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
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
1:10 pm
LOL…just kidding my dear lady. Just checking to see if you were there. You had been quiet.
WR
July 21st, 2009
1:12 pm
As for the Hawks and Braves, after watching Hanson last night, if the Braves get some hitters they will be back on top, the Hawks have the makings of a really good team, but personally I think Mike Woodson can’t coach. I do like the fact that the Hawks have a good GM now, eventually Woodson will be gone. Yeah the team has improved year after year with Woodson, but I feel thats more of a byproduct of talent and cohesion, not coaching. Woodson needs to go, okay now back to our beloved Falcons, it is the bird cage and the Hawks are birds, but this cage is dedicated to the Falcons, I just had to get that off of my chest.
jason
July 21st, 2009
1:12 pm
WR, USC is the 33 NFL team. They pay their players just like the pros.
jason
July 21st, 2009
1:15 pm
WR, The hawks need a Center, and a young PG to develope. The Braves will be back on top in 2 years with the bats coming to help JJ and Hanson. Freeman and Heyward. Remember those 2 names.
WR
July 21st, 2009
1:19 pm
Seminole, I’m a real fan, somewhat of a student of the game, FSU along with Miami back in day were the most talented teams in the nation year in and year out. USC is now alone in that department, but their doing the samething FSU did, they lose to completely inferior opponents, I’m guessing its boredom, or taking an opponent litely, but I think people fell to realize that USC use to be FSU. Now that might swell your Teepee head, but I gotta be honest, your not a real fan if you haven’t noticed that within the past 20 years.
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
1:21 pm
CBrass and all,
I have one for you. What Falcons are Pro Bowl bound this season?
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
1:26 pm
Ohhhhhhhhhh ouch! But trust me brother, I have noted it all over the years. All the rises and falls. And I will never change my stripes. My love will be to the day they take me to Andersonville to my Falcons, Seminoles, Hawks, Braves, and Bulldogs (US 84 version).
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
1:34 pm
jason,
I agree with you on the Hawks(even thought I do not watch NBA basketball that much). I’ve been saying for years they need a big man in the middle instead of all of these forwards that were drafting for a while. If you look back at the teams that have been successful and winning championships they all have a dominating big man and a point guard to lead the team. I’m sure you know we bypassed Chris Paul for Sheldon Williams and we all know how well that has worked out for us.
Sorry I got carried away…LOL
Seminole Warrior,
On offense it’s hard to say because we have so much talent and I think it will be spread around. If there was an offensive Pro Bowler I would go with Matty. On defense it’s really hard to say. They are all so young.
Juice
July 21st, 2009
1:54 pm
Mudfish: “We all want the team to go 16-0 and win the Super Bowl, but a trend is a trend, and the Falcons ALWAYS suck after a winning season.”
Troll or not, I feel the need to address this. What’s in a trend or correlation? They all have something similar, that yields something similar, right? While in general they are nothing to scoff at, lets look at what you said. “…Falcons ALWAYS suck after a winning season.”
Okay. So what makes a team, or more specifically, what makes the Falcons? Owner, FO, GM, HC, Players… right? So we have a huge percentage of new players (of 2 years or less with the Falcons,) a new head coach, a new GM, and and FO/Owner that wasn’t doing too bad, all things considered, BEFORE we got a complete makeover and, against popular belief, had a playoff season… So where is your argument? Show me where we declined in skill or value anywhere on the Falcons compared to last year?
That said, I respect the fact that we do have a more difficult schedule this year, so let’s take a look at that.
Home Away
Tampa Bay Tampa Bay
New Orleans New Orleans
Carolina Carolina
Philadelphia Dallas
Washington Giants
Buffalo New England
Miami NY Jets
Chicago San Francisco
Tampa Bay: We beat them last year and they’re ont he decline. They’ve had of the worst offseaons of their history; I believe it was SI who ranked their offseason productivity in the bottom 3 (oh yeah, guess what, we were in the top 3.)
Chicago:
So that two wins.
Carolina and the Saints: We went 2-2 with them last year, so for the sake of this argument and without writing too much, lets say we do that again.
So thats 4 wins.
Dallas, Washington, Buffalo, Miami, NY Jets, Chicago, San Francisco:
I’d say we’re better than all of these teams, some of them more than others, especially the ones we play during away games. So given those facts, and the fact that we were, I believe, 7-1 at home last season, I think we can will all 7 of these games. But, football being football, **** happens.
New England: Good team. Got Brady back. I’d say we’ll put up a fight but end up losing.
Giants: No doubt a good team, plus they’re at home. They did lose Plaxico, but we’ll count this as a loss.
Philly: as far as im concerned, we should have beat them last year. They lost a little on defense and maybe upgrade on offense… Lets throw out the fact their starting QB and RB are injury prone, and I’ll just count this one as a loss anyway. It’s up the the air IMO.
So, with a couple iffy, and knowing our (improved) explosive offense, I’ll call it at 10-6 being conservative (It was 11-5 if you count above). ****, I could say 9-7 and you’d still be wrong.
SeminoleWarrior
July 21st, 2009
2:11 pm
Breaking right Posse. I will pick up later.
CBrass, great lead on an outstanding series of offensive chats today. UnCa Bob, she made you proud!!
Laters all…ONE NATION!! FALCON NATION!!
Unca' Bob
July 21st, 2009
2:14 pm
Seminole Warrior,
She has. And should feel very proud of herself.
Unca' Bob
July 21st, 2009
2:15 pm
Juice,
Who is AP?
Juice
July 21st, 2009
2:17 pm
Oh yea, sorry I saw that before I saw the troll and forgot. It’s Adrian Peterson, the RB for the Vikings.
Unca' Bob
July 21st, 2009
2:22 pm
Juice,
Thank you.
D3
July 21st, 2009
2:38 pm
Blog Dragon Alert. He’s gotta be full after gobbling up my post 5 times in a row.
D3
July 21st, 2009
2:38 pm
Anything getting through?
D3
July 21st, 2009
2:39 pm
Newberry – Haven’t been able to confirm from a credible source(NFL.com, ESPN NFL) that Jeremy Newberry has in fact retired, even though it was mentioned earlier. Wouldn’t be a dramatic hit, but he sure would/will be a nice backup to have with Baker’s injury history.
D3
July 21st, 2009
2:41 pm
jason – while I agree that USC is one of the premiere programs in college football, they play in one of the weakest conferences in the nation and STILL manage to choke once a year. That loss to Oregon State last year was classic. Add to the fact that Pete Carroll a HUGE @– and its easy for me to hate USC. That whole BS rose bowl tie-in they have with the Big 10 is one of the biggest travesties of college football and is one reason, frankly, that I’ve begun to like the NFL more. Never thought I’d say that, but the BCS is such garbage(I have another word in mind, but the blog monster would eat it).
WR – Completely agree with you. Never fails that they will lose to an unbelievably inferior opponent every single year. Classic. They’re ranked in the top 5 every single year, regardless of who they have back, along with Florida, Ohio St, Oklahoma, and Texas. Ask Auburn in 2004 if it doesn’t matter where you start.
jason
July 21st, 2009
3:05 pm
Like I said D3, They are the 33 NFL team. USC pays their players like a NFL team. How can you lose your whole Defense and start a new QB annd still be a #3 team. How can your 6 string TB be a 5 Star Blue Chipper. How can you grab Arkansas’ 2 best offensive players? How does Reggie Bush and OJ Mato look now? I know it’s a ATL/NFL blog, But man I hate USC. They and teams like them have ruined College Football. The only College Football I watch is UGA.
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
3:27 pm
D3/jason,
Going to have to agree with you both on USC. It seems has if the whole Reggie Bush thing is just going to get swept under the rug.
jason
July 21st, 2009
3:38 pm
CBrass, It is, and it’s because it is USC. The interest in college ball outside of my DAWGS is NCAA is the pipeline to the NFL.
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
3:40 pm
jason,
Look like the Dawgs got another commitment. Nickell Robey out of Frostproof, FL.
Sarah B
July 21st, 2009
3:44 pm
Unca’ Bob sorry but you can buy it. It’s called Georges and as far as I know you can only get in Eastern N. Carolina. Everytime I go or know someone going I always tote back several bottles. It’s Vinager, Red Peppers & Apples. Georges on Pork, Chicken, Chic Wings… It’s all good.
Unca' Bob
July 21st, 2009
4:00 pm
Sarah B,
This one contains no apples. It’s vinegar, Red Pepper Flake, Black Pepper, Brown Sugar, and or Molasses
Sarah B
July 21st, 2009
4:06 pm
Oh right, Georges uses the apples for the sweetner. Check your local Piggly Wiggly they might have it in parts of SC. It is excellent.
