J.Mike's Missives

Head Coach Mike Smith said backup quarterback Chris Redman will get snaps in the team’s next two preseason games. The veteran, who spent all of 2008 as Matt Ryan’s primary backup did not play in St. Louis.

That, according to the coach, was by design and allowed the team to look at other quarterbacks on the roster.

Reserve D.J. Shockley completed 5 of 12 passes and threw two interceptions in the game.

Monday Redman was asked about working behind a rising star like Ryan and the performance of undrafted rookie John Parker Wilson.

“For a young guy Matt Ryan is a great leader and its good to be around a bunch of good guys,” he said. “All the team really feeds off that.”

And Wilson?

“He is a great quarterback and has been in some big games before. He has done a great job, he has learned one of the toughest offense’s in the league,” Redman said. “I am real happy for him, he is a great guy and is working real hard.”

Redman, a seven-year veteran, started four games for the Falcons in 2007, completing 59.7 percent of his passes for 1,079 yards and 10 touchdowns.

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, training camp Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Parker Wilson, Matt Ryan, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp, San Diego Chargers

Some important things to cover on this last day of Russell Falcons Training Camp.

What do ya say, Smitty?

“We will start (Tuesday) getting into our regular-season routine,” Head Coach Mike Smith said Monday morning. “Tomorrow will be a Wednesday, so it will be a typical Wednesday and we will just sequence through the week Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Of course we play on Saturday, which will be a regular Sunday game.

“Our guys are going to get indoctrinated this week starting tomorrow to our regular schedule. We will come in, work in the mornings, have a walk through, take a break for lunch and come back after lunch and practice.”

The biggest news from Monday includes injury updates… Or a lack there of.

Cornerback Chris Houston, who injured his hamstring in the first preseason game, returned to the field. Running back Thomas Brown, who did not dress for Friday’s win at St. Louis, also practiced.

Smith said the team limited Houston and will keep an eye on the hamstring to see if there are any negative side effects.

“It felt great, just getting back in and getting some of the soreness out of my leg, it felt good,” Houston said.

A three-year veteran, Houston has started 27 of 32 games in his career including 11 in his rookie season. But he and others at his position are locked in intense battles for jobs this preseason.

Brent Grimes is listed opposite Houston on the depth chart but Chevis Jackson, Von Hutchins and rookie Christopher Owens got plenty of snaps in the first two preseason games.

“Competition brings out the best in us and everybody is doing good,” Houston said. “Owens is learning, Brent is doing good and Chevis… Everybody is stepping up and doing good.”

He said he likes what he sees from Owens. He’s also provided some advice on playing corner as a rookie.

“With the calls he is getting in defense, things are going kind of fast,” Houston said. “Once he gets in the game and he learns from his mistakes it will really come to him. I just tell him to take his time.”

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, training camp Brent Grimes, Chevis Jackson, Chris Houston, Christopher Owens, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Russell Falcons Training Camp, San Diego Chargers, Thomas Brown, Von Hutchins

Ran into assistant special teams coach Eric Sutulovich in the hall this morning. I got to know him when we crossed paths in Houston back in 2004 and his personality has changed little.

“Tell me something good,” the bubbly coach said.

“Something good for a Monday morning?” I said pre-cup of coffee.

“Yeah.”

“We get to play the third preseason game this week. You get to game plan.”

Sutulovich took the opportunity to remind me coaches do some planning for every preseason game but it’s in the third that things really take on a more “official” feel.

After practice Head Coach Mike Smith confirmed offensive and defensive starters will play into the third quarter Saturday night against the Charters — their most extensive action of the exhibition season.

Tell me something better than that.

‘More consistent, more urgent’ Falcons out to defy own history, USA Today
If you haven’t read anything about the Falcons this preseason this story will bring you up to speed. Now the Falcons turn to the third preseason game, perhaps the most important dress rehersal for the upcoming season.

Atlanta Falcons Report. A look back and forward, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Safety William Moore could return to practice this week.

Falcons’ Turner ready for a bigger year in ‘09, The (Columbus, Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer
Michael Turner says he feels better than he did this time last year. Amazing to think the Falcons could be fully refreshed and ready to go after a grueling training camp. Then again, that’s what adrenaline is for.

Sidbury finds some things to correct on game film, AF.com
Lawrence Sidbury also talked about his breakout game on Falcons First Take:

QB rotation changing for third preseason game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As we go deeper in the preseason, the battle for backup quarterback positions gets more interesting.

Atlanta Falcons run game continues to impress, Examiner.com
It was little surprise Turner went to the bench after the first series of Friday night’s game. Six carries for 65 yards and a touchdown was enough.

Tony Gonzalez: Future Hall of Famer and so much more, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Anyone else amazed at how easy Tony Gonzalez made that touchdown catch look Friday night? Yeah… I didn’t think I was the only one.

Video: Gonzalez on fitting in with Falcons, ESPN.com
“It’s nice to be the old guy in the mix; it’s keeping me young and I’m having fun out there,” Gonzalez said.

Ex-Dog Brown tries to overcome injuries, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Two preseason injuries in a row seems unthinkable. But, it’s what Thomas Brown is facing.

Falcons will break out the throwbacks, The (Anderson, S.C.) Independent-Mail
Start thinking about what you can wear Week 2 to honor the 1966 team. Anything old in the closet that never moves at the yard sale?

John Parker Wilson: 3rd Slot QB Dark Horse?, The Falcoholic
Let the quarterback debate begin. Believe it or not, this one could be more complicated than it is for teams with first-round picks at the position.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason, training camp AF.com, Eric Sutulovich, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Falcons First Take, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Parker Wilson, Lawrence Sidbury, Michael Turner, Preseason, San Diego Charters, The Falcoholic, The Independent-Mail, The Ledger-Enquirer, Thomas Brown, Tony Gonzalez, USA Today, William Moore

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE THROWBACKS

When it comes to football, there’s one thing most fans can agree on (at least most fans I’ve talked to).

Everyone loves a good throwback uniform.

Add the Falcons to the list of teams getting some of that love in 2009.

The Birds will don replicas of the team’s inaugural 1966 uniform twice this season — first on Sept 20 against the Carolina Panthers and again when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit on Nov. 29.

Atlanta has many choices when it comes to throwbacks (the team has had about a dozen uniform variations in its 43-year history) but the selection of the 1966 uni is both historic and appropriate.

As throwbacks go, this goes back to the beginning. Back to the start.

As looks go, it gets the job done. And it has a nifty gold stripe on the helmet.

Falcons unveil throwback uniforms, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you’re a fan of history and a fan of football, Throwback Weekend was made just for you.

Falcons look to make adjustments in St. Louis, AF.com
The third preseason game is for the starters. This preseason game is for players looking for roster spots.

5 things to watch for in Rams/Falcons Game, Examiner.com
One thing I’m looking for is improvements at the Edward Jones Dome. Evidently some renovations and updates will be revealed tonight.

Falcons-Rams Game Center, NFL.com
Everything you need to know about Friday’s game between the Falcons and Rams.

Tony Gonzalez: A high motor chugs on alternative fuel, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If I want to be in Tony Gonzalez shape, I’m going to need to change a lot more than my diet.

Football vagabond Troy Bergeron still trying to stick with Falcons, The Greenville (S.C.) News
It’s all about an opportunity for Troy Bergeron and, though he’s low on the unofficial depth chart, he will get his chances to fill in at a wide receiver spot that opened up with Harry Douglas‘ injury.

Atlanta Falcons-St. Louis Rams Game Preview: Opportunities Arise, Examiner.com
The Rams — now with a defensive-minded head coach — figure to run the ball a little more in 2009. Another test for the Falcons young defense.

Falcons rookies to get early playing time, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rookies will get into the game early and often on Friday as the Falcons look to make further evaluations before the first cut-down date.

For the Atlanta Falcons’ Thomas Johnson, the time is now, Examiner.com
Talked on the radio Thursday about Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and if he’s bringing any “New England style scouting” to Atlanta. Tough question to answer, but finding success with a player who spent a year out of football seems to be on the good side of unorthodoxy.

Rams’ mandate for Spagnuolo: ‘Turn this place upside down,’ USA Today
The Rams have drafted some recognizable names over the last few years. Time will tell if the right coach will turn things around.

What to watch for in Falcons next game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ll be keeping an eye on this and more from the Edward Jones Dome press box.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason, training camp AJC, Edward Jones Dome, Examiner.com, Harry Douglas, History, NFL.com, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp, St. Louis Rams, The Greenville News, Thomas Dimitroff, Thomas Johnson, throwback, Tony Gonzalez, Troy Bergeron, USA Today

BLOGGER’S NOTE: Hitting the road this afternoon for St. Louis and the Falcons second preseason matchup. Follow me on Twitter (@FalconsJMoore) and take a look at what others in the AF.com team are saying about our progress to the Gateway City.

Thursday we kicked off Birdseed with a mention of Chris Mortensen and his ESPN tour bus, which parked on the hill overlooking the Falcons practice field.

