading up to stop Turner and Norwood, you add to that Gonzo at TE, and Douglas another year in the system; you can see why I am so optimistic. I know I left some guys out who will be fighting over the scraps. Mainly Fin, Brown, Peele. This will be the most explosive offense in ATL history.
jason
May 24th, 2009
8:01 pm
I misread your post as to what the 3-4 would do for ATL. I was thinking rush defense for some reason. Question though, how would you set the LBs. I know you are looking for a pass rush on the outside, but what if you have to drop an OLB into coverage. Will Wire be considered for the 3-4? What about ILBs. Would we go with Lofton and Peterson?
JJ
May 24th, 2009
8:33 pm
jason nichols?
jason
May 24th, 2009
8:39 pm
JJ, Huh? I am lost. Jason Nichols… Did I post that error?
Sarah B
May 24th, 2009
9:03 pm
Wow JJ good memory of when I defended Roddy in that Denver Game. If you watched it back over and over then I will take your word for it. Sometimes it’s hard to tell live. But we had a great year regardless of that drop. 1 dropped home game for a whole season, I’ll take it. Let’s go for all 8 wins this year. Happy rainy holiday!
Unca' Bob
May 24th, 2009
9:36 pm
JJ,
WOW!! You have blown my socks off twice in one day. I went to your posted link and got absolutly fasinated with the x’s and o’s. To those who have not been there, you need to go. I found myself reading the diagrams and then posing, What If’s. It blew me away with the possibilitys on both sides of the football. K Strick, you are correct, If it was easy, they’ed all been doin’ it. JJ. Kudos and a tip o’ the Falcoln cap, my Bro’…My “Process” doesn’t seem to even begun!! I’m depressed and it sucks to be me! Y’all help me out. Ain’t that a tunnel up thar’.
jason
May 24th, 2009
9:59 pm
Unca’ Bob, I feel like I am in Falcon’s 101 with a minor in NFL Offensive and Defensive Studies. Ilearn alot when I come on this blog. I will throw a question out there and get some educational feedback.