The football world according to Thomas Dimitroff, ace GM
We Atlantans didn’t know Thomas Dimitroff from Terdell Middleton when he arrived 14 months ago, and his new employer knew him only slightly. (Remember the job interview via webcam?) But by now we should have grasped what Dimitroff is doing with the Falcons and why he’s doing it. And if for some reason you haven’t caught on to the TD Method, here’s a crash course.
He prefers the draft to free agency. It’s cheaper – “More cost-effective,” Dimitroff said Monday – and more easily controlled. A club is at the mercy of the marketplace when it comes to hiring veterans, but the draft is “a way of putting your team together in the style of play and with the kind of players you want.” Meaning: If you have cause to believe a guy won’t fit, draft somebody else.
He views free agency only as an opportunity for surgical strikes. Michael Turner was exactly what the Falcons needed — a big back who could control the clock and take the pressure off a quarterback — and Dimitroff signed him. Nobody among this free agency class fits a similar glaring need. That doesn’t mean Dimitroff will never pursue another; it means only that he’ll be exactingly picky. It will be a major shock if the Falcons sign a big-name free agent before 2010, if then.
He prefers young to old. Younger means faster. Younger means more malleable. Younger often means hungrier. Of the four veterans the Falcons have just shed — Michael Boley, Keith Brooking, Domonique Foxworth and Lawyer Milloy — not one was lost by accident or oversight. Each case was a considered Dimitroff decision. Not one of the four was seen as irreplaceable.
He says what he means. Two days after the Falcons’ playoff loss in Phoenix, Dimitroff said, “Our [personnel] decisions will not be driven by emotion.” This meant he wasn’t going to lop Brooking simply because the linebacker whiffed on third-and-16, but neither were the Dimitroff-run Falcons going to keep a player just because he’s a nice guy. This is a business he’s in Flowery Branch, not a boys’ club.
He has two watchwords — “urgency” and “consistency.” Asked to define the former, Dimitroff said: “Someone who’s incredibly focused on the task at hand and who’s flying around the football field with controlled reckless abandon; someone who perceives every play as the most important. I know it’s an idealistic approach, but urgency is what will allow us to make that interception or pick up that ball that’s rolling on the ground.”
He and his head coach are of like minds. Indeed, that’s why Dimitroff — who didn’t know Mike Smith before he interviewed him for the Falcons’ job — recommended he be hired. “We’re quite congruent in our approach,” Dimitroff said. “We see through similar lenses. It’s settling for Mike and me to know that we perceive the building process the same way.” To wit: Smith sees tackles as the core of any defense, and so does Dimitroff.
He has a scout’s eye and a GM’s global view. Dimitroff chose to address the offense in his draft not just because he liked the cut of Matt Ryan’s jib but because he knew, from being on the road all those years, the 2009 draft would be heavier in defenders.
He’s the smartest general manager the Falcons have ever had. It sounds like a backhanded compliment, along the lines of being proclaimed the finest yachtsman in all of Kansas. It’s meant, however, with the deepest sincerity. Dimitroff would be the smartest GM a lot of teams have ever had. After 14 months and an 11-5 season, he has earned the ultimate affirmation: If this team makes a move, we see it as a shrewd one. Because it’s a Dimitroff move.
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143 comments Add your comment
country boy
March 2nd, 2009
5:24 pm
Good article MB. As I have said before if Dimitroff uses our first round draft choice to select a punter from Southeast Louisiana Poly State Tech then I’m on board. So far he has made very good decisions for Falcons with the draft and free agency. I chuckle at silly bloggers who post who they think we need to draft or sign.
T-Bone
March 2nd, 2009
5:26 pm
Mark, I couldn’t agree more. He’s what Scheurholz (sp.?) was to the Braves in the early 90s, though with different methods.
Now he just needs a different hair style. It looks like his barber used a weedeater!
Mark Bradley
March 2nd, 2009
5:27 pm
Thanks, Country Boy. I’m sure Dimitroff will make a bad choice at some point in his career. But he hasn’t yet.
Mark Bradley
March 2nd, 2009
5:29 pm
Interesting you mention Schuerholz, T-Bone, because as I typed that last response I was thinking what I used to say about John S.: I waited 17 years for him to make a lousy move so I could tweak him about it, and he never quite did. (Although I gleefully tweak him about Albie Lopez to this day.
hawesg
March 2nd, 2009
5:33 pm
Try the Teixiera trade if you want to tweak Schuerholz. I understand his philosophy, but I thought they wanted to keep Foxworth. Since he left, wouldn’t it make sense to fill a yawning gap at CB? You can’t fake it out there on an island with Steve Smith.
