The Axe Falls On Three Falcons As Cut Season Begins

Dave the Falconer — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:00:22 -0000

Chris Redman thanks the Gods of Football, who in their infinite wisdom allowed him to lock up a cushy roster spot. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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If you heard the unmistakable sound of a man being forcefully parted from his roster spot on Sunday, then pour out a little Falcohol. Three good men will not be making the team after this weekend.

The mighty Russian axe of one Comrade Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith(roff) fell on Jason Jefferson, Tywain Myles and Robert Shiver. While Shiver, a long snapper, was almost guaranteed to lose his spot sometime this off-season and Tywain Myles hadn't registered as more than a blip with an awesome name, Jefferson is still a surprise. I really thought he was movin' on up after some time in the season and a solid enough pre-season, but a quick look at the new unofficial depth chart leaves us with five defensive tackles, with Peria Jerry and Jonathan Babineaux starting, Trey Lewsi and Thomas Johnson backing up, Vance Walker third string and a couple of guys who could probably play DT in a pinch.

Personally, I'd be pretty happy with that. The team may have cut Jefferson because he was clearly not in that top five, but it's still surprising to see it done so soon. After all, the Falcons have until Saturday to trim the roster down to 53 in a bloody frenzy of a purge, so color me surprised a little. Jefferson's solid enough that he'll catch on elsewhere, I'm sure, and this is a team that clearly knows what it's doing. To recap: Dave the Falconer is surprised by timing, but no the decision. I'm sure you're all glad you know that now.

Use this post as a discussion about likely (or even certain) future cuts. Without picking names at this point, I can't see the Falcons carrying as many corners or defensive backs as those listed on the current depth chart, and they definitely won't be carrying that many receivers. I'm sure you can think of many more positions where the sickle of communism will fall.

Falcons injuries benefit the Rams passing game

VanRam — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:37:03 -0000

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St. Louis Rams quarterback Kyle Boller will start against a Falcons defense missing its top CB.

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The Atlanta Falcons will be without several players when they take on the St. Louis Rams this week.

Starting CB Chris Houston is out with a hamstring injury. That's the only starter out this week. Second round draft pick and former MIzzou standout SS William Moore will not play. Moore is not listed as the starter, though it's believed he will be once the season begins. The Falcons will also be without DT Jason Jefferson and LB Edmond Miles.

With CB Domonique Foxworth, the Falcons had an 11.9% DVOA for the pass defense last season, 7th best in the league. Houston became their top corner when Foxworth left, and, much like the Rams, it's a fairly open competition for the spots behind him. Most likely to earn the second and third CB jobs are Brent Grimes and Chevis Jackson, both of whom will start this week.

It's a good matchup for the Rams offense. Grimes was successful defending just 41% of the balls thrown his way last season, working as the third CB. Jackson had a 44% success rate. It's a nice re-introduction to starting again for Kyle Boller and the young Rams receivers.

The Rams will be without QB Marc Bulger; WRs Donnie Avery, Tim Carter and Brooks Foster; LG Jacob Bell; and DT Adam Carriker.

Starting LT Alex Barron and DT Darell Scott will be "Friday decisions" for the Rams.

SB Nation - Jason Jefferson

The Axe Falls On Three Falcons As Cut Season Begins

Falcons injuries benefit the Rams passing game