AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > August > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTackle Jackson has mass appeal
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Flowery Branch — There’s a large man in black warm-up pants and a white T-shirt sitting across from me. Either that, or it was a mattress with legs.
“I’m somewhere in the ’50s,” Grady Jackson said after hearing the question that tends to open any interview or NFL camp visit. “I can probably take off about 10 more pounds.”
Grady Jackson is a large man. He was 270 pounds as a center and power forward for his high school basketball team. That would be dangerously close to 100 pounds ago.
Grady Jackson is a large man. He’s large on the scale of, “Dude, you really don’t need to get on the scale. We know you’re big. Just promise us you won’t collapse because, like, kids come to the games.”
The ’50s — that would be the 350s. There are only eight players on current NFL rosters north of 350, and only two play defense: Cleveland nose tackle Ted Washington, and the newest member of the Falcons.
Jackson’s arrival became official when he did not pass go, or probably Golden Corral, but he did pass his physical, then checked into Flowery Branch in the late afternoon.
We don’t know yet what the Falcons will list as the official weight of their new 6-2 nose tackle. But it doesn’t really matter. He is the final piece of the Falcons’ offseason defensive makeover. He is a significant enhancement, on the level of the first time a cosmetic surgeon told Pamela Anderson, “Yes, I think we can accommodate you.”
The pre-draft acquisition of John Abraham gave the Falcons another top sacker to join Patrick Kerney. Jackson and his former Oakland teammate, Rod Coleman, are now sandwiched in between. The four now comprise quite possibly the best defensive line in the NFL.
Jackson, though he is now mostly a run defender at the age of 33, has 32.5 career sacks. The Falcon Foursome: 190 career regular-season sacks. No other NFL projected defensive line will approach that.
And about that 10 pounds Jackson said he could lose — take your time, bud.
The Falcons’ defense has had this problem. They turn trivia questions into 100-yard rushers. They needed a wide load. Wide loads plug up Death Valley. Wide loads occupy two blockers. Wide loads free up space for ends and linebackers. Did I say linebackers?
“All of his meals are on me,” Keith Brooking said Thursday.
“Yeah, we’ll take him out to lunch,” Ed Hartwell said. “We’ll make sure he keeps his weight right. As long as he’s filling those gaps, we’ll be fine.”
Hook that sucker up to a gravy-IV. Everybody, climb aboard the Grady train.
Rumors had his weight this offseason at 370 to 400, give or take a Brusters. Jackson denies that. But he is used to his weight being an issue.
“It’s always followed me, but look at the stats,” he said. “They always told what I could do on the field. As long as I make plays and get to the ball and help my team win, that’s the key.”
He has played nine seasons for three teams (Oakland, New Orleans, Green Bay). Several teams worked him out this off-season, and others called. So we can assume there’s a crying need for non-chiseled bodies.
“It’s not the weight,” he said. “You’ve got people with big mass. It’s not fat. It’s body mass.”
Body mass. How come I never thought of that excuse?
But there is no doubting Jackson’s athleticism. He was a two-time MVP of his high school basketball teams. Hoops have always been his first passion. Of course, he claims he can still dunk.
“Do you want to see?” he said.
I thought about saying yes. Then I had a vision of Rich McKay picking me off with a sniper from his office.
He also played baseball in high school. He only started playing football his junior year, “because people made me. My father said I had quick feet.”
From that point on, football coaches wouldn’t let him go. He played at a Mississippi junior college for two years, then Knoxville (Tenn.) College for two more. Along the way, everybody asked how much he weighed.
But Jackson says he’s just like everybody else.
“I eat three meals a day,” he said. “Breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
Welcome to the NFL’s body beautiful.
Permalink | Comments (80) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
.JPG)
-1.JPG)
Services »
Comments
By CT
August 24, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
I agree that this is the final piece to our defense. Besides the need to upgrade safety this was our only glaring need. I was worried that it was going to be a weakness again. You have to plug the middle with a wide body to fully realize the linebackers ability. Now if Hartwell falters he has no excuses. Jordan Beck anybody?
By kev
August 24, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this
I second that, no more excuses! I just hope he can stay healthy and on the field. What about Bruncker? Are we still trying to add him as well? Good job McKay!
By William Kitchens
August 24, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this
Great writing Jeff! One of the more humorous ones I’ve read this season.
Start Beck! But of course behind Gravy Jackson I could probably make a tackle or two myself.
By JAMES
August 24, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this
I think that the Falcons organization woke up and realize that in order to win championships they need to put a very good product on the field and now there is no more excuses!!!
By Brack
August 24, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this
Now if we can get Donatell to lay off the soft zone coverage so teams can run the quick slant all game long with success we might be in good shape! The best pass rush in the world won’t matter if the QB can get rid of the ball in less than 2 seconds and pick up 8 quick yards everytime. No excuses for the man this year.
By Sly Ty
August 24, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this
Rich Mckay continues to do an excellent job.I now live in North Carolina, and I can honestly say that the key to stopping the Panthers is plugging the middle, and forcing them into 2nd and 3rd long. JAKE DELHOMME is not a great QB, and the Panthers lack the speed and athleticism of the Falcons. Steve Smith’s hammy is more serious than is being reported, and if the Panthers are unable to penetrate a teams middle consistently, they become ineffective offensively. Also, the Lelie deal will have a mass effect, due to all the space that will be created for Alge Crumpler.
Arthur Blank really screwed over the Buccaneer’s Organization by getting Rich McKay. My neighbors here in the Fort Bragg,NC area realize how difficult this guy is making life for their Panthers, which is an outstanding team, but the Falcons GM is causing them to become very nervous.
By Mr C.
August 24, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this
Great column. Can’t stop laughing. As William Kitchens mentioned, anyone can make a tacke behind the big guy. We will see if Donatel keep playing the corner backs 10 yards off the opposing wide receivers. The defensive coordinator is probably gone if the defense doesn’t play better this year.
By JB
August 24, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU ARTHUR AND RICH FOR LISTINING TO THE FANS. They have dont their jobs. Now Mora and Donatell have no excuse. All the talent in the world at some point you havr to coach. Grady will…Will make a difference. This is the first time since I’ve been a falcon fan that management actually gotten us what we needed. Arthur and Rich you are the man.
By JB
August 24, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU ARTHUR AND RICH FOR LISTINING TO THE FANS. They have done their jobs. Now Mora and Donatell have no excuse. All the talent in the world at some point you havr to coach. Grady will…Will make a difference. This is the first time since I’ve been a falcon fan that management actually gotten us what we needed. Arthur and Rich you are the man.
By dsgbnavy
August 24, 2006 10:31 PM | Link to this
Yeah I agree with that soft zone bull. That is a real problem for us. But go Falcons down with the Bucs and panthers
By Gunner
August 24, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
If you pay attention McCay always waits until the last minute to make deals, I guess they come cheaper that way.
By Stewart
August 24, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
You have to give credit to the Falcons office. Whether or not the recent moves prove to be productive, they are trying to win the superbowl this year. Thank you!!!
If the Dirty Birds can stop the run, they will win the division.
By steve
August 24, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this
Rich McKay just made Ed Hartwell an all pro..Now who does the opposition double team on our DL ?
By ILL-logical
August 24, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this
Ah,well there is still the slight matter of the right corner position.It appears that our prize rookie did not fall from grace in the scouts eyes for nothing: he does not have an over supply of pass coverge skills(and speed wise he may be somewhat lacking as well)IJS
By BUZZSAW
August 24, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this
The Falcons needed a Big man inside it may change how teams look at the Falcons DE ……not so easy anymore is it guys !……… now the linebackers can clean up the mess !……. Go Falcons ! …. and yes !.. Willy Kitchens may make a tackle or two ! ….
By Falcon4Life
August 24, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this
This is AWESOME!!! Lelie and Jackson in the same day…WOW!!! Jackson is a BEAST and will plug up those holes, but he is more than that, he can get to the QB. The difference between this year and last year is that we had weaknesses and thought that we could overcome them (DB’s), but this year, we had weaknesses and fixed them. McKay, sir, I hate it for you that you did not get the commish job, but I am loving it for me and all of the Falcon fans. YOU DA MAN!!! Keep up the good work, cant wait to see what safety you pick up in a week or two.
Jeff, thats funny stuff, Gravy, FUNNY!!!!
By GHunt
August 24, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this
Cauteously optimistic about Grady Jackson. However, I am happy that the staff finally recognized the fact that speed and size is needed to win championships.
By G.C.
August 24, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this
I love the Abraham deal - and the Malloy and Crocker deals. Heck I am optismistic about the Lelie deal but I am estactic about the Grady Jackson deal. He is probably the single most important addition the Falcons have made this offseason and will pay dividends all the way to the Super Bowl. I predict that by the middle of the year, we will be among the top three defenses in the NFL and getting better with each game. I really feel sorry for opposing QBs and RBs. Well, not really! Go Falcons!
By League MVP Duckett
August 24, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this
I cannot agree more. I am giddy about this years team. To the poster who threw Jimmy Williams under the bus, listen. With the four down lineman we have on this roster and the rush they can collectivly create, Grandma Moses could play the right corner and it wouldn’t matter! I for one am gonna ride the Grady Train all the way to Super Stardom. May be Grady can cop Fridge and the birds do their own Superbowl Shuffle!
By THE DAN
August 24, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this
TWO DAYS AGO THIS WAS A 7&9 TEAM AT BEST BUT THESE ADDITIONS SHOULD TURN US INTO A PLAYOFF CONTENDER PROBALY 10&6 OR 11& 5 THANKS AB & RM
By PAUL
August 24, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this
thank you mckay. for c more thank you for giveing my word to mckay about grady jackson i do want to cry when i got the news from my friend. that you all got GJ. I LOVE YOU ALL. NOW I CAN SAY IT WE OR GOING to the SB.
By Miles
August 24, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this
the pressure is now squarely on the coaching staff for this team to perform. The roster is loaded with top tier talent (14 players with at least 1 probowl appearance), especially on defense. How about that d-line…Abraham, Jackson, Coleman, Kerney…wow. If this D isnt ranked in the top 10 then Donatell needs to be fired because he has an unbelievable amount of talent to work with this year. Blank and McKay really did their homework this offseason as all of the weak spots from last year have now been significantly upgraded. lol…it now kind of seems foolish to think this time last year we all thought the falcons were superbowl bound with the 2005 roster. Now look at the team!
By Miles
August 25, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this
the pressure is now squarely on the coaching staff for this team to perform. The roster is loaded with top tier talent (14 players with at least 1 probowl appearance), especially on defense. How about that d-line…Abraham, Jackson, Coleman, Kerney…wow. If this D isnt ranked in the top 10 then Donatell needs to be fired because he has an unbelievable amount of talent to work with this year. Blank and McKay really did their homework this offseason as all of the weak spots from last year have now been significantly upgraded. lol…it now kind of seems foolish to think this time last year we all thought the falcons were superbowl bound with the 2005 roster. Now look at the team!
By Miles
August 25, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this
the pressure is now squarely on the coaching staff for this team to perform. The roster is loaded with top tier talent (14 players with at least 1 probowl appearance), especially on defense. How about that d-line…Abraham, Jackson, Coleman, Kerney…wow. If this D isnt ranked in the top 10 then Donatell needs to be fired because he has an unbelievable amount of talent to work with this year. Blank and McKay really did their homework this offseason as all of the weak spots from last year have now been significantly upgraded. lol…it now kind of seems foolish to think this time last year we all thought the falcons were superbowl bound with the 2005 roster. Now look at the team!
By Miles
August 25, 2006 12:08 AM | Link to this
the pressure is now squarely on the coaching staff for this team to perform. The roster is loaded with top tier talent (14 players with at least 1 probowl appearance), especially on defense. How about that d-line…Abraham, Jackson, Coleman, Kerney…wow. If this D isnt ranked in the top 10 then Donatell needs to be fired because he has an unbelievable amount of talent to work with this year. Blank and McKay really did their homework this offseason as all of the weak spots from last year have now been significantly upgraded. lol…it now kind of seems foolish to think this time last year we all thought the falcons were superbowl bound with the 2005 roster. Now look at the team!
By Be Bop A Loo Ja
August 25, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this
A question for the fans who see Grady Jackson as the final piece in the Super Bowl puzzle:
If he’s so good, why was he unemployed in late August?
Bonus question: how much is Blank paying Schultz to carry his water?
By tony
August 25, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this
I WOULD LIKE TO START THIS LETTER BY SAYING I’AM THE LUCKIEST FALCON FAN ALIVE.I HAVE FOLLOWED THE FALCONS ALL MY LIFE.I EAT,DRINK AND SLEEP FALCON FOOTBALL.LET’S HONOR OUR FRONT OFFICE FOR BRINGING IN MY BOY “GRAVY” JACKSON.ALSO I LOVE DUCKETT,BUT ALL YOU FALCONS HATERS WHO HATE ON OUR HALL OF FAME TO BE QUARTERBACK WE WENT OUT AND GOT A QUALITY NFL RECIEVER.NOW ALL YOU FALCON HATERS I CAN SEE MIKE VICK SAYING I’AM ON MY WAY TO DISNEYLAND
By Trippmeister
August 25, 2006 01:38 AM | Link to this
I am in agreement with most everyone here. We have perhaps the best d-line in the NFL. I certainly feel better about our chances down the road. Now if the coaching staff can do everything right…
By mykhalc
August 25, 2006 01:40 AM | Link to this
LMAO!!! nice writing jeff!!! gravy-IV!! classic!!!
By Randy Duncan
August 25, 2006 06:06 AM | Link to this
TIME WILL TELL,BUT PLEASE LELEE IS NOT A BIG TIME RECEIVER AND JACKSON IS JUST A LOAD.THE FALCONS STILL HAVE TO PROVE THEMSELVES,AND BY THE WAY HALL OF FAME HONORS ARE STAT DRIVEN AND WINNING IS A TEAM STAT NOT INDIVIDUAL,VICK NEEDS INDIVIDUAL STATS TO ENTER THE HALL.THE FALCONS STILL HAVE TO ME THE TOUGHEST SCHEDULE IN THE SO 10 -6 OR BETTER IS NOT A LOCK.
By #1 Falcnon Fan
August 25, 2006 06:57 AM | Link to this
The Grady Jackson move was okay, but why not sign Brenson Buckner. He is younger, more athletic and on top of that, you get a guy with a chip on his shoulder against the Panthers, a division rival. He would have also brought you Carolina’s playbook (i.e. Chris Draft last year)
By Barry
August 25, 2006 07:28 AM | Link to this
Hey:
I told you guys before: Let the Panthers and the Bucanneers get all the preseason publicity. The Falcons are going to, quietly, with an attitude, destroy the league. Let them keep on talking. Falcon Fans: SHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
By Barry
August 25, 2006 07:28 AM | Link to this
Hey:
I told you guys before: Let the Panthers and the Bucanneers get all the preseason publicity. The Falcons are going to, quietly, with an attitude, destroy the league. Let them keep on talking. Falcon Fans: SHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
By Barry
August 25, 2006 07:29 AM | Link to this
Hey:
I told you guys before: Let the Panthers and the Bucanneers get all the preseason publicity. The Falcons are going to, quietly, with an attitude, destroy the league. Let them keep on talking. Falcon Fans: SHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
By savannah falcon
August 25, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this
You win games with good defense! There is no more excuses for our defense. We have address all concerns in the off-season. Now lets work together and play some defense! Our offense just needs to block. That is the offensive lineman job. Just block! Receivers job is to catch the ball. If the job touches your finger tips, then its your job to catch the ball. Vick’s job is to throw the ball within 5 seconds after the snap. Do not hold the ball too long. That is Vicks biggest problem. Just give Vick time to throw. We need to hold on to Dunn, Norwood & Marlon Jackson. We need more screen plays in our offense. One last thing, we need a new name for our defense. What about “Crusher”. Lets get physical. See you at the dome next week!
By Charles
August 25, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this
randy r u and idiot?? John Riggins is in the Hall of Fame for what?? Two to three seasons of good football. He averaged 3.8 yds a carry. Buddy that is not Hall of Fame numbers!!!! GO DIRTY BIRDS!!!!! I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!
By larry w.
August 25, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this
I would like to caution everyone that it will probably take four or five games before the defense really starts to gel as a unit. So please do not get too down if the defense isn’t spectacular right out of the gate. NFL offenses get more complicated each year, and so do defenses. We have a lot of new pieces that must learn each other and feel comfortable with their roles. Pittsburgh’s defense did not start playing super bowl caliber defense until the second half of last season. So be excited of course, but also be patient.
By Dandy Don
August 25, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this
The front office has done their job. The holes have been filled. The fans and players seem to be really amped-up about this year. Besides every one playing to their potential it seems like two other things HAVE to happen. The coaches cannot be OUTcoached this year. No excuses for ‘em. And most importantly of all…we’ve got to get an inoculation against the injury bug…(knock on wood). If the Falcons can do all of that, we’ll be in the hunt…regardless of our brutal schedule.
By die hard falcons fan
August 25, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this
FIRST WELCOME TO ATLANTA MR. JACKSON AND MR. LESLIE!
I GOT A FEW SENTENCE TO SAY TO YALL AND BOTH HAVE TWO WORDS!
GRADY BABY!
SUPER BOWL-bound!
ITs PEACHY!
TJ WHO?
D-UNIT!
SACK MASTERS!
DEFFENNNNNSE!!!
OH YEAH!!!!
OK sorry I getting ahead of myself!!
but Mckay is a wizard at picking good DEFENSE!
ASK THE BUCS if they miss McKay!??!?!
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH BOYEEEEEEEEEe
WE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!
MARK MY WORDs!
and Mr Blank I want ya to look into building a bigger stadium that can hold 100,000 die hard fans!!!
hollah!
By die hard falcons fan
August 25, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this
FIRST WELCOME TO ATLANTA MR. JACKSON AND MR. LESLIE!
I GOT A FEW SENTENCE TO SAY TO YALL AND BOTH HAVE TWO WORDS!
GRADY BABY!
SUPER BOWL-bound!
ITs PEACHY!
TJ WHO?
D-UNIT!
SACK MASTERS!
DEFFENNNNNSE!!!
OH YEAH!!!!
OK sorry I getting ahead of myself!!
but Mckay is a wizard at picking good DEFENSE!
ASK THE BUCS if they miss McKay!??!?!
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH BOYEEEEEEEEEe
WE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!
MARK MY WORDs!
and Mr Blank I want ya to look into building a bigger stadium that can hold 100,000 die hard fans!!!
hollah!
By Matt Yoder
August 25, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
Great write up Jeff…. I have to say that the signing of the “Grady TRAIN” has me feeling a lot more optomistic about the season! With the defence shored up and Vicks legs healed up “plus a deep threat in Lelie” if Vick can throw his passes accurately to him, I think we have got a GREAT shot at winning the super bowl this year!!! GO DIRTYBIRDS;)
By Wes
August 25, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this
1 Falcnon Fan (what is a falcnon?): Brentson Buckner is 35, Grady Jackson is 33. Who is younger?By die hard falcons fan
August 25, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this
i hear from the grapevine that the dirty birds upper management and ceo are trying to get in touch with bruckner… IF we get him… can u say SUPER BOWL AND 10 pro bowlers?!?!? lol
IT’s GOING DOWN… should be the Falcons’ theme song this season since the special teams like to revved up their virtual motorcycles…….
And we got a touch schedule and when we go 15-0 the haters can keep on drinking the hateroaide!!! the non believers can keep their mouth open and the DIEHARD FANS can burn the moduckin city down!!
ALL DA WAY TO MIAMI for the SUPER BOWL in 163 days 9 hours 15 minutues 10 seconds!!!
ATLANTA FALCONS vs a sorry AFC team
McKay for Governor!
Mr. Blank for President!
Jim Mora for Mayor!
Mike Vick for Chief of Police!!
SWAT UNIT
J-Abrahman Co-Captain D-Hall Co-Captain P-Kerney QB Sack Killa K-Brooking Disruptor Gravy Train da Run Stopper Enforcer RColeman MEANIE HARTWELL DA HITMAN J-Williams da Rookie
Lawyer Milloy is OUR ATTORNEY ON THE FIELD..bka the LAST OPTION..
3 THE HARD WAY AT THE Right Tackle Spot
Oh my god all kind of backup with different specialities…….
Dont even ask me … i feel bad for the other team… cuz if u run or pass it doesnt matter cuz we are loaded and welcome to our HOUSE!!!
RED BLACK AND WHITE!!!! IT GOING DOWN in 2006 all the way to MIAMI baby!!
FALCONS JERSEYs ARE GOING FAST ON EBAY!!! LOL
By Darrin
August 25, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this
Welcome to Atlanta Mr. Jackson!! You have already become wone of my fav Falcons just joining the team. We needed you so-oooo much (tear, tear, sniff-sniff). I don’t know what I’m going to do now, I’m so happy. BTW, we Falcon message board members already have a nickname for you- Grady “Get in my belly!” Jackson. Here’s to you helping us get that Lombardi- WOO-HA!
By die hard falcons fan
August 25, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
what’s GRADY # going to be? i gonna order me an authenic jersey so i can get it in time for the Cowgurls game!
hmm should i get Gravy Train on the back??
when grady makes a sack or stop the rusher we gonna said he got a shady grady special… grady gonna hit them so hard the oppenont is gonna get a special delivery to Grady Hospital!!!
Gravy TRAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Ron
August 25, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this
LOL….Jeff, this may yet be your best piece ever. There were at least 4 or 5 one-liners in this one worthy of a rimshot.
By Call me Earl
August 25, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this
Grady Baby
There’s a nickname for ya. I’m happy for the team. What took so long to come to this decision. Keith Brookings and Ed have been saying since the end of last season we need a big bootie on the D-Line. Why wait this long. Did we save a $1 or $2? I’m just glad an Atlanta team is finally making moves to WIN CHAMPIONSHIP not just fill seats. Thanks organization for giving us fans a solid team to cheer.
Anyone remember the Smith’s?
By falconss124
August 25, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this
Is Stephen Davis available still? Why not sign him as a short yard back and he knows Carolina’s plays well. Go Falcons!
By falconss124
August 25, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this
Is Stephen Davis available still? Why not sign him as a short yard back and he knows Carolina’s plays well. Go Falcons!
By injuriedplaya
August 25, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this
It’s about time the crows added some beef on the D-Line to protect these fragile linebackers you crows fans are depending on! The crows got every thing they need to compete! This got to be a make or break year for Vick and Mora!
By injuriedplaya
August 25, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this
It’s about time the crows added some beef on the D-Line to protect these fragile linebackers you crows fans are depending on! The crows got every thing they need to compete! This got to be a make or break year for Vick and Mora!
By falcfan
August 25, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this
It’s about time the Falcons made a step in the right direction with the signing of a run stuffer, but did anybody see the Carolina/Miami game last night? I don’t understand why WE have players at the professional level, getting paid that much money, and they cannot tackle like either of the teams last night. With or without a run stopper. The Car/Mia defenses are always in the right position, they HIT AND TACKLE, and there’s no such thing as second effort from the offensive player. How many times do we see offenses run through the heart of our defense, take 2,3, even 4 hits before gaining 4-5 yards and FALL FORWARD!! MORA, PRACTICE LIVE TACKLING!! As much as I love our beloved Falcons, and I know it’s still JUST preseason, but tragically, I see our team stuck at a level below both teams that played last night, on both sides of the ball. How about we sign Droughns, and start punishing some defenses instead of relying on finesse all the time?!?! He succeeded in Denver (everyone does) but he showed incredible leg drive in all his appearances in Cleveland behind a very shaky O-line, and pieced together a successful year. Bring him back here w/ our zone blocking scheme and let’s start playing some football!!!
By Jack
August 25, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
With all this hype——when the D is no better —-i guess the blame will finally go where it belongs——COACHING.
By GARY
August 25, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
After seeing Norwood in that Ist preseason game against a former Super Bowl team, I was more than excited. TJ became expendable. Getting a TALL receiver that has a big play background (17.6 yard avg reception) was a real big deal. Now getting a real wide body like Grady Jackson to add the outstanding signing of John Abraham and Lawyer Malloy is totally exciting. I do not want to hear any excuses from the coaching staff about why they are not a playoff team. If we do not see a great team on the field this year with all the talent we have, the next change will be offensive and defensive coach’s. I really do not want that to happen. I want to see us win and be feared by other teams. Go Falcons and Michael Vick.
By die hard falcons fan
August 25, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
somebody tell mr blank to hollah at me.. cuz i got more ideas than their marketing people!!!
put on Jan Hammer Into the Air tonight…
WELCOME TO ATL…
lean with it rock with it
cuz we got the other team shakin their laffy taffy cuz they be scurrrred
cuz they know it going down!!!!!
dem Dirty Birds gonna hurt em!!!
forget Miami Vice!
its all about ATL Vice!!!!
Whatcha vice???
whatcha DEM GONNA DO WHEN THEY LOSE?
BAD BOYS!!!!
ALL I CAN SAY THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN!!!
AND WE READY TO RUMMMMMMMMMMMBLE!!!!
I AM SOOOOOOOOOO READY FOR FOOTBALL!!!
SUPER BOWL!!!
DIRTY BIRDS GOING ALL THE WAY!!!!
By bushwacker
August 25, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
I guess its a good thing Rick McKay is the GM and not me. I would have cut Duckett at the end of last season afetr his gutless performances after WD went down. I would not have gotten anything for him. RM got us a first round pick in return.
By die hard falcons fan
August 25, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this
SOMEBODY CALL WAFFLE HOUSE CEO’S AND TELL THEM TO MAKE A MEAL CALL THE GRAVY TRAIN SPECIAL!
SHOOT WHEN WE WIN THE SUPER BOWL SOMEBODY BETTER GIVE GRADY BABY HIS OWN WAFFLE HOUSE AND PUT IT NEXT TO THE DOME!
OR BETTER YET HE NEED TO START HIS OWN FRANCHISE AND CALL IT THE GRADY BABY BBQ JOINT!! IT IS ALL GRAVY!!!
LOL
HOW COME WE DIDNT GET THIS DUDE IONS AGO!!!
OTHER TEAM TREAT HIM LIKE A BLACK SHEEP.. US FALCONS FAN GONNA TREAT HIM LIKE HE’s THE KING!!!
By bushwacker
August 25, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
I guess its a good thing Rick McKay is the GM and not me. I would have cut Duckett at the end of last season afetr his gutless performances after WD went down. I would not have gotten anything for him. RM got us a first round pick in return.
By Wimbley
August 25, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this
Grady’s intro music should be the theme from “Sanford & Son”
We have the characters
Fred: Fred McCrary Grady: Grady Jackson LaMont: Roddy White Rollo: Jimmy Williams Bubba: Rod Coleman Hoppy: Ed Hartwell Smitty: B. Finneran Woodrow (Aunt Esther’s husband): M. Vick
By Larry
August 25, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this
Let’s see:
“Best DL in the league”
Number one running game two years running.
Three Number one draft choices at Wide Receiver and two with breakaway speed.
Pro Bowl tightend
So here’s the question: Will you now stop making excuses for the worst passing QB in NFL history?
Just for one moment imagine Tom Brady taking snaps this season with these offensive weapons.
Get your tickets now, because the carnival act know as Vick ends this season!
By honest_abe
August 25, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
all i’m hoping is that grady is in somewhat decent shape. if he can only play a series or two how much of an impact can he really make. dan reeves the other day on 680 mentioned how whenever they used to play green bay they would always stretch the field from sideline to sideline… to tire out “gravy train” .. considering how jackson missed all of training camp plus the voluntary workouts… he probably won’t make an impact until at least the 2nd or 3rd game.
i really believe lelie could be someone that could have a big impact on this team. he might be labeled the 3rd receiver, but it’s been some time since we’ve had a speed burner. vick might not be able to accurately throw the quick inside slants or the 15 yeard outs but he can throw a very nice long ball. spread the field and this falcons offense is going to really click this year…
By honest_abe
August 25, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this
cmon larry!
best dl in the league? some have said that, but they haven’t even played one game together. two new guys. it’s going to take a few games to get acclimated to each other.
best running game two years running? most of that can be credited to as you put it the “worst passing QB in NFL history”
three number one draft choices at wide receiver. obviously none of the receivers up to this point have proven their first round worth. i saw them drop so many passes last year. given vick doesn’t have the greatest accuracy but his receivers dropped a ton of balls that should have been caught.
pro bowl tight end: i’ll give you that one….but the comparison to brady is so stupid. there’s only one tom brady. brady and vick both bring certain elements that help their team win games. period. they go about winning in different ways, but both are winners none the less.
i realize this vick sucks debate has been going on for some time now…and seriously it has gotten beyond old! the same morons crying for schaub are the same knuckleheads that wanted doug johnson to start… give me a break…the fact that guys such as larry as supposed “falcons fans” are an embarrassment to the city of atlanta and the rest of the falcon faithful that actually know a little football!
By Jay
August 25, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this
I see lots of optimisim and I’m hopeful, but we have to see it happen on the field, game day. Injury and off the field behavior are yet keys to new Falcon success. We’ll see?
By Matt Yoder
August 25, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this
Way to say it HOW it is Larry !!!! A lot of people forget that our dear Hero Mike Vick had the worse passing percentage amongst QB’s in the NFL last year!!! I hope and pray to God he’s got his legs ready for this year…If he does,WE ARE SUPER BOWL BOUND!!! Go Dirty Birds;)
By yakbak
August 25, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this
can we start a fundraiser to get a gravy-IV for the team?
By Jeff
August 25, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this
Hey, Larry:
yor forget one important factor: “weak ofensive line.” Vick’s disappointing passing numbers can be attributed, in part, to poor pass blocking. Hopefully, the addition of Gandy will help those numbers improve.
Also, I think that by mid-season, Lelie will have become Vick’s #2 guy (behind Crumpler). Lelie plays a lot like Shawn Jefferson, and Vick loved Jefferson. Let’s hope Knapp let’s Vick throw the ball deep.
By falcon guy
August 25, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this
MMMMM beefy!!!
By PSack
August 25, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this
Soft Zone Coverage?
I agree this defensive approach needs to be a thing of the past time to lock down some folks and let that pass rush get-ta-gettin (hopefully)
By JSR
August 25, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this
All you people are way to funny for me. You are all the same people that were bashing everybody on this team from the top to bottom. Now ALL of you are saying we are going to win the Super Bowl. If you are going to be fair weather fans then move. I am not even from this city, but being from Buffalo, I have never seen more pathitic fans in my life and you all should be ashamed of yourselves, you are either fans or you are not, make up your minds. Now as far as the moves we just made, the Grady Jackson move will prove to be the one that helps this team the most, it takes a QB and a receiver sometimes years to get on the same page with timing. I do agree that we will now be a playoff team now and could go a long way. Go Falcons but I have been saying that for 20 some years now.
By SICEM
August 25, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this
An earlier poster reminded me with his comment about The Fridge that maybe the loss of T.J. wont matter as much. J.M. could use big Grady in goal line and short yardage situations to move the pile back like the Bears used the Fridge!
By JSR
August 25, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
All you people are way to funny for me. You are all the same people that were bashing everybody on this team from the top to bottom. Now ALL of you are saying we are going to win the Super Bowl. If you are going to be fair weather fans then move. I am not even from this city, but being from Buffalo, I have never seen more pathitic fans in my life and you all should be ashamed of yourselves, you are either fans or you are not, make up your minds. Now as far as the moves we just made, the Grady Jackson move will prove to be the one that helps this team the most, it takes a QB and a receiver sometimes years to get on the same page with timing. I do agree that we will now be a playoff team now and could go a long way. Go Falcons but I have been saying that for 20 some years now.
By JSR
August 25, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
All you people are way to funny for me. You are all the same people that were bashing everybody on this team from the top to bottom. Now ALL of you are saying we are going to win the Super Bowl. If you are going to be fair weather fans then move. I am not even from this city, but being from Buffalo, at least in Buffalo they are fans if the rteam is winning or losing. I am not saying that they dont complain, but they show up every week, or are watching on TV, I have never seen more pathitic fans in my life and you all should be ashamed of yourselves, you are either fans or you are not, make up your minds. Now as far as the moves we just made, the Grady Jackson move will prove to be the one that helps this team the most, it takes a QB and a receiver sometimes years to get on the same page with timing. I do agree that we will now be a playoff team now and could go a long way. Go Falcons but I have been saying that for 20 some years now.
By JSR
August 25, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
All you people are way to funny to me. You are all the same people that were bashing everybody on this team from the top to bottom. Now ALL of you are saying we are going to win the Super Bowl. If you are going to be fair weather fans then move. I am not even from this city, but being from Buffalo, at least in Buffalo they are fans if the rteam is winning or losing. I am not saying that they dont complain, but they show up every week, or are watching on TV, I have never seen more pathitic fans in my life and you all should be ashamed of yourselves, you are either fans or you are not, make up your minds. Now as far as the moves we just made, the Grady Jackson move will prove to be the one that helps this team the most, it takes a QB and a receiver sometimes years to get on the same page with timing. I do agree that we will now be a playoff team now and could go a long way. Go Falcons but I have been saying that for 20 some years now.
By JSR
August 25, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
All you people are way too funny to me. You are all the same people that were bashing everybody on this team from the top to bottom. Now ALL of you are saying we are going to win the Super Bowl. If you are going to be fair weather fans then move. I am not even from this city, but being from Buffalo, I know what real fans are!!!, at least in Buffalo they are fans if the team is winning or losing. I am not saying that they don’t complain, but they show up every week, or are watching on TV, I have never seen more pathetic fans in my life and you all should be ashamed of yourselves, you are either fans or you are not, make up your minds. Now as far as the moves we just made, the Grady Jackson move will prove to be the one that helps this team the most, it takes a QB and a receiver sometimes years to get on the same page with timing. I do agree that we will now be a playoff team now and could go a long way. Go Falcons but I have been saying that for 20 some years now. And as for the Columnists, they suck and you people fall for it everytime they stir the pot and you all jump on the bad wagon everytime. Think for yourselves once in a while, you will all be much better people for it.
By die hard falcons fan
August 25, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
AS AUNT ESTHER WOULD SAY SHUT UP JSR U OLD FISH EYED FOOL!
I NEVER BASH MY TEAM!! I YELL AT THEM!
AND I BEEN A FAN SINCE DEION SANDERS UNLIKE U JSR whom been a fan since MIKE VICK WAS ON THE TEAM!
By Matt Yoder
August 25, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
Way to say it Die Hard Falcons fan !!! JSR,like DUH…If we weren’t fans we wouldn’t be on this site talking bout the issues!!!! Its always tough to get a ticket to the games so I think us southern boys do just fine being FANS ! Its called being DIEHARD ;)
By black and gold
August 25, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
dont get to happy yall talking about the bucs and the panthers but i see you all forgot about the saints beware
By GBPackerFan
August 25, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
Speaking for the Packer Fans, we loved Gravey Grady. He was good. He can clog up the middle like no other. He routinely had 2 blockers on him. Very athletic. A real gamer. Good luck to him and the Falcons. Packer Fan wishes him well. Lastly, Gravey got greedy in GB. Last year, he talked of holding out. Anyway we’re glad he’s back and hope we don’t see him in the Playoffs.
By 2 legit
August 25, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
I hate to agree with JSR, we do have lots of fair weather fans!!! We have had some terrible teams and coaches over the years, but we finally have a crew who at least spends money and seem to have a plan. Lets support them and keep in mind there is a reason these people are at these positions!! How can you argue with all the moves they have made since Arthur Blank has taken over. I hate to be the homer fan and say this is our year (which I do say every year) but this year just feels that way! go Falcons!!!!
By JSR
August 25, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
die hard falcons fan you must have a hard time reading I have been a fan since I moved here READ my blog again and someone as smart as even you might figure out I have been a fan since I moved here. My point in case you dont have someone there to read it for you, is I am a fan and I own season tickets, and go to every gsme, unlike you most likely, I go because I am a FAN, I belive we are going to win every year. I don’t bad mouth my team everytime I make a move I dont think is in the best interest of our time, which by the way I like the moves, but said Grady Jackson was the better move in the short term for the team. But I have to say the fans in Atlanta are fair weather fans and it is to bad for ALL our teams, including the Braves. So I will say it again I like our chances much better now then I did a couple of weeks ago.