<![CDATA[Atlanta Falcons Talk - All Forums]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/ Sat, 18 May 2013 14:32:30 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Falcons v. Saints]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Falcons-Falcons-v-Saints Thu, 16 May 2013 14:17:27 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Falcons-Falcons-v-Saints Link

Quote:Ranking the 12 Best Rivalries in the NFL Today

BY RUSSELL S. BAXTER (FEATURED COLUMNIST) ON MAY 14, 2013

6. Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints

Very quietly, the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints have staged one of the league’s better rivalries for more than 40 years.

The Falcons entered the NFL in 1966 and the Saints in 1967. Since both were expansion clubs, they struggled for many years. But at least they had each other.

Atlanta didn’t reach the playoffs until 1978. New Orleans didn’t have its first winning season until 1987, which also resulted in the team’s first postseason appearance. And in 1991, the Falcons defeated the Saints in the Wild Card Round.

But fast-forward to today, when the teams have alternated winning NFC South titles each of the last four years. The Saints captured the division in 2009 and ’11, the Falcons in 2010 and ’12. And in all but 2011, the top seed in the NFC has gone to either New Orleans or Atlanta.

Last season, the Saints handed the Falcons their first loss of 2012 after an 8-0 start. Three weeks later, the Falcons halted quarterback Drew Brees’ NFL-record streak of 54 straight games with a touchdown pass by picking him off five times in a 23-13 win.

And when you consider no team has won the NFC South in consecutive years, is it once again the Saints’ turn to grab a division title? Of course, the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers may chime in on the matter as well.
]]> Link

Quote:Ranking the 12 Best Rivalries in the NFL Today

BY RUSSELL S. BAXTER (FEATURED COLUMNIST) ON MAY 14, 2013

6. Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints

Very quietly, the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints have staged one of the league’s better rivalries for more than 40 years.

The Falcons entered the NFL in 1966 and the Saints in 1967. Since both were expansion clubs, they struggled for many years. But at least they had each other.

Atlanta didn’t reach the playoffs until 1978. New Orleans didn’t have its first winning season until 1987, which also resulted in the team’s first postseason appearance. And in 1991, the Falcons defeated the Saints in the Wild Card Round.

But fast-forward to today, when the teams have alternated winning NFC South titles each of the last four years. The Saints captured the division in 2009 and ’11, the Falcons in 2010 and ’12. And in all but 2011, the top seed in the NFC has gone to either New Orleans or Atlanta.

Last season, the Saints handed the Falcons their first loss of 2012 after an 8-0 start. Three weeks later, the Falcons halted quarterback Drew Brees’ NFL-record streak of 54 straight games with a touchdown pass by picking him off five times in a 23-13 win.

And when you consider no team has won the NFC South in consecutive years, is it once again the Saints’ turn to grab a division title? Of course, the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers may chime in on the matter as well.
]]> <![CDATA[Anyone interested in at least looking?]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Anyone-interested-in-at-least-looking Wed, 15 May 2013 13:54:10 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Anyone-interested-in-at-least-looking
Not convinced Renfree was worth the pick.....but TD has surprised me before.

I am NOT saying that CK is a MUST have, go sign him ETC..... I was just saying he might be worth a look, considering he could sub at other positions and if we had to go to Davis, both he and CK could run a Pseudo wildcat/pistol type offense

Anyway....I would at least give him a look....I would love to bring Tebow in but the media blows that stuff out of proportion and even if he new he would be a special teams type guy, who might get thrown in once and awhile....the headache associated with Tebow is just too much.....that is unfortunate because the guy has a winning attitude and whether he can play QB or not, he is a super character guy.....not once did he come out an openly complain last year......that to me is remarkable......but as I said Media would make that unbearable.....

I would be willing to brink CK in and see if he would be worth carrying on the roster or even the practice squad.]]>
Not convinced Renfree was worth the pick.....but TD has surprised me before.

I am NOT saying that CK is a MUST have, go sign him ETC..... I was just saying he might be worth a look, considering he could sub at other positions and if we had to go to Davis, both he and CK could run a Pseudo wildcat/pistol type offense

Anyway....I would at least give him a look....I would love to bring Tebow in but the media blows that stuff out of proportion and even if he new he would be a special teams type guy, who might get thrown in once and awhile....the headache associated with Tebow is just too much.....that is unfortunate because the guy has a winning attitude and whether he can play QB or not, he is a super character guy.....not once did he come out an openly complain last year......that to me is remarkable......but as I said Media would make that unbearable.....

I would be willing to brink CK in and see if he would be worth carrying on the roster or even the practice squad.]]> <![CDATA[Vikings new stadium]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-NFL-Vikings-new-stadium Tue, 14 May 2013 17:56:48 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-NFL-Vikings-new-stadium Big Grin It does look pretty good......

Vikings new stadium]]> Big Grin It does look pretty good......

Vikings new stadium]]> <![CDATA[Chuck Muncie died today]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-NFL-Chuck-Muncie-died-today Tue, 14 May 2013 17:52:38 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-NFL-Chuck-Muncie-died-today
Chuck Muncie died today at age 60]]>
Chuck Muncie died today at age 60]]> <![CDATA[Saints Rookie Minicamp "News"]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-NFL-Saints-Rookie-Minicamp-News Tue, 14 May 2013 14:29:32 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-NFL-Saints-Rookie-Minicamp-News
http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/201...camp-recap

That's right. Nothing! A media blackout protected the new and returning coaches from any scrutiny and emphasized to the players that only those with tight lips have a chance to be a Saint given the recent history (and presumably the ingoing practice) of this franchise.

If only this message board treated saints fans in the same manner that the saints treat the media the world would be a better place.]]>
http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/201...camp-recap

That's right. Nothing! A media blackout protected the new and returning coaches from any scrutiny and emphasized to the players that only those with tight lips have a chance to be a Saint given the recent history (and presumably the ingoing practice) of this franchise.

If only this message board treated saints fans in the same manner that the saints treat the media the world would be a better place.]]> <![CDATA[NFL: Chip Kelly: IE the next Petrino]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-NFL-Chip-Kelly-IE-the-next-Petrino Mon, 13 May 2013 20:26:31 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-NFL-Chip-Kelly-IE-the-next-Petrino http://msn.foxsports.com/lacesout/hungry...ou-to-eat/

I just read this story and it reminded me of the way that Petrino tried to treat the men he coached like college kids.

I'm also not anywhere close to sold that his offense is going to work against NFL players and defensive coordinators.

I'm thinking 1, maybe 2 seasons before he's gone.]]> http://msn.foxsports.com/lacesout/hungry...ou-to-eat/

I just read this story and it reminded me of the way that Petrino tried to treat the men he coached like college kids.

I'm also not anywhere close to sold that his offense is going to work against NFL players and defensive coordinators.

I'm thinking 1, maybe 2 seasons before he's gone.]]> <![CDATA[New 2014 NFL Mock Draft]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-New-2014-NFL-Mock-Draft Mon, 13 May 2013 19:00:55 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-New-2014-NFL-Mock-Draft
2014 NFL Mock Draft

*The order was determined by the Vegas Superbowl odds as of last week]]>
2014 NFL Mock Draft

*The order was determined by the Vegas Superbowl odds as of last week]]> <![CDATA[First 2013 NFL Win Total Over/Unders Out]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-NFL-First-2013-NFL-Win-Total-Over-Unders-Out Mon, 13 May 2013 15:06:12 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-NFL-First-2013-NFL-Win-Total-Over-Unders-Out First wave of 2013 NFL win totals hit the board

DENVER BRONCOS

2013 Total: 12 (Over: -130, Under: even)
2012 Total: 9.5 (Over: -110, Under: -120)
2012 Record: 13-3

GREEN BAY PACKERS

2013 Total: 12 (Over: -115, Under: -115)
2012 Total: 12 (Over: -125, Under: -105)
2012 Record: 11-5

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

2013 Total: 11.5 (Over: -140, Under: +110)
2012 Total: 12 (Over: -120, Under: -110)
2012 Record: 12-4

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

2013 Total: 11.5 (Over: -120, Under: -110)
2012 Total: 10 (Over: +105, Under: -135)
2012 Record: 11-4-1

HOUSTON TEXANS

2013 Total: 11 (Over: -140, Under: +110)
2012 Total: 10 (Over: -140, Under: +110)
2012 Record: 12-4

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

2013 Total: 11 (Over: -140, Under: +110)
2012 Total: 7 (Over: -110, Under: -120)
2012 Record: 11-5

ATLANTA FALCONS

2013 Total: 10 (Over: -135, Under: +105)
2012 Total: 9 (Over: +105, Under: -135)
2012 Record: 13-3

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

2013 Total: 10 (Over: -130, Under: even)
2012 Total: 10 (Over: -125, Under: -105)
2012 Record: 8-8

BALTIMORE RAVENS

2013 Total: 9.5 (Over: -120, Under: -110)
2012 Total: 10 (Over: -110, Under: -120)
2012 Record: 10-6

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

2013 Total: 9.5 (Over: -115, Under: -115)
2012 Total: 10 (Over: -125, Under: -105)
2012 Record: 7-9

...

