Julius Peppers wants out; the Falcons shouldn’t touch him
See this? Pictorial evidence of a Julius Peppers non-sack. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
News out of Charlotte today is that Julius Peppers says he doesn’t want to play for the Carolina Panthers because he has been ignored this offseason. (Peppers gave a radio interview, and his answer to one question prompted the usually straight-down-the-middle Associated Press to describe it as “rambling.”) Speculation has already suggested that Flowery Branch could/should be Peppers’ next place of employment. I have one word for this:
The word is “no.”
The Falcons need a pass rusher. Peppers rushes the passer — sometimes. He had 2 1/2 sacks in 2007. He had 14 1/2 in 2008. He had 10 1/2 last season in what was a contract year. Of those 10 1/2, six came against Washington, Buffalo and Tampa Bay. He had no sacks in four games against New Orleans and Atlanta.
There are times when you watch the Panthers and you think Peppers is Deacon Jones. Other times you think he has come down with the deacon blues. (Steely Dan reference.) Put simply, he doesn’t seem to play hard all the time. And the one thing the Falcons want from all their players — and the chief criterion regarding all future acquisitions, be they free agents or draftees — is this: Do they play hard every single down?
The Falcons would be better served sticking with John Abraham, who’s coming off an uninspiring season but who’s facing a contract year himself, and trying to find a pass rusher in the draft. Peppers is going to want the moon and the stars for a new contract — he made $16.7 million last season — and he’s not worth half that. He’s a good player who sometimes does great things but who didn’t exactly lift the Panthers, who had to win their final three games to reach .500, to great heights.
And he’s a whiner. He tried to leave after last season but the Panthers stuck him with the “franchise player” tag. He lobbied to oust defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac, and Trgovac indeed left. Now he’s saying the Panthers aren’t paying enough attention to him. From the radio interview: “How can you say you want to be somewhere when you’re not really sure if they want you there because they’re not even talking to you?”
Loading ...The two words most apt to chill any conversation with the Falcons’ new brass are these: DeAngelo Hall. Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith want no prima donnas in their organization, and Peppers has those tendencies. The good plays he’d make wouldn’t be worth the trouble of coddling his ego. Besides that, he’s 30. How many pass rushers stay good at age 32, 33, 34? (Abraham is 31, you should know.)
And it’s not as if the Falcons have to do anything rash. From Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com, assessing the Saints’ chances to repeat as Super Bowl champs:
“The Falcons have a quarterback in Matt Ryan and big-time targets in Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. They remind me a bit of the 2008 Saints — all offense and not enough defense. You can bet that the Falcons are going to work to improve that defense in 2010. If the Falcons can improve half as much on defense as this season’s Saints, anything becomes possible.”
The belief here is that Dimitroff can find enough defensive aid in this draft and perhaps free agency — and don’t forget the return of Peria Jerry and William Moore, neither of whom did much of anything as rookies due to injury — to lift the 2010 Falcons to the postseason. The belief here is that Peppers shouldn’t be needed or wanted in Flowery Branch. The MeAngelo days are done, thank goodness.
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214 comments Add your comment
A.J.
February 9th, 2010
2:51 pm
First on two different columns in the same day has to be a record
Denver Bird
February 9th, 2010
2:56 pm
Do they call Alabama the Crimson Tide?
your turn.
GIVE ME A BREAK
February 9th, 2010
2:56 pm
Please, no more WHINERS.
Bob
February 9th, 2010
2:57 pm
Wow, A.J., something to be proud of.
ed
February 9th, 2010
2:57 pm
I agree. Dude is going to break the bank and there is no doubt his tread is getting worn down. Signing him would be no way to build up a team. Let Daniel Snyder go after him.
The Real FALCON
February 9th, 2010
2:57 pm
TD will get the players that best fit our team and character.
Paddy
February 9th, 2010
2:57 pm
Noi, No, a hundred times NO
E's Dirty Bird's
February 9th, 2010
3:01 pm
We have to improve somewhere…and Peppers is definitely an improvement. I’m glad Bradely is not our GM.
hmmmm......
February 9th, 2010
3:05 pm
Are there any other good free agent ends? Is Osi(?) the guy from the Giants a free agent? TO is.
mackdad3
February 9th, 2010
3:07 pm
if he is a whiner (which seems to be the overriding belief among sports writers) then this does not fit the current regime’s building “process”…don’t really see this happening which is a good thing.
Old Fan
February 9th, 2010
3:07 pm
Ninth?
Old Fan
February 9th, 2010
3:08 pm
Dang! Beaten out again!
gadawgs
February 9th, 2010
3:10 pm
I disagree. We need to go and get him.
Southside Falcon
February 9th, 2010
3:12 pm
I agree mark Its not worth it
Harry
February 9th, 2010
3:12 pm
I don’t think TD is thinking about Peppers at all. So Mark…be in Peace. All the points you have mentioned above are true and facts.
We have Jerry & Moore returning. If we can get CB & DE/OLB through initial draft picks… our defense is going to be very tough. TD has already hinted that “A good pass rusher could be found in 3rd/4th rounds” in a lot of Radio shows.
Some of the picks will be used for OL,WR & TE. It will be an interesting ride to Draft day.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
February 9th, 2010
3:13 pm
I was one that was interested in Peppers , but now after reading your article I agree with you he only needs to come to the dome as a visitor.good article
Without-a-clue
February 9th, 2010
3:13 pm
I think the only reason the Falcons should consider Peppers is to keep him from New Orleans. The Saints with a pass rush would be frightening.
Joey
February 9th, 2010
3:14 pm
Say “yes” to Julius Peppers.
Say “no” to Steely Dan references.
Dont forget the potential for lock-out...
February 9th, 2010
3:15 pm
A thirty two yr. old pass rusher is a risk, especially with the signing bonus he’s gonna want. That money will be gone whether we play in 2011 or not. You could end up spending $20+ million for a single season and be stuck with a thirty four year old has been who hasn’t rushed the passer for a year come 2012. I’ll take my chances in the draft.
Toe Meets Leather
February 9th, 2010
3:18 pm
Well, if he’s a good conversationalist, he could join Sam Baker and other injury-prone players on the bench and keep them amused.
Toe Meets Leather
February 9th, 2010
3:20 pm
I’ll take my chances in the draft.
Ya know, we haven’t drafted a tight end for a while. I was thinking . . .
Dont forget the potential for lock-out...
February 9th, 2010
3:22 pm
Yeah, since we don’t have a pick in the 2nd round, let’s trade the 2011 1st rounder early in round two for a stud blocking TE!
Nique
February 9th, 2010
3:22 pm
Seriously Mark???
Mark once again your flat out wrong, just like your SB pick! There is no way that we shouldn’t pursue Peppers! Now if he ends up asking for more than we are willing to give, then that’s one thing, but to not pursue him at all would be stupid! Also your depiction as someone who slouches off frequently is unfair & is a total proof texting of your stats because he’s been in the league 8 years & 6 of those he’s been a double digit sack guy (12 in 13 games (11, 10.5, 13, 14.5, & 10.5), & the one other year he had 7 which is not to shabby, so your claim of lack of consistency is mitigated. Yes he had an awful year in 07, yes some of it had to do with his lack of drive due to his unhappiness with the organization, but he also missed to complete games & played at less than a 100% of that year to. Peppers is unquestionably one of the most dominate pass rushers in the game so with out complete lack of pass rush, adding him would do wonders for our line. In Car he had no front line help since Rucker & Jenkins left, just as Abe hasn’t had help, imagine placing Pep, Abe, Bab, & Jerry on a front line, the pressure we’d apply, not to mention bringing about the pure rushers & fresh bodies of Kroy & Sid. If we did that got 1 more CB with some size & a mid round OLB with speed to cover sideline to sideline this D would be dynamic, as would our team as a whole! Your crazy to bash this as a positive option.
Bangkapi Ajarn
February 9th, 2010
3:24 pm
I agree Mark, I suspect a Peppers contract/presence would ultimately, after the test of time, likely be looked back upon as an organizational Albatross that entered the Falcon paradigm just as the Vick albatross was expiring. Long range planning wise, a negative impact.
collegeballfan
February 9th, 2010
3:25 pm
You are correct Mark, he just takes to may plays off.
your going to hate life when Bobby Cox retires.
February 9th, 2010
3:27 pm
Jesus enough with the first crap, who cares. I hope the falcons don’t sign him, he is big “my stats” player and not a team player.
Halsey
February 9th, 2010
3:27 pm
I agree with Mark…..but man is Peppers talented. I wouldn’t want the Falcons signing him, but it wouldn’t kill me either.
Nique
February 9th, 2010
3:29 pm
& Peppers is 30 not 32, a three year contract would not be to much, hell no one let age scare them off from T.G. who actually was 32 when we traded for him.
GSU Eagle 91
February 9th, 2010
3:30 pm
I say NO…Playing for Coach Fox in Carolina is a pretty good reason to come to work each day, and so why does anyone think a change of scenery means a change of attitude?
And the Falcons CANNOT give him a huge contract..( Think Peerless Price or Nick Esasky)
TD will get us what we need in the draft and through other viable means….
Mark Bradley
February 9th, 2010
3:31 pm
I don’t know, A.J. We’ve got some quick folks out there. But kudos on this one.
WonderDawg
February 9th, 2010
3:31 pm
You’re right on the money on this, as usual, Mark (except when you gush over B Cox) .
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
February 9th, 2010
3:31 pm
No to Peppers and no to any reference to a group named after a dild0. Call me Deacon Blue
ken
February 9th, 2010
3:35 pm
your a dumba** y wouldnt u want 1 of the best defensive ends who turned down a max contract because he said he wasnt worth
JB
February 9th, 2010
3:36 pm
Please, please no……..We have had our share of once great players with the goody ( almost) gone. please do not sign this guy for 10 mil a year. Abrams was worth it, though prone to injury. Peppers is a great end, But I would rather see us sign THREE pretty good defensive players than ONE Peppers.
Ivan Vasilii Vladivostok, aka "Pasha dat a$$"
February 9th, 2010
3:36 pm
Forget Peppers, sign my socialist homie Wladimir Klitschko and his hottie girlfriend.
Mark Bradley
February 9th, 2010
3:36 pm
Thanks, WonderDawg. We can agree to disagree on one point.
Todd - Dacula
February 9th, 2010
3:37 pm
MArk, you should not write to undermine players ability to get contracts. Unless you know the circumnstance as to why a players stats vary, you are being reckless.
Perhaps the Falcons should cut Matt Ryan; it makes sense based on your assessment of Peppers… Matt certianly had a down year.
Willy
February 9th, 2010
3:39 pm
Mark, lift this conversation to the next level, please.
This is a non issue. Everybody knows what Peppers is and about his tendency (too light of a word) to disappear. The Falcons of old would have tried to get him, these Falcons won’t even consider it. I’d like to see this too long conversation move more towards who we can get to play opposite Abraham.
