Statistical evidence of Falcons’ need for Julio Jones
Despite defensive shortcomings, the Falcons also needed Julio Jones' game-breaking abilities.
Opinions — many dissenting – continue to flow in on whether the Falcons made the right call with the most bold decision in the NFL draft: trading several draft picks for the right to move up and draft Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones.
I understand the concern. The Falcons need defensive help. I’m not oblivious to the 48 points Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay hung on them in the playoffs. I was at the game. But to suggest they didn’t need some help on offense and a potential game-breaker on that side of the ball ignores the obvious.
Loading ...Overshadowed in that Green Bay game: The Falcons weren’t very good on offense, either. They scored 21 points. But one touchdown was a 102-yard kickoff return. Another was a 48-yard drive, following a Packers’ fumble at midfield. The final touchdown didn’t matter: It came in the fourth quarter when the Falcons already trailed 42-14.
But the best evidence that the Falcons needed some help on offense comes from my pal and former AJC comrade Len Pasquarelli, now of The Sports Xchange. Len wrote a piece making the case for the Falcons’ need for an explosive player on offense.
Here’s a key excerpt:
Despite leading the league in receptions (115), and establishing a single-season franchise record for receiving yards (1,389) in 2010, wide receiver Roddy White averaged a career-worst 12.1 yards per catch. As a team, the Falcons had only 32 receptions of 20 yards or more (the standard most teams, including Atlanta, use to define “explosive” plays) in 2010, next to last in the league. The team’s six plays of 40 yards are more ranked 22nd, and White had only three. By comparison, 18 players had more than that.
The club’s average of 6.46 yards per attempt ranked 25th in the league.
Quarterback Matt Ryan ranked 11th in the league in his rookie season of 2008 with an average of 7.93 yards per attempt. Over the past two seasons, though, his yards per pass attempt was only a combined 6.48 yards, nearly 1 ½ yards less. He was 26th in the NFL in 2010 and 21st in 2009.
So here’s my question: With a few more days to think about it, how do you feel now about the Falcons’ deal for Jones?
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Earlier today
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– Roger McDowell fortunate to be suspended only two weeks
– Braves can’t go lightly on discipline for McDowell, Lowe
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206 comments Add your comment
Paul H
May 2nd, 2011
12:04 pm
1
Paul H
May 2nd, 2011
12:05 pm
Better every day about it. So we traded some future draft picks. Does anyone remember our 2nd and 4th round picks last year or the year before?
Paul H
May 2nd, 2011
12:07 pm
Either White or Jones will be on single man coverage every down. I like the potential outcome of that.
@DanWeiner
May 2nd, 2011
12:11 pm
This was a move the Falcons had to make. They need game breakers on both sides of the ball and they weren’t going to get those at pick #27. Yes they need defensive ends, but the recent history of defensive ends has been terrible. John Clayton from ESPN wrote this recently:
“Believe it or not, defensive end has been the least-safe position to draft since 2007. The only Pro Bowl defensive end taken in the first round of the past four drafts is Brian Orakpo of the Redskins — and he’s now a linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
Of the 16 other defensive ends taken since 2007, Vernon Gholston, Lawrence Jackson, Kentwan Balmer, the late Gaines Adams, Adam Carriker and Jarvis Moss are no longer with the teams that drafted them. Derrick Harvey, Jamaal Anderson and Aaron Maybin have been labeled disappointments. Tyson Jackson is off to a slow start in Kansas City, and injuries ruined the first years of Brandon Graham, Derrick Morgan and Jared Odrick.”
So yeah, it was gutsy, but worth the risk.
Paul
May 2nd, 2011
12:13 pm
Free agency has the potential to change all of this draft perspective for the Falcons.
GeoffDawg
May 2nd, 2011
12:13 pm
If and when we can wheel and deal for some defensive free agents, I’ll feel a whole lot better about it. Alternatively, if Peria Jerry stays healthy and gets his butt in gear, I’ll also have that warm, fuzzy feeling.
Not to diminish Jones though. I think we just upgraded our offense for at least the next few years.
Ron in Vegas
May 2nd, 2011
12:15 pm
I love the pick and I believe that TD is lining up some big potential free agents as we speak.
Bill
May 2nd, 2011
12:19 pm
Love it…Better than Green …bet on it. Dimitroff is #1 GM.
Shug
May 2nd, 2011
12:21 pm
I feel like a Minnesota Vikings fan about 20 years ago when the Vikings traded a slew of picks to get its dream player, Herschel Walker. I recall that one working out quite well for the Cowboys, and not so good for the Vikings.
Rikus
May 2nd, 2011
12:26 pm
Kudos for having some balls, Dimitroff! We will address D in FA. Count on it.
nobody
May 2nd, 2011
12:26 pm
LOVE IT! He always reminded me a lot of Anquan Boldin or in the BEST case scenario an Andre Johnson. Fast, big, physical, and makes BIG plays. GREAT pickup for the Falcons. Cliff Matthews is going to be a steal as well. Rushes the passer well.
Cousin Vicker
May 2nd, 2011
12:27 pm
Why are we assuming that he is going to be an immediate-impact WR? There has only been one true difference maker as a rookie WR – Randy Moss. And folks, JJ ain’t Moss.
chem
May 2nd, 2011
12:30 pm
That’s just no true. There have been plenty of rookie wide receivers other than Moss that have had an immediate impact. Every year a couple WR do start and contribute.
Chris Ernest
May 2nd, 2011
12:31 pm
We could have Jerry Rice in his prime and it probably wouldn’t help. It’s not the players. Mularkey is too conservative! Van Gorder is even worse. Cover 2 is not football!
GTT
May 2nd, 2011
12:34 pm
Acceptance is setting in.
FJR
May 2nd, 2011
12:38 pm
How many rookie WRs came in and actually made a team explosive in his first year? Randy Moss? Is Julio Jones Randy Moss? Probably not.
I’m not saying I don’t think JJ will be a good player. I think he’ll be a fine WR in a few years. But if you think he’s going to make the offense explosive next year, I think you’re just being naively optimistic.
FJR
May 2nd, 2011
12:39 pm
so while, yes, I agree that our offense needs to be more explosive, I don’t think that Julio Jones solves that problem next year. Maybe 3 years from now, but this move was made for next year, and it doesn’t fix a problem next year.
Just Sayin'
May 2nd, 2011
12:44 pm
Julio Jones is a first round talent, but he’s not a talent worth five draft picks, including a first rounder. The Falcons got schooled.
Not Don Waddell
May 2nd, 2011
12:45 pm
When Julio Jones and AJ Green were seniors in high school, they were ranked #1 & #2 by EVERYONE.
Julio=TO
Green=Moss
Nothing that either of them did over the last 3 years did anything to dispel those comparisons. They are both freaks of nature who have lived up to the billing.
I don’t see any reason for that to change now. Neither of them played in a rinky dink high school offense. They both played in a pro-style offense that will give them the opportunity to step right in and know how to run routes.
I cannot believe that the Falcons actually managed to get one of these guys for Matt Ryan. Am also pumped about the RB from Oregon St.
The Real Falcon
May 2nd, 2011
12:46 pm
Does anyone say that Jones is not a gifted player? No.
Does anyone say he will not start? No.
Does anyone say the first or second best WR is better than the eighth best DE? No.
None of that is the issue. The issue is whether one player is worth 5 picks. Another is even if he starts will make and immediate impact? WR’s don’t. The question is if we are going to move up whether moving up for a DE is a better idea? After all that was 1A.
Those are the questions and they remain. However I suppose we should all just move on and I also believe that you columnists should stop trying to cover up the smell.
DawginLex
May 2nd, 2011
12:46 pm
JJ doesn’t have to be “the guy”. Just provide another weapon to spread the field, allow more running room, which he will do.
You are not guaranteed anything in the NFL. WIN NOW.
NagoyaFalcon
May 2nd, 2011
12:46 pm
I love it. I think the time has finally come where we see the Falcons as the class of the NFC. And the more I read up Julio, the more I like the guy. It’s amazing that this guy is going to be the 2nd best receiver on our team. Absolutely amazing. There won’t be a team out there that can cover us, and can you imagine what that’s going to do for the running game? There won’t be any more 48 point explosions on us because the other side’s offense won’t be able to get the ball. How in the heck could the Packers beat us now? What did they do to upgrade?
What makes me so happy is that the Falcons went “all in.” Why not when you got a pretty good hand. Yeah baby.
Reid Adair
May 2nd, 2011
12:46 pm
Jeff, perhaps if there was some even remote certainty regarding a plan to shore up the defense, I would like it. It’s likely that there aren’t going to be very many game-breaking defensive players (especially ends) available in free agency.
For Paul H,
2010: As I recall, they had no second-round pick (given away in the Tony Gonzalez trade). The fourth-round selection was center Joe Hawley from UNLV.
2009: Safety William Moore from Missouri was the second-round pick, and defensive end Lawrence Sidbury of Richmond was the fourth-round choice.
GTBob
May 2nd, 2011
12:49 pm
Statistical evidence that maybe we should have improved our pass rush:
22nd in the league in passing defense.
