Falcons predicted to finish 7-9 by “Outsiders”
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 pack for various reasons,” Weintraub said. “It’s the NFL, parity rules.”
Part of the Falcons summary reads, “2009: That bar is set much higher, and the team is weighted down by almost certain regression.”
Here’s how they see the Falcons coming back to the pack:
THE DECLINE IN HEALTH: “The more statistical things that we’ve gone through point to injuries. The Falcons were a very healthy team last year. They were fifth-best in terms of our stats: man-games-missed by their starters.
Here's what an ESPY looks like.
“We found that there is no correlation from year-to-year. Teams that stay healthy for one year don’t necessarily stay healthy the next year. In fact, teams will go backwards in that category.
“If you just have a couple of injuries to a couple of linemen, that could be overcome. Now, if Matt Ryan goes down in the second weak of the season, then the whole thing falls apart. There is a great deal of fortune involved.”
Falcons fans have been there. Check 1999, injuries to Jamal “Jam” Anderson not Jamaal “Sackmaster” Anderson and to Chris Chandler the year after going 14-2 and reaching the Super Bowl. That team went 5-11.
THE SCHEDULE: The Falcons don’t have the AFC West and the NFC Central to kick around. They have the AFC East and NFC East.
“The schedule is significantly more difficult,” Weintraub said.
THE CURSE OF 370: The Outsiders have come up with this “Curse of 370” notion.
Here’s how that works, only one running back – Eric Dickerson – has managed to stare down the Curse.
“Any running back who carries 370 times or more in a single season, there is a significant dropoff or injury the next season,” Weintraub said. “Eric Dickerson is the only guy who’s beat that.”
Eric Dickerson
Micheal Turner had 394 carries for 1,742 yards in 17 games last season.
“You are talking about a very high probability that he’s going to experience a significant (dropoff) this year,” Weintraub said. “Now, it would behoove the Falcons greatly to ease off on his carries. They have Jerious Norwood, whom we love as a back.
“If they can establish a real combination back there, that could definitely offset some of the projected decline in Turner’s numbers.”
The great Dickerson went for 1,808 yards on 390 carries in 1983. He followed that up with 2,105 yards on 379 carries in 1984.
In 1988, Dickerson had 388 carries for 1,659 yards and in 1989 he had 1,311 yards on 314 carries.
Sadly, he was worn out at age 29. By the time he got to the Falcons in 1993, Dickerson could only muster 91 yards on 26 carries.
THE X- FACTOR: The Outsiders don’t know what to do with the addition of tight end Tony Gonzalez.
Tony and October Gonzalez
“We’ve never really had a projection to account for adding a hall of fame tight end, when your biggest need is tight end,” Weintraub said. “It’s obviously a plus, assuming he stays healthy and stays at the level he’s been at.
“He’s also defied all kinds of logic and projections that we’ve done. Our numbers have said they he was going to fall off for the last three years and he hasn’t. That’s a testimony to what a great all-time great player that he is.”
CAN RYAN WIN SHOOT OUTS?: The Outsiders ranks Ryan’s rookie season as the finest of any quarterback since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
“They may have to beat teams 35-31 every week,” Weintraub said. “That’s not a sustainable way to go to the playoffs. Now, it can be done, but I think they’ll need a better plan of attack.”
THE DEFENSE: In their regression analysis, more than 100 variables were looked at for each team. They had to consider the ensuing upheaval with replacing five starters on the defense.
“These guys could step up and play lights out,” Weintraub said. “Stephen Nicholas could turn out to be a Pro Bowl linebacker, we’ll see. But the trend over the last 15 years with teams putting (five or more) starters who have played so little into their starting defense, doesn’t bode well.”
CAVEAT: They still have to play the games.
“We projected the Falcons not to be good last year,” Weintraub said. “But (Matt Ryan) significantly out performed the trends. Surely, that can happen again. We certainly acknowledge that there are times when players step up and become superstars.”
IN SUMMATION: A lot has to happen for the Falcons to end that 43-year streak of never posting back-to-back winning seasons.
“Overall, they have a lot of trends, anchoring them and weighing them back to the pack this year,” Weintraub said. “Right now the numbers say they are going to take a step back.”
You can get the Football Outsiders Almanac 2009 off their website: www.footballoutsiders.com and print-on-demand copies from Amazon.com in late July.
D.LED’S UNOFFICIAL/BOOTLEG DEPTH CHART
MISS KERI BABY: Falcons need to line up Decatur's Keri Hilson to do the National Anthem to open the season.
