J.Mike's Missives

Today is one of those days where it’s hard to think about football.

In the past week the world has lost Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Each were celebrities in their own way: radio and TV personality, actress and widely proclaimed “King of Pop.”

It’s hard to think about a sport when so much of Americana is unexepectedly gone.

Don’t think this impacts culture? Do a YouTube search for “Thriller” and see how many views Jackson’s video (and the various wedding adaptations) receive by the minute.

The world lost three role models and three examples of decades-long celebrity.

My father-in-law remarked yesterday how each represented the devotion of generations of fans. Multiple age groups.

Another report marveled at how each could stay recognizable in the public eye despite troubles and the often cruel nature of time. Tests of popularity.

Yet, legacies will remain.

My thoughts and prayers to everyone — family, friends, fans — affected.

More kudos for the Falcons: Is it all too much too soon?, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What do you think Falcons Nation? Too early to tell? Mind made up the team will mirror its history? Think the new leadership and quarterback are on to something?

‘Sugar Bear’ ready for Waterville return, The Kennebec (Maine) Morning Sentinel
Players aren’t the only Falcons giving back at youth football camps across the country.

Peterson’s voice resonating in Atlanta, ESPN.com
It didn’t take long for Mike Peterson to become a leader on the Falcons defense. He’s a respected player with experience. The perfect addition to a team with youthful exuberance.

‘All of a Sudden it has a Name,’ J. Mike’s Missives
I didn’t realize this piece on Jerious Norwood and some thoughts on the Wildcat formation would become so popular. My point was to show Norwood’s heavy involvment on special teams and offense.

Bucs are team of the decade in NFC South, ESPN.com
Since the formation of the NFC South the Buccaneers, Panthers, Falcons and Saints have appeared in the NFC Championship. The Buccaneers won the Super Bowl in the divisions first year of existence. That world championship must be good enough for all-decade recognition.

HPSD and a Football Tourney, Spreading Our Wings
Some good stuff from the community relations blog. The NFL isn’t all about professional athletes. There’s a focus to help the youth in the game, too.

Chat with Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.com
“All I can tell you is Thomas Dimitroff told me at mini camp, ‘I promise you, Michael (Turner) won’t be carrying 375 times this year.’” Of course, TD didn’t tell Pat — or anyone — exactly what the Falcons will be doing.

Ex-Jaguar LB Peterson still loves to “Bring It,” The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union
“It’s bigger than just me. To me, it’s about the kids. The kids want it. So it has nothing to do with me not playing for the Jags or me not being from here. The kids from here want to come to the Mike Peterson football camp. So to me, it was a no-brainer to have it.” Enough said.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Ed McMahon, ESPN.com, Farrah Fawcett, Florida Times-Union, Jerious Norwood, Michael Jackson, Mike Peterson, NFC South, Ray Hamilton, Spreading Our Wings, The Morning Sentinel, Thomas Dimitroff

Free agency in Atlanta may have started with a whimper, but it could end with some noise.

With the top names off the board the Falcons have stuck a talon in the water. This goes right along with what General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said at the Combine about the team not being “major players” on the market.

Monday the team signed center Brett Romberg to add depth along the offensive line and, today, news surfaced about a possible deal with linebacker Mike Peterson.

Nothing “official,” in regards to Peterson but there’s one thing I’ve learned about free agency in the NFL: Once the ball is rolling, it’s difficult to stop.

Falcons sign free agent lineman Romberg, AF.com
It’s not the big-name signing many fans wanted, but the acquisition of quality depth is the cornerstone of the Falcons free agency philosophy.

Mike Peterson agrees to terms with Falcons, The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union
One of the problems with mass free agent acquisitions is transferring a player from one scheme to another. With Mike Smith spending five years as Peterson’s defensive coordinator, scheme switch shouldn’t be an issue.

Two NFL coaches attend Georgia Tech’s pro day, NFL.com
Smith talks to Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson regularly during the season. But, he and John Fox also made the trip to Tech’s pro day because of proximity.

Falcons to lean heavily on NFL draft, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Free agency started months ago in Atlanta. Why? Well, the team kept Jonathan Babineaux and Michael Jenkins off the free agent market by re-signing them to long-term deals.

Atlanta Falcons Staying the Course With Dimitroff and Smith, Bleacher Report
I’m not going to talk about “the process,” but there’s really no other word to describe the moves — or lack there of — in free agency and how they affect the Falcons future. It’s all about foresight. And sometimes the plan isn’t easily identified.

Atlanta Falcons: All is quiet on the free agency front, Examiner.com
A brief look at the Falcons offseason and some names remaining on the table in free agency.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Free Agency Bleacher Report, Brett Romberg, Examiner.com, Florida Times-Union, Georgia Tech, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Fox, Jonathan Babineaux, Michael Jenkins, Mike Peterson, Paul Johnson, Thomas Dimitroff