Monthly Archives: May 2009

Growing Familiarity

The early segments of an OTA practice may, on the surface, look boring. Lots of jogging. Plenty of stretching. Some soft tosses between quarterbacks and receivers. But, as the Falcons pick up speed on the field and get into the bulk of their work, otherwise boring repetitions become key building blocks to success. Wednesday quarterback Matt Ryan talked [...]
Posted in News, Offseason | Tagged , , | Comments closed

“Tweaked” Hamstring Sidelines Rookie

Rookie William Middleton “tweaked” a hamstring in Wednesday’s OTA workout, according to Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith. Middleton was selected in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Furman. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound cornerback played at Marist High School in Atlanta and recorded 95 tackles, five sacks, four interceptions and nine pass breakups as [...]
Posted in News, Offseason | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments closed

It’s About Sustainability

NFL Network aired a one-on-one interview with Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith last night in which the coach stressed the importance of “sustainability” as the team moves on from 2008 success to setting goals for 2009. “All 53 players on every roster in the NFL have ability,” he said. “It’s really not about ability. It’s about [...]
Posted in News | Tagged , , , | Comments closed

Birdseed: May 26, 2009

Checking in after a three-day weekend… I trust Falcons fans had a nice Memorial Day weekend and took time to honor and say “thank you” to a member of America’s armed services. We often lose touch with the meaning of holidays but, more times than not, I see some true appreciation for special days on the calendar. It [...]
Posted in Birdseed, Offseason | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Birdseed: May 22, 2009

I have a confession to make. It’s been close to two years since I moved to Atlanta and there are many area attractions and eateries I haven’t visited. That changes this weekend. A buddy and I plan to find some of the hidden gems of this great city and get in some rare, offseason relaxation. Suggestions? Leave them below. But [...]
Posted in Birdseed, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Quick Chat with Harry Douglas

In the weeks since the acquisition of tight end Tony Gonzalez members of the AF.com team have spent time debating what exactly the Pro Bowl tight end will do for the Falcons offense. In a word… Plenty. Of course, most people tend to focus on what the addition of Gonzalez will do for Matt Ryan’s passing numbers [...]
Posted in Feature, News, Offseason | Tagged , , , , , | Comments closed

Keeping an Eye on Jerry

First-round draft pick Peria Jerry worked with a trainer on an adjacent field as the Falcons worked through the first practice of organized team activities (OTAs) on Wednesday. Jerry injured his right knee during mini camp. Head Coach Mike Smith said the defensive tackle bumped the knee during drills but, after Wednesday’s practice, he was optimistic the [...]
Posted in News, Offseason | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments closed

Fishing with the Falcons

The Falcons practice facility is less than 10 minutes from the shores of mighty Lake Lanier. So, it’s no surprise many players have become avid fisherman during their time in Flowery Branch. Tuesday the team’s community relations staff put the proximity to work, gathering more than a dozen players and coaches and teaming them with veterans [...]
Posted in Falcons in the Community, Feature, News | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Birds Add Another Undrafted Free Agent

Welcome to Flowery Branch, Khalil Jones. Your gift for joining the Falcons? A new practice jersey and a spot on the field for the opening day of OTAs. Jones, an undrafted wide receiver out of Miami (or “The U” if you’d prefer) signed with the team Wednesday. The 6-foot-2, 223-pound player, caught 13 passes for 135 yards [...]
Posted in News, Roster Moves | Tagged , , , | Comments closed

Blank Comments on Vick’s Release

Falcons Owner and CEO Arthur Blank issued a statement Wednesday morning regarding former quarterback Michael Vick and his release from federal prison. In December 2007, Vick was sentenced to 23 months for his involvement in an intra-state dog fighting ring. He is expected to serve the final two months of his sentence in home confinement. “As Michael [...]
Posted in News | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed