
Falcons running back Michael Turner emerges from the smoke and fire to take on the Ravens in Atlanta. Curtis Compton, ccompton@ajc.com
FLOWERY BRANCH – It’s admission time.
Those recent tweets have been ignored because they don’t make good football sense.
But with the Maurice Jones-Drew and Shad Khan standoff boiling over in Jacksonville, posing the question is in order.
Turner doesn’t want a drastic cut in his carries.
Should the Falcons and the Jaguars swap out running backs? To some of you all, a Michael Turner-for- Jones-Drew trade makes some sense.
I received this tweet to @AJCFalcons from @Andrewtuce:
“@AJCFalcons don’t u have to try and get Mjd if u r the falcons? We aren’t winning anything with broken m turner”
I received this tweet to @DorlandoLed from @EliotLehrman:
@DOrlandoLED Do YOU think we should trade for MJD? Let’s make some noise! MJD to ATL! #WWMJD We want MJD! #Falcons “
Jones-Drew has two years remaining on his contract with the Jacksonville-London Jaguars. (They have agreed to play one game for four years in London. Wonder if that’s a prelude to becoming the Los Angeles Jaguars. Google: Covered seats.)
The holdout is getting a little messy. Jones-Drew’s agent Adisa Bakari of Washington, D.C. is a standup guy and works with the media when teams are making concerted efforts to stop agents from talking to the press. But Jones-Drew received $21.8 million in the first year of the five year deal. He’s set to make $9.4 million over the next two years.
The shelf life for running backs is not very long and Jones-Drew has been heavily used in Jacksonville.
The trade would reunite the running backs with the coordinators that they have enjoyed a great deal of success with.

Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew practicing against the Falcons in Flowery Branch in 2010. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com
Mike Mularkey called the plays in Atlanta that helped Turner rise from a backup to LaDainian Tomlinson to a Pro Bowler. As you all know, he’s the head coach for Jacksonville/London now.
Jones-Drew led the league in rushing last season and turned into a Pro Bowler with Dirk Koetter calling the plays for him. Of course, Koetter is now the offensive coordinator for the Falcons.

110801 Flowery Branch - Former Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey signals to the offense while players ran through the first padded practice at training camp in Flowery Branch on Monday, August 1, 2011. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
Jones-Drew is 27. Turner turned 30 in February.
The case for keeping Turner is that the Falcons are 22-3 when he runs for more than 100 yards.
Turner has accounted for more than 1,450 yards in offense in three of the past four seasons. He’s gone to two Pro Bowls and made the All-Pro team after his mega-2008 season. Turner is still a weapon in a passing league.
With Koetter at the controls in Jacksonville, Jones-Drew led the league in carries with 343 in 2011. He was eighth in the league with 299 carries in 2010 and fifth with 312 carries in 2009.
Turner turned 30 on Feb. 13. Traditionally, turning 30 signals the end of the road for running backs.
However, Turner may be a little different because he was used sparingly as a reserve in San Diego. He had just 228 carries in four seasons with the Chargers.
Another reason why this trade doesn’t make sense is because in addition to Turner, the Falcons already have Jacquizz Rodgers, who will share the position with Turner and based on coach Mike Smith’s comments, will get a shot to win the fulltime job down the road.

Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/DLedbetter@ajc.com)
Smith has repeatedly called Rodgers a three-down back.
Basically, the Falcons don’t have a need for a running back they already drafted.
Look for Jones-Drew to head back to Jacksonville soon, perhaps with the promise that the Jags will look more closely at an extension before next season.
That would be the win-win-win move for the Jags, MJD and the Falcons.
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VIDEO: Post game presser with head coach Mike Smith
104 comments Add your comment
jES
August 23rd, 2012
5:14 am
First
GDawg
August 23rd, 2012
5:40 am
No to MJD. Would rather have Quizz.
HighCountryFalcon
August 23rd, 2012
5:40 am
don’t know the Falcons cap situation, but if they can make it work with a new contract for Drew, I say yes!!!
Marcus
August 23rd, 2012
6:21 am
It doesn’t improve an area of need. Now, if we are last in the NFL in rushing after week 2, phones will be ringing if MJD isn’t signed by then. Of course, if Burner is burned out (by evidence of suddenly impotent Falcons rushing attack), we lose all trade leverage.
Greg
August 23rd, 2012
6:23 am
Turner never showed very quick feet, but as others have pointed out, in pre-season this year he has looked especially slow getting going out of the backfield, and his gains have been pretty pitiful. But I suspect he’ll be OK once the games start counting. (I’m worried more about the O-line than Turner.) I agree with GDawg: MJD would not add enough value, given his price tag, and given that we have Rodgers, who seems to be developing very nicely.
Rick
August 23rd, 2012
6:40 am
@Greg….his gains have been anything but pitiful…..I’m thinking somewhere between 12-15 lbs….over the past 3 months …very impressive
Me Too
August 23rd, 2012
7:12 am
The case for keeping Turner is that the Falcons are 22-3 when he runs for more than 100 yards.
This stat is NOT a case for keeping Turner. What has he done in the big games the Falcons needed to win and in playoff games????
Michael Turner should be benched for quarters 1, 2, and 3 of every game. He is done.
Eric
August 23rd, 2012
7:19 am
I don’t know, I stopped reading when I saw “the Jacksonville-London Jaguars.”
Joe Tess Fish House
August 23rd, 2012
7:35 am
N E thig 2 get a way from Tippy Toes Turner
GDawg
August 23rd, 2012
7:35 am
Would not be good for the team. We do not want a me first player surrounded by team players.
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2012
7:36 am
Apparently the Jags won’t trade MJD unless “blown away” by the offer. odds are, though, that they won’t get too great an offer for a running back in wht has become a pass happy league. A team could probably get MJD for some kind of conditional draft pick, maybe a 4th rounder that becomes a third if he takes more than 60% of the team’s running plays, a second if the team wins a playoff game, and a first if they win the super bowl…kinda like the deal that sent Favre to the Jets.
usually I just read but...
August 23rd, 2012
7:39 am
MJD is very good but he’s proly already had as much wear and tear on his body as Turner. IMHO they are reaching the end of their careers within the next cpl years at most. It would not be a major upgrade and proly eat into the already distressed cap situtation. Besides, I hate Jags, they are Gaytors with spots,
GDawg
August 23rd, 2012
7:39 am
Also we complain about Turner getting old at 30 MJD is 27 and has been the only one carrying the ball in JAX and Turner sat behind Tomilson for three years. So in two yeras you will be saying the same about MJD as you do about Turner, stay with the young players and don’t forget Snelling.
slydog
August 23rd, 2012
7:56 am
I see these comments: #1 No to MJD; I’d rather have Quizz (He is NOT A PROVEN RB in this league).
#2 It does not improve an area of need. (Let me play devil’s advocate. In a passing league, would you rather have Ray Rice, Leshawn McCoy, Chris Johnson, MJD, all PROVEN RB’s who can run between the tackles and catch, or keep 2 down Michael Turner, a stiff Jason Snelling, and an unproven mighty might named Jaquizz Rodgers? Use your BRAIN.)
Conclusion: If it can get done, then do it. It would be a Super Bowl move. Other than that, left tackle and linebacker are the only other trade options out there. Also, Tavares Jackson as a backup #2 isn’t a bad idea either.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 23rd, 2012
8:07 am
slydog — Nice post! T. Jack has had a long time to prove himself. He hasn’t done so in two stops. But as a backup, he might be OK.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 23rd, 2012
8:10 am
Eric — They are going to start regularly playing games in London, thus the Jacksonville/London Jags. Much like the Buffalo/Toronto Bills.
Curtis Lofton
August 23rd, 2012
8:14 am
Need a linebacker? Let’s talk, I miss you guys already!
Seen This B4
August 23rd, 2012
8:15 am
I doubt very much the jags would trade MJD for Turner. They aren’t stupid, even though they did hire your ex-boy, Mularkey.
They would probably trade MJD for JJ though.
That, is an offer they would listen to. But Michael Turner? LOL! Yeah right! Only falcan’t homers would conjure up the specter of such a lifeless trade. That’s akin to offerring to trade Ryan for Brees.
Formul8or
August 23rd, 2012
8:27 am
We’d have to give MJD a bigger, longer contract and then when he’s 30 we’ll be complaining about the same thing we do with Turner and he’ll still have a couple of years on his deal
Esquire
August 23rd, 2012
8:29 am
Reprinted without permission: “Jones-Drew, “loves being a Jaguar, but he wants to play for an organization that values him.”
Bull crap……….he wants MORE MONEY! The guy signs a 5 year contract then says I’m not gonna play unless you pay me more. That is representative of a man that doesn’t know what the word commitment means. He will pull the same with any team he goes too…….the Falcons don’t need the distraction that is MJD. And simply, the Falcons can’t afford him either. MJD is already the 9th highest paid running back in the NFL…………….this is about GREED.
tim
August 23rd, 2012
8:31 am
No.
the jags new owner should continue to show Drew that he’s an employee who won’t honor a contract.
Mike is Back
August 23rd, 2012
8:36 am
DLed, I would have to pass on MJD…in terms of feeling a need…sounds good though…Get me a linebacker.lol
KD
August 23rd, 2012
8:46 am
I am so tired of hearing “what has player X done in the playoffs”. What an illogical argument on multiple levels. That is as illogical as celebrating a player that has won a Super Bowl. For every outstanding player that has won a Super Bowl, there are 1000 others that didn’t contribute one thing, or played poorly, and have the same ring.
Football is a sport that is completely contingent on all of the moving parts complementing each other. There is not 1 quarterback, running back or wide receiver that has won a game solely by themselves. Not 1. That is virtually impossible. Brady plays well because he has time to throw and receivers that get open. Yes, he makes the right read, but if all the other parts don’t work, it doesn’t happen. Plus, Brady doesn’t play a single down of defense. What about that part of the game?
The statement that “Turner hasn’t done anything in the playoffs, so he should be released” is so shallow on so many levels. Do you really think that simply?
I agree that Turner has lost a step. But you simply cannot discount two things: 1st- Turner was 3rd in rushing last year in the entire NFL. His YPA is 4.5. He had the longest rush in all of football (81 yards) and was 7th in yards per game. 2nd-running backs- ALL OF THEM- are contingent on OL play. Don’t use the argument that a quicker back might find a hole. That’s illogical. Turner is a proven commodity that has 1-2 functional years left. Why exactly would we just release him? That makes absolutely no sense on any level.
Ackshun
August 23rd, 2012
8:50 am
Why would Atlanta want to get rid of Turner? He is a 1000 yard per season running back and really hasn’t showed sings of slowing despite horrible blocking last year. In addition long hold out have never been good for featured running backs. Your body has to be prepared to take that punishment and that starts in OTAs. With an extended holdout, MJD is just begging to blow out an ACL (see Jamal Anderson) and put his career in jeopardy. Plus right now the birds could probably get a real good deal on Shawne Merriman to try to do something about the Linebacker situation. SO I vote No. There are other more pressing needs.
Brandon
August 23rd, 2012
8:57 am
At first this seems to be a no-brainer. However, there is no way that the Jags would take a one-for-one swap. We’d have to give up some draft picks and we have to build some depth this year. Plus there is that whole year after over 300 carries curse to think about. Also, we’d have to extend him which I’m thinking we probably don’t want to do considering he’s so close to 30. If they would take Turner only I’d say consider it, but for the most part I’d say pass.
mountain_jim
August 23rd, 2012
9:00 am
I’m much more interested in trading for or locating more depth at LT.
GT GRAD
August 23rd, 2012
9:06 am
Yes Yes Yes!
Make sure you include Turner in whatever trade package………I like Turner as a person; however, it is past time to move on (get what you can for the guy………getting MJD would be a dream come true!!)
Will
August 23rd, 2012
9:13 am
Even my girlfriend thinks this is a good deal as she says, ” Turner just runs into people’s butts and falls down”
Sam
August 23rd, 2012
9:18 am
“The case for keeping Turner is that the Falcons are 22-3 when he runs for more than 100 yards.”
Turner rushed for slightly over 1300 yards last year. How many games did he rush for 100 yards last year? Heck, how many games has he rushed for 100 yards the last 2 years?
Turner isn’t quite “The Burner” anymore, either. I agree that Jones-Drew would replicate everything that Rodgers does, no point in having 2 smallish running backs, but at least it would inject some new blood into the system.
Another Rick
August 23rd, 2012
9:36 am
Seen only a scared Aint fan would suggest a trade of JJ for MJD! You scared! That pipe dream is as big as JJ ever playing for your Aints! JJ will kill your Aint defense this year…..as he put it “who you going to double”!
abby normal
August 23rd, 2012
9:49 am
Takes two to make a trade. No way the Jags would do a deal like this.
FalconsFan4Life
August 23rd, 2012
9:49 am
MJD? YESSSSSSSS! Turner appears to be done… He has “tip toed” and NOT hit the holes made for him for the past few years… MJD, Snelling, JaQuizz?!! What a nice combo…
Let’s get rid of Parker-Wilson and maybe Redman and go get Tavaris Jackson to back up Ryan… And we have certain LB depth issues…
I’m telling you Falcons, my 10 years plight as a SEASON TICKET HOLDER relies on us having a RESPECTABLE POST-SEASON!!!! Seriously… If we’re ONE and DONE again, my money will stay in my pocket next year!!
FalconsFan4Life
August 23rd, 2012
9:56 am
Sam Baker built like a T-REX… Big body, big head, super small midget arms… I just hope he’s healthy enough to protect Ryan’s blind side…
Paddy
August 23rd, 2012
9:59 am
O-line depth is more important now. End of camp cuts could get the Falcons a salary cap released player. Stick to the plan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peter Crawford
August 23rd, 2012
10:00 am
I do not want MJD. He has not lived up to his agreement with Jacksonville and that is just not right. Also Turner has been the Falcons Ace, their stalwart, their go to guy and unlike MJD Mr. Turner has shown that he is as good as his word. A fan favorite, a Pro-Bowl player, a team player, I wish to see Michael Turner retire an Atlanta Falcon with at least one Super Bowl ring!
Honestassessment
August 23rd, 2012
10:03 am
You all think that Turner is tipping?
DR. FALCON
August 23rd, 2012
10:13 am
HELL NO! I LOVE OUR RB SITUATION THE WAY IT IS! MJD, IS NOT IN FOOTBALL SHAPE! HE WILL PROBABLY GET HURT IN WEEK 6! THAT’S MULARKEY’S PROBLEM! LET HIM DEAL WITH A DISGRUNTLED RB! PAYBACK!!
PMC
August 23rd, 2012
10:16 am
Would love to have MJD, great player, but I don’t think we have the (responsible) trade bait really to get him. It’s a young mans league and he’s been in the league for a while, that’s part of the reason he’s trying to get paid. It would be silly to give up high draft picks after giving up so many the last couple of years. That’s the way teams like Washington and Dallas and Oakland run thier shop.
Love MJD, but we need to be more patient. Drafting well is important. We can’t afford MJD right now.
PMC
August 23rd, 2012
10:18 am
Honestly, I’m expecting Turner to have a very solid year this year. He’s been consitantly excellent for the last several years when the defense was keying on him. Even last year he was the workhorse.
Spreading out the carries is probably going to mean he starts slow, but I think he’s going to finish like a boss.
PMC
August 23rd, 2012
10:23 am
In other words I’m unconvinced that trading a ton for a RB is going to really put this team in to any better championship contention that it is already.
A stalwart left tackle an an offensive line that cannot be pushed backward would. MJD just makes a very solid group better, but it also would fool with team chemistry right before the season, it doesn’t always work out for the best these kinds of trades in real life.
Sam
August 23rd, 2012
10:31 am
PMC, I don’t think Ledbetter is talking about trading “a ton” for Jones-Drew. We wouldn’t be sending Turner, Ryan, and Julio Jones for Jones-Drew – it would be a straight-up swap of running backs.
Michael M.
August 23rd, 2012
10:32 am
Noooooooooooooooooo !
Keep Michael Turner and forget the MJD trade and worry about this issue after this season and besides Atlanta may find a better opportunity after this year for another RB……………………
5 things to look for from the starters vs. Dolphins | Atlanta Falcons
August 23rd, 2012
10:48 am
[...] Should the Falcons trade with Jax/London Jags for MJD? [...]
FalconsFan4Life
August 23rd, 2012
11:14 am
I definitely don’t think the Falcons should give up high draft picks for MJD… If a reasonable trade could happen, I would be happy… I’m sure the Falcons will hush us all up or increase the banter on the running game after the Dolphins game Friday…
I think we should be OKAY on the defense side (i.e. LB Corps)… With VanGorder GONE (thank SWEET BABY JESUS for DELIVERANCE!!!!!!!) and Nolan running defense we may move to the top 3 in defense by that move alone! I’m more concerned with the run game and the LEFT TACKLE spot… We have got to keep Ryan upright… No depth at QB, and suspect left tackle are my biggest concerns… I agree… Karma seems to have bitten Mularkey in the BOOTAY with MJD holding out and rightfully so… Pay that man his money!!!!!!!
OnTheOtherHand
August 23rd, 2012
11:29 am
Orlando, I would sincerely LOVE it, if everybody would STOP giving credit to Turner for the Falcons’ winning % “when he runs for more than 100 yards”. That is ludicrous. He runs for more than 100 yards when the Falcons are already LEADING and they can afford to give him 30+ carries to get that 100 yards. Falcons win, when they score more than the opposition… and ICING a game when you’re losing doesn’t work, so he doesn’t get all the carries so they lose. The jump from that “logic” to making it a winning tactic… is a long and dangerous chasm. Let go of that, please.
OnTheOtherHand
August 23rd, 2012
11:37 am
@SeenThisB4: I think you are in love with Drew Brees… now admit it. You just TINGLE with GP every time you gush about him. Get a room, you two love-birds.
True Falcon Fan
August 23rd, 2012
11:41 am
Makes sense — “WILL NOT HAPPEN”!
Go Falcons!
Michael M.
August 23rd, 2012
11:41 am
Saw article said five things Atlanta needs to do against the Dolphins to succeed, so here goes……………………………………………………………..
First…………………….. ” WIN ”
second…………………. ” WIN ”
third…………………….. ” WIN ”
fourth…………………… ” WIN ”
& five…………………… ” WIN “
Ruth
August 23rd, 2012
11:45 am
JAX/LONDON JAGS??? What a douchebag.
Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi
August 23rd, 2012
12:12 pm
First no way in he double hockey sticks would i pick up tarvaris jackson, let dominique davis have his chance as he has proven he deserves it two turner may be getting old but we still have snelling and whether u wanna believe in him or not i believe quizz can be a three down back and to be perfectly honest i wouldnt want a player whos not a team player play out ur contract and move on u make millions not to mention we couldnt afford mjd if we wanted him unless u wanna beeven more restricted in cap no let turner play out his contract and draft a top rookie if u dont believe in quizz
D man
August 23rd, 2012
12:13 pm
I was thinking last night about a swap. How would that work money wise and would we have to give up a draft pick like they were talking about on nfl network.
Breeswillgethurtthisyear
August 23rd, 2012
12:20 pm
Just bc Jax is playing 1 game the next 4 years in London doesn’t make them the London Jags. Calling them that is almost as ridiculous as DOL’s bowtie with shorts and dress shoes. And don’t bring in MJD. Just use Turner as the change of pace back like Giants used Jacobs. Quizz(Bradshaw) and Turner(Jacobs) formula.
Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi
August 23rd, 2012
1:04 pm
If we swapped we would get a back that wont come to play because of his contract and they would get our back that will at least do well for them no way we make this trade atl has faith in quizz and turner
Falcon James
August 23rd, 2012
1:05 pm
Interesting Article Mr. DOL.
I am with you that the Falcon will not persue a trade or anything else with Turner this year. I think that Rogers is our future starter. Turner will either be traded or lost to FA; either way , I think he is gone after this season. I know preseason is just practice games, but he has been less than impressive. I know his stat say something different, but even last season, he seem to fall down at the line alot. The bulk of his yards came in the 4th quarter where he would break one, the get caught from behind.
Nique
August 23rd, 2012
1:16 pm
Interesting ? if we got Jones Drew I believe we become a top 4 offense in football in question & the most versitale of those tope 5, bc G.B N.E.& Det. can’t run the ball & Jones Drew adds a toughness, with a break away speed, & reciever out the backfield element to our team that we honestly just don’t have! Jones Drew is no ? a top 5 rb in the NFL, if we could get him for something like sending them Turner, along with Franks or Owens, maybe one of our O-Linemen like Hawley, & a # 3rd draft pick in next years draf at the mostt, but i’d prefer a 4th, I’d be ok with the trade. It does make a ton of sense for both teams & MJD is not a me first guy, the Jax are just aweful & have used him up without wanting to compensate him for his usage!
John Brown
August 23rd, 2012
1:20 pm
Yes make the trade. Turner was good a couple of years ago but now he needs a new start.
Nique
August 23rd, 2012
1:20 pm
& as much as i like Rodgers & I do like Rodgers, you can look back when we drafted him I was one of the main ones praising the pick, Rodgers is not the type of feature back that one win a S.B. with, he’s a great # 2 option, but going forward I don’t quite see him as a good enough back to be a starter for a S.B. team & that’s what we’re after now & going forward so…
Mr. Hankey
August 23rd, 2012
1:23 pm
I say the trade is your standard run of the mill no-brainer. There’s a pic of Turner and Snelling talking in one of the blogs I just read and he is a fatass. Plain and simple. Dude done been to DQ too many times. If I were Jax I wouldn’t budge on his contract either. They paid him 21 million on first year and he’s still getting 9 this year and next and he thinks he ain’t getting paid? Check my world out, pal. given that revelation he may be a pain in the tuckus and we don’t know what we have in Rogers, but we do know he’s got a cool name. Where do those names come from.
