J.Mike's Missives

Falcons running back Michael Turner is up for FedEx Ground Player of the Week on NFL.com for his performance in a victory over the Washington Redskins Sunday at the Georgia Dome.

Turner rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries in the 31-17 victory. He also caught two passes for 14 yards. Turner is going against Titans running back Chris Johnson (135 yards and two scores) and Bengals running back Cedric Benson (117 yards and one touchdown).

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR TURNER ON NFL.COM

Turner was named NFC Offensive Player of the week three times in 2008 and then-rookie quarterback Matt Ryan was named NFC Rookie of the Month for October. Wide receiver Harry Douglas also won an NFC award last year, being named Special Teams Player of the Week after a touchdown on a punt return against Carolina.

Earlier this year, safety Thomas DeCoud was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

DeCoud, a second-year player out of Cal, earned the honor after his two-interception performance against the Bears in Week 6.

He was the first Falcons defensive player to earn conference honors since 2006, when efensive end John Abraham (Week 1) and safety Lawyer Milloy (Week 13) earned won the award. Twenty-three Falcons Players have earned NFC Defensive Player of the week in franchises history, with the first coming in 1988.

J. Michael Moore Awards, News Awards, Cedric Benson, Chris Johnson, Harry Douglas, John Abraham, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, NFC, NFL.com, Thomas DeCoud, Washington Redskins

I finally figured out what makes Michael Turner so good.

He’s actually a sophisticated football robot sent from the future to power the Falcons through the rest of the 2009 season. Or maybe, simply, he’s one of those FOX Sports‘ machines with skin.

Whatever the true identity — or superhuman ability — the Pro Bowl running back and his Terminator-like qualities were appreciated at the Georgia Dome in the Falcons 31-17 win over the Washington Redskins Sunday afternoon.

Turner rushed for 166 yards and a pair of scores, including a 58-yard run that put the game out of reach for a Washington team that still hasn’t scored more than 17 points in a game this season.

“I was trying to get some explosiveness and spark the team a little bit,” Turner said. “We just go out there and make big plays. It was just happening out there. I really can’t explain it.”

Maybe the secrecy is to protect the Falcons trade secret. After all, this is a team that finished No. 2 in the NFL in rushing yards last season. But, for whatever reason, the run game was slow out of the gate in 2009.

Turner had just one 100-yard game before last week. Now he seems to be the Turner of old giving the Falcons an offensive weapon on the ground, a decoy for the passing game and a battering ram to run out the clock.

With Turner setting up the play-action passing game, quarterback Matt Ryan threw for an efficient 135 yards and a touchdown (81.1 passer rating). Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez had the team’s lone receiving touchdown. He was also the team’s leading receiver (five catches for 41 yards).

Atlanta took a 24-3 lead into halftime but the Redskins re-tooled the run game in the second half, scoring 14 unanswered points before the Falcons held the ball for more than 2:15.

Turner’s second touchdown run came with 11:23 left in the fourth quarter and proved enough to put the game away. On the next drive, the Falcons defense got a stop on fourth-and-1 and, further contributing to the Redskins continued offensive futility.

Atlanta recorded five sacks in the game — all in the first half — and got an interception return for a touchdown by cornerback Tye Hill.

“There was some great pressure by the defensive line, the defensive backs and the linebackers” defensive end John Abraham said. “I think we did a great job of containing him and and keeping him in the pocket. We let him get out of the pocket a few times, and he got a few yards on us but, all in all, we did a good job in the first half.”

The “him” Abraham refers to is Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, who twice left the game with an injury (the second time for good) and threw for 196 yards and a score. He was also the team’s second-leading rusher.

All-Pro running back Clinton Portis left the game in the first half with a head injury after compiling 4 yards on four rushes.

With the win, the Falcons bounce back after losing back-to-back games for the first time in the Mike Smith era. A date with division foe Carolina awaits next week.

“I talked to (the team) about the importance of coming off a short week that we were going to make sure that we were physically ready to go and in practice we did not practice in pads,” Smith said, mentioning the team’s Monday night loss in New Orleans. “We wanted to make sure that we were mentally ready (and) prepared for the ball game. It wasn’t a big message; they were aware of it. I thought that the guys came out and played extremely hard and they were mentally on top of their game.”

The win comes with hard work from all three phases of the Falcons’ game.

But the revival of Turner’s big play ability has Falcons fans looking back to the success of 2008. Ironically at this point last season the Falcons were 5-3 and getting ready to face a divisional opponent.

“The important thing is that we’re in the mix,” Ryan said. “Now it’s going to come down to how we play in November and December. These last two months are crucially important to our football team and we’re excited to take the challenge head on. Our goal is to make sure we win as many games s possible down the stretch.”

Having Turner’s game firing on all cylinders certainly helps the cause.

We all knew he’d be back.

MORE FROM THE FALCONS-REDSKINS GAME:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete game coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com
• GAME CENTER: Stats and more in the NFL.com Game Center
• FIRST TAKE: Exclusive interviews from the Falcons-Redskins game
• INTERVIEWS: Postgame interviews and more from AF.com
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the game from the AF.com managing editor
• GAME NOTES: Milestones and more from the Falcons-Redskins game
• GAME QUOTES: Falcons postgame locker room | Redskins
• INACTIVES: Game inactives and starting lineups
• IMAGES: Photos from the game from photographer Jimmy Cribb
• FORUMS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE

J. Michael Moore Gameday Clinton Portis, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Campbell, John Abraham, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez, Tye Hill, 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 I had a nickel for every time I read a message board post or hear a fan comment on the “disrespect” of the Falcons in the national media I’d have about $1.20 (takes a lot of nickels to build revenue).

But that doesn’t change the fact that, when it comes to one piece of recognition, fans have a vote.

Voting for the 2010 Pro Bowl is underway (click here for a ballot).

Two Falcons went to the annual all-star game last season: Michael Turner and Roddy White. Fan voting isn’t the only factor in selection (players and coaches also get a vote), but it can build publicity.

These numbers will change, but take note of a few Falcons who could be featured on Pro Bowl ballots across the country:

• Roddy White — Leads team with 33 catches for 435 yards and five touchdowns.
• Michael Turner — Leads team with 118 carries for 403 yards and seven touchdowns
• Matt Ryan — A Pro Bowl alternate last year, currently has 11 touchdown passes, six interceptions and a 90.2 passer rating.
• John Abraham — Tied for team lead with three sacks.
• Curtis Lofton — Team leader with 49 solo tackles, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles.
• Tony Gonzalez — A new favorite target of Ryan’s, currently has 33 catches and three touchdowns.
• Mike Peterson — Four tackles for loss, an interception, a sack, four passes defensed and two forced fumbles.

J. Michael Moore Awards, Fans, News Curtis Lofton, Fans, John Abraham, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Mike Peterson, Pro Bowl, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez

Second-year safety Thomas DeCoud has improved steadily since taking over as a starter in the offseason.

Cross another accomplishment off his checklist for success.

DeCoud was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week Wednesday for his two-interception performance against the Chicago Bears. The first two picks of his young career ended Bears scoring threats and were key in the Falcons 21-14 victory on Sunday Night Football.

The 24-year-old recorded just one interception in college but now has professional numbers that includes five starts, 34 tackles, a fumble recovery and five passes defensed.

DeCoud is the first Falcons defensive player to earn conference honors since 2006, when efensive end John Abraham (Week 1) and safety Lawyer Milloy (Week 13) earned won the award. Twenty-three Falcons Players have earned NFC Defensive Player of the week in franchises history, with the first coming in 1988.

Running back Michael Turner was named NFC Offensive Player of the week three times in 2008 and then-rookie quarterback Matt Ryan was named NFC Rookie of the Month for October. Wide receiver Harry Douglas also won an NFC award last year, being named Special Teams Player of the Week after a touchdown on a punt return against Carolina.

J. Michael Moore Awards, News Awards, Chicago Bears, Harry Douglas, John Abraham, Lawyer Milloy, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, NFC, NFC Defensive Player of the Week, Thomas DeCoud

Compared to last week’s 45-10 thumping of the 49ers, you’d think Sunday’s game against the Bears a bit more tame. Not as many “snapshots of success.”

On the contrary…

How about the image of Thomas DeCoud holding up two, pink-gloved fingers to signify the second of two key interceptions? Coy Wire yanking the ball away from Matt Forte in a fight for a goal-line fumble and emerging from the pile without a helmet but with a gratifying smile?

Then there was Eric Weems scampering through the Bears coverage unit during a 62-yard return to set up the game-winning score? The third-down grab in heavy coverage by Tony Gonzalez that kept the game-winning drive alive?

Maybe you recall Michael Turner flexing his muscles and tossing the ball into the air after said go-ahead score with 3:06 to play? A host of Falcons swarming around Jay Cutler like bees on a hive with less than two minutes to play and John Abraham coming away with a sack?

Or perhaps the side judge — yes, the official — tossing his yellow flag multiple times in the last minute against the Bears, including a false start on fourth-and-1 with 0:34 to play?

I could go on, but you probably want to check out more coverage of the Falcons win. It was a big one, especially when it comes to staying in the hunt in the NFC South behind the still undefeated New Orleans Saints.

Fact of the matter is the Falcons offense was slow out of the gate, but rebounded from a first-downless first quarter to put up the points needed for victory. The defense also got three turnovers — two in the red zone — to help the cause and improve Head Coach Mike Smith’s record at home to a very solid 10-1.

Two straight road games await the Falcons.

Two tests remain.

But the images from this one will certainly last until we tee it up in the Georgia Dome again.

MORE FROM THE FALCONS-BEARS GAME:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete game coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com
• GAME CENTER: Stats and more in the NFL.com Game Center
• FEATURE: Falcons defense stands tall in Sunday night win
• FIRST TAKE: Exclusive postgame videos from AtlantaFalcons.com
• VIDEO: More Falcons-Bears video interviews and highlights
• THE BEAT BLOG: In-game thoughts and stat updates
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts and commentary from the Managing Editor
• GAME NOTES: Official game notes from the Georgia Dome press box
• QUOTES: Thoughts from the Falcons postgame locker room | Bears
• INACTIVES: Falcons-Bears inactives and probable starters
• FORUMS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE

J. Michael Moore Gameday Chicago Bears, Coy Wire, Eric Weems, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jay Cutler, John Abraham, Matt Forte, Michael Turner, Thomas DeCoud, Tony Gonzalez

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

Tonight’s the night.

At some point this evening my brother-in-law and I will match gaming wits in the xBox universe. He’s a 49ers fan and when we play online — sparingly — it’s often an Atlanta-San Francisco matchup.

He currently holds a 2-0 lead.

One game I openly contest, since the computer randomly awarded the Niners a touchdown when I clearly broke up a pass on fourth-and-goal. The second was an epic, overtime defeat where the Falcons marched down the field after a missed extra point to force an extra period.

I lost the coin toss and Eric moved down the field to kick a game-winning field goal.

With Michael Crabtree under contract my family member/opponent has another weapon on offense, but I like what the Falcons bring to the table (obviously). This is the night the Birds turn it around and perhaps a preview of what will really happen Sunday in San Francisco.

Tonight’s the night, Eric…

Remember, asking Madden won’t help.

For now, we need to live in the real world. A little pregame Birdseed is in order as the live-action Falcons prep for a key NFC game against an old divisional opponent.

Reserve running back to be Falcons next test, AF.com
The real 49ers will still be without Crabtree, who had some catching up to do after a lengthy rookie holdout.

Abraham tells defensive line to “Man up,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Good news on Peria Jerry’s surgery and some details on the defensive line.

Opponent Series History Week 5: ATL vs SF, The Falcoholic
It’s a rich series history filled with old division showdowns. Of course, the Falcons haven’t had much success in San Francisco.

Hometown Huddle sends Falcons across Atlanta, AF.com
For additional videos from Hometown Huddle, visit the team’s YouTube Channel.

Trey Lewis: Q&A with Falcons defensive tackle, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“We have an excellent training staff here. They know about the physical part, but also the mental part that comes with it. They keep you motivated and moving in the right direction as far as your rehab and keeping that end-goal in mind, which was getting back on the field.”

Expert’s Take: Falcons at 49ers, AF.com
This new feature on AtlantaFalcons.com is starting to heat up. More from national football writers coming as the season moves along.

Getting The Atlanta Falcons Rushing Train Back On Track, The Falcoholic
It’s one of the most important aspects of the Falcons offense. And it’s something the team knows to get working right sooner rather than later.

NFC South towns all rank among top 25 sports cities, ESPN.com
Interesting ranking. Don’t want to ruffle any feathers, but I think we all can agree Atlanta is a city of people from many areas of the country and, thus, has a segmented fan base. Good to see the ATL overcoming that.

Falcons want to put their best foot forward, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Didn’t realize shoes could be so complicated, did you?

Tight ends on pace for record production in ‘09, Associated Press
Had a chance to talk with Charles Odum while he was working on this story. It’s interesting to think about how the tight end position has changed. And, with the spread offense taking over college football, will it change again?

Our first NFC rankings, and Falcons check in at No. 5, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A tie? Or is that a combo at No. 16?

Falcons-49ers Preview, CBSSports.com
The weather forecast calls for a temperature around 65 degrees. But at Candlestick, nothing is a guarantee.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Charles Odum, ESPN.com, family, John Abraham, Madden 2010, Michael Crabtree, Peria Jerry, San Francisco 49ers, The Falcoholic, Trey Lewis, video, Xbox 360

Football has matured since “Samurai” Mike Singletary suited up for the Chicago Bears but his passion for the game hasn’t disappeared.

If anything, Singletary’s non-stop, hard-hitting style has manifested itself into the shape of the San Francisco 49ers defense — a group he coached for nearly three seasons before being named head coach in 2009.

The Niners enter Sunday’s game against the Falcons ranked second in the league in opponents’ points per game (13.3). The group allows just under 74 yards per game on the ground and ranks sixth in passing ‘D.’

Linebacker Patrick Willis leads the team 38 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two picks and six passes defensed.

A connection between the team’s defensive signal-caller and the former Bears Hall of Fame hit man? Perhaps.

A coach inspiring players isn’t new. In fact, it’s one of the best parts about organized sports. But there’s something about the 49ers — the vicious hits and do-or-die attitude — that has the Falcons taking note of Singletary’s involvement.

Atlanta travels to Candlestick Park this weekend for it’s fourth game of the season.

“You can see it in their defense,” Falcons defensive end John Abraham said. “They look tough all together as a team but the defense looks hard-nosed and ready to hit.”

Smith had a more direct comment on Singletary, as a player and a coach.

“Those eyes… The intensity he brings… He brings that as a coach,” said the Falcons leader, who crossed paths with Singletary briefly in Baltimore.

In terms of tenure, Singletary is a young coach. He entered the re-entered NFL in 2003 and spent just two years as a coordinator before taking over as an interim head coach.

Now that he has the job outright, he’s molding a team with a unique brand of motivation.

It starts with honesty.

“He speaks from the heart,” Willis said. “Being a guy who has played this game for a long time and coached for a while now, he knows how to say it and when to say it. He’s never afraid to speak the truth to anyone.”

Singletary said his team, particularly the defense, hasn’t reached legendary status. But they are going in the right direction.

“I would say we feel better about ourselves, but as far as a swagger… We’re a long way from a swagger. We’re just a team out here fighting to try and get better each week.”

This week the Falcons plan to provide a road block and, when it comes to coaching style, they’ll know exactly what to expect.

Remember, it was just more than a year ago when the Falcons first drew power from the personality of a new, charismatic head coach who also happens to be a former linebacker.

J. Michael Moore Feature Chicago Bears, feature, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Abraham, Mike Singletary, Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers

When you cover a game for a living, it’s easy to get distracted with some of the “entertainment” life has to offer. Sometimes you get paid for such adventures, say, when one of the Atlanta Falcons is the subject of an online game…

I’ve spent too much time over the last day playing a pair of games at DefendTheDome.com, one of which allows you to take a first-person view of John Abraham and get after opposing quarterbacks. He suited up in a special suit to record signature moves for the game, which captures the essence of playing along the D-line right down to the snap count.

Before you play as Abraham, however, you need to race to the Georgia Dome in a Ford F-150 or Flex (not as easy as it sounds).

There are prizes involved, but I’m guessing — as a Falcons staffer — I’m not eligible for any big-time giveaways. That’s fine. I’ll settle for bragging rights around the office.

Time to get another high score…

J. Michael Moore Feature, Random Defend the Dome, Ford, game, John Abraham