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
Unca' Bob
July 22nd, 2009
1:22 pm
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/People/Coaches/Brian_VanGorder.aspx
WR
July 22nd, 2009
1:24 pm
Seminole, retro gets started about 7 to give everyone the chance to get home from the long day in the concrete Jungle, I asked if the player was going to be in the studio, no word yet. As far as the Gene factor there is definitely going to be some topics of concern, I noticed that allegedly Big Ben has been hit by the Gene bug, could be a possible epidemic, especially with so much youth on the team, more later during the Retro hour.
One factor to consider when worrying about injuries especially to Jerry, is depth. With Trey Lewis and Vance Walker there should be a good DT rotation which hopefully will limit the chance for injuries, the nagging ones are just part of the game. The worse nagging injury is a high ankle sprain, no matter what week you suffer one in, its going to last you the remainder of the season.
Unca' Bob
July 22nd, 2009
1:30 pm
CBrass,
Here is your lesson for today. I posted this in a different blog and I don’t know if you read it.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5912648/The-Cover-2-Explained
SeminoleWarrior
July 22nd, 2009
1:33 pm
WR, will be ready for the show at 7pm. I saw where Big Ben is being called out. talk about that one coming out of no where. We will surely have to point that out tonight.
Got to write a check now for my horrid screw up earlier today with the hot water heater!! Thank God I will be in the office when MaMa Warrior arrives. And she will be sleep when I come home. LOL.
SeminoleWarrior
July 22nd, 2009
1:36 pm
Cover Two, the father of the “Tampa 2″. The preferred defense of SW and the FUTURE of the Falcons!!
SeminoleWarrior
July 22nd, 2009
1:39 pm
WR, I’m with you on the depth situation. I’m hopeful that he is ready to rock come September 13 when the Goldfish come to town.
Unca' Bob
July 22nd, 2009
1:39 pm
Seminole Warrior,
I think so , too. That’s why speed was such a premium.
SeminoleWarrior
July 22nd, 2009
1:45 pm
Semper Fi, my friend. Once the defense jells together, it has the potential to be lethal.
Unca' Bob
July 22nd, 2009
1:49 pm
Seminole Warrior,
It’s all got to start with our D-Line play. If they can be disruptive, we will fly.
SeminoleWarrior
July 22nd, 2009
1:53 pm
UnCa, if you do not mind, I want to share a small part of your story with the young Cagers tonight during our RETRO period. I think that the young need to appreciate the incredible sacrifices of people like you. I don’t know the personal aspects of your story but I know that the 1MD was one HELL of a unit, undertaking some of the most fierce battles that I have read about. The tragedy is that all your fine works were overshadowed by horrid situation later.If you would prefer me to leave it out, I will out of respect. But it would open some eyes for the young. Your call my friend. WR and I, through family history, have especially deep feelings on your service. And I am sure we are not alone. Again, your call.
D3
July 22nd, 2009
1:55 pm
Is it improbable or impossible for us to make a deep run into the playoffs? I think think they said same thing about the 2007 NY Giants, take a look:
2007 New York Giants vs 2009 Atlanta Falcons
Offense
QB: Eli Manning – Matt Ryan
RB: Brandon Jacobs – Michael Turner
RB2: Derrick Ward – Jerious Norwood
TE: Jeremy Shockey/Kevin Boss – Tony Gonzalez
WR: Plaxico Burress – Roddy White
WR2: Amani Toomer – Michael Jenkins
Slot: Sinorice Moss – Harry Douglas
LT: David Diehl – Sam Baker
LG: Rich Seubert – Justin Blaylock
C: Shaun O’Hara – Todd McClure
RG: Chris Snee – Harvey Dahl
RT: Kareem McKenzie – Tyson Clabo
FB: Madison Hedgecock – Ovie Mughelli
Defense
DE: Michael Strahan – John Abraham
DT: Barry Cofield – Jonathan Babineaux
DT: Fred Robbins – Peria Jerry
DE: Osi Umeniyora – Jamaal Anderson
MLB: Antonio Pierce – Curtis Lofton
OLB: Mathias Kiwanuka – Mike Peterson
OLB: Kawika Mitchell – Stephen Nicholas
CB: Sam Madison – Chris Houston
CB: Aaron Ross – Chevis Jackson/Chris Owens
Nickel: RW McQuarters – Brent Grimes/Chris Owens
FS: Gibril Wilson – Erik Coleman
SS: James Butler – William Moore/Thomas DeCoud
Obviously, it’s easy to sit here and compare teams at the beginning of the season and say they were close in personnel and that it is very subjective at best because it doesn’t count schedule, locker room, coaching staffs, key plays, etc. but it at least deserves looking at since many think that our defense will be too inexperienced to make a deep playoff run.
Their defensive line may have been a little more experienced and they certainly have a better pair of DEnds than we do currently, but this was Osi’s big breakout year opposite Strahan. Their DT’s were solid but nothing spectacular. Their LB corps certainly doesn’t strike fear on paper alone. Pierce was a stud, but Kawika Mitchell and Mathias Kiwanuka? Secondary had Sam Madison, but the other guys were fairly unknowns and Aaron Ross was only in his first couple of years.
With these predictions, it gets to a point of saturation where all the prognostications are trying to be different and find an alternate angle that other publications don’t have. Which is why you have the Dwight Schrute Football Experts, I mean the Football Outsiders, that pick a different area of the market to fill and thus make money. Although this prediction is pretty fair, but some points are ridiculous.
WR
July 22nd, 2009
1:56 pm
Yet another log to add to the fire that is this years Atlanta Falcons, brought to you by ESPN:
3. Tom Brady versus Matt Ryan: They won’t be on the field at the same time, but you better believe these two quarterback archetypes will be the main story line when Atlanta Falcons icon Ryan, the pride of Boston College, returns to New England in Week 3. In the days leading up to the game, we’ll hear an awful lot of comparisons between the two. Ryan’s future will be projected against Brady’s resume. There will be more to this game than the quarterbacks, but what a compelling duel it could be.
D3
July 22nd, 2009
1:57 pm
The article posted earlier that said a “deep” playoff run is improbable and even impossible. I’m sure they said the same thing about the NY Giants of 2007. Well here’s a comparison of the two teams:
2007 New York Giants vs 2009 Atlanta Falcons
Offense
QB: Eli Manning – Matt Ryan
RB: Brandon Jacobs – Michael Turner
RB2: Derrick Ward – Jerious Norwood
TE: Jeremy Shockey/Kevin Boss – Tony Gonzalez
WR: Plaxico Burress – Roddy White
WR2: Amani Toomer – Michael Jenkins
Slot: Sinorice Moss – Harry Douglas
LT: David Diehl – Sam Baker
LG: Rich Seubert – Justin Blaylock
C: Shaun O’Hara – Todd McClure
RG: Chris Snee – Harvey Dahl
RT: Kareem McKenzie – Tyson Clabo
FB: Madison Hedgecock – Ovie Mughelli
Defense
DE: Michael Strahan – John Abraham
DT: Barry Cofield – Jonathan Babineaux
DT: Fred Robbins – Peria Jerry
DE: Osi Umeniyora – Jamaal Anderson
MLB: Antonio Pierce – Curtis Lofton
OLB: Mathias Kiwanuka – Mike Peterson
OLB: Kawika Mitchell – Stephen Nicholas
CB: Sam Madison – Chris Houston
CB: Aaron Ross – Chevis Jackson/Chris Owens
Nickel: RW McQuarters – Brent Grimes/Chris Owens
FS: Gibril Wilson – Erik Coleman
SS: James Butler – William Moore/Thomas DeCoud
D3
July 22nd, 2009
1:58 pm
Obviously, it’s easy to compare teams at the beginning of the season and say they were close in personnel and that it is very subjective at best because it doesn’t count schedule, locker room, coaching staffs, key plays, etc. but it at least deserves looking at since many think that our defense will be too inexperienced to make a deep playoff run.
Their defensive line may have been a little more experienced and they certainly have a better pair of DEnds than we do currently, but this was Osi’s big breakout year opposite Strahan. Their DT’s were solid but nothing spectacular. Their LB corps certainly doesn’t strike fear on paper alone. Pierce was a stud, but Kawika Mitchell and Mathias Kiwanuka? Secondary had Sam Madison, but the other guys were fairly unknowns and Aaron Ross was only in his first couple of years.
With these predictions, it gets to a point of saturation where all the prognostications are trying to be different and find an alternate angle that other publications don’t have. Which is why you have the Dwight Schrute Football Experts, I mean the Football Outsiders, that pick a different area of the market to fill and thus make money. Although this prediction is pretty fair, but some points are ridiculous.
SeminoleWarrior
July 22nd, 2009
2:01 pm
WR, that is going to be the season’s measuring stick right there!! If we leave there 3-9, which I think we can, look out!!
D3
July 22nd, 2009
2:01 pm
Nice pull WR. Assuming we can take care of business against Miami and Carolina at home, that NE match-up looks to be one of the absolute best of the year in the entire NFL. I think Fred Taylor will be a monster in the OFF and Maroney better start looking for new employment. I had the dude for 2 straight years in Fantasy and he was a complete BUST!
WR
July 22nd, 2009
2:01 pm
Continued from ESPN:
5. Falcons QB Matt Ryan vs. Bill Belichick and Rex Ryan: Matt Ryan is a great quarterback in the making and is wise beyond his years in terms of reading defenses, his pocket presence, overall poise and abilities as an anticipatory thrower. But, dealing with these two defensive masterminds is a different story, and the second-year phenom has to be at his very best in these two difficult road matchups. These games will be an excellent barometer of where Ryan stands from a mental perspective.
D3
July 22nd, 2009
2:02 pm
Guys, I’ve evidently been locked out of the Bird-Cage, because nothing I’m typing is getting through. And when I say nothing, I MEAN NOTHING!!!!!!!
SeminoleWarrior
July 22nd, 2009
2:06 pm
Oops…I mean 3-0. Not 3-9!!
SeminoleWarrior
July 22nd, 2009
2:08 pm
What the H…
How can the Cage’s CEO be locked out! AJC handle your business right now. This is an insult to your PREMIER BLOG!!!
SeminoleWarrior
July 22nd, 2009
2:12 pm
WR, honestly, I think that MR will look at both of these as measuring stick games. Given his aggressive nature when it comes to game prep, I can see where he and Mad Mike will have the no-huddle ready in both of those situation. The advantage is we get NE early. The defensive “wall” that Jason and I discussed earlier today is what I am concerned with when it come time to go outside in November and December. Metro NYC can be an interesting place with the wind and cold I’m told that time of year.
WR
July 22nd, 2009
2:36 pm
The Boss is locked out, going to be an interesting night on Retro, no boss no rules, where will the madness end. AJC, how do you lock out the boss, I could use a new computer, let the rioting and looting begin.
Seminole, thats why I like the schedule, yeah it could keep the birds out of the playoffs this year, but think of the overall knowledge the Iceman will gain from going up against two of the brightest defensive minds in the business, as the saying goes, if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. No matter how those games turn out, the knowledge gained can only make the team better, and when considering Ryan, he will not see more fronts and looks thrown at him than what he will see from these two defensive geniuses.
Sarah B
July 22nd, 2009
2:43 pm
Everyone keeps talking about T Brown being injury prone. Was he at UGA? I don’t know. But if you all recall his injury last year came in the 4th preseason game against Baltimore on an ILLEGAL Horse Collar tackle. There is a reason that is illegal. I believe the Ravens player was even fined. I my eyes that does not make him “injury prone”. We’ll see what he can do this year.
Ken Strickland
July 22nd, 2009
2:50 pm
Turning an OFF arould is a lot harder than turning a DEF around. It’s much much harder when you start with a new coaching staff, OFF and DEF schemems, a rookie QB and LT, a new RB, RG and TE. Every OFF player had to start from scratch. The majority of the players on this yrs DEF will have a yr under their belts with our system. LDT, CB and SS are the only positions that might have DEF starters with no experience with the DEF scheme and coaching staff, and that’s assuming rookies get the starting nod at these positions.
With none of the disadvantages of last yrs OFF, I can’t see why our coaching staff can’t get even more production out of this yrs DEF. Last yr, JBabineaux was the only DT on our entire roster capable of providing an adequate pass rush. This yr we’ve added TLewis, VWalker and PJerry. Last yr JAbraham and KBiermann were the only DE’s capable of providing an dequate pass rush. This yr we’ve added LSidbury, a freakishly athletic pass rushing specialist. After 11yrs in the league, OLB MPeterson is still quicker and faster than the OLB he replaced, KBrooking. He’s alo a far superior and more aggressive tackler than Brooking, as evidenced by the fact that 70 of his 84 tackles were solo tackles. That indicates he gets to the ball carriers quickly and gets them down quickly and cleanly.
If anyone thinks former CB DFoxworth was so good that he can’t be sufficiently replaced by either COwens, CJackson or even BGrimes, especially with a much improved pass rush, they don’t have a clue. It’s not like Foxworth was a probowler or that he was traded to us because Denver thought he was so good.
Former SS LMilloy was good at what he did, but he didn’t do enough, especially in pass DEF. I have no doubt that any of the 4 candidates for the starting SS position, WMoore, TDeCoud, AHarris and JFudge, will be better overall than LMilloy was.
You’d think more people would have a better grasp on our DEF’s potential after seeing what our coaching staff did with last yrs OFF. And the way they controlled the clock with our limited DEF, how could anyone have any doubts, especially with the tremendous amount talent that’s been added.
Unca' Bob
July 22nd, 2009
2:52 pm
Seminole Warrior,
Per your 1:53 post. If you believe that it will help, I’ll leave it in your capable hands.
jason
July 22nd, 2009
3:04 pm
Unca’ Bob, Thanks for the hook up. I wanted to dropBVG’s bio, since we were talking about hime the past couple of days. Seminole… Enjoy.
jason
July 22nd, 2009
3:06 pm
SarahB, TB’s injury last year was an illegal tackle and all that, but during his time at UGA, he always had some nagging injury. The only reason KM took off 2 years ago was because TB broke hi collar bone. That’s what I meant by injury prone. He has the worst luck when it comes to avoiding injury.
WR
July 22nd, 2009
3:13 pm
Unca’Bob, you didn’t say much just then, but I believe thats why Seminole wants to dedicate time to you my friend, humble, thats a key word missing from today’s society, humbleness makes you understanding, appreciative, and tolerant, being humble, makes you better than the next person who is not humble, because when their struggling with something such as losing a job, a humble person sits back and enjoys what they have now, often times, thats their health and strength. Seminole, a great tribute is definitely in need, not only will it help people acknowledge our soldiers, but it will help people understand what it means to be humble and be humbled, its not a bad thing, its a great reward to serving, whether in the military, or at your job or in your home, its a reward to serving in life in general.
CBrass
July 22nd, 2009
3:15 pm
Sarah B,
TB missed alot of game at UGA do to many injuries. That’s why I said before if he could have stayed health he could have put up some impressive numbers(even though he shared time with other RB’s). Take for example in 07′ he missed 3 or 4 games and still posted over 700 yards rushing while sharing time with Moreno. He also tore his ACL in 06′(in October I think) that caused him to miss the rest of the season. Before which he was putting up some very impressive numbers at RB and on special teams. I was able to watch him play while he was at UGA and the praise that the guys where giving him earlier was very well deserving. Sorry I started to ramble a bit…LOL I’m not sure if you even ask a questions or not.
CBrass
July 22nd, 2009
3:19 pm
Sorry Sarah B, I didn’t see jason’s post.
CBrass
July 22nd, 2009
3:22 pm
Unca’ Bob
I did see that in the last blog but haven’t had a chance to read it. I’m sure once I do I’ll have more questions.
Sarah B
July 22nd, 2009
3:26 pm
Thanks Jason & CBrass that’s why I asked. I told you I don’t really follow the Dawgs – just wins and losses.
CBrass
July 22nd, 2009
4:08 pm
This work day seems like it’s never going to end!!!
Seminole Warrior
July 22nd, 2009
4:26 pm
I’m back in the fold. Safe in the office; lighter in the checkbook and running from Mama Warrior. I may work a double tonight for safety sake.
Coach K-Strick, I do not question what the coach are going to get out of the players. I seriously think we have a great core from which to build. Being the lover of speed on defense that I am (FSU started that you know), I’m very eager to see what we are going to do. Disruption is the focus I think, thus an increase in turnovers, which leads to more chance for Mad Mike to let the Birds attack over and over again.
I also think that most people do have a grasp of what we are capable of. I myself am just curious how the defense will handle the “wall” late in the season. Offensively last year, there were struggles that carried over into the playoffs. But we did learn invaluably from the experiences.
Great points Coach….
Seminole Warrior
July 22nd, 2009
4:28 pm
UnCa Bob, I will not let you down…
CBrass
July 22nd, 2009
4:53 pm
Ken Strickland,
I see why you’re called Coach Ken you brought up some every good points!!!
jason
July 22nd, 2009
4:55 pm
CBrass, Coach Ken is our DC here in the cage.
Wabe
July 22nd, 2009
4:56 pm
Ken Strickland, I co-sign that post.
But I think you may be devaluing what Foxworth did for ATL. He didn’t get payed big bucks by the one of the top 5 defensive units this offseason for a mediocore performance here in ATL. IMO, he was our best corner last season. There were a number of games that he left his mark on – vs Carolina comes to mind.
CBrass
July 22nd, 2009
4:57 pm
Jason,
I see why. Very insightful info.
Seminole Warrior
July 22nd, 2009
5:32 pm
Testing…testing. Did I bet the blog monster?
Seminole Warrior
July 22nd, 2009
5:51 pm
Testing Testing…is the blog monster still on the attack?
jason
July 22nd, 2009
6:01 pm
I guess Seminole. Earlier I was hit by the moderator. I don’t have a clue why.
