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

It seems like a month since the Falcons last played in the Georgia Dome. In fact, the span between an Oct. 18 victory over the Chicago Bears and Sunday’s game against the Redskins is exactly 21 days.

And the road games between weren’t too kind to the Falcons.

In a blink the Falcons went from 4-1 to 4-3 but let’s remember after seven games in 2008 the Falcons were also 4-3. The team went on to win seven of it’s last nine games, including three straight to close out the season. The rest of the 2009 schedule looks favorable with just three teams carrying records above .500.

But first things first.

Sunday’s game at the Georgia Dome will be seen by much of the Southeast (see map). The broadcast crew of Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa represent FOX’s No. 2 group, a nod to the history of the Redskins franchise and the up-and-coming nature of the Atlanta Falcons.

Here are the rest of the distribution maps for Week 9:

• Sunday Games on CBS (Early)
• Sunday Games on CBS (Late)
• Sunday Games on FOX (Early)

ADDITIONAL NOTES ON WEEK 9 TELEVISION…

… The Patriots are beatable and I’m not sold on the Dolphins being a bad team. Most of the nation will see this rivalry game and it should be a good one. The early game of the week on CBS, however, could be Baltimore at Cincinnati. As Jim Trotter pointed out in this week’s Expert’s Take, the AFC North is home to three division contenders.

… Another cross-country trip for the San Diego Chargers, this time to The Meadowlands to face the Giants. This is an interesting cross-conference matchup that could provide clues on slowing the Chargers passing game and disrupting the Giants offense.

… If you live West of the Mississippi, chances are you get the Bears and Cardinals. FYI… The Bears are still who the Cardinals thought they were.

J. Michael Moore Gameday AFC North, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, CBS, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Daryl Johnston, distribution maps, FOX, Georgia Dome, Jim Trotter, Kenny Albert, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Giants, San Diego Chargers, The Meadowlands, Tony Siragusa, Washington Redskins

My colleague Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) has a story about the Superdome he tells before big games in New Orleans.

He says the only time he’s been concerned about the structural integrity of a stadium due to crowd noise was the Saints first home game in 2006 — the return to the building after Hurricane Katrina.

New Orleans blocked a Michael Koenen punt in the first quarter and returned it for a touchdown. At that point, according to Matt, the dome teetered with cacophony.

The Falcons didn’t win the game. In fact, the team hasn’t won in the Superdome since 2002.

Tonight’s game between the Falcons and Saints doesn’t carry the same emotional weight as the 2006 matchup but, when it comes to the NFC South standings, the contest is monumental.

I don’t need to get into the details, except to say a Saints win creates a three-game lead in the division with nine games to play. In order to make up the ground the Falcons would likely have to get a win over the Saints at the Georgia Dome next month, hope for additional New Orleans losses and (of course) win as many of their own games as possible.

I can’t tell you exactly what the Falcons did this week to prepare for such a big game but I will say, in the NFL, it pays to treat games in two ways: home and away. Home games you’re supposed to win. Road games are tough. It’s an easy mental hurdle to understand and allows for proper focus on technical aspects of each game.

The Falcons know this one won’t be easy.

They know the Superdome will be loud, maybe as loud as Matt remembers it.

The Falcons also know it pays to win games when you’re charged with adrenaline. If not, winning the division could come down to simple — and unfavorable — math.

Complete Falcons-Saints Coverage from AF.com
Stats, video, game week coverage and more straight from Flowery Branch.

Falcons-Saints Game Center, NFL.com
The eyes of the nation and, more importantly, the NFL world, will be on the Falcons this evening. Plenty of eyes were on the Birds last week in Dallas, too. Let’s all hope for different results. In case you’re wondering, the NFL Network crew picks the Saints.

Falcons WR Finneran talks up rivalry with Saints, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You’ll find few players in the locker room with the tenure of Brian Finneran. Perfect player to talk about the Falcons-Saints rivalry.

A Look Ahead: The Return, The Falcoholic
A brief, good breakdown of the remaining games.

Falcons-Saints as big as a matchup can get, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Superdome hasn’t been one of the most consistent places when it comes to hostile territories. That’s mostly because the Saints have had just as many down as up years. But right now, New Orleans has one of the best home-field advantages in football. They certainly have a fan following.

Sedrick Ellis out vs. Falcons, ProFootballTalk.com
You’re probably paying a lot of attention to the Saints offense. Nothing wrong with that. But injuries on the defense, which is emerging as one of the best in the league, could be big.

Falcons dazzled by Saints array of weapons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s a fine line between “respect,” which is needed and “dazzle,” which is odd.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Gameday AF.com, AJC, Brian Finneran, Georgia Dome, Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana Superdome, Matt Moore, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, NFL.com, ProFootballTalk.com, Sedrick Ellis, The Falcoholic

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

Halftime at the Georgia Dome during the Falcons-Chargers preseason game.

Some thoughts brewing in the blog, but we’ll pass the time with a YouTube clip of the team’s pregame introductions (upload took a little while).

J. Michael Moore Gameday, Georgia Dome, Preseason, YouTube Georgia Dome, Preseason, San Diego Chargers, video, YouTube

It may not be the biggest change to take hold at the Georgia Dome over the past three years, but the new scoreboards that make their football debut Saturday night are certainly the most noticeable addition.

The high-definition boards are three-times the size of the previous offerings and offer a number of new abilities to the game entertainment team.

“It was like watching a replay on your telephone in the past,” Falcons vice president of marketing Jim Smith said. “Now when you go to this format, you can show a replay. Fans will really like seeing the replays. One of the things we really heard — or that the NFL has heard — is that fans feel you can get a better viewing experience at home. Some of that’s due to the replay. Now we’re going to show replay better than what you can see at home.”

I know I’m looking forward to catching some replays in HD.

J. Michael Moore Georgia Dome Georgia Dome, video

Sitting in the press box at the Georgia Dome fighting back feelings of nostalgia and listening to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution sing along with “One Thing Leads to Another…”

The Falcons plan to kickoff the mock game at Roam the Dome around 12:30 p.m. but thousands of fans are already filing into the Dome.

Roam the Dome doesn’t offer the same, live action scrimmage feel from Friday Night Lights, but the trade off comes in the game day atmosphere. The team plans to show the 2009 NFL Films highlight real on the new, HD scoreboards and a full-scale team introduction will push out from the tunnel.

Why? To get the team used to a game-day atmosphere and all the non-football bells and whistles from an NFL game.

The coach-to-player headsets are plugged in and ready to go. The music is pumping and the team will go through a routine, pre-game warm up.

No wonder Head Coach Mike Smith’s teams are comfortable at home.

More photos and some Flip video to come from the event…

J. Michael Moore Georgia Dome, News, training camp AJC, Allstate All-Access Weekend, D. Orlando Ledbetter, Friday Night Lights, Georgia Dome, Roam the Dome

Crews at the Georgia Dome spent the weekend installing a grass field in preparation for Wednesday’s soccer match between Mexico and Venezuala.

It will be the first time the venue hosts an event on a grass field (click here for photos).

Sod from Precision Turf in Lilburn was laid in 4-by-8 foot sections. It will be removed after the game and more grass will be put down in preparation for another soccer match on July 22.

In chatting with head groundskeeper Jim Hewitt (@FalconsGrounds) Tuesday I learned the grass doesn’t need much to stay in place. A bed of plastic and plywood do the trick for a base (pictured) and the large sections of grass (about 2 inches thick) buddy up and start to connect.

I also learned that grass, especially in Georgia, needs plenty of heat and light to grow.

That was a problem when the idea of putting a natural surface in an indoor stadium was first explored.

Engineers of the Astrodome originally put down Bermuda grass, which would — in theory — grow under a semitransparent roof. A section of the roof was painted to prevent glare which, combined with the problem of growing grass in the absence of sunlight, led to the demise of the concept.

The Houston Texans also play on a grass field inside of Reliant Stadium, but the sod is brought in and out of the retractable-roof facility on trays. The Arizona Cardinals also play on grass under a retractable roof, but the entire field is tracked in and out of the stadium.

According to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta plans to be in a proposal to host World Cup games in 2018 or 2022

J. Michael Moore Georgia Dome Arizona Cardinals, Astrodome, Georgia Dome, Houston Texans, Reliant Stadium

This weekend the wife and I did a little shopping for an upcoming vacation and finished off one ritual associated with the purchase of new clothes: Closet organization and donation selection.

It took several hours, but Kelli and I managed to create some more room in a reorganized closet and get some older garb ready for charity.

Amazing how small changes can have such a profound impact.

Maybe it’s the OCD dork in me, but I slept better last night. Maybe this is one of those weird things I should keep to myself.

At any rate, we can’t underestimate the power of the small decisions and actions we take in our lives. Think of all the changes made in the Falcons organization over the past 18 months.

Some big, some small.

But it’s some of the tiny changes that make for sustainable differences.

It can be as easy as cleaning a closet.

Making Wishes Come True, Spreading Our Wings
The Falcons’ community mission continues, in season or out. Check out the “Spreading Our Wings” blog for community news and features.

The Great Turner/Norwood Debate, The Falcoholic
Great use of charts and data analysis. But it doesn’t really matter who gets the most carries or touchdowns. You need two quality running backs to win in the NFL. Plain and simple.

Chat with Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.com
Some thoughts on contract extensions and the defensive line from the NFC South Blogger.

What Vick’s release means to Falcons and No. 7, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’re getting ready to officially put this story to bed in the blog, but not before we link to a few last stories recapping Friday’s roster move.

Falcons ‘turn the chapter’ on Vick era with his release, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some additional thoughts from Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff.

Rookies no more: Seven with a second-year itch, Yahoo Sports
Eyes from the national media are watching cornerback Brent Grimes.

Georgia Dome converting to grass….for soccer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To think, engineers thought they could get natural grass to grow inside the Astrodome (hence the creation of Astroturf). Great to see the Dome has the flexibility to bring in grass for events, though. By the way… I’ve been to the Astrodome and, yes, if you’re queit, you can hear the faint chant: “Let them play. Let them play.”

The Greatest Atlanta Falcon of All Time is…, The Falcoholic
Great idea for offseason blogging. Look forward to more good work over the next few weeks.

Commentary: Falcons tire of shopping Vick, The (Columbus) Ledger-Enquirer
“In the very end, we came to a conclusion that it was time,” Dimitroff said. “It was best for both us and Michael Vick to move on, to turn the chapter.”

A giddy romance … then heartbreak, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s nothing wrong with memories. But, there’s a time to focus on the present. It’s the next logical step to the future.

2009-2010 NFL Team Previews: Atlanta Falcons, Bleacher Report
I’ll check in with my own preview of the Falcons offense, defense and special teams in the weeks leading up to training camp. I’m thinking a five-part story series should provide plenty of insight.

Ranking the NFC South kickers, ESPN.com
Is this even a contest?

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Bleacher Report, Brent Grimes, ESPN.com, Falcons in the Community, Georgia Dome, Jerious Norwood, Kelli, Michael Turner, Michael Vick, The Falcoholic, The Ledger-Enquirer, Thomas Dimitroff

BLOGGER’S NOTE: A quick mention of programming. I’ll be flying (that’s right, flying) down to Ft. Benning in a bit to document Falcons players and cheerleaders paying soldiers a visit. More coverage, and video from the helicopter ride, coming on Tuesday.

Ah, the lazy days of summer.

Backyard barbecues… Days at the lake… Baseball… Watching golf tournaments on TV on a Sunday afternoon…

The Falcons news cycle, to say the least, is slow this time of year. The players get regular four-day weekends and will soon get a month-long break before the start of Russell Falcons Training Camp.

Things go along at a different pace this time of year.

In the past, I’ve called it “relaxed focus.”

So, let’s get into that spirit.

Here’s a little something that will hopefully get you to appreciate some of the fun to be had in sports and get you in the mood for a relaxing summer.

It seems the UCONN and South Florida baseball teams had a dance off during a rain delay last month.

If that’s not a good, random, summer kickoff for Birdseed, I don’t know what is.

Birds sign 2009 Draft picks Middleton, Walker, AF.com
That’s two down. Eight to go.

Share Your Favorite Gameday Memory, The Falcoholic
A great talking point in the slow days of the offseason. I’ll say my favorite game in the Georgia Dome is last year’s win over the Bears. My favorite moment in an NFL stadium as a fan (or non-football employee) came back in January 2000 at Adelphia Coliseum . That, of course, was The Music City Miracle.

Behind the scenes at Matt Ryan’s first football cam, Eagle in Atlanta
Good recap of Ryan’s football camp. I couldn’t make it, but it seems a good time was had by all.

Coleman becomes Falcons secondary’s elder statesman, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Players aren’t necessarily signed to be leaders, but Coleman started showing some of those properties early in his career with the Falcons.

Ranking the NFC South defensive linemen, ESPN.com
Three possible starters in the Top 10? I’ll take that.

Youth football fund awards grants to Falcons players, AF.com
I didn’t play football growing up, but it’s good to know so many players give their time to share the game with today’s youth.

Atlanta Falcons to visit Kelley Hill today, Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer
See “blogger’s note.” I’ll be there with cameras and pen in hand.

Smith Speaks but ETSU is a World Away, Bristol (Tenn.) Herald-Courier
There are bigger issues here, but note the other stop on Head Coach Mike Smith’s lengthy speaking tour. Falcons fans are lucky to hear him speak regularly.

Fantasy experts high on Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fantasy columns? Already? I just start talking about summer fun and the football season shows why it’s just around the corner… It never ends.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, YouTube AF.com, AJC, Bristol Herald-Courier, Eagle in Atlanta, Erik Coleman, ESPN.com, Georgia Dome, Head Coach Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, The Falcoholic, The Ledger-Enquirer