Countdown to Training Camp: DAY 9 — Linebackers
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Mike Peterson (53) chases down a play. (Phil Skinner / pskinner@ajc.com)
Birdland – This is the second installment of “COUNTDOWN TO TRAINING CAMP.”
Each morning for the next nine days, we’ll take a quick look at a position group before the players report for camp on July 29. They will hit the field for their first practice on Friday.
The linebackers are up today.
THE REALLY BIG QUESTION: Where is rookie Sean Weatherspoon going to play?
During the offseason, we had to ask head coach Mike Smith if the Falcons had any plans to play some 3-4 defense. The thinking was that Mike Peterson, a former middle linebacker, and Curtis Lofton could play inside with Stephen Nicholas and rookie first-round pick Sean Weatherspoon playing the outside spots.
The Falcons don’t appear to have the ends to play the 3-4, but they do have four linebackers and some depth at the position. Smith re-stated his love for the 4-3 and discarded the notion of going to a 3-4.
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00509 Flowery Branch - Atlanta Falcons linebackers coach Greg Pires works with first round draft pick rookie linebacker # 56 Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri, during day 3 of minicamp in Flowery Branch on Sunday, May 9, 2010. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
interesting to see where he lines up in training camp. They’ll have to pick a side for him in order to get him ready for the season.
If Weatherspoon can’t beat out Peterson or Nicholas in the base defense, it’s possible that he could earn one of the two nickel linebacker spots. He was solid in coverage in the pass-happy Big 12 Conference.
FIVE GOALS FOR THE LINEBACKERS IN 2010
- Cover running backs better in pass coverage.
- Create more turnovers.
- Continue to stop the run at an elite level (top 10 level).
- Attack the ball better when playing zone pass defense.
- Hit the home run when they are asked to blitz.
Here’s a look at the linebackers:
Mike Peterson: He had seven games where he finished in double-digits in tackles. He’s just flat out nasty against the run.
Curtis Lofton: He continues to blossom into one of the league’s top tacklers. If his play stays on an upward slope he will get some Pro Bowl consideration in 2010.
Stephen Nicholas: Played well in his first season as a starter.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning had his best game of the 2009 season, passing for almost 400 yards against the Falcons. (Associated Press).
Sean Weatherspoon: The 19th player selected in the draft. He will need to get his contract done in time so that he doesn’t miss any camp time.
Coy Wire: Steady and versatile veteran, who can play all of the linebacker positions. One of the stars of the specials teams.
Spencer Adkins: Flashed his speed when he received the opportunity to play on special teams late last season.
*Robert James: If he makes the team, he’ll have to serve his four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. A very fast player who was on the verge of contributing on special teams.
Bear Woods: The dreadlocked wonder from Troy will get a look at middle linebacker.
Weston Johnson: Played outside linebacker for Wyoming in college.
Date, Practice Times (public availability)
Friday, July 30 — Practice 8:30 – 10:10 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (open to the public).
Saturday, July 31 — Practice 8:30 – 10:10 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public).
Sunday, August 1 — Practice 9:35 – 10:30 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:55 p.m. (open to the public).
Monday, August 2 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (closed to the public).
Tuesday, August 3 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (closed to the public).
Wednesday, August 4 — Practice 1:30 – 3:40 p.m. (open to the public).
Thursday, August 5 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (closed to the public).
Friday, August 6 — Practice 10:15 – 11:55 a.m. (open to the public)
Falcons Allstate All-Access “Friday Night Lights”
Team Scrimmage at North Gwinnett High School – 7:30 p.m. (open to the public)
Saturday, August 7 — Mock Game at Flowery Branch – 12:00 p.m. (open to the public)
Sunday, August 8 — No Practice.
Monday, August 9 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (open to the public). COMBINED PRACTICES WITH JACKSONVILLE.
Tuesday, August 10 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public). COMBINED PRACTICES WITH JACKSONVILLE.
Wednesday, August 11 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (closed to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (closed to the public).
Thursday, August 12 — Practice 8:50 – 10:55 a.m. (closed to the public); practice 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. (closed to the public).
Friday, August 13 — Preseason Week 1 vs. Kansas City 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 14 –No Practice.
Sunday, August 15 — Practice 9:30 – 11:35 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (open to the public).
Monday, August 16 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (closed to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (closed to the public).
Tuesday, August 17 — Practice 8:30 – 10:55 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:35 p.m. (open to the public). COMBINED PRACTICES WITH NEW ENGLAND.
Wednesday, August 18 — Practice 10:15 – 11:35 a.m. (closed to public).
Thursday, August 19 — Preseason Week 2 vs. New England 8 p.m.
Friday, August 20 — No Practice.
Saturday, August 21 — 9:30 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. (closed to the public); 3:45 p.m. – 5:25 p.m. (closed to the public).
Sunday, August 22 — 9:35 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (closed to the public)
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96 comments Add your comment
Unca' Bob
July 21st, 2010
7:13 am
Enter your comments here
nes
July 21st, 2010
7:22 am
Always some surprises in players’ second year, look for Adkins to step up into the mix for playing time. Weatherspoon will compete from day 1, just a matter when he takes playing time from Nicholas and Peterson, who actually fell off the last few games last year, a sign of wear and tear during the season, great to have depth at LB position! James probably will be cut at some point due to the falcons’ clean image standard. Can’t wait til practices begin!
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July 21st, 2010
7:32 am
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#NFL News and Notes – July 21, 2010 | The Other 31
July 21st, 2010
7:46 am
[...] D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution previews the Atlanta Falcons linebackers. [...]
The Real Falcon
July 21st, 2010
7:58 am
Let Nicolas be Nicolas. Play him at his natural position.
rekingball
July 21st, 2010
8:06 am
GO Falcons!
Whopper Dawg
July 21st, 2010
8:09 am
Do you think we have the DEs to play a 4 3?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 21st, 2010
8:21 am
WHOPPER DAWG — Yes.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 21st, 2010
8:21 am
THE REAL FALCONS — Do you consider his real position weakside?
D Money
July 21st, 2010
8:22 am
Again, the only worry this team should have is DL (yesterday’s topic). We’re fine at linebacker.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 21st, 2010
8:26 am
D Money — But we have to discuss something for the next nine days. Tomorrow, the cornerbacks.
Mikefalcon63
July 21st, 2010
8:34 am
We do have the personnel to be a situational 3-4 team. No sack Jamaal can be at one end, and Babineaux at the other with either Jerry or Johnson at the nose. I just don’t like the idea of being a pure 3-4 team. Plus BVG and Smitty both prefer the 4-3.
Nicholis is a WILL. Frankly, I was surprised when they put Peterson at WILL last season instead of SAM. The issue now is that Spoon is can play either or. From a coverage perspective, do we need better coverage on the tight ends (SAM) or the backs (WILL). My answer is yes to both. So Spoon fits whatever position he plays best at. In the end, it would not surprise me to see him start as a nichel backer, before moving in to take Peterson’s spot.
Bird Dog
July 21st, 2010
8:50 am
DLed, any news on contract negotiations? They are getting down to the wire. Have any other first rounders started signing yet?
robertussen
July 21st, 2010
8:57 am
nicholas was good at stoping the run and rushing the passer. i wonder if hes capable of playing de with spoon petterson and lofton at lb. he may not have the technique though. the coaching staff would know. thats probably why my comment is stupid.
BKJ
July 21st, 2010
9:05 am
If we showed a 3-4 look, wouldn’t it make sense to have John Abraham as the 4th LB? Wouldn’t he stand up and rush the weakside? Babs, Jerry, and Anderson on the DL. ABraham, Spoon, Lofton, and Peterson at LB? It would just be a wrinkle we would throw in there?
BurningRedBleedingBlack
July 21st, 2010
9:08 am
DLed, do you really feel Sean. W will get to start this year and beat out one of the starter from last year?
Hamp
July 21st, 2010
9:18 am
This is a stout bunch probaly the deepest on the defense. I like what we have. I think nicholas will take a step up this year
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 21st, 2010
9:41 am
BIRD DOG — Nothing new on Spoon’s negotiations. I reached out to his agent late last night. Haven’t heard back. They were set to start on Monday when the teams’ chief negotiator Nick Polk returned from vacation. HOWEVER, this morning NFLPA president DeMaurice Smith used the word “collusion” on the Mike and Mike show to describe the teams’ approach to signing/not signing first round. Teams may be trying to roll back the first round money in light of the labor situation.
Bird Dog
July 21st, 2010
9:45 am
DLed, thanks that’s interesting stuff. I don’t think I ever recall no first round signings this late in July. It seems as though something is up…
Damon Evans
July 21st, 2010
9:45 am
Sigh
O G Falcon Fan
July 21st, 2010
10:05 am
I don’t think we have a big enough guy to play nose in a 3-4. We should stick with the 4-3. Maybe use a little 3-4 to confuse the off. from time to time when we play a less experienced QB.
The Falcon who wears Nike
July 21st, 2010
10:14 am
I dont care how or wear they play Weatherspoon Just play him. I recently saw his combine footage and that guy can flat out move. Twice as athletic as any Linebacker we have.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 21st, 2010
10:15 am
Damon Evans — Hang in there. Keep your head up.
O G Falcon Fan — It’s moot point, but I think Jerry or Trey Lewis could do it. Peters after a few more trips to Golden Corral.
Bird Dog — Somebody should have pulled the trigger by now. Perhaps they are sending the union a statement.
SeenThisB4
July 21st, 2010
10:21 am
You are 100% correct DLED, the weakest link in the atlanta defense is the defensive line. It’s not a weak link, that’s a broken link.
The linebacker group is indeed much better situated than that porous line, however, that doesn’t mean it is anywhere near the best in league. Depending on a rookie to improve it’s aggressive play is pretty much a roll of the dice.
Just three games into the season Weatherspoon is going to be facing Brees and the Saints. Why do I hear a collective “Gulp!” coming from Flowery Branch every time I say that?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 21st, 2010
10:21 am
BurningRedBleedingBlack — I do believe he will get the chance if he signed on time. It’s about what he does with the chance. You don’t sit the 19th pick on the bench if he can play.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 21st, 2010
10:28 am
SeenThisB4 — Well stated point. Over the first quarter of the season it should be Dennis Dixon, Matt Leinart, DREW BREES ans Alex Smith.
GEORGIA
July 21st, 2010
10:28 am
they should rotate spoon in at the beginnig at both olb spots until hes ready…. and dled dosent nicholas play d-end in sum of c.smith wacky formations anyway
GEORGIA
July 21st, 2010
10:34 am
AND IM READY 2 C WAT SPENCER ADKINS IS GOING 2 DO OR IS HE JUST GOIN 2 BE STRICTLY SPECIAL TEAMS CUZ OF ALL THE DEPTH
truth
July 21st, 2010
10:44 am
I assure you SleezThisB4 the Falcons are not at all worried about your beloved aints. You should be more concerned about your teams aging defense, that if memory serves me correct was pretty much covered up by your offense that really didn’t amaze us when they played against, what you call, our “porous” defense. I do remember your defense giving up over 300+ yards passing to our second string QB. Face it SeenThisB4, the journey is over, I hope you really enjoyed the ride.
BeefATL72
July 21st, 2010
11:24 am
SeenThisB4 – You under-estimate our DL, as do most people because they’re so hung up on the stats of one underwhelming season. Our pass rush was 28th, but our pressures were top 5, & most people just don’t understand what that means. Several things played a part in this.
1. Weak pass coverage at the secondary = QB’s have targets to throw at early (this has been addressed & should be significantly improved upon… ie. Robinson, Spoon, releasing of Houston & Hill). It’s a reciprocal relationship between pass coverage & pass rush. Both suffer exponentially when one or the other is weak. And visa-versa, they compound each other when both are strong.
2. Jerry missing = decreased inside pressure & more double-teams on Abe. Jerry is an absolute beast. Watch his film. He’s an impact player that will require significantly more attention than Johnson or Walker did, which will free up Abe to do what he does best.
3. Lack of depth on DL in general. Jerry back, Peters added, & Anderson gaining 20+ lbs (we will see him at DT WAY more than DE, mark my words) is a huge deal. Johnson, Walker, & Lewis(if he makes the 53), who are all “second string” caliber rotational players, will actually do what they are there for, to only play a few downs here & there when the impact players need a breather.
Biermann is ready to take the starting LDE job. Between his early start on training along with the MMA training mixed in plus our suspected improvement with DT pressure inside, he’s going to surprise a lot of people this year. And with all these improvements combined (pass coverage, inside pressure, less double-teams) Abe really should have a big bounce-back year too.
Our DL is not near the “weak link” people think it is.
truth
July 21st, 2010
11:36 am
People need to remember what the d-line was doing at the start of last season when the entire line was healthy.
Kane337
July 21st, 2010
11:40 am
You left out a goal…..
6. Defend the screen pass.
The Falcons were horrid against the screen in 2009. So many 3rd and long conversions with the screen by opposing teams.
BeefATL72
July 21st, 2010
11:45 am
It doesn’t make sense to play 3-4 schemes as all this does is take our best pass rusher off the field. And Abraham can’t (and shouldn’t be expected to) defend the pass, so standing him up 2-3 yards off the line would only telegraph who/where the stunt/blitz is coming from & tells the opposing QB where the open TE or HB dump pass needs to be while simply adding 3 steps to Abe getting to the QB or ball carrier & that’s just silly. And if you put Abe on the line in a 3-4 set, now he’s ALWAYS double-teamed & the OLB’s get tangled up with FB’s & TE’s. It’s just not our style of play. The 4-3 keeps the opposing OC guessing because there’s less telegraphing of pass coverage set vs. run coverage set, & that’s the point.
Peterson won’t be with us next year, remember that. Nicolas proved he can play Sam & is willing to absorb lead blockers (and not whine about it) which gives Lofton & Peterson all the tackle glory, on top of also getting a couple sacks. This is how you earn a starting job. Spoon will likely come in at Will on passing downs, Peterson on running downs, & by mid season when Peterson runs out of steam (like he did last year), Spoon will take over all 3 downs, IMHO.
terrance X
July 21st, 2010
11:47 am
Phil Villapiano
SeenThisB4
July 21st, 2010
11:50 am
truth: Yup, you’re right about our defense. It was anemic at best last year, AND may I add, for your enlightenment, not very deep. However, the starters did get the job done, when it counted.
The Saints weakness, which is also a falcant weakness this year, is that you could run at them at will. WE COULDN’T STOP A RUN AT A MACY’s SALE ON HOISERY. However, that is not to say that our defense was completely inept. We did, and do, have a very healthy, very experienced, very deep secondary and cornerback staff.
Why is that important? Because most teams, like the falcants, once they got down say by 10 points or so, would abandon their running game and pulled all the stops on passing game. In other words, they would resort to attacking our defensive strength. Our defense led the league in scoring points bud, and your defense doesn’t score points unless it has taken the ball away from the offense first.
@BeefAtl72: You are still depending on a rookie at OLB, Mr. Weatherspoon, whom Drew Brees and Sean Payton have already targeted for exploitation! He might end up being your most highly paid LB, but he is going to get burnt this year because he’s a rookie. And Jerry played in how many games last year before going down? 2? Yes, that makes him a rookie, as well, for all intents and purposes. Biermann on the other hand, yup, can’t down play him at all. But hey, the Saints held their own against some of the league’s best DE’s last year.
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
12:01 pm
what to do, what to do- even smitty sais he has the personnel for the 3-4 but he prefers the 4-3. this is where a head coach, instead of a asst. def coach , could help the falcants out.
Kane337
July 21st, 2010
12:02 pm
and other one you forgot….
3rd down defense.
The Falcons created a lot of 3rd and long opportunities on defense last season but as soon as the other team had to throw it was very easy for them.
truth
July 21st, 2010
12:04 pm
SeenThis B4….you should check up on how well the Falcons defended the run. Also, re-read your first two paragraphs, seems you contradicted yourself.
truth
July 21st, 2010
12:09 pm
Hey Ken, Hiram’s here ready for another smackdown. BWAA HA HA!!!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 21st, 2010
12:12 pm
Kane 337 — That would fall under No. 1.
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
12:15 pm
the falcons defended the run because no-one ran on them , the passing on your secondary was wide open all day log and dunta, IF healthy can’t cover the whole field . i will not entertain any more of kens LONG WINDED tutorials. he believes what mark, jeff and matty slush tell him to whereas i know what i know
truth
July 21st, 2010
12:16 pm
Once the Falcons fix the 3rd and long situation it’s over for opposing offenses.
truth
July 21st, 2010
12:17 pm
Hiram that last post was laughable.
truth
July 21st, 2010
12:18 pm
Dumb dork, if you watched any of the games they tried like crazy to run on the Falcons. Again it was the 3rd and longs that killed the defense and that will be fixed.
truth
July 21st, 2010
12:20 pm
When will I ever learn stupid(hiram) don’t understand true logic(truth)
truth
July 21st, 2010
12:20 pm
Be careful Hiram, I’m baiting the hook.
SeenThisB4
July 21st, 2010
12:23 pm
truth: The falcants were defensively ranked 21st, the Saints were defensively ranked 25th. Neither team has much to boast about last year’s defensive performance.
Who got better on defense during the off-season. Right now, on paper, I give the nod to the falcants. We lost Fujita, and that does hurt, and the falcants picked up Weatherspoon, who looks like he could be a gem.
But, even so, the Saints picked up Super Bowl rings last month….I think that’s better than picking up Weatherspoon.
Just remember, truth, The Saints aren’t going to be hung over for the season just because the pundits write it. There’s a nucleus of very determined veterans at Saints training camp that have been putting lots of time into preparing for having an even better season this year, than last year.
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
12:23 pm
i’ve already set mine but i should throw a shrimp [truth] like you back–LOL
SeenThisB4
July 21st, 2010
12:26 pm
hiramsaint: Don’t throw the shrimp back! Boil it!
truth
July 21st, 2010
12:30 pm
True SeenThis about the Saints not having a hang over but they will be without alot of pain pills that kept your aging defense on the field. We’ll see how all that turns out this year.
truth
July 21st, 2010
12:32 pm
Was you peeing when you came up with the shrimp comment Hiram?
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
12:33 pm
i just saw something that made me really angry. the nfl network is showing the saints no respect. none at all. we had to wait to be the last team profiled in 32 teams in 32 days. i thought we were supposed to be getting concessions from everyone and they make us the last team. it’s just not fair
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
12:34 pm
yup whoever youare- on a falcants jersey
truth
July 21st, 2010
12:38 pm
Hey Hiram, write this down on your calendar. The Falcons will beat the aints on their home turf, 35-13. Give me your thoughts and I’ll mark my calendar and very soon we’ll see who’s right.
SeenThisB4
July 21st, 2010
12:39 pm
truth: Why would they be without their Vicodin? None of the players were being looked at for that.
The NFL Network was using reverse finishing order on that team profile page. Basically, they were just saving the best for last. They profiled the falcants quite some time ago.
Section 108
July 21st, 2010
12:40 pm
Man, I can’t wait until we smoke the saints this year so we can shove it right up at hiramsaint’s “where the sun don’t shine” – LET’S GO FALCONS!!!!!!
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
12:41 pm
whoever you are- sorry dude , not into fantasy fooball.
SeenThisB4
July 21st, 2010
12:42 pm
The falcants don’t have the offensive wherewithal to score 35 points, even in the Georgia Dome, much less the Super Dome.
My guess is that Vegas will open that game with the Saints having a 6 point favorite status.
I say the Saints will win that game by double the official spread.
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
12:43 pm
the only thing you’ll be smokin’ is whatever babs brings for the depressing plane ride home
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
12:44 pm
now thats a bet i would take B4
SeenThisB4
July 21st, 2010
12:44 pm
Section 108, isn’t that avatar the official reference the military uses to declare mental incompetance? Or is that mental incontinence?
truth
July 21st, 2010
12:45 pm
Typical aints fans, afraid of making a commitment. Come on man up!!!
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
12:50 pm
whoever you are –you gotta be one first, and you ain’t
Tweets that mention Countdown to Training Camp: DAY 9 — Linebackers | Atlanta Falcons -- Topsy.com
July 21st, 2010
1:04 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by How I C It Sports, D. Orlando Ledbetter. D. Orlando Ledbetter said: Countdown to Training Camp: DAY 9 — Linebackers http://shar.es/mVO9y [...]
DJ Sniper
July 21st, 2010
1:18 pm
What’s this about Jammal Anderson gaining 20 lbs? I haven’t heard anything about him beefing up to play more at DT?
Notso Fast
July 21st, 2010
1:38 pm
It’s just good to be talking football again.
kgb
July 21st, 2010
1:44 pm
I think Smith & Dimitroff have a pretty good idea where Weatherspoon will play, that’s why they drafted him instead of other options available at that pick. They saw a position that they thought could be improved and went for it. Just because they won’t say publicly doesn’t mean they don’t know. There’s a plan in place just not for prying eyes. Does it really make sense for them to have invested a 1st round pick without having a plan for using him? The plan may include options 1, 2 and 3 but I’m sure they have a specific position in mind. Of course it’s up to the player to perform to implement this plan but it’s there.
Sebastian
July 21st, 2010
1:44 pm
Let’s see Spencer Adkins on the field. Never hurts to have a Hurricane linebacker.
SeenThisB4
July 21st, 2010
2:49 pm
My guess is that Babineaux will get a three game suspension from Goodell, maybe four. Man! He’d miss the Saints game.
Truth: What do you think? You think Goodell will suspend him, or give him a pass?
Joe Tess Fish House
July 21st, 2010
2:50 pm
Hey DOL, when will we hear that the Falcons signed TO? It would make cutting Jenkins that much easier.
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
2:57 pm
B4- i think artys’ check book may be gettin’ slim after paying for the reduction of charges. truth doesn’t think, thats why he’s a falcants fan
SeenThisB4
July 21st, 2010
3:11 pm
hiramsaint: Although it could happen, I don’t think Blenk’s checkbook is gonna dissuade Goodell’s penchant for doling out his own brand of justice. He’ll suspend him, the question is, for how long?
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
3:18 pm
Enter your comments here
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
3:23 pm
looks like they’re blocking me B4- oh well
truth
July 21st, 2010
3:43 pm
If Goodell thinks Babs should be suspended then Babs should be suspended without question. Either way, the Falcons will be fine. See we are a team not built around one man. With or without Babs the Falcons can still beat the aints. Ya’ll are the ones hoping he gets suspended thinking you might have a better chance to win. Simply put, either way, you still won’t win the game.
Geaux Falcons!!
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
3:52 pm
i’d rather him be on the field against the saints whoever you are
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
3:55 pm
he’s a smoker so he’ll be all huffin’ and puffin tryin’ to chase our team up and down the field
alanfalcon
July 21st, 2010
4:01 pm
I hope that Weatherspoon gets his b*%& signed and in camp and not think that he is Gods gift in waiting, either he is going to play or sit on his a$&, its his choice and I hope that he makes it based on the team, if he is that good, time and effort will take care of him.
SeenThisB4
July 21st, 2010
4:04 pm
truth: We know your team is not built around one man, only because it’s not built around anybody, it’s in shambles.
And I know that the falcants will need every abled body hand on deck to take on the Saints, so your assertion that you don’t need Babs is both foolish and baseless, and actually fairly disrespectful to both your team and him.
Your team couldn’t handle the Saints Express last year, both times, so being short handed again this year, wouldn’t be an omen of good things to come.
So what position is DLed gonna discuss tomorrow, the cornerbacks? or the safeties? I predict, cornerbacks.
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
4:15 pm
whoever you are predicts 35-13… i’m still crackin’ up over that one. not one team put 35 on us last year yet matty slush will lead the charge to do it this year. LOL. i can understand you thinkin’ you might beat us but the thought your gonna put 35 on the saints is pure foolishness. the fins managed 34 due to many turnovers and it still didn’t work out to well for them and the rams were the only other team to reach 30 so i wouldn’t be to quick to myself in the same class as those two… 35… still laughing
BeefATL72
July 21st, 2010
5:01 pm
B4 – “Shambles”? You just sound like a punk talking ignorant smack with nonsense like that. Hello… Ryan, Turner, White, Gonzalez, Abraham, Lofton (and soon to be Spoon, DeCoud, Robinson, & Douglas), are all household names among the NFL “community” (and I use that loosely). Not to mention Dimitroff, Mike Smith, & Arthur Blank.
You look at this team & there’s an obvious change in culture happening that very few teams in this league ever get a chance to experience. It’s a winning attitude, a TEAM first mentality. And I guarantee you that Babs is fearing for his job. It doesn’t matter that he lead the team in sacks & was our best D-lineman last year, I guarantee you Dimitroff has sat him down & told him he’s on thin ice & he better become a freaking boyscout from here on or he’s out.
The Falcons have a mojo the size of a herd of elephants right now because everyone on this team has bought into the culture & have made the choice to go the extra mile because they don’t want to let eachother down. Just watch & listen to guys like Gonzalez. When he says stuff like, “Man, *sigh/grin* it’s amazing what’s going on here, it’s gonna be special….”, and he says it with so much passion behind it, like he’s got a secret that he’s giddy like a child about, you begin to realize what’s really happening. I watched this team at minicamp & talked to them when they were signing autographs… it’s written all over their faces. So I’m serious when I say you guys need to prepare yourselves for disappointment, because this isn’t 2009 any longer.
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
5:14 pm
household names in atlanta only . c’mon man be real
Ken Strickland
July 21st, 2010
6:47 pm
SEENTHISB4-What’s porous about a DL that ranked in the top 10 against the run, and we accomplished that using 1st yr backup DT’s? HOW STUPID ARE YOU? Please answer the following question.
If you consider a Falcon DL that ranked 10th against the run POROUS, what would you call an AINTS DL that ranked TWENTY FIRST(21st)against the run? WHERE’S THE LOGIC?
truth
July 21st, 2010
9:41 pm
Ken he has no logic. Logic requires brains and B4 and Hiram missed the line when those were handed out.
Again, yes, 35. Why are you afraid to challage me?
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
12:12 am
whats the challenge whoever you are?- ken- no one ran against you ’cause they could pass on you all day. thats why your run d ranked high . after it was all said and done y’all were 9-7 and a non playoff team. case closed on your d , your o , and your team. i’d call the saints dl that ranked 21st against the run the super bowl champs. now ken , i just proved HOW STUPID YOU ARE !
moe
July 22nd, 2010
1:50 am
falcons fan lets stop this with the aints . remember that time we came to the the brown bag dome all there fan just wanted to have an win 3 or 4 of this wins in a season was an great season . BUT this is 2010 and my only ? is why are you still blogging in the ATL remember mine 13 is getting ready to be place in your backside week 3 (when the last time 40 was put up ) that just for the falcons fans aints go home if you have one, cold but true .it seem to me you dont cause you always here .i hope you still around wk3 so you will know that we the FALCONS and there fans know what there are talking bout and your backside and my boots are bad for you
truth
July 22nd, 2010
8:48 am
hiram, you forgot to add the help from the refs.
Nite Owl
July 22nd, 2010
9:47 am
Pretty funny having the Saints fans come on and give us a hard time. Still the little brothers trying to convince us they’re big, even after winning the Super Bowl.
Last year won’t mean a thing when we start the season. The Saints were a nice story, but don’t kid yourselves that you’re a dynasty.
Guess the championship didn’t quite resolve the inferiority complex. Wonder how you guys will handle it now that the downhill slide begins.
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
10:24 am
Ken Strickland: Here’s my answer to your less than intelligent question.
The Saints didn’t have a defensive line. I already CLEARLY stated on my 11:50am post, we couldn’t stop the run, period. No ifs, ands or buts. What didn’t you understand about that?
And you call me stupid? Unbelieveable.
T-Money
July 22nd, 2010
12:06 pm
I’ve looked at film on Weatherspoon and he doesn’t look all that impressive. He seems slow compared to others that I’ve seen. I really do hope that I’m wrong.
waynester
July 22nd, 2010
2:20 pm
T-Money
‘Spoon would be the rarest of rookies if it doesn’t take him some time to become accustomed to the speed of play in the NFL. He seems to position himself well on the field to make up some of that lack of speed–like Laurenitis, and hopefully we’ll get equally fine results like last year’s crop of rookie LB’s around the league. I’ve got high hopes for the LB group this season and look for a great deal of improvement from the DL group defending the run and getting to the opposing passer more consistently….
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
3:27 pm
moe – try it again maybe after a little less caffiene
Billy Rickman
July 22nd, 2010
5:36 pm
went straight past all the opinions to state this as FACT.
Spoon/Lofton/Peterson
barring injury, i scooped the AJC on this one….
Saints are a Disgrace
July 24th, 2010
1:35 am
hiramsaint- The sorry Aints got lucky that Brett Favre threw a terrible pick and the Colts D was depleted in the Bowl. The Saints are on the way out, and the Falcons are about to RISE UP!!! Just ask Sammy D. I can’t wait to see the Falcons beat the Saints this year, and your sorry ass will be nowhere to be found on this blog. Reggie Bush will get knocked out for the year because he is soft and is a bust, and those clowns in New Orleans better enjoy this offseason, because the Caints are going 7-9 this year and will be known as the worst team ever to win a Super Bowl
Saints are a Disgrace
July 24th, 2010
1:37 am
*Sammy J*
MaxxFalcon
July 24th, 2010
1:38 am
Michael Turner will rush for 2,000 yds this year