J.Mike's Missives

As expected, mid-season television numbers for the NFL are through the roof.

You can check out some of the details with Falcons Biz blogger Dan (the numbers and anecdotes are mind-boggling). For example, The second-most watched sporting event since Super Bowl XLIII was the Falcons-Cowboys game from earlier this season.

Stats don’t lie and the increasing popularity of the NFL is something to get excited about. Strange to think about the times in my youth when I would sit down to watch football and, though it was No. 1 on my radar, it wasn’t near the level of prominence it is today.

As a special recognition to the history of the NFL on television, I hit YouTube for gems.

Oh how far television technology has come. Luckily football has stayed pretty much the same. Nothing like the comfort of consistency to help popularity.

Despite locker-room joking, Gonzalez happy with ad, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let’s get this one out of the way. Now… Deep breath… On to football.

A Look Head: Look Harder, The Falcoholic
The second-half of the Falcons season doesn’t look as daunting as some other teams but the trip to Carolina and a pair of games in New York won’t be easy.

Panthers vs. Falcons Preview, CBSSports.com
That’s right. Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme has five touchdowns to an NFL-high 13 interceptions. Had to double check that eye-opening stat.

Finneran takes part in walk-through, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If the team doesn’t have Brian Finneran on Sunday the wide receiver depth chart goes from healthy to thin pretty quickly.

Midseason Report: Falcons, ESPN.com
We all knew the Falcons would have growing pains coming into the season. But some creative coaching and personnel moves have kept the team on track.

A Very Falcoholic Discussion: Curtis Lofton, The Falcoholic
“Curtis Lofton is the man.” Enough said.

Forbes unkind to Atlanta teams (especially Thrashers, Falcons), Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you’re concerned with X’s and O’s, this doesn’t interest you much. But an appreciation of the business of sports can actually make it more fun to watch.

The All-NFC South midseason offense, ESPN.com
Congrats to Ovie Mughelli, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez

Falcons are not getting much mid-season love, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve thought about the “lack of love” myself. Perhaps the Falcons aren’t getting recognition (despite a solid 5-3 record) is because of raised expectations. Hard to get rewarded for something everyone expects you to do. For a different spin on mid-season awards from NFL.com, click here.

Best free-agent moves also were the most understated, NFL.com
The Falcons may have been quiet in free agency, but the moves they made are panning out.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, Curtis Lofton, Dallas Cowboys, Dan Levak, ESPN.com, Falcons Biz, Forbes, Jake Delhomme, Mike Peterson, NFL.com, Ovie Mughelli, PETA, Roddy White, Super Bowl XLIII, television, The Falcoholic, Tony Gonzalez, video

Ten of 12 players on the Falcons injury report are “questionable” for Monday night’s game at New Orleans. That includes four starters and several key contributors.

Notable players include a trio of backs: Jason Snelling, Ovie Mughelli and Jerious Norwood.

Mughelli, the team’s starting fullback, missed the last two games with a calf injury. During that stretch the Falcons have had two of the lower rushing outputs of the season.

Snelling moved into the fullback/tailback role with Mughelli and Norwood’s injury and has performed well, leading the team in rushing yards in a loss last week at Dallas. The team’s seventh-round pick in the 2007 draft now has 19 carries for 122 yards and 11 catches for 100 yards (one touchdown) on the season.

He did not practice during the week with a hamstring injury. Neither did Norwood (hip). Mughelli practiced but was limited.

Should Snelling be unable to go, fans could get a steady dose of recently-signed running back Aaron Stecker.

Starting defensive linemen John Abraham (foot), Thomas Johnson (calf) and Jonathan Babineaux (ankle) are also listed as questionable, but Abraham and Babineaux have played in games in the past with the “50-50″ status.

Since the Falcons have a travel day between reporting injury status and playing the game, players could improve.

The Saints column on the Piedmont Healthcare Injury Report is less daunting: 11 “probable” names out of 13 listed.

