J.Mike's Missives

Falcons tackle Sam Baker and Panthers center Ryan Kalil will host their first football camp at Servite High School in Anaheim, Calif. Saturday.

The former USC roommates turned NFL linemen expect 400 7th to 12th grade athletes and close to three-dozen coaches to attend the event, which they funded.

It’s one of many camps hosted by Falcons players and their friends around the league, who continually prove summer is about more than vacation.

It’s about giving back and ensuring the bright future of the game.

Baker and Kalil expect NFL stars including Matt Leinart, Keith Rivers, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathon Stewart and Kyle Williams to attend the camp (no word if Freddie Falcon or Will Ferrell will make an appearance).

More on the camp after the weekend.

J. Michael Moore Falcons in the Community, Offseason DeAngelo Williams, Falcons in the Community, Freddie Falcon, Jonathan Stewart, Keith Rivers, Kyle Williams, Matt Leinart, NFL, Ryan Kalil, Sam Baker, Will Ferrell, youth football

Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey wasn’t shocked by the uptick in single wing or “Wildcat” formations in the NFL last season.

In fact, if you listen closely, you can hear his confusion with the hype.

Regardless, the Falcons joined the Dolphins and other teams in the NFL in implementing some direct-snap plays to running backs.

It worked because of Jerious Norwood’s various talents.

“His ability to do some of the things as a quarterback (allowed it),” Mularkey said. “(But) we’ve been doing that for 10 years. I don’t think we caught anyone off guard with it. All of a sudden it has a name but Hines Ward, Antwaan Randle El and Roscoe Parrish have been doing those things for 10 years now.”

For the record, Mularkey coached Ward and Randle El in Pittsburgh. He wasn’t afraid to call the trick play, though the “Wildcat” is more of a nod to football’s past than its inovative tricksters.

(I watched similar plays in my days covering high school football).

Surprisingly, defenses had trouble containing the formation in 2008, leading experts — and Madden 2010 programmers — to think its sticking around.

Good news for Norwood who, according to Mularkey, can also throw the ball out of the formation.

Getting Norwood the football more is a hot topic among fans this offseason, who are dazzled by his speed and play making ability. With Pro Bowler Michael Turner starting at running back, however, some sharing is in order.

“We have a plan every week that involves Jerious,” Mularkey said. “We have a plan for every guy. Really, situations dictate whether those plans or plays get called. A lot of it is based on down, distance, field position, score… If those things evolve to get them. I think sometimes people believe we don’t use him enough but he has some plays.”

But the Falcons didn’t depend strictly on situations to get Norwood in the game in 2008.

He was the team’s primary kickoff return man, racking up 1,311 return yards. In just three seasons he’s moved to third place on the team’s all-time list for return yards.

Working on special teams allows Norwood more touches and puts him in line with Turner in terms of production.

The fourth-year back had 2,138 yards last season (rushing, receiving and returns). Turner had 1,740, but caught only six passes. The Pro Bowler had 200 more carries, but Norwood accounted for 27.8 percent of the total yards generated by the offense and special teams.

He averaged 5.1 yards per carry, a number that could go down with more rushing attempts.

But the Falcons aren’t concerned with numbers as much as creating mismatches. That changes with the game and the formation.

That’s where the Wildcat — or whatever you call it — comes into play.

And Norwood gives the Falcons something not every team has.

“He’s an explosive player,” Mularkey said. “He’s a fun player. He’s one of my favorite guys I’ve ever coached just because of the way he practices and approaches the game. He just has fun and is a good player.”

J. Michael Moore Feature, Offseason Heinz Ward, Jerious Norwood, Michael Turner, Mike Mularkey, Roscoe Parish, stats

Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey doesn’t have the same concerns as his defensive counterpart.

Brian VanGorder is looking to replace five starters from the Falcons 2008 defense. Mularkey has every starter from the league’s sixth-best offense returning for 2009.

That includes a pair of Pro Bowlers (Michael Turner and Roddy White) and a quarterback that, though in just his second year, gathers heaping amounts of praise like Atlanta asphalt collects heat.

Throw in the acquisition of 10-time Pro Bowler Tony Gonzalez and Mularkey sleeps even easier.

I sat down with the veteran offensive coordinator and former NFL head coach Thursday afternoon to get some sound bytes for July. There are some stories in my head that just wouldn’t flow without a few thoughts from the offense’s chief architect.

We talked about every position group but some of the more eyebrow-raising discussions centered around Gonzalez and quarterback Matt Ryan.

No surprise Mularkey is pleased with his team’s success in 2008 and that, in the second year of the system, thinks every player will do better.

But some of the long-term goals were exceeded from the first week of the season.

“You would think (we held things back) and maybe that was the plan when we initially got here before we knew what we had but we were fortunate enough to be around a lot of players that are football intelligent,” Mularkey said. “When you have that, then you can expand and not handcuff yourself into doing some things.

“We went into the Detroit game with Matt and we had more checks than I had with any quarterback prior to that game. We were that comfortable and confident in him. We screwed some things up, we really did, but it didn’t make us want to cut back. We felt like we had the personnel to do some of the things we did and now we think it’s even greater in what we can put out there on the field.”

No wonder Ryan’s teammates say his continued improvement is “scary.”

Mularkey went on to talk about Ryan’s leadership ability and his knack to get players of all levels to follow him on and off the field.

In short, the coach admires the quarterback’s thirst to get better at what he already does well.

While Gonzalez isn’t really a reward for Ryan’s hard work — more an extra dimension for an already proven offense — he will make finding targets easier for the quarterback.

Ryan threw 11 interceptions on the year and saw some of his numbers dip toward the end of the season. Undoubtedly, defenses started to throw a few curve balls in November and December.

The Falcons finished 11-5 and went to the playoffs but Gonzalez could bring exponential increases in production.

Note his game-by-game numbers compared to other Falcons tight ends in 2008:

“Tony will help our offense in a number of ways,” Mularkey said. “One thing he’s going to do is that he’s a productive blocker and that’s important in our offense… As successful as he’s been as a receiver, he’s a good blocker too and he really doesn’t get the credit that he should.

Gonzalez finished with 96 catches for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns last season — his sixth-straight year with at least 900 receiving yards.

Ryan spent the offseason working on accuracy and reading defenses, which will be vital in finding the tight end over the middle of the field and getting it into his receivers’ hands in the red zone.

“I think the No. 1 thing for me going into the offseason was to improve decision-making,” the 2008 Rookie of the Year said. “I’ve watched a ton of film just trying to get better and sharpen up for next season. I’m going to continue to do that for the next two or three months before we open up with our first game.”

Mularkey didn’t go into detail about his plans to change up the play book or add new looks.

Honestly, I didn’t expect him to reveal any secrets.

But you can’t start talking about the addition of a Pro Bowl tight end, the return of stars at receiver and running back, a rising star at quarterback and countless other playmakers without asking the question.

Defensive coordinators having nightmares?

“It’s going to be interesting to see how people match up with us and we’ll try to create some mismatches with where we put people,” Mularkey said. “That’s kind of the offense anyway, even before Tony got here. We’re trying to create mismatches and create problems for defenses. That’s not going to change. That’s our philosophy.”

Spoken like a coach who doesn’t want to tip his hand.

J. Michael Moore Feature, Offseason Brian VanGorder, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Mike Mularkey, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez

The Falcons are looking at Thursday like children at the end of another school year.

By this time tomorrow the Birds will be done with another year of organized team activities and dashing away to vacation spots before the start of Russell Falcons Training Camp.

In all, Falcons players will have 42 days off.

“To sum it up, we’ve been able to put in 85-90 percent of our scheme,” Head Coach Mike Smith said when asked about the team’s work at OTAs. “We’ve been able to work on a lot of situations and this week we ended up working on some specific ones — things that don’t necessarily occur quite often in the game.”

An overwhelming majority of players attended the voluntary workouts. Those that missed had the proverbial “note from the principal” or conversation with Smith.

Smith said the team focused more on the passing game in the non-contact drills and will turn more attention to the running game when the pads go on in training camp. Wednesday, the team focused on red-zone offense and defense.

Coaches aren’t looking to set a depth chart after this round of voluntary workouts.

“It’s really hard to establish one, especially in the interior line,” Smith said. “It’s a little easier, possibly, to have an idea with some of the skill positions. These 19 workouts have emphasized the passing game. I think we’re a little bit behind right now in the running game but, in terms of the depth chart, it would be hard. You have to base it off last season.”

That would include the need for five new starters on defense and spots for up to eight draft picks and — perhaps — more undrafted free agents.

Regardless, rookies must feel the most like school children these days. They’ve been buried in books and the focus of many teachers’ instruction and fits of rage.

But now it’s time for a well-deserved summer vacation.

“We’ve thrown a lot at them,” Smith said. “It’s been by design. We wanted to try to give them as much as we could in a short amount of time. I’ve seen improvement. We still have a long way to go in the learning curve and it will be interesting to see how these guys retain what we put in over the break we’re going to have in the month of July.”

In other OTA news…

… Center Todd McClure told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Wednesday afternoon he has no plans to retire. In a previous interview he said he’s ready to enter the season with the comfort of familiar faces along the offensive line.

The Falcons return all five starters from a front five that powered the league’s No. 2 rushing attack in 2008.

“It seems like every year I was playing with somebody different,” McClure said. “To have that continuity and have the same guys come out with a year under their belt only makes you stronger. I can’t say I’ve been more excited for a season in my whole career than I am for this one.”

… Smith said the addition of offensive lineman Jeremy Newberry (signed Tuesday) gives the Falcons more veteran presence on offense.

“We’re glad we were able to acquire Newberry,” he said. “He got one week with us but he’s a guy that’s played a long time in this league. I think he’s 32 years old. Schematically, he’s heard some of the verbiage our guys use. He’ll be another veteran presence there on the offensive line.”

… Rookie defensive tackle Peria Jerry missed “two-and-a-half weeks,” of OTAs according to Smith, but the first-round pick is back on the field and should be ready for training camp.

J. Michael Moore News, Offseason AJC, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jeremy Newberry, OTAs, Peria Jerry, Todd McClure

Got a chance to talk with D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Wednesday afternoon to get his thoughts on the Falcons as they close in on the final day of organized team activities.

Like many in the media — including me — Ledbetter talked of the difficulty to get solid ideas about players without watching them in pads.

But, it didn’t take long for members of the 2009 Draft class to show something to the veteran sportswriter.

“(The Falcons) sought out to get a lot of speed and it’s really something that jumps out at you… You see that just in the drills,” Ledbetter said. “Looks like the General Manager put together another good draft class. We’ll just have to wait to see when they get the pads on and get out there and start hitting.”

J. Michael Moore News, Offseason, YouTube AJC, D. Orlando Ledbetter, OTAs

Falcons players signed jerseys, footballs and other items for various needs across the organization after Wednesday’s practice.

I must admit, the patio next to the practice field was a wonderland for any sports memorobilia enthusisits.

Here’s a brief video with some shots of your Falcons — fresh off the practice field — leaving their mark on various pieces of history.

Wondering how you can get your hands on some of this stuff? Not sure what to tell you other than most of it is used for various giveaways and other prizes throughout the season (stuff like June Fandemonium).

As for the addition of audio from Wes Durham and Dave Archer… The natural sound was a bit boring (lots of fans blowing to cool everyone off).

J. Michael Moore Offseason, YouTube behind-the-scenes, Dave Archer, OTAs, Wes Durham

Random thoughts on the defense and comments from the coordinator on a Thursday afternoon before an extended weekend…

Seven of the Falcons eight picks in the 2009 NFL Draft are defensive players.

Safe to say the team is looking for an infusion of talent and youth on that side of the ball. That, of course, comes with its own set of pros and cons.

But three weeks into organized team activities, defensive coordinator Brian VanGoder likes the upside shown by the speedy group taking shape on the field.

The Falcons are in the process of replacing five starters from a defense that — at the end of 2008 — sported an average age of 27.8

The 2009 Falcons could start multiple rookies on defense including, but not limited to, defensive tackle Peria Jerry, safety William Moore and cornerback Chris Owens. They’re competing with an equally youthful bunch including a second-year safety (Thomas DeCoud) and a third-year defensive tackle (Trey Lewis).

As of Thursday, just three players on the defensive roster are age 30 or older. Twenty-seven are age 26 or younger.

Curtis Lofton, who started at middle linebacker as a rookie, just turned 23.

“Curtis had an outstanding rookie season,” VanGorder said of Lofton, who finished fourth on the team with 108 tackles while playing primarily on first and second down. “Now he’s in his second year and much more comfortable with the system and communications. Therefore he can play a lot faster. He did not play in our sub package last year so that’s an area right now he’s really working on and trying to catch up a little bit… First year to second year we should see good, solid improvement from him.”

Lofton came off the field on passing downs last season. Defending the pass is an area of emphasis moving forward and something the team must do with quicker, but less experienced players.

The Falcons finished 21st in the league last season allowing 220 passing yards per game. The defense got younger in the secondary over the offseason but it will be up to various competitions to determine starters in 2009.

“I think we have to (see who rises to the top),” VanGorder said. “It will sort itself out in mini camp, OTAs and training camp… The competition will sort itself out and the guys that are deserving will earn it over that course of time. Competition is a healthy thing right now.”

The group can get help from the front seven in the form of pressure on the quarterback.

For example…

It’s not a perfect correlation, but it doesn’t take a multitude of numbers to realize more sacks — or hands in the quarterback’s face — creates a poor throwing environment.

John Abraham recorded 16.5 sacks in 2008. No other player had more than four (Chauncey Davis).

VanGorder likes what he’s seeing so far from second-year defensive end Kroy Biermann. He’s put on some extra muscle and, with Abraham taking some time to recoup from injuries, is getting extra reps.

The team also returns a starter in Jamaal Anderson and drafted three defensive linemen.

“I think we’ve got a guy like Kroy who is a year older and has some natural pass rush abilities,” VanGorder said. “Lawrence Sidbury, who we drafted out of Richmond, gives us another speed edge type of guy. Inside with Peria Jerry we drafted another sudden, explosive guy. So we should be much improved and we need to be much improved in regards to the pass rush. How that will all work itself out, we’ll see but it’s a good competition for us right now. The speed and experience factor are the biggest indicators right now that we’ll be better.”

Speed creates opportunity on defense which, in a perfect world, leads to more turnovers.

Here’s a look at the Falcons game-by-game turnover chart from 2008…

Atlanta finished 25th against the run (127.5 yards per game) last season.

The focus thus far has been on speed and explosiveness, but VanGorder also talked Wednesday about what the team can do to replace 345-pound defensive tackle Grady Jackson, who signed a free agent deal with Detroit.

As he puts it, three players are looking to fill the role.

All fit with the overall themes of youth and speed.

“Right now (Thomas Johnson) and Trey Lewis are battling it out,” he said. “Jason Jefferson is a much better looking player. There’s competition in there but I think the size of T.J. and Trey in regards to a Grady comparison gives us that space eater, but a little bit faster and run-to-the-ball kind of guy. We hope we’ll be better.”

Johnson, 305 pounds, has spent time with three different NFL teams. Jefferson started a game for Jackson in 2008. Lewis missed all of last season with a torn ACL, but says he’s rejuvinated and a better student of the game.

Johnson and Jefferson are 27. Lewis is 24.

More from VanGorder through the offseason in various features. Also look for a feature on Lofton on AtlantaFalcons.com next week.

J. Michael Moore Feature, Offseason BrianVanGorder, charts, Chris Owens, Curtis Lofton, Grady Jackson, Jason Jefferson, John Abraham, Kroy Biermann, Peria Jerry, Trey Lewis, William Moore

Cornerback Von Hutchins and defensive end John Abraham returned to the OTA practice field on Wednesday.

Abraham was held out of early workouts while recovering from some lingering bumps and bruises from the 2008 campaign. Hutchins, a free agent addition last year, missed the entire season after injuring his foot on the first day of training camp.

“I still (got some time) before I’m 100 percent healthy,” Hutchins said on May 21, knowing he would soon be back at practice. “But I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting a little sore.”

Away from the field, Hutchins acted as a mentor to a young secondary.

Now he’s ready to extend his six-year career which, to date, includes 142 tackles, two interceptions and 16 starts.

“I had all that time during the season to re-evaluate a lot of things,” he said. “I learned a lot about myself and the team. I learned a lot about my family. But this is football now. I’m ready to get back on the field. I’m working on rehabbing. I’m staying after practice rehabbing. I’m getting here before and getting some treatment and stuff in.”

Abraham led the Falcons with 16.5 sacks in 2008 while fighting through a variety of ailments. Smith decided to give the 10-year veteran some time off to open offseason workouts.

The three-time Pro Bowler got some work Wednesday, though the team limited offensive and defensive linemen to focus more on the passing game.

“We had a plan for John,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “We’re going to work John with that plan in mind. John has been through a lot of OTAs and a lot of mini camps so we want to get him acclimated to some of the new things we’re doing defensively.”

In other OTA news…

… Smith called this week’s practices a “passing camp,” saying linemen will get to retreat to the weight room before the end of practice while the rest of the team focuses on throwing the ball and defending the pass (not bad since the temperature has been hovering around 90 degrees).

… With Hutchins back the team is closer to 100 percent. Smith is pleased with the health of the Falcons at this point in the offseason.

“Jeff Fish and his staff have done a good job preparing these guys,” he said. “We’ve had very few pulled muscles or any of those soft tissue injuries. We’re really healthy and hopefully we can stay that way. Our goal has always been (to be healthy) for September 13. So hopefully we can accomplish that.”

… After missing some time during voluntary workouts earlier in the offseason, newly-acquired tight end Tony Gonzalez is on the field for a second week.

The coach is still happy the 10-time Pro Bowler is part of the Falcons family.

“Tony is going to be a great addition to our team,” he said. “We’re always trying to improve and he’s definitely going to make us a better football team — offensively, defensively and special teams.”

… The team announced tackle Tyson Clabo signed his restricted free agent tender on Wednesday, confirming his status for 2009. He and right guard Harvey Dahl are restricted free agents this season. Both received a reported second-round tender, meaning any team to sign them would have to forfeit a draft pick.

Atlanta also released undrafted free agent Brock Christopher.

J. Michael Moore News, Offseason, Roster Moves Brock Christopher, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Abraham, OTAs, Tony Gonzalez, Tyson Clabo, Von Hutchins

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 about the details of an OTA practice, particularly cleaning up little mistakes in the offense and rediscovering — or developing — timing with wide receivers and tight ends.

“It’s definitely a time to work on timing with those guys,” Ryan said. “The new guys (and) Tony (Gonzalez)… to be able to come out here and work with him and get a feel for how he runs his routes — the timing of his routes — all that stuff is important and that’s what this time of year is for.”

When it comes to the rest of the offense, Ryan said the team avoids adding too many new wrinkles to the playbook in May and June.

This is a time, however, to work on technique and find some skills that may be put to use in the coming months.

“We’re just trying to sharpen up some of the things we did well last year and get better at some of the things we didn’t do well last year,” he said. “It’s a good time for us to experiment with some new things, work on some new things and polish up the things we did last year.”

It may not be the most exciting work, but it pays off.

J. Michael Moore News, Offseason Matt Ryan, OTAs, Tony Gonzalez

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 a college senior.

Smith said Middleton pulled the hamstring in pass coverage drills.

“William has done very well,” Smith said. “We’ve been cross-training (him). He’s been playing a number of positions, not just the corner position. Today he tweaked his hamstring. Hopefully that’s something that’s not going to set him back for long.”

In other OTA news…

… Tight end Tony Gonzalez worked out with the team on Wednesday, catching passes and getting some work in the new offense in front of the media.

“I thought Tony had a good practice,” Smith said. “I thought he made a couple of really nice catches. Like all of our guys, he work extremely hard. The next three weeks are going to be crucial to setting the foundation as we head into training camp.”

… The Falcons will practice again Thursday before wrapping a second week of organized team activities.

… A handful of players were absent from Wednesday’s workout but, like last week, Smith said all were accounted for and made contact with the coaching staff.

… The team changed the pace and order of Wednesday’s practice. Smith said the workout was similar to a training camp practice to acclimate rookies and first-year players.

… Like mini camp, cornerback Brent Grimes got some time with the first team on Wednesday. More to come on Grimes and his third year with the team on Thursday but, first, a word from the head coach:

“He’s a more confident player,” Smith said. “Brent, without a doubt, is the most athletic player on our team. He has got a lot more confidence this season knowing the system and having been around Brian (Van Gorder), Emmitt (Thomas) and the defensive coaching staff.”

J. Michael Moore News, Offseason Brent Grimes, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Marist High School, OTAs, Tony Gonzalez, William Middleton