J.Mike's Missives

Even with a stomach full of delicious Chick-fil-A, sweet tea, coffee and a dash of trail mix (trying to do better with the diet) I couldn’t satisfy a hungry writing muse this afternoon.

While the gut may not be the only source of inspiration in my arsenal, it is where my classy sappy words of inspiration and insight often flow. So, with writer’s block firmly entrenched, I won’t waste your valuable time.

Here’s what they’re saying about the Falcons before we turn complete attention to this weekend’s game against the New York Giants…

Ask Vance Walker a Question, AF.com
We’re dusting off the Voices Heard question gathering/voting device and putting it to work for a special interview with rookie defensive tackle — and former Georgia Tech standout — Vance Walker.

Turner update coming Wednesday, ESPN.com
Don’t get upset with the Falcons for not releasing more news about Michael Turner. In the NFL, competitive advantage is everything and teams aren’t required to reveal any details on injuries until Wednesday afternoon.

Falcons re-sign Stecker, release receiver Bergeron, AF.com
Time on the 53-man roster is sometimes short. Regardless, Bergeron has been a contributor on the practice squad and Stecker returns to add to his numbers through two games.

Giants’ owner doesn’t like Thanksgiving schedule, ProFootballTalk.com
Outside of physically shrinking the country, there’s nothing to do to avoid some of these schedule complications. (Memo to disaster movie makers: please do not pull a 2012-style film out of your hat about shrinking the United States).

Ryan down, Turner out as Falcons lick wounds from Carolina loss, Examiner.com
When headliners are struggling, younger players must step up.

Elam takes blame for missed field goal, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kicking isn’t a one-man operation. Jason Elam and Head Coach Mike Smith made that clear. That said, as the veteran player, Elam will be called upon to correct any mistakes.

History on Atlanta’s side going into N.Y., ESPN.com
Well that’s interesting. For more on the series history check out Frank Kleha’s recent Time Machine post.

How I See It: NFC South Stock Watch, ESPN.com
“After an almost flawless rookie season, Ryan has been only ordinary. At times, he’s been worse than ordinary.”

Turner’s injury has Falcons juggling running backs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hard to imagine a more epic doomsday scenario than losing Turner in 2008 (Hollywood, see earlier comment). With Jason Snelling playing well, the Falcons have additional options at running back in 2009.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed Aaron Stecker, AF.com, AJC, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Frank Kleha, Georgia Tech, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, New York Giants, ProFootballTalk.com, Time Machine, Troy Bergeron, Vance Walker, Voices Heard

My colleague Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) has a story about the Superdome he tells before big games in New Orleans.

He says the only time he’s been concerned about the structural integrity of a stadium due to crowd noise was the Saints first home game in 2006 — the return to the building after Hurricane Katrina.

New Orleans blocked a Michael Koenen punt in the first quarter and returned it for a touchdown. At that point, according to Matt, the dome teetered with cacophony.

The Falcons didn’t win the game. In fact, the team hasn’t won in the Superdome since 2002.

Tonight’s game between the Falcons and Saints doesn’t carry the same emotional weight as the 2006 matchup but, when it comes to the NFC South standings, the contest is monumental.

I don’t need to get into the details, except to say a Saints win creates a three-game lead in the division with nine games to play. In order to make up the ground the Falcons would likely have to get a win over the Saints at the Georgia Dome next month, hope for additional New Orleans losses and (of course) win as many of their own games as possible.

I can’t tell you exactly what the Falcons did this week to prepare for such a big game but I will say, in the NFL, it pays to treat games in two ways: home and away. Home games you’re supposed to win. Road games are tough. It’s an easy mental hurdle to understand and allows for proper focus on technical aspects of each game.

The Falcons know this one won’t be easy.

They know the Superdome will be loud, maybe as loud as Matt remembers it.

The Falcons also know it pays to win games when you’re charged with adrenaline. If not, winning the division could come down to simple — and unfavorable — math.

Complete Falcons-Saints Coverage from AF.com
Stats, video, game week coverage and more straight from Flowery Branch.

Falcons-Saints Game Center, NFL.com
The eyes of the nation and, more importantly, the NFL world, will be on the Falcons this evening. Plenty of eyes were on the Birds last week in Dallas, too. Let’s all hope for different results. In case you’re wondering, the NFL Network crew picks the Saints.

Falcons WR Finneran talks up rivalry with Saints, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You’ll find few players in the locker room with the tenure of Brian Finneran. Perfect player to talk about the Falcons-Saints rivalry.

A Look Ahead: The Return, The Falcoholic
A brief, good breakdown of the remaining games.

Falcons-Saints as big as a matchup can get, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Superdome hasn’t been one of the most consistent places when it comes to hostile territories. That’s mostly because the Saints have had just as many down as up years. But right now, New Orleans has one of the best home-field advantages in football. They certainly have a fan following.

Sedrick Ellis out vs. Falcons, ProFootballTalk.com
You’re probably paying a lot of attention to the Saints offense. Nothing wrong with that. But injuries on the defense, which is emerging as one of the best in the league, could be big.

Falcons dazzled by Saints array of weapons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s a fine line between “respect,” which is needed and “dazzle,” which is odd.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Gameday AF.com, AJC, Brian Finneran, Georgia Dome, Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana Superdome, Matt Moore, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, NFL.com, ProFootballTalk.com, Sedrick Ellis, The Falcoholic

We all have bad days. But what about those bad days that include watching a highly-publicized defeat for your employer followed by a late-night plane ride?

Let’s just say it’s an interesting combination.

Sometimes after a tough loss, like the Falcons 37-21 day at Dallas, I find myself trying to get in the heads of players. I focus more on mental toughness than in-game decision making. I’m fascinated by professional athletes who, in the wake of plays good and bad, can refocus on the next pitch, snap or shot. With football’s weekly opera and buildup we’re left with the additional variables of time.

And redemption.

“We’ll get ‘em next time.”

Mondays after a loss aren’t completely different from Mondays after a win in Flowery Branch. There’s no time to be mellow, but you’ll spot some long faces for the first couple hours. If anything, the mood is slightly more positive than you’d expect because a chance at a rebound is just six or seven days away.

Today on my trip for morning coffee I passed Head Coach Mike Smith. As always, we greeted each other with a warm, “Good morning, how are you?”

Same thing happened after a Week 6 win over Chicago. Same thing will likely happen — win or lose — for the rest of the season.

The dynamics may be a little different, but you can never lose sight of the defining characteristic of the NFL. It’s a business.

Complete Falcons-Cowboys Game Coverage, AF.com
One final look before we hit the 24-hour mark. It’s not just a “rule of thumb,” it’s a way of life in the NFL.

Brooking: ‘It was a big game for me personally,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve received some Web-based messages from fans who weren’t too pleased with Keith Brooking on Sunday. I think this article does a good job summing up how emotion drives everything between the white lines. If you stop to think, it’s what makes the game great.

Romo, Austin hook up for 2 scores in Cowboys’ win, ESPN.com
Anyone who thought Miles Austin’s 250-yard game against the Chiefs was a fluke is eating a little crow.

Week Seven Morning Aftermath, ProFootballTalk.com
On next week’s game: “Win, and the NFC South is up for grabs.  Lose, and it’s time to jockey for a wild-card berth.”

Whatever happened to Michael Turner?, ESPN.com
Until today I think most Falcons fans didn’t consider the slowdown in the run game a huge problem, especially since the passing game was working well. Today things feel a little different.

Cowboys rip Falcons’ secondary to shreds, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well that headline isn’t very nice.

This is the Cowboys team we expected, FoxSports.com
This is certainly a case where the Cowboys started to live up to expectations. But, given the Falcons 80-play touchdown drive to open the game and solid, three-and-out on defense a few plays later, you have to think something fell apart.

Romo frustrates Falcons defensive line, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Frustrated? Yes. Things started to unravel when Tony Romo escaped three defensive linemen to find Patrick Crayton with a first-half touchdown pass.

Defense contains Gonzalez, White, (Fort Worth) Star-Telegram
Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez are still Pro Bowl receivers. Sunday’s game was an example of the true importance of offensive line play.

5 things we learned from the Dallas game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Something tells me more than ‘5′ things will be on the board when Smitty speaks to the team this week. Learning opportunities aren’t always easy.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Dallas Cowboys, ESPN.com, FoxSports.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Keith Brooking, Michael Turner, Miles Austin, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, Patrick Crayton, ProFootballTalk.com, Roddy White, Star-Telegram, Tony Gonzalez, Tony Romo

UPDATE: ProFootballTalk.com reported Friday earlier stories of Winborn “agreeing to terms” were, perhaps, premature. Click here for more.

Scout.com report the Falcons have agreed to terms with free agent linebacker Jamie Winborn. It’s a one-year deal, according to the report.

The former Vanderbilt standout has spent time with the 49ers, Buccaneers, Jaguars and Broncos during his nine-year career. Last season, he moved into the starting lineup in Denver and recorded a career-high 99 tackles, 11 passes defensed and a half sack (according to NFL.com statistics).

Winborn, 5′11,” 230 lbs., led Denver with 11 special teams tackles in 2007. He also started two games at outside linebacker. The Alabama native has played in 76 career games (21 starts).

The Falcons have not confirmed or commented on the report but, should there be an official statement, news will hit AtlantaFalcons.com first.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Denver Broncos, Jamie Winborn, ProFootballTalk.com, San Francisco 49ers, Scout.com, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Thanks to Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith for inviting the AF.com team to the first “Hacks vs. Jocks” golf outing Wednesday. My initial hope was to cover this inaugural coach-media tournament. But, since Dan, Matt and I are sort of like the media, we were given spots on three foursomes.

Fantastic day.

My team included director of player personnel Les Snead, John Kincaid (of “Buck and Kincaid” fame on AM 680 The Fan) and Randy Waters of 11Alive.

Snead played golf in high school and, after a few holes, he was reunited with his booming tee shot.

Randy and John showed some touch around the greens.

Me? Well… I chipped in for a birdie on our fourth hole, but that was about it.

Team “Les and Moore” finished at 4-under par. Good enough for fifth place and eight strokes behind the winning team of Dan, VP of PR Reggie Roberts, Buck Belue of 680 The Fan and Falcons President Rich McKay.

Though it may seem like a day away from the office, we worked hard to help our teams and pass along some info through Twitter…

• J. Michael Moore
• Dan Levak
• Matt Moore

… And Flickr.

Judging from where my team finished, maybe I should have focused a little more on my game.

OU’s Robinson ready to come home, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We hear a lot about “due diligence” as the NFL Draft approaches. If you’re in the “Falcons Should Draft Defense” camp, don’t worry. The team needs to know all the players on the board and, at the right spot, Robinson would be a nice pick to build the future of the offensive line.

Falcons might dump McClure for Newberry, ProFootballTalk.com
This still falls into the rumor mill.

Falcons announce 2009 regular-season schedule, AF.com
Sixteen games. Got to play them sometime.

Early And Wildly Irresponsible 2009 Schedule Predictions, TheFalcoholic
That’s what I’m talking about! Predictions, predictions, predictions. I admire anyone who takes the time and effort to go through the season game-by-game.

Mocking with McShay, ESPN.com
We read about the Falcons needing defense. But, at the end of the day, many mock drafts have the Birds taking a tight end in the first round.

Report: Chiefs, Falcons Haven’t Talked about Gonzalez Trade, ArrowheadPride.com
Speaking of tight ends… It amazes me how quickly rumors get legs.

On the Beat Mock Draft: Falcons, NFL.com
D. Led loves Clint Sintim. I have to say, the more I watch and learn about him, I love him too.

General Manager Thomas Dimitroff takes fan questions, AF.com
Questions are rolling in for the Falcons GM. Some are pretty specific, so I don’t know if T.D. will tip his hand.

Falcons schedule analysis, ESPN.com
Four out of five on the road is tough, but the Falcons had a similar stretch last season. The team also won two games on the West Coast (not easy). This schedule isn’t harder than last season or the season before that. It’s just different.

Five Atlanta Falcons To Keep Your Eye On, Bleacher Report
Let’s not forget about the players already on the roster.

A closer look: The 2009 Atlanta Falcons schedule, Examiner.com
You got to love how Smitty approaches the schedule release, saying it presents “a unique set of opportunities.” That’s the way you have to look at it.

Offensive lineman Dahl signs tender offer, AF.com
This is almost a formality in restricted free agency, but it’s a nice feeling to know the Falcons have their starting right guard on the roster for another year.

Matt Ryan and Michael Turner: By the Numbers, Bleacher Report
Ryan’s numbers dipped at the end of the season but it’s an understandable change given the amount of snaps he took over the calendar year. That said, he was one of the most consistent rookie quarterbacks in NFL history.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed 11Alive, 2009 Schedule, 680 The Fan, AF.com, AJC, ArrowheadPride.com, Bleacher Report, Buck, Clint Sintim, D. Orlando Ledbetter, dan, Duke Robinson, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, Kincaid, Les Snead, matt, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, NFL Draft, NFL.com, ProFootballTalk.com, Randy Waters, Rich McKay, Thomas Dimitroff, Todd McClure, Voices Heard

ProFootballTalk.com reports Oklahoma guard Duke Robinson has scheduled a pre-draft visit with the Falcons. PFT cites an unnamed, league source.

Robinson, 6-foot-5, 329 pounds, was a finalist for the Outland Trophy and a two-time All-American. Most Internet predictions have the massive player that ran the 40-yard dash in 5.32 seconds at the Combine going off the board in the second or third round.

He’s also the great-nephew of singer Smokey Robinson.

J. Michael Moore NFL Draft Duke Robinson, NFL Draft, Outland Trophy, ProFootballTalk.com, Smokey Robinson

According to published reports, cornerbacks Darius Butler and Asher Allen could be on the growing list of players visiting with the Falcons before the NFL Draft.

According to ProFootballTalk.com, Butler lined up workouts with several teams including the Falcons. The kid is rising up the draft board quickly, especially after running a 4.38 40-yard dash at his pro day.

Butler was among the top performers in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle at the Scouting Combine. He was a four-year starter and two-time team captain at UCONN.

Getting closer to home, Allen, who played at the University of Georgia, is expected to meet with the Falcons at some point in the coming weeks. This according to Scout.com.

He also posted some of the best times and measurements at the Combine and is looking to make it in the NFL after just three seasons in Athens.

Allen started 24 games in his career and had a stellar sophomore campaign, recording 64 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and three interceptions.

J. Michael Moore NFL Draft Asher Allen, Darius Butler, NFL Draft, ProFootballTalk.com, Scout.com, UGA

The first reports of draft prospects visiting the Falcons in Flowery Branch are starting to surface around the Internet and they include familiar names.

According to Scout.com, USC linebacker Clay Matthews will work out for the team after his pro day.

The son of the former Falcons linebacker of the same name, Matthews walked on at USC but fought through hardships to earn a key role on the team’s defense and the respect of coaches and scouts across the country.

A solid performance at the Combine and Senior Bowl has his stock rising.

Another player reported to have a visit planned with the Falcons is Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson.

ProFootballTalk.com reports Johnson will meet with four teams in the coming weeks.

Unlike Matthews, Johnson’s stock slipped slightly just before the Combine but he’s put up solid numbers in various drills.

The 6-foot-6, 266-pound lineman recorded nine sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in 2008. He was an All-ACC selection and a finalist for some national awards at his postion.

He was among the top performers at the Combine in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump and 20-yard shuttle but he’s faced questions about lack of intensity through the pre-draft process.

“I would say that I did everything my coaches asked me to do and my teammates, I’m respected by them,” Johnson said at the Combine. “And doing so much different stuff may look like I’m doing one thing but I’m just doing what I’m coached up to do. So I just try my best to do what I was coached to do. Whether that was playing the run or rushing the passer or dropping into coverage.”

J. Michael Moore NFL Draft Clay Matthews, Football, Michael Johnson, NFL, ProFootballTalk.com, Scout.com, Senior Bowl, Sports, USC