Atlanta Falcons DT Jon Babineaux: Boom Or Bust In 2009?

by Dave Choate on Jul 20, 2009 8:00 AM EDT in Editorial

With rookie Peria Jerry likely lining up beside him, Jonathan Babineaux will be counted on this season more than ever before to provide value at defensive tackle.

One of the team's most unheralded players, Babineaux has been better than solid his entire career with the Falcons, off-the-field issues notwithstanding. It earned him a nice extension last year, and he's the only sure starter we've got on the interior with Trey Lewis coming off an injury and everyone else a potentially shaky option in the year ahead.

But that doesn't mean the dude's perfect. If life has taught me anything, it's that everything ever is a crushing disappointment. So there's that possibility that Babineaux will simply fade into thin air, however unlikely. Personally, I'd predict something in the order of 30 to 40 tackles, six sacks and a forced fumble.

As usual, this one's in your hands, though. Will Babineaux be boom-worthy or bustified in the season ahead?

Poll

Jonathan Babineaux?

Boom!

561 votes

Bust!

62 votes

I don't baba-know

94 votes

717 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I'm not big on DT stats...

Its my opinion that stats aren’t that important for DTs, their job goes beyond tackles and sacks…while that stuff is nice its also just as important for them to keep blockers from being able to get to our LBs.

But I think Babineaux will have a good season for us. With Abe on one end, then Lewis and Jerry rotating at the other DT spot, I don’t think opposing offenses will have a lot of opportunities to double him. If only our LE spot was a little more productive against the pass our DL would be possibly be one of the best in the league.

I guess what I’m getting at is yeah, he’s gonna be good.

by FLA_Falcon on Jul 20, 2009 9:21 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

cant do a fanpost from my phone

So ill just put it here. Matt Ryan won Best Breakthrough Pkayer at the ESPYs

by FLA_Falcon on Jul 20, 2009 10:53 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Richly deserved

by Dave Choate on Jul 20, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd say

Dimitroff was banking on him stepping it up a notch, with the 5 year, $25 Million extension he gave him last year. Based on his history, A realistic expectation would be 40 tackles and 4 sacks, but I’ll say 45 tackles and 6 sacks. That is based on nothing but wishful thinking.

I think it also has a lot to do with how Peria Jerry and/or Trey Lewis play next to him:

Is this our Nose Tackle rotation?

by orang3b on Jul 20, 2009 1:20 PM EDT reply actions

Gee, thanks

You’ve shattered my will to live.

by Dave Choate on Jul 20, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions

You mean

That image is not going to strike fear into our opponents?!

by orang3b on Jul 20, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions

It strikes fear into me. Heyyyy ladyyyyy!

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 Jul 21, 2009 9:58 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions