Falcons Place Two On Injured Reserve, Sign K Steve Hauschka

by Dave Choate on Dec 29, 2009 4:42 PM EST in Falcons News

To say that I lobbied for former Baltimore Ravens kicker Steve Hauschka would be inaccurate. To say that I waved his banner in a one-man parade, though? That's pretty accurate.

Obviously I'm thrilled with this piece of news, coming as it does mixed with some really bad news for the last game of the season. Chris Houston and Harvey Dahl have been placed on injured reserve, costing the team arguably one of its best cornerbacks and best guards with a critical game against the Bucs looming. To fill those slots, the Falcons signed Hauschka and brought Robert James up off the practice squad. Here's a brief breakdown of the impact of each of these moves, from the brilliant mind of yours truly:

CB Chris Houston: A lot of you don't like Chris Houston, despite orang3b's best efforts to show that he's really not so terrible with the dark art of statistics. It hasn't helped that Brent Grimes and Chris Owens have performed well in his absence. The issue here is that the Bucs are not the Jets and Bills, with their nonexistant passing games, and we could probably use Houston with his size and knowledge of the opponent. Since that's unlikely, here's hoping he's healthy in 2010, whatever role we may have for him.

G Harvey Dahl: Dahl is a mean son-of-a-gun. He's also been a very effective offensive lineman for us the last couple of seasons, and losing him is inevitably going to hurt. That said, he's been hurt for a bit now and the Falcons have managed to keep Matt Ryan (mostly) on his feet, so hopefully our depth continues to shine against the Bucs.

K Steve Hauschka: Depends on Matt Bryant's status. Hauschka is most likely on board for kickoffs and long field goals if Bryant's healing up, and potentially for the Falcons to get a look at him and determine whether they'd like to keep the young kicker aboard in 2010. If Bryant's not healthy, expect to see a lot of him.

LB/S Robert James: He's not going to play unless our laundry list of injuries grows even larger.

Thoughts, my friends?

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Hauschka

I was kinda hoping they’d sign him to replace Elam, myself. He seems to be the right age to develop into a regular, if they can just handle the growing pains like the Ravens couldn’t…

by johnnybacardi on Dec 29, 2009 4:45 PM EST reply actions

he

chris houston was alright. grimes gives up the little simple plays but seems to make crazy INT’s (the saints game and the bills game). chris owens gave up that one big play against the jets but he’s a very physical and scrappy corner; he plays the run very well. Honestly, i think houstons starting days are done.

"i didnt no they gave out rings at the holocaust."-allan, The Hangover

by dirtybirds233 on Dec 29, 2009 5:03 PM EST reply actions

orang3b

trying to use statistics sir Chris Houston sucks plain and simple

by Erihury on Dec 29, 2009 5:05 PM EST reply actions

Facts

Have a well known liberal bias. So why don’t you take your statistics and GITTOUT!

Maybe there is no Heaven. Or maybe this is all pure gibberish — a product of the demented imagination of a lazy drunken hillbilly with a heart full of hate who has found a way to live out where the real winds blow — to sleep late, have fun, get wild, drink whisky, and drive fast on empty streets with nothing in mind except falling in love and not getting arrested...Res ipsa loquitur. Let the good times roll.

by iRonin on Dec 29, 2009 7:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Plain and simple?

Prove to me how he is so much worse than Grimes, Owens, Chevis, Brian Williams, and/or Tye Hill.

I think it is a problem with expectations. We want Houston to be a shut-down bona-fide #1 guy, and he just isn’t. But I don’t think any of the other guys I listed above are, either. Grimes is “5 foot nothin’, 100 and nothin’…” and was undrafted. When he does something like the crazy INT in the first New Orleans game, it’s like finding a $20 in your coat pocket. Whatever he contributes seems like an unexpected bonus (at least to me – and I’m going to have higher expectations next season). Houston was drafted fairly early (#41 overall in 2nd round) in 2007, and has pretty much been a fixture at starting Cornerback since then.

ASIDE – Why isn’t everybody calling for Justin Blaylock’s head? He was drafted two spots higher than Houston (#39) that same draft, and has performed much worse (in my opinion). It is just much easier to see when a Cornerback makes a mistake.

Back to Houston: yes, he still needs to improve – that is abundantly clear. But I think he will still play a valuable role for this team next year (after that, all bets are off – 2010 is the last year of his rookie contract). Once he’s beaten deep, he doesn’t turn his head to play the ball if he’s trying to play catch-up. We’ve complained about this plenty. But what about an area where he shows near-elite ability – snuffing out WR screens and/or swing passes. I’d have to re-watch the games (or at least dig through my notes) to see the exact numbers, but it seemed like once every game he killed a WR screen to his side for no gain. He would recognize the play, and jump it quickly to beat a blocker headed for him, and make a sure tackle on the ball-carrier. The other CB’s (Grimes and Williams in particular) were poor at this.

Bottom line, I’d be shocked if he wasn’t on the team next year, and mildly surprised if he wasn’t starting. We need to try to support him, not scream “you suck!” to him, or our TV’s and/or computers.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on Dec 30, 2009 11:17 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I think with Houston and Blalock

It’s a tale of disparate expectations.

The offensive line as a whole has performed well this year and parts of last, so Blalock gets a pass. I don’t think he’s developmentally to where any of us expected him to be by now, but I also think it’s as it is with Houston: He only looks bad in comparison to what he should be as a second round pick.

But let me jump off your point about WR screens. Since everyone calls for his head based on his performance on deep passes, is there a better role for him than our starting #1 cornerback? Can he do more damage if he’s asked to react to short routes and developing plays at the line of scrimmage, rather than worrying about keeping up with another team’s best receiver all the way up the field? I’m not asking this with any expectation that there’s a right answer here, but I think it bears thinking about.

I also think the best thing for Houston is to be bumped out of that #1 spot, period. You point out that he’s been starting more or less since he was drafted, but in my opinion that speaks more to the lack of starting-caliber cornerbacks we’ve accumulated in that time than his skill. Ideally, Houston would match up against a team’s #2 receiver or bring his talents to bear as a frequent nickel package contributor. He’s miscast as a top corner and that, more than anything else, is what’s bringing the wrath down on his head.

Is that his fault? No. And I agree we ought to support and encourage the guy, because he has a role on this team. I just hope the team has enough options in 2010 so that Houston can play where he’s best suited.

by Dave Choate on Dec 30, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

Depends on what scheme we'll be running

Those skills seem pretty solid for a Cover-2 guy, playing close to the Line of Scrimmage, with Safeties over the top. When they bring Coleman into the box for run support and/or blitzes, they seem to go Man or Cover-3 (with DeCoud and the 2 CB’s taking a deep third of the field). I don’t know if it would be best to slide him inside on plays like that – Chevis has done a really good job in that role. Obviously, he needs to be good at defending both short and deep passes to be a complete Cornerback. And really, he’s not “#1” – he’s the RCB. Unless the team really changes defensive philosophy, the 2 starters are fairly equal. The other team can throw at him or avoid him (and throw at the other side) based on match-ups.

Basically… I don’t know.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on Dec 30, 2009 5:01 PM EST up reply actions

I recognize that the starters are equal in that format

But he almost always matches up with the other team’s top receiver due to that, so it’s easy for a lazy blogger like me to call him a #1.

by Dave Choate on Dec 30, 2009 5:17 PM EST up reply actions

Houston doesn't deserve to be a scapegoat

The coaches know he doesn’t have the athletic skills to be a #1 CB, but who else did we have? One can’t be too down on a guy who’s playing out of position (though the underlying situation is undeniably frustrating). Nobody calls Norwood a bum, just because he’s not suited to run up the middle every play.

by tom slick on Dec 30, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions

Why the fuss over Hauschka?

Not to be negative or sound like a dick or anything, but his career numbers aren’t striking:
20-29 yards, 1 for 1.
30-39 yards, 5 for 7.
40-49 yards, 3 for 5.
50+ yards, 1 for 2.

I know a lot of people here see significant upside in the guy. Does anyone care to elaborate on the positives that I’m obviously missing?

by tom slick on Dec 29, 2009 7:47 PM EST reply actions

The way I see it

He has the leg, and the problems are coming from nerves or something to that effect. Looking at his college career and his time with the Ravens, there’s a noticeable dropoff between when he whiffed on one field goal and Harbaugh started looking at other kickers and the time he got cut. Obviously a kicker who can’t handle pressure is worse than useless, but he’s a young guy and I think that can be handled.

Given the fact that there’s not exactly a wealth of great kickers out there, getting someone who has the physical tools to last is a good thing. Given Mike Smith’s extended patience with Jason Elam this season, I think Atlanta could be a good landing spot for him.

I know that’s not all that concrete, but that’s where I’m coming from.

by Dave Choate on Dec 29, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions

Just a feeling...

…nothing more.

by johnnybacardi on Dec 29, 2009 8:22 PM EST up reply actions

You say in five words what I tried to say in well over 100

Well done.

by Dave Choate on Dec 29, 2009 8:36 PM EST up reply actions

Mike Smith's extended patience

I think that would mostly apply for veterans, not the young guys – especially a Kicker. That’s just how I see it.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on Dec 30, 2009 10:12 AM EST up reply actions

And you're probably right

But we haven’t had a talented young kicker since the very early days of Jay Feely. I’m tired of driving a car until it breaks down and then swapping it for another one with 150,000 miles on it.

by Dave Choate on Dec 30, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

How does Lofton not make the P.B.?? He should have made it over Vilma.

by treal81 on Dec 29, 2009 11:07 PM EST up reply actions

Lack of big plays hurts him

by Dave Choate on Dec 29, 2009 11:33 PM EST up reply actions

Vilma's team had a better record :-(

by orion12 on Dec 30, 2009 12:25 AM EST up reply actions

Tell that to the Bengals.

"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, time on his side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham

by Zippo729 on Dec 30, 2009 3:36 AM EST up reply actions

Pro Bowl

Can someone tell me how Jason Witten beats out Gonzo for a spot in the over-hyped “Pro-Bowl?”

Gonzo: 80 recepts for 837 & 6 touches
Witten: 88 recepts for 954 & 1 touchdown

He has FIVE more touchdowns than him… LMAO

by LK2121 on Dec 29, 2009 8:24 PM EST reply actions

Doesn't make a lot of sense

It’s not the Cowboys fault, particularly, but for some reason their guys are constantly held up in a different light. I like Jason Witten, he’s good, but this isn’t the season for him to make it….

by Dave Choate on Dec 29, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions

Upon further review, Dave

Witten is in no way more deserving than Gonzo. I won’t get into detail because I’ll ramble for hours and I need sleep, but Gonzo’s been more clutch than Witten, easily, and Witten only has a .5 YPC advantage.

"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, time on his side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham

by Zippo729 on Dec 30, 2009 3:38 AM EST up reply actions

Surely you jest

YAC, perhaps?

by Jebidillah on Dec 30, 2009 3:49 AM EST up reply actions

Nvm, advantage, feel like an idiot now

I thought you meant a total of .5 YPC more.

by Jebidillah on Dec 30, 2009 3:50 AM EST up reply actions

Gonzo lead the NFC TE popular vote.

Remember, Gonzo got hurt and might not be eligible. Idk guys.

"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, time on his side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham

by Zippo729 on Dec 29, 2009 9:25 PM EST up reply actions

Nope

Jairus Byrd made it, even though he’s on IR. I have no idea what happened there…

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on Dec 30, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions

I wanted to draft Byrd so bad

He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is

by WarWolf on Dec 31, 2009 7:45 PM EST up reply actions

Sounds like

The rest of the league still doesn’t respect us.
This could be bulletin board material.

Its true. I'm a Falcoholic! I just can't live without Falcohol!

by phoenix falcoholic on Dec 30, 2009 12:29 PM EST up reply actions

I released Witten on several FF teams

He is not in the top ten

Better TE’s include :

TG
V Davis
Siancthoe
Winslow
Clark
Celek
Gates
Heap
Miller
Finley
F Davis

Pro Bowl starters should go by the fan vote – coaches and players only see half the teams and are too biased plus don’t have time to watch other team’s games

He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is

by WarWolf on Dec 31, 2009 7:53 PM EST up reply actions

Fantasy Football =/= Real Football

Witten has the most Receptions and the most Yards by an NFC Tight End. He’s down in FF just because he has a flukishly low TD total this year. And of course, FF doesn’t account for his blocking (he’s so good, he’s basically another Tackle as a run blocker).

And you can’t seriously be suggesting that fans watch more football than players and coaches.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on Dec 31, 2009 11:25 PM EST up reply actions

Of all 32 teams

I would say fans get more of an idea of all the players that are out there. Coaches and Players don’t have time to watch other games.

Coaches and players become VERY familiar with only one team each week. They may sit down and watch ESPN Highlights every now and again, but these guys have families/lives outside of football that they don’t get to see much during the week.

Fans also get to watch several teams per week. I’d say your average fan isn’t going to know exactly what a Cover 2 Shell is, or that bringing a safety in for run support will cause the other safety to take deep middle and leave deep outsides for the DBs aka deep thirds (or in some cases, a cover 1) but anyone can tell who’s having a good season if they watch them long enough. Say a fan only watches one game per time slot…..

Some weeks, that’s five games. If you have NFL Sunday Ticket, you can watch ALL the games.

Players and coaches easily watch a bigger quantity of football than fans, but fans easily get a better variety and a grasp on who’s doing well in the entire league.

Players and coaches aren’t watching football just to watch it. They’re breaking every little thing down about the play they just watched so that they can find a way to beat it. They don’t sit there and say, “Hey, let’s watch what Asomugha does this play.” for 4 hours.

Fans aren’t dumb. They may not know the Xs and Os about football, but I’d believe they have a better grasp on who’s doing well in the NFL. Most NFL teams study for (including themselves) 14 teams, not including playoffs. Fans get to watch/observe all 32 teams at some point, plus they have internet access to statistics and there are articles everywhere talking about how this player did that, and how this team wouldn’t be as good without this player.

The players and coaches invest so much time into practice/what opponent is “coming up this week” I really think they just don’t have the same grasp on what’s going on around the entire league when it comes to things like the Pro Bowl. They might be happy that their friend is doing great on the Colts, but that’s as far as it goes, I believe.

"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, time on his side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham

by Zippo729 on Jan 2, 2010 12:41 AM EST up reply actions

Um

losing Dahl sucks, but I didnt really expect to see him this week anyway. Chris Houston just sucks so I dont really care about him not being there. In so far as how they use him next year, I am hoping the use him to get someone better. I dont want him on our roster. I still think we win this game by 10 or more.

Life is a garden. Dig it!

by Hardcore Falcon on Dec 30, 2009 2:13 PM EST reply actions