J.Mike's Missives

For those that stayed awake into Tuesday morning to see if the Falcons could finish off an unlikely comeback and tie the game off an improbable Saints turnover and successful onside kick recovery, here’s what you missed.

In one word.

Effort.

Undying, unbridled, passionate, effort.

This game was more than an NFC South rivalry duel. It was also more than a simple loss, which is what got recorded to the Falcons schedule in New Orleans: 35-27.

Effort manifested itself in a number of ways, including four Saints turnovers forced by the defense, halftime adjustments that resulted in closing a two-score gap to just four points in the final quarter and reserve linebacker Coy Wire coming out of the pile for what could have been a game-changing fumble recovery and exploding from another mass of bodies with the football on what could have been a game-altering onside kick recovery.

All experts polled on ESPN prior to the game picked the Saints. Many thought the contest — pairing one of the league’s top offenses against a young, in many ways unproven defense — would be over quickly.

Not the case.

The Falcons defense played with heart and put pressure on Saints quarterback Drew Brees, even scoring off a sack-forced-fumble combo and intercepting the Pro Bowler to end another scoring chance.

That created opportunities for the offense, led by a resurgent Michael Turner (151 rushing yards and a score).

But it doesn’t take long for a game to take a sudden — and frustrating — turn.

For close to 55 minutes the Falcons (4-3) were in a position to give the Saints their first loss of the 2009 season. But for two brief stretches at inopportune times with unfortunate moments, victory was unraveled.

In the matter of 24 seconds in the second quarter of Monday’s game at New Orleans (7-0) the Birds watched as tie game devolved into a 14-point deficit. That’s what happens when Reggie Bush has an opening for a touchdown run and, two plays from scrimmage later, Matt Ryan throws an interception to Jabari Greer that’s returned for a score.

After solid halftime planning, the Falcons closed the gap to 28-24.

Then, more pieces fell into place.

A Saints turnover. A chance to take a fourth-quarter lead.

But that, too, was vanquished with a tipped pass and goal-line interception. The Saints attempted to put the game to bed with another touchdown, but the Falcons effort does not know quit.

It is ironic that, for the most part, each team did what it set out to do. There will be positive with negative to review on film and plenty learned for when these teams meet again in December.

It wasn’t the shootout experts suggested or the defensive battle that can arise from spirited play.

It was an in-between game between teams with something to prove.

And they did it with effort.

J. Michael Moore Gameday Coy Wire, Drew Brees, Jabari Greer, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, Reggie Bush

Happy Halloween, Falcons Fans.

I’ll open with a horror story.

In recent history, the Saints in the Superdome have been the Lucy to the Falcons’ Charlie Brown. The football is there to be kicked — the game is there to win — but it’s pulled away at the last minute.

The Falcons haven’t won in New Orleans since 2002 and, excluding a win over the Saints in San Antonio after Hurricane Katrina, have lost those five games by an average margin of less than 10 points.

Now for the treat.

Difficulties on the road are part of this great NFL rivalry, but overall the Falcons have won more road games against the Saints than they’ve lost. In fact, Atlanta holds a 44-35 advantage in the series that, at least this season, appears to be an early battle for the NFC South title.

A win on Monday Night Football would certainly be the sweetest candy but it’s going to take some creative trickery to get past the 6-0 Saints.

Keeping with the “Peanuts” theme, let’s draw some inspiration from Snoopy.

He’s the beagle we all love.

And he’s the beagle that’s always trying to be something he’s not.

But with a little imagination — and a red scarf — Snoopy could turn his doghouse into a Sopwith Camel. And with a little creativity — and focus — the Falcons can defeat the New Orleans Saints.

What mask will the Birds wear Monday night?

Showdown set with NFL’s top offense, AF.com
No one ever said this game was going to be easy. Click here for more coverage from AF.com as we get closer to kickoff.

“Who Dat Ded?,” The Canvas, By Superfan
I’m really starting to love the work coming from Superfan these days. Special thanks to the contest winner who provided the inspiration this week.

NFC rankings: Falcons drop, Vikings hold, Saints (duh), Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Good to see an actual separation between the Rams and Bucs at No. 15 and 16. But I did like putting them at a tie for last place.

Mughelli Practices, Snelling Doesn’t, The Beat Blog
Injuries are numerous, but I wouldn’t say they’re piling up. For more injury updates, visit the Piedmont Healthcare Injury Report.

Saints’ Brees outworks, outplays, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As a fan of football, I’m happy for Drew Brees. It’s good to see success, especially on a second stop in a career. As a fan of the Falcons… Not so much.

Is it time for the Atlanta Falcons to hit the panic button?, Examiner.com
The cover is still closed and locked on said panic button, if there even is one in Flowery Branch.

Falcons’ Ryan trying to shake sophomore slump, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve seen a lot of veteran quarterbacks put a couple of rough games together. What do you call it then when you can’t call it a “sophomore slump?”

Final Word: NFC South, ESPN.com
“I’m real interested to see how flexible Atlanta coach Mike Smith and offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey are. The Falcons are supposed to be a run-first team and that worked out just great last year.”

New Orleans Saints-Atlanta Falcons, what they’re saying, The Times-Picayune
A run down of Falcons-Saints stories from the New Orleans paper of record.

Sharper, opportunistic defence(sic) create worries for Atlanta Falcons, The Canadian Press
I’ll admit, when Darren Sharper signed with the Saints, I got a little worried. He’s one of the best safeties I’ve ever seen in person.

Saints/Falcons rivalry deserves more national respect, The Daily Comet
Was it the Daily Comet or Daily Planet in Superman? I can’t remember.

Stecker predicts ‘crazy’ scene for Falcons-Saints, The Associated Press
Interested to see how much playing time newly-signed (and former Saint) running back Aaron Stecker gets Monday night. Most of that depends on how banged up the Falcons backfield is.

Talking Saints With Canal Street Chronicles, The Falcoholic
When these two bloggers get together, one post just isn’t enough: Part One | Part Two

J. Michael Moore Birdseed Aaron Stecker, AF.com, AJC, Charlie Brown, Darren Sharper, Drew Brees, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Friday Pep Talk, Halloween, Head Coach Mike Smith, Hurricane Katrina, injury, Jason Snelling, Matt Ryan, Mike Mularkey, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, Ovie Mughelli, Peanuts, Snoopy, Superfan, The Associated Press, The Beat Blog, The Canadian Press, The Daily Comet, The Falcoholic, The Times-Picayune, video

Contrary to popular belief, working out of the home office isn’t always so great.

Take three days before the biggest Falcons game of the year…

As I type, I’m laid up in the comfy office chair with some sort of illness that may or may not be mildly contagious.  That said, I’m not taking any chances (who wants to be the guy that gets everyone sick)?

Luckily, I’m blessed to have great friends and coworkers that make up the rest of the AF.com team.

Matt Moore, New Media Intern Vance and John Manasso kept things going.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONS-SAINTS PREVIEW

I know everyone is going to talk this weekend — and at the office Monday — about the Saints offense and what the Falcons need to do to slow down Drew Brees on Monday Night Football. But the thing that continues to draw my attention is the New Orleans defense.

As Matt (@FalconsMMoore) puts it: “We always knew they were scary on paper, but they’re starting to put it together a bit.”

New defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was the architect of a Titans defense that helped the team to the Super Bowl and, though he hasn’t had success as a head coach, his defenses have sparked teams to greatness.

With that, here are some of my Keys to the Game (live from the office chair):

• Plan well. I hate to go back to preparation because game day often requires last-minute adjustments, but the Saints have a top-5 offense and score upwards of 40 points a game like I’ve been flipping channels from the sick bed. They make it look easy. You beat that with careful preparation.
• Handle the pressure. I’m stealing this one from John but trust when I say it would be a key if I were on the air or not. According to center Todd McClure the Saints have been blitzing on more than 50 percent of their plays. Part of that is because they’ve played with ridiculous leads and know the opponent is passing. Part of it is game plan. Oh, thanks John.
• Run, run, run. The best defense is a good offense. If the Falcons can run the ball early and get a lead on New Orleans then hold on to the ball and control the clock, tremendous amounts of pressure will be removed from the defense. And, against Drew Brees and Co. it will be appreciated.

