J.Mike's Missives

There was no question Thomas Johnson was having a good time.

The smile on the Falcons defensive tackle’s face stretched from ear to ear at Sandy Springs Middle School, his body losing control to the rhythm of the music pumping into the gymnasium.

It may seem awkward — a 305-pound man doing step aerobics — but Johnson seemed at home among more than 60 eighth grade students in the gym Tuesday morning.

It was a particularly interesting day for the lineman, who spent more than a year out of football before signing with the Falcons in the offseason. He spent that time working  as a ninth-grade P.E. teacher at White Station High School in his native Memphis.

Johnson, quarterbacks Matt Ryan and D.J. Shockley, linemen Chauncey Davis and Vance Walker, linebackers Curtis Lofton and Stephen Nicholas and long snapper Mike Schneck traveled Sandy Springs Tuesday as part of Hometown Huddle 2009 — a team-wide, city-wide service project that included stops to thank fans and work with children in the midst of the school day.

“This was like coming back to the classroom,” Johnson said. “I had a ball today. They had the stations easy to explain so I just went out and had a little fun, put my own little twist to it. I think the kids had fun.

“A lot of people think they can do it but you definitely have to have patience. You have to be a great teacher because every school is different.”

Johnson and his teammates spent an hour going through various activities with students ranging from stretching, to core exercises to good, old-fashioned games of tag.

Johnson and Lofton tried to steal the show on stage, where a simple aerobics station was on display.

“This is pretty tough,” said Lofton, the Falcons middle linebacker who on this day dripped with sweat sans helmet and shoulder pads. “They put these kids through a pretty tough workout today.”

Falcons players made stops at eight locations around the city (additional photos and video footage to come on AtlantaFalcons.com).

Players thanked fans for support at Publix on Peachtree Road SW, Home Depot in Decatur, a retirement community in Stone Mountain and the Georgia Aquarium. Players and cheerleaders also visited four middles schools — including Sandy Springs — to promote physical fitness.

“I think it’s very important for kids to stay in good physical shape,” Ryan said. “The NFL has the Play 60 initiative. I think it’s a great thing for kids to go outside and play 60 minutes of day, regardless of what it is… I was impressed with what I saw today.”

J. Michael Moore Falcons in the Community Chauncey Davis, Curtis Lofton, D.J. Shockley, Falcons in the Community, Hometown Huddle, Matt Ryan, Mike Schneck, Stephen Nicholas, Thomas Johnson, video

Re-signing defensive end Chauncey Davis in March was just an early step in the team’s defensive line building project for the 2009 season.

Three linemen were added in the draft (Peria Jerry, Lawrence Sidbury and Vance Walker) were added in the draft. Then there was the addition of undrafted rookie Maurice Lucas. And let’s not forget the earlier signings of Tywain Myles, Willie Evans and Thomas Johnson.

Davis, a five-year veteran, represents a core group of players asked to keep the defense in line through an infusion of youth.

“It is a change for the better,” Davis said Thursday when asked about the team’s task to replace five starters from the 2008 campaign. “We lost and added some people. It is going to be an exciting, hard-nosed, stopping the run, getting after the quarterback defense.”

Davis is currently behind Jamaal Anderson on the team’s depth chart but all the team’s linemen have seen time in various rotations and sets.

In defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder and Head Coach Mike Smith’s hit-the-quarterback-and-force-mistakes system, fresh legs are valued.

“There is a lot of competition in camp,” said Davis, who finished with four sacks and three fumble recoveries last season. “We are getting better and really helping each other. When one man is doing better he is pushing the other to get better as well.  When you have that kind of competition out there it’s great.  We want to make it hard on the coaches to make a decision on who gets to go out there and play, because our rotation is so strong.  We have a great rotation so it doesn’t matter who is out there.  We are getting after the quarterback and doing our assignment, just getting the job done.”

Smith said the team will rotate through several line pairings during the preseason opener at Detroit.

