J.Mike's Missives

As expected, mid-season television numbers for the NFL are through the roof.

You can check out some of the details with Falcons Biz blogger Dan (the numbers and anecdotes are mind-boggling). For example, The second-most watched sporting event since Super Bowl XLIII was the Falcons-Cowboys game from earlier this season.

Stats don’t lie and the increasing popularity of the NFL is something to get excited about. Strange to think about the times in my youth when I would sit down to watch football and, though it was No. 1 on my radar, it wasn’t near the level of prominence it is today.

As a special recognition to the history of the NFL on television, I hit YouTube for gems.

Oh how far television technology has come. Luckily football has stayed pretty much the same. Nothing like the comfort of consistency to help popularity.

Despite locker-room joking, Gonzalez happy with ad, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let’s get this one out of the way. Now… Deep breath… On to football.

A Look Head: Look Harder, The Falcoholic
The second-half of the Falcons season doesn’t look as daunting as some other teams but the trip to Carolina and a pair of games in New York won’t be easy.

Panthers vs. Falcons Preview, CBSSports.com
That’s right. Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme has five touchdowns to an NFL-high 13 interceptions. Had to double check that eye-opening stat.

Finneran takes part in walk-through, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If the team doesn’t have Brian Finneran on Sunday the wide receiver depth chart goes from healthy to thin pretty quickly.

Midseason Report: Falcons, ESPN.com
We all knew the Falcons would have growing pains coming into the season. But some creative coaching and personnel moves have kept the team on track.

A Very Falcoholic Discussion: Curtis Lofton, The Falcoholic
“Curtis Lofton is the man.” Enough said.

Forbes unkind to Atlanta teams (especially Thrashers, Falcons), Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you’re concerned with X’s and O’s, this doesn’t interest you much. But an appreciation of the business of sports can actually make it more fun to watch.

The All-NFC South midseason offense, ESPN.com
Congrats to Ovie Mughelli, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez

Falcons are not getting much mid-season love, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve thought about the “lack of love” myself. Perhaps the Falcons aren’t getting recognition (despite a solid 5-3 record) is because of raised expectations. Hard to get rewarded for something everyone expects you to do. For a different spin on mid-season awards from NFL.com, click here.

Best free-agent moves also were the most understated, NFL.com
The Falcons may have been quiet in free agency, but the moves they made are panning out.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, Curtis Lofton, Dallas Cowboys, Dan Levak, ESPN.com, Falcons Biz, Forbes, Jake Delhomme, Mike Peterson, NFL.com, Ovie Mughelli, PETA, Roddy White, Super Bowl XLIII, television, The Falcoholic, Tony Gonzalez, video

Jason Snelling and Thomas Johnson were limited, but the running back and defensive tackle returned to the Falcons practice field Wednesday according to Head Coach Mike Smith.

Snelling, who led the team in rushing yards two weeks ago in Dallas, has been nursing a hamstring injury. Johnson, who took over as starting nose tackle when Peria Jerry went on injured reserve, has dealt with calf problems the past two games.

Smith talked about the team’s health and most of the Panthers defensive personnel when he met with the media…

Other injury concerns are on offense, where left tackle Sam Baker (ankle) and wide receiver Brian Finneran (knee) missed practice. Smith said Finneran, who has undergone two major knee surgeries in his career, “moved around a little bit in the walk-through” but it could be a game-time decision on his playing status.

Running back Jerious Norwood also missed practice for personal reasons. According to Smith, the fourth-year pro welcomed a new baby Wednesday.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PIEDMONT HEALTHCARE INJURY REPORT

ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM WEDNESDAY…

… Tight end Tony Gonzalez and many of his offensive teammates were quizzed about a new ad campaign featuring the Pro Bowler and his wife, October. It will certainly raise some eyebrows. Most interviewed said they can appreciate the passion Gonzalez has to support a unique campaign (this one is for PETA). “We should be protecting animals, not sacrificing their lives for the sake of fashion or luxury,” Gonzalez said in a release from PETA. “October and I have changed many of our habits in light of the inhumane treatment of animals that occurs not only in the fur industry but also on factory farms.”

… Smith did not speculate on how many wins his team may need to make the playoffs in the NFC. Too early to tell. This was, of course, the answer everyone expected: “There are so many things that can happen in the second half of the season and when you get into November and December there are so many people that are still in the mix,” the coach said. “I don’t know of anyone who is mathematically eliminated at this point in time.”

… The Falcons practiced indoors Wednesday because of soggy field conditions. According to Smith, more than 4.5 inches of rain fell in Flowery Branch Monday night and Tuesday.

… When it comes to the Panthers offense, the Falcons are looking at the running game. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have combined for more than 1,100 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. In a Week 2 meeting between the teams, the backs combined for 144 yards and a score. Of course, it’s never easy to beat a team twice in one season. “They get up for you,” linebacker Mike Peterson said. “No one wants to be beat twice. They’re going to look at the tape and I’m sure the coach is going to be on them hard this week but we’re ready.”

… Carolina spent the time since the last game with the Falcons improving the defensive line. Preseason injuries took their toll, but now the Panthers have added veteran Hollis Thomas and traded for former Chiefs starter Tank Tyler at defensive tackle. “They’re playing well right now,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “We felt like it was a good defense when we played them the first time… With that said, they’re playing well right now and we have our work cut out for us.”

J. Michael Moore News Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Williams, Head Coach Mike Smith, Hollis Thomas, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Jonathan Stewart, Matt Ryan, Mike Peterson, NFC South, Peria Jerry, PETA, playoffs, Sam Baker, Tank Tyler, Thomas Johnson, Tony Gonzalez

A tip of the cap to “Sesame Street,” which today celebrates its 40th anniversary. Apparently, more than 1,000 studies have been done to prove how watching the famous children’s show is good for you. No research is scheduled to prove if this blog has any long-term value. Nonetheless, today’s edition of Birdseed is brought to you by the letter ‘B’ and the No. 2…

Falcons LIVE with Head Coach Mike Smith, AF.com
Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff was the guest Monday evening. In case you missed the live broadcast, here’s the archived piece:

Smith ready to move on, past sideline incident, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I think it’s safe to say if this incident involved any other play in the league it might not have the same publicity. The NFL acknowledged the scuffle in question is being reviewed for possible disciplinary action.

Gonzalez is still cleaning up here, The Kansas City Star
Players move frequently in the NFL so it’s nice to see such a strong connection to a city that did so much for Tony Gonzalez’s career.

Falcons wait word on Finneran’s knee, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is the first injury to hit the Falcons group of wide receivers since Harry Douglas was lost for the year during training camp. If Finneran misses time, Matt Ryan would lose a key, third-down target.

A rainy-day question: Who’s better, the Falcons or Hawks?, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An interesting question considering the long-barren sports landscape in the city of Atlanta. I do not follow the NBA as much as the NFL (no brainer) so i can’t really offer an opinion.

Falcons say they feed off Smith’s enthusiasm. Philadelphia Enquirer
Players are one group, but I can say I know plenty Falcons staffers who are equally willing to support Head Coach Mike Smith in anything he may ask.

Panthers in trouble, Falcons on track as second half looms, The (Anderson, S.C.) Independent-Mail
This is not the matchup we expected when these teams began the season.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Brian Finneran, DeAngelo Hall, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Kansas City Star, Matt Ryan, Philadelphia Inquirer, Sesame Street, Thomas Dimitroff, Tony Gonzalez, video

More cameras than usually filled the media room in Flowery Branch Monday afternoon for Head Coach Mike Smith’s weekly press conference.

It wasn’t long before questions moved toward a very non-football topic.

Smith was asked again about an incident on the sideline in Sunday’s win over the Redskins where former Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall got into a scuffle with Atlanta coaches and players. The skirmish broke out after Redskins safety LaRon Landry was flagged for a late hit on quarterback Matt Ryan.

After the game Hall said he was accosted by coaches and he would file a formal complaint with the NFL.

Smith said he watched film of the game multiple times and he hasn’t thought about Hall’s comments.

“Our quarterback was hit late out of bounds on the sideline and we were trying to restore order on our sideline,” Smith said. “I haven’t even thought about (Hall’s comments). Today is Monday and we are on to the Carolina Panthers.”

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/189337/189337_2009-11-09-153855.flv

“I watch all three phases of the game at least two and sometimes three times every week,” added Smith. “We’re finishing up our work on the Washington Redskins and at about 4 o’clock we’ll be moving on to Carolina. I just work like I normally do and watch the tape.”

With that the Falcons turn attention to a division opponent that has won only three games this season. The Panthers got additional bad news Sunday when it was announced starting outside linebacker Thomas Davis will be out for the year with a torn ACL.

Smith spoke more of the Panthers effectiveness in the running game but with the Falcons play on offense and defense over the last two weeks, fans have reason to be excited.

The coach said defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (10 tackles, 2.5 sacks) may have “played his best game as an Atlanta Falcon” against the Redskins. Cornerback Tye Hill, starting his second game with the team since a preseason trade, also got an interception and a score.

Smith declined to name a starter at left cornerback for this week’s game but said the team is growing more comfortable with Hill, a former first-round pick.

“Tye continues to progress,” Smith said. “That was a big play for him on the 64-yard interception return and he’s continuing to become more comfortable in our system and we are continuing to become more comfortable with Tye.”

On the injury front, Smith did not reveal details on wide receiver Brian Finneran, who left Sunday’s game with a knee injury. Left tackle Sam Baker (ankle) also left, but Smith was encouraged by the play of reserve offensive lineman Will Svitek, who had a key block on Michael Turner’s second-half touchdown run.

The coach is “very hopeful” injured running backs Jason Snelling (hamstring) and Jerious Norwood (hip) and defensive tackle Thomas Johnson (calf) will be able to return to the field soon.

J. Michael Moore News Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Hall, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Jonathan Babineaux, LaRon Landry, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Sam Baker, Thomas Johnson, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins, Will Svitek

Much easier to identify key points from a Falcons loss than list all the accolades from a big win.

“Win as a team, lose as a team” seems very appropriate after the Falcons 31-17 win over the Washington Redskins Sunday afternoon. We can highlight Michael Turner’s big runs, but that was the talk of gameday.

Instead, let’s take a moment to give some props to the defense.

The unit entered Sunday’s game ranked 17th in the league in opponent points per game (a key stat to remember before poring over pass or run yardage). Sunday the Falcons got their second defensive score in as many games and helped the Redskins extend a less-than-flattering streak of not scoring more than 17 points in 2009.

The Falcons have recorded at least one interception in six of eight games this season and, entering Week 9, helped the team to a plus-4 turnover margin (eighth in the NFL). Atlanta has just one game without a sack this season and Sunday tied a team record with five sacks in the first half.

All this with a new starter at cornerback (Tye Hill) and two Week 1 starters (Brian Williams and Peria Jerry) on injured reserve.

Not bad at all.

Before we get into Birdseed, here are some things to look for in Head Coach Mike Smith’s Monday press conference:

• Injury updates. Smitty usually doesn’t reveal details on injuries on Monday, but we may get a little more info on wide receiver Brian Finneran, who left the game with a knee injury.
• The skirmish. Likely some follow-up questions on the incident on the sideline between DeAngelo Hall and the Falcons bench after a late hit penalty.
• Second half slowdown. Smith talked at length last week about his team’s need to play for 60 minutes. Whether it was good adjustments by the Redskins or a letdown, the Falcons had only one possession in the third quarter and the Redskins scored 14 unanswered points. I guess that’s what 24-3 halftime leads are for.

Complete Falcons-Redskins Coverage, AF.com
For additional stats and highlight videos, visit the official NFL.com Game Center.

Smith leads Falcons again — in game and rumble, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“The Falcons responded to their first two-game losing streak under Smith by doing what good teams do. They beat a bad team.”

Redskins’ Hall accuses two Falcons coaches of misconduct in melee, NFL.com
Going to throw this into Birdseed for record-keeping purposes. My gut is that the whole thing is going to fade into the background.

Falcons End Uneven Effort With 31-17 Win Over Redskins, The Falcoholic
I almost forgot about Jonathan Babineaux! Actually, I did until The Falcoholic reminded me. Great game by the defensive tackle.

Turner busts Washington for 166 yards, 2 TDs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Turner fantasy owners rejoice!

Hill’s interception boosts Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Not only the interception, but the interception return… The Falcons defense is doing something it didn’t do much last season: scoring.

Zorn cautious about Portis’ return, The Washington Post
Great photo of the hit that put Clinton Portis out of the game after the link.

Atlanta Falcons end two-game losing streak with 31-17 win over Washington, Examiner.com
Ending the losing streak was crucial at this point of the season. With two road games ahead, the Falcons are in position to make a run.

Falcons’ Archer to speak at TD Club,  Macon Telegraph
Mark your calendars for color analyst and former Falcons quarterback Dave Archer.

Redskins go down fighting, The Washington Post
Some thoughts on the game from the Redskins paper of record.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Brian Finneran, Clinton Portis, Dave Archer, DeAngelo Hall, Examiner.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jonathan Babineaux, Macon Telegraph, Michael Turner, NFL.com, The Falcoholic, The Washington Post, Tye Hill, Washington Redskins

My colleague Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) has a story about the Superdome he tells before big games in New Orleans.

He says the only time he’s been concerned about the structural integrity of a stadium due to crowd noise was the Saints first home game in 2006 — the return to the building after Hurricane Katrina.

New Orleans blocked a Michael Koenen punt in the first quarter and returned it for a touchdown. At that point, according to Matt, the dome teetered with cacophony.

The Falcons didn’t win the game. In fact, the team hasn’t won in the Superdome since 2002.

Tonight’s game between the Falcons and Saints doesn’t carry the same emotional weight as the 2006 matchup but, when it comes to the NFC South standings, the contest is monumental.

I don’t need to get into the details, except to say a Saints win creates a three-game lead in the division with nine games to play. In order to make up the ground the Falcons would likely have to get a win over the Saints at the Georgia Dome next month, hope for additional New Orleans losses and (of course) win as many of their own games as possible.

I can’t tell you exactly what the Falcons did this week to prepare for such a big game but I will say, in the NFL, it pays to treat games in two ways: home and away. Home games you’re supposed to win. Road games are tough. It’s an easy mental hurdle to understand and allows for proper focus on technical aspects of each game.

The Falcons know this one won’t be easy.

They know the Superdome will be loud, maybe as loud as Matt remembers it.

The Falcons also know it pays to win games when you’re charged with adrenaline. If not, winning the division could come down to simple — and unfavorable — math.

Complete Falcons-Saints Coverage from AF.com
Stats, video, game week coverage and more straight from Flowery Branch.

Falcons-Saints Game Center, NFL.com
The eyes of the nation and, more importantly, the NFL world, will be on the Falcons this evening. Plenty of eyes were on the Birds last week in Dallas, too. Let’s all hope for different results. In case you’re wondering, the NFL Network crew picks the Saints.

Falcons WR Finneran talks up rivalry with Saints, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You’ll find few players in the locker room with the tenure of Brian Finneran. Perfect player to talk about the Falcons-Saints rivalry.

A Look Ahead: The Return, The Falcoholic
A brief, good breakdown of the remaining games.

Falcons-Saints as big as a matchup can get, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Superdome hasn’t been one of the most consistent places when it comes to hostile territories. That’s mostly because the Saints have had just as many down as up years. But right now, New Orleans has one of the best home-field advantages in football. They certainly have a fan following.

Sedrick Ellis out vs. Falcons, ProFootballTalk.com
You’re probably paying a lot of attention to the Saints offense. Nothing wrong with that. But injuries on the defense, which is emerging as one of the best in the league, could be big.

Falcons dazzled by Saints array of weapons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s a fine line between “respect,” which is needed and “dazzle,” which is odd.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Gameday AF.com, AJC, Brian Finneran, Georgia Dome, Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana Superdome, Matt Moore, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, NFL.com, ProFootballTalk.com, Sedrick Ellis, The Falcoholic

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

The Falcons defense took a lot of heat through the preseason and, at least through the opening quarter of the 2009 season, it seems some of it wasn’t completely deserved.

Atlanta sacked Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington twice in the opening period of Sunday’s game. One came with a fumble, which was recovered by defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux inside Dolphins territory.

Kroy Biermman’s sack and forced fumble came from the left side of the field while John Abraham’s bull-rush-over-Jake Long play resulted in a sack and forced a Dolphins punt at the end of the quarter.

It was an impressive early outing for the group if only for its solid nature.

• No glaring misreads or missed tackles.
• Just three Dolphins first downs and a 66 percent success rate on third-down conversions.
• Only 23 rushing yards allowed.

MORE THOUGHTS ON THE GAME…

… The release of Verron Haynes came as a slight surprise but, since he wasn’t on the team Sunday, the Falcons only needed to deactivate seven players before kickoff (one was emergency quarterback John Parker Wilson).

… Falcons showing some interesting personnel groupings, at least in getting bodies into the game. Jason Snelling and Brian Finneran got some playing time early.

… Michael Turner got only three touches on the first drive of the game. Instead of looking to the running back, the Falcons went to the air. It worked, as the team got into scoring range, but Jason Elam missed his first field goal attempt of the 2009 season.

… Ovie Mughlli’s 1-yard touchdown catch with 8:37 remaining in the first half was his first scoring grab since he was a member of the Baltimore Ravens. The score gave the Falcons a 7-0 lead after missing two scoring chances inside the Dolphins 40 in the first quarter.

… Pennington completed all five of his pass attempts in the first period, but they went for just 23 yards. Most of the short throws were forced by the defense and other completions were sniffed out early around the line of scrimmage.

… Miami showed its own version of the Wildcat midway through the second quarter, bringing Pat White in at quarterback and sending a direct snap to running back Ronnie Brown. On the next play, White kept the ball and was stopped by a gang of Falcons after no gain.

J. Michael Moore Gameday Brian Finneran, Chad Pennington, Jake Long, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, John Abraham, John Parker Wilson, Jonathan Babineaux, Kroy Biermann, Matt Ryan, Miami Dolphins, Michael Turner, Ovie Mughelli, Pat White, Ronnie Brown, Verron Haynes, wildcat formation

On a night the Falcons defense experienced more growing pains, the offense had the final say.

Quarterback Chris Redman led two second-half scoring drives Saturday evening against the San Diego Chargers, the second lifting the Falcons to a 27-24 victory.

Redman took over for first-string quarterback Matt Ryan midway through the third quarter with the Falcons trailing the defending AFC West Champions 21-13.

The seven-year veteran rushed for a touchdown and threw for another on fourth down with 0:09 seconds left to wide receiver Eric Weems for the win.

Redman did not play in the team’s preseason game at St. Louis last week, but capped off his most extensive work of the exhibition schedule on Saturday by completing 15 of 19 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown.

Ryan completed 14 of 20 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown to wide receiver Brian Finneran.

The Falcons needed the fourth-quarter scores to pull from a deficit that dated back to the opening drive. The Chargers scored first off a 10-yard Darren Sproles run. Ryan and Co. tied the game, but Jason Elam field goals just chipped away at a lead that grew to 21-13.

The Chargers converted five third downs in the second quarter, including third-and-13, third-and-18 and third-and-17.

For the first half, San Diego converted 7 of 8 third-down attempts.

Atlanta’s ‘D’ made corrections at halftime and held the Chargers to three second-half points. Those came just before the game-winning drive and after a game-saving, chase down and tackle by rookie cornerback Christopher Owens on running back Gartrell Johnson.

The Chargers kicked a field goal after linebacker Curtis Lofton, who led the team with eight tackles and three passes defensed, knocked away a throw over the middle from Charlie Whitehurst.

FINAL THOUGHTS FROM THE GAME…

… Other notable performances on offense included the play of veteran Marty Booker. The wide receiver led the Birds in catches (6) and receiving yards (62).

… Redmans 10-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter was the first of his seven-year career.

… The Falcons defense did some things better in the first half, but the Chargers dominated the clock in the third quarter. The Falcons ran just nine plays in the third period. The Chargers held the ball for more than 10 minutes.

MORE FROM THE FALCONS-CHARGERS GAME:

• GAME CENTER: Stats and more from the Falcons preseason win
• BLOGS: J. Michael Moore’s blog posts from Aug. 29, 2009
• POLLS: Share your thoughts on the preseason win
• FIRST TAKE: Head Coach Mike Smith | Redman | Ryan | Finneran | Clabo
• QUOTES: Falcons game quotes | Chargers
• GAME NOTES: Official game notes from the Georgia Dome press box
• NFL NETWORK: Game highlights and more from NFL Network
• PHOTOS: Images from the Falcons come-from-behind win

J. Michael Moore Gameday, Preseason Brian Finneran, Chris Redman, Christopher Owens, Curtis Lofton, Eric Weems, Jason Elam, Marty Booker, Matt Ryan, Preseason, San Diego Chargers

The Falcons and Chargers scrapped to a 7-7 tie in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome Saturday evening. Exciting, but not the same fireworks the teams showed during the first two games of the 2009 preseason.

Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense put up 93 total yards. Ryan completed 6-of-8 passes for 59 yards and a score (a 12-yard strike to Brian Finneran on third down).

Running back Michael Turner had seven touches for 31 rushing yards.

The Falcons allowed just 16 rushing yards — all to Darren Sproles — but 10 of them went to an early touchdown run.

San Diego worked the screen pass early and often against the Falcons defense — a practice that continued into the second quarter and had defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder, Head Coach Mike Smith and defensive end John Abraham fired up on the sideline.

SOME IN-GAME OBSERVATIONS…

… Ryan threw two early incompletions but the Falcons kept him upright. Blitz pickup looked solid.

… Wide receiver Eric Weems got into the game early as a wide receiver. Weems is fighting for a spot as the team’s punt returner and looking for a position in the receiver rotation. Brent Grimes got in on the punt return team for the first time in the preseason, a fair catch at his own 10.

… Tight end Tony Gonzalez caught two passes in the first quarter for 15 yards (one first down) Roddy White had one catch for 22 yards.

… Jerious Norwood returned the opening kickoff of the game, but he took a seat on special teams after that play and second-year running back Thomas Brown took over the return duties. His first return went for 21 yards.

J. Michael Moore Gameday, Preseason Brent Grimes, Brian Finneran, Brian VanGorder, Eric Weems, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Abraham, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Preseason, Roddy White, San Diego Chargers, Thomas Brown, Tony Gonzalez