A 5-step program to ensure a better Falcons future

And I didn’t say first like the goobers who get off on that crap.

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Right on the money Mark. They’ve got to bring back the deep ball next year.

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Good piece!

It’s going to be an interesting off-season with the FA and it’s effects on teams. I am eager for the rumor mill to gear up and I am already looking at 3rd-7th round picks in the draft (1st Round is easy Taylor Mays).

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Not that it matters that I personally am looking at 3rd-7th round picks or what the Falcons will do with it. Heck, the only thing I do is keep paying the season ticket prices hike each season. So, formally, as a season ticket-holder I ask that Arthur, TD, and CMS, please…please bring in playoff/Super Bowl talent! I have to convince the wife that yes, 20+ years of season ticket holding is worth it.

Also, Arthur if you happen to read this, please get rid of the guy/gal who runs the music and marketing at the Dome. Worst stadium music in all of the major sports.

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2nd and that’s why I skipped it.

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The defense needs time and one more training camp with maybe a piece or two. For some reason, I think our offense looked old and sluggish this year at some positions. Harry Douglas will help, but we need to start grooming each line position (Reynolds being a start). The Defense will get better, and significantly so, next year.

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Do yall think we need to bolster the receiving ranks, or will the return of Harry Douglas be enough. We threw deep multiple times in the last few games, to Jenkins in particular, they just weren’t completed at a high percentage. Also the addition of Tony Gonzales probably resulted in a less vertical attack as Ryan looked to him often where last year we had little to no tight end presence in the passing game.

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They need to pick up another wide reciever for depth in the later rounds, but I would not be adverse to drafting another RB in round 3.

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Right on brother!!! Lawrence Sidbury and Derrick Morgan teamed together would be interesting. Go Falcons.

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6. Sign a reliable kicker.

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Back to the Granthem article. I heard back at Christmas he was the guy. But it was known then as now that CMR would make a legit run at Smart after his bowl game. From what I hear, Grantham is a really good guy and wants the UGA job.

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“Charlie Dalton: Right on brother!!! Lawrence Sidbury and Derrick Morgan teamed together would be interesting. Go Falcons.”

I don’t think Morgan will be on the board by the time the Falcons pick. Would be pretty sweet though.

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Spot on.

Defense works as a unit, no pass rush, there is no way corners can cover… I am not suggesting that we have adequate corners but they may not be as bad as we think they are.

I am glad someone else noticed that long balls seemed to decrease dramatically. Of course, that could be correlate to lack of a running game and fewer teams bringing safeties up to support the run. The Falcons also seemed unwilling to commit to the run this season. Last year, they seemed willing to accept some 3 and outs in order to establish the run, not so much this year….

I had not really considered the lack of screens but that is a good observation.

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Mark, the things i enjoy most: being first and spreading humor seem to be in disfavor now.

sadly, willie

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I agree with most of these observations. Selected free agents and a good draft. Need help at DE, DB, WR and OL. Will they take the proverbial “best available” this year?

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We was thinking that.

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I would like to see Champ Bailey brought in to solidify the secondary – i believe that Denver is going to try to overhaul their defense and he could be available. What an addition he would be to have a shut down corner and a locker room presence for those young DB’s. Bring Champ home!

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I’m with Sonny. Get the kicking game fixed, period. I realize we thought it was fixed with Elam, but we HAVE to get a Mr. Automatic from 40 yards in. Even with all the injuries and the hellacious schedule, in my opinion, we make the playoffs if Elam makes a few of those kicks that should have been a gimme for a millionaire, professional kicker (especially one who kicks indoors).

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For sure draft an end or lb. But it is obvious that our secondary is questionable at best. Continue to add depth to the o-line and get a future tight end while you can along with a rb. Our offense has potential to be as unstoppable as Indy’s if we add depth. Free agent db.. Great article and i’d loooove for the Falcons to draft a Boilermaker.

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Clusters can help improve some ball clubs. If we was working with the Falcons we’d buy some helmets that don’t come off when you get tackled. How many players lost their helmets this season? We was thinking bungee cords might work, too. A player without a helmet out there is asking for trouble. Also, now that professional athletes are taking guns into the locker room we was wondering if they have any targets set up in the Dome for practicing? Or is that just NBA? How about Chipper if he sees a deer around Turner Field?

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5 EASY STEP TO IMPROVE THE FALCONS FOR 2010:

5. Get rid of the sideline-patroling, cheap-hardware-peddling owner.

4. Allow only D. Orlando Ledbetter and Mark Bradley to cover the Falcons

3. Bring back the team’s REAL Quarterback

2. Serve Banana Pudding at the Georgia Dome Concession Stands

1. Move the team to Los Angeles before Buffalo or Jacksonville can.

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Tom, with all due respect, exactly who would you like to have as a backup QB? Chris Redman is one of the best backups in the league. Name 5 who are better.

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I would not get rid of Brent Grimes. Despite his size he is one of the toughest players in the league. Maybe he is overmatched as a starting CB, but special teams and nickel back- I would take him any day

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That’s okay, Mark, we’ve got your back.

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Jt: Here’s a list of QBs who started 2009 as backups and who are better than Chris Redman:
- Matt Moore
- Alex Smith
- Vince Young
- Ryan Fitzpatrick
- Brady Quinn
- Bruce Gradkowski
- Michael Vick
- Kevin Kolb
- Billy Volek

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I agree with Bradley’s 1 thru 5, Cluster’s 6. Step 7 is build a monster Oline, something like the Cowboy’s have.I believe that if you give Ryan as much time as Romo gets from his line, that it could become a wonderful thing.

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I believe we are on the way up.

If you add all the draft picks from last year (most were injured) to the class we are about to draft…it could be a difference maker.

In addition, if you sprinkle in the right free agent or two…we could be talking superbowl this time next year.

Ryan, will be much better with Turner skinny and 100% healthy.

We are about to blow the roof off the dome with some really great stuff.

I can not wait til next year!

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Coach Crim, what the %*$@ are you smoking, go to another siter please.

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Greg and others who question Matt Ryan:

Take a look at 1st and 2nd year stats for Matt, Drew Brees and Philip Rivers.

G GS Comp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int
Brees1 16 16 320 526 60.8 3,284 6.2 17 16
Brees2 11 11 205 356 57.6 2,108 5.9 11 15

Rivers1 16 16 284 460 61.7 3,388 7.4 22 9
Rivers2 16 16 277 460 60.2 3,152 6.9 21 15

Ryan1 16 16 265 434 61.1 3,440 7.9 16 11
Ryan2 14 14 263 451 58.3 2,916 6.5 22 14

Hopefully the format will keep when I post, if not…. here are the links

http://www.nfl.com/players/drewbrees/profile?id=BRE229498
http://www.nfl.com/players/philiprivers/profile?id=RIV651634
http://www.nfl.com/players/mattryan/profile?id=RYA238179

Pretty comparable stats, and it should be noted that in Brees and Rivers case, they had their breakout year in their 3rd year. Let’s hope the same for Matt Ryan!

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Clusters needs his own blog.

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Finally, Someone is addressing my biggest concern. Mark, I hope you ask some questions on this topic at the end of year presser Monday. Where was the explosiveness? I dont think Mularkey trusts the protection. Did you notice how many pass plays this year were run out of max protect. I think the biggest thing the deep passing game needs is one or two more linemen. Baker is good but gets beat frequently by speed rushers.

I also remember how Ryan reacted in camp to Douglas going down. I think the system counts on the 3 receiver to open up things down field more than we realize.

Please press Coach and Thomas D on this Monday.

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Mark – Good read. I like most of what you say, but would like a slight tweak or two. I agree that the secondary would look better with a better pass rush. Here’s where I disagree:

1. I’m not ready to give up on our DE’s. I think we lack the anchor in the middle. Whether Jerry will be able to accomp-lish that is unknown, but I’d love to see us draft Cody from Alabama in round one. Put him with Babs or Jerry and watch our DE’s (Abe, Beer Money, and Sid) go beserk.
2. While that will also help the secondary, I just don’t think Houston and Grimes are starting material. I love Owens. Perhaps Brian Williams comes back, but I’d rather see us go after a veteran lock down corner to pair with Owens and put Grimes at the nickel. Don’t know if a vet CB exists in FA or trade, but that’s my hope. Don’t spend a #1 on a CB. Too much risk, and like I said above, the pass rush will disguise a lot of probblems.

The final thing is stop playing soft on 3rd and long.

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Bradley I agree a lot with you assessment. I’m going to say this and its not a knock on Gonzales but I think he indirectly played an impacted on us not going deep as much. There were definitely times where Ryan would become way to dependent on looking just for him. That said I love Gonzales I just think Ryan could spread the ball around a little more.(Including Mularkey calling more screens to Turner)

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I’m interested in seeing what they do with Biermann and Sidbury. They have both shown more than Anderson and Chauncy Davis appears to be seen as a solid back up. It will probably help Abraham quite a bit to have Jerry back, they need to add quality depth though at nose tackle.

The receiver thing that Steak was harping on this morning is a little overblown. Roddy was awesome this year so was Gonzo. Jenkins was very average and the 3 guys they had trying to fill Harry Douglass shoes came up ridiculously short.

What they need is Harry Douglass to come back healthy and maybe try to upgrade the depth at WR. They need a guy wide with explosive speed. (Deverey Henderson type)

Also 2 has to be better early and also throughout. He’s got to get them touchdowns early in games to help the defense.

I still think they could upgrade both Offensive Tackle positions but especially the left side. I think I’ve taken Todd McClure for granted a bit.

They probably need to find another running back somewhere and they really need to upgrade the explosiveness of the strongside linebacker position.

I think they might be pretty solid at safety. If they can find maybe one corner in the draft that they could go with it would be nice. Sure I can dream for Joe Haden but he’s long gone by 20. I don’t know that there are any other corners in the draft worthy of a pick that high.

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Mark, Do you think Brian Van Gorder will be gone? I hope so…

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Leave it to a lawyer to turn a 12 step program into a 5 step program without knowing a damn thing about real football.

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Mark, I just think there’s a better defensive mind out there than BVG. His schemes are atrocious to me. Who drops Abraham into coverage? Do you think (and this is just your opinion) he’s the best man for the job? I can name 3 D-coords RIGHT NOW that I feel could do a better job.

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Interesting take Mark…I think he’s a great DC for college….great LBs coach for the NFL…but in all fairness, he hasnt had a whole lot to work with. Perhaps he’ll excel with better talent. He and Smitty did get a lot out of the D last year so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Thanks for responding Mark. This is the first time you’ve actually responded to me.LOL Have a good day and stay warm!! lol

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Why in the name of Sonny Clusters would we draft a running back. We have 3 very good ones. Get faster and more physical at linebacker and d-line. I think Brent Grimes will have 10 picks if he starts 16 games next year, and Owens is excellant in run support.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER MAKES AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT.
‘
We do need another good o-lineman and a deep threat. SC

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A Rod you sound ridiculous!! Without TG this year, we’re 6-10!!!

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I agree MBradley. This season was not a complete failure as a lot of fans like to think. The NFL is setup to have teams rise and fall from year to year because of the way they assign schedules. And the Falcons after having an 11-5 seasons against a last place schedule, were due for a drop back to the pack with a more difficult schedule and guess what, it was only a 2 game difference in the win column. Last year they had 16 full games from Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Harry Douglas, Grady Jackson, and Lawyer Milloy. This year they got 0 games from Douglas, only 13 full games from Ryan, only 9 full games from Turner and essentially no contributions from Peria Jerry and William Moore who were the replacements for Jackson/Milloy. They also lost one of their starting CB’s after just 5 games.

To me all those injuries to key players against a tougher schedule and the result was only 2 more losses leads me to believe that the Falcons actually had a better season, performance wise on the whole than last season. They were competitive in every game except the Philly game. That says to me that the character of this team is solid (especially winning the final three games after being eliminated from playoff contention) and the direction of the team is pointed correctly.

If Peria Jerry and William Moore rebound from injury next season, it will be like having an extra 1st and 2nd round pick to add to the mix. Plus the schedule will not be any more difficult than it was this season. So with the possibility of an improved roster (thru another year’s experience for the current young players and thru the draft) I think the Falcons set up well to contend for the division title.

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Sonny, you are a hoot. Are you from South JAWJA?

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Ramblin Wrecker, I agree 100%! Fans complaining about this years team need to get a dose of reality. Remember where this team was 2 years ago? Last year was an anomaly, and this year was more realistic. Now, next year I would expect at least 10 wins if not more.

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We definitely need to ramp up the D-Line and Secondary. I TOTALLY agree with welikebaseball2. Get a shutdown corner and let the other 3 battle it out. Its time to lock that position down. Next year we mainly upper echelon QBs: Warner, Palmer, McNabb, Rodgers, Brees (twice),and Roethlisberger. Enough said.

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Not only did the Falcons not utilize the screen pass as a few people have pointed out, but they also rarely threw any slant passes over the middle when they needed to pick up a first down on third and short. I’m not that impressed with Mularkey’s overall play calling as the OC. I really believe the Falcons could do better than Mularkey. Continuing to try to run Norwood up the middle was a wasted down all year long.

I too am looking forward to the off-season and the draft to see what changes are made to the personnel on the team. For too many games, I sat on the edge of my seat when the defense was on the field in third and long situations knowing that the CBs would get burned. Not just burned, but toasted way too many times (especially Chris Houston).

With some upgrades and changes on the defensive side, and another WR than can consistently catch the ball (Jenkins and Booker need to go and Finneran needs to retire), I believe that the Falcons can be serious competitors next season.

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Since I was just 6 years old, I can remember pulling for the Falcons (I wore my old grey coke Steve Barkowski jersey with pride back then)I was ecstatic Sunday watching them make history. I’ve been comparing Ryan’s stats with those of some of the greats (Manning, Favre) in their first two years. He’s going to be great folks. 2-3 more years. I’m excited. After 25+ years its about time! Go Birds!

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I would really ask Dimitroff to really take into account the injury history of his drafting especially in regards to last year’s drafting. I think Jerry was good while he lasted but this Moore guy was a total wash and his college injury history should have been a red flag…I mean next to Von Hurtin I still don’t know what these guys even look like. I love Fin but another knee injury….a receiver would be nice especially if Douglas is not 100%. I agree the secondary made vast improvements as turning around when the ball came near the receiver was a nice change. But in all honesty they played better without Houston it seemed though the secondary never really shined against any of the elite offensive teams. The rush was heinous…and the DE Anderson as much as I see him trying really is never gonna be an elite end in this league and that and outside linebacker are major needs. Babs played good but he will have to do it next year not high if he gets around the arrest incident so the middle is a real concern as Perry and BABS are big question marks in starting the season…in other words the defense is still a big conglomerate of question marks and maybes. Hopefully this draft and free agency hits will more closely resemble 2008 than the 2009 class( minus Gonzalez of course). Norwood looks like someone will pay him to much for us to keep so getting a good speed back late in the draft is a probabilty as Turner and Snelling both are beasts. Offensive line…keep Dahl and Clabo and who knows maybe we will find a diamond in the rough especially since we have in essence a guard playing left tackle who is as you probably guessed a continual injury casualty. I am optimistic but there is serious work to do since the NFC South really took an upturn at the end of the year and all teams showed serious improvements…gotta keep up with the Joneses.

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“above average” coordinator. that is one heck of an endorsement!

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Resign the O-line
Free agent sign a CB ie. Carols Rogers, Dunta Robinson and keep the other 3 to fight it out
1st round go for Defensive line ie. D. Morgan, G. Hardy, C. Dunlap, T. Cody
Obviously get rid of Jamaal

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If not for some bad calls and none calls by the refs. in both of the Saint games going in favor of NO.If not for a dropped TD pass by Jenkins, a missed FG by Elam, or if Ryan had called HEADS on the coin toss against the Giants (or the NFL could figure out a better way to break a tie). Or, if the runt from the Panthers hadn’t taken out Turner early in the 2nd quarter, after he had already run all over them for 111 yards(there is no way Carolina could have even come close to winning, if the Burner had continued to play.The Falcons would have been 13 and 3.If, If,if,if,and if, I think that’s 5 ifs that could have made things better.The Falcons have a great future.The best organization since they were created.

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Great article Mark. Right on point, particularly step 3.

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The secondary did improve some but still needs a lot of help. Grimes would be a good nickel back but not a starting NFL CB. Owens definitely got better with playing time. But Houston should be named “Toast” because he’s always getting burned. Also, the safeties are too soft. An improved pass rush will help but Grimes will still be picked on when he’s trying to cover a 6′4″ WR.

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MB,
125th !!!!!!
I digress ……… now, I was thinking 1st round DE or rush LB (explain later) .. and if we can finagle our compensatory picks and maybe draft position in the other rounds into a 2nd round pick, I would be good with a CB. After that, any RB still around.

I noticed on some draft websites that TCU DE Jerry Hughes was projected as a rush LB not a pure DE, but he has size (6′3″257 lbs, similar to JA55).

I wonder if getting Hughes, along with returning DEs JA55/Davis/Sidbury/Bierman and all the young holdover DTs (Walker/T. Lewis/Babs/T. Jefferson and maybe JA98 if he is still around), would it give us the flexibility to do 3-4 (Sidbury/Hughes/Beirman as outside rush LBs) or 5-2 alignments mixed in with our standard 4-3?

Drafting Hughes scenario is predicated on getting back into the 2nd round to get a high-quality cornerback, not a “servicable” one. dont know if we should expect a starting CB out of the 3rd round if we wait that long.

Other scenario is that if Dimitroff and Smith feel like the young DEs are ready or that CB is more important and can get a quality DE later, then we may be looking at someone else.

I like CJ Spiller, and the “change of pace” RB is a need, esp. if Norwood can’t stay healthy or gets his walking papers …. but it may not be 1st round level of criticality. CB and DE are primary.

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I thought that before the season started, we had a very difficult schedule. We managed to finish with a winning record even after injuries to arguably the two best player on our team. Hopefully we’ll draft a powerful OLB in the draft. We need to win games next year against the top tier teams. We failed to do that this year. GO FALCONS!!!!

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Nice Article MB. Now, what are your predictions for the Bravos this year???

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i agree with most of your analysis – i do believe that Owens/Grimes can contribute and be a positive factor for the defense.

Having said that, how in the world can you defend Chris Houston, Mark? He’s awful. The next time Houston turns to locate the ball when pass defending – will be the FIRST time!!!!!! there I said it “first” – a popular word on this board.

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I think a lot of the readers of this blog need a 12-step program.

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Did anyone else notice Grimes and Owen’s dramatic improvement over the last few games? Like quarterback, it takes a few years for a cb to come into his own. Speaking of qb (nice segue, huh?) I think Ryan’s lack of the longer pass (only 6 fewer longer than 20 yards, not even .5 a game, it’s the over 40 numbers that disturb me), could be explained by: 1, Roddy dropping a disturbing number of balls this year, as did Jenks, and 2. the turf toe issue. You have to have two good feet to throw the ball, one to drive off of, in Matty Ice’s case the right one, and one to step into the throw with, or land on, in this case the left. I don’t know which foot was hurt, but I can tell you the pain from that injury is acute, sharp, and mind numbing. No way you have that injury as a qb and not have it affect your throws. Kicking wise, a healthy Bryant would be a good thing and from the Braves front…Sciambi and Rathbun? Are you serious? Chip Caray, even with his occasional blooper, is much better than Sciambi and Rathbun sounds like a high pitched girlman with corks in his nose. Yeesh!

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I agree Mark, another pass rusher. If 98 is a FA then he is gone. We’re getting the 2009 #1 and #2 plus a 2010 #1. As for the corners, 20 looked pretty good on the right side and 21 looked good for a rookie (the 21 of old got burned just as many times at ATL-Fulton and the rookie tackles). Looks like #23 might be a passing down guy in 2010.

All in all, the team grew alot of depth in a tough year. We won’t know until next year if they learned how to win on the road. What was weakness (D-line, secondary) should be deep in 2010.

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TradeEM,
The game starts upfront in the trenches. Pressure on the QB makes the DBs’ jobs a lot easier. Improve upfront first. We don’t need to draft a safety until we can see what William Moore has to offer us. I like DeCoud at the other safety spot and Coleman has been more than serviceable. You don’t need a shutdown corner if you have a lights out defensive front 7. How many teams do you know have a great secondary and an average front 7? How many teams do you know have a great front 7 and an average secondary? Of course we want the best of both, but this is a business so if that isn’t possible I would rather take the great D-line and LBs and an average secondary. It worked for the Jags when Smith was the DC over there.

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One guy they better keep is Keonen(spelling)? How many touchbacks did he have. Good punter and can kick a long field goal. Bryant looked good to me. Why does everone want another kicker. Snap up these two.

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I agree with the comments about the lack of creativity when it came to play calling. Mike Mularkey seemed to be stuck in the same box most of the time, especially when it came to utilizing Jerious Norwood. He is not, nor will he ever be, a between the tackles RB. He needs to be used on the edges and to have more screen passes thrown his way so that he can be effective in open space. Then again, he may not even be back next season. I like the guy, but he’s just not durable.

I must say that I was pretty impressed with Brent Grimes and Christopher Owens down the stretch of the season. I was convinced that #20 needed to be jettisoned after the season, but he played lights out at the end. Owens more than made up for the TD pass he gave up to Braylon Edwards. I also couldn’t help but notice how well the secondary played after Chris Houston went on IR. If anybody needs to go, it’s him. With improved play from Owens and Grimes, along with the return of Brian Williams and the possibility of a new corner via the draft or FA, the secondary may be a strong point of the defense in 2010.

I am definitely looking forward to seeing what moves this franchise makes in the coming months!

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Would love to see a stat — not sure if it is compiled — on how many sacks are generated out of a standard four (or three) man rush set vs. blitz packages. It would speak to how much of our lack of pass rush is attributable to personnel vs. scheme. Our blitzes seemed few and far between. The teams that blitz like crazy (Philly, etc.) have to have CBs who can perform in man coverage — the two go hand in hand.

Abe defenders are all saying he was double teamed and held all year. Not really. Many times he was effectively blocked straight up. I think the guy is sufficiently motivated, but either he had an undisclosed injury or the collective toll of numerous injuries over the years has sapped his talent. Huge drop off from last year — no way around it — so let’s hope Kroy, Sid and other newcomers can pick up the slack. And, BTW, who really thinks Chauncey was effective this year? Kroy had 27 more tackles than he did, and four more sacks. He and JA98 can carpool out of Flowery Branch together, and not come back. I hope we load up in the draft on LBs and DEs who can rush the passer, cause we need ‘em desperately.

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Terrell,
I’m talking about pieces to the puzzle we call the Falcons and immediate impact. It’s obvious two positions won’t turn the defense around. Same thing every year…let’s see what xyz can do. Sign proven players. Anything on defense will be an improvement. Teams purchase their great front sevens over time. If I had the choice between say Champ Bailey or the like and drafting a good lineman in the first round, I’m going with Champ.

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first????

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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.

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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!!!!!!!……………………

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GO SAINTS……..go back to the locker room with another playoff lose.

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I would be lokking for a better CB

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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).

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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The primary problem in the previous blog is that we need one more elite CB.

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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….

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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..

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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.

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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.

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Is everyone enjoying the game ?! Let’s hear it for the dirty south ! Roll Tide ! Roll Tide !!

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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.

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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!!

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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 [...]

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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.

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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 . . . . .

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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.

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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.

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FIRE Brian Van Gorder.

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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.

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The lack of pass rush can be attributed to one thing. Our new regime dumped Grady and our pass rush dissapeared! All of a sudden the d-backs can’t cover.

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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.

Blogger looks even dumber for criticizing the writer. And the cycle continues, perpetuated by an idiot as usual.

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The offensive line is good enough. They just need to stay healthy and get some depth. Defensive line is the 1 priority. A Pass Rushing Defensive End Derrick Morgan or the Hughes kid from TT…. 2 would be great so that both could be tutored by Abe. A Roadblock of a tackle with pass ruch skills. Terrance Cody would look nice in a Falcons uniform. A All-around linebacker with good size, speed, instincts and technique with excellent pass rushing skills would be nice…. Rolando MCclain comes to mind. This would be a nice beginning to our draft

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Mark Bradley: I’ll have to show you some love on this write. I tend to critique you guys when find something out of whack but I couldn’t agree more about steps 1, 2, 4. However I might accuse you of stealing my thoughts… How’d you do that? But I digress, steps 3 and 5 weren’t even on my radar but I again can’t agree with you more (I hate reverses in the NFL as well, except when they work). Great analysis even for a closet Techie

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I agree with some of the things you have said Mark, except Mike Mularkey needs to go! His offensive strategy is obselete and need refurbishing in the area of play selections as it relates to passing on first and second downs. On fourth down and less than a yard and sometimes inches, with the capable personnel the Falcons have, kicking is not always the best option. If this change is not made, I grant you the same scenario will again repeat itself…

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If they dont put Norwood in space, screens or delays, he is not much help. A couple of more draft picks, especially a shut down corner, and wee are there.Harry can be a sleeper for our offense.

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Falcon fans when will you learn. All this big hype will go down the drain at the end of next season. Having back to back winning seasons DOESN’T make you the Super Bowl champs the next year. It will NEVER happen !!!!!!!!!!

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The Falcons need Mt.Cody and McClain from Alabama. How about the entire Bama defense to the Falcons. Javier Arenas is definitley better that Weems as a punt returner.

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Mark, what are the odds of us signing Osi Umenyiora? He wants out of New York and he’s a GREAT pass rusher. I’d much rather fill the pass rushing void via free agency rather than the draft. I’m thinking a line of Osi-Jerry-Babs-Kroy with Abraham as a situational pass rusher would be pretty sick. We’d also have Anderson to rotate in at LE for short yardage situations.

The cornerback situation: I think Chris Owens is going to be a very solid LCB for years to come. He showed steady improvement from game to game and he shut down TO. I’d definitely feel comfortable having him cover team’s number 1 WR’s.

And to the guy that says we should draft Taylor Mays: HELL NO! DeCoud and Coleman are both very good safeties and work well together. We just drafted Moore last year. It wouldn’t make much sense to draft Mays this year.

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The reverse…….. PLEASE tear this page out of the playbook Mularkey……it worked what….once out of 30 wasted downs over the course of the year.

Jason Elam lost about three games by himself.

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Mark Bradley, I agree with most of your post but I have to call you on a couple of points. I believe the Falcon’s stopped throwing the deep ball because that is the No2 weakness of Matty “Ice” game (No1 being lack of speed). I have watched every pro game Matt has played, I also watch several other teams play while watching the Falcons on Sunday’s and when I switch to other games it is immediately noticeable the ball Matt throws doesn’t have the same velocity as say Mcnabb, Romo, Palmer, Rivers or even Sanchez. But the biggest evidence of all is the receiver has to wait for the ball on nearly every deep route. I can’t believe someone like you have never noticed or commented on this fact.
Obviously someone on the Falcons coaching staff agrees with me and they are calling the offense to his strengths rather than his weakness.

Mark why would anyone want to relive the experiment we had with our secondary? I know our pass rush was terrible this season and it didn’t help the secondary at all but “Come-on Man” Brent Grimes and Chris Houston (LMAO) has earned the title as the worst pairing of corners in the history of NFL football. Credit Brent Grimes for showing up the last two games, but we will never make the play-offs if these two guys continue to get the playing time they did this season. Christopher Owens has game, keep him and cut the others. Any film existing on our corners has to be labeled a Horror movie!!!! Please Mark just tell it like it is, maybe then we can get better.

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