Falcons: Let's talk alternative Free Agents

[ggp]

Everyone wants to sign Mario Williams. I am no different, but reports indicate that the Texans will make a big push to keep him. The same goes for Robert Mathis in Indy. Heck, even Cliff Avril is believed to be returning to Detroit.

If we take the above for granted, who looks like interesting additions to our roster on the defensive side of the ball?

If we can't sign a big time DE (Abraham is presently delusional), then we will probably have to draft one. To my thinking, our defense needs an interior pass rush. Babs is fine, but he is getting up in age and he needs to be a part of a rotation to keep his performance up.

Let me suggest two names that I am watching witih interest: Jason Jones (DT - Titans) and Amobi Okoye (DT - Bears). Both guys will get offers from their present teams, but we may be able to compete for one of them. Both DT's are excellent interior pass rushers.

I know that we all want to see more sacks from our DE's, but collapsing the pocket with an excellent interior pass rush can produce some devastating results. In my opinion, Drew Brees' short stature requires that defenders be at least three yards away from him, so that he can properly survey the field. A reliable interior pass rush could be the thing we need to get out of the dreaded third and long funk.

I'd like to see some other alternative defensive FA suggestions.

[ATLBound]

I hope you're not referring to the AJC article in regards to Abe being delusional

[papachaz]

totally agree we need a better interior pass rush. I thought when we draft PJ, that was what that was all about. of course, the injury, yada yada yada....as for brees, since he's been a taint, how many times have we been forced to watch that slippery bastige step UP and make a play because we weren't getting in his face in the middle.

i do realize you gotta give their OLine props for doing their jobs, but seems the last 5 or 6 years, we haven't really had a DT who has been very efficient at doing his job,against the 'step up' pocket passers by getting the needed pressure up the middle

[ggp]

(02-26-2012 03:05 PM)ATLBound Wrote:  I hope you're not referring to the AJC article in regards to Abe being delusional

I like Abe and I respect what he has done in the league. However, a 34 year old DE is not likely to be able to maintain his past performance. So, yes, he is delusional if he thinks that he is worth $12M/year to the Falcons.

Perhaps all the media talk is nothing more than posturing. If that is the case, then hopefully, Abe will be back with the Falcons.

[ggp]

(02-26-2012 04:03 PM)papachaz Wrote:  totally agree we need a better interior pass rush. I thought when we draft PJ, that was what that was all about. of course, the injury, yada yada yada....as for brees, since he's been a taint, how many times have we been forced to watch that slippery bastige step UP and make a play because we weren't getting in his face in the middle.

i do realize you gotta give their OLine props for doing their jobs, but seems the last 5 or 6 years, we haven't really had a DT who has been very efficient at doing his job,against the 'step up' pocket passers by getting the needed pressure up the middle

I agree mostly. I think that Babs does his job well. It is just time to get him some help. I'd like to see what Babs can do with a player like Okoye or Jones, by his side, on third and long. Maybe our defense will actually stop some teams at mid field.

[Polar Bear Jones]

If Nolan decides he cannot get anything better out of Decoud, I would like to go after Reggie Smith I think he has good range and with the 49ers resigning Spillman and maybe franchising Gholdson. Dwight Lowery could also be an option more jags players. Everyone is down on Brandon Meriweather. I think he was one of TD's guys when he was a Pat. After being released and cut maybe he has a cheap price tag and Nolan could get something out of him.

Vernon Carey and Dan Connolly if Nicks and Grubbs are too pricey. If we go after a young OG in the draft maybe Waters would not mind coming down to make a run with Gonzo.

I am really interested in how Max Starks recovers. He has been apart of a winning organisation and coming off injury he should not cost that much.

Mark Anderson has a couple double digit sack seasons under his belt and has worked in both 4-3 and the patriots hybrid. I liked him a lot coming out of Bama. Could fit into Nolans scheme.

If Garrard is not available maybe Dennis Dixon to replace Redman.

[RFlagg]

(02-26-2012 07:19 PM)Polar Bear Jones Wrote:  If Nolan decides he cannot get anything better out of Decoud, I would like to go after Reggie Smith I think he has good range and with the 49ers resigning Spillman and maybe franchising Gholdson. Dwight Lowery could also be an option more jags players. Everyone is down on Brandon Meriweather. I think he was one of TD's guys when he was a Pat. After being released and cut maybe he has a cheap price tag and Nolan could get something out of him.

Vernon Carey and Dan Connolly if Nicks and Grubbs are too pricey. If we go after a young OG in the draft maybe Waters would not mind coming down to make a run with Gonzo.

I am really interested in how Max Starks recovers. He has been apart of a winning organisation and coming off injury he should not cost that much.

Mark Anderson has a couple double digit sack seasons under his belt and has worked in both 4-3 and the patriots hybrid. I liked him a lot coming out of Bama. Could fit into Nolans scheme.

If Garrard is not available maybe Dennis Dixon to replace Redman.

I've been singing Connolly's praises for about a month now. I think he's a pretty good guard and a definite upgrade over what we have now. I also think he's going to be a lot cheaper than Nicks and Grubbs.

[Polar Bear Jones]

(02-26-2012 08:57 PM)RFlagg Wrote:  I've been singing Connolly's praises for about a month now. I think he's a pretty good guard and a definite upgrade over what we have now. I also think he's going to be a lot cheaper than Nicks and Grubbs.

With the Pats probably not bringing Koppen back Connollys probably at the top of there resign list. He stepped in and protected Brady very well. I would prefer a road grader type guy but if we are going to expect Brady type performances we have to give him Brady type protection.