Ray Edwards: ‘Hopefully, I’m the missing piece’
Defensive end Ray Edwards, on left, chatting with tight end Tony Gonzalez before the afternoon practice on Saturday. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/Dledbetter@ajc.com)
FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons defensive end Ray Edwards doesn’t plan to put on his boxing gloves anytime soon.
Now that the lockout is over, and he has signed a five-year contract worth $30 million with the Falcons, Edwards can give up his second sport.
“You never know, but right now I’m focusing on the football season and helping this team get to where we want to go,” Edwards said after practice Saturday. He was a spectator because free agents can’t practice until Thursday, or sooner if the new collective bargaining agreement is ratified before then.
Edwards defeated T.J. Gibson by a unanimous decision in a four-round bout at a Minnesota casino in May.
The Falcons didn’t sign him for his boxing prowess. They want him to help balance the field and provide some sacks opposite Pro Bowler John Abraham.
“I think me and Abraham are going to be a great tandem,” Edwards said. “We’ll work on playing off each other and causing a lot of havoc.”
After going through a battery of medical tests, Edwards met with coach Mike Smith and attended his first defensive-line meeting with assistant coach Ray Hamilton.
“He’s going to help our pass rush, and he’s also a very good run defender,” Smith said. “He’s an all-around defensive end that is going to line up and play our left defensive end. We just can’t wait to get him out here and see what he can do.”
Smith doesn’t believe that Abraham, who had 13 sacks and 17 quarterback hurries last season, will be the lone benefactor from the signing of Edwards. He believes the tackles and the linebackers also could benefit.
“Any time you are adding a player that has the resume that Ray has and the ability that he shows, you are helping everybody,” Smith said.
Edwards amassed 20.5 sacks over the past two seasons, if you count his four in the playoffs.
He was quick to note that he has sacked Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers six times. Rodgers and the Packers eliminated the Falcons from the playoffs last season.
“Hopefully, I’m the missing piece,” Edwards said.
Safety William Moore has seen Edwards’ boxing video on YouTube.
“I wouldn’t go against him,” Moore said. “I’ll just stay in my weight class.”
Edwards was suspended for the last four games of the 2007 season for violating the league’s steroids policy.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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— Falcons defensive end Ray Edwards doesn’t plan to put on his boxing gloves anytime soon.
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77 comments Add your comment
Dominic Hughes
July 30th, 2011
9:13 pm
Excited to get a player of this calibre at a sensible price. Well done TD.
chris
July 30th, 2011
9:14 pm
first. hey pichu
Falcon James
July 30th, 2011
9:14 pm
Firt
FEAR THE TALON
July 30th, 2011
9:15 pm
HERE’S THE PLAN ABE…..I’LL MEET YOU AT THE QUARTERBACK,SAID MR.EDWARDS!!!
E-Roll
July 30th, 2011
9:16 pm
“Hopefully, I’m the missing piece,” Edwards said.
This Falcon fan is hoping the same thing also; can’t wait for the start of the season!
Falcon James
July 30th, 2011
9:16 pm
This will inprove the falcon defence. Hope Abe can do better than he do the past seasons. He need the help because he was looking used up.
Davy Dmx
July 30th, 2011
9:19 pm
First!!!
y2m
July 30th, 2011
9:20 pm
Can someone shed some light on a corner, safety, or backup running back?
Falcon James
July 30th, 2011
9:24 pm
Abe leg too tired to make it to the quarterback. I think he should just stand there and let Ray run the QB to him. That way Abe say he don’t need to work so hard. I likes what I see with the defence shapping up. We also need be looking at good character men like Aqib Talib to help Grimes.
Falcon James
July 30th, 2011
9:31 pm
y2m— I think if we get Aqib Talib, Ike Taylor, Champ Bailey, or Terrance Newman. Those the kind of players we are looking for to help on and off the field. We let the only good RB we had go with Norwood. Maybe we can get him back before it too late and someone sign him at 30 million.
robert
July 30th, 2011
9:32 pm
Good character men like Aquib Talib? LMAO. He is a beast cornerback though
MaxxFalcon
July 30th, 2011
9:33 pm
DOL- Any word on resigning Grimes or Blalock?
merbertmoover
July 30th, 2011
9:38 pm
man, i just hope someone bring back the dirty bird, you know what im sayin? i been missing that dance for real! i like to do it in my living room, after a plate full of chicken wings and ranch dressing, then down a beer and i be flappin my wings like its goin out of style! yeah, bring it back baby!
BiggdawgK
July 30th, 2011
9:40 pm
Why are all my comments removed?
robert
July 30th, 2011
9:49 pm
wings and beer sounds great right now
Falcon Fan
July 30th, 2011
9:51 pm
Looking forward to a GREAT year.
Saints Fans 'R US
July 30th, 2011
10:00 pm
I’m peeing on myself at the very thought of this guy coming at Brees
Billy
July 30th, 2011
10:06 pm
and Edwards got “only” $30M, while the Panthers gave Charles Johnson, I think it was $72M!
Sheree Whitfield
July 30th, 2011
10:26 pm
Is this where we can ax questions? I like to aks questions.
If so, is Ray married? I’m broke.
Conan The Grammarian
July 30th, 2011
10:41 pm
Orlando: It’s “beneficiary”, not “benefactor.”. You’re welcome.
Bzaust
July 30th, 2011
10:51 pm
Ray got $30M while Tampa gave Koenen $19.5M LMAO
Greg Moundine
July 30th, 2011
11:05 pm
Do not focus on GB. Focus on the So Call Dream Team, Philadelphia Eagles! Bet my word, the Eagles are not done in the draft! Let’s go get a CB and another WR. There is only one thing, the Eagles and Falcons have in common, We both are Birds! But we are the better One!
The first game against the Eagles will be a statement game for both teams! We must Rise Up!
Greg Moundine
July 30th, 2011
11:07 pm
draft ..meant Free Agency Market
FalconFan
July 30th, 2011
11:22 pm
QB: Matt Ryan
HB: Michael Turner
FB: Ovie Mughelli
WR: Roddy White
WR: Julio Jones
TE: Tony Gonzalez
LT: Sam Baker
LG: Justin Blalock
C: Todd McClure
RG: Garrett Reynolds
RT: Tyson Clabo
DE: John Abraham
DT: Jonathan Babineuax
DT: Peria Jerry
DE: Ray Edwards
OLB: Stephen Nicholas
MLB: Curtis Lofton
OLB: Sean Weatherspoon
CB: Dunta Robinson
FS: Thomas DeCoud
SS: William Moore
CB: Brent Grimes
Super bowl team!
haha
July 30th, 2011
11:25 pm
whatever happened to 1999 UGA???
ohhhhYEAH
July 31st, 2011
12:00 am
assuming Jerry is 100% and Babineaux can perform at the level he did last year, i would say thats probably as good a front four as there is in the league, at least in terms of stopping the run. hopefully Edwards will be what we expect him to be. still think it wouldnt be a bad idea to try for asante samuel though
Nique
July 31st, 2011
12:01 am
I think Mike Johnson is going to beat Reynolds out for the job.
BhamFalconFan
July 31st, 2011
12:03 am
Should we try to trade for Asante Samuel? He might bring some of the revenge factor if we meet the Eagles in the playoffs?
ohhhhYEAH
July 31st, 2011
12:04 am
@ Falcon James, are you on crack? number one, tampa let Talib go because he was IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW, what is this good character of which you speak? he was also jawing at Roddy in the game in Tampa last year AFTER HE WAS OUT OF THE GAME WITH AN INJURY, and you want this man? as far as Norwood, yes he was good……when healthy, which he hasnt been in 2 seasons, i dont know what your logic is but no GM would sign someone who has been injury plagued for the past 3 years to a $30M deal. think before you post man. but i do at least agree that maybe trying to get Bailey(wont happen) or Newman would be good for us
ohhhhYEAH
July 31st, 2011
12:06 am
@Bham, it would be great to try and get Samuel, but who would we give up? they wont let him go cheap, and theyre already stacked enough as it is
realitycheck
July 31st, 2011
12:22 am
Falcon Fan……….Super Bowl team? They might not even make the playoffs!
ohhhhYEAH
July 31st, 2011
12:29 am
nah, we will make the playoffs, although it may be as the wild card. there arent that many teams out there better than us
Greg Moundine
July 31st, 2011
12:58 am
We are going to be the Dallas Mavericks of the NFL!
J.J.M.
July 31st, 2011
3:37 am
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/k-bryant-signs-4-year-deal-with-falcons-restricted-free-agents-weems-walker-wilson-sign/2011/07/30/gIQAj6E7jI_story.html
WordTurd
July 31st, 2011
6:55 am
I’m with Conan here Orlando, Edwards is the benefactor, and the other players are the beneficiaries.
