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
King Vick
May 19th, 2009
11:26 am
first
Marcus
May 19th, 2009
11:44 am
I would be disappointed if the vets opted out. With the residual enthusiasm from last year, I hope that everyone would be chomping at the bit dn not miss anything.
Besides, its not like we have “arrived” and we can start having the drama that usually comes from perrenially-successful teams (and/or players).
WR
May 19th, 2009
11:48 am
D-Led,welcome back, I hope you at least got a tan or seen some tans as long as you have kept us waiting, no offense to Mrs.Ledbetter, just glad to hear from you.
I think building cohesion within the passing attack could be crucial this time of year. RWhite was the man last year and he definitely will be the go to WR receiver this year but as Ryan said himself, he has a new toy, a classic one of a kind toy and everyone on offense needs to get use to it. This could definitely be a pivotal time for Jenkins and Douglas as I forsee the two of them having the chance to greatly affect the outcome of games because defenses will focus so much on Gonzo and White, while having to stop the Falcons potent running game. Defensively our new and improved offense will pay big dividends in helping the young players read and react to good offenses. It may be a stretch to some but personally I can’t think of a team that offers a much better arsenal than the birds. This team now has the ability to learn to read and react from one of the better offenses in the league, their own. Smitty is a defensive minded HC with a potent offense to teach and completely impliment his brand of defense, what other teams have that same type of environment, evil Bill Belichick and former coach Tony Dungy come to mind. What do both of those coaches have in common, superbowl rings. Just imagine trying to build a great defense and you have to face future hall of famers such as Brady and Manning in your own backyard, I believe that can help you get better in a hurry and as the results have shown they did. Now Matt hasn’t reached future hall of fame status but the pieces are in place for him to do so, and the pieces are in place to challenge the defense. The Falcons no longer have to wait for the likes of New Orleans to see how they measure up against a good offense, they get a chance to see it in OTAs and eventually training camp before the season gets started.
FalconUGAFan
May 19th, 2009
11:50 am
Agree Marcus. Question, do the veteran players on the Steelers, Patriots, etc show up for the voluntary sessions….
Paulie OldSchool
May 19th, 2009
11:52 am
I’d be pretty surprised if there were a whole lot of absentee players. I think the new guys will have to be there and I think that the vets will want to be there. TG already spoke about how into it everyone seemed at the mini-camp. We’ve heard that Matty has been hitting weights regularly and how the vets all seem to have bought into the process. Even tho JAbe didn’t participate in mini-camp, he was there. I’m pysched that the OTAs are starting and really, really looking forward to training camp (hope to attend some if my health permits), because that’s where the rubber meets the road. Can not remember a time, in the almost 40 years I’ve been watching this team that I have been this excited about a season. With good reason, to boot. GO FALCONS!!!!
Matt
May 19th, 2009
11:53 am
I would not be supprised if Abraham was held out, but we know Peterson and Gonzalez will practice. McClure should be there and the “Burner” I think wants to prove he can sustain success. White needs to continue to prove to be a team player to get top dollars on the contract. Asside those guys whose job is really secure that they can afford to miss practice.
Besides the young players need the practice more so it might not be bad if a vet or two skipped and made themselves a liability on the roster.
jason
May 19th, 2009
11:57 am
WR, great post. I agree. Going against the best will only make you better. I also think OTAs bring cohesion the the defensive unit also. The DL can start gelling. The LBs can start to get a feel for what the DL is doing as well as CBs. The DBs can get a feel for what kind of help and where the help will be coming from, from the safeties.
Just one step closer to the preseason.
jason
May 19th, 2009
12:04 pm
I think the vets will be there. Not to participate, but to show leadership to the young guys. You have to remember that there are not alot of seasoned vets on this team. Players like Gonzo showing up. After 13 years and still eagerly showing up to OTAs. That will say alot for the younger guys. Set the example by leading the way.
jason
May 19th, 2009
12:06 pm
Hey DOL, 8 pages and almost 800 posts on your last blog. Glad to see you back. Now go get us some dirt to chomp on. Gotta get that football fix on….
By the way if I didn’t say before. Outstanding job od the draft coverage.
Bubba
May 19th, 2009
12:11 pm
Da Birds have to do something about the “bend-but-don’t-break” defense they’ve been flailing about with for a while now. The coaching staff’s in place, I think. We’ve got good talent. I think in the past, defenders have tried to make things happen, a step or two back, a flying tackle that misses, etc. I would rather see a defense that shuts them down with no glitz than a defense that has two interceptions but gives up three TDs.
It can be done. I’d like to see it happen.
Darrin "The Vent King"
May 19th, 2009
12:27 pm
Only three more months (yes I watch pre-season), COME ON FOOTBALL SEASON!!
GO FALCONS
Dion
May 19th, 2009
12:39 pm
Our offense surprised everyone last year. I look for our defense to be the one thing that all other team are not expecting. We have guys that are committed and want to play. Our offense should be fine with the addition of Gonzalez. I look for us to be contenders real soon!
Sarah B
May 19th, 2009
12:39 pm
Welcome back DOL. We have been active without you anyway. OTA’s will be importatn this year as we ready ourselves to take a giant leap forward in the NFL. Can’t wait.
WR
May 19th, 2009
12:40 pm
Bubba, I understand and I think this defense will be different. From a speed stand point along this defense is greatly improved. Yes, some of the guys are a bit young but at least they have the speed to overcome mistakes unlike last year. When was the last time you heard of a Falcon defender over running the play because of speed, yep, Keith Brooking back in the day. The saying goes that “speed kills”, I think that will be evident with this years version of the Falcons D. Who knows they may even be able to bring back the old Gritz Blitz, alot of people won’t remember that D, but that defense was something serious.
WR
May 19th, 2009
12:55 pm
Funny, talk a little falcon football and people come out like roaches with the lights cut on, birds finally seem like their headed in the right direction and the excitement is at an all time high, if Rankim Smith isn’t rolling over in his grave, point me to his grave site and I will roll him over plus put a 2×4 to his hiney because we all have suffered so long. Quick disclosure:please do not take offense to me talking about the dead, just having a little fun and enjoying the excitement of Falcon football, no offense is intended. The cage has become sensitive so I felt I should get that out. D3, wheres the countdown, the cage is wide open and the birds are looking for prey, once again D-Led we missed ya, we’re like little kids you can’t leave us alone for long.
WR
May 19th, 2009
1:00 pm
Sarah B, by the way, I have been wondering for sometime, do you throw back the cold ones at the game, red stripes seem to be the beverage of choice in the cage, a real cage member has to throw back a red stripe every now and then, J/K (LOL).
JJ, did you hit up the Ramen noodles yet, for some reason they help us maintain focus, and when in doubt about a fellow cage member always offer them up.
Lil'Dave
May 19th, 2009
1:05 pm
Afternoon Bird Cage! Great post’s everyone. I just wanted to stick my head in and give everyone a highfive! So glad we have a new blog because reading all that Vick stuff/comments was like listening to Charlie Browns mom.
I hope during the OTA’s they get our special teams going in full force. Which is a spot we excelled at last season but should be elite this season with the practice.