On a related note, I’m officially listed as “out” for Monday Night Football.

After fighting an illness for most of the week, I’ve decided not to make the trip to New Orleans and risk getting anyone else sick. I will, however, join the AF.com team in cyberspace on Monday night to bring coverage and site updates.

J. Michael Moore News Aaron Stecker, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, John Abraham, Jonathan Babineaux, New Orleans Saints, Ovie Mughelli, Thomas Johnson

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

Normally roster moves on an NFL practice squad isn’t headline news. But, when a team needs to get healthy bodies in practice and releases a popular name, the script is changed.

Wednesday the Falcons released former Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley from the practice squad.

Facing injuries to fullback Ovie Mughelli and running back Jerious Norwood on the active roster, Atlanta added rookie running back Antone Smith in Shockley’s place.

Shockley spent 2008 as the team’s No. 3 quarterback but was placed on the practice squad before 2009 began when rookie John Parker Wilson won the third spot behind Matt Ryan and Chris Redman.

Shockley was drafted by the Falcons in 2006, spending that season as the third quarterback. He injured his knee in the 2007 preseason and went on injured reserve for the remainder of the year.

Smith, 5-9, 190 pounds, was originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Detroit Lions at the conclusion of his collegiate career at Florida State.

He graduated ranking eighth on the school’s all-time career rushing list with 492 attempts for 2,253 yards and 26 touchdowns.

In his senior season (2008), Smith led the ACC in touchdowns with 15 and was second overall in the conference in scoring.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley, Jerious Norwood, John Parker Wilson, Matt Ryan, Ovie Mughelli, practice squad

If for some reason you’re looking for a way to get pumped of for Sunday night’s game between the Falcons and Bears, look no further than AF.com’s Vantage Point highlight from last year’s game between the teams.

A lot has been made this week of the Falcons, last-second, 22-20 win over Chicago in 2008. It’s not misplaced enthusiasm, but it does tend to get a little out of control.

Matt Ryan’s throw to Michael Jenkins to set up Jason Elam’s game-winner was an instant classic. It will be replayed for the rest of Ryan’s career and set the tone for what was to become a playoff season for the Falcons.

It made Ryan more of a household name and it got people talking about the Falcons.

Immediately.

Of course the 2009 version of the Bears and Falcons are different than a season ago. Chicago has a new quarterback (Jay Cutler) and the Falcons have a new, Pro Bowl tight end (Tony Gonzalez).

But one thing hasn’t changed — The Falcons team attitude.

Falcons-Bears Preview, NFL.com
Is this a Cutler-Ryan matchup? Maybe it is, but I’m going to keep an eye on Matt Forte and Michael Turner.

‘Village Idiots’ key to Falcons offensive success, AF.com
Fantastic work from John Manasso and an interesting look at what really makes the Falcons offensive line tick. Some of the info may surprise you.

Tech, Falcons issue ticket warning, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As the season progresses Tech and Falcons tickets could become very hot items.

Ovie Mughelli To Miss Chicago Bears Game?, The Falcoholic
Head Coach Mike Smith made it clear Wednesday if — and that’s a big if — Mughelli misses the Bears game the Falcons won’t be forced to change much on offense.

You make the call: Bears at Falcons, Chicago Sun-Times
The Bears defense may have some questions. You can’t lose a player like Brian Urlacher without some problems. But Sunday Night Football can be a great equalizer.

Jamaal Anderson’s successful move tackle, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sometimes it takes a new perspective to find success.

Bears, Falcons both feature strong special teams, Daily Herald
Devin Hester and Johnny Knox highlight the Bears threats on special teams while the Falcons look to continue success in kick coverage. Don’t leave your seat on a punt or kickoff.

Chicago Bears likely to go with just 2 running backs, Chicago Tribune
Interesting call. Forte certainly can get the job done, but if one player gets banged up it drastically changes the approach on offense.

Falcons don’t believe Turner has a fumbling issue, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Too often in football there’s a lack of focus on the big picture. Sure, the timing of the fumbles isn’t great but compare it to the rest of Turner’s career. Still solid.

Clemson judge was an original Atlanta Falcon, UpstateToday.com
Important to keep up with former Falcons, especially from the early years.

Falcons To Raise Money For United Way, CBSAtlanta.com
You can also make donations online via the United Way’s website.

Atlanta and Chicago fans are having the most Super Bowl dreams, Yahoo Sports
Check back with me after the halfway point. Buzz is just that… Buzz.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, CBSAtlanta.com, Chicago Bears, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, Devin Hester, Friday Pep Talk, Georgia Tech, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, Jamaal Anderson, Jason Elam, Jay Cutler, John Manasso, Johnny Knox, Matt Forte, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, NFL.com, Ovie Mughelli, Sunday Night Football, The Falcoholic, The United Way, tickets, Tony Gonzalez, UpstateToday.com, video, Yahoo Sports

Seven years ago this evening my life changed forever. It’s all thanks to a wonderful woman and “Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

Mrs. J. Mike and I had our first date 2,555 days ago. The night included watching an old VHS copy of one of the best — or worst — horror movies ever made (who says I’m not a hopeless romantic)?

Today I find myself remembering all the stuff that’s happened to my family since my wife and I started dating.

• We’ve graduated from college
• Got married (duh)
• Have — alone and/or together — lived in six different states

And those are just the highlights. Topic headers for the countless stories adding to our lives. There have been challenges, joys, defeats and triumphs but we’ve done it all together.

I like to say my wife and I make a great team (she says she’s the coach). Well, with seven years in the same system, we’re getting more experienced and poised for success.

But, in relationships, it takes a lifetime.

And that’s fine by me.

Ask Brian Williams a Question, AF.com
In just a few months Brian Williams has gone from starting in Jacksonville, released for salary cap reasons, to starting in Atlanta. Ask a question about his journey and he’ll answer the best on Friday.

Falcons will try to dodge the bye-week bullet, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“According to Elias Sports Bureau, teams coming off bye weeks in the past three seasons won nearly 60 percent of the time (57-38-1, .599).” Since 2000, that number drops to closer to 50 percent.

Mughelli misses practice in prep for Bears, AF.com
Also in the notebook: thoughts on the running game and some fan information for this weekend’s game.

Cutler has conquered the Georgia Dome vs. Smitty, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I can safely say this marks the first time a photo of Fergie and Rush Limbaugh appear in the same blog. Nice work, D-Led.

Matt Ryan’s Best Throw?, The Beat Blog
I like to think the best throw of Matt Ryan’s career is somewhere in the future. He also had that nice strike in Philly that threaded a defenders hands.

Could Jamaal Anderson Start At Defensive Tackle?, The Falcoholic
A valid question (much better than those who want to see him at tight end).

Falcons vs. Bears Preview, CBSSports.com
Both teams are 3-1, but the stats seem to indicate a less-than-balanced matchup.

Yet Another Look Ahead, The Falcoholic
Taking a glimpse at future opponents in this schedule can be hazardous for your health. Sometimes I get a little sick to my stomach. Other times I get light-headed with excitement.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Brian Williams, CBSSports.com, Chicago Bears, D. Orlando Ledbetter, family, Fergie, Free Agency, Jamaal Anderson, Jay Cutler, life, Matt Ryan, Ovie Mughelli, Rush Limbaugh, The Beat Blog, The Falcoholic, Voices Heard

Fullback Ovie Mughelli, who left Sunday’s game at San Francisco with a leg injury, spent Wednesday’s practice time in the training room according to Head Coach Mike Smith.

The coach said Mughelli, who hasn’t missed a game since the 2005 season, is “day to day.” He is listed on the Piedmont Healthcare Injury Report with a calf injury.

“We hope to see some progress and get him back out here tomorrow from his leg injury,” Smith said to a gathering of media after Wednesday’s practice.

Should Mughelli be unable to play, the Falcons have options.

Former Georgia star Verron Haynes is listed as the team’s No. 2 fullback while Jason Snelling, a 223-pound tailback, saw action at Mughelli’s position late in Sunday’s win.

Smith said the team can continue with its normal plans on offense if Mughelli misses the game.

“We’re prepared to do what we do and really, if it happens to go that way, we feel very comfortable.”

Through the first four games of 2009, Mughelli has recorded two catches for 22 yards and a touchdown. In his career, the seven-year pro has 23 rushing attempts for 73 yards (one score) and 40 receptions for 310 yards (three scores).

He’s also been a key contributor in the run game, clearing the way for running back Michael Turner’s 1,699-yard season in 2008.

ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM SMITTY…

… Smith says, statistically, the Chicago Bears boast the best special teams unit in the league. Chicago has held its opponents to a 37-yard net punting average and return men Johnny Knox, Danieal Manning and Devin Hester have combined for 447 return yards and a touchdown on kickoffs (12.5-yard per return average on punts).

But the Falcons like their return game led by Eric Weems.

“Eric Weems continues to progress as our primary returner and the guys have been working hard,” Smith said.

Weems, who replaced and injured Harry Douglas as the team’s primary punt returner in the preseason, has also taken over as the team’s first option on kickoff returns.

… The Bears are coming off a bye week but that doesn’t seem to concern the head coach, who noted a stat he revealed to his team when talking about all the opponents to face the Falcons off a break.

“There’s a lot made about the bye weeks,” he said. “Statistically, from 2000 to this season, the team coming off the bye has only won 56 percent of the time. It’s all about preparation and who plays the best.”

J. Michael Moore News Chicago Bears, Danieal Manning, Devin Hester, Eric Weems, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Snelling, Johnny Knox, Michael Turner, Ovie Mughelli, Verron Haynes, video

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

So, Falcons fans, what did you do on your bye weekend?

Something boring? Well, the wait is over. The Falcons are back in Flowery Branch (I know because I had to navigate through the entire offensive line on my way for a morning cup of coffee — a bit frightening).

Now it’s time to get down to business.

That said, I enjoyed watching some NFL football Sunday afternoon without deadline pressures or blogging until my fingers blead (exaggeration). My former employer now boasts a 4-0 record and the Falcons had a chance to get some help in the NFC South race.

But we know that didn’t pan out.

Regardless, it was an interesting afternoon of football enjoyed from an easy chair. More thoughts on a Falcon-less Week 4 before moving on to Birdseed?

Hit the comments.

Falcons work doesn’t end on the football field, AF.com
You always hear “it’s a business” in the NFL. Well, the same approach is applied to players’ work in the community. Good work by our friend John Manasso.

Ex-Falcon QB spent sad life in long, lonely end zone, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sometimes football and reality intertwine in sad narratives. Rest in peace, Randy.

Preview of Bears’ next opponent: Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Tribune
Thus begins the procession of teams facing the Falcons off a bye week. This is a Sunday Night Football game so it’s not out of the question for the Bears to develop some extra rust.

Week 4 Open Thread: Atlanta Falcons vs. The Bye Week, The Falcoholic
In related news, the Falcons are undefeated all time against “bye.”

Falcons, NFL teams are gambling on fourth down, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s a gamble, but it’s also a situation coaches hate to be in. A chance to get the first down on fourth down, in a way, shows a failure to get 10 yards on downs one, two or three. No one goes into the drive wanting a fourth-down play.

Mailbag: Atlanta Falcons edition, ESPN.com
Not trying to sound like a broken record, but blitzing isn’t effective against teams that max protect. The Patriots were adding resources to protect Tom Brady. Just another piece of info needed before the mass question of play calling.

Ovie’s World, The (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier
Looks like fullback Ovie Mughelli is doing a little writing for his hometown paper.

Roddy White’s numbers are down after holdout, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A few remaining notes from the bye week which, might I remind everyone, came after just three games.

Public to air concerns Doraville GM site’s future, Atlanta Business Chronicle
Building anything on a 165-site is complicated. It’s certainly not as easy as dropping in a new hotel in a game of Monopoly.

What if the Falcons had hired Singletary?, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve asked myself the same question. It takes about .0001 seconds to realize what a great coach the Falcons have, however.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Atlanta Business Chronicle, bye week, Chicago Bears, ESPN.com, Falcons in the Community, John Manasso, Ovie Mughelli, Randy Johnson, Roddy White, Sunday Night Football, The Falcoholic, Tom Brady

Work never ends for an NFL team.

When asked Monday if the team has kept track of Carolina’s quarterback situation, Head Coach Mike Smith smiled and said “we keep track of everything.”

So, if you think the Falcons spend time just focusing on themselves, think again. The Birds returned to Flowery Branch Monday morning after Sunday’s victory over the Miami Dolphins to watch tape of their mistakes but also stay in practice watching other teams’ habits.

Wednesday, preparation for the Panthers begins in earnest.

But preparing to win never stops.

Complete Falcons-Dolphins Coverage from AF.com
Click above for all the postgame work from the AF.com team, including the first regular-season edition of Falcons First Take.

Peterson brings force in Falcons debut, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With the amount of hard hits in Sunday’s game, I’m starting to wonder if members of the Falcons defense took some of the criticism from the preseason personally.

A strong Atlanta Falcons defense shuts down Miami Dolphins, win 19-7, Examiner.com
Imagine what the game would have looked like if the Falcons offense turned it on like the defense. But that’s the nature of football. When one group slows, the rest of the team is there to pick it up.

Elder statesmen lead way for Falcons defense, AF.com
Two new additions and one of the veteran players on the defense stood up to make plays Sunday.

Wrap-up: Falcons 19, Dolphins 7, ESPN.com
Many in the football media assumed the Falcons defense would pull together at some point during the season. Is that time now?

Miami Dolphins No. 2 quarterback Pat White used sparingly, The Miami Herald
Activating White as the team’s No. 2 quarterback was a bit surprising. I’d be interested to see what the Dolphins do if Chad Pennington was forced to leave the game.

Falcons’ Elam has a ‘frustrating day,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Few understand what it means to be an NFL kicker. Jason Elam’s status as a veteran — and likely future Hall of Famer — means he knows what to correct from a frustrating day at the office (click here for additional thoughts from Examiner.com).

5 things we learned from the Miami win, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hopefully, the team’s performance against the Dolphins was enough to make sure people don’t overreact in the preseason ever again.

Gonzalez is 21st player with 11,000 receiving yards, NFL.com
I guess it’s still possible for Gonzalez to reach career milestones. I thought he broke just about every record and reached just about every number out there.

Gonzalez, Peterson shine in Falcons debut, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Another observation… Ovie Mughelli’s touchdown dance? Anyone wish to comment?

Observations from Section 326: Week 1, The Falcoholic
Ha! “We’ve secretly replaced the Atlanta Falcons defense with a team of powerful cyborgs from the future. Let’s see if fans notice.”

Falcons make an impressive opening statement, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s still very early to draw conclusions, but things seem to be moving in the right direction.

Local Falcons fans start season with food, fun and tradition, Gainesville Times
Not going to lie. My job has a lot of perks, but I miss tailgating.

Miami Dolphins’ Jake Long, offensive line struggle against Falcons, The Miami Herald
John Abraham has made a lot of offensive tackles look bad in his career but the bull rush on Jake Long — a No. 1 overall pick — took things to another level.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Carolina Panthers, Chad Pennington, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Falcons First Take, Gainesville Times, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jake Long, Jason Elam, John Abraham, Miami Dolphins, Mike Peterson, NFL.com, Ovie Mughelli, Pat White, The Falcoholic, The Miami Herald, Tony Gonzalez