One Atlanta Falcon To Watch: Ray Edwards

by Dave Choate on Aug 27, 2011 1:00 PM EDT in Falcons News

Ray Edwards is the obvious choice because it's the first time all pre-season he's taken the field. That's not the only reason, though.

Edwards will be worth watching because he's the off-season's biggest addition, aside from blockbuster rookie Julio Jones. He'll be worth watching because he's the clear starter opposite John Abraham, and he's at the very least a capable pass rusher. It won't melt your face off, but 29.5 sacks in five seasons is pretty good.

It's worth noting that 16.5 of those have come in the last two seasons, suggesting the 26-year-old end is coming into his own. For those that think Edwards can't be effective without an elite defensive end bookending him...well, I won't argue. I'll just note that the Falcons currently have John Abraham, so it's hard to argue he doesn't have any help.

So on those merits alone, I'm going to keep my baleful eye fixed on Edwards. But there's also the fact that the Steelers offensive line offers an quality challenge, that Ben Roethlisberger isn't easy to bring down and that Edwards is probably only getting a half-game tune-up. I'll be looking to see how much intensity he brings, whether he looks fully healthy and if he can drop Big Ben a time or two.

Who's your player to watch?

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Personally

I want to see if Julio was worth what your guys gave up to get him…

"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVACUjHn6yU

by Steel Spike on Aug 27, 2011 1:14 PM EDT reply actions

So far...

So good with Julio. I’m glad we got him instead of A.J. Green.

by DirtyBirdTakeover on Aug 27, 2011 1:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

You might want to wait

until mid season at least to make that statement.

They’ve both only seen pre season action, and Green has had a rookie fluttering passes his way.

by Steel Spike on Aug 27, 2011 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Too early to make assumptions about either of them

Midseason will also be too early. Granted, if you at the deal as a potential “win-now” type deal, you can judge its effectiveness around say the beginning of February. If you view the deal as a long-term trade for the best players for the future, we will need to wait a few years. Personally, I think it might be a combination of both as Julio is a great system fit right now, and he has the potential to be one of the best WRs in the NFL in a few years. Comparing Julio, AJ, and the trade, I think AJ will also be a dominant WR, as will Julio, while Cleveland will pick up a few solid starters. Strangely enough, I view it as a win-win for all three teams.

"He has lived up to the legendary billing... And the legend is born in Calvin Johnson!" -Wes Durham

by sportsfan4life2012 on Aug 27, 2011 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Even at this point JJ has some major advantages over AJ

The big one is that he’s a lot more physical than AJ, which can help tremendously with downfield blocking. He is probably as fast, or faster than AJ.

If we had to trade up and get a WR I’m glad it was JJ.

by mwalex on Aug 27, 2011 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Can't really blame aj for those drops there was a ridiculous amount of rain coming down.

He will be they’re no. 1 receiver. I am glad we got Julio instead, he fits our offense far better than aj. When HD caught that TD he blocked well for him, I’m afraid AJ would fold up like a flimsy twig in that scenario.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Aug 27, 2011 1:38 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

A.J. Green looks more like a possession receiver right now.

But it’s just pre-season.

TNT should've treated Lebron's return to Cleveland game like 2k11 and cut the game off after the Cavs were down by 30. lol

by Krobify on Aug 27, 2011 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions

It's a receivers job to catch the ball

Rain isn’t really an excuse

by Mosugo on Aug 27, 2011 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions

He's been very well rounded. He reminds me of the GREAT Hines Ward when he came out of GA so far.

He hasn’t made any mistakes and the team has spoken of him as being leaps and bounds above the learning curve. If he’s anything less than stellar I’ll eat Dave Choate’s Falcons hat.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Aug 27, 2011 3:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Well, Roddy will damn sure appreciate the help

Can’t double or triple cover White if they have to double, or “safety over” cover Jones as well.

by Steel Spike on Aug 27, 2011 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm excited to see the effects of Julio on the coverage on TG and HD

As shown from the huge catch HD had the other night, it could be great for opening up the field. If you double Roddy, cover Julio with some safety help, HD with a linebacker or nickel (that is a frightening predicament for some teams) and TG with a linebacker and little to no safety help, it leaves five or six men in the box when Turner is running the ball. I like those odds.

