J.Mike's Missives

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

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

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

Cowboys linebacker Keith Brooking spent the first 11 years of his NFL career with the Falcons. He went to five Pro Bowls and, as a rookie, made an appearance in the Super Bowl.

He knows a thing or two about the game… And the Falcons.

When asked in a conference call with Atlanta media Wednesday if he’s getting involved with game planning for Sunday’s game between his old and new team, Brooking was coy but not totally silent.

“”From a personnel standpoint I can give the guys some tips… But I’ve got enough to worry about over here on defense taking care of that offense,” Brooking said.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE CONFERENCE CALL

In particular, Brooking warned his teammates of the Falcons offensive line, which has gone four games without allowing a sack and includes two of the “meanest” players in the NFL — right guard Harvey Dahl and right tackle Tyson Clabo. The duo is known for playing through the whistle and, for lack of a better word, pestering opposing defenses.

“I’m just letting them know how nasty Harvey Dahl and Clabo are. Be careful. Those guys will sneak up on you in a heartbeat,” Brooking said. “I think the offensive line, like last year, has really come together. Those guys are playing together; all good offensive lines do that.”

J. Michael Moore News conference call, Dallas Cowboys, Foe Audio, Harvey Dahl, Keith Brooking, Tyson Clabo

In about two hours the Falcons will embark on an Atlanta-sized community mission.

You could call it the community “Super Bowl.”

Most of the team will give up a day off today for Hometown Huddle — a citywide community event that features a few surprise appearances around town and other trips to elementary and middle school physical education classes.

The AF.com crew is out in force and will bring you video, stories and blogs.  I’ll also be working the Twittersphere (sp?) to bring you some pictures and updates from a special stop on the north side of town. (@FalconsJMoore).

Look for more this afternoon and Wednesday morning on AtlantaFalcons.com.

Now… Off to surprise a few citizens.

Some Birdseed while you wait?

Ask Justin Blalock a Question, AF.com
The Falcons big offensive guard has agreed to take fan questions this week. New Media Intern Vance will follow up and select your questions on Thursday.

Falcons put rushing attack under microscope, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At some point, the Falcons will need to run the ball — to kill the clock or put together the offense. It’s been on the radar all season. Was the bye week a time to fix it?

Falcons’ Norwood says concussions ‘a serious deal,’ Associated Press
Study some of the science behind concussions and you’ll get a headache (seriously). The mind is an amazing thing and jostling it around in the skull isn’t good for business.

Run game a bye-week focus for Falcons offense, AF.com
Additional thoughts from Michael Turner and offensive lineman Harvey Dahl.

Falcons to workout three defensive linemen, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rumor has it…

The Quarter Season NFC South Landscape, The Falcoholic
I hate to break it to you Falcons Fans, but the Saints are good. Very good. Just a while longer before that big, Monday Night Football showdown.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Falcons in the Community AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Falcons in the Community, Harvey Dahl, Hometown Huddle, Jerious Norwood, Justin Blalock, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers, The Falcoholic, Twitter

You probably noticed some changes on AtlantaFalcons.com this morning.

Don’t worry, it’s by design.

We’re honoring the 1966 Falcons and previewing “Throwback Weekend,” which culminates in Sunday’s division duel between Atlanta and Carolina. Ideally, we’d throw the site back to 1966 with the uniforms but, since the Internet didn’t exist (at least not in its current form), we had to get creative.

Higher screen resolutions get the full effect of a new background tile while every beauty image for the remainder of this week will either feature an old photo from the 1966 season or get treated like something from your grandmother’s scrapbook.

And, in case you’re wondering, we included a link to what AF.com used to look like. Enjoy!

The Falcons equipment staff placed the red throwback helmets in lockers on Monday. Players practiced with the gear on Wednesday and, if they need more adjustments, the support staff can make them before game time — either to the red helmet or by placing pads and “guts” from the black helmet into the new head gear.

“I like them,” Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez said of the throwback equipment. “You like anything different just to break the monotony.”

Offensive lineman Harvey Dahl said he may do a little something extra to get into the “1960s” spirit (I asked because lineman are notorious for being creative) but, more likely, the team just enjoys the look and plays football.

Dahl said he spent time with members of the 1966 team when they visited Flowery Branch during training camp, adding its nice to get a perspective from a group of veterans that still like to judge technique and intensity.

Wide receiver Brian Finneran said his wife gave him some grief when the jerseys were unveiled last month, saying they’re similar to the standard jerseys worn by the team when he arrived in 2000.

The opinion of the throwbacks in the locker room is positive.

As for the important business of throwback “uniforms”… There have been some vague promises made among media and AF.com team members to “throwback” the press box and sidelines.

(We’ll see if any of it comes true).

I’m going to see if I can find one of my grandfather’s old skinny ties at home tonight.

What should fans do to honor the throwback?

J. Michael Moore History, Random AF.com, Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, equipment, Harvey Dahl, History, throwback, Tony Gonzalez

Training camp, like any form of intense training, is a step-by-step process. You start with jerseys, add the shoulder pads a couple practices in and, by day three, you’re ready for full pads and a more traditional football look.

The shoulder pads went on Sunday afternoon at Flowery Branch, which opened up a list of new possibilities for coaches looking to test their players’ knowledge, endurance and strength.

For example, putting the offensive and defensive lines against one another in small, controlled, rushing drills. Linebackers, quarterbacks and running backs were working too but much of the attention was focused on the linemen, who slammed into each other looking to create — and take away — running lanes.

It was another wake up call for rookies and a chance for fans at Russell Falcons Training Camp to see where the Falcons invested in the future.

The team drafted three defensive linemen and an offensive tackle in April. There were also undrafted free agent additions on both sides of the ball.

“It felt unusual because it’s been a long time since I’ve been in pads,” rookie defensive end Lawrence Sidbury said. “I haven’t had them on since December… Coming out here the first day I think I got my feet wet a little bit. You come out here with the veterans and the guys who have been here for a while and you have to step your game up. The more and more you do it, you just have to adjust. That’s pretty much what this game is about. You have to adjust even when you don’t know things.”

Fellow rookie, tackle Garrett Reynolds, said Sidbury was “fast as lightning” during drills, which featured two linemen against a pair of defenders.

“A little anxious, a little nervous… All of that stuff combined you really don’t know what it’s going to be like,” Sidbury said of his first day in a contact situation against veteran linemen. “I’m excited to come out here and play football again.”

MORE FROM DAY TWO OF TRAINING CAMP…

… Sticking with the linemen theme, all the rookie defensive linemen — including first-round pick Peria Jerry played well. Coaches will surely find flaws, but this blogger didn’t see anything that should be immediately troubling to fans.

… Jerry is, as I tweeted from the field, “as good as we all thought.” His explosiveness was apparent as he cut through linemen on his way to the backfield. “Jerry has great hands and fires off the ball and gets off on the snap very well,” Reynolds said.

… On the offensive side of the drill, starting guard Harvey Dahl was his usual self. Physical, play-to-the-whistle lineman.

… Rookie safety William Moore had a nice interception during 7-on-7 drills, making a diving grab along the sideline on a ball that flew a bit too far over the receiver.

… In an effort to keep the tempo up, Head Coach Mike Smith brought the team to the main practice field for a brief 11-on-11 session right after opening stretches. Coaches gave orders quickly as the first, second and third teams went through about six plays.

J. Michael Moore News, training camp Garrett Reynolds, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, Lawrence Sidbury, Peria Jerry, Russell Falcons Training Camp, William Moore

What does a Web-addicted, news-sniffing blogger do when he needs a vacation?

He goes to Hawaii and turns the phone off.

But now it’s time to say “aloha” (goodbye) to the islands and “aloha” (hello) to Flowery Branch.

The wife and I took a nine-day vacation to visit friends in Honolulu during this slow, offseason time but I did manage to stay informed on some of the sadder news from the NFL.

(Some things you just find out about).

Before recapping some Falcons news, a word on Steve McNair.

I was relaxing before a Fourth of July barbecue when our host turned from her computer to tell me about McNair’s death. It took but a moment to realize that, for the second time, a professional football player I knew and worked with had been killed.

But it wasn’t the same story.

Darrent Williams was an inspiration — an undersized cornerback looking to prove everyone wrong before his career was cut short by a bullet. McNair was the first player I met when my NFL journey began as a Titans intern in 2004.

One of the team’s PR men took me on a tour of the building and, there in the weight room (in May), was McNair. He smiled, and — through sweat and heavy breaths — said he looked forward to working with me through training camp.

Before that day I followed McNair’s career as a fan. I watched him lead the hometown Titans to a Super Bowl and marveled at his ability to overcome pain. As my NFL path grew longer, I learned more about his uncanny ability to play through injury.

My level of respect rose.

Then, news of his death reached me half a world away. But that didn’t take away the sting.

Rest in peace, Steve.

Leadership important in youthful secondary, AF.com
Before I left for paradise, I prepared features on the website focusing on key questions facing the Falcons at this point in the offseason. More on Tony Gonzalez and the running game here and here.

Ex-Falcons Tuggle prepares son for football limelight, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For as big a sport as it is, football certainly has some eerie connections.

Video: Tony Gonzalez on joining Falcons, ESPN.com
The Falcons new tight end talks about his new team.

Atlanta Falcons’ William Moore’s approach is with common sense and no expectations, Examiner.com
If you don’t keep a level head the NFL will throw you to the side. Too many ups and downs not to approach with an open mind and a calm demeanor.

All Time Falcons Team Results So Far, The Falcoholic
Continuing a great, offseason blog feature. We’re planning some history stuff on AF.com too, so stay tuned through the season.

Offseason spotlight: What will be Gonzalez’s impact in Atlanta?, NFL.com
Note no one says Gonzalez will not make an impact.

Local NFL player greets public, Lahontan Valley (Nev.) News
From small town star to one of the “meanest” players in the NFL. Tip of the hat to Harvey Dahl.

Arthur Blank: “No question we have a better team,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Eventually — perhaps sooner rather than later — we’ll be talking about “the power of the bird” in another sense.

Falcons enjoy productive offseason, The (Dalton, Ga.) Daily Citizen
I’m amazed at how little trust is put into the front office for a cornerback position that, though young, is one of the deepest on the team. I may think differently after the first preseason game but I’ll hold judgment for a while longer.

Davis to help hold camp before heading to Training Camp, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thanks for the link, D. Led! On a related note, blocking is something people forget about when it comes to tight end. Gonzalez isn’t a future Hall of Famer for his pass-catching ability alone.

Meet the rookies: Adkins happy to represent ‘The U,’ Gainesville Times
Spencer Adkins is an interesting player. He was a situational player at Miami, so keep an eye out to see where he fits into the Falcons defensive scheme.

The Falcons: From 1-15 to the NFC title game, SN says, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Certainly a different round of predictions expectations this season.

Rader returns to run youth football camp, The Charleston (W. Va.) Gazette
Sometimes I wonder how many of these great, offseason camps we never hear about.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, NFL News AF.com, AJC, Arthur Blank, Chauncey Davis, Darrent Williams, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Gainesville Times, Harvey Dahl, Hawaii, Honolulu, Jason Rader, Jessie Tuggle, Lahontan Valley News, NFL.com, Spencer Adkins, Steve McNair, Tennessee Titans, The Charleston Gazette, The Daily Citizen, The Falcoholic, Tony Gonzalez, vacation, William Moore

Cornerback Von Hutchins and defensive end John Abraham returned to the OTA practice field on Wednesday.

Abraham was held out of early workouts while recovering from some lingering bumps and bruises from the 2008 campaign. Hutchins, a free agent addition last year, missed the entire season after injuring his foot on the first day of training camp.

“I still (got some time) before I’m 100 percent healthy,” Hutchins said on May 21, knowing he would soon be back at practice. “But I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting a little sore.”

Away from the field, Hutchins acted as a mentor to a young secondary.

Now he’s ready to extend his six-year career which, to date, includes 142 tackles, two interceptions and 16 starts.

“I had all that time during the season to re-evaluate a lot of things,” he said. “I learned a lot about myself and the team. I learned a lot about my family. But this is football now. I’m ready to get back on the field. I’m working on rehabbing. I’m staying after practice rehabbing. I’m getting here before and getting some treatment and stuff in.”

Abraham led the Falcons with 16.5 sacks in 2008 while fighting through a variety of ailments. Smith decided to give the 10-year veteran some time off to open offseason workouts.

The three-time Pro Bowler got some work Wednesday, though the team limited offensive and defensive linemen to focus more on the passing game.

“We had a plan for John,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “We’re going to work John with that plan in mind. John has been through a lot of OTAs and a lot of mini camps so we want to get him acclimated to some of the new things we’re doing defensively.”

In other OTA news…

… Smith called this week’s practices a “passing camp,” saying linemen will get to retreat to the weight room before the end of practice while the rest of the team focuses on throwing the ball and defending the pass (not bad since the temperature has been hovering around 90 degrees).

… With Hutchins back the team is closer to 100 percent. Smith is pleased with the health of the Falcons at this point in the offseason.

“Jeff Fish and his staff have done a good job preparing these guys,” he said. “We’ve had very few pulled muscles or any of those soft tissue injuries. We’re really healthy and hopefully we can stay that way. Our goal has always been (to be healthy) for September 13. So hopefully we can accomplish that.”

… After missing some time during voluntary workouts earlier in the offseason, newly-acquired tight end Tony Gonzalez is on the field for a second week.

The coach is still happy the 10-time Pro Bowler is part of the Falcons family.

“Tony is going to be a great addition to our team,” he said. “We’re always trying to improve and he’s definitely going to make us a better football team — offensively, defensively and special teams.”

… The team announced tackle Tyson Clabo signed his restricted free agent tender on Wednesday, confirming his status for 2009. He and right guard Harvey Dahl are restricted free agents this season. Both received a reported second-round tender, meaning any team to sign them would have to forfeit a draft pick.

Atlanta also released undrafted free agent Brock Christopher.

J. Michael Moore News, Offseason, Roster Moves Brock Christopher, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Abraham, OTAs, Tony Gonzalez, Tyson Clabo, Von Hutchins

More than 40 Falcons players braved the heat Monday and came out to the fifth annual Verizon Wireless Network of Champions Golf Tournament at The River Club.

It’s Head Coach Mike Smith’s “home” course, so it was extra special for him and other coaches in attendance.

I took in the action from around the course and the clubhouse, which boasted a fantastic view of the No. 17 tee and green. Earlier in the day I watched Matt Ryan (that’s Matt Ryan of 88 at Augusta National Golf Club fame) tee off at the first hole.

It wasn’t his best tee shot but it didn’t take long for the reigning rookie of the year to regain some of his form and start shaping shots around the course.

His team finished tied for sixth with a handicap-adjusted score of 38 under par.

If you’re game, I also reccommend videos of Smith getting interviewed by Fox 5 (complete with putting contest) and rookies William Moore and Peria Jerry talking to AM 790 the Zone.

We’ve been busy with events at AF.com of late so what’s this blog post without a little dose of “Birdseed” to catch everyone up?

Let’s get to it.

Falcons hit the links for charitable efforts, AF.com
I wasn’t playing in Monday’s golf tournament, but I could tell the heat was getting to some of the participants. But the check presentation at the end of the day made it worth the sweat.

Falcons coach spends free time fly-fishing on quiet rivers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This may have inspired me to kick off my fly fishing hobby. I have no idea what I’m doing, but I bet Smitty would give me some advice if we ever find the time.

Good and nasty: Dahl tops list of NFL’s meanest players, CBSSports.com
This story was a big hit around The Branch.

Rookie safety ready to contribute for Falcons, Gainesville Times
Moore is indeed a jack of all trades. Tuba player… Big hitter… Songwriter? I have a feeling I’ll have a good lead for just about any story I write about him.

Dimitroff evaluates Falcons’ draft class, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Good thoughts from the Falcons general manager. He’s always out to practice early and stays through the final horn.

Lopez alumnus shares keys to success, Daytona Beach News-Journal
Great words to live by from Coach Smith: Keep “a curious mind, a competitive spirit and a compassionate heart.”

In this economy, NFL should alter blackout rules, CBSNews.com
Thought I’d include this because it includes some comments from Falcons Owner and CEO Arthur Blank.

Falcons’ undrafted free agents fight for a chance, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s hard work, but if an undrafted player makes it to the final roster he carries one of those great motivational chips on the shoulder for the rest of his career.

Haynes looking to cement place in Falcons backfield, AccessNorthGa.com
You hear about versatility at a lot of positions on the football field. One that gets lost in the shuffle is running back. But it’s equally important.

Two recent Atlanta Falcons draft classes have much in common, Examiner.com
Tracking themes is often tough, especially with time constraints. But, I think Mr. Cox is on to something here.

NFL players provide wounded warriors with day on the lake, ESPN.com
Another perspective on the Falcons recent fishing trip on Lake Lanier with veterans.

Falcons help clean up Atlanta parks, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I enjoyed working in the community on Friday. The entire Blank Family of Businesses staff pitched in to work at three locations.

Grimes looks to stand out in crowded secondary, AF.com
I think some people were confused about Smith’s declaration of Brent Grimes as the team’s most athletic player. It’s not joke. He’s got a rare mix of speed and leaping ability that more than makes up for his lack of height and weight.

Atlanta Falcons’ sustainability goes beyond 53-man roster, Examiner.com
Let us not forget the unsung heroes. Let us also note “managing editors” aren’t included on this list. No problem. I admire the guys on “the other side of the building” for all they do.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed 790 the Zone, AccessNorthGa.com, AF.com, AJC, Arthur Blank, Augusta National Golf Club, CBSNews.com, CBSSports.com, Daytona Beach News-Journal, Examiner.com, FOX5, Gainesville Times, golf, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, Lake Lanier, Matt Ryan, Peria Jerry, The River Club, Thomas Dimitroff, Verizon Wireless, Verron Haynes, William Moore