(Welcome all! With the NFL becoming more of a passing league, the “Cover 9@9” blog will become all of the rage. You can read it here every Wednesday at 9 a.m. throughout the season. We’ll try to get to everything about the Atlanta Falcons. -– D. Orlando Ledbetter)
1. THE O-LINE REMIX: The Falcons appear to be in a much better position to withstand this current onslaught of injuries along the offensive line.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Last season, they had to play with Lamar Holmes at left tackle and Jeremy Trueblood at right tackle.
Jake Matthews and Gabe Carimi are clearly upgrades.
Carimi, a former first-round pick and Outland Trophy winner, has been solid and appears to be on his way toward salvaging his career.
Blalock’s back is a concern, but more time in Coach Mike Smith’s “Over 30 Club” ice tube should help.
The wildcard is Peter Konz at center.
He appears determined to prove that he can play at a higher level. He was one of the players who did a good job in the weight room over the offseason.
He's technically sound, but needs to play with more power and fierceness.
If the line can hold up, the Falcons will have a shot in most games.
I'm going to miss my guy Joe Hawley, He was always upbeat and pleasant. Good luck to you and Holmes with your recoveries.
Also, Kemal Ishmael drew praise from William Moore and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan all offseason. He’s going to get his chance now.
One good thing that will come out the Falcons game in Minnesota will be the discussion to increase the game-day roster limit from 46. Carrying just seven or eight linemen into a game is just too risky.
The Falcons are lucky that tight end Levine Toilolo was able to hold his own at right tackle for a few snaps.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
2. GET ANTONE THE ROCK: Here's how you get Antone Smith the ball more.
It’s really simple.
You move him in front of Jacquizz Rodgers. Thank Jacquizz for time served as the dependable No. 2 running back and for his 3.7 yards per carry average.
Tell him he’s a special-teamer and the third back.
The snap breakdown of the four running backs must be altered.
Smith’s 38 plays from scrimmage this season are fourth among running backs behind Steven Jackson (109), Jacquizz Rodgers (95) and Devonta Freeman (47).
Smith and Steven Jackson could be Mr. Outside and Mr. Inside. When defenses shift out to out-flank Smith, then you whip Devin Hester back around on the reverse.
Coach Dirk can thank me later for sharing my Smyrna Spartan playbook!
“Antone is an explosive player,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “When he gets into the open field, he has that incredible speed to take it to the house. He’s a big part and hopefully he’ll (continue) to be a big part of what we do offensively this year."
3. DON'T ABANDON THE TOUGHNESS CAMPAIGN: The meanest and toughest player in training camp was linebacker Jacques Smith.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
He’s on the practice squad. If the Falcons continue to have trouble stopping the run, they should bring Smith up and see what he can do.
General manager Thomas Dimitroff liked his battling spirit.
Perhaps a mean and tough hombre like Smith can add some backbone to the run defense.
4. COMMUNITY CORNER: The Falcons announced the winners of the 2014 High School coach of the week, Captain in the community and Youth Team/Cheer squad of the Week.
The Falcons were also out in the community on Tuesday.
High School Coach of the Week: Gary Downs of Riverside Military Academy located in Gainesville was selected. Coach Downs enters his third season at Riverside Military Academy and has combined for a 13-7 record in his first two seasons.
Each week of the season, the winner of this award will receive a personalized certificate from the NFL, a commemorative game ball and a $1,000 grant from the NFL’s Youth Football Fund to his school's athletic department.
To submit a nomination for the Atlanta Falcons Coach of the Week program, please visit
Captain in the Community:
Congrats to Will Pearson!
The Falcons Captain in the Community winner is Pearson, an offensive/defensive lineman for Marist School. Pearson has made several contributions to his community, including volunteering at Habitat for Humanity and mentoring youth athletes during summer football camps.
The Captain in the Community program recognizes outstanding high school football student-athletes around the state of Georgia that demonstrate strong leadership skills both on-and-off the field. Winners are selected by USA Football, the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL. Additionally, each winner’s high school will receive a grant in the amount of $1,000 to support community initiatives courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.
To submit a nomination for the Atlanta Falcons Captain in the Community Program, please visit
Youth Team/Cheer Squad of the Week presented by Ford:
Congrats to the North Hall Middle School Cheer Trojans!
The Youth Team/Cheer Squad of the week is the North Hall Middle School Trojans, a youth cheer squad located in Gainesville.
This program recognizes outstanding youth and cheer squads around the state of Georgia through mid-November. Each winning squad’s organization will receive a grant in the amount of $1,000.00 courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s Youth Football Fund.
To submit a nomination for the Atlanta Falcons Cheer Squad of the Week program, please visit
5. RODDY WHITE'S MILESTONE: Lost in the aftermath of the stinging defeat to the Minnesota Vikings was that wide receiver Roddy White tied Terance Mathis for the franchise lead in receiving touchdowns when he caught his 57th career score on a 24-yard pass from quarterback Matt Ryan.
White's 57 touchdowns are the 12th most among active receivers and he trails running back Michael Turner (61) for the franchise record for overall touchdowns.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
6. KEY MATCHUP NO. 1: Falcons FS Dwight Lowery vs. Giants TE Larry Donnell. Lowery was ravaged in the season opener by New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham, who caught eight passes for 82 yards. Lowery has been steady since. Donnell, a former quarterback at Grambling State, has 25 catches for 236 yards and four touchdowns.
7. KEY MATCHUP NO. 2: Falcons' run defense vs. Giants RB Rashad Jennings: There is nowhere to go but up after giving up 241 yards to the Minnesota Vikings. The Falcons are giving up 153.5 yards per game rushing, which ranks 30th in the league. Jennings has been a great addition. He has 81 carries for 341 yards and two touchdowns.
8. KEY MATCHUP NO. 3: Falcons CB Robert Alford vs. Giants WR Victor Cruz: Alford will have to be on top his game against a savvy route-runner like Cruz. There was the miscue against Cincinnati and Alford was beaten deep by Jairus Wright in the Minnesota game. Alford, a second-year player, has 15 tackles and leads the teams with four pass break ups. Cruz has 18 catches for 299 yards and one touchdown. He's averaging 16.6 yards per catch.
9. DEPTH CHART: Here is the revised "official" depth chart.
The new offensive line is in place: Matthews-Blalock-Konz-Asamoah-Carimi. Harland Gunn is listed as the backup center.
However, Joplo Bartu is still listed as the starter at inside linebacker. Prince Shembo started in his spot against Minnesota.
(The team tries to call the depth unofficial. But since they are releasing it, that makes it pretty official in our blogosphere.)
OFFENSE
WR 84 Roddy White, 83 Harry Douglas, 14 Eric Weems
LT 70 Jake Matthews, 73 Ryan Schraeder
LG 63 Justin Blalock, 62 James Stone
C 66 Peter Konz, 69 Harland Gunn
RG 75 Jon Asamoah, 69 Harland Gunn
RT 68 Gabe Carimi, 65 Cameron Bradfield
TE 80 Levine Toilolo, 86 Bear Pascoe
WR 11 Julio Jones, 17 Devin Hester, 15 Courtney Roby
QB 2 Matt Ryan, 13 TJ Yates, 12 Sean Renfree
RB 39 Steven Jackson, 32 Jacquizz Rodgers, 35 Antone Smith, 24 Devonta Freeman
FB 42 Patrick DiMarco
DEFENSE
DE 71 Kroy Biermann, 50 Osi Umenyiora, 90 Stansly Maponga
DT 99 Tyson Jackson, 77 Ra’Shede Hageman, 98 Cliff Matthews
DT 96 Paul Soliai, 91 Corey Peters
DE 95 Jonathan Babineaux, 94 Jonathan Massaquoi, 93 Malliciah Goodman, 54 Tyler Starr
LB 55 Paul Worrilow, 52 Nate Stupar
LB 59 Joplo Bartu, 53 Prince Shembo
CB 23 Robert Alford, 28 Javier Arenas
CB 27 Robert McClain, 26 Josh Wilson, 28 Javier Arenas
S 36 Kemal Ishmael, 29 Sean Baker
S 20 Dwight Lowery, 41 Dezmen Southward
CB 21 Desmond Trufant, 28 Javier Arenas
SPECIALISTS
K 3 Matt Bryant
KO 5 Matt Bosher
P 5 Matt Bosher
KR 17 Devin Hester, 14 Eric Weems
PR 17 Devin Hester, 14 Eric Weems
LS 47 Josh Harris
H 5 Matt Bosher
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
GAME STORY: Vikings hand Falcons 41-28 defeat
NOTEBOOK: Falcons' offensive line decimated by injuries
Falcons' quoteboard after loss to the Vikings
SCHULTZ -- Falcons' losses like this are on are on Head Coach Mike Smith
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