J.Mike's Missives

After more than two NFL seasons of full-time blogging I’m running out of things to say. Shocking, huh?

So, for today’s edition of the Friday Pep Talk, I’m going with a clip so short and easy a caveman can understand it.

If this is, as Dwight Schrute says, “the most inspiring thing” he’s ever heard we can rest assured nothing will ever go wrong on The Office. Luckily for the Falcons, sitcom television has no bearings on football (episodes get moved for the Super Bowl, remember)?

As the Falcons prepare to face the 2-5 Washington Redskins, we’re reminded that no team can be overlooked on an NFL schedule. Of course, “not being an idiot” is sometimes easier said than done.

But with the right amount of focus mixed with a dash of frustration from back-to-back losses the Falcons can do the same thing they did when faced with a 4-3 record in 2008 — win.

Atlanta won seven of it’s last nine games last season to secure a playoff spot.

A victory Sunday won’t be easy. The Redskins have a top-10 defense and, at least when it comes to sound byes, a chippy personality the Falcons tend to answer on the field.

I look for the Falcons to come out with the necessary motivation because, for 24 games, Head Coach Mike Smith’s team didn’t lose back-to-back contests.

Three in a row seems unlikely.

Just don’t Schrute it.

Redskins defense an area of Falcons focus, AF.com
With a defense as good as the Redskins’, where would the team be with an offense that scored more than 13 points per game?

Falcons version of “Saving Private Ryan,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I forgot Terry Robiskie was once a Redskins interim head coach. Blast from the past.

Turner taps into his old mind-set, The Augusta Chronicle
Watching film doesn’t have to be about the opponent.

What to Watch for in Week 9, AF.com
Last year the Falcons won ball games by dominating in the first quarter. Could struggles in the second quarter be a sign of a struggle in 2009?

Falcons-Redskins sold out, no blackout, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Blackouts aren’t a thing of the past in the NFL. But Falcons fans take note. This isn’t 2007 or the start of 2008. The Falcons have announced their presence on the national scene.

I Think I Remember This Guy, J. Mike’s Missives
A little self-promotion never hurt anyone.

Falcons CB Tye Hill hopes to contribute more, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For more on Hill, who got his first start as a Falcon last week, watch…

Redskins’ tackle job may be left to Jones, The Washington Times
On a team built around an All-Pro running back and ball-control passing game (not to mention a good defense), injuries at offensive line aren’t an option.

‘Misunderstood’ Hall in midst of an overhaul, The Washington Post
This is a story line that changes by the day. Good thing kickoff isn’t far away.

Blache passionately defends Redskins owner Snyder from criticism, NFL.com
Speaking of story lines… I think Michael Jenkins said it best this week when he told reporters the Falcons can’t concern themselves about what goes on in an opponents’ front office. Words to live by.

Matty Ice mired in a bit of a slump, Yahoo Sports
Plenty of football left. Interceptions get added to the stat sheet at some point or another. Maybe Matt Ryan’s come in clumps.

Haynesworth calls out Clabo, Dahl on radio show, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Again with the talk! We got comments from Tyson Clabo, too, if you’re interested…

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Albert Haynesworth, DeAngelo Hall, Dwight Schrute, Friday Pep Talk, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Michael Turner, NFL.com, Terry Robiskie, The Augusta Chronicle, The Office, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, Tye Hill, Tyson Clabo, Washington Redskins, Yahoo Sports

We’re in the middle of a busy week in Flowery Branch. Actually, busy, is probably too soft a word. (I should have known a week where an airplane is completely dedicated to the Falcons was going to be a bit out of control).

It’s a good thing.

When the Falcons return home for the only time in the month of October, the Georgia Dome will be a buzz with prime time activities. We all remember last year’s game against the Bears (you know, 12 seconds, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Jason Elam, field goal).

So doing extra work to make sure fans know all about what’s happening at the game — on the field and off — isn’t a big deal.

It’s Sunday Night Football. And the excitement has already started.

Pro Bowl wideout Booker adjusts to backup role, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Veterans don’t always come into starting roles late in their careers. But that doesn’t mean they don’t do vital jobs on a football team.

Introducing the Atlanta Falcons offense, Examiner.com
Better late than never. But I’d argue the Falcons offense was doing what it needed to do through the first three games as well. Just took a few weeks to get ready to explode.

NFC rankings: Elite meet with Falcons-Bears, Giants-Saints, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons No. 5. Bears No. 6. Something has to give this weekend at the Georgia Dome.

Love affair for Falcons’ Ryan is growing, Yahoo Sports
Now that’s an interesting headline, especially from a sports columnist.

Brees, Ryan thriving when pressure is on, ESPN.com
The ‘Matty Ice’ nickname makes more and more sense each day.

Vantage Point, AF.com
One last word, or should I say ‘look’ at the big win over San Francisco.

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/175043/175043_2009-10-14-133416.flv

How I See It: NFC South Stock Watch, ESPN.com
If a 200-yard game didn’t get Roddy White’s football stock rising I’m not sure what would.

Mughelli suffered leg injury against 49ers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ovie Mughelli was listed on the injruy report during the week and did not return after leaving Sunday’s game. Should know more Wednesday when the team issues its first injury report of this week.

With Singletary Looking on, 49ers’ Bly Apologizes, The New York Times
I’ve covered the NFL for six years and yesterday’s Dre’ Bly apology was a first. Of course, his celebrating an interception in the middle of the field during a return was also a first.

Six touchdowns = Six toppings, Falcons Biz
Stay tuned to the “Falcons Biz” blog through the season for more notes on the Falcons offerings to fans and some notes on sports business.

Bears To Face Tough Challenge Versus Atlanta Sunday Night. Bleacher Report
Got some interesting comments from Elam in the Wednesday open locker room period about his game-winning kick against the Bears last season.

Bounce backs a part of the Atlanta Falcons game plan, Examiner.com
We’ve made it through one and a quarter seasons for the Mike Smith era and the Falcons have yet to lose back-to-back games.

Smith delivers Falcons quarterly report, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Speaking of quarters, the Falcons just finished the first (four out 16 games) of the 2009 season.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AirTran, AJC, Chicago Bears, Dre' Bly, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Falcons Biz, Georgia Dome, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Marty Booker, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Mike Singletary, Ovie Mughelli, Roddy White, Sunday Night Football, The New York Times, Vantage Point, video, Yahoo Sports

Tom Brady thew for 277 yards and a touchdown and the Falcons did not record a quarterback sack for the first time this season.

Atlanta lost to New England, 26-10 Sunday in Foxborough, Mass.

It’s a simple correlation the most novice of football fans can make.

With time to survey the field and throw, Brady found nine different receivers and piloted the Patriots on scoring drives of 15, 6, 12, 13, 16 and 6 plays. New England held the ball for 10:46 in the fourth quarter and just less than 40 minutes for the game.

It’s back to the drawing board for the Falcons defense which won’t shrug and accept getting beat by a future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Teams will always find ways to deal with John Abraham off the edge. Many times, the Pro Bowler will find a way through the mess. But, winning with defense isn’t about one player dominating at the line of scrimmage and forcing sacks and turnovers.

So there you have it… The focus of many an armchair quarterback this Monday morning trying to find a reason for a disappointing — but not season-ending — loss.

A few reminders:

• The Falcons are, after three weeks, right where they were at this point in 2008 (2-1)
• The defense ranked 15th in overall defense after Week 3, 2008. Heading into Monday Night Football this year, the ‘D’ is top-10 in points allowed and has a better average against the run.
• The team has forced more turnovers thus far than this point in 2008 (6-5)

The numbers won’t blow you away. They’re similar, even though 2009 is better in many categories. But be reminded, it’s only Week 3.

And a bye week ahead allows time to work out the kinks.

Complete Falcons-Patriots Game Coverage, AF.com
Game coverage including Falcons First Take (and Take Two) and locker room transcripts. Click here for NFL.com’s Game Center.

The Falcons suffer a thumping loss but learn a needed lesson, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The first fan comment in this blog described the post as “a sobering analysis.” Many would say that’s what the Falcons needed at some point. Better Week 3 than the postseason. Long way to go. For more from Mr. Bradley, click here.

Wrap-up: Patriots 26, Falcons 10, ESPN.com
“The schedule doesn’t get any easier, but maybe it will make the Falcons stronger. Maybe that’s all part of the process.”

Falcons falter late against Patriots, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You shy away from identifying “turning points” in football because the game is long and the players many. But the pass interference call on Michael Jenkins in the third quarter was as close to a turning point as you’ll see.

Matt Ryan can’t hit same Heights at Gillette, Boston Herald
I must say, the gameday hype about Ryan’s return to Boston was subdued. Just another game for the Falcons quarterback.

Matt Ryan handles homecoming with ease, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When you think about it, Ryan is lucky. In his first two years in the league’s he’s played in his hometown (Philadelphia) and his college town (Boston area). He lost both games, so that’s rough, but at least it’s out of the way.

Brady throws TD pass as Pats top Falcons 26-10, Associated Press
Is it just me, or is this a pretty bland headline?

Mailbag: Atlanta Falcons edition, ESPN.com
The Falcons do like what they have at defensive tackle in the wake of the Peria Jerry injury. Case in point, promoting one of your own from the practice squad — former Georgia Tech lineman Vance Walker.

Patriots double up on Falcons’ Gonzalez, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s a copycat league. I’m sure other defenses will try to recreate what the Patriots did with a new flavor. Of course, the Falcons offense has some change ups in the arsenal. Click here for more on the Patriots defense.

The New England Patriots control the clock and the Atlanta Falcons, win 26-10, Examiner.com
After Peyton Manning and the Colts won last week holding the ball for just less than 15 minutes, anything is possible. But that’s an anomaly in the world of time of possession.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Associated Press, Boston Herald, ESPN.com, Falcons First Take, Indianapolis Colts, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, New England Patriots, NFL.com, Peria Jerry, Peyton Manning, stats, Take Two, Tom Brady, Tony Gonzalez, Vance Walker

One thing the Falcons didn’t do a lot of in an 11-win season in 2008 was play from behind. Head Coach Mike Smith pushed quick scores and early starts, giving the defense a chance to play with a lead.

The Falcons want a more aggressive defense in 2009, one that flies to the quarterback with gusto and makes plays no matter the score.

A defense that creates opportunities.

A defense that stands on its own.

Atlanta showed flashes of that team Saturday night against the Chargers but there are some things the defense now has on film that will allow for more improvement in the final exhibition game and in practices leading up to the regular season.

The Chargers took advantage of aggressive plays by working the screen pass, hitting running backs out of the backfield on no less than seven plays. One went for a 48-yard touchdown from Philip Rivers to Michael Bennett that gave the Chargers a 14-7 lead in the second quarter.

San Diego’s third touchdown of the first half also came off a Falcons blitz — a Malcom Floyd catch at the goal line on Brent Grimes (three Falcons were closing in on quarterback Billy Volek as the pass left his hand).

The team’s lone sack came off a Brent Grimes corner blitz, though defensive end Jamaal Anderson was within a glove of getting to the quarterback anyway.

Another area of game film to review? Third-down defense.

The Chargers converted five third downs in the second quarter, including third-and-13, third-and-18 and third-and-17.

For the first half, San Diego converted 7 of 8 third-down attempts.

But there was an encouraging rebound.

Atlanta’s defense forced a field goal attempt (a miss) on the Chargers first drive of the second half. The first-team also stayed on for another series, forcing a punt.

The Falcons started mixing in reserve players on defense in the fourth quarter.

STILL MORE IN-GAME THOUGHTS…

… The Falcons can run the two-minute offense, but coaches will certainly bite their nails at the lack of a touchdown to close out the first half.

… Veteran wide receiver Marty Booker got into the game as the team’s No. 3 receiver inside the two-minute warning and caught two passes to get the Falcons into Chargers territory. The drive ended in a Jason Elam field goal and a 21-13 San Diego lead at halftime.

… Matt Ryan completed 13 of 18 passes in the first half for 133 yards and a touchdown. His favorite targets? Booker and Michael Jenkins, who each hauled in three passes. Running back Michael Turner rushed for 42 on a 3.8-yard per carry average.

… Ryan finished his time in the game with 140 passing yards, a touchdown and a passer rating of 106.2.

J. Michael Moore Gameday, Preseason Brent Grimes, Jason Elam, Marty Booker, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Michael Turner, Preseason, San Diego Chargers

Over the past five days we’ve covered all the ground necessary after a preseason-opening loss.

Does the game count. No.

Were the injuries. A few.

Anything serious? It appears not.

But in the Groundhog Day that is the NFL and training camp, the topics are bound to come up again sooner or later. Thursday, the Falcons Pro Bowl tight end, starting quarterback and Head Coach took things a step further and laid down some expectations for Friday’s preseason game at St. Louis.

If you’re keeping count, that’s exhibition game two of four.

“Anytime we go out and play we want to win, but the main goal is for us to be healthy, be ready for the first game and do some evaluating,” Head Coach Mike Smith said Thursday. “There will be a different rotation as far as guys who will be playing and who they will be playing against.”

One thing fans can expect to see is more youngsters on the Falcons offense and defense playing earlier in the game. This, according to Smith, gives coaches the chance to evaluate second- and third-teamers against the Rams top-liners.

Atlanta won’t be as healthy entering the game as last week, however.

Cornerback Chris Houston (hamstring), defensive tackle Jason Jefferson (hip flexor) and linebacker Edmond Miles (knee) are out. The coach said second-year running back Thomas Brown will be a game-time decision.

When faced with some of the same questions, tight end Tony Gonzalez mentioned health as a top preseason priority.

He caught one pass in the preseason opener and the only first-team touchdown went to running back Michael Turner. Gonzalez would like to see continued balance on offense.

“It was a good mix of run and pass,” he said. “Let’s just pick up where we left off. That first drive we came out there and, once we got our rhythm, that’s when we started putting it on them a bit.”

Quarterback Matt Ryan completed five of seven passes for 37 yards but one of the incompletions sticks with him — a roll out pass to Michael Jenkins that missed its target and fell to the ground.

“We’ve got some clean some things up from what we did last week. That’s the biggest thing, cut down on mental errors, improve the execution and ultimately score points.”

There’s a unique focus that overtakes an NFL team during the preseason. It’s part passion, part preparation. The games count for something, they just don’t count.

“You never want to lose,” Ryan said. “All of us our competitive. But, ultimately, our No. 1 goal is to get to the regular season healthy and be as prepared and ready as we can be when Miami rolls around.”

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, training camp Edmond Miles, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Jefferson, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Michael Turner, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp, St. Louis Rams, Thomas Brown, Tony Gonzalez

The Falcons took the field at the Allstate All-Access Roam the Dome Saturday with two goals: Work hard and put on a show.

With thousands of fans in attendance and a mock game that featured turnovers and three touchdown passes, both missions were accomplished.

Head Coach Mike Smith split his roster and ran the team through 11-on-11 stretches across the Georgia Dome turf. The red team won the mock game, 21-6.

Quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Michael Jenkins had the early highlight — a 28-yard touchdown strike up the seam in the first half.

On the next series with the first team, Ryan found newly-acquired tight end Tony Gonzalez on three straight passes, including a 10-yard play to the end zone for a score over safety Jamaal Fudge.

Chris Redman also threw a touchdown pass, finding Ben Hartsock from 6 yards out in the second half of play.

Three times the white team, quarterbacked by John Parker Wilson and D.J. Shockley marched into the red zone. Two stops were treated as field goals. The third trip ended with a Brent Grimes interception.

Click here for more photos from Roam the Dome and Friday Night Lights

SOME NOTES FROM THE FIELD…

… The session opened with some punt return work. Eric Weems, Chandler Williams, Brian Finneran and Grimes lined up as return men, with Grimes showing some nifty moves. The team needs to find a new return man since Harry Douglas (knee) is out for the season.

… The first-team defense allowed just one first down on the opening possession helped, in part, by a John Abraham sack of Shockley (no contact, of course).

… On offense, Finneran and  Jenkins were the top two receivers with the first team. Former arena football star Troy Bergeon was the first man in for three-receiver packages but the team also showed plenty of two-tight end looks.

… Ryan made a bit of a fashion statement, wearing black sweat pants instead of shorts with his red practice jersey. Kind of looked like he rolled out of bed Saturday morning, had a cup of coffee and decided to go be an NFL quarterback.

… Defensive end Lawrence Sidbury and defensive tackle Peria Jerry, 2009 Draft selections, worked with the second team defense. Curtis Lofton and Trey Lewis sat out, pushing Thomas Johnson into the rotation at defensive tackle and Tony Gilbert to first-team middle linebacker.

… Smith was all over the field, watching the scrimmage from behind the offense and talking to his staff via headset. He also alerted officials to a missed face mask and gave quick, direct instruction to both sides of the ball.

… William Moore, who is out for the next one to four weeks after minor knee surgery, did not play. Thomas DeCoud and Erik Coleman continue their work as first-team safeties.

… Cornerback Chris Houston, who played with the first-team defense broke up a would-be touchdown pass from John Parker Wilson to tight end Jason Rader.

J. Michael Moore News, YouTube, highlights, training camp Allstate All-Access Weekend, Ben Hatsock, Brent Grimes, Brian Finneran, Chandler Williams, Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley, Eric Weems, Erik Coleman, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, Jason Rader, John Abraham, John Parker Wilson, Lawrence Sidbury, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Peria Jerry, Roam the Dome, Thomas DeCoud, Thomas Johnson, Tony Gilbert, Tony Gonzalez, Trey Lewis, Troy Bergeron, video, William Moore

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

D.J. Shockley knows what Harry Douglas is going through.

The quarterback was scrambling out of the pocket in a 2007 preseason game at Buffalo when he tore an ACL in his knee. He went on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.

Wednesday Douglas, a second-year wide receiver, tore a ligament during one-on-one drills.

He’s also done for the season.

“I talked to him last night and a little bit this morning,” Shockley said. “He’s pretty upbeat about it right now. I told him just to stay positive. I’ve been through it.

“I know what it feels like when you go through that. I told him if he needed to talk to anyone about it or ask me when it’s going to stop hurting, I’m here for him.”

Shockley rebounded from the injury to earn a spot as the team’s No. 3 quarterback in 2008. His strong arm and mobility make him an interesting compliment to the rest of the team’s quarterbacks, who are known more for throwing the ball from the pocket.

He said offseason rehab was crucial to his recovery, especially since the injury can physically heal relatively quickly.

“I told (Douglas) it only takes a few months,” Shockley said. “The first part of it is pretty hard but after that you move on, get over it and get better. It’s not going to be bad forever.”

Mentally, players with ACL injuries have to convince themselves of the healing and that it’s OK to put weight on the knee or make cuts.

“That comes in the offseason when you’re doing the workouts and working out here with the trainers by yourself,” Shockley said. “You get used to moving on it and by the time you get out here (in camp) you’re just playing.”

Shockley continues his bounce back from injury with a battle for the backup quarterback spot. It’s not as high profile or intense as some of the other fights on the team — quarterbacks are a close bunch — but the former Georgia star knows he has a chance.

“Every time I come on the field I’m trying to show what I can do, be consistent with everything and be the best I can at it,” he said. “It’s definitely a situation where you have to put your best foot forward.”

SOME NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM CAMP…

… Speaking of Shockley, the strong-armed signal caller was in on some nice plays Thursday. He hit wide receiver Chandler Williams with one throw on the run — a 35-yard dart to the sideline that had the media eyebrow raised.

… Head Coach Mike Smith gave veteran players the night off Wednesday, allowing them to stay at their homes instead of the on-site dorms.

… Veteran center Todd McClure, a staple of the “Over 30 Club” got the morning off but was on the field and helping coach rookies and younger players.

… In light of the Douglas news, multiple receivers picked up the slack. Michael Jenkins continued his solid work in camp, hauling in a ball on the sideline by slowing up, reaching around corner Brent Grimes’ helmet and breaking the corner’s grasp. No way to tell without tackling, but it appeared to open him up for a sprint to the end zone.

J. Michael Moore News, highlights, injury, training camp Chandler Williams, D.J. Shockley, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, injury, Michael Jenkins, Russell Falcons Training Camp, Todd McClure

Last season on the opening days of Russell Falcons Training Camp, Brent Grimes was getting noticed.

He went on to start six games for the Falcons at cornerback opposite Chris Houston.

On the first day of 2009 training camp, we return to a familiar subject matter.

Grimes, a 5-foot-10 player from tiny Shippensburg University, recorded two interceptions on the first day of practice including a highlight-worthy, body-contorting grab in front of Michael Jenkins, who was breaking away for an easy touchdown.

(More highlights from the day on the Twitter feed).

Just more than two months ago during organized team activities Head Coach Mike Smith called Grimes “the most athletic player” on the team.

He may lack prototypical size, but he used that athleticism to his advantage Saturday. In all, four interceptions were recorded by three different players on the first day of training camp.

Grimes has been known to leap over practice equipment at the end of plays and shows other feats of speed and agility.

Where he ends up in the battle for starting spots in the secondary remains to be seen.

But we’ve been re-introduced to one player to keep an eye on.

J. Michael Moore News, training camp Brent Grimes, Chris Houston, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, Michael Jenkins, Russell Falcons Training Camp

I have a confession to make.

It’s been close to two years since I moved to Atlanta and there are many area attractions and eateries I haven’t visited.

That changes this weekend.

A buddy and I plan to find some of the hidden gems of this great city and get in some rare, offseason relaxation.

Suggestions? Leave them below.

But first make sure you’re up-to-date on what’s going on with your Falcons.

Moore to wear No. 25 in honor of teammate, AF.com
William Moore said he’d wear No. 25 at some point in his NFL career. It will happen in his rookie season. It’s nice to see a player so committed to honoring a friend.

Vick begins transition as Falcons start OTAs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Ninety-five percent of the guys don’t know Mike or were never around him, so it’s almost a non-issue for us as a team,” wide receiver Brian Finneran said. “Some of the guys that were friends of Mike that are still here, myself, (Michael) Jenkins and Roddy (White) and a handful of other guys wish Mike the best.”

Atlanta Falcons: Meet the Coaching Staff, Bleacher Report
I’ve always said coaches don’t get the credit they deserve. Maybe the success in Atlanta will open some eyes to what the guys on the sideline can do.

Keeping an Eye on Jerry, J. Mike’s Missives
Fans need not worry much about Peria Jerry. His knee injury is minor and he’s still hard at work in Flowery Branch.

Peterson happy to be with Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If the offense can do its part in time of possession and the defense can play fast and create some turnovers, the Falcons have a chance to do something special in 2009.

Vets go fishing with the Falcons on Lake Lanier, AccessNorthGa.com
I’m lobbying for a full-scale Falcons fishing tournament. We’ll see if that ever materializes. In the meantime, enjoy some video highlights from the event:

Seahawks Sign LB Tony Taylor, Scout.com
Good for Tony. I enjoyed talking with him when he was with the Falcons and, while it may be the opposite side of the country, Seattle presents some opportunities.

Falcons ’strike’ out for a good cause, AccessNorthGa.com
If you’re at a community event in Metro Atlanta, and you think you see a Falcon, you’re probably right.

Atlanta Falcons sign undrafted free agent wide receiver Khalil Jones, Examiner.com
Jones also ran track at Miami so speed shouldn’t be an issue when the team wants to work on the deep ball during training camp.

Turner out to sustain momentum for Falcons, Gainesville Times
One of the best free agent signings of the last decade. Period. Without Michael Turner the Falcons aren’t nearly as successful in 2008. Add Tony Gonzalez to remove some defenders from the box and, well, imagine the possibilities.

NFL Top 10: Most Valuable Atlanta Falcons, MVN.com
Michael Jenkins may move up this top-10 list in 2009. At yesterday’s OTA workout, the former Ohio State star was grabbing everything thrown his way. Impressive.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, News AccessNorthGa.com, AF.com, AJC, Bleacher Report, Brian Finneran, Examiner.com, Gainesville Times, Khalil Jones, Lake Lanier, Michael Jenkins, Michael Turner, Mike Peterson, MVN.com, Peria Jerry, Roddy White, Scout.com, Seattle Seahawks, Tony Gonzalez, Tony Taylor, William Moore