J.Mike's Missives

Plenty of football remains on the schedule for both teams, but it’s hard not to think of Sunday’s game between the Falcons and Giants without considering the playoff race.

Both teams are 5-4.

The Falcons have a long way to go to catch the undefeated Saints in the division. The Giants still have a shot at the NFC East, but can’t afford many conference losses down the stretch in order to stay in the Wild Card mix.

Same goes for the Falcons.

Atlanta has an advantage with three-straight home games after Sunday. But that’s looking ahead…

Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) and I discussed this game and more in Falconcast.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONS-GIANTS PREVIEW

When it comes to the on-field battles on Sunday, let’s revisit the pass rush (and other Keys to the Game):

• Pressure Eli. Sometimes this game of football can be so simple. The Falcons have recorded no sacks in two of four losses. A hand in Eli Manning’s face disrupts the passing game and sacks force third-and-long. That removes the threat of the Giants running game. Keep in mind that Brandon Jacobs averages just 12.75 carries per game in each New York loss this season.
• Win the first half. The Falcons have been plagued in 2009 by quarter-long slumps. The Giants are historically slow out of halftime. The Falcons are 5-0 this season when leading at the half. Overcome the second-quarter slowdown and you have a chance since New York has scored just 26 third-quarter points this season.
• Throw the ball… Efficiently. So much has been made of Matt Ryan’s recent struggles in the local and national media. That said, the Falcons need a solid effort through the air. Atlanta’s running game is in for some changes if Michael Turner is unable to play. The Giants also lead the league in time of possession (more than 34 minutes per game). You can’t afford to miss out on first downs in this game.

MORE FALCONS-GIANTS COVERAGE:

• SCOUTING REPORT: Major details about Sunday’s game at Giants Stadium
• FALCONCAST: J. Mike and Matt preview Sunday’s matchup against the Giants
• INTERVIEWS AND VIDEO: Game week multimedia from AF.com
• GAME CENTER: More preview content from the NFL.com Game Center
• WHAT TO WATCH: Key stats and other topics to get you ready for Sunday
• INJURY REPORT: Falcons and Giants injury updates from Piedmont Helathcare
• NOTES AND COLORS: Interesting notes and connections from Falcons-Giants
• FORUMS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the game from the AF.com managing editor
• COMMUNITY: Finneran named Falcons nominee for Man of the Year award
• ADDITIONAL STORIES: Additional headlines concerning the Falcons-Giants game

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Brandon Jacobs, Eli Manning, Falconcast, Keys to the Game, Matt Moore, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, New York Giants, NFC East

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

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

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

We learned two things in the aftermath of last week’s Redskins-Falcons sideline skirmish:

1. The team will always stand up for and protect its quarterback.
2. The head coach will always watch his players’ backs.

Let’s be clear.

Head Coach Mike Smith moved on from the incident — and his fine — quickly. The coach and his team put 100 percent focus into the Carolina Panthers and improving through the rest of the season.

This is the way it should be.

But the carryover from what happened against the Redskins — the team and coach coming to the defense of on another — is something to remember. Sure, no one likes controversy. But everyone likes teamwork.

It’s going to take plenty of that, solid play from the quarterback and a good game plan to go into Carolina and win in Week 10. The Panthers may be 3-5, but they could be at .500 if not for a rough stretch of games. There’s an effective run game and talented defense awaiting the Falcons, who took the first meeting between the teams back in Week 2.

Quarterback Matt Ryan had his best game of the season that day (21-of-27 for 220 yards and three touchdowns). Michael Turner had a 100-yard rushing game. The defense got an interception and a fumble recovery.

It all comes back this week in the Queen City.

But let us not forget the long-term intangibles.

With that in mind, Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) and I took some time Thursday to discuss the Falcons-Panthers matchup.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONCAST GAME PREVIEW

As is often the case in Falconcast, Matt and I don’t get a lot of time to discuss every aspect of the game, but we’d like to publicly thank Andrew Mason of Panthers.com for helping us better understand the state of the Panthers.

And I’d like to thank Matt, the creator of Falconcast, for putting up with my Keys to the Game:

• Let’s talk about Ryan. We mentioned him at the top of the post, but let’s reiterate how important quarterback play can be in this game. Long term, Ryan would like to talk about something else than his five-game streak with an interception. He’ll have his chances this week as the Panthers will certainly focus attention on Turner.
• Seeing “red” in the red zone. The Falcons allowed their first 100 percent touchdown percentage by an opponent last week against the Redskins. Washington scored a pair of TDs in the red zone. Still, Atlanta has played remarkably well inside the 20 contributing to the team’s 12th-ranked scoring defense. Play well this week and the Panthers chances will be limited.
• Continue the pressure. Fans loved seeing last week’s five-sack game. Conversely, one of the worst games at getting to the quarterback came in Week 2 against Carolina (one sack). Jake Delhomme was allowed to throw for nearly 300 yards that day. Atlanta’s defensive success is built on pressure (think interceptions and fumble recoveries). This is always a key.

MORE FALCONS-PANTHERS COVERAGE:

• SCOUTING REPORT: An overview of Sunday’s game from John Manasso
• FALCONCAST: J. Mike and Matt preview Sunday’s game against the Panthers
• MULTIMEDIA: Video interviews and more concerning the Falcons, Panthers
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the Falcons from the managing editor
• INJURY REPORT: Updates on Falcons, Panthers injury news
• WHAT TO WATCH: Some key stats and info that could come into play
• NUMBERS, NOTES, COLORS: Bits of info and “by the numbers’ for the game
• EXPERT’S TAKE: A beat writer’s thoughts on the Falcons running game

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Andrew Mason, Carolina Panthers, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jake Delhomme, Matt Moore, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Panthers.com, Washington Redskins

Head Coach Mike Smith said he received a letter from the NFL office in New York Thursday morning informing him of a disciplinary fine for his role in a sideline altercation in Sunday’s game against the Redskins.

Smith said he accepts the fine and, along with his team, wants to move on to this week’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

“I want everyone to know I’ve moved on from it,” Smith said. “I moved on from it back on Sunday night when that play was over. I’m ready to get prepared for the Carolina Panthers.”

A skirmish broke out on the Atlanta sideline when former Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall got into a scuffle with coaches and players. The scuffle started 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.

According to published reports, Smith received a $15,000 fine for his interaction with Hall. Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was fined $7,500. Landry was fined $5,000. Hall was reportedly not fined.

Smith did not comment on the fine amounts Thursday.

The coach did, however, make it clear he will always “have the backs” of his players. On Monday, Smith said he was trying to restore order on the sideline after the late hit to Ryan.

The second-year coach said he learned from the experience.

“Every day is a learning experience,” he said Thursday. “I think you’re a lifelong learner. You have to handle situations differently when you learn from them.”

Thursday, wide receiver Roddy White said the team will always come to the defense of its franchise quarterback, who he called “the future.” White was not on the sideline for the incident but added that, if he were, he may have done something “out of character.”

Fans on the FalconsLIFE Message Boards started taking a collection to help pay any possible fines early in the week. As of 2:15 p.m. Thursday the amount had climbed above $1,100. Smith said the action is “very nice to hear” but he’s ready to move on to a new opponent and continue the season.

“It’s been the last thing on my mind since Sunday afternoon,” he said. “My focus is getting prepared and getting this team ready to play the Carolina Panthers.”

J. Michael Moore News Albert Haynesworth, Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Hall, Head Coach Mike Smith, LaRon Landry, Matt Ryan, NFL, Roddy White, Washington Redskins

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

A tip of the cap to “Sesame Street,” which today celebrates its 40th anniversary. Apparently, more than 1,000 studies have been done to prove how watching the famous children’s show is good for you. No research is scheduled to prove if this blog has any long-term value. Nonetheless, today’s edition of Birdseed is brought to you by the letter ‘B’ and the No. 2…

Falcons LIVE with Head Coach Mike Smith, AF.com
Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff was the guest Monday evening. In case you missed the live broadcast, here’s the archived piece:

Smith ready to move on, past sideline incident, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I think it’s safe to say if this incident involved any other play in the league it might not have the same publicity. The NFL acknowledged the scuffle in question is being reviewed for possible disciplinary action.

Gonzalez is still cleaning up here, The Kansas City Star
Players move frequently in the NFL so it’s nice to see such a strong connection to a city that did so much for Tony Gonzalez’s career.

Falcons wait word on Finneran’s knee, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is the first injury to hit the Falcons group of wide receivers since Harry Douglas was lost for the year during training camp. If Finneran misses time, Matt Ryan would lose a key, third-down target.

A rainy-day question: Who’s better, the Falcons or Hawks?, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An interesting question considering the long-barren sports landscape in the city of Atlanta. I do not follow the NBA as much as the NFL (no brainer) so i can’t really offer an opinion.

Falcons say they feed off Smith’s enthusiasm. Philadelphia Enquirer
Players are one group, but I can say I know plenty Falcons staffers who are equally willing to support Head Coach Mike Smith in anything he may ask.

Panthers in trouble, Falcons on track as second half looms, The (Anderson, S.C.) Independent-Mail
This is not the matchup we expected when these teams began the season.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Brian Finneran, DeAngelo Hall, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Kansas City Star, Matt Ryan, Philadelphia Inquirer, Sesame Street, Thomas Dimitroff, Tony Gonzalez, video

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