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Home > ajcsportstalk > Archives > 2008 > March > 01 > Entry

Turner a good fit for Falcons?

The Falcons are meeting with free agent running back Michael Turner, who backed up LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego.

Would you like to see Atlanta sign Turner? What can he give the Falcons?

If signing Turner meant Warrick Dunn was cut, how do you feel about that?

If signing Turner meant the Falcons would not consider drafting Arkansas star Darren McFadden, how would you feel about that?

Permalink | Comments (39) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons

Comments

By Me

March 1, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

first

this team already has enough back up running backs. falcons need to sign a feature back

By MariettaFalconFan

March 1, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Turner gives the Falcons a quality back that is a team player, and can be a great compliment to Norwood.

As for Warrick Dunn, if he can re-structure his contract and play as a third down/change of pace back then I’m completely fine with keeping him.

If he doesn’t want to restructure his contract and/or doesn’t want to play in a limited role, then unfortunately he has to be cut.

Darren McFadden can potentially be a team’s dream - running a 4.27 in the 40 at 6’2 210+ pounds is amazing - but off the field he might be a nightmare.. More than likely, he will fall to the Raiders, Jets, or Cowboys (via trade).

Tom Coughlin built the foundation of the Jaguars and his first pick was an offensive lineman, Tony Boseli. So if we are following the Jaguar model, then chances are we will pick Jake Long out of Michigan.

By Brian F.

March 1, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

We had better sign Michael Turner. He fits perfectly in Mccarthys exotic power running game. Warrick Dunn is a good player, but he no longer fits the scheme. This signing also takes the pressure of having to draft the unproven talent and questionable character of Mcfadden. Now, let’s go sign AND draft some GOOD offensive lineman who can block for this guy. But right now, it’s just a pipedream, because he’s not signed yet. And it appears he may play this out a while. But there’s no question that this would be a solid signing, and a fantastic start for the new regime. SO DO WHAT IT TAKES TO GET HIM SIGNED

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 1, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Turner would be a fine addition. He would command a lot of money, but probably not as much money as an elite RB would. In fact, picking McFadden at #3 would probably cost the Falcons as much money if not more. He hasn’t been a feature back for a full season so it’s tough to know if his body would break down or not, but since he will be splitting carries with Norwood it should be fine. Turner’s more powerful than Norwood so their styles would mesh pretty well.

In the end, though, even LaDainian Tomlinson would struggle behind an offensive line like the ones the Falcons currently have. Drafting Jake Long with the #3 pick has to be a priority. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to sign a free agent lineman as well.

By Najeh Davenpoop

March 1, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

Warrick Dunn seems to be a great guy, but at this point he’s just about useless as a feature back, and might even be useless as a time-splitting running back. Maybe he can help a contender that has an established system and needs a guy who knows how to get the job done. But I don’t see how it helps him to stay with the Falcons, or how it helps the Falcons to keep him around. It’s time to cut Dunn.

By Orlando Rivera

March 1, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

I agree Najeh that it may be best for Warrick to go to Indy or another team and have a final chance to compete for a title before his career ends.

Besides, signing Turner would give Atlanta the same kind of running back duo that works so well in Jacksonville. If they get him to be an RB tandem with Norwood that would be great. As you said it would cost less to get him than it would to get McFadden.

Also, Atlanta can use that as an opportunity to draft either Jake Long (if St. Louis doesn’t get him) or Glenn Dorsey with the 3rd pick to bolster the line. In addition, they can still use one of their two second round picks on a QB of the future.

Speaking of QBs, I like the fact Atlanta has signed Redman for the next two years. He will be a great insurance policy as they slowly bring along whomever they would like to be the future QB of this franchise.

There are more moves to be made, but getting Turner would be a great step in the right direction, something this franchise desperately needs.

By Teamplayer

March 1, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Someone tell me what happens to Ovie..the RB brought in last year.

By Bk Hawk

March 1, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

Sign M. Turner ,thats a must…ASP. Take Jake Long with the 3rd pick and trade D. Hall for draft picks or good player. 85% in ajc poll wants Hall traded. This could be the Best Draft in Falcons History, can’t wait…go Falcons.

By Big Dawg

March 2, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

Dorsey has to many health problems, to much of a gamble. Take Jake Long with 1st pick. Ovie is still around just needs more work.

By Teamplayer

March 2, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

If you cut Brooking that would free up 6 million for a total of 23 million…well what are you waiting Falcons..cut cut cut

By Son of a Gun

March 2, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

Teamplayer: I believe Ovie was signed as a FB.
Orlando is absolutely right about this issue but I would really hate to see Dunn leave. The main problem is our line…not Dunn (even though he is getting older). Though adding Turner would provide the power to go along with the speed of Norwood, we still have to solidify our O-line.

Depending on who’s available, I say we draft Jake Long or Glenn Dorsey. Hopefully we can get rid of MeAngelo Hall for a first round pick. It’ll clear up some money and we can get a QB out of it. I hope we can get another lineman out of free agency. I’d also like to see us resign Brooking (maybe a 2 or 3 year deal to finish out his career in Atlanta). I know he’s getting old but he’s the face/backbone of this organization and a great person. He brings the veteran leadership to the team that we need.

By TBSmith

March 2, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

I’d love to see M.Turner power running back following Ovie power full back alternating Norwood behind Ovie for a change of pace. Restructure W.Dunn’s contract to save salary cap and use him as a specialist the way New England uses Faulk. Dunn still has juice in the tank if he is used properly and has been a tremendous asset to the community and leader on the team. He just wasn’t used properly last year under the Petrino fiasco.

By Teamplayer

March 2, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this

Why I the world do we want to keep Brooking…you’ve already seen he couldn’t protect the middle so now you move him back to the weak side where he started…be forreal CUT him and use that 6 million for better use

By Casey

March 2, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this

Warrick Dunn is washed up. He can’t be a 3rd down back because a 3rd down back has to be able to pass block and catch passes. Warrick Dunn can’t do either of those 2 things. He can’t be a change of pace, because he is slower than Norwood or Michael Turner. He has never been a short yardage back. So, what is left for him? Nothing. Maybe, he can help some other team, but he should never put on a Falcons uniform again. They have been hanging on to him for WAY too long. He is the reason we never gave Duckett the shot he deserved, and now he’s gone. Now he’s holding Norwood back. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ALREADY! PLEASE GET RID OF HIM! NOW!!!

By Casey

March 2, 2008 2:49 AM | Link to this

Michael Turner is exactly what the Falcons need. Out of all the moves they might make this offseason, I promise you we will all look back on whether they sign Turner or not as the biggest move they will make. No matter who they get in the draft or by trade (God, I hope they can unload MeAngelo Hall on some suckers) or free agency Michael Turner WILL help the Falcons the most now and in the next several years.

As far as McFadden goes, from what I’m hearing, he may not even get drafted in the top 20. Everyone around the league is saying he has been way overrated. If the Falcons draft someone like him, with everything that has gone on here off the field lately, they might as well pack up the team in a U-Haul and get the hell out as fast as they can.

By Karl

March 2, 2008 3:08 AM | Link to this

Sign Turner then draft Jake Long witht he first pick and then Chad Henne with our second round pick or second first round pick if we trade Me-Angelo. Who would you rather have together two guys who have been together already for 4 years or another QB that Long has not protected his backside already. Henne makes perfect sense playing with Long. If you don’t take along and some good FA lineman then a Turner signing will be all for naught since he will have nowhere to run. Just my thoughts.

By Karl

March 2, 2008 3:09 AM | Link to this

Sign Turner then draft Jake Long witht he first pick and then Chad Henne with our second round pick or second first round pick if we trade Me-Angelo. Who would you rather have together two guys who have been together already for 4 years or another QB that Long has not protected his backside already. Henne makes perfect sense playing with Long. If you don’t take along and some good FA lineman then a Turner signing will be all for naught since he will have nowhere to run. Just my thoughts.

By Casey

March 2, 2008 3:13 AM | Link to this

You can’t put 5 rookie offensive linemen out there and expect to do better than 0-16. You have to have some veterans. I say trade MeAngelo for a lineman. It’s also a waste to draft a lineman with the 3rd pick. We have 9 draft picks, including 2 second rounders, that they can use on the OL.

Jake Long might be a good player, but he’s not worth it, considering all of the offensive linemen who graduate every year. He’s not worth the pick or the money they would have to pay him. It’s too big of a gamble for an unproven OL. They would be better off throwing a bunch of money at a proven veteran lineman. Use the draft pick on something that’s harder to find, DL, S, WR, TE, CB, or LB. I don’t believe there is a QB worth taking 3rd, either. Or, if they don’t like their options with that pick, trade down and get more picks or proven players who can help us now.

By Casey

March 2, 2008 3:20 AM | Link to this

Anyone who think’s Brooking should be cut obviously knows nothing and should be ignored by all.

By Plain Tired

March 2, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

I have read all of your comments and I niether agree or disagree, with most of what your saying.

I think Dunn has served us well and desereves either a restructuring or an office job. i think Brooking is a bust in the middle, and I think Mcfadden or mcfelon as he has been called has the potential to be another A. Peterson.

We need Talent that can be long term and exciting. I think we should also look at a tight end there are two great ones comming out of the combine.

we should be trying to rebuild our Oline thru free agency. I am tired of watching the dolphins and the jets and all the rest make moves and ensuring there fans that they are serious about building a winner, and all we have done was picked up an ok safety and a corner who cant compare to the one we have and are whinning about we want to trade.

All I realy want is to see some moves that will make me believe that the Falcons want to win as much as I want them to. or at least be competetive. Thats just my Hope and opinion..

oh and by the way I think we already have our QB of the future in the form of DJ Shockley, not the burn out they resigned…

By Larry

March 2, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

What? A clean cut black guy with no earrings, a gentleman’s haircut, high character, no illegitimate children, more than a double digit IQ, and no rap sheet?

Sign him! SIGN HIM NOW!

The only question is can you get the the same Dome Degenerates who supported Vick and MeHall to purchase tickets to see a good guy?

By cris carter

March 2, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

I don’t see how giving a guy with 6 TDs in his career $40 million (according to Pat Kirwan)is a good idea. Considering that all good football teams control the line of scrimmage and both our lines are in shambles,we would be better suited to spend that money on Faneca. Oops. I’m sorry. He’s already signed with someone.

By Supes

March 2, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

The Falcons should look at what the Jets are doing!

Signing OL and DL and getting ready to draft McFadden (he is going to fall to them it looks like)

What good is to sign a career backup RB to a huge contract? He is unproven as a starter, that is as big as a gamble as drafting McFadden (limitless potential) and signing FA lineman to block for him.

By Rod

March 2, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Great the Falcons want to sign a backup to be the starter. Falcons need to sign him to back up DMAC. Atlanta sux because their fans are stupid.

By Joe Bland

March 2, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Take Jake Long with the first pick. He’s a cornerstone pick like Boselli in Jacksonville and Mike Kenn was for the best years Atlanta had before Reeves’ Super Bowl year. Anyone who says anything differently knows nothing and should be ignored by all.

By Teamplayer

March 2, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

So D Hall wants out (I guess I would too)..and NY wants him…How about trading him for TE Shockey and a lower draft picks

By falcons

March 2, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Darren McFadden would be much better than Michael Turner. Draft McFadden and spend free agency money on other needs — like an offensive line!

By hump

March 2, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

micheal turner would be a good addition to the backfield.i think falcons should get a ol that can protect the pass or dorsey. trade hall for a player (a proven strong safety and draft picks or just get draft picks for hall. i’m not sure but i think you can’t have no more than ten draft pick and the falcons have nine already unless they throw in low draft pick in the hall trade.sign boley please. for people thinking warrick dunn sucks because of the line think again. norwood touch the ball less then dunn did but hold a 6.0 ypc and only trail dunn by 107 rushing yard total and only had 103 carries. dunn 227 carries 720 yards and a 3.2 ypc. our line is not that bad protecting the run. it’s a no brainer that dunn needs vick to be good. i’m still a vick fan but i don’t want him back. long is a run blocking ol so far so i rather get dorsey and trade hall for a proven pass protecting ol or a proven ss with draft picks.

By hump

March 2, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

and oh yeah, to all you fake falcons fan go f******* yourself. i’m talking about people who got all this bs to say but don’t go to game when the tough gets going. ya’ll are pretty much like petrino cause when they don’t win ya’ll bounce just like he did. you retards should know it take money to get great players. ain’t no money when “fans” don’t show up to games. if i was back in atlanta i’ll have season tickets but i’m in the military so i don’t have that oppurtunity just yet……go FALCONS and REAL FALCONS FANS

By peoplez1

March 2, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Mr Blank..Mr Dimitroff…Mr Smith…i know how you feel about this situation…the post-vick side of you wants to play it safe..draft jake long, pick up mike turner..no risks…WRONG!!!! there is just as much risk in playing it safe as taking a chance..so do those of us who put food on your table a favor and force us to love the falcons again by drafting mcfadden..Coach Smith..im sure this year you will preach to your players “play to win..dont play to NOT LOSE!!”..so i pose the question Mr Blank, Dimitroff and Smith..WILL YOU TAKE YOUR OWN ADVICE?? will you play safe and draft long..or play to win w/ DMAC??!!

By season ticket holder

March 2, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Look the Falcons need someone who can perform in the NFL. McFadden has too many off the field issues, we don’t need any more of those types of players. I say we go and sign Turner and either draft an offensive or defensive lineman. I think DJ Shockley is our QB and would have been key last year if he didn’t get hurt. I don’t understand why we let go alge and rod coleman. We should have at least traded them.

**SIGN TURNER, DRAFT LINEMAN, MAKE SHOCKLEY QB

By NYFalcsFan

March 2, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

how could any of you view Shockley as our starting QB—have you seen him play any games in the NFL?? There is a reason he is a backup—he is useless—cut him and be done…C’mon guys get serious here and stop with this idiotic statements—-whoever is in favor of shockley is either a moron or a non falcon fan posting stupid messages here

By MariettaFalconFan

March 2, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Casey - “Jake Long might be a good player, but he’s not worth (drafting him at #3)..”

In 4 years, Jake Long only had 2 people that went around him to sack Chade Henne.. That’s not good, that’s excellent for an offensive lineman. Plus, he did extremely well in the combine and every so called expert have said that he is the real deal.

If St. Louis gets Jake Long, which is possible, then I’m ok with Dorsey at #3 because he was a beast for LSU. I know he has a couple of injuries but he did play through them.

McFadden in my opinion will be the next A. Peterson but I doubt that the Falcons would draft him after signing M. Turner. Also, it wouldn’t surprise me if he gets Offensive Rookie of the Year.

No matter who the Falcons choose at #3, it will be a quality pick.

Go Falcons!

By fred b.

March 2, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Alright so ESPN is reporting the Falcons have indeed signed Turner to a 6 year/ 34.5mil dollar deal. FANTASTIC… now we can concentrate on offensive and defensive lineman in the draft and forget about McFadden…although talented he’s too much of a risk and the last thing we need on this team right now is another guy with character issues.

By tony

March 2, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

nice pick up by new gm.

By Bama 12Natl Championships

March 2, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

I like the Turner pick up. We need to build the OL but we need to build the DL too. I’d go Sedrick Ellis, Dorsey, Jake long in that order of priority if available

By Steve Jones

March 2, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

With the signing of Micheal Turner the team should now focus on getting us a solid offensive line to block for Turner/Norwood and whoever we draft. The draft is pretty deep with quarterbacks so, we ought to draft a few tackles and maybe a center, McClure is entering his 11th year. I’d like to see another Brookingesque linebacker drafted as well. Kudos to Management! We have ourselves a potent backfield!

By Mike

March 2, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are doing a great job of rebuilding so far.With the signing of Turner, Warrick Dunn will be gone.Atlanta should do something to honor him not only for his on field performance but for being one of the most honorable and decent athletes off the field this town has seen in a long time.

By Myrtle Beach

March 2, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Now put J Long beside Blalock and our left side is set for 8 years. Forney and Weiner are both long in the tooth but can still block if healthy. We have to have a center who can drive block without a double team and McClure has never been able to do that. Not saying he is not smart and does not try hard but it is not good enough anymore. Like him or hate him D. Hall with Houston gives us the best 2 corners in the South and instead of worring about getting rid of him we need to be worried about what it will take to keep him as long as he plays. We are only a few moves from being as good as anybody in the South even with Redman at QB this season, sorry to see Dunn go but it is what it is. Funny isn’t it that after all was said and done we are right back trying to get back to a Dan Reeves football team.

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