J.Mike's Missives

If you watched a college football game over the weekend you likely saw massive linemen slamming against one another on some hot, early September afternoon.

If you played close attention, you probably saw some subs come into the game to give the front five some relief.

Either way, you saw two gigantic lineups on either side of the field with plenty of bodies to step up in the case of injury or exhaustion.

Not the case in the NFL when teams can ill afford to keep too many players at one position and upset the balance of a 53-man roster.

Take the offensive line…

The Falcons kept nine linemen on the active roster and two additional players on the practice squad. On game day, one or more linemen could be declared inactive, making it imperative some players backup multiple positions.

That’s where Brett Romberg, a free agent addition in the offseason, can be of help.

Romberg is expected to backup at guard and center. The Falcons also kept offensive linemen Quinn Ojinnaka, who took snaps at every position on the line in 2008 training camp, and tackles Will Svitek and Garrett Reynolds. Jose Valdez and Michael Butterworth are on the eight-man practice squad.

“As an offensive linemen it’s more beneficial to you if you know what the guy next to you is doing,” said Romberg, who has 18 career starts. “In the beginning, when you’re young, you’re just trying to learn your position and your role on the offensive line. But, as the years go on, knowing what the guy next to you is going to do helps build cohesion.”

The six-year veteran started two of the Falcons final three preseason games in place of Todd McClure. He appreciated the extra experience, saying it gave him a feel for the starting offensive line and the new system he’s been learning since March.

“It’s good as a center, especially, to get in there and hear the quarterback’s cadence,” Romberg said. “It makes a big difference as opposed to sitting on the side and listening to a coach call the plays. Getting a few reps with Matt (Ryan), especially game speed and game tempo was definitely beneficial.”

The Falcons lineman also appreciated the extra day of work, as the Falcons hit the practice field on Labor Day to get ready for the Miami Dolphins.

“It’s always good to get an extra day in,” he said. “You usually don’t fully focus on your opponent on days like today, but you introduce a few things. Luckily the last couple of games we played in the preseason address that 3-4 (defense) look Miami plays.”

MORE FROM THE AFTERNOON PRACTICE…

… Head Coach Mike Smith sent Ryan home Monday morning because the quarterback felt ill. “Matt wasn’t feeling well today so we sent him home to rest. We anticipate he’ll be back on Wednesday,” the coach said.

… Running back Jerious Norwood and safety William Moore did not practice Monday.

… New defensive back Brian Williams took the field for the first time as a Falcon wearing No. 29. Smith stressed his versatility (he started games at corner and safety in 2008), adding he’s ahead of the curve having worked in a similar defense in Jacksonville — the coach’s former post.

“It’s a different situation in terms of familiarity with our scheme because it’s basically the same scheme and verbiage he’s used to hearing,” Smith said.

J. Michael Moore News Brett Romberg, Brian Williams, Garrett Reynolds, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jerious Norwood, Jose Valdez, Matt Ryan, Miami Dolphins, Michael Butterworth, Quinn Ojinnaka, Todd McClure, Will Svitek, William Moore

Michael Turner is ready for the regular season.

As if to make a point he’s not going to slow after a grueling, 376-carry season, the Pro Bowl running back has recorded two runs of 40 or more yards this preseason.

His 43-yard run on the second play of Friday’s preseason game in St. Louis was a large chunk of the 65 total yards he provided on an early touchdown drive.

He left the game after that series.

Turner also provided a score, powering ahead from 1-yard out to give the Falcons a lead with 9:50 remaining in the first period.

Turner looked both fleet of foot and strong of body on the drive, running behind each part of his offensive line.

The running back has been asked repeatedly in the offseason about following up a year where he shouldered the load in the running game.

The Falcons are looking for ways to limit his touches and keep him fresh through the year.

Thus far, the addition of Tony Gonzalez at tight end seems to be the best weapon to take some of the heat off Turner and the running game.

Speaking of Gonzalez, how about some…

FALCONS-RAMS IN-GAME THOUGHTS…

… Brett Romberg got the start for Todd McClure at center — a last-minute change after the veteran was banged up in practice earlier in the week. There were no ill effects from the move. If anything, it gave Ryan a chance to work with who could be the team’s backup center in 2009 before the team goes into the traditional, game-planning week associated with the third preseason game.

Ryan went a cool 7-of-8 for 81 yards and a touchdown in the opening quarter. He was replaced by D.J. Shockley in the second period.

… Eric Weems returned the opening kickoff, perhaps another sign he’s a leader to takeover return duties after a training camp injury to Harry Douglas. Weems also returned the first punt offered to the Falcons in the first quarter.

… Safe to say Gonzalez is a solid addition to the team’s offense. The 10-time Pro Bowler caught two passes on the second drive, the second for a 14-yard touchdown. To put it nicely, he took advantage cornerback Tye Hill.

… On defense, the Falcons showed improvement from last week but still gave up some big runs. The group forced a punt on the first possession and were aggressive in blitz calls. Brent Grimes almost got his first pick of the first season — a leaping grab on the sideline he juggled and dropped on his way to the ground.

J. Michael Moore Gameday, News, Preseason Brent Grimes, Brett Romberg, D.J. Shockley, Eric Weems, Gameday, Harry Douglas, highlights, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Preseason, St. Louis Rams, Todd McClure, Tony Gonzalez

With emotion in his voice, Falcons linebacker Coy Wire brought a special message to soldiers stationed at Ft. Benning Monday evening.

Attitude is everything.

After thanking the gathering of more than 250 men and women for their service, Wire noted the urge to wilt in the face of adversity but asked everyone to rise above the challenges with a positive attitude.

Wire and 10 of his Falcons teammates flew to Ft. Benning on Army Blackhawk helicopters Monday afternoon to have dinner with soldiers soon to be deployed to Iraq. A group of Falcons Cheerleaders also made the trip and gave a brief performance — their first of the 2009 season.

“We came to show our appreciation,” Wire said. “To show how much respect we have to each and every one of you. We came to represent not only the Atlanta Falcons, not only the city of Atlanta for which we play, but for all the people across this country — strangers you’ve never met — who are thinking of you and praying for you every day.”

Wire said attitude is something people can choose to control and, through a brief anecdote, illustrated the impact of a positive outlook on life.

Everyone goes through tough times.

The secret is in the process.

“We see the world not as it is; we see the world as we are on the inside,” he said.

“There’s a saying that the strongest steel is burned in the hottest coals. Each and every one of you men and women will have to go through something difficult in the next few months or year. It’s going to make you strong. It’s going to refine you and make you ready for anything and everything that you may encounter in your lives.”

Wire said the Falcons plan to dedicate the first game of the 2009 season to the soldiers at Ft. Benning and across the nation.

Members of the brigade the Falcons visited should be deployed in October.

Running back Jerious Norwood, center Brett Romberg, lineman Quinn Ojinnaka, guard Justin Blalock, defensive end Willie Evans, fullback Ovie Mughelli, tight end Justin Peelle, wide receiver Brian Finneran and tackle Will Sviteck also made the trip.

Finneran’s father served in Vietnam, adding special meaning to his trips to military posts.

“It’s awesome, especially the ride in the helicopter,” Finneran said. “We’re here to support our guys, our troops that fight for us.”

The veteran wide receiver said it’s easy to take the joys in life for granted, particularly air conditioning after a hot training camp pracitce.

But he knows none of it’s possible without the daily activity of service men and women around the world.

He joined Wire and his teammates in an expression of gratitude.

“We’re here to say thanks, shake their hands and tell them how much we appreciate all they do.”

Members of the Army thanked the Falcons with a custom, engraved sledge hammer — the symbol of the brigade. Wire proudly carried it the rest of the day and, once practice starts, will find a way to keep it in front of his teammates for motivation.

The Falcons organization is also offering a military-only deal on tickets to the Carolina Panthers game on Sept. 20 (click here for details). Tickets are $30 and include a limited edition, camouflage Falcons hat (pictured).

Click here for more pictures from the Falcons trip and work in the community.

J. Michael Moore Falcons in the Community, Feature, News Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, Brett Romberg, Brian Finneran, community, Coy Wire, Ft. Benning, Jerious Norwood, Justin Blalock, Justin Peelle, Ovie Mughelli, Quinn Ojinnaka, Will Sviteck, Willie Evans

Just received word on jersey numbers for some of the recent additions to the team’s roster.

• Mike Peterson (No. 53)
• Will Sviteck (No. 74)
• Brett Romberg (No. 65)

Peterson, 32, started his career in Indianapolis but enjoyed success as a Jaguar including four straight seasons with 100 or more tackles. He also has 15 career interceptions.

Peterson reunites with former defensive coordinator, now Falcons Head Coach, Mike Smith in 2009. He also adds depth to a linebacking corps that was depleted through the free agency departures of Michael Boley and Keith Brooking.

Romberg spent the first four years of his career in Jacksonville before joining the Rams in 2006. The 6-foot-2, 298-pound lineman has 18 career starts, all coming in the last three seasons.

Svitek (pronounced SVEE-tech) is a 6-foot-6, 300-pound offensive tackle who played at Stanford and was a sixth-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2005 NFL Draft. The native of Prague competed in 16 games (four starts) on the offensive line in Kansas City. He also played for the 2006 Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe/Europa — the team that won World Bowl XIV.

J. Michael Moore Falcons News Brett Romberg, Head Coach Mike Smith, Kansas City Chiefs, Keith Brooking, Michael Boley, Mike Peterson, Will Svitek

Just got back to the office after a “State of the Franchise” lunch for all Falcons employees (sorry “Birdseed” is a little late). It’s a tradition here in Flowery Branch to get everyone together before the draft to share a meal and talk about where the train is heading.

No, Thomas Dimitroff did not tell anyone what the Falcons are going to do with the No. 24 pick (in fact, he confused me even more).

The big takeaway from the speakers, which included Dimitroff, Rich McKay, Head Coach Mike Smith and Owner and CEO Arthur Blank?

The same thing Smitty shared with the team at its first offseason meeting.

Stay humble.

Stay hungry.

General Manager Thomas Dimitroff takes fan questions, AF.com
Thanks to the fans who submitted questions. Sorry we couldn’t get to all of them.

Falcons draft room all-access, NFL.com
More Dimitroff and Co. talking about the Draft. Don’t look for details in this piece, but it is an accurate representation of how much meeting and discussion goes into the team’s plans.

The Atlanta Falcons escape the ‘Madden Curse’ for the Madden 2010 edition, Examiner.com
Sigh of relieve on three. One… Two… Three…

Commissioner Goodell: Vick’s ticket back to NFL is ‘genuine remorse,’ NFL.com
If I’ve learned one thing about this situation it’s that news travels fast and resolution moves slowly. Stay tuned but don’t look for an over abundance of information.

Kiper has Johnson slipping to third round, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some notes from one of the most respected draft gurus around. Michael Johnson sliding to the third round? Hard to argue with a legend.

Thomas Dimitroff, Atlanta Falcons are prepared to go either way in the draft, Examiner.com
Dimitroff said the team should have draft prep locked up by the middle of this week. Of course, late nights will always be part of “the process.”

NFL Draft: Falcons could look at add CBs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I remember early in the pre-draft process including Alphonoso Smith in my Falcons mock draft. I took some heat from people thinking cornerback wasn’t a position of need. Now that we’re less than a week from the draft more media types are considering it an option at No. 24.

Falcons Draft News & Note, FalconsInsider.com
In my mind, 2008 will go down as the greatest draft in Falcons history. That is, of course, 2009 doesn’t make a bigger impact.

Dimitroff looking for another fruitful draft, YahooSports
Interesting to note Dimitroff’s thoughts on putting two good drafts together and re-evaluating “the course of action.” Another example of how the Falcons are always keeping an eye on long-term success.

NFL Draft: Falcons could address TE with first pick, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Will it be a tight end at No. 24? Feel free to discuss in the comments. I know everyone has an opinion on this one.

Mocking with McShay, ESPN.com
Another check for Brandon Pettigrew.

Windsor native set to fly with Falcons, The Windsor (Ont.) Star
I bet Brett Romberg is looking forward to the Falcons preseason trip to Detroit. Just a short drive to Windsor.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Alphonso Smith, Arthur Blank, Brandon Pettigrew, Brett Romberg, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, FalconsInsider.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Michael Johnson, NFL Draft, NFL.com, Rich McKay, The Windsor Star, Thomas Dimitroff, YahooSports

Free agency in Atlanta may have started with a whimper, but it could end with some noise.

