FALCONS: No “LawDog”, it’s Tye Hill to the rescue?
Is it time for Coach Mike Smith and Lawyer “The LawDog” Milloy to hold a reunion tour?
THE LEDBETTER HACIENDA/UPDATE FROM THE BRANCH — The Falcons made a trade for Tye Hill today.
He played well early in his career after being selected with the 15th pick of the 2006 draft. Folks in St. Louis told me that he lost his confidence and has been beset with injuries. Doesn’t sound like he can step right in and help, but we’ll see.
All last week, Falcons coach Mike Smith kept saying that the team “had a lot of work to do.”
Some of the cynical and sometimes skeptical media folks just thought it was some “coach speak.”
Turns out Smitty was just shooting the media straight.
In wake of the San Diego third-down air assault, it looks like the coaches have to regroup. They need a workable third down plan.
In the preseason, the Falcons have been trying to play a more aggressive and swashbuckling style of defense. We’ve seen blitzes, that funky 3-3-5 they flashed on
a few third downs and a cornerback blitz. When was the last time we’ve send a cornerback blitz around here?
Milloy was close to signing with Detroit and being reunited with Grady Jackson. (ERIC MILLER/REUTERS)
The goal is to decrease explosive plays (20-yard gainers) and to create some turnovers. The problem is that the defense can yield some big plays, too. Like the screen to Michael Bennett, the pride of Milwaukee Tech High and former Wisconsin Badger. (Used to do the color commentary of the Milwaukee Public High League games on public access. Bennett was a nice kid!)
That’s what all the fuss was about when GM Thomas Dimitroff was talking getting faster and drafting speed. The coaches may need more time to get the concepts communicated and the players may need more time to properly execute the new style.
Time is one thing nobody has. Sept. 13 is approaching. But after all of the offseason work in mini-camp and OTAs, they’ll likely have to stay the course with this plan of attack.
Here are five ways to view the Falcons’ defense in wake of the San Diego game.
Cornerback Brent Grimes had a rough day with Vincent Jackson. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC).
1. Heck, they won’t be playing against Philip Rivers every week. Chad Pennington can’t throw 25-yard square-outs on a laser and neither can Jake Delhomme.
2. Coach Smith was a defensive coordinator, he knows what the fixes are.
3. Does Chris Houston need Lawyer Milloy around to help him step it up. Our was he just coming back too soon from that groin injury. (Should they make a pitch for LawDog, he’s still out there?)
4. Heck, the defense can afford to give up some plays because the offense is cruising along like a Maybach 62 S.
5. John Abraham would have had some sacks on some of those third-and- longs if he was moving at “regular season” speed.
Maybe the cause for alarm over the cornerbacks is unwarranted? What do you think? Milloy had a tough time staying up with Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald in that playoff game, but as it turns out, that was no crime against humanity. Nobody has been able to stay with them either. Do you forgive the LawDog and let him come back?
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94 comments Add your comment
Ry
September 1st, 2009
1:52 pm
This signing doesn’t seem like it is enough to fix the CB position. This guy was the #2 CB for St. Louis and was close to losing that job already and he has been inury prone. I hope TD is working on another deal, because I don’t think Hill is the answer for what is ailing these Falcons.
Ed-Covington
September 1st, 2009
1:57 pm
Georgia native, born in middle Georgia. Lived in Chile for several years on business. Te Comprende?
Ed-Covington
September 1st, 2009
2:05 pm
BTW, if anyone hasn’t noticed, CJackson is an excellent nickel back when he can keep the play in front of him or cover less-talented, slower #3 receivers; but he does not have the speed or reflexes to turn and run with elite receivers. Of course, it seems that CHouston has lost that ability also.
To all of you KBrooking haters, glad to see that letting him go and bringing in your “man” MPeterson has solved all of the Falcons defensive woes.
GO BIRDS!!
Ed-Covington
September 1st, 2009
2:06 pm
Okie State starting TE fears dawgs, quits team!!
Ed-Covington
September 1st, 2009
2:15 pm
Gee Ry; your description of Tye Hill is almost EXACTLY what everyone was saying about Foxworth when we traded for him last year. He was the #3 CB on a bad defense.
To all you who blame TD for Foxworth, again: the Ravens signed him to a 4-year, $27 million contract (with $17 GUARANTEED!) after he had been the #3 CB in Denver and started for the Birds for about 12 games. Grimes was the starting CB ’til he got hurt, then Foxworth replaced him. Yeah, we needed a CB, but not THAT bad! Money IS sometimes a consideration. Again, the Ravens offer to Foxworth shocked everyone. The Falcons were right NOT to match it.
I MUS WRITE
September 1st, 2009
2:36 pm
Lawyer Milloy is too slow to make a difference and besides he’s 36yo…. jamal anderson looks terible i believe Chauncey will be our Starter at DE. Kroy bierrman is really starting to step up he reminds me of a yung Pat Kerney. Hill is solid but i want McCalister -a proven veteran with the ablity to cover the Steve Smith,Fitzgeralds and Calvin johnsons of the world…………..
Chris houston suck….period -what exactly does he do well???? Yeah I know he’s still yung but he looks almost the same as year one-How can you defend a reciever without ever turning your head -He and Grimes are auditioning for the CHARLES DIMRY- ” I get my ass smoked every game award” Grimes has potential —as a nickel back-he is way to small for the position regardless of his athleticism.
Hill and McCalister would be a solid duo-the rest of the offense looks okay- jerry needs work,he’s not what i thought he would be but he is playing better the past 2 weeks. # 93 is an animal he is always around the ball and plays with a nasty attitude………
cant wait fro the 13th
I MUS WRITE
September 1st, 2009
2:39 pm
Y dont yall give it a rest with the Brookings thing -He looks like garbage last year diving on piles and chasing RB’s to the end zone……. Peterson is’nt all world but he is better than brookings -Winborn is a good player as well….forget brookings he is sumone elses problem now.
I MUS WRITE
September 1st, 2009
2:45 pm
Hell No to pac man -what a loser -I cant believe his name was even mentioned. Wanna be tuff guy- I swear if we ever crossed paths and exchanged words I would pummel his 5′8 azz in the ground….. But i would probably be ducking bullets from his entourage. Grown men dont need entourages or possee’s to fight their battles.
Ed-Covington
September 1st, 2009
3:07 pm
I’d much rather see my LBs chasing RBs into the end zone than laying on the ground watching them run by; or seeing rookie RBs running by themselves to the end zone.
Look, a Unicorn
September 1st, 2009
3:54 pm
OH NO, nobody wanted to listen to me when I was screaming Sean Smith’s (Cornerback, 6′3″, 215lbs.) name during the draft. “Look how TALL he is!” “Pay no attention to the unicorn over there by the spiked cherry punch bowl”, you clucked as you picked that other guy from Missouri who goes on the PUP list if he sneezes.
And now our secondary is run by the lollypop kids.
J.J.M.
September 1st, 2009
4:08 pm
didnt we trade WR laurent robinson to the rams? seems like falcons like the trading with the rams lol
JYD
September 1st, 2009
4:14 pm
I agree with SWAT Native i think Pac-man has learned his lesson, TD needs to find him he’ll come cheap and for sure can’t do much worse than Houston and Grimes.
JYD
September 1st, 2009
4:15 pm
Enter your comments here
Alan
September 1st, 2009
5:24 pm
Forget Milloy and Brookings already, they are gone as has their speed. GO FALCONS !!!!!!
TheManMike
September 1st, 2009
7:29 pm
If Tye can still jam like this – I’ll be happy……
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAkHsp4veXw
J. Turner
September 1st, 2009
7:38 pm
TD & Smitty were stupid to let Foxworth go. He was worth the money.
If they think they will beat ANYONE with a 3 man pass rush they are crazy as H e L L.
Drew Breeze will break records against them for passing yards in a game if ATL uses a three man pass rush.
I MUS WRITE
September 1st, 2009
8:24 pm
Ed give it up brookings is gone as he should be….. I’ll leave the roster moves to Td and coach smith….If brookings was worth a shyt he would still be here. So i guess you are ready to throw Peterson under the bus after one so so PRESEASON game….. Come on guy get urself together
I MUS WRITE
September 1st, 2009
8:27 pm
One more thing for the pro pac man crowd…… he is an average corner in the league and he got his issue on numerous occasions last year so let him go to Canada and out of our lives
SPARTAN NATION
September 1st, 2009
11:11 pm
Some TYE HILL highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAkHsp4veXw
falcons man
September 2nd, 2009
12:23 am
man the problem is the qb has to much time in the back field!!! we need to dump j anderson,get another d end and puts some pressure on the qb i herd south west dekalb has a great d end!!!lol and please leave pac man alone he will be taking orders at the waffle house soon, when he mess up again!!!
atl.unc.aub
September 2nd, 2009
12:50 am
JYD-You think Pacman has learned his lesson?? Is this your gut feeling or have you seen something from him to make you think this? what has he done since the first time he got into trouble a couple years ago besides get into more trouble? dont mean to go at you but this guy has proven several times now that he hasnt and wont learn his lesson. i am all for second chances but he already threw his second chance out the window. let him eat humble pie the rest of his life.
DOL-you posted about Pacman being available too. what has he done with his life so far that appeals to you? this guy is scum. you actually thought about what he has done since being in the league and decided he was a good option for corner on our team? wow just wow. i mean everyone is entitled to their opinion but WOW
atl.unc.aub
September 2nd, 2009
12:54 am
falcons man- if he was taking my order at waffle house i would go to IHOP. not kidding
Maxx
September 2nd, 2009
1:35 am
Now all we need to do is cut Jamaal Anderson and Chris Houston and sign Chris McCalister/Mike Mckenzie
Infamous Dru
September 2nd, 2009
2:30 am
Good Trade Atlanta Yall know talent and I do to, Cornerback Tye Hill will do great there, he was just on a sorry team that he had to try harder on and was giving up on thats why he probly was getting hurt, But I seen this Guy Tye Hill at his best and him being at a better team he will help take Atlanta to da Superbowl, So Yall At da Superbowl (Go!!!!!!!!! ATLANTA FALCONS SUPERBOWL 2010) GO!!!! TYE HILL WE NEEDED U BRUH now we got you show us what you got
Keith
September 2nd, 2009
2:40 am
Not sure Hll is the answer, but it is AN answer of some sort. I think one more move for another CB might be a good move….It’s a tough call since it’s so late. GO FALCONS!
Infamous Dru
September 2nd, 2009
2:48 am
Good Trade Atlanta Yall know talent and I do to, Cornerback Tye Hill will do great there, he was just on a sorry team that he had to try harder on and was giving up on thats why he probly was getting hurt, But I seen this Guy Tye Hill at his best and him being at a better team he will help take Atlanta to da Superbowl, So Yall At da Superbowl (Go!!!!!!!!! ATLANTA FALCONS SUPERBOWL 2010) GO!!!! TYE HILL WE NEEDED U BRUH now we got you show us what you got, Look at tye Hill at his best with a good team in college here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAkHsp4veXw
Doug in South Korea
September 2nd, 2009
4:25 am
DOL,
Do you really think “the offense is cruising along like a Maybach 62 S.?” I am sure we watched the same preseason game…but that’s not what happened at all. Our first stringers got shut down pretty good against the Chargers first string D and it wasn’t until their second string defense came in that we started moving the ball. Most of that time it was Redman and the second string offense, but still…
I think we’ll be fine on the offensive side of the ball for obvious reasons (sick talent at the skill positions, a young QB phenom, and a great offensive coordinator). But we did not “cruise along like a Maybach 62 S.” Quite the contrary…
Zorro
September 2nd, 2009
5:03 am
DOL
Removing the posts of those fans who like Daniel Cox is not going to make you a better columnist.
DMac
September 2nd, 2009
10:19 am
I love Grimes and Houston, But, Grimes just doesn’t have the reach and Houston was not near the widouts in Man Coverage. The difference last year was “Reach” and Foxworth had the arm length to get to balls. Grimes had good coverage but too short…We don’t have Rivers everyweek. We have Manning, Brady, Brees, Cutler, and Romo. This is a Long Season without cover help. You can’t mask Short.
DMac
September 2nd, 2009
10:25 am
Was Foxworth let go because of Money? Ravens had no problem with it. Don’t understand that move. Somebody help me. Would he have signed here for a little less????
honest_abe
September 2nd, 2009
10:54 am
hey yo “doug in south korea” how are you planning on watching the games?
mountain_jim
September 2nd, 2009
10:59 am
I wondered who and what deleted post(s) the Daniel’s agent comment was referring to. (I missed this blog yesterday because ajc left off the whole Falcons section from the main Sports page, and I did not bother to go to the Falcons specific page.)
I also think Daniel Cox’s articles have been excellent, but I like DOL’s coverage fine and the more the better I say!
mountain_jim
September 2nd, 2009
11:02 am
I also hated we lost Foxworth over money, as he made the defense so much better last year. But after all the years of bad management, I trust in TD to do the right things in the long run and big picture – he sure beats the hell out of every previous Falcon talent procurer.
Thugs of a Feather....
September 2nd, 2009
11:12 am
Adam “Pacman” Jones should go play in Philly with his “kindred spirit.:”
Mike in Okinawa, Japan
September 2nd, 2009
12:48 pm
Honest Abe- I am guessing that “Doug in South Korea” is stationed overseas like my father. We will watch the games on the Armed Force Network which provides a wide variety of the latest tv shows, sporting events, etc. for the troops.
Fish Bisch
September 2nd, 2009
1:25 pm
The caption under the first photo: “it time for Coach… to hold a reunion tour?” What does that mean exactly?
IBleedRed&Black
September 2nd, 2009
3:06 pm
I just don’t understand this pick up…. Now Brent Grimes is only 5.10-5.11 if that. And we go out and get another 5.10 in height guy… Thats a bad move… I don’t know why everyone is getting all riled up for Hill. Plus, he’s injury prone.. Bad Move Dimitroff!!! Bad! Bad!!!
Spend money… Don’t be stingy!!!!!!!
BIGGATLDAWG
September 2nd, 2009
11:39 pm
I DVR’ED ALL OF THE PRE SEASON GAMES; I SEE LOTS WRONG WITH THE DEFENSE. 1ST IS THE NOSE GUARD AND DT PLAY IS NOT GETTING ENOUGH OF A PUSH TO DISRUPT ANY OFFENSE. 2ND. WE NEED BETTER REACTION FROM OUR LB’S ON PASS PLAYS.3RD. OUR DB’S ARE OUT OF POSITION FAR TO MUCH. MOSTLY ON THIRD DOWN. AND ARE NOT MAKING ANY PLAYS ON THE BALL.
Ken Strickland
September 3rd, 2009
11:52 am
I still think CB CHouston’s problem is he tried to come back too soon from his hamstring injury. He was certainly having an outstanding camp prior to his injury. He missed a lot of time and obviously couldn’t run and maintain his preinjury conditioning level. Anyone returning from hamstring or groin problems will naturally be apprehensive about going all out initially.
We also introduced a new 3rd down DEF alignment, the 3-3-5, and there’s no way for any of us to determine how much that attributed to the obvious confusion and poor 3rd down play. We’ve had trouble in the past generating an efffective 4 man pass rush, so attempting a 3 man pass rush might explain our lack of a pass rush.
Falcon Chic
September 3rd, 2009
12:24 pm
Want to win a game in the playoff’s – get the secondary help – I remember Chris Houston getting beat by Chicago quarterback Orton (now in Denver) in last year’s game that required us having to go with a miracle play. Miracles don’t happen often in the NFL.
Poor McKay
September 3rd, 2009
1:49 pm
Has the Falcons 1st round pick shown up yet? Is he unsigned? Is he driving around I-285 looking for the Flowery Branch (or GA Dome) exit? Did he make a wrong turn in Mobile and is currently at the Jaguars training facility? Has Dmitroff filed a missing person’s report yet? WTF happened to Peria Jerry?
Ken Strickland
September 3rd, 2009
3:32 pm
FALCON CHIC-there isn’t a starting CB in NFL history that hasn’t been beaten numerous times throughout his career. It just happens to some more than others. So remembering a gm(s) or play(s) in which CHouston was beaten and using it to support your idea of him being a bad CB means absolutely nothing.
The Falcons are trying to build a Superbowl contender and that can’t be done if everytime a problem comes up, all anyone does is make excuses and try to find someone to blame rather than finding a solution to the problem. I don’t think the Falcons are as concerned about CHouston’s play as some fans seem to be. I think they’re more concerned about the way teams have successfully attacked CB BGrimes, which happened last yr before he was injuried.
BGrimes’ height becomes an issue when there isn’t sufficient pass rush protection and QB’s are allowed to sit in the pocket and focus on him. I wonder what fan reaction toward DE JAnderson would be if he got 2 sacks against the Ravens?
Big Ray
September 3rd, 2009
11:32 pm
Peria Jerry looked fairly good tonight. So did John Parker Wilson (I’m getting tired of saying that whole name, I think I’ll stop).
This defensive unit is simply going to have to keep working. That’s all there is to it. They’ll work, they’ll learn, and they’ll grow. It WILL happen.
Big Ray
September 3rd, 2009
11:44 pm
Asante Samuel- 5′10 185 lbs.
Cortland Finnegan- 5′10″ 188 lbs. Pro Bowler
Antoine Winfield-5′9″ 180 lbs. Pro Bowler
Hey look, three short guys who can play cornerback.
Want to hear something else funny? We got Foxworth from Denver for a 7th round pick. Guess what we gave up to get Tye Hill? A 7th round pick.