20th in sacks.
3-4 (including playoffs) against teams in the top 15 in passing.
Rodgers and Brees – 4 300+ yd passing games.
31/36, 366 yds, 3 TD’s, (Rodgers stats in the playoff game)
23/29, 326 yds, 3 TD’s, (Kevin Kolbs stats against us)
But yeah, a better #2 receiver is what we needed.
Not Don Waddell
May 2nd, 2011
12:51 pm
One other thing that nobody has talked about is the potential that Dimitroff is banking on a rookie salary camp to be in place soon. If that happens, then the Falcons will be paying the #6 pick about what they would have been paying the 27th pick last year.
I think Charles Johnson will come home to play DE for the Falcons.
Shug
May 2nd, 2011
12:52 pm
The Real Falcon, well said.
Bama Falcon
May 2nd, 2011
12:52 pm
If we woulda picked some DEnd you all would be on here Crying why didnt we move up. Why didnt we try and get AJ or Julio?
Mark (another one)
May 2nd, 2011
12:53 pm
You have to weigh the value and consider how many of the lower picks would have made the team. How many would have become starters? As a team gets better, sometimes only a handful of rookies make the roster. JJ will make the roster and he will start, this year. I think it was a good trade, and it was part of a larger plan. Our brain trust has been pretty good at planning the strategy and adopting as they execute.
Glenn
May 2nd, 2011
12:54 pm
The quicker the Falcons score, the quicker their defense gets back on the field, which means it will be even more tired than it was last season due to lack of depth because the Falcons didn’t draft defensive players.
The draft cut both ways and unless the Falcons make serious moves in the free agent market, it may actually end up setting the team back for years because they traded away next year’s number one pick and four to move up.
Finally, Calvin Johnson is coming up for free agency soon and I’d rather wait for him, as a known entity, than spend so much on a rookie. Just a bad deal all around.
#2 overated
May 2nd, 2011
12:56 pm
JJ 30 yards deep wide open . Who going to throw him the Ball? weak arm #2!!
Gus The Greek
May 2nd, 2011
1:03 pm
For the first time we have same one at the front office to run our team with class,
Thank you TD
1eyedJack
May 2nd, 2011
1:07 pm
What could possibly be said that has not already been said?
The Punter
May 2nd, 2011
1:08 pm
Why draft a punter?
yeah
May 2nd, 2011
1:10 pm
I’m sure they will address the need for a DE whenever FA starts.
UGA83
May 2nd, 2011
1:20 pm
The problem with yards per catch is not the receivers or the conservative offense, it’s Ryan. Only three years in and this ‘pro bowler?’ is one of th emost overrated
QB’s in history. Ryan simp;ly cannot throw th edeep ball with any consistency. Notice the big increase in INT’s in his second year? Notice how many were on passes over 15 yards?
PMC
May 2nd, 2011
1:25 pm
They played without thier 1st round pick Peria Jerry essentially all of Jerry’s career, Anderson didn’t work out as a pass rusher and Moore and Weatherspoon have been banged up as well, Moore missing an entire year.
I totally see the point of FJR and others. Losing 4 picks hurts, but I also feel like the scouts and the coaches etc have studied players both internally and externally and they truely believe that they have found the best players they could get for the Falcons.
Without seeing them play we don’t know what will happen.
demarco hamm
May 2nd, 2011
1:29 pm
The falcons did what they needed to do and that was compliant Roddy White. An they will get a good pass rusher via free agency. Blank has already made it clear he is going to do whatever it takes
Average Joe
May 2nd, 2011
1:30 pm
What would it have taken to get AJ? I heard rumors that we tried to get AJ but that fell apart, what happened, what would it have taken to get him?
Julio is a clear second to AJ.
BYRDDAWG
May 2nd, 2011
1:32 pm
Our O just went up to the top of the league!!
demarco hamm
May 2nd, 2011
1:33 pm
@ UGA83. Good QB’s are hard to come by, an if you have a good one you stick with him. Ryan is a top 10 QB
mE
May 2nd, 2011
1:35 pm
The Punter
May 2nd, 2011
1:08 pm
Why draft a punter?
Ask the Patriots and Colts that question. They won alot of games with a solid place kicker. How many games did the Falcons loose because of a bad place kicker in 2009? I’ve never understood the reasoning behind people not considering the kicker apart of the team when they win alot of games for their team. Special teams are now a huge part of the NFL.
BPD
May 2nd, 2011
1:38 pm
Cousin Vicker – Ever heard of Calvin Johson?
mE
May 2nd, 2011
1:38 pm
UGA83
May 2nd, 2011
1:20 pm
The problem with yards per catch is not the receivers or the conservative offense, it’s Ryan. Only three years in and this ‘pro bowler?’ is one of th emost overrated
QB’s in history. Ryan simp;ly cannot throw th edeep ball with any consistency. Notice the big increase in INT’s in his second year? Notice how many were on passes over 15 yards?
I take it you still believe Shockey is “DA FUTURE!” Those who evaluate QBs for a living say different. But then again, by alot of these post some of you truely believe you know more about football at the NFL level than every GM, couch, and owner out there.
#1 FALCOHOLIC
May 2nd, 2011
1:40 pm
Listern to you gys how soon we forget where the FALCONS used to be TD, MS AB have done a phenomally job in turning this franchise around and making it in to a contender, and now you have the nerve to question their motivates that shows that you are not true falcon fans. the season has not even started yet and you are putting loses in the column. give our gys a chance they feel like s#$% too with what happened against GB. who knows who will step up next year and have blow out season. or what else our FO has up there sleeve. me all i have to say is this from where we came from too this. IN TD, MS, AND AB “WE TRUST”
mE
May 2nd, 2011
1:44 pm
#1 FALCOHOLIC, you’re correct, they are not TRUE Falcon fans.
Birdthethird
May 2nd, 2011
1:49 pm
Ok so we have a deep threat. Now will Ryan be able to get it down field accurately. The deeper Ryan throws the more inaccurate he gets unless he’s really done some off season work (we all know Ryan works hard so let’s hope this question is rhetorical). Jones runs great routes but can he go and get the ill thrown ball like Roddy can. Let’s hope so. I do like the pick though. Let’s win a Superbowl!
Jesse Stone
May 2nd, 2011
1:49 pm
Average Joe- I don’t think Julio Jones is a CLEAR 2nd to any WR in this draft. Julio is bigger, faster, is a good downfield blocker. He also doesn’t have to come in and be the #1 receiver. He also has a solid NFL QB to throw him the ball. All advantages over A.J Green. The Falcons got the best overall receiver in this draft.
J Seinfeld
May 2nd, 2011
1:52 pm
Lost in this conversation is the implied message of this trade and pick. The bottom line is that we can infer from this pick that Dimitroff, Smith, et all believed no defensive end that they could draft at 27 would be better than Kroy Biermann, Chauncey Davis or Lawrence Sidburry. These 3 guys are young and still developing and drafting the 8th best DE in the draft would have been adding another body to the mix. Julio Jones is a definite upgrade at wide out and fills a huge need. At the end of the day, this will end up being a good trade for the Falcons if they perform as well or better than last year and the 1st rounder ends up being in the high 20’s low 30’s, however, if the team underachieves then there will be some serious second guessing out in the blogosphere….
mE
May 2nd, 2011
1:55 pm
Gil “The Godfather” Brandt on Julio Jones……..“I’ll tell you what, if you want to look at him, look at what he did against supposedly the best player in the draft [Patrick] Peterson. He caught nine passes for Alabama against LSU. I don’t see any holes in this guy at all.”
KB
May 2nd, 2011
2:00 pm
The same way I did on draft night. They gave up way too much to get him. Historically, WR’s have been high risk, overvalued picks in the draft. The Falcons did not address any of their glaring needs on defense. Terrible draft for the Falcons.
monty
May 2nd, 2011
2:01 pm
GreenBay ran alot of crossing routes (running wide open through our zones or our one-on-one coverage was soft)) where Rodgers hit them in stride and they picked up alot of yardage after the catch. Most of our pass routes seem to be the run 10 yards down the field – turn around and come back 3 yards. Of course you may catch the ball, but your not going to pick up many yards that way. I would like to see a change of passing route philosophy. Also, Ryan didn’t have alot of time to look deep down the field either. What did we do about that?
mE
May 2nd, 2011
2:01 pm
mE
May 2nd, 2011
1:55 pm
Gil “The Godfather” Brandt on Julio Jones……..“I’ll tell you what, if you want to look at him, look at what he did against supposedly the best player in the draft [Patrick] Peterson. He caught nine passes for Alabama against LSU. I don’t see any holes in this guy at all.”
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:03 pm
Get rid of Matt Ryan and we’ll be ok..clean slate on our DB’s and we’ll be better (PERIOD)
monty
May 2nd, 2011
2:06 pm
Ryan can certainly throw it as far as Montana could. And Montana completed alot of deep balls, of course he generally had lots of time to get rid of it.
Season Ticker Holder
May 2nd, 2011
2:09 pm
Its good to get an explosive player in Julio Jones. The real questions is can Matt Ryan throw the deep ball. Matt is very good at throwing the 10 yard out route or 10 yard curl. However, Matt Ryan has not proven that he can throw a deep ball that does not float like a duck. In my opinion, the Falcons would have been better served getting an explosive running back to compliment Turner.
El Bravo
May 2nd, 2011
2:09 pm
Everyone talks about the Falcons giving away too many picks but the truth of the matter is that fourth rounders are rolls of the dice, as nearly 80% of them wash out by their third year and only 12% end up being productive starters for five plus years. If the Falcons improve on their performance from last year this trade was in essence the 6th overall pick for the 27th this year and the 28th and the 60th next year. The truth of the matter is that this trade is not that lopsided. Of course, such trade is blasphemy to draft experts because that is all they do. They consider the draft the end all, be all of team building ignoring not only free agency but also each teams depth chart.
Dawg in Malta
May 2nd, 2011
2:11 pm
@Bill
Don’t get me wrong I like the pick of Julio but to say better than AJ…bet on it?
From everything I’ve read Dimitroff was going after AJ but Cincy wouldn’t budge!
So, I pretty sure the Falcons first choice was AJ followed by Julio.
I hope both players have great NFL careers but now you’ve got one player in Atlanta
with a young NFL caliber quarterback and you’ve got another in Cincy with no quarterback and veteran pro bowl receivers begging to get out.
Compare them in a few years but I’ll be more than happy to bet you on it??
I’ll be back in the USA in July if you care to wager??
Osama bin Laden is dead…a day for the world to celebrate!!
USA…USA…USA
Paddy
May 2nd, 2011
2:12 pm
I liked it when it happened and the more days that go by the more I really like it!
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:14 pm
AGAIN>>>
Drop Ryan and pick up a good explosive RB to comp Turner and a solid DB and sign one of the QB free agent studs this year…starting with VICK or even Farve can prob give us 1 more year
vanomania
May 2nd, 2011
2:14 pm
I think our bland play calling has more to do with our lack of explosive plays.
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:15 pm
DB’s…lets get Champ Bailey back home!
El Bravo
May 2nd, 2011
2:17 pm
We had one truly bad defensive performance last year and that was against the Packers in the playoffs and all of the sudden our defense needs major reconstruction. The truth of the matter is that our defense was young and it got abused by a hot QB. We will be better next year with the natural progression of our LBs, and DBs. Also, I believe that Biermann and Sidburry will continue to progress and one of them will take over the right side DE position. If you look at the tape of the game against GB you realize that a better right DE would have made only a marginal difference in that game since Rodgers got rid of the ball at the third or fifth step on 90% of his passes. The problem was that we were playing soft corners, 10 yards deep and we were getting killed on crossing routes. I don’t care if we draft Reggie White he would not be able to get to the QB on a 3 step drop…
mE
May 2nd, 2011
2:20 pm
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:14 pm
AGAIN>>>
Drop Ryan and pick up a good explosive RB to comp Turner and a solid DB and sign one of the QB free agent studs this year…starting with VICK or even Farve can prob give us 1 more year
What????? You didn’t mention DJ Shockley!!!! You freak’n idiot!!! How could you forget DJ?
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:20 pm
El Bravo -
Grimes got abused against GB because he’s too small, that’s mainly what I mean with get a new DB (Williams is so-so)..our line an d LB’s are good
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:22 pm
mE -
I love Shockley and always wanted to see him suit up for the reg season, but according to the powers that be, he never makes the cut
mE
May 2nd, 2011
2:23 pm
Man……I can’t believe how so many of you experts are not receiving calls from NFL teams. They don’t know what they are missing, some of you are genuises!!!
kerryb
May 2nd, 2011
2:25 pm
Rocket Science?? is apparently NOT a rocket scientist.
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:25 pm
mE –
doesnt take an expert to see someone get burned play after play
mE
May 2nd, 2011
2:25 pm
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:22 pm
mE -
I love Shockley and always wanted to see him suit up for the reg season, but according to the powers that be, he never makes the cut
Now that’s truly is not rocket science why DJ didn’t make the cut…….HE SUCKS!!!!
kerryb
May 2nd, 2011
2:26 pm
I agree with the poster that posted, what else can be said about this? It’s done and now it’s time to move on.
mE
May 2nd, 2011
2:26 pm
kerryb
May 2nd, 2011
2:25 pm
Rocket Science?? is apparently NOT a rocket scientist.
BWAAA HA HA HA HA!!!!!! That’s a good one!!!
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:27 pm
mE-
Now, I dont know about SUCKS but he definitely cant adapt to the NFL game
mE
May 2nd, 2011
2:29 pm
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:25 pm
mE –
doesnt take an expert to see someone get burned play after play
True….DJ did get burned ALOT.
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:29 pm
mE -
I got an even better 1 for you, Im getting paid to write on here, how about you?
BWAAA HA HA HA HA!!!!!! That’s a good one!!!
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
2:31 pm
Just more proof to me that the Falcons are a little bit more than confused on what they should’ve done in the draft. It was clear that they were trying to go for AJ Green as Cincy openly stated they got a trade offer and just wouldn’t budge on the issue and would not trade. So not only did they blow a lot of picks, they took there “second best” option. Funny thing is, WR is rarely a position that helps a team. Calvin Johnson? Considered one of the best WR to ever come into the NFL and he just made his first pro bowl this year and Detroit has yet to have a winning season since drafting him. Larry Fitzgerald? Spectacular player, but other than one run in 08, where they truly lucked into the Super Bowl in the playoffs by getting hot, Arizona has been bad. Dwayne Bowe? He hasn’t been productive until this year and KC hasn’t been good until this year. Ted Ginn Jr.? Bust, and Miami wasted a first rounder. Craig Davis? Do any of you even remember him? Anthony Gonzalez? Yeah, he was fine and dandy in the first round because the Colts haven’t really suffered, but he has done nothing for them. Troy Williamson? Top ten pick by the vikings who has done nothing. How bout Charles Rogers? I can keep listing the number of times where Wide Recievers have been borderline useless for a team genuinely trying to get better. What the Falcons needed was big defensive help. So no, this isn’t a good pick. No, I’m not a Falcons fan, but as an outside observer they gave up a ridiculous amount (two first rounders, two second rounders, two fourth rounders) for a player who in my eyes will not end up helping them at all. Brilliance on the Falcons part . . .
mE
May 2nd, 2011
2:32 pm
Go Falcons!!!
kerryb
May 2nd, 2011
2:32 pm
I’m as big a UGA fan as anyone but, I can’t believe anyone what have the opinion that DJ Shockley would have made a good starting QB in the NFL. He was a career backup at best and would never be a QB on the level of Matt Ryan. Do you really believe that all the QB experts that know the position would be saying the things they say about Matt Ryan about DJ Shockley? I don’t think so. He never got a chance with the powers that be because they knew he was NOT a starting QB in the NFL and backups are a dime a dozen.
falconsam
May 2nd, 2011
2:33 pm
Adding the explosiveness to our offense will help our D significantly.Nothing is more frustrating than coming up with a big stop, only to see your offense sputter in three plays. Once teams are scared of having to defend our big-play O, the D will step up and play with the aggressiveness and swagger we have seen in flashes. Keep in mind, our defense is extremely young, and had 5 first time starters last year. I expect to see a lot of growth from them this year.
GTJeff
May 2nd, 2011
2:33 pm
Rocketscience is truely an oxymoron for you sir. Ryan has proven himself a great quarterback with more to come in the future.
Kane337
May 2nd, 2011
2:35 pm
I love the pick. Giving up 4 picks isn’t the end of the world. Yes it’s 4 not 5. We swapped 1st round picks so that isn’t giving up a pick. How many 4th rounders impact your team anyway or even start? Lawrence Sidbury was a 4th round pick. How’s that working out?
mE
May 2nd, 2011
2:35 pm
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:29 pm
mE -
I got an even better 1 for you, Im getting paid to write on here, how about you?
BWAAA HA HA HA HA!!!!!! That’s a good one!!!
DITTO!!!!!
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:37 pm
kerryb -
I never said for him to start, I just said (as a UGA fan) that I like DJ and its unfortuante for him not to have been able to adapt to the NFL game. I said for QB free agents and sign one of the QB free agent studs this year…starting with VICK or even Farve can prob give us 1 more year (cuz i know we wont sign P Manning)
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
2:37 pm
Lol, its too bad my first comment didn’t go through. Ultimate point: High draft pick recievers rarely help teams. Here is a list of names: Fitzgerald, Johnson, Johnson (Andre), Ted Ginn Jr., Troy Williamson, Reggie Williams, Charles Rogers, David Terrell, and Koren Robinson. All picked in the top ten in the past ten years, and none of the teams that drafted them were at all better. The one case you could possibly make was that Fitz helped the Cards to the Super Bowl, but even then, where have they gone since losing Warner? No where. Lions with two different top ten recievers? Haven’t had a winning record. You get the point I am making people, a high pick on a Wide Reciever is traditionally useless in terms of wins and losses.
Boxer
May 2nd, 2011
2:38 pm
I think the point that a lot of you are missing is that most of us that post on this site know very little about how to evaluate NFL talent. You have to trust that the Coach and GM, who have been pretty successful by the way, know exactly what they are doing.
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
2:40 pm
GTJeff, Matt Ryan is a great QB? Fringe level of good right now is as far as I would say. One solid year this season and he has yet to even win a playoff game. Come back and talk to me when he actually does. Sanchez already has 4 in one less year, Flacco has 4 in the same amount of time, Big Ben had a Super Bowl and 6 wins at that point. Ditto on Tom Brady. Win some games when they count and I might start to consider him great. But he isn’t even great yet. And then after that he still has to get to the elite level that is a long, long way away for him.
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
2:42 pm
Rocket Science, please show some sense, the Colts will spontaneously combust before letting P. Manning become a free agent. Same goes for the Eagles with Vick. Favre is done as well, so I’m not sure where your ideas are coming from.
falconsam
May 2nd, 2011
2:42 pm
Getting rid of Matt Ryan is the worst idea I have ever heard. ALL the success and improvement we have seen over the last 3 years starts with Matt Ryan. The dude has 66 TDs in his first three years. He has inspired the fan base, and given us something to build around.
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:43 pm
GTPhenom -
Thank you sir…I want to win the ones that count!
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
2:44 pm
And Rocket Science, not saying getting a QB is a bad idea, just that those ideas won’t happen.
Jesse Stone
May 2nd, 2011
2:44 pm
GTPhenom- How many teams that drafted those WRs were already playoff teams that needed a WR to put them over the top? A receiver by himself is somewhat useless, but we aren’t building a team around Julio. Julio is joining a team that’s already pretty good.
RussDawg
May 2nd, 2011
2:45 pm
Grab the big name and all the buzz
Rodgers or anyone else will still shred that D.
What is Jones gonna do while Ryan is getting plowed?
mE
May 2nd, 2011
2:45 pm
mE
May 2nd, 2011
2:01 pm
mE
May 2nd, 2011
1:55 pm
Gil “The Godfather” Brandt on Julio Jones……..“I’ll tell you what, if you want to look at him, look at what he did against supposedly the best player in the draft [Patrick] Peterson. He caught nine passes for Alabama against LSU. I don’t see any holes in this guy at all.”
GTPhenom, good point but the teams you mentioned didn’t have near the talent on offence that the Falcons currently have. Julio, will draw some amount of attention, in turn making the talent we have better.
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
2:45 pm
falconsam, he is a solid QB. And fortunately for him, he plays in the weak NFC where there is a revolving door for teams to get into the Super Bowl from the NFC. If he was in the AFC, he wouldn’t stand a chance for a while. With Big Ben, Peyton, and Brady all in the AFC, no one else will get in from the AFC for a long time if you ask me.
Rocket Science??
May 2nd, 2011
2:46 pm
GTPhenom –
I only give those names as the top QB free agents this year. Too many times big (talented) players are up for free agency and we usually are not in the runnings to sign them (minus T Gonzalez)
Jesse Stone
May 2nd, 2011
2:47 pm
GTPhenom- You brought up Sanchez and Flacco which is funny. They are high draft picks that even though they are QBs, they came in to pretty good situations, teams that were already playoff caliber teams. The Jets aren’t built around Sanchez. The Ravens aren’t built around Flacco. They are QBs that happen to play on good teams.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 2nd, 2011
2:48 pm
The title of this article should be “Statistical evidence for Matt Ryan to improve his arm strength”. Julio Jones, as good as he is (and I think he’s great), isn’t going to make Ryan’s deep passes float any less than they currently do.
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
2:49 pm
I’m all for a great offensive talent, but you seem to think the Falcons are going to magically replicate the success from last year. News flash, they aren’t. First place schedule this year will hurt them. And regardless of anything ANY of you say, Julio isn’t out there playing defense now is he. It starts with the Defense. Ask my team. The Steelers have built from the Defense up since the 70s and where has it gotten them? 8 Super Bowls with Six currently on display. It is a lot better to stop someone than try and get into a shootout against every team. There is that old saying, “DEFENSE wins CHAMPIONSHIPS!” Not Wide Recievers.
mE
May 2nd, 2011
2:49 pm
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
2:40 pm
GTJeff, Matt Ryan is a great QB? Fringe level of good right now is as far as I would say.
Again, all experts say differently. “Fringe level of good”, it’s obvious you are a GT fan not a graduate because no one with an education from GT could be so STUPID.
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
2:51 pm
Other than the fact that everyone got so overworked and emotional about vick and Petrino, it isn’t like the Falcons haven’t had talent. And really, your telling me Flacco at the very least has had weapons like Ryan has had all three years? Flacco had Ray Rice and that was it. Ryan has had a great offensive line, a spctacular WR, and a all pro Running Back. It isn’t like Ryan had no talent around him, because Atlanta was certainly not the Browns or Detroit. And yet he has yet to get it done. If he can actually win a playoff game I might start to believe in all the hype . . . a little.
malibuGT
May 2nd, 2011
2:53 pm
I’d rather have a new offensive coordinator than a new receiver. I worry that Mularky will turn JJ into a similar receiver as Jenkins. But i figure if this doesn’t work well next year, it will make it easier to replace the coordinator, since it can’t be TD’s fault
Jesse Stone
May 2nd, 2011
2:53 pm
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
2:49 pm
Ask my team. The Steelers …
It is a lot better to stop someone than try and get into a shootout against every team. There is that old saying, “DEFENSE wins CHAMPIONSHIPS!” Not Wide Recievers
_____________________________________________________________
You make this statement with short memory. The Green Bay Packers beat “your team” by outscoring them in the last Super Bowl.
mE
May 2nd, 2011
2:54 pm
GTPhenom said “There is that old saying, “DEFENSE wins CHAMPIONSHIPS!” Not Wide Recievers.”
Here’s an old saying, ” It’s best to be thought of as an idiot than to open (blog) and remove all doubt.”
Jesse Stone
May 2nd, 2011
2:55 pm
Flacco (and Sanchez) also had a top notch defense that left them with good field position more times than not. Having that good defense also allowed them to take more chances.
JB
May 2nd, 2011
2:55 pm
I agree with Monty. Poor route selection and how do we provide time for QB to throw long with our line, Also, can he make long throws consistently and more passes mean more chance for QB injuries. We need a stud on both OL and DL. P. Jerry better not turn out to be a bust.
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
2:55 pm
Really, all the experts say he is elite? What, are you going by John Clayton’s magical list of elite QBs? The same one that said Donovan McNabb was elite? In his eyes there are 10-15 elite QBs in the league. Right now, there are five elite QBs in this league, and if you ask me, being elite constitutes being great: Big Ben, P. Manning, T. Brady, A. Rodgers, and D. Brees. Those five, and that is IT. Not saying they Falcons can’t win with Ryan. Heck, the Ravens won with freaking Trent Dilfer, so anything is possible. But you people seem to think he is some special QB. News Flash, he isn’t.
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
2:56 pm
BINGO Jesse Stone. You just answered my ultimate point in all of this. Defense wins championships. Exactly why picking a Wide Reciever was an absolute waste in this draft. At least you agree with me there.
mE
May 2nd, 2011
2:57 pm
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
2:51 pm
Other than the fact that everyone got so overworked and emotional about vick and Petrino, it isn’t like the Falcons haven’t had talent. And really, your telling me Flacco at the very least has had weapons like Ryan has had all three years? Flacco had Ray Rice and that was it.
Enough said…….you’re an idiot.
Jesse Stone
May 2nd, 2011
2:59 pm
How many championships have Flacco and Sanchez won?
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
3:00 pm
Really, because the Green Bay Offense was the source of all of that, right? Three turnovers that led directly to 21 points all in perfect scoring position didn’t, did they? Our defense effectively held them to 10 points buddy. Offensively we gifted them 21 points. Try again. mE, really, what justification do you have for that, because A) I’m certainly not going around name calling, and B) I’m simply talking offensive weapons here. Care to elaborate? You say better not to open your mouth but list one unreasonable thing I’ve said. Not once have I said you have to agree with me, just that my opinion is that Wide Reciever was a waste, especially when you can pick up great ones in later rounds (as reference, see Mike Wallace)
mE
May 2nd, 2011
3:01 pm
13-3……….no NFL team can be 13-3 with a defense as bad as some of you think the Falcons have. What would had Sanchez and Flacco done without their defenses? So, if Ryan had such a “bad” defense and lead his team to a 13-3 record then that’s enough proof to me that Ryan is a DA*N good QB.
Crabkilla
May 2nd, 2011
3:01 pm
He seems like a good kid with a “team first” mentality. There is no doubt that he is an absolute beast. I welcome Julio to Atlanta with open arms.
Jesse Stone
May 2nd, 2011
3:01 pm
Green Bay’s OFFENSE won a championship.
mE
May 2nd, 2011
3:03 pm
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
3:00 pm
Really, because the Green Bay Offense was the source of all of that, right? Three turnovers that led directly to 21 points all in perfect scoring position didn’t, did they? Our defense effectively held them to 10 points buddy. Offensively we gifted them 21 points. Try again. mE, really, what justification do you have for that, because A) I’m certainly not going around name calling, and B) I’m simply talking offensive weapons here. Care to elaborate? You say better not to open your mouth but list one unreasonable thing I’ve said. Not once have I said you have to agree with me, just that my opinion is that Wide Reciever was a waste, especially when you can pick up great ones in later rounds (as reference, see Mike Wallace)
Want some crackers and cheese to go with that WHINE?
Jesse Stone
May 2nd, 2011
3:03 pm
No more excuses to why “your team” lost. If you didn’t give Rodgers a short field, he would’ve put up the points anyway and added more yards.
Jesse Stone
May 2nd, 2011
3:04 pm
Ever notice how there are a TON of Steelers fans around, but nobody wants to claim the Pirates. Why is that?
SteveW
May 2nd, 2011
3:05 pm
I hope we didn’t draft a Darrius Heyward Bey (#7 pick in ‘09) or a Ted Ginn Jr. (#9 pick in ‘07), Braylon Edwards (#3) or Troy Williamson (#7) both in ‘05.
I mean Calvin Johnson at #2 in ‘07 and Larry Fitzgerald at #3 in ‘04 are the only WR’s chosen in the top 10 in the past several years who ever done consistently well. That’s it.
With all that said, I still like the trade. All of life is a risk, a gamble. But his one is probably about as sure of a bet as you can get really.
So I like the trade, even if history is very much against a trade like this.
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
3:05 pm
Jesse Stone, I really hope you realize I haven’t called Flacco and Sanchez elite, and if I did I deeply apologize. They are close than Ryan if you ask me. I simply said at least they can win the occasional big game. Ryan hasn’t done that yet, and all I have said concerning him is that he needs to figure out how to do it. Damn, you people are beyond sensitive about things is what I am realizing. It’s not like I dislike the Falcons in any way. just felt like presenting my opinions. But clearly, if anything negative (regardless of how true it is) is said, you people lose it. How bout face the fact that to this point, Matt Ryan is no Big Ben, he is no Tom Brady, he is not Peyton Manning, etc. etc. He is simply a solid QB who might end up making a good career.
StillDirtyBirdin
May 2nd, 2011
3:07 pm
The NFL is different now, people. “The best side of the ball wins championships”. The Packers D didn’t win the chip for them, nor the Colts, nor the Rams. Whatever side of the ball you play best on is what you invest in. **Disclaimer** I’m not saying NOT to have a competent other side of the ball (re: Chiefs in the 2000’s), but you can suffice with one or two “playmakers” and focus on either offense or defense. We weren’t going to get another “playmaker” opposite Abraham at 27.
RISE UP
JROLL1
May 2nd, 2011
3:07 pm
I WAS AGAINST IT WHEN I FIRST HEARD ABOUT WHAT THEY GAVE UP. BUT, TURNS OUT IT WAS BEING REPORTED WRONG. FALCONS DID NOT GIVE UP 2 FIRST ROUND PICKS PEOPLE…THEY SWAPPED THIS YEAR’S NUMBER ONE. AND LORD KNOWS THEY NEED SOME BODY TO STRETCH THE FIELD! AND PLEASE MATTY ICE…THROW THE BALL TO HARRY DOUGLAS A FEW TIMES….
BigTimeTECHFan
May 2nd, 2011
3:08 pm
Remeber the Blitz worked pretty good, just Brees and Rogers made them miss the tackles, that can be fixed in preseason
kerryb
May 2nd, 2011
3:08 pm
Rocket Science??? sign the dog killing Michael Vick after what he did to us last time? Really/?? Really??? That has to be THE dumbest, most moronic comment I have ever seen on a blog. We have a Pro Bowl QB now who doesn’t embarrass your team and you want to sign that piece of trash. I can’t believe you are that stupid.
Paul N Destin
May 2nd, 2011
3:09 pm
Folks what many of you are missing is that JUlio played 3 years at Bama with QB’s that couldn’t deliever the ball as quickly as you want thus his long plays weren’t at the same level as it will be in the NFL. Both John Parker Wilson and Greg McElroy played within the system but lacked the arm strength to take advantage of the receiving corps that Bama has/had. The defensive backs got to cheat when covering Julio knowing the ball was slow and late to arrive. Just hold on to your hat and wait for the season to begin and then we can all have this conversation again about who’s on 1st base in the draft.
Jimmy Crack
May 2nd, 2011
3:11 pm
Jeff, you’re a freaking genius. You must be channeling Pasquarelli. Another problem we had last year is the absolute crack addiction to running the football. That should change now with 2 “1A & 1B” wide receivers to where every play is a play action pass waiting to happen, and when the safeties are settled back on their heels worried about those two, run Turner the tank for twenty.
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
3:12 pm
Lol, keep twisting the facts. I really just have to laugh at you people. No one is making excuses. I was one of the first to congratulate GB fans on a tough, hard fought win. But you are blind to think the outcome wouldn’t be different, because if you think so, you clearly didn’t see how horrid Rodgers look in normal circumstances against our D. Again, what excuses do I possibly have to make? Three appearances in only six years, two rings, a slew of AFC Championships, a QB with the best active playoff winning percentages and two rings, a defense loaded with Super Stars, the most Super Bowl Championships, and, oh yeah, a recent win over this great Atlanta team you people are hyping, WITHOUT our star QB. You people are the same ones bashing your own team when you lost that first game. So get off of it. Again you act like I have some reason to attack the Falcons.
mE
May 2nd, 2011
3:12 pm
True…..Paul, true.
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
3:14 pm
Anyways, fun chatting with you all, just don’t put all your hope that a wide reciever a solid QB are going to win your a championship. Win a playoff game here for our hometown and then maybe I might start to become a Falcon fan again. Until then I will stick with the team I grew up knowing and the team that has consistently shown how to win. Peace out.
mE
May 2nd, 2011
3:15 pm
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
3:12 pm
Lol, keep twisting the facts. I really just have to laugh at you people. No one is making excuses. I was one of the first to congratulate GB fans on a tough, hard fought win. But you are blind to think the outcome wouldn’t be different, because if you think so, you clearly didn’t see how horrid Rodgers look in normal circumstances against our D. Again, what excuses do I possibly have to make? Three appearances in only six years, two rings, a slew of AFC Championships, a QB with the best active playoff winning percentages and two rings, a defense loaded with Super Stars, the most Super Bowl Championships, and, oh yeah, a recent win over this great Atlanta team you people are hyping, WITHOUT our star QB. You people are the same ones bashing your own team when you lost that first game. So get off of it. Again you act like I have some reason to attack the Falcons.
DURN IT GT!!!!! I’m running out of cheese and crackers…….stop your WHINING!!!
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
3:16 pm
Lol, who is whining mE? You don’t seem to understand that I have nothing to complaing about. My team knows how to win championships, unlike the one here in Atlanta.
mE
May 2nd, 2011
3:16 pm
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
3:14 pm
Anyways, fun chatting with you all, just don’t put all your hope that a wide reciever a solid QB are going to win your a championship. Win a playoff game here for our hometown and then maybe I might start to become a Falcon fan again. Until then I will stick with the team I grew up knowing and the team that has consistently shown how to win. Peace out.
You will not be welcomed back GT……..stay where you’re at, we wound need you.
mE
May 2nd, 2011
3:18 pm
GTPhenom
May 2nd, 2011
3:16 pm
Lol, who is whining mE? You don’t seem to understand that I have nothing to complaing about. My team knows how to win championships, unlike the one here in Atlanta.
I thought peace out meant you were leaving? Now shew….git outta here!!!!
mE
May 2nd, 2011
3:19 pm
You will not be welcomed back GT……..stay where you’re at, we won’t need you.
Scott Case
May 2nd, 2011
3:19 pm
stretch the field, and oh wait – there’s Tong G open down the middle of the field again for a 30 yard gainer. This will make everyone on offense better – even Michael Turner. Great move Thomas, and daddy Arthur, thank you for pulling out the checkbook!
DawgDad
May 2nd, 2011
3:19 pm
Good move. I think the brass saw what GB did with that stable of receivers last year and said “We could do that, too”. Now we have White, Jones, and Jenkins at wideout, Douglas and Meier (presumably) in the slot, TG at TE. We can line up four wideouts and we can stretch the field on both sidelines. And we can keep that safety out of the box and open space for Turner and Snelling.
Rice had his Taylor, Irvin his Harper. I like this move. I also think we may get some of these picks back when the FA period kicks in.
JSS
May 2nd, 2011
3:31 pm
Myths of January 15th round# 2045
12 plays 81 yards
10 plays 90 yards
7 plays 80 yards
12 plays 80 yards
8 plays 50 yards
Only 1 time out of the 5 offensive TD drives produced by Green Bay was on a “short field.”
They straight whipped the Falcons, from pillar-to-post!
Bravoman
May 2nd, 2011
3:36 pm
Blank and Dimitroff are the only ones who know how expensive Jones was. A DE through free agency isn’t as risky as drafting and hoping. If a) Jones proves to be e total drop and b) Dimitroff and Blank don’t pull the trigger through FA, then all of the “analyst” can say “told you so”. I like the “let’s do it now move”.
Jesse Stone
May 2nd, 2011
3:38 pm
JSS- That was a Steeler fan making excuses of the Green Bay drives against Pittsburgh. I may have missed it, but I think all Falcon fans acknowledge the whipping we received at the hands of Aaron Rodgers.
JSS
May 2nd, 2011
3:44 pm
DawgDad…
You forgot something in your analysis of the passing game of the 80’s Niners, 90’s Cowboys, 2010 Packers in comparison to the Falcons. Those teams could sustain pass block… You are going to have a 3/5 of the old line most likely…
I like Julio Jones. He will fight for the ball. That is something you must do with Ryan’s arm. Rice and Taylor made a career of it… But unless that O-line has some smoke and mirrors, it is not going to happen. By the way, teams did not really double Roddy that much. What they concentrated on Gonzalez. Well that is until they realized that Tony could no longer clear a zone or the middle of the field… Then they just started to shading to that side…
Mystikal
May 2nd, 2011
3:50 pm
If it makes anyone feel better about the picks we lost, Cleveland didn’t come away with any game changing players. And again if next season goes accordingly that 2012 1st rounder will be between 28 and 32!!
Mystikal
May 2nd, 2011
3:53 pm
Also people forget in that game against the packers we had numerous opportunities to get Rodgers on the ground. We just failed to do so; and there were other opportunities we failed to capitalize on as well. It was just a bad game on the wrong stage, but our defense is not as bad as the score indicated.
Mystikal
May 2nd, 2011
4:04 pm
Hey JS,
Know it’s a long shot, but any guess of what undrafted players we might be looking at whenever the lockout ends?
The U
May 2nd, 2011
4:10 pm
Needs vs best available draft selection. This pick was undoubtly a best avalilable selection. A future first round pick is more important too losing teams. The winners just refine their squad with first rounders. This is a fine tuning the engine pick so that a Green Bay or New Orleans or Philadelpia won’t big play them to death without retaliation of the big play threat.
Dave D
May 2nd, 2011
4:20 pm
You don’t trade that many picks for a second wide out when you have so many glaring needs to fill on the defensive side of the football. Ever. It was completely insane.
The Ghost of Norm Van Brocklin
May 2nd, 2011
4:28 pm
For you naysayers who question the Owner, GM and Coach, which combo would YOU rather have?
Less draft picks, but more wins with Smitty on the sidelines and Ryan throwing to Jones…OR
More draft picks, but less wins with Mora on the sidelines and Vick throwing to (or “at” in his case) anybody?
Hmmm?
Jeff Schultz
May 2nd, 2011
4:29 pm
Reid — There’s never a “certainty” in free agency but there’s reason to feel pretty confident that Falcons will get a quality DE. Most likely: Ray Edwards.
idot
May 2nd, 2011
4:31 pm
If there is a season this year, I think that the Falcons need to beef up their Oline, and improve their pass rushing capabilities, by getting it a half to 1 second quicker, and being able to grab and hold the opposing QB, when they get to him.
And then Mike Smith, needs to take the leash off of Mularky, and start letting him use the weapons that they have on the O.
Jeff Schultz
May 2nd, 2011
4:31 pm
Jimmy Crack — Hah. You might be first one to ever reference running the ball as a “crack addiction.” I’ll see if we can dig up a prize for you.
Jeff Schultz
May 2nd, 2011
4:33 pm
Mystikal — No, sorry. But chances are you’ll see quite a few OLs and DLs. Those signings used to take place right after the draft. But obviously since there has been no free agency yet, those undrafted guys are going to have to wait.
heartofdarkness
May 2nd, 2011
4:35 pm
I thought the Falcons could have used a possession receiver that ran crossing routes which would have made double coverage on Gonzales more risky. Jones will probably start in the slot and could fit that role. The coverages White and Gonzales faced would give Jones and a back who was able to run deeper patterns some favorable matchups. Overall, the offense should be more flexible and potent.
flafalcon
May 2nd, 2011
4:46 pm
Dont worry about the picks, I think a trade or two will happen when strike is over, it may sting a little at who gets let go but it will get us our 2nd & 4th round picks back maybe even a 1st for someone you never know.
Joey
May 2nd, 2011
4:55 pm
You’re right, Jeff. Sometimes a really good offense is better than a great D, if for no other reason than keeping the other team’s O off of the field.
It would have been nice to have about a half-dozen fewer 3-and-outs vs the Packers last December. We probably woulda made it a game.
Unfortunately, much like AJ Green at UGA the past couple of years, a great player like Jones is only as good as his OC’s schemes.
With Mularkey, it’s easy for even for my wife to call the run, run, pass (on 3rd and 7) plays on Sundays.
flafalcon
May 2nd, 2011
4:58 pm
If Falcons do as well as we hope,. we would also be looking at another year of 27th or even higher of a pick so maybe trading a player to a team that may wind up with better draft pick may not be such a bad thing after all. TD will look like a genius if that happens and Julio winds up working out
Roy
May 2nd, 2011
5:05 pm
He may be a game breaker but for the other team. Just wait and see how many drops he has than everyone will want to dump this loser.
Seriously
May 2nd, 2011
5:12 pm
I just wonder if the same person is posting under different names saying Matt Ryan has a weak arm or that he is the problem. I mean there can’t be that many stupid people can there?
Seriously
May 2nd, 2011
5:16 pm
Julio Jones is a stud. He and Green were head and shoulders above the next WRs. TD went up and got one of them. A gutsy move. This man is tough, fast and will be great for years. Sure its a risk and one we would not have made two years ago. I’m all for it. Will open up lanes for the running game. Can’t double team JJ or RW. We will be explosive.
Birdman3
May 2nd, 2011
5:18 pm
how many time during the Packer game and through out the season did you see the Falcons blitz and not get to the QB, it’s not always the players but the Scheme that gets pressure on the QB, the packers get most of there sacks by CB’s & LB’s and so does the Steelers, Ravens & Bucks, so us taking a DE or DT wouldn’t make near the impact that the addition of Jones will make, even if he gets 2 catches a game, teams will have to respect the deep ball from both sides of the field which will open up running lanes, it’s a win win, and we need a better defensive attack, more man less zone, I want to see a team fear our blitz not welcome it like the packers did. Scoring more points gives the D rest as well and playing with a lead lets you get more aggressive on D.
ChipontheroadBirdsRus
May 2nd, 2011
5:22 pm
JS my respect for Blank,Dimittrof,and esspeciallySmith just grows and grows as our chance to have our “year” of” WE” did it increases
Escaped from Email Purgatory
May 2nd, 2011
5:31 pm
If you assume next year’s Number 1 pick will be from a comparable position as this year (25 – to – 32) then trading two picks that won’t yield an instant impact player for one pick that will is OK with me.
The other picks? I think giving up Two and Four this year and Four next year can be made up in free agency or trades.
If Julio Jones is as good as we hope, we still may have to wait ’til next year to see if we gave up too much otherwise. I think Dimitroff can scheme a way to obtain personnel the picks we traded to get Jones.
What North Arabian Sea Whale Poop said last night:
May 2nd, 2011
5:39 pm
OMG..a turd in the pool!
retired
May 2nd, 2011
5:44 pm
Bold move worth the gamble. But gamble it is. TD get us some defense in FA.
joewhite
May 2nd, 2011
5:46 pm
thankyou @DanWeiner someone who understands at 27 we was not getting anyone who could have started on offense of defense, this gives matt more options plus takes some hits off turner as well, now who will defenss double cover no one without getting beat one on one.
Whopper Dawg
May 2nd, 2011
5:48 pm
There was a need for another WR to compliment White. One with speed. But there were others available when the Falcons would have drafted in the second or where they drafted in the third.
Giving up that much for one guy is almost unheard of, and especially a WR, that position have a history of busts in the 1st round.
I guarantee you that three years from now there will be two or three guys better than Jones in this draft that were taken after him. By the way, you have a ball control offensive coordinator.
The real trick to a top notch GM is finding those types of gems later in the draft (which TD is said to be able to do, but never does), not trading all of your picks for one guy.
The Bucs knocked it out of the park for the third year in a row. We were lucky to beat them last year, I think they get us this year.
Third in the south and out of the playoffs.
Stinger2
May 2nd, 2011
6:12 pm
It takes two players to complete passes of 20 yards or more. If the passer cannot throw a strong and accurate pass that far, then the recievers (no matter how good they may be) cannot catch it.
FACTS
May 2nd, 2011
6:26 pm
Matty will love this new toy, someone just left a ” Porsche ” ( Julio Jones ) in the driveway with keys in it & a tankful of gas. Go Falcons!!! TD wants a playoff victory for Blank, & the bank is open we will sign help on the other side of the ball, working under Belichik has given TD a lot of connects in the NFL! Oh yeah I forgot about the ” Motorcycle” ( Rodgers out of Oregon St. ) they also left!
DEE-ROME
May 2nd, 2011
6:31 pm
Its Amazing how you fans sit on here and gripe,complain,and say we gave up to much.This Guy Is A Baller Hands Down.And if you cant see the big picture then you cant be A REAL FALCONS FAN. Three winning Seasons and counting IN DIMITROFF I TRUST……DRAFT PICKS WHO START, MATT,BEERMAN,Weatherspoon,Moore,The guy is a great G.M. and he knows talent. Brent Grimes was undrafted yet he had more pass breakups then any CB in the NFL and was a PRO BOWLER(with a pick in da game i might add)Know your facts then talk……….
TROTTINGHOME
May 2nd, 2011
6:33 pm
@ WHOPPER DAWG…That whopper you just told …remeinds me of a story…all fisherman are liars except you and me….and just between us I’m not so sure about you
Who will be more successful in the NFL?
May 2nd, 2011
6:46 pm
With 2,026 votes counted,
Tim Tebow leads Cam Newton 35% to 21%.
bigcalidawg
May 2nd, 2011
7:05 pm
TD made the right decision.
It’s tough for “tweener” playoff teams to make that giant leap the following year, without a major acquisition via fa, or the draft, but playoff teams must strike gold, with lower picks for that to happen.
A few things:
WR’s are a much safer bet in the 1st than DE – see J.A. and Aundray Bruce.
Ever been jealous of not having Hines Ward on our team? We have one now….this kid will hit you.
Ever wonder how the Hawks would do if they pulled off the same thing and added a stud big man to that team? (Sorry for the Hawks analogy.)
Winning teams have juevos……….this teams got ‘em.
Oh yeah, we have an owner that ain’t scared to back up the $$$$ truck to bring in ballers in areas of need.
That’s all for now………
to be continued……..
tiger7_88
May 2nd, 2011
7:09 pm
What the Falcons got with Julio Jones is… Michael Jenkins. Check out their college stats. Check out their measurables at their NFL combines. Check out their size. So similar its scary.
Oh… except for one thing. Julio Jones doesn’t catch the ball as well as Michael Jenkins.
So, basically, the Falcons got Michael Jenkins (when they already had Michael Jenkins) for two 1sts, a 2nd, and two 4th round draft picks.
What. A. Deal. Right?
tiger7_88
May 2nd, 2011
7:12 pm
@joewhite said “thankyou @DanWeiner someone who understands at 27 we was [sic] not getting anyone who could have started on offense of defense”.
Refresh your memory, joe… what selection in the 1st round was Roddy White again?
TheAntiMe
May 2nd, 2011
7:17 pm
Some people just like to bitch.
tiger7_88
May 2nd, 2011
7:21 pm
I would have MUCH preferred Cam Heyward in the 1st round, Randall Cobb in the 2nd round, and keep all the rest of the picks to trading the farm for Julio Jones.
Randall Cobb, 3 years in the SEC – 144 receptions, 1661 receiving yards, 13 receiving TDs, 1313 rushing yards, 22 rushing TDs
Julio Jones, 3 years in the SEC – 179 receptions, 2653 yards, 15 receiving TDs, 139 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs
Move over Jenkins
May 2nd, 2011
7:23 pm
Michael Jenkins would make a good Tight End,
if he can gain about 25 to 30 pounds.
Whopper Dawg
May 2nd, 2011
7:25 pm
@ Dee Rome & Trotting Home,
The last two drafts got you a starting safety that is still chasing Green Bay receivers and a rotational DT (Peters), this year we had to trade all of the high value picks for a no. 2 receiver three years after TD gave a mega contract to Jenkins. If you see a lot of wisdom in that, please share it beside blindly saying “in TD we trust”.
As long as Blank is willing to throw mega millions at free agents, TD may be able to shore up his draft shortcomings, but that is going to be what it takes. I give him credit for Ryan, but after that the rest of these clowns are not impact players. You better thank your lucky stars that the injury bug has not bitten the Falcons as it did Green Bay last year for example.
If you want to see how to draft, look at what that guy down in Tampa has done over the last three drafts and look at Green Bay.
kaput
May 2nd, 2011
7:31 pm
As a Buccaneer fan, I’m ecstatic with the Falcon’s draft. Losing those picks is equivalent to mortgaging the future for the present, and I like that. The Bucs will be most powerful in about two years and have a long, long window for success whereas the Falcons will likely peter out in a season or two.
Oh yeah, Matt Ryan sucks. Josh Freeman is the man, and you guys know it!!
A-Ville Ranger
May 2nd, 2011
7:37 pm
The problem with taking JJ other than giving up half the frachise and not addressing defense is, he’s not what we need. We need a deep threat and he didn’t catch the deep ball while at Bama. He doesn’t have the footwork to run crisp routes either. He runs VERY uncoordinated for a wr. Watch film of any truly great receiver and you’ll see grace and fine small movement with the feet. Jones just doesn’t have those gifts.
Double Zero Eight
May 2nd, 2011
7:42 pm
Jones was needed. Jenkins was inconsistent.
This was a good move.
Let’s hope we can shore up the need for a DE with
a trade.
Underground Atlanta
May 2nd, 2011
7:52 pm
Almost everyone makea a “big deal” about the playoff loss to Green Bay.
In the regular season, the Falcons beat the Packers and lost to the AFC Champ Steelers in overtime 15-9.
Division Champ Atlanta got the “big head” whereas Wildcard Green Bay did not and got “hot” in the playoffs.
The Falcons are still a damn good football team.
odogg32
May 2nd, 2011
7:53 pm
Comparison will be made between Julio Jones and Greg Little (Cleveland drafted him with Atlanta’s 2nd round pick). On the field they play at the same speed. Combine speed doesn’t translate on the field. Also, keep in mind Matt Ryan does not throw the deep ball well. He is not accurate on the deep ball. The Falcons need to incorporate some of the West Coast offense into their offense. Throw the ball to Julio and let him take it to the house. What I’m afraid is that you will have a lot of under thrown passes targeted to Julio.
honest_abe
May 2nd, 2011
7:53 pm
the game is still won in the trenches and the falcons are still very mediocre on both. there are better overall teams with weak receivers but they didn’t trade away all their picks for julio. (i.e. pitt, new england, baltimore) and the majority of receivers on the most prolific offenses tend to found in later rounds.. i.e. desean jackson 2nd round greg jennings 2nd, mike williams (tb) 4th, mike wallace 3rd, hakeem knicks 2nd and the list goes on and on. so it makes absolutely no sense when only 20/% of wide recievers drafted in the 1st 10 picks over the last decade have turned out to be stars.
just an incredibly bad move that will haunt this franchise for years to come. but its the falcons and we’ve become used to these incredibly sad drafts.
honest_abe
May 2nd, 2011
7:57 pm
sorry hakeem in the late 1st. you can usually always find good receivers in the 20’s. i.e roddy, percy harvin, kenny britt,
Underground Atlanta
May 2nd, 2011
7:58 pm
The Falcons ‘ swept ‘ Tampa last year and will do it again.
Norm Van Brocklin Fan Club
May 2nd, 2011
8:25 pm
Good work Head Coach Mike Smith, keep it up.
JKA
May 2nd, 2011
8:32 pm
So glad we have all these experts to tell us how worthless wide receivers are in pro football. This will be especially welcome news in Green Bay, who can now release slugs like Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson and James Jones, and just grab some kids tossing the ball around in the parking lot to play WR.
Personally, when a WR makes a great catch to win a game, I usually jump up and yell; I guess a lot of people just shake their heads and say, “we gave up too much to draft him”…..
Playmakers win football games, regardless of position. Every now and then you get lucky and find them later in the draft; but TD simply decided he wanted a better chance and to get one, and was confident his personnel department could find players in ways to replace the precious draft picks. As for those who say he should have drafted a DE/pass rusher, the Falcons felt only Von Miller was an impact play maker; and getting to #2 wouldn’t fly.
Of course, our expert friends have assured us that the Browns will be drafting the next Troy Aikman, Emmit Smith, Michael Irvin and DeMarcus Ware with these picks, so maybe we are in trouble…..
Josh
May 2nd, 2011
8:40 pm
Good article. Good points about Ryan’s pass yards per attempt. At first I was much more negative towards the trade. The more I think about it, the more I like it. However, like many people have already said, it all comes down to free agency for the defense. That will make more sense of this trade.
Emory Road
May 2nd, 2011
8:40 pm
… me is a Falcon, GT, UGA, and Georgia State Panther fan because I attented all three.
… graduated from Georgia State, Certificate from GT,
and went to too many party downs while a student in Athens.
honest_abe
May 2nd, 2011
9:28 pm
hey jka go check and see when all those packer receivers were drafted. it might surprise you.
DrJ
May 2nd, 2011
9:54 pm
I mentioned to Ryan that he build up his arm, eat protein…but he likes pasta better. They all raved about Flacco’s arm strength, but has it really helped him?
Ryan has a strong delivery to 30 yds, but after that it starts drifting. Can the conditioning coaches work on it, or is that all there is?
From what I saw, in the Packer’s game Rodgers was successful because we had zero rush up the middle, and until that is corrected….
X
May 2nd, 2011
11:20 pm
Why do these dumba$$e$ keep saying we gave up 5 picks? The Falcons gave up 4 picks ppl. A 2nd and 4th this year and a 1st and 4th next yr. And it wasn’t to much, you can’t move up 21 spots with back end picks! How bout don’t watch the Falcons play next year and go to Flowery Branch and apply for the GM job and make everything right! SMH!
G4tor
May 2nd, 2011
11:30 pm
I needed no convincing for me to like drafting Julio. I was hoping they would get him or A.J for months leading up to the draft…but I never thought it would come to fruition. I also had hoped we picked up #88 a couple of years back but thought that would never happen…but somehow, TD, Mr. Blank and Coach Smith pulled it off. I have all the confidence in the world with the front office.
MaxxFalcon
May 3rd, 2011
12:28 am
Love it Jeff. Love it more and mkore each day. What Gil Brandt had to say was right on the money. Great pick, genius move!
FaceTheNation
May 3rd, 2011
3:39 am
Cleveland should be greatly improved in the near future,assuming they use their draft picks wisely. It remains to be seen if Julio will help us to improve on our 13-3 record.
Take a look at the video of Dimitroff and Smitty explaining the value of the trade. Look at Smitty’s face while Dimitiroff attempt to excited the viewers. Smitty appears to be a lot less enthused about the announcement.
cwltank
May 3rd, 2011
6:40 am
Jenkins never ran over a 4.5 in the 40. The only similar thing about Jones & him is their size.
The Falcons have Jenkins locked up for a few years, so I can not down him. Julio will be a instant impact. I am shocked that everyone else does not see it. Instaed I only read critsism about our selection. How can he not help the team, we ranked 27th in passing. Everyteam knew they had to stop Turner to win. Now we have a deep threat, Turner will shine. Go Falcons!
Sheezy!!
May 3rd, 2011
8:20 am
Chris Ernest you are right, if those coordinators don’t open up those playbooks they will not do anything. The defense needs to play bump and run, not a zone. The offense needs to be more explosive, they should be able to run screen plays with those big blocking wide receivers.
mE
May 3rd, 2011
8:54 am
tiger7_88
May 2nd, 2011
7:09 pm
What the Falcons got with Julio Jones is… Michael Jenkins. Check out their college stats. Check out their measurables at their NFL combines. Check out their size. So similar its scary.
Oh… except for one thing. Julio Jones doesn’t catch the ball as well as Michael Jenkins.
So, basically, the Falcons got Michael Jenkins (when they already had Michael Jenkins) for two 1sts, a 2nd, and two 4th round draft picks.
What. A. Deal. Right?
What we all got after reading your post………a waste of time.
aprilglaspie
May 3rd, 2011
9:12 am
Just wait until Julio drops the first pass thrown right in his hands. Falcons fans will howl. It’s the nature of Atlanta sports fans.
Bluto
May 3rd, 2011
9:36 am
All of you are so brilliant, why where you not at the draft? This city is made up of the worst whiners I have ever seen. If your so d**n good at the draft maybe we have the wrong people leading the team! Get off your couch and go mow the lawn losers. TD knows exactly what he is doing.
Chubbyboy
May 3rd, 2011
9:56 am
Everyone is talking about the defense last year and how bad we were exposed by Rodgers and Brees…Let’s face it we would have needed to draft 2 shutdown corners and a shutdown nickel back in the 1st round to be able stop these two guys last year..Plus; we were in Rodgers face all night, he just eluded the rush or made the right decisions under pressure..
Only one defensive end has made the Pro Bowl that was drafted since 2007…Brian Orakpo from Washington…Defensive ends are just as much a risk as WR’s..I seem to recall a WR being drafted with the 27th pick (?) several years ago from UAB and he was considered a bust after his first year after dropping so many balls…Remember him??? Roddy White has now been to the Pro Bowl 3 consecutive years…
Jones doesn’t have to be the best thing since sliced bread in his first year…just good enough to be able to take pressure off of Roddy so he can see some single coverage.
The real pressure will be on Murlarky this season…if he doesn’t open up the offense for Ryan he will be out of a job next season…Was the pick a risk??? Absolutely!!!! Did we give up alot??? Absolutely!!! I trust the organization felt their pick @ 27 was going to give them that elite player to maybe get them a playoff win or a Super Bowl next season…TD and his staff have made this organization a consistent winner the past 3 regular seasons…They felt Jones was the player that would make them a playoff winner and maybe even a Super Bowl Champion…
ugaclassof2004
May 3rd, 2011
10:01 am
Jeff,
Worst case scenario Julio is a solid 2#. He won’t be a bust I can guarantee it. This move proves that the Falcons are transitioning to more of a passing team, going 60-40 passing instead of 60-40 running. Also, the Falcons are not that far off from being a Super Bowl contender. The nucleus is there, so we can afford to lose 1st round picks. The elite teams like New England know how to draft great role players in the later rounds. The Birds are never going to have an elite defense anyway, so why overspend in the first rounds? The loss to Green Bay illustrated the Falcons inability to score points in a hurry in a shoot out. Julio could be the X Factor that team needs to open up the passing attack.
Arthur Blank was embarrassed by that Green Bay loss, and Blank is an owner that is TIRED of being embarrassed. I take this move to mean that Blank is sending a message to Matty Ice saying ” You are now the leader of this team. We are giving you weapons to succeed, and now you are expected to carry this offense like a Drew Brees or a Peyton Manning. This crap where you disappear in big games or rely on the running game to bail you out is BS. You’re a 4th year QB on a team full of Pro Bowlers building for a Super Bowl push NOW. Deliver results and earn your guaranteed money, or we will find someone to do the job for you.”
JChikara
May 3rd, 2011
11:04 am
To all of the haters on this blog, let me ask you this: What would YOU have done? Do you honestly think JJ Watt, Adrian Clayborn, or even De’Quan Bowers would’ve made Atlanta’s pass rush into the Steel Curtain? That’s a smart idea, let’s wait two or three years for these guys to get their feet wet. In the meantime, Gonzalez retires, White gets a few years older, Turner is on the downside of his career, and Atlanta is still no closer to a Super Bowl title.
If you’re going to be dominant on one side of the field at the expense of the other (which seemed to work for the Colts and Packers) why not make this move?
realbirdofprey
May 3rd, 2011
11:36 am
Our defense was made for the falcons to have the lead if the falcons don’t have the lead then the defense doesn’t play very well
marcus
May 3rd, 2011
3:35 pm
with the money the falcons are going to have to give jones i wouldn’t want a first round pick next year they’ll still have they’re second and third and there will be talent there with the pick up of jones they souldn’t have to go O next year look at it like that
Gc
May 3rd, 2011
4:54 pm
There are many reasons to prove why JJ will be an instant offensive threat. At bama half the time he was hurt one of the injuries being his hand and he still put up numbers that are crazy for an injury like that. On top of that he was double teamed almost every play because the receivers he played with are easy match ups for any style of corner b/c they are tiny and slow. They only played because they were sure handed and could block. That being said a secondary coach could have a lot of options on defending JJ, but in The ATL we have RW and that will give any coach nightmares because you can no longer double team either JJ or RW. Julio will have an instant impact and falcons are by far the most dangerous offense in the NFC if not the NFL.
ronster9
May 3rd, 2011
8:22 pm
If you look at the evidence (stats) of the teams in the NFL last year, you’ll see that there’s generally an inverse relationship between PF (point for) and PA (points against). The teams that score the most usually have the least points scored against them. Conversely, the teams that allow the least points scored against them also tend to score the most.
The Falcons last year had a .813 winning percentage with 414 PF and 288 PA. the next place team in the South division, the Saints, has a .688 record with 384 PF and 307 PA; the Bucs had a .625 record with 341 PF and 318 PA; and the Panthers had a .125 record with 196 PF and 408 PA.
Given the evidence, the Falcons defense looks pretty good. Only the Bears, Packers, Steelers and Ravens allowed fewer PAs.
Football is as much a mental game of willpower as it is of physical power, perhaps more so.
If I can score more often than you, and also have a defense that can stop your offense often enough, I win the mental game and break your will. When that happens, the dam breaks and I score even more.
JJ will enable the Falcons to apply more offensive pressure – and that will, hopefully, serve to win the mental side of the game. If that happens, the defense will be even better.
ronster9
May 3rd, 2011
8:28 pm
In other words, JJ is the cherry on top of the Falcons’ Sunday.
Prime Time
May 4th, 2011
1:38 am
We need a corner bad. We are thin @ #3 & #4 corner positions. I just don’t know why you can’t draft 1 corner, but you get a RB when we are loaded at that position. I like the jones pick, but does anyone know how much longer Jenkins is under contract? I may be wrong, but I thought we resigned him recently.
LawDawg
May 5th, 2011
3:34 pm
I will give it a thumbs up if and only if they get a 4th round pick back next year by trading Jenkins (ok, maybe 6th or 7th) and they sign a quality free agent DE like Charles Johnson.