Roddy White: Falcons to have Greatest Show on Turf, Part II
Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (left) tries to avoid St. Louis Rams cornerback Jerome Murphy after catching a pass for an 8-yard gain during the fourth quarter. White led the league in receptions with 115 in 2010. (Associated Press)
BIRDLAND – Falcons All-Pro wide receiver Roddy White sported a nice brown suit and did a good job on the NFL Network’s Total Access show on Monday night.
He’s excited about the club adding wide receiver Julio Jones in the draft.
“It’s going to be special,” White said.
With the addition of Jones, White said the Falcons’ offense is going to remind fans of the old St. Louis Rams attack which was known as “The Greatest Show on Turf.” Check out the video.
He noted that Green Bay was so tough to defend because they had three or four top receivers and he attributed the team’s playoff beatdown to its relative youth.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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66 comments Add your comment
David
June 21st, 2011
5:10 am
We might need that offense if we can’t get that defense to step up. Hopefully when free agency steps up we can get another pass rushing DE.
David
June 21st, 2011
5:11 am
Oh Yeah, and FIRST!
Kelly McFalcon
June 21st, 2011
6:59 am
Nice job Roddy!
Falcon Bill
June 21st, 2011
7:03 am
He’s right about Green Bay. Their 1 & 2 receivers are as good as anyone, but their 3 & 4 receivers are better than most 3 & 4 defensive backs. They just flood the field with talent. Aaron Rodgers is tough and elusive enough to avoid sacks. Last year we ran into the perfect storm. They peaked at just the right time, and many times that’s all it takes. Lesson learned; let’s move on.
I hope we can have a productive free agent period. TD made the statement during the draft that we had a young enough team, and we don’t need more developmental players. I’m guessing that means he intends to strengthen the defense during free agency. I would love to know their plans. I’ve heard the rumors. DOL, can you offer any insider info on whom they may be courting?
lanier
June 21st, 2011
7:04 am
hope julio is as good as everybody thinks and hope there are enough balls to go around . i think julio has got the physical ability to get seperation but can he learn to do it against nfl corners
RomeDawg
June 21st, 2011
7:17 am
From everything I have read, Jones is going to be a BEAST!! Size, speed and most importantly heart and work ethic. Our offense has a chance to be scary good.
Willie Coyote
June 21st, 2011
7:18 am
Julio is in a good situation. He isn’t going to be counted on as “the guy” since there are other established receivers and other up-and-comers to take the pressure off. He is going to be a presence you have to account for but don’t expect a ton of catches early on. He’ll have a learning curve like everyone else at that position but he’ll have a couple of big plays here and there. More significantly, he’ll open things up more for Roddy, Harry, Michael J., Tony, & Michael T. Should be fun to watch.
Falcon Bill
June 21st, 2011
7:22 am
Willie, you’re right. And let’s not forget about Jaquizz and the returning Kerry Meier.
Falcon Bill
June 21st, 2011
7:24 am
DOL, any rumors about potential trades to replace draft picks? Not asking you to speculate on who may be traded; just is it being discussed?
TradeMe
June 21st, 2011
7:27 am
Defense wins championships! I’m sure we will have an exciting offense!! TD, please get us some proven talent on D!!! Offense fills the Ga. dome, Defense will help us get to the Super Bowl!!!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
June 21st, 2011
7:27 am
Falcon Bill – Haven’t heard any thing about future trades. Must of the stuff I’m hearing has to do with free agency and what the new rules will look like. The offensive line is of major concern.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
June 21st, 2011
7:38 am
TradeMe — The “Defense wins championships” axiom might be outdated in the pass-happy NFL.
Falcon Bill
June 21st, 2011
7:42 am
The Packers don’t have a great defense. Good, not great. They just keep their defense off the field.
Whopper Dawg
June 21st, 2011
7:50 am
Atlanta Falcons – The Denver Nuggets of the NFL.
Still concerned
June 21st, 2011
8:01 am
Defense is still a BIG concern. Can we get pressure on QB’s or cover receivers well enough? Is Matt R. capable of seeing the whole field and exploiting defenses when facing stiff competition? Will we get those good breaks & stay healthy like we did last year? Oh I can’t wait for the possible season….but i’m still concerned.
Busted
June 21st, 2011
8:02 am
julio will be a bust. sorry
Still concerned
June 21st, 2011
8:05 am
DOL….Defense still wins championships…in all team sports! Greenbay still had timely turnovers and good cornerbacks to slow teams down once they got a lead. St. Louis Rams won the superbowl by a yard on a defensive stand…Saints won the superbowl on a pick 6 of Peyton. Oh don’t remove the importance of defense during your quest to have the “greatest show”.
jg
June 21st, 2011
8:18 am
what sense did it make to get a receiver when you have the same offensive coordinator calling plays. This guy is so predictable. I wouldn’t say the falcons won’t improve on offense. But there DL needs help. No pass rush equals TD’s for the other team
gbal
June 21st, 2011
8:26 am
Shut up and play Roddy …. Your good, but play it on the field and not with your mouth…. Dont need another bunch of “HEAT HEADS”!
gbal
June 21st, 2011
8:32 am
Im going to back off on that last post. After reading again, maybe Roddy didnt say it (Greatest Show on Turf) Maybe D.O.L. said it??? What was it DOL?
Fulton
June 21st, 2011
9:03 am
gbal – I watched NFL Access last night and Roddy did say “Greatest Show on Turf” but he wasn’t being that serious about it and kinda of smiled when he said it. Roddy did a good job last night; he wasn’t bragging or running his mouth at all.
eM
June 21st, 2011
9:15 am
gbal
June 21st, 2011
8:26 am
Shut up and play Roddy …. Your good, but play it on the field and not with your mouth…. Dont need another bunch of “HEAT HEADS”!
How about you shut up! Telling Roddy not to run off at the mouth while you do? Idiot! Next time watch the show before being a selfrighteous judge. If anyone truly heard what he said, you would know it was all in fun.
joe white
June 21st, 2011
9:19 am
Hell cant wait now lets get a deal signed and lets see this on the feild.heard that last year. 13-3 then look like chumps against green bay in the playoffs.
Falcon Bill
June 21st, 2011
9:20 am
I think we’re all in violent agreement that we need to improve the pass rush and acquire some quality depth at DB. We’re close. On paper the Saints look to have improved on both sides of the ball, so we at least have to keep up. We were pretty even last year.
I’m glad to hear of the concern with the offensive line. Everybody’s talking about the skill positions, but we have RT and both guards free agents, and McClure may be in his last year. Can we keep them all, or are their replacements ready? I trust the management, but I have to say I’m a little worried. Ryan can’t throw the ball when he’s laying on the ground.
Runner-
June 21st, 2011
9:20 am
Roddy said it…its in the video
Runner-
June 21st, 2011
9:22 am
we dont need to improve DB, they’re fine. However, pass rush leads to improved DB, and can make any players seem like all stars. If we can get a solid rock like BJ Raji in the middle instead of having Anderson and co play DT, we can be a great team on defense without making too many adjustments
Bo
June 21st, 2011
9:35 am
I like Roddy’s skill set but I wish he would talk less trash on the field.
Falcon Bill
June 21st, 2011
9:39 am
Runner – I just want to clarify, I said we need some quality DEPTH at DB. Our starters are good, but our nickel gut burned over and over. I hope it was just a bad game and he learns from it. I agree with you that improving the pass rush is more important. Abraham got pressure on Rodgers several times, but he was just elusive enough to buy time. That’s what great QB’s do. We’re not getting the production from the other side. I like Bierman, but he needs to up his game. Getting Jerry back at 100% will help, but I think we need a better DE. Lots of people talking about Ray Edwards, but I don’t know. He’s the weakest member on a great defensive line. Everyone else is getting double teamed while he usually has one man to beat. We benefits greatly having Jared Allen on the other side. Still, he’s a solid 4-3 DE. Just sayin’, you can’t just go by stats.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
June 21st, 2011
9:57 am
Defenses do not win championship…
They can put you in position to win, but do not win it. In todays NFL with the rules benefitting the Offense and defense is better served to be opportunistic much like the Saints,Packers and Colts.
The NFL Network also did a show on Top 10 Myths debunked :
10) Tackle stats are not accurate
9) Quarterback needs a rocket arm to be successful
7) Turnovers matter
6) You need to run to set up the pass
5) Icing the kicker works
4) Dome teams are soft
3) Defense wins championships
2) Its next to impossible to repeat as champions
1) The prevent defense does not work
Again this is via the NFL Network. Gotta have a solid defense, but you have to have a playmaking offense to go get a Super Bowl.
D man
June 21st, 2011
10:16 am
Juuuuuuullllllliiiiiiiiioooooooooooooooo,
He will be fun to watch…
Henry D.
June 21st, 2011
10:46 am
Roddy just needs to shut his mouth. Nothing like providing bulletin board material 3 months before the season even thinks about starting. Whether he was joking or not, that statement will be hung up in every defensive meeting room in the league.
JChikara
June 21st, 2011
10:55 am
If someone takes Roddy’s comments out of context they need some serious help. He has seen what Julio can do in the team workouts and has a right to be confident in the offense.
Personally, I think Atlanta knew that they had to take it to another level offensively to keep up with the Saints and Packers in the NFC. It’s true that every team needs playmakers on defense, which Atlanta does have in guys like Grimes, Lofton and Biermann. However, this team had zero speed outside of White, and once Atlanta got down by 14 points, it was game over because they weren’t a pass first offense.
If Julio remains healthy the Falcons will have the most balanced offense in the NFC, with studs in the backfield and on the wings.
JChikara
June 21st, 2011
10:56 am
One more thing from Roddy’s appearance on NFL Network yesterday, I heard Thurman Thomas mention that Atlanta needs another back as Michael Turner is wearing down. Apparently he never heard of a guy named Jason Snelling?
hiramsaint
June 21st, 2011
11:14 am
that comparison by white is so stupid . it’s like saying this years prius will have performance like last years corvette. only a bunch of tards or faican fans would believe such rubbish.
hiramsaint
June 21st, 2011
11:17 am
the most balanced offense in the nfc??????????????? do you even watch football? seriously!
Chucktown38
June 21st, 2011
12:25 pm
Hey Still Concerned you are right both the ant’s and the rams were both knowen for there D right?? Are you kidding me you must of meant O right??
Seen (Sean Peyton) This (cross picket lines and play as a scab) B4
June 21st, 2011
12:28 pm
I hate to say it but I have to agree with hiramsaint. Let’s blow some people out and win a playoff game or two before any talking or comparisons to an offense that had HOFers at QB, RB, and WR.
Chucktown38
June 21st, 2011
12:33 pm
Lets think about this is NO’s D win the super bowel or did a great O with some timely D played combined with some great coaching on Sean Payton. I think it was won on the on side kick, but that is just me.
Chucktown38
June 21st, 2011
12:37 pm
Hey hiramsaint how is your city smelling these days? OOOh sorry that just the crap you just spewed out of your mouth.
just sayin'
June 21st, 2011
1:05 pm
hey, chuck….drive around lake dr and oak street in Atlanta…get the same effect as driving in NO…
hiramsaint
June 21st, 2011
1:10 pm
yes charles- i cross the hootch everyday on my way to work and on summer mornings it ain’t nothin’ to brag about. by the way -are sure thats a river , it’s what we call a canal where i come from from.
John
June 21st, 2011
1:11 pm
JChikara, I still think everyone is blowing Thurmana comments way out of proportion but maybe he knew Snelling is a free agent.
The Commish
June 21st, 2011
1:15 pm
Football is cancelled, everyone log off and take a nap on the couch…
Seen (Sean Peyton) This (Win a super Bowl ) B (And the Failcans can't ) 4
June 21st, 2011
1:16 pm
I hate to say it but I’ll have to agree with the other Stb4. Every year some Falcon is talking about what they are gonna do and like the fed. gov. , it never gets done. Dominate every game all year and a tag will be affixed to the Falcons similar to how it was affixed to the Rams. Hey Roddy , at least be original and change our perception of you as a dumda$$.
Dylan
June 21st, 2011
1:31 pm
While the offensive personnel evolves, both in years and maturity, what plans might the Falcons have in their utilization of Harry Douglas? The overall speed of a dynamic threat like Douglas might bode well in opportunistic “gadget-play” situations or downs, and certainly his rookie season exposed such potential. DOL, can you comment at all on his projected role this coming season?
Larry
June 21st, 2011
1:38 pm
“The “Defense wins championships” axiom might be outdated in the pass-happy NFL.”
Oh really?
What were arguably the two best playing defenses in the NFL playoffs this past season? Oh yea, the same two that met in the Super Bowl!
Take last season’s Falcons offense and pair it with either the Packers or Steelers defense and we’re in the Super Bowl! That’s how important a great defense is!
Devildog
June 21st, 2011
3:05 pm
I didn’t know Roddy was a state champion wrestler in high school. No one can question his toughness if that’s so. Wrestling is the toughest sport at any level.
eM
June 21st, 2011
3:28 pm
hiramsaint
June 21st, 2011
11:17 am
the most balanced offense in the nfc??????????????? do you even watch football? seriously!
Yes we watch football. Do you remember watching the aints get beat by a 7-9 playoff team? What happened to the aints “high powered” offence in that game? And yes we ourselfs got our butts handed to us too. But getting beat by a 7-9 playoff team! Not only did the aints Superbowl go down in history, so did that.
gbal
June 21st, 2011
3:40 pm
Those type comments and showboatins frequently come back to bite you on the butt. Like the Labron J’s and Heat Heads. Again Roddy’s good but you would never hear a Hines Ward… Class Act make a comment like that. Its a showboat attitude and I just assume is stay out of the Falcons MO.
gbal
June 21st, 2011
3:43 pm
eM????
True Falcon
June 21st, 2011
3:44 pm
In order to have what the Rams had the Falcons are still missing a key component. QB!!!
Pretty good QB
June 21st, 2011
4:16 pm
Perhaps you’ve been asleep for three years, sparky.
In the 2010 season, Matt Ryan led the Atlanta Falcons to a 13-3 record (best in the NFC). He threw for 28 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He also led the NFL in fourth quarter comebacks for a quarterback in the 2008 season with six, including his victory against the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome in overtime 27-24, beating the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4 at the Georgia Dome 16-14, beating the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7 at the Georgia Dome 39-32, beating the Baltimore Ravens in week 10 at the Georgia Dome 26-21, beating the Green Bay Packers in week 12 at the Georgia Dome 20-17 and sweeping NFC divisional rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Raymond James Stadium 28-24.
He was also in something called the PRO BOWL. Look it up.
Loyal Falcon
June 21st, 2011
5:16 pm
Some of you people have no idea what you are talking about.By the way, Roddy was a 2 time state wrestling champ. We’ve been improving every year. This is the year we get over the hump. That trophy is coming to Atlanta!
Section 108
June 21st, 2011
5:38 pm
Amen Pretty good QB, Amen…………..
hiramsaint
June 21st, 2011
5:38 pm
not without a D you aren’t and that is the hump the 3 stooges failed to address in the draft. also the ‘questionable” calls gave you 3 games that you won’t get this year. pity was given you last because of all your whining and you squandered it. that mixed with a tougher schedule and we can all see that the window for atl is closed.
McNasty
June 21st, 2011
7:07 pm
AGAIN -
McNasty
June 21st, 2011
7:18 pm
Julio will be rookie of the year baring injury. Billionaires, two time GM of the year and one time coach of the year In three years adds up to them being “stooges” according to NO fans. How ignorant! You should be ashamed to write your stuff. Who would hire anyone that would think like you,
FalconsHeroZero
June 21st, 2011
7:24 pm
Torry Holt was focused, disciplined, and wise beyond his years..
A #1 before he stepped on the turf..
The Rams were able to run all kinds of shifts, and motion because he knew what he was doing.
You’ll see…
YHWH is Elohim.
hiramsaint
June 21st, 2011
9:58 pm
@ mcnasty- don’t forget 0-2 when it counted then a ricky williams type deal for a receiver when you need a D—yes stooges
Reality Check
June 21st, 2011
10:34 pm
Greatest show on Turf II?
The Eagles had 1,000 plus, 900 plus and 500 plus yards for their top 3 receivers, with Plaxico on the horizon.
Just sayin…..
fanATicaL
June 21st, 2011
10:52 pm
All I need to see is what happens in free agency.Once TD finishes his magic on our roster.Looking for our run at some rings.
Henry B
June 22nd, 2011
12:02 am
It is quite apparent that Roddy did not learn anything from the experience of the Miami Heat, in that when you make these bold predictions public, a Bullseye is on you and you set yourself up for ridicule. I hope he is correct but I wish he never made his thinking public. To compare to St. Louis is wishful thinking as we do not have the number of quality receivers as the Rams had, neither do we have a Back near the quality of Marshall.
ATL_98
June 22nd, 2011
12:20 am
why are people making references to the miami heat like they were garbage? they made it to the finals in their first year together and are likely to return next year. i would be pretty excited if we made it to the superbowl in the 1st year we had julio jones.
and by the way, some of you need to read more reports than the AJC.com. ESPN has reported that if a new deal gets done that the falcons are primed to get either DE ray edwards or charles johnson. and TD mentioned in an interview after the draft that they were not done this offseason as far as big moves go. think about this, every year since he has been here, they have made big key free agent signings (Mike T, Tony G, and Daunta R) this year wont be any different! HAVE SOME FAITH OR GET OUT OF OUR CITY!!
Goodoleboy
June 22nd, 2011
7:59 am
dunta was a big key free agency signing? big money maybe but certainly not key
special ed
June 22nd, 2011
9:43 am
Wait a minute Mr.Hiramsaint??? Let me get this straight.. You drive across the hooch but you’re a Saints fan? You can’t make a living or the kind of living you want in N.O. so you want to work in Falcon country. So you can make enough money to be a Saints fan!!! Heh heh..lol!!! Sounds to me like you’ve been traded and don’t know it. At least when NFL players have to go other places to make the kind of money they want, they KNOW where their bread is buttered and they change uniforms. I hate to be the one to tell you this but you’re living off the same local economy that supports the ‘Braves”, Hawks, as well as the Atlanta symphony, and the Falcons. But people in N.O. haven’t been able to take a dump since you left cause their a** holes’ in Atlanta!!!
hiramsaint
June 22nd, 2011
10:15 am
you are darn right about my living off the atl economy and a lucrative living it is but since YOUR pres has not completely changed the country to communism yet , i’ll wear saints gear and support my team no matter where i am and to bad for you , you can’t do a thing about it . i suppose if you moved to kansas city you would automatically become a chiefs fan. thats the kind of allegience that may be in atl and the reason your fan base is so fair weather and the reason you have no football championship. we all saw the empty seats after half time of the packers game. you were probably one of the ones gone. you can be jealous of me but please don’t be bitter also!