Q&A: John Abraham doesn’t feel like he’s slowing down
Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham (55) looks on during the morning session on the second day of NFL football mini-camp at the team's training complex in Flowery Branch, Ga., Saturday, May 8, 2010. AP Photo/Paul Abell
Flowery Branch – Falcons defensive end John Abraham is not one to dodge a question.
He’s heard the whispers about him being washed up.
He’s seen some of your comments on here, pleading for the team to draft a defensive end.
Loading ...He knows his sacks dipped from 16.5 to 5.5 last season.
He knows that, according to the coaches’ stats after film review, he had 10 quarterback hurries.
Before Abraham had to leave to catch a plane, he tackled some hard core issues.
Abraham, who turned 32 last Thursday, is under contract through the 2011 season. He’s set to make a base salary of $6.5 million next season and a base salary of $8 million in 2011.
Here’s the Q&A with Abraham.
Q: How has your offseason been going for you?
A: It’s been good. I’ve been down working out in Pensacola for a month down at the Andrews Institute. I feel good. I came back and I feel like I’m in shape. I feel like I’ve got a little more juice in me.
Q: Have you looked back on last season? How did you evaluate your play?
A: We just have to get a little more experience out there. That’s all. I felt like I played well. I don’t feel like I fell off. People ask me ‘do you think you’re losing it?’ But I watched myself
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb (5) looks for a receiver as Atlanta Falcons defender John Abraham (55) pursues in the first half of their NFL football game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009. (AP Photo)
on tape and it still shows that I’m doing the same stuff I did before. I feel good. I’m out here (at minicamp) now and I feel good. I don’t feel like I’m slowing down.
Q: Would better coverage in the secondary have helped your sack numbers?
A: We just need more experience. If you watch, I had a lot of good pressures, but I just didn’t get them down like I wanted to. I think we’ve got a lot more experience. Bringing Dunta (Robinson) in here helps. Some of our younger guys are more experienced now. It should be good for me.
Q: Will getting Peria (Jerry) back help the pass rush, too?
A: Yeah, that should help us in the pass rush. Peria did a good job with the little bit of plays he had last year. Now, it’s time for him to stand up and really be a contributor.
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94 comments Add your comment
Falcons will win
May 12th, 2010
6:58 am
Looking foward to a great season by JA
Jeepers
May 12th, 2010
7:21 am
It’s wasn’t me John. I didn’t say you were washed up. Just sayin.’ He’s bringing it next season and will be the SuperBowl MVP.
alanfalcon
May 12th, 2010
7:23 am
Beirman and Sidbury will help John A. also, Beirman is coming into his own and it sounds like Sidbury really has the desire to suceed.
joeyv from Huntington beach
May 12th, 2010
7:26 am
I belive in john one hundred percent , last year was last year , we had injuries all around. This year were stacked at d line and linebacker , our secondary will be the strength of this defense . Peria , big Lewis and babs will help when he returns . I’m rootin for john to have another pro bowl season ! Dirty birds are back in form!
Chop Buster
May 12th, 2010
7:31 am
People just don’t understand that defense is a team effort and it takes all of the pieces for it to function properly. There were many things I saw that affected Abraham’s play and lack of team mate experience was a major part of that (especially the secondary). When you only have pressure coming from one side consistently, teams can afford to double-team Abe. Also, when you have a QB that gets the ball out of there hands quickly that will affect sacks as well. Hurries are just as good because it can cause the QB to force something. Let’s see how we do now that Sid and Kroy have more experience and with the possibility of getting a pass rush up the middle. Finally, don’t forget our boy Spoon coming off the edge as well.
Chop Buster
May 12th, 2010
7:32 am
Oops…should be their vs there. Edit, edit edit. LOL
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 12th, 2010
7:34 am
Better coverage will certainly give Abe more time to launch his assaults on the opposition’s pocket.
SimpleDawg
May 12th, 2010
7:35 am
I think he’s washed up……but he has an opportunity to show that he’s not. Another 5.5 sack season will not cut it.
He’s also been injury prone throughout his career.
Having Peria Jerry should help – if he’s healthy, and Jamaal Anderson needs to be moved inside to tackle. Anderson could cause problems by knocking down passes at the line of scrimmage.
The 4 defensive players on the line of scrimmage, the ones nearest the ball, are crucial to success.
Paddy
May 12th, 2010
7:42 am
SimpleDawg…I agree with your post except on Abe. I believe he might not be the pro-bowl DE of past but better than most in the league. Being a team game, if the other parts of the defense come together, Abe will still be our star on defense imho.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 12th, 2010
7:42 am
Simple Dawg — The injury thing is old. He’s answered the bell in 49 straight games.
florida falcon
May 12th, 2010
7:52 am
@Jeepers- I’m with you man! “This one’s for John” A fitting way for him to ride off into the sunset!
ATLJBO
May 12th, 2010
7:55 am
Great Blog DOL…. I still think Abe has gas in the tank especially how we use him (pass rusher mostly)… I think it was partly opponents sliding their O-Line Abes way, Our pass coverage, and us dropping him in coverage… I understand we were zone blitzing but Abe cant be the guy not rushing…
D-Led … When will get that D-Line heavy info….lol.. Man I’m on the computer early to find this out…lol
Blue Fender
May 12th, 2010
8:01 am
With a more experienced secondary I think John will terrorize the backfield this year. He always dominates early in the season,so whoever Pittsburg throws out there to replace Big Ben, get ready to taste the turf!
SirReal
May 12th, 2010
8:11 am
Abe is still a top tier DE. I agree that lack of pressure and a swiss cheese secondary contributed to the numbers going down. I watched EVERY game last year and 55 was in the backfield many times. He’ll have a good year this year with Bierman (who i think is the next Kerney if we stop this “rotation” thing and let him start period. Sidbury can relieve him) on the other side. He’s got a lot of upside and he’ll help Abe by making O-Lines account for him.
truth
May 12th, 2010
8:15 am
Is this the big “D”line info?
collegedude
May 12th, 2010
8:15 am
ATLJBO, I’m afraid this is the heavy DL info…..we woke up early for nothing.
fatboy
May 12th, 2010
8:18 am
i think he has plenty left, John isnt going to say anything or point fingers but i will. and i love all my falcons, but there were alot of things out of Johns hands that contributed to his lower numbers. one was a lack of coverage will should be greatly improved with Daunta and williams back, grimes and owens ended up having pretty good years. second was a lack of a rush from any where else. there were time when John was double and tripple teamed and no one else got to the quarter back. this year with Jerry back, and kroy in what his 3rd year, then chauncy and sidbury in thier second years at end, this should be a good year for abs.
i think JA will be like Strahan and White, there numbers may have dipped slightly but both had very good final years.
and for you #55 we didnt want a DE to replace you, we wanted a stud DE you could teach and groom for a few years down the road.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
May 12th, 2010
8:29 am
its great to talk football this early in the morning , makes it easier to go to work , Abraham has a lot left maybe the other teams will think he is done and quit double teaming and chipping him, I bet it won’t take long for them to realize their mistake.
ATL Fan
May 12th, 2010
9:01 am
I don’t think it was double-teams that hurt his numbers, I think it was holds by the offensive linemen that didn’t get called.
ddawgdavis
May 12th, 2010
9:06 am
So, better coverage in the secondary equals better pass rush? That would be a great philosophy, but how about some help on the line. Double teams? Chop blocks? Zone Blocking? Offensive line coaches last year saw the decline of the line and EXPLOITED it. Sids and Kroy will definitely help off the edge and Jerry and Babs with the rookie will give the middle an anchor. I still wish they would go after John Henderson.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
May 12th, 2010
9:29 am
something needs to happen this year- last year our D was a joke. If Abe doesn’t improve his #s this year, time to go shopping.
FalconTransplant
May 12th, 2010
9:31 am
DOL
IS THIS THE “HEAVY D-LINE” INFO YOU TEASED US ABOUT?
waynester
May 12th, 2010
9:41 am
Until we prove to the League that we can get to the QB from LDE and DT, JAbe will continue to draw double-teams. I didn’t hear Abraham complaining about holds against him–he knows they’ll try and his technique must keep them from latching on. And as far as him “being washed-up”, I don’t know anyone who thinks he’s reached that point yet, but as part of the “over 30 club” he’s saying “yes,yes, yes” while the clock says “no,no,NO”(Munsonism). As a pro, I doubt he’s worried about a rookie taking his job, rather,staving off the ravages of time(thus the training in Pensacola). If we’re really trying to become the Patriots South ya’ll know that aging veteran plus final year of contract equals trade for draft picks. I’m guessing that as soon as we think Sidbury can handle it, Abe will be with a new team to finish his career–thanks for the memories–hearty handshake–good luck. It sounds harsh toward the best player on your “D”, but that’s the reality in the NotForLong. I’m hoping that he has another pro-bowl year this season, but as others have noted, some factors are beyond his control–especially Time….
Fish2774
May 12th, 2010
9:49 am
One man can’t do it all especially when he’s being doubled teamed. No push in the middle means no sacks for our Defensive Ends. It’s called: “The Flush” when u get pressure up the middle and more the quarterback off his spot. Two years ago we had that in Big Grady Jackson.Now let’s hope Jerry can bring “The Flush”.
Mike is Back
May 12th, 2010
9:52 am
DLed , Great Stuff…thanks for the timely info. I look for a big season from Abe. I think our defense will be one of the TOPS in the league.
Alanfalcon, I love Beirman’s motor. I think he will make a huge impact…opposite Abe. I Think Beirman and Sidbury will make BIG push for time at that spot…MR ANDERSON! Heh Heh
@JANDERSON, sorry for cheesy matrix shot. lol
GO BIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!!
FalconTransplant
May 12th, 2010
9:55 am
Waynester,
Well I know you’re right about the Patriots way of shipping off Vets for picks. But even tho TD has instilled a lot of NE traits done here, Blank has shown loyalty in the passed. So in a three way vote it’ll be up to mike smith on Abe’s fate. One one hand if he has a good year we might wanna keep him, but on the other, if he’s had a good year his trade value may go up. If another DE has a better year then Abe you’ll see him shipped before the draft.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 12th, 2010
10:04 am
Yes, we hadn’t heard from ABE since the end of the season. We needed to check in with the Double Nickel. That’s always pretty HEAVY stuff.
FalconTransplant
May 12th, 2010
10:13 am
And the blogs went wild….
Guess the jokes on all of us…
Thanks DOL…
No trades, No releases, No Injuries. Just an indepth interview with 55
I can dig it…..
I’m Cool
NOT
waynester
May 12th, 2010
10:13 am
Falcon Transplant
Good year = increased trade value, possibly in mid-season when teams are reaching for replacements due to injury/under-performance. You may be right that it comes down to (Agent) Smith to make the call. (More Matrix for Mike).
DLed
Yes, as in “Yes, that was the Heavy News”?
Jake Long
May 12th, 2010
10:16 am
Washed up? Umm, do you know where my mouthpiece is?
truth
May 12th, 2010
10:17 am
Ok DLed……why have you tucked tail and run on the ?…..is this the big news about the Dline? Come on man if it is you’re one cold hearted man.
Hangman
May 12th, 2010
10:18 am
JERRY JERRY JERRY. GET REAL PEOPLE!
Fan in NC
May 12th, 2010
10:24 am
D-Led. Do you see PJ, HD, and BW all being 100% barring any rehab setbacks?
Matty Ice
May 12th, 2010
10:25 am
D-Led, that was LAME to tease us with “heavy” D-Line info – and THIS is what it is…….puh-leze!!! Don’t need a tease like that again for such a “non-story”…..c’mon D-Led, don’t treat your loyal readers like that.
j-man
May 12th, 2010
10:36 am
We need John Henderson
FalconTransplant
May 12th, 2010
10:37 am
Waynester,
Then I guess it’s a good thing 55 comes on strong in the beginning of the season. Sure wish we’d go get Odum for insurance. then possibily get a 2nd for 55
FalconTransplant
May 12th, 2010
10:39 am
John Henderson would also be good insurance, but I think the team has invested in the DT position through the draft to the point that they’re committed to these guys ONLY
FalconTransplant
May 12th, 2010
10:45 am
I screamed for us to draft SPOON, Now I’m screaming for us to pick up Odom. he could be placed in our rotation and help our young guys develop, plus he’s younger then ABE and if Abe does have a great year we’d have an already proven DE to start ‘11 with Sid/Beer starting within the rotation. then maybe draft a DE with the pick we get with the Abe trade.
waynester
May 12th, 2010
10:55 am
Transplant
Is Odom a RDE or can he play either side? Not really familiar with the player…
FalconTransplant
May 12th, 2010
11:02 am
I believe he is interchangable.
He played for the Titans back when Haynesworth was there and has actually done better since coming to the Bengals. He’s not abe, but a stop gap with some good upside. But has an injury bug that we could counter with a rotaion instead of playing every down.
PMC
May 12th, 2010
11:05 am
He’s only 32 he had virtually no one else on the line of merit last year other than Babs and he was still mostly getting there just a beat late because of the pourousness of the secondary. He’s going to be fine.
PMC
May 12th, 2010
11:07 am
Odom would be a nice addition.
chris taylor
May 12th, 2010
11:09 am
I have 2 Falcons jerseys…one #7…in moth-balls somewhere, and one #55. He is by far my favorite NFL player. When he’s on & in “the zone” very few players can control a game like Abe. Loads of factors went into his drop in #’s last season. I understand he’s getting older but he didn’t age 5yrs in 1. When ATL lost to the cards in O8 playoffs everyone on the team was like “we tried…..we gave it or best..” Except Abe. This dude’s interview by Fred Kalil had to be cut short cause it’s hard to bleep the cursing when it’s live, no one has more passion for the game or this team. When the rest of the line, mainly DT, aren’t a liability then we have a guy that lines up one 3rd down and promises the opposing QB’s you only got time to throw a pumpfake to your 1st read and you’re a$$ is down after that.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 12th, 2010
11:11 am
truth — I’m not hiding. This is pretty HEAVY!!!
Odom is represented by Abraham’s agent, Rich Rosa. Odom has played RDE and LDE in Tenn and Cincy. He had 8 sacks in 6 games last year. He previous best year was 8 sacks in 2007. He’ll turn 29 in September.
PMC
May 12th, 2010
11:13 am
One of the reasons people were hoping for a DE is because it’s so often beat into our heads that teams are drafting for the future and if super bowl winning teams like the Giants are observed…. you can never have enough talent rushing the passer. Desiring a DE is not diminishing the Abilities of 55. THat said, I think the OLB hole that has been there since the decline of Brooking and the downright depressing Chris Draft release is probably the most important move the Brass could have made to improve this defense this year. Quicker, faster, more urgent. The fact that they have drafted Sid and Kroy in previous seasons means that they haven’t completely neglected the End position. There aren’t many better pass rushers in the league than John Abraham even at 32.
PMC
May 12th, 2010
11:16 am
That bullrush when he ran over Jake Long is probably my favorite Falcon sack ever. That had to feel awesome. That’s kind of when you just want to drop the mic and walk off stage.
Mike Jay
May 12th, 2010
11:16 am
Double digit sacks this year provided the defense can stay relaitivley helathy. Improved interior rush + improved secondary play = more sacks from the end postions. Add the fact that he has something to prove and we could see a pro bowl type season. Looing forward to the season, can;t get here quick enough to was hthe tast of the hwaks out of my mouth.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 12th, 2010
11:17 am
PMC –You make some very good points (as usual)! The Rushers, no matter how talented they are, can’t get to the quarterback if multiple receivers are streaming down field WIDE OPEN. You’ve got to cover or account for them in zones to allow the rush enough time to attack.
Gene Okerlund
May 12th, 2010
11:21 am
Holy crap, who is more delusional, Josh Smith or John Abraham? What kind of BS is he trying to pull? Does he REALLY think that he played well last year? Really? Jeez, the man has not only lost a step, he has lost his mind.
Statick
May 12th, 2010
11:25 am
WE BELIEVE IN YOU, ABE!
FalconTransplant
May 12th, 2010
11:28 am
I think that since DOL wrote about ABE reading our blog, we should all talk smack about how WASHED UP 55 is. How he’s old and busted. Can’t get the job done, too slow to make it to the QB, to weak to bull rush any tackles in the NFL. You ever seen what they do to bulls before the bull rider takes off trying to old on for 8 sec? Let’s piss him off and see if he can prove us wrong.
If we succeed then it’ll be quicker then 8 sec for his first sack.
Mike Jay
May 12th, 2010
11:29 am
Gene, no offense but there is more to a succesful pas srush than just one man. He saw no difference in his effort and performance but the final numbers were not the same. Why is that? Because nobody else was bringing heat and the secodnary was dreadful. So if he is getting to the QB in the same amount of time as he alwayas has but the ball is already gone what can he really do? Get there faster? He’s not superman, at least not every down.
Paddy
May 12th, 2010
11:37 am
Gene Okerland….Josh Smith is more delusinal, of that there can be no doubt. But Josh is like most of the NBA players. One of the reasons the NBA is slipping in popularity so rapidly.
Samuel
May 12th, 2010
11:39 am
If the Falcons are to be successful on defense, John Abraham can’t be the focal point this season. Other players on that team will have to get sacks. The whole unit will have to have cohesiveness to become a great defense for years to come.
truth
May 12th, 2010
11:49 am
No DLed, I’m heavy this is just cold brother.
PMC
May 12th, 2010
11:53 am
Thanks DOL.
FalconTransplant
May 12th, 2010
11:59 am
DOL thoughts on a late round pick in next years draft for a trade for odom?
Barry
May 12th, 2010
12:07 pm
Hey Y’all:
“ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!: John will be alright. John will be alright in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!. They all are going to bring the “HEAT” in
“ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!”
I can’s wait until this season starts. It is going to on in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!! MARK MY WORDS!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!
…………………”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!!……….
egoprime II
May 12th, 2010
12:08 pm
DOL, this is the heavy news you told us was coming today? This isnt news fella, this is a rather standard interview with vanilla questions being asked of a yes, a star ball player….but its nothing Special. Is the AJC so desperate to stay relevant in this day and age that you have to resort to car-salesman type tactics to get us to come here and read what you write?
tom
May 12th, 2010
12:13 pm
Let The Music Play John. Keep doing what you do best.
Matty Ice
May 12th, 2010
12:43 pm
D-Led, I appreciate ya brah, but that whole “heavy news on D-Line” thing was Lame, Lame, Lame. You would be better off to throw yourself on the mercy of the court of public opinion here.
FalconTransplant
May 12th, 2010
12:46 pm
DOL comment on a possible pick up of Odom and I’ll forgive you for the mislead ‘Heavy’ comment from yesturday. haha
waynester
May 12th, 2010
12:47 pm
I know I keep coming back to the “Patriots South” idea, but one of their hallmarks is not getting so enamoured of any particular player that they’re unwilling to deal that player while their trade value is high. Yes, we love and appreciate Abe–for the longest time he was the only “star” on our “D”–but that shouldn’t prevent us from exploring every option to improve this team for the long run, regardless of how bad we want to see J Abe finish his career on a high note in Atlanta. Seems cold-hearted (and probably is) but we all know the nature of the League is the most competitive environment in all of sports, and sometimes you have to add by subtracting….
Steve
May 12th, 2010
12:57 pm
Simply put when you can’t cover people your rushers can’t get sacks! JA will have a great year as long as he stays healthy!
cwltank
May 12th, 2010
1:14 pm
Whoever stated that Abe is watched up does not watch the Falcons play on Sunday.
Abe strikes fear just by being present at the games.
His injury was 2 years ago. Bierman & Sidbury will get some snaps, thats why his numbers are down.
With an improved secondary & Def line, I predict Abe to have about 7 sacks. Which is just fine with me because if the other ends can contibute for at least 7 combined we be in good shape.
Go Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 12th, 2010
1:23 pm
FalconsTransplant — I did throw out some of his stats. He’s got good size. Wouldn’t give up much for him.
Sorry if you all got worked up in a frenzy and were disappointed. But I thought Abraham talking about his season and not being washed up was pretty heavy stuff. I’ll go out in the yard and do some Up-Downs!!!
waynester
May 12th, 2010
1:30 pm
DLed
Drop and give me 50….
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 12th, 2010
1:33 pm
THEY ARE having a “D. Orlando Free For All” on the message boards!!!! Getting smacked around pretty good!
http://life.atlantafalcons.com/topic/3892281-is-this-d-orland-ledbetters-heavy-news/
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 12th, 2010
1:42 pm
Waynester — NO problem. Will run a couple of laps too. Really didn’t mean to work everybody into a frenzy. But thought ABE was pretty good. ATLJBO went to the message boards and unduly stoke the fires. http://life.atlantafalcons.com/topic/3892232-d-led-ive-got-some-heavy-dline-info-to-drop-on-you-all-tomorrow/
waynester
May 12th, 2010
1:53 pm
Just shows how influential your column is–there’s an upside to everything. In my former professional life, I could judge my success soley on how many people I was pi$$ing off on a daily basis–means people are paying attention…..
tnfalcon
May 12th, 2010
2:07 pm
DOL- I have not heard Chauncy Davis mentioned very often. Do you think he will be used as a rotational situation player against the run. I know the Falcons are paying him a lot of money. I hope he can improve his rush stats with a better push from the inside. How do you think he will fit in the scheme?
chzbykr
May 12th, 2010
2:40 pm
I’ve got some heavy Dline info to drop on you all tomorrow! Just plain lame!
Trish Walker
May 12th, 2010
2:43 pm
I believe in you Big John…you just keep getting better and better. So what if you had a couple of injuries … now you’re the million dollar man…let’s show ‘em what you’re made of …look forward to seeing the Falcons this season … Go Falcons Go
William
May 12th, 2010
2:50 pm
They all are overpaid! That is why I have to watch it on tv. I cannot afford the trip or the tickets.
Chop Buster
May 12th, 2010
3:02 pm
“We just need more experience” is just a nice way of saying he had no help last year. LOL
ATLJBO
May 12th, 2010
3:03 pm
Mybad D-Led……. I didnt know it was going to turn into this man….lol…. I personally thought it had to do with Peria Jerry injury…..
I’m trying to stop the “D-Led witch hunt”… lol
I have created a monster man…… a monster
Chop Buster
May 12th, 2010
3:04 pm
William, you got BROKE-ITIS my friend!!! LOL
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 12th, 2010
3:14 pm
ATLJBO — No, my bad!!! .Should have just said, I have some interesting info from Abraham and we’d all been cool with that.
I gave you all the Peria stuff I had. I asked about Peria’s limping and was assured that he’d be fine for training camp. He’s had some up and downs during rehab, but he’s back on track. He was losing weight, but he’s got it back up now to 295.
ATLJBO
May 12th, 2010
3:24 pm
Man they are jumping on me too now….lol.. That “Really” Post was funny tho.
But yea…. I still felt like Abe had something in his tank….. I’m also glad it looks like the team is really counting on Peria (by Abe’s commit)
I’m not to worried about Abe…. I want to see what Kroy and Sid is going to do this year…
Off subject…. I really want to see what William Moore is going to do this year also…. He has to be hungry for some action in the field.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
May 12th, 2010
4:47 pm
ATLJBO — Stand tall in the pocket!!! Moore should be ready to go. Looking forward to seeing him on the field, too.
marcus
May 12th, 2010
4:48 pm
i think he’s still got gas in the tank i seen him get up field a lot last year the QB’S was getting up the ball out of thier hands early the secondary was getting shredded last year QB’S were moveing the ball at will on our secondery and i do think anderson did better at DT last year the sack he did get last year came when was at DT so i think he should start there at the start of the season and the secondery to do a lot better this year.
Falcons Mini-Camp has arrived, lets talk defense! | NFL Touchdown
May 12th, 2010
5:31 pm
[...] Ledbetters interview with him this week. I was so proud of DOL this weekend and then he posts this interview. Seriously? Why not ask him if he thought he would do well this season? Wait, I believe he [...]
Gerald
May 12th, 2010
9:28 pm
If you watch most of the games john abraham was droping back into coverage alot last year.
hopefully that will change.