Also has anyone thought about who would replace Elam if he was to go down. Do we still have Mr. Anderson on speed dial?
Sarah B
May 19th, 2009
1:06 pm
WR – you betcha. Beer and fpptball go hand-in-hard. Usually the old Bud Light, but I like to mix it up every once in a while. And I liked your Rankin-Smith idea. He drove us crazy for so many years.
Lil'Dave
May 19th, 2009
1:09 pm
Dang blog monster eat my post
. O’well highfive guys! Glad this blog is up Vick junk was killing me.
SonicJim
May 19th, 2009
1:11 pm
I agree with you guys as well, about the vets. The young guys need to soak up whatever knowledge they can from them and use it to help our team. I’ve been watching nfl rewind that was offered from nfl.com and some of the plays that Foxworth made were key! I mean on a routine basis he constantly broke up passes. Either quick slants or deep routes. I hope someone can step up and make those plays this year. That’s my only concern because I like the way everything else is looking.
Go Falcons!!
JohnWaynesworld
May 19th, 2009
1:19 pm
WR, I agree about Rankin Smith and his family. I remember seeing the Sports Illustrated story with the cartoon of the Smith family looking like the Hillbilly Hounds, chewing on cat tails next to a broken down truck (I think it was a truck). I remember thinking how embarrassed I was for my team and my city.
This is much, much better!
Sarah, you mean you don’t bring any rheumatiz medicine to the games? lol
WR
May 19th, 2009
1:42 pm
Sarah B, budLt,and I bet probably some Mich ultra, well you have confirmed that your definitely a woman combining that with your football knowledge I have to admit I thought you were some guy playing around, you go girl. Oh by the way it will probably make me seem country as hell but a friend got me hooked on Bratwurzst last year, supposedly its a northern thing so I figured I’d throw that out there for the lady of Detroit and our northern members, some bratz and a couple of beers, now thats some real football. Now back to Rankim Smith and the FAMILY, there has been so much talent that has passed through Atlanta, the Falcons were almost like a minor league farm team for breeding talent and the talent moving on to bigger and better teams. To see the organization drafting and building a strong foundation is music to my ears because I think Atlanta fans get a bad wrap. We love our football, we are committed to our baseball and basketball, now hockey not quite there yet, we just haven’t had a consistent winner too get behind and support, the Braves begin to give us a ray of hope in the 90’s, the Hawks tried to in the 80,s, but this is football country and we have been starving for a consistent professional winner. The talent was there for the Falcons but Rankim for some reason would have none of it.
WR
May 19th, 2009
1:48 pm
JohnWaynesWorld, my thoughts exactly, I still can’t understand what they were thinking, its one thing to want to save money but you have to pay the players regardless so why not make you some money in the process putting fans in the stands make you money, that was not the approach they took and as a business money generated family I could never understand it.
Mave2124
May 19th, 2009
1:55 pm
DOL, I thought there was another Mini-Camp in June after OTAs??? Did Smitty ditch that already. I thought teams go 2 mini camps and 14 OTA sessions, with new coaches getting 3 Mini Camps. What is up? When OTAs start tomorrow, does the weight and training program end?
Sarah B
May 19th, 2009
2:02 pm
JWW the medicine is usually taken on the train ride down. Less conspicuous as trying to have beers on the Marta. Me and my buddy I have tickets with have a rule about drinkin & drivin and neither of us will budge on taking turns driving. So we drink & Marta. It’s Smarta.
snaddermen
May 19th, 2009
2:04 pm
Do the Falcons have any veterans left?
Sarah B
May 19th, 2009
2:06 pm
WR tried the Mich Ultra – It took to many to catch a buzz.
WR
May 19th, 2009
2:20 pm
Sarah, just messing with you, I use to be a server at Papasito’s Cantina,and when women ordered beer it was either BudLt or Mich Ultra but mostly it was Margarita’s I rarely allowed beer at my tables and definitely swayed guest away from cheap tequila.
Sarah B
May 19th, 2009
2:24 pm
WR I’ve been to Mexico a few times and Love Sol. Also, Margarita’s with a shot of 1800 on the side. But I digress.
Lil'Dave
May 19th, 2009
2:39 pm
Is the blog monster still eatting up my comments?
Lil'Dave
May 19th, 2009
2:42 pm
Of course not I didnt write enough. Hey who is our back up place kicker if something was to happen to Elam? I know Prater is out in Denver now…kinda wish we still had the kid on the sidesline. I hope the Falcon’s get the special teams really twicked out during the OTA’s. We were very good last year but we could be elite with the speed and our punter.
Lil'Dave
May 19th, 2009
2:49 pm
O ya I ment to say hello to my peeps chill’in in the cage today! How you guys doing? Beautiful day outside! If you guys get a chance to fire up the grill today give this a shot.
Drunk Chicken
Take whole chicken & wash thoroughly….pat down with paper towels.
Rub favorite spices on outside of chicken……
Fire up grill and wait until coals are good& hot…..
Take full can of beer & open it and place it on grill…….
Take chicken & place the beer up the bird’s cavity & sit on grill.
Should look like the chicken is sitting straight up…..
As chicken cooks, beer will absorb into chicken…….
It’s done when meat begins to fall off bone……
Enjoy it & GO FALCONS…….
jason
May 19th, 2009
2:52 pm
Hey, everbody, just dropped my Cle. assessment;if you want to call it that. This team is bad. Worse than the Raiders. The Raiders have some talen, they are just dysfunctional. CLE is just BAD. A TERRIBLE foot ball team. Are they really a professional football team? Did Manginin really know what he was getting himself into? I am not trying to trash a pro team, but… They are BAD…
Cleveland Browns
1 Sep 13 MIN @ CLE – L
2 Sep 20 CLE @ DEN – L
3 Sep 27 CLE @ BAL -L
4 Oct 04 CIN @ CLE – W
5 Oct 11 CLE @ BUF – W
6 Oct 18 CLE @ PIT – L
7 Oct 25 GB @ CLE – L
8 Nov 01 CLE @ CHI- L
9 Bye
10 Nov 16 BAL @ CLE – L
11 Nov 22 CLE @ DET – L
12 Nov 29 CLE @ CIN – L
13 Dec 06 SD @ CLE – L
14 Dec 10 PIT @ CLE – L
15 Dec 20 CLE @ KC – W
16 Dec 27 OAK @ CLE – W
17 Jan 03 JAC @ CLE – L
4-12, Overall, not a good team at all.
They have no offense to speak of. The defense
is just as bad. The QB situation is an embarrassment
to the NFL. They have to decide for the identity of
the team. Mangini will build a winner. He rebuilt the
Jets. He just doesn’t have the players to compete right
now. I don’t reconize a player on their roster. This team
is horrible; maybe worse than the Raiders. I can not give
an honest assessment on the Browns at this time. All I know
is that they are BAD. The only thing interesting about the
Browns is who will their QB be? Quinn or Anderson. Neither
one will strike fear in their opponets.
Lil'Dave
May 19th, 2009
2:53 pm
Now its eatting my comments again..sigh!
I ment to say hello to the Cage with my last comment. Hope all of you are doing well today! Its beautiful day outside today great for brews and grilling! So if you guys get outside on the grill today give this a try!