Its also been well covered that Abe’s poor showing last season was a reflection of the D as a whole. Correct; Jerry, Moore, and every other defensive improvement will make Abraham what he is supposed to be. I’d like to see you and Schultz and Ledbetter get us excited about those possibilities.
You read your blogs and you see the votes. We know these things. The Atlanta fan base is getting smarter with smarter management. Stop writing to the old, remedial school. You guys (I think especially you) have created a good sports page again, with a fairly knowledgeable readership. Work it.
Falkor
February 9th, 2010
3:39 pm
The theme of TD and Mike Smith’s rebuilding so far is to bring in youthful talent. Peppers is in no way youthful, and his talent is on a downslide. I don’t mind him leaving the NFC South by any stretch, but I don’t want him to land in Atlanta.
Declare the Jamaal project a bust and use a early pick on another pass rusher.
The 2007 Giants beat the almighty 2007 Patriots by showing us you can never have too many pass rushers. I’m sure TD is aware of this, hopefully
Mark Bradley
February 9th, 2010
3:40 pm
I am incapable of lifting this conversation, or any conversation, to the next level, Falkor.
So I’ll just say this: I think the Falcons will cut Jamaal Anderson and spend the first pick on a pass rusher. How’s that?
kenbud
February 9th, 2010
3:43 pm
? for Mark … What other ‘pass rushers’ are available this year (non-draft)? … I’m just curious.
Ivan Vasilii Vladivostok, aka "Pasha dat a$$"
February 9th, 2010
3:43 pm
No takers on Wladimir Klitschko? If they guy got under you with a swim move he’d lift you right off the ground and then could drop into coverage!!
Willy
February 9th, 2010
3:44 pm
Better, and my name’s not Falkor
Falkor
February 9th, 2010
3:46 pm
Thank you Willy, thought I was being spanked for my sister’s mess again….
Mark Bradley
February 9th, 2010
3:46 pm
Marcus Spears is a restricted free agent for Dallas, kenbud. I’d take a run at him.
Nique
February 9th, 2010
3:46 pm
& for all of those who want to get a DE through the draft, how did JA work out for ya’ll? & As good as Kroy is, he’ll never be able to hold Pepper’s jockstrap. Why not quit rolling the dice & suck it up & just acquire a stud vet & allow him & Abe to work together & serve as mentors to the 2/3 young DE’s we currently have? & Honestly it doesn’t have to be Pep, we could go make a play for Osi as well, & the cheapest option would be to risk it going after Kampman coming off an injury. Pep is the best play of them all & I want him more than the others, but I’d rather go with a vet & let them teach & train up what we have rather than keep gambling on DE’s in the draft yearly. Especially since when we trading for Gonzo, we said that did so with the intent to win now, get a vet front line person would only further that logic. If we got Pep, we automatically have a top 5 line in the league no ? & if we’re gonna stick with these young CB’s (which i hope we don’t, we need 1 more playmaker back there?) we need thst kind of heat on the QB.
allan in texas
February 9th, 2010
3:47 pm
I do’nt wanna do your dirty work no more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kenbud
February 9th, 2010
3:51 pm
Sweet! thanks Mark …. I see another blog post coming soon. LOL …… ……. “Falcons should go after Marcus Spears”
MatthewH
February 9th, 2010
3:52 pm
The Panthers offered to make Peppers the league’s highest paid defensive player after a sub-par 2007 season. Peppers ignored them-just like Carolina is doing now. After having an outstanding 2008, he wanted to be the league’s highest paid defensive player, but Haynesworth and Asomugha had signed huge contracts, and it would have cost the Panthers 20 million. So, he made noise about wanting to leave Carolina and even submitted a list of teams that he liked. Carolina gave him the franchise tag and it cost them 16 million for one year. In the words of Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer, it made him “Temp Man, the world’s highest paid temp.”
Peppers is going to want 20 million. Can the Falcons afford that?!? Can the Falcons afford to pay someone that isn’t a team player? You are right on with this one, MB. All of the people that say the Falcons should sign him, where is the money coming from?
Mark Bradley
February 9th, 2010
3:54 pm
Kenbud, you’re getting the hang of this.
Nique
February 9th, 2010
3:54 pm
Bradley, Marcus Spears really??? We said that we need a pass rusher & your going to offer up someone who has a career high of 2.5 sacks? I mean come on! Ya’ll need to wake up & get realistic. Now i understand a 3-4 doesn’t allow De’s top be huge sack ppl, but 2.5 as a career high is not enough to merit being mention as a pass rushing solution.
Willy
February 9th, 2010
3:54 pm
You’re right Nique.
No decent defensive end has ever actually been drafted. They are born as free agents. And, yeah. I want Peppers as a mentor to the younger players; all of which have the same huge talent and can get by and applying it about every other play/game.
Falkor
February 9th, 2010
3:55 pm
Jamaal was Rich McKay & Bobby Petrino’s pick, and obviously he hasn’t developed to being worthy of the 8th overall pick. But they certainly were not the only ones who thought he graded that high. I’m sure the plan is to cut their losses and try again.
Falkor
February 9th, 2010
3:57 pm
Willy, that’s too funny!
JB FALCON
February 9th, 2010
3:59 pm
Trust TD on this one. He knows where we’re going and he knows how he plans to get us there. I’d vote NO on Peppers if it counted. Also, I agree that the “first” comment is stupid and childish but Bradley keeps giving out kudos! For What?
Hillbilly Deluxe
February 9th, 2010
3:59 pm
The belief here is that Peppers shouldn’t be needed or wanted in Flowery Branch.
Agreed.
Nique
February 9th, 2010
4:06 pm
Yeah Willy thank for trying to be a smart*** real productive! I’m not saying that you can’t get good DE’s in the draft, anyone one knows that, but what I am saying is that unless Dunlap or possibly Graham falls to us at 19 or 20, then the draft seems bleak as far as getting a pass rushing DE. & how many drafts do you continue to try 2 hit a homerun on a DE, before you strongly consider the Viking approach & go & bite the bullet & pay for a proven pass rusher or make the BIG TRADE to acquire a proven person taking away all of the guess work, especially if you really feel that the pass rusher is all you lack?
Mark Bradley
February 9th, 2010
4:06 pm
JB FALCON, I see no harm in the “first” race. It’s all good clean fun — and at a reasonable price!
TROTTINGHOME
February 9th, 2010
4:09 pm
Mark,
how do recognize first and ignore nigue and his comment about peppers being 30 not 32?
I guess it’s true what i hear…lawyers are super heros..they can fly through a shyt storm and still say… “it smells like fresh flowers dorothy”.
FALCONS SORRY
February 9th, 2010
4:11 pm
JULUS PEPPERS! BE GLAD YOU ARE IN CAROLINA FOR AN OKAY OWNER AND NOT HERE IN ATL WORKING FOR THE DEVIL HIM SELF! YOU MAY NOT BE GETTING THE RESPECT YOU DESERVE RIGHT NOW BUT YOU WILL GOT STAB IN THE BACK HERE LIKE NO WHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD! THIS SORRY FRANCHISE HERE IN ATL DONT KNOW HOW TO TREAT IT STARS GOOD LIKE THEY DESERVE! THE NO COUNT OWNER WILL SMILE TO YOUR FACE LIKE IT ALL GOOD BUT THEN PUT A KNIFE IN YOUR BACK THE FIRST SECOND YOU TURN AROUND TO GO TO PRACTICE AND THEN HE WILL GRIN REAL BIG WHILE HE COUNT HIS 30 PEACE OF SILVER! THE ONLY PLAYER ON THE FALCON THAT THE OWNER TREAT WITH ANY RESPECT AND PAY ANY ATTENTION TO IS THAT WEAK ARM PRETTY BOY THAT SELL RAZORS AND THAT HAS #2 ON HIS JERSEY TO LET YOU KNOW WHAT HE FULL OF! JULUS IT TIME FOR YOU TO GET PAID LIKE SOME ONE WITH YOUR TALENT DESERVE! JERRY JONES SHOW HE PLAY HIS STARS GOOD AND HE TREAT THEM RIGHT TOO! THE NO SANTS IS ANOTHER GOOD PLACE TO GO RIGHT NOW WHERE YOU CAN GET PAID! IF FARVE RETIRE THEN THE VIKING WILL BE ABLE TO PAY YOU LIKE A KING AND MAYBE EVEN GIVE YOU A NICE QUEEN TOO! THE ONLY THING YOU WILL GET HERE IN ATL IS YOUR FACE SHOVE IN AUTHUR BLANKS TOLET AND THEN HE WILL TELL YOU TO GO CLEAN IT TOO! DO YOUR SELF A FAVOR AND FLUSH THE FALCONS OFF YOUR LIST OF CANDATES JULUS!
Mark Bradley
February 9th, 2010
4:20 pm
Peppers is 30. That’s what I wrote, I thought.
FALCON AVENGER
February 9th, 2010
4:21 pm
thank you for that unsolicited testimonial falcons sorry ! but i do agree that julus shouldn’t date anymore cans thats just wrong.
Falkor
February 9th, 2010
4:22 pm
Wow, that’s some hatred being thrown out with the CAPS.
Who exactly did Blank stab in the back:
The QB who committed felonies and cost the team millions?
The CB who was all about himself, and has shown that he was always at least a little overrated? (He got cut by the Raiders!!)
The TE who has had almost no production in an offense that throws to the TE regularly?
I’ll give you Dunn, but he was truly at the end of his career, but it did kill Blank to let him get dropped. He’s now a part-owner so he obviously hasn’t held a grudge.
Was it Rod Coleman who broke his leg on a JetSki?
Honestly, who are you talking about?
As far as Peppers, most pass-rushing DE’s just aren’t productive in their mid-thirties. Reggie White and Strahan are the exception, not the rule.
Falkor
February 9th, 2010
4:26 pm
Probably a Vick fan….
I’d take Matt Ryan any day of the week!
4.2 speed and the ability to throw 80 yards don’t mean squat when you can’t throw a 10-yard out or hit your RB coming out of the backfield.
Talk about Jamaal not developing, Vick is gonna need his own blog…
Blindog
February 9th, 2010
4:26 pm
Falcon Sorry,you are an idiot,why don’t you shut the hell up and go crawl back under a rock where you belong!!
Willy
February 9th, 2010
4:26 pm
Okay Nique, all that being said – I’ll say this: They don’t need an absolute stud to play opposite Abe. If they have men in the middle and just a decent rusher on the left side; everybody is good. Just like a good wide receiver tandem, you got your #1 guy, and your complimentary pieces.
This is why I think (and fully trust) that the conversation on who might be that right side guy will be is a good one to have.
Tailback U
February 9th, 2010
4:28 pm
I mostly agree with you Mark but I think to not pursue Peppers
at least to a point could be a big mistake. I have seen many times
when players careers are reborn when they land with another team.
A players’ name comes to mind who had a very similar reputation.
He signed with a team alredy enjoying success and that rep seemed
to fade as he performed well. I seriously doubt that the team
regrets signing him as he has been very instrumental in their
offense . The players’ name ? Randy Moss
If I am Dimitroff I would pursue him at least to a determined point.
Ivan Vasilii Vladivostok, aka "Pasha dat a$$"
February 9th, 2010
4:28 pm
How about a Jammal Anderson for Glen Dorsey at KC?
RomeDawg
February 9th, 2010
4:28 pm
We need a pass rusher who is half as quick off the snap as A.J. is a “first” on these Bradley Blogs! Two in one day, dude, that is seriously impressive. You need to go buy a lottery ticket.
Nativebird
February 9th, 2010
4:31 pm
Okay, you sold me. But puuuulease…no drafting anymore high round DB’s, haven’t we proved this fallacy? If you want NFL calibur DB’s, you’re gonna have to spend a few dollars, and get proven pro’s that’s done it a bit. rounds 1 and 2 defensively should always go to the bigtime big men, DT and LBs. (Jamaal anderson notwithstanding mr. mckay). P. Jerry showed greatness his first few games b4 injury. It’s time for that great OLB to come in and help out the next great Falcon pro-bowler, Curtis Lofton, the “thumper”.
Long Ball
February 9th, 2010
4:32 pm
Julias Pepper, Dr. Pepper, Salt ‘N Peppa… We need somebody to pressure the QB on those 3rd and longs that too often this past season turned into 1st downs! I don’t think anybody ever gets an impact DE as a rookie in the draft though.
Steve
February 9th, 2010
4:32 pm
Mark I agree, Meangelo’s performance in that awful game against the Panthers was the culmination of that attitude, and I believe that’s what THOSE players (TO, Ochocinco, Meangelo, and even Deon) bring to the table. Big talent, bigger ego. Let’s go get a no-name that TD finds fit to rush the passer, because using his time in NE and ATL, TD has shown his ability to evaluate talent.
Willy
February 9th, 2010
4:36 pm
Contrary to my sarcastic statement about drafting defensive ends, I will agree with NATIVEBIRD about drafting defensive backs. Island players can’t produce for a year or two. Contrary to probably everyone else’s opinions, I still think we may have drafted those DB’s the past couple of years, regardless of height.
Falkor
February 9th, 2010
4:36 pm
At least we all seem to agree that our 1st pick should be used on defense.
Mark, any word on the Clabo or Dahl negotiations?
Dont forget the potential for lock-out...
February 9th, 2010
4:36 pm
Whether he is 30 or 32, he will not sign a three year deal. This is his last chance to get a max contract. The way the NFL is structured, he is more likely to get cut three years from now to save cap space than he is to sign a contract in the top 10 at his position. This dude will be looking for a 5-6 year deal in the $15+ mil a year range with a substantial portion of that as a signing bonus. I’m not questioning his talent, I’m questioning the risk of signing him and potentially getting one productive year out of him before a lock-out. Not to mention that an uncapped 2010 (highly likely) will greatly limit the quantity of free agents (4 & 5 yr players lose unrestricted status) putting an additional premium on high skill FA’s that are out there.
WonderDawg
February 9th, 2010
4:40 pm
Yeah, Willie, a real fine mentor Peppers would be. Ah yes, he could show the techniques and mental preparation of being selfish. Come to think of it, we’ve had a “mentor” like that before on the Falcons. DeAngelo Hall. Or as he was so fondly known in Atlanta, MeAngelo Hall.
Mark Bradley
February 9th, 2010
4:40 pm
I’d be surprised if Clabo is back, Falkor. I’d be surprised if Dahl isn’t back.
Tailback U
February 9th, 2010
4:41 pm
Something happened to my post attempt Mark . Forgive if repeat.
I mostly agree with you Mark ,however I have a point that I think
we should all consider. I have seen players leave teams and flourish
other places because of a number of factors. I think it could
happen with Peppers as well. There is no arguing the talent so
if motivation and the right team atmosphere meet up here we could
have an elite talent working at the position. And I have one
name for you to consider to bolster my point, Randy Moss.
Every thing you said about Peppers has been said about Moss.
I don’t personally feel that the Patriots regret signing the guy.
In fact even though the are not as successful currently as they
have been they would be much worse off with Moss. Now I made
I feel is a legitimate point but all that being said if I am
Dimitroff I would be limited in my pursuit because as you say
it is with considerable risk looking long term.
UglyOldDog
February 9th, 2010
4:43 pm
Peppers will fit in perfectly in Buffalo
aunt melmel
February 9th, 2010
4:46 pm
Take Julius Peppers…PLEASE!
(Charlotte, NC)
Willy
February 9th, 2010
4:47 pm
No, Peppers is going to the Redskins. You know it.
26.2
February 9th, 2010
4:51 pm
Yep Peppers seems to be Reeling in the Years.
DaWg
February 9th, 2010
4:56 pm
Do not sign this guy. Go young. Draft well.
singndablues
February 9th, 2010
4:56 pm
Still think Aaron Kampman from Greenbay would be a solid option.
eddy
February 9th, 2010
4:56 pm
Falcons sorry, You are an a moron. Plain and simple.
DaWg
February 9th, 2010
4:56 pm
We need someone who is angry and poorly reared.
singndablues
February 9th, 2010
4:59 pm
Kampman’s numbers are similar to Peppers and the price would be much less.
Don
February 9th, 2010
5:03 pm
They’ve got a name for the winners of the world
I want a name when I loaf
They call Alabama the Crimson Tide
Call me Julius Peppers
FalconHeroZero
February 9th, 2010
5:05 pm
See Recent AJC Sports Article “Falcons Rebuilding in Limbo”.
They are not going to spend. They are telling you that they fear that no matter what they spend in a Cap-Free year that The Big Market and Legendary Franchises will out-bid them (which contradict an earlier article about their confidence that The NFL will control spending this off-season. So, you all are looking at a nice season in 2010.. (If the young players and returning vets that they do have turn into a great team, so be it.) It’s basically, a “don’t expect much” type of foreshadowing from some insiders…
The local Sports teams use the media to tell you what they plan to do in the off-season -
They throw some teasers (Peppers), just to build some excitement, but fail to make major acquisitions because most of the region is won’t attend games unless they feel that there is a championship caliber team.
Cherokee
February 9th, 2010
5:08 pm
MB as much as I hate to admit it I agree with you. A total waste of time and money.
FalconHeroZero
February 9th, 2010
5:10 pm
Peppers will probably be a Patriot OLB..
He is a Patriot type of signing..
If you read the national media, they reported that Peppers:
**** does not want to play LDE (Strong-side End) anymore. That’s why The Panthers moved him over to RDE over the last few seasons..
**** He wanted to extend his career by playing OLB in a 3-4 defensive scheme.
I assume that if he does sign with The Patriots or Broncos, that he will drop weight to that of a 3-4 OLB.
lnagfgja
February 9th, 2010
5:16 pm
Enter your comments here
Whopper Dawg
February 9th, 2010
5:36 pm
Pass, please pass on Peppers, I think Peppers wants to Throw out his gold teeth and see how they roll.
Tman
February 9th, 2010
5:49 pm
I’m with you, Mark. Peppers definitely takes plays off, and his “me first” attitude is very obvious. I don’t think there’s any worry- Dimitroff and Smith both want guys who play with what they term “urgency” and have no attitude. They will NEVER sign Peppers. I was wondering what they ramifications of releasing Abraham would be. Would the Falcons be liable for a big bonus cap hit? He didn’t do much last year, so why pay big bucks for him, if there’s no consequence? Let him go and use the money elsewhere. They can get average performance, as they got from Abraham, and pay a lot less for it.
Tech Rules
February 9th, 2010
5:49 pm
Deacon Blues? Are you sure you want to be making a reference to a song on Aja, considering that it came out before most of your readers were born?
Paul From Milton
February 9th, 2010
6:00 pm
I agree with yoru assessment Mark. I would guess there is some team out there that views him as the final piece to their defensive puzzle and will give him big money. With all the expiring contracts the Saints have, they may be one of the teams going hard after him.
waynester
February 9th, 2010
6:13 pm
Mark, agree 110%
Love the Steely Dan reference! Donald Fagen’s Nightfly is one of the best albums ever!
truth hurts
February 9th, 2010
6:14 pm
Mark, I dislike your articles immensly.
welikebaseball2
February 9th, 2010
6:23 pm
So, let me get this straight…you’d rather have a guy that “plays hard every down” & gives you 4 sacks for the season over a “slacker” that gives you 10-plus sacks a year? And you go on to make an argument that his sack numbers are skewed? Wow. Question, how many sacks did our guys get against Buffalo, Washington, & Tampa Bay?
welikebaseball2
February 9th, 2010
6:27 pm
By the way folks, don’t be so quick to jump on the bandwagons that claim certain players take plays off & are “me first” guys. How do you know? Remember what the alleged rap on Abraham was? I’d say his attitude has been just fine. Facts people, facts…not rumors.
alan
February 9th, 2010
6:28 pm
Thanks Mark, Peppers is after one thing and its not the teams sucess.
Pleaseeeeeeeeee, no Peppers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JJ
February 9th, 2010
6:28 pm
Mark, why do you think Clabo wont be resigned? As a local sports writer, I’m sure you know that Clabo finished ahead of samantha in every stat cat. for OT’s. Do you have any insider scoop that Reynolds is ready? I hope they draft a real LT and move Baker to RT, that is whenever samantha can stay healthy. And no, I’d never say that to him in person, enjoy this side of earth.
Bieerman is ready to be a starter. He ranked 14th in the league and played half the snaps of peppers. If you doubled his snaps, his stats would be better than peppers. By the way, peppers is terrible, terrible against the run. So some of you want to spend 15m+ for a 1 down pass rusher. Their are tons of stats sites, look up bieerman and peppers. NO way TD even thinks of peppers except hope he stays in nfcsouth so we can run over his ass!
shane
February 9th, 2010
6:32 pm
Peppers is a cancer and is over the hill anyway.
Next!
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
February 9th, 2010
6:32 pm
Peppers looks like a guy that would kill a dog as well as a team. We already have one of those. Pass on his spoiled a$$, and paint it white while you’re at it.
The Grinch
February 9th, 2010
6:36 pm
Absolutely not. He is the exact OPPOSITE of everything this staff is preaching and trying to build. Trust in TD.
robertussen
February 9th, 2010
6:36 pm
aaron kampman
The Grinch
February 9th, 2010
6:39 pm
I doubt Clabo will be back either. TD will probably either sign or draft a LT and Baker will move to right and Reynolds will fill in when Baker stubs his toe. He’s already said several times that this year’s draft is going to be more balanced between O and D.
