J.Mike's Missives

Jason Snelling and Thomas Johnson were limited, but the running back and defensive tackle returned to the Falcons practice field Wednesday according to Head Coach Mike Smith.

Snelling, who led the team in rushing yards two weeks ago in Dallas, has been nursing a hamstring injury. Johnson, who took over as starting nose tackle when Peria Jerry went on injured reserve, has dealt with calf problems the past two games.

Smith talked about the team’s health and most of the Panthers defensive personnel when he met with the media…

Other injury concerns are on offense, where left tackle Sam Baker (ankle) and wide receiver Brian Finneran (knee) missed practice. Smith said Finneran, who has undergone two major knee surgeries in his career, “moved around a little bit in the walk-through” but it could be a game-time decision on his playing status.

Running back Jerious Norwood also missed practice for personal reasons. According to Smith, the fourth-year pro welcomed a new baby Wednesday.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PIEDMONT HEALTHCARE INJURY REPORT

ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM WEDNESDAY…

… Tight end Tony Gonzalez and many of his offensive teammates were quizzed about a new ad campaign featuring the Pro Bowler and his wife, October. It will certainly raise some eyebrows. Most interviewed said they can appreciate the passion Gonzalez has to support a unique campaign (this one is for PETA). “We should be protecting animals, not sacrificing their lives for the sake of fashion or luxury,” Gonzalez said in a release from PETA. “October and I have changed many of our habits in light of the inhumane treatment of animals that occurs not only in the fur industry but also on factory farms.”

… Smith did not speculate on how many wins his team may need to make the playoffs in the NFC. Too early to tell. This was, of course, the answer everyone expected: “There are so many things that can happen in the second half of the season and when you get into November and December there are so many people that are still in the mix,” the coach said. “I don’t know of anyone who is mathematically eliminated at this point in time.”

… The Falcons practiced indoors Wednesday because of soggy field conditions. According to Smith, more than 4.5 inches of rain fell in Flowery Branch Monday night and Tuesday.

… When it comes to the Panthers offense, the Falcons are looking at the running game. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have combined for more than 1,100 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. In a Week 2 meeting between the teams, the backs combined for 144 yards and a score. Of course, it’s never easy to beat a team twice in one season. “They get up for you,” linebacker Mike Peterson said. “No one wants to be beat twice. They’re going to look at the tape and I’m sure the coach is going to be on them hard this week but we’re ready.”

… Carolina spent the time since the last game with the Falcons improving the defensive line. Preseason injuries took their toll, but now the Panthers have added veteran Hollis Thomas and traded for former Chiefs starter Tank Tyler at defensive tackle. “They’re playing well right now,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “We felt like it was a good defense when we played them the first time… With that said, they’re playing well right now and we have our work cut out for us.”

J. Michael Moore News Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Williams, Head Coach Mike Smith, Hollis Thomas, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Jonathan Stewart, Matt Ryan, Mike Peterson, NFC South, Peria Jerry, PETA, playoffs, Sam Baker, Tank Tyler, Thomas Johnson, Tony Gonzalez

Tonight’s the night.

At some point this evening my brother-in-law and I will match gaming wits in the xBox universe. He’s a 49ers fan and when we play online — sparingly — it’s often an Atlanta-San Francisco matchup.

He currently holds a 2-0 lead.

One game I openly contest, since the computer randomly awarded the Niners a touchdown when I clearly broke up a pass on fourth-and-goal. The second was an epic, overtime defeat where the Falcons marched down the field after a missed extra point to force an extra period.

I lost the coin toss and Eric moved down the field to kick a game-winning field goal.

With Michael Crabtree under contract my family member/opponent has another weapon on offense, but I like what the Falcons bring to the table (obviously). This is the night the Birds turn it around and perhaps a preview of what will really happen Sunday in San Francisco.

Tonight’s the night, Eric…

Remember, asking Madden won’t help.

For now, we need to live in the real world. A little pregame Birdseed is in order as the live-action Falcons prep for a key NFC game against an old divisional opponent.

Reserve running back to be Falcons next test, AF.com
The real 49ers will still be without Crabtree, who had some catching up to do after a lengthy rookie holdout.

Abraham tells defensive line to “Man up,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Good news on Peria Jerry’s surgery and some details on the defensive line.

Opponent Series History Week 5: ATL vs SF, The Falcoholic
It’s a rich series history filled with old division showdowns. Of course, the Falcons haven’t had much success in San Francisco.

Hometown Huddle sends Falcons across Atlanta, AF.com
For additional videos from Hometown Huddle, visit the team’s YouTube Channel.

Trey Lewis: Q&A with Falcons defensive tackle, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“We have an excellent training staff here. They know about the physical part, but also the mental part that comes with it. They keep you motivated and moving in the right direction as far as your rehab and keeping that end-goal in mind, which was getting back on the field.”

Expert’s Take: Falcons at 49ers, AF.com
This new feature on AtlantaFalcons.com is starting to heat up. More from national football writers coming as the season moves along.

Getting The Atlanta Falcons Rushing Train Back On Track, The Falcoholic
It’s one of the most important aspects of the Falcons offense. And it’s something the team knows to get working right sooner rather than later.

NFC South towns all rank among top 25 sports cities, ESPN.com
Interesting ranking. Don’t want to ruffle any feathers, but I think we all can agree Atlanta is a city of people from many areas of the country and, thus, has a segmented fan base. Good to see the ATL overcoming that.

Falcons want to put their best foot forward, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Didn’t realize shoes could be so complicated, did you?

Tight ends on pace for record production in ‘09, Associated Press
Had a chance to talk with Charles Odum while he was working on this story. It’s interesting to think about how the tight end position has changed. And, with the spread offense taking over college football, will it change again?

Our first NFC rankings, and Falcons check in at No. 5, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A tie? Or is that a combo at No. 16?

Falcons-49ers Preview, CBSSports.com
The weather forecast calls for a temperature around 65 degrees. But at Candlestick, nothing is a guarantee.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Charles Odum, ESPN.com, family, John Abraham, Madden 2010, Michael Crabtree, Peria Jerry, San Francisco 49ers, The Falcoholic, Trey Lewis, video, Xbox 360

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

The Falcons take to the road for the first time in the 2009 regular season this weekend.

But that’s not the story line.

At least, that’s not what’s getting discussed in the halls of Flowery Branch. Going on the road is a way of life in professional sports. In fact, in one of the weird curiosities of us-against-them motivation, coaches often embrace the challenge.

It would be foolish to downplay the importance of Sunday’s game against the Patriots. As on one of four games against the AFC this season, the matchup won’t be the first option in breaking any playoff positioning ties. As the first road game of the year, difficulties are understood.

But as a game against arguably the best team of the decade…

It just got interesting.

Atlanta has an opportunity to move into elite status in NFL rankings come Sunday evening. A win in a hostile environment against an unquestioned AFC power and national-peering eyes start to take notice.

But who needs that as motivation when you’re playing on the road?

It’s us against them. Embrace it.

Smith plots before tossing the challenge hanky, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons players pulled out a photo of Head Coach Mike Smith throwing the challenge flag last week and placed it outside a meeting room door. A comment was scribbled complimenting the coach’s arm. I must say, when Smitty looks to throw the flag, he makes sure the official sees it.

Snelling provides additional spark to run game, AF.com
Most teams are lucky to get one running back to carry the load. With Michael Turner, Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling, the Falcons have a trio of options.

Sporting News’ Athletes of the Decade, The Sporting News
That’s right, sports fans, we’re closing out a decade. It goes by so fast. Oh… And Falcons tight end Tony Gonzlaez made a list.

A second wind in Atlanta for Gonzalez, Examiner.com
Speaking of Gonzalez… He’s adopted the Falcons as his team, even though most of his career highlights are from Kansas City.

Belichick praises Dimitroff’s work with Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This story hasn’t flown under the radar but it hasn’t been as high profile as I thought it would be on Falcons-Patriots week. Maybe we’ll hear more about Thomas Dimitroff’s history in New England on Sunday.

2009 NFL Power Rankings: Week 3, ESPN.com
Get ready Falcons fans, a win this weekend and the Birds likely move into the top three.

Ailing Norwood misses practice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Head injuries aren’t a laughing matter. They sometimes require a little more “just to be cautious” time than some other ailments and for that reason, Norwood is getting held out for a little extra breather.

Digging Deeper into the Box Score: Week 2, The Falcoholic
Ryan’s interception against the Panthers wasn’t pretty — they never are — but you knew it was going to happen at some point. Better to happen at home, in a win, instead of running the snowball risk on the road.

Safety Thomas DeCoud eases into new starting role, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Looks can be deceiving. Case and point? Thomas DeCoud doesn’t look like the textbook, hard-hitting safety.

Patriots offense a new challenge for Atlanta ‘D,’ AF.com
New England hasn’t been the passing beast everyone expected. Yet. The Falcons are preparing for the Tom Brady of 2007. The one that threw 50 touchdown passes.

Matt Ryan: The absolute right man at the absolute right time, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Lots of successful sports people write books on leadership. Ryan is the living text.”

Falcons best bet: Put game in Turner’s hands, ESPN.com
How long can Turner carry the ball for 26 or more times a game and keep the Falcons unbeaten? Not really the point. This stat is more about controlling the clock.

Inconsistent Brady faces unbeaten Falcons, The Sporting News
Anyone else get the feeling Brady could be a sleeping giant? Like he has big games left?

Dimitroff explains why Falcons didn’t panic at DT, ESPN.com
Talked about this on the radio yesterday. In the spring, you’d think the loss of Peria Jerry a huge deal. But in the offseason the Falcons got healthy (Trey Lewis) and made some key additions at D-line (Thomas Johnson). It’s a deep position with pleasant surprises. No time to panic.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, ESPN.com, Friday Pep Talk, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, New England Patriots, Peria Jerry, The Falcoholic, The Sporting News, Thomas DeCoud, Thomas Dimitroff, Thomas Johnson, Tom Brady, Trey Lewis, video

The New England Patriots get plenty of headlines for a high-powered offense (at least in past NFL seasons). Because of that, fans may forget Bill Belichick’s history as a coach on the other side of the ball and New England’s knack to play a solid brand of defense that lets the offense take shots down field.

The Patriots may be 1-1 on the young season, but the defense is third in the NFL in total offense allowed (265 yards per game) and sixth in football against the pass. Belichick’s depth chart looks like a traditional 3-4 (three linemen and four linebackers) but Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith expects New England to show a bit of everything in Sunday’s game.

“They’re very multiple,” he said. “When you look at them, two of their games in the preseason were basically all 3-4 and two of them were 4-3. They’ve been mixing up the 3-4 and the 4-3 in the regular-season games.”

Smith singled-out Patriots linemen Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren, who are a combined 625 pounds as keys to his opponents defense. The pair has combined for 18 tackles and one sack so far in the season but their size and versatility allow New England to be flexible on defense.

The Patriots also have a long list of qualified linebackers/defensive ends including Adalius Thomas and Derrick Burgess.

“They are a very disciplined football team,” Smith said. “They don’t give up a lot of big plays. They’re where they’re supposed to be and they’re very gap sound and they make you earn everything you get. You’re not going to catch them by getting them out of position; you’re going to have to earn everything. That’s why for the first eight years of this century they’re one of the best teams in the NFL.”

ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM WEDNESDAY…

… Jerious Norwood (head) did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. He left Sunday’s game against the Panthers and was replaced by Jason Snelling. Snelling went on to record the first receiving touchdown of his career and rush for 37 yards on six carries.

“Jerious was the only player that did not participate today,” Smith said. “We’re looking at him day-by-day and we’ll see where he is tomorrow.”

… A few questions remain about Peria Jerry, who went on injured reserve earlier this week after a knee injury. Smith said the team’s 2009 first-round draft pick has not had surgery and there’s not an immediate timetable to get it done (Harry Douglas had knee surgery around a month after his injury). Smith said the defensive tackle has spent his days in the training room this week undergoing early rounds of rehab and treatment.

… The Falcons pumped in crowd noise for practice for the first time this season on Wednesday. The move, of course, is to prepare the offense for the unfriendly confines of Gillette Stadium.

“It’s a lot different from the two road games we played in the preseason,” Smith said. “We want to acclimate our guys to the noise; they did a good job today and we’ll pump it in again on Thursday and Friday.”

J. Michael Moore News Adalius Thomas, Bill Belichick, Derrick Burgess, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, interview, Jason Snelling, New England Patriots, Peria Jerry, Ty Warren, video, Vince Wilfork

BLOGGER’S NOTE: I’ve been away from the computer for a couple of days for personal reasons, but I’m returning with fresh typing fingers and a great matchup to write about. Falcons… Patriots… Insert Tom Brady reference here. Thanks to the AF.com crew for holding down the fort while I was away. Special thanks, as always, to those of you reading.

Some bad news for the Falcons while the blog was on autopilot: Peria Jerry out with a season-ending injury. Additional sad news for the franchise, as the team’s first quarterback — Randy Johnson — passed away at the age of 65.

Not every day in the NFL is thrilling. Sometime reality sinks in and the “real world” finds a foothold in the joys of playing — and covering — a game for a living. Season-ending injuries come with equal parts frustration and pain. The death of a former player comes with grief and realization.

Realization that, at the end of the day, all athletes are people first.

Notebook: Assessing impact of Jerry injury, AF.com
If there’s a silver lining to find, it’s the Falcons are deep at defensive line.

Falcons’ show ready to hit the road, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s been more than a month since the last time the Falcons hit the road. I’m going to have to shake some dust off my travel bag. And, yes, I also have travel rituals. You develop them over what, to date, has been 49 trips on the road. I guess that makes New England my 50th. Cake and ice cream?

Jets’ Sanchez among young QBs playing well; old guys keep up, too, SI.com
Some interesting thoughts on the youth movement at quarterback.

Gonzalez proving to be a good catch for the Falcons, PatriotLedger.com
The Patriots will focus on Tony Gonzalez (every team does). But if you pay too much attention to him, watch out. Someone else will beat you.

Ex-BC coach Tom O’Brien in touch with ‘real’ Matt Ryan, Boston Herald
To think, Matt Ryan used to be a tall, skinny guy throwing a football. Wait…

Power Rankings: NFC South getting powerful, ESPN.com
Everyone expected the NFC South to be a strong division in 2009. I think the teams were in a different order, though.

Home Victories Set Up First Road Test, Time Machine
Can the Falcons make more history in New England? Perhaps pick up a win in the first trip to Gillette Stadium?

Patriots to host Atlanta in Foxborough, Patriots.com
“New England holds an all-time record of 25-4 against first-time visitors to Gillette Stadium and has won 21 of its last 22 games against teams making their inaugural appearance there.”

Matt Ryan returns to New England as a star, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What’s the bigger story? Ryan returning to the city where he grew up (Philadelphia) or the region he played college football (New England). You be the judge.

Tony Gonzalez presents problem, Boston Herald
You can put all kinds of schemes in to slow an offense but, when it comes to a tight end, sometimes the best option is a one-on-one matchup.

Mid Week Quick Hit – Defense, Jerry, and Game Flags, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Still a laundry list of things to discuss and analyze from the last game. But we’re running out of time. The team, after all, has moved on to Week 3.

Falcons And Panthers Recap: This…Is…2-0!, The Falcoholic
What the heck, we’ll throw in one more recap for Birdseed. Just for good measure.

Falcons having success on third downs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Note: Key third down conversions to Gonzalez and Marty Booker. Not only are they new targets, they’re savvy veterans. Coincidence? I think not.

Falcons sign DT Clark to practice squad, AF.com
Injuries require shuffling of the roster which often includes a promotion from and/or addition to the practice squad.

Falcons’ RB Snelling makes most of his chances, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More on Jason Snelling coming up this week from AtlantaFalcons.com’s John Manasso.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed 1966, AF.com, AJC, Boston Herald, ESPN.com, Gillette Stadium, injury, Jason Snelling, Jeremy Clark, John Manasso, Marty Booker, Matt Ryan, New England Patriots, NFC South, PatriotLedger.com, Patriots.com, Peria Jerry, Randy Johnson, SI.com, The Falcoholic, Time Machine, Tony Gonzalez

Equate this to the semi truck that takes a while to get to highway speed but, once rolling, will take out anything that gets in its way.

The Falcons offense stumbled out of the gates but Matt Ryan and Co. got hot to start the second half and, to this point, have done little to cool off. Atlanta carried a 21-13 lead into the third quarter and extended that by a score as the fourth quarter got underway.

The Birds held the ball for 11:09 in the third period, twice going for it on fourth-and-inches inside the Carolina 25 (success) and getting Michael Turner and the run game going after early difficulties.

A fumble may have killed the team’s first red zone drive of the half, but the Falcons made up for that with a steady dose of the rush and surgical-like precision from Ryan who, at one point, completed 13 straight passes.

A rested defense is a better defense and the Falcons were able to force another turnover (fifth of the season) when Mike Peterson separated DeAngelo Williams from the ball with 4:15 to play in the third.

Turner got into the end zone for the first time on the ensuing possession, giving the Falcons a two-score advantage as the clock ticked away in the final period.

Through three quarters, the Pro Bowl running back had 18 carries for 80 yards.

SOME IN GAME OBSERVATIONS…

… Looks can be deceiving, but seeing Peria Jerry come off the field in the fourth quarter with an injury was a little concerning. He was replaced by Thomas Johnson, who was already getting steady playing tme in the defensive line rotation.

… With 6:45 left in the game Head Coach Mike Smith threw the challenge flag for the third time. Unfortunately, the latest review went against the Falcons and gave the Panthers a touchdown. Smith and the Birds won the previous two red-flag requests.

J. Michael Moore Gameday Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Williams, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Mike Peterson, Peria Jerry, Thomas Johnson

EDITOR’S NOTE: About to pack up and head over to Hibbett Sports in Flowery Branch for the first Falcons LIVE, featuring Head Coach Mike Smith. It’s the coach’s weekly radio show that we’re going to stream live (video) on AtlantaFalcons.com. The action starts at 7 p.m. and you can get the live stream and other Falcons live coverage through the year at http://www.atlantafalcons.com/live.

I’ve been through a lot of Monday afternoon press conferences in my career but Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith takes the “business like” approach to a new level.

Each Monday after a game Smith strolls into the media room with a handful of notes and an opening statement. Today, the second-year coach praised his team’s “intensity and effort” in a season-opening win over the Miami Dolphins.

He liked the way the offense held the ball for more than half of the fourth quarter to secure a victory. He  also liked how the kickoff coverage team forced the Dolphins to start two drives after kickoffs inside the 20 (no worse than the Miami 24-yard line).

Of course, there are some things the Falcons can correct.

The team rushed for less than 100 yards which seemed unthinkable given the power of the offensive line and the play of Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner. Even with that, the coach found a positive.

“We were able to move the ball in other ways,” Smith said, noting the five-catch, one touchdown performance from Tony Gonzalez. “If they allow us a chance to throw the football, we’re going to throw the football.”

Smith did not provide a detailed update from his notes on team injuries, specifically when it came to rookie defensive tackle Peria Jerry, who left the game in the second half. He did say William Moore (hamstring) could return to practice this week and the Falcons “came out of the game healthy.”

J. Michael Moore News Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Miami Dolphins, Michael Turner, Peria Jerry, press conference, Tony Gonzalez, video, William Moore

The season opener is just nine days away, but this isn’t necessarily a happy time for the Falcons family.

With a new year comes a new, 53-man roster. It doesn’t take a mathematician to realize, with 73 players in the locker room, changes are ahead.

Quarterback, cornerback, defensive line, linebackers, offensive line… Positions are up for grabs in every meeting room in Flowery Branch.

Minds must be made up by Saturday evening.

It’s easy to pick apart a players’ success and failure on a television screen or in the seats at the Georgia Dome, but Head Coach Mike Smith made it clear after Thursday’s preseason finale that releasing players — men with families and friendships — isn’t easy.

On one side, the men in the locker room understand decisions have to be made and the Falcons coaches are known for being fair and respectful in regard to roster moves.

They are football calls, not personal slights.

On another side, no one wants to be relieved of duty.

Roster cuts are rarely about personal stories, more about head count, surprising moves and depth charts. But there are lives affected by the events of this weekend.

And we all wish all the Falcons well.

Complete Falcons-Ravens Game Coverage, AF.com
Everything you need to know about the Falcons preseason finale, including exclusive video in Falcons First Take.

Falcons reserves get their chance against Ravens, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I would be concerned if I saw too many perfect performances in the preseason. It’s like the college basketball team that peaks in January. How many of those win the NCAA Tournament?

Falcons And Ravens Recap: The Pre-Season Is Over, The Falcoholic
A good wrap up of Thursday’s game and mentions of “on the bubble” players.

Falcons show why expectations should be tempered, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The easy way to put an end to expectations is to meet them. But let’s start with tempering them just a bit. The regular season hasn’t started yet and a lot — including the game plan — will be different when Miami comes to town.

Jerry, defensive line pick up the pressure, AF.com
The defensive line continues to do well in a rotational style. Peria Jerry made marked improvements through the preseason.

Atlanta Falcons close out the preseason with 20-3 loss to Baltimore Ravens, Examiner.com
It was a game for reserve players at the Georgia Dome and, on offense at least, few disappointed.

Battling for job, Wilson has respectable outing, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It was nice to see younger players do well against the Ravens, but the game still had all the excitement — or lack there of — of a preseason game.

Ravens wrap up perfect preseason, The Baltimore Sun
Perfect preseason… I wish the Ravens well in the upcoming year but I feel I should point out the Lions went 4-0 in the exhibition season last year. Not necessarily a record to hang your hat on.

Lottery announces Falcons instant-win ticket, AF.com
If you want a Falcons-themed lotto ticket, act fast. I don’t think they’ll last long.

Sembler bids to win Falcons for GM site, Atlanta Business Chronicle
A little more stadium talk before the start of the season. It’s interesting considering all the planning, financing and location scouting. But let’s get through the football season.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Sun, Examiner.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Peria Jerry, Preseason, The Falcoholic

On the scoreboard, the outcome of the final preseason game of 2009 wasn’t what the Falcons wanted. The Ravens are on their way home with a 20-3 win.

In terms of experience and tune-ups, the Falcons got a what they needed.

The Birds tested new rotations, got a look at some players on the bubble and gave the first-team offense and defense a chance to knock off some more rust Thursday night. In the end, some young players with familiar names shined.

Rookie defensive tackle Peria Jerry was credited with four tackles and notched his first sack of the preseason. His tackle number was just below team-leader Kroy Biermann, who recorded six total stops and a sack.

In all, the Falcons sacked Ravens quarterback John Beck four times.

The defense allowed 20 points and a 91-yard, first-quarter scoring drive, but all-in-all, some positives were found and the coaches got what they were after.

And isn’t that what the preseason is all about?

“The objective of tonight’s game, first and foremost, was to look at a lot of guys that were battling for roster spots and see how they handle certain situations,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “Even some of the calls we made we may not have made in a regular-season game, just to see how they handle certain things.”

The Falcons trailed 7-3 for most of the game, but the Ravens opened up an insurmountable lead in the fourth quarter with 13 unanswered points.

Beck finished the night with 232 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns, while the Falcons worked with three signal-callers: Matt Ryan, John Parker Wilson and D.J. Shockley.

Wilson led the way with 80 passing yards on 13 of 19 completions.

Wide receiver Troy Bergeron caught three passes for 23 yards and running back Thomas Brown got 11 rushes for a game-high 39 yards.

The defense improved third-down play from last week, allowing a 44-percent success rate. The group also held the Ravens to less than 100 yards rushing.

All the numbers will get crunched Thursday evening, early Friday morning and into Saturday as the Falcons coaching and personnel staffs make calls on the 53-man list.

CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE ROSTER

The team must cut 20 players before close of business Saturday, then turn attention to the Miami Dolphins.

“Putting the 53-man roster together is one of the most difficult things because there have been 80 guys working with us since March,” Smith said. “We’re going to have to make some tough decisions but that’s the way this league is set up.”

MORE FROM THE FALCONS-RAVENS GAME:

• GAME CENTER: Stats and more fromthe NFL.com Game Center
• GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete coverage from the AF.com team
• NOTEBOOK: Jerry, defensive line picks up the pressure
• BLOGS: J. Michael Moore’s blog posts from Sept. 3, 2009
• POLL: What are your thoughts about upcoming roster moves?
• GAME NOTES: Official game notes from the Georgia Dome press box
• FIRST TAKE: Head Coach Mike Smith | Jerry | Ryan | Brown
• NFL NETWORK: Highlights from the Falcons final preseason game
• QUOTES: Falcons players and coaches | Ravens
• BOARDS: Talk about the Falcons loss to the Baltimore Ravens

J. Michael Moore Gameday, Preseason Baltimore Ravens, D.J. Shockley, Head Coach Mike Smith, Kroy Biermann, Matt Ryan, Peria Jerry, Preseason, Thomas Brown, Troy Bergeron