Archive for July, 2010

Cornerback Dunta Robinson was signed as a free agent this offseason.

BIRDLAND – The release of quarterback D.J. Shockley last week was likely the team’s last move before the players report for training camp on July 29th.

So here’s a list the Falcons’ top 10 offseason moves:

Quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave talks with D.J. Shockley as they walk off the field after losing to the Ravens at the Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009. Curtis Compton, ccompton@ajc.com

1. Signing cornerback Dunta Robinson: He will help solidify the secondary. He worked on the left side over the offseason. The Falcons will be tempted to put him on the opposition’s top receiver.

2. Naming Tim Lewis secondary coach: He’s been a defensive coordinator and comes highly recommended. Perhaps the few holdover secondary members will respond to his coaching style.

3. Trading cornerback Chris Houston: He played hard, but could never elevate his game. He conceded too many receptions and wasn’t …

Continue reading Dunta Robinson on list of Falcons’ top 10 offseason moves »

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan throws against the New England Patriots during the first half of a NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

BIRDLAND – Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan took over Sports Illustrated’s Monday Morning Quarterback column for the vacationing Peter King today.

Ryan writes about his off-season film study of six of the league’s highest scoring offenses with a goal of some self-improvement.

He studied the offenses and quarterbacks from San Diego, Houston, Green Bay, New Orleans, Dallas and New England.

He noted how those quarterbacks check-down frequently before forcing the ball down the field. Sounds like he’s embracing a dink-and-dunk mentality as opposed to a Brett Favre-drive it down-the-field approach.

He also wrote about the importance of having a tight end like Tony Gonzalez in the offense.

He finished with 10 thoughts, including that he likes Phil Mickelson to win the British Open.

What do you …

Continue reading MMQB Matt Ryan fascinated with underneath passing success »

I'm going to find some pretty Palm Trees to relax under, while on blog-cation.

BIRDLAND –  I’ve got to get this vacation time out of the way and slip into a digital free zone.

I’ll be back on July 12.  Then, we’ll be just a mere 17 days away from the opening of training camp.

HERE ARE SOME FOOTBALL SURVIVAL TIPS: We just have to battled through a few more weekends on no “real” football before the training camp opens.

Here are some football tips to make it through this weekend while you celebrating the nation’s Independence.

The NFL Network is going to show a Hard Knocks Marathon.

Hard Knocks Marathaon on the NFL Network.

Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Baltimore Ravens from 2001 kicks off the marathon Sunday at 3:00 a.m. followed by the 2007 Kansas City Chiefs at 9:00 a.m. and the Dallas Cowboys from 2002 beginning at 2:00 p.m.

The Emmy-award winning Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Cincinnati Bengals makes its NFL Network debut Sunday, July 4th at 8:00 p.m. with …

Continue reading Blog-cation time: 5 training camp position battles »

Falcons fourth round pick Joe Hawley plays with a mean streak. He will do some car shopping before returning for training camp.

BIRDLAND — Is Falcons fourth round draft pick Joe Hawley really Zach Galifianakis, the zany star from the hit movie “The Hangover?”

You make the call!

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Continue reading Is Joe Hawley really the star from “The Hangover?” »

Elwanda Weatherspoon and her son, Sean, the Falcons unsigned first round draft pick. (Brant Sutherlin/AJC)

BIRDLAND – We’re going to have a Michael Vick free zone today. (I’m deleting all Vick related comments on the Falcons’ blog!)

Falcons rookie linebacker Sean Weatherspoon interviewed Denver quarterback Tim Tebow, chatted up former Big 12 competitor Trent Williams (Washington) and former UC Bearcat Mardy Gilyard (St. Louis) in his final installment from the rookie symposium.

Also, Georgia defensive tackle Jeff Owens (Philadelphia) is in the video singing around the piano.

Tim Tebow talking to NFL Network after first Senior Bowl practice.

After some travel delays, Weatherspoon finally made it home after flying into Houston last night and pronounced himself ready for training camp.

Weatherspoon and fifth round pick Kerry Meier are the only unsigned rookies for the Falcons. Negotiations for Weatherspoon’s contract will start in earnest when President Rich McKay returns …

Continue reading Spoon chats up Tim Tebow at NFL rookie symposium »