Stunned Reader
February 9th, 2010
6:46 pm
Okay Mark and the rest of the geniuses out there, enough of the I occasionally watch Sportscenter and read AJC articles crap. Peppers is a beast period. He will command double teams on every play. If two O-line men are assigned to block him and he decides to take a play off….guess what? We win because a backer is free, PJ or JA aren’t double teamed. Second, I’m sick of not drafting the best players/signing the best free agents because of “character” issues. If you hire a coach who’s a leader, you don’t have to worry about character issues. The character of the team flows from the head coach down. Besides, would you be happy to come to work with Jake Delhomme as your QB over the last two years? Third, put this in perspective. You’re a Carolina native, played college ball at UNC, then got drafted by Carolina, and then you get on the radio and say, I don’t want to play for Carolina anymore. Do you understand the magnitude of that? Imagine if Brooking got on the radio 4 years ago and said he didn’t want to play for Atlanta anymore. Last, for those who talk about his age, there are multiple DE’s that have played well past 32. There’s one in those Subway commercials we see everyday. What’s the big difference between Strahan, Taylor, Shaun Ellis, Reggie White and Abraham whom we seem to want to use as a baseline? Injury history. The injury past is a projection of the future. Peppers (a college basketball player) does not have a history of getting hurt. We should pursue him until he exceeds our highest price that we’re willing to pay. Interestingly enough, he might play for a little less than the max for a chance at a Super Bowl with us.
FALCON SORRY,
February 9th, 2010
6:52 pm
Enter your comments here
FALCON SORRY,
February 9th, 2010
6:52 pm
Enter your comments here
GT/Falcons fan
February 9th, 2010
7:00 pm
Im thinkin that our De from Tech will be around when we pick according to all the hooplah from the scouts, which I wouldnt have thought after tech won the ACC championship, but i would take a run at signing D morgan….yes?
"Chef" Tim Dix
February 9th, 2010
7:00 pm
Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane. Skip him.
JJ
February 9th, 2010
7:13 pm
Stunned Reader, guess you already know this but maybe this will help. If you do some research maybe you wont be so stunned?
http://www.profootballfocus.com/by_position.php?tab=by_position&season=2009&pos=DE3&stype=r&runpass=&teamid=-1&numsnaps=25&numgames=1
PEPPERS:(806 snaps in ‘09), 30yr old
Rank-9th, 10 sacks, 10 qb hits, 23 tackles, 15m+
BIERMAN: (499 snaps in ‘09), 24yr old
Rank-14th, 5.5 sacks, 7 qb hits, 23 tackles, 1m?
glorydays
February 9th, 2010
7:34 pm
what is the deal with Jamal Anderson? Is he just not that talented or is it lack of desire?
Stunned Reader
February 9th, 2010
7:35 pm
JJ, not stunned. I like Kroy, but I would want to leave him in the exact position he’s in right now. A situational pass rusher. I missed maybe 1 game this year and he wasn’t as effective as an every down DE. I wouldn’t expect him to be because he’s a smaller 4-3 DE. I won’t break down his stats because its unnecessary. I love the guy and I want him on the team. However, I don’t want him starting until he’s shown that he can produce over 16 games as a starting DE. If Kroy is a hit, he can beat out Abe at the end of this year with actual production and not flashes of potential. Then we can cut Abe and have Kroy and Peppers.
GT/Falcons Fan – I would be hesitant to draft Derrick Morgan and expect him to produce in his rookie year. Go back and check the Orange Bowl as exhibit 1. When matched against a 1st round talent in Bryan Baluga, Morgan was getting handled. Its obvious his first step is quick, and he’s got a great motor, but he needs more strenght in his arms to shed blockers.
RdHdKid
February 9th, 2010
7:38 pm
Hell has definitely frozen over. The Saints won the Superbowl and I agree with Bradley on something.
Falcon Phil
February 9th, 2010
7:39 pm
Stay away from peppers—he takes plays off and has all kind of attitude issues—a cancer in the locker room. Don’t waste the millions that he will want. Spend that case in the draft and for more depth on the dline.
bp
February 9th, 2010
7:45 pm
I have never understood the hoopla about peppers.Has he ever done anything against the Falcons??
JJ
February 9th, 2010
7:47 pm
SR, which side of the line do peppers and able like to play from? More impt, which side are they more effective? same side and you want to spend 15m+ on this dude for a yr or two? Come on, were both falcon fans and I’m just giving you my humble opinon, not only do the stats not line up, it’s not TD’s “NE” way. Did you see the interview on radio alley in miami last wk? TD said they would be VERY FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE. IMHO, that means no peppers, give bierman a chance. I’m hoping for Bulaga or Spoon!!! Go Falcons buddy, we’re all just speculating anyway.
ps- check out peterson in the stats above.
Navigator
February 9th, 2010
8:10 pm
He’s not from the SEC and we know that only the SEC produces good players. Go Dawgs.
falcon
February 9th, 2010
8:12 pm
No head cases needed on this Falcon’s team. That means you can count Peppers out. Let him be someone elses problem. I do hope the Falcons get both Clabo and Dahl extended. Until Dahl went down and missed the last 3 or 4 games this year, both had been very durable on the OL.
Terry
February 9th, 2010
8:17 pm
You Falcon fans are amazing. We have won absolutely nothing and you worry about a game changer like Peppers being a cancer. He’s an awesome player and if there’s a chance to get him, you got to do it. It’s been 44 years and no championship and I don’t have another 44 years left.
JJ
February 9th, 2010
8:24 pm
SR, I love graham from the senior bowl, bit I bet the safest pick at 19/20 is SPOON, wich we could get at the top of the 2nd if we trade. Bulaga would also be huge at LT and we need a repalcement for our old man center who may retire anyday. “The gospel of WR” nicked by Nookah’nuff respect, reminds us that we need more offensive weapons, mainly wr, rb and te. In TD we trust falcon fans, future is bright.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/schein-9%3A-watch-out-for-falcons
JJ
February 9th, 2010
8:26 pm
Mark, can you expand on your clabo statement? thanks.
JJ
February 9th, 2010
8:35 pm
Fishing over here is alot easier than setting up a jello wrestling match from CBrass and Sarah B. All winnings go to falcons charities.
Mark Bradley
February 9th, 2010
8:58 pm
Yes, JJ. I believe Dahl is held in higher esteem by the Falcons than is Clabo.
JJ
February 9th, 2010
9:06 pm
Mark, simple question, why? Just curious, Clabo and Dahl rated better than their left line counterparts in every stat site. Have you heard about reynolds? tell us something please besides a non-story like peppers that you know TD is not interested!
Claude Humphrey
February 9th, 2010
9:10 pm
Who dat gone take my job?
Mark Bradley
February 9th, 2010
9:10 pm
Don’t know what “stat sites” you’re seeing, JJ. I’m just telling you what I’ve heard.
Brad Markley
February 9th, 2010
9:13 pm
Aundray Bruce can be had for a price.
Conan O'brien
February 9th, 2010
9:18 pm
I’m available, have a good spin move and am tall enough to swat down the screen pass. Plus I’ll tell the tight end some one-liners during the snap count. Whatdya think TD?
JJ
February 9th, 2010
9:30 pm
Some fans have moved on from the smiths’ family/vick era and study in depth OUR FALCONS. You do write down to alot of falcon fans even though you will never admit it. How many vk articles must we take? Come on, responsible journalism on the falcons please, u know peppers doesn’t count. You are a better journalist than that andI buy the fish wrapper 7/365. Please, more intel from suwanee or your connections.
As you know, we can find better writing at a click of the mouse, (ESPN, FOX, CBS, YAHOO, ect…).So as a local falcon fan, should we expect better intel from our local sports beat writers? or should we not buy the local paper and get better intel from the net? I vote for local, love to feel the paper and unplug myself for a few hrs.
Is Reynolds in favor(RT) of the front office to replace clabo? I only ask you because you’re an atlanta “paid” sports writer.
Plz realize your readers(most) have upgraded their football knowledge with the new admin., so should you.
JJ
February 9th, 2010
9:39 pm
Tks Mark, didnt see your 9:10 reply but wouldnt you agree most falcon fans have(for lack of better word), evolved with this new administration? Anyway, here is the best stat site on the internet. Trust me, try it.
profootballfocus.com
Look up 2009 LT, RT and compare.
hind tit
February 9th, 2010
9:51 pm
peppers not as hot as once was. develope our own.
Bama's Back
February 9th, 2010
10:07 pm
Not only do they call Alabama the crimson tide, they also call them NATIONAL CHAMPIONS, let peppers go some other place!
Skeezix
February 9th, 2010
10:13 pm
I follow the Panthers closely and he is a tremendous talent. He could be the best pass rusher in the NFL. But he has a bad habit of dogging it –sometimes for a few plays, sometimes for a whole game. This past season he dogged it for the first few games; but he did finish strong.
Matt the Brave
February 9th, 2010
10:28 pm
Essentially for me, for what we would have to pay Peppers, we have in Jamaal Anderson. Not exactly a nice compliment. That said, I think that the Falcons could find someone who can have at least as much production next year as Peppers could have in the draft. Furthermore, I think that we could get someone like that in the 3rd or 4th round. Any ideas?
JJ
February 9th, 2010
10:32 pm
Look up BIERMANS stats…he’s ready and deserves a look, IMHO.
siskel_god
February 9th, 2010
10:32 pm
Everybody said Mike Peterson was a problem in Jax last year and he worked out okay right? When we got Abe from the Jets he was disgruntled. Julius Peppers is a beast and if he’ll come to Atlanta, then TD and Smitty well be happy to have him. The Falcons traded MeAngelo because he was terrible and somehow other teams thought he was good. This same staff that stresses character so much made a pretty lucrative offer to Albert Haynesworth lasy year if I’m not mistaken….
ryan
February 9th, 2010
10:41 pm
Hey here is an idea Saints Darren Sharper will be a free agent and also P. Thomas why not go after those guys instead.
JJ
February 9th, 2010
11:00 pm
Besides the first miami game, petersin was a big time disappointment. He ranked 103 out of 109 players, that includes all the fill ins at wlb. Please look at the stats.
http://www.profootballfocus.com/by_position.php?tab=by_position&season=2009&pos=OLB3&stype=r&runpass=&teamid=-1&numsnaps=0&numgames=1
Paul in RDU
February 9th, 2010
11:12 pm
I agree with Mark on this one. I’ve been a follower of the Panthers since I moved to Charlotte in 2001 and signing Peppers would be a big mistake. His first few years in the league he was dominant – making sacks, blocking key field goals – and was the toast of the state. Every kid seemed to have his jersey – it’s not like that now. He basically took 2007 off. He came back strong in 2008 (a contract year) and then demanded that he be traded to a team that played a 3-4. The Panthers slapped a franchise tag on him for 2009 and he sulked for the first few games before playing hard.
