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
marko
February 6th, 2013
5:23 am
Scanning the list of likely roster cuts, one things clear. the salary cap doesn’t let you get too sentimental. I suspect that it will be very rare in the future to see a player retire from the team that originally drafted him.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/21651629/cap-casualty-season-here-are-some-likely-bigname-victims
Another thought, the only thing worse than not having a franchise quarterback, is figuring out how to pay him while maintaining a competitive roster. A great quarterback can produce even when he’s surrounded by less than stellar talent, but what happens if he’s hurt? Look what happened to the Colts when Peyton went down.
This brings me to a final thought, the trend toward mobile quarterbacks. A glance at this years playoffs proves how effective they can be, but at the end of the day, the last man standing was famous statute impersonator Joe Flacco. I predict that these running back quarterbacks will have shorter careers. like real running backs they simply expose themselves to too much pounding. who will be the best rookie QB from last years class? Fast forward ten years, I’m betting on Luck.
marko
February 6th, 2013
5:29 am
Statute Impersonator? I think I met to say statue.
Ken Strickland
February 6th, 2013
9:53 am
http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/2/6/3954698/2013-atlanta-falcons-breakout-ca
ndidates-already-on-the-roster
Here’s an interesting article. The more I think about it the more I’m in favor of us going with C Coffman at TE rather than using a top pick to draft one. We kept him on the roster for a reason and it certainly wasn’t for special teams.
He might not be as productive as Gonzo, but we can make up the difference by also throwing more to our RBs. Having a more consistent and productive rushing OFF will definitely soften the blow.
I think the combination of our pending OL shifts and/or changes and adding far more speed, quickness, athleticism and versatility to our backfield will make a tremendous improvement. A backfield of JRogers and Ewing will be a big improvement over Turner and Cox.
I mentioned on an earlier blog that DT VWalker might have been our best and most productive DLineman. I see Babineaux being released & Walker getting the starting nod next to CPeters. TRobinson & Jerry will complete the rotation. We need to address the LB position in a big way.
If we settle on Coffman & don’t go after a FA TE, we need to go after a pass rushing DE in FA, which would be a good move. We should use our top draft picks to go after more SWeatherspoon type LBs in the draft, and I wouldn’t kick SNicholas to the curb.
After all, he led the team in tackles, which isn’t something you ignore, condidering how our DEF suffered from poor tackling. If Grimes is fully recovered & we can resign him to a more reasonable contract, I’d release DRobinson. BGrimes is the better CB. He & ASamuel would give us 2 solid playmakers at CB.
Releasing RB MTurner & DT JBabineaux will give us the cap relief needed to sign a quality FA pass rushing DE. I’d keep Abraham & platoon him with Mathews, Biermann, Massaquoi or Sidbury(if he stays). I’d then use our 2 top picks on LBs and the rest on depth.
We need to start tapping into the talent we already have instead of continuously recycling players at the same position, like DE.
D3
February 6th, 2013
10:12 am
Great Wednesday Cage!
Ahhh, a day without trolls is a beautiful thing
Thanks to marko for that potential cut list. Some pretty big names out there……..
Offense
Quarterbacks
Michael Vick, Eagles ($15.5 million): He won’t be making that kind of money, but something around $10 million isn’t out of the question. The Eagles want to keep him at the right price, and I’d expect the Jaguars, Cardinals and Browns to also have interest if he hits the market or is trade bait.
Carson Palmer, Raiders ($13 million base salary): There is no way Oakland is going to pay him that kind of money to stay, sources said, and Palmer will have to decide how much cash he’s willing to walk away from to stay.
Kevin Kolb Cardinals ($9 million salary, plus $2 million roster bonus): He won’t make that kind of money to stay, and I can’t imagine Kolb getting the roster bonus, though if he’s willing to settle for more like $5 million there could still be an opportunity for him in Arizona.
Alex Smith, 49ers ($7.5 million base salary plus $1 million roster bonus): The 49ers are talking tough about keeping him, but no one is buying that. He deserves a chance to start somewhere and will get that whether via trade — most likely — or by being cut before his roster bonus is due next month. Kansas City could be a landing spot.
Matt Cassel, Chiefs ($7.5 million): League sources said there is almost no chance he remains in Kansas City. The fans have turned on him, and it’s time for a change.
Matt Hasselbeck Titans ($5.5 million): He has been a great mentor to Jake Locker, but now it’s time for the kid to sink or swim, and the Titans need to invest in weapons around him. With so many teams needy at quarterback, Hasselbeck could get a starting opportunity elsewhere if he is released.
Matt Flynn, Seahawks ($5.25 million): The Seahawks want to deal him, and the Jets are one possibility.
Offensive line
Doug Free, Cowboys ($7 million): Given the offensive line issues there and some of Free’s struggles, and the fact the Cowboys are going to be missing $18 million in cap space from the sanctions against them put in place a year ago, this looks like the end.
Willie Colon, Steelers ($5.5 million): Played like a stud when moved inside to guard, but continues to suffer season-ending injuries and Pittsburgh is transitioning to a younger line.
Jared Gaither, Chargers ($4.5 million): Teams and teammates have questioned his desire to play in the past. His back is a constant issue and he has become a source of hostility in San Diego as a free-agent bust. I’d be shocked if he stays.
Wide receiver/Tight end
Darius Heyward-Bey, Raiders ($7.7 million): He flashed progress in 2011 but had another lost year in 2012. The Raiders are again in a roster/cap crunch and are still trying to get out from under bad contracts. I can’t fathom him making this to stay.
Anquan Boldin, Ravens ($6 million): With Joe Flacco about to get paid, Baltimore’s cap issues are only going to escalate. Boldin was so good in the playoffs, I have to figure they rework his deal to keep him.
Jermichael Finley, Packers ($4.4 million base plus $3 million roster bonus): At some point Aaron Rodgers is going to get a contract in line with how exceptional he is. Finley has proven to be a controversial figure and this team finds pass catchers in all regions of the draft. League sources expect Finley to be elsewhere.
Marcedes Lewis, Jaguars ($4.35 million): He has been woefully unproductive since the Jags extended him a few years back. Certainly the poor quarterback play has something to do with it, but with new ownership and a new management team in place, Lewis’ future is in doubt.
Jacoby Jones, Ravens ($3 million): He was a special-teams star all season and a star on offense in the postseason. Again, the Ravens are in a cap bind and have a slew of free agents, but I have to think they find a way to keep him around. He was a major factor in a series of vital victories last season.
Running Back
Michael Turner, Falcons ($5.5 million): He is slowing down and this team will be looking for new ways to get deeper into the postseason. Could be a financial recalibration in order with teams wary to pay big bucks to older running backs these days.
De’Angelo Williams, Panthers ($4.75 million): Carolina is paying too many running backs and Williams has slipped in recent years. The cap hit would be significant, although it could be spread out over multiple years. Exploring a trade would make the most sense.
Arno
February 6th, 2013
11:00 am
The grab to set up the win over Seattle. The slip in the championship. Will the real Harry Douglas please stand up.
Paddy O
February 6th, 2013
11:15 am
SW: normally, we are eye to eye. But, on Tony G – you are in leftfield. If he wants to play another year, sign him up. You will NOT find a better player at TE. And, you remove one leg of a 3 leg chair – does it still stand stout? We need a year of offense without Turner – the play action was not really integral with what we did – and, that should help our passing attack even more. The way we pass, if we had a fast RB, he should gain 1200 yard easy if he gets the touches.
Paddy O
February 6th, 2013
11:15 am
Tony G as a crutch? what soap opera are we writing for now?
D3
February 6th, 2013
12:27 pm
Defense
Kicker
David Akers, 49ers ($3 million): It would be shocking if he is back after such a shaky season and with expectations so high for the 49ers. Nearly lost his job in the postseason.
Defensive Line
Tyson Jackson, Chiefs ($14.72 million): He has been another recent defensive line draft bust for this team and his deal was restructured to force a conclusion in 2013. That conclusion will be his departure.
Will Smith, Saints ($9 million plus $1 million roster bonus): The Saints still badly need pass rushing help, but not at this price. After all he has been through in New Orleans — StarCaps and BountyGate — he may want to finish his career with the Saints, but it won’t be at this price.
Chris Canty, Giants ($6.25 million): He makes another $250,000 in workout bonuses and he has durability issues in the past. The Giants’ defensive line is coming off a poor season and there will be changes coming.
Ryan Pickett, Packers ($5.4 million): He has been one of the most underrated tackles in the league but now has over 11 years in the league. With B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews among those who need to get paid by the Packers, and with this such a small-market team, exploring a restructuring here makes sense.
Jay Ratliff, Cowboys ($5 million): His offseason DUI — a particular problem in Dallas recently — and a scheme shift on defense could lead to a change here. Ratliff has not been as productive in the past few years.
Linebacker
Bart Scott, Jets ($6.9 million base/$8.7 million cap hit): The Jets have a cap mess and there aren’t too many deals they can drop to create space. This is one, and sources said Scott won’t be back at this price.
James Harrison, Steelers ($6.6 million): It wasn’t that long ago that he was a defensive MVP, but age and injury have slowed him. The Steelers are paying other, younger linebackers big bucks and sources said the Steelers do not expect to bring him back at this salary. Many doubt Harrison would take a cut to stay without at least exploring outside options.
Calvin Pace, Jets ($5.8 million base/$11.6 cap): He too will be released, sources said, although the Jets will make a strong effort to re-sign him at a lower rate.
Rolando McClain, Raiders ($4 million): He has been nothing but trouble off field, was basically sent home for the final quarter of last season and I would expect the Raiders to look to recoup some signing bonus as well when they officially part with him.
Defensive Back
Champ Bailey, Broncos ($9 million plus $1 million roster bonus): Bailey had a brutal time of it in the postseason, the Broncos have emerging young corners and owner Pat Bowlen has had them operating on a tight budget.
Charles Woodson, Packers ($8.5 million plus $2.5 million roster bonus) : Another one of the great corners of his generation, but injuries have limited him, he is getting older, and the Packers often have to take a hard-line stance given their financial limitations.
Dunta Robinson, Falcons ($8 million): Was signed to be an elite corner a few years back in free agency but has been outshined by others. The Falcons have needs to fill and their cap situation will only get tighter when Matt Ryan gets paid.
Eric Wright, Buccaneers ($7.7 million): After a breakthrough 2011 in Detroit, Wright struggled on and off the field in 2012. Tampa Bay badly needs help at corner, but given his recent struggles I have a hard time seeing him back at this steep a price.
JB Falcon
February 6th, 2013
1:29 pm
DOL just announced the the falcons re-sign a CB named Terrence Johnson. Seems they got him when Grimey got hurt but had to cut him in Oct to bring Peters back. Soooo, are they going to cut DR? cut Grimey? They up to something.
JB Falcon
February 6th, 2013
1:48 pm
A poll on CBS showed MT 2nd behind MV7 on a vote of players most likely to be cut. Hmmm.
Joshua malavenda
February 6th, 2013
1:59 pm
Offseason moves that will make the team better:
Cut turner draft either Stefan Taylor or Mike Gillsee in the 3rd or 4th
Change the defense to a 3-4 and draft a big dt and stand up bierman, el sid, and massquai as pass rushing olbs
Move Konz to center and pick up Andy levitre in fa
Trade dunta for a 4th round draft pick
Draft margus hunt in the second round
I am assuming gonzo retires so I would draft either Joseph fauria or Travis kelcie with one of fourth picks.
I would draft Andrew Jackson western kentucky and Justin tuggle k state to add depth to our MLBs
I would draft a slot reciever to compete with hd, drew Davis , and cone
Preferably a player like Marcus Wheaton or marquis Gresham
So we could use them as a kr/pr
I would release franks
I would resign Moore
I would draft a cb in the later rounds to solidify our cb depth
I would resign Sam baker
I would trade clabo for a pick and start Holmes at rt
McClure would retire
Joshua malavenda
February 6th, 2013
2:00 pm
I would also release mike Peterson
D3
February 6th, 2013
2:20 pm
JB — Thanks for the info. Let the moves begin! We already were paying him $555,000 in “dead money” so maybe that’s a way of getting that off the books? Hell man, some of these off-season moves are like trying to understand Sanskrit.
JM — Sounds pretty good to me. Can’t see us taking on an OG in free agency, just don’t have a the cash and we could draft one. Peterson and McClure are both no longer under contract. Loving Stepfan Taylor, but can’t go for Gillislee, and no it’s not because he’s a Gator
, but I saw him in a few UF games and just wasn’t very impressed. I like either Taylor or Joseph Randle out of OSU. I go for college production and that’s why I was all about us taking Demarco Murray back a few years ago. Yes, he’s had injury issues, but dude has always been a stud. I think that DT, OLB/DE, should be in our first several picks.
D3
February 6th, 2013
2:42 pm
Looks like us UGA fans can breathe a sigh of relief, but as crazy as Ryan is, he’s a darn good and aggressive DC……….
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/02/06/source-rob-ryan-to-saints-basically-a-done-deal/
Chop Buster
February 6th, 2013
2:58 pm
Christine Michael from Texas A&M is the RB I would like to get in later rounds. 5′10, 220 lbs. With a name like Christine he would be running angry. Check him out on YouTube and tell me what you think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCVqxFeWFoU
And he already wears #33, so he doesn’t have to look for a new number with the Falcons. LOL
D3
February 6th, 2013
3:10 pm
Chop — Sounds like a good prospect, but he may not make it past TD’s “black dot” program….
01/18/2013 – 2013 SHRINE GAME PRACTICE RISERS: 8. RB Christine Michael, Texas A&M (5096, 221 — West Team)…Thought to be the top running back prospect by some entering the 2012 season, Michael was nothing more than a reserve during his senior year after finding himself in Kevin Sumlin’s doghouse. But during West practices, he reminded scouts why he was so highly regarded with his combination of quickness, burst and power. Although he didn’t help his case by posing after a few productive runs in practice, Michael proved that he has the talent to warrant a second day selection. – Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
WEAKNESSES: History of injuries. Did not excel in pass protection during Shrine Game practices. Attitude and coachability questions
Die Hard Falcon
February 6th, 2013
3:22 pm
D3–re: Rob Ryan to the Sewer City
To be honest, this scares me a bit, he is a good DC. I loathe the thought of them being “good” again next year. As cocky as they were when drew brees was doing his pregame rant saying that they owned the division. With the addition of Ryan they’ll be cockier than ever, I can’t stand the thought of losing to them and having to see all the smacktalk, it sickens me, we have got to figure out what we’re doing on defense and make it happen, they’re switching to a 3-4, then they’ll be looking for the same type of personnel as us too
Die Hard Falcon
February 6th, 2013
3:23 pm
Blog monster is on the prowl
Chop Buster
February 6th, 2013
3:30 pm
Naw…don’t tell me that D3! Dude got some wheels on him, but I’m afraid you’re correct about the “black dot” program.
JB Falcon
February 6th, 2013
4:07 pm
Stepfan Taylor, Joseph Randle, Christine Michael, they’re all good so, exactly what round are we going to go for a RB?
Paddy O
February 6th, 2013
4:28 pm
Rd 3 or later, to me.
DT & LB 1st 2 rounds.
Matty Bicep
February 6th, 2013
4:35 pm
Nothing wrong with black dot program, for 45 years we did not have one and it brought is the likes of DeAngelo Hall, Aundray Bruce, MV7, need I go on?
The LAST thing I want is an unmotivated, albeit extremely talented cancerous idiots on our team. If we want to take risks, take them with people who will have little impact if we have to part ways, you don’t invest heavily in people like this Christine. Sure, you can get value it if works, but you also can destroy a franchise for years by missing.
Once we got a guy in place who realized that it is a TEAM sport, that talented individuals are less important than team dynamics we are coming off 5 winning seasons, yet another NFC South title, 10 yards from the SB. In TD I trust.
Matty Bicep
February 6th, 2013
4:37 pm
I say Andre Ellington in the 2nd, and Le’Veon Bell in the 4th. Thunder and Lightening.
Joshua malavenda
February 6th, 2013
4:42 pm
D3- I rather have Taylor but Gillsee would a great player to put in our platoon if we’re keep a run by committee approach. He would also be a monster blocker out on screens.
Thomas Woolfolk
February 6th, 2013
6:47 pm
Should the Falcons go after Ahmad Bradshaw? He was released by the Giants today.
SeminoleWarrior
February 6th, 2013
7:25 pm
Just watching the flow of the conversation. The TeePee is on record; will elaborate more as the weeks pass leading up to the draft.
The staff is at work getting ready for the Combine at month’s end.
SeminoleWarrior
February 6th, 2013
7:29 pm
The move of Clabo to RG, the desire to see what we have in a healthy Chase Coffman, the desire to see what Lamar Holmes has to offer at RT or if he can move Sam Baker out of the LT position and re-establish SB at right tackle?
And solid draft with the likes of Williams, Taylor, and Greene in the mix; filling critical needs for a team that has holes to fill.
We are on record. The TeePee’s position is clear. Even if there is the appearance of cap relief, the Falcons have a HUGE payday coming to one MR2.
This financial train jumped the tracks a few years back…and will not be fixed in a swoop of a magic wand. It is going to require some serious thought and painful choices.
Are we, the Falcon Nation, ready? The TeePee is….we saw it coming.
Birdman
February 6th, 2013
7:45 pm
Hello Cage
I hope everyone is well .!!
Great reads from you all .I have not had much time to look at the draftees much …work and a lot of it We are in need of a good fast get up running back and this team is set . The Offence is in pretty good shape other than another good blocker and a running back .
As far as TE as long as they get one that has been good in Collage and is BIG and tall. Then he will be real good with a top 10 QB in the NFL . Just saying a good handed Tight End could be made a star Quick in Atlanta with M R as his QB and 2 great WR,s on the team.
But if Atlanta could pick up the Run game with a no 1 pick at a very good RB. There Offence would be one of the hardest to stop in the NFL .
Joe F Has been a step are too further than Ryan as far as playoffs go But M R is a better QB than Joe. Ryan time will come you can bet on it. With just a few more moves in by the GM and a healthy year. And to me the Biggest issue with The Falcon is Defense . That the real problem . .
Screen Pass
February 6th, 2013
8:26 pm
Hey D3, saw you posting on another board
. Nice job over there, maybe invite that DW guy over here, I got a little bone to pick with him and it would be quite entertaining to see if he would put his money where his mouth is by stepping into a Cage match. I mean what would he have to fear…killer instincts don’t exist and all that 
.
Big Ray
February 6th, 2013
8:39 pm
Two problems I have with the black dot board .
1) If you think your locker room isn’t established enough to bring in a person who might be a bit of a troubled soul, then you haven’t done well enough. You can’t just bring in choir boys, you also have to have leaders. Teams like the Patriots and Ravens don’t have a problem with it. Why should we?
2) The black dot board means not a damn thing if you sign “black dots” in free agency.
You draft a person you can’t get to go with the program? You chuck ‘em out the window.
But when you sign them for a chunk of money…..(ahem…RAY EDWARDS)….it hurts EVEN when you let them go. We’re on the hook for a handful of millions next season for Mr. A-hole Underwear.
We wated a first round draft pick on Bubba Gump…oops, I mean Peria Jerry, probably because he passed the black dot test. Meanwhile, I’m betting Evander “Ziggy” Hood probably didn’t quite meet the finger painting scheme. The Steelers sure didn’t have a problem with him.
I get the principle behind the so-called black dot system. But somewhere along the way you gotta let your leaders lead and take a few well calculated chances. I’m not saying you should go for obviously trouble kids that can’t seem to stay out of evil’s way. I’m saying stop throwing stones in a glass world…not a glass house…a glass WORLD. If your system is sound, guys you pick will fall into line like they are supposed to. Chad Ochocinco behaved in New England, did he not? If your system is sound, you sling folks down the road if they can’t act right…and it doesn’t cost you a ton of money. What you offer is structure and winning.
If you can’t get a slightly troubled guy to act right, then you’re in the wrong business.
Choir boys don’t lead parades down Peachtree Street. Drum majors do.
Unca' Bob
February 6th, 2013
8:39 pm
Hello Birdman,
I hope all is going well with you. Always glad to see you drop in our friend.
“And to me the Biggest issue with The Falcon is Defense.” Could not agree more. I have to go on record with K Strick and say we are in great need of LB’s, in particular, a SAM. SN54 did lead our team in tackles, but, how many pass plays did he give up? Way more than I choose to remember. We need a Big Nickel or LB that can cover. That’s why, IMHumbleO, our first draft pick will be an OLB as opposed to a DT. Second round we draft Travis Frederick OC/ROG.
Big Ray
February 6th, 2013
8:45 pm
Should the Falcons go after Ahmad Bradshaw? He was released by the Giants today.
Interesting. Because they released their other RB (Brandon Jacobs) the same time last season…right after they won the SB.
I’m guessing the Giants are going after a better grade of RB. And they’ll likely do it in the draft. Hmmm.
Big Ray
February 6th, 2013
8:50 pm
Unca Bob ,
Interesting suggestion. I don’t agree at least initially….so I’m very curious as to who you would nab at OLB in the first round? I still say DT, but the draft might change all that.
Seems like a lot of folks really wanted a DT when we drafted a LB (Spoon).
Then when we drafted a DT, we left a great LB on the board (ClayMatthews).
What we do this time around will be critical. Why? Because if we get that LB, what are we gonna do about the trenches? We’re not going to do well if we trot the same group of DTs out there again. I mean, hopefully Peters is healthy…that will help tremendously. But Jerry is largely a bust. Babineaux will get worse. Walker is a good rotational/reserve guy, but not starter material. Is Travian Robertson going to be ready? 7th round draft picks usually aren’t around here…
Unca' Bob
February 6th, 2013
9:05 pm
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1737114
Ken Strickland
February 6th, 2013
9:06 pm
Signing CB Terrence Johnson to a $1.2M 2yr contract likely means either COwens or DFranks is out of here. We need to draft a pass rushing hybrid LB/DE. That would help address both our LB and pass rushing issues.
I believe as a starter DT VWalker will improve with another yr under his belt in Nolans system. I also believe a healthy CPeters will also improve. PJerry & TRobinson will also have a yr of experience in Nolan’s system & should improve. I’m not so certain DT will be a problem for us this yr.
DE & LB are our primary positions of need on DEF. We need to develop a pass rushing specialist at DE. When Bierman was a rotational player & used a lot in sure passing situations, he was a very effective pass rusher.
But as a starter, he have to read & react, which seemed to affect his ability to rush the passer. We need to develop Mathews or Massaquoi as a pass rushing specialist.
We should also consider using Abraham in the same way. Instead of starting him & having him wear down in the 1st half, we should use him as a pass rushing specialist. It makes sense because his run DEF has started to deteriate.
JB Falcon
February 6th, 2013
9:16 pm
BR,8:39, the loud mouth reciever that the Lions cut who said he was better than Megatron, I think his name was Young, got scooped up immediately by ST Louis, “black dot” and all. Your point is well taken but we have to, maybe, raise the bar instead of eliminating it altogether.
Deion had a mouth but the dude was a hell of a player, who ended up winning games for other teams.
Matty Bicep
February 6th, 2013
9:17 pm
I do see your point regarding the dots BR, but if start making exceptions, next think you get 3 or 4 guys, especially a high draft choice…it can bring a team down….And while Peira was a wiff, he did not bring the team down, we did just make a respectable showing going to the NFC finals.
This kid Christine does look like trouble, a big time HS recruit who never reached anywhere neat potential in college, who had coaching problems….IDK, I would hope that TD dug real real deep before he brings this kid on, and not get caught up in his potential…..
As far a Edwards, I did not know of any character issues….I think his attitude soured when it was performance related, and he just got his and lots motivation after he got his cash. But I would be a little more liberal with Free Agents, guys who showed they could handle the rigors of the NFL, it is just hard to tell how will quit once they get the big payday….But guys you draft are the foundation of your franchise, you get some cancer there it will bring a team down….my opinion.
Not too surprised about Bradshaw, they drafted a guy in the first round last year, I doubt they do it again, maybe a little later….I hear Boley might get cut, NY is over him.
falcon21
February 6th, 2013
9:18 pm
I could be wrong but I think we will keep Owens, Franks should have never been re-signed after we cut him to begin with.
Big Ray
February 6th, 2013
9:26 pm
Top-rated OLBs I see are UGA’s Jarvis Jones and LSU’s Barkevious Mingo, followed by Alec Ogletree. Mingo is listed by some as an OLB, others say he’s an ILB. I say he’s a high pick…
None are going to be there at #30, I’m fairly sure of that (well, as sure as a know-nothing fan can be two and a half months prior to the draft), though it is a possibility…
So grabbing either guy probably means moving up in the 1st round. This don’t sound like the best idea.
Next few guys may not be first round material.
Kansas State’s Arthur Brown – http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1619684/arthur-brown
Read the analysis at the bottom and turn the page, is all I can say…
The TeePee has already brought Khaseem Green to the table – http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1724998/khaseem-greene
But the early reports aren’t encouraging, except to say that he’ll be a good WLB with his speed and coverage capabilities. If so, it could be a winning pick. But a first round pick? Ehh….
The TeePee also brought up Chase Thomas – http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1631925/chase-thomas
The guy sounds good, but don’t know if he can do anything in pass coverage.
I haven’t delved any further than that…
Big Ray
February 6th, 2013
9:28 pm
JB I did not say eliminate the black dot board. I said take calculated chances. Sometimes what looks bad on the surface, might not actually be bad. The black dot board ain’t perfect.
Belva Pangan
February 6th, 2013
9:33 pm
This is also a very good post which I really enjoyed reading. It is not everyday that I have the possibility to see something like this..
Big Ray
February 6th, 2013
9:38 pm
MB ,
If you get 3 or 4 guys that you decided to make “exceptions” on, then you’ve lost control of your focus, plain and simple. I do not advocate “getting loose” with draft selections. I advocate being more discerning with the black dot board. There was a particular reason for sticking very tightly to it – rookie GM, rookie HC, team starting over from the ground up. Couldn’t afford to take any chances anywhere, at any position.
Well, we are past that part now. Here’s an example – Jimmy Smith was a “black dot” on many a draft scout report. Ravens had an established system. Took him in. He’s been no trouble whatsoever, and produces. That’s what I’m talking about. But we’ll see…I think some guys don’t need to be passed over because it “looks” like they might be trouble (unless it’s obvious). I trust TD to dig plenty, but I think it’s smart to dig whether there is a dot or not, if the guy has talent and fits our schemes.
Maybe we should have a “gray” dot board…LOL.
Peria Jerry didn’t bring this team down, but he sure as hell did not lift it up. First round draft choices are very important.
Ray Edwards may have soured, but in a winning organization with a winning and hard work attitude, this couldn’t have been a sudden change of attitude. I just don’t buy it. BUt whatever, that is all spilled milk now, too bad the floor will be still wet when we pay him half a dozen million next season for nothing at all.
As for Christine Michael, I don’t want the guy, so I have no horse in that race. I have my eyes on other guys for a RB pick.
falcon21
February 6th, 2013
9:42 pm
Big Ray, as you said, what we need will be gone by the time we pick. I see no takers in the other bunch IMO.
falcon21
February 6th, 2013
9:46 pm
Later all.
Chop Buster
February 6th, 2013
9:52 pm
BR (8:39) – Amen to that!!! I’m tired of hearing about the Black Dot myself. We’ve all seen what a group of so-called choir boys have gotten us…mostly soft guys that don’t bring the wood and play at a high-level of intensity every game. Either the player you bring in has “it” or they don’t. We mostly have the latter.
Chop Buster
February 6th, 2013
9:57 pm
For the record, I’m not saying there shouldn’t be accountability and discipline on the team, but when the team’s owner even says he think we are missing out on talent due to being too stringent with the “black dot” label then something needs to change. Like BR said earlier, the locker room should be able to control any player who attempts to get out of line (even the coaches).
Matty Bicep
February 6th, 2013
10:08 pm
I was thinking yellow dots….and you are right about J Smith, and not every black dot is going to be trouble, but it just risk, that’s all…..Actually, TD likes to take injury risk…and that is what burned him on Edwards. But it is important that GMs don’t fall in love with a players potential, or start daydreaming as to what he can do, but you don’t want your key players getting picked up soliciting prostitutes the night before the Superbowl.
Michael
February 6th, 2013
10:40 pm
While I don’t think the Falcons need a massive overhaul or even a truckload of tweaking, I do believe they need to address two areas radically.
At QB, I agree D3, let Davis serve as 2nd QB. He earned it on the field of play.
At RB, I don’t think they need to spend a draft pick. They have Rodgers who has both power and speed and can block his ass off (see Seattle playoff game) and Snelling who runs hard every single time he touches the ball. Moreover, they have a speed demon in Antone Smith who never gets used.
On the O-Line, here is where I think I part with most of those on the blog. I think they need to find the best possible RG via Free Agency, keep Baker and move Konz to his natural position at Center. They most Dahl, a mean, tough road grader and would not pursue Nicks. Getting a 26-29 yr old veteran presents a quick fix.
Here is my most controversial idea. Let Abraham and Babineaux go along with Turner on the offensive side and do not even pursue Grimes. He’ll be 30 this year and will cost too much and they already have to re-sign Ryan, SS Moore and Baker. I love Abe and Babs but its time.
The area of greatest need for ATL is on the Defensive line and at linebacker. They simply have to find an extremely big, defensive tackle to tie up two or more blockers every snap so the ends can be more effective one-on-one. Like D3 intimates, if Robertson is not that guy, then there is either something wrong with Dimitroff and his scouting assessment of linemen (on both sides of the ball) or the coaches are doing a god awful job ot acclimating young players into the fold. And at linebacker, for goodness sake, find someone who can actually cover a TE. Vernon Davis is still running loose at the GA Dome uncovered.
Fixing DT and LB will solve the bulk of their problems. Otherwise, the team is set. McClain played great at CB so their secondary is very good (not great) but would benefit from a front seven that does not force them to have to cover for an extra 5 seconds per snap.
Fix DT and OLB (move Nicholas to MLB) and you now have a defense that will get off the field on 3rd down. Find a road grader at RG on offense to keeo drives going and you control the clock and win in January.
Michael
February 6th, 2013
10:41 pm
I meant “lost” Dahl…sorry about the typo.
D3
February 6th, 2013
11:34 pm
Great Late Night Check-In Cage!
Always amazing to see it blow up after everyone gets home from work. Always great reading. Been trying to get in here today, but both little ones are under the weather. That time of year I guess.
SP — Yeah, I’ve had to fill the void of my new “no MTV sports garbage clause” and The Falcoholic always comes up with some good topics. The Cage, the AJC, ProFootballTalk (to keep up with the updates), and The Falcoholic are only allowed on my self-imposed exile from everything that’s garbage, namely one of our favorite ENTERTAINMENTsportsnetwork writer (pretty fitting that entertainment comes before sports, eh?). My football following life has never been better. No MTV Sports (ESPN) or Entertaiment Football Tonight (NFL N).
Wanted to get to this earlier from the list that was linked by marko and I put the potential cap casualties on there.
First of all, Ahmad Bradshaw: would love to have him, but no sense in sinking money into the free agent market when you can draft a stud and have him under contract for a fraction of the price.
Second, much of the discussion seems to be centering around the Falcons either cutting Abe or DRob. Here’s the financial breakdown as best I can see it:
D3 Sports United (yes, I’m in the branding business to go along with the TeePee…..
) has the very amateur understanding of the contracts……….
John Abraham
As good as I can tell from Spotrac.com is that the only money guaranteed to Abe is his signing bonus, which was $2,250,000 and we’ve already paid $750,000 of it. He’s due to have a cap hit of $7,250,000 in 2013. If we were to cut him, we would save $5.75 mill. We would only owe him $1.5 remaining on his signing bonus.
Dunta Robinson
DRob has $3 mill left due for his signing bonus, so in theory, with his cap hit of $9 mill, we would save $6 mill, but that’s not the whole story………..Actually, now that I just re-ran the numbers, I see that he was guaranteed $25.5 mill and he’s been paid out $24.5. So not really sure if the signing bonus of $3 mill we would owe him would count towards his remaining $1 mill guaranteed, but if it did, than we would owe him $3 mill and save $6 mill. So actually, that would make financial sense.
But here’s where I may be in the minority………What did we have the most trouble with: pass rush or secondary?
I know cutting DRob may be popular, but who takes his place: McClain? Sorry, can’t role with that for a whole 16 game season just yet. Grimes? Do you think that he won’t be seeking AT LEAST $6 million to sign a new contract? And, BTW, he’s coming off a major foot injury. Anyone we pick up in free agency worth a darn will command most of that. Do we really want to adding new holes to a defense that already has a hole the size of the Grand Canyon? Do you see any CB’s we can get at 30 we can plug and play for 2013 right off the bat?
I guess what I’m saying is this: everyone would love to dump DRob’s insane salary, but which makes the most sense for this year? John Abraham will be 35 very soon and it’s my belief that the entire front 7 needs a major implosion. We already know it’s a major weakness, has been since Claude Humphrey. Abe is 35 and we’ve been living on borrowed time with him for awhile.
If we cut DRob, we are creating another enormous hole. in one of our only strengths on defense. Ask him to restructure, because even he knows that A) he would just get cut otherwise, and B) no way in Hades he’ll get the kind of money he did from anyone else.
Final point: believe it or not, we have way more options at DE/OLB if we move to a 3-4 and cut Abe than we do if we cut DRob. On the roster, we have Bier, Mass, Matthews, and hopefully keep Sid, not to mention through the draft. If we cut a solid, if not great CB, it’s much harder to find said corner whatever means you go about doing it.
Just a tough, tough call. My main point is that the front 7 needs a complete implosion. The secondary does not, unless we cut one of the few solid parts of our defense.