Justin Blalock agrees to six-year contract with the Falcons
Falcons guards Justin Blalock (left) and Tyson Clabo help Ryan to his feet after a hit against Tampa Bay (Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com)
FLOWERY BRANCH – Justin Blalock , who’s been a starter since his rookie season in 2007, has agreed to terms on a six-year contract to return to the Falcons on Sunday.
Blalock was drafted in the second round (39th overall) of the 2007 draft.
He struggled his rookie season, but things starting to come together for him under veteran NFL line coach Paul Boudreau.
He’s extremely durable and has started 62 of a possible 64 regular-season games.
Also, Blalock had a 41 on the Wonderlic test and is a smart and heady player.
After practice on Saturday, Falcons coach Mike Smith stated his desire to have Blalock re-signed.
The Falcons have already agreed to terms with starting right tackle Tyson Clabo, but lost starting right guard Harvey Dahl to the St. Louis Rams.
Blalock can not practice with the team until Thursday when the league calendar year starts or if the new collective bargaining agreement is ratified and the year starts sooner.
The only internal free agent left is cornerback Brent Grimes, who is a restricted free agent and has a first-round tender.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
Get instant updates on Twitter at AJCFalcons and you can join the Facebook Fan page at AJC Falcons.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
191 comments Add your comment
OHIOdirtybird!!!!
July 31st, 2011
4:34 pm
Good News!!!
NELSON COOK
July 31st, 2011
4:43 pm
Is this the big one that UGA1999 had in mind?
JMF
July 31st, 2011
4:44 pm
I have been waiting on this signing. Now I can relax.. Good job!!! Let’s give credit where credit is due. TD you have done a great job. Being the GM is not an easy job. Thankfully we have a good GM that is not only putting a championship contending team on the field now but also building for the future.
DHunt
July 31st, 2011
4:44 pm
One more piece of the puzzle in place. Maybe they should slide him back over to his natural spot on the right side and let the young guys battle it out for the LG spot.
Outside Observer
July 31st, 2011
4:48 pm
Six years? I wonder what the yearly salary is
FalconInVt
July 31st, 2011
4:50 pm
YES!!!
brown paper bag on my head
July 31st, 2011
4:58 pm
2011 NFC South Standings
Falcons
Bucs
Panthers
sAints
Cedric
July 31st, 2011
4:59 pm
Did Snelling sign already
Sly Ty
July 31st, 2011
5:00 pm
Mr.Blank….Thomas Dimitroff deserves a raise. We are thankful to you Mr.Blank for hiring Smitty and TD, now pay the man appropriately. Mr.Blank you have built us a consistent winner, thank you.
Row 3
July 31st, 2011
5:09 pm
Kudos to the FO. Any idea on remaining cap space?
DawgsnFalcons
July 31st, 2011
5:12 pm
This is great news. I figured they’d let Dahl go and resign Blalock. He’s key to the running game being a big earth mover.
Falc Fanatic
July 31st, 2011
5:15 pm
How about Snelling?
If Grimes is the only FA left, does that mean they are not trying to resign Snelling???
yodaddy
July 31st, 2011
5:18 pm
They need Brent Grimes
Brownie
July 31st, 2011
5:29 pm
Been a fascinating free agency/trade season the last few days, and for all the noise created by Philly, the Jets, the Patriots and Carolina, I love what TD has done. Didn’t worry about making a big splash, just quietly resigned the guys we wanted to keep and filled our biggest hole at DE with Edwards.
Let go of the guys we needed to: Norwood (never on the field), Koenen (good, but overpriced now), Dahl (see Koenen), Jamaal (Rich McKay’s last huge bad draft decision) and Jenkins (steady, great blocker, good teammate, but not worth the #1 pick). Don’t know yet about Snelling’s status, but hope we keep him.
hiramsaint
July 31st, 2011
5:32 pm
why did the above use reverse order for nfc south standings? backwards franchise-backwards fans!
WE DAT RISE UP!!!
July 31st, 2011
5:36 pm
WE N DA HOUSE NOW!!!
Section242
July 31st, 2011
5:40 pm
Great to have him back. We need to re-sign Grimes. Fortunately. he is RFA. It would be nice to keep Snelling but there are lots of good RB still on the market.
Gazoo
July 31st, 2011
5:41 pm
Worthless signing. A waste of money. A stale ham sandwich is better than Blalock. Oh well. I’ll state it all on the AFMB. Dimitroff whiffed on this one.
John
July 31st, 2011
5:43 pm
Can anyone tell me where this leaves us on the cap? Wondering how much they have left of the 120
jerry
July 31st, 2011
5:48 pm
There is no doubt the strongest trio of running backs would be Turner, Snelling, and Rodgers, also the most versatile. Hope this is the way it goes.
Joe
July 31st, 2011
5:59 pm
I agree Jerry, I hope we can keep Snelling
BigGAdawg
July 31st, 2011
6:02 pm
jerry, I have to agree with you on those three.
I am hoping that we can get Grimes and Snelling signed. I hate to see Dahl gone but I am really pleased that we were able to get Clabo and Blalock back in the fold.
I am ready for some football!!
