Mid-Week Quick-Toss – Draft, Corners, Bitter, and Standings
Do You Believe in Miracles?
The Falcons are taking a serious beating by the hometown fans, rightly so for the most part, and are being given absolutely no chance in the game on Monday Night Football. That too is completely justified. But if all teams throughout the history of sports listened to what should happen, than some of the most memorable moments in sports would’ve never happened. 1980 U.S. Hockey Team vs. the Ruskies? Buster Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson? AFL Namath led Jets beat the NFL Colts in Super Bowl III? Or even the Giants of 2007 being told to not even show up against the 18-0 New England Patriots. Sure, this is only the 7th game of the season and it’s a touch on the dramatic side, but the point is there’s a reason they play the games, so anything can happen.
Draft - Hate to play the 20/20 hindsight game, because drafting any player always carries inherent risks and guesses just like anything else. And no one can ever account for injuries, as is the case with Peria Jerry and William Moore, who both are done for the season, but Chris Owens is perfectly healthy and hasn’t seen a glimpse of the secondary in live action. But take a look at some possibilities to spark some conversations:
24th – Peria Jerry (DT), Falcons
25th – Vontae Davis (Starting CB), Dolphins
32nd – Ziggy Hood (Backup DL), Steelers
37th – Alphonso Smith (Backup CB to Champ Bailey), Broncos
40th – Ron Brace (3rd String DT), Patriots
41st – Darius Butler (3rd String CB), Patriots
42nd – Jarius Byrd (Backup SS), Bills
50th – Mohammed Massaquoi (Starting WR), Browns
55th – William Moore (SS), Falcons
61st – Sean Smith (Starting CB), Dolphins
90th – Chris Owens (CB), Falcons
92nd – Jerraud Powers (3rd String CB), Colts
96th – Keenan Lewis (3rd String CB), Steelers
94th – Ryan Mouton (Backup CB), Titans
119th – DJ Moore (3rd String CB), Bears
Sean Smith in the Second?
Obviously, it’s easy to go back and second guess any picks after the fact, and Jerry looks to a great addition if he can come back healthy, just as Moore and Owens look to be solid additions as well. Add that to the fact that most of the cornerbacks are backups or even 3rd string, but the question is, would they remain there on our defense? The only one that’s tough to swallow: Sean Smith (6,4, 215, 4.5 40-time) and started week 1. To say that the Falcons have gotten no contributions from this draft class is an understatement.
Cornerback Free Agent Signing – A continued look at some off-season cornerback signings to spur some further conversations. As of May 18th, the Falcons were around $20 million under the salary cap. Free agent CB’s:
Leigh Bodden – (6’1, 193); 1 year, $2.25 Million – Patriots Starting CB
Drayton Florence – (6’0, 195); 2 years, $6.6 Million – Bills Starting CB
Andre Goodman – (5’10, 184); 5 years, $25 Million – Broncos Starting CB
Jabari Greer – (5’11, 180); 4 year, $23 Million – Saints Starting CB
Ronald Bartell – (6’0, 206); 4 year, $28 Million – Rams Starting CB
Kelvin Hayden – (6’0, 195); 5 year, $43 Millon – Colts Starting CB
Dominique Foxworth – (5’11, 180); 4 year, $28 Million – Ravens Starting CB
Bryant McFadden – (6’0, 195); 2 year, $10 Million – Cardinals Starting CB
Shawn Springs – (6’0, 203); 3 years, $10.5 Millon – Patriots Starting CB
Some over-paid and some teams got a pretty good deal, especially considering that the Broncos and Saints are both 6-0, and the Patriots are 5-2 after picking up both of their starting cornerbacks off the Free Agent market.
Speaking of Cornerback……. – Can we finally at least see what Chris Owens and Tye Hill have? Granted they may not hold much more help than we currently have, but can it really hurt to find out for sure? Can Jamaal Fudge or Antoine Harris take some reps at cornerback? Just asking.
A Little Sour?
Bitter Much? – One of the key storylines to the Falcons-Cowboys game was of course Keith Brooking facing his old team after spending his entire career in Atlanta. It was obvious that Brooking more than relished the win over Atlanta, even going as far as flapping his arms like wings when he was 10 feet away from the play. Why the bitterness and anger? The NFL is a business and it was time to part ways, and better for both: the Falcons were able to rebuild and helped re-unite him with his former defensive coordinator and coach in Wade Phillips. He also got to change to a more suitable position as inside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. Many players have faced former teams without feeling the need to act bitter. Did he want the Falcons to give him a huge contract just because he did great things in the past and was with the Birds for his entire career? Just ask Richard Seymour about loyalty, he who helped his Patriots to three Super Bowl rings. 2 whole tackles doesn’t merit an MVP performance, and acting like he was the big difference in the game. Many fans wished Brooking the best and may continue to do so. Obviously Brooking doesn’t feel the same way.
Season Prediction Competition Update – A look at who’s doing what in the prognosticating department from our competition earlier in the year after a third of the season is over (missed games in parentheses):
Perfection – 6-0
Russ, MRyan, SPS, WR, sportaree, Ed, Chris, JJ, CBrass
5-1 – Almost Perfection
DW (Bears), Brian Hunt (Bears), Falconforlife (Bears), Birdman (Patriots), Nookah (Cowboys), JWW (Cowboys), Sarah B. (Cowboys), Joseph R. (Cowboys), Boxcarar (Panthers), Ed-Covington (Cowboys)
4-2 – Just Like the Birds
Warbucks (Panthers, Bears), Dean21 (Patriots, Bears), Seminole (Bears, Cowboys), TBird (Dolphins, Patriots)
3-3 – Right at .500
Lil’ Dave (Patriots, Bears, Cowboys), downsouthdirtybird (Patriots, Bears, Cowboys), A.Dylan Thomas (Panthers, Bears, Cowboys), BT (Pats, Niners, Cowboys), D3 (Dolphins, Bears, Cowboys)
Let me know of any errors. By the way, only 11 out of 28 (39%) picked us to beat the Cowboys and 5 out of 28 (18%) thought we’d beat the Patriots.
Your Turn
-Will we shock the NFL world on Monday Night?
-What do we need to do for the big upset?
-Using 20/20 hindsight, who would you have drafted?
-What about the CB’s signed? Who would’ve fit for a reasonable price?
-Will TD have to spend the dough for a FA corner?
-Your thoughts on Brookings “performance”?
Facebook Blog-Rook
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
266 comments Add your comment
JJ
October 27th, 2009
11:01 pm
UNO!
Boxcarar
October 27th, 2009
11:13 pm
Not bi-lingual. Two. LOL
Boxcarar
October 27th, 2009
11:16 pm
D3,
Seriously,
Do we have that much money under the cap, or is that reserved for resigning the “Nasty Boys” and others going into 2010? Don’t want to throw the baby out with the bath water.
Shawty B
October 27th, 2009
11:18 pm
Quatro!
Shawty B
October 27th, 2009
11:18 pm
Box you were dos!
Shawty B
October 27th, 2009
11:22 pm
Hey whatever happened to Dean21 he was a regular??? JJ you are up late. It’s usually just me and Box.
Nookah
October 27th, 2009
11:25 pm
Shawty B, you are becoming a real comic on this blog. I just love reading your posts these days. LOL!!!!
Go Falcons!!!
JJ
October 27th, 2009
11:31 pm
What up cagers?
Stirg, hope the family is ok buddy.
Shawty/Box, had to stay up to be with you guys/gals.
Nookah, missed the lyrics, thanks buddy.
Question, if they sign a guy, is he on the 53 roster or practice and why not the uga rb brown who was in camp all preseason?
Shawty B
October 27th, 2009
11:32 pm
Thanks Nookah, trying to keep things light.
Shawty B
October 27th, 2009
11:33 pm
We need corners. I wanted them to get Bodden in the off season, the man is a force.
JJ
October 27th, 2009
11:36 pm
-NON FOOTBALL- skip daryld
Shaty, have your dogs gone out today?
I’ve walked playa 5x today and the old man will not go in the rain. We get to the edge of the overhang and he looks at me like: “you first dad, I’m not getting wet!” lol
JJ
October 27th, 2009
11:38 pm
Box, been meaning to ask you how in the hell did you wind up out in the mid-west?
Shawty B
October 27th, 2009
11:40 pm
RE: Non football content to follow…
Yes JJ I make them. Maggie seems to like the opportunity to get muddy and track up my floors!
Shawty B
October 27th, 2009
11:42 pm
Also is Arkansas the mid-west or the middle of nowhere??? Are you at least in Little Rock??
JJ
October 27th, 2009
11:44 pm
HOW? I cannot make my boy go in the rain? Sorry, go falcons!
Shawty B
October 27th, 2009
11:48 pm
See I have a fenced yard, not a leash. So I get them all excited so they will forget it’s raining and then they run right down there, go potty then come back up and look all miserable. Then track up my floors.
JJ
October 27th, 2009
11:51 pm
ahh…we’re leashed bound over here and although the radar has been clear for 4 hrs, the rain has not stopped! SW, what up with that?
JJ
October 27th, 2009
11:53 pm
let me know once you have the paint, ill send the crew!
Shawty B
October 27th, 2009
11:55 pm
I picked the color, probably buy paint Thursday and start primer then.
JJ
October 27th, 2009
11:55 pm
SB, have u ever checked out jeff becks “Halleluijah” on youtube?
Boxcarar
October 27th, 2009
11:57 pm
JJ,
It was the job. Been out here almost 16 years. Unfortunately that is coming to an end. Was a plus for raising a son in smaller population.
Shawty,
Not too bad. In a bedroom community outside of Little Rock. Imagine Marietta to Atlanta, for geographic comparison.
I’ll be in Atlanta for X-Mas through New Year’s.
JJ
October 27th, 2009
11:57 pm
switch to IM before D3’s wrath…lol
JJ
October 27th, 2009
11:59 pm
Box, thats what i guessed, completely diff than atl i bet, in a good way!
JJ
October 28th, 2009
12:01 am
We will def have a cage x-mass party- so sw/d3 can present the trophy!!! oh with wr help!
Boxcarar
October 28th, 2009
12:15 am
D3,
Please elaborate on your concerns. You have my email address. I’m here to help.
Shawty B
October 28th, 2009
12:32 am
We need to play NO like Miami did in the first half but then sustain it.
Wabe
October 28th, 2009
12:40 am
The need for corners is obvious. But what about the D-Line? This Falcons D-Line doesn’t generate anywhere near the pressure necessary to cover up for our horrible corners. They could help these corners out a bit if they could apply consistent pressure. But so far this season, it’s been a guessing game. They’ve played well against certain teams, but haven’t generated any kind of pressure against others. I think they really need to survey the situation up front. Although we’re midway through the season, there are options. Maybe run a little 3-4 here and there to mix things up and to help generate a pass rush. I completely understand that the Falcons need the personel to run these types of looks, but I think we have it. For obvious passing situations – it’s worthy of trying. How sick would it be to have Abe and Sidbury come off opposite OLB spots? I mean we saw JA55 drop into coverage a couple times in the Dallas game. I think he’s more than capable of holding down a OLB spot if we ran 3-4 SITUATIONALLY! Sidbury resembles JA55 – in that I mean he’s a hybrid type player. I HONESTLY THINK THIS IS SOMETHING WORTH TRYING! WE’RE GETTING BEAT UP ON DEF ALREADY AS IT IS – TRY SOMETHING NEW!!!!!
I’m not suggesting we completely change our base from a 4-3 to a 3-4, though I wish we would. But I think we can all agree that we haven’t generated enough pressure on critical passing downs rushing 4 or even blitzing. Maybe throw some new looks out there to help the pass rush and confuse those offenses. I think they’ve got to find better solutions on the defensive side of the ball. Blitzing is a high-risk: high-reward type ordeal – and in the Dallas game, we sent heat and left it one on one on the outsides a couple times and got NO PRESSURE and we ended up getting burned.
Please BVG! Do something – ANYTHING – to help this DEF not look as bad as it is.
JJ
October 28th, 2009
12:43 am
Wabe, nice post-what do we have to lose? I’m out, cia on flip!
Wabe
October 28th, 2009
12:45 am
Offensively, I have no idea what the hell is wrong. Correction, I know we’re not running the football effectively, I just have NO CLUE why. It’s just mind-boggling to watch this offense be so incapable of putting together 4 solid quarters of football. This team will go as far as this offense takes them.
OPEN UP THE PLAYBOOK MULARKEY!
FIGURE OUT WHAT’S STALLING OUR RUNNING GAME AND GET THE PROBLEM FIXED!
Dean21
October 28th, 2009
12:46 am
Shawty B…you ring??? Wassup with you and the rest of the cagers??
I must say I’ve missed the cage and I’m glad to be back…was out of town for a while on work assignment…so busy is the word for my life!
I was able to get back for the Chicago game and back out again! Assignment over = D21 is back!
I’ve actually been trying to catch up from the some of the posts i’ve missed. The birds failed to show up in Dallas, let’s hope they get off the plane in the Big Easy!
D3, as most reg. cagers have come to expect…you;re still the MAN!!
Shawty B, I did hear about a meet for the Giants game, I tried to find you at the Bears game, it’s was just way too many shawtys present!! lol
Dean21
October 28th, 2009
12:49 am
Boxcarar, I see you still holding down the night shift my man!! so, do we end the streak of not loosing 2 games in a row or the buck stops on Monday night?
Shawty B
October 28th, 2009
12:51 am
Welcome back Dean21. Wow that’s twice I have called and been answered!! I asked for Stirg Sunday and he appeared now you too. I must be magic!! or psychic.
Dean21
October 28th, 2009
12:54 am
It’s that spirit & magic you carry!! You are our first Queen to hit the cage, so you ask and hopefully you will receive. I read about your job situation, so sorry to hear that…I’m sure something positive will come your way soon!!
Dean21
October 28th, 2009
12:56 am
Well, it’s look like my dawgs & Falcons could pull major upsets this weekend or they both could tank and drive me mad! (Georgia Regional style).
Dean21
October 28th, 2009
12:57 am
Wabe, whats going on man? I feel ya on that one…one can wonder what Coach M. is thinking by not allowing this offense to run wild i.e. the 49ers game!
Shawty B
October 28th, 2009
12:59 am
Dean21 at least I have an interview tomorrow. Glad you are back and yes a meet up to watch the Giants game. We just have to pick a central local.
Dean21
October 28th, 2009
1:06 am
Good deal!! My fingers are crossed for ya!! What about Taco Mac at Phillips Arena?
Shawty B
October 28th, 2009
1:11 am
That one is kinda small, Lindbergh is HUGE. Where do you live? We have JJ off Holcomb Bridge, I’m just off Shallowford & 85, D3 is in Tucker, WR is up by Mall of GA. That’s all I’m sure of right now.
Dean21
October 28th, 2009
1:16 am
I actually think the one at Lindburgh is perfect. I work near that one and is one of my fav spots.
Ed
October 28th, 2009
1:31 am
Great work as alway D3. I think the Falcons stuck to their guns a little too much in looking for speed in the draft. I was big Sean Smith fan but he had a 4.5 forty time and the Falcons were in search of a lower time. Smith started on an excellent Utah team and has great size for a corner. Being able to read offenses and being in the right position makes up for some lack of speed.
To this point in the season the draft has to be judged as a huge dissapointment. Both Jerry & Moore had previous injury issues but TD rolled the dice much in the same way he did with Sam Baker. Baker also got injured last year but so far so good this time around. Only time will tell, but as you said, it doesn’t look good when Chris Owens can’t even see the field (and Tye Hill must be a bust).
Dean21
October 28th, 2009
3:34 am
I actually predicted us to win this game but I don’t see how if they play like they did in Texas. We need help on the O & D lines. We need pressure on the QB. MTurner has issues! Our CB’s will need a chiropractor if D.Brees is not pressured.
I have a feeling that our coaching staff has set Chevis Jackson, Chris Owens and now Tye Hill back a little especially on the confidence wagon!! By leaving these guys on the inactive list & bench may have caused several problems than none. Unfortunately, we as fans will never know if one of them may have gotten an attitude from this situation or simply lost confidence in their ability. I truly don’t understand trading for a guy and simply leave him on the bench, very bizarre. Why draft a young corner, play him in the pre-season and not even mop up duty on a regular basis.
I trust in this coaching staff, just something to make you go hmmmmmm! I hope I’m wrong and the non-playing has made these guys more hungry to play and make plays when the chance finally comes, so far it’s yet to be seen…so far, they have yet to be seen……
Great stuff D3 as always, glad to be back home in the cage!!
The Aints are licking their chops for this game. They surely will try to embarrass us, so if the Falcons don’t play with heart, soul and with a lot of pride, the birds will leave with broken wings and their egos will be drowned in very hot sauce from a old fashioned butt kicking.
tom shoupe
October 28th, 2009
4:55 am
Brooking should be embarrassed by his behavior. He was not a significant factor in the Dallas win. So immature and unprofessional. Falcons need to put Grimes on the bench. He gives it all he has. he just is too small and the opposition takes advantage of him. Turner’s lack of performance is partially due to the predictability of the play calling on early downs. Defense knows who is getting the ball. In addition he typically gains more yards to the outside rather than the inside of the line.
BT
October 28th, 2009
6:44 am
I too, feel KB56 should be embarrassed for his behavior.
After him dropping the Falcons playbook on Wade Phillip`s desk and flapping his arms like a ten year old retard.
At one time, I thought there was a place for Brooking in the Falcon ring of honor.
Not any more, the only good luck (I wish him) is finding a place in the Cowboys ring of dis-honor.
The Real Falcon
October 28th, 2009
7:00 am
Anyone who thinks that playing two safeties who came off the street at corner, not there natural position, doesn’t know pro football. You don’t make a bad situation worse with bad decisions. If the coaches don’t have Hill and Owens in there must be good reasons. It’s like you think they don’t want to win. Stop the panic!!
WR
October 28th, 2009
9:11 am
Morning Cagers, I see the discussions last night didn’t stray to far from the burnt unit, the Falcons miniature DBs. I pray that Owens and HIll at least get a shot, as sad as it is to say Brent Grimes should stick to special teams and maybe the nickel position, he should not be a full time started, heart and hussle can only go so far. As for Houston, well that would take up to much time and space, just give Hill or Owens a shot maybe both, but something has to give.
Stirg, we’re from the same neck of the woods bro. What part of Eastpoint/College park are you from. I was born in the heart of Eastpoint at South Fulton Hosp. grew up mostly off of Old National when Old National actually was a good place, most of my relatives continue to live in the area and surrounding areas from riverdale to forest park up to camp creek and down as far as fayetteville.
LRD
October 28th, 2009
9:11 am
I want to say, we can take the Saints on Monday… but my brain is trying to tell me otherwise… follow the heart, or follow the brain? I say follow the heart, but put your money on the brain.
Little sarcastically…. maybe we are holding off on Hill and Owens to use them as our “secret weapons” on D, providing a spark and a kick to the pants of Houston and Grimes ….
Can see it now..Saints 2nd possession, here comes Hill after our D gets burned for a TD on the 1st possession.. and Hill picks off Brees on the 2nd play, giving the Falcons the spark to win this game… (hey you gotta day dream now and then!)
And on the D backs, realistically, what do we have to lose at this point? Are they going to wait to the Skins game and then try them out against Campbell and his lack of deep threat?
Master of the obvious, but we have to get our run game kick started again. Snelling, Turner, someone… I want our smash mouth drive the ball down their throat running game back…and Snelling gave us more flashes of that last week then Turner.
D3: thanks for the blog! good job
jeff
October 28th, 2009
9:39 am
I agree to some extent with most about the O” line and “D” line needing help. But- Lets face the facts.
Fist- Snelling from what I have seen is that he is running the same plays behind the same “O” line as Turner. It just appears Snelling is running with more of a purpose this year than Turner. I said yesterday and I will say it again. Last year Turner punished defenders when he got to them, this year he is avoiding as much contact as he can. If he is indeed hurt and his chest injury is bothering him, then we need to sit him until healthy so he isn’t a liability for the offense or risks further injury.
Second- everyone including myself want the “D” line to get more pressure and sacks on the QB. Let face it. It is the secondary’s job to help with that. They have to be able to cover a receiver more than a second and a half. Most receivers run the 40 in 4.3-4.5 range. Well, if the can’t cover but a second or two they are already 20 yards doen field. I don’t know of many “D” lines that can get to the QB that quick. It is more like 3 to 4 seconds. As is stated all of the time this is a team game, and they both have to do their jobs. And it is clear the personnel playing CB this year isn’t what we had last year (Foxworth) thus the problems on “D”.
Coop
October 28th, 2009
10:28 am
D3 – Nice blog. Not sure that beating the Saints on Monday equates to beating the Russians in 1980… but looking at our CBs and Drew Brees’ performance thus far, it will certainly feel like it.
Flappin' Falcon
October 28th, 2009
10:56 am
Will we shock the NFL world on Monday Night?
Probably not, Saints at Home are tough. But I would not be shocked if the game was close. It all depends on our offenses ability to hold the ball and grind out long scoring drives. In other words, keep the ball away from Brees & Company as long as possible. I do not think our defense will have any success at stopping their offense. The Falcons are exhausted as this is the 4th road game in 5 weeks (with 2 opponents that came off bye-weeks). The schedule softens up dramatically after the New Orleans game, so a win is not critical…but it sure would be nice.
-What do we need to do for the big upset?
Long, grind ‘em out drives that result in touchdowns and major time of possession. Keep the ball out of Brees hands as long as possible.
-Will TD have to spend the dough for a FA corner?
If the right player is available that fits our system then, of course.
-Your thoughts on Brookings “performance”?
Brooking is a washed up old vet. His classless wing flaps, etc. reminded me of a mindless, old man trying to show off his toothless gums by chewing on a rotten apple. A sad pitiful site. His 2 tackles summed up his sad performance. On the other hand, he did an exceptional job of preparing Dallas for the Falcons…ala Benedict Arnold.
Brian Hunt
October 28th, 2009
11:53 am
It looks like both games against the Saints will be a loss for the Falcons. The Saints strength (passing game) is the Falcons biggest weakness (pass defense). With the running game sputtering, it will be hard to play ball control offense to keep the Monday night game close. A victory there would be the equivalent of the Miracle On Ice.
Wabe
October 28th, 2009
1:14 pm
I’m honestly not expecting a victory in the Superdome Monday night. But, I’m curious to see how the Falcons respond after there debacle last week. If the Falcons can show that they deserve to be playing on the same field as the Saints, I’ll honestly be satisfied.
They say there’s no such thing as moral victories – but this one week, I beg to differ.
Wabe
October 28th, 2009
1:19 pm
By the way, good post Flappin Falcon. That’s a good way to sum things up.
I’ll say that I’d be shocked if T.D. doesn’t spend some money and make a bigtime FA signing in the offseason to shore up this secondary. Doesn’t make much sense to continue looking into the draft and holding this defense back a couple more years.
