Falcons

By Ed

January 30, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

They best have a spot for Warrick. Nobody in the NFL has a bigger heart. This guy can still get it DUNN!

By ArtGTFan

January 30, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Warrick Dunn is the definition of CLASS. I hope the Falcons find a way to keep him around and let him finish his career in the ATL. With the stains that MV7 left on the team and the city, it’s often forgotten that along with the worst story in the NFL we also have the classiest guy in the NFL. Dunn is to the Falcons, what Dale Murphy was for the Braves.

By Chikara

January 30, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

A smash-mouth physical style of play might be just what the doctor ordered. They could become Jacksonville north if they choose to go that route.

Let’s face it, Atlanta has only one real WR threat (White) and with a power running attack it could help the defense rest more often.

In addition it will help because they can slowly develop any QB they draft this year without putting pressure on him right away.

That said, being the Falcons, they still need help on the O-line. Do they go for Jake Long and then draft an RB in the second round, or do they go for McFadden and hope a good tackle is available in round 2?

With a high first round pick & two second round picks Atlanta should draft as such (in no particular order) T, RB, QB. Spend the remaining six picks on defense and a kicker.

By Dominic

January 30, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Good info Steve. Thanks for posting it. Look forward to more insights from coaching staff about the draft and their plans as it all comes together.

By humbug

January 30, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

The new coach wants our OL to be physical but our OL doesn’t believe in being physical. Let’s await whatever changes come about. if he is a strong coach I expect to see a lot of new faces on this team within the first few weeks.

By Steve T

January 30, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

This should be good news to the long suffering fans in atlanta. The falcons will become a team that can go to the play-offs year in and year out. I hope that the new OC justkeep the speed at WRs. He will just need to get QB thst can get the ball down the field to stretch the defense.

It looks the third time is the charm. I think Smith will make the falcons winners. It funny but we are going with a Reeves style offense.

By OLD MAN

January 30, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

The Falcons had better find a place for Dunn and a way to use his talent. He’s a special guy with a lot of ability.

Go Falcons, let’s put it back together and forget the Vick/Patrino disaster!

By Dawgs2008

January 30, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, Clean House!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dunn, Crumpler, Brooking, Coleman, D. Hall, J. Williams, Crocker, Etc.

Hit the road and good riddance!!!!!

By Tim Parker

January 30, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t mind if Dunn came forward and offered to extend and reduce his salary cap figure to stay with the team. He’s an effective player and I wouldn’t mind seeing us use him like we did with Eric Metcalf as a wide receiver in 3 and 4 WR sets.

By marty

January 30, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

as always Steve good info

By Rod

January 30, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Steve, how bout giving an update on Shockley and Finneran, how their coming along on the rehab. Ask the coach if Shockley is going to get a chance to play this year. The Mularkey offense reminds me of Mark Richts offense at UGA and when he was at FSU.

By long time falcon

January 30, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

If dunn returns next season then we will all know that Blank is calling the shots on personnel. The new staff claims to want to run a smash mouth brand of football. However, the diminutive dunn is not cut out to be a lead back in that style of play. He is owed 4 million next season so he should be one of the first cuts if the falcons are truly committed to rebuilding this team the right way.

By Dennis

January 30, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

I would like to see Warrick stay on. He is a class act. I don’t believe he and Norwood were used wisely last year and think they could be a much more effective pair should they be.

By In the round 1980

January 30, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

As I posted in a previous blog, the synergy of the staff, and that includes management, coaches and players, will determine the direction of this “NEW” team. No one individual will either make or break the collective effort as long as everyone is on the same page. Winning is hard. It takes brains, commitment, sacrifice and yes, even humility on the part of egos detrimental to the ultimate goal. The word of the day is “TEAM”. Go for it, all the way.

By SirReal

January 30, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

I hope they do make the offense more physical. Right now they couldn’t fight themselves out of a wet paper bag. As far as Mughelli, didn’t we pay him like the biggest contract in NFL history for a fullback? It’s time to cash in. I hate to say it but this may truly be the last run Dunn’s gonna have with us. If so, I’ll definitely miss him. A true class act.

By JohnGTFan

January 30, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

First of all, if this is Dunn’s last season, I wish him nothing but the best. He truly epitomizes professionalism and class. He will be missed. Also the same goes for Mularkey…very decent of him to take the time, and I love knowing the coaching staff already has set the lines of communication!!!! Also, it’s important to note they will not force a system. I can’t wait for the draft and see what ATL does via free agency and possibly trades!!!

