ajcsportstalk

By Bob

January 28, 2009 11:30 AM | Link to this

Thomas did an amazing job this year for the Falcons. Every move he made worked out perfect. Keep it up. We need to go after some defense now. We need help a DT the most. We have to get someone who can stop the run and open up some holes for our LB. With a good draft this year and a few more free agents. Look out for years to come. We have faith in Thomas!!!

By 2 old 2

January 28, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this

TD needs no help from me or the other no-brainers that clog these blogs. I THINK he will pick up an O-lineman and a DB in FA and one of the TEs that are available in the draft. Otherwise, he will use the draft to re-tool the defense. I am confident that he and Coach Smitty will do another good job.

By mark

January 28, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this

thomas is the biggest reason for the turn around of the falcons, hands down. thank you so much for bringing us back!

By A Fan

January 28, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this

First!!! and TD is the man!

By A Fan

January 28, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this

First!!! and TD is the man!

By Travis

January 28, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this

I think that it is a must to get someone on the D-line a DE or DT to help out John Abraham with all those double teams. It would be nice if someone else would get sacks other than Abraham.

By Rufio

January 28, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this

I’m hoping to get my Thomas Dimitroff pajamas and matching bed sheets in time for the April draft.

By Eric

January 28, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this

Job well done Thomas, keep up the great work. You helped make this a really enjoyable year to watch our Falcons when we all expected a rebuilding year. Get us a tightend, let Brooking retire, and draft DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE. Just my opinion, but you keep doing what you do, congradulation’s on your award you earned it.

By Poor McKay

January 28, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Thomas AND Mr. Blank (smartest hiring decision since becoming team owner). Only advice for Thomas is to keep himself surrounded by smart football people who are focused on team success.

By Russ

January 28, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this

Congratulations on the award!!! Right now, my confidence is so high in this organization (and TD in particular) that I won’t even bother to predict what they will do in free agency and the draft. I am sure they will do what needs to be done for the Falcons take the next step and that is good enough for me. They don’t need my input. GO FALCONS!!!

By retnav

January 28, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

I have all the confidence that TD will continue to build on this past year. I would like to see Anderson put on some weight and move to DT and lets get a rushing DE. Also it is time for Brooking to step a side and lets get some youth in there. We need to get someone to get ready to replace Milloy in a year or so. So to me D should be the primary area to work on. It would not hurt to get a TE that can catch the ball. All and all we just have a few holes to fill on the D side and some tweeking on the O side.

By Bryan

January 28, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this

I wish we could pull some free agents like Peppers, Suggs, and that cb from Oakland. Then I totaly have faith in the draft for some of our other needs.

By Ramblin Wrecker

January 28, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this

Two words: FAT ALBERT

If you sign Haynesworth to fill the DT hole, then use the top pick on someone like James Lauranitis. Then you can let Keith Brooking go and let Haynesworth open up things for these young fast linebackers like the Animal and Lofton to make plays. Then you find some help at safety in the 2nd round. I think the Falcons are set at the skill positions on offense, so focus on OL, LB, DE the rest of the way.

By Michael in Decatur

January 28, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this

It will be tough to match the success of ‘08 in ‘09. Our AFC opponents will be much tougher than Oakland, SD, KC and Denver plus we have to play the 2nd place teams in the NFC (either PHL, CHI or SF). We’ll either face the NFC North (DAL, NYG, WASH, PHL) or West (AZ, SF, STL, SEA).

And we’ll have a sophomore QB.

I’m hoping for a 9-7 record. That would give Arthur Blank back-to-back winning seasons…he deserves that…..

By Billy

January 28, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this

Definitely a well-deserved honor. Keep up the good work, TD!

By Karl

January 28, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

I like dem french fried taters….

mmmmmmmmm…….

By sickfan

January 28, 2009 12:57 PM | Link to this

Remember guys - we didn’t have any significant injuries this year. If we have injuries everything goes to hell again - quickly.

By Cybed

January 28, 2009 1:05 PM | Link to this

Congrats TD! Do NOT rest on your laurels!

By matt

January 28, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this

You guys are giving me goosebumps!! All this talk about Julius Peppers and Albert Haynesworth?!?! Either of those two would be HUGE for us!!! Can we afford either of them??

By jc_dawgs

January 28, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this

Next years schedule will be much tougher. All the more reason for TD to attack the Falcons weakness which is clearly the front 7 on D.

We need to pick up 1 top fa for our DL. Then replace Brooking at OLB with a 1st or 2nd rnd pick.

By brandon

January 28, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this

Hey Thomas, tell Blank to buy the Braves and Hawks…

By Phillip

January 28, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this

Congrats to TD - the puppetmaster pulled all the right strings - I have total faith in him…..So, Dimitroff while I have your attention, here is the plan for next year:

Free Agency: Karlos Dansby, WLB (let Brooking go) Veron Carey, RT (Clabo as back-up) Sean Jones, SS (let Milloy go)

Draft: 1st - Peria Jerry, DT-Ole Miss 2nd - Robert Ayers, DE-Tennessee 3rd - Shawn Nelson, TE-Southern Miss 4th - Asher Allen, CB-Georgia 5th - Ryland Reed, OT/OG-Texas Tech 5th - Chase Coffman, QB-Missouri(college back-up with big arm - like Matt Cassel) 7th - Robert Francois, SLB-Boston College

By Barry

January 28, 2009 1:48 PM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

Dimitroff and have done a great job in establising the “NEW” Falcons this year. They have establishes a mission and vision for this team to take it to the next level year in and year out. They have connected with the community and the football coommunity have connected with them. They have turned this team from the “I’s” to the “WE”. They have turned this team and the community into “ONE HEARTBEAT”.: together caring about the success of this team, its players, and the fans. They have brought exciting, physical, nasty professional football to Atlanta. And this time it is here to stay. I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR!! I cannot wait to get back with the fans and cheering in the stands for this great product that they are putting on the field. This product is generating wins which will quickly get us championships. I cannot wait to shout out in the stands “ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!” on every play our Falcons make. They are “OUR TEAM”. They are “OUR HEART. And we are down with them in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” Thank you Dimitroff and Smith for giving us a “peak” as to what a winning football team looks like. I know we are still in the “PROCESS”, but DAMN, I must say the “PROCESS” is really looking Good.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ringold

By Kendawg

January 28, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this

The obvious place that needs help is the defense. Absent John Abraham, Atlanta doesn’t have a pass rush. They need help at DT or DE. It wouldn’t hurt to upgrade the linebacking corps.

By The Grinch

January 28, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

Haynesworth is going to demand more money than he deserves. Breaking the bank on one player (see Vick, Michael) is a crap shoot; don’t think Dimitroff would do it. Peppers might be a bit more affordable, but still somewhat overrated. The philosophy he tends to use focuses more of building from within and finding jewels in the rough. I’m sure if the right big name is available at the right price we’ll snag him, but I wouldn’t expect it just for the purpose of making a splash. That’s the stuff of lesser GM’s.

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

January 28, 2009 2:00 PM | Link to this

CONGRATULATIONS THOMAS DIMITROFF

NOW YOU MUST ASSEMBLE A CHAMPIONSHIP DEFENSE TO COMPLIMENT OUR OFFENSE

MAKE ONE BIG FA PICK UP ON DEFENSE

IF YOU FIND A NICE TE IN FA THEN GO FOR IT

THEN DRAFT BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYERS AVAILABLE IN RD 1 THROUGH 5

ADD SOME MORE BEEF TO O-LINE WITH LAST TWO PICKS

By gabeaux

January 28, 2009 2:01 PM | Link to this

Barry, Barry, please can the ‘one heartbeat’ slop. This is football, not some eighth grade dance.

By Ken

January 28, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this

Be very careful what you wish for regarding Haynesworth or Peppers.High priced free agent signings are the quickest way to derail an up an coming franchise. The draft is the way to build long term success.Haynesworth is a great player, but the only time he played up to his potential was the last couple of years when he was playing for a new contract. Peppers has been known to disappear for entire seasons.I dont think either of these guys would perform up to the level of the huge money you would have to pay them.Look at the Steelers as a sterling example.Of their current 22 starters-ony 3 have ever played for another team- that is mind blowing-18 of 22 starters came from the draft or undrafted free agency.The Falcons in my opinion have an elite franchise QB and a very solid RB and WR. They need to continue to upgrade both lines of scrimmage through the draft,and inexpensive free agency to fill holes and they will be regular post season players every year, just like the Steelers. High dollar free agency would set this program back and if Demmitroff surcumbs to the temptation he and Mike Smith will be unemployed in 3-5 years.

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

January 28, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this

Hey guys, I like to read Harry Potter books

By JohninJax

January 28, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this

Finally the Falcons have FOOTBALL people running the show…NOT business men acting like football personnel. Great job FALCONS…the future looks bright.

By mikereid85

January 28, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this

Please try to get Flordia’s Harvin.

By bakerman

January 28, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this

I think Mssrs. Dimitroff and Smith can do a fine job without all the inane babble from us. They know who should be available and who would be a ‘fit’.

By 2 old 2

January 28, 2009 3:26 PM | Link to this

Don’t you love it when one of these brain-deads who think FIRST counts for something, claim it, and ain’t?

By Reno 911

January 28, 2009 3:31 PM | Link to this

Peppers and Haynesworth are both too expensive for TD to go near. He’s not one to be attracted to shiny objects, but instead to look for diamonds in the rough or short of that, just solid, dependable role players. Some people seem to confuse football with the NBA. It’s not. You can’t make a trade for that one player who turns it around (and is worth all of the money he’ll require). Football’s the ultimate team game, and I’d rather have five more Coy Wires than one Albert Haynesworth and four dudes who wouldn’t make the roster anywhere else. It’s a salary cap-driven world, and TD knows it. Relax, folks. And don’t freak out when TD signs/drafts a bunch of dudes you’ve never heard of. Did you know who Harvey Dahl and Coy Wire were this time last year?

btw- chase coffman, out of Mizzou, is a TE, not a QB; and if you want him, you’ll have to spend a 2nd rounder on him, not a 5th.

By Reno 911

January 28, 2009 3:39 PM | Link to this

ps- great insight on the Steelers, Ken.

By Drayton Xavier

January 28, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this

Releasing OLB Keith Brooking is the next move. Whatever money that opens up great for the team - Dimitroff will find some better talent and thus make our defense much better at making plays, defending the run and pass.

By Steve

January 28, 2009 4:10 PM | Link to this

DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE & another top receiver…

By Erik

January 28, 2009 4:19 PM | Link to this

Grab FA TE Owen Daniels. The guy is a great player, hard worker, and class act. Should fly a little under the radar, but could possible churn out consistent 900-1000 yd seasons from this year forward. After that, TD just needs to work his magic for our defense. Lesser known FAs and a great draft. We need help all over the defense.

By jim

January 28, 2009 4:28 PM | Link to this

Hey Barry forget what that guy said. Keep up the “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” stuff. It motivated me all season. I am sure real Falcon fans enjoy it too.

Let’s Go Falcons!! “ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!”

By Joseph Allen McWhorter

January 28, 2009 4:34 PM | Link to this

Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith did a fantastic job this year. What the Falcons need to concentrate on now in the offseason in order to get up in the elite class of the league next season is building a solid defense. Their main concentration in the April draft should be on defense. They already have a respectable offense and Matt Ryan is only going to get better. I truly think that the Falcons are certainly on the right track. I also truly believe that the city of Atlanta is going to experience professional football success over the next few years like it hasn’t seen since the franchise has been in Atlanta. The future for Falcon football looks nothing but bright!

By cb

January 28, 2009 5:03 PM | Link to this

First of all, congrats are in order to Dimitroff on his recognition from The Sporting News. It is well deserved. I believe TD will focus on the defensive side of the ball obviously. The primary focus should be signing a DT (Haynesworth preferably). The acquisition of stud OLB’s must also be a primary focus. The organization should also take an interest in the CB in Oakland (Asomugha). If a decent young safety is available in the draft we should keep Milloy to mentor him. On the offensive side a TE and depth on the OL should be addressed.

By Rex D

January 28, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this

The consensus here is on the money. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist, or Gilligan for that matter, to figure out that they will release WOLB Brooking and open up money. The question is how do you spend it? Well, they obviously need upgrades at OLB, DT, and S. If you can get a starter/star defensive lineman with your FA money, then you draft an SOLB to start (with your first rounder), and a S to succeed Milloy (with your second rounder). Move Boley back to his natural WOLB position. And suddenly, just like that, you have a formidable defense that can make plays behind the line of scrimmage, instead of tackles seven yards down field.

By Joe

January 28, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this

Tom made Sporting News look like a bunch of monkeys with typewriters and I loved it. Obviously the choice to go into the draft and free agency is defense. The only offense position that is a need is TE. We need a couple hard hitting DB’s some competitive LB’s and a stud End. Peppers would be nice but I am not holding my breath. If we could sign both Peppers AND that Oakland DB that would be a dream. But we live in reality so let’s go after one of those and pick up some speed demons in the draft to play CB. We have a nice core on offense. Nothing too glaring. If we could shave even a TD per game off our Points Allowed than we are doing something special and become a favorite for the playoffs.

By Joe

January 28, 2009 5:40 PM | Link to this

Also, almost forgot. Lets move Jamal Anderson to another position and get a real End. His play is uninspiring and borderline pathetic.

By Mitun

January 28, 2009 5:41 PM | Link to this

I say

1.Keep Grady Jackson and Micheal Boley 2. Sign Albert Haynesworth and Jordan Gross in the Free Agent Market 3. Draft Brandon Pettigrew TE from Oklahoma State

By tyger

January 28, 2009 5:51 PM | Link to this

Boy Geniuses, Not

First, Dimitroff inherited a mess, but the mess wasnt as broken as it appeared. The Falcons needed stability and leadership more than a complete re-tooling.

Ryan was a great pick and replaced Vick. Problem #1 solved. Mike Smith was another great selection and replaced Petrino. Problem #2 resolved.

Those two moves alone put the Falcoons back on track. The Franchise needed to get back to playing pro football moreso, than a make-over. Not only had Vick left them without a QB, but the franchise had no focus, no leadership and that was Petrino’s job.

Signing Michael Turner was par for the course. Nothing special there, FA are signed every year.

Dimitroffs mettle will be tested now that the Falcoons are on par with the rest of the league. Getting a QB when you have none, isnt genius, its necessity. Getting a coach when you have none is…

Now, manage the cap and upgrade the team without losing ground - thats the test!

We’ve seen and heard this boy genius crap before, in fact, Dimitroff is our second, McKay was first, he had one good draft in Tampa; Warrick Dunn and Derrick Brooks and add Tony Dungy and he’s a genius, gimme a break.

We’ve seen what his leadership has brought Atlanta -nothing - and we’ll see what Dimitroff ultimately can do as well, but so far, hiring one coach and drafting one QB - dont qualify.

By BirdFan

January 28, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this

Your right tyger but getting the RIGHT QB and the RIGHT HC is what was so great about Dimitroff. Smitty and Mattie Ice will both be with us for a long time to come. And is wasn’t just Matt from the draft. What about Loften who came into his own as a very good mlb, Douglas was a playmaker on offense and special teams, and Jackson was a solid db. TD deserves this. Thanks to Artie Blank for making the best decision since he became owner.

By jared

January 28, 2009 10:20 PM | Link to this

To start, the Falcons should sign an OL, like Jordan Gross or Mike Goff and a guy like Owen Daniels to play TE. That would fill all the holes on offense. Then you can start focusing on defense. To fix the defensive line, I would try to sign either Julius Peppers or Albert Haynesworth. Then I would try and sign a player like Bertrand Berry. That would fill the holes in the defensive line. For the linebacking position, I would try and sign either Mike Peterson or Jonathan Vilma, while trying to keep Michael Boley. For defensive back, they should attempt to sign Mike Brown to replace Lawyer Milloy and add Nnamdi Asomugha. While it seems rather expensive to do all these moves, keep in mind that the Falcons will have one of the lowest payrolls entering the free agency market. The contracts of Lawyer Milloy and Keith Brooking are expiring. Either way, Dimitroff is a great GM and I’m sure whatever he does will be the right move.

By andy

January 29, 2009 12:02 AM | Link to this

He needs to go after a big time DB! There’s a few good ones that’s are going to be free agents, and maybe a LB as well!

By Bryant

January 29, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this

I don’t think TD will go after Albert Haynesworth or Julius Peppers. Both are good players, but they will command big dollars, and I just can’t see the Falcons breaking the bank for either one of these players.

DT is definitely a big need of ours, so let me ask this: What’s the status of Trey Lewis? He’s had quite a while to rehab after re-injuring his knee in the off season. He was progressing quite nicely before getting hurt in 2007. If he can come back healthy, that will be a big boost.

By willdave

January 29, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this

Congratulations, Thomas Dimitroff. You truly deserve this honor for the way you engineered a complete turnaround for the Falcons in 2008. We fans are proud of you and appreciate the incredible job that you have done for our historically troubled franchise. With you as the GM, we are very optimistic about its future.

By BigTimeGaTechFan

January 29, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this

Round 1 -Best available defensive player DE,DT,LB,S, or CB Round 2 - TE or OL Round 3 - QB (need backup) Round 4 - 7 - Defense

Sign Fee Agents Rocky Bernard, DL,Seahawks Dawan Landry,S,Ravens Mike Goff,OL,Chargers

By SirReal

January 29, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this

Hey Barry!! Yeah man keep it up. I LOVE the one heartbeat thing. Its catchy and does the trick.LOL I could hear Ryan at the line “Set, ONE HEARTBEAT, ONE HEARTBEAT, GO!” I also hope to see even better things from the Birds next year. We have a tough schedule but I think we’re at a competitive level now. We should win at least 10 if we fill the defensive holes and add a pass catching TE to the offense. With the ELITE coaching staff we have (Guys we have an ALL-STAR cast of position coaches. BVG, you earned my respect this year. I wasnt big on him but he devised some great schemes with the limited personnel he had to work with. And Ryan wouldnt have done half of the things w/o Bill Musgrave)coming back, I see great things ahead. Looking forward to next year guys!!!

By JerseyFalcon

January 29, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this

How about T.J ” who’s your momma” and then slide jenkins into the second slot along w/ HD…Don’t get Haynesworth…huge man w/ bad knees=regret. See how the first round of the draft pans out..if BJ and Pettigrew are gone, trade out of the first and pick up a second and maybe a fourth.

By Darius

January 29, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

In Dimitroff we Trust!!!

By Scott Hornibrook

January 29, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this

Sign Julius Peppers ! :O)

By FanSince1980

January 29, 2009 11:58 AM | Link to this

My free agent wish list that won’t break the bank: 1) Tank Johnson at DT with Trey Lewis 2) Karlos Dansby and cut Brooking, not sure about Boley 3) Sean Jones(SS); I like Milloy but his ability to be effective is dwindling. 4) Re-sign Koenen and Foxworth

My draft wish list: 1) A USC OLB (it doesn’t matter which) 2) A pass catching tightend (Coffman or Cook) 3) OTs with mean streaks; Weiner and Gandy are up there in age and Clabo is really a guard that can play OT

By FanSince1980

January 29, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

I’m sure I’m in the minority about this but I’m not ready to throw in the towel on Jamaal Anderson. His rookie year was with that garbage of a coaching staff we had in 07. His first season with real NFL coaching was this past season. Give him one more year and I think he’ll come around. He improved a whole lot this past year comparing to his rookie season. He was at least disruptive more often.

By Selwyn

January 29, 2009 12:14 PM | Link to this

Congratulations Mr Dimitroff on your great accomplishments sir. I’m sure that we expect more of the same, or even better next year.

With that said, i do have a few suggestions; i hope you don’t mind. I’m sure you understand our dire need for Defensive line upgrade and outside linebacker(Bye Mr Brooking…we’ll retire your number 2 yrs from now). I suggest bringing Stephen Nicholas at the starting SLB position and moving Boley over to the weakside. We can then use the draft to get a bookend DT and just stick him in there for years to come.

Also, the TE position. I understand that LJ Smith from Phil Eagles will be a UFA this year. I say pay the low-middle end and bring him in here. What’s there to loose. An excellent pass catching TE w/ so so blocking skills. An upgrade in that position(oh and draft Jared Cook from SC as the future)

oh and last thing; Please keep an eye on Dominique Johnson from Jackson state-CB(knowing how gifted you are, you probably know this already). I really think that he and Dominique Foxworth can be our future here in the DB position. He’s 6’2” and 210lbs w/ blazing “football” speed(believe me, i’ve seen this guy play). pick him in the 3rd round have him fight over the position w/ Chris Houston. Maybe that will get Chris to step up his game and stop being so lazy at his position.

Sincerely. Educated Falcons Fan.

By SCBird

January 29, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this

Replace Jamal Anderson and Chris Houston!

By Tripp Smith

January 29, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

I think TD may go after Haynesworth or Peppers but use an incentive laden offer. Perhaps nice, juicy bonuses for so many sacks and pressures. I think both will have interest in coming to Atlanta since it is so convenient to their current homes. I also agree we should really go after Asomugha from Oakland. Draft will probably cover TE, OL and LB. Any way it goes, I have full faith in the new powers that they will further establish our Falcons and bring us our first consecutive winning seasons!

By SirReal

January 29, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

Fansince1980, I like what you’re sayin’ man. I too am not just ready to throw in the towel on Anderson. Next year will be the year of determining if he’s a bust or not. I still dont think so for some reason…And yes I was thinking Dansby and Jones would be good. TD may stay away from Tank Johnson if he doesnt think his off the field things arent a hinderance. You know ATL wants choir boys ever since the MV7 scandal….great picks though. I agree with you on most!

By Hawes

January 29, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this

Yes, Ryan needs a TE, but there should be plenty of decent FA TEs available. Spend the draft picks on the defense. You probably need two OLBs, either DT or DE, a SS and a developmental CB. Dimitroff can probably fill a LB spot and maybe a SS from Free Agency, but not all those spots. Will Cushing be available with the 24th pick? Does Clint Sintim fit into the scheme? Or do you hope there’s a decent DL player at 24 and pick up someone like Nic Harris and convert him to OLB?

Too many options and not enough information to guess at this point.

By Atlanta Neck-ville- fans

January 29, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this

when can we get to draft new fans!! Every year they put blame on some player. our fan love a fall guy! I want to see who will be the fall guy when the falcon go 6-10 next year. All this about how good the gm did will all turn next year. Now if they go 9-7 or 10-6 then the Gm has done great. This is the Falcon. The Fan base is more of a problem than the team. The Fans and sports media is clueless in Atlanta!! Blank the mind set need some a-justment. Defense wins most of the time in the NFL game . But in Neck-Ville if they are not of there mind set or color they will never win. Just look back at the history of this place!!

By Time will tell

January 29, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this

Falcon need a QB watch next year!!

By FanSince1980

January 29, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

Sir Real…appreciate it!! I too thought about the Tank Johnson off the field antics but I don’t want to put any rookies on the line this year and Haynesworth or Peppers may cost us too much and we wouldn’t be able to address other needs. Man I can’t wait until free agency starts.

By Spud Webb

January 29, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this

Haynesworth would be GREAT here. I think TD & Smith will address a number of areas. Tight End has to be a priority, DB’s, another pass rusher, maybe two, Abe isn’t a youngster!!! They will address all these needs, it will be interesting to see how and who!!! GO BIRDS. Great job TD & Smith!!!!

By 1st time GM

January 29, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this

Listen up this is my first attempt to put on my a GM hat, but just a thought, what if the Falcons workout a trade with the Lions we send the Lions Vick, Norwood, Jenkins for Calvin Johnson, and some lower round draft pick and if the Lions don’t bite we throw in Finneran and Jamaal Anderson, as I said this is my first attempt wearing the GM hat, would do you guys think?

By Blake

January 29, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this

Congratulations Mr. Dimitroff! You earned it!

I don’t get all the harping for a TE. This scheme calls for the TE to block more than catch. Peele and Hartsock(when healthy) proved they can do the job. Rader, however didn’t.

As far as free agency… Haynesworth? Please, too expensive and all about “me.” Peppers? Same deal. Dimitroff and Smith will do exactly what they said concerning free agency; get solid depth/backups.

Once again, they’ll build this team through the draft. Which, again, is what they already said. Please try and keep up, people.

By willdave

January 29, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this

“[W]hat if the Falcons workout a trade with the Lions we send the Lions Vick, Norwood, Jenkins for Calvin Johnson, and some lower round draft pick and if the Lions don’t bite we throw in Finneran and Jamaal Anderson…do you guys think?”

Thought-provoking post there, “1st time GM.”

My feeling would be that if the Falcons do make a blockbuster trade like that, it should be for a defensive superstar.

However, if the Lions did want to make Calvin available, I could go along with Vick (no-brainer), a lower round draft pick and Jenkins or Anderson—take your pick of the two.

Norwood has proven to be one of the true big-play threats that the Falcons have, so he is off the table in my deal. Brian Finneran is a veteran clutch receiver. He is a true inspiration to have been able to come back so strong after missing two seasons. I want to keep him on my Falcon roster for those reasons.

By falconidiot

January 29, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this

I’m going to hold back on the praise until it happens back to back, Rich McKay took us to the NFC Championship game his first year, and appeared to have made all the right moves, Matt Ryan is the best thing to happen to the Falcons and i have a feeling it was more Blanks decision than Thomas, also if we lose McKay it will be interesting to see how Thomas handles contracts, salary cap issues, I’m positive McKay handled for him last year, he’s young and then there’s Mr. persuasive ( blank )

By darrell starks

January 29, 2009 11:08 PM | Link to this

HAYNESWORTH OR PEPPER WILL SET THE TONE FOR THE DRAFT DEFENSE DEFENSE AND MORE DEFENSE NO TIGHT ENDS THE FIRST THREE ROUNDS FIRST PICK LB JAMES LAURINATIS from ohio state or LB BRIAN CUSHING from usc 2ROUND if some how he slip to us this will be the steal of the draft CB SEAN SMITH from utah this kid will be a beast in the pros please lets move up in the draft and grab him he CAN PLAY SAFETY OR CB AND NEXT PICK CB ASHER ALLEN FROM GEORGIA WHO WILL BE ANOTHER STEAL FOR US IN THE 3ROUND. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Andruw's Jones is Phat

January 30, 2009 5:36 AM | Link to this

I would think defense would be TD’s focus for next year, buy hey, this guy is pretty sharp. I’m confident he’ll make the right decisions.

By BG

January 30, 2009 7:11 AM | Link to this

“what if the Falcons workout a trade with the Lions we send the Lions Vick, Norwood, Jenkins for Calvin Johnson, and some lower round draft pick”

I’d LOVE to see Calvin Johnson here. He’d fit in great with this team. I think it would cost you more than that, though. He’s all Detroit has.

By rob

January 30, 2009 7:35 AM | Link to this

DEFENSE…UPGRADE THE DEFENSE

By RIZ

January 30, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this

My trust in TD was evident this year. It is a large puzzle building a great team,and will several more pieces ( safety,DT,DE, and linebacker on defense ) and a TE ( very important in our system ) I think we are in the right direction. 2009-2010 will show how we stand in a competitive league with a much tougher schedule and 2nd year additions. I am a season holder for 15 years and 2008 was a wonderful year to be a FALCON fan, and very confident in our future……..THANKS MR. BLANK!!!

By Brian Hunt

January 30, 2009 1:51 PM | Link to this

Congrats TD. You deserve it. You’ve overcome your doubters, including me. I’m very glad you are at the helm of the NFL’s best Franchise. That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it!

By Jim Fowler

January 30, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this

God Bless Thomas Dimitroff !!!, he was our biggest free agent pick-up of all times . Not only does this man deserve GM of the year he should receive standing ovations at every eating establishment and public events he attends , come on Atlanta give it up for Thomas Dimitroff