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
Unca' Bob
February 19th, 2013
9:20 pm
SeminoleWarrior
Here’s the fun thing, you don’t have to. I’m sure it’s me , but, as of late, you have seemed to have gone off on tirades that do not seem to be consistant from MY Warrior of old. I’m sure it’s just me.
falcon21
February 19th, 2013
9:22 pm
We have a so so o-line and TG and Matt make them look better than they actually are. TG knows how to get open and Matt knows it, security blanket or not, Matt is doing all he can do with what little time he is getting to do it. I have no problem with drafting another o-liman in the first round but I had rather get a monster at DT if our o-line were better.If if if!
Unca' Bob
February 19th, 2013
9:25 pm
OK. I’m cramping up and I have PMS. Mydol.
Big Ray
February 19th, 2013
9:43 pm
Tony G. is not hindering this team in anything at all.
If there is a hindrance of any sort involving Tony G, it is involving the team’s willful and cloying reluctance to stop clinging to a player and start thinking “attack” at all times.
Therein lies the larger issue. This team has been building an offensive attack for years, but has never really branched out in more than one direction at any given time with any significant level of committment.
We saw this with Turner, staying with THAT kind of attack for longer than it was effective. We saw it when trading for the right to draft Julio, but then not finding ways to use him right away. We saw it when drafting Rodgers, but then STILL not using nearly enough in many situations/scenarios/opportunities. We see it in the contrast of OL player types versus the scheme they run. We see it in the routes/plays used in contrast with the skill personnel types we have.
DISCONNECT ?
Nah. No such thing. What makes you think that ?
Big Ray
February 19th, 2013
9:44 pm
Unca Bob ,
If YOU’RE cramping, then full blown on the effin’ rag. Tired of reading about GD tight ends.
Matty Bicep
February 19th, 2013
9:57 pm
We went 13-3, got tho the NFC championship, yet, we are dysfunctional, disconnected, and on the brink of collapse…..why do I feel like I am watching Oprah? Maybe Smitty and TD need to hug it out and call in dr Phil.
Matty Bicep
February 19th, 2013
10:00 pm
13-3, 1 play away from the SB, yet that is proof we are disconnected, dysfunctional and on he brink of collapse….are we on Oprah? Do we need to call in Dr Phil?
The Time is NOW
February 19th, 2013
10:32 pm
Regarding the tight end position, it surely seems possible that the Falcons would want to keep other teams guessing – right up until the moment we pick – whether or not we are really interested in either of the top 2 TE’s.
Not so coincidentally,public uncertainty over TG’s status plays into the Falcons’ hands in terms of keeping the other teams guessing. Sometimes people will make it worth your while not to draft a player you really didn’t want to draft anyway.
Big Ray
February 20th, 2013
1:08 am
Meant to say that I am on the rag….
marko
February 20th, 2013
6:58 am
If I were the Falcons I’d avoid forcing a pick a on defensive end. It’s obviously a position of need, but I see no way that we’d not be reaching at 30. If we’re going to be stubborn about it, There’s no doubt in my mind that I’d select Margus Hunt. He carries the infamous boom or bust label. I’m inclined to believe he’s got a lot more potential for boom than bust. His physical gifts are clearly undeniable. On the negative side, there is the annoying fact that he really doesn’t know how to play football. So the main question becomes can he be taught the techniques he’ll need to succeed? He’s the current world junior Olympics record holder in the discus. Those familiar with the track and fields muscle events, discus, hammer and shot put, know that to master any one event you have to be big and strong. That said, big and strong by itself aint good enough. It requires careful attention to technique. The question to me becomes, does Margus possess a firm grasp of English. If he understands the words coming out of our mouths, he can be taught.
E43
February 20th, 2013
8:02 am
I cant see the falcons switching to a 3-4 because of Mike Smith. It would make him absolutely hopeless on the sideline. Im pretty sure they’ll work on the 4-3 hybrid solely because both Nolan and Smith have experience with it.
