Falcons: Will they show White the money?
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 receiver, but are under no duress to do.
Will White do back flip if he gets a deal that averages more than $10 million a year? You bet cha!
The league is set for an uncapped year in 2010 because the owners elected to “opt out” of the collective bargaining agreement. A new deal needs to be in place by February 2010 or teams will have that “uncapped” year in 2010.
If White and the Falcons don’t reach a deal, under the old rules, he was set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. If the “uncapped” year scenario takes hold, White would become a restricted free agent for one year and could hit the open market after the 2010 season.
Of course, the Falcons can make this a moot point by working out an extension now. Recently, Green Bay did a three-year, $27-million extension with Greg Jennings. Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald signed a four-year, $40 million deal in 2008.
Looks like White, who’s set to make $2.28 million this year, is headed for a $10 million-plus a year deal.
BABS HELPS WITH SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Falcons defensive end Jonathan Babineaux helped to distribute
Jonathan Babineaux
bookbags filled with school supplies to 3,000 underserved students last Saturday at Hosea Feed The Hungry & Homeless’s (HFTH) annual Back to School Jamboree at Turner Field.
Celebrating 40 years of community service, Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless (HFTH) implemented the “School Readiness” Back to School Jamboree initiative to help the approximately 12% of the Atlanta Public School students who are homeless.
V-103's Elle Duncan
ELLE DUNCAN AND TURNER?: Ran across one of those rauchy gossip sites. Think it was LipstickAlley.com and there was an item suggesting that Falcons running back Michael Turner and V-103 personality Elle Duncan were an item. Check out the video link.
Could we have our very own Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo romance brewing?
Jessica Simpson is available.
I guess the lovely Ms. Simpson is available again. I was looking forward to seeing her when the Falcons play the Cowboys in October.
FROM THE LINKS: Falcons vice president of communications Reggie Roberts won the Marshall McLuhan Open. It was a complete and thorough defeat for yours truly. Roberts won by 10 strokes.
I was down six strokes at the turn and was ready to make one of those Tiger charges to victory. Could not get to the fairways in regulation to show off the new short game that I spent a month working on.
On the back nine, Roberts remained steady and went away with the victory. Any master of communications knows that “the message is in the medium.”
Reggie Roberts, Falcons VP of Communications, has won the media showdown two years in row now.
Just a couple of more weeks until the opening of Training Camp on Aug. 1.
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Saints Outlook 2009
July 15th, 2009
4:11 pm
New Orleans Saints (9-7)
Two years removed from the NFC title game, the Saints win the competitive NFC South. Drew Brees continues his dominance over the league’s secondaries, leading the top offense in the NFL. The Saints average 25.9 points per game (#1 in the NFL) and allow 23.5 points (#25) against a schedule featuring seven games against 2008 playoff teams.
Absolute Record: 11-5
Most Significant Newcomer: Darren Sharper, S – New Orleans had issues in the secondary in 2008 and set out to address those issues in the off-season. The Saints signed Sharper, fellow safety Pierson Prioleau and cornerback Jabari Greer and used their first round draft choice on Malcolm Jenkins out of Ohio State. Sharper should have the most impact of any of those players. One of the most prolific ballhawks in NFL history, Sharper’s game has fallen off some in the last few seasons in Minnesota. He may no longer have the physical tools of some of the other new Saints, but Sharper is still a quality starting safety whole also brings 12 years of experience – and 54 career interceptions – to the young secondary.
Biggest Strength: Offense – Head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees are perfectly in sync coordinating the most explosive offense in the league. This isn’t just a great passing team. With Pierre Thomas assuming the feature back role, New Orleans is brimming with weapons through the air and on the ground. The more balanced offensive attack again leads the league in scoring.
Most Exploitable Weakness: Defense – The improvement of the defense leads the Saints to playoffs, but it’s still their most glaring weakness. Losing starting defensive ends Will Smith to Charles Grant to suspension to start the season won’t help. Luckily for the Saints, they don’t play a divisional opponent until Week Eight. By then, they should have had time to find the right mix of contributors and get the new players up to speed.
Possible Fantasy Sleeper: Pierre Thomas, RB – With Deuce McAllister’s release, Thomas moves into the spotlight as the Saints’ feature back. Reggie Bush will still have a role on this team – and is still productive enough to rank in our top 20 fantasy running backs – but Thomas is the better pick. He’ll get the bulk of the carries and also has the ability to be an effective receiver out of the backfield. The projections rank Thomas as the 12th best fantasy running back with 1,328 total yards and 13 touchdowns on 253 touches.
Closest Game: New York Jets (Week 4) – This is the final game of the defensive suspensions and the opening game of a stretch of five games that includes four against 2008 playoff teams and four games at home. The matchup with the Jets likely features a rookie starting QB who will be in his first month. This could be a great opportunity for the weak secondary to come together.
Fantasy Notables (fantasy rank at position in parentheses): Drew Brees (1) 4,183 yards, 30 TDs, 14 INTs; Pierre Thomas (12) 1,328 total yards, 13 TDs; Reggie Bush (19) 1339 total yards, 10 TDs; Marques Colston (20) 66 receptions, 969 yards, 6 TDs; Lance Moore (25) 76 receptions, 866 yards, 6 TDS; Devery Henderson (50) 22 receptions, 483 yards, 5 TDs; Jeremy Shockey (25) 35 receptions, 359 yards, 2 TDs; Billy Miller (27) 21 receptions, 285 yards, 2 TDs; Garrett Hartley (3) 46/46 XPS, 26/30 FGs
row3
July 15th, 2009
4:12 pm
Nice post from 11Alive.com (Randy Waters)
ATLANTA — Last summer we had no idea what to expect from the Falcons upcoming season. The former starting quarterback was in jail, the top draft pick yet to throw a pass.
Now as Matt Ryan begins his second season here, everything has changed, including the level of expectations.
How do you win over a fractured fan base? Restore credibility to a franchise? The simple answer: win.
The more complex question: how did Matt Ryan become the kind of player and person who could handle all that, and not only survive, but thrive.
Matt Ryan is not the guy who got the big signing bonus, not the rookie quarterback phenom who helped bring a franchise back from the abyss. On days like this, he’s just a golfer meeting friends for his tee time.
11Alive’s Randy Waters spoke with Ryan and looked at the 24-year-old Falcons quarterback away from the gridiron, as everyone prepares for the upcoming season.
“I’m 24 years old, a year and a half, two years out of college — and still like to do a lot of the things I did in college,” Ryan said. “Hang out and play video games and do all the stupid stuff that you do in college.”
During our conversation it was evident, that his instincts are alert to more than just opponents’ blitzes.
“We live and play in a time when you have to understand that there’s cameras out there and a lot of things that change your life negatively very quickly,” he said.
The playbook for his approach was written in Exton, Pa. He’s the second of three sons his parents signed up for football because they felt it was the ultimate team sport.
“Always kind of preached to us no matter how good you were at whatever you did other people have helped you get to that point and there’s other people helping you kind of continue to grow,” he said.
At his quarterback camp for kids this summer, he put that preaching into practice.
“If it can help them out or change their lives a little bit that’s important,” Ryan said.
His life nearly changed eight years ago this summer. Matt was a passenger, older brother Michael the driver during an accident resulting in injuries that ending Michael’s football career. Matt, unhurt, felt the guilt of a lucky survivor until Michael told him to forget it, just enjoy playing.
“That kind of negative situation has helped me look at some things in a positive light and probably has expedited that process too,” he said.
Youngest brother John turned out just fine, but as kids, quality time could get kind of rough. A Sunday morning wrestling match at home resulted in a broken arm for the smallest Ryan brother.
“Your mom and dad didn’t even find out until you were in church later that day?” asked Waters.
“You stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down, and John wasn’t on time a couple times. My mom looked at him and said what are you doin’ — grabbed him by the elbow,” Ryan said. “My little brother passed out in the pew. My mom looked at my brother and I, as only your mom can look at you, grabbed us kind of by the hair, dragged us, kind of leaving church a little bit early.”
Makes you want to give sister Kaye some sort of sibling survivor award — but years later, childhood scars healed, family get togethers have two central themes now.
“If I’m doin’ a vacation or something like that, one of the prerequisites is that there’s a beach — so I love to get out on the water and hang out, and play golf,” Ryan said.
Which gives him a chance on this day to needle teammate Brian Finneran just like he would his dad and brothers.
Almost from the moment he spotted Micahel Jenkins for that first TD last September, this has become his home turf.
“How has celebrity changed you, can you go out to dinner in Atlanta?” Waters asked.
“Even when people do come up to you everyone’s been very nice, down here,” Ryan said. “I guess it’s the southern hospitality and I’ve enjoyed it.”
But even a quarterback has no audible for Mother Nature’s classic summer thunder boomer.
“If I had made birdie there we would have continued to play in the thunder and lightning — like the bishop in Caddyshack,” he said.
After all, it’s not about individual scores.
“For me the biggest thing has always been wins,” he said. “Winning enough games to ultimately have a ring at the end of the year.”
If that ever happens, it would be his town, in more ways than one.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 15th, 2009
4:14 pm
RIDE IT: I had to make note of Jessica and Tony’s breakup. Call me the hopeless romantic, but I was hoping to see the lovely couple when the Falcons play the Cowboys in October.
D3
July 15th, 2009
5:02 pm
jason – right on with the red helmets. The throwbacks I want are the original 1966 Falcons Jerseys complete with red helmets, black logo, and those sharp black jerseys with white pants I beleive. Man, those looked tough.
Seminole Warrior
July 15th, 2009
5:09 pm
Several points here. First, glad that all is still good to go for Lady Sarah. Second, all those idiots out there that are worried about the state of the Falcon’s checkbook must be receipents of the bailout. We all, Mr. Blank included, are having to tighten up. I see no reason to worry about that.
Lady Sarah’s post raised some very valid points. Like Ali once upon a time, the “08 Falcons shook up the world. We caught a lot of folks by surprise, there were no major injuries, MR proved to be the cerebral assassin some thought he was, and the coaches worked the magic with a very underrated skill set. This recontruction project is still VERY much is a work in progress. But as one who has been a Falcon fan for a long time, I like where it is heading. The playoffs will not be an easy thing to attain this season. The offensive machine that is the Saints is quietly making some moves on the defensive side of the ball. They will have to be dealt with. The youth on our defense will need time to grow up and understand the pace of the game. The ‘09 schedule does us no favors in that regard. Carolina will be tough as always; Tampa is in serious reconstruction mode. Simply put, if we want it, we will have to wage war each and every week.
That said, and after an intense review of the schedule, I’m predicting a 9-7 season for the Falcons. The team will miss the playoffs BUT will be in the hunt until the very end. The maturation and development will continue and we will have a bright future to look forward to.
D3
July 15th, 2009
5:25 pm
Seminole – WOW, keeping it objective and real. Missing the playoffs next year? Well, no once can certainly accuse you of having blinders on. You make all very good points on our NFC South Enemies. Like you I expect us to have the toughest battle with a resurgent New Orleans and Carolina. 9-7 could be a very accurate pick, but I would argue that the Tony Gonzalez trade signals that TD, Smitty, & Co. must think we’re alot closer than many of us. It certainly is better to be humble and be surprised than have huge expectations and fall apart (witnessing UGA last year was utterly painful). It won’t be our OFF, but it will be whether our DEF can gel and do it quickly. We’ll know a lot after week 5. If we’re 4-1 or 3-2 we should make the playoffs, but if we’re 2-3 or 1-4 it will be a very long season. We got Miami, Carolina, NE, SF, & Chicago our first 5 games. Mad respect for keeping it objective my man.
Seminole Warrior
July 15th, 2009
6:04 pm
D3, you know me. I’m going to be controversial when needed. Like you, I think we are close on the offensive side of the ball. But we have to be careful of the injury bug which we so well avoided last season. Lady Sarah was dead on point with that analysis. The defense has potential but youth and “relative” inexperience will be an issue. STRONG and true leadership will need to come from Abe, Babs, and Coleman. Those first five games are critical for sure. But you know me bro…the analysis will continue.
CBrass
July 15th, 2009
6:43 pm
D3,
No Unca’ Bob has thrown any quizzes at me lately. Just by reading these post I have along way to go before I can begin to caring on any type of conversation with any of you guys…LOL
CBrass
July 15th, 2009
6:44 pm
That’s “hasn’t thrown”!
WR
July 15th, 2009
8:15 pm
You say nothing but good things, and yes the cage is all about the Falcons, but my man Seminole had to throw a quick jab. Seminole has Charlie Ward returned to the FSU camp,maybe Weinke returned and I didn’t notice, because I’m missing something with your FSU 31 and GT 24 score. You are the man, and I hate to see FSU get waxed but its all in the name of competition and football, you gotta figure after the FSU beatdown we can still be Falcons together.
Sarah, great post, I see you are getting back into the swing of things, give or take a bump on the noggin.
Jason, yeah I’m looking forward to the retro game, I love the old red helmets too my friend, when they first brought up the idea of a retro game, I was hoping it wasn’t the old school uniforms used in the 90’s. I guess it sounds crazy now but I remember thinking Chris Miller would be the next Joe Montana after he replaced David Archer.
Seminole Warrior
July 15th, 2009
8:36 pm
My man WR…nothing but love for you. Just checking to see if you would find that hidden gem. I’m trying to fire up the ‘Nole nation in what I think will be the end of an era. I’m thinking this will be it for Coach Bowden so the sense of urgency has to be there. Anyways, it will be a great game in October. On your retro point, Chirs Miller did have the potential but those multiple concussions took their toll on the brother.
WR
July 15th, 2009
9:41 pm
Seminole, I know, just had to add a little spark, but honestly I hope that they don’t take those wins away from Bowden. As much as I am a Tech fan, its going to be a sad day to see the Bowden era come to an end. I have no love for Penn State, but for some reason I find myself cheering on Joe Pa, except for the fact that I don’t want him to beat out Bowden for most career victories. What can I say, I just love the game of football, Tech is my home town favorite, but I grew up in a USC household, the only way you can talk my father out of discussing O.J. as one of the all time greats is to mention Gale Sayers.
Sarah B
July 15th, 2009
9:43 pm
Thanks WR, Seminole Warrior, which I think I will shorten to SW if you don’t mind. I type all day long.
Seminole Warrior
July 15th, 2009
9:49 pm
WR…your pops is a man of class. My old man loves Gale Sayers as well. For me though, the running back that wanted so bad to be like was the man known simply by one word….SWEETNESS. There will never be another like him. Enuf said. 31 days until we get this started by beating the Kittens (aka Lions).
Sarah B
July 15th, 2009
9:52 pm
Sorry WR being a Big 10 girl I disagree on Joe P. he is getting waaaay to old to be coaching PS. Although I had to laugh last year when the footage of Penn State fans cheering when App. State beat Michigan came out that afternoon. Remember I’m a Mich. State girl.
Sarah B
July 15th, 2009
9:54 pm
God I hated UNC this spring. But the Spartans will be back and UNC graduated or lost like 9 players.
Seminole Warrior
July 15th, 2009
10:05 pm
Lady Sarah, SW is just fine. Hope that you are continuing to feel better. That was a great post you had earlier today.
D3
July 15th, 2009
10:25 pm
What’s up Fellow ‘Cagers? Hope everyone’s having a good mid-week day as we roll closer and closer to Training Camp. Finishing my paper for grad class and will return later, but here’s our Fantasy Football update.
Due to a pretty big response we had to limit our 1st Annual Bird-Cage Fantasy Football League to 10 and use ‘Cage membership length as the tie-breaker:
Emails I’ve received: Sarah B, her STH buddy, JJ, WR, Stirg, Unca’ Bob
Need the following emails: falcon21, jason, Seminole
dawsondevitt@gmail.com
As soon as I get the rest of the emails I’ll get us rolling. BT & Shannon D, sorry about that but lack of space forced us to use longevity of Bird-Cage membership as a tie-breaker for spots.
Sarah B
July 15th, 2009
10:28 pm
Thanks SW. It was a bad fall. I scrubbed the tub/shower to excess and purchased one of those rubber saftey/non slip mats. Can’t die until the Birds win the SB!!!
Sarah B
July 15th, 2009
11:01 pm
I need to be edujudgemacated on on-line drafting though, we have always had a live draft. Bad Spelling on purpose…
WR
July 15th, 2009
11:06 pm
Seminole I was making one last check before I called it a night, and you brought up the man known as one word, yes my friend you are right. I didn’t get to observe Gale Sayers but I did have the pleasure of watching Walter, in fact, he was the reason I chose number 34 my first year in little league, I still think you can’t get much better. Although I must add that I was a big time Dorsett and Bo Jackson fan, I still hate the fact that Bo messed up his hip, I would like to have seen what he would have been able to do over an entire career, no offense Brian Bosworth.
WR
July 15th, 2009
11:10 pm
Look at Sarah trying to be hip, though I have to admit I don’t know what the h@ll you were trying to spell, I know its some form of educated but you can’t even find that word you spelled in the book of ebonics. Alright, enoughs, enough for tonight early day tomorrow, later cage.
Sarah B
July 15th, 2009
11:15 pm
WR you’ve never said “edujudgemacated”???? I love that word…
Sarah B
July 15th, 2009
11:23 pm
I think I made it up myself.
Sarah B
July 15th, 2009
11:25 pm
Talk to everyone tomorrow. Taking my head injury to bed…
Nookah
July 16th, 2009
12:34 am
Well, well, well!!!! Its the middle of July and August is right around the corner. Greetings, as I lift my Stripe to you all!! Yes posse it is only I!!! So good to be back in the house.
WR, thanks for the thought my brother even though it was some time ago. I am a little late to the party but your respect is due. It’s good to be back in the house.
D3, Seminole, Unca Bob, D Led, JJ, Stirg and last but certainly not least Sarah B, what’s been happening. My respects to all other Falcon fans not named but please I meant no disrespect!! Up North here I’ve been pretty busy and finally had some time to check in. It’s good to be back among friends.
I see we have gone head first into our favourite team. We got to lock up Roddy. I think he deserves a significant raise. Someone mentioned some time back, I think it was D3, he is worth somewhere between Jennings and Fitzgerald because let’s keep it real, he ain’t no Larry!!!
Good to see the “Predator” reporting to camp. I can’t wait to see our team on the field again.
Unca Bob, I see your sight has not failed you my brother although those “glasses” are indeed hard to miss!!
Well guys, you know how it is. The wagon starts rolling.
Nuff respect everytime!!!
Go Falcons!!!
There’s a natural mystic blowing through the air, if you listen carefully now you will hear
this could be the first trumpet, might as well be the last, many more will have to suffer
many more will have to die – don’t ask me why
things are not the way they used to be, i won’t tell you no lie ,one and all have to face reality now
‘tho i’ve tried to find the answer to all the questions they ask, ‘tho i know it’s impossible to go living through the past, don’t tell no lie…………………………………………………….Robert Nesta Marley!!!
BBB
July 16th, 2009
1:39 am
DOL, We had pictures of October Gonzales, but what about Sarah B. poolside in Vegas?
SeminoleWarrior
July 16th, 2009
8:24 am
Morning Posse. Lady Sarah, hope you are continuing to feel better. Welcome home,Noookah, my brother. I’m back in the fold as well my brother. 29 days until we kick the Kittens of Detroit in the well, you know what. As far as RW, I proposed a Reggie Wayne-like deal but my brother D# told me that it was a little on the low side. Wayne got 39.5 million over six years three years ago. He and RW are very similiar in my book. So, I’m going to raise my offer slightly. Roddy, have your people call mine (or AB’s). 5 years, 37.5 million. That’s my deal. Debate time ensues..
D3
July 16th, 2009
9:20 am
WOW, IT’S ALL COME FULL CIRCLE HERE IN THE ‘CAGE! First Seminole rejoins his rightful spot in the ‘Cage and then Nookah. I’m as happy as could be as our football forum looks to be back to full-strength. It’s really time to get jacked up now. All that’s left is Reno911, Lil’ Dave, Marko, and dacha. To our Falcons……
Nookah – so great to have you back my man! You have certainly been missed over the dog days of summer. We had some dry points during that run, but we’ve picked up some new members and made it and now we’re almost two weeks away from Training Camp. Welcome back my Nesta Northern Brother!
CBrass – Don’t worry a bit about not knowing enough. Any questions you have, just pop them out there and many of us will be glad to answer. One of the things that makes this blog so awesome, is the level of respect everyone shows for one another. If your curious what other blogs look like go to any UGA or GT blog on the AJC. Nothing but infantile, stupid name-calling garbage.
All good. More later ‘Cagers!
jason
July 16th, 2009
9:27 am
ugawatson@satx.rr.com
D3, Sent my e-mail to you twice.
Miller would have been good if not for the concussions, but also tearing his knee up on the new dome turf.
“Sweetness”, and TD Dorset were my 2 faves. I grew up a Cowboy and Falcon fan. Personal favorite was William Andrews.
CBrass
July 16th, 2009
9:28 am
D3,
You’re so right about the UGA and the GT blogs. It’s just crazy how those people act!!! I have tons and tons of questions. Love it here you guys and Sarah B makes me feel so welcome!!
Nookah,
Welcome back from the look of it you were sorely missed.
Sarah B,
Hope that you’re feeling even better today!!!
Will check in with ya’ll later.
bigjohnbirdsfan
July 16th, 2009
9:31 am
Elle Duncan is no Jessica Simpson.
Not unless her…sunglasses are just as large.
This deserves a closer look…
SeminoleWarrior
July 16th, 2009
9:41 am
Jason, ahhhhhhhh, the pride of Thomasville High School, William Andrews. We have had our share of NFL players from my home turf. I love WA but my heart is forever endowed to SWEETNESS when it comes to RBs. Loved my Falcons always but Walter, well, Walter was just plain SWEET.
Stirg d'Nahsif
July 16th, 2009
9:48 am
“The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.” My Brother
What up, Nookah?
SeminoleWarrior
July 16th, 2009
9:51 am
CBrass, D3 is right on target as usual. The fire, desire, and passion for the game is balanced here with mutual respect. The FALCON NATION is united in this, our renaissance. For old schoolers like me, the light is clearly visible at the end of the tunnel. We are on our way to that much desired parade down Peachtree Street with the Lombardi Trophy in hand. So buckle up my brother…we are in for one hell of a ride!!
SeminoleWarrior
July 16th, 2009
9:54 am
Stirg dropping the wisdom. A great point my brother. What’s been up with ya?
Unca' Bob
July 16th, 2009
9:55 am
Nookah,
Welcome back! I’m glad to see you have gotten your Passport renewed and flew South for a visit. Yes sir, I am all about eye safety. Not only do they reduce eye strain, they look like something I could comfortably wear all day.
D3,
RE: CBrass- We have not had another quiz to date, but, it’s early. Just trying to reduce the learning curve for a new Cager, much the same way as you crusty Ol’ Cager’s did for me. Thanx…My process continues.
Nookah
July 16th, 2009
10:14 am
Man, I’m feeling the love guys and it’s great to be back.
Stirg, it’s all good. Love that quote and that’s keeping it real.
We are looking forward to this season with such anticipation and the predictions are flying in from all corners. I take some of them with a grain of salt. Remember what they said about us last year? So why should we think they’ll be more accurate this year? Does one year make them more accurate? I think not. Anyway I saw one from Athlon Sports that said we will beat the Saints in the Wild Card round then play the Cardinals in the Divisional round (again!!) and then the Eagles will play the Cardinals and go to the Super Bowl. How about that for a prediction?
My take is, for the amount of film Matty Ice will study the Cardinals won’t beat us again this year…lol. We got far more weapons and our defense will surprise many, except us of course.
By the way Seminole are you predicting doom for the Birds?
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!!
Stirg d'Nahsif
July 16th, 2009
10:31 am
What’s going on Seminole Warrior? Long time, my friend. I read your entry lastnight and got a little p’tered with ya’ (until I reminded myself of all the hoopla I’ve stirred up in the cage). What in peachtree’s name were you smoking when you suggested that Falcons won’t make the playoffs? I, too, think that we’ll have a record like 9-7 but you’d better believe the three other teams in our division will have worse numbers. I think that 9-7 will get us into the playoffs. You my boy, and all, but I’m going to have to go against that one. You getting in the Fantasy game with us?
Nookah, keep the reggae coming. I think its having an affect on the cage.
JJ
July 16th, 2009
10:43 am
Welcome back Nookah & SW, it’s been awhile.
(non-football) How ’bout grandpa shooting a -5 to lead the open! Go Tom!
SeminoleWarrior
July 16th, 2009
11:34 am
Stirg, nothing but love for ya. I knew that my comment would raise some eyebrows. And you know me; I’m going to bring it when needed. So let me defend my point. Hang in there with me now.
I love my Birds. As you and the core posse know, I love Smitty. I love the Sugar Bear. But in BVG, my trust is still evolving. We will be VERY young on the defensive side of the ball this season. STRONG leadership will be needed from Coleman, Babs, and Abe. The schedule is not forgiving my friend this season. While we are fast on defense, we are also smaller in some regards. We will need to be very aggressive. Our schedule pits us against some to the best running teams in the league. Twice we face Carolina who is always a beast running the rock. Any Parcels-related team will run. The Bears, Giants, and Eagles will run. So I worry about run defense. Our LB corps(Nicholas, Lofton, and James,I hope) will be faster this year and I hope that will make a difference. Peterson is a band-aid in there just for experience. Wire can play but I prefer his special teams leadership. Upfront, I’m truly hoping that Trey Lewis is back to full strength; loved what I saw from him a few years back. We will have to grow up FAST on defense. I’m not saying we can’t but let’s say I am being cautious. The other facet I am looking at was a point well made by Lady Sarah. There is no way we will avoid the injury bug like we did last season. I certainly would hope we could but it’s not realistic. Perry and Abe have histories of minor injuries that seem to just nag and nag. I like the depth we have in Biermann and Davis, but Bierman is still evolving. I believe in the Sugar Bear, so per instructions from Unca Bob and D3, I’m giving Jamaal this year to put it all together. Also, I want to see what the revised secondary does. Owens seems to be real, Hutchins seems to be determined to get back in the fold, and I’m eager to see the rotation of DeCoud, Coleman, and Moore in action. If there was ever a time to set up his game, now is it for Houston and I think he will. Smitty did a masterful job across the board last season and I do trust. Offensively, we are in tact with no issues in my opinion except locking up the nucleas of the O-Line as soon as we can. One year deals with Dahl and Clabo need to become long term deals ASAP. Same next year with Blalock as a RFA. Again, I will trust in TD and Smitty.
So my brother Strig, it is with that backdrop that I predict the 9-7 finish and a second place finish in the division. As much as it hurts, I think the dreaded Saints will finish one game ahead of us with the Alleycats (aka Panthers) in third at 8-8. Tampa brings up the rear.
We are close my brother but not there yet. Not since the days of Coaches Bennett and Reeves have I felt this good going into a season. But history, that great teacher of us all, reminds me that in each of those preceding “good/great” years, injuries riddled us the year after and set up back. I’m not saying that will be the case BUT youth and injuries could extend the maturation process we are undetaking in ATL.
This is an ongoing mission. Trust me, I have full faith that we will have our Lombardi parade down Peachtree. I promise that I will stand tall with you my brother as well as all out posse family on that day. My heart tells me that we will continue to grow, we will play hard and be in contention until Jan. 3 at Tampa, and that in the end, the league and the world will have a new, permanent respect for the Falcon Nation.
You’re always my brother Stirg. And even in the midst of a battle, we are one..brothers of the FALCON NATION.
SeminoleWarrior
July 16th, 2009
11:39 am
Nookah, my brother. No doom predictions. We will be in the hunt I promise. But the youth and toughness of the schedule will test us to the maximum. A second place finish at 9-7 and in the playoff hunt until the very end. History will be made in back to back winning seasons. But the process, as TD calls it, continues.
Unca' Bob
July 16th, 2009
11:48 am
They just signed L Sid!
Sarah B
July 16th, 2009
11:48 am
Morning to all, Nooka great to have you back. All the love for “Sweetness” is sending me realing back to the old days. Remember I grew up a Lion so I actually got to see him play in person. The Dude was the greatest! I also got to see Barry Sanders in person, loved him too he gave his all but alas even he couldn’t save the Lions.
SeminoleWarrior
July 16th, 2009
11:56 am
Sid is in and Matty Ice has won an ESPY as the Breakthrough Athlete of the Year for 2008. The beat goes on!!
Sarah B
July 16th, 2009
12:02 pm
YES! On the ESPY – I went and voted for him.
jason
July 16th, 2009
12:09 pm
SeminoleWarrior, No doubt. “Sweetness” was the man. I think what I loved about him most is he had no one paticular weapon. He was not the biggest, fastest, etc. His weapon was deternination. His will to keep fighting to make extra yards. Payton was relentless, always working harder to improve him self. I classify him with Joe”Cool” Montana in not being blessed with all the God given talent, but yeat making the absolute best of what God did give them. That’s why he is the greatest RB of all time, and also Montana being the best QB of all time.
SeminoleWarrior
July 16th, 2009
12:09 pm
As did I Lady Sarah. MR is ready for a 20+plus TD season. Glad I got my autograph last season when he was a rookie. Matty Ice will be as secure have as much Secret Service protection as Sasha and Malia. LOL.
SeminoleWarrior
July 16th, 2009
12:15 pm
Jason, funny that you mention Joe “Cool Hands Luke” Montana. He is the QB that I think Matt reminds me most of. He does not have the greatest of skills in all areas but the man simply wants to be the best and lead his team. Montana, with sheer will and grit, helped raised a team to greatness with a roster of players no one had ever heard of until they rose to greatness. Smitty and TD are doing the same thing here in ATL. America, you do not know most of the Falcon players at this time, but trust me, you WILL. ONE NATION..FALCON NATION.
Nookah
July 16th, 2009
12:22 pm
Seminole, good points you have presented and I have no problem with the premise you have presented. However, the same “achilles heel” that you think we have (defense), happens to be the same problem that the Saints have. They too have a very potentially explosive offense with the brilliant Drew Brees under center and the 2-prong attack in the back field of Bush and Thomas (we have to give credit where it is due and we have to respect the opposition), and a gifted receiving corps led by Colston and Lance Moore. They have the benefit of a relatively easy schedule (8th vs 4th for the Falcons) and that is compounded by the fact thet we face 4 teams coming off their bye weeks. So if you factor that in we have an even tougher schedule.
They have pretty much overhauled their defense. Malcolm Jenkins they expect to be a stud. FA CB Jabari Greer, FA safety Darren Sharper and rookie safety Chip Vaughn also are expected to perform at a high level. Remember Tracy Porter (CB) was having a good year before he got injured in week 5. Their greatest weakness is in the middle of the field which this year I think is going to be our strength with #88 and #83 patrolling the territory and don’t sleep on #12. That’s why they went and got Sharper. When we meet it’s gonna be a shootout. They will also get back Will Smith at 100% and Charles Grant will be back.
I could go on and on but the question for them this season will be the same as ours. Will the defense gel? They have not had a winning season since 2006 so they may be due. However, I have all the faith in my Birds. I think they’ll end up behind us in the division. We went 1-1 vs them last year. We have to do the double this year to try to stay in front of them.
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!
Dedicated to the Saints:
I’m not boasting; I’m not boasting; I’m not boasting, yeah!
Feel like toasting; Feel like toasting Simply ’cause:
I’m gonna put it on; (In the morning) I’m gonna put it on; (In the night)
I’m gonna put it on; (Anytime, anywhere) Good Lord, help me………Robert Nesta!!!