J.Mike's Missives

Even with a stomach full of delicious Chick-fil-A, sweet tea, coffee and a dash of trail mix (trying to do better with the diet) I couldn’t satisfy a hungry writing muse this afternoon.

While the gut may not be the only source of inspiration in my arsenal, it is where my classy sappy words of inspiration and insight often flow. So, with writer’s block firmly entrenched, I won’t waste your valuable time.

Here’s what they’re saying about the Falcons before we turn complete attention to this weekend’s game against the New York Giants…

Ask Vance Walker a Question, AF.com
We’re dusting off the Voices Heard question gathering/voting device and putting it to work for a special interview with rookie defensive tackle — and former Georgia Tech standout — Vance Walker.

Turner update coming Wednesday, ESPN.com
Don’t get upset with the Falcons for not releasing more news about Michael Turner. In the NFL, competitive advantage is everything and teams aren’t required to reveal any details on injuries until Wednesday afternoon.

Falcons re-sign Stecker, release receiver Bergeron, AF.com
Time on the 53-man roster is sometimes short. Regardless, Bergeron has been a contributor on the practice squad and Stecker returns to add to his numbers through two games.

Giants’ owner doesn’t like Thanksgiving schedule, ProFootballTalk.com
Outside of physically shrinking the country, there’s nothing to do to avoid some of these schedule complications. (Memo to disaster movie makers: please do not pull a 2012-style film out of your hat about shrinking the United States).

Ryan down, Turner out as Falcons lick wounds from Carolina loss, Examiner.com
When headliners are struggling, younger players must step up.

Elam takes blame for missed field goal, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kicking isn’t a one-man operation. Jason Elam and Head Coach Mike Smith made that clear. That said, as the veteran player, Elam will be called upon to correct any mistakes.

History on Atlanta’s side going into N.Y., ESPN.com
Well that’s interesting. For more on the series history check out Frank Kleha’s recent Time Machine post.

How I See It: NFC South Stock Watch, ESPN.com
“After an almost flawless rookie season, Ryan has been only ordinary. At times, he’s been worse than ordinary.”

Turner’s injury has Falcons juggling running backs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hard to imagine a more epic doomsday scenario than losing Turner in 2008 (Hollywood, see earlier comment). With Jason Snelling playing well, the Falcons have additional options at running back in 2009.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed Aaron Stecker, AF.com, AJC, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Frank Kleha, Georgia Tech, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, New York Giants, ProFootballTalk.com, Time Machine, Troy Bergeron, Vance Walker, Voices Heard

Jason Elam knows the life of a kicker is often lonely.

But when he gets attention, it’s for one of two reasons: A game winning kick or a miss that could have made a difference in the outcome of a game.

Elam missed a 34-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter Sunday that would have given the Falcons a 22-21 lead. Sunday night and Monday morning, he found himself in the spotlight as the Falcons eventually fell to the Carolina Panthers, 28-19.

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/193029/193029_2009-11-16-124947.flv
Click here for more reaction from Panthers-Falcons

Replay of the kick clearly shows a timing issue between snapper, holder and kicker. Elam said he would watch video of the play with holder Michael Koenen and snapper Bryan Pittman.

“Yeah, I got going a little too early; bottom line the ball was down and I didn’t make it,” Elam said Monday. “I’m fine with taking the blame on that one.”

Elam made it clear he’s taking responsibility for the miss, though he did mention the process involved — snap, hold, kick — and how even after hundreds of tries mistakes can happen.

Pittman was playing in just his second game as a Falcon on Sunday, joining the team two weeks ago when Mike Schneck went on injured reserve.

“The missed field goal yesterday we did not handle the operation of the snap, hold and kick very well and when that operation does not go smoothly, it puts stress on the attempt,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “Jason has not kicked the ball as well as he has in the past. And it definitely is a concern for us.”

Elam, who has missed five kicks this year, said the only way to fix problems is with repetition, film study and trusting the process.

