Video blog: On Brent Grimes, Falcons’ offense, early picks

Two important Falcons: Julio Jones (left) and Brent Grimes (who has been lost for season with a torn Achilles). (AP photo)

Earlier today, I spoke with CineSports’ Noah Coslov about the Falcons’ big win in Kansas City and the pyrotechnics going on with Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and the team’s new aggressive offensive scheme. Then, of course, the news broke later in the day about cornerback Brent Grimes being lost for the season with a torn Achilles.

So, before we get to the video, a few words about Grimes. This has to be devastating for him personally, not just the Falcons. A torn Achilles is a difficult injury to come back from, particularly for a smallish cornerback who relies so much on his speed and leaping ability.

Grimes, remember, could not come to an agreement with the Falcons on a multi-year contract, so he ultimately took the only other option available: He signed the $10.431 million franchise tender. I know nobody is going to cry for an athlete making that much money, but this is why NFL players hate the process of tendering. Grimes has no security beyond this season, and his market value obviously will be much lower than if he had played a full season and was effective in doing so.

The Falcons, meanwhile, just lost their best cover cornerback. Dunta Robinson is aggressive and physical but gets beat. Asante Samuel was a terrific addition but he gambles and also can get burned, though he makes big plays. The issue is that the Falcons really needed all three because they had planned to play so much nickel defense this season under coordinator Mike Nolan. The assumption here is that general manager Thomas Dimitroff will find another defensive back on the street but it won’t be a starting caliber player. Certainly, it’s not great timing with the Falcons facing Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos next Monday night.

Now, onto more positive developments on the team: The offense and Sunday’s 40-24 win over Kansas City.

Also, Noah and I make some early picks for three college games this week. For me, think: Taking candy from a baby.

By Jeff Schultz

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