We’re live from the Falcons (and Dimitroff has no regrets)
Smith and Dimitroff expected a painful learning curve this season.
I’ll be on my way to the Georgia Dome soon to watch the Falcons’ final exhibition game against Baltimore, hoping to get answers to two questions: 1) Will the defense be any better after getting humiliated by San Diego five days ago; and, yes, 2) Who will be the third-string quarterback? (I’m guessing this second question is asked more often in Atlanta than in any other NFL city, which is to say it’s being asked more than once).
First, let’s address the second question: D.J. Shockley needs to be great tonight or he’s gone. This isn’t based on anything that has been said to me, but rather just observation and logic. This is his fourth season (including an injury year) and the Falcons are past the point of thinking, “Great kid. Love his talent. He’s going to be solid.” That third sentence has faded. He didn’t win the backup job — Chris Redman is No. 2 by default — and he hasn’t separated himself from the undrafted John Parker Wilson. The roster job will be won tonight. Shockley can’t expect he’ll get the nod if it’s a dead heat.
Now on to the more important issue (outside of Athens, anyway): the defense. Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff made a nice little trade the other day, sending a seventh-round draft pick to St. Louis for cornerback Tye Hill. Hill was a bust of a first-round pick (15th overall) by the Rams. If he wasn’t a bust, St. Louis wouldn’t have been looking to get rid of him so cheap. That said, Hill should help a defense that obviously needs helps, particularly in the secondary.
But let’s not overstate the impact or meaning of this deal. The trade should not be taken as some concession that Dimitroff and Mike Smith are regretting their decisions to not keep five of their defensive regulars from last season (Lawyer Milloy, Keith Brooking, Grady Jackson, Domonique Foxworth, Michael Boley). I certainly wrote at the time that I believed the team was “playing a dangerous game,” and I still think that. (Milloy I would’ve kept.) But the collective mindset of the Falcons has been to get younger and faster on defense, even if it meant taking some lumps.
That’s exactly what has happened: More speed, more lumps.
Still, because I know the subject has been on everybody’s mind, I chatted with Dimitroff late Wednesday night and had to ask him if he second-guessed any of his decisions.
Answer: “Categorically, no. We’re not second-guessing one move we made defensively this off-season. I believe all the moves were done in the best interest of the team. Our vision of the team was to get younger and faster, and in our mind we have.”
But was the defense’s weak showing in the San Diego game last Saturday worrisome? Obviously, yes. “I really hesitate to judge our defense off of pre-season games,” Dimitroff said. “There’s definitely something to be said about playing a full game together and getting in sync. But obviously the last game was cause for concern, and that’s why both Mike Smith and I mentioned it was going to be a long two weeks [before the regular season opener], working on schemes, refining our skills.”
I’ll have more from Dimitroff later in the column off tonight’s game.
♦ AND FINALLY: It’s a three-team race in the NFC South, because the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially imploded.
Jeff Jagodzinski, a former Falcons’ offensive line coach who went on to become the head coach at Boston College and worked with a kid named Matt Ryan, was fired earlier today as the Bucs’ offensive coordinator by first-year coach Raheem Morris. This comes only a few days after another first-year coach, Kansas City’s Todd Haley, dumped offensive coordinator Chan Gailey after three exhibitions. There must be something in the water. If you want to read more about how new NFL coaches have officially gone psycho, you can click right here.
Jags has been fired from two jobs in eight months without coaching a game. That has to be some kind of record. He was fired in January by B.C. athletic director Gene DeFilippo for interviewing with the New York Jets.
♦ TONIGHT’S PLAN: I’ll be blogging live before and during the game. I’ll try to answer any and all questions, including the ever-present, “How’s Shock looking?” So feel free to start posting now and I’ll get back to you.
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174 comments Add your comment
Steve Carter
September 3rd, 2009
2:48 pm
How’s Shock looking? sorry couldn’t resist…any idea on how long he and Wilson will play? and golly I am first (pats self on back)
ATL FAN
September 3rd, 2009
2:55 pm
second
Nite Owl
September 3rd, 2009
2:59 pm
Mark, do you think TD was backtracking a bit by qualifying his “long two weeks” comment?
I can see he didn’t necessarily mean getting new blood in here, but he seemed to go out of his way to clear that up.
And as far as TD’s moves, I can’t fault the guy on a single one. I think we’re set for years with good young talent, and he’ll find more.
We just need a couple guys to grow up fast. I think we’ll be pretty good on D by the time Miami comes to town.
ff
September 3rd, 2009
3:00 pm
does Shock have any eligibilty for the practice squad?
Nite Owl
September 3rd, 2009
3:00 pm
Jeff: sorry I called you Mark. Must be my allergies.
ATL FAN
September 3rd, 2009
3:02 pm
The pass defense will be suspect for a while to come. When we gave up D-hall it was a curse sort of speak. Remember the tornado that rocked the dome on the day he was traded? I said it then and im saying it now! We will have secondary issues for the next five years. Sure we will grab some one here or there. But say what u will about d-hall he was a top ten corner in the nfl. It took how long to find him after deion was traded? Those are the only two top corners we have ever had. it’s gone be a long season!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful Monte
September 3rd, 2009
3:02 pm
His team has yet to play its first “real” game, but it’s already become quite obvious that Morris is in WAY over his head. Instead of the next Mike Tomlin, it looks like the Bucs have hired the next Lilly Tomlin.
When I look at the Bucs’ schedule, I don’t see a single game what makes me think, “Yeah, they’ll win that one”. Obviously, there are a few games that they CAN win, but with an overmatched head coach and terrible QB situation, the Bucs are headed for a disasterous season … somewhere around 2-14, I’d imagine.
The “good” news for the Bucs is that they’ll have the first pick in the 2010 draft.
elviskl
September 3rd, 2009
3:03 pm
GET RID OF THE NO GOOD EX UGA PLAYER… ANYONE THAT PLAYED FOR UGA NEEDS TO BE EXTRICATED
Country Boy
September 3rd, 2009
3:06 pm
DJ is safe. If TD really wanted to improve qb backups he would have brought in more than an undrafted free agent from a predominately run oriented offense to compete. I am not trying to start a race roit or anything but many supporters still smarting from the misadventures of a certain qb departure.
Hollywould
September 3rd, 2009
3:06 pm
Jeff, I am waiting for the Shockley supporters to gripe that he is playing with the 2nd team offense while downgrading Redman’s performance last week for the same reason. You can’t have it both ways. Personally, I hope Shockley makes the team but he has to step up tonite. Tough defense to go against though.
BugKiller
September 3rd, 2009
3:09 pm
I hope you asked Dimitroff the obvious question:
By matching Baltimore’s offer to Foxworth, the team could have retained a part of the defense it needed to keep the most (corner) and still remain young and speedy (and intelligent, as Foxworth is a SMART corner).
I know others (like Bradley) have said that Foxworth’s deal was too much, but when the team is as under the cap as the Falcons are, they can literally afford to slightly overpay for what would be on this team a No. 1 corner.
To me, this has been Dimitroff’s ONLY mistake, yet it was a HUGE mistake, which makes it that much more glaring.
I know he won’t talk about it (because it’s not the Patriot’s Way), but he knows he should have signed Foxworth.
nhe
September 3rd, 2009
3:17 pm
BugKiller – Foxworth is from Maryland…………he was going to take that offer pretty much no matter what………..the Falcons would have had to offer quite a bit more to keep him. At the time, Vick’s hit against the cap still wasn’t completely known………it would have been foolish to sign Foxworth for what we would have had to pay.
I’d call it it unfortunate………not a mistake.
Craig
September 3rd, 2009
3:18 pm
Where can I get the hat that Coach Smith is wearing?
BugKiller
September 3rd, 2009
3:24 pm
nhe… there is NO such thing as the hometown discount.
It doesn’t exist anymore.
John Smoltz is the LAST guy who took a “hometown” discount when he gave up 20 extra million (and two more World Series rings) from the Yankees and re-signed with the Braves.
Mike Jay
September 3rd, 2009
3:24 pm
Dj still has practice squad elegibilty so they ‘could’ go that route but don’t count on it. I also think taht the recent trade sent a clear signal to ht rest of the defense that poor play will not be tolerated. While we are in rebuilding mode on defense they will still be held accountable. Now if Grimes could just grow 2 inches in two weeks I would feel much better about the secondary. Seriously, he is almost always in a postion to make a play but the NFL won’t let him take a step stool onto the field.
gdg73
September 3rd, 2009
3:30 pm
I say bring in Lawyer Milloy. I haven’t seen Decoud make a play yet and William Moore is injury prone and not ready for prime time. We have only one NFL caliber safety and that’s Erik Coleman. What happens if he gets hurt? You know, with all the tackles he has piled up so far, that could possibly happen. We would be in deep you know what.
Paul H
September 3rd, 2009
3:30 pm
Elviskl – check around the NFL. It is peppered with UGA players making names for themselves and their teams. Nice try, though. I’m sure your school has someone in the NFL.. maybe…
bali
September 3rd, 2009
3:35 pm
so how s shock looking
Bob Horner had a sweet compact swing
September 3rd, 2009
3:36 pm
No local TV coverage tonite….correct..?? someone…
masivatack
September 3rd, 2009
3:38 pm
Dang Craig, you beat me to the hat comment. Looks like he is on safari. Ha!
Hollywould
September 3rd, 2009
3:38 pm
WXIA TONITE
Daniel
September 3rd, 2009
3:41 pm
Jeff- Please Dimitroff we need a weak side linebacker!!!! The other positions at least have the chance of getting better with growth and expierence. Nicolas is NOT an NFL starting linebacker. Please HELP
Toots
September 3rd, 2009
3:41 pm
Dimitroff looks like he’s wearing the visor w/fake hair that Smoltz is so fond of.
C. Tampa Ironworse
September 3rd, 2009
3:41 pm
We’re talking about 3rd string QB? Really? Zzzzzzzzz….College in ON tonite and we’re talking about preseason? I just called Allen Iverson about this and he said:
“Practice? Y’all talking about practice? Not a game…not a game…not talking about a game…but practice?”
Then he said something about being the MVP…I kinda tuned him out after that.
Daniel
September 3rd, 2009
3:42 pm
I meant to say Jeff- please ask Dimitroff for a weak side linebacker
Big Ray
September 3rd, 2009
3:49 pm
If you’re going to slightly overpay for something, it should not be a cornerback, unless all other critical positions on your team are well-stocked. I think Dimitroff declined to overpay for a cornerback who was good, not great, because he realized another need may come up later in the season.
What if you experience multiple injuries to the linebacking corps or the defensive line, and you need a guy who can plug the run or put pressure on the passer? How happy will you be THEN with your overpaid cornerback, who can’t help you with either situation?
Look, growing pains were coming, and the front office (and coaching staff) knew this. No, we won’t likely go 11-5 this year, but we won’t go 4-12 either.
And these guys are trying to build this franchise to be a contender every year, not just this year or the next two years. When you’re on a Super Bowl run, THEN you overpay for a cornerback. Until then, learn to grow and evolve with that you have.
Big Ray
September 3rd, 2009
3:55 pm
If you go after veterans at certain positions NOW, you take away what you’ve been trying to build on: youth and speed/urgency. Despite last season’s record, we are in a rebuilding phase, and this is only year two. I think we lose sight of that a little too often.
Our young guys will have ample opportunity to learn and grow TOGETHER, rather than sitting on the bench, watching some tired, grizzled veterans try and grind it out (we already know what that looks like, don’t we?). That’s not to say that veteran players aren’t needed. They are. But we didn’t need as many as we had. And we didn’t need to overpay for ANY of them.
One more thing about Foxworth. Is he the kind of cornerback that keeps a quarterback from passing to his side of the field any time he’s in the game? No. So don’t overpay for him.
Again, this franchise is in rebuild mode. Let’s not forget that. Want another example? Why do you suppose Tony Gonzalez was brought here? To try and contend for and win the Super Bowl? No, and I don’t care what websites told you so. He was brought here to help ease the burden on offense, and for Matt Ryan’s (and the offense in general) development. If we do well enough to contend for a Super Bowl berth while Gonzalez is here, so much the better.
roman
September 3rd, 2009
3:56 pm
jeff, has anyone heard any talk of chris mcalister, or any other db still available, I know when teams start cutting rosters they could be someone better than grimes. he has heart but not the play
Maxwell Snark
September 3rd, 2009
3:57 pm
I think Raheem Morris, Josh McDaniels and Todd Haley are all going to have very short tenures as head coaches … something along the line of Lane Kiffin in Oakland, with similar results.
Bullish-on-the-Falcons
September 3rd, 2009
3:58 pm
The UGA posts are elsewhere. So is Shockley after tonight.
FalconFaninMI
September 3rd, 2009
4:00 pm
I think Shockley is gone. Even if he plays lights out tonight can you just ignore his play in the previous games? Consider this: Harrington was capable of lighting up the other team on occasion but that didn’t outweigh his flaws. At the end of the day what you saw with Joey was all you were ever going to get, so they passed on him in favor of Shockley, the guy who could play about as well as Joey but also had more potential upside. I think the same logic is now going to work against Shockley – he’s going into his 4th year so what you see on the field is probably as good as he’s ever going to get. JPW is playing about as well as Shockley and, again, has more potential upside. I would really like to see the hometown guy make the team, but I’m betting they keep JPW and cut DJ.
Native Georgian
September 3rd, 2009
4:02 pm
@nhe- Well said. At the time it made sense. And it’s not like we couldn’t break the bank today and get another Foxworth. We ain’t talkin about Deion.
@gdg73- Well said. Safety depth is a legitimate concern. I just hope TD’s pride wouldn’t prevent him from resigning Milloy. Youth doesn’t necessarily equate to good.
**Frederick(Bailey)Douglass**
September 3rd, 2009
4:03 pm
I usually only write for my teammate D-Led, but hey, with T. Moore gone, you are a a TRUE AJC veteran now J. Shultz. Therefore, please accept this blog as my most sincere honor and pleasure:
(1) I disagree…Shockley is the Golden Boy’s good friend and supporter. He would have to throw 3 picks and look like Tony Graziani to get cut.
(2) I agree…LAWDOG should have been kept…if nothing else but for 1st and 2nd downs. Hell, throw DeCoud and Moore out there on passing downs and let the Law rest. Remember how the Law knocked the hell out of somebody in San Diego last year? He set the tone for the rest of the game and their scary ways…nobody did that on this past Saturday. Hence, we got forcibly abused.
(3) I disagree…they let Tye Hill go for a 7th round pick? He must have the the swine flu or something?!?!?!?Whatever it is, don’t expect this to pan out like Foxy…the only way that this would have worked was if they sent our #19 L. Robinson BACK. I’ve been telling D-LED, that was the worst move that Dimtroff has made. He WILL catch at least 8 touchdowns this year.
(4) I agree…the Bucs suck! AND, I like every bit of it. I hope we go down there and beat their brains in. Period.
Thanks for letting me visit…
FBD
gdg73
September 3rd, 2009
4:06 pm
Bring back Milloy to play SS!!! I love Coleman’s tenacity and willingness to mix it up, but he will get worn down playing in the box.
Nativebird
September 3rd, 2009
4:07 pm
NFL quarterbacking is ALL about decision-making. Reading defenses and delivering the ball to the right place at the right time, which means QUICK mental processing.
Notwithstanding his local appeal, and after 4 years of development, the sad truth is, DJ JUST SIMPLY AINT ALL THAT.
Accept it UGA people.
midnite
September 3rd, 2009
4:15 pm
Mr. Schultz enjoy that good spread Mr. Blank puts out for you media types. I’ve heard it was some nice food. Do you ever come out of that ivory tower and mingle with us common folk in the Club Level food court area? I usually see a lot of former players and media guys there. Enjoy!
Captain Jack
September 3rd, 2009
4:19 pm
YARRRRRRRRRRRRRR
WHERE BE ME TREASURE!!!!
Common sense
September 3rd, 2009
4:20 pm
Big Ray,
I agree with you. People in this country are short-sighted. We want instant results at all costs.
It applies to everything….including healthcare. We continue to fight against what is right for ” the team” aka America. We pay more than all other countries IN THE WORLD for healthcare. We
pay more for the SAME MEDICINE than ALL other countries. We allow the fleecing of our team aka
America and fight the insurance and pharmaceutical companies’ battles for them in order to keep the status quo. Who would Jesus deny health care to? Why are all the pro-life folks so against
caring for the babies ALREADY BORN??
INDIAN BIRD
September 3rd, 2009
4:21 pm
Shockley is gone, Wilson has already show more potential than I have seen in 4 years of #3. Bye Bye
chc4
September 3rd, 2009
4:23 pm
Shockley is NOT eligible for the practice squad. I’m a UGA backer but a realist as well. I think DJ is gone. His performance against St. Louis was a huge red flag. He made some atrocious reads and throws… the kind you’d expect from a rookie. The problem with Wilson is he only throws screens and short balls. It’d at least be nice to see him take a shot downfield. At least we know DJ has a strong arm but I don’t think that’s enough after 3 years.
BugKiller
September 3rd, 2009
4:32 pm
I’m sorry, Big Ray, but I have to disagree.
Even in SLIGHTLY overpaying for Foxworth’s services, the Falcons would have been MILLIONS under the cap.
And yes, to the other guy, the Falcons knew and have always known what Vick’s deadweight will cost them this year. They found out that information LAST year.
So I’m sorry, not signing Foxworth was a mistake, and still, it’s the ONLY mistake Dimitroff has made.
It’s just a biggie.
JJFalconFor Life
September 3rd, 2009
4:35 pm
Would everyone stop freaking out about one pre-season game? We knew that we would struggle for awhile (and its probably not over)but please don’t over-react. What was really lacking was any type of meaningful pass rush and THAT WE CAN FIX!
J-MAN
September 3rd, 2009
4:38 pm
Trade our 1st rounder and a 4th next year to the broncos for Champ Bailey and D.J. Williams and Problem SOLVED!!!!!!
GO DAWGS
September 3rd, 2009
4:39 pm
Tampa Bay Bucs have the worst starting QB Byron Leftwich in the NFL,they will be lucky to win 2 games.
Alex H.
September 3rd, 2009
4:40 pm
Big Ray said it right. Give them time to grow together. The Falcons brass know what they are doing. Go Falcons!
O'Brien
September 3rd, 2009
4:40 pm
I think Foxworth was going to sign with Baltimore unless the Falcons gave him more than Baltimore was offering. Isn’t he from Maryland?
Also, everybody knows that the Ravens defense is usually top 5, so who would not want to be on a defense that can dominate a game, especially with the pressure that the Ravens get on the QB, it will make Foxworth’s job easier.
If the Falcons can get some pass rush on the QB, that will help out our secondary. I do think Grimes is just too short to be our starting corner. And Houston is probably better off as a #2.
Hopefully our GM will find a diamond in the rough after cuts are made.
Einstein
September 3rd, 2009
4:42 pm
I hope Shockley makes the team, but it doesn’t look good. At UGA, he was never sharp coming in to spell David Greene…looked like he was pressing to make something happen. Same thing with the Falcons; however, as the starter, he was very efficient and very good. I still think we would have beaten Fla if he has been able to play his sr. year. Maybe he can show his real ability this game. Go Dawgs!
SimpleDawg
September 3rd, 2009
4:42 pm
The hiring of Raheem Morris was one of those “it worked for the Steelers”, copycat moves. Now, it’s beginning to look like a “let’s hire a black guy” move. Raheem talks like one of the Cosby Kids in such a rapid fire fashion that I have no idea what he said most of the time. His hiring will not doubt prove to be a huge mistake….just like several of the recent NFL hiring of all of these young coordinators – Denver, KC, Oakland ( Kiffin ).
midnite
September 3rd, 2009
4:44 pm
If y’all remember the defense looked bad last year too. There will be some good players from other teams cut this weekend. We got Foxworth off the junk pile last year. Just leave the personnel decisions to TD and Smitty they are sharp football minds. Take a deep breath and relax, the Falcons are gonna be OK.
midnite
September 3rd, 2009
4:47 pm
Tampa Bay is in trouble. Byron Leftwich’s feet=concrete blocks.