Before we get to the depth chart, here are three campers to keep an eye on:
Rashad Bobino, Linebacker, 5-11, 230: Was a big thumper at middle linebacker for the Texas Longhorns. Made the Big 12 team three times. Check out his pro day workout.
Ryan Stanchek, Guard, 6-3, 305: Was a four-year starter at West Virginia. Was all-Big East in 2006 and 2008. Played left tackle in college. Got snubbed by the coaches in the all-conference voting last season.
Thomas Johnson, Defensive tackle, 6-2, 305: His name keeps popping up. Has been with three teams since coming out of Middle Tennessee in 2005. He hasn’t been able to stick with Dallas, Houston or the New York Jets. He made three starts with Houston in 2006.
THE DEPTH CHART
QUARTERBACK: Starter — Matt Ryan. Backups – 2. Chris Redman, 3. D.J. Shockley, and 4. John Parker Wilson.
RUNNING BACK: Starters — Michael Turner and Ovie Mughelli. Backups – 1. Jerious Norwood, 2. Jason Snelling, 3. Thomas Brown and 4. Verron Haynes.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters – Roddy White and Michael Jenkins. Backups – 1. Harry Douglas, 2. Brian Finneran, 3. Eric Weems, 4. Troy Bergeron, 5. Chandler Williams, 6. Aaron Kelly, 7. Darren Mougey and 8. Bradon Godfrey.
TIGHT ENDS: Starter – Tony Gonzalez. Backups – 1. Ben Hartsock, 2. Justin Peelle, 3. Keith Zinger and 4. Jason Rader.
OFFENSIVE LINE: Starters – LT Sam Baker, LG Justin Blalock, C Todd McClure, RG Harvey Dahl, RT Tyson Clabo. Backups – Center – 1. Brett Romberg, 2. Ben Wilkerson.
Guards – 1. Jeremy Newberry, 2. Romberg, 3. Wilkerson, 4. Ryan Stanchek, 5. Jose Valez.
Tackles – 1. Will Svitek, 2. Quinn Ojinnaka, 3. Garrent Reynolds, 4. Michael Butterworth.
Falcons All-Pro defensive end John Abraham.
DEFENSIVE LINE: Starters – RDE John Abraham, RT Peria Jerry, LT Jonathan Babineaux, LDE Chauncey Davis.
Backups DE – 1. Jamaal Anderson, 2. Kroy Biermann, 3. Lawrence Sidbury, 4. Willie Evans and 5. Maurice Lucas. DT – 1. Jamaal Anderson, 2. Trey Lewis, 3. Jason Jefferson, 4. Thomas Johnson, 5. Vance Walker, 6. Tywain Myles
LINEBACKERS: Starters – WLB Michael Peterson, MLB Curtis Lofton, SLB Stephen Nicholas. Backups: 1. Coy Wire, 2. Edmond Miles, 3. Tony Gilbert, 4. Spencer Adkins, 5. Robert James, and 6. Rashad Bobino.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: LCB – Chris Owens, FS – Erik Coleman, SS – William Moore, RCB – Chris Houston. Backups – CB – 1. Chevis Jackson, 2. Brent Grimes, 3. William Middleton, 4. Von Hutchins, 5. David Irons (injured), 6. Glenn Sharpe, 7. Tony Tiller. S – 1. Thomas DeCoud, 2. Jamaal Fudge, 3. Antoine Harris, 4. Eric Brock.
SPECIAL TEAMS – KR – 1. Jerious Norwood, 2. Thomas Brown. PR – 1. Harry Douglas, 2. Brian Finneran. P – Michael Koenen. PK Jason Elam. LS – Mike Schneck.
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1,184 comments Add your comment
D3
July 20th, 2009
10:49 pm
Sorry, here goes the order to the Cheyenne Burger:
Bun > Burger > Cheddar > Onion Rings > BBQ Sauce > Bun
WR – The only issue I have with your argument is Brady. Tom Brady was drafted in the 6th round and the majority of 6th round picks aren’t even expected to make the roster. The other ones I can buy, but Brady far exceeded expectations and anyone drafted after the 2nd round really can’t be considered a bust. I don’t want to give away too much because the Bird-Cage Fan Blog (hopefully) will debut this week and JA is one of the topics, the comparisons don’t look too great if you go by draft status and improvement from year one to the second over the last 5 NFL Drafts.
jason – Hopefully we’ll be up and running this week. As you can guess I’m chompin’ at the bit to get rolling. It should be a lot of fun and I can’t wait to get things started.
More later…..
Seminole Warrior
July 20th, 2009
10:51 pm
Cage, forgive me as I let Sarah live out her dream one more time. I’m about to go final with the update Sarah. One last time:
Columbus/Ft Benning: 62 right?
Valdosta/Moody AFB: 64 right?
Savannah/Ft Stewart: 69 right? Isolated Afternoon storms. And I can use the initials “SB”, right?
WR
July 20th, 2009
10:59 pm
D3, status wise, your right, but overall, it took someone a coach, scout, or whatever, to say lets keep him around. Gotta remember my all time favorite QB was a sixth round pick, Mr. Joe Montana, Bill Walsh saw something in him, and those of us old enough to watch him play and remember his magic, are glad Bill chose to keep him around. Earlier you made a point, so did Jason, and Seminole, and that point was about Davis. So here’s my question, we say in TD we trust, in Smitty we trust, so why is it that Jamaal was allowed to continue to be the starter considering the play of Davis and Biermann, I could be wrong, but I think they see something in him.
Seminole Warrior
July 20th, 2009
11:05 pm
WR, I honestly think that they are giving him the time with the Sugar Bear. Th kid plays hard from what I have seen. I think someone said it earlier tonight; he is still learning the DE position. The Davis re-signing was all about the future. Abe has 10 years on his body and he is injury-prone. Davis provides an experienced, though it is limited, contingency plan while the process continues.
WR
July 20th, 2009
11:05 pm
Sarah thats the beauty of the south, half the time we don’t know what the h@ll is going on, and we don’t care, well we do care, unless your talking about our driving in that case its your fault, you were in the way. Have a good night Sarah, wish you would have posted that burger recipe earlier.
WR
July 20th, 2009
11:10 pm
Seminole, thats what I have been saying, he plays hard, someone said earlier that he wasn’t good against the run, and I as well as the analyst disagree. He’s very strong against the run, his pass rushing ability was lacking but I think he’s putting it together. If he breaks outs, the cage will run me off because I won’t be able to stop saying I told you so.
Cheese Gritz Blitz
July 20th, 2009
11:13 pm
WARN PLUTO AND GOOFY!!!
MICHAEL VICK WILL BE TRAINING AT DISNEY WORLD’S SPORTS COMPLEX!!
Seminole Warrior
July 20th, 2009
11:17 pm
Sarah called it a night before I finished huh? Well, here’s hoping her wish is fulfilled. I’m putting in her numbers..
WR, I wish him the best…I really do. I think Jason called it. His numbers were inflated at Arkansas due to what I think was a weakened SEC west that year. Honestly, I would be lying if I was to say that I do not want Davis to get the job. I really think he (Davis) is ready to break out and move on to possible Pro Bowl status.
Sarah B
July 20th, 2009
11:20 pm
Sorry WR – I was covered up at work today. Go with that SW – not trying to take your job. But if you lose yours and Ms WR can stay with me for a while, Big empty house, except me and the dogs and cats… OK I’m out I’ll cacth up in the AM.
WR it really is very excellent and simple. I love Adobo.
WR
July 20th, 2009
11:30 pm
Where did that come from, Ms WR, I can’t go a night without a jab thrown in my direction, talk about a love hate relationship.
Seminole, I know you love the FSU product, I hope he succeeds also, maybe he takes over for Abe, Jamaal will hold down his spot, I hope, if not Davis does deserve a chance.
Sarah B
July 20th, 2009
11:41 pm
WR – what jab??? I meant Ms SW sorry…
Sarah B
July 20th, 2009
11:43 pm
we’ll be keeping the love, my bad.
Sarah B
July 21st, 2009
12:10 am
No hate. As said in the Dixie Chicks song:
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over
Not a big country fan, but htis album is great as you can see with lyrics like this. Now I am really going to bed…
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
12:41 am
Settled into the TeePee here after the nightbeat. Going to call it an early one due to a dentist visit early in the AM. Laters Posse. See ya in the latter AM..
jason
July 21st, 2009
12:42 am
Well Jason, that is a tough one. First, TD would not have been stupid enough to suggest to AB that Bobby Petrino was the best available choice to be our coach. Second, given the available personnel at the time we picked, I think that TD would have taken Patrick Willis or Jon Beason, moving Keith Brooking back to the outside instead of MLB. TD would still have taken Stephen Nicholas in the fourth for position depth.
Seminole, excellent post.
WR, the reason that JAnderson is still here and given oppurtunity is because he has talent. The guy got skills. He is just to young in the position. He is still only 23. Smitty see enough in him to give him the oppurtuniy. I would not be surprised to see Davis eventually replace him as starter. Davis did get starter’s pay. Now, If ATL is under cap then they can afford JAnderson’s pay a little longer in hopes that he turns it on. Like we said a few months back, He may never be a 10-15 QB sack monster, but if he can give us 7-10 plus his good run defense, can you really argue? By the way, I never said he was no good against the run. I think that was BT in an earlier post. I don’t really know what the SEC West does. I stay in the east.
Anyway, it has been a blast tonight, but work calls tomorrow. D3, I think I finally joined the FF. I will be around tomorrow to see what the CAGE is up to. Later.
Necromancer
July 21st, 2009
2:44 am
Bring on da season!
BT
July 21st, 2009
7:24 am
Good morning, Cagers.
Not to beat a dead horse, check out what these knowledgeable Falcons fans have to say about JA98 and what they think he must do to satisfy expectations.
Some very interesting takes..click link below
http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=122&f=1699&t=4515201
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
8:49 am
Wow seems like things really picked up once i called it a night. Hope all is well this AM.
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
9:08 am
Good morning Posse. What are we feeling today? Offense, Defense, special team? Let’s roll!!
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
9:11 am
Seminole Warrior,
Let’s go with offense…that should be alot of fun. Just imagine the possibilities!!!
jason
July 21st, 2009
9:17 am
BT, I read some of the posts on that thread. They seem to be coming back to the same thing. JAnderson Is an inexperienced DE who does not have the confidence in his ability to get to the QB. I kept hearing 5-8 sacks and 50+ tackles. I was saying the same thing last night. If he can get to the 5-7 mark and keep getting better against the run, he will be ok. I think more important thane the sack numbers, he needs to the QB pressures. He needs to force the QB to Abe’s side or up the middle. Basicly get Assts. on sacks. THe slow offf the line speaks the same, of being unsure in his abilities. Smitty sees something there because he keeps playing him. TD and Smitty didn’t draft him. I went into that as well. He has the talent and ability, but how long do you wait? He was not first round talent to begin with. I am not going to get into specifics, but he needs to show remarkable improvement. He needs to cause disruption in the backfield. Doing that does not necessarily show up in stats. Can he do this in an ATL uniform?
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
9:22 am
CB, you lead the way my Lady….
jason
July 21st, 2009
9:23 am
CBrass, we going offense today? What’s on your mind? Just throw something out there. We had a discussion on WRs a while back. How many do you think we will carry? And who will they be? We know Roddy, Jenks, HD,and more than likely Finn. DO we carry 5 or 6? Who do you think #5 and possibly #6 would be? We will also add TEs. Gonzo, Harstock, Peele, and there is one more who keeps escaping me at the moment. There you go, topic of the morning. With each one we throw out there we can explore what each brings to the team, Strngths/weaknesses.
jason
July 21st, 2009
9:27 am
SeminoleWarrior, I am rolling with my Makers team in FF. I am getting reved up.
D3, is 30 AUG the set day for the draft. If so, I have a problem. I will be at work that night. I won’t have access to the FF site. Could we possibly do it the 29th? Let me get to work and double check and I will drop you a post on the blog.
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
9:30 am
Ok Jason…we will do the home folks right and play our game at the Syrup Bowl and the Vet!! Talk about homecooking!! LOL
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
9:33 am
CBrass is in deep thought about her first question. Fire away my dear. You are ready for the lead!!
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
10:01 am
jason,
Wow put me on the spot. We can start with talking about the wide receivers, then TE’s, then RB’s, then quaterbacks, then finally the OL. To answer your question the only ones I know off the top of my head would be White, Jenkins, HD, and Finn (the ones that you listed). I’m not sure how many we carried last season will have to look into that. I know I was hearing alot about the kid out of Clemson. Sounds like he has all of the tools to development into something special.
Have a little work to do then I’ll jump back in.
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
10:07 am
Aaron Kelly, that’s the guy. Just thinking back Matty had alot to say about him. He’s 6′5 203 lbs. Do you guys think he will have to bulk up a little? Jenkins is 6′4 215 where White is 6′0 208. HD even put on an additional 20 lbs or so this off season. Sorry if the whole weight thing is off topic but in order to be a receiver in this league you have to be able to take a pounding and looks like Kelly is a little one the skinny side…considering his height.