So if the Falcons signed him what would they get?
One point – Peppers is not a bad guy / cancer in the locker room / etc. – he is not another MeAngelo
Reid Adair
February 9th, 2010
11:20 pm
I have to agree that the Falcons should avoid Julius Peppers at all costs. I do not like the idea of pursuing him; I didn’t like it last year, and nothing has happened to change my mind.
cdog
February 9th, 2010
11:43 pm
wow, an all-pro defensive end and we talking about not signing him? the atlanta falcons, a team who does not do anything but sit home for the playoffs? no wonder we have so many losses. people can’t recognize a great player. who on our roster now who is even close to julius peppers? no one. so the team should make their first priority to sign peppers. can’t everyone see why the falcons misses the playoffs and superbowl every other year? because we play with retreads and think we are going to win. as some of you say, not going to happen. we need peppers if we’re going to go to the playoffs and superbowl
dirtyo11
February 9th, 2010
11:58 pm
If we don’t get him the bucs or saints will pick him up and he will hunt us forever. Smith could make him play every down
collegedude
February 10th, 2010
12:12 am
Mark, We all know why you don’t want the Falcons to pursue Peppers, it would mean upgrading the Falcons roster, making our team better, and a superbowl contender. You and the rest of the Anti-Atlanta hacks at the AJC wouldn’t be able to stand it.
collegedude
February 10th, 2010
12:22 am
Mark how about a pass rusher that had sacks in only 7 games last year? That’s less than half the games he played in. That player would be the NFL’s sack leader among DE’s, Jared Allen. Allen is a player widely considered by many around the NFL as the best pass rushing DE in the league. By comparison, Peppers had sacks in 9 out of 16 games. Which one is more consistent?
By the way, take away the 7.5 sacks by Allen in 2 games vs. the Packers & how good is he really?
savannah falcon
February 10th, 2010
6:27 am
The Falcons never try to improve in free agency. Look what happen when the team just depend on one person to save the franchise. You will always be disappointed. Get Peppers. These rookies are not ready for NFL.
Oz
February 10th, 2010
6:58 am
I am an Atlanta Falcons fan born and raised in Hot Atl. Watch this team for many years go out and get these revolving door players that comes here and don’t produce. Yes would love to have Peppers. But, at this time in his career is not a good move. Falcon brass needs to go youth and build from there. My thing is no one is talking about the offense. Well M.Jenkins not setting any receiving record neither. Go get the kid from Oklahoma St. or Brandon from Denver. R.White and Gonzalez can’t do it alone. Look at all the recievers the saints have and how they spread it around. If I am wrong about all this then lets here about it. Good luck Falcon Fans. We need it.
darkmancw34
February 10th, 2010
7:19 am
The falcons need another pass rusher & Peppers is one of the top players in the game. Can anyone explain what is a good character player. everyone has skeletons in their closet. This organization will never be a contender for a super bowl unless they start investing in the top players of the league & not other teams 6th & 7th round pick 2 years ago!!!! Further more why is it a problem when African-American atheletes complain about getting more money. But it’s okay for white-american whine about getting more money.
Burkules
February 10th, 2010
8:43 am
I’m with singndablues’ earlier post – Aaron Kampman seems like the sort of veteran the Falcons would (or should) pursue. He’s an established 4-3 DE that’s coming off an injury and and struggling to acclimate to the rush linebacker position on a team that is otherwise successfully running the 3-4. Oh yeah, he’s an *unrestricted* free agent (regardless of how the CBA negotiations shake out) that’s the same age as Peppers.
NoName
February 10th, 2010
9:20 am
Either way it goes, I think most will agree that we have the right coaching staff and manager to access how much longer he has and if he fits into our no-ego culture that we’ve worked so hard to achieve. In a perfect world he could be a R. Moss or J. Allen type where he gets into a new organization and becomes a great player with a great attitude. Luckly we have a great organization to make that decision for us.
SirReal
February 10th, 2010
9:22 am
NEWS FLASH!! FALCONS TRADE WR MIKE JENKINS, CB CHRIS HOUSTON, AND A FIRST ROUND PICK FOR NHAMDI ASOMUGHA!!! Yeah right…..we’re not that savvy yet.lol
SirReal
February 10th, 2010
9:30 am
@Oz I think you’re absolutely right. We need youth now. There are plenty of motors who can get to the QB. We just need to do a better job of scouting and stop gambling on injury prone players.
And yes, Jenkins is NOT a reliable number two. I think if Douglas hadnt gotten hurt and had a solid season, he’d be challenging jenkins for the #2 spot. I would have gone with Booker over Jenkins this year. The guy’s been to Pro Bowls and he was a wily veteran. The people upstairs still havent quite figured out how to use our personnel to its best potential. That hurts us too….
NFL News and Notes - February 10, 2010
February 10th, 2010
9:52 am
[...] Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers, who may be an unrestricted free agent on March 5, isn’t a good fit for the Atlanta Falcons, writes Mark Bradley of the Atlanta [...]
D-Bird
February 10th, 2010
9:55 am
I disagree with not trying to sign Peppers! He is still a preimer pass rusher in this game and could be a great encouragement to all the younger guys we have signed in the last 2-3 years. Atlanta is in dying need to become a Playoff contender team. Falcon Fans are dropping there season tickets like old Bus Passes! No one wants to pick them up. Our city and team needs a Big name player added to the roster. Maybe it’s not J. Peppers, but who will we sign this off season that can fill the seats in the dome and possibly escape another black out season. (Free Agents for Falcons to review: Brandon Marshall (Denver Broncos), Julis Peppers (Carolina Pathers), or several defensive back that could also raise an eyebrow or 2. Yes, last but not least Mr T. Owens himself. The man is on his way out and what better way to retire with a win in the Superbowl with the Atlanta Falcons.
D-Bird
February 10th, 2010
10:02 am
Atlanta Falcons Fans do not have a lot to be excited for unless we can real in the big name player this off season. Season tickets are way down and the dirty birds just finish there 1st back to back winning seasons. Authur if you are listening please looks at Brandon Marshall, Aquon Bolding, and **********J. Cribbs************ (from the Brown) Pay the man! Cribbs would be a great fit for our roster plus he will sell tickets just on his talent along.
Ivan
February 10th, 2010
10:13 am
I agree on the NO to Peppers. Let someone else pay out the wazoo for a half-hearted player. Keep building through the draft.
Ken Strickland
February 10th, 2010
10:47 am
JPeppers was so full of himself and so lazy, in his07 contract yr, he managed on 2.5 sacks. Hell, as a rookie, KBiermann got 2 sacks in limited play while coming off the bench. Now KEN seems to be a personal cheerleader for Peppers and insists he turned down the teams contract offer in 07, which would have made him the leagues highest paid DE, because he felt he didn’t deserve it. Well KEN, like I told you on another blog, that was the backup excuse he gave when he realized how rediculous his original excuse sounded.
Since Peppers got 6 of his sacks against 3 of the NFL’s worst teams at giving up sacks(Bucs-33, Bills-46, Redskins-46), it puts into perspective how little he accomplished in the other 12gms, especially against the better teams. The Panthers played every team on our schedule except the Bears. Peppers got zero(0) sacks in 7 gms against the Patriots, Cowboys and Dolphins, as well s 4gms against us and the Saints.
He got a total of 3.5 sacks against playoff teams(the Eagles(1), Cardinals(1), Giants(1) and Jets(.5). THIS EXPLAINS WHY CAROLINA IS SO WILLING TO SEND HIS BUTT PACKING. He obviously doesn’t step it up against the better competition, which adds credence to his reputation of being lazy and taking plays off.
HOW IS THIS TYPE OF SELECTIVE PRODUCTION GOING TO HELP US, AND HOW CAN ANYONE BE CRAZY ENOUGH TO SUGGEST WE SPEND $15M+ FOR THIS OVERRATED PREMADONNA?
Come on Falcons
February 10th, 2010
10:47 am
Come on Falcons. You got to start somewhere. You can’t keep putting average players on the field and think they are going to win just because you are the falcons. I am starting to wonder do the Falcons really want to go above and beyond and actually compete for a Super Bowl. The defense is weak up the miiddle and has been for the last 10-12 years. Any team that plays the Falcons who has a decent running game manhandles the Falcons. Peppers defintely couldn’t hurt. He would be a major upgrade.
shrek
February 10th, 2010
11:01 am
I think the falcons needs peppers and peppers needs the falcons and so does shawne merriman
Martin Calloway
February 10th, 2010
11:39 am
A thousand times no. Pure poison in a team sport.
osama
February 10th, 2010
11:51 am
I’d prefer we go after Richard Seymour & continue to develop Biermann & Sidbury
No Mo
February 10th, 2010
12:18 pm
No to peppers—they don’t need some attitude case with a huge contract, playing when he wants. That top cash can be better spent in other places.
ELVISINTHEHOUSE.
February 10th, 2010
12:27 pm
One man(mark bradley)comment about a player(peppers) not of his liking,and everybody agree.I will say thats just one mans oppinion and don’t agree.Every player in this game whines if he’s not getting paid for what he thinks he’s worth,Thats why good players hold out.I would say get him and put him opposite abe and it would definately be a difference from what they have now.Question is will peppers be a upgrade from what the falcons have now? I would think 80% of the people who know football would say yes.
JJ
February 10th, 2010
12:28 pm
If the NO Saints sign Peppers, It will be at least 4 years before the Falcons beat them again.
Matt
February 10th, 2010
1:24 pm
While I somewhat agree with the whole “locker room cancer” thing I just hope we don’t get a 2nd rate player just because he is great to have in the locker room. The Braves do this and it’s pathetic. They don’t go for the Manny Ramirez’s of the world because of his issues. They don’t look at his .320+/35+/110+ which is exactly what they need (not to mention his ridiculous postseason numbers. Instead we go sign the Garrett Anderson’s of the world.
Meangelo Hall’s wasn’t producing anything but controversy. It’s not as if this guy was Champ Bailey with an attitude.
Ken Strickland
February 10th, 2010
1:47 pm
COME ON FALCONS-You said “THE DEFENSE IS WEAK UP THE THE MIDDLE AND HAS BEEN FOR THE LAST 10-12YRS”. That statement alone tells me you either don’t know much about football, or you’re trying to make a weak point and you need to embellish in order to make it work.
First, the Falcons DEF wasn’t weak up the middle in 98 & 02 under HC DReeves, or in 04 under HC RMora. It certainly wasn’t weak over the final 7gms of last year, when we limited our opponents entire rushing OFF’s to an average of 75yds per gm. JPeppers is a DE not a DT, so I don’t see how signing him, especially at $15m+, will improve our DEF up the middle. If fact, his poor DEF against the run last yr would actually make our outside rushing DEF weaker.
The mentality of some of our fans is really shakey. Some of the same fans who want us to ignore Peppers proven history of being a slacker and malcontent, are insisting we spend whatever it takes to sign him. These are also some of the same fans who insisted we get rid of Probowl CB DHall, Probowl QB MVick and Probowl TE ACrumpler. As it happens, they were also labeled slackers and malcontents. WHERE’S THE LOGIC?
ELVISINTHEHOUSE-Peppers is a FA this yr, and I’ll bet you 80% of the people who know football aren’t stupid enough to pay him over $15M to gets sacks against weak teams. Tampa Bay was the weakest team in the NFC South, and the only team in our division he managed to get a sack against. If you intend to compete against the Saints for the division title, you have to be able to get to Brees. Peppers couldn’t get to Brees or MRyan, and our OL had problems protecting him this yr.
At $6-8M, he’d be worth the risk, but at twice that amount, he’s not worth considering. He’d be a much better fit for a team using a 3-4 DEF.
Ken Strickland
February 10th, 2010
2:08 pm
JJ-that’s some of the same dilusional crap we heard from certain fans on these blogs when they wanted us to draft GTech WR Calvin Johnson. And as we all know, he hasn’t dominated anybody so far. It seems many of you who want us to sign JPeppers at all cost aren’t very interested in doing any research or dealing with facts.
If you’re worried about Peppers going to the Saints and dominating us, DON’T. The fact is, he’s registered only ONE(1) sack against us over the last 7gms. LEARN TO AVOID GETTING CAUGHT UP IN BUYING THE SIZZLE RATHER THAN THE STEAK. HE’S WHAT YOU WOULD CALL EMPTY CALORIES.
justin
February 10th, 2010
3:09 pm
even considering going after peppers would be a mistake. this guy kinda reminds me of a mark texiera in baseball (puts up great numbers in a blowout against a sub-par team, but is nowhere to be found when you need a presence of the edge in the big game.) He may end the year with some respectable numbers but i would much rather see the falcons go after like a Sergio Kindle in this years draft. An inspired 23 year old with alot of upside would make me feel better then an over the hill premadona!!!
justin
February 10th, 2010
3:42 pm
and too many of you guys are just looking at stats. guys stats are not everything watch how the players perform in the clutch and grade out a player thatt way. it is too easy to say o this guy had more sacks or that guy rushed for more yards so hes a better player. just try and remember that this is the nfl where no coach worth anything is gonna let another teams best player to beat him. this doesnt mean im taking peppers side on this thing, hes def not worth the $ we would have to shell out because he doesnt delier in the clutch. but you guys gotta stop getting caught up in a bunch of numbers and actually sit down and watch the game!
Money Rules
February 10th, 2010
5:27 pm
Peppers should get about half the going rate for his position, since that is the number of plays that he actually puts out effort.
Arhtur just increased my season ticket price again
February 10th, 2010
5:28 pm
You have to look at Peppers – the asking price might keep you from signing him, but you have to look. I don’t believe that Peppers would be a cancer in the locker room as some suggest because he would not be the leader, if he becomes a problem, the team will take care of it internally (you can count on that from Smitty).
Everyone keeps bashing Jamal Anderson – do you ever watch him. Granted, he is not the sack machine that he was signed to be, but he is a stud when playing inside. He does a great job of stopping the run and is tall enough to block a few passing lanes.
Love Bierman and Sid, just neither is an every down DE.
Get Peppers and throw him into our line rotation and lets see how it works. We can’t wait for another project – we need to win now.
JJ
February 10th, 2010
6:11 pm
Ken, thats a diff JJ at 12:48, get your own name assJJ, I do not want peppers and it’s a non-issue, no way TD wants him!!! The real JJ, go birdcage!!!
Paddy O
February 10th, 2010
6:42 pm
Mark – got a question. I rewatched the Super Bowl, and Reggie Wayne played so bad, it really looked like he was PAID OFF to play bad, ala the Black Sox. Any rumors about Reggie intentionally dogging the big game?
Mark Bradley
February 10th, 2010
6:45 pm
I can’t imagine any player would ever not try his best in a big game, Paddy O.
Ken Strickland
February 10th, 2010
10:08 pm
I believe we’ll see the 2nd coming of former Falcon DE Patrick Kerney the season. This will be KBiermanns 3rd yr, 2nd as a starter, and I think he’ll have a breakout yr. In our rotational DL system, if he gives us 8 sacks, he’ll provide us with more than we’d get from Peppers, especially when you factor in Biermanns superior DEF against the run. And we’ll be able to spend that $15M+ on something more beneficial.
To be honest, I don’t think we’re hurting on the DL. The return of DT PJerry from IR is the same as having another 1st rd pick. Switching and playing JAnderson extensively at DT won’t be an experiment with question marks like it was last yr. DT’s TJohnson and rookie VWalker will start the season with a yr of solid experience and accomplishments to build upon. DT TLewis will return after completing his 1st yr injury free. The only question mark will be the legal status of our best DT, JBabineaux. If our DT’s can consistently push or collapse the pocket, our pass rush will take care of itself. We definitely have the DE’s to run any QB down once flushed out of the pocket.
The biggest improvement we’ll see in our pass rush and overall DEF will come from the improvement of young, talented and developing players like MLB CLofton, OLB SNicholas, DE’s KBiermann & LSidbury, safeties TDeCoud & EColeman, and CB’s COwens, BGrimes, and possibly THill and CJackson. There’s also the effect our new DB coach could have on our secondary. There’s a reason our former DB coach, EThomas, was let go.
BirdDawg
February 11th, 2010
3:08 am
I think trying to sign him to a 2 year contract would be the way to go. All the negativity aside, even on the plays he took off, he was still pretty disruptive and effective at getting pressure on the quarterback. Certainly better than any pass rusher we had on the team this season and he can hold down the fort until Sidbury (who I think can be a beast of a pass rusher) is ready for a larger role. Finally, it can be argued that he played with less fire than in previous years because he was in a situation he really didn’t want to be in with a team he really wasn’t in sync with. Over the course of his career, other than this past season, he hasn’t been apt to display any Meangelo tendencies and he definitely played hard as much as anyone on the field. I think Peppers would be a good gamble for a short term contract.
joe
February 11th, 2010
7:55 am
when do the Falcons find out how many compensatory(?) draft picks they get for the free agents they lost last year? Also how is it determined what rounds those picks will be in?
Ken Strickland
February 11th, 2010
9:51 am
BIRDDAWG-THINK!! Are you actually suggesting we limit our ability to sign FA’s and resign our FA’s and draft picks by spending $15-18M of our cap money for JPeppers as a shortterm investment just to buy time for LSidbury, a 4th rd pick, and KBiermann, a 5th rd pick, to develop? WHERE’S THE LOGIC? Peppers is a 30yr old 8yr vet, and he’s looking at his last chance to sign a max contract. He’s not stupid enough to sign a 2yr contract and risk getting hurt, because he knows that will prevent him from ever signing another max contract. The best and safest time for him to sign a max contract is NOW.
The only way to get any value out of signing Peppers for all that money would be to play him every down, like Carolina did. Making him part of our rotational DL system would reduce his snaps, which in return would reduce his output. Biermann’s 49 tackles in 499 snaps proves he’s a superior run defender, and his 5 sacks, compared to Peppers 10.5 sacks in 806 snaps, proves Biermann doesn’t have far to go to be more effective overall than Peppers.
I’ve noticed how all of you JPepper advocates conveniently avoided addressing his disappearing act and poor performances against good teams. They also conveniently avoided addressing the fact it took him 307 additional snaps to get 5.5 more sacks and 7 fewer tackles than Biermann. Allow me to put those 307 extra snaps into perspective for you.
JPeppers averaged 50 snaps per gm(806snaps divided by 16gms)and accumulated 307 more snaps than KBiermann. If you divide those 307 extra snaps by his 50 snap per gm average, you’d get the equivilent of 6 extra gms. That means it took Peppers the equivalent of 6 additional gms to get 7 fewer tackles and 5.5 more sacks than Biermann. If he played for us, he wouldn’t get those 307 extra snaps, or, or 6 equivalent gms, and therefore wouldn’t get the 10.5 sacks and 42 tackles. ADD ALL OF THIS TO THE FACT HE HAS A SOLID REPUTATION AS A SLACKER AND MALCONTENT, AND YOU CAN SEE WHY HE’S NOT WORTH OVER $15-18M, ASSUMING YOU’RE NOT STILL HUNGUP ON THE SIZZLE?
Carolina got wise and stopped buying the sizzle and realized they didn’t need to pay him almost $18M for his empty stats. Especially if he’s only producing numbers against teams like the Bucs, Redskins and Bills, while disappearing against the better teams, particularly those in their division.
If, after digesting all that I’ve presented, you still want to see Peppers in a Falcons uniform next yr, continue to dream on. TD and Smitty have the sense to know they can get the production that Peppers might provide just by ignoring him and sending our own KBiermann out on the field each wk. You see, they and see hear the sizzle and smell the aroma just like you, except they have enough sense and experience to read the label and see if they’re getting SELECT OR UTILITY GRADE.
#1 Falcons Fan
February 11th, 2010
11:31 am
You say we can get a pass rusher in the draft..just like we can improve the defense in the 2009 draft…we let 5 veteran starters go on defense and look what happened. We were ranked 28th in pass defense. HELLO people your pass defense is only as good as your pass rush. We need to sign Peppers and cut ties with Anderson (the 1st round bust) with his 2 1/2 sacks over 3 years. I mean Peppers had 25 1/2 sacks the last 2 years….Even if he doesn’t dominate every game..he will get attention and if he is double team, then that would free up Peria Jerry, Abraham and open up the door for others to improve their sack total. Come on people wouldn’t u rather have a proven veteran pro bowl pass rusher like Peppers or a rookie 1st rounder than could end up being a bust like Anderson. If you can’t get pressure on the QB, then your CB will get beat evey game and your pass defense will once again be ranked 28th or lower! SIGN PEPPERS TODAY!
justin
February 11th, 2010
3:56 pm
Yeah Falcons Fan i can honestly say i would rather build this team up through the daft. Sergio Kindle or Brandon Graham could spend a year in the rotation pushin Abe (who is gonna have a fire lit under his ass cause its both a contract year and a peoblem we would have already adressed with our top pick). Trust me, i wish we could just buy up every pick out there but unfortunately Peppers is not gonna sign for cheap! We simply can not afford to blow 18 mill on a guy with all these question marks. Think of all the problems we could adress with that 18 mill through FA and the draft. If we play our cards right and stay healthy we could be party like they are in burbon street this time next year!!!
Atl's Superman
February 11th, 2010
7:46 pm
WE can sit here and type our opinions of Peppers, all we want but i have no doubt in my mind that if the Falcons want Pepper the will go After him Plain and Simple. All this talk about him taking plays off is bull, Name one player that hasnt taken a play off? I mean serious. We talk about him being a Me first type of guy. But Soon as he comes and gets 13 sacks, Nobody is going to care if he Dances around in a Dress and wig to Single Ladies. PRODUCTION ALWAYS SILENCES CRITICS!!!
Ken Strickland
February 11th, 2010
9:17 pm
#1 FALCONS FAN-It seems everyone on the JPeppers bandwagon seems to have one track minds, and can’t seem to see the forest for the trees. I know you read my post, and I know you and others on his bandwagon, deliberately ignored my comment about the negative effect signing him would have on our ability to resign our own FA’s and draft picks.
All of you have also conveniently avoided addressing the fact that his production last yr had little impact of their overall DEF, which is why they want him out of there. You mentioned how our pass DEF dropped from 21st in 08 to 28th in 09 because we released 5 DEF starters. However, you failed to mention how our rushing DEF went from 25th in 08 to 10th in 09, and our overall DEF went from 24th in 08 to 21st in 09 without those same 5 starters.
Everyone on the JPeppers bandwagon is so blinded by the idea of signing him, you’ve failed to grasp we already have a better DE on our roster in JAbraham. Unlike last season when he we was severly limited after having surgery shortly before training camp started, he’ll start this season healthy. In 08, he didn’t need anywhere near 806 snaps to get 16.5 sacks. Why are all of you JPeppers lovers so silent on the fact it took him 307 extra snaps, or the equivalent of 6 complete gms, to get 5.5 more sacks and 7 FEWER tackles than our own rising DE KBiermann?
ATL’S SUPERMAN-before you start predicting how many sacks JPeppers will get next yr, don’t forget this is the same JPeppers who managed to come up with a whopping 2.5 sacks in a contract yr in 07. Coming to a new team, new teammates, new DEF scheme, and a new rotational DL system will definitely have an effect on his overall production. Considering the amount of money he’ll demand, the risk and the limited(prorated)difference in production he had over current starting DE KBiermann, He’s not worth it.
Having said all of that, if TD and Smitty work out a reasonable deal that won’t hurt the team financially, I would complain if we brought him in. I just don’t think it’s a necessity, unlike some of you.
Big Ray
February 12th, 2010
8:09 am
Anybody who wants to bring up Jamaal Anderson when talking about drafting a defensive end needs to also bring up who drafted him: RICH MCKAY.
This is THOMAS DIMITROFF people. I don’t have a single problem with him picking a defensive end. Different GM, different regime. I trust him.
Big Ray
February 12th, 2010
8:12 am
As for Julius Peppers, we can do better, and we already have a 30+ year old DE. Why have two of them?
That, and if you think TD and company didn’t find Dominique Foxworth to be worthy of the cash he wanted, what makes you think they’ll want to pay Peppers a boat load of cash for unguaranteed production that is likely not to exceed that of Abraham’s?
Ken Strickland
February 12th, 2010
11:51 am
BIG RAY-Thanks for coming on board and joining me and a few others in trying to bring some sanity to this JPEPPER LOVE FEST. I also mentioned the Falcons not resigning CB DFoxworth. Like Peppers, he was weak in run support and both TD and Smitty won’t bring in anyone that won’t get down and dirty. They are so committed to it that even though DE JAnderson was a complete failure as a pass rushing DE, they continued starting him last yr over DE CDavis because of his strong run stopping ability.
They even thought enough of his run stopping ability to move him to DT and include him prominently in the DT rotation. What I can’t understand is how those who are so hungup on us signing JPeppers can completely ignore basic common sense issues, like the negative financial impact it would have, his poor work ethic and his strong production against weak teams and weak production against strong teams.
You tell them he’s had only 1 sack in 7gms(the equivelent of 3.5 seasons) against the Falcons and only 3 sacks in 8gms(the equivelent of 4 seasons) against the Saints. You tell them 6 or his 10.5 sacks came against 3 of the NFL’s worst teams at protecting their QB, the Bucs(33sacks allowed), Bills and Redskins(46sacks allowed each). You tell them it took him 307 additional snaps, or the equivelent of 6 additional gms, to record 7 fewer tackles and 5.5 more sacks than 1st yr starter KBiermann.
Yet, they read it, ignore it, and continue on with their emotionally driven, hype filled campaign for us signing DE JPeppers at all cost, as some of them have put it. Some of them actually call those who make valid points for not signing him stupid, just because we don’t see it their way and make valid points in support of our opposition. And keep in mind, at this point we’re talking about people who obvious can’t/won’t see the forest for the trees when it comes to the JPeppers debate.
jon jon
February 12th, 2010
12:50 pm
with tim lewis in with the falcons now. I think he will know the best decission what to do with peppers. but in all honesty if we end up saying no to peppers then we need to be telling abraham bye bye. John Abraham is horrible he couldn’t do anything to tampa bay; while peppers could at least get 2 sacs.
Big Ray
February 12th, 2010
2:03 pm
Ken Strickland ,
You know the deal. People hear what they want to. Peppers may rise again and have a good year. Who knows. But I find it odd that people aren’t taking more notice of the 1.5 sack year, but point to the 10.5 sack year. Ever hear of a contract year?
Tyler
February 12th, 2010
4:19 pm
Currect, they shouldn’t get Peppers, because they should spend their money on Joey Porter, who was recently released by the Dolphins. Wherever he has played, he has been the locker room leader for the defense. The falcons need someone like that and with his skills
Kane337
February 12th, 2010
5:02 pm
Uhh, Joey Porter is a 3-4 linebacker not a 4-3 defensive end. Big difference. In case you didn’t know…the Falcons run a 4-3 defense therefore Joey Porter will not be coming to the Falcons. Have a nice day.
Ken Strickland
February 12th, 2010
7:14 pm
JON JON-I can’t believe you had the nerve to say what you said about JAbraham. You said, “JOHN ABRAHAM IS HORRIBLE HE COULDN’T DO ANYTHING TO TAMPA BAY; WHILE PEPPERS COULD AT LEAST GET 2 SACS. I wouldn’t call 5 solo tackles, 2 for losses, and 2 QB hits exactly nothing. If JAbraham is so HORRIBLE because he got 0 sacks against Tampa Bay, how HORRIBLE would you say JPeppers was for getting only 2.5 sacks and 38 tackles for an entire(CONTRACT)season?
Let’s put your attempt to justify us signing JPeppers into perspective. First, you want us to spend over $15M to sign him because he had 9 tackles(7 in 1st gm), 3 sacks(2 in 1st gm), 1QB hit and 4 TFL(Tackles for losses)(3 in 1st gm), against a Tampa Bay team that ranked 24th(passing), 23rd(rushing), 28th(overall), while giving up 33sacks.
Yet, you want us to ignore the 6 total tackles, 0 sacks, 1 QB hit and 0 TFL)he had against the Falcons, who finished 2nd in the division, and SAINTS, who won the division, the SB, and ranked 1st(total OFF), 4th(passing) and 6th(rushing).
Let’s sum up your logic behind wanting us to sign JPeppers. You think Tampa Bay, a 3-13 team that finished last in our division and we defeated twice, is far more of a threat to us than the division and SB champion Saints, who finished 13-3 and defeated us twice. WOW!!!
TD is STILL CLUELESS
February 13th, 2010
6:00 am
To “Falcons Real Fan” Your attitude “we neede players to fit our team and character”…is the reason the Falcons’ organization will NEVER win a SUPERBOWL. Until Arthur go out and get an accomplished GM, who can scout talent, he will never win the big one. The organization is too concern with Image and not winning. Blank hired Mora, M Smith, TD and M Ryan (yes-Maatt Ryan) but look where it has got him. NO WHERE:
GM- Can’t scout talent and continue to sign injury prone players. He put that 2009 Defense on the field.
MS- Fighting w/players on the sideline. Thug
Mora- Clueless “players” Coach
M.Ryan- Weak Arm and Interception Machine
Ken Strickland
February 13th, 2010
1:01 pm
TD IS CLUELESS-Your post sounds like a self analysis to me, because you’re the one that seems clueless if you say TD can’t recognize talent. Fellow NFL executives recognized him as one of the NFL’s top GM’s in the league, and that’s after only 2yrs as a GM. He’s also been recognized as the key person behind judging the abundance of talent the Patriots accumulated, and that allowed them to become a mini dynasty.
And here we are listening to an egotistical, finger pointing football illiterate who’s challenging the opinion of the entire NFL hierarchy. I’m going to ask you to do something you’re obviously not accustomed to doing, and that’s THINK!
When TD and Smitty 1st came on board, they made a decision to completely start over. THAT MEANS THE DECIDED TO COMPLETELY REBUILD THE OFF, DEF AND SPECIAL TEAMS, CLUELESS. Over the last 2yrs they’ve traded or released the following players:
OFFENSE
QB-BLeftwich, JHarrington
RB-CMcIntyre, WDunn
WR-JHorn, AJennings, LRobinson, JElliot
TE-CAnderson DBlakely, ACrumpler, MMilner
OL-DBaptiste, KForney, PMcCoy, BWilkerson, DDatish, RFoster, WGandy, TPatterson, TWeiner.
DEFENSE
DL-TAnderson, DJones, MStanley, RColeman, DPatterson.
LB-TTaylor, MWillims, DWilliams, TTaylor
DB-OLowe, CCrocker, DIrons, DStone, JWilliams, LSanders.
After getting rid of 10 OLinemen, 3 starters, 2RB’s, 1 starter, 4WR’s, 1 starter, and 4 TE’s, 1 starter, we managed to go from 23rd in total OFF, 26th in rushing OFF, 18th in passing OFF, while giving up 47 sacks in 2007. After the 2008 season we improved to 6th in total OFF, 2nd in rushing OFF and 14th in passing OFF, while giving up only 17 sacks. Even after having an off yr in 09, we still improved on the 07 seasn by managed finishing 16th in total OFF, 15th in rushing OFF, 14th in passing OFF, while giving up 27 sacks.
Dimitroff 20-12 won-loss record and back to back winning seasons make him the most successful GM in Atlanta Falcon history in his 1st 2yrs. He is the only Falcons GM to put a team together that made the playoffs their 1st yr. He completely turned the roster over in his 1st 2yrs, with DE JAbraham, OC TMcClure, WR RWhite and FB OMughelli being the only holdover starters from the 2007 team.
You also made an extremely ignorant comment about the arm strength or QB MRyan, and him being an interception machine. Well, again your perception is a reflection on your level of football ignorance. In the 2yrs he’s been in the NFL, he’s thrown a total of 25 INT’s, 11 in 08 and 14 in 09. Compare that total to other top QB over that same period.
PLAYER 2008 2009 TOTAL
(1)MSCHAUB 10 15 25
(2)PMANNING 12 16 28
(3)EMANNING 21 14 35
(4)TBRADY DNP 13
(5)DBREES 17 11 28
(6)BROETHLISBERGER 15 12 27
(7)KWARNER 14 14 28
(8)DMCNABB 11 10 21
(9)BFARVE 22 7 29
AND YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO CLAIM QB MRYAN IS AN INTERCEPTION MACHINE?
As far as him having a weak arm is concerned, go tell that crap to HOF QB’s like JMontana, FTarkenton, LDawson, KStaber and BStarr. And yes, TD did put last yrs DEF on the field. And over the last 7gm stretch of the season, that same DEF ended up being the NFL’s best rushing DEF, holding opponents entire rushing OFF to a 75YPG average, as well as the becoming the most improved overall DEF down that same stretch.
GIVE ME SOMETHING BESIDES YOUR BS ASSUMPTIONS TO SUPPORT YOU BS OPINIONS.
WW
February 14th, 2010
9:56 am
We might bash each other a lot on this site, but at least the group is smart enough to know to not acquire too many older players. It takes the right mix of youth and experience.
Ken Strickland
February 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
WW-excellent point, which coinsides with the philosophy TD and Smitty have echoed many times, WE WANT TO GET QUICKER, FASTER AND YOUNGER. For the money he’s demanding, JPeppers doesn’t help us achieve that goal. Have you noticed how all these JPEPPER LOVERS avoided addressing my very revealing breakdown of JPeppers’ sacks and tackles and compared it to JBiermann?
Not one on them has responded to the revelation that it took Peppers 307 extra snaps, or the equivalent of 6 complete gms, to register 5.5 more sacks and 7 fewer tackles than our current starting DE KBiermann, who is a #19 5th rd draft pick that just completed his 1st yr as a starter. If you reduce Peppers snaps to Biermann’s level, or increase Biermann’s snaps to Peppers’ level, you’ll almost certainly get better over production from Biermann.
Now, who but a complete moron would suggest spending $15-18+M on a known underachiever and malcontent when you know you can get simular, if not better, overall production from a much younger and improving KBiermann, who’s still under his rookie contract?
ELVISINTHEHOUSE.
February 15th, 2010
11:28 am
Ken Strickland,calvin johnson(G.T) have not had a above average QB to throw him the ball.
Arthur just increased my season ticket price again
February 15th, 2010
1:21 pm
Ken Strickland – you type too much. It get’s hard to always follow.
If there is one thing I know, it’s that figures lie and liars figure. You can throw out all of the sack number comparisons and such, but the bottom line is that Peppers is a talent. Peppers gets more attention when on the field than Bierman (and I love Bierman) and, truthfully, probably has less talent on the line around him.
My only point is that you have to look at him. Money is a big factor whether we can sign him or not, but if money is not a factor, it sure would be intriguing to have him in the mix. I don’t believe the “attitude/cancer” smack is as real as some say; besides, not being the leader of the defense, the other players would keep him in line.
Tracy Morgan
February 15th, 2010
1:35 pm
Sign Julius Peppers?
No. No. mmm mmmm. No. NO. HELL NO. No.
Brandon Ladson
February 15th, 2010
6:27 pm
Keep kickin that team ishh and see what you get. Going to look like the bengals win a playoff game every 8 years with 2 appearances in during that time. Hate on D Hall all you want still a top flight corner compared to what we have and what we can draft. Don’t believe the hype also don’t forget no cap this year. People get paid and egos go away funny how players play when they get what they want.
North FLA Falcon
February 16th, 2010
2:29 pm
Lack of pass rush has been a real concern in the last few years. I am tired of getting these older injury prone players. Either through the draft or FA get a young, hungry stud who can cause chaos in the backfield. GO BIRDS.
Ken Strickland
February 16th, 2010
4:45 pm
ELVISINTHEHOUSE-Exactly. It takes an awful lot more than just individual talent to become an impact player in the NFL. The supporting cast around you, the OFF or DEF scheme you’re operating in and the number of snaps you’ll receive all play a part in you ability to be effective.
AUTHUR-JPeppers is a talent, but that isn’t the issue. It’s how much he’s willing to commit to getting the most out of that talent that counts, and he’s been up and down over the last 3yrs. He’s gone from 2.5 sacks in a contract yr to 14.5 back down to 10.5. Suppose we signed him and continued using our rotational DL system, which would significantly reduce the 806 snaps he got last yr. With him receiving far fewer snaps per gm, which JPeppers do you think we’d most likely get, the 10.5 sack or the 2.5 sack one?
I have no doubt you were trying to be clever when you stated, “IF THERE IS ONE THING I KNOW, IT’S THAT FIGURES LIE AND LIERS FIGURE.” That statement is exactly why I made a point of breaking down Peppers’ figures, because they weren’t telling the whole truth about what he accomplished. When you consider he accumulated the majority of this stats against mostly weak teams, 3 of them in particular(Redskins, Bills & Bucs), it shows he didn’t do that much to help his team win.
Since we managed to defeat the Redskins, Bills and Buc(twice) with our weak pass rush, we really don’t need to spend $15-18M on Peppers just to get better against teams we’re already capable of defeating.
Harry the Hat
February 16th, 2010
9:31 pm
NO to Peppers. He’d be a waste of a lot of money.
Dawgstyle
February 17th, 2010
9:42 am
I’m sure all you Pepper lovers are the same one that favored bringing T.Owens to the falcons too!! LOL look how well that worked out!! haha
Ken Strickland
February 17th, 2010
11:00 am
DAWGSTYLE-Excellent comparison. Let’s face it, we have our share of fans who have low football IQ’s and are focused almost totally on name recognition, popularity, reputation and hype. In other words, the SIZZLE. They’re either lack the understanding or prerequisite football knowledge to understand the issues that I’ve presented because they keep barking the same old crap.
How many times have we heard them bark “HE’S A TALENT, HE’S A PROBOWLER, OR IF WE DON’T SIGN HIM HE’S COME BACK TO HAUNT US. The fact is, he is a talent, but an underachieving, inconsistent talent that’s way overpriced. And yes, he is a Probowler, but he made it basically by default. Of the top 11 sack leaders from last yr, all but DFreeney, LWoodley and JAllen had significant reductions in their 08 sack totals. DWare went from 20 to 11, JPorter 17.5 to 9, JAbraham 16.5 to 5.5, JHarrison 16 to 10, JTuck 12 to 6, MWilliams 12 to 9 and RMathis 11.5 to 9.5.
Yet, with all that’s been presented so far, there will still be those who will want us to break the bank and destroy our salary cap and sign him.
jc_dawgs
February 17th, 2010
11:27 am
When accessing the Falcons 1st string Defense….the biggest need is CB followed by OLB.
Beirman…Jerry…Babineaux….and Abraham are solid at DL. Sure….Abe needs to be spelled but when only addressing our 1st string defense….we need the help at CB and OLB.
Problem is….the draft and free agency may not have great players at these positions.
dawgrific
February 17th, 2010
11:55 am
I REALLY agree with your point of keeping Abraham instead of getting Peppers, as the 2 REALLY remind me of one another, but the price is much better with J.A., and we can only hope that a contract year brings him to a very high level this year. Nice take Mark.
dawgrific
February 17th, 2010
11:57 am
I will say what I have said before, however, and that is that I trust this Falcon leadership to make the right decisions. Man does it feel godd to say that and actually mean it!
Arthur just increased my season ticket price again
February 17th, 2010
12:36 pm
I agree, I trust the current Falcons leadership (read TD and Smitty, not McKay).
I love Bierman and I think Sid has a lot of upside. However, Bierman reminds me a lot of Kerney. A 150% motor but can be made to look pedestrian (I think back 4 years ago when Walter Jones threw Kerney around like a paper doll). Abe is constant pressure and finds a way around the likes of Jones. I haven’t seen that consistently from Bierman or Sid. Also, remember Peppers gets the attention of the offense whether it’s chips from a back, a TE or rolling a play away from him.
And, comparing Peppers to TO is ridiculous. I don’t see the same antics from Peppers (and I never wanted TO nor Peerless nor most of the other hyped players). To me, the biggest drawback to Peppers is money. Jerry may work out, Moore may work out, but these are players with history of injuries. And, I think Babineaux is one dui from being off the team.
We need players that can play and play in our system. You can’t just say “no” to Peppers. I personally don’t think we’ll sign him because of the cost, but you have to look.
Also, everyone is so down on JA, but do you ever watch what he does inside? Our run defense is much better when he is on the field (unfortunately, another of the injured type the last couple of years).
Defensive needs: better play at CB, upgrade to Peterson at LB, beef on the defensive line, attitude.
Offensive needs: OL depth, running back depth, better play from Jenkins (or another wide out opposite RW), healthy HD and MT
Special Teams: PK, healthy HD, sign MK
ELVISINTHEHOUSE.
February 17th, 2010
1:22 pm
Ken Strickland,who crowned you the king of the blog? this blog is about OPPINION which means your comment is just that.By the looks of you jumping down on everybodys OPPINION brings to light that you can’t hold a simple conversation.So you don’t like peppers,o.k chill out on the i know it all responses.Because if you did you would be on the sidelines not on a simple AJC blog.
Kenny D
February 17th, 2010
3:25 pm
The Falcons, really need good cover guys, a Vet Corners and a Vet Safety. Forget about JP he is not coming cheap ! If the Falcons don’t fix those positions, we will not be watching the Falcons in the 2010 Playoff next season. We need to stop the pass !
Go Falcons !!!!!!!!!!!!
Atl1netime
March 2nd, 2010
4:05 pm
I think many of the our fans are not looking at the big picture. First, I believe signing Peppers would be a good thing. In Carolina he had to take plays off because they rarely gave him a break. In Atlanta with the guys he would have backing him he would not have to play every down therefore you may actually get more production out of him late in game when it counts most. Second, I love the D-ends that we have in place but if he were to sign (lets say) a 3 yr contract he probably if nothing else could teach our young D-ends a few tricks of the trade. We picked up Turner late in his career, Abraham late in his career, TG late in his career..and all are impact players. We dont need this guy for locker room presence or leadership…we have that ……we only need him for 1 thing…..a pass rush…….and even in his down years…..one year of his production is 2 or 3 of our young D-ends last year production…….lets not count him out just yet!!!!!
Atl1netime
March 2nd, 2010
4:08 pm
I will admit I’m not overly confident that Dimitroff will go after him but New England has been well know for aquiring a few older pieces to push for championships…I mean N.O. signed a few players in the offseason that before last year many said were in their final years and look how that worked out.
A free agent the Falcons should target - Kyle Vanden Bosch | Mark Bradley
March 4th, 2010
4:03 am
[...] been telling you what players I’d rather the Falcons not pursue: Julius Peppers, Dunta Robinson, even C.J. Spiller. Today, for variety’s sake, I offer one they should [...]