First…and this one is going to get interesting I promise you.

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D3, I think it got me. Will await your check before I re-type.

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Thanks, bro.

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Defensive end is, other than John Abraham, a major disappointment on this team. Players have either not developed, been undersized in their statue, or have not been effective as high priced free agents. IMHO, the front office has done one of two things; been too focused on offensive evolution OR totally blind to the defensive effort. Since we allowed Patrick Kearney to depart ATL, 50% of our defensive end starting rotation has been a revolving doors with minimal production.

A team with FIVE defensive coordinators on the staff at various times should have identified MUCH earlier that pass rush was an issue. After all, even little Jimmy Mora was smart enough to invest in enhancing the pass rush when ATL traded a first round pick to the Jets in 2006 for John Abraham.

The move would be the only effective one the Falcons would make in the next six years when it came to the defensive end position.

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Is it my computer or did the first four pages of the blog disappear?

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“It was CFA Smith’s decision to go with a 4-3 that was EXACTLY the opposite of what brought him so much success. Big ol’ DT’s in the middle: Tony Siragusa in Baltimore and John Henderson / Marcus Stroud in Jax. And so we do the EXACT opposite in Atlanta? Honestly, I never bought the “quick and penetrating garbage.” That’s fine and well and good vs. mediocre OL’s, but when you run up against beef-eating OL like the Niners and Seahawks……forget it. The DE’s get all the blame, but the DT’s are the source of the problem, in my opinion.”

Amen, my brother. When we took Jerry for instance in 2009, the TeePee was high on three defensive tackles. Of course, I was big on Ziggy Hood as my undertackle with Ron Brace and Terrance Knighton as my biggies.

This could have allowed us to move Babs back outside to DE, a position he played in at time under the Mora/Donatell regime with solid results. Or we could have done what the Steelers did; move Hood to DE and keep Babs at DT.

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Any free agents to look at DE or purely draft? No.

In the eyes of the TeePee, the best available defensive ends will either be resigned with their teams or be tagged. Mike Johnson, Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, and Anthony Spencer will be more costly than the Falcons will be able to afford. Again, the cap come back to haunt us IMHO.

The rest of the available FA talent does nothing to excite me and IMHO offers nothing more than what we have or is injury prone (avoid at all costs).

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SW

12.42 post Agreed

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Going to pause for a few. I want to keep my points on target and not get off message.

The defense IS the element of the most pressing concern. We have to break this down this right way and have a constructive dialogue. For until it is dramatically improved, in content and quality, there will be no Peachtee parade.

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TD has found gems in the second, third, and fourth rounds or later all his professional career. He did it well as a scout with New England and the talent was instrumental in winning division titles, conference titles, and a pair of Super Bowls. Could he have missed in ATL? Sure.

Lets analyze:

In 5 years:

2nd Rounders: Lofton, Willy Mo, C Peters — 100% here, don’t see a problem.
3rd Rounders: Chevis Jackson, Chris Owens, Dent I would call this about 75%.
4th Rounders : Sidbury. back to him.

So, out of 7 players we have 4 starters, a nickle, a journeyman, and Sid. Other than the El Sid mystery, I don’t see an issue….

I would find it hard to believe we are much below average here.

I read where 30 of the 38 players drafted under TD are still on the Falcons, and 1 of the remaining 8 still play in the NFL. That is among the best in football over 5 years…..But I do agree that we are not playing championship defensive football, but we have not invested early in our defense, and we did appear to miss with Jerry …..but other than Jerry and Peters, we have not drafted a DT OR DE in 5 years….Very telling.

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Bicep – how’s that defensive tackle, defensive end, and linebacker situation working out? Also, both starting CBs are free agents or through a trade. Nicholas was drafted under McKay. Gonzalez, through a trade. Clabo, McClure, Blalock….already here. Roddy, already here. Turner, free agent. Abraham and Babineaux, already here.

Nah man, we don’t have an issue with development at all.

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Mike Smith Giving His Defensive Staff an Assignment

Later this month Falcons coach Mike Smith will gather the members of his defensive staff and hand them an assignment. He will remind them about the playoff games against Wilson and Kaepernick. The former threw against them at will. Maybe the latter could have, but the fear of Kaepernick’s arm and feet freed the Niners’ backs to run wild. Smith will tell his staff, Figure out how to stop these mobile guys who can throw. Diagnose the option read.

“I won’t be alone,” Smith says. “You can bet every defensive coach in the league will vet this offense. Every one of my coaches will be assigned a specific element. They’ll research it, they’ll present their findings, and we’ll add some strategy to our playbook for next season.”

So what do teams do to adjust? SI asked four defensive assistants who faced either San Francisco or Washington in 2012 to predict how the league would scheme to stop the pistol. They focused on three positions: corners who can cover without safety help, quick defensive ends who can shed blocks, and linebackers who can cover. Cornerbacks will have to go man-to-man more often because safeties will be needed to help in run support and in diagnosing the pistol. Defensive ends, instead of rushing upfield to sack the quarterback, will spy the passer instead and mirror his movements. And more than ever linebackers will keep one eye on runners waiting for a handoff that may get yanked back and the other eye on receivers trolling the middle.

“The defense,” says one veteran coordinator, “has to be a lot more disciplined against the pistol.” Teams will need more corners like Seattle’s Richard Sherman on islands, to take away good wideouts; more pass rushers like Cameron Wake to shed guards and tackles and keep mobile quarterbacks from breaking past the line of scrimmage; more linebackers like Patrick Willis to cover intermediate areas and make sure the backs who take pistol handoffs don’t break runs for big gains.

The DCs seem to think the way to defend these mobile QBs are the same things we’ve been saying…DL pressure, LBs that can cover and CBs that can play man.

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Chop,

CFA Smith has to wait until now to give his staff an assignment that has been FIVE years in the making? Just provides more ammo to the b……t line we have heard the previous four offseason; than an effective evaluation is in progress and that changes are coming. Just my MHO.

The stock takes yet another hit.

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“The DCs seem to think the way to defend these mobile QBs are the same things we’ve been saying…DL pressure, LBs that can cover and CBs that can play man.”

Amazing what a REAL evaluation can do for a coaching staff.

I will summarize it like this. For three of the last four years, the wife of the gentleman that sits next to me in section 209 has asked me the same question.

Why does the other team have such an easy time moving the ball?

Beautiful, smart lady. I wish I had an answer. Yet, she gets the same response from the left and the right…her husbadn and I just scream in frustration and anger.

Telling, huh.

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Breaking night. An early arrival at the forecast office followed by the swing set.

Will continue to assess more for this topic. See you all on the other side. Stay safe.

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SW, I’m a stickler for discipline, fundamentals and accountability–all of which our team seems to be lacking. Maybe Smitty is just too soft and buddy buddy with the team. He sure as heck doesn’t seem to hold these guys accountable by benching them when they consistently screw up.

Anyway, I blind man can see the issues that our defense has had for the past five years. The secondary did get a little better from Nolan letting them roam more, but our DL and LBs are still an issue. No consistent pressure on the QB and LBs cannot cover and doesn’t know how to get off blocks (swallowed up by Olinemen). Now part of this in my mind is we are too light in the *ss on the DL, LBs not enough speed, and part of it goes back to coaching.

As spectators we can dream about the ultimate offense or defense we’d put together from the comfort of our couch, but then reality comes along and pimp slaps us with the fact that we see the same old crap with this team. They have come light years from where they were before the Smitty years, but we keep teetering on the edge of becoming a consistently dominant team.

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Falcon 34 – Bingo…

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JB ,

That article was very much on target. Nice link…

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SW, My mistake. I had to go back and carefully read that post again…and Big Ray, you are indeed correct, my apologies SW.

SW, Mighty fine Suggestion about moving Roddy to slot, on the previous blog.

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1st Round Pick: Jesse Williams or John Jenkins
2nd Round Pick: Kasheem Greene or Brandon Jenkins
3rd Round Pick: Jon Bostic or Kevin Reddick

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One other option to look at for a new DT: Brandon Williams from Missouri Southern. 6′2″, 341 lbs, notched 28.5 sacks during his 4 year career. I saw some footage of him, and he looks like an effective run stopper as well as a pretty good interior pass rusher. We could probably get him in one of the later rounds.

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TD Drafted Starters:

Cory Peters 2nd
Beirman 5th
Spoon 1st
Dent 3rd
Moore 2nd
Decoup 3rd
Owen Nickle 3rd

So really, we got Babs, Abe, and Nichalous, and our 2CBs….Had Grimes not gotten hurt, my guess is he would have been one more system developed starter.

Really, the only drafted players on the D side that I am “disappointed” with are Jerry and Sid, all the other D guys on our roster are 5th round and up guys who may or may not have be productive players for somebody one day….Sure I would love to see Robertson, or Massaqui contribute more than they did, but there was a reason they lasted as long as they did in the draft.

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Sure, there are always examples of late round draft choices who contribute early, but that is not the rule, tis the exception.

Point is, we have not invested high draft picks heavily on D, and it shows. If you think it is a sign in ineptness of our coaching staff to develop, I disagree. Also, our injury karma has been heavily on the D side of the ball….so then ya got that too.

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Excuse me, 2 guys left, forgot about Chevis.

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Nice to be able to check in with the cage and on such a great topic. Defense, Defense, Defense, wins championships. Sure that might not be true in today’s game, but you better at least have one that can get after a QB even if you have a high octane offense. What Mike Nolan brought to the Falcons was immeasurable in my opinion, basically the same bunch, with the same lack of pressure, but somehow finding an ability to generate pressure. Ultimately the lack of talent caught up to the Falcons defensively, sorry but for all the praise that Ryan got for the last minute comebacks, it usually was because the D was being shredded. Now the O is not without blame, that’s a later conversation, we’re focusing on the D right now. Outside of a very aging Abe, the DL is really not that good, good situational players, but not that good overall. Same if not more could be said of the LB unit, outside of Spoon, sure Nicholas had a pretty good season, but overall he’s not that good, and the unit is definitely not that good. As Eugene, you probably helped screw Atlanta out of a Super Bowl, Robinson would say, who would have thung it, the Falcons secondary probably is the strength of the team defensively.

That being said, all the debates of who the Falcons should pick center around replacing Gonzo. Sure those are huge shoes to fill, but a lack luster D with a defensive mined head coach, whom has had the same lack luster D during his entire term, no matter the record, is confusing. Could just be me, but the Falcons have lacked an identity since Smith took over. Who are the Atlanta Falcons, they could be the explosive offense that Koetter brought, looks pretty good, they could be the turnover creating D that Nolan brought, sounds good two, but ultimately they are what their head coach is, and what is that……………………………………………………yep, solving that issue will get this team to the SB.

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WR ,

Damn. Good. Post.

Glad to see you around.

And SP too, LOL.

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http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2013positionreviewRB.php

I hope we take a RB in this year’s draft…preferably before the 5th round, but then….we got Quizz in that round, so you never know.

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.

That said, it’s also important that the WPP be abolished in such cases. Quizz should have been proof that you don’t have to take a substantial amount of time breaking a rookie RB in. Let the kid get out there in the trenches and fight for it. Quizz’s work ethic and attitude proved he was no liability in pass protection, nor would he be a fumble magnet. And talk about reliable in receiving situations!

And having said THAT….I have some opinions on what Charlie Campbell wrote in the above link:

1) Eddie Lacy is indeed a physical RB, but if he has had some issues with injuries in college (feet, legs) then the NFL is going to be that much harder. He’s a load at 220…but that’s nothing NFL defenders aren’t used to.

There’s another thing. Lacy gets plenty of mention for the famous spin move he likes to use. In the NFL that = fumble waiting to happen. Not guaranteed, but then look how many teams have defenders that are good at stripping or knocking the ball loose? You can spin away from one guy and spin right into a 6′4″ 250 lb LB who is at the height of his 4.6 speed…

2) I don’t see how Campbell has Joseph Randle as the biggest potential bust. The reason I say this is he also mentions Jamison and talks about their weight. 200 lbs may or may not be ideal in a RB, but this is a different League these days. Guys don’t always need to “pound” the ball…they need to be able to gash defenses. They need to be able to act as receivers. There simply aren’t as many “bashers” as there used to be, plain and simple.

Also, many teams are platooning RBs. Some use two guys, some use 3 or 4.

Part of what can end up in a RB being a bust revolves around the typical size/speed/strength/vision continuum. The other part centers SQUARELY on how a team uses him.

Case in point – Darren Sproles. Used somewhat decently in San Diego, he put up some decent stats in large part because of his speed. However, he truly blossomed in New Orleans because he was used so much more often, in ways that truly took advantage of his talents/abilities. The dude is 5′6″ and 190 lbs (soaking wet, I might add).

Then there is JaQuizz Rodgers, who lacks Sproles blazing speed but doesn’t go down easy, almost always makes the first (and sometimes second) defender miss when in space, and continually finds ways to get yards when it seems like there shouldn’t be a way. We know Quizz’s measurables.

The Randle may not be ideal as a feature back. Neither is David Wilson at 5′9″ and 205. Yeah, I know he runs a mean 40. So what? It’s more than just being “overly fast or physical.”

We know this. We’ve seen it.

At 5′10″ and 218, Alfred Morris promised a little more physicality, but didn’t/doesn’t have particularly noticeable power. And his 40 time? An uninspiring 4.67. Yet, he was right there with Adrian Peterson (a once-in-a-decade type of RB) and Marshawn Lynch.

‘Nuff said…

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Most the mock drafts are all over the place when it comes to selecting a player for the Falcons. that’s pretty normal for this time of year. If there’s any consensus, in the mocking universe, It’s that the Falcons will go tight end or defensive end. I don’t see it in the cards. First, having come so close this year, I strongly expect Tony to change his mind, and even if he doesn’t, I’d be surprised to see the birds go tight end that early. Defensive end makes more sense, but by the time the Falcons pick the best should be history.

I’m sticking with defensive tackle. Against the 49ers we couldn’t rush the passer or stop the runs inside the red zone. Can you believe somebody casually strolling into our end zone, standing up, from nine yards out? If you really want to help out the linebackers, and the outside rushers, for god’s sake tighten up our flabby middle.

CBS’s Bob Rang thinks the Falcons should Pick Oregon’s Dion Jordan(DE). His co-worker, Dan Brugler, suggest we go with Stanford’s Zach Ertz. I don’t see either as horrible choices , but I think that we’d be making a very serious mistake if we left a Jessie Williams sitting on the board and took either one of these guys. Of the two picks picks Jordan fills the the greater need, but he’s viewed as a bit of a project. Williams is already ready to report for duty.

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http://bleacherreport.com/tb/d9H5h?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nfl

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I’m just not sold on resigning LT SBaker. He had a good season and showed what he’s capable of when healthy. But can he and his back issues be counted on to continue to remain healthy & productive? I’d much rather resign Svitek, move him to RT, Clabo to RG, and start Holmes at LT. That would be a cheaper and safer move.

I wonder why Gonzo is refusing to reveal whether he still intends to retire. It’s certainly not because he wants to hold the team hostage for any reason. Could it be that he & TD are in the process of working things out to insure his return, and they don’t want to announce anything until every detail has been worked out? At this point, he might be closer to 95% than 5%.

His return would either allow us to draft his replacement in a lower rd, or wait until next yr. Either way, we shouldn’t overlook the CCoffman possibility, which every sports writer seems to be doing in determing who we’ll draft 1st or 2nd.

I see us bringing in 1 major FA. Will it be a starting DE, RG, or TE? How many TEs will be available when we pick in the 2nd rd that can offer more than CCoffman, who’s already on the roster? I’m all for drafting a pass rushing LB with our 1st pick. It would help solve our LB & pass rushing issues simultaneously.

Bierman has been a decent starting DE. We need to decide which of our other DEs, out of Massaquoi, Sidbury & Mathews, is the best candidate to be groomed as a pass rushing specialist. Something is very wrong when we have the NFLs top active pass rusher in career sacks as a mentor, and we can’t come up with one out of 4 young DEs that’s effective at rushing he passer.

With the quickness & athleticism of Mathews, Sidbury & Massaquoi, it’s hard to believe it’s due to a lack of ability. It’s hard to develop pass rushing skills while buried on Special teams & getting very limited to no gm snaps. We need to start making committments to these young players rather than excuses.

And that committment starts with giving each DE a chance to play in gm situations where their talents & abilities are needed, like 3rd down passing situations. Hell, we did it for 1.5yrs with REdwards with no measureable results. It’s time to take a chance on the future & roll the dice.

We need to do this even if we decide to draft a DE with our 1st pick. That pick would actually represent JAbrahams replacement rather than a compliment to him at LDE. We’ll still need a starting LDE once Abe is gone or becomes injuried.

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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1528934-the-best-bargain-nfl-free-agent-available-at-every-position/page/10

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SW

Call me crazy and I do agree with your post about our TE . But it would not surprise me if Tony G were once again in a Falcon uniform this up and coming season . If so I still think that there will be one picked up in the draft ( if a good one is available ) and put under his wing . I just have a feeling tho that TG may be back for a few reasons
One . To have one more chance at that Ring and the What if’s in his mind
Two . A Media thing . Like Ray Lewis had . Which may go a long way for the team
Three . He is still a top 5 TE in the NFL and healthy

Just some thoughts that are in my head 84 brother.

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Birdman, I can see where each point made has merit. And right now, PR is the name of the game with the Falcons.

They are catching hell from several fronts. Fans are upset that we came up short in the title game. Fans are upset about this stadium proposal. So the Falcons need to get the fans fired up again. My season ticket rep told me that renewals were slower this season than this time last year. If that is the case, and the unrest is like most sense, they need to energize the base.

TG88 does that with ease. All Falcon fans can easily rally around him because he is class of the highest order. And October is grace of unparallelled measure.

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SW – if the Falcons fund 100% of a new stadium – they can do it anytime and anywhere. It THAT fashion, the Falcons would actually be paying PROPERTY TAX on their stadium. that is a good benefit for any local gov’t. If public funding – zero state funding. If the local gov’t is that desperate, let them fund it. Gwinnett is having problems now paying off their minor league stadium.

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We have quite a few guys who could play S – Dunta and Chris owens come to mind – Owens appears to be the fastest guy on the team. I’d really love to replace Decoud – or use Decoud as the nickel guy. HOwever you slice it,we are weak in depth at S/CB.

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Let Grimes go and keep Moore

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I would love to keep Moore…no doubt about that. But I want to get more physical in the secondary and improve coverage skills. The same is my policy with the linebackers.

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http://bleacherreport.com/tb/d9HTs?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nfl

Here it is Guy’s

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UB,

I love Greene. He is a player and a first class kid. He is a lock on mny draft board. And I agree, he could be a factor at SLB or WLB.

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Ohh my US84 brother……

Birdman, this is EXACTLY one of the scenarios we saw last year when we started talking about future cap hell.

Weatherspoon is an emerging star and he will soon command IMMEDIATE attention. He is a fiercely loyal and I do not think he would hold out. But the Falcons have to get a deal done sooner rather than later.

As I stated this time last year, the Falcons blew it last year when they did not initiate the move to lock up MR2 long term. I know he still had two years on his deal but this season really raised his stock. And imagine what he would command if he had won the NFC title or the Super Bowl. Dude is a winner no matter what the asses on NFL Network and ESPN say. He and Bart are the BEST QBs that have ever, EVER worn Falcon colors….period!!

One more for you to look ahead too. And he is going to get his as well. Julio Jones. His new deal is going to be a damned good one. Trust me….he CAN not be allowed to even sniff free agency!!

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Amen to that .SW

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Tell me..if this does not make you nervous, what does?

Who do you tag if it comes to that point? Weatherspoon or Jones.

Again, somebody better recognize and stop worrying about that damned stadium!!

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Yeh I agree what good is a stadium without these kind of players to help fill the dang thing

It’s like a Church the people are the Church not the Building

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Thanks Man

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Well its time to go do my honey do’s . While on my week off . Sweet gum balls in the yard . I hate sweet gum balls .

But I am blessed to have them . Cage have a blessed day !!

Be back later on

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Later, my brother. See you on the other side.

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No problem. As you know, along 84, we are one!!

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Breaking right early. A critical meeting today on what could possibly happen to us federal employee as this sequester proposal moves closer to the March 1st deadline.

Looks like Congress and Barack Bush/George Obama are going to do it to us all. Heed this warning though….

Today, it is federal employees and the Department of Defense. But trust me, the tide is going to shift and when it does, look out. Pain….pain will be felt.

See you all on the other side.

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Two things are required for the falcons to have a reasonable chance to be successful in 2013. We must have a dependable third down (and red zone) receiver who you know will get open and catch the ball to replace Gonzo. It doesn’t have to be a tight end, it could be a slot receiver, not Harry Douglas, but possibly Kerry Meir or someone like Danny Amenola (sp). That could be the biggest difference in winning or losing three or four close games next season secondly, We must improve the pass rush on defense. That will be the hardest thing to accomplish. Our defensive line is so lacking in pass rushing talent that it may take several years to significantly improve through the draft due to our late draft position. Unfortunately, we are so strapped with dead money owing to signing bonuses owed to free agents that we signed who are not contributing as expected that we can’t be players in the free agent market. Edwards, Turner and Robinson eat up close to 10 million dollars in garaunteed bonus money that could have been used to get help. That does no count salaries. Turner and Robinson are not worth keeping at their present salaries, but even if cut as they should be, they will continue to hurt us financially. After this year Turner’s signing bonus money ends. I am not sure about the other two. Since we can’t get the top free agents that would help us leap that final hurdle to the super bowl, it is absolutely necessary that we draft the best available players and not make any mistakes in drafting or free agency, in order to keep this aging team from falling off the wall in a year or two like San Fran did a decade ago. We have a top notch quarterback for at least the next five years and if we can build a solid defense and keep our offense in tact we can be competitive throughout that time. If we just try to fill immediate needs through high draft choices instead of getting the best players available, we risk becoming a mediocre team for many years again. If a top notch defensive player is available when we pick we should take him. If not, then taking a top rated tight end, running back or offensive lineman, whichever is the best player would make sense. We must keep replenishing this team with top talent through the draft and hope to fill current needs while doing so, but streesing talent or immediate needs. That is the only way to remain competitive in the long run.

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I actually think the pursuit of Tony G is more about a certain HC and starting QB than it is about the fan base. Seriously.

Tony G is a near infallible security blanket (and still a matchup problem for most teams). Ryan would hate to lose that, but you have to grow and move on. That applies to Ryan (and Smitty) as much as it does to anyone else. More so, in fact.

It doesn’t help that Ryan probably doesn’t trust HD and is still not quite there with Julio (but we’re so close with that relationship). So basically, he has to continue trusting Quizz (who is earning it) and then find someone else to trust. Chase Coffman and Drew Davis are guys who are going to have to earn it, but guess what? Ryan has to give it at the same time.

Grow up and move on. It’s not about what do you have to do to keep TG…it’s about what are you going to do to stay strong and get even better if he doesn’t come back? That should be the true focus…but I fear that it is not. I hope my fear is misplaced.

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How about signing Dwight Freeny to rent for 1 year

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“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!!

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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……..

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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…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. .

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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.

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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!

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Thanks JB, I knew if the right bait was thrown out one of you oldtimers would bite!

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“combined”, always forget to proofread.

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JB, glad to see you out from under the rug, lol. Get him elvis!!!

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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?

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Happy Birthday Sportaree, I hope you have had a great one!

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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.

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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.

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“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!!

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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. .

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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.

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Sportaree- happy belated bday!
Big ray- hope you feel better

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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.

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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

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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.

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Bob- fair enough

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Thanks for the info, I have added a bookmark.

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http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2013positionreviewC.php

Interesting thoughts on ‘Bama’s Barrett Jones and Wisconsin’s Travis Frederick.

Here’s the question – if you saw Jones sitting there for the taking at #30 and one of the popular DT picks was also there….which would you take? What if one of the mammoth DTs wasn’t there?

Could you really look at past one of the draft’s TOP OL prospects if he were there at the bottom of the first round?

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http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2013positionreviewDT.php

Adding fuel to the fire….

Look at the comparison of this draft class and last year’s draft class at the DT position. Intriguing, no?

Normally, I have something to quibble with Mr. Campbell on the analysis…this time proves to be no different. However, I have a LOT less to disagree with, at least initially. Still…well, I’ll get to that in a bit.

I’m still on the train of thought where in an impact defensive player should be our first round pick focus. However, is the position of DT really a lock here? It is if THE PLAYER The Branch wants is there. But it might not be a lock on the position itself.

The DT class grades out very well here. A couple of comments made in this column stood out to me:

This is one of the few positions where the 2013 class is stronger than that of 2012, and that is saying something because the 2012 class was a solid year for defensive tackles.

What does this mean? It could mean a lot of things, honestly. It could mean that we don’t necessarily HAVE to go DT in the first round, though I think we can count on most desireable DT prospects to be gone by the time we pick at the bottom of the 2nd round. Then again, if the class is viewed as being deep, teams are liable to do the opposite of what we might expect them to do. In other words, instead of making a run on the position, they may sit back and go after the decidedly limited prospects at OTHER positions, knowing that there are plenty of quality DTs to go around.

This might mean that an early run could in fact drop a different kind of player to us. This kind of scenario might actually see a highly ranked LB or OL player drop to the bottom of the first round. One never knows, and we have yet to see the effects of the Underwear Olympics and Pro Days.

If you were to mix the classes, Cox would go behind Lotulelei. Brockers would go behind those two. Poe, Wolfe, Reyes, Worthy and Still would all go behind Short and in front of Jesse Williams. Other draft analysts would disagree and put Jesse Williams higher than those players.

This just goes to show you how different teams (nevermind the draft pundits) will view different players. Several teams will be looking at the DT position. However, how they look at it is going to be a deciding factor.

A guy like Jesse Williams could drop to us easily simply because he doesn’t have the same kind of effect that a guy like Kawann Short has. Williams is a 3-4 nose tackle, period. Could he play a DT in a 4-3 alignment? Probably so. But Kawann Short is less limited. The guy most likely won’t find himself anchoring a 3-4 at Nose, but he could easily be slotted as a 3-4 DE in some cases, and a 4-3 DT in many other cases. He’s got the strength, but more importantly he’s got the speed and penetration ability without losing his ability to anchor. OH, and he’s healther than say….a Gerald McCoy (who was VERY highly rated coming out of college and a similar type of DT).

Don’t be the least bit surprised if Short (a prospect fave of mine) comes off the board leaving…gasp…Jesse Williams right there for the taking.

The 2013 NFL Draft class could have six to eight defensive tackles go in the first round. We’ll update this column after the NFL Scouting Combine and will probably add LSU defensive tackle Bennie Logan. Other tackles who may be included are Penn State’s Jordan Hill, Illinois’ Akeem Spence and Missouri Southern’s Brandon Williams.

Believe it. This assures one of three things- either the Falcons will have their DT of choice (one they prefer) in the 1st round, or they’ll be able to wait until the 2nd round to grab one of their liking, or they’ll have another very nice talent at a different position drop right into their laps.

It’s never a bad thing to have a deep and talented class at a position of need, come draft time. Leaves you a lot of favorable options.

On the complete break-down ….

I actually agree with Campbell on the “bust” potential of Sylvester Williams, but I think he’s wrong to even use the word “bust” with Jesse Williams….and really it’s just an argument of semantics.

Personally, I have no use for a DT who has the talent to be a high first rounder but has a stop-start-stop motor. Either that motor runs all the time, or I don’t want the guy. Sylvester Williams is a classic bust waiting to happen that shouldn’t be bothered with. Could he turn out to be a consistent pro? Sure. But the fact that he has bullsh!tted his way through ACC ball is enough to make me wanna request a “black dot” on his ass. I’m not bashing ACC football…but if you can’t consistently dominate when you have the talent to do so and injuries nor coaching are the major contributing factors…plus you PROVED your inconsistency when given a shot at the “world stage” (senior bowl), that does it for me.

Sylvester Williams is a no-go.

On the other hand, Jesse Williams was consistent…against largely the best football in the country (yes, I am a bit of a conference snob).

The fact that he’s not a big factor against the passing game is somewhat irrelevant, if you ask me. Campbell uses the pass-happy NFL trends to degrade Jesse’s value. I say this is false for a few reasons:

1) Campbell says Williams will at least be a good run stuffer. Yeah, no sh!t. Who were the two RBs in the Super Bowl? Frank Gore and Ray Rice/Bernard Pierce. Think either guy can run? Think either guy had an effect on the game? NEVER, I mean NEVER underestimate the value of a proven “point of attack” guy when we’re talking about stuffing the run…particularly at the DT position.

2) Last I looked, the so-called “Pistol” offense was the latest trouble in defending offenses. The Falcons will find themselves facing RGIII, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, and sudden media darling Colin Kaepernick in the NFC. Vick is still around, even if he’s not quite what he once was. That is a LOT of running QB crap to deal with. A guy who can keep the middle of the pocket from being open or better yet, can come close to collapsing it, is invaluable. Period. No arguments there, right?

3) Campbell says Jesse can be a space-eater. Uhhh…yeah. This is not a benign term. A space-eater does more than just “eat space.” Such a player also occupies blockers. What does that do? It allows DEs and LBs (yes, even “marginal” ones) to make plays whereas they otherwise might not be able to. Ask Ray Edwards what life was like in Minnesota if you don’t believe that one. The Branch now knows firsthand what that means (or they should by now, dammit).

So while Campbell undervalues what Jesse Williams can mean to a team (enough so to mention him in possible biggest bust conversation), I disagree based on fit and the Falcons needs.

Look, we may not go full-time to a 3-4 defense this season. But if we’re going to use it more, we need the players with which to successfully begin this transition. Short might be a favorite for what he can do in a number of situations (and a GREAT consolation prize if the other big boys are gone) but he may also get pushed out of reach while Jesse Williams could be the perfect unheralded lynch pin that makes other existing pieces work better than they have in the recent past.

After all, that’s just it – we don’t necessarily have to have a big boy DT for the purpose of generating sacks. We would need such a guy to help spring others for that duty.

Would Georgia’s John Jenkins be better? Probably. And that’s why he won’t be available at the bottom of the first round.

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Falcon 21 ,

Two things make me want to agree with you, and neither is the excellent points you made about Ryan and the amount of time he has to throw:

1) The NFL is moving more towards having quality interior OL players. Why? Because of increasingly effective 3-4 defenses and more “penetrating” DTs.

2) This draft class is loaded with DTs, as stated above. A lot of teams are going to have some DT help. We’ve struggled in this are (defending against gap shooters on the inside). Can a really good interior OL player be bypassed at a time like this? I’m inclined to think not .

That, and if a good DT prospect can be picked up later, then this bears some serious consideration.

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Big Ray, glad to see you back in the saddle. I feel the same way you do about drugs, sometimes the side effects are worse than the sickness, but they don’t seem to be affecting your insight. You have added an entirely different concept and concern about the draft. I don’t like saying “I can’t wait” because I have no choice but it will indeed be interesting.

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This guy have Jessie Williams rank as the 8th best DT in the draft, WHAT A BIG DUMMY.

This is a blessing for the Falcons, i hope TD is keeping his finger cross that this big boy from Alabama fall right in his lap.

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!

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http://youtu.be/aBbTLxLiicA

Look at the strength Jessie Williams have up the middle.

Just what the doctor order for Falcons.

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Br- I bet the steelers will get Williams but I will have my fingers crossed.
I wouldn’t be too upset if the falcons get Barrett jones. He is perfect for the falcons system. He already cross trained at all the ol positions and he is pretty good at them also.

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Darrell ,

There is NO question about Williams’ strength. His speed (lateral quickness as well) will be put to test at the combine, however.

That said, I’d not turn my nose up at him. He’s a NT stud.

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Looking at a list of free agent guards, You’d be hard pressed not to notice our own Garret Reynolds. At six foot seven, he kind of jumps off the page. Most guards are shorter and heaver. It makes sense when you consider the demands of the position. You gain leverage by placing your pads under the opposing lineman’s and driving him off the line. At six foot seven, It’s asking a lot of Garret to play the traditional guards role. How does a man his size consistently get leverage on shorter , heavier defensive tackles? You can’t help but wonder why the Falcons have created a line of players who seem best suited to play right tackle. I wonder if Turner thinks the same thing every time he’s tackled in the backfield.

Reynolds played his college ball at North Carolina. He’s a popular player in those parts, and I’ve read that the Panthers are interested in signing him. That wouldn’t surprise me a bit. However I would be a little bit shocked If they lined him up at right guard.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1664459

When God created offensive guards, he had Chance Warmack in mind. Why doesn’t anybody ever ask Smitty, and Thomas the questions we’d like to hear?

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I can’t really get my hands around, or understand why the Falcons are allowing one player (Tony Gonzales) to be the center piece of their off-season moves (signings). One player, IMO has the franchise at a stand-still, or at least, at the TE position. With the team struggling mightily on defense…are awaiting a decision on a soon to be 37 year old Tightend? I don’t have to go into all of the superlatives to describe his (Tony) hall of fame career, everyone here on this blog are well aware of his accomplishments…but, there has to be a time to say so long Tony, great having you as a falcon. At a time where we’re crippled, as far as cap space, we (facons) are willing to pay Tony another year, at least the simular contract he had in 2012, I beleive that contract was 7 mill? At a time we’re struggling on defense, our major concern at this juncture, IMO, is signing Tony G?

IMO, we need young blood at the TE position. I think it was mentioned on this blog that Mike Smith and Matt Ryan are lobbying the most for Gonzales return for one more season. Mike Smith, I can understand his wanting Tony back, he (Smith) is a guy that probably wakes up each morning, measures the right amount of paste on his tooth-brush, fills his coffee cup to a specific amount, you get where I’m going with this, the man doesn’t like change, we’re talking bout the same man that will run Turner up the middle no matter the outcome, keep “fair catch Franks” at punt return, he has not shown the ability to play the best players, not to mention, Coffman catching that beautiful pass in the playoff game against the Seahawks, only to never be seen again in the playoffs. I trully understand why Smith wants to keep Tony around, he’s a coach that will only change when has too.

Matt Ryan, there’s a time to get weaned off the enfamil (binky). If you’re trully an “Elite” QB, show us you can make players around you better (pro bowl caliber). Tony was brought in specifically for your developement…not to continously become your security blanket, indefinitely. Something is mighty strange if an 27 year old man is still sleeping underneath his infant (security) blanket, let it go Ryan! I know taking Tony away from you will not go without some kicking, screaming (tantrum) but it must be done to further you along in your career.

In my summation, it’s time to shake Tony’s hand, tell’em how valuble he’s been to the franchise…and respectfully part ways. IMHO.

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Marko ,

I don’t know if the Falcons are waiting on TG as far as other FA moves go, but I can’t see why they can’t cut some folks already…

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Hamad ,

I don’t see a legit first round grade pass rushing DE available for us, unless somebody very good drops, and that probably comes down to three or four names…none of which are a “guaranteed thing” Florida State’s Bjoern Werner may be the only “top” pure DE – and by that I mean a guy who isn’t equally a potential OLB – followed by Damontre Moore, Ezekhial Ansah, etc. Too much risk for a position that needs immediate impact, not a 2-3 year development.

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Somebody needs to tell the truth – I couldn’t have said it better. My sentiments exactly

My thoughts- I would for them to draft te just not in the first round. If the drafttek Mick draft is anything like real one they have Travis kelcie going in the seventh round . He would be a steal in seventh round and I think he is most complete te in the draft. I would for the falcons to draft him.

I also would the falcons to sign Phillip wheeler he a very versatile lb and would be great in Nolan’s system.

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As of right now, the Falcons have seven picks with the potential to increase to as many as 9.

The TeePee is projecting to use at least two-thirds of the Falcons picks on defense.

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BR,

If the price is right, I have no issue at all with bring back TG88 I can not see giving him $8 million when the defense needs an infusion as well as we need cap space. Love him but the TeePee feels that if the future is on the roster, we need to see the future NOW. No more WPP!!

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“I can’t really get my hands around, or understand why the Falcons are allowing one player (Tony Gonzales) to be the center piece of their off-season moves (signings). One player, IMO has the franchise at a stand-still, or at least, at the TE position. With the team struggling mightily on defense…are awaiting a decision on a soon to be 37 year old Tightend? I don’t have to go into all of the superlatives to describe his (Tony) hall of fame career, everyone here on this blog are well aware of his accomplishments…but, there has to be a time to say so long Tony, great having you as a falcon. At a time where we’re crippled, as far as cap space, we (facons) are willing to pay Tony another year, at least the simular contract he had in 2012, I beleive that contract was 7 mill? At a time we’re struggling on defense, our major concern at this juncture, IMO, is signing Tony G?”

Truth….the answer is called disconnect. The front office is not seeing things as they are; they are seeing things as they WANT them to be.

Again, if the future is on the roster, why in the hell do we want to hide him for one more year?

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Yeah SW, so many have come/gone…and still here in the cage doubting the “disconnect” you’ve been preaching about for at least 2 years…and growing. I must admit, I was skeptical, until I saw it play out…and continue to play out before my very eyes.

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We added Jones to the arsenal but it was not until we found the innovation that was DK that the offense really took off. So three first rounders on offense. One first rounder on defense but supplemented by extensive (and expensive) FA signings that were supposed to, in the words of Ali, shake up the world.

Still waiting….

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Ohhhhhh no. Here come Peria Jerry, Part II.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/blog/rob-rang/21727093/report-tide-rb-lacy-tears-hamstring

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it bears repeating. tony G is the best available TE. so, if he stay – excellent. what is it with UGA football players? Justin Houston did the same idiotic stuff.

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While I agree defense should be a major focus of the offseason, I don’t agree with the conclusion of “implosion” anywhere.

At all positions we have some good talent.

DE: Kroy Bierman is a solid rotational player/backup and Cliff Matthews is growing into a solid starter (both 6′3 260lbs. Decent size). We also have John Abraham for at least one more year. JMass may be a bit small for DE at 6′2 250lbs, probably a rotational guy. I would absolutely love to make DE our top priority though. A Datone Jones, Dion Jordan, etc would be great. 1st round or free agent I think. A starter.

DT: Babs + a healthy Corey Peters + Walker (I believe we’ll resign him). I’d love to pick up a NT like Jesse Williams, Kwame Geathers, John Jenkins to create some versatility and fill a void (space eating DT). Spend a second or third round pick on one. A backup/rotational/situational player.

LB: Sean Weatherspoon is a beast. Akeem Dent was above average against the run down the stretch. Stephen Nicholas has some nice moments, but he struggle in pass coverage in the nickel. I’d like to add a pass coverage type LB. Maybe Khaseem Greene from Rutgers would be a nice fit. Second round grade as well. This is a second or third round priority to me as well. A nickel starter at first, moves into three down LB.

We normally pick up one major free agent or make a trade, so that’ll fill one of those voids and leave that pick open for another void. RBs can come cheap (4th, 5th etc) TEs are best in the 3rd round. Lineman come from any round (though the best normally come up high).

A well executed offseason could fix all of these needs without doing anything crazy. Just a good ol’ Thomas Dimitroff draft and one pickup and we’re back on track. No implosions necessary.

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JB Falcon

The TeePee will be watching closely this weekend. I saw Mr. Rang’s comments. But they remain on the list and will be thoroughly evaluated to see if they are worthy of the Cocoa’s Big Board.

Thanks, bro.

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Big ray- I think if we draft Alex okafor in the first round he can make instant impact in his his first year. He can play on the end from abrhams in our 4-3 and can contribute as situational pass rusher in a 3-4. He would take some pressure off abrhams which keep him healthier throughout the year so he could be up to par during the playoffs. He could also gain experience to become the successor of abrhams.

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If we’re going to a 3-4 why don’t we go ahead an announce it? ( Like S Payton in NO) Is TG staying or going? Why don’t MS & Co grow some and let us fans know what the H#ll is going on?
So many questions and so few answers, is that how AB is going to get his fan base to support his new stadium? ??????

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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1533632-2013-atlanta-falcons-mock-draft-final-pre-combine-scenario-including-comp-picks
Here’s an interesting mock draft. I can’t say that I agree with it, but it’s definitely interesting. A actually like a few of the players listed.

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Ken Strickland ,

Thanks, bro’….lol. That was one heck of a post you made at 7:56 your own self! Like SW says, your points about the SB level offense (and lack thereof on defense) were very strong. VERY strong.

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Ken S,

The link to the bleacher report mock draft certainly was interesting. Personally, I think Texas A&M’s Damontre Moore won’t be around when we pick, but this particular part should stick out to ANY Falcons fan –

General manager Thomas Dimitroff has still yet to select a player with a prior arrest or suspension in the NFL draft.

And there it is. Don’t look for it to change. I’d suggest that there is some room for doing homework on a guy (very hard, very deep, very searching homework) and seeing if a REAL talent comes with any REAL risks.

I mean…Babineaux and Turner have both gotten into trouble since being on the team, even with the choir boys, Mother Theresa, and angels of mercy surrounding them in the locker room and the practice field. It seems even the purest of rites cannot save you from the damnation of Magic City and a couple of cocktails….but I digress.

After all, we know that no sinner shall be allowed hence or hither unto the holy of holies (Flowery Branch) lest we shortly and inevitably thereafter be cast down and doomed (and duped) to sign such lewd heathens of a baser sort as Tebow, for surely to allude to such heresy is to doom thyself to more heinous transgressions than previously thought possible.

Translation – if you let one person who made a single mistake through the unerring black dot filter, then you are all but certain to very quickly become stupid enough to other things like sign Tebow to your team. Or so someone once told me…..

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I don’t have anything in particular against Alex Okafor.

If you put him next to a good DT, then yeah he probably produces. That said, if you draft him first then go after a DT, you’re still drafting him as somebody you think has the goods to produce as a first rate pass rusher.

He just ISN’T that guy. So why take a chance on drafting a rookie DE and have him do what you can’t seem to get your existing NFL DEs to do?

Okafor is probably good if playing next to a monster DT. In which case, so might any other number of DEs. So you spend the pick on the DT who makes the DEs better….not the other way around.

Just my opinion, though.

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i just hope we go to the 3-4, and get a NT in the draft, maybe olgetree who will fall……some power and speed,….BUT THE WORST THAT WILL HAPPEN, IS MIKE SMITH AND THOMAS WILL GET HIGH CHARACTER GUYS WHO SUCK AT FOOTBALL. WHO TURNS OUT TO BE ALL NICE OFF THE FIELD AND GABAGE ON THE FIELD…

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Great Tuesday Cage Family!

After a nice relaxing mini-vacation in the North Carolina mountains, I’m back and ready to roll towards free agency. Been checking in daily, but haven’t had a chance to post. Keep it going folks! The combine starts tomorrow and Free Agency is only a few weeks away. As a matter of fact, got another post ready to roll for tomorrow and it should be a doozie.

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Greg: I’ve got Direct TV; and I buy the MLB package – for me, I watch about 80% of the Boston Red Sox games. The Braves NOT having a hallmark broadcast partner might make it more difficult for you – the Sox are on NESN – makes it easy.

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Paddy O, thanks!

And I agree with your Tony G observation. I think he’ll be back.

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Jonathan Jenkins, Jesse Williams, Jonathan Hankins, or Kawaan Short
Are still my first round choices. Not necessarily in that order as combines and in-depth research has not begun yet. Can’t say that I would be outraged if we took someone like Eddie Lacy, but I agree with SW and most others that we don’t have to spend a first round pick on an RB to get an impact. That said, can’t say I would scream to see Lacy in a Falcons uni.

Same goes with Alec Ogletree. I would think he’s a guy that is not a really bad seed, much like Justin Houston and Orson Charles, but just made some really dumb@ss decisions. I also think that LB is a little further down the chart of needs than DT and DE, but if he fell that far, I would say it would be really tough to pass on him. Pair him with Spoon at ILB in the 3-4, throw in Biermann, Mass, Matthews, and a Chase Thomas and WOW talk about remaking a weakness into a major strength for a long time. Don’t think he’ll fall that far because his talent is just too good, but that would solidify our LB corps (one of our biggest weaknesses) for a long, LONG time.

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D3,

As much as I have been screaming for it implementation, I am coming to the cold reality that it will not be happening in the ATL. It would not have been an issue for the Branch to have made that statement and let the fans know that a change was coming. God knows it is needed or a more effective use of personnel. Yet, all we hear is the ongoing wishful thinking that TG88 is desired to come back into the fold for one more year. And while I am a big fan of TG88, he is not, I repeat, not the biggest need this team has as we move towards the 2013 season.

If the projections that are listed in the Bleacher Report story that K Strick posted are correct, then the Falcons have eleven picks to work with. That is HUGE and if that is in fact true, the TeePee would project that we use at least 6 or seven of those picks on defense. It is a matter of finding the missing pieces as well as establishing creditable depth on a suspect unit.

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While I too am a fan of the upside that Jared Cook could bring to the Falcons, there is another free agent TE that the TeePee likes more. Martellus Bennett.

At 6′6″, 250, he is 10 years yonger than TG88 and is total package. He is a very effective blocker and a fine receiving threat. His acquistion, if we could do it, would settle the tight end debate for the next 7 to 10 years provided he stays healty.

But it will never happen. Why? Disconnect prevails once again.

I love TG88 but if the front office is confident enough to say that the TE of our future is already on the roster, why in the hell are they so busy chasing a man whose contract is over and has indicated, by word and apparently action now, that he has minimal desire to return. If TG88 was going to come back, he would have made the choice by now. It is simple: either you are in or you are not.

Again, it is beginning to get harder and harder to accept the bull that emerges from the Branch.

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This draft has to be defensively intense and the Falcons face a serious challenge. They need to find at least TWO immediate starters for this defense. They need an impact player that can start on the DL and they need a starter at one of the OLB positions.

And make no mistake, they can find them in this draft.

As a matter of fact, if the first three picks went like the following, I would consider it a MAJOR win for the Falcons:

1) Hankins/Short/Williams
2) Greene or Thomas
3) Taylor or Randle

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Before the assasins take aim,

When I refer to TG88 as a band aid, that is looking forward. While I do not question his conditioning and his skills, why not look to get younger and secure the longer term?

The band aid approach has failed in ATL. Each band aid has not achieved the rewards it was supposed to. As a matter of facts, we have regressed. Overhyped, underachievers. That is what our band aids have been.

Statistically, Robinson has been no damned better than Chris Houston. As a matter of fact, Houston has been better in all measures of play. Sure, he (Robinson) makes a few more spectacular tackles here and there. But Houston has force more turnovers, defended more passes, and intercepted more passes. And in the end, are those not the reasons why you bring in a high profile CB? To make a difference?

Four interceptions in three years at a cost of at $22.5 million. A very expensive band aid if you ask me.

This by the same CFA that cut Houston but retained the other Arkansas product from the same draft, the classic bust, Jamaal Anderson. Oh yeah, that’s right, they tried to convert him to DT. That failed cross training thingy again.

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I guess when you get down to it, DE is a risky pick for the 1st round. The least risky positions to pick in the first round are offensive line and linebacker. These guys usually pan out. A rookie DE probably isn’t going to put this team over the top, but a solid offensive lineman could help for many seasons. We need impact players, but a 1st round bust will hurt us for a long time.

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D3 @ 2:40pm

Thanks for the kind words, bro. Here at the TeePee, we just just try to keep it real and honest. After all, that is what the Cage has come to stand for; a place where constructive, real conversations about our team can be held. And it is why we stand alone as THE real destination for the truth, the WHOLE truth, and nothing but the truth on the Falcons.

And as long as you allow me and the Cage can put up with my rants from time to time, I will do my part to keep it on point, whether the point is popular or not.

I agree. Cook will get the tag for sure. Bennett is a nice youn talent that is still emerging but the promise can not be underestimated. I think the inconsistency you referenced is more about a Kevin Gilbride scheme than anything Bennett did. But I see and understand your concerns. I still think that he would be a valuable asset if we had the cap space.

Totally agree with you on the Boley and Sidbury situations.

For a man that can get rid of players that are deemed problems (Boley, Edwards), how in the hell can the CFA not develop the likes of a Sidbury when all we hear is that he is this marvelous teacher?

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Birdman, while I agree with your prediciton regarding Moore and the tag, I am on record as saying it is a mistake.

This team needs to get serious about how it is handling its long term future with its key players. It needs a disciplined financial approach as well as a REAL focus on player development. A tag on Moore this season means we are kicking the can down the road. Now is not the time to do that.

If we tag him and he has a “true” Pro Bowl season, then his stock increases. It is VERY imperative that we cut some of the inflated salaries or dead wood that we have littered across our roster at this time.

We have to find a way to lock up the core of this team with appropriate long term deals rather than band aid fixes.

Sure, other teams are in even worse shape than we are. But some of those teams are making the tough choices. Better to make them now, especially with aging, declining veterans or underachievers, than run the risk of loosing talent down stream.

Ryan, Weatherspoon, Peters, Jones, etc. The core…the future. Coming sooner rather than later.

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SW: I 100% agree Tony G coming back or not is NOT our big concern – and, I like your top 3 draft picks. I think Coffman can play TE fine. But, I watched Bennett a lot in Dallas, and he has the same lack of focus that Tony Romo gets. Bennett has a lot of bad time drops, and will pick up that painful penalty. I’d prefer Tony G comes back, and now we should be able to win the SB. Provided of course that we shore up the LB, CB and S corps – plus transition to 3-4. IN a 3-4 I think we have adequate DE talent on the roster. But, having that monster DT is key of course. And, we’d really need a play making LB who’ll blitz every down. Should be a very fun draft run up. Last year I had zero clue what we were looking at – this year like 2 years ago, our needs are a lot clearer.

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Yea, woulda could shoulda for sure, i dont recall what jj did, but we had one open guy, all we needed. but I dont know how tony leaving makes us better next year, sure, we will be different building toward the future, let the Eagles rebuild, I want another SB run.

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JB Falcon,

“You are hindering our plans by your indecision.”

Maybe it’s just me, but, I would like to think our FO would have a game plan on board to adjust to what ever TG88 does or does not do. I have faith in TG88 ( the pros pro ) to make his call, one way or another, in a timely fashion that would not restrict any time lines our FO has in mind. The rest I’ve read of late from most is Hoodoo.

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PS,

I put Hoodoo in there because I can’t spell BS.

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UB, I too “would like to think” the same thing but I also would like to think that the FO has enough sense not to spend our #1 on a TE. I hope we’re both right.
MB, agree.

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D3,

Didn’t see Hawley on what list?

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UB — not sure. I put the point up to highlight the part about Nicholas.

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Now, if a description like that can be used to draft a kid in the first round and plug him into the mix as a starter from day one, why can it not be used for one that is currently on your roster, has some NFL experience all ready, and is 10 years younger than the incumbent starter who just a month ago was 95% sure he was retiring.

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D3,

Hate it when you tease me!

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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.

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OK. I’m cramping up and I have PMS. Mydol.

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Unca Bob ,

If YOU’RE cramping, then full blown on the effin’ rag. Tired of reading about GD tight ends.

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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?

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Meant to say that I am on the rag….

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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D3, please help me understand it because I sure as hell can not.

Another case of not being prepared and/or being proactive.

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“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.

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Glad to have you back, bro.

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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!

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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.

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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!!!

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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….

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Speculation is a blast! 6″7″. 378 lbs, 4.7 40, has only played football for one year! Yep, don’t remember where I read that but he is from Ethiopia or something like that.

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D3. hey now. Been dealing with work and sick kids, so havent had much time to get in the cage.

Moore vs Grimes… well one thing, Moore doesnt have an attack dog acting as his agent. So at least that is there.

I would love to see us pick up a huge Grady type to put in the middle to free up Babs a bit.. plus as we all know Babs aint getting younger.

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LRD, I wish they could but I don’t think it will happen. They will probably fold.

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With you on can’t wait for camp to open LRD! And the Hawks are hanging tough.

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wow….game just ran away on them.

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But now that my attention is ever so slightly diverted in Mr. Hunt’s direction….I sure hope somebody trains him WELL to bend those knees before somebody takes them out for him.

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Oops…try this again…lol

Going to be an interesingt next five days or so as we try to begin the final leg of analysis and evaluation leading up the the release of the annual TeePee Sports ATL Falcons mock draft big board.

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NEW POST UP CAGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-fans/2013/02/21/will-any-big-names-be-cap-casualties-for-atlanta-falcons/

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