Atlanta Falcons 2009 Midseason Performance Review

The Falcons 31-17 victory of Washington this weekend capped of their first half of the regular season with a 5-3 record. In any given year in Falcons history, we would probably be ecstatic, however I feel like this team has room for improvement.

And that might not be a bad thing. I see a lot of potential in this year’s team. All of that “process” junk Mike Smith has been preaching has all of a sudden become very endearing.

This team is young, and less than two years removed from the lowpoint of the franchise’s notoriously comedic history. Yet, they are a focused team with something to prove. The Dirty Birds, as I must always insist on calling them still, have established a winning mentality in Atlanta.

Considering the youth, you have to feel like everything is in place for this team to improve and become one of the elite. Why do I feel that way?

Well, remember last year when General Manager Thomas Dimitroff cleaned house on offense and everyone panicked? “Crumper and Dunn are leaving? They are all we have left!”

That tragedy– yeah, well everyone seemed to jump ship again this offseason when Atlanta did little in changing the personnell on defense.

Nine weeks into the year, and I am set in believing this defense is the strongest Atlanta has had in a while. They may not blow you away statistically, but you can tell they are very well coached. They create tons of turnovers and do their own job of getting the Georgia Dome crowd all pumped up and what not.

The defense is fun to watch, which is a fact magnified by the fact that the youth on that side of the ball was supposed to make this defense terrible.

And thus we have my midseason thesis. The Falcons are on track for a 10-6 year, but whether or not they go 9-7 or 13-3, I feel like I can sit back and be proud of this team.

I felt that way since Atlanta won up in Green Bay last year. The Falcons carry a very college-esque atmosphere with them. There always seems to be the feeling that they have a chip on their shoulder.

Yet, they show up and play fantastic, fundamental football every week. I do not care if they win or lose as much anymore, because I always appreciate the way they play.

With that, let’s move into a game by game evaluation shall we?

Falcons 19-Dolphins 7  

This game was all about the defense. We were all worried that Miami and their vaunted Wildcat offense was going to tear this young defense apart. Instead, additions like Mike Peterson and Brian Williams helped wreck the Dolphins and nearly shut them out. Considering the criticism the defense was receiving during the preseason, this defensive performance overshadowed the victory.

Falcons 28-Panthers 20  

Had to love the old school uniforms, but thank God they did not play like the old school team. Instead, Atlanta again did a good job of executing as well as covering up for mistakes as they cruised to a comfortable win. The score and stats really did not indicate just how well Atlanta played.

Falcons 10-Patriots 26  

First misstep of the season, but in New England; I’ll take that. Atlanta looked very crisp on offense early on, and even was on it’s way to taking a lead on the Patriots heading into halftime until Michael Turner fumbled. The defense kept bending but not breaking, until Tom Brady did his usual thing and threw a touchdown late to put the game away. Another game that was just a few mistakes away from turning the other way, but that is what football is all about.

Falcons 45-49ers 10

First game of the year where the team hit on all cylinders. Any time you can do that on the road it’s huge. I got tired of listening to the FOX broadcast team just complain about how terrible San Francisco was doing the entire game. They gave no credit to the Falcons performance. Did I say chip on shoulder earlier? Suprised Singletary kept his pants on after Dre Bly did “The Deion” from his own 30-yard line. One of the most embarasing plays I have ever witnessed, however I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Falcons 21-Bears 14

This game proved to the entire nation that Atlanta has the capacity to win with defense. With their offense having a tough night, the defense forced two interceptions and made a great stand at the end. I doubt Chicago would have been anywhere near winning that game if it werent for three absolutely incredible catches from their tight ends.

Falcons 21-Cowboys 37

This was another game where Atlanta looked like the more focused team, scoring on their first drive. Atlanta really let the floodgates open in this one. Even against a good team like Dallas, this loss was a very very ugly one.

Falcons 27-Saints 35  

This loss however was not an ugly one. After nearly embarasing New Orleans in the final few minutes, and coming nine points away from beating an undefeated and seemingly unstoppable team in the toughest venue in the NFL, I was actually pretty content with the Falcons resulting 4-3 record. Atlanta shot themselves in the foot a few times in this game.

Falcons 34-Redskins 17  

This game was more of an exposure of how bad Washington is rather than a showcase of how good Atlanta is. But, it is good to know that Atlanta can not only win against, but dominate opponents they are supposed to beat. The Falcons are now 11-1 at home under Mike Smith. And they are saying we need to build a new stadium? Please.

Remaining schedule: @ Carolina, @ NYG, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, New Orleans, @ NYJ, Buffalo, Tampa Bay

Overall, I like that Atlanta’s two toughest remaining opponents are coming into the Georgia Dome. There is a 100 percent chance that the Dome will be electric for the games vs. the Eagles and Saints. I’m so excited for that two week span!

Also, road games at Carolina and the New York Giants do not seem quite as tough as they did back in August. It will be huge for Atlanta to win the next two games.

Also, notice Atlanta is making two trips to the Meadowlands this season. Just an interesting tidbit.

And now for some player reviews.

Matt Ryan

Ryan continues to show that poise and calm that has so many football pundits excited. Don’t know if I want to classify his performance to this point as a sophomore slump, but he has had some questionable interceptions. Also, he seems to sometimes target Tony Gonzalez a little too much. Ryan needs to remember the type of success he had with just Jenkins and White last year. He traded a wide open touchdown to Roddy against Washington for an interception underneath. But, everyone messes up a tad. Everyone still has tons and tons of faith in this guy, and he is just in his second year.

Michael Turner  

Got off to a very very slow start, but does anyone feel like Jason Snelling’s performance against Dallas made Turner turn back on the burners? The Marta has rushed for over 150 yards in his past two games. He is starting to show that great combination of power and quickness that I was afraid had been lost. That was the most releiving part of the past two weeks.

Roddy White

Having another great year, and finding the endzone more often than before. Roddy has kind of fallen back off the radar a little bit, which is easy when he is not that all-world type of receiver (ie. Andre Johnson, Brandon Marshall). But, Roddy continues to produce, and is on track for 80 grabs, 1,100 yards, and 12 touchdowns.

Tony Ganzalez

Two things I have learned about Tony Gonzalez this year: 1) His feet look like bricks, 2) His hands are amazing! I never realized how slow Tony G was, but man can he snag some passes! Love how dominating he can over the middle, but I do not want him to become the central part of the offense. That means the offense is closing down rather than opening up. Michael Jenkins has probably noticed that by now– his producation has gone way down (though it would help if he would get back to where he was in 2008 and stop dropping the stinking ball).

John Abraham  

The Predator still cannot seem to stay healthy! Great pass rusher, but not when he is standing next to the coaching staff for the entire game. That bullrush sack on Jake Long earlier this year was so epic; I think I’ve watched it on youtube at least thirty times.

Curtis Lofton  

Really starting to show up. He is a great leader aside from Mike Peterson, and runs to the ball very well.

Mike Peterson

…and on that note, we have Mike Peterson. My favorite offseason aquisition of the offseason. Peterson is an intense player, strong leader, but most importantly is the cause of that constant “POP!” sound you hear after every play on Sundays.

Thomas DeCoud  

Where did this man come from? He is a safety, and is as skinny as a rail. Yet, DeCoud has proven to be a fiery hitter as well as a great cover man. You do not see Atlanta’s safeties get beat very often.

Chris Houston –

…but we do see their corners get beat, and Houston is still topic of discussion when it comes to bad corner coverage. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel my friends.

I leapt off my couch and gave an applause to the television this Sunday when Houston, with his usual good coverage on a receiver,…

…TURNED AROUND AND PLAYED THE BALL!!! It was Christmas in November! (Wait, people with no patience usually start Christmas by now).

Anyways, I give Houston special attention because I have always felt like he has potential to be a great corner in the NFL. He does two things very well, and that is downhill tackling and covering. But, he never ever has the confidence to turn around and play the ball.

Well, he did against Washington, and the ball hit him right in the chest. Of course he dropped it, probably because he never thought turning around would serve any purpose. Later in the game he failed to turn around on a pass and the ball just about hit him in the back. Chris Houston is a 90 degree turn away from being a great staple in our defense.

And with that, I have adressed the Falcons as much as I felt necessary. I am going to be an optimist and say this team loses one more game the rest of the way. That is right, one.

12-4 record to finish the year! But more importantly, the neverending back-to-back winning season curse will finally be lifted! Go Falcons!

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Atlanta Falcons All-Decade Team

The end of the decade is almost here. With the past 10 year span coming to an end, it is time to look back and reflect.

In this case, it is time to look back and reflect on the Atlanta Falcon’s All-Decade team.

The Falcons have not had a very bright history, but the past decade has supplied many bright spots, including many marquee players.

Begin Slideshow

A Look Back to the NFL: Logo Edition

If you readers have not already noticed, this season marks the 50th anniverssary of the AFL. Nearly every NFL has or will wear a throwback uniform this season. With all of these throwback uniform appearances, the exposure has gotten me curious. I did some browsing to try to figure out what’s behind all of these silly looks.

Denver’s Ice Cream Sandwich uniforms from Monday Night really did me in. During my searching, I stumbled upon the NFL’s and AFL’s older team logos.

Every NFL team has a good looking logo as of now, but looking back viewers are in for quite a laugh. Oh how computer graphics have changed things.

Here is a list with every franchise’s worst logo, with a little bit of historical trivia for toppings.

Thanks to sportslogos.net for the images.

Begin Slideshow

Atlanta Falcons Week 1-2 Mid Week Report: Kickin’ It Old School

The Atlanta Falcons are in the process or preparing for the division rival Carolina Panthers on Sunday, following the team’s impressive 19-7 victory of the Miami Dolphins this past weekend.

Atlanta will debut fresh throwback uniforms for the occasion.

Speaking of throwback, nothing settled Atlanta fans stomachs last week more than some good ole hard-nosed defense.

Mike Peterson, John Abraham, and rising standout Kroy Biermann gave the Fin’s hyped “Wild-Cat” offense serious problems throughout the contest.

Atlanta finished allowing just 259 yards, which was pleasing considering a rather porous performance during preseason.

Not only that, but the defense forced three fumbles, one interception, and sacked quarterback Chad Pennington four times. Abraham and Biermann both had two sacks a piece.

As for Mike Peterson, the seasoned veteran knocked all memories of Keith Brooking out the door, recording the lone interception and a forced fumble.

The corners did not get exposed nearly as much as they had in the preseason contests, however an incredible circus catch involving Greg Camarillo’s ankle and behind inflated the statistics a tad.

The Dolphins also got one of their lone big plays on a halfback throwback to Pennington, who threw the ball downfield to a wide open tight end.

Besides the tush grab and the trick play, the Falcon’s defense was outstanding and did not give up a score until the final minutes with the game already decided.

The score might have also looked a little bit more impressive had the usually sure footed Jason Elam connected more often. Elam, uncharacteristically, missed two field goals and a point after. A more pleasing score would have been 26-7, but 19-7 works too.

Matt Ryan did a good job of quieting critics who believe Michael Turner is the best passing game Atlanta has.

Many pundits have preferred to claim that Atlanta’s imposing rushing threat had a direct influence on the Falcons’ ability to throw last year.

However, with the running game getting stuffed all day, Ryan was still able to complete 22 of 36 attempts for 229 yards and two touchdowns—and he had a “sloppy” outing.

Tony Gonzalez helped with five grabs for 73 yards and a touchdown, while Jerious Norwood showed off some good hands with five grabs of his own.

Receivers Michael Jenkins and Roddy White picked up where they left off last year, both hauling in everything thrown their way. White, who had just 49 yards receiving, would have stood out more had Ryan not completely missed him on a beautiful double move on the Falcons first scoring threat.

Overall, the Falcons played a sloppy opening game, but showed they can win ugly—and more importantly, rely on their defense to win them ball games.

Coming into this weekends showdown with the Panthers, it seems like the week two opponent has lost its leverage. Jake Delhomme threw four interceptions and fumbled in the season opener.

Considering how the Falcons defense played in week one, a lack of major strides from Jake Delhomme could mean another dominating performance from the Falcons.

What we can look for this weekend is for the defense to prove their opening game was not a fluke, and for the balance of the Falcons offense  to return.

I’m going to say 23-14 Falcons.

As for the game day attire, the Falcons will be wearing a designated “throwback” uniform for the first time in their history (minus the 1994 season, where every team donned one as part of a special event).

The threads are b-e-a-u-timus! They are very accurate replications of the original Falcons uniform worn in 1966. The jerseys are plain black templates with the old Falcons crest on the sleeves and white block numbers laced in red.

The helmet is red with the original white, black, and gold—yes I said gold—stripe.

White pants, and striped socks complete the uniform.

They are by far one of the sharpest throwback uniforms the NFL will see this year.

 

 

 

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Atlanta Falcons Report: Mid Pre Season Evaluation

The Falcons got their first two preseason warm ups against arguably the two worst teams in football last year, and the fact that they barely got by in both contest might unsettle fans as well as make pundits very critical.

They definitely do not look perfect in my eyes, but there have been many impressive plays and stand out performances.

Here are the noteworthy story lines after Preseason Week Two.

Matt Ryan Looks Impressive

Ryan has gone 12-15 for 114 yards and a touchdown without an interception so far this preseason. I cannot get over how sharp he makes the offense look, though I have to give credit to the offensive blue print itself- it’s a simple system that works.

But Ryan looks like he has been doing this for years, and in my eyes looks to be on track for an even greater year (rather than a sophomore slump). Tony Gonzalez definitely helps as well. He appears to have really opened up this offense.

Shockley’s Future In Major Jeopardy

I read an article on the Atlanta Journal Constitution a few days ago that quoted Shockley saying he “can in fact start” in the NFL. All power to him, and I love the attitude, but I honestly doubt that will ever happen. Furthermore, I feel his tenure in Atlanta might be coming to an end.

His less than crisp release has always stuck out like a sore thumb to me, and he seems to continue to have accuracy problems, however one play from Saturday’s game alarmed me.

The Rams were showing blitz from the weak side with two players, and Atlanta had just one tight end on that side. There was also no back in the backfield. Shockley looked right at the oncoming players before the snap, looked back and called for the ball without checking the protection.

Both players flew into the backfield, but what was more embarrassing was the fact that Shockley looked down field as if he had no idea they were coming. It was a back-yard-football scenario that got the best of him on that play. To say the least that type of mishap at this level is just intolerable.

John Parker Wilson is riding on Shockley’s heals, and could easily run away with the third quarterback position. And, even though Shockley feels he is battling for at least the number two job, he is on an uphill climb to even be considered for a roster spot.

Offensive Line is Dominating

Michael Turner has rushed 13 times for 128 yards and a pair of touchdowns in just over a half’s worth of action. Falcon quarterbacks have been sacked just twice in two games. The offensive line is huge, and seems to be manhandling everyone in their way.

Chris Owens and Brent Grimes battling…and nobody is winning

…and that is not a bad thing. Brent Grimes and rookie corner Chris Owens have both made some tremendous plays this preseason. Owens covers very well, but most importantly was noticeably aggressive in run support. I like a physical corner who tries to get to the ball every play-Owens is that type of player. However, Grimes continues the show he put on last preseason with his incredible leaping ability and quickness.

Wanted: Punt Returner

Atlanta’s special teams became a major weapon last year with the emergence of Harry Douglas’ return game. With Harry out for the rest of the year, it is back to the drawing board for the Falcons. Eric Weems, Brent Grimes, and youngster Chandler Williams are all fighting for the job, but none have really impressed so far. We are still waiting to see someone really blossom back there, but as long as it isn’t Adam Jennings I think we will be okay.

 

Are the Atlanta Falcons Finally “For Real”?: 2009 Team Preview

The Atlanta Falcons put away the Michael Vick era rather promptly and with serious intent this past season.

The Birds’ accolades included having the NFL Coach of the Year (Mike Smith), the NFL Rookie of the Year (Matt Ryan), two Pro Bowl selections in Roddy White and Michael Turner, a definite Pro Bowl snub in John Abraham, and most importantly, an 11-win regular season.

Though Atlanta’s momentum dissipated into the thin, hot air of Arizona, the Falcons featured the determination, pride, and attitude of a championship team in 2008.

So, as you all well know, when a team starts to actually do something in Atlanta, we like to go bonkers and talk the highest of talk.

Right now, the feeling in Atlanta is high expectations…maybe even Super Bowl expectations.

The addition of Tony Gonzalez gives Atlanta a fantasy player’s dream team on offense, however despite off-season implications Atlanta seemed to lose more than they gained on defense.

So where is Atlanta going to end up in 2009? Last year, they featured a good offense with a so-so defense. Heading into this year, they seem to have one of the most loaded offenses, but a less than impressive personnel on defense.

Matt Ryan is definitely the new face of the franchise, and most people believe we finally have a quarterback who will stick around and win games for us on a consistent basis. Ryan showed the poise of a veteran last year.

Most people look at his stats, which include nearly 3,500 yards of passing and a 61 percent completion rate, but it was the stuff that does not go down on paper that led me to believe Ryan has a long and illustrious career ahead of him.

Atlanta asked Ryan to lead a hurry-up offense for the majority of the year, and he ran it extremely well. Ryan showed leadership on and off the field that Michael Vick never had the courage to exert.

Having a quarterback who not only performs, but has accepted his tag as a leader, is something all championship teams have and all non-championship teams lack.

Then you take a look at Atlanta’s offensive line. They basically return last year’s unit, minus Todd Weiner at tackle. The Falcons’ offensive line, which has basically been the same for the past two seasons, went from allowing 47 sacks in 2007 to an astounding 17 in ’08.

Not only that, but they helped push ahead one of the best running attacks in the NFL.

The skill positions on offense are completely loaded. Michael Turner leads the backfield after having a pro bowl season and leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns. Turner is listed as a top five fantasy player by just about every football pundit out there.

Behind Turner is one of the most overlooked playmakers in the NFL. Jerious Norwood has been a major spark on offense for the Falcons ever since his arrival in 2005.

Norwood is a threat to score everytime he touches the ball, and proved he is a game changer last season.

Norwood made the three biggest plays against the Rams in the final game of the year. Not having Norwood is like a pitcher not having a pitch other than a fastball. Norwood is extremely valuable.

At receiver, the Falcons a did not make a single change this offseason. The starters will be Roddy White and Michael Jenkins, and Harry Douglas and Brian Finneran follow.

White had his second straight 1,000+ yard season and will be coming into this year with more confidence than ever. Michael Jenkins went from being Mr. Useless to Mr. Valuable last season. Jenkins, much like White, proved that he can be a major offensive weapon.

I cannot remember Jenkins dropping a ball all of last year, but I can remember him making a number of amazing plays.

From catching a deep ball while getting yanked down by the facemask to making one of the biggest catches in franchise history, Jenkins has earned the respect of the coaches and fans.

Harry Douglas was another eye-popping performer from 2008. Douglas not only was an extremely impressive slot receiver in just his first year, but he ignited the return game, which had been miserable since the departure of Allen Rossum.

Douglas is a well-rounded receiver, and is purely a slot receiver. The Falcons’ receiving unit ends with veteran Brian Finneran, who is a reliable target who uses his frame and height to get leverage on defenders. Finneran is a valuable situational receiver.

And then we add in future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez? This offense is on paper, n-a-s-t-y.

The Falcons’ issues however seem to be on defense. Apparently, Atlanta will look for two to three, or even four rookies to start or get substantial playing time in 2009.

While Atlanta lost Keith Brooking, Michael Boley, Grady Jackson, Lawyer Milloy, and Domonique Foxworth, their only veteran signing on defense was to replace an outside linebacker with former Jacksonville standout Mike Peterson.

It appears the draft is where the Falcons looked for defensive staples (which raises a red flag to me). Peria Jerry will fill in for Grady Jackson at defensive tackle.

William Moore, who was an underacheiver in his senior season at Mizzou will start in place of Milloy. Also, Christopher Owens seems to be a guy that could potentially start at corner.

The only guy we can really trust as of now in the defensive backfield is Erik Coleman at safety. Coleman led all Falcon defenders in interceptions last year.

Other options for corner include second-year player Chevis Jackson or the mighty mite Brent Grimes. Jackson showed some play-making potential at nickel back last year, while Grimes was a hit-or-miss corner who saw less action as the season went along.

The biggest concern for me is that Atlanta’s apparent staple corner, Chris Houston, still has not proven a reliable player despite all of his talent.

Houston is a better cover corner than DeAngelo Hall was. However, for some reason, Houston had trouble making plays on the ball last year.

It appeared to be more of a confidence issue than anything. A lot of times, great coverage still led to completions because Houston would not turn to make a play on the ball. If Houston can fix a few minor issues, he could become quite a player.

The defensive line is definitely Atlanta’s strongpoint. Peria Jerry was a stud defensive tackle at Ole Miss and is expected to make an immediate impact.

The other defensive tackle, Jonathan Babineaux, has become one of the more solid players on the defense.

We all know how good John Abraham is, especially after recording 16.5 sacks last year. However, Jamaal Anderson appears to be the frontrunner for starting at the other end for Atlanta this year. Anderson has struggled in his first two years as a rush end.

Other options at the defensive end position are Chauncey Davis, who has been way more productive than Anderson, or the rookie from Richmond, Lawrence Sidbury.

The linebacker positions seem to be pretty solid. Curtis Lofton, a second-year player from Oklahoma, will be asked to start at middle linebacker again this season. Lofton was not a standout player last year; however, he did not make many bad plays either.

Mike Peterson was the Falcons’ big signee on defense during the off-season, and is expected to start outside linebacker. Peterson was the Jaguars’ top linebacker consistently for the past few years, and was coached part of that time by Atlanta’s head coach Mike Smith.

The other outside linebacker is the only other spot that scares me. Coy Wire is projected to start at that spot as of now. Wire filled in for Michael Boley during the final fourth of the season last year. He made a handful of very solid plays, and became a favorite over Boley.

However, Wire has not hit the field quite enough for us to know whether he is a stud or a fluke. Other options for the position include Stephen Nicholas, who was one of Atlanta’s more prized draft choices from 2007.

Overall, if the Falcons’ defense can do more than just fill in for the lost souls, than Atlanta should be one of the top NFC teams. The offense is sure to be nearly unstoppable, but the defense must prove they can do more than just force turnovers.

With a young group of defensive starters, it will be interesting to see how that turns out. Atlanta did lose veteran leadership last year, however that veteran leadership was starting to look old and rusty.

Combine a youthful and athletic defense with one of the most potent offenses, and the Falcons are definitely looking “For Real.”

 

Team Depth Chart (Projected)

Quarterback: #2 Matt Ryan, #8 Chris Redman, #3 DJ Shockley/ (R) #4 John Parker Wilson

Tailback: (PB) #33 Michael Turner, #32 Jerious Norwood, #27 Thomas Brown

Fullback: #34 Ovie Mughelli, #44 Jason Snelling

Receiver: (PB) #84 Roddy White, #12 Michael Jenkins, #83 Harry Douglas, #86 Brian Finneran, #14 Eric Weems

Tight End: (PB) #88 Tony Gonzalez, #87 Justin Peelle, #89 Ben Hartsock

Tackle: #72 Sam Baker, #73 Harvey Dahl

Guard: # 77 Tyson Clabo, #63 Justin Blalock

Center: # 62 Todd McClure, (PB) #61 Jeremy Newberry

Defensive End: (PB) #55 John Abraham, #98 Jamaal Anderson, #92 Chauncey Davis,  (R) #90 Lawrence Sidbury

Defensive Tackle: #95 Jonathan Babineaux, (R) #94 Peria Jerry, #97 Trey Lewis

Middle Linebacker: #50 Curtis Lofton, #51 Tony Gilbert

Outside Linebacker: #53 Mike Peterson, #54 Stephen Nicholas, #52 Coy Wire

Cornerback: #23 Chris Houston, #22 Chevis Jackson, (R) #21 Chris Owens, #20 Brent Grimes, (R) #35 William Middleton

Safety: #26 Erik Coleman, (R)#24 William Moore, #29 Jamaal Fudge, #28 Thomas Decoud

Kicker: #1 (PB) Jason Elam

Punter: #9 Michael Koenen

Kick Return: #32 Jerious Norwood

Punt Return: #83 Harry Douglas

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