We have a SuperBowl calibur OFF, hands down. We are developing a SB calibur DEF, and both the degree of improvement, as well as how quickly we improve, will dictate when we become a SB calibur team. We took a very big step last week when we embarrassed the 49ers, a good young up and coming team, on their turf.

Last yrs gm with the Bears catapulted us toward the spotlight and onto a very successful season. The outcome, particularly the way it happened, seemed to derail any momentum the Bears had built up leading into the gm. This yrs gm could and should have the same results. Other than past reputation, their DEF hasn’t proven to be any better than ours, and our OFF is hands down better than theirs.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT. A lot of fans were upset and couldn’t understand why we didn’t go all out to resign CB Foxworth. I saw a segment on NFL TV yesterday where they indicated the Ravens sudden problems stopping the run, especially to the outside, was due to poor outside run support from it’s CB’s, and they singled out DFoxworth. The Ravens have always had one of the top run DEF’s, but they are now having trouble stopping the run, especially to the outside, because DFoxworth refuses to get involved in run support. Look at how Denver’s DEF has improved without Foxworth, and how both our DEF and Baltimore’s got worse against the run with him starting. I’m not saying he’s the sole reason all 3 DEF’s suffered, but he’s definitely been a contributing factor.

If his poor play against the run can have such a noticable effect on a traditionally strong run DEF like Baltimore’s, what effect do you think he had on a DEF like ours that was already having issues stopping the run? Now we know why Denver was so willing to trade him for very little.

Oh, and one other thing. This is for those fans that whined and cried all off season long about how we’d have a losing season because of the supposed toughness of our schedule. After defeating Miami and Carolina, some fans complained that we hadn’t played anyone yet. Well, both teams had excellent winning seasons last yr and won their division. They were part of the reason our schedule was rated so tough.

http://www.atlantafalcons.com/media_library/Videos/Sponsors/2009/Defend_the_Dome_10-16-09.aspx

For those without speakers – here are the words:

LISTEN UP – THIS IS JOHN ABRAHAM
I’M HERE TO TELL YA’LL WE NEED YOUR HELP THIS YEAR
WE’VE GOT A BIG GAME COMING UP AGAINST CHICAGO
SO I NEED EVERYONE WEARING THEIR HARD HATS TO GET READY FOR THE GAME

FIRST – I NEED EVERYONE AT THE GAME AT 8 PM

SECOND – WHEN THE ATLANTA DEFENSE IS ON THE FIELD I NEED EVERYONE STANDING AT ATTENTION AND BEING LOUD

THIRD – FOR 3 HOURS STRAIGHT I NEED MY TEAM HOLLERING AND SCREAMING!!

LET’S GO FALCONS!

THE DEFENSE AND THE OFFENSE ARE PLAYING AND “COACHED” TO PLAY “SMASH MOUTHED FOOTBALL. I LOVE IT!! THIS IS THE “CHARACTER” OF THE TEAM SINCE COACH SMITTY GOT HERE. IF THEY DO NOT PLAY IT, COACH SMITTY “GOES OFF!!!” These FALCONS are “LEARNING” and “LOVING” this type of football. And now the “YOUNG GUNS” and the “NEW GUYS” on the team understand the “CULTURE” that COACH SMITTY AND HIS STAFF wants played on the field. THEY LOVE NASTY, AGGRESSIVE, FAST PACED, DISCIPLINED FOOTBALL. THE TAKE NO PRISONERS APPROACH. The “PROCESS” continues and the guys are picking it up real fast in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” I LOVE THIS “PROCESS”!!!

GO FALCONS!! LETS KICK BUTT BY PLAYING IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!” WE ARE DOWN WITH YOU ALWAYS, ESPECIALLY IN “OUR HOUSE”: THE GEORGIA “TERROR” DOME.

………………………..”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!………………

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