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’s Throwback Weekend in Atlanta and, besides honoring the 1966 team at halftime of today’s game, the Falcons are wearing some old-school jerseys.

Good look for the Falcons, who haven’t “thrownback” since the uniform and logo change after the 2002 season. The Falcons will also wear the 1966 jerseys — black shirts, red helmets and all — later this season against the Tampa Bay Buccaners.

More Falcons-Panthers game coverage to come.

J. Michael Moore Gameday, History, YouTube Carolina Panthers, History, Tampa Bay Buccaners, throwback, video

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

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE THROWBACKS

When it comes to football, there’s one thing most fans can agree on (at least most fans I’ve talked to).

Everyone loves a good throwback uniform.

Add the Falcons to the list of teams getting some of that love in 2009.

The Birds will don replicas of the team’s inaugural 1966 uniform twice this season — first on Sept 20 against the Carolina Panthers and again when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit on Nov. 29.

Atlanta has many choices when it comes to throwbacks (the team has had about a dozen uniform variations in its 43-year history) but the selection of the 1966 uni is both historic and appropriate.

As throwbacks go, this goes back to the beginning. Back to the start.

As looks go, it gets the job done. And it has a nifty gold stripe on the helmet.

Falcons unveil throwback uniforms, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you’re a fan of history and a fan of football, Throwback Weekend was made just for you.

Falcons look to make adjustments in St. Louis, AF.com
The third preseason game is for the starters. This preseason game is for players looking for roster spots.

5 things to watch for in Rams/Falcons Game, Examiner.com
One thing I’m looking for is improvements at the Edward Jones Dome. Evidently some renovations and updates will be revealed tonight.

Falcons-Rams Game Center, NFL.com
Everything you need to know about Friday’s game between the Falcons and Rams.

Tony Gonzalez: A high motor chugs on alternative fuel, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If I want to be in Tony Gonzalez shape, I’m going to need to change a lot more than my diet.

Football vagabond Troy Bergeron still trying to stick with Falcons, The Greenville (S.C.) News
It’s all about an opportunity for Troy Bergeron and, though he’s low on the unofficial depth chart, he will get his chances to fill in at a wide receiver spot that opened up with Harry Douglas‘ injury.

Atlanta Falcons-St. Louis Rams Game Preview: Opportunities Arise, Examiner.com
The Rams — now with a defensive-minded head coach — figure to run the ball a little more in 2009. Another test for the Falcons young defense.

Falcons rookies to get early playing time, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rookies will get into the game early and often on Friday as the Falcons look to make further evaluations before the first cut-down date.

For the Atlanta Falcons’ Thomas Johnson, the time is now, Examiner.com
Talked on the radio Thursday about Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and if he’s bringing any “New England style scouting” to Atlanta. Tough question to answer, but finding success with a player who spent a year out of football seems to be on the good side of unorthodoxy.

Rams’ mandate for Spagnuolo: ‘Turn this place upside down,’ USA Today
The Rams have drafted some recognizable names over the last few years. Time will tell if the right coach will turn things around.

What to watch for in Falcons next game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ll be keeping an eye on this and more from the Edward Jones Dome press box.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason, training camp AJC, Edward Jones Dome, Examiner.com, Harry Douglas, History, NFL.com, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp, St. Louis Rams, The Greenville News, Thomas Dimitroff, Thomas Johnson, throwback, Tony Gonzalez, Troy Bergeron, USA Today

Quick break from the grind of Falcons reporting to introduce two new venues for team news and behind-the-scenes insight.

This morning the Falcons Football Communications department launched a pair of blogs:

• Falcons Public Relations
• Time Machine

In the PR blog, you’ll hear from each member of the team’s football communications staff — a group charged with keeping a lengthy media schedule, setting up interviews and tracking the team’s statistical success. And that’s just three items on their lengthy to-do list.

In “Time Machine,” veteran PR man Frank Kleha will take you on a trip through Falcons past and present, drawing on his 20-plus years with the organization and love for vintage info.

Check them out and subscribe to the RSS. You can also follow Vice President of Football Communications Reggie Roberts (@FalconsPR) and the history blog (@FalconsHistory) on Twitter.

For a list of all the Falcons blogs, click here.

J. Michael Moore History, News, Random blogs, Frank Kleha, History, PR, Time Machine

Today is Alumni Day in Flowery Branch and more than 60 former players are expected for the afternoon practice (interviews and photos to come on AF.com).

In honor of this occasion — and as a thank you to the YouTube gods — here’s a gem from yesteryear.

Now for your daily dose of training camp Birdseed. Or would you prefer grits for breakfast?

Preseason opportunity awaits rookie lineman Walker, AF.com
It takes more than simple desire to get to the quarterback, though that may be the most important trait of successful defensive linemen.

Heading up to Flowery Branch, ESPN.com
Five things to watch from Pat Yasinskas’ notebook.

Roddy White addresses deal, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If there’s a question to be asked about Roddy White and his preparedness, it should be on chemistry with quarterback Matt Ryan. And even that — according to the receiver — is nothing to worry about.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, History, training camp AF.com, AJC, Alex Stepanovich, alumni, Brian VanGorder, Erik Coleman, ESPN.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, History, Matt Ryan, Pat Yasinskas, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Roddy White, Thomas DeCoud, Tony Gonzalez, Vance Walker, 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

Restricted free agent guard Harvey Dahl signed a one-year tender offer with the Falcons, the club announced Thursday.

Dahl, who started all 16 games last season, could have signed an offer sheet with another team during the free agency period but the Falcons would have had the right to match that offer to keep him in Atlanta. The team would also receive a second-round pick as compensation if Dahl signed with another team.

The three-year veteran now goes off the restricted free agency market. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2009 season.

With Dahl’s help, the Falcons finished second in the NFL in rushing (152.7 yards per game) in 2008. Running back Michael Turner had the best season of his career, rushing for 1,699 yards and a franchise-record 17 touchdowns.

Dahl was also part of an offensive line that allowed a record-low 17 sacks.

J. Michael Moore Free Agency, Roster Moves Free Agency, Harvey Dahl, History, Michael Turner, Roster Moves