J.Mike's Missives

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

Normally roster moves on an NFL practice squad isn’t headline news. But, when a team needs to get healthy bodies in practice and releases a popular name, the script is changed.

Wednesday the Falcons released former Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley from the practice squad.

Facing injuries to fullback Ovie Mughelli and running back Jerious Norwood on the active roster, Atlanta added rookie running back Antone Smith in Shockley’s place.

Shockley spent 2008 as the team’s No. 3 quarterback but was placed on the practice squad before 2009 began when rookie John Parker Wilson won the third spot behind Matt Ryan and Chris Redman.

Shockley was drafted by the Falcons in 2006, spending that season as the third quarterback. He injured his knee in the 2007 preseason and went on injured reserve for the remainder of the year.

Smith, 5-9, 190 pounds, was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Detroit Lions at the conclusion of his collegiate career at Florida State.

He graduated ranking eighth on the school’s all-time career rushing list with 492 attempts for 2,253 yards and 26 touchdowns.

In his senior season (2008), Smith led the ACC in touchdowns with 15 and was second overall in the conference in scoring.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley, Jerious Norwood, John Parker Wilson, Matt Ryan, Ovie Mughelli, practice squad

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

The Falcons agreed to terms with veteran defensive back Brian Williams Sunday evening, adding a versatile player that is familiar with Head Coach Mike Smith’s style of defense.

Williams played under Smith — then the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator — in 2006 and 2007, starting 29 games at cornerback. The eight-year veteran has 93 starts (107 games), 484 tackles, 18 interceptions, four sacks, nine forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 94 passes defensed in his career.

In 2008, Williams started all 16 games for the Jaguars, finishing with 89 tackles and two interceptions.

The move is the second to affect the Falcons secondary in little less than a week. Last Tuesday Atlanta added former first-round pick Tye Hill in a trade with St. Louis to help sure up a young secondary.

Williams can play multiple positions.

“Brian Williams is a veteran player who gives us versatility in the secondary with the ability to play both cornerback and safety,” General Manger Thomas Dimitroff said Sunday evening. “Adding Brian to our roster is consistent with our plan to improve our team when the opportunity presents itself.”

Williams led Jacksonville with 14 passes defensed in 2007, adding a pick in three straight games at one point in the season. His best year came as a member of the Minnesota Vikings (2003: 80 tackles, five interceptions, three sacks).

The Falcons kept 10 defensive backs at the final roster cut, the oldest being six-year veteran Erik Coleman. The addition of Williams and Hill, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, shows the front office’s ability to make valuable additions in a short amount of time.

“One week ago, Falcons needed CB help,” Schefter writes on his Twitter page, “In one week, they got vet CBs Tye Hill and Brian Williams for a 7th-round pick. That’s great work.”

In other words, in one week the Falcons added 145 games of NFL experience (114 starts) and retained the young, athletic players that learned the system through the preseason and Russell Falcons Training Camp.

PRACTICE SQUAD THOUGHTS…

… Atlanta added eight players to the practice squad Sunday, all of which carrying previous experience with the team.

… Two players were selected by the team in the draft over the past two seasons (Vance Walker and Robert James).

… D.J. Shockley joins the practice squad after being the No. 3 quarterback in 2008. The team continues to carry four quarterbacks in camp — an advantage in resting arms during practice and allowing options for the future.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Adam Schefter, Brian Williams, D.J. Shockley, Erik Coleman, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, practice squad, Robert James, Thomas Dimitroff, Twitter, Tye Hill, Vance Walker

The Falcons released 13 players Saturday and the list includes some familiar names.

Former Georgia standouts Thomas Brown and D.J. Shockley were released along with two players from the team’s 2009 Draft class: cornerback William Middleton and defensive tackle Vance Walker.

The team also released wide receiver Troy Bergeron, offensive lineman Michael Butterworth, wide receiver Robert Ferguson, linebacker Robert James, wide receiver Aaron Kelly, defensive end Maurice Lucas, tight end Jason Rader, offensive guard Jose Valdez and linebacker Jamie Winborn.

“Today is never an easy day for anyone in the organization,” General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “With that said however, we are pleased with our roster heading into the 2009 campaign. Our staff did a tremendous job of evaluating the entire team throughout the offseason, which included mini-camp, OTAs, training camp and preseason games.”

Shockley was the team’s third quarterback in 2008 but lost the position to undrafted rookie John Parker Wilson, who put up solid stats in the preseason in limited snaps.

Brown worked as a kickoff return man and reserve running back in the preseason after missing all of 2008 — his rookie year — with a groin injury.

“It’s always difficult to see players being released especially considering how hard everyone has worked,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “I feel like we have a good group of guys in place and I’m looking forward to moving on to the regular season.”

Winborn was signed just before the start of Russell Falcons Training Camp and provided support at linebacker and on special teams during the preseason.

Kelly, Valdez and Lucas were rookies that joined the Falcons after the NFL Draft.

James was a 2008 Draft selection that spent the season on injured reserve.

Rader joined the team for the second time in 2008 and played in five games (one start) after former tight end Ben Hartsock went on IR.

Ferguson joined the Falcons early in training camp after No. 3 receiver Harry Douglas tour an ACL in his knee. He spent the first part of his career with the Packers and Vikings.

Bergeron spent three seasons with the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League. He was in his second stint with the Falcons, working with the team 2006 training camp.

Butterworth worked at right tackle through the preseason. He joined the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008.

The final roster breakdown includes:

• Nine defensive linemen (four tackles, five ends)
• Six linebackers (three starters and a backup at each position)
• 10 defensive backs (five cornerbacks and five safeties)
• Five wide receivers (including 11-veteran Marty Booker)
• Three quarterbacks (two will likely be active on gameday)
• Three tight ends (Keith Zinger wins the final spot over Rader)
• Nine offensive linemen (Quinn Ojinnaka continues to backup multiple positions)
• Five running backs (three tailbacks and a pair of fullbacks: Ovie Mughelli and Verron Haynes)
• Two kickers (Jason Elam and Michael Koenen)
• One long-snapper (returning starter Mike Schneck)

The Falcons can establish an eight-player practice squad starting on Sunday.

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, Roster Moves Aaron Kelly, Ben Hartsock, breaking news, D.J. Shockley, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jamie Winborn, Jason Elam, Jason Rader, John Parker Wilson, Jose Valdez, Keith Zinger, Marty Booker, Maurice Lucas, Michael Butterworth, Michael Koenen, Mike Schneck, Ovie Mughelli, Preseason, Quinn Ojinnaka, Robert Ferguson, Robert James, Thomas Brown, Thomas Dimitroff, Troy Bergerson, Vance Walker, Verron Haynes, William Middleton

On the scoreboard, the outcome of the final preseason game of 2009 wasn’t what the Falcons wanted. The Ravens are on their way home with a 20-3 win.

In terms of experience and tune-ups, the Falcons got a what they needed.

The Birds tested new rotations, got a look at some players on the bubble and gave the first-team offense and defense a chance to knock off some more rust Thursday night. In the end, some young players with familiar names shined.

Rookie defensive tackle Peria Jerry was credited with four tackles and notched his first sack of the preseason. His tackle number was just below team-leader Kroy Biermann, who recorded six total stops and a sack.

In all, the Falcons sacked Ravens quarterback John Beck four times.

The defense allowed 20 points and a 91-yard, first-quarter scoring drive, but all-in-all, some positives were found and the coaches got what they were after.

And isn’t that what the preseason is all about?

“The objective of tonight’s game, first and foremost, was to look at a lot of guys that were battling for roster spots and see how they handle certain situations,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “Even some of the calls we made we may not have made in a regular-season game, just to see how they handle certain things.”

The Falcons trailed 7-3 for most of the game, but the Ravens opened up an insurmountable lead in the fourth quarter with 13 unanswered points.

Beck finished the night with 232 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns, while the Falcons worked with three signal-callers: Matt Ryan, John Parker Wilson and D.J. Shockley.

Wilson led the way with 80 passing yards on 13 of 19 completions.

Wide receiver Troy Bergeron caught three passes for 23 yards and running back Thomas Brown got 11 rushes for a game-high 39 yards.

The defense improved third-down play from last week, allowing a 44-percent success rate. The group also held the Ravens to less than 100 yards rushing.

All the numbers will get crunched Thursday evening, early Friday morning and into Saturday as the Falcons coaching and personnel staffs make calls on the 53-man list.

CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE ROSTER

The team must cut 20 players before close of business Saturday, then turn attention to the Miami Dolphins.

“Putting the 53-man roster together is one of the most difficult things because there have been 80 guys working with us since March,” Smith said. “We’re going to have to make some tough decisions but that’s the way this league is set up.”

MORE FROM THE FALCONS-RAVENS GAME:

• GAME CENTER: Stats and more fromthe NFL.com Game Center
• GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete coverage from the AF.com team
• NOTEBOOK: Jerry, defensive line picks up the pressure
• BLOGS: J. Michael Moore’s blog posts from Sept. 3, 2009
• POLL: What are your thoughts about upcoming roster moves?
• GAME NOTES: Official game notes from the Georgia Dome press box
• FIRST TAKE: Head Coach Mike Smith | Jerry | Ryan | Brown
• NFL NETWORK: Highlights from the Falcons final preseason game
• QUOTES: Falcons players and coaches | Ravens
• BOARDS: Talk about the Falcons loss to the Baltimore Ravens

J. Michael Moore Gameday, Preseason Baltimore Ravens, D.J. Shockley, Head Coach Mike Smith, Kroy Biermann, Matt Ryan, Peria Jerry, Preseason, Thomas Brown, Troy Bergeron

Quarterback John Parker Wilson took over the offense after the opening drive of the game and led the team into the third quarter.

The undrafted rookie out of Alabama completed 13 of 19 passes for 80 yards against the Ravens, piloting the offense for much of the game.

Former Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley checked into the game with 2:14 left in the third quarter.

At no time during the preseason has the battle for backup quarterback been so apparent as Thursday night.

Against the Chargers, Matt Ryan and Chris Redman played the bulk of the game, with Redman leading a game-winning touchdown drive.

Shockley played significantly against the Rams in the second week of the preseason. Wilson got light work in other games.

Head Coach Mike Smith hasn’t named a No. 2 quarterback but said repeatedly during Russell Falcons Training Camp that the quarterback position behind Ryan was subject to competition.

SECOND-HALF, IN-GAME OBSERVATIONS…

… The Falcons got into Ravens territory early in the second half, but Jason Elam missed a 35-yard field goal that would have pulled the team to within one point. The Ravens held on to a 7-3 lead through the third period and took a 10-3 lead early in the fourth.

… Undrafted free agent Maurice Lucas (Colorado) got the Falcons fourth sack of the game with just more than two minutes left in the third quarter.

… After a solid first half, rookie defensive tackle Peria Jerry returned to work in the third quarter. He burst into the backfield on a play at the end of the third quarter that resulted in a tackle for loss and set up third-and-15 from the Ravens 45.

… Conerback Chevis Jackson got a key pass breakup in the first half. He had another in the fourth quarter. The second-year player knocked away a pass that forced a Ravens field goal with 13:20 remaining in the game.

… Georgia native Thomas Brown had a nice, 25-yard run in the third quarter that pushed the Falcons into Ravens territory.

… Keith Zinger and Jason Rader could be fighting for a single spot now that the team has released tight end Ben Hartsock. Zinger got into the game in the third quarter, recording two catches for 19 yards. Rader had one catch for 7 yards in the third period.

J. Michael Moore Gameday, Preseason Baltimore Ravens, Chevis Jackson, Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Jason Rader, John Parker Wilson, Keith Zinger, Matt Ryan, Maurice Lucas, Peria Jerry, Preseason, Thomas Brown

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

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

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

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

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

And Wilson?

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

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

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

Let’s start with the obvious observation from Friday’s preseason win over the Rams.

The Falcons offense looked good.

Call it an understatement or bland, but it’s the simplest and most effective explanation for a group that is both blue collar and flashy, strong and precise.

It starts with the offensive line which, for the second-straight week, did not allow a sack in the first half. Quarterback Matt Ryan missed on just one pass against the Rams and renewed his comfort with handing the ball to Michael Turner (how’s that for a safety net?) and got on the same page with his new, Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Two first-quarter drives for the first-team offense produced 107 total yards, 14 points and ate 9:03 of game clock.

Sure, it’s the preseason. Yes, the Rams have a new coaching staff (but a defensive-minded one). Absolutely, we can’t read much into just 17 plays.

But it’s not often you see a team firing on this many cylinders after the second exhibition game.

Complete Falcons-Rams Game Coverage, AF.com
Head Coach Mike Smith gave his team the day off Saturday. The Birds will return to the office Sunday and, come Tuesday, start game planning for the San Diego Chargers.

Falcons jump Rams early in 20-13 win, Associated Press
Smith said one of the goals was to get an early lead and “start fast.” That’s when the team was successful in 2008. Why change the recipe in 2009?

Gonzalez, Falcons first-team offense shreds Rams, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last season Brian Finneran was a big target on third down. Now the team also has a 10-time Pro Bowler to get open at key moments. The secret to a good offense isn’t necessarily explosiveness. It’s staying on the field.

Atlanta Falcons at a glance, The (Columbus, Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer
Through two presason games it seems the defense is still the side of the ball to watch and evaluate. Still worried about the offense? See above.

Atlanta Falcons control first half, win 20-13 over St. Louis Rams, Examiner.com
Gonzalez one-on-one with a cornerback? I’ll take that matchup any day of the week.

Shockley unimpressive against Ram, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The preseason doesn’t begin — or end — with one game. D.J. Shockley led a scoring drive in the game. Let’s also remember game planning isn’t very in-depth for the first or second exhibition game.

Observations on the Falcons, ESPN.com
“Really cool stat from the radio crew: The last preseason meeting between Atlanta and St. Louis came in 1991. Brett Favre, then an Atlanta rookie, was the starting quarterback for the Falcons.” That came directly from Frank Kleha’s new Falcons blog: Time Machine.

The 2009 Falcons: A slow start yields to a furious finish, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Never too early for a little schedule predictions I guess. I’ll hold my judgment to the bye week and after the Falcons have played in three regular-season games.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Brett Favre, Brian Finneran, D.J. Shockley, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Frank Kleha, Head Coach Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Preseason, San Diego Chargers, St. Louis Rams, The Ledger-Enquirer, Time Machine, Tony Gonzalez

BLOGGER’S NOTE: We’re entering the fourth quarter here at the Edward Jones Dome, meaning I will soon close up the computer and make the trip to the sideline. More coverage through Twitter (@FalconsJMoore) and after the game.

D.J. Shockley led the Falcons offense into the third quarter of Friday’s game in St. Louis and continued to shake off rust from the opening half.

An earlier interception led to a Rams field goal and, in the third quarter, Shockley and the offense turned the ball over again. The Rams sent a blitz from the quarterback’s right on second-and-8 at the Falcons 27 with just more than 10 minutes remaining in the period.

Shockley was sacked and the ball stripped.

Two plays later Rams quarterback Brock Berlin found Derek Stanley with a touchdown pass.

The Falcons rebounded on the next drive, using a mix of key passes from Shockley, runs by Jason Snelling and Rams penalties to work the ball into Rams territory. A Snelling fumble was overturned after a coach’s challenge, but a third-down scramble by Shockley came up short and the Falcons settled for a 34-yard field goal.

End of third, Falcons up 17-10.

A LOOK AT THE IN-GAME THOUGHTS…

… Another sack by Lawrence Sidbury in the third quarter raised some eye brows in the press box. It went for a 6-yard loss that forced a second-and-16 at the St. Louis 45.

It was also his second sack of the day.

… On the next Falcons possession after Shockley’s fumble, Chandler Williams took over kickoff and punt return duties. Williams slipped on the kickoff return but the Falcons got some extra yardage when Rams cornerback David Roach was flagged for a facemask.

J. Michael Moore Gameday, News, Preseason, highlights Chandler Williams, D.J. Shockley, Gameday, highlights, Jason Snelling, Lawrence Sidbury, Preseason, St. Louis Rams