Falcons: Looks like it's done...

[Jesus]

link

According to a tweet from Jeff Skversky of WPVI-TV 6abc in Philadelphia, the Falcons have agreed to terms (an undisclosed late-round draft pick) in trading for Philadelphia Eagles corner Asante Samuel. Not only could this have draft implications because of the loss of the late-round pick, but also it would likely mean the team wouldn't have to look at cornerback as early, or at all, in the draft.

[ggp]

Assuming this is true, the defense just got a whole lot better.

The problem with our defense has been pass coverage. Debates between the pass rush vs. the secondary can go on and on. The fact of the matter is that our defense did a good job against the run and a lousy job against the pass. We lost games because we could not stop 3rd and longs. Our defense could not get off the field. It stands to reason that if your defense is on the field, your offense can't score.

By adding Asante Samuels to the secondary, we have upgraded at two positions in the secondary. Dunta Robinson has been mediocre at CB. That is a fact. He is great at moving forward and laying hits, but he is too often beaten. Whether we are talking about zone v. man2man, Robinson is simply not very good. Asante is certainly an upgrade. He is better in all phases of pass protection and improves our chances of taking the ball away from our opponents. Nolan has mentioned that he wants to employ a "Big Nickel" package often. Robinson is the ideal player to plug into those sets. He hits like a Safety and is better than most safeties in pass coverage.

This could be a very big deal for our team. Well done TD.

[FullMetalFalcon23]

(04-25-2012 09:45 AM)Jesus Wrote:  link

According to a tweet from Jeff Skversky of WPVI-TV 6abc in Philadelphia, the Falcons have agreed to terms (an undisclosed late-round draft pick) in trading for Philadelphia Eagles corner Asante Samuel. Not only could this have draft implications because of the loss of the late-round pick, but also it would likely mean the team wouldn't have to look at cornerback as early, or at all, in the draft.

Doubt we go there at all. We would have 3 quality starters and 3 decent back ups (I still think Walls and Franks are solid players in the making) People bag on Franks he has been here 2 years now, he is ball hawking and he played very well in spot duty. For a low round developmental player I would say he is playing like the 2nd rounder he could have been and will continue to if we stick but him the way we did with Grimes. E.g. His play against Johnson he was right on him the whole time, managed to knock the ball out on one deep ball. he got beaten on the other but he was right on top of Johnson again and almost knocked it loose. He is having his growing pains, but we need to keep him around.

I'm excited to see what this defense is going to look like. Asante in the middle or Dunta, makes the most sense. I think Dunta dropping into that slot would be good as he is the closest player possible to a big Nickle guy on our Roste. He doesn't have the height but he plays with the physicality. This defense is going to be interesting as hell. I think unlike the dream team D, this will actually work with Nolan calling the shots.

This may mean we are going up in the 2nd round if the right player falls into it or a 2nd round player we wanted but is ranked higher we may go after them. This is likely the start of the TDs plan for action that he has been making veiled comments about. It seems that with the Falcons you now have to expect us to play our hand close and unpredictable right up to the draft and likely beyond.

[papachaz]

you do realize all those are from Bleacher Report, right? not saying it hasn't happened, but one misinformed reporter can tweet something that someone takes wrong, and well, you know.

i personally think this would be fantastic, although i don't know where we'd get the cap space. I'm not holding my breath until a more reliable source breaks the story

[phocis850]

If this gets done and Ray Edwards plays like we want him to, we are possibly going to watch the greatest Falcons team of all time.

[RFlagg]

Assuming this does get done, the Falcons Starting D will look like this for the "big nickel".

RDE - Abraham
RDT - Peters
LDT - Babineaux
LDE - Edwards
LB - Weatherspoon
LB - Tatupu
CB - Samuel
CB - Grimes
NB - Robinson
FS - DeCoud
SS - Moore

I certainly like the looks of that.

[mdrake34]

(04-25-2012 10:34 AM)RFlagg Wrote:  Assuming this does get done, the Falcons Starting D will look like this for the "big nickel".

RDE - Abraham
RDT - Peters
LDT - Babineaux
LDE - Edwards
LB - Weatherspoon
LB - Tatupu
CB - Samuel
CB - Grimes
NB - Robinson
FS - DeCoud
SS - Moore

I certainly like the looks of that.

Combine that with Nolan's coaching, schemes, and ability to get the most out of his players, and we have a suddenly scary defense.

[pauliwood]

I sure would be nice to see this on ESPN or NFLN. But so far, either they don't know, or they don't care.

[rightsaidfred]

(04-25-2012 11:57 AM)pauliwood Wrote:  I sure would be nice to see this on ESPN or NFLN. But so far, either they don't know, or they don't care.

It was on the scrolling bottom line in NFLN this morning listed as "Breaking News". Said the deal was being finalized.

[cnasty]

(04-25-2012 10:34 AM)RFlagg Wrote:  Assuming this does get done, the Falcons Starting D will look like this for the "big nickel".

RDE - Abraham
RDT - Peters
LDT - Babineaux
LDE - Edwards
LB - Weatherspoon
LB - Tatupu
CB - Samuel
CB - Grimes
NB - Robinson
FS - DeCoud
SS - Moore

I certainly like the looks of that.

Holy fucking balls. Assuming every player plays to their potential, we will easily be top 5.