The Falcons open camp, having shed two former No. 1 picks
Jamaal Anderson, we hardly knew ye. And we weren't impressed. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Flowery Branch — If you were worried that the end of the lockout caught the Falcons unaware, fear not. They know what they’re doing. And today Thomas Dimitroff made two moves that indicate he’s ready to move even more.
Michael Jenkins, a first-round draft pick from 2004, was cut. Jamaal Anderson, a first-round draft pick from 2007, was cut. They won’t be missed.
Jenkins had never become anything more than an ordinary wide receiver, and Anderson was a source of ongoing consternation — four seasons, 4 1/2 sacks. This tells us that Dimitroff has cut almost every tie — almost, because Roddy White and John Abraham are still here — with predecessor Rich McKay’s run as general manager, and also that the Falcons aren’t planning to be ordinary in 2011. (Not that being ordinary is every foremost on any team’s agenda, but sometimes it happens.)
The players who are left are out on the field in T-shirts and shorts. This morning practice had been designed as a workout in helmets, but confusion over the newly signed collective bargaining agreement wound up with the first session of Training Camp 2011 being an hour-long walkthrough, although it’s kind of unclear what they’re walking through, having not officially practiced anything for several months.
Back soon. Unless Dimitroff cuts me. Which he might. (Though I was never anyone’s first-round pick.)
By Mark Bradley
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76 comments Add your comment
Benjamin
July 29th, 2011
10:14 am
I’d take you in the second or third round, MB. That’s still a good life.
Second?
Benjamin
July 29th, 2011
10:15 am
Benjamin’s in the pole position! I’d like to thank my sponsors…
Mack1124
July 29th, 2011
10:17 am
Bradley, I’ve missed you. I knew where to find you, but it wasn’t the same w/the lockout.
skeltometer
July 29th, 2011
10:20 am
Hope the Falcons get some folks who can play some defense when the chips are down.
WARRIER FOR MY PEOPLE!
July 29th, 2011
10:24 am
The Falcons do not know what they are doing. They released too of the best player on the team.
What they need is a good QB and shut down Corner Back if they want to get where Green Bay is.
This team has never been the same since MV7 went some where better.
Ryan
July 29th, 2011
10:24 am
Dimitroff needs to pull the trigger and get Edwards with the cap room we now have. No matter how good New England is, they find a way to get better and not afraid to sign people and take risk. Stop BS’ing around trying have a team full of choir boys and get some attitude in this franchise!! Rise up!
Rickster
July 29th, 2011
10:25 am
dangit. third.
Rickster
July 29th, 2011
10:25 am
or fourth, even.
Sutton's Fro
July 29th, 2011
10:27 am
MB, Is this cash for Dahl and Blaylock, or for UFA’s from elsewhere? Falcons have yet to sign a FA that wasn’t on their roster in 2010, but I have faith in TD to make the right moves. I just want them to be SOON!! I’m itching for some good news!
By the way, Koenen’s contract in Tampa is ridiculous considering that any decent NFL kicker can make touchbacks from the 35. I guess the Buc’s are trying to get above the salary floor…
MLH
July 29th, 2011
10:29 am
Cutting Jenkins could be risky. After Roddy that leaves the Falcons with a rookie and two unproven receivers. Maybe he restructures his contract and comes back?
Reid Adair
July 29th, 2011
10:30 am
Neither Michael Jenkins nor Jamaal Anderson were first-round picks by Thomas Dimitroff and the current Falcons management. Neither player lived up to expectations. Jenkins will probably get signed by another team; I’m not sure about Anderson.
Ra'mon
July 29th, 2011
10:33 am
MB, if the Falcons don’t make it to the NFC Championship Game (at least), will Mike Smith (I think he’s doing a great job) start feeling the heat, especially with Bill Cowher still available?
Seen (The Overrated American League) This (Lose the All-Star Game) B4
July 29th, 2011
10:34 am
So what’s the depth chart at WR then…White, Jones, Douglass, Meier, Weems?
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 29th, 2011
10:34 am
MLH agree with you. Would like Jenkins back myself. He is a steady WR not flashy but a solid vetern who knows the system.
Sutton's Fro
July 29th, 2011
10:34 am
Why didn’t my comments post? Take two:
MB, is this cash (and Koenen’s) for Dahl and Blaylock, or UFA’s from elsewhere? The only signings so far have been for guys from the 2010 roster. While I have faith in TD to makes the right moves, I’m itching for some new blood and SOON!!
By the way, Koenen’s contract with Tampa Bay is ridiculous, considering that any decent kicker can make touchbacks from the 35. I guess the Buc’s are trying to get above that new salary floor.
bama falcon fan
July 29th, 2011
10:34 am
Dimitroff would be smart to go back and update his Bill Belichick school of management. Anderson should have been gone a year ago. The Jenkins move was the right one, however, Dimitroff should have shed Tony Gonzalez and Michael Turner. Both have gone beyond their prime. With the availabilty of a couple high end tight ends and adequate RB’s out there the Falcons should make the move now.
Sutton's Fro
July 29th, 2011
10:38 am
Why didn’t my comment post? Take three!!:
MB, is this cash (and Koenen’s) for Dahl and Blaylock, or UFA’s from elsewhere? The only signings so far have been for guys from the 2010 roster. While I have faith in TD to makes the right moves, I’m itching for some new blood and SOON!!
By the way, Koenen’s contract with Tampa Bay is ridiculous, considering that any decent kicker can make touchbacks from the 35. I guess the Buc’s are trying to get above that new salary floor.
invictus mon
July 29th, 2011
10:45 am
Lowcountry Bulldawg….we need to meet during the season man. I’m in S’ville, SC, from Athens myself. On to the task at hand, I’ve gotta believe that TD has been plotting this for the last 4 months. There hasn’t been any real suprises yet, so while I’m following this as close as anyone, I trust in the man who’s made us a perennial playof contender (as long as he gets us a defensive pass rusher).
JB
July 29th, 2011
10:45 am
I hate it, but they have another number 1 bust sitting drawing big money who will go the same route after they pay him some more to hide this mistake. Peria. Too big, no stamina, will be gimpy all the time. millions wasted and not one tackle or sack. Should’ve drafted an athletic DE or LB.
JB
July 29th, 2011
10:46 am
Peria will be a bust also. Too big, gimpy and no stamina.
Joe Tess Fish House
July 29th, 2011
10:48 am
At least Jamal Anderson showed up and played and not fake an injruy like Perrier Jerry also they shold of had cut Jenkins last year and sighed TO. They wait a year 2 long.
OtisTheDrunk
July 29th, 2011
10:49 am
@bama falcon fan….”Dimitroff should have shed Tony Gonzalez and Michael Turner”..HUH? YOU bama fan are a freakin PINHEAD with that statement!
Post-it
July 29th, 2011
10:52 am
Umenyiora in a trade with the Giants is what the twitter feeds are suggesting. Especially now that he’s holding out. Wouldn’t be surprised to see us give them Nicholas as part of the package. If so, what a great move by TD to resign a linebacker we don’t really need only to turn around and use him to get the guy we wanted all along. We’ll see.
PMC
July 29th, 2011
10:56 am
Post-it. Amen to that one brother. WOuld love to see that.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 29th, 2011
10:58 am
invictus,
In Chattanooga now. Lived in the Charleston for about 8 years. Had the pleasure of watching AJ in Summerrville. The best high school player I had ever seen. You make it up to Chatta-Vegas let me know.
Claws of the Scorpion
July 29th, 2011
11:03 am
Post-it, That’s exactly what was Peter King talking about this morning. Love the move.
John D
July 29th, 2011
11:16 am
Post-it – If that pans out (Umenyiora) – we might have to move TD into the Schuerholz discussion as best GM Atlanta has seen in the last 25 years. And that better fits the ‘explosive’ model than a Ray Edwards signing.
That said – Edwards as a fallback wouldn’t be terrible.
PreyDawg
July 29th, 2011
11:19 am
This is a great move. Question: If Jenkins doesn’t stumble in the endzone and drop a pass right in his hands and we go up with just a couple minutes in the half (this against the Pack last year) does it change the dynamic in the game….You are darned right it does.
And I dont want to hear the crap that we would not have won that game no matter what. That is bogus. Several plays would have totally changed the game. This is just one. But it is a big one and it was a pattern with Jenkins.
Jenks was never NOT a dissapointment. Jamaal was give chance after chance as well. Bye bye to these two leeches against the cap.
Dont get me wrong. They were both nice guys. Just WAAAAYYYY overpaid and both a virtual liability at times on the field. Jenkins is why Roddy is constantly double teamed.
Good moves.
RM
July 29th, 2011
11:20 am
Long overdue!!! Both guys were a wasted roster spot. Good riddance!
404
July 29th, 2011
11:21 am
MARK IT DOWN:
By January 1, 2013, these NFL franchises will no longer exist:
1. Buffalo Bills
2. Cincinatti Bengals
3. Cleveland Browns
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
5. Detroit Lions
6. St. Louis Rams
By then , the total NFL revenues and revenue-sharing
will no longer be able to support these highly marginal teams.
PreyDawg
July 29th, 2011
11:22 am
@ John D., @ Post-It, Good point John. TD is the real deal. He can make a mistake like anybody but if he pulls this off plus the trade on draft day…..WOW. What a defensive backfield we would then have. Let Grimes be a nickel. He would be great at that. Or maybe let Duante be the danged nickel the way he played last year. I bet Uminyora pushes Robinson to pick up his game.
Pauls Johnson
July 29th, 2011
11:24 am
@Warrier
You mean MV7 was better off going to Federal Prison and playing for the Falcons… HAHAHA
RM
July 29th, 2011
11:25 am
Now go get a DE!!! A real DE that is!
PreyDawg
July 29th, 2011
11:26 am
@Pauls…please….please….please….I beg you….may we not escalate any talk of this former player. Don’t make me sick at my stomach on a Friday. Dont take the bait Pauls…for the sanity of all of us. That is not the subject at hand.
PreyDawg
July 29th, 2011
11:27 am
@RM- Wouldn’t you rather have Umeniyora?
RonnieMack
July 29th, 2011
11:34 am
@Ra’mon – Was that a serious question?
Pauls Johnson
July 29th, 2011
11:34 am
Sorry,, my bad,, I just found that kinda funny,, I’ll stay on topic.
NagoyaFalcon
July 29th, 2011
11:35 am
As a die-hard Falcon fan I love this guys, but I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear this news. This gives the birds money, and with that, let us welcome a new defensive end, I hope.
AlanFalcon
July 29th, 2011
11:42 am
WARRIER-take some advice and go find a head doctor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ra'mon
July 29th, 2011
11:42 am
Ronnie, yes that was a serious question. I think Mike Smith is doing a good job. But if this end up being the third season where he gets no wins in the postseason (and missed playoffs one season), will Blank get trigger happy and look for someone else?
KQuark
July 29th, 2011
11:45 am
The Falcons still need a top end pass rusher along with Abraham and a cover corner. Depth in the safety would help as well.
I don’t mind losing Clabo because he was getting past his prime but Blalock will be missed if they cannot resign him.
really???
July 29th, 2011
11:46 am
@404 -
Believe it or not, the Lions are actually on the rise and they’re assembling a pretty good team, at least on paper. They could push for 8-8 this season, and likely be an above-.500 team by 2013. That is, unless the Atlanta Spirit group takes them over. Then they’ll move to some god-forsaken Canadian outpost and the ASG will blame the fans.
But I’m not bitter…
chncybl
July 29th, 2011
11:48 am
Jamal Anderson did not live up to expectations but he was solid at tackle on third down passing situations and against the run. Liked him in the tackle roation, from that perspective his presence will be missed.
BigTimeTechFan
July 29th, 2011
11:52 am
I agree with letting both Anderson and Jenkins go, but to say they won’t be missed is being a little bit rude.
Jenkins made some big plays in clutch time for Atl, remember the 3rd and long, the catch was a great catch right on the sideline to win a game. Made a few more big plays for Atl, but overall he was average receiver.
Anderson was pretty good against the run but not so great a pass rusher.
Best of luck to both, hope they can find a team.
Oh, I’ll miss Norwood to, but I can understand why Atl let him go also. He was cool guy, just got hurt to much lately
GTT
July 29th, 2011
11:55 am
Uh, Clark, Clabo has been signed to a new contract … by the Falcons.
KQuark
July 29th, 2011
11:56 am
Face it Anderson was a complete bust but Jenkins was a solid two WR.
With the addition of Jones along side Roddy the Falcons obviously want a 1 and 1a receiver tandem for Ryan.
I have no problem with that strategy if the Falcons throw more on first and second down. Otherwise it was a waste.
GTT
July 29th, 2011
11:56 am
Meant Quark.
KQuark
July 29th, 2011
11:57 am
Crap I meant to say losing Dahl and keeping Blalock. I always get those two mixed up.
Teddy Ruxpin
July 29th, 2011
12:23 pm
Maybe now with the salary cuts with shanking Jenkins,Norwood,& Anderson now the Falcons will have money to address the defense. Especially at DE and LB. I still say that if the Falcons had a bull rusher last year to put heat on Aaron Rodgers the Falcons would have been Super Bowl champs. We need some players like a young Abraham at DE and a young Brooking at LB. Go Falcons !
Teddy Ruxpin
July 29th, 2011
12:24 pm
Falcons need to make a deal with the Bengals. They are cleaning house it seems.
Teddy Ruxpin
July 29th, 2011
12:26 pm
If the Falcons had players like Clay Matthews at DE and James Harrison at LB the Super Bowl would be theirs !
The Next 3 First Rounders Traded
July 29th, 2011
12:31 pm
Sam Baker
Peria
Matt Ryan (According to this board he’s a top 10 player in the league, but according to players he’s not even in the top 25)
Jenkins is taking the heat for Ryan. Finally, Ryan will get exposed this year and will prove again that he can not stretch the field or throw good routes.
HJones
July 29th, 2011
12:43 pm
KQuark, you are exactly right. If the team doesn’t pass more on first and second down, having the two best receivers in the league will not help. The offensive play calling MUST improve or we will never win the most important games or beat the best teams.
SeenThisB4
July 29th, 2011
12:47 pm
The falcan’ts were a mediocre team that got lucky last year. And this year, they are going to be a bad team that might get lucky enough to be mediocre. Talk about taking a step back in the wrong direction, this team got in a formula car going in reverse.
You all should start brushing up on your college players, you’re going to get a real high draft choice next year, or should I say, Cleveland will! LOL!
Lil Wayne
July 29th, 2011
12:57 pm
Wut u smokin seedisb4 ? My Falconz gots Matty Ice at QB,Burner Turner at RB,Hotty Roddy at WR,Bonez Jones at WR,and Gonzo at TE. Bestest offenze in da NFL.
nash
July 29th, 2011
1:01 pm
Hate to loose Jenkins but for the money that he made he could not have stayed on the roster as a number 3 especially with Harry Douglas on the team. It would be nice if the team could get him to restructure his contract and keep him instead of Harry D because that guy has done nothing in the league to make me think he is worthy of staying on the roster
Sutton's Fro
July 29th, 2011
1:04 pm
Lil Wayne, SeenThisB4 is a Saints fan who can’t stop trolling the AJC Falcons blogs, for some reason. Best to ignore him instead of feeding him…
brs
July 29th, 2011
1:07 pm
Warrior, are you a Saints fan or something. Jenkins (Mr. Hot Potato) and Anderson were terrible. I can’t believe Anderson lasted this long with 4.5 sacks in 4 years And that was the 8th player picked. The next guy you see on the street is upgrade to him. Jenkins is a 3 or 4 receiver at best, definitely not a 2. Julio Jones huge upgrade there!
Dr. Warren
July 29th, 2011
1:08 pm
Dimitroff is an action kind of guy. It’s 1:06am in Shanghai. I expect to wake up and read about the Falcons’ new DE.
MLH
July 29th, 2011
1:19 pm
Ray Edwards is a Falcon!!
mike
July 29th, 2011
1:20 pm
Falcons get Edwards – Jay Glazer confirms as well as Pat Yasinskas for ESPN
404
July 29th, 2011
1:21 pm
Bankrupt City = Bankrupt Business Community = Bankrupt Fans
Buffalo = Bankrupt
Detroit = Worse than Bankrupt
St. Louis = Bankrupt / Lost St. Louis Cardinals (Rams are next)
Cleveland = Already lost 1 franchise
Cincinatti = Worst run franchise in the NFL. Even run worse than Oakland.
Jacksonville = Less than 50% fan attendance at EVERY 2010 home game.
And Maybe: Arizona Cardinals:
Fact: 70% of ALL residential mortgages in state of AZ are underwater by 50%.
Arizona’s state economy is imploding.
section 340
July 29th, 2011
1:22 pm
Jay glazer tweeted Falcons signed ray
edwards
Dr. Warren
July 29th, 2011
1:23 pm
Great news about Edwards. Happened sooner than I expected, though I did expect it.
RJ Voorhees
July 29th, 2011
1:27 pm
Link?
MLH
July 29th, 2011
1:28 pm
Its been confirmed by Jay Glazer and Pat Yasinskas RJ
404
July 29th, 2011
1:29 pm
Based on dreadful Falcon home game attendance in 2009 and 2010
the only possible 2011 home game sell-out for Atlanta is Falcons-Saints on November 13th.
No sell-outs = no local TV broadcast.
Decatur Native
July 29th, 2011
1:32 pm
It is for about five years Ray Edwards is a Falcon
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/22965/falcons-agree-with-ray-edwards
gdawginkalamazoo
July 29th, 2011
1:53 pm
The Falcons should be gunning for Plaxico Burress. Can you image the weapon he could be? Ryan in the shotgun throwing bullets to him all afternoon. When asked point blank about being a Falcon Burress replied
“shoot, yeah, I could play there”. Of course he now two steps slower than a speeding bullet after the prison time but who isn’t.
HardTruth Soldier
July 29th, 2011
2:05 pm
HardTruth Soldier Here, Let me get in on some of this hot talk, First we Got Ray Edwards about five minutes ago, and Jamaal Anderson was a bust in year #1, Jenkins was never going to be all that, he was servicable, but never “The Man”,The Falcons, like the Braves, want “The Golden Boy” image of squeaky cleanliness and never reach for that “Bad Boy”.But as quiet as it’s kept New England consistently gives “questionable” guys a chance and they seem to work out, Mike Smith seems to be a coach who has it together, and would take chances, so why are we B,S ing around? Also when are we going to start getting dominate D Linemen in Atlanta? Can anyFalcons Fan remember having a Casey Hampton type noseguard? Can anybody remember beyond Buddy Curry, Jesse Tuggle, and Keith Brookins any other true LB’s? But Pitt finds them like pennies in the sofa. We better win now, because I can Guarantee you next year we’ll be breaking in a new RB, and TE (although I hope not). Can anybody in Falcon land tell me why we’re not in the race for Nnamdi Asomughai as much as we need a shut down corner? Forty five years in Atlanta, fans don’t you deserve more than one Super Bowl appearance? Demand better, and get the best.Do you think this is acceptable in Pittsburgh, Dallas, San Francisco(o.k/ under the old ownership) the Packers? This is the most prolific state in the South, why aren’t we winning like it.
Atanta Fan
July 29th, 2011
2:08 pm
Warrior For My People is a dumb A&^%
DawgDad
July 29th, 2011
2:23 pm
Sorry to see Jenkins go, really, but there is a salary cap. Jenkins was a solid but unspectacular receiver very effective on those deep out routes; it remains to be seen if Jones can run those as effectively. WR is a talent-playmaking position, though. We’ll see if Jones lives up to his hype.
Both of these guys were serviceable and good teammates; just couldn’t live up to the lofty expectations cast on them.
JimmyT
July 29th, 2011
2:23 pm
Cut you? Never! If I remember correctly, the Falcons were very fond of Kentucky grads, and kept one of them, who played center for many years. He was a good one.
crusher dawg
July 29th, 2011
7:35 pm
Who Cares!!!!!! The players and the owners were willing to scrap the season. We are striking them and will not watch them this fall.
phil
July 30th, 2011
6:41 pm
It’s a great sign when no one knows what to do at practice number one….good grief.
phil
July 30th, 2011
6:55 pm
Teddy Ruxpin
July 29th, 2011
12:26 pm
If the Falcons had players like Clay Matthews at DE and James Harrison at LB the Super Bowl would be theirs !
##############
I’m afraid you’re right in the sense that we don’t have impact players like this on D…Abraham is getting way old.