J.Mike's Missives

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

After more than two NFL seasons of full-time blogging I’m running out of things to say. Shocking, huh?

So, for today’s edition of the Friday Pep Talk, I’m going with a clip so short and easy a caveman can understand it.

If this is, as Dwight Schrute says, “the most inspiring thing” he’s ever heard we can rest assured nothing will ever go wrong on The Office. Luckily for the Falcons, sitcom television has no bearings on football (episodes get moved for the Super Bowl, remember)?

As the Falcons prepare to face the 2-5 Washington Redskins, we’re reminded that no team can be overlooked on an NFL schedule. Of course, “not being an idiot” is sometimes easier said than done.

But with the right amount of focus mixed with a dash of frustration from back-to-back losses the Falcons can do the same thing they did when faced with a 4-3 record in 2008 — win.

Atlanta won seven of it’s last nine games last season to secure a playoff spot.

A victory Sunday won’t be easy. The Redskins have a top-10 defense and, at least when it comes to sound byes, a chippy personality the Falcons tend to answer on the field.

I look for the Falcons to come out with the necessary motivation because, for 24 games, Head Coach Mike Smith’s team didn’t lose back-to-back contests.

Three in a row seems unlikely.

Just don’t Schrute it.

Redskins defense an area of Falcons focus, AF.com
With a defense as good as the Redskins’, where would the team be with an offense that scored more than 13 points per game?

Falcons version of “Saving Private Ryan,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I forgot Terry Robiskie was once a Redskins interim head coach. Blast from the past.

Turner taps into his old mind-set, The Augusta Chronicle
Watching film doesn’t have to be about the opponent.

What to Watch for in Week 9, AF.com
Last year the Falcons won ball games by dominating in the first quarter. Could struggles in the second quarter be a sign of a struggle in 2009?

Falcons-Redskins sold out, no blackout, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Blackouts aren’t a thing of the past in the NFL. But Falcons fans take note. This isn’t 2007 or the start of 2008. The Falcons have announced their presence on the national scene.

I Think I Remember This Guy, J. Mike’s Missives
A little self-promotion never hurt anyone.

Falcons CB Tye Hill hopes to contribute more, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For more on Hill, who got his first start as a Falcon last week, watch…

Redskins’ tackle job may be left to Jones, The Washington Times
On a team built around an All-Pro running back and ball-control passing game (not to mention a good defense), injuries at offensive line aren’t an option.

‘Misunderstood’ Hall in midst of an overhaul, The Washington Post
This is a story line that changes by the day. Good thing kickoff isn’t far away.

Blache passionately defends Redskins owner Snyder from criticism, NFL.com
Speaking of story lines… I think Michael Jenkins said it best this week when he told reporters the Falcons can’t concern themselves about what goes on in an opponents’ front office. Words to live by.

Matty Ice mired in a bit of a slump, Yahoo Sports
Plenty of football left. Interceptions get added to the stat sheet at some point or another. Maybe Matt Ryan’s come in clumps.

Haynesworth calls out Clabo, Dahl on radio show, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Again with the talk! We got comments from Tyson Clabo, too, if you’re interested…

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Albert Haynesworth, DeAngelo Hall, Dwight Schrute, Friday Pep Talk, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Michael Turner, NFL.com, Terry Robiskie, The Augusta Chronicle, The Office, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, Tye Hill, Tyson Clabo, Washington Redskins, Yahoo Sports

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

The Falcons are heading to Dallas.

Get ready, Texas.

I spent a football season living in Houston back in college. As a 21-year-old intern I had no preconceived notions about Texas or its unique love affair with football. But in just a few weeks I couldn’t help following high school football in the Lone Star State.

And that’s where it begins.

With this in mind, I found a nice YouTube feature that pulls together clips from “Friday Night Lights.” I know it’s a movie, but it gets the blood flowing and captures some of the essence and passion of high school football in Texas.

When I made a trip to Texas Stadium for a Thanksgiving Day game in 2005 I realized fans in Texas aren’t just rowdy on Friday night. Football is a way of life that carries through the weekend and year.

It may not be as colorful as a trip to Oakland or Philadelphia, but Texas can pack a punch for a visiting team. The Cowboys have history, tradition and the honor of playing what seems to be an endless number of nationally-televised games no matter what’s on the line or either team’s record.

Atlanta is facing “America’s Team” this weekend. So, to be honest, a Falcons win Sunday would make me as excited as Homer Simpson when he got his hands on Tom Landry’s Hat.

I hope Falcons fans feel the same.

What to Watch For in Week 7, AF.com
Special thanks to New Media Intern Nate for using his knowledge of the game to compile a few notes on what the key stats could be come Sunday evening. Click here for additional numbers related to Falcons-Cowboys.

The NFL is trying to crackdown on flagrant fouls, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Being physical is one thing. Breaking the rules is another.

Smith sings praises of backup RB Snelling, ESPN.com
Jason Snelling’s game has gotten better and better as he’s matured in the league. Now he’s having to prepare to play a game at two different positions — fullback and tailback. Oh yeah… There’s special teams too.

Doraville doesn’t see stadium idea as a winner, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just doing the customary “keeping up with stadium” post.

Cowboys vs. Falcons: When Stats Lie, Blogging the Boys
Some comments on Falcons stats from the other side.

Falcons-Cowboys game day package, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If the Cowboys  top three running backs are healthy enough to play the Falcons may have their hands full.

Smith on how Falcons decide on no-huddle offense, ESPN.com
The no-huddle offense is a great tool. But it’s not something that can be used straight out of the box. It takes conditioning and skilled hands at operator.

Falcons not worried about Brooking passing secrets, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let’s be real for a moment. Yes, teams try to find out each other’s secrets. Since everyone knows this, great care is taken to prevent it from working. Thus, nothing to worry about.

Dahl is one mean, dancing dude, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Don’t look for any Falcons offensive linemen on “Dancing with the Stars.”

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Blogging the Boys, Dallas Cowboys, Dancing with the Stars, ESPN.com, Friday Night Lights, Friday Pep Talk, Harvey Dahl, Jason Snelling, Keith Brooking, New Media Intern Nate, Texas, The Simpsons, Tom Landry, travel

If for some reason you’re looking for a way to get pumped of for Sunday night’s game between the Falcons and Bears, look no further than AF.com’s Vantage Point highlight from last year’s game between the teams.

A lot has been made this week of the Falcons, last-second, 22-20 win over Chicago in 2008. It’s not misplaced enthusiasm, but it does tend to get a little out of control.

Matt Ryan’s throw to Michael Jenkins to set up Jason Elam’s game-winner was an instant classic. It will be replayed for the rest of Ryan’s career and set the tone for what was to become a playoff season for the Falcons.

It made Ryan more of a household name and it got people talking about the Falcons.

Immediately.

Of course the 2009 version of the Bears and Falcons are different than a season ago. Chicago has a new quarterback (Jay Cutler) and the Falcons have a new, Pro Bowl tight end (Tony Gonzalez).

But one thing hasn’t changed — The Falcons team attitude.

Falcons-Bears Preview, NFL.com
Is this a Cutler-Ryan matchup? Maybe it is, but I’m going to keep an eye on Matt Forte and Michael Turner.

‘Village Idiots’ key to Falcons offensive success, AF.com
Fantastic work from John Manasso and an interesting look at what really makes the Falcons offensive line tick. Some of the info may surprise you.

Tech, Falcons issue ticket warning, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As the season progresses Tech and Falcons tickets could become very hot items.

Ovie Mughelli To Miss Chicago Bears Game?, The Falcoholic
Head Coach Mike Smith made it clear Wednesday if — and that’s a big if — Mughelli misses the Bears game the Falcons won’t be forced to change much on offense.

You make the call: Bears at Falcons, Chicago Sun-Times
The Bears defense may have some questions. You can’t lose a player like Brian Urlacher without some problems. But Sunday Night Football can be a great equalizer.

Jamaal Anderson’s successful move tackle, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sometimes it takes a new perspective to find success.

Bears, Falcons both feature strong special teams, Daily Herald
Devin Hester and Johnny Knox highlight the Bears threats on special teams while the Falcons look to continue success in kick coverage. Don’t leave your seat on a punt or kickoff.

Chicago Bears likely to go with just 2 running backs, Chicago Tribune
Interesting call. Forte certainly can get the job done, but if one player gets banged up it drastically changes the approach on offense.

Falcons don’t believe Turner has a fumbling issue, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Too often in football there’s a lack of focus on the big picture. Sure, the timing of the fumbles isn’t great but compare it to the rest of Turner’s career. Still solid.

Clemson judge was an original Atlanta Falcon, UpstateToday.com
Important to keep up with former Falcons, especially from the early years.

Falcons To Raise Money For United Way, CBSAtlanta.com
You can also make donations online via the United Way’s website.

Atlanta and Chicago fans are having the most Super Bowl dreams, Yahoo Sports
Check back with me after the halfway point. Buzz is just that… Buzz.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, CBSAtlanta.com, Chicago Bears, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, Devin Hester, Friday Pep Talk, Georgia Tech, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, Jamaal Anderson, Jason Elam, Jay Cutler, John Manasso, Johnny Knox, Matt Forte, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, NFL.com, Ovie Mughelli, Sunday Night Football, The Falcoholic, The United Way, tickets, Tony Gonzalez, UpstateToday.com, video, Yahoo Sports

So, the much-anticipated Madden showdown didn’t go too well for me.

It seems the human behind the controls of an xBox 360 needs to have some actual skill to make things work properly. My abilities must have caught an earlier flight to San Francisco.

Sorry to let you down Falcons fans, but rest assured the 31-17 defeat last night at the hands of my 49er-fan brother-in-law was more due to my mental mistakes than the digital attributes of the Birds.

Take, for example, my “hitting of the wrong button” that allowed Glen Coffee a 40-yard run on second-and-10 at the Niners 2. That’s right… Let them out of a hole.

There were bright moments.

Trailing 17-3, Atlanta (or I?) tied the game with a 72-yard Matt Ryan to Roddy White touchdown pass and a fumble returned by Eric Weems on the following kickoff.

But the rest of the second half wasn’t as inspiring.

Let my defeat inspire a Friday Pep Talk.

Veteran addition makes difference for Falcons, AF.com
I know it’s early, but I’m going to say it’s safe to start chalking up the Brian Williams signing as another “Dimitroff Special.”

Shoppin’ with Tony, NFL.com
Tony Gonzalez would be horrified — simply panic-stricken — if he went shopping with me. Hot wings don’t fit with “The All-Pro Diet.”

Gonzalez wants to help Falcons’ running game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More in Falconcast about how Gonzalez and other linemen and tight ends are remaining accountable for difficulties in the run game. It’s a refreshing trend that’s sweeping the locker room.

Three and Out: Can Turner Top ‘08?, The Beat Blog
It’s the million dollar question we all want to know the answer to. But, wins and losses decide playoff positioning. Not rushing yards.

Fourth season of 49ers’ Davis looks like a breakout year, The Mercury News
So Vernon Davis is a late bloomer. It happens. Unfortunately, it’s happening at a time when the Falcons are charged with preparing for his freakish ability.

Falcons’ Moore ready to make NFL debut Sunday, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“I know I’m going to be shaking a little bit,” Moore said.  “It’s a different atmosphere, but I’m excited about it.”

49ers defense shining during fast start to season, Associated Press
I certainly had trouble with the 49ers offense, but that’s just the talk of a Madden newb. Defense is the real story this weekend, on both sides of the field.

Will The Cornerback Depth Chart Change Before The 49ers Game?, The Falcoholic
Let’s assume Tye Hill doesn’t get on the field this week. He certainly helped in preparation efforts, having gone against the 49ers many times in his earlier life in the NFC West.

Falcons owner Blank talks up need for new stadium, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m calling it… We’re going to average one stadium story every two weeks until further notice. Mark it down.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Brian Williams, Eric Weems, Falconcast, family, Friday Pep Talk, Glen Coffee, Madden 2010, Matt Ryan, NFL.com, Roddy White, San Francisco 49ers, The Beat Blog, The Falcoholic, Thomas Dimitroff, Three-and-Out, Tony Gonzalez, Tye Hill, Vernon Davis, William Moore

The Falcons take to the road for the first time in the 2009 regular season this weekend.

But that’s not the story line.

At least, that’s not what’s getting discussed in the halls of Flowery Branch. Going on the road is a way of life in professional sports. In fact, in one of the weird curiosities of us-against-them motivation, coaches often embrace the challenge.

It would be foolish to downplay the importance of Sunday’s game against the Patriots. As on one of four games against the AFC this season, the matchup won’t be the first option in breaking any playoff positioning ties. As the first road game of the year, difficulties are understood.

But as a game against arguably the best team of the decade…

It just got interesting.

Atlanta has an opportunity to move into elite status in NFL rankings come Sunday evening. A win in a hostile environment against an unquestioned AFC power and national-peering eyes start to take notice.

But who needs that as motivation when you’re playing on the road?

It’s us against them. Embrace it.

Smith plots before tossing the challenge hanky, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons players pulled out a photo of Head Coach Mike Smith throwing the challenge flag last week and placed it outside a meeting room door. A comment was scribbled complimenting the coach’s arm. I must say, when Smitty looks to throw the flag, he makes sure the official sees it.

Snelling provides additional spark to run game, AF.com
Most teams are lucky to get one running back to carry the load. With Michael Turner, Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling, the Falcons have a trio of options.

Sporting News’ Athletes of the Decade, The Sporting News
That’s right, sports fans, we’re closing out a decade. It goes by so fast. Oh… And Falcons tight end Tony Gonzlaez made a list.

A second wind in Atlanta for Gonzalez, Examiner.com
Speaking of Gonzalez… He’s adopted the Falcons as his team, even though most of his career highlights are from Kansas City.

Belichick praises Dimitroff’s work with Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This story hasn’t flown under the radar but it hasn’t been as high profile as I thought it would be on Falcons-Patriots week. Maybe we’ll hear more about Thomas Dimitroff’s history in New England on Sunday.

2009 NFL Power Rankings: Week 3, ESPN.com
Get ready Falcons fans, a win this weekend and the Birds likely move into the top three.

Ailing Norwood misses practice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Head injuries aren’t a laughing matter. They sometimes require a little more “just to be cautious” time than some other ailments and for that reason, Norwood is getting held out for a little extra breather.

Digging Deeper into the Box Score: Week 2, The Falcoholic
Ryan’s interception against the Panthers wasn’t pretty — they never are — but you knew it was going to happen at some point. Better to happen at home, in a win, instead of running the snowball risk on the road.

Safety Thomas DeCoud eases into new starting role, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Looks can be deceiving. Case and point? Thomas DeCoud doesn’t look like the textbook, hard-hitting safety.

Patriots offense a new challenge for Atlanta ‘D,’ AF.com
New England hasn’t been the passing beast everyone expected. Yet. The Falcons are preparing for the Tom Brady of 2007. The one that threw 50 touchdown passes.

Matt Ryan: The absolute right man at the absolute right time, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Lots of successful sports people write books on leadership. Ryan is the living text.”

Falcons best bet: Put game in Turner’s hands, ESPN.com
How long can Turner carry the ball for 26 or more times a game and keep the Falcons unbeaten? Not really the point. This stat is more about controlling the clock.

Inconsistent Brady faces unbeaten Falcons, The Sporting News
Anyone else get the feeling Brady could be a sleeping giant? Like he has big games left?

Dimitroff explains why Falcons didn’t panic at DT, ESPN.com
Talked about this on the radio yesterday. In the spring, you’d think the loss of Peria Jerry a huge deal. But in the offseason the Falcons got healthy (Trey Lewis) and made some key additions at D-line (Thomas Johnson). It’s a deep position with pleasant surprises. No time to panic.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, ESPN.com, Friday Pep Talk, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, New England Patriots, Peria Jerry, The Falcoholic, The Sporting News, Thomas DeCoud, Thomas Dimitroff, Thomas Johnson, Tom Brady, Trey Lewis, video

When division rivals get together — especially rivals with two of the best running games in the NFL — turf and sweat is sure to fly.

Expect a tough battle between the Falcons and Panthers Sunday afternoon at the Georgia Dome when the uniforms aren’t the only thing that will be “throwback.”

Both teams currently rank 15th or less in rushing yards per game. But that’s just one contest. Michael Turner and DeAngelo Williams represent the heart of two offenses that work best when controling the line of scrimmage.

In other words, the Falcons and Panthers love the simple things about the game.

Toughness, grit, determination, “11 men doing their job.”

Take it from here Bear!

Sometimes we make this game too complicated.

Sometimes we all have to remember how simple things can be.

Keep an eye out for passion on this throwback weekend.

Hard work nothing new for Falcons defensive end, AF.com
Here is a perfect example of the “why” used when curious about a player’s dedication. A unique story to go with a unique member of the Falcons team.

Panthers QB Delhomme still worries Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I never thought the Panthers would go with another quarterback this weekend. Now, if he has a repeat performance from Week 1…

William Middleton glad to be back home with the Atlanta Falcons, Examiner.com
This must have felt like an eternity for Middleton. Especially since it felt like so much longer than a week to me.

“The Beer Man” steps forward on Falcons’ defense, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wondering if there’s a better nickname out there for Biermann. Wondering…

In Jake we still trust, ESPN.com
You get the feeling fans really love Delhomme in Carolina (remember, he took the team to a Super Bowl). You also get the feeling players are with him through thick and thin. But a few rough performances strung together on a football field can change a lot about perception.

Why The Atlanta Falcons Need LB Mike Peterson, The Falcoholic
The “process” in Atlanta doesn’t include many free agent signings. So, when you see one, you better believe it’s to make an impact.

Leading a defense and loving football? That’s more like Mike, CBSSports.com
“I can make more plays now that I couldn’t make in the middle,” (Peterson) said. “I can get more big hits. You get running starts to the ball carrier.”

Video: NFC South Blogger’s Blitz, ESPN.com
NFC South Blogger — and friend of the program — Pat Yasinskas breaks down the division.

Throwback helmets provide flashback for Peterson, ESPN.com
I wonder how many NFL players played quarterback as kids. Is it like the amount of baseball players who pitched? Anyone know the answer? Anyone even listening…

How Carolina might get it right against the Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The optimism for this game is moving into uncharted territory. Remember, this is still the NFL. Parity is the name of the game.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Bear Bryant, CBSSports.com, DeAngelo Williams, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Friday Pep Talk, Jake Delhomme, Kroy Biermann, Michael Turner, Mike Peterson, motivation, NFC South, Pat Yasinskas, The Falcohlic, throwback, video, William Middleton