CAROLINA PANTHERS

2013 Total: 6.5 (Over: -130, Under: even)
2012 Total: 7.5 (Over: -115, Under: -115)
2012 Record: 7-9

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

2013 Total: 6.5 (Over: -115, Under: -115)
2012 Total: 6 (Over: -110, Under: -120)
2012 Record: 7-9]]> First wave of 2013 NFL win totals hit the board

DENVER BRONCOS

2013 Total: 12 (Over: -130, Under: even)
2012 Total: 9.5 (Over: -110, Under: -120)
2012 Record: 13-3

GREEN BAY PACKERS

2013 Total: 12 (Over: -115, Under: -115)
2012 Total: 12 (Over: -125, Under: -105)
2012 Record: 11-5

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

2013 Total: 11.5 (Over: -140, Under: +110)
2012 Total: 12 (Over: -120, Under: -110)
2012 Record: 12-4

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

2013 Total: 11.5 (Over: -120, Under: -110)
2012 Total: 10 (Over: +105, Under: -135)
2012 Record: 11-4-1

HOUSTON TEXANS

2013 Total: 11 (Over: -140, Under: +110)
2012 Total: 10 (Over: -140, Under: +110)
2012 Record: 12-4

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

2013 Total: 11 (Over: -140, Under: +110)
2012 Total: 7 (Over: -110, Under: -120)
2012 Record: 11-5

ATLANTA FALCONS

2013 Total: 10 (Over: -135, Under: +105)
2012 Total: 9 (Over: +105, Under: -135)
2012 Record: 13-3

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

2013 Total: 10 (Over: -130, Under: even)
2012 Total: 10 (Over: -125, Under: -105)
2012 Record: 8-8

BALTIMORE RAVENS

2013 Total: 9.5 (Over: -120, Under: -110)
2012 Total: 10 (Over: -110, Under: -120)
2012 Record: 10-6

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

2013 Total: 9.5 (Over: -115, Under: -115)
2012 Total: 10 (Over: -125, Under: -105)
2012 Record: 7-9

...

CAROLINA PANTHERS

2013 Total: 6.5 (Over: -130, Under: even)
2012 Total: 7.5 (Over: -115, Under: -115)
2012 Record: 7-9

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

2013 Total: 6.5 (Over: -115, Under: -115)
2012 Total: 6 (Over: -110, Under: -120)
2012 Record: 7-9]]> <![CDATA[Go home, Rick Reilly. You are drunk.]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-NFL-Go-home-Rick-Reilly-You-are-drunk Mon, 13 May 2013 13:11:25 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-NFL-Go-home-Rick-Reilly-You-are-drunk http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/92614...iew-stanza
QB or not QB
That is the question.
Who should the Jets start?
Who should the Jets shun?

Dealt a hand of 5
None of them a king
They have to find one
Can we re-deal this thing?

They cut Tim Tebow
A big deletion
20 mag covers
6 completions

(Tim was just voted
"Most Influential"
Whoever they asked
Must be demential)

They could start Sanchez
But fans would grumble
His most famous play
Is the butt fumble
[+] EnlargeGeno Smith
AP Photo/Joe EpsteinDid Geno Smith text friends in pre-draft interviews?

Rex Ryan's seat is hot
Mark's been killin' him
What hurts worse is
He makes 8 million

They picked brash Geno
Who's a bit of a diva
He says he'll behave
But who's a believa?

Smith doesn't listen
He'd much rather text
Try that in meetings
His phone will get Rexed

What about Dave Garrard?
He stands tall among men
But hasn't thrown a pass
Since 2010

Garrard was a Jag
Who never flew high
Guess J.A.G. means
"Just Another Guy"
[+] EnlargeGreg McElroy
AP Photo/Kathy WillensIn two games last season, Greg McElroy had one touchdown, one interception and one fumble.

Then there's McElroy
The ex-'Bama gun
Has a hot girl, too
Or ... is that the other one?

Matt Simms has good genes
But his hope is slim
Coaches over 40
Rarely play The Sims

If the Jets were a car
They'd need a loaner
Is it possible
To fire the owner?

Not much of a group
But Rex says: "Compete!"
(This will be less fun
than looking at feet)

Let the battle start
though the talent's thin
But wait -- what happens
If nobody wins?]]> http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/92614...iew-stanza
QB or not QB
That is the question.
Who should the Jets start?
Who should the Jets shun?

Dealt a hand of 5
None of them a king
They have to find one
Can we re-deal this thing?

They cut Tim Tebow
A big deletion
20 mag covers
6 completions

(Tim was just voted
"Most Influential"
Whoever they asked
Must be demential)

They could start Sanchez
But fans would grumble
His most famous play
Is the butt fumble
[+] EnlargeGeno Smith
AP Photo/Joe EpsteinDid Geno Smith text friends in pre-draft interviews?

Rex Ryan's seat is hot
Mark's been killin' him
What hurts worse is
He makes 8 million

They picked brash Geno
Who's a bit of a diva
He says he'll behave
But who's a believa?

Smith doesn't listen
He'd much rather text
Try that in meetings
His phone will get Rexed

What about Dave Garrard?
He stands tall among men
But hasn't thrown a pass
Since 2010

Garrard was a Jag
Who never flew high
Guess J.A.G. means
"Just Another Guy"
[+] EnlargeGreg McElroy
AP Photo/Kathy WillensIn two games last season, Greg McElroy had one touchdown, one interception and one fumble.

Then there's McElroy
The ex-'Bama gun
Has a hot girl, too
Or ... is that the other one?

Matt Simms has good genes
But his hope is slim
Coaches over 40
Rarely play The Sims

If the Jets were a car
They'd need a loaner
Is it possible
To fire the owner?

Not much of a group
But Rex says: "Compete!"
(This will be less fun
than looking at feet)

Let the battle start
though the talent's thin
But wait -- what happens
If nobody wins?]]> <![CDATA[Stimulating some conversation]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Stimulating-some-conversation Sun, 12 May 2013 17:14:27 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Stimulating-some-conversation
Now that I have become accustomed to both, I am thinking that the Pantheon is too "contrived", too Disney. The stadium should be beautiful to look at from the blimp, but it has to be a pleasure to enjoy from the seats.

I thought that I would start a fresh thread about the stadium. Only this time, I'd like to read what all of you envision. What are the features that matter the most to you?

I will start with my list:

1. All the seats must be comfortable. That means they have to angle towards the center of the field and they have to provide a decent space to sit comfortably.

2. The acoutics must be fine tuned so that the crowd noise becomes a definite home field advantage. In the future, the NFL might ban such planning, but for now, let's take advantage of some science.

3. The design of the stadium should feel natural to its surroundings. The facade needs to encorporate the feel of the city but it should also enhance an otherwise drab look in that part of the city. I would not discount the ultra modern nor the classic look of columns. I think that night lighting will have to play a big role.

4. The roof needs to retract far enough to feel like you are truly outdoors and the there should be a great view of the skyline.

5. The 100-yard bar is genius. "Meet me at the 40. I'll take care of the first round."

6. Forget the rumble seats. Stupid and childish. Provide better eats....that is far more important.

7. Traffic. Getting to and from a stadium is the worst experience by far. I have been to a number of stadiums in this country and they have this problem. Access must be streamlined and optimized. But, one factor that is too often over looked is this: give the fans a reason to come early and stay late. Encourage local bars and restaurants to encircle the stadium. This will take a lot of work with the city, but it needs to be done.

Give me your ideas. Who knows, maybe Arthur has a mole lurking on these boards.]]>
Now that I have become accustomed to both, I am thinking that the Pantheon is too "contrived", too Disney. The stadium should be beautiful to look at from the blimp, but it has to be a pleasure to enjoy from the seats.

I thought that I would start a fresh thread about the stadium. Only this time, I'd like to read what all of you envision. What are the features that matter the most to you?

I will start with my list:

1. All the seats must be comfortable. That means they have to angle towards the center of the field and they have to provide a decent space to sit comfortably.

2. The acoutics must be fine tuned so that the crowd noise becomes a definite home field advantage. In the future, the NFL might ban such planning, but for now, let's take advantage of some science.

3. The design of the stadium should feel natural to its surroundings. The facade needs to encorporate the feel of the city but it should also enhance an otherwise drab look in that part of the city. I would not discount the ultra modern nor the classic look of columns. I think that night lighting will have to play a big role.

4. The roof needs to retract far enough to feel like you are truly outdoors and the there should be a great view of the skyline.

5. The 100-yard bar is genius. "Meet me at the 40. I'll take care of the first round."

6. Forget the rumble seats. Stupid and childish. Provide better eats....that is far more important.

7. Traffic. Getting to and from a stadium is the worst experience by far. I have been to a number of stadiums in this country and they have this problem. Access must be streamlined and optimized. But, one factor that is too often over looked is this: give the fans a reason to come early and stay late. Encourage local bars and restaurants to encircle the stadium. This will take a lot of work with the city, but it needs to be done.

Give me your ideas. Who knows, maybe Arthur has a mole lurking on these boards.]]> <![CDATA[My Thoughts On This Offseason (Defense And Special Team Edition)]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-My-Thoughts-On-This-Offseason-Defense-And-Special-Team-Edition Sun, 12 May 2013 17:01:18 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-My-Thoughts-On-This-Offseason-Defense-And-Special-Team-Edition Defense/Special team


Defense

I want to start off by giving Coach Nolan some props … Looking at the games again this off season… Our Best Defensive performances were against some of the best QB’s in the league… I loved seeing the games and actually seeing that we had a D Coordinator that was bringing something different that our previous years… Our D vs those top QB’s were Coach Nolan out scheming some of the best in this league.

I cant wait to see what you can do fully in a couple of years when he get a couple of more pieces that fits what he want to do… I cant lie before the draft it was no way I would like a draft with 2 CB’s with our first picks but the more I thought about it.. The more I realize it was a Coach Nolan move and a smart move by our Front Offense… By nature Coach Nolan is a DB guy… He has 2 talented probowl safeties he can continue to mold but now he has 3 young CB pieces he can mold and have for the Future (McClain, Turfant, and Alford) ..All 3 of these guys has speed ( *40* McClain:4.43 , Alford:4.39, and Trufant:4.38) , Explosive ( *Vert* McClain: 38-inch, Alford: 40-inch, and Trufant: 37.5-inch) , Quick feet ( *3-cone* McClain: We’ve seen him in the Game, Alford: 6.89, and Trufant: 6.76) and Have ball skills… The best thing is all of them will be 25 or under (young) and will learn from one of the most instinctive CB’s in the League Asante

Lets start with McClain.. The guy caught everybody off guard by the way he performed in the preseason then came in when injury happened and balled out… He is the definition of taking advantage of an injury opportunity… The guy has very quick feet which is good for a CB (especially a slot CB) Looking at the games I saw a could plays where he had a nice broke on balls and nearly gave us ints… The guy is also a good tackler for a CB… Probably was our best tackling DB last year. PFF has McCalin as the 6th best slot CB last year and I only see that improving… He has a nice all around game in the slot.. We got a good steal with this guy so far.

With Trufant and Alford…. What I particularly liked about these guys and a couple of our draftees is that they have that dog in them…. These are 2 competitive dudes… I know that’s the one thing TD, Coach Smith had to really like about Trufant… You can tell that brother rivalry set him up for this stage… Watching him during Senior Bowl week… Dude is aggressive and ultra competitive… I loved the fact that he asked his coaches to let him shadow teams #1 WR’s in college.. That’s against guys like Marquise Lee (whom will be a top 5 pick next year and he mainly covered and help held to 32 yards) .. Trufant game is not overly flashy (a reason why I felt we didn’t need to trade up because I didn’t feel the next CB behind him was that far behind) but the guy is a good all around competitive as **** cover CB… Ive heard some say they felt like he was the best Cover CB in this good CB depth draft class… With Alford he gives us that Grimes type physical freak guy…. The guy has a 40 inch vert and runs in the 4.3’s man… His physical gifts are thru the roof…. Add in his really good ball skills… With Coach Nolan the sky is the limit with Alford…. He is also another guy that shined at the Senior Bowl … He needs more coaching up but you will see why he was even a more draftee later in this post. I feel like we have a better secondary then we end the year off with (not including Grimes) .. Let me throw this plug out for Franks.. Could he possibly play some deep safety if we lined one of our safeties up as a LB on passing plays ? He didn’t look bad at it

On the D-Line I really like the Osi signing.. Ill say it again .. This may blow up in my face but I truly believe if Osi stays healthy that its no doubt we should atleast see 12 sacks from him next year… Looking at a Giants game to go along with the G-Men vs Falcons game… 2 things I like about Osi pass rush game… 1. Some will bring up who Osi has played with on the D-Line but watching his game.. He creates his own sacks/pressures meaning he flat out beats his guy… Its not a lot of teams mates getting him sacks… 2. Osi uses his speed rush to set up this nasty inside pass rushing move he has… If anybody watch the falcons vs Giants game… Count how many times Osi beat baker and nearly got the sack, How we had to mainly just chip him (Quizz) , and besides the sack by the DT.. Who created pressure on Matt Ryan… Not just that but he busted a Julio Jones screen… Just watch Osi .. Im not about to sit here and act like we just signed Aldon Smith but I do think Osi can give us a couple of good years as a rusher.

Now what I don’t like…. I hate the fact that in my mind we let our best all around DT last year walk (Walker) and I hate the fact of the unknown… I mean we still have time but the most scary and exciting thing is the unknown… We have young horses but we have no idea how they ride… We wont know what we fully have until basically the year begin.. We have guys with talent… Its all about development and are they ready… Are guys like Travian Robertson and Jonathan Massaquoi (who the team are high on) ready to step up their game ? Is Matthews ready to step up as a LDE ? Will one of our rookies who has potential step up big coming out the gate ?

Its a lot of question marks on the D-Line… With our LB’s … They are kind of linked with our D-Line… The games our D-Line were stout in.. It was nice seeing Spoon just run free and flow to the ball (That Giants game was very nice) .. That’s why I thought the front would be looked at majorly this offseason (and didn’t see us drafting 2 CB’s with our 1st two picks) .. I also think some was way to hard on 1st year starter Akeem Dent…. The guy struggled bad at first but I think he end the year in a solid form… The guy is not a coverage guy.. He is a run playing MLB…. We must figure out something in the mid level of our Defense vs TE’s.

PS.. I have no idea why we havnt tried Robert James in pass coverage..


Special Teams

I feel like this is the most over looked part of our team this off season and this is 1/3 of the game… We know Matt Bryant missed a couple of kicks early but end the year Cool Matt Bryant… Also the case study of why everyone should calm down and let a guy develop… Matt Bosher … The guy is developing into a very good Punter…. But lets touch on our returning ability.. Last year we all know our return game was lacking… Meaning we had to drive the ball down the field.. Meaning more chances for mistakes… I read an article that says Matt Ryan has had the worst field position average in the league during the playoffs… Guess who was 2nd.. The guy most compared his playoff winless drought to.. Peyton Manning .. The longer the drive… The more chances for mistakes..

Last year Jacoby Jones showed how important a good returner can be… So what does TD do…. He goes out and gets us a good CB prospect with 4.3 speed and possible game changing return skills… I feel like what this improvement we have improved 1/3 of our game on Sunday… I don’t think some know how important that is with the offense we have…


Conclusion

I feel like some things we did good this offseason and some things are incomplete because we don’t know what we have yet…But i do thing the possible improvement on Special team could be very important to the Falcons this year.

What are your thoughts ?]]> Defense/Special team


Defense

I want to start off by giving Coach Nolan some props … Looking at the games again this off season… Our Best Defensive performances were against some of the best QB’s in the league… I loved seeing the games and actually seeing that we had a D Coordinator that was bringing something different that our previous years… Our D vs those top QB’s were Coach Nolan out scheming some of the best in this league.

I cant wait to see what you can do fully in a couple of years when he get a couple of more pieces that fits what he want to do… I cant lie before the draft it was no way I would like a draft with 2 CB’s with our first picks but the more I thought about it.. The more I realize it was a Coach Nolan move and a smart move by our Front Offense… By nature Coach Nolan is a DB guy… He has 2 talented probowl safeties he can continue to mold but now he has 3 young CB pieces he can mold and have for the Future (McClain, Turfant, and Alford) ..All 3 of these guys has speed ( *40* McClain:4.43 , Alford:4.39, and Trufant:4.38) , Explosive ( *Vert* McClain: 38-inch, Alford: 40-inch, and Trufant: 37.5-inch) , Quick feet ( *3-cone* McClain: We’ve seen him in the Game, Alford: 6.89, and Trufant: 6.76) and Have ball skills… The best thing is all of them will be 25 or under (young) and will learn from one of the most instinctive CB’s in the League Asante

Lets start with McClain.. The guy caught everybody off guard by the way he performed in the preseason then came in when injury happened and balled out… He is the definition of taking advantage of an injury opportunity… The guy has very quick feet which is good for a CB (especially a slot CB) Looking at the games I saw a could plays where he had a nice broke on balls and nearly gave us ints… The guy is also a good tackler for a CB… Probably was our best tackling DB last year. PFF has McCalin as the 6th best slot CB last year and I only see that improving… He has a nice all around game in the slot.. We got a good steal with this guy so far.

With Trufant and Alford…. What I particularly liked about these guys and a couple of our draftees is that they have that dog in them…. These are 2 competitive dudes… I know that’s the one thing TD, Coach Smith had to really like about Trufant… You can tell that brother rivalry set him up for this stage… Watching him during Senior Bowl week… Dude is aggressive and ultra competitive… I loved the fact that he asked his coaches to let him shadow teams #1 WR’s in college.. That’s against guys like Marquise Lee (whom will be a top 5 pick next year and he mainly covered and help held to 32 yards) .. Trufant game is not overly flashy (a reason why I felt we didn’t need to trade up because I didn’t feel the next CB behind him was that far behind) but the guy is a good all around competitive as **** cover CB… Ive heard some say they felt like he was the best Cover CB in this good CB depth draft class… With Alford he gives us that Grimes type physical freak guy…. The guy has a 40 inch vert and runs in the 4.3’s man… His physical gifts are thru the roof…. Add in his really good ball skills… With Coach Nolan the sky is the limit with Alford…. He is also another guy that shined at the Senior Bowl … He needs more coaching up but you will see why he was even a more draftee later in this post. I feel like we have a better secondary then we end the year off with (not including Grimes) .. Let me throw this plug out for Franks.. Could he possibly play some deep safety if we lined one of our safeties up as a LB on passing plays ? He didn’t look bad at it

On the D-Line I really like the Osi signing.. Ill say it again .. This may blow up in my face but I truly believe if Osi stays healthy that its no doubt we should atleast see 12 sacks from him next year… Looking at a Giants game to go along with the G-Men vs Falcons game… 2 things I like about Osi pass rush game… 1. Some will bring up who Osi has played with on the D-Line but watching his game.. He creates his own sacks/pressures meaning he flat out beats his guy… Its not a lot of teams mates getting him sacks… 2. Osi uses his speed rush to set up this nasty inside pass rushing move he has… If anybody watch the falcons vs Giants game… Count how many times Osi beat baker and nearly got the sack, How we had to mainly just chip him (Quizz) , and besides the sack by the DT.. Who created pressure on Matt Ryan… Not just that but he busted a Julio Jones screen… Just watch Osi .. Im not about to sit here and act like we just signed Aldon Smith but I do think Osi can give us a couple of good years as a rusher.

Now what I don’t like…. I hate the fact that in my mind we let our best all around DT last year walk (Walker) and I hate the fact of the unknown… I mean we still have time but the most scary and exciting thing is the unknown… We have young horses but we have no idea how they ride… We wont know what we fully have until basically the year begin.. We have guys with talent… Its all about development and are they ready… Are guys like Travian Robertson and Jonathan Massaquoi (who the team are high on) ready to step up their game ? Is Matthews ready to step up as a LDE ? Will one of our rookies who has potential step up big coming out the gate ?

Its a lot of question marks on the D-Line… With our LB’s … They are kind of linked with our D-Line… The games our D-Line were stout in.. It was nice seeing Spoon just run free and flow to the ball (That Giants game was very nice) .. That’s why I thought the front would be looked at majorly this offseason (and didn’t see us drafting 2 CB’s with our 1st two picks) .. I also think some was way to hard on 1st year starter Akeem Dent…. The guy struggled bad at first but I think he end the year in a solid form… The guy is not a coverage guy.. He is a run playing MLB…. We must figure out something in the mid level of our Defense vs TE’s.

PS.. I have no idea why we havnt tried Robert James in pass coverage..


Special Teams

I feel like this is the most over looked part of our team this off season and this is 1/3 of the game… We know Matt Bryant missed a couple of kicks early but end the year Cool Matt Bryant… Also the case study of why everyone should calm down and let a guy develop… Matt Bosher … The guy is developing into a very good Punter…. But lets touch on our returning ability.. Last year we all know our return game was lacking… Meaning we had to drive the ball down the field.. Meaning more chances for mistakes… I read an article that says Matt Ryan has had the worst field position average in the league during the playoffs… Guess who was 2nd.. The guy most compared his playoff winless drought to.. Peyton Manning .. The longer the drive… The more chances for mistakes..

Last year Jacoby Jones showed how important a good returner can be… So what does TD do…. He goes out and gets us a good CB prospect with 4.3 speed and possible game changing return skills… I feel like what this improvement we have improved 1/3 of our game on Sunday… I don’t think some know how important that is with the offense we have…


Conclusion

I feel like some things we did good this offseason and some things are incomplete because we don’t know what we have yet…But i do thing the possible improvement on Special team could be very important to the Falcons this year.

What are your thoughts ?]]> <![CDATA[Keeping draft picks: Falcons rank high, Saints....not so much]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Falcons-Keeping-draft-picks-Falcons-rank-high-Saints-not-so-much Fri, 10 May 2013 21:12:55 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Falcons-Keeping-draft-picks-Falcons-rank-high-Saints-not-so-much http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/...-their-own

All four NFC South general managers like to talk about the importance of building through the draft and they mean it.

But the reality is that there is only one NFC South team that ranks among the league leaders when it comes to building through the draft.

The Atlanta Falcons currently have 40 of their own draft picks on the roster. That’s the second-highest total in the league. Green Bay is No. 1 with 45, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

The first step with any draft pick obviously is developing. But the next step, assuming those players develop into anything, is retaining them. General manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith have made it part of their core philosophy to retain their own players. They’ve backed it up recently by re-signing the likes of Sam Baker, William Moore and Thomas DeCoud and they likely will get quarterback Matt Ryan signed to a contract extension at some point this offseason.

The rest of the NFC South teams don’t have nearly as many homegrown players. The Panthers are near the league average with 31 of their own draft picks. Previous general manager Marty Hurney was big (sometimes to his own detriment) on keeping his own draft picks. New general manager Dave Gettleman is in the process of shaping the roster his way and that drove Carolina’s number down a bit.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints rank near the bottom of the league in this department. The Bucs have 28 of their own draft picks on the roster. Only five teams have fewer.

That brings us to the Saints. They’re last with only 24 of their draft picks on the roster.]]> http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/...-their-own

All four NFC South general managers like to talk about the importance of building through the draft and they mean it.

But the reality is that there is only one NFC South team that ranks among the league leaders when it comes to building through the draft.

The Atlanta Falcons currently have 40 of their own draft picks on the roster. That’s the second-highest total in the league. Green Bay is No. 1 with 45, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

The first step with any draft pick obviously is developing. But the next step, assuming those players develop into anything, is retaining them. General manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith have made it part of their core philosophy to retain their own players. They’ve backed it up recently by re-signing the likes of Sam Baker, William Moore and Thomas DeCoud and they likely will get quarterback Matt Ryan signed to a contract extension at some point this offseason.

The rest of the NFC South teams don’t have nearly as many homegrown players. The Panthers are near the league average with 31 of their own draft picks. Previous general manager Marty Hurney was big (sometimes to his own detriment) on keeping his own draft picks. New general manager Dave Gettleman is in the process of shaping the roster his way and that drove Carolina’s number down a bit.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints rank near the bottom of the league in this department. The Bucs have 28 of their own draft picks on the roster. Only five teams have fewer.

That brings us to the Saints. They’re last with only 24 of their draft picks on the roster.]]> <![CDATA[recap of last year]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-College-recap-of-last-year Fri, 10 May 2013 16:41:11 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-College-recap-of-last-year
Alabama beat Arkansas........Arkansas fired their coach
Alabama beat Tennessee........Tennessee fired their coach
Alabama beat Auburn.........Auburn fired their coach
Alabama beat Notre Dame.........the Pope resigned



I wish the White House had a football team]]>
Alabama beat Arkansas........Arkansas fired their coach
Alabama beat Tennessee........Tennessee fired their coach
Alabama beat Auburn.........Auburn fired their coach
Alabama beat Notre Dame.........the Pope resigned



I wish the White House had a football team]]> <![CDATA[Freddie Freeman]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-ATL-Sports-Freddie-Freeman Fri, 10 May 2013 12:52:08 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-ATL-Sports-Freddie-Freeman <![CDATA[Team Report]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Falcons-Team-Report--8478 Thu, 09 May 2013 13:30:31 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Falcons-Team-Report--8478
Linebackers Nick Clancy and Joplu Bartu, both undrafted free agent rookies, were impressive in the three-day camp that ended Sunday.

"Clancy and Bartu did a nice job in the special teams stuff and that's really where those young linebackers are going to get their first opportunity to contribute," Falcons coach Mike Smith told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "They both can run. We definitely saw that and I like the size of them."

Clancy took over last year for Luke Kuechly, who was the Carolina Panthers first round pick and made many lists as defensive rookie of the year after setting tackle records at Boston College.

Clancy, who had only 19 tackles as a backup in 2011, collected Kuechly-type stats with 145 tackles in 12 starts last year, good for fourth in the country.

However, scouts noted that too many tackles were well beyond the line of scrimmage and the type defense used should result in the middle linebacker making an inordinate number of tackles. However, his many stops downfield may have been explained in his poor 40-yard time of 4.93 seconds. So, despite the fact he looks the part at 6-2, 237, and had the numbers, Clancy was not even invited to the NFL Scouting Combine and went undrafted.

Bartu, listed at 6-2, 230, began last season at defensive end for Texas State, but was moved to linebacker. He made 71 tackles over his last five games, including 16 tackles against Louisiana Tech and Navy.

"They are very athletic," Smith said. "This is a big, athletic group in terms of the size of the guys. We have some guys with some really good size."

Defensive end John Abraham, who turned 35 Monday, not only retracted his tweets suggesting retirement, but according to ESPN's Adam Schefter is close to signing with the Tennessee Titans.

Abraham tweeted "Retiring 13" and "Done" last Saturday night. He then deleted the tweets.

Abraham, who collected 68.5 sacks in seven years with the Falcons, was released on March 1 and has visited Denver, Seattle, New England and Tennessee.

The Falcons have signed former New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora and drafted two defensive ends Malliciah Goodman (fourth round) and Stansly Maponga (fifth round).

Abraham is still a fan favorite and the Falcons faithful have put pressure on the team to get him back. "We never say never," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "There is a lot on the horizon. We have some decisions to make across the organization, but we never say never as far as acquiring or bringing people back." Now that depends on what happens between Abraham and the Titans.

Last season, the Falcons signed three players off of their performance during the rookie minicamp tight end Aron White, fullback Lee Meisner and wide receiver Kenny Stafford. Smith thinks the team may have found more nuggets this last weekend.

"I think there were some guys who really showed the skills that they had," Smith said. "We'll be making some decisions over the next couple of days in terms of if there is going to be any roster moves. There were some guys that came in here on a tryout basis who did a really nice job."

Former Falcons offensive lineman Tyson Clabo signed with the Miami Dolphins Sunday.

The Falcons will have three weeks of coaching sessions before starting their organized team activities on May 28. The mandatory minicamp is set for June 18-20.



QUOTE TO NOTE:
"Probably the one position that we were focused on thinking that we might be able to walk away with was the (weak-side) linebacker spot or a linebacker spot. As we started looking at other positions and the values and what we thought was the talent there, we thought it would override what we were looking at in the linebacker area." Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, discussing how it was the Falcons did not draft a linebacker.


Inside Slant | Notes, Quotes | Strategy and Personnel | Player Wire

A closer look at the Falcons' picks:

Round 1/22 - Desmond Trufant, CB, 6-0, 190, Washington

He will become the third Trufant to make it to the NFL. His brothers, Marcus (Seattle) and Isaiah (Jets), already are in the league. The youngest Trufant is a big corner and is plenty fast. He ran the 40 in 4.38 seconds at the combine. He was a captain for the Huskies. He played in 12 games as a freshman in 2009, starting the last nine at cornerback. He started all 13 games as a sophomore and junior. Last season, he had a string of 45 consecutive starts snapped when he missed the Colorado game with a hamstring injury in November. "It's a perfect place for me," Trufant said. "I want to make an impact in the league from Day 1."

2/60 Robert Alford, CB, 5-9, 188, Southeastern Louisiana

Alford was the first player from an FCS school selected in this draft. After last season the College Sports Journal named him the FCS national defensive player of the year, and The NFL Draft Report and Sports Network selected him to their All-American teams. Alford signed to play wide receiver, but he switched to cornerback after sitting out 2008 because of eligibility issues. Alford started 31 of 32 games at cornerback and recorded 137 tackles, 20 passes defended and 10 interceptions.

4/127 Malliciah Goodman, DE, 6-3, 276, Clemson

Goodman, a defensive end, was a Parade All-America selection and played in the U.S. Army All-American game. He was described as having "violent hands" in his NFL.com bio. He started two of 27 games over his first two seasons and had three sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss as he backed up Da'Quan Bowers. Over his final two seasons, he increased his effort level and started his final 27 games for the Tigers. As a junior, he set a new school-record for defensive linemen by playing 767 snaps. He finished with nine sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, 11 pressures and five forced fumbles as a senior.

4/133 - Levine Toilolo, TE, 6-8, 265, Stanford

Toilolo was used mainly as a blocker. He also caught 24 passes for 393 yards last season. He also has three uncles Dan Saleaumua, Edwin Mulitalo and Joe Salave'a who played in the NFL. "At Stanford we ran a pretty pro-style, West Coast offense," Toilolo said. "So we utilized a lot of tight ends which was big coming out of high school for me. This year we ran a lot of two tight-end sets for me and Zach (Ertz). For me, I was more of an inline tight end with my hand down the majority of the time."

5/153 Stansly Maponga, DE, 6-2, 265, Texas Christian

The speed rusher is recovering from March foot surgery. He broke a metatarsal bone in his left foot in a game against Baylor. Maponga played in 11 games and made nine starts last season. He was selected to the All-Big 12 first-team and the Associated Press All-Big 12 second-team.

7/243 Kemal Ishmael, S, 5-11, 206, Central Florida

The safety is from the same school that produced Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel. He was voted defensive player of the year in 2012 by Conference USA coaches. Ishmael also was named to the Jim Thorpe award watch list. Ishmael, a Miami native, finished his career as UCF's all-time top tackler among defensive backs and ranked third overall with 368 tackles. He played in 53 games for the Black Knights.

7/244 Zeke Motta, 6-2, 213, Notre Dame

Recruited as a linebacker out of Vero Beach, Fla., Motta became a full-time safety for his sophomore season at Notre Dame. He played in all 51 games with 29 starts and recorded 179 tackles and two interceptions. Motta was a team captain during his senior season at Notre Dame. His time of 4.83 seconds for 40 yards was the slowest among safeties at the NFL scouting combine.

7/249 Sean Renfree, QB, 6-3, 219, Duke

Renfree was a three-year starter for the Blue Devils and last season led them to their first bowl game appearance since 1994. Renfree set a school record with a 65.4 career completion percentage while passing for 9,465 yards, 50 touchdowns and 40 interceptions. Renfree suffered a torn right pectoral muscle on the final play of the Belk Bowl. He had surgery to repair the injury and wasn't able to participate in Duke's pro day.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3)

FB Mike Cox came on strong, but will have to compete with Bradie Ewing for the lead role.

S Chris Hope was a valuable reserve and on special teams. He played in the playoffs in some three-safety alignments.

LB Mike Peterson was a good insurance policy last season. He likely has played his last snaps in the league.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)

TE Michael Palmer (not tendered as RFA) is a solid blocker and deceptive route-runner.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

T Sam Baker: UFA; $41.5M/6 yrs, $18.25M guaranteed.

TE Tony Gonzalez: UFA; $14M/2 yrs, $3.5M SB.

S William Moore: Potential UFA; $29.512M/5 yrs, $8.25M SB/$14M guaranteed.

G Garrett Reynolds: Potential UFA; $2.58M/2 yrs, $500,000 SB/$700,000 guaranteed.

RB Antone Smith: Potential RFA; $1.425M/2 yrs, $65,000 SB.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

RB Steven Jackson: UFA Rams; $12M/3 yrs, $3.5M SB/$4M guaranteed.

DE Osi Umenyiora: UFA Giants; $8.5M/3 yrs, $2.5M SB/$5M guaranteed.

PLAYERS LOST

DE John Abraham (released).

T Tyson Clabo (released/post-June 1 designation).

CB Brent Grimes: UFA Dolphins; $5M/1 yr, $2.25M SB/$3M guaranteed.

C Todd McClure (UFA; retired).

QB Luke McCown: UFA Saints; 1 yr, terms unknown.

WR Kerry Meier (released).

CB Christopher Owens: UFA Browns; $1M/1 yr.

CB Dunta Robinson (released.

DE Lawrence Sidbury: UFA Colts; terms unknown.

OT Will Svitek: UFA Patriots; 1 yr, terms unknown.

RB Michael Turner (released/failed physical).


DT Vance Walker: UFA Raiders; $1.3M/1 yr.

NFL Team, Player News]]>
Linebackers Nick Clancy and Joplu Bartu, both undrafted free agent rookies, were impressive in the three-day camp that ended Sunday.

"Clancy and Bartu did a nice job in the special teams stuff and that's really where those young linebackers are going to get their first opportunity to contribute," Falcons coach Mike Smith told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "They both can run. We definitely saw that and I like the size of them."

Clancy took over last year for Luke Kuechly, who was the Carolina Panthers first round pick and made many lists as defensive rookie of the year after setting tackle records at Boston College.

Clancy, who had only 19 tackles as a backup in 2011, collected Kuechly-type stats with 145 tackles in 12 starts last year, good for fourth in the country.

However, scouts noted that too many tackles were well beyond the line of scrimmage and the type defense used should result in the middle linebacker making an inordinate number of tackles. However, his many stops downfield may have been explained in his poor 40-yard time of 4.93 seconds. So, despite the fact he looks the part at 6-2, 237, and had the numbers, Clancy was not even invited to the NFL Scouting Combine and went undrafted.

Bartu, listed at 6-2, 230, began last season at defensive end for Texas State, but was moved to linebacker. He made 71 tackles over his last five games, including 16 tackles against Louisiana Tech and Navy.

"They are very athletic," Smith said. "This is a big, athletic group in terms of the size of the guys. We have some guys with some really good size."

Defensive end John Abraham, who turned 35 Monday, not only retracted his tweets suggesting retirement, but according to ESPN's Adam Schefter is close to signing with the Tennessee Titans.

Abraham tweeted "Retiring 13" and "Done" last Saturday night. He then deleted the tweets.

Abraham, who collected 68.5 sacks in seven years with the Falcons, was released on March 1 and has visited Denver, Seattle, New England and Tennessee.

The Falcons have signed former New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora and drafted two defensive ends Malliciah Goodman (fourth round) and Stansly Maponga (fifth round).

Abraham is still a fan favorite and the Falcons faithful have put pressure on the team to get him back. "We never say never," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "There is a lot on the horizon. We have some decisions to make across the organization, but we never say never as far as acquiring or bringing people back." Now that depends on what happens between Abraham and the Titans.

Last season, the Falcons signed three players off of their performance during the rookie minicamp tight end Aron White, fullback Lee Meisner and wide receiver Kenny Stafford. Smith thinks the team may have found more nuggets this last weekend.

"I think there were some guys who really showed the skills that they had," Smith said. "We'll be making some decisions over the next couple of days in terms of if there is going to be any roster moves. There were some guys that came in here on a tryout basis who did a really nice job."

Former Falcons offensive lineman Tyson Clabo signed with the Miami Dolphins Sunday.

The Falcons will have three weeks of coaching sessions before starting their organized team activities on May 28. The mandatory minicamp is set for June 18-20.



QUOTE TO NOTE:
"Probably the one position that we were focused on thinking that we might be able to walk away with was the (weak-side) linebacker spot or a linebacker spot. As we started looking at other positions and the values and what we thought was the talent there, we thought it would override what we were looking at in the linebacker area." Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, discussing how it was the Falcons did not draft a linebacker.


Inside Slant | Notes, Quotes | Strategy and Personnel | Player Wire

A closer look at the Falcons' picks:

Round 1/22 - Desmond Trufant, CB, 6-0, 190, Washington

He will become the third Trufant to make it to the NFL. His brothers, Marcus (Seattle) and Isaiah (Jets), already are in the league. The youngest Trufant is a big corner and is plenty fast. He ran the 40 in 4.38 seconds at the combine. He was a captain for the Huskies. He played in 12 games as a freshman in 2009, starting the last nine at cornerback. He started all 13 games as a sophomore and junior. Last season, he had a string of 45 consecutive starts snapped when he missed the Colorado game with a hamstring injury in November. "It's a perfect place for me," Trufant said. "I want to make an impact in the league from Day 1."

2/60 Robert Alford, CB, 5-9, 188, Southeastern Louisiana

Alford was the first player from an FCS school selected in this draft. After last season the College Sports Journal named him the FCS national defensive player of the year, and The NFL Draft Report and Sports Network selected him to their All-American teams. Alford signed to play wide receiver, but he switched to cornerback after sitting out 2008 because of eligibility issues. Alford started 31 of 32 games at cornerback and recorded 137 tackles, 20 passes defended and 10 interceptions.

4/127 Malliciah Goodman, DE, 6-3, 276, Clemson

Goodman, a defensive end, was a Parade All-America selection and played in the U.S. Army All-American game. He was described as having "violent hands" in his NFL.com bio. He started two of 27 games over his first two seasons and had three sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss as he backed up Da'Quan Bowers. Over his final two seasons, he increased his effort level and started his final 27 games for the Tigers. As a junior, he set a new school-record for defensive linemen by playing 767 snaps. He finished with nine sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, 11 pressures and five forced fumbles as a senior.

4/133 - Levine Toilolo, TE, 6-8, 265, Stanford

Toilolo was used mainly as a blocker. He also caught 24 passes for 393 yards last season. He also has three uncles Dan Saleaumua, Edwin Mulitalo and Joe Salave'a who played in the NFL. "At Stanford we ran a pretty pro-style, West Coast offense," Toilolo said. "So we utilized a lot of tight ends which was big coming out of high school for me. This year we ran a lot of two tight-end sets for me and Zach (Ertz). For me, I was more of an inline tight end with my hand down the majority of the time."

5/153 Stansly Maponga, DE, 6-2, 265, Texas Christian

The speed rusher is recovering from March foot surgery. He broke a metatarsal bone in his left foot in a game against Baylor. Maponga played in 11 games and made nine starts last season. He was selected to the All-Big 12 first-team and the Associated Press All-Big 12 second-team.

7/243 Kemal Ishmael, S, 5-11, 206, Central Florida

The safety is from the same school that produced Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel. He was voted defensive player of the year in 2012 by Conference USA coaches. Ishmael also was named to the Jim Thorpe award watch list. Ishmael, a Miami native, finished his career as UCF's all-time top tackler among defensive backs and ranked third overall with 368 tackles. He played in 53 games for the Black Knights.

7/244 Zeke Motta, 6-2, 213, Notre Dame

Recruited as a linebacker out of Vero Beach, Fla., Motta became a full-time safety for his sophomore season at Notre Dame. He played in all 51 games with 29 starts and recorded 179 tackles and two interceptions. Motta was a team captain during his senior season at Notre Dame. His time of 4.83 seconds for 40 yards was the slowest among safeties at the NFL scouting combine.

7/249 Sean Renfree, QB, 6-3, 219, Duke

Renfree was a three-year starter for the Blue Devils and last season led them to their first bowl game appearance since 1994. Renfree set a school record with a 65.4 career completion percentage while passing for 9,465 yards, 50 touchdowns and 40 interceptions. Renfree suffered a torn right pectoral muscle on the final play of the Belk Bowl. He had surgery to repair the injury and wasn't able to participate in Duke's pro day.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (3)

FB Mike Cox came on strong, but will have to compete with Bradie Ewing for the lead role.

S Chris Hope was a valuable reserve and on special teams. He played in the playoffs in some three-safety alignments.

LB Mike Peterson was a good insurance policy last season. He likely has played his last snaps in the league.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered offers)

TE Michael Palmer (not tendered as RFA) is a solid blocker and deceptive route-runner.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

T Sam Baker: UFA; $41.5M/6 yrs, $18.25M guaranteed.

TE Tony Gonzalez: UFA; $14M/2 yrs, $3.5M SB.

S William Moore: Potential UFA; $29.512M/5 yrs, $8.25M SB/$14M guaranteed.

G Garrett Reynolds: Potential UFA; $2.58M/2 yrs, $500,000 SB/$700,000 guaranteed.

RB Antone Smith: Potential RFA; $1.425M/2 yrs, $65,000 SB.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

RB Steven Jackson: UFA Rams; $12M/3 yrs, $3.5M SB/$4M guaranteed.

DE Osi Umenyiora: UFA Giants; $8.5M/3 yrs, $2.5M SB/$5M guaranteed.

PLAYERS LOST

DE John Abraham (released).

T Tyson Clabo (released/post-June 1 designation).

CB Brent Grimes: UFA Dolphins; $5M/1 yr, $2.25M SB/$3M guaranteed.

C Todd McClure (UFA; retired).

QB Luke McCown: UFA Saints; 1 yr, terms unknown.

WR Kerry Meier (released).

CB Christopher Owens: UFA Browns; $1M/1 yr.

CB Dunta Robinson (released.

DE Lawrence Sidbury: UFA Colts; terms unknown.

OT Will Svitek: UFA Patriots; 1 yr, terms unknown.

RB Michael Turner (released/failed physical).


DT Vance Walker: UFA Raiders; $1.3M/1 yr.

NFL Team, Player News]]> <![CDATA[5 Observations by DLed]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Falcons-5-Observations-by-DLed Wed, 08 May 2013 17:56:41 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Falcons-5-Observations-by-DLed Quote:By D. Orlando Ledbetter
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Falcons’ rookie minicamp confirmed the notion that the offensive and defensive lines will be on the spot in 2013.

Free-agent signee Osi Umenyiora has to replace John Abraham’s pass rush and somebody from the group of Kroy Biermann, Cliff Matthews, Jonathan Massaquoi, Malliciah Goodman or Stansly Maponga has to step forward at left end.

The offensive line has to replace three starters at center, right guard and right tackle. Peter Konz will move to center. Philipkeith Manley could take the right guard spot, but there were some whispers that he reported to the offseason program close to 380 pounds. So it looks as if a rematch of the Garrett Reynolds-Mike Johnson battle from the past two offseasons will occur. Lamar Holmes seems ticketed for right tackle.

Reynolds won the battle at right guard in 2011 and 2012, but could not hold the position. In 2011, he lost it because of his play and last season because of injury.

Here are some other things we learned at rookie minicamp:

1. Linebacker Brian Banks certainly looks the part in shorts, jersey and a helmet. He appeared to be in the right place and flowed to the ball well. In the seven-on-seven drills, he shoved tight end Levine Toilolo to the ground with the flick of his wrists. Powerful. He re-routed a running back who was running through his zone with force.

2. The cornerbacks look like keepers. First-round pick Desmond Trufant and second-round pick Robert Alford buzzed around the field with ease. You could see their speed and agility in the special-teams stack drill. They’d run and then re-route around the dummy as if they were running to cover a punt. “It was nice to see Desmond out there,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “The competition was fun. The guys were getting out there working against each other. Desmond has a very good skill set. He’s going to get thrown a whole bunch of things at him over the next month, month and a half.”

3. Toilolo can catch. He was advertised as a 6-foot-8 blocking tight end. He flashed some nice hands at the minicamp. He could develop into a red-zone weapon.

4. Goodman can come off the edge. He ripped it during one pass rush and look as if he knows how to get to the quarterback.

5. Super-sized offensive lineman. The offensive tackles and guards were huge. Valdosta State’s Ryan Schraeder (6-7, 300), McNeese State’s Alec Savoie (6-7, 322), Alabama State’s Terren Jones (6-7, 341), Central Florida’s Theo Goins (6-4, 317), Middlebury’s Ryan Moores (6-5, 308) and Eastern Washington’s Will Post (6-5, 308) were on hand. Moores and Post were on tryouts.
Take it as you may, it's DLed. But I do like what I hear except how easy Toilolo was pushed over. But, if you are that tall then you have a good reason.]]> Quote:By D. Orlando Ledbetter
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Falcons’ rookie minicamp confirmed the notion that the offensive and defensive lines will be on the spot in 2013.

Free-agent signee Osi Umenyiora has to replace John Abraham’s pass rush and somebody from the group of Kroy Biermann, Cliff Matthews, Jonathan Massaquoi, Malliciah Goodman or Stansly Maponga has to step forward at left end.

The offensive line has to replace three starters at center, right guard and right tackle. Peter Konz will move to center. Philipkeith Manley could take the right guard spot, but there were some whispers that he reported to the offseason program close to 380 pounds. So it looks as if a rematch of the Garrett Reynolds-Mike Johnson battle from the past two offseasons will occur. Lamar Holmes seems ticketed for right tackle.

Reynolds won the battle at right guard in 2011 and 2012, but could not hold the position. In 2011, he lost it because of his play and last season because of injury.

Here are some other things we learned at rookie minicamp:

1. Linebacker Brian Banks certainly looks the part in shorts, jersey and a helmet. He appeared to be in the right place and flowed to the ball well. In the seven-on-seven drills, he shoved tight end Levine Toilolo to the ground with the flick of his wrists. Powerful. He re-routed a running back who was running through his zone with force.

2. The cornerbacks look like keepers. First-round pick Desmond Trufant and second-round pick Robert Alford buzzed around the field with ease. You could see their speed and agility in the special-teams stack drill. They’d run and then re-route around the dummy as if they were running to cover a punt. “It was nice to see Desmond out there,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “The competition was fun. The guys were getting out there working against each other. Desmond has a very good skill set. He’s going to get thrown a whole bunch of things at him over the next month, month and a half.”

3. Toilolo can catch. He was advertised as a 6-foot-8 blocking tight end. He flashed some nice hands at the minicamp. He could develop into a red-zone weapon.

4. Goodman can come off the edge. He ripped it during one pass rush and look as if he knows how to get to the quarterback.

5. Super-sized offensive lineman. The offensive tackles and guards were huge. Valdosta State’s Ryan Schraeder (6-7, 300), McNeese State’s Alec Savoie (6-7, 322), Alabama State’s Terren Jones (6-7, 341), Central Florida’s Theo Goins (6-4, 317), Middlebury’s Ryan Moores (6-5, 308) and Eastern Washington’s Will Post (6-5, 308) were on hand. Moores and Post were on tryouts.
Take it as you may, it's DLed. But I do like what I hear except how easy Toilolo was pushed over. But, if you are that tall then you have a good reason.]]> <![CDATA[Cap Purgatory]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Falcons-Cap-Purgatory Wed, 08 May 2013 13:22:57 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Falcons-Cap-Purgatory
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/...-cap-check

While the Falcons are in cap purgatory at the current moment, the other NFC South teams seem to be facing prolonged stays in cap hell. Go TD! Go Falcons!]]>
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/...-cap-check

While the Falcons are in cap purgatory at the current moment, the other NFC South teams seem to be facing prolonged stays in cap hell. Go TD! Go Falcons!]]> <![CDATA[PFF: Ryan #17 in 2012 Top 111 players]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Falcons-PFF-Ryan-17-in-2012-Top-111-players Tue, 07 May 2013 18:25:55 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Falcons-PFF-Ryan-17-in-2012-Top-111-players
While getting his first playoff win was big, the season Ryan put forth was bigger. Excelling from first to last, he inspired the Falcons to the top seed in the NFC as he made full use of all the weapons at his disposal. A new offensive coordinator saw him challenge teams all over the field and the result was his best statistical season to date.

Best Performance: Conference Championship vs San Francisco, +6.4

Key Stat: His 13 play-action touchdown passes in his 18 games were the most of any quarterback.


Tony Gonzalez was #44 and Roddy White was #49.

Link -- https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/20...full-list/]]>
While getting his first playoff win was big, the season Ryan put forth was bigger. Excelling from first to last, he inspired the Falcons to the top seed in the NFC as he made full use of all the weapons at his disposal. A new offensive coordinator saw him challenge teams all over the field and the result was his best statistical season to date.

Best Performance: Conference Championship vs San Francisco, +6.4

Key Stat: His 13 play-action touchdown passes in his 18 games were the most of any quarterback.


Tony Gonzalez was #44 and Roddy White was #49.

Link -- https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/20...full-list/]]> <![CDATA[Jags Sign Marcus Trufant]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-NFL-Jags-Sign-Marcus-Trufant Tue, 07 May 2013 16:59:33 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-NFL-Jags-Sign-Marcus-Trufant Quote:JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars’ secondary got a little deeper Tuesday.

Perhaps as significantly, it got more experienced, too.

Marcus Trufant, an 11-year veteran cornerback who spent past 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, on Tuesday afternoon joined the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent, becoming the most senior member of a cornerback unit that has become significantly younger this offseason.

Trufant (5-feet-11, 187 pounds), who played collegiately at Washington State, could bring a veteran presence to a Jaguars’ secondary that is in significant transition this offseason. He played for Head Coach Gus Bradley the past four seasons, which Bradley spent as the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator.

“It definitely feels like a fit,” Trufant said Tuesday afternoon.

Trufant, the No. 11 overall selection by Seattle in the 2003 NFL Draft, has started 125 of 136 games in 10 seasons, and missed just nine possible starts from 2003-2010. He then started the first four games in 2011 before missing 11 games with a back injury.
So, looks like Desmond's older brother is coming a little closer to baby brother...

Jags Sign Marcus Trufant]]> Quote:JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars’ secondary got a little deeper Tuesday.

Perhaps as significantly, it got more experienced, too.

Marcus Trufant, an 11-year veteran cornerback who spent past 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, on Tuesday afternoon joined the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent, becoming the most senior member of a cornerback unit that has become significantly younger this offseason.

Trufant (5-feet-11, 187 pounds), who played collegiately at Washington State, could bring a veteran presence to a Jaguars’ secondary that is in significant transition this offseason. He played for Head Coach Gus Bradley the past four seasons, which Bradley spent as the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator.

“It definitely feels like a fit,” Trufant said Tuesday afternoon.

Trufant, the No. 11 overall selection by Seattle in the 2003 NFL Draft, has started 125 of 136 games in 10 seasons, and missed just nine possible starts from 2003-2010. He then started the first four games in 2011 before missing 11 games with a back injury.
So, looks like Desmond's older brother is coming a little closer to baby brother...

Jags Sign Marcus Trufant]]> <![CDATA[Deep Sleeper: WR Darius Johnson]]> http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Deep-Sleeper-WR-Darius-Johnson Mon, 06 May 2013 19:23:59 -0400 http://atlantafalconstalk.com/Thread-Deep-Sleeper-WR-Darius-Johnson
Deep Sleeper: Darius Johnson, WR, Atlanta – Those who follow me know I grew up a Southern Methodist/Oklahoma fan as a kid, so, like I did with Aldrick Robinson a couple of years ago, I have to mention Johnson, who I think will not only make the NFL but make an impact someday.

Southern Methodist coach June Jones called Johnson one of the best receivers he has ever coached, and if you have never seen him play there is a reason for the high praise. Johnson reminds me a lot of Victor Cruz, another guy who did not get drafted. Now, Johnson is on the small side at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, so he will be relegated to the slot in the NFL, but you will not find a receiver who runs better routes or accelerates out of breaks much better than Johnson does.

The two reasons I think Johnson is being overlooked is because of his size and the fact that Jones simply has not been able to find a quarterback to lead his Run-n-Shoot offense at Southern Methodist. Garrett Gilbert transferred from Texas and was supposed to be the savior, but he was miserable last season. Johnson still put up solid numbers but the erratic Southern Methodist quarterbacks routinely missed him when he was open. If Johnson had played with a quarterback like Colt Brennan in college he would have put up eye-popping numbers in Jones’ offense.

Johnson obviously will not make an impact this year with the Falcons because they are loaded on offense. However, Atlanta does not really have a slot receiver and Tony Gonzalez will be retiring soon (we think). If Johnson can make the team, he has a shot to find a role in 2014.

Again, this is a deep sleeper, so Johnson is just a guy to watch at this point, but I believe he has the skills to play in the NFL.

http://www.fantasysharks.com/artman2/pub..._Sale2.htm]]>
Deep Sleeper: Darius Johnson, WR, Atlanta – Those who follow me know I grew up a Southern Methodist/Oklahoma fan as a kid, so, like I did with Aldrick Robinson a couple of years ago, I have to mention Johnson, who I think will not only make the NFL but make an impact someday.

Southern Methodist coach June Jones called Johnson one of the best receivers he has ever coached, and if you have never seen him play there is a reason for the high praise. Johnson reminds me a lot of Victor Cruz, another guy who did not get drafted. Now, Johnson is on the small side at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, so he will be relegated to the slot in the NFL, but you will not find a receiver who runs better routes or accelerates out of breaks much better than Johnson does.

The two reasons I think Johnson is being overlooked is because of his size and the fact that Jones simply has not been able to find a quarterback to lead his Run-n-Shoot offense at Southern Methodist. Garrett Gilbert transferred from Texas and was supposed to be the savior, but he was miserable last season. Johnson still put up solid numbers but the erratic Southern Methodist quarterbacks routinely missed him when he was open. If Johnson had played with a quarterback like Colt Brennan in college he would have put up eye-popping numbers in Jones’ offense.

Johnson obviously will not make an impact this year with the Falcons because they are loaded on offense. However, Atlanta does not really have a slot receiver and Tony Gonzalez will be retiring soon (we think). If Johnson can make the team, he has a shot to find a role in 2014.

Again, this is a deep sleeper, so Johnson is just a guy to watch at this point, but I believe he has the skills to play in the NFL.

http://www.fantasysharks.com/artman2/pub..._Sale2.htm]]>