SBNation.com User Blog: Jeanna Thomas

Stepping Up for the Falcons in 2013

Jeanna Thomas — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:15:38 -0000

The Falcons certainly had an exceptional season in 2012, although they did fall short of their ultimate goal. They certainly had some weaknesses on both sides of the ball that opponents were able to exploit. They also left some questions marks at starting roles with cuts this offseason. With that in mind, which players need to step up for the Falcons in 2013?

The key weakness for Atlanta's offense in 2012 was their running game. Basically, they didn't have much of one. They finished the season 29th in the league for rushing yards per game with 87.3. The Falcons acknowledged this with the decision to cut Michael Turner following the season, and the subsequent signing of Steven Jackson in free agency.

Jackson will need to step up for the Falcons, as the threat of an effective rushing game takes a lot of pressure off of Matt Ryan. If you just replace Michael Turner's stats from last season with Steven Jackson's stats in St. Louis in 2012, the net increase in rushing yards would put the Falcons at 22nd in the league instead of 29th. It's an improvement, but there are some key issues that suggest Jackson's impact in Atlanta will be more significant. First of all, Matt Ryan is inarguably a better quarterback than Sam Bradford, and the Falcons receivers are much more threatening than the St. Louis receivers. It's a little more challenging to stack the box when you know you have to try to cover Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez.

Another key to offensive success will be the performance of the offensive line in 2013. With key players Todd McClure and Tyson Clabo departed, it's time for young players along the line to step up and contribute. Mike Smith has indicated that second-year player Peter Konz is currently expected to start at center. Sam Baker will again start at left tackle, Justin Blalock will start at left guard, and Garrett Reynolds will step back into the starting right guard role that he held prior to a season-ending injury in 2012. Lamar Holmes will compete with Mike Johnson for the right tackle spot. Konz, Holmes or Johnson, and the rest of the line will need to perform at a high level to effectively protect Ryan this season.

On defense, the two most glaring weaknesses for the Falcons last season were the pass rush and a lackluster run defense. The Falcons cut John Abraham, their most productive pass rusher, and lost defensive tackle Vance Walker, very effective in 2012, to free agency. In addition, the Falcons lost a starting cornerback when they cut Dunta Robinson, and they did not re-sign cornerback Brent Grimes in free agency.

To address the pass rush issues, the Falcons signed Osi Umenyiora as a free agent, but Umenyiora can't do it all by himself. The Falcons also drafted defensive end Malliciah Goodman, and statements by Thomas Dimitroff indicate that Goodman should be prepared to start opposite Osi. Goodman will definitely have to step up in 2013 if that is the case.

The Falcons woes against the run last season are no secret. According to Pro Football Focus premium stats, only nine defensive players graded positively against the run over the course of the regular season and postseason, and of those nine, the Falcons did not retain five of those players (Dunta Robinson, Vance Walker, Mike Peterson, Chris Owens and Brent Grimes.) However, of those five, only Robinson and Walker saw a significant snap count last season.

The Falcons run defense has to improve if they want to succeed in 2013. Middle linebacker Akeem Dent seemed to settle into his role as last season progressed, and he ended up being one of the nine players with a positive grade against the run. Basically, everyone that struggled against the run last season, which was most of the defense, needs to step up in 2013 to stop the run.

The other key player who needs to step up in 2013 would be cornerback Desmond Trufant, drafted in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft to start opposite Asante Samuel. Many fans did not love Dunta Robinson's performance in coverage, but he hit like a truck and was a solid contributor as a starter. Trufant will likely be targeted a great deal, and he will need to adapt to the speed of the game and be ready to contribute immediately.

The whole team is going to have to perform at a high level in order to attain the level of success they're hoping for this season, but those are a few key areas where the team needs improvement over last year's performance, or where the Falcons lost a starter and have a young player moving into the role. Which players do you think will need to step up for the Falcons in 2013?

Annual Fishing with the Falcons Event a Success

Jeanna Thomas — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:28:46 -0000

Atlanta's players, coaches, cheerleaders and staff joined wounded veterans to enjoy a day of fishing on Lake Lanier on Wednesday. Fishing with the Falcons is an annual event, and based on the tweets from the Falcons and others involved, it seems like everyone involved greatly enjoyed the day.

Today is the annual Fishing with the Falcons event. Players are going fishing with military veterans. #RiseUp twitter.com/Atlanta_Falcon…
— Atlanta_Falcons (@Atlanta_Falcons) May 22, 2013

Long snapper Josh Harris gets it.

Can't wait to do some fishing with the team alongside the men and women who give us the freedom to do so! #fishingwiththevets
— Josh Harris (@aujharris) May 22, 2013

Retired wide receiver Brian Finneran continues to participate in the event each year.

Ex-Falcons WR Brian Finneran generously gives his time every year to fish with veterans who protect our country. twitter.com/FalconsHistory…
— FalconsHistory (@FalconsHistory) May 22, 2013

My man Arthur part of #woundedwarriorproject And Purple Heart recipient. Lets catch some fish!! #RiseUp twitter.com/BFinn86/status…
— Brian Finneran (@BFinn86) May 22, 2013

Falcons rookies were excited to be a part of Fishing with the Falcons.

Fishin with the soldiers at Lake Lanier! Game time! twitter.com/MalG93/status/…
— Malliciah Goodman (@MalG93) May 22, 2013

Gon fishin out on lake Lanier with some of the Army vets from Iraq! Pretty sweet opportunity. It's about go be a great time
— Ezekiel Motta (@zekemotta) May 22, 2013

Happy to be fishing with the Falcons and the U.S vets #Riseup
— Kemal (@B4_Kemal) May 22, 2013

Here's @sethdoege7 with our second catch. An 18 inch striper. #riseup twitter.com/FalconsJAdams/…
— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) May 22, 2013

It wasn't just the players getting involved. Coaches and cheerleaders enjoyed the day as well.

Coaches are out here today as well. Here is defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and secondary coach Tim Lewis. #RiseUp twitter.com/Atlanta_Falcon…
— Atlanta_Falcons (@Atlanta_Falcons) May 22, 2013

Woohoo! Just caught a 32 inch Bass! 🐟🐟🐟 twitter.com/AFC_NatalieS/s…
— Natalie S (@AFC_NatalieS) May 22, 2013

In general, the players seemed to view the opportunity to fish with wounded veterans as a privilege rather than an obligation.

Lake Lanier fishing with wounded war vets. #riseup #goodlife #jackofalltrades @ Lake Lanier instagram.com/p/ZoCvXkn5rO/
— Corey M. Peters (@CoreyPeters91) May 22, 2013

Boat number 6 for this afternoons Fishing With The Falcons Wounded Warrior event! Thankful for the opportunity... twitter.com/bewing34/statu…
— Bradie Ewing (@bewing34) May 22, 2013

Fishing with The Wounded Warriors Project today. Angel, a soldier, caught one today! #FalconsGiveBack instagram.com/p/Zoh8T0nErt/
— Brian Banks(@BrianBanksFREE) May 23, 2013

AtlantaFalcons.com has a full gallery of photos from Fishing with the Falcons available.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank has high expectations for community involvement and service, and the Falcons organization continually demonstrates a commitment to serving others. It's just one more reason for fans to be proud of this Falcons team.

Why Ohio State Football's Women's Clinic is a win for lady Buckeyes

Jeanna Thomas — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:12:47 -0000

The Ohio State University football program will host their second annual Women's Football Clinic on Saturday, June 8 at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. The inaugural event, held last June, was attended by over 700 women, and the clinic was thoroughly enjoyed by the participants, as well as the coaches. This year's clinic will include offensive, defensive and special teams instruction, tours of the football facilities, some stretching, football drills, and more.

People tend to have mixed feelings about events like this. On one hand, there are some people who literally think that women don't need to know anything about football when their time is better spent cooking and cleaning and doing laundry. It sounds ridiculous, but I have personally been faced with this perspective more times than I care to count. At the opposite end of the spectrum, there are some people who feel that it's condescending to assume that women need a clinic devoted to curing their "ignorance" about football. On the other hand, there are plenty of people, male and female, who think its a great idea.

From a marketing perspective, it's brilliant. The number of female football fans continues to rise, and the program can only benefit from providing an opportunity for female fans to learn more about the team and the game. An informed fan has the potential to be a more invested fan, and fans who are more invested in the team tend not just to purchase more merchandise and tickets, but also be evangelists for the program and university. Some of the proceeds from the event are donated toward cancer research efforts. There is no real downside for the university or the football program.

Even for the many women who are already knowledgable about football in general, and the Buckeyes in particular, clinics like this still have much to offer. The key is that very few women have ever played football in a truly competitive capacity. If you have had the opportunity to be in a locker room, to break down film, to be coached on fundamentals and technique, it enhances your understanding of the game.

When a player miss a blocking assignment during a game, or a quarterback throws an interception that is really his receiver's fault, those issues will be more readily apparent to someone who has had the experience of being in and around football more. That is certainly less common amongst women, and the Ohio State Football Women's Clinic offers an opportunity to bridge some of those gaps in attendees' football knowledge.

I have a pretty thorough understanding of football. I grew up around the game. I regularly spent August mornings as a child at two-a-days with my dad, a high school assistant coach. Yet, I would jump at the opportunity to go to this clinic, have my photo taken with Urban Meyer, and advance my comprehension of the game under the instruction of some of the greatest minds in college football.

For those interested, registration for the clinic is now open. The cost is $75, though Ohio State students pay a discounted rate of $50. As mentioned, as an added bonus, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to benefit the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Is Mike Smith a Top NFL Coach?

Jeanna Thomas — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:57:50 -0000

During the week leading up to the NFC and AFC Championship Games, Adam Schein, a radio host, a columnist for NFL.com, and a card-carrying Falcons hater for some reason, posted an article on NFL.com ranking the four coaches who had led their teams to their respective conference championship games. He ranked Mike Smith last among the four remaining coaches.

In early April, Schein donned his coach-ranking hat again to come up with his version of the top nine head coaches in the NFL. Mike Smith was listed as one of the toughest omissions from the list. Yes, last year's AOL Sporting News Coach of the Year, the third time Smith has received that honor in his brief five-year career, was not on Schein's list at all.

Schein's ranking system places a significant priority on overall career performance, including Super Bowl wins. For example, Mike Shanahan (.450 win percentage over his past five seasons) and Andy Reid (4-12 last year, and subsequently fired by the Philadelphia Eagles) were both listed in Schein's top nine. When establishing power rankings for teams, should one consider the Super Bowls the Cowboys won in the 1970s and 1990s as a factor in ranking their team's ability to compete in the league today? Of course not.

With that in mind, let's rank the top five NFL head coaches heading into the 2013 season.

First of all, we're going to only look at coaches with two or more years of experience. Sorry, Chuck Pagano, you had an exceptional season in Indianapolis, and we all respect the way you fought through adversity, personally, as you fought cancer, and professionally, as you turned around a struggling franchise with a rookie quarterback, but you're out of the running.

Although I don't believe it paints an accurate picture of their current relevance to this list, I do think a lifetime winning percentage should at least factor into this discussion. The top five in that category among active NFL head coaches are Jim Harbaugh (.774), Mike Smith (.700), John Harbaugh (.675), Mike McCarthy (.661) and Mike Tomlin (.656).

Winning in the regular season is great, but Falcons fans understand, maybe better than anyone else, that playoff wins matter more. The top six (because of ties) active NFL coaches for playoff win percentage are John Harbaugh and Bill Belichick (both .692), Rex Ryan (.667), Tom Coughlin (.632) and Mike Tomlin and Sean Payton are tied for fifth (both .625). Of those coaches, all but Rex Ryan have won Super Bowls, and all but Bill Belichick have won a Super Bowl in the last five years.

But, you can't win in the playoffs if you can't get to the playoffs. The active NFL coaches with the most playoff appearances in the last five years are John Harbaugh (5), Bill Belichick, Mike Smith, Mike McCarthy (all with 4), and Mike Tomlin, Sean Payton and Andy Reid (all with 3).

Because recent history is more relevant than total history when projecting a coach's ability to win in the coming season, let's look at the active NFL coaches with the best winning percentages over the past five seasons. Jim Harbaugh is first (.774), Bill Belichick is second (.750), Mike Smith is third (.700), John Harbaugh is fourth (.692) and Mike McCarthy is fifth (.662).

Based on that data, my power rankings for the top five active NFL coaches are as follows.

Bill Belichick. His career win percentage is skewed by a few abysmal years in Cleveland, but his last five seasons have been stellar, with a .750 win percentage and four trips to the playoffs, as well as an AFC Championship and a Super Bowl appearance in 2011.
John Harbaugh. His career win percentage is lower than his brother Jim’s, and Mike Smith’s, but he has been exceptional in the postseason. He also just won a Super Bowl. The Ravens have made some weird offseason decisions, so who knows what next season holds for them, but John Harbaugh is an excellent coach.
Mike McCarthy. He’s top five in career win percentage, as well as his win percentage over the past five years, and he’s tied with Mike Smith and Bill Belichick for the number of playoff appearances over the past five seasons. He also won a Super Bowl in 2010.
Mike Smith. He has the second-best career win percentage in the league, and is third in the league over the past five years. He’s taken the Falcons to the playoffs four out of the last five seasons, and got the team to the NFC Championship Game in 2012. If Smitty had more playoff wins, he would be higher on this list. With a .200 win percentage in the postseason, and no Super Bowl appearances or wins, objectively, this is where Smitty belongs on this list. But he’s number one in my heart.
Jim Harbaugh. He’s at the bottom of the top five because we’re working with a small sample size, as he has been a head coach for just two years. The rest of the coaches listed have sustained a high winning percentage over at least five years. In two years in the league, he’s managed a .774 win percentage, two trips to the NFC Championship Game, and one Super Bowl appearance.

What would your power rankings look like for the top five coaches in the NFL?

Falcons State of the Franchise--Fan Questions Edition

Jeanna Thomas — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:11:05 -0000

The final phase of the Falcons State of the Franchise event was the opportunity for fans to ask questions of president and CEO Rich McKay, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith. Smitty fielded football-specific questions, Dimitroff took some contract-related questions and McKay was focused primarily on the new stadium.

On Football:

The very first question was, how did they convince Tony Gonzalez to return for one more year with the Falcons?

Mike Smith said that, after Gonzalez announced the 95% certainty that he would retire at the end of the 2012 season, they discussed it, and made an agreement that they wouldn't discuss it again during the season, presumably to avoid any distractions. As was widely reported, Gonzalez had made commitments to his family, which was the major obstacle to reversing his retirement decision. After the season, Smitty and Gonzalez discussed it via phone, and Smitty ended up getting on a plane and flying out to have dinner with Gonzalez to discuss it in person.

Meanwhile, Dimitroff was calling Gonzalez, Matt Ryan was calling Gonzalez, Roddy White and Asante Samuel were calling Gonzalez, and Smitty acted absolutely incredulous about that, but Rich McKay made it clear that Smitty had a hand in that, too.

Smitty was also asked, have the Falcons done enough this offseason to get to and win a Super Bowl?

Smitty believes they have. He was candid about the fact that the number of points Seattle and San Francisco scored on the Falcons in the respective second halves of playoff games was a huge problem, and they are not happy about it. Smith assured fans that the coaching staff has spent every waking moment preparing for the coming season and developing strategies to fix those issues.

A fan in the crowd took this opportunity to yell, "Cover the tight end!"

Smitty replied, "I hear you!"

On the New Stadium:

McKay was asked about PSLs, and again confirmed that they will not be at the same price levels that we've seen in Dallas, the Meadowlands, or--he specifically said--the estimates in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. They will be more modest. He acknowledged that change is never easy, but the Falcons will do their best to make this transition as comfortable as possible for season ticket holders in all ways, including price.

When the schematics for the new stadium are finished, they will have a better idea of pricing.

McKay was also asked if fans will have input on the new stadium, and if fans will have the opportunity to offer feedback and suggestions.

McKay said that there will be fan forums at four home games during the coming season, where a specific number of season ticket holders will be invited to come and share thoughts and feedback on the new stadium with the architects.

A fan asked how soon ticket package information will be available for the new stadium. McKay does not have a specific timetable, but urged fans to remember who Arthur Blank is and what his priorities are. Blank wants this new stadium to benefit fans and the community as much as it benefits the team. McKay's best estimate for ticket pricing and packages availability was approximately 18 months.

McKay was asked an excellent question about adequate parking and tailgating space for the new stadium. He said that it's a priority.

Where the Georgia Dome currently stands will become, as McKay put it, the greenest surface lot ever. Creating adequate parking space, with a priority on surface lots as opposed to parking decks, will be a focus. The architects have had some creative ideas about parking solutions, and they are all very cognizant of the needs, and they want to create as much space as possible.

Contract and General Questions:

Of course, Dimitroff was asked about the timetable for Matt Ryan's contract extension.

At this point, they still have no timetable, but it will get done, and Ryan will be in Atlanta for a long time.

Dimitroff was also asked if the offensive line is good enough, and if run blocking is good enough going into the 2013 season.

Dimitroff pointed out that the team was 17th in sacks, and needs to improve there. The team has drafted young guys to learn under veteran players, and now it's time for them to stop up and perform. Dimitroff said that Matt Ryan has faith in the young offensive linemen, and the staff has faith in them, so the fans should also.

A fan asked why there is no play-by-play announcing in the Georgia Dome, and this was the one question that I felt wasn't truly answered. The fan asking the question threw in some comments about the music between plays, of which he is not a fan, and I think Rich McKay focused on that instead of the question.

McKay's answer was, it's difficult to create a game day entertainment strategy that pleases everyone. He then talked about the Rise Up campaign, and the fact that--while it is sticking around--it will evolve this season.

In listing some of the game day elements, McKay mentioned the "Under the Hood" video replay, in which fans see what the officials are seeing under the hood while they review a challenged play. He said that it's funny, because when a replay could benefit the opponent, that equipment seems to malfunction.

A fan asked about events like the Women's Football Clinic and Players Luncheon. McKay said that they would like to bring back the Women's Football Clinic, but it is very difficult to schedule because of the coaches' time limitations. As far as the Players Luncheon, he said that very few teams have those anymore because it's a distraction. He also said that it's a difficult event for players, because of the timing--usually about 30 of the players in attendance are worried about whether or not they're going to make the roster.

A fan asked about the new "crown of the helmet" rule and whether it will reduce injuries. McKay, as chairman of the competition committee, fielded this question. He said that the primary reason they established the new rule is, if you show film of what would now be considered an illegal play under the new rule to any coach in the league, the coach will tell you that it's not a technique that they teach, and that the player is putting their own head and neck at risk with that form. He said that the NFL has a responsibility to be the standard-bearer for safety, as NCAA, high school and youth football programs will model what they see from NFL players on the field. They are aiming to make the game safer for players while they're playing, and after their careers.

The final question was regarding the Rise Up campaign, which McKay had alluded to in an earlier response. The fan inquiring wanted to know if they had plans to change it, and what those plans were.

McKay said that they have been very happy with the Rise Up branding campaign so far. It has achieved recognition throughout the league. He does hope and anticipate that Samuel L. Jackson will be back for the new season.

The two most consistent themes overall from the State of the Franchise event were the organization's appreciation for the best fans in the league, and everyone's high expectations for the coming season. Rich McKay opened by saying that the team's expectations for the coming year are as high as the fans' are. Thomas Dimitroff stated that he has never been this excited about a team before. Mike Smith stated repeatedly how eager he is for the season to begin. We're just 110 days away from the 2013 NFL season. After the State of the Franchise event, I'm definitely ready to Rise Up.

Falcons State of the Franchise--New Stadium Edition

Jeanna Thomas — Sat, 18 May 2013 02:50:32 -0000

The Falcons hosted their annual State of the Franchise event on Thursday evening, and president and CEO Rich McKay, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith had a number of interesting things to say about personnel and focus moving into the new season and plans for the new stadium, and they also fielded questions from fans.

Rich McKay focused primarily on the new stadium in his remarks, as he is heavily involved in the process.

McKay stated that the primary reason the Falcons are moving forward on the new stadium at this time is because their lease at the Georgia Dome is set to expire in 2017, and Arthur Blank believes that it's time to create a long-term solution that will benefit the Falcons organization as well as the city and the fans. McKay described the venture as a true public-private partnership, with the Falcons assuming the bulk of the risk.

McKay emphasized the team's commitment to positively impact the surrounding community through this venture, and said that it's one of their top priorities as well as one of the biggest challenges they will face.

The team has selected 360 Architecture, who designed Met Life Stadium and many others. As far as what to expect in the design of the new stadium, the Falcons are expecting the new stadium to be a standard-bearer and a game changer when it comes to stadiums.

McKay said that, although there are some beautiful new stadiums around the league, the game day experience is pretty static. He took a subtle shot at Cowboys Stadium when he alluded to the fact that a "weird thing hung down the middle" of a stadium doesn't really change the game day experience for the fans. The Falcons want to set the bar high in creating a unique experience for fans in the new venue.

Currently, the Georgia Dome is home to a number of high-profile regional events in addition to Falcons home games, such as the SEC Championship, but the Falcons want to create a venue that will be the best destination in the United States for high profile events. Not only that, but Arthur Blank envisions the new stadium as an iconic destination--something that people will go and see when they visit Atlanta even if they aren't planning to attend a sporting event there.

When the new stadium committee met with 360 Architecture, the firm provided them with cards to flip through with "outside the box" ideas for the new stadium, designed to get them thinking of creative, new ways to enhance the game day experience--for example, "What if food trucks provided all of the concessions?" and "What if the fans controlled the scoreboard?" You've surely also heard about the potential for seats that vibrate after a big play, and the possibility of a 100 yard bar. They are still in the early stages of planning, but it's clear that they're thinking big, and that the new stadium will be truly unique. And they're not just thinking big about the stadium itself. McKay said that hosting a Super Bowl is not the team's goal. They intend to host multiple Super Bowls.

Falcons State of the Franchise--Football Edition

Jeanna Thomas — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:37:28 -0000

The Atlanta Falcons hosted their annual State of the Franchise event yesterday evening at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center and invited season ticket holders to attend. From photos with Freddie Falcon immediately upon arrival, to free food, to discounted merchandise, it was clear that the Falcons, as usual, took great care to provide a great experience for fans.

Wes Durham, the "Voice of the Falcons" on the radio, served as the master of ceremonies for the event, and Falcons president and C.E.O. Rich McKay, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith all spoke at the event.

McKay spoke a great deal about the new stadium, and the thought process behind it--so much so, in fact, that it deserves its own post. Here, I'll recap primarily just what the brain trust said about the direction of the team, their personnel moves this offseason, and their focus on the coming season. Fans had some really excellent questions for McKay, Dimitroff and Smith as well, which I will also cover in a separate post.

Rich McKay talked about the previous season, and what a great year it was, and acknowledged that, while the team did get to that next level in 2012, they have a couple more levels to go. He commented on fan energy in the Georgia Dome in 2012 being significantly better, saying that fans are succeeding in making the Dome uncomfortable for opposing fans. He thanked fans for "rising back up," following the loss in in the NFC Championship Game.

McKay also brought Dimitroff and Smith on stage for applause after listing their accomplishments over the past five seasons--five consecutive winning seasons, four playoff appearances, three consecutive playoff appearances. Remember, McKay was in Atlanta--and was the GM--during the catastrophe that was 2007, and everything that led to it. McKay said that Dimitroff and Smith took at team that had no credibility and turned them into a team that is second in the league for total number of wins over the past five years (McKay apologized for not being first) and is first in the NFC for total number of wins in that five-year period.

Thomas Dimitroff took the stage to a standing ovation. Dimitroff spoke about their focus on retaining their own players, emphasizing that, if they draft well, retaining their players should be a priority. Dimitroff mentioned the four starters who were cut--Dunta Robinson, Michael Turner, John Abraham and Tyson Clabo--and said that the Falcons made those moves partially for salary cap reasons, but also to get better as a football team.

On Tony Gonzalez, Dimitroff said that when he initially brokered a deal with Gonzalez in 2009, he was holding his breath that the Falcons would get one season out of him. Looking back, that's hilarious. Needless to say, Dimitroff, like everyone else, is delighted to have Gonzalez back for his fifth season with the Falcons.

Dimitroff showed some film of free agent acquisitions Steven Jackson and Osi Umenyiora, to give the fans a glimpse into their thought process for the signings. He also reiterated what we already know--these are guys that fans can be proud of on and off the field.

For Steven Jackson, the Falcons like the power he runs with--Dimitroff said he has one of the best, if not the best, motors in football. They also like his versatility as a receiver.

On Umenyiora, Dimitroff said, and showed on film, how Osi has good instincts and a nose for the ball. He emphasized that Umenyiora knows what it takes to win championships. The film on Osi had one play that the crowd loved, featuring Umenyiora absolutely destroying Drew Brees, and Dimitroff played that one again, much to the crowd's delight.

As far as the draft, Dimitroff said that they knew for certain that they would not be able to get Desmond Trufant--a player they were very focused on--anywhere from the mid-twenties to 30, which is why they partnered with an ally, Les Snead in St. Louis, to move up to get him. Trufant, per Dimitroff, is a good sized corner who consistently gets his hands on the ball. He is expected to start outside at right cornerback, opposite Asante Samuel. Trufant has potential to contribute on special teams as well.

The Falcons actually considered taking Robert Alford at 30, as a contingency plan if they were unable to make moves to draft Trufant, so Alford was a steal for the team. Alford is incredibly fast, with a 40 time in the mid-4.3s. Dimitroff's key word in describing Alford is, he plays with urgency.

On defensive end Malliciah Goodman, Dimitroff emphasized his size. He has 37" arms and 11" hands. That's ridiculous. Goodman was projected as second round talent, and the Falcons believe he is currently prepared to start at left defensive end, opposite Umenyiora, so to grab a starting-caliber player in the fourth round is pretty phenomenal.

Dimitroff said that he and Mike Smith went back and forth on whether to draft tight end or Levine Toilolo with their first fourth round pick. Toilolo's height, 6'8", is an asset, but he's also very aggressive. The film showed him stiff-arming a defender without hesitation. They did bring him in to learn under Gonzalez, and it is their hope that he will be Tony's heir apparent long-term.

The team's fifth round pick, Stansly Maponga, was brought in as a right defensive end, and he was projected as second round talent by some analysts. He's very athletic, and he has what Dimitroff called a "nasty, ornery streak" that the team loves. He plays with the urgency they're looking for on the field.

On their seventh round picks, specifically safeties Kemal Ishmael and Zeke Motta, Dimitroff said that you can never have enough safeties on your roster who tackle well. He called Ishmael one of the best tacklers in the NCAA, and said that he wraps up "respectfully and properly, not illegally," for the sake of the NFL Competition Committee Chairman on stage with him. They expect Ishmael to contribute on special teams right away.

Dimitroff said that Motta dropped in the draft due to a slow 40 time, but that Motta's very talented against the run, and that he will be able to contribute on special teams while he develops as a player.

On quarterback Sean Renfree, Dimitroff said that they expect him to come in and compete for the third string quarterback spot. That tells us that Dominique Davis will be established as the backup, unless Dimitroff misspoke and intended to say second string. I only point this out because it seems unusual to draft a player and not give him the opportunity to compete for the backup spot.

Dimitroff said that he feels like they've had some solid drafts over the years, but he has never been this excited about a group heading into the season.

Mike Smith took the stage, also to a standing ovation, and rightfully so for the three-time Sporting News Coach of the Year. Smitty can't wait for the season, and assured the fans that there is no NFL offseason for the coaching staff. They're working around the clock to get ready for the new season.

Smitty told a fun story about losing his temper on the sidelines during a game in New Orleans. It was an unjustified pass interference call against Brent Grimes that negated an interception, and Smitty broke his headset, and after the game he returned to the locker room to a text message on his phone from his 70-something year old mother, who didn't really send text messages in general, expressing his family's disappointment in his behavior. The Falcons won that game in New Orleans, and Smitty escaped the situation without a $15,000 fine from the NFL, but he did not evade scolding from his mother.

Smitty also talked about the different "abilities" that lead to success in the National Football League. He said that the reason they re-calibrated their roster was for "sustainability." "Accountability," to oneself and to their teammates, is a big factor, as is "reliability." Everyone at every level of the organization must be reliable. The last, but not least, that he mentioned was "flexibility," saying it was necessary to success in the NFL, and any other business. With those "abilities" in mind, Smitty stressed his well-known philosophy that teams win in the locker room first.

On the offensive line, Smitty said that he expects to see some pretty good competitions for those positions. Left tackle Sam Baker and left guard Justin Blalock are pretty set, but with Todd McClure retired and Tyson Clabo cut for salary cap reasons, the other positions are pretty wide open, and they are looking for their young players, who have had an opportunity to learn from an excellent offensive line coach in Pat Hill, as well as the veteran players along the line, to step up at this point.

The Falcons focused on the secondary as an area of need in the 2013 NFL Draft, and while starters in the secondary seem pretty established, Smitty emphasized that you earn what you get in the NFL, and we can expect to see some competitions for starting spots, or just more playing time, in the secondary as well.

Smith feels like the team has struck a productive balance of solid veteran leadership and young talent.

As far as preparation, the CBA is pretty strict on when the team can work with the players, and what they're allowed to do. April 22 was the first day that the team was allowed to implement some classroom time with players, but a significant number of players have been working out at the facility together since March 15th, led, of course, by Matt Ryan. Smitty said that you can't win a Super Bowl in March, April or June, but you sure can hinder your own efforts to win a Super Bowl by what you do, or fail to do, in the offseason.

On the Falcons schedule for the coming season, Smitty said that he would prefer that every game be scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoons--and what coach wouldn't?--but the team's success means they'll have primetime games.

An aside--as Smitty went through the schedule game by game, some dummy in front of me yelled, "Who Dat!" about the Saints, and not in a sarcastic way. I exercised a great deal of restraint, because I wanted to verbally assault him, but I settled for giving him hateful looks.

It was interesting to hear from Smitty that after the NFC Championship Game, he didn't sleep well for a week, and he did not watch the Super Bowl. He said that once he started watching the NFL talking heads again, he kept hearing people say that the Falcons were just 10 yards from the Super Bowl. He made it clear that the team's focus is in the right place by saying that they aren't 10 yards from the Super Bowl now, they're 261 (now 260) days from the Super Bowl, and there's a lot of work to be done to get there.

A few things stood out from what Rich McKay, Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith said about their personnel moves and the coming season. The team is proud of what they accomplished last season, but not even remotely satisfied. That NFC Championship loss hurt them much more than it hurt us. The front office worked strategically this offseason--with some very difficult decisions along the way--to put the team in a better position to win. The coaching staff and the players are already hard at work to put themselves in the best position to win in 2013. And, they're all just as excited about the 2013 season as we are.

Is Urban Meyer uniquely qualified to beat the SEC?

Jeanna Thomas — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:13:55 -0000

Ed. note – We're beyond thrilled to welcome to Jeanna Thomas to the fold. Jeanna comes to us by way of her excellent work at The Falcoholic. You can follow her on Twitter @jeannathomas.

After being born into Buckeye fandom and living my entire life in Central Ohio, where Ohio State athletics are thoroughly ingrained in the culture, my husband accepted a job in the greater Atlanta metro area, and we moved in 2005 to the heart of SEC country, a few weeks before Ohio State's football season was to begin.

Of course, University of Georgia's football season was also about to begin, which meant that I was fully immersed in a football culture that I didn't care about at all. I remember going out to lunch with a couple of friends on the Friday preceding the Georgia/Florida matchup that fall, and my new friends proclaimed that I must have "never seen anything like this."

"It sure is something," I replied politely, while thinking to myself that there is no rivalry in this nation quite like The Ohio State University and That Team Up North, and how terribly uninteresting the Georgia/Florida rivalry is by comparison. But SEC fans define insanity as moving to the south and refusing to defect from what they perceive to be a lesser conference, such as the Big Ten, and they are perpetually confused by my reticence to embrace all that is the SEC.

Sports Illustrated's Stewart Mandel wrote last week about Ohio State's plans to end the SEC national title streak, and you really should read Luke Zimmermann's take on it, if you haven't already. To summarize, linebacker Ryan Shazier and defensive back Bradley Roby have stated – and I'm paraphrasing – that they're tired of hearing about the SEC, and they would like to be the team to end their championship streak.

Roby hails from Suwanee, Georgia, about 20 minutes from where I live, and locals are still angry that he didn't choose to attend UGA, who reached out with an offer to Roby pretty late in the recruiting process, not that it matters to Bulldogs fans. The idea of local talent choosing to attend a non-SEC school blows their minds. Shazier is from Florida and was originally recruited by Urban Meyer to play for the Gators, so he certainly falls into the same category.

When Roby and Shazier say they are specifically motivated to dethrone the SEC, I am on board with that. Alabama is expected to be in a reasonable position to make a return trip to the championship game, and while Alabama should be very good again this season (no, Bama could not beat any NFL team, so please don't ask) Ohio State will be entering the season with Braxton Miller having gained more experience and confidence in Urban Meyer's power spread offense, many returning impact players, and two stellar recruiting classes filling in the blanks.

Speaking of Meyer's power spread offense, Texas A&M (who admittedly operates out of a more air raid base) was able to exploit Alabama's few weaknesses defensively to hand Bama their only loss of the season in 2012 doing some things philosophically not entirely absent from the Buckeyes' m.o.. Meyer's approach on offense could put Ohio State in a unique position to compete with Alabama, should they get the opportunity.

There's a lot of football to be played before Alabama or Ohio State could get the opportunity to compete for a championship. Alabama has, at this point, what appears to be the weakest schedule in the SEC (although, admittedly, it's partially because Alabama cannot play themselves) and Ohio State's schedule is pretty easy as well. It likely won't be an obstacle for the Tide to make it back to the national championship, as the SEC always seems to get the benefit of the doubt, but it may hinder Ohio State. This is the reason that Urban Meyer is encouraging other Big Ten coaches to step up their respective recruiting games. Nobody wants to win a national championship for Ohio State more than Meyer does, and he doesn't want sub-par Big Ten opponents to keep him from getting the opportunity.

Most SEC fans' response to the idea that Ohio State could potentially compete with Alabama, or another SEC school, for a championship, and win, will be something along the lines of, "LOL Urban Liar is a quitter; Roll Tide." I believe what they're trying to express with that mildly inarticulate sentiment is their belief that Meyer couldn't hang with the SEC, leading to his resignation at Florida, and is therefore unqualified to take on one of their lofty teams to compete for a championship.

Unless your judgment is clouded by blind loyalty to the SEC, Urban Meyer actually seems uniquely qualified to take on the SEC, and win. He's obviously familiar with the conference. He has demonstrated that he's a winner – as a matter of fact, his career win percentage is .834. Not only is that ridiculously good, but it's also better than Nick Saban's career win percentage of .742. Urban Meyer-coached teams have appeared in eight bowl games, with one loss in 2007, sandwiched between BCS Championship wins in 2006 and 2008.

Surely you're aware that Ohio State doesn't have a great record against the SEC in bowl games. What do those bowl game losses have in common? Urban Meyer wasn't coaching the Buckeyes for any of them. It's commonly accepted among SEC fans that other conferences fear playing their teams, but Ohio State's players seem eager for the opportunity to hand them a loss. It's past time for someone to step up and put an end to the SEC's championship dominance, and it very well could be Urban Meyer's 2013 Buckeyes that finally get it done.

Questions About the Falcons?

Jeanna Thomas — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:44:24 -0000

Let's say you could go out for a beer with Arthur Blank, Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith. (This is purely hypothetical, of course, because Mr. Blank surely drinks only very expensive cognac.) If you had the opportunity to pick the brains of the three men who are most integral to the Falcons franchise, what would you ask?

No questions are off-limits. You can ask Mike Smith why the team kept Mike Mularkey and Brian Van Gorder around so long, you can ask Thomas Dimitroff what brand of hair products he uses, and you can ask Mr. Blank how much his suits cost.

There is a method to this madness. Tomorrow evening the Falcons are hosting a State of the Franchise event, and I will be attending. If I have the opportunity to ask any questions, I will certainly take this discussion into consideration.

Discuss!

Do the Falcons Have the Best Receivers in the League?

Jeanna Thomas — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:53:16 -0000

The NFL.com writers are trying just as hard as everyone else these days to generate offseason content, which led them to debate which team in the NFL has the best receiver corps.

It should have been a very brief discussion. Falcons. The end. But, other teams that were suggested as having superior receiving targets compared to the Falcons were the Broncos, the Seahawks, the 49ers, and the Packers.

One of the luxuries of being a blogger, aside from being able to write these missives from the comfort of my mom's basement (just kidding, I have my own basement, and I don't even write in it) is the absence of any requirement to be fully objective. However, if we're talking receivers only, I can certainly set aside my bias and tell you objectively, no other receiving corps in the National Football League holds a candle to Atlanta's receivers.

For the sake of comparison, let's look only at each team's top three receivers, statistically. For the Falcons, that's Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez.

Atlanta Falcons
Roddy White	1351 yards	7 TDs	4 dropped passes
Julio Jones	1197 yards	10 TDs	7 dropped passes
Tony Gonzalez	930 yards	8 TDs	4 dropped passes

NFL.com analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Shaun O'Hara both listed the Broncos, considering the addition of Wes Welker, as the best receivers in the league, and O'Hara acknowledged that the Falcons could field the most productive group in 2013.

Denver Broncos
Demaryius Thomas	1434 yards	10 TDs	11 dropped passes
Eric Decker	1064 yards	13 TDs	12 dropped passes
Wes Welker	1354 yards	6 TDs	15 dropped passes

NFL.com's Jason Smith thinks the top three in the league are the Seahawks, Packers and Broncos. No mention of the Falcons.

Seattle Seahawks
Sidney Rice	748 yards	7 TDs	3 dropped passes
Percy Harvin	677 yards	3 TDs	1 dropped pass
Golden Tate	688 yards	7 TDs	2 dropped passes

Green Bay Packers
Randall Cobb	954 yards	8 TDs	11 dropped passes
James Jones	784 yards	7 TDs	8 dropped passes
Jordy Nelson	745 yards	14 TDs	3 dropped passes

Dave Dameshek thinks the 49ers have a better receiving corps than the Falcons.

San Francisco 49ers
Michael Crabtree	1105 yards	9 TDs	7 dropped passes
Anquan Boldin	921 yards	4 TDs	2 dropped passes
Vernon Davis	548 yards	5 TDs	3 dropped passes

One important component of analyzing the effectiveness of a receiving corps is, how much did they contribute to their team's ability to win? The simplest measure of that contribution is seen in receiving touchdowns. By that standard, we'll eliminate San Francisco and Seattle from this discussion. With 17 and 18 receiving touchdowns in the 2012 regular season from their top three receiving threats heading into 2013, they do not belong on this list, much less at the top of it.

The second measurable that makes it easy to compare receiving corps is receiving yards. The top three receiving targets from Denver combined for 3,852 receiving yards last season, placing them at the top of the list in this category. Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez combined for 3,479 receiving yards last year. Green Bay's top three had just 2,483 receiving yards last season, eliminating them from this discussion.

The third measurable to consider, which provides an indication of of how reliable a group of receivers is, would be dropped passes. Denver's top three receivers for 2013 dropped a staggering total of 38 passes in 2012. By comparison, Atlanta's top three receivers dropped a total of 15 passes. That's how many passes Wes Welker dropped by himself.

Denver has the edge on Atlanta in yards and touchdowns, but Atlanta is the clear winner in dropped passes. If I'm being objective, I'd say that these two teams have very evenly matched receiving corps, so the tiebreaker comes down to their respective quarterbacks, who are also very evenly matched.

Matt Ryan and Peyton Manning finished the regular season with identical 68.6% completion rates, although Ryan has the edge for maintaining that completion percentage on more attempts than Manning. Ryan also amassed more passing yards than Manning in the regular season, with 4,719 to Peyton's 4,659. Manning threw for more touchdowns, 37, than Ryan, who had 32, and Ryan had three more interceptions than Manning with 14, compared to Manning's 11.

In the postseason, Ryan finished with the second-best quarterback rating, 105.2, among postseason quarterbacks, behind Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco. Manning's quarterback rating for the postseason was 88.3. Ryan also threw for more yards per game than Manning in the postseason, and had a 1.5 interception per game average compared to Manning's two interceptions. Ryan's postseason completion percentage of 70.1% trumps Manning's 65.1%. While their regular season strengths and weaknesses cancel each other out, Ryan's postseason performance, and his youth, give him and his receivers the edge over Peyton Manning and the Broncos heading into the 2013 season.

No matter how many statistics you factor into this discussion, it's all just projection until the players hit the field in September, and there's always a measure of subjectivity when you're ranking teams and players in this manner. A valid argument can be made for the Broncos as the best receiving corps in the league, but I will agree with NFL.com analysts Charlie Casserly and Adam Rank in declaring the Falcons the best in the league.

Do you think the Falcons have the best receiving corps in the league?

Win-Now Mode

Jeanna Thomas — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:38:44 -0000

Do a quick Internet search for "Atlanta Falcons" and "win-now mode." You'll find results that go back to 2011 asserting that the Falcons are, in fact, in "win-now mode," and have been in said mode since the blockbuster trade to acquire Julio Jones via the draft.

There are a few realities in the NFL that cannot be ignored. One, no matter how exceptional a player is, age will eventually catch up with him. Two, largely due to the first reality, teams do generally have a limited window to make a play for the Lombardi Trophy. Key players become free agents and move on, or retire, or become plagued with injuries to the point that they no longer have the same impact they once had. A team's weaknesses become easier to exploit as years pass and players age.

So, yes, the Falcons are in "win-now mode," as much as any other team in the NFL is focused on winning it all this coming season. Sure, there are a handful of locker rooms and front offices around the league where the players and team executives certainly expect that this will not be their year. But, for the most part, teams enter the season with the expectation that they can and will make the playoffs and put their team in a position to win it all.

The advent of the "win-now mode" mythology seemed to be the deal that allowed the Falcons to draft Julio Jones 6th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. Phrases like "mortgaged their future" were used to describe the deal, which many analysts thought was excessively risky. What that acquisition did, however, was give Matt Ryan two number one-caliber wide receivers to throw to in Jones and Roddy White, not just for 2011, but for years to come.

In 2012, it was expected that Tony Gonzalez would retire after the season, as he had explicitly stated. It was no secret that veterans like Todd McClure, Mike Peterson and John Abraham wouldn't be playing forever. For those players, a window was closing. Even Matt Ryan talked about the Falcons, and himself in particular, being in "win-now mode" going into the 2012 season. Ryan said that the only reason to play in the NFL is to win, and that he's always in "win-now mode." The Falcons certainly came closer in 2012, but still didn't win it all. "Win-now mode" isn't magic, apparently.

As the 2013 league year approached, the Falcons made several bold roster moves, cutting veterans Michael Turner, Dunta Robinson and John Abraham. After free agency commenced, they signed veterans Steven Jackson and Osi Umenyiora, neither of whom are young. Their respective ages revived the "win-now mode" conversation. The Falcons have to be in "win-now mode," right? Because their new additions aren't getting any younger.

Leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft, rumors abounded that Dimitroff, also known as "Trader Thomas," would make another blockbuster deal to move up in the draft order and acquire a big name player, and these rumors revived the "win-now mode" conversation. The Falcons did move up a few spots in the first round to acquire cornerback Desmond Trufant, but it wasn't the bold move many were expecting. Still, the "win-now mode" conversations persist, from the Atlanta Falcons Message Board to Canal Street Chronicles to ESPN.com's Pat Yasinkas.

While every team in the NFL should always be in "win-now mode" (otherwise, what's the point?) t's more accurate to say that the Falcons are in "win perpetually mode." This is really Thomas Dimitroff's grand objective. He's building this team to be competitive for the long haul, and so far, with five consecutive winning seasons and four playoff appearances in five years, it's working. The Falcons have a nice balance of young drafted players and veteran talent. Some of their key players--Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Sean Weatherspoon, and others--should have many years of effective play ahead of them.

Tony Gonzalez will likely be finished (for real this time) after the 2013 season. Guys like Asante Samuel and Steven Jackson are in the twilight of their careers. Obviously, we all hope this is the year that the "win-now mode" mentality comes to fruition. I want Gonzalez to finish his Hall of Fame career with a ring. I want to silence people like Akbar Gbajabiamila, who said Matt Ryan should have been ranked between 71-80 on the NFL Network's Top 100 Players list because he hasn't won a Super Bowl. I want that Lombardi Trophy in my arsenal when talking trash to Saints fans. But, if it doesn't happen this season, Thomas Dimitroff will ensure that the team is in a position to potentially get there the following year, and the year after that, and the year after that. When you think about it, a "win perpetually mode" is preferable to the "win-now mode.

Falcons Interested in Linebacker Karlos Dansby?

Jeanna Thomas — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:05:29 -0000

Free agent linebacker Karlos Dansby told Arizona Sports 620's John Gambadoro that the Falcons are one of several teams interested in potentially signing him. The Falcons were thin at the linebacker position last season, an issue that was highlighted by Sean Weatherspoon's ankle injury that sidelined him for three games.

Dansby has been courted by several teams in free agency, and visited the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills in addition to the Cardinals. Dansby has indicated that the Jets and the Texans have also shown interest in adding him to their respective rosters. It's assumed that the reason he has yet to land with a team is that teams don't necessarily see him as a solid starter at age 31, but Dansby had 101 solo tackles and 33 assists last year, his career-best.

Dansby is a versatile player, able to play outside or inside linebacker, which gives him the potential to easily fit into a Mike Nolan scheme. The Falcons did bring in linebacker Brian Banks, and have a handful of undrafted free agents who will try to make the roster, but acquiring a player like Dansby would immediately make the Falcons defense more effective.

Would you like to see Karlos Dansby sign with the Falcons?

A Farewell to John Abraham

Jeanna Thomas — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:02:38 -0000

There is new information in the ongoing saga of defensive end John Abraham, but it further confirms that Abe is finished in Atlanta.

Multiple media outlets reported last night that Abraham is close to signing a deal with the Tennessee Titans. Further, USA Today is reporting that a person close to the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the public silence of both sides on this issue, says that the Falcons have actually been inquiring about bringing Abe back--although no official offer has been made--and he is not interested in returning.

It does make sense that the Falcons would have tried to bring Abe back. He has been one of the most prolific pass rushers in Falcons history. Yes, he's 35, as of yesterday. No, that's not young. But, after amassing 10 sacks last season without a true starting-caliber defensive end coming off of the other edge, it's reasonable to expect that Abe still has quite a bit of fuel in the tank. Thomas Dimitroff's standard answer for the question about bringing Abraham back was always, "Never say never." That was probably the most compelling reason for fans to continue to hold out hope for Abe's return.

However, it also makes sense that Abe would decline to return to the Falcons. It was clear that the news that he was cut left him reeling, after he appeared on NFL Network later that same day wearing all Falcons gear. If the Falcons had been interested in simply saving money, they might have tried to renegotiate his contract rather than drop him. Cutting him implied a much more final decision on their part. And, as Dave noted, the Falcons have moved on, welcoming Osi Umenyiora out of free agency, and drafting two pass-rushing DEs in Malliciah Goodman and Stansly Maponga.

The NFL is a business, and this is the side of the business that nobody enjoys. While Abraham will almost certainly accept a deal elsewhere--most likely with the Titans--that pays significantly less than the $5.75 million he was scheduled to make with the Falcons prior to his release, it's still easy to understand why he would prefer to accept less money from a team that did not cut him, as opposed to playing for a deeply discounted amount for the Falcons, particularly after signing a "hometown discount" contract with the Falcons prior to the 2012 season.

It's an unfortunate situation, as there are bound to be some hard feelings. Any player in Abe's situation would feel slighted by the Falcons, and also frustrated by the continued push from fans to return to Atlanta. Many fans are disappointed that Abe would rebuff any opportunity to return to the Falcons regardless of the circumstances. The reality is, neither the fans nor Abraham had a say in this scenario. The Falcons made the decision to cut him, knowing that the move would likely be final, and they've taken steps to move forward at the position.

Since signing with the Falcons in 2006, Abraham has amassed 68.5 regular season sacks. Last season, in addition to his 10 sacks, Abe managed 8 hits and 38 hurries on opposing quarterbacks. There were times during his tenure with the Falcons that Abraham was essentially Atlanta's pass rush. John Abraham will be missed, and I wish him all the best wherever he lands.

Potential for Undrafted Free Agent Success

Jeanna Thomas — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:45:17 -0000

The Falcons will hold their rookie minicamp this weekend, welcoming the players acquired through the 2013 draft, as well as college free agents signed following the draft, and a handful of players who have been invited on a tryout basis.

The hopes of the undrafted free agents should be running high, but their undrafted status is basically a guarantee against NFL success, right? Not necessarily. There are several notable players who went undrafted, yet managed to have exemplary NFL careers. Quarterback Warren Moon was a nine-time Pro Bowler and three-time All Pro. Quarterback Kurt Warner was a Super Bowl MVP. Arian Foster is the first overall pick in many fantasy football league drafts today, despite being passed over entirely in the 2009 NFL Draft. Victor Cruz has a Super Bowl ring and a Campbell's Soup commercial. Jeff Saturday secured a Pro Bowl bid last season by virtue of simply being Jeff Saturday, perhaps the most recognizable center in the league. There's Hall of Famer John Randle, one of the most prolific tacklers in the game in four-time Pro Bowl selection London Fletcher, Peyton Manning's new BFF Wes Welker, San Diego tight end Antonio Gates, and the list goes on.

The Falcons have several players currently on their roster who started their careers as undrafted free agents. Running back Antone Smith, recently re-signed by the Falcons, was signed by Detroit after going undrafted in 2009. He was signed to the Falcons practice squad in 2009 and, since making the 53 man roster, he has been a solid contributor on special teams. Wide receivers Kevin Cone and Drew Davis and tight end Tommy Gallarda all ended up on the Falcons final roster after spending some time on Atlanta's practice squad.

Quarterback Dominique Davis looked good enough in the 2012 preseason for Falcons to proceed with cutting backups Chris Redman and John Parker Wilson. Long snapper Josh Harris beat out veteran Joe Zelenka for the starting spot in 2012.

Tight end Michael Palmer, currently a free agent, was a fixture on the Falcons roster in 2010, 2011 and 2012 after being signed as a college free agent in 2010. Another free agent, fullback Mike Cox, who filled in admirably for the Falcons in 2011 after Ovie Mughelli suffered a season-ending injury, and also in 2012 after the release of Lousaka Polite, began his career as an undrafted free agent in Kansas City. Atlanta's most notable undrafted free agent of late would be cornerback Brent Grimes, who was signed by the Falcons following the 2006 NFL Draft. Grimes was relegated to NFL Europe, when there still was such a thing, and played for the Hamburg Sea Devils. Grimes was selected to the Pro Bowl following a standout 2010 season.

For each undrafted free agent around the NFL who catches on and makes a name for himself, there are many who fail to have an impact. But, some of the undrafted hopefuls at Atlanta's rookie minicamp this weekend could turn out to be diamonds in the rough.

Do you have your eye on any of the undrafted rookies in particular? Is there anyone in this group that you think has a legitimate shot of developing into an impact player?

Adjusting Falcons Draft Grades for 2008-2012

Jeanna Thomas — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:46:50 -0000

The experts, and the amateurs, have weighed in on the Falcons acquisitions through the 2013 NFL Draft, and, in general, the results are pretty consistent.

Mel Kiper, Jr., a definitive leader in draft analysis and hairstyle choices, gave the Falcons a B. Chris Burke and Rob Rang also gave the Falcons Bs. Nate Davis from USA Today gave the Falcons a B. An overwhelming 61% of Falcoholic readers who responded to Dave's poll gave the Falcons a B.

Do grades issued immediately following the draft really matter? Not really. They're all based on conjecture, and teams that consistently draft players who pan out tend to get the benefit of the doubt in the grades issued immediately after a draft. Are the Falcons one of those teams? Let's look at the post-draft grades in the Dimitroff era, and adjust them based on performance.

In 2012, Kiper gave the Falcons a C immediately following the draft. NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter also gave the Falcons a C. Of course, the Falcons did not have a first round pick in 2012, thanks to the blockbuster trade in 2011 to acquire Julio Jones, so that was a factor. The Falcons ended up going 13-3 in the regular season, winning the divisional playoff at home against the Seahawks, and advancing to the NFC Championship Game, where they fell just a few offensive yards short of the Super Bowl.

With their second round pick in 2012, the Falcons selected Peter Konz, a center out of Wisconsin. Konz started 10 games for the Falcons in 2012 at right guard, Konz allowed five sacks, eight hits and 16 hurries on Matt Ryan, so there's room for improvement, but you can't ignore the versatility of a player who was drafted as a center and was able to step up as a guard following a season-ending injury to Garrett Reynolds.

The rest of the players drafted by the Falcons in 2012 have yet to see much playing time. Tackle Lamar Holmes, a third round selection, played just seven snaps last season. Fifth rounder Bradie Ewing, a fullback, landed on injured reserve prior to the start of the season. Defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi and safety Charles Mitchell, fifth and sixth round choices, respectively, both contributed on special teams but saw limited action on defense. Travian Robertson, the tremendous defensive tackle the Falcons took in the 7th round, played just 47 snaps on defense all year.

It's still too early to effectively tell how much impact the 2012 draft selections will have on the Falcons long-term, but they drafted their center of the future, knowing Todd McClure's days were numbered, and they also drafted safety depth and projects along the defensive line.

In 2011, Kiper basically hated the Julio Jones pick. He cited Jones' durability as a factor. He gave the Falcons a C+, which put them near the bottom of the league in Kiper's view. Fans were also generally apprehensive about the Julio Jones pick, but with 2,462 total receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in two seasons with the Falcons, plus a Pro Bowl appearance following the 2012 season, I'd say he's doing alright. The Falcons also selected linebacker Akeem Dent out of Georgia, who was thrust into a starting role in 2012 following an injury to Lofa Tatupu prior to training camp in 2012, and Dent did alright. Not great, but alright. He did seem to get better as the season progressed and he adjusted to the speed of the game. Fifth round running back Jacquizz Rodgers has proven to be a versatile offensive threat, whose size doesn't stop him from trucking over Earl Thomas at will. Kicker Matt Bosher--I'll be honest, I hated this pick at the time--got off to a rough start, but has evolved into a solid, very consistent kicker, which is truly an asset. Defensive end Cliff Matthews has contributed on special teams, and did alright in limited snaps on defense. Again--not great, but alright. The only player drafted by the Falcons in 2011 who is no longer on the roster is offensive guard Andrew Jackson.

Kiper gave the Falcons a C- for their efforts in the 2010 NFL Draft. The Falcons took linebacker Sean Weatherspoon in the first round, and Spoon led the team in tackles in 2012, and was second on the team, behind Curtis Lofton, in tackles in 2011. Defensive tackle Corey Peters was the third round selection, and although Peters was sidelined by injury early in the 2012 season and seemed to not quite get up to speed after he returned, he was solid in 2010 and 2011. The Falcons selected offensive lineman Mike Johnson in the third round, and he hasn't played many snaps since. Center/guard Joe Hawley was the team's fourth round selection, and he has been able to fill in at both positions as needed. Cornerback Dominique Franks, Atlanta's fifth round selection, was cut by the team prior to the 2012 season, but then re-signed. Franks played his best when he was forced to fill in at safety, as opposed to cornerback. He was not a fan favorite as a punt returner. Let's just leave it at that. Wide receiver Kerry Meier, recently released by the Falcons, was a fifth round pick who never panned out, and Shann Schillinger, a safety, spent last season on injured reserve and saw some special teams action in 2011 and 2010.

Mel Kiper, Jr. gave the Falcons a B for their 2009 draft, and so did Larry Weisman from USA Today Sports. Defensive tackle Peria Jerry, the team's first round selection, was hailed as an excellent choice from both Kiper and Weisman, and Jerry--mainly because of injury--has not lived up to the expectations that invariably accompany a first round pick. Atlanta's second round selection, safety William Moore, has been an impact player for the Falcons, and turned out to be quite a value for Atlanta. The Falcons selected defensive back Christopher Owens in the third round, and lost Owens in free agency to the Cleveland Browns this offseason. Of the remaining five picks in 2009, only one is still on the roster. Fourth round selection, defensive end Lawrence Sidbury, couldn't wait to exit Atlanta as a free agent. I completely forgot about fifth round pick William Middleton. Right guard Garrett Reynolds, also a fifth round pick, recently re-signed with the Falcons through 2015. Linebacker Spencer Adkins didn't do much with the Falcons, and defensive tackle Vance Walker had a great season in 2012, but departed in free agency to become an Oakland Raider.

2008 is a memorable draft year for the Falcons, as it was Thomas Dimitroff's first draft as general manager, and the Falcons acquired a new starting quarterback and face of the franchise in Matt Ryan.

Kiper gave the Falcons a B in 2008, and was surprised they didn't select Glenn Dorsey in the first round. A lot of people were surprised by that, honestly. Larry Weisman from USA Today didn't have a lot of confidence in Matt Ryan, and gave the Falcons a C-. Matt Ryan has more than proven that selecting him third overall was an astute choice. Kiper thought left tackle Sam Baker was a bit of a reach, and many Falcons fans would agree. The Falcons took linebacker Curtis Lofton--now a New Orleans Saint--in the second round. Third round choices were cornerback Chevis Jackson, who never panned out, wide receiver Harry Douglas and safety Thomas DeCoud, now a Pro Bowler. Fifth round selection Robert James, a linebacker, hasn't seen much playing time on defense, playing only seven snaps in 2012. Defensive end Kroy Biermann has been solid as a situational pass rusher. The teams sixth and seventh round picks--running back Thomas Brown, cornerback Wilrey Fontenot and tight end Keith Zinger--are no longer with the Falcons.

To adjust the grades for each draft year based on performance, we need some kind of objective criteria. To that end, let's go with win/loss record, the average per-player number of games started for the Falcons for each draft year, how many draftees from that particular season are still on the active roster, and the number of Pro Bowl appearances from players in each draft year.

The Falcons finished the season 11-5 in 2008, and lost to Arizona in the wildcard round. Out of eleven selections in 2008, six players are still on the roster. The remaining players have started in 243 games for the Falcons, and the departed players started in 70 games for the Falcons. That's an average of 28.45 games started per player, or 5.7 games per year. From that draft year, Matt Ryan has two Pro Bowl appearances, and Thomas DeCoud has one. Kiper gave the Falcons a B in 2008, and Larry Weisman from USA Today gave them a C-, and considering the way that Matt Ryan exceeded expectations right out of the gate, plus three Pro Bowl appearances from two players, plus the fact that five out of six players retained see significant playing time, I give this draft an A in retrospect.

The Falcons did not make the playoffs in 2009, but finished the season 9-7. Out of eight players drafted in 2009, only three remain on the roster. The remaining players have started 70 games for the Falcons, and the departed players started 27 games for the Falcons, for an average of 12.13 games, or just over three games per year. Only William Moore has a Pro Bowl appearance from this group. Kiper and Larry Weisman from USA Today both gave this draft a B; for Peria Jerry not living up to first round billing and Spencer Adkins and Lawrence Sidbury never panning out, I would adjust this grade to a C. It would be a C-, but the William Moore pick has proven to be a wise one.

Atlanta finished the 2010 season 13-3, securing the top seed in the NFC and a first round bye, then lost to Green Bay at home. Of seven players drafted in 2010, six remain on the roster. The 2010 draftees have started 96 games for the Falcons, for an average of 13.7 games total, and 4.6 games per season per player. There are no Pro Bowlers from this draft year yet. Mel Kiper gave the Falcons a C- for this draft. Corey Peters had a Pro Bowl-caliber year in 2011, and had Sean Weatherspoon not been injured in 2012, it's very possible that he might have been a Pro Bowler last season. Based on the number of players who remain on the roster, and two solid starters from the Falcons first and third round selections, I would adjust this draft grade to a B-.

The Falcons finished the 2011 season 10-6, and lost spectacularly to the New York Giants in the wildcard round. Only one of the six players drafted is no longer on the roster. This group has started 46 games for the Falcons, for an average of 7.67 games total, or 3.8 games per year, but this group also includes Matt Bosher, who does not get counted as a starter although he has played in every game, and Jacquizz Rodgers, who, though not a starter, has had an impact. Julio Jones was selected to the 2012 Pro Bowl roster. Kiper gave the Falcons a C in 2011, and he didn't like the Julio Jones pick at all. Two of these players--Jones, Dent--are starters, two--Quizz, Bosher--are significant non-starting contributors, and one--Matthews--is a rotational guy who gets some special teams action but has a shot to get into the rotation at DE this year. In retrospect, I give this draft an A.

The Falcons finished 2012 13-3, with a divisional playoff win and a trip to the NFC Championship. All six of the players drafted in 2012 are still on the roster, with ten total starts. There are no Pro Bowlers from the 2012 draft class yet. The experts gave the Falcons a C, but Peter Konz was able to step into a starting role at guard when necessitated by injury. I would adjust that to a B-, with a caveat: it remains to be seen how the rest of that draft class will impact the team.

Overall, the trend that emerges is that Thomas Dimitroff is a good evaluator of talent and drafts wisely in general. The other thing that stands out in looking at draft results in the Dimitroff era is, despite occasional criticism from the experts for being too focused on winning it all right now, the Falcons have consistently selected young talent to develop, which points toward more of a long-term strategy.

How would you adjust draft grades for the Falcons for 2008-2012?

2013 Falcon Draft Class

First Round: CB Desmond Trufant
Second Round: CB Robert Alford
Fourth Round: DE Malliciah Goodman
Fourth Round Compensatory: TE Levine Toilolo
Fifth Round: DE Stansly Maponga
Seventh Round Compensatory: S Kemal Ishmael
Seventh Round Compensatory: S Zeke Motta
Seventh Round Compensatory: QB Sean Renfree

2013 NFL Draft Results: Atlanta Falcons 7th Round Picks

Jeanna Thomas — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 22:51:56 -0000

The Falcons had three compensatory picks to work with in the 7th round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and we have the free agency departures of Eric Weems, Kelvin Hayden and James Sanders to thank for them. So, thanks, guys.

With pick number 243, the Falcons selected Kemal Ishmael, a strong safety out of the University of Central Florida. Ishmael started 49 consecutive games for UCF, and was their leading tackler in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. Adding a defensive back who excels at tackling is not a bad thing at all. In addition to being named All-Conference, Ishmael was also honored as Conference USA's Defensive Player of the Year in his senior season.

More: Full Atlanta Falcons draft coverage and highlights

At UCF's pro day, Ishmael ran a 4.63 40-yard dash, hit 21 bench press reps and managed a 10'03" broad jump. He is 5'11" and 201 pounds.

With pick number 244, the Falcons selected strong safety Zeke Motta out of Notre Dame. Apparently the Falcons really love late-round safeties. Motta is 6'2" and 213 pounds, and SB Nation's Dan Kadar ranked him as the 13th-best safety in the 2013 draft. He ran a 4.75 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.

Motta was the defensive playcaller for Notre Dame last season, and showed a great deal of leadership on the field. He hits hard, and has the size to potentially play linebacker, which is interesting. He was graded by some analysts as 3rd or 4th-round talent, and he's an extremely hard worker. He excelled against the run at Notre Dame.

With pick number 249, the Falcons selected quarterback Sean Renfree out of Duke University. Renfree was Duke's first NFL Draft selection since 2004. Renfree is 6'3", 219 pounds, and threw for 3,113 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. He was recovering from surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle and did not participate in the NFL Combine or a Pro Day.

Check out his helmet cam video featuring Coheed and Cambria!

Renfree sounds like a prototypical Thomas Dimitroff draft pick--intelligent, good work ethic, a leader. He has good passing mechanics, decent arm strength, and can extend plays with his legs. He sometimes looks a little nervous under pressure, and doesn't always put the right velocity on his throws. Let's be realistic: Renfree won't be challenging Matt Ryan for the starting job, but he may be able to challenge Dominique Davis for the backup position.

Jason Snelling, Todd McClure, and Jamal (not Jamaal) Anderson were all 7th round picks, so these guys absolutely could turn out to be impact players. Let's hope so, particularly with Ishmael and Motta.

What do you think about Atlanta's 7th round picks?

Building Through the Draft

Jeanna Thomas — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:22:44 -0000

It's widely accepted that teams that build consistently through the draft are more successful. Continuity matters. The Falcons have stated, and have demonstrated, a commitment to retaining the players they draft and develop.

As a matter of fact, this interactive graphic from NFL.com, featuring data from 2007-2011, illustrates the connections between teams' win percentages and how many free agent acquisitions they had on their roster. In general, the teams that seemed to focus more on building via free agency had lower win percentages.

In the Dimitroff era, from 2008-2012, the Falcons have drafted 38 players, and have retained 26, or 68.42%. The players they have retained have started in 465 games, including postseason, which breaks down to 17.88 on average. That tells us that the player they are retaining are starting-caliber players. The players they drafted but let walk during that timeframe collectively started in 97 games for the Falcons, for an average of just over 8 games each.

Keep in mind that the drafted players that the Falcons have retained include guys like Bradie Ewing, who spent his rookie year on injured reserve; Matt Bosher, who doesn't get starts attributed to him, and Jacquizz Rodgers, who isn't typically a starter, but has certainly been an impact player.

Some people do argue that the players that the Falcons did not retain, generally being below the standard for a starting-caliber player, creates a case for poor talent evaluation, because they drafted players that weren't very good and then had to part ways with them, but considering that the Falcons have retained such a significant number of players, and that those players have started in a significant number of games, thus directly impacting the team's success, there's plenty of evidence of Thomas Dimitroff's skill in evaluating talent.

This information is based on some really good data from drafttek.com. This breakdown for draft pick retention for teams that made the playoffs last year is based on the 2009-2012 seasons.

Falcons: 88.89%

49ers 59.38%

Packers 81.82%

Washington 66.67%

Seattle 74.29%

Vikings 80%

Patriots 62.50

Broncos 62.86%

Texans 78.79%

Ravens 89.66%

Colts 74.19%

Bengals 68.42%

All of the teams that made the playoffs last season have retained a significant number of their drafted players, and the Falcons are near the top of the list, just behind the current champions, the Baltimore Ravens.

Out of the 58 players currently on Atlanta's roster, 31 of them are draft picks Falcons have retained (including draft years previous to Dimitroff era.) There are two asterisks: on the Falcons list, cornerback Dominique Franks and linebacker Robert James were both excluded, for a total of 29 drafted players retained. Franks was likely excluded because he was cut prior to the 2012 season, and later re-signed with the team.

There's no surefire formula to building a competitive football team. Draft picks are always a risk. A guy can get hurt in his first day of camp, or he can turn out to be not built for the rigors of the NFL, or he can, quite frankly, just inexplicably suck. And, you can't just rely on the draft as a GM--you have to be willing to bring in veteran free agent talent as well, as the Falcons have done. But the Falcons have, in the Dimitroff era, drafted in such a way to build a competitive team in perpetuity.

Thomas Dimitroff's Approach to the 2013 NFL Draft

Jeanna Thomas — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:12:28 -0000

With the 2013 NFL Draft swiftly approaching, all eyes are on Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff as fans wait to see what he has planned for a team that still needs starters at key positions on defense, and could use depth at many positions on both sides of the ball. Dimitroff is widely regarded as an excellent general manager. He has, in general, drafted very well and made smart trade and free agency decisions on behalf of the Falcons. So much so, in fact, that the St. Louis Rams and the Jacksonville Jaguars both looked to Atlanta's front office when hiring their general managers, Les Snead and David Caldwell. Teams want to build their future in Atlanta's image--when you have five consecutive winning seasons and four playoff appearances in five years, that will happen.

If there's one constant in the way that Thomas Dimitroff approaches player acquisition, whether via trade, free agency or the draft, it's the focus on character. Daniel Cox covered this beautifully on AtlantaFalcons.com. Dimitroff is looking for guys that are team players, who avoid distractions off the field, and who will be leaders in the locker room or willingly assimilate into the locker room culture the Falcons have so carefully cultivated.

Dimitroff spoke to the media last week about the draft, and he had a lot to say, so you should watch the video on AtlantaFalcons.com in its entirety. He did confirm that, with 11 picks this year, the Falcons will be active, although he alluded to the fact that "being active" can mean moving up or down in the draft order. He made it clear, with reference to the trade with Cleveland to acquire Julio Jones, that teams now know Atlanta is open to making big deals on draft day, and he gets calls every year from teams looking to make deals. He mentioned that he expects teams will be very open to trading out of the top ten, because this year's draft contains more quality depth players than flashy talent. Dimitroff likes picking at 30, especially this year, because the Falcons could conceivably move up in the draft, or move back, and still obtain quality impact players, particularly on defense or along the offensive line.

The Falcons, under Dimitroff's leadership, have had more hits than misses in the draft. In a world where the media tends to ignore and/or scorn the Falcons, Sports Illustrated actually placed Atlanta's front office at 6th in the league, behind Baltimore, Green Bay, the New York Giants, New England and Seattle, in their recent Front Office Power Rankings article.

The overwhelming reality is, you can follow all of the mock drafts you want, and you can analyze and speculate all day long, and we'll all still be surprised in some way on draft day. As Dave wrote today, it's very likely that what will unfold this week will not be at all consistent with anything we, as fans, want or expect. Remember when the Falcons drafted Matt Ryan, and our collective reaction to that pick? For many fans, that response was, "who?" and then, "why?" We were wrong. Remember the blockbuster move to draft Julio Jones, and how many of us were convinced that we were mortgaging the future to get one player, and that worked out pretty well, also. The only thing we can really be sure about going into the draft is, the Comrade has this under control.

Falcons Strength of Schedule for 2013

Jeanna Thomas — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:51:04 -0000

The 2013 NFL schedule was released yesterday, and Alex covered the details yesterday. It's not surprising that it's a more difficult slate of games than the Falcons had in 2012. After finishing the 2012 regular season 13-3, the Falcons should have a relatively strong schedule.

The strength of schedule calculations that were released prior to the 2012 season saw Atlanta tied with the Redskins and the 49ers at 24th in the league. The teams Atlanta played last season cumulatively finished 2011 with more losses than wins, for a strength of schedule calculation of .488. The 2011 records of Atlanta's 2012 opponents resulted in the assessment that the Falcons faced only four quality opponents in 2012.

This year, the preseason strength of schedule estimates for the Falcons give them the 15th most difficult schedule in the league. The Falcons opponents for 2013 cumulatively finished with more wins than losses in 2012, and with six games on the schedule with NFC South teams that all finished 7-9, that's saying something. Their total strength of schedule calculation for the coming season is .504.

It won't be an easy road for the Falcons, as they open the season on the road in New Orleans and face five playoff teams from 2012, the Patriots, Seahawks, Packers, Redskins and 49ers. But, the Falcons have improved the team overall with their free agent acquisitions, and still have the draft ahead to address remaining needs.

As per usual, the talking heads on NFL Network generally think the Falcons can't deal with their tough schedule. Willie McGinest predicts the Falcons will go 8-8. McGinest also, for some reason, listed the Falcons as a reason for naming the NFC South the toughest division in football for the coming season. It's all very logical. Eric Davis thinks the Falcons can't win a game in Miami in September because it will be hot. Eric Davis has apparently never been to Atlanta, and, specifically, has never attended training camp in Flowery Branch.

Despite strength of schedule calculations, and despite what the analysts say, they still have to play the games. The Ravens had the 4th most difficult schedule in the league last season and they ended up winning it all.

What do you think about the difficulty of the Falcons schedule for 2013?

The Atlanta Falcons Focus on Community

Jeanna Thomas — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:48:17 -0000

It's not easy to even focus on writing about the Falcons this morning. I'm a runner. While 26.2 is not my distance, the Boston Marathon is the penultimate achievement for an amateur runner. I have friends who spent years trying to qualify. Because I'm a runner, I have a unique understanding of what that finish line represents. It's the culmination of months of difficult training. You're exhausted, you're in pain, and that finish line represents rest and relief. My husband and children have been waiting for me at the finish line of every race I've run. I believe that's the reason this is hitting me so very hard. I have no words for what happened yesterday.

While that tragedy was unfolding, Atlanta's quarterback, Matt Ryan--a Boston College graduate--was hosting a celebrity golf tournament to raise money and awareness for children with cancer. This is an annual event for Ryan, who has partnered with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta to benefit their Aflac Cancer Center.

It's no secret that the Falcons are a very community-focused organization. Owner Arthur Blank has made community service a priority at every level of the organization, and it's something that Falcons players embrace. Many players, while participating in team service opportunities enthusiastically, also operate their own non-profit foundations to benefit people in need in various ways.

Wide receiver Roddy White's Keep the Faith Foundation provides post-secondary scholarships for worthy students, facilitates a mentorship program partnering college student mentors with middle school students, and focuses on benefiting youth by increasing participation in sports and fitness activities.

Wide receiver Harry Douglas, and his brother, Sacramento Kings guard Toney Douglas, work to benefit underprivileged families through their foundation, the Douglas Brothers Foundation. Each year, they host a Holiday Treat Festival in December, offering free haircuts, health screenings, a meal, and gifts for the children who attended. In 2012, they had 1,200 children attend with 1,000 on the waiting list for the event.

Cornerback Asante Samuel seeks to provide some stability for single mothers and their children as well as honor his mother's memory through the Asante Samuel Foundation, which provides homes for low-income single mothers.

One reason that running back Steven Jackson and defensive end Osi Umenyiora are such logical fits for the Falcons is that they are both very community-minded as well. The Steven Jackson Foundation has a primary focus on promoting strong educational values among youth, and Umenyiora's Strike for a Cure Foundation seeks to inspire hope and provide financial resources in the efforts to find cures for HIV/AIDS as well as Alzheimer's disease.

Several Falcons players--fullback Bradie Ewing, defensive end Cliff Matthews, cornerback Dominique Franks, offensive linemen Peter Konz and Lamar Holmes, and more--all visited the Mellow Mushroom in Gainesville, GA last week to serve as celebrity waiters to benefit the Edmondson-Telford Center for Children, which provides care to children who are victims of sexual abuse and severe physical abuse and neglect.

During the season, Falcons players visit schools to introduce elementary and middle school students to the NFL's First Down for Fitness program, and also to perpetuate their own Read with a Falcon program. They encourage recycling with their Green Team program. They get fans involved with their FalCan Food Drive and their Toys for Tots collections. They put smiles on kids' faces when tight end Tony Gonzalez hosts the annual "Shop with a Jock" event during the holiday season.

This is just the tip of the iceberg as far as the Falcons and their efforts in the community. It's an expectation Blank has created for his players, and it's one they generally live up to with enthusiasm. Blank, of course, sets a wonderful example through his Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which provides grants and support for efforts benefiting education, children's health initiatives, and much more.

After seeing what unfolded yesterday in Boston, a lot of the things we care about and focus on can feel trivial. Caring so much about the Falcons, and their wins and losses, and their potential for the coming season can seem so unimportant. In the grand scheme, this is a game that we follow. But, what these players are doing off the field is not trivial at all. I say regularly that the Falcons make it so easy to be a fan of this team, and their efforts to benefit others, and the sincerity with which they approach it, is a big part of that.

It's easy to question your faith in humanity after events like yesterday's, especially when each one feels like it's coming right on the heels of the last one. Aren't we still reeling from Newtown, Connecticut? Have we recovered--can we recover--from the mass shooting at the Sikh temple in Wisconsin, or the one at the movie theater in Colorado last July? Sometimes it feels like we, as a nation, are in a perpetual state of mourning, from one unthinkable, senseless tragedy to the next, and the time that elapses between each one doesn't matter, because these are not things that you get over. They just aren't.

Yes, we have many reasons to question our faith in humanity of late. But, the Falcons and their efforts to benefit others through charity and community service remind us that there are so many good, generous, kind and compassionate people in this world, and some of them are a part of the Falcons organization. Their selfless efforts off the field give us, as fans, legitimate reasons to be genuinely proud of this Atlanta Falcons team.

Super Bowl or Bust?

Jeanna Thomas — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:50:07 -0000

If you missed Roddy White's recent appearance on ESPN's ~~Two Guys Yelling at Each Other About Sports~~ First Take, Andrew Hirsh and Dave Choate both covered it this week. Roddy handled himself impeccably, and said, basically, that for a team as talented as the Falcons, that fell just a few yards short of the Super Bowl this past season, anything less than the Super Bowl will be a disappointment.

Roddy's statement just adds to my growing perception that the Falcons have a different level of focus heading into this season.

When Harry Douglas was on NFL AM last week, he mentioned that he has his wide receiver test from the NFC Championship Game hanging on a wall in his home so that he's confronted with it daily. He never wants to forget how it felt to lose that game; he never wants to feel that way again. I am haunted by the memory of Douglas falling down, untouched, on that catch. I literally had nightmares about it after the NFC Championship. It's not surprising that it's worse for Douglas.

As free agency began, Steven Jackson turned some heads when he stated that, "the Falcons are one good running back away from winning the Super Bowl." Subsequently, Jackson signed with the Falcons, with hopes of making his statement a self-fulfilling prophesy.

When Osi Umenyiora signed with Atlanta, he made reference to the Falcons being the most talented team he had seen in his life. He also expressed his belief that, in addition to talent and solid coaching, a team needs veteran leadership to win a Super Bowl. Osi believes that, having won two rings with the New York Giants, his leadership will help the Falcons reach that ultimate goal.

It's no secret why Tony Gonzalez scrapped his retirement plans for one more season in the red and black. Gonzalez believes this team can win a Super Bowl. After such a long and distinguished career, after finally achieving that first playoff win against the Seattle Seahawks, there's just one task left on Tony's career to-do list, and he believes the Falcons can accomplish that.

Roddy White said on First Take, during the first three trips to the playoffs in the Mike Smith era, in 2008, 2010 and 2011, the team was just happy to make the playoffs. When you're just beginning to post consecutive winning seasons for the first time since the team's inception in 1966, that's understandable. But, perspectives have shifted. No longer is this team satisfied to just make the playoffs. This team is capable of so much more, and anything less than the Super Bowl absolutely should be a disappointment at this point.

If you read the Pro Football Talk article on White's appearance on First Take, and scroll through the comments, you'll see witty gems like, "Well I guess it's bust then LOL." This eloquently-expressed opinion is generally based on the lack of postseason success for the Falcons in recent years, but the idea that past performance dictates future success is fundamentally flawed. The reality is, however, teams always have a limited window with the talent they have. We can be almost entirely certain that this is Tony Gonzalez's last season. Asante Samuel, Umenyiora, Jackson and even White aren't getting any younger.

Something has been missing from Atlanta's postseason appearances in the Mike Smith era. Even in the game the Falcons won against the Seahawks, they blew a huge lead and very nearly lost. They have not played in the postseason at a level that is consistent with their talent. But this is now a team that believes in their ability to get to that next level. This is a team that no longer has the "no playoff wins" monkey on their backs. The Falcons have a wealth of veteran leadership, including two veterans, Umenyiora and Samuel, who already have Super Bowl rings.

What Roddy said on First Take is very different from, say, Rex Ryan guaranteeing a Super Bowl win for several seasons in a row. White wasn't being reckless, he made no guarantees. This was not a Super Bowl prediction. This was White saying, he knows how talented this team is, and the front office has made moves in free agency to put the team in an even better position to win. The 2012 season ended heartbreakingly close to the Super Bowl, and every man on the roster, and on the coaching staff, and in the front office is working to ensure that they don't experience that again. White is saying, anything less than a Super Bowl win will be a disappointment for this Falcons team.

Saying it and doing it are two entirely different things, and there are a lot of variables that go into a Super Bowl win. But, with this level of focus on that ultimate goal, the Falcons are putting themselves in a better position to actually achieve it this season.

Matt Ryan Contract Projections

Jeanna Thomas — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:13:49 -0000

Free agency has slowed down a bit, and the NFL Draft is still a little over two weeks away. There's not a ton of NFL news floating around, and that's part of the reason that people are talking so much about a contract extension for Matt Ryan. The other part of the reason is, it's a big offseason for quarterback contracts. Joe Flacco, a free agent after the conclusion of the 2012 season, signed a six-year, $120.6 million deal, making him the highest paid quarterback in the history of the NFL, before taxes, of course.

Then Tony Romo inked a deal that will pay him $108 million over six years. Word on the street is that the Packers would like to have an extension in place for Aaron Rodgers imminently. And, with Matt Ryan entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2013, the Falcons have indicated that working out the terms of an extension for Ryan is a priority.

Spotrac.com, a site that features details of player contracts and cap situations in professional sports, ran an article yesterday featuring contract projections for Matt Ryan's extension. Although the article is featured on the premium side of the site, it is currently available to everyone, and is definitely worth reading.

To develop contract projections for Ryan, Mike Ginnitti and Scott Allen of Spotrac first determined which quarterbacks in the league are most similar to Ryan. They were looking for starting quarterbacks with similar statistics to Ryan, who signed their second or third contract with their respective teams at approximately Ryan's age. The quarterbacks who most closely fit those criteria were Eli Manning, Tony Romo, Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco. Then, they established an average for those four players' contracts, for length, total value and annual compensation.

Next, they performed statistical analysis for Eli, Romo, Roethlisberger and Flacco, as well as Ryan, to determine how well each player was performing in the two seasons preceding the season before they signed a new deal, relative to their career averages. For Ryan, they determined that in the 2010 and 2011 seasons, he performed 9.8% better than his career averages.

Based on Ryan's age, durability, career statistics and continued upward trajectory, the guys at Spotrac are projecting an 8 year, $145,400,544 deal, with $49 million guaranteed. They're projecting an average annual salary of $18,175,068. This average would be less per year than Flacco, but Flacco was also the MVP of Super Bowl XLVII. If their projections were accurate, Ryan's numbers would be similar to Tony Romo's annual average, and while Tony Romo is often mocked for his tendency to throw interceptions at inopportune times, Ryan and Romo had generally similar numbers overall for the 2012 regular season.

Atlanta's front office has, in general, proven to be effective in securing deals that are beneficial for players and the team. Matt Ryan's agent, Tom Condon of Creative Artists Agency, is known for getting his clients--including Drew Brees, both Mannings, and many more big name players--paid. But, what Condon is going to be focused on is Ryan's total compensation, as well as the guaranteed money. How it's scheduled to pay out is less of a concern. The Falcons should be able to come up with numbers that will make Ryan (and by extension, Condon) happy while negotiating a deal that is manageable from a salary cap perspective.

What do you think of Spotrac's projections? Would you be happy with that deal, should it come to fruition for Ryan? Do you expect the Falcons to pay Ryan more than they are projecting, or less? Discuss!

Falcons on NFL Network's "NFL AM"

Jeanna Thomas — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:42:34 -0000

Fans complain regularly, and usually rightfully, about the lack of media attention paid to the Falcons, as well as the relative lack of confidence the media tend to place in the Falcons in general. Well, NFL Network's "NFL AM" is doing their best to make fools out of us this week, as wide receiver Harry Douglas, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and tight end Tony Gonzalez have all been featured on the show over the past two days.

Harry Douglas, as you may know, is a University of Louisville alumnus, and called in to the show to discuss Louisville's impending appearance in the Final Four in Atlanta, but talk soon turned to Atlanta's loss in the NFC Championship Game. Douglas said that, while he recognizes what an accomplishment it is to reach the NFC Championship, the way that it ended was devastating, and he never wants to endure that feeling again. He talked about how motivating that will be for the team heading into the 2013 season.

NFL AM also welcomed Thomas Dimitroff onto the show yesterday, and Dimitroff had a lot to say on signing Brian Banks, the return of Tony Gonzalez, and whether John Abraham may be striking fear into the hearts of opposing quarterbacks as a Falcon next season.

On Banks, Dimitroff talked about how the team did invite him to Flowery Branch last fall, toward the end of preseason, and they liked his progression physically, but the timing was not right for the Falcons to sign him at that time. While Dimitroff particularly likes Banks' character, drive and work ethic, he emphasized that this is not a guy who is just, and I quote, "slopping around." Banks, according to Dimitroff, is 6'2" and 250 pounds, has a 40 time in the low 4.8s, and Dimitroff feels confident that can be improved, and his functional movement screens were very good. Dimitroff also believes that Banks' experiences of wrongful conviction and exoneration speak volumes about his perseverance, which he believes will carry over to issues like learning schemes, learning the playbook and preparing physically.

Dimitroff was asked about the timing of the return of Tony Gonzalez. Dimitroff admitted that when he told the media that he believed Gonzalez' chances of retiring were closer to 50/50 than the 95% or 97% certainty Gonzalez had articulated, that he was just going off of a gut feeling, as opposed to any concrete information from speaking with Gonzalez. He appreciated Gonzalez announcing his decision to return when he did, because it allowed the Falcons to move forward with their plans in free agency and the draft. Dimitroff, uncharacteristically, made a point of saying that they are looking for a tight end in the draft.

Dimitroff also discussed the Osi Umenyiora signing, and the snail's pace at which it was accomplished. Dimitroff said that they were working through compensation issues, and they do have a good relationship with Umenyiora's representatives, and although it was not at all contentious, the negotiations were just slow.

When asked about the possibility of bringing back John Abraham, whose effectiveness last season would likely be amplified with Osi Umenyiora coming off of the other edge, Dimitroff reiterated his "never say never" stance.

When asked about a potential contract extension for Matt Ryan, Dimitroff emphasized that Matt Ryan's contract will be extended, and while he did not place a timetable on the process, suggested that they might have something finalized heading into the season.

Tony Gonzalez was featured on NFL AM this morning, and discussed everything from his decision to return to the Falcons, to the allegations that not participating in training camp was one of the conditions of his return, to the importance of a healthy scalp and flake-free hair, guys.

Gonzalez said that the Falcons did not give him a deadline to make a final decision about retirement, but he made the decision as early as he could out of respect for the Falcons. Whether he returned or not, he wanted the Falcons to be able to make the necessary moves in free agency and also adequately prepare for the draft so that they can field the most competitive team possible. That, my friends, is class.

When asked why he opted to stay with the Falcons, when he could have signed with any other team, Gonzalez said that it was, "Falcons or bust." He indicated that Atlanta is the only place he wants to be, because of the talent on the field, and the fan support in Atlanta, and he believes the Falcons are one of the best organizations in the National Football League.

When asked about the report that one of his conditions to return to Atlanta was that he would need to miss training camp, Gonzalez clarified the situation. Missing training camp in its entirety was never a condition or a request on Tony's behalf. He has made commitments to family, particularly his son, and the Falcons will work with Gonzalez to ensure that he is able to keep those commitments.

On the changes to the Falcons roster over the course of free agency, Gonzalez said that he trusts Dimitroff at all to put the team in the best position to win. On the Falcons signing Brian Banks, Gonzalez said that it is emblematic of what kind of organization the Falcons are, and Banks will be welcomed as family, just like everyone else who becomes a Falcon.

You can watch the interviews with Thomas Dimitroff and Tony Gonzalez in their entirety on AtlantaFalcons.com. Just be prepared, because what they have to say will likely make you extremely excited about the coming season.

Super Bowl XLVIII Favorites

Jeanna Thomas — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:38:27 -0000

Which team is the favorite to win the Super Bowl this season? Mark Sessler shared his opinion on this topic in his Weekend Mailbag column on NFL.com on Saturday. Sessler was specifically asked if the Falcons were the favorite to win it all this year, and his response was a definitive no.

Sessler's reasoning is based around the fact that he is enamored with the San Francisco 49ers, and Jim Harbaugh, crowned by Sessler as potentially the "finest coach in the conference." He concedes that Thomas Dimitroff has made some good moves in free agency, but suggests it's not enough at this point.

ESPN's John Clayton ranked the Falcons fifth on his list of potential Super Bowl champions for the coming season, behind the Broncos, the Patriots, the Packers and the Seahawks. Clayton suspects that the Falcons would have to fight their way to the Super Bowl on a wildcard bid because of Sean Payton's return.

Clifton Brown from Sporting News has San Francisco at the top of his list to win the Super Bowl this season. He rounds out his list with the Ravens, the Seahawks, the Patriots and the Packers.

What's interesting about these listings, and the relative lack of confidence in Atlanta's prospects for the coming season, is the criteria listed to support perspectives on the teams they believe have a better chance to win the Super Bowl than the Falcons. For example, on the 49ers, Brown says:

If you keep coming close, you can find a way to finally break through.

After four playoff appearances in five seasons, one could make the same argument about Atlanta. The way that the NFC Championship Game ended, excruciatingly near to victory, is pretty much the definition of "coming close."

On the New England Patriots, Brown says:

Some people are acting like the Patriots fell apart this season. They won another division title and reached the AFC championship game. How embarrassing.

Replace "Patriots" with "Falcons," and "AFC" with "NFC," and you have to ask yourself, why are people insisting the Falcons fell apart last season? And why are they so dismissive of Atlanta's chances to make a run this season?

NFL.com's Chris Wesseling ranks Atlanta's current roster, with the additions of Steven Jackson and Osi Umenyiora, and the return of Tony Gonzalez, as the fourth-strongest in the league. And NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal, whose writing generally does not flatter the Falcons, labeled them a winner in free agency. The Falcons will have a more difficult schedule in 2013, and that is a factor. Very real needs exist for Atlanta on the defensive side of the ball heading into the draft. But, for a team that finished 13-3 in 2012, won the NFC South, locked up the top seed in the NFC, beat a very good Seahawks team, and lost a painfully close NFC Championship Game to a very good 49ers team, it's not reasonable to dismiss their chances to make a legitimate run this season.

The Falcons are just one of those teams that journalists find reasons to discredit. But, as always, the opinions don't matter. What matters is that the front office has retained a great deal of talent while adding more talent at positions of need. What matters is that the draft is just around the corner, and it's a deep draft for defensive needs. What matters is how the Falcons execute once they hit the field in September.

The Falcons are most certainly my favorite to win Super Bowl XLVIII. Which team do you expect to win it all this season?

The Winner Of The Fictional Falcoholic Video Game Cover Has Been Selected

Jeanna Thomas — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:53:51 -0000

Voting for the cover of the fictional Falcoholic video game has concluded, and the result is not very surprising. Quarterback Matt Ryan, who has been a huge influence on Atlanta's success over the past five seasons, received 69.3% of the vote to grace the cover.

Ryan was selected over Steve Bartkowski by voters for a spot on the final bracket, and in round one, Ryan beat out legendary Falcons offensive lineman Jeff Van Note with 90.9% of the vote. Round two saw Ryan hammering Jessie Tuggle, receiving 85.9% of the vote. Round three pitted Ryan against one of his most reliable receiving targets, Roddy White, with Ryan receiving 70% of the vote. In the championship round, Ryan bested Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.

A legitimate case can be made for any of the original competitors to be featured on the cover of this video game--except for the very first bracket, which featured Michael Vick, Bobby Petrino, the New Orleans Saints and Chipper Jones to fill space--and being featured on the cover is quite an honor, even though the game does not actually exist. Matt Ryan earned his spot on the cover by leading the team to five consecutive winning seasons and establishing himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league in 2012. Ryan has already set a handful of franchise records in his brief career. When guys like Osi Umenyiora say that this Falcons team is one of the most talented they've seen, Matt Ryan is a significant factor.

Ryan is a solid leader who consistently represents the Falcons well on and off the field, and now he'll represent the Falcons on the cover of a fictional video game. What do you think about Ryan's victory?

Championship Round for the Falcoholic Video Game Cover

Jeanna Thomas — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:20:56 -0000

We're entering the final round of voting for the cover of the wholly fictional Falcoholic video game. The last round saw quarterback Matt Ryan emerge victorious over one of his most consistent receiving targets, Roddy White, and Hall of Famer Deion Sanders knocked the winningest head coach in Falcons history, Mike Smith, out of the running.

In this final round, we're left with what may be a difficult decision for some, and an easy decision for others, depending on how you feel about Deion Sanders in general. Sanders was drafted fifth overall by Atlanta in 1989, and played for the Falcons until 1993, picking off 24 passes during that time. Sanders left Atlanta as a free agent in 1994, and spent the next season with the 49ers, a division rival at that point, and to say he taunted the Falcons in his first game against them in the Georgia Dome is an understatement. What he really did was get into some kind of a crazy slap fight with Andre Rison, and then he was not particularly gracious after he picked off Jeff George and returned the interception 97 yards for a touchdown.

Sanders has since suggested that, had Arthur Blank owned the Falcons in 1994, he is confident that he would have remained a Falcon. He is a Ring of Honor member, and Arthur Blank presented Sanders with his Hall of Fame ring in the Georgia Dome.

Matt Ryan is almost universally beloved by Falcons fans. He was drafted third overall by the Falcons in 2008. In his brief career, he's been under center for five consecutive winning seasons and four playoff appearances. He's coming off of a career year, tied with Peyton Manning for first in the league for completion percentage with 68.6%, throwing for 4,716 yards and 32 touchdowns. He's led 23 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime in his career, proving that his nickname, Matty Ice, is accurate. He finally locked up his first playoff win this past season, leading a last-minute drive capped off with a Matt Bryant field goal, making that game an instant classic.

Vote now, and we'll have the final results on Friday. Discuss!

The Falcoholic Final Four

Jeanna Thomas — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:06:36 -0000

The Elite Eight for the cover of our Falcoholic video game, which may or may not feature Dave jumping on turtles, saw Matt Ryan, the current face of the franchise, pitted against the legendary Jessie Tuggle, with Ryan coming out on top. One of the best receivers in Falcons history, Roddy White, went up against arguably the best pass rusher in Falcons history, Claude Humphrey, and Roddy emerged victorious. Hall of Famer Deion Sanders went head-to-head with rising star receiver Julio Jones, and Deion rightfully persevered. The very first player ever drafted by the Falcons, Tommy Nobis, fell to the winningest coach in Falcons history, Mike Smith.

So, our Final Four is established, and these won't be easy decisions. You've got Matt Ryan, the quarterback whose first pass as a pro was a bomb to Michael Jenkins for a touchdown, the quarterback who was instrumental in converting a struggling team that had never posted back-to-back winning seasons into a team coming off of a fifth consecutive winning season that ended in a NFC Championship Game appearance. And, Roddy White, the holder of many Falcons receiving records, as well as leading the entire NFL in receiving yards since 2007.

And, you have Deion Sanders, a legendary cornerback and return specialist who, let's be honest, is probably the actual reason Darrelle Revis wears a Falcons hat. Sanders managed to put up solid numbers at cornerback and on returns while playing baseball for the Braves. He is Atlanta's first, and so far their only, representative in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Taking on Prime Time is Mike Smith, this year's AOL Sporting News Coach of the Year, his third time in five years to receive this distinction, a well-deserved honor for a coach who has been fundamental in Atlanta's transition to a perpetual contender.

Final Four voting is now open. Make your choices, and discuss in the comments!

Who Will Grace the Cover of the (Fictional) Falcoholic Video Game?

Jeanna Thomas — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:27:49 -0000

The most recent round of voting for our mythical Falcoholic video game cover has concluded, and the results are interesting.

Current Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan emerged victorious over retired offensive lineman Jeff Van Note, with Ryan receiving 90.9% of the vote. Falcons legend Jessie Tuggle hammered Sean Weatherspoon, pardon the pun, with 76.4% of the vote. In landslide victories, Roddy White bested Warrick Dunn with 90.6% of the vote, Tommy Nobis beat out Ray Buchanan with 80.4% of the vote, and it wasn't even a question for the winningest coach in Falcons history, as Mike Smith received 96.1% of the vote, compared to Dan Reeves with 3.9%.

The remaining matchups were more of a challenge for voters. Claude Humphrey edged out John Abraham, 50.9% to 49.1%. Julio Jones received 58.5% of the vote versus Jamal Anderson, with 41.5%. The voters chose current Hall of Famer Deion Sanders over future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, but it wasn't easy. Sanders received 53.8% of the vote compared to Tony G.'s 46.2%.

Brace yourselves, Falcoholics, because this round of voting presents us with some challenging choices. How does one choose between the current face of the Falcons franchise, Matt Ryan, and a Ring of Honor member, Jessie Tuggle? A cornerstone of the contemporary Falcons passing attack, Roddy White, or Atlanta's all-time sacks leader, Claude Humphrey? The very first player to be drafted by the Falcons in 1966, Ring of Honor member Tommy Nobis, or the coach who is largely responsible for the current culture of success in Atlanta, Mike Smith? A current Hall of Famer, Deion Sanders, or an ascendant young receiver with limitless potential, Julio Jones? Check out the updated bracket below, make your choices, and discuss in the comments.

Theoretical Falcoholic Video Game Cover, Part II

Jeanna Thomas — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:03:30 -0000

The first round of voting has concluded for our hypothetical Falcoholic video game. Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White, Jamal Anderson, Warrick Dunn and Jeff Van Note all made it through to the second round. Also prevailing were Michael Vick, who was up against Bobby Petrino, and Chipper Jones, who was up against the New Orleans Saints. Vick actually played several years for the Falcons, as opposed to sneaking out of town after a few months, like Petrino, and even though Chipper Jones played baseball and not football, clearly most people prefer him to the Saints. Sadly for Vick and Chipper, they're getting booted out of this competition at this point, because I no longer need them as placeholders in the bracket.

Tommy Nobis vs. Ray Buchanan

Ring of Honor linebacker Tommy Nobis was the very first player to be drafted by the Falcons organization in 1966, and he played his entire career with the Falcons. Nobis played in an era before the league tracked tackle numbers, but he led the team in tackles in nine of his eleven seasons. Nobis posted 12 career interceptions, and two touchdowns, and was a five-time Pro Bowler.

Defensive back Ray Buchanan played for the Falcons from 1997-2003, and helped the team get to the Super Bowl in 1998. He racked up 30 interceptions over the course of those seven seasons, putting him third on the Falcons all-time interceptions list.

Jessie Tuggle vs. Sean Weatherspoon

Jessie "The Hammer" Tuggle is a legendary former Falcon, and a Ring of Honor member. Tuggle holds the team record for the most career yards on fumble recoveries, the most career touchdowns on fumble recoveries, and is also pretty high on the lists of most seasons played (14) and most games played (209.) Tuggle was a five-time Pro Bowler, and had 12 straight 100-tackle seasons.

Sean Weatherspoon is a young, ascendant player who evolved into the leader of the Falcons defense last season. In 2012, Spoon led the team in tackles despite missing some games due to injury, and also managed three sacks, five hits and 14 hurries on opposing quarterbacks. He also has an excellent celebration dance.

Claude Humphrey vs. John Abraham

Ring of Honor member Claude Humphrey was a six-time Pro Bowler, and the Falcons all-time sack leader, with 94.5, the all-time leader for sack yardage with 757, and third on the Falcons list for most sacks in one season with 15.

I miss John Abraham already. A prolific pass rusher during his time with the Falcons, Abe is second on the total sacks list with 58.5, the all-time leader for the most sacks in a season with 16.5, and third on the list for most sack yards with 388.

Deion Sanders vs. Tony Gonzalez

Now we're pitting a current Hall of Famer against a future Hall of Famer. Deion Sanders, also known as PrimeTime, also known as Neon Deion, played cornerback, and also returned kicks and punts for the Falcons. Over the course of his four-season career with the Falcons, Sanders had 3,967 combined return yards, ten touchdowns--five on returns, three from interceptions and two receiving touchdowns. Sanders was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011 as a Falcon.

Tony Gonzalez, returning to the Falcons in 2013, has had a Hall of Fame-worthy career, and is widely considered the best tight end to ever take the field. Gonzalez came to Atlanta after an impressive stint in Kansas City. Gonzalez is currently second, behind the legendary Jerry Rice, on the league's all-time receptions list, and he holds league records for the tight end position in career receptions, career receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and 100-yard games.

Dan Reeves vs. Mike Smith

Dan Reeves coached the Falcons from 1997 to 2003, and led the Falcons to the Super Bowl in 1998. Until this season, when Mike Smith surpassed him, he was the Falcons all-time winningest coach. The Falcons were 49-59 under his leadership with playoff berths in 1998 and 2002, and a Super Bowl appearance in 1998.

Mike Smith is now the winningest Falcons coach of all time. He turned around a struggling franchise in 2008, and has led the team to five consecutive winning seasons, a team first, as well as four playoff appearance in five years. This is a spectacular era in Falcons history, and Mike Smith bears much of the responsibility for it.

These are all very difficult decisions, and having so many players and coaches in team history worthy of being featured on the cover of a fictional video game is a good problem to have. Visit the official bracket and make your selections, and discuss in the comments!

Casting the Cover of a Hypothetical Falcoholic Video Game

Jeanna Thomas — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:50:09 -0000

Most people have at least a passing awareness of the Madden video game franchise, and the voting that takes place each year to determine who will grace the cover of this popular game. Voting is underway for the next installment of the game, and they're doing things a little differently this year.

Often their voting is a standard bracket that pits current player against current player, and that is a factor in this year's voting. Our own Julio Jones is up against New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham. But, this year, the good folks behind this process have added a historical element, with legendary players from all 32 teams also included, with Hall of Famer Deion Sanders rightfully representing the Falcons for that component.

So, the Falcons have excellent representatives in the hunt for the Madden cover this season. But, what if we had our own Falcoholic version of an NFL video game, and only Falcons to choose from for the cover--which player would emerge victorious?

Steve Bartkowski vs. Matt Ryan

Bartkowski was undeniably the best quarterback in Atlanta's history until Matt Ryan came along. Bartkowski played 11 seasons with the Falcons after being drafted #1 overall by Atlanta in 1975. He set every team record in passing, and was under center for the first playoff victory in team history.

And, Matt Ryan has broken a bunch of those passing records, along with leading the team to five consecutive winning seasons and four playoff appearances in five years. It's not an easy decision.

William Andrews vs. Warrick Dunn

William Andrews was the second running back in league history to post two 2,000 all-purpose yard seasons, after O.J. Simpson. He was selected to the Pro Bowl four times, and was named to the NFL's All-Rookie team in 1979. He was a beast.

And, Warrick Dunn was a totally different kind of back than Andrews, elusive where Andrews was a bruiser. Dunn played six seasons for the Falcons, posting three 1,000+ yard seasons. After one last season in 2008 with Tampa Bay, where he began his career, Dunn retired, and is now one of the partial owners of the Falcons.

Jamal Anderson vs. Gerald Riggs

Jamal Anderson--the original Dirty Bird--has to be a contender. In 1998, the season the Falcons went to the Super Bowl, he finished with 1,846 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Enough said.

And, Gerald Riggs is probably equally deserving. Riggs played for the Falcons from 1982-1988, and in 1984, 1985 and 1986 put up crazy rushing numbers, with 1,486, 1,719 and 1,327, respectively.

Andre Rison vs. Roddy White

Andre Rison played for Atlanta from 1990-1994, and had 1,000+ yard seasons four out of those five years, and barely missed 1,000 yards in 1991. He also scored 56 touchdowns during that timeframe.

And, Roddy White is a fundamental part of the Falcons' current high-powered offensive attack. His accomplishments are fresh in all of our minds.

Terance Mathis vs. Julio Jones

One of the all-time Falcons greats, pitted against a rising star. Terance Mathis played for Atlanta from 1994-2001, and played a big role in helping the 1998 team get to the Super Bowl, with 1,136 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns that season.

The Falcons gave up a lot to move up in the draft and acquire Julio Jones, and he has, in my opinion, proven to be worth it.

Jeff Van Note vs. Mike Kenn

Both of these guys excelled along the offensive line. Van Note played 18 seasons, and was a Pro Bowler six times. Mike Kenn is right behind him with 17 seasons played, and four Pro Bowl appearances. Both have already been inducted into the Falcons Ring of Honor, and for both, the honor is well-deserved.

We'll look at some defensive candidates, special teamers, a future Hall of Famer against a current Hall of Famer, and a couple of coaches on Friday. Comment on the players you think are most deserving, and the ones you think are not deserving, and discuss!