J.Mike's Missives

Happy Halloween, Falcons Fans.

I’ll open with a horror story.

In recent history, the Saints in the Superdome have been the Lucy to the Falcons’ Charlie Brown. The football is there to be kicked — the game is there to win — but it’s pulled away at the last minute.

The Falcons haven’t won in New Orleans since 2002 and, excluding a win over the Saints in San Antonio after Hurricane Katrina, have lost those five games by an average margin of less than 10 points.

Now for the treat.

Difficulties on the road are part of this great NFL rivalry, but overall the Falcons have won more road games against the Saints than they’ve lost. In fact, Atlanta holds a 44-35 advantage in the series that, at least this season, appears to be an early battle for the NFC South title.

A win on Monday Night Football would certainly be the sweetest candy but it’s going to take some creative trickery to get past the 6-0 Saints.

Keeping with the “Peanuts” theme, let’s draw some inspiration from Snoopy.

He’s the beagle we all love.

And he’s the beagle that’s always trying to be something he’s not.

But with a little imagination — and a red scarf — Snoopy could turn his doghouse into a Sopwith Camel. And with a little creativity — and focus — the Falcons can defeat the New Orleans Saints.

What mask will the Birds wear Monday night?

Showdown set with NFL’s top offense, AF.com
No one ever said this game was going to be easy. Click here for more coverage from AF.com as we get closer to kickoff.

“Who Dat Ded?,” The Canvas, By Superfan
I’m really starting to love the work coming from Superfan these days. Special thanks to the contest winner who provided the inspiration this week.

NFC rankings: Falcons drop, Vikings hold, Saints (duh), Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Good to see an actual separation between the Rams and Bucs at No. 15 and 16. But I did like putting them at a tie for last place.

Mughelli Practices, Snelling Doesn’t, The Beat Blog
Injuries are numerous, but I wouldn’t say they’re piling up. For more injury updates, visit the Piedmont Healthcare Injury Report.

Saints’ Brees outworks, outplays, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As a fan of football, I’m happy for Drew Brees. It’s good to see success, especially on a second stop in a career. As a fan of the Falcons… Not so much.

Is it time for the Atlanta Falcons to hit the panic button?, Examiner.com
The cover is still closed and locked on said panic button, if there even is one in Flowery Branch.

Falcons’ Ryan trying to shake sophomore slump, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve seen a lot of veteran quarterbacks put a couple of rough games together. What do you call it then when you can’t call it a “sophomore slump?”

Final Word: NFC South, ESPN.com
“I’m real interested to see how flexible Atlanta coach Mike Smith and offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey are. The Falcons are supposed to be a run-first team and that worked out just great last year.”

New Orleans Saints-Atlanta Falcons, what they’re saying, The Times-Picayune
A run down of Falcons-Saints stories from the New Orleans paper of record.

Sharper, opportunistic defence(sic) create worries for Atlanta Falcons, The Canadian Press
I’ll admit, when Darren Sharper signed with the Saints, I got a little worried. He’s one of the best safeties I’ve ever seen in person.

Saints/Falcons rivalry deserves more national respect, The Daily Comet
Was it the Daily Comet or Daily Planet in Superman? I can’t remember.

Stecker predicts ‘crazy’ scene for Falcons-Saints, The Associated Press
Interested to see how much playing time newly-signed (and former Saint) running back Aaron Stecker gets Monday night. Most of that depends on how banged up the Falcons backfield is.

Talking Saints With Canal Street Chronicles, The Falcoholic
When these two bloggers get together, one post just isn’t enough: Part One | Part Two

J. Michael Moore Birdseed Aaron Stecker, AF.com, AJC, Charlie Brown, Darren Sharper, Drew Brees, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Friday Pep Talk, Halloween, Head Coach Mike Smith, Hurricane Katrina, injury, Jason Snelling, Matt Ryan, Mike Mularkey, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, Ovie Mughelli, Peanuts, Snoopy, Superfan, The Associated Press, The Beat Blog, The Canadian Press, The Daily Comet, The Falcoholic, The Times-Picayune, video

Image via Wikipedia

Rarely do I deviate completely from the football syllabus but, today, I couldn’t write a blog post without mentioning the death of Sen. Edward “Ted” Kennedy.

America has lost an icon.

Many have no idea the impact the youngest brother of the Kennedy dynasty had on the United States and world. For nearly 47 years Kennedy walked the halls of Congress, traveled the globe as a statesman and authored legislation that changed lives.

The connections are too numerous to list.

Political ideology and family history aside, I have no doubt in 100 years he’ll be mentioned heavily in U.S. history books in the same breath as his famous family including brothers — John and Robert — and his humanitarian sister, Eunice, who passed away on Aug. 11.

My thoughts and prayers are with the country and the Kennedy family.

By the way…

It’s worth noting Kennedy was an offensive and defensive end during his time at Harvard.

Can’t get completely away from football, especially when it’s a game the Kennedy family is known to love.

Falcons release linebacker Edmond Miles, AF.com
Counting Harry Douglas, the Falcons are at 78 players. The league requires every team be at 75 at before Sept. 1.

Healthy diet has Gonzalez in shape, ready to shine in Atlanta, USA Today
Cool feature for AF.com… @FalconsMMoore and I spend a week eating The All-Pro Diet?

Todd McClure: Q&A w/ with Falcons center, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With the Wildcat formation and other trick plays, the quarterback may not touch the ball on every offensive snap. The center, on the other hand, will. It’s an important position.

Falcons-Chargers Game Information, AF.com
Get ready for the game, including your tailgate and parking options.

Falcons 2nd-round pick returns to practice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
He’s not 100 percent yet, but William Moore’s return to the field was a welcome sight for the Falcons and fans.

Mularkey on Falcons’ offense: Do what we do, only better, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tony Gonzalez certainly adds an explosive threat but, with a young defense, the Falcons may benefit more from a ball control, score regularly offense than a quick-strike approach.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason AF.com, AJC, Edmond Miles, government, Harry Douglas, Matt Moore, Mike Mularkey, politics, Preseason, San Diego Chargers, Ted Kennedy, Todd McClure, Tony Gonzalez, USA Today

Linebacker Curtis Lofton, who injured his hamstring at the end of the first day of Russell Falcons Training Camp, returned to the field Monday — a sign the Falcons are getting healthier as the preseason opener approaches.

Lofton, a second-year player from Oklahoma, started 15 of 16 games at middle linebacker last season, has worked with the first-team with Stephen Nicholas and Mike Peterson.

Defensive tackle Trey Lewis, who missed 2008 with a torn ACL, also returned to practice Monday after missing a few days with a minor injury.

“Curtis was back today. Trey Lewis was back today,” Head Coach Mike Smith said when he met with the media.

“The only player that was held out of practice today — and that was precautionary from the scrimmage there on Friday night — was Jason Snelling.”

Snelling was on the receiving end of a big hit by safety Jamaal Fudge during the team’s Friday Night Lights scrimmage at Brookwood High School. Smith said the third-year running back would be ready for the afternoon practice.

Lofton was second to New England’s Jerod Mayo in tackles by a rookie last season (108). He said he’s “trying to get back in football shape” after aggravating his left hamstring and that he’s careful not to overexert himself.

But he’s not underestimating the value of getting on the field with new linebackers Peterson and Nicholas and increasing his breadth of knowledge and leadership.

“It’s important because in camp is when you start bonding and forming a relationship,” Lofton said.

“We have a combination of leaders. There’s not just one, sole leader. Everyone leads by different measures. I’m just trying to lead and do my thing.”

MORE NOTES FROM CAMP…

… New receiver Marty Booker likes what he sees from quarterback Matt Ryan (few can argue), particularly when considering the struggles he’s had with quarterbacks over his 11-year career. “It’s good to finally play with a pretty good quarterback,” he said. “If you look at my career and my stats, 11 years I’ve been in the NFL I think I’ve had like 20 different starting quarterbacks. I can adjust on that level, but to come in and have a No. 1 guy that’s as impressive as he is, it’s always a plus.”

… Booker worked under offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey in Miami, but said he’s got some work to do in learning the Falcons system. “It’s pretty similar,” he said. “The concept is similar. It’s a matter of tweaks here I have to learn but I’m trying to get in there early and learn as much as I can so I can be ready.”

… Smith wants to keep an eye on his team’s attention span leading up to the first preseason game, especially when training camp enters its most brutal stretch. “These next few days are kind of the dog days,” the second-year coach said. “As we get to the end of the week the game will be more prevalent. These next few days it’s going to be tough for all of us to focus but we have to do it.”

… The team is happy to have Roddy White back on the practice field after the Pro Bowler signed a contract extension and ended his holdout. But injuries to players who miss the start of camp aren’t uncommon. Smith said the team will keep an eye on it’s top receiver.

“We’re going to monitor his reps but it will be really on day two and three you have to take a good look at it,” he said. “Roddy came in yesterday after he signed his contract and the first thing I said to him was: ‘You ready to take your running test?’”

J. Michael Moore News, injury, training camp Curtis Lofton, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, injury, Jamaal Fudge, Jason Snelling, Marty Booker, Matt Ryan, Mike Mularkey, Roddy White, Russell Falcons Training Camp, Stephen Nicholas, Trey Lewis

Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey wasn’t shocked by the uptick in single wing or “Wildcat” formations in the NFL last season.

In fact, if you listen closely, you can hear his confusion with the hype.

Regardless, the Falcons joined the Dolphins and other teams in the NFL in implementing some direct-snap plays to running backs.

It worked because of Jerious Norwood’s various talents.

“His ability to do some of the things as a quarterback (allowed it),” Mularkey said. “(But) we’ve been doing that for 10 years. I don’t think we caught anyone off guard with it. All of a sudden it has a name but Hines Ward, Antwaan Randle El and Roscoe Parrish have been doing those things for 10 years now.”

For the record, Mularkey coached Ward and Randle El in Pittsburgh. He wasn’t afraid to call the trick play, though the “Wildcat” is more of a nod to football’s past than its inovative tricksters.

(I watched similar plays in my days covering high school football).

Surprisingly, defenses had trouble containing the formation in 2008, leading experts — and Madden 2010 programmers — to think its sticking around.

Good news for Norwood who, according to Mularkey, can also throw the ball out of the formation.

Getting Norwood the football more is a hot topic among fans this offseason, who are dazzled by his speed and play making ability. With Pro Bowler Michael Turner starting at running back, however, some sharing is in order.

“We have a plan every week that involves Jerious,” Mularkey said. “We have a plan for every guy. Really, situations dictate whether those plans or plays get called. A lot of it is based on down, distance, field position, score… If those things evolve to get them. I think sometimes people believe we don’t use him enough but he has some plays.”

But the Falcons didn’t depend strictly on situations to get Norwood in the game in 2008.

He was the team’s primary kickoff return man, racking up 1,311 return yards. In just three seasons he’s moved to third place on the team’s all-time list for return yards.

Working on special teams allows Norwood more touches and puts him in line with Turner in terms of production.

The fourth-year back had 2,138 yards last season (rushing, receiving and returns). Turner had 1,740, but caught only six passes. The Pro Bowler had 200 more carries, but Norwood accounted for 27.8 percent of the total yards generated by the offense and special teams.

He averaged 5.1 yards per carry, a number that could go down with more rushing attempts.

But the Falcons aren’t concerned with numbers as much as creating mismatches. That changes with the game and the formation.

That’s where the Wildcat — or whatever you call it — comes into play.

And Norwood gives the Falcons something not every team has.

“He’s an explosive player,” Mularkey said. “He’s a fun player. He’s one of my favorite guys I’ve ever coached just because of the way he practices and approaches the game. He just has fun and is a good player.”

J. Michael Moore Feature, Offseason Heinz Ward, Jerious Norwood, Michael Turner, Mike Mularkey, Roscoe Parish, stats

Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey doesn’t have the same concerns as his defensive counterpart.

Brian VanGorder is looking to replace five starters from the Falcons 2008 defense. Mularkey has every starter from the league’s sixth-best offense returning for 2009.

That includes a pair of Pro Bowlers (Michael Turner and Roddy White) and a quarterback that, though in just his second year, gathers heaping amounts of praise like Atlanta asphalt collects heat.

Throw in the acquisition of 10-time Pro Bowler Tony Gonzalez and Mularkey sleeps even easier.

I sat down with the veteran offensive coordinator and former NFL head coach Thursday afternoon to get some sound bytes for July. There are some stories in my head that just wouldn’t flow without a few thoughts from the offense’s chief architect.

We talked about every position group but some of the more eyebrow-raising discussions centered around Gonzalez and quarterback Matt Ryan.

No surprise Mularkey is pleased with his team’s success in 2008 and that, in the second year of the system, thinks every player will do better.

But some of the long-term goals were exceeded from the first week of the season.

“You would think (we held things back) and maybe that was the plan when we initially got here before we knew what we had but we were fortunate enough to be around a lot of players that are football intelligent,” Mularkey said. “When you have that, then you can expand and not handcuff yourself into doing some things.

“We went into the Detroit game with Matt and we had more checks than I had with any quarterback prior to that game. We were that comfortable and confident in him. We screwed some things up, we really did, but it didn’t make us want to cut back. We felt like we had the personnel to do some of the things we did and now we think it’s even greater in what we can put out there on the field.”

No wonder Ryan’s teammates say his continued improvement is “scary.”

Mularkey went on to talk about Ryan’s leadership ability and his knack to get players of all levels to follow him on and off the field.

In short, the coach admires the quarterback’s thirst to get better at what he already does well.

While Gonzalez isn’t really a reward for Ryan’s hard work — more an extra dimension for an already proven offense — he will make finding targets easier for the quarterback.

Ryan threw 11 interceptions on the year and saw some of his numbers dip toward the end of the season. Undoubtedly, defenses started to throw a few curve balls in November and December.

The Falcons finished 11-5 and went to the playoffs but Gonzalez could bring exponential increases in production.

Note his game-by-game numbers compared to other Falcons tight ends in 2008:

“Tony will help our offense in a number of ways,” Mularkey said. “One thing he’s going to do is that he’s a productive blocker and that’s important in our offense… As successful as he’s been as a receiver, he’s a good blocker too and he really doesn’t get the credit that he should.

Gonzalez finished with 96 catches for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns last season — his sixth-straight year with at least 900 receiving yards.

Ryan spent the offseason working on accuracy and reading defenses, which will be vital in finding the tight end over the middle of the field and getting it into his receivers’ hands in the red zone.

“I think the No. 1 thing for me going into the offseason was to improve decision-making,” the 2008 Rookie of the Year said. “I’ve watched a ton of film just trying to get better and sharpen up for next season. I’m going to continue to do that for the next two or three months before we open up with our first game.”

Mularkey didn’t go into detail about his plans to change up the play book or add new looks.

Honestly, I didn’t expect him to reveal any secrets.

But you can’t start talking about the addition of a Pro Bowl tight end, the return of stars at receiver and running back, a rising star at quarterback and countless other playmakers without asking the question.

Defensive coordinators having nightmares?

“It’s going to be interesting to see how people match up with us and we’ll try to create some mismatches with where we put people,” Mularkey said. “That’s kind of the offense anyway, even before Tony got here. We’re trying to create mismatches and create problems for defenses. That’s not going to change. That’s our philosophy.”

Spoken like a coach who doesn’t want to tip his hand.

J. Michael Moore Feature, Offseason Brian VanGorder, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Mike Mularkey, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez

Another day, another edition of Birdseed…

The more I go through various news sites and read about the Falcons the more I realize the depth of expectations for 2009.

It’s a good thing, because the excitement is contagious.

Team releases Russell Training Camp schedule, AF.com
Start making plans now. The first weekend of training camp is often crowded.

Mughelli to appear at Vinings Publix, AF.com
Ovie Mughelli will be helping at the 11Alive food drive from noon to 1 p.m.

Falcons’ Ryan has focus for improvement, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The first of a pair of stories about the Falcons second-year quarterback.

Falcons mates say Ryan making ’scary’ improvement, The Associated Press
More about Matt Ryan and some thoughts from offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey coming later today. Let’s just say the quarterback’s improvement is status quo around Flowery Branch. But it never ceases to amaze.

Ex-Falcon Foster likely headed to Rams, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The waiver system is pretty complex and changes based on when — and if — teams make claims. No matter what, it looks like Renardo Foster will find a new home.

Catching up on Madden 10 rankings, ESPN.com
So I often use xBox as stress relief. Just one problem. I love playing Madden and that just doesn’t jive after a day of football at work. Suggestions on a new game appreciated.

Falcons’ McClure says he’s not retiring, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Todd McClure’s presence on the offensive line can’t be overlooked. You may not hear much out of him, but he’s key to success.

Ryan weighs in on setting bar for Freeman, ESPN.com
Something tells me the Josh Freeman story in Tampa Bay won’t be exactly like the Matt Ryan experience in Atlanta.

Team releases offensive lineman Alex Stepanovich, AF.com
I enjoyed chatting with ‘Step’ on the bus on road trips. Wishing him well.

Ranking the NFC South front offices, ESPN.com
I tried to predict this list with PR man Matt Conti when he read the headline. My guess? Atlanta, Carolina, New Orleans, Tampa Bay. Missed it by that much.

Dimitroff says Falcons will be better (and he can enjoy it), Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Every coach and scout deserves a vacation. So do the players. Now we wait.

A Falcons 1st Round Draft Pick Retrospective (Part 1), The Falcoholic
The NFL Draft is not an exact science. But, looking back more than 40 years can really put things in perspective.

Falcons special teams developing ‘attitude,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No wonder NFL teams devote entire practices in training camp to special teams. I’m not sure if any are open to the public, but if they are, I encourage fans to come take a look. It’s something you need to see at least once.

Atlanta Falcons’ Chauncey Davis sets an example on and off the field, Examiner.com
Fans are going to appreciate the re-signing of defensive end Chauncey Davis, on the field and off.

Shockley waiting, helping Falcons any way he can, AccessNorthGa.com
D.J. Shockley is not like the other Falcons quarterbacks.  Throws come out of his hands with great force. As he tells it, he also provides an extra set of eyes for Ryan.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed 11Alive, AccessNorthGa.com, AF.com, AJC, Alex Stepanovich, Chauncey Davis, D.J. Shockley, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Josh Freeman, Matt Conti, Matt Ryan, Mike Mularkey, NFL Draft, Ovie Mughelli, Renardo Foster, Russell Falcons Training Camp, The Falcoholic, Thomas Dimitroff, Todd McClure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RELATED LINKS:

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

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