What Changes are Needed on Atlanta Falcons Defense?
Give Your Plan on Defense
Defensive End
The lack of pass rush other than John Abraham has been beaten to a pulp by fans and critics alike for years and years, and rightly so. This defense has been downright pitiful in getting to the quarterback. Sure, it’s not the easiest thing in the world to do, but the failure to develop ANY pass rush from the defensive ends spot, or any defensive end prospect for that matter over a 5 year period is just criminal. They tried to move Kroy Biermann to a full-time DE in the 4-3, even though he was unanimously projected as an OLB at the next level. They re-signed Chauncey Davis to a starter level contract and he did absolutely nothing. They signed Ray Edwards and we all know how that turned out. Lawrence Sidbury must have kicked Mike Smith’s dog, because he’s nowhere to be found, even though he earned 4 sacks in very limited chances in 2011. Cliff Matthews and Jonathan Massaquoi showed some potential, but they didn’t see the field until Ray Edwards got himself cut.
Time for these fellas to produce (AJC)
This position, like several others, needs a complete overhaul. Will they be able to go out and get an elite defensive end? No, and they shouldn’t even try. First of all, they’re going to have to make some very painful decisions to build this defense for the long haul, not even mentioning that they will have to clear cap space somehow. Abraham might be on the block to get cut since he’ll be 35 in May and has shown signs of slowing. As mentioned before, a move to the 3-4 seems to be the best way to go. The move would allow the Falcons to try Biermann, Massaquoi, Matthews, Sidbury (if they keep him), and maybe even Nicholas to a standup outside linebacker, for none of them seem ready to lift off at DE in the 4-3.
Even if Abraham is somehow kept, he could prolong his career by standing up as OLB, not having to take a beating every single play with his hand in the dirt. Given all the resources over a span of 5 years, it’s time to overhaul this position and it’s best described by Albert Einstein’s famous quote: “doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity.” Assessment — Implosion
Defensive Tackle
Major Changes @ DT (AJC)
This position has been one of the most underperforming since Smith and Dimitroff took over. It’s not even out of the realm to say that the Falcons did better with the likes of Rod Coleman and big Grady Jackson. Jonathan Babineaux has been the only consistency at defensive tackle and, like Abraham, he hasn’t had much of any help on the other side. Corey Peters was a nice surprise, but his injury limited his production in 2012. Vance Walker is excellent as a rotation tackle. Who knows about Travian Robertson because he was placed firmly in Smith’s “Witness Protection Program.” Peria Jerry is without a doubt Dimitroff’s worst pick and really is not worth keeping around at this point, regardless of how little he costs towards the salary cap. Micanor Regis is on the practice squad and is extremely athletic for someone his size (6’3, 307) and could make the leap if he continues to progress.
It may not make any sense to clean house to an extent, but if you keep going back to the fact that what’s been done previously just has not worked in hardly any capacity, than it’s easier to remember that changes are needed. As mentioned before, Jerry’s time has come and gone and cutting him wouldn’t alter very much going forward and would even save $1 million towards the cap. If they move to a 3-4, Walker, Peters, and Robertson could move to a 5-technique defensive end, and Peters could backup at Nose Tackle in a pinch. That would clear two spots for the draft, where they could double dip at nose tackle, or take a nose tackle and a player for 5 technique. If they can figure out a way to keep Jonathan Babineaux, it will be fantastic. But the consummate Falcon is one of the few candidates that could save the Falcons major money towards the cap and wouldn’t create any dead money, almost $5 million. No fan wants to lose any player that’s been so productive and so loyal for so long, but it’s a business and it may be an unfortunate reality. Going back to the underlying point, the past hasn’t worked and it’s time for a change, especially at defensive tackle. Assessment — Implosion
Linebackers
Big Changes @ LB? (AJC)
Once a group with so much promise, the Atlanta Falcons LB corps wasn’t the strength many thought it may be in 2012. The position got off to a bad start when Lofa Tatupu was injured in the weight room during his comeback attempt before the season even started. He may not have won the starting job anyway, but at least he would have provided competition and may could have helped in coverage. Akeem Dent didn’t see the field much, but had major issues in the beginning, particularly in coverage, but did show some improvement towards the end of the season. His future as a long-time starter is still in doubt, though.
Stephen Nicholas was thought to possibly blossom after getting a fairly large contract and being placed in Mike Nolan’s more aggressive scheme. He maybe didn’t have a “terrible” year, notching almost 100 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble. But he looked particularly poor in the playoffs trying to cover in space. Some think that Nicholas could be on the dock to be cut, but his he’s owed $3 million in signing bonus money and it doesn’t make any sense. Mike Peterson has been a stalwart in the locker room for his leadership and toughness, but it’s time to move on. Robert James has had plenty of chances to make a move after 5 years, so it’s time to give someone else a chance. Pat Schiller is hanging around the practice squad and showed some major promise, so perhaps he could make the jump.
Is Dent a Full-Time Starter? (AJC)
After a very good start, even Sean Weatherspoon wasn’t the same after his injury. A move to the 3-4 would obviously change the complexion of the position, and Biermann should get consideration of a move to outside linebacker regardless of what scheme they run. They obviously won’t be looking to add any linebackers in free agency, mainly because they don’t have any money to do so, but also due to the fact that there’s not much there anyway. Linebacker should get a long look as an early pick in this year’s draft. Considering that both backup spots should be open and that Spoon is really the only true linebacker to build around, this needs a big change as well. Assessment – Dynamite, bordering on Implosion
Cornerbacks
One of the few bright spots for the Falcons on defense this year. Asante Samuel and Dunta Robinson formed a good and solid duo, if not dominant. This is also considering that they planned on rolling with 3 starting caliber corners, choosing to give $10+ million on Brent Grimes and losing him in the first game of the season. Robert McClain was a nice surprise and played extremely well in the nickel role. The former practice squad player even played well on the outside when called upon. Chris Owens showed the form he had back as a rookie and he looks to be kept in free agency for depth and continued development. Dominique Franks appears to be on his way out again after only getting the nod after Brent Grimes was put on IR and offering absolutely nothing as a punt returner.
Should he stay or should he go? (AJC)
Some think that Dunta Robinson might be on the cap casualty block. But his contract seems to be that the Falcons would have to pay around $3 million just to cut him, which would create yet another hole to fill on an already weak defense. Others think that the Falcons will cut Robinson and keep Grimes. It’s surely a possibility, but a major risk with Grimes coming off a major Achilles heel injury. The secondary wasn’t the problem nearly as much as the front seven, and really played quite well considering the pitiful pass rush.
Robert McClain looks set solid as the nickel back after doing a fantastic job this past season. He will definitely be kept and could maybe even be groomed to take over full-time after Robinson or Samuel either retire or decline. Chris Owens is a free agent this season, but should also be kept. After a few years of seeming regression, he seemed to have somewhat of a small rebirth under Nolan and his new defense. Injuries plagued him late in the year, but overall he provides excellent depth as the #4 cornerback and has experience of starting as well. Dominique Franks is technically under contract for 2013, but looks to likely be on his way out. Franks either has regressed from his initial potential or just isn’t suited for Nolan’s defense. A few young cornerbacks in the draft might be a good spot for a #5 CB to groom and develop. Assessment — Firecrackers
Safeties
Stable @ Safety (AJC)
This is one of the few strengths of the defense and both safeties, Thomas DeCoud and William Moore, were promoted to the Pro Bowl when the 49ers duo went to the Super Bowl. They aren’t perfect and must work on their consistency from week to week, but at times they look like the best safety tandem in the league. DeCoud is mostly good on coverage skills, but the image of trying to arm tackle Vernon Davis in the NFC Championship Game will long linger. William Moore is set to become a free agent, but it’s hard to imagine Dimitroff not doing everything he can to keep Moore a Falcon. There was a recent report that Moore wants to test the free agent market, but it’s not the best year for him to do it. Superb safeties Jarius Byrd, Kenny Phillips, and Dashon Goldson are also set to become free agents and Moore missing extensive time due to injury doesn’t help his case either. Expect Dimitroff to keep one of his young stars in red and black, but if not, there are other free agent options available.
Charles Mitchell seems to have a future as not only a backup safety, but could eventually work himself into something more. The backup positions have essentially been turnstiles since Dimitroff took over, whether being low draft picks that eventually lose their job such as Shann Schillinger, undrafted free agents, or journeymen who never stick. Dimitroff usually reserves the other spot for a good veteran safety that can come in and perform well in case injuries are an issue, mainly William Moore. James Sanders filled that role last year and Chris Hope did a very good job this year. Assuming Hope doesn’t ask for the moon, it’s very reasonable to see him sticking around for another year. If the Falcons can keep Moore, this is the most stable of positions not only on defense, but also on the entire team. Assessment — Firecrackers.
Punt Returner
Someone, Anyone (AJC)
Nothing too much to elaborate here, but is there anything bigger than an implosion? Franks showed a tiny glimpse in preseason only to use fair catches the entire season. The punt return game literally added no threat or offensive help whatsoever. Harry Douglas got a late season chance at returner, but couldn’t get it together or find his groove either. The Falcons need to add a major infusion of talent and competition both at punt returner and relieve Jacquizz Rodgers on kick return. Assessment — Massive Implosion
Bird Cage Citizens Turn
1) Quick INT – How much work does defense need: minor, medium, or major repairs?
2) What should happen to the defensive end position?
3) Any free agents to look at DE or purely draft?
4) What should happen to the defensive tackle position?
5) Free agents, draft, or both at DT?
6) Who’s your 5 or 6 DTs on opening day?
7) Implode the linebacker corps if you must: what’s your plan?
8.) Who would be your 5-6 LBs on opening day?
9) What’s your plan @ cornerback?
10) What should Falcons do if William Moore maxes out somewhere else?
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316 comments Add your comment
Knew Money
February 15th, 2013
6:22 pm
How about signing Dwight Freeny to rent for 1 year
The Burner Turner
February 15th, 2013
8:31 pm
I am just glad my name hasnt come up. Oh this is defense. Yeh our defense sucked. Cap space map space, give me my 10 million doe next year and just watch me bowling ball through another season. They say I am slow now … NO !… They say I have lost a step …NO ! They say I cant push away form the cheeseburgers and flap jacks…. well that one is kinda true. But did you know that my thighs went from 37 inchs around to 45 inchs around. That didnt come from no leg lifts my brothers. Team will show getting a tight end to fake out league and then go with the best defensive end available. Sure hope Green Bay taks Lacy from Alabama, because if he falls my goose could be cooked. Speaking of goose, I am going to have a whole goose with all the trimmings for breakfast. Mom in town and got to put the feed bag on while I can. They got these weight rules during offseason that you aint supposed to gain over 10 lbs. I am over 20 right now, but think I can lose it before conract signing comes around. My hands were bricks this year, but that dont mean I cant come back and burn again. Just throw me the damn ball in space. I will churn out some yards with these thighs. One time this season I ran and felt like I hit a brick wall only to look up and it was Jerrys wide ars I hit. Knocked me down. Clear the way and the Burner lives. Sign me now or I will have to retire to the farm and fish the rest of my life. Cant wait for lunch tommorrow. I got something special on order. A turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Hey stop by and say hey….. Look me up… and bring me some damn cheeseburgers……
The Burner Turner
Screen Pass
February 15th, 2013
8:37 pm
“That said, perhaps we should start taking serious looks at guys who are not currently ranked in the top 5-7 prospect names at the moment. You never know where you could find your Alfred Morris or other talented RB that can really help your team. ” – BR
Good article and good read. It is nice to see someone finally breakdown the difference in running styles. I don’t agree with some of his thoughts but overall a nice piece to whet the appetite. I agree we need to be looking at the backend to see if there is a tremendous difference in capability. The RB position is so undervalued now I would hate for us to go too early and end up paying a premium for mediocrity. Your point about how teams use thier RB is on point, a lesson I hope “Cabbie” figures out. We are all assuming a certain person is gone…they aren’t yet yikes!!
Ken Strickland
February 15th, 2013
8:47 pm
The only real knock of Coffman has been his injury issues. In this OFF and with MRyan as his QB, he could be just as effective as Gonzo, only in a slightly different way. Gonzo did an excellent job of making himself available in the intermediate gm and in the redzone. He didn’t do very much on YAC.
That’s were Coffman would be an asset. With him being younger, faster & probably more athletic than Gonzo at this point, he might not catch as many passes, but he’d likely gain more YAC and yds overall. A yr of watching and learning from Gonzo should have a tremendously positive effect on Coffman.
Like I’ve said, we can’t honestly say there’ll be a TE available when we pick in he 2nd rd that will be a better prospect than Coffman? Our 1st rd pick should be used for DEF, especially LB or DE. We don’t really need to use any of our 1st 3-4 picks on OFF.
scott anderson
February 15th, 2013
8:52 pm
On Friday, the team made it official by issuing a statement saying it would not re-sign Freeney, the Colts’ career sacks leader, or Collie, a key player in their second Super Bowl run since moving to Indy. Both will now become unrestricted free agents.
”Sadly, Dwight and Horseshoe parting ways,” team owner Jim Irsay wrote on Twitter after the team confirmed the moves.
It’s the second straight year Indy’s offseason has started with the departure of some familiar faces and fan favorites.
Last year, the Colts released four-time MVP Peyton Manning in early March. A few days later, they cut running back Joseph Addai, linebacker Gary Brackett, safety Melvin Bullitt and tight end Dallas Clark. Right tackle Ryan Diem retired and a handful of players including receiver Pierre Garcon and center Jeff Saturday left in free agency. It looked like the Colts might also lose Pro Bowlers Robert Mathis and Reggie Wayne, too, but Indy re-signed both players and both again made the Pro Bowl team in 2012.
Indy then drafted Andrew Luck and two tight ends and a receiver in the first three rounds, signed free agents Donnie Avery, Winston Justice and Samson Satele and found enough replacements to post an 11-5 mark and return to the playoffs.
CIRCLE THE DATE
Now that the regular season is over, here’s what NFL fans have to look forward to.
The moves left the Colts with little salary cap room last season. With the Colts projected to have more than $40 million available under the cap when free agency opens in a couple of weeks, the decisions this time had nothing to do with money.
Freeney turns 33 next week, has seen his sacks totals decline each of the past three years, counted more than $17 million against the cap last season and never seemed comfortable after moving from a 4-3 defensive end, where he spent his first 10 NFL seasons, to a 3-4 outside linebacker.
……………………………………………………………
Falcons need to take some lessons from the Colts. Get rid of the old folks like Abraham and Turner and Dunta too.
Bring in the new blood . The Falcons MO is to sign Freeney to a big contract guaranteed. Its just stupid. Clean house Falcons . Dont be scaaareedddd……..
Ken Strickland
February 15th, 2013
9:06 pm
SCREEN PASS-All one has to do is take a look at the AINTS/TAINTS and how they traded up in the 1st rd to draft a RB that hasn’t come close to cracking the starting lineup. This is a new day for the Falcons OFF, especially for it’s passing OFF.
It’s about time for Smitty, and a lot of others, to realize we no longer need a power RB to move the chains. In fact, one of the NFL shortest and smallest RBs(JRogers)moved the chains better than one of its biggest(MTurner). I’d trust Rogers in a short yardage situation over MTurner any day of the week.
Continuing to use Turner in failed short yardage situations is all Smitty’s doing. We all know Koetter isn’t afraid to heavily utilize a smaller shorter RB in any situation. Having a TE that can stretch the field will allow plenty of room for Snelling, Rogers or Smith to work underneath where Gonzo earned his keep.
Big Ray
February 15th, 2013
11:40 pm
BR, now, you accuse me of saying stuff that is “out there”….c’mon man!
Don’t know what you’re talking about and not interested in arguing about it. In fact, I don’t recall saying anything to you beyond an observation that Alfred Morris was slept on til the 6th round (I incorrectly said 7th round initially) and that whatever conceivable reasons for that were misplaced.
I know that as Smitty’s Lawyer your job is to be touchy about anything that might impugn the righteous dignity of yonder white-haired wise man, but I cannot imagine what my unholy transgression was THIS time.
Moving on…
Big Ray
February 15th, 2013
11:49 pm
Slant Pattern ,
The beareded reptiles bid me offer up that nugget in the hopes of summoning you from the mists…
I am glad to see it work. You were OFF THE CHAIN with this very sort of thing last year. Can’t wait to see you crank it up again.
marko
February 16th, 2013
9:08 am
Margus Hunt, SMU DE is from Estonia, I find him an intriguing prospect. 6’ 7” tall, and 277 pounds. By Estonian standards, that would make him a mid size model. He’s a world champion in both the discus, and the shot put. He came to Texas, to hone his track and field skills, only to find that the program had been discontinued. Rather than pack up and move again, he decided that he’d give this American football thing a fling. Evidently he’s pretty good at it because he currently holds a second round grade. 277 pounds makes Margus a big boy, but if you look at the kid he’s downright skinny. If somebody introduced him to a real NFL strength and conditioning program, and taught him how to play football, I suspect he could become an absolute beast.
I don’t see much of chance that he’ll be running around with a falcon on his helmet because he’s considered an early second rounder. The last time I looked , we pick at the end of every stinking round. We have to be nice and let the little kids go in front of us. I predicted that Thomas would move up in the first round, not my idea mind you, it’s just that watching him over the last six years, that’s the way he rolls. Nonetheless, if the numeric grades I’m seeing are to be believed we can actually move back a little, and still get a really nice player.
Players like Kwame Geathers, and Margus Hunt will require a little patience, but they are both big and fast. you can’t coach big and fast, you pretty much have to be born that way. Both Margus ,and Kwame, are to be congratulated for wisely choosing their ancestors. If we are equally wise at selecting the recipients of ancestral gifts, we’re going to be gaining some weight on our defensive line.
Ken Strickland
February 16th, 2013
9:27 am
In reading various articles it was said several times that the Falcons want to maintain as much OL continuity as possible. If that’s he case, maybe all of these comments about Konz being moved to OC is premature. Keeping him at RG, replacing McClure with Hawley and resigning LT SBaker would limit our OL changes to 1.
If that’s the case, I’d much rather see Hawley at RG and Konz at OC. Hawley at RG wouldn’t be much of a change since he was our RG before Konz.
marko
February 16th, 2013
9:45 am
A few years back, Chase Coffman was a player I really wanted the Falcons to draft. He carried a second round grade, and I thought that the Bungles had outright stolen him in the third round. In college, he set records as a pass catching TE. There were concerns about his skills as a blocker. Since confirmed big time. Still after all these years, I’m surprised to find him a career practice squader. Like Tony G. he shares a background in basketball, and like the small forwards he physically resembles, he gets great separation from defenders. To me kicking him off the team because he doesn’t block so good is tantamount to kicking Angelina Jolie out of the sack for the egregious consumption of crackers.
marko
February 16th, 2013
9:59 am
KS, I have concerns about Hawley winding up on the wrong side of the leagues banned substance policy. We’ve all seen him perform at a pretty high level, but how much of that was Hawley, and how much was banned substance. If you’re going to cheat, it’s important not to get caught because from now on you’re going to be watched very carefully. I remember Tony Mandarich, former Packer first rounder, On steroids he was an absolute monster. Without them, she didn’t play so good.
Ken Strickland
February 16th, 2013
11:29 am
http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/2/16/3992002/the-top-6-roster-needs-for-the-atlanta-falcons-in-2013
CAGERS-Here’s a very interesting read on what the Falcons need to fill definite needs and become a SB participant. I’d like to know what you think about it.
falcon21
February 16th, 2013
11:56 am
Nice read Ken, the article is pretty much on target. As for DB’s, keep Owens and let Grimes and Franks walk.
Birdman
February 16th, 2013
12:45 pm
Nice read Ken
Pretty much what everyone is saying in the Cage. What he did not mention was W Moore . And also what the Birds intend to do with the Money they have available as far as cap space. I know he mentioned a few names but that’s not the full of it .
As SW said a lot to look at With resigning this year and next . Big Contracts on the way !!!!
I’ve said before the late pick may help them this year. As far as a look to see Who is left for round 2 and trades could be made to get a better player and earlier pick . Just a thought. .
PlanB
February 16th, 2013
1:26 pm
Based on 10 yds. from the SB and Def needing more help than Off.
My thoughts (by using some of the ideas already expressed) are to use the 1st three picks on a huge DT and 2 LB’s. Moving to more 3-4 formations we need the big guy at NT and better pass rushing/coverage guys at LB. Being a little weak at LB I don’t know why we let Spencer Adkins go. He started a couple games in 2011 and played pretty well. Good speed and size.
WE only have so many picks so I think we need to stay away from drafting players where we are adaquate at least in the early rounds. We still have MT’s bonus $ to pay so why not keep him as 3rd RB and late game runner. Start Quizz and let WPP Snelling play alot. Bring RB Antone Smith out of WPP and use him or get rid of him.
At TE, I hope Tony stays but give Coffman & Palmer the load if he doesn’t. Jimmy Graham was a 3rd round pick. Hate to waste a 1st round on that position. Maybe next yr if Coffman doesn’t work out
CB’s OK and like someones idea (SW I believe) of DeCoud at CB if it works out. Mitchell being the SS and Moore at FS if hopefully re-signed. Sid – 4 sacks 2011 in limited play – 2012 WPP.
TD has had many picks on OL and DL and neither of the lines are what I call good. 2012 OL adaquate DL not less than adaquate. I think M Nolan will help make TD’s picks a little better this year.
And last, why do so many OL’s play out of position? Konz & Hawley at guard not center. Clabo at tackle not guard. Reynolds at guard not tackle
marko
February 16th, 2013
1:26 pm
KS, I read the article, and came away wondering where the beef was. with the exception of Walker, all of DT’s are south of 300 pounds. I see this a factor to our being pushed around late in games. Smaller linemen going up against bigger linemen tend to lose their natural advantage in quickness. After 3 plus quarters they aren’t quick anymore. Just small. Smitty has been a perennial coach of the year candidate from day one, but it’s obvious that our small quick line isn’t feeding the bulldog. Peria Jerry’s a free agent. At 294 pounds, he’s the smallest tackle we have. I see no reason on earth we should bother to resign him. I’d be very happy to see Johnathan Jenkins fall into our laps. He’s as least as quick as Peters , and he out weighs him by nearly sixty pounds. If he centers our line, our ends and backers are going to show a noticeable improvement.
Sportaree
February 16th, 2013
6:29 pm
B-day today 59 years, now if some of you really old farts would miss a few, I know most of you, I would soon catch up.
JB Falcon
February 16th, 2013
6:52 pm
Sportaree, all of you youngun’s still count BD’s. BTW, Happy Birthday! The calendar says we have to get older but no one says we have to grow up. If you still have your health, Damn the Torpedoes!
Rock
February 16th, 2013
7:16 pm
Sportaree, Happy Birthday young man! I’ll never forget some advice I got from a gf step dad while in my 20’s. Enjoy your youth because youll wake up one day and 20yrs will be gone. I’m 47 starring at the big 50 coming my way, lol.
On a falcons note, love D3’s and all you cagers comments. WE have the most educated football “smarts” than all the other blogs cobined. Just finished reading smults “why not reggie” bs of an article and his bloggers. Read it for the comics if you wish but his bloggers are pushing RB/TE as our greatest needs in thefirst 2 rds. Really?
Tks to all the great college draft gurus/rsearchers (SW/BR and many more) , heres my draft manifesto: (and we CANNOT afford to miss on any pic especially this yr so bpa!)
Rd 1 – DT
Rd 2 – LB
Rd 3 – RB
Rd 4 – DE//LB
everyone else is in wpp so I wont bother.
Sportaree
February 16th, 2013
7:19 pm
Thanks JB, I knew if the right bait was thrown out one of you oldtimers would bite!
JJ
February 16th, 2013
7:21 pm
Rock, change my name back after you post on the dogs gone wild site, geez!
Lookin at replacing you with some bearded lizards!!!
JJ
February 16th, 2013
7:24 pm
“combined”, always forget to proofread.
Elvis
February 16th, 2013
7:26 pm
Yo, Rock. I think I’d switch 3 & 4. I’ll go over to smults blog and gather more knowledge.
JJ
February 16th, 2013
7:29 pm
JB, glad to see you out from under the rug, lol. Get him elvis!!!
JB Falcon
February 16th, 2013
7:30 pm
Sportaree, some fish take the bait knowing there’s a hook in it, just for the hell of it!
Sportaree
February 16th, 2013
7:46 pm
JJ, Thanks I thought that was you using Rocks handle, and speaking of rock, is that sheetrock dust in your hair or just a little gray?
JJ
February 16th, 2013
7:58 pm
Sportaree,
Both and what the hell with all the nose/ear hair growth going on? lol
falcon21
February 16th, 2013
8:08 pm
Happy Birthday Sportaree, I hope you have had a great one!
JB Falcon
February 16th, 2013
8:12 pm
Just read JS’s shallow post. He did some research but I related it to sending my wife to the mall with an unlimited credit card.
JB Falcon
February 16th, 2013
9:38 pm
Well. I guess I’ll be marko at 1:26 this afternoon when the blog went dead, “The blog killer!” Anyway, not a lot of football going on and I am looking forward to the combine. I’m going to stick with JJ on my wishes.
Rd 1 – DT
Rd 2 – LB
Rd 3 – RB
Rd 4 – DE//LB
Except my dog told me to switch 3 & 4. I often wonder how he knows when someone is coming to see us and starts barking befor they get here.
BR must be off tonight or it isn’t time for him to go to work. SW is probably predicting weather somewhere and UB is probably asleep. Don’t know about Paddy O.
Sportaree, one thing about getting old, Saturday nights ain’t what they used to be! I used to watch Johnny Carson and go to be at 1 am but am going to bed now. (UB) Nytol.
Big Ray
February 16th, 2013
9:51 pm
Happy Birthday, Sportaree .
Big Ray
February 16th, 2013
9:51 pm
JB ,
The flu (or something like it) is kickin’ my 296 lb ass tonight. Has been for a few days. I’ll get back at the wheel after a while.
JB Falcon
February 16th, 2013
10:43 pm
Big Ray, I guess I was lying about the Nytol thing, had plans for tomorrow they feel through so I decided to see how long I can stay up. It ain’t working but I have to say when 296 lbs of human flesh gets sick, thats a lot of sick. Hang in there and get well soon!
Screen Pass
February 17th, 2013
5:41 am
“The beareded reptiles bid me offer up that nugget in the hopes of summoning you from the mists…
I am glad to see it work. You were OFF THE CHAIN with this very sort of thing last year. Can’t wait to see you crank it up again.” – BR
Thank you as always for the compliments, even if I remember people wanting to hang me from chains for my mock last year
. I let the bearded ones do their thing last year and I believe I. Pead and M. Kendricks were the choices that came up. In hindsight, a speedy pass catching COP/ Scat back like I. Pead would have been ok but J.Quizz did so well I’ll just say it wouldn’t have been as big an impact pick as possible. The 4.4 speedy yet still large and versatile LB Kendricks was prolly the better call. I remember gettting flack and questions regarding this choice but after the playoff debacle I now see people calling for a LB that can cover. I think the bearded ones nailed this one…would Kendricks have really made a difference tho? I can’t say with a guarantee but a 4.4 LB on a 4.4 TE like the SF guy sounds better than what we showed up with.
I hope you feel better soon and Happy B-Day Sportatree!!
marko
February 17th, 2013
7:50 am
In 2001 the Pittsburgh Steelers played the 3-4 defense, and that was it. the once popular scheme was all but extinct. As we can see, It’s enjoying something or a resurgence. One of the reasons came as quite a surprise. In the age of the salary cap, it’s cheaper to run. The parts are cheaper. The one essential part to a good 3-4’s the nose tackle. Good ones are hard to come by, and they make the big bucks. The thing to keep in mind is that You’re investing money at only one position. A good 4-3, on the other hand, relies on quality defensive ends. They aren’t cheap, and you need two. You can sink a wad of cash into defensive ends , and still suck. Anybody remember Ray Edwards? I don’t expect the Falcons to completely abandon the 4-3, but I do think that they’ll Go more hybrid, and use both schemes.
I mentioned SMU’s Margus Hunt yesterday. I didn’t really see him as a serious player the Falcons would consider. I just thought that the Estonian giant was an interesting story, and I thought I’d share it with the cage crew. As I dug a little deeper, I found that Mel Kiper had tied Margus to the birds in one of his mocks. My first response was no way , too early. But then again, we’re dealing with Thomas here. If Thomas proved anything , by picking Lamar Holmes, it’s that he doesn’t use internet draft guides to select his players. If he thought that Margus was the best fit for us at 30, he’d pull the trigger, draft guides be damned
Birdman
February 17th, 2013
8:05 am
Sportaree
Sorry I missed it yesterday . Happy Belated Birthday!!!!
Not far away from that age myself . Just a few years . Seems like the years get faster each turn and we are all just one step away from the real beginning.
Big Ray
Get well soon brother . I’ve heard that you can starve a cold or flu . But don’t try that brother at 296 you could be sick for awhile LOL!!. But seriously I hope you get well soon man. .
bigslow
February 17th, 2013
8:32 am
Do U bring in Freeney to give Abe some help.
Joshua malavenda
February 17th, 2013
8:39 am
I was doing some draft research and Drafttek had star louteli fall all the way to 19 which brought up a question. Would falcons trade up for him? He would definely fit a need of the falcons to solidify the middle of the line. His versatility also could be used very well on Nolan’s hybrid defense. If the falcons gave up their first 3 picks this year for him I would be okay with that. What do you think cage?
I also wouldn’t be upset if they falcons traded back in the first round to get Alex okafor also
for a first pick next year
Both of those picks would solidly our dline for years to come. We would draft a rb with one of fourth round picks and a lb with the other 4throunder we have. We get a speedy slot /kr in the 5th and we get depth on defense for the rest of the picks. Just something to think about.
Sportaree
February 17th, 2013
8:58 am
bigslow,
Player personnel decisions, as far as def, will be determined after the team decides what the base D. will be 3-4 or 4-3. As for Freeney he is better suited as a 4-3 DE.
Joshua malavenda
February 17th, 2013
9:09 am
Sportaree- happy belated bday!
Big ray- hope you feel better
Sportaree
February 17th, 2013
9:28 am
Josh,Thanks.
Big Ray, I will say a prayer for you in Church this morning.
marko
February 17th, 2013
9:40 am
A quick comment on Orlando’s mock. He’s got us picking Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre something or another, Evidently a small school in the mid-west somewhere. This is where it gets rich. The very next player off the board’s Jonathan Hankins, DT, The University of Ohio State. A pretentious school somewhere in Ohio. He describes Hankins as a run stuffing tackle. I guess he could be described that way. By the same token, the Mona Lisa could be described as a painting by some Italian dude.
Joshua malavenda
February 17th, 2013
10:25 am
Every time somebody has us mocked for a te for our first round pick, I throw up in my mouth a little bit because our biggest need is on the defensive side of the ball.Good tight ends are available in the later rounds of the draft from players like joesph fauria, Travis kelcie, and Gavin Escobar. I don’t understand why People keep freaking out if gonzo retires he is great player don’t get me wrong but we use him as crutch on third downs and stops us from getting younger players on the field. If he left it would force dirk to be more creative on third downs and spread the offense out more.
Joshua malavenda
February 17th, 2013
10:31 am
Anyways I am pretty positive Gonzo is coming back for one last season for the chance to leave out like ray Lewis did this year.
Back to defense, if we did those trades that I was talking this is how are front line would look next year and we probably to cut peria to get to work out finically,
4-3 lde
Joshua malavenda
February 17th, 2013
10:42 am
Anyways I am pretty positive Gonzo is coming back for one last season for the chance to leave out like ray Lewis did this year.
Back to defense, if we did those trades that I was talking this is how are front line would look next year and we probably to cut peria to get to work out finically,
4-3 lde abrhams
rde okafor
Dt babs
Dt star
ILB spoon
Olb Nicholas
Olb bierman
3-4
Lde babs
Nt walker
Rde star
ILB spoon
Olb bierman
Olb mass
Olb okafor
Unca' Bob
February 17th, 2013
1:25 pm
Sportaree,
Sorry I missed your Birthday. I hope it was one for the ages.
Big Ray,
Get off your BOBA and get to feeling better, my friend.
Rock,
Great to hear from you ol’ Pooch. Not so much JJ..
Josh,
I’m going to temper my thoughts about the draft until we go through the free agent time frame. After that, I very well could throw some names out.
marko
February 17th, 2013
1:42 pm
Seminole, as our Tallahassee insider, can you share any thing you might know about Brandon Jenkins and Tank Carridine? I know that both are recovering from injuries, and it sounds like both are worth more than their current draft status suggest.
Joshua malavenda
February 17th, 2013
1:47 pm
Bob- fair enough
KlkDbjJxhTFxpt
February 17th, 2013
3:58 pm
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