Larry
July 31st, 2011
7:10 am
DOL,
That last sentence was an odd why to end an otherwise nice blog.
And, we STILL need another solid DB for those plays when both DE’s are blocked well! Unless you think that Chris Owens is the answer!
supamusic25
July 31st, 2011
7:14 am
GREAT JOB FALCONS…IM PROUD TO BE PART OF AN ATLANTA TEAM THAT IS TRULY “GOING FOR A RING NOW” KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
Paddy
July 31st, 2011
7:55 am
Falcon James…….you DID NOT JUST SAY, Norwood was our best back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What team have you been watching the last few years??????? Norwood, really!!!!!!!!!! Guess he must have done real well in all those Tuesday. NFL games that only you saw! lol
Bill
July 31st, 2011
8:23 am
Not a word here about Jason Snelling. Last I heard they were still negotiating with him. Has that been resolved.
Falconfan gives us the first 22, which is pretty impressive. However, it is the second 22 that wins championships, since it is likely at least some of these first 22 will not be playing the last 1/3 of the season.
RobbE33
July 31st, 2011
8:56 am
I didn’t know about the ‘roid issue. Hope he’s not another Merriman has-been.
D man
July 31st, 2011
8:58 am
We still need help in the defensive backfield. Thomas is not through. Hopefully he is waiting on someone special to be released so we can pick him up for cheap.
Joey
July 31st, 2011
9:34 am
Coach Smith sounds like a kid on Christmas morning wanting to play with his toy! Great job by the Falcons getting this guy.
Just use your other new “toy” Jones and open up the offense, coach.
Go Falcons!
Joey
July 31st, 2011
9:38 am
Yeah, Norwood is so good, I bet teams are lining up to get him.
All of that speed is worthless when one is always dressed out in street clothes . . .
moleman
July 31st, 2011
9:41 am
Edwards didn’t impress in Minnesota; he is probably better than Anderson. The tackle situation and LB’s are weak. 8-8 season on the horizon.
Greg Moundine
July 31st, 2011
9:45 am
Burress to Jets!
WE DAT RISE UP!!!
July 31st, 2011
9:51 am
FALCON FAN: YOU DAMN RIGHT!!!
QB: Matt Ryan
HB: Michael Turner
FB: Ovie Mughelli
WR: Roddy White
WR: Julio Jones
TE: Tony Gonzalez
LT: Sam Baker
LG: Justin Blalock
C: Todd McClure
RG: Garrett Reynolds
RT: Tyson Clabo
DE: John Abraham
DT: Jonathan Babineuax
DT: Peria Jerry
DE: Ray Edwards
OLB: Stephen Nicholas
MLB: Curtis Lofton
OLB: Sean Weatherspoon
CB: Dunta Robinson
FS: Thomas DeCoud
SS: William Moore
CB: Brent Grimes
Super bowl team!
Ackshun
July 31st, 2011
10:39 am
Snelling and Blaylock will stay (if they were going somewhere they would be gone by now). Wildcard is Norwood, his phone isn’t exactly ringing off the hook and if he is looking for significant case his days in the NFL might be over. If the doesn’t get a deal, I think he may opt to sign a one-year agreement with the Falcons for around 1 mil. If he proves he can stay healthy he will be able to get a better deal next year. We still need a CB from somewhere.
ATLJBO
July 31st, 2011
10:40 am
Ray Edwards highlight http://alturl.com/8aivq
Kane337
July 31st, 2011
10:45 am
Ray Edwards > (x100) Jamal Anderson
SeenThisB4
July 31st, 2011
10:53 am
@We Dat Rise Up!!!
LOL! That’s a funny list. But, why’d you put the biggest laugher at the top? LOL!
BULLSEYE
July 31st, 2011
11:19 am
Don’t look now, but the Seahawks just scored again on the Aints.
Saints R.E.A.M.
July 31st, 2011
11:38 am
The NFC south is going to be a tuff division.
Saints R.E.A.M.
July 31st, 2011
11:40 am
Fowlclown fans worry not….the Saints will still own you.
Saints R.E.A.M.
July 31st, 2011
11:41 am
@Bullseye – Don’t look now but the Packers scored again and no fair weather falcons fans were there to see it.
Blitz Money
July 31st, 2011
11:53 am
Don’t look now, but Drew Brees just had an accident in his pants when he read this article.
Cheesehead
July 31st, 2011
11:56 am
Ream, Are the Saints even relevant anymore?? All I hear the “Experts” talk about are the Packers, Eagles, Patriots, Jets, & the Falcons ( Note Julio Jones/ Ray Edwards ) amongst a few other.
The Saints…Really??
Cheesehead
July 31st, 2011
11:58 am
Great moves by TD to make the Falcons Better! GO FALCONS!
falcon83
July 31st, 2011
12:02 pm
I wonder what number ray edwards will have. Isn’t 91 already taken?
Blitz Money
July 31st, 2011
12:37 pm
He’s wearing #93, according to the Falcons website.
falcon83
July 31st, 2011
12:40 pm
thanks blitz
Whopper Dawg
July 31st, 2011
12:58 pm
Helluva good move. Hats off to TD on this one.
ken
July 31st, 2011
1:07 pm
Falcon fans….it would be best to temper your expectations of Ray Edwards as he is an average DE at best. Remember, he played along side 3 All-Pros in the Williams Wall and Jared Allen who were constantly double/triple teamed becuz offenses were not afraid of Edwards.
ken
July 31st, 2011
1:10 pm
When the Vikes signed Jared Allen to go with the Williams Wall, Ray Ray predicted that he would set the NFL record for sacks in a season, which is like 21, and he couldn’t get 21 sacks in 2 seasons!! The Falcons were smart to not pay him huge money but I think they still overpaid somewhat.
tony
July 31st, 2011
1:10 pm
defense wins championships, remeber tampa, they had less than mediocre offense, we got to have a conerback like cromartie to have a chance and it would be good chance, dimitri needs to quit holding back and go get cromartie
Reality Check
July 31st, 2011
1:12 pm
Nnamdi/Jenkins/Cromartie/Babin
I’m just sayin……………..
atlien
July 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
feeling real good bout my squad…lehgo FALCONS
tony
July 31st, 2011
1:57 pm
ray edwards i feel is one of the missin pieces but got to have a good corner to make the defense work,
tony
July 31st, 2011
1:59 pm
rogers goin to pic us apart again if u aint got a big physical db to interrupt route
SEENHIMHATEB4
July 31st, 2011
2:15 pm
SEEN THIS B4: WE SHALL SEE WHO HAS THE LAST LAUGH THIS YEAR BIG HOMIE
tony
July 31st, 2011
2:17 pm
seen what b4
PFT: Plax joins Jets — it was ‘all about Rex’ - Count News
July 31st, 2011
2:47 pm
[...] Ray Edwards hopes that he’s the blank piece for a [...]
Saints R.E.A.M.
July 31st, 2011
3:34 pm
@Cheesehead…I don’t know what “experts” you have been listening to. Most of your so called “experts” are just hype machines anyway. Who cares if they are talking about Julio Jones??? He is a rookie wide-receiver. I doubt that he is what Randy Moss was. I don’t think he alone will make that big of an impact immediately. Packers will find out how relevant the Saints are in the opener.
WooYeah
July 31st, 2011
4:28 pm
A starting NFL left end at 5 milllion a year, in his prime – Excellent deal for the Falcons.
Edwards may not be a game changer, but he is just what this team needs: a consistent end to pair with Abraham. A guy who’s shown that he can collapse the pocket and also plays the run well (which is important for a left end). Another smart, long-term move by the folks in Flowery Branch.
If our DT’s (Babineaux, Jerry, Peters) get any kind of push up the middle, our pass rush is going to be something fierce. Go Falcons!
hiramsaint
July 31st, 2011
4:40 pm
seems the saints handled him twice already ’cause brees gets rid of the ball so quickly. i wonder who vegas is saying is gonna win the nfc south. they should know , it’s how they actually make their money as opposed to some high schooler from espn or the bleacher report. sorry about the high schooler remark atl.-we all just found out how your school system works-thuggery in action!
Creaky
July 31st, 2011
5:02 pm
The benefactor gives, the beneficiary recieves.
hiramsaint
July 31st, 2011
5:39 pm
the missing piece?? really?? have we not heard that old song and dance every year and every year what happens?? it’s ok-just shout out the answer when you know it -we already do
Hoss Can't Writer
August 1st, 2011
10:32 am
Hey Joey, will Smith play with his toy in the locker room shower ???