UPDATE: Falcons sign Hayden, Sanders to 1-year deals
Rex Grossman's misfortune culminated with a game-clinching interception return by Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden early in the fourth quarter. Kelvin Hayden (26) istepped in front of Bears wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad to make the play, then returned the ball 56 yards for the game's final points in Super Bowl XLI. (Associated Press)
UPDATE: 6:10 P.M.
The Falcons announced the signing of safety James Sanders and cornerback Kelvin Hayden before facing the Baltimore Ravens in their exhibition season finale at the Georgia Dome on Thursday.
“As [coach] Mike Smith and I have said, we will always look to upgrade and fortify our roster,” said Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who worked for the Patriots when Sanders was drafted. “We believe that James can be a fine addition to this football team and this defense. He is a tough, hard-nosed football player who has a really fine understanding of the game. He comes from a historic winning organization. He will be a fine addition to this team.”
PREVIOUS POST
The Falcons, perhaps moved by a shaky performance of their secondary in the key third exhibition game against Pittsburgh, have agreed to terms with another defensive back.
Kelvin Hayden, 28, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts, is set to sign a one-year deal with the Falcons, a day after they agreed to terms with safety James Sanders, the team has confirmed Thursday. Both are expected to sign today.
Hayden, 28, was a second-round pick in the 2005 draft. He has played in 76 games and made 46 starts. He has nine career interceptions.
They Falcons did not address their secondary in the draft or in free agency. But before training camp started on July 29, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff stated that the team would be on the prowl for “salary cap casualties.”
Hayden and Sanders both fit that profile.
Hayden was set to make $8.6 million this season, but was recently cut by the Colts. Sanders was set to make $2.8 million, but was recently cut by the New England Patriots.
Hayden, a 5-foot-10, 198-pounder, has battled injuries over the last two seasons. He hasn’t played a full 16-game season since 2007.
Both moves are designed to improve the Falcons’ pass defense, which was ranked 22nd in the league in 2011. In the game against Pittsburgh last Saturday, they gave up touchdown passes of 77 and 44 yards.
The Falcons acquired Dunta Robinson in a major free-agent signing last season. He signed a six-year deal worth $57 million. He has missed most of the exhibition season for the second consecutive year because of a hamstring injury.
The Falcons are solid at left cornerback with Brent Grimes, who played in the Pro Bowl last season.
However, Dominique Franks and Christopher Owens are in a battle for the nickel back position. Hayden figures to contend for the starting nickel back spot.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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140 comments Add your comment
SK
September 1st, 2011
7:01 am
Bring Deion back …
punjabiinatl
September 1st, 2011
7:02 am
nice move, ………… !
FalconUGAFan
September 1st, 2011
7:10 am
Good to see some movement in the secondary. Sorely needed….
cdog
September 1st, 2011
7:11 am
take notes rick sund. the falcons have a quality GM who wants to win a superbowl instead of your attitude just to show up and save money.if dimitroff was with the hawks, he would have brought in dwight howard.until then, the hawks will suffer with sund.
Kurtis
September 1st, 2011
7:11 am
Great!!!! He HAS to be an imiprovement.
Kurtis
September 1st, 2011
7:12 am
‘improvement’
Paddy
September 1st, 2011
7:14 am
True to TD’s words during the summer. We will look for player cuts during camp. You can’t fix every roster problem but if you have a plan your team . Who saw Dunta being such a blow out?
PlanB
September 1st, 2011
7:14 am
Let’s hope Hayden is that CB we need and stays healthy. Good to know that when most of us are in agreement of needs that TD has been thinking the same for awhile and going out and getting one. How good is this guy supposed to be when healthy?
Paddy
September 1st, 2011
7:14 am
“your team will improve”
FAlcons24
September 1st, 2011
7:18 am
I like this, they are moving in the right direction. Atleast, they acknowledge the weakness of the team. Good Fit!
mississippiPimpin
September 1st, 2011
7:21 am
did we sign him to take dunta’s spot?
Greg
September 1st, 2011
7:24 am
How about let’s all reserve judgment. “Hayden, a 5-foot-10, 198-pounder, has battled injuries over the last two seasons. ” Mmmm. If he’s healthy, good move. If not….
HJones
September 1st, 2011
7:29 am
Does anyone know what the injuries have been?
Jason
September 1st, 2011
7:31 am
This looks to me like Owens is going to get cut. I would speculate that Owens is gone and Franks will have one more year to develop. Neither one really showed they are ready for the role, which is why they signed Hayden.
nhe
September 1st, 2011
7:34 am
@Jason – I hope you’re right……….we can’t put Owens on the field and call ourselves a SB contender
rm
September 1st, 2011
7:42 am
I hope this guy can play. Owens has to go.
kudzu
September 1st, 2011
7:44 am
cut Daunte now…what a joke…
suwaneefalcon
September 1st, 2011
7:45 am
One thing about TD, if it needs fixin’ he does it. I to believe Owens is gone. I like adding veterans to this secondary, we need them.
kudzu
September 1st, 2011
7:45 am
Dunte…whatever
suwaneefalcon
September 1st, 2011
7:47 am
Kudzu, change your name to manure. You spread sh*t not plant life.
Jimmy Crack
September 1st, 2011
7:49 am
A far cry from Ken Herock and Rich McKay. We need something and TD gets it. Good for Coach as well, giving these young DBs plenty of chances to make the grade (even if they didn’t). This was no knee jerk reaction, as we all know.
Willie Coyote
September 1st, 2011
7:50 am
Good moves for added depth and competition.
Contrary to what many think about the Falcon’s draft strategy this year, the areas of need on defense, CB & DE, were not going to be filled by a rookie drafted in the low first round or second round. Veterans are a better solution for those areas because those are two positions that seem to have the biggest learning curve in the pros. If they were going to get a game changer in the draft at DE (I don’t think there was one in this draft) or CB, they would have had to trade up similarly to what they did to draft Julio anyway.
Queensbridge
September 1st, 2011
7:52 am
What a waste Dunta has been…and when he does play he struggles to even be average. Maybe if he cuts his locks the the decrease in poundage may alleviate his hamstring issues.
Mike is Back
September 1st, 2011
7:52 am
DLed, Good Stuff, we needed some vets to help our young guys out. I would still like to see all the DB positions open for completion…both these guys got potential to be starters.
TD, U THA MANN…word up!!
GDawg
September 1st, 2011
8:00 am
Good for a backups not a starters come on people believe in our own first, before you believe in someone else’s cuts. Because if they were that good they would still be there.
SeenThisB4
September 1st, 2011
8:03 am
Just another mark for Drew to victimize, …again.
longtimefan
September 1st, 2011
8:05 am
Long time reader. I enjoy your in depth coverage and writing style, Dled.
mitch (the one in Rome)
September 1st, 2011
8:10 am
Don’t understand the hate on Dunta. He played a solid corner and so did Grimes. It’s a team game and pass rush or lack thereof affects DB’s. You can’t pin pass defense completely on the CB’s. They played well considering we could not get QB’s on the ground or rushed consistently. When we did get a good rush it made a difference.
One of the reasons I love the game is because it’s 11 moving parts on each side of the ball and each one has to be perfect for the whole to function at an elite level. That takes practice and tweaking. If we get pressure, we’ll have two pro-bowl corners this year. Watch it. Believe it.
The Real Falcon
September 1st, 2011
8:13 am
GDawg with a dose of reality.
dawgforlife
September 1st, 2011
8:15 am
Dunta played very solid corner for the Falcons last year. He just apparently doesn’t like training camp. He will not be cut; but, if he were, around 25-28 other teams would love to have him. Our starting corners are sound. It comes apart with the depth for four and five receiver sets. That depth is what TD is addressing now. I can’t wait for the season to start….btw, does anyone know who got the axe to make room for Hayden and Sanders?
D man
September 1st, 2011
8:19 am
Thomas – thanks for doing something about our terrible defensive backfield. These moves should be better than what we got. I agree that Owens isn’t cutting it. Dunta needs to get healthy and get back on the field.
Let’s see what they can do this Thursday night. GO FALCONS!!!
Pool guy
September 1st, 2011
8:21 am
Finally, a vet with a ring. Hope its the missing piece.
B-man
September 1st, 2011
8:26 am
Dunta is a solid player. The critics obviously do not know/ understand football. No he is not Deion or Revis…but neither is any other cornerback in the game.
Falcon James
September 1st, 2011
8:33 am
I starting to feel better about the falcon now. To be honest I was beginning to think Smith and Dimmotroph thought that there was nothing wrong with the secondary; With these two add ons, we don’t have to worry about owens and franks giving up so many big plays. Lets just hope that Dunte sees the writing on the wall and step it this year. All Grimes need to do is bring it again like last year. Too bad Grimes can’t cover everybody.
Big Hurt
September 1st, 2011
8:34 am
From what I saw in the limited time he got in preseason, I was thoroughly impressed (especially the first exhibition game) with Darrin Walls out of Notre Dame… I guess he has shown differently in practice?
GDawg
September 1st, 2011
8:37 am
We improved the pass rush guys this will help the secondary. If Dunta was so bad last year then why did Grimes have so many ints, because qbs were not throwing to Dunta’s side.
dean
September 1st, 2011
8:38 am
Mitch in Rome gets it.
Some people don’t understand that if the Falcons put the GB QB on the ground when he was in their sights-on numerous occasions-that game is different. A QB that can put the ball through a needle’s eye only needs another second to make a DB look bad.
huh?
September 1st, 2011
8:41 am
If you get the news Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning, does it really matter? I love the Falcons but have many other more important things in my life than to scour the internet for news. And, probably unlike most of you, have had season tickets for 20 years.
huh?
September 1st, 2011
8:43 am
Dunta is a much better than average cornerback – I would argue that last year it took a while to recover from the collision with DeSean Jackson. Let’s let him play…
Steve-O
September 1st, 2011
8:44 am
mississippiPimpin
September 1st, 2011
7:21 am
did we sign him to take dunt
_________________________________________________________________________________
Look at Dunta’s stats last year before you open that hole in your face. The ignorant think that a CB’s success is measured ONLY in INTs. I do seem to remember that Dunta laid the hammer on DeSean Jackson and put him out of the game in Philly. Also, Dunta didn’t get the picks because the opposing QBs stayed away from his side of the field, and Grimes benefited with 5 INTs of his own. We need less BS opinion and more fact on these blogs. It’s embarrassing.
Big Dude
September 1st, 2011
8:46 am
This can only be an improvement for the secondary. Hope they can stay healthy and make a positive impact.
Dejay
September 1st, 2011
8:48 am
I feel ya, Cdog. And folks outside of town wonder why so few people want to attend their games when Kobe or Team Voltron isn’t here.
Say what you want about their lack of playoff success, no one can say that the Falcons aren’t doing everything they can to get the brass ring. They could’ve easily pulled the same ‘well, we won the division and went 13-3, isn’t that good enough for you people’ line the folks who use to run the Hawks (yes, Mr. Gearon, I’m talking to you) loved to trot out. One wants to win a Super Bowl, the other wants to make $$$ by simply getting to the playoffs. It will interesting to see what the new guy will do to spur interest; if we see basketball anytime soon.
Anyway, a good move by the Falcons. They saw a glaring need and did something about it instead of hoping/wishing/dreaming/praying that it just goes away like a bad rash. Hopefully, he and Sanders will stay healthy (as do the rest of the team)…
JONESBORO SLIM
September 1st, 2011
8:49 am
I like the move …good job Thomas….to all the Dunta haters understand the game before making dumb comments…finally I think the only thing the Birds have to worry about will be teams trying to throw underneath…the secondary looks ok now
SirReal
September 1st, 2011
8:50 am
I like the moves. Sanders is VERY solid and hopefully will push DeCoud as the season goes on. Hayden wasnt too shabby either…they just didnt want to pay him. He’s a good addition depth wise. I like the fact that the brass is trying to address holes. Im glad everyone is over the doom and gloom of the PRE-season Pittsburgh game. Trust me….the Bears dont know whats coming.
DC Dirty Bird
September 1st, 2011
8:50 am
The people which currently criticize Syntax for his contract and play are the same people who wanted us ti hold onto Brooking for as long as we did. You can’t “stat watch” a corner to know his value.
SeenThisB_Falcon
September 1st, 2011
8:52 am
GREAT SINGING DIMITROFF THATS WHAT I’M TALKING GO FALCON’S!!!!!!
Steve
September 1st, 2011
8:53 am
Everyone likes the scrappy play and all the INT’s Grimes provides, me too! Now ask yourself WHY is he getting so much oppertunity from oposing QB’s??? Is it that he’s 5′6″??? That may be part of it but oposing QB’s try his side more so they don’t have to throw to Duante’s side of the field. I’m not saying he’s a shut down corner like Deion but rather he’s getting less chances because Grimes gets overlooked. I like our starting DB tandem and if Duante’ can stay healthy and the safeties be in the right position to make plays the nickle will be our biggest question. Hopefully that is taken care of now.
DC Dirty Bird
September 1st, 2011
8:54 am
Great point Slim. Because we play a lot of zone defense we still may be susceptible to traditional west coast offense underneath passes. Hopefully our younger LB corp can do the job in coverage.
SeenThisB_Falcon
September 1st, 2011
8:55 am
Great moves for the ATLANTA FALCONS good job Dimitroff someone finally hears me!!!!1
joe white
September 1st, 2011
8:56 am
I said sign this man like a month ago and by now he would have been up to speed in our system, nice move to sign both of them. Hayden will have the nickel spot for sure. Now barring no serious injuries we ready to make that run
Savannah Falcon
September 1st, 2011
9:03 am
For all you Dunta haters, you know nothing about football. Dunta is one of the best man to man corners in the game. If BVG would use him in that way, we would see a great improvement from our secondary, but all BVG does is run zone coverage all game long. He is not using Dunta in the correct way.
Mikefalcon63
September 1st, 2011
9:03 am
People who knock Robinson have no clue. There is a reason Grimes was the MOST targeted corner in the league last season. Yeah, Robinson may have gotten beat a few times. NEWS FLASH – All corners get beat from time to time (Check out the clip of Revis getting burned by Reggie Wayne). But there is a reason teams went after Grimes and not Robinson.
I like this signing except for the fact that the guy has no played a full 16 game schedule since 2007. But as some pointed out on another forum, playing the nickle will save some on wear and tear since he will be covering the slot most of the time rather than having to tackle running backs. Also, he won’t be in on every play.
clark kent
September 1st, 2011
9:07 am
What were the extent of his injuries and has he recovered?
dahlonega
September 1st, 2011
9:08 am
dunta is a good corner and just because his interceptions were down doesn’t mean jack. i believe mr asomugha has only had 2 interceptions in the last 3 seasons.
