Belichick advised Dimitroff against Jones trade
Pittsburgh wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin, right, makes a catch for a first down over Notre Dame cornerback Darrin Walls in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pittsburgh, on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009. Pittsburgh won 27-22. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
FLOWERY BRANCH — Michael Holley is one of my favorite people in the sports business.
Our paths crossed in Ohio decades ago and we’ve consulted a various times during our careers. He was very helpful during the Michael Vick trial, so when he was writing the “War Room” I was pleased to help out.
My copy is waiting for me at the office, but SI’s Peter King has already read the book and shared a gracious book review on page 2 of this week’s Monday Morning Quarterback column. Here’s the link to King’s column.
In the book, “War Room: The Legacy of Bill Belichick and the Art of Building the Perfect Team” Holley writes about Belichick, Kansas City’s Scott Pioli and Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff thoughts on building that perfect team.
A couple of things in the review caught my attention.
1. After Dimitroff called Belichick “as a friend,” the mentor advised him not to make the Julio Jones trade. He felt the Falcons should have stayed at No. 27 and picked Pittsburgh’s Jonathan Baldwin. The deal was too pricey for Belichick’s blood. (Baldwin was our selection in one of my early Mocks drafts. He went to Kansas City on the 26th pick. He caught a couple balls last night in the win over San Diego.).
2. The Falcons, with their quest for players with high football I.Q.’s and good character, have the most “black dots” on their draft board in the league. Players that the team won’t consider are given black dots. Even the image conscious owner, Arthur Blank, was concerned with the number of “black dots.” In their quest to stay away from “challenged souls” are the Falcons missing out on some talent?
3. The draft room is bizarre. In the past when the local media has requested access to the draft room, they have been summarily turned down. It seems the draft room is party central full of limited partners and board members. The book notes that Dimitroff runs a pretty relaxed ship that may include Hank Aaron or Andrew Young dropping by on draft day. Pioli is much more up tight in K.C. He wants peace and quiet in his draft room.
BTW, King recommends the book highly.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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161 comments Add your comment
gbal
November 1st, 2011
7:15 am
wow
VinnyD
November 1st, 2011
7:17 am
Thomas probably would have told Belichick not to take on Chad ochocinco…I’m still happy with Julio.
otrain
November 1st, 2011
7:19 am
Get in the end zone Julio!
Marcus
November 1st, 2011
7:23 am
Interesting … I might get this one … I didont get the other book a few years ago w/Falcons ties to the draft (forget name)
FalconDawg
November 1st, 2011
7:26 am
I’m with you VinnyD. I believe it’s just a matter of time until we truly become an elite team and Julio will be a big part of that.
Michael M.
November 1st, 2011
7:36 am
I hope the Birds dont get Julio crazy Sunday and go back to throwing the ball at him all game long because he isnt going to win the ball game for them as we have seen in the past two games who has won the ballgame for them
punjabiinatl
November 1st, 2011
7:38 am
its matter of time when things will start to clik …then julio will draw double & safty will have to stay back !
steven a
November 1st, 2011
7:40 am
The Julio Jones deal will prove to be an excellent deal. An NFL team can always build through free agency.
JWinfro
November 1st, 2011
7:44 am
But if the black dots don’t connect, then they are just lonely black dots. Connect the dots are get rid of them.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
November 1st, 2011
7:51 am
Jwinfro — I’m pretty sure that CB Perrish Cox had a black dot. That’s why he lasted until the fifth round.
hop
November 1st, 2011
7:54 am
only time will tell if the julio trade will work out.it was a little pricy for my blood!
DC Dirty Bird
November 1st, 2011
7:58 am
I agree that we’re probably missing out on talent due to “character concerns”. However, the knock on Jonathon Baldwin was that he’s lazy. I saw nothing at Pitt or in his play this season to prove otherwise. Moreover, he’s just a taller Roddy, not a speedster with the size to get physical with corners.
CGD..
November 1st, 2011
8:02 am
He said what???????????
honest_abe
November 1st, 2011
8:03 am
did you bother watching last night’s game dc?
David
November 1st, 2011
8:04 am
Here is what the Falcons have to figure out about Julio. Julio is a deep threat, Matt Ryan is not. And I am not a Ryan hater, I like him. He is a good QB, but he just does not throw a good deep ball. They have to figure out how to get the ball to Julio in medium type routes where Ryan can throw. But I do think Julio will be the real deal once they figure out how to use him correctly.
CGD..
November 1st, 2011
8:05 am
If we had Brady, then the Julio acquisition would have been a great deal..
JFKDawg
November 1st, 2011
8:13 am
Belichick is a smart man. While folks may enjoy the Jones trade today, when it comes time to draft next year and we don’t have a mid first round pick because we gave it away may cause others to feel differently then. The Falcons need to start picking some OL talent as ours is woeful and old.
jalex49
November 1st, 2011
8:23 am
Good move to draft Julio ! I hope he has two black dots next to his name. HE IS A CLASS ACT!
Thomas and Smitty are doing it the right way. We rather have players with character and a team first attituide than those that are about themselves and the spotlight.
The Falcons seem to be starting too “jell” and if the do, then they will be able to compete with anyone.
I want to give “kUDOS” to Roddy and Tony G. for the way they mentored the rookies!
The defense seems to be puttting team first and the rookies are really contributing. Thanks!
The linebackers, defensive backs are making plays and they are a force in the making! As far as the running backs, they are performing at high level and all seem to be contributing. Michael T is a “beast”
once he hits his stride!
I hope this team continues too improve and make themselves revelant in the playoff’s. Best of luck and we are proud of you guys!
Greg
November 1st, 2011
8:24 am
JFKDawg is right on it. So many fans, quite understandably, have focused on the great skill set they see that Julio has. He’s going to be a great receiver. But we can’t ignore what we gave up. We sacrificed a lot of talent to get Julio. And the team needs strengthening in many areas. I think Belichick was right…and there are actually more than a few of us who winced hard when TD put that Julio deal together. He way, way, way overpaid, and it will hurt us down the road.
The Real Falcon
November 1st, 2011
8:27 am
I have never been a Belichick fan but after watching A Football Life and the way he prepares his team I see why he is a winner. And he IS a smart guy.
Gave up too much.
Go Falcons continue the streak!
honest_abe
November 1st, 2011
8:37 am
the part of the article i found interesting was about how they allow members of the board to be in the draft room. that is all arthur blank. i don’t think any serious franchises throw draft parties with celebrities in their draft room. it’s serious business. no?
rudy
November 1st, 2011
8:43 am
forget about julio, we need to address the running back position cos turner has slow down in the last two season
baloo
November 1st, 2011
8:49 am
Jonathan Baldwin also caught Thomas Jones face with his fist during training camp.
mountain_jim
November 1st, 2011
8:49 am
How do we get an elite LT without a first? We need to upgrade there. And at RB to prepare for post-Turner. And at TE. Dang, we need those picks back!
Birdman
November 1st, 2011
8:53 am
The part DOL did not print was what DTroff said when Pioli questioned having board members in the draft room. Something along the lines of “if he cant handle a few board members sitting in the same room on draft day then he is probably not the right man for the job”. I agree, how many of you out there get to do your job without an owner, VP or other exec not hovering over your shoulder at the biggest moments? Its not like Hank Aaron and Andy Young are getting drunk and hollering who to pick. So Pioli likes his draft room to be a morgue, so what, different strokes.
Dan
November 1st, 2011
9:01 am
Tired of hearing TV and News people say we gave up two number #1’s for Julio. We got Cleveland’s #1 last year? Julio is doing just great? People always says it takes 2 to 3 yrs for a WR to develop well he is already shows skill now. And only in Fantasy Football does it matter if one gets TD or not? If a receiver catches balls to put in position to score a TD than I am happy. Also who is to say a player that we draft in the first round wouldnt be a future bust? We got a sure thing in Julio if you don’t see it then you really don’t know anything about football. Just keep playing your fantasy football.
Joe blow
November 1st, 2011
9:03 am
Quit crying about the draft picks…the draft is a crap shoot..a lot of times u can waste a 1st rounder on a bust like Jamal Anderson..or Sam baker…Julio jones is the future at wideout..live with it..I think it was a good gamble…young receivers usually don’t flourish early(roddy white) but Julio has..
Mikey
November 1st, 2011
9:04 am
In TD I trust! When you are building a team, you have to make decsions and so far TD’s decisions seem more solid than any other GM in the business (Bilichick is good but this wasn’t his decision). Time will tell. It’s difficult for any GM to be perfect in all decisions but I’ll take hard working guys with character and intelligence over stupid thugs with muscles any day. This is a profession and professionals will go farther in the long run every time. TD knows that he has to eliminate a very talented young player for each draft pick he keeps at this stage. Julio is a young rookie with only a few games under his belt. Give him a couple of years and you may think that this was one of the best decisions TD has ever made. Julio is a rare talent and if he doesn’t have unanticipated medical problems, he could end up being the next Jerry Rice… he has that level of potential. Ryan has more than enough zip to get him the ball but it takes time for them to perfect those very risky deep routes and the disciplined Falcons coaches know how to control their desires for instant gratification that could be their undoing. The Falcons are a team on the rise and they are among the top 10 teams already. Be patient Falcons fans… they are on the rise and rapidly improving every week. That’s what this type of professional coaches and players do!
Bozo the Troll
November 1st, 2011
9:11 am
Didn’t the announcers say last night that Baldwin had missed 5 games because he broke his thumb during a locker room fight with Thomas Jones? Yeah…I’m glad we don’t have guys like that on our team. That’s a bad sign when a rookie is fighting a vet in your locker room at the beginning of the season…
DR. FALCON
November 1st, 2011
9:14 am
ANYBODY SEEN HIRAMSAINT, OR SEENTHISB4? SAINTS FANS, YOU ARE THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE LEAGUE! LOSING TO A. J. FEELEY? REALLY?!! MAYBE YOU WOULD’VE HAD MORE SUCCESS AGAINST BRADFORD! HA! HA! HA! SAME OLD SAINTS! A FRAUD! WHERE WAS THOSE 62 POINTS AGAINST THE LOWLY RAMS? WHATEVER!!!!
CGD..
November 1st, 2011
9:22 am
Blank shooting Blanks!
“But we can’t ignore what we gave up. We sacrificed a lot of talent to get Julio. And the team needs strengthening in many areas. I think Belichick was right…and there are actually more than a few of us who winced hard when TD put that Julio deal together. He way, way, way overpaid, and it will hurt us down the road.”
agree @ Greg.. TD is going to get burned on this deal…
A waste of talent if your QB cant deliver the ball to him deep or shallow..
Falcons have more critical areas on the field of play that needed to be addressed..
Mr. Blank= Al Davis- A Championship!
Belichick was right on this draft pick.. It will turn into a debacle….
The streak will continue…. Blah, Blah, Blah……….
PMC
November 1st, 2011
9:23 am
I understand not taking a QB because of character concerns… but a linebacker or defensive lineman?
Don’t you need some guys who will do work?
PMC
November 1st, 2011
9:24 am
So he’s got character concerns fine…. The Training staff is good at Flowery Branch…. but they aren’t magicians.
Explain taking Peria Jerry when he had injury problems already?
Richard Dawson
November 1st, 2011
9:24 am
That was a TERRIBLE trade. Belichek was right.
78dawg
November 1st, 2011
9:24 am
Dimitroff is in way over his head. I like Jones but he cost way too nuch. Next year’s draft is gone. Where is P. Jerry? Meriweather is just now making an impact, There are others. He let Dahl walk and that was a major mistake. When will the honeymoon be over?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
November 1st, 2011
9:24 am
Good to see y’all being nice to one another today. Spirited comments. But cordial.
PMC
November 1st, 2011
9:26 am
They can always pick up a free agent LT if they are willing to overpay, or they can take a guy who isn’t a top of the first round talent that fits the scheme in the 2nd or 3rd and hope to coach him up quickly.
One of the most disapointing outcomes of this draft was not taking a left tackle. That and basically shutting down after the 5th round and taking garbage pick flyers.
Edward
November 1st, 2011
9:26 am
I wished Dimitroff had listen to Belichick.
CGD..
November 1st, 2011
9:28 am
38-17….And….. Crickets…..
Mystikal
November 1st, 2011
9:28 am
I like Julio, but if I has a do over I wouldn’t make that trade again knowing how much talent will be available in next year’s draft. But then again, what good is having talent if you don’t know how to use it!
A bunch of Mularkey!
