Bubble could burst for Chevis Jackson in Jacksonville
Chevis Jackson is in a battle to keep his roster spot in the revamped seconday. CURTIS COMPTON / ccompton@ajc.com
FLOWERY BRANCH – The bubble is going to burst on some players in Jacksonville in the final exhibition game.
Cornerback is one of the interesting positions. The Falcons want to see some more of Brian Williams. They may have seen enough of Chevis Jackson, who struggled mightily to cover in space against Miami.
Defensive tackle, one of the other more competitive position groups, is starting to come into focus with the release of Thomas Johnson, who started 10 games last season. After Peria Jerry and Jonathan Babineaux, it looks like Trey Lewis has locked down the No. 3 spot and could open the season as a starter next to Jerry. (Babs has to sit with his one game suspension.)
“The guys that we are talking about fighting for roster spots are probably going to play more snaps on Thursday than they will during the regular season,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said.”It’s going to give us an opportunity to see how they prepare for significant playing time. Most of the guys that we are talking about will be in backup roles or on special teams. We’ll get a real good evaluation because they are going to play significantly in the game on Thursday. ”
Trey Lewis is making a big push for playing time. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com
The evaluation will not be limited to what happens on the field.
“The second thing that I look for, is if the game is too big for them,” Smith said. “You watch them on the sideline and see how they interact with the coaches.”
Other than Jackson, other players on the bubble are projected to include defensive tackle Vance Walker, wide receiver Troy Bergeron, guard Jose Valdez and center Brett Romberg.
Some of the longshots to keep an eye on are Troy linebacker Bear Woods, tight end Michael Palmer, wide receiver Brandyn Harvey wide receiver Ryan Wolfe and cornerback Dominique Daniels and safety Rafael Bush.
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95 comments Add your comment
Billy Ray Valentine....Capricorn
September 1st, 2010
10:05 am
Gotta keep Bear Woods – for the name and hair alone.
Jay Sweenmeister
September 1st, 2010
10:30 am
@Billy Ray……….exactly
PMC
September 1st, 2010
10:33 am
Love that Trey Lewis is back healthy. The Rushing defense numbers are going to improve this year due to better depth at DT. I hope they can keep Vance Walker in some capacity maybe PS.
I still think they could use help at WR but I’m ok with Jenks. I think he can be better.
hiramsaint
September 1st, 2010
10:39 am
if any of these guys have face moles, maybe we’ll sign them at NO. the players we’re cutting are better than the players you falcants are cutting- that says something about how great were going to be. we’ve been practicing against real gamers not just udfa’s. in fact, we’re cutting a few people that have visible moles, although none are face moles, but still.
SeenThisB4
September 1st, 2010
10:42 am
I’ve still got an extra room at my parents house for anyone interested in coming to our World of Warcraft roleplaying event in Lafayette during NO’s bye week. We’re running out of magician costumes and wands though so hurry up and let me know.
GEAUX SAINTS! TIME FOR #2!
Mack1124
September 1st, 2010
10:45 am
I agree with Billy Ray and Jay. You have to keep Bear Woods, just for the name alone.
Blue Fender
September 1st, 2010
10:55 am
It’s going to be funny at seasons’ end when all you Aints fans will be crying “wait till next year”.
jimmymack
September 1st, 2010
11:01 am
i also am pulling for bear woods if he makes the team it would help the troy program .what a name just imagine the jokes
Breesus
September 1st, 2010
11:09 am
Blue Fender,
“Wait til next year” already happened. We won the title last year. Our time is now!
‘The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyrrany of evil Falcons. Blessed are the Saints who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of darkness, for he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my Saints. And you will know my name is Breesus when I lay my vengeance upon thee.’”
Big B CH 99
September 1st, 2010
11:19 am
Why is Palmer a long shot, I would keep him over Zinger. He shows a lot more upside to me, Zinger has shown me nothing the last 2 yrs. He seems to be an extra offensive linemen to me, he offers nothing in the passing game.
We can’t PS Vance b/c he’ll get picked up by someone else immediately, he played too good when he got the chance last yr, to be able to slip through waivers. Maybe we could PS Palmer.
dawgsfan1990
September 1st, 2010
11:25 am
What’s up with Corey Peters? Is he still in the mix at DT or is he injured or what?
suwaneefalcon
September 1st, 2010
11:30 am
DB, why is Brian Williams now on the bubble? I kept hearing how great it would be to get him back this year. What is going on with him?
Case Quarter
September 1st, 2010
11:39 am
I know they keep saying Jose Valdez and Brett Romberg are on the bubble, but I can’t see any way outside of injury that would allow for them to make the 53 man roster.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
September 1st, 2010
11:45 am
i’d keep bergeron, in case jenks lets us down again.
Jack
September 1st, 2010
11:56 am
Chante, I mean Chantez needs to go. Keep Bear, at least for good publicity.
Jack
September 1st, 2010
11:57 am
sorry I actually meant Chevis. Obviously he is not good enough for me to remember his name.
terrance X
September 1st, 2010
11:57 am
keep in mind the projections (longshot etc..) are D O Led’s, not the teams ! Led does have a good perspective though its not official. right, Led ?
Jack
September 1st, 2010
12:01 pm
Question how can Romberg be on the bubble, if he is the number 2 center on the latest depth chart ?
Mr. MunnyDolla
September 1st, 2010
12:03 pm
Hiramsaint, seenthisb4, got your paper sacks ready? No need to cut new ones… just use the ones you’ve already used for decades.
Smitty
September 1st, 2010
12:03 pm
Attention Aint’s fans. Now that Brees has placed his name and face on Madden 2011 don’t expect good things this year. The Madden curse is alive and well. Just ask ConVick.
irishrebel66
September 1st, 2010
12:10 pm
Can we go after some preseason flashes at WR, buried on other teams depth charts like Victor Cruz of the Giants and Stephen Williams at Arizona? They should come cheap.
Football Maniac
September 1st, 2010
12:16 pm
Get these bleeping Saints fans off our blogs!! They are stupid! Go Falcons! Drew Brees will get hurt within the first 2 weeks of the season.. so say hello to the basement saints fans!
Ted Striker
September 1st, 2010
12:17 pm
Would still like to see the NFL expand the active roster to 60 slots. It would improve the game.
Claude
September 1st, 2010
12:22 pm
hope they take a real good look at TE Palmer, he looked impressive last game.
Nique
September 1st, 2010
12:26 pm
I hope we keep Jackson, Palmer, & Walker. Unlike most i hope keep Jackson, heck if nothing else they could trade him to B-more for a late round pick. But i actually think he does a pretty good job at the nickel, not cb so much, but at the nicckel. & i also don’t think we should have cut Thomas.
Any news about bringing in a K for comp to Bryant?
Falcons will win
September 1st, 2010
12:31 pm
Saints time is up! Geaux Falcons.
SeenThisB4
September 1st, 2010
12:40 pm
It has come to my attention that some of you are mocking me about playing World of Warcraft and being a real life magic roleplayer. Well it’s starting to hurt my feelings and I would appreciate you all stop it. I know I’m a Saints fan invading your silly blogs, but there’s no reason to get pursonal. I’m a real person too.
Just know that the more you channel your hate at me, the more raw energy I can channel to the Saints players. I can give them boosts of energy and make them faster and stronger. So you would be wise not to make me mad.
GEAUX FOR #2 SAINTS!
PMC
September 1st, 2010
12:49 pm
Darren SHarper on the PUP list. Replacing him.. Malcolm Jenkins who has hands… not quite as good as his brother.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 1st, 2010
12:51 pm
What about keeping Bear Woods on the practice squad. He’d still be around and everybody could love his his locks, too.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 1st, 2010
12:52 pm
Big B CH 99 — Zinger is a beast of a blocker. He’s a big ol dude now, too. He really looks good in that No. 3 TE spot. Palmer should land on the practice squad and make the team next year.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 1st, 2010
12:53 pm
dawgsfan1990 — Knee strain for Mr. Peters. He’ll be ready by the opener.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 1st, 2010
12:54 pm
suwaneefalcons — Count up the CBs All you need is four or five at the most. (Robinson, Grimes, Owens are in. Pick the next two — Jackson, Franks or BW?)
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 1st, 2010
12:56 pm
terrance X — You’re right. Not official, but I’ve been at practice everyday and have talked extensively with the decision makers. It’s the best list you’re going to get.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 1st, 2010
12:58 pm
Nique — Kicker wise, we are watching the Houston situation. Kris Brown vs. Neil Rackers. The loser will land somewhere in the league. Brown is 33 and Rackers is 34.
robdawg08
September 1st, 2010
12:58 pm
Orlando, do you realize one person posted all the blogs above (besides yours of course) ? There should be a law against somebody doing this. Ficticious dumb names and posting non-stop 24/7 on every blog…
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 1st, 2010
12:59 pm
SeenThisB4 — Cheer up. Your season starts sooner than everyone else’s.
suwaneefalcon
September 1st, 2010
1:00 pm
DL, I am thinking that on my chart Jackson is gone. I want to keep Franks because he showed potential and is young. After that, I would like to find a way to hang onto BW because of his experience. Grimes still makes me nervous with NFL receivers.
Terrance X
September 1st, 2010
1:01 pm
DL, u da man !
robdawg08
September 1st, 2010
1:01 pm
I think B.Williams is better than all the other DB’s except D.Robinson.
robdawg08
September 1st, 2010
1:05 pm
So Falcons are gonna take the kicker that doesn’t make the Texans ? That’s really getting a good kicker… Not.
suwaneefalcon
September 1st, 2010
1:06 pm
robdawg, that is my feeling as well. Sort of makes me wonder why we would release the guy. We have to have quality players in the secondary.
robdawg08
September 1st, 2010
1:06 pm
That’s like the Texans taking the loser of the Franks,BWilliams,C.Jackson DB battle as their starting DB…
Bird Watcher
September 1st, 2010
1:11 pm
It’s a no-brainer that Franks stays. He has shown promise as a CB and a returner – more upside than Chevis.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 1st, 2010
1:14 pm
robdawg08 — Don’t know if they will. But Bryant doesn’t have a margin for error in Jax tomorrow night.
BigTimeTECHFan
September 1st, 2010
1:40 pm
D O L
Keep us informed, NCAA football starts tomorrow night, don’t think many will be watching pres-season football. I may tape it, any word if 1st team is starting? Offense needs to start rolling.
Joe Tess Fish House
September 1st, 2010
1:58 pm
My Ideal depth chart at WR:
Roddy, TO, Bergenon,…..and maybe Finnerman. He has dropped a ton of passes in the passed. After that, no one is any good.
Saints LSU
September 1st, 2010
2:27 pm
@ falcons fans keep talking about Brees getting hurt what go around come around ryan mite get hurt
Breesus is my homeboy
September 1st, 2010
2:55 pm
Watch your mouth talking about Breesus that way!!!
On Sept 26th you will see what Breesus is all about!!! I would like to remind you guys Breesus is 7-1 against ATL since signing with the Saints.
Mr. MunnyDolla
September 1st, 2010
3:19 pm
I understand why saints fans are here… they’re not smart enough to have their own blog over there in the anus of the country. Actually we probably have the only 3 or 4 who can read and write. Probably home-schooled… up until the 6th grade. Good luck you goofy-goober saints fans.
Take Good With Bad
September 1st, 2010
3:22 pm
Saints fans GO HOME
alanfalcon
September 1st, 2010
3:25 pm
I just placed an order for extra large brown bags so that I can have them sent to New Orleans before ths season starts, I don’t want them to show up and have to show their face. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Falcoholic 4ever
September 1st, 2010
3:33 pm
why in the h*ll are you cheesed*ck saints fans in our blog. Go the he(( on somewhere.
FrontRow
September 1st, 2010
3:34 pm
I counted 24 longshot / on the bubble with 22 cuts to come. I do believe (backed up by the “Mike Smith says….” blog headline earlier this week) that BW should be re-categorized as “on the (trade) block”.
Once upon a time the Saints fans were alot of fun. We’ve had 4 games with them since Katrina here at the Dome and I can say based on years of experience that the Saints fans have gone from first to worst.
dbird1
September 1st, 2010
3:39 pm
good to see the saints fans are the first to respond to any articals. This show one thing, that they are scared. scared of whats coming from ATL. I could care less what is happing on the Saints blog, nor would I ever post anyting on them. Go home Losers
dbird1
September 1st, 2010
3:40 pm
sorry GEAUX HOME LOSERS
Rev Blake
September 1st, 2010
3:54 pm
I have tried to explain this to all of you before. This person(s) is(are) not Saints fans. All the Saints fans who are my friends have more class. These posts are made by fans, followers, disciples (whatever you want to call them) of a previous quarterback who is no longer with our fine franchise. They are STILL angry that he was sent packing. They are using whatever ammunition necessary to get you angry.
Leave the children alone and they will eventually go away.
Ryan is everything that this former quarterback will ever hope to be. And Ryan is just getting warmed up. Watch and learn.
Delbert D.
September 1st, 2010
3:56 pm
Let’s get this straight. First it has to be vamped, and then they can think about revamping it.
JMANN612
September 1st, 2010
3:59 pm
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FrontRow
September 1st, 2010
4:00 pm
Amen Rev.
How does one get vamped?
waynester
September 1st, 2010
4:01 pm
Whoever actually wrote the 12:40 post above–that was hilarious….The youngster I’ve heard Mike Smith mention personally in several of his post-practice interviews is Valdez from last year’s practice squad. I don’t believe I’ve heard him mention fan fave “bear” Woods at all, except to comment on his hair and the story that goes along with it…
I actually recommend reading the comments on the Times-Picayune website–it shows clearly why any Saints’ fan with any wit (or even half one) would rather post here. Even with all the verbal crotch-grabbing and self-congratulatory back-patting they post on here the Saint fans know their diatribes can at least be read by the other posters here…..
dbird1
September 1st, 2010
4:04 pm
your right Rev. I was of fan of that previous QB, but he betrayed everyone who believed in him(myself included). Ryan is going to get better and better. I am just sick of the comparisons to Manning(10 years in) and Brees(9 years in). They are on a different level only because they have had the time to get better.
Preseason is preseason. I wish everyone would just relax and wait till opening day to even think about how the season will end.
Blue Fender
September 1st, 2010
4:14 pm
Joe Tess Fish House: Quit being a douche and drop the TO thing. It didn’t and never will happen! Get over it!
hiramsaint
September 1st, 2010
4:16 pm
i wonder if smitty will be on the bubble after this season or is atl. just so used to mediocraty that they’ll keep him anyway! whats up waynester? bet you wish your fans could feel the same about your team as our fans feel about our tean- win or lose!
dbird1
September 1st, 2010
4:31 pm
hiramsaint…Its Coach Smith to you. show some respect to your superiors
ymmotretsof
September 1st, 2010
4:33 pm
I never saw who the two were that they had to cut this week.
dbird1
September 1st, 2010
4:35 pm
Johnson and Giordona
hiramsaint
September 1st, 2010
4:39 pm
it’s smitty ’till he wins something-like maybe 1 playoff game… yeah , like thats gonna happen!
dbird1
September 1st, 2010
4:43 pm
pretty sure Coach Payton had the same situation. Playoffs first year, no playoffs the second
hiramsaint
September 1st, 2010
4:47 pm
yeah but he actually won – a pleasure smitty has not tated yet
hiramsaint
September 1st, 2010
4:48 pm
ooops –tasted
dbird1
September 1st, 2010
4:49 pm
well…..Smitty has a SB ring
GT GRAD
September 1st, 2010
4:51 pm
Vance Walker will get picked up by another team if we cut him loose…….I personally think he is a player we will wish we had kept on the team in 2-3 years (IF we decide to cut him now).
hiramsaint
September 1st, 2010
5:05 pm
as a linebacker coach[scrub] not as a head coach- which he isn’t
Waynester
September 1st, 2010
5:09 pm
hiramsaint: i’ve run the ain’ts/falcons game on Madden 11 a bunch of times now at the GL&B bar I go to, and even though the ain’ts have won each simulation, each game has been real close, most of the time the ain’ts win by 14 pts or less. Just more proof that your team is not that much better than the Falcons, so you wait, if your team gets some key injuries, like we did all last year, the Falcons are going to steal one from them. I gotta go, my mother is calling me down for dinner.
tell it like it is.
September 1st, 2010
5:16 pm
Jackson should have been cut last year.
This Gets Old
September 1st, 2010
5:21 pm
Again..let’s not respond to Saints fans. They’ll be here all season. They’re dead meat on their blogs and come here for attention.
Nique
September 1st, 2010
5:35 pm
Williams should be a lock to make the roster if healthy. Franks is a lock, so if that means Jackson has to go, y not trade him for a late round pick? someone would take that (B-more). I believe the same is true for Walker if we decide not to keep him as well.
D thx 4 the kicker update!
& here’s an update i just saw on those two kickers: It’s coming down to the wire for Texans kickers Neil Rackers and Kris Brown, both of whom are battling for the right to boot the ball for Houston. Brown has been the franchise’s kicker since they entered the league in 2002 but has received firm competition from Rackers. Both have been perfect through the preseason: Brown is 4 of 4 in field goals, hitting from 31, 26, 43 and 22 yards out along with three extra points, Rackers has hit four field goal attempts from 24, 52, 23 and 23 yards out with two extra points.
hiramsaint
September 1st, 2010
5:44 pm
@ this gets old- yes we will and thanks for your support. this message has been approved by the new orleans saints
jerry
September 1st, 2010
5:49 pm
Don’t play the starters, please.
hiramsaint
September 1st, 2010
6:06 pm
you better play the starters- they’ve not done a thing this whole preseason and need to get some positive reps. i say this as a football fan and not a saints fan. the titans will be playing their starters because they know the starters need it
Dilla
September 1st, 2010
6:29 pm
They should go ahead and cut Chevis Jackson so the other players on the bubble and fighting for a position can get more time to show what they have to bring to the team.
marcus
September 1st, 2010
6:29 pm
i rather that the kick that didn’t get the job over a kicker that didn’t got a interview
Buck
September 1st, 2010
6:36 pm
When will Jamaal Anderson fall off the bubble?????? I’d rather bring back Kuykendall, Curry, Woods, Pennywell or anyone else from yesteryear and we’d get the same production!
ryan
September 1st, 2010
7:02 pm
I hope the Falcons do something at WR that offense scares me but the defence looks sharp just some minor tweaks .
charles
September 1st, 2010
7:45 pm
STILL NEEDED T.O. IS ANYONE LEFT
Saints fans must not have blogs
September 1st, 2010
8:50 pm
what a pile of losers. sad, sad, sad.
Rod "Straight Outta Augusta" Johnson
September 1st, 2010
9:09 pm
Definitely think that it is past time for the Falcons to cut their loses with Jamaal Anderson. We have a nice defensive line forming and would rather see another project fill that spot or use it to keep a player like Bear Woods and/or Rafael Bush. Both of these guys are thumpers that could really light up Special Teams. Is it just me…..or does anyone else think that Finneran & Coy should be sent packing as well. Why are we holding on to these guys? Please someone tell me something.
Savannah Fan
September 1st, 2010
9:36 pm
Keep the Bear in the Bird cage!!!!!!
ryan
September 1st, 2010
9:44 pm
V Jack city the guy is a play maker who cares if he misses a few games i want him .
drmondo
September 1st, 2010
11:18 pm
Don’t feed the troll(s)…
DOL, are the Falcons looking to pick up a WR off the waiver wire? I’m not a big fan of Mularkey, having seen too much of him up here in WNY. Still, I worry that they could use more talent at the position. I love Fin for his willingness to do anything the team needs (and he’s a tall stroke in the endzone), but he’s not a #2 any longer. Jenkins still has to prove he fits the bill too.
drmondo
September 1st, 2010
11:19 pm
Sorry. The Mularkey mention was in relation to the scheme vs talent argument about the passing game…
tjhook
September 2nd, 2010
12:47 am
Finneran is worth keeping and we should trade chevis Jackson, Jamal Anderson and OL Blaylock to a team playing a 3-4 defense or Tampa 2 so we could get a standout offensive lineman.
Bluto
September 2nd, 2010
11:23 am
Watch it Blue Fender , Fish house is going to challenge you to a fight! Because he is a internet tough guy.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 2nd, 2010
1:31 pm
Drmondo — I don’t think so. I think they like their wide receivers and think Harry Douglas will help out a lot.
real falcon fan
September 3rd, 2010
12:38 am
HEY HIRAM SAINT YOU TRULY ARE AN @SS, GO TO YOUR WHO SHAT DISH AN GET OFF THIS BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AND TAKE YOUR BAG WITH YOU.