"He has lived up to the legendary billing... And the legend is born in Calvin Johnson!" -Wes Durham

by sportsfan4life2012 on Aug 27, 2011 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Looking forward to that Julio vs Troy today.

The rookie needs a dose of reality to get ready for the season.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Aug 27, 2011 4:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Funny

A Julio Jones thread turns in to a Mike Mularkey discussion and a Ray Edwards thread turns in to a Julio Jones thread. We will never talk about what Dave wants us to.

by Mosugo on Aug 27, 2011 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I like what I've seen so far.

Wish I had access to the game tonight.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 27, 2011 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions

In the words of Bart Scott...

CANT WAIT!!! to see what RE looks like…

by DirtyBirdTakeover on Aug 27, 2011 1:24 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Did you hear about when that guy tried to copywrite "Can't wait!"?

by Steel Spike on Aug 27, 2011 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Is this a joke?

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Aug 27, 2011 1:43 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

What gave me away?

by Steel Spike on Aug 27, 2011 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Can't wait ©

'There are two pains in life. There is the pain of discipline and the pain of disappointment. If you can handle the pain of discipline, then you'll never have to deal with the pain of disappointment,'- Nick Saban

by J Tadpole on Aug 27, 2011 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions

dont

Supposer our draft can be pushed back at all dave?

Shi@t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by JJWatt1stfalconspick on Aug 27, 2011 2:01 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

3;30 is an odd time.

Dave’s gonna love us. I’ll make time no matter what.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Aug 27, 2011 2:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

On my account it says it's 6:30 on Thursday night...

Do I need to move it back for west coasters?

by Dave Choate on Aug 27, 2011 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions

No that's good

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Aug 27, 2011 4:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Ray Edwards - from one loser team to another.

The Falcants still suck even with Ray Edwards. They are totally incompetent which is why they got completely blown out at home by the Packers. They go no better than 9-7 this season.

by SaintsRule2011 on Aug 27, 2011 2:08 PM EDT reply actions

Just another troll making the rounds

But no matter. Truthfully I want to see our O-line to start gelling so Ryan doesn’t end up with a bad case of the happy feet during the regular season

by DavidMB on Aug 27, 2011 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions

This guy really seems like one of the trolls from the AJC

He will soon realize he won’t get the rise out of us he gets there.

by GA-James on Aug 27, 2011 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Class

by Jebidillah on Aug 27, 2011 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Who trolls another teams blog?

Seems like a loser move to me. I understand having discussions (even some trash talking), but trolling? I mean, I kinda feel like you should probably get a life…

by KEScottII on Aug 27, 2011 2:54 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions

Some folks have nothing better to do...

by Steel Spike on Aug 27, 2011 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Judging by the seven direct replies he has currently received

I would unfortunately believe he has gotten the rise out of us he was looking for

"He has lived up to the legendary billing... And the legend is born in Calvin Johnson!" -Wes Durham

by sportsfan4life2012 on Aug 27, 2011 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions

His parents went out for the afternoon

and left him the keys to the computer.

by mwalex on Aug 27, 2011 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm going to crack up when you miss the postseason because Bucs take the wildcard

We’re going 12-4 this year, at least – bank on it.

Saints are a dying breed, and Brees is dying with them. Enjoy your team’s rings…because that’s all you’ll have for a while. :) We’ve got an actual FUTURE ahead of us.

by Jebidillah on Aug 27, 2011 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Yup

Their defense is going back to pre-2009 form… that’s going to be their biggest problem.

Any offense with Brees running it will at least be above average (he didn’t look good at all last year, but I expect him to be great again), but I don’t think their D is going to be impressive at all. I think you’re gonna see them do what they did in 2008 – score a tons of points, get scored on constantly, and end up middle of the pack, missing the playoffs.

by cheshire falcon on Aug 27, 2011 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Now they have a real running back.

It will surely take some heat off Brees but I’m confident in our run stuffing ability. Any news on Corey Peters?

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Aug 27, 2011 4:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Your mon wanted me to tell you to clean up all those protein filled tissues from around your bed

And put away your sticky Seventeen magazines. She was embarrassed when I came to visit her last night.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Aug 27, 2011 2:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Be nice.

Don’t provoke him.

If you really want to bother him, try talking to him intelligently. Always works.

Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/FalcoholicZippo

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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 27, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I prefer condescending retorts when speaking to lesser species.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Aug 27, 2011 2:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Skeletons in everyones' closets.

Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/FalcoholicZippo

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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 27, 2011 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions

OH SNAP!!! lol

by Hudson's Soul Patch on Aug 27, 2011 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions

How bout dem

Seahawks!! Haha go pick Brees’s scab, since your really gung ho about picking on people.

by Dirtybirdz90 on Aug 27, 2011 2:47 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Yeah they got Lynched!

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Aug 27, 2011 2:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

At least we lost to the Super Bowl champs.

Y’all lost to the worst team in playoff history.

by falconfan1 on Aug 27, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

3 comments, all of them on this site. I think a more appropriate name would have been SaintsTroll2011.

by grg on Aug 27, 2011 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Enjoy your final year of being super overrated on Madden

by ArthurDank on Aug 27, 2011 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Haha... this is that guy who makes comments and then runs and hides

Gutsy!

by cheshire falcon on Aug 27, 2011 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Who else thinks that HD will be our D Jax?

He’s been sharp this preseason. I pity the fools that have to deal with our offense. Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Michael Turner, Julio Jones, Harry Douglas, Ovie M. Thats just nasty folks.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Aug 27, 2011 2:56 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I'm not sure if he has D Jax's speed.

HD is fast but D Jax has unreal speed where he literally just burns the cornerback and safety to make a play.

For me, HD is more like Percy Harvin to me.

TNT should've treated Lebron's return to Cleveland game like 2k11 and cut the game off after the Cavs were down by 30. lol

by Krobify on Aug 27, 2011 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Idk dude he toasted that back on that 76 yard TD.

I watched again to see if it was a busted coverage or if the back bit, it wasn’t and he didn’t, HD toasted him.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Aug 27, 2011 3:10 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I hope we see

HD on some screens and bubble screens short quick passes to get him the ball so he can create some plays

by Erihury on Aug 27, 2011 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm more interested in seeing

Our defense, more specifically DF. Want to see that kid make some strides. We’re going to need him. I hope our offense keeps it vanilla. I don’t want them to give up too much. Especially since we have a tough schedule early. Much rather not give opposing teams too much to game plan against.

by KEScottII on Aug 27, 2011 2:58 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions

I'm afraid they will kill our secondary today.

Considering everyone but Grimes isn’t a starter quality back. We will likely loose and all the media will be screaming about how bad our DBs are. This will be a true test for our Pass Rush theory.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Aug 27, 2011 3:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

The media don't talk about us

Which is a good thing. I doubt there would be much consternation about it if our DBs were poor. Our O lines poor performance last week wasn’t mentioned. But when Phillys O line or the Saints D plays badly it’s everywhere. That’s why it’s good to be under the radar.

by Mosugo on Aug 27, 2011 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm excited to see the performance of the O-line, specifically RG

This is going to be one of the biggest tests for them this preseason, and potentially all season long. If Reynolds holds his own, the job might be his, and the line could look very good. If Johnson has to come in and does a bangup job, maybe he takes over the spot in the long run. Worst case, they both suck it up and we have a gaping hole in our O-line. Personally, I’m expecting it to be one of the first two, but regardless, this will be a good gutcheck for the whole line.

"He has lived up to the legendary billing... And the legend is born in Calvin Johnson!" -Wes Durham

by sportsfan4life2012 on Aug 27, 2011 3:22 PM EDT reply actions

Anyone concerned about the

condition of RE’s knee? Was it disclosed what kind of procedure had done in the off season?

by mwalex on Aug 27, 2011 4:06 PM EDT reply actions

No

But the exact nature of Peria Jerry’s injury still hasn’t been disclosed, so I doubt we ever know. If it was serious he wouldn’t be playing until the regular season, so I’m not worried.

by Mosugo on Aug 27, 2011 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Does Edwards have a nickname?