As of early Friday morning, Mortensen moved on to Tampa, leaving some interviews and coverage in his wake: Falcons blending ‘old’ with the ‘new’

I’m a fan of what “The Worldwide Leader” does to add a new twist on the camp tour concept. Of course, add a tricked-out bus to just about anything and you have something worth talking about.

Mort spent some time Thursday with quarterback Matt Ryan and All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez. The pair have quickly formed the on-field bond you want to see from quarterback and tight end.

They also represent the interesting dynamic between young and old players taking shape in Atlanta.

Gonzalez on the offense, 11-year veteran Mike Peterson on the defense, 17-year veteran Jason Elam on special teams. Not many other players on the roster boast 11 or more years in the league.

You need some elders (and I use the term with all respect) in the locker room to have success in the NFL. You also need the don’t-know-any-better excitement young players can provide.

If it seemed like Mort welcomed two players with very different personalities — and eating habits — on his bus, it’s because he did.

But they’re united by a common goal.

Atlanta Falcons: Sights and Sounds from Camp, Examiner.com
We’re cruising through the preseason with the speed and efficiency of a NASCAR driver skirting around a turn.

Falcons’ top pick Peria Jerry learning the ropes, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Oh the joys of rookie hazing. Good to know the Falcons don’t make it an all-camp affair. There has to be some focus on work, right?

Video: Gonzalez vs. Witten in fantasy football, ESPN.com
Time to start the fantasy football debate. Witten over Gonzalez? I’ve removed the bias and it’s still hard for me to understand (though Witten did look good in the Cowboys preseason opener).

Rookie CB Chris Owens battling for starting job, San Jose (Calif.) Mercury-News
Now’s the time for rookies to show what they’ve got. There won’t be many reserves playing next week against the Chargers and incumbent starter Chris Houston could be healthy by then.

Matt Ryan anxious for more playing time Friday, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Catch the note at the bottom: No Ryan on Twitter. This is a good time to remind everyone the AF.com team will confirm any Falcons found on Twitter. If you think you’ve got a guy, let us know.

Eric Weems Pushing Hard For A Roster Spot, The Falcoholic
Saw someone on the FalconsLIFE Message Boards started an “Eric Weems Fan Club.”

Falcons expect Curtis Lofton to be long-term leader on defense, Los Angeles Times
There are some unwritten rules in football. “Middle linebackers are team leaders” seems to be one of them. And Lofton is growing into one of the best around.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason, training camp AJC, Chris Houston, Chris Mortensen, Christopher Owens, Curtis Lofton, Eric Weems, ESPN, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, fantasy football, Jason Elam, Jason Witten, Los Angeles Times, Matt Ryan, Mike Peterson, Peria Jerry, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp, San Jose Mercury-News, St. Louis Rams, The Falcoholic, Tony Gonzalez, Twitter

Over the past five days we’ve covered all the ground necessary after a preseason-opening loss.

Does the game count. No.

Were the injuries. A few.

Anything serious? It appears not.

But in the Groundhog Day that is the NFL and training camp, the topics are bound to come up again sooner or later. Thursday, the Falcons Pro Bowl tight end, starting quarterback and Head Coach took things a step further and laid down some expectations for Friday’s preseason game at St. Louis.

If you’re keeping count, that’s exhibition game two of four.

“Anytime we go out and play we want to win, but the main goal is for us to be healthy, be ready for the first game and do some evaluating,” Head Coach Mike Smith said Thursday. “There will be a different rotation as far as guys who will be playing and who they will be playing against.”

One thing fans can expect to see is more youngsters on the Falcons offense and defense playing earlier in the game. This, according to Smith, gives coaches the chance to evaluate second- and third-teamers against the Rams top-liners.

Atlanta won’t be as healthy entering the game as last week, however.

Cornerback Chris Houston (hamstring), defensive tackle Jason Jefferson (hip flexor) and linebacker Edmond Miles (knee) are out. The coach said second-year running back Thomas Brown will be a game-time decision.

When faced with some of the same questions, tight end Tony Gonzalez mentioned health as a top preseason priority.

He caught one pass in the preseason opener and the only first-team touchdown went to running back Michael Turner. Gonzalez would like to see continued balance on offense.

“It was a good mix of run and pass,” he said. “Let’s just pick up where we left off. That first drive we came out there and, once we got our rhythm, that’s when we started putting it on them a bit.”

Quarterback Matt Ryan completed five of seven passes for 37 yards but one of the incompletions sticks with him — a roll out pass to Michael Jenkins that missed its target and fell to the ground.

“We’ve got some clean some things up from what we did last week. That’s the biggest thing, cut down on mental errors, improve the execution and ultimately score points.”

There’s a unique focus that overtakes an NFL team during the preseason. It’s part passion, part preparation. The games count for something, they just don’t count.

“You never want to lose,” Ryan said. “All of us our competitive. But, ultimately, our No. 1 goal is to get to the regular season healthy and be as prepared and ready as we can be when Miami rolls around.”

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, training camp Edmond Miles, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Jefferson, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Michael Turner, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp, St. Louis Rams, Thomas Brown, Tony Gonzalez

Either a rock band added a date in Flowery Branch or ESPN’s version of David Lee Roth has arrived.

Chris Mortensen is in town today with his “Mort Report” bus. He’ll file reports on Falcons camp before trucking off to the next NFL city.

It’s a celebrity feeling in The Branch and we haven’t seen our first motion picture or music star of the season. But, to a sports geek, seeing a reporter with the experience and skill of Mortensen certainly makes for some star-studded excitement.

Falcons DE Anderson working to improve, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Planning on keeping an eye on the defensive line in Saturday’s preseason game. Going to have to find some binoculars though. The press box in St. Louis could be the highest in the league.

Sights and Sounds from Camp, Examiner.com
Head Coach Mike Smith may not have a future as an NFL official. He made a controversial touchdown call during the two-minute drill on Tuesday. One the defense didn’t like.

Quick Chat with Steve Wyche, J. Mike’s Missives
Thanks again to Steve Wyche for taking some time Tuesday. We had to postpone the interview because Brett Favre decided to play football again, but it all worked out in the end.

Shockley, Brown hope to make Falcons roster, Athens (Ga.) Banner-Herald
You’d think competition at a position that only has four players would be awkward. But I get the feeling the battle for backup quarterback is completely friendly.

Lofton on the Falcons’ D: “We’ve upgraded at every position,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“I’ve never seen a preseason game that counted.” Curtis Lofton a man of few, but powerful, words.

Changes ahead for receiver, punt return positions, AF.com
It may take two players to replace all Harry Douglas could do.

Falcons’ cornerback Houston day-to-day, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The goal will always be keep players healthy for Week 1. For the most part, so far so good in Falconland.

Go Forth and Eat Crow, The Falcoholic
I can’t believe we’re all writing about the meaningless nature of the preseason. But most of the chatter has required it. No time to panic, people. No time to panic.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason, training camp AF.com, AJC, Athens Banner-Herald, Brett Favre, Chris Mortensen, Curtis Lofton, D.J. Shockley, Examiner.com, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, Steve Wyche, The Falcoholic

NFL.com’s Steve Wyche — a friend of the AF.com program — was in Flowery Branch Tuesday working on his ongoing “On the Fringe” feature, which follows the fate of five players fighting for their NFL lives.

Falcons linebacker Coy Wire is among the featured players.

Wyche said fans can expect more of Wire and his teammates on NFL Network toward the end of the week or early next week (the whole Brett Favre to Minnesota story likely pushed back the NFL.com schedule).

But, since Wyche also has a great working knowledge of the Falcons, we hit on some more details of the preseason…

“On the offense, there’s not going to be any problems here as long as they stay healthy,” Wyche said, continuing the predominant chorus that sings the praises of 10-time Pro Bowler Tony Gonzalez and returning Pro Bowlers Roddy White and Michael Turner. “They’re going to move the ball; they’re going to score points.”

When it comes to defense, Wyche expects the team to have some growing pains.

“They’ll get there,” he said of the unit which will begin 2009 with five new starters. “They just need to get there before they get to that third or fourth game because the schedule gets really tough.”

Still, the veteran sportswriter and broadcaster said fans shouldn’t panic over the team’s performance in the preseason.

Wyche likes Thomas DeCoud’s range at free safety but said the second-year player must mature quickly if he’s to make an impact, especially if he’s backing up young corners like Brent Grimes or Christopher Owens.

Wyche also said fans should look for a scheme change along the defensive line, where it’s tough to replace the imposing, two-gap player Grady Jackson (especially in size). Rookie Peria Jerry is more of a “”gap penetrator,” according to Wyche and will disrupt more than he holds up linemen at the line of scrimmage.

J. Michael Moore Random, YouTube, training camp Brent Grimes, Christopher Owens, Coy Wire, Grady Jackson, Michael Turner, NFL Network, NFL.com, one-on-one, Peria Jerry, Steve Wyche, Thomas DeCoud, Tony Gonzalez

Safety Thomas DeCoud got some extra reps in Saturday’s preseason opener, mostly to get acclimated to game speed after spending much of his rookie season special teams.

DeCoud was credited with one tackle (by the official game book) but that number is likely to go higher after coach film review.

Head Coach Mike Smith was pleased with the performance of his free safety, who appears to be moving closer to a starting job with the shift of Erik Coleman to strong safety and rookie William Moore recovering from minor knee surgery.

“I thought Thomas played well,” Smith said. “He made a nice touchdown-saving tackle in the red zone in the first drive with the screen play. He got the guy down on the ground. We got to play another down and it was a big play for us. Thomas is playing well. He got a few more snaps than the rest of the starters just because he has not had as much experience.”

DeCoud knows he has some work to do, but he liked the feeling of lining up in an NFL game as a starter.

“It felt real good, it felt great,” he said Tuesday. “It’s one of those things that you dream of growing up playing football, to get your first start in the NFL, so it was definitely a dream come true. Even though it was a preseason game, I can’t wait for that season opener, but it was definitely something that I enjoyed.”

He appreciated the extra reps, saying it helped him “get into the flow of the game.”

That could change this week as Smith said the Falcons will focus more on rotating players and getting game evaluations on most of the 80-man roster.

“We are still focusing on us, but we are going to do a little bit of something to look at them and know at least know what they’re going to give us,” DeCoud said when asked about game-planning for the Rams and attempting to get into the win column for the first time this preseason. “We are still focusing on us and perfecting what we do.  That’s what we are really focusing on right now.”

ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM TRAINING CAMP…

… After a few days without pads — minus the preseason game — Smith put his team back to heavy work on Tuesday. “We wanted to work on some red zone and we had a good red zone session,” he said. “We also wanted to work some two minute and we finished the practice up with two minute. I think we got things that we need to get accomplished, so we will watch the tape and see.”

… Monday the team practiced without a multitude of players including wide receiver Robert Ferguson and linebacker Tony Gilbert. Most of the Falcons given a rest were back on the field Tuesday. Defensive end Kroy Biermann, who left Saturday’s game with a foot sprain, also returned to the practice field. Cornerback Chris Houston (hamstring) did not practice Tuesday morning.

… First-round pick Peria Jerry did not start Saturday’s game in Detroit, but he did get valuable minutes on the field. The defensive tackle was credited with one tackle. “I thought he was very explosive off the ball,” Smith said. “We saw flashes and spurts and he did some really impressive things.  He is going through the learning curve that all our rookies are going through.  Its not that he is playing fast every day because he doesn’t have the comfort level with the scheme, but he (like all these guys) is going to become more comfortable over these next three weeks. We are pointing everything towards the opener to get these guys prepared.”

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, training camp Chris Houston, Detroit Lions, Erik Coleman, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, injury, Kroy Biermann, Peria Jerry, Robert Ferguson, St. Louis Rams, Thomas DeCoud, Tony Gilbert, William Moore

It’s a short week in Flowery Branch. Even in the preseason this presents less than desirable circumstances.

For the next few days I’ll routinely forget the day of the week and mix up various responsibilities needed to get to the plane on time and prepare for the second preseason contest at St. Louis.

Thankfully it’s just that… preseason.

More coverage to come today but, for now, enjoy some preseason Birdseed.

Falcons plan to monitor Turner’s workload, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OK, a geek confession to make. Last night while playing Madden 2010 for the first time, I was at the controls for a 30-yard Michael Turner run where he threw off about six tacklers. Still don’t know how I did it. Probably won’t do it again.

Rookie Owens recaps first NFL game experience, AF.com
I’ve been on teams with rookie cornerbacks that got a lot of playing time. Trust me when I say Owens looks like a good one.

Atlanta Falcons Monday Mailbag, Examiner.com
Nothing like a preseason game to increase the questions.

Houston misses Falcons’ practice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lots of guys taking a break at Monday’s practices. No need to be alarmed. I can’t remember a time a team didn’t err on the side of caution and give plenty of players a break after the first preseason game.

Weems hopes to catch on as Falcons special teamer, The Associated Press
“Everyone, they gave me a butt to run off of, so I just seen what I can get.” I love football speak.

Offensive line searching for more depth, AF.com
It’s not the high-profile position battle people expect during training camp, but the need for offensive line depth is an important one.

Kickers, Golfers and Major League Pitchers, J. Mike’s Missives
Refreshing to know that a three-time Pro Bowler and 17-year veteran still works as hard as a rookie. Ironic that, for a kicker, that includes less, well, kicking.

Shockley: ‘I can start in this league,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Keep an eye on the backup quarterback position if only for the fact you’ll see a lot of D.J. Shockley, Chris Redman and John Parker Wilson in the preseason.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason, training camp AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Chris Houston, Chris Redman, Christopher Owens, D.J. Shockley, Examiner.com, Jason Elam, John Parker Wilson, Michael Turner, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp