Got a case of the offseason football blues?
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 smack all season long.
I’ve been walking two-miles in the mornings the last two weeks to get ready for the Peachtree Road Walk. Others will be racing. I’ll be walking.
In my role as Second Vice President of the Professional Football Writers or America, I’ve been reviewing the league’s 2009 medial access policy. A couple nice rules changes that will help the fans follow their teams. Can share those later.
Also, my buddy and former editor Garry D. Howard of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel was recently inaugurated as President of the Associated Press Sports Editors.
Leon Carter (New York Daily News), APSE President Garry D. Howard, Stephen A. Smith, the lovely Donna Howard and Jennifer Howard in front.
Football-wise, saw that Mike Brown signed with the Chiefs. So that makes Lawyer Milloy the top unsigned veteran safety.
But there is one area on the team that I’ve been studying a lot this offseason.
I understand why they have Curtis Lofton at middle linebacker, Michael Peterson at weakside and Stephen Nicholas at strongside. But trying to make sense of the reserves is pretty intriguing. There are going to be some good roster battles and if the first teamers fall on their faces, there appears to be help.
Here’s a look at the reserve linebackers:
Special teams maven Coy Wire.
COY WIRE, 6-0, 228: Can play all three positions. Took over for Michael Boley in running situations late last season. Played some safety earlier in his career. Is one of the top special team players.
Edmond Miles
EDMOND MILES, 6-0, 243: From Tallahassee. Played at Godby High. Always want to know why guys from Florida leave the state. Miles played at Iowa. Did Miami, Florida State or Florida not recruit him? Was he a late bloomer? Did he just want to play right away at Iowa? Made the Dolphins as an undrafted rookie in 2007. Played mostly weakside linebacker in college.
ROBERT JAMES, 5-10, 218: Fifth round pick in 2008. Didn’t play last season after suffering a head injury
Robert "The Beast" James led Arizona State with 106 tackles in 2007.
and was placed on injured reserve. A super-fast, run-and-hit guy. Fits the teams “need for speed” profile. Have to worry about him being a little to small. Nicknamed “The Beast” in college.
TONY GILBERT, 6-0, 248: The former Georgia Bulldog was signed late last exhibition season. He was not active for any games last season. But he knows the system and quietly goes about his business. With Peterson coming over there might not be a place for Gilbert. If something happens to Lofton, Peterson, a former MLB with Jacksonville, could shift to the middle.
SPENCER ADKINS, 5-11, 246: Played a lot of weakside for the Hurricanes. Is extremely fast with good striking ability. He will have to make the team on special teams. “An intriguing natural talent who was used primarily as a situational pass rusher. . . but his lack of instincts always could restrict him from developing,” according to Pro Football Weekly’s 2009 Draft Preview.
RASHAD BOBINO, 5-11, 230: Played on some good defenses at Texas, starting 45 of 52 games over his productive career. Went undrafted, despite being all-Big 12 three times. He’s definitely a player to watch when training camp opens.
Mainstays, Keith Brooking and Michael Boley are gone off to Dallas and New York.
Reggie Roberts, Falcons VP of Communications. "You're Going Down!!!"
But what about the depth at this position. Do you like it? Worried about them being too small?
Any sleepers in the bunch? And yeah, Roberts, you’re going down!!!
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190 comments Add your comment
Unca' Bob
July 2nd, 2009
1:49 pm
Strig,
Peterson is a natural OLB and was placed into the middle out of need in Jax.
Brian Hunt
July 2nd, 2009
2:14 pm
Right now the Falcons’ LB corps looks like a bad Spades hand: 1 and a bunch of possibles. I think that Lofton is the only guarantee. How much does Peterson have left? Will Nicholas be able to step up? Are Wire, Adkins, and Gilbert more than a special teams players? Is James big enough to stay healthy? I think that there is some talent hidden amongst the group, but there is also a lot of uncertainty. I think that it’s a position that will be targeted again in next year’s draft. They need one more play-maker in the group. I hope that that player is already on the roster, but I’m not sure. The upside is that in today’s passing NFL, most of these guys will come off the field on second and third down anyway. The pressure is on the secondary and we may finally have a decent crop of safeties.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 2nd, 2009
2:27 pm
STIRG: Nicholas backed up Boley last season and was used in that 3-3-5 at DE. Under Petrino he played weakside. Smitty likes Hybrids so he doesn’t have to flop sides to the tight end in the old traditional SAM role. Thanks for asking.
Sarah B
July 2nd, 2009
2:43 pm
Brian Hunt – I hope that need will be addressed with the 32nd pick
Stirg d'Nahsif
July 2nd, 2009
2:44 pm
Seems good to me. Again, I think we’re sitting pretty at linebacker.
Brian Hunt: Funny; linebackers look like a bad Spades hand. If you play your cards right, that “one and a bunch of possibilities” can turn four or five books, especially if “that one” is a Joker, like Lofton (the guarantee).
Unca' Bob
July 2nd, 2009
8:03 pm
Brian Hunt,
My goodness, you have certainly come aboard with a lot of questions. If you would, please provide at least one answer to your questions. I love your writing style; very smooth, very glib. It reminds me of someone else. Do I know you?
Unca' Bob
July 2nd, 2009
8:09 pm
Sarah B,
32nd draft choise? Priceless!!!
Unca' Bob
July 2nd, 2009
8:31 pm
Strig,
I am just like everyone else. We have no idea what Coach Smith & Co.are holding in their hand. My hope is they have a void in a suite and trump everone.
Sarah B
July 2nd, 2009
10:56 pm
Blues does not express what we are feeling, this is like depression.
Sarah B
July 2nd, 2009
10:57 pm
Thank you Unca’ Bob for getting that!
falcon21
July 2nd, 2009
11:52 pm
Hang on Sarah, preseason is just around the corner!!!
Ken Strickland
July 3rd, 2009
1:28 am
BRIAN HUNT-why do you have questions about LB MPeterson, or any LB that registers 84 tackles, 70 of them solo tackles? With the upgrade in talent and depth we’ve added on the DL, there’ll be less pressure on our LB’s than in the past. Think about this. OLB’s MPeterson, SNicholas and RJames smight have as much speed and quickness, if not more, than last yrs SS lMilloy.
This yrs DEF might not be as experienced as last yrs, but it will be better in every other category.
Ed
July 3rd, 2009
4:44 am
Here’s a link to the most underrated and overrated players in the NFL
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/11916896
Ed
July 3rd, 2009
4:45 am
They pick one of each for every team
Edward
July 3rd, 2009
7:52 am
I am literally sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the season to begin. The Falcons linebacking corps is just one of the many areas of this years team that I am really excited about. I can’t wait til September 13th when the Miami Dolphins become our first victim.
JJ
July 3rd, 2009
8:30 am
Sarah B, Just finished reading Bradleys’ blog and you’re right. From the all caps, to spacing and smileys (not to mention logic), What!!! is VS2. The filters must kickout his orig. moniker so he had to change it.
I suggest skipping (I def. will) any What!!! propaganda. It’s really gotten old.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 3rd, 2009
8:38 am
The Fourth is tomorrow. In addition to celebrating the nation’s Independence, it means that Football Season is getting closer!!!
SARAH B.: I’m worried about you. How can we get you to cheer up a bit?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 3rd, 2009
8:40 am
ANY THOUGHTS ON THE RESULTS OF THIS POLL QUESTION:
Which player will the Falcons miss most on defense?
————————————————————————
Keith Brooking 12.52% 201
Lawyer Milloy 21.81% 350
Domonique Foxworth 65.67% 1054
jason
July 3rd, 2009
8:45 am
Good morning folks. Happ 4th. I see that there are alot of new bloggers. Didn’t read alot of posts, skimmed through alot. WR, Unca Bob,Sarah B, Strig, and row3. I see you all are holding down the fort. I also D3 is hiatus. I will be back and jump in the conversations. I have been perusing the Braves blog. In this down time and nothing on the “idiot box” as Sarah would say, I have been following my Braves. They look about ready to start a run. There are alot of idiots over there, unlike here with the exception of a new blogger “what!”, whoever that is. Just one more to ignore. He will be gone soon, once he reads the wisdom and knowledge of the D.O.L. and D3 crew. Can’t talk alot of $h!t to people who actually knows what they are talking about. Where’s D3? I forgot how many days to training camp and the preseason. Hoolar at you guys and Gal later.
jason
July 3rd, 2009
8:49 am
D. Orlando Ledbetter, on your poll question, I think it is very accurate. Foxworth will be missed from a leadership and experience standpoint. While we have talent back there, and I mean alot of talent at CB, we are very young. Brooking was replaced by Peterson, and Milloy by Coleman.
falmouth
July 3rd, 2009
8:57 am
thanx Sarah B., hahaha! if you’re bored ’til training camp you can always start writin’ a thesaurus. me, i’ll be playin’ with the frisbees my Unca bob gave me.
talked to a few people who also agree we should draft a backer with a high pick next year. that doesn’t say much about the corps to me but we’ll see. i’d GLADLY eat crow if it means we’re good.
our lack of pass covering lb’s got me thinking about the secondary. i read that DeCoud was working with the first team D (was only ota but…). very interesting! i think i like that, would be cool to see him on the field more! but! if was with the first team was it at strong? i would assume so since we coleman at starting fs. hmmm, 197lb DeCoud at strong. hmmmm. anybody know what position he was playing?
first last years dvd’s now safety talk…maaaan, thinga are slow. come on training camp!
falmouth
July 3rd, 2009
9:06 am
oops. didn’t realize coleman was moving over. i like the poll order. think milloy deserves a few more points on leadership alone tho. i hope he finds a home soon. really enjoyed watching him play.
LOVE This Offseason!
July 3rd, 2009
9:38 am
Offseason Blues?
Nope, not me!
We got rid of that inarticulate THUG # 7 and his worthless, rage-filled, rude “Supporters” forever.
We also got Tony Gonzalez!
This has been THE BEST offseason for the Falcons in a long time.
GO, BIRDS!
Unca' Bob
July 3rd, 2009
10:12 am
falmouth,
This may be helpful.
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/News/Articles/2009/06/21-30/DeCoud_excited_about_opportunity_at_safety.aspx
That Dude
July 3rd, 2009
10:50 am
I think in a couple of years we could possibly have on of the better defensive backfields in the NFL. If it all works out then I can see Jackson and Owens as our starting CB’s with DeCoud and Moore at S. The reason why I think this will work out great is because Jackson and Owens can play the ball well while in flight. Jackson is a Saban guy and Saban doesn’t mess around with CB’s who are uncomfortable when the ball is in the air. Chris Houston anyone? From the video I’ve seen of Owens, he can run the receivers route better than the receiver himself. DeCoud and Moore can both hit and cover or at least have the skills to do so. In a couple of years, who knows, we could have a backfield that rivals past Philly backfields.
What!!!
July 3rd, 2009
10:53 am
Top Pro Sports Franchises:
“WITHOUT MIKE VICK”
2007: Number 119
2008: Number 43
“WITH MIKE VICK”
2005: Number 6
2004: Number 7
http://sports.espn.go.com/sportsnation/news/story?id=2248555
Interesting
Benjamin
July 3rd, 2009
11:35 am
I’m content with our starters — and a BIG fan of Lofton — but honestly, I’m a little concerned about our backup LBs this year.
The offense is going to be outstanding, and we’re going to have the ability to put up a lot of points as a result, but I think I could see us getting into some shootouts this year, particularly if Abraham, Lofton, or Peterson go down for any measure of time.
Benjamin
July 3rd, 2009
11:36 am
On the whole, though, Dmitroff, Smith, and co. have done a hell of a job putting the franchise together in a short time span. I’m really proud of the way our leadership has taken us from the ashes of Vick’s departure to being back in the conversation. I’ll trust them going forward.
D3
July 3rd, 2009
11:53 am
Greetings from Beautiful Tennessee Fellow ‘Cagers! It’s 75 degrees and cool up here in NE Tenn. Even though I’m on a mini-vaca, I couldn’t resist popping in for a second. Looks like I picked a bad time to leave the ‘Cage, as we’re seeing some serious activity in our favorite forum. Love to see all the different posters coming into play. We’re officially under the 30 day mark, for those of you counting, until the most competitive Training Falcons Camp, maybe ever. To the ‘Birds…….
Off-Season Blues – honestly, this has been one of the best years I’ve ever had with the anticipation and outright boredom in the off-season. Usually I’m climbing the walls waiting for August to get here and can’t wait another second. I’ve had a little one to keep me busy for certain, but my new favorite hobby, The Bird-Cage, has helped me with my football fix and created a slow-building wave of excitement that will bursting like a volcano come September 12th.
I’ve really found ways to enjoy each season this year. In the past, there was only one season……Football Season, from September until the Super Bowl. And then the dark clouds of boredom and even depression set in, but this year I found a way to make the most of it.
The end of February started with the combines and analyzing some players that the Falcons could be looking at and trying to get a grasp of what’s out there and familiarizing myself with players. (I mean who ever heard of Connor Barwin and Sammie Hill?). In March, I broke out my Thrashers jersey once and saw a game at Phillips (wanted to see more, but the House CEO was seriously preganant and uncomfortable). Been meaning to go a Hawks game forever now, just didn’t have the time with my Little WR on the way. Loved the start of free-agency, especially the first week or so and see who’s donning new uniforms and any trades that’s on the books. This year the Cutler saga was the premiere headline with that Dolt of a new head coach, McDaniels, being the utmost arrogant tool and trading away their best player (didn’t ever really mind the Broncos, but hope they fail big-time now because of that dumb@—.) Followed the Hawks in the playoffs in April.
April saw the Masters, which was a really good one this year and finished with a storming Tiger and Phil on Sunday, and a total collapse by Kenny Perry to lose the Green Jacket. Start of the Braves season, which was neat to watch with so many new players and pitchers.
And of course how can I forget the absolute masterful and awesome Bird-Cage that was at a high pitch about the draft for almost a full month. That was some serious good stuff and it took something that was a small enjoyment for me to another level when I got to know all the regulars in here. What a draft it was, and Reno911 taking home the title of best mock draft, who’s gone M.I.A. since. Spent a couple of weeks analyzing that in May and tried to take my nephews to their first Braves game, which was rained out.
Watched the US Open in June, found another new hobby in trying to emulate Bobby Flay, the Grilling Messiah. Played some Madden of course and kept track of Andy Roddick in Wimbledon, who’s in the semi-finals. After a crappy streak of losses and pitiful play, looks like the Braves have a shot in a terrible NL East. And to top it off, the Tour de France starts tomorrow which I’m stoked about. My brother got me into it about 5 years ago and its a lot of fun to watch, especially when our man Lance Armstrong is in it (going for Title #8 this year). Not only is it fun to watch everyday, but it also takes us right into training camp.
But the biggest thing helping me through the Off-Season Blues is my fellow Bird-Cager’s where I can come and talk good, intelligent football with cool fans. A true hobby that I throroughly enjoy!
Sorry for the long post, but the ‘Cage is kind of like a drug and I just seriously OD’d after being away for several days. Drop back in later………
LESS THAN 28 DAYS UNTIL MOST COMPETITIVE FALCONS TRAINING CAMP EVER!!!!
Ken Strickland
July 3rd, 2009
2:19 pm
My last 4 post have been eaten.
Atljbo
July 3rd, 2009
2:29 pm
I’m excited to see Stephen Nicholas….I feel like Stephen Nicholas can be a impact LB…… Look for Nicholas to have a great year……..
Also
I’m excited to see Spencer Adkins during training camp and the during preseason..The Steelers was really high on Spencer Adkins… All Spencer Adkins has to do is show flashes of his ability right now……… Spencer Adkins have allot of potential as a attacking WLB…. I know as a WLB Spencer Adkins awareness must improve because he will be called on to drop in covering but the guy has the talent to do so.
40 Yrd Dash: 4.48
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 30
Vertical Jump: 36 1/2
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.25
The guy has “The U” type LB talent …. I want to see can the Coaching Staff turn that raw talent into a starting WLB in 2 or 3 years (when Mike Peterson retire) ……..
Unca' Bob
July 3rd, 2009
2:48 pm
Keith Brookimg
http://www.examiner.com/x-1778-Atlanta-Falcons-Examiner~y2009m7d1-brooking
Unca' Bob
July 3rd, 2009
3:05 pm
Atljbo,
Good research on S Adkins. He’s 5′11″ and comes in at between 235 to 245 lbs. With the speed and his size he could certainly blow somebody up. He will make a great addition for our S Teams.
What!!!
July 3rd, 2009
4:03 pm
“Atlanta Falcons 2009 NFL Predictions, Win Total & 2010 Super Bowl Odds”
http://www.onlinesportshandicapping.com/news-9/football-picks/070309-atlanta-falcons-2009-nfl-predictions-win-total-2010-super-bowl-odds.html
8-8 for 2009 – sorry guys, maybe next year
Atljbo
July 3rd, 2009
4:11 pm
yup
Jon Beason is barely 6′0 an dude is a beast……5′11 and 6′0 is not a huge difference…. Spencer Adkins also has that LB chiseled body so im not worried about his size and talent……. its a mental thing with him….. I look for Adkins to be a special teams ace while he learn his position from a good LB (Mike Peterson) for 2 or 3 years.
What!!!
July 3rd, 2009
4:17 pm
“New Orleans 2009 NFL Predictions, Win Total & 2010 Super Bowl Odds”
http://www.onlinesportshandicapping.com/news-9/football-picks/070109-new-orleans-saints-2009-nfl-predictions-win-total-2010-super-bowl-odds.html
Saints 2009 NFC South Champs – sorry guys, maybe next year
falcon21
July 3rd, 2009
5:42 pm
D3, we also have the British open approaching.
JJ
July 3rd, 2009
5:44 pm
D3: Hope your having a good semi-vac., have to admit I’m extremely jealous with your temp. It’s not to bad here-89,low humid- but your in the 70’s? I really liked your blog because that pretty much sums up my ‘09 sports yr (except thrashers-no interest). I thought our draft coverage in the cage was a blast. It really made you get into all the diff. players and diff. what if scenarios. We had a great crew during the draft and we have some great new ones since then. All-in-all, this has been the best falcons blog this city has ever had. It really makes the dark days (mar-july) a little brighter. I hope I didn’t give oxygen earlier, my bad!
Unca’ Bob: very good fishing for the cage, you the man!
Hope everyone has a great 4th and can spend time with those you love!
JJ
July 3rd, 2009
6:15 pm
falcon 21,
2 weeks, I’ll be pulling for THE MAN of course, but if not tiger, how ’bout D.Duval? I hope the open was not a fluke and it would make WR and every other yellowjacket happy. If not tiger/duval – then american. I dont know which course their playing but I hope its one of those with knee high grass against the ocean’s furry!
Phils out, so maybee a vet. like D.loveIII or K. Perry- he’s been playing lights out lately- he just needs a sedative on sundays.
falcon21
July 3rd, 2009
6:34 pm
JJ, you have it perfect, I hope Tiger wins but if not maybe Duval can come through, not because he’s from Tech, just hope he can get his act together. He has too much talent to waste. If not one of those two then anyone from the USA will be fine.
falcon21
July 3rd, 2009
6:41 pm
JJ, right on about K.Perry, if he would have had a couple of beers in his bag on the last few holes he would have won the Masters.
Unca' Bob
July 3rd, 2009
8:00 pm
Tiger has a one shot lead going into Saturdays round in his own tournament at the Congressional in D.C. They let military that are in uniform in for free. His Daddy is a former Green Beret and this is Tiger’s way of saying thank you to all the Vet’s. Pretty neat stuff.
Unca' Bob
July 3rd, 2009
8:09 pm
Atljbo,
You are correct, in that size does not determine the merit of a player. J Abraham is not the biggest player on our roster, let alone the NFL.
Unca' Bob
July 3rd, 2009
8:12 pm
er, um I meant to say the biggest DE on our roster.
Unca' Bob
July 3rd, 2009
8:50 pm
Cager’s,
I feel like I have been ran over by a Fat Tire and I can hear my pillow callin’ my name. JJ, thanx for the props. Atljbo, thanx for the great video. Please come back to join in. D3, enjoy your mini-vac. Why does that sound like something you would clean your key pad with?
falcon21
July 3rd, 2009
8:56 pm
Have a good weekend Unca’Bob. Good fourth to you!!!
Sarah B
July 3rd, 2009
10:53 pm
Who golf without a few beers in their bag???
Sarah B
July 3rd, 2009
10:59 pm
Oops who Golfs without beer in their bag, oh well been at the pool all day w/beers… DOL – I’ll make it through this drought if you guys keep me going. Happy 4th EVERYBDODY!!!!!
DOL – I’ll make it through this – 27 days and counting…
falcon21
July 3rd, 2009
11:10 pm
Sarah B. a bad day of the golf is when you are playing bad but a really bad day of golf is when you are playing bad and have no Bud Light!!!
falcon21
July 3rd, 2009
11:17 pm
bad day of the golf, the golf. what did I say? Too many BL’s. Of golf. Happy 4TH to everyone. Go Birds!!!