Mitun
July 31st, 2011
6:02 pm
great news! now let’s get Grimes and Snelling back to the team and then go after Zach Miller if he is still available.
jdawg
July 31st, 2011
6:04 pm
We need Grimes but we also need one more cb.Someone need to replace Williams
falconfiend
July 31st, 2011
6:13 pm
WE DAT. CANT WAIT TO SEE DEION SANDERS IN THE HALL OF FAME.
falconfiend
July 31st, 2011
6:16 pm
i wonder if they have any films on that season the falcons won the california state championship with glanville. Beat niners twice, rams twice, raiders and chargers. 6-0
shannon
July 31st, 2011
6:17 pm
We better get a corner, owens(no cover) and williams(injury prone) are not the answers for a third corner..We are in a 3 wide league now u need 3 good corners
shannon
July 31st, 2011
6:17 pm
carlos rodgers? any thoughts?
falconsam
July 31st, 2011
6:20 pm
Enter your comments here
falconsam
July 31st, 2011
6:22 pm
2nd year man Dominique Franks may be the answer! He is talented, but can he play Nickel?
Paddy
July 31st, 2011
6:23 pm
Gazzo…..football is not your game.
Great sign
FalconFan
July 31st, 2011
6:32 pm
This is great news. They can go pick up one of the recently released lineman to replace Dahl, but getting 2 out of 3 ain’t bad. Great job all around.
Brownie
July 31st, 2011
6:35 pm
Gazoo…..I’d love to visit you in your extensive media room in your mom’s basement to see you break down film of every play over the past 3 years or so of the Falcons’ OLine play. I’m guessing the fact that Ryan rarely gets sacked except off the edge or via safety blitzs, OR that the Falcons have had one of the top running games since TD and company arrived doesn’t really count in your world??!!
And since it obviously is unimportant that an OLine has a comraderie, I’m thinking you must have a all-pro left guard available and ready to step (for less money) and quickly learn the Falcons’ system and the other linemen’s moves.
C’mon, impress us.
bgfalcon
July 31st, 2011
6:41 pm
great i feel more than confident to replace dahl with renoylds are the bama guy (can never remember his name) both of them are gonna be huge but reynlods looks like a giant.
Que Dog!
July 31st, 2011
6:42 pm
That’s great News! D Led, I saw you with your Centennial Hat on that Edwards interview. ROO to 100 years Que!
Gazoo
July 31st, 2011
6:44 pm
Brownie-noser, I’ll be on the AFMB and you can debate those silly-girl ideas with me there. Blalock is a scratch, McClure is not a has-been because he’s a never-was, Dahl did us a favor by leaving and Clabo, well, can you say turd in a milk bucket? And my friend, it’s your mother’s basement that I curl up in.
Brownie
July 31st, 2011
6:51 pm
Gazoo….really amazing intellect you possess. How in the hell did they win 13 games last year with that sorry excuse for an OLine?? BTW, just which team do you follow? I’m betting on the Aints.
Mave
July 31st, 2011
6:52 pm
Like all the moves so far, not sweating Grimes, he can’t go anywhere…I’d like for them to keep Snelling…that would be an awesome move. I wouldn’t like Rogers being the only option behind Turner. If that is the case, fine, but I’d like Turner. I do fear he may go to the New York Jets. Heard rumors of that on the radio today.
BOOGIES THE MAN FROM HARTWELL GA
July 31st, 2011
6:57 pm
Gazoo is an idiot..
Gazoo
July 31st, 2011
7:13 pm
Falcons fan all the way my sorry-sack friends. My post count on AFMB proves it. Some people just don’t like hard facts. I pity most of you, but, I do care enough to show you the errors of your way. No stats can show that our o-line was in any way better than average. At least I have the brains and etc. to say it. Go ahead and wail, but in the end you will see I’m right once again. Those Joe Nobodys we have in camp will be far superior to what we had. Blalock and Clabo. Hm. I should think my grandmother could steamroll either of them.
Grandma the Roller
July 31st, 2011
7:17 pm
Enter your comments here
bluto60
July 31st, 2011
7:20 pm
nice to lock up clabo and blalock. and yes, gazoo is an idiot.
but we missed the boat not going after ex-raider cb asomugha (sp?). guy like that comes around once or twice every 20 years. the secondary, not the pass rush, is our most glaring weakness. with a guy like asomugha, we could have manufactured more pressure via blitzes confidently because we’d have had shutdown abilities in the secondary. oh, well.
Gazoo
July 31st, 2011
7:20 pm
Nice, but you failed against my reasoning. No cookie for you.
.
July 31st, 2011
7:20 pm
.
SawThat1nce
July 31st, 2011
7:21 pm
go falcons!
Get somma deeeesss!
July 31st, 2011
7:21 pm
gazoo
The Real Falcon
July 31st, 2011
7:23 pm
Makes it all easier.
Gazoo
July 31st, 2011
7:23 pm
Yes Get Somma? How may I enlighten you?
SawThat1nce
July 31st, 2011
7:25 pm
brown bag@4:58pm……..I think that the saints will finish 3rd in the NFC South in 2011.
poolefan
July 31st, 2011
7:26 pm
snelling going to giants i say we sign micheal bush he’s better than snelling i think
phoneguy71
July 31st, 2011
7:32 pm
Gazoo, you’re an uninformed idiot. And that is not up for debate.
tjhook
July 31st, 2011
7:39 pm
What’s your opinion of resigning Snelling, Gazoo?
maddawg
July 31st, 2011
7:41 pm
Mel Kiper or the rest of the ESPN analist don’t know sh$%!! Can you believe they had Clabo the top OL free agent available and Blalock was also in the top 5???? Gazoo will be replacing Kiper very soon!!
Gazoo
July 31st, 2011
7:49 pm
Phoneguy, it’s ok, I understand your angst, and sympathize with you on not being near my football-intellect level. Need a hug? NOT LOLOLOL. But bear with me my friend, your anger will turn to adoration by mid-season and you will see what I said is true. The only reason our beloved Ryan stays upright is because he can scramble like Chandler, but better. I just wish we could have dumped all those “starting” scrubs long ago.
Gazoo
July 31st, 2011
7:51 pm
Maddawg, no need for sarcasm, even tho I feel your pain. No worries, we will only get better by addition thru subtraction.
falconfan4life
July 31st, 2011
7:51 pm
We should have gave the money to Harvey Dahl instead of Lazy Blalock.
phoneguy71
July 31st, 2011
7:54 pm
I am overwhelmed by the craziness I’m hearing on this blog! To say our O line was awful last year is crazy. I agree our PASS PROTECTION was not great and can be vastly improved BUT..Our running game is a different story. Which starts with the O Line. And Idk, but I highly doubt teams would throw millions of dollars to ” untalented ” linemen who are ” sorry ” and cant block someones “grandma”. LOL Especially when linemen apparently grow on trees.
Gazoo
July 31st, 2011
7:56 pm
Phoneguy, well, some teams’ gm’s are uninformed and have too much cash to spend. It’s that simple, really.
phoneguy71
July 31st, 2011
8:02 pm
And Gazoo… I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person. Chandler was a statue. Your delusions of grandeur amuse me! My grammar and football acumen are far superior and will be displayed for public viewing should your behavior continue! LOL
phoneguy71
July 31st, 2011
8:04 pm
LMAO I gotta admit that was a good one
Gazoo
July 31st, 2011
8:07 pm
Phoneguy, I’m sorry you had to resort to old cliches and using words you don’t really understand to tell me you don’t have the mental resources to debate with me on a civil level. It’s ok my friend. Here, have a soda and a lollipop at the kids table. It’s on me, no worries. The rest of the adults will be ——-WAY—–OVER——–HERE———- discussing football. *Pat on the head*
Gazoo
July 31st, 2011
8:08 pm
I like you too.
David
July 31st, 2011
8:09 pm
D Led, I love Snelling but I read about rumors he is going to Giants. What about Ronnie Brown? His he a possibility or are we going with players on the roster? I.E Johnson , Smith, Rodgers, Turner?
Birrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd Man
July 31st, 2011
8:11 pm
I love Brent Grimes, but if someone does offer a 1st round pick next year–which we don’t have–that would be tempting. I’m just sayin’.
Flo=Ri-Duh
July 31st, 2011
8:41 pm
Snelling’s agent has suggested that he does not expect the Falcons to resign Snelling. I hope he does return as Turner is good for about 17 carries a game and wears down during the long season.
SaintsFansAreFunny
July 31st, 2011
8:56 pm
I like this. I thought we would lose 2/3 of our offensive line free agents. I love what this team is doing. I would like to resign Snelling, but RB is the easiest position to replace. Heck, even Tiki would be an ok backup to play a few downs for Turner and Quizz.
I would like to get Grimes locked down because (contrary to Saints fans beliefs) WE had the best defense in the NFC South and Grimes was a big part of that.
While is is true that the Aints were 4th in Total Net Yards (as they will be quick to point out), that stat is meaningless in football. The ONLY stat that really matters in football is Points Allowed. If you want proof of this, 8 out of the top ten teams that allowed the fewest points were in the playoffs. The two teams that allowed the fewest points were in the super bowl. The Falcons were the 5th best defense in the NFL. They were better than the Saints and the Jets. The media would have you believe our defense was a division II college team defense. They have been much maligned by the so called “experts”. The truth is, they were very good. The only thing the stats tell us is that it took teams fewer yards to score MORE points on the Saints. The Falcons play a bend but don’t break defense which is why they give up a lot of yards and not a lot of points.
Having added a decent pass rushing strong side DE (something we haven’t had since Patrick Kearney), this defense got a lot better. That’s right folks. the best defense in the NFC South got even better. I am excited for this season to get started.
Matt Ryan
July 31st, 2011
8:58 pm
Man! I thought for sure TD was going to get me some help for my o-line. I’m going to get killed out there again this year! These bozos can’t block the Disney channel. Man this is a load of dung!
STB4
Falcons 4 Real
July 31st, 2011
9:03 pm
Excellent job by TD to retain 2 of the 3 UFAs on the line, Clabo being the most critical. As much as I would love to keep Snells the reality is he can be a starter for a handful teams, New England comes to mind and he’d be a perfect fit in their system.
Thanks DLED for your superior work as always, will you be going to Canton for Deion’s induction?
SeenThisB4
July 31st, 2011
9:08 pm
Yeah, the falcan’ts barely gave up any points in the playoffs last year! LOL!
Saints Fans 'R US
July 31st, 2011
9:08 pm
Somebody please help the self-titled genius known as Gazoo . If an “average” O line gets you to 13-3, then what does an above average line get you? More proof that computer access should not be allowed in the psycho ward.
Saints Fans 'R US
July 31st, 2011
9:10 pm
Rather give up big points to the eventual SB champion than lose to the weakest team in the playoffs. But hey, who’s counting? Will that be paper for plastic? I’m talking about the bag for your head this year.
Saints Fans 'R US
July 31st, 2011
9:11 pm
“Paper or Plastic”. Saints fan intelligence is rubbing off on me. As in lack thereof.
SeenThisB4
July 31st, 2011
9:16 pm
LOL! Nah! You’re just used to asking that at work everyday!. And don’t 4get, we may have lost to seattle , but only after we kicked your tails, in your own house. Getting beat at home, ya’ll got real good at that when it really counted’
Gazoo
July 31st, 2011
9:29 pm
Saints Fan, I pity you. If we could dump a few more scrubs we call starters, we could just make REAL Saints fans vanish. 13-3 has nothing to do with the o-line. It’s because Ryan can scramble, and we have clutch receivers. And a fairly decent TE in Gonzales. I mean our record looks good in this scrubby NFC south where there are no REAL opponents above mediocrity, but those teams are good cannon fodder I suppose. Beards. The O-line should all grow beards. BEARDS ROCK. Also when the Falcons use John Parker Wilson in the Wildcat formation, look out. Opposing D’s will crumble. They won’t know what to do. As I’ve said, dump the scrubs and we will shine.
Gazoo
July 31st, 2011
9:38 pm
Ok, I admit that I’m a sad-sack blow hard who has a small winkie and is afraid to sleep without my nightlight on.
I’d love to debate each and every one of you but my mommy is making cookies and if I hurry she’s going to let me have the first glass of milk.
toodles =^)
Pauls Johnson
July 31st, 2011
9:43 pm
I was astounded by the irony.
sleeze
July 31st, 2011
9:47 pm
Gazoo, I’ve seen your grandmother. She probably could steamroll Clabo and Blalock, and Nate Newton, Andre the Giant, and the Hulk. Just needs to shave her armpits every once in a while..
SeenThisB4
July 31st, 2011
9:49 pm
Gazoo: You pity us? We celebrated a Lombardi Trophy party for a year! You’re hanging your hat on a 13-3 regular season record. Save your pity for your sessions with your court appointed psychiatrist. John Parker Wilson in the wildcat! LOL!
INo one cares
July 31st, 2011
9:52 pm
It doesn’t matter if you agree with this signing or not. Blalock got paid. Deal with it.
Reality Check
July 31st, 2011
9:53 pm
GM for the Eagles can cut all the new signings except Nnamdi in 2012 and still has 11 picks to work with. That’s some GM.
Just saying………………..
Gazoo
July 31st, 2011
9:54 pm
I’m sorry Mr. B4, you must have confused with someone who cares, or at least with someone who thinks you stole that Lombardi. And laugh if you will, JPW would own Brees. As for my impersonator with the small winkie, thank you, Impersonation is the highest form of flattery. Is everyone THAT upset we got rid of one useless fatbody and kept 2? Baker fans? At least I’m agreed with.
Greg Moundine
July 31st, 2011
9:56 pm
Why do we not get the guts and sign Randy Moss. We can sign him to a one year deal after signing Grimes and hopefully Snelling. Do not let me see headlines tomorrow, Eagles sign Randy Moss to Dream Team! We need someone to stretch them Eagles CB out.
SaintsFansAreFunny
July 31st, 2011
9:59 pm
Silly Aints fan, logic is for grown ups… we beat you in your house too genius. And um, well, we didn’t lose to the worst team in NFL Playoff History… the only team with a losing record to make the playoffs in the modern era of football. We lost to the super bowl champs… whom we also beat just weaks earlier. Yeah and what great champs the Saints turned out to be losing to the the worst team to ever make the playoffs… you guys were stellar representatives for the league lol. It would be like the world heavy weight champion getting knocked out by some special olympic reject. Way to go! You must be so proud lol.
Gazoo
July 31st, 2011
9:59 pm
Greg, that’s what Kerry Meier is for. It’s why we let Jenkins go.
SeenThisB4
July 31st, 2011
10:07 pm
“Special Olympics reject”? Man! Going after the handicapped too? What a soul less, sorry piece of garbage. Hey Atlanta, you can keep this guy forever, put him right up there with some of your other sons of fame, like Wayne Williams and such.
SaintsFansAreFunny
July 31st, 2011
10:13 pm
Yep, I said that. I am not into your pretend political correctness. People are way too sensitive and take themselves way too seriously. The fact remains, the defending NFL champions got knocked out of the playoffs in the first round by a team that was the worst team to ever make the playoffs in the modern era of football. At team that (had they not been in the weakest division in the last 25 years) would not have even sniffed a wild card spot.
SeenThisB4
July 31st, 2011
10:22 pm
You can insult me or the Saints all you want. Leave the handicapped out of it.
By the way since we’re discussing history lessons, did you know which teams in the history of the modern era of football who have NEVER held a League Champion title? You get extra points if you put them in alphabetical order. LOL!
t_height
July 31st, 2011
10:24 pm
Thankfully there was not many teams that could stop the run early in the season
We probably would have been 3-13 instead.
This is the link to last years schedule.
http://www.atlantagatoday.com/pmcparland/category/atlanta-blog/sports/atlanta-falcons/2010-schedule
SaintsFansAreFunny
July 31st, 2011
10:32 pm
Well, sure you guys won it… and that is great… and Saints fans will remember that and only that… everyone else of my generation will remember two words about your team as defending champions BEAST MODE. LOL!!! You guys were the worst champions in history lol. So yeah, um, you will be remembered as champions… the worst champions ever… but champions none the less lol. You have to wonder if it would have been better if you had never won one than to win one and then become known as the joke of champions.
As far as you riding your little moral high horse, I never insulted handicaps moron. I only used them as an example of a mismatch. Nice try though lol.
SeenThisB4
July 31st, 2011
10:36 pm
…And yet the Saints were the first Super Bowl Champs in several years to make the playoffs the following year. So nawh, your argument is one, only a moron would make.
ohhhhYEAH
July 31st, 2011
10:38 pm
can we re sign snelling and trade turner for another good corner? say maybe champ bailey? whos the broncos running back now days anyway? NO-shawn? im just saying, snelling seemed to run harder than turner last year, hes younger, AND catches out of the backfield. i love turner, but i would rather have snelling at this point, if for no other reason than to get a little more help for the secondary. and jsut to clarify, im NOT bashing on decoud, moore, grimes, or robinson, but what team wouldnt welcome more help in that area (eagles…anyone?)
ohhhhYEAH
July 31st, 2011
10:41 pm
@saints fans are funny.
did i miss something? how is it that you consider what the saints did 2 years ago a joke? i mean i hate the saints with a passion, but uh…..they were far and away one of the best teams in the league in 09, actually…..the best. they got the troophy.
ohhhhYEAH
July 31st, 2011
10:42 pm
trophy*
Birrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd Man
July 31st, 2011
10:44 pm
We prefer disabled or challenged over “handicapped.” Be that as it may, are you ready for some football? I know everyone is because the testorstone level here is off the charts.
SaintsFansAreFunny
July 31st, 2011
10:49 pm
Ha! It is.
Gazooturd
July 31st, 2011
10:49 pm
LOL, only an idiot would talk to a turd!
SaintsFansAreFunny
July 31st, 2011
10:53 pm
The Falcons were six and two against top ten defenses in the league last year. They were two and one against the top three defenses in the league. I don’t understand why anyone would say their record was because they didn’t play good defenses. They played eight games against top ten defenses.
SaintsFansAreFunny
July 31st, 2011
10:56 pm
So, if they only played the top 10 defenses in the league, they theoretically should have been 12 and 4.
Bugman
July 31st, 2011
11:07 pm
We’re gonna miss Harvey Dahl.
fred321
July 31st, 2011
11:12 pm
I have been a Falcons fan since the late sixties and have suffered for many years by all the bad teams. We were always the joke of the league. The management that we have now is the best ever. The owner has shown he wants a winner by hiring Dimitroff and Mike Smith while spending the money to build a continual winner. I am so elated to see what we have. We don’t need to take what we have for granted.
FlyHigh
July 31st, 2011
11:39 pm
Gazoo is the patron saint of trolls I’ve never seen trolling so masterfully done. when you can make saints fans as well as falcons fans annoyed by the same person on the same blog its genius
SaintsFansAreFunny
July 31st, 2011
11:42 pm
I think we will miss Dahl in the run game, but the Falcons were ready to play 2 guys who were backups as starters if they needed to which means they have confidence in those guys. Hopefully they can step right in. I think that is going to be the most interesting position to watch in training camp. That is really the only starting position that is up for grabs right? Maybe Peterson and Nicholas could be a battle. From the reports I am reading out of camp, some of the undrafted rookies could battle for the nickle back spot.
Mike
July 31st, 2011
11:49 pm
Snelling going to the Giants. I read where Falcons will sign a veteran RB. I trust this administration.
Randy
July 31st, 2011
11:59 pm
I like that picture. Ryan appears to be saying “Did anybody get the number of that truck?” While Clabo and Blalock appear to be saying “Don’t worry about it. We got it covered!!”.
DR. FALCON
August 1st, 2011
1:45 am
I AGREE WITH SLY TY! CHEERS! CHEERS! FOR THOMAS DIMITROFF!! EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR! GREAT JOB ON RE-SIGNING THE OLD TEXAS LONGHORN, JUSTIN BLALOCK. BRENT GRIMES SHOULD BE NEXT, UNLESS WE MAKE A RUN AT ANTONIO CROMARTIE! GRIMES WORKED HIS WAY UP, THE OLD FASHIONED WAY: HARD WORK! LET’S GET HIM IN CAMP! THEN, WE’RE SET!
Dale McCartney
August 1st, 2011
4:04 am
Maybe, just maybe they have not signed Grimes because they are talking Cromartie or Samuel. Just saying. TD never tipped his hand about Julio and the draft….maybe they are doing the same thing now.
CuseFalcon
August 1st, 2011
5:24 am
I agree with McCartney, I like Grimes…but either of those 2 guys improve this ballclub instantly. With that being said, if Grimes does sign the tender im good with that to.
BFALCON
August 1st, 2011
6:50 am
Dimitroff has done well, but we still need another DB even if we sign Grimes. We need a big corner who can bump & run with the WR. C.Owens is no match for any NFC or AFC receivers. Get M.Ryan to restructure and go get Cromartie (CB) and M.Floyd (WR).Make a splash like the Eagles.They are definitely the team to beat in the NFC.
Paddy
August 1st, 2011
7:04 am
Everyone always said Harvey Dahl was real mean and real nasty. Don’t remember anyone say Dahl was real good? Could be why the Falcons did not go real hard to sign him?
Dawg46
August 1st, 2011
7:55 am
This is great for the Falcons to get 2 stud off lineman back , there is still a good core of guys there let the gel begin. Gazoo get a grip !!!
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
7:56 am
OK Gazoo, I was just a little worried that Kerry Meier is coming off a knee injury!
1959 DAWG
August 1st, 2011
8:22 am
Many of you guys on here may disagree, but the Falcons were a Wild Card at best without Jason Snelling. He is versatile and always plays extremely hard. Personally I like him better than Turner. MT is starting his decline. Snelling always gets the job done when Turner is out. They need to get him signed.
Thorpe
August 1st, 2011
8:55 am
D-Led – WHY would you say that Grimes is the ONLY free agent the Falcons have not re-signed when SNELLING is a free agent who has not re-signed. WHY DO WE HAVE THE WORST SPORTS COVERAGE IN THE COUNTRY? First, the AJC’s irresponsible coverage of the Thrashers, now we are stuck with this idiot covering the Falcons.
SaintsFansAreFunny
August 1st, 2011
9:12 am
I can’t help but laugh at so many Falcons fans, which is sad being that I am one. I constantly hear stuff like “Turner is starting his decline” and “Abraham is past his prime” being said by the media and by fans.
Turner was injured most of the year last year and still led the NFC in rushing even though we had 8 games against the top 10 defenses in the NFL. He has had surgery to correct that injury and will be even better this year. I would like to sign another RB to take some of the pressure off of him. I like Snelling, but if he doesn’t sign I am not worried. RB is by far the easiest position to replace.
JA may be getting older, but statistically he hasn’t lost a step yet. 2 out of his last 3 seasons were the best in his career. Last year he led the NFL in sacks by a DE even though he had NO help on the other side. JA is probably the most under appreciated player in the NFL. Now that we have Edwards, that means Biermann and Sidbury will be in constant rotation to give JA a break on running downs. JA will just have to worry about one thing…. getting to the QB. If he can continue to get 13 sacks a year, I don’t care if he is 97 years old.
ATL Observer
August 1st, 2011
9:24 am
I agree with SaintsFansAreFunny that MT’s “decline” is far overstated but that said, I think the Falcons rush him too much. I don’t think these injuries happen by accdient. Snelling provides a change of pace and something to keep Turner’s legs fresh. If he bolts, we are definitely going to need someone to fill those shoes.
But I agree with ohyeah…..we NEED UPGRADES IN CB!!! Asomugha, Joseph, Cromartie, etc etc…….while overall I put great faith in this management, it does worry me that they don’t seem to think that this position is a weakness.
Thorpe
August 1st, 2011
9:26 am
By the way, how is it that even the most casual Falcons Fans are aware that Free Agent Jason Snelling has not yet re-signed with the team, but the Falcons very own BEAT WRITER who GETS PAID to follow the team, thinks that Brent Grimes is the only unsigned free agent. First “C-Viv” was paid to LIE about the Thrashers, now “D-LED” is compensated for incompetence. Welcome to Atlanta.
D man
August 1st, 2011
9:30 am
Great, now get a CB to shore up the defense.
Terrell
August 1st, 2011
9:48 am
Dale McCartney
They haven’t signed Grimes yet because he is a RFA. They don’t have to sign him right away. They are seeing who will bite and give him a contract and ATL will more than likely sign it. They are letting the market determine Grimes’ value as opposed to possibly overpaying him.
North FLA Falcon
August 1st, 2011
10:03 am
If I had to lose one of the 3 OL guys it would be Dahl … he is a mauler but he had too many penalties last year. Defensive linemen got in his head. I remember he had a crucial penalty in our loss to the Saints on 12/26. Now Baker and Mike Johnson need to step it up. I like the moves so far. Good job.
Hoss Can't Writer
August 1st, 2011
10:24 am
Where’s the info. on the Ray Edwards DE signing ? Keep up now AJC bloggers…
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 1st, 2011
10:45 am
For Sale!
Uugh … Mr. Blank, could you please purchase The Hawks and fire everybody over there? A good start would be disposing of:
The 8 feces throwing orangutans aka ASKillerG. Just spray them with industrial grade pesticides. Respiratory failure would be a good start. Not LOL!
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 1st, 2011
10:56 am
Corner It!
“while overall I put great faith in this management, it does worry me that they don’t seem to think that this position is a weakness.” -ATL Observer-
_______________
Have you considered that the line is the first line of defense. With a better pass rush up front, it helps all the DB’s tremendously. The QB will not be able to freely get that ball down field to his receivers.
I like Dimitroff’s approach to address the D-Lines weakness up front first and then assess the DB’s and Corners from there. Grimes is a very fine play maker and should benefit greatly from the addition of Ray Edwards. Dunta too.
JMHO
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
10:58 am
That is the second of the big deals. The third fell through on Friday.
joe white
August 1st, 2011
11:00 am
good we kept two out of the three lineman, figured we would lose harvey. now lets resign brent and snelling and we set, would love to pick up another corner carlos rogers maybe.
gucci706
August 1st, 2011
11:07 am
i would luv to see us go get asanti from the eagles n a trade that would lock up a good def for us
gucci706
August 1st, 2011
11:08 am
i like brent grimes but his size will hurt us n a big game against big receivers
PlanB
August 1st, 2011
11:23 am
If Grimes gets away we get a 1st round pick. That’s about a year away and if we choose a CB with the 28th to 32nd pick we still have to wait 2 to 3 more years for any experienced results. Sign him and quit waiting for other teams to make an offer. Make him feel wanted so he might want to stay here when his next contract comes up. He has developed into a good CB and should not be treated with any less respect just because he was undrafted. We definitely need him after loosing Brian Williams and the awful play of Chris Owens against Green Bay. I think Owens play was the main cause in the GB loss. I hope it was a just bad day and not his best effort.
real talk
August 1st, 2011
11:35 am
can we find out about signing another running back or cornerback. the falcons really havent’ done anything yet. let’s bring in some new people. letting go of a few and bringing in one defensive end is really nothing. cant you all see what these other teams are doing. they are really getting aggressive. the falcons sign a “promising” receiver and a defensive end? seriously? let’s get to it!! get some more quality….
real talk
August 1st, 2011
11:37 am
i thought snelling left with dahl?
Richard Dawson
August 1st, 2011
11:39 am
UGA1999, wondering where you were. I must have missed the big 2pm press conference on Saturday.
bigcrimson75
August 1st, 2011
11:42 am
Mike Johnson will hold down Dahl’s old spot.
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
11:58 am
Test
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
11:59 am
My posts are not going through again!
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
12:00 pm
This blog is killing me….they need to fix it.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
1:04 pm
Randy Moss retires..now go after T.O.
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
1:08 pm
TO wouldnt be a bad move in the slot.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
1:13 pm
I am serious UGA 1999
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
1:14 pm
Give the man a one year deal. You can get him cheap with the knee issue. I is a strong player though.
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
1:14 pm
Greg, we have more urgent needs than another receiver. We must sign a CB and a RB. Then we can look at slot receivers.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
1:17 pm
UGA 1999, we need a WR. What if Philly keep all CB. I know to beat two good corners, our running game and TE must be on key. I agree with the CB, but I think another WR is just as important as getting a RB. I think we are solid on RB.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
1:19 pm
That’s what make New England so good, Tom and Welker. Tom has a quick release and Welker kills them in the slot. With Jones and White having CB defend them, this opens the middle when drawn up correctly.
ATL Observer
August 1st, 2011
1:27 pm
@drmaryb, who said “Have you considered that the line is the first line of defense. With a better pass rush up front, it helps all the DB’s tremendously. The QB will not be able to freely get that ball down field to his receivers.”
Don’t get me wrong! I’m happy with the Edwards pickup. And I agree: it all starts with the line! If you have a bad defensive line, then the flashiest set of CBs and safeties doesn’t usually do you a damn bit of good. But why can’t we have both? Just one CB to push everyone currently in the lineup wouldn’t be a bad thing, would it? Let’s not create a false choice dillemma.
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
1:28 pm
Greg, right now with Roddy and Julio we feel that we can contend with anyones CB core. Harry Douglas is our #3 for now. We may make another move I am just not sure TO is the answer.
Olik
August 1st, 2011
1:31 pm
so are there any legs to an Asante Samuels trade? what would you be willing to give up to make that happen? we can’t give up draft picks given we’re already in the hole next year, so it would have to be a player or two. hard for me to think of a player the Eagles would want that we’d be willing to trade.
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
1:35 pm
Olik….it will certainly be fun to watch. If we sign Samuels….Grimes is gone.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
1:38 pm
Olik, if they trade Samuels, we will not have to give up much. For most players in that situation, they set out to prove a point. What better venue than our first home game against Philly. @UGA1999; do not sleep on TO. He is a beast at WR.
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
1:39 pm
Greg…he is also an ego with a knee injury.
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
1:39 pm
BTW…TO has said publically that he wants to come to the Falocons.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
1:42 pm
I am going to Lobby for TO due to he had never had a receiver or receivers like the Falcons have. Philly want to call themselves a “Dream Team,” Falcons with TO will be one that brings down that Dream.
Olik
August 1st, 2011
1:42 pm
I’d be fine swapping out Grimes for Samuels, but I can’t figure out the Eagles best move. If they want a LB, I don’t want to part with Spoon or Lofton to make it happen. Maybe Eagles need the cap flexibility to sign other FAs on the offensive end, and they’d take a younger prospect or 2 like Franks and _____.
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
1:45 pm
I just dont see Mr. Blank taking a risk on TO. Typically he stays away from egos.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
1:48 pm
Leave Grimes in ATL, go for TO and bring back Snelling.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
1:50 pm
I love Mr. Blank. But, he must take chance. Answer this question, was it TO or Ocho complaining last year! That proves my point!
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
1:51 pm
I hate it but Snelling is gone.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
1:53 pm
We going to have to attack and use more screens this year, especially with or Oregon pickup. I can bet anyone, this is how New Orleans will use Sproles. Also, what have happen to teams running the necked bootleg on the goal line after about 2 tries. ATL must have more element of surprises plays in the playbook.
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
1:57 pm
Greg…..this is the NFL not 8year old football.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
1:59 pm
CB I think is still out there, Buchannon, E. Hobbs, Drew Coleman and Tye Hill. RB: R. Brown, Bradshaw, Ricky Williams and Cadillac Williams, WR: Braylon Edwards (I Know), M. Floys, TO and Steve Smith (great slot); Safety. Darren Sharper
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
2:01 pm
Now I would like to see Steve Smith here.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
2:04 pm
UGA1999, even Peyton Manning ran naked bootleg last year. We see fake field goals ran in for touchdowns on highlights.
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
2:05 pm
Greg….yes that does happen and yes we do have those plays. But you cannot depend on them.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
2:05 pm
I would also love to see Steve Smith.I think he will be a threat and one D. Coordinators have to plan for in our air to air attack!
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
2:10 pm
You see teams going 3 to 4 downs trying to get in endzone. Well, some plays can be elements of surprises.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
2:12 pm
UGA1999, are you a season ticket holder?
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
2:14 pm
Greg….I have a corporate suite.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
2:15 pm
Great; I am 4 rows up from lower section. I have waited 22 years after retiring from military to become a Season Ticket holder.
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
2:16 pm
Greg,….thanks for your service.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
2:17 pm
UGA 1999, thanks for your support!
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
2:18 pm
I do think the falcons will make a few more moves. They are just being somewhat cautious.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
2:22 pm
I agree!
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
2:23 pm
TO has wanted to come to Atlanta for years. Lets see what happens.
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
2:25 pm
I think he will be an excellent addition!
Hawk
August 1st, 2011
2:29 pm
OK UGA 1999 still waiting on that big news you said was going to happen.
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
2:32 pm
Hawk…..was Ray Edwards not big enough for you?
Olik
August 1st, 2011
2:41 pm
Are those numbers on Blalock’s deal right? Is it really bigger than Ray Edwards or Tyson Clabo? If so, maybe that’s the big news….
How does that happen?
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
2:45 pm
We HAD to keep Blalock.
Hawk
August 1st, 2011
3:18 pm
would like to see a DB.
DawgRed24
August 1st, 2011
3:19 pm
I would like to see another RB (if no Snelling) and a nickel corner. I can’t see us going into the season with only Roddy, Julio, Meier, Douglas and Weems also.
real talk
August 1st, 2011
3:19 pm
the falcons need to say to hell with the cautious mess……you cant trade up to get julio jones then start being cautious…go out there and compete….its go hard or go home….
Hawk
August 1st, 2011
3:21 pm
but what do I know I am just a guy from the north Georgia mountains….. TD and company have done a great job.
UGA 1999
August 1st, 2011
3:21 pm
I think STeve Smith would fit in the slot great.
Hawk
August 1st, 2011
3:25 pm
Hey UGA 1999 if you ever see TD up there in your corporate seats. tell him there are some real good mountain bike trails up here.
Truth Speakz
August 1st, 2011
3:26 pm
if you think that we will win a superbowl with our team as of today, you have lost your mind….go get more!!!!!
Greg Moundine
August 1st, 2011
3:27 pm
I like TO or Steve Smith. @ I do agree with your statement “real talk.”
Hawk
August 1st, 2011
3:35 pm
I think we will be very good. I know everyone is looking at the eagles and saying we need more. but look at the Miami heat.
DawgRed24
August 1st, 2011
3:55 pm
Hawk- I don’t know if we need “more”, but we do need depth. I agree though, you can have too much. I am just not that excited about going into the year with a rookie RB as a primary backup and a 2 rookie WR’s as “rotation” players (julio and Meier….Meier is basically a rookie).
Hawk
August 1st, 2011
4:31 pm
@DawgRed24 I agree with you as well a little more depth at a few positions would be helpful. but I feel that if the right deal is out there then TD and company will address it.
willieg loves the falcons
August 1st, 2011
4:45 pm
the falcons need to get asante samuel from the eagles in a trade., and get ricky wiliams, at rb, or jason snelling, and the punter oh my god this season will be bad.
Worth the Read
August 1st, 2011
6:11 pm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/video/nfl/2011/07/31/073111.king_falcons.SportsIllustrated/?sct=nfl_bf4_a6
Riser Upper
August 1st, 2011
6:57 pm
Just saw the announcement and I have just one comment: Woo-hoo!
Riser Upper
August 1st, 2011
7:00 pm
I know some of you whiners think the Falcons haven’t done enough, but lets wait until the second tier of signing is done. You know there are going to be cap casualties and there will be some gems out there. That’s where the real value is going to be.
0-2 w/smitty demitty &melt
August 1st, 2011
9:29 pm
Oh boy-We’ll be celebrating another winning season…and thats all!