"You come at the king, you best not miss."

by a hooter's baby on Aug 27, 2011 4:21 PM EDT reply actions

I vote for Big Play Ray

Everything else I’ve seen on here has been….well, slightly provocative.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 27, 2011 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Wait until Ball Hawk chimes in

then it will get interesting.

by mwalex on Aug 27, 2011 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions

If he posts that picture again..

I’ll smack a wild turkey.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 27, 2011 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions

You might have forced him to do it now

Oh no!!!

by mwalex on Aug 27, 2011 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions

QUICK! RUN FOR THE HILLS!

I’ll go find some turkeys. They’re everywhere in the NC mountains.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 27, 2011 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions

The devil made me do it!

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Aug 27, 2011 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Question for everyone

Is there something I can buy online from the NFL or whoever that will let me watch the games online? I see NFL Game Rewind but I don’t think that’s what I’m looking for.

I’m living in an apartment for school and I have no control over my TV options (a la 6500 dollar sunday ticket). I have NFL Mobile on my phone, but preseason audio isn’t supported, and heck, I’d rather watch the games anyway.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 27, 2011 5:45 PM EDT reply actions

You could try this:

NFL Preseason

by vanb on Aug 27, 2011 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I was thinking of doing that.

was hoping for something that would cover the regular season that would let me watch stuff live. No sense in waiting until afterwards. That defeats the purpose.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 27, 2011 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I've got it.

Works very well, plus you get to watch all the other games too.

by KMarch on Aug 27, 2011 6:28 PM EDT up reply actions

The preseason one? Or the rewind one?

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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 27, 2011 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions

I got the rewind for regular season.

Rewind is not a good option for live games. Rewind works for me because I am in the dome watching most of the home games.

It's all about Process...

by Vishnu_falcon on Aug 28, 2011 1:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Bear Woods #45

Being a UGA alum, I like Hines Ward, but hate the Steelers with a passion! I also like AJ Green, a former Dawg! but I LOVE Bear cause I know him personally and have since he was a child!!! Go Bear and Falcons! He is the one I will be watching!!! I hope Bear has a great game tonight!!!! So does his hometown of Macclenny and his good friend, my son , who will be following the game on the net as he is on duty in the USAF in AK!

by mamacat on Aug 27, 2011 5:56 PM EDT reply actions

Don't get me wrong...

… I just wish that we could draft in this level of talent and then staple them to the logo like we use-ta-could so they were always there. Teams need long term players so their names become household words and we don’t have to worry about them flying away at the end of a season.

Yeah, old fan going back to the 60s-70s when that was reality. I miss that.

"There's nothing wrong with Florida... er, New Orleans that a rise in ocean level wouldn't cure."

by Redoubt on Aug 27, 2011 6:16 PM EDT reply actions

Barry Sanders doesn't miss that.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 27, 2011 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions

LOL! Point taken

"There's nothing wrong with Florida... er, New Orleans that a rise in ocean level wouldn't cure."

by Redoubt on Aug 27, 2011 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions

We've managed to do a pretty good job of it.

Roddy and Abe have been here for what feels like an eternity.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 27, 2011 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I love 'em both...

… Abe ain’t getting no younger and Roddy don’t know what JJ may bring up his ally way, lol

"There's nothing wrong with Florida... er, New Orleans that a rise in ocean level wouldn't cure."

by Redoubt on Aug 27, 2011 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Anyone here old enough to remember Billy Whiteshoes?

One guy changed the whole complexion of the team.

"There's nothing wrong with Florida... er, New Orleans that a rise in ocean level wouldn't cure."

by Redoubt on Aug 27, 2011 6:25 PM EDT reply actions

My dad talked about him many a time.

He coached receivers for us for a while I think. Or maybe he still coaches something for us.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 27, 2011 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions