J.Mike's Missives

The Falcons are packing the bags for the first preseason trip of 2009.

They’re also a focal point of the national media with the news of former quarterback Michael Vick signing with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Falcons players aren’t available to the media on travel days — especially since this trip starts roughly 90 minutes after the end of practice — but Head Coach Mike Smith did share some thoughts.

“We’re getting ready to go on a flight and we never have our guys available (prior to a trip),” Smith said. “My concern is to go up to Detroit and get ready for a football game. That’s the only concern I have. That’s the only concern our team has.”

Smith did say, as a veteran of the NFL, he’s happy for Vick signing with a new team after a federal prison sentence.

“I’m happy for Michael Vick and his family, that they’re able to turn a page and start a new chapter in his life,” Smith said. “That’s what he’s able to do as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.”

The team also released an official statement at the close of practice:

“Michael is going to a first-class organization and will receive tremendous support from Eagles Chairman/CEO Jeffrey Lurie, Team President Joe Banner, Head Coach Andy Reid and Quarterback Donovan McNabb.

“Michael has been given a good opportunity to restart his career in the NFL, and we wish him well.”

QUICK NOTES BEFORE THE BUS LEAVES, THEN ON TO BIRDSEED…

… Smith said Matt Ryan will start tomorrow in Detroit. Other quarterbacks will all play a quarter. He would not reveal the order of quarterbacks behind Ryan.

… The team is pretty healthy, all things considered, with 76 of 80 players expected to play. “We are about as healthy as we can be. William Moore will not play. He has been ruled out.” Two players will be game-time decisions (Edmond Miles and Jason Jefferson). “We do have a lot of bumps and bruises two weeks into camp and we are going to limit some of our players playing time because of that,” the coach said.

Rookies ready for first preseason game, AF.com
Time to get it started.

Falcons-Lions Preview and Well Wishes to MV, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Look carefully and you’ll see some similarities between the Lions and the 2008 Atlanta Falcons. Defensive-minded head coach, new quarterback… We’ll see how that works out for them.

Erik Coleman eyes new roles with Atlanta Falcons, Examiner.com
New Media Intern Nate played safety in high school and college so he’s spent a lot of time watching that position during practice. He likes what he sees. He also agrees with me when I say, in the NFL, safety is probably the most important position on a defense.

Team launches new youth football programs, AF.com
In Georgia, football is like a religion. If you know a youth or high school player, team or cheerleader worthy of some recognition, check out some of these new programs.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, NFL News, Preseason, training camp AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Brent Grimes, Chris Houston, D.J. Shockley, Detroit Lions, Edmond Miles, Erik Coleman, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Georgia, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Jefferson, Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford, Michael Turner, Michael Vick, New Media Intern Nate, Philadelphia Eagles, Preseason, Robert Ferguson, Russell Falcons Training Camp, Tony Gonzalez, travel, Von Hutchins, William Moore, youth football

This weekend the wife and I did a little shopping for an upcoming vacation and finished off one ritual associated with the purchase of new clothes: Closet organization and donation selection.

It took several hours, but Kelli and I managed to create some more room in a reorganized closet and get some older garb ready for charity.

Amazing how small changes can have such a profound impact.

Maybe it’s the OCD dork in me, but I slept better last night. Maybe this is one of those weird things I should keep to myself.

At any rate, we can’t underestimate the power of the small decisions and actions we take in our lives. Think of all the changes made in the Falcons organization over the past 18 months.

Some big, some small.

But it’s some of the tiny changes that make for sustainable differences.

It can be as easy as cleaning a closet.

Making Wishes Come True, Spreading Our Wings
The Falcons’ community mission continues, in season or out. Check out the “Spreading Our Wings” blog for community news and features.

The Great Turner/Norwood Debate, The Falcoholic
Great use of charts and data analysis. But it doesn’t really matter who gets the most carries or touchdowns. You need two quality running backs to win in the NFL. Plain and simple.

Chat with Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.com
Some thoughts on contract extensions and the defensive line from the NFC South Blogger.

What Vick’s release means to Falcons and No. 7, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’re getting ready to officially put this story to bed in the blog, but not before we link to a few last stories recapping Friday’s roster move.

Falcons ‘turn the chapter’ on Vick era with his release, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some additional thoughts from Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff.

Rookies no more: Seven with a second-year itch, Yahoo Sports
Eyes from the national media are watching cornerback Brent Grimes.

Georgia Dome converting to grass….for soccer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To think, engineers thought they could get natural grass to grow inside the Astrodome (hence the creation of Astroturf). Great to see the Dome has the flexibility to bring in grass for events, though. By the way… I’ve been to the Astrodome and, yes, if you’re queit, you can hear the faint chant: “Let them play. Let them play.”

The Greatest Atlanta Falcon of All Time is…, The Falcoholic
Great idea for offseason blogging. Look forward to more good work over the next few weeks.

Commentary: Falcons tire of shopping Vick, The (Columbus) Ledger-Enquirer
“In the very end, we came to a conclusion that it was time,” Dimitroff said. “It was best for both us and Michael Vick to move on, to turn the chapter.”

A giddy romance … then heartbreak, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s nothing wrong with memories. But, there’s a time to focus on the present. It’s the next logical step to the future.

2009-2010 NFL Team Previews: Atlanta Falcons, Bleacher Report
I’ll check in with my own preview of the Falcons offense, defense and special teams in the weeks leading up to training camp. I’m thinking a five-part story series should provide plenty of insight.

Ranking the NFC South kickers, ESPN.com
Is this even a contest?

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Bleacher Report, Brent Grimes, ESPN.com, Falcons in the Community, Georgia Dome, Jerious Norwood, Kelli, Michael Turner, Michael Vick, The Falcoholic, The Ledger-Enquirer, Thomas Dimitroff

I don’t know Michael Vick. I’ve never met him.

To me, he was never the Falcons starting quarterback.

But the team’s decision to release Vick from the roster doesn’t come without some emotional connection and points to ponder.

The suspended quarterback means different things to different people. During his time with the Falcons he impressed, shocked and awed many of my coworkers. He rallied a city and created controversy.

Of course, that’s in the past.

How the quarterback went from No. 1 overall draft pick, to Pro Bowler, to playoff performer to federal imprisonment is well-documented.

The resulting scars on the game and its fans aren’t easily recorded.

The Falcons have moved on. That decision was made long ago.

But you can’t erase history.

Decades from now people will consider the Vick saga one of the most dramatic falls from grace in the NFL story.

It’s a tale worth remembering if only to warn future generations of the power of bad choices and the importance of trust, integrity and moral fiber.

The characters in this drama are set: team, player, law enforcement, fans, league…

But, today, the Falcons bow out of the final act.

General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said other teams were interested in making a trade for Vick’s contract rights but, in the end, nothing materialized. That led the Falcons to release the former star and concede the salary cap ramifications.

They’re in the 2009 budget but Dimitroff said no financial ties will carry into 2010.

“At this point, we feel releasing Michael is best for him and best for us,” Dimitroff said. “Our entire organization sincerely hopes that Michael will continue to focus his efforts on making positive changes in his life, and we wish him well in that regard.”

Vick faces many uncertainties. He’s about to be a free man, done with punishment for a role in an intra-state dog fighting ring.

But he’s at the mercy of others if — and when — he’ll play football again.

It’s a situation I can only imagine, but something I need not concern myself with. There are personal choices on the horizon for others and larger goals for the Falcons.

Dimitroff and Head Coach Mike Smith were not around when the team drafted Vick or during the turbulent events of 2007 sparked by his federal indictment. Less than a dozen Falcons on the current roster played with the quarterback.

That can’t be said for others in the organization, some in their second or third decade with the team. We’ve all witnessed part of history and grown from the frustration, hurt and confusion.

But this isn’t a time of reflection.

This is a time of closure.

The Falcons are a playoff football team again with a new quarterback and a new blood as bright as the team’s red jerseys.

The Michael Vick book remained open through all the re-building and success, but got pushed to the far corner of the desk.

Now it’s closed.

J. Michael Moore Feature, Roster Moves Commentary, Head Coach Mike Smith, Michael Vick, Thomas Dimitroff

Falcons Owner and CEO Arthur Blank issued a statement Wednesday morning regarding former quarterback Michael Vick and his release from federal prison.

In December 2007, Vick was sentenced to 23 months for his involvement in an intra-state dog fighting ring. He is expected to serve the final two months of his sentence in home confinement.

“As Michael nears the completion of his sentence, I wish the best for him and his family. It is my sincere hope that he has learned from his mistakes and will move forward in a productive and positive manner,” Blank said.

The team is seeking to trade Vick’s contract rights and Blank has repeatedly said the quarterback will not suit up for the Falcons again.

“The Falcons maintain Michael’s contractual rights for now, but he will not be playing for us in the future. In the event NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell decides to reinstate Michael to the NFL, we feel his best opportunity to re-engage his football career would be at another club,” Blank said via statement.

“From a personal standpoint; I will continue to be supportive of Michael in any way that would be positive, constructive and helpful.”

The Falcons selected quarterback Matt Ryan with the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. He earned the starting job in training camp and led the team to an 11-5 record and playoff appearance. He was named Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press for his efforts.

As Blank noted, Vick remains suspended by the league and must be reinstated before continuing his football career.

The Falcons still have the option of releasing Vick who, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, would count for $7.11 million against the 2009 salary cap.

For more from the owner, check out this one-on-one with Steve Wyche:

J. Michael Moore News Arthur Blank, Matt Ryan, Michael Vick, salary cap, statement

Happy April Fools’ Day!

Impromptu meetings tend to slow the machine down, which was the case this morning. So let’s get right to this special edition of Birdseed (special just because it falls on an unofficial holiday and I needed something to justify such a short, uncreative introduction) started.

Enjoy!

Ryan, Dimitroff get lucky at Augusta National, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you want to know what a kid in a candy store looks like, look at Matt Ryan’s face when he’s talking about playing at Augusta. I’m jealous.

Michael Turner and the Atlanta Falcons are ready to work, Examiner.com
We’ve all had days when we’re especially eager to go to work. Multiply that across the Falcons roster.

Falcon player considering temporary spot on pro bowling circuit, AF.com
The Falcons are familiar with two-sport athletes. Does the name Deion Sanders ring a bell? But I think this is the first time someone looked to the lanes as a secondary venture.

Vick agrees to pay Falcons, who are expected to release QB, NFL.com
Let the record show I’m posting this simply because it’s Falcons-related news.

Atlanta Falcons’ HC Smith: ‘We have to sustain what we started,’ Examiner.com
Smitty talks about “sustainability” often in his speeches to the team and conversations with the media. It’s a good concept to live by. Not only must you strive to succeed in anything you do, you must work to sustain your good work and fight through adversity.

Falcons needs: New brass scored big, now faces D holes, CBSSports.com
“The Falcons proved a point (in 2008), and the point was this: With the right people in the right places, anything is possible.”

Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan works out, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There were plenty of other players working out Tuesday. But I understand focusing on the team’s starting quarterback.

Mike Smith Interview, NFL.com
Does anyone else get goosebumps when they watch the highlight of Ryan’s first professional pass? Amazing. We all should have realized at that point the 2008 season would be storybook.

Quarterback Matt Ryan takes answers fan questions, AF.com
Thanks to everyone who submitted a question and thanks to Voices Heard for providing the posting/voting technology.

Evening roundup, ESPN.com
You’re five-minute version of all the day’s Falcons news.

Ryan gives up some advice to Stafford, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If I were Matthew Stafford or Mark Sanchez I’d be chatting up the Rookie of the Year, too.

Ten options for Falcons on Draft Day, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just ten options? I’m all for keeping things brief and editing based on picture quality and need but I still don’t think anyone has grasped how wide open the 2009 Draft is.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, April Fools' Day, CBSSports.com, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Michael Vick, NFL Draft, NFL.com, Voices Heard, YouTube