Abe’s absence will help young D-linemen

HA – no one can come on and post that stupid “first” comment!! Please childish ones stop doing that.

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I’m glad to see the young guys getting extra reps. Abe doesn’t need them, and considering his injury history prior to last season he needs to repeat whatever program he did to keep him healthy the whole time. I don’t know Jerry well enough yet to be worried about him, but the quicker he learns the scheme the quicker he can start. We need all the help we can get on D.

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JJ

May 26th, 2009
6:54 pm
The Atlanta Falcons are the final stop in our series of team-by-team mailbags.

LR in Warner Robins, Ga., writes: Who you think will be the Atlanta Falcons starting Strong Safety, DeCoud or Moore?

Pat Yasinskas: Too early to tell right now. This is going to be one of the more interesting battles in training camp. In the recent minicamp, Thomas DeCoud worked with the first team and William Moore with the second. But it’s common to open minicamp with the guy who’s been around ahead of the rookie. The Falcons used a second-round pick on Moore and that means they think he can probably start. But that’s not a given. DeCoud can win this job if he has the better preseason.

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Steve in New Haven, Conn., writes: hey Pat, love the blog, while you were at camp, did you take a look at the CB’s? It seems Houston is going to be our RCB, but at LCB we have an open competition. Who do you think will be the other starter? Grimes, Hutchins, Jackson, Owens? I’d like to see Jackson starting, Owens in the nickel, and Grimes or Hutchins fightin for the 4th CB spot. Anyways, how do you think it’ll play out??? Thnks

Pat Yasinskas: I think the Falcons definitely view the cornerback spot opposite Chris Houston as an open competition. In this case, I think that’s a healthy thing. They’re going to throw Brent Grimes, Von Hutchins, Chevis Jackson and Chris Owens out there and see who rises up. They’re high on Jackson after what he flashed as a rookie and they see Owens as a guy who can be a starter at some point. If Jackson and Owens have solid preseasons, they could join Houston in the trio of top cornerbacks.

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Niklas in Aarhus, Denmark, writes: Hey Pat! Who do you see as next year’s breakout candidates on the Falcons squad, and why?

Pat Yasinskas: I’ll go with linebacker Stephen Nicholas. I think his skills fit what coach Mike Smith wants from the strong side and Nicholas has had time to develop. I know the Falcons lost Keith Brooking and Michael Boley after last season, but I think the linebacker corps can be better than it was a year ago.

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Ben in Macon, Ga., writes: How long do you give the rest of the NFC South fans before they start REALLY hating the Falcons? All this national media attention, combined with media darling Matt Ryan, has to be grating on them. Am I right?

Pat Yasinskas: Wow, I’ll leave that one up to the NFC South fans to decide. But there’s no question the Falcons are becoming somewhat of the media darling of the division and Ryan is at the center of it all. Kind of amazing how much more respect the Falcons are getting than they did this time a year ago. They earned that respect with last season. But now they’ve got to keep that respect by playing well.

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Dash in Nashville writes: Do you think there’s any chance the Falcons can get any team to trade for Mike Vick? Even if it’s a 7th rounder for next year?

Pat Yasinskas: Doubt it. I just don’t see teams willing to give up a pick for a guy who’s going to be cut anyway. If Thomas Dimitroff somehow gets anything for Vick, he’s even more of a genius than I already think he is.

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DBell in Rome, Ga., Writes: With Tony Gonzales giving the Falcons a serious TE threat, how will Ovie Mughelli’s role at FB be affected? The Falcons paid him more than any other FB ever, and I feel he’s been under-used. Do you think he’ll now see less time with the Falcons likely to use more two-TE sets?

Pat Yasinskas: Don’t sell Mughelli short. The guy played a huge role as a blocker for Michael Turner last season. Yeah, he doesn’t get to catch or run the ball very often, but his role as a blocker is an important part of Atlanta’s offense. Yes, you’ll see some sets where the Falcons use two tight ends and have Mughelli on the sidelines. But I think he’ll be on the field for a lot of running plays and to help protect Ryan on passing downs.

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Im excited to see the young guys getting reps. We need these guys to boost our pass rush off the edge. Im intrigued about our D this season, but I honestly dont forsee us being any worse than last year. With some support for Abe with Babs And Mr Jerry, our D-Line is gonna be a very solid unit. Hip Hip Hooray, if I may say so

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Bird-Cage Faithful – how’s the following schedule look for this week to supplement DOL’s discussions. Honestly, I don’t know if I have the will-power to continue the division/team predictions. What do you guys think?

Weekly Menu

Wednesday
Game #3 Analysis: Falcons Defense vs. Patriots Offense
Roster Spot Analysis RB#3

Thursday
Falcons Offense vs Patriots Defense
Roster Spot Analysis TE#1

Friday
Falcons vs Patriots game details and Final predictions
Roster Spot Analysis TE#2

Sat/Sun
Weekend Mash-up (various stories from around the NFL)
Roster Spot Analysis TE#3

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Roster Spot Analysis RB#3: This is going to be a battle. Snelling vs. Brown vs. Haynes. Snelling showed some potential, and versatility last year. Could wind up a starter later in his career with more experience. He has nice size along with good speed for his size. He catches decently out of the backfield. He is versital to play RB, and FB. He also was reliable on STs. The knock on Snelling is he seems tneetive to hit the hole with a burst. I don’t know if it is vision or hesitation. Although he is going into his third year.
Thomas Brown a local from the UGA is trying to bounce back from a knee injury to claim the third RB spot. Always know as a hard worker. Has considering how small he is. AT UGA he was pound for pound the strongest player on the team, squatting over 400 lbs. on his 185-190lb. frame. Excellent reciever out of the back field. Is not afraid to run inside between the tackles. Is fearless, sometimes to a fault considering questions about his durability. Brown’s best chance to claim this spot is the versatility he brings to the team. Along with being a third down specialist, he can also return kicks.
Verron Haynes, the elder statesman brought in to provide a veteran pressance to the backfield. He can do a little bit of everything at a pro level. While not a superstar, he is a true “Blue Collar” worker. Another player who can play both RB and FB. The chances of Haynes making the team are not good unless Snelling really blows his oppurtunity.
After looking at the competiters for the third RB spot, I have to say that this will be a close and hottly contested battle between Brown and Snelling. This will probably be one of the last positions settled before ATL breaks camp. I have to give the edge to Thomas Brown. The reasons are speed and versatility. By that Brown has the ability to make a team impact on STs. If ATL decides they need to carry a fourth, then Snelling will make the team as a back up to Mughelli.

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D3, It’s your show. I know what you mean about the family. Here’s an idea. Let’s just continue on with the Atlanta roster, and look at their opponets. If there is something of interest as far as other NFL teams and players; just thow it out there and we will talk about it.
I’m like alot of people in that I am a Falcon/ Geaogia sports teams homer. I would rather talk about ATL, UGA and my syrupmakers over anything else. I am still looking for that perfect DAWG blog, similar to this one.

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What a beautifull morning! As I sip on my coffee, trying to wake up, I fire up the computer to check out my fellow fanaticals and…..we have a new blog!!!

D3: I agree on cutting back to our boys and our opponents.

Jason: Your summary and conclusion are right on with rb#3, but I just can’t see losing Snelling. Brown gets the edge for ST;s, but I still like both! How sound is the knee? It’s going to be a fierce battle on the field and on this blog! lol

Off to work early, will check back this afternoon…ps…someone tell purdue he can quit praying!!!!!(for h2o)

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D3,

Division/team predictions: First. We all want to thank you for the time and effort you have put into this blog to date. On a personal level, I feel your time would be better spent chasin’ your “Critter” around the house( future HOF’er ). Let’s simply show it the backdoor and carry on.

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Tra Battle has been released by the Cowboys. Might he be a signing to bolster the competition at DB? He was listed as a CB, but played safety at UGA.

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backfields in the NFL Story Highlights
San Diego ranks No. 1 with Philip Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson
Deep stable of running backs help Dallas Cowboys crack the top three
Recent injuries, unmet expectations to blame for bottom two backfields

By John Mullin, Special to SI.com

San Diego QB Philip Rivers and RB LaDainian Tomlinson lead the NFL’s top backfield.
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
General managers, coaches and fantasy footballers rank 1-2-3 (though not necessarily in that order) as talent evaluators for quarterbacks and running backs. And they need to be good at it because jobs and bragging rights are at stake when it comes to those positions.

In an effort to help all three groups with their evaluations, we’ve ranked the NFL’s quarterback-running back pairings. Notably, two of the top nine QB-RB packages play in the NFC North (And here’s a hint: Neither employs Brett Favre or plays indoors.)

Some notes on the measurements used:

• If a team’s backup is an active ingredient in the mix or is arguably good enough to start for a number of other teams, that backup factored into the rating. This was not the case for every team.

• Since few teams use a true fullback in their schemes, we didn’t fold that position into the backfield lineups.

• Rookies are difficult to rank, for obvious reasons, and quarterbacks particularly so. But we viewed some (Matt Stafford in Detroit, Mark Sanchez in New York) as positives because they likely can’t be worse than what they’re replacing.

• Additions and subtractions via free agency and the draft affected some backfields more than others, even if those additions or subtractions weren’t quarterbacks or running backs. Changes at various positions, even on defense, have clear trickle-down potential for quarterbacks and running backs.

• Rankings are based on more than skills and numbers alone. Joe Montana, for example, may not have been the NFL’s top passer in his prime, but he was arguably its best quarterback.

With that in mind, here’s how the 32 NFL backfields rank:

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Apparently, he doesn’t know how good Norwood is.

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Y’all been waiting for that, heh WR?

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D3, What’s up, buddy? I don’t want to be the one to say “I told You so”; but, “I told you so”. I applaud your efforts, brother, but that has got to be a lot of work to keep up with (division by division analysis). My little linebacker is pulling my leg right now, trying to grab my attention (I thought the Wonder Pets would do the trick). So, I know you’ve got a handful with your little wide receiver over there.
Still, I think analyzing our weekly opponents will lead us right into training camp.

I have another idea for you. I’ve noticed a number of us have started pasting writings/works from other websites. If we start copying and pasting the reviews, stats, write-ups, blogs, updates, articles and all the web-media that pertain to the Birds, we’ll have enough disscusion in our off time. That’ll also elimate the need for us to have five and six windows open for every article on the Falcons. If anyone of you are as a Falcon novice as I am, then you currently have a window open for AJC.com, AtlantaFalcons.com, ESPN.com, YahooSports!, CBSSports, National Football Post, NFL.com, etc., etc. If we all take what we read and paste it into our little blog here, we can all come here and catch up on all the news. Good work, JJ, jason and Unca’ Bob!

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ORLANDO LEDBETTER-thanks for putting us Falcon fans back on track. If PJerry(6′2″ 299lbs) and JBabineaux(6′2″ 284lbs) are our starting DT’s, along with DE’s JAbraham(6′4″ 263lbs) & JAnderson(6′6″ 282lbs), we’ll have one of the smallest DL’s in the NFL, if not the smallest. However, we’ll also have one of the quickest, fastest and potentially most disruptive DL’s in the NFL as well.

I see where Las Vegas oddsmakers have us winning no more than 8 gms this ys, WOW. Aren’t these the same so calledexpert oddsmakers that caused so many to lose so much betting against the Falcons last yr with their predictions of us winning no more than 3-4gms? And now these clowns want everyone to believe that the 0-16 Lions have acquired enough talent, through the draft and FA’s, to fill most of their OFF/DEF weakness? They also expect us to believe that a playoff team that finished 11-5, and has definitely acquired enough talent though the draft and FA to fix its OFF/DEF weaknesses, will win only 8 gms. They’re saying their’s suddenly only a 3gm difference between the 0-16 Lions and the 11-5 Falcons. ANYONE STUPID ENOUGH TO BELIEVE THESE LAS VEGAS ODDSMAKERS SHOULD CONSIDER THIS: LAS VEGAS ODDS MAKERS DON’T MAKE MONEY WHEN YOU WIN, ONLY WHEN YOU LOSE.

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Ken Strickland, That’s why I think Lewis starts over Jerry; at least at the beginning of the season. We have to have some beef inside. What id Babs back up is Jerry, and Lewis’s is Walker? That way you will have size and speed on the field at all times.

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Stirg, Abe didn’t make the Pro-bowl for the opposite reason that people think Jamaal Andersen is a bust. DE need to affect the game more than just from a sack point of view. Because Abe was not an everydown player some voters felt that his stats were overrated because he only had to concentrate on getting sacks not on being a complete disruptive force. Jamaal on the other hand is considered a bust because he doesn’t have any sacks to make his run support and overall play of holding up at the point of attack stand out. If you notice Abe was an all-pro which is voted on differently than the pro-bowl. Pro-bowl voting is a combination of fans,coaches and players. For a better understanding imagine if Lawrence Taylor only had to concentrate on getting sacks, he probably would have easily had 5 a game and he would hold the all-time sack record. But LT was a beast in all aspects of the game, whether that was chasing down QBs for sacks, tackling running backs in the backfield or dropping into coverage, he was the total package. The Falcons want Abe more as a sack specialist at this point in his career and considering his injury history, thats why you saw them sub so much for him last year and they will do the same for him this year. If Sidbury turns out to be the player he was drafted to be he will eventually step in as Abe’s replacement, but that may still be a couple of years away.

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Strig – OK that’s like 4 times you’ve asked why he wasn’t in the Pro Bowl. Here is the reason… He didn’t get enough votes. Did you vote on NFL.com I did.

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16.5 NFL sacks and a full season in ‘08, Stirg. That’s why.

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Can you say feisty, we have some spunk in the bird cage boys

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Now Falcon Devil, you made a very valid comparison. Peppers produced less sacks and demonstrates no leadership; still, he makes the Pro-Bowl. I do suppose it is a popularity contest.

Yes, Sarah, I voted; I even voted for ole Absent-Abe.

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If Abraham is a situational player and can’t play every down, shouldn’t he be at OTA’s learning or preparing how to play every down? Oops, I forgot. He’s somewhere doing his own “core maintenance program”, at Hooters.

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Abe is a freaking amazing pass rusher period. He won’t be expected to play the run ever. We resigned Chauncey Davis for 1st and 2nd down and to put Anderson on notice the grace period is now over. Our DE depth is exciting to me as is our entire DL. We have Trey Lewis for as a run stuffer when we want to commit to the run but our best D-lineman are nimble and we should be able to get a 4-man pass rush which will result in alot of picks. Babs and Jerry will penetrate the backfield consistently sending the scambling QB into the beartrap that Abraham and Anderson (hopefully).

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Oh! I get it. Do less work and complain more about my injuries, I can get time off. If I do more work, like play more downs, I need to attend mini-camps and OTA’s so I can gel more with my teammates. Its becoming clearer to me now.

They asked Mike Peterson about the infamous “Over 30 Club” (players over thirty are more excusable from team activities). Peterson eloguently answered “I’m not ‘over thirty’”. Now that’s leadership. And you know what else? He’s the only player on the team with six years experience under Smitty’s system.

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Chris Owens got his degree and was at practice. Check out this YouTube video of Owens working out at Speed City in San Diego.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3burKrNAaI

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Going by the standard of not calling people out, someone made the comment about Mike Peterson being a leader because he said he’s not over thirty although he is,let’s see, I’m over 40 for the sake of argument, Im in a partnership/marriage so to speak with someone who doesnt want me or I don’t want,wow, a new understanding,cohesive,and attractive partner comes along,I think I get reinvigorated,I feel fresh and new,I’m more willing to listen,understand,commit,and I want that new partner to get the best of me to show my appreciation, to show that I am still not only a catch but an asset,kind of sounds like Mike Peterson and kind of sounds like most people in America when they have been thrown to the wolves just for someone else to pick them up as trash because they think they could be diamonds. Last I checked that was called life, yesterdays trash is someones treasure today, another persons leftovers is someones main coarse. The people who appreciate that are successful, the ones who see it as deserved are the ones who continue to fell. Peterson appreciates the opportunity and he is going to make the most of it, Abraham has made the most of the opportunity and the team appreciates him for it.

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D-Led,

I don’t know where you dug up the link for C. Owens, but I enjoyed it. It was fun to put a face and voice to what had before been only a number on a roster. Thanx

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Stirg, your motto must be “Walk softly and carry a big spoon” as much as you like to stir the pot.

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hanks for the news. I really like both Owens, and Middleton. Couple them with Houston and Jackson….There are going to be some tough decisions to be made. You have to figure Grimes is a keeper.That’s 5 DBs there. Who will get the last spot? Hutchins, Sharpe and Irons will have to fight it out for the remaining spot. I see only 4 safeties. Moore, DeCoud, Coleman, and Harris.

The DE rotation will be curious. Will Davis rotate off both spots, or will Biermann get even more playing time. That will be curious to see, and also how will Sidbury work into the rotation? Will he play both spots, or back up Abe?

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The DTs will make Anderson and the ends more dangerous. Right now, I have Babineaux, and Lewis starting with Jerry and Walker rotating frequently.

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At least they made the effort and made mini-camp.

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Sorry Stirg, I was just playing… you had prevously said you like to heckle. I was just heckling back.

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All I’m trying to demonstrate, bretheren, is the effort taken to show up for work, says volumes. If I’m a business owner and I tell my employees “since we did good in 2008, you guys don’t have to come in on Saturdays any more. Matter for fact, Abe, you don’t have to come because you generated the most production. Now, we have plenty of work to do, that’s for sure; but, as an incentive, you dn’t have to come, if you don’t want to.”

Now, when I open my business on Saturday and some employees showed up for work, anyway…guess who I am going to call upon to lead my team of workers?

Cage, don’t get me wrong. I absolutely adore Mr. John Abraham; but right now, he’s acting like he sits down to pee. Get up and show these rookies how to play some ball. Show them, by doing, how to show up for work and the proper way of preparing.

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WR- Well said my man.

Stirg- Do they sell fish and grits in Detroit? I thought we covered the Abe issue already. Stop hating.

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Stirg,

I get your point. However, is not your criticism of John Abraham something that will wash onto the coaching staff, and rest of the organization? I feel that Mike Smith, his staff, Dimitroff, and the rest of the professionals at work here have built, and are maintaining a high level of professionalism and accountability.

I think that if Abraham deserves to be ridden as hard as you think he does, nobody will ride him as hard as his coaches and teammates. Remember, these guys had no issues with letting Milloy, Boley, Brooking, and others go. No issues whatsoever, all emotions aside. If Abraham becomes a problem, he will be dealt with, is what I believe. I don’t think he’s the unprofessional that you seem to want to make him out to be. I said “seem” as I don’t want to take anything you say out of context, or misrepresent your opinion. Lord knows I hate it when people do that to me.

No, if all you are really doing is “stirring the pot”, as Sara B says, then so be it. It’s always fun to get something going, at least until people begin to truly fight about it.

Having said that, where has Mike Smith or any of his staff come out and said, “We’ll excuse anything Abraham does, because he has produced so much already”? I don’t see a coach letting a player get away with any old thing. I see a coach who knows some things that we don’t (most likely about his health and what not) his player, appreciates and VALUES the level of talent of said player, and has no problem publicly defending his player.

Now, if you can’t dig that, then you might want a guy like Bobby Petrino back.

Again, I believe that scalding Abraham can’t be done without throwing some of that boiling water on the head coach and his staff as well, who are responsible for holding these guys accountable. All we hear from these guys is “urgency.” I doubt they say that out of one side of the mouth, while whispering soothing words to a teacher’s pet out of the other.

If John Abraham knows what he’s doing (and we know he does) out on the field, and he and the coaching staff feel it’s more prudent to keep him out for a while longer (most likely related to health issues), then I’m cool with that. If Abraham is doggin’ it and letting his teammates/coaches down, then it will come to light and be dealt with, I am certain. Smith does not strike me as somebody who will suffer fools, lazy men, or outright idiots, no matter how talented, or what they’ve done great on the field, in the past. And this defense is NOT being built around ONE player.

