Mike Nolan, Steve Spagnuolo Top Candidates For Falcons
by Dave Choate on Jan 13, 2012 12:00 PM EST
in Falcons News
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PrintAccording to D. Orlando Ledbetter, the top of the defensive coordinator wish list for the Falcons includes two names.
Steve Spagnuolo is not a surprise. The Falcons have been linked with him more or less from the moment Brian Van Gorder hoofed it back to the college ranks, and it's not hard to see why. Spags runs an aggressive defense that blitzes frequently and plays tighter coverage, which is clearly what Thomas Dimitroff is hoping for:
"Obviously, that coordinator is going to work hand-and-hand with Mike Smith in helping to create a very aggressive defense," Dimitroff said. "Our hope is that we will, in the very near future, land that individual who we think is very appropriate with his approach to helping this defense grow."
Creativity, versatility and a strong voice in personnel will all be required, and Arthur Blank has insisted he wants coordinators who will have input on who's on the field. Spags is coming off a head coaching stint and would fit every single one of those criteria. If the Falcons truly are willing to throw a lot of money at him, they might even have a shot.
The other top choice is Mike Nolan. He's a good coordinator—look at the Dolphins this year—but he's more of a 3-4 guy. DOL writes that the Falcons could work elements of the 3-4 into Mike Smith's 4-3, but I have no idea what he means by that. Perhaps one of you cares to take a stab at it?
If the Falcons are willing to switch to a 3-4 or believe Nolan can be just as effective with a more aggressive version of their current scheme, this makes sense. If they're counting on him being able to seamlessly transition back to the 4-3s he ran in his pre-Jets days, this makes sense. If not, I have to believe Nolan's an interview and guy of interest, but not necessarily a top choice. Otherwise, why on earth are you hiring a 3-4 guy to run a 4-3? Check out scar988's Twitter comments.
Gimme Spags.
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Either 1 should do the trick
Todd Bowles could also be in play. Secondary coach from Mia. but either 1 of these guys Id be happy to have. Even if we don’t fully commit to the 3-4 having a 3-4 package would be great. Give the offense a different look.
As I found out watching UGA make the switch to a 3-4...
A team’s not always in a 3-4 anyway, for a lot of teams, like the Saints and Packers, routinely trot out three or four receivers. Thus, the Falcons would often be in a nickel or dime package.
I don’t think transitioning would be a HUGE deal, but it would be a factor.
GATA!
Love it
Its so nice to see that with the anger from the season still on their mind, TD aggressively going after the best candidates for DC out there. IN TD I TRUST!
If Halladay, Lee, and Hamels all break their arms while playing tag in the clubhouse, We'll be set
by suicide bunting is a sin on Jan 13, 2012 12:06 PM EST reply actions
I don't think we have the right...
players for a 3-4 at the moment (not saying we can’t get them…it would just be difficult).
I like Spag’s for the job personally!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
Not a basic 3-4 offense but a mixture
Like DOL said. Possibly a 3-3-5 or something along those lines. I would love to see a package 3-4 just to mix it up a little bit.
So...
What I’m reading is: you like to see many different types and shapes of packages.
Cool :-)
GATA!
by Jman781 on Jan 13, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You saucy dog, you
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by Dave Choate on Jan 13, 2012 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
Remember Dave Nolan did run 4-3 defense when coached the 49ers for a couple of seasons
CORONATION STARSCREAM?THIS IS BAD COMEDY!! WILL ANYONE ELSE ATTEMPT TO FILL HIS SHOES?-GALVATRON
by falconpower on Jan 13, 2012 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
You can run a variation of the 4-3 and 3-4 schemes when i used to help coach
adult street tackle football that is what the league was called i helped run a hybrid 3-4/4-3 defense it can be done it helps to have some heavy beef in the middle of the defense.One way Nolan could mix in the 3-4 might be by using 3 dt’s and having a guy like Sidberry or Bierman line up as a olb and blitz off the edge on certain downs i think like some other people on here stated already running a 3-4 scheme would take some time until they could get the right type of players for the scheme.
CORONATION STARSCREAM?THIS IS BAD COMEDY!! WILL ANYONE ELSE ATTEMPT TO FILL HIS SHOES?-GALVATRON
by falconpower on Jan 13, 2012 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah but...
like you said, we just don’t have that ONE BIG guy up the middle. Obviously we could acquire one but this would just be some radical changes…but hey, sometimes that’s a good thing…
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 13, 2012 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
Sam Baker
Let’s just plop him in the middle at NT.
He’s highly adept at avoiding the opposing team’s linemen.
GATA!
Now that would be interesting sounds like something the Patriots would try
CORONATION STARSCREAM?THIS IS BAD COMEDY!! WILL ANYONE ELSE ATTEMPT TO FILL HIS SHOES?-GALVATRON
Ha, I think he was making a joke...at least I hope he was...lol
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
i think he was joking lol
CORONATION STARSCREAM?THIS IS BAD COMEDY!! WILL ANYONE ELSE ATTEMPT TO FILL HIS SHOES?-GALVATRON
What am I talking about or falconpower??
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
He eventually transitioned to a 3-4 though
He ran a 4-3 at first because they had 4-3 personnel. It would kind of be a waste to hire him as the defensive coordinator if he’s not going to be able to run the defense he prefers to run.
Very true he did eventually change to the 3-4 scheme and now look at them
they are now a pretty darn good defense and a physical one at that i hope the Falcons can be like the 49ers defense someday :)
CORONATION STARSCREAM?THIS IS BAD COMEDY!! WILL ANYONE ELSE ATTEMPT TO FILL HIS SHOES?-GALVATRON
Heh, funny...
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 13, 2012 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
With the gaping holes we have from FA it won't be any harder to get 3-4 guys.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Jan 13, 2012 1:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
looks like the Bucs are in on Clements for HC
If Halladay, Lee, and Hamels all break their arms while playing tag in the clubhouse, We'll be set
by suicide bunting is a sin on Jan 13, 2012 12:07 PM EST reply actions
"Perhaps one of you cares to take a stab at it?"
The Ravens ran a 4-3 scheme with 3-4 personnel, when Mike was an assistant there. To do that they need two defensive Tackles around the +325lb range. The jumbo DTs occupy blockers and leave the MLB free to attack. The scheme won the Ravens a Super Bowl and made a star out of Ray Edwards. I would love to see them do that, though like someone else above said, we don’t have the personnel for it. Jerry and Peters are as close as they come, they would need to put on some weight, harder than it sounds.
Put em'
on a steady Cheeseburger diet!
Coaching wins championships!
by Edgecrusher211 on Jan 13, 2012 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly...he tryed to do it in San Fran as well...
Its called a hybrid 3-4 and it was poorly executed in San Fran. He had great pieces but the system just want sinking in. The players were all assigned to different packages and were in a constant rotation so they had to be alert as to when they were need at the drop of the hat and this varied from play to play. Needless to say there were alot of penalties and alot of missed assignments…hell I remember guys were even out on the field at times. It was a very complex system and players had to be focused and disaplined to run it. I think hes since dumbed it down and seems to do well for his Def. I still dont think we have the personel these guys cant get pressure with 4 upfront let alone with 3 men undersized for the scheme. I hope we get Spags but Nolan could do well too just not in a 3/4
by Bigru3 on Jan 13, 2012 1:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
3-4 switch would require a bit too much right now I believe
The main problem being we don’t have that prototypical NT. Our biggest guys are around the 300 lbs area. Forget about the fake weights listed for NT’s on team pages(remember Grady Jackson Was listed 340-350, tack on 25-30 more and you’re close!). LB depth would also be a problem. I don’t see us overhauling the D. I do see more looks, a 3-4 hybrid sprinkled in and maybe, just maybe a new blitz package that actually GETS to the QB.
In other words,
FAT. He wasn’t that good either.
Was just using him as an example of how teams will "undersize" their lineman on paper
Its been posted on here that our DT’s would only have to get to 315-325 to be true NT’s, Babs comes in at 305, Peters 300, Walker 304, screw Jerry, don’t care what he weighs, useless waste of…never mind. Our guys actually do look that size since we go w/speed over mass. Two big names at NT are Ngata 330 lbs, and crybaby Raji 337 lbs. Tack on another 10-15 lbs for their true size in my opinion. So in other words our current DT’s aren’t good for a true 3-4.
Btw, I thought Jackson was pretty solid at DT. 2 down lineman who seemed to blow up the middle quite often and chipped in a few sacks, stuffs and fumbles.
The Texans have sure made it work
and their NT is 301.
Or Nolan
Could bring his NT over from Miami, from what I’ve herd he won’t be resigning there.
Remember...Free agency
If the Falcons plan on running a 3-4 defense, they could always utilize free agency to land the NT they need for the fit. They can’t resign everyone and I think Abe will be the odd man out. If the team feels compelled to test that market, they may not resign Grimes either.
That’s only a thought if they plan to run a 3-4. I would rather have them sink money into Carl Nicks up front though.
Coaching wins championships!
by Edgecrusher211 on Jan 13, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
The Wade Philips 3-4 is a little different
Jay Ratliff is only 300 pounds or so, but he is successful as well
"He has lived up to the legendary billing... And the legend is born in Calvin Johnson!" -Wes Durham
by sportsfan4life2012 on Jan 13, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
That's true but could he be an exception to the rule type?
Also Wade is a damn smart DC. Horrid HC but great at putting together a D.
Wade runs a 4-3 scheme from a 3-4 formation
Whereas Nolan runs a more traditional 3-4.
Perilously close to a 2007 style depression.
by VaderX5 on Jan 13, 2012 8:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I agree that the swicth may require a bit too much
but I think we may (theoretically) have some good pieces for a 3-4 system. Several of our DE’s are on the smaller side, and I think high motor guys like Kroy Biermann or freakish athletes like Cliff Matthews appears to be could thrive playing some OLB opposite of Spoon in a 3-4. I also think Nicolas has the skill set to move inside nicely with Lofton. My biggest issue with the swicth would be our DE’s rather than NT’s. To be successsfu in that system, we’d need bigger run-stopping DE’s. If Abe comes back, he definitely doesnt fit that mold. I don’t think El Sid or Ray fit in that mold ideally either. So maybe your right; stick with a base 4-3 with some hybrid 3-4 looks.
by Sewanee Braves on Jan 13, 2012 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
The front seven in a 3-4 are much bigger typically, with less speed
Spoon would be an ILB in a 3-4, Babs, Peters, and Jerry would be DEs, Abe would be an OLB as would Matthews. Edwards and Biermann don’t fit the system at all. So, theoretically, if we were to make the jump, we need an OLB and a NT. We could theoretically go with a Wade Philips brand of 3-4 with a smaller, better penetrating NT, but that would require Wade Philips, not the standard 3-4 implementation.
"He has lived up to the legendary billing... And the legend is born in Calvin Johnson!" -Wes Durham
by sportsfan4life2012 on Jan 13, 2012 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Your right you need to be bigger and physical in the 3-4 defense
also you have to be bigger in the middle with the linebackers you can use fast linebackers on the outside in the 3-4 most nfl style 3-4 defenses use DE in their systems as olb’s.If they changed to the 3-4 scheme they would probably use most of the 2012 draft picks on defense and bring in a few free agents to fit the scheme.In reality i would just stick to a 4-3
CORONATION STARSCREAM?THIS IS BAD COMEDY!! WILL ANYONE ELSE ATTEMPT TO FILL HIS SHOES?-GALVATRON
Just posted a FanShot
Bratkowski with Mularkey in Jax
http://rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1437/jaguars-offense
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Don't teach a man to fish, and you feed yourself. He's a grown man. Fishing's not that hard.
The Best Thing About Nolan And His 3-4
He’s gonna have some nifty dime and nikle packages 3-4 teams dont always run your basic nike and dime that being said its usually 1-3-7 something on those lines either way should be fun to watch, ill be happy with either of those dude, now get haley, or the packers qb coach and #RISEUP
"3-4" or "4-3" is relative
These charts from Peter King and Pro Football Focus show how many snaps teams identified as 4-3 or 3-4 actually line up in that defense. In 2010 we, as a 4-3 defense, only lined up in the base 4-3 package 46.2% of the time. The Steelers, a 3-4, only lined up in 3-4 in 47% of snaps. The rest of the time it was nickel or some other lineup variety. The point is that defensive schemes are complicated and a lot more goes into it than whether you have a nose tackle or not. The personnel we have may not fit a traditional 3-4, but I think the Falcons are more focused on finding someone with an ‘aggressive’ defense, regardless of the base package.
Sorry, links here:
I'm amazed at that "no dime" fact
It’s about 2010, but still. We either have really no trust in our DB depth or we just love our LBs too much.
thanks for this
people are really gettin too Madden about 3-4 and 4-3. Actually, the way we’ve been playing zone blitzes I believe we’re prepared for any 3-4 alignment.
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
I want Spags
We need somebody that we won’t question everytime the make a risky call. A guy like Spags your forced to beleive in because he has been there before.
by falcons101 on Jan 13, 2012 1:00 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
To a point...yes!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
that is pretty catchy that would catch on i think you should copy write that lol
CORONATION STARSCREAM?THIS IS BAD COMEDY!! WILL ANYONE ELSE ATTEMPT TO FILL HIS SHOES?-GALVATRON
I'm galaxies away from being an expert on defenses,
but I tend to like the 4-2-5 since it adapts very well to almost any situation.
Braves.
Falcons.
Gamecocks.
You better stuff allot of runs...
at the line with this…a “Sproles” type will have a field day with you if he can get by your front 4 (actually, any good RB will)!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
i really never liked the 4-2-5 scheme as an nfl defense it is good in passing situations
CORONATION STARSCREAM?THIS IS BAD COMEDY!! WILL ANYONE ELSE ATTEMPT TO FILL HIS SHOES?-GALVATRON
yes and teams passed all over our asses
Braves.
Falcons.
Gamecocks.
Yeah, mostly due to the zone coverages but those have gone bye-bye!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
Depends on the team and formation your playing
If you can get pressure with your front 4. I think the 4-2-5 scheme works great against spread offenses like NO or GB.
So long as you have athletic linebackers
And with Lofton/’Spoon, I think we could make it work.
Maybe...is there ANY NFL team that has used it for an extended period??
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
The links above revealed
The Titans used 4-2-5 in half of their snaps in 2010, and a base 4-3 in 40%. So they rode it pretty hard. Titans Def in 2010 was 8th in DVOA and looked unbeatable early in the season when they went 5-2. They did regress later on together with the Offense, but it was definitely a pretty okay showing for a Def that played 4-2-5 as their most used part of the playbook.
4-2-5
Is merely a nickel defense guys. every team uses some form of it.
Now Gentlemen, get your butts up, and get back on that horse! You have no choice. The expectations are running much higher this year.
by ATLsince1972 on Jan 13, 2012 7:36 PM EST up reply actions
Not exactly.
4-2-5 generally has 2 SS that can play deep or walk up to the LOS to give a 4-4 look. Gives a lot of options as far as rolling coverage but not a lot of run support against off tackle plays
by FLA_Falcon on Jan 13, 2012 7:56 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
See, that's what I was thinking...
we do have good run stoppers up front but if we don’t tackle better then RB’s that get by the front 4 will kill us!!
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
by Blood_Talon on Jan 13, 2012 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
Spags would get my vote
The Giants defensive DVOA’s were very good when he was the DC-
2007 – total D DVOA was 13th; 15th against the pass and 9th against the run
2008 – total D DVOA was 14th; 11th against the pass and 12th against the run
In 2006 the NYG’s were 25th in total D. When Spags was promoted to DC in 2007 they were ranked 7th in total D and improved to 5th in total D for 2008.
In 2006 the Giants were 23rd in sacks, #1 in 2007 and #6 in 2208.
remember we ran that defense for 2 years when June Jones was the coach here in 94-95
it didn’t work to well back then and i remember Chris Doleman saying to the media how he hated playing in that defense
CORONATION STARSCREAM?THIS IS BAD COMEDY!! WILL ANYONE ELSE ATTEMPT TO FILL HIS SHOES?-GALVATRON
I really hope we can gets Spags as our DC i think he has what it takes to make a difference
CORONATION STARSCREAM?THIS IS BAD COMEDY!! WILL ANYONE ELSE ATTEMPT TO FILL HIS SHOES?-GALVATRON
Remember Spags started that rotation of using 4 DE'S to rush the QB on certain downs
that helped in the Giants super bowl run in 2007.We have depth at DE and quickness i think it would be a great idea if we did that too i think it would be a team strength for us to also do that on certain downs.
CORONATION STARSCREAM?THIS IS BAD COMEDY!! WILL ANYONE ELSE ATTEMPT TO FILL HIS SHOES?-GALVATRON
Move mike Smith to DC Jeff Fisher as H/C. Just kidding. I’m all in on J Spags. If we had 4 bad ass defensive lineman it would make it easier on the rest of the D. That goes for the O-line to. Invest in both lines. And plz bring some attitude. Seen very little spirit in this years team. Long live the Falcon Force!
by Grey Rider on Jan 13, 2012 1:58 PM EST via mobile reply actions
In Spag we trust!!!
I posted an article about him as a candidate around week 6 and now it is starting to look very realistic..Bring him in!!!!!!!!\
Spags.
Throw the money already and get Spags, also MS should be more involved in Defense. He often said in the last 2 years he doesn’t want to get involved with what Co-ordinators are doing. Mike Nolan is a good fall back option to mix in 3-4 and 4-3 Plays based on the match-ups.
It's all about Process...
Bratkowski to Jac not finalized yet
Braves.
Falcons.
Gamecocks.
are you a 'REAL' Falcons fan??
Braves.
Falcons.
Gamecocks.
I guess Im not
MM gets the slimmest credit for MR. Everybody knows Musgrave had the biggest impact on MR improvement.
Nolan as a DC
If it weren’t for the 3-4 scheme problem, I’d be happy to take Nolan. He was a bad HC, but what he did as an DC was outstanding work.
Each team he took over improved immediately on defensive DVOA. (Well, except for the 2002 Ravens, which dropped from 4th in the league to … 6th just to bounce back to rank 1 and 2 during the 03 and 04 campaigns. I tend to see this as still … good work.)
NYG Defense DVOA 1992 (pre-Nolan): 26th
NYG Defense DVOA 1993 (with nolan): 15th
They went on to rank 17th, 14th and 11th in the followign years.
WAS Defense DVOA 1996 (pre-Nolan): 25th
WAS Defense DVOA 1997 (with Nolan): 14th
Asterisked, cause they did fall back to 29th and 24th later, so maybe 97 was just a fluke year. But that D (and that team) was a inconsistent mess back then and he didn’t stay long enough to earn the fruits of drafting Champ Bailey. (Well, not until he got to Denver anyway. But we’ll get to that.)
But don’t think the guy is just fit for the “take bad Ds and turn them mediocre”-scenario! What we are more intersted in is, of course, the “take a mediocre D and turn it great!”-scenario:
NYJ Defense DVOA 1999 (pre-Nolan): 14th
NYJ Defense DVOA 2000 (with Nolan): 4th
Then came the aforementioned Ravens brillance. Then some unintersting years as HC and the guy who passend on Aaron Rodgers. SFs D was terrible back then but it did improve steadily over his tenure. I don’t know how much of it is his doing. I cannot even name the DC he had there. What a hard time that was for any 49ers fan.
After SF came the completely amazing Denver turnaround.
DEN Defense DVOA 2008 (pre-Nolan): 31st
DEN Defense DVOA 2009 (with Nolan): 7th
Uhm, yeah. You read that right.
And finally:
MIA Defense DVOA 2009 (pre-Nolan): 18th
MIA Defense DVOA 2010 (with Nolan): 10th
…which was followed up by the 11th place this year, which is the lowest rank any Nolan D had since … 1999! I guess that’s a good floor to have.
So, yeah, the guy knows how to coach and motivate his players, I’d say.
by wiesengrund on Jan 13, 2012 2:28 PM EST via mobile reply actions 4 recs
Nice rundown Jim.
Good info, thanks.
Perilously close to a 2007 style depression.
by VaderX5 on Jan 13, 2012 9:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Great stats
I know Nolan is a top notch DC and will get the job done. Just give him what he needs via Free agency, draft and we’ll be golden.
Coaching wins championships!
by Edgecrusher211 on Jan 17, 2012 4:49 PM EST up reply actions
Hiring a Spags and/or a Billick will definetly have Smitty looking over his shoulder
Which in my opinion is a good and bad thing. It’ll keep him on his toes but also may make him a coach who goes the over safe route from time to time.
I say keep him on his toes. Hire em. :)
Doesn't he
Already take the over safe route?? Js
by birdwatch on Jan 13, 2012 8:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Fisher just took the Rams job!
Hope this doesnt mean were gonna lose out on Billick
by Bigru3 on Jan 13, 2012 2:43 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Billick will not be going to Miami I think
There isnt anything really there in Miami to work with. They don’t even have a so-so kind of QB and with Jason Taylor talking about retiring – what really do they have to work with in Miami?! It would be too much for him to work with. Brian Billick should just drift on over here to Atlanta. Hey, he wouldn’t have far to go to see family?!
by Antonio Grimes on Jan 13, 2012 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
Honestly theres alot to work with in Miami..
They just produced 1000yd rb and a 1000yd wr…not to mention Anthony Fasano is a stud te and Davon Bess is good and Brian Hartline is a solid possesion wr. They were also a very solid Def. The oline has Jake Long one of the leagues best tackles and Matt Moore played really well. So I think theres more than meets the eye. O and were talking about south beach. Jason Taylor was an after thought bye the way. He had little to nothing to do with their success, he was there more or less to retire as a dolphin
by Bigru3 on Jan 13, 2012 3:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You forgot
Wake at OLB/DE not sure what he played, and Pouncey at C
by DanishFalcons on Jan 13, 2012 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
Crazy talk
That team is Sam Baker bad.
Perilously close to a 2007 style depression.
by VaderX5 on Jan 13, 2012 9:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Spags is (IMHO) definately the man I'd like to see, BUT...
is anybody as nervous as I am not to hear of any interviews being scheduled for either job? There are some high quality folks at the moment without jobs that will be snatched up very soon. Seems that it would be easier (and cheaper) to get one of those than to wait and try to take a chance of hiring someone else away from another team.
The Falcons are so tight lipped on things
that they may have already done an interview with Spags. Remember, TD interviewed via a video conference. Plus, for a guy of Spags’ rep he may not even need to interview
you're right about the tight lips...
it’s just nerve-racking that there’s nothing in the news about what the “experts” think the Falcons might do or not do, you know? Also, I wouldn’t mind seeing Hue come in to run the offense. Of course, playing a little “Brian-Ball” might not be so bad either. I think he’d have better tools to work with than what he had with the Jets.
They may surprise us and pick no one we've heard of
Who heard of Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff before we got them. All of these guys think a little outside the box. Regardless I’m sure it’ll be a good hire. Just playing devil’s advocate a bit.
Starting to hear free agency news
Laron Landry appears to be one of our targets and I gotta say I would love that move. A few other guys we are looking at are Tyvon Branch (a poor mans Landry with better coverage), Cortland Finnegan (if we are forced to let Grimes Walk this would be a perfect move if we are going to commit to an aggressive press man Scheme) another on being thrown out there Is Robert Mathis (I think this would be a good move whether we keep Abraham or we trade Edwards for picks). either way I’m liking the fact that we are trying to replace possible lost talent with more talent, what do you guys think?
by falcons101 on Jan 13, 2012 4:01 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Definitely get Landry
I’d love to see him in a Falcons uniform. I’m not as sold on Finnegan and think we have some potential starters in Franks and Walls if we lose Grimes.
I think Robert Mathis would be an interesting pick up, since he is from Atlanta. However, he’s going to be 31 so I’d hope we could get him at a good price.
Totally agree on Landry but
I like Finnegan just think about it. If we Switch to that Press man Scheme then that would mean Dunta is on One side and Cortland on the other BOTH are great Press Corners and both love to come up and tackle, I love Grimes but Matching up Cortland and Robinson and an improved pass rush would mean ALOT more sacks this year due to the opposing receivers getting Knocked off routes…I love the possibilities.
by falcons101 on Jan 13, 2012 4:22 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I understand the appeal of Cortland
but I think that’s too much cap space to two corners. From what I’ve seen out of Franks and Walls, they’re both pretty physical too and could provide the same services for a lot less money.
Yea I can see where your coming from
I just don’t want the reason that we can’t make a deep playoff run next year could be due to our young corners Vs Drew Brees, Arodgers or Eli. Either way we have to Press and that starts with the new Coordinator.
by falcons101 on Jan 13, 2012 4:31 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
We did pretty well against Eli on Sunday
defense just got worn down due to the offense. I think Franks proved he can play. No need to sign another corner right now.
by Whyte Bler 000 on Jan 13, 2012 5:25 PM EST up reply actions
If Franks proved he could play
another kick to the groin of Dimitroff haters.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Jan 13, 2012 6:23 PM EST up reply actions
don't
Finnegan and Roddy White kinda hate each other??
by birdwatch on Jan 13, 2012 9:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think Finnegan and everyone
kinda hate each other
by falconnuke on Jan 14, 2012 10:12 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Landry played 9 games in '10 and 8 games in '11
Hope none of u that want him have complained about Moore being injury prone.
by aces666high on Jan 13, 2012 6:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
There's a difference
Landry tends to get injured because he over works out causing his muscles to Cramp or pull. The Guy literally lifts weights before a game. Another thing is that Former Skins players have numerously complained that they don’t receive the proper strength and conditioning. Sometimes a change of scenery is what an injury prone guy needs.
by falcons101 on Jan 13, 2012 7:30 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Isn't Cortland Finnegan a failboat?
He had some issue in TEN didn’t he?
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by Caleb Rutherford on Jan 13, 2012 6:21 PM EST up reply actions
He is a firecracker, yes.
In September 2010, Finnegan was fined $5,000 for throwing New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith to the ground by his helmet.3 In October 2010, Finnegan was fined $10,000 for unnecessary roughness after hitting Denver Broncos guard Chris Kuper after Kuper’s helmet was off. After this incident, the NFL warned Finnegan that similar violations in the future could lead to increased discipline.4 On November 28, 2010, Finnegan was involved in a fist fight with Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson. Each player was ejected, and each subsequently fined $25,000.5 His history with Johnson dates back to at least 2009, in the September 20 matchup between the two teams. After Johnson had beaten Finnegan’s coverage, Finnegan jumped on Johnson’s back before the ball reached them, resulting in Finnegan being flagged for pass interference.
Finnegan is an a$$hole. CB version of Steve Smith.
Loved it when Johnson spun him to the ground, cracked him a couple of times and he turtled up. His antics don’t fit on this team. We already got rid of one Deangelo Hall.
So wouldn't it be fun
To watch Cortland frustrate Steve Smith, Marques Colston and whatever starting receiver is in Tampa. Think about how he could mess with the saints receiving core? He could really throw them off.
by falcons101 on Jan 13, 2012 9:50 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
You'd also get the baggage
Reputation=bad calls against us or “could go either way” calls against us.
by aces666high on Jan 13, 2012 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
CF is perfect fit for Lions.
Jim Schwartz would love to team him up with Suh. He played for Jim Schwartz in Tennessee.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Jan 13, 2012 10:22 PM EST up reply actions
If we were to get Landry
Then that would mean We probably lose Decoud Meaning we Slide Moore over To Free Safety (We Drafted him as a Free safety but he became more of a tackler so he switched to Strong)
by falcons101 on Jan 13, 2012 4:13 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
So if we get Landry and move Moore over...
Who’ll be the two backups that start 6-8 games a year due to injuries? :)
Good Note
But I think Landry’s injuries are due to his tendency to over work his body. He has said a few times that he has to tune back his workouts in order to stay healthy
by falcons101 on Jan 13, 2012 7:32 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Where are you hearing these?
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Yea seriously lol
Someone reading espn insider? Is this just speculation or are these facts
by Bigru3 on Jan 13, 2012 6:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
spags likes bigger defensive ends
like ray edwards unfortunalty, think strahan and tuck, both guys over 6-5 270
by R.I.P Bobby Cox on Jan 13, 2012 4:08 PM EST reply actions
who knows
with a new DC Edwards could get into double digit sacks.
by Whyte Bler 000 on Jan 13, 2012 5:26 PM EST up reply actions
I think Spags to us is a long shot
I mean he is a east coast guy and if he doesn’t want the Philly job he probably will take the season off. I really hope we do get him but if we don’t oh well.
Top Candidates:
1. Spags
2. Bowles
3. Nolan
Let's all remember that sometimes
in a 3-4, the outside linebackers are pass rushing DEs converts that can play in pass coverage. That is essentially what we’ve been doing in zone blitzes but there wasn’t enough blitz creativity. The 3-4 is designed to cover all situations whether you need extra bodies in pass coverage or extra pass rushers.
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
I think he is going to Phili
But if Spagnuolo can be gotten, GET SPAGNUOLO. The Defense will see a complete 180 in terms of effectiveness. He is a brilliant Defensive mind. Overly aggressive, but thats what Falcons Need.. someone who wont wait to have how they play dictated by how an offense is attacking.. Spagnuolo is pro-active.. he sends his guys after the quarterback down after down after down. His Schemes are imaginative, and down to down he is an inspired play caller. He adjusts to what he is seeing and his guys love playing for him…. If Dimitrioff can get him, Get him.
Yea im with that..
I envision us flying all over the place making,things happen.
by Bigru3 on Jan 13, 2012 7:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Spags.
"NLDS or bust" - Bobby Cox
We don't have to continue to settle Atlanta. We're better than that.
Finnegan and Landry = Spags
Remember, Spags was the DBs coach for Philly for a while, and Philly has traditionally been about a strong Secondary that can cover a lot of ground while the front 7 stunts and blitzes. In NY, he had a better line, and didn’t need to blitz as much, but make no mistake, he loves to bring the extra man. If those are real FA targets, I think it’s indicative of Spags being our first choice.
Re: CF’s attitude, dude is a hard worker and a fiery competitor; he’s git the ‘grit’ that TD and Blank talked about in Wednesday’s presser.
Perilously close to a 2007 style depression.
by VaderX5 on Jan 13, 2012 9:27 PM EST via mobile reply actions
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