Falcons Sign Safety James Sanders To One-Year Deal
by Dave Choate on Aug 30, 2011 11:57 PM EDT
in Falcons News
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PrintThe Falcons' brilliant front office strikes again.
Released earlier this week by New England, James Sanders actually started most of last season at safety for the Patriots. He recorded 68 tackles, three interceptions and six passes defensed, flashing above-average coverage skills for a safety. Sanders will now ply his trade in Atlanta, after the Falcons worked him out Tuesday and offered him a one-year deal.
Both sides win big here. Sanders gets a deal that allows him to build up his market value while fulfilling, at minimum, a backup role for a contender. With Thomas DeCoud scrapping a little bit in pre-season and the nickel back spot basically unsettled, Sanders will get some playing time. Even if he's a true reserve, he can't help but get snaps as the top option behind both safety spots.
The Falcons win by shoring up a shaky depth chart at safety. Before, if either DeCoud or William Moore went down, the Falcons would have to rely on Shann Schillinger or Rafael Bush, both of whom are young, raw dudes with little-to-no game experience. Now they have a safety who was good enough to start for an elite NFL team as the top backup, at the very least. It's an enormous upgrade.
We'll get to see more from him in the days ahead, but I'll just say it now: I love this signing. I've had the chance to see him play over the last few years, and he's quite good in coverage, especially for a safety. I'm trying to avoid outright fawning over the guy, but there's absolutely no downside to Sanders.
This means that either Darrin Walls or Rafael Bush will likely make the team as a fifth defensive back type, but not both. That'll be a battle to watch in the last pre-season game, but frankly, what matters is that the Falcons are better this evening than they were this morning. You can't say that every day.
Let us know what you think of Sanders.
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I'm loving it...
Just wondering where he will ultimately fit in? True back up? Does he replace DeCoud? Rotate them both? Time will tell. Either way, I likes. NB still a must though IMO.
by DirtyBirdTakeover on Aug 31, 2011 12:08 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
He just seems more capable...
…of being a back up.
by DirtyBirdTakeover on Aug 31, 2011 12:09 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Started 9 of 15 games last season
Good leadership qualities and good on ST’s. Which is something we desperately need.
by aces666high on Aug 31, 2011 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I think he started 14 games in 2009
only missing two because of injury. Gives us depth at safety, the comrade knows his skills, and I think it’s a good move. Now if we can pick off a good CB after we cut twenty-eight players..(!!)
Strong last year, free most of the years before that
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by Dave Choate on Aug 31, 2011 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
"than"
More capable “than” being a backup
by DirtyBirdTakeover on Aug 31, 2011 9:20 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Faith
Keep the faith in Aurther Blank and company.
He, TD, and Smitty are gonna take us there.
Now as fans we MUST fill the Dome!!!
I like this move alot. TD is sharp and on the ball!
by Sbaron55 on Aug 31, 2011 12:42 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
hmmm
where and when would he play would be the question. He’s a vet, but we still have to see what he does for US……so until then
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NlrgjgOHrw&feature=related
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." -John Wooden
Well that didn't work haha
What I was trying to say was
BRILLIANT!!
"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." -John Wooden
I know this is WAY off topic, and I'm probably asking too late, but
why is Ryan Winterswyk being tried at T.E.? He’s kind of slow to be tried out at that position, was he really fast at ten yards or on the three cone drill? He was listed as a mid to late round pick at DE.
Anyway, I love the signing of James Sanders. Even if it is just to mentor the prodigies in the defensive backfield. Sounds like a smart move to me, getting a young experienced guy in a quality organization probably for a song.
I like Rafael Bush and Darrin Walls, though Walls upside seems to be much higher than Bush’s, there are certain things that are hard to see on TV. It’s one thing to run a 4.39 to 4.5 40, but another thing entirely to throw your body at a tight end or a running back with a full head of steam. That’s the one trait that kept most of us posting our opinions here out of pro football and those with that trait access to the millions to be made in the NFL.
Well no...