JONESBORO SLIM
September 1st, 2011
9:09 am
In the years past the Corners have played 5 plus yards off wideouts but things may different with the addition of Hayden and Sanders…we may see Dunta and grimes in a press coverage…..
dean
September 1st, 2011
9:12 am
Savannah Falcon. Are things really “Cooler in Pooler”?
Eric
September 1st, 2011
9:17 am
Really FIRED UP about these two signing’s!!!! I see Julio winning Rookie of the Year, and Thomas winning Executive of the Year AGAIN, if we advance deep into the playoff’s and possibly the Superbowl. When thing’s seem gloomy and all of us True Falcon Fan’s see weaknesses and ask for help, TD deliveries, maybe not as fast as we want him to, but that’s why he’s in charge, he makes very calculated and well thought out plan’s, then he makes his move. TD is in to win it!!! Really get sick of Falcon hater’s trashing our team, our owner, and our great city. You must have a really tired and boring life to continuely post negative remark’s. Us true Falcon fan’s have been here for alot of bad season’s and are truly enjoying what we have going on here in the ATL. So if you don’t have a life and are envious of what we have now then just keep posting what you have been, just goes to show all of us what kind a man you really are!! A jealous little Bi#?h!!! Now go and change your tampon!!! The Atlanta Falcon’s are for REAL biotchhhhh!!!!
Deport
September 1st, 2011
9:20 am
Owens has ONE bad game and you all want to cut him? … that makes a lot of sense…
huh?
September 1st, 2011
9:21 am
has Owens ever had ONE good game?
Kurtis
September 1st, 2011
9:29 am
Owens play was much better in ‘09, so you have to wonder what in the world has happened to him. The only reason he even had the opportunity to get smoked in the playoff game was because Brian Williams was hurt. I was at that pitiful display and remember thinking “uh-oh” when it was announced that Williams was inactive.
PMC
September 1st, 2011
9:30 am
and there we go. TD was always going to make these moves, they have been working on stuff in training camp and during games.
All players available at this point have some issues. That’s fine.
Kelvin Haden is a tremendous upgrade. He’s a solid NFL player as is James Sanders. The Falcons just got loads better with the depth in the secondary.
This is terrific news. Weather the trolls. This is great news.
Flo=Ri-Duh
September 1st, 2011
9:30 am
Makes sense. Falcons are 22nd in pass defense and they move up to get a wide receiver. Sounds like something Obama would do.
Tyrone Shulaces
September 1st, 2011
9:33 am
OWENS, OWENS, to the front office, and bring your playbook, please
Flo=Ri-Duh
September 1st, 2011
9:34 am
Obama logic. Falcons are 22nd in pass defense so surrender several draft picks to move up and draft a wide receiver. BRILLIANT!
The Big Fat Blogger
September 1st, 2011
9:40 am
Dammit blog, I always make great points and they never show up!!!!!!! I’m done!!!!!!!!!!!
Eric
September 1st, 2011
9:40 am
Look everyone, TD and Smitty see’s what we see, they are being patient with these young player’s like Owens, Sidbury,and adkins. They have to they invested draft pick’s in them. But eventually you patientance will run out and you have to give the next younger player a chance to develope. Don’t see those three making the cut with all this talent we ar stockpiling. Just my opinion…..
Falcon88
September 1st, 2011
9:40 am
Great to add the depth wish it could of been sooner so these guys could of had some time together but I think as the season plays out we will see a better defense on the field that can still work it when a team puts wideouts all over the field. Really think our DT’s will have a great year having a better pass rush on the other side should let them feast on some OL’s. At last we will go as far as Matt takes us so I hope he can be a gunslinger cause I see our offense starting to open an all this depends on staying healthy RISEUP
The Big Fat Blogger
September 1st, 2011
9:41 am
But yet, that last one did… what’s up Ledbetter?????
rudy
September 1st, 2011
9:42 am
hopefully these are the right moves to get to the next level….GO FALCONS!!!!
Falcon88
September 1st, 2011
9:44 am
This blog sucks sometime do all this typing for nothing to post
tt44
September 1st, 2011
9:45 am
trade Dunta overpaid underachiever pretty BOY! with no on the field terror!
PMC
September 1st, 2011
9:48 am
Folks. Learn some patience.
cwltank
September 1st, 2011
9:50 am
I think it is a win win situation. We have 4 good corners to put on the field against GB & the Aint’s lol
Plus we now have veteran debt at the safety position.
scrappy
September 1st, 2011
9:53 am
Now pick up the DE N.O let go for more pass rush help, and then we will be in great shape on defense..
Sausage King of Chicago
September 1st, 2011
10:07 am
How does the AJC not report on the fact that the most acclaimed NFL writer in the universe, Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, picked the Atlanta Falcons to win the Super Bowl in the issue on newstands this very minute? How is that possible?
bigcrimson75
September 1st, 2011
10:11 am
All this nickel corner, backup safety talk is non-sense. This year is about one thing and one thing only —- Matt Ryan. If Ryan takes the next step & becomes an elite QB then we are legit contenders. Its all about Matty Ice !!
Hollywould
September 1st, 2011
10:16 am
Sausage, It was reported 2 days ago and blogged on all day. Did u wake up from a deep sleep? Funny thing is I was watching 11 alive sports 2 nites ago and Randy Waters said it was Paull Zimmerman of SI who said the Falcons were gonna win it all. If I am not mistaken he had a bad stroke last year and cannot really do anything. How can they make that mistake? Good moves by the Falcons. Now if Edwards can come thru we are looking good. Go Falcons!!
welikebaseball2
September 1st, 2011
10:22 am
Flo=Ri-Duh: Please take your politics & agenda elsewhere. This is a Falcons blog. Maybe that’s why your “great points” seem to disappear. Just google “politics blog” & I’m sure you’ll find a home for your irrelevance.
welikebaseball2
September 1st, 2011
10:24 am
Oh about the signing, no it’s not a huge splash & yes he is essentially another team’s reject but…I submit that most other team’s rejects are still an upgrade over our CB’s not named Grimes or Robinson. My point is that it can only help.
suwaneefalcon
September 1st, 2011
10:25 am
tt44
September 1st, 2011
9:45 am
trade Dunta overpaid underachiever pretty BOY! with no on the field terror!
Another great football mind speaks. Gots to be a saints fan.
suwaneefalcon
September 1st, 2011
10:26 am
tt44
September 1st, 2011
9:45 am
trade Dunta overpaid underachiever pretty BOY! with no on the field terror!
Gots to be a saints fan. Another great mind for football.
what
September 1st, 2011
10:28 am
Cut Dunta? WHAT!? Some of you are idiots who don’t know a thing about football! All that made statements of that nature gotta be aints fans.
good old joe
September 1st, 2011
11:07 am
TONITE IF YOU A DB AND YOU WANT TO BE A FALCON YOU PLAY TO NITE OR YOU HIT THE ROAD TOMORROW. .ALL JOB’S ARE UP FOR GRABS !!!!!! GO FALCONS WINN THIS ONE. FOR THE HOME TOWNS FANS….
Cornerback Smurf
September 1st, 2011
11:22 am
When did I lock down a CB spot? Didn’t I make the Pro Bowl by default because someone else was hurt? Hayden should be taking my spot.
Asad Khan
September 1st, 2011
11:36 am
Robinson is gonna need to step up this year, teams through towards Grimes alot last year, and it hurt them. They know Grimes can play. So they’ll target Robinson more this year. We’ll see if he’s up for the challenge.
Asad Khan
September 1st, 2011
11:36 am
I meant threw, sorry
BooBoo
September 1st, 2011
11:38 am
A blog by any other name would still stink. (Anon)
dirtyo11
September 1st, 2011
11:48 am
@Savannah Falcon THANK YOU!!! Somebody besides myself finally see what I see. Robinson is a great man cover DB but the falcons use too much zone coverage. That’s why Rogers killed us, their WR kept finding the holes in our D. They can use Robinson like 49ers use to use PrimeTime. Let him D the other team #1 WR no matter where he line up.
torgo
September 1st, 2011
11:49 am
Someone asked earlier who got cut to make room. So far one of the two spots has been announced – quarterback Adam Froman has been released. No word yet on who the other casualty will be.
Probably NOT Chris Owens though. If nothing else, he’s a solid contributor on special teams and would be useful as the #5 CB / #9 overall defensive back. More likely, signing Hayden would mean Darrin Walls starts the season on the practice squad.
The question at safety is interesting too. Schillinger was one of Dimitroff’s prizes in the draft last year, but he seems to be the Falcons player set back most by the lockout. He’s clearly still in summer mode – not quick enough with his reads, reacting too late to get to the play, and not wrapping up on his tackles. Rafael Bush (a D-Led favorite) has clearly outplayed him this offseason. But Bush still has practice squad eligibility while Schillinger was active in too many games as a rookie.
If Sanders comes aboard as a third lock at safety, one of the two prospects is in serious danger of missing the final cut this weekend.
Ron the Man
September 1st, 2011
12:14 pm
Kelvin Hayden has injured his neck and knee in the past two years. He is good cornerback and was on track to make about 90 takles last year when got hurt in game 11. Indy thought he might be back in the last game, but didn’t make it. He is a proven vet and claims that he is healthy now.I am sure the Falcons gave physicals and tests, but several teams tried him out and passed on him. He may well play with a chip on his shoulder because of rejection by Indy,Bears,KC and Vikes. TD will probably get him at a good price with performance incentives built in. Based on what I read about Sanders, the reporters said he had the most consistent numbers of any of the Pat’s safeties last year. He just had pulled hamstring this year and missed most of the preseason and became a cap casualty. TD knows how to stike when the iron is hot to get the bang for the bucks, and I think he just added the depth and super bowl experience to show our younger players what it takes to make it to the “Big Show”.
warfalcons
September 1st, 2011
12:17 pm
Flo=Ri-Duh this is football not politics so STFU!!!! GO MSNBC SOMEWHERE.
realitycheck
September 1st, 2011
12:48 pm
Eric……..you are gonna be one disappointed guy this season pal. What are you smoking? This defense is mediocre at best against the good offenses. And this deep in the playoffs crap? This regime hasn’t a playoff win yet, and it’s far from certain that the Falcons will even make the playoffs this season.
