Look for a Post-June 1 move before blog-cation starts
While on blog-cation, we'll try to find the perfect Palm tree to sit up and watch the sunset.
Blog-cationville –- Hey y’all, things will slow down in the Bird Cage in June and through the early part of July.
We’ll pick it back up hot and heavy in Mid-July before the start of training camp. In the meantime, here’s a little video from last season I found that you can keep replaying.
Just a couple of things before we lower the lights for awhile.
THE RETURN OF GANDY?: The Falcons will likely add a veteran free agent shortly after June 1 to help on the offensive side of the ball. This makes sense because if they’d signed him before June 1, the signing would affect the number of compensatory picks they have coming in the 2010.
Not sure, who the veteran could be, but perhaps tackle Wayne Gandy gets re-signed. He wants to keep
Maybe Milloy (r) finds a new home after June 1st.
playing and the Falcons like him. Also, veterans like safety Rodney Harrison, who had been linked to the Falcons in the past, and Lawyer Milloy, may end up signing somewhere else.
ONE TOO MANY FACEBOOK FRIENDS: Was wondering why Quinn Ojinnaka was not at practice last Wednesday. When I asked coach Mike Smith, he said he knew where he was. Didn’t know that could mean he was in the lockup at the county jail. Wonder if he had a cell next to Otis, the town drunk.
Smitty must not have known where Quinn was for sure otherwise he would have told us. He probably just thought he was sleeping in late.
Ojinnaka, a fifth round pick in 2005 who’s played in 30 games and made seven starts, is a super guy. But he just may have cut himself. The Falcons have a very low tolerance for players appearing on the police blotter these days.
Grimes has a battle on his hands.
GRIMES BACK ON THE GRIND: Brent Grimes, the former undrafted free agent from Shippensburg State, is off to a good start over the offseason. He’s running first team, but will face a stiff challenge to keep his spot come training camp.
He’ll have to beat back Chevis Jackson, Von Hutchins and possibly rookie Chris Owens.
“He’s a more confident player, without a doubt,” Smith said. “He’s the most athletic player on our team. He has a lot more confidence this season in knowing our system and being around (defensive coordinator) Brian (VanGorder) and the defensive coaching staff.”
WIDE RECEIVER SPOT OPEN: With the trade of Laurent Robinson, there could be a roster spot open at the wide receiver position.
Former Georgia Force and Arena Football League star Troy Bergeron and undrafted rookie free agent Aaron Kelly of Clemson and Walton High are making strong offseason showings.
“Troy has done a nice job in terms of catching the football,” Smith said.
Kelly is not far behind.
“Aaron has a very good skill set,” Smith said. “He’s caught the ball extremely well. He’ll be a guy who’ll have
Troy Bergeron has been impressive.
an opportunity to compete. We’ve been pleased with his progress.”
It’s possible that Bergeron could make the roster and Kelly the practice squad. Bergeron’s practice squad time is up and the Arena League is on hiatus, so he has to make the roster.
It would not be wise to count out Eric Weems either. He played last season and has developed nicely.
Speaking of wideouts, NFC South foe Tampa Bay is checking on Plaxico Burress.
Before I stroll off to find one of those Umbrella drinks and a nice Palm tree, do you think re-signing Gandy would be a good move? Will you miss the Mighty Quinn if his facebook page gets him tossed? Do you think Grimes can win the starting spot? Who’s going to get Robinson’s wide receiver spot, Bergeron, Kelly or Weems?
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369 comments Add your comment
Dean 21
June 5th, 2009
6:59 pm
Ken Strickland – valid points on the cb’s…my question to you is exactly how many would you carry if you were the coach and how would you utilize them.
Stirg d'Nahsif
June 5th, 2009
6:59 pm
Unca’ Bob, looks like we done stirred up something.
Dean 21
June 5th, 2009
7:04 pm
Jason, D3, Unca’ Bob, Ken Strickland, Stirg, WR….
I’m also trying to figure out exactly how many WR’s and RB’s are we carrying this year. Both positions are flooded with on-takers, so during training, hopefully the best 4 or 5 will be left standing barring injury!
Who should return kick-offs and punts this year? Although we have not talked much about it, but our kicking game is solid! We do not have to concern ourselves with finding a punter or place kicker! whew!
Dean 21
June 5th, 2009
7:07 pm
Stirg- I’m just wondering on how much impact does the Falcons expect from this year’s crop of rookies? Do we truly expect something right out the box from Owens & Moore? I for one see these guys as impact players down the road, then again, maybe they are expected to follow last year’s rookie squad?
falcon21
June 5th, 2009
7:19 pm
Jason, I was reading your comment on Richard Samuel possibly being the #1 RB for the Dawgs and I agree totally. He attended my old High School so I got to see alot of his games. As good as he is at RB, he was even better on defense. That man was a monster. I would like to see him at LB with the Dawgs. Sorry guys, I know this was not the Birds but I’m a huge fan of both.
Dean 21
June 5th, 2009
7:30 pm
Shoot that blg monster in the foot Sarah B.
falcon21
June 5th, 2009
7:39 pm
Dean 21, I think if Brown makes the team he will handle most of the returns along with Norwood. I would like to see Norwood get more carries at RB along with JS so Turner can stay healthy and not get worn down.
Dean 21
June 5th, 2009
8:15 pm
Falcon21, I truly hope Brown makes this team, the most important thing for him is to stay healthy throughout training camp. Yeah, Turner cannot get burned out this year because he will be facing better defenses than last season.
Jimbo
June 5th, 2009
8:24 pm
I don’t know if you’ve already seen this article about Harvey Dahl or not, but it’s a good read. Anyone that gets compared to Conrad Dobler gets my seal of approval. Check it out!
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/11793612
falcon21
June 5th, 2009
9:08 pm
Yeah I saw that Jimbo, Dobler was a bad man, if Harvey can even come close to that then it is a win win for the Birds!!! Jerry Glanville would be proud. Just kidding about Glanville, he probably would have Harvey on the D-line.
jason
June 5th, 2009
9:13 pm
falcon21 , ON all the blogs I read last year and this… they all say the same thing about him at LB. Maybe he is a hitter not a hitee.
jason
June 5th, 2009
9:14 pm
Dean 21, Liked your question to ken on the CB situation. Open it up to everyone.
Ken I like your take on Hutchins. I did not know that much about him. I saw him as on the fence due to the injuries and Smitty running more man this year.
Stirg d'Nahsif
June 5th, 2009
10:01 pm
Yeah, Ken, I did recognize the betterment of our defense. I didn’t realize, until after I posted, how good the second string defense will be, compared to last season’s first string. Amazing, isn’t it. In some cases, God forbid, an injury to a starter may not be a bad thing. The Moore and DeCoud battle is going to produce the better man; and depending on how “the better man” plays, it may be intriguing to watch the one who pulled the shortest stick. That is the one position I look forward to watching this season.
Dean21, I’ve been thinking about your question, long before you even asked. What did I come up with? I have no idea, my friend. Its simply hard to determine. I’m not sure how long you’ve been blogging in this cage but a while back, I researched T.D.’s scouting candidates and rookie signings while he was Director of Scouting with New England. I found that every year, for about 5-7 years, his drafting would produce an eventual Pro-Bowler (with the exception of, maybe, a couple years). Look at New England’s number one draft picks during TD’s tenure:
2002 21 Daniel Graham TE Colorado
2003 13 Ty Warren DT Texas A&M
2004 21 Vince Wilfork DT Miami (FL)
2004 32 Benjamin Watson TE Georgia
2005 32 Logan Mankins OG Fresno State
2006 21 Laurence Maroney RB Minnesota
2007 24 Brandon Meriweather S Miami (FL)
Now those are starters that can really put you on your anus. New England was so good, and still is, that their first round picks were usually late (picks 21-32, with the exception of 2003). Yet, TD was still able to yank some starters. I failed to note (I will, if need be) the players drafted in later rounds, that turned out to be really good players. For example, in 2002, New England drafted Deion Branch in round two and Jarvis Green in round four; Both have contributed to New England’s success. I don’t want to go through the whole list; but just to throw a couple more examples at you, New England drafted Eugene Wilson and Asante Samuel in rounds two and four, respectively, in 2003; and in 2004, they drafted Vince Wilfork, Benjamin Watson and Marquis Hill. I can go on (I can post the list of TD’s draftees, 2002-07, if you want it) but I think you get the picture. Every year that TD was involved with scouting and drating, he always produce 2-3 starters. Incidently, 2005’s draft produced Logan Mankins and Ellis Hobbs in rounds one and two, respectively; and in rounds four and seven, TD signed James Sanders and Matt Cassell.
So to answer your question, in my honest but unprofessional opinion, two or three rookies, at least, will start. The question is, who?
Stirg d'Nahsif
June 5th, 2009
10:21 pm
What the hell, I’ll paste it anyway. Draw your own conclusions. My conclusion suggests that we’ll start two or three rookies this year (preferably, Jerry and Moore).
New England Patriots Draft Selections (TD Era)
2002
1 21 Daniel Graham Tight end Colorado
2 65 Deion Branch Wide receiver Louisville
4 117 Rohan Davey Quarterback LSU
4 126 Jarvis Green Defensive end LSU
7 237 Antwoine Womack Running back Virginia
7 253 David Givens Wide receiver Notre Dame
2003
1 13 Ty Warren Defensive tackle Texas A&M
2 36 Eugene Wilson Cornerback Illinois
2 45 Bethel Johnson Wide receiver Texas A&M
4 117 Dan Klecko Defensive tackle Temple
4 120 Asante Samuel Cornerback Central Florida
5 164 Dan Koppen Center Boston College
6 201 Kliff Kingsbury Quarterback Texas Tech
7 234 Spencer Nead Tight end BYU
7 239 Tully Banta-Cain Linebacker California
7 243 Ethan Kelley Defensive tackle Baylor
2004
1 21 Vince Wilfork Defensive tackle Miami (FL)
1 32 Benjamin Watson Tight end Georgia
2 63 Marquise Hill Defensive end LSU
3 95 Guss Scott Safety Florida
4 128 Dexter Reid Safety North Carolina
4 128 Cedric Cobbs Running back Arkansas
5 164 P. K. Sam Wide receiver Florida State
7 233 Christian Morton Cornerback Florida State
2005
1 32 Logan Mankins Offensive guard Fresno State
3 84 Ellis Hobbs Cornerback Iowa State
3 100 Nick Kaczur Offensive tackle Toledo
4 133 James Sanders Safety Fresno State
5 170 Ryan Claridge Linebacker UNLV
7 230 Matt Cassel Quarterback Southern California
7 255 Andy Stokes Tight end William Penn
2006
1 21 Laurence Maroney Running back Minnesota
2 36 Chad Jackson Wide receiver Florida
3 86 David Thomas Tight end Texas
4 106 Garrett Mills Tight end Tulsa
4 118 Stephen Gostkowski Kicker Memphis
5 136 Ryan O’Callaghan Offensive tackle California
6 191 Jeremy Mincey Defensive end Florida
6 205 Dan Stevenson Offensive guard Notre Dame
6 206 Le Kevin Smith Defensive tackle Nebraska
7 229 Willie Andrews Defensive back Baylor
2007
1 24 Brandon Meriweather Safety Miami (FL)
4 127 Kareem Brown Defensive end Miami (FL)
5 171 Clint Oldenburg Offensive tackle Colorado State
6 180 Justin Rogers Linebacker SMU
6 202 Mike Richardson Cornerback Notre Dame
6 208 Justise Hairston Running back Central Connecticut State
6 209 Corey Hilliard Offensive guard Oklahoma State
7 211 Oscar Lua Linebacker USC
7 247 Mike Elgin Center Iowa
falcon21
June 6th, 2009
12:41 am
Hey cagers, I know this is a tough question but does anyone know what the Falcons record is after a bye week of their own? And what is their record against teams coming off their bye week in the last 5 years or so?
Sarah B
June 6th, 2009
1:52 am
Checking in from Vegas… The time change is hard to get used to. What I was trying to post last night when the blog monster wouldn’t let me was in response to JJ saying to place a bet on the over/under on the 8-8 record thing. I said I most definately would. Now however after visiting the sports book I find that those aren’t available until July. I think the AJC made that up to rile us up folks!! What is available is Falcons win SB – 14-1 and Falcons win NFC Champs 8-1. They, based on odds, have us winning the division. Although that is not bettable yet.
I think, well I knew it before I got here that this is our year to break our miserable no BTB winning seasons, that Vegas knows it too.
I wish I had a scanner to send you all this list. According to betters as of today the best lock on winning the SB are… wait for it… DA Bears! Second is the Giants & Vikings, Tied for third is Pats & Steelers then a tight field of Eagles, Colts, Chargers, Cowboys (suck), Packers (homers) then… tied Your Atlanta Falcons & Baltimore Ravens!!! There it my Brethern your Vegas top 12 for 2009!
Sarah B
June 6th, 2009
2:00 am
And yes I did bet on both $5 on winning SB $10 on winning NFC Champ. I know, not a lot but I can’t afford a lot.
Sarah B
June 6th, 2009
2:01 am
When I get back I will scan the list and post and hey it may change by Tuesday.
Sarah B
June 6th, 2009
2:04 am
Not a lot of computer time here but I’m trying.
Ken Strickland
June 6th, 2009
2:42 am
FALCON21-Last yr we carried 6 safeties, JFudge, EBrock, TDeCoud, LMalloy, EColeman and MPaschal. Safeties LMalloy and MPaschal are gone, along with CB’s RPrude and DFoxworth. We also carried 6 CB’s, DFoxworth, CHouston, RPrude, DVinnett, CJackson and GSharpe. I see CHouston, BGrimes, CJackson, COwens, VHutchins and either DIrons or WMiddleton as the 6 CB’s making the roster, with EColeman, WMoore, TDeCoud, AHarris, JFudge and EBrock as the 6 safeties. That’s a lot of speed, quickness and versatility, which is an awful lot more than we had last yr.
STIRG-Last yr, Smitty was forced to start players who presented the lessor of two evils because our DEF had so many holes. SS LMalloy started, even though he was a liability in pass DEF, because he was the best solution at SS for assisting our poor run DEF. GJackson started because he was the best solution for protecting our rookie MLB, CLofton, despite his limited range, mobility, speed, quickness, stamina and pass rushing ability.