D3
July 22nd, 2009
6:04 pm
Alright, so I’ve taken a chill pill, had a big glass of water(no brew ’til Thursday), and I’m ready to coming back in the ‘Cage. Don’t know what the H happened, but I had this nice comparison of 2007 NY Giants and 2009 Falcons. And, needless to say, after 14 attempts of trying to get it posted I gave up. It was a good breakdown and the teams matched up pretty well. I guess there’s a couple of words that hit the filter and it locks it out. Anyway, I digress……
Seminole – You got a belly laugh from me on the plumbing advice. Man, have I been there. Gotta let the real dudes handle it sometimes, it sure as the H doesn’t bother me to pay sometimes. BVG is a great D-Coordinator, but as far as a future NFL coach, I’d say he’s still got a ways to go (see his time at Georgia Southern).
jason – one more point on PJerry that’s gotten overlooked. He is an abnormally old for a 1st draft pick, meaning we lost 2 or 3 years in what we would’ve normally gotten out of a draft pick. He needs to play and quick. Lewis and Jerry have big injury history.
jason(2) – I just wish that we knew what certain words pulls out the filter(blog monster), because I take out all the obvious ones and it still gets gobbled up.
BT – Balance indeed. This year’s OFF looks to have one of the most balanced offenses in recent memory. All across the offensive roster.
WR – Nice point. I can even see us keeping a 5th defensive tackle. Jerry, Lewis, Babs, Walker, and either Thomas Johnson, Jason Jefferson, or Tywain Miles. Keep an eye on Miles since he’s the youngest.
Unca’ Bob – Certainly want to say how much I and everyone else in the ‘Cage appreciate your service, commitment, and honor to our country.
Sarah B. – TBrown was definitely injury-prone at UGA. Much of it may have came to his relentless energy and tenacity. The main injury was tearing his ACL, which could happen to any athlete. He’s also had some ankle and other knee issues, but one of the toughest players in the game. This is the year to prove himself.
Coach Ken – Good to see you back on. You were one of the first ones to relieve my worries about losing Foxworth. He was decent, but certainly not great, as many of us believed when he left and got overpaid.
CBrass – My favorite memory of TBrown at UGA was that amazing, ankle-breaking 50+ run against Auburn in the Blackout. Man, that was unbelievable. Here’s a refresher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWXLG3K_aOI
Hopefully this one will post. We’ll see……….
Ken Strickland
July 22nd, 2009
6:11 pm
Thanks for the props.
SEMINOLE WARRIOR-our OFF didn’t hit a wall last yr as much as teams just took us far more seriously after our bye week and made adjustments. Adding what amounted to an entire passing OFF at about midseason was a lot for our OFF players to adjust to. This yr, we’ll start the season with our entire OFF in tact, and the only in season additions might be adjustments and/or a counter play here and there.
Our DEF will have more depth at every position this yr than our OFF. So I don’t see how fatigue or hitting the wall will be an issue. Besides, our OFF will be capable of eating up so much clock, our DEF will not have to spend as much time on the field as last yr.
THE 09 ATLANTA FALCONS WILL BE THE MOST TALENT TALENTED TEAMS IN ATLANTA FALCONS HISTORY, ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL. WE’LL ALSO BE ONE OF THE YOUNGEST AND LEAST EXPERIENCED. OUR SUPERIOR SPEED, QUICKNESS, ATHLETICISM, DEPTH AND COACHING WILL ALLOW US TO OVERCOME WHAT MISTAKES WE’LL MAKE DURING THE LEARNING PROCESS.
CBrass
July 22nd, 2009
6:21 pm
D3,
Yea I was at that game and one of his best runs. If I’m not mistaken he also had a great run against GT that same season. This a kickoff return for a td against Tennessee in 06′ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiCKv7dB1Mc&feature=related
Both clips show what he is capable of when he’s healthy.
Seminole Warrior
July 22nd, 2009
6:41 pm
Coach, I agree. By far, this will be the most talented squad that I personally can recall.
Seminole Warrior
July 22nd, 2009
6:41 pm
Roll Call…JJ, WR. Are you ready to hit the studio at the top of the hour?
Seminole Warrior
July 22nd, 2009
6:46 pm
D3, great point on Jerry’s age in addition to the injury issue. As I stated earlier today, and you know it well, I drove the Ziggy Express till the wheels came off on draft day.
Much like I did in the Brees versus MV7 debate I had with family and friends several years ago, I will carefully monitor the careers of Ziggy versus P. Jerry.
Seminole Warrior
July 22nd, 2009
6:48 pm
D3, I’m trusting in the advise and guidance of yourself and Jason on BVG. I think as Smitty goes, so will BVG.
Seminole Warrior
July 22nd, 2009
6:56 pm
Sound Check…JJ & WR.