E43
February 20th, 2013
8:10 am
They way the Falcons develop, it makes sense to me to use higher picks on positions that are already stacked like CB. Kid wont see see the field immediately anyway. might as well hope for our other picks to turn out to be gems. When that happens, employ the same strategy. Better than waiting for a kid to mature and he never does Ala…. Never mind.. The rookie would have guys to learn from.or keep pressure off of them.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
February 20th, 2013
8:27 am
SW, 2-19-2013, 9:13pm Post: “But hey, I have been out there in left field alone in the past so it is nothing new to me”. SW
Hey SW, you’re not alone in the out-field…I’m in centerfield right along side ya. I’ll cover the ground you can’t reach on the tightend fiasco, currently in “process” at the Branch. I’ve read all your post on this matter, IMO, your comments are those of a fan that’s passionate about the direction in which you think the franchise should take to continue strenthening the core of the team for years to come, not for a so called “one last hurrah” season with Gonzales.
I wouldn’t confuse your passion, with that of tirade. I like reading your comments, they are measured…and informative.
Joshua malavenda
February 20th, 2013
9:37 am
On the te issue;
Gonzo is coming back for one more year in Red and black.
zbulldawg
February 20th, 2013
9:53 am
I think they should decide now to make the move to the 3 4. Put the players in position that you have now Remove the ones that don’t fit it & move on. Forget about a TE in this daft & fill the holes on the defense through the daft now. These young players coming out of college today are far better than the vets that you will let go. One player I feel would be a good bargin would be Sanders Cummings out of UGA. He can play all DB positions now. I also felt they missed out when they didn’t grap Randell Cobb awhile back. So this time we should focus on a returner to keep our starters from doing that. Their are teams that take young defensive players & they have suscess early Packers, Seahawks, 49ers ETC. There are so many defensive Lineman in this years draft it’s hard to believe you can’t rebuild this line without suscess. Every year there is no name RB’s coming out & making a bang early. The speed of the game has passed Turner by.It’s time to quit looking toward free agents to finish building this team
Hamp
February 20th, 2013
10:37 am
With it being hard these days to find a dominate pass rusher in the draft because no lets those players go to free agency. I would change to 3-4. I would draft the best NG you could find. Start spoon dent and bierman. put babs and matthews up front. I believe sidbury and massiquoi would be a good olb. I believe with one or two piecies in the draft we could be a really good 3-4. Look at what nolan had in Miami a bunch of no names and his defenses were pretty good.
D3
February 20th, 2013
10:40 am
Great Wednesday Cage!
So, despite earlier reports from last night saying the Falcons won’t use the franchise tag, it appears they haven’t “ruled it out.” I guess I’m mixed. On one hand, if they feel that Moore is simply going to go get the biggest payday possible (only takes one team) and not really care about going to a winning team, than I suppose they would tag him for no other reason than give them a year to find a replacement somehow or some way. There’s quite a few candidates who I’d be happy with replacing him with (Jarius Byrd, Kenny Phillips, Dashon Goldson) if they aren’t tagged.
Contrary to earlier reports, Profootballtalk.com reports the Falcons have not ruled out using the franchise tag, and that free agent SS William Moore is the “most obvious candidate.”
Moore is one of the more obvious franchise-tag candidates in the league, as he has a checkered injury history, reportedly wants to test the open market and the tag for safeties is reasonably priced ($6.798 million). Whatever future reports suggest, there’s a good chance Moore will be tagged between now and the March 4 deadline.
We can assume that if he’s tagged, than he’ll be as good as gone next year. Well, can’t say that TD would make the worst move considering how much time he’s missed the last few years. Little disappointed to be honest. Thought Moore would be a franchise type of guy. Sounds like I may have been wrong.
D3
February 20th, 2013
10:41 am
zabulldawg / Hamp — Good points. Thanks for joining us here in the off-season.
SeminoleWarrior
February 20th, 2013
10:46 am
Good morning, Cage.
Truth, thanks for the comments.
My Favorite Gunny,
I am still the Warrior that you have come to know and care about. And that will never change.
You are correct. My tone has changed dramatically since I sat in section 209 in January. It has a lot to do with the failures, the REPEAT failures, that this team continues to display at the most critical of times.
It is deeply personal, perhaps too personal, for this time, the better team beat itself too darn often. The better team, our team, cost itself the dreamfor which we all have been awaiting. The Peachtree Parade.
There were numerous exposures and shortcomings that I will not re-address here. What hurt the most were they were the SAME ones that we all heard the Branch, with such passion supposedly, sit there last January after the Giants debacle and say we would not tolerate again. Yet, the beat did not change.
You are correct, friend. My comments have been personal and at times, stinging. But my brother, each of them has been rooted in truth and relevance. The Falcons, IMHO, are not chosing a wise path for the future.
I am still your brother…your Warrior. You would not want me to lie and not tell the truth. You would not want me to facilitate a conversation that at least provokes thought. It is who I am. It is your and my old friend, the Warrior.
I promise you thought I will always do it with tact and grace. I owe that to D3, to myself, and to all that I consider friends in this forum.
Thanks for your comments….we are always united. Semper Fi.
Screen Pass
February 20th, 2013
11:01 am
“We can assume that if he’s tagged, than he’ll be as good as gone next year. Well, can’t say that TD would make the worst move considering how much time he’s missed the last few years. Little disappointed to be honest. Thought Moore would be a franchise type of guy. Sounds like I may have been wrong.” – D3
If tagging him for a year to allow us to react to his departure is the correct move then so be it. I like Moore, I like the IDEA of Moore even better. However, due to his constant injuries and thus missing alot of gametime his total impact on the team has been greatly reduced. If he leaves so be it, he is not irreplaceable and we could actually get someone who can play an entire season lol. We are gonna have to get used to big changes in personnel coming up, sucks to lose players one likes but it is how things work.
The combine is finally here so we can start to get an idea of who is what and how we can star to fix things. Maybe you could pull up some of last years draft ideas and see what got fixed and what didn’t. Seems to me we got all the same problems as we usually do. I believe you wanted K. Osmele which turns out might be the winner for hindsight draft winner from last year.
SeminoleWarrior
February 20th, 2013
11:04 am
D3, please help me understand it because I sure as hell can not.
Another case of not being prepared and/or being proactive.
SeminoleWarrior
February 20th, 2013
11:06 am
SP, very good comments. What’s up bro?
Screen Pass
February 20th, 2013
11:14 am
“SP, very good comments. What’s up bro?” – SW
I’m still above ground so I guess I’m still fast enough
. I’m coming off a nice little refresher break so I’ll start to be around a bit more. I look forward to doing the draft with all you guys once again. I asked you about FSU’s backfield guys awhile back but prolly got buried. I believe Pryor is a FB that looks good for a late round option and Chris Johnson? as a feature back type. I only watched a brief bit of film on these guys but they looked ok for possibly a later round gamble…you are the resident FSU expert so wondered about your opinion in regards to them.
SeminoleWarrior
February 20th, 2013
11:18 am
SP
Pryor is a nice late round selection as you have noted. Thompson has had a lot of injuries of late and I personally would love to see him just shut it down; I think he would make a fine GA or young coach though.
SeminoleWarrior
February 20th, 2013
11:20 am
Glad to have you back, bro.
Die Hard Falcon
February 20th, 2013
12:35 pm
I am hoping we can find a way to sign Moore to a 3 or 4 year deal, I guess franchising him would only postpone the inevitable, but I am not against it, I just want him in black and red, he’s my favorite Falcon on defense and I would hate to see him go elsewhere, I just hope that he doesn’t break the bank on us, he’s been too often injured to demand top $ at the position, but perception around the league seems to be that he’s top 2 or 3 safeties not locked up w/ their current teams.
I just wish the Falcons could be consistent on defense, I am thinking that if we can find a mammoth NT, then we have better pieces for a 3-4 than the 4-3, just need to see if the branch feels the same, I know from Nolan’s comments in the past that he thinks we’d be better off.
Go Falcons!!!
D3
February 20th, 2013
12:55 pm
Woweeeeeeeeee…………..
Great advice from one of our leaders. I’m sure he’s telling Brent Grimes and William Moore the exact same thing.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/02/20/asante-samuel-urges-wes-welker-to-chase-the-money/
Thanks Asante!
SeminoleWarrior
February 20th, 2013
1:27 pm
Very interesting….
D3
February 20th, 2013
2:21 pm
RE: William Moore…..
I really hope that all this is just hear-say about William Moore and the open market, but just as the organizations say “it’s a business,” it certainly is on the player’s end as well. You can’t blame players for obviously wanting their due (well, I kinda can because I can’t fathom what it would mean to make even $1 million dollars much less, 5, 6, or 10, but I digress).
I totally concur with the belief that franchise tags usually don’t work out for keeping the player there. On one hand, if that’s the only way we could keep Moore for a year while we figure out how to replace him, than so be it, but you hate to lose someone who’s not only a big part of your defense, but one of the few to build around.
The part, if true, about Moore that bugs me a little bit is the fact that Dimitroff and Co. have always been absolutely fair in their negotiations and always paid their players what their worth and maybe a little more. We have no knowledge of what’s actually going on, save that one report from the St. Louis writer, but if it’s true than that’s a little weak on Moore’s part to just want to test free agency just because instead of seeing what the Falcons could first offer.
To be honest, the free agent market for Safeties looks like a strong one (assuming they all escape the tags) and I’d rather go ahead and just get one of those guys than go through the tag mess. But if that’s all you got in your tool bag, than so be it.
D3
February 20th, 2013
2:24 pm
Your Daily Rundown of Atlanta Falcons news, for us addicts……..
…
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1536467-10-nfl-combine-prospects-that-the-atlanta-falcons-must-closely-watch
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000140481/article/atlanta-falcons-unlikely-to-use-their-franchise-tag
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/article-1/Falcons-Draft-Spotlight-Alabama-RB-Eddie-Lacy/76d28fee-2554-434f-9e95-de86ba79f213
http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/2/19/4004606/the-atlanta-falcons-pre-combine-depth-chart
Die Hard Falcon
February 20th, 2013
2:55 pm
I am salivating w/ anticipation. I hope that the FA period is good to us, not that I expect us to do much of anything, w/ regards to going after other FA’s, but I am curious to see what we do w/ our own (Moore, Baker, etc.). Also, I am curious to see if they cut Turner or Robinson, I am hoping to have a reason to smile and hope about 2013 season, I guess I’ll have to wait for now and speculate until I’m sick.
Go Falcons!!!
D3
February 20th, 2013
3:08 pm
For those of you / us that think it’s high time for TG to decide here soon, you’re not alone…….
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1535700-tony-gonzalez-must-decide-quickly-if-hes-returning-to-the-atlanta-falcons
Matty Bicep
February 20th, 2013
3:19 pm
It is easy to be critical of a players “greed’, but they are one play away from retirement, and unlike other team sports, their contracts are not guaranteed.
Truthfully, for the amount of wear and tear they put on their bodies, and the lack of security they have when compared to less popular, less revenue generating team sports, overall they do get a pretty raw deal.
Only a small percentage get to the position of William Moore, I can’t blame them for taking advantage, they need to strike when the iron is hot.
Baseball and Basketball take pretty good care of their guys, so I do feel a little offended when they take advantage, but in football, they will cut you in a heartbeat, and all you have is what you got when you had the chance to negotiate.
The Fans? Ha, we will turn on them in a heartbeat if they so much as make a mistake in a critical juncture, Mr Samuel is correct, they got to put themselves and their family above all else.
LRD
February 20th, 2013
3:35 pm
Howdy Cage. Moore.. Tag is what… 6.5M. Seeing he only played 12 games last year is he worth the @550k a game? Could we not use that money elsewhere for a player less injury prone.
Just trying to be realistic. I think our D plays better with Moore back there. DeCoud plays better with Moore back there. But why do I have this sinking feeling we will see with Moore what we saw with Grimes.. forcing the falcons to put a tag on them, only to probably lose them due to injury. The potential for that happening are very high looking at Moore’s health since being signed.
TE: Cmon. I want Tony back, but I will scream my head off if we draft TE and not D first.
Smitty's Lawyer
February 20th, 2013
3:40 pm
Poor, poor pitiful NFL players that play a sport and get paid MILLIONS of dollars. Those sorry @ss average Americans who work $—y jobs to provide for themselves and their families and get laid off, get their wages cut, get screwed at pretty much every turn in our society are the real welfare queens.
The VAST majority of Americans will never make in a lifetime what some of these guys make in a few weeks. And you’re playing professional sports, not curing cancer or solving global poverty.
D3
February 20th, 2013
3:47 pm
LRD — Where you been man. Have you gotten over the playoff hangover yet? As much as I hate to admit it (really the fact that I got a custom Moore t-shirt that will look silly if and when he leaves), you are dead on. I too have the feeling that we’re going to see the same stuff as with Grimes. Hopefully not, but it’s looking that way. What bothers me most is (if true) he not even giving the Falcons #1) first right of refusal, #2) the benefit of the doubt, and #3) most importantly the belief that TD and Co. have always been fair, balanced, and given every player they felt worthy what they were worth and more. Sadly, looks like we may be looking at Grimes 2.0. (Dammit, I knew not to get a custom shirt of someone on defense other than Spoon!).
Smitty’s — Agreed.
JB Falcon
February 20th, 2013
3:55 pm
LRD, that rumor about Moore was started by some guy in St. Louis without any documentation what so ever. The following words are from William Moore.
“Me, personally, the best thing that I’ve got going for myself is that I play because I love the game,” Moore said. “I’m not just saying that because it’s the right thing to say, but I really love the game. I don’t focus on contracts or how much money is being paid. That’s all a bonus because just playing right now is all that I ask for.”
Matty Bicep
February 20th, 2013
3:59 pm
Smitty, never said life if fair, just said I don’t blame the guys, that is who I pay to see, not freaking Roger Goodall.
Matty Bicep
February 20th, 2013
4:01 pm
Dammit, I knew not to get a custom shirt of someone on defense other than Spoon!).
LOL, getcha a Roger Goodall one, evidently he is DA man.
Matty Bicep
February 20th, 2013
4:06 pm
But I do agree that overall, the Falcons are a class act, and I could justify in my mind taking a slight discount to not have to uproot, etc, but…..If I looked in an saw my name on the back of all those Jerseys and did not see a dime of that money, then saw Mr Goodall bank 29 mil…..I am not so sure you would feel as you think you would either…..
Matty Bicep
February 20th, 2013
4:09 pm
Anyway, I hope Moore does stick around, I hate to lose guys we drafted just as they are coming onto their own….hopefully it is all posturing and he wants to stay.
Big Ray
February 20th, 2013
4:49 pm
Well the combine is this weekend, so we at least have that to look forward to.
Big Ray
February 20th, 2013
4:56 pm
The issue I have with Margus Hunt and his massive potential is partially rooted in how well he fits this CS and this defensive scheme.
Honestly, we don’t know what our defensive scheme is right now. And equally honestly, this is a guy you have to try things with, to mold. You go according to his strengths, once you know what these are.
From what I’ve seen, this regime wouldn’t know how to pick a DE, much less develop him. I have no proof otherwise. Abe is easily the best we’ve seen here since Patrick Kearney and he wasn’t picked up by this regime.
No Margus Hunt for me. No Eddie Lacy, either. Not in the first round, anyway.
Big O
February 20th, 2013
5:06 pm
The Falcons MUST focus on the DL & LB positions for existing roster player development; and, this year’s draft.
I agree, Sidbury must have kicked Mike Smith’s dog and Mike’s wife witnessed it. Despite years of drafting effort, finding good DEs has not happened, but the roster does contain a promising bunch of 3-4 LBs. Enter Biermann, Sidbury, Massaquoi, and Matthews. These 4 guys are too small to play NFL DE. We know Biermann is a LB upgrade. With his speed, athleticism, and size, I don’t see how Sidbury wouldn’t be a LB upgrade also. Focus more on player development by giving these 4 guys lots of playing time, winning just enough games to make the playoffs(10 to 12), and draft a DT like Bulldog 350 lb Jonathon Jenkins in the 1st round and perhaps another large DT in the 2nd or 3rd round. Go for a RB in the 2nd or 4th round. After that draft the best TE available – maybe Cincinnati’s Kelse.
Paddy O
February 20th, 2013
5:17 pm
I think we have a disconnect here in the cage. if we think the Falcon brain trust is sitting beside a phone, or hugging their cell, waiting for Tony G to call and doing nothing else, that is a bit foolish. I agree with SW – DO NOT DRAFT A TE in the 1st 3 rounds – Tony G or no. We are better with Tony G on the team; so, i hope he stays around. But, if he goes , Palmer and Coffman can man the slot adequately. If Tony G retires, we might draft a usable TE Rd 4 of after. I still see our draft preferences the same: nose tackle 3-4 DT; LB, RB; then really another LB, CB, S and then maybe a developmental TE. Coffman can catch. He made a great on in the playoffs – which from my angle in the Dome I thought it was Tony G or RW.
Paddy O
February 20th, 2013
5:19 pm
time is NOW has an excellent point – even if Tony G says stay or go, why announce prior to draft? if folks think we need a TE, they wont draft what we are really after.
Paddy O
February 20th, 2013
5:25 pm
what are the odds the Falcons again go all out and attempt to sing Wes Welker to play slot? that would make the team far more dynamic, and might be a good way to compensate if Tony G does retire. We could then make HD the fulltime kick returner. How much will Welker demand? 7 mil a year?
Paddy O
February 20th, 2013
5:26 pm
I’d like a 325+ nose tackle. One who is agile at 350 and super strong would be hard to deny that temptation.
Matty Bicep
February 20th, 2013
5:41 pm
I thought about Welker, but he can sign probably for 16 mil 2 yr in NE, not sure he is worth more than that….how about some picks for Harvin….
marko
February 20th, 2013
5:59 pm
Big Ray, I haven’t waivered. My choice is still the best big butt available. Jenkins would be my first choice, then Short, or Williams. All three would add size and the ability to crush the pocket from the interior. Do you anticipate a but? Here it comes, but if they insist on going Defensive end, Margus is my guy. He’s very close to being the all time record holder for blocked field goals. That’s not just workout warrior stuff that’s a solid accomplishment. Vernon Gholson showed up at Indy ran supersonic 40’s benched Rhode Island and broad jumped the Mississippi. It Kind of made you wonder why none of those remarkable talents came across on film. I guess it’s because Vernon’s a great athlete that just happens to be a lousy football player.
Help me out on this, didn’t the Jet’s use a top five pick on Gholson? All I can say about Margus is that I’ve got a hunch about the kid. Nobody would be more amazed than me if The Falcons picked him. Just the same, He’s in my memory bank, and I’m going to keep up with him because I’m expecting big things from the big Estonian. If I’m wrong , I was gambling with the thirtieth pick, and not the fifth.I really don’t see it as big a gamble as the Five for one Julio deal.