Being a 5’2" female is what kept me out of the NFL. Just saying. :-)
I love this signing too it gives me a lot of hope.
I don't know
How many people do you know in real life, that run a sub 4.5?
I came close!
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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 31, 2011 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
How close?
Like only one second off close?
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
by MentallyMIA on Aug 31, 2011 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Hell yeah. Solid move. Depth is a great thing, and I think he should provide a lot of leadership. Interested to see if they might use him at corner.
by Courtney Hunter on Aug 31, 2011 1:58 AM EDT reply actions
He's a true leader in the locker room, too.
Everyone- young players, old players, linemen, linebackers- looked to Sanders since he always led by example.
That said, he struggles to defend the run (extremely liable) which means that he is really a passing down defender. When you’re in a conference with the Packers, Saints, Eagles, Giants, etc, etc, that’s not a bad thing. Just a weakness to watch out for.
Great guy and he’s a great fit. Solid pick-up.
And if you're wondering why he was cut:
He was 4th on the depth chart. The Patriots have Brandon Meriweather as the true free safety (better ballhawk than Sanders and more upside), they have Pat Chung as the true strong safety (incredible against the run and can defend the tight ends), and they have Sergio Brown who is a “safety” who can stop both the run and the pass. Sanders was the odd man out because he doesn’t add as much as Brown in the run defense game. Add in Sanders’ high cap value and it’s just doesn’t work out for a 4th safety to be making one of the top 10 salaries on the roster.
It’s not that Sanders was bad- it’s just that other players were better and more versatile.
by Richard Hill on Aug 31, 2011 2:51 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Thanks for the input, Richard!
Chung looks like he’s going to be lights out this season.
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Good stuff Richard
Thanks for the inside info. If Chung stops pulling his Bob Sanders imitations he’s got the stuff to be a perennial all pro.
Thanks Dick!
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Aug 31, 2011 1:10 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Great signing
I don’t think he has the speed to play nickel, but he can be what Erik Coleman was to the Falcons, a good backup for Moore/DeCoud.
More importantly, he’s a good special teamer. Suddenly, our kickoff and punt coverage is looking good.
Look at the guys.
Biermann, Dent, Weems, Sanders….I don’t expect Lance Moore or Michael Spurlock to be bringing any kicks against us this year.
dont forget wire and woods too!!
" Ryan back to pass, He throws it long, he's going deep to Julio on his first snap! HE CAUGHT IT, HE CAUGHT IT! JJ's dragging the safety into the endzone with him! TOUCHDOWN FALCONS! TOUCHDOWN JULIO JONES!! HIS FIRST ONE IN THE NFL, AND I GOT A FEELING THE FIRST OF MANY MANY MORE TO COME FOLKS!! I GOTTA SAY IT FOLKS - JJ......... IS.......... DY - NO - MITE!!
by ATLsince1972 on Aug 31, 2011 7:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I doubt we sign either...
But how are Lofa Tatupu and Kelvin Hayden still on the market? Hayden would be a hell of a nickel CB to sign. I doubt that happens since we don’t have the cash, but it would be awesome.
Hayden could be hoping for more money or a starting gig
from teams like the Giants or Ravens.
Apparently not
Welcome to the Dirty Birds Kevlin!
by ndnpride8806 on Aug 31, 2011 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Steady and Consistent
The Falcons FO does it again… These are NOT the old Falcons, are they?
We just got better as a team! Gotta love it!
by Gjmoody on Aug 31, 2011 5:15 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
He's a good pickup
I feel a little better about the secondary now, I hope we can find a way to get a true NCB.
This is one more step towards our goal of the SB
The next step will be to sign another NCB after players are cut by other teams. Our FO is determined to build a solid across the board team, with little to no weaknesses anywhere. To me thats the last move we need to make and then we’re ready to go.
" Ryan back to pass, He throws it long, he's going deep to Julio on his first snap! HE CAUGHT IT, HE CAUGHT IT! JJ's dragging the safety into the endzone with him! TOUCHDOWN FALCONS! TOUCHDOWN JULIO JONES!! HIS FIRST ONE IN THE NFL, AND I GOT A FEELING THE FIRST OF MANY MANY MORE TO COME FOLKS!! I GOTTA SAY IT FOLKS - JJ......... IS.......... DY - NO - MITE!!
Patience is a virtue
As fans we all had mini-heart-attacks after the Pittsburgh game. I was encouraged by what the offense showed (minus the dropped passes and sloppiness) but the defensive secondary still gave up some big plays that were frustrating. Those plays were primarily issues with safety coverage.
Lo and Behold – Dimitroff steps up again to vaporize our sense of worry by signing a highly respected – and good coverage safety. If he’s only here a year, he’ll serve as a great stop-gap until the Falcons can further evaluate who else on the roster can be a longer-term backup.
As others have said, I’d like to see a NCB signing, but I’m going to place my faith in this front-office to get it done. After the past 3 years, they’ve earned our trust.
I said it
I said that earlier. Blank had a great history at HD. Made billions and he doesn’t like to be second place and he wants the seats filled. SUPERBOWL is the easiest way. It’s economic sense!!!! He has surrounded himself with high character/intelligent people. It shows!
by Sbaron55 on Aug 31, 2011 10:03 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Sanders is going to be a solid backup.
He is a strong safety who can also play as FS if needed. I doubt if he can play NB, this signing looks more like Eric Colemans replacement just in case we need some one to back up Moore or DeCoud.
It's all about Process...
Did he play free or strong safety last year?
Earlier posts credit him with execptional coverage skills, but weaker against the run. If this is so, then he could be a great addition to our nickel and dime sets. Move Moore down to a linebacker type role along with Spoon. Let Sanders replace Moore at safety for coverage. This lets WM get closer to the line for his run stopping and blitz skills. This definitely opens up the playbook for BVG.
He is listed as Strong Safety.
But he backed up both Brandon Meriweather and Chung last year playing Strong safety and FS. He definitely looks like an upgrade to Erik Coleman who was back up for both Moore and DeCoud. I doubt if he can play NB spot though.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Aug 31, 2011 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
this is excellent news!
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
Yes...
ANY news in this area of the “D” is excellent news!!
I always turn to the sports pages first, which records people's accomplishments. The front page has nothing but man's failures.
--Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States.
Just heard on the radio:
We could be receiving a chunk of cash back from the Vick contract that would give us more cap space, they are awaiting approval from the lawyers and should know something by the end of the week.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Aug 31, 2011 9:09 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
That would be fantastic
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Yep
Heard it also. 7 million probably!
by Sbaron55 on Aug 31, 2011 10:05 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Wow that's a big deal.
We could get a top flight NCB, if there were one.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Aug 31, 2011 10:09 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Neither did I
Philly spends ridiculous-millions on our fragile ex-QB and we get tons of cap room? I like it.
It's the gift that gift that keeps on giving.
Week 2 we need him to give up 3 picks and at least 3 sacks.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Aug 31, 2011 10:42 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Link
PFT article about returned money or salary cap credits.
by KMarch on Aug 31, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Even though we may get some money and cap space back,
I dont see us getting it all back. Maybe a couple million because that’s how these things usually work. Everyone else wants their $$ too.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Aug 31, 2011 11:16 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
May be more than couple of Million.
Falcons are Vick’s biggest creditor so they might get a bigger portion of the chunk probably around 3 M. I think more than the money Falcons could definitely use more cap space and sign a good NB.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Aug 31, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
That is a chunk of change...we could use it!!
I always turn to the sports pages first, which records people's accomplishments. The front page has nothing but man's failures.
--Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States.
by Blood_Talon on Aug 31, 2011 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
When did he sign that thing?
’04? It was a 10 year contract if memory servers correctly. Mike Vick, the gift that keeps on screwing…
by birdwatch on Aug 31, 2011 10:16 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
who are the top possibilites at CB/NB?
If we are able to free up some cap room, by either releasing Davis, or getting out from under Vicks contract, who are the “possible” top DBs out there!
by Magellan55 on Aug 31, 2011 10:16 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Probably aren't many left at this point.
We’d be better off waiting to see if there are any more cap casualties that might fall into our hands.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 31, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I think someone earlier mentioned Kelvin Hayden as
one of the better possibilities still out there. He’s injury prone or something right? And then last week Dave posted something about McFadden from Pittsburgh may be cut. I think we should play the waiting game just a little longer. Prices will come down and players will get desparate.
Asante Samuel
Come to Atlanta now!
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Aug 31, 2011 11:20 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
^^THIS^^
…but what are the odds??
I always turn to the sports pages first, which records people's accomplishments. The front page has nothing but man's failures.
--Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States.
by Blood_Talon on Aug 31, 2011 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Probably not good, but possible
Carrying 3 starting corners sounds ideal, but Samuel is not happy with how he was handled in Philly.
Now that Vick has his contract, and the fact that DeSean Jackson is wanting a new one – the Eagles are really putting the money out there. They may feel like Samuel is dispensible.
I’d be surprised if it happened, though.
Yah know...
with all the money Philly is throwning around and all the new faces on that roster, I would love to see A. Samuel come to the Falcons and assist in all that blowing up in their faces…hahaha
I always turn to the sports pages first, which records people's accomplishments. The front page has nothing but man's failures.
--Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States.
Asante
Philli cld use some beef upfront. Wld they swap Asante for Davis? Probably not. Just wishin out loud.
by Magellan55 on Aug 31, 2011 11:31 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Definetely not
Why would they want Chauncey Davis in the first place? Not to mention that they have Trent Cole, Brandon Graham, Juqua Parker and Jason Babin.
by Mosugo on Aug 31, 2011 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
like I said...
Just wishin out loud. It was more about me wanting Asante than Philli actually needing Davis
by Magellan55 on Aug 31, 2011 12:22 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Is this for real?
The team website has no mention of this signing. Where would he fit? Are Moore and DeCoud in trouble as starters at safety? If not, this guy is a great backup, but how much are we going to pay a backup?
It is real
He confirmed on twitter last night. Not sure what they’re paying him, but he obviously fits in our cap space. He’ll probably be primarily a backup, but I think he’ll also spend some time on special teams and may replace DeCoud in coverage situations.
Just askin (probably rhetorical)
Is the signing still being reviewed by the league? Why has it not been announced by the team?
No idea on the announcement
But since Sanders was released and already did a physical for the Birds, there’s no reason the deal has to be reviewed.
It’s also been announced by ESPN and Sanders own agent.
Sanders mostly likely will be backup.
DeCoud was our best DB in the coverage last year. I doubt if the coaching staff will bench him because of 1 poor PS game.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Aug 31, 2011 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
This is not an overreaction, but I think they've had an eye on DeCoud from last year
It’s like when Keith Brooking was cut; it wasn’t because of the playoff loss where the tight end abused him on 3rd and 20 something, but that there were many lapses in coverage that people only remember because of the primacy and recency effect.
That being said when your team plays a strong safety in the box quite a bit, and you have a problem with “explosive plays” going for touchdowns, your free safety is not doing his job.
by TheAreopagite on Aug 31, 2011 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I really like this signing
James Sanders has been one of my favorite players for a long time i saw him play in person a couple of times at Fresno State he is from my area of tulare county in central california his home town of porterville is about an hour south of my city.I met him ounce after a bulldogs game nice guy.While he was at Fresno State he played and started at strong safety when the bulldogs had injury issues at linebacker he started 4 or 5 games at outside linebacker and did pretty well he also played alot on special teams aswell he is a good tackler has decent cover skills i really like this pick up i just hope the falcons can sign one or two a veterans or young corners with experience to ad depth at the cornerback spot.
I like the signing simply because it creates competition at the position
especially for Decoud since this is his contract year.
Well it's only a 1 year deal
So technically, they are both in contract years.
by ndnpride8806 on Aug 31, 2011 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions
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