J.Mike's Missives

Another day, another edition of Birdseed…

The more I go through various news sites and read about the Falcons the more I realize the depth of expectations for 2009.

It’s a good thing, because the excitement is contagious.

Team releases Russell Training Camp schedule, AF.com
Start making plans now. The first weekend of training camp is often crowded.

Mughelli to appear at Vinings Publix, AF.com
Ovie Mughelli will be helping at the 11Alive food drive from noon to 1 p.m.

Falcons’ Ryan has focus for improvement, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The first of a pair of stories about the Falcons second-year quarterback.

Falcons mates say Ryan making ’scary’ improvement, The Associated Press
More about Matt Ryan and some thoughts from offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey coming later today. Let’s just say the quarterback’s improvement is status quo around Flowery Branch. But it never ceases to amaze.

Ex-Falcon Foster likely headed to Rams, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The waiver system is pretty complex and changes based on when — and if — teams make claims. No matter what, it looks like Renardo Foster will find a new home.

Catching up on Madden 10 rankings, ESPN.com
So I often use xBox as stress relief. Just one problem. I love playing Madden and that just doesn’t jive after a day of football at work. Suggestions on a new game appreciated.

Falcons’ McClure says he’s not retiring, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Todd McClure’s presence on the offensive line can’t be overlooked. You may not hear much out of him, but he’s key to success.

Ryan weighs in on setting bar for Freeman, ESPN.com
Something tells me the Josh Freeman story in Tampa Bay won’t be exactly like the Matt Ryan experience in Atlanta.

Team releases offensive lineman Alex Stepanovich, AF.com
I enjoyed chatting with ‘Step’ on the bus on road trips. Wishing him well.

Ranking the NFC South front offices, ESPN.com
I tried to predict this list with PR man Matt Conti when he read the headline. My guess? Atlanta, Carolina, New Orleans, Tampa Bay. Missed it by that much.

Dimitroff says Falcons will be better (and he can enjoy it), Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Every coach and scout deserves a vacation. So do the players. Now we wait.

A Falcons 1st Round Draft Pick Retrospective (Part 1), The Falcoholic
The NFL Draft is not an exact science. But, looking back more than 40 years can really put things in perspective.

Falcons special teams developing ‘attitude,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No wonder NFL teams devote entire practices in training camp to special teams. I’m not sure if any are open to the public, but if they are, I encourage fans to come take a look. It’s something you need to see at least once.

Atlanta Falcons’ Chauncey Davis sets an example on and off the field, Examiner.com
Fans are going to appreciate the re-signing of defensive end Chauncey Davis, on the field and off.

Shockley waiting, helping Falcons any way he can, AccessNorthGa.com
D.J. Shockley is not like the other Falcons quarterbacks.  Throws come out of his hands with great force. As he tells it, he also provides an extra set of eyes for Ryan.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed 11Alive, AccessNorthGa.com, AF.com, AJC, Alex Stepanovich, Chauncey Davis, D.J. Shockley, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Josh Freeman, Matt Conti, Matt Ryan, Mike Mularkey, NFL Draft, Ovie Mughelli, Renardo Foster, Russell Falcons Training Camp, The Falcoholic, Thomas Dimitroff, Todd McClure