EXCLUSIVE Q&A: Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff addresses concerns
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith have been in nonstop meetings. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
FLOWERY BRANCH – Since returning from the playoff loss to the New York Giants, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has gone through two days of non-stop meetings with head coach Mike Smith and other members of the football operations department.
In a wide-ranging Q&A with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Tuesday evening, Dimitroff discussed his spending on free agents Dunta Robinson and Ray Edwards, the Julio Jones trade, quarterback Matt Ryan, what the team will be looking for in a new defensive coordinator and how they’ll attain a breakthrough in the playoffs.
Q: As you’ve had some time to reflect, what are your thoughts on how the season ended?
A: We came into this season with very strong expectations both internally and externally. We made some aggressive moves both in the draft and free agency. Our expectations were for us to be very productive on both the offensive and defensive sides [of the ball]. We had a solid regular-season by finishing 10-6. We had an opportunity to get into the second season and once again, unfortunately, we came up short in the playoffs. That leaves us all, once again, with a bad taste in our mouths.
Q: How would you evaluate the money spent over the last few years in free agency on cornerback Dunta Robinson and defensive end Ray Edwards?
A: First of all, we were aggressive with the acquisition of Dunta Robinson. Our expectations were for Dunta to come in here and have a presence as a physical corner, help us make plays on the ball and prevent teams from racking up a lot of yards against this defense. Dunta has shown that he can produce for us. Unfortunately, this year our defense was inconsistent and at times so was Dunta. I still believe that we’re getting solid production out of Dunta Robinson in his game. With Ray Edwards, our thought was to bring a defensive end into our organization who brought elements of grit, toughness and competitiveness. We feel strongly that he has done that. He was outstanding [against] the run. He had a presence that we haven’t had at left defensive end in the run game this year. As per his pass rush numbers, obviously both he and we would have liked his pass rush numbers to up around the eight to 10 area. Unfortunately, that didn’t come to fruition. But again, we’re confident that Ray can come back next year with one more year under his belt; with a different system and produce for us.
Q: How do you evaluate the offensive line, especially considering a comparison to a year ago?
A: Unfortunately, for the offensive line we started out with challenges. We struggled in Chicago early on in the season and Matt [Ryan] was exposed to a number of hits that he shouldn’t [have been] exposed to. With that said, we settled down well. We made appropriate adjustments along the way during the season. That enabled us to protect Matt better with each game. We finished sixth overall in sacks allowed so we definitely saw a marked improvement as the season progressed. With that said, we still need to develop as an offensive line. We need to make sure that we get the toughness and physicality out of the offense that we desire from year-to-year. It’s a very, very important part of our offense. We need to continue to protect our franchise-quarterback and we need to continue to move the defensive line so that we’re able to provide holes and opportunities for our run game; be that six inches or six yards.
Q: What’s your view of Matt Ryan in comparison to the league’s best – Aaron Rodgers, Peyton and Eli Manning and Drew Brees?
A: I’m very impressed with Matt Ryan and how he continues to grow from year-to-year. I think he continued to grow this year. I thought he had a fine season. As you know, Matt had the franchise-mark for passing yards this year. I thought he navigated through some difficult times and some challenges with some of our inconsistencies with our offense this year. He stayed positive and he continued to produce well. I think in my mind, there is no doubt that Matt Ryan is one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the National Football League.
Q: Can the running game be what you need it to be with Michael Turner, considering all of his carries over the last few years?
A: Michael continues to produce well for us. He amassed over 1,300 yards for us for the second straight season. When we have called his number, he’s stepped up and got the tough yards. We’ll always continue to evaluate our running game to see what we need to [improve in order] to have a multi-faceted and versatile football team; both in the run and the pass game.
Q: In hindsight, was giving up all of the (five) picks for Julio Jones worth it?
A: We said when we made the very aggressive move on Julio Jones, that this was not only a move for the here-and-the-now. This was a move for long term success of this organization and I believe 100 percent in what we did being the right move for this organization at this time in our evolution. Obviously, Julio Jones had a standout season for a rookie. He had more touchdown grabs — [eight] — than any rookie this year. Despite missing three games, he had the most prolific season for a Falcons rookie in our team history. We are very confident that he’ll continue to grow with Matt in this offense. He’ll continue to be a standout football player and help us produce for years to come.
Q: Can this defense, as constructed, compete for the Super Bowl title?
A: I believe that our defense has continued to improve since 2008. Obviously, there are still areas that we can improve upon. We need to continue to pressure the quarterback. We need to continue to get our hands on balls and capitalize on interceptions. With that said, I love the tenacity of this defense. I’m encouraged by the direction of this defense. Like I’ve said since the very beginning in 2008, we will always continue to look to see where we can upgrade our talent across the depth chart and specifically on the defensive side of the ball.
Q: What will you all look for in your new defensive coordinator?
A: I appreciate everything that Brian VanGorder has done for this team over the last four years. He’s put his heart and soul into helping to create a very aggressive and passionate defense. I personally appreciate that. Moving forward, this defense needs to continue its growth and evolution as a passionate and fiery defense, one that is going to fly to the football, disrupt, be opportunistic and capitalized on opportunities to turn the game around; flip the game in critical situations. We’ll look for a coordinator who will compliment Coach Smith and his approach to putting that type of aggressive defense on the field. Obviously, that coordinator is going to work hand-and-hand with Mike Smith in helping to create a very aggressive defense. Our hope is that we will, in the very near future, land that individual who we think is very appropriate with his approach to helping this defense grow.
Q: What has to happen differently for the Atlanta Falcons to have a breakthrough in the playoffs?
A: As a general manager, it’s my responsibility to step back and analyze what went on throughout the football operations. Not only on-the-field, but off-the-field as well; in the personnel department and from a coaching perspective. I believe that myself and Mike Smith will have [many] discussions, along with Arthur Blank to discuss what we need to change and what we need to adjust moving forward. This team needs to continue to be much more focused and consistent on offense in all facets of the game. Both in the offseason and in-season. We need to be an opportunistic football team through and through. I am, as well as Mr. Blank and Mike Smith, are very driven to make the adjustments needed to provide the fan base with a team that they can be proud of.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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369 comments Add your comment
CadillacStevens
January 11th, 2012
11:02 am
I hate to say this, but I think the Falcons are TOO CHEAP to spend money for quality assistance. Case in point. When the Falcons when 11-5 in Ryan’s rookie season, they had a guy in their secondary who was probably one of the BEST SHUTDOWN CORNERBACKS in the history of the league. Why do I say that–well based on what I saw him do, he covered most of the great receivers we faced like a blanket, and our pass coverage was one of the best in the league (probably the first time that ever happened). That is why we went 11-5, won our division and had a good record. But instead of signing this guy–we decided we would release him instead and he was acquired by Seattle and subsequently signed a lucrative contract; the CONTRACT WE WERE TOO CHEAP TO GIVE HIM. That is why we keep getting torched on the passing game and why teams like New Orleans scored almost 50 points on us on monday night football, when we were embarrassed by New Orleans before the Giants debacle. James Foxworth was one of the best shutdown corners I have ever seen. He covered receivers every bit as good as Dion Sanders–and sanders made it to the hall of fame. Foxworth signed with seattle and now they are reaping the benefits of good coverage in the secondary. A couple of years ago, the falcons had two standout all pro defensive players in Lawyer Malloy AND Rod Coleman. Both were let go for no apparant reason and now we cant stop the good teams defensively. Its unfortunate but Thomas Dimitroff has made too many mistakes and I think he should be given his pink slip so that he can ruin another franchise.
Well well
January 11th, 2012
11:02 am
@DC Dirty Bird your 10:46 post was spot on…we have a ton of arm chair coaches that think the DC and OC’s suxed and should be gone well they got their wish….in the same week. I’m wondering if this time next year they will be any happier??
Dawglasville
January 11th, 2012
11:12 am
Well well – I’ve got to say the blog is refreshing today. At least we are discussing football and not venom back and forth with Saints fans.
Sid – BVG is an “in your face” coach and that doesn’t fly in any pro sport. That is why he is a much better college coach. The only way to make an impression on pro players is cut their playing time and/or impact their checking account.
Stop spinning the math!
January 11th, 2012
11:17 am
Michael Turner does “well”? Are you kidding me? I think that 1,000 yard stat has an extra zero by mistake. Turner consistently picks up a measley 1 or 2 yards per carry. His stunted runs are as predictable as April 15th. He always runs INTO players instead of around them.
Get Turner that lasik surgery that Kroy brags about, and get yourself a calculator!
Sid
January 11th, 2012
11:24 am
Q: How do you evaluate the offensive line, especially considering a comparison to a year ago?
Well, actually DLed, we stunk. We realized in Chicago that the challenges ahead of us were worse than we could have ever imagined. We’re lucky that Matt didn’t lose an arm or a leg in that game or even some of the other ones when we could not protect him or open a hole big enough for a hummingbird to get thru. BUT, we did see improvment albeit not a whole friggin’ lot. We finished sixth overall in sacks allowed so we definitely saw a marked improvement as the season progressed. But that was also due in part to Matt throwing the ball away just to keep from getting killed. It’s a very, very important part of our offense. And now that the season is over we realize we just didn’t have the horses we needed up there. We want our offensive line to provide holes and opportunities for our run game; be that six inches or six yards, of course I doubt our fan base is gonna buy that one. Nice talking to ya DLed.
Jimmy Crack
January 11th, 2012
11:27 am
Have you ever heard a politician who has so much power he could care less if he gets caught in a lie?
This Q&A is so full of LIES and blatant misrepresentations it is ASTOUNDING.
Concerning Edwards…”He had a presence that we haven’t had at left defensive end in the run game this year.” – We already had that with Anderson, who was especially stout against the run. Notice he put in the phrase “this year”?
Concerning Turner…”When we have called his number, he’s stepped up and got the tough yards.” – How many 3rd and 1’s and 4th and 1’s that the offense failed on do we need to bring up?
TD’s answers are a lesson in how to use positive words to cover failure.
Sid
January 11th, 2012
11:32 am
Dawglasville January 11th, 2012 11:12 am
**************************************************
Sounds like the Falcons aren’t the only ones who need to grow a pear.[sic]
Sid
January 11th, 2012
11:36 am
I repeat…………Jammal Anderson had half as many sacks this year at Indy as than his entire career as a Falcon. Could that be coaching?? Hmmm………..
JFKDawg
January 11th, 2012
11:41 am
OL with the entire 2012 draft. When you can’t gain two inches on 4th down and continually get manhandled where you can run between the tackles, get some help.
Rich
January 11th, 2012
11:45 am
Poor personnel decisions are the root of the Falcon’s problems, not the coordinators. Too much emphasis on skill and not enough on muscle. With RW pulling all the coverage JJ should have had an unbelieveable season, and didn’t. Now we’ve traded away our future and our present isn’t very good.
Leeroy
January 11th, 2012
11:50 am
Q: What’s your view of Matt Ryan in comparison to the league’s best – Aaron Rodgers, Peyton and Eli Manning and Drew Brees?
A: I’m very impressed with Matt Ryan and how he continues to grow from year-to-year. I think he continued to grow this year. I thought he had a fine season. As you know, Matt had the franchise-mark for passing yards this year. I thought he navigated through some difficult times and some challenges with some of our inconsistencies with our offense this year. He stayed positive and he continued to produce well. I think in my mind, there is no doubt that Matt Ryan is one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the National Football League.
Clearly he needs to grow a few more inches so that he can get those first downs on QB sneaks since he can’t jump or reach that far.
Brick Head Nelson
January 11th, 2012
11:50 am
Get the stop watch and see how long it takes Turner to hit the line. That is a problem that needs fixing. Turner is a h of a running back but he wasn’t even on the field for some of the 4th and inches plays!! I am not blaming Turner at all. I think this was never addresssed by the OC
Ivan
January 11th, 2012
11:54 am
“Sid – BVG is an “in your face” coach and that doesn’t fly in any pro sport.”
Ron Rivera says “Hi.”
Ivan
January 11th, 2012
11:58 am
“I repeat…………Jammal Anderson had half as many sacks this year at Indy as than his entire career as a Falcon. Could that be coaching?? Hmmm………..”
If it is, it’s on the skill position coaches. Not Mularkey or BVG.
Gianni Phipps
January 11th, 2012
12:02 pm
I dislike when people, who proclaim to be Falcon fans, downgrade their own team and just by reading most of these comments, I realize most of you are football illiterate. Why would you want a pass heavy offense here in Atlanta and if you know football then you know that these types of offense can’t run the ball which leaves you one dimensional. Most of you will argue that these are the types of offenses that wins championships and the NFL is changing to a pass heavy league. That may seem true but these types of offenses has a high risk of failure if your team doesn’t have the right personal. Arthur Blank and Thomas Dimitroff has put together a good quality team and Mike Smith has led this team to FOUR consecutive winning seasons, the first in our franchise history and you all saying these guys needs to go. Now that’s ludicrous. It takes time to build a winning franchise, we were just fortunate to have this success. To be honest what hurt the Falcons the most was Mike Smith didn’t choose the right coordinators for his staff. I once read in a article that the important thing for newly hire coaches to do is to carefully choose your staff and whoever you hire must have some NFL coaching experience which will better your chances of having a successful career as an NFL coach. However, the article did point out a downfall by hiring NFL experience coaches which was the person you may hire as your coordinator may not give his full comment to the team because that individual could be trying to rewrite his career to better his chances at becoming a head coach, usually the coaches who are more likely to do this are the ones who were previous head coaches before. Sounds like somebody you and I know right? Definitely, Mike Murlarkey.
Ivan
January 11th, 2012
12:02 pm
“. We finished sixth overall in sacks allowed so we definitely saw a marked improvement as the season progressed. With that said, we still need to develop as an offensive line. We need to make sure that we get the toughness and physicality out of the offense that we desire from year-to-year. It’s a very, very important part of our offense. We need to continue to protect our franchise-quarterback and we need to continue to move the defensive line so that we’re able to provide holes and opportunities for our run game; be that six inches or six yards.”
Please. I hope this suggests he actually wants bring in big dominant lineman this off season. The “6th overall in sacks allowed” stat is another bullsht stat. The weak O-line was masked with Ryan rolling out, throwing quick passes, and throwing the ball away. Thus, no sack. You know the O-line is weak when you can’t convert on a 4th and 1 or shorter.
THE INFAMOUS DK
January 11th, 2012
12:04 pm
Trade Turner and get some picks or two backs that can bring his production for his price point.
yoyoyoyoyo
January 11th, 2012
12:24 pm
they needs to get rid of that creepy ass looking head coach…….
Bird Dawg Country
January 11th, 2012
12:39 pm
This is a very big off season for Dimitroff and Coach Smith. There are important coaching hirings, and player decisions to be made. Our O-Line and defensive concerns are abundant.
Falcons are going to have to hit a homerun or come close in the draft. Free agents have to be chosen carefully for production and value. And trades should be considered only if the price is not high. Falcons are at a crossroads, where they cannot afford any busts in the draft, free agency, and/or trades to take the next step. Dimitroff and Smith have to be at their best for all these decisions.
This offseason will be the most important since the you know who debacle.
meaningless news
January 11th, 2012
12:47 pm
Guess Jax didn’t look at that newspaper poll in hiring their new coach. Do you honestly think what you or any fan says about player/coach decisions matter?
All of your bloggings and rants are just venting to a brick wall. Does it make ya’ll feel better? Fine, but don’t ever think it matters to the PRIVATE owners.
They’re not looking for 50,000 opinions and there will always be another fan in line if you leave.
I love being right.
Jax Falcon/Dog Fan
January 11th, 2012
12:57 pm
Please don’t let Mike Smith hire Jack Del Rio. Same defensive philosophy as we’ve had for the past five years. If you do, I’ll be the only Falcon fan left in Jacksonville. You wouldn’t believe what a sigh of relieve came out of this town when Jack was given the axe. The man’s ego and decision making has ruined what Tom Coughlin had started building for the Jags. Smith needs someone that will challenge his vision for the defense, not be the rubber stamp that would be Del Rio.
Hugo
January 11th, 2012
12:58 pm
Guys I think the GM has to save face for himself. Sure he knows what has happened this season. He is not going to say that he screwed up with the Edwards signing or with Robinson being a flop. I understand the Julio trade and we needed a top tier wr. Now, what he needs to do is be a man and own up to them and try, for our sakes , and his job, to correct them. Today. Not tomorrow or next yr.
DawginLex
January 11th, 2012
1:03 pm
So are the Falcons talking to Grantham or not?
Rumors flying
2 cents
January 11th, 2012
1:10 pm
Maybe try hiring someone with a N.O. or GB offensive staff connection.
and someone with a SF, Balt., or NY defensive staff connection.
No coach on tv show is coming back as coordinator, and no coordinator is making a lateral move(against rules). Not sure about recently fired head coaches, but……
Might have to find someone in league to promote.
If so, go for someone who’s getting it done in the playoffs.
ctfalconsfan
January 11th, 2012
1:14 pm
Great news, almost worth the loss to NYG to finally get rid of the dead weight!!!!!
We need a 3-4 DC which Smitty doesn’t seem too keen on.
All offensive coaches, OL, WR, RB QB all need to be fired as everyone of those positions performed poorly this season. I guess that would go for the DB coach and Special teams coach. DL and LB OK maybe keep.
It’s nice to clean house when you are 10-6 and not 3-13…
ctfalconsfan
January 11th, 2012
1:16 pm
I think both TD and Smitty are on notice, WIN or UR out!!!!!!
yeah, right
January 11th, 2012
1:17 pm
Dawgin, don’t bother making that rumor…people kidded yesterday…aint happening. Something a troll would do
ctfalconsfan
January 11th, 2012
1:19 pm
@ Gianni Phipps
WHAT!!!!! I stopped reading when you critized pass happy offenses..
oh so you mean
GB, NOLA, NE??? Yeah those teams aren’t pass happy and look at them all sitting at home watching… wait, aren’t they all stll in the PO….
yeah, right
January 11th, 2012
1:21 pm
ctfalcon, you’re an idiot WR’s and QB had over 4100 yards.
DonewithFalcons
January 11th, 2012
1:22 pm
These are some of the most asinine comments I’ve seen from TD..Why can’t these people have the bal@s to come out and say we F-ed up…why can’t media ask tougher questions….just got done watching falcons season in review media conf, same old BS…not tough questions, no substantive answers.
Smitty say MR2 has improved a great deal and improved his pocket presence…I want what these guys are smoking, and nobody from media was even interested in saying ‘who are your kididng? he looks nervous all the time in the pocket, fearing for his life…..pocket presence, my as&….
Come D.Led, man up and ask them for some straight, honest answers next time you see them…and oh BTW tell Mr. Blank when you see him next that I’m done with watching falcons play, he can have his season ticket back!!!!!!!!!!
F!!!!!!
yeah, right
January 11th, 2012
1:23 pm
Thank goodness you’re not making decisions dumbsh–
ctfalconsfan
January 11th, 2012
1:24 pm
not really yeah right, u do realize we led the league in dropped passes?
Also are you one of these guys that thinks Matt Ryan is still progessing? Sorry to say he has peaked. Hopefully under a new OC with a revamped line he can find his way in his 5th NFL season.
- Also no reason to call anyone an idiot, that’s rude..
falconsgirl
January 11th, 2012
1:27 pm
Lets be real, defense and offense is lacking. There is no way we can keep up with the top teams in the NFL right now. My solution: fire the coach (mike smith) and get rid of Matt Ryan. Ryan is a decent quarterback but I do not think he has the potential to be a Aaron Rodgers. We have way too many weapons on our team to get to the playoffs and get blown out. I speak for the city of Atlanta, we are tired of being embarrassed and disappointed! We need a playoff win! (Wouldn’t mind getting the backup quarterback from green bay!)
Thad Ochocinco
January 11th, 2012
1:35 pm
It’s like DOL has never heard of “the follow-up” question.
ShempHoward
January 11th, 2012
1:41 pm
@Gianni Phipps said,
Arthur Blank and Thomas Dimitroff has put together a good quality team and Mike Smith has led this team to FOUR consecutive winning seasons
______________________________________________________________________
Its true- the falcons have had four straight winning seasons–but like bobby cox, mike smith’s regime is designed and built to have a good, not spectacular, reagular season, CERTAINLY MAKE THE PLAYOFFS, then get embarrassed and rudely kicked the crap out of and eliminated from the playoffs. I think fans are sick and tired of that happening, especially when it is the fans that are wasting their money to see Roddy White continually drop passes. What the fans want to see is a team that can go deep into the playoffs and advance to the superbowl–like the 1998 dirty bird team did. All we want is a chance to win a superbowl—and I would take even four consectuive superbowl appearances–even if we come up on the short end of the stick than to just get CLOBBERED in the first round and then get kicked out of the playoffs on our rear ends. I JUST WANT SATISFACTION. OK.
yeah, right
January 11th, 2012
1:42 pm
Dropped passes can be fixed…4000 + yards is hasn’t always been common and isn’t anything to sneeze at.
And if you start calling for all these people to be fired, you are an idiot.
How about we go to your job and demand your firing or your families? Huh?
ohhhhYEAH
January 11th, 2012
1:45 pm
It amazes me the level of idiocy to which some people will stoop to take a shot at Matt Ryan. “he needs to grow a few inches so he can get a sneak” “he needs to hit the weights so he can look like Tebow”, are you people serious? Do you realize how dumb that actually makes you sound? Matt Ryan is NOT responsible for his sorry offensive line getting whipped and pushed back into the next county, thus not allowing him to go anywhere on a sneak. Please, by all means, do your best to try and explain to me how it’s on Matt Ryan that his offensive line was manhandled. I’m anxiously awaiting your reply
pretty good stats
January 11th, 2012
1:45 pm
And think how many more yards there would have been had there not been those dropped passes….hmmmm
Falcon Realist
January 11th, 2012
1:49 pm
Trade Matt Ryan and Roddy White to the Washington Redskins for a 1st and 2nd this year and 1st and 2nd next year. Sign Peyton Manning to a two year contract with a one year option. Trade Michael Turner to somebody for a 3rd round pick.
Over pay for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Consult with Peyton on the offensive coordinator (maybe Tom Moore, his old OC).
I know this is unreal, but a man can dream can’t he…
ohhhhYEAH
January 11th, 2012
1:49 pm
pretty good stats
AND…how many more wins….i.e. Roddy White dropping a game winning slant pass against the Saints, Julio dropping the game tying touchdown against Houston. Those are just two that i can think of
pretty good stats
January 11th, 2012
1:51 pm
Might have been Matt breaking Marino’s record on Monday night if we didn’t have so many dropped passes.
And no way do you get rid of a R. White, Julio and their talents due to something that can be corrected. ctfalcons crazy with his evaluations. We all know it.
ohhhhYEAH
January 11th, 2012
1:53 pm
Funny that Falcon Realist is the most unrealistically idealist on the blog. Whats that called? Irony?
ohhhhYEAH
January 11th, 2012
1:53 pm
Sooo……interesting choice of running backs up for free agency this year. We all know its a matter of time (probably middle of next season) when turner just blows a wheel and can’t get it going anymore. He has digressed every year so far. He still racks up yards but its usually only on one long run late in the game when the D is gassed. He doesn’t hit the holes like he did in ‘08. He doesnt run with authority like he did in ‘08 (except when he kept planting Griffin fron Tenn on his butt). The list includes Micheal Bush, Ryan Grant, Lynch, Steve Slayton (who had a great rookie year for the Texans before Arian Foster came along), Matt Forte AND…….Ray Rice. Snelling is a free agent, so I would like to see us pick one of these guys up, with Slayton or Bush probably being the more realistic, unless Forte was that fed up with the way Chicago handled him during last season.
ohhhhYEAH
January 11th, 2012
1:54 pm
Also, some very good free agent O linemen out there after this season. Ben Grubbs (from Baltimore), Carl Nicks (from N.O. ), Adam Snyder (from SF), and Nick Hardwick (from S.D.). Moves have to be made. McClure should be finished, If anything should be allowed to stay on to be a vet leader for young guys, but we should bring in Hardwick to take over at center. Not sure that i like Hawley at the Guard position either, which would be where Nicks or Grubbs would come in. Blalock and Clabo should be safe *for now* and Svitek did a great job coming in this year. I think he will be even better next year. Sam Baker….adios.
pretty good stats
January 11th, 2012
1:55 pm
By the way, every receiver is gonna have some drops….It just seemed that our guys had more in crucial situations….It happens…..we’ve had our fair share and maybe odds are that will change next season.
pretty good stats
January 11th, 2012
2:02 pm
Falcons have some very big offseason decisions…..the obvious needs are O-Line, and all defensive positions. Need to almost be perfect in the draft, free agency, and any possible trade scenario.
This team is fragile right now and Dimitroff and Smith have to be at their best. Also in the coaching hires. Biggest offseason since that philly nut’s chaos.
Northern S.
January 11th, 2012
2:06 pm
Been a Falcon Fan since the age of 4. Atlanta is my home town. To say that I’ve been waiting for SB Championship would be an understatement.
Mr. D if you really want to fix our “O” line, look into some agile 325-380 Summu wrestler from Japan. Experts using there hands to push not hold and quick enough to provide protection for a QB that can throw the ball 30yrds. with some zip. We fans know that you like Ryan but be honest with your self if not with us. M. Ryan is not an NFL calliber QB because his ball is just too slow and the deep pass hangs long enough for Dick Clark to come and intercept the ball….no disrespect Dick, we love you man.
You’ve relieved us of a half-a$$ “OC” and “DC” and the clock is ticking on the “HC”
M. Smith made his name in the NFL as a Deffensive Coach so why during the whole season the corners or DBs played 8-10yrds. off the line. Football is about timeing, so if U disrupt the timeing of the reciever’s route then you’ve won that play. Hint to M. Smith…have your DBs in the future play up on the reciever and make his route a living hell for the first five yrds. off the line because last I checked that was legal.
Mr. D one more suggesstion for U is that during the draft look at 3rd, 4th, and 5th round tall recievers about 6′3″ or better with speed that you could change to DBs because of the trend of across the league teams are getting big recievers that can just out jump the standard 5′6″ corner example Saits game with Gram jumping over Grims and remember Grims has hops for a short guy.
RECAP: Look into Summu Wrestlers for “O” line……no joke!!
Open up tryouts for QB position, get rid of Ryan and Redman save the team a few Million which is always nice. Onece you look a the film just be honest with yourself.
Last is a more aggressive Secondary….Taller and Meaner!!!
I hope the suggestions are better than the brow beating that you’ve been getting. Any questions feel free to contact me. Loyal FF.
hiramsaint
January 11th, 2012
2:10 pm
GEAUX SAINTS
ohhhhYEAH
January 11th, 2012
2:11 pm
Northern
Sumo wrestlers? That’s your answer? Yeah, sumo wrestlers are great at pushing around other men that also weigh 400+ lbs. What happens when you put a sumo wrestler on someone much smaller, faster, and more athletic than someone who eats 200 sushi rolls a day? You guessed it, the QB is PLASTERED all over the backfield.
As to you thinking Ryan is no good, well I’ll let your comment about getting a sumo wrestler on our O-line speak for how credible your opinion is. Especially about a QB who has improved every single year.
You, sir, are a genius
samoore57
January 11th, 2012
2:26 pm
The three most important upgrades this team needs and has needed over the past 3 years is the O-Line, D-Line and offensive play calling. Think of how much better Ryan could have been this year and I believe he had his best year of his short career…if he was not rushed in his decision making…one or two more seconds of protection would have help him with better placement of his throws.
The D-Line needs to put more pressure on the QB…We don’t put the fear in any QB…Our schedule is only going to get harder next year with the emergence of Cam Newton and we have to play Drew Brees twice…The kind of pressure we need is the not necessarily on the edge but up the middle so the QB can feel it and see it coming. Better pressure will only make our LBs and DBs better.
Offensive play calling The NFL is trending to be an Offensive League with all the rule changes (I’m not a big fan) but we need to be cognizant of the new directions. Never once did we throw a screen pass to a RB or a bubble screen to Julio in the last couple of games to slow the pass rush. Also I am favor with going for it on 4th down but my goodness we can’t run the same dive play with Turner or a QB sneak every time (especially when it hasn’t worked the last 4 times tried). I was hoping beyond hope that on the last 4th and 1 the Falcons would have done a Play action Pass…they were stacking the line and you have a Hall of Fame Tight End in Gonzalez.
Lastly I like TD and MS and I am hoping for a more imaginative Offense and less Vanilla Defensive…this League is moving forward as an offensive league and with that being said the aggressive defenses like the Packers may give up alot of yards but they get sacks, QB pressures and turnovers. I can’t wait to see the changes and am looking for to Free Agency and the Draft.