Meanwhile...a return to form?
March 2nd, 2009
5:34 pm
“…because he liked the cut of Matt Ryan’s jib” Such a nice turn of the phrase Mark. Are we returning to the halcyon days of “185 lbs. of whipcord and steel”? And then to keep the theme going with “…along the lines of being proclaimed the finest yachtsman in all of Kansas.”
Of course you could have used the term “jettison” for shed, when it came to the players who have left
Mark Bradley
March 2nd, 2009
5:37 pm
I could have, but I was trying to simplify.
I should note here that Dimitroff used the word “discursive” in our conversation today. He is, as you might have heard, a bright guy.
And the whipcord and steel thing? I’m positive that was someone else. My money’s on Hummer.
Mac
March 2nd, 2009
5:43 pm
Terdell Middleton. Funny. Or Elvis Peacock or Eric Hipple.
You nailed TD. We’re fortunate to have him and Mike Smith. Thanks, Arthur.
Mac
March 2nd, 2009
5:45 pm
Shed is way underused. It’s a great word. Hope it doesn’t become popular. It’s cooly old school.
Mark Bradley
March 2nd, 2009
5:51 pm
Thanks, Mac. Fair Hooker would also rank high on any list of all-time NFL names.
As for “shed”: In certain parts of Kentucky, to “get shed” of something is to get rid of it. Then again, in certain parts of Kentucky — and I am, as we know, a native Kentuckian — those little sausages you buy at Winn Dixie are known as “VIE-eeny” sausages.
Atljbo
March 2nd, 2009
6:02 pm
Great article Mark Bradley…. By the way…. 6′5 275lbs DE Mike Montgomery (Packers) will visit with the Falcons this week..
http://atl.scout.com/a.z?s=122&p=2&c=843706
ninja
March 2nd, 2009
6:10 pm
I think that we can trust in Mr. Dimitroff. I feel very confident in our franchise finally puting together 2 back to back winning seasons. But I wanted to put a feeler out there about Jason Taylor. He is now a free agent, can we get him at a bargain price to play opposite Abraham? Interested in what my fellow fans think.
ninja
March 2nd, 2009
6:11 pm
Enter your comments here
Meanwhile...you can't beat a good vocabulary
March 2nd, 2009
6:21 pm
Yes, one does get the feeling that if Dimitroff threw out “discursive” in conversation, it was in regard to his thought process, and not recounting his struggles with penmanship in grammar school.
Any chance the Cassel trade came up in your conversation?
Since his former colleague Belichick seems to be in such a generous mood when it comes to former colleagues, is there any chance he’ll try a Scott Pioli, and offer a second round pick for say, Adalius Thomas?
Jt
March 2nd, 2009
6:23 pm
I must confess that I thought Petrino was a great hire at the time, BUT I think the Falcons are in the right hands. Mistakes are going to be made-they are only human. But, I think the philosophy they embrace is SOUND!!!! And they clearly have a plan and at first impression- they certainly seem to be on the mark- I’m in!!!
Atlanta Falcons Talk » Blog Archive » The football world according to Thomas Dimitroff, ace GM
March 2nd, 2009
6:24 pm
[...] Link [...]
Mark Bradley
March 2nd, 2009
6:26 pm
The Cassel trade did not come up. And I thought about making the same — or at least a similar — “discursive” joke as you, Meanwhile. And I was reminded of the time I was studying literature and Euripides came up, and my lit-loving dentist dad said, “Euripides pants and I’ll break your jaw.”
willie
March 2nd, 2009
6:37 pm
Mark, do you think all that some of the reason we have let all of these guys go (Brook, Milloy, Boley, Foxworth, etc.) is because T.D. is hoping for some compensatory picks next year? Do you think that is factoring in?
TheManMike
March 2nd, 2009
6:38 pm
MarkB –
Swell blog today. The article is refreshing in a time when soo many teams are making moves yet we are only dropping people; but as point out, its all part of the process. Over time, it works. Its exciting to have that type of leadership here in Atlanta, we should be grateful……well – let me hold that statement a few years yet….
I honestly feel many people who are frustrated, are forgetting that the team has many players NOT on the field. Players that are being groomed – Stephen Nicolas, Trey Lewis, Chevis Jackson, David Irons. I really think these guys have the moxie to start. Draft is merely a way to get youthful guys to learn the system and work hard to earn that spot.
Bring on the Draft!
Mark Bradley
March 2nd, 2009
6:44 pm
Thanks, Mike. And you’re right — sometimes the best move is to wait and let the players under contract develop.
And Willie: Yes, I absolutely do believe that. Giving a GM more draft picks is like handing him the keys to a Bentley. (Not to be confused with LaCharles Bentley.)
NRBQ
March 2nd, 2009
6:48 pm
Re: that photo.
Sure that isn’t Sean Penn?
And in Georgia, we get “shut of” things that lose their usefulness/charm (or at least we used to).
TheAntiMe
March 2nd, 2009
6:58 pm
I know that we’re all used to the one good – one bad year cycle for the Birds, but, as much progress as was made in the past year, I really can’t wait till 2011. By then, TD should have this team in very tall cotton.
Meanwhile...revisiting the classics
March 2nd, 2009
7:08 pm
Re: “Euripides these pants…”. I actually LOL, something I have never done with Junior Samples, by the way.
And the keys to the Bentley analogy is apt when it comes to draft picks, especially considering who we are giving the keys to. Detroit handed the keys to the Bentley to Matt Millen for years, and all he did was treat it worse than Mike Tyson used to treat his Bentleys when they were getting “discursive” with sidewalks and trees.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 2nd, 2009
7:10 pm
“After 14 months and an 11-5 season, he has earned the ultimate affirmation: If this team makes a move, we see it as a shrewd one. Because it’s a Dimitroff move.”
When you follow Rich McKay, you probably only have to go 8-8 to earn this “ultimate affirmation”.
But he has done a good job so far as the GM of the Falcons.
Cameron
March 2nd, 2009
7:10 pm
I have been waiting to hear something about what the Falcons are doing in free agency. I have also been waiting for someone employed by the AJC, not named DOB, Sekou Smith, Chip Towers, or Carrol Rogers, to write something decent on here. Both are accomplished with this article. Please ban Terrance Moore from online. I don’t read the paper. Nice job Mark.
cutter
March 2nd, 2009
7:12 pm
MarkB can you comment on Atlanta’s chances of moving Erik Coleman to SS and starting Thomas Decoud at FS.
Old Dawg
March 2nd, 2009
7:18 pm
Good piece, Mark. With the current management team it’s obvious the Falcons are in good hands. Aside from continuing to upgrade the players, I really wish Atlanta would go back to the Glanville-era uniforms — they fit the current smash-mouth orientation!
Falcons now a good ole boy team& loser
March 2nd, 2009
7:23 pm
The Falcon will not get any good free agents because they are going to take a hit on Vick contact. This why they should keep Vick. If golden boy (Matt Ryan)
goes down they have no QB that can win. But for Vick sake I hope he goes to the 49er that is the coach he has always needed after Dan Reeses left. Golden Boy will not have a good year this year watch and see. He will be below 500 this year.
And for the other golden GM his luck has run out Rick McKay all over again!He got lucky in 2008 watch 2009 loser!!! you better get defensive player loser!
jimmy a
March 2nd, 2009
7:25 pm
just to remimber stay away from FRANK WREN ty
Big Ray
March 2nd, 2009
7:30 pm
” To wit: Smith sees tackles as the core of any defense, and so does Dimitroff.”
That says it all, to me….
Cro25
March 2nd, 2009
7:36 pm
Great article Mark. I love the Terdell Middleton reference!
turkey
March 2nd, 2009
7:41 pm
Dimitroff treats the Falcons as a business which is what it is. Now if he can pull off a spectuar trade for Vick?
Dan
March 2nd, 2009
7:51 pm
Still would like to see the money that was freed up from Brooking, Malloy, Boley and Foxworth be used on young veterns like Safety Sean Jones, CB Bryant McFadden, DT Shaun Cody and DT Dewayne Robertson and then concetrate on LB and TE and offensive line debth in the draft?
NiteOwl
March 2nd, 2009
7:53 pm
Mark, great article. I like the way you put things in perspective.
To piggy-back on turkey’s point (now I’m getting hungry) re: trading Vick, do NFL teams ever pay part of a traded player’s contract as baseball teams sometimes do?
I thought I read the cap charge was the same whether we trade him or release him.
CJW80
March 2nd, 2009
8:00 pm
Great article, and we only had one falcon hating, vick loving blogger to boot. By next week when free agency calms down , we will sign some solid hungry football players who still care and want to show what they can do, This week is about selfish older vetrans who just want to be paid, no real loyalty or hunger.
Ed from Woodstock
March 2nd, 2009
8:09 pm
Dimitroff certainly had a great first year where all his moves were on target, but please let’s wait a few years to say he’s one of the best GM’s ever. Everyone will be crapping on him if we go 6-10 next year.
I do hope we finally break that record, and I do love the direction the Falcons are headed with the the new coaches and GM. Arthur deserves back to back winning seasons!
D3
March 2nd, 2009
8:28 pm
Great article MB! Definitely agree that the Falcons are good hands with TD. Tons of people in Atlanta skewered his moves last year, from over-paying Michael Turner & drafting Matt Ryan over Glenn Dorsey to drafting Sam Baker and Kroy Biermann.
His signings last year (Turner, Hartsock, Coleman) all turned out pretty well. A lot of people forget about Von Hutchins as well, who can either come back to compete for the open CB spot with Chevis Jackson, who played pretty well. I don’t think CB is a big a concern as others have mentioned.
I really hope we do go after Sean Jones or Jermaine Phillips. It would be a nice pick-up for ability and leadership in the secondary. The question is: what are their plans with Jamaal Anderson?
Adam
March 2nd, 2009
8:42 pm
Mark – I’m a big fan of what the Falcons did last year and the approach and philosophy TD has brought to the organization, but let’s temper our enthusiasm just a little bit. It was one season, one great season yes, but come on, he still has a lot to prove before getting so much acclaim.
One person actually compared Dimitroff to Schuerholz – seriously! Hell we haven’t even had back-to-back winning seasons yet, much less fourteen division titles and a Super Bowl.
Don’t get me wrong… I am so pleased that Arthur has started trying to run this organization like Dan Rooney instead of Dan Snyder, but there is still a lot to prove.
And TheManMike, you’re right on. I really would like to see Stephen Nicholas and Trey Lewis get a shot on this team. Honestly, I would love to see one quality (non-big name) free agent, like Jermaine Phillips, and a solid draft and I’ll be happy for 2009.
Let’s see what TD does and hope he can keep the magic going from last year.
roman88
March 2nd, 2009
8:50 pm
don’t forget the infamous tennessee qb jim bob cooter
Mark Bradley
March 2nd, 2009
8:57 pm
Thanks for the kind words, folks. As for Erik Coleman — it’s my understanding the Falcons prefer him at strong safety. As for Stephen Nicholas and Trey Lewis — both figure in the team’s plans. As for Jamaal Anderson — there’s a chance he could move inside (to DT) to stay.
I believe that’s correct about Vick’s contract. But I’d surprised if the team gets much in trade for him. Not much demand at the moment.
Ken White
March 2nd, 2009
8:59 pm
Mark, really good article. Very well articulated, structured and communicated. Agree with you on all parts. TD has done a very good job and there is no reason we shouldn’t trust him.
Flappin' Falcon
March 2nd, 2009
9:12 pm
Me like article. It very good.
C’mon, guys. Bradley turns a couple of clever phrases and every English Lit Major in Atlanta who likes the Falcons comes out of the wood work.
Actually it’s nice to see positive bloggers who use proper grammar.
hollywould
March 2nd, 2009
9:19 pm
Good job Mark but let’s not go crazy. One Year(and to be honest the easiest schedule in the league). Don’t get me wrong/I am a STH since the Dome opened. You lose Boley, Brooking, Antonio Smith doesn’t even show. I am a little worried.
nola dawg
March 2nd, 2009
9:43 pm
Great article Mark and good discussion. One thing to ponder… I think Blank made a GREAT move by leaving McKay as President. We all know that Dimitroff’s strength is… talent evaluation and scouting. As an administrator he no doubt was green. We all know how office politics work (maybe even at the AJC?!)… leaving McKay to handle the bureaucracy was a VERY smart move.
Eventually I could see TD doing more and taking over that role too, but for now, let the man work…go get a TE, DT and LB in the draft sir!
Mark Bradley
March 2nd, 2009
9:53 pm
Thanks, Ken. Thanks, Flappin’. Thanks, Hollywould.
And Nola, I’d agree with your premise: The Falcons like their front office as constituted. If McKay should leave, they’d have a choice to make — do they bring in another president/exec type, or do they add to Dimitroff’s responsibilities? Right now, I’d bet on the former.
Classic/classical Italian tailor joke
March 2nd, 2009
10:19 pm
In ancient Rome, a dialogue between a tailor and his customer, both educated in the classical tradition of Greek tragedy. Customer hands a pair of ripped pants to tailor.
Tailor: Euripides?
Customer: Eumenides?
Patrick
March 2nd, 2009
10:24 pm
Mark, if he is able to find a suitor for Vick in any form or fashion, he deserves GM of the millennium, no matter what he has to do. I don’t care if he has to pay half of his salary, half is still better than having his dead weight contract on our books.
Oh, and great article. I totally and absolutely agree. I really liked the hiring last year, and he’s done nothing but impress me.
Mark Bradley
March 2nd, 2009
10:28 pm
Thanks, Patrick.
And in two blogs today — Bradley’s Buzz and this one — we’ve covered everything from socialism to Greek tragedy. A full day, I’d say.
Here’s the Buzz, just in case you missed it:
http://tinyurl.com/bqtywv
Joe Schmukatelli
March 2nd, 2009
10:30 pm
Mark, I generally agree with your thoughts about Dimitroff. But I think it’s too early to lavish too much praise. Defense was the worse side of the ball last year and he just dumped most of the key starters. It will be interesting to see how he replaces them with better players.
PlusSizeModel
March 2nd, 2009
10:31 pm
Call me crazy, but we might want to give this cat more than one year before we assess how good he is.
Mark Bradley
March 2nd, 2009
10:33 pm
Now why do y’all have to go and get all logical on me?
PlusSizeModel
March 2nd, 2009
10:35 pm
“…but urgency is what will allow us to make that interception or pick up that ball that’s rolling on the ground.”
Great, now even the GM doesn’t expect the player to simply fall on the ball instead of trying to get on Sportscenter! Next thing you’re going to tell me is the powers in Washington will spend insanely and raise taxes to soften a recession.
PlusSizeModel
March 2nd, 2009
10:37 pm
But nice column, FM. You almost have me convinced.
Mark Bradley
March 2nd, 2009
10:39 pm
Thanks, PlusSize.
But I probably should, in the interest of full disclosure, mention that I once was sold on Bobby Petrino. And I used to think Paul Hewitt was the next great coach.
Mitun
March 2nd, 2009
10:54 pm
I love of what Dimitroff is doing with organization but I believed we should have kept Boley, and Foxworth. I do have trust in him but I do believe that he should have gotten some big name players cause look at our schedule for the 09 season especially our road games that is tough.
James
March 2nd, 2009
11:09 pm
Question –
Regarding the shared belief between TD and MS that tackles are the key to a defense, does that mean defensive tackles serve as an anchor of a defense or that all defensive players must possess the ability to make tackles? The phrasing is ambiguous.
fordcobra
March 2nd, 2009
11:23 pm
Great article Mark, quite refreshing I would say. I think here in Middle Georgia we have some of the same pronunciations as Kaintuckians or at least similar. One thing though I seriously hope all of the flowers being handed out to TD don’t get thrown in the trash if the Falcons don’t exceed last years performance.
Blessings and Keep Up the informative articles.
spotts
March 2nd, 2009
11:48 pm
From the looks of that picture, it looks like TD is working on his Arthur Blank impersonation.
nww001
March 3rd, 2009
12:26 am
when you say he sees tackles as the key to any defense, do you mean the action of good tackling or nose/under tackles.
renegade
March 3rd, 2009
2:34 am
Why Mark Bradley you old hickabilly.You shore went and pulled some big ole words out of yore worm can. I jus hope all of yore under eggiecated fans unnerstan whut was bean red two um. Really though good article Mark keep laying it out there we know what your talking about most of the time.And if we dont we can get one of those G.T. graduates to splane it to us; after they get back from the lieberry.
Sage of Bluesland
March 3rd, 2009
6:06 am
Before you throw the ticker-tape parade, remember that every ‘new’ Falcons coach since Glanville went to the playoffs in either their first or second season–only to have the wheels fall completely off (Petrino excluded).
Am I saying that the Smith/Dimitroff tandem will fail now–no. I am saying that caution should be urged. I think this team could suffer a setback this year–but still be on track in the big picture. I don’t know if Arthur or many of the fans will have the patience necessary. Only time will tell.
Mark Bradley’s “support” means nothing, as well. This is the same clown who thought Pete Babcock was doing a good job, as he ran the Hawks completely into the ground. He also thinks the same of Don Waddell, who has done the same to the Thrashers.
nunna yo bizzness
March 3rd, 2009
7:27 am
this blog is way too soon to suggest he may be the best gm with the falcons..why i say this is because,in ken herock u not only had a man who drafted great talent,the leeroy selmons,brett farve who went on to great careers and in brett another hall of famer,but,he put together enought talent in a run and shoot team that was converted into a dominant play action team in 2 years to make the super bowl..he drafted players like rb jamaal anderson,mike haynes,brought in free agents like rookie jessie tuggle,vets terrance mathis,andre rison by trade,and others that were the foundations of the falcons when we needed them to be…
its sad that reeves didn’t give him the chance to stick around and work with him because its no doubt if he did,that ken herock would have allowed him the chance to be here a little longer and we would have gotten back to the super bowl again..reeves had a team that was 85 percent herocks team,that reeves tweaked and put together to go the super bowl,and then reeves slowly dismantled it..
i don’t like the way TD is thinking when he puts this team together…
in essence,what he is doing is saying “u keep building in the draft and once these players blossom towards the end of their initial contract that we brought them in on or drafted them with,we won’t pay to keep them,and we will let the rotation of the depth of the roster fill there spot”..
matt ryan was a no brainer to pick,and he is the only mainstay that will be kept..
the cb jackson out of auburn might be something one day if he has a decent line..
the other picks,won’t be worth any kind of trade bait and will be cut or allowed to play out their contracts and then released..he has so many busts in last years draft..
mark my words that norwood will be gone when its time for him to renew his contract..turner also..TD,has no loyalty to to this organization,and once he see’s the opp he will jet out of here..this team will be lucky to go 500 this year..coaches see what ryan can and can’t do..And they will expose it..the real mvp of the team is our OC..the playcalling was masterful..unpredictable..
if TD wants to be a great gm,then he should master the draft on players that fit your scheme,master the art of drafting talent heavy players,and bring in rookies who got better each and every year they played and who played above their competition in college..
the one thing that i do love about TD,is his willingness to go after small school talent..because it’s there…
David
March 3rd, 2009
8:11 am
One season does not make a GM, but he definitely deserves the trust. My only concern is bodies on defense. We have lost many more than we can get back in the draft, at least in the first 5 rounds. If the 6th and 7th rounders are startingw e are in trouble no matter how good a GM he is. He must plan on getting a few off the waivers is all I can think. I really would like to see Jermaine Phillips or Sean Jones but I guess the money is going to be too much.
nunna yo bizzness lost in space
March 3rd, 2009
8:12 am
Name one draft pick that could be considered a bust from last year. Don’t give me some 7th rd. scrub who didn’t make the cut because there are no busts in the 7th rd.
Bloppy
March 3rd, 2009
8:20 am
If the only knock on TD is that he has goofy hair.. then I think we’re going to be fine for a while. Let him do his job guys.
ShamusThacker
March 3rd, 2009
8:27 am
Haskell Stanback and Bubba Bean? Not a headache remedy and southern legume, but Falcons running backs…
Fine article Mark; nice, civil discussion folks!
BirdDawg
March 3rd, 2009
8:33 am
Dimitroff has done a great job so far but I’m not ready to anoint him yet. The Falcons still have some holes to fill. We’ve got to come up with a free safety, cornerback, linebacker and defensive tackle. You can’t draft starters for those positions in one draft. They will have to sign a free agent or two. AND the Falcons have lost a lot of leadership with the exit of Brooking and Malloy. I do have some faith that Dimitroff has a plan.
marko
March 3rd, 2009
8:45 am
It has been said that an expert is a man that knows a great deal about very little. If this true, Mel Kiper easily qualifies as an expert on hair gel. In this capacity Dimitroff should seek his advice as his hairdo should merit consideration for federal disaster aid. With regard to Mel’s part time job as wanna be general general manager, he should be ignored. Speaking of wanna bees, In the past I’ve ranted and raved about nearly every draft pick the Falcons made. I was totally convinced that I could do a better job than the idiots running the Falcon’s dog and pony show. I felt the same way last year, the only difference was that last year I was wrong. Thomas should rest assured that Mel and the rest of us will continue to offer him free advice. He should be greatful, as our free advice is easily worth twice what he paid for it. The rest of us should be thankful that the Tuna went to Miami.
Mark Bradley
March 3rd, 2009
8:46 am
Matt Ryan wasn’t a no-brainer. Truth to tell, more than a few people thought Dimitroff had no brain for picking Matt Ryan.
And thanks, Renegade. Thanks, FordCobra. Thanks, Shamus. This has been a remarkably civil discussion. Kudos to all y’all.
dobearsbare
March 3rd, 2009
8:58 am
The comparison with Schuerholz is spot on. The only difference is the structure of the sport they operate in. By and large, though, the idea they both have is to develop your own talent whenever possible, and make personnel decisions based on as much objective data as you can get. That’s why Schuerholz for the most part didn’t allow players to leave only to have them go on to greater heights elsewhere. There were exceptions, sure, but he got a lot more right than wrong. My sense is that Dimitrov will wind up with a similar track record.
dobearsbare
March 3rd, 2009
9:02 am
Oh, and the vocab thing is an interesting twist. Schuerholz, the former English teacher, would feel right at home throwing “discursive” into most any discourse.
dyoung
March 3rd, 2009
9:08 am
Enter your comments here
dyoung
March 3rd, 2009
9:10 am
Its funny you chose Kansas as your point of reference for your finest yachtsman joke. Bill Koch is from Kansas and he won the America’s Cup in 1992. He is one of the finest yachtsman on the earth. Just thought I would point that out.
Mart
March 3rd, 2009
9:14 am
Didn’t you write this same article about Jim Mora, Jr., after his successful first season a few years ago. I realize you write this sort of tongue-in-cheek in the instant analysis world of blogging, but, please, talk to me after he’s been at the helm for a little bit longer time of success.
Bullseye
March 3rd, 2009
9:21 am
After reading some of the comments, it seems like most “Falcon” fans feel they could beat Dimitroff in fantasy football and deplore a lack of pace in signing “Stars”. Maybe it’s about time to see what DJ can do with the first team.
Mark Bradley
March 3rd, 2009
9:27 am
That might be a better contest than even the Final Four Fiasco — “Play Fantasy Football Against the Falcons’ GM.”
Let me also state that I never felt as strongly about Jim Mora as I do about Dimitroff.
PMC
March 3rd, 2009
9:30 am
Perhaps a little too early for massive praise, but yeah, I see it more of a collective between coaches and TD but they really did a nice job last year. I guess what you are mainly saying Mark is that we have confidence in him to make the right moves and I can’t recall that really ever happening before. I totally agree on that. What this team and town needed was that steady consistant hand with the confidence that good things were ahead. What I truely hope for is a consistant winner with chances to win in the Playoffs. The fact that he absolutely nailed it on the QB and the RB and the coaches who were able to work well with the remnants of what was left…. is absolutly reason for hope.
typical bulldawg fan
March 3rd, 2009
9:30 am
wat we need are som moer bulldawgs!!! git philips frum tampa now!
draft nowshawn and stafford and trade ryan!
HUNKERDOWN!!!
Damndawg
March 3rd, 2009
9:30 am
Mark – please explain the situation with Vick’s contract. How in the world can the Falcons be obligated to pay him after his missing two years as a result of a felony? That doesn’t void the contract? Doesn’t he owe them money? Has the salary cap been affected the whole time or just when he returns?
Edward
March 3rd, 2009
9:59 am
Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith work together so well, they are not only building a team that will be competitive next year but for years to come afterwards. The Falcons are in the best shape they have ever been in both on the field and in the front office, I am so proud of a franchise that I love so dearly. Building through the draft is imperative towards building a winning team, the Colts, Patriots, Steelers and Eagles all build their rosters primarily through the NFL Draft and are for the most part every year in the playoffs. I think the Falcons are doing the correct thing by staying away from the selfish, wannabethehighestpaid free agents, just look what it has done for the Cowboys.
anotherfalcon
March 3rd, 2009
10:00 am
Is Thomas related to Edward Scissorshands?
ShamusThacker
March 3rd, 2009
10:02 am
I was openly thrilled, yet privately agonizing, when Ryan was chosen over Dorsey.
Guess I’m openly brilliant and privately stupid…
CharlestonChump
March 3rd, 2009
10:03 am
Great season last year. As has been said, ad-nauseum, let’s see what happens this year. The 2009 season will be the truth teller. Strength of schedule was definitely in our favor last season. It gets tougher now. It will be interesting to see how the fans handle a drop off next season. If we’re competitive, I can handle .500. That’s what made ‘08 so great. It became evident after the first few games that we were always in it.
As I said, I’ll hold off on giving out any awards until after next season.
Mark Bradley
March 3rd, 2009
10:13 am
As I understand it, the Falcons didn’t have to pay Vick because he didn’t play these past two seasons, but he still counted against the cap. (I have, however, e-mailed Reggie Roberts of the Falcons for confirmation. I’ll let you know what he says.)
Webhead
March 3rd, 2009
10:22 am
He destroyed the defense by doing nothing. That’s not being “the smartest GM we’ve ever had to me.He could have kept Brooking for very little and still have a tackling machine on the team.But decided to let all the good players leave. Well except for a 4 year special teams player (Wire). Good going! Geez!
ShamusThacker
March 3rd, 2009
10:24 am
“Strength of schedule” doesn’t mean as much as it used to. With all the roster turnover of today’s NFL, last year means next to nothing in many cases. With several key roster changes on most teams, most years, you’re not gonna get a good read of what you’re facing from LAST YEAR’S record alone.
falcon21
March 3rd, 2009
10:32 am
Shamus, that was funny. Anyone remember the great draft pick or I think he was a draft pick RB Kenny Flowers?
Bullseye
March 3rd, 2009
10:33 am
Joe Profit anyone?
falcon21
March 3rd, 2009
10:37 am
Shamus, I meant the 10:02 post.
GATORZONE
March 3rd, 2009
10:45 am
Good point Shamus. Who would have thought the Saints and Chargers would have been as mediocre last season when you first saw the schedule?
mike addington
March 3rd, 2009
10:48 am
Enjoy your comments as always, M.B. I wish Jim Rome would have you on instead of that idiot T. Moore. to stray from the subject a little, I noticed in a headline yesterday or a few days ago tha lineman C. Davis wanted to go to a team where he would be a starter. This line of thinking is incredible. Everyone in America has to earn their job every day on merit, not by contract. To think otherwise is moronic. thanks
ShamusThacker
March 3rd, 2009
10:48 am
Kenny Flowers had a great run with the Falcons. By great run, I mean one play in one game. Was carted off at play’s end; knee I think. Now baking bread somewhere I suppose.
Matt
March 3rd, 2009
10:52 am
Hey Mark! Great story, yet again. I agree with you that the Falcons will get something, but not very much for Vick. I think probably something like a 4th rounder this year, and maybe another 4th rounder next year. I’d take it, though…it’s more than we’ve gotten out of Vick the last two years.
Hillbilly Deluxe
March 3rd, 2009
10:56 am
To Mark Bradley
You hear people say “get shed” anywhere in Appalachia, not just Kentucky.
dredd_one
March 3rd, 2009
11:02 am
Forgotten fix —————-
Just wondering the health status of Von Hutchins? We may already have our Foxworth replacement in house and under contract. That would explain letting Fox go without batting an eye. Anyone know?
ShamusThacker
March 3rd, 2009
11:14 am
Y’all thank Jerry Jones and Al Davis ain’t gonna see Vick as a mighty tantalizin’ trinket for their menageries? When the time comes, it’s gonna be an all-out bidding war between them.
If I’m wrong, then I was merely being open during a private moment of stupidity.
Charles
March 3rd, 2009
11:16 am
One season, and he is anointed a know-it-all?
There are other reasons why the Falcons had the relative success they had last year, consider these:
New coach, new QB, new RB. Many teams didn’t know how to prepare for a team they no longer knew.
Mark Bradley, I get it. You have a mancrush on Thomas Ditmetrov, but I am glad other folks have decided to wait and see before calling Dimetrov the next “Genius” or a watered down Belicheat.
Ty
March 3rd, 2009
11:30 am
Mr. D, is good, and will get better, gosh, look @ all the Georgia connections the patriots had over the years! SEC ball players are the best! Ga, Ala, Fla etc…….(exception our current QB) Go Falcons!
It Doesn't Matter
March 3rd, 2009
11:47 am
Hey Mark,
It looks to me that TD doesn’t care about loyalty. Do you think the Falcons can remain successful if the roster is a revolving door? Once one of our players hits his peak, he better move on while his stock is still high. I don’t care for that kind of philosophy. Have you ever seen what kids in a kindergarten class do if there is no teacher watching them? That is what our defense will look like next year! No damn leadership because they only offered KB just over the league minimum to stay. I would have paid him 2M a year just to show up!
clthurman
March 3rd, 2009
12:08 pm
I hope Hutchins is worthy of basically dumping a good young corner in Foxworth. Jackson is nowhere near ready and Grimes…well lets say opposing teams know what works in the endzone with him. We traded for Foxworth and he proved himself very well…and we don’t sign him. For what reason did he not fit in? Young and yes we would have had to pay him but starting over with another rookie or the 2 I mentioned earlier is retarded. I agreed with losing Brookings and Boley, not sure of Chauncy but we do have sensible options at replacing him. The only reason I can see that Dimitroff let Foxworth go so easy was he didn’t like him…well he is in the minority there. He just took us 2 big steps back and has not said squat about it. When Atlanta lets people go quietly ala Favre, etc. I notice the AJC columnists get giddy about the good times of recent memory but forget how stupid we are in letting good players go. Grimes, Trevis Jackson and Von Hurt….that’s our plan…..? Can you say fade route Touchdown Saints, I mean Panthers, I mean Tampa Bay…..Thanks Thomas…way to think that thru!!!!