Mr. Hankey
August 23rd, 2012
1:24 pm
Jaquizz.
Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi
August 23rd, 2012
1:33 pm
I think turner would be successfull if our line could make holes but if he doesnt have a chance to get his legs churning fast then he cant be affective and we need a back that can break tackles and move the ball down field without much help from the line which ive seen rodgers be affective when turner cant i agree turner will be let go simply put when his contract is up and atl will move on now whether they let rodgers start or draft a new feature back remains to be seen i for one like wat rodgers can do
Should the Falcons trade with Jax/London Jags for MJD? | football-feed.com
August 23rd, 2012
1:34 pm
[...] to Original Content From Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog): ccompton@ajc.com. Jones … read more Related Articles Share About Author [...]
Ken
August 23rd, 2012
1:42 pm
D-led This trade will never happen!! The Falcons have Turner, Snelling, JaQizz and A Smith all can catch and run just have to use them my DIRTY BIRDS don’t need MJD!!!!!!
Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi
August 23rd, 2012
1:48 pm
Dude mjd has been paid hell i live pay check to pay check id be happy to come down and throw my full 145 pounds around for around 70k a year and id be content my point is this guy makes millions and he shouldnt be doing any type of holding out till hes finished the contract that he and his agent agreed to this team owes him no more than wat was agreed and even less if he doesnt follow through on it
First time Season Tix Holder
August 23rd, 2012
1:54 pm
Not sure
Nique
August 23rd, 2012
1:55 pm
Roddy held out & we paid him…I mean I agree with u in principle, I also agree that atheletes today get a boat load of $, but players hold out all the time & based on the reality of the NFL & how players hold out, this isn’t an unreasonable one.
Nique
August 23rd, 2012
2:03 pm
We might not need MJD, but the trade makes sense & MJD’s versitility & ability to make plays would show up against the top notch teams & in the playoffs. He’s the type of player that has a motor & heart that won’t be denied, I can’t say the same for Turner & as much as we like Rodgers, we can’t quite sign off on him at that level either. To me, this trade would be less about the stats that MJD would produce, while i think they’d be better anyway, but it’s more about what we do in the second season. If we made this trade, i’d have much less fear about us in a one & out bc even if we ran into a G-Men D like last year, we could do more with MJD that just repeatedly try to run him up the miiddle bc he’s more versitile & him heart & drive are on a different level than Turner’s. Now i admit that some of that would be different anyway because of the new OC, but I’m just saying, there’s a significant different between the two backs & if we are really loading up with the 2cnd season in mind & not just the 1st, this is something that we at least have to reasonably explore
WS
August 23rd, 2012
2:11 pm
Would be a good trade for falcons. Jags getting and over the hill back in Turner, One than is a running back that can not catch. I am sure the Jags would make that trade. If you beieve that, You need too have your head checked!
JSin
August 23rd, 2012
2:32 pm
Grimes and Quizz for MJD according to sources. We’ll see if this goes down!!
Show me your TDs
August 23rd, 2012
2:46 pm
Similiar running styles…dont see added benefit for the addition, when there are higher priorities on board. Oline, LB, and Secondary!! MJD has been a great NFL back, and fantasy player. But doesnt seem a long term fit for ATL. No more rental projects for any Atlanta based teams please!! Acquire and develop!!
old man
August 23rd, 2012
4:33 pm
MJD is a huge upgrade over Turner. Here are next two years’ salary, and cap# for each:
Maurice Jones-Drew $4,450,000 $4,950,000 $8,310,000
Michael Turner $5,000,000 $5,500,000 $7,500,000
MJD catches the ball, MT does not. He’s faster. He’s a harder runner. He can evade tackles. MT cannot. MJD hits the hole much faster.
If JAX is stuck on principle, ATL does not have that problem. MJD never agreed to anything with us. Would he accept a face-saving deal where we re-negotiate the last two years of his deal to maybe 5.5M and 6.0M?
We may be one of only a couple of teams who are willing to part with someone who, on paper, is an elite back, a rough equivalent of MJD, so our competition for such a deal might be pretty thin. In reality, it would be a steal for us. If anything close to a straight up deal was available, we would be idiots not to jump all over it.
We could reduce MJD’s carries just like we plan to do with MT right now. So we would see a lot of Quizz. With either back in, the potential for a pass/screen to the RB is on the table. Right now, with MT in, those options are just not there.
I doubt it could be done, but if it can, the Falcons need to make it happen.
MaxxFalcon
August 23rd, 2012
4:35 pm
Are we talking about Turner for MJD straight-up? The answer is a resounding, YES!!
old man
August 23rd, 2012
4:55 pm
MaxxFalcon:
I’m guessing we have to sweeten that deal just a bit, but if it’s close to straight up, you have to do it.
We are a perfect match to solve Khan’s problem. Both MJD and Khan won’t budge on principle. Khan needs a “star” RB to replace MJD if he trades him. We have one. MJD needs to save face with some kind of increase in pay. We can do that without altering our position that we don’t renegotiate salaries with players we signed. MJD might take a fairly modest increase, with no extension beyond the two years, just to show Khan that he got a better deal.
Anyone hear anything else on where this is? I would rather move MT than Quizz to get this done.
DePlane
August 23rd, 2012
5:09 pm
This ain’t never gonna happen. It’s got the windbags going though!
Th
August 23rd, 2012
6:19 pm
Ontheotherhand; thanks for pointing out the obvious: Turner runs for 100 yards when we are sitting on a lead. Stupidest stat ever. Tell me about first half yards and winning. How about yards per carry on first down or number of times stuffed for no gain? In his defense, throw him the ball. His yards after catch are really good.
JoFo
August 23rd, 2012
7:09 pm
Yes! I LOVE MJD! Look what he does on a consistent basis with such poor support!
old man
August 23rd, 2012
7:31 pm
I seeing all the experts say MJD for MT makes no sense for ATL. What?
Anything closely resembling a straight up deal would down in the annals of ATL sports history as one of the best deals ever. It would make the Babe Ruth deal from Boston to NY look like chump change.
Good grief! What are people smoking?
Brian Hunt
August 23rd, 2012
8:58 pm
I’d do it in a heart beat. It would be good for both backs and both teams. I’d even throw in John Parker Wilson to sweeten the pot.
El Snipero
August 23rd, 2012
9:43 pm
In a word – NO.
GT GRAD
August 23rd, 2012
9:46 pm
All NFL teams win a huge percentage of the time when they have a RB that gets >100 yards………..because the team has a big lead and runs the ball much more to close the game out. Stupid stat!!!!
MJD will not play for Jacksonville right now…..they are much better off trading for MT (because he will show up to practice and play). It will probably take MT and an additional player (maybe Redman or John Parker Wilson) or maybe a late round draft pick. No brainer as long as MJD is willing to play in Atlanta for close to his current salary…….I would not agree if he requires a significant increase in salary.
How sweet would it be if they agreed to trade MJD and a solid LT straight up for MT and Sam Baker…….I realize I am simply dreaming (fun to think about though!!!).
Talk Real
August 23rd, 2012
9:53 pm
If anyone has been paying any attention to the progress of our team, everyone would realize that our running game is not there and quizz is not what everyone wants him to be just yet. And continuing in my evaluation, a jones drew and quizz backfield with the help of snelling would be deadly for a team with an emerging pass attack to come. It would be wise to trade turner and a few scrubs just to clear space for our new falcon jones drew. Pay attention folks
Talk Real
August 23rd, 2012
9:57 pm
Jones drew is a team player and upgrade while turner cant even catch or be a little effective in the screen game. He isnt a good fit for the team and smith needs to hop off for a year and let the big boys make the decisions.
Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi
August 23rd, 2012
10:22 pm
Theres a differense in holding out for a new contract when ur contract is up and holding out for a new one when u havs yet to finish the one u already signed, the fact of the matter is u signed a contract and u are obligated to play out that contract or not get paid and sitting out a year and not taking his five mil for the year which is 90 percent more than most americans make a year (5 mil is an estimate) is gonna be worse on him and his career they already said they wont pay him more till he plays out his contract and i doubt they will resign him afterhis contract is up now just because he has no integrity, cmon dude get off ur butt and get to ur job that u are obligated to because no team wants a me first player and thats wat he is wait till ur contract is up and then hold out or go elsewhere not to the atl because he will be burnt out just like turner is now and we’ll be stuck with it draft a rookie next year if u have so little faith in quizz
Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi
August 23rd, 2012
10:28 pm
Oh and so u all get off this train before it starts no team in their right mind besides atl of course wants a a quarterback in jpw that cant jump ahead of a 35 year old washed up quarterback in the depth chart not to mention jpw still looks as crappy this preseason as he always has quit dreaming ppl if another team wanted him they would have pulled him from atls practice squad a long time ago
London to get NFL team? | AJC Sports News Now
August 24th, 2012
6:03 am
[...] Should Falcons go after Maurice Jones-Drew? [...]
JarvasH.
August 24th, 2012
9:40 am
That would be a good move, getting MJD but I think we’re fine with turner & Rodgers, now if they want to make a splash trade to get another pass rusher or Linebacker. “heck” sign Channing Crowder
cdog
August 24th, 2012
12:28 pm
yes, because turner is not in shape and dissappears in the second half of the season maurice-drew will run rings around turner.only thing, with him missing camp, is it going to hurt him?
cdog
August 24th, 2012
12:31 pm
please, don”t mess around with chris redman.he”s a waste. dominique davis should get his reps and be the no. 2 qb.maybe redman will bring you a 6th or 7th round pick in a trade. try arizona cardinals.
John Brown
August 24th, 2012
12:41 pm
Hell yea right now pull the trigger..
rick
August 24th, 2012
1:10 pm
trading who for mjd???? this is crazy…..Turner can adequately produce when the line opens up the lane….He will do an okay job this year….Atlanta fans kill me when a big name pops up……everyone wants to jump on a band wagon
The focus should be on making sure the line is solid and picking up some quality offensive line back ups when and if they become available….
Enkinan
August 24th, 2012
1:18 pm
Maybe if he played O-Line
St Simons
August 24th, 2012
1:30 pm
from almost Jacksonville – the Jags won’t even consider this.
Snelling & Jaquizz are better than both Turner & MJD.
Trade Grimes for a real CB? now there’s a deal.
My granny is still wide open, runnin loose in that secondary
London to get NFL team? | londoncitybreaks.org.uk
August 24th, 2012
1:49 pm
[...] Should Falcons go after Maurice Jones-Drew? [...]
Tommy Maddox
August 24th, 2012
4:15 pm
The front office should be more worried about finding folks to occupy the offensive line rather than folks who have to shuck and jive to get around the opposing defensive folks who regularly perforate our offensive line.
TV, Radio: Falcons at Dolphins, 7:30 p.m. Friday | Atlanta Falcons
August 24th, 2012
6:01 pm
[...] Should the Falcons trade with Jax/London Jags for MJD? [...]
Atlanta Falcons: Falcons to play on sloppy track | Atlanta Falcons
August 24th, 2012
6:32 pm
[...] Should the Falcons trade with Jax/London Jags for MJD? [...]
PlanB
August 24th, 2012
9:11 pm
Straight up trade is good for Atlanta. Anything else with decent non expendable players involved, no deal. Probably not going to happen.
PlanB
August 24th, 2012
9:14 pm
I still want to see more of Quizz and especially Snelling more. I just don’t understand why whoever does not give Snelling more of a chance!!!
Falcons 23, Dolphins 6: Seven-game exhibition season losing streak snapped | Atlanta Falcons
August 24th, 2012
11:50 pm
[...] Should the Falcons trade with Jax/London Jags for MJD? [...]
Falcón : The Latest Fuzz
August 25th, 2012
4:38 am
[...] Should the Falcons trade with Jax/London Jags for MJD? – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Just saying..
August 25th, 2012
11:41 am
Yes.
Eric
August 25th, 2012
1:37 pm
One game a year for four years doesn’t qualify them as a London team. If you paid enough attention, you’d realize that this is related to the fact that they have a new owner who is trying to build a bigger fan base and make something of the franchise. And no, he’s not trying to relocate them. He wouldn’t be putting as much money into them in Jacksonville if he planned to move them.
You can say what you want about them, but calling them the Jacksonville/London Jaguars just makes you sound ignorant.
As for the trade, I can see how you’re putting two-and-two together on this but I can’t see the Jags taking Turner. I think he’s a good back but he’s on the verge of washing up.
Atlanta Falcons: Team expected to cut down to 75 today | Atlanta Falcons
August 25th, 2012
3:25 pm
[...] Should the Falcons trade with Jax/London Jags for MJD? [...]
Atlanta Falcons: Ryan and Jones show off the long ball connection | Atlanta Falcons
August 25th, 2012
4:02 pm
[...] Should the Falcons trade with Jax/London Jags for MJD? [...]
Andy
August 25th, 2012
6:58 pm
If we trade for MJD, we’ll get a good running back for a year or two, and then we are stuck with another michael turner with a big contract.