AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > December > 21
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Falcons should target Tech’s Johnson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
It isn’t too early for those among the enlightened in Flowery Branch to begin strategizing on how to do exactly what they must do. That is, when Calvin Johnson declares either now or later that he is ready to transfer his greatness from Georgia Tech to the NFL, the Falcons must do whatever it takes to make sure his football career never leaves Atlanta.
Never.
Never, never, never.
This easygoing kid from Tyrone is a keeper. In other words, the Falcons must pull another Michael Vick. Just as they worked with the San Diego Chargers to acquire that No. 1 pick to select an incomparable quarterback in the draft, the Falcons must finagle a way with the Oakland Raiders, the Detroit Lions or whoever finishes as the league’s worst team during this season or next to get an incomparable wide receiver.
The Falcons must do as much for so many reasons. For starters, they don’t have an incomparable wide receiver.
Should Johnson enter the upcoming draft after his junior season (he said he’ll decide after Tech plays in the Gator Bowl), the Falcons could get that incomparable wide receiver by offering, say, their No. 1 and 2 picks, along with The Great Matt Schaub, to quarterback-impaired Oakland or Detroit. In return, the Falcons would get Johnson’s striking physical gifts (4.4 speed, sure hands, impressive strength, 45-inch vertical jump) and splendid work ethic.
Not only that, given Johnson’s wonderful personality that has remained consistent from his all-everything days in high school through his earning the Fred Biletnikoff Award this season as the nation’s best wide receiver, he is somebody that you’d love to adopt as your son.
Finally, there is this: If Johnson is drafted by the Falcons someday, he wouldn’t exactly cringe. “I’d be ecstatic. You know?” he said, flashing his infectious grin the other day at Tech’s football complex. “It would be overwhelming, just realizing that I could stay here. It would be great to play in your hometown and to have your friends and relatives see you play. I’m sure every player dreams about that, and it’s something that I dream about.”
Get him. Otherwise, the Falcon Nation will have nightmares for letting the ultimate hometown guy get away.
Consider that Johnson wasn’t even interested in football until after his 13th birthday. In fact, if it weren’t for something that happened in 1998 with the Falcons, he might have put all of his considerable energy into Sandy Creek High’s chess club or something. What happened back then were the Dirty Birds. “I just remember everybody trying to do that dance with Jamal Anderson, and that’s when I first thought about getting involved [with football],” Johnson said. “The only thing I remember about the season was that the Falcons went to the Super Bowl and lost to the Denver Broncos.”
That’s in contrast to now, when Johnson remembers everything about a Falcons team that he studies religiously on television. He even fantasizes about catching passes from you know who. “Yeah, it crosses my mind about how it would be to play with Michael Vick. I’m thinking about that while I’m watching the defensive backs and seeing what they’re doing. Hey, [Vick] has a strong arm. He can put it anywhere.”
Johnson has proven that he can catch a pass from everywhere after spending three years with the erratic Reggie Ball. As a result, the Falcons would have a potent duo with Vick and Johnson. “Yeah. I think so,” said Johnson, with that grin again.
At worst, Johnson would become the Falcons’ offensive version of Keith Brooking, the prolific linebacker from Senoia, who played at Tech and has become one of the city’s most civic-minded athletes after spending all nine of his NFL years with the Falcons. At best, Johnson’s future with the Falcons would be bright enough to blind the sun.
Permalink | Comments (161) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Tech / ACC, Terence Moore
A squatting chance for Falcons
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Before delving into this week’s financial locks, the Non-Secular And Occasionally Agnostic Brokerage House of Weekend Predictions — we recognize the existence of losses only when you can find us — wishes you the best this holiday season and attempts to answer a question even more perplexing than, “Dude. What the heck is figgy pudding?”
Namely: What’s up with the squatting birds?
It seems that in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, nativity scenes — which generally include the staples: Mary, Joseph, shepherds, I think a baby, some sheep and a Nordstrom saleswoman — also depict a squatting peasant with an exposed hiney. (I am not making this up, so please don’t shoot the Jewish messenger.)
This figurine is known as “El Caganer” or “The Defecator.” And you wonder why Spain isn’t a global power.
This tradition dates back to the 17th century and has something to do with certain bodily functions being associated with fertility.
(Are you still with me? Because if not, you can take a 10-minute Tums break, then come back.)
According to The Associated Press, “During the holiday season, pastry shops around Catalonia sell sweets shaped like feces.”
This really isn’t all that different from several NFL teams, which at this time of season sell playoff hopes secretly shaped like feces.
Which leads us to the Falcons.
If they win Sunday against Carolina and next week at Philadelphia, they’re probably in the playoffs. Also, Generalissimo Francisco Franco wins a karaoke contest on Neptune. Only in the NFC can you still be mathematically alive after so much squatting.
Will it make a difference? Probably not. But we’ll keep your holiday miracle alive for another week: Falcons over Panthers.
A material
• Sybil Bowl: The Saints lost at home to Washington the week after drilling the Cowboys in Dallas. They had surgery Tuesday to remove benign traces of Jim Mora. The Giants are 1-5 since a five-game winning streak. Do six NFC teams have to make the playoffs? Giants cover 3.
• Eagles at Cowboys: Oh, you mean Terrell Owens is full of spit? I thought you said … Where was I? I love the 7 — and the Eagles in an upset.
• Chargers at Seahawks: It was another fine moment for the NFL this week when suspended juiceboy Shawne Merriman was named to the Pro Bowl. Is this sort of like John Dillinger being honored by the Wharton School of Business? Chargers win, but take Seattle and 4.
• Ravens at Steelers: It might be too late. But the Steelers have won five of their last six and allowed only 13 points in the last three. Also, it has been weeks since Ben Roethlisberger lost an organ. Steelers cover 3.
B sides
• Titans at Bills: Tennessee has gone from 2-7 in a rebuilding year to 7-7 with a rookie quarterback and back in the playoff picture. So if you’re Jeff Fisher, how do you feel about the fact the Titans have yet to pick up your option? This won’t help: Buffalo wins, but won’t cover 41/2.
• Patriots at Jaguars: Tom Brady has lost his favorite receiver (Deion Branch), his pickup line (“I’m a Pro Bowler. You gonna finish those fries?”) and his eye candy (Bridget Moynihan). Should take about seven seconds to bounce back. Take the gift 3 and Pats in an upset.
• Bengals at Broncos: Cincinnati denies reports that Carson Palmer has a significant shoulder injury. But it’s progress that a player’s status is in question for something other than sobriety or parole violations. Broncos cover 3.
• Jets at Dolphins: I understand the whole the-NFL-isn’t-what-I-thought-it-would-be thing possibly rolling around Nick Saban’s head. But if he’s actually considering moving from South Beach to Tuscaloosa, he should be playing cards with Cheswick, Martini and McMurphy. Fish cover 2 1/2.
What’s on Bravo?
• Redskins at Rams: Joe Gibbs has determined the ‘Skins are only two players away from competing for the playoffs. Peyton Manning and LaDainian Tomlinson. Rams cover 2.
• Bears at Lions: Is Chicago the first 12-2 team in NFL history with a 2-12 feel? On a related note, the Bengals have sued Tank Johnson for copyright infringement. Feeling frisky. Take Detroit and 4-1/2 — and in an upset.
• Bucs at Browns: Jon Gruden is 26-36 since winning a Super Bowl. Figured Rich McKay needed a good laugh. Browns cover 3.
Profitless margin
(Two straight [barely] winning weeks? Where was this mojo in November?)
• Last week: 8-5 straight up, 7-6 against the line.
• Bottoms up: 94-60 straight up, 71-81-2 ATL.
• Moment of clarity: Maybe Reggie Ball just kept mixing up his textbook with his playbook.
Permalink | Comments (47) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
.JPG)
-1.JPG)
Services »
