A 5-step program to ensure a better Falcons future
Step 1: Relax. This season was almost a worst-case scenario — defensive overhaul, tougher schedule, injuries by the boatload — and it wound up 9-7. This tells us the Falcons have the right kind of men in administrative places, and it also tells us the core of the team is talented enough to withstand a series of reversals.
Step 2: Get edgy. The Falcons ranked 28th in a 32-team league in pass defense, and I know what you’re going to say — because of the cornerbacks. And I won’t pretend that Brent Grimes and Chris Houston were the second coming of Lester Hayes and Michael Haynes, but even that Hall of Fame pairing would have struggled behind a pass rush that generated only 28 sacks. (Tied for 26th in the NFL.) Look for the Falcons to draft an edge player — a defensive end or an outside linebacker — in Round 1. Look for Lawrence Sidbury to contend for a starting position. Look for a wholesale commitment to rushing the passer.
Step 3: Give the secondary a second chance. Thomas Dimitroff made his reputation as a scout, and he’s known in the industry as a keen analyst of defensive backs. He believesHouston and Grimes and Christopher Owens can be solid NFL performers. And let’s not forget safety William Moore, who missed 14 games due to injury but for whom Dimitroff’s hopes remain massive. These are all young guys. Give them the benefit of a pass rush and see how they fare.
Step 4: Trust Matt Ryan. The Falcons had 39 completions of 20-plus yards (tied for 21st in the league) and five of 40-plus (tied for 25th). In 2008 they had 45 and nine, respectively. For reasons unclear, they stopped throwing long. And it isn’t, as some continue to insist, that Ryan can’t deliver the deep ball. He can and has. The Falcons just stopped stretching defenses. They need to start again.
Step 5: Open the screen door. I’ve heard your pleas, and I’ve come to agree: Mike Mularkey needs to mix in the occasional screen pass. (He seems to favor reverses, which seldom work.) It’s believed the Falcons don’t like the screen because they feel duty-bound to keep a back in to pass-protect, but this goes back to Step 4. Ryan is no longer a rookie, and even when he was he didn’t act like one. He can handle a blitz. And I’m thinking Michael Turner would like the chance to get the ball in the open field. I’m thinking he’d like it a lot.
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222 comments Add your comment
Atlanta Peach
January 7th, 2010
2:44 pm
Poor Choke ! LMAO !!!!
Manny
January 7th, 2010
2:52 pm
I agree, except on two fronts. I don’t trust Matt Ryan’s deep ball anymore. It’s not very strong. Most of the deep balls that he throws are underthrown and it’s also good WR play to make the catch. Here’s the issue: If he underthrows long passes, you game plan for that. That’s an issue.
Another thing: the screen pass. You only have one RB that you throw screen passes to: Jerious Norwood. So when Norwood comes into the game, the game plan the screen and protect the edge. Here’s what I would like to see: a set with both Norwood and Turner in the backfield. Then you can see an element of surprise in the screen pass. Without that, a screen pass can be a Pick 6.
Matt Ryan is a perfect QB for the screen pass, by the way. He has great touch. He’s a good dink-and-dunk quarterback. Make good decisions. Stay in the midrange and up. And eventually, take a couple of shots downfield to keep them honest.
Andrew
January 7th, 2010
2:56 pm
Mark’s definitely on target. If the Falcons can add via the draft or free agency a DE, OLB, WR who can stretch the field and hold onto the ball (I’m sorry, but I was at the Saints game when Jenkins dropped a wide-open bomb which would have been a TD and been the difference in that game), OL (for depth), and maybe one more RB (or simply play Snelling more and make Norwood your 3rd down and passing situation back), they are in good shape for the playoffs next year. They’ll still have a tough schedule (since they finished in 2nd place in the division), but even with the tougher schedule and injuries, they were 1 game out of a playoff spot.
Barry
January 7th, 2010
3:26 pm
Hey Y’all:
Our FALCONS did fine this season. What team in the history of the NFL played 5 consecutive teams coming off a “BYE WEEK????”. What teams had as many “INJURIES” as our FALCONS did and still toughed it out and win???. What team has lost so many close games by their own fault and play calling and still be competitive in games. What team played as many young guys in the secondary with no pass rush and still win games? Combined with all of this our FALCONS came out as winners with a 9-7 record. One more win would have put them in the playoffs for the second year in a row. However, we have to settle for 2 consecutive winning seasons. THINGS ARE LOOKING BRIGHT IN THE FALCON NATION. THEY ARE LOOKING BRIGHT IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” I am looking forward to next season. Therefore, be ready FALCON NATION for our ranting and raving in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” The coaches, the players, the media, the fans, and the community are already rearing up for what is coming next year. We owe everyone a butt kicking come this time next year. We owe them one in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” I can hear the ‘BEAT” now!! IT IS GETTING LOUDER : THUMP!!!!!!! THUMP!!!!!! THUMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!………………………….
Thank you ARTHUR BLANK, JOHN Mc KAY, DIMITTROFF, COACH SMIITH and his GREAT COACHING STAFF, the FANS, the MEDIA, the COMMUNITY, and of course OUR FALCONS PLAYERS. TOGETHER, WE ARE “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” We are united in this as we enjoy watching the “PROCESS” continue. IT IS A LOVELY SITE!!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!! “YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME”. “‘JUST WIN, BABY!!!”
JUST WIN IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!
……………………….”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!!!……………………
Rufus
January 7th, 2010
3:43 pm
GO SAINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rufus
January 7th, 2010
3:46 pm
GO SAINTS……..go back to the locker room with another playoff lose.
Ross
January 7th, 2010
3:53 pm
The money they get from the price increases again this year should help them get somebody. Personally, they finally priced me out of my tickets after 10 years. I just can’t afford it anymore.
Damn shame.
But I agree with your sentiments, and the ones from most people here.
Barrett Kidd
January 7th, 2010
4:02 pm
I would be lokking for a better CB
you know
January 7th, 2010
4:10 pm
Trust me A pass rush fixes everything!!!! Can you hear me?? EVERYTHING!!!
FoxNoise.net
January 7th, 2010
4:31 pm
We should acquire our greatest needs (DE, OLB) through free agency for immediate impact and rely on the draft for our future starters (OL, RB, TE).
mike
January 7th, 2010
4:33 pm
How can the falconettes get better. They might try winning more games than the other teams. Since the falonettes season ended and tech lost the other night, all I have read and heard is how good both teams have become. One is not in the Superbowel and the other with that so called high powered offense could not gain 100 yards on national television. I guess it is ok to lose as long as you dont lose by too much. What a town full of rummies.
pilgrim
January 7th, 2010
4:47 pm
Why no mention of the problem with the O-line? Didn’t that contibute to fewer deep routes? And why such a drop-off without Turner? And why Ryan’s sacks increased, his accuracy decreased, and got himself injured?
cheshire
January 7th, 2010
4:50 pm
DDawgDavis, i could not agree with you more. I had season tickets this year, and dealing with the music, obnoxious games and contest, etc. that occurred between plays and quarters was an absolute nightmare. I probably won’t be getting season tickets next year, not because of the team, but because dealing with the shows they kept trying to put on made it unbearable.
Nique
January 7th, 2010
5:33 pm
Mark I’d love for you to respond to this
I hear everyone praising Mark for his comments & analysis on this article, but I just don’t agree with 3 points made.
- 1st we need a # 1 CB, this stuff about a pass rush is the same stuff ppl cried out last year, so we went Jerry with the 1st pick & didn’t address the CB situation until the 3rd round & we all see how that turned out. Again, last year the organization & the writers said Houston, Grimes, & Jackson are all young, we should give them time & allow them to grow into the role, once again we all see how that happened. Now Grimes did play very well down the stretch up & Owens played better than anything else we put out there (excluding B. Williams) but the fact still remains that they faced 2 rookie QB’s & a 2cnd year QB making his 1st NFL start! If they didn’t look good against them then they don’t belong in the league, particularly in the case of Brohm. Now this is not to bash these two guys, they played well & they should be acknowledge for it, but let’s not to put much stock into their play & lull ourselves into thinking that finding a # 1 CB is not our most glaring need! We need a pass rusher, but we can get one of those in the 3rd, hell take 2 of them back to back. The CB is far from solved ppl don’t get the wool pulled over your eyes. I’m for waiting & being patient, but if this team is going to win & win now, which is what the T.G. trade was all about, we have to either go spend some Big money on a CB (D. Robinson or Carlos Rogers are the only two # 1 Cb’s on the FA market) or we HAVE to go this way with our 1st rounder! The only way I’d be ok with a pass rusher in the 1st is if Dunlap falls into our lap! If not, than we have to go CB or LT in the 1st round, trade down to pick up a later 1st & an additional 2cnd or 3rd, or 2 2cnds.
- 2cnd we didn’t go down field this year because 1, we didn’t have the consistent run threat that we had last year bc of injuries & lackluster line play. Ppl were no longer committing 8 & 9 to the box, which took away the deep ball. The other reason for the decreased # of deep balls is bc of Douglass’s injury, he was the one who stretched the field, or at least provided a duel threat when it came to stretching it. Without him, teams could lock in on Roddy as the only legitimate deep threat & that nullified that option.
- & 3rd the trust Matt Ryan point. Let me start off by saying I like Matt, he’s talented, gutsy, & is a strong leader, but he needs to mature quite a bit when it comes to his decision making! He turns the ball over absolutely to much! He looked so good the 1st year bc he was riding Turner, the offence was simpler, & he wasn’t the main option being schemed for. But this year when Turner went out & he had to try to carry the team without that dynamic rushing attack we saw how much growing he has to do & again for us to win, he has to take a lot better care of the ball & not just against the ok teams, against top notch D’s. What happened in Dallas can’t happen & he can’t throw that Int at the end of the Panther game.
Now granted the line did not hold up for him the way it did the year before, which is why I believe that we have to spend some money or picks early on the O-line, particularly on a LT which will allow us to move Baker to his natural position of RT & on a C. We also need to look at investing in a real # 2 WR bc Jenkins isn’t one.
Shiri
January 7th, 2010
5:45 pm
They need to do more “Green Bay – Right” and “Green Bay – Left” with Norwood since he can run better in the open.. This way he won’t get tangled up in the middle.
cdog
January 7th, 2010
6:02 pm
mark, i was tough on the corners season a lot.i agree they are young.another problem hurt them was the falcons didn’t blitz or put pressure enough on opposing offense especially if the offense suppose to have a star qb.we need to be more aggressive on defense next season.we have the people to do it.we have more speed than bulk currently so lets use the buddy ryan defense mentality morer and get after folks which will help the young corners in coverage.
Blake
January 7th, 2010
6:02 pm
Great assessment and especially the “screen door” assessment. Turner is an under-utilized weapon. The only thing that I would add would be to look for a veteran DB who can come into the team as a mentor. They tried this in the past with Malloy and it was working but they got a guy who was too close to retirement. Don’t forget that Brian Williams was a threat in the secondary as well before falling to injury. I am renewing my season tickets because I believe that the team is worth supporting regardless! It may be time to get WR’s who are more reliable. Both Jenkins and White had some key drops that could have turned us to 11-5 really fast.
thunderbull 56
January 7th, 2010
6:09 pm
Agree with the trade Gonzalez biz. That there yeoman tight end of ours show showed some soft paws last Sunday.BTW Marko,if the tight end has to win 3 games for you,well, what’s wrong with that picture?
monty
January 7th, 2010
6:10 pm
Not having Douglas did hurt the long passing game but I’m still not sold on White and Jenkins. Where is our Marvin Harrison type receiver. Manning had one, get one for Ryan!! Montana had Rice and Taylor.White is OK but never going to be a HOF. Jenkins is a hold your breath type receiver, even on wide open passes. Gonzalez was a crutch because of our wideouts and Matt’s skittish behavior in the pocket.
Falcons are pros
January 7th, 2010
6:57 pm
A-rod–i agree with you.the falcons threw to much to Gonzalles and did not strech the field and thats why no screens or slants.the falcons were a one man show.Just like when the Halks had Wilkins and the falcons had prim time and vick.all one man shows and the teams were not very good.I know Gonzalles is a great player and that the falcons had a lot of injured players.Just saying it takes more than one great player to make a team go.and on the subject of grimes.hes a player with a lot of energy and desire but lacks the size to play the big recivers like the ones dallas has,they really made him look bad.
WW
January 7th, 2010
7:22 pm
I would like the Falcons to keep their CBs, but draft the best CB on the board for the first round draft pick. If they take a DE in the first round or the best player overall on the board, I will not be upset, but I would hate for our primary 2009 problem to be our primary 2010 problem, because we tried to get an old person in free agency, or drafted another player with a history of injuries, who won’t make the first game.
I don’t mind Mr. Blank going down on the field at the end of the game anymore, because he is respectful of the players and coaches, and does not start conversations with personnel while the game is still being played.
I hope we use a 4th round pick on a kicker, and not try to get one in free agency. We missed the playoffs this year explicitly because we need a better kicker.
WW
January 7th, 2010
7:29 pm
The primary problem in the previous blog is that we need one more elite CB.
crackbaby
January 7th, 2010
7:29 pm
Mark – you left out the O-line. New Orleans rushed 3 and got to Ryan consistently. Also, the running game was very poor this year after leading the league 2 seasons ago. The O-line needs to get much better.
Defense – that kid Brandon Spikes from Florida is a mean SOB. Maybe a crummy human being but so are some of the greatest linebackers in history (Butkus, Lambert, Ted Hendricks, Wilbur Marshall, Ray Lewis..). Any chance he’s available with the 20th pick?
Victorious 1
January 7th, 2010
7:49 pm
I agree with the group that is advising some level of patience with this team. I know our 40-year Losersville history makes many of us wish for microwave fixes to the problems we see, but great teams are built in stages over several years. The real issue with this year’s Falcons vs last is the one area nobody can predict or control – the injury bug. Think about it – every one of the problem areas everybody is talking about was significantly impacted by one or more major injuries to key personnel. The 11-5 2008 Falcons enjoyed what by today’s NFL standards could be called an injury-free year, especially to key skill players. This year everybody and his cousin got hurt, many before the real games even started. The Falcons could keep the exact same roster and win 12 to 14 games next year if they can avoid so many major injuries. The ship is heading in the right direction, folks. Improving a historically bad franchise is like trying to turn an aircraft carrier – it may not whip around like your jet ski does, but it’s turning….
DJW
January 7th, 2010
7:55 pm
Shutdown corners are hard to come by, and they still don’t guarantee wins. Look at Revis for the Jets. He’s one of the best in the league, and the Falcons still took them down. However, if you look at how a strong pass-rush impacts the game, you’ll see it disrupts not only the passing game, but the running game as well. Case-in-point: Dallas’ performance against Philly last week. If McNabb can’t get the ball out, you don’t have to worry about your corners.
As for M. Ryan, one of the things that stands out to me is his performance in the clutch. Quite a few times this season (in particular, both NY games), Matty Ice drove the team down the field to either tie the game, or win it. I know he’s also done the same in other games this season. This, to me, is one of the intangibles you can’t put a stat on. Also, can anyone cite the last time they saw him turn over the ball in the Red Zone? I can’t recall once. Contrast that to Cutler in Chicago, who threw more interceptions in the Red Zone in this year than Tom Brady has in his entire career.
In this league, you need a quarterback who can drive you down the field when you need it most. CHECK. You also need your quarterback to consistently convert in the Red Zone. CHECK. Those other things – the interceptions and poor throws – can and will be corrected. Plus, a quick check against many top caliber QBs shows that the 2nd year is almost always a huge “learning” year – check Favre’s 2nd year numbers to get a real shock.
Bottom line: I think the Falcons are poised to have a huge 2010. Dimitroff and Smith lead this team to overcome tremendous adversity (the bye week games, the injuries) and still finish with an AFC playoff qualifying 9-7 record.
BD
January 7th, 2010
8:07 pm
I’m not so sold on our corners.. they are pretty good tacklers after the other guy catches the ball.. but I didn’t see to many passes knocked down before they were caught. Grimes and Owens played pretty well the last couple of games, but it was against teams that were out of any playoff situation.. T.O didn’t care!
Our wideouts seem to have brain farts on a regular basis.. not sure what the issue is there but between not running routes right, missing balls in their hands.. issues!!
I think the lack of long ball has more to do with the receivers than Ryan.
Ryan’s picks usually came from him throwing behind receivers.. getting the ball to them late. He needs to work on that..
FartsALotDawg
January 7th, 2010
8:20 pm
My farts are smelling a hole lot sweeter this week.
Sylvester Mitchell
January 7th, 2010
8:25 pm
I agree with getting more rush from the edges, but I think if you can get a space eater like Cody to put next to Abraham that will eliminate the double and triple teams. Grady Jackson was the primiere reason for Abrahams 16.5 sacks in 2008. A cornerback in free agency will be ideal, and moving Houston to a nickel package will also be ideal.
Falcons are pros
January 7th, 2010
9:25 pm
get a wide out who can strech the field and shore up the defence with FA and get every body healthy and have a productive Draft.the falcons should be just fine
Singletary
January 7th, 2010
10:23 pm
F a lot dog — you are no Sonny Clusters. Thank the Almighty my computer does not channel methane. If noxious emissions caused failures in the Sp Teams, DefSecondary, etc. yes, I want to hear about it. Otherwise, let’s think of truly skanky smells like sweatsocks, jocks and how they translate into heading into the Playoffs next year.
And for those enamored with the 3-4, I just don’t get it. It is a rare configuration of personnel that can make 3 beefies manage 4 or 5 larger ones with occassional help from a big but nimble LB. I know we shift into a virtual 3-4 sometimes, but we also got rolled by the NFC East this year (other than the Snyders) and you have to assume we’ll meet one or two of them in the Playoffs next year too.
Atlanta Peach
January 7th, 2010
10:24 pm
Isn’t the worst thing you could do to another person is to laugh at them while they are angry with you ?! Sorry “Choke”, I am laughing sooo hard at you, I have no more you know what !!! “Howd you Doin” ?!!
Atlanta Peach
January 7th, 2010
10:42 pm
Is everyone enjoying the game ?! Let’s hear it for the dirty south ! Roll Tide ! Roll Tide !!
cdog
January 7th, 2010
11:11 pm
MARK, I SAW WHERE BRANDON MARSHALL IS GOING TO BE AVAILABLE.DO YOU THINK THE FALCONS CAN USE OR GET HIM? IF SO, IS HE A FREE AGENT ?I UNDERSTAND SOMEONE IS GOING TO SAY HE IS TROUBLE BUT HIS FOOTBALL ARE REMARKABLE BUT A LOT OF RECIEVERS AS WELL AS OTHER PLAYERS ON CURRENT PLAYOFF TEAMS FIT HIS BILL ALSO ASFAR AS BEING TROUBLE PLAYERS. I THINK HE WOULD BE PERFECT TO COMPLIMENT RODDY WHITE
Big Ray
January 7th, 2010
11:17 pm
Mark ,
Great read. I agree with just about everything you said. Here’s a few extensions of what you say….
1) So very few people want to acknowledge that this team has been overhauled from top to bottom, front office included. Tougher schedule and injuries made for an even rougher ride. Yet they deliver consecutive winning seasons for the first time in the history of the franchise. That alone is a huge accomplishment. How all of this continues to go on largely ignored is beyond me.
2) Yes to Grimes and Owens. No, NO, NOO, NOOO to Chris Houston. The man couldn’t turn his head if a chick off the front page of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition walked by him butt naked.
3) Sidbury WILL contend for a starting role, or at least a prominent one. Abraham is still a player, but his days are nearly done. This season made that a bit obvious. He may be a year (or less) away from joining Brooking and Milloy….
4) William Moore is going to be a great compliment to Thomas Decoud if he can stay healthy. Erik Coleman better watch his job….
5) Matt Ryan struggled along with his teammates. He’ll be fine. He’s fine NOW. He has to learn just like anybody else, even though I believe he’s ahead of the curve. More importantly, his teammates love playing with him, and he’s a leader. It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen such a quarterback in a Falcons uniform.
6) Anybody who thinks throwing some interceptions in the NFL is a death knell better start calling for Brett Favre’s head. As a young quarterback, he drove his coaches insane. Ryan doesn’t do that. His coaches trust him with a lot. Favre may be going to the SuperBowl this season, after years and years of throwing interceptions. ‘Nuff said….not to mention he has been a media darling his entire career….
7) Mularkey better get it together. The screen pass works, and it takes a load off your already loaded running back. Nothing like catching the ball and not having to figure out where the hole is, then trying to hit it while slobbering giants are chasing you.
Big Ray
January 7th, 2010
11:19 pm
Isn’t the worst thing you could do to another person is to laugh at them while they are angry with you ?! Sorry “Choke”, I am laughing sooo hard at you, I have no more you know what !!! “Howd you Doin” ?!!
LOL. Best post all day….
Matt Ryan all punk (unfearless)
January 8th, 2010
9:10 am
you can cry he is a stud but the numbers says he a 45 million dollar fluke. 100% punk no heart. The GM is pure 100% fluke too. Sam Baker pure bust. any pro bowler? oh hell no!! only pure hope!!
BirdDawg
January 8th, 2010
10:03 am
I have a Step 6 that goes along with Step 5: Bring on the block party. Get some offensive lineman that can block and there will be no need to keep a back in pass protection, thus opening up the screen door.
NFL News and Notes - January 8, 2010
January 8th, 2010
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[...] Bradley of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a five-step program for the Atlanta Falcons to return to the playoffs in [...]
NFL News and Notes - January 8, 2010 « wire2
January 8th, 2010
10:20 am
[...] Bradley of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a five-step program for the Atlanta Falcons to return to the playoffs in [...]
DJ
January 8th, 2010
10:22 am
3-4 is for teams that cant find enough d-linemen. We have enough but somebody has to step in to crunch some QBs.
Items still to learn for #2 – the fade and the screen. However, the team is much improved over 1 and 2 years (yes, better than last year).
The only thing that changed in the schedules is the confernces played. Next year we get the NFC West (AZ, SF, StL, SEA) and the AFC North (CIN, PIT, BAL, CLV) + GB at home and PHI on the road. Not much change here. The team will show improvment over the 2009 2nd place schedule in 2010.
Gimme Some More
January 8th, 2010
11:34 am
Greg your writeup is spot on! I know we played better defenses this year and they just ran all through our OL, but there were times that he didn’t remain patient, step up in the pocket (if a pocket was there) and deliver the ball. Got way to anxious in my opinion. Hopefully he learned from that this year and will settle down next year.
fanATicaL
January 8th, 2010
2:01 pm
1st I would like to say great season for the Falcons.Overcoming and not making any excuses.
Lets start with the defense.Keep Grimes and Owens.But the winning tandem should be Hill and Owens.Hill has heigth and speed.Just needs more time in the defense.Like my LB’s and thier play.Look for FA for JPeppers opposite JAbraham.This draft is the largest at defensive tackle.Sooooooo if CJSpiller or TGerhardt in the first rd,would jump all over that.Yes that ends Norwood in Atlanta.Oh yes we gave up a pick in the 2nd rd but we also recieve compensatory picks for the loss of Brookings,Foxworth and Boley.
Next Clabo definitely has to be replaced need better pass/run blocking.Free agency should be able to do this.I luuuv the idea of acquiring Brandon Marshall but the price maybe toooo high.If we swap Jenkins and a later draft pick would work for both teams.AS long as the dont nothing crazy like placing the franchise tag on him.Those few moves along with getting healthy.Makes this team that much stronger.Maybe Super Bowl ready . . . . .
CBrass
January 8th, 2010
2:24 pm
Step 5: Open the screen door—-> JERIOUS NORWOOD. Something needs to be done to get this guy the ball in open space. The guy has speed to kill and Mad Mike has to figure out a way to utilize it!!
Frank
January 8th, 2010
3:57 pm
Oh my gosh………… I am ASTOUNDED at some of the meaningless comments on here. For example: Trade Tony Gonzales………WHAT???
I loved your response.
Let’s see…….. oh yes…… some brilliant person suggested the other day that we trade Michael Turner because he was a “one year wonder”. Thankfully…… none of these folks have five cents worth of influence with Arthur Blank. I LOVE HOW HE DRESSES…… sorta like Tom Landry when the Cowboys had class.
Bad Karma
January 8th, 2010
4:13 pm
John Abraham disappeared this past season, Jamal Anderson only occupies space (not in a productive way either), Peterson was not the answer. Interesting how Brooking got steam rolled on a regular basis last year and then has a career year in Dallas. Was the lack of front line effort here or did Brooking just give up? Interesting how he is the Cowboy’s rah-rah guy this year and a wall flower here. Anyway VanGorder and Smith have their work cut out for them. Then again that’s an annual event with the Falcon’s defense.
Reid Adair
January 8th, 2010
4:20 pm
I would agree with you, Mark, that the secondary will be OK, especially with William Moore returning. I wholeheartedly agree that something needs to be done about the pass rush – or rather the lack thereof. I am confident Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith have that in mind as they prepare for the 2010 draft.
Rob
January 8th, 2010
5:29 pm
Mark, what are you doing writing for newspapers? You should be coaching an NFL team! Or maybe a GM of one? Has any of the owners called you recently? I bet not!
Thats Ok, you can keep your day job doing something you know about……..criticizing professionals and telling professionals what you think they should do ….in newspapers.
jm
January 8th, 2010
9:43 pm
FIRE Brian Van Gorder.
Tedmo
January 9th, 2010
12:16 am
Nothing was said about the kicking game…Mark would you not agree that 2 games were lost this year because of an over aged field goal kicker that was replaced ?
awantwin
January 9th, 2010
2:03 am
The Falcons were a talented team this year that had too many losses. I watched many of the games this year and was impressed with the offense.