J.Mike's Missives

Even with a stomach full of delicious Chick-fil-A, sweet tea, coffee and a dash of trail mix (trying to do better with the diet) I couldn’t satisfy a hungry writing muse this afternoon.

While the gut may not be the only source of inspiration in my arsenal, it is where my classy sappy words of inspiration and insight often flow. So, with writer’s block firmly entrenched, I won’t waste your valuable time.

Here’s what they’re saying about the Falcons before we turn complete attention to this weekend’s game against the New York Giants…

Ask Vance Walker a Question, AF.com
We’re dusting off the Voices Heard question gathering/voting device and putting it to work for a special interview with rookie defensive tackle — and former Georgia Tech standout — Vance Walker.

Turner update coming Wednesday, ESPN.com
Don’t get upset with the Falcons for not releasing more news about Michael Turner. In the NFL, competitive advantage is everything and teams aren’t required to reveal any details on injuries until Wednesday afternoon.

Falcons re-sign Stecker, release receiver Bergeron, AF.com
Time on the 53-man roster is sometimes short. Regardless, Bergeron has been a contributor on the practice squad and Stecker returns to add to his numbers through two games.

Giants’ owner doesn’t like Thanksgiving schedule, ProFootballTalk.com
Outside of physically shrinking the country, there’s nothing to do to avoid some of these schedule complications. (Memo to disaster movie makers: please do not pull a 2012-style film out of your hat about shrinking the United States).

Ryan down, Turner out as Falcons lick wounds from Carolina loss, Examiner.com
When headliners are struggling, younger players must step up.

Elam takes blame for missed field goal, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kicking isn’t a one-man operation. Jason Elam and Head Coach Mike Smith made that clear. That said, as the veteran player, Elam will be called upon to correct any mistakes.

History on Atlanta’s side going into N.Y., ESPN.com
Well that’s interesting. For more on the series history check out Frank Kleha’s recent Time Machine post.

How I See It: NFC South Stock Watch, ESPN.com
“After an almost flawless rookie season, Ryan has been only ordinary. At times, he’s been worse than ordinary.”

Turner’s injury has Falcons juggling running backs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hard to imagine a more epic doomsday scenario than losing Turner in 2008 (Hollywood, see earlier comment). With Jason Snelling playing well, the Falcons have additional options at running back in 2009.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed Aaron Stecker, AF.com, AJC, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Frank Kleha, Georgia Tech, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, New York Giants, ProFootballTalk.com, Time Machine, Troy Bergeron, Vance Walker, Voices Heard

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

For the second-straight week the Falcons put together flashes of success on the field only to fizzle at key moments in the game.

Head Coach Mike Smith did not hesitate when he talked to the media Tuesday — a little more than 12 hours after losing to the New Orleans Saints — about the team’s need for consistency.

“Looking at the tape I thought there were some good things and some things we did OK but there are some things we need to get corrected,” the second-year coach said, referring to the team’s 35-27 defeat at the hands of a division rival on Monday Night Football.

“We’re not hitting on all cylinders for 60 minutes and I think that’s the thing that’s evident over the last couple weeks. We’re not sustaining our level of play through the entire game… Not to make excuses, but — and this is not just on the offensive side of the ball, this is all three phases — we’re not sustaining the level of play to get the outcome we want.”

The coach said players and coaches alike must identify the issue and look to correct it before losses pile up on the team’s 4-3 record.

“We’re all responsible for the outcomes,” he said.

OTHER NOTES FROM THE MONDAY PRESSER…

… Smith listed several positives from the game, including running back Michael Turner’s season-high 151 rushing yards. Turner had been struggling to put together a dominant game.

“It’s something we’ve been working on and trying to tweak and get going,” Smith said. “I think one of the biggest differences was Michael really running hard and down hill.”

Smith said the coaching staff added some new looks in run formations but a lot of the praise went to Turner, who took time to review tape of some of his big runs from a Pro Bowl season in 2008 prior to taking the field in New Orleans.

The head coach did not offer an injury update on running backs Jerious Norwood (hip) and Jason Snelling (hamstring), who were inactive for the game.

… Veteran kicker Jason Elam missed a pair of field goals Monday night, leading to questions about the position from the Atlanta media.

“Jason did not kick the ball like we’re accustom to seeing him kick the ball,” Smith said. “That’s something we’ll always be evaluating. We always have a backup plan in place already in terms of who would be our backup kicker. (Punter) Michael (Koenen) has done that in the past, but that’s something we’re always evaluating.”

… Cornerback Tye Hill, acquired in a trade just before the regular season, officially got the start at one of the cornerback slots Monday night but Smith said more changes could be in store as the team finds the right combination to replace Brian Williams.

Smith said Hill was consistent against the run and the pass, but added Brent Grimes and perhaps rookie Christopher Owens could see more time on defense as the season progresses.

Grimes got his first interception of the season — a leaping grab that made it into several highlight packages — Monday night.

AS FOR THE REDSKINS…

… The Falcons will return to Flowery Branch for meetings Tuesday evening before getting Wednesday off. The team is on a short week to prepare for the Washington Redskins (2-5).

“Defensively, they are very strong. I think they’re a very aggressive team. They’ve had two weeks to prepare coming off a bye week,” Smith said.

J. Michael Moore News Brent Grimes, Brian Williams, Christopher Owens, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Michael Koenen, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins

In my previous life as editor and publisher of Broncos Magazine, I wrote a story of Jay Cutler’s first day in Denver.

We chatted on the 45-minute ride from the airport to the team practice facility and I followed him through what was a momentous day in his personal — and Broncos — history.

Within minutes of arriving at Dove Valley, Cutler was at a breakfast table with a plate of scrambled eggs and a playbook. To his right, the team’s quarterback’s coach. To his left, the offensive coordinator.

No mistake, he was Denver’s quarterback of the future: the newest man to live in the shadow of John Elway.

But the future didn’t work out as planned.

Cutler started late in his rookie season and the Broncos missed the playoffs. Denver missed the postseason the next two years with Cutler as the unquestioned franchise quarterback and, after the 2008 season, long-time head coach Mike Shanahan, the man who drafted Cutler, was asked to leave.

Cutler and new coach Josh McDaniels didn’t see eye to eye after reports of trade talks. A few weeks later the former Vanderbilt star was in Chicago starting a new life as the franchise quarterback of another team. The Broncos are now 5-0 with Kyle Orton as the starter and the Bears — the Falcons opponent tonight at the Georgia Dome — are off to a 3-1 start.

It’s worth mentioning Cutler was the only visiting quarterback to win a game in the Dome last season, so the Falcons are aware of his talent and experience.

“I played with John Elway and he’s right up there as far as arm strength, and that’s saying something,” said kicker Jason Elam who played with Cutler in Denver and is now in his second year with the Falcons.

Cutler threw for more than 4,000 yards in his last year in Denver and, though he started his inaugural season with the Bears with a four-interception game at Green Bay, he’s rebounded to take advantage of some of the fastest receivers in the NFL.

His arm strength is key, but his mobility allows for the extension of plays and creates a test for the Falcons defense.

“You have to stay in coverage a little longer because he can make all the throws,” veteran linebacker Mike Peterson said.

Cutler threw for 216 yards and a touchdown in a Broncos win over the Falcons last season. He was sacked once.

Disrupting Cutler’s rhythm likely includes a heavy dose of pressure. He’s fumbled five times as a Bear and can get frustrated if he’s contained and forced to throw with a hand in his face.

That’s all covered in playbook study sessions.

But John Abraham and Co. can make Cutler’s breakfast a little uneasy in the stomach.

J. Michael Moore Feature, Gameday Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Jason Elam, Jay Cutler, John Abraham, John Elway, Josh McDaniels, Kyle Orton, Mike Peterson, Mike Shanahan

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

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

Not to sound like a broken record, but in order to do well this weekend in San Francisco the Falcons will need to pay attention to the run game and look to stop, what else, the run.

The 49ers play in one of the weaker divisions — statistically — in the NFL, but the 3-1 record isn’t a fluke.

Mike Singletary’s team is one play away from being undefeated.

Quick thoughts from the Weekly Preview Pack (PDF)…

• Tony Siragusa, who played with the Ravens while Mike Smith was an assistant coach will be on the field for the broadcast (random, but a note).
• The last four meetings between the Falcons and 49ers have been decided by six points or less (both games in 2001 went to overtime).
• The Falcons rank 25th or lower against the run, pass and total defense but are eighth in points allowed per game (17.6). The Niners are second (13.3).
• Frank Gore is out for San Francisco but Shaun Hill and Co. still put up 25.5 points per game (ninth best in the league).
• Matt Ryan and Hill each have five touchdowns and one pick.
• The Falcons will wear white jerseys this weekend in San Francisco (random, but fans want to know).
• Tight ends are the leading receivers for both teams (Tony Gonzalez, 13 catches for 160 yards and Vernon Davis, 17 catches for 211 yards).
• Atlanta’s offensive line is tied for first in sacks allowed over the past two games (zero). The line has allowed just 19 sacks since the start of 2008.

Now for some additional thoughts on the game from Head Coach Mike Smith, who met with the media after Wednesday’s practice.

• Kicker Jason Elam was limited in practice, but Smith didn’t seem concerned. The veteran kicks once a week, on Thursdays.
• Smith noted the 49ers have scored four, non-offensive touchdowns. I don’t have the stats in front of me, but that has to be near the top of the charts.

J. Michael Moore News FOX, Frank Gore, game notes, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Matt Ryan, Mike Singletary, San Francisco 49ers, Shaun Hill, Tony Gonzalez, Tony Siragusa, Vernon Davis, video

Work never ends for an NFL team.

When asked Monday if the team has kept track of Carolina’s quarterback situation, Head Coach Mike Smith smiled and said “we keep track of everything.”

So, if you think the Falcons spend time just focusing on themselves, think again. The Birds returned to Flowery Branch Monday morning after Sunday’s victory over the Miami Dolphins to watch tape of their mistakes but also stay in practice watching other teams’ habits.

Wednesday, preparation for the Panthers begins in earnest.

But preparing to win never stops.

Complete Falcons-Dolphins Coverage from AF.com
Click above for all the postgame work from the AF.com team, including the first regular-season edition of Falcons First Take.

Peterson brings force in Falcons debut, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With the amount of hard hits in Sunday’s game, I’m starting to wonder if members of the Falcons defense took some of the criticism from the preseason personally.

A strong Atlanta Falcons defense shuts down Miami Dolphins, win 19-7, Examiner.com
Imagine what the game would have looked like if the Falcons offense turned it on like the defense. But that’s the nature of football. When one group slows, the rest of the team is there to pick it up.

Elder statesmen lead way for Falcons defense, AF.com
Two new additions and one of the veteran players on the defense stood up to make plays Sunday.

Wrap-up: Falcons 19, Dolphins 7, ESPN.com
Many in the football media assumed the Falcons defense would pull together at some point during the season. Is that time now?

Miami Dolphins No. 2 quarterback Pat White used sparingly, The Miami Herald
Activating White as the team’s No. 2 quarterback was a bit surprising. I’d be interested to see what the Dolphins do if Chad Pennington was forced to leave the game.

Falcons’ Elam has a ‘frustrating day,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Few understand what it means to be an NFL kicker. Jason Elam’s status as a veteran — and likely future Hall of Famer — means he knows what to correct from a frustrating day at the office (click here for additional thoughts from Examiner.com).

5 things we learned from the Miami win, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hopefully, the team’s performance against the Dolphins was enough to make sure people don’t overreact in the preseason ever again.

Gonzalez is 21st player with 11,000 receiving yards, NFL.com
I guess it’s still possible for Gonzalez to reach career milestones. I thought he broke just about every record and reached just about every number out there.

Gonzalez, Peterson shine in Falcons debut, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Another observation… Ovie Mughelli’s touchdown dance? Anyone wish to comment?

Observations from Section 326: Week 1, The Falcoholic
Ha! “We’ve secretly replaced the Atlanta Falcons defense with a team of powerful cyborgs from the future. Let’s see if fans notice.”

Falcons make an impressive opening statement, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s still very early to draw conclusions, but things seem to be moving in the right direction.

Local Falcons fans start season with food, fun and tradition, Gainesville Times
Not going to lie. My job has a lot of perks, but I miss tailgating.

Miami Dolphins’ Jake Long, offensive line struggle against Falcons, The Miami Herald
John Abraham has made a lot of offensive tackles look bad in his career but the bull rush on Jake Long — a No. 1 overall pick — took things to another level.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Carolina Panthers, Chad Pennington, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Falcons First Take, Gainesville Times, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jake Long, Jason Elam, John Abraham, Miami Dolphins, Mike Peterson, NFL.com, Ovie Mughelli, Pat White, The Falcoholic, The Miami Herald, Tony Gonzalez

We’ve been here before.

Falcons 1-0 and the toast of the town.

A year ago this week Atlanta exploded out of the gate and defeated the Detroit Lions with a heavy dose of the running game.

Remember Michael Turner’s franchise-record 220 rushing yards?

Sunday Atlanta got it done with the defense.

The Falcons came within 3:21 of recording a shutout, beating the Miami Dolphins 19-7 at the Georgia Dome.

Atlanta protected the football and forced four turnovers in the game, holding the Dolphins to 4-of-11 on third down and just 259 total yards (96 on the ground).

Sunday’s win marks another stop on the long “process” Head Coach Mike Smith and General Manager Thomas Dimitroff talk about — publicly and privately — almost every day in Flowery Branch.

The team’s focus on defensive players in the draft (seven of eight players selected in 2009) and the steady addition of more exotic blitzes and coverages will pay dividends.

After self-described “learning experiences” in the preseason, it seemed the Falcons offense needed to shoulder a bit more of the load earlier in the season.

The process wasn’t quite finished.

But, with Sunday’s performance, the Falcons took a big step in the right direction.

“We played with a lot of energy, they were very enthusiastic and I think our defense really attacked the football with the four turnovers,” Smith said. “Anytime you can have four turnovers in a game you’re really going to enhance your chances of getting what you want.”

And, quietly, Matt Ryan and Co. did their part in the points department.

Atlanta totaled 281 yards of total offense. Ryan threw for 229 yards and a pair of touchdowns (one to Tony Gonzlaez and another to Ovie Mughelli). Ironically, the team rushed for just 68 yards (65 with a 3-yard per carry average from Turner).

Get that rushing line in 2008 and a win was unlikely if not impossible.

But the Falcons still held the ball for more than 30 minutes in the game and got the points needed for a victory.

Gonzalez, a 10-time Pro Bowler that joined the Falcons just before the draft, caught five passes for a game-high 73 yards. Ryan found a total of seven receivers — four with 40 or more yards.

“From the day he arrived we worked on blitz communication and understanding route breaks,” Ryan said of his relationship with Gonzalez. “There is not much you have to tell him. Tony is a guy that has played for a long time . He understands protection better than anyone I’ve been around.”

Factor in a pair of missed field goals and a botched extra point from Jason Elam and the Falcons left seven additional points on the field.

His favorite target, however, was the tight end.

Gonzalez has now caught at least one pass in 132 straight games and the move he put on a Dolphins safety Yeremiah Bell on the touchdown play is stuff you’d expect from a future Hall of Famer.

But the defense was the star of this game.

“I think we can be as good as we want to be,” defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux said. “Guys out there are executing, doing their job. If everybody does their job, we’ll do alright.”

Now, will history include this as the start of another magical season?

If so, we have a new introduction in the book.

“I want to caution everyone that this is Week 1 of a long journey and we’ve got 15 more games that we’re guaranteed to play,” Smith said. “We got a lot of things that we will correct when we get in there and watch the tapes tomorrow. Again, I can’t say any more about the energy and enthusiasm that this football team played with today,”

SOME FINAL NOTES FROM THE GAME…

… Atlanta recorded four sacks in the game (two a piece from defensive ends Kroy Biermann and John Abraham). For the record, the Falcons went 11-1 in 2008 when out-sacking opponents. Biermann also recorded a pair of special teams tackles.

… Mughelli’s first-half touchdown was his first since 2006, when he was a member of the Baltimore Ravens.

… Linebacker Curtis Lofton was credited with a game-high 10 solo tackles and a forced fumble but it was Peterson with the other big plays — an interception and a forced fumble.

MORE FROM THE FALCONS-DOLPHINS GAME:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete game coverage from AF.com
• GAME CENTER: Stats and more from NFL.com
• GAME FEATURE: Falcons defense steps up in Week 1 win
• FROM THE BLOG: Notes from the game in J. Michael Moore’s blog
• FIRST TAKE: Head Coach Mike Smith | Ryan | Gonzalez | Biermann | Peterson
• NFL NETWORK: Highlights and interviews from NFL Network
• INTERVIEWS: Locker room interviews and more Falcons-Dolphins video
• GAME NOTES: Offcial game notes from the Georgia Dome press box
• PHOTOS: Images from the Falcons season-opening win
• QUOTABLE: Quotes from Falcons coaches and players | Dolphins
• INACTIVES: Inactive players and starters from Sunday’s game
• BOARDS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE

J. Michael Moore Gameday Curtis Lofton, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, John Abraham, Jonathan Babineaux, Kroy Biermann, Matt Ryan, Miami Dolphins, Michael Turner, Ovie Mughelli, Thomas Dimitroff, Tony Gonzalez, Yeremiah Bell

The Falcons defense took a lot of heat through the preseason and, at least through the opening quarter of the 2009 season, it seems some of it wasn’t completely deserved.

Atlanta sacked Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington twice in the opening period of Sunday’s game. One came with a fumble, which was recovered by defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux inside Dolphins territory.

Kroy Biermman’s sack and forced fumble came from the left side of the field while John Abraham’s bull-rush-over-Jake Long play resulted in a sack and forced a Dolphins punt at the end of the quarter.

It was an impressive early outing for the group if only for its solid nature.

• No glaring misreads or missed tackles.
• Just three Dolphins first downs and a 66 percent success rate on third-down conversions.
• Only 23 rushing yards allowed.

MORE THOUGHTS ON THE GAME…

… The release of Verron Haynes came as a slight surprise but, since he wasn’t on the team Sunday, the Falcons only needed to deactivate seven players before kickoff (one was emergency quarterback John Parker Wilson).

… Falcons showing some interesting personnel groupings, at least in getting bodies into the game. Jason Snelling and Brian Finneran got some playing time early.

… Michael Turner got only three touches on the first drive of the game. Instead of looking to the running back, the Falcons went to the air. It worked, as the team got into scoring range, but Jason Elam missed his first field goal attempt of the 2009 season.

… Ovie Mughlli’s 1-yard touchdown catch with 8:37 remaining in the first half was his first scoring grab since he was a member of the Baltimore Ravens. The score gave the Falcons a 7-0 lead after missing two scoring chances inside the Dolphins 40 in the first quarter.

… Pennington completed all five of his pass attempts in the first period, but they went for just 23 yards. Most of the short throws were forced by the defense and other completions were sniffed out early around the line of scrimmage.

… Miami showed its own version of the Wildcat midway through the second quarter, bringing Pat White in at quarterback and sending a direct snap to running back Ronnie Brown. On the next play, White kept the ball and was stopped by a gang of Falcons after no gain.

J. Michael Moore Gameday Brian Finneran, Chad Pennington, Jake Long, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, John Abraham, John Parker Wilson, Jonathan Babineaux, Kroy Biermann, Matt Ryan, Miami Dolphins, Michael Turner, Ovie Mughelli, Pat White, Ronnie Brown, Verron Haynes, wildcat formation