Atlanta Falcons: Weatherspoon expected to fill void
Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) fumbles the ball, stripped by Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (56). (Jason Getz / jgetz@ajc.com
Down at the league meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., our good pal Alex Marvez from the Late Hits show on SiriusXM NFL radio caught up with Falcons head coach Mike Smith on Wednesday.
Click for the link to the audio file.
In the interview, Smith talked about the new coordinators, the team’s leadership and how he expects Sean Weatherspoon to step into the void created by the departure of linebacker Curtis Lofton.
Under former defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder the Falcons regularly went with a 3-3-5 alignment on third downs. That didn’t work out too well as they couldn’t mount a consistent pass rush nor cover all zone sectors in coverage. The team finished ranked 29th in third down efficiency last season.
Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has played both the 4-3 and 3-4 alignments and Smith again alluded to the fact that they will be more “multiple” under Nolan. (Beat Writer’s Translation: Expect some 3-4 derivatives on third downs.) That will be something to watch when the rookie camp convenes a couple of weeks after the draft and later this summer during the OTAs and minicamp.
Here’s a transcript of the interview:
Mike Nolan, Mike Smith and Dirk Koetter. (Curtis Compton/Ccompton@ajc.com)
MARVEZ: You have two new coordinators coming in. Talk a little bit about the impact that you are hoping that will (have)on what is already a very good football team.
SMITH: We are very excited about the additions to our coaching staff. On the defensive side of the ball we have a new defensive coordinator in Mike Nolan, who’s got 14 years experience as a coordinator and 24 years in the NFL as an assistant coach. Mike is a guy that I worked for in Baltimore, so I have a very good understanding of what he brings to the table. Mike is going to bring a new dynamic to our defense, giving it s some flexibility in terms of being a little bit more multiple with his background in the 3-4 defense. He’s a very good third down coach in terms of his third down efficiency. He’s got great packages so I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do with our roster.
MARVEZ: What about on the offensive side of the ball?
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan will be throwing more deep passes under new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. (Jason Getz / jgetz@ajc.com)
SMITH: Dirk Koetter joins us from Jacksonville. Dirk was a very successful college coach at Arizona State. (The) vertical passing game is probably the thing that he is most strong in and it’s something that we want to work on. We feel like that we want to get the ball down the field a little bit more with our two wide receivers and our tight end. Dirk has brought in a new perspective. One thing about when there is change, you get a new evaluation of your roster from the outside. I think that’s a healthy, positive thing.
MARVEZ: Mike, how do you reflect on the 2011 season? You make the postseason, which is a positive, unfortunately, the season ends a little bit too soon for the Atlanta Falcons.
SMITH: I think it was a very inconsistent season for our organization. I don’t know that we ever got into the routine that we would have liked to have gotten into. It was kind of back and forth. I think that is something that we have to address moving forward. Then again, you want to be peaking at the right time, as you know, December and January is when you want to be playing your best football. Unfortu-nately, we haven’t done that. We haven’t played as well as we need to in the postseason. That’s something that starts with me and we have got to look at how we prepare our guys and get our guys ready to go.
MARVEZ: (Intor to question) Where is the locker room leadership right now on your team?
SMITH: Well, I think we have a great leadership group in our locker room. We’ve got a number of what I call mentors. On the offensive side of the ball you’ve got Tony Gonzalez. We were able to sign Todd McClure back (on Tuesday) which I think is a very positive move for us in terms of leadership. You’ve got Michael Turner and Matt Ryan. So, I think offensively we’ve got a number of guys that know how we do things in Atlanta and (know) what we’re looking for. Defensively, (we’ve) got John Abraham back on the defensive line. We lost Curtis Lofton in free agency so there is going to have to be a void filled there, but I think Sean Weatherspoon is ready to step into that role. Sean is a very verbal player and well –respected even though he’s only been in the league two years.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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173 comments Add your comment
gb
March 29th, 2012
10:56 am
first
Larry
March 29th, 2012
10:57 am
Lofa will be your new defensive leader
PMC
March 29th, 2012
11:06 am
The clear leader will be Spoon if healthy. I just don’t see how they expect to be more proficient vertically when the team has never been able to protect Matt Ryan for more than a second or two.
It is always mentioned that they gave up very few sacks several years ago…. ok fine, but the ball was coming out VERY EARLY too.
You almost never see this line provide the protection that the best teams give thier QB’s.
The vertical game here is going to be non existant until they get truely serious about becoming REALLY TALENTED on the offensive line.
Row 3
March 29th, 2012
11:06 am
Spoon will eat it up. Great opportunity for the young man.
Khaos
March 29th, 2012
11:07 am
Fire Smitty and Dimitroff
just sayin'
March 29th, 2012
11:11 am
the most effective ‘vertical’ game they have is the punt..oh, yeah…that’s what some of the current QB’s downfield passes resemble…
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
11:14 am
I think Spoon being that verbal energetic linebacker is a quality Lofton did not have. This team has got to provide a push up the middle to be successful IMO. I’m not sure Babineaux is the answer. We have got to get away from these undersized DT’s. If Jerry does not show huge improvement I say release his special needs behind at final cuts. The first interview Jerry gave I just thought he was slow mentally. This guy is 27 yrs old and has not shown up yet? I like Peters and I think a true nose tackle is on the menu for the draft. 2nd RD nose tackle 3rd RD Ladarius Green
the silverman
March 29th, 2012
11:15 am
I like Smith naming Weatherspoon as one of the defense’s new leaders. I like the way Spoon plays and believe he is perfect for the job. Hopefully we will get to see the Spoon dance a lot this year.
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
11:16 am
So some just show up to type “first” and don’t really have any comments related to football? Impressive!
Khaos
March 29th, 2012
11:17 am
No pass protection upgrades=no vertical passing game.
Fire Smitty and Dimitroff.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 29th, 2012
11:20 am
Khaos — Stop it!!! You don’t fire the GM with 4 straight winning season or a coach with a 43-21 record. More competition should help the pass protection. Wait and see.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 29th, 2012
11:22 am
Club Rock — I’m hearing OL in second round. Good thinking on NT because there’s no Grady Jackson clone on the roster. Green is definitely on their radar screen.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 29th, 2012
11:23 am
Row 3 – Yeah, Spoon will enjoy his new role.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 29th, 2012
11:26 am
PMC — I understand your thought pattern. I have to see exactly how they are going to achieve their goals. They must think coach Pat Hill can get them to pass protect better and longer.
PMC
March 29th, 2012
11:29 am
Firing Smitty and TD would be throwing out the baby with the bathwater.
We’re good, we want to be better but as long as these two guys are here we’re going to be competitive.
I just wish they would fix the obvious issues more quickly. They’ve been making the same mistakes for several years now. They have to be able to see that they aren’t getting to the QB on defense and they aren’t pass protecting well enough on offense, not to mention not being able to get one lousy yard when the season depends on it.
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
11:30 am
D. you thinking guard or tackle? Zebrie Sanders and Osemele might be there at 55. I doubt center though.
PMC
March 29th, 2012
11:32 am
I like Pat Hill DLed, to me it says a lot that he would come from a head coaching background where he’s been very successful and want to be a line coach even if the NFL is a step up from college. He was a very solid coach at Fresno, I’m glad he’s here.
My thing is, Paul Boudreau is no dummy, once Johnson got hurt last year, we were screwed at right guard. Not good and not his fault. I know they like versatile players, but the stuff we tried in that Chicago game deep when it was obvious they couldn’t protect Ryan… I just don’t get it.
It seemed like we tried to force a lot last year.
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
11:35 am
I’m just not sure their ready to give up on Johnson at guard yet and they signed Manuwai to play right guard or at least compete. Seems like Dimitroff signs free agents so he can use draft to fill other needs.
Sack lunch
March 29th, 2012
11:41 am
Hey D. Led any word on McNeil?
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
11:44 am
I’m not going to form any opinion on Pat Hill until I see what he does with this O-line. Coaches have been coming from the college ranks forever now and a lot of them end up right back where they started. He did not quit his college job to come here, he was fired,,,correct?
The Real Falcon
March 29th, 2012
11:45 am
Why would we spend our first pick on an OL when we need a TE to replace Gonzalez next year?
Also why can we never get an answer on McNeil from you Dled?
Cdpridg
March 29th, 2012
11:52 am
Ok..while Wetherspoon is filling Loftons void…who will be filling Wetherspoons??
Ivan
March 29th, 2012
11:52 am
Because the OL is bad. Really bad.
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
11:54 am
Obviously there is no info on Marcus McNeil. If there was you would have heard something by now. McNeil asked for a visit and workout with the Falcons and Dimitroff basically showed no interest. If you ask an employer for an interview and they don’t give you one, you should move on to other employers.
realitycheck
March 29th, 2012
11:55 am
McClure wants a ring?…………Wonder why he re-signed with the Falcons?……..cause we all know it aint happening here!
Ackshun
March 29th, 2012
11:56 am
@ Real Falcon
Hmmm that would be because we need a better O Line THIS year. Besides last year the Saints found Jummy Graham in round 7. We should be able to do as well.
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
11:58 am
FYI Jimmy Graham was drafted in 2010 and he was drafted in the 3rd RD not the 7th.
rollo lawson
March 29th, 2012
12:00 pm
We need to look at the DT from the University of Washington, Alameda Ta’amu: Washington (6-3, 337)
Atlanta Falcons: Weatherspoon expected to fill void | football-feed.com
March 29th, 2012
12:23 pm
[...] in Palm Beach, Fla., our good pal Alex Marvez from the LateHits show on SiriusXM NFL … read more Related Articles Share About Author [...]
JSS
March 29th, 2012
12:27 pm
PMC gets it!!! Scheme is not going to cure that weakness issue… They get bullied!
@ Rollo…
Psssst… Folks in these parts only want SEC players because they are the “only real” football players!!!
mars
March 29th, 2012
12:29 pm
Ben Jones is projected at somewhere between 55 and 59. Get him. I’d bet he’s dying for a chance to play for a real coach.
Allbrian
March 29th, 2012
12:33 pm
The Falcons will be just fine. All this crying that we lost in the first game of the playoffs needs to stop. We lost to the team that won the superbowl, the last 2 years. No one else could beat them either. Instead of whining and crying that we didn’t win last year, look forward and get excited about this year. The last couple of years the team that won the SB just got hot at the right time. That can happen to Atlanta too. Just hope and enjoy the season.
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
12:35 pm
Well that’s complete BS.
tpay
March 29th, 2012
12:56 pm
There are five tight ends on the roster at this time. This poaition will be a late draft pick or undrafted free agent.
Greg
March 29th, 2012
12:59 pm
PMC is right on it: On what basis should we expect that our OL will be better in pass protection? Apparently the only guys in the universe who think this will be solved with some coaching tweaks are TD & Smitty. We didn’t upgrade our personnel, and the result will be that against the better teams we won’t have the TIME to “get vertical.” I’ll start caring again about the Falcons when the management starts caring about the Falcons.
BIRDSFLYHIGH
March 29th, 2012
1:01 pm
@ Chub Rock, Dude why do you want an offensive linemen with injury issues like the o-linemen that we alread have dude! It really doesnt make sense to go after McNeil. The o-line wasn’t great but it did get us to the playoffs so a good o-line coach which by the wat Pat Hill is & a little tuning up may go a long way.
saints smell like hot mayonnaise
March 29th, 2012
1:09 pm
Well said Allbrian. I’m stoked.
The Real Falcon
March 29th, 2012
1:10 pm
Yeah I can see replacing a Pro Bowl Haoo of Fame Te with a that extra 7th round pick we received. That kind of thinking is how we got here. Losing ground. We will not find a TE to start that late. We need to groom that player this year.
With regars to the OL is there a starting LT available in the second round? I know there is a starting TE. Draft for talent not need.
The Real Falcon
March 29th, 2012
1:13 pm
Hope wins SuperBowls I guess, right?
What wins is putting the right players in the right positions, not hoping.
Jeff B
March 29th, 2012
1:17 pm
“I’m hearing OL in second round.”
Where did you hear that, from somebody at the FO? That’s the best rumor I’ve heard all day!
BIRDSFLYHIGH
March 29th, 2012
1:31 pm
I really dont think there is any really sure shot o-linemen in the second or third rounds. I say what until next year. If there are any great linemen in the second round them name them. Im waiting……..
BIRDSFLYHIGH
March 29th, 2012
1:32 pm
* wait
Allbrian
March 29th, 2012
1:35 pm
“Hope wins SuperBowls I guess, right? What wins is putting the right players in the right positions, not hoping.”
Ah, and as fans we get to make those decisions? Hope is all you can do buddy. And to all these want to be GM’s. You should be out there talking to NFL owners because you are obviosly better then their current GM’s. You know who will be good and who wont in our system without the help of the coaching staff or scouting department. That is talent!
Go Falcons!
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
2:02 pm
@ BIRDSFLYHIGH, Dude you show me one spot in my post where I said we should sign McNeil. My post was in response to the 11:45 post by The Real Falcon…dude LOL.
Greg Mendel
March 29th, 2012
2:04 pm
“I think it was a very inconsistent season for our organization. I don’t know that we ever got into the routine that we would have liked to have gotten into. It was kind of back and forth. I think that is something that we have to address moving forward.” — Mike Smith
He wasn’t talking just about the playoffs. The entire Falcon regular season was inconsistent. Addressing that inconsistency, as he says, is critical. The NY Giants were inconsistent last year, but won the Super Bowl.
I’ll give Smith the benefit of any doubt because his record has earned it. I’ve read a lots “doubts” on this blog, but I haven’t seen any “guarantees.” Except from Saints fans, of course.
Khaos
March 29th, 2012
2:17 pm
DLed with all due respect…you are a gentleman and a scholar (your work in the classrooms of the AUC supports this claim), but I stand by my Fire Smitty and Dimitroff tags.
I commend and appluad them for doing what no other coach and GM in the ATL’s history has done…four winning seasons. However, that’s no longer enough for me after being blown out 2 out of three playoff appearences.
Other than Rich McKay, Dimitroff has access to something no other ATL head coach/GM tandem has ever had: ownership with deep pockets and a commitment to win. The Smiths let guys like Deion walk. Blank makes guys want to play here. He goes to great lengths to bring the best here. So consistant winning for him isn’t the exception, it is the expectation. He’s given these guys every chance to succeed.That’s not common with the owners in this town not named Turner.
It’s become my expectation too. It no longer pleases me to just make it to the playoffs. The bad tastes of the Arizona (which I can forgive for year one…no one expected us to even make it in), Green Bay, and NY games still linger.
I’m not a believer in Smith’s philosophy nor do I agree with bringing guys like Decoud and Biermann back, but allowing Curtis Lofton to leave. We talk about protecting the QB and a vertical passing game. Yet our Oline has the same players.
We kept the core of a team that got thumped in the playoffs (sounds like another team in the city with a bird as its mascot).
So I’m screaming fire Smitty and Dimitroff all day until something significantly changes. If folks disagree with my take, no problem. It’s their right. However, I’m just sick of the embarrassing way we lose.
Yes, we’ve won four years in a row. It’s not easy in the NFL to accomplish this.
That said, I really believe if there were other guys here with the resources Smitty and Dimitroff have, we’d have better results in the playoffs.
Fire Smitty and Dimitroff
bobby
March 29th, 2012
2:20 pm
weatherspoon the most talented player on defense and he will have a pro bowl type season if he stays healthy.
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
2:31 pm
Just for farts and giggles if we fire Smitty and Dimitroff, who would we hire in their place? Anybody got suggestions? You see there are two parts to this process. You fire someone you better have a better replacement waiting in the wings.
AlanFalcon
March 29th, 2012
2:42 pm
Offense or defense, one of the two are going to show up and whef one does the other will, all of us knew that MM and BVG were not going to get the job done and after a through review after the season and not during the heat of the weekley games the continuation of failed systems installed by these two and the fact that Paul Boudreauwas even less effective was a plan for failure at the end, 2012 will bring a turn around, now get off you” arse” and support the team !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JSS
March 29th, 2012
2:44 pm
@ Chub Rock…
Perry Fewell, he didn’t get a fair shake in Buffalo… He certainly has seen now how to run a team during the good and bad from Coughlin now… If you want to take a long chance, go and get Clarence Shelmon off of his sabbatical, you won’t have to completely gut the whole offense roster, he knows the modified power version of the WC offense
Allbrian
March 29th, 2012
2:46 pm
“Just for farts and giggles if we fire Smitty and Dimitroff, who would we hire in their place? Anybody got suggestions? You see there are two parts to this process. You fire someone you better have a better replacement waiting in the wings.”
LOL! Exactly! No one understands that!
canadian falcon
March 29th, 2012
2:54 pm
Khaos…..shut the f*** up. Ive been a bird fan since 1990 and I am very pleased to have the sucsess we’ve had with this administration. Better to be winning and get a playoff game every year than to hang you’re head in shame year after year. Everyone who is on Ryans case should back off….. How many QBs in the modern era go to the playoffs and win right away…….not many i can think of. I’m looking forward to the season, and beleive we will be fine.
JSS
March 29th, 2012
2:56 pm
Allbrian…
Ha ha…. Read Page 1! Who were Smith and Dimitroff before they came here? You guys act like they were household names!
Jake
March 29th, 2012
2:57 pm
Khaos, It only takes me a couple of minutes to think back about how it was 10 years ago and appreciate watching the Falcons play now. Cleaning the coaching house is not a guarantee Super Bowl appearance…in fact, it makes the chances for that more slim. We’ve got guys that built a strong, but predictable, team. Our third down defense last year was awful. Inconsistency means you were both brilliant and terrible in spurts…so the potential to be brilliant is there within these coaches and players. Personally, I think the current level of coaching replacement may be enough to bring some unpredictability back into our game so our talent can shine a little more consistently.
Dan
March 29th, 2012
3:00 pm
What do you think about Travis Lewis from OK was a preseson top LB
Strengths:
Nice triangle numbers (height, weight, speed)
Deceptively strong
Highly instinctive
Love his hand use
Knows how to stack and shed blockers
Good job working through trash to get to ballcarrier
Very athletic and coordinated
Tough
Beast against the run
Intense playing style
Consistent
Sure tackler
Great agility and change-of-direction
Monster production going back to freshman season
Excellent closing speed
Good pass rusher
Versatile (4-3 SAM, 4-3 WILL, 3-4 ILB)
Good leader
Work ethic isn’t a problem
Active football player; doesn’t disappear
Love his overall skill set and talent
Good (not great) in pass coverage
Covers a lot of ground
True playmaker
JSS
March 29th, 2012
3:02 pm
“How many QBs in the modern era go to the playoffs and win right away…”
Tom Brady, Steve McNair, Kurt Warner, Ben Rothlesberger, Dante Culpepper, Joe Montana, Tim Tebow, etc… Actually the list is pretty deep…
Just saying…
But Ryan is pretty select company now, Ken O’Brien and Peyton Manning… Still, the Colts gutted their defense after 0-3…
Allbrian
March 29th, 2012
3:11 pm
JSS. Well they are the guys that have taken the Falcons to the playoffs 3 out of 4 years, but you’re right we should fire the guys that have given us the best 4 years in a row ever. Right before the draft too. We should get new guys every year! How many winning programs dump their head offices every 4 years?
Allbrian
March 29th, 2012
3:12 pm
Kurt Warner was bagging grocerys. it took him almost 10 years.
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
3:13 pm
Perry Fewell? Ok I would like to think we replace Smitty with an upgrade though. I can’t see firing Mike Smith to hire a Perry Fewell, a guy with little or no head coaching experience. Giants have 27th rank defense hmm I don’t see him being an upgrade. Whoever drafted those beast on that D-line in NY gets a lot of credit though. They do hunt when the time is right. Clarence Shelmon? Yea…no I don’t wanna take a long shot on a guy on sabbatical. I had to Google him LOL. You must know the guy. You a Cali native? Few would pull that name out of their hats. No long shots guys. We have a winning head coach already so if we’re going to fire him, it needs to be a sure fire upgrade. Next?
DePort
March 29th, 2012
3:13 pm
I would hate to work for you people on here … Yall would fire me for sneezing wrong! … Firing coaches does not always solve things … you people drive me crazy
JSS
March 29th, 2012
3:20 pm
1. I didn’t say fire him now…
2. You guys asked for replacements ready now…
3. There are only 32 jobs in this league, I’m done with the retreads. Parcells did not start out being Bill Parcells. Bill Walsh had to go down to get head coaching time in…Bill Cowher ain’t coming back for a job like Atlanta… Fewell will be a success like the Harbaughs have…
JSS
March 29th, 2012
3:24 pm
And there are “no” and I repeat “no” sure fire upgrades for a team up against the salary cap in the new CBA, get use to it! Spend smarter next time..
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
3:25 pm
JSS- “Fewell will be a success like the Harbaughs have”
See that whole crystal thought process…I’m just not buying. Is Perry Fewell your answer to the firing of Mike Smith? Also since we want to be clear, in what year exactly do you think we should fire Smitty?
JSS
March 29th, 2012
3:30 pm
Well, teams that have won SBs since 1998 or gone? The Giants dumped Fassell for Coughlin… The Colts who were successful till last year well , we all know the story… And then there is Green Bay, Mike Sherman for an unknown named McCarthy … Risk and reward!
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
3:31 pm
JSS- “And there are “no” and I repeat “no” sure fire upgrades for a team up against the salary cap in the new CBA, get use to it! Spend smarter next time..”
Please explain your meaning of this statement. Are we still talking about coaches here?
JSS
March 29th, 2012
3:34 pm
This is a make or break year for Smith… If they lay a playoff egg (if they even get there), he’s gone… You don’t have to buy it, some body else can get the reward… That is why you buy bonds the closer you get to retirement, it is for the risk averse…
JSS
March 29th, 2012
3:35 pm
You’re talking coaches and organizations, they are not things you can mutually separate anymore…
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
3:37 pm
JSS- “Well, teams that have won SBs since 1998 or gone?”….Huh?
Please don’t post comments until your sure we know what the heck your trying to say. OK so your logic for firing Smitty and hiring someone less qualified is because the Packers did it? Not even sure what your reference to the Colts was all about.
Allbrian
March 29th, 2012
3:39 pm
You don’t fire the GM with 4 straight winning season or a coach with a 43-21 record.
Allbrian
March 29th, 2012
3:41 pm
We are a competitive football team. We just need to build on what we have.
Open Minded
March 29th, 2012
3:51 pm
Mr. Blank will look to see if at the end of the Season we are playoff competitive… a playoff win is what constitutes proof that progress is made…. Even so…Smitty and Dimitroff are not getting fired unless we are pathetic during the regular season or if we just lay down in the playoffs. A close playoff loss will not result in a firing… remember all the years before Dimitroff & Smitty?????
ASHCAN
March 29th, 2012
3:52 pm
Don’t understand why people waist there time writing and commenting on a team that’s not gonna do anything.Four str8 winning seasons and a above 500 record seems to be enough for ledbetter and these fans.Every year you hear all the talk about a one and done post season and what certificates the coaches won.How about trophies?????? and i don’t won’t to hear some crap from a nutt kissing fan screaming,”the falcons have done good,there record since mike been here is 43-21 they went to the playoffs(one and done should’ve just stayed home) four str8 seasons,they have matt ryan(no arm and don’t have a clue in away and playoff games) and they are building”. Been hearing this saying since 1980!!!! Put a real QB behind the talent they have in there recievers.
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
3:53 pm
JSS- WTH does hiring a coach have to do with the salary cap?
JSS
March 29th, 2012
3:55 pm
I was very sure what I was saying… You’re not slow, petty maybe, but not slow… Look at the winners and losers of Super Bowls since 1998… Now look at the turnovers in all coaching staffs since then… Only the Steelers (the only changed the HC), the Colts, the Patriots, the Eagles, and the Titans did not have not turnovers in staffs (some multiple times). The NFL winners have consistency at the top of the coaching ranks has become the myth. The Titans and Eagles only had 2 SB appearances and no victories between them… Look, some of you willing to be like the Steelers were between 95 and finally winning in 05. The Rooneys could live with that… The difference is those teams actually won and were competitive in the playoff and Championship games… Sorry, the Falcons haven’t been in the mix since the early 4th quarter in Arizona, take the blinders off…
Allbrian
March 29th, 2012
4:08 pm
ASHCAN who do you propose we get to replace Ryan? It’s easy to bitch, but if you want to be taken seriously you need to have a solution to what you are complaining about.
JSS
March 29th, 2012
4:10 pm
Tsk tsk, if you’re up against the Cap, and you sticking with “what is essentially” the same roster you try “smoke and mirrors,” that is change the coordinators or the approach and “hope” that people catch on to your scheme! Arizona did it the year they went to the Super Bowl with Whisenhunt with Haley and Pendergrast together for 07-08. If you fail (see the 2007 Baltimore Ravens), you blow it up… You guys seem to forget that this team has/had a high number against the cap… What “upgrade head coach” (most people are conjecturing Gruden or Cowher when they make that statement) is going to go to a team against the cap and the talent has not performed in the post-season (andI’m not talking underachieving, but thrashed)?
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
4:14 pm
Your right I’m not slow but your post quite frankly make me think you are. Is Perry Fewell your answer to the firing of Mike Smith? Yes or no. I don’t want to talk about bonds or who has won the Super Bowl since 1998. Stick to topic. You want Mike Smith fired…correct? Your answer to the Atlanta Falcons woes of being one and done in the playoffs the last 3 or 4 years is Perry Fewell or Clarence Shelmon….right??
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
4:31 pm
Nobody has forgotten anything about the salary cap. I’m just trying to figure out what you saying between all of the ramblings and flashbacks. You talk in circles LOL. You say no coach would want to come here because the team has not performed in the post season. If the Falcons were performing well in the post season would you even be talking about hiring a new head coach?
Falclowns...
March 29th, 2012
4:31 pm
Will still not compete with the Saints….Saints rule even with no head coach….we are that superior….Falclowns are equal to the writer of this article…pathetic…
Barry
March 29th, 2012
4:35 pm
Hey Y’all:
We have better upgrade in all positions. Tampa Bay, Carolina, New Orleans have strengthen themselves with new talent. even the Niners have strengthen theor running back position by getting Brandon jacobs from the Giants. Why didn’t we take a look at getting him. Now that is a big, hard running, agressive, fast running back. The Niners got a steal. We also need to look at our secondary. The leauge and the division are going with tall, strong, fast receivers. We either have to strenghten our rush by getting some big defensive tackles that can move (like the old Grady Jackson) , come up with some good blitz packages or our secondary is going to get “TOASTED”. I hope we fix this.
On offense, we have the talent but I wish we could get some aggressive runnin running backs that know how to blast for the touchdown. I also wish we coud get back to our “zone blocking scheme” that we had for Warrick Dunn, especially with that small running back that we have. Our receivers will be GREAT!!!!
Well this is the perfect time to make changes and adjustments for the upcoming season. I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL THE SEASON STARTS. I KNOW COAH SMITH AND HIS NEW STAFF ARE COMING IN HUNGRY. THE PROCESS CONTINUES IN OUR GETTING TO THE SUPER BOWL. LET”S DO THIS . LET’s DO THIS TOGETHER IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!
………………………………..”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY………………………
.
Jonas
March 29th, 2012
4:40 pm
ASHCAN, JSS and all the COMRADE/SMITTY HATERS:
Please keep the ridiculous comments coming….you guys are hilarious. Honestly. It’s a damn good thing you don’t own the team; we’d be the Browns if you did. Or the Raiders.
A few thoughts on the complaints:
Scheme matters. See the 2011 49ers for proof. Changing coordinators matter. At 43-21, hasn’t Smitty earned the benefit of the doubt?
Letting Lofton go was a great call; he sucks against the pass, esp on third down. Birds were 29th on 3rd down D. Extra credit: Please review the Harvin touchdown on 4 and 13 against Minnesota for a refresher on Lofton’s pass defense.
The OL in 2010 was one of the best in the NFL; it stabilized after the sixth game last year. We had three new starters. They aren’t new anymore. Plus, we brought in the dude from Jacksonville, and we’ll likely draft someone on the OL. Do you genuises think that the Comrade isn’t aware that the O-Line needs to improve if we wanna throw deep? He KNOWS.
Last and most important, for all the Ryan haters:
Ryan has had one of the best statistical starts in NFL history. Dear God look it up if you doubt it. He’s got one glaring weakness: no touch on the deep ball. I bet he knows. I bet it keeps him up at night. I bet his good boy type A personality has him throwing bombs to his wife in the middle of the night trying to work on timing. With his winning percentage, why don’t you guys just sit back and give him a chance?
PMC
March 29th, 2012
4:48 pm
but speaking of caps…. Curtis Lofton is playing for a song of a cap number this year.
joewhite
March 29th, 2012
5:18 pm
kahos you have to be crazy to fire smith and td and bring in who?Peole act like the birds are just a horrible team.We get our line to protect a little more and defense to get some stops we are good, under nolan we i will get it done.
M. Smith
March 29th, 2012
6:06 pm
I am so glad Payton won’t be on the NO sideline. I am just sick and tired of getting my ass kicked by him.
JSS
March 29th, 2012
6:16 pm
No “circles” or “flashbacks,” just plain facts… As “I” said, Mike Smith has to win… It doesn’t matter if he goes 7-9 (Seahawks-2010), 8-8, or 15-1. If his team gets blown up in the playoffs (again), how anyone justify bringing him back?
On Fewell, he is just as bright any of the young coaches out there. And despite the fact he was given a train wreck in Buffalo, that team competed those last few weeks (7 games), only getting blown out once here in Atlanta… Don’t be a “snarky central blogger” and ask for choices (that you can actually get) and then get all nutty when they are put on the table… Ole 4th and inches, new age Barney Rubble is no nuclear scientist!
JSS
March 29th, 2012
6:28 pm
“Your answer to the Atlanta Falcons woes of being one and done in the playoffs the last 3 or 4 years is Perry Fewell or Clarence Shelmon….right??”
No, a different roster with actual stout lines and not overpaying a rookie QB by $20-25M (with salary cap implications) would have been the place to start addressing those problems. Hey, Mike Smith is like those 1970s Brokerage Houses, conservative on the surface to the general public; but when you really look at the books, they were cooked!!!
john
March 29th, 2012
6:32 pm
M. Smith, without Payton the Saints are still going to be tough to beat. They still have Brees at QB. Plus, Pete called all the plays for their offense at the end of the season and some will argue that with Pete calling the plays, the Saints offense is better. And from the sound of it, Bill will be the Saints head coach while Payton is out. I don’t want Bill as their head coach. All that’s doing is replacing Payton with the guy he modeled himself after. You thought Payton was tough to deal with, wait till Bill gets there. It’s like Payton x2.
jalex49
March 29th, 2012
6:37 pm
It’s hard to go vertical if as a quarterback you are laying flat on your back because your offensive tackle can’t keep people off your a_ _,especially from the left tackle position. It’s obvious that the fans are looking at the problem for the past years different than the coaches?
steven a smith
March 29th, 2012
6:46 pm
rollo lawson
March 29th, 2012
12:00 pm
We need to look at the DT from the University of Washington, Alameda Ta’amu: Washington (6-3, 337)
Great pick if Doug Martin or Coby Fleener are not available….
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
7:15 pm
Here you go again with your weird comments. We’re talking football and you go into Barney Rubble. You are much younger than I thought LOL. You truly are clueless. Matt Ryan was paid market price for a QB drafted 3rd overall before the rookie wage scale was implemented. So let me get you straight, now you want a different roster? LMAO! Earlier you wanted a different coach and when I asked you to give me replacement suggestions you gave 2 that don’t make much sense so now you just want an entirely different roster. Maybe you should just find you a different team. You don’t like the coach here nor evidently the players. What’s next? You gonna tell me the Falcons logo needs to be changed. Maybe Barney Rubble was a nuclear scientist living in that 1970s Brokerage house dancing around in your head because your brain is cooked. Write this down, because I don’t do very many predictions. Michael Smith will NEVER be replaced by your BFF Perry Fewell.
falcons2012
March 29th, 2012
7:56 pm
D.O.L i know that Mike Smith is dead set on Sam Baker but it would make Sam Baker work much harder if he knew his job was on the line. SO do you have any news on Marcus McNeil? He should come cheap since noone has offered him anything other then the lions
Bill
March 29th, 2012
8:12 pm
Hey dled did you think to pray?
JSS
March 29th, 2012
8:15 pm
Matt Ryan was not paid “market price” for the 3rd pick (his contract escalated the price for the pick)! Vince Young was picked in the same exact spot. 1. His contract was $72M added an extra year – he got a 6th year, and his guaranteed signing bonus was $34.75 million dollars,
Vince Young got five years with a sixth year team option (which the Titans voided) and as much as US$58 million overall (That is 11.6M per season but his contract was full of roster incentives and bonuses for performance) including only $25.7 million in guaranteed money. Sorry to tell you, but Ryan’s was not, his was straight cap devouring money! The previous year, Joe Thomas same spot in 2007 signed a 6-year contract worth $43 million, $23 million guaranteed, including a voidable year, with the Browns.
I don’t know what “markets and pricing” course you took, but please go and ask for a rebate…
Hey, just like Mike Tomlin, let’s see when history actually tells the story (on Fewell)? Everybody in Pittsburgh wanted Grimm or Whisenhunt!
You can’t keep your lies straight… You asked “if he was replaced” then who would “you” have in place? Like “I” said Cowher and Gruden are NOT coming back for the Atlanta job… And if they were to come back here, it would be to tear it down and start over… Wipe that!
JSS
March 29th, 2012
8:17 pm
And Chubb Rock was hellified in 1990, too bad you’re ruining his good name!
10 of 12
March 29th, 2012
8:59 pm
Fill the void ? Is Smitty lonely again ?
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
9:07 pm
By all indications you are an idiot. How did Vince Young perform after the contract was signed? What bench is Vince Young keeping warm? Vince Young is a free agent right now and nobody wants him. Vince Young was drafted in 2006. Matt Ryan was drafted in 2008 so quite naturally the salary/value is going to increase each year. WTF do you think it does dummy, stay the same every year? Surely your not simple minded enough to try to compare the LT market value to that of the QB? You always compare apples to apples not apples to oranges. One of the reasons why the NFL came up with the rookie wage scale is because each year the market value for players drafted in the top 10 was rising too high and thus too risky(Jamarcus Russell). The reason why I know you are mentally challenged is because you truly believe a businessman such as Arthur Blank would pay more than the market dictates for a QB picked 3rd overall. Your feelings are probably still hurt because Mike Vick is no longer using up good cap space in Atlanta. You brought up bonds and brokerage houses but you obviously know squat about the fact that the NFL is a business. Arthur Blank is not in the business of giving any player any more money than the market dictates. Trust me I do not need to tell a lie to destroy your minor league arguments LMAO. The truth is all I need to rip up your weak theories. Seriously, I’m rolling on the floor right now because you took the time to do all of this research of contracts and you didn’t have the first clue that values increase each season. The 2 years in between the contracts is why they are not the same. Wow you are a thick one huh? I can tell you really thought you were on to something because you got happy with your little Chub Rock comment. Your still ass backwards dude and it wasn’t even a nice try. Now you don’t even have to wipe that you can walk around with that stuck to your ass all day. Next?
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
9:08 pm
Enter your comments here
uncle rico
March 29th, 2012
9:09 pm
Witherspoon is a warrior and will pay big dividends for the Falcons. In fact, this team has many budding stars on both sides of the ball. But until we get a quality offensive line in place, it does not matter. One may say what they will about MS and the two new coordinators, but TD is responsible for not building this team for the long-run. Sure we have many quality pieces in place, but you do not go out an get a flashy wide receiver when the needs are on the offensive line. EVERY improvement project starts with a strong foundation. This responsibility falls squarely in the lap of TD!
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
9:25 pm
JSS- I’ll make this simple since you obviously can’t handle the complicated. Vince Young was drafted in 2006. Matt Ryan was drafted in 2008, obviously the market values increase annually. Did you honestly think they stay the same every year? Wow! When Joe Thomas becomes a QB drafted at the 3rd spot overall then you can use him in this debate. Lets stick to apples and apples OK no oranges please. Seriously, the fact that you don’t understand that the market values increase every year is troubling to me. One of the reasons the NFL came up with the rookie wage scale is because the market values had gotten out of hand on players drafted in the top 10. But regardless of all that, your argument is pointless and idiotic. Matt Ryan is our QB, he has signed his contract and it was a fair one. You speak of bonds and brokerage houses but you don’t have sense enough to know Arthur Blank is not giving Matt Ryan or any other player any more money than the market says he deserves based on where he was drafted and the position he plays. In this battle of minds I feel as though you are unarmed JSS. You can’t win the debate because you don’t know enough about the topic. You felt good about that last post I can tell but it is worthless because you don’t understand one basic concept. There is a 2 year difference between the time Vince Young got his contract and when Matt Ryan got his. In general players in the NFL become more expensive over time not less expensive. LOL
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
9:26 pm
DOL you ate my last post homie…not cool.
10 of 12
March 29th, 2012
10:02 pm
You really think Matt Ryans contract was fair or was it actually based on deperation ? Arty gave him way more money than his value at the time and over the last 4 years it has proven true. Good regular season yes but 72 mil was given and playoff wins and superbowl appearences expected to no avail ! In all actuality , player do become less expensive over time to the point where they don’t get paid at all and retirement follows. Arty would have to be a complete moron to pay Matty melt another 72 mil for mediocre ,at best , performances. Remember- it’s not regular season but post season and thats where Matty melt has failed to deliver , his pay goes down and he becomes less expensive. It’s pretty simple really but for a Failclown fan , I can see where you would view the simple as complex !
Chub Rock
March 29th, 2012
10:29 pm
10 of 12 – The last time I saw your postings that’s just how many inches you were looking for 10 of 12. LOL
Fred Macmurray
March 29th, 2012
10:54 pm
Jss,, for shame for shame,, posting under another name,,, I thought you never did that,, its obviously you,,,
Fred Macmurray
March 29th, 2012
10:55 pm
!
Fred Macmurray
March 29th, 2012
10:56 pm
I am Fred Macmurray and I didnt just fall off the turnip truck,, thank you and good night.
Falcons Quote of the Day: Falcons Third Down Defense | XSDirect
March 29th, 2012
11:25 pm
[...] But according to Mike Smith, our defense will have a radically different look this fall. Read this if you haven’t [...]
JSS
March 29th, 2012
11:43 pm
Market did not increase every year, you’re the only one who does get that point! It was one of the main reasons a rookie salary scale was one of the main points of the new CBA genius!!! The only pick that most teams gave leverage to the “No.1″ overall pick!!! Ryan got more guaranteed money than the No. 1 pick in the whole draft!!!
And sorry “Dude” you are the one who is “clueless.”
“Although the 2006 CBA states, “Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall be construed to mean that any Rookie’s Salary is predetermined by any Allocation or Formula Allotment,” for all practical purposes, there are very few opportunities for a drafted player’s contract value to vary significantly from those of his peers selected immediately before and after him in his draft year, or in his selection (pick #) in preceding drafts.
The league’s formula allows franchises to approach rookie contract negotiations with a strong bargaining position, because under the language of the CBA, the franchise is only allotted certain dollars with which to sign all of its rookie players. For better or worse, this also levels the playing field for many franchises, essentially publicly stating that all teams have the same financial ability to sign their draft picks. Primarily due to this Rookie Cap, and the fact that the NFLPA provides considerable contract assistance through the sharing of previous rookie contracts, rookie contracts per draft selection (pick #) rarely vary significantly from year to year. This fact is particularly pronounced for rounds two through seven, in which the majority of contracts consist solely of base salary and a signing bonus.”
Dimitroff started a snowball, every QB after Ryan blew up the Falcons rookie cap. Everyone had the “SAME AMOUNT” of money to sign rookies. No # 3 pick before him got a bonus that big, and none after him did either! To show you the obvious, Mark Sanchez, chosen at the #5 overall pick in 2009 Draft, just two picks later got only 5 years at $44.5 million with a $28 million guarantee. Shoot, I’ll even throw Stafford’s contract in since he was a NO. 1 OVERALL PICK. $72 million (wow, where’s the inflation?), $41.5 million guaranteed, but still only 6 years… Why didn’t he get a larger base salary than Ryan genius? He was the number one pick in a subsequent draft? You say all salaries go up? What happened? The freaking Rookie salary pool happened that’s what!
Has anybody else been that stupid with their rookie salaries? Sure, Billy Deavaney (former St. Louis Rams GM) who threw $50 million dollars in guaranteed money at Sam Bradford and poor dead Al Davis who threw $31.5 million in guaranteed at JaMarcus Russell… They are both out of a job by the way! Oh, since you say that inflation always happens in players salaries, even though the NFL has a salary cap (and it has risen only incrementally in the past two years since the uncapped year), explain this fact? Don’t let the “new reality” slap you in the face, you’ll be like the Cowboys and Redskins!
JSS
March 29th, 2012
11:49 pm
Fred Macmurray
March 29th, 2012
10:54 pm
“Jss,, for shame for shame,, posting under another name,,, I thought you never did that,, its obviously you,,,”
Sorry Mike, Rob, and Chip’s Dad… It was not me, sorry to disappoint you… Drop a note to AJC IT and see if they can find your culprit…
An NFL expert
March 30th, 2012
12:10 am
Falcons draft:
2nd round- Dwyane Allen, Clemson/Orson Charles, UGA/Ben Jones, UGA.
3rd round- Josh Chapman, Alabama
4th round (Falcons will trade if they are smart)- Dequan Menzie, Alabama
JSS
March 30th, 2012
12:27 am
And since you brought it up, it was not the “whole Top 10 of the first round” that had gotten out of hand. There was always 3 or 4 teams. The Falcons did it more than once (Ryan and Jamal Anderson before him-two separate GMs) and blew up the round! Jake Long signed a resemble contract in 2008.
Wow, Dimitroff, Billy Deavaney and Al Davis sure were busy!!!
2008 Rookie Signings
Jake Long, OT, (Miami Dolphins, 1st Overall Pick): Signed a 5-year, $57.75 million contract
Chris Long, DE, (St. Louis Rams, 2nd Overall Pick): Signed a 6-year, $60 million contract
Matt Ryan, QB, (Atlanta Falcons, 3rd Overall Pick): Signed a 6-year, $72 million contract
Darren McFadden, RB, (Oakland Raiders, 4th Overall Pick): Signed a 6-year, $60 million contract
Glenn Dorsey, DT, (Kansas City Chiefs, 5th Overall Pick): Signed a 5-year, $33 million contract
Vernon Gholston, LB, (New York Jets, 6th Overall Pick): Signed a 5-year, $32.5 million contract
NFL Players Association president Kevin Mawae isn’t a fan of big rookie contracts.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3406508
Quote:
NFL Players Association president Kevin Mawae isn’t a fan of big rookie contracts.
When the talent calls you out, then I guess the market has spoken…
Heard On “The Herd”
NFLPA president Kevin Mawae explains why Matt Ryan’s new contract is disheartening to him.
• Dolphins kicker Jay Feely believes more than 90 percent of players are unhappy with the salary system
On “The Herd” on ESPN Radio on Wednesday, Mawae, the Tennessee Titans center, commented on quarterback Matt Ryan signing a record-setting contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
“As a guy who has been in the league for 14 now going on 15 years and being around other veteran guys, for a young guy to get paid that kind of money and never steps foot on an NFL football field, it’s a little disheartening to think of,” Mawae said. “It makes it tough for a guy who’s proven himself to say ‘I want that kind of money’ when the owners, all they’re going to say is, ‘Well, you weren’t a first-round pick.’
“And I know there is sentiment around the league amongst the players like, ‘Let’s do something to control these salaries and control these signing bonuses’ and things like that, and I know that’s something that the owners are talking about and I’m sure that’s going to play in to this round of negotiations for this collective bargaining agreement,” he said.
Ryan became the second top draft choice to sign when he accepted a six-year, $72 million contract that included $34.75 million in guarantees. Less than a week before the draft, tackle Jake Long signed a five-year, $57.75 million deal with the Miami Dolphins.”
Chub Rock
March 30th, 2012
12:30 am
JSS- You are entirely too stupid for me to continue a conversation with. They say that no amount of learning can cure stupidity so I obviously can’t teach you anything. I’ll bet when you stand up real fast you get dizzy cause you sure are dizzy on this blog. Your probably one of those undercover down low closet Saints fans looking for 10 of 12. LOL
JSS
March 30th, 2012
12:34 am
I guess since you’re into “markets” and understand them more than the rest of us, you’ll say Matt Ryan is worth a $17 million a year in his extension? He’s a base year $13.5M this year, and say 25% increase? I mean, are you serious?
JSS
March 30th, 2012
12:37 am
Only “down low” is between you and someone like Eddie Long… Enjoy your salary cap hell, you deserve it!!!
mark
March 30th, 2012
12:44 am
i love it!!!! time to open the playbook and let matt control de tempo of the game, i cant wait to start the season, nolan brings another level of agressiveness to the D and remember me, spoon is going to the pro bowl this year as a starter, so bad he wont play that game, well be on new orleans
A-Ville Ranger
March 30th, 2012
4:59 am
Pure and simple, Matt Ryan has been the problem in trying to go vertical with the passing game. He hasn’t really thrown a good deep ball in years. I don’t know if Nolan can over come that basic problem with different plays or if he can help Ryan both strengthen his arm and and help him become more accurate deep.
Brent
March 30th, 2012
5:19 am
@khaos
You are obviously an idiot. Smith and dimitroff are the best hires this franchise has ever made. Even Dan reeves didn’t have back to back winning seasons here. It takes time to build a truly great team!
ASHCAN
March 30th, 2012
8:23 am
@ALLBRIAN,see your one of the nutt kisser i’ve been talking about.Speaking of replacement of your nutt kisser matt ryan,he will replace himself and be superbowless when he exits.
vesaversa
March 30th, 2012
8:38 am
Sean Weatherspoon will turn into a beast this year.
fansince74
March 30th, 2012
8:58 am
Weatherspoon is a better all around Linebacker than Lofton was. Lofton was very good though.
fansince74
March 30th, 2012
9:02 am
Those of you who rail on Matt Ryan be quiet! Because you really don’t know what you’re talking about. Matt Ryan has yet to have a losing season in the NFL. That is elite status.
NewYork1
March 30th, 2012
9:41 am
Khaos your stupid nuff said
vw
March 30th, 2012
9:51 am
As long as these coaches can communicate with the players, they will be fine. The talent is already there. Smith admitted about the organization’s flaws last year. If they corrected that and the players execute on the field, falcons should be able to have another successful season. Go Birds!
NewYork1
March 30th, 2012
9:57 am
We have some very fickle Falcon fans in this town.
thouhtful
March 30th, 2012
10:02 am
Later for reports, draft TE Orson Charles, 2nd, he can go vertical! Then get Boykin in 3rd, he is a playmaker. Make a trade and get fast Miami LB Sam Sheilds in the 4th, another playmaker. Take a chance on smart QB from Boise St. with 5th, the steal of draft DeAngelo Tyson with 6th and FB
/TE Figgins in 7th. Quickly sign every good undrafted OL, DE, WR, and DB. Sign good buy FA’s like Sanders and watch the waiver list carefully where good bargins can be found. I’m convinced if the FALCONS do this we can go to the SUPER BOWL baring injuries.
Ross
March 30th, 2012
10:07 am
Has anyone heard if the falcons will look for an offensive lineman with their 2nd round pick?
shesoleo
March 30th, 2012
10:54 am
Spoon will take that opportunity and run with it,he is very vocal, an in your face type of guy. Lofton was never that type of leader. Even without having the title of captain last year I felt Spoon showed more leadership than Lofton.
BIRDSFLYHIGH
March 30th, 2012
11:16 am
@ Shesoleo, Great point!
BIRDSFLYHIGH
March 30th, 2012
11:20 am
@ Thoughtful, Orson Chareles is to short, to slow & doesn’t catch the ball all that well, plus he’s already demonstrated a nice level of stupidity!!!!! He’s what the Falcons would call a black dot player & so would I. Know thanks, we are good!
The BirdWatcher
March 30th, 2012
11:31 am
“Under former defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder the Falcons regularly went with a 3-3-5 alignment on third downs. That didn’t work too good as they couldn’t mount a consistent pass rush nor cover all zone sectors in coverage. The team finished ranked 29th in third down efficiency last season.”
Question/Comment: Based on this statement if you see something is not working why not change it up? You had 4 years to change this whether it was scheme or personal, am I right in my thinking?
Careful Curmudgeon
March 30th, 2012
11:42 am
I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m not very optimistic about this season. We still have question marks on the O-line and D-line. I hated to see 5-0 go too. And I hear Smitty talk a great deal about how Koetter is strong in the vertical passing game… I think that’s great, but successful long passing plays are the result of a combination of things, not the least of which, is solid blocking up front!
St Simons - we're on Island time
March 30th, 2012
11:55 am
no secondary
no pass rush
no upgrades on OL
expect a different result – what do they call that again?
Samuel
March 30th, 2012
12:13 pm
I just want to see the team win and be very successful year to year………
PMC
March 30th, 2012
12:24 pm
It certainly does not seem as if the staff did much self evaluation at all over the last 4 years.
PMC
March 30th, 2012
12:25 pm
Careful, we have to be a little patient and see what they do in the draft and afterward, I think they probably make tweaks especially on the OL all the way into September.
Bruce
March 30th, 2012
12:35 pm
With the Falcons not resigning Lofton, does it seem that TD is admitting that he was wrong in his evaluation of Lofton’s abilities. I am tired of all the credit TD gets as a GM and then seeing how few top notch players he has drafted on the field each Sunday.
PMC
March 30th, 2012
12:54 pm
This piece by Pat Y on Baker and Jerry is enlightening and terrifying.
Smith says Baker played WELL in the first 5 games of last season?
Injured or not, there’s no need to inject that, we all saw the Bears game thanks. If Sam Baker gets back to adequate that’s nice, but seriously, they can’t be serious that they feel good going into a season with Sam Baker as the starter at Left Tackle….. we’ve seen this movie before, I mean It’s getting 80’s horror film repetitive at this point.
PMC
March 30th, 2012
12:56 pm
It’s not Bakers fault, he was never going to be better than serviceable. Everyone knew this, they had to. He’s played as well as he can, my beef is not with him, it’s with the team for not doing virtually anything about that position since then.
DawgDad
March 30th, 2012
1:01 pm
A second round draft pick is not at all likely to help the O-line this year, in terms of helping the Falcons return and advance deeper in the playoffs. A second-round linebacker or DE is a better bet for immediate value.
The Falcons are starting to bleed out good veteran players like Dahl and Lofton. I’d feel a lot better about this if more of the TD draft picks were contributing in the trenches; maybe this year they will.
PMC
March 30th, 2012
1:03 pm
I’m hoping for a DE at 55 specifically Vinny Curry, but know well enough by now to not get my hopes up.
Paddy
March 30th, 2012
1:26 pm
Kahos……..have you EVER been on ANY kind of team? By your comments, my guess is NO! What a Maroon!!!!!!!!!!
Dirtybird 82
March 30th, 2012
1:43 pm
Fire Smitty and Dimitroff!! 4 consective winning seasons is good, but going 0-3 in the playoffs is what really matter. Dirk Koetter is nobody’s coach and the defense has no valuable playmakers outside of Weatherspoon, Moore, and Grimes. Don’t mention Abraham because he lucked up on a bad Jacksonville team (which Koetter was on) to pick up 3 of those meaningless sacks. Therefore, fire Smitty and Dimitroff!!
Scott Case
March 30th, 2012
2:22 pm
Spoon will be a top 5 linebacker in the NFL this year. He was a machine last year. After not wrapping up a tackle against Green Bay, he was on a mission. Love this guy – let’s get ‘em kid
Khaos
March 30th, 2012
2:25 pm
It’s amazing how folks around here throw around words like “moron” and “shut the expletive up” when someone gives their own opinion based off perception and fact. I have played some football, thank you Paddy.
I’m not asking for anyone to agree with me. However, my discontent with this regime centers on the fact that Blank has been more than generous with his resources and provided them opportunities to build a good team. Not every coach who’s been with the Falcons has been afforded this luxury. I was here for the Smith regime and there is a discernable difference. So for me…winning is the expectation. I expect to win four years in the row. The problem (I believe) is that this city has experienced so much losing in the past, the temptation is to embrace playoff appearences rather than championship aspirations. I don’t believe what I’ve seen here as of late looks like championship moves.
Hiring the likes of Dirk Kotter (who coached the worst offense in the league and hasn’t had any major success at the pro level, keeping Baker and Jerry, and re-signing guys like Kroy B. and Thomas D. doesn’t give me hope. Making no personel changes after being thumped by Green Bay AND NY is downright irresponsible to me. It suggest that all of the problems the Falcons had was attributed to coaching. I refuse to believe that BVG’s scheme caused guys like Decoud to wiff at tackling.
Point blank: I’m not sold on Dimitroff’s philosophy or Smitty. I believe both are compentent. But, I also believe that Blank has provided them resources to have a modicum of success. I believe Blank has built the organization up to where better options are available and could do more. They didn’t hire me to be the GM. Yeah, they know more than I’ll ever know. That said, the eye test tells me that what went down in the dome the past two years is unacceptable.
Fire Smitty and Dimitroff
Khaos
March 30th, 2012
2:27 pm
Oh yeah…maroon is a color…just sayin…
Fire Smitty and Dimitroff
dawgrific
March 30th, 2012
2:44 pm
Take it up a notch spoon, as it is now YOUR Defense!!! Good riddance Lofton, enjoy that drama in the Big Easy!!! It almost always comes down to the money doesn’t it, as loyalty, familiarity and stability rarely seem to win out anymore (even when the money is still very good).
Go Falcons!!!!!
Brian Penson
March 30th, 2012
2:54 pm
The problem is that Lofton’s proficiency against the run allowed Spoon to be a good in other areas. 170 tackles is alot of production to replace. Lofa Tatupu will not fill that void. His best year was just over 100. Lofton should have been an all pro but he didnt make noise. Spoon has a spoon!
yeahsure
March 30th, 2012
3:09 pm
Orson Charles may fall because of the DUI. Grab him in the 3rd. Grab a OT or NT in the 2nd.
TD also mentioned the possibility of trades. We havent seen any yet so are we waiting for the draft?
On the topic of the 3rd downs. Anything has to be better than what we were doing last year. I’ve seen what Nolan can do and trust him a lot more than BVG.
yeahsure
March 30th, 2012
3:14 pm
Also TD has a history of addiing to the roster late into the offseason after initial cuts. We got Sanders and Hayden last year who were good pickups (only if they had stayed healthy). The draft hasnt even passed yet. Why does everyone here think we will have the same roster as last year. Its a long offseason. FA is just part 1.
PMC
March 30th, 2012
3:21 pm
I think most people are a little annoyed that the Falcons haven’t kicked the tires on Dimitrius Bell or Marcus Mcneill (at least that we know about publically anyway) and they haven’t been rumored to even be searching to upgrade the Left tackle positon that has been a problem…. oh for the last decade at least.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 30th, 2012
3:41 pm
ProFootballTalk.com has their visit tracker up. (It’s unsourced, but we can and will certainly call the agents to confirmations or denials. –dol)
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/29/2012-draft-visits-and-workout-tracker/
Atlanta Falcons
Alabama defensive tackle Josh Chapman (?/?).
*Louisiana-Lafayette tight end Ladarius Green (?/?).
*Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward (?/?).
+Montana defensive back Trumaine Johnson (?/?).
*Virginia Tech running back David Wilson (?/?).
+Illinois safety Tavon Wilson (3/?, 4/?).
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 30th, 2012
3:42 pm
PMC — The fans want to upgrade LT. Coach Smith is fine with Baker. Move on to something else.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 30th, 2012
3:43 pm
yeahsure – Good points. TD has been very active in each of the drafts.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 30th, 2012
3:44 pm
Khaos – We just ask that you make some sense. You’re not making much sense with these rants.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 30th, 2012
3:49 pm
Ross – Yes. Brandon Brooks, Miami of Ohio could be on their radar screen, according to PFW Nolan Nawrocki. Here’s Brooks bio: http://www.muredhawks.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/brooks_brandon00.html
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 30th, 2012
3:52 pm
Chub Rock — Will look in the spam folder for it.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 30th, 2012
3:53 pm
Bill – All the time!
torgo
March 30th, 2012
3:54 pm
Actually, by now they should have kicked the tires on Marcus McNeill. When he was visiting the Lions the week before last, he said he also had visits upcoming with the Chiefs and Falcons the following week. He said he’d make the rounds and visit all the teams on his list before he made any final decisions.
So we might actually be in the hunt for that one.
As for firing coaches, having BVG out the door should make a world of difference. Those plays where he’d blitz safeties from their cover two shell or blitz corners from outside the far hashmark were just plain stupid. Even if the guy is totally unblocked, he can’t run 30 yards to the QB before the QB notices and takes advantage of the hole in the zone coverage.
That rotation play where a DE drops into coverage on one side and either a linebacker or nickel corner rushes from the other side is just as bad. Give this two seconds of thought: would you rather have John Abraham rushing the QB, or would you prefer to have him attempting to cover a tight end?
We actually do have the talent on defense, and outside of having free agents remaining at safety and cornerback, we also have the depth. It definitely will be interesting to see what difference a competent defensive mind can make with the scheme.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
March 30th, 2012
3:57 pm
falcons2012 – I’ve called McNeill’s agent for y’all. Haven’t heard back from Mr. Alvin Keels. That ususally means nothing is going on. Asked him to keep us posted if thing change. Falcons have told us nothing was set up, so that hasn’t changed.
10 of 12
March 30th, 2012
4:22 pm
@ chubby- Is that the best you have? I presented an argument to you and that was the best response you could muster? Jss needs to debate with someone other than the mindless on here though they do seem to be the majority. Good news for you…you’re at the top of the list !
10 of 12
March 30th, 2012
4:24 pm
Hey DOL , any info on Kelvin Hayden for us ? Is he trying to pull a Lofton so he can really have a chance at a ring this year?
PMC
March 30th, 2012
4:36 pm
Appreciate you checking on the tackles for us D Led.
Nativebird
March 30th, 2012
5:53 pm
Spoon is a natural to step in to the D leader role…heck he was doing it unofficially in his rookie year. he’s a stud…he’s got the game, the attitude, the smarts and the smack….and backed up 100%. the full package….watch out…multiple pro Bowls on the way.
Z-ro
March 30th, 2012
10:42 pm
i dont care how long you protect matt his deep ball is pathetic this is a dink and dunk offense hoping the receivers can shake free once they catch it…i like matt he’s a winner but he doesnt have the tools to be elite! Matt cant hit stone mountain with an ironing board!
Dmack757
March 31st, 2012
3:26 pm
What about McNiel is a good question; did we find out that he is too big of a risk? Will we find an upgrade at DT in the DRAFT. A REAL CORNER THAT CAN COVER? WHAT ABOUT A QUARTER BACK TO CHALLENGE SLUSSHY ICE SO MAYBE HE CAN STEP UP AND PLAY BIG IN THE PLAYOFFS!! DOES ANYONE THINK WE CAN WIN THE SOUTH THIS YEAR WITHOUT UPGRADING PERSONNEL, OR WAS OUR COACHING STAFF JUST THAT BAD? ONE THING THAT I DO KNOW IS THAT COACH SMITH DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO PREPARE HIS TEAMS FOR BIG GAMES!! MAYBE MIKE NOLAN WILL HELP HIM DO BETTER! I AM SURPRISE HE DID NOT GET A COACHING JOB THIS YEAR….
Falcons Smith says LB Weatherspoon can fill gap left by Lofton | Sports, News, Entertainment, US Legislation
March 31st, 2012
4:49 pm
[...] Weatherspoon is ready to step into that role,” Smith told Sirius XM NFL radio, via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Sean is a very verbal player and well–respected even though he’s only been in the [...]
Backlinkz − Falcons Smith says LB Weatherspoon can fill gap left by Lofton − Backlinkz
March 31st, 2012
5:39 pm
[...] Weatherspoon is ready to step into that role,” Smith told Sirius XM NFL radio, via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution[5]. “Sean is a very verbal player and well–respected even though he’s only been in the [...]
Common Sense
April 1st, 2012
1:13 am
Pat hill? Smitty? Free agency? Scouting? DT? O line? Around that,a very impressive roster.
Common Sense
April 1st, 2012
1:22 am
Way to pumped for next season. Lawrence Sidbury was a monster in college, I hope he carry’s that chip into next season. His time is coming. My boy Decoud is gonna step it up, his football IQ is higher than he gets credit for. Watch his end zone picks from last season. And Ladarius Green better be out 3rd round pick or else im gonna fight a Falcon. One year under gonzalez with some strengh training and we got a future Hall of Famer. Yep I said it first. 2nd pick………..Best available talent maybe even trade turner or the pick for more picks. GET PUMPED!!!!
Atlanta Falcons: Weatherspoon expected to fill void | NFL Online News
April 1st, 2012
4:27 am
[...] Atlanta Falcons This entry was posted in Atlanta Falcons and tagged Atlanta, expected, Falcons, fill, void, Weatherspoon. Bookmark the permalink. ← NFL Roundup: Report: Payton appealing suspension Friday (Yahoo! Sports) [...]
Smith Has Faith In Weatherspoon | XSDirect
April 1st, 2012
9:38 am
[...] with Atlanta brought more respect and leadership. Mike Smith recently spoke on this matter in an interview with Alex Marvez on Sirius XM NFL radio, reported on DOL’s [...]
JSS
April 2nd, 2012
11:38 am
DeCoud and Football IQ, wow that is as opposite as hot and cold! Don’t believe me, as Jeremy Maclin and Hakeem Nicks!
G-Dawg
April 2nd, 2012
4:25 pm
Dent will step in nicely at the LB position.
Matt Ryan’s Biggest Flaw to Be Tested in 2012 | :: Sparxxrx LLC ::
April 3rd, 2012
11:38 am
[...] There have been several interviews with Falcons head coach Mike Smith since the 2011 season ended, and in those pressers he mentions the coming emphasis on the vertical game. [...]