“You just have to keep swinging,” he said. “History tells me that’s what you need to do. Keep doing what got you there and, more times than not, it’s going to work. It just didn’t work on that one particular play…

“You just keep going.”

Simple advice for just about anyone I suppose.

Now let’s all keep going on some Birdseed and put this game in the past.

Complete Falcons-Panthers game coverage, AF.com
It wasn’t a game you want to relive many times, but the only way to learn from mistakes is to watch them… Multiple times if necessary.

Falcons RB Turner will undergo tests on injured right ankle, NFL.com
For more on Michael Turner’s ankle injury, check out The Beat Blog.

Falcons won’t go anywhere if Ryan doesn’t figure things out, CBSSports.com
Amazed at how opinions change so quickly in the NFL. I know players aren’t allowed to break down, make mistakes or otherwise slump but sometimes I wonder if George Burns was right (thank you, Bart Simpson)…

Post-Game Thread: Falcons Get Dropped By Panthers, 28-19, The Falcoholic
You can have ugly wins and you can have ugly losses. But only one makes fans happy.

Falcons melt down on the road against Panthers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To quote the head ball coach: Falcons made “way too many mistakes in all three phases.”

In first career start, Will Svitek held his own for Atlanta Falcons, Examiner.com
Much like Todd Weiner in 2008, Will Svitek is called upon to backup — and play well — at right and left tackle.

Falcons And Panthers Recap: When Everything Goes Wrong, The Falcoholic
When everything goes wrong, you circle the wagons and figure out how to escape the situation. The Falcons have had their backs to the wall before. Maybe not so prevalent, but it’s happened. And success is an option.

Falcons’ defense was no match for Panthers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Curious how the Panthers, a running team, installed a robust no-huddle offense. Teams that face Carolina down the road will look at the Falcons game take for guidance.

Has the (Matty) Ice Age ended?, ESPN.com
Great headline. Story isn’t the favorite reading of Falcons fans, but I have to give love to the blogger and copy editor.

Three keys to the Falcons loss to the Panthers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Smith said removing Tye Hill from the game was a coach’s decision. Sometimes at cornerback you have to play the matchups.

Harvey Dahl: Catching up with ‘the NFL’s meanest,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Get to know one of the toughest guys on the Falcons roster and see how looks, off the field, can be deceiving.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Bryan Pittman, Carolina Panthers, CBSSports.com, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Matt Ryan, Michael Koenen, Michael Turner, Mike Schneck, The Beat Blog, The Falcoholic, The Simpsons, Todd Weiner, Tye Hill, Will Svitek

This weekend the Falcons take the I-85 rivalry to a different level.

Saturday afternoon the team will climb aboard charter buses and burn rubber on the way to Charlotte and a date with the Carolina Panthers.

But this isn’t the first trip by bus for the Falcons in this series.

The Georgia Dome and Bank of America Stadium are separated by 251 miles of asphalt. The Falcons practice facility in Flowery Branch is significantly closer, so a bus trip will actually be complete about an hour before the team would make it by air. After a little research (a.k.a asking Time Machine’s Frank Kleha) I found out the Birds traveled by bus in 1995 to face the Panthers at Clemson, the first year of the franchise.

After an exhaustive search, I found footage of that trip…

On a related note, the team did not accept my suggestion for alternate transportation.

Several Falcons players were asked about the bus trip this week, most of which saying they haven’t gone to a game by wheel since college — or high school. Head Coach Mike Smith said the equipment staff has made the trip by truck for years and always beats the team there and back (I can attest to that). So, on paper, this one is a no brainier.

Your thoughts?

Can some time on America’s highways really build some extra team camaraderie?

Davis injury typifies Panthers’ woes, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This could be a huge advantage for the Falcons, but Landon Johnson, Davis’ replacement does have a start this season.

Quotable: Head Coach Mike Smith, AF.com
Thursday Smith talked about the league’s decision to fine him for his actions in last week’s game against the Redskins. For more on the fine and what happened, click here.

Atlanta fans just fine with Smith, ESPN.com
I’m still waiting on official word to find out what will be done with money raised by fans. Charity donation is an option. Either way, what a cool thing to do. I think the amount is pushing $2,000.

Atlanta Falcons midseason report, Examiner.com
If memory serves me, the Falcons were 5-3 at this point last season as well. They went on to finish 11-5. Encouraging comment about the 2009 Birds: I think we all can agree the best football is yet to be played.

What to Watch for in Week 10, AF.com
Jay Cutler officially moved past Jake Delhomme for the league-lead in interceptions Thursday night. But that doesn’t change the Panthers recent history of turnovers.

Market report: Smitty gets fined, but his stock surely rises, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“I’m thinking there are 53 guys based in Hall County who’d be glad to take up a collection.”

Superfan Cartoon: “Pantie Raid!,” The Canvas, by Superfan
It’s that time again! I love the use of the Pink Panther. It makes too much sense.

Numbers, Notes and Colors for Week 10, AF.com
Each week there’s a collection of stats and notes that give you an overview of the game at hand. This is that collection.

The all-NFC South midseason defense, ESPN.com
Congrats to Curtis Lofton, Mike Peterson and Jonathan Babineaux. Hard to congratulate a division rival for sweeping the secondary category but it’s also hard to argue with Pat Yasinskas on this one.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Bank of America Stadium, Carolina Panthers, Curtis Lofton, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Fans, Frank Kleha, Friday Pep Talk, Georgia Dome, Head Coach Mike Smith, History, Jake Delhomme, Jay Cutler, Jonathan Babineaux, Landon Johnson, Mike Peterson, Pat Yasinskas, rivalry, Superfan, Thomas Davis, Time Machine, travel, video, Washington Redskins

Much easier to identify key points from a Falcons loss than list all the accolades from a big win.

“Win as a team, lose as a team” seems very appropriate after the Falcons 31-17 win over the Washington Redskins Sunday afternoon. We can highlight Michael Turner’s big runs, but that was the talk of gameday.

Instead, let’s take a moment to give some props to the defense.

The unit entered Sunday’s game ranked 17th in the league in opponent points per game (a key stat to remember before poring over pass or run yardage). Sunday the Falcons got their second defensive score in as many games and helped the Redskins extend a less-than-flattering streak of not scoring more than 17 points in 2009.

The Falcons have recorded at least one interception in six of eight games this season and, entering Week 9, helped the team to a plus-4 turnover margin (eighth in the NFL). Atlanta has just one game without a sack this season and Sunday tied a team record with five sacks in the first half.

All this with a new starter at cornerback (Tye Hill) and two Week 1 starters (Brian Williams and Peria Jerry) on injured reserve.

Not bad at all.

Before we get into Birdseed, here are some things to look for in Head Coach Mike Smith’s Monday press conference:

• Injury updates. Smitty usually doesn’t reveal details on injuries on Monday, but we may get a little more info on wide receiver Brian Finneran, who left the game with a knee injury.
• The skirmish. Likely some follow-up questions on the incident on the sideline between DeAngelo Hall and the Falcons bench after a late hit penalty.
• Second half slowdown. Smith talked at length last week about his team’s need to play for 60 minutes. Whether it was good adjustments by the Redskins or a letdown, the Falcons had only one possession in the third quarter and the Redskins scored 14 unanswered points. I guess that’s what 24-3 halftime leads are for.

Complete Falcons-Redskins Coverage, AF.com
For additional stats and highlight videos, visit the official NFL.com Game Center.

Smith leads Falcons again — in game and rumble, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“The Falcons responded to their first two-game losing streak under Smith by doing what good teams do. They beat a bad team.”

Redskins’ Hall accuses two Falcons coaches of misconduct in melee, NFL.com
Going to throw this into Birdseed for record-keeping purposes. My gut is that the whole thing is going to fade into the background.

Falcons End Uneven Effort With 31-17 Win Over Redskins, The Falcoholic
I almost forgot about Jonathan Babineaux! Actually, I did until The Falcoholic reminded me. Great game by the defensive tackle.