GO FALCONS!!!

By Marty

January 30, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

This all sounds very encouraging. However, as a long time true Falcon fan, it’s extremely saddening to see this pattern over and over and still yet “over”, again! We can only pray for better results. It’s amazing to think that in 10 years; we’ve gone from the Super Bowl to the Toilet Bowl. Still, I think that this is not the fault of the Falcon’s owner nor of a core of some “real talent” on the team. As for Warrick Dunn, he has been and is someone the Falcons and the entire NFL can be immensely proud of for his work on and off the field. He is a true Falcon at heart and is a true gentleman. People could learn much from him and I for one want to say, “Thank you so much Warrick Dunn”!

By anotherdamnjack

January 30, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Keep Dunn…..if the Falcons are going to a “smash mouth” type O, they could put in Dunn for that finesse & quickness the opposing D won’t be ready for after the rough & tumble running game they’ve seen previously. Remember Kiick & Zonka? Might be a plan!!

By falcons fan in Va

January 30, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

With the idea of having a power running game, I hope the falcons don’t use up their first pick on a unproven quarterback.. they need to pick a top DT like Dorsey or Ellis and select two offensive tackles in the 2nd round. Build a strong defensive and offensive line first then maybe get a sleeper quarterback in the third or fourth rounds. Go Falcons..

By PHIL

January 30, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

After the Vick debacle, if Arthur Blank didn’t mandate that Dunn finish his contract in ATL, he doesn’t have the kahunas to be an NFL owner. How hypocritical is it to talk about character and then cut a player who can still play just because he doesn’t fit into some system? A system btw, that is being devised by coaches from teams who have been some of the worst in NFL history. This is gonna be the same old Falcons.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 30, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Dunn has had some good years here, but it’s time for him to go. He is not going to win a title here, and the Falcons are not going to rebuild with him on the payroll.

It is not a good sign when your new head coach is asking your offensive coordinator how to be a head coach, when that offensive coordinator has a career head coaching record of 14-18.

It’s nice that Mularkey wants to establish a power running game. Of course, that’s what Petraitor said last year, before proceeding to keep the highest paid fullback in NFL history plastered to the bench all season. Hopefully this group of coaches actually acquires the personnel necessary, both at tailback and on the offensive line, to actually implement a power running game. Hint: Draft Jake Long.

By Dirty Bird

January 31, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

I hope that all this talk does translate onto the field. It’s easy to say these things because the concept of a strong run game complemented by the pass is what most teams would like to have but very few actually do. As for Dunn, I love that guy, but if he has to go I completely understand and he does to. It’s all part of the game.

By Dr. Tobias Funke

January 31, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Here’s to rebuilding the right way. I’ll be more than happy to accept 4-12 in 2008 if we’re headed down the path to SUSTAINED success. No more of these miracle 11-5 seasons followed by 5-11 (or worse). I think Dimitroff, Smith & Mularkey are the kinds of pros that the Falcons needed to hire in order to create an atmosphere of high expectations. It will be refreshing when the Falcons are no longer a sideshow act.

By ad

January 31, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

thats great. thats what we need to be succesful in the nfl. the falcons need to play to the whistle and they will succeed. hope this coach can motivate the players to play with thier hearts and hurt others with pain.

By black bee

January 31, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this

The biggest move the Falcons can make is hire an experienced proven OL Coach. This has to be done right! Blank may need to open up the checkbook on this one. I’m not overly happy that the Falcons hired so many coaches from losing programs.

By Singletary

January 31, 2008 3:34 AM | Link to this

If Ovie Mughelli were to become our unstoppable red zone runner, I’d be thrilled. I remember one carry last season, he looked so thrilled to have even been given the ball that I wasn’t sure he was “the guy.” Then again, there were many surprises — most bad — during the Pig Sooey Error. Snelling and others also seemed to be under-used.

One other need is a Rossum replacement. If Jerious hates returns, there are many bester uses for him on offense. We need someone in the Tim Dwight mode — a little bit loony and totally unafraid of the mayhem that will be visited upon his body. Imagine if we had a Josh Cribbs (perhaps the most brilliant) or a Devin Hester (most exciting) to “make sure the offense doesn’t have far to go to get me in position,” said CLE kicker Phil Dawson after the second Ravens game. That speedster is someone we can find late in the draft or UFA, like Cribbs!

