A Message To Anxious Falcons Fans: Be Patient
by Dave Choate on Jul 29, 2011 11:00 AM EDT
in Falcons News
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PrintAs I prowled the Interwebs like a blogging spider yesterday, I started to notice a pattern amongst my fellow Falcons fans. For every comment speculating about who the Falcons might chase, there were three that followed this basic template:
WHY IS THOMAS DIMITROFF SO DUMB AND ALSO STUPID? He could be out getting Osi Umenyiora right now, but instead he's getting a manicure in his helicopter! WHAT A STUPID DUMB! Why haven't the Falcons signed anyone? I don't care if it's Brian Finneran in an elaborate disguise! If we don't get a defensive end I WILL DIE AND I'M NOT BEING DRAMATIC!
Was I antsy? You bet I was. Watching other teams snap up guys makes me want signings, because they're exciting and they create the discussion-based fuel on which this site runs. But even before last night's bonanza of signings, which seemed to ease the tension, I was more than a little confused about the level of concern.
It ignores the fact that the Falcons are methodical, and have been ever since Thomas Dimitroff got here. Go back in the archives over the last three seasons and you'll find off-season comments complaining that Dimitroff is going too slow, we should be getting Randy Moss/Albert Haynesworth/Highly Paid Guy, and we're going to be left behind. As a reminder, the Falcons have gone 32-16 over that span.
What I'm trying to say is, Thomas DImitroff & Co. have rarely failed us. It takes a bizarre form of amnesia to assume they have no plan this off-season.
It's not time to panic. The Falcons locked up Tyson Clabo, are undoubtedly kicking the tires on guys like Ray Edwards and always conduct their transactions in silence until they're ready to do a bunch at once, as we saw last night with Matt Bryant and the entire rookie draft class. They've already signed all those drafted rookies, more than 22 undrafted ones, Stephen Nicholas and Mike Peterson. This is a team executing its off-season plan with its trademark patience.
So take a deep breath and relax. The Falcons are helmed by men of brilliance, and their guiding stars are Excellence and Prudence.
Your thoughts?
123 comments
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im trying!
The jenkins cut messed me up. But in good news Osi did not practice. Dear NY Giants, just cut him already he’s not gonna practice you’ve been pissing him off for years!
by DEMBIRDZCUZ! on Jul 29, 2011 11:05 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
It was typo...
I still stand by the rest of my comment from yesterday.
"Don't go ninja'n nobody that don't need ninja'n!" ~ Kung Fu Hillbilly.
It's all in good humor.
It’s one of those things I wont forget.
Kinda like skipping on culinary star Butter Cooke in the draft.
by FlyYouFalcons on Jul 29, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Jenkins and Anderson
Were both those moves payroll motivated? I mean, not totally sad to see them go, but it did seem a touch odd other than them underperforming for their draft position.
Probably lack of performance more than payroll
Neither has lived up to first-round pick status – or expectations.
Jenkins has had a handful of memorable catches for Atlanta
by Mattyice318 on Jul 29, 2011 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Mario Williams
Why do I keep hearing Mario Williams name mentioned? We dont have anything the Texans would covet in order to orchestrate a trade of that magnitude. Whats the deal? Is there something im missing?
He is free agent next year.
I think they meant signing him next year. But I dont think the Texans will let him go.
correct
No one is talking about getting him this year, only as a potential free agent next year to replace Abraham.
How realistic that is, I have no idea.
by cheshire falcon on Jul 29, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
It's exceedingly common
for a team who has no intention of signing a player to a long deal to trade them with one year left on the contract. And mark my words, unless Wade Philips is out after one abysmal defensive year (highly unlikely), Mario Williams will not be resigned by the Texans to play as a 300 pound linebacker. He is going to be the biggest schematic failure on that 3-4 defense (even after they move him back to 3-4 end and his production disappears).
by TheAreopagite on Jul 29, 2011 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Mario For Next Year!
Mario is a 4-3 DE and Texans are moving to 3-4 Defense. He would be a LB in their 3-4 Defense.There are lot of folks who say he is not happy with the 3-4 transition. I think Falcons or other teams might have a fair shot next year if Wade Phillips is still running a 3-4 Defense.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Jul 29, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
True...
but what if he adjusts and becomes the next DeMarcus Ware…with his athleticism, I think it’s entirely possible he will be lights out…
by Schuang0385 on Jul 29, 2011 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
D. Ware- 6' 4" 262 pounds
M. Williams 6’ 6" 295 pounds.
He can’t become DeMarcus Ware, he needs to stick with a 4-3 team that likes big, strong power ends.
by TheAreopagite on Jul 29, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
He has apparently dropped down to 270
So he is only 8 Pounds heavier than Ware despite being 2 inches taller.
Pesronally
I like the quiet approach our front office always takes, it means we’re not out blowing our money on players just because they’re out there (i.e Like the Jets needing a pass rusher and a replacement for Big Kris Jenkins but tartgeting the second best corner in the league with the best corner in the league already on payroll……idiots)
In fairness...
The posts elicited the above response:
And another one’s gone, and another one’s gone…
UPDATE: Eagles reportedly sign Jason Babin to a five-year deal. Another one down.
Etc.
I started to panic for I felt my leader (I’m looking at you, Dave) was doing the same. I’m just a sheep!
"Don't go ninja'n nobody that don't need ninja'n!" ~ Kung Fu Hillbilly.
by Jman781 on Jul 29, 2011 11:11 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I apologize
I’m a hypocrite at heart!
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by Dave Choate on Jul 29, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
BREAKING NEWS
Was gonna make a post, but I’m mobile heading to ATLANTA. Listening to xm radio and caught a live interview with aurther blank. He talked about the craziness of the FA. He was asked if people are paying to much to quickly. He responded with " its like going to a supermarket when your hungry". He also justified the amount given for julio jones. He said how they evaluated the crap out of him and liked his character. He just got done talking about how jj got off the field and blank couldn’t believe that jj was like roddys twin. Lastly he was asked about FA plans. In my words he said the falcons are being patient and are close to making a move. How’s that for subtle. Thought yall might like to hear this.
Shi@t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by JJWatt1stfalconspick on Jul 29, 2011 11:11 AM EDT via mobile reply actions 4 recs
Rec'd
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by Dave Choate on Jul 29, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
"Close to making a move"
We haven’t signed a punter in a day or so :-)
"Don't go ninja'n nobody that don't need ninja'n!" ~ Kung Fu Hillbilly.
I think Dimitroff and company ...
fully plan for Bosher to be the punter.
BOOOOM
Blanks a business man, hes got this locked up. I hope.
I am confused by the Jenkins cut.
What vet wideout do we have now other than White.
Jones is a rookie
Meirer (sp?) is basically a rookie and coming off injury
HD is also basically coming off injury and who knows if he is any better than last year
Am I missing someone?
Jenkins was never the wideout we drafted, but he was dependable. I hope we re-sign him.
The utter lack of new player movement by both the Falcons and Braves is driving me crazy!
Dependable?
You’re using that word to describe Michael Jenkins? Sorry, but when you look at his entire seven years, I don’t think “dependable” is an accurate description at all.
When the Falcons made their deal for Julio Jones, it was clear Jones was going to be the No. 2 receiver. You don’t give all of that up for Jones to sit the bench or play occasionally. At the same time, you don’t pay Jenkins all that money to sit the bench/play occasionally.
I am not the least bit concerned about the receiving corps.
Depending on how you define dependable
If you view dependable as not dropping passes, and I know it will surprise people, Jenkins has had the 9th fewest dropped passes in the NFL from 2008 to 2010.
You should be concerned about the WR corps in one respect – no experienced depth.
Really?
Probably because he had the fewest amount of passes throwm to him than any other number two reciever in the league from 08-10.
Vincent Jackson
had two fewer passes thrown to him over that same time frame. There were quite a few other #2’s in that catch range.
Also, once you get to a certain number of receptions that percentage doesn’t change appreciably with more attempts.
Ignore the “Not true” comment
Vincent Jackson did however
Play in 36 games in that time, whilst Jenkins played in 43. Also Jenkins is dependable, but in 7 years he never had a 100 yard receiving game.
I concur
If they weren’t happy with MJ, why give him the extension he got a while back. It isn’t as if his play has dropped off since then. He’s essentially been the same player since day one. An avg to above avg receiver who does many things well, but isn’t outstanding. I hope they resign him. He would be a great #3 option.
by DenverFalcon on Jul 29, 2011 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
They won't resign him
He is good enough to be the #1 receiver in St. Louis right now and a solid #2 anywhere else.
Someone will pay him more than the Falcons are willing to
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
by MentallyMIA on Jul 29, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Interesting article about Cullen Jenkins on CNNSI
His basic point is that the Packers defense relies very heavily on him, and when he’s out, their defense isn’t nearly as good.
I haven’t heard Jenkins mentioned at all in the discussion for the Falcons, so i’m assuming there’s no way we’re getting him… not sure if it’s because he would cost too much or what. But wasn’t sure what you guys knew about him.
by cheshire falcon on Jul 29, 2011 11:15 AM EDT reply actions
He's a 3-4 type of guy
Not sure he’d be a good fit in this system.
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by Dave Choate on Jul 29, 2011 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Just don't want a false sense of security
and then another year short of the goal
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
especially when talking about management...
I know they’ve been solid, but they’re also been put on a pedistal. So, I think it’s reasonable to curve our expectations and watch the pieces fall in place.
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
Needed to be said, Dave
Thanks.
TD is methodical and doesn’t go about giving Punters this kind of deal:
Check out these #’s: Tampa Bay gave former Falcons punter Michael Koenen a six-year, $19.5 million deal that includes $6.5 million gtd.
From Adam Schefter’s Twitter
HA! Can’t get enough of these Bucs and Panthers contracts.
seriously
Are they doing this just because they have to hit the salary floor? If not, they are spending some insane money.
by cheshire falcon on Jul 29, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
most likely
tampa was only in the 60 million range. Panthers were a little higher, so in a limited FA market (everyone going fast) they have to overpay some guys to meet the cap minimum. Which I was surprised was so close to the maximum.
by Whyte Bler 000 on Jul 29, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Koenen was going to make his money
Someone was going to pay him what he wanted; it just wasn’t going to be the Falcons.
especially crazy since they moved kickoffs out another 5 yards
Decreasing the value of the kick-off specialist position drastically. Just about any noodle leg can give you a nice run of touchbacks
by TheAreopagite on Jul 29, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
It's okay
It’s not like we don’t have two buried in our roster currently…
Congratulations to Koenen – he was a good punter for us…just not good enough for 6yr 19.5MM :)
by Schuang0385 on Jul 29, 2011 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
HOLY SH!T
We just paid that for a starting LB.
Smokey says: Only you can BVG forest fires.
this
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
by MentallyMIA on Jul 29, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
The Bucs paid double for Quincy Black
So they one up you on linebacker pay too!
by TheAreopagite on Jul 29, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
It's been quite amusing ...
to watch people’s attitudes and opinions change so quickly on Twitter. Many in full-blown panic blasting Thomas Dimitroff quickly turn around an express their boundless faith in his work. Case in point? When the various “unnamed sources” were reporting that Tyson Clabo was going to the Bills early yesterday, people went nuts, blasting Clabo, Dimitroff and whoever else they could think of. When the truth came out, Clabo was returning to Atlanta. Those same folks were singing Clabo’s praises.
There’s been no need at any point for folks to panic or get “antsy.” Either believe in Thomas Dimitroff and his plan or don’t. Believing, then not believing, then believing again is telling.
Cullen Jenkins
Jenkins is definitely a solid player, however he does not fill our pass rush DE need. His build and game are very similar to Johnathan Babineaux and while he is a very solid player, our d-tackle spots are pretty solid I think. We need a guy that will generate pass rush from the outside.
Agreed Dave!
TD and Mike Smith know what they are doing. If fans had their way we would be stuck with Glen Dorsey and TO ,Randy Moss ,Chad.
It's all about Process...
That pic of Coy Wire makes me chuckle
I think he has a career in the next Star Trek spin-off once he’s done in the NFL.
DOL Tweet Update
#Falcons are hoping to retain LG Justin Blalock. Looks like RG Harvey Dahl could be headed to St. Louis.
Great move!
Sad to lose Dahl, but I'm glad they're choosing Blalock
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by Dave Choate on Jul 29, 2011 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Lot of Buzz on Twitter regarding Osi trade!
@incarceratedbob
UPDATED NFL NEWSSource: Giants have officially started shopping Osi – Ravens / Falcons / Browns / Denver all have called the Giants.
This Bob guy has been on fire breaking 11/12 major FA signings before media. Hope Falcons can land Osi or Edwards at the right price.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Jul 29, 2011 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Seeing the Ravens in the mix
Kinda concerns me…
by FlyYouFalcons on Jul 29, 2011 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Ravens Might not be front runners because of 3-4 Defense.
Depends if Osi at 30 wants to move to a 3-4 defense.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Jul 29, 2011 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
At that age
He would be able to have a nice rotation and be surrounded by one of the best defenses in the league.
And then the Giants aren’t shipping him to another NFC team.
by FlyYouFalcons on Jul 29, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Osi has a home in GA
Hoping his GA connection will bring him back here.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Jul 29, 2011 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
any guess what it would take?
We only have like half a draft pick left for 2012….
Will that be enough?
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
by MentallyMIA on Jul 29, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
3rd round pick! May be a 2nd round if we are desperate.
I was hoping we could swap jerks with Osi but probably Giants knew we were going to release him.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Jul 29, 2011 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
same with Osi - his stock should be dropping
because if nobody trades, he’s getting cut
I don’t want to give up a 3rd for him
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
by MentallyMIA on Jul 29, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
We have no option but 3rd round!
Falcons gave browns the 1st and 4th round pick nex year to Browns. I doubt Giants will agree for a 5th round pick. If we could have got got 4th Round pick for Jenkins then it would have been a option.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Jul 29, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
RE the Ravens
They play a 4-3 defense most of the time. Terrell Suggs is pretty much a DE.
Depends if Osi wants a renegotiated long term deal as part of the trade
If so, a mid to late round pick would be more probably. His holdout seems to point to his desire to not wait another year for a big, long-term deal. Kind of like the Ochocinco and (projected and now failing) Kyle Orton trades.
by TheAreopagite on Jul 29, 2011 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
With Jenks
gone i could see the Falcons picking up a FA WR kinda like Marty Booker was a few years ago
Looks like its Browns Vs Falcons for Osi and Edwards.
I hope Browns don’t use the picks we gave them in draft to get Osi..Well at least we can get Edwards if Browns get Osi.
incarceratedbob incarcerated bob
UPDATED FA NEWSSource: Ray Edwards is looking at Browns or Falcons right now could have a decision before the tmrw afternoon.
It's all about Process...
GET THEM BOTH!!!!!
mwahaha
I mean… why not?
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
by MentallyMIA on Jul 29, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
signings!
Hey Y’all. Ive been lurking and its time to post. I guess at 6:01 today we are going to know alot more. I am with the guys who say WE NEED A BIG TIME DE NOW!!!! I really hope the plan is RAY. I also (in wishful thinking) hope somehow we would pounce on Naambi with the money freed up my letting go Jamal and Jenkins. Thats just fantasy though. I wish I was a fly on the wall in Thomas Dimitroff’s office!
Nnamdi will be a Jet
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
by MentallyMIA on Jul 29, 2011 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Nnamadi will be a Jet or a Raider.
Looks like Raiders upped their bidding! Mostly likely a Jet because he wants to win now.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Jul 29, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Osi
I know Osi is on the wrong side of 30, but if you look at his numbers, he’s a better option. Came into the league in 03 and since then has accumulated 69.5 sacks and 28 FF. Ray Edwards came on in 06 and has 29.5 sacks and 11 FF. The statistics do show that Osi a superior DE and as we all have seen, Ray Edwards already has a back up plan in the event football doesn’t pan out…or stops caring about football…
by Schuang0385 on Jul 29, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I much prefer Osi myself he is the better DE
but it depends what we have to give up for him. A third is too much – that would mean we would only have a 2nd round pick next year before the 5th.
No thank you.
I don’t imagine he would cost more than a 5th but we will see
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
by MentallyMIA on Jul 29, 2011 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
We gave up 2nd round for TG
I don’t like them over paying for Edwards in a cap year. If we can get 3-4 years of Osi at a good price its worth it. He is an elite DE and fits in to Falcons philosophy of creating turnovers. Next year the cap is 140 M $ so we might make a splash if need be.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Jul 29, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
if we don't give up a draft pick we don't get Osi
that simple
I support your statement
and I don’t like Ray Edwards
tough situation…
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
by MentallyMIA on Jul 29, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
But given the DE options, I say we stand pat or we get Osi…Edwards isn’t going to be the force we think he’s going to be.
by Schuang0385 on Jul 29, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Jenkins will be a starter somewhere this year
and it won’t be in Atlanta
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
by MentallyMIA on Jul 29, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I could see him...
showing up in Minnesota or Miami…hell even in St. Louis…The Rams seem to be all up in our space…
by Schuang0385 on Jul 29, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
He would be the #1 guy in St. Louis lol
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
by MentallyMIA on Jul 29, 2011 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
He will most probably end up with Vikings!
Musgrave might have already been on the phone with Jenkins Agent.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Jul 29, 2011 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I bet he has the Vikings convinced
that Jenkins is a great blocker!
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
by MentallyMIA on Jul 29, 2011 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
AP would be happy to see Jenkins blocking downfield
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Jul 29, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
This thought just crossed my mind
Anyone willing to trade a 3rd round pick for 2013 for Osi?
That, I would say, would be worth it!
Patriots gave up a 2013 5th for Haynesworth
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
If it's crossed your mind
it’s crossed TD’s
by Mattyice318 on Jul 29, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I am still polishing my O-Line football knowledge...
What are the chances that Garret Reynolds could play Guard?
If we resign Blalock and lose Dahl, who IS going to be the replacement for Dahl?
I really like Reynolds. I saw him at camp his rookie season and the guy is a monster. He looks like a GIANT in person – easily the biggest guy on the O-Line (height and build wise, not sure about weight)
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
F the ravens man!
I think they snatch Osi they got more to trade
by DEMBIRDZCUZ! on Jul 29, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
He apparently lined up at guard during training camp today
According to DOL.
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by Dave Choate on Jul 29, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I know that really tall guards have to be very technically sound
Because it’s a whole lot easier for a defensive tackle to win the leverage battle and get under their pads. If Reynolds plays sound football, he would be a real dozer on the inside. I’d expect the front office to try out most of our o linemen at guard if we’re going to lose Dahl and see who sticks.
by TheAreopagite on Jul 29, 2011 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
well - Reynolds was considered HUGE but very Raw when we drafted him...
he might not fit the job description of “technically sound”
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
AJC twitter says the Falcons had a conditioning test today and everyone came back in great shape.
That’s amazingly fantastic.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Jul 29, 2011 1:11 PM EDT reply actions
Reportedly for 5 years
I would be happy with anything under $50million
Cheap
All things considered…I’d take a 26yr old DE who puts up 8 sacks for 3 seasons for 6 mil/yr…better than CJ at 6 yr 72 MIL.
I wouldn't mind that
I’d rather have Ray Edwards than Dahl or Snelling. Resign Blalock and I would be delighted with this offseason.
by Mosugo on Jul 29, 2011 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Osi = Beast
If we got Osi we would win the Super Bowl, he is a simple Beast are pass rush defense would improve greatly ihope that Brent will have the same year he did last year and if he does and we sign Osi it’s over, and he will be much needed against the Saints.
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