Drunk Chichken:
Take whole chicken & wash thoroughly….pat down with paper towels.
Rub favorite spices on outside of chicken……
Fire up grill and wait until coals are good& hot…..
Take full can of beer & open it and place it on grill…….
Take chicken & place the beer up the bird’s cavity & sit on grill.
Should look like the chicken is sitting straight up…..
As chicken cooks, beer will absorb into chicken…….
It’s done when meat begins to fall off bone……
Enjoy it & GO FALCONS…….
Unca' Bob
May 19th, 2009
2:54 pm
Lil’Dave, I show R Dehaze UDFA ‘09 as our back up kicker.
Lil'Dave
May 19th, 2009
2:58 pm
Thanx Unca’Bob for the info. This guy have a leg or is he a long shot? I would do my own dirty work but the work internet wont allow me. Plus this blog keeps eatting all my comments…its starting to get old.
jason
May 19th, 2009
3:00 pm
Question. If ATL carries 45 players on the gamday roster, 46 counting the third QB, and the rest are on the practice squad. How do they decide who will be on the practice squad. Say you are trying to hold a player to develope, like JPW. Does he make the practice squad with DJ there as the #3. There is no NFL Europe to stash players. Another example, you like your RBs Turner, Norwood, Snelling, Brown, and Haynes. You are not going to carry all5 on the active roster. What do you do?
Lil'Dave
May 19th, 2009
3:00 pm
Weather is great today here’s a little meal if you guys get out on the grill today.
Drunk Chichken:
Take whole chicken & wash thoroughly….pat down with paper towels.
Rub favorite spices on outside of chicken……
Fire up grill and wait until coals are good& hot…..
Take full can of beer & open it and place it on grill…….
Take chicken & place the beer up the bird’s cavity & sit on grill.
Should look like the chicken is sitting straight up…..
As chicken cooks, beer will absorb into chicken…….
It’s done when meat begins to fall off bone……
Enjoy it & GO FALCONS…….
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 19th, 2009
3:01 pm
Wonder if Ms. Abraham will make OTA?
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 19th, 2009
3:02 pm
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Ryno
May 19th, 2009
3:08 pm
D-Led and others,
I would hope that given the relative youth of the defense (except for Abe) that all of the defense players should be at the facility for OTA’s. That means you Jamaal Anderson!
D-Led, still too early for any contract updates? I hope Peria and W. Moore get signed and into camp soon!
JohnWaynesworld
May 19th, 2009
3:23 pm
My old favorite team back in the Kosar Days, The Brownies:
1 Sep 13 MIN @ CLE – L
2 Sep 20 CLE @ DEN – L
3 Sep 27 CLE @ BAL -L
4 Oct 04 CIN @ CLE – W
5 Oct 11 CLE @ BUF – L
6 Oct 18 CLE @ PIT – L
7 Oct 25 GB @ CLE – L
8 Nov 01 CLE @ CHI- L
9 Bye
10 Nov 16 BAL @ CLE – L
11 Nov 22 CLE @ DET – L
12 Nov 29 CLE @ CIN – L
13 Dec 06 SD @ CLE – L
14 Dec 10 PIT @ CLE – L
15 Dec 20 CLE @ KC – L
16 Dec 27 OAK @ CLE – W
17 Jan 03 JAC @ CLE – L
2-14 is the best I can give these perennial clowns (sans their #1 clown, Winslow II. As soon as they find a REAL quarterback they might get a playoff team, but for now it is time to let pretty boy learn while Anderson is toiling. Great sympathetic fans, pathetic football team.
I don’t think I ever gave my final score for the Falcons vs Dolphins. I think it will be a tough game but Atlanta wins 27-24.
Unca' Bob
May 19th, 2009
3:23 pm
Lil’Dave,
He played for No. Arizona. All I found on him are career stats. Kicked 56 FG 139 EPts and averades 44.4 Yds per punt.
doe
May 19th, 2009
3:40 pm
hey jason, Sure your carry 5 RBs. Brown and Haynes will play Special teams. A lot of RB is a good thing. Remember, the Broncos last year ran through 9 different backs last year. Sh it happens.
Unca' Bob
May 19th, 2009
3:47 pm
JWW,
Don’t sugar coat. How do you really feel about ‘em stale Brownies.lol
1 Sep 13 MIN @ CLE – L
2 Sep 20 CLE @ DEN – L
3 Sep 27 CLE @ BAL -L
4 Oct 04 CIN @ CLE – L
5 Oct 11 CLE @ BUF – W
6 Oct 18 CLE @ PIT – L
7 Oct 25 GB @ CLE – W
8 Nov 01 CLE @ CHI- L
9 Bye
10 Nov 16 BAL @ CLE – L
11 Nov 22 CLE @ DET – W
12 Nov 29 CLE @ CIN – L
13 Dec 06 SD @ CLE – L
14 Dec 10 PIT @ CLE – L
15 Dec 20 CLE @ KC – L
16 Dec 27 OAK @ CLE – L
17 Jan 03 JAC @ CLE – W
4-12 It does not matter who their QB is, until they find someone to catch the football…
D3
May 19th, 2009
4:08 pm
Great Afternoon My Fellow Bird-Cagers! Nothing like a new post to get the juices rolling strong and jacked up. I was kind of hoping to get to 800 posts and the 9th page, but we can’t all be lion tamers. I have no clue on the new blog posting, but I literally tried posting my Cleveland prognastications 9 times and nothing got through. Oh well, to OTA talk……..
Offense OTA’s – this is a great time for teammates to gel, learn about each others playing style, and be able to hit the ground sprinting when Training Camp starts. This is where Matty Ice continues his great relationships on the field with Roddy, Jenks, HD, the Burner, and Lightning. It also gives him a great chance to form a good bond with TG. Aaron Kelly can really give himself a huge leg up on making it as the 5th receiver if he gets in and works his butt off.
Defense OTA’s – these OTA’s will be essential this year with so many new faces and startes on defense. With upwards of 5-6 new starters on DEF, and several rooks making their debut, the defense must use this time wisely to gel and build chemistry. The offense seems to have the chemistry going, but TG looks to be the only new starter there, and obviously he will plug in nicely. Leaders must step forward during this time and help the new kids on the block. Babineaux needs to step up and help Peria Jerry and Vance Walker. Abraham and C.Davis need to help out young El Sid. Peterson and Lofton need to squeeze every ounce out of Stephen Nicholas and Robert James as possible. And of course the brand new look secondary needs to use this time extremely well. Coleman and Houston need to put their best foot forward and take control of the DB Backfield. DeCoud is not a rookie, but has no starts. William Moore, Chris Owens, and William Middleton are all rookies and will be counted on this year. And we finally get to see what we have in Von Hutchins. Critical time. I’ll be pretty disappointed if any vets pull no-shows.
DOL – missed ya brother, but figured you were taking a little break due to the absolute dead time for Falcons and NFL. Nice to have you back. We did a pretty good job keeping it warm while you were gone.
JohnWayne, jason, and Sarah B. – got your Browns predictions off the other page. Not a lot of faith in Man-Genius.
Stirg – are we ready to move on to Carolina? Just let me know.
Tons more to come on our brand new blog posting. Its like Christmas in May………
75 DAYS AND COUNTING TO 2009 ATLANTA FALCONS TRAINING CAMP!!!!!
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 19th, 2009
4:40 pm
Yeah, D3. I indicated that in the last blog but I guess the monster ate it. If its not too much, can you post the numbers for Carolina?
cutter
May 19th, 2009
4:47 pm
-There are 32 NFL teams. Each club is allowed a maximum of 55 players, though nearly every team keeps only 53 on their final roster in case of injury, during the regular season.
As previously reported, Monday, August 25, 2008, looms large on the calendars of hundreds of players around the league trying to make NFL rosters. This is the date that clubs must reduce their rosters from 80 to 75 players. Four days later, on Sunday, August 30, clubs must reduce their roster yet again to the regular roster limit of 53 players. While many players will surely be disappointed when they learn they’ve been cut, a group of them will be allowed to sign to a club’s practice squad to help their team and hopefully improve their skills to NFL caliber.
On Monday, August 31, the day after the final pre-season cut-down, each club may establish a practice squad of no more than eight players, who are considered free agents. These are players who do not have more than nine games on the active list in a previous season and who have not served on a practice squad more than two previous seasons.
“Practice squads give young players a chance to improve their skill level by practicing against the regular roster players during the regular season,” said NFLPA Staff Counsel and Regional Director Tom DePaso. “They gain valuable experience that may allow them to ultimately make a regular roster later that year or in subsequent years.” As regular roster players become injured during the long NFL season, many clubs call upon their practice squad players to come in and fill the void created by the injured players.
Although they earn less than regular roster players, practice squad players still earn a minimum of $5,200 per week, including the playoff weeks. In addition, a player signed to a practice squad contract with one NFL club is completely free to sign a contract and play on the 53-man active-inactive list of any NFL club, not just his practice squad club. So the player remains a free agent for purposes of signing an NFL contract.
For young players, the practice squad keeps alive their hope of making an NFL roster.-
Jason-I doubt very seriously if Atlanta will keep all 5 RB’s on the active roster.
blord
May 19th, 2009
4:49 pm
I sure hope we can get through OTA’a and training camp without any major injuries. I really think that is going to be the key to our season. Our team is young so our guys will need every chance to grow in the system and with as many young guys on the team def. that makes the presence of the veterans even more important. We need them there and we need them healthy. The strange thing is a few months ago I was extremely worried about the d-line. However, now I think it may be the unit that has some of the best depth on the team even if it is young.
jason
May 19th, 2009
5:09 pm
cutter, I doubt so to. I waqs using RB just as an example. Thanks for that. I never did understand the practice squad. I know this may be a stupid question. If a club can carry 55 players, but only 46 can be on the Game day roster,the 9 roster spots are counted seperately from the practice squad.
for example: 55 total spots, 45 Game day spots, 1 extra game day spot for 3rd string QB. That leaves 9 roster spots that are inactive. Drop 2 spots for season injuries. that leaves 7 inactive. Those 7 are roster players, and you still 8 on the practice squad roster. Is that right?
I feel so blonde at the moment. lol!!
JJ
May 19th, 2009
5:11 pm
CLE 3 – 13 -does not look promising!
row3
May 19th, 2009
5:12 pm
cutter, Good info on the practice squad, I was curious about their salaries.
row3
May 19th, 2009
5:14 pm
Do IR and PUP count toward roster spots.
Brian Hunt
May 19th, 2009
5:19 pm
I will be disappointed if all the vets are not present. We’ve never had back to back winning seasons, so everybody needs to participate.
jason
May 19th, 2009
5:31 pm
A premature roster opinion. Yoy can disect if you choose. I am picking 53-55 players.
DE) 5 OL)9 TE)3
DT) 5 QB)3 K)1
LB) 6 FB)1 P)1
CB) 6 RB)3 LS)1
SS/FS)4 WR)5
Man that was hard. I feel like a couple positions are thin. Then there are bubble players. Players I like; that I think can be good, but no room for them. Like at LB(I love LBs) Adkins, Myles, and Bobino. WR, Kelly/ Weems OL, I think 12 could play. RB, Brown/Snelling/Haynes. Decisions, decisions, decisions
cutter
May 19th, 2009
5:36 pm
row3- IR and PUP do not count against 53 man roster.
cutter
May 19th, 2009
5:38 pm
Jason- That is correct
jason
May 19th, 2009
5:41 pm
Let me repost that roster:
DE) Abe, Anderson, Davis, Biermann, Sidbury
DT) Babineaux, Lewis, Jerry, Walker, Jefferson
LB) Lofton, Peterson, Nicolas, Wire, Gilbert, James
CB) Houston, Owens, Middleton, Jackson, Grimes, Hutchins
S) Coleman, Moore, DeCoud, Harris
QB) Ryan, Redman, Shockley
RB) Turner, Norwood, Brown
FB) Mughelli
WR) White, Jenkins, Douglas, Finneran, Kelly
TE) Gonzo, Peele, Harstock
OL) Blalock, Clabo, Dahl, McClure, Romberg, Wilkerson, Reynolds, Ojinaka, Foster
K) Elam
P) Koennen
LS)Schneck
What do you guys think?
jason
May 19th, 2009
5:43 pm
Guys, there are some tough decisions that are going to be made. Back up OL, The last LB spot, The Last RB. The depth of the DBs, The last spot for CB and S. Kelly and Weems battling for the last WR. The only thing really set in stone is the DL.
cutter
May 19th, 2009
5:45 pm
jason- There will be some tough decisions made, some of which the fans might not necessarily like.
PUP list: Physically Unable to Perform –
this List designates players with serious injuries that will keep them from being able to start a season on the 53-man protected list but may be able to return to the roster during the regular season. The players must be placed on this roster at or before the league-wide 65-man summer roster cutdown to be eligible for this designation, and they must stay on this list for at least the first six weeks of the regular season. After this time teams have 3 weeks to evaluate such players after which each such player must be placed on the 53-man roster, season-ending Injured Reserve (IR) or waivers.
cutter
May 19th, 2009
5:51 pm
jason-I would not be surprised if Biermann was moved to SLB. Baker is not on your OL list. I like 6 WR.
jason
May 19th, 2009
6:08 pm
I knew I forgot someone. There is alot of good quality depth on the OL. That has to be the toughest position to guage. I like 6 WRs also, I just don’t know what position to pull from. You could go with 4 DTs. Seein how Anderson can play along the line. How did I forget Baker? Do you carry 8 OL? I know the back up OL cross train along the line.
Ken Strickland
May 19th, 2009
6:19 pm
Since OTA’s are controlled in part by league rules, and forbids contact and limits what can be done, I don’t think it’s all that important for us to have max vet participation, but max attendance should be encouraged. OTA’s are for evaluating draftees and UDFA’s so they can invite a manageable number and the best ones to training camp.
Having vets in attendance would be more for support and encouragement and allows them to be a part of the selection process. After all, they are the ones these draftees and UDFA’S will be playing with or competing against in training camp.
SPS
May 19th, 2009
6:33 pm
Here is what the Falcons broke camp with last year. There were some tweaks during the season, but it gives you an idea of the coach’s mindset:
DE-5
DT-4
LB-6
CB-5
S-5
OL-9
WR-6
TE-3
QB-3
RB-3
FB-1
K-1
P-1
LS-1
falcon21
May 19th, 2009
6:40 pm
New Orleans gets the 2013 Super Bowl, maybe the Falcons will be playing for their second or third by then!!!
jason
May 19th, 2009
6:43 pm
SPS, thanks, I am going to borrow that post.
DE-5 Abe, Anderson, Davis, Sidbury, Biermann
DT-4 Babineaux, Lewis, Jerry, Walker
LB-6 Lofton, Peterson, Nicolas, Wire, Gilbert, James
CB-6 Houston, Owens, Middleton, Grimes, Hutchins, Jackson
S-4 Moore, Coleman. DeCoud, Harris
OL-9 Baker, Blalock, McClure, Clabo, Dahl
Foster, Bromberg, Ojinaka, Reynolds
WR-6 White, Jenkins, Douglas, Finneran, Kelly, Weems
TE-3 Gonzo, Hartstock, Peele
QB-3 Ryan, Redman, Shockley
RB-3 Turner, Norwood, Brown
FB-1 Mughelli
K-1 Elam
P-1 Koennen
LS-1 Schnetck
row3
May 19th, 2009
6:53 pm
1 MIN @ CLE – L
2 CLE @ DEN – L
3 CLE @ BAL – L
4 CIN @ CLE – L
5 CLE @ BUF – L
6 CLE @ PIT – L
7 GB @ CLE – W
8 CLE @ CHI – L
9 BYE
10 BAL @ CLE – L
11 CLE @ DET – W
12 CLE @ CIN – L
13 SD @ CLE – L
14 PIT @ CLE – L
15 CLE @ KC – L
16 OAK @ CLE – L Battle for 2010 1st overall pick in draft.
17 JAX @ CLE – W
3-13
WR
May 19th, 2009
7:04 pm
JohnWaynesWorld and Jason, I can’t believe you are dogging the Browns so badly, on second thought the Browns are awful maybe USC should fill in for them this year. The only decent player you hear about is Braylon Edwards and the Browns were trying to trade him. As desparately as the team needed some infusion of talent they basically traded out of the talent pool trying to pull a New England with far less results. On top of all that they have a QB battle going on between Quinn and Anderson,wow,where’s Ryan Leaf when you need him.
1. Min@Cle-L, can you say beat down
2. Cle@Den-L,
3. Cle@Bal-L, This ones over in the first quarter
4. Cin@Cle-L, Battle of Ohio if you can call it a battle
5. Cle@Buf-L,
6. Cle@Pit-L, Will the Browns get a W
7. GB@Cle–W, Finally a win and something to build on
8. Cle@Chi-L, So much for building on a win
9. Bye–will the players return to finish the season
10.Bal@Cle-L, they shouldn’t have returned
11.Cle@Det-W, Browns get the win but Detroit amazingly is the bettter team
12.Cle@Cin-L, Revenge minded Browns get blown out
13.SD@Cle–L, First round pick is now within reach
14.Pit@Cle-L, Offseason vacation plans are finalized
15.Cle@KC–W, Browns pulloff a mild upset
16.Oak@Cle-L, Raiders actually run up the score on someone
17.Jac@Cle-L, With nothing to play for Browns come out loose and excited they leave with a different perspective
Browns 3-13
jason
May 19th, 2009
7:04 pm
Alright guys, I am relaxing with a Red Stripe about to check the Braves out. Man they are only 2.5 games out, but they are pathetic. Anyway not going to dwell on the Braves on a Falcon’s blog. I will be checking back through the evening. D3 talk to me. I need your Browns info.
WR, I meant to ask you last night; you being GT and all. Joe Burns? From my neck of the woods.
See ya in a few.
williet
May 19th, 2009
7:53 pm
Janson:
Where is Sam Baker? Off Lineman.
D3
May 19th, 2009
7:58 pm
What’s goin’ on fellow ‘Cagers? Nothing like a new post to get the Mojo working. This looks to be the most competitive Training Camp to date. As mentioned there will be many tough decisions come roster trim down time.
j-man – looks like a d@— fine roster right there. What about Jason Snelling? If it comes down to TBrown vs, Snelling for only one spot than the fact that they just signed Snelling to a new contract doesn’t bode well for our UGA alum TBrown. I have a felling they keep 5 total RB’s: Turner, Norwood, Mughelli, Brown, and Snelling. Verron Haynes looks to be the odd man out, IMHO.
cutter – great info as always. Appreciate the breakdown of the roster, which can be very confusing.
WR – great stuff as always my man. If they go full on 11-on-11, then the young pups will get a baptism by fire experience. Moore, DeCoud, Owens, & Middleton will get a pro-bowl look real quick. As far as South of the Border brews go, Sol & Pacifico are some of my all time favs.
Lil’ Dave – where ya been bro’? Got any more bomb @— recipes? I’ll share a few more of my own soon.
2009 Cleveland Browns
General – The Browns are coming off an under-achieving and disappointing reign with another Belichick assistant in Romeo Crennel, so what’s the answer: hire another Belichick assistant! I’m split two ways in Man-Genius(yeah, right): on one hand he took a pretty weak Jets team to the playoffs in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, but on the other hand, he’s been known to be cocky, arrogant, and oversaw one of the biggest final stretch meltdowns in recent memory.
Offense – they have some core pieces in place to do some things offensively. They have a young, pro-bowl caliber LT in Joe Thomas, promising young WR in Braylon Edwards(shouldn’t even consider a trade), and drafted some potentially great WR’s in Robiskie and Massaquoi. But until Brady Quinn shows he can stop looking at himself in the mirror and make the transition to the NFL, the Browns are still a huge question mark. Jamal Lewis had a comeback year, but that was two years ago and they appear to have no answer to their running game unless former Clemson product James Davis can show something.
Defense – Besides ILB D’Qwell Jackson I can’t name you one play-maker on that Defense. Shaun Rogers at NT is ok; Willie McGinest was a stud but is on the downslide. Sean Jones is in Philly. Andra Davis is now gone. This looks like a serious re-building effort. While the offense may be solid, the DEF looks to be one of the worst in the league, IMO.
Cleveland Browns
1 Sep 13 MIN @ CLE (loss)
2 Sep 20 CLE @ DEN (loss)
3 Sep 27 CLE @ BAL (loss)
4 Oct 04 CIN @ CLE (win)
5 Oct 11 CLE @ BUF (win)
6 Oct 18 CLE @ PIT (loss)
7 Oct 25 GB @ CLE (win)
8 Nov 01 CLE @ CHI (loss)
9 Bye
10 Nov 16 BAL @ CLE (loss)
11 Nov 22 CLE @ DET (loss)
12 Nov 29 CLE @ CIN (loss)
13 Dec 06 SD @ CLE (loss)
14 Dec 10 PIT @ CLE (loss)
15 Dec 20 CLE @ KC (win)
16 Dec 27 OAK @ CLE (win)
17 Jan 03 JAC @ CLE (loss
Offense has some young potential, but no running game and a terrible DEF leads to another poor year.
QB #2 later……….
jason
May 19th, 2009
7:59 pm
williet. I totally forgot him, I was thinking I put him in with Blalock.
Totally whiffed there. I revised on my 6:43 post.
falcon21
May 19th, 2009
8:01 pm
Re-read his post Williet.
D3
May 19th, 2009
8:01 pm
2009 Cleveland Browns
General – The Browns are coming off an under-achieving and disappointing reign with another Belichick assistant in Romeo Crennel, so what’s the answer: hire another Belichick assistant! I’m split two ways in Man-Genius(yeah, right): on one hand he took a pretty weak Jets team to the playoffs in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, but on the other hand, he’s been known to be cocky, arrogant, and oversaw one of the biggest final stretch meltdowns in recent memory.
Offense – they have some core pieces in place to do some things offensively. They have a young, pro-bowl caliber LT in Joe Thomas, promising young WR in Braylon Edwards(shouldn’t even consider a trade), and drafted some potentially great WR’s in Robiskie and Massaquoi. But until Brady Quinn shows he can stop looking at himself in the mirror and make the transition to the NFL, the Browns are still a huge question mark. Jamal Lewis had a comeback year, but that was two years ago and they appear to have no answer to their running game unless former Clemson product James Davis can show something.
Defense – Besides ILB D’Qwell Jackson I can’t name you one play-maker on that Defense. Shaun Rogers at NT is ok; Willie McGinest was a stud but is on the downslide. Sean Jones is in Philly. Andra Davis is now gone. This looks like a serious re-building effort. While the offense may be solid, the DEF looks to be one of the worst in the league, IMO.
Cleveland Browns
1 Sep 13 MIN @ CLE (loss)
2 Sep 20 CLE @ DEN (loss)
3 Sep 27 CLE @ BAL (loss)
4 Oct 04 CIN @ CLE (win)
5 Oct 11 CLE @ BUF (win)
6 Oct 18 CLE @ PIT (loss)
7 Oct 25 GB @ CLE (win)
8 Nov 01 CLE @ CHI (loss)
9 Bye
10 Nov 16 BAL @ CLE (loss)
11 Nov 22 CLE @ DET (loss)
12 Nov 29 CLE @ CIN (loss)
13 Dec 06 SD @ CLE (loss)
14 Dec 10 PIT @ CLE (loss)
15 Dec 20 CLE @ KC (win)
16 Dec 27 OAK @ CLE (win)
17 Jan 03 JAC @ CLE (loss
Offense has some young potential, but no running game and a terrible DEF leads to another poor year.
QB #2 later……….
D3
May 19th, 2009
8:04 pm
Attempt #5
2009 Cleveland Browns
General – The Browns are coming off an under-achieving and disappointing reign with another Belichick assistant in Romeo Crennel, so what’s the answer: hire another Belichick assistant! I’m split two ways in Man-Genius(yeah, right): on one hand he took a pretty weak Jets team to the playoffs in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, but on the other hand, he’s been known to be cocky, arrogant, and oversaw one of the biggest final stretch meltdowns in recent memory.
Offense – they have some core pieces in place to do some things offensively. They have a young, pro-bowl caliber LT in Joe Thomas, promising young WR in Braylon Edwards(shouldn’t even consider a trade), and drafted some potentially great WR’s in Robiskie and Massaquoi. But until Brady Quinn shows he can stop looking at himself in the mirror and make the transition to the NFL, the Browns are still a huge question mark. Jamal Lewis had a comeback year, but that was two years ago and they appear to have no answer to their running game unless former Clemson product James Davis can show something.
Defense – Besides ILB D’Qwell Jackson I can’t name you one play-maker on that Defense. Shaun Rogers at NT is ok; Willie McGinest was a stud but is on the downslide. Sean Jones is in Philly. Andra Davis is now gone. This looks like a serious re-building effort. While the offense may be solid, the DEF looks to be one of the worst in the league, IMO.
Cleveland Browns
1 Sep 13 MIN @ CLE (loss)
2 Sep 20 CLE @ DEN (loss)
3 Sep 27 CLE @ BAL (loss)
4 Oct 04 CIN @ CLE (win)
5 Oct 11 CLE @ BUF (win)
6 Oct 18 CLE @ PIT (loss)
7 Oct 25 GB @ CLE (win)
8 Nov 01 CLE @ CHI (loss)
9 Bye
10 Nov 16 BAL @ CLE (loss)
11 Nov 22 CLE @ DET (loss)
12 Nov 29 CLE @ CIN (loss)
13 Dec 06 SD @ CLE (loss)
14 Dec 10 PIT @ CLE (loss)
15 Dec 20 CLE @ KC (win)
16 Dec 27 OAK @ CLE (win)
17 Jan 03 JAC @ CLE (loss
Offense has some young potential, but no running game and a terrible DEF leads to another poor year.
QB #2 later……….
D3
May 19th, 2009
8:06 pm
Just don’t get this GDMF website. No curse words. No foul language, but it just will not let my Browns prediction through.
Attempt #11
2009 Cleveland Browns
General – The Browns are coming off an under-achieving and disappointing reign with another Belichick assistant in Romeo Crennel, so what’s the answer: hire another Belichick assistant! I’m split two ways in Man-Genius(yeah, right): on one hand he took a pretty weak Jets team to the playoffs in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, but on the other hand, he’s been known to be cocky, arrogant, and oversaw one of the biggest final stretch meltdowns in recent memory.
D3
May 19th, 2009
8:08 pm
there must be someone getting a big ol’ laugh at th ajc. tried cutting, re-writing, re-wording my post to no avail.
attempt #12
2009 Cleveland Browns
General – The Browns are coming off an under-achieving and disappointing reign with another Belichick assistant in Romeo Crennel, so what’s the answer: hire another Belichick assistant! I’m split two ways in Man-Genius(yeah, right): on one hand he took a pretty weak Jets team to the playoffs in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, but on the other hand, he’s been known to be arrogant, and oversaw one of the biggest final stretch meltdowns in recent memory.
D3
May 19th, 2009
8:10 pm
GDMFBS has eaten my post 12, count’em, 12 times. gimme break for godsake. evidently the screener is a browns fan and they don’t like my prediction. this is a joke.
D3
May 19th, 2009
8:11 pm
hello? anything getting through?
D3
May 19th, 2009
8:12 pm
Offense – they have some core pieces in place to do some things offensively. They have a young, pro-bowl caliber LT in Joe Thomas, promising young WR in Braylon Edwards(shouldn’t even consider a trade), and drafted some potentially great WR’s in Robiskie and Massaquoi. But until Brady Quinn shows he can stop looking at himself in the mirror and make the transition to the NFL, the Browns are still a huge question mark. Jamal Lewis had a comeback year, but that was two years ago and they appear to have no answer to their running game unless former Clemson product James Davis can show something.
Defense – Besides ILB D’Qwell Jackson I can’t name you one play-maker on that Defense. Shaun Rogers at NT is ok; Willie McGinest was a stud but is on the downslide. Sean Jones is in Philly. Andra Davis is now gone. This looks like a serious re-building effort. While the offense may be solid, the DEF looks to be one of the worst in the league, IMO.
Cleveland Browns
1 Sep 13 MIN @ CLE (loss)
2 Sep 20 CLE @ DEN (loss)
3 Sep 27 CLE @ BAL (loss)
4 Oct 04 CIN @ CLE (win)
5 Oct 11 CLE @ BUF (win)
6 Oct 18 CLE @ PIT (loss)
7 Oct 25 GB @ CLE (win)
8 Nov 01 CLE @ CHI (loss)
9 Bye
10 Nov 16 BAL @ CLE (loss)
11 Nov 22 CLE @ DET (loss)
12 Nov 29 CLE @ CIN (loss)
13 Dec 06 SD @ CLE (loss)
14 Dec 10 PIT @ CLE (loss)
15 Dec 20 CLE @ KC (win)
16 Dec 27 OAK @ CLE (win)
17 Jan 03 JAC @ CLE (loss
Offense has some young potential, but no running game and a terrible DEF leads to another poor year.
QB #2 later……….
D3
May 19th, 2009
8:13 pm
#13 attempt
Offense – they have some core pieces in place to do some things offensively. They have a young, pro-bowl caliber LT in Joe Thomas, promising young WR in Braylon Edwards(shouldn’t even consider a trade), and drafted some potentially great WR’s in Robiskie and Massaquoi. But until Brady Quinn shows he can stop looking at himself in the mirror and make the transition to the NFL, the Browns are still a huge question mark. Jamal Lewis had a comeback year, but that was two years ago and they appear to have no answer to their running game unless former Clemson product James Davis can show something.
falcon21
May 19th, 2009
8:43 pm
D3, I agree with you on Belichick and the Man-Genius thing and I am not a fan of coach B. He is arrogant as hell but he is who he is and is not a copycat coach. I admire that about him because he don’t give a darn what anyone thinks. As far as the meltdowns in recent history, one of the meltdowns came because of the Giants D-line and a good but lucky catch. Last season was a different story. Whatcha think man?
D3
May 19th, 2009
8:51 pm
Sorry fellas, the blog monster forced a little bit of rage there. Back to our Falconi’s………
WR(1) – great stuff as always my man. The ‘Cage really seems to be taking off and on solid ground now that we made clear that there can be many different topics that can be discussed. Good point on our young D getting reps. If Smitty goes, live 11-on-11 a lot, our young secondary will definitely get a good look at a Pro-Bowl caliber OFF. Moore, DeCoud, Owens, and Middleton will find out NFL speed and passing real quick. On South-of-the-Border brews, pretty much love’em all, but Sol and Pacifico are two of my all time favs. Countdown’s comin’ brother-man.
Paulie – welcome to the Bird-Cage, glad to have you. Bring your excellent views and opinions to the forum more often. This training camp definitely is looking to be the most fierce competition to date.
j-man – yeah, I was hoping to make it to page 9, but we really have jump-started the ‘Cage, eh? I think we carry 5 RB’s: Turner, Norwood, Mughelli, TBrown, AND Snelling. I think Verron Haynes is odd man out.
Bubba – understood on your concern of our defensive style last year. I think it was a style of necessity, more than desire. We have players to fit more of Van Gorder and Smitty’s aggressive style. I can tell you as a UGA fan that Van Gorder is anything but passive. We still miss his style of play between the hedges.
Darrin – I feel ya’. It’ll be here before you know it. That’s why a lot of us Falcons/Football junkies plan to hit the Bird-Cage up so much this summer: to keep us engaged talkin’ Football while creating a slow build to the season that will end in a huge tidal wave of excitement. Join us.
Sarah B – what’s my Bird-Cage sis? You in Vegas puttin’ some cold ones back yet? You know the tag-line from Vegas…….Sol w/ lime or not? I say no lime on Sol. Doesn’t need it
WR(2) – Give the Thrashers time my friend. My uncle is a huge Thrashers fan and he believes they finally got it right with Coach Anderson, building with youth, and playing sound fundamentals. Sound familiar? TD’s plan extends to all sports, not just football evidently.
Lil’ Dave – where ya been bro’? Got any more bomb@— recipes? I’ll throw a few more of my favs in soon. My head about popped off with this blog monster. It literally ate my post 12 times, no joke. I copy all my entries now assuming they will be eaten.
Ryno – supposedly J.Anderson is hungrier than ever working his tail off this off-season. We’ll see soon enough.
Stirg – Carolina stats/matchups coming soon.
cutter – great info as always. This definitely helped clear up a very tricky and fairly difficult rule to understand.
j-man(2) – now that is a hella roster right there. If we were making a competition out of the final roster prediction, I’d put some money on that one. Remember we signed OT Will Svitek, who started many games for the Chiefs. I say that we take him over Ojinnaka. The dude was drafted by Mora and has never really made that leap. Remember that he was drafted to block in that cut block scheme Mora loved. I say he’s finally on his way out.
QB #2 and Atlanta-Carolina stats coming later……..
falcon21
May 19th, 2009
9:04 pm
D3, I read you are from Rome, don’t know where you live now but hello neighbor or used to be neighbor.
JJ
May 19th, 2009
9:17 pm
D3: breathe in..chug..breathe out..chug..repeat until monster goes away or whenever ceo isn’t around. Just remembered, its tues..you’ll have to wait 2 days! I know what you’re going thru – last night it ate a dozen of my self-depricating blogs for my asinine sunday blog. (sorry,sorry,sorry!!!)
As I’m eating my romain noodles/stripe/prozac, I’m looking forward to the carolina observation (started my research tonight -will file tommorrow pm) BUT I’m most intrigues with Q2.Your outlook specifically because you saw shockly more than me. I’m GSU, I watch gt and uga, I trust your unbiased opinion…my thoughts…need to see him with #1 Offense!!! Good luck with the monster my friend!
jason
May 19th, 2009
9:24 pm
D3, that OL was a beast. I don’t think you could wrong with any of the, except maybe the rookies. And that is only because a lack of expierence.
My question would be how do you go about keeping some of this young talent when there is on place on the roster for them? There are going to be some serious decisions on cuts this year.
One more thing on the ol’ Belichick (lol). It should be proof that the only way that system works if you are filming the opponets practices and stealing their signals. I am not trying to open a can of worms, but tell me. How many assts. have gotten HC jobs, and how many have had consistent success?
RedStripe is going down smooth. I have never tried it before. But all you have been talking about it since the draft.
Fellows, I have to put my little princes to bed. Be back in a little while. D3, where’s our Yellow Jacket Friend hiding at?
WR
May 19th, 2009
9:29 pm
Ribs, burgers,hotdogs, wings,and of course some brew, I can’t wait to get the season started. A little monday morning quarterbacking,some feeding the fish to the birds,I can’t wait to get the season started. Quick, fast, in your face defense,grind it out, pound the ball down your throat do you want some more offense, I can’t wait to get the season started,and if you think you have had enough guess what the ICEMAN cometh, I can’t wait to get the season started.
falcon21
May 19th, 2009
9:32 pm
Forget about it JJ, we have all had a few too many but atleast you can still spell. Cannot say that for all of us. GO BIRDS!!!
WR
May 19th, 2009
9:37 pm
Jason, don’t mess with a yellowjacket we can be quiet one minute and swarm the next just ask the Dawgs. I to got hooked on the Stripes listening to people in the cage, its actually pretty good, taste like a cross between Samuel Adams and Killians to me.
WR
May 19th, 2009
9:53 pm
JJ which GSU,not to get away from Falcon talk but I posed the question,how do you think the real GSU(Georgia State University) will do in Football in the future. I’m an Alum and the school has now caught up to UGA student body wise, the Alumni association is huge so support should be there, I think it will start slowly but has the potential to be an amazing program, but thats only potentially when considering the state of the basketball program. Hard to figure out why they can’t get out of the Colonial division, if they really put the effort into the program I can see them joining the ACC someday, maybe thats wishful thinking though.
falcon21
May 19th, 2009
10:29 pm
WR, I’m not a Tech fan but is this blog still working or did I run everyone away?
jason
May 19th, 2009
10:35 pm
I’m back. WR, how’s it going. Stripe is good. Killians, now that’s a good beer, especially off the tap. Falcon’s football. I am going to go DJ taking the QB #2. I tried to copy and repost, but haveing problem with computer. I finally gave up. It’s on page 8 of the last blog if anyone’s interested.
We have broke down alot of info on the Falcons this past week or so. I am looking foward to breaking down the Defense. I love LBs. That’s the violent side of the game.
WR, you mentioned thr “Real” GSU. I think with Bill Curry, they could not have gotten a better man to start up the program. Will GSU be Div 1?
As you know it will take a few years to grow into a contender. But with the Scholarship restrictions (85 I think) there is a growing parity in collage football. They will have to follow UGA/Richt and lock down Georgia. If the recruits are not going to UGA or Tech, they need to be going to GSU.
Sorry, off topic. What’s on tap inthe Cage tonight? Someone throw out a topic and we will do our best to disect it up.
jason
May 19th, 2009
10:36 pm
falcon21, I’m here. I was wondering the same thing too.
Sarah B
May 19th, 2009
10:39 pm
Well guys I’m back. Left work early to get a haircut then came home and mowed the grass since it will start raining again Thurs. Which is why I’m going to Vegas June 3rd, will still post though, taking laptop. I am still pale and it is almost June. With all the rain and clouds it is unacceptable the shade of white I am. I’m a tanner.
D3 – Sol no lime. I don’t get them a lot here since you get spoiled in MEX when they are delivered poolside for .60 and they are $8 a six pack here but I still splurge sometimes.
So on to the Carolina in the morning. God Love to pick that one apart, they are sore losers and they always show up in our house. Can’t really believe they resigned Delhomme to such a contract. Didn’t they watch the last game??? 4 turnovers, crash & burn waaaay worse than us to ARI???? On his B-Day??? WTF??? I’d have cut the guy…
jason
May 19th, 2009
10:47 pm
Sarah B, All I can say is Da%n. Little hard on Delhomme. I can’t wait until tomorrow either. CAR needs a QB bad. They still have that run game though.
Looks all quiet in the Cage at the moment. Cricketts chirping…
Sarah B
May 19th, 2009
11:00 pm
Sorry Jason I was just remembering laughing all the way through that game. Question – ever been to an away game in Charlotte??? I have been to 4 and those folks are right hateful when us Bird fans show up, probably because we beat them 7 out of the last nine even with Harrington – that was funny I was there that day and we took sooooo much Vick crap then they lost to Joey Harrington – sweet justice!!! So that’s where all that bitter stuff came from. You are safely out there in TX and don’t have to hear it. Just saying.
Sarah B
May 19th, 2009
11:38 pm
Jaaaason where did you go? Well guess that says it’s time to go to bed.
Sarah B
May 19th, 2009
11:52 pm
D3 not going to Vegas until June 3rd taking the laptop with me so I’ll be on the blog then too and with lots of time on my hands. I must say when I tell most people I’m going to Vegas they get all excited and go WOW you’ll have so much fun. And then I say I go to lay by the pool and read books, I think I’ll take “The Blind Side” the Michael Oher story. with me, and drink beer and turn the phone off they think I’M CRAZY!! But it’s what I want peace and quiet.
Sarah B
May 19th, 2009
11:58 pm
OK really going to bed.
D3
May 20th, 2009
1:30 am
What’s goin’ on fellas? The House CEO stole my computer for awhile to upload some pics of our little guy, so I got some catching up to do. To Falcons and Football………
falcon21 – are you a RomeGa-n? Yeah, thats where I grew up and my entire family is from. You grow up there or just live there now? It was a cool place to grow up and really enjoy visiting. Do not, I REPEAT DO NOT, drive after you’ve even drank one brew in that town. The Po love to bust people’s @— for duis, its like there biggest cash cow.
JJ – yeah, normally the blog monster is just annoying, but I swear there was a screener at the AJC just having a big ol’ time laughing it up after making my post disappear like 12 times in a row.
Here’s the MO on my man Shockley, which I’ll break down more tomorrow: he is extremely athletic and has a rocket for an arm. He is extremely smart with the football and knows the game very well. He is not a runner first and passer second. His biggest knock is his lack of accuracy. He would miss receivers, often too high, while at UGA. Another one of his biggest issues is his lack of continuos experience, obviously not a lot of his fault. He has been fairly injury prone throughout his career as well. His intangibles in leadership, character, and determination are unbelievable. Much more on QB#3(just going from current standings).
jason – first time on the red stripe, eh? Great, great brew. I got another one for you a little later that just became available here in GA. If you need any reference on brew, this is the place for in-depth expertise; it might as well be named the Brew-Cage.
WR – c’mon man, you can’t get us that pumped this far out. You’re killin’ me brother. Too many days until August to get jacked. Time to enjoy the ‘Cage, relax through the summer, make a slow build, and have a tsunami of excitement come August. Sam Adams, now that’s one I hadn’t had in a minute. Love all their brews, but one of the absolute worst beers I’ve ever had: Sam Adams Honey Porter; poured 5.5 brews down the sink. Just awful.
Sarah B – Sol for .60 cents, WHAT? D@–, if weren’t for the swine flu and deteriorating drug war, I’d hop a plane tomorrow just to grab some 60 cent Sol(ok, maybe I wouldn’t, but Wow). I’ve noticed a few of those high price brews have come down some. Oh yeah, can’t wait to take apart Carolina. Even though I hate TB & NO worse.
Stirg – sorry brother, but I’m going to have to wait until tomorrow to start the Carolina stats/breakdowns. Takes a little while.
Division Prediction update (missing team records)
Ed – Bengals, Browns
Jimbo – Bengals, Browns
Dean21 – Browns
Blog Attendance – speaking of blog participation jason and sarah, I’ve kind of noticed that it kind of comes in waves so to speak. We have roughly about 10-15 of us who post on an almost daily basis and then another 10 or so that post every couple of days, and a few that post once a week or so. Considering the downtime, I’m really happy about the level of participation.
Search and Rescue – sending a search and rescue party out for Seminole, Nookah, irvin, Falcon Devil, dacha, and Marko. These guys were daily posters and just sort of stopped hearing from them. If you guys are out there, come back and join us. Kind of like having neighbors move away.
QB#2 to come……….