None of those liabilities will be issues on this yrs DEF because of the added speed, quickness, youth and mobility. Inexperience and unfamiliarity will be the biggest DEF challenges, especially early in the season. As far as how many rookies will start is concerned, I think CB COwens has a better chance of starting than SS WMoore. WMoore might be physically more talented than DeCoud, but he has too much to learn, and I don’t think he’s polished or experienced enough to outperform DeCoud throughout training camp and preseason. Next yr could very likely be a different story.
LAST YR, OUR OFF CARRIED US TO THE PLAYOFFS AND AN 11-5 REGULAR SEASON RECORD. THIS YR, OUR OFF WILL STILL CARRIES US TO THE PLAYOFFS, BUT IT WILL BE OUR DEF THAT DETERMINES HOW FAR WE GO IN THE PLAYOFFS.
Unca' Bob
June 6th, 2009
9:39 am
Strig,
It would seem we struck a chord some where. It wasn’t anything you or I said, T Dimitroff said it. It was, on my part, an interpratation of what I thought he was saying. No one else read it that way so I must be wrong. I can live with that.
jason
June 6th, 2009
9:52 am
MY thinking is that if we carry 6 CBs and 6 Safeties, how will the rest of the roster shape out? I am getting confused. I might be making it hareder than it should be, so bear with me.
QB 3
RB/FB 5
WR 6
TE 3
OL 9
K/P 2
DL 10
LB 6
DB 12
That’s 56 on a 53 player roster. Maybe I should break the DL down. 5 DEs, Abe, Anderson, Biermann, Sid, and Davis. DTs, Bab, Jerry, Walker, Lewis, and Jefferson.
I am thinking with what Ken said about 6 CBs and 6 S, ATL goes with 4 DTs and 5 WRs. Anderson’s ability to play all along the DL, and ATL not running much 4-5 WR sets. There is still 54 for 53 spots. Any ideas?
Ken I liked Fudge; I just assumed there would not be any room for him this year. I would take Houston, Grimes, Jackson, Hutchins, Owens, and Middleton at CB. For some reason I was thinking ATL would go either 5-5 or 6-4 at the DBs.
jason
June 6th, 2009
9:55 am
Unca’ Bob, I don’t know if I took the article you are refering to the same as you, but I also was not sold on Moore starting soon. I saw almost a platoon situation with DeCoud with Moore starting full time later in the year or next season. Moore is so physical against the run, and DeCoud with his atheleticsm could damn near play a nickel or dime role. That’s the way I saw it any way. One’s strength being the other’s weakness.
jason
June 6th, 2009
10:01 am
Last night I threw the question out about whether or not all the draft picks would make the team. I did so because I think they would. As far as thstarter’s question I only see one starter out of the box in Jerry. I also see 2 more in Moore and Owens by midseason or end of the season. Middleton, and Sid will be brought along slowly. Walker will be in a good rotation at DT. The OL will be a good and versitle back up to the OL, and Adkins will will be a ST beast.
D3
June 6th, 2009
10:21 am
Great Saturday A.M. ‘Cage Brethren! Posting has been a little slow going as of late. My little Future WR is doing a lot better, but between my little buddy and the honey-do list from the House CEO, its tough to get in the Bird-Cage as much as I would like. I’m sure a lot of you feel my pain. Bird-Cage is doing well these days especially during these down times. Anyway, here we go……….
jason – yeah, I agree that DeCoud has the inside track on starting this fall. He’s will have been in the system for two years and had a full year to get used to NFL speed. Like you, I see Moore steadily working his way into the lineup as the year progresses, particularly against big running teams like Carolina and Washington.
Big Ray – good point on our picks. No reason to rush Moore, Owens, Sidbury, or even Jerry for that matter since we have Decoud, Grimes, Hutchins, C.Davis, and Trey Lewis having experience in the league and more ready to step in. The only issue with Jerry is that he’s already 25, which is concerning as a rookie.
Coach Ken – gotta depart with you on Ojinnaka. I think his seat is one of the hottest on the roster come training camp. He was drafted by Lil’ Jimmy Mora to run a cut-blocking scheme(the same he ran in college). He’s been in the league three years and had every opportunity to win the RT spot this previous year and the “lightbulb” evidently hasn’t switched on. Couple that with the fact that we signed Romberg & Will Svitek, drafted Reynolds, and most OL cross-train and can play all positions. It looks to be a huge battle between Ojinnaka, Pat McCoy, and Mike Butterworth for a 10th spot if we keep 10; last year we only carried 9.
Dean21 – can’t wait to pop a brew. Too bad they don’t allow alchohol at Training Camp. As far as WR’s and RB’s, we carried 4 RBs and 6 WRs last year on our active roster. The question on the 10th overall spot comes down to Spec Teams. We rarely use 5 WRs, much less 6 WRs. If Snelling and TBrown are better on Spec Teams than say Weems, and can add more to our OFF, than I say we keep 1)Turner 2)Norwood) 3)Mughelli 4)TBrown 5)Snelling 6)Roddy 7)Jenks 8)HD 9)BFinn and the battle royale for the last spot between AKelly, Bergeron, & Weems. JMHO. Schedule of supplemental material coming soon. The ‘Cage has been rockin’ so well that there hasn’t been a lot of need for it.
falcon21 – ahhh, it all makes sense now my brother. You attended the Big C. I always root for players from our area that go to UGA. Kris Durham was from my hometown, but is injury-prone and can’t turn the corner. I agree with you that if Samuel can come back from injury he has the best shot by far. King has been a pretty big disappointment thus far. Maybe Ealey can come in and make some hay; I’m pretty concerned about our team this year to be honest with you.
Jimbo – where you been bro’? Great name dropping in Dobler. Dahl sure is a nasty one, but he’s gotta watch it to a point because those 5, 10, & 15 yard penalties are drive killers.
Stirg – the great researcher has returned! I learned all my mad research skills from you my brother. No better way to argue a point than with facts. I see Jerry starting for sure, Moore & Owens will play but as far as starting outright, we’ll see. One of the most interesting parts of your research to me is their 2005 draft: Nick Kazckur and James Sanders just started last year after waiting three years in the wings. That’s how back-logged their talent is, if the guys can continue to prove themselves year in and year out, they will eventually get a shot which is good news for C.Davis, TLewis, T.DeCoud, and even DIrons(to an extent).
Sarah B. – thank you so much for giving us that info on the ACTUAL Vegas lines. Its even crazier than I realized. Having the Bears as the favorite? Are you kidding me? And the Vikings….what? You’re probably right about the AJC, they probably talked to some random dude who gave them that BS assessment. It is hard-pressed to find ANY NFL media to think they will not at least be 9-7.
Alright, great saturday Gents. Hopefully TE#3 Roster Spot Analysis and the finish of the ATL-SF game will come today. Enjoy the day ‘Gents and ‘Gals!!!
Stirg d'Nahsif
June 6th, 2009
11:26 am
Good catch, D3. I din’t pick up the start of Kazckur and Sanders last year, until you mentioned it. For some odd reason, I was thinking Bob Sanders of the Colts. Point being, still, we can look forward to, at least, two starters from our rookie class. Jerry, Moore, Owens, Sidbury, Walker and Middleton all have legitimate chances to start. Before anyone wants to argue that, let me remind you that our talented pool players are not immuned to injury. Matter of fact, to answer jason’s question, all of the rookies can make the team; then again, some may not. That is what preseason is for, I would suspect. Trust me, after four games, although intramural, someone is going to be weak, injured, slow, confused, lost, absent, holding out or simply not ready for the NFL. Just like past seasons, that opens the opportunity for someone to play, that would not have normally started. We don’t have to sit here and try to determine who is going to make a 53-man roster, out of 60 players. Injuries and absence will determine that for us.
Unca' Bob
June 6th, 2009
11:48 am
If there’s one spot on the roster where one could argue there’s an abundance of competition, that position would be receiver. The irony is that out of the seemingly hundreds of receivers the Falcons have signed, only one will win a roster spot, and that’s as a likely inconsequential fifth receiver in an offense that utilizes two or three and a tight end most of the time.
While there were already a few guys on the roster who could compete, the most intriguing options are actually the undrafted guys from this year, which include Arena Football League talent Troy Bergeron, Clemson rookie Aaron Kelly and Utah newcomer Bradon Godfrey. Unrookie Chandler Williams has a chance to stick around because he’s a clear asset on special teams, while Khalil Jones probably won’t win a spot unless everyone else on the roster suddenly takes up water polo. It’s the undrafted guys or bust in this case.
Without further ado, let’s take a quick look at each of these guys, as well as my wildly irresponsible prediction about which one of them will make the final roster. Here’s a hint. If you’ve been reading for at least a month, you’re going to know who I pick.
Darren Mougey: Positional versatility is what Mougey has in spades–or at least clubs–as he dabbled in quarterback at San Diego State. At 6-6 and 230 pounds, Mougey is downright huge, and has all the physical tools necessary to succeed. He doesn’t have a track record of eye-popping numbers at the college level, but if they kept him around they’d have an emergency quarterback. So he’s got that going for him.
Bradon Godfrey: The newest addition to the competition, Godfrey is 6-3 and 197 pounds and had an efficient career at Utah, where he caught 128 passes over his career. He doesn’t appear to have any physical tools that separate him from the pack, which leads me to suspect he’s more of a camp body than anything. Still, he’s clearly a solid enough guy, so maybe he’ll surprise. There’s not really a whole hell of a lot out there about Mr. Godfrey.
Troy Bergeron: We know what Bergeron can do. He can return a few kicks with reasonable success and can catch like crazy. What’s the catch with this catching, you ask? That would have to be the fact that he’s done all his damage in the AFL, which is just a wee bit different than the plodding pace of the NFL game. He’s clearly talented, but it’s a red flag that he hasn’t managed to stick to a roster before now despite his success in another league. At 6-2, 190, Bergeron will probably be in the running until late in the pre-season.
Aaron Kelly: I saved the best for last. A beanpole of a receiver, Kelly weighs as much as Bergeron but stands almost as tall as Mougey. He’s got intriguing pass-catching talent but will clearly need to add a little bit to his frame so he doesn’t blow away every time a guy in the third row of the Dome farts. Still, his height and his relative speed for a tall guy makes him the option I think is going to make the roster.
Ken Strickland
June 6th, 2009
11:52 am
D3-I think Ojinnaka’s experience and overall versatility, he’s been the backup L & RT and OG, will work heavily in his favor, and we all know how much Smitty values versatility. Remember, former starter TWeiner was also unable to crack last yrs starting lineup. Also, if our coaches think we’re so thin at OT that we’re seriously considering resigning Ancient Age WGandy, who lacks any of Ojinnak’s versatility, I think he’ll get every consideration and opportunity to get out from under this mess and make the team. Also, the retirement of TWeiner makes Ojinnaka’s versatility, experience and familiarity with the system, very valuable to the team.
BIG RAY-totally agree with you on the status of our draft picks. We have talented backups that have been groomed to move into certain vacated positions. I believe some of this yrs draft picks, like WMoore and LSidbury, will be groomed to replace FS EColeman and DE JAbraham when their FA contracts expire, or are traded. WMoore will eventually become the starting SS and DeCoud would switch to FS. SS/FS AHarris stays in the back of my mind. When I read he has the range and ability to play both safety positions, as well and the speed and quickness to play nickel CB, I’ve found him very interesting and hard to ignore. His status depends on how much he’s lost due to last yrs season ending injury. OTHER THAN OLB MPETERSON, THIS YRS DEF WILL NOT HAVE ANY OTHER PLAYERS THAT ARE STRICKLY STOP GAP SOLUTIONS, LIKE LAST YR WITH CB DFOXWORTH, DT GJACKSON AND SS LMALLOY. CONSIDERING THE CIRCUMSTANCES, OLB’S KBROOKING AND MBOLEY COULD ALSO BE PLACED IN THAT CATEGORY.
angry banker
June 6th, 2009
12:12 pm
unca bob – another good article – keep em coming!!
wabe – agreed on Moore – excited to see how he develops in our system. Its great that we already have coleman and decoud back there, so we don’t have to rush him in until we feel hes ready to lead.
Ken – agreed on our OFF, we’ve solidified ourselves as one of the best. I feel like we have alot of Question marks on DEF – Draftpicks, Lewis and Hutchins coming off injuries, how peterson will adjust to our scheme, who wins the starting jobs in the secondary – but hey, there was alot of question marks with our OFF last year too and look how well that turned out. Well just have to wait and see, very excited about our potential.
jason
June 6th, 2009
1:31 pm
So, we are looking at 5 WRs. The usual 4 Roddy, Jenk, HD, and Finn. Looksto be interseting comp for the final spot.Unca’ Bob, I like your break down,and everyone seem to have apositive outlook on Kelly. If we go 5 where does that leave Weems, The ST ace. If we go 6, whinch I don’t think we will, You have Kelly, Bergeron, Godfrey, Mougey going at it.
On th topic of Ojinnaka. I do think he is on the hot seat. However, if he keeps his mouth shut and continues to work hard and stay out of trouble, he could find a spot on the roster. He has talent, is versitile, and knows the scheme. He would the obvious choice.
This is going to be fune debating the not just the sterters on defense, but also the entire defensive depth chart. There is a lot of talented players, and will be some lively debating discussing each spot. I think that injuries past, present, and future are going to dictate the depth chart. ATL has quite a few coming back from season ending injuries.
jason
June 6th, 2009
1:34 pm
Stirg d’Nahsif, I like your post earlier…We don’t have to sit here and try to determine who is going to make a 53-man roster, out of 60 players. Injuries and absence will determine that for us. But it is so much fun to nit pick and debate what we think is going to happen.
