Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > April > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmith has something Mora and Petrino didn’t
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Flowery Branch — Between drills, Mike Smith would yell, “On the hop! On the hop!” That’s coach-talk for “move quickly to the next station,” and nobody hopped faster than Smitty himself.
Throughout his first on-field practice as a head coach, Smith scarcely stood in the same spot for consecutive snaps. (And it wasn’t just because, on a chilly spring day, he was moving to keep warm.) One minute he’d be in the middle of the defense, advising a linebacker to “open your hips.” The next he’d be watching from beyond the secondary, exhorting defenders to “make a [coverage] call, even if it’s the wrong call.”
Afterward the Falcons coach would sound almost apologetic, saying to the assembled media, “I hope I wasn’t too overbearing.” But obviously this was new stuff for Smitty, as he’s universally known, and it was likewise novel for the Falcons, who are coming off two head coaches who figured they knew everything coming in.
Mike Smith, who’s 48 and who could pass for 58, is still young enough to err on the side of enthusiasm. “I’m a very hyper guy,” he said, and it showed. He touched on the basics — “I wanted to make sure guys knew how to line up,” he said, and experience teaches us that no Falcons coach should assume even that much — but the overarching idea on Day 1 of mini-camp was (more coach-talk here) “to set a tempo.”
Every new coach seeks to set the same tempo — always faster, never slower. Some of these veterans had heard “on the hop,” or a variation thereof, from Bobby Petrino last spring and from Jim Mora before him. Said Keith Brooking, who goes all the way back to Dan Reeves: “Change isn’t always a bad thing; change can be a positive. After last year, which I don’t even want to talk about, we definitely needed a change.”
Smitty marks a clear departure from Mora, who was passionate but smug, and from Petrino, who was smart but autocratic. Said Brooking, speaking of Smith: “He’s used to dealing with NFL players on a day-to-day basis.” Then this: “His mannerisms didn’t change one bit the whole day. He’s very energetic, and this game is about having energy. You have to have fun. We lost a lot of games in the fourth quarter [last season].”
The 2008 Falcons will probably lose more games than they win, but they can’t be half as dysfunctional. Surely they won’t see this year’s quarterback — Chris Redman is the new No. 1 — indicted for dogfighting on the eve of training camp, and surely the front office will no longer house diverging agendas. Smith and Thomas Dimitroff, the new general manager, are simpatico regarding football as a concept. Said Smith, touching on an already-familiar theme: “We want to roll off the ball [on offense] and knock the line of scrimmage back [on defense].”
If Dimitroff is the new organizational key man, that doesn’t mean his chosen head coach is simply an affable cheerleader. At some point the Falcons will have to line up and play, and the GM can’t help them then. Smith isn’t as overt about his expertise as Petrino, but the new man knows his stuff. You can’t be a successful defensive coordinator without having a mind for technique.
The difference is this: Where Mora and Petrino were dreaming about being head coaches when they were in junior high, Smith gives the impression he could have another 10 years as a coordinator and still retired a happy man. We can’t know yet if the unassuming Smitty is one of those capable assistants who needed only the opportunity to prove he’s a big-picture guy or, as was the case with Marion Campbell, a capable assistant who kept proving he wasn’t.
One workout into his head-coaching life, Mike Smith knows already that some things are beyond scripting. Asked about Monday’s practice, he said: “I wish it was a little warmer — I anticipated we’d be able to get a good sweat going.”
The name’s Smith, and he wants sweat. As coaching credos go, that’s a pretty sound one.
Permalink | Comments (58) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons/NFL
Comments
By Rick
April 14, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Na sayers take note, I have watched this team since 1970, held season tickets, got a gold falcon medallion around my neck, got a falcon tag on my truck,I feel like they are moving in the right direction. I like this new team of management. And for all you dog fans,(yes , i like them too) stop with all the DJ is God stuff. He was a back up to Green, Green cannot secure a back up job in this league.DJ may or may not make it.
By Bravesfan79
April 14, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
The best thing that could come out of this coming up season is another good draft pick!
By The Grinch
April 14, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Lookin’ good; I like the way this is heading. I like the way Eric Coleman sounded on Buck & Kincaide today. There’s a positive energy and an actual direction coming off this team. They’re still the Falcons so be wary, but there is cause for hope.
By BB
April 14, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
I like what I see/hear so far with Smith. I still don’t understand why Lovie or ex-falcon Ken or Singletary was snubbed previously. I think DJ has best raw potential of the QBs so would go with DJ since it’s all about youth and potential this year anyway. However, I would draft McFadden who will become a regular pro bowler and fan drawer and have him QB and/or run the offensive show to better help keep the chains moving…and fans in the stadium.
By Dr. Warren
April 14, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Smith’s articulate, polished first press conference indicated to me he would be a better big-picture leader than Marion Campbell.
By Dr. Warren
April 14, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Smith’s articulate, polished first press conference indicated to me he would be a better big-picture leader than Marion Campbell.
By tim
April 14, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
McFadden would not be a good fit. We already have Turner and Norwood. We have other areas to fill.
By Bk Hawk
April 14, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
A new beginning-Life is good with the Falcons and getting better. Man, the draft is going to be BIG. Go for it.
By Wes
April 14, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
Dimitroff and Smith have earned solid A’s so far, and their approach is so football competent, it’s spooky.
These guys are in charge of our Falcons? Cool!
I like the idea of building up the offensive and defensive lines first, then QB.
You give Redmon some time, and he will hit the open man.
Roddie White and Michael Jenkins will continue to improve, with a better O’ line as well as with Turner & Norwood’s solid running out of the backfield.
I think we will win 8 games, and maybe 10 if the ball bounces our way once or twice.
I like what I see, and cannot wait until April 26 to see how the new Falcons manage the draft.
By CS
April 14, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
BB, I think I see a pattern with the people you like…hmmm. Singletary has been passed up by every open opportunity for the past three years. There IS a reason for that.
Mcfadden would make absolutely NO sense seeing as how we just picked up a big time running back in free agency.
Lastly, I love Shock as much as anybody, but COME ON…what makes you think he has the best potential? He has NEVER played a down of NFL football, and only played one full year of college football.
BB, please take your blinders off and see the rest of the world.
By Ryder
April 14, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Quick question: If DJ Shockley went to the University of Florida instead of UGA, would people still think he was the next big thing?
I liked the way Dimitroff and Smith have approached this season. They established the fact that they are in charge and not the players. Secondly, I believe everyone on this team knows exactly where they will be playing barring injuries. Everyone knows what this offense will be focused on (running smashmouth style) and what they will do first on defense (stopping the run).
Finally, no more trying to get the sexy pick (McFadden) just to sell tickets. The draft will be indicative of where they go as a team. I don’t expect a lot of high profile players to be picked outside of Dorsey (hopefully) at 3. They will get the players who like to get down and dirty, not to mention who fit in the team concept.
The real key will be the QB they draft. I think Redman will be a great caretaker of the offense until the QB is ready to go.
By CHRISTIAN
April 14, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
THE ATLANTA FALCONS ARE ABOUT TO WIN THE SUPERBOWL
By KJinCton
April 14, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
Man…i gotta get some of that stuff Christian is smokin’…my provider isn’t hookin me up like his is…
I like what i’m seeing…i’m not seeing Superbowl, but i like what i’m seeing, so i’ll slide him a little slack…:-)
By Nookah
April 14, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
It’s nice to see football is in the air again. ATL has new hope, but then again we have that at the beginning of each season. I have no doubt Dimitroff will be a good GM and make the right picks once he is allowed to do his job and I do believe Arthur Blank has learned his lesson. TD has been in a winning environment and I don’t think he will settle for anything less here.
I think Smitty will do a good job also. Why? Because he has something our other head coaches didn’t….HUMILITY
I may be crticised for this but do you know who I’d have as my QB going into the season?….I know you wouldn’t guess it….Redman..he’s my choice. Why? He has a quick release and all he needs is an offensive line and protection to give him enough time to release that ball. My guess is we’ll pick up another QB but I’ll say it now, I don’t think it is an urgent position of need. I think everybody is getting carried away, including Mel Kiper and all the other analysts, abut how desperate we are for a QB. The reason for that is simple…if a QB does not get the protection then he will not be able to throw accurately. See what happened to Tom Brady in the “Bowl”? Any QB with no time to throw will not be successful in this league no matter who he is. That is what affected all our QB’s last year regardless of who we started. However, Redman was very impressive when given time. I think Tom & Mike will address the O Line in this draft and we will improve by at least 3 games easily.
I think we’ll be a much better team this year in every facet of the game. I like the approach by this management. No fanfare, no splash…it’s all about building a solid base and this management has made a very good start….You can see the New England signature all over this approach…..all about value!!!
Go Falcons!!!
Nuff Respect!!!!
By bigolcalidawg
April 14, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
I must admit that Coach Smith comes off as a genuine teacher of football. Hopefully, he will maintain an unassuming, clear-eyed vision that only a new coach (aka on the field football consultant) can provide.
It also appears as if both he and Dimitroff share this non-political, unbiased vision of the team.
I would like to see us draft DL, OL, and DB, with our 1st 3 picks. We can reach for another QB later. See Dennis Dixon, or Erik Ainge.
By Ron Roberts
April 14, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Larry, your statements went a little too far, when comparing men to a certain primate. Adolph Hitler did it in the 1930s and we all know how nuts he was.
BB, CS is right. It’s time to start rooting for a team and stop rooting for skin tones.
I’m a proud Georgia Bulldog, and I’d be the first to admit what a wonderful, Hollywood-like script it would be for a guy like ‘Shock’ to battle against all the odds he has in college and early in the pros to become our starting QB. But the reality is, he’s played not one NFL game, and now comes back from a major knee surgery as a former mobile quarterback. I wish him the best, but it’s an uphill climb, nontheless.
And the last guy Atlanta needs to draft is Darren McFadden. With McFadden’s legal woes (in a bar, no less) and questions about the paternity of no less than one, maybe two children being carried by different women, Atlanta’s too big a playground for a guy who seems to enjoy the nightlife and the ladies.
Besides, we just got Turner and have Norwood, as well. RB is not our weak area. Nowhere near it.
By Sly Ty
April 14, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Well falcon fans it has begun, and it has started well. I will only gain confidence with this group if they resist the temptation to draft Matt Ryan. The young man committs to many turnovers, check his college stats. Stay away from Matt Ryan, and gain our trust in your decision making, and I for one will be happy with 6 wins this season. We are not far away but the system changes will take time to adjust to. Good luck birds.
By bigdogap
April 15, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
We’re happy to have Mora in Seattle, where he belongs. Ya’ll didn’t seem to appreciate his coaching prowess in Atlanta. Believe me: We will up here in God’s country.
By leftcoastfan
April 15, 2008 3:12 AM | Link to this
if jake long is gone, draft vernon gholston from OSU. the guy is a game changer, think of the bears and their linebackers, uh huh, draft gholston. dorsey will be a bust, hes fat.
d
By The_Future
April 15, 2008 5:06 AM | Link to this
Forget quarterbacks this year. Smith is the right man for thi job IF the Falcons focus on drafting linemen (off and def) and molding them into maulers and bruisers in the trenches. If we’re gonna be a bruising running-team, we need brutes up front.
Redman can hold down the fort for this year; just let him be a game manager. This year isn’t the year to draft a franchise QB; the cornerstone passers will be coming in the 2009 NFL Draft. Just think about all of the experience, leadership and winners that will are still in Coll Football this year. Falcons just have to be a lil patient and wait for next year’s senior/junior QB cream to rise to the top and draft the best one avaliable to fit our scheme.
KEEP THE FAITH ATLANTA! SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO “DESTROY AND REBUILD” IN ORDER TO GET THE ULTIMATE PRIZES IN LIFE!
GO FALCONS! THE REAL FANS ARE STILL HERE!
By marko
April 15, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this
Losing this year seems a distint possibility. The offensive line will have at least two new starters. Any quarterback the birds select will be a clipboard holder his first year, and it seems that we’re in the market for a new cornerback. I think falcon fans have realistic expectations this year and will be content as long as they see effort and enthusiasm. If things turn out better than most of us expect that’s ok too. Hope for the best after all it does’nt cost any more.
By Larry
April 15, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this
Ron,
The last thing we need is a moral lecture from a liberal like you coupled with your unabashed homosexual tendencies.
Hitler? Absurd! Hitler thought of certain races as predestined to be forever inferior and subservient. Me? When I see a “black” guy whose greatest desire in to run wildly—personally and professionally—donning dreads, giant earrings, speaking like he’s utterly illiterate and with a mouth full of poop, and whose greatest ambition is to mate with anything in his path well, yes, I think of a bunch of undisciplined, smelly, pleasure seeking “apes” swinging through the trees, similar to my thoughts of a fat, smelly, sloppy, gluttonous “pig” when I see a “white” guy acting like a bubba by burping, farting, and stinking up his grassless back yard cooking a carp on his $15 dollar grill!
One thing I am not, like you, Ron, is politically correct on the outside, and probably crawling out of the bed right now with a “bubba” while your wife or girlfriend wonders where you are like your heroes Bill Clinton, Jesse Jackson, or Ted Kennedy!
Ron, did you hear Eric Coleman on the radio yesterday humbly referencing and praising “God” as he spoke? Did you see Mike Smith and his wife and daughter dressed professionally at his news conference? Do you see Michael Turner sporting any 3 carat earrings to impress you and the ladies? No, Ron, these are real men and women who have class, dignity, morals and faith, Ron, unlike you and your degenerate, cancerous, liberal idols who pollute the halls of congress because of insecure, entitlement mentality.
But don’t worry Ron, me and the other real men and women with conviction, morals and guiding principles will still fight for your freedom to express your ignorant voice—not by legislation, as you prefer, but by choice—because we believe in liberty and a republic!
By Ron Roberts
April 15, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
Larry, the more you say, the more you hurt your position and display even more of your ignorance.
Who are you to determine what my political views are? And how dare you presume that those who aren’t liberal (meaning moderates and conservatives) agree with your utterly racist, homophobic and narrow-minded views because they aren’t liberal.
You discredit not only yourself, in the process, but millions of your fellow Americans in the process.
But please, instead of contributing to a football blog with some actual credible and intelligent football dialogue, continue spewing your racist and homophobic ideals, okay? Really… speak in tones parallel to historical whack-jobs like Adolph Hitler, David Duke, the Reverend (that term used loosely on this freak job) Fred Phelps, and any coward donning a white hood while trying to speak up for their “skin tone’s” “plight.” Please, continue embracing such idiocy. It’ll surely strengthen your argument.
Oh, and it really helps when you go the “junior high school” route… you know, calling anybody you disagree with, or who calls you out for being the ignorant white trash you are, a word that rhymes with maggot. Brilliant. When you can’t answer the charge, it’s always a superior debate tactic to just call your detractor a name and/or question his sexuality.
And as the grandson of a veteran of two wars, the nephew of a 30-year army officer who served in the Middle East during the Persian Gulf War, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t try to speak on behalf of the brave men and women who defend our nation. Having lived amongst and befriended countless servicemen and wmen in my lifetim, I assure you, your ignorant point of view doesn’t permeate our armed forces - at all.
I re-read your first post, then read your follow-up, and swear i heard hillbilly banjo music playing in the background. Coincidence? I think not.
Program note: back to football.
By marko
April 15, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Larry, These are the sports pages. For Rush or Neil try your radio. I’m really not trying to provoke a fight I’m just weary of endless debt, endless wars and endless tirades. I’m not a liberal or a conservative, just a regular guy that enjoys the sports pages because they are largely free of your particular brand of nonsense. If you don’t get help at Charter, for God’s sake get help somewhere.
By Slick0ne
April 15, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Damn, Ron!! That was some intellectual fire.
I agree with some posters on here that we do not need to draft a QB high in the draft. We need to build from the inside out. The game is won in the trenches gentlemen. We need safe solid picks. If we take any QB that high that will eat up a lot of cap space and he could potentially become a bust.
I’m not convinced that TD and Coach Smith are sold on Ryan and here is my reasoning for that thought:
We are supposed to be incorporating a smash mouth style offense which usually is complemented by a vertical passing game off of some play action. Matt Ryan threw 19 interceptions last year and 14 of them were on the deep/vertical routes. This happened not because the DB’s were such great defenders but, because his deep ball sails on him allowing defenders to make a play on the ball. How do you think this will translate to the NFL? The DB’s in the professional ranks are obviously more skilled at there positions and will eat Ryan alive on deep throws. If I can see this with my own analysis I’m more than 100% sure that TD and Coach Smith (who knows a lot more about football than me) see’s the same thing.
If Jake Long or Glen Dorsey is gone by the time we have to pull the trigger, I see us trading down.
By marko
April 15, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Ron,
Oh my! Love the photo!
I can handle all the gumballs you can offer, girlfriend!
Kisses!
By Dmurphy
April 15, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Hey fellas, big Jags fan so I’ve followed Smithy for a couple years. Couldn’t ask for a classier or more capable guy. Remember that two seasons ago he turned an injury ridden crowd into the leagues #2 defence.
Look for him to draft a lineman. No question. The QB crop isn’t great this year. Ryan just doesn’t have the arm. Wouldn’t be surprised with taking Henne in the second round, he’ll be there and I think might end up being the steal of the draft.
By willdave
April 15, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Don’t worry, Coach Smith. You will see plenty of sweat from your Falcons when preseason camp starts in the July heat.
By m.blondin
April 15, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
The only thing the falcoons will be “on the top” is the draft board…Mora was our only hope.Now seattle’s got him….Atlanta is again a LOSER
By athdawg
April 15, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
you guys need to get a hobby or something. loging onto the sports pages to post your political/social rants…sad indeed. this is a football blog so…..Shock has demonstrated a great arm, and HAD above average mobility. Will he still? Time will tell, but either way he has no experience and while it would help sell tickets locally, he’s climbing Mt Everest. McFadden? Are you kidding? We just signed a big money running back, have a great complimentary back in Norwood on the bench with even better speed, and you think we need McFadden with all of the other holes we have? Go back to Phillips and watch the Hawks get swept in the playoffs, you know NOTHING about football. Incidentally, Smitty might just do allright. No more fancy ‘west coast’ or spread offenses. Just run the ball and stop the run. Worked for Lombardi, worked for Shula and it worked for Coughlin.
By toshie
April 15, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
I like UGA as well as anyone, but let’s get real about a QB. Shockley is not the answer. I also think we are ok in the RB position. Don’t forget we got the fullback that can run the ball and catch also. We need big boys on both sides of the lines. Go for the weight and speed in those positions and I think we will be ok. We can get a QB in the later rounds that will probably work out as well as Ryan.
By toshie
April 15, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
I agree with some of you. I think Redman with a better OL and more playing time will make a good QB. He has a quick release and is accurate. He will work out fine for now. We need to put priority on the weak spots as the OL, DL. and CB. I even think we are not great, but ok with the receivers with an accurate QB that get ball out of his hands and not get happy feet like Harrington.
By Ryder
April 15, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
I have a feeling that both Long and Dorsey will be gone by the time it’s Atlanta’s turn to draft. Gholston will be just fine or if not, trade down and get Sedrick Ellis from USC while stocking more picks.
At this rate it looks as if Atlanta will get a QB in the second round. Henne or Woodson would be the way to go, but regardless I like the setup thus far.
Redman will have a better handling of the offense, and with the Turner/ Norwood combo Atlanta will have a true running attack.
By Sir Purr
April 15, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Blank continues to be a pen pal with convicted felon-thug Vick. How would he have liked it if chums wrote love letters to Dr. Mengele down in Brazil? Fakkon franchise is destined to remain forever at the bottom of the dung heap. A stature richly deserved. And, one that cannot be altered by the pimpin’ press or deluded “fans.”
By John
April 15, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Ladies and gentlemen, I’ll be brief. The issue here is not whether we broke a few rules, or took a few liberties with our female party guests - we did. [winks at Dean Wormer] But you can’t hold a whole fraternity responsible for the behavior of a few, sick twisted individuals. For if you do, then shouldn’t we blame the whole fraternity system? And if the whole fraternity system is guilty, then isn’t this an indictment of our educational institutions in general? I put it to you, Greg - isn’t this an indictment of our entire American society? Well, you can do whatever you want to us, but we’re not going to sit here and listen to you badmouth the United States of America. Gentlemen! [Leads the Deltas out of the hearing, all humming the Star-Spangled Banner]
By KJinCton
April 15, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
I’d love for us to get a monster for the OL or DL with the first pick, but if it can be turned into something better, trade it away. Save some $$$ on the cap and maybe give us 2 first rounders instead of 1. Jerry Jones may bite on McFadden and they’re at 22 and 28 in the first. From what i’ve read, for them to move into the 3rd pick, it would take their two first rounders and possibly another player. Sounds good to me.
And forget trying to get a QB now and focus on making it so any QB can look good behind our line. I think I’m sensing this to be the case and I hope no one in management starts pushing for the PR pick… we don’t need flash, we need substance.
By rlinaug
April 15, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
I like the way Mike Smith approaches the game—reminds me a lot of Dan Reeves.
By brandon pease
April 15, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are a joke. Jim Mora Jr. is a great coach. Look at what he did with Seattle’s Pass defense this past year. Next year he gets totake over Head Coach of the Seahawks who, are on of the best frnchises in football this decade. One of only 4 teams to win there division 4 straight years in the last decade. I’d say Mora’s resume speaks for itself. On top of that he hadf to deal with Vick here in Atlanta who is one of the worst passing QB in NFL History.
By kappellmeister
April 15, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Uh, John, are you on the same page/planet we are???
So, I am of the mind of most of you that Matt Ryan isn’t a Peyton in the making, but did you hear Kiper’s comments on Mike and Mike 2day? He has Ryan rated higher than any quarterback in recent years, including Brees, E. Manning and Rivers. Highest rated since Ben What’s-his-burger. I am certainly a big fan, but not arrogant enough to think I know better than Mel Kiper. Anybody seen Ryan play more than two or three games? I mostly just saw him throw away games until stepping up and pulling them out at the end. And as far as the turnovers go, who else did the boy have around him? Nobody gives a dam about college football in New England, and his supporting cast was anything but, it seems.
By LindseySNOT
April 15, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
DJ?? Gimme a break! If the birds do decide to pick Ryan, Shockley’s gone. Unproven in the big league…Green didn’t make it, what makes you think his backup, Shockley could? Sorry but the birds don’t need dawgs…or hawgs for that matter. Let the front office do their jobs for a change.
By kappellmeister
April 15, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
As big of a Dawgs fan as I am, the Falcons drafted Shockley because of his athletic similarity to our starting quarterback at the time, MV, hoping that in the event MV went down (I just cannot bear to even write out his name) there would not be such a huge difference in play-calling and protection schemes. I love Shock, and hope I am wrong, but …
By Ron Roberts
April 15, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
rlinaug Ironic, isn’t it?
In fact, I’d go so far as to say that if the same Dimitroff were calling the shots with a Dan Reeves 15-20 years younger out there for the taking…
…he’d have hired him.
By Regal1_Got 1
April 15, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Good afternoon.
It’s good to see the falcon family together again, arguing about why and why not’s of drafting certain individuals. Personally, I hope that Turner does not get injured before the season starts or we may regret passing on Darren. Stat examiners say dont draft Matt Ryan because of 18 picks. Some argue that Dorseys injury may never fully heal and playing at a light 295 pounds may not be conducive to what we need out of an interior defensive lineman. Some will argue that we gave up a starting probowl cornerback so we need to replace that position with a high draft pick.
Personally, I think our first pick needs to be parlayed to the highest bidder. If that is not in the works then I would not oppose the falcons picking Dorsey, Ryan or Gholston. Dorsey reminds me of Rod Coleman with his ability of being disruptive. I am not concerned with his weight but I am slightly concerned with his injury. Will it ever fully heal? Ryan did have 18 picks, no denying that, however, Ryan has the stature you would like a pro qb to have with his 6’5 frame. He can also throw on the run with good accuracy. What I like best though is his feet. He has very sweet feet. Like Peyton Manning, a qb that I half heartedly like coming out of Tennessee, Ryan has very seet feet which can buy him pocket time. Mechanics, accuracy and trusting your route runner can be taught on the pro level but sweet feet is something you have or dont. As for Gholston, I am a big buckeye fan and so it goes to say that I have seen this kid play a lot. He can be a very productive player on this level. A defensive rookie of the year candidate. With Abraham aging and the lack of production from J Anderson, Gholston could replace the aging veteran or be used in rotation this year to eventually replace either end. Versatile enough to take his hand out the dirt and play outside linebacker.
Going back to my first desire though, if Dorsey is gone in the first two picks, I am not sold on Long enough or Ryan enough to stay in the 3 slot. An ideal situation would be to move down to the 6 slot to get Gholston, Ellis or Ryan who may slip to that position considering the Jets may use the 3 slot to get McFadden. I wouldnt oppose reaching to get the offensive tackle out of Virginia who I personally think is equal maybe slightly better than Long. I think Long just got more notoriety than Albert(temporarily forgot his name)by playing for Michigan.
P.S., Some want Dallas to want McFadden enough to trade to the 3 spot….. I am not so sure I want those picks in a weak draft like this years draft appears.
Dont you just love family gatherings?!!!
By Da Troof
April 15, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
No national tv for buzzards. No prime time. The NFL doesn’t even want the franchise to screw up 4:15 slot. IOW, hide this wretched franchise as much as possible. OTOH, the Steelers play FIVE night games. The maximum. Spin on that, media-w******* and goofball fans.
By Workinlkeadawg
April 15, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Hey Nookah- Your dead right. ATL wil improve by employing the KISS philosophy. Don’t look for splash, I think Dorsey might be a reach the way the OL has no impact guys i.e. Abraham,etc to start with. Clady or someone else will be the 1st Falcon pick so what if they trade down. Give Dorsey to someone else who can stand for their 1st rd. pick to be overhyped or blow out a knee. The Falcons need 2 OL with their first 2 picks.
By steeler fan
April 15, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
As a lifetime Steeler fan growing up in the ’70s, this is the first time that I have had any interest in the Falcons since I moved here in 1999. The team finally appears to be moving in the right direction. Don’t expect instant results..Chuck Noll won one game his first year.
By Mudcat
April 15, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Redman is our QB-support him! !st rd-Chris long DE, 2nd rd-Sam Baker OT USC, Antoine Cason CB Ari, Tavares Gooden OLB Miami, 3rd rd Carl Nicks OT Neb. We can’t rebuild in one season, but these players would be a tremendous core for the team in just 1 draft!
By The Ole Ball Coach
April 15, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Support this Coach, GM and Team. I like the common sense decision making. “Bout Time” Go Falcons
By John
April 15, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Whose gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinburg? I have more responsibility here than you could possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago, and you curse the marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. That Santiago’s death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And that my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. I know deep down in places you dont talk about at parties, you don’t want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then question the manner in which I provide it. I prefer you said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand to post. Either way, I don’t give a damn what you think you are entitled to!
By WILL
April 15, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
WHO CARES
By fox noise
April 15, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Vick come back tour 2009 in the ATL say over 50%+ of the season ticket holders! If we pay he will play and we will pay with 70k in the dome full house watch!
By Mr. Seahawk
April 15, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
BIG mistake in letting Jim Mora Jr. go. Thank you on behalf of the Seahawk nation! Smug? Whatever. The guy is a winner, if unwise in comments to radio stations. Go Seahawks!
By Mark Bradley
April 15, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
In the interest of full disclosure, I must report that at this time a year ago I was enthused about the potential of Vick running Petrino’s offense. As we know, Vick never took a snap, and Petrino was gone after 13 games. I don’t know what will happen with the Dimitroff/Smith pairing, but I have to believe it’s here for the long(er) haul. And that can’t be a bad thing, can it?
By Joebrave
April 15, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Shut up about that Primate Fool Mike Vick!!!!!!!
By Nighthawk2
April 16, 2008 2:52 AM | Link to this
And when the Falcons suck again this year, how are you going to blame? Mora is two years gone and got fired because he couldn’t make a dog fighting/killing quarterback who is a great halfback but sucks as a quarterback into an NFL quarterback. And because he made a joke on the radio with a Seattle sports station. He got you a playoff win, on the road, which is something that has’t happened to the Falcons since Moby Dick as a minnow. Then you hire Petrino. Did you clowns not do some kind of check on his history. Your organization will throw Smith to wolves when he can’t win with this crappy team too.
By bigeasy830
April 16, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Mark that Marion Campbell reference was great. I am not worried about Smith though. I think he has a great idea about the big picture. I think he and the GM are on the same and right page, but we will know for sure on Draft day. From all indications we will be drafting linemen both defense and offense. Which is not the sexy picks but the right picks for a team that is rebuilding. The next Franchise QB or next great RB or WR comes out every year. But, successful teams build their lines first. Football games on all levels from Pee Wee to the NFL is won in the trenches. So take your lumps for a year or two falcon fans and lets build a great franchise. To do this we must first create that winning attitude, we need to quit saying “It’s the Falcons so what do you expect”. We need to start to see the big picture in developing a winning franchise so in a couple of years we will be saying, “It’s the falcons and we expect to win”. Say what you may about my beloved Bulldogs and the Bulldog nation, we may have unrealistic expectations every year, (except this year…GO UGA) but that is the same attitude we must develop about the falcons and to do that we have to build the franchise the right way. Thats drafting, big, strong, quick and high character linemen, the your skill people will shine.
P.S. Mike Vick was set up by the MAN, the Establishment, The Powers That Be to distract us on the rising cost of gas. It’s a CONspiracy. HAHAHHAHAHA….Im just joking… or am I.
Disclaimer References to the Man, and the Establishment has no racial meaning at all. The only color that matters in this country is MONEY GREEN. MLK’s war on poverty would have benefitted all races.
Holla if you hear me, Say Amen if you fell me.
By Bias sport media need help
April 16, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
slow brave have you bought you season ticket yet? All the hell you been raiseing you must be a season!
By eswhite
April 16, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Today Chad Johnson demanded a trade from the Bengals. We got a lot a picks , maybe a package could be put together to score him. Draft Jake Long, maybe Flaco or Brahm, might be a nice squad before long.