Mark Bradley

By southern hope

January 5, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this

Oh, I guess it’s good to have columns like this….what should we do next year? who should we keep? go after? advice for Dimitroff?

But is anybody else out there still heartbroken? I am….bummer. I completely & totally did not want this season to be over. I was looking forward to next weekend! Geez, I was all but planning a Super Bowl party at my house. It was going to be my January happiness. Yes, yes, move on. But I’m just not ready yet.

By Steve

January 5, 2009 6:12 PM | Link to this

I agree. Our O line did super this year and our core offense is prety much set. We do need secondary players. Our D needs PLAYMAKERS. I was quite dissapointed with Saturday’s game and felt that this team was better than how they performed(they are) but maybe they just weren’t ready for the playoffs. Next year will hopefully bring us deeper into the post-season. Kudos to this TEAM and ORGANIZATION for giving the fans such a great year. They should be proud of themselves despite the ealy exit in the playoffs.

By NV FALCON FAN

January 5, 2009 6:14 PM | Link to this

draft a ballhawking strong safety to learn from milloy 1st round draft linebacker weakside
get a monster DE opposite abraham and good threat at TE

By DirtyDingusMcGhee

January 5, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this

First! I think the Falcons should stick with their original plan…build from the line out. If you can rattle the QB and get pressure with a 4 man rush, the DBs issues become less noticeable.

By Drew

January 5, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this

Taylor F’in MAYS

By J Rich

January 5, 2009 6:17 PM | Link to this

I’m curious to see if Dimitfoff will look for a big name “A” type player in free agency or add strong “B” players similar to the Bill Parcells way of thinking…. players that are versatile or players that play one role well on Defense. We need more speed and toughness on the D side of the ball. I think the O-line can use some depth as well. A TE is a need.

By T-Bone

January 5, 2009 6:25 PM | Link to this

The cool thing is that except for a few stupid plays (missed assignments and turnovers), we’re playing next weekend. Certainly the schedule will be tougher next year, but that’s the NFL. The future for the Falcons is bright. This team is way, way ahead of schedule.

Let’s hope that Dimitroff will end up being what John Scheurholz was for the Braves in the 90s.

By baracked the vote!

January 5, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this

yes, the falcons need playmakers on defense and seem to lack speed especially at the linebacker position. but, i am not crazy about the D-coordinator, VanGorder. the falcons rarely put pressure on the quarterback with the 4 man rush and the schemes and blitzes seem rather pedestrian when compared with Ryan’s in baltimore. also, I HATE the 3-man rush which was employed when Warner ran for a critical first down on the last touchdown drive by the cardinals.
I understand the importance of the tackle, but I think they are more important against the run than the pass and the falcon pass defense is very suspect. I am amazed the team ranked lower against the run then the pass. Sloppy tackling killed the run defense on Saturday. A final thought, next year’s schedule looks really tough. Remember, this is a team that has NEVER had back to back winning seasons

By The Anti-Vick

January 5, 2009 6:32 PM | Link to this

Just no cornerbacks (or any other players) from VA Tech…

By Jason

January 5, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this

I was very dissipointed at the way the D played this weekend. They defenitley need playmakers on their side, and I am not sold on VanGorder. He is a bum, he ran the rich Georgia Southern football program into the ground and then spurned them after one year. He hasnt been at one job for more than 1 year, okay he was with the falcons last year but he also left to be the D-Coordinator at South Carolina and left that job after 1 week!!! Fire the bum and lets get a real genius as a D-Coordinator

By cris

January 5, 2009 6:35 PM | Link to this

i would say demote jamaal anderson and rotate him in abrahams spot and look for a better de but not in the first round. the cb’s are ok but are on the short side but the safeties gotta go. i like milloy but we need speed. milloy and brooking have had good seasons but are slow now. if they dont take a pay cut or demotion then cut them. sentamental stuff is out the window wen u blow coverages in big games thats “rookie mistakes” and they are well seasoned vets. improve the secondary big mistake in lettin crumpler go but we gotta get a better TE cuz thats the qb best friend and and also the RB’s best friend. thats it. the team is set. oh one more thing to fix is the play calling. for the second time this season they didnt go for a fourth and 1 in a key moment and it cost them the game. honestly jerious norwood would have had that first down and we would be playing this weekend. they gotta take chances and stay in attack mode. ryan norwood turner white abraham all deserve raises.

By JerseyFalcon

January 5, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this

How much is Boley asking for next year? I don’t think they should let him go..it’s called depth, which the falcons didn’t have this year. WEhat about Grady being back? The first pick should either be Cody, or a corner who slips…davis, maybe? Keep clabo, and dahl..they’re nasty and that’s what the falcons need.

By JerseyFalcon

January 5, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this

How much is Boley asking for next year? I don’t think they should let him go..it’s called depth, which the falcons didn’t have this year. WEhat about Grady being back? The first pick should either be Cody, or a corner who slips…davis, maybe? Keep clabo, and dahl..they’re nasty and that’s what the falcons need.

By Falcon Through

January 5, 2009 6:45 PM | Link to this

Man alive I hate talking about next year, but all but a few teams are. I didn’t expect to have the year many pundits thought we would, but by no means did I think we were going to do what we did. This is part of the process. But the process has been injected with Steroids! Oh yes, I am sick of hearing the “process” word myself but it is what it is. Great Job to Dimitroff, Smith, & Co!

I do not think that this is a repeat of the past like the “should have done Mora” teams of the past. Dimitroff & Smith are true football people who have taken a completely devestated franchise to the brink of greatness in one year. Unlike Mora who inherited a very good football team from a very great football coach and GM in Dan Reeves and did what any mediocre coach would do with their Star Quarterback coming back from injury. Mora’s gimmick offence worked one year and then the league caught on.

Blank is a businessman who was new to this business and looked to make a splash immediately and failed. He has caught on though and has done what any good business man does and has established a business like team with business like people running it. (ie: the Patriots) No splash, just people who know how to get the most bank for their buck and are able to motivate everyone around them to do their best and to give their all!

I am so disappointed that we were ousted in the first round, don’t get me wrong, but I do know that this team will only get better! This is the beginning of a dynasty I am certain! Oh, and we will be watching players and coaches go year after year but we will win consistently b/c we have winners building a machine! As long as Blank (Kraft), Dimitroff (Piolli), and Smith (Belichick with more personality) are leading this team.

By taco slammer

January 5, 2009 6:48 PM | Link to this

Jermaine Phillips is a FA with Tampa Bay. That would be a great place to start when talking of retooling the defense. I’d have at least 6 if not 8 new faces there. Abraham is good when healthy, but his history of injury scares me and should be considered when bringing in new faces.

By Matt

January 5, 2009 6:48 PM | Link to this

Sign HAYNESWORTH OR VANDENBOSCHE? Both unrestricted free agents. Draft a corner in the 1st round and a safety in the second & a TE for a supplemental pick in the second.