Again, if I’m reading you wrong, correct me. It won’t hurt my feelings. I understand your point of view. My opinion isn’t better, self-righteous, or anything else. It’s just different.

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Funny to me how the people who run the so-called business’s seem to have so much time for golf and all kinds of business meetings that aren’t really business meetings, but hay I have a mule that will show up regardless of whether its healthy or not, lets put it to work. Look, here comes that horse that needed some time off, amazing how its tripling the work of the mule, well I guess I should have told the mule to take a few days off, because I know the mule is willing to do the work and that healthy mule can show these flamboyant,young stallion horses how to do it the right way. I wonder what the parable about the turtle and rabbit was really about, you have a young fast hare and a slow smart turtle and all they have to do is get to the finish line, who wins, who teaches whom. Abe was at the minicamp,he taught and helped the young players as he was suppose to as a older player, but the fact that he wasn’t out there trying to make the name for himself that he has already made,which the younger players haven’t, makes him wrong. Even using the logic of a business person, you won’t find not one business professional questioning an experienced,excelled,established,business professional unless the aforementioned professional screws up. Just trying to get the members in the cage to understand that sometimes you need to move on, especially when you have no ground to stand on.

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Big Ray, my point exactly, now honestly my comments may be a little less tactful but the point is made. When you have someone throwing Jerry Rice in the equation without even be around Jerry Rice you get comments like even Rice attended OTAs, but when you have someone that knows better, they understand that Jerry Rice attended activities that helped build chemistry with his QBs only, the rest of the time Rice had his own workout regime which was more intense then what was offered at any OTA in that time period. As a matter of fact coaches during that time period excused players who were working out with Rice just because it was common knowledge of the commitment and work that was put in his workout regime.

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Wow, just got home and stirg’s comments are the center of this blog this afternoon. Come on guys/gal, I’ve been on this blog for several yrs and everyone has their quirks about the falcons. I have/had one with houston but coach ken gave me insight. This is stirgs little quirk with ms. abraham and it’s really not a big deal. Stirg has provided excellent blogs on here and he just has a thing about this issue, no biggie. Yes sarah, he does love to banter, but thats the charm in this forum.

You go stirg, let it out, I know come sunday’s you will be screaming the loudest for mrs. abraham when he sacks and demolish our opp. qb.

ps. – love the fever and everyone’s being cool, gotta date, cia kids! go falcons!!!

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JJ, its not as serious as you might think, its all in good fun, its just that every now and then someone makes an underhanded commment thats uncalled for but for the most part its just good Falcon fun. Stirg is my man, we going to continue to agree to disagree and if he,Big Ray and myself could get together at a game we would be the loudest in the bunch.

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RICHBRAVE: Sidbury looks good flashing his speed on coverage drills. Can’t tell much about lineman with no contact. But the athlete part is obviously there.

UNCA’ B: Should have credited J. Mike for tweeting that to us. Think he got it from someplace called FalconsLIFE.

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D-Led, sounds like you put a emphasis on T.Brown looking good, hes a tough hardnosed runner that makes quick cuts so he should be a change of pace from Turner,Norwood and Snelling. Glad to hear about Sid also, but, and Im considering their not in pads,how’s Lewis running around out there, I know training camp will tell the true tale but it would be nice to know if hes running around okay.

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WR: Yeah, I’ve wrote a story on him. Waiting for digital to post it. They have some stuff up on the Falcons page about somebody’s Dad talking about somebody who’ll never play for the Falcons again.

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JJ, I am going to say both man and Tampa 2. ATL has the personel to do so. If they play more man, Houston is oing to go off this year. I think it will also depend on how Owens and middleton keep developing. I like man with safety help over the top. Cole man is really going to have to be the leader over the DB backfield. I thik he’s up to it.

The only thing I am going to say on the Abe situation is this: If Smitty’s cool; then I am with it. Even without pads, the more work for Biermann, Sidbury, and even Anderson the better for them. This may be a blessing in disguise, if Sidbury developes faster than we think.

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Falcons’ weakness: Defense

May 27, 2009 9:30 AM

Posted by Scouts Inc.’s Matt Williamson

Obviously, this is a very broad “weakness,” but it is also a reflection of just how high I am on the Falcons’ offense this year. I do admit I am not completely sold on Atlanta’s offensive line, but there is some young talent there and it should continue to get better. Plus, the Falcons are stacked everywhere else on that side of the ball.

Atlanta defensive lineman John Abraham is one of just a few bright spots on the Falcons defense.
This probably is not the first time you have heard this, but Matt Ryan is on the cusp of being an elite quarterback — one of the very best in the game — in just his second year. The weapons he has to throw to are superb, and although tight end Tony Gonzalez may not duplicate his extraordinary numbers from a year ago in Kansas City, he will be an extremely welcomed addition who will open up more room for Roddy White and the Falcons’ other wideouts. White is also a star. There are very few holes in his game and his effectiveness should only increase.

But, remember, this is a run-first offense. The Falcons attempted 560 rushes last year — most of them with the bruising, yet explosive Michael Turner. But do not discount what Jerious Norwood brings to the table. Turner logged a ton of carries last season, and the Falcons should give Norwood more touches for the betterment of all. Turner can pound defenses into submission and both runners are a big play waiting to happen. This excellent run game also forces extra defenders into the box and enhances the chances of excellent coverage matchups for Ryan to exploit.

But the topic of this piece is Atlanta’s defense, which is far from superb. However, from what was stated above, it doesn’t need to be. In fact, ideally, this is a defense that should be playing with plenty of leads. It also plays home games on a fast track in a dome and its divisional matchups are all in warm weather locales.

So, what am I getting at? Even though general manager Tom Dimitroff comes from the Patriots’ organization, this sounds eerily similar to the Colts’ model of success since Peyton Manning arrived in the league.

John Abraham is perfect for this philosophy. He is a dominant edge-rusher. Actually, Jonathan Babineaux and first-rounder Peria Jerry are also upfield penetrating defensive tackles who can be a real handful when the Falcons have a substantial lead and their opponent is forced to throw.

But, outside of this group, the Falcons fall a little short on the defensive side of the ball. Certainly it is understandable, as Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith took over a truly desolate football team, but playmakers are still in short supply. Also, in a tough, grind-it-out type of football game, I can’t say I am overly confident that the Falcons’ defense can slug it out.

But, as I said up top, the Falcons are going to be a very difficult team to play against in 2009. Atlanta is one defensive end and probably two more back-seven playmakers away from being a truly elite team.

For the props this guy is giving ATL’s offense, it’s safe to say he will be pretty darn suprised at the Defense this year.

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JJ,

You made mention of naming the blog monster. From what I have been looking at today, we may need to name it, Jason. He seems to have learned to copy and paste. I think we may have created our very own “blog monster”. LOL

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Strig,

Ya’ out there?

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Why is anyone stirring up a stink wether Abe does or does not participate in OTA’s. Here is why he’s excused by coaches:
1. He had 15 sacks last season
2. He is over 32 and injury prone
3. Why risk an injury that might carry over and jeopardize the season
4. OTA’s are NOT MANDATORY they are VOLUNTARY.
5. Coaches know their players and frankly we are a blog of amateurs

Looks like Stirg has lot of time on his hands to be constantly trying to impose his will and opinions on others on this blog. Stigs needs a life and, frankly comes of as a bully and control freak as well as appointing himself the Know All Grand Pubah of this blog. Stirg needs to chill and quit busting balls of others that disagree with his views and opinions. Frankly Stirg…. I think you come on this blog with the pure intent on showing others how slick and knowledgeable you are. But it is easy to see that in reality you are not only and under achiever but, one who in my estimation could never be taken seriously at school or life in general. Furthermore I would be willing to bet, you did not get laid until were well into your mid twenties, even then you were probably done in about 2 minutes. Quit being such a prick and coming off as a total azzwhole who deserves respect and adoration.

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Abe will do his thing this season and everything will be alright. You guys and gal make being a Falcon fan fun as he##!!!

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Unca’ Bob, Thank you. It took a minute to get the copy/ paste down. I read your post at work today, and thought I would read the article when I got home. I tried and it worked.

WR, Good post. That’s my thinking concerning the offense to defense equation.ATl, has the style offense that match up to any game situation. Whether it be Grind it, Shoot out, or Blow out. That will be the most beneficial to this young defense. However, looking at the defense, ATL has veterans in key spots on the defense. Abe (DL), Peterson (LB), and Coleman (DB). not to mention third year players like Houston, Davis, Lewis, and Anderson to help out. ATL has enough veteran Presence to keep the youngsters from be overwhelmed.

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Maximus has issues with Stirg, ut oh he almost got mad at me for poking fun today – look out Maximus!

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Well said WR, MM seems to be new on this blog as we all once were.I have made an idiot out of myself several times and I know I still do. It’s all about the Falcons. We all live and learn. Go Birds and hello again Falcon fans.

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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — A photo hangs in the Falcons weight room depicting a speedy Jerious Norwood escaping the grasp of then-Jaguars linebacker Mike Peterson.

Peterson, now a member of the Falcons, joked with Norwood last week about the play, saying his unseen left hand reached the other side of the running back’s waist to make the tackle. According to the official play-by-play, Peterson indeed assisted on a tackle after an 8-yard gain.

He also had two sacks in the game.

But that’s ancient history.

And beside the point.

The importance of the photo lies in the conversation it generates. The team building. The laughs.

That’s important to Norwood, who always plays the game with a smile.

“Whatever it is you do in life, if you’re not having fun you’re not going to be happy and give your best effort,” the running back said after a recent OTA practice. “I think having fun is a big key in whatever it is you’re doing in your life: playing football, basketball, cooking, whatever. I feel like you get the most out of your ability and are more competitive.”

The formula works.

Norwood averaged 5.1 yards per carry and scored six touchdowns for the Falcons last season (four rushing, two receiving). He rushed for 489 yards, lifting his career total to 1,735. He also caught 36 passes for 338 yards in 2008 and returned 51 kickoffs for more than 1,300 yards of field position.

Norwood was the elusive spark complimenting Michael Turner’s in-your-face power.

Now entering his fourth season, the former Mississippi State standout wants to show fans more of his game.

And give them more reason to share his smiles.

“We’re doing the same thing we’ve been doing,” he said when asked about another year in the Falcons system with Turner, a 2009 Pro Bowl selection. “That’s going out every day, working and trying to get better. We’re just like everybody else. We have to go out and compete day-in and day-out and do our best.”

Norwood averaged 5.9 carries per game mostly because Turner was so adept at wearing defenses down in the second half. Some of those carries came in the “Wildcat” formation, with the running back taking a direct snap and reading the defense.

It’s the trickery — and fun — Norwood loves.

“I’m going to continue to do the things I’ve been doing to be productive,” he said. “That’s going out, working hard and giving it all I got. I just try to make the most of every opportunity I’m on the field.”

The addition of Tony Gonzalez should open up the middle of the field for Norwood and Turner, with the speedster taking advantage of the “triple threat” created by the team’s tight ends, receivers and backs. It may also create some new wrinkles in Mike Mularkey’s offense and give Norwood more chances to shine.

“With him on the team defenses don’t know exactly what we’re going to do,” Norwood said. “It’s only going to make the offense better.”

Sounds like fun.

Atlanta Falcons website…

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My toolbar keeps disappearing – I don’t know why???

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Sarah, Jason and WR, ESPN has the Falcons power rankins at number 11. To high or to low? I think at this point it’s about right. What are your thoughts?

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falcon21 – King had us at 11 as well. I think that is about right although NFL.com had us at 7 I like being underrated. Last year evreyone kept picking agsinst us. And it worked. I liked being underrated…

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You got that right Sarah, underdog seems to work out better for us.

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D3, that was funny. You know old Absent-Abe will always draw me back in. “Just when I’m done, they always drag me back in.” (or something like that). Sometimes I sit at my desk, giggling; saying to myself “they take the bait everytime”. Every-now-and-then, I got to agitate the cage a little bit. It gets a little boring ’round here. D.O.L. set me up with this Abe-absense thing. He shouldn’t have never started it. WR told him a long time ago to lie, even Abe doesn’t show up. But oh no! He just had to inform us that Abe was not at OTA.

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I think 11 is right with the youth we have on defense. If we had a couple of more veterans, I could see us on the outside of the top5. Maybe 6-7.

Stirg d’Nahsif, I take you comments as a grain of salt. Don’t mean to offend you. Alot of what you say has real value to the discussion of the Falcons. About Abe, You don’y like him. I don’t like some players too. Your choice. Eveyone has an opinion. I will say the only people that have a right to check you (with respect) is the veterans of this here blog that know you, and know what you are all about.

Sarah B, good post. I love getting the know how on Norwood. Secret, I like him better than Turner. I am in trouble now, Ain’t I. I read your responses with Strig. I thought you were joking with him. You know a little humor to lighten the situation. We do need to stir the pot on occasion, as long as we keep it respectable.

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How’s it going Stirg, “butthead”? Just kidding man! Talk to yall later. 5 am comes early. GO FALCONS!!!

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Great Late Evening ‘Cage Bro’s & Sis’s! The posting has been sporadic as H—- lately, with my little Future WR wearing me out. He’s finally starting to sleep at night, but not continuously. Where does the time go? Yowsa! Like a good brew, I need my Football Fix here in the ‘Cage. Let’s get to it……….

Stirg – you know its all good. The ‘Cage does need some good rocking every once in a while to keep things fresh and rolling.

Division/Analysis – to those of you who have been engaged in the Division/Teams analysis, I appreciate your understanding on us letting that slink away into the sunset. I bit off way more than I could chew (as Stirg and others warned), and frankly we still have our Roster Spot Analysis and Weekly Opponents to keep us going through the summer drought. Stirg, jason, cutter, and anyone else keep the Falcon tidbits coming. Great idea to take the Division Analysis. When the season starts though, we can have a weekly NFL “picks” competition that I’ll keep track of.

Maximus – we welcome you here in the Bird-Cage, but we’re a family so to speak and there’s reason to be disrespectfl when disagreeing with opinions of our brethren.

Vegas on Drugs – 8-8 in 2009. EIGHT FREAKIN’ WINS? These guys are on dope, crystal, amphetimeines and any other drug cocktail available, because I cannot see in a million years how we lose 8 games. Rookie Head-Coach, Rookie QB, Rookie GM, Patchwork DEF, and the residual mess from 2007 = 11-5, Playoffs. 2nd year with Rookie of Year, Head Coach of the Year, GM of the Year, Old/Slow/Ineffective DEF Vets released, first 5 draft picks on DEF in draft. Top 5 Offense from 2008. Turner & White in Pro-Bowl……Oh, wait did I forget to mention adding one of top TE’s of ALL-TIME? What a joke.

Power Ranking #11 – I can see that its about right. Considering there are 12 teams that make the playoffs and we lost in the wild-card round than I’ll take that. We had a great off-season, but nothing has been proven yet. Besides the Giants & Eagles, I’d like to see who is ahead of us in the NFC.

Weekly Supplemental Schedule

Weekly Opponent Analysis – Game #3 – Hated New England Patriots

Thursday
Patriots OFF vs Falcons DEF
Roster Spot Analysis – RB#3

Friday
Falcons OFF vs Patriots DEF
Roster Spot Analysis – TE#1

Sat/Sun
Game Details and Final Predictions – ATL vs NE
Roster Spot Analysis – TE#2

j-man – RB Analysis #3 coming next…….

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Great Late Evening ‘Cage Bro’s & Sis’s! The posting has been sporadic as H— lately, with my little Future WR wearing me out. He’s finally starting to sleep at night, but not continuously. Where does the time go? Yowsa! Like a good brew, I need my Football Fix here in the ‘Cage. Let’s get to it……….

Stirg – you know its all good. The ‘Cage does need some good rocking every once in a while to keep things fresh and rolling.

Division/Analysis – to those of you who have been engaged in the Division/Teams analysis, I appreciate your understanding on us letting that slink away into the sunset. I bit off way more than I could chew (as Stirg and others warned), and frankly we still have our Roster Spot Analysis and Weekly Opponents to keep us going through the summer drought. Stirg, jason, cutter, and anyone else keep the Falcon tidbits coming. Great idea to take the Division Analysis. When the season starts though, we can have a weekly NFL “picks” competition that I’ll keep track of.

Maximus – we welcome you here in the Bird-Cage, but we’re a family so to speak and there’s reason to be disrespectful when disagreeing with opinions of our brethren.

Vegas on Drugs – 8-8 in 2009. EIGHT FREAKIN’ WINS? These guys are on evry drug you could ever imagine, because I cannot see in a million years how we lose 8 games. Rookie Head-Coach, Rookie QB, Rookie GM, Patchwork DEF, and the residual mess from 2007 = 11-5, Playoffs. 2nd year with Rookie of Year, Head Coach of the Year, GM of the Year, Old/Slow/Ineffective DEF Vets released, first 5 draft picks on DEF in draft. Top 5 Offense from 2008. Turner & White in Pro-Bowl……Oh, wait did I forget to mention adding one of top TE’s of ALL-TIME? What a joke.

Power Ranking #11 – I can see that its about right. Considering there are 12 teams that make the playoffs and we lost in the wild-card round than I’ll take that. We had a great off-season, but nothing has been proven yet. Besides the Giants & Eagles, I’d like to see who is ahead of us in the NFC.

Weekly Supplemental Schedule

Weekly Opponent Analysis – Game #3 – Hated New England Patriots

Thursday
Patriots OFF vs Falcons DEF
Roster Spot Analysis – RB#3

Friday
Falcons OFF vs Patriots DEF
Roster Spot Analysis – TE#1

Sat/Sun
Game Details and Final Predictions – ATL vs NE
Roster Spot Analysis – TE#2

j-man – RB Analysis #3 coming next…….

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I’ve done enough for today! I’m out too. In a minute, y’all…

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Roster Spot Analysis

RB#3 – Thomas Brown, Jason Snelling, Verron Haynes

Most Recent Stats
Thomas Brown (2007 – UGA)
779 Rush Yds, 10 TDs, 2 Recv TDs. Over 2,600 Career Rush Yards

Jason Snelling (2008 – Falcons)
62 Rush Yds, No TDs, 89 Recv Yards, No Rec TDs

Verron Haynes (2006 – PIT)
78 Rush Yds, No TDs, 95 Yds Recv, No TDs

Thomas Brown
Pros – one of the absolute hardest workers in the game of football. Held record for the strongest player pound for pound for many years at UGA. Tough as nails runner who explodes to the hole when getting the football out of the backfield. Has blazing speed, great moves & cutbacks turn on a dime. Willing runner between tackles as well on the corners. Can run by defenders or run over them. One of the most versatile RB’s. Excellent RB catching the ball out of the backfield. Special teams ace who can do it all. Great leader and teammate. True character guy. Can contribute on special teams and perfect option for 3rd down RB. Has potential to be excellent kick returner.

Cons – has serious durability issues. Extremely injury prone suffering several injuries throughout his career at UGA and first year with the Falcons. Not a patient runner that can allow lanes to open and OL to block. Easily brought down if hit in the backfield. Can have games where he totally disappears.

Jason Snelling
Pros – tough inside runner. Great short-yardage back. Very versatile in that he can play RB or FB. Good blocking back out of the backfield. Surprisingly good option in passing game with bulk and speed. Good option and willing participant on all special teams.

Cons – known to hit the whole slow and needs a full head of steam to get going through the line. Not a very elusive runner and one type of running style in bulldozing. Doesn’t offer very much as a Kick or Punt Returner on Special Teams. Does slower speed warrant a roster spot?

Verron Haynes
Pros – great third down back who has extensive NFL experience with the Steelers. Was a great complement to the Steelers offense. Averaged over 600 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving two best years in Pittsburgh. Self-made man that out-works opponents. True character guy that came from nowhere to cement himself in UGA lore in one season. Excellent blocking skills in run and pass game.

Cons – out of football last year. Last year with Steelers only had 78 yards rushing and evidently was replaced or let go in Pittsburgh for what reason? Not overly fast, elusive, or pure runner. Jack of many trades, master of none in particular. Is 30 years old. Faces uphill battle in making roster chock full of RB talent.

Final – TBrown vs Snelling was one of the most heated battles in training camp last year. It was a true contest up until the last game with both RB’s showing why they deserved a spot. TBrown seemed to lock up the spot with his KR ability before getting a cheap-shot horse collar in last pre-season game. Snelling showed some promise in his limited game time, but nothing spectacular. Didn’t necessarily prove his worth as a 3rd down back or Kick Returner. Even though not many stats, showed enough flashes for Falcons Brass to award a new contract. Verron Haynes has seen better days and is unfortunately on downside of career. IMO, I think the Falcons keep 5 RB’s. 3 HB’s and 2 FB’s. We carried 6 WR’s last year and I think we carry 5 WR’s and 5 RB’s. TBrown’s ability at KR, speed, 3rd down back, and overall versatility gets the edge in a one spot battle. Thomas Brown earns true RB#3 with Snelling earning RB/FB #5 if we carry 5 RB/FB’s. Haynes doesn’t make it.

Chances of making final roster:
TBrown – 55%
Snelling – 49%
Haynes – 15%

So ‘Cagers, what’s your thoughts on the 3rd RB slot for this year? Patriots-Falcons matchups coming tomorrow. See you all on the flip-side. And on that note………

65 DAYS AND COUNTING TO 2009 ATLANTA FALCONS TRAINING CAMP!!!!!

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WR,

Good to hear, and good to know. I hate when things get too personal, and you never know who takes WHAT personally until, well…you know them. It’s all good with me.

Stirg,

I insist on catching a game with ya, like I said before. Trust me, you haven’t had fun getting rowdy at a game until you’ve gotten rowdy with the Po-Po getting rowdy right next to you. Oh yeah, the badge under my shirt is gold, and says “State of Georgia” and “Sergeant”…but I’m a red-blood bleeding, drank-drinking Falcon fan. And I’m rowdy as a mutha when I want to be. Visiting fans..find another section. Here be monsters…

Unca Bob,

Thanks for the props, man. Just spouting my point of view…

Sarah B,

You crazy. Gotta love it.

D3,

What’s up, bro’? I never left, I just haven’t had the time to get in the cage lately. That, and I just wasn’t going to bother with the last blog. No offense to DOL or anybody else, but I remember what this blog was like last year, the year before, and the year before that. I left, because so much of it was absolute crap. Very little conversation on the subject of football, and most of that was not in any way positive. Thankfully, we have stamped out most of the negative energy, though mention of certain former players (and not, I’m not just talking about quarterbacks) does bring back some of the bile. Oh well. Without mindless fanatics, the rest of us wouldn’t feel normal…

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What’s up Birdcage? Glad to be back in the Cage and out that hell hole of a blog~

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Atlanta-D v New England-O

New England- Kevin Faulk and Wes Welker are the go to guys. They move the chains. Randy Moss is a very dangerous WR. Under used last year because M Cassel is no T Brady. Who is. A healthy Brady will bring a strong-armed QB into the mix that will have the ability to stretch the field. Moss had 69 catches for 1008 yards, 11 TD’s, and 14.6 yards per. All these numbers will go up this year. If Atlanta is going to have any kind of chance, They MUST contain Faulk and Welker. While they did not score many TD’s last year(9), they combined for 2175 yards. Of the 42 TD’s scored last year 21 came on the ground, 21 thru the air. In 2007 Brady threw for 50. I do not see that gaudy stat to reccur…but it could.

Atlanta- Matt Ryan is not the only one to get a new toy. Coach Smith & Co. got a bunch. New England QB’s were sacked 48 times. I think that trend will continue. At some point Brady, perhaps not willingly, thinks about his Knee.

The Atlanta D coming off two, rock em’ sock em’ type games will have to shine. If they do not…it will get fugly. Turnovers are key each and every week, this one is no exception. Should the ball bounce our way, I like our chances.

This contest will be a barometer for our season.

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We should be 2-0 going into New England. But we can’t let that get to us. We are now going into NE. Not that they aren’t beatable but the fans there are pretty hostile and the stadium intimidating. But then we marched a rookie into Lambeau Field and took that one from the Packers and I think that is the game that set the season in motion. Things became real that day. Then Chicago happened. Well nuff said.

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The NE game will be challenging for our DB’s, probably won’t happen but I would like to see Grimes at the Nickel for this game, he’s quick, strappy and thats what we need for Wes Walker in the slot. Definitely need some pressure and overall good play out of our front seven because we are going to have to use safety help over the top alot for Randy Moss, a 6′5 Moss against our 5′9 corners without safety help could be devastating not only for the team but the psych of a CBs mind. No matter how good of a CB you are, you live on an island and have to maintain a short memory, if you get torched a few times in a game it starts to wear on you mentally, after a while you expect it until you get a good pass breakup or an interception to reset you mind set. Offensively I see evil Bill throwing a variety of unexpected looks at Ryan but if the running game can hold up and Gonzo provides the safety value that Ryan needs he will get over his early funk and this game will turn into a battle up until the last snap. On a lighter note Abe will strain a hammy in this game, Stirg will completely lose control and send him an unmarked package and we all will be witnesses in federal court as a psychologist declares Stirg mentally insane and unfit to stand trial, on his way to the cookoo farm, D3 will shout you still the man Stirg, Big Ray will realize that it may be awhile before he and Stirg catches a game together, Unca’Bob will give Stirg the thumbs up in support as Sarah flashes him some leg because it may be awhile before he sees any again, Jason will pass out free Stirg tee shirts as I speak to the media putting all the blame on D-Led with Nookah in the background shouting Nuff Respect Everytime, Falcon21 and JohnWaynesworld will pull up with a truck loaded with Stripes and a six pack of bud light, we will pop the top and remember our fallen brother and head off to the nearest sports bar to catch the Falcons on monday night football.

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Good stuff WR LOL at my desk right now!

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Unca’ Bob same goes for talking bad about your mother/brother/sister – it’s ok as long as no one else does it. Or thems fightin words.

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Going into the third week of the season, I guessed the Falcons would be 1-1 (a win against Miami and a loss against the cats). Week three won’t be an easy cake-walk, after a hard fought loss with Carolina. New England had one of the biggest shake-ups, this offseason, more than any of their dynastic seasons; however, I believe, they had the best draft than any other team in the NFL, this year. I think most experts graded them with the only “A-” in the league. Additionally, Brady is back. Although he is comming off an injury, I expect him to work out the kinks and dings by week three. Our rookies, second and third year players (which is most of the team) are going to have to step up. Houston, Jackson and Owens (according to D3’s starting lineup) are going to have their hands full; but I think, with help over the top, they will prevail, especially Jackson. I expect Jackson to show why he should be a starter in this league, this year. Whomever is the starting cornerback, opposite Houston, will be exceptional, when you consider the competition that he would have to beat out to get there. The question will be, will we play man-to-man, so we can stack up our defense to stop New England’s run. I suspect they’ll run a lot, early in the season, to get Brady back on his game. Bottom line, if we can stop the Patriots’ offense, we’ll win the game. We will score; it won’t be often but we will score. The key would be to stop their scoring. I think Atlanta’s maturity will find a way to win in a road game. You can’t win championships if you don’t win away. I agree with Unca’ Bob, this game will determine our readiness for this season.

Atlanta 14, New England 10.

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WR…..we have our winner! I’ve been reading these blogs for yrs. but your 12:43 post hands down, IS THE BEST/FUNNIEST BLOG I’ve seen. I’m not even troubled I didnt make it in, that was gold.

D3…got to save that one from WR. I respectfully disagree with your golden uga boy. I agree with everything you stated but the percentages: I think its 50%/50% for snelling/brown and may the pre-season show us the winner. Would love to keep both!

Big Ray: Would love to meet up with you and stirg (and the rest of my brothers/”the lady sarah b.”). I see us taking over my favorite (secret) parking lot next to the dome and kick’n some “cage recipes” and stripes! I’m going to all the games, but the chicago games is THE games I have circled this yr. (Sunday Oct. 18—8:20pm—espn baby!)

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What’s up fellow ‘Cagers? Just a quick hit and will return later after little guy is asleep. Falconi’s and Football……..

New England OFF vs Atlanta DEF – much more in-depth will come later, but this will be one of the biggest tests for our young secondary and DEF overall. William Moore, Chris Houston, Thomas DeCoud, Chevis Jackson, and Chris Owens will be pushed to the absolute max in this game. Brady will be coming back with a serious itch after being injuried in the first quarter of the first week of the season. In-depth later.

JJ – c’mon bro’, you know I was going with my boy! Its hard to be objective with one of my fav UGA players of history, but I legitimately think he brings more to the table. A true competition awaits in pre-season, but ultimately I think we keep 5 RB’s.

Dean21 – thanks for the props brother. Just trying to keep the great Mojo going here in the Bird-Cage.

WR, Unca Bob, and JohnWayne – great analysis on the matchup that will give us the most trouble. Our young DEF against one of the best OFF’s in the league. Good test.

Stirg – if we lose to Carolina in the Terror-Dome the second game of th year, than we could well be looking at 9-7 season. Every game is very important, but those first two may just well define our season.

Mucho more later peeps……….

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JJ, I agree with you. The #3 RB is going to be 51%-49%. The slight edge goes to Brown and his ability to return kicks. I see Snelling at #4 and backing up FB.

WR, that was the funniest Sh&$ I have read on a blog in some time. That post is definitely a keeper.

Onto the Pats. I see this game is won on several fronts. We have to run the ball and eat clock. We have to stop the run game of the Pats. We also have to stop Welker and the underneath stuff. That is really an extension of the run game. We will get pressure on Brady. We just have to keep Ryan upright. Turner and Norwood have to push toward 200 Yds. on the ground. I don’t want Ryan throwing 20 passes. I really don’t want to pick this game, but if I have to… I say ATL by a FG late. Ryan proving he is a “Joe Montana”. 2 min. Offense set up game winning FG. 24-21.

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Let’s not get too carried away with size, just for size sake. Remember, we had the NFL’s largest DT for almost 3yrs and still had one of its worst rushing DEF’s. When we had our best rushing and passing DEF’s, we had DT’s like Travis Hall(300-305lbs), Cedrick Ellis(280-288lbs) and Rod Colemen(280-288lbs). Both Cedrick Ellis and Rod Coleman had yrs where they were rated as one of the NFL’s best interior linemen. Last yr, JBabineaux, at 6′2″ 284lbs, was our smallest DT, yet he was our best DT by far. GJackson, at 260lbs+ was our biggest DT and one of our biggest liabilitis, which is why he was released, along with DT KMoorehead.

The fact Tlewis is approximately 24lbs heavier that PJerry doesn’t automatically mean he’ll be more effective. PJerry is likely quicker and faster than TLewis and could very well be just as strong. An extra 24lbs won’t overcome those advantages, or attributes. The truth is, we have so much talent at DT we’ll be in good shape no matter who starts.

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Pork Tenderloin with Rum-Molasses Glaze and Grilled Pineapple-Jalapeno SauceRecipe Tools:

Ingredients
Grilled Pineapple-Jalapeno Sauce:
1 small pineapple, peeled, cored and quartered
Canola oil
Salt and pepper
1 to 2 jalapeno peppers (depending on how spicy you like it), seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Honey
Rum-Molasses Glaze:
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 small red onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup dark rum
4 cups chicken stock
3 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons dark brown muscovado sugar
1 habanero chile, halved
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
1 1/2 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat
2 tablespoons canola oil
Green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
Cilantro leaves, for garnish
Directions
For Grilled Pineapple-Jalapeno Sauce:

Heat grill to high.

Brush pineapple with a few tablespoons of oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until golden brown on all sides. Remove pineapple from the grill, coarsely chop and transfer to the bowl of a food processor. Add the jalapeno, vinegar, coconut milk, cilantro, and few tablespoons of oil and honey, to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.

For Rum-Molasses Glaze:

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the onions and cook until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the rum and cook until reduced by half. Add the stock, molasses, sugar, habanero, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cook until reduced by half, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.

Strain the mixture into a bowl then return it to the saucepan and continue cooking until reduced by half and thickened to a glaze. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a bowl and let cool to room temperature.

For Tenderloin:

Heat grill to high.

Brush the tenderloin with 2 tablespoons of oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until crusty and charred on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, brushing with the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling. Remove from the grill to a cutting board and brush with more of the glaze. Let rest 5 minutes before cutting into 1/2-inch thick slices. Spoon some of the sauce onto each plate, top with a few slices of pork, and drizzle with a little more of the sauce. Garnish with green onions and cilantro leaves.

Thought I would drop this recipe I just found on Food Network. Thank Bobby Flay. I figured the week end was fast approaching.

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C’mon blog monster, not in the frackin’ mood tonight.

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Here we go again…….

Attempt #3

Last one of the night Bird-Cage Peeps. The sleeping bug has jumped up and bit me. Getting ready for a full on weekend of total relaxing, quality fam time, brews, and yes more recipes from the Messiah of Grilling, Bobby Flay. Bird-Cage is rolling well. To our beloved ‘Birds……..

WR – classic post my man! That one got a good chuckle out of me and pretty much hit the nail right on the head with all of our Bird-Cage Faithful. You forgot that after Stirg was incarcerated, Stirg Supporter and SS2 would pop up and post non-sensical, ridiculous, and outlandish arguments. ABE = RYAN LEAF. REDEMPTION DAY, JULY 24TH. Hope you all got my sarcasm in that one.

Patriots OFF vs Falcons DEF

Running
The rich seem to keep getting richer. The Patriots not only get their Hall of Fame, MVP QB back but also add a legit RB in Fred Taylor. They shore up their WR corps with Greg Lewis and Joey Galloway, who was a Pro-Bowler just a year ago. They continue to have one of the best OL’s in football and impose their will on most D-Lines. Let’s be frank: the match-ups look pretty bad across the board. Scanning across the matchups, I’m struggling to find net positives in their OFF vs our DEF. NE use the pass to set up the run and letting Fred Taylor use his hard-nosed running style to get tough yards allowing Brady to work his magic. Poor Jamaal Anderson continues to draw the toughest assignments and Matt Light is no different. Peria Jerry looks to have some difficulty with Pro-Bowler Logan Mankins. We may have some success stopping the run, but NE only needs 3 and 4 yards a click to be successful. With so many 3, 4, & 5 WR sets that Brady will be manning, our new look D-Line may can do well, but its not essential for the Patriots OFF success. The key will come down to Mike Peterson on Ben Watson, and the left side of our line. If Babs and Abe don’t find some gains stopping the Patriots for losses and forcing 2nd and 3rd & longs, then we will be in for a LONG DAY.

Passing
Oh the Horror! Hate to call have to call them like I think and be objective, but our revamped DEF Secondary will get man-handled by the stud WR corps. Where to begin. Tom Brady picks apart veteran defenses and he will work his mojo against our young, inexperienced DEF. Randy Moss will probably make Chris Houston look pretty bad. We may man Chevis Jackson on Moss due to his bulk, height, and physical play and let Houston D up on Welker or Galloway. Chris Owens looks to be made to appear as the rookie he is with Brady at the helm. And lord help if he had to go up against Welker. Erik Coleman should hold his own to a degree against Brady, but our new starter (Moore or DeCoud) will have serious problems all day with Brady’s excellent Play-Action skills. Mike Peterson should man up Watson pretty well, and Lofton/Nicholas should do OK with Taylor or Maroney out of the backfield. The real expose will be if they line up in 5 Receiver sets, forcing us to bring out Hutchins/Grimes/Middleton to match-up on Brady’s arsenal. A big hope is that our new look D-Line can get some pressure on Brady, particularly Babs, Abe, and maybe El Sid makes an appearance in the game.

Final – hate to say it, but our young players get torn to shreds by a Future Hall of Fame QB itchin’ to get back to the Super Bowl after losing to the Giants two years ago. Not all is lost for this will be an excellent test and great learning experience for our young players. We play tough late, but dig ourselves a hole too deep on DEF early in the game @ Foxboro. Brady – record day, 350 Yds Passing, 3 TDs.

Falcons OFF vs Patriots DEF tomorrow.

Roster Spot Analysis – TE#1 coming tomorrow. Gotta take the sleep when I can get it. Bringing another recipe with heat for the ‘Cage tomorrow as well.

Good Night ‘Cage Bro’s & Sis’s! See you on the flip side. And on that note………..

64 DAYS AND COUNTING UNTIL 2009 ATLANTA FALCONS TRAINING CAMP!

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Attempt #3

Last one of the night Bird-Cage Peeps. The sleeping bug has jumped up and bit me. Getting ready for a full on weekend of total relaxing, quality fam time, brews, and yes more recipes from the Messiah of Grilling, Bobby Flay. Bird-Cage is rolling well. To our beloved ‘Birds……..

WR – classic post my man! That one got a good chuckle out of me and pretty much hit the nail right on the head with all of our Bird-Cage Faithful. You forgot that after Stirg was incarcerated, Stirg Supporter and SS2 would pop up and post non-sensical, ridiculous, and outlandish arguments. ABE = RYAN LEAF. REDEMPTION DAY, JULY 24TH. Hope you all got my sarcasm in that one.

Patriots OFF vs Falcons DEF

Running
The rich seem to keep getting richer. The Patriots not only get their Hall of Fame, MVP QB back but also add a legit RB in Fred Taylor. They shore up their WR corps with Greg Lewis and Joey Galloway, who was a Pro-Bowler just a year ago. They continue to have one of the best OL’s in football and impose their will on most D-Lines. Let’s be frank: the match-ups look pretty bad across the board. Scanning across the matchups, I’m struggling to find net positives in their OFF vs our DEF. NE use the pass to set up the run and letting Fred Taylor use his hard-nosed running style to get tough yards allowing Brady to work his magic. Poor Jamaal Anderson continues to draw the toughest assignments and Matt Light is no different. Peria Jerry looks to have some difficulty with Pro-Bowler Logan Mankins. We may have some success stopping the run, but NE only needs 3 and 4 yards a click to be successful. With so many 3, 4, & 5 WR sets that Brady will be manning, our new look D-Line may can do well, but its not essential for the Patriots OFF success. The key will come down to Mike Peterson on Ben Watson, and the left side of our line. If Babs and Abe don’t find some gains stopping the Patriots for losses and forcing 2nd and 3rd & longs, then we will be in for a LONG DAY.

Passing
Oh the Horror! Hate to call have to call them like I think and be objective, but our revamped DEF Secondary will get man-handled by the stud WR corps. Where to begin. Tom Brady picks apart veteran defenses and he will work his mojo against our young, inexperienced DEF. Randy Moss will probably make Chris Houston look pretty bad. We may man Chevis Jackson on Moss due to his bulk, height, and physical play and let Houston D up on Welker or Galloway. Chris Owens looks to be made to appear as the rookie he is with Brady at the helm. And lord help if he had to go up against Welker. Erik Coleman should hold his own to a degree against Brady, but our new starter (Moore or DeCoud) will have serious problems all day with Brady’s excellent Play-Action skills. Mike Peterson should man up Watson pretty well, and Lofton/Nicholas should do OK with Taylor or Maroney out of the backfield. The real expose will be if they line up in 5 Receiver sets, forcing us to bring out Hutchins/Grimes/Middleton to match-up on Brady’s arsenal. A big hope is that our new look D-Line can get some pressure on Brady, particularly Babs, Abe, and maybe El Sid makes an appearance in the game.

Final – hate to say it, but our young players get torn to shreds by a Future Hall of Fame QB itchin’ to get back to the Super Bowl after losing to the Giants two years ago. Not all is lost for this will be an excellent test and great learning experience for our young players. We play tough late, but dig ourselves a hole too deep on DEF early in the game @ Foxboro. Brady – record day, 350 Yds Passing, 3 TDs.

Falcons OFF vs Patriots DEF tomorrow.

Roster Spot Analysis – TE#1 coming tomorrow. Gotta take the sleep when I can get it. Bringing another recipe with heat for the ‘Cage tomorrow as well.

Good Night ‘Cage Bro’s & Sis’s! See you on the flip side. And on that note………..

64 DAYS AND COUNTING UNTIL 2009 ATLANTA FALCONS TRAINING CAMP!

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Patriots OFF vs Falcons DEF

Running
The rich seem to keep getting richer. The Patriots not only get their Hall of Fame, MVP QB back but also add a legit RB in Fred Taylor. They shore up their WR corps with Greg Lewis and Joey Galloway, who was a Pro-Bowler just a year ago. They continue to have one of the best OL’s in football and impose their will on most D-Lines. Let’s be frank: the match-ups look pretty bad across the board. Scanning across the matchups, I’m struggling to find net positives in their OFF vs our DEF. NE use the pass to set up the run and letting Fred Taylor use his hard-nosed running style to get tough yards allowing Brady to work his magic. Poor Jamaal Anderson continues to draw the toughest assignments and Matt Light is no different. Peria Jerry looks to have some difficulty with Pro-Bowler Logan Mankins. We may have some success stopping the run, but NE only needs 3 and 4 yards a click to be successful. With so many 3, 4, & 5 WR sets that Brady will be manning, our new look D-Line may can do well, but its not essential for the Patriots OFF success. The key will come down to Mike Peterson on Ben Watson, and the left side of our line. If Babs and Abe don’t find some gains stopping the Patriots for losses and forcing 2nd and 3rd & longs, then we will be in for a LONG DAY.

Passing
Oh the Horror! Hate to call have to call them like I think and be objective, but our revamped DEF Secondary will get man-handled by the stud WR corps. Where to begin. Tom Brady picks apart veteran defenses and he will work his mojo against our young, inexperienced DEF. Randy Moss will probably make Chris Houston look pretty bad. We may man Chevis Jackson on Moss due to his bulk, height, and physical play and let Houston D up on Welker or Galloway. Chris Owens looks to be made to appear as the rookie he is with Brady at the helm. And lord help if he had to go up against Welker. Erik Coleman should hold his own to a degree against Brady, but our new starter (Moore or DeCoud) will have serious problems all day with Brady’s excellent Play-Action skills. Mike Peterson should man up Watson pretty well, and Lofton/Nicholas should do OK with Taylor or Maroney out of the backfield. The real expose will be if they line up in 5 Receiver sets, forcing us to bring out Hutchins/Grimes/Middleton to match-up on Brady’s arsenal. A big hope is that our new look D-Line can get some pressure on Brady, particularly Babs, Abe, and maybe El Sid makes an appearance in the game.

Final – hate to say it, but our young players get torn to shreds by a Future Hall of Fame QB itchin’ to get back to the Super Bowl after losing to the Giants two years ago. Not all is lost for this will be an excellent test and great learning experience for our young players. We play tough late, but dig ourselves a hole too deep on DEF early in the game @ Foxboro. Brady – record day, 350 Yds Passing, 3 TDs.

Falcons OFF vs Patriots DEF tomorrow.

Roster Spot Analysis – TE#1 coming tomorrow. Gotta take the sleep when I can get it. Bringing another recipe with heat for the ‘Cage tomorrow as well.

Good Night ‘Cage Bro’s & Sis’s! See you on the flip side. And on that note………..

64 DAYS AND COUNTING UNTIL 2009 ATLANTA FALCONS TRAINING CAMP!

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JJ would love to hook up for some pre-game tailgating. I too will be at every game! I would love to meet some of you guys, Big Ray et all especially the Cage’s big bro D3. We ride MARTA due to our strict no drinking & driving rule but can locate any parking lots hidden or other with a beer stocked cooler in tow which must be emptied prior to game time so I can use it as a purse for keys and sunglasses, believe it or not this has worked for the last 5 years. We always get there early because I have other co-workers that tailgate too. I also like to watch the drumline at Falcons Landing. Ahhhh football!!! Maybe even training camp.

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King James lives to play again!!

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yeah, only problem is, the next game will be his last of the year…one man team can only go so far…

D3, see ya tomorrow bro…by the way, your post are just slow but they are coming through.

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Pork Tenderloin with Rum-Molasses Glaze and Grilled Pineapple-Jalapeno Sauce Ingredients

Grilled Pineapple-Jalapeno Sauce:
1 small pineapple, peeled, cored and quartered
Canola oil
Salt and pepper
1 to 2 jalapeno peppers (depending on how spicy you like it), seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Honey
Rum-Molasses Glaze:
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 small red onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup dark rum
4 cups chicken stock
3 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons dark brown muscovado sugar
1 habanero chile, halved
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
1 1/2 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat
2 tablespoons canola oil
Green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
Cilantro leaves, for garnish
Directions
For Grilled Pineapple-Jalapeno Sauce:

Heat grill to high.

Brush pineapple with a few tablespoons of oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until golden brown on all sides. Remove pineapple from the grill, coarsely chop and transfer to the bowl of a food processor. Add the jalapeno, vinegar, coconut milk, cilantro, and few tablespoons of oil and honey, to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.

For Rum-Molasses Glaze:

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add the onions and cook until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the rum and cook until reduced by half. Add the stock, molasses, sugar, habanero, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cook until reduced by half, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.

Strain the mixture into a bowl then return it to the saucepan and continue cooking until reduced by half and thickened to a glaze. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a bowl and let cool to room temperature.

For Tenderloin:

Heat grill to high.

Brush the tenderloin with 2 tablespoons of oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until crusty and charred on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, brushing with the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling. Remove from the grill to a cutting board and brush with more of the glaze. Let rest 5 minutes before cutting into 1/2-inch thick slices. Spoon some of the sauce onto each plate, top with a few slices of pork, and drizzle with a little more of the sauce. Garnish with green onions and cilantro leaves.

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Mornin, I am frustarated. I have been jinxed. I was hit by the blog monster last night. I tried at least a dozen times to drop you guys a Bobby Flay recipe for the week end and have tey to get through. I know it was sent. I tried to repost a couple of times, and kept getting a duplicate poat warning.

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hello….

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Stirg if I was you I would try for the season opener Miami 9/13 or Chicago 10/18 or Philly 12/6.

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Pork Tenderloin with Rum-Molasses Glaze and Grilled Pineapple-Jalapeno Sauce

Prep Time: 45 min Inactive Prep Time: hr min Cook Time: 1 hr 10 min Level:
Intermediate Serves:
4 servings Ingredients
Grilled Pineapple-Jalapeno Sauce:
1 small pineapple, peeled, cored and quartered
Canola oil
Salt and pepper
1 to 2 jalapeno peppers (depending on how spicy you like it), seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Honey
Rum-Molasses Glaze:
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 small red onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup dark rum
4 cups chicken stock
3 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons dark brown muscovado sugar
1 habanero chile, halved
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
1 1/2 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat
2 tablespoons canola oil
Green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
Cilantro leaves, for garnish

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Ingredients
Grilled Pineapple-Jalapeno Sauce:
1 small pineapple, peeled, cored and quartered
Canola oil
Salt and pepper
1 to 2 jalapeno peppers (depending on how spicy you like it), seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Honey
Rum-Molasses Glaze:
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 small red onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup dark rum
4 cups chicken stock
3 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons dark brown muscovado sugar
1 habanero chile, halved
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
1 1/2 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat
2 tablespoons canola oil
Green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
Cilantro leaves, for garnish

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Ingredients
Grilled Pineapple-Jalapeno Sauce:
1 small pineapple, peeled, cored and quartered
Canola oil
Salt and pepper
1 to 2 jalapeno peppers (depending on how spicy you like it), seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
Honey

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I have an enormous headache right now. Shouldn’t have to be this hard.
Anyway, thank Bobby Flay, I got the recipe from him. I know how much people like Tenderloin.

Prep Time: 45 min
Inactive prep time: hr min
Cook time: 1 hr 10 min

4 servings

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D3 I want to be SS2 – that guy is a jerk. I am very rarely a jerk so it may be fun to try it under an alter-ego.

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I have been trying to write this post since last night but when the Little Princess comes calling you have to drop everything and pay her the attention. WR, you cracked me up man. That was some funny stuff. I was catching up on all my reading. I do however have myself an ice cold Red Stripe, I’m in the Cage with other citizens of Falcon Nation and talking about what we love best and this is the common thread that holds us all together.

D3, my take on the running back issue. I think Thomas Brown will get the nod. Yes he is injury prone and is going to be a worthwhile contributor on returns and can actually provide some speed out of the backfield. I like this guy and think he and Snelling will be kept. I think Haynes will be the odd man out. Don’t forget TB is also a high character guy which is as we all know a significant characteristic that will sit well with our management. Please don’t think this is an indictment on Haynes’ character in anyway.

As far as the NE game is concerned, this is a very intriguing matchup and in a way I am happy it is coming so early in the season. Hopefully we’ll be still pretty fresh then and will be ready to rumble. Unlike Stirg, I think we’ll be 2-0 then and playing with a lot of confidence. Mr. Brady will be back and by this game should be getting rid or will be totally rid of all the rust by the third week, so we will have a task on our hands. However, this game will be a barometer to tell us exactly where we are against the elite in the NFL. Smitty will be selling to his troops the excellent opportunity that we have to gain national respect and the opportunity to “continue the process.”

D3 has already done an excellent job to show the matchups that will result. However, I looked inside the numbers and looked at the 2007 vs. 2008 Patriots. The reason why I did that is because Brady adds a different dimension to NE so I looked more at the ’07 numbers.

• The Patriots had 37 more 1st downs when Brady played, but interestingly the opponents had 10 more against them in 2007. They had 57 more passing 1st downs when Brady played (not surprising), but they gave up 13 more rushing TD’s and we hope we can hit them there. They gave up 150 yards more in ’08 than they did in ’07. Last year they gave up 4.1 yards per game and rushed for 4.4 yards on offence.
• With Brady they had a 48.2% 3RD down completion rate while last year they had a 43.2% rate. That says something about the system & or the play calling because those numbers are pretty impressive for 3rd downs. However, opponents had a 33.69% 3rd down completion rate and last year they gave up a 44.4% completion. That’s a pretty big increase. Hopefully we can continue that trend against them.
• In ’07 Brady completed 68.9% and last year Cassel completed 63.4%. This tells me something about that offense and with Brady coming back, the addition of a veteran receiver in Joey Galloway and also the addition that I think will make them a very serious contender again (as if they weren’t already), Fred Taylor. He is going to make them very potent and “The Evil Genius” will know how to use him. Joey Galloway is a veteran and may have lost a step but he is a savvy veteran and will be an extra weapon in this offense because he has a pretty high football IQ and runs pretty good routes.
• Something that jumped out at me. This year they had 34% less sacks and gave up 128.6% more. Yes you heard me right. They gave up 21 in ’07 and 48 in ’08. That’s alarming and I know they’ll have to try to fix that. However, we now have exceptional speed and moreover much quicker inside pressure and this is where our secondary will have to be sharp because Brady will be releasing it quickly and Welker across the middle and Moss deep will be the men to watch. We are going to need a lot of safety help.
• NE had an almost identical time of possession in ’07 (with Brady) as they did last year – 32.30 to 32.25, so we have to try to force TO’s. What made them special in ’07 was their +16 TO ratio. We will therefore have to protect the ball and force the TO’s.

CONCLUSION: NE will not miss a beat and can indeed be more potent than ever. However, the Falcons will have not only an improved and more lethal offense but a much improved defense. The question is, can we get enough penetration to get to Brady or hurry him all game. I think we will be able to stop the run but my area of concern is the secondary and the deep threat of Moss. All that is going to be dependent on our ability to get pressure on Brady and protect the short stuff. Our success is also going to depend on how we start. We have to get off to a very fast start, pretty much like what we did most of the time last year.

In order to win this game it will take sustainability through 4 quarters, of hard nosed, tough football and containing the NE offense. Frankly I think we will be able to do that because this year we will have more depth and will be able to keep the pressure up when we make our substitutions and will win this game 24-20.

Go Falcons!!!

Nuff respect everytime!!!!!…………

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D3 – awesome breakdown on the ATL v NE match up. Either way it will be one hell of a game. I havn’t heard anyone mention time of possession. We run to set up the pass, then pass to set up the run – we both like to control the clock. with 3 great WRs (Moss, Welker, Galloway) and our average-but-deep secondary (Houston, Grimes, Hutchins, Jackson, Owens) do you think it gives us the advantage in the 4th Q?

Nookah – not surprised the NE defense gave up more first downs in 07 than 08 – remember how much they stretched the field to get to moss? The we’re scoring ridiculously quick. Didn’t Brady have 4/4+ TDs in the first 7 or 8 games? I don’t rember the exact stat, but it was just plain silly. The more you score, the more you give the ball back to the opposing offense. Hopefully this goes to our advantage – forcing them to more 3 and outs passing than we have running – brady throwing more INTs than we have fumbles.

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Nookah, great wisdom as usual, Ken Strickland, I agree somewhat, Bill Belichick is so close to the hip that its hard to get a read on anything he does. He takes advantage of personnel leaders who have left his camp and believe they can offer anything to an opposing team that can be used against him. Expecting TD to give the birds an added insight into what the Patriots do or how they do it is asking to much when considering Evil Bill, he is the one and only coach that I have witnessed in recent years that goes back over the season to navigate his own teams’ tendencies and adjust. Its rare that you see teams form dynasties in the free agent age, but it happens, and the coaches that it happens under are the coaches who focus on what their team did wrong instead of what the other team did. What makes Bill an evil mastermind is the fact that he concentrates so much on his teams preparedness, not on what the other team will or won’t do, from the highschool to the pro-level, coaches who concentrate on their teams’ actions instead of their teams reaction are the most successful. Kind of like the proactive versus reactive state of being. Reactive teams react to the adjustments that another team makes, a proactive team plays their game expecting the adjustments that another team will make.

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WR, thanks for the comment. The Cage is a little slow this evening. I guess the blog monster is after D3…AGAIN!!! However, you are spot on about the Evil Genius. If any team will make adjustments to right their wrongs, it’s NE.

Dean 21, they say great minds think alike. Ok Ok, don’t mention the other one about fools…… I tend to have an optimistic outlook. We’re on the same wavelength.

Go Falcons!!!!

Nuff respect everytime!!!!!

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Nookah, I agree sir! and I’ll stick with the minds thing! Let’s all hope that New England is far away from the Super Bowl and the birds can do their part in helping during their 3rd game of the season!

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WR-TD and Smitty have made a conscience effort to acquire smaller, quicker, faster DT’s. They know the Falcons will have a well balanced dominant OFF that will control the clock and put points on the scoreboard. That usually forces the opposition to play catchup, which means they’ll run less and pass more. Our DEF is being constructed to defend primarily against the pass and will feature speed, quickness and athleticism rather than size and brute strength.

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Dean21 I’m up for any coordinating that needs to be done – I’m a project coordinator by day – no really – that is my job title, so bring it on. Stirg when you comin’ my man?? We should all be there.

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Ut oh -Flo-Ri-Duh! has my e-mail address, oh well it’s my 3rd address.

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This is where CBS’s Bleacher Report has Atlanta rated this season. Pats & Steelers are 1 & 2. A little loafty for me, but fun to see.

3) Atlanta Falcons

If you read my Arthur Blank article, then you understand why I like Atlanta as a championship contender. Matt Ryan was a rare gem that the Falcons were able to expose.

The offensive line is one of the best, and any running back (let alone Michael Turner) can run behind big Ovie Mughelli.

Mike Peterson was signed to Atlanta, which should solidify their linebacking corps. Remember, Peterson’s best year was in Jacksonville when Mike Smith was the defensive coordinator.

Secondary seems to be a problem, but the defensive line is so good that the secondary should fall into place nicely.

Tony Gonzalez’s entry only adds another blocker and receiver to a fundamental offense, and Harry Douglas will be a dark horse in that offense.

Atlanta’s biggest weakness (in my mind) is their punter. Michael Koenen has the boot but no touch. Coffin corner punts are the most overlooked part of the game, which becomes bigger as the season drags on longer.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Atlanta made a Super Bowl appearance.

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JJ,

I have read about that some where before, about the bye weeks. I can’t remember if it’s 4 or 5, but even if it’s 4 the “bye” team wins a huge percentage of games. That alone could be as many as 3 loses.

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Great Saturday A.M. Bird-Cage Bro’s & Sis’s! Had one heck of a day yesterday and couldn’t make it in the ‘Cage to post yesterday, so I gotta a lot of catching up to do. Let’s get to Falcons vs Patriots, Roster Spot Analysis, and some good Recipes. Great to be back. To our Beloved ‘Bird-Talk…….

jason – love that recipe. That will be done very soon at the Locale. I’m going on a strick Bobby Flay Grilling Recipe Menu this summer and that one’s right up my alley.

Ken Strick – good point on our new look DL rotation. There’s definitely a good chance that if we can put some pressure on the Golden Boy, then we’ll have a great fighting chance to knock off the Pats @ Foxboro. If we do knock them off, then who knows what the season holds. If they keep in Fred Taylor, he will definitely serve as a much better blocker than Mauroney out of the backfield.

Nookah – what’s up my Marley-ian brother to the North? Great stat research on the Pats. I think Brady, Moss, and other Vets on that roster are starting to realize that their window is closing on perennial Super Bowl runs year in and year out, and will come out swinging this year. Fred Taylor adds a new dimension with some gas left in the tank. He will have the same effect that Corey Dillon had in helping them to a Super Bowl Title.

angry – agreed on RB Depth Chart. It definitely looks like we’ll be keeping both as the majority of teams carry 5 RBs.

WR – good breakdown of Evil Bill. As usual the Patriots are favorites for winning the Super Bowl. Adding Fred Taylor and that masterful draft day should give them at least 2-3 years for Brady and Moss to win another title. This is a big game for sure, and if we steal this one than who knows how high we can fly.

Dean21 – I’m all for a tailgating meet-up for sure. Just work with Sarah B and let’s get it cranked and rockin’. Might have to take MARTA on that one so I can sober up on the train ride back.

Unca’ Bob – nice analysis on the Patriots mulit-dimensional OFF. I think Fred Taylor will add a huge boost to their already powerful offense. Mauroney is on the serious hot-seat after not living up to big expectations. I know because he has been a serious bust on my Fantasy Football Teams. I think our DEF will recover, but that they will get in a deep hole early on and not be able to make up for it. On that part of the schedule, the Bears and Giants are really the only ones that truly scare me. Romo and the Cowboys are jokes, IMO.

Falcons OFF vs Patriots DEF & Final Prediction Match-ups, Roster Spot Analysis, and tons more fun coming soon……..

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The ATL wife beaters. first it was michael boley, michael turner, and now quinn ojinaka. What’s wrong with the water in atlanta that is making all these cats bash women.

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Greetings Cagers, I see we are humming quite early. Some very substantive and sound posts being presented which makes for great reading.

Unca’ Bob, D3 & Ken Strick very good breakdown and analysis on the Pats. Ken Strick you raised a point which I think is a very important one. The key to our performance against the Pats will be if by week 3, our defense will be able to gel. Remember, we have a few new pieces and one of the worst things you can have is people missing assignments due to a lack of chemistry. However, I am optimistic that Smitty and this very able coaching staff will be able to have us playing solid D by week 1. Hopefully we can have all rookies signed and in camp so they miss none of the sessions and will have a good read on their assignments.

Keep it going guys. I’ll be out until tomorrow. I’ll be visiting some family. Hopefully I’ll get the chance during today to take a quick peek into the Bird Cage.

Go Falcons!!!

Nuff respect everytime!!!

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Ken Strickland, I wouldn’t waste my time on Joey Porter. He won’t last long in the cage with that crap. That’s the nonsense you talk when you don’t have any knowledge on the topic at hand; ATL football.

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http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2009/05/26/abes-absent-will-help-young-d-linemen/comment-page-3/#comments

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