What Changes are Needed for Atlanta Falcons Offense?
Firecrackers, Dynamite Tosses, or Implosion?
What Changes Needed on O? (AJC)
As the sun sets on the 2012-13 NFL season, most Falcons fans are still grappling with “what could have been” before divulging and immersing into the off-season. For some, it’s therapeutic to jump right back into what the Birds need to fix, but for others a sabbatical from the Falcons and football in general will be needed. Either way, for 31 teams it will be months and months filled with how to reach the ultimate prize, including our Atlanta Falcons. Last off-season provided plenty of excitement with the former coordinators “finding new jobs” and the hiring of Dirk Koetter, Mike Nolan, and Pat Hill. This off-season may not have as many big changes as 2012, but it looks to be the most important one to date since the arrival of Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff. How do you go about changing and fixing a team that was only 10 yards away from the Super Bowl and was even up 17-0 early in the game? So with that in mind, The Cage offers a preview of what may need to occur on every facet of the Atlanta Falcons football franchise, starting with offense first: firecrackers (small), dynamite tosses (medium), or implosion (major):
Quarterback
Gotta Cut Out the Turnovers (AJC)
Obviously, this one is pretty easy to assess. Matt Ryan has become one of the best quarterbacks in the league, had a record setting year, and was likely in the top 3 of MVP candidates in 2012. The Falcons franchise quarterback has taken his game to a new level, won a playoff game, and came within yards of taking his team to the Super Bowl. He does, however, need to cut down on his turnovers, especially in the playoffs. He had two interceptions vs. Seattle (one was an enormously terrible decision and two turnovers that very well cost the Falcons the game vs. the 49ers. Roddy White slipping wasn’t his fault, but the fumbled snap was just mind-numbing. Ryan is the best chance the Falcons have ever had to win the Super Bowl, but has to cut out the turnovers in the big spots.
The backup QB situation, more specifically how the coaches handle the backup situation, needs an implosion. Dominique Davis looked like the real deal and even a potential starter one day when he was lighting it up in preseason. It was a no-brainer the Falcons would find a way to keep him, but instead of just promoting him to the #2 QB outright, they cut Chris Redman only to bring in washed-up and bounced around journeyman Luke McCown. And why is that exactly? They chose to keep an extra QB on the precious 53 man roster instead of just going with Davis as the backup? A perfect example of the Witness Protection Program that needs to be cast away for eternity. If the kid can play, put him in as the backup…….period. Assessment — Firecrackers
Running Back
Everyone in the world knows it. Does Mike Smith? Michael Turner will go down as arguably the best Falcons running back in franchise history in barely 5 years of service. His value is simply immeasurable in what he’s done for this franchise, the team, and the city. But the NFL is a business and it’s time for the Falcons and Turner to part ways. Some feel that Turner may have even outrun his effectiveness, at least for this new offensive scheme, by a year.
Quizz Must Get More Touches (AJC)
Regardless, the Falcons have to get faster, quicker, and, most importantly, more effective at the running back position in 2013. The offensive line isn’t the best in the league, but they have shown some improvement and can’t be the only culprit in the Falcons lack of a running game. Many feel that Jacquizz Rodgers and, particularly, Jason Snelling were heavily underused last year at the expense of force-feeding Turner in the run game.
It seems the Falcons are set in terms of depth with Snelling and Rodgers, but a new running back needs to be added. There’s not a ton out there worth much in terms of free agent running backs and the needs to look in free agency has been rendered fairly moot with the advent of rookie backs having immediate success. Most think it’s a matter of what round the back will be drafted, but some even feel that Turner might be brought back in some capacity, and if Turner’s on the roster there’s a good chance that Smith will use him. Rodgers and Snelling make this position very stable going forward, but as mentioned earlier, the coaches have to find the best mix to improve the running back position. There are plenty of high impact running backs in the draft and getting one sooner rather than later will likely be more effective. Assessment — Dynamite Toss
Wide Receiver
One of the strongest areas of the Falcons is their receiving force. Julio Jones and Roddy White make up one of the very best receiver tandems in the entire league. They along with Tony Gonzalez have made up an almost unstoppable trio this past year. It will be interesting to what whether Gonzalez will come back or retire and what the Falcons will do if he does retire. Regardless of what happens at the tight end position, Atlanta is set at the top two spots. Roddy will be turning 32 in November, but he’s shown no signs of slowing down.
Is HD the Answer @ Slot? (AJC)
The other spots are less settled. As much as everyone loves and is pulling for the hometown kid Harry Douglas, a question needs to be asked if he is the answer as the slot receiver. He’s a had a few bright spots here and there, but has definitely not been the boom we all thought after his rookie season. He does catch the ball very well, but rarely gets a ton of yardage after the catch and just hasn’t taken off as many thought. Fans will have nightmares for the next many months replaying “the trip,” where Douglas fell down on a perfect play call with a perfect throw that would have likely seen him walk into the endzone and put the Falcons ahead late.
Drew Davis and Kevin Cone have shown very good talent and should start getting more looks next season and it wouldn’t be the worst thing to take a chance on a receiver later in the draft since they look to have several compensatory picks in this year’s draft. Since Julio and Roddy are so dominant at the top, it’s obviously not going to need much work, but this year should decide whether Douglas is really the answer at slot receiver. Assessment — Firecrackers
Tight End
Clearly this one can’t be assessed until Tony Gonzalez decides whether he’s hanging up his cleats or coming back for one more year. It seems that the longer he waits to decide, the more likely it is for him to come back for one more go. If he was going to retire, wouldn’t we probably have heard it by now? If Gonzalez comes back for another year, the Falcons are definitely set and ready to go with Gonzo leading the way and Michael Palmer and Chase Coffman continuing to develop under him. Palmer and Coffman look to be a part of the TE rotation for some time to come. Palmer is a great blocking tight end with reliable hands and a chain mover and Coffman appears to be getting back the potential he had in college as a vertical threat in the passing game. It’s questionable whether either can take over full-time for Gonzalez, but they offer an excellent, complimentary tight end rotation.
Is Coffman Starter Material? (AJC)
The question really centers around what they will do if Gonzalez does in fact retire. There’s a possibility that the Falcons could try and use both Palmer and Coffman to both try and pick up the slack, but it’s hard to conceive that even both of them combined could match Gonzalez’s almost insane production last season. If they go with just Palmer and Coffman, they would need a lot more help from the likes of Harry Douglas, Drew Davis, Kevin Cone, and all of the running backs.
Another option is to use an early pick in the draft on a tight end, but history has shown that you don’t need to use an early pick to get an excellent tight end (Jimmy Graham – 3rd rd; Aaron Hernandez – 4th rd) and that many taken in the first round haven’t necessarily lived up to their pick status (Jermaine Gresham, Brandon Pettigrew to name a few). With so many holes on the defensive side of the ball, tight end shouldn’t be a priority in the first few picks. The final option is to look into free agency. There’s not a ton available in free agency, but one target to keep an eye on is Jared Cook. Cook is from North Gwinnett High School and played well at South Carolina. He had a good year and could really take off with a quarterback like Matt Ryan. Assessment — Gonzalez Comes Back: Firecrackers; Gonzalez retires – Dynamite Toss
Offensive Line
Where Will Konz End Up? (AJC)
The bane of many fans existence managed to pull itself together pretty well towards the end of the season, especially in the playoffs. They got much better in terms of pass protection, but have a ways to go in terms of run blocking. They aren’t the sole culprit for the lack of running game success, but they are a major reason. Much like the defensive line, it’s a knock against both Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff. How can there be issues every single year at virtually every position on the offensive line year in and year out? The only spot that’s been somewhat stable is left guard with Justin Blalock. Tyson Clabo was seemingly set at right tackle, but had a very sub-par year in 2012. Sam Baker was a pleasant surprise at left tackle, having one of his best years there.
Center and right guard are definitely in flux and, like Turner, the Falcons must let McClure ride off into the sunset as he will turn 36 in a few weeks. He may want to come back, but his play has definitely slipped as he’s gotten older and represented one of the weakest areas of the OL. It will be interesting to see what the Falcons do with Peter Konz. He was the best center in the draft, but played admirably at right guard only after Garrett Reynolds got hurt. Many believe that Konz should slide over to his natural position of center, adding both youth and beef in front of Matt Ryan. The biggest name to keep an eye on is Lamar Holmes in 2013. If he’s not starting in some capacity this season, than the pick has to be considered a bust. He showed great flashes in preseason and was predictably never heard from again. A thought that Holmes could either take over for Sam Baker at left tackle and have Baker move to right tackle. Another scenario would have Holmes starting at right tackle and move Tyson Clabo inside to guard, adding some much needed beef, muscle, and strength to an overall underwhelming offensive line.
Will Holmes (#76) Be a Starter? (AJC)
A few final scenarios could see Joe Hawley take over at center, thus keeping Konz at right guard and still another, which is a fan favorite’s of The Cage, is to use one of the early picks on the best available guard and plug him in next to Konz. While the offensive line did show some glimpses and did improve, they won’t be mistaken for the best OL in the league anytime soon. While not needing a completely overhaul, some serious decisions will need to be made in 2013 if the Falcons want to reach their ultimate goals in 2013. Assessment — Dynamite Toss
Offensive Coaching / Philosophy
It’s hard to argue with what the Falcons did this year on offense. Matt Ryan not only set career highs for himself, but also broke a handful of franchise records as well. Roddy White and Julio Jones both went over 1,000 yards receiving and Tony Gonzalez was very close. The running game wasn’t always pretty, but Jacquizz Rodgers showed that he will definitely be a part of the Falcons backfield for some time to come. There’s really not much to complain about overall. The only thing that needs fixing is when the Falcons would just go on major cold streaks on offense, be it quarters or even sometimes entire halfs at a time. They picked a bad time to get cold on offense in the playoffs and it nearly cost them the Seattle game (4th quarter) and did cost them the Niners game (no points in second half). Adding some speed in the backfield and shoring up the offensive line should make this offense even more dangerous. Assessment — Firecrackers
The Cage Brothers Turn
1) Quick Pitch — What’s your overall thoughts on the Falcons offense going forward in 2013?
2) What are the most pressing changes the Falcons need to make on offense?
3) What should Matt Ryan work on this off-season?
4) Your feelings about the backup QB spot: should Davis be #2?
5) Running Back: keep Turner, cut Turner but bring him back in a reduced role, draft a running back, or get one in free agency?
6) What round should the Falcons be looking to draft an RB?
7) Wide Receiver: Is Harry Douglas the answer at slot?
8.) Are Kevin Cone and Drew Davis keepers?
9) Should the Falcons take a WR in the draft?
10) What should Atlanta do if Gonzalez does retire: Coffman/Palmer, draft, or free agency?
11) What should the starting OL look like in 2013?
12) Will Holmes get in the lineup? What about Clabo and Baker? Where should Konz start?
13) Should the Falcons take an OL in the draft, if so when?
14) What changes should be made in terms of offensive scheme and / or philosophy?
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603 comments Add your comment
Nookah
February 5th, 2013
2:04 pm
The DE problem has been ongoing. We have tried so many different options and to no avail. With that said I think MS has to take some of the blame. With a plethora of young players, Sidbury, Bierman, Massaquoi (yes I know this is his 2nd year), Matthews etc. could we not have found help for Abe?
I am hoping we can get it right this year. I had my eyes on Paul Kruger as a FA but I think with 2 sacks in the SB he may have moved out of our price range. He may also consider giving the Ravens a hometown discount.
Go Falcons!!
Nookah
February 5th, 2013
2:04 pm
Interesting…
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1516189-predicting-every-nfl-teams-record-in-2013-14?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nfl#/articles/1516189-predicting-every-nfl-teams-record-in-2013-14/page/2
Go Falcons!!
Oracle
February 5th, 2013
2:11 pm
Mike smith is a damn good coach as well , don’t fool yourself people he’s makes the most out of every possession . He’s seems to be very detailed as well ….. He just hampered by the QB , but he can’t say that openly
Oracle
February 5th, 2013
2:51 pm
I meant paddy o ….my fault Martty bicep
BobbyDawg
February 5th, 2013
3:37 pm
Oracle — These folks are much too cool to offer any argument to your stupid bullsh!t. Some of us just come here to read and enjoy. Why don’t you get lost ?
JB Falcon
February 5th, 2013
3:40 pm
Man, catching up on the cage today was like walking into the OK Corral. The gunsmoke is rising and now all seems to be quiet. Seems like a lot of folks couldn’t get past the registration process on the other blogs. Kinda like our draft is going to be with 11 picks and that many more UDFA’s. Like D3 said, maybe some of them will show a little intelligence and stick around, even though we do have our own certified troll, or should I say “critic”?
I really didn’t think we were such a bad team until a lot of the rock crawlers enlightened me. I suppose we will have to clear out the current team and start over to hear them tell it. Maybe if we had won the SB we could manage to keep at least 4 or 5 of our current players, maybe not.
D3
February 5th, 2013
3:47 pm
Seems as thought The Cage is back to normal after the influx of trolls and dbags from being on the front page. Wanted to take a second and look at a few things in regards to the salary cap. Seminole Warrior was right all along, we’re in serious deep dog-doo relating to the cap. We have no extra money to even sign our own restricted free agents, as of right now of course. Much of this could change, but I think a few big decisions are going to have to be made, just to even re-sign Willy Mo and Baker, and that’s not even discussing bringing back Gonzalez or Grimes. I took DOL’s numbers and plugged them in Excel and found a few things…….
1) We are due to have over $6 million in dead money, mainly from the Ray Edwards mistake ($4.65 million). That’s huge in an off-season trying to completely revamp your defense and take your offense to the next level. As much as I’ve defended TD on this decision, he’s got to take responsibility for it. For someone who does such a good job on the “black dot” routine, he should’ve known that he wasn’t worth it, for no other reason than his major attitude problems. I was wrong and I’ve admitted it, but TD lost us almost $5 mill in an off-season deemed our most critical. Dayum.
2) I guess it’s common practice, but we have over $3.5 million invested in our practice squad. I suppose that’s a league minimum, but two guys I had barely heard of (Jacques McClendon and Josh Vaughn) on our practice squad were due to make more than guys like Charles Mitchell, Travian Robertson that were actually drafted. How much d@mn sense does that make?
3) The Falcons have Shann Schillinger and Kerry Meier listed on injured reserve and combined they make up an almost $1.5 million. I guess I’m crazy, but I thought we CUT both of them, not put them on injured reserve. Regardless, neither had any guaranteed money and shouldn’t cost that much, both being low round draft picks many years ago.
Die Hard Falcon
February 5th, 2013
3:58 pm
With regards to our cap, that just seems crazy that we would only have that much left and that’s not counting the 10 million from Grimes last year that wont’ be on the books?!? I see Dunta # is 9 million, he’s making about double what Asante makes and Dunta had 1 pick while Asante had 5, just seems like a waste of money. It seems that the money went somewhere, how can we only have that much w/o TG, Grimes, Willy Mo, Baker on the books yet? They definitely have to trim some fat off the books, I just don’t see w/ the limited amount of “Superstars” that we’re that high on the cap, are other teams just that much better at managing their salaries? I hope TD gets this figured out, we cannot take a step back, we need to move forward.
Go Falcons!!!
D3
February 5th, 2013
4:01 pm
JB — No kidding. Thought it was 2008 all over again. All the Matt Ryan haters came screaming out of the woodworks. Seems to be back to normal now.
Salary Cap Cont’d
4) There are a handful of guys who should just be cut and gone forever. It wouldn’t save very much money, but a few 600k’s here and there add up pretty quickly. Dominique Franks, Mike Johnson, and a few others can hit the curb and save us a couple million (every little cent counts).
5) Many are throwing out names that they simply want to get rid of, regardless of the contract details and how much dead money it would create. A few examples: some are talking about Dunta Robinson. If we cut him at all, we would still owe him $4 million dollars the way I read the contract. First of all, he may not have lived up to his pricey contract, but he’s a solid enough CB that we can win the Super Bowl with, especially paired with Asante Samuel and Robert McClain, at least for the next few years. If we fast forward a year to the 2014 off-season, then sure, cut him and owe him nothing, at least as much as I can tell.
Another that’s being mentioned is Tyson Clabo. Same as DRob. We would have to pay him $4-$5 million just to get rid of him. He may not be the best tackle in the NFL, but no sense in creating yet another hole on the OL and cost ourselves dead money to do it.
Same goes for Stephen Nicholas. He looked beyond terrible in the playoffs, but we’d owe him like $3 million just to get rid of him. I thought it was a good move re-signing him and I still think he might be OK in the right position (either OLB or ILB in a 3-4 perhaps), but it makes no sense to cut him for cutting sake.
Sometimes you just have to suck it up and roll with guys who may not be worth their contract like DRob, Clabo, and Nicholas, but creating that much dead money and not really saving that much money, along with creating even more holes than we already have is just stupid.
6) Cutting Turner is the biggest no-brainer there is and really is not even a discussion. His cap hit is $8.9 million. We still owe him a $2.5 signing bonus, so we would save $6.4 million. Not a bad chunk of change, but getting rid of Turner IS NOT ENOUGH!
D3
February 5th, 2013
4:09 pm
Die Hard — I know man. It is INSANE! There’s got to be some errors in there somewhere, but I took all the numbers and put them in Excel and it comes out to right up against the cap. I mean, I suppose if you think about cutting DRob, that’s surely an option because even though you would owe him $4 mill, you would save $5 million, but all of a sudden you’d also need another CB, and there’s nothing there unless you think Grimes would sign for $5 million, but that’s a risk coming off an injury. Maybe they restructure his contract again? I don’t know. I think TD learned his lesson on the “mega-contract” in his first venture into free agency. He probably saw another “Michael Turner” FA move there, but it definitely didn’t turn out like that, especially in BVG’s soft-zone defense. Also, Ryan is counting for $12 against the cap this year.
BobbyDawg
February 5th, 2013
4:21 pm
As I read all these posts not only here but all around slamming Matt Ryan. I’m thinking where would the Falcons be without him. He has brought us further than we’ve ever been and we will continue to be a threat to any team we play as long as he’s taking the snaps.
I’ve been away on vacation for a few days. Thanks to all my cage friends I’ve got a lot of good reading to catch up on. Arno — Nice poster, great graphics, thanks.
JB Falcon
February 5th, 2013
4:26 pm
“I just don’t see w/ the limited amount of “Superstars” that we’re that high on the cap, are other teams just that much better at managing their salaries?” – Die Hard
Seems like it could be other teams are just getting more bang for the buck, as they say. I think the other teams are better at managing their players. Grimes is the biggest example. $10.2 mil for absolutely nothing! A crap shoot to say the least.
D3, I think you’re trying to decide if it would be advantageous to cut your nose off to spite your face. You have have outlined a situation that is going to take some tough decisions and some smart decisions. A lot of our problems now are surfacing from past mistakes and there’s not a lot we can do about it. I know you didn’t put us there but you have surmised it well.
We have discussed problem after problem but, after all, we only needed to get ten yards! We’re going to be all right and come back next year even better than 2012.
JB Falcon
February 5th, 2013
4:31 pm
I think I got carried away and forgot to state, D3, that I agree, we have too much money tied up into too much potential. Potential doesn’t win any games if you never use it. Like, this team could be very good as it is, IF we used it to it’s potential. Potential, to me, is wasted talent/money.
Paddy O
February 5th, 2013
4:45 pm
i heard this idiotic “don’t sign Tony G – let him walk” last year too. yeah, let the best TE in NFL history leave while he is still a pro bowler. lol.
Die Hard Falcon
February 5th, 2013
5:18 pm
Paddy O – I couldn’t agree more re: Tony G!
He makes soooo many huge plays for us on 3rd down and in the red zone, if he’s down to come back, we must make every effort to keep him.
Die Hard Falcon
February 5th, 2013
5:21 pm
I just don’t see TD as a guy w/o a plan. I’m wondering how he’ll manipulate the cap, but other teams seem to do it, look at the sAints, they signed Brees to a $100 mill. contract and they still had money to sign Lofton and Grubbs and keep most of their team intact. Also, the Giants, Eli has a $100 mill+ deal and they have all kinds of talent but they make it under the cap. something seems off to me.
Go Falcons!!!
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
5:28 pm
“I agree absolutely. I want another RB in the draft, and maybe one via FA. Problem is, we have cap issues, as we were warned by Slant Pattern and Seminole Warrior “…
Big Ray, thanks.
Normally, the TeePee is not one to say I told you so. But in this case, I have to do it. We warned you that cap hell was coming in 2013 and 2014. This is part of the disconnect theory that I have been preaching now for two years. How in the heck do you allow your team to be only $1.7 million under the cap with the issues, KNOWN ISSUES, we have on the roster. We spent/committed millions to extension that are not working for us and millions on free agent acquistions that have been below average at best (Robinson and Edwards come to mind).
I know that many will say that if we release Turner and Abraham as well as a few others, we can gain some $10 to 20 million dollars. BUT guess what? We will need that SIMPLY to sign the draft class of 2013; that is if we intend on really drafting to specific, critical needs like RB, LB, and OL/DL.
Love this team…but there are storm clouds developing over the Branch. You were warned.
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
5:31 pm
The Falcons should have been proactive, as the TeePee stated, two years ago, and began the process of securing MR2’s long term extension. Given his status, his consist improvement in all areas of his game, and the lack of even thinking of a future without him, you can rest assured that he is likely to be in the $15 to $18 million a year range (and that is being VERY conservative). He is a franchise QB; no doubt about it. And it is going to cost this franchise BIG to keep him in ATL.
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
5:35 pm
Falcons Offensive Changes
Quarterback:
The Atlanta Falcons have one of the game’s brightest stars in Matt Ryan. He is all that I thought he would be coming out of BC five years ago. I was impressed with him as a Eagle and I am more impressed with him as a Falcon. His stock will only increase as long as we keep Dirk Koetter in the fold and keep CFA Smith OUT of the offensive game planning. Get that man’s deal done soon or the Falcons could be in trouble. As far as depth at quarterback, the Falcons ARE in trouble. A castaway of a backup and a talented, unproven third stringer. This could be a critical issue going forward. The injury to MR2 in the NFC title game was a MAJOR wakeup call. We have to ensure that this team has a QUALITY reserve quarterback on the roster; one that can execute AND lead; one that does not force us to be one dimensional or restrictive in our scheme.
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
5:39 pm
Running Back:
The Michael Turner era in ATL is officially over and the TeePee thanks him for his service and his commitment to the Process. J. Rodgers is a fine reserve RB as is Jason Snelling; both are verygood in the scheme that DK uses. But can they carry the ever down load? The Falcons have to look to the draft and select the RB of the future. This draft is not filled with “star” power at the running back position. My thought process, courtesy of the great Ozzie Newsome, is to take the best player at the position of greatest need. And if that is running back, when I look at the total package of what is needed and what I can get, my choice is well documented to my Cage family.
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
5:42 pm
Wide Receiver:
White and Jones are a dynamic duo for sure. We are solid there. But depth is critical as is the need to find a legit threat at the slot. HD83 is adequate but does not impose a will or threaten anyone with his game. I personally would return him to punt return duties and special teams play. This draft gives us some nice options for a quality upgrade at the #3 or slot receiver position. The Falcons need to give it some thought and take the appropriate actions.
Arno
February 5th, 2013
5:45 pm
SW– I don’t want to believe you. Please, Dimitroff, make SW wrong! But add in the fact that they knew how long Gonzalez would give them, it really looks like XLVII was an all or nothing plan ‘A’.
D3
February 5th, 2013
5:46 pm
SW — You are right again my brother. I looked at the wrong numbers. I looked at the numbers “coming off the books” instead of the numbers under contract for the year. I don’t think we’re in complete dire straits, but it’s going to take some painful, and very unpopular decisions. We’re going to have to roll with letting Turner, Babs, and, yes, Abe go. They’ve been fantastic Falcons, but it’s time to re-do this thing right and build us for the next stretch run.
Biermann needs to be a starter in 2013 as an OLB in a 3-4 or let go. He’s making starter level money and so he needs to start. We could let DRob go (I know you loathe him), but we’re going to have to make up for it somewhere. Grimes? Risky coming off injury. McClain? Need to see another year in nickel. If we’re talking draft, that’s yet another pick that is taken away from other areas. DRob may not be living up to his contract, but at least he’s solid.
You’ were right, but all hope is not lost just yet.
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
5:46 pm
Tight End:
A great era is coming slowly to an end and the Falcons need to face the reality. They can ask TG88 to come back all they want but the future at the TE position is NOT with TG. We have to move on. We need a effective pass receiver that can also block. We need a presence in the intermediate zone. We need a physical presence that threats linebackers with his technique and ability to make plays over the middle or along the sidelines. The Falcons need to transition at TE. Chase Coffman was very good at all these things at MIzzou. Since his arrival in the NFL, he has been injured or stuck behind very good talent (Cincy and ATL). Do we really know what this kid could do if healthy or given the chance? All other Falcons TE’s are not worthy of anything more than special team roles.
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
5:53 pm
Offensive Line:
Before I make my statement, I am going to apologize to my brother Coop in advance. He is going to come after me full blast for the following proposal.
As I stated last season, the hiring of Coach Pat Hill would only be beneficial to the Falcons if we were planning to shift from a power blocking scheme to a zone blocking scheme. Most of the OL players that TD had brought to ATL had two things in common; first, too much time in MASH units, and second, except for Michael Johnson, they came from teams that were ZBS offensive lines.
So when the Falcons chose to stay with a 70/30 power scheme, we saw some improvement in terms of play but still saw the inability to establish a power running attack. The TeePee attributes some blame for this to an aging and increasing inefficient MT33 and a degraded ability to cut back or show any element of explosion in the hole.
The TeePee does not think that there is a worthy first round starting OL player available for ATL in the first round. Rather, I would take a defensive player in the first round to fill a MUCH more key need at either DT or LB.
Back to the OL…..
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
5:56 pm
Offensive Line continued….
I would shuffle the OL with the following lineup and implement a ZBS scheme.
RT: Lamar Holmes
RG: Tyson Clabo
C: Peter Konz
LG: Justin Blalock
LT: Sam Baker
Then I would, after extensive REAL evaluation, draft ZBS themed OL and TRULY develop them in the scheme.
The injury question is on CFA Smith. If he abandons this silly concept of cross training in favor of quality instruction and use of personnel, the OL can improve in quality, performance, and depth.
D3
February 5th, 2013
6:01 pm
SW — I think you’re being a little rough on Michael Palmer. He may not be the answer at starter, but he’s darn good blocking #2 TE with good hands.
Arno — I don’t think you’re very far off, to be honest. There probably was somewhat of a sense to that with Gonzo, Abe, McClure, Turner, Babs, and bringing in Samuel to make a “one time shot” at the whole shebang. However, I surely hope that TD realizes that just because we were 10 yards away from the Super Bowl, that doesn’t mean we have it in us for another run without MAJOR changes.
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
6:05 pm
“SW — You are right again my brother. I looked at the wrong numbers. I looked at the numbers “coming off the books” instead of the numbers under contract for the year. I don’t think we’re in complete dire straits, but it’s going to take some painful, and very unpopular decisions. We’re going to have to roll with letting Turner, Babs, and, yes, Abe go. They’ve been fantastic Falcons, but it’s time to re-do this thing right and build us for the next stretch run.” —- D3
My brother, I agree. We are not in dire straits but if we see a dropoff in wins in 2013, a very real possibility, the natives will perceive the situation as such. Very tough decisions have to be made and they have to be made SOONER rather than LATER. That is a fact we all can agree on.
As I stated, releasing Turner, Abraham, perhaps Babs, and a few others helps in terms of the check book but damages in terms of leadership and experience. Again, this is where the disconnect comes in. If Abe and Babs are both released, who becomes the leader on the DL?
If Turner is releases, as he should be (again, thanks MT33), is Rodgers REALLY ready to handle 250 to 300 carries as a three down back. I am very nervous about that. I love the talent and the ability but just wonder if he can take the pounding. But I will say give him a fair chance.
Same thing on the defense. The underachieving DRob and his salary, the aging and injury prone Samuel…what do we have behind them. The inadequate linebacker play, against the rush in the interior or on the edge and in the intermediate game as well. It has to be addressed. And it is going to take some time.
Speaking of interior defensive play, Jerry has shown me nothing worth of retaining him; Walker is a quality reserve we have to keep. Robertson is a preseason star that has to surrender for WPP come the start of the regular season. Peters and Babs….we need a bigger body next to them to make them the potential stars they can become.
Agree, my brother. Lots of very tough self-analysis needed at the Branch this offseason. Very, very tough choices to come. Dire….not yet. Troubling….for sure.
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
6:07 pm
“SW — I think you’re being a little rough on Michael Palmer. He may not be the answer at starter, but he’s darn good blocking #2 TE with good hands. ” ….D3
You are absolutely correct, my brother, if we were committed to the power rushing attack. But if we are going to employ three and four receiving options, we need our tight end to be both an effective blocker and a receiver capable of stretching the intermediate zones.
D3
February 5th, 2013
6:09 pm
SW — Regarding the OL, completely agree my brother. That’s the ideal starting lineup. I thought about moving Holmes to LT and Baker to RT might be a better fit, but Holmes and Clabo on the right side would be awesome. I may defend TD a lot, but I’ll call him on the carpet on this one (either he or Mike Smith of “cross-training” infamy)……. I lobbied hard for us to take Kelechi Osemele. Huge, road grader that we could plug in at RG for the next 10 years. Not saying that I don’t like the Peter Konz pick, but for goodness sake, we draft him and put him at center only AFTER Garrett Reynolds gets hurt. And, as we know, Osemele just helped the Ravens win the Super Bowl.
I completely agree……..if either Clabo is not moved inside or Holmes does not get in the lineup. Someone, whomever it is, should be held accountable, because that would make 2 3rd round OL that were busts. I seem to think it’s Smitty and not TD.
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
6:19 pm
Arno, believe me brother, I would love nothing more than to be wrong in my thoughts and views about this matter. And I am wrong, I will step up and say so. It’s the way we roll.
But it is time for some real soul searching. This team was too close and too talented to suffer the meltdown it did in the playoffs. And with so many teams reloading/rebuilding via the draft and FA, the windows are not as open as often as many would like to believe.
I still trust in TD to go and find the needed talent. I trust in CFA Smith to administer the Process. But somewhere, at some time, I need to see consistency and aggressiveness in the areas of coaching, player development, game management, and scheme adjustment.
Weaknesses in those four areas have hurt the Falcons more than anything else in the CFA Smith era.
D3
February 5th, 2013
6:25 pm
SW — Great points as usual. I happen to agree with you very early on about the OL in the first round. I haven’t really done any research to date, but Barrett Jones was the only one I was thinking of, but again, why would we take two players who are basically identical: Konz and Jones. Both are probably fantastic centers, and not as good (or big) at guards.
Clabo’s not going anywhere due to his contract, so we have to figure out the best way to improve our OL (the lineup you and I suggest) without having to draft or go out in free agency. That would allow us to spend most of our draft on defense and RB. 1st – DT, 2nd – RB, 3rd – LB/DE, 4th – LB/DE.
Right about now is when we’re getting really screwed by Smitty’s Witness Protection Program. We haven’t developed these draft picks and instead of having them ready to take over for our expiring vets, we’re left with no answers whatsoever.
Good points on the DL leadership. The only thing I would counter with is that, even though this sounds harsh, Abe and Babs leadership hasn’t let to whole lot to write home about either.
D3
February 5th, 2013
6:26 pm
I still trust in TD to go and find the needed talent. I trust in CFA Smith to administer the Process. But somewhere, at some time, I need to see consistency and aggressiveness in the areas of coaching, player development, game management, and scheme adjustment. — SW
QUOTE OF THE CENTURY RIGHT HERE!!! Here, Here
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
6:39 pm
Osemele was your choice; I recall that and I concur even with my extensive Zebrie Sanders lobbying. Sanders could have been groomed for right tackle in a ZBS as well while gaining weight and refining his technique for a possible transition to the left side.
I agree. It is not on Boudreau anymore. And Hill is heading into the second year. We know that he is a VERY DAMNED good ZBS coach. Question is will CFA Smith let him “coach”?
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
6:45 pm
D3, I am just happy that the AJC and you allow me to have a place to just express myself when it comes to my beloved Falcons.
1st – DT, 2nd – RB, 3rd – LB/DE, 4th – LB/DE.
Now brother, you said you have not started your research yet but your outline resembles one of the Cocoa’s big boards? Do I have staffers “moonlighting” for your front office? LOL
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
6:48 pm
“The only thing I would counter with is that, even though this sounds harsh, Abe and Babs leadership hasn’t let to whole lot to write home about either.”….D3
I second that motion….and that has got to change going forward if we are to get to the desired destination.
D3
February 5th, 2013
6:50 pm
TD, Smitty, and Co. better be getting their s–t together, because while Rob Ryan might be a little unstable and unpredictable, he can coach an aggressive defense…….
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/02/05/rob-ryan-on-saints-radar/
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
7:03 pm
D3, again I agree. And New Orleans knows that they have to improve that defense and solidify that rushing attack if they want to be a serious contender again. It will be very interesting if Ryan ends up in New Orleans.
Ken Strickland
February 5th, 2013
7:03 pm
We haven’t had much of a pass rush even with DE JAbraham. Maybe it’s time to let go of Abe just like we’ll likely have to do with TE TGonzalez. Releasing Abraham, DRobinson, Turner, not resigning Gonzo and trading Clabo would solve our cap issues.
Although Clabo is big and strong, he hasn’t taken advantage of the size and strength to become a better run blocker. Moving his to RG won’t likely make him a better run blocker. We should sign a FA RG, move Konz to OC and start Holmes.
LT-Baker
LG-Blalock
OC-Konz
RG-FA
RT-Holmes
Improving our OL run blocking will improve our rushing OFF and relieve the pressure of losing Gonzo. We should focus on upgrading our OL core. Getting the right LBs could improve our rushing DEF and pass rush. Last week I read an article on the Falcons that predicted MJohnson would be our starting RG.
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
7:14 pm
K Strick,
I totally concur with the assessment on the linebackers. We MUST upgrade that area as quickly as we can. And the draft seems to be the best place to do so since the cap issues will restrict us in a major way. Additionally, there is not much out there at LB (OLB or ILB) that I think we should entertain in FA.
Unfortunately, my friend, the best two guards that will possibly be available in FA this season, Andy Levitre of the Bills and Lousi Vasquez of the Chargers will probably be retained by those clubs as they have the cap space to make a very nice offer as opposed to what the Falcons have to work with.
I would rather take my chances with Clabo than Johnson. He has shown me nothing more than his ability to be a fill in (and that is suspect) at times.
Unca' Bob
February 5th, 2013
7:17 pm
Humpty Dumty was pushed!
From the mouths of people that have No inside information, and for the most part, no clue.
D3
February 5th, 2013
7:18 pm
Ken Strick — Good points. I agree on all except Clabo, DRob, and Mike Johnson. Can’t see any other team taking Clabo off our hands since he’s not living up to his contract payment. It may not help a tremendous amount moving him to RG, but it would provide us some much needed beef to a long suffering, light in the tail OL. Baker – 310, Blalock – 330, Konz – 315, Clabo – 330, Holmes – 330. It may not be perfect, but it beats the heck out of what we’ve had.
It would be great to just get rid of DRob, but we would have to eat almost 4 million dollars just to get rid of him, and we all of sudden have yet another hole to fill. In an ideal world, we could wipe away DRob with no problems, but I think he has to be lower on the priority list at this point.
The off-season is all about many moving parts all at once. First is not necessarily how good he player is or has been playing, but their contracts. Most contracts we have are just not worth it to get rid of them. Getting rid of some of these players have to make sense financially where the benefit (savings) outweighs the cost (creating a hole on your roster). Then you have to look at the free agent market, which is always over-priced, and see if anyone is truly worth adding to your team. Finally, you basically have to prioritize on what’s most important. Every team is going to have holes and issues, and I think most of our issues are our defensive front 7, our OL, and RB.
Have to say that I’ve given up on Mike Johnson. I have been a Mike Johnson defender for years now, as an SEC homer and knowing how good he was at Bama. But after two years of not being able to crack this fairly weak OL lineup, I have to say he was simply a bust. Maybe just one of those cases of just not translating to the NFL. I think either the 3rd or 4th round would be a great place to draft a OG, but for immediate future, roll with Clabo at RG, Konz at C, and Holmes at RT.
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
7:19 pm
LOL…..What’s up my favorite Gunny?
JJ
February 5th, 2013
7:22 pm
Cocca mel jr,
After a few days of troll boogers, your a welcome site. In part to Big Rays research, Rock and I are on the big DT/NT train. We’ll leave it to your scouts to find out whos on the trains manifest. A talented beefy DT/NT is really 3 picks in one. He will immediately upgrade our LB’s (freeing them up due to double team) so our man Spoon and maybe Dent can shine. Nichols is back up unfortunatly, had high hopes from him in preseason but went south during the season.
JJ
February 5th, 2013
7:33 pm
Almost forgot, has tobe in the 1st rd or he enters MS’s WPP and why even draft??? We got one shot in the first rd for smitty to actually use him, if not, never to be seen from again. Yea, the depression of smiths reality about drafting is back!
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
7:34 pm
JJ and Rock
First, thanks for the emails which included a ton of genuine care. Forgive me for not replying in a timely manner but it took time for the Warrior to heal and get himself back into the form that would make the Angel proud. I am back but I miss her tremendously. And each day, I strive to make her grace heaven with the biggest smile she can muster.
As far as the the DT/NT, I agree. Big Ray won me over as well but he got me last year. I wanted the FA move of the year last year to be the acquistion of Red Bryant from Seattle. We slept on it. And this year, Sammie Lee Hill could have been the man. But the resources will not be there to spend on him. So here comes the draft.
There are two that the TeePee is researching extensively; Jesse Williams of Alabama – the big stuffer that we have not had since the days of Grady Jackson and Kwann Short, the interior plug against the run but a stout pass rusher as well (I see a little Sapp in him with the right DL coach).
Unca' Bob
February 5th, 2013
7:36 pm
SeminoleWarrior,
Nothing but the rent and the price of petrol. I will add, I trust TD and McKay to work out any and all Cap issues we may or may not have. This is what they do for a living and I have complete faith in our FO. Unreserved.
Unca' Bob
February 5th, 2013
7:38 pm
PS- My bad to Mister Dumpty for my poor spelling.
SeminoleWarrior
February 5th, 2013
7:38 pm
Well, my friend, we will see if the disconnect is in play for a third year.
The front office has to know what the weaknesses are…and yes, I know. I heard that BS about trying to figure out what went wrong. NEWS FLASH damn it: We could not cover a damned thing, we had no pass rush worth a damned, and we could not rush the ball with effectiveness.
Said it once, will say it again. If CFA Smith really needs to know what went wrong, call me. And call me collect. I PROMISE you I can tell him what went wrong……
Unca' Bob
February 5th, 2013
7:41 pm
SW,
SeminoleWarrior,
SeminoleWarrior,
And call me collect. I PROMISE you I can tell him what went wrong……
But can you do it in less than twenty-five words or less?