By TheManMike

January 31, 2008 6:11 AM | Link to this

OOVIEE! I have been waiting to see what that mammoth can do. Dunn is Done - He was done before last season too. Time for change. Go Birds!

By Cairo

January 31, 2008 6:17 AM | Link to this

I hope Keith Brooking is on his way out too since they want to be “physical” plus who is going to pay this pile jumper $6-10 million this season. Oh? WE are talking about the Falcons, right? Mike Smith better get ALL the heading coaching advice he can and he better be humble as pie because the rope is short.

Steve,

What do you think about my comment on Keith Brooking getting cut? He is DUNN as well!

By savannah falcon

January 31, 2008 6:56 AM | Link to this

Sounds good. Lets get physical! We love Dunn, but its time to offer Dunn an executive job with the Falcons. We need young, strong and fearless players. We need leadership in the huddle and leadership on the defensive line. Go and get players from free agency and don’t let the media decide which players to select or let go. We have many football fans in Atlanta that have offer their opinions about personnel. We need to get away from Rich McKay’s philosophy about pricy players and go with controversal players are willing to play with heart and passion.

By Keep it Real

January 31, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this

Say they are going to be physical. all that cool if they win. That just words right now. we have few people on this team that can be physical right now. The line on both offense and defense is weak .

At line backer we are to weak. All those post about a QB is hogwash untill we get a line on both sides of the ball the one’s in the draft are not what this teams need right now.

A good power house running back with speed and a hell fire line backing core. If we draft a QB in the frist round that will tell you a lot about this GM that he is clue less.

we will see if snow board man is a real GM or see if he listen to the talking head on these sport shows. Build this team with very good line men!

By Theedge

January 31, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this

They need to keep Dunn to mentor McFadden when they draft him in the first round. Let Dunn teach this kid how to be a pro on and off the field. Get him to restructure.

By Theedge

January 31, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this

They need to keep Dunn to mentor McFadden after they draft him in the first round. Teach him how to be a pro on and off the field. Get Dunn to restructure his contract.

By rian

January 31, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

Smash mouth foootball with Ovie Mughelli. That is what I want to hear. Also sounds like communication in the building has increased exponentially. Thanks for the update Steve.

By Willie Coyote

January 31, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

I’d hate to see Warrick go but they probably need some financial flexibility.

glad to hear the coaches are happy so far. We need all the positive energy we can get right now.

By Barry

January 31, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

Here we go. A new offensive scheme. I hope it works. I love being physical because the NFC South is a very physical conference next to the NFC East. However, I hope this physicality on offense will also have more than a little finesse on the passing side of the game. I hope the offensive is designed to be multi-purpose, deceptive, and smash mouth physical. Our defense, I hope will be large up front and physical also. I would like the Falcons defensive personnel to look like the Giants defense guys. Those guys up front and their linebackers are huge. But one of the best things about them, they are huge, strong and fast. Many of them look like they have been lifting weights for ages and you never see them getting pushed around up front by too many teams in the NFL. That is the culture and personnel I would like to see the Falcons defense take on. I like the huge, stong, fast, nasty defensive front and linebackers. I this development occurs, “payback is going to be a B_tch” to many of the teams in the NFL for the Falcons.

Go Falcons!!!!!!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHH!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN! Tell Everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ringold

By JB

January 31, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

If Warrick Dunn is let go, so are my season tickets.

By supporter

January 31, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

We all know that the Falcons need to make some big changes and we may not like some of them. Let’s just sit back and watch the new administration and coaching staff formulate their plans for success without being critical of everything they do. Give them a chance. I do though suggest lowering ticket prices to keep the fan base. Last year was a complete disaster.

By The Grinch

January 31, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

Well, any kind of communication is a welcome change. Watching all that bizarre stuff last year with everyone being tight-lipped about it was maddening. It would be nice if Dunn could stay; he deserves a good work environment for once. I doubt it’ll happen if the right players become available though. We must be prepared for slash and burn. Hopefully they go back to the old uni’s too, or create new ones. That arena league look won’t be very intimidating for our new style of play.

By Space Mountain

January 31, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Lets give the Falcons some space to get something together. It is way to early to tell what this team is going to be about. They still need an o-line coach. Lets see how they draft and if they get any viable free agents. Re-post in 4 months. Will have a better idea of what we are looking at.

By d-Mac

January 31, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

These comments are an indication of the Falcons liklihood of drafting McFadden if available, whether that is good or bad, I don’t know. Also indicates further evidence that Mughelli was signed to block for A.P. last year and McKay wet the bed and miscalculated by one pick which was also the beginning of the end for him and the beginning of Petrino’s disgust with the front office. In McKay’s own words the day before the draft, “We have identified 8 elite players and we are 90% sure what everyone in front of us is going to do.” I guarantee you Jamal Anderson wasn’t one of those elite players and was a consolation prize for AP who was going to take Vick’s place as the face of this franchise. That is why McKay is gone. Otherwise his draft was solid this past year.

By FalconsFan

January 31, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

So far, I’m liking what I’m hearing out of Flowery Branch. Mike Smith has assembled a good portion of his coaching staff rather quickly. At first I was a little iffy about Mike Mularkey as OC, but then again, he might be one of those guys who does better as a coordinator than a head coach. I like the retention of Emmitt Thomas and his promotion to assistant HC.

I’m interested to see who gets hired as the OL coach. That is one unit that will probably be very very young next season. We already have some young players on the roster who I think can make good contributions, and if we have the opportunity, we should draft Jake Long out of Michigan. I know a lot of people want us to go after Matt Ryan or Darren McFadden, but what good would either player be without a good line to block for them? I’m sure we can find a quality QB in a later round or free agency, and there are plenty of RB’s coming out this season that could fit into our new system.

Finally, I like the fact that the lines of communication are open when it comes to Smith. That seems to be the complete opposite of Bobby Petrino. I know that some people aren’t too high on Smith being hired, but I say give him a chance to prove himself before completely writing him off. You may just be surprised.

By SeminoleWarrior

January 31, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

I love WD. Class and plays the game with a ton of heart. If he can not be our feature RB, how about using his talents as our KR/PR specialist? He would be a dramatic improvement over what we have in that area now and his leadership would still be of immense value to the team.

By Bk Hawk

January 31, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

Good job Steve-seems Mularkey and rest of Falcons staff is off to great start. Glad he is a open line guy, so we can get more info.

W. DUNN is one of the Best-Great person and player. I wish him the best where ever he plays next year.

By Chandler

January 31, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Kick Them in the Teeth, Coach. Now talk them into drafting DMc

By PreyDawg

January 31, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

I like what I am hearing. I hope there will be a situational role for Dunn who has given his all to this team and the Atlanta Community. But there is no way he will be getting 25 carries a game anymore. I wonder what will happen with Norwood. As fast as he is they guy does not appear to be sure footed. He stumbles alot with no contact out in the open field. Not sure how that will fit with a power, inside, running game.

Hope somebody lights a fire under Brooking. Hope they see the tape of that horrendous non-tackle he made against Reggie Bush this year in the New Orleans game. Right down on the goal line. One of the DB’s had Bush stood up and Brook comes along and pulls the DB off Bush so Bush could walk in.

By Gary

January 31, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Steve, good blog. I was glad to hear some insight as to what Mularkey might be thinking as he develops an offensive game plan. I love to see a physical offense like he deployed in Pittsburgh with the Bus leading the charge. I also can’t wait to see what type of scheme they have in plan for Norwood and Mughelli. I feel the Falcons did not utilize their talents more during the 2007 season and both should be big contributors to the offense in 2008 under Mularkey.

By AVinnieD

January 31, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Personally, I would love to see a high character guy like Warrick Dunn finish his career in Atlanta. He may not be the same back that he used to be but he is still a top notch human being. You can’t have too many of those in your locker room.

By Greg

January 31, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

This is all good news. The O-line needs major re-building, probably through free agency. I don’t know of a single starter this past year who deserves to be part of next year’s starting O-line. I hope Dimitroff is will to re-structure the salaries a bit away from the skill positions to that project, because without a great O-line, you go nowhere, and with one even an average quarterback can be made to look like an all-pro. Dunn, a great guy and a slippery, smart back, is nonetheless probably not worth his salary now. He’ll surely go. What did last year’s staff know about Mughelli that kept them from playing him, and this in spite of the many millions he was being paid? Mystery of the season. Maybe Mularkey will learn the same thing about Mughelli, or maybe the latter will turn out to be a tough, durable fullback. Who knows? Let’s hope Jenkins can be traded. I would also trade Roddy (just not smart enough) but I realize many would disagree with me. At least the Falcons could probably get a #1 for him. Mularkey was the best coaching hire the Falcons have made. Smith is a complete unknown as a head coach. But Mularkey was great in Pgh., and will be great here. I loved the reference to toughness. Look at the top playoff teams this year. Each has really stout lines and real physical toughness. Oh wouldn’t it be nice to see that in Atlanta next season?

By Ken Strickland

January 31, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

It’s good to see AJC sports writers doing and saying something positive about the Falcons. Usually all we get is negative reporting seemingly with the intent of inciting negative emotions(especially TMoore with his MVick obsession). You can tell by reading Mularkey and Smith’s approach they understand there is more than one way to establish a power OFF.

Petrino obviously thought he could employ in the Pro’s what worked in college. He used a very large OL and a straight ahead one on one power block scheme to overpower college DL’s. He quickly discovered it didn’t work in the pros, especially with the OLinemen he was forced to use. Petrino didn’t seem to understand blocking angles and various blocking techniques.

It also appears our new coaches intend to upgrade the OL primarily through FA. They’ll likely draft a RB in the 1st rd if the right one is available. A strong OL and rushing OFF will make it a lot easier on the QB. That’s how the Steelers protected Big Ben and got max production out of him while he was so inexperienced.

I can see an OFF with much less OL movement than Mors’s zone blocking scheme required. However, it will certainly use more movement than Petrino’s OFF scheme required. I see more pulling OG’s and OT’s and a lot of trap blocking, which has been the Steelers bread and butter since the SB days of the Steel Curtain. If we can get the right pieces in place, and with a solid DEF, I can see us winning our division next season. Watch and see.

By JMYK from S. Springs

January 31, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

if the falcons want to be competitive they need to get an already proven quarterback and take mcfadden or dorsey in the first round.

By Bill

January 31, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

So far I’m very pleased with what I’m hearing about the coaching staff. It will be interesting to see what personnel changes will be made in the coming months.

We have a lot of opportunity with the draft. We have a high pick, but do we use it on an unproven rookie for big money, or do we trade down and go for a lower choice? Who do we like in the draft? What kind of options are available through free agency? What kind of trade options are out there? As fans, we don’t know what the team officials know, so we have to hope they make the best decisions. I feel more comfortable about it now than I have in several years, and I hope I’m right.

On a personal note, I really like Warrick Dunn. He’s a high quality human being, a truly good man and still a good football player. I would love to see him end his career in Atlanta, but I would also like to see him on a championship team, which we most likely won’t be before he retires. Whatever happens, I wish him well, not just on the field, but in all aspects of his life. God bless you Warrick Dunn.

By Dirtiestbird

January 31, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Glad to get in on this early…If we plan to play like the Steelers did under Mularkey I see major importance being placed on O line and the rest of the running game certainly good places to start. This may mean we target Jake Long or McFadden. I’ll be happy with either.

By mart

January 31, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

If Dunn is on the roster next season it will show that the “new” Falcons aren’t serious about winning. He should be released, and not just for salary cap reasons.

By Juno1977

January 31, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Cut Brookings first and then Dunn. Clear up some space and get a physical running back and a real middle linebacker.

By big bad bear

January 31, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

I support the idea that Mr. Mularkry has concerning a stong healthy and physical OL. when drafting he should observe the talent in his backyard via Georgia, Georgia Tech, Clemson and Auburn as a good place to start. I would also like to lift up the name of Mike Cox as a backup fullback.

By SCBird

January 31, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Maybe they can renegoiate his contract where he can stay. He could be a great mentor to McFadden or Jonathan Stewart from Oregon.

By Turk

January 31, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Warrick Dunn is definitely a class act BUT the Falcons cant afford to take a $4 million cap charge for a running back of his age. The same goes for Brooking, Crumpler and a couple of the other high paid vets. Its time to clean house, start over, get young and mean.

By Not convinced

January 31, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

So, we lure two fired coaches from a 1-15 Miami, two more coaches from a 4-12 Atlanta team and now a tight ends coach who was out of football last year. What a coup!

By @nechville redneck @ATL

January 31, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

we need linemen O&D. a middle line backer a strong speed running back. #5 @ Arkansa should be our # 1 or mr. long from Virginia at defense lineman.

By Chikara

January 31, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Based on what i’m hearing, I do believe Atlanta’s going with Jake Long in the first round. Although McFadden is a special talent, this team needs a horse they can ride this offense upon. Not sexy enough for you? Then think about how well Cleveland did when they drafted Joe Thomas with the 3rd pick. Then they went out and got a veteran RB in Jamal Lewis, who came up big for them late in the season.

Drafting an OL to be the anchor makes sense if they’re going to employ a physical style of offense. With two second round picks you can draft a Jamaal Charles, Kevin Smith or Felix Jones. In addition, you can draft a QB (hopefully Chad Henne) and bring him along while one of the veteran QBs (betting on Leftwich) takes the snaps for this year.

As for Dunn, it would be a graceful way for him to exit into the sunset. Yes he will have to renegotiate his contract because it’s too big a hit for a rebuilding project. He can tutor a young back so they can mesh with Norwood in ‘09. Mughelli will be a critical factor in this power running game as well.

Oh, Not convinced I was noticing how you mentioned the types of coaches Atlanta hired from losing squads. Yet I recall Atlanta hiring the scout from an 18-0 team to be the GM as well as the d coordinator from a 12-4 squad to be the head coach, the two most important positions in building a team. Guess that ruins your argument.

By Dan

January 31, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

cut hmmm let him go to Tampa or Indianapolis… Use that money on free agent offensive lineman

By matt

January 31, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Cut Dunn Loose. He is to old and tired. He is good to the community though. But I want to see a winning football team.

By David Duke

January 31, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Smash mouth football, running downhill, power running game-didn’t the last guy talk this same line of crap? Coaches, particularly, bad hacks, come into a situation such as this and load the press up with meaningless cliches. That’s what is happening here. The Falcons’ players aren’t going to smash up anything except the dishes and furniture after they get home from one humiliating loss after another. thomas ‘the equipment guy’ Dimbulb knows nothing about selecting talent and neither does Somebody Smith, the lifelong assistant and “yes” man. Three years from now, when the team is approaching 450 regular season losses, you boobs will still be talking about smash mouth football and all this other drivel. As for Warrick Dunn, he’s a really good player and an even better guy. He deserves much better than this. Everyone knows what he does for other people but few know he has serious problems in his own family. He never talks about it because his philosophy is t help others. By the way, he can still play. The simpleton Falcons and their gullible fans are being sold snakeoil by cliche spouting flim-flam men. over the next three years the Falcons will not win more than fifteen games total!

By falconfan-4life

January 31, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

alright ive been a falcon fan my entire life and i believe that these guys are the best thing for the franchise. Dunn should be kept on and if we need to he could be used as a slot receiver. We do need to cut people but not d hall or crumpler whoever says that isnt a true fan. We need to draft long then williams then flacco and use the third on a strong running back and use him with norwood. sign Faneca, starks or some other OLine player to solidify our Oline.

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!! D HALL 21

By ChicagoPOW

January 31, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Good Article! Please keep ‘em coming! I hope they keep Dunn, and get some help on the OL so that he can run rather than block again all season. I also hope these bright personnel minds back up the “control the line” talk by focusing on the OL and DL. GO FALCONS!!!

By Jonnyy

January 31, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

i hope dunn able to stay he has alot of heart and always will always run as hard as he can unlike alot of today’s pro’s. Personally i believe he could be a deadly weapon if we just had some OL and he would be a nice counter balance if a team is to shut down power straigt ahead offense due to his elusiveness but i agree a renegotiation will be needed

By Singindablues

January 31, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Remember the gm & coach have both stated that they believe that everyone should have a role and that the team is most successful when each team member accepts and performs their role at a high level, much the way the Patriots are organized. Dunn could excel if he is willing to accept a role such as a primary short mid range pass receiver out of the backfield or slot. Kevin Faulk has been effective in this sort of role with the Patriots. So don’t throw Dunn under the bus yet. He excelled in this role earlier in his career with the bucs.

By The Realist

January 31, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Use the 1st round to upgrade the O-line. Sign a veteran free agent QB (McNabb?) or give Shockley a shot at leading the team for next season. I’m not convinced any of this draft’s QB’s are worth the 4th pick & there’s no way we can expect to significantly upgrade the O-line w/out using our first rounder to do so. What good is a rookie QB behind a pathetic O-line?!