Hooray! We know we've inundated you with new rules for the past couple of days. But I think this about covers it.

Starting in 2013, thigh and knee pads will be mandatory. It is a playing rule; so in theory, it has to be collectively bargained. What does that mean? It means the knee/thigh pad rule could require Player's Association approval.

"Any change in working conditions is a collectively bargained issue," the union said in a statement. "While the NFL is focused on one element of health and safety today, the NFLPA believes that health and safety requires a comprehensive approach and commitment. We are engaged in and monitor many different issues, such as players' access to medical records, prescription usage and the situation with professional football's first responders, NFL referees."

Let's be honest, the Player's Association can't afford to oppose this rule. About 1,400 former NFLers or their families are suing the league right meow. They want compensation. Why? Because the NFL didn't take enough precautions.

Practically speaking, this doesn't make a big difference. Players will complain about it. That hypocrisy aside, thigh and knee pads are a must in the NCAA. These guys have performed at a high level with them. And they can do it again. If everyone wears them, the playing field is leveled.

I'm ambivalent really. I see both sides of the coin. On the one hand, a league without regulation could be interesting. Steroid use and hard hitting galore. No suspensions, no fines, et cetera; just pure entertainment. On the other hand, there's something to say about a league with integrity. One that cares for its players and tries to preserve their futures.

What do y'all think?

There's been a good bit of debate about whether Matt Ryan is a good, great, or even an elite QB. Many who engage in the debate are quick to point out that guys like Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers both had playoff wins and hoisted the Lombardi trophy within their first four years. Others quickly point out that those guys stepped into organizations that were consistent winners.

But what do the numbers say about Ryan so far? How does he compare against some of the best QBs in the league? Notably, how does his first four years look compared to the first four of some great QBs playing today? I think when you see the hardened numbers, you'll be surprised at what you find.

Continue reading this post »

As it stands today, the NFL trade deadline falls on Week 6 of the regular season. I don't know about you, but that seems extremely early to draw the line. Apparently the NFL owners agree.

At a meeting on Tuesday right here in Atlanta, the owners voted to move the trade deadline to Week 8, providing a little more room for teams to work with.

Pending approval and agreement from the Management Council and the NFL Players Association, the NFL Trade Deadline will move from Week Six to Week Eight, giving teams two extra weeks to assess their injury and competitive situations and make moves based on all the accompanying factors.

Most critics seem to believe Week 6 is far too soon, so this new rule should please a lot of people.

When you really think about it, six games is not much to go off of. At that point in the season teams are still finding an identity, and the depth chart isn't even completely set for some. Also, injuries play into this decision in a big way. This gives more time for front offices to determine any moves they need to make if one of their key players goes down.

The move makes the trade deadline a little more interesting as well. The media always hypes up the day of the cutoff and makes it out to be a huge transaction extravaganza, but we're always let down. Maybe we'll see more big moves going forward. It's just two weeks later, but two weeks in the NFL season is huge.

As far as the Falcons go, a later trade deadline could provide more time to acquire a needed addition, although that hasn't really been their way of doing things in the past. We all certainly hope no one will get injured in 2012, but if one of Atlanta's big names does go down, they'll have some extra time to potentially adjust accordingly in the trade market. If a valuable tight end hits the trade block, now there's more time to consider picking him up.

Any thoughts on this change?

It's time to guess again. Because if there's one thing we love doing here at The Falcoholic, it's making wildly inaccurate guesses and then pretending we never made them when we see how wrong we are. It's as American as apple pie, no?

Today we're going to take a crack at guessing who will be recognized as Pro Bowl players for the Falcons in 2012. This is particularly tricky because the Falcons don't tend to get too much recognition, and some of their best players ('Spoon, Ryan) play at positions where there are flashier options for fans to vote for. Good times.

Please note that this is not an endorsement of the Pro Bowl or whatever honor the NFL eventually chooses to replace it with. It's hardly a meritorious achievement at this stage of the game, but if the Falcons do well, I wouldn't mind seeing them get the recognition.

My guesses after the jump.

Continue reading this post »

Roger Goodell is a cagey politician. When he encourages a team to do something, it's almost as sinister and nebulous as when he drops his mighty hammer upon a team like...oh, I dunno, the Saints.

So bear that all in mind as I bring you the knowledge that in the event of a new stadium, Roger Goodell would "encourage" the Falcons to go ahead and apply to host a Super Bowl. New stadiums have a long and noble history of playing host to the NFL's biggest game, so this isn't a surprise. But it is noteworthy, nonetheless.

Why? Because the Falcons have not hosted a Super Bowl in a dozen years, despite offering up a nice domed stadium in a major Southern city. The reason for that, for those of you who remember 2000, was an ice storm that crippled the city leading up to the Super Bowl that year. It was enough of a problem that it scared the NFL off, and the Georgia Dome hasn't gotten any younger in the intervening years.

Continue reading this post »

Assuming the Player's Union approves, we have a new IR rule! It's like Christmas in May - except there's no yelling and hard liquor.

Believe it or not, owners meet in the off-season. They talk about stuff. The new icee flavor at McDonald's, Rich McKay's obsession with The Hunger Games, the Glee season finale; no topic is off limits. And apparently the IR rule was the subject du jour.

Under the current rule, if a player is placed on IR, his season is done. Under the new rule:

• a player can spend 8 weeks on IR, then rejoin his team
  
• the player has to be on the 53 man roster after the final pre-season cut
  
• the player can't practice with the team for 6 of the 8 weeks
• it can only be one player - he will be known as the "marquee player"
  

It's a playing rule, so it won't go into effect without Player Union approval. I doubt they won't approve. Practically speaking, this benefits teams and their individual players. Sure, if you're deemed the "marquee player," then maybe you feel some pressure to come back. If you're not ready, then maybe that's a bad call. But this is the NFL. More often than not, season-ending injuries don't help your career.

Discuss!

Speculation about the Falcons acquiring Kellen Winslow began to pour in as soon as the Buccaneers stated their intent of moving him. While we now know he has a new team not named Atlanta, it got me thinking about other tight ends out there available for the P.T.G. era (post Tony Gonzalez).

Just about everyone I spoke with prior to this year's draft wanted Atlanta to select a tight end. The franchise apparently didn't see this as a vital need right now, but it will become one after the 2012 season.

They could go ahead and draft a rookie for 2013, or they could take a look at some free agents. Here are a few guys who we can hope might sign with the Falcons, even though this is an extremely early look.

Continue reading this post »

The earlier today post about Kellen Winslow (and I scheduled this last night, so I hope no one has ripped anyone apart in that thread) got me thinking about the team's depth throughout the roster. At some positions, they're so deep the ocean be all jealous. At others, they're comparatively thin.

I'd like to take a closer look at those thin spots today, in my favorite hail-of-bullets style. Indulge me, if you will.

• Quarterback. I'm sorry, but Chris Redman and John Parker Wilson don't exactly inspire confidence at this stage of their respective careers. Dominique Davis has promise but clearly isn't ready to play today. That's enough to make you a little nervous, even though Matt Ryan has been remarkably durable thus far in his career.
• Tight end. The most obvious choice. Tony Gonzalez is all-world even in his old age, but there's only Michael Palmer and question marks behind him. The Falcons are mighty thin here, and have to hope Gonzo stays healthy all year long.
• Outside linebacker. Sean Weatherspoon and Stephen Nicholas are terrific starters. At the moment, though, they're backed up by Robert James and Spencer Adkins. You can't be strong at every position, of course, but that's hardly awe-inspiring.
• Safety. Behind William Moore and Thomas DeCoud, the Falcons are carrying only rookie Charles Mitchell and special teams whiz Shann Schillinger. That's not a lot of experience, even if you add in the possibility that Dominique Franks or Darrin Walls could function as a fifth safety.
• Punter. You're not going to carry three more punters behind Matt Bosher? C'mon!

Where do you think the Falcons can least afford to lose a starter?