D3
June 6th, 2009
2:12 pm
Falcons OFF vs 49ers DEF
Likely Match-ups
LT-Sam Baker vs RDE-Justin Smith
LG-Justin Blaylock vs RILB-Patrick Willis
C-Todd McClure vs NT-Aubrayo Franklin
RG-Harvey Dahl vs LILB-Takeo Spikes
RT-Tyson Clabo vs LDE-Kentwan Balmer/Demetric Evans
TE-Tony Gonzalez vs LOLB-Parys Haralson
FB-Ovie Mughelli vs ROLB-Manny Lawson
RB-Michael Turner vs SS-Michael Lewis
WR-Roddy White vs CB-Nate Clements
WR-Michael Jenkins vs CB-Walt Harris
QB-Matty Ice vs FS-Mark Roman
Running
The 49ers actually have a DEF that can make some noise this year under Singletary’s guidance. Even though he had a lower productive year last year Patrick Willis is still one of the best MLB’s in the game. Justin Smith’s a little long in the tooth, but still produces at end. Parys Haralson shows a ton of potential registering 8 sacks. Beyond that though, they don’t have a ton of guys that put teeth in a run-stop defense. Sam Baker continues to draw the toughest DE’s in the league and Smith is no exception. Justin Blaylock and Ovie Mughelli will definitely need to work on Patrick Willis. We can all expect Todd McClure and Harvey Dahl to dominate the right side of the line. Tony Gonzalez will have no problem in blocking either OLB. Tyson Clabo will have no problem with Balmer or Evans. Turner and Norwood should run against the average LB corps and a downgraded Michael Lewis. Run game may take awhile to get on track, but when it does look for Turner to have over 100 yards and Norwood to chip in another 50 with 30 yards receiving.
Passing
The 49ers have one of the better CB tandems in Walt Harris and Nate Clements, who they way overpaid a couple of years ago. I believe that Walt Harris is IR for the year but I can’t find any confirmation to that truth. Clements may hold Roddy down for a quarter or so, but there’s a reason he was a Pro-Bowler last year: he takes the best CB they have and STILL balls out. Clements is good, but no Asante Samuel. Jenks looks to have another solid day picking up 5 catches or so and many of first downs conversions. But as in all Defenseive Match-ups, even if a DEF has two good CB’s, chances are they don’t have three and a stud OLB/SS/FS combo to boot. HD will have a great day against their nickel back Dre Bly or Tarell Brown. And the best certainly for last: TG will completely dominate anyone they throw at them Michael Lewis, Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson, or even Patrick Willis will have no answer for this Future HOF’er. Big, big day for TG. Matty Ice will have no problem whatsoever from Mark Roman at FS. The Air Attack is called on early when Ground Attack takes time to get on track. Matty Ice has a career day throwing for over 250 yards and 3 TDs, 2 of them going to TG who also chips in 110 of those yards.
Final Breakdown and TE#3 Roster Spot Analysis to come in a bit……..
D3
June 6th, 2009
2:43 pm
Some Interesting Reading from AtlantaFalcons.com:
Cornerback Von Hutchins and defensive end John Abraham returned to the OTA practice field on Wednesday.
Abraham was held out of early workouts while recovering from some lingering bumps and bruises from the 2008 campaign. Hutchins, a free agent addition last year, missed the entire season after injuring his foot on the first day of training camp.
“I still (got some time) before I’m 100 percent healthy,” Hutchins said on May 21, knowing he would soon be back at practice. “But I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting a little sore.”
Away from the field, Hutchins acted as a mentor to a young secondary.
Now he’s ready to extend his six-year career which, to date, includes 142 tackles, two interceptions and 16 starts.
“I had all that time during the season to re-evaluate a lot of things,” he said. “I learned a lot about myself and the team. I learned a lot about my family. But this is football now. I’m ready to get back on the field. I’m working on rehabbing. I’m staying after practice rehabbing. I’m getting here before and getting some treatment and stuff in.”
Abraham led the Falcons with 16.5 sacks in 2008 while fighting through a variety of ailments. Smith decided to give the 10-year veteran some time off to open offseason workouts. The three-time Pro Bowler got some work Wednesday, though the team limited offensive and defensive linemen to focus more on the passing game. “We had a plan for John,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “We’re going to work John with that plan in mind. John has been through a lot of OTAs and a lot of mini camps so we want to get him acclimated to some of the new things we’re doing defensively.”
In other OTA news…
… Smith called this week’s practices a “passing camp,” saying linemen will get to retreat to the weight room before the end of practice while the rest of the team focuses on throwing the ball and defending the pass (not bad since the temperature has been hovering around 90 degrees).
… With Hutchins back the team is closer to 100 percent. Smith is pleased with the health of the Falcons at this point in the offseason.
“Jeff Fish and his staff have done a good job preparing these guys,” he said. “We’ve had very few pulled muscles or any of those soft tissue injuries. We’re really healthy and hopefully we can stay that way. Our goal has always been (to be healthy) for September 13. So hopefully we can accomplish that.”
… After missing some time during voluntary workouts earlier in the offseason, newly-acquired tight end Tony Gonzalez is on the field for a second week.
The coach is still happy the 10-time Pro Bowler is part of the Falcons family.
“Tony is going to be a great addition to our team,” he said. “We’re always trying to improve and he’s definitely going to make us a better football team — offensively, defensively and special teams.”
… The team announced tackle Tyson Clabo signed his restricted free agent tender on Wednesday, confirming his status for 2009. He and right guard Harvey Dahl are restricted free agents this season. Both received a reported second-round tender, meaning any team to sign them would have to forfeit a draft pick.
Atlanta also released undrafted free agent Brock Christopher.
And from our D-Coordinator……..
Seven of the Falcons eight picks in the 2009 NFL Draft are defensive players.
Safe to say the team is looking for an infusion of talent and youth on that side of the ball. That, of course, comes with its own set of pros and cons.
But three weeks into organized team activities, defensive coordinator Brian VanGoder likes the upside shown by the speedy group taking shape on the field.
The Falcons are in the process of replacing five starters from a defense that — at the end of 2008 — sported an average age of 27.8
The 2009 Falcons could start multiple rookies on defense including, but not limited to, defensive tackle Peria Jerry, safety William Moore and cornerback Chris Owens. They’re competing with an equally youthful bunch including a second-year safety (Thomas DeCoud) and a third-year defensive tackle (Trey Lewis).
As of Thursday, just three players on the defensive roster are age 30 or older. Twenty-seven are age 26 or younger.
Curtis Lofton, who started at middle linebacker as a rookie, just turned 23.
“Curtis had an outstanding rookie season,” VanGorder said of Lofton, who finished fourth on the team with 108 tackles while playing primarily on first and second down. “Now he’s in his second year and much more comfortable with the system and communications. Therefore he can play a lot faster. He did not play in our sub package last year so that’s an area right now he’s really working on and trying to catch up a little bit… First year to second year we should see good, solid improvement from him.”
Lofton came off the field on passing downs last season. Defending the pass is an area of emphasis moving forward and something the team must do with quicker, but less experienced players.
The Falcons finished 21st in the league last season allowing 220 passing yards per game. The defense got younger in the secondary over the offseason but it will be up to various competitions to determine starters in 2009.
“I think we have to (see who rises to the top),” VanGorder said. “It will sort itself out in mini camp, OTAs and training camp… The competition will sort itself out and the guys that are deserving will earn it over that course of time. Competition is a healthy thing right now.”
The group can get help from the front seven in the form of pressure on the quarterback.
It’s not a perfect correlation, but it doesn’t take a multitude of numbers to realize more sacks — or hands in the quarterback’s face — creates a poor throwing environment.
John Abraham recorded 16.5 sacks in 2008. No other player had more than four (Chauncey Davis).
VanGorder likes what he’s seeing so far from second-year defensive end Kroy Biermann. He’s put on some extra muscle and, with Abraham taking some time to recoup from injuries, is getting extra reps.
The team also returns a starter in Jamaal Anderson and drafted three defensive linemen.
“I think we’ve got a guy like Kroy who is a year older and has some natural pass rush abilities,” VanGorder said. “Lawrence Sidbury, who we drafted out of Richmond, gives us another speed edge type of guy. Inside with Peria Jerry we drafted another sudden, explosive guy. So we should be much improved and we need to be much improved in regards to the pass rush. How that will all work itself out, we’ll see but it’s a good competition for us right now. The speed and experience factor are the biggest indicators right now that we’ll be better.”
Speed creates opportunity on defense which, in a perfect world, leads to more turnovers.
Atlanta finished 25th against the run (127.5 yards per game) last season.
The focus thus far has been on speed and explosiveness, but VanGorder also talked Wednesday about what the team can do to replace 345-pound defensive tackle Grady Jackson, who signed a free agent deal with Detroit.
As he puts it, three players are looking to fill the role.
All fit with the overall themes of youth and speed.
“Right now (Thomas Johnson) and Trey Lewis are battling it out,” he said. “Jason Jefferson is a much better looking player. There’s competition in there but I think the size of T.J. and Trey in regards to a Grady comparison gives us that space eater, but a little bit faster and run-to-the-ball kind of guy. We hope we’ll be better.”
Johnson, 305 pounds, has spent time with three different NFL teams. Jefferson started a game for Jackson in 2008. Lewis missed all of last season with a torn ACL, but says he’s rejuvinated and a better student of the game.
Johnson and Jefferson are 27. Lewis is 24.
D3
June 6th, 2009
2:44 pm
Some Interesting Reading from AtlantaFalcons.com(a little long, but good):
Cornerback Von Hutchins and defensive end John Abraham returned to the OTA practice field on Wednesday.
Abraham was held out of early workouts while recovering from some lingering bumps and bruises from the 2008 campaign. Hutchins, a free agent addition last year, missed the entire season after injuring his foot on the first day of training camp.
“I still (got some time) before I’m 100 percent healthy,” Hutchins said on May 21, knowing he would soon be back at practice. “But I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting a little sore.”
Away from the field, Hutchins acted as a mentor to a young secondary.
Now he’s ready to extend his six-year career which, to date, includes 142 tackles, two interceptions and 16 starts.
“I had all that time during the season to re-evaluate a lot of things,” he said. “I learned a lot about myself and the team. I learned a lot about my family. But this is football now. I’m ready to get back on the field. I’m working on rehabbing. I’m staying after practice rehabbing. I’m getting here before and getting some treatment and stuff in.”
Abraham led the Falcons with 16.5 sacks in 2008 while fighting through a variety of ailments. Smith decided to give the 10-year veteran some time off to open offseason workouts. The three-time Pro Bowler got some work Wednesday, though the team limited offensive and defensive linemen to focus more on the passing game. “We had a plan for John,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “We’re going to work John with that plan in mind. John has been through a lot of OTAs and a lot of mini camps so we want to get him acclimated to some of the new things we’re doing defensively.”
In other OTA news…
… Smith called this week’s practices a “passing camp,” saying linemen will get to retreat to the weight room before the end of practice while the rest of the team focuses on throwing the ball and defending the pass (not bad since the temperature has been hovering around 90 degrees).
… With Hutchins back the team is closer to 100 percent. Smith is pleased with the health of the Falcons at this point in the offseason.
“Jeff Fish and his staff have done a good job preparing these guys,” he said. “We’ve had very few pulled muscles or any of those soft tissue injuries. We’re really healthy and hopefully we can stay that way. Our goal has always been (to be healthy) for September 13. So hopefully we can accomplish that.”
… After missing some time during voluntary workouts earlier in the offseason, newly-acquired tight end Tony Gonzalez is on the field for a second week.
The coach is still happy the 10-time Pro Bowler is part of the Falcons family.
“Tony is going to be a great addition to our team,” he said. “We’re always trying to improve and he’s definitely going to make us a better football team — offensively, defensively and special teams.”
… The team announced tackle Tyson Clabo signed his restricted free agent tender on Wednesday, confirming his status for 2009. He and right guard Harvey Dahl are restricted free agents this season. Both received a reported second-round tender, meaning any team to sign them would have to forfeit a draft pick.
Atlanta also released undrafted free agent Brock Christopher.
And from our D-Coordinator……..
Seven of the Falcons eight picks in the 2009 NFL Draft are defensive players.
Safe to say the team is looking for an infusion of talent and youth on that side of the ball. That, of course, comes with its own set of pros and cons.
But three weeks into organized team activities, defensive coordinator Brian VanGoder likes the upside shown by the speedy group taking shape on the field.
The Falcons are in the process of replacing five starters from a defense that — at the end of 2008 — sported an average age of 27.8
The 2009 Falcons could start multiple rookies on defense including, but not limited to, defensive tackle Peria Jerry, safety William Moore and cornerback Chris Owens. They’re competing with an equally youthful bunch including a second-year safety (Thomas DeCoud) and a third-year defensive tackle (Trey Lewis).
As of Thursday, just three players on the defensive roster are age 30 or older. Twenty-seven are age 26 or younger.
Curtis Lofton, who started at middle linebacker as a rookie, just turned 23.
“Curtis had an outstanding rookie season,” VanGorder said of Lofton, who finished fourth on the team with 108 tackles while playing primarily on first and second down. “Now he’s in his second year and much more comfortable with the system and communications. Therefore he can play a lot faster. He did not play in our sub package last year so that’s an area right now he’s really working on and trying to catch up a little bit… First year to second year we should see good, solid improvement from him.”
Lofton came off the field on passing downs last season. Defending the pass is an area of emphasis moving forward and something the team must do with quicker, but less experienced players.
The Falcons finished 21st in the league last season allowing 220 passing yards per game. The defense got younger in the secondary over the offseason but it will be up to various competitions to determine starters in 2009.
“I think we have to (see who rises to the top),” VanGorder said. “It will sort itself out in mini camp, OTAs and training camp… The competition will sort itself out and the guys that are deserving will earn it over that course of time. Competition is a healthy thing right now.”
The group can get help from the front seven in the form of pressure on the quarterback.
It’s not a perfect correlation, but it doesn’t take a multitude of numbers to realize more sacks — or hands in the quarterback’s face — creates a poor throwing environment.
John Abraham recorded 16.5 sacks in 2008. No other player had more than four (Chauncey Davis).
VanGorder likes what he’s seeing so far from second-year defensive end Kroy Biermann. He’s put on some extra muscle and, with Abraham taking some time to recoup from injuries, is getting extra reps.
The team also returns a starter in Jamaal Anderson and drafted three defensive linemen.
“I think we’ve got a guy like Kroy who is a year older and has some natural pass rush abilities,” VanGorder said. “Lawrence Sidbury, who we drafted out of Richmond, gives us another speed edge type of guy. Inside with Peria Jerry we drafted another sudden, explosive guy. So we should be much improved and we need to be much improved in regards to the pass rush. How that will all work itself out, we’ll see but it’s a good competition for us right now. The speed and experience factor are the biggest indicators right now that we’ll be better.”
Speed creates opportunity on defense which, in a perfect world, leads to more turnovers.
Atlanta finished 25th against the run (127.5 yards per game) last season.
The focus thus far has been on speed and explosiveness, but VanGorder also talked Wednesday about what the team can do to replace 345-pound defensive tackle Grady Jackson, who signed a free agent deal with Detroit.
As he puts it, three players are looking to fill the role.
All fit with the overall themes of youth and speed.
“Right now (Thomas Johnson) and Trey Lewis are battling it out,” he said. “Jason Jefferson is a much better looking player. There’s competition in there but I think the size of T.J. and Trey in regards to a Grady comparison gives us that space eater, but a little bit faster and run-to-the-ball kind of guy. We hope we’ll be better.”
Johnson, 305 pounds, has spent time with three different NFL teams. Jefferson started a game for Jackson in 2008. Lewis missed all of last season with a torn ACL, but says he’s rejuvinated and a better student of the game.
Johnson and Jefferson are 27. Lewis is 24.
jason
June 6th, 2009
4:06 pm
Unca’ Bob, The player research GURU. I need some info on a DT,Thomas Johnson. Getting props from BVG. D3 great article, glad you posted. Who is this Thomas Johnson? Might be pushing WALKER. We all thought Walker would work with Bab, Jerry, and Lewis. Now we have Johnson and Jefferson. Competition from every where at all positions. Players can’t sit and rest on their laurels.
falcon21
June 6th, 2009
8:10 pm
D3, I am a proud graduate of the big C. As for the Dawgs I think we will be ok at RB but I am a little concerned about our WR’s. I think the D will be ok but my biggest concern is QB. I’m not a big fan of Cox, I hope Jason is right and Cox turns out to be a right handed Greene.
Ken Strickland
June 6th, 2009
8:17 pm
D3-Excellent article. And based on that article, it appears if DT TLewis is healthy and 100 percent, he might earn the starting spot and PJerry will be used along with JAbraham in passing situations. MLB CLofton is still young and inexperienced and still needs some protection in front of him. In that area, TLewis is the best option for the job.
Bottomline, with the talent and experience we have returning at every position from last yrs active DEF roster, we don’t have to start any rookies to potentially be an outstanding DEF.
jason
June 6th, 2009
8:18 pm
falcon21, Cox will make plays. He won’t beat himself. Depends on what he has around him… RBs and WRs. He will be throwing to the TEs more.
Stirg d'Nahsif
June 6th, 2009
8:35 pm
Here here, Ken. I say we put the rookies on ice, where feasible, and start the players returning from last season, including the injured. That way, our second string will look even more impressive, than what I posted earlier, and will mature while easing into the game.
Allow me to re-post my mock starting defense:
DE Abraham
DT Lewis
DT Babineaux
DE Anderson
LB Peterson
LB Lofton
LB Nicholas
CB Houston
CB Hutchins, Jackson or Owens (that’ll be intriguing to watch)
FS Coleman
SS DeCoud
That’ll still give us a good looking second string:
DE Biermann and Sidbury
DT Jerry
DT Walker or this Johnson guy I’m hearing about (question is, why didn’t he workout for three other teams and he’s only 27?)
DE Davis
LB Wire
LB Gilbert
LB James
CB Owens
CB Grimes
SS Moore
FS DeCoud and Fudge
Simply, Wow! What an All-Star team we have, gentlemen.
falcon21
June 6th, 2009
8:38 pm
Jason I think the O-line will be alot better and with a good running game it should take some pressure off Cox. And as you said the TE will be involved alot more. Ken, I agree. I think the Falcons D is going to be alot stronger than people think. They are going to surprise some people.
D3
June 6th, 2009
9:28 pm
Good Saturday P.M. Bird-Cage Fellas! Where does the time go, already Saturday night rolling into Sunday. All good because we’re one day closer to Training Camp. And this one is shaping up to be the most competitive, mayber ever. To our Falcon-i’s…………
Thomas Johnson – so what a shock to read the article from AtlantaFalcons.com and see BVG talking about this guy. I went back for a double take and the name didn’t look familiar. But BVG seems to be pretty high on him judging from his comments. So by that count that puts us at 6 DTs competing for 4 spots on the active roster. Last year we carried 4 – Big Grady, Babs, Jason Jefferson, & Kindal Moorehead. We know Babs, Jerry, & Lewis are shoe-ins if healthy; so could this Thomas Johnson beat out Vance Walker for the 4th spot? If they close I’d say we go with Walker since he’s younger and has more upside. Remember that they always can play around with numbers depending on the depth they have overall. For example, last year we carried 4 RBs and 6 WRs; and this year I bet we carry 5 RBs and 5 WRs, JMHO.
More in a bit……….
D3
June 6th, 2009
10:10 pm
After stretching it out over the week, its finally time for the Atlanta Falcons vs San Francisco 49ers Game #4 Breakdown and Prediction….
Under Singletary’s guidance it looks like the 49ers have finally got it right with their experiences of coaches who have burned out and been inconsistent and unproductive. The General Management is as much to blame as the coaches as they have missed on many Draft Picks over the years, starting with Alex Smith. 49ers look to surprise some people this year with Gore, Bruce, Crabtree, Bryant Johnson, & Brandon Jones as weapons. Maybe Vernon Davis FINALLY has a year that makes him worth the #6 overall pick. Until they draft or acquire a franchise QB it will all be for naught. Shaun Hill or Alex Smith are NOT the answer, period. Their DEF has a few building blocks with Willis, Haralson, & Smith in the front seven and a formidable secondary; but they’re not there yet.
The game momentum will be in the 49ers favor for a brief period behind a re-energized home crowd and a surprising winning or even record (3-1 or 2-2). Our Falcons will have a hard time getting our Ground Attack going early on, forcing our Air Attack to come in early and soften them up. Roddy, Jenks, HD, & TG will have big days with Matty Ice picking their secondary apart. Offensively, we make it a 10 point lead or so going into halftime, but we pour it on in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Our DEF may struggle early in the 1st, but after going up against 3 solid OFF’s (Miami, Carolina, NE), SF pales in comparison. Even though the 49ers are on the rise, they have a ways to go and have too many holes and question marks across the board.
Final: Tough and close early, but ends in a blowout. Turner over 100 yds with 2 TDs, Roddy adds one, and TG adds two with 110 yards of his own. Falcons roll to an excellent 3-1 record against very tough opponents and look good a quarter of the way through the season.
Falcons 41 – Niners 17. 3-1 and ready to keep rolling!
Ed
June 7th, 2009
12:09 am
Here’s a nice article talking with BVG about this year’s OTA.
http://jmike.blogs.atlantafalcons.com/2009/06/04/words-from-the-defensive-coordinator/
Ken Strickland
June 7th, 2009
1:08 am
D3-If a player misses the cut and doesn’t make the 53 man roster, he can be placed on the practice squad. Some of the players who’s name you don’t recognize were likely on last yr practice squad, either ours or someone elses.
Trust me people, the only thing that can slow the development of our DEF this season will be injuries and a lack of experience and chemistry. We’ll have an abundance of speed, quickness, youth, aggressiveness, mobility, versatility and depth at virtually every DEF position. Our DEF won’t be the biggest or the best, but it will definitely be one of the NFL’s quickest, fastest and most talented.
Our OFF will have the size and strength to wear DEF’s down and take control by the 4th qtr. Our DEF will be able to utilize our youth, stamina, speed, quickness and depth to wear teams down by the 4th qtr. After the 1st 3 gms, and our bye week, I see the Falcons taking charge and dominating the rest of their regular season schedule.
MAN, IT’S AMAZING WHAT THIS TEAM HAS ACCOMPLISHED UNDER TD AND SMITTY, JUST ONE SEASON REMOVED FROM SO MUCH ADVERSITY AND UPHEAVAL, BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD. IT’S ACTUALLY SCARY HOW MUCH QUALITY TALENT THEY’VE MANAGED TO ACCOMULATE IN JUST 2 DRAFTS. IMAGINE WHAT THIS TEAM WILL BE LIKE NEXT YR, AFTER THIS YRS DRAFTEES GET A YR UNDER THEIR BELTS, AND THE LARGE CROP OF DRAFTEES FROM NEXT YRS DRAFT ARE ADDED? WE COULD END UP BEING ONE OF THE YOUNGEST, QUICKEST AND FASTEST SUPERBOWL CONTENDERS IN NFL HISTORY, IF NOT THE YOUNGEST, QUICKEST AND FASTEST.
Unca' Bob
June 7th, 2009
3:12 am
This is from atlantafalcons.com on Thomas Jefferson.
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Dallas Cowboys on August 28, 2005.
Waived by Dallas on September 4, 2006 and was signed by the Houston Texans as a free agent three days later.
Waived by Houston on August 28, 2007.
Signed by the Jets to a reserve/future contract on 1/15/08.
Signed by the Falcons to a reserve/future contract on 1/7/09.
2008 (JETS)
Spent the 2008 training camp on the New York Jets roster before being released prior to the regular season.
2006 (TEXANS)
Saw action in 11 games (three starts).
Recorded a career-high five tackles (four solo) against Cleveland (12/31).
Registered his first career start vs. Buffalo (11/19).
2005 (COWBOYS)
In his first season in the NFL, competed in two games while adding one assisted tackle.
Made his NFL debut against Washington (12/18).
COLLEGE
Posted 47 tackles and four sacks as a senior at Middle Tennessee State University.
Played in 11 games (eight starts) as a junior while contributing with 33 tackles and four sacks.
PERSONAL
Attended Hamilton High School in Memphis, Tennessee.
Earned all-state, all-metro and all-city honors as a Hamilton senior.
Graduated with a degree in Education from MTSU in 2004.
Unca' Bob
June 7th, 2009
3:16 am
Jason Jefferson
Originally drafted in the sixth round (193rd overall) by the New Orleans Saints in the 2005 NFL Draft.
Waived by the Saints on August 28, 2005 and signed was to the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad on October 4, 2005.
Signed by the Buffalo Bills from the Eagles practice squad on October 12, 2005.
Claimed off of waivers by the Atlanta Falcons on August 31, 2008.
2007 (BILLS)
Saw action in a career-high 11 games totaling a career-high 20 tackles.
Tied a career-high of four tackles against the New York Jets (9/30).
2006 (BILLS)
Competed in four games while contributing with six tackles (two solo).
2005 (BILLS)
Played in five of the last eight games during the 2005 campaign, but did not record a tackle.
COLLEGE
Started every game on the Wisconsin defensive line as a senior and posted 25 tackles (14 solo), three sacks and one forced fumble.
Collared 30 tackles and one sack in 14 games as a junior.
Took over the starting role as a sophomore year in 2002 and posted a career-best 45 tackles.
PERSONAL
Attended Leo High School where he was a three-time offensive line MVP and team captain in both football and track.
Won the 1998 state title in the shot put.
Registered 310 career tackles and 43 sacks.
Earned Academic All-State honors.
jason
June 7th, 2009
9:34 am
Unca’ Bob, you are the man. I asked and recieved. Somethimes I think in this day and age there is not a lot of difference in a practice squad player and one who makes a NFL roster. If Johnson keeps proving BVG right… what will happen with Walker. BVG talked about Babs, Jerry, Lewis along with Johnson and Jefferson. Don’t recall anything on Walker. One of the reasons I like Walker was his size. I asked a question a while back in regards to the DT position. In the 4-3 ATL runs a DT and a NT right? If so I had Jerry backing up Babs in that format, and Walker backing up Lewis at the NT position. AM I close to being on target?
Unca' Bob
June 7th, 2009
10:12 am
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80d6974b&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
Jason- This is a link posted by JJ. Should you go there, it looked to me these were set-up to rush the passer. Enjoy, I did.
Ken Strickland
June 7th, 2009
11:47 am
UNCA BOB-Like JASON said, YOU THE MAN. That was a very revealing article. I posted sometime ago about the problems DT GJackson’s lack of mobility, speed and quickness caused on the DL. It prevented us from using stunts, which would have helped DE JAnderson tremendously, especially in pass rushing situations.
Teams recognized our base DEF was very weak against the pass on 1st and 2nd down, particularly on the left side(DT GJackson & DE JAnderson). That was partly becaused we focuseed on stopping the run on those downs and our SS and LB’s were always close to the line of scrimmage and vulnerable to play action. Teams knew we couldn’t do any effective stunts with GJackson at DT, so they took full advantage of it on 1st and 2nd downs before he, DE JAnderson, MLB CLofton and SS LMalloy could be substutited for. We were able to keep the pts allowed down because when teams were in or near the redzone, passing became more difficult due to the lack of realestate, and our front 7 wasn’t as vulnerable to playaction.
This yrs DEF will be able to do some serious stunting and blitzing, and we’ll be able to do it on any down regardless of which front 7 is in the gm.
LAST YR, OFF’S PREPARED THEMSELVES TO ATTACK OUR WEAKNESSES, LIKE SS, LDT, LDE & OLB, BECAUSE WE HAD FEW STRENGTHS. THIS YR, THEIR PREPARATION WILL BE GEARED TO TRYING TO NEUTRALIZE OUR STRENGTHS, BECAUSE OUR ONLY OBVIOUS WEAKNESSES WILL BE YOUTH AND INEXPERIENCE.
jason
June 7th, 2009
12:31 pm
Unca’ Bob, Yeah that was the link to the 3-4. I liked the article. From reading D3″s post BVG likes the size factor that Johnson and Jefferson bring behind Lewis. Wasn’t Grady let go by ATL due the production they got from Lewis before injry? Lewis will start if he proves 100% health wise, and the ability to stay healthy. That’s why I see Jerry backing up Babs. The size factor will play. You still need that big DT that can pull the double team whether run or pass. That’s what they have in Lewis. In the base defense I see Babs with Jerry backing up in the rotation. Alson Lewis at NT with Jefferson, Johnson, or hopefully Walker backing up. For the record my front 4 will be:
LDE Anderson DT Babs NT Lewis RDE Abe
Secon Team:
LDE Davis DT Jerry NT Jefferson RDE Bierrman
You still have SID, and either Walker or Johnson.