J.Mike's Missives

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

You could call it the community “Super Bowl.”

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

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

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

Now… Off to surprise a few citizens.

Some Birdseed while you wait?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With emotion in his voice, Falcons linebacker Coy Wire brought a special message to soldiers stationed at Ft. Benning Monday evening.

Attitude is everything.

After thanking the gathering of more than 250 men and women for their service, Wire noted the urge to wilt in the face of adversity but asked everyone to rise above the challenges with a positive attitude.

Wire and 10 of his Falcons teammates flew to Ft. Benning on Army Blackhawk helicopters Monday afternoon to have dinner with soldiers soon to be deployed to Iraq. A group of Falcons Cheerleaders also made the trip and gave a brief performance — their first of the 2009 season.

“We came to show our appreciation,” Wire said. “To show how much respect we have to each and every one of you. We came to represent not only the Atlanta Falcons, not only the city of Atlanta for which we play, but for all the people across this country — strangers you’ve never met — who are thinking of you and praying for you every day.”

Wire said attitude is something people can choose to control and, through a brief anecdote, illustrated the impact of a positive outlook on life.

Everyone goes through tough times.

The secret is in the process.

“We see the world not as it is; we see the world as we are on the inside,” he said.

“There’s a saying that the strongest steel is burned in the hottest coals. Each and every one of you men and women will have to go through something difficult in the next few months or year. It’s going to make you strong. It’s going to refine you and make you ready for anything and everything that you may encounter in your lives.”

Wire said the Falcons plan to dedicate the first game of the 2009 season to the soldiers at Ft. Benning and across the nation.

Members of the brigade the Falcons visited should be deployed in October.

Running back Jerious Norwood, center Brett Romberg, lineman Quinn Ojinnaka, guard Justin Blalock, defensive end Willie Evans, fullback Ovie Mughelli, tight end Justin Peelle, wide receiver Brian Finneran and tackle Will Sviteck also made the trip.

Finneran’s father served in Vietnam, adding special meaning to his trips to military posts.

“It’s awesome, especially the ride in the helicopter,” Finneran said. “We’re here to support our guys, our troops that fight for us.”

The veteran wide receiver said it’s easy to take the joys in life for granted, particularly air conditioning after a hot training camp pracitce.

But he knows none of it’s possible without the daily activity of service men and women around the world.

He joined Wire and his teammates in an expression of gratitude.

“We’re here to say thanks, shake their hands and tell them how much we appreciate all they do.”

Members of the Army thanked the Falcons with a custom, engraved sledge hammer — the symbol of the brigade. Wire proudly carried it the rest of the day and, once practice starts, will find a way to keep it in front of his teammates for motivation.

The Falcons organization is also offering a military-only deal on tickets to the Carolina Panthers game on Sept. 20 (click here for details). Tickets are $30 and include a limited edition, camouflage Falcons hat (pictured).

Click here for more pictures from the Falcons trip and work in the community.

J. Michael Moore Falcons in the Community, Feature, News Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, Brett Romberg, Brian Finneran, community, Coy Wire, Ft. Benning, Jerious Norwood, Justin Blalock, Justin Peelle, Ovie Mughelli, Quinn Ojinnaka, Will Sviteck, Willie Evans

Quarterback Matt Ryan is a natural athlete.

I’ve seen him return a few serves on the indoor tennis court at the PGA Tour Superstore and I’ve heard about his 88 at Augusta National before the Masters. I’ve also read about his success as a high school baseball player.

Some people just have the gift.

Next month Ryan will share some of his experiences with area kids at his first youth football clinic.

Topps and Ryan have announced plans to host the inaugural Topps Matt Ryan Football Clinic featuring Justin Blalock and Sam Baker. The clinic is set for Saturday June 6 at Centennial High School in Roswell.

Click here for details.

As always, I’ll try to keep you up to date on what all the Falcons are doing during the offseason through the blog. So feel free to pass along anything you’ve heard about — camps, appearances, etc.

J. Michael Moore News, Offseason Augusta National Golf Club, Justin Blalock, Matt Ryan, press release, Sam Baker, youth football