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 19th, 2009
5:32 pm
Laters Bob…see ya on the other side.
Unca' Bob
July 19th, 2009
5:38 pm
JJ,
Tried to beg out before, saw your post and felt the need to say something, in in my own defense. It’s all good. See Y’all in the morning
JJ
July 19th, 2009
5:44 pm
Unca’Bob,
It’s all good my friend, just having some fun! “Tak er easy”!
See ya tomorrow!
BT
July 19th, 2009
6:00 pm
Howdy, all my Cage friends.
The Cage has certainly been rattling today.
On the question of possible Falcon MVP…Burner.
He was a strong candidate last season and probably would have won it if not Payton have such an outstanding season more less single handedly taking the Colts to the season they had.
On the question of who benefits because of Tony G.,I am going with HD.
Jenkins might actually end up with less looks, IMO.
Great point by Unca Bob about Hartsock being a fantastic blocker.
Two things I noticed after his injury, there was more pressure on Ryan in the pocket and the run game was not as consistent.
They guy truly made a difference.
Good point by Jason about having two good recieving TE`s but my mind had already been thinking about the aspects of having two great blocking TE`s with the return of Hartsock and the addition of Tony G.
Burner running behind that with Ovie clearing a path?
2nd and short with that, OMG, lets line it up a go smash mouth.
Sarah B
July 19th, 2009
6:02 pm
Wow – looks like stayed at the pool to long and see what I missed! I also think it will be HD or Jenks, after all the catch he made in the CHI game was the bomb. All those stupid Bears fans were pouring out thinking they had won. Laughing at us then just like we had the last laugh. Favorite game of last year. That and the at Packers win. Good stuff and more to come this year.
CBrass
July 19th, 2009
6:17 pm
I’m going to be the odd one and say Norwood. The Birds are a run first team and with his lighten speed and his ability to catch out of the back field is the reason that I give him my pick. I just keep thinking back to the pass he caught and took to the house. I mean the guy is so fast that he high stepped for a good 25-30 yards and wasn’t even touch until he got into the endzone!! Also many of you think he will receive more touches due to the fact they do not want over work Turner.
BT
July 19th, 2009
6:30 pm
Great point CBreeze, I too believe Norwood is the real deal (as many others think so too) and he will surely get more opportunities within the offence.
Truth is, Turner will have his load lessened from the 370 touches and Norwood will be the main benefactor of that.
He had already has been a huge factor in spelling Burner and being a key in our kick return game.
This season it`s our hopes that Brown will take up the slack in sharing kick return duties with HD, with the effect of freeing Norwood up to play more offence and exposing him less to injury.
Sarah B
July 19th, 2009
6:45 pm
CBreeze – that is funny and one of my favorite drinks! Well, behind a Margarita.
BT
July 19th, 2009
6:46 pm
A question for anyone willing to answer.
Are the Falcons really a run first team?
I know that`s been the trend so far but is that truly their actual ultimate and end goal?
BT
July 19th, 2009
7:08 pm
The reason I ask that question is..
When Smitty was hired, some of the first words that came out of his mouth at his initial presser was..”We will be a team that runs the football and stops the run.”
Then on the other side, with Thomas Dimitroff.
He quoted very early on as saying..”I am a bit of a quarterback snob.”
And then he proceeds to draft a QB with his first signature pick.
Is there a contradiction here in basic philosophy?
SeminoleWarrior
July 19th, 2009
7:11 pm
Good, diverse set of response to the questions of the day. I like that. BT, I would say that they are a run first team. But the pass will come into play much more this season given the off-season actions and the continuing development of MR.
SeminoleWarrior
July 19th, 2009
7:15 pm
BT, once they saw what they had in the house at the QB position, it was clear that they needed a LEADER at the position. TD, being the great scout he is, knew that the pickings would be slim for a few years to come so he took the best one available last season in Matt Ryan. It was a shrewd move on his part. As far as RB, he satisfied Coach Smith and Mad Mike’s desire by getting the best F/A RB available. Again, this is where the scouting came into play. Turner was the real deal and they knew it. TD made sure that AB knew that we had to sign this guy if we wanted to be an offensive force. I’m just happy that in both case, AB listened to the young man.
SeminoleWarrior
July 19th, 2009
7:23 pm
If you look at the Super Bowl winners since 2000, there are two common threads that come to light. Either they were lead by stellar defensive play or they had LEADERS at the quarterback position. We are in the developing stage of BOTH of these elements.
Three of those titles were won by the Patriots. And who was a CRITICAL key in the systematic scouting and acquistion of the core of those teams? TD.
CBrass
July 19th, 2009
7:33 pm
SeminoleWarrior,
That is the main thing that sits so well with me is that one of the main brain trusts that was behind NE’s super bowl run is now scouting for the Birds. For a team to be successful it all starts at the top. Great owner(AB), a GM that knows what he’s doing(TD) and a great coaching staff(lead by Smitty). We have everything at the top and looking to put the finishing touches of putting the right product on the field. The years to come looks extremely bright for our Birds!!!
So sad to say that my Braves are going in the opposite direction!!!!
CBrass
July 19th, 2009
7:35 pm
BT,
CBreeze…LOL love it.
Sarah B,
Not much of a drinker but what’s goes into a cbreeze?!?!
BT
July 19th, 2009
7:42 pm
I`m thinking there is no contradiction in philosophy and ultimately they don`t want to be a run first or a pass first team.
True, S.W. signing of Burner and the drafting of Ryan demonstrated a desire to be effective at both.
What I am getting at is, the concept of balance.
A balance of finesse with power both run and pass.
That`s the key to being almost unstoppable.
It`s easy to see, that is what the Falcons desire to achieve (and have at least on paper) and it`s soon to be demostrated.
SeminoleWarrior
July 19th, 2009
7:44 pm
CBrass, I totally agree. And as far as our beloved Braves go, we can only hope that one day, someone will come along, buy the team from the Liberty Media jerks, and restore some sound sense to the team. We are cheap, not willing to make the moves, but they are still better than most of the teams I watched growing up at the old AFCS.
SeminoleWarrior
July 19th, 2009
7:47 pm
BT, I’m with you. And the team is being constructed with a pick your poison mindset. The offense will be lethal. And once the defense is at full strength, any weakness on offense will be offset by dynamic special teams play and and opportunistic defense. That concept is what has been the key to the success of the Patriots and with Patriot way moving south, I sense we will share the same success soon.
BT
July 19th, 2009
7:48 pm
I glad you were not offended by me calling you CBreeze.
It just seemed to have an easier tone that fit your persona.
Cool as a nice sea breeze.
SeminoleWarrior
July 19th, 2009
7:54 pm
It’s all about the process. For instance, I would not be surprised at all if we trade our 1st round pick next year for a deal that involves multiple picks over possible a year or two.
Can you name a position of KEY need that we have that would facilitate a first round pick next year? Again, using his background, why would TD not stock up if possible?
BT
July 19th, 2009
7:55 pm
Absolutely S.W., the concept of balance and building within a scheme specific plan in not limited to offence.
Our young defence is only a year behind the offence in getting to where they want to be.
It`s true CBreeze, our Falcon futures are very bright.
D3
July 19th, 2009
7:55 pm
Good Sunday Evening Fellas and Gals in the ‘Cage! Wow, has the Bird-Cage really picked up some serious momentum or what? 4th page in a day and a half. Great to see. Did you realize we’re less than 2 weeks away from the most competitive Training Camp in Atlanta Falcons history. And to it……..
Lance Won’t Win an 8th Yellow Jersey – It would have been the greatest comeback ever in sports, but it wasn’t in the cards. Armstrong was in the hunt and still will probably win 2nd or 3rd, but his teammate pulled away in the mountains with less than a week. Still, one helluva comeback at 37 years of age. Kind of sucks, oh well. Sorry, had to get that out of the way.
Sarah B. – Oh yeah, the Chicago game. Best game of the year, by far and away. My brother and I attended the game and we’re going to be devastated after playing such a great game; and the comeback for the ages happened. Love taunting those obnoxious fans. Of all the fans I’ve seen in the Dome, they were the worst, with the Cowboys being a close second.
CBrass – Norwood will certainly be heavily watched this year as we expect to see him pick up a serious workload off of Turner. Better enjoy it this year, because unless he wants to stay in Atlanta, there will be a plethora of teams waiting to throw starting dough his way.
BT – Nice point about TBrown. I’m going with the assumption that this will be Norwood’s last year, so this is TBrown or Snelling’s opportunity to show the coaches if they have what it takes to be a #2 back in the NFL. If not, then look for us to draft an RB in the 4th round or so. After OLB, and TE of course.
Seminole – Good point on Arthur Blanks role in signing free agents. He is definitely the closer when free agents come to town. He rolls out the red carpet and I can’t recall many free agents getting away that they really wanted to sign. He’s the man as far as that’s concerned.
BT(2) – We’re definitely a run-first team. Coach Mularkey’s offensive philosophy is known as “fancy smash-mouth” or something to that effect. We are a run first team, play action team that will occasionally mix it up with 3 and 4 receiver sets, and even thrown in no-huddles every once in a while. The addition of TG will be very tempting for him to start airing it out more, lord knows I would if I were him.
Seminole(2) – Great research my man. You’re exactly right, and the teams that have won it multiple times in the decade (Steelers, Patriots) had both.
More later ‘Cagers!
Hunter
July 19th, 2009
8:00 pm
Here’s my first thought on the upcoming season that keeps coming to mind:
* I think the Falcons will have to win the division to go to the playoffs. With each of the NFC South teams playing the AFC East and NFC East, I don’t see how a team from the NFC South will get a couple of cheap wins that are needed to get the wild card. I think if you want to go to the playoffs from the NFC South, you’d better win the division. And I think the Falcons will do that.
For more, check out the Football List blog at http://footballlists.wordpress.com
SeminoleWarrior
July 19th, 2009
8:17 pm
D3, this will be Norwood’s last year in ATL. He will be paid to be someone’s RB next season. I’m hoping that Sarah’s and my man, Jason Snelling, (oops..Sarahs’ man is anyone named Barber), will rise to occasion and show his stuff. He is a dual threat. He has the size to be an effective FB if something should happen to Ovie. His pass catching skills and toughness running inside make him a nice complement to MT as well. Weighing 230 is not shabby as well.
As far as the possible drafting of an OLB and/or TE next year, both seem to be a little on the thin side. At OLB, Mizzou’s Sean Weatherspoon is the one to watch according to what I have read thus far. Can Brandon Spikes of Florida play OLB or is he a pure ILB. AS far as TE, Jermaine Gresham of OU and Arizona’s Rob Gronkowski will raise many an eye.
Damned…the season has not even started and I’m already scouting. I have it bad!!
BT
July 19th, 2009
8:21 pm
I hear ya D3, think about the holes Burner and Norwood would have to run through if, they came out chucking it more often to the bounty of down field weapons.
I`m thinking Matty Ice was held back a bit last season because of protecting the offence from possible rookie mistakes.
That won`t necessarily be the case this season and besides, Smitty is the one that ultimately decides the game plan, not mad Mike.
SeminoleWarrior
July 19th, 2009
8:22 pm
Hunter, I think the NFC South can get two teams in. A solid performance by ATL, NO, or Carolina can make for an interesting wild card race. I have no doubt ATL will be in the race until deep in the season. The NFC East will have the G-men and Eagles battling with the ‘Skins and ‘Boys having issues. The Central will be won by Green Bay contrary to popular belief. And I’m not sure that a resurgent and health Bear team will give it up easily to the Vikings. And look for Seattle to make noise out west if Hasselback can stay health.
CBrass
July 19th, 2009
8:24 pm
BT,
LOL was nicked named CBrass while play ball in college and they would at times call me CBreeze so not a problem at all.
D3,
Do you really think this will be his last season in ATL? I hope not but I understand why it may be. he would most definitely be a starter (meaning more money) for another team. I just hope that he see what a great thing we have going in ATL and both parties works hard to find a way to keep him here. I really enjoy watching him play.
Sarah B,
The Chicago game was my first Falcons game ever and boy it was a good one to get to!! I thought I was going to go home heart broken but Elam surely redeemed himself!!!
SeminoleWarrior
July 19th, 2009
8:26 pm
BT, I have to diagree. I’m sure that Mad Mike had the keys to the car on offense last year. Smitty was too busy with BVG evaluating the D. That evaluation was key in the changes we saw this offseason on the D.
Sarah B
July 19th, 2009
8:44 pm
CBreeze it’s Vodka, Orange or Grapefruit juice and a splash of Cran. Very tasty. What ball did you play in College? And you picked a good one for your first Falcons game.
CBrass
July 19th, 2009
8:48 pm
Sarah B,
I may have to try that. I played basketball. Played the 2 & 3 positions.
Sarah B
July 19th, 2009
8:50 pm
Whether or not the NFC South gets 2 in the playoff will depend on the NFC North. Also how much Jason Campbell was pissed off about being trade bait. Eagles will be dangerous if McNabb & Westbrook stay healthy. I am glad we are playing them in the TerrorDome this year. We all know what happened last time that happened on MNF.
D3 – the Philly fans were the worst. I saw more fights that night than ever. CHI fans are mouthy but not much fighting.
Sarah B
July 19th, 2009
8:54 pm
CBrass it’s somewhat a healthy drink too, what with all the Vit. C. Coming to any games this year? If not come to TC Aug. 1st AM. A lot of us will be there and it’s a good time to get autographs. I’ll be gunning for Ryan and Turner’s.
Sarah B
July 19th, 2009
9:01 pm
D3 I still need some schoolin on a online draft. Do you concur with right after the 3rd pre-season game?
Sarah B
July 19th, 2009
9:02 pm
Cbrass what school?
BosnianBaller
July 19th, 2009
9:04 pm
Who would of projected the 98 Falcons
No one
SeminoleWarrior
July 19th, 2009
9:04 pm
Mix me up one Sarah…I’ll pick it up in ten minutes. LOL. I think the Saints and the Falcons both have the fire power to make serious playoff runs this season. Carolina will go as Jake goes. The same will be the case in NFC East…G-men and Eagles will battle. It is going to be a very interesting year. And the Dome will have to be the KEY to our success.
I know we in section 209 will do our part to make life a living hell for the opposition.
Sarah B
July 19th, 2009
9:09 pm
SW – 209? You must be better off than me. I’m in 342 row 6. But still good seats. Just none of the bells and whistles.
Sarah B
July 19th, 2009
9:10 pm
Let’s hope ‘Shakey Jake’ plays like he did against Arizona both times we play them.
D3
July 19th, 2009
9:24 pm
Sarah B. – online draft, it basically goes the same way as a live draft except picks are made through ESPN’s website. Everyone logs on through ESPN into our league and everyone gets 90 seconds to make their pick.
The problem will obviously be when to do it. Can’t do it on August 22nd due to prior plans, but any Saturday or Sunday in August after the 8th or so. We could do like the 29th or 30th. The issue is definitely going to be getting every one on board for a draft date.
Evidently jason is still having issues signing up and haven’t heard from Stirg in a long while.
jason – email me or post if you’re still having trouble getting your team registered.
SeminoleWarrior
July 19th, 2009
9:24 pm
Sarah, I love 209! Was my gift to myself upon my retirement from active duty.
WR
July 19th, 2009
9:26 pm
I see the cage has blown wide open, must be getting close to football season including fantasy season. Gotta try to catch back up.
I agree with Jason, unless the Falcons go 13-3, Mike Smith won’t win back to back coach of the year. I do see Matt getting some good votes for player of the year if he shines with all his weapons.
My sleeper is also Harry Douglas, I think the addition of Gonzo and the treat of Norwood and Turner will open things up for HD to do what he does best, that is getting yards after the catch.