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
1:08 pm
Hey some of you Dunta loving tools….he is a average CB at best and there is nothing spectacular about him. He just loves to hit. He is not a great cover CB as some has said. He does not shutdown his side of the field. QB’s chose to go after Grimes because of his smallish size. He is grossly over-paid. The weird part about him is that his rookie year was his best year. So again, Dunta is a average CB, nothing spectacular about him except his contract. If the Falcons would of held off 1 year they could of used his salary in a effort to land Nnamdi. I hope this last panic minute secondary help/depth or whatever its called pays off.
What's Important
September 1st, 2011
1:10 pm
Savannah Falcon – are you by chance also a Georgia Southern grad? Brian Van Gorder has kept a week defense together with duct tape and baling wire the last three years and the Falcons have managed three winning seasons in a row. I believe he knows how to use his players.
Darrell
September 1st, 2011
1:19 pm
I agree with Nik, what’s goin on with the board? It should be resolved by now.
DC Dirty Bird
September 1st, 2011
1:20 pm
realitycheck…..You can’t fake 13-3. Maybe you’ve forgotten that our last two playoff losses have come to the eventual NFC champs. That’s not evidence of a lack of a quality team, that’s bad luck and timing. Would we not have gone to Seattle and won? Chicago?
Savannah Falcon
September 1st, 2011
1:26 pm
What’s Important – you need your head examined if you think BVG knows how to use his players. He is way over his head in the pros and everyone knows it
Steve-O
September 1st, 2011
1:54 pm
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
1:08 pm
Hey some of you Dunta loving tools….he is a average CB at best and there is nothing spectacular about him. He just loves to hit. He is not a great cover CB as some has said. He does not shutdown his side of the field. QB’s chose to go after Grimes because of his smallish size. He is grossly over-paid. The weird part about him is that his rookie year was his best year. So again, Dunta is a average CB, nothing spectacular about him except his contract. If the Falcons would of held off 1 year they could of used his salary in a effort to land Nnamdi. I hope this last panic minute secondary help/depth or whatever its called pays off.
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Just Looking,
Since you’re such an expert on cornerback play in the NFL, explain to the rest of us how you came to the conclusion that Dunta is average? Your man Nnamdi has 3 picks in the last 4 seasons and 11 in his entire 8 year career, while Dunta has 5 picks in the last 4 seasons and 14 in his career. And before you throw out the “teams didn’t throw at Nnamdi” argument, check any football reference to see how many balls were thrown at Dunta last year.
Kudzu
September 1st, 2011
2:38 pm
OK, I’m an idiot, so what…DUNTA is still worthless…man can’t find a way to get on the field during the preseason…and sorry to you wannabe football experts, I was going to Falcon games before most of you were born.
Dunta needs to make some plays! BTW, what momma would name their son DUNTA?
Kudzu
September 1st, 2011
2:39 pm
Grimes outplayed DUNTA by miles…i.e.Pro Bowl
Billy
September 1st, 2011
2:50 pm
Depth in the secondary is never a bad thing!!
mark
September 1st, 2011
2:51 pm
what a bust robinson has been man! he is always injured i dont know thath sign TD FAIL THERE FOR SURE LOOK GRIMES HE HAS STEP UP AND WE REALLY NEED HELP IN THE SECONDARY WE SHOULD PAY OR 2 ROUNDER FOR ASANTE
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
2:53 pm
Steve-O,
There is a reason Nnamdi and Revis are considered the best CB’s in the league. And teams didnt throw at Nmandi. He was thrown at a league low 25 times last year, which is why he has so few tackles/solo tackles and no INTs. Over last 3-4 years he has the lowest targets. Him and Revis numbers are very similiar to last year. Dunta Robinson numbers are average!! He also benefited from QB’s going after the smallish Brent Grimes (he was targeted a league high +120 times which is why he has 6 INTs and so many tackles/solo tackles). I was listening to Aaron Rodgers and James Jones on the NFL extra replay comment “lets go after the short guy” they kept saying that about Brent Grimes. So did Joe Flacco. I dont have Dunta extact target numbers but you can measure it by his tackles/solo tackles.
mark
September 1st, 2011
2:54 pm
IM WITH STEVE O WE SHOULD HAVE WAITED FOR NNAMDI THE SAME THING ITS GOING TO HAPPEN WITH EDWARDS MARIO WILLIAMS IS FREE AGENT NEXT YEAR HELL! WE PASS PEPPERS LAST YEAR AND THAT MEN ITS WORTH EVERY PENNY
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
3:02 pm
hmm what wrong with the board..my posts not posting
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
3:03 pm
Steve-O,
There is a reason Nnamdi and Revis are considered the best CB’s in the league. And teams didnt throw at Nmandi. He was thrown at a league low 25 times last year, which is why he has so few tackles/solo tackles and no INTs. Over last 3-4 years he has the lowest targets. Him and Revis numbers are very similiar to last year. Dunta Robinson numbers are average!! He also benefited from QB’s going after the smallish Brent Grimes (he was targeted a league high +120 times which is why he has 6 INTs and so many tackles/solo tackles). I was listening to Aaron Rodgers and James Jones on the NFL extra replay comment “lets go after the short guy” they kept saying that about Brent Grimes.
The Falconator
September 1st, 2011
3:03 pm
People, calm down and let’s think. Dunta would not have been signed to that deal by TD if he didn’t have a track record and something on the ball. You can’t sell from an empty wagon. The new db signings have to be positives. The real problem is absence of a hard pass rush. If the opposing qb can sit in a rocking chair and make his reads while receivers have all day to run around and work themselves open for even a second, the results will be 77 and 44 yard TD completions. The rush up the middle needs to be much more potent and it’s time for Edwards to stand and deliver. These guys need to show the team has a glimmer of a pass rush for any of this to work.
Steve-O
September 1st, 2011
3:32 pm
Mark,
You’re not with me…I reposted a post by “Just Looking” and put in my two cents worth. Look at Nnamdi’s stats next to Dunta’s stats. Do you see a difference? On paper Dunta has superior stats, and I guarantee you that if you look at how many passes were attempted at each CB, their stats are very, very similar.
BOO BOO BEAN... SORRY, BUBBA BEAN
September 1st, 2011
3:33 pm
OOHHHHHHH ….. I’m so ready for some Football !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve-O
September 1st, 2011
3:37 pm
Oh, and Mark, you said Dunta is “always injured” but he has started 99 of 112 games in his career, and 7 of those games were in 2007. Not starting preseason games doesn’t count as “always injured”. Do you want Charles Dimry back?
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
3:38 pm
Steve-O
Dunta numbers do not compare to Nnamdi at all. Only Nnamdi and Revis have similiar numbers. I tried to post a lengthy post about this but it will not show up for some odd reason.
batman
September 1st, 2011
3:42 pm
Duante, the falcon’s corner is over rated.He gets beat alot.He never seems to know when to get his head around when the ball arrives to the receiver.Definitely not a premeier corner in this league.
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
3:47 pm
Dunta, is only good for tackling. He is not a ballhawk or good defender at all. Brent Grimes is a ballhawk but I’m afraid it is going to hurt in the long run if he only tries for INTs all the time. Teams will steadily go after him because he is short. I was looking at NFL replay extra. The playoff game, Aaron Rodgers and James Jones kept saying “we going after the short guy”. I remember hearing Joe Flacco say it.
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
3:49 pm
I tried to post something again and it does not come up. Only the small posts show up
RonnieMackATL
September 1st, 2011
3:55 pm
I’m sorry, and at the risk of upsetting Mrs. Grimes, the line “are solid at left cornerback with Brent Grimes” is just crazy to me. The guy made the pro bowl as an alternate because of his interceptions. The problem is, he is all in for every pass play. He either wins big or gives up a touchdown. Perhaps we’d be “solid it left cornerback” if the the saftey would play more like they expect Grimes to go for the pick every time, but they don’t and we give up big plays.
Steve-O
September 1st, 2011
3:56 pm
Just Looking, I will post them for you. You never mentioned Revis, so don’t drag him into the conversation now to try to prop up your argument.
Nnamdi – 99 career starts, 11 INTs, 1 TD, 62 PD, 271 tackles
Dunta – 94 career starts, 14 INTs, 1 TD, 70 PD, 384 tackles
Translated, Nnamdi has 1 INT every 9 games, 0.62 passes defended per game, and 2.73 tackles per game. Dunta has an INT every 6.71 games, 0.74 passes defender per game, and 4.08 tackles per game.
Dunta has more picks, more tackles, and more passes defended per start, period.
QB/DB
September 1st, 2011
3:56 pm
I’ve been critical of TD before for standing pat but I must give him a standing ovation for these moves, they are sorely needed!!!!!! The NFC South will be no joke this year, trust me, though I hope it doesn’t happen the Falcons could end up third in their Division, that’s why we have to be pro active, we should continue to watch the board, I’m telling you there are gonna be some players when they cut to 53 and I hope TD will be ready! We have to have qualit depth on both lines! I have a feeling a good young TE will be out there to go with what they have. TD GREAT JOB!
Jay Cool 4daBirds
September 1st, 2011
3:56 pm
@Kudzu, Grimes outplayed who? Dunta Robinson, you’ve gotta be kidding me. The only reason Grimes stats are so high is because the ball goes to his side of the field. I am a season ticket holder and I think Dunta may have had 6 actual catches on him last year in the dome, 1 for a touchdown. Where as the interception machine, pro bowler Grimes may have had 100’s passes caught on him and countless number of touchdowns. Dunta is better than average at corner and if we didn’t play so much zone, he would definately shut down his side of the field. As Edwards starts to help out the pass rush Dunta will play 1 on 1 on the outside and there will be safety help over Brent Grimes. And not because Grimes is better than Robinson.
What's Important
September 1st, 2011
4:08 pm
Savannah Falcon – you didn’t answer the question about Georgia Southern. Obviously “everyone” doesn’t know that Van Gorder doesn’t know how to use his players and is over his head in the pros, perhaps it is the Falcon’s 11-5; 9-7; 13-3 record since he has been defensive coordinator has them confused. Of course it has to be the defense winning the games, since the rest of the know it alls on the blogs say Mike Mularkey doesn’t know how to use his players. Again the question – are you a Georgia Southern grad, Georgia Southern fan that couldn’t graduate or Georgia Southern Fan that couldn’t even get in?
What's Important
September 1st, 2011
4:11 pm
JayCool4daBirds – Gosh, I feel really stupid, I thought the plays they showed on TV were the same plays as the ones in the Dome. Apparently they play different for ones for the special “season ticket owners” because otherwise what you said doesn’t make any sense.
SeenThisB4
September 1st, 2011
4:12 pm
Just another gimpy falcan’t signing.
Steve-O
September 1st, 2011
4:28 pm
SeenThisB4, your posts here are repetitive and without any substance. Stick to your posts over at nola.com
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
4:42 pm
Steve-O
Hey I hope you dont think because a CB has more tackles it makes him a better corner, or even if they have more passes defensed. Typically a elite CB will have fewer tackles, fewer passes defensed and few interceptions because teams are staying away from his side of the field. I hope you do realize that.
Steve-O
September 1st, 2011
5:08 pm
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
4:42 pm
Steve-O
Hey I hope you dont think because a CB has more tackles it makes him a better corner, or even if they have more passes defensed. Typically a elite CB will have fewer tackles, fewer passes defensed and few interceptions because teams are staying away from his side of the field. I hope you do realize that.
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Just Looking, you said earlier “Dunta numbers do not compare to Nnamdi at all. Only Nnamdi and Revis have similiar numbers. I tried to post a lengthy post about this but it will not show up for some odd reason”. What numbers are you referring to? If you are talking about pass attempts at a particular player, or percentage of passes at an particular player, then go find them and post them here. Otherwise you are simply grinding an axe with no facts to support your position. I understand exactly what you are trying to say in concept, but you haven’t shown any numbers that are valid.
D-Bird
September 1st, 2011
5:22 pm
Excellent move with signing Hayden and Sanders. The time is now and Atlanta will not accept anymore excuses. We want to win and we wanted now. Now just get rid of the bum Owens and Frank.
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
5:54 pm
Steve-O
What numbers have you shown? Passes Defensed, tackles and INTs. Heck from those numbers your posted Brent Grimes is a elite CB. Better then Nnamdi and Revis. Last season Nnamdi targeted 25 times, 17 solo tackles, Robinson 52 solo tackles, Revis 32 solo.
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
5:56 pm
wow my post doesnt show up again….last year Nnamdi 19 solo, Robinson 52
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
5:57 pm
Steve O
sorry dude but your way off on your assessments of an elite shutdown his side of the field CB. Robinson nowhere near the ballpark as Nnamdi and Revis
Doesn't look good yet
September 1st, 2011
6:45 pm
Good to know we are getting the warmed over, left for dead , reject road kill from other teams.
realitycheck
September 1st, 2011
6:45 pm
Just Looking…….I’ve had the same problem for a couple of weeks now. I figure because i’m not a believer in all this hype is why my posts could be being filtered out.
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
7:47 pm
yeah i think my post getting filtered…wow just wow.
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
7:49 pm
Quizz Rodgers look very nice…just wish we coulda seen him more with the #1’s
Just Looking
September 1st, 2011
7:50 pm
so JJ pushed off and still dropped the ball
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 1st, 2011
9:27 pm
Just looking — I’ve got my early story done. Let me go try to find your post.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 1st, 2011
10:03 pm
Mike is Back — Thanks for the love!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
September 1st, 2011
10:05 pm
longtimefan — Thanks for your kind words.
jonkfalconsdiehard
September 1st, 2011
11:02 pm
I don’ know seems to me they signed other team left-overs but hope that it works…coz what we have now in secondary not working at all.
antman
September 2nd, 2011
12:05 am
What team were u guys watching last year? Robinson struggled all year, and at his best was still lest than average. They threw more to Grimes side because we had just hired a (57 mill.$) shut down corner on the right side. But when they did throw in that direction they burnt him. TD is not unaware that he made one bad decision there.But mabe 2 halfs Hayden and Robinson may make a whole.
antman
September 2nd, 2011
12:11 am
U can make 52 solo’s when u alow a man to catch the ball over u. The more tackles u make comes from the amout of catches u alow. Do u guys know anything about football.
UPDATE: Falcons sign Hayden, Sanders to 1-year deals | Atlanta … « Feeds « Local News Feeds
September 2nd, 2011
12:58 am
[...] read from original news source: UPDATE: Falcons sign Hayden, Sanders to 1-year deals | Atlanta … [...]