This blog has moved! Yes, already!
As of Thursday, Feb. 12, this little blog has relocated to a new home on AJC.com. It’s the same newspaper, the same Web site and the same writer (feel free to groan) — there’s just a new URL.
New features: Bigger type, more graphics, comments that load 10 times faster and a larger and more recent photo that makes me look pretty doggone old. I think you’ll like it (the blog, not the photo). But I am, as we know too well, often wrong.
Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > September > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMilloy veteran force in Falcons secondary
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The thinking man’s safety was having disquieting thoughts. How, Lawyer Milloy wondered, was he supposed to shepherd a secondary that had shed its most gifted player and was being overrun by kids?
“That was a concern of mine,” Milloy said, recalling the days before training camp. “With all the youth we had, why didn’t we go out and get a veteran? … It was a little bit of a concern for me personally, dealing with very youthful cornerbacks.”
And now, coming off a preseason in which the Falcons yielded no touchdowns via air and saw opponents complete only 46.6 percent of their passes?
Said Milloy, smiling: “I’m looking forward to going into battle with them.”
The defensive backfield is in pronounced flux. Starting corners Brent Grimes and Chris Houston are second-year men; nickel back Chevis Jackson is a rookie. And DeAngelo Hall, who was both Pro Bowler and polarizing presence, was dispatched to Oakland in the spring.
Is Hall’s absence a case of addition by subtraction? “I’m not going to spend too much time talking about last year,” Milloy said. “DeAngelo is a special talent, and [even] with everything he did I know he’s a good person. Did he go about everything the right way? I can’t agree with that.”
What Milloy can endorse is the way the young corners have conducted themselves. “It was very important for them to show up in the offseason, and then to progress the way we did in the preseason,” he said.
Houston and Grimes and Jackson aren’t just running around out there, relying on speed and instinct. Said Milloy: “Once you learn the scheme, you get into nuances. That’s the level they’re on now.”
That’s a heartening sign. Here’s another: On Tuesday, the Falcons added cornerback Domonique Foxworth and safety Jamaal Fudge — two veterans. And that’s why, if you happen to encounter Mr. Milloy, you’ll find a true rarity in our litigious society.
A happy Lawyer.
Permalink | Comments (36) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons/NFL
Services »
Comments
By Boo Boo
September 5, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
Lawyer is a good man and player. He kept Deangelo from quitting last year. The Falcons proved you can win playing people like 3’8” Rick Byas at cornerback. Its all about spirit. Lawyer has spirit.
By RA
September 5, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
What the deuce? Why, that post was almost hopeful. Okay, what happened to Mark Bradley? Now granted, he’s difficult, overly critical, and, at times, an instigator. All that having been said, I want to send an honest plea out to the person that kidnapped Mr. Bradley and posted this article. Please give him back. I’m sure that he has a wife and family, or maybe a friend. Okay, he may have a cat that misses him dearly. In any case, this is not the way to go about things. Please return Mr. Bradley!
By falcons 82
September 5, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
do not leave lawyer after this year. we n eed you. please resign with the falcons
By TheJama
September 5, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
I really like the quickness of Grimes. Even if he doesn’t deflect the pass he always seems to be in the Wideouts hip pocket for the immediate tackle. Yards after catch is what kills a secondary and if Grimes and Houston can prevent that we will be alright. Although this weekend the Lions have got two pretty special wideouts especially CJ, he is just a beast!!
By joe white
September 5, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Our secondary is young and in this preseason they looked like they have been playing together for years. We finally have a free saftey in coleman, we know what the “Law” can do. But my hats off the the coaching staff and the players.We looked really good on defense, now I hope that can happen each and every sunday.Our corners will be tested all year long,but I feel that they will up to the task. GO FALCONS
By joe white
September 5, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Our secondary is young and in this preseason they looked like they have been playing together for years. We finally have a free saftey in coleman, we know what the “Law” can do. But my hats off the the coaching staff and the players.We looked really good on defense, now I hope that can happen each and every sunday.Our corners will be tested all year long,but I feel that they will up to the task. GO FALCONS
By joe white
September 5, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Our secondary is young and in this preseason they looked like they have been playing together for years. We finally have a free saftey in coleman, we know what the “Law” can do. But my hats off the the coaching staff and the players.We looked really good on defense, now I hope that can happen each and every sunday.Our corners will be tested all year long,but I feel that they will up to the task. GO FALCONS
By Mark Bradley
September 5, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
I believe the defense will, in the grand scheme, be pretty good. Still some questions — young corners, a rookie middle linebacker, Jamaal Anderson — but this is a defensive-minded staff, and these coaches are sharp.
