Falcons’ fixes (part 3): Sign Grimes, Lofton; balk on Abe
Brent Grimes has proven to be the best cornerback on Falcons' roster. (Johnny Crawford/AJC)
(This is the third in a series of blogs in which I’ll focus on some high-profile Falcons’ veterans and their respective uncertain future with the team.)
The Falcons might try to find some solace in the fact that they lost in the playoffs two straight years to the ultimate Super Bowl champion.But that somewhat falls into the lipstick-on-a-pig category. That defense would carry more weight if the team had played like a legitimate contender in the playoffs and not lost by lopsided scores of 48-21 (Green Bay) and 24-2 (New York).
In this corner in the past few weeks, we’ve focused on a few possible ways the Falcons can fix their roster. We debated the future of running back Michael Turner and whether his salary ($5 million) and his age (30) next season and signs of wear merited him being brought back.
We also focused on five high-profile acquisitions (two draft, three free agency) the front office has made and what direction to go with them. (Conclusions: Cut tackle Sam Baker and fullback Ovie Mughelli; keep Ray Edwards and Dunta Robinson; stall and assess defensive tackle Peria Jerry.)
Today’s topic is free agents. How the Falcons view their own free agents is the first step to setting their offseason strategy (free agency and draft). General manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith will prioritize their 17 players who are on the verge of hitting the open market. We’ll find out what their priorities are soon enough. Here’s mine:
• 1. Sign cornerback Brent Grimes: He is team’s best cornerback (Robinson’s salary notwithstanding). If it comes to this then the team must put the “franchise” tag on him. (That would guarantee Grimes a one-year contract at the average of the top five salaries cornerbacks in the league.) That’s the only leverage the Falcons have in negotiations. There’s also a chance Grimes’ age (29 in July) could dissuade some bidders from breaking the bank for him.
• 2. Sign middle linebacker Curtis Lofton: This will be an interesting decision because Mike Nolan’s defense seems to place more emphasis on defensive backs than linebackers. Lofton is solid. But as our Darryl Ledbetter pointed out, Lofton plays on third down and the Falcons’ third-down defense ranked only 29th. So if the team now considers him a first- and second-down player, that will factor into negotiations. Still he would be a huge loss.
• 3. Sign center Todd McClure: He’s wearing down and turns 35 in two weeks. But he can still play and the team doesn’t have a replacement, so it’s better to build around him next season. The offensive line is the biggest issue on the team but that’s not because of McClure.
That’s it for the top priorities. Here’s the next level down.
• Defensive end John Abraham: He is the Falcons’ best pass rusher but he’s strictly a situational player now. Keep him at a moderate price.
• Free safety Thomas DeCoud: He’s not good enough to be a starter (we’ve seen that) but he could be a solid depth guy in nickle- and dime- situations. Again, keep him if you can but he’s not worth blowing the budget over.
• Wide receiver Harry Douglas: He’s finally showing signs of getting back to full strength, but the fact remains he’s only the No. 3 receiver so he can only be paid like that. If other teams want to pay Douglas like a starter, the Falcons can’t match. Otherwise, he’s a keeper.
• Wide receiver Eric Weems: I put him on the same level as Douglas, the difference being that Weems returns kicks. It might come down to keeping only one or the other.
Bottom tier: Frankly, I don’t care what they do with these guys:
• Defensive end Kroy Biermann: He slid this season and isn’t the impact pass-rusher he used to be.
• Running back Jason Snelling: If Turner is released then I suppose Snelling’s role could increase. But otherwise, he’s a non-factor in this offense.
• Linebacker Mike Peterson: I love talking to this guy. Every player should have his passion for the game. I’m just not sure if he has anything left in the tank.
• Others: Kirk Chambers (tackle), Kelvin Hayden (cornerback), Reggie Kelly (tight end), Chris Redman (quarterback), Brett Romberg (guard-center), James Sanders (safety), Joe Zelenka (long snapper).
