Archive for March, 2012

Some Questions Start to Arise

Blank & Dimitroff (AJC)

Atlanta Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff could do no wrong when he first came aboard as the Birds new executive. He selected Matt Ryan with his first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, who became Rookie of the Year and later made the Pro Bowl. He snagged Michael Turner in free agency, who has made 2 Pro Bowls since. He has been named the NFL Executive of the Year two times in four years, so much of this is playing devil’s advocate.

He hit on picks Curtis Lofton, Harry Douglas, Thomas DeCoud (at least initially), William Moore, Sean Weatherspoon, Kroy Biermann, Vance Walker, Jacquizz Rodgers, Michael Palmer, Corey Peters, Dominique Franks, and engineered a big trade for Julio Jones. He traded for Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez and has helped the Falcons to their best four years in franchise history, including making the playoffs 3 out of 4 years and a #1 seed in the NFC. Perhaps his biggest accomplishment was …

Continue reading Should Falcons GM Dimitroff Feel Some Heat? »

Great Re-sign (AJC)

Will be back soon with a longer, more in-depth post, but wanted to get a new thread up so you can continue your Falcons and Football talk……..

1) Harry Douglas

Fortifies a great 3 WR rotation for next 3-4 years and will only get better by not playing under Mularkey

2) Thomas DeCoud

Upside should be realized under Nolan

3) Jason Snelling

Ultimate insurance in running game. Could move to fullback if Ovie is released. Only concern is worry about taking snaps away from Rodgers or speedy Smith.

4) John Abraham

Will Finish as a Falcon (AJC)

No, he’s not Mario Williams, but he was the best available pass rusher after Mario. Yes, he’s 34, but he should also benefit from Nolan and have his career extended playing under Smith and become a pass-rushing specialist. Will truly give Falcons time to either see if Sidbury or Matthews can make the jump or draft a new DE in 1st or 2nd round next year. Finishing career as a Falcon and possible Ring of Honor is icing on the …

Continue reading Your Thoughts on Falcons Free Agency So Far? »

Good Re-sign (AJC)

Some of the biggest names are still on the table, but Thomas Dimitroff and Co. made a flurry of moves that kept several potential Falcons free agents in Atlanta.

Brent Grimes said he won’t sign his franchise tag, but they are reportedly looking for a long-term deal with the Falcons. The biggest names remain unsigned with only a few days remaining until free agency starts. A look at the re-signings so far….

Thomas DeCoud

5 years / $17.5 million / $4 million guaranteed

Even though DeCoud had some critics, the majority of fans thought this was a good move to bring back the 3 year starter at free safety. DeCoud had an excellent first year, but struggled in coverage and tackling the last few.Some think the safety position still needs to be upgraded, but with several holes to fill, soon-to-be limited cap space, and only 2 draft picks in the first four rounds, this was a very good move. DeCoud, along with several other defensive starters, will look to benefit from …

Continue reading What’s Your Thoughts on Falcons Re-signings? »

Falcons Franchise Tag Brent Grimes

Grimes Tagged (AJC)

Thomas Dimitroff and the Falcons have placed the franchise tag on CB Brent Grimes, deciding to pay him at least a one year salary of $10.6 million, the average of the top 5 cornerbacks in the NFL.It should be said that the Falcons still have until July 16th to sign Grimes to another deal, which would then remove the franchise tag and thus take away the $10.6 million dollar salary.

The player shouldn’t be up for any dispute whatsoever. Grimes is the Falcons best cornerback, which isn’t the hardest thing to accomplish. Still, Grimes is an excellent cornerback with superior athletic ability and heart. Much of this debate really has nothing to do with Grimes and all to do with the huge contract paid to Dunta Robinson a few years ago. A look at all angles and scenarios involved, pick which you like………..

Brent Grimes Really Is Worth It

Pro Football Focus ranked as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL and he surely …

Continue reading What’s Your Thoughts on Brent Grimes Franchise Tag? »