Turner busts Washington for 166 yards, 2 TDs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Turner fantasy owners rejoice!

Hill’s interception boosts Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Not only the interception, but the interception return… The Falcons defense is doing something it didn’t do much last season: scoring.

Zorn cautious about Portis’ return, The Washington Post
Great photo of the hit that put Clinton Portis out of the game after the link.

Atlanta Falcons end two-game losing streak with 31-17 win over Washington, Examiner.com
Ending the losing streak was crucial at this point of the season. With two road games ahead, the Falcons are in position to make a run.

Falcons’ Archer to speak at TD Club,  Macon Telegraph
Mark your calendars for color analyst and former Falcons quarterback Dave Archer.

Redskins go down fighting, The Washington Post
Some thoughts on the game from the Redskins paper of record.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Brian Finneran, Clinton Portis, Dave Archer, DeAngelo Hall, Examiner.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jonathan Babineaux, Macon Telegraph, Michael Turner, NFL.com, The Falcoholic, The Washington Post, Tye Hill, Washington Redskins

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

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

Something about the Bears coming to town brings out the best in the Georgia Dome crowd and the Falcons.

It also stirs up a little storm of luck that, for now, seems to be on the Falcons’ side. But like a tornado slicing through the plains, luck can be a fickle friend. This is particularly true if, as FoxSports.com reports, Falcons cornerback Brian Williams (knee) is done for the season.

Williams hurt the knee defending a pass in the end zone in the second half of Sunday’s game.

He was replaced in base packages by Brent Grimes and in the nickel package, when Williams usually moves inside, Chevis Jackson came into the game.

Head Coach Mike Smith is scheduled to speak with the media at 3:15 p.m. Monday, but he usually does not discuss injuries until after practice on Wednesday.

Regardless, the Falcons have done well with the injury bug this season overcoming most if not all the major bumps and bruises they’ve encountered.

It’s part of being a successful team in the NFL.

It’s part of controlling the storm of luck.

Complete Falcons-Bears Game Coverage, AF.com
The Falcons improved to 4-1 with a win over the Bears with two tough road games ahead. More on the game and what’s on the horizon in other blogs.

Falcons withstand Bears in another thriller, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“The NFL schedule makers might want consider pitting the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons against each other more often. This is getting to be fun.” That would certainly be nice… But I’m good for a while.

No ‘growing pains’ for Falcons defense, AF.com
Whenever the Falcons offense struggles the defense is there to save the day. That’s the way a team is supposed to work.

Breaking down Ryan by the numbers, ESPN.com
There’s a stat for just about anything.

Atlanta Falcons edge out a victory over Chicago Bears, 21-14, Examiner.com
It was a late night at the Georgia Dome, but time certainly flies when you’re having fun.

Falcons’ veteran linebacker finds groove, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At one point during Sunday night’s game @FalconsCreative turned to me and said ‘I’m glad we’ve got Mike Peterson.’ Yes. Me too.

Cutler, Bears come up short in 21-14 loss to Falcons, USA Today
Judging from the headline USA Today leans toward Chicago. I guess Jay Cutler is still the big name. At this point the Falcons are probably used to the lack of attention and perform well as an underdog.

Chicago Bears lose 21-14 to Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Tribune
The Bears did a good job protecting the football in three straight wins. Three turnovers in Game No. 5 didn’t do them any favors.

DeCoud, Johnson stand up for Falcons’ defense, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Smith talked Sunday night about younger players stepping up and making plays. DeCoud and Johnson joined the party against the Bears.

Stepping into starring roles, ESPN.com
“…But the game actually was won for the Falcons by an assemblage of lesser-known role players, guys who might enjoy a trip to Honolulu only if they pay for it.” If you blink, you miss this wonderful aspect of the NFL.

What We Learned: Bears-Falcons, SI.com
I know it’s looking ahead, but I’m wondering what the Falcons-Saints game at the Georgia Dome will be like. It’s shaping up to be the biggest game of the year. Then again, they’re all big games.

Norwood, Moore go down to injuries, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
John Manasso highlighted the Falcons injury situation in his morning blog.

Falcons And Bears Recap: Hanging Tough And Winning Big, The Falcoholic
Highlights and lowlights, though a win erases just about any bad feeling in the pit of the stomach, right?

The brand new Falcons play in prime time and find a way, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“These Falcons are not the feckless Falcons of old. They can look bad, yes. But they refuse to look bad for long.”

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Brent Grimes, Brian Williams, Chevis Jackson, Chicago Bears, Chicago Tribune, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, FalconsCreative, FoxSports.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jay Cutler, John Manasso, Mike Peterson, SI.com, Sunday Night Football, The Falcoholic, Thomas DeCoud, Thomas Johnson, USA Today

We’re in the middle of a busy week in Flowery Branch. Actually, busy, is probably too soft a word. (I should have known a week where an airplane is completely dedicated to the Falcons was going to be a bit out of control).

It’s a good thing.

When the Falcons return home for the only time in the month of October, the Georgia Dome will be a buzz with prime time activities. We all remember last year’s game against the Bears (you know, 12 seconds, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Jason Elam, field goal).

So doing extra work to make sure fans know all about what’s happening at the game — on the field and off — isn’t a big deal.

It’s Sunday Night Football. And the excitement has already started.

Pro Bowl wideout Booker adjusts to backup role, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Veterans don’t always come into starting roles late in their careers. But that doesn’t mean they don’t do vital jobs on a football team.

Introducing the Atlanta Falcons offense, Examiner.com
Better late than never. But I’d argue the Falcons offense was doing what it needed to do through the first three games as well. Just took a few weeks to get ready to explode.

NFC rankings: Elite meet with Falcons-Bears, Giants-Saints, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons No. 5. Bears No. 6. Something has to give this weekend at the Georgia Dome.

Love affair for Falcons’ Ryan is growing, Yahoo Sports
Now that’s an interesting headline, especially from a sports columnist.

Brees, Ryan thriving when pressure is on, ESPN.com
The ‘Matty Ice’ nickname makes more and more sense each day.

Vantage Point, AF.com
One last word, or should I say ‘look’ at the big win over San Francisco.

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/175043/175043_2009-10-14-133416.flv

How I See It: NFC South Stock Watch, ESPN.com
If a 200-yard game didn’t get Roddy White’s football stock rising I’m not sure what would.

Mughelli suffered leg injury against 49ers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ovie Mughelli was listed on the injruy report during the week and did not return after leaving Sunday’s game. Should know more Wednesday when the team issues its first injury report of this week.

With Singletary Looking on, 49ers’ Bly Apologizes, The New York Times
I’ve covered the NFL for six years and yesterday’s Dre’ Bly apology was a first. Of course, his celebrating an interception in the middle of the field during a return was also a first.

Six touchdowns = Six toppings, Falcons Biz
Stay tuned to the “Falcons Biz” blog through the season for more notes on the Falcons offerings to fans and some notes on sports business.

Bears To Face Tough Challenge Versus Atlanta Sunday Night. Bleacher Report
Got some interesting comments from Elam in the Wednesday open locker room period about his game-winning kick against the Bears last season.

Bounce backs a part of the Atlanta Falcons game plan, Examiner.com
We’ve made it through one and a quarter seasons for the Mike Smith era and the Falcons have yet to lose back-to-back games.

Smith delivers Falcons quarterly report, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Speaking of quarters, the Falcons just finished the first (four out 16 games) of the 2009 season.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AirTran, AJC, Chicago Bears, Dre' Bly, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Falcons Biz, Georgia Dome, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Marty Booker, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Mike Singletary, Ovie Mughelli, Roddy White, Sunday Night Football, The New York Times, Vantage Point, video, Yahoo Sports

Statistically, it was no where near the most successful game of his career. But having Jerious Norwood back on the field after a concussion certainly improved the Falcons ability to move the football and score.

The running back, who suffered a pair of concussions over a 22-day period, rushed for 44 yards on 12 carries in a win over the 49ers Sunday. He capped his performance — and his head — with a new helmet designed to better protect his brain from heavy impacts.

Concussions are no laughing matter.

Florida’s Tim Tebow suffered one against Kentucky but returned to play against LSU Saturday night. And, in Sunday’s game in San Francisco, 49ers safety Michael Lewis reportedly suffered his third head injury of the year.

Protection technology has improved drastically, especially over the last 10 years, leaving me to wonder how bad some of the pioneers of the game suffered.

It should also remind us at how much players put on the line any given Sunday.

Complete Falcons-49ers Game Coverage, AF.com
It may take a few days to digest all the big numbers from this game — not unlike a pair of trips to the West Coast in 2008 — but we don’t have time to dwell on much, good or bad.

Falcons deliver a beatdown to 49ers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Look for all the adjectives you want. “Beatdown” is the best.

In 49ers blowout loss, coach’s blowup bears watching, The Mercury News
An interesting story line I hear got some play on television. But, as is the case in a road game, the Falcons flew out and moved on.

49ers flop in 45-10 loss to Falcons, Associated Press
Sunday’s game marked the worst home loss for the 49ers in 42 years. Yikes.

5 things we learned from the San Fran Beatdown, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
D-Led finding more ways to incorporate song lyrics into his blog. That’s a talent I haven’t mastered yet. Maybe I need to listen to the radio more.

Falcons defensive front answers Abraham challenge, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It all starts with the defensive line. The Falcons front four — and the various players who rotate in and out along the line of scrimmage — got the message to perform loud and clear.

Atlanta Falcons blast 49ers, win 45-10 in dominating fashion, Examiner.com
Time of possession, big plays, turnovers on defense… Sunday’s game had it all.

Falcons And 49ers Recap: The Win Is The Thing, The Falcoholic
Some additional highlights and a lone lowlight from Sunday’s game.

Talk with coach gets White back to old form. ESPN.com
It’s a funny thing, pressure. Some need it to perform, others crack under its weight. Regardless, it’s a force of nature that must be mastered in order to achieve success. (For more from Pat Yasinskas, who was at Candlestick Park Sunday, visit his NFC South blog).

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Not sure if I can stick around Flowery Branch much longer. The team is long gone, starting personal expeditions of relaxation. With the Fall sun warming a soft breeze it’s hard not to day dream out the window.

Let’s throw some random Birdseed together to get the other creative juices flowing.

Then, it’s time for a few days of R&R.

Weems turning heads in return game, AF.com
The injury to Harry Douglas was bad and put a kink in the Falcons plans. But the play of Eric Weems has made fans feel just fine about the team’s return game.

Falcons’ Norwood returns from concussion, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jerious Norwood is healthy and the bye week is at hand. Time to get back into a rhythm before a key trip to San Francisco.

Atlanta Falcons Stats, NFL.com
Look at this positive from the bye week. With just three games down, stats are a little easier to work with (not as many big numbers).

From the Examiner’s Desk: Did the process for the Atlanta Falcons ever end?, Examiner.com
We all can agree last week’s game in New England shows the Falcons haven’t reached the ultimate goal. Considering the process won’t be “over” until a Super Bowl win, we’ll have to wait at least until February.

Power rankings: Saints climbing, Bucs falling, ESPN.com
Is there an adjective more descriptive than “falling” to associate with the Bucs?

NFL Power Rankings, Week 4, SI.com
Hard to argue with the top six (undefeated teams). How does an undefeated team like the Broncos fall out of the top 10? I understand the question marks. Heck, I have a few of my own. But until you fall to the ranks of the one-loss crowd, you deserve some recognition.

How I See It: NFC South Stock Watch, ESPN.com
There’s really nothing wrong with a 3.5-yard per carry average. Just depends on what the offense does around it.

The Falcons say they don’t practice censorship – really!, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No comment.

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