J.Mike's Missives

You probably noticed some changes on AtlantaFalcons.com this morning.

Don’t worry, it’s by design.

We’re honoring the 1966 Falcons and previewing “Throwback Weekend,” which culminates in Sunday’s division duel between Atlanta and Carolina. Ideally, we’d throw the site back to 1966 with the uniforms but, since the Internet didn’t exist (at least not in its current form), we had to get creative.

Higher screen resolutions get the full effect of a new background tile while every beauty image for the remainder of this week will either feature an old photo from the 1966 season or get treated like something from your grandmother’s scrapbook.

And, in case you’re wondering, we included a link to what AF.com used to look like. Enjoy!

The Falcons equipment staff placed the red throwback helmets in lockers on Monday. Players practiced with the gear on Wednesday and, if they need more adjustments, the support staff can make them before game time — either to the red helmet or by placing pads and “guts” from the black helmet into the new head gear.

“I like them,” Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez said of the throwback equipment. “You like anything different just to break the monotony.”

Offensive lineman Harvey Dahl said he may do a little something extra to get into the “1960s” spirit (I asked because lineman are notorious for being creative) but, more likely, the team just enjoys the look and plays football.

Dahl said he spent time with members of the 1966 team when they visited Flowery Branch during training camp, adding its nice to get a perspective from a group of veterans that still like to judge technique and intensity.

Wide receiver Brian Finneran said his wife gave him some grief when the jerseys were unveiled last month, saying they’re similar to the standard jerseys worn by the team when he arrived in 2000.

The opinion of the throwbacks in the locker room is positive.

As for the important business of throwback “uniforms”… There have been some vague promises made among media and AF.com team members to “throwback” the press box and sidelines.

(We’ll see if any of it comes true).

I’m going to see if I can find one of my grandfather’s old skinny ties at home tonight.

What should fans do to honor the throwback?

J. Michael Moore History, Random AF.com, Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, equipment, Harvey Dahl, History, throwback, Tony Gonzalez