J.Mike's Missives

Who says there’s no good news coming out of Flowery Branch?

Thursday Head Coach Mike Smith confirmed running back Jerious Norwood returned to the practice field. The fourth-year pro was limited, but it’s a welcome sign of progression for the speedster, who suffered a concussion earlier in the season and, more recently, hurt his hip.

Norwood hasn’t played in a game since Oct. 18 and has just 19 carries for 78 yards on the year.

However, no additional good news on Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner (ankle sprain), who missed a second-straight day of practice. Smith said Wednesday Turner had “made a lot of strides” since injuring his right ankle Sunday afternoon. Thursday, Smith said a time table for the back’s return has not been set.

If the team doesn’t have Turner’s services, the sting would be lightened with Norwood in the lineup. The Falcons got a good day from Jason Snelling in the backfield last week and re-signed 10-year veteran running back Aaron Stecker for depth.

“It was good to get Jerious Norwood back out there,” Smith said (video). “That was a positive. Now we just have to wait and see how he responds to the work he got today.

“He looked good. You see that speed and Jerious’ smile out there breaking in and out of the huddle.”

Norwood certainly puts another big play threat into the offense. He’s averaged 5.7 yards per carry over his career, has shown skill as a slot receiver out of the backfield and was a centerpiece in the Falcons version of the “wildcat” formation in 2008, where the running back takes a direct snap with the quarterback split out as a wide receiver.

He’s also been a fixture in the “Birdseed” formation, which hasn’t left the blog-room drawing board yet…

What to Watch For in Week 11, AF.com
If you’re going to pay attention to just a few things in Sunday’s game, make sure you look at this page first.

A Look Ahead and the Shrinking Schedule, The Falcoholic
Will 10-6 get you into the NFC playoffs? Tough to say, but 11 wins would certainly be a safer bet.

Ryan is working through a ‘rough stretch,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Matt Ryan watches the office? This opens up endless opportunities in the blog when it comes to YouTube clips and satire. Must… Contain… Funny… Bone…

Falcons share early Thanksgiving with students, AF.com
Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday of the J. Mike Family. Too bad it always sneaks up on us.

If Michael Turner Is Out, Let’s Discuss Our Other Options, The Falcoholic
Still waiting for a time line on Michael Turner’s return to the field. So now is as good a time as any to start figure out what the options are in the running game in case of a long-term absence.

Snelling ready to try to fill Turner’s cleats, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With Norwood returning to practice, Falcons fans can be hopeful the team will have a compliment of three running backs on Sunday — Norwood, Snelling and Stecker.

Sophomore slump slowing flight path of Falcons’ Ryan, USA Today
“I think there are ups and downs of every season,” Ryan said. “There are a lot of things to learn from. You have to learn from your mistakes, bounce back.”

Falcons Coach on Parting Ways With Boley, The New York Times
It seems the former Falcons linebacker will also be the Giant responsible for shutting down Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Turner not ruling himself out for Giants game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
And, so far, neither are the Falcons…

Numbers, Notes and Colors for Week 11, AF.com
White jerseys, winning streaks and more in this notes column from New Media Intern Vance.

Falcons’ video crew sees all, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Make no mistake, the video, equipment and public relations staffs have some of the hardest working men in Flowery Branch

Bergeron rejoins Falcons practice squad roster, AF.com
The former Georgia Force receiver has quickly become a fan favorite.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed Aaron Stecker, AF.com, Georgia Force, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Matt Ryan, Michael Boley, Michael Turner, New Media Intern Vance, New York Giants, NFC, The Falcoholic, The New York Times, The Office, Tony Gonzalez, Troy Bergeron

Falcons fans are still waiting to get official word on the injury report concerning Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner’s sprained ankle. But, as of early Wednesday afternoon, some news — and options — emerged in case the team is without its leading rusher.

For starters, the team re-signed 10-year veteran running back Aaron Stecker Monday evening to add more depth to the backfield. The Falcons also have Jason Snelling (hamstring) healthy and are hopeful to have fourth-year running back Jerious Norwood, the No. 2 man on the depth chart, back in action after an extended injury absence.

Stecker was originally signed on Oct. 27 to fill a roster spot created when rookie William Moore went on injured reserve.

In two games with the Falcons, Stecker totaled two rushes for six yards and five catches for 34 yards. The 10-year veteran has more than 1,500 rushing yards and 1,445 receiving yards in his career. He was released just before last week’s game and replaced by wide receiver Troy Bergeron. Though he missed some time, he said he’s not behind in the team’s system.

“I’ve been studying and picking up stuff week by week and there was a situation where, yeah, I was gone last week but I’ve been here,” Stecker said. “I can pick up where I left off.”

He can also help the Falcons make sense of time without the No. 1 running back.

Multiple times in Stecker’s career he’s been called upon to fill in for a big name (think Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush in New Orleans).

“That’s why guys last as long as I have,” Stecker said. “They go out there and, when they get an opportunity, they’re ready.”

Turner was optimistic about his own recovery and what the team can do in any absence.

He didn’t say when he’ll be back on the field, but did tell members of the media he’s never missed six weeks (widely reported recovery time for a high-ankle sprain) with an ankle injury.

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/194141/194141_2009-11-18-120813.flv
Click here for more Falcons video interviews from Wednesday

The six-year veteran also said he won’t rush back to the field until he’s ready.

“You don’t want to rush it,” he said. “You want to give it time to heal up and get stronger but, at the same time, you’ve still got to work it in order to get back as soon as possible.”

Should Turner and Norwood be unable to play, the Falcons would rely on Snelling and Stecker.

Asked earlier in the week about playing in place of the team’s feature back, Snelling, a seventh-round draft pick in 2007, continued the theme of confidence.

“Oh, yeah, that’s what I’m prepared for and I think that’s why I’m here,” he said. “We got a great offense and a great line and I’ll be prepared to go.”

BLOGGER’S NOTE: I’ll be tweeting from Head Coach Mike Smith’s media gathering this afternoon. Follow live updates here.

J. Michael Moore News Aaron Stecker, Carolina Panthers, Deuce McAllister, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, interview, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Michael Turner, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Troy Bergeron, video, William Moore

A move at running back wasn’t a surprise for the Falcons in light of Michael Turner’s high ankle sprain and yet-to-be determined game status.

With reserve Jason Snelling just one game removed from a hamstring injury and Jerious Norwood still nursing a sore hip, the Falcons re-acquired the services of veteran running back Aaron Stecker Monday evening.

To make room for Stecker, Atlanta released wide receiver Troy Bergeron.

Head Coach Mike Smith did not offer many details on Turner’s injury other than to say he’s confident the Pro Bowler will be back in 2009 and that more tests need to be done to determine a prognosis.

Turner suffered the sprain in the first half of Sunday’s loss at Carolina after rushing for 111 yards on just nine carries.

Stecker was originally signed on Oct. 27 to fill a roster spot created when rookie William Moore went on injured reserve.

In two games with the Falcons, Stecker totaled two rushes for six yards and five catches for 34 yards. The 10-year veteran has more than 1,500 rushing yards and 1,445 receiving yards in his career.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Aaron Stecker, Carolina Panthers, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Michael Turner, Troy Bergeron, William Moore

In a move to add depth to the receiving corps, the Falcons released veteran running back Aaron Stecker on Saturday and promoted wide receiver Troy Bergeron from the practice squad.

Bergeron, 6-foot-2, 195 lbs., played with the Georgia Force of the now defunct Arena Football League for three seasons, totalling  328 receptions for 4,335 yards and 96 touchdowns. He was named the AFL Rookie of the Year in 2005 and was a second-team All-Arena selection in 2007.

He was a mini camp addition that stuck through 2009 training camp in Flowery Branch. Though he was released on the final cut day before the regular season, he was quickly signed to the practice squad.

Stecker was signed on Oct. 27 to fill a roster spot created when rookie William Moore went on injured reserve. He played six days later in New Orleans, stepping in for an injured Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood. He served in a similar role last week against Washington.

In two games with the Falcons, Stecker totaled two rushes for six yards and five catches for 34 yards. The 10-year veteran has more than 1,500 rushing yards and 1,445 receiving yards in his career.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Aaron Stecker, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, New Orleans Saints, Troy Bergeron, Washington Redskins, William Moore

Jason Snelling and Thomas Johnson were limited, but the running back and defensive tackle returned to the Falcons practice field Wednesday according to Head Coach Mike Smith.

Snelling, who led the team in rushing yards two weeks ago in Dallas, has been nursing a hamstring injury. Johnson, who took over as starting nose tackle when Peria Jerry went on injured reserve, has dealt with calf problems the past two games.

Smith talked about the team’s health and most of the Panthers defensive personnel when he met with the media…

Other injury concerns are on offense, where left tackle Sam Baker (ankle) and wide receiver Brian Finneran (knee) missed practice. Smith said Finneran, who has undergone two major knee surgeries in his career, “moved around a little bit in the walk-through” but it could be a game-time decision on his playing status.

Running back Jerious Norwood also missed practice for personal reasons. According to Smith, the fourth-year pro welcomed a new baby Wednesday.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PIEDMONT HEALTHCARE INJURY REPORT

ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM WEDNESDAY…

… Tight end Tony Gonzalez and many of his offensive teammates were quizzed about a new ad campaign featuring the Pro Bowler and his wife, October. It will certainly raise some eyebrows. Most interviewed said they can appreciate the passion Gonzalez has to support a unique campaign (this one is for PETA). “We should be protecting animals, not sacrificing their lives for the sake of fashion or luxury,” Gonzalez said in a release from PETA. “October and I have changed many of our habits in light of the inhumane treatment of animals that occurs not only in the fur industry but also on factory farms.”

… Smith did not speculate on how many wins his team may need to make the playoffs in the NFC. Too early to tell. This was, of course, the answer everyone expected: “There are so many things that can happen in the second half of the season and when you get into November and December there are so many people that are still in the mix,” the coach said. “I don’t know of anyone who is mathematically eliminated at this point in time.”

… The Falcons practiced indoors Wednesday because of soggy field conditions. According to Smith, more than 4.5 inches of rain fell in Flowery Branch Monday night and Tuesday.

… When it comes to the Panthers offense, the Falcons are looking at the running game. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have combined for more than 1,100 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. In a Week 2 meeting between the teams, the backs combined for 144 yards and a score. Of course, it’s never easy to beat a team twice in one season. “They get up for you,” linebacker Mike Peterson said. “No one wants to be beat twice. They’re going to look at the tape and I’m sure the coach is going to be on them hard this week but we’re ready.”

… Carolina spent the time since the last game with the Falcons improving the defensive line. Preseason injuries took their toll, but now the Panthers have added veteran Hollis Thomas and traded for former Chiefs starter Tank Tyler at defensive tackle. “They’re playing well right now,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “We felt like it was a good defense when we played them the first time… With that said, they’re playing well right now and we have our work cut out for us.”

J. Michael Moore News Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Williams, Head Coach Mike Smith, Hollis Thomas, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Jonathan Stewart, Matt Ryan, Mike Peterson, NFC South, Peria Jerry, PETA, playoffs, Sam Baker, Tank Tyler, Thomas Johnson, Tony Gonzalez

More cameras than usually filled the media room in Flowery Branch Monday afternoon for Head Coach Mike Smith’s weekly press conference.

It wasn’t long before questions moved toward a very non-football topic.

Smith was asked again about an incident on the sideline in Sunday’s win over the Redskins where former Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall got into a scuffle with Atlanta coaches and players. The skirmish broke out after Redskins safety LaRon Landry was flagged for a late hit on quarterback Matt Ryan.

After the game Hall said he was accosted by coaches and he would file a formal complaint with the NFL.

Smith said he watched film of the game multiple times and he hasn’t thought about Hall’s comments.

“Our quarterback was hit late out of bounds on the sideline and we were trying to restore order on our sideline,” Smith said. “I haven’t even thought about (Hall’s comments). Today is Monday and we are on to the Carolina Panthers.”

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/189337/189337_2009-11-09-153855.flv

“I watch all three phases of the game at least two and sometimes three times every week,” added Smith. “We’re finishing up our work on the Washington Redskins and at about 4 o’clock we’ll be moving on to Carolina. I just work like I normally do and watch the tape.”

With that the Falcons turn attention to a division opponent that has won only three games this season. The Panthers got additional bad news Sunday when it was announced starting outside linebacker Thomas Davis will be out for the year with a torn ACL.

Smith spoke more of the Panthers effectiveness in the running game but with the Falcons play on offense and defense over the last two weeks, fans have reason to be excited.

The coach said defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (10 tackles, 2.5 sacks) may have “played his best game as an Atlanta Falcon” against the Redskins. Cornerback Tye Hill, starting his second game with the team since a preseason trade, also got an interception and a score.

Smith declined to name a starter at left cornerback for this week’s game but said the team is growing more comfortable with Hill, a former first-round pick.

“Tye continues to progress,” Smith said. “That was a big play for him on the 64-yard interception return and he’s continuing to become more comfortable in our system and we are continuing to become more comfortable with Tye.”

On the injury front, Smith did not reveal details on wide receiver Brian Finneran, who left Sunday’s game with a knee injury. Left tackle Sam Baker (ankle) also left, but Smith was encouraged by the play of reserve offensive lineman Will Svitek, who had a key block on Michael Turner’s second-half touchdown run.

The coach is “very hopeful” injured running backs Jason Snelling (hamstring) and Jerious Norwood (hip) and defensive tackle Thomas Johnson (calf) will be able to return to the field soon.

J. Michael Moore News Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Hall, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Jonathan Babineaux, LaRon Landry, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Sam Baker, Thomas Johnson, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins, Will Svitek

For the second-straight week the Falcons will be be without their No. 2 and 3 running backs.

Jerious Norwood (hip) and Jason Snelling (hamstring) were added to the Falcons-Redskins inactive list about an hour before kickoff Sunday. Look for Aaron Stecker, signed last week, to back up Pro Bowler Michael Turner and fullbacks Verron Haynes and Ovie Mughelli to see additional action.

Atlanta went with the same setup last week against the New Orleans Saints and Turner rushed for a season-high 151 yards.

Other Falcons inactives:

• QB John Parker Wilson (thrid quarterback)
• S Charlie Peprah
• LB Spencer Adkins
• T Garrett Reynolds
• G Quinn Ojinnaka
• DT Thomas Johnson

We knew the Redskins would be without tight end Chris Cooley (foot) so the rest of the inactives aren’t a surprise. Normal punter Hunter Smith will miss the game, but reserve Shaun Suisham will take over those special teams duties.

Washington inactives include:

• P Hunter Smith
• CB Kevin Barnes
• CB Byron Westbrook
• FB Eddie Williams
• TE Chris Cooley
• G Chad Rinehart
• DT Antohny Montgomery
• DE Renaldo Wynn

The Falcons placed Jamaal Fudge on injured reserve early in the week and signed Peprah. Head Coach Mike Smith was impressed with Peprah’s play with the Packers last season, but he likely needs to freshen up on the Falcons system before seeing playing time.

The team also has special teams ace/reserve safety Antoine Harris (knee) back in the lineup.

“Charlie Peprah has started in this League,” Smith said. “He was a starter when we played Green Bay last year so we have some familiarity with him. He’s not familiar with our scheme in terms of verbiage and all of that, so it’s going to take some time. He was also a special teams player for the Packers last season.”

Some other things to keep an eye on in Sunday’s game at the Georgia Dome:

• Snap ready? Newly-acquired long snapper Bryan Pittman will play in his first game with the Falcons. He has more than 90 games of NFL experience, but he’s working at a key position
• Burner beginning? Turner got his game in gear against the Saints. The Redskins aren’t as good against the run as they are the pass (No. 2 in the league). Is that how the Falcons will attack their opponent?
• Healthy and ready? “Questionable” is one of the more interesting designations on the injury report. Not quite probable, but not a guarantee to be out. Many questionable players this week are suiting up. How productive will they be? Can the Falcons get a big lead and give players a chance to get healthy?

J. Michael Moore Gameday, injury Aaron Stecker, Antoine Harris, Bryan Pittman, Charlie Peprah, Chris Cooley, Garrett Reynolds, Head Coach Mike Smith, Hunter Smith, inactives, Jamaal Fudge, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, John Parker Wilson, Michael Turner, New Orleans Saints, Ovie Mughlli, Quinn Ojinnaka, Shaun Suisham, Spencer Adkins, Thomas Johnson, Verron Haynes, Washington Redskins

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

Ten of 12 players on the Falcons injury report are “questionable” for Monday night’s game at New Orleans. That includes four starters and several key contributors.

Notable players include a trio of backs: Jason Snelling, Ovie Mughelli and Jerious Norwood.

Mughelli, the team’s starting fullback, missed the last two games with a calf injury. During that stretch the Falcons have had two of the lower rushing outputs of the season.

Snelling moved into the fullback/tailback role with Mughelli and Norwood’s injury and has performed well, leading the team in rushing yards in a loss last week at Dallas. The team’s seventh-round pick in the 2007 draft now has 19 carries for 122 yards and 11 catches for 100 yards (one touchdown) on the season.

He did not practice during the week with a hamstring injury. Neither did Norwood (hip). Mughelli practiced but was limited.

Should Snelling be unable to go, fans could get a steady dose of recently-signed running back Aaron Stecker.

Starting defensive linemen John Abraham (foot), Thomas Johnson (calf) and Jonathan Babineaux (ankle) are also listed as questionable, but Abraham and Babineaux have played in games in the past with the “50-50″ status.

Since the Falcons have a travel day between reporting injury status and playing the game, players could improve.

The Saints column on the Piedmont Healthcare Injury Report is less daunting: 11 “probable” names out of 13 listed.

On a related note, I’m officially listed as “out” for Monday Night Football.

After fighting an illness for most of the week, I’ve decided not to make the trip to New Orleans and risk getting anyone else sick. I will, however, join the AF.com team in cyberspace on Monday night to bring coverage and site updates.

J. Michael Moore News Aaron Stecker, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, John Abraham, Jonathan Babineaux, New Orleans Saints, Ovie Mughelli, Thomas Johnson

If you’re looking for a history note to impress your friends, throw out the name A.J. Trapasso.

Trapasso, a practice squad punter for the Tennessee Titans, earned a nugget in football Jeopardy after he hit the over-field scoreboard at Cowboys Stadium in the preseason.

With the Falcons set to travel to Dallas and face the Cowboys — and the monster, 160-foot scoreboard that hangs just more than 90 feet above the field — punter Michael Koenen fielded a few questions Wednesday.

Odd, but it’s one of the few times a kicker gets face time.

“That will come in play if you try to kick down the middle, but hopefully we can go to the side of that a little bit,” said Koenen, a five-year veteran.

League-wide discussion bubbled after Trapasso nailed the center of the scoreboard. Would it be raised? No. Is it within regulation? Yes. NFL officials have an easy answer to any kick that hits the board — replay of down.

With that in mind, Koenen isn’t keen on providing his coverage team with extra work.

“I’m going to try my best not to hit it because I don’t want my guys getting tired and have to go cover another kick,” he said. “I’m trying to get the guys to do one kick at a time and we’ll go from there.”

He said any hit on the board pregame would be accidental.

Dallas expects Barber, Ware to play hurt against Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The biggest down side to playing a team after its bye week? Players getting healthy.

Quotable: Wednesday Locker Room, AF.com
Additional comments from Falcons players as they get ready to face the Dallas Cowboys.

Spider-man premieres for Atlanta Falcons in Sunday night win, Examiner.com
Add this to the “interesting player actions” category. You could write a book on all the weird stuff in the locker room but, for the sake of privacy, I won’t discuss it much.

Falcons’ Norwood doubtful for game with Cowboys, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons should be OK in the kickoff return game since Eric Weems has emerged as a solid contributor. The running game is a different story, since no player can duplicate Norwood’s elusiveness and speed.

DeCoud named NFC Defensive Player of the Week, AF.com
A great honor for Thomas DeCoud and a tip of the cap to the entire Falcons defense. This is a team game, you know.

Falcons’ 2008 class continues to shine, ESPN.com
The 2009 draft class is off to a slower start but, when it comes to talent, the Falcons have a young pool.

Inactive cornerback Hill eager to debut for Falcons, CBSSports.com
It could be Tye Hill. It could be Christopher Owens. It could be Chevis Jackson. It could be a combination of all three cornerbacks replacing Brian Williams.

Falcons sign running back, release D.J. Shockley, AF.com
This business often requires sudden — and difficult — change.

Shockley had been off Falcons’ radar for a while, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The search has begun for Shockley and the AF.com team wishes him well.

Expert’s Take: Falcons at Cowboys, AF.com
One of these days the Falcons are going to crack into an expert’s list of top-5 teams. Just not there yet.

No. 3 running back a terrific Choice by Cowboys, (Wichita Falls, Texas) Times Record News
Remember Tashard Choice? He played at Georgia Tech and has been a solid player for the Cowboys. Of course, the big Atlanta tie this weekend is Keith Brooking playing his former team.

Protection vital to Falcons QB Ryan, Dallas Morning News
The Falcons offensive line hasn’t allowed a sack in four games.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed A.J. Trapasso, AF.com, AJC, Brian Williams, CBSSports.com, Chevis Jackson, Christopher Owens, Cowboys Stadium, D.J. Shockley, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Morning News, DeMarcus Ware, Eric Weems, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Georgia Tech, Jerious Norwood, Keith Brooking, Marion Barber, Matt Ryan, Michael Koenen, Tashard Choice, Tennessee Titans, Thomas DeCoud, Times Record News, Tye Hill