With the top names off the board the Falcons have stuck a talon in the water. This goes right along with what General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said at the Combine about the team not being “major players” on the market.

Monday the team signed center Brett Romberg to add depth along the offensive line and, today, news surfaced about a possible deal with linebacker Mike Peterson.

Nothing “official,” in regards to Peterson but there’s one thing I’ve learned about free agency in the NFL: Once the ball is rolling, it’s difficult to stop.

Falcons sign free agent lineman Romberg, AF.com
It’s not the big-name signing many fans wanted, but the acquisition of quality depth is the cornerstone of the Falcons free agency philosophy.

Mike Peterson agrees to terms with Falcons, The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union
One of the problems with mass free agent acquisitions is transferring a player from one scheme to another. With Mike Smith spending five years as Peterson’s defensive coordinator, scheme switch shouldn’t be an issue.

Two NFL coaches attend Georgia Tech’s pro day, NFL.com
Smith talks to Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson regularly during the season. But, he and John Fox also made the trip to Tech’s pro day because of proximity.

Falcons to lean heavily on NFL draft, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Free agency started months ago in Atlanta. Why? Well, the team kept Jonathan Babineaux and Michael Jenkins off the free agent market by re-signing them to long-term deals.

Atlanta Falcons Staying the Course With Dimitroff and Smith, Bleacher Report
I’m not going to talk about “the process,” but there’s really no other word to describe the moves — or lack there of — in free agency and how they affect the Falcons future. It’s all about foresight. And sometimes the plan isn’t easily identified.

Atlanta Falcons: All is quiet on the free agency front, Examiner.com
A brief look at the Falcons offseason and some names remaining on the table in free agency.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Free Agency Bleacher Report, Brett Romberg, Examiner.com, Florida Times-Union, Georgia Tech, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Fox, Jonathan Babineaux, Michael Jenkins, Mike Peterson, Paul Johnson, Thomas Dimitroff

The Falcons announced the signing of free agent center Brett Romberg Monday afternoon, adding another body to the offensive line prior to the start of offseason workouts.

Romberg (6-foot-2, 298 pounds) is a five-year veteran who has played for the Jaguars and Rams. He’s played in 33 games (18 starts) with some of his most extensive action coming last season with St. Louis (14 games, six starts).

He started nine games in 2007.

Four times Romberg has played with offensive lines that blocked for 1,000-yard rushers (Fred Taylor in 2004 and Steven Jackson in 2006, 2007 and 2008). In Atlanta, he rejoins his old coach Paul Boudreau, who led the Rams offensive line before taking the same position in Atlanta prior to last season.

Romberg was a three-year starter at Miami before joining the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent. He was an All-American and All-Big East selection as a senior.

J. Michael Moore Free Agency Brett Romberg, Jacksonville Jaguars, press release, Roster Moves, St. Louis Rams

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, free agents L.J. Smith and Brett Romberg are scheduled to visit with the Falcons Thursday.

The report continues nearly week-long speculation the Falcons are interested in Smith, a tight end who has played the balance of his career in Philadelphia. Romberg, a center, played with the St. Louis Rams last season.

Smith would provide a proven pass-catching threat at tight end. He enters 2009 with 231 career receptions for 2,525 yards and 18 touchdowns. He averaged more than 10-yards per catch in his first five seasons but spent the bulk of the last two years on and off the field with a variety of injuries.

He missed time with back spasms in 2008 but has also had surgery to address scar tissue in his groin, repair a sports hernia and relieve issues with a disc in his back.

When healthy, he’s put up his share of highlight-worthy catches, as seen from one highlight from his college days at Rutgers…

Through it all, however, Smith has been locker-room and community leader. He set up the L.J. Smith Scholarship fund early in his career and, according to the Eagles media guide, hopes to start a career in music.

Romberg spent the first four years of his career in Jacksonville before joining the Rams in 2006. The 6-foot-2, 298-pound lineman has 18 career starts, all coming in the last three seasons.

J. Michael Moore Free Agency AJC, Brett Romberg, L.J. Smith, Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams