Birdseed: September 17, 2009

Tuesday afternoon Falcons players and cheerleaders spent time with American soldiers – in Flowery Branch and across the world — playing video games.

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“It’s a great opportunity to give back to those guys,” safety Thomas DeCoud said. “They’re over there risking their lives for our safety at home.”

Greg Zinone, co-founder and president of Pros vs. G.I. Joe’s — an organizer of the event said the Falcons went above and beyond, providing close to a dozen players to take part in the experience.

The troops in Flowery Branch Tuesday will soon be deployed to Iraq.

The community service aspect of an NFL players’ life often gets overlooked. But it’s a major portion of his in-season priorities and often takes up most days off through the year.

To keep up with as much community news as possible, the Falcons CR department has launched a new blog: “Spreading our Wings.”

You can also look for community news in Wednesday or Thursday editions of “Birdseed.”

Falcons defense keeping an eye on Panthers, AF.com
All eyes will be on Jake Delhomme this week to see if there’s a repeat of a dreadful performance against the Eagles (seven completions, four interceptions). The Falcons expect the best from the Panthers. It’s the only way to effectively prepare.

Falcons’ Jackson takes demotion in stride, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Things change when quality roster depth is added to the equation.

Expert’s Take: Panthers at Falcons, AF.com
NFL.com’s Steve Wyche talks about the solid quarterback play in Atlanta and the rest of the NFL.

From the Examiner’s Desk: The Beerman Cometh, Examiner.com
When Kroy Biermann was drafted, many analyst had him pegged as a 3-4 outside linebacker. But when I talked to Falcons defensive line coach Ray Hamilton in the spring of 2008 he assured me the Montana native was a defensive end. It’s all coming into focus now.

Digging Deeper into the Box Score: Week 1, The Falcoholic
This is what happens when you apply math and science to football. I like it.

Tony Gonzalez takes a Zen approach to tight end, Associated Press
“I love studying the mind, the hidden determinant in human behavior, that type of thing.” Whatever Tony Gonzalez is studying, it’s working.

Delays expected over Panthers game weekend, AF.com
I’m not naive enough to think road construction and improvements will ever be finished in Atlanta. But does it ever slow down?

Ex-Spiders’ star Sidbury getting adjusted with Falcons, Richmond Times-Dispatch
This is one of my favorite things in the NFL: local papers following-up on familiar heroes.

Falcons vs. Panthers (Preview), CBSSports.com
The fact this game is at home helps the Falcons. The fact the Panthers running game was almost as good as the Falcons in 2008 balances the scales.

Body balance key to Falcons staying uninjured, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Speaking of balance… It seems empirical tests have a place in the weight room and the draft room. Numbers don’t lie and science can solve plenty of problems.

Power Rankings: Big arms give teams leg up on competition, CBSSports.com
The Falcons are in the top 10 and ranked the third-best team in the NFC. That’s great for Week 1. Check back in Week 17.

Gonzalez likes chances in one-on-one coverage, ESPN.com
I can personally attest, via a few games on Madden 2010, Gonzalez wins in one-on-one battles.

Smitty gets to scheming, and the Falcons’ D gets good, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“One more truth we need to reaffirm: Mike Smith wasn’t going to let this defense stink when the real games began. He’s too good at his job.”