Falcons suddenly have a present, a future — and a window
Thomas Dimitroff, Tony Gonzalez and Mike Smith are all smiling for the same reason: It's the unexpected opportunity suddenly facing the Falcons. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)
Flowery Branch – In the past 16 months, the Falcons have gone from one of the most beat-up, put-down, staggered, dazed, lost and certainly humiliated franchises in pro sports history to one viewed as possibly just this side of Eden.
When that happens, plans change.
Windows open.
Tomorrow becomes today.
Hall-of-Fame-in-waiting tight ends are acquired for second-round draft picks.
On Sunday, the Falcons completed their second draft under Thomas Dimitroff. Screaming Twitters and ESPN’s mock-till-you-drop coverage notwithstanding, the names really don’t mean much yet. Nobody has played an NFL game. The fact that the Falcons took two defensive linemen and three defensive backs in their first five picks said something about their objectives.
But the transaction that tells you the most about where the Falcons are as an organization — and maybe where they’re going — was the trade for tight end Tony Gonzalez.
A team that acquires a 33-year-old, 12-year tight end is not a young, rebuilding team just looking for respectability. It’s a team looking to make the leap to the next level.
“I’d like to think we would have still gone after somebody like Tony if we were 6-10 last year,” Dimitroff said Sunday. “But there’s a side of me that thinks most of the highly heralded veteran players in this league would not have wanted to come to a 6-10 team.
“We’ve become a much more marketable team and we have a quarterback who is adept, yet evolving. We have some pieces on the offense and a coaching staff that’s very attractive to other players. If we were 6-10, the probability of landing Tony Gonzalez would not have been the same.”
The Falcons went 11-5 last season, when 5-11 seemed more likely. They have an opportunity that most clear-thinking people presumed they wouldn’t have so soon, not even the GM or the coach or the owner.
Remember, it was only a year ago when the Falcons desperately were trying to peddle season tickets based on “hope.” Or was that prayer?
Dimitroff’s pursuit of Gonzalez shouldn’t suggest that the Falcons have a small window for a Super Bowl. As he said, “We never thought, ‘It’s now or never.’” The team’s core is young, particularly on offense (Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White, Sam Baker).
But, “Any time you’re a playoff team, you approach the draft and free agency a lot of more creatively and a lot more calculated,” he said.
“This is about the here and now. It’s always been that way in this league. We have to capitalize on opportunities we have right now. None of us want to sit back and think, ‘Let’s see where we are in five years.’ This is about the competitive side of it. You strike while you can, and you be consistent with your strikes.”
If last season wasn’t an aberration, if Ryan really is that good and everybody around him gets better, the Falcons are closer to contending for a title than most teams in the NFL and certainly any pro team in Atlanta.
The Falcons have flaws. The defense will be painfully young. The players are faster — but they may just run in the wrong direction. On some Sundays, they’ll need one last-gasp score to pull out a 35-31 win.
But when Gonzalez continually referenced the Super Bowl in his news conference, it wasn’t merely to pump up the masses. It’s what he believes. Perceptions have changed, and so have plans.
And suddenly, there’s a window.
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99 comments Add your comment
Edgar
April 27th, 2009
8:23 am
Where did you get your education. Go back and learn proper English and sentence structure and then return to this page and give us something besides hate from an idiot.
Michelle
April 27th, 2009
8:41 am
I really enjoyed the Draft this was one of the best; Everyone seem to be satisfied with who they’ll be playing with…GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE..KEEP GOD 1ST IN ALL YOU DO!
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYONE!
http://www.blackthen.com
Dawggy Style
April 27th, 2009
9:03 am
How about Leroy Hill from the Seahawks in exchange for the rights to Michael Vick? Jim Mora gets his quarterback and the Falcons move on with building their defense. Hill supposedly is a very versatile player who has played both OLB positions, and we know that Coach Smith likes players who are flexible. I did not know that Hill is originally from Georgia – that only makes the potential trade more appealing to me!
WHAT?
April 27th, 2009
9:14 am
Stop whinning about the schedule. Are some you laying on your bathroom floor in the fetal position crying about the schedule? Be sure the Falcons are ready to knock the !#&$ out of someone, not worring about the stupid schedule.
mark
April 27th, 2009
9:23 am
i am really happy for all falcon fans. especially our owner mr. blank
WHM
April 27th, 2009
9:30 am
I like everything the GM has done with the Falcons. Next step is to have back to back winning seasons for the first time in team’s history.
Togh schedule but I think the Birdscan go 10-6 and still win the Division.
JP
April 27th, 2009
9:52 am
The Saints will win the division with their new DC and new defensive Studs. Sorry … FAIL.
Thankful
April 27th, 2009
10:10 am
I am very thankful that we have prisons to put vermin like MICHAEL VICK.
Hamad Meander
April 27th, 2009
10:11 am
This years draft really shouldn’t consider Tony Gonzalez as we gave a 2010 2nd round pick for him (basically he had no impact on this year’s draft, but will definitely impact this year’s team). We’ll have to include Tony in next year’s grade to see how that pans out.
I am happy with the draft minus a few nitpicks: 1. Why Chris Owens over some of the higher rated CBs? 2. Why another corner in the 5th round that wasn’t as highly regarded as other players available? 3. Why not address outside linebacker sooner?
My draft grade: B , only because we have come to expect perfection from this management group…..
JG
April 27th, 2009
10:12 am
I really wasn’t impressed with the Saints Draft.
They needed a lot of defensive help, and with Four picks, I dont think they did it.
Panther wont have back to back successful years, I think they are similar to the Falcons in that Stat, does anyone know for sure?
Saints, Would needs some serious play from there rookies for this defense to hold, and I think it is too soon.
Tampa- is gonna Suck.
Falcons take the division.
Great compeitition at Corner, Houston may want to watch his back also.
Jamaal- Let me introduce you to Lawrence Sidbury. He will be your replacement. Chancey will continue to be consistent and Kroy Bierman will be a good backup to John Abraham.
Trey Lewis, Jonathan Babinauex and Peria Jerry.. In the Middle. Do I need to say anything?
waynester
April 27th, 2009
10:13 am
The key for this season (and last season’s success) is J.Fish and the training/conditioning staff. We were remarkably injury-free last year, and the new training regimen is IMHO the reason. Getting athletes to buy in to new ways of maintaining their health isn’t always easy, but those guys in the training room are unsung heroes.
JG
April 27th, 2009
10:20 am
waynester,
Aren’t you right!!!
We really held up pretty well last year, and I agree. The new training methods were helpful..
billy
April 27th, 2009
10:29 am
any chance we may go after linebacker Leroy Hill that was released from Seattle
Curious George
April 27th, 2009
10:38 am
I just read where respected and legendary coach Tony Dungy is going to “visit” Mike Vick in prison.
Gee, why doesn’t Tony Dungy ever visit any of the NON-famous, NON-wealthy, venereal disease-spreading, women-hurting, dog-torturing felons in our nation’s prison system who are much closer to where he lives?
Curious George
April 27th, 2009
10:38 am
I just read where respected and legendary coach Tony Dungy is going to “visit” Mike Vick in prison.
Gee, why doesn’t Tony Dungy ever visit any of the NON-famous, NON-wealthy, venereal disease-spreading, women-hurting, dog-torturing felons in our nation’s prison system who are much closer to where he lives?
Khao$
April 27th, 2009
10:48 am
Curious George: the NFL is a fraternity; they try to look out for their own. I heard Chris Carter talking about mentoring Randy Moss and telling him is only expectation of Moss was to mentor another player. I’d never question Dungy’s motives. He has absolutely nothing to gain. However, given the culture of the NFL, it doesn’t shock me he would reach out.
On to Falcon’s news:
I know we don’t know what these players will become. However, I have a strong feeling that Dimitroff has knocked it out the park. I don’t think he reached, nor do I think he got a bunch of projects. I believe he drafted a bunch of guys that 1) love football 2) are explosive and 3) have character. I’m excited!
Rob
April 27th, 2009
11:15 am
I think the Falcons are missing the boat on not picking UGA players when appropriate. The Falcons rank 25th in the league in attendance and the Dawgs rank 5th in the nation. UGA attracted 40,000+ more fans last season despite having two fewer home games and sold much more merchandise and jerseys. The Falcons have picked 8 players from UGA in the last 41 years. In the same period of time UGA has had 22 Pro-Bowlers and countless players in the NFL. When will the Falcons understand that Georgia games aren’t scheduled on Sundays and go after a big-name UGA player?
Winnie the Pooh
April 27th, 2009
11:32 am
Curios George???….Curios George???….LOL….ROFL….Please keep blogging CG….You truly are a cartoon charachter….
SPS
April 27th, 2009
11:48 am
Picking a second CB surprised me. I expected to see a receiver drafted in the lower rounds to backfill Robinson’s open spot. But overall, a great draft class.
Barry
April 27th, 2009
12:01 pm
Hey Y’all:
I thing Dimitroff’s and Smith’s selection was “right on”. They stuck with th defensive side of the ball and go some helluva fast players, especially on the defensive line. I understand they got two defensive linemen that run 4.5 and 4.6 in the 40 yard dash and are solid in their weight. Are you kiding me? Once these guys, with the addition of the No.1 pick, defensive tackle jerry, combined with John Abraham go after the other teams quarterback or running back, all hell is going to break lose. Man, this looks scary for the other team. Young, fresh, “BIG NASTIES”. I am going to love the “PROCESS” that is going on at Flowery Branch and can’t wait to see Coach Smith put his agressive mark and stable on this defense. I know he is going to do it in
“ONE HEARTBEAT!!”. Therefore, all you new Falcons, WELCOME TO ATLANTA!!!! You have now been christianed to become “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”. Listen to the coach, work in a coordinatd fashion with your teammates in executing plays, and always be nasty on the field. That, combined with us , the fans, the media, and the community, and we are “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!”. We win together in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”. We lose together in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” We are “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” We are a “TEAM”. ANd now we are “BEATING” stronger. Can you hear it? THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SOUND!!!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
………………………..”ONE HEARTBEAT,BABY!!!!………………
Peter
April 27th, 2009
1:07 pm
I have to say this is exciting times for the Falcon’s …….. A real Coach .wow..and real GM……Double WOW.
Yes this will be a tough season with our schedule…….. BUT..say we get into the playoffs……the team will be ready to compete for the Grand Prize.
No major injuries will have to be the theme !
Truth-serum
April 27th, 2009
1:30 pm
Go Micheal Vick!~!!! I sure hope we get some one better than an OLD tightend for Micheal Vick to throw to!
Truth-serum
April 27th, 2009
1:32 pm
Curious George
April 27th, 2009
10:38 am
You and schultz are co winners…. of the Hate of the year awards. Way to go Dungy at least somebody with some sense!!
YOU HEARD IT!
April 27th, 2009
2:10 pm
Vick in the NFL again………….sorry want happen. To bad Dungy is the only guy the Commissioner could convince to go and break the bad news to him.
chc4
April 27th, 2009
2:17 pm
Rob — I’m a huge UGA fan but I totally disagree with you. How many people are buying Falcons’ tix to see Asher Allen compete as the nickel or dime CB? Or Corey Irvin get a shot at DT? Winning sells tickets and that’s all the organization should care about.
YOU HEARD IT!
April 27th, 2009
2:36 pm
Vick in the NFL again……………..want happen. To bad Dungy was the only person willing to go and break the bad news to him.
Czar
April 27th, 2009
2:38 pm
Great draft by the Falcons. I really think this might be the best draft from them I have ever seen, particularly with regard to filling needs. I know experience will be lacking on defense, but these guys have the talent and the coaching behind them to get them over the curve fast. The speed of our pass rush has just improved immensely and that alone will help the secondary by shortening the field. With the offensive talent we have in place, any points surrendered have the potential to be quickly recovered. The key to 2009 will be limiting injuries. I can’t wait for September. GO FALCONS!
YOU HEARD IT!
April 27th, 2009
2:38 pm
opps………double post. LOL!
Casey Stinkle
April 27th, 2009
3:05 pm
I am reading all this about the schedule is tough, 8-8. Hogwash, with the exception of 3 games out of 16, the ENTIRE division has the same schedule. So, our schedule is basically the same as Carolina, TB and NO.
Northern Falcon
April 27th, 2009
3:10 pm
I love Tony Gonzalez’s comments about coming to Atlanta and WINNING a Super Bowl with the Falcons! Not just going to the Super Bowl, but winning it! That’s what all of the Falcons, and Falcon’s fans have to believe! GO FALCONS!!!
Northern Falcon
April 27th, 2009
3:11 pm
I’m also very happy thus far with our draft picks.
bakerman
April 27th, 2009
3:50 pm
Rob, no UGA players drafted by Falcons should be painfully obvious to you. Falcons draft character, not characters
clthurman
April 27th, 2009
3:51 pm
Man I really hope these guys can make a pass rush because as usual we drafted some more smurfs for CB’s. 5-10 and 5-9 aint gonna cut it in this league, I don’t care how quick and how high you can vertically leap…that’s for combine groupies. We have no playmakers after our front 4 that can be dominating. This looks like a year where we have to endure that bend don’t break BS for a defense and hope our offense can outscore all of our opponents. No excuse not getting bigger on the corners and a real playmaking OLB. At best if those first 2 draft picks contribute and Sidbury can be coached quickly, at best this is a solid C for a draft grade. Offensively we are dangerous with a capital D, defensively just hope for a pass rush and endure the monotony of being dinked and doinked for 50-60 yards and hope we are tough in the red zone.
YOU HEARD IT!
April 27th, 2009
4:21 pm
Hey clthurman! You have been whinning about the cb’s for awhile now! GET OVER IT! TD and Smith know these team much better than any of us!
SLP
April 27th, 2009
5:07 pm
Justafan, I agree with everything you said about the Braves
clthurman
April 27th, 2009
5:46 pm
Hey YOU HEARD IT….I’m whining because we did not address our biggest needs on the defense…an OLB and CB’s that are worth a damn. If you wanna drink from the lame ass kool-aid that is our secondary than go right ahead. Maybe you didn’t watch Grimes, Irons, Houston enough last year…you couldn’t miss them they play about 10 yards off the receiver. As for whether TD and Smith know the team better than any of us….okay I’ll eat crow if at the end of the year these smurfs are getting enough of a pass rush to allow them to look half way decent. Cuz they are walking pieces of toast looking to get burnt. I want to win every year…I’m greedy like that and I know when a defense has been truly upgraded and other than against the run…IT HAS NOT. Why don’t you convince me with some type of logic and numbers why I should believe that our D will be better this year. Poor Ryan and the offense will have to do what the Bears defense had to every year, do it all and make no mistakes. Oh wait Von Hutchins is back….wow if he was so great why did Houston let his injury prone butt leave. That’s okay keep hiding in the glory that was last year and don’t demand a better D……isn’t that what us Falcon Fans are suppose to do. Just hope that this might be year that we string 2 consecutive winning seasons together for the freakin FIRST TIME!!!!
J-MAN
April 27th, 2009
6:28 pm
hey daniel bell i didnt forget about mugulii all im sayin in 2 years Southerland would be the starter and a cheaper option and you have to remember its a “what have you done for me lately league” and in 2 years when muguilli is eating up all that cap room and the falcons push him aside for cap reasons I say Southerland would be a nice cheaper option to go to. But mugulli is the better player right now but in 2 years who knows
J-MAN
April 27th, 2009
6:35 pm
I know southerland is one of those all effort players that you need to win and he could make a contribution on special teams this year and be a strating FB 2 years from now at a cheap price
Falcon Devil
April 27th, 2009
8:23 pm
Hey clThurman, height isn’t everything at CB and it’s as rediculus as Al Davis to base a player purely hieght, or speed for that matter. Brandow Flowers is 5′9 and made the All-Rookie team, Troy Brown is 5′10, Lito Sheppard is 5′10, Asante Samueal 5′10, do I need to keep going? Dismissing Thomas Dimiroff’s picks based on your narrow minded grading cirteria is laughable. I’m sure you haven’t watched alot of San Jose State games so you have no clue how good Christoper Owens is. I went to the ASU vs SJS game in 2007 and saw Christopher Owens in person. He is exetremly talented. TD knows better than I do and certainly better than you.
Falcon Devil
April 27th, 2009
8:24 pm
Brandon Flowers*
Falcon Devil
April 27th, 2009
8:29 pm
As for OLB which you say we so desparatley need we are already stocked. Mike Peterson, Stephen Nicolas, Coy Wire, and Robert James. Not that depleted. Watch out for James, I have personally seen him play in more than college 10 games in person and he is money.
Falcon Devil
April 27th, 2009
8:37 pm
And you more thing, Chevis Jackson is 5′11 in case that one inch makes a monster difference to you.
Raheem
April 27th, 2009
10:55 pm
Anyone see these highlights of William Moore, dude is just sick:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCGLk4mKnho
Jack
April 28th, 2009
8:36 am
Thanks to “WHAT?” … I needed to be fired up….even though I am EXCITED about the draft, I love the enthusiasm, baby!!! I can’t wait for the season to start!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
clthurman
April 28th, 2009
10:24 am
Falcon Devil all those players you seem to think will solve our OLB problem…wanna bes and maybes. Cast offs and at best special team extrordinares. I admit Peterson is the wild card in this bunch as I see he has something to play for, but Wire and Nicholas….are you kidding me? Seriously do you honestly think these guys will help the front 4 enough to cover up for those weak ass corners…who by the way are dime and nickle backs anywhere else. Did I see the kid from San Jose State…no. Could be wrong but I didn’t see Houston, Grimes and Jackson alot but I see them alot running after solid NFL receivers or getting roasted with a nice fade route in the end zone. What happens if Abraham goes down? Look we see things differently. You believe blindly I might add that all is well and that our D will be feared. Oh its feared all right, by me because as of right now NOTHING is concrete. Will Lewis play, or even play well? Is Decoud the answer or does Moore jump right in? Who realistically can we count on to rush opposite of Abraham and help our secondary? Is Abraham gonna reach for that groin soon and then what….offensively we don’t have these problems. We needed help Defensively to get us to the next level especially against the schedule we earned. Buddy I am not seeing it. And if you think that size is not important I actually agree with you and some of those you named can play worth a damn, but we never traded for them when they were available and if we do get someone worth a damn ala Foxworth we won’t pay him. A great offense will maybe let you win a championship. Having a good to great defense means playoffs, and the more of those you are in the better the chances for more championships. I am a Falcon Freak and I won’t stop being one, but mama did not raise a fool. And this defense will get tore up through the air.
Eric C.
April 28th, 2009
11:38 am
Casey Stinkle…you have to admit that playing 4 opponents after their bye-weeks is tougher. If the Falcons play pefectly, have no devastating injuries, and have some late-game magic, they go 11-5 again. However, any sort of inconsistency, a devastating injury, and late-game flops and all of a sudden…it is 5-11. Either case is unlikely so 8-8 sounds like a reasonable result. It was nice playing Detroit and KC early last year…those two gimme games will not be there.
Eric C.
April 28th, 2009
11:45 am
I really like the approach the Falcons are taking on defense and can see this being an outstanding unit in 2-3 seasons. However, they will give up a lot of points this season. The offense will need to do some serious ball control again and lets hope for another record punting performance by Koenen. The Falcons will need every redzone point they can get with Gonzales.
Truth-serum
April 28th, 2009
12:32 pm
i SURE HOPE THE FALCONS GET MICHEAL VICK BACK IN THE STARTING LINE UP. IS HE STILL OUT? HE IS SUCH A MARQUEE PLAYER AND DEFENSIVE COACH ARE PUZZLED BY HOW TO DEFEND HIM. WITH HIM WE WONT HAVE TO PLAY BALL CONTROLL WE HAVE MORE OPTIONS AND HE PACKS IN THE FANS. SUPERVICK! HURRY UP AND GET BACK THE FALCONS ARE GETTING OLD GUYS AND SCRUBBS AND CANT SELL OUT THE STADIUM. THEY GO BELLY UP IN THE FIRST ROUND. WE NEED YOU!!!
dlmod
April 29th, 2009
2:03 pm
This draft was an A. What could we have done more If its based on how your team met needs give us and A. We didn’t take the flashiest player on the board and thats whats different in atlanta today. A draft should mean…Needs met, and the Falcons did it all without breaking the Falcon bank.