The Falcons are stacked — on one side of the ball, anyway
The good news: The Falcons have five really good players, according to Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com. The not-so-good: Only one of them is a defender. That’d be John Abraham, ranked 92nd.
The others: Roddy White is 56th, Tony Gonzalez 47th and Matt Ryan 43rd. And Michael Turner is the highest-rated Bird at No. 38, which seems low for a guy who tied for second in the MVP voting. And I was surprised to see Turner rated below DeAngelo Williams, Jay Cutler and Carson Palmer. But quibbling isn’t why I’m here, at least not today. I come to highlight a theme.
The 2009 Falcons will be outstanding on offense, less so on D. The defense is young and reworked, and that’s not bad in and of itself. Last season’s unit was no colossus. (Remember third-and-16 in the desert? Yow.) But, if it was time for Keith Brooking and Michael Boley and Lawyer Milloy and maybe even lovable Grady Jackson to leave, it will nonetheless take time for their replacements to settle.
I see some 40-37 games coming this season, maybe three or four. Do I think the Falcons can win enough of those to take the NFC South? Yes, I do. But winning only because you’re scoring big is a tough way to go, especially when the head coach is a former defensive coordinator. And I note a precedent in Falcons history of a team overloaded on O that failed to fulfill its manifest destiny.
Loading ...From 1980 through 1983 the Falcons had eight different players named to the Pro Bowl a total of 21 times. Not one of those played defense, and it was the defense that undid all the offensive names — Bartkowski, Andrews, Jenkins, Miller, Kenn, Thielemann, Van Note and Billy White Shoes. It was the defense that couldn’t hold Dallas in that bitter playoff loss at the old stadium, the defense that couldn’t halt the Vikings in the Metrodome in Leeman Bennett’s final game atop Rankin Sr.’s plateau.
Understand: I’m not faulting Thomas Dimitroff’s reconstruction. He had a whole team to fix when he arrived 17 months ago, and he has gotten half of it right. The other half, which was the focus of the draft just past, will take a little longer.
In the interim, I’d advise you to fasten your seat belts. To borrow from that famous nickel back Bette Davis, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
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105 comments Add your comment
Southside Falcon
June 17th, 2009
11:41 am
The D will suprise this year I feel it. But the top 15 is really optimistic im not so sold on the CB’s, especially wth talk of Brent “I get dragged into the end zone” Grimes competing for a starting spot, Gawd I cant stand his game. Anyhow the major reason(s) for our being so suspect was the D line play and lack of run stoppage. It doesnt matter who is in you secondary if you cnat get constant pressure to harass the QB. The opposing qb’s last year had all day to throw, if that gets fixed the falcons will be solid enough on D for the season. P.s Giggles Funtime…freaking priceless!
James Adams
June 17th, 2009
11:46 am
Capt. Caveman, it was ‘78 when the Falcons knocked out Staubach. Danny White played the entire game in ‘80. My Stepdad makes the same mistake, too. It’s why I hate the Cowgirls to this day.
willdave
June 17th, 2009
11:48 am
Yes, the defense will be young, but it will also be talented and quick. Also, didn’t TD and Smitty bring veteran LB Michael Peterson on board recently? Look for the Birds to add even more defensive veterans before the season starts. You guys don’t seem to understand: The Falcons are now finally under a thoroughly sound management team. TD and Smitty know what they’re doing. Also, the latter served several seasons as a successful defensive coordinator before he became a head coach. Bottom line: I believe our D will perform just fine this season, thank you. GO FALCONS!!!
Unca' Bob
June 17th, 2009
11:54 am
Perhaps this can soothe some fears.http://bleacherreport.com/articles/200733-falcons-defense-looks-to-soar-in-2009
Unca' Bob
June 17th, 2009
12:01 pm
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/200733-falcons-defense-looks-to-soar-in-2009
Zoomie
June 17th, 2009
12:09 pm
I’m weighing in with those who believe the defense will be improved this year. I don’t think we’re going to be a one-man show with the pass rush this year — Abraham’s going to get a lot of help, internally at the very least. Biermann showed some skill last year, and with another year of growth under the same system, should become a respectable pass rusher. Anderson, while the jury is still out on his DE play, showed the ability to be disruptive and should be serviceable in a rotation. If Sidbury lives up to three-quarters of his fan-based hype, he’ll be a factor as well. Babs and Davis are certainly not slouches — I firmly believe our defensive line is going to be good.
Peterson is coming in at LB with a chip on his shoulder, a knowledge of the system, and a relationship with the defensive-minded head coach. He’ll be a defensive leader and lead a huge upgrade to LB play. Nicholas, Wire, and Lofton all showed the ability to play, and under Peterson’s leadership, should turn out to be a really good linebacker corp.
With a highly disruptive front seven, I believe our corners will hold their own, at the very least. Grimes is a fast little freak, and though small, has confidence to go up against anybody. Jackson and Houston both made a lot of plays last year, but were just put into a position to make too many due to poor defensive line play and very poor back-up from the safety position. Bottom line: too much was asked from our corners last year.
Safety is the only question mark, but I hope DeCoud and Coleman will step up in this second year under Smith and Co. Moore is an unknown quantity at this point, but if he works his way into the rotation, we may be serviceable at safety as well. I think we’re set against the run, but I don’t know if any of these guys can cover consistently.
These Falcons D is gonna be better than conventional wisdom indicates. Thanks, Mark, for keeping our expectations low. It’ll be that much sweeter when the D steps up.
Mark Bradley
June 17th, 2009
12:12 pm
Thanks, CCP. And I really don’t know much about the Falcons. If I did, I wouldn’t have picked them to go 5-11 last season.
Sarah B
June 17th, 2009
12:18 pm
I have to weigh in with the positive outlook as well. I think the D steps up. That was no fluke we watched unfold before our very eyes last year. These guys know what they are doing for a change.
Oh and Sage – you almost made me pee a little with “Giggles Funtime” freaking histerical and fit him to a T. I almost feel bad for Seahawks Fans.
Jonathan
June 17th, 2009
12:31 pm
Mark although I don’t think the defense will be great this year I think they are making strides to get there by going younger and I think they will improve over last year and suprise a lot of people because they have a pretty good scheme especially if we can do better in pass coverage. And since the offense is so good the defense will only have to be average for the birds to win.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
June 17th, 2009
12:47 pm
THE FALCONS HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH WEAPONS TO WIN NOW!
THEY HAVE:
PRO BOWL RUNNING BACK
PRO BOWL WIDE RECEIVER
PRO BOWL TIGHT END
THEY HAVE BEEN PREDICTED TO GO 12-4 AND WIN THE DIVISION.
IF THEY DON’T GO ALL THE WAY THIS SEASON, THEN THE QUARTERBACK SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.
SUPER BOWL BOUND OR BUST
GO FALCONS!
Zoomie
June 17th, 2009
12:57 pm
Oh yeah, me too on the “Giggles Funtime” moniker for Mora. Hilarious! So should he be forever known in Falcons land!
Ken Strickland
June 17th, 2009
1:09 pm
I believe this yrs DEF will be much better than most people think, certainly a lot better than last yrs DEF, and here’s why I say that.
(1) DT’s TLewis and PJerry, the two frontrunners to replace DT GJackson, are quicker, faster, younger, more mobil, agile and aggressive, and have superior pass rushing ability. THAT’S A DEFINITE IMPROVEMENT.
(2) Lb MPeterson gives us everything LB KBrooking gave us, plus he’s considered more physical and still a bit quicker and faster. LB SNicholas is definitely a better fit for our DEF than LB MBoley was, who had to be replaced last yr, and he’s quicker, faster and more versatile than CWire. I SEE THAT AS AN IMPROVEMENT.
(3) There’s no reason not to expect improvement from DE JAnderson as a pass rusher, which was his only shortcoming. If he doesn’t, CDavis is a solid DE and would be a definite upgrade over JAnderson if he doesn’t improve. I SEE THAT AS AN IMPROVEMENT.
(4) With either AHarris, TDeCoud or WMoore replacing departed SS LMalloy, we’ll have much, much better coverage, range and versatility in the secondary, and our CB’s will receive far better support than they did last yr. THAT’S A DEFINITE IMPROVEMENT.
(5) Whoever replaces departed CB DFoxworth will have the benefit of a much improved pass rush, and much better secondary support with the SS upgrade. I SEE THIS AS AN OVERALL IMPROVEMENT.
BOTTOMLINE, I SEE THIS YRS DEF BEING MUCH BETTER THAN LAST YRS DEF, IN EVERY RESPECT, FROM DAY ONE. HOWEVER, I DO THINK IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME FOR THIS YRS DEF TO BECOME AS DOMINANT AS ITS OVERALL TALENT SUGGESTS IT CAN BECOME.
Unca' Bob
June 17th, 2009
1:53 pm
I can not wait until our Offense & Defense play each other every day. What better means to coach-up a football team, and they WILL be a Team.
BigHittas
June 17th, 2009
2:39 pm
I agree with the ’sage’
No 56 = better D.
It was like the Birds were hoping 56 would return to form or something. The new LB’s will be the diference. I will say I’m sad to see Milloy gone but it looked as if he was losing a step or so too.
BigHittas
June 17th, 2009
2:40 pm
just better have a really good backup QB.
I’m just saying.
Stan
June 17th, 2009
2:46 pm
Mark,
Any word on Verron Haynes in camp?
Mark Bradley
June 17th, 2009
2:53 pm
I haven’t been to any OTAs, I feel compelled to report, Stan. So I’m not the man to ask on Verron Haynes. Except to say he was really good in Knoxville in 2001.
Adam
June 17th, 2009
2:59 pm
Dimitroff and Smith cut the old, slow fat from last year’s defense.
Peterson will only make Lofton better — Lofton will be a monster.
They addressed the defense with almost every draft pick — Perry and Moore have the ability to start, and Sidbury is a great pick who with his speed and size could take Anderson’s spot. D-Line has depth up and down — did you see the improvement in Babs (leaner, faster) last year???
The team had some dominant defensive efforts last season with a worse defense.
I am ABSOLUTELY not worried — these guys know that they’re doing.
After last year’s 1-win prediction I’m done listening. Talent wins, and we’ve stockpiled it. No worries.
sidslid
June 17th, 2009
5:41 pm
“Atop Leeman Bennett’s plateau”. Good one! Right up there with “Poulon (sp) Weedeaters falling from the sky”
Mark Bradley
June 17th, 2009
5:48 pm
Thanks, Sid.
And the other one … that was Mr. Schultz, was it not?
crabapplejoe
June 17th, 2009
9:03 pm
I really don’t understand all the love for Mike Peterson as being such an upgrade over Brooking. The last time this guy started all 16 games was 2005. He is only seven months younger than Brooking and had less tackles and passes defended than KB56 last year. Not to mention he got suspended for screaming at his coaches. How is this an upgrade? If dreadlocks and a scowl can make tackles then I guess he’s an upgrade.
truth-serum
June 17th, 2009
9:27 pm
Who cares about this classless rightwingracistorganization that call themselves falcon. A real team player would hope for better owners and want to rid the city of the racist bubba crew.
truth-serum
June 17th, 2009
9:27 pm
GO MICHAEL VICK!!!!!
truth-serum
June 17th, 2009
9:29 pm
CHREERING FOR THE FALCONS IS LIKE CHEERING FOR THE KLU KLUX KLAN! FOX NEWS OR REPUBLICANS.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
June 17th, 2009
11:16 pm
KEITH “CAN’T TACKLE” BROOKING WAS A BUST FROM THE BEGINNING
falcon fan 4-ever
June 18th, 2009
1:01 pm
The Falcons will be just fine. Just like beginning of last year When we didn’t know how the offense was going to look like. Especially, with a rookie quarterback. I think it will be the same for the defence this year. We have improved a lot from last year. We will get back Cb-Hutchins from the ir. also, we have couple players with experince.( Jackson,Grimes,Houston ) thou, Houston didn’t impress me none at all last year. It seems on paper that we pick-up a good DT in the draft. I also think it might be wise to try Anderson on the d-line. and move Bierrman to the DE pos. Just to see what happens in trainning camp. Our LB corp has gotten faster and a better leader and mentor in Peterson. We know our coaches can produce and come up with a goood game plan. I don’t think we will be an elite team. But, we will be a team that has chance to win. I believe we will go 10-6 for the year with deeper playoff appearnce.
Meatlake
June 19th, 2009
5:12 am
Pray for 9-7…we must at least break the streak of non-consecutive winning seasons.
peckerhead
June 19th, 2009
9:32 am
I thought Pennywell took Stauback out in 1980.
ProFootballTalk.com - Friday Morning One-Liners
June 19th, 2009
10:33 am
[...] Bradley of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution thinks the Falcons are stacked on offense, but the defensive transformation may take a bit [...]
Robert Reagin
June 19th, 2009
1:43 pm
I’m with Meatlake. Looks like 9-7 and that’s what we need to stop one of the most embarrassing streaks in major sports. Going way back on the posts: I found Scott Case to be one of the dirtiest players in the league and was ashamed he was a Falcon.
And is there ANY WAY to block the racist rantings of the inaptly named “truthserum” from this post. #7’s gone. I’m glad he’s gone on a football and personal level. I don’t support the Klan, FOX News, or the republican party. Also don’t support racist idiots like you truthserum.
Jim B
June 19th, 2009
4:51 pm
The Loss of LB Michael Boley was a big loss, I thought. But no mention of him from the Falcon faithful.
Mark Bradley
June 19th, 2009
5:05 pm
Jim, the Michael Boley of last season wouldn’t be a big loss. He had, for reasons unclear, a tough time working in the new defense with these coaches. The Michael Boley of 2007 … well, he was darn good. But this regime never got to see that guy.
Camden Mark
June 19th, 2009
5:19 pm
It may not seem so to some but I know after seeing him play here in Jax that the addition of Peterson at LB is going to be a big improvment.
Coach knows him from his days here and when healthy,the guy is a beast of a run stoper.Bad locker room in Jax last year,Peterson was banged up pretty good and I think was made a bit of a fall guy and treated unfairly.He’s in good shape again witha chip on his shoulder and I think the falcon fans will surprised at his production.I know coach Smith won’t be.
Explicit
June 19th, 2009
6:50 pm
I think it is ridiculous to say right now that you know that the offense is just going to have to carry the defense. Just because the defense doesn’t have pro-bowlers at every level of the defense means nothing. Give me 11 guys on the field at a time that are playing to the scheme over a bunch of, “talent” who freelances any day of the week. Let’s atleast wait until the middle of the season before we start saying what the defense can’t do.
I know you are a media guy so you have to say something but it’s ridiculous to say that the defense is just not going to be any good.
Also it should be noted that a defenses best friend is an efficient offense. An offense that can convert 3rd downs can go a long way towards keeping a defense fresh on the sidelines and freeing up blitz schemes. Understand that it’s easier to play defense when you are ahead than it is when you are behind most times because you have more options when you are ahead.
On paper the offense looks really nice with Ryan, White, Gonzalez and Turner but just as I take a wait and see approach with the defense I also have to with the offense. Games aren’t won on paper. I remember when the Falcons traded for Peerless Price everyone was in love with our offense. First game of the pre-season the Falcons face Green Bay in the dome and our first drive we steam roll the Packers #1 defense. Everything looks good and everyone is talking about what our offense can do.
Week 2 of pre-season we play the Baltimore Ravens…..everyone who is a Falcons fan knows what happened then. One major break goes against you and suddenly everything that looked pretty on paper get reduced to……well toilet paper. Wait and see!
bird4life
June 20th, 2009
3:31 am
the d will be like the offense from last year. We got young last year we’re young again this year but on D.
HATinGA
June 20th, 2009
8:03 am
I have to agree with mr naj davpoop I hope BVG will look around the leage at the gr8 DCs and see 3rd down is about down an disdance if a QB doesnt have time for his reads to progress you will get the DF off the field with some big plays mixed in.3rd down zones make for loooong dives that are very hard to watch.I would gladly give up a big every now and then to get a big turnover or sack that change the game.
AB
June 20th, 2009
12:16 pm
Truth serum – the falcons have no class because they got rid of Vick, who has class because he smokes pot, spreads herpes,flips off fans, and bankrolls an illegal dogfighting ring. Is that the point you are trying to make?
Also, there are many black players still on the falcons roster that people like to cheer for. I don’t see how cheering for the falcons is like supporting the KKK
Poop
June 20th, 2009
3:05 pm
For the scoopp on the MB poop. Why question TD, he made the offense run. Why not the D this year. Yes the birds need tight end plays to Tony G..
BT
June 20th, 2009
6:18 pm
The key to the new Falcons defensive success is held by the play of their DT`s.
As Ken Strickland pointed out, they are now younger, quicker and more aggressive with Trey Lewis and Peria Jerry in the rotation with Babs.
He called it a definite improvement and I agree.
That alone will cause a more effective unit in stopping the running and (consequently) the passing games of opposing teams by the Falcons front seven.
If the young aggressive DT`s can wreak enough inside havoc, the DE`s will receive fewer double teams on passing downs.
Lots of blitz options and stunts come into play also.
The safeties will not have to creep up in run support (allowing them to stay in deeper zones helping out the young corners in coverage) and the LB`s won`t have to shed as many blockers getting to the point of attack on running downs.
All that can occur if, every other aspect of the new Falcons defence stays equal to the 2008 level of play.
I expect, the 2009 edition of the Falcons defence to be improved right from the start and be greatly improved by around mid-season as all the new pieces start working together.
The new Atlanta Falcons defence could turn out to be very good (down the stretch) to go along with an offence that can be described as being on the verge of greatness.
An astute observer will have a good idea of the overall talent level we have after the third preseason game and what type of team we have after the third regular season game.
The 2009 Atlanta Falcons have the potential to be a real good team, playoff team, a NFCCG game team or a Super Bowl team.
IT`S A GREAT TIME TO BE A FALCONS FAN.
moy
June 20th, 2009
7:56 pm
the same article as before??? why dont you start doing a beeter writing,another article about dimitroff would it be nice no the same of offense again and again
falconidiot
June 20th, 2009
9:23 pm
This offense won’t have to carry our defense, they will be plenty good on their own, they will be way better than the defense that played the Arizona Cardinals in the playoffs, i believe fantasy has them ranked 10Th, they will be stronger because of rest our offense will give them, but they won’t be carried and I’ll bet Mark no more than two will score 32 points on us and that will come from great offenses trying to keep up.Look, I’m not saying their the Steelers or Ravens yet, but their further on their way than you have a clue. Dimitroff and Smith have put together solid athletes who know how to be a team player. Never in the history of the Atlanta Falcons has a better team taken the field. Falcons will host the NFC Championship game against Eagles or Vikings in 2010, then you can jump on board with all you wonderful expertise.
DrJ
June 20th, 2009
9:38 pm
Mark, would you address how the Falcons are going to improve their Red Zone Offense. I think we missed a bunch of TDs when we got into the RZ, but didn’t score. Is the only improvement T.G.?
marko
June 21st, 2009
6:16 am
Let’s hope for the best,it does’nt cost anymore. Last year Ryan and Turner weren’t on the roster. nobody considered Roddy an elite receiver and some thought Gonzalez had lost a step. This years defense may look like Abraham and the nobodies, but by years end a few of the guys are going to be pretty well known.The 2009 birds are younger faster and meaner. last year we had negative turnover numbers. I don’t expect a repeat of that performance this year.
hytide
June 21st, 2009
12:00 pm
Did anyone see Sidbury at the OTA’s ? He definitely fits TD’s profile of great athlete and great character — just wondering if anyone who saw him at OTA can comment.
Falcons fan since '66
June 21st, 2009
5:30 pm
Who could have predicted the developments of last season. What if the #1 this year turns out to be the horse that the #1 was last year? What if? What if? This will be the first time we have winning seasons back-to-back.
Cali DirtyBird
June 21st, 2009
8:47 pm
It takes time to build a whole team. And Jerry and Moore we’re doing that. And Peterson will be solid for the team!!! The D will hold its own, just like the old pats. No superstars just role player!!
TEAMPLAYER
June 21st, 2009
11:15 pm
If Falcons get a good “pass rush” everything will be alright…..period
OldTimer
June 21st, 2009
11:25 pm
12-4
mars
June 22nd, 2009
9:40 am
Man, talk about haters! It’s a shame the finger pointers living in the past can’t see a mirror.
Super
June 22nd, 2009
1:10 pm
Hey i look forward to chevis jackson starting because i remember that 98 yard interception return because that shows he can play but thats just me.