CBrass
October 28th, 2009
1:38 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2009/10/28/reggie-bush-who-says-saints-can-go-16-0-hell-win-mvp/
Shawty B
October 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
Ya’ll Falcon’s staff do know Malloy is still in town right???
CBrass
October 28th, 2009
3:34 pm
Shawty B,
He’s with Seattle.
http://www.nfl.com/teams/seattleseahawks/roster?team=SEA
Birdman
October 28th, 2009
4:13 pm
Good eve cage
I just want our birds to go in NO and play a good game.I just like the rest of you don’t see a win here but to go in and get blowed out could have a big impact on how they play the next few games or the rest of the season for that mater .So a close score could really help in the long run.But a big beating could hurt bad.
Thanks for the read CBrass .Check out the Bleacher report on the falcons 10 year article
Birdman
October 28th, 2009
4:27 pm
Guess what guys and gals .I have landed a new job .Thanks for all your prayers and support.
Birdman
October 28th, 2009
4:29 pm
D3 You are the man !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KEEP IT COMING
CBrass
October 28th, 2009
4:52 pm
Congrats Birdman!!!
Birdman
October 28th, 2009
5:00 pm
Thanks you very nice lady.May God bless you and yours.
Birdman
October 28th, 2009
5:24 pm
Brooking should have shown he was more of a man than that.Who knows maybe he knows his days are numbered and he thought he would go out with the birds.But still he should show more respect to the team that made his living for so long .
Shawty B
October 28th, 2009
5:30 pm
Congrats Birdman, now hold your breath for me please…
nookah
October 28th, 2009
5:47 pm
Greetings Cagers!!!
Birdman, now that’s some ggod news worth sharing. Makes you realize what’s more important than beating the Saints on Monday.
Shawty B, I’ll sure be rooting and praying for yah and not in that order!!!
Oh, did I mention we’ll beat the Saints on Monday?
CBrass, whatsup girl?!!!
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff respect everytime!!!
Shawty B
October 28th, 2009
6:07 pm
Sorry CBrass I must have missed that.
CBrass
October 28th, 2009
6:13 pm
Nookah,
I’m doing fine how about ourself?
CBrass
October 28th, 2009
6:14 pm
*yourself?
BT
October 28th, 2009
6:16 pm
Anything less than a win, is a loss against the Saints.
There is no such thing as a ”moral victory” in the NFL.
You play to win the game, no such thing as style points.
Wabe
October 28th, 2009
6:37 pm
I got the “you play to win the game”. And believe me, I want to see these Falcons win. But in this particular case, if the Falcons play a tough game and end up losing by less than a TD or so, I’d say we still walk out of the Superdome with our heads held high knowing the Saints will come to ATL later this season – and that game is one that we’ll know we’re capable of winning.
BUT, if the Falcons get blown out in the Superdome on MNF, there’ll be nothing but questions about this team. In a sense, I’d assume they’ll start questioning themselves. We are currently 0-2 against teams that CURRENTLY hold winning records. Our previous wins aren’t looking as impressive now with so many of those teams falling off. Another blowout against a solid opponent would hurt alot more than losing a close tough game in their house.
Would our Falcons be able to regain their confidence/swagger if blown out? Believe me, another blowout would really kill this team.
Unca' Bob
October 28th, 2009
7:12 pm
BT,
Nothing but respect my friend, I’ve got to go with Wabe at this time. There is such a thing as a moral victory.
falcon2121
October 28th, 2009
8:10 pm
Wabe, I agree. If we can stay in this game late into the fourth quarter we will earn a little respect from the Saints. They will know it will not be easy going into the Ga.Dome. Gotta lot of football to play Cagers, it ain’t gonna be easy but that’s why it’s called football.
falcon21
October 28th, 2009
8:12 pm
2121, don’t know where that came from.
catfish31015
October 28th, 2009
8:32 pm
Getting a handle on our defensive situation has been pretty much like trying to paint a sunset….with the constantly changing situation week-to-week. I think management is doing a great job given the flux from week-to-week. No one could have predicted or can predict the sort of setbacks our team has had so far. We are still 4 and 2. That’s not to shabby compared with what has happened. I know it doesn’t look great right now, but how would you all feel if we beat New Orleans Monday night? There’s still a lot of football to play, (cliche), and that’s what we have to do, you turkeys, PLAY FOOTBALL…….if we do anything less, those guys are going to take us to the cleaners. I hope we play as if we are playing in the Super Bowl this Monday. Don’t worry about our chances of making the playoffs right now, don’t worry about our standing within our division, don’t worry about home-field advantage in the play-offs, don’t worry about tie-breakers, just go out their and take these yellow-bellied sap-suckers………….I want it and I know a lot of falcon fans want it…GO FALCONS.
Boxcarar
October 28th, 2009
9:09 pm
Good evening Cage. I hope all are well.
Falcon21,
I agree with the respect aspect if we keep it close, but I’m sorry, I cannot call it a victory. We need at least some respect, or we will be what some have been calling us, one of the better low tier teams. An upper tier team imposes their will on a lesser opponent, but we have not done so in our two losses. NE may be an elite team, but with the mid level Cowboys, we should have been able to overcoome. That gives the coaching staff a “D”. More to come later.
sportaree
October 28th, 2009
9:25 pm
D3 or anyone, how long has The Bird Cage been here?
Boxcarar
October 28th, 2009
9:28 pm
sportaree,
Not really sure. Less that two years, for sure.
Shawty B
October 28th, 2009
9:40 pm
Box/Sportaree we got our own blog about July or August…
falcon21
October 28th, 2009
9:44 pm
BC, if you are going to give the coaching staff a D then you have to give TD and the front office an F. The coaching is doing the best they can with they have. We all know our secondary is piss poor and you can only blame the D-line for so long. I do disagree with the coaching staff constantly changing the D-lineman to keep them fresh, it’s not working. We are 4 and 2 at this point instead of 1 and 5. We have a lot of improving to do and we need to do it quick but we need to improve the secondary first and that is up to the front office. In TD we trust. Well it’s time to bring it.
Gamer
October 28th, 2009
9:54 pm
For the Falcons to have a realistic chance to upset the Saints Monday Night, the Falcons front four might as well pin their ears back and play the Saints passing offence 70% of downs. Rely on their linebackers to halt the run even if it means given up 5 to 6 yards run. It will be better than being scorched for TD passes from Brees.
Boxcarar
October 28th, 2009
9:59 pm
Falc21,
I can respect that, but are they playing the best players at their respecective positions? I thought the move of JA98 to DT was working out fine in regards to stuffing the run, but there he was at DE again during the Dallas game, a strong run based team. Is Grimes really the best player at CB, or just give the most effort. Sometimes coaches will try to reward effort to encourage the rest of the team to excel. I was mystified with no DB help brought in before the dedline, but RB instead.
falcon21
October 28th, 2009
10:18 pm
BC, JA98 moved back to DE is a move I don’t understand, all I can think of is they are trying to keep the lineman fresh and I disagree with that. As you said he was doing a great job at DT. Grimes could not start as a CB for any other team in the NFL in my opinion but what does that say about Hill. If the coaches think Grimes is better than Hill then he must be better than Hill. The coaches have to work with what they have. As of now they don’t seem to have a lot of options.
Lil'Dave
October 28th, 2009
10:18 pm
Strig, my bad on the crazy trade offers. I was trying to work some stuff from work and the internet kept locking me out. Haha I wasn’t going crazy just hang in there with me.
Boxcarar
October 28th, 2009
10:25 pm
Falc21,
Agree on the fresh debate, but if they are wanting to keep fresh, why can’t they use Sid to spell the DE’s?
Boxcarar
October 28th, 2009
10:27 pm
Falc21,
Also, our offense wasn’t giving the defense much time to rest with the 3 and outs.
Shawty B
October 28th, 2009
10:29 pm
3 & outs pish me off fo sho… no wonder D was worn out…
Shawty B
October 28th, 2009
10:30 pm
I applied a Cisco today – I want to work with VS2!
Shawty B
October 28th, 2009
10:30 pm
at Cisco duh… I’m vlinded from the job search…
Shawty B
October 28th, 2009
10:32 pm
See what I mean… blinded… and I thought I had to stare at this thing when I had a job, this is worse…
Boxcarar
October 28th, 2009
10:32 pm
Shawty B.,
Falcons, Falcons, Falcons. How did it go?
falcon21
October 28th, 2009
10:36 pm
You got me on that one BC, Sid may not be making the grade along with Hill. Man I’m as lost as you are, I just hope the coaches and TD get it together pretty quick. Monday night will tell us a lot of what we need to know!
Shawty B
October 28th, 2009
10:37 pm
Booooo… he wanted me to sell insurance. I am not a salesperson and I know it. Good practice though.
Shawty B
October 28th, 2009
10:38 pm
Falcons, Falcons, Falcons…
falcon21
October 28th, 2009
10:39 pm
BC, the O was just a bad word the other day.
sportaree
October 28th, 2009
10:41 pm
Boxcarar I agree, D3 I think, said we were $20 mil under the cap and we didn’t go out and find help at DB? We have to play the Saints twice. Falcons total Off. yards are only 300 more than the Saints passing yards. By the way I have several friends that live over by Lake Blackshear.
Boxcarar
October 28th, 2009
10:45 pm
Falc21,
I hope that we like what we hear. I saw something in Sid when he was in preeason. That was when the staff said that they were testing situations and he looked pretty good when he was in.
falcon21
October 28th, 2009
10:47 pm
Shawty, BC and sportaree have a good night. Enjoyed it Cagers.
Boxcarar
October 28th, 2009
10:49 pm
sportaree,
I know a good deal of that cap money will go to re-sign OL long term. But there has to be a servicable cornerback out there somewhere. I am not meaning an elite lockdown man. I mean, we signed Luckhurst out of a Philly pub.
Any Given Sunday
October 28th, 2009
10:51 pm
KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Get the match-ups you like and go with no-huddle…
falcon21
October 28th, 2009
10:52 pm
He is still very young BC and can start stepping up at anytime. Our coaches must see something. Have a good one friend.
D3
October 28th, 2009
11:00 pm
Great Mid-Week Day Cagers!
Been crazy busy today trying to get some stuff done. Hope everyone is doing well as we roll towards the huge matchup in the city of gumbo and creole on monday night football……………….
Box – On the cap, that was the most recent figure I could find. Also remember that we have you know who coming off our books next year as well. So resigning Dahl and Clabo should be in order. At this point, do we resign Norwood, or go in the draft?
JJ – Great question on TBrown. So we sign Aaron Stecker off the street and Antoine Smith, who’s never played an NFL down? Don’t get it. They IR’d Brian Williams and William Moore, and added Jamaal Fudge, so Stecker took that spot and Smith is on the practice squad.
Wabe – Excellent point on the 3-4. I was saving that question to ponder as one of the mid-week conversation starters, but that is a good one. It almost seems like we have more personnel for the 3-4 than the 4-3. Abe, Sidbury, and Biermann could all play the stand-up OLB or DE, along with Stephen Nicholas. Trey Lewis could play NT. Babs, Thomas Johnson, & JA#98 could play DE, and Peterson, Lofton, and Wire could play ILB. Why not mix it up?
Dean21 – How goes it my friend? Long time. For both of our sanity’s sake, lets go in assuming the worst with the Falcons and Dawgs, and be suprised. I gotta feeling one of them will pull the upset, but not which one. Glad to have you back! On the Hill question, Dominque Foxworth didn’t start until the 7th game of the season either, so maybe we’ll finally see him this week. Can it hurt?
Ed – Superb point on the Baker comparison. Ultimately I think both Jerry and Moore will be good additions, but it hurts when neither are able to make an immediate contribution in a starved defense. My thing is this: is there any way to get Moore, DeCoud, and Coleman on the field together next year? DeCoud played some corner @ Cal, so you never know.
tom shoupe – Excellent insights. Grimes has one hell of a motor, but sometimes effort just doesn’t cut it in the NFL. If he’s matched up slots, he does OK, but big, tall receivers……forget it.
BT – Brooking acted like a complete chump. What an @ss! There’s just no reason for it. Show some class for Godsake. Did Brett Favre act like that after beating Green Bay?
The Real Falcon – The point on playing DeCoud or Fudge at cornerback was merely to emphasize how desperate our CB is. DeCoud and Fudge both played cornerback in college, so it wouldn’t be that far of a stretch, and I was just posing the question “can it get a lot worse?” I guess that it could, but try something, ANYTHING to get a hold of this bad CB situation.
Coop Yeah, I intentionally went a little bit on the dramatic side on the 1980 US Hockey comparison, but the point was just to say “you never know.” Sure would be nice.
WR – Something has to give indeed! They have been and still are in love with Grimes, and I just don’t get it. Two words: big, tall >> 2008 – Muhsin Muhammed, 2009 – Austin Miles.
LRD – Thanks. Excellent points on CBs. I think whats killing all of us is the not-knowing. We sure as the hell know what we have with Houston and Grimes, but we don’t with Owens and Hill. Try Jackson out there too…..can it hurt?
jeff – Spot on about Turner. I intentionally watched him run the ball and he “braced” for contact every time, instead of driving. Last year he was always going forward, now he goes down without a wimper.
Nookah & Stirg – WELCOME BACK FRIENDS!!!!!!!!!!
falcon21, & UB – Great to see all of you in here as usual.
sportaree – The “unofficial” Bird Cage started back a while ago on DLeds blog, but the new “fan” Bird Cage started around late July.
Have a great night Bird Cagers! Keep the faith gents and gals that we’re on the right track. Remember……….the Saints are 2 years ahead in their “process” with Sean Payton and his personnel, and they have two really crappy years to show for it, so doing an immediate comparison right now is not completely fair.
See you all on the flip-side. And on that note…………………
4 DAYS, 20 HOURS, & 30 MINS UNTIL MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL IN THE HOUSE OF GUMBO AND CREOLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sportaree
October 28th, 2009
11:05 pm
I may be wrong, but didn’t Luckhurst kick five field goals in a win over Philly?