By Astro Joe
September 5, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Mike Smith needs to offer Milloy an assistant coaching position when he decides to retire. And let’s not sleep on Erik Coleman. He is NOT a newbie… he’s a vet, smart and knows how to play the game. The secondary will go thru some serious growing pains, but I like the potential of our 4 CBs… Houston, Jackson, Grimes and Foxworth.
By nique
September 5, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
I like the ways the secondary has played, especially if Grims can begin to start catching those balls that he makes the plays on but can’t seem 2 come up with the picks on. But hey, the saying is that’s why their corners instead of receivers! But i was wondering, did we bring in Foxworth simply for depth, or are they planing on him taking someone’s job & if so, who’s?
By Cairo
September 5, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
I want everyone to please watch HIGHWAY 56 and watch him get EXPOSED for what he is… A pile jumper and 10 yard down the field tackler. No excuses this year since he is in his “natural” position.
By Fansince73
September 5, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Great article Mark. Thanks!
By Mark Bradley
September 5, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Don’t know how great it was, Fansince73. But you’re welcome. And thanks to you.
By RaySkee
September 5, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
I agree with you Cairo, Hwy 56 needs to keep his road on the map, or the Falcons need to find a new road to travel for execution and victories. If our corners past this test Sunday, I really believe we’ll be someone to reckon with this year!
By reality check
September 5, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
hey cairo, the fries are ready and there is another car in the drive thru……….
By saint
September 6, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
As Tony Dungy, in his book, says: its the rush of the defensive line that hurries the QB, that enables the DBs to look good. cover-2 or man-to-man, we can do it.
By FanATicaL
September 6, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
I feel that every move this off season has been very calculated.Alot different than years past.Everything from moving Jamal Anderson inside to tackle.To the acqusition of Foxworth and Fudge.Releasing all of those bad contracts,a great draft.Letting Harrington go and keeping DJ.Keeping Snelling who clearly earned his spot on the roster.The great play calling in the preseason games(MMalarky) From top to bottom gives you a sense of where this organization is going.To a place where this organization has not gone before.Consistency year in and year out.Back to back to back winning seasons.And it all starts this Sunday. Go Falcons
By This Gets Old
September 6, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
I can’t see it because I have this nasty habit of looking at the facts. We get no pass rush, none, nada, nichts. We were next to last in ‘07 in sacks. In addition Denver let Foxworth go because they claimed a DB off waivers from the Titans.
I’m as big of a Falcon fan as anyone but until and unless Jamaal or somebody else can step up to help Abe (assuming he can stay on the field) can improve that much after one draft.
By matty mose
September 6, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
Do you honestly see the falcons having a solid defense Mr. Bradley? Top 15? Top 10? I like to be optimistic but it can be hard with these falcons.
By The Grinch
September 6, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this
This gets old (I promise posting after you is purely a coincidence. I haven’t been waiting for you; quite the contrary) , taking the stats from a defense that had 7 different starters out of 11 and a VASTLY less talented coaching staff in order to be able to spin things downward strikes me as the kind of thing someone who’s crying for help does. If you don’t get it at Charter, get it somewhere. They’ve made great advancements in anti-depression medication since the 80’s. As fellow “fans,” we’re here to help a brother out. Stay strong; the phone calls from the b*** ex and the alimony payments will eventually cease, and you can go back to a normal life.
No, the D probably won’t be better than middle of the pack at best after one draft, despite all the positive signs (nor did they or anyone else ever say they would be). And Ryan will probably throw an interception or two as he adjusts to the speed of the NFL. Hell, we might even have to wait a couple of seasons before we’re ready for the playoffs (the sight of which at ANY point in the future would be an improvement, and no more than was asked or promised). But it’s still kinda fun to watch football anyway, isn’t it? I know I like it, anyway. You should try it too, without beaning the dog with an empty whiskey bottle every time the other team scores.
Denver let Foxworth go because they have two pro-bowl Corners and a messed up salary cap and can’t afford to pay him what he’s worth to play nickel. Nice try, though; I’m sure some of us who don’t read football articles were busy tying their bedsheets in nooses and you almost had ‘em jumping.
By TROTTINGHOMETUDD
September 6, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this
One out of ten articles with original thought and empathetic tone is not enough to put you in a prestigious writing circle. However, I WON’T BOYCOTT YOU AS I HAVE UNCLE TOM(terence)MOORE.
INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM
By Billy
September 6, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
I hope Milloy stays with the Falcons after this year, too.
By Mark Bradley
September 6, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Better coaches equal better defense. At issue is whether the offense can hog the ball enough to keep this defense off the field.
By arrf
September 6, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Come on now, you are drinking the pre-season Kool-aid. Using your logic the Patriots are in a world of trouble but the Falcons are ahead of the game since they had better pre-season stats. The Lions have 3 of the best receivers in the NFL. Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson and Mike Furrey are going to eat this old/inexperienced secondary up.
By Myrtle Beach
September 6, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
“Reality Check” & “The Grinch” thank you I can’t quit laughing and the bottom line is there is no way but up after last season. So i can not wait for tomorrow to get here, GO Falcons!
By arrf
September 6, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
One more thing, kudos to you Mark Bradley you made it through an entire column about the Falcons and didn’t mention a certain number 7 one time.
By Chazz
September 6, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Great comment “happy lawyer” who pleads his client guilty of being good.
By gdg73
September 6, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
I agree with Cairo and RaySkee. Our Pro Bowl WLB better make some plays tomorrow and I mean some “$5million a year game changing plays” and not the classic “drag me down the field” tackles we have grown accustomed to. I’m sick of this “playing in his natural position” ish.
By Mark Bradley
September 6, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
You know, try as I might, I couldn’t figure a way to work Vick’s name into a column about the defensive backfield.
And here’s a heads-up: I’ve written another mini-column for Sunday’s paper. It’s about the special teams. Vick’s name isn’t in that, one.
By ShanghaiATL
September 6, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Lawyers are not necessarily all unhappy, Mark. Just the ones who stay lawyers. The ones who finally quit and open Ben & Jerry’s shops or write novels—they’re sometimes happy.
By Mark Bradley
September 6, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
I almost was a lawyer. Got accepted to law school and everything. Just decided not to go. Decided to try the lucrative and rewarding field of journalism.
By Ryder
September 6, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Mark, I think this was a well thought out and prepared column. Honestly, though, I think there are a lot of people who would love the Falcons, being that this is a football town, but the fact remains that until Atlanta actually shows signs of progress the support just won’t be there. I mean when it gets to the point where making the playoffs is no longer a surprise and instead it’s the norm.
That said, I believe that as of now the Falcons offense is ahead of the defense. Matt Ryan, Micheal Turner, and Roddy White know exactly what they need to do, and Mularkey has set up what I believe will be an effective gameplan.
However it’s the defense that worries me. No continuity in the secondary, and the line (outside of Abraham) looks very weak.
I don’t expect for the Falcons to perfect everything in this first year of the Smith regime. I think with two more drafts they will finally be complete.
By reality check
September 6, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Cairo..gdg73..the only highway I know of is the one to your mama’s bedroom…talk about being drug down field 10 yards…lol…lol
By welikebaseball2
September 6, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
I’m more excited about the defense than anything else. Outside of Turner & Norwood, there’s no one on offense that excites me right now. I am, however, amped to see Grimes, Houston, & Lofton alongside the vets Milloy & Boley!
Also, I’ve got to say that, as a lifelong Falcon fan, it’s frustrating to hear this talk of, “It may be a rough next couple of years, but give the new regime time…they’ll turn this thing around. They’re establishing a system that’ll make us winners in the long term, for a long time.” Well…
Anyone notice how long we’ve been saying that? When Mora took over, we waited it out. Then came the Petrino act & folks we’re saying, “There’s a new sheriff in town. Give him a couple of years, he’ll get this thing turned around.” Now we’ve got Smith & I’m hearing the same thing.
Okay, my point is this: When do we (Falcons fans) get to a point that we demand a winning team NOW? It seems that as long as Blank/McKay keep bringing in new coaches to install “new systems,” it gives them a free pass for yet another 2 years of sub-500 football.
As a lifelong Falcons fan, I must say that I’m tired of waiting on “new systems” to be installed. I can’t take another 2 losing seasons. Think the folks in NY or Dallas would support an endless “rebuilding process?” If we don’t demand more, we won’t get more!
By Gumbo
September 6, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Great Job, Mark - ignore the unwashed - you’re a pretty good sportswriter…….
By Mark Bradley
September 6, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Gumbo.
And it’s hard to demand a winning team this minute if you’re always working with a new coach. That’s why the Mora decision was such a tough call. It seemed he’d reached the point of diminishing returns, but once you decide to change coaches you have to know you’re essentially starting over.