Good Start; Falcons-Lions Wrap: Offense
A Decent Start on Offense
Great Start for Turner the Burner (AP)
It’s Only Preseason Right?
The first preseason game is in the books and we finally have some “game tape” to analyze as Falcons fans. Well, we looked pretty good on offense at times, but had a pretty atrocious performance on defense, save a few bright spots by individual players. Special Teams coverage looked pretty good overall, but our kick return game certainly needs a little work as well. Please repeat: it’s just a preseason game, it’s just a preseason game. And as long as our coaches got what they need, our players can learn from it, and we can improve as a team, than a loss won’t mean anything come regular season time. The fact that the Pittsburgh Steelers went 0-4 in preseason and won the Super Bowl, and conversely the Lions went 4-0 and didn’t win a single game out of 16 has been thrown around quite a bit. There were bright spots in the game for sure, and our Birds had it all but wrapped up, at least we thought. We went 2-2 in the preseason last year and had a good year, so its probably all good.
It’s Still Live Football
However, even though it was a preseason game, there were serious deficiencies throughout the entire defensive performance. All the fears that many fans had about replacing 5 starters, completely retooling the linebacking corps, and having youth and inexperience all over the roster, weren’t alleviated and were in fact amplified. Overall, its too difficult to gauge if the coaches got what they wanted out of the game, but there were some really bad performances by several players that likely hurt some of their chances at making the roster if they don’t improve in a hurry. A look at performances put forth by individual players by position, the good first, which of course would be the offense:
Celebration for Ice, Jenks, & Burner (Julian H. Gonzalez/Detroit Free Press)
Quarterbacks
Matt Ryan looked pretty good after shaking the rust off in the first couple of plays. Ryan had a quick night, but looked crisp with a few of his throws converting on 3rd down, got a couple of nice passes to his old friend Roddy White for some nice pickups, and displaying the great connection of what’s to come with Tony Gonzalez getting a nice 3rd and long conversion. Chris Redman seemed a bit off throughout the game, throwing some passes that were less than assertive and looking generally flat-footed in his time at QB, even though he was put in a few poor positions. Overall, he surely looks like a huge price tag in a backup role at $4.5 million. DJ Shockley appeared to have a good command of the offense and threw the ball well, except for one pass that was well overthrown. He especially looked good on two throws in the 2nd half, gunning a nice 3rd and long to Eric Weems for a nice first down. The other was a perfectly placed long ball to Robert Ferguson in the end zone that would’ve been a touchdown if the Lions defensive back hadn’t interfered, the pass set up a 1 yd touchdown by Snelling. John Parker Wilson seemed to have a decent grasp on running the offense as a 3rd team quarterback, completing all 3 of his passes.
Running Backs
Needs a Little Work on Vision (Robin Buckson/The Detroit News)
The first offensive series didn’t look too promising for our vaunted rushing attack from last year, but the Burner Turner allayed those fears really quickly with that awesome 40 yard jaunt for a touchdown. Turner also had a couple of nice runs in the second series before the long touchdown rush. That masterful rush for 6 points of course ended #33’s night. Jerious Norwood came in after Turner, and didn’t have the best of nights. Norwood seemed to lack good vision missing several open holes and running into the back of tacklers. As mentioned before, its very, VERY early, but Norwood seems to have a few kinks to work out. Jason Snelling saw limited action, but made the most of it scoring a 1 yd touchdown and showed that he may be the best option as a short yardage, grinding back. Although struggling some initially, Thomas Brown seemed to gain a little momentum towards the end of the game making some good inside runs for a decent amount of yardage. Even though Verron Haynes didn’t have any rushes, he did have a nice catch and run out of the backfield.
Wide Recievers
Booker Had a Decent Showing (Robin Buckson/Detroit Free Press)
Great to see Roddy White getting back in the groove after his week of holding out. White made a couple nice catches from Matty Ice and got a little extra work in after the other starters headed for the sidelines. That one reverse to White was ugly from the start and might need to go back to the drawing board. Eric Weems was really the only other receiver to make more than one catch, but he continued to put his stamp on a roster spot with a couple of solid catches, one coming on a third and long conversion. Add to that his outstanding punt return and its easy to see why Weems appears headed for a certain spot. Receivers didn’t get a whole lot of looks more than White and Weems, but Finneran had a good catch for a first down working out of the first team slot. Not sure that Finneran gives a ton of speed out of the slot, but he certainly gives Ryan a great slew of big targets along with Michael Jenkins and Tony Gonzalez. Aaron Kelly had a pretty nice grab towards the end of the game, Marty Booker hauled in two passes, and even though Robert Ferguson didn’t have a catch he had a touchdown in hand if not for the interference. Troy Bergeron and Darren Mougey were noticeably absent in a game they can ill afford to go without notice to earn a roster spot.
Tight Ends
It was a real quick night for Tony Gonzalez, but he made the most of it by picking up a nice 3rd down conversion from Matt Ryan. He seemed to fit in nicely with the Falcons offense, always looking for that extra block to spring Turner or a wideout for a long gain. He hit the sidelines and put on a visor after that. The other tight ends didn’t see a lot of action with Peele and Zinger catching one pass a piece for short yardage.
Offensive Line
The “Burn Unit” looked pretty good in their debut springing Turner for over 60 yards in a very short amount of time. The Nasty Boys, Harvey Dahl and Tyson Clabo, were up to their old ways dish-ragging a poor rookie to the ground pretty close to the whistle. Gotta love that. The Nasty Boys were also responsible for Turner’s long burn for a touchdown. It was a thing of beauty to watch Clabo perform a crushing down block, and see Dahl do a quick outside pull to bounce Turner loose. Sam Baker, Todd McClure, & Justin Blaylock also looked good as well, providing Ryan with good time to throw the ball except for a couple of blitzes. The backup line saw Brett Romberg at center, Will Svitek and Garrett Reynolds at tackles, and Quinn Ojinnaka, Ben Wilkerson, and Michael Butterworth working at guards. The backup line seemed to be pretty solid, but nothing spectacular. Norwood had limited running lanes, and Redman got pressured several times.
Overall, the offense looked pretty good in the first preseason game, particularly compared to the defense and rotating four quarterbacks into the game. The starting offense looked a touch rusty in the first series, but settled down nicely and moved the ball well and had several big 3rd down conversions. Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and Roddy White seemed to pick right back where they left off last season, and Tony Gonzalez gave a brief glimpse of what’s to come. The line looked pretty sharp for the first game, DJ Shockley seemed to gain ground on Chris Redman as the number 2 QB, Eric Weems is all but locking up a roster spot with his performance, and Thomas Brown and Jason Snelling showed flashes. All in all a good start. Now for the defense……..coming tomorrow.
Daily Tailgate Recipe
Maybe not necessarily a tailgate recipe, but one of the best breakfast sandwiches EVER! Sausage, English Muffin, & Gravy Sandwich, courtesy of Bobby Flay and Foodnetwork.com.
Next Topic Preview: Oh, the Horror! Falcons-Lions Game Wrap, Pt. 2; Defense & Spec Teams
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84 comments Add your comment
tyler
August 17th, 2009
10:42 pm
I agree that the offensive line looked very solid. That has got to be comforting for Ryan. I think Booker really looked like a professional and someone I feel should make this team. If Weems wins the return job, not many spots left for Bergeron, Kelly, Mougey, or Williams.
I don’t think Thomas Brown is going to make the active roster. Just my opinion.
Krebs
August 17th, 2009
10:42 pm
Can’t take the preseason too serious is right D3. These games are only good for the coaches to breakdown game film on individual players they will have to make decisions on. You could make a case for the final game as being an important ‘momentum’ game.
Running game looks pretty good. Turner was/is the keystone player on that offense. Without him we do not have the year that we had last year. Thomas Brown could be a diamond in the rough. Hope he make the team.
Defense was inconsistent. It will take a little time for them to work out the kinks.
Maybe it was just me looking into something that is not there, but they looked a little loose during the game. Living off of last years success? Hope this is not the case. Kinda glad they lost. May help them focus for the rest of the preseason.
BT
August 17th, 2009
10:51 pm
Nice Job D3, as usual.
The real key IMO (on offense) is, the starting O-line looked good and not too bad with the reserves.
I have have high hope for Garrett Reynolds and Will Svitek.
Depth on the O-line has been one of my focus points.
MR2 TO TG88 is a combo we will hear a lot in clutch situation.
BT
August 17th, 2009
10:53 pm
Rest assured Thomas Brown will make the team.
BT
August 17th, 2009
11:13 pm
MNF, not bad for a preseason game.
Panther scrubs came back and made a game of it after the first teams got theirs handed to them.
Fresh proof, preseason games final outcomes mean nothing.
jason
August 18th, 2009
12:19 am
I am looking ahead to this weeks game, and I have to say that this is an important one for DJ and Redman. It is pivotal that one (hopefully DJ) or the other has a good game. Maybe DJ will have his breakout game. I would have like to have seen DJ in behind MR against DET. Think about it. RW played roughly half the second qu. Give DJ a shot with the strating unit. MR is the starter. Redman has played with the starters. Let DJ run with the starters and see if he has what it takes to unseat Redman for the #2 QB. Also in the game game, I want to see Norwood hit the hole with purpose. Well, I just want him to hit an open hole. He has this problem during the regular season of stopping himself by running up the backs oif the OL. Seems he only gets his yards going to the outside.
As for the WRs, I want to see the young guys fight it out. We know what we have in RW, MJ, and Finn. Let’s keep getting touches to Weems and see if he is for real our #4 at WR. Lets also get Bergeron, Williams, and Kelly going. Find out if we have that Diamond in the rough. Booker and Fergurson are both vets and have been around for a long time, so we know what we have in them. We can get that through practice. I say with the injury to HD we will carry RW, MJ, and Finn. We will take 1 between Booker and Fergurson, and 1 between the 3 youngsters mentioned earlier.
OL just needs to keep on keeping on. Lay down the foundation for the younger OL so they will fall right in and get just as nasty. The OL as has been proven against DET is the least of our concerns. Just develope the younguns.