– PART 1: Michael Turner might have to be let go
– PART 2: Fixing 5 mistakes starts with Sam Baker
By Jeff Schultz
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242 comments Add your comment
JSS
February 7th, 2012
2:35 pm
And out come the “David” bloggers… Man, you haven’t scored two offensive TDs in your last 8 quarters of playoff football. Your special team and defense have scored 5 less points then the “7th most potent” offense… Your deflecting days are over!
Tmar09
February 7th, 2012
2:49 pm
Trade Turner for picks while he’s worth something (sorry its just business), keep Abe at reduced price, Edwards and Grimes you keep (no brainer considering cost of cutting them), resign Snelling (good hands, good blocker, QUALITY RB). AGGRESSIVELY pursue Oline in FA (Nicks would be good), Draft Mike Adams or Cordy Glenn OT in rd2, rd 3 Brandon Boykin, rd 5 would be good spot for another RB to platoon with Quizz and Snelling.
Eric C.
February 7th, 2012
4:02 pm
You have to keep Snelling…the guy is a tougher runner, a better receiver, and better blocker than Turner has been, or at least since the Saints game at the beginning of 2010.
I would give Biermann another shot. He had a down season, but he is only 26…very fast and athletic and scored higher on the wonderlic than Ryan.
Falcon Hardy
February 7th, 2012
4:20 pm
TD wasted so much money on these FA, HE won’t cut any a loose in order to save his own face. Hopefully with a new DC HE WILL DO A COMPLETE MAKE OVER AND STAY COMPETIVE!!!
sam
February 7th, 2012
4:42 pm
My thoughts? Keep all the young guys who still have upside (Lofton, Weems, Grimes, Snelling,DeCoud, Douglas, Beirman) and let go of the older guys who are on backside of their careers (Abe, Turner, Olvie, Peterson, McClure). We’ve all new coordinators coming in so we might as well build to last.
MaxxFalcon
February 7th, 2012
4:45 pm
I have to say something. you have Biermann as an “I don’t care if we sign him or not” player, but I have to disagree whole-heartedly here. Biermann is one of the best special teams players in the NFL, and he had his Defensive snaps reduced this past year because of that (and the arrival of a certain underachieving aspiring underwear model at his Defensive position). Using a “multiplicity” of formations Defensively, can you imagine this guy as a 3-4 OLB along w Sidbury? I certainly can. His versatility alone is very valuable, plus he could be a real impact player in Nolan’s Defense. Biermann is a keeper, especially because he won’t command a huge salary. I think letting him go would be a big mistake. We need all the help we can get rushing the passer and covering punts and kicks. I’m starting the campaign- Keep Biermann!!!
Walter Sheats
February 7th, 2012
4:50 pm
ok Harry can be a #3 and return kicks he did it before he was hurt so cut weems
Should have been cut Redman when he is in he does nothing
Turner plays when he wants too if he not running into teammates he trying to dance he too big for that
Grimes is our best CB but he is short keep him but get a good 3rd CB
I agree Bierman did as much or more than Edwards in less playing time
Snelling and Rogers them the 2
without Abraham then who going to rush passer at least when he is on field other teams pay him attention and it should free up Edwards
Decoud cant catch and he misses tackles at the wrong time
McClure is the best OL keep him at least 1-2 more years is the others who are the problem
Lofton is a keeper instead of blaming him work on his 3rd down abilities
but more important the starters are clearly capable but we need more key parts
I didnt like VanGorder at UGA and didnt think he deserved the job and as for the O blame the coordinator remember what he said after the Green Bay game when we was winning “I changed my play calling cuz i thought they would figure it out” you do it til they figure it out and I know what plays he calling and I dont understand it
Falcon Realist
February 7th, 2012
6:29 pm
Watch Lofton in the playoff game against the Giants. Watch the play where the receiver takes the ball to the house. Lofton was holding his _____ when the guy ran right past him.
Chop Buster
February 7th, 2012
6:52 pm
NO to Grimes – he’s a zone CB, a liability in this league against 6′2″+ WRs and TEs. Too small and gets manhandled.
NO to Decoud – still lost in a defense he’s played in three years straight. Too small and gets manhandled.
Lofton is a good run stopper, but is another liability in the passing game. Unless he can lose weight and increase his coverage ability he is at best a role player. He’s expendible.
Turner is constantly running in place and doesn’t have the footwork or presence of mind to break to the outside when the middle is clogged. He’s expendible.
The bottomline is this team needs to get bigger and stronger on both sides of the ball (OL & DL). We need to get rid of these H.S. built players in our secondary and bring in some 5′11″ or taller CBs with muscle and not might mouse.
I’m tired of seeing the Falcons get run over and manhandled by the bigger teams. This mindset of smaller, quicker players is just not going to work. It’s time to get some big boys on this team with the mindset of wrecking havoc on our opponents. These current players with the exception of one or two are just SOFT, SOFT, SOFT!
Arthur's $800 million stadium
February 7th, 2012
7:27 pm
arthur wants his new stadium soon, or he may move! Get the money to Arthur!
Get ricky
February 7th, 2012
7:28 pm
ricky williams needs some more money—get ricky to atl—they have top quality weed in the ATL and that all ricky need!
True Falcon Fan
February 7th, 2012
7:37 pm
Chop Buster 6:52 —- I like every comment you bring fourth! There was a time i.e., player size: Biggest — Fastest — Available was the mind-set —- however that was many years ago,,, try Dan Henning days… Even the wondorus “oz”, jss would agree – however we’ve never had the coaching staff to bring “IT” to the field. That said, i don’t know if Smitty and crew get the meaning of “Biggest, Fastest is the way to go??????????? I will state this as a “FACT” Jimmy Johnson knew “Biggest/Fastest” was a major part of the equation/formulas to winning!!!!!!!!!!!
True Falcon Fan
February 7th, 2012
7:39 pm
7:27 —– like it or not —- new nest will be outside ATL city limits —- be assured!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank GOD!
Greg
February 7th, 2012
7:42 pm
“Sign center Todd McClure: He’s wearing down and turns 35 in two weeks. But he can still play and the team doesn’t have a replacement, so it’s better to build around him next season. The offensive line is the biggest issue on the team but that’s not because of McClure.”
Why? Why re-sign an average center who can “still play”? We need to UPGRADE! Pardon me, but yours is the kind of attitude that has the team stuck where it is. You were also way too kind toward Dunte. Why on earth would we continue with him? Mediocrity City. Arthur, are you listening? we have to MOVE UP!!!
Anna Watson
February 7th, 2012
7:55 pm
No way you sign Grimes, when a small man gets injured you cut him, to pieces.
woodie
February 7th, 2012
8:01 pm
At what cost do you sign these no talent players to continue in mediocrity ?? Give them the moon Blank…lol !!!
True Falcon Fan
February 7th, 2012
8:29 pm
Come 2020 new stadium nest will in Gwinnette Cty., bet-on IT!!!!!!!! Maybe Buckhead “I hope” probably Gwinnette
panic fan
February 7th, 2012
8:31 pm
In reading all these post most are based on past 4 years and the schemes we used all that and 50 cents wont buy u a coke. We have new coaches with new schemes on both sides, we have good core players, we have overpaid older players, we have some that we see as poor inconsistant players all based on the past.Who the coaches choose to keep and bring in as F/A will determine if we can win a playoff game or get 1 yard when needed MOST FANS CANT SEE THE BIG PICTURE FOR ALL THEY SEE IS TREES, SO WHICH ONES DO YOU CUT AND WHICH ONES DO YOU LET GROW
Laughing out Loud
February 7th, 2012
8:32 pm
We was missin your sense of humur, Sonny Clusters. Figured you was on vacation in South Georgia enjoin cruising mainstreet and hangin out at the Dairy Queen. Welcome back with your insightful comments.
True Falcon Fan
February 7th, 2012
8:32 pm
All you want-a-bees in ATL —– what are you gonna do when the Falcons are out of ATL for “GOOD”!
That’s a expensive train ride from downtown ATL, to work for one day a week,,,,, “GOOD BYE”!!!!
True Falcon Fan
February 7th, 2012
8:37 pm
Where is ozone “oz” jss — i miss your obnoxious point of view, “You Drip”! Must be in SF or maybe LA, who cares
hobbler
February 7th, 2012
8:40 pm
Cut Decoud and release Owens. Those 2 moves improves the D ranking next year by 2 or 3 spots.
panic fan
February 7th, 2012
9:02 pm
PATRIOTS ROSTER
95 Anderson, Mark DE ACT 6′4″ 255 5/26/1983 6 Alabama
24 Arrington, Kyle CB ACT 5′10″ 196 8/12/1986 3 Hofstra
30 Barrett, Josh SS RES 6′2″ 225 11/22/1984 4 Arizona State
97 Brace, Ron DT ACT 6′3″ 330 12/18/1986 3 Boston College
12 Brady, Tom QB ACT 6′4″ 225 8/3/1977 12 Michigan
84 Branch, Deion WR ACT 5′9″ 195 7/18/1979 10 Louisville
31 Brown, Sergio FS ACT 6′2″ 210 5/22/1988 2 Notre Dame
61 Cannon, Marcus T ACT 6′5″ 358 5/6/1988 0 Texas Christian
93 Carter, Andre DE RES 6′4″ 255 5/12/1979 11 California
25 Chung, Patrick FS ACT 5′11″ 212 8/19/1987 3 Oregon
63 Connolly, Dan C ACT 6′4″ 313 9/2/1982 6 Southeast Missouri State
47 Cox, Christian LB RES 6′3″ 250 12/11/1985 0 Utah
96 Cunningham, Jermaine LB RES 6′3″ 260 4/24/1988 2 Florida
71 Deaderick, Brandon DE ACT 6′4″ 305 8/19/1987 2 Alabama
21 Dowling, Ras-I CB RES 6′1″ 198 5/9/1988 0 Virginia
11 Edelman, Julian WR ACT 5′10″ 198 5/22/1986 3 Kent State
94 Ellis, Shaun DE ACT 6′5″ 290 6/24/1977 12 Tennessee
33 Faulk, Kevin RB ACT 5′8″ 202 6/5/1976 13 LSU
52 Fletcher, Dane OLB ACT 6′2″ 244 9/14/1986 2 Montana State
3 Gostkowski, Stephen K ACT 6′1″ 215 1/28/1984 6 Memphis
42 Green-Ellis, BenJarvus RB ACT 5′11″ 215 7/2/1985 4 Mississippi
87 Gronkowski, Rob TE ACT 6′6″ 265 5/14/1989 2 Arizona
59 Guyton, Gary MLB ACT 6′3″ 245 11/14/1985 4 Georgia Tech
81 Hernandez, Aaron TE ACT 6′1″ 245 11/6/1989 2 Florida
69 Hix, Kyle OT RES 6′7″ 325 9/23/1988 0 Texas
8 Hoyer, Brian QB ACT 6′2″ 215 10/13/1985 3 Michigan State
44 Ihedigbo, James SS ACT 6′1″ 215 12/3/1983 5 Massachusetts
23 Jones, Nate FS ACT 5′10″ 185 6/15/1982 8 Rutgers
67 Koppen, Dan C RES 6′2″ 296 9/12/1979 9 Boston College
90 Koutouvides, Niko OLB ACT 6′2″ 238 3/25/1981 8 Purdue
72 Light, Matt T ACT 6′4″ 305 6/23/1978 11 Purdue
26 Lockett, Bret DB RES 6′1″ 220 10/7/1986 3 UCLA
74 Love, Kyle DT ACT 6′1″ 310 11/18/1986 2 Mississippi State
15 Mallett, Ryan QB ACT 6′6″ 238 6/5/1988 0 Arkansas
70 Mankins, Logan G ACT 6′4″ 310 3/10/1982 7 Fresno State
51 Mayo, Jerod MLB ACT 6′1″ 245 2/23/1986 4 Tennessee
32 McCourty, Devin CB ACT 5′10″ 193 8/13/1987 2 Rutgers
65 McDonald, Nick C ACT 6′4″ 305 6/27/1987 2 Grand Valley State
14 Mesko, Zoltan P ACT 6′5″ 231 3/16/1986 2 Michigan
27 Molden, Antwaun CB ACT 6′1″ 198 1/23/1985 4 Eastern Kentucky
29 Moore, Sterling FS ACT 5′10″ 190 2/3/1990 0 Southern Methodist
50 Ninkovich, Rob OLB ACT 6′2″ 255 2/1/1984 6 Purdue
85 Ochocinco, Chad WR ACT 6′1″ 192 1/9/1978 11 Oregon State
60 Ohrnberger, Rich OG RES 6′2″ 300 2/14/1986 3 Penn State
36 Polite, Lousaka RB ACT 6′0″ 245 9/14/1981 7 Pittsburgh
91 Pryor, Myron DT RES 6′1″ 310 6/13/1986 3 Kentucky
22 Ridley, Stevan RB ACT 5′11″ 225 1/27/1989 0 LSU
69 Silvestro, Alex DE ACT 6′3″ 267 11/15/1988 0 Rutgers
18 Slater, Matthew FS ACT 6′0″ 200 9/9/1985 4 UCLA
77 Solder, Nate T ACT 6′8″ 319 4/12/1988 0 Colorado
55 Spikes, Brandon OLB ACT 6′2″ 250 9/3/1987 2 Florida
53 Tarpinian, Jeff OLB RES 6′3″ 238 10/16/1987 0 Iowa
64 Thomas, Donald OG ACT 6′4″ 310 9/25/1985 4 Connecticut
34 Vereen, Shane RB ACT 5′9″ 205 3/2/1989 0 California
76 Vollmer, Sebastian OT ACT 6′8″ 315 7/10/1984 3 Houston
98 Warren, Gerard DT ACT 6′4″ 330 7/25/1978 11 Florida
54 Waters, Brian G ACT 6′3″ 320 2/18/1977 12 North Texas
83 Welker, Wes WR ACT 5′9″ 185 5/1/1981 8 Texas Tech
62 Wendell, Ryan C ACT 6′2″ 290 3/4/1986 3 Fresno State
58 White, Tracy OLB ACT 6′0″ 230 4/14/1981 9 Howard
75 Wilfork, Vince DT ACT 6′2″ 325 11/4/1981 8 Miami (Fla.)
41 Williams, Malcolm DB ACT 5′11″ 200 11/22/1987 0 Texas Christian
39 Woodhead, Danny RB ACT 5′8″ 195 1/25/1985 4 Chadron State
99 Wright, Mike DT RES 6′4″ 295 3/1/1982 7 Cincinnati
GIANTS ROSTER
78 Andrews, Stacy T RES 6′6″ 318 6/2/1981 9 Mississippi
96 Austin, Marvin DT RES 6′2″ 312 1/10/1989 0 North Carolina
64 Baas, David C ACT 6′4″ 312 9/28/1981 7 Michigan
85 Ballard, Jake TE ACT 6′6″ 275 12/21/1987 1 Ohio State
13 Barden, Ramses WR ACT 6′6″ 224 1/1/1986 3 Cal Poly-S.L.O.
65 Beatty, Will OT RES 6′6″ 319 3/2/1985 3 Connecticut
47 Beckum, Travis TE ACT 6′3″ 234 1/24/1987 3 Wisconsin
95 Bernard, Rocky DT ACT 6′3″ 301 4/19/1979 10 Texas A&M
93 Blackburn, Chase MLB ACT 6′3″ 247 6/10/1983 7 Akron
36 Blackmon, Will DB ACT 6′0″ 210 10/27/1984 6 Boston College
59 Boley, Michael OLB ACT 6′3″ 230 8/24/1982 7 Southern Mississippi
77 Boothe, Kevin C ACT 6′5″ 320 7/5/1983 6 Cornell
44 Bradshaw, Ahmad RB ACT 5′10″ 214 3/19/1986 5 Marshall
79 Brewer, James T ACT 6′6″ 330 12/23/1987 0 Indiana
99 Canty, Chris DT ACT 6′7″ 317 11/10/1982 7 Virginia
8 Carr, David QB ACT 6′3″ 212 7/21/1979 10 Fresno State
83 Clayton, Michael WR RES 6′3″ 202 10/13/1982 8 LSU
37 Coe, Michael DB RES 6′0″ 187 12/17/1983 4 Alabama State
63 Cordle, Jim C ACT 6′3″ 320 8/22/1987 1 Ohio State
80 Cruz, Victor WR ACT 6′0″ 204 11/11/1986 2 Massachusetts
51 DeOssie, Zak LS ACT 6′4″ 249 5/24/1984 5 Brown
66 Diehl, David G ACT 6′5″ 304 9/15/1980 9 Illinois
54 Goff, Jonathan LB RES 6′2″ 241 12/12/1985 4 Vanderbilt
34 Grant, Deon SS ACT 6′2″ 215 3/14/1979 12 Tennessee
58 Herzlich, Mark LB ACT 6′4″ 246 9/1/1987 0 Boston College
87 Hixon, Domenik WR RES 6′2″ 197 10/8/1984 6 Akron
45 Hynoski, Henry FB ACT 6′1″ 266 12/30/1988 0 Pittsburgh
27 Jacobs, Brandon RB ACT 6′4″ 264 7/6/1982 7 Southern Illinois
12 Jernigan, Jerrel WR ACT 5′8″ 189 6/14/1989 0 Troy
25 Johnson, Bruce DB RES 5′11″ 182 12/18/1987 3 Miami (Fla.)
35 Jones, Chad FS RES 6′2″ 221 10/5/1988 1 LSU
53 Jones, Greg MLB ACT 6′0″ 248 10/5/1988 0 Michigan State
97 Joseph, Linval DT ACT 6′4″ 323 10/10/1988 2 East Carolina
73 Kennedy, Jimmy DT ACT 6′4″ 302 11/15/1979 9 Penn State
94 Kiwanuka, Mathias OLB ACT 6′5″ 267 3/8/1983 6 Boston College
10 Manning, Eli QB ACT 6′4″ 218 1/3/1981 8 Mississippi
82 Manningham, Mario WR ACT 6′0″ 185 5/25/1986 4 Michigan
22 Martin, Derrick DB ACT 5′10″ 198 5/16/1985 5 Wyoming
67 McKenzie, Kareem T ACT 6′6″ 330 5/24/1979 11 Penn State
88 Nicks, Hakeem WR ACT 6′1″ 208 1/14/1988 3 North Carolina
Parker, Martin DT RES 6′2″ 303 2/27/1988 0 Richmond
86 Pascoe, Bear TE ACT 6′5″ 283 2/23/1986 3 Fresno State
55 Paysinger, Spencer LB ACT 6′2″ 236 6/28/1988 0 Oregon
62 Petrus, Mitch OG ACT 6′3″ 315 5/11/1987 2 Arkansas
21 Phillips, Kenny SS ACT 6′2″ 217 11/24/1986 4 Miami (Fla.)
90 Pierre-Paul, Jason DE ACT 6′5″ 278 1/1/1989 2 South Florida
26 Rolle, Antrel FS ACT 6′0″ 206 12/16/1982 6 Miami (Fla.)
31 Ross, Aaron CB ACT 6′0″ 190 9/15/1982 5 Texas
39 Sash, Tyler DB ACT 6′0″ 215 5/27/1988 0 Iowa
33 Scott, Da’Rel RB ACT 5′11″ 210 5/26/1988 0 Maryland
52 Sintim, Clint LB RES 6′3″ 246 2/21/1986 3 Virginia
76 Snee, Chris G ACT 6′3″ 305 1/18/1982 8 Boston College
15 Thomas, Devin WR ACT 6′2″ 221 11/15/1986 4 Michigan State
24 Thomas, Terrell DB RES 6′0″ 191 1/8/1985 4 USC
71 Tollefson, Dave DE ACT 6′4″ 266 7/10/1982 5 Northwest Missouri State
69 Trattou, Justin DE ACT 6′4″ 255 8/28/1988 0 Florida
30 Tryon, Justin DB RES 5′9″ 183 5/29/1984 4 Arizona State
91 Tuck, Justin DE ACT 6′5″ 268 3/29/1983 7 Notre Dame
9 Tynes, Lawrence K ACT 6′1″ 194 5/3/1978 8 Troy
70 Ugoh, Tony G ACT 6′5″ 301 11/17/1983 5 Arkansas
72 Umenyiora, Osi DE ACT 6′3″ 255 11/16/1981 9 Troy
28 Ware, D.J. RB ACT 6′0″ 225 2/18/1985 5 Georgia
5 Weatherford, Steve P ACT 6′2″ 211 12/17/1982 7 Illinois
23 Webster, Corey CB ACT 6′0″ 200 3/2/1982 7 LSU
57 Williams, Jacquian MLB ACT 6′2″ 224 7/20/1988 0 South Florida
29 Witherspoon, Brian DB RES 5′10″ 180 6/5/1985 3 Stillman
look at these 2 teams roster make up and you will see why they made it to the big dance this year its not just 1 PLAYER OR 1 COACH ITS A COMPLETE TEAM ,BUT 1 DROP OR BAD THROW AND YOU WILL GET BEAT so what is it we lack to make our team like these posted above
What happened to Wilson Faumuina?
February 7th, 2012
9:54 pm
Me? I’d sign Snelling, let Turner go. He’s gotten slower every year, and they keep trying to get him outside..BUT the new OC might have a better use in mind. I still think I’d have to go with Snelling….he
has always seemed hungrier.
We need to rebuild the OL, probably through free agency so it’ll be quicker…
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 7th, 2012
10:41 pm
When is CHOKE a.k.a. Manning II getting that new contract?
HA HA HA
tyger
February 8th, 2012
12:50 am
Waste of ad space, if you aint talking Matty Slice, shut up!
nique
February 8th, 2012
1:51 am
Heard Marcus McNiel is gonna get cut by the Chargers, I played middle school ball with & played against him while he was at Cedar Grove in Atl, it would be good to see him come home in a Falcons Uni & help us Solidify our O-Line. LT Marcus McNeill is expected to be waived before March 13, the date his $10 million salary for 2012 would become guaranteed, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. He’s 28 & has been to two prow bowl’s, i say its a no brainer, he’s coming off of IR, but the way our O-Line played, its worth the risk! espcially with no # 1 pick
TRIGG
February 8th, 2012
3:06 am
You guys dont pay attention to your team! Grimes replacement is already on this team. Corner back out of Notre Dame! Lofton is a liability in pass coverage & he doesn’t blitz well but he’s a great run passer so with that said, Tag him them trade him! PEACE
TRIGG
February 8th, 2012
3:07 am
* then
DC Dirty Bird
February 8th, 2012
6:39 am
Someone please explain to me why we are focusing on Lofton’s pass coverage ability…particularly in the soft zone we played under Van Gorder. I’ll say this again, the defensive roster has to be evaluated based on how they project in Mike Nolan’s system.
Pete E. Tong
February 8th, 2012
7:02 am
Project Nolan’s system? Has the past not been completely indicative of that?
If he institutes some 3-4 schemes, wow. Lofton, Weatherspoon, Nicholas, and a maturing Akeem Dent? Just wow. The potential. Maybe we keep Peterson? Even better.
We absolutely need Robert Mathis. Mathis, Edwards, and Babineaux would be quite the line. People critical of Ray Edwards point to his success at the ability of Jared Allen to command additional coverage, don’t you think Mathis would do the same? I do.
Resigning Lofton and adding Robert Mathis would make this a top 10 defense, EASILY.
DC Dirty Bird
February 8th, 2012
7:21 am
Pete,
Given that Nolan has gone on record that we’ll keep the 4-3 defensive scheme, I’m not sure Mathis is a good fit for us. I do however think that Ray Edwards will be more productive under Nolan.
Abraham presents the most difficult decision. I’m not sure that he leaves at this point in his career. We just have to be careful with the salary.
As far as Grimes is concerned, given that Dunta is a lock to start, is the difference between Franks and Grimes worth 6 million dollars a year for the next 3 years?
For the Bierman fans, does Bierman have more value than Matthews, Sidbury, and the draft pick (hopefully Chandler Jones)?
Pete E. Tong
February 8th, 2012
2:19 pm
Why wouldn’t Mathis fit? He’s performed exceptionally well in both a 3-4 and 4-3. His price tag won’t be much more than what we are already paying Abraham.
bobby
February 8th, 2012
6:10 pm
MR.SCHULTZ
THE FALCONS CAN NOT RESIGN MCCLURE OR LOFTON. THE ONLY ONE OUT THREE I WOULD RESIGN IS BRENT GRIMES.
LOFTON
THE FALCONS WILL BE A FOOL TO OVERPAY FOR A TWO DOWN LINEBACKER MR.SCHULTZ WHO CAN”T COVER, CAN’T RUN, CAN’T MOVE SIDE TO SIDE, OR MAKE GAME CHANGING PLAYS.
MCCLURE
MCCLURE IS PAST HIS PRIME AND TO ME HAS NEVER BEEN THAT GOOD AND HE IS UNDERSIZED AND LIMITED WITH HIS SPEED AND QUICKNESS. HE HAS ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ELITE AND BEST DEFENSIVE TACKLES IN THE NFL.
GRIMES
HE IS A GOOD PLAYER AND THE ONLY REASON I WOULD’NT RESIGN HIM IS THE FALCONS FIND A CORNER WHO IS BIGGER, STRONGER, AND A BETTER PLAYER.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 9th, 2012
9:30 am
Why can’t the greatest qb in Falcants history get a new contract?
HA HA HA
sainthiram
February 10th, 2012
3:15 pm
maybe they are basing it on playoff wins which means they don’t know what to do !
JSS
February 11th, 2012
6:37 am
“Must be in SF or maybe LA, who cares”
No, I’m in Ixtapa, Mexico on vacation… You must care, I had just posted at 2:35. You are a tool (and not a sharp one)… Gwinnett? You are good for a laugh… Don’t let the 4 years of Rich McKay having taken the Gwinnett/DeKalb Falcons off the table get in the way of some blog logic… Enjoy the cold!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 11th, 2012
11:43 am
Why hasn’t CHOKE gotten that new contract?
HA HA HA
hbcuclassics
February 11th, 2012
11:14 pm
Albany State Golden Rams’
QB, Stanley Jennings, DB Rashad McRae, LB Jamarkus Gaskins
http://hbcuclassics.com/hbcu_showcase
rickey tarver
February 13th, 2012
2:16 am
Really? Really? Let Abe Go? Is that something else motivating such a assinine statement? Then who will apply pressure on Defense? Teams game plan for Abe, and if he had any help he would probably have a 20+ sack year. Grimes is a winner, a certain blue chipper, A potential Proven All-Star. The problem is that great hope of a QB who CANNOT Win a big game and chokes at the presence of pressure. Top notch recievers with nobody to get them the ball. The world knows who can’t throw the 20-30 yarder down field with any accuracy. Who is indecisive, and lacks any heart to stand in the pocket and take a hit while delivering the ball on big downs. It’s not Turner, not Abe, not Grimes, Nicholas or any name you would like to throw out. We all know who and where the problem is. If we could score points the defense could do thier part. I will bet the players know who hurts the team????????
If Falcons lose Grimes and Abraham, how about Mathis? | Jeff Schultz
February 13th, 2012
11:49 am
[...] the Falcons,” I referenced their 17 impending unrestricted free agents and suggested that the top priority should be re-signing cornerback Brent Grimes. I had defensive end John Abraham slotted fourth, behind Grimes, linebacker Curtis Lofton and [...]
New Orleans Saints: Top News and Video Clips
February 13th, 2012
12:59 pm
[...] the Falcons,” I referenced their 17 impending unrestricted free agents and suggested that the top priority should be re-signing cornerback Brent Grimes. I had defensive end John Abraham slotted fourth, behind Grimes, linebacker Curtis Lofton and [...]