J.Mike's Missives

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.

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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

For the second-straight week the Falcons put together flashes of success on the field only to fizzle at key moments in the game.

Head Coach Mike Smith did not hesitate when he talked to the media Tuesday — a little more than 12 hours after losing to the New Orleans Saints — about the team’s need for consistency.

“Looking at the tape I thought there were some good things and some things we did OK but there are some things we need to get corrected,” the second-year coach said, referring to the team’s 35-27 defeat at the hands of a division rival on Monday Night Football.

“We’re not hitting on all cylinders for 60 minutes and I think that’s the thing that’s evident over the last couple weeks. We’re not sustaining our level of play through the entire game… Not to make excuses, but — and this is not just on the offensive side of the ball, this is all three phases — we’re not sustaining the level of play to get the outcome we want.”

The coach said players and coaches alike must identify the issue and look to correct it before losses pile up on the team’s 4-3 record.

“We’re all responsible for the outcomes,” he said.

OTHER NOTES FROM THE MONDAY PRESSER…

… Smith listed several positives from the game, including running back Michael Turner’s season-high 151 rushing yards. Turner had been struggling to put together a dominant game.

“It’s something we’ve been working on and trying to tweak and get going,” Smith said. “I think one of the biggest differences was Michael really running hard and down hill.”

Smith said the coaching staff added some new looks in run formations but a lot of the praise went to Turner, who took time to review tape of some of his big runs from a Pro Bowl season in 2008 prior to taking the field in New Orleans.

The head coach did not offer an injury update on running backs Jerious Norwood (hip) and Jason Snelling (hamstring), who were inactive for the game.

… Veteran kicker Jason Elam missed a pair of field goals Monday night, leading to questions about the position from the Atlanta media.

“Jason did not kick the ball like we’re accustom to seeing him kick the ball,” Smith said. “That’s something we’ll always be evaluating. We always have a backup plan in place already in terms of who would be our backup kicker. (Punter) Michael (Koenen) has done that in the past, but that’s something we’re always evaluating.”

… Cornerback Tye Hill, acquired in a trade just before the regular season, officially got the start at one of the cornerback slots Monday night but Smith said more changes could be in store as the team finds the right combination to replace Brian Williams.

Smith said Hill was consistent against the run and the pass, but added Brent Grimes and perhaps rookie Christopher Owens could see more time on defense as the season progresses.

Grimes got his first interception of the season — a leaping grab that made it into several highlight packages — Monday night.

AS FOR THE REDSKINS…

… The Falcons will return to Flowery Branch for meetings Tuesday evening before getting Wednesday off. The team is on a short week to prepare for the Washington Redskins (2-5).

“Defensively, they are very strong. I think they’re a very aggressive team. They’ve had two weeks to prepare coming off a bye week,” Smith said.

J. Michael Moore News Brent Grimes, Brian Williams, Christopher Owens, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Michael Koenen, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins

If you’re looking for a history note to impress your friends, throw out the name A.J. Trapasso.

Trapasso, a practice squad punter for the Tennessee Titans, earned a nugget in football Jeopardy after he hit the over-field scoreboard at Cowboys Stadium in the preseason.

With the Falcons set to travel to Dallas and face the Cowboys — and the monster, 160-foot scoreboard that hangs just more than 90 feet above the field — punter Michael Koenen fielded a few questions Wednesday.

Odd, but it’s one of the few times a kicker gets face time.

“That will come in play if you try to kick down the middle, but hopefully we can go to the side of that a little bit,” said Koenen, a five-year veteran.

League-wide discussion bubbled after Trapasso nailed the center of the scoreboard. Would it be raised? No. Is it within regulation? Yes. NFL officials have an easy answer to any kick that hits the board — replay of down.

With that in mind, Koenen isn’t keen on providing his coverage team with extra work.

“I’m going to try my best not to hit it because I don’t want my guys getting tired and have to go cover another kick,” he said. “I’m trying to get the guys to do one kick at a time and we’ll go from there.”

He said any hit on the board pregame would be accidental.

Dallas expects Barber, Ware to play hurt against Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The biggest down side to playing a team after its bye week? Players getting healthy.

Quotable: Wednesday Locker Room, AF.com
Additional comments from Falcons players as they get ready to face the Dallas Cowboys.

Spider-man premieres for Atlanta Falcons in Sunday night win, Examiner.com
Add this to the “interesting player actions” category. You could write a book on all the weird stuff in the locker room but, for the sake of privacy, I won’t discuss it much.

Falcons’ Norwood doubtful for game with Cowboys, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons should be OK in the kickoff return game since Eric Weems has emerged as a solid contributor. The running game is a different story, since no player can duplicate Norwood’s elusiveness and speed.

DeCoud named NFC Defensive Player of the Week, AF.com
A great honor for Thomas DeCoud and a tip of the cap to the entire Falcons defense. This is a team game, you know.

Falcons’ 2008 class continues to shine, ESPN.com
The 2009 draft class is off to a slower start but, when it comes to talent, the Falcons have a young pool.

Inactive cornerback Hill eager to debut for Falcons, CBSSports.com
It could be Tye Hill. It could be Christopher Owens. It could be Chevis Jackson. It could be a combination of all three cornerbacks replacing Brian Williams.

Falcons sign running back, release D.J. Shockley, AF.com
This business often requires sudden — and difficult — change.

Shockley had been off Falcons’ radar for a while, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The search has begun for Shockley and the AF.com team wishes him well.

Expert’s Take: Falcons at Cowboys, AF.com
One of these days the Falcons are going to crack into an expert’s list of top-5 teams. Just not there yet.

No. 3 running back a terrific Choice by Cowboys, (Wichita Falls, Texas) Times Record News
Remember Tashard Choice? He played at Georgia Tech and has been a solid player for the Cowboys. Of course, the big Atlanta tie this weekend is Keith Brooking playing his former team.

Protection vital to Falcons QB Ryan, Dallas Morning News
The Falcons offensive line hasn’t allowed a sack in four games.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed A.J. Trapasso, AF.com, AJC, Brian Williams, CBSSports.com, Chevis Jackson, Christopher Owens, Cowboys Stadium, D.J. Shockley, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Morning News, DeMarcus Ware, Eric Weems, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Georgia Tech, Jerious Norwood, Keith Brooking, Marion Barber, Matt Ryan, Michael Koenen, Tashard Choice, Tennessee Titans, Thomas DeCoud, Times Record News, Tye Hill

The Falcons released 13 players Saturday and the list includes some familiar names.

Former Georgia standouts Thomas Brown and D.J. Shockley were released along with two players from the team’s 2009 Draft class: cornerback William Middleton and defensive tackle Vance Walker.

The team also released wide receiver Troy Bergeron, offensive lineman Michael Butterworth, wide receiver Robert Ferguson, linebacker Robert James, wide receiver Aaron Kelly, defensive end Maurice Lucas, tight end Jason Rader, offensive guard Jose Valdez and linebacker Jamie Winborn.

“Today is never an easy day for anyone in the organization,” General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “With that said however, we are pleased with our roster heading into the 2009 campaign. Our staff did a tremendous job of evaluating the entire team throughout the offseason, which included mini-camp, OTAs, training camp and preseason games.”

Shockley was the team’s third quarterback in 2008 but lost the position to undrafted rookie John Parker Wilson, who put up solid stats in the preseason in limited snaps.

Brown worked as a kickoff return man and reserve running back in the preseason after missing all of 2008 — his rookie year — with a groin injury.

“It’s always difficult to see players being released especially considering how hard everyone has worked,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “I feel like we have a good group of guys in place and I’m looking forward to moving on to the regular season.”

Winborn was signed just before the start of Russell Falcons Training Camp and provided support at linebacker and on special teams during the preseason.

Kelly, Valdez and Lucas were rookies that joined the Falcons after the NFL Draft.

James was a 2008 Draft selection that spent the season on injured reserve.

Rader joined the team for the second time in 2008 and played in five games (one start) after former tight end Ben Hartsock went on IR.

Ferguson joined the Falcons early in training camp after No. 3 receiver Harry Douglas tour an ACL in his knee. He spent the first part of his career with the Packers and Vikings.

Bergeron spent three seasons with the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League. He was in his second stint with the Falcons, working with the team 2006 training camp.

Butterworth worked at right tackle through the preseason. He joined the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008.

The final roster breakdown includes:

• Nine defensive linemen (four tackles, five ends)
• Six linebackers (three starters and a backup at each position)
• 10 defensive backs (five cornerbacks and five safeties)
• Five wide receivers (including 11-veteran Marty Booker)
• Three quarterbacks (two will likely be active on gameday)
• Three tight ends (Keith Zinger wins the final spot over Rader)
• Nine offensive linemen (Quinn Ojinnaka continues to backup multiple positions)
• Five running backs (three tailbacks and a pair of fullbacks: Ovie Mughelli and Verron Haynes)
• Two kickers (Jason Elam and Michael Koenen)
• One long-snapper (returning starter Mike Schneck)

The Falcons can establish an eight-player practice squad starting on Sunday.

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, Roster Moves Aaron Kelly, Ben Hartsock, breaking news, D.J. Shockley, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jamie Winborn, Jason Elam, Jason Rader, John Parker Wilson, Jose Valdez, Keith Zinger, Marty Booker, Maurice Lucas, Michael Butterworth, Michael Koenen, Mike Schneck, Ovie Mughelli, Preseason, Quinn Ojinnaka, Robert Ferguson, Robert James, Thomas Brown, Thomas Dimitroff, Troy Bergerson, Vance Walker, Verron Haynes, William Middleton

Today marks the last day of OTA practice with media availability. Just one more practice remains before the Falcons take a lengthy break.

They’ve earned the right.

Different teams handle OTAs differently. Some treat them like summer camps with attention paid to teaching and big-picture thinking. Some use them as on-field personifications of film room education. The Falcons combine a little bit of everything to create up-tempo workouts designed to teach, knock of rust and get the team ready for the more difficult work to come.

Last week Head Coach Mike Smith watched as three skirmishes broke out during an OTA practice.

Maybe it was the heat.

Maybe it was passion for success.

Either way, the Falcons got a lot of work done in a short amount of time during this offseason process. We now all brace for a hibernation period before the start of Russell Falcons Training Camp.

I’m sure it will pass quickly.

And football will never be too far from the Falcons collective mind.

Falcons players to sign autographs at PGA Tour Superstore, AF.com
Come on down to the Duluth store. You may find me looking for a last-minute Father’s Day gift (or a new driver for myself). You can also get Michael Turner, Brian Finneran and D.J. Shockley’s autograph.

Falcons’ Baker invigorated for sophomore year, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m not a player, but I can appreciate the frustration that must have covered Sam Baker like a blanket last season. Good luck in 2009, Sam. The Falcons need you.

Falcons sign two picks and release two players, AF.com
Now’s a good time to mention the reliability of various sources. AtlantaFalcons.com may not be the first news organization reporting roster moves, but we’re the only official word.

Falcons sign free agent lineman Newberry, AF.com
Need to call friend and colleague Casey Pearce at Chargers.com to get a little more info on Jeremy Newberry.

Atlanta Falcon Position Battles: The Cornerbacks, The Falcoholic
When the Falcons start Russell Falcons Training Camp, my sandal-wearing feet will shuffle directly to cornerback drills. There I’ll see one of the hottest position battles in camp.

Make Atlanta parks a priority, groups urge candidates, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons employees and Owner and CEO Arthur Blank recently got out and did some community work in area parks.

Vote for The Greatest Falcon QB of All Time, The Falcoholic
Get out and vote! I’m curious to see the results as the season moves along.

The Atlanta Falcons’ Defense Reloaded for 2009, Bleacher Report
It’s going to be odd spending so much time at training camp watching the defense but, the more I think about it, there’s not a need to worry much about the other side of the ball. I won’t ignore it but, early on, it’s hard to justify too many stories about one of the league’s most talented groups.

NFL Insider: Falcons’ Peterson moves near coach, USA Today
Mike Peterson and Mike Smith. Falcons player and Falcons coach. Neighbors.

Ranking the NFC South punters, ESPN.com
The Falcons record-setting punt coverage team got a lot of credit last season. Michael Koenen probably didn’t get enough love in the media for his efforts.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Arthur Blank, Bleacher Report, Brian Finneran, D.J. Shockley, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jeremy Newberry, Michael Koenen, Michael Turner, Mike Peterson, NFC South, PGA Tour Superstore, Sam Baker, The Falcoholic

About a week ago I was in my normal seat at a weekly staff meeting when a familiar face caught my eye. Walking up the steps on the other side of the glass wall was Eric Sutulovich.

He was chatting with Head Coach Mike Smith.

At the time I couldn’t remember his name but I knew he was the assistant special teams coach for the Houston Texans when I interned with the team in 2004.

Now’s a good time to mention that 2004 was one of the best years in the team’s young history. Sure that 7-9 record is eclipsed by the team’s back-to-back years at .500, but I like to think some of that magic had to do with me.

So, turns out Sutulovich got a job with the Falcons earlier this week.

I spent some time this morning catching up with him in his new office. He’s excited to be in Atlanta and work with special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong. He didn’t say it, but I could tell he’s eager to coach a team that set an NFL record in fewest punt return yards last season and boast such talents as Jason Elam, Michael Koenen, Coy Wire, Stephen Nicholas and Jason Snelling.

We chatted for about 20 minutes, discussing neighborhoods to live in around Flowery Branch and comparing notes on the organization.

It’s always good to see a familiar face, especially one with great experience.

Sutulovich served as an offensive assistant in Detroit last season but most of his NFL experience came in Houston. Over that four-year span, the Texans ranked first in the league in punts downed inside the 20-yard line (120), fourth in opponent punt return yard average (7.4), sixth in the AFC in kickoff touchbacks (120) and seventh in the conference in kickoff return yard average (22.1).

He coached under one of the best special teams coordinators in the business, Joe Marciano.

It’s rare that I get to swap stories with coaches, so that was an interesting part of the day. I’m sure fans will also give him a warm welcome at Mini Camp, which is open to the public on May 9.

J. Michael Moore News, Random Coy Wire, Detroit Lions, Eric Sutulovich, Houston Texans, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, Michael Koenen, Stephen Nicholas