Birdseed: Nov. 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving to all the readers and Falcons fans out there. This edition of Birdseed is dedicated to holidays, family, friends and the turkey that dutifully contributed to my Thanksgiving feast.

Team prepares for L.T., Turner returns to roots, AF.com
OK… Story about Michael Turner returning to San Diego out of the way. Actually, it's a pretty neat story. I recommend listening to LaDainian Tomlinson's conversation with the Atlanta media (he talks a lot about Turner).

That's dandy, kid: Ryan's in mix as best rookie QB ever, CBSSports.com
The cool thing about Matt Ryan is he takes control. He takes control of his own development and takes control of the huddle. He makes sure the team rallies around itself, not outside expectations.

NFC honors Falcons’ Douglas for special teams play, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Great award for Harry Douglas, the kid that never forgets his roots. Douglas carries a Jonesboro High gym bag on road trips.

Tight end Hartsock placed on injured reserve, AF.com
Tough loss for the Falcons, who have remained relatively healthy this season. Luckily a tight end that knows the system was available.

Abraham had head injury, could have returned, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
John Abraham said at the beginning of the season his No. 1 priority for 2008 was to stay healthy and not miss a game. So far, so good.

Falcons' Turner proving hard to take down, even harder to ignore, NFL.com
With a bowling ball-like runner in Michael Turner, you always go for it on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line.

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Jenkins sees bright future for Falcons, The Sporting News
One of the hardest things to do in football is find a receiver to compliment a No. 1 threat (in this case, Roddy White). The Falcons have Michael Jenkins and they just locked him up with a long-term deal.

Ryan Frye, Atlanta Falcons’ 13-Year-Old Volunteer Scout, The Bristol (Va.) Herald Courier
Stories like this never get old and are not unusual with the Falcons coaching staff. Good luck, Ryan.

Falcons seek to lock down potential free agents, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There's plenty more to take care of in regards to free agents. But, this time of year, on-the-field business is king.