By Great Falconi

January 5, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this

The top free agents on the defensive side of the ball are Haynesworth, Asomugha, Suggs, Dansby, Peppers, and Gamble.

There isn’t much in the way of top talent at S or CB, so if Dimitroff has the go-ahead to pursue Asomugha, he should. Asomugha is a shutdown corner who has size (6’2”, 210) and age (27) on his side.

I’d also look at Julius Peppers. He’s younger than Abe and could take a lot of pressure off of him.

I think most of the work will be done in the draft, though.

By matt r

January 5, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark, I will play copy editor for a second…

“That’s the Patriots Way — lop a guy a year too soon, as opposed to a year too late — and Dimitroff learned in it New England.”

By brAves Sucios

January 5, 2009 6:59 PM | Link to this

Baracked: EXACTLY! that’s the record i think we need to focus on breaking next season, the rest will follow.

By SHOTYME

January 5, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this

First of all Brooking has to go.If the Falcons could get one of these big name free agent defensive players, such as a Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Albert Haynesworth, or the cornerback from oakland, pick up a tight end in the draft and a bigtime DE. We will be competing for years to come. Im still hurting but cant wait for free agengy, this just makes you look forward to next season even more. GO FALCONS

By Oh Carolina

January 5, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this

Too bad for your loss. We were hoping we would be able to play you instead of the Cards. Guess we’ll have our hands full now.

By Bozo

January 5, 2009 7:08 PM | Link to this

They need to concentrate on the D, but how about Norwood for trade bait and sign Sproles. He is electric, I like Norwood he just seems to tip toe to much and takes a while getting into 2nd gear.

By Mark Bradley

January 5, 2009 7:08 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Matt. Noted and corrected.

By billybk1

January 5, 2009 7:13 PM | Link to this

The cold reality is the Falcons will never win a Super Bowl, let alone have a decent shot at even winning the NFC champainship without getting bigger, tougher and more opportunistic on defense. Nobody fears the Atlanta defense and with good reason. We had one of the lowest ranked defenses in the playoffs. I watched and marveled yesterday, at the Baltimore defense as it squashed Miami, on the road. The Ravens D basically imposed their will for much of the game and never let Miami get comfortable running it’s offense. It’s true, defenses win championships and I would like to see the Falcon’s devote some serious resources, in this off season, for impact players (draft/free agency/trades) and new coaches (if need be) to changing the whole philosophy from the bend but don’t break mentality to the, “in your face attack mode”. I look at the defensive schemes of the Ravens, Steelers, Titans & Philidephia’s of the NFL with much admiration and say “Why not us?” In spite of that horrid third quarter we still had a chance to win the game with over 4 minutes left to play, but our defense could not keep the Cardinals from getting first downs and running out the clock so the offense never got another opportunity. Until we can get a solid defense (I’ll take a Ray Lewis & Ed Reed to start) that can give a three and out in the playoff’s when the game is on the line then winning a champianship is just a pipe dream. No matter how good your offense is you can’t score points on the sidelines. It’s been proven time & time again that you win Super Bowls with a top ranked smothering defense that creates turnovers and a capable mistake free offense. That Mike Smith was a defensive coach of the Baltimore Ravens when they won the Super Bowl in 2000 and later the defensive coach of the Jacksonville Jaguers when they had one of the top ranked defenses in the NFL gives me hope that he inimately understands that defense wins championsips and with the help of Thomas Dimitroff will makes the necessary changes to get Atlanta to the next level.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 5, 2009 7:14 PM | Link to this

Much like they do in New England, Dimitroff seems to favor plugging holes via free agency while taking the best talent available in the draft, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see him do that this offseason.

By Chris

January 5, 2009 7:18 PM | Link to this

This year was my first year as a season ticket holder, and boy was I rewarded. Thanks Falcons for a great year!

By savannah dawg

January 5, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this

Yall crack me up!

By falconman

January 5, 2009 7:24 PM | Link to this

I think we should keep Milloy and cut Brooking. Milloy is a leader and great player and Brooking can’t play anymore. Look for an OT or DT in the first 2 rounds and maybe a WR like Massaquoi in the 3rd.

By Alan S

January 5, 2009 7:25 PM | Link to this

i like taylor mays from usc. we need a head hunter out there that wideouts are constantly worrying about. im talking about when steve smith comes on a slant route over the middle and meets taylor mays the crowd goes ohhhh.

By igotxx3

January 5, 2009 7:26 PM | Link to this

draft

draft michael johnson DE ga tech, draft macho harris DB virginia tech convert him to safety, draft asher allen CB georgia

By Bob in SF

January 5, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this

They need LB help badly; when a discard like Coy Wire replaces Michael Boley, a supposed feature player on the D, the LB cupboard is bare. Letting Boley walk, bringing Brooking back as a back-up and signing/drafting new Sam and Will LB’s will go a long way to shoring up the D. Nicholas might be a player but as badly as Brooking was leaking oil the last month of the season if the coaches thought young Stephen was the answer you have to think he would have been playing. The young corners seemed to be in position for the most part this year even if they didn’t always make plays. Bringing Foxworth back should be a priority as well as finding Milloy’s replacement. I saw someone mention Mays as the man but I doubt he will be around at 25 if he goes pro and do they really want to trade up for a guy who might be better suited to play LB in the NFL? Big SS’s aren’t always a can’t miss; look at Roy Williams for the Cowboys, he’s a total liability in coverage and is more known for his dirty play than being a stud all around SS.

By Will

January 5, 2009 7:35 PM | Link to this

Hey, Virginia Falcon fan here. Wow, what a year. Just think what could have been if the Birds would have stopped them on that 3rd and 16. We could have had the ball back with time left. I have to the blame the Defensive Coordinator for not dropping the linebackers in pass coverage. The Falcons were fairly good at stopping 3rd and long all year but couldn’t do it when we really needed. Nevertheless, really looking forward to next year. This team WILL improve.

By Barton

January 5, 2009 7:39 PM | Link to this

Where has loyalty gone in this league. Yes I am mad at Brooking and Milloy for those mistakes they made but they were also the hard-nosed leaders of this young group and Brooking has been a lifetime atlanta falcon. I know what gets success can be the patriots fashion of taking guys and ditching guys, but I don’t like the idea of ditching guys who’ve givin there all and always been around the team because its business as usual. Boley yes. Brooking can retire on his own terms (but not the Brett Favre idea of retiring).

By a

January 5, 2009 7:41 PM | Link to this

The first thing we must do is keep our coaching staff in tact. Then, draft a corner, safety, DE, and linebacker to take Brooking’s spot. Brooking should be let go, bless his heart, but he had a good stint here. GO FALCONS ! Thanks for a great year, but let’s not be real happy with this season.