OTHER NOTES FROM THURSDAY…

… If you’re looking at position battles, Saturday will be an educational day. “I want to see how well our punt returners do,” Smith said when asked about plans for Detroit. “They are going to be auditioning for a spot since Harry Douglas is out.  I want to see the rotation on the defensive line and see how those guys compete. Also, our young corners Chris Owens and William Middleton play.”

… Smith said all four quarterbacks will play Saturday. “In terms of when each will play I don’t want to divulge that right now. I don’t think anyone should read into how the rotation takes place.”

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, training camp Brian VanGorder, Chauncey Davis, Chris Owens, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jamaal Anderson, Lawrence Sidbury, Maurice Lucas, Peria Jerry, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp, Thomas Johnson, Tywain Myles, Vance Walker, William Middleton, Willie Evans

The Falcons started the check-in process for Russell Falcons Training Camp Friday afternoon in Flowery Branch (click here for photos).

Fullback Ovie Mughelli, who will begin his seventh professional training camp on Saturday, will room with three fellow running backs in the dormitories at the practice facility for the next three weeks.

Somewhere between the exhausting practices and meetings, a team will form.

The 2009 Atlanta Falcons.

“I’m excited,” Mughelli said. “I’ve done the vacation… I’m ready for some football.”

This time last season the Falcons were predicted to win between one and five games. Few — perhaps no — NFL experts or writers had the team finishing with a winning record. But, somewhere between check-in day and the end of training camp, a team capable of an 11-5 record and playoff appearance was formed.

Now that magic turns to expectations.

“Last year we didn’t know how it was going to be trying to build a team,” defensive end Chauncey Davis said, room keys in hand. “We’ve got to come in better than we were last year in order to exceed expectations.”

Davis said a successful team is forged in the heat, aches and pains of training camp. As if on cue, the humidity in Flowery Branch rose to sticky levels Friday afternoon after two days of cloud cover and rain.

“In order to be a good football team you have to push through the pain,” he said.

Third-round pick Christopher Owens, who showed up with a backpack and two medium-sized gym bags in hand, got a head start on the heat by spending free time working out in Fresno, Calif.

He estimated the temperature rose to between 110 and 115 degrees.

“I’m nervous, but it’s a good nervous,” he said. “I don’t know what to expect, I’m just going to do my best.”

BLOGGER’S NOTE: I’ll be using Twitter and the blog (maybe a few other tools) to give regular updates from camp. Get it all at AtlantaFalcons.com.

J. Michael Moore News, training camp Chauncey Davis, Christopher Owens, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Michael Turner, Ovie Mughelli, Russell Falcons Training Camp

A few more cars were in the parking lot when I arrived at Falcons HQ this morning. More trainers and equipment staff were in the building as I cut through the locker room.

The buzz is in the air.

Training Camp in Flowery Branch is just a few days away.

As cheesy as it sounds, the mood of the building changes as camp draws near. The butterflies in the stomach get a little more rowdy and the work load gets, well, more intense.

But we wouldn’t have it any other way.

You think 2008 was an important year for the franchise? Think about the emotional and historical pressures to follow it up in 2009.

Something started in Flowery Branch last year.

Time to continue it.

Smith eager for start of training camp, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“After posting an 11-5 mark, coming within seconds of winning the NFC South title and making the playoffs in Smith’s first season, he wants to follow that with another successful season.” That was last year. Now, can anyone say the team has more pressing questions on either side of the ball than a season ago? There’s reason for optimisim.

Atlanta Falcons 101: When is training camp and is anything else happening?, Examiner.com
The best one-stop shop for training camp information outside AtlantaFalcons.com.

Falcons Chauncey Davis regrets bullying past, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I must say it’s nice to see Falcons players active in the community. It’s truly special when they adopt a cause and devote time and energy to it.

Chat with Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.com
The early position to watch in training camp will be safety. That’s why I’ll be writing about that battle on the third or fourth day.

Gonzalez big news at receiver and tight end, AF.com
The toughest position previews to write are those with little to no concerns.

Atlanta Falcons 101: What is the history of training camp?, Examiner.com
I’ve stayed in the dorms players call home during Russell Falcons Training Camp. I must say, they’re top notch.

Status check on rookie contracts, ESPN.com
Note to fans nervous about Peria Jerry’s contract situation: Do not panic. Plenty of time left before the first day of camp.

Former OU defensive standout Bryan dies, The Dallas Morning News
Rick Bryan spent nine seasons with the Falcons (more to come on the main site).

Further spreading his wings, The Boston Globe
A few notes on Matt Ryan from his adopted home town of Boston (Boston College).

Ryan, Falcons prepare for training camp, The (Columbus, Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer
You know, you can only read the back-to-back winning season thing so many times before you want to rip your eyes out. Unfortunately, we’ll be seeing it until the team reaches the 9-win mark in 2009.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Chauncey Davis, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Matt Ryan, NFC South, Peria Jerry, Rick Bryan, The Boston Globe, The Dallas Morning News, The Ledger-Enquirer

I’m a peace-loving blogger but last night I met a new arch nemesis.

Hello… Iron Gym.

The first workout with the Iron Gym left me cursing not only its inventor but the countless promoters of upper-body exercises.

It offers quite the mental and physical workout. The burning in my biceps helps me become — according to the commercial — “strong,” “lean” and “ripped.” Mentally, I’m thinking about the horror of tearing down a door frame in my house.

Apparently research shows a healthy mix of pain and fear builds stronger muscles. I need to face both issues if I want to get in — and stay in — shape during the long football season.

Endurance… it’s not just for football players. But they certainly perfect the art.

For the past few days a handful of Falcons players made their way to the facility for some brief workouts and sprints. Some of it’s rehab. Some of it’s last-minute preparation.

Training camp is not something to overlook or take lightly. Two-a-day practices in Georgia heat, weight room sessions and late night meetings take a toll the common man just can’t comprehend.

At least common men without an Iron Gym.

Measuring the Immeasurabl, The Falcoholic
My Twitter timeline was quoted in a blog! Not to kid, a head coach’s appearance in a meeting is something rare in the NFL. No secret just about anyone in this building — player or otherwise — would run through a brick wall for Smitty.

Falcons coach Smith, Gatorade battling heat-related illnesses, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For more on the “Beat the Heat” campaign and tips on fighting heat-related illness, click here.

After signing with Falcons in June, OL Newberry retires due to bad knee, NFL.com
Reports of Newberry’s retirement surfaced Tuesday morning. The team made it official with a press release Wednesday morning.

Anderson, Davis to appear at area Publix, AF.com
Chauncey Davis and Jamaal Anderson are scheduled to appear with the Tailgate Team in Loganville this Friday.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Chauncey Davis, Gatorade, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jamaal Anderson, Jeremy Newberry, NFL.com, Publix, Tailgate Team, The Falcoholic

What does a Web-addicted, news-sniffing blogger do when he needs a vacation?

He goes to Hawaii and turns the phone off.

But now it’s time to say “aloha” (goodbye) to the islands and “aloha” (hello) to Flowery Branch.

The wife and I took a nine-day vacation to visit friends in Honolulu during this slow, offseason time but I did manage to stay informed on some of the sadder news from the NFL.

(Some things you just find out about).

Before recapping some Falcons news, a word on Steve McNair.

I was relaxing before a Fourth of July barbecue when our host turned from her computer to tell me about McNair’s death. It took but a moment to realize that, for the second time, a professional football player I knew and worked with had been killed.

But it wasn’t the same story.

Darrent Williams was an inspiration — an undersized cornerback looking to prove everyone wrong before his career was cut short by a bullet. McNair was the first player I met when my NFL journey began as a Titans intern in 2004.

One of the team’s PR men took me on a tour of the building and, there in the weight room (in May), was McNair. He smiled, and — through sweat and heavy breaths — said he looked forward to working with me through training camp.

Before that day I followed McNair’s career as a fan. I watched him lead the hometown Titans to a Super Bowl and marveled at his ability to overcome pain. As my NFL path grew longer, I learned more about his uncanny ability to play through injury.

My level of respect rose.

Then, news of his death reached me half a world away. But that didn’t take away the sting.

Rest in peace, Steve.

Leadership important in youthful secondary, AF.com
Before I left for paradise, I prepared features on the website focusing on key questions facing the Falcons at this point in the offseason. More on Tony Gonzalez and the running game here and here.

Ex-Falcons Tuggle prepares son for football limelight, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For as big a sport as it is, football certainly has some eerie connections.

Video: Tony Gonzalez on joining Falcons, ESPN.com
The Falcons new tight end talks about his new team.

Atlanta Falcons’ William Moore’s approach is with common sense and no expectations, Examiner.com
If you don’t keep a level head the NFL will throw you to the side. Too many ups and downs not to approach with an open mind and a calm demeanor.

All Time Falcons Team Results So Far, The Falcoholic
Continuing a great, offseason blog feature. We’re planning some history stuff on AF.com too, so stay tuned through the season.

Offseason spotlight: What will be Gonzalez’s impact in Atlanta?, NFL.com
Note no one says Gonzalez will not make an impact.

Local NFL player greets public, Lahontan Valley (Nev.) News
From small town star to one of the “meanest” players in the NFL. Tip of the hat to Harvey Dahl.

Arthur Blank: “No question we have a better team,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Eventually — perhaps sooner rather than later — we’ll be talking about “the power of the bird” in another sense.

Falcons enjoy productive offseason, The (Dalton, Ga.) Daily Citizen
I’m amazed at how little trust is put into the front office for a cornerback position that, though young, is one of the deepest on the team. I may think differently after the first preseason game but I’ll hold judgment for a while longer.

Davis to help hold camp before heading to Training Camp, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thanks for the link, D. Led! On a related note, blocking is something people forget about when it comes to tight end. Gonzalez isn’t a future Hall of Famer for his pass-catching ability alone.

Meet the rookies: Adkins happy to represent ‘The U,’ Gainesville Times
Spencer Adkins is an interesting player. He was a situational player at Miami, so keep an eye out to see where he fits into the Falcons defensive scheme.

The Falcons: From 1-15 to the NFC title game, SN says, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Certainly a different round of predictions expectations this season.

Rader returns to run youth football camp, The Charleston (W. Va.) Gazette
Sometimes I wonder how many of these great, offseason camps we never hear about.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, NFL News AF.com, AJC, Arthur Blank, Chauncey Davis, Darrent Williams, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Gainesville Times, Harvey Dahl, Hawaii, Honolulu, Jason Rader, Jessie Tuggle, Lahontan Valley News, NFL.com, Spencer Adkins, Steve McNair, Tennessee Titans, The Charleston Gazette, The Daily Citizen, The Falcoholic, Tony Gonzalez, vacation, William Moore

Yesterday afternoon I did something unusual.

After planning for the week and getting a jump start on Monday’s emails, I sat the computer on the ottoman and — through the power of ESPN360 — watched the U.S. take on Brazil in the Confederations Cup soccer final.

To get the impact of this moment, you should know I’m not a soccer player. As a high school sports reporter, I got a 10-minute crash course on the game from a friend in chemistry class. But as I grow older something about international soccer draws me in.

Before I knew it I was cheering loudly and celebrating the United States’ early — and improbable — 2-0 lead over one of the best soccer teams in the world.

Watching the Americans falter in the second half and fall 3-2 was like a punch in the gut.

Now it pains me to think, in reality, I’m still a bandwagon fan.

But with the United States rising quickly among the ranks of the world’s most popular sport, it’s hard not to take notice.

Who wants to teach this football fan about the other football?

Ask a (Training Camp) Question, AF.com
I’m planning to answer a second round of fan questions on Wednesday before I take a week or so off. Time for a little rest, relaxation and put-off housework before the start of the season.

Two former Bulldogs, D.J. Shockley and Thomas Brown, know their roles with the Atlanta Falcons, Examiner.com
It’s not surprising Shockley and Brown are local favorites. It goes beyond their Bulldog heritage and straight to their attitude.

Atlanta Falcons Facts, The Falcoholic
Required reading for a Falcons fan. Perhaps something to keep on the end table during my upcoming respite?

Besides Ryan, Falcons are strong, ESPN.com
Saw this on the FalconsLIFE message boards. Looks like I missed it on Birdseed a while back.

Free football camp with Atlanta Falcons’ Chauncey Davis, Examiner.com
The headline says it all.

Peterson excited about fresh start with Falcons, The Gainesville (Fla.) Sun
Linebacker Mike Peterson is making the Florida youth football tour and talking about the Falcons along the way.

Summer Fantasy Outlook: Atlanta Falcons, Examiner.com
Fantasy football? Already? This is getting a little ridiculous. Then again, anything with as much fan affinity as fantasy football deserves year-round attention. I’ll still wait until late August to start my draft prep, however.

Let’s pick NFC South all-decade team, ESPN.com
Looks like Pat is taking some time off, too. This is where user-generated content has time to play. Falcons NFC South all-decade team anyone?

J. Michael Moore Birdseed Chauncey Davis, Confederations Cup, D.J. Shockley, ESPN.com, ESPN360, Examiner.com, Mike Peterson, NFC South, soccer, The Falcoholic, The Gainesville Sun, Thomas Brown

Another day, another edition of Birdseed…

The more I go through various news sites and read about the Falcons the more I realize the depth of expectations for 2009.

It’s a good thing, because the excitement is contagious.

Team releases Russell Training Camp schedule, AF.com
Start making plans now. The first weekend of training camp is often crowded.

Mughelli to appear at Vinings Publix, AF.com
Ovie Mughelli will be helping at the 11Alive food drive from noon to 1 p.m.

Falcons’ Ryan has focus for improvement, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The first of a pair of stories about the Falcons second-year quarterback.

Falcons mates say Ryan making ’scary’ improvement, The Associated Press
More about Matt Ryan and some thoughts from offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey coming later today. Let’s just say the quarterback’s improvement is status quo around Flowery Branch. But it never ceases to amaze.

Ex-Falcon Foster likely headed to Rams, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The waiver system is pretty complex and changes based on when — and if — teams make claims. No matter what, it looks like Renardo Foster will find a new home.

Catching up on Madden 10 rankings, ESPN.com
So I often use xBox as stress relief. Just one problem. I love playing Madden and that just doesn’t jive after a day of football at work. Suggestions on a new game appreciated.

Falcons’ McClure says he’s not retiring, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Todd McClure’s presence on the offensive line can’t be overlooked. You may not hear much out of him, but he’s key to success.

Ryan weighs in on setting bar for Freeman, ESPN.com
Something tells me the Josh Freeman story in Tampa Bay won’t be exactly like the Matt Ryan experience in Atlanta.

Team releases offensive lineman Alex Stepanovich, AF.com
I enjoyed chatting with ‘Step’ on the bus on road trips. Wishing him well.

Ranking the NFC South front offices, ESPN.com
I tried to predict this list with PR man Matt Conti when he read the headline. My guess? Atlanta, Carolina, New Orleans, Tampa Bay. Missed it by that much.

Dimitroff says Falcons will be better (and he can enjoy it), Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Every coach and scout deserves a vacation. So do the players. Now we wait.

A Falcons 1st Round Draft Pick Retrospective (Part 1), The Falcoholic
The NFL Draft is not an exact science. But, looking back more than 40 years can really put things in perspective.

Falcons special teams developing ‘attitude,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No wonder NFL teams devote entire practices in training camp to special teams. I’m not sure if any are open to the public, but if they are, I encourage fans to come take a look. It’s something you need to see at least once.

Atlanta Falcons’ Chauncey Davis sets an example on and off the field, Examiner.com
Fans are going to appreciate the re-signing of defensive end Chauncey Davis, on the field and off.

Shockley waiting, helping Falcons any way he can, AccessNorthGa.com
D.J. Shockley is not like the other Falcons quarterbacks.  Throws come out of his hands with great force. As he tells it, he also provides an extra set of eyes for Ryan.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed 11Alive, AccessNorthGa.com, AF.com, AJC, Alex Stepanovich, Chauncey Davis, D.J. Shockley, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Josh Freeman, Matt Conti, Matt Ryan, Mike Mularkey, NFL Draft, Ovie Mughelli, Renardo Foster, Russell Falcons Training Camp, The Falcoholic, Thomas Dimitroff, Todd McClure

NFL Network/.com reporter and all-around football guru Steve Wyche reports the Falcons and defensive end Chauncey Davis have agreed on terms for a new contract.

Atlanta drafted Davis in the fourth round of the 2005 draft out of Florida State and the 6-foot-2, 274-pound lineman immediately became a key part of the defensive line rotation.

Davis hasn’t missed a game in his four-year career and has experience as a starter (five games in 2005, 13 games in 2006 and one game in 2008). For his career, Davis has 147 tackles, eight sacks, an interception and seven fumble recoveries.

In 2008, Davis had a career-high four sacks, 35 tackles and three fumble recoveries (two in the playoff-clinching game at Minnesota).

J. Michael Moore Free Agency Chauncey Davis, NFL Network, NFL.com, Roster Moves, Steve Wyche

Free agency is under way but, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Falcons made some moves Thursday to ensure some contributors from 2008 remain in Atlanta.

According to Ledbetter, tight end Justin Peelle, linebacker Coy Wire, defensive tackle Jason Jefferson and center Ben Wilkerson agreed to terms to stay with the team. Contract talks continue with other unrestricted free agents including cornerback Domonique Foxworth and defensive end Chauncey Davis.

The team announced Sunday that free agent safety Lawyer Milloy will not be re-signed.

Peelle’s return, guarantees the top two tight ends from last season’s playoff team remain on the roster.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan didn’t throw to the tight end much in 2008, but the addition of Peelle provided an option to compliment the blocking power of Ben Hartsock.

The 29-year-old was signed at the end of the preseason and quickly integrated with an offense ran by his former position coach — current Falcons offensive coordinator — Mike Mularkey. He finished the season with 15 catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Peelle also recorded three catches for 11 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons Wild Card playoff loss at Arizona.

All the contract extensions address a position thought to be on the Falcons wish list for the NFL Draft.

Thursday, Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew said he met with Falcons staff at the Scouting Combine. He’s regarded by many experts as the best all-around tight end in the rookie class and may remain on the Falcons radar.

But, with the bulk of the league’s 10th-best scoring offense returning, the Birds are also expected to take a long look at the defense.

The move to keep Wire and Jefferson solidify some things on that side of the ball.

Jefferson, who was signed just before the start of the season, played in 13 games in 2008. He started in Week 2 at Tampa for an injured Grady Jackson.

Wire was never officially listed at the top of the depth chart in 2008 but he did take on a key role in run defense in the last four games. Wire split time with linebacker Michael Boley at strong-side linebacker and finished the year with 24 tackles and one pass defensed.

He had five solo tackls in the team’s playoff loss.

In all, five defensive starters from 2008 are on the free agent market: Boley, Foxworth, Keith Brooking, Jackson and Milloy.

Ledbetter also reports the Falcons made moves to secure the services of two restricted free agents. Right tackle Tyson Clabo and right guard Harvey Dahl received second-round tenders, meaning any team that signs them must reward Atlanta with a second-round pick.

Both players, journeymen early in their careers, started on a 2008 offensive line that allowed just 17 sacks and cleared the way for 2,443 rushing yards.

RELATED LINKS:

• FREE AGENCY HOME: More information on the Falcons 2009 free agents
• QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: More on free agency in this FAQ
• NFL.COM: Free agency news from NFL.com
• TRANSACTIONS: Click here for a list of Falcons official transactions from 2001 to present
• IMPORTANT DATES: Key days in the 2009 NFL Offseason

J. Michael Moore Free Agency AJC, Ben Hartsock, Ben Wilkerson, Brandon Pettigrew, Chauncey Davis, contracts, Coy Wire, D. Orlando Ledbetter, Domonique Foxworth, Grady Jackson, Harvey Dahl, Jason Jefferson, Justin Peelle, Keith Brooking, Lawyer Milloy, Michael Boley, Mike Mularkey, Roster Moves, tight end, Tyson Clabo