Falcons’ additions will get them back into playoffs
The drafting of Sean Weatherspoon is one of the moves by Thomas Dimitroff that will get the Falcons back in the playoffs. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
FLOWERY BRANCH – Two years ago, we expected too little. One year ago, we expected too much. So it’s safe to conclude that even with all that Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith have accomplished during their brief reign with the Falcons, they’ve managed to keep at least one tradition in tact: The team is still keeping us guessing.
But not this time.
Last month, they signed a legitimate cornerback (Dunta Robinson). This allowed the Falcons to cut back on its janitorial stuff because now somebody won’t have to run onto the field to sweep up the ashes after every opponent’s pass play.
Then came the draft. They needed an outside linebacker who could drop into coverage, help create some mayhem on the pass rush and, if at all possible, hit somebody. They found Sean Weatherspoon. They needed linemen on both sides of the ball. They took a defensive tackle and two guards with their next three picks. Think of a draft as you would an exam. Nobody is guaranteeing an A. But at least we know the Falcons studied the right chapters for the test.
Loading ...At the very least, they will make the playoffs. If body parts don’t spontaneously combust as a year ago, they are capable of doing something special.
If reading that leaves you cross-eyed, think of this: What were the expectations of the New Orleans Saints a year ago when they were coming off two non-playoff seasons and a record of 15-17? Super Bowl champions?
Dimitroff isn’t the type to make guarantees. The most he would allow Saturday was: “There’s no question people should have expectations. Very solid expectations. We feel we’re going in the direction of a team that will be a perennial playoff contender.”
They went 11-5 when everything right. They went 9-7 when so much went wrong. Think about that: nine wins in a bad year. And then consider this:
♦ The schedule will be significantly easier in 2010. The combined record of opponents (127-129) ranks 20th, compared to last year’s schedule (150-105-1), which ranked fourth. Also, three outdoor road games in cold-weather cities – Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Philadelphia – all take place by mid-October. No snow.
♦ Logic says the Falcons will have better fortune on the injury front. Last year wiped out the seasons of Peria Jerry, William Moore and Brian Williams early, and dented Michael Turner and Matt Ryan late.
♦ Look around the NFC: Philadelphia jettisoned Donovan McNabb and will be transitioning to an untested Kevin Kolb at quarterback. Arizona saw Kurt Warner retire, which means Matt Leinart just lost his safety net. The Eagles and Cardinals are two of last season’s six NFC playoff teams. The Dallas Cowboys’ schedule is ranked as the most difficult in the conference and No. 3 in the league (opponents’ record of 139-117). The Saints will still be good. But they open against Minnesota, play at Dallas on Thanksgiving and have four night games on their slate — “rewards” for being a marquee team.
The Falcons are not without questions. Sam Baker hasn’t proved he’s worthy of being a starting left tackle, let alone a first-round pick. Defensive end John Abraham has to stay healthy (and preferably visible). There is a significant drop-off at wide receiver from No. 1 (Roddy White) to whomever is No. 2 (Michael Jenkins, Harry Douglas, street free agent to be named later).
Also, there’s the Matt Ryan question: Were the bumps in Year 2 just normal signs of the NFL learning curve?
Dimitroff wouldn’t call 2009 a step back, saying only, “We learned a lot about a very young football team.”
Then he reiterated, “People should have expectations that the arrow is pointing up. It’s not static or sideways.”
High expectations seem safe this time.
♦
Earlier Falcons draft posts
♦ Falcons still need linemen (and Weatherspoon video-palooza)
♦ Weatherspoon helps Falcons fix the right side of the ball
♦ Draft night (LIVE): Behind the scenes at Falcons’ HQ
♦ Draft day (Part II): Tebow top 15, Morgan to Falcons?
♦ Draft day (Part I): Falcon options; Berry rips Deion; Tebow to Vikes?
♦
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325 comments Add your comment
Seattle Falcons Fan
April 25th, 2010
2:55 pm
I will add I do hope we can sign a FA wideout before the season…… I just think that TD and company didn’t think that at that point in round 3 there was one that could really have an impact and start over Douglas. I think that if you are going to do it right, you’ve got to get a real impact player at that position….example- CB Daunta Robinson……….. Round three and up is NORMALLY where you can find good Lineman, Etc…… Not WR
PMC
April 25th, 2010
2:56 pm
Aparently Hawley can run really fast too SFF. As bad as our Long Snappers were last season… I wouldn’t mind working him in at LS immediately.
lets hope we find a kicker soon.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 25th, 2010
3:22 pm
agreed JS, i like the picks this year. wish we could’ve grabbed some local kids but oh well, suffice to say, we shored up our O-line and D, plus have Jerry and Moore coming back..almost like 5 new picks who could start right now.
willieg hates bill shanks
April 25th, 2010
3:30 pm
THE FALCONS WILL NOT GO TO THE SUPER BOWL IN 2011, THIS TEAM IS NOT READY ,IT WILL TAKE ANOTHER DRAFT OR 2 FOR DIMITROFF ,THEN THIS TEAM WILL START TO LOOK LIKE A WINNER MORE THAN A LOSER.. THE WINNING IN THE END OF LAST SEASON WHEN THEY DIDFNT HAVE TO. THIS TEAM IS FINALLY LEARNING HOW TO REALLY PLAY LOOK YOU MORONS AND MOST OF YOU ARE MORONS AND DONT KNOW A DAMN THING ABOUT FOOTBALL THIS TEAM WILL WIN NOW THEY WANT PLAYERS THAT BRING THERE LUNCH BUCKEET WITH THEM MIKE SMITH ISB A GOOD COACH AND DIMITROFF IS GOD AS FAR AS I CAN SEE IN 3YEARS. THIS IS THE REASON THE FALCONS NEVER WON IN THE PAST IT STARTS AT THE TOP , THE OWNER AND GOES DOWN, BRAVES READ THIS YOU IDIOTS NO MONEY LAST PLACE .
Road Dog
April 25th, 2010
3:34 pm
Jeff, I want to ask you and D-Led the same question. I’m quite serious here. Falcons had seven drafts picks this year? How can the Patriots, who won their division and made the play-offs, have 13 draft picks this year? And not only that, they have TWO number ones and TWO number twos next year! Who did they trade for those kind of picks?? God?? TD came from that system and we can’t even get a second rounder?? Willie sang it best. “That sh** ain’t right — that sh** ain’t right.”
willieg hates bill shanks
April 25th, 2010
3:39 pm
as far as the lunchj buckett ,goes youb people cry because they didnt get dez bryant who cares they want players that want to play not expecting to play because you was better than most in college or high school, this is why most of us type and talk because we didnt have what it takes to make it to the nfl ,it takes a person with immense talent and heart and a gift from god this is why i bet on these teams now that time has passed me buy and iwin all the time so carry on atlanta pittsburg is not far away and RYAN troy polumalu is healthy waiting for you , and maurice pouncey, and the rest of the steelers, and please statrt vick when the falcons go there so they can BREAK HIS LEGS AND SHUT HIM UP FOR GOOD THAT PIECE OF CRAP., DIDNT MIND SPENDING YR MILLIONS BLANK GAVE YOU FOR KILLING DOGS DID YOU YOU ARE SICK AND TALK IS CHEAP VICK.
willieg hates bill shanks
April 25th, 2010
3:41 pm
GO falcons go !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WW
April 25th, 2010
3:50 pm
I hear Matt Ryan can kick:)
Falcons’ Additions Will Get Them Back in Playoffs | Jeff Schultz « Lie Like a Rug
April 25th, 2010
4:04 pm
[...] Butler from Clemson, and RB Jonathan Dwyer from Georgia Tech. Butler has the size and speed youJonathan Dwyer Due to my familiarity with the ACC, I also think they got good players with the additions of CB [...] …This Blog [...]
southerndawg
April 25th, 2010
4:08 pm
I say with no Big Ben for pittsburgh week 1, a good draft, Brees on madden 2011 cover (Madden curse)equals a south division title for the falcons.
Seattle Falcons Fan
April 25th, 2010
4:11 pm
Our kicker Matt Bryant holds the league record for a feild goal…….62 yrds
FalconHeroZero
April 25th, 2010
4:18 pm
F.B.I. = Foot Ball Intelligence =
No Party-Animals or (Strip) Club-Hoppers during the week, No Weed smokers (or worse), No Thugs, No Wannebe Gangsters who have been coddled, and protected by High School and College coaches.
No Rapists. No Sexual Offenders. No illiterates who really never attended class (and cheated). No dummies. No drunks. No Affiliation with Drug Lords, Mobs, or other criminals.
No groupie and gold-digger collectors..
No wife-beaters.. No players with troublesome jealous wives…Domestic problems..
No reality shows…
No big names (hype) exceeding their talent and work ethic or
Hmmm…..FBI? Football Investigations?
Seattle Falcons Fan
April 25th, 2010
4:20 pm
What are chances of signing Muhsin Muhammad to a one year deal? We could use him until we can sign a FA next year or draft a WR.
Ron902
April 25th, 2010
4:29 pm
I don’t see these falcon finishing second in there on division more than less making he playoffs. And the draft well besides Sean W. the other guys I don’t know. Who’s going to rush the passer if Abe get hurt. So to quote that Mora guy PLAYOFFS!
Linda
April 25th, 2010
4:42 pm
Meier was practicing at quarterback at least 60% of the time until his senior year. And as a wide receiver he couldn’t even see his quarterback most of the time, Mr. Reesing being somewhat vertically challenged.
In Dimitroff We Bust
April 25th, 2010
5:01 pm
The only thing more sad and pathetic than this Falcons draft are you blind homers stretching and reaching to rationalize these horrible picks. Whats funny is the Schillinger pick that everyone is knocking might be the only half way decent pick because TD and crew finally learned to try and get db’s that aren’t freakin midgets. TD still “reached” to get him in the 6th round but reaching in the 6th is far more excusable than blowing the 1st and middle rounds. You people comparing Kerry Meier to Dez Bryant are too laughable for words.
Josh Smith the Idiot
April 25th, 2010
5:12 pm
Josh smith ridicule of Milwaukee is done out of stupidity and to draw attention to himself. Poor litlle Josh as stupid as ever decided to follow the lead of Noah in criticizing Cleveland. Josh I would suggest you listen to Lebron, Kobe, Wade, and some of the other star players in the league, even Joe, Jamal,and Al on your own team, instaed of mouthing off about another city like Noah did. Also how about you going into the Gym to work on your Jump shot.
Real American
April 25th, 2010
5:13 pm
So because the schedule is perceived to be easier the falcons might make the playoffs? But every other team counts the falcons as a “win” too….so the combined schedule of the opponents is really no barometer.
Casey
April 25th, 2010
5:37 pm
@Real American
You’re an A$$HOLE. This blog is for Falcons fans. Go somewhere else.
VtownBird
April 25th, 2010
6:57 pm
The Patriots are known for picking no names in the draft as well i.e. Tom Brady. I trust TD and MS’s opinion way more than you haters.
Falcon Fanatic
April 25th, 2010
9:29 pm
It looks like we got one potential starter in this draft in Weatherspoon. Maybe 3-4 back-ups and future starters in this draft. Not exciting, but solid. We may find a player or two in undrafted free agents, and maybe an unsigned veteran or two may become available. Plus we have have 3-4 potential impact players coming back from injuries.
THe bottom like is this: with the schelule we have next year and the bi week coming at a better time than last year, this team will make the playoffs this year IF we can avoid the injuries from last year.
GO FALCONS!!
Draft report card: Graders get an F, Falcons get 3 to 5 years | Jeff Schultz
April 26th, 2010
8:52 am
[...] ♦ Falcons’ additions will get them back into playoffs [...]
Sid
April 26th, 2010
10:32 am
Waiting to sign:
Leroy Banks, TE, Southern Miss, 6-foot-3, 243 pounds: Started his career at Coahoma Junior College.
Tim Buckley, QB, Alcorn State, 6-1, 185: Led the Braves vaunted attack last season.
Rafael Bush, S, South Carolina State, 5-11, 195: Was highly productive for the Bulldogs, making 222 career tackles and scored three touchdowns as a senior.
Gabe Derricks, S, San Diego, 6-3, 202: Started for four years at cornerback in college.
Justin Drescher, LS, Colorado, 6-1, 230: A four-year snapper for the Buffaloes.
Weston Johnson, LB, Wyoming, 6-3, 233: Played outside linebacker and was the team captain last season.
Dimitri Nance, RB, Arizona State, 5-9, 224: He rushed for 795 yards last season, but missed time with a shoulder sprain.
Ryan Wolfe, WR, UNLV, 6-1, 205: He caught more passes than any receiver in the nation over the past four years with 283 career receptions.
Bear Woods, LB, Troy, 6-0, 245: Had to sit out two games last season to appeal his redshirt status with the NCAA.
ChippersLoveChild
April 28th, 2010
2:30 pm
Minny, NO, GB, Dallas, A west team because a west team has to go, leaves one spot that I don’t see as a lock.. Falcons, Bears, Panthers, possibly Philly all should compete for it.
Perfect attitude
May 22nd, 2010
4:52 am
Indeed it was very interesting for me to read the blog. Thank you for it. I like such topics and everything connected to this matter. I definitely want to read a bit more on that blog soon.