Monthly Archives: December 2008

Lifting Weights, Staying Strong

By J. Michael Moore | Published: December 31, 2008
<img src="http://life.atlantafalcons.com/uploads/1230688512/gallery_196523_74_17700.jpg"> In training camp safety Erik Coleman was asked to describe Michael Turner busting through a hole and into the secondary. "He's all elbows and knees," said Coleman with only the slightest hint of jest. More than four months later the Falcons running back is reflecting on a 1,699-yard, 17-touchdown season. His 5-foot-10, 244-pound frame has [...]
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Wednesday Update: Injuries, Wind and Noise

By J. Michael Moore | Published: December 31, 2008
<embed class='castfire_player' id='cf_0f0d2' name='cf_0f0d2' width='480' height='310' src='http://p.castfire.com/BnG8A/video/45134/45134_2008-12-31-142911.flv' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' allowFullScreen='true'></embed> Wide receiver Harry Douglas (head) and safety Lawyer Milloy (back) were limited in practice Wednesday as the Falcons continued preparation for Saturday's playoff game in Arizona. Head Coach Mike Smith did not discuss individual injuries but both teams released detailed reports just after 4 p.m. EST (click [...]
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Birdseed: Dec. 31, 2008

By J. Michael Moore | Published: December 31, 2008
Admit it, New Year's Resolutions are like belly buttons, everyone has one. So what are you committing to in the year ahead? What are you looking to do with the opportunity of a fresh calender, 365 days of the unknown? Getting in shape? Spending more time with loved ones? Reading a good book? The Falcons are [...]
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Team Issues Statement on Turner Report

By J. Michael Moore | Published: December 30, 2008
An Associated Press report involving Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner was released Tuesday evening. The team issued the following statement on the story: “We’re aware of the report concerning Michael Turner. It’s our understanding that the authorities have looked into the matter and that there is no basis for any further action. We consider this [...]
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What's Being Said About Matt Ryan?

By J. Michael Moore | Published: December 30, 2008
I think we all knew Matt Ryan was different from his first regular-season pass. The quarterback found wide receiver Michael Jenkins for a touchdown on that first throw. It sparked a historic Falcons season and a rookie campaign that, while not finished, has some national recognition. Ryan was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by the [...]
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Time to Fly for Injured Birds

By J. Michael Moore | Published: December 30, 2008
<img src="http://life.atlantafalcons.com/uploads/1230440201/gallery_196523_74_8194.jpg"> The Falcons will issue an official injury report Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week but with a playoff game on the horizon Head Coach Mike Smith kept an eye on his injured players during Tuesday's practice. Defensive end Jamaal Anderson did not practice. He missed all of last week — including Sunday's game — [...]
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Milloy in Good Spirits, Ready for Playoffs

By J. Michael Moore | Published: December 30, 2008
Lawyer Milloy talked Tuesday about the importance of this weekend's playoff game the way a veteran should, with calm focus.The 13-year pro rested his sneaker-clad foot on a stool in front of his locker as he spoke to a small gathering of reporters. It didn't take long for his health to come into question. Milloy [...]
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Birdseed: Dec. 30, 2008

By J. Michael Moore | Published: December 30, 2008
Some of you may be following me and the rest of the AF.com team on Twitter. We got into the Twitter business for use on GamedayRT and it grew into something perfect for playoff coverage. If you don't know what Twitter is (don't worry, I don't know if I'll ever completely understand the phenomenon) I found [...]
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No Need for a Coin Toss, Falcons in the Playoffs

By J. Michael Moore | Published: December 29, 2008
Last year at this time I was surfing the Internet and chatting up front-office personnel trying to figure out exactly what would happen with the whole Falcons-coin-toss-for-Draft-position thing. Things worked out well, as a coin toss broke a three-way tie in the Draft order. The Falcons got the No. 3 pick, Matt Ryan held up [...]
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Smith: Falcons Must Win Turnover Battle

By J. Michael Moore | Published: December 29, 2008
Head Coach Mike Smith said Monday his team must cut back on turnovers if it wants to be successful in the playoffs. The Falcons have been fortunate, turning the ball over six times in the midst of a three-game winning streak. But it's tough to stay lucky in the NFL and Smith wants the Birds [...]
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