J.Mike's Missives

BLOGGER’S NOTE: For additional coverage of Sunday’s game against the Panthers, visit AF.com and The Beat Blog, powered by John Manasso.

Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense continued to have their struggles Sunday in Carolina, but the sophomore quarterback had the ball when it counted, halftime adjustments erased an 11-point lead and Atlanta a chance at what would have been a key division win on the road.

Ryan went 8-of-10 in the third quarter and found tight end Justin Peelle with a 3-yard touchdown pass to pull the Falcons to within a score of taking the lead.

But the chances found a way to collapse in the second half.

Atlanta lost the game 28-19 and fell to 5-4 on the season (1-4 on the road and 1-2 in the division).

It wasn’t the game Ryan or his teammates expected or wanted. The first half included Michael Turner running wild over a Panthers defense that recently lost outside linebacker Thomas Davis (111 yards on nine carries certainly sounds nice).

But the Falcons Pro Bowl running back left the game with an ankle injury, not to return.

Atlanta trotted into the halftime locker room down 21-10, but halftime adjustments, including a healthy dose of running back Jason Snelling along the edges and Ryan on quick passes, paid off.

Ryan’s throw to Peelle had the Falcons in place to take the lead with 6:35 to play on a 34-yard Jason Elam field goal attempt. The kick sailed wide left, forcing the team’s defense to get a stop.

That happened, but Ryan’s second interception of the day — and the resulting 45-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Stewart — ended hope for this day.

Ryan now has 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions over his last five games. The second-year quarterback finished the game 22-of-41 for 224 yards, a touchdown and the aforementioned interceptions.

Playing for Turner, Snelling rushed for 61 yards and a score.

The loss is surely perplexing to Falcons fans and the team alike. The Panthers were better than the 3-5 record but, if the Falcons are to make a run to the playoffs, they can’t afford too many losses to teams with a sub-par winning percentage.

That will be discussed at length in the media but likely only in passing in the locker room and team meetings.

A loss is a loss.

And the 24-hour rule is never broken.

Though it may be easy to point fingers, I’ve been in the NFL long enough to know the “win as a team, lose as a team” attitude is heartfelt and true. Too short is the turnaround before facing the New York Giants (another 5-4 team) on the road.

There will be additional struggles — the season’s too long to be perfect — but there will also be successes.

And there will always be chances.

MORE FALCONS-PANTHERS GAME COVERAGE:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete Falcons-Panthers coverage from AF.com
• GAME CENTER: Stats and more on the game from NFL.com
• GAME SIDEBAR: John Manasso looks at key moments from the game
• BEAT BLOG: Game updates and insight in The Beat Blog
• GAME NOTEBOOK: Notes from the Bank of America Stadium press box
• FIRST TAKE: Exclusive postgame interviews from AF.com
• MULTIMEDIA: More Falcons-Panthers game interviews and highlights
• QUOTABLE: Postgame thoughts from Falcons players | Panthers
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the game from the managing editor
• INACTIVES: Falcons-Panthers game inactives and starters

J. Michael Moore Gameday Carolina Panthers, Jason Snelling, Jonathan Stewart, Justin Peelle, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, New York Giants, NFC South

The Falcons defense was the talk of Atlanta sports after last week’s preseason loss. Linemen, linebackers and defensive backs also talked about the mistakes and what they needed to do to get better.

Friday in St. Louis the defense made the necessary adjustments and showed the speed and enthusiasm coaches have raved about since April’s NFL Draft.

The Falcons forced a punt on the Rams first series and weren’t afraid to blitz quarterback Kyle Boller on passing downs. One blitz forced a quick throw that was nearly intercepted by Brent Grimes. Another forced a short incompletion that Mike Peterson picked up as a fumble and rumbled toward the end zone.

Thus shows just a glimpse at the speed and aggressiveness that could be the Falcons defensive trademark in 2009 and beyond.

Peterson and the first-team defense did not allow a score and, when quarterback D.J. Shockley threw an interception giving the Rams their best chance of the first half, the Falcons held strong and forced a field goal.

For the second-straight week, Atlanta allowed just three points in the opening half.

Atlanta’s defense allowed just one rushing first down in first two quarters, held the rams to 107 net yards and got a turnover — a fumble by Samkon Gado recovered by rookie cornerback Christopher Owens.

The Rams had just 26 rushing yards in the half, 11 on a scramble by Boller.

EVEN MORE IN-GAME THOUGHTS…

… Shockley played the entire second quarter at quarterback, completing 2 of 6 passes for 7 yards and an interception. He had one nice throw on third-and-8 that went for 23 yards and a first down to Justin Peelle, but the play was oveturned on a penalty.

… Former Falcons receiver Laurent Robinson had a solid first half for the Rams, hauling in five catches for 65 yards. Robinson, a Falcons draft pick in 2007, got increased playing time with veteran Donnie Avery sitting out the game.

… Running back Jerious Norwood took over for Michael Turner after the first drive of the game and proved he can get some work done between the tackles. He got positive yards on most every run, sometimes shedding defenders at the line of scrimmage and fighting for a gain.

Norwood finished the first half with 8 carries for 36 yards.

… Rookie defensive end Lawrence Sidbury got the first sack of his career in the second quarter.

J. Michael Moore Gameday, News, Preseason, highlights Brent Grimes, D.J. Shockley, Gameday, highlights, Jerious Norwood, Justin Peelle, Lawrence Sidbury, Michael Turner, Mike Peterson, Preseason, St. Louis Rams

BLOGGER’S NOTE: For an archive of the live blog from Friday Night Lights, click here.

Some names and faces on the roster have changed, but there’s nothing like a little rematch to get the juices flowing.

The Falcons defense took an early lead in the second Allstate All-Access Friday Night Lights, this time at Brookwood High School, but the offense stormed back to walk away with a 37-34 win.

The team’s defense won the inaugural event, which uses a unique offensive and defensive scoring system 29-28.

Defensive play makers included Brent Grimes, who expanded his group’s lead in the first half by stripping the ball from tight end Justin Peelle, recovering the fumble and racing 35 yards for a touchdown.

Minor scoring continued with points being awarded for defensive stops, three-and-outs and offensive drives into the defense’s half of the field (click here for detail).

The offense turned to the running game to wear the defense down and got three scores — touchdown runs by Jerious Norwood and Thomas Brown and a 20-yard pass to Michael Jenkins from Matt Ryan.

J. Michael Moore News, training camp Brent Grimes, Brookwood High School, Friday Night Lights, highlights, Jerious Norwood, Justin Peelle, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Russell Falcons Training Camp, Thomas Brown

Brian VanGorder certainly has a way with words.

The Falcons defensive coordinator barked at his team for much of the morning practice at Russell Falcons Training Camp, often hinting that everyone — linemen to secondary — attack the ball like flames were overtaking their skulls.

I think the helmet would snuff out the fire, but maybe I’m wrong…

“Cmon! Play like your hair’s on fire!”

Well, his players listened and some hair was burning in Flowery Branch.

The defense — especially the secondary — gathered most of the highlights from the morning practice at camp.

• Cornerback Brent Grimes picked off a deep pass from Chris Redman intended for Harry Douglas. It was a leaping pick and both players came to the ground in a mound struggling for control of the ball. Grimes, who has been described as the best overall athlete on the team, won.
• Rookie Christopher Owens broke up one pass down the sideline in 7-on-7 drills, using his arm to reach back and knock the ball away.
• Linebacker Mike Peterson nearly walked away with another interception, which would have been a juggling, one-handed grab of a Matt Ryan pass intended for Justin Peelle.
• A total of 2,342 fans attended the morning practice in Flowery Branch with a larger crowd expected in the afternoon.

For more highlights, from the field, follow me on Twitter.

J. Michael Moore News, highlights, training camp Brent Grimes, Brian VanGorder, Chris Redman, Christopher Owens, Harry Douglas, highlights, Justin Peelle, Matt Ryan, Mike Peterson

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

The Falcons have quietly evaluated the free agent market for four days and could very well keep a patient eye on the NFL landscape longer in order to ensure the acquisition of quality talent at the appropriate price.

Then again, maybe this won’t be an ordinary Tuesday since the Birds have found ways to stay in the news…

The football world according to Thomas Dimitroff, ace GM, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A word that — in my opinion — doesn’t get used enough in football or in life is foresight. A running play in a passing situation may seem odd or downright bone-headed, but it is there for a purpose later in the game. Thomas Dimitroff built an 11-5 team with some shrewd moves to fill holes and wait for the best opportunity to make lasting changes. He’ll make his move again when the time is right.

Early returns: Free agency winners and losers, The Sporting News
Saying the Falcons are “losers” is a bit harsh based simply on the players that left. Isn’t it obvious the Falcons need to replace talent like many NFL teams? Is it outrageous to think some of the re-signed players (Coy Wire, Justin Peelle, etc.) and future draft picks could do the job? Wasn’t Michael Boley, Keith Brooking and Domonique Foxworth themselves at one time rookies, special teamers and/or backups? There’s a circle of life in the NFL that needs to be acknowledged here.

2009 Remaining Unrestricted Free Agents, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s not quite as fun as filling out an NCAA Tournament bracket, but try printing this and doing a little prognosticating.

Smith believes Falcons’ future bright, The Macon (Ga.) Telegraph
I don’t have kids and I’m not good at math but, if Head Coach Mike Smith does coach junior high football his retirement my son may be one of his lucky pupils.

Free agent DE Montgomery to visit Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You have to be a fan of Montgomery’s steady productivity.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Free Agency AJC, Coy Wire, Domonique Foxworth, Head Coach Mike Smith, Justin Peelle, Keith Brooking, Michael Boley, Mike Montgomery, Thomas Dimitroff

The first weekend of free agency came and went without any new additions to the Falcons roster.

The Birds did make moves to lock up some of their own free agents — key players who started games and will compete for starting positions in the coming season — but the lack of movement left some concerns on the FalconsLIFE message boards over the weekend.

As a veteran of several free agent proceedings, I can say patience is one of the best traits to have. Though it may be hard to stomach, some of the best value can be found after the opening weekend and silence from Flowery Branch does not indicate a lack of work or attention to what’s going on around the league.

J. Michael Moore Commentary, Free Agency, NFL Draft, YouTube Albert Haynesworth, Coy Wire, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jamaal Fudge, Jason Elam, Justin Peelle, Kindal Moorehead, response, Thomas Dimitroff

Free agency is under way but, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Falcons made some moves Thursday to ensure some contributors from 2008 remain in Atlanta.

According to Ledbetter, tight end Justin Peelle, linebacker Coy Wire, defensive tackle Jason Jefferson and center Ben Wilkerson agreed to terms to stay with the team. Contract talks continue with other unrestricted free agents including cornerback Domonique Foxworth and defensive end Chauncey Davis.

The team announced Sunday that free agent safety Lawyer Milloy will not be re-signed.

Peelle’s return, guarantees the top two tight ends from last season’s playoff team remain on the roster.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan didn’t throw to the tight end much in 2008, but the addition of Peelle provided an option to compliment the blocking power of Ben Hartsock.

The 29-year-old was signed at the end of the preseason and quickly integrated with an offense ran by his former position coach — current Falcons offensive coordinator — Mike Mularkey. He finished the season with 15 catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Peelle also recorded three catches for 11 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons Wild Card playoff loss at Arizona.

All the contract extensions address a position thought to be on the Falcons wish list for the NFL Draft.

Thursday, Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew said he met with Falcons staff at the Scouting Combine. He’s regarded by many experts as the best all-around tight end in the rookie class and may remain on the Falcons radar.

But, with the bulk of the league’s 10th-best scoring offense returning, the Birds are also expected to take a long look at the defense.

The move to keep Wire and Jefferson solidify some things on that side of the ball.

Jefferson, who was signed just before the start of the season, played in 13 games in 2008. He started in Week 2 at Tampa for an injured Grady Jackson.

Wire was never officially listed at the top of the depth chart in 2008 but he did take on a key role in run defense in the last four games. Wire split time with linebacker Michael Boley at strong-side linebacker and finished the year with 24 tackles and one pass defensed.

He had five solo tackls in the team’s playoff loss.

In all, five defensive starters from 2008 are on the free agent market: Boley, Foxworth, Keith Brooking, Jackson and Milloy.

Ledbetter also reports the Falcons made moves to secure the services of two restricted free agents. Right tackle Tyson Clabo and right guard Harvey Dahl received second-round tenders, meaning any team that signs them must reward Atlanta with a second-round pick.

Both players, journeymen early in their careers, started on a 2008 offensive line that allowed just 17 sacks and cleared the way for 2,443 rushing yards.

RELATED LINKS:

• FREE AGENCY HOME: More information on the Falcons 2009 free agents
• QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: More on free agency in this FAQ
• NFL.COM: Free agency news from NFL.com
• TRANSACTIONS: Click here for a list of Falcons official transactions from 2001 to present
• IMPORTANT DATES: Key days in the 2009 NFL Offseason

J. Michael Moore Free Agency AJC, Ben Hartsock, Ben Wilkerson, Brandon Pettigrew, Chauncey Davis, contracts, Coy Wire, D. Orlando Ledbetter, Domonique Foxworth, Grady Jackson, Harvey Dahl, Jason Jefferson, Justin Peelle, Keith Brooking, Lawyer Milloy, Michael Boley, Mike Mularkey, Roster Moves, tight end, Tyson Clabo