J.Mike's Missives

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