Sarah B
July 21st, 2009
4:09 pm
I was covered up at work today and just now got caught up on the reading. Good stuff today. CBrass is our ROY. And sorry if I hurt anyone’s feelings but I skipped a lot of the SEC/ACC stuff. Did get a good laugh out of ‘USC’ is the 33rd NFL team, it is so true.
jason
July 21st, 2009
4:12 pm
CBrass, I have to try and get back on topic. I have a pecking order for my GA teams. It goes as follows: 1) UGA 2)Syrupmakers 3)Falcons 4)Braves 5)Hawks. The top 3 are interchangable, thanks to FRI,SAT,SUN. UGA is my love though and I can talk about them all day. But back to ATL. It was asked earlier about possible Pro Bowl players. I will have to go with Gonzo, Ryan, and either White or Turner on offense. Now, our Defense is young , but I will give you 2 names to watch out for. MLB Lofton, and DT Babs. I left Abe off, because I don’t think he can come close to duplicating last year’s career year.
Unca' Bob
July 21st, 2009
4:13 pm
Sarah B,
I got my recipe from the president of the South Carolina B-B-Q Association. I first obtained it to post for reno911. He’s out West.
jason
July 21st, 2009
4:14 pm
Sarah B, They have a Piggly Wiggly still opened in the SEC. Man, I have been away to long. Takes me back to Big Star and Harveys. Sorry about that, we kind of got carried away on College Football for a minute. We are now back to our regular Atlanta Falcon Blogging.
Juice
July 21st, 2009
4:14 pm
OK cya for today. Thanks to everyone for the compliments/appreciation/evaluations.
Sarah B
July 21st, 2009
4:34 pm
Jason for sure in NC and maybe in SC. I don’t really get of any exits in SC much on my way to NC. Maybe a few in the sticks here.
CBrass
July 21st, 2009
4:36 pm
Things did kinda get off topic. Thanks for reeling us back in Sarah!!
JJ
July 21st, 2009
4:48 pm
You cagers are jammin, I miss 2 days and you add 3.5 pages!
D3, I’m good anytime, but the more time I have to research the better.
Researching now this whole “bye week” alternatives that you have to have on draft day.
CBrass, coming on strong, this will be my first yr in FF too which only makes it sweeter when you can kick someones booty when their “bent over”.(that’s WR team, weird but not as weird as butt nuggets)! lol
Uncle’ Bob, I was only playing on sun, hope were cool!
Nookah
July 21st, 2009
4:57 pm
Juice, damn!!! You are sure flowing my brother. Welcome to The Cage.
Seminole, think I should give him a “Marley Moment” to welcome him?
I’ll go ahead and give him the first verse of this. Juice I dedicate this to you my brother:
So Much Things to Say:
They got so much things to say right now; They got so much things to say.
They got so much things to say right now; They got so much things to say.
Eh! But I’ll never forget no way: they crucified Je-sus Christ;
I’ll never forget no way: they sold Marcus Garvey for rice.
Oo-ooh! I’ll never forget no way: they turned their back on Paul Bogle.
Hey-ey! So don’t you forget (no way) your youth, who you are and where you stand in the struggle.
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!
Sarah B
July 21st, 2009
5:00 pm
No problem, I don’t mind off topic just skipped it I just don’t have a favorite SEC team because I grew rooting for Big 10 schools MSU and OSU because I’m the only one in my family not born in Ohio. So I just skipped most of it. Of course I’m begining to become a UGA fan just due to the fact that EVERYONE at work is a DAWG Fan. I follow them to see how the mood will be on Monday. I have no choice
Sarah B
July 21st, 2009
5:02 pm
JJ you try not to have 2 RB’, WR’s etc out on the same bye week.
Sarah B
July 21st, 2009
5:11 pm
Outta here, check in later.
Seminole Warrior
July 21st, 2009
5:11 pm
I’m back. Everyone else is heading home and I’m just getting started.
Again, CBrass brought it today leading an impressive forum. Then we moved to the college front. My ACC brother WR and my US 84 sibling Jason provided comfort to a breaking FSU heart. As I said, the “Nole Nation, like the Falcon Nation, will NEVER surrender.
So where are we heading this afternoon/evening? The Newberry story is not confirmed as D3 indicated. We are cool; we have McClure, Romberg, and Wilkerson in place.
What next?
Seminole Warrior
July 21st, 2009
5:13 pm
The Right Reverend Juice definately deserves a “Nesta” moment Nookah. Man did he bring it.
Seminole Warrior
July 21st, 2009
5:16 pm
D3 raised a great point; one that I am nervous about. After Sam Baker, the depth at LT is really weak. I definately think that is a key fill need.
JJ
July 21st, 2009
5:19 pm
SW: I have a topic that we talked (or complained) a little bit last yr. I love turner and norwood, but it seams at times they would not hit the hole, they would run to the line and wait for an opening. I remember williams and riggs who would blast straight ahead. Turner also seams to fall down if hes about to get tackled. Dont get me wrong, would not trade them (except AD) but is this a trend of RB waiting for the lanes to open up and the older guys would just freight-train?
JJ
July 21st, 2009
5:21 pm
I meant Norwood would fall down by a shoestring, not the beast turner.
JJ
July 21st, 2009
5:23 pm
I love how moreno in athens would blast through any line!
Seminole Warrior
July 21st, 2009
5:34 pm
JJ…great point. I think it is a trend among the new breed of backs. Most college offenses do not put a high premium on hitting the hole. And with a lot of zone blocking schemes in college, most backs wait and shoot the gaps.
Turner, I noticed, seemed to dip more later in the game. I think he does it as a protective measure, seeking not to take the unnecessary hit. As far as ‘TipToe Flash” Norwood, there is no hitting the hole straight ahead in his game.
JJ
July 21st, 2009
5:38 pm
SW, I loved watching Riggs and Williams hitting the line of scrimmage. Reminds me of that RB the cowboys had during staughback yrs!
Seminole Warrior
July 21st, 2009
5:41 pm
Robert Newhouse….what a flashback JJ. Now, that was a back.
Seminole Warrior
July 21st, 2009
5:43 pm
FFL Tip…Moreno is going to be a beast this year.
JJ
July 21st, 2009
5:45 pm
Thats his name…good memory SW…remember the huge 3″ thick white neck brace he wore…
Seminole Warrior
July 21st, 2009
5:47 pm
They don’t come like that anymore that’s for sure, JJ.
Barry
July 21st, 2009
5:48 pm
Hey Y’all:
I hear you guys talking about who is going to be playing where and the teams we will be playing. But none of that concerns me. I am confident the “COACHES” will act like you guys and will put the best team on the field, when the season starts ,in all areas. That includes offense, defense, and special teams. The thing that I am concermned about is teamwork, coodination, aggressiveness, nastiness in doing all the things they need to do on the field. That is what the coaches will be looking for. I do not believe they will be looking ofr players living off their laurels from last year. Everyone, as last year, will be competing for their jobs and looking for the opportunity to be part of a team that works like “fine tuned machine”. That is the goal this season: MAKING OUR PLAYERS WORK AS A COORDINATED, OILED MACHINE, FINED TUNED, EMOTIONAL, POWERED ENGINED “TEAM”. When we see this in action, as we did last year, that is when we will know that we are ready and the “TEAM” is in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”.
When we see the “CONSISTANTLY, COORDINATED CRUNCHING” of the opposition falling to the ground with every block and our runnning backs powering for 20 and 30 yards; when we see our quarterback and receivers “SUBLIMALLY IN TUNED” to what the other is thinking on passing routes and receivers catchng the ball and runnning after the catch for touchdowns; when our defense is pounding the hell out of the opposition, “IN SINC” with the snap of the ball, stopping runs, creating fumbles, and getting interceptions like a “WELL OILED MACHINE” and doing it together as a “TEAM”. Our special teams, chewing up yardage on kickoff and punt returns, knocking the hell out of the opposition. And of course, THE FANS. “THE FANS” screaming and cheering their ass off on every play screaming “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”, “ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!”. When all of this clicks together as “ONE”, then we know, as last year, that the league is in trouble and we are down with this in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”. That is what I will be looking for in the Falcons practice, preseason, and the season: FUN, EXCITING, COORDINATED, AGGRESSIVE, NASTY FOOTBALL. We have the team “NOW” that is more than able to continue the “PROCESS” of “BRINGING THE WOOD” to the NFL. THEY OWE MORE THAN ONE!! LET’S DO IT IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”
BOY, YOU JUST DON’T KNOW HOW READY I AM FOR SOME FALCON FOOTBALL!!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
………………………”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!”…………..