J.Mike's Missives

For the second-straight week the Falcons put together flashes of success on the field only to fizzle at key moments in the game.

Head Coach Mike Smith did not hesitate when he talked to the media Tuesday — a little more than 12 hours after losing to the New Orleans Saints — about the team’s need for consistency.

“Looking at the tape I thought there were some good things and some things we did OK but there are some things we need to get corrected,” the second-year coach said, referring to the team’s 35-27 defeat at the hands of a division rival on Monday Night Football.

“We’re not hitting on all cylinders for 60 minutes and I think that’s the thing that’s evident over the last couple weeks. We’re not sustaining our level of play through the entire game… Not to make excuses, but — and this is not just on the offensive side of the ball, this is all three phases — we’re not sustaining the level of play to get the outcome we want.”

The coach said players and coaches alike must identify the issue and look to correct it before losses pile up on the team’s 4-3 record.

“We’re all responsible for the outcomes,” he said.

OTHER NOTES FROM THE MONDAY PRESSER…

… Smith listed several positives from the game, including running back Michael Turner’s season-high 151 rushing yards. Turner had been struggling to put together a dominant game.

“It’s something we’ve been working on and trying to tweak and get going,” Smith said. “I think one of the biggest differences was Michael really running hard and down hill.”

Smith said the coaching staff added some new looks in run formations but a lot of the praise went to Turner, who took time to review tape of some of his big runs from a Pro Bowl season in 2008 prior to taking the field in New Orleans.

The head coach did not offer an injury update on running backs Jerious Norwood (hip) and Jason Snelling (hamstring), who were inactive for the game.

… Veteran kicker Jason Elam missed a pair of field goals Monday night, leading to questions about the position from the Atlanta media.

“Jason did not kick the ball like we’re accustom to seeing him kick the ball,” Smith said. “That’s something we’ll always be evaluating. We always have a backup plan in place already in terms of who would be our backup kicker. (Punter) Michael (Koenen) has done that in the past, but that’s something we’re always evaluating.”

… Cornerback Tye Hill, acquired in a trade just before the regular season, officially got the start at one of the cornerback slots Monday night but Smith said more changes could be in store as the team finds the right combination to replace Brian Williams.

Smith said Hill was consistent against the run and the pass, but added Brent Grimes and perhaps rookie Christopher Owens could see more time on defense as the season progresses.

Grimes got his first interception of the season — a leaping grab that made it into several highlight packages — Monday night.

AS FOR THE REDSKINS…

… The Falcons will return to Flowery Branch for meetings Tuesday evening before getting Wednesday off. The team is on a short week to prepare for the Washington Redskins (2-5).

“Defensively, they are very strong. I think they’re a very aggressive team. They’ve had two weeks to prepare coming off a bye week,” Smith said.

J. Michael Moore News Brent Grimes, Brian Williams, Christopher Owens, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Michael Koenen, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins

If you’re looking for a history note to impress your friends, throw out the name A.J. Trapasso.

Trapasso, a practice squad punter for the Tennessee Titans, earned a nugget in football Jeopardy after he hit the over-field scoreboard at Cowboys Stadium in the preseason.

With the Falcons set to travel to Dallas and face the Cowboys — and the monster, 160-foot scoreboard that hangs just more than 90 feet above the field — punter Michael Koenen fielded a few questions Wednesday.

Odd, but it’s one of the few times a kicker gets face time.

“That will come in play if you try to kick down the middle, but hopefully we can go to the side of that a little bit,” said Koenen, a five-year veteran.

League-wide discussion bubbled after Trapasso nailed the center of the scoreboard. Would it be raised? No. Is it within regulation? Yes. NFL officials have an easy answer to any kick that hits the board — replay of down.

With that in mind, Koenen isn’t keen on providing his coverage team with extra work.

“I’m going to try my best not to hit it because I don’t want my guys getting tired and have to go cover another kick,” he said. “I’m trying to get the guys to do one kick at a time and we’ll go from there.”

He said any hit on the board pregame would be accidental.

Dallas expects Barber, Ware to play hurt against Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The biggest down side to playing a team after its bye week? Players getting healthy.

Quotable: Wednesday Locker Room, AF.com
Additional comments from Falcons players as they get ready to face the Dallas Cowboys.

Spider-man premieres for Atlanta Falcons in Sunday night win, Examiner.com
Add this to the “interesting player actions” category. You could write a book on all the weird stuff in the locker room but, for the sake of privacy, I won’t discuss it much.

Falcons’ Norwood doubtful for game with Cowboys, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons should be OK in the kickoff return game since Eric Weems has emerged as a solid contributor. The running game is a different story, since no player can duplicate Norwood’s elusiveness and speed.

DeCoud named NFC Defensive Player of the Week, AF.com
A great honor for Thomas DeCoud and a tip of the cap to the entire Falcons defense. This is a team game, you know.

Falcons’ 2008 class continues to shine, ESPN.com
The 2009 draft class is off to a slower start but, when it comes to talent, the Falcons have a young pool.

Inactive cornerback Hill eager to debut for Falcons, CBSSports.com
It could be Tye Hill. It could be Christopher Owens. It could be Chevis Jackson. It could be a combination of all three cornerbacks replacing Brian Williams.

Falcons sign running back, release D.J. Shockley, AF.com
This business often requires sudden — and difficult — change.

Shockley had been off Falcons’ radar for a while, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The search has begun for Shockley and the AF.com team wishes him well.

Expert’s Take: Falcons at Cowboys, AF.com
One of these days the Falcons are going to crack into an expert’s list of top-5 teams. Just not there yet.

No. 3 running back a terrific Choice by Cowboys, (Wichita Falls, Texas) Times Record News
Remember Tashard Choice? He played at Georgia Tech and has been a solid player for the Cowboys. Of course, the big Atlanta tie this weekend is Keith Brooking playing his former team.

Protection vital to Falcons QB Ryan, Dallas Morning News
The Falcons offensive line hasn’t allowed a sack in four games.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed A.J. Trapasso, AF.com, AJC, Brian Williams, CBSSports.com, Chevis Jackson, Christopher Owens, Cowboys Stadium, D.J. Shockley, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Morning News, DeMarcus Ware, Eric Weems, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Georgia Tech, Jerious Norwood, Keith Brooking, Marion Barber, Matt Ryan, Michael Koenen, Tashard Choice, Tennessee Titans, Thomas DeCoud, Times Record News, Tye Hill

Defensive tackle Peria Jerry was credited with four tackles in the first quarter of Thursday’s game against the Ravens, including the first sack of his young career.

The rookie worked with the first-string defense, leading a front seven that was stout against the Ravens run game.

The group allowed 21 rushing yards in the first quarter and 3 yards in the second period.

As a junior at Ole Miss Jerry recorded 58 tackles (14 for loss). He played a big part in a defensive turnaround from 2007 to 2008. The team ranked fourth in the nation in rushing defense last season after ranking 101st the previous year.

He led the SEC with 18 tackles for loss as a senior and registered 10.5 sacks over the last two seasons.

He was the Falcons first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and, outside of some missed time after a bruised knee in mini camp, he’s gotten steady work with the first- and second-team defense.

Jerry’s was one of three Falcons sacks in the first half.

The Falcons defense, as a whole, settled down in the second quarter of Thursday’s game and put up solid numbers for the opening half.

The Ravens were 3-of-6 on third down in the first half, putting up 60 total yards. Baltimore threw for minus-10 yards in the second quarter.

IN-GAME THOUGHTS…

… Cornerback Christopher Owens forced a fumble on the Ravens third punt return of the game. The ball was recovered by Baltimore.

… Defensive end Kroy Biermann notched his first sack of the preseason in the second quarter. The play ended a streak of third-down conversions by the Ravens and forced a punt.

… After some early jitters, the Falcons secondary settled in. On the Ravens third possession of the game, cornerback Brent Grimes nearly picked off a pass intended for Justin Harper on third down. The diving knock-away forced a punt with 9:38 remaining in the half.

… John Parker Wilson checked in at quarterback for the Falcons after the team’s opening drive.

… Head Coach Mike Smith said Chevis Jackson would get playing time on the outside against the Ravens. And he did. A notable play came with just under six minutes left in the half when Jackson stayed with Harper and made a play on the ball. Incomplete. Owens checked in for Grimes on the same series, starting the shift to second-string players on the defense.

… Wilson took a shot from the Ravens 29 with 1:46 left in the half, looking for Robert Ferguson in the end zone. The two failed to connect and the drive stalled just outside the red zone. The Falcons settled for a field goal.

… Jamaal Anderson recorded a sack to end the first half. The Ravens took a 7-3 lead into the locker room.

J. Michael Moore Gameday, Preseason Baltimore Ravens, Brent Grimes, Chevis Jackson, Christopher Owens, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jamaal Anderson, John Parker Wilson, Kroy Biermann, Peria Jerry, Preseason, Robert Ferguson

New Falcons cornerback Tye Hill played his college football at Clemson, suiting up at a stadium less than two hours drive from Atlanta’s practice facility.

That alone provides some extra incentive for the former St. Louis Ram, who was traded to the Falcons Tuesday morning.

“It’s definitely going to motivate me a whole lot more,” Hill said to a small gathering of media Wednesday afternoon. “Not to say I wasn’t motivated in St. Louis, but just to be here and know people on the team and my family’s around… I feel like I’m home.”

Hill, a first-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, has recorded 94 tackles (79 solo), four interceptions, 15 passes defensed, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble in his career.

As a rookie, he started 10 of 16 games and finished the season with 42 tackles (33 solo), a team-high three interceptions, four passes defensed and one fumble recovery.

He worked on the right and left side of the field in St. Louis but says he’s willing to do whatever it takes to catch up and make an impact on the Falcons roster.

He also said he’s recovered from a knee injury that set him back earlier in his career.

Hill now turns his attention to learning the Falcons defense.

“Their verbiage is completely different then ours but, of course, there’s only so many things you can do with 11 guys,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “It will be a learning curve for him but Tye has basically played under two different systems there in St. Louis.”

MORE WEDNESDAY NOTES…

… Smith is not ready to name a backup quarterback to Matt Ryan even though seven-year veteran Chris Redman played well and led a game-winning touchdown drive Saturday against the Chargers.

“We’re not going to make that announcement until about 90 minutes before our first game when we have to turn in our third quarterback,” the coach said.

Smith said the rotation between quarterbacks Thursday evening will be different than other preseason games.

… Jerious Norwood and William Moore will not play Thursday but, if the team weren’t on a short week, their chances of seeing action would increase

“Those guys will not play in the ball game,” Smith said. “We’re still hopeful if we were playing this Sunday they could possibly be ready to go… On a short turnaround we’re not going to put them out there.”

… The Ravens game offers a chance for players lower on the depth chart to show their skills before final cuts. It’s also a chance to evaluate position battles.

“In the secondary we want to continue to get a good look at Christopher Owens,” Smith said. “Chevis Jackson will not only play nickel in this ball game, but he’ll also get some snaps at corner.”

The coach also said linebackers Robert James, Spencer Adkins and Jamie Winborn could be fighting for one or two spots depending on how the team allocates special teams positions. He added four reserve offensive linemen are likely battling for just two openings.

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason Baltimore Ravens, Chevis Jackson, Chris Redman, Christopher Owens, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jamie Winborn, Jerious Norwood, Matt Ryan, Preseason, Robert James, Spencer Adkins, Tye Hill, William Moore

If you’ve watched the Falcons this preseason you’ve seen an offense that seems able to score at will and, as Head Coach Mike Smith says, a defense that has some work to do.

It doesn’t get more simple than that.

Tight end Tony Gonzalez will be a threat in the red zone. Running back Michael Turner will move the chains. Wide receiver Roddy White will be a favorite target of quarterback Matt Ryan.

(That’s assuming collective health, of course).

The defense is young. That’s a fact.

But the beauty of preseason football is its lack of immediate pressure. The Falcons live to fight another day and, in less than two weeks, the win-loss record will revert to 0-0.

Saturday night against the Chargers I saw a defense that wasn’t afraid to get after the quarterback. Pressure came from all directions. Of course, in that situation, good quarterbacks will sometimes find the open man.

With two good signal callers, San Diego worked the ball down the field.

This preseason Smith has repeated the phrase: “the good, the bad and the ugly.”

It applied to a third-straight game over the weekend. But, with another win in the books and more clear-cut signs of aggressive scheme change and chances for improvement, rest assured the team is on the right track.

Complete Falcons-Chargers game coverage, AF.com
We had to wait to the closing seconds, but fans that stayed at the Georgia Dome until the end of the Falcons 27-24 win over the Chargers certainly got their money’s worth.

Chargers starters roll in 27-24 loss to Falcons, Associated Press
As a former employee in the AFC West, I’ve watched my share of Chargers game. This is a good team, Falcons fans. One that should contend for a conference championship.

Falcons’ dramatic win leaves plenty of concerns, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I know my opinion can be bias, but I’d worry more if Saturday were a regular-season game. Preseason doesn’t count. It’s the time to make mistakes and learn from them.

Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Curtis Lofton continues to learn double duty, Examiner.com
Now taking suggestions for a nickname for Curtis Lofton. Anyone?

Quick take on Falcons’ exhibition game, ESPN.com
I see where Saturday’s game spikes some nerves. But, as Pat Yasinskas points out, the Falcons aren’t without options. More than one way to build a solid defense in the NFL.

Falcons And Chargers Recap: Getting Defensive About The Defense, The Falcoholic
Should know more about Jerious Norwood’s injury tomorrow when Smith meets with the media.

Falcons’ new defensive look has mixed results, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Christopher Owens came back into the game and made a touchdown-saving tackle on the Chargers second-to-last drive. That series ended in a field goal and gave the Falcons a chance to march down field and win the game.

Redman leads Atlanta Falcons comeback over Chargers, Falcons win 27-24, Examiner.com
Nothing is certain, but it’s hard to argue with Chris Redman’s ability as a backup quarterback after Saturday night’s game.

It’s only preseason, but this secondary needs major work, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Good point about the late-preseason signings of Domonique Foxworth and Jamaal Fudge a season ago. It’s never to late to bring in some help. But there needs to be careful thought about who’s on the market.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason AF.com, AFC West, AJC, Associated Press, Chris Redman, Christopher Owens, Curtis Lofton, Domonique Foxworth, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jamaal Fudge, Jerious Norwood, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Pat Yasinskas, Preseason, Roddy White, San Diego Chargers, The Falcoholic

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

Rookie safety William Moore returned to practice for the first time since the opening week of Russell Falcons Training Camp on Tuesday, the next step in his recovery from minor surgery on his left knee.

At the time of surgery, Head Coach Mike Smith said the Falcons could be without their second-round pick for two to four weeks.

It’s not out of the question for Moore to play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Chargers.

“William didn’t participate fully in practice but he did the majority of practice. We’re hoping he’s not going to have any residual effects and we’ll be able to put two practices together. It’s been a long time since he’s practiced but I thought he moved around out there fairly well.”

Smith said Moore is just under three weeks removed from surgery and the team will monitor his progress.

Moore started 32 of 48 games at Missouri before the Falcons made him the 55th overall selection in the 2009 NFL Draft. He totaled three sacks, 284 tackles and 11 interceptions in college.

Smith said Moore spent extra time with defensive backs coaches Alvin Reynolds and Emmitt Thomas during his time off the field getting as many mental reps as possible. If he keeps progressing without setbacks the Falcons could see him in game action before the start of the regular season.

MORE NOTES FROM TUESDAY…

… Defensive tackle Jason Jefferson (hip flexor) and cornerback Christopher Owens (leg) missed practice Tuesday. Smith said the team will know more about Jefferson, who has missed both preseason games, in the coming days. The coach described Owens injury as a “tweak” and he’s expected on the field Wednesday.

… The Falcons spent Tuesday installing a game plan for the San Diego Chargers and fans can expect the team’s starters to get their most extensive action of the preseason during the game. Just as important as installing a pre-game plan, is making halftime adjustments.

That’s why starters will play into the third quarter.

“We want to get our guys to at least come out after halftime and come out and play so the first time it happens isn’t when we play Miami,” Smith said. “We’ll go through the first half and try to make some adjustments with those guys and get them back at least for one series, possibly longer in the third quarter.”

… The Falcons made improvements from preseason Week 1 to preseason Week 2, especially on defense. A week after allowing 191 rushing yards to the Lions, Atlanta allowed just 26 first-half yards on the ground to the Rams.

“It was a situation where we fit the run a lot better,” Smith said. “When you don’t go out and do it full speed you’re at a little bit of a disadvantage. I think our guys have a better understanding after watching the tape of the first game. There’s going to be some growing pains; we have a lot of new players on our defense.”

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason Alvin Reynolds, Christopher Owens, Emmitt Thomas, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Jefferson, San Diego Chargers, William Moore

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

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

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