Archive for July, 2009

Finally, Falcons football season is here!

Pro Bowler Roddy White.

Some long days ahead, but hey, I could be hanging roof shingles or operating the old chop saw cutting steel (an old summer job while in college) for a living.

That’s pretty hard work. Speaking of hard work. I must thank my colleague Chris Vivlamore for catching the first two days of camp for me while I get to hit the Family Reunion. (Should be a blast. All of the rowdy Uncles are coming!!! They are getting old, but they are still rowdy.)

Peria Jerry

With the signing of defensive tackle Peria Jerry to a five-year contract, there is only one pressing matter before the Falcons put on the pads and start doing some live hitting.

What affect will the lack of a contract extension for wide receiver Roddy White have on the team? It’s clear the Falcons want to work something out. It appears they are working on their timetable and not White’s, who wanted a deal done before the season started.

One long-time league …

Continue reading Falcons have some training camp issues »

What would have happened if the Falcons had not traded Brett Favre?

Canton, Ohio – The day was February 10, 1992.

It will go down in Falcons history as perhaps the worst trade ever made in the National Football League.

It was the day the Falcons were fleeced by Ron Wolf and the Green Bay Packers. They traded away Brett Farve.

Our pal and legendary NFL writer Len Pasquarelli wrote in the Atlanta Constitution, “ In a deal that gives them another first-round pick in what is expected to be the strongest NFL draft in years, the Atlanta Falcons traded third-string quarterback Brett Favre to the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday for the 17th overall selection.”

As we moved further away from the trade, most of the blame shifted from Falcons director of player

Brett Favre and Ron Wolf had the last laugh at the expense of the Falcons.

personnel Ken Herock to coach Jerry Glanville, who reportedly had grown tired for Favre’s antics and lack of focus. (Translation: Hanging out in …

Continue reading Falcons: An ode to Buckhead and Brett Favre »

The Falcons won't be all smiles if Peria Jerry isn't signed in time for the opening of training camp.

THE BRANCH — Most of the Falcons fans are so happy about training camp opening on Saturday, that they want to do the Halle Berry dance?

There hasn’t been this much anticipation since the 2005 season when the Falcons were considered Super Bowl contenders. That was the season after they reached the NFC title game in Jim Mora’s first season.

But there are a few pressing business matters.

General manager Thomas Dimitroff and the team negotiators have signed seven of the eight draft picks, but still must reach a deal with first-round pick Peria Jerry.

Pro Bowler Roddy White.

Also, Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White would like to enter the season with his contract extension in his back pocket.

The Jerry situation might go down to the wire and there will be no one to blame but former Falcon Brett Favre. See, our old buddy and noted former Buckhead party goer is also represented by …

Continue reading Falcons trying to finish the contract drill »

BLOGCATIONVILLE — Headed for that last blog-cation before the season starts. Needed to get a few things for you all to nimble on.

Falcons QB Matt Ryan won an ESPY for Best Breakthrough Athlete. Show airs at 9 p.m. Sunday.

Not everyone is predicting greatness for the Falcons in 2009.

The folks over at Football Outsiders Almanac 2009, are predicting more doom and gloom. In their eyes, the streak will reach 44 seasons. There will be no playoffs and someone’s pet is probably going to die.

In the publications’ eight page analysis of the Falcons, Rob Weintraub, a local free lancer and TV production worker, points out that over the last 30 years, 17 teams have improved by seven games — including the Falcons and Miami last season — but only the 1998 Jets under Duane Charles Parcells (some folks call him Bill) have improved the next season.

Those other 14 teams, wins decrease by an average for four. That would put the Falcons at 7-9 in 2009.

“Every other team has come back to the …

Continue reading Falcons predicted to finish 7-9 by “Outsiders” »

Falcons All-Pro defensive end John Abraham doesn't plan to holdout.

The smooth sailing for Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith figures to continue.

They’ll have to get the remaining three rookie draft picks – first rounder Peria Jerry, second rounder William Moore and fourth rounder Lawrence Sidbury – signed before camp opens. That shouldn’t be a problem.

Good to know that Abraham, while open to a contract extension or enhancer, plans to be on time for camp.

Abraham’s camp should be ticked about American Idol host Ryan Seacrest getting $15 million a year for three years ($45 million), according to the Hollywood Reporter. How many sacks did Seacreast get last season? Was he even All-Dekalb County when he went to Dunwoody High? What a fine hustle he has going. Good for Seacrest.

After settling the rookies and welcoming Abraham to camp, there’s that little matter or Roddy White’s contract extension. The Falcons need to lock up their Pro Bowl wide …

Continue reading Falcons: Will they show White the money? »

Falcons defensive end Chauncey Davis taking it to Ben Roethlisberger. Will he get a shot to beat out Jamaal Anderson when Training Camp opens on Aug. 1?

Defensive end Chauncey Davis, fullback Ovie Mughelli and Atlanta native and former Baltimore Raven Daniel Wilcox are set to host the Downtown Locker Room (DTLR) and The Athletic Group (TAG) football camp on Saturday at the James R. Hallford Football Stadium located in Clarkston.

The price is right, too. It’s free.

“Instead of sitting in the house watching TV and playing video games, you can be outside doing something active and something positive,” Davis said.

They will go over comprehensive NFL football drills and conditioning for student-athletes ages 12 to 17.

Made to the finish line of the Peachtree Road Race. Sportswriter have to train in the offseason, too.

“It’s a great chance to give back to the kids of the Atlanta community,” Mughelli said. “So I’m excited to work on this with my teammate Chauncey Davis and my …

Continue reading Davis to help hold camp before heading to Training Camp »

Tony Gilbert (51) is a part or what could be a deep Falcons linebacking unit. (Getty Images)

DOWN ON THE DELTA – Got a bad case of the offseason down home blues.

There are no OTAs to cover. No mini-camps. The draft has been over for months.

Have to push away from the football table, try to re-charge and then be ready to strike when things heat back up.

This is officially the “offseason” for the NFL. About the only thing going on before training camp is the rookie “don’t act a fool when you get your money” symposium.

Someone named “ATLJBO” has this six minute highlight tape of the Falcons 2009 offseason additions out on youtube. It’s pretty cool.

To pass time, I’ve tried to watch a couple of Braves games. Been following the Hawks in the draft and free agency.

Rode the roller coasters at Six Flags yesterday.

Got to set up the second annual golf match with Falcons VP of Communications Reggie Roberts. He got me

last year. I must  win this re-match and the right to talk wrestling …

Continue reading Got a case of the offseason football blues? »