Seminole, got to disagree on Norwood, I don’t seem him as being built to carry the load for a team, he gets nicked up alot and he’s not that good between the tackles. If a team is going to invest starter money in a RB he needs to be an everydown back, Norwood is more of a change of pace back. Now if for some reason he did leave, theres a good back over in GT land named Dwyer, that I would love to see in a Falcons uniform, and not because he goes to Tech. By the way, missing Mark is not the problem, its the fact that ya’ll stopped giving away free shoes.
JJ, I see you torn it up in the cage today, glad to see someone get off the wreck, but the wreck can handle it. Today has definitely been a blast, we now have sports analysis, cooks, preachers,online dating services and now comedians, what will we think of next.
Just a thought sense so many people are bringing up the Falcons schedule, if the Falcons do qualify for the playoffs they will be extremely battle tested which might get us closer to that walk down Peachtree.
Off to grab some dinner, catch you later members of the ever changing cage.
SeminoleWarrior
July 19th, 2009
9:28 pm
D3…August 29th were are at home for Pre-season game three versus the Chargers. 30th would work I would think.
CBrass
July 19th, 2009
9:29 pm
Sarah B,
I played at Brewton-Parker College. It’s a small school in south Georgia. Not sure if I will make any games or not. I’m going a lot of my Dawgs games this season and on Sundays I’m beyond tired. I really want to make one or two. If I do I’ll be sure to let you guys know.
Sarah B
July 19th, 2009
9:32 pm
Nice gift and sounds like you deserved it.
Sarah B
July 19th, 2009
9:37 pm
Matt Ryan is on TV getting his ESPY right now.
CBrass
July 19th, 2009
9:38 pm
Just watched Matty win his ESPY and I’ll have to say he was looking pretty good!!!
Matt Ryan Observer
July 19th, 2009
9:51 pm
http://www.talk-sports.net/ahl/sucks.aspx/Matt_Ryan
BT
July 19th, 2009
10:21 pm
S.W. you may have misunderstood me?
I am very sure Smitty was very involved in the game plan phase of both the offence and defence.
However, in calling the actual plays he allowed his coordinators the flexibility of calling the game on game days.
In fact, on offence the first eight or ten plays are likely scripted to judge the opposing defence`s reaction to various formations at the time of the snap.
From there it`s a matter of executing pre set options within the framework of a pre established game plan.
That is where the OC has his flexibility in exercising his options in play calling.
That`s not to say Mularkey is not important but the overall picture is directed by Smitty.
Nookah
July 19th, 2009
10:29 pm
Man oh man!!!! I missed some great banter this evening. I just finished browsing through the posts and I can’t believe the quality exchange that has taken place………..and I was not here!!!!!!!!! Great going guys and I tip my cap to Seminole. You rocked this evening my brother, great job!!!
Unca’ Bob, you stole my thunder, MJ is also my choice. As you alluded to, with the undivided attention that RW, TG, JN et al will get, MJ will be open all day long. Furthermore he has already developed a chemistry with MJ for big plays. We can all recall the first game of last season vs. Detroit, boom!!!! 62 yards…..and then vs. Chcago with 11 seconds to go…boom!!!! MJ on an outroute….catch…Jason Elam up…game winner!!!!
After all we got our own MJ!!!!!
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!!
Dean21
July 19th, 2009
11:54 pm
I agree Nookah, Seminole Warrior did his thing today and I hate that I missed it as well! But his topics were on point and all of the responses were valid choices. I guess I’ll close out the night with my choice…I think the sleeper this season will be Matt Ryan…No one is expecting this kid to duplicate last season..I say, he will better his stats and his play from last season and he will carry the birds to a Division title, playoffs and hopefully a shot a the superbowl this year.
D3, I’m in contact with a member of the Falcons staff and waiting on respond for our meet & greet area at the Branch. Hopefully we can get a set up area early in the AM on August 1st.
Jason, what’s going on my friend? Will you be able to make it to Training Camp?
The cage is back and it’s the best thing rockin on AJC and any other blog!!