Falcons predicted to finish 7-9 by “Outsiders”

The coaching staff is too good to allow a team with this much offensive talent go 7-9.

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Good article. Now lets bring on Training Camp.

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As far as the schedule goes, a projection of 7-9 is playing it “safe”. That’s essentially saying that we can’t steal at least one from the Patriots, Giants, Eagles, Cowboys or Redskins and that we split all of our NFC South Games. While I acknowledge that the schedule is tougher, we could just as easily go 10-6 as 7-9 because we’re not going to get blown out in any of those games.

All in all, trend analysis is wishy washy. The 370 factor, while an impressive statistic, cannot by its nature be a bright-line rule. It fails to take into account an individual’s conditioning and body-type. While it is a notable “trend”, it is still only a trend.

Injuries are part of the game. That’s why you develop depth at every position and you hire good coaches, it mitigates the damage of losing a starter. Furthermore, they occur on a relatively random basis. Anyone can get hurt, but to say that teams that are healthy one year suddenly have a “trend” of getting hurt the next is pure guesswork.

Obviously they have to include a caveat, because the odds are just as good that the Falcons can win 10 games.

Finally, drawing the line on their statistic for teams that improved by 7 games and didn’t improve the next year is fairly arbitrary. You have to look at improvement along a much longer period. New England went 5-11 in 2000, won the Super Bowl in 2001 with 11 wins, went 9-7 the next year, and hasn’t been below double-digits in wins since. It’s real easy to establish that teams don’t have a “trend” of improving across a two-year period.

The history part, well, even though the evidence is against me, I don’t buy that teams are cursed, I buy that teams don’t adapt. In this case, I think this team adapts, and I can’t wait to see it on the field.

The whole point of this diatribe is that we can’t let articles like this rain on our optimism. Sure, we should temper our expectations (we’re not going to get 12 wins next year with our schedule). But games are a collaboration of tons of random events that could just as easily break our way as our opponents way.

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[...] Falcons predicted to finish 7-9 by “Outsiders” Atlanta Journal Constitution – GA, USA Falcons QB Matt Ryan won an ESPY for Best Breakthrough Athlete. Show airs at 9 pm Sunday. Not everyone is predicting greatness for the Falcons in 2009. … See all stories on this topic No tags for this post. [...]

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OUCH – THAT’S GOTTA HURT

THE ESPY GUY CAN’T GET 8 WINS

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That’s why they play the games.

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I agree with Daniel…the veteran laden coaching staff will offset the youth and exuberance of the young guys. Plus, the Falcons are more than capable of putting up thirty points with the addition of Gonzales. With the addition of speed on defense and addition of Gonzo on offense…the Falcons should be a fun team to watch this season….those guys are looking backwards…I’m looking forward and I like the direction of this team is headed.

GO BIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I don’t understand why everyone is paying any attention to these prognosticators. Wasn’t it a year ago when the “Ones who know all” were predicting that the Falcons would be fortunate to be 1-11? I look at it this way; Opinions are like a certain necessary body part – everyone’s got one. There are to many variables that can determine a teams success or failure during a season. So let’s just wait until the games are played and let the wins fall where they may and forget about these “Predictions”. Heck, if these guys were really any good about predicting things why hasn’t any of then won the lottery??? Think about that.

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The defensive side of the ball is looking a bit questionable, therefore, going into this season, you have to be thinking RUN! RUN! RUN!

I think Coach Mike Smith and his staff understand exactly what they’re working with, and therefore understand that the offense can’t go out there and just toss the ball around 40 times a game. If you wanna see results of what would happen, just go look at the Saint’s last season. They’re rushing attack wasn’t spectacular by any means, but neither was their defense – and if you have a skeptical defense – it’s best to try and keep the time they spend on the field limited (TIME OF POSSESSION)!

With that being said, I think we’re going to find out a lot about Matt Ryan AND Michael Turner this upcoming season. Turner was spectacular last season, but if you go back and look up his stats against top-notch defenses, his #’s weren’t as great. Looking at this season’s schedule, it’ll be interesting to see if he can stay consistent week after week. Same deal with Ryan, he struggled against Tampa and Philly when we played those two teams last season, so this season will be a real test to see how he stacks up against SOLID DEFENSES.

Personally, I don’t endorse Ledbetter’s prediction, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Falcons end at around 8-8 either. I think if they can take care of business within the division (SWEEP THE BUCS) + (SPLIT WITH CAROLINA + NO), they’ll be a team to look out for, NO DOUBT.

I’m predicting 9-7, the offense is looking too good on paper to not have a winning season.

USE THE PASS TO OPEN UP THE RUN – I know it’s typically the other way around, but with the addition of Gonzalez to the core of guys we already have out there, it will have defenses on their heels all season long!

Mike Smith knows what he’s doing, he doesn’t need any tips from a bum like me…

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We are all getting caught up drinking the Kool-Aid. I said before and will stand by my 10-6 matk. But these will be a tough 10 wins to get. We will run the ball. I am thinking 60/40 run/pass. We have to protect the young defense at least through the earlier part of the schedule. Long sustained 10+ play drives coupled with EXCELLENT directional punts will provide the defense to make plays. 10+ play 80-90 yd. drives hard to do at the NFL level. The key for the defense is to allow only 3 points rather tthan 7. I think our D can do that if supplemented by the O and ST.

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Are these the same “experts” that predicted that the Falcons would go 4-12 last year??!!

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Jason, and the other great thing about Gonzo is, he forces defenses to spread the field. You can’t load 8 in the box on us anymore with him lurking around. He may not get numbers like he did in KC, but he will force teams to pay him some attention, or they will get burned. And that quite simply is huge for Turner. You want to load 8 in the box and bring blitzes, you can dump it to Gonzo all day long.

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Wow, can I say that again, WOW, if D3 fires back at you, you know you are in a competitive league, alright D3 you got my attention, I expected some trash talk from Seminole but when you fire back I know its on. Can’t even imagine what Stirg is going to be like, its cool though, just gotta bring my B game now and I have to consider bringing out the A game, but as thou shalt not run, thou shall be bent over.

Well D-Led what did you expect, until the birds show the world that they are for real you will continue to have doubters. With hopes as high as ever I have my doubts, kind of been trained that way if you get my drift. But, truly I believe the doubts will be put to an end, the birds will overcome all doubt and the birds will validate our commitment and struggles to believe.

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The key to success – or failure – for this team will be attitude. The Falcons have never had back-to-backs in large part because of team attitude. The “here-we-go-again” mentality permeates this organization. Too many times, when the going get’s tough, the tough get going. Straight to the locker room to start the b**** session that ultimately leads to a huge personnel change and a whole new “rebuilding” process.

That’s what Dimitroff and Smith were hired to change. You can’t blame it on the Smiths any more. You can’t blame it on the “style-no-substance” personae of Mora and McKay. If you want to achieve, you must first believe. The Patriots won without Brady. They believed. That’s what Dimitroff was hired to do, bring the “believe” attitude. That’s what’s gonna give us back-to-back winning seasons.

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WR, The second paragraph in your post says it all. ATL has to have back to back winning seasons. That is the first step. Until then, we will get no respect. And like you, I have those same diubts in my mind. We know we have a really good team; I am waiting on that significant injry to come along and derail everything (Jamaal Anderson RB). Knock on wood, I hope to be waiting long past this season.

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How could I forget Norwood out of the backfield? You have lightning in a bottle with him in open space.

We definitely have to get the monkey off our backs with the back-to-back winning seasons. It means that even a 9-7 record will result in a successful year.

Like I said about injuries, they’re part of the game. That’s why you build depth and have good coaching, so you can mitigate the loss of a good player. They are going to happen, sometimes you’ll be lucky to escape free and clear, sometimes you won’t. But worrying about injuries is like worrying about rain a month from now, you gotta go in knowing that it can happen, and be prepared when it does happen.

Don’t underestimate the moves TD has been making to build depth on the roster, or the fact that he has picked players who are very versatile and can play multiple positions.

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Good point, but on every team you have a pivotal player that you cannot afford to be without for a period of time. ATL would be Ryan on offense. I like the moves that TD has made, we just need to get em coached up and some game experience so they will be ready when called upon.

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If Matty Ice gets injured, do you think we can find anybody to hand the ball off to me? It’s really hard to find a qb who can hand the ball off and watch me chew up the yardage.

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Just take a look at the first couple weeks of the season:

Week 1 vs Miami

Week 2 vs Carolina

Week 3 AT NE

Week 4 – BYE

Week 5 vs SF

Week 6 vs Chicago

Through 6 weeks, the Falcons only play 1 game on the road. I could honestly see them at 4-1 through Week 6, the lone loss being at NE. You probably think I’m on the Kool-Aid, but to those of you who see the Falcons winning 10 games, they’ll never do that if they don’t take advantage of this early ‘homestand’. The schedule really gets to be a “toss up” from week 6 on out.

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This season is doomed before the week 4 bye:

Week 1 vs Miami …… will be wild cat to death

Week 2 vs Carolina …. best backfield tandom in NFL + Smith

Week 3 AT NE ….. total blow out

Week 4 – BYE

Week 5 vs SF …… too much Gore

Week 6 vs Chicago…. Cutler will destroy you

Once again, maybe next year!

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Chauncey is the best in the business. The Falcons would be wise to start a pro that delivers. Look out for Davis this year. Big things!

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Obviously the schedule is brutal because we pick up the NFC East and the AFC East, but I think Wabe is right on when he notes that huge homestand. We were 7-1 last year at the Dome. That’s nothing to scoff at, it’s tough to play well in there because it gets loud, and will only be louder now that the excitement is back. All the teams we play in those first six weeks with the exception of New England and Carolina are teams with just as many question marks. If we can take care of business at home against Miami, Carolina, and Chicago, and pick up a west coast win against San Fran, we’ll be sitting awfully pretty.

Also, on the homestand note, we do play Dallas and the Giants on the road, but we get Philadelphia at home next year which is huge. And it’s actually a huge plus that we get the Bills at home this year, as I think they’ll end up being stronger than the Jets.

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Well, I will admit that replacing Malloy will difficult too. Still like our chances though.

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Not so sure losing Malloy will hurt us that much. He had lost so much last year. His greatest contribution was his leadership and experience that he displayed to the youngsters.

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falcondawg, True. His fate was sealed in that playoff loss to Arizona. TD and Smitty knew that they had to gey younger and faster at that position going ahead.

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I think we should draft after the 3rd pre-season so we can all see some of the rookies do their thing. There could be another Eddie Royal or Steve Slaten out there.

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Week 1: Vick’s watching the Falcons from his livingroom

Week 2: see above

Week 3: see above

Week 4: Watching the Panthers from his livingroom

Week 5: Watching the Falcons from his livingroom wishing he was a QB
like Matt Ryan

Week 6: see above

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This is repeat portion of a discussion Stirg and I had earlier in the week about the forecasted record of our beloved Falcons. I would add that based on info from Jason and D3, I’m going to assume that BVG will bring the aggression he is supposedly noted for to our scheme. That being said, I still stand by these comments I posted earlier in the week. Bare with me:

I love my Birds. As you and the core posse know, I love Smitty. I love the Sugar Bear. But in BVG, my trust is still evolving. We will be VERY young on the defensive side of the ball this season. STRONG leadership will be needed from Coleman, Babs, and Abe. The schedule is not forgiving my friend this season. While we are fast on defense, we are also smaller in some regards. We will need to be very aggressive. Our schedule pits us against some to the best running teams in the league. Twice we face Carolina who is always a beast running the rock. Any Parcels-related team will run. The Bears, Giants, and Eagles will run. So I worry about run defense. Our LB corps(Nicholas, Lofton, and James, I hope) will be faster this year. That is key for I want to see more of a Tampa 2 style and speed is key in that scheme. Peterson is a band-aid in there just for experience. Wire can play but I prefer his special teams leadership. Upfront, I’m truly hoping that Trey Lewis is back to full strength; loved what I saw from him a few years back. We will have to grow up FAST on defense. I’m not saying we can’t but let’s say I am being cautious. The other facet I am looking at was a point well made by Lady Sarah. There is no way we will avoid the injury bug like we did last season. I certainly would hope we could but it’s not realistic. Perry and Abe have histories of minor injuries that seem to just nag and nag. I like the depth we have in Biermann and Davis, but Bierman is still evolving. I believe in the Sugar Bear, so per instructions from Unca Bob and D3, I’m giving Jamaal this year to put it all together but my heart really wants to give Davis a full season to see what he can do at DE. Also, I want to see what the revised secondary does. Owens seems to be real, Hutchins seems to be determined to get back in the fold, and I’m eager to see the rotation of DeCoud, Coleman, and Moore in action. If there was ever a time to set up his game, now is it for Houston and I think he will. Smitty did a masterful job across the board last season and I do trust. Offensively, we are in tact with no issues in my opinion except locking up the nucleas of the O-Line as soon as we can. One year deals with Dahl and Clabo need to become long term deals ASAP. Same next year with Blalock as a RFA. Again, I will trust in TD and Smitty.

So my brother Strig, it is with that backdrop that I predict the 9-7 finish and a second place finish in the division. As much as it hurts, I think the dreaded Saints will finish one game ahead of us with the Alleycats (aka Panthers) in third at 8-8. Tampa brings up the rear.

This is an ongoing mission. Trust me, I have full faith that we will have our Lombardi parade down Peachtree. I promise that I will stand tall with you my brother as well as all out posse family on that day. My heart tells me that we will continue to grow, we will play hard and be in contention until Jan. 3 at Tampa, and that in the end, the league and the world will have a new, permanent respect for the Falcon Nation.

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DOO MAUH MAUH MAUNZ

THIS IS HILARIOUS!!

http://joecartoon.atom.com/videos/603-michael_vicks_plea

JUST TRYING TO SET THE RECORD SKR8!!

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I don’t see the Falcons going 7-9 but that is not far off my projection of 8-8. They just don’t have a proven defense and the depth chart at LB, Corner and safety is not good.

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Atlanta’s 44th training camp will begin Aug. 1, with select morning and afternoon practices open to the public. Admission is free.

Training Camp Practice (8:30 a.m.)
Date of Event: 8/1/2009
Time of Event: 8:30am

Russell Falcons Training Camp practice open to the public. Gates open one hour prior to the start of practice. Practice times are subject to change and/or cancellation based on the weather. Get up-to-date info on the AF.com homepage, by calling the Training Camp hotline (770-965-2752) or following the Falcons on Twitter.

Well Cagers, it’s time to see a show of hands (I’ll be there) for the August 1st gathering of our very first Bird Cage meeting at the Branch! It should be a whole lot of fun!

D3 has has informed us that Taco Mac is a close venue to choose afterwards for thirst quenching!

Hope to see you all at the Branch!

Seminole Warrior – I got your message on the previous blog, I’m sure you have your hands full enough, so although we would like to have you there on Sunday, you are needed in piece to facilitate the grill my friend!

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The wheels are always turning on the Rambling wreck, so no matter what direction its headed in I advise you not to stand in the way.

Sarah, I had hoped that you would not get involved with the testosterone filled delusions of my fellow league members, but no, you don’t want me taking it easy on you, so in keeping with the theme of my team, you shall suffer the same fate, but we will leave the vaseline at home for you.

Seminole you are correct my friend, the cage will be unbelievable this year, we of course have the Falcons and we now have a bunch of also rans. I got to get back to the birds, but between D3, yourself, and now even Sarah talking trash, the cage should be hilarious this year, by the way why is everyone showing so much fear for an old rambling wreck.

Back to real football talk, I once again want to express my caution with this year’s version of the Falcons, but I’m caution because of the youth and inexperience of the D, not because of the supposedly tough schedule. It is why you play the game people, over a sixteen game schedule anything can happen, someone said it earlier and I agree, if you are going to beat the Falcons you better get them early, once the D starts to gel look for the birds to really take off. As far as injuries, its part of the game, h@ll where would Tom Brady be now if Drew Bledsoe had not gotten hurt. You can’t find a diamond without adding a little pressure.

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Vegas says we will finish 8-8 and now this article says 7-9, what will the next guy say 6-10?

We spent 72-million for a clown who can’t win big games – what a joke. Joey Harrington was better. I mean even Roddy White had a 1,000 season before we paid all that money to the dumb qb who took 5 years to complete college – what a smart guy.

We are going to suck so bad!

We lose big Grady and we don’t even have enough money to sign the 1st round pick Jerry. Offenses like Carolina are going to run on us all day long.

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I’m sure glad that we’re letting Vegas play our games this season. They had Tiger winning the British open.

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More trivia……….

Who was the only Falcon QB to take it up the rear while in prison?

Bwaa ha ha!!!

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doo mauh mauh maunz The ex-Falcon QB you are referring to didn’t play in 3 Probowls, he was selected to three. He sat out one in order to have surgery performed on his thumb.

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WR, good stuff my friend, we’ve had our brotherly squabbles but you always make me smile. In good fun, I’m coming for you! Loser buys at post-season ‘cage party-no need for ky or PH, I’ll just take your money my friend. You’re kinky obsession of people’s back side (this blog is all men except except our 2 ladys of the cage) makes me wonder about all those rumors of gt men! lol. all in fun!

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JJ, good point, Its all in good fun though, I got the idea from my highschool football coach, he was making reference to the old days, when parents would bend you over the knee for an old fashioned spanking or whipping depending on where your from.

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I talk so much about taking it up the rear from personal experience. Can’t help it. I hate that “don’t tell” policy – I want to come out in more ways than one.

I used to play tight end but someday I hope to play wide receiver.

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just wait til you see me play in the 2010 madden tour.

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Jason, I’m probably no better than you or JJ, Seminole got it started by proclaiming himself the FF superbowl champion, so I just joined in. Its all for a good laugh, I actually was shocked when D3 fired back, that really got things going. Sarah, cracked my side, when she came out with trash talk and before I knew it, we were in full bloom. I think the thing is the comedy that comes out of it, we talk football all the time, the comments are so intelligent and well thought out, then you get in the league, and our first lady tells me she’s no angel, I better bring it, I couldn’t help but bust out laughing. So I had to let her know I was going to bring it, same goes for the rest of the league, and in the end who knows, I could be the laughing stock of the league, but you know what, its still going to be fun.

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Jason, it’s truly all in the name of fun. If you want the best in trash talking, you will find it in any fantasy sports league. I had to laugh to when Lady Sarah brought it. D3 is always on key so I was not at all surprised there. The league is going to be great but then it has to be. This is the PREMIER blog on the AJC site so why not host the PREMIER FFL!!

Let me get this forecast done; laters my brethern and Lady Sarah.

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[...] http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/…ta_falcons_blog [...]

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We are getting closer by the minute.

Glad you all took notice of my mild smack talk today. That was was nothing. You have no idea… I can be right nasty if I’m winning, and I will be. I can be right nastier if I’m losing…

After a crappy day/week at work I could not bear to look at a computer until now. And I’ve been drinkin’ – well there’s a shock! It’s Friday and it’s been a really crappy day! You know how others have been complianing about someone else but you think they are exageratting until they go on vacation… well I found out today the hard way – they weren’t – she F***d up a bunch of stuff I had to fix. It sucked! I just now read the blog. Unreal!

Anyway I tied one on and feel much better, tommorrow I’ll cut the grass then get on the FFL and complete the sign in.

Bring It!!!!

KerneyGirl!!!

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One thing is almost certain. The loser of the Week 1 Miami/Atlanta game will not make the playoffs. This game should be an indicator of which team benefited from the losers schedule and which team actually improved. If the Falcons lose this game, you can write them off.

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Sarah, I got one for you, gotta test your Southerness, your getting to manish for yor own britches.

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WR: We will see what the loser does and I will be right or wrong. No big deal, I’ve been wrong before.

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JJ, thought about using my highschool team name but I figured it would only make the Teepee Posse boast even more, we were the Indians, couldn’t take the chance of fueling any flames. Did you notice Sarah this morning, I’m guessing she put the idea of a lady to the side, she’s a smack talker so it should be fun.

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An early (week one) inter conference win or loss won`t be too significant either way IMO.
I think, the Falcons will beat the Dolphins @ home, anyway.

The week 2 game against Carolina is much more important game as it`s divisional game, it is still no real gauge in resolving exactly what we have going.
They don`t want to loose that one though.

Week #3 against the Patriots (in New England) is not a critical game either.
However, it will be a good test in terms of measuring how well this Falcons edition stacks up against a proven NFL elite team.

Week 3 of the preseason is the game to watch for determining potential.
Week 3 of the regular season is the game to watch for determining how much of that potential is being realized.

Of course, as Unca Bob truthfully stated.
Injuries and turnovers will be the major factors in the equation when attempting the preponderance of potential success for a team like the Falcons, that is just coming out of phase two of their rebuilding process.

Proven and repeated quality starters and depth is what separates the elite (Pats and Steelers) from the up and comers and 2nd tier teams.

IMO, the Falcons are one good season, two or three good players away from entering into the status of the elite if all coes well?
Where we can look the roster from top to bottom and say, (without hesitation) this is the best team (on paper) in the NFC.

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BT,

Very true. They need to sell t-shirts with that on it. I would definitely buy one in every color!!!

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Just got caught up with my reading and of course the content maintained it’s usually high standard on football discussions and littered with the usual naysayers and baseless hatemongers. However, I will follow Jason’s lead and …”Don’t take the bait”. Well said my brother.

As far as the predictions are concerned, they are what they are, predictions. They are people’s opinions that they are all entitled to.

Greg from Marietta said it best…” Opinions are like a certain necessary body part – everyone’s got one. There are too many variables that can determine a teams success or failure during a season. So let’s just wait until the games are played and let the wins fall where they may and forget about these “Predictions”. Heck, if these guys were really any good about predicting things why hasn’t any of then won the lottery???” Couldn’t have said it better myself. Nuff respect my brother.

Falcondore, excellent post yesterday (11:16 am), although your “disclaimer” in brackets that we won’t go 12-4 may draw some ire from Ken Strick (lol). My peronal “prediction”, for what it’s worth is 10-6 or with a little luck 11-5.

If the logic the Outsiders are using applies, then Carolina will be in the same boat as we are. They have not had back-to-back winning seasons since 1995 as have the Saints. The Bucs are the only team in our division that have had back-to back winning seasons since ‘02, ‘07 & ‘08. Certainly John Fox had not had it since he was signed in 2002 and that was also the year we went from the NFC West to the South. Since ‘95 the Panthers are 63-49, the Saints are 53-59, Bucs 57-55 and we are 55-56-1 . So if we want to remain consistent and follow their logic perhaps the Saints or the Bucs will win the division as Carolina had a winning season last year. Since the Bucs are in re-building mode and it is highly improbable then perhaps Seminole’s prediction will ring true and the Saints will be victorious.

All these theories I disagree with and in the indomitable words of Chris Berman from the 4 letter network….”That’s why we play the games”….(echoed by Dogbyte yesterday). As someone mentioned before, aren’t these the same so-called experts that said we would go 1-15 last year.

WR is correct when he said we have to actually have back-to-back winning seasons before they will give us any respect so I get that. He is correct. All things taken into consideration I am not drinking any of the “losing season kool-aid”, simply because we have enough depth and a significantly upgraded offense to be in too many slumps this year. Of course I know there are many variables not the least of which is our defense. However, I think our defense will surprise many due to the plethora of speed (Ken Strick’s point). A lot of people are also disregarding our special teams. That is where it begins and we have a pretty good one.

BT, nuff bigups for the link with Matty Ice.

Falcon Nation, get your VIP seats now, because by week 8 the “wagon” will get very crowded and seats will be at a premium.

Go Falcons!!!!

I dediate this to all the naysayers:

Stiff-necked fools, you think you are cool, To deny me for simplicity.
Yes, you have gone for so long, With your love for vanity now.
Yes, you have got the wrong interpretation, Mixed up with vain imagination.

So take Jah Sun, and Jah Moon, And Jah Rain, and Jah Stars,
And forever, yes, erase your fantasy, yea-eah………………………….Robert Nesta!!

Nuff respect everytime!!!

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Didn’t the experts predict we would go 1-15 last year; So why should we listen to them this year????

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It’s obvious the people at FOOTBALL OUTSIDES ALMANAC 2009 are reaching for excuses to justify their negative assessment of the Falcons chances for next season. They are relying almost exclusively on subjective criteria, which will have little if any actual impact on our season. They’re obviously anti Atlanta Falcons. How else do you explain their inability to make anything out of the acquisition of TGonzalez, the NFL’s greatest pass receiving TE. Since they couldn’t/wouldn’t acknowledge the positive impact he’ll have on the overall OFF, or find an excuse to lessen his potential impact, they pretended not to have a clue. An argument could be made that I’m just as guilty, but for the opposite reason, since I’m definitely a diehard Falcon fan. Well, let me present my criteria for believing the Falcons will go 12-4 and win the NFC South. Let’s start with the DEFENSE:

DT

(1) The freak injury to DT TLewis and our lack of depth at the position forced us to sign and start GJackson. We drafted PJerry, the #1 4-3 DT in this yrs draft, and VWalker, another All American that is strong in every area. We also have former starter TLewis returning after 18mos of intensive rehab. With the tremendous increase in the speed, quickness, mobility and pass rushing ability of these 3, how can we not register an improvement over GJackson?
DE
(2) With the outstanding 2nd half improvement of DE KBiermann, the addition of LSidbury and the resigning of CDavis, JAnderson will have to show noticable overall improve or he’ll either become a rotational DE, or be switched to DT. Either way, there’ll be an improvement at LDE.

OLB

(3) KBrooking had a very good season last yr, but his style of play wasn’t a good fit for this DEF. His replacement, MPeterson, is what is called a striker, which means he’s more physical and does a better job attacking the line of scrimmage against the run, while not sacrificing speed and quickness. SNicholas proved to be a striker as well with his outstanding special teams play. He’s a much better fit for Smitty’s DEF than MBoley was, and he’s just as quick and fast. If you add RJames, another striker, despite his size, and we definitely have improvement over last yrs OLB’s.
CB

(4) We’ve added draftees COwens and WMiddleton to CJackson and starter CHouston. We’ll also have VHutchins, DIrons and former starter BGrimes returning from IR after suffering season ending injures. This will make us deeper and much more talented overall than we were last yr, and that’s an overall improvement.
FS/SS

(5) SS LMilloy was the equivelent of having a 4th LB, which our poor rushing DEF needed. However, his was a liability in pass coverage and forced FS EColeman, who had an outstanding season, to cover too much territory. With last yrs backups TDecoud and JFudge returning, along with the addition of draftee WMoore and the return from IR of AHarris, we’ll have the overall speed, quickness and ability to cover the entire field and provide our CB’s with much better support. HOW CAN THAT NOT BE AND IMPROVEMENT?

Although our DEF gave up tons of passing and rushing yds lst yr, they were outstanding when it came to points allowed in contract to yds allowed. That stat was the main reason we were so successful last yr. Gms aren’t decided by the number of yds gained or allowed, but by the number of POINTS scored or allowed.

If you’ve eliminated the weaknesses of one of last yrs best overall OFF’s, by adding depth and talent, how does that lead to you becoming a worse team? If you address your DEF weaknesses by adding speed, quickness, mobility, athleticism, depth and superior talent overall, to a DEF that did an outstanding job of managing the scoreboard, how does that translate into creating a worse team?

HOW CAN INJURIES TO FORMER SUPERBOWL QB CCHANDLER OR RB JANDERSON, OR PROJECTING THE POSIBILITY OF QB MRYAN GETTING INJURIED, OR THE FALCONS PAST HISTORY OF WINNING AND LOSING OVERRIDE THE FACTS I’VE PRESENTED? WHY AREN’T THESE INJURY PROJECTIONS USED TO DETERMINE THE PREDICTIONS OF OTHER TEAMS THAT ARE QB OR RB DEPENDENT LIKE THE PATRIOTS, COLTS, SAINTS, STEELERS, GIANTS, EAGLES, VIKINGS ETC?

I STAND BY MY PREDICTIONS.

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Jason, before we get to our endeavors, if you go into your email that D3 sent out there should be a link that takes you directly to our league. As long as you are signed if for ESPN fantasy sports. If your not signed up, just sign up then go back to the email and take the link, you team is already listed all you have to do is click on it and make any modifications you choose. Now to the stab in the back I received:

Actually I can’t say a word for, as a Tech fan I often wondered if Ball was playing for the Dogs and every other opponent we faced, as a matter of fact I wondered if Gailey was a coordinator with the Dogs because he refused to replace Ball. As for the QB situation, the last tech QB to be drafted and start in the NFL will be the first that I have seen. Wow, what a bad way to handle your trash talking, but when your right your right.

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WR, It’s all in good fun. NOt like UGA had a QB be a starter since when ? Wait a minute…. Fran Tarkton. That was like 50-60 years ago. I always thought Shawn Jones was drafted. I know he was never a starter. Jones was from T’ville, cousin of UGA S Sean Jones.

You might get me in this FF endeavor, but i can go tit for tat with you on Teach and UGA all day long. Seriously I rooted for Tech when they shared that MNC. Shawn Jones was QB. Cairo got their A$$ handed to them regularly when he was at THS.

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Ken Strick’, I cosign that post. Those are my sentiments exactly.

A lot of these so-called experts do the same thing from year to year. Instead of really analyzing all the teams, they get away with the “road less travelled”. They fail to do the work and truly analyze each and every team from year to year. All they do is stick to the usual suspects, New England, Giants, Philly etc. and pick their winners from there. I guess we have given them a reason to be so disrespectful to us as a franchise, because to be honest and as WR said earlier, until we actually have back-to-back winning seasons, we really have no argument.

However, when I examine this team from top to bottom, I can’t help but feel very optimistic about the upcoming season. As I have outlined in previous posts, our main area of weakness is our defense. However, with the factual analysis that KS has just done (and others have presented the facts here before), I am more than convinced that we will be a very good team this year. We tend to forget that last year was the first year we were in this system and with almost all our starters on offense returning and with the addition of the undeniably dangerous and very effective HOF TE, #88, we will be many teams worst nightmare. Of course I know you have to be good on both sides of the ball but we discount the effect a “clock-controlling” offense can have on it’s defense.

I can’t wait. I say at worst 10-6!!!

Go Falcons!!!

TIME WILL TELL – Robert Nesta Marley

JAH would never give the power to a baldhead, Run come crucify the dread
Time alone, oh! time will tell, Think you’re in heaven, but you living in hell
Think you’re in heaven, but you living in hell Time alone, oh! time will tell
You think you’re in heaven, but you living in hell
Back them up, oh not the brothers, But the ones, who set them up

Time alone, oh! time will tell Think you’re in heaven, but you living in hell
Think you’re in heaven, but you living in hell Time alone, oh! time will tell
You think you’re in heaven, but you living in hell

Oh children weep no more Oh my sycamore tree, saw the freedom tree
Oh children weep no more Weep no more, children weep no more

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Great in depth analysis posted by Ken Strickland.
I agree, with every point he made, so much as the improvements.
However, before I can declare a 12/4 season, which is basicly saying, they are likely the best team in the NFC.
The diffrence between believing and knowing (with me)is if, we had a little more veteran quality depth at the DT, OT and CB positions.

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Sorry for my ranting last night. I’m going to go sign up for the
FFL now.

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Jason, I believe I went to members, clicked on my team again and at the bottom of the screen it asked if I wanted to verify this was my team. I’m not completely sure, I initially had the same trouble you had, then I signed out, went back in and there was no problem, I know I played around with it for a second, some its hard to give you a concrete response.

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Another intangible that could be a factor is how the team reacts to being the “hunted”. We are now catching some people’s attention regardless of what the naysayers say.

I can assure you that HC’s in the NFL will not be too concerned about predictions of where the Falcons will finish. They are concerned that:
a) Matty Ryan has shown enough to be taken very seriously
b) The Falcons possess a dangerous running game and have retained most of their OL and in fact have bolstered it and added depth. That along with the fact that they have one of the better blocking fullbacks in the game.
c) The Falcons have on paper (because this is all it is at the moment) made the adjustment to counteract 9 in the box by trading for #88; so do so at your own peril.
d) The Falcons have added more speed on defense and Coaches will have to prepare for that.
e) The process continues for the special teams (allowed a NFL record 49 punt return yards last year).

I’m sure all teams will want to test the rookies in our defense but very soon in the season they will find out that on Sundays……..”THOU SHALT NOT RUN”

Go Falcons!!!!

Nuff respect everytime!!!

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http://www.nfl.com/videos/atlanta-falcons/09000d5d81134f03/32-in-32-Atlanta-Falcons

Most of yall probably already seen this. Just posted it for those who might not have.

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WR, I am not the best user of the computer. Not the most patient either.

Alot of us are echoing the same things. The offense will again this year cover up the D intil they are ready. Long sustained drives 10+ plays;60-80 yds. More TDs than FGs. The ST namely Koennen makes life easier with excellent directional and hang time punting placing D in a good field position making opposing O take on long drives. That is a hrd thing to do in the NFL consistently. Long deliberate drives that score TDs, not FGs. ATL’s D will be omproved this year; not neccessarily the finished product, but improved. 2010, The D will be top 5 in the NFL.

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the experts at FO had the falcons getting 4-5 wins last year they were wrong on that one but otherwise they are the best website dedicated to football statistis that I have found and the only experts that I take note of when they make predictions. The falcons will have an uphill battle and I would expect this year will be injury plagued showing the lack of depth along both lines.7-9 seems very reasonable to me fans need to realize that rebuilding is not done in one offseason not even in two it takes a few years to build the depth chart the way the coaches and Gm want. The falcons are making strides to get there but I dont think they are there yet.

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A bit of the 3/4 is an interesting thought.
What would you do?
Take out Babs, leaving Abe, Perry and JA98 with Nicholas coming off of the edge from a 2 point, leaving Wire to cover SLB.
I could see some potiental for mixing some 3/4 in.
If, for no other reason to wreck some havoc and be a little harder to prepare for.

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BT, You hit the nail on the head with that post. Nicolas brings an interesting talent to the 3-4 as a pass rusher. I say JAnderson, Jerry or Lewis, and Abe up front. Then Nicolas and Bierrman at the 2 OLB spots with Lofton and Peterson in the middle.

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Hey kid, why do you expect the Falcons to have an injury plagued season?

If you would take the time to read all the post in this blog, you would learn that the ‘’so-called” experts at FO have already been refuted and because with their own disclaimer, they admitted there is nothing to base any statistical analysis for a team in need of a receiving TE suddenly having one.
So, even by their own admission, their own analysis is faulty and therefor dismissed.

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I hear you guys.

Seminole, I would think that implementing a 3-4 would only make this team faster. I’ve always wanted the Falcons to run some 3-4 sets, but it’s never been implemented. I think some creativity this season wouldn’t hurt. UTILIZE THE SPEED.

Also wouldn’t mind seeing a more blitz oriented defense. I know with a young secondary, this is a bit risky. But I’m more of a HIGH RISK = HIGH REWARD kinda person. More often than not, we’ll just rush 4 and drop back. But I wouldn’t mind them sending 5-6, especially when playing young QB’s or even when opposing teams have young RB’s blocking in the backfield (guys who aren’t proven to be players who can pick up the extra blitzer). I just think sending some heat would help keep offenses guessing a bit more, instead of just allowing the QB to sit back and pick us apart.

Like I said, UTILIZE THE SPEED > > > MORE SPEED = QUICKER TO THE QB. Regardless of how it’s done, I wanna see opposing QB’s in the dirt, some bad/pressured throws, which lead to some PICK 6’s from some of these ball-hawks we got out on the field. We’ve got speed, bump and run and send 5-6 at times…

CREATIVITY!!!!
MIX IT UP!!!!

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A lot of folks are looking at the vast improvement that Gonzo will bring to our offense. I’m looking for one person in particular to be a major surprise with possible 6 TDs for the season. With teams keying on Gonzo and White, all expect the running game to be the main thrust. But look for Michael Jenkins to have a 6-8 TD season as a secondary target. He will be particularly valuable in the no-huddle sets when defenses are confused as to where to place personnel. His height and large frame make him an excellent option to TG in the red zone.

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Jason, what about Adkins or El Sid in spot duty as outside speed rushing LB`s in the 3/4?
Those two possess mountians of potiental if utilized correctly.
Good idea if Lewis (for size), Anderson and Abe occupy the inside, with El Sid and Bierman being veristile?
Actually, if you think about it, with all the talent on hand.
The comonations seem almost endless.

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Wabe, Last year we were more zone and bend. That will be changing this year. BVG has to have his players to run his D. He started getting those players in this year’s draft. You will see more blitzing and more man this year. BVG is an aggressive DC. He loves to attack and not react. He is going to increase QB sacks and TOs. Look at the CBs drafted. Speed, speed and even more speed. He also drafted CBs more for man coverage. That should say what the D game plan will be.

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SeminoleWarrior, I see both defenses utilized. The Tampa 2 will sepend on Lofton being able to play that deep MLB zone. I agree with you.

As for the 3-4, you do need a big DT ala, Lewis, but if you implement this as a pass D (2nd down 5-7 yards), you could go with Jerry or Babs. DT size does not matter much because it is all about getting to the QB. Babs has a good first step and would still draw double teams.

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I hear you guys.

Seminole I hear what you’re saying. I hope you don’t think I’m discrediting your theory of the Tampa 2. You’re right to say that we still lack a few key spots if we wanted to change from a 4-3 base to a 3-4. But I wouldn’t mind seeing it implemented and thrown into the mix. Throw Lewis, JA55, and Anderson out there to anchor the inside. We have definately have the right blend of players to fill out the 4 LB spots. I think this kind of scheme would benefit the likes of Sidbury, who clearly have the potential to be playmakers, but are still a bit raw making the trasition from college to pro. In general, we have speed and depth, let’s utilize the best we can with what we’ve got. We don’t have to be shackled down to a certain philosophy.

I also hear you jason. I understand we haven’t exactly had the speed needed to be a blitz oriented defense in years past. This is all the more reason I’m more SKYED than ever to see what these young guys can do.

We have alot of depth at D-Line, which is why I don’t see the Falcons moving into 3-4 territory anytime soon. But here and there, it would be something worth trying just to mix things up.

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Wabe, I think the more that you can give a NFL QB to think about, the better your chances are for your D to have success.

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The depth is critical in order to sustain your intent. Remember, first and foremost, this is a process. TD is of the New England school; be ready to insert and continue the process as it is scripted.

Seminole Warrior, and what kind of Defense does N.E. run? Multiple fronts and looks. They run a 3-4 and 4-3 package. Taking full advantage of the versatility of their defensive players. ATL will do the same in Smitty and BVG’s system.

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Our biggest thing is getting the game expeeience for Sid, Nicolas, Owens, Jerry, Moore, Middleton and continued growth for the other youngsters.

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Jerry/Lewis and Anderson/Babs; our DT rotation. Size and speed in each package. Two downs each; keeps you fresh and in attack mode constantly.
Walker and one other DT will add depth.

Moore and DeCoud will wage one heck of a battle at the SS position this preseason. Moore is healthy and if you saw him in his junior season, he is a terror.

I love Abe but I think that we are preparing to transition to the future. He will have to take less money to say in ATL; His age and history of injury make him a liability when it comes to a big time deal. Besides, Davis, Sid, and Biermann are waiting in the wings.

Nicholas is ready to play on the big stage. His biggest obstacle, his son’s health, is a much clearer picture now through the Graces. His persistance has not gone unnoticed in that difficult time. He will not let Smitty/BVG down. Lofton is set; James and Adkins are ones to watch.

Owens will give Hutchins all he can handle in the battle to start at LCB. Grimes has the heart at times so don’t count him out.

The process…it continues.

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Great post guys. I’m learning alot from all of you. This is going to be one chick who knows alot about the game pretty soon…LOL I do have one question I saw that jason posted:

“The great thin about the Tampa 2 is that you can run it with any package, 3-4 or 4-3. Even some Nickel or Dime.”

What is the different between a nickel and dime package?

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Where’s D3, Unca Bob? could drop us a hello…. We holding it down for you. Been a great conversation today. Keep it up guya and gals….

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BT, we all are sharing the knowledge in the cage today. To piggyback your post. William Moore will perfect the Rhino this year. He will essentially be an extra LB in short yardage situations this year.

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Moore has the potential to be a serious candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He is capable of that kind of impact.

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What’s My Fellow ‘Cagers? Tied up at the moment a little, watching the little WR today while the House CEO went to see the new Harry Potter. I’ll definitely be back in full force a little later.

Great convo’s going on today. And also masterful discipline in not taking the hate bait from the vitriol fishers. Its amazing how they will always pop up on new blogs for a little while, just waiting for someone to grab on. Nice work keeping the eye on the (Foot)ball.

Back a little later ladies and gents…….

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D3, how is the little one? Ready to sport that Falcons jersey yet?

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Normally I would say it’s impossible to predict what kind of an impact the schedule will play since parity dictates that teams change a lot from season to season. But last year’s Falcons didn’t just have an easy schedule — they had arguably one of the easier schedules faced by any team since the 2002 realignment. You don’t often get to play 4 of the 5 weakest teams in the entire league. For this reason, more than anything else, the prediction of the Falcons regressing this season seems on point. Will they finish under .500? Maybe, maybe not. But I think it’s a safe bet they don’t win 11 games again.

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Najeh Davenpoop, Good point, I think that’s why alot of people are saying that ATL might be a better team this year than last, but yet have a worse record.

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SeminoleWarrior,
Agree, it is Houston’s job to lose at the moment. Houston needs to step it up this year in his third. He needs to be the leader of the CBs, second in command to Coleman for the Secondary. I am saying that Owens could step into Houston’s spot if Houston doesn’t step it up. Smitty is all about competition. And competition doesn’t stop once regular season starts. I say coming out of the bye you will have Houston and Owens starting with Jackson at the nickel. I also think there will be a rotation with Hutchins and Grimes. Middleton will be a ST this year.

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I am awaiting her post as I type this. You know Ronde is her favorite. (did I spell that right?)

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http://www.examiner.com/x-1778-Atlanta-Falcons-Examiner~y2009m7d16-week208flashback

Remember the days!

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Yall don’t think Jackson’s in the mix at corner? I just figured he’d add a bit more size to the group.

William Moore just seems like a ‘Rodney Harrison type’ safety to me. He’s someone who’ll get up to the line of scrimmage within seconds and light up the ball carrier. I think we’ll be seeing him alot in early downs (running downs) whereas we’ll see a bit more DeCoud in passing downs.

Heard he was projected to be a Top 10 Pick if he jumped after his junior season though, that says alot – could be THE STEAL of the draft.

I’m a bit surprised Owens is getting this much recognition this early, he must be the truth. We’ll have to wait for camp + preseason to get a better scope as to how good the kid really is.

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Going to break for a while…take the First out to dinner. Will catch up with the Cage later. Keep the flow alive!!

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SeminoleWarrior
Later, it has been good…

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http://www.examiner.com/x-1778-Atlanta-Falcons-Examiner~y2009m7d16-Week408flashback

Against top 10 defense – this hurts!

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http://www.examiner.com/x-1778-Atlanta-Falcons-Examiner~y2009m7d18-week1108flashback

vs a “bottom” 5 defense!

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[...] Falcons predicted to finish 7-9 by “Outsiders” | Atlanta Falcons …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 … [...]

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I’ll be truthful, I think Houston’s alright, but I wouldn’t consider him spectacular. I personally liked what I saw out of Grimes & Jackson last season in spurts. I’ll go ahead and say I agree with what Jason said, it’s Houston’s job to lose. But he just seems like a CB whose afraid to get burnt.

Maybe it’s just me, but IMO, he rarely jumps on the ball, rather plays himself down into the “bend but don’t break” style. He’s ideal for that kind of system, but if you’re looking for guys to get more aggressive bumping receivers and jumping on the ball – someone whose not afraid to get burnt to make a play – I like both Jackson + Grimes > Houston.

Again we’ll have to see what these guys do through camp and preseason, and we’ll have to see what Owens + Hutchins offer to the group, but I’m up for a good solid competetition for both spots.

Best players start…

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Truthfully, I’m not a huge Chris Houston fan, so I guess my input is a bit biased.

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Those “outsiders” would be right. Face it folks. Also, the comeback is about to happen………

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4338388

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The Great Mike Vick Has Returned

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Good take on the 6 corners Jason, I happen to like Jackson and Houston to start the season, for now with Hutchins as a possible nickle?
Owens definitely appears to have huge upside and depending on his progress, I also could see him possibly taking of a starting slot a little later?

Another outstanding post by Coach Ken earlier and I have a question for the defensive Guru.
What level of importance is the play of the DT rotation in Smitty`s and BVG scheme and how well does the interior of our D-line stack up other NFC teams?

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Catch-up, Part 1
Alright, so much catching up to do, let’s start from page 2 only…….

Seminole – yep, got the paper done, and got a few more assignments to do before finishing up the grad program at Georgia State. Thanks for asking.

Courtney – Great point on 1-15 prediction. That one was a little off, huh?

Ken Strick – Excellent post as usual my man. As you stated, why is it assumed that the loss of 5 starters is a bad thing? Milloy was past his prime and a liability in pass coverage, Boley was replaced by Coy Wire for godsake, Brooking had a pretty good year but we all remember that one certain play, Grady could stop the run but couldn’t pass rush anyone, and Foxworth will be missed but he was solid at best, certainly not worth what he was paid. These predictions are such a joke.

John Brown – welcome to the Bird-Cage. As you can see there are still the hate-fishers out there, as you can see. We simply don’t take their “hate bait” as we like to call it because then it would validate that its an actual argument and makes sense. We all slip sometimes. Read and respond to the good 99% of the insightful, respectable football analyses we have in here. Good to have you aboard.

CBrass – You’re no rookie anymore. You brought the heat with your recent comments on schemes and defense and such. Your a ‘Cage vet now. Good work.

jason – like you, I can’t wait to see what BVG has in store for us with all this new speed, talent, fire, and striking ability. Next best thing with him leaving UGA was him finding his way to our Beloved ‘Birds. God, Willie Martinez’s seat has GOT to be on fire. It ticks me off too about how Richt is so non-chalant about it too.

Nookah – like your points on winning seasons, but none of those seasons have anything to do with the previous seasons. What does Coach Smith have to do with Coach Reeves, Coach June Jones, or Coach Glanville? Not a d@– thing. No one is successful until they win the big ones.

Catch-Up Part 2 coming soon….

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Hey, Orlando; Please stop misspelling his name “Micheal” Turner. It’s Michael. The “el” suffix is from the Hebrew which means “of God”.

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MMMMM the Barber twins!

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There were lots of typo’s in the FO article as well.

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Re-Post…..

WR – The battle for the backup spot will be very interesting with them adding John Parker Wilson to the mix. We’ll see. I would very surprised if they added JPW for Shockley to be in direct competition with. I mean what would the point be with that? I’m thinking they may see if DJ can be a suitable #2, allowing a trade or release of Redman and his huge salary for a backup ($4.85 Million). Where from in ClayCo?

BT – I’m closer in line with you’re thinking, this is a big year for proving, and 12-4 seems a bit high to me. I’m going more with 10-6.

WR(2) – Excellent point. Those idiots talked about the weak defense as you mentioned, but we already had one of the worst DEF’s in the league yardage wise, but one of the better ones in terms of total points. In all likeliness, there’s a huge chance that our DEF will go up, not down.

Nookah – great points about being the hunted. Not a reason to say we’re the best team in the NFC, but 7-9 after adding TG and speed on Defense? These guys are bunch of number crunchers that have never strapped on a pair of shoulder-pads and its all about numbers. Taking advice from these chumps is a joke.

kidfunkyfly – I understand where you’re coming from on statistics. But that’s all they do is run numbers and formulas that have no contact or context to the actual game. In regards to the lack of depth on the Lines, this is actually the deepest the two Lines have been in years. Last year we had Grady Jackson & Babineaux starting being backed up by Jason Jefferson & Kindal Moorehead. This year we have Babineaux & Peria Jerry likely starting, with Trey Lewis(a stud before he was injuried), Thomas Johnston(Big Body), and Vance Walker(late round steal). O-Line is stacked with backups who have had starting experience in Brett Romberg, Will Svitek, & Jeremy Newberry. Not including new draft pick Garrett Reynolds and Quinn Ojinnaka. Even though I don’t agree with it, I could understand 8-8, but 7-9 is a bit of stretch.

Wabe – nice analysis. Definitely expect to see a more aggressive defense this year with more athletic and faster defense. Sure there will be some growing pains with a young secondary, but overall a much more aggressive defense should be expected. Glad you’re becoming a regular member of the Bird-Cage.

BT – Abe can also be used as an outside OLB as well. He did that quite a bit in New York with the Jets.

jason & Seminole – good analysis on 3-4. Definitely expect to see some of those looks with Sidbury to the mix and JA being a prototypical 3-4 DE, Biermann playin the edge, and Nicholas playing as rush end in 3-3-5 look last year. Did you know that Biermann has put on like 20 lbs? He’s up to 260 now. Dude’s been hitting the weights hard.

More in a bit…….

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Catch-Up, Part 3……….

Seminole – Thanks for asking, my little Future Wide Receiver might be moving inside to Tight End if he keeps growing like he does. Things are going much better now that he’s sleeping during the day. The Falcons onesie is ready to roll baby!

jason – Wow, breaking out the Rhino package. You my friend, and all else, are dropping some serious knowledge on us today. Like it. I think that there will be a rotation at first, but once one or the other improves their respective weaknesses(Moore-Pass, DeCoud-Run), than one of them will take over permanently.

Seminole(2)- Moore for Rookie of the Year? Can you imagine if TD drafted two Rookies of the Year in a row? He definitely will be coming in hungry and ready to show all the teams up that passed on him.

Najeh – very fair assessment. It should be at least considered that our win-loss could range anywhere from 8-8 to 12-4, but 7-9 is a little too low in my opinion.

Seminole(3) – Gotta disagree with you a little on the CB battle. I would replace Hutchins with Jackson. I think Hutchins will be too far behind with his nagging injury. The Lisfrance fracture has ruined many O’ athletes careers. I’m not counting too much on him.

jason(2) – Gotta depart with you on the starting CB’s, I could be dead wrong but I don’t see Owens coming in and beating out Grimes or Jackson for the spot, two guys who have been in the system. I guess I’m the only one, but I think that Jackson has a huge shot at winning the starting CB spot after having a great year in the nickel in the small amount of experience he had. It’ll be fun to watch.

Wabe – I like the way you think brother. Jackson definitely could add some good height and size to the CB spot. Owens has nice frame and actually weighs 10 lbs more than Jackson, but the nickel is a great way for rookie CB’s to get experience and work their way in. Jackson will also thrive in BVG’s zone coverage as well.

jason(3) – perfect response to the hate bait. Love it.

dan – excellent, excellent point my man. Previous years have NOTHING to do with one another. Besides being a mental psyche-out to some players, curses and garbage like not having back-to-back winning seasons have nothing to do with this year. Particularly since not one single Falcon other McClure were around for all those other failings. Love to have another Bulldog in the ‘Cage. We gotta offset these ACC boys in here. My expectations are fairly low for our ‘Dawgs this year. I tried believing the hype right before the ALA game and that was the worst, most embarassing @– whipping I’ve seen in a while.

danny ray – also good points. Bye weeks only pay dividends with coaching staffs that are very good, like the Giants and Eagles. The Redskins and Cowboys don’t strike any fear into me, regardless of preparation.

Whew, I think I’m finally caught up. My ‘Cage fix has been relieved.

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Yet another new article today about me – is this city so desperate for material that you can’t run blogs about Matty Ice?

I am not a loser Falcon anymore – move on guys please.

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BAD NEWS-Do you even have a clue? TGonzalez made the Probowl last yr and led all TE’s in receptions by a wide margin, his 96 receptions tied him for 4th, he ranked 12th in total yds and 5th in TD’s. And you’re dilusional enough to think there was a TE available in the 2nd round that could match or exceed his production. There will be TE’s in future drafts that we can take for the future.

You’re using the same warped attempt at logic the so called experts used last yr to predict we’d finish 1-15. They said losing 5 OFF starters, having a new coaching staff, new OFF system, revamped OL, a rookie QB and LT, no receiving TE and a new RB would doom us. DO YOU SEE HOW STUPID THAT LOGIC WAS?

What makes you or anyone else think our DEF is 2yrs away, and what exactly are we 2yrs away from? If you had a clue, you’d know that with a balanced dominant ball control OFF like ours, our DEF won’t have to be dominant, just good at controlling the scoreboard, like last yr. Although we finished 21st in pass DEF, 25th in rushing DEF and 24th in overall DEF, we ranked 11th in points allowed. Yet, you somehow think that all the speed, quickness, athletic ability and overall DEF talent we’ve added won’t benefit us in any way for another 2yrs?

SOME PEOPLE JUST CAN’T SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES.

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D3, my thoughts exactly, even those that are predicting the Falcons to fall back in the pack say its because of the defense, like I said, as I recall the defense from last year was 24th out of 32 teams, it was bend but don’t break. What people fail to realize is that the defense of last year featured starters in the twilight of their career or starters going through the need for a change in scenery. Look at the defense of this year, the playmakers are back, Coleman, Abe,Babs,Lofton, even Andersen and Houston. Now you add youthful speed and reckless abandon, and what should you get, an improved defense. No I don’t expect Stephen Nickolas, Peria Jerry, or William Moore to come in and have the knowledge and experience of Michael Boley, Grady Jackson, and Lawyer Milloy, but they do have the speed, youth and capabilities to learn from mistakes and get better as the season goes alone. Brooking for Peterson is a wash, with Peterson offering more of an upside although he to is in the twilight of his career. Overall the positions will be improved, Boley needed to change scenery, I won’t take anything away from him because he could have been a good player in the A, but things in his personal life changed and so did he on the field, Peria might me 50lbs lighter than Jackson, but he is 50 times faster with more athletic ability, Lawyer Milloy was the unsung hero of the defense in my opinion, but father time can careless when he finds you, but William Moore looks like a bigger, stronger, faster, version of Milloy, even in Milloy’s prime. Foxworth was considered our best corner, but people forget Foxworth didn’t start until Grimes got hurt halfway through the season, so to think either Owens, Jackson,Grimes, or Hutchins can hold down that position is reasonable. Now I will pose a question that might get me kicked out of the cage:

Who before last year had ever heard of James Harrison from Pittsburgh. He was just a player before last year, his best season was in his fifth year until he had a breakout preformance in his sixth year, now he is supposedly the man. Up until last year he was no Julius Peppers, Demarcus Ware, Shawn Merriman, Jared Allen, Justin Tuck, Dwight Freeney, or even a John Abraham. What about Jamaal Andersen, a comparison;

Harrison: Year 1-4, Games played 44, Tackles 110, Sacks 4
Andersen: Year 1,2 Games played 31, Tackles 57, Sacks 2

Andersen may not breakout, I don’t believe that, but when considering the numbers, I’m guessing Jamaal must be on his way to defensive player of the year, maybe thats to far, but he is progressing before than one of the so called greats.

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Sense I’m the only one posting on a Saturday night, which some of you will find funny because I’m never around on Saturday nights, its a good time to say whatever:

Sarah, get back in the cage, yeah you post here and there, but sense the fall out you have been avoiding us. I know you were offended but it was taken the wrong way by some, they are still here and you should be too. As busy as your schedule is, you have always found time for the cage, if nothing else blame it on me, I can take it.

Between Nooah and Seminole’s return the cage is getting its life back. For awhile there, it seemed liked having an opinion that was different from everyone else’s seemed like a bad thing, than the crew came back through and all is good. Seminole and Nookah, both of you are truly some good buddies, we can have a laugh here and there, disagree here and there, but in the end you are the two people that truly feel like brothers in the cage. D3, not to leave you out when I said that, you my friend are the glue that has held it all together. Jason, if you didn’t know by now, we have a new found respect, not because of UGA or GT, but because you could always see the lighter side, you might as well feel as though you have been there from the start, because you have truly made a place for yourself here in the cage. I can’t go without mentioning my new posse brother, JJ, we have had some falling outs, more misunderstandings than anything, but you too my friend have made your mark, I feel as though I have helped your perceptions on a few things and you have helped mine, don’t know about Derby’s yet, but where ever we go your first drink is on me. BT, haven’t had much back and forth but you seem to fit right in, I started chatting in the cage as a way to vent about the Falcons, I found friends, I may not see any of you in person, but I really believe I found people that I can be real with, and they will be real with me, JJ, you better not ask for a translation,LOL, honestly I think I can ask most of you anything, and if you have an answer, you will give it whether I like it or not, and that to me is what makes this the Bird Cage.

Note to members of the FFL: It is late at night, I enjoy the cage, I enjoy the comments and discussions, but none of you are absolved from the competition, so while ya’ll are pulling out your violins to sing along to my songs, the trash is coming, and its coming to a neighbohood near you.

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WR, We feeling sentimental? I enjoy it here in the Cage. Now, I am not as good as Coach KEN, but I try to drop the knowledge from what I observe. I will go from watching the ball to watching the lines. I see what I see, and rely on others like you D3, Ken, Unca Bob to show me what I missed. I give you a hard time for being a Jacket, but I respect the Jackets,as I do All GA teams. I am looking forward to the FF so we can do this thing right. ATL/GA I am born and bread. At the time of Hershel Walker, I found Steve Bartkowski, I fthat doesn’t say enough I also found Dominquie Wilkins, Spud Webb, John Konkak… Dale Murphy, Brett Butler(before he was traded, Phil Neikro, Rick Mahler and so forth. I am a GA man born and Raised. GA will always be my home no matter how far away I am. I am GEORGIA.

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Yet another piss-poor “article” from AJC writers who had to go dig up some blog from some nobody which predicts the Falcons will have a terrible season. How novel.

AJC is going to hell in a handbag and there is no one to blame other than the rejects who have been hired in the past few years who will pilot the damn thing down in flames.

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WR I havee not disappeared from the The Cage. I’m still here, siggnrd up for the league last night and I’m gonna kck your azz.

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The Atlanta Falcons’schedule this season is very difficult,so winning ten out of sixteen regular season games is crucial.I believe the Falcons’offense will be more assertive than the defense.Watch out for Jerious Norwood this year:He will breakout this season.

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Oh…Let me be clear. While I’m open to the occasional 3-4 shift, I’m still an open favorite of the Tampa 2. So don’t think that I’m jumping totally on the 3-4 wagon. I’m accepting the BRIEF shift based on the history of TD’s background and what Jason, Wabe, and the other UGA loyalists have taught me this week about BVG.

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And to add to what WR stated about the composition of the Cage. I was drawn to the Cage several months back prior to the draft. DO-Led was serving up some very good questions. I was always a fan of Steve Wyche and was a little nervous when he left us for NLF.com. But DO-Led has stepped in and carried the torch with honor, skill, and class.

When I say that this is a PREMIER blog, I’m totally serious. If you are an avid football fan like I am, and you read a lot of stuff, you will see quickly that this is a candid love of the game with some fans that are deeply passionate about the game and the Falcons. But is is more. There is a real sense of a bond here. Hell, we have brothers and sisters in here offering to help another find a house. We have had people in here offer help in looking ofr jobs; prayers are extended to families with loved one serving in harm’s way. None of that has to do with football; but the lessons of the game, commitment, loyalty, and teamwork, come out in all we do here. WR is right: we will not always agree but we will NEVER be disrespectful of each other. We are one. So when Nookah quotes “Nesta”, we all smile as our souls, football and otherwise are touched. When D3 shares the fun of being a new young dad, it reminds us “old-schoolers” of what precious moments he is yet to share. Okay…I’m rambling like a good old south GA preacher now..but you all get my point.

Simply put, I’m DAMEDN proud to be a member of the BIRD CAGE. DO-Led thanks for your leadership and continued success be yours. D3, Nookah, WR, Stirg, Big Ray, Unca Bob, thanks for welcoming me into the fold a few months back. Jason, US 84 and the passion we share for the home front will keep us united for years to come my brother. And to all the others, remember, we are ONE NATION!! THE FALCON NATION!!

Okay, I’m going to catch my breath, grab some OJ, and take a chill. Catch my family a little later here.

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As long as Turner doesn’t pull a Jamal, we’ll be fine…

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WR, translation? j/k my brotha, back after the golf…

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Jason, I wouldn’t say sentimental as much as I would say I just have enjoyed the cage, its easy to enjoy a place where you can have an opinion and people will argue for or against it and the arguments are reliable if not valid.

I know, I know. This is my first stop when I get on-line. Kind of weird in a good way. Enjoy talking to fellow fans with some football knowledge. Also enjoy the trash talk, and the fact that we can step away from football and talk about life; you whether D3 is considering a position change for his ‘lil wr. Might be growing for TE. This is without a doubt the best blog going. Debate, disagree, but doing it with respect. Falcon Nation is arising.

Seminole, The Tampa 2 is and will be a fixture in our D. The 3-4 will a change up; different look. The base D will be the 4-3. I am thinking more of the 3-3-5 than the 3-4. I think Smitty wants to be versitile in D formations. Give the opposing QB more info to process.

On the CBs, I think we will continue alot of zone. TD drafted Owens and Middleton as man covers. You will see a push to more man coverage after the bye week or later. The youguns have to get some game experience. I know that Houston in Man is a strength. Hutchins I believ is a Zone CB. I would like to think that Jackson could play man. He has the size and is physical in nature.

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WR , It’s our 1 stop shopping for relaxation.

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CBrass, men listen to women all the time, women fell to listen or understand so they claim men don’t listen. I’ll give you a good example: notice how there are mostly guys in the cage, guys make a comment and then other guys comment on their comment. Thats how guys work in real life, one guy says something, another guy responds. Women and men conversations work differently, women say something and they keep saying something and after a while men hit the cut off switch and women turn into that character on charlie brown, blah, blah, blah, blah. If more women would pause between their long speeches they would figure out that guys are actually listening, but guys are also built with an automatic cutoff, when you exceed the cutoff point, no we don’t listen. So the key is a pause

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Season tickets have been sold out in 1-day. Thank you for “supporting” your team.

Go Titans!

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Oh did I mention: The Panthers were number 3 on the list.

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WR, You are digging a hole. I am patiently awaiting Sara B’s response.

So, someone throw a topic of discussion and let’s it started.

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Tom Watson (59 yrs) is leading the british open by 1 with 3 to go!

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WR,

That’s my first time hearing about the “pause”. How long should this said “pause” last? Long enough for you (all guys) to process and answer the question that was just asked or just simply as a way to show that we have one or two more questions coming? And what is this cut off? Is it…I was going to ask more questions but I thought I would give you the said “pause” so that you can process and prepare your answer and I also didn’t want to exceed the “cut off”. As for the little 3 hours I’ll get to that later.

jason,

Your right. I so can’t not wait to hear what my fellow sista Sarah B. has to say. LOL

Unca’ Bob,

Glad to hear you say that. D3 I believe said that I was no longer a rookie but a vet and now you’ve said that I’ve earned my stripes. Feeling right at home. That coming from you means a lot(not taking anything away from anyone else who has made me feel welcome here) simply because you were one of the first to make me feel so welcome here.

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Sorry CBrass. That was probably not the response you were looking for. But no worries, we are still Sista’s in the ‘Cage

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Im going to be off and on for the next couple of hours, NFL network is replaying the Arizona/Atlanta game from last year, no I don’t want to relive the loss, but it helps to get a feel of how things would be if we plug a player here and there, already I see where some speed would have overcome some of the mistakes made. The first flea flicker touchdown to Larry Fitzgerald could have been overcome by speed, Lawyer bit on the fake, and he tried to recover, he was close but he just didn’t have the speed which Moore and Decoud will have, so thats already a play that you can honestly say that whether your a vet or a rookie you would make a mistake, but a little more speed would have over come that mistake.

CBrass, the pause is just about not being so long winded. A person wants to feel like their being talked too, not talked at. The cut off is pretty much the same thing, most men express comments directly without a bunch of details, women on the other hand add alot of details to their conversations, so somewhere between women getting to the point men kind of wonder off a bit, nothing wrong with details just trying to help you understand the inner workings of the male mind.

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Next question…

Who stands a better chance of being selected as league MVP? Michael Turner, John Abraham, or Matt Ryan?

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LOL…Lady Sarah. Putting to rest the Oprah and Gayle lines. I’m busting up over here. LOL.

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Unca’Bob, I knew you had it in you, good one, I shall return in a bit, no one denounces the wreck, gotta finish up this game.

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Smack talk alive and well in the Cage. Unca’ Bob, you just came out of nowhere with that one. CBras, You are being iniated. I kind of agree with WR, but not. I have a viable excuse, I have ADD. You outh to ask my wife what’s up when I am watching a game or playing the PS2. All you here out of me unhuh, yeah , I hear ya. and repeat in a different order. Nod and shrug the shoulders and all that stuff to. I am telling my secrets now, I think I am in trouble.

Seminole, I see Abe as MVP if he can duplicate last season and possibly better it. I also could see Ryan taking it if ATL comes out and dominates. After all it is a QB driven League.

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WR,

Ya’ ain’t back yet? Get your collective thoughts together. You sir, will need them.

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LOL…I’m loving it. Hell, my ‘Noles could not beat up on Tech this good!! Nothing but love for ya, WR.

UnCa Bob, great comeback.

Jason..I would take MT as my pick. I do not think last year was a fluke. Turner is a given for 1200-1400 again, 10-12 TDs. He will not have to worry about 350+ carries this season as Mad Mike Murlarkey has more than enough trick to keep a defense honest this season.

The blocking will only be better up front this season with a full season of Sam B. at LT as well as a two TE scheme with Gonzo and Hartsock. Hartsock was a blocking fool before his injury last year and if he returns healthy, look out.

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SeminoleWarrior, Good pick on Turner.

I would have been happy to see both win the Open. Personally I wanted Watson just for the fact of his age and how well he played all weekend.

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Congrats Stewart Cink and tech alums, the entire planet wanted Tom to win but no, GT has to screw it up! j/k great, great performance from both of them and if watson couldn’t win it, I’m glad a ga. boy won it. You tech alum should be proud, Cink is a class act just like Tom, but man it would have been nice! ok, I’m off my golf kick now…go falcons!

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Stewart Cink I think played golf at GT. I also think he still lives in the Atlanta area. Maybe not.

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Funny you should mention J.Peele Unca’Bob, just watched the playoff game against Arizona again and I think the addition of Gonzo will make Peele look even better. Watching that game pointed out alot of things, with the addition of Gonzo, the birds offense is going to be better than I thought. Norwood and Douglas were killing teams in the middle of the field without a great tightend, with a great tight end, we could be in for the Falcons version of the greatest show on turf.

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Can Unca’Bob come out to play, we’ll play nice.

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Hartstock is a road-grader. truely one of the best blockers in the League. Once you get a tag in this League, it tends to stick. Hartstock very well could be one of “those”. His blocking skill’s are legendary. Much like O Mughelli. Whom I feel is one of, if not the most under rated player in the League. If I could be so bold , I see O M coming out the backfield this year, and truely contributing to Atlanta’s Offense. Not only with his running ability, he can acually catch the football. Is he any good? Simply put, I would not trade him for any blocking back in the League today.

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Gonzo and Hartsock in the running game; Gonzo and Peele in the pass. I like it. Has the makings of a potent scheme. Mad Mike must like it too.

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Ovie M and Snelling give us a pair of very effective FBs. I know most teams do not carry more than one FB but it would be wise for us to do so. And I agree with you Unca B..I think Ovie will be much more in the mix this year as will Snelling. Too many weapons…what will Mad Mike do?

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LOL…now they are conference battle lines are being drawn. The SEC is at war. Isn’t that nice. Almost as much fun as taking a spear to the wheels of the Wreck. LOL.

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Back to the Falcons. The third of my questions for the day to the Posse.

What player do you feel will be the BREAKOUT player of the 2009 season and why? I will get it started.

I’m going with the second banana, Michael Jenkins. With teams focused on Gonzo, Turner, and White, I think Mad Mike will find ways to get more out of his number two. I can see where he could easily get 7-9 TDs this season.

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SW,

I’ll go with Harry D. Same reasons as you stated above but he’s quicker than michael and has shown flashes of a superstar.

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lol, hey keep the jack flowing my friend but deflate Dolly and stop with the commercials, we’re not going to dollywood…oh and we want part of our river back!!!

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JJ,

Huh?

lol, hey keep the jack flowing my friend but deflate Dolly and stop with the commercials, we’re not going to dollywood…oh and we want part of our river back!!!

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JJ,

Please forgive me for finally getting one right. Blind hogs and acorns.

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SSSH, there is another hater on our blog……

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Cagers,

It has been a true and wonderful day in the Cage. Thank you one and all. I’m like all y’all, this is without doubt, the premiere spot to post. I’ve been half way round the world, two hog callin’s, and a county fair, it don’t get no better than this. Y’all enjoy your night and I shall see you in the morning.

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lol

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HD over Mj this season, huh? I like the Wes Welker comparsions though. Good feedback though.

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Laters Bob…see ya on the other side.

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Unca’Bob,

It’s all good my friend, just having some fun! “Tak er easy”!
See ya tomorrow!

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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BT,

CBreeze…LOL love it.

Sarah B,

Not much of a drinker but what’s goes into a cbreeze?!?!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!!!

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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.

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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.

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D3 I still need some schoolin on a online draft. Do you concur with right after the 3rd pre-season game?

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Who would of projected the 98 Falcons
No one

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Matt Ryan is on TV getting his ESPY right now.

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http://www.talk-sports.net/ahl/sucks.aspx/Matt_Ryan

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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!!!!

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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 a response 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!!

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CBrass, good call on Norwood. I would have to agree enen though I initially picked HD.

BT, ATL is a run first offense. Having said that, in the NFL, the #1 priority is to stop the run. Sometimes you need to pass to set up the run. Also with the run offense you wear down Ds an d eat up clock saving your defense. TD drafted Ryan so ATL would have a decision maker to get into the right play whether it be runn/pass.

2 TE set, smash mouth football, I will take it. Let’s go power I with 2TE and a FB with a 240lb TB.

Sorry I had to break away with out saying goodbye. I had an important dinner to get to. I recieved my plane tickets to Disney World. We leave this coming weekend. Got home and watched the Braves game I recorded. At least they won and scored alot of runs (Sorry, wrong Blog).

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D3, I still have not gotten registered. I got the user name, and have cheched out the FF site. I am not the most computer savy. I think I miight be overlooking something. I will try again tomorrow afternoon.

Draft on 30 AUG…. That’s my B-Day. Can I just have who I want? LOL!!!
Sounds good to me, I have nothing planned at that time. I will be celebrating My day with mt Son’s. His is 24 AUG.

Seminole, you rocked it today. Had alot of fun. This is probably the best day in the Cage in a while. Gotta go to bed, full day of work tomorrow. I will however be checking in throughout the day. Later.

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I think I just read the absolute dumbest blog. I feel alot more dumber today. I hit the link posted above by an apparent Ryan hater. My word, what some stupind unintelligable people. No thoughts or facts to back their crap up. THe best one was the best shot at pretending to think. Posted was that Flacco was a hell of alot better than Ryand. SOmeone (Unca’Bob) post the stats and compare. Not to mention that Flacco had a top 5 defense protecting his a$$. Add to the fact that BLT played for FGs and not TDs like they always do.

G GS COM/ATT PCT YDS PER TD INT R ATT RTG
Flacco, Joe 16 16 257 428 60.0 2971 6.9 14 12 143 32 80.3
Ryan, Matt 16 16 265 434 61.1 3440 7.9 16 11 157 17 87.7

Now, I am not bashing on Flacco, who I think is a good young QB who will get better and better also. But to say that Flacco is all that much better than Ryan is STUPID at best. Just because you loved MV; that’s not enough to make a statement like that. I loved MV also, but MV is no longer with ATL. MV is in the past, and it is time to move on. To all MV fanatics, if you love MV that much; you were never a TRUE and LOYAL fan of ATL. You were a true and loyal fan to only MV. And you show your selfishness as MV did.

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I watched the replay of the Ravens/Dolphins playoff game last night and if someone truly believes Flacco is better than Ryan………well they need to lay down the wacky weed!!

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Jason, my brother, the fool got to you! Ohhhhhhh, D3 is going to keep you after school, LOL. I saw that poison when I logged on this morn.

The haters will continue my friend; they will not rest until we are having the parade on Peachtree. Then they will try to muscle in our celebration. Nookah would provide a “Nesta” reference right now to calm us down. I’m not schooled in “Nesta” but I do know a damned good Dr. that I will use at this moment.

Quoting ATL’s #1 son:

The ultimate measure of a man (team) is not when he (they) stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he (they) stand in times of challenge and controversy….MLK.

This process is going to continue. There is nothing that the haters can do to stop it. So let them have their moment & let them act like silly. Simply put my brother, let them be. In the end, victory, ohhhh a VERY sweet victory, will be that of the FALCON NATION.

Ok…that’s my Monday morning sermon from the pulpit of Warrior Baptist Church. One love; the love of brothers and sisters in the CAGE!!

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Cager’s,

Just a reminder of the value of J Norwood. Last year he had 2138 All-purpose yards. Thats 3rd in the NFL. It also accounts for 27% of Atlanta’s total yardage.

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Unca Bob, I concur on his value. But value will come at a price. If he is willing to take “reserve” like money to stay, he is a keeper. But I do no think he will. Speed is much desired in the league and there will be a team that thinks he could be the man. “Little” guys like Warrick Dunn and currently Steve Slaton have enjoyed success. I think Norwood could as well. Thoughts, my veteran brother?

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Seminole Warrior,

Last year J Norwood made $450,000. M Turner made $16,000,000. What would you do? Me too.

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Seminole Warrior,

At 5′11″ and 202 lbs, he would need to bulk up some, but, yes I feel he could tote the load.

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er, umm, ‘06 Combine.

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Norwood is a little on the fragile side but with conditioning, I think he could do it Unca B. Going to be interesting to see how it plays out. But that OL situation is key. I would not want to see that continuity broken up fo any reason. I’m sure MT and MR would agree with me.

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Seminole Warrior,

I agree that we need to get our O-Line packaged up. I know it will happen, it’s just when. I’m not sure it is a priority right now but I would rather get it done sooner. M Koenen wore the franchise tag this year and the signing deadline has passed. He will have to wait until this season is over.

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Another smallish RB making a living is K Faulk. 5′8″ 202 lbs.

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jason,

Norwood will be an UFA and if not signed by Feb., he can sign with any team for no compensation.

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Nathan Mayer,

The 376 carries are for the regular season. If you count the 18 carries against the Cards post-season, it does come to 394.

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Unca’ Bob, That sucks. All you can do is start negotiations. Throw out a number and see if you are warm. If we indeed lose Norwood, I will miss what he brings to the team, But ATL won’t skip a beat. With the system ATL has in place they could fill the back up RB spot rather quickly (TBrown) provided he is healthy. TBrown would be used in the same way to avoid over exposure to injury.

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WR, my Norwood/Dunn comparison was in physical statue only. We share the same view on the RB situation. The GA faithful seems high on TBrown and he is a low cap figure so if he is healthy and looks good, I think the Falcons will stay with him. Norwood is cool with the role now but when it about his long-term, unless he wants to accept a Kevin Faulk like role, Norwood will be gone next year. I can’t see him not wanting the money.

OL HAS to be a priority if the process it to continue. With two of five starters potential UFAs next season, and a third a RFA, we have to begin to address as soon as this season is over and definately before Februrary. The depth we added is simply that…depth. Reynolds may be an heir apprarent with Clabo moving back inside to guard. But it would be a damned shame to break up CLub Nasty…Clabo and Dahl. They owned the right side for the vast majority of the season. And with another year under coach B, I think they are Pro Bowl potential.

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As far as the OL goes, I see the birds looking at the center position really soon. McClure is getting on up there and his replacement needs to be groomed. As important as LT are the center position is one of the most important because they make the line calls. LT and LG are set, as long as McClure doesn’t decide to retire, the center position is set for another couple of years. Dahl and Clabo could be problematic. First they both excelled beyond expectations last year, another year of similar work or even an increase in production from both could put them in line for serious raises. The Falcons drafted a guard this year to groom, I see center and RT as possible selection points next year, along with getting a TE to groom.

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WR..again, we agree. The core of any successful offense is the OL. We need to keep them both. McClure has been a great leader and assest. I see another year or two max out of him. Wilkerson was a Rimington Award winner as the nation’s best center when he came out of LSU a few years back. Romberg was fairly effective with the Rams but projects as a B/U. But the long term talent in Dahl, Clabo, Blalock, and Baker are just too damned sweet to lose. MR and that line could be dominate for a long time.

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Back with WR one more time. Norwood will not be the feature back except in a few situations where team value speed. But I do think a team will overpay for his services. The question is should ATL be that team? I do not think they will do it.

RB is one position where you can find diamonds in the ruff more often than not.

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No, do not overpay for Norwood, I don’t think TD would, he comes from the NE school of thought. They don’t overpay for anyone, if you become a disruption because of it you can leave.

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WR. I was at that game, Atlanta beat Philadelphia in exhibition weekend to open the Georgia Dome. And man, the old AFCS gave us some great moments as well. I even enjoyed Olympic baseball in there with my son (then 8 years old) during the Olympics. Memories.

As far as a new stadium, the model I would love for AB and the team to look at is Raymond James in Tampa. I looooove that stadium!! That is the roadtrip I HAVE to make each year.

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Hey WR who you calling old!!! I also attended at AFCS a lot. But I’m not old!!! Just better. LOL

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Seminole you have a good memory, yeah it was so exciting, I remember wondering about the color scheme though. Looked like a gigantic bathroom at first. We had box seats, there nice but kind of take you out of the interaction with the fans, seemed like we were sitting with a bunch of stiffs. I agree with you and Jason on James, I have heard so much about this guy and now I want to see him play, if he is half as good as some people say, the LB position will go from a weakness to a strength. By the way, I know he won’t be available when the birds pick, but what do you think of Dwyer, I know what FSU thinks.

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Sarah, a pool with no rules, bad girl bad girl. I wasn’t saying old as being a bad thing, more of like where did the time go. It just seems weird to me that the Dome is already considered outdated.

The best stadium I have been to outside of Atlanta was the old Cowboys Stadium, you could literally feel the history in the air. It was a great experience until I went to Waco because I was the best man in a friends wedding, Waco looks like a city wide project. The things a man will do for a woman, moving from Atlanta to Waco, I’m still trying to figure out what she did to him.

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Pre-season predictions are GARBAGE!
- I can assure you that in 98′, 02′. 04′ and last year ATL wasn’t suppose to do anything. But all of these seasons were play-off years for us.

- I can also assure you that in 99′, 03′, 05′ that we were predicted to compete for th Division and make the play-offs but we had losing seasons those years so go figure..

Let’s play the games and see what happens.

GO FALCONS!!

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WR, I’m with you. That is why I love my seats in 209. There, we are nothing but “real” fans, having a blast and loving the game.

Sarah, I’ve stayed at the motel and you are right…great location. Could I have marveled: let me stop. This is a FAMILY site…LOL. I hated the move of the game from December to September but this year, it is back where in belongs. We close out the season there on Jan. 3. See ya by the pool!!

CBrass, it is considered “old” due to the fact that the league loves to use the newer stadiums as draws for the Big Event. The Georgia Dome is a great venue for its nearly 20 years of age. AB, working with the state, has done a great job keeping it up. If you recall, the City of Atlanta was a horrid manager of the old AFCS. I can recall bathrooms being off limits due to horrible maintenance conditions. The grass was more dirt at times than grass; but hey, I still loved the old girl!!

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Nookah, agree on Norwood and his multiple uses, he kind of reminds me of Eric Metcalf, people forget that Metcalf was a tailback originally in the league with the Browns, he came to Atlanta and the Falcons put him in the slot for the run and shoot offense. Norwood has those same game changing abilities give or take Metcalf was quicker, but Norwood is faster. Norwood can be used in the back field or split out wide and in the slot. Now imagine this, lining Norwood out in the slot on one side and Douglas in the slot on the other side, where do you position your safeties, what are the Falcons about to run at you, Turner can be in the back field as a single back, and you still have White and Jenkins out wide with Gonzo in as a TE, talk about spacing out a defense, and picking your poison.

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Ahhhhh the run and shoot. What a scheme. WR, you are really bringing back the memories today. I’ve won a few FFL titles with the R & S. It is a very good fantasy offense to run.

Nookah, don’t sacre a brother like that! Hell, I’m already spoiled with TD as our leader in the front office. I will contribute to a fund NOW to help AB keep him in ATL. Ohhhhh, I don’t even want to go down that road. Talk about a setback! Brother, I need another “Nesta” after that.

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CBreeze, trust me…next to the Barber boys, WR is Lady Sarah’s prime time beau. They love this!!

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Seminole, I believe Houston ran it best. There were alot of naysayers toward the offense, but the offense put up points and never was easily shut down, not even with our birds. I think the problem was that it kept the defense on the field because of the turnover potential and the quick scoring capabilities. But I agree, you could pile up the numbers if you had a good player from the run and shoot. Thats kind of why I don’t understand the craziness with the wildcat, it basically has the characteristics of the old option/wishbone ran by Barry Switzer back in his Oklahoma days, with Holiday as the QB. It presents a number of reads and options for a defense to consider, the same as the run and shoot, people call the Rams of the late 90’s early 2000, the greatest show on turf, but all they really ran was the run and shoot, but they had the perfect RB for it, Marshall Faulk. Given all the weapons the Falcons possess, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see some principles of the run and shoot utilized this year, you never know with mad mike, its an evolving league, but as my Pops use to say, theres nothing new under the sun.

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I think we got good mileage out of the Norwood discussion. So let me start another before I head to the forecast office for the night beat.

Here is my afternoon rap session topic if I may: It will be especially nice to see the feedback from my UGA friends on this on. So with that, I’ll throw this “bone” out there.

2010: An aggressive WLB, 26 years old, is a free agent. Should we make the move? The player: THOMAS DAVIS.

Opinions??

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WR…The Houston Gamblers of the old USFL. Yes, I’m dating myself. But Mouse Davis ran that scheme. The Oilers did not do a bad job either.

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CBreeze, getting excited on the R & S. Look out. Yeah, she has arrived. I felt that passion and I’m 100 miles plus away!!

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Ryan has leadership. This pure bull who has he lead. Turner was the leader but the media want this guy to be golden when he is not . just watch this year. Ryan has better players around him but let’s make it clear he is not the leader ! They let him have a pass last year yes a free pass. But when they put pressure on him he drop like a rock. He is a pure want TO be QB! He was very lucky last year and so was the falcon!! Buc’s rule- Atlanta is a pure flop no more no less!! But the media loves your QB when he is not all that!!

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Seminole Warrior,

Man, you know where that Thomas Davis stuff is going. You didn’t just throw out a bone, you threw out the fatted calf. Sarah B. and CBrass, close yor eyes, it is not going to be pretty.

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WR,

Me…a trouble maker…why no…LOL Just giving you a hard time buddy. I completely understand what you’re saying. I do not know any of your personally but I do pray from everyone here each night before I go to bed. And I’ve come to think that I’ve found some very good friends that I can talk to if need be.

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Unca’Bob, I need a break from the trash talk because I need some help. I can grill just about anything but I haven’t firgured out a pre-grill recipe for burgers, you seem to have the recipes down pat so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Oh yeah, looking for something that adds that savory flavor, not just your plain grilled flavor.

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I will throw this out on Thomas Davis. As much as I like him, well love him because he was a Damn Good DAWG…. But I don’t see TD chasing after signing Petersen this year. We are going younger and faster. Any LBs coming to ATL will be drafted.Thomas Davis is gonna cost a pretty penny.

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WR,

I am very sorry, I do not have a recipe for pre grilling Hamburgers. But, if you would visit here and type in Hamburgers you will no doubt be swamped.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/

I know D3 is a huge Bobby Flay fan so you should check him out, too.

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Unca’ Bob, That is the second best site on the web besides our Cage. That’s where go daily looking for recipes. Speaking of D3, when is he going to drop some of Flay’s recipes on the Cage.

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Unca’Bob, can’t depend on anyone from Tennessee for nothing, just kidding. Thanks anyway, you are still holding out on that Bar b q sauce you promised a while back, what is a fellow cager to think.

It has been a great day once again in the cage, yard work and the grill beckons, so I will catch everyone later

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Live from the forecast office!! Luv ya CBreeze, I told you that my ACC brother is a big kitten at heart. See how he breaks it down when you soften him up. LOL.

Jason, Petersen is a band-aid solution for a year or two. Davis is in his prime and his signing could secure the WLB position with Pro Bowl talent for the next five years.

As far as Anderson versus Johnson, I think I will stay with Anderson. Say what may about the dude and his learning curve, he still trys hard and I’m hopeful that the Sugar Bear will bring him along.

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Nookah – What’s up my friend? Love the Baldheads lyrics and comparison. Hate will always envelope our country and world, but we’ve done a masterful job of eliminating from the ‘Cage. As far as TD goes, don’t think for a second that Blank won’t throw the moon and stars at TD to stay as long as he wants. What’s he’s done in two off-season is nothing but amazing.

WR(2) – Nice spacing analysis there. I sure will try to enjoy every second I can of Norwood this year, because he’s as good as gone. Hate that’s the way its gonna be, but I can’t imagine him staying unless he decides to take less money to stay in the South. Doubt it.

jason – PROCESS and VERSATILITY. Love it. Only one more to add this year or in a couple, CHAMPIONSHIP! To sign up for the Fantasy Football League, go to the email I sent you, and follow the link. From there it should be just follow directions. I’ll resend the email to you.

Seminole – Man, you just had to ask that question didn’t you? Well, in theory that the Panthers would let him get away, then I would say yes, but he will command top dollar and that doesn’t appear to be TD’s M.O. to this point. Peterson should give us at least one more year after this and I think TD would much rather draft an OLB, than pay top dollar for one. We already have money that will take up to lock Dahl and Clabo to long term deals. It’s not unthinkable, though, considering MV’s salary comes off the books and in all likelihood Norwoods as well. Personally, I don’t see the Panthers letting him get away.

Even though I teach math, it looks like a seventh grade language arts class might be in order.

WR(3) – Eric Berry will be long, long, long gone by the time we pick (here’s hoping we well to the back of the draft), but I see him going top 5 easily. Guys a stud and just had to go to the House CEO’s alma mater to play.

jason(2) – Agree with you on Thomas Davis. The guy will command top dollar, as he should, but going after high price free agents is not TD’s M.O. Turner was the exception, because it was a high need to transform the bruised and battered team. Tashard Choice is the man you’re thinking of I believe.

Bobby Flay Dallas Burger Recipe coming next……….

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WR, the secret to tasty burgers is simple. Before they are patted out Leah & Perrins (brand specific) some pepper and Adobo. They are great.

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D3, forgive my spelling and/or verb usage. That is what happens when you are writing a regional forecast discussion and blogging Falcons issues at the same time. I promise to get an “A” next time. LOL.

Davis will cost a nice penny for sure but perhaps AB can use that smooth charm to get him to take the hometown discount. Jsut a thought.

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Darn it, I misspelled ‘just”. D3, can I settle for a “B”?

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Bobby Flay’s Dallas Burger from FoodNetwork.com…….

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/cda/recipe_print/0,1946,FOOD_9936_355479_RECIPE-PRINT-FULL-PAGE-FORMATTER,00.html

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D3, you have been away too long, The “Monster” has to get caught up.

Thanks for Tashard Choice, you know how it is at work. He gave my DAWGS hell for a couple of years. I’ll take a Jacket or 2 on ATL’s roster. That’s about all they provide at most anyway (WR). Had to, couldn’t resist. We need to find a replacement for Brooking (GT), maybe Walker will be that Jacket.

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Walker, Lewis, Jerry, and Babs provide us with a solid DT rotation for years to come. No issues noted there.

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Guys, Anderson is not a bad player. In fact he is a productive player but the real issue with JA98 is that he was drafted 8th in the first round and that comes with a whole lot of expectations. However, I am with you WR, I think he will have a much better year. With the formidable push we should be able to generate inside, it will force the QB out of the pocket and allow our outside rush to do their thing. In fact if the QB’s choose to stay inside then they will be hurried more from the inside push. This could allow #98 to get his hands on more QB’s and even have more tackles this year (27 last year).

Don’t forget this is Jamaal’s 3rd year and will be his 2nd stable year. That ain’t no way for someone who is really just adjusting to the rudiments of the game. His football history should be examined closely and if you are objective you will see that his better days are ahead of him. The guy is only 23 years old and has a lot more to offer.

Apart from that we all know what a winning environment can do to players. It positively affects their attitude and work ethic and brings out the best in them. With the coaching staff we now have, I think he will be far more effective this year.

Go Falcons!!!!

Nuff respect everytime!!!!

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Nookah, as far as Anderson goes, in the Sugar Bear I will trust. Davis and Biermann will be ready in case.

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Jason, I did not forget your WLB question my brother. The man that I am locking in on as my focal point at the position is Mizzou’s Sean Weatherspoon. 6′ 2.5″, 240 lbs. A very gifted OLB. Mizzou ran some unique schemes last season but they are transitioning to a Tampa 2 scheme (yes, there I go again), so it will be interesting to see his production as a senior. Last season, 149 total tackles, five sacks, and three INTs.

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Seminole Warrior, Also UGA has some LBs that can fly, but they are under the radar. Could be looking at some mid to late round picks to add depth. I see TD drafting at least 2 LBs, and wouldn’t be surprised to see him draft possibly 3.

I am curious to see what both James and Adkins brings in the preseason. Give them another and a full year in the system and our depth problems at LB might be solved.

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Should they show Roddy “Butterfingers” White the money? Hell no. They should show him the door! Amen congregation. Sorry I am a bit behind. See Falcons at 12-4 this season!

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Check Out Matt Ryan’s LA radio interview:

http://sportsradiointerviews.com/2009/07/20/rookie-of-the-year-matt-ryan-eager-for-encore-performance/

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Seminole Warrior,

That would be a great thing. Getting the chance to sit and talk football with T.D would be awesome(even thought I wouldn’t know what I was talking about…LOL). Can you imagine the response if a contest like that was set up?!?!

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D3, resend me that invite to FF. Send it here: ugawatson@satx.rr.com

I had the e-mail at work but it will do no good there. ESPN is FORBIDDEN per USAF. You can’t even go to a ESPN site.

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jason,

It would just be interesting just to see how him mind works. How he goes about determining if a player is a good fit for the system and the organization as a whole. I love what he said during the draft that he wasn’t going to draft a player just because the media think he should…I knew then that we had something extremely special in T.D

What so bad about ESPN? That’s one site that should be allow everywhere!!!

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jason,

I thought that was Facebook….LOL

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jason,

I’m still trying to get past the fact that ESPN is not allowed…I mean what is wrong with it but then again this is the military we’re talking about. What branch are you in? If you don’t mind me asking.

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Good evening, fellow Cagers.
Sarah B. I use almost the same recipe on my burgers but with a slight variance with the grill verses the griddle.
The griddle (or pan) calls for a pat of butter for each patty.
Call me a weirdo, but I love grilling, BBQ and smoking meats.
Got some good recipes and always interested in learning more.
It`s a southern thang, I suppose?

Please hold the phone with all the JA98 praise and certainty he`s going to breakout.
I know he`s only 23 but so far he has shown me nothing at pass rush or stopping the run.
I am not trying to be a pessimist but facts are facts.
Here are some last seasons stats to back up my premise that the guy can`t play.

JA, 27 tackles, 24 solo and 3 assist with 2 sacks..that is with him starting with the majority of reps.

C. Davis, 38 tackles, 29 solo, 9 assist, 4 sacks and a fumble recovery, all with him playing only part time in the rotation.

Then you have Bierman who played way much less than JA98 or Davis and as a rookie came in with 21 tackles, 18 solo, 3 assist a 2 sacks.
I like Bierman, that`s showing me something considering his status.

What`s even more disturbing IMO, the 2 guys that led the team in tackles (Brooking and Coleman) were lined up behind him on the weak side.
Teams largely ran directly at JA98 we were ripped with close to a 5 YPC average overall.
Y`all to realize that is almost a half a yard more per carry than the Falcons gained on the ground and they led the NFL in rushing!

I don`t know what y`all are seeing in this guy but to me, he is what I have seen and the stats back me up.
A bust until he proves otherwise.

Davis and Bierman, they would be my #2 and 3 DE`s, until JA has shown me something.
If he needs more OJT?
Put him on the practice squad.
We don`t have any more patience or time to fool around with less than what`s expected.

BT

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Air Force OOPS

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Jason, her is an idea.
Get yourself down to a public library or find a laptop and go wifi at the Krystal or many other locations and go ahead and register, unencumbered by Gooberment regulations.

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BT, Dude I have a computer at home. That’s not what the conversation was about.

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CBrass, Oh Yeah JAnderson will have to show significant improvement this year, especially ing the Sacks dept.

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BT/jason,

Seems like it’s a slow night here so I have a question for you guys. What’s the different between the three linebacker positions?

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Jason, I was just trying to help.
Did you get registered?
It`s seems you were having some issues.
I happened to be fairly decent on puters.

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BT, Not yeat. D3 is going to resend the e-mail to my home address. I should be up and running once he sends it. I am basicly locked out until I get a reinvite to the league.

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jason,

That cleared up a lot. Thanks!!! Not sure if this is a stupid question or not but where does an Outside/Inside linebacker fit in all of this? And if is a offense is running a two TE set which TE does the middle LB line up againist? Sorry for all of the questions.

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Nothing wrong with questions CBreeze. The Falcons usually run a training camp for Women in Oct. in Oct. because it benefits Breast Cancer. I went the first year and already knew mot of the answers to the questions. It is $50 but you get player autographs at the beginning, then Q&A with coaches with 1/2 the group while the other half runs drills with former players and coaches. Then you switch. Then dinner and a glass of wine. I’ll go again if you want to. It was very cool.

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CBras, BT just explained it. Actually a little better that i did.

BT

July 20th, 2009
8:50 pm
Reread that post above.

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Sarah B. Got a grilled chicken marinade ya can`t go wrong with also.
It`s simple, mix 3 equal parts of 3 sauces.
Soy, teryiaki and worcestershire.
Then add liberal dashes of hot sause, to taste.
Soak the chicken parts in the mix for at least half and hour.
Then grill them.
Sometimes, the simple things are actually best.

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Back with you my brothers and sisters! Yes, Sarah, been doing it now for almost 25 years and I love it.

CBrass, hope that you got all the info you desired on the LB positions. BT and Jason breaking it down with skill…love it.

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Okay Sarah…here is your chance to help.

Give me your best picks for low temperatures tonight in the following locations: Savannah, Warner Robins, Valdosta, and Columbus. Whatever you give me I will put into my midnight outlook. Are you game?

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BT, I must have missed that question. If I have William Moore, I walk him up as an extra LB.

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My wifey just got home witha new Red and Black Bulldawg shirt for me.
GTG, she must be rewarded.
Not bad considering she is a Gator..

Later

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I had some serious ADD going on. I was chasing my 3 year old around the house, Blogging with you guys, eating supper, watching the Braves, and blogging with that crew also. Got hectic there for a minute.

Seminole, you do national weather? What’s my forecast for next week at Disney World. I will be there all week.

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BT, Traitor, what does she do to you when we lose to them Gators almost every year?

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Darn BT…I thought I had it bad. Mine is a Virginia Cavalier fan as well as a Carolina Kittens (aka panthers) fan.

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I too fell in love with Beirman. He was a ball hawk…always in the back field or just around the ball in general!!

Well I’m calling it a night also. The Braves have an 8 run lead so I think we have this on in the bag. Check up with you guys and gals in the morning.

Have a good one. God Bless!

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If that is the case, we have some serious ability to continue to develop a lot of depth as well as find some diamonds in the ruff.

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