Archive for the ‘atlanta falcons’ Category

Writing at Fox Sports.com, Peter Schrager ranked his top 99 players in the NFL on Thursday, a list that includes five Falcons and 42 players on teams who appear on the Falcons’ 2009 schedule.
Schrager said that in compiling his list he didn’t take a “fantasy football” approach, in other words it isn’t statistic-heavy, but instead asked three questions: 1) which player would I rather have on my team; 2) which player would make the most impact on my team?; and 3) which player will be the best player in 2009, specifically?
Also on the list are two former local stars — Champ Bailey of Georgia and the Denver Broncos at No. 32 and Calvin Johnson of Georgia Tech and the Detroit Lions at No. 83.
The top-rated player is quarterback Peyton Manning of Indianapolis.
The five Falcons are running back Michael Turner (No. 38), quarterback Matt Ryan (43), tight end Tony Gonzalez (47), wide receiver Roddy White (56) and defensive end John Abraham (92).
Turner ranks fourth among running backs …

Continue reading Five Falcons rated among top 99 in NFL »

Falcons acquired tight end Tony Gonzalez from the Kansas City Chiefs for a second round pick in 2010. (Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com)

The addition of tight end Tony Gonzalez gives quarterback Matt Ryan another solid target to complement Michael Turner and Roddy White on the Falcons offense, which ranked sixth overall last season.

Gonzalez, who’s entering the third year of a five-year, $35 million contract extension that he signed with the Chiefs in 2007,  will cost the Falcons $6.5 million in 2009, $7 million in 2010 and $8.25 million in 2011 under the salary cap.

Gonzalez, 33, caught 96 passes for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns last season for Kansas City. The future Hall of Famer owns NFL career records for tight ends with receptions (916),  yards receiving (10,940), receiving touchdowns (76) and  100-yard receiving games (26). 

When his time is over in Atlanta, how will his time in a Falcons jersey compare to others who’ve donned the Red and Black?

Jim  Mitchell …

Continue reading Falcons’ tight end history vs. Tony Gonzalez »

Top draft pick Peria Jerry (94) suffered an injury during recent Falcons’ mini-camp. (AJC)

The rumblings about Falcons PRE-preseason injuries have already started — where else? — in the Falcons Vent.

“When the season starts Jerry, Baker, and Abraham will be ready so quit grumbling” and “I hope that Jerry isn’t going to be the next Sam Baker … a 1st rounder who spends more time on injured reserve than in the game” turned up in the Sports Vent Guy’s email this morning.

Defensive tackle Peria Jerry suffered a mild right knee sprain during Saturday’s mini-camp and did not practice on Sunday. The Falcons’ first-round draft pick had arthroscopic surgery on the same knee last August to repair a torn meniscus.

Defensive end John Abraham and kicker Jason Elam joined defensive back Von Hutchins (broken foot), offensive lineman Alex Stepanovich (back) and cornerback David Irons (knee) were on the list of players being held out of mini-camp workouts this past Friday. Abraham had nerve, …

Continue reading Atlanta Falcons: Who’s got to stay healthy for the Birds to be 2009 NFL playoff contenders? »