CaliDirtyBird
May 13th, 2010
4:39 am
I love the reference one or two of the bloggers to Jake Long getting blown up in that Miami game. I keep the full length broadcast for a while even though I get the 30 minute versions from DirecTV super fan. Why because one of the broadcasters had just said about two plays earlier that John Abraham wasn’t strong enough to go through Jake. I think there was a commercial break between the comment and the play Abraham formally introduced Jake to the turf. Do you think anyone relayed that comment to Abraham? Maybe he does play better mad?! Or maybe his blockers started getting a little more help because they didn’t want highlights of John makingthemlook silly get on SportsCenter or maybe it was the secondary?! But TD and Smitty addressed all levels of the defense this offseason and I’d put money on John Abraham still having a probowl left in him!
Let’s go Falcons!
Tim Parker
May 13th, 2010
7:24 am
Grady Jackson helped create interior pressure which enabled Abe to get to the QB by forcing him weak or giving Abe an inside rushing lane. Jerry limping at this point does not inspire faith in his ability to provide the inside push we need. On the bright side, now that we have a speed rusher at WLB, we may be able to mask some of the deficiencies by doubling or stunting.
Sid
May 13th, 2010
7:38 am
There is a lot to look forward to from our defensive line this year. One thing that I think deserves at least a mention is Jamaal Anderson on the inside, his play has elevated there……ok ok, I know, Biermann has 7 sacks in 2 years, Jamaal 2.5 sacks in 3. At least we have found a place where he is making a contribution.
“10 quarterback hurries = 10 time the receiver was wide open”
NFL News and Notes – May 13, 2010 | The Other 31
May 13th, 2010
8:09 am
[...] Falcons defensive end John Abraham doesn’t think he’s slowing down, writes D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta [...]
dan
May 13th, 2010
10:56 am
Let me tell ya’ll something, John Abraham on a good day is capable of being the best DE in the NFL. I’ve seen games where he is in the backfield so much you’d think he is a running back on the other team. Just a complete and total manbeast! But then he has games where he completely disappears, even when he’s healthy( which has also been an issue). It’s very strange. He doesn’t have the consistency that a DeMarcus Ware has, and I think he has the potential to be that kind of force on defense because both are kind of utilized in the same way. The guy is only one year removed from a 16.5 sack season. And you know, sometimes you have to give other teams credit; they did a better job blocking him last year. But I think with the secondary and LB being improved with more experience and offseason additions, that should help him.
Kapoonka
May 13th, 2010
6:27 pm
Yeah he was a beast year before last. I think he will be fine. Football season is too long. It’s darn near impossible to be 100% in every game considering the physical nature of the sport. Is it even logical to think a player can play every game at the same level after getting beat up for months? Yes he needs help on the other side to be more effective. He’s a classy dude, so I wish him the best. Considering the quick demise of the Hawks and the lackluster play of the Braves…I’m salivating for some football….c’mon August!!!
hiramsaint
May 13th, 2010
7:18 pm
it’s hard to slow down when you’re already at a stop
Jethro
May 16th, 2010
12:17 pm
No way Abraham’s washed up. Number 1, I’m not dumb enough to tell him that to his face. Number 2, it ain’t true. John had a lot on his plate due to circumstances beyond his control. There’s no question in my mind that I want a motivated John Abraham on my team. I think we’re gonna pity the fools that line up opposite him.
XXXL
May 16th, 2010
8:29 pm
Grady Jackson being gone had a lot to do with Abraham’s drop-off in sacks.
Should Abraham Be at OTA’s? | Atlanta Falcons: Bird Cage
May 30th, 2010
10:37 pm
[...] In a recent interview with AJC Falcons Staff Writer D. Orlando Ledbetter, Abraham came off as somewh…. He mentioned several times about what other teammates were not doing and brought up the issue of inexperience often. It may be overly critical and hypersensitive, but most fans want to hear more of what “I am going to do” as opposed to possibly blaming your teammates. The point is not necessarily that he is missing these voluntary activities, but why he’s missing them. A great leader should always want to be around to help their team get better, particularly the younger players. The Falcons defense is filled with a ton of young players (Lofton, DeCoud, Owens, Weatherspoon, Biermann, Sidbury Jr., etc.) that could use a team leader guiding them and helping them. [...]
Wednesday morning one-liners | Citypress News
June 2nd, 2010
5:48 am
[...] Falcons DE John Abraham doesn’t feel like he’s slowing down. [...]