Ed-Covington
August 18th, 2009
1:29 am
Preseason or not, it still worries me that the defense gave up over 450 yards to Detroit, most of it by a rookie QB and rookie RBs(and would be even more if their WR could catch!) Supposedly at this early juncture the defenses are ahead of the offenses, but we made the Lions look like champs. Too many huge holes in the DL for runs and not enough QB pressure. None of the Detroit scores were cheap or lucky. Our young defense was exposed and how. Brooking will be missed; Peterson looked slow. Thought that Winborn and Gilbert looked good, but I’m just going by live game impressionsl I have no way to record the game and review film/tape. Any info from anyone who taped the game and can review it? Anyway, I trust that Mike Smith and Brian van Gorder will have everything straight by the time we open with Miami. Just really disappointed with the defensive performance; doesn’t matter if they won or lost; more important to look at everyone. Go Birds!!
Ed-Covington
August 18th, 2009
1:56 am
As a die-hard Falcon fan I have hoped for three years that DJ would show enough to take over the #2 job. He got hurt in 2007 and just has not seperated himself from the other QBs. I remember during preseason last year when some were saying that he deserved the starting job over Matt Ryan. Redmon has started and won games for the Falcons and that means a lot. If DJ does not show enough to win the #2 job this year, the Falcons will release him in favor of John Parker Wilson. As somone said, there is no such thing as a 3-year #3 QB. That position is for your future #1 or #2 or trade bait (remember Matt Schaub?). If you haven’t proven in three years that you’re good enough to be #2 then the team moves on to someone else, in this case Wilson. I wish DJ the best, I really hope he breaks out this year; but if he doesn’t earn the #2 slot, the Falcons won’t keep him. Facts of life.
Ed
August 18th, 2009
3:39 am
Starting with the good I see D3…nice breakdown. Now for the ugly, the D.
Excellent point about the backup QB situation in regards to DJ Ed – C. I truly think Shockley is going to solidify his position & I think the Falcons want him too. Of course I am biased but he looked far better than Redman in game 1.
Also, I hope the Falcons take a good look at Thomas Brown over Norwood as the number 2 RB. Brown is tough and will take it inside for yardage as opposed to Jerious who looks most often to break it to the outside.
JJB
August 18th, 2009
7:00 am
Hey D3, according to Atlantafalcons.com’s transactions sheet, Darren Mougey was released on August 9. Great blog, just wanted to correct that one point
Unca' Bob
August 18th, 2009
7:51 am
D3,
JJB’s post is the second report I’ve seen on the release of WR D Mougey. ESPN confirmed it, albeit, with a different date. CBS, NFL, and SI do not show the transaction at all. Nor have I seen it reported by AJC. What gives?
CBrass
August 18th, 2009
8:45 am
D3,
As always another great post. Not surprised at all it has become the norm. As for the D it was painful to watch at times. I agree Peterson looked really slow. He knew what he wanted to do but was just too slow in getting there. It think Shock will be fine. It would be every interesting to see how he would do if he could work with the first unit. I’m confident that Smitty and BVG will have the D in place by the first game. I’m sure you show how ticked he (Smitty) was when the first unit D came off of the field. Again great work.
YUP!!
August 18th, 2009
8:48 am
Could we see a few more “PRE-SEASON” games before we call this defense a bust!!
CBrass
August 18th, 2009
8:50 am
Nice read.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcsouth/0-13-93/Camp-Confidential–Falcons-ready-for-next-step.html
SeminoleWarrior
August 18th, 2009
8:58 am
Good morning Cage,
First things first. The CEO was a little upset that he had to break his streak of posts here in the cage. Like CBrass stated, we knew he would come back smoking with a great topic. And like a cool breeze on a hot summer night, my man delivered. Great work, D3!!
Ed-Covington, two great posts. I will save my defensive comments for the next blog as D3’s preview suggests that we will address the D situation.
Quaterback seems to be a very risky situation after MR. All three of the guys battling for the #2 and #3 positions need to show more. Shock seems to remind me of the Seahawks’ Seneca Wallace. We know the talent is there but is seems to come in too many short flashes. Consistency is key at the QB position. Like Jason, I want to see more. I would suggest that Smitty/Mad Mike let Ryan sit this week. There is no reason to let him play this week. He can get all he needs in weeks 3/4. Jason has a point; start Shock in the first half and Redman in the second half. JPW is P-squad at best because there is NO way we go into the season with no veteran presence at QB.
Running Back: Turner is ready to rock. I agree with the article in the AJC yesterday in which they reported his number of carries would be monitored. I like that. He loves to run, he punishes defenders, but I do not want to see the “Earl Campbell effect” befall the Burner. That is why it is so critical for Snelling (5′11″ 230) to step up and show what he is capable of; a diverse (RB/FB) big back option with good hands/speed and the ability to block. TBrown was looking to make this team with his work as a return man or alternate back but had better look out. He is losing grown in both areas. Haynes will be cut. TipToe “the Flash” Norwood will be retained and will sign elsewhere next season.
Receivers and Tight End: No issues here. RW and MJ are locks to be the starters. Fin and Fergie offer a solid security blanket to MR that the rookies can’t come close to. Booker still has it but with 11 years on those tires, he may be cut in favor of youth. That is where Eric Weems has separated himself. His determined work at WR and in the return area will be rewarded. And watch out, he will blossom under the tutelage of Coach Robiskie. At TE, Gonzo, Hartsock, and Peele are in.
Have the trauma centers ready to receive patients a plenty this season as The “Burn Unit” appears ready to deliver an abundance of “3rd degree burns” this season. The guys have retained that intensity that they acquired under Coach Boudreau. Even the the second team seems to be buying into the “Boudreau effect” as they delivered a few “2nd degree flashes” themselves.
The OL receives the only A grade I would issue this from last weekend’s game.
Overall, the offense looks ready to rock. There are a few little things that will work themselves out in terms of depth. But I’m feeling very good about what we will do offensively.
SeminoleWarrior
August 18th, 2009
9:10 am
Morning my dear CB and my brother UnCa Bob (Semoper Fi).
SeminoleWarrior
August 18th, 2009
9:11 am
Oops…that should be Semper Fi. Can’t spell that wrong. Too much tradition in that greeting.
SeminoleWarrior
August 18th, 2009
9:16 am
Yup, quick to your point. CBrass is on target with her points. No one is calling it (the defense) a bust. If you have the time, please go back to the blog over the weekend, especially on Sunday. The Cage fam made many great points on that subject. Or, if the preview is correct, which I am sure it is, tune in tomorrow morn. Knowing my brother the CEO, I PROMISE you, we will be able to break that defense performance down completely, looking ahead to PS game #2 and beyond.
CBrass
August 18th, 2009
9:21 am
SW,
Morning my man. How’s that hurricane out in the Atlantic looking. Will it cause some major problems? Thanks for backing up my post. I feel that I’m finally making some knowledgeable (even thought it’s very limited) post.
Unca’ Bob,
How’s my mentor doing today?
SeminoleWarrior
August 18th, 2009
9:39 am
CBrass, the hurricane is continuing to intensify but looks like the US mainland will avoid a direct strike. But trust me, we are watching it closely.
Ohhhh don’t shortchange yourself. You can and DO bring it my dear. UnCa Bob mentored well.
Coop
August 18th, 2009
9:43 am
D3 – Nice read. Great Job.
Ed – Disagree with Brown over Norwood. Regardless of Norwood’s inability to hit the hole, he is an endzone threat EVERY time. Returns, catching out of the backfield, wildcat, etc. Frankly, Brown has to do much more to make the team.
Love the O-line. hoping Garrett and others develop and add to rotation.
Really want DJ to put it on this Friday. Would love to see Redman go for $$$ reasons. I thik DJ can handle #2, and would like to see some trade value from him at end of year. Sometimes though, I just feel like I keep waiting and nothing’s coming… kinda like JA98.
Hard to make a clean choice, but I just like Booker over Ferg, and I can’t defend that. I want to see some young speed demons on the field, but if they can’t unseat Finn, Book, or Ferg, then it’s too the practice squad or scrap heap.
CBrass
August 18th, 2009
9:54 am
SW,
Thanks for the encouragement. It means a lot!!
Unca' Bob
August 18th, 2009
9:55 am
Seminole Warrior,
Good morning. With all the Tropical Storms and Hurricanes brewing, it looks like your plate is going to be full for a while.
CBrass,
I am well, thank you. Your posts have always been insightful and positive. It’s good to see you are becoming more comfortable posting.
The Falcon Offense will be one of the best balanced in our Division, if not the League. My feeling is we are going to throw the football more often. I know we are a run first team, but given the options we have have, we would be foolish to not take advantage of them. It would help to lessen the load for M Turner, as well as keeping opposing Defenses off balance.
Coop
August 18th, 2009
10:07 am
Unca’ Bob – Agree we will pass more. I think D’s will gear to stop Turner, but when Ryan tosses the ball around, they’ll have to drop off the line some. This should also help out Turner. I think that showed in the DET game. I love our offense and think we’ll give opposing D coordinators nightmares. Not saying, we’re the greatest show on turf, but we have a ton of solid weapons to move the ball down the field.
SeminoleWarrior
August 18th, 2009
10:08 am
UnCa B, I concur with the offensive assessment. There will defiantely be more no-huddle as MR seems well equipped to run that offense. That will be the “breather” for the “Burner” on accasion as well as in key situation where points will be at a premium.
I love this time of the year when the tropics become active. It keeps me busy as h… but the power of nature is what drew me into this career some nearly 30 years ago. I love it!! Never a dull day.
Did you or CBrass order the new Falcons special license plates yet?
nhe
August 18th, 2009
10:09 am
Seminole Warrior, with all due respect, when has DJ ever had the chance to really work thru the flow of a whole game? He shows “spurts” because he only plays in “spurts”.
I think we need to give DJ most of game 2 (3 or more quarters) and CR most of game 3 and let the best man win. Shockley is clearly the more talented backup, but should there be a situation where MR missed multiple games, CR would probably come in and get “in the flow” quicker. But DJ would have the bigger upside if either of them had to play an extended period. So – 1 game – CR, 3 or more games in a row – DJ – by far.
CBrass
August 18th, 2009
10:17 am
SW,
I thought about it but I have the breast cancer tag so I probably will stick with that one. Are you thinking about ordering it?
Coop
August 18th, 2009
10:17 am
nhe – I want to seeDJ succeed too, but it’s unrealistic for him to play an entire PS game (even 3 qtrs). He has to make the most of his opportunity. JPW didn’t play as long as CR or DJ and looked as serviceable as either.
SeminoleWarrior
August 18th, 2009
10:17 am
Nhe, we are cool, ace. We share that viewpoint. In my 8:58am post this morn, I am asking that we give Shock a full half to show what he can do. Concurring with Jason, I even went as far as to say let him play with the first team. I see no reason to have MR play this week at STL. He is the starter and we know that. What is critical on offense, the only possible weakness I see, is the QUALITY and EFFICIENCY of the backup QB position.
I’m not a Shock hater by any means. I stated he reminds me of Seneca Wallace. He can be effective if given time to grow and learn. That is what Seattle did with Wallace. And when he played, he managed the game but they used that great O-line and running attack to make him feel as comfy as they could. We can do the same with Shock.
Another point..if the Falcons want to execute the “wildcat” in certain schemes, Shock adds that value as well due to his much better mobility than any other QB on the roster, including MR.
BIRDMAN
August 18th, 2009
10:21 am
Good monin cagers
Another great blog D3 as always.SW good to hear your thoughts about the team, and U B as well.Great read CBrass also.Thanks guys. I like the talk about how MR is goin the extra mile to improve his game.Wish they would all follow his lead.They should because they are in the NFL..
Yes the D sure needs to improve and I know they will . I mean after that no show game last Sat its gota get better.I kinda got little releaf on how they performed after reading some of what ya’ll have said..Shockley to me looks better for the #2 spot and I also want to see him workout with ou #1 O line .I thought Stafford looked very good for his first pre game.He seemed to have great cntroll on his throws .Agian Thanks for the read.
GO ….BIRDS…AND …YA’LLL …KEEP…IT….COMEIN
Unca' Bob
August 18th, 2009
10:24 am
SW,
I was, and still am, living in South Carolina in 1989, when Hugo came through. Only one other time in my life have I seen such total devastation. Mother Nature can truly be a Bear.
I’m not sure, but my local DMV might look down on Georgia tags on my car.
SeminoleWarrior
August 18th, 2009
10:28 am
CB, same here. Retired USAF plate on one, and the First Lady has the wildflower plate on the other. I may switch that one since I am in her SUV more than I am in my car.
I’m wondering why it took so long for the Falcons to do this. When you look at the incredible success of the college plates, especially UGA, this should have been a no-brainer. As you know, I visit Charlotte, Tampa and Jacksonville a lot, chasing footballs. Their fan bass loves the NFL plates and they are all over the place in those markets. Glad that our marketing department is finally catching up.
I lost Mama Warrior to breast cancer seven years ago so I understand your BC plate and the desire to keep it. I proudly display a pink ribbon is on the back of the SUV next to my “Keep the Troops Safe” and “Army Strong” yellow bows.
Unca' Bob
August 18th, 2009
10:40 am
SW,
I was, and still am, living in South Carolina in 1989, when Hugo came through. Only one other time in my life have I seen such total devastation. Mother Nature can truly be a Bear.
I’m not sure, but my local Dept.of Motor Vehichles might look down on Georgia tags on my car.
CBrass
August 18th, 2009
10:43 am
SW,
I was really big on the BC thing then out of no where my aunt was diagnosed and eventually bet it. It is strange that AB waited so long to get this going. I’m sure it will be successful.
jason
August 18th, 2009
10:44 am
How does a NFL QB get experience? If he doesn’t play with the best (starters) on the field. Alot of times you get caught up watching the game and you don’t see break downs in protection (OL), or missed blitz pick ups (RBs). You also don’t see WRs in the routes or in bad position to make catches. Alot goes on that you don’t necessarrily see at first glance. IF you are QBing second and third string how do you gain any consistencey wgen you are surrounded by inconsistencies? As I said in my first post, we all know what we have in MR. To an extent we know what we have in CR; he has played with the starting unit. He even started 4 games 2 years ago. We don’t know what we have in DJ. We have only seen glimpses with the second team the past 4 years. I say let DJ run with the first unit, and see what he’s got once and for all. Let him stand in the pocket behind Dahl and crew being flanked by the Burner and Gonzo. Then if he cannot get the job done, you adjust accordingly. I am the biggest UGA Homer out there, and I want for DJ to come up big bad…. but in the NFL it is all about winning and helping the team do just that. I say give MR one series this week, and let DJ play the first half and into the second half followed by CR and close with JPW.
SeminoleWarrior
August 18th, 2009
10:46 am
Ohhhhh, I have studied Hugo big time. VERY fearful of a storm like that striking the Georgia coast…something that has not happened in over 110 years. I don’t even want to think of the consequences.
As far as the tag, the Falcons have a good base in SC as does the Panthers (aka Kittens). They may be open to the chance to make that extra tax money. Send the guys in the marketing department an email and see if they can not commission a survey to gauge response. The Clemson plates are good sellers in GA; I see no reason why SC would not take a shot at earning some new revenue.
CBrass
August 18th, 2009
10:47 am
SW,
Let try this again.
I’m really big on the BC support. Love it when they do the pink out here for the womens basketball games and they wear their pink uniforms. The main reason I got the BC tag was after my aunt was diagnosed with it a couple of years ago. She’s bet it and is doing very well right now.
It is strange that AB waited so long to do this. Now that’s it out I’m sure it will do very well.
Unca’ Bob,
If UF and Awbarn tags are allowed here I’m sure that GA (Falcon) tags in South Carolina shouldn’t be a problem…LOL
SeminoleWarrior
August 18th, 2009
10:54 am
Jason, I’m 1000% with you. And CB, may the Divine continue to bless your aunt.
UF/Gator tags should be illegal in all states…LOL
Nookah
August 18th, 2009
11:02 am
SW, Unca’ Bob, can a brother get a AF licence plate in Canada?…..lol I’d sure drive around with pride!!!
I am concerned about our defense but thank God preseason has 3 more weeks to go. We do have a few loose ends to tighten.
I was pleased with the first string offense and I have no doubt MR will be more than fine. The Ol (Burn Unit) looks close to midseason form. I need to see a little more from the backups however.
CBrass nice link. Great read.
I didn’t get to see the whole game but can anyone tell me how our DT’s looked overall, PJerry, TLewis and VWalker? Did Sidbury play and how did he look?
Awaiting the feedback.
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!!
SeminoleWarrior
August 18th, 2009
11:19 am
Nookah, my brother. Nesta moments and a Falcon takeover flavor north of the border? Canada would never be the same!!
Let me just say this. If the O-Line is the “Burn Unit”, as of now, the D-Line is the “Flickering Flame”. Enough said. D3’s preview states that we will go deeper into in the next post. We had a great series of discussions on it Sunday and if the CEO brings it like he usually does, we will have another intense but through discussion tomorrow.
BIRDMAN
August 18th, 2009
11:22 am
HELLO CAGE WORLD.
Does anyone know the station the friday game will be on ?
Nookah
August 18th, 2009
11:23 am
SW, nuff respect!! I will tune in later.
Go Falcons!!!
SeminoleWarrior
August 18th, 2009
11:34 am
Birdman, I do not know what TV network will be carrying it but it will be on Sirius. The schedule is reflecting channel 121. Hope that helps.
Unca' Bob
August 18th, 2009
11:38 am
Just got back from SCDMV. They do not offer an Atlanta Falcon plate. I sent them an Email and recieved a form letter back. I await their reply.
Unca' Bob
August 18th, 2009
11:51 am
Well, my last post has not shown up yet. I guess I got the boot. At thsi time we can not get an AF tag. I sent an Email and I await their reply. My other post contained SCDem-vee. I may have spoken the majic words.
Unca' Bob
August 18th, 2009
11:55 am
That must have been it. I would rather repost than to put up with what comes along with the other.
CBrass
August 18th, 2009
12:05 pm
SW,
Sorry had a meeting. Thanks for the blessings I will be sure to pass them on. In her case I think they caught it relatively earlier so she only had to go through one round of chemo.
Nookah,
You’ve very well. Hope all is well with you.
BIRDMAN
August 18th, 2009
12:45 pm
Gator gigin ….Gator gigin …..SW…!
Unca' Bob
August 18th, 2009
2:27 pm
BirdMan,
While you are out there Gator giggin’, be careful a Seminole Warrior doesn’t stick a lance into your behind!! They are called the “Unconquered People” for a reason. Get ‘em Osceola!
CBrass
August 18th, 2009
2:58 pm
Unca’ Bob,
He’ll be fine he’s a Dawg after all!!!
BIRDMAN
August 18th, 2009
3:01 pm
FEAR NOT ….I am also Indian warrior.
Trying to bring back a song from the past.Use to be sung when Bobby’s tribe incounterd the Gators.
Way back in the 70,s
So blow blow Seminole wind .!
I earned my feathers back in high school,,,Whighm Indians
Great Grandmother also part Siminole
BIRDMAN
August 18th, 2009
3:04 pm
BUT YOUR RIGHT….BULLDOGS ALL THE WAY
YUP!!
August 18th, 2009
4:49 pm
Vwan sampdif’ nosstradin!!!!
Flappin' Falcon
August 18th, 2009
5:52 pm
Cagers,
I can’t stand the Favre Frenzy that seems to rear its head each year, but this year I love it because it takes the Eagles back-up QB presseason practice stories off of ESPN every 5 minutes. The reporters can fly over to Minnesota now and drive the Favre story into the ground.
Meanwhile…the Falcons have a football game coming up. I look forward to seeing DJ in 2nd QTR, but I still expect to see a massive whirlwind of rotations on the DEF throughpout the game. Won’t be much stuff to seriously discuss until after game 3.
Ken Strickland
August 18th, 2009
6:07 pm
We started last season with a very limited passing OFF, no pass catching TE, and were almost completely dependent on our rushing OFF. That basically remained unchanged until after our bye week. This yr, we’ll start the season with a complete passing OFF and a pass catching TE, which will automatically reduce the number of carries by RB MTurner even if we don’t increase RB JNorwood’s carries.
I think the Falcons really do want QB DJ Shockey to win the #2 backup battle for 2 reasons. First, they want to save the 4+ millions they’re paying Redmon, and secondly they like the PR he generates and the following he has as a former UGA player. If RB TBrown makes the team, it will be as a return specialist. He’s not likely to beat out either JNorwood or JSnelling strickly as a backup RB. You can also forget about any WR beating out BFinneran. Even though he’s not quick or fast, he’s proven to be one of the NFL’s top 3rd down receivers and a special teams ace.
Based on what I’ve read, CB CHouston might be a keeper because of his cover skills and size. He’s the only CB we have with the height to effectively handle the taller WR’s in the league. The coaches seem to think they can teach him to be more physical, which seems to be his only shortcoming.
I believe all of our DEF starters will be in place by the final preseason gm, and that’s when we’ll see our DEF come to life and get a chance to play together for an extended period of thime under gm conditions. I also believe when it’s all over, TLewis will get the nod @ DT, TDeCoud @ FS, SNicholas @ OLB, BGrimes @ CB and CDavis @ DE, unless JAnderson comes on strong very quickly.
BT
August 18th, 2009
6:40 pm
Ken Strickland-
Agree, with the 1st paragraph 100%
Agreed with the top of the 2nd paragraph
However,Bottom of the 2nd paragraph, I am not sure Finn is much better than Ferguson, those 2 will likely share time working the slot position IMO.
The 3rd paragraph, based on what I have seen (so far) nobody has to teach Chris Owens how to be physical.
While not putting Grimes or Houston down, it`s just a matter of time before Owens is in the lineup.
Not if but when?
It might be sooner than we all think?
4th paragraph, no problems with that assessment but you could include CJackson as a lock for nickle.
BT
August 18th, 2009
6:57 pm
From D.O. Ledbetter
With the hopes of increasing his meager sack count, defensive end Jamaal Anderson is working on some new moves.
“We are teaching him some new pass rush techniques that he’s trying to do,” defensive line coach Ray Hamilton said Tuesday. “He’s coming along well with those.”
Anderson, the eighth overall pick in the 2007 draft, has struggled rushing the passer in the NFL. He has recorded just two sacks in 31 starts.
“Preseason is a learning time,” Hamilton said. “He’s trying to learn some new techniques. . . That’s where we are with that. There are some things we’ve asked him to do. He’s adapting to it pretty well.”
Anderson is in a heated battle with Chauncey Davis to retain his starting position. Davis was re-signed over the offseason to a four-year contract worth $14 million, including $8 million in the first two years.
Davis outperformed Anderson with four sacks in about one-third of the snaps last season.
“It’s a good competition between Chauncey and Jamaal,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “Both of those guys are guys that we feel very good about.”
BT
August 18th, 2009
7:10 pm
BIRDMAN-
The Rams preseason game will be televised on 11 Alive.
If, you can get that down in Aligator County?
Your in luck.
BT
August 18th, 2009
7:25 pm
Flippin Falcon-
I am down with #4 being a Viqueen.
However, I don`t give a ratazz about the media circle jerk.
IMO #4 is washed up locker room cancer at this point.
He can`t do anything but help a mediorkra team stay mediorkra.
I don`t know what the Minnichumps are thinking?
I see the Farve of 2008, not the Favre of `96/97.
JJ
August 18th, 2009
7:27 pm
BT,
Agree with your 6:40pm post, spot on.
BIRDMAN
August 18th, 2009
7:35 pm
Thanks BT ….I’m in the big Rockdale now
JJ
August 18th, 2009
7:42 pm
BT,
Do not agree with your 7:25 post. The Vikings have a top 5 defense, offensive line and running back…their missing link has been qb. They will be a powerhouse in the nfc my friend, esp. with farve. Respectfully disagree with you, and yes I’m tired of hearing of the great Brett Farve…we just added another team to reach the super bowl!
BT
August 18th, 2009
7:56 pm
That`s cool, JJ
We can agree to disagree.
Fact is, I don`t like it when everyone agrees.
I don`t see the Viking as a powerhouse, with or without Favre.
Watch as the Packers pummel their brains out twice this year.
We don`t and likely won`t play them and of course, I don`t think they will be there.
JJ
August 18th, 2009
8:06 pm
BT,
Are you suggesting that greenbay would “pummel” the vikings regardless?
Thats is a bold statement my friend! Any stats to back that up or is this intuitive?
BT
August 18th, 2009
8:14 pm
Green Bay`s big issue last season was defence and injuries.
They are bringing back a very good team that was close to going the distance in `07 but with more force on defence and a very good QB in Aaron Rodgers.
The Packers will win the NFCN IMO.
JJ
August 18th, 2009
8:18 pm
BT,
We are falconfans; I disagree with with your nfcnorth (minn vs g.bay) prediction but thats not relevant to this blog. Farve ( imho )IS NOT GOOD NEWS TO THE NFC!
BT
August 18th, 2009
8:23 pm
Farve is not good news to the team he joined, they just don`t know it..yet.
BT
August 18th, 2009
8:51 pm
JJ,
I will go farther out on a limb and say, the Detroit Loins will do better than folks think they will.
They have followed the Falcons template in rebuilding.
Unca' Bob
August 18th, 2009
9:02 pm
I feel the Alanta Falcons offense will do well this year. how about you JJ? What ar your feelings BT?
BT
August 18th, 2009
9:16 pm
Scraggly beard, good ole boy, baggy wrangler jeans, old man that keeps getting up after being knocked down, time and time again.
Folks wanna see him do well.
I get that.
Reality check: Farve with less than a laser arm, (with his style of play) will loose you more games than he will win for you.
I know it`s Falcons blog but this is the topic of the day.
BT
August 18th, 2009
9:24 pm
UB-
I think the Falcons offense will be at least top 5 in the NFL and within the top 3 in the NFC.
And I think the will be actually be better than they appear by total yardage stats indicate because of the balance they will bring.
long time falcon
August 18th, 2009
9:28 pm
I read DOL’s post earlier about JA- a step to late and his lack of sack. What are the chances he loses his starting job if continues to have a lackluster preseason? How many times are we going to have to hear about sugar bear hamilton trying to teach him some techniques? Sounds like a broken record. This is his third training camp and the techniques don’t appear to be working out. Two things I look forward to friday against the Rams is watching chris owens get extended playing time and hopefully SID the KID will see significant minutes. Man I’m pulling for this kid to have an impact because he has so much potential as an outside speed rusher. The birds have got to find a way to get more pressure on the QB.
Boxcarar
August 18th, 2009
9:40 pm
UB,
I think that our offense will be in the top seven in the league. TG will really take some pressure off of Elam in the red zone.
Dawson Devitt (D3)
August 18th, 2009
9:49 pm
Great Tuesday (No Feel Day) Bird Cagers! Hope everyone’s week is off to a good start as we head towards our second preseason game against the Rams in St.Louis and look to rebound on defense.
Working on a defensive wrap analysis from the Lions game, that many of us will be looking to dive into. Sure, it was just a preseason game, but we looked really bad in parts of the game. If we show dramatic improvement on Friday, than its all good, but if we have a repeat performance I would think we would be close to “worry” category.
Apologies on not being able to respond here in the Bird Cage, but this week time’s really gotten away from me. I always check the posts at work but don’t get a chance to respond. One of these days I’ll get into season form.
Cheers……….
BT
August 18th, 2009
9:54 pm
LTF-
OMG, I refrained from saying about the same thing.
I fact, if I were D.Led.
Might have been kicked out of camp by asking Sugar Bear if, those were the same techniques your teaching that caused him to be on the ground and out of most the plays?
Of course, it`s all just coach speak.
They like most of us (that are paying attention) are on the Chauncy bus.
JJ
August 18th, 2009
10:09 pm
BT,
I hope he loses every game, he should have retired a packer.
But, he brings something to a good team. He may be scraggly(who cares), he may be a good ole boy(who cares) who wares wrangler(who cares), and yes he keeps getting up after getting knocked down.
BT, you’re my fellow falcon fan, bret just may make our journey to the top more difficult in the nfc…just my thoughts…
JJ
August 18th, 2009
10:12 pm
Unca’Bob – r u baby sitting? lol
BT
August 18th, 2009
10:13 pm
It`s all good D3.
There is no shortage of stuff to discuss.
Tomorrow will be a new day with a fresh set of topics.
Dawson Devitt (D3)
August 18th, 2009
11:19 pm
Alright nite owls, the defensive post is up about the game from saturday. See you tomorrow, have a good one.
Sarah B
August 18th, 2009
11:22 pm
I’m baaaaack!!! I’m going to catch up and get back with you. Hope all is well…
Sarah B
August 18th, 2009
11:43 pm
Birdman 11Alive@8pm
Sarah B
August 18th, 2009
11:43 pm
Told you I am back!!
Sarah B
August 18th, 2009
11:45 pm
JJ? How you Doin’?????
Ken Strickland
August 19th, 2009
12:42 am
BT-I agree, COwens was drafted to eventually become a starter, not a backup. But, I believe it was intended for him to take over for departed CB Dfoxworth. I don’t think our coaches were very confident that BGrimes would be able to return to last yrs form. They may have also been worried about his ability to hold up for an entire season considering his size and aggressive style of play. In the cover 2 DEF, your CB’s should be very physical at the point of attack, which has been CHouston’s problem.
Finneran’s height(6′5″)height advantage over Ferguson(6′1″) makes him a better target in short yardage as well as the Redzone. Being a key member of the punt and kickoff return/cover teams makes him far more valusble.