The Falcoholic - Julio Jones Injury ArmageddonFalcons News, Analysis & Tomfoolery For and By Fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/21944/falcoholic-fave.jpg2013-10-11T08:00:10-04:00http://www.thefalcoholic.com/rss/stream/45809672013-10-11T08:00:10-04:002013-10-11T08:00:10-04:00Cone, Davis Headed For New Opportunities
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<figcaption>Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Finding that sliver of silver in a big, dark cloud.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> are going to miss Julio Jones. That much is clear.</p>
<p>There's opportunity to be found for others here, though, and there could be <i>some</i> good that comes out of a deeply unfortunate situation. That good would come in the former of <span>Drew Davis</span> and <span>Kevin Cone</span> making something of their increased playing time.</p>
<p>We know <span>Harry Douglas</span> and <span>Roddy White</span> will be full-time starters going forward, more than likely, so we won't dwell too much on them until we get closer to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> game. I'll certainly have some thoughts on HD in particular. But there's virtually no way that the speedy Davis and Cone <i>don't</i> see an increase in snaps and opportunities, which is a boon for both after the coaching staff has done little to nothing to get them involved up to this point.</p>
<p>Cone might actually be the likeliest to see a major increase. He has borderline elite wheels, which is what made the Falcons sign him as a UDFA in 2011 to begin with. He's bounced back and forth between the practice squad and active roster a bit, but there's no denying that if Cone is over the drop issue that seemed to plague him in preseason opportunities, he has the tools to be a mighty useful player. Hopefully that big third down grab against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a> was a sign of things to come.</p>
<p>Davis is also a fast receiver, but we know he has pretty decent hands. Last year he got involved on a limited basis and reeled in four catches for 40 yards. His biggest issue to this point has been running clean routes and getting separation on a consistent basis, but he'll now have some time to work on that.</p>
<p>Both of these guys can also block, which is huge for a Falcons team that has had little to no success running the football for long stretches. There's no reason, on paper, that both Cone and Davis shouldn't be useful receiving options for this team, even if they only see a handful of targets each week.</p>
<p>With White potentially leaving after next season and the Falcons having real question marks for receiver depth, Cone and/or Davis emerging would make a huge difference. Probably neither of them have ceilings higher than a third receiver, but hell, I'd take that.</p>
<p>Wouldn't you?</p>
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<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/10/4817296/falcons?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Being A Falcons Fan In 2013</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/9/4822036/falcons-sign-free-agent-wide-receiver-brian-robiskie?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Falcons To Sign Sign Free Agent Wide Receiver Brian Robiskie</a></li>
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</ul>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/11/4823810/julio-jones-injury-gives-drew-davis-kevin-cone-a-chance-to-shineDave Choate2013-10-10T11:27:24-04:002013-10-10T11:27:24-04:00Julio Jones on IR, Robiskie Officially Signs
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<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The superstar receiver is done for the year. Robiskie will get a shot to replace him. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> made official what we all debated yesterday: <span>Julio Jones</span> is on injured reserve and out for the year, and <span>Brian Robiskie</span> will replace him.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>The Falcons have placed WR Julio Jones on injured reserve and signed WR Brian Robiskie.</p>
— Atlanta_Falcons (@Atlanta_Falcons) <a href="https://twitter.com/Atlanta_Falcons/statuses/388323197445107713">October 10, 2013</a>
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<p>It's a rough day for Falcons fans. We've already talked about what losing Julio Jones is likely to mean for this offense, so suffice to say the passing attack takes a hit. From here on out, the Falcons are going to dink and dunk, emphasize getting rid of the ball quickly and hope that one of the <span>Harry Douglas</span>/<span>Drew Davis</span>/<span>Kevin Cone</span> triumvirate can step up as a semi-competent deep threat. That's all you can really do.</p>
<p>Brian Robiskie is just 25 and has never played with a competent quarterback, but he's also delivered lackluster results to this point. Ideally, Robiskie would get up to speed in the offense and use his solid hands and blocking ability to carve out a decent little role in the offense, perhaps lining up out wide at times when the Falcons need a tough, short catch. More than likely, he tops out as the #3 or #4 receiver in this lineup, but you never know.</p>
<p>More thoughts coming on how Cone and Davis might fare, but this is where we're at right now. Let's hope Jones is full systems go for 2014 and Robiskie is a pleasant surprise.</p>
<p>Your thoughts?</p>
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<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/10/4817296/falcons?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Being A Falcons Fan In 2013</a></li>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/10/4824028/falcons-julio-jones-injured-reserveDave Choate2013-10-09T19:46:37-04:002013-10-09T19:46:37-04:00Falcons Sign WR Brian Robiskie
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Falcons wasted no time signing Julio Jones' replacement. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> are putting <span>Julio Jones</span> on IR, so it behooves them to get a receiver in to learn the ropes as soon as possible. They're not wasting much time.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Falcons&src=hash">#Falcons</a> to sign WR <span>Brian Robiskie</span>, according to agent sources. Son of position coach Terry.</p>
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@AJCFalcons) <a href="https://twitter.com/AJCFalcons/statuses/388083096517484544">October 9, 2013</a>
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<p>Robiskie to the Falcons made too much sense not to happen, though it took longer than I expected. With his father as the receivers coach and a history as a decent possession receiver, albeit a limited one, he would seem to fit in. Now that the Falcons are severely depleted at wide receiver, the time is certainly right.</p>
<p>The 25-year-old has 43 career catches for 485 yards and four touchdowns. He has been a major disappointment given his second round draft status, but he's young enough to carve out a solid little career as a backup type. Just don't expect too much from him, at this point.</p>
<p>That said, if he can pick up the playbook and <span>Roddy White</span> is out, I wouldn't be surprised to see <span>Harry Douglas</span> and Brian Robiskie starting outside against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> in Week 7, which would be pretty brutal. Otherwise, he'll likely get some snaps in the slot and on special teams while <span>Kevin Cone</span> or <span>Drew Davis</span> kick outside.</p>
<p>At the very least, Robiskie will provide solid depth, and there's a small but non-zero chance he's an asset going forward.</p>
<p>Thoughts on the signing?</p>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/9/4822036/falcons-sign-free-agent-wide-receiver-brian-robiskieDave Choate2013-10-09T19:16:47-04:002013-10-09T19:16:47-04:00Julio Jones Out For 2013 Season
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<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The star wide receiver is out for the year, and Falcons fans weep. </p> <p>It is as we feared: The <span>Julio Jones</span> foot injury is going to cost him the rest of the season.</p>
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<p>Julio Jones will have surgery next week after Dr Robert Anderson confirmed his fractured foot . Out of year</p>
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) <a href="https://twitter.com/mortreport/statuses/388053720791281664">October 9, 2013</a>
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<p>This is awful news, even if we expected it. Jones was having a fantastic season before getting hurt, placing among the league leaders in receptions and yardage and helping the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> make up for a gimpy <span>Roddy White</span> and lackluster offensive line. Without him, the entire offense takes a huge hit.</p>
<p>Going forward, the Falcons will be featuring Roddy White (when he's healthy) and Harry Douglas, with a likely free signing, Drew Davis and Kevin Cone sprinkled in. Matt Ryan's job just got harder, and Tony Gonzalez is going to get all the double teams he can handle going forward. In a year filled with brutal injuries, Julio Jones' impending trip to injured reserve might be the worst of all.</p>
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<p>Can confirm that Julio Jones is, indeed, out for the year. We will have a statement from Coach Smith shortly.</p>
— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) <a href="https://twitter.com/FalconsJAdams/statuses/388061911956619264">October 9, 2013</a>
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<p>The best thing for Julio Jones and this football team at this point is getting him the surgery, giving him the months he'll need to help up and get him back at full strength for 2014. Certainly we're going to miss him, and we wish him a recovery as swift as his flight down the field.</p>
<p>Get out your angst, anger and mourning here.</p>
<h4>More from The Falcoholic:</h4>
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</ul>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/9/4817046/julio-jones-injury-falcons-confirm-receiver-lost-for-the-yearDave Choate2013-10-09T11:56:45-04:002013-10-09T11:56:45-04:00Falcons Injury Update, Bye Week Edition
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<figcaption>Scott Cunningham</figcaption>
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<p>As the Falcons head into the bye, a closer look at who is practicing.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> head into the bye week in dire need of some healing time. A quick look at who is injured</p>
<p>Vaughn McClure at ESPN has a few quick, helpful updates. Long roads ahead for a few guys, for certain.</p>
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<p>LB Akeem Dent (ankle) limped to the practice field but obviously not ready to return to practice. No sign of <span>Sam Baker</span> (knee, leg).</p>— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) <a href="https://twitter.com/vxmcclure23/statuses/387967108006412288">October 9, 2013</a>
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<p><span>Roddy White</span> and <span>Jason Snelling</span> not on practice field for viewing period</p>— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) <a href="https://twitter.com/vxmcclure23/statuses/387966394270490625">October 9, 2013</a>
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<p>Steven Jackson still no helmet for practice</p>— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) <a href="https://twitter.com/vxmcclure23/statuses/387966160861675520">October 9, 2013</a>
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<p><span>Julio Jones</span>, of course, out to see a specialist in Charlotte today.</p>— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) <a href="https://twitter.com/vxmcclure23/statuses/387966603700494336">October 9, 2013</a>
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Your reactions?
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/9/4820296/falcons-injuries-update-a-snapshot-from-todays-practiceDave Choate2013-10-08T21:17:42-04:002013-10-08T21:17:42-04:00Julio Jones May Have Broken Screw In Foot
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<figcaption>Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The news around the receiver's injury is not getting any better.</p> <p>If you were hoping against hope that <span>Julio Jones</span> would be able to return in 2013, this news will serve as a crudely carved wooden shiv to your hope's kidneys:</p>
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<p>Word from a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> source is that WR Julio Jones broke the screw that was put in his foot in 2011 surgery.</p>
— Jason Cole (@JasonPhilCole) <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonPhilCole/statuses/387722521707286529">October 8, 2013</a>
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<p>While I appreciate the physics involved, I was not aware you could actually break a screw in your foot. The fact that this is a pre-existing injury that has been aggravated two years later is deeply troubling. Certainly, at the very least, Jones will need a lot of rest and rehab time. He'll probably need surgery.</p>
<p>JJ is due for a second opinion tomorrow, but the Falcons weren't overly optimistic today for a reason. The Falcons need to brace for a longterm absence at minimum, and with <span>Roddy White</span> also suffering, it's going to get awfully interesting in Atlanta.</p>
<p>Thoughts? Expectations?</p>
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</ul>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/8/4818362/julio-jones-injury-receiver-may-have-broken-screw-in-foot-secondDave Choate2013-10-08T15:00:09-04:002013-10-08T15:00:09-04:00Life After Julio Jones
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<figcaption>Scott Cunningham</figcaption>
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<p>Here's a hint: They can't. Not really. </p> <p>With the news that <span>Julio Jones</span> might miss the rest of the season with a foot injury, we have to talk about who will replace him. The latest on that, first, which is not pretty:</p>
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<p>Smith says Julio Jones injured his foot last night. He saw doctors and is going to have second opinion tomorrow in Charlotte.</p>
— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) <a href="https://twitter.com/FalconsJAdams/statuses/387647161821061120">October 8, 2013</a>
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<p>``He's going to be a hard guy to replace if we have to replace him,'' Mike Smith said of Jones.</p>
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) <a href="https://twitter.com/vxmcclure23/statuses/387647483838361600">October 8, 2013</a>
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<p>The short answer? No one. Jones is one of the five or ten best receivers in the NFL, a supremely athletic talent with a ton of drive who was on his way to a monster season. Even if the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a> made a big, splashy trade, they wouldn't be getting back a player of Jones' caliber. Any potential replacement is going to be a downgrade from actually having Jones, but there's not a damn thing we can do about that.</p>
<p>As I see it, the Falcons have three options to replace Jones.</p>
<h3>Make a trade</h3>
<p>I'm not a fan of this. The Falcons are headed for their first season in the Mike Smith where they could potentially have a decently high draft pick. Giving a second rounder away for <span>Josh Gordon</span> would be satisfying in some ways, particularly because Gordon is a great player, but this team's issues run way deeper than wide receiver.</p>
<p>The best outcome in this scenario would probably be a late-round pick for a decent receiver who could step in either across from <span>Roddy White</span> or in the slot, which might be someone like <span>Andre Roberts</span> of the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a>. A trade would by necessity need to give the Falcons a player they could use this year as they struggle to stay competitive <i>and</i> someone who could be brought back as part of the team's receiving corps a year from now.</p>
<p>Ultimately, I think the Falcons will see the writing on the wall and keep their picks. Given the holes they need to patch, they'd be smart to.</p>
<h3>Sign a free agent</h3>
<p>There's not a lot out there. <span>Laurent Robinson</span> and <span>Brandon Lloyd</span> have question marks, and there's simply not a deep pool of talent to dip into. With Roddy White banged up, too, the Falcons may want to grab a decent veteran for insurance.</p>
<p>This seems like the likeliest outcome in many ways, but again, talent isn't jumping out at me when I look at who is available. The best you can hope for is someone who, if healthy, could serve as a decent part-time starter. Nothing to sneeze at, given the team's situation.</p>
<h3>Stand pat</h3>
<p>In this scenario, the Falcons probably place Julio Jones on IR and call <span>Darius Johnson</span> up from the practice squad. Their trio of starters is something like Roddy, <span>Harry Douglas</span> and <span>Drew Davis</span>, with Cone and Johnson getting a few snaps.</p>
<p>Obviously, this is a pretty brutal downgrade, but it gives the Falcons a chance to truly evaluate Davis, Cone and Johnson and see if they can grow enough as receivers to carve out roles down the line. There may be a pleasant surprise in the bunch, and given the way this year is going, a pleasant surprise would be welcome.</p>
<p>Given that the team isn't going to just concede the season, though, I can't view this as the likeliest outcome.</p>
<p>What are your thoughts on replacing Julio Jones?</p>
<h4>More from The Falcoholic:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/8/4815356/the-falcons-should-trade-tony-gonzalez?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">The Falcons Should Trade Tony Gonzalez</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/8/4816764/report-julio-jones-has-a-foot-injury-could-miss-rest-of-2013-season?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Report: Julio Jones Has A Foot Injury, Could Miss Rest Of 2013 Season</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/8/4815814/jets-vs-falcons-well-that-was-awkward?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Jets vs. Falcons: Well, That Was Awkward</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/8/4815842/falcons-drop-three-in-a-row-for-first-time-under-mike-smith?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Falcons Drop Three In A Row For First Time Under Mike Smith</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/8/4815802/poll-grade-the-falcons-in-week-5-against-the-jets?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Poll: Grade The Falcons In Week 5 Against The Jets</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/8/4817056/julio-jones-injury-how-will-the-falcons-replace-11-if-they-have-toDave Choate2013-10-08T14:02:22-04:002013-10-08T14:02:22-04:00Should The Falcons Trade Tony Gonzalez?
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zXL53AEm4TMWXXfENqbhXsKdyp0=/0x0:3999x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20829257/20120917_ajl_av3_187.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Before you grab your pitchforks and torches, please hear me out. </p> <p>As Tony Gonzalez sulked beside his locker following Atlanta’s heartbreaking loss in the 2013 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfc-championship-game">NFC Championship Game</a>, we thought that was just about the worst way the future Hall of Famer’s career could have ended.</p>
<p>But we were wrong. The worst way it could end would be in a state of apathy, not agony. And if the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> hold on to Gonzalez through the end of this season, that’s exactly what will happen, particularly now that Julio Jones has suffered a potentially season-ending injury.</p>
<p>In March, Tony made the difficult decision to return to the Falcons and the NFL for one more year with the hope that he could finally win a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>. "It's now or never," he said. "This is it."</p>
<p>But now that it’s abundantly clear Atlanta will not be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy any time soon, Thomas Dimitroff and the entire organization owe it to Gonzalez to trade him so he can have the opportunity to reach his ultimate goal.</p>
<p>Watching Gonzalez depart is going to be painful no matter what, but he’s going to leave soon regardless of whether or not he finishes the year with Atlanta -- that's a fact. It’s worth it to accelerate that goodbye if it 1) puts Tony in a better spot, and 2) improves the Falcons’ in the long-term.</p>
<p>Dealing Gonzalez to a contender is a win-win situation. One of the classiest, most well-respected men in the history of the game can get a legitimate crack at a championship, and the Falcons can gain valuable assets that will help them revive from the mess they find themselves in at the moment.</p>
<p>It’s hard to speculate what kind of a return Atlanta could get for Gonzalez, but one has to imagine there are GMs out there willing to part with some decent draft picks to acquire No. 88. And given the number of holes the Falcons currently have on their roster, gathering as many selections as possible is in the team’s best interests.</p>
<p>The Falcons probably won’t be entering "rebuild-mode" this spring, but they’re going to need to re-tool an abysmal defense and an unacceptably weak offensive line. And let’s not forget: <span>Roddy White</span> and Steven Jackson are getting up there in age. This offense isn’t going to have elite potential a whole lot longer in its current state.</p>
<p>The draft is Dimitroff's wheelhouse, and making strong picks will be more important in 2014 than any other year the current regime has been around. Sending Gonzalez elsewhere will, ultimately, give Dimitroff more opportunities to patch the holes that currently plague Atlanta.</p>
<p>* * * * *</p>
<p>It’s been an absolute treat to watch the greatest tight end of all time dominate opposing defenses in an Atlanta jersey, and the Falcons should have no regrets about the investments they made in him. But down the road, none of us will care about a few highlight-reel catches he made during meaningless games in a lost season.</p>
<p>That’s just the harsh reality we have to face.</p>
<p>Moving on can be hard, but often times it is the right thing to do. I know a lot of people are going to disagree with me on this, and that’s OK. But if you take emotion out of the equation, you may realize dealing Gonzalez is more logical than holding onto him. A lot has to be done to get the Falcons back to contention, and this move would be a tremendous -- albeit an excruciating -- start.</p>
<p>Dimitroff: Please, give Tony the chance he deserves to win a Super Bowl. And more importantly, put this team in the best position possible to succeed after this nightmare year comes to a close.</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/10/8/4815356/the-falcons-should-trade-tony-gonzalezAndrew Hirsh