J.Mike's Missives

One of my favorite things to do at practice is pick the brain of former quarterback — and current Falcons Radio commentator — Dave Archer. While there are many former players with a gift for analysis, Archer has a way to put the entire game into perspective and get inside the head of players on the field.

It’s what makes he and Voice of the Falcons Wes Durham the best in the business (in my opinion).

I caught up with Archer after Tuesday morning’s practice at Russell Falcons Training Camp to get his thoughts on the Falcons.

We started with quarterback…

The position fight between D.J. Shockley, Chris Redman and John Parker Wilson isn’t getting much pub but Archer’s keeping an eye on it.

“It’s going to be a huge battle,” he said. “It’s exciting because you have one player in Chris Redman who was out of football, gets an opportunity because a former coach gives him that shot and earns his way onto the team last year as the backup to Matt Ryan. He’s in a serious battle now with a guy who is rising, and that’s D.J. Shockley.”

Archer went on to compliment Shockley’s work in training camp and point out Wilson’s status as Alabama’s all-time leader status in several statistics, which is good for something when considering a position on the roster.

The broadcast veteran also noted Jerious Norwood’s effort to bulk up in the offseason and the team’s desire to get him more involved in the offense and take a load off Pro Bowler Michael Turner, who carried the ball 376 times in 2008.

Defensively, Archer sees improvement along the line, particularly in the play of third-year pro Jamaal Anderson.

“I think you do have to throw out 2007,” Archer said when asked about Anderson’s rookie year. “I think he made some big strides last year; I think the coaching has helped him significantly. I think Jamaal will be even better this year.”

Circling back to a quarterback’s perspective, Archer believes the team’s secondary could be a strength of the defense.

“They’re young, which is going to entice a quarterback to challenge them,” he said. “You better be on time with the football, that’s all I can say.

“They can run and they’ll make plays.”

J. Michael Moore News, YouTube, training camp Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley, Dave Archer, Falcons Radio, Jamaal Anderson, Jerious Norwood, John Parker Wilson, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, one-on-one, Russell Falcons Training Camp, YouTube

Today is Falcons Day on DaveFM.

But, before there was a day on the radio devoted to the team’s history, there was the original Falcons “birthday.”

On this day 44 years ago the NFL awarded the city of Atlanta a franchise.

The team’s history has had its ups and downs, but the relationship with the devoted fans has been anything but hot and cold. So, before the Falcons embark on 2009 and the quest for back-to-back winning seasons, Falcons Radio wanted to tip its hat to countless supporters of the team and the rich memories from seasons past.

Starting at 9 a.m. and continuing throughout the day, DaveFM will air segments including flashbacks and other thoughts from former quarterback Dave Archer.

Segments like this…

Regardless of your favorite player or best memory, listen to some of the flashbacks on DaveFM (over the air at 92.9 or click here to listen online). Fans can also text the word “DAVE” to 22929 at points throughout the day for chances to win various prizes.

Happy Birthday, Falcons.

J. Michael Moore History 1965, Dave Archer, DaveFM, Falcons Radio, History