MORE FALCONS-SAINTS COVERAGE:

• SCOUTING REPORT: Updates on injuries and key stats from John Manasso
• GAMEDAY LIVE: Stats, preview information, video and more from AF.com
• BLOGS: An inside look at the Falcons on the official blog site<
• VIDEO: Video interviews and more as the Falcons prep for the Saints
• FALCONCAST: Matt and John preview Monday night’s game against the Saints
• INJURY REPORT: Updates on Falcons and Saints injuries
• EXPERT’S TAKE: Thoughts on the NFL and the Falcons running game
• WHAT TO WATCH: Some stats that could be key on Monday night
• NUMBERS, NOTES AND COLORS: Notes and fun facts to get you ready for the game

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Drew Brees, Gregg Williams, John Manasso, Keys to the Game, Matt Moore, New Media Intern Vance, New Orleans Saints, Todd McClure

This could go well or, like Homer Simpson conducting a monorail, I could be horribly unfit for this job and the mock draft spiral out of control.

Either way we’re in for a wild ride and a little fun, right!?

Keep in mind this is one man’s opinion.

No. 1 — Detroit Lions
QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia

In a perfect world the Lions should trade out of this spot and try to stock pile some picks in the second and third round. But, the NFL is not a perfect world and the Lions already have the luxury of two first-round picks. Stafford has the arm of a franchise quarterback but he may not be ready to play as quickly as Matt Ryan.

No. 2 — St. Louis Rams
T Eugene Monroe, Virginia

Brandon Albert was projected as a tackle in the NFL and he was left as a guard in college because of Monroe’s skill. The 6-foot-5, 309-pound lineman will clear the way for the Rams running game and start a small run on linemen in this draft.

No. 3 — Kansas City Chiefs
LB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest

Plans changed in Kansas City after the Chiefs traded for quarterback Matt Cassel. Matt Sanchez was an option here, but now the Chiefs can add the best defensive play maker on the board. Trading out of the spot is not out of the question, but fans in KC should be happy no matter what.

No. 4 — Seattle Seahawks
T Jason Smith, Baylor

Andre Smith didn’t do himself any favors when he left the Combine early. Though he and Jason may be 1 and 1-a in terms of offensive tackles, the Baylor star gets the nod in Seattle to help beef up the offensive line.

No. 5 — Cleveland Browns
DB Malcom Jenkins, Ohio State

Is he a cornerback? Is he a safety? Does it matter? The Browns need some help on defense and, while he may not be the most athletic “cornerback,” Jenkins’ versatility makes him a safe pick.

No. 6 — Cincinnati Bengals
T Andre Smith, Alabama

Smith fell but he didn’t fall far. The massive left tackle may have issues when it comes to maintaining weight but that shouldn’t matter much for a team looking to sure up an offensive line that will be protecting a golden-arm quarterback coming off an injury.

No. 7 — Oakland Raiders
WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech

Crabtree revealed at the Combine that he played the 2008 season with a stress fracture. Injured or not, he was the best wide receiver in college football. There’s a risk with Crabtree, but that’s never stopped the Raiders in the past.

No. 8 — Jacksonville Jaguars
DT B.J. Raji, Boston College

The Jaguars need an offensive tackle, but the moves at the top of this mock draft puts the team in a tough spot. The other top tackles, though good, may not warrant a top-10 pick. Jacksonville may look to trade out of the spot or pick up Raji, to bring back some of the defensive tackle magic with John Henderson.

No. 9 — Green Bay Packers
DE/LB Brian Orakpo, Texas

I tossed around the idea of Beanie Wells and Knowshon Moreno here but the Packers are switching to a 3-4 defense. That requires some attention toward specialized personnel. Orakpo is a pass-rush specialists in a linebacker’s body.

No. 10 — San Francisco 49ers
QB Mark Sanchez, USC

The flirtation with Kurt Warner tells me the 49ers may not be overly-thrilled with the 2009 quarterback class. Then again, the acquisition of a veteran quarterback like Damon Huard could be a move to set the stage for another rookie signal-caller.

No. 11 — Buffalo Bills
TE Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State

It’s a high pick for a tight end but I have a suspission Pettigrew will up his stock at his pro day and will gain more traction as the best all-around tight end in a draft of pass catchers/weak blockers.

No. 12 — Denver Broncos
DE/LB Everette Brown, Florida State

If the Broncos don’t sign all the remaining free agents on the market they’ll be looking to draft for a new, 3-4 defense. Brown fits the description of a pass rusher that can also drop into coverage. Denver had trouble getting a pass rush last season. Maybe Brown’s 21.5 tackles for loss (13.5 sacks) as a junior can translate to the NFL.

No. 13 — Washington Redskins
DE Tyson Jackson, LSU

You paid all that money to get Albert Haynesworth and hold on to cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Now, get someone to replace Jason Taylor.

No. 14 — New Orleans Saints
RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia

We wait until No. 14 for the first real surprise. Running back may not be the most pressing need for the Saints, but New Orleans got a look at what two first-round running backs can do (Carolina) and Moreno’s pass-catching ability makes for a good fit with Drew Brees. There’s also some insurance for Reggie Bush.

No. 15 — Houston Texans
DE Aaron Maybin, Penn State

Mario Williams. Good pick. But, the Texans still need someone on the other side of the defensive line to build the defense needed to top the Titans and Colts in the AFC South. Maybin has linebacker size right now but could bulk up to play defensive end. Either way, the Texans get the versatile player they thought they had back in 2004 with Jason Babin.

No. 16 — San Diego Chargers
LB Rey Maualuga, USC

The Chargers may be hoping Moreno is on the board for this pick, but a big-time linebacker isn’t a bad backup plan. San Diego’s defense took a step back in 2008 after the loss of Shawn Merriman. If they keep a big defensive line in front of him, Maualuga could be a Ray Lewis-type player in a 3-4 defense.

No. 17 — New York Jets
CB Vonte Davis, Illinois

After being big spenders in free agency the last few years the Jets don’t have a lot of holes to address (except for quarterback). But, don’t look for new head coach Rex Ryan to support a gamble on a mid-round signal caller. Davis is raw but athletic. He’ll fit in nicely with the Baltimore-style defense Ryan is looking to install.

No. 18 — Chicago Bears
DE Larry English, Northern Illinois

Remember when the Bears defense was close to unstoppable? Those days disappeared somehow and Chicago enters 2009 with a need to upgrade the pass rush. The Monsters of the Midway don’t look far to get their newest member.

No. 19 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LB Brian Cushing, USC

Cushing looks like the hard-nosed, high-motor linebacker that just walked off the set of “Friday Night Lights.” That’s why he’s so easy to like. The Bucs made an effort to get younger this offseason and Cushing — along with his All-American status — fits that mold.

No. 20 — Detroit Lions (from Dallas)
DT Peria Jerry, Ole Miss

He’s no Haynesworth… Yet. New Lions coach Jim Schwartz knows all-to-well the importance of having a dominant defensive tackle. Jerry has to prove himself at the pro level but he’s already done a nice job getting to the quarterback in the SEC, just like Haynesworth.

No. 21 — Philadelphia Eagles
RB Beanie Wells, Ohio State

Brian Westbrook is still the key to the Eagles offense but his game doesn’t lend itself to a straight-ahead style. The Eagles also haven’t been a team to really work the running game along the goal line. Wells gives the team a big running back and plenty of options.

No. 22 — Minnesota Vikings
QB Josh Freeman, Kansas State

Another tough pick. The Vikings could go for a cornerback here (which may lead to a trade with some secondary-hungry teams) or take another shot at a quarterback of the future. If they don’t trade the pick or decide to take an Alphonso Smith/D.J. Moore type, the Vikes could pull the trigger on another young gunslinger.

No. 23 — New England Patriots
LB Clay Matthews, USC

He would fit in with the Falcons, but the Patriots need to do something to beef up the linebacker/defensive end group after trading away Mike Vrabel. Matthews is a hard-worker and may spawn some creative blitz packages.

No. 24 — Atlanta Falcons
CB Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest

He’s a smart, athletic and aggressive cornerback that leaves Wake Forest as the ACC’s all-time interception leader. Of course, cornerback is just one position of need in Atlanta and the No. 24 pick allows the Birds to take the best defensive player on the board, whoever that may be.

No. 25 — Miami Dolphins
LB James Laurinaitus, Ohio State

Laurinaitus is a steady middle linebacker that, like former Buckeye A.J. Hawk, can anchor a defense for many years. And, am I the only one that just feels like he’s “Bill Parcells Guy?”

No. 26 — Baltimore Ravens
WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri

The signing of Domonique Foxworth makes Baltimore’s plan a little more flexable. Derrick Mason is getting older and Joe Flacco needs another weapon. Enter Maclin, who some have projected as a top-15 pick.

No. 27 — Indianapolis Colts
WR Dariius Heward-Bay, Maryland

Marvin Harrison is gone in Indy and the Colts have never been a team not to reload at a position (think Anthony Gonzalez after the departure of Brandon Stokley). Heward-Bay ran a 4.3-40-yard dash at the Combine. Wonder what Peyton Manning can do with that kind of speed?

No. 28 Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina)
S Louis Delmas, Western Michigan

The Eagles could have been thinking offensive line here but the signing of Stacy Andrews addressed some problems at that position. Needing to replace Brian Dawkins, the Eagles go after a safety.

No. 29 — New York Giants
WR Percy Harvin, Florida

New York doesn’t want Terrell Owens but there’s still a need at wide receiver. Harvin may also be on Tennessee’s radar, so don’t be surprised if there’s a pick swap scenario.

No. 30 — Tennessee Titans
DT Ron Brace, Boston College

Though his backup played well in 2008, the Titans still need a replacement for Haynesworth. Brace may have stuck around into the second round but the draft is no time to take chances.

No. 31 –Arizona Cardinals
RB LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh

The Cardinals would love to see one of the top running backs drop but plenty of scouts love McCoy. If Arizona had a true running game in 2008 they could have done much better than a 9-7 record.

No. 32 — Pittsburgh Steelers
T Eben Britton, Arizona

The moment the Eagles signed Andrews the bottom of the draft opened up for tackles. Here’s another example of the Steelers planning for the future and reloading instead of rebuilding.

J. Michael Moore Mock Draft, NFL Draft A.J. Hawk, Aaron Curry, Aaron Maybin, Albert Haynesworth, Alphonso Smith, Andre Smith, Anthony Gonzalez, Arizona Cardinals, B.J. Raji, Baltimore Ravens, Beanie Wells, Bill Parcells, Brandon Albert, Brandon Pettigrew, Brandon Stokley, Brian Cushing, Brian Dawkins, Brian Orakpo, Brian Westbrook, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Clay Matthews, Cleveland Browns, D.J. Moore, Damon Huard, Darius Heward-Bay, DeAngelo Hall, Denver Broncos, Derrick Mason, Detroit Lions, Domonique Foxworth, Drew Brees, Eben Britton, Eugene Monroe, Everette Brown, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, James Laurinaitus, Jason Smith, Jeremy Maclin, Jim Schwartz, John Henderson, Josh Freeman, Kansas City Chiefs, Knowshon Moreno, Larry English, LeSean McCoy, Louis Delmas, Malcom Jenkins, Mario Williams, Mark Sanchez, Marvin Harrison, Matt Cassel, Matthew Stafford, Miami Dolphins, Michael Crabtree, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, NFL, Oakland Raiders, Percy Harvin, Peria Jerry, Peyton Manning, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Ray Lewis, Reggie Bush, Rex Ryan, Rey Maualuga, Ron Brace, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Shawn Merriman, St. Louis Rams, Stacy Andrews, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Terrell Owens, Tyson Jackson, Vonte Davis, Washington Redskins