Countdown to Training Camp: DAY 8 — Cornerbacks
Atlanta Falcons cornerback # 20 Brent Grimes intercepts a Drew Brees pass intended for wide receiver # 17 Robert Meachem during 3rd quarter action at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (Curtis Compton,ccompton@ajc.com)
Birdland – This is the third of 10 installments of “COUNTDOWN TO TRAINING CAMP 2010.”
Each morning for the next week, we’ll take a quick look at a position group before the players report on July 29. They will hit the field for their first practice on Friday, July 30.
The cornerbacks are up today.
THE REALLY BIG QUESTION: Who will start opposite of Dunta Robinson?
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Atlanta Falcons' Chris Owens, right, intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills' Terrell Owens, left, in the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
The Falcons braintrust didn’t like the cornerback play last season after the team finished 28th against the pass.
So they went out and signed Dunta Robinson in free agency, traded Chris Houston and released Tye Hill.
In Robinson, the team hopes they have an anchor for the pass defense.
The battle to play opposite of Robinson will be a fiercely competitive.
Brian Williams, if he’s fully recovered from his knee injury, would figure to have the inside track. If Williams in not able to answer the bell, then Brent Grimes, Christopher Owens and Chevis Jackson will battle for the open spot. Rookie Dominique Franks doesn’t appear ready to compete for a starting spot, but he could help on special teams.
FIVE GOALS FOR THE CORNERBACKS IN 2010
- Cut down on the explosive plays. The Falcons gave up 54 completions of 20 yards or more last season.
- Get more interceptions. They had 15 last season which was 16th in the league. The Packers led the league with 30 interceptions. The heavily targetted Grimes lead the team with six interceptions.
- Play the ball better in the air.
- Shut down the opponent’s top receiver.
- Play better against the elite quarterbacks.
Here’s a look at the cornerbacks:
New Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson on Monday, March 8, 2010. D. Orlando Ledbetter, dledbetter@ajc.com
Dunta Robinson: Lined up on the left side during the offseason. He’s played both sides after starting his career as a right cornerback. Last season, he shadowed the opponents’ top receiver for the Texans.
Brent Grimes: He led the team in interceptions with six. He seemed to settle down when he was moved over to the right side.
Christopher Owens: Played extremely well on the left side late last season. If he doesn’t land one of the starting spots, don’t be surprised if he ends up as the nickel back.
Brian Williams: Opened the season as a starter before injuring his knee.
Chevis Jackson: Played well as the nickel back.
Dominique Franks: He will have a shot to win the punt and kickoff return jobs.
Daylan Walker: Played at Arkansas State and tallied 152 career tackles (117 solo), three interceptions and 16 passes defensed. In 2009, he had 51 tackles, one interception and a seven passes defensed.
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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138 comments Add your comment
west
July 22nd, 2010
7:20 am
with the trade of houston, position ball skills much improved
the camp competition should be one of the best on the team
GO FALCONS!
Jim
July 22nd, 2010
7:27 am
Hope someone makes sure these guy `turn your head around and look for the ball`!!!
Tweets that mention Countdown to Training Camp: DAY 8 — Cornerbacks | Atlanta Falcons -- Topsy.com
July 22nd, 2010
7:28 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ifilmbands, D. Orlando Ledbetter. D. Orlando Ledbetter said: Countdown to Training Camp: DAY 8 — Cornerbacks http://bit.ly/bZIfW3 [...]
Big Poppa
July 22nd, 2010
7:38 am
What Jim said. They were usually in position, just needed to turn around and play the ball and quit trying to tackle the catch.
Stirg d'Nahsif
July 22nd, 2010
7:55 am
Put Owens on the left side and Robinson on the right (their natural positions, respectively). Let Grimes play nickel and let Jackson play dime. Let Franks play special teams. Let Williams heal.
#NFL News and Notes – July 22, 2010 | The Other 31
July 22nd, 2010
8:14 am
[...] D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution breaks down the Atlanta Falcons cornerbacks. [...]
nes
July 22nd, 2010
8:20 am
I agree with “stirg d’Nahsif, put the CB’s in their natural position! Owens and Robinson will play better in their right positions, this is one area where moving the CBs’ around from side to side may well backfire with this cross-training the falcons coaches teach. Also, nothing to do with cornerbacks, but what is up with not disclosing J.Perry’s injury and surgery, could it be he was injured when drafted per his injury history in college and falcons’ don’t want to disclose it since he was a first round pick and may well be finished.
PAPOOH
July 22nd, 2010
8:27 am
I agree with Stirg d’ Nansif, But I wouldn’t be mad if they let Robinson shadow the #1 WR either. And I do expect our def. to be in the top 10 as a whole this year as well.
Charles J.
July 22nd, 2010
8:31 am
I agree with both you guys, Jim and Stirg d’Nahsif our CBs need to play the ball more. Because when they do they will always be in possition for the tackle. I love the idea of D. Robinson and C. Owens starting with Grimmy as the nickel. Thank you Mike Peterson for filling in last year but move over for the young bloods while helping them out on the side lines like we know you will.
truth
July 22nd, 2010
8:52 am
Why mention that the cornerbacks turn and look for the ball……didn’t TD get rid of Houston?
Ken Strickland
July 22nd, 2010
9:05 am
The fact that Smitty has DRobinson playing on the L side tells me they expect BGrimes to win the starting spot next to Donta. Let’s be honest, for the 1st time since the Days of Neon Deion, we will be solid regardless of who wins the spot. Can you imagine, we lose both of our starting CB’s last yr, and our CB play and pass DEF dramatically improved.
It still amazes me how TD and Smitty have been able to turn negatives into positives. We all remember how panicked everybody was about our extremely poor CB play during exhibition season. In fact, TD and Smitty were so worried they signed BWilliams and traded for THill. We really could have done something good with that 2nd rd pick we wasted on THill.
Now, we’re entering this season with a Pro Bowl caliber CB in DRobinson, and a trio of CB’s(BWilliams, COwens, BGrimes)who started last yr, 2 of which are young and very talented(BGrimes, COwens), vying for a starting spot. It’s like last yr when we started the season with several questions at DT. We were young and inexperienced, with question marks about TLewis’ health, and the lack of experience of PJerry, TJohhnson and VWalker.
Now, with the addition of rookie DT CPeters, we’re so deep at DT that we’ll likely have to cut a very talented player. Some seem to think DT is our biggest DEF weakness and LB is our strength, but I disagree. Out of our backup LB’s, only CWire has any starting experience, or experience beyond special teams. RJames will have to serve a 4gms suspension, and SWeatherspoon is a rookie. While we’re talented at LB, we’re very thin on experience.
Considering how hard our OFF got hit last yr with key injuries, and how thin our DEF was on experience and depth, we finished the season strong. One yr, 2 training camps and an exhibition season later, the lack of experience and depth are no longer the issues they were last yr.
As we get closer to training camp, more and more people who cover the NFL are picking the Falcons to finish ahead of the Super Bowl AINTS and win our division. Imagine what they’ll be predicting after the competition for starting CB, DT, DE, FS and OLB have been settled.
Jeff
July 22nd, 2010
9:14 am
If we want a improved “D” B. Williams better win that job. If every bloggers beloved Grimes wins the job we will be in big trouble.
Williams please do everything you can to win this job we need a winning season.
Joe Tess Fish House
July 22nd, 2010
9:29 am
The Falcons need to get rid of Jenkins. One solution would be trade Jenkins for Ed Reed.
PoolerSpirit
July 22nd, 2010
9:37 am
Note to Mr. Strickland… We traded a 7th round pick for Tye Hill. Our 2nd round pick went for Tony Gonzo… And as a longtime Falcon fan, I’m in awe at what an NFL franchise can do in 2-3 years with a good GM and Head Coach. Who would have thought last year that CB would be a position of strength on this team?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 22nd, 2010
9:49 am
Looks like the early leader in the poll is Brian Williams, even though I had Grimes in there twice. Chevis Jackson is now an option. I have a little more on Daylan Walker, who was also named the Sun Belt Conference defensive player of the week for his mega-game against Middle Tennessee.
(Working on getting us some medical updates. Nothing shaking on Weatherspoon front either. Slow motion.)
BeefATL72
July 22nd, 2010
9:52 am
Do you guys even follow this team? B. Williams hasn’t even practiced with the team at all yet. He was rehabing during minicamp, he was rehabing during OTA’s, & the FO hasn’t said one word about his progress or if he’ll be at camp after next week.
Not to mention, he played mostly nickle last year before he was injured so why would he get to start at RCB after coming off a full ACL tear??
It’s Grimes or Owens on the right with the loser playing nickel, Chevis backing up Dunta, Franks returning kicks, & Williams MIGHT get some playtime at nickel when he’s back to 100%, which it doesn’t look like he is near yet otherwise we would have at least seen him doing light duty & drills at minicamp or OTA’s.
Think about it folks. Even Peria Jerry participated a little in minicamp & OTA’s & he’s going to be taking it easy still at training camp. Williams isn’t near recovered.
Nite Owl
July 22nd, 2010
9:56 am
I agree that it is amazing how quickly TD and company can address a position. A couple of moves here and there, and a liability turns into an asset. See: our entire offense in TD’s first year.
And as far as talent goes, going from Chris Houston to Dunta Robinson is like going from Ken Oxendine to Michael Turner, or from Doug Johnson to Matt Ryan. There’s just no comparison between this year and last year; you may as well compare this year’s secondary to last year’s Kansas State secondary.
As for the other side, we’ll be fine with whoever rises to the top. They’ve all shown they can play; now none of them have the pressure of being No. 1. Whether it’s Williams, Owens, or Grimes, they are all very good options at No. 2.
Can’t wait to see it.
Falcon Devil
July 22nd, 2010
10:04 am
I see Brian Williams getting cut unless he is 100% by training camp. Considering it will be less than a full year from an ACL tear that seems highly unlikely. Grimes proved he can play and I know TD is high on Owens so I don’t see the point in keeping a hobbled ol vet around past training camp.
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
10:14 am
Let’s see Dunta Robinson covers Colston, advantage Colston, height disparity, all Drew has to do is lob it over there, and the Quiet Storm will out jump Robinson, every time.
Grimes will cover Henderson, advantage Henderson, just too much talent to cover one on one with the ace putting it over the back shoulder.
Who’s gonna cover Meachum? Owens? No. Williams? No. Jackson? No effing way! Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! LOL!
Tweets that mention Countdown to Training Camp: DAY 8 — Cornerbacks | Atlanta Falcons -- Topsy.com
July 22nd, 2010
10:23 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by D. Orlando Ledbetter, D. Orlando Ledbetter and D. Orlando Ledbetter, D. Orlando Ledbetter. D. Orlando Ledbetter said: #Atlanta #Falcons Countdown to Training Camp: DAY — Cornerbacks. Who should start opposite of #Dunta Robinson? http://shar.es/mPqDE [...]
Birdword
July 22nd, 2010
10:27 am
Saint fan with a Falcon fixation: another full day devoted to us? Thanks! But you’re not worried about the Falcons, are you?
Craig
July 22nd, 2010
10:29 am
Dont know if you’ve SeenThisB4, or if you’ve seen the new madden cover, but I doubt Brees will be throwing to the back shoulder for long. It will be Patrick Ramsey or some other 3rd string (playing second string) QB throwing…oops…short…for the INT…and the WIN. This is our year. Go Falcons.
Deborah Hall
July 22nd, 2010
10:41 am
To all of the so called fans that always have to write something about Grimey, keep up the good work and rest assured that haters are his motivation. It’s a job. Atlanta Falcons please have a good season without injuries and cream always rises to the top.
Blue Fender
July 22nd, 2010
10:48 am
Owens was looking pretty good at the end of last year. Grimes was as well. Should be an interesting battle for the 2nd spot. Hopefully the injury bug will not visit us like last year.
GO FALCONS!!!!!
truth
July 22nd, 2010
10:53 am
SeenThisB4….Robinson covered alot of receivers better than Colston, get real.
now that's funny
July 22nd, 2010
11:08 am
If Brent Grimes starts 16 games this year he will have 10 int’s.
I.MUS WRITE
July 22nd, 2010
11:09 am
Ken we gave up a 7th round pick for Tye Hill. I would have been so pissed if we gave a 2nd for that guy,dont think management is that stupid lol
Rev Blake
July 22nd, 2010
11:11 am
The most frustrating moments last season were on the thrid down and long situations. The Falcons couldn’t seem to stop the big plays on third down. If you can’t get to the quarterback on extremely obvious passing downs, there is a much bigger problem going on than who is in the backfield. I also think conservative “prevent” defense on those third downs was a major contributing factor, but we have to find a pass rush…now! Go Falcons!
truth
July 22nd, 2010
11:15 am
SeenThisB4….we will let you jump on our bandwagon just like you did with the aints. However, please don’t wait til the clock runs to 00:00 in the superbowl when you jumped on the aints bandwagon. It’s ok, we know your that guy who’s favorite team is always the team who wins the superbowl so he can look like a big shot on other teams blogs.
I.MUS WRITE
July 22nd, 2010
11:15 am
RC-Robinson LC- C Owens NB -Grimes
truth
July 22nd, 2010
11:17 am
SeenThisB4….I feel sorry for you. Do you need a friend? Do you wish someone would just give you a hug?
Fish2774
July 22nd, 2010
11:19 am
Can anybody in here say “PASS RUSH”, because it doesn’t matter who we have on the corners. No pressure on the QB means a “breakdown” in coverage and corners can’t hold down a reciever more than 5 sec’s b4 they start to break off there routes. So the D-Line has to perform up front and flush the QB out of the pocket for anyone of our cornerbacks to have success.
Rev Blake
July 22nd, 2010
11:20 am
@ Fish: see four posts above yours…
Fish2774
July 22nd, 2010
11:27 am
Rev, I second that notion. At the end of the season during the last three games the defense looked more aggressive as they did in the first 4 games before Peria and Brian Williams injuries occured. Hopefully Van Gorder comes into his own and start using more stunts and blitz packages with the LB’S and Corners to apply more pressure.
Paddy
July 22nd, 2010
11:34 am
Fish and Rev Blake….good point. We need a better than avg pass rush this season. With the quality in our defensive backfield we have a chance to be a top 10 defense this season. DT and Smitty act more like Paul Brown every day. We in Atl are lucky to have this pair guiding the team.
truth
July 22nd, 2010
11:39 am
Correct the 3rd and long problem and we’re there.
Big Ray
July 22nd, 2010
11:42 am
Pass rush helps the secondary tremendously.
However….do not be so blind as to ignore the idea of reciprocity. A decent-to-good cover in the linebacking corps and secondary also helps the pass rush. Most decent QBs, if given time, will find a way to hurt you. But if you make their options difficult to get to, you can avoid the big play. And, you can give your pass rushers time to collapse the pocket and force the QB into space (where he doesn’t want to be in most cases).
If a team’s offense relies heavily on the QB finding and hitting a target within 2-4 seconds of the ball being snapped, guess what? Most pass-rushers can’t get to him in time, especially if they are dealing with a good offensive line. A lot of teams have turned to the type of offense that involves getting rid of the ball through the air QUICKLY. So those passes aren’t deep balls, they depend on the ball getting to a receiver, running back, or tight end, and then either steadily moving the chains through short yardage (5-10-15 yard plays) or gaining yardage after the catch is made.
For that, you MUST have good pass coverage in the LB corps, and have CBs who can jam receivers or prevent the slip screens and other short throw/long yardage after the catch type of plays.
Those kinds of offenses, which are becoming more prevalent every day, are designed with one idea in mind: beat the pass rush by giving up the ball quickly. This is one reason why a guy like Sean Weatherspoon was taken with our first round pick, rather than a massive DT….
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 22nd, 2010
11:43 am
Sirius Radio’s Movin’ The Chains crew — Tim Ryan,Pat Kirwan and Randy Cross — will broadcast from training camp on Tuesday, Aug. 10 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Jarrett
July 22nd, 2010
11:45 am
DLed have you ever stopped and thought about the probability of a 30 yr old cornerback coming back from an ACL in less than a year and being 100% effective? It’s probably less than 20% and that’s being generous. To think that Williams would start is an insult to our other corners suggesting they can’t beat out an old dog fresh off one of the worst injuries in sports.
Big Ray
July 22nd, 2010
11:45 am
That is not to say that we don’t need to improve the pass rush. We surely do. Hopefully Peria Jerry is healthy, Babs is not in trouble, JA98 can finally have some effect, Biermann takes another step, Sidbury is ready, and John Abraham isn’t finally over the hill.
But I also agree that we need some more aggressive blitz packages.
It’s just that covering the slants and middle of the field have been as much of a problem as the pass rush has. That’s always what sets up the deep ball. That and a good running game…
robertussen
July 22nd, 2010
11:46 am
d led, you forgot one of the most important improvements to our secondary. tim lewis will coach them better.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 22nd, 2010
11:51 am
Jarrett — Not an insult to them. He came in here last year and was starting 4 days later. TRANSLATION: The coaches like the guy. . . A LOT. The young guns will have to beat him out IF he’s healthy.
robertussen — Tried to focus on the talent. Lewis will not make one tackle or interception this year. (Lewis is good. But they had a hall of famer coaching them last year.) New voice should help.
TXDawg
July 22nd, 2010
11:59 am
PLEASE, no Brent Grimes. We need to 86 the Smurf DB. If he’s supposedly starter material then trade him and get us a draft pick or something. Personally, I see Robinson moving back to RCB and Owens getting the nod at LCB over Williams.
truth
July 22nd, 2010
12:02 pm
Yes the Falcons should not start the CB with the most ints last year. Sound logical to me.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 22nd, 2010
12:04 pm
Truth — I think he only had the most INTS because he was so heavily targetted by the opposition. But he did play strong down the stretch. If he can find his happy place — consistency — perhaps he wins the starting job.
Jeff
July 22nd, 2010
12:05 pm
Grimes- May habe 10 Int’s if he starts 16gms??? LMAO… And we will be 8 and 8 at best if he does.
Everyone loves Grimes now because of the Saints game. Most on here were deservedly dogging him before that. One interception made a hero.
TXDawg
July 22nd, 2010
12:25 pm
Hey D Led, you guys should do a poll….Is Brent Grimes a starting NFL corner? Let’s see what kind of response that gets.
GT97
July 22nd, 2010
12:25 pm
If we have an effective rush up front, we will not even care who plays in the secondary. Cornerbacks are kinda like umpires in baseball. If we never hear their name, then the defense is having a good day.
Falcons Ace/King ED
July 22nd, 2010
12:25 pm
Ken Strickland, we didn’t trade our 2nd rounder for Tye Hill. We gave up a 7th round pick for Hill, and the 2nd round went to Kansas City for Gonzalez last year. Giving up a 2nd for Hill would have been a Al Davis caliber of WTF?
Northern Bird
July 22nd, 2010
12:31 pm
I agree, Grimes was giving up just about every single 3rd down conversion attempt thrown in his direction. Teams went at him, and he started to come away with some picks cause they were typically longer routes and his reaction time improved a bit on those.
Since B Williams was injured early in the season, ppl forget how strong he was at the position,& how physcial he was down after down.
If Williams is healthy, there’s no way Grimes starts week 1.
Fish2774
July 22nd, 2010
12:33 pm
Well, actaully there’s only a 1 inch difference between the three. Grimes is 5′9, Owens 5′10, and Robinson 5′10. If you look at some of the greats allah Darrell Green and Champ Bailey in which I’ve seen those guy’s up front and personal at Redskins camp back in the days and they only measure out at a true 5′10. It’s about technique and positioning at the cornerback position. Chris Houston was always in position but couldn’t master the technique of getting his head around. Hey let’s put Grimes on the Jets or Ravens defense as a starter and I bet anyone he’ll be a pro bowler. Because these teams don’t give a QB a chance to set their feet which causes them to throw to a spot and if a reciever’s not in that spot before the blitz gets there the ball is up for grabs. Revis had 6 int’s on #1 defense and Grimes had 6 int’s on a 28th ranked defense so what’s the difference? Revis operated with a better pass rush and defensive scheme than Grimes but had the same int results. An Grimes had two taken away on bogus pass interference calls. So men lie and woman lie but the numbers don’t.
Jarrett
July 22nd, 2010
12:34 pm
DLed – The reason Williams came in and started last year was because
a.) he was completely healthy
b.) he knew the system better than the entire secondary
c.) Owens was a rookie
d.) Grimes wasn’t really in good standings with the coaching staff
Hill came in and started right away but that doesn’t mean he was the answer. I think Grimes has figured out how to play to his potential (even though I think he is best suited as a nickel) and Owens made the transition look easy. If Williams beats out 8 INTs worth of corners then either he deserves it or we should be worried.
Matt Ryan
July 22nd, 2010
12:42 pm
I did an article on SI about my situation in Atlanta…..thought you guys might want to check it out……..http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/matt_ryan/07/11/mmqb.matt.ryan/index.html#
Yurtle_the_turtle
July 22nd, 2010
12:44 pm
Nice article, but lacks some specifics.
What does it mean “play the ball better in the air”?
What do you mean “play better against elite quarterbacks”?
How do you “Shut down the opponents top receiver”? Does that mean allow him only 1 TD pass in a game? Fewer yards per completion as opposed to what we gave up last year?
Need specifics to know if we are meeting these goals.
Section 108
July 22nd, 2010
12:46 pm
Assuming all the key players stay healthy, CB performance along with increased pass rush is the key to our season, where the sky would be the limit!
Let’s Go FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
truth
July 22nd, 2010
12:57 pm
DOL- What? If he was targeted that often and came up with good int numbers, why would he not be the starter. Thats like saying a QB threw alot of touchdowns because he threw the ball (targeted) more than anyone else.
truth
July 22nd, 2010
1:01 pm
I know Grimes struggled early on, but he stepped up to the plate and made improvement. Isn’t that what everyone wants improvement. I didn’t see anyone else step up like he did. Flame away.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 22nd, 2010
1:07 pm
truth — I guess we need to know how many of the 54, 20-yard gains were his. I know it was more than six. A lot more than 6. He stepped up. I want to see some consistency. Every time you hear DIMITROFF and SMITH say they need to be more consistent. ONE of the players they are talking about is the Lil’ GRIME-A-NATOR.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 22nd, 2010
1:10 pm
Yurtle_the_turtle — Most of who watched the games last year know what that means. Players had their heads turned when the ball was on the way. Slow reaction time to receivers. Mostly Houston was guilty of this and he’s gone.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 22nd, 2010
1:10 pm
It is easy to root for GRIMES. He’s a tough one. CONSISTENCY will make him a starter, though.
truth
July 22nd, 2010
1:17 pm
DOL- I agree with the CONSISTENCY. Consistency will come with consistently being on the field. I guess we’ll know more when pre-season starts. If that consistency is not there then yes, he shouldn’t start. I’m not ready to give up on himyet, I guess.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
July 22nd, 2010
1:29 pm
I must agree that “Rev Blake” was dead on with the comment about the 3rd and long situations last year. It was very painful to watch the team stop the opponent, week after week, on 1st and 2nd downs only to have them pick up 20+ yards on 3rd down.
Houston and Hill got burned more times that I want to mention…..so glad their gone….Wish there was some way that Grimes could play wearing stilts.
If the secondary can improve and everyone stays healthy, we have a shot at a very special season. GO FALCONS!!!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 22nd, 2010
1:39 pm
truth — We agree!
Kneehightoagrass Harper
July 22nd, 2010
1:46 pm
Whoever is the tallest wins.
DJ Sniper
July 22nd, 2010
2:20 pm
I will admit to being highly critical of Brent Grimes early in the season. I felt that he just didn’t match up physically against bigger receivers. Moving him from the left side to the right seems to have made all the difference in the world. True, he’s not the tallest CB in the league, but hell, there are plenty of CB’s who are only an inch or 2 taller than him who play well.
I agree with the consistency theme. If he can take his level of play in the last 3 games of 2009 and apply that to the entire 2010 season, the sky is the limit for him.
I do like Brian Williams, but being the age that he is and trying to come back from an ACL injury is definitely a cause for concern. I also liked the physical play of Chris Owens. He plays the ball, but he’s not afraid to lower his shoulder and deliver a shot either.
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
2:28 pm
Payton: Drew, can you hear me? They’re starting Williams and they got him on Meach, that’s the look we wanted, you know what to do.
26 seconds later:
Crowd Roars! Public Address Announcer: Touchdown Saints! 72 yard completion to Robert Meachum!
truth
July 22nd, 2010
2:47 pm
SeenThis B4: Hiram how does this Drew Brees t-shirt look on me.
Hiram: Looks great, but I’d rather have the real Drew drapped all over me!!
SeenThisB4: Oh don’t get me all worked up Himmie. Brees is such a HOTTIE!!
truth
July 22nd, 2010
2:47 pm
Birdword
July 22nd, 2010
2:51 pm
Do you refer you to the confused looking gentleman pictured at the top of this page?
By the way, I believe his name is spelled “MeachEm”, O Bandwagon Saints Fan.
Congratulations, you were able to fight your falcons fixation for a few hours.
But you aren’t worried about the Falcons, are you?
DW
July 22nd, 2010
2:52 pm
From the Sporting News. “Colts president Bill Polian says. “Generally speaking, tall people tend not to be real good knee benders and real quick in their movements. The axiom I’ve always followed is beware of too tall rather than beware of too short.”
One NFC team prescribes maximum heights for each position. If a prospect is taller than the second tallest productive player in the NFL at that position, he gets a red flag. The thinking is the tallest productive player in the NFL probably is an aberration”.
Revis, arguably the best CB in the game, is only 5′ 11″. Dunta Robinson is 5′ 10″. It’s more technique, experience, and aggressiveness that matters. Vertical leaping ability is a plus and nobody does that better than Grimes, the most athletic player on the team! Maybe we should move Finneran to CB to satisfy all you height obsessed experts.
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
2:54 pm
truth: Ah c’mon gurl, admit it, you actually fantasize about having D.O. Ledbetter draped all over you!
Whutzup sissy?! Have you accepted the fact that the Saints are going to kick your falcants in their beaks yet?
truth
July 22nd, 2010
2:57 pm
And a standing O for DW……good post. Now there’s some logic.
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
3:00 pm
Birdword, thanks for catching my typo!
The only worry I have about the falcants is that they will opt to not show up for the games!!
truth
July 22nd, 2010
3:00 pm
truth
July 22nd, 2010
3:05 pm
B4 if your team makes it past the Vikes wth a win then I will bow down and admit your team will win back to back superbowls. To bad it won’t happen.
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
3:14 pm
truth: And if your team beats the Saints in week three,….., hmmm it would be kind of early but my guess would be that Payton decided to rest his starters!
Minnesota is chomping at the bit to get even with the Saints in the season opener. I guess they plan on sending 13 into the huddle this year! What a bunch of dimwits. Drop the ball 5 times and lose it 3, and throw 2 interceptions, and then turn around and have the gall to blame it on the officials! And then, can’t stop the runner on special teams! Uh-huh, suuurre! What a bunch of spineless, classless, yellow bellies. At least the falcants took their a$$ whipping like the empty drones they are.
DrJ
July 22nd, 2010
3:15 pm
Since it only takes a couple of hamstrings to really screw things up, what is the new and improved conditioning staff doing differently to reduce the possibility of hammies? It would be interesting to know if they are doing things that will make them better than their predecessors, but I guess we will know soon enough. Have any info DOL?
truth
July 22nd, 2010
3:18 pm
This is how worried the Falcons are about the aints……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
truth
July 22nd, 2010
3:26 pm
What time does summer school let out, hadn’t heard from Ramhim…I mean Hiram.
RockyMtnFalcon
July 22nd, 2010
3:40 pm
We are getting closer folks!!! Football is right around the corner!!!! GO FALCONS!!!! 8-0 at home, 6-2 on the road!!! Atlanta will host its first NFC Championship at the end of this season!!! You heard it hear first!!!
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
3:40 pm
truth: I guess each dot represents one order of magnitude.
RockyMtnFalcon
July 22nd, 2010
3:43 pm
Sorry, I got too excited….You heard it HERE first!!
DJ Sniper
July 22nd, 2010
3:43 pm
For those of you wondering about Peria Jerry’s return from his injury, here’s an update.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
3:47 pm
whoever you are – i’m remembering 35 pts. and your vikings loss comment but i don’t believe that minors can actually be held accountable for their whimsical remarks. sorry i wasn’t here earlier but K.S. typed another monologue and i fell asleep a quarter of the way thruogh it. what a longwinded jackwaggon. why can’t he just get to the point? probably ’cause he’s never got one
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
3:50 pm
rockymtn oyster fan 14-2? no you’re not the first but it sure is funny each time one of you girls prints it though
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
3:55 pm
a serious question-type it right out when you know the answer o.k. -who is gonna cover our new 6′8″ tight end?
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
3:56 pm
hiramsaint: They don’t have a clue for that one yet.
truth
July 22nd, 2010
3:59 pm
Jackwagon? You watch to much tv Hiram.
truth
July 22nd, 2010
4:03 pm
nope………………………………………………………………
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
4:05 pm
not really whoever you are, i just like the gunny. B4- i don’t think they even know we have him
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
4:06 pm
truth- and the question is will the con make the playoffs– kind of like jeopardy
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
4:11 pm
i wonder if K.S. is working on his next senate bill to be posted on here later. you know , 1200 pages and no-one knows what it sais ?
truth
July 22nd, 2010
4:27 pm
WOW….you have a 6′8” tight end. WOW!!!! WE ALL BOW BEFORE YOU! WE’RE NOT WORTHY! WE’RE NOT WORTHY! “while rolling eyes”
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
4:33 pm
you’re worthy. i just want to know who you believe will cover him… say in the red zone or on third and medium
truth
July 22nd, 2010
4:38 pm
Hey everyone the aints have a 6′8” TIGHT END!!!!
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
4:38 pm
hiramsaint: I remember when the falcants signed Tony Gonzalez, how riled up they were with their new 6′5″ all pro tight end, albeit at the tail end of his career. Now that the Saints have acquired Graham at the cusp of what undoubtly will be a stellar all pro career, they are, “rolling their eyes”. LOL!
truth
July 22nd, 2010
4:39 pm
Your slower than molasses TE can be covered by anyone on the Falcons team.
truth
July 22nd, 2010
4:41 pm
ROLL ROLL ROLL ROLL ROLL ROLL ROLL and will continue to until your “stellar” tight end proves he’s worth more than his height.
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
4:47 pm
truth: You are correct, everyone and anyone in a falcant uniform is gonna get a shot at covering him, but I think the real question is, who can actually shut him down? I look at that falcant defensive landscape, and it looks weak. Weak.
Let see, I guess tomorrow DOL will be covering the last line of defense for the falcants. That will be a good topic for the end of the week.
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
4:47 pm
B4 , i already knew the answer and the answer was that none of the con’s fans would have an answer but they’re going to dallas LOL. they really do believe whatever is spoon fed to them by ajc SPORTS COLUMNIST.
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
4:49 pm
i wonder if smitty will be watching the nfl network at 5 est to get some clues
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
4:53 pm
Well, rolling your eyes, or your collective eyes won’t stop him. We know he can catch the ball, and we know that Brees can deliver it to him. The question is, and the onus is on you and your friends, who haven’t even tried to touch the question, is who is gonna stop him from catching the ball? Especially as Hiramsaint indicated, in the red zone? and Shockey lining up too, with Colston and Henderson. LOL!
truth
July 22nd, 2010
4:54 pm
Your Herman Munster don’t belong in the same sentance as Gonzalez.
truth
July 22nd, 2010
4:57 pm
Oh well I guess the intire NFL should forfeit and give the superbowl to the aints again because they have a 6′8” tight end. Silly little kids need to quit commenting like your playing Madden.
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
5:02 pm
why can’t you just answer ? a lb , a corner , de . it was a serious question but your turning it into a joke . do you even know ? i’m rolling my collective etes . i’m sure K.S. will have a novel written on how it will be done later if you just want to wait!
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
5:03 pm
collective EYES..my bad.. asif you didn’t already know it was me –hehehehehe
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
5:08 pm
you know this is just a microcosm of your saeason. your team will show up on sunday in their pretty black and red uniforms but when the whistle blows, they like you , won’t have an answer
truth
July 22nd, 2010
5:22 pm
I gave you an answer, what more do you want. It’s really strange that you think this 6′8” duffas is gonna be the “secret weapon” on your offense. It’s okay to talk trash and all be this is beneath you Hiram. You have other players on your offense to boast about, but you are going with an unproven 6′8” SLOW tightend. Anyone of our cb’s could cover the guy.
Jarrett
July 22nd, 2010
5:27 pm
I guess you know if he turns out to be as good as Leonard Pope (the last behometh TE = 6′8) you guys hit a homerun. But just to let you know Graham is 6′6 according to your own teams website so….
Yea and I didn’t think one year of football made you an automatic beast… He didn’t dominate college players. He only weighs 260. Let our LBs jack him up a few times and I bet he won’t make it passed second string.
/thread
truth
July 22nd, 2010
5:30 pm
I’m still in shocked you went this route Hiram. Come on man!!
Man if the aints think like that, then no they won’t be a TWODAT.
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
5:36 pm
it was just a question that you couldn’t answer and today being a tribute day to your secondary , i thought it was appropriate. besides your qb, the secondary was your weakest link. dunta should be able to cover him
Great Falconi
July 22nd, 2010
5:45 pm
Getting Williams back helps. Grimes has a better idea of what to expect as a starter, and Owens got some good experience as well. I expect the secondary to be okay, but it can be better than that with a good pass rush. Let’s hope we get that.
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
5:48 pm
good answer jarrett- you did in seconds what truth couldn’ t do in7 or 8 post. i’d also jack him up with a lb and see if he’s as enthusiastic to catch the ball again. who covers the back on the screen while a lb is tied up with a t.e.. remember now, the back usually has a number of blockers ahead of him
truth
July 22nd, 2010
5:53 pm
Don’t back peddle now Hiram. By the way, look again, I gave you several answers. You know how stupid you looked and now trying to appear you were in controll the whole time.
truth
July 22nd, 2010
5:55 pm
You and Seen should look back on your own posts, ya’ll were o the TE train from the beginning. BWAA HA HA!!!! EXPOSED!
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
6:07 pm
hook line and sinker
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
6:09 pm
maybe you should comment on the idol blog. i don’t think you are required to have any football knowledge there
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
6:52 pm
Jarret: You’re welcomed to come down next week to Saints Training facility to measure Graham for yourself. Just make sure your tape measure is at least 6′8″” A 6′6″ tape will be too short.
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
6:56 pm
B4- they believe what they want to believe. thats why our sb feauxty feaux victory is a test in denial for them
jc_dawgs
July 22nd, 2010
6:58 pm
It’s not the secondary that is the problem anymore. The part of the defense that worries me is our DT situation….and our quality LB depth.
Sure Weatherspoon is going to be great. But you cannot or should not count on rookies to be a real positive in year 1. So…our depth at LB will be a real problem if injuries hit us.
DT is a problem…..Babineaux has to serve a 4 game suspension and PJ is recoevering from an injury and is still basically js just a rookie. Yes we have good experienced depth but we need that aggressive pass rush up the middle and honestly….without PJ and Babs we may not get it.
You dont think that Pittsburgh game is going to be huge? With out Ben….they are going to try to pound and smashmouth us all game long. Our DTs have me worried. Of course we could always plug Ja98 in at DT and are problems are solved. Yeah…right!
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
6:59 pm
B4- is cooter browns still there on carrollton and claiborne?
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
7:01 pm
dawgs- if your a falcons fan they’re gonna swarm you man. not with any solid facts like you’ve provided but they’ll swarm you with… stuff
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
7:24 pm
Hiramsaint: Yeah, it’s still there.
Ken Strickland
July 22nd, 2010
7:33 pm
SEENTHISB4-weren’t Peyton and Brees part of that same 08 AINTS team that went 8-8 and finished last in the division? How hard were they to stop? Like I’ve tried to get you delusional AINTS fans to understand, ONE ULTIMATE SEASON DOES NOT ERASE YOUR EMBARRASSING PAST.
You like to pretend the AINTS DEF isn’t a problem, but it will be the cause of your collapse, as well as your ultimate embarrassment. After your AINTS do the traditional Super Bowl collapse, I’m certain all of you will disappear back into the woodwork. DO YOU HAVE YOUR BAGS READY?
I want to ask all of you AINTS fans a question. Since you feel the AINTS are going to be so good this yr, WHY ARE MORE AND MORE EXPERTS PICKING YOUR DIVISION RIVAL FALCONS, WHO FINISHED LAST SEASON WITH A 9-7 RECORD, OVER YOUR 16-3 DEFENDING SUPER BOWL CHAMPION AINTS?
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
7:54 pm
That’s an easy question to answer Kenneth, because Atlanta has a much larger market base, besides the boys in Vegas, still have the Saints as the prohibitive NFC South Favorites. The boys in Vegas versus the flunkie pundits your citing? Emmmmm, Vegas.
And Kenneth, I already admitted we need to improve our defense, so you’re making things up..
And’ in ‘08, the current Champions were still missing some key pickups from last year, starting with Greg Williams, Darren Sharper, Malcolm Jenkins, Morstead, Hartley and getting Shockey and Bush back from injuries. They were all key to the Championship.
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
7:59 pm
same thing happened last year and the media darling falcants disappointed them. why do you call them experts when they are wrong all the time . we base our hope on our talent , depth , and coaches . not on the experts. sadly with smitty & co. you can’t do the same so you’ll have to get yours from the experts and then come crashing back to reality just like every other year. and yes, anultimate season does erase the past but then you wouldn’t know that
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
8:07 pm
Ouch! Dat was cold Hiramsaint! LOL!
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
8:12 pm
sometimes the sting of the truth is just that.
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
8:16 pm
LOL! Guys, he’s right, one ultimate season changes everything! How sweet it is!!!!
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
8:17 pm
B4- why does ken keep arguing the D line thing when it’s already conceded and known that ours wasn’t to good against the run. why does he keep on like we’re claiming ti was a top 5 run D when i’ve heard you say 10 times it wasn’t and everyone knows it wasn’t . it’s really strange how fixated he gets on 1 certain thing but can’t see the whole picture
SeenThisB4
July 22nd, 2010
8:27 pm
I guess for the same reason that Custard split his force and ordered a charge at Little Big Horn, they need to believe they can win.
hiramsaint
July 22nd, 2010
8:34 pm
yeah but custard got slaughtered… oh , i gotcha–dat was cold B4…LOL
dawgfan0711
July 22nd, 2010
10:19 pm
C. Owens should start with Robinson. Let the other guys battle it out for nickel and dime duties. Owens really improved as the year went on, looks like a good fit in Smith’s and Van Gorder’s defense. B. Grimes played well toward the end of the year but gave up a ton of plays on 3rd down. Not sure why people are making a case for him to start, i don’t guess i was watching the same games as everyone who is calling for Grimes. Saying that, i also have to say he may be a good fit in the slot in nickel packages because the slot receivers are typically very quick and i believe Grimes has good change of direction. If Williams can come back and play at the level he did before injury then he should start. He was easily our best corner before the injury happened. I just don’t think he can, you have to look at his age and the injury sustained. No matter who starts, the defense should be greatly inproved and the Ryan, Turner, White, and Gonzalas should have the offense rolling. 11-5 at the very least. I would be disappointed if we don’t at least get to the NFC Championship Game. GO FALCONS!!!!
Flo-Ri-Duh!
July 23rd, 2010
1:08 am
The pass rush still sux… Falcs CB’s can’t cover their man the necessary 8 seconds it takes for their DE’s to get to the QB. That is why the pass defense was so weak (no pass rush) – not the CB’s fault.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
July 23rd, 2010
1:09 am
Van Gorder needs to get his act together and bring a top 10 pass defense or he is history.
Whopper Dawg
July 23rd, 2010
1:18 am
Biggest question – Is Robinson a no 1 shutdown corner as his contract suggests. The last years at Texas would suggest no.
BeefATL72
July 23rd, 2010
9:17 am
If you’re blanketly saying “the pass rush still sux” then you’re obviously ignorant & don’t understand what’s been done to solve that problem which plagued us _last year_.
1. Improved pass coverage takes away throwing options & forces QB’s to hold the ball longer. Robinson, Spoon, Moore & the fact Grimes & Owens were playing lights out in the last 3-4 games is going to equate to a much improved pass coverage.
2. Improved inside pressure from DT position collapses pockets & forces QB’s to move into unsafe territory or throw hurried passes into coverage or away. Jerry is a beast, watch his film, there’s a reason he was a 1st round pick. Peters dominated the SEC against players the same size as NFL players, he will be outstanding depth & a future center piece of this DL. Babs is already a top DT in the league. Walker played lights out towards end of the season, he was supposed to be a 1st or 2nd round pick if not for his big injury his senior year, we got a steal in getting him in late rounds, also outstanding depth. Johnson & Lewis got loads of playing time last year which is only going to make them better at their job of rotational 2nd string. Anderson, with gaining 15+ lbs, might actually surprise us at DT as well. DT is very solid for us as long as we stay healthy. It is significantly less of a concern than the ignorant negative-nancy’s think it is.
3. Sure we ranked 28th in sacks but we were top 5 in QB pressures. With better pass coverage & inside pressure, some of those DE pressures will turn into sacks. Biermann has emerged as the next Kerney & will start opposite Abe & they will both get double-digit sacks as a result of the other elements improving.
4. With improved pass rush will come even better pass coverage. They compound on each other’s effectiveness. Our defense as a whole is incredibly deep with quality talent. It’s going to be far improved compared to last year.
GameNFL.Com » Ex-Chiefs tight end Gonzalez gets first look at former team Friday – Kansas City Star
August 12th, 2010
6:35 pm
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