WR
July 21st, 2009
10:08 am
Okay, I have a topic, lets suppose the curse of 370 is real, first game into the season Turner blows out a knee, where does this leave the running game, in whose hands, Norwood, Snelling, Brown, possible trade. Secondly how does it effect the offense in general, do the birds remain a run first team or do they become more pass happy, what effects would it have on Ryan. Lets get to it cage.
Sarah B
July 21st, 2009
10:09 am
SW how’d my weather report hold up?
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
10:10 am
CB, the kid you are thinking of is Aaron Kelly. He is 6′5″ about 200 if I recall. He was a terror at Clemson (when someone would throw the ball with accuracy). Hs mad skills and was a decent return man. Needs to be a little tougher if you ask me but he is a large target that is not scared to go after the ball.
WR
July 21st, 2009
10:10 am
Just noticed your post CBrass, I was not trying to overshadow your topic.
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
10:13 am
Sarah, you did well my dear. Great job…your family would be proud!
Savannah: Sarah said: 69 observed 69
Valdosta: Sarah said: 64 observed 65
Columbus: Sarah said: 62 observed 63
No precipitation observed at any location.
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
10:15 am
Seminole Warrior,
Those are the same things that I heard about him. Huge upside and a lot of potential. Will they put him on the practice squad for a year or so or do they try to get him in the game in some way? Just imagine Kelly, White, and Finn on third downs…with Norwood as a threat out of the back field!!!
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
10:16 am
WR,
Not problem at all. That’s a very good point. How would we respond to that? That’s a very very good question to consider.
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
10:18 am
WR..
First, let me set the record straight. I love Turner and would be truly devasted if that was to occur. A deja-vu like that seems to be a thread
for the Falcons. The only “big” back we have had that did not have it happen was Gerald Riggs if I recall. Andrews, Jam…suffered it.
To the point: Should it happen, that would then open the door for my man Snelling to become what LeRon McClain did for the Ravens last yr. Snelling’s size, descent speed, and hands would allow Mad Mike to not have to make drastic changes to the power game. Norwood’s role would not change; Brown would get more touches on ST as his development would continue.
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
10:19 am
Sorry that should be Kelly, Gonzo, and Finn on third downs!!!
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
10:22 am
CB, unfortunately this is the last year of Finn’s contract. As much as I like him, I wonder if he will be retained. At 6′5″, 210, he is a big target that I would keep. But you have to wonder with a youth movement well underway, will we keep a 10 year vet on the squad. I would make an exception for Finn if I could talk to TD.
D3
July 21st, 2009
10:22 am
What’s Up Fellow ‘Cager? Rolling towards Page 7 only in a handful of days. Wow, are we really rockin’ in here or what? Let’s hit it….
jason – here’s the dates that could possibly be our draft days listed below. Got signed up I see, nice.
Bird-Cage Fantasy Draft Dates – Sat. August 8th, Sun. August 9th, Sat. August 15th, Sun. August 16th, Sun. August 23rd, Sun. August 30th and I guess we could always do it on Labor Day if need be. I was trying to aim for the weekend, so we could enjoy it a little, but we could always do it during the week later at night. Put your vote out there on what you think. Haven’t heard from Stirg since he emailed me last week.
CBrass – If we had an empty spot in our Fantasy Football League, would you be interested?
Potential Receivers:
Aaron Kelly – #15
Rookie – Clemson
Height – 6’5, Weight – 203 (listed at 196 coming out in draft)
2008 Stats – 67 Rec, 722 Yds, 4 TDs; Career – 232 Rec, 2,733 Yds, 20 TDs
Bio – Hometown product from Walton High School; Started all four years at Clemson. Graduated as the school record-holder for career touchdown receptions (20), breaking Glen Smith’s 57 year old TD reception record. Named a second-team All-ACC selection in 2008 and earned first-team all-conference honors from the Associated Press in 2007. Mentioned several times in mini-camp by coaching staff. Very light weight for tall frame, may have trouble getting off NFL level jams.
Darren Mougey – #16
Rookie – San Diego St.
Height – 6’6, Weight – 230
2008 Stats – 34 Rec, 437 Yds, 4 TDs
Bio – Served as a quarterback and wide receiver at San Diego State. In 2008, he finished third on the Aztec’s in receiving with 34 receptions for 437 yards and four touchdowns. His career receiving totals include 66 receptions for 805 yards (12.2 avg.) and six touchdowns. Reportedly ran a 4.53 40-time. Could be great red-zone threat with size and speed. Maybe a reason he wasn’t drafted in any of the seven rounds.
Brandon Godfrey – #17
Rookie – Utah
Height – 6’3 Weight – 201
2008 Stats – 56 Rec, 556 Yds, 4 TDs
Bio – Caught 128 receptions for 1,440 yards (11.3 avg.) and eight touchdowns in 36 career games at the University of Utah. Godfrey’s 128 career receptions are tied for the seventh-most all-time at Utah and also finished second on the team in catches in both 2007 and ’08. Ran a 4.45 40-time. Signed on June 3rd as undrafted rookie free agent. Big, tall, and fast. Not signed when all other undrafted rookie free agents were inked.
Troy Bergeron – #11
NFL Experience – 1 yr
Height – 6’2 Weight – 190
Arena Football Stats – 328 Rec, 4,335 Yds, 96 TDs
Bio – Competed with the Georgia Force of the AFL for three seasons. In his Force career, tallied 328 receptions for 4,335 yards and 96 touchdowns while adding 1,416 kickoff return yards. He was named the AFL Rookie of the Year in 2005 and was a second-team All-Arena selection in 2007. In 2006, signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent and following his release after training camp, was signed by the Buffalo Bills to the practice squad in Week 13 of the regular season.
Chandler Williams – #18
NFL Experience – 1 yr
Height – 5’11 Weight – 178
Florida International Stats – 203 Rec, 2,519 Yds,
Bio – Originally selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round (233rd overall) in the 2007 NFL Draft. Released by the Vikings following training camp and was signed to the Miami Dolphins practice squad where he spent the entire season. Waived by the Dolphins on April 25, 2008. Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on April 29, 2008
Check them out and see what you think…….
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
10:27 am
CB, I think he could make the team. Imagine Mad Mike in the red zone, MR in the no-huddle, and you have this to throw to:
Norwood in a one back set with 6′5″ Finn/Kelly , 6′5″ Jenkins, 6′6″ Gonzo, and the speed of RW and HD. Can you say SIX points?
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
10:29 am
D3,
Thanks for the invite but I wouldn’t beginning to know what I’m doing in playing FF. LOL I really do not think I’m ready for that just yet. Thanks for the potential receivers list. That will give me something to go on.
Seminole Warrior,
He’s a fan favorite and one of my favorites. He has such reliable hands. I will be so hard to see him go!! So are you thinking that this maybe his last season in ATL?
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
10:33 am
Seminole Warrior,
Exactly!! Many DC will be pulling all nighters trying to come up with ways to defend that.
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
10:33 am
D3, I’ve seen Kelly in person for the last three years. I like what he brings. Working with Coach Rob, the little issues in his game can be corrected with ease. He could be a little tougher in the middle but that comes with time.
Bergeron was a beast in the Gwinnett Center (Yes, I’m a Force ticket holder as well)..a PURE football junkie. If it can translate, he is a steal…a TRUE Wes Welker clone.
Honestly, the other three are special teams at best if you ask me. Given RW, TD, MJ, and Finn’s secure places, we will add TWO at best to the roster.
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
10:36 am
CB, I don’t want him to leave us but he has been in the league for ten years now and is a few years removed from a major injury. No one will ever question his heart, his leadership, and his loyalty. I hope we can keep him at a nice number. TD will do right by Finn. I think they will do a one or two year deal with him working in certain packages and on STs.
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
10:37 am
But if Kelly put in the time with Coach Rob, he will be a surprise to many in a couple of years. He damned sure could not ask for a better teacher than Coach Rob.
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
10:38 am
Teaching coaches…that give me an idea for forum later in the day. Will stay with CB’s offensive theme for the morn.
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
10:48 am
D3…a thought
In most of the other leagues that I am playing in, we are doing automated drafts on the 23rd of August. That date allows for one more preseason assessment (with a lot of the regulars getting work) and a nice period to review the waiver wires and facilitate trades.
I’m cool with whatever date the Cage goes with. The Posse will be ready to ride off into the sunset in victory. My Appaloosa mascot will enjoy making a certain coach/GM “bend over” with a sweet victory kick. LOL.
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
10:50 am
So have we moved on to the next position on O?
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
10:51 am
CBrass, you have the lead. Ladies first.
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
10:54 am
It think the next position is TE. How many do you guys think we will carry?