By GoBigBlue

January 5, 2009 7:52 PM | Link to this

Mark, your article covered the situation completely. The offense will get better due to experience as a team, and playing together creates trust and quicker individual response. The defense is the key to improvement, had they had one, they would have been playing in Charlotte.

By billybk1

January 5, 2009 7:53 PM | Link to this

How about this scenerio unfolding in the coming months……….Michael Vick gets cleared (highly probable) to play football again this Summer and gets traded back to his old coach Jim Mora in Seattle (Holmgrens heir apparent?) for some players and/or draft picks. It would be a win/win/win…..Seattle gets an impact player to help rejuvenate a slumping franchise, Vick gets a fresh start for a coach that is familiar and fond of him and we get some value in return to help improve the team. There is a reason Mr. Blank is holding onto to Vick and it is not to be in a Falcon’s uniform. If we can parlay that into some impact defensive players that would be icing on the cake.

Does that sound too far fetched? The more I think about it the more it makes perfect sense.

By Willie Johnson

January 5, 2009 7:55 PM | Link to this

GET RID OF BROOKINGS..NOW..HE’S A LIABILITY…

By some sense

January 5, 2009 8:08 PM | Link to this

So refreshing…nobody carrrying on about lynching coaches. For that, check out Hawks and, particularly, UGA blogs.

Rednecks.

By saint

January 5, 2009 8:15 PM | Link to this

While we need a DL like the Raven’s, I do not see the OL as set. The OL has not shown me they can consistently open holes for Turner. And Norwood needs to get thru the hole without being touched. I’m not sure if it’s personnel or the blocking scheme, but I’m sure the coaches will figure it out. The Secondary needs an overhaul. More magic, Mr.D, if you please!

By los

January 5, 2009 8:16 PM | Link to this

Winning, starts with what kind of scheme you deploy, right now Atlanta Falcons have no identy. Todays elite teams play with a hybrid players. It’s time to implement a defensive scheme that can create mismatches on all 3 levels on the field.

By Kirk

January 5, 2009 8:20 PM | Link to this

Falcons offseason needs to focus on defense. Oh, you think so, doctor?

By Dan

January 5, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this

Free agents Terrell Suggs DE Ravens Age: 26 Karlos Dansby LB Arizona Age: 27
Sean Jones S Cleveland Browns Age 26

Draft either Terrence Cody of Alabama Weight: 6-5 / 365 or B.J Raji Boston College 6-1/325 in the first round

Draft Domonique Johnson CB Jackson State 2nd round

By gbal

January 5, 2009 8:25 PM | Link to this

Mark -

Come on now…. You are stooping to the level of Shultz and Moore making such a profound statement as this. I mean really crawling out on a limb. You should get a job on NFL Network with such behind the scenes info or analysis as this. No one else in their wildest dreams would see such obvious.

Our Falcons made such progress in a year that not even Moore or Shultz would have or did recognize such opportunity. Come on Mark - Dont stoop to their level of negative reporting when you know the obvious. Did you call one of these guys for a story? So imaginative you must have gotten the tip from one of them.

Great work Falcons.

Go Shultz and Moore… To Detroit.

gbal

By notablessingabusting

January 5, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this

funny how you talk about draft what a dream season but no mention on what a blessing it to be playing cards on the road we really had the blessing playing an overrated team overrated qb and rb did they even play oh yeah they did dockett and dansby could vouch for them falcon flew south for the winter go cards

By Kevin

January 5, 2009 8:52 PM | Link to this

IN DIMITROFF WE TRUST

By D3

January 5, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this

Agree Mark on all points, but examining the argument would say that we get rid of Boley and Brooking, so we should use the first pick on a LB. Our secondary is an issue, but Houston, Foxworth(we should resign him), Chevis Jackson, and Von Hutchins was a starting corner should provide a a young, relatively talent-laden group to mature together.

Move Jamaal Anderson inside for Godsake. Go after Karlos Dansby, Terrell Suggs, or Bart Scott. Draft either a DE or SS in the first round and follow with LB in the second(ton of great LB’s coming out). If we let Milloy, Brooking and Boley go we should have enough money to re-sign Foxworth and go after two of the following via free-agency: DE, SS, or LB.

By Top Cat

January 5, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this

Obviously we need another DE who can get sacks. I know we would have defeated Cards if Abe was healty! Fortunately, Smith is D focused. We need he and Dimitroff to decide between Boley,Brookings,Milloy,corners…who stays/goes. OL could use a little more depth as well. I’m concerned with MR’s play last 4 weeks…but if we can keep coaching staff intact, they will make correction(s). Been a Falcon fan since I was 11 (54 now). Never felt better about the TEAM’s future! GO BIRDS!!!

By MV

January 5, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this

Don’t draft nobody from VT please!!!!!!!!!!!

By Michael in Decatur

January 5, 2009 9:39 PM | Link to this

Jason at 6:33p nailed it regarding BVG. He BENCHED the eventual Walter Payton award winner at GSU! HELLO? And consequently took a play-off roster to an 3-8 record. Arthur Blank deserves better, period.

Also, don’t you folks realize that this year’s schedule was a cup-cake courtesy of a 4-12 record in 07. The 09 schedule will be much tougher and 11-5 would take a bigger miracle than 08.

By Mark Bradley

January 5, 2009 9:55 PM | Link to this

If I might say a word in Dimitroff’s, uh, defense — not that he needs it — he has been on the job 12 months, and he has had one draft. You can’t fix everything in one draft or even two. But by strengthening the offense with Ryan and Turner and Baker, he has given himself the chance to do something similar with the defense this time.

By Stew

January 5, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

John Abraham pulled his typical playoff stunt by showing little effort. He is more worried about being injured and his future paychecks than helping his team win. If he could have he would have chose to sit like he did with the Jets during their playoff’s.

By noteablemissingpunctuation

January 5, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this

funny how i read your entire post and notice you must not have a period or comma key on your keyboard hey dumbarse you might use punctuation when making posts it is much easier to read and makes you not look like a moron you should try it sometime cards suck on the road and will be pummelled by the panthers go falcons

By Jim

January 5, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this

Dimitroff knows what he’s doing and doesn’t need to listen to the know it all d******* (self included) on this blog…God knows I hope he doesn’t! One thing for certain; if he had listened to this scattered bunch the Birds wouldn’t have played this past Saturday…

BTW…didn’t he hire Smith and Draft Ryan….?????

By Traver

January 5, 2009 10:39 PM | Link to this

Jason at 6:33p and Michael in Decatur at 9:30p you are now brotherhood. I am GSU alum. Van Gorder ruined the Eagles and he took away a year of Foster’s career. That is criminal in my book. He completely destroyed what was once the class of 1-AA (with the help of our dumbass AD Sam Baker of course). Yes Tech got hammered by LSU but I think PJ proved that the only thing wrong with the Triple Option is idiots like Baker anc VG who don’t believe in it. I don’t live in the past but I also don’t believe you change something just because you think it needs to change. That is selfish. That offensive should have never left Statesboro. But thats another story. Lets get back to the Falcons.

Van Gorder is terrible. He is a no adjustment making idiot. We were old on defense before he got to Atlanta but even an averqage coach could game plan to stop the run against THE WORST RUN OPFFENSE IN THE NFL. The turnovers hurt us too but you are going to have turnovers in the playoffs with a young QB. Look at the Ravens. The difference between them and the Falcons is an NFL defense being coached by an NFL coordinator. The Ravens have the defense to compensate for Flacco’s mistakes, which he hasn’t made many.

I can’t believe we let BVG into our locker room after what happened with Baby Petrino. They are cut out of the same mold. They are quitters. He is the one mistake Mike Smith made since coming to Atlanta. The only good thing about BVG in Atlanta is that he isn’t in Statesboro.

The defense does need an overhaul and that starts with getting rid of Van Gorder. The Falcons will consistently under achieve until that move is made. In 10 years we will look back and be able to say that the Atlanta Falcons were the best offensive team that never won a playoff game. The Colts saw that a few years ago and woke up and did something about it. They aren’t the best defense in the world now but they do enough to make it work. I wonder how? Oh, of course, they have a good defensive coordinator.

Coach Smith, you are a defensive guy. You know better that this. Time for a mulligan in the Defensive Coordinator department. BVG has got to go. Then we can fire Brooking, Boley, and just about everyone else not named Houston, Abraham, Babineaux, or Foxworth.

By row3

January 5, 2009 10:40 PM | Link to this

Lets make a deal. Put Brooking in the RING OF HONOR next year, if he will go ahead and retire with his pride.

By Mark Bradley

January 5, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this

Just because Brian VanGorder did a bad job at Georgia Southern doesn’t mean he did a bad job for the Falcons. (Or for Georgia, for that matter.)

I can tell you that the Falcons think very highly of their defensive coordinator.

By AFANSORDA

January 5, 2009 11:32 PM | Link to this

Mark what is the rumor around the team moving or releasing vick. Do they plan to get 4th round draft picks for him. Could he be a back up in atl?

By Michael in Decatur

January 5, 2009 11:50 PM | Link to this

Yes of course the Falcons think highly of BVG. He’s currently under contract. Duh! And, as far as X’s and O’s are concerned, he’s probably a 7. But in terms of judgment, integrity, honesty and loyalty, he is a 0.

Again, Arthur Blank deserves better!

By kirkinga

January 5, 2009 11:52 PM | Link to this

The New England method is to win on both sides of the line of scrimmage. This allows them to still win 11 games with Brady.

Dimitroff needs to strengthen both sides of the line, address the secondary and LB’s in that order.The 0-Line was the biggest surprise this season and allowed Ryan time to do his thing. More time=greater accuracy. They still need to upgrade.

If last offseason was to build a foundation, this offseason is to add more to that foundation with long term success in mind.

We all know that the prevailing question going into next season will be can this regime win in successive seasons?

By ATLien

January 6, 2009 12:33 AM | Link to this

Two words….

JULIUS PEPPERS!!!!

By DSGB

January 6, 2009 12:45 AM | Link to this

THE FALCONS NEED TO RACK UP ON THE CORNER BACKS, SAFETIES, AND LINEBACKERS!!!! GET SOMEONE WHO IS BIG, FAST, TALL, AND PHYSICAL!!!

By travis

January 6, 2009 1:09 AM | Link to this

OK CHECK THIS RESIGN MALLOY FOR LEADERSHIP AND REBUILD LINEBACK AND GET ANOTHER CORNER OFFENSE RT AND TE REMEMBER YALL ALL GREAT QUATERBACK HAD TE AIKMAN AND NOVACHECK MONTANA AND CLARK FARVE AND FRANK ELWAY AND SHARPE GET MATT RYAN A TIGHT END

By Matt "Maverick" Ryan Fan

January 6, 2009 1:45 AM | Link to this

OMG..i know im just a Couch Quarterback..but i have to say Taylor Mays from USC is exactly what our D needs. 6’3, 230..pure speed and power at the safety positon. Dont believe me?? type his name in the search portion of youtube. You’ll see….

By P

January 6, 2009 1:48 AM | Link to this

4 God sakes ppl we need DEFENSE we need 2 part ways with Brookings and put Wire in his spot if Boley wants 2 leave let him sign a player like Suggs or Dansby and let Nicolas back him up Houston has 2 get better or they need to release him also we still have Grimes and Irons in that spot or we can Sign the Db from the Raiders Milloy is getting old so if he wants money let someone else pay him I think the young safety Fudge can hit just as hard as he can but has better cover skills we need to move Jamaal inside and sign a big name DE like Peppers or Vandenbosche and keep Bierman he is also a speed rusher that is only gonna get better and as we can see when healthy Abraham is a beast so we need not to worry about him and will someone tell Norwood to stop tipping thru the damn hole and just run he has the potential to be like Sproils if he just run and stop Juking b4 he get in the damn hole

By bigeasy830

January 6, 2009 6:25 AM | Link to this

It is hard to believe but very typical of some of you that you are criticizing Van Gorder. He did a great job with the little talent that the Falcons defense had this past season. If van Gorder is so bad why is it that he was offered the D-Coordinator job by Del Rio and the Jags. Plus, you cannot blame the man for wanting to progress in his chosen profession. The only way the Falcons do not regresws this season is if they improve the D-line with at least one other high quality player and not those low round or 2nd tier free agents that you wrote about and if Michael Turner stays healthy. All those carries this year may take its toll on him. I hope not But many times when a RB runs the ball as much as he did bad things happen the next season. I still say the Flacons should have drafted Glen Dorsey and the Joe Flacco and not traded those 2 second round pics for Sam Baker. Baker would have been there in the second round. His stock had slipped due to history of injuries. Matt Ryan well I would not argue that point that much, but I prefer to build a team from the line and a strong arm QB, Time will tell if the Falcons regress to be…..

The Cleveland Browns of 2009.

By SickandTired

January 6, 2009 6:33 AM | Link to this

Hey Traver, have you ever actually been to a football game or have you just watched on tv all your life? Brian Van Gorder is a great defensive guy you fool. He got by on smoke and mirrors this year. And frankly, I’m tired of hearing him criticized for leaving Georgia Southern. I don’t hear any criticism of Paul Johnson for leaving Southern. Seems to me if it was such a great place, Stateboro would be the second largerst city in the state by now because nobody would leave. Get behind Van Gorder or keep yapping and complaining like a Georgia fan, it’s your choice.

By JohnGTFan

January 6, 2009 6:54 AM | Link to this

1st thing….people really need to stop saying the defensive coordinator is the only or main difference between Atlanta and Baltimore’s defense. Are you kidding? I won’t even begin naming the players. Another thing…don’t put too much faith in some of the big names being thrown around. Do you honestly see Baltimore letting Ray Lewis or Terrell Suggs leave? And as great as Haynesworth is, his character issues will keep him out of Atlanta. I agree with most on here what we need…but those players will not be coming here.

By rfalcons

January 6, 2009 7:06 AM | Link to this

Sam Baker is not a starter. We need veterans OL. Keep Vick as a back up or rotate him in another position. Keep Miloy and release Brooking. Offer Brooking a coaching job. We need to sign the best DL and LB available. Sign 2 LB and 2 OL along with the best available DE.

By Jack

January 6, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this

Let’s not be totally content with the O-line. There’s some age there in spots. And, they sure helped make a crappy Cards defense look like world beaters last week.

By charles1

January 6, 2009 8:18 AM | Link to this

I don’t know what game many of you folks were watching on Saturday, but Foxworth shut down his side. They did not throw over there but two times, and even then he was on the player for short to no gains. With that type of presence, that takes away 25-50% of the passing lane from the QB. Foxworth is a presence and if they don’t sign him, Falsons are the losers. Even when he came here, they had him come in to spell Grimes, not Chevis jackson. Typically, if your nickle is your third best corner, he comes in to spell starting corners. But Foxworth did and that shows his competence. He causes Qbs to change their game plane. If the falcons don’t sign him, they start over again trying to do with a secndary that is ill-prepared and ready to defend. Bringing a rookie first rounder or anyone else, will set them back. Guaranteed, that is Foxworth is not back, the secondary gets smoked next year. Charles1

By Samuel

January 6, 2009 8:36 AM | Link to this

Whatever the GM decides to do I hope he keeps in mind, that the schedule next year will be tougher. I watch the defense all year long and the only player who was consistent was John Abraham. Being that said let’s hope some quality free agents are available. Can we say Suggs and Albert Haynesworth….

By PatrickT

January 6, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this

I hope we don’t ignore an over-rated O-line that was also exposed vs the Cardinals. I’m tired of seeing Turner get hit 2 yards behind the line of scrimmage all day.

I certainly have faith that this staff will get it done.

By Mark Bradley

January 6, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this

The Falcons aren’t totally content with their offensive line. But the line did block well enough to have the league’s second-leading rushing attack, and it kept Matt Ryan from getting traumatized.

By Shane

January 6, 2009 9:16 AM | Link to this

I actually like Foxworth and Chevis Jackson and love Houston. I think we already have a good core of CBs. They do need depth and another CB in the first 4 rounds would provide that and some competition. If Milloy, Brooking and Boley stay or go LB and Safety are weaknesses and need a talent infusion. Big Grady is getting slower and needs to go. This is how I see it: round 1: Pass rushing DE round 2 : Tim Tebow to play H-Back round 3 : traded for Foxworth round 4: CB round 5: Safety round 6 : LB round 7 : Guard

By leland

January 6, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this

Dear Mr. MB—tell Falcons stay focus. And get momentum. Your pal, Leland

By The Fan

January 6, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this

Remember the good old days when faithful, non-moneygrubbing players stayed with a team forever? Todays immature, punkish,greedy ,moneygrabbers care only about the next million they can extort. Thats the reason I told the Falcons ‘take your overpriced children AND tickets and stuff them up your azz!!!!

By Mark Bradley

January 6, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this

Hey, Leland. How are things in Santa Fe?

By Erica-Nicole

January 6, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this

Wrong. Our D is fine. Our O is fine. It’s your P that’s inadequate, Gripper.

Why didn’t Smith adjust to the Card’s obvious game plan? It’s the Cardinal Sin to allow a defensive line to time the rush, and not know how to burn them for it, and burn them good. It makes me sick. We learn that during our sandlot years. Come-on.

Or how about the way the Card’s D were sticking to their gaps? Discipline? No. Supreme Folly? Yes, if you know the notes to sing in response.

I just dont get it. Everyone is congratulating the Falcons for doing better than their preseason ranking. So what. That doesn’t help the pain I feel deep in my stomach and soul. That doesn’t help me when I close my eyes alone in bed at night and can only see Ryan standing there, unable to pass to wide open receivers because the cards were staying in their gaps.

In my delerium at night, I can reach out and grab Smith’s headset and tell the OC what to call just in time and we score a touchdown and we win and the gridiron glory is mine, MINE, ALL MINE…..the gridiron glory should be mine….it’s mine…..mine

mine

By willdave

January 6, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this

You can bet that if Dimitroff and Smitty determine that Brooking, Milloy, Grady, Boley and others need to go, they will be gone. Sentiment won’t have anything to do with it whatsoever, which is how a professional sport team should be run.

Milloy really got shown up for his advanced age on that pass play to Boldin on 3rd and nine deep in Card territory. Milloy couldn’t get over to the sideline quickly enough to just bump him out of bounds. Boldin romps a ridiculous 71 yards for an easy touchdown. That play was painfully frustrating for me to watch.

By Mark Bradley

January 6, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this

Tim Tebow to play H-back? In Round 2? That I’d love to see, but I don’t think it’ll happen.

By Mark Bradley

January 6, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

If I had to bet on which of the four — Brooking, Milloy, Boley or Jackson — would return in 2009, I’d bet on Grady. But maybe that’s just me.

By Michael in Decatur

January 6, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this

To Sick and Tired at 6:33a:

Fact-BVG left UGA to pursue his “dream” of being an NFL coach. Fact-BVG left Jax to pursue his “dream” of being a college head coach Fact-BVG left GSU to pursue his “dream” of being an NFL coach Fact-BVG left the Falcons to pursue his “dream” of being a college coach Fact-BVG left USC, having never coached a practice, to pursue his “dream” of being an NFL coach.

All this in the span of 4 years. Care to make a wager on what his next “dream” will be? No, I didn’t think so.

Again, Arthur Blank deserves better.

By TNgritz

January 6, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this

I hope all Atlanta fans took notice of how much the 12th man helps a team. The Arizona crowd completely disrupted the Falcons. As for free agency and the draft, pick the best player available for any defensive position. On offense, an offensive lineman and a tight end is needed. Great season for the Falcons, now let’s see if they can have two winning seasons in a row for the first time in their history. I look forward to next year. The best of luck!

By G. Deborah Hall

January 6, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this

This comment is for Charles 1 who sent a message 8:18 a.m 1/6/09. I would like to know what he means by they brought Foxworth here to spell Grimes and does he play FB?

By VickBeliever

January 6, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this

If I was Vick I would want know part of the Atlanta Falcons. It is time for him to move on and start a new and give some other city the excitement he gave us..i.e Dallas…I hope he does get the opportunity to return to the league. If he is allowed to return in 2009. He will win a playoff game before Matt Ryan.

By Ted Beck

January 6, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this

You don’t know what you are talking about. Cornerback is far from our biggest need. Whenever a team gives up a lot of passes, the average (brain-dead) fan thinks the corners are the problem. Our corners are average….not good but not bad. Even the best corners get beat on a regular basis. There are very, very, few corners who are true “shut-down” types. Foxworth is decent and the others are adequate. Our 2 safeties are problem areas. Coleman is not very good and Milloy’s age is a real problem.

By far, the biggest areas of need are our DLs and LBs. We need a stud DT and a good situational pass rusher. We were terrible against the run. The Vikings pushed us all over the field. Even a weak running team like Phoenix made us look bad. We need 2 good outside linebackers. Boley looked horrible in that New Orleans game. I can understand why they put Wire in after that game. His performance was one of the worst I have seen. He was passive and got run over. Brooking is not as bad as some suggest, but is a step slow and is the best we have at the moment.

We Need a: 1. DT 2. 2 OLBs 3. Safety 4. Situational Pass Rusher to help Abe 5. Situational Pass catching TE 6. A huge OL to replace Dahl

By Cairo

January 6, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this

Hey Mark,

I actually like the fact you are about the only one on the blogs who consistently answers our questions. Big Ups!!! With that being said… Will they part ways with Brooking sooner rather than later? Meaning before the Draft.

By Erica-Nicole

January 6, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this

Falcons need a game fuehrer. A play tactician. a strategist. a mature, doesn’t guess, but knows, football genius savant everything guy. It aint Smith. It aint Blank.

By Dirt Dobber

January 6, 2009 11:44 AM | Link to this

billybk1——Could not have said it better my self.

By Dirt Dobber

January 6, 2009 11:48 AM | Link to this

billybk1——Could not have said it better my self.

By Cairo

January 6, 2009 11:50 AM | Link to this

Hey Mark,

I actually like the fact you are about the only one on the blogs who consistently answers our questions. Big Ups!!! With that being said… Will they part ways with Brooking sooner rather than later? Meaning before the Draft.

By Mark Bradley

January 6, 2009 12:10 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Cairo.

My guess: They won’t let Brooking linger long, out of respect to him. Anything that will happen will happen before the draft.

Wait a second. Didn’t I just swear off making predictions in Bradley’s Buzz yesterday?

By baracked the vote!

January 6, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this

Bart Scott is free agent that baltimore may not be able to keep and may be affordable. Ray will stay with the ravens but is looking for big $$. If Suggs leaves, some team will over pay.
let me know when the 3-man rush succeeds.

By saint

January 6, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

Since Dimitroff and Smith picked Van Gorder, I have to believe they knew what they were doing, even if we kept getting run over. I feel sure that Ryan finally hit the wall during his last two games, it was a great, but long season for him. I’m not sure about Sam Baker: he lost contain on several big plays. Maybe he just hasn’t recovered from his injury, but he lost a big step from earlier in the season. Milloy is about the hardest hitter on the team, but can’t run around in fast coverage for the whole game anymore. Maybe he could stay on as a backup to a faster guy. Foxworth holds his ground, but the huge receivers that are out there today are just too big for small corners, even when they play their hearts out. Keep the kickers!

By The Anti-Vick

January 6, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this

VickBeliever,

If you were Vick you’d be in jail and watching your back. He wants k(no)w part of the Falcons? Um, I think you got it backwards. However, you are correct - IF he is allowed to play in 2009 (besides the obvious he also has a failed drug test looming over him). And then perhaps he might win a playoff game before Matt Ryan - but not as a QB.

Matt Ryan. The Present. The Future.

By Zoomie

January 6, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this

notablessing: Looking forward to reading your comments Monday.

By Cairo

January 6, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark,

I actually like the fact you are about the only one on the blogs who consistently answers our questions. Big Ups!!! With that being said… Will they part ways with Brooking sooner rather than later? Meaning before the Draft.

By Cairo

January 6, 2009 3:02 PM | Link to this

Mark,

Thanks. It is such a hot topic right now so I understand about the Freudian slip.

By LC

January 6, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this

Re-sign the punter.

By Crazy Cherlie

January 6, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

To be really fair to the players you guys have maligned in the above comments no one has played really well these past few weeks. It seems that everyone was just going through the motions even Matt Ryan. As a whole, I was extremely proud of what my team has done this year. Yes, there are some older team players. Brooking for one has given his all for this team. Everyone can be replaced with someone younger, faster, stronger, etc. I realize that that is the name of the game of football as well as the game of life. Can’t we thank those who have given their all in the past? Without some of these players we wouldn’t be where we are now. As we go through the next years, please remember those who have given us what we have and do not tear them down. I hope that when your time comes your fans or bosses are not as hard on you as you are on the ones you mentioned above.

Crazy Cherlie

By Governmental Preacher

January 6, 2009 5:46 PM | Link to this

Dont be proud of losers, cherlie. dont settle.

demand winners. think win win.

By The Anti-Vick

January 6, 2009 6:02 PM | Link to this

Mercy is for the weak. If we can get rid of MeAngelo, Dunn, Crumpler, and half of our roster from 2007, we can move on without certain others in 2009…

By Mark Bradley

January 6, 2009 6:12 PM | Link to this

You’re right, folks. Sentiment is a nice enough quality in real life, but not in the NFL.

By falcon fan

January 6, 2009 6:49 PM | Link to this

They need to get abraham some help. one great pass rusher in your entire rotation is not enough. Its no wonder the secondary gets burned, look at how long theyre having to cover these guys down the field. draft some good d-linemen, get a good pass rush up front other than just from abraham, and the secondary will improve.

By willdave

January 6, 2009 7:08 PM | Link to this

“Crazy Cherlie,” your post at 4:12 pm today contains some of the most compassionate, sensitive comments I have ever read on these blogs. However, I think you might have misunderstood where some of us are coming from. So let me see if I can clarify.

Age will eventually catch up with every player and erode his physical capabilities, no matter how talented he is or how much he has contributed to the success of a team. Based upon their advanced age and the way they played against the Chicago/St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals in that playoff game, Brooking, Milloy and maybe a few others appear to have reached that point in their brilliant careers where it might be time for the Birds to replace them with younger bodies. Nevertheless, these veteran players still have our utmost admiration and respect and will continue to be fan favorites long after their playing days are over. OK?

By 74dawg

January 6, 2009 7:30 PM | Link to this

what is it w/ you guys wanting to replace the OC or DC? First of all they both did one hell of a job w/ lesser talent/experience. Second, there is such a thing as continuity,especially on offense. Yeah, why don’t we take a rookie quaterback and give him a new coordinator and new system every year.makes a lot of sense. Also what’s up with wanting (understandably) to ditch our older free agents and then go out and sign some other over priced graybeard(and I write this as an overpriced graybeard). The Falcons are a young team . They should sign guys who are ready to break out,not the ones that are already broken. cheaper too.

By kirkinga

January 6, 2009 7:39 PM | Link to this

I agree that sentiment cannot play a factor in the stone cold business of player evaluation.Teams need to put the best players on the field within the bounds of the budget.

I think what Crazy Cherlie was getting at was the tendency of some fans to emphasize the diminished skills of once robust players. It happens across all pro sports I think.

People like to define Andruw Jones as the player he was in his last two seasons as a Brave, and now some seem to talk about Brooking only in terms of this and last season only.I think Nique and Jesse Tuggle are among the few who have escaped this fate in Atlanta pro sports.

Cut them yes, but respect the contributions they did give to the team as you show them the door is all.

By The Anti-Vick

January 6, 2009 7:59 PM | Link to this

I have no doubt Keith Brooking will be in the Ring of Honor one day. But he recognizes how the game works. It’s show BUSINESS. If he still wants to play he might be able to catch on with some team next season. More likely the same for Milloy. And some team will overpay for Boley. I doubt we can dump J Anderson due to cap reasons and perhaps it’s best to see if he can really show something in year # 3 (that’s when Roddy White had his break out year). Just remember - it all begins in the trenches. Focus on the O and D lines and the rest will fall into place.

By jag count

January 6, 2009 9:34 PM | Link to this

come on guys the first problem is Keith Brooking. He is the second highest paid LB in the NFL behind Ray Lewis and there is no comparison. He needs to be gone. He does not make plays and all his tackles are down field he can’t cover he is a liability everydown. I don’t want to hear this crap about letting him retire as a falcon, dominique wasn’t given the same opportunity and he won division championships as well as put hawk basketball on the map. Brooking has done none of this get rid of him.

By Gunner

January 6, 2009 11:05 PM | Link to this

Mr. D. has shown he knows what he is doing. Let’s all just sit back and watch.

By trey

January 6, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this

I think the secondary is getting a bad rap. Yes I would agree with drafting a corner to get more talent back there and allowing the young safety Decoud get his shot at safety. But unless we are faced with a can’t miss tight end the D-line needs to be the first area we use our draft pick. We need a Stud in the middle to go alongside Babineaux. Grab another young linebacker, another DE, and two or three D tackles.

By dirtybirdz4life

January 7, 2009 12:44 AM | Link to this

I got four names for you, and they’re all on the same college Defense;

Nuff Said

If the Dirty Birds could get 2 out of these 4 players, I think you will see a significant turnaround in this defense. Forget free agency, just focus on the draft. TD, I got all the faith in you.

By Erica-Nicole

January 7, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

What is this “durdy burd” part of the body of sports that you keep referring to, sir? You will show me.

By dirtybird51

January 7, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this

the falcns need to re-seign milloy and cut brooking…he was great but now he’s a waste of space in our cap…we need to bump anderso to DT and sign peppers and asomugha from oakland…that will drive an oline crazy to have peppers and abraham coming at the same time

in the draft we need to go after cushing and taylor mays anda young strong center to replace mcclure

thomas decoud is a great athlete but is unproven in game situations, erik coleman led our team in INTs last year and stepped up majorly in the run game when milloy was out

chris houston is coming along but will never be better than foxy is now, foxy can, however, get a lot better with the right coaching and von hutchins will be back next year and he was the pencilled in #1 corner before he gt hurt

as for drafting a tight end i believe a jason whitten is in order for the falcons scheme…good run blocker and great reciever

Go get em dimitrof

By Dirt Dobber

January 7, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this

Vick will never settle for a backup role. We should all know that. That would be like pouring a gallon of vinegar in a good stew. With Vick it has to be all about him or not at all.

If we can get 1 or 2 quality D players and unload some salary cap, job well done.

By Raymond Collins

January 7, 2009 12:26 PM | Link to this

Our offense is pretty much in tact, but our defensive line could use a BEAST to bring some constant pressure up the middle. It would be nice if we could get Albert Hayesworth or even go after Julius Peppers. A better rush will help against the run and help out the secondary. Brooking has been a disappointment the past two years and needs to be replaced. Lawyer was tenacious in coming up helping against the run, but has lost a step in defending passes. I really think they can upgrade that position. I feel the personnel people will address these problems and get our first back to back WINNING seasons on our way to the SUPER BOWL.

By Dirt Dobber

January 7, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this

So true Raymond! Big Al to cement the D line and another strong pass rusher will go a long way to solve our defensive problems. Having said that, We still need to address needs st safty, lb, and add a shut down corner. It’s doable.

Strong defense + strong offense + a healthy season (hopefully) = championship!

By Wifiguy

January 7, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

I disagree with the article. Falcons need to draft D-line early and often in the draft. If you can’t get it done up front it’s not going to matter how great your secondary is.

By U-WAY

January 7, 2009 4:48 PM | Link to this

In order to get a shut down corner to help out next year, it will have to be done through FA. There is no such thing as a rookie shut down corner. He may have the talent, but there will be growing pains and we don’t need anymore of that from the CB position. If the Falcons are going to spend big on anyone, it should be on the CB from Oakland. How many other shut down corners are out there?

Haynesworth has talent and to say getting him is improbable because of character issues isn’t entirely accurate. NE is big on character and Tommy D came from NE, but they also made trades for Corey Dillon and Randy Moss. Both worked out pretty well and didn’t bring the house down with character issues. The Falcons seem to have that kind of coach in Smitty who will always get the best out of his players. The players love him and want to play for him. It could work.

As far as the draft is concerned, I look at it like this. How much better would a mid level FA be compared to a fresh out of college rookie. Certainly there are players coming out of college who are better than some of the mid level FA’s, but where will they fall. For example, the SS position. Is there anyone on the market that’s way better than Milloy? Where we pick in the draft, will there be a prospect better than Milloy? If we can get a SS who has a high ceiling with our late 1st round pick who has far more physical talent than Milloy, but just needs some experience, then maybe you go with him instead of bringing Milloy back. However, if there is no such pick available at that spot then wait until the later rounds and re-sign Milloy so he can break him in, assuming that there is nobody on the market that is better than Milloy. If a 22 yr old rookie and a 28 yr old vet have the same talent level at that point in their career, then you go with the rookie and hope you can coach him up so that when he turns 28 and after about 6 yrs in the NFL, he will be a far better option than a fresh face rookie. Tommy D will do his thing. I’m not worried at all.

By billybk1

January 7, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this

Hot off the AP wire: “Greg Knapp will be the new offensive coordinator for the Seahawks, the first of many moves to be made by Seattle under new coach Jim Mora.”

Hmmmmm……like I said in a previous post, it looks like ol’ Jim Mora is bringing back together his former side kick in Greg Knapp to run his offense in Seattle. Now don’t be surprised when you hear rumours about Mike Vick being re-united with his former coach to complete the trifecta. Mark my words…… I actually think it would be a good fit for Mike to start his career over in Seattle with an offense his is intimately familiar with and has been successful in. Good luck Mike, I sincerely wish you the best.

I just hope Mr Blank gets some decent talent (draft picks/Seattle players) in return for trading Vick to Seattle. Who are some of the better Seattle defensive players that might make a good fit in Atlanta in a trade?

By ProfessorSack

January 7, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this

DRAFT #1 A REAL PASS RUSHER DRAFT #2 BROOKINS REPLACEMENT DRAFT #3 NASTY STRONG SAFETY WITH SPEED

By Jack

January 8, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this

Jason, You BIG dummy! Don’t dump on Van Gorder! The man made a silk purse out of a sow’s ear all year long. We have John Abraham and the rest is garbage for defense! Yet he kept us in EVERY game of the season. If not for Matt Ryan wetting the bed in Arizona, we would have won that one too! (Apologies to our rookie class, who performed admirably on defense)

By Matt "Dirty" Burdette

January 8, 2009 4:13 AM | Link to this

I don’t want to burst any bubbles, but the CB from Oakland (Nnamdi Asomugha) will more than likely have the franchise tag applied to him. Now the safety from St. Louis (Oshiomogho Atogwe) might be a possibility if he isn’t franchised as well. Of course if we ended up with both of them, you would get dizzy simply trying to say their names back to back. As for those wishing we would sign Suggs or Bart Scott, let us not forget (Ed Hartwell) what happens when those Baltimore players have to play outside of that scheme.

By Armond Hill

January 8, 2009 4:36 AM | Link to this

Hey Mark. How ‘bout letting Dmitroff and CMS do the offseason personnel decision making. They did a pretty good job last year.

By bigeasy830

January 8, 2009 8:12 AM | Link to this

By billybk1, It was obvious to many that Mora Jr. would bring Knapp in at Seattle after Knapp was demoted in Oakland. I am quite sure Mora Jr. Will bring Ed Donatell in as well. If Mike Vick goes to Seattle and put up with those two after they sabotaged him here in Atlanta, and I am not talking about thee dogfighting, I am talking about the fact that they would not let him audible and they did very little for his development, then he is crazy. I am sure Mora Jr. wants Vick in Seattle but I am also positive plenty of other teams want him. I believe that Favre will not return to the Jest and the Jets make a run for MV7. I know T. Jackson showed improvement for the Vikings but I say they make a run for MV7 as well. But the team that I believe that needs him is the Titans. Vince Young has to many personal issues, I don’t think he wants to be in the NFL. I believe that Vince Young will never be a long term starter or leader of a team.

By Daryl

January 8, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this

It’s all down hill from here. The Falcons won’t have as good of a record next year. They definitely won’t make the play-offs. The “cinderilla” story is over. Ha ha ha! I can’t wait until those diehard red-neck falcons fans start blaming everything that went wrong(right) this year on Abraham, Grady Jackson, Roddy White, Alfred Jenkins,etc, and all the other Black players. They wouldn’t be happy until “Elvis” himself is back in the house. For the present, you black falcons players have better play immaculate football next year, if you”ll want to keep your jobs. Just ask Vick. Falcons fans are an ungrateful bunch. And the rednecks, well, they’ll be screaming all the way to the barbecue.

By GOwen

January 8, 2009 4:39 PM | Link to this

Mark, you have some good insight that again is on point. Here is the breakdown of wishes and reality that you will see. First and foremost, the change up (or lack thereof) in the coaching staff will dictate many of the moves the Falcons make. If you evaluate the Falcons performance throughout the season, you find a couple of emerging themes. First, Mike Malarky is one heck of a schemer. He always had the Falcons out to early leads (or opportunities for leads) early in the game. I found his weakness to be making adjustments as the game went on. Coach BVG, much as he was at Georgia, a great adjustment guy. These two coordinators do very well complementing each other and thus establish a good symbiotic relationship between the offense and defense. Having said that, the blueprint of the Falcons will be similar to Pittsburg. For this to occur, you need dominate OFFENSIVE lines. The line will be where the Falcons first selection will go. Here is something else to consider for all those who want a DT or DB…. which players are the first selected—- top QB, top OL, and then top DBs and top DTs. Why? Because there is such a descrepancy between the haves and have nots in those positions. Additionally, the Falcons D needs speed and youth at the Will and Sam LB positions and increased ability on the DE side. Free Agency will only fill those positions deemed critical with high $$’s. Dimitroff is astute to know we do not need another Hartwell situation. (who played on a dominate Baltimore D but we have seen as a player who did not dominate and as such was way overvalued)

By Alcohol Abuse

January 8, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this

Daryl: lay off the Henn & Coke! I’m sure you like to BBQ also. Isn’t that what you do, along with chicken?

By alwaysfalcons

January 8, 2009 11:58 PM | Link to this

Ok, we need a cornerback on the other side of Foxworthy. Houston sucks and plays the wide receiver instead of the ball. The only thing he is good for is knocking the receiver out of bounds when attempting to catch the ball. He is young, but does not play the ball. If you notice, he NEVER turns his head around which means he’s always running behind the receiver. Get rid of his a* and get the cornerback from the Raiders, who’s a beast.

Also, get rid of Brooking. I love the guy and he’s the type of player we need in the locker room, however that does not transcend onto the field. Him looking in the backfield while the damn tight end was catching the ball on 3rd and 16 for a freaking first down solidified it for me. Why are you looking into the backfield?It’s 3rd and 16, and you know Warner is gonna throw the damn ball. Also, it’s not like there weren’t other guys available to tackle a player behind the first down marker if Warner had decided to drop the ball off on a screen or something. It just sucks to lose a freaking playoff game over a player being “confused” on the field. That’s just ridiculous for a veteren.

I like Milloy but we can get a younger player for him to do the same thing for less money. Also, we don’t need Sproiles because we have Norwood and he compliments Turner very well. Jamaal Anderson is a big disappointment. Two sacks in two years? Dude, what are you doing? Ok, I guess I’ll end here because I can go on and on.

By LT

January 9, 2009 4:34 PM | Link to this

For the past several years the only down fall with the falcons defense as been Keith Brooking, Teams have always attacked this no playing linebacker…In keith brooking history with the falcons with his leadership the have never ranked in the top Ten defensives in the league and you call him a H o Famer.. more than half of his tackles has been given to him let this BUM GO ..He has had Four Coaches fired because of his inferior play, leadership, and has know tangible other than he is a GOOD OLE BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ole