Troy Bergeron is hoping to land a roster spot

New acquisition Dunta Robinson with a defensive play against receiver Troy Bergeron. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)

New acquisition Dunta Robinson with a defensive play against receiver Troy Bergeron. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)

FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons wide receiver Troy Bergeron has been the forgotten veteran in training camp.

But he attracted some attention after he caught a 19-yard touchdown pass against New England from quarterback John Parker Wilson.

“That was a bright spot,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “He made a couple of guys miss.”

One of the realities of football is that injuries happen. Kerry Meier’s misfortune might be Bergeron’s gain.

He’s had moments in training camp.

“You just have to keep fighting and gut it out,” Bergeron said.

He’s not looking around counting receivers to see if there’s a spot for him.

“I just go day by day,” Bergeron said. “It’s not in my control. All I can do is go out there, play and do some good things.”

Bergeron wants to rack up yards in the NFL like he did in the Arena Football League.

Bergeron wants to rack up yards in the NFL like he did in the Arena Football League.

Bergeron is the former Arena Football League star, who did not play college football and is from Columbus Shaw High.

He was originally signed by the Falcons as a free agent in 2006. Following his release from training camp, he was signed by the Buffalo Bills and landed on their practice squad.

He played for the Georgia Force of the AFL from 2005, 2007-08.

He was re-signed by the Falcons as a free agent on May 10, 2009.

In his first full season with the Falcons in 2009, Bergeron played  in one game after being signed from the practice squad on November 17.

In his AFL career with the Georgia Force, he had 328 receptions for 4,335 yards and 96 touchdowns while adding 1,416 kickoff return yards.  He was named the AFL rookie of the year in 2005.

It’s unclear if his practice squad eligibility has been exhausted, but Bergeron has his sights on making the team anyway.

“I’m just trying to go out there and do my best,” Bergeron said. “Whatever happens, happens.”

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69 comments Add your comment

mountain_jim

August 23rd, 2010
10:13 am

Do we know any official 40 times for Bergeron? I hope he has better hands than Jenkins.

Deep South Falcon

August 23rd, 2010
10:16 am

DOL, any word on Corey Peters injury?

Falconite

August 23rd, 2010
10:28 am

Peters out 10-14 days.

I.MUS WRITE

August 23rd, 2010
10:32 am

Wow Bergeron is our guy now…… Doesnt make sense -go get Kevin curtis 10-6

Burdell

August 23rd, 2010
10:34 am

DOL, any insight as to why he did not play college ball?

JAS

August 23rd, 2010
10:41 am

I think early family issues out of high school. I think started to Middle Tenn. State and later a cup of coffee at Troy. I think!

robdawg08

August 23rd, 2010
10:49 am

Orlando, why not give Marvin Harrison a call & a shot at WR ?

robdawg08

August 23rd, 2010
10:51 am

Yeah Jenkins (along with Roddy White back then) is why Mike Vick was considered a poor passer. Funny Crumpler could catch all Vick’s lasers but Roddy (back then) and Jenkins couldn’t…

robdawg08

August 23rd, 2010
10:53 am

And Crumpler was CATCHING Vick’s passes at 2 to 10 yards variety and Roddy & especially Jenkins was dropping 10 to 25 yard passes. When Jenkins returns give him some Gorilla glue…

waynester

August 23rd, 2010
10:53 am

robdawg
I thought M Harrison was hanging it up due to age, if not, if he had the choice between Manning and Ryan throwing to him…..

robdawg08

August 23rd, 2010
10:53 am

I’m sure Marvin would leave his pistol at home !

robdawg08

August 23rd, 2010
10:54 am

He got ran out of Indy about that pistol in his locker deal.

robdawg08

August 23rd, 2010
10:55 am

An old M.Harrison is better than Bergeron,Meier,Finneran,etc.

robdawg08

August 23rd, 2010
10:57 am

Falcons need to get somebody else to compete in camp anyway. Status quo blows !

BT

August 23rd, 2010
11:03 am

I personally, am pulling for Bergeron.
Watched him for two years at camp now and IMHO, he brings more to the table in being a pure receiver than Weems
What he lacks in pure speed he kinda makes up for it with good, quickness routes and hands.

James of Ball Ground

August 23rd, 2010
11:04 am

We don’t need anyone else.Troy is all we need

mountain_jim

August 23rd, 2010
11:07 am

wait for the required cutdowns, some better WRs will be available then. Think of how many the Falcons have in camp now and multiply by 32 teams – almost half of that number will be either traded or released before the season starts.

sleeze

August 23rd, 2010
11:15 am

What’s the word on TE’s after Tony G and Justin Peele? Anybody looking decent? Palmer?

BT

August 23rd, 2010
11:22 am

sleeze, it looks to me like Palmer has moved ahead of Zinger and has a great shot, right now.
Of course, that`s just an opinion

lefty fielder

August 23rd, 2010
11:25 am

OL
Are you related to Arnell, Burnell, Raynell, W.L., Lynell, Odell, Marcell, Claude, Newgene, and Clovis?

nash

August 23rd, 2010
11:36 am

plexic burris

Arizona Retiree

August 23rd, 2010
11:46 am

Not to worry about the WR situation. Ryan Wolfe is one of the best to have ever played Division 1 (#12 all time receptions). He is a stud that is not afraid to grab the ball over the middle. As far as special teams go Wolfe has always played both ways at all levels of competition. Whatever he was asked to do to help the team win, he did. He has played punt and kick returner, running back, passer, QB, defensive back and linebacker making numerous tackles and interceptions. He is what you call a throwback football player. A guy who loves the game and carries no excess baggage. He graduated near the top of his class. He has the highest football IQ and has hinted at moving into a coaching position after his playing days are over. Wolfe is a student of the game that watches film and uses whatever he can utilize from the veteran players who are successful. He is humble enough to express his knowledge that he is a rookie with a lot to learn about play at the NFL level. His success as a WR will open the door for the other receivers to get open and the running backs to find holes to run through. If the Falcons don’t realize what they have in Wolfe, shame on them.
I predict that if Matt Ryan continues to key on Anthony Gonzales, the defensive assassins will put the hurt on Gonzales to disrupt Matt Ryans confidence by knocking Gonzales out of the lineup for several games. If on the other hand Matt ryan begins to spread the ball around and mix in a 60/40 ratio of passes to runs, the Falcons have a good chance at reaching the playoffs. So far however, the pre-season has not shown a defense nor an offense with imagination. The closest contest the Falcons have in the early season to determine weather or not they have a playoff quality team is on September 19th at home against the Arizona Cardinals. No one is picking the Cards to win their division let alone a playoff spot. The Forty- Niners are the odds on favorites to breeze through their division and they have been playing with that intensity throughout the pre-season. If the Falcons can’t beat those cute little red birds at home, it will be a long uncomfortable season in Atlanta. My advise to the coaching staff of the Falcons is to have faith in the players you have as professionals and demand that they play at an NFL level. The coaches must bring some imagination to the play calling and do not rely on Tony Gonzales to be the “go to guy” every time Matt Ryan gets pressured, or you are asking for him to play with a target on his back and he will be injured early in the season. He should be one of several decoys that open other players up to make yardage. When the play does go to Gonzales it should be somewhat of a surprise. I know a lot of Falcons fans are thinking a 10-6 record is a minimum to expect from their team. So far, due to the lack of imagination of the coaching staff and lack of intensity from the players I think 8-8 is a streatch and the Falcons may end up as bad as 6-10. I like two teams in the NFL as “my guys”, the ATL and the Cards, both of whom have a lot to prove. I am not a pie in the sky fan so my prediction for the Arizona team is 8-8 but if coach Wiz continues to impress, they could go as high as 10-6. The thing Wizenhunt has on his side is that he is not married to any one player as an indespensible premadonna and is willing to tru the unorthodox. Take the benching of franchise player Matt Leinart in favor of “has been, washout” Kurt Warner or the benching of receiving great Anquan Bolden who displayed his displeasure with Coach Wiz’s play calling and his contract. Today when Coach Wiz talks all the players listen with respect. The same is true of the Forty-Niners coach Singletary. I don’t know if the Falcons coach has earned such respect from his players as yet because the Atlanta players seem to be walking through each play as if its a scrimmage. I hope to see both the Falcons and the Cards in the post season but at this time the Falcons need a spark plug and I believe in my heart that the spark plug is Ryan Wolfe and a much stronger willed head coach that demands 100% out of his players.

Marc

August 23rd, 2010
11:48 am

I’m with BT. I’m pulling for Troy. Watched him with the Force and have hoped he would have a chance to show what he can do in red and black. I would love to see him get a shot at the return game because he really excelled there in the AFL.

Burdell – Troy got a scholarship to Auburn, but they had too many WRs make grades and wanted to move him to DB. He wanted to stay at WR and was released and went up to MTSU, but before the season started he found himself an expectant father, and wound up leaving school to go back to Columbus and provide for his baby-to-be. Got a tryout with an af2 team there, got on the field due to injury ahead of him at WR, and the rest is history.

PreyDawg

August 23rd, 2010
11:55 am

D-Led. Are you saying that Meier is hurt? I hadnt heard that he got hurt. I hope not. I have high hopes for this kid.

Dan

August 23rd, 2010
11:55 am

Would like to see us go after Vincent Jackson!!! Since its a non-salary cap year couldnt we front load the contract for this year and divide the rest out during the remaining years especially if San Diego is just asking for a 2nd rounder? Vincent, Roddy and Gonz would look very good I would think.

Burdell

August 23rd, 2010
12:03 pm

Cool…thanks for the info Mark.

Burdell

August 23rd, 2010
12:03 pm

Errr…Marc.

[...] Click here for full article [...]

Reid Adair

August 23rd, 2010
12:27 pm

Kerry Meier wasn’t going to be starting, and that’s the position that needs to be addressed. I’m all for giving Troy Bergeron a chance.

D Falcons

August 23rd, 2010
1:05 pm

D Falcons

August 23rd, 2010
1:08 pm

I’d like to see us make a bid for Vincent Jackson, but I don’t realistically see it happening. I don’t know if we have enough cap space to make it work. I do know that if Brian Finneran is still one of the WRs on this team at the end of camp, we will not have taken a step up at the position.

wind, rain, oil, FALCONS

August 23rd, 2010
1:34 pm

We really lack a big play receiver. Let’s get some good ol fear striking, fan gasping, field stretching SPEED on the offensive side of the ball. I hope HD has a big year.

Ted Striker

August 23rd, 2010
2:30 pm

I hope Bergeron makes the roster. The guy has good hands and runs good routes.

hiramsaint

August 23rd, 2010
3:22 pm

how can he not make the roster- the falcants are down to looking for warm bodies at that position now!

John Madden

August 23rd, 2010
3:42 pm

robdawg you are a complete idiot!!!!! Mike Vick is the reason he was and is not a good passing qb. Why is he so bad in philly Alfred Jenkins? he is a no passing thug dog killer dope smoking gangster wanna be. So keep on blogging for that fool all you want

John Madden

August 23rd, 2010
3:46 pm

Your so damn stupid robdawg how many people has Marvin Harrison done shot 2 maybe 3 go back to the hood jackass

MountainDawg

August 23rd, 2010
3:48 pm

robdawg08, Harrison is washed up. I’d take a talented, young Kerry Meier or Bergeron over him any day! BTW, Kerry definitely has the talent to (have) started. Him & Troy B. would be big improvements over butterfingers “Stenkens”!

ReddJonn68

August 23rd, 2010
4:07 pm

Hey I’m not gonna go there with guys like robdawg or Arizona retiree (Ryan Wolfe has yet to catch a pass this preseason) !!! Who scouts our WRs for us, we have yet to get anyone to stretch the field in the last 3 coaching regimes, the only person we have drafted with breakaway 4.3 speed is Norwood . New Orleans has drafted and developed a good corp of guys who will be around for awhile, also Carolina will be started a young speedster opposite Smith in Brandon Lafell & Benn & Williams have been looking good in camp for the Bucs. Plain & simple if not for Roddy White we would have one the worst WR corps not only in our division, but in all of football. Not a knock against Douglas, I wish him well on his recovery, but when Dimitroff was quoted saying Jenkins is still developing when asked about our WR depth, everyone in the league was laughing at us !!!

Red_Rarri84

August 23rd, 2010
5:14 pm

I really hope we go WR and TE in 2 of the first 3 rds next yr in the draft.I would love to get Baldwin,Green,Rudolph,Lancaster,Floyd or Little with lose picks

Arizona Retiree

August 23rd, 2010
6:06 pm

Its difficult to catch passes when the coaching staff is too lame to utilize the roster and examine the talent on hand. That is exactly how your players get hurt in the pre-season. Make the rookies show they deserve to be in the NFL, force the QB to make the catchable throws. If you try to showcase your vets and hot prospects expect them to end up as damaged goods. The only guys that should be used consistantly are the QBs and the RBs that will most likely start. Everyone else should be those trying to make the team. The pre-season is to display individual and team intensity. Winning is not important prior to the start of the season. The Falcons have shown very little intensity because they are using guys who are on cruise control and think they are already NFL qualified. Playing at half speed is the best way to get hurt in this league. If the coaching staff had allowed guys like Wolfe to play more than one down durring the pre-season the receiving corp would be muth deeper today and Tony Gonzales would be much fresher for the start of the season. Now the entire league knows that Matt Ryan is going to go to Gonzales everytime he gets hurried. Good luck with that!

BT

August 23rd, 2010
6:40 pm

Arizona Retiree,
I read both of your post and you make some good points.
However, there is a lot more that goes into this than just looking at some rookies.
There was a training camp that`s just completed, it went on for about a month.
I quite sure the Falcons staff has a pretty good idea of what Brayndon Wolfe brings to the table.
As a fan, I would like to see more of what the kid can do but (so far) my only opportunity has been at training camp.
After what I have seen, I think the kid is a nice young prospect but I need to remind you that there is a huge jump from division 1 collage ball as a walk up FA to making an NFL roster.
I am not saying it can`t be done but the odds heavily are stacked against it.
IMO, a realistic expectation for Wolfe is to catch on to the practice squad.
From there, learn, improve and see where it takes him and I truly wish the young man…
Good luck with that.

Shaw

August 23rd, 2010
7:11 pm

Coming from mouths who really Know Bergeron. He has the skill to be a starter. But with the Politics in the NFL they are not in a rush to grab a reciever who didnt play college ball. He did real good in the AFL and if they give him a chance he can be just as good if not better in the nfl. His speed is well above average. You will all see soon with the Falcons or with another team. Troy is the guy no need to get any other bum who gets cut

BT

August 23rd, 2010
7:29 pm

Shaw, you post has the ring of truth.

BT

August 23rd, 2010
7:30 pm

Shaw, your post has the ring of truth.

BT

August 23rd, 2010
7:35 pm

Wow, there is an echo in here…lol

Mr. Blank

August 23rd, 2010
7:49 pm

Shaw, your post has ring of truth. Did I just say that?

Shaw

August 23rd, 2010
8:13 pm

Im telling you guys. He has never dropped a pass that has hit his hands are in the vicinity of his head to knees. This kid has all the makings of a WR in the NFL. You still have alot of the 1st Round guys dropping balls left and right, but their still given a chance because they went to USC or Florida. Let 11 play

Mikefalcon63

August 23rd, 2010
8:45 pm

The NFL is all politics. I love the Falcons and always will… But look at Weatherspoon… They are still talking about starting him and he has done zip in the preseason. Why start? Because he is a 1st rounder. Same reason Jamaal Anderson manages to not only have a roster spot; but a starting spot!!! Jenkins has been a bust for how long??? Yet he starts… Why? Supposedly he is a good blocker…. It would be nice if he were a good receiver who could get open and catch a pass. Bottom line, Mike Smith could care less about reality… He won’t read a thing we say. But if Bergeron or Wolfe fail to make the team, it will not be because they are not capable NFL receivers. It will be due to the politics of media buzz and draft picks. Tell me I am wrong DOL… I know you can’t b/c the Falcons brass will muzzle you, but you know the game here.

Randy

August 23rd, 2010
9:28 pm

Too many of you are basing decisions on players and this team on the preseason. The preseason don’t matter. Spoon will be OK and this defense will surprise you when the gloves come off and the whole playbook is available. As for saying the NFL is about politics, well when you spend a first round pick and all that money on a player you have to give him a chance. Otherwise the GM and coach look like idiots and are soon unemployed. Still lose too many games and the GM and coach are unemployed. So a balance has to be struck. A good player will make it on to the field because no one wants to lose. Bergeron will be there if he’s one of the 5 best.

BT

August 23rd, 2010
9:32 pm

Mikefalcon63,
Are you saying the NFL has a caste system in place and if, you don`t fit a certain pedigree?
You have two strikes against you as you step through the door?

IMO, only a blind man would argue otherwise.

Mikefalcon63

August 23rd, 2010
9:35 pm

So Randy… Jenkins is still here and starting why? Jamaal Anderson is here and starting why??? This is not about preseason as much as just calling a spade a spade. It is what it is… It would be nice to see what some of the no names can do against top competition and a starting QB throwing at them.

Mikefalcon63

August 23rd, 2010
9:40 pm

BT, I totall don’t get where you are going. I am only saying 1st – 3rd round draft picks are guaranteed a roster spot. The only one who comes to mind in recent history was Maurice Claurette from OS who was a 3rd rounder for Denver. He actually got cut and that was bigger news than the people who made the team.

Not a blind man, just a realist. It is what it is. Undrafted players have to know coming in they have to outplay every player on the team to be given a chance at a roster spot. In some cases, not always, that can be a bad thing when a dud draft pick makes the team.

BT

August 23rd, 2010
9:42 pm

Randy, I agree it`s way, way to early to declare Spoon a bust.
Not so much in the cases of Anderson and Jenkins.
Are you trying to tell us Biermann has been given the starting because the HC don`t want to lose?
Well he has not and every one with eyes knows for damn sure he has earned it.
You know it`s true and that`s only one example.

Mikefalcon63

August 23rd, 2010
9:44 pm

For the record, I dont think anyone is calling Spoon a bust… But a starter??? What has he done in game situations to earn it? At least we know what we got in Nicholas and Peterson.

BT

August 23rd, 2010
9:49 pm

Mikefalcon63, I was actually trying to support your point, rather that argue against it.
Perhaps, I lacked clarity in terminology in expressing my point and you misunderstood?

BMO

August 23rd, 2010
10:15 pm

PLEASE GIVE THIS MAN A CHANCE TROY

D.S.G.B.

August 23rd, 2010
11:32 pm

i like troy and i like wolfe. what about matt jones would he be a good fit. i hear cincinatti is thinking of releasing him, or does he have too many off-field issues.

VegasBrave

August 24th, 2010
3:14 am

Arizona Retiree, I completely agree with you.. I am an UNLV alum and have watched live every game of Ryan Wolfe.. He is our Wes Welker.. His hands are glue and does not drop passes.. The Falcons MUST make him a major part of the Falcons receiving core.. I have seen him get slammed by defenders hard and he does not drop the ball and gets up like nothing happened.. Ryan Wolfe must be a major part of the Falcons Receiver Core..

Fin

August 24th, 2010
3:48 am

@ VegasBrave. Not doubting the skills of Ryan Wolfe, but there is a HUGE difference between Mountain West football and the NFL. There has been very little buzz about him coming out of training camp and that’s where he should have been making his mark. Now that we are officially in pre-season, it may be too late for him to push forward.

As for making a move for another WR once releases/cuts happen, I really don’t think there are any decent WR out there that we can afford. Remember, we still are on the hook w/ Jenkins for quite some time. Wouldn’t fiscally make sense to go out looking for another WR. The offense isn’t really a passing offense so to speak, so loading up on WR wouldn’t really make sense. I would like to see us good some better OL personally. Our first 2 pre-season games, seems like Matt Ryan didn’t have anytime to pass and was always scrambling out of the pocket.

Just my little 2 cents

waynester

August 24th, 2010
9:21 am

I like it when fans who have seen a lot more of a player (Wolfe) than I have drop in their 2 cents–it gives me hope that maybe the kid just has some catching up to do but will be fine eventually. As for Bergeron, he definitely shows flashes of brilliance–now if he can just do it consistently….
‘Spoon is not a bust. Anderson is even starting to pay his own way now, too. Other than some key drops, Jenkins has been doing what the coaches want from a #2 WR– good blocking downfield. Smith is focused on the main problem (which isn’t talent)– getting these guys to do what they do well
consistently. Smitty has told us repeatedly that as a staff they evaluate players based on what they do well, not what holes they have in their respective game, figuring that good coaching will eventually fill in those holes. As they’ve shown with Jamaal Anderson, they are patient with players and it seems to be paying off–it’s just frustrating to watch the growing pains….

Hamp

August 24th, 2010
11:40 am

Waynester you made so very good points. I like what I have seen from J. Anderson (told y’all). The kid is still young and I think he will turnout to be very valuable.
Jenkins I would like to see more from a first round draft choice but he is serviceable.
Spoon will be fine I would not start him I would let him play in subs and on third down but he will be fine this is Mike Petersons last year of his contract. We will have to get a good LB in the draft.

Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired

August 24th, 2010
12:55 pm

I am one of those folks that is hoping that Bergeron will FINALLY get a REAL opportunity to show what he can do for the Falcons this year. If given a chance, he’s already equal to and possibly even better than Finneran. He’s definitely faster than Finneran in turning the ball up field to potentially score touchdowns.

I am also trusting that the coaching staff will be able to coach up the young inexperienced WRs that are trying to make the team. Who knows???….there might be a pro-bowl WR caliber player just waiting to have a break out season.

CaliDirtyBird

August 24th, 2010
4:13 pm

robdawg08 – not that you deserve a response but Vick lacked accuracy downfield even though he had a “rocket arm”. 50 yards down field without accuracy is called a “Hail Mary”. He was too shot to see over linemen and was as a result a better passer when rolling out but that cut his options in half. He also admitted to squandering his opportunities by lacking dedicationto the game. By week 8 of every season his footwork and mechanics would breakdown leading to second half collapses. Remember how Schaub put up 300 passing yards in his first start (against the Patriots no less) with the same receiving corps that Vick struggled with hooking up for even 180 yards week in and week out. Coincidence that Roddy puts up over 1200 yards with a combination of Joey Harrington, Byron Leftwich and Chris Redman as soon as Vick is gone?
Don’t get me wrong Vick was and may still be a phenomenal athlete and exciting as hell to watch in his prime but you never knew which Vick would show up. Even if Matt Ryan never quite becomes Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, which I think is possible, he will consistently be a top 10 – 12 QB year in and year out and provides stability and leadership!
I cheered Vick when he was here. I cheer Matt Ryan now! STOP talking about those not here. He made his own bed end of story….

Nique

August 24th, 2010
4:52 pm

WR Kerry Meier isn’t officially on IR because rookies can’t be there until after the 53-man roster is set. Coach Mike Smith said there’s a possibility the Falcons sign another wide receiver after the 53-man roster is established and Meier goes on IR. From CBS SPORTLINE’S Falcons RapidReports

Arizona Retiree

August 24th, 2010
9:01 pm

If anyone watched The Cards and Titans last night they witnessed what I would describe as a near perfect pre-season game. Both teams let their starters get enough of a workout to warm up without breaking a sweat during the first quarter. After that they pushed the wannabes for the last three quarters to see what they had to offer in the way of breaking into the depth chart. No starter was put at risk and no high draft pick was injured. The Cards and Titans both showed depth at the QB position but it was Vince Young who stole the show. It looks to me that with his threat to use his legs to gain ground that this very well may be his breakout year where he snatches the torch from Peyton Manning and/or Tom Brady as the premier QB in the AFC.
As far as the Cards are concerned they looked to be cool under pressure with their back up QBs but their running game looks suspect. Again this is pre-season and no one got hurt. I think the Niners may get a surprise from Arizona as far as thinking that this is their year to dominate a weak team that lost its hall of fame leader Kurt Warner. Last night despite getting only a couple of descent plays from Leinart, I liked the confidence that coach Wiz showed in playing all of his QBs for the balance of the game, without getting players sidelined with injuries.
The next two pre-season games for Allanta will give the Falcon fans reason to jump for joy or have their hearts fall out of their shorts. Both opponents, Miami and Jacksonville should provide very little in the way of resistance to a strong playoff team. That is, if Atlanta is a strong playoff bound team. The next two weeks will tell us a lot if the Falcons unleash their young talent in the receiving corp and RBs. If, however, the coaching staff continues to show a lack of imagination and depend on the vets to control the game, I am afraid ATL fans are in for a long tortuous season with Matt Ryan losing confidence in his organization and supporting cast.
The Cards have two perfect tune-ups with pre-season games against the Redskins and the Bears. Both games should have a galvanizing effect on Arizona’s starters making them ready to dismantle the St. Louis Rams in the season opener and setting up a showdown with the Falcons on September the 19th at the Dome. If the Cards can begin the season with two wins on the road, they will be in great shape to challenge the Niners for the NFC crown of the Western Conference.
If, on the other hand, the Falcons can steal the season opener against Pittsburgh and crush the Arizona Cardinals in their home opener, the door will be open for the ATL to challenge N.O. for a playoff spot. Should be a very interesting four weekends coming up.
I love the smell of football in the morning. May the best teams rise to the top of the heap again this year.

Chop Buster

August 24th, 2010
9:02 pm

I just heard on the Falcons MB that the Falcons have requested permission to talk to Vincent Jackson. I don’t know how true this is, but here’s the link:

http://www.xxsportsradio.com/common/global_audio/40/21230.mp3

robdawg08

August 24th, 2010
10:29 pm

Marvin Harrison is a HOF WR only out of football for off-field issues. If Pac-Man Jones can still play then Marvelous Marvin can gang-bang in da NFL too. Could you imagine Roddy and Marvin together ? Pick yer poison.

Multiple personalities dude, robdawg has spoken. So bow down and give me twenty…

nes

August 25th, 2010
5:00 am

I agree with Fin, maybe the free agent singing of the OT out of Michigan is more than just getting thru the preseason. Baker maybe seen as a liability on speed rushers off the corner and Ryan sacked or running for his life. The reason Baker was last left tackle taken in first round was falcons traded up to get him even though the big knock on him was very short arms to play left tackle. The scouts really had him pegged to play inside at guard or right tackle as not a true left tackle for the NFL. Like Fin says, with run it first and pass later, no need to pay up for a big time receiver, make do with what we have and upgrade the offensive line.

DHunt

August 25th, 2010
11:50 am

Even the run first Falcons have to be able to pass effectively. I’ve heard the prognosticators who say MR2 will probably never be a 4000 yard passer, and the Falcons don’t need him to be that to succeed. Maybe that’s true, but if we don’t at least have the real threat of a good passing game, defenses are just going to bring 8 or 9 into the box and stifle the run game. Good defenses did it to us all last year. Receiver is now officially the number one weak spot on the Falcons team. I have no problem with Bergeron getting a shot at being the next big thing, dude lit it up in Arena Ball.