PMC
November 1st, 2011
9:31 am
I still see the logic behind taking Julio Jones this year, so he and Roddy might have a time period where Julio is in his early prime while Roddy is in the latter stages. Dimitroff trys to have an eye on the future or that has been the pattern. The trade doesn’t set them back. He’s filling smaller holes now. Next year they have to get a front line pass rusher, and obviously a left tackle. I’m not sure how happy they are at safety either, but Running Back is going to be a big priority too. Not everything has to be done through the draft for the starters anyway.
Billy Mack
November 1st, 2011
9:33 am
Come playoff time all these “good character” guys will have problems taking their game to the next level against more “hard-nosed” teams.
No one wants their football team to be thought of as a bunch of “nice guys.”
CGD..
November 1st, 2011
9:35 am
Get this…..
Your OC maybe covering for his flawed QB who cant stretch the field consistently? Hmmmmm..Its not all Mularkeys fault that his offense is still struggling after 3.5 years..Its not like he has Former UGA Great Matt Stafford @ the helm, its the other Matt…Ho Hum…….
CGD..
November 1st, 2011
9:39 am
“Ryan has more than enough zip to get him the ball but it takes time for them to perfect those very risky deep routes and the disciplined Falcons coaches know how to control their desires for instant gratification that could be their undoing. ”
Melts got enough zip for the Highschool game…..lol
Joey
November 1st, 2011
9:39 am
What good does it do to get a downfield threat if your OC doesn’t call downfield plays?
honest_abe
November 1st, 2011
9:40 am
birdman: different strokes… when people are making 30 million dollar decisions i don’t think its necessary to have a celebrity element in the room. it’s stupid.
waynester
November 1st, 2011
9:49 am
Some of the same posters who rip MS for being too conservative are ripping on TD for not being conservative enough….
just thinking
November 1st, 2011
9:52 am
Just a thought here but has anybody noticed the Pats haven’t won a SB since Pioli and TD left? Just sayin. . .
PMC
November 1st, 2011
9:53 am
Julio Jones has been sold to us as some kind of home run threat. He’s really not that. He wasn’t at Alabama. He’s got speed yes, but he’s more of a move the chains; block his tail off Roddy White type than a Torry Smith type deep threat. Julio was brought into work the short to intermediate and break tackles/block as much as he was taking deep shots. As far as explosive plays, they just expect Juilo to make more plays on his own than they could get out of Jenkins.
ATL Fan
November 1st, 2011
9:57 am
All the draft prep work should have been done long before draft day. Having people in the draft room should not change that. If Mr. Blank wants to have other people there, good for him.
FALCONS SORRY
November 1st, 2011
9:57 am
AW SHET, NOW THE FLACONS THANK DAY JES GONNA WOK TOO THE SUPPER BOWEL?
HAW HAW HAW HALE NAW!!!
Mike is Back
November 1st, 2011
9:58 am
DLed, good stuff…it’s easy for Belichick to say that…he has built his dynasty…TD is trying to ours. However, I do feel this team has matured to the point where we can start checking some of these guys out.
You would think as the organization matures…there would be less need for black dots. Sometimes you have to willing take some risks…it all part of the game.
I think Jones will end up being a valued asset to the team…BESIDES…when you can draft as well as TD…you can always find a few jewels…in the lower rounds…KIND of like ole Belichick himself…hmmmmmmmmm.
Birdman
November 1st, 2011
9:58 am
When the man paying the 30 million dollars says he wants them in the room you say yes sir. Its stupid to argue that point. Did Andy Young hinder Dtroff by eating chips in the corner? This draft is scripted down to each potential transaction. Its not like all of a sudden there is something you had not considered that you need the room empty to talk to your higher power about. Bunch of doofuses who even talk about this junk. Maybe we should not even have a draft room, put Dtroff in a hyperbaric chamber with a headset and monitor, or fly him to Libya to hide in a ditch. Maybe then he wont pick Julio. Get over it please. Pioli has built himself a super power becuase his draft room is empty? Come on.
Scott
November 1st, 2011
10:05 am
well so far bb is correct. julio is injured and hasn’t done squat this year. really hope he doesn’t turn into another michael jenkins.
PMC
November 1st, 2011
10:06 am
Good to see you again Falcons Sorry, often my IBS gives me issues with the Supper Bowel too.
Samuel
November 1st, 2011
10:07 am
Julio Jones will turn out to be a valuable trade. Roddy White will not get another long term contract,Hence Julio will eventally be the guy. Being that said, they’ll draft or trade for a young wide out with speed and he’ll play opposite Jones.
Rufus1
November 1st, 2011
10:13 am
The Deep Ball Fantasy….
Most QB’s don’t throw a pass over 30yrds down field. Most big plays come on the scheme, slant or the post. If you watch Rodgers or Breeze they hit alot of slants for big plays….show me the last time they threw a pass in the air 50yrds down field…They Don’t.
I have a problem with the fact the Falcons don’t throw the slant or post more. The Falcons also need a big, fast TE to run down the middle and open up Matt’s strength(passing with touch, timing and accuracy)…I love Gonzo, but I want a game breaking TE.
BIG Plays..
Run after the catch is what causes the big plays and the Falcons offense doesn’t cater to RAC. FALCONS ARE BALL CONTROL…
Walker, Texas Ranger
November 1st, 2011
10:14 am
I like Julio but I would rather have done what the Pats did the past few years and trade down while picking up picks. Unfortunately for the Pats, they can’t pick very good. They are great at trading draft picks but horrible at pulling the trigger on the actual picks.
Malcome the falcon
November 1st, 2011
10:16 am
Drafting Julio Jones was a great pick. It brought excitement to an ordinary draft for the Falcons. Once the Falcons learn how to use him,all the better. Mentioning Belichick only brings out the naysayers.
Die Hard Falcon
November 1st, 2011
10:16 am
I think the trade and it’s value can only be assessed 1 or 2 years down the road. A large part will be determined on how we finish this year, b/c that will determine how high of a 1st rd pick we give the Browns, I believe we will finish 11-5, so depending on whether or not we can finally pick up a playoff win or hopefully a SB, we should be looking at no higher than 23 and hopefully 32! I would be comfortable with that, b/c I think Julio is the real deal, I admit I was scared the way we started off this year, the thought of giving up a top 15 was sick, not to mention the thought of taking a huge step backwards.
I love TD and what he’s brought, I know it was a risk, but I think he felt we had a sufficient amount of talent and this would be the time to make a deal like this, at this point I agree, so many late 1st rounders are busts, we knew/know that Julio isn’t. We’re going to be alright, definitely need to shore up our OL and DL, we need a solid LT and Abe is getting old, once he’s gone, we have nothing of note at DE.
CGD..
November 1st, 2011
10:19 am
“Matt’s strength(passing with touch, timing and accuracy)” Huh?
They say “crack is wack!” lol
CGD..
November 1st, 2011
10:23 am
Matt’s arm is like Vegas, its either hit or miss…..more miss than hits..24th is passing now…
Keep running Julio, run through regardless if the ball is there or not….
Einstein
November 1st, 2011
10:26 am
Falcons 36, Colts 10
Einstein
November 1st, 2011
10:28 am
Falcons are well rested, fresh, healthier than they were before the bye week..the only player that I don’t expect to play is Ovie but Snelling will do fine in his place. Maybe make us more dynamic as an offense because he can go out and catch out of the backfield more often than Ovie could…don’t get me wrong Ovie is a great FB, but he rarely ever caught the ball…well Snelling can give us that extra threat to move the chains…
Falcons should be good, and ready to go this Sunday vs. a weak Colts team…mind you, they do play better at their house…so we better play hard…but we still win going away.
GO FALCONS
Sly Ty
November 1st, 2011
10:28 am
With all due respect to Belicheck, he hasn’t won a championship since spy gate was exposed. Also, since then his defenses have been abysmal. Without cheating he is not the same Head Coach. Smitty did what he thought was right and that is that. The Patriots have stock piled picks while screwing over the Raiders, yet they still have the worst Defense in the NFL. If you don’t believe it check the stats for this season.
ATL 1
November 1st, 2011
10:29 am
Big mistake using all those picks for a wide receiver who is good, but not great. Atl had many more important needs. Dimitroff blew it
Mr. Belichick
November 1st, 2011
10:33 am
TD doesn’t listen. That is why we are glad he left NE. Show me one great pick he has made for Atlanta.
As long as he is there the Falcons will always be a GOOD team not GREAT.
Saintsfan
November 1st, 2011
10:33 am
I wish Matt Ryan was our QB. Brees is getting old and not as good anymore. We can’t beat the falcons and keep losing to basement teams. I wish we had Julio Jones
iceBIRDcold11
November 1st, 2011
10:33 am
Belichick smelly chick. Ask him if he needed Julio against Pittsburgh. They shot for AJ Green and landed on Julio. Time will only tell if this trade was pass or fail.
Mr. Belichick
November 1st, 2011
10:34 am
By the way, TD has no clue.
GT
November 1st, 2011
10:34 am
How does anyone know what this team needs. We have played arguably our best football while Juilo is recovering and beating Detroit in Detroit after they had lost one the week before is no small task. We think we can’t stretch the field because we don’t have a receiver like Jones yet maybe the truth is we don’t have the line that gives Matt time to stretch the field. They block for runs and short routes very well but not home runs. I think it is easier to find a line eventually that can hold them out than it is to find a Calvin Johnson, Jones type player. Remember it took Johnson a few years to get on the same page and it took White the same kind of adjustment here. We are contenders now and we will be even better in the future when we work Jones into the system.
R Brown
November 1st, 2011
10:35 am
ATL1 – Short. To the point and RIGHT!
schmeckdawg
November 1st, 2011
10:42 am
5 draft picks for a wide receiver? C’mon man! Only if it was Megatron or AJ Green!
R Brown
November 1st, 2011
10:42 am
GT – I don’t think most on the blog are questioning the player. Just the COST. It’s just me but I wouldn’t trade that many picks for any WR playing right now. Veterans included.
Yo Vince
November 1st, 2011
10:44 am
Belichump needs to worry about Pittsburg, not Julio being too high a price. Julio is great for the Falcons. In 2 years he will look like a bargin.
R Brown
November 1st, 2011
10:45 am
schemeckdawg – Don’t you mean , maybe if it was Jerry Rice?
CGD..
November 1st, 2011
10:47 am
“5 draft picks for a wide receiver? C’mon man! Only if it was Megatron or AJ Green!”
Doesn’t matter, this QB could not get them the rock either….A waste of 5 picks? Huh?
CGD..
November 1st, 2011
10:53 am
Falcons on the road? Its going to be a struggle..Matt and Mike (M&M) will make sure of that..
Falcons by 7…..whew…..
R Brown
November 1st, 2011
10:55 am
CGD – I agree as well. Many believe,with a gunslinger QB or a different OC, JJ, Roddy and HD would be All-Pros.
Rod "straight outta Augusta
November 1st, 2011
10:58 am
We definitely paid too much at the moment, however from a Salary Cap perspective I can understand why. Based on the new rookie scale, we received a Top 10 pick with late first round money. We gave up a 2nd and a 1st next year, which means we are off the hook for 2 nice salaries next year.
Let’s be clear, TD is a better 3rd-late round drafter. I don’t think he feels comfortable drafting in those higher rounds. Besides, we need more role players than starters. Reference: Preseason. I would not feel comfortable drafting a 2nd rounder to back up my starter, unless I knew my backup would be starting soon.
Julio is going to be something SPECIAL here in Atlanta. Look at his body of work this year so far….he is clearly outperforming Roddy. It took Roddy several years to get IT. You dont find special players like Julio often and when you are able to spot them….its best to grab them.
Am I impressed with Baldwins 1 hit performance last night?….NO. Torrey Smith?….NO. etc. We are going to be fine and I think Julio will be well worth it in the end.
coach13
November 1st, 2011
11:03 am
No player is worth what they gave up. Even if he becomes a probowler, he wasn’t worth what they gave up.
Fan
November 1st, 2011
11:08 am
Our Offensive Line injuries have hurt Atlanta explosive plays. However, the O-Line is getting nasty again and now the Falcons have faced their toughness teams with a 4-3 mark. Just think if the line was healthy what would had been. I am looking at a 12-4 mark this season and the lose might come from the Texan. I believe that Atlanta will be 5-1 in their division. Atlanta is the better team with the most talent and a team that will be much better after this bye week. D-Block will create HELL on other teams and now this Defense will come together finally. They are getting better each week and this is what my favor is right now, GB will be right for the picking in the playoff and finally this team will win more than one playoff game. Sometimes it takes time too grow and gel
cwltank
November 1st, 2011
11:11 am
Julio is far better than Jenkins. We saved money actually by dumping Jenkins contract & by not having to pay for 2 1st rd contracts. Julio has a long way to go but he has already showed flashes of an explosive WR. 4-3 and the the next game is against the Colts, I like the Falcons chances.
Max Forstag
November 1st, 2011
11:15 am
Thanks ATL, you guys made a great trade! How many draft picks did we get for JJ? We’re not exactly world beaters right now, but I think this deal will help us out immensely in next year’s draft. We weren’t gonna fix our offense with just 1 player anyway, but Phil Taylor has certainly helped bolster our D-line!
JONESBORO SLIM
November 1st, 2011
11:25 am
Ever since the league found out about the camera that Belichick was using to spy on other teams their performance has diminish….
cdog
November 1st, 2011
11:30 am
I’M GLAD HE DID IGNORE WHAT BELICHICK SAID. JULIO JONES BEFORE HE’S DONE WITH HIS CAREER, WILL BE BETTER THAN JERRY RICE, LYNN SWANN, JOHN STALWORTH AND ALL OF THE GREAT RECIEVERS THAT EVER PLAYED THE GAME.I BET YOU IF BELICHICK WAS IN THE FALCONS POSITION, HE WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME THING.JULIO JONES ONLY COMES AROUND ON RARE OCCASSIONS. JULIO, DON’T LISTEN TO THE MEDIA. MOST ARE HATERS WHO WOULD HAVE PREFERRED YOU GO TO THE JETS OR SOME OTHER TEAM.JUST PLAY FOOTBALL TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY AND ONE DAY, YOU WILL BE IN THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME IN CANTON AS THE GREATEST RECIEVER TO EVER PLAY THE GAME
Saints R.E.A.M.
November 1st, 2011
11:35 am
cdog, you are dreaming. Julio will be a stud receiver but he will not reach Jerry Rice air. Keep in mind the system that Jerry Rice was in, was perfect for his skills and talents. Julio can’t have that type of success with a “3 yards and a cloud of ‘rubber’ offense”…. Julio, like all receivers also need a good QB to deliver the ball to them. Hard to be a great receiver with no QB.
Bill Belichick Advised Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff Against The Julio Jones Trade | Robert Littal Presents BlackSportsOnline
November 1st, 2011
11:36 am
[...] Atlanta Journal-Constitution has the details: In the book, “War Room: The Legacy of Bill Belichick and the Art of Building the [...]
honest_abe
November 1st, 2011
11:40 am
5 catches 89 yards 1 td not impressive? huh?
R Brown
November 1st, 2011
11:40 am
cdog – Refer to CGD comment @ 10:47.
Jerry Rice had Joe Montana and Steve Young
Lynn Swann had Terry Bradshaw
Stallworth had Bradshaw
Tom G
November 1st, 2011
11:41 am
Personally, I would have rather kept Harvey Dahl(paid him his veteran type money) than pay the rookie J Jones. Don’t get me wrong, Julio seems to be a real good prospect But WR seem to be hurt more often than OL. Games are generally decided by OL and DL play? Our OL nastiness has been hurt by the loss of Harvey!!
Saints R.E.A.M.
November 1st, 2011
11:43 am
At any rate a bunch of picks for any 1 guy is hard to justify. It’s a very risky play in the NFL. Especially when you consider all the things that can go wrong: Injury or off the field nonsense; Talent may not translate to NFL (I don’t think Julio will have that problem). Those draft picks usually upgrade the talent of your team all around….special teams, defense..etc. Julio wears 1 hat….receiver. And right now that hat hasn’t caught 1 deep ball or scored 1 touchdown.
To heck with the HOF….get to offensive player of the week 1st.
Falcon 228
November 1st, 2011
12:05 pm
Judge today, tomorrow, next week or whatever day you choose. You can’t judge a draft that took place 6 months ago. Predict all you want. Rule of thumb is 3 years. Say whatever but that’s it.Sure, they gave up a lot of picks but not one person, including me, can say it stupid. One of the FOX pre-game idiots actually compared it to Mike Ditka’s trade for Ricky Williams. That of course isn’t so. Ditka gave up all his picks for that year and nearly all the next. No comparison. So judge. We’ll see if your crystal balls are cracked during the 2013 season. (And don’t play math with me either simps. 2011, 2012, 2013)
badger
November 1st, 2011
12:06 pm
Everybody’s makes it sound like it’s a bad thing. He’s his own man, and followed his gut, I like that.
Greg
November 1st, 2011
12:18 pm
Concerning a couple of our past #1 picks, and since Michael Jenkins has been specifically mentioned here, let’s not forget that were weren’t able to get a DIME or even a trade for a WATERBOY from ANY NFL TEAM for either Jamaal Anderson or Jenkins. We just had to release them. The last time I looked, they were both playing; in fact, Jenkins was starting.
PMC
November 1st, 2011
12:27 pm
I tend to think given the new salary structure we will see more drafts like this as teams with relatively few holes to fill move up to take good players higher in the draft.
The salary structure is no longer a hamstring for teams and Julio Jones is already playing well.
Jimmy Crack
November 1st, 2011
12:28 pm
Belichick is a legend mainly because of Tom Brady.
Tomlin is a great coach mainly because of Dick LeBeau and Big Ben.
Payton is an offensive genius mainly because of Drew Brees.
Whoever coaches the Colts was successful ONLY because of Peyton Manning.
Glad to see Dimitroff blazing his own trail.
PMC
November 1st, 2011
12:30 pm
Why is it shocking that Jenkins and Anderson are playing elsewhere? They played here. They both are playing for bad football teams. Both have reasonable talent, they just weren’t good enough to continue playing here.
Steve-O
November 1st, 2011
12:30 pm
I will be very surprised if we see Julio this weekend. We should be able to more than handle Indy without him. Be careful with the hamstring and make sure he is 100% for the Saints on Nov 12.
zbulldawg
November 1st, 2011
12:31 pm
I have high for Juilo.Being a BIG BULLDAWG FAN I watched him through Bama and the combine “with a broke foot” out preform all wide outs. I think Atlanta got what they needed A deep treat who can block for the running game.We had drafted defense except Ryan for two drafts. And I see Peters and Merriwether starting to come on.Let’s not forget Grimes and all the new secondary players.But what’s my concern is at left tackle.That’s the one that we didn’t do so well on.Baker’s a decent OL but not a left tackle in the NFL. Like any teams you must have 6 OL that are start worthy.
LexLuth
November 1st, 2011
12:33 pm
I still say….If he doesnt get Rookie of the Year…we paid to much…dont give a flip about Belicheks opinion..
Beating my dead horse…It doesnt matter at all if you still have Mike Mularkey calling plays…
Halsey
November 1st, 2011
12:40 pm
The Patriots WRs are Wes Welker and a bunch of spare parts. Genius Belichick’s solution to the Patriot’s need for a WR was Chad Ochoslowo. Go look at the Patriot’s drafts in recent years. It’s not like they are flawless.
ctfalconsfan
November 1st, 2011
12:40 pm
@Steve-O, 100% agree! no reason to bring Julio into this game as we should win 62-0 however with Mike Mularkey calling plays we will start out with a 21-0 lead in the 1st Q then win 35-21..
Let Julio get 100% for the aints..
zbulldawg
November 1st, 2011
12:43 pm
One thing about drafting Juilo is it seems to have effected 84’s play.We need Roddy to lead and be the go to guy.When they are doubling Toni Roddy should have single coverage, but he’s dropping the ball again.Then we have Harry making the big plays if Roddy gets on tract OH MY this would not even be written about.
SawThat1nce
November 1st, 2011
12:45 pm
The saints aren’t really that good.
They will finish 3rd in their division.
T-bone
November 1st, 2011
12:48 pm
Everyone loves to criticize. You really don’t know about draft related choices for 2-3 years. Also, who cares what Belichick said anyways? He is never going to give you an honest answer. He’s too competitive to be honest.
D man
November 1st, 2011
12:50 pm
Julio was worth the pick.
King Falcon
November 1st, 2011
12:52 pm
Somebody should have told Belichick to skip on Haynesworth and Ochocinco. Both of them have been non factors. I don’t think Julio was a mistake. With his size and speed I think you could draw a comparison between him and Calvin Johnson. Matt Ryan needs to get him the ball.
jerry
November 1st, 2011
12:58 pm
Ryan 18th in passing yards, 26th in average gain per attempt. Great trade.
jerry
November 1st, 2011
1:00 pm
And just what were Belichick’s options?
yeahsure
November 1st, 2011
1:10 pm
1. Baldwin? The guy who injured his hand punching a teammate in the locker room? Good call on the black dot TD.
2. Belichick has 3 rings but has as many playoff wins as TD does in the past 3 years. He has the LUXURY of Brady making his draft choices look like gems. He is good at stockpiling picks but that does no good without playoff wins.
3. The black dots prevent someone like Haynesworth. Still sticking by TD.
4. Arthur Blank can have anyone in the warroom he wants. He is the owner, and a damn good one at that. They are not just people either. They are business partners and well respected people in the community (probably future minority shareholders)
Whopper Dawg
November 1st, 2011
1:29 pm
Beluchick was right. WAY too much to give up for a WR. The only position that would justify that type of move is a QB and even that is doubtful. Look at Pittsburgh, they are choke full of quality receivers and they have been picking later in the draft then the Falcons.
Stupid, stupid more regardless of how Jones turns out.
Bird Dawg Country
November 1st, 2011
1:31 pm
Too early to tell. Who’s to say he’s not right about giving too much up.
Have to figure a few years down road and guess who they would have taken with all draft picks Falcons gave up. And can’t base a constructive response on 7 games into a career. Is he going to be injury prone? Beyond stats are there intangibles such as Julio drawing double coverage to free up others? Time will tell. Jury is still out. Personally I would have loved AJ Green on team, but we tried (documented) and Cincy was unwilling to give up that pick.
Bird Dawg Country
November 1st, 2011
1:39 pm
I’m grateful to the Falcons and their many black dots.
Even from the outside looking in, many fans can see the multitude of trouble guys in college and pro.
They seem to still be able to get premier talent without having to get trash.
Just continue to build Falcons. In Dimitroff and Smith we trust!
DP
November 1st, 2011
1:40 pm
Based on his track record in the last 5-6 drafts, Belichick should be getting advice on the draft instead of giving it. New England’s defense is a disaster because they’ve whiffed on so many draft picks. Take Tom Brady away from New England and I suspect they’d look much like Indy does without Peyton Manning.
SeenThisBFalcon
November 1st, 2011
1:42 pm
Were are the Ain’ts haters at? I think there both the same person!!!! LOL Losers!!!!!
Brick Head O Reilly
November 1st, 2011
1:50 pm
“Freight Train” Turner just needs to run and catch the ball to keep that running game a danger to the defense. He and the other runners and blockers are the key to the Falcons success
tidog
November 1st, 2011
1:56 pm
You can’t overlook Roddy White’s age ( i believe 30 or very close to it). His days are numbered as a #1 receiver so you were going to need a #1 for Ryan anyhow. From my understanding it was go AJ Green or Julio. The Bengals weren’t biting so it’s Julio, a heck of a consolation. Baldwin may be good but the upside for Baldwin isn’t close to Jones. Damn good trade the end.
Sam the Sham
November 1st, 2011
1:56 pm
Get it down field Julio…let 88 one hand catch it for the TD.
Stan in Philly
November 1st, 2011
2:01 pm
I am shocked at how many people are doubting TD….how many other Falcon GMs have ever led us to THREE straight non losing season???? I am waiting?
Its easy…NONE! I am not one to drink the kool aid, but I like that he has systematically rebuilt our franchise so that year in and year out we are in the thick of things….the TD haters are worst than whiney spoiled little brats….Grow the F up!
Matt 1.0
November 1st, 2011
2:03 pm
your opinion counts…
Bill Belichick Told Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff Not to Trade for Julio Jones | Larry Brown Sports
November 1st, 2011
2:05 pm
[...] the Atlanta Journal Constitution shared on Tuesday, Peter King recently reviewed Michael Holley’s book, “War Room: The [...]
MR. ATL
November 1st, 2011
2:15 pm
Why does everyone keep talking about Roddy’s age. Donald Driver is 36. Really?! And y’all giving Roddy slack?! Roddy is built for endurance. With that said the combination of him and Juilo and Harry in the slot makes this a very difficult offense to beat. But none-the-less, Belichick can advise that this was a bad decision but since when did Belichick not make a bad decision. They picked up Ocho. Really?!? OCHO?!?
And what has Ocho contributed to the Pats success. Nothing. Look at the stats. over 80% of Brady’s targets are Branch and Welker. HOWEVER, Juilo has contributed gravely. I mean the guy is rookie. So he’s going to take some time to Gel and work his timing out with Matt. But still the guy has a bright future here in ATL. So we’ll make Belichick eat those words, granted the picks could have been better spent on DB’s. Juilo is still that guy.
ATL Observer
November 1st, 2011
2:16 pm
I agree with Belichick: I am NEVER a fan of “trade the farm” deals. No matter who the player. Every single player in the draft, no matter how “can’t miss” they seem, is a risk. The more picks you have, the more chances you have to make up for the risks that don’t turn out well.
That said, they did what they did and I obviously hope it works out. I like Julio’s potential a whole lot.
ATL Observer
November 1st, 2011
2:19 pm
That said, I dispute the person above who said that Pittsburgh was “chock full” of quality receivers. Wallace is an absolute beast. Ward is a great possession receiver when healthy (but no more than that now at this stage of his career). Past that, there’s not a receiver on that team that frightens me (but Ben as a QB does).
Mgibby
November 1st, 2011
2:26 pm
I love how people say we gave up too much to move up 21 spots to the number 6 overall pick, like this is Madden and we could’ve forced Cleveland to accept Michael Jenkins and Jamal Anderson for their top pick. Mind you that with the CBA cluster#%$@, the only thing we could trade is picks.
MR. ATL
November 1st, 2011
2:30 pm
And why do people keep comparing this draft choice to that of Ricky Williams?!? Really?!? Ricky Williams?!? A more logical comparison would be that of Peerless Price (which we gave up a first round Draft Pick to get him from Buffalo).
And somebody PLEASE smite the guy that said Julio hasn’t done squat because looking at the stats:
Julio has only played 5 games in which he has 25 receptions and 358 yards where as somebody like let’s say Deion Branch started ALL 7 and only has 5 more receptions than Julio (30 for the math incompetent) and 47 more yards and that’s with the ALMIGHT Tom Brady. Paaalleeeeaaassseee. GT*OH. Again Julio is that Guy.
honest_abe
November 1st, 2011
2:36 pm
antonio brown is pretty darn good. emmanuelle sanders ain’t too shabby either.
Brian
November 1st, 2011
2:40 pm
This is a football team and not a boy scout troop. They will not all be clean and sometimes its just a situation of immaturity and not knuckleheadedness. Do some background and draft the best player. We need some attitude on this team and that comes from players with some edge to them. Thanks
RNew
November 1st, 2011
2:40 pm
Julio Jones is a great addition, but after seeing how effective a healthy Harry Douglas could be, I think we gave up way too much for the guy. I don’t see how it’s going to pay off. If we’re just as if not more threatening with him out and Douglas in, how is he the missing link? I think the offense is heating up and would have been fine anyway. The D is coming along and seem be settling in. The Falcons are RISING UP!!!
Great Falconi
November 1st, 2011
2:42 pm
Belichick hasn’t done a good job of drafting over the last few seasons. If Brady goes down now, they’re sunk. That defense is a sieve and Brady’s like Manning now. He runs everything on offense.
Anyway, Dimitroff works for an owner who doesn’t mind breaking the bank. That makes it easier to give away picks. I think we gave up too much to be able to draft Julio, but only by a pick or so. I’d be more concerned about that bounty if Dimitroff hadn’t done a solid job of drafting defensive players over the last four years. Check out this list:
Spoon, Lofton, Moore, DeCoud, Owens, Biermann, Peters, Jerry, Sidbury and Walker.
At the very least, all of this guys are legitimate NFL players. That’s ten drafted players since 2008 who are contributing to the defense. Most teams would kill to have that level of production. Now, I know that 2012’s draft will be thin, but I trust Dimitroff to be able to get useful players out of it. He isn’t a stinking genius because he hasn’t won a ring, but he’s an adept talent evaluator who knows how to put a roster together. We can put trust in that.
MR. ATL
November 1st, 2011
2:44 pm
@Brian I agree with you on needing the attitude but don’t you think Roddy W. has that covered?! LOL. I think Julio does a good job balancing him out. If anything we need more attitude and more heart on Defense.
drew
November 1st, 2011
2:44 pm
why do they have to be black dots?
fan
November 1st, 2011
3:04 pm
I think we gave up to much for JJ. Look at Steeler receivers. Two third rounds and a sixth round pick playing last Sunday against Pats. They looked good to me. Jones would be a good deal, if Ryan could throw a deep pass . I like Ryan, but he will never be Rodgers or Brady. His arm is not that strong. I have saw this year JJ being open and Ryan misses him or throws it out bounds. Why give away all those picks , when you don’ have a QB to get him the ball.
What kind of arm does Meir have? He was QB in College, might have to use him on option play to throw deep to JJ. Just saying
oldbird
November 1st, 2011
3:06 pm
I love Julio, but I hate not having a draft next year. Although, Dimitroff has shown a knack for finding good players in the later rounds.
WWF
November 1st, 2011
3:19 pm
I think the NFL is becoming the WWF. Tebow finish in Miami, win, Colts get beat 62-7 my Ain’ts and next week winless Rams beats the Ain’ts. Last night Rivers lays down ball and didn’t take hand off. Chiefs win. They could have kicked field goal, why did they run another play? I am beginning to wonder if we are not being played.
crackbaby
November 1st, 2011
3:33 pm
@CGD – You haven’t really watched Stafford. He is very inaccurate. The Lions -Bears game showed how accurate Cutler is, even when he’s under attack. Stafford missed his spots – throwing behind open receivers, missing other targets. Lions won but Cutler played much better.
Same thing in the Falcons-Lions game. Stafford woefully inaccurate. Mattie Ice doesn’t throw the long ball worth a rip but he is accurate otherwise.
Loyal for another Hundned
November 1st, 2011
3:33 pm
ballers and busters.
Mora less Petrino
November 1st, 2011
3:43 pm
Julio was a good move. Need to go back to Bama and get Trent Richardson. Glad to hear that the Birds put black dots on bad apples. We’ve had enough DA’s here.
CGD..
November 1st, 2011
3:45 pm
63.1QBR and sliding, 8int’s is not accurate…Its not SB material either..Wait till the playoff’s come around and Turner the former burner is shut down (see Greenbay game). Will Ryan be able to take over the game with that “accurate” arm of his and get it done? Put money on that and go broke….lmbo..
Crack is wack crackbaby…
crackbaby
November 1st, 2011
3:55 pm
@CGD
Super Bowl? Stafford ain’t going there either. Nobody is more accurate than Rodgers right now. Not even Brady or Aikman in his prime.
Only one team a year wins the SB. Falcons never have. You can blame Mattie Ice but you are barking up the wrong tree. TD and Coach Smith are keeping him.
KakNiqueTree
November 1st, 2011
4:01 pm
‘In their quest to avoid players with ‘challenged souls’ are the Falcons missing out on some talent?’ Bet this guy will be the first to write in the other direction, ‘In their quest to acquire players with immense talent are the Falcons ignoring character?’
crackbaby
November 1st, 2011
4:03 pm
@CGD – Original point was Stafford is inaccurate. Last week his 94.6 QBR was a quantum leap above his previous career high of 84.6. whatever a QBR is worth…
Just saying
November 1st, 2011
4:15 pm
@Joe Blow Jamal Anderson was a very successful running back for the Falcons before he suffered a career ending knee injury. Certainly not a bust. NOW on the other hand, Jamaal Anderson out of Arkanas, a defensive lineman was a huge bust. His potential was never realized. Strange how a little letter makes a big differeence. LOL. Go Falcons! We all ought to be glad we have Jones. His play is proving his worth and the correctness of the decision. Who cares what Belicheck says… Give us a man like TD who will consider all the facts and opinions, but is still man enough to call the shots.
Tell it like it is.
November 1st, 2011
5:44 pm
i thank it was a bad trade,and i thank jones is bad for the falcons chemistry at this time.White is the allpro go to guy, and when jones is in the lineup roddy starts dropping pass’es. i have also seen Ryan make long throws down the field on target, and Jones droped them,but i have seen Ryan throw 20 yards down field, and miss his target by ten yards so who’s to say! I hope the deal for jones works out for the Falcons,and they don’t take the Colts lightly,a team with that kind of record this time of year can be dangerous,just ask the Ant’s
SeenThisB4
November 1st, 2011
6:07 pm
Looking at the stats, your top 3 receivers this year, White, Gonzo, & Julio,are just short of about 50% of the production of last year’s 3 receivers, White Gonzo & Jenkins. So, unless your current 3 start to push the production, they will probably end up at close to the same numbers that your top 3 receivers got last year.
So, the questions then are: Was the ramson paid for Jones, worth it? And where are the explosive plays?
I guess the answer to both those questions has to consider the current falcan’t position in the NFC South Standings, which if memory serves me correctly is, THIRD PLACE.
heartofdarkness
November 1st, 2011
6:25 pm
I never see any metrics when fans complain about Ryan’s arm strength, but it is a safe bet, if you wanted to improve his deep ball quickly, put him behind the Patriot’s OL. Kyle Boller impressed combine scouts with a 50 yd. throw from his knees, but it’s only one attribute, and not one that guarantees NFL wins.
HENRY
November 1st, 2011
7:36 pm
JULIO JONES WILL BE AN OUTSTANDING RECEIVER …………EVEN BELICHEK MAKES PERSONNEL MISTAKES.
Monday Morning QB
November 1st, 2011
8:14 pm
@SeenThisB4
I doubt the Falcon brass expected Julio as rookie to be an overnight sensation. This is a long term move and I suspect Julio will be very productive for years to come. I also suspect he will not be part of a loss to the Rams anytime soon.
bama52
November 1st, 2011
9:27 pm
Julio is our best pick, he’s on track to still possible have reception yardage of 700 to 800 yards or more,which is good on a run first team. Besides Julio is not our problem, QB play,Offensive Coordinator and O-Line play has hurt us more than anything. Looking at the rest of the league and the way the defense has played over the last 3 games, this team is ready to RISE UP.
CGD..
November 1st, 2011
9:59 pm
Melts 26th in average gain per attempt=fail come playoff time….
Mularkey cant fix that.. Only try and mask this dude’s arm.. Run Turner, Run Turner
Boo
November 1st, 2011
10:28 pm
I’m satisfied with what we got. Go Julio! I mean really….we go all out and get Sam (my back hurts) Baker….then Julio. It’s a no brainer. GO FALCONS!!!
Babs=Dogkiller
November 1st, 2011
10:29 pm
Black dots? Interesting that dog killer BabiWussy got a job.
Boo
November 1st, 2011
10:42 pm
CDG – Go back to the ninth ward and leave us alone!
DR. FALCON
November 2nd, 2011
12:19 am
WHERE THE HELL IS HIRAMSAINT AND ALL THOSE SAINTS FANS, THAT HAVE GIVEN US FALCONS FANS THE BUSINESS, ALL YEAR? A.J. FEELEY? LOL!!!!!!!
M
November 2nd, 2011
12:47 am
Who cares??? Belichick is a cheater, it does not matter what he says. Why are you wasting ink on this anyway man?? Go Falcons!!!!!!!!
Mark
November 2nd, 2011
3:00 am
I agree with Belichik, and I hope both of us are wrong! I am amazed that (Coach Mike) Smith and (President Rich) McKay didn’t say something to Mr. Blank to stop it!!!
Aundray Bruce
November 2nd, 2011
4:50 am
Ya”ll are nuts!
Stepchild
November 2nd, 2011
6:41 am
What does Belichick know anyway??? How many Superbowls has he been a part of? Oh…Wait…a heck of a lot more than we have!!!
too much crack
November 2nd, 2011
9:19 am
funny how crack says Stafford is woefully inaccurate when he has a high completion percentage than Ryan. And he throws the ball deep a lot more and still has a higher completion percentage.
cdog
November 2nd, 2011
12:42 pm
i think matt ryan is developing into a super quarterback. remember how steve young struggled when he first came into the league so did aaron rodgers, brett favre and remember jim plunkett.time heals a bad quarterback. i see matt developing into that kind of quarterback.i think smith and murlarkey has brought him along perfectly.he will get even better which means julio jones, roddy white, and harry douglas willbe great. don’t forget tony gonzalez.the only thing now for the offense, they need to get another tightend because tony g will be retiring plus they need to strengthen the backfield and oline