J.Mike's Missives

Tuesday afternoon Falcons players and cheerleaders spent time with American soldiers – in Flowery Branch and across the world — playing video games.

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“It’s a great opportunity to give back to those guys,” safety Thomas DeCoud said. “They’re over there risking their lives for our safety at home.”

Greg Zinone, co-founder and president of Pros vs. G.I. Joe’s — an organizer of the event said the Falcons went above and beyond, providing close to a dozen players to take part in the experience.

The troops in Flowery Branch Tuesday will soon be deployed to Iraq.

The community service aspect of an NFL players’ life often gets overlooked. But it’s a major portion of his in-season priorities and often takes up most days off through the year.

To keep up with as much community news as possible, the Falcons CR department has launched a new blog: “Spreading our Wings.”

You can also look for community news in Wednesday or Thursday editions of “Birdseed.”

Falcons defense keeping an eye on Panthers, AF.com
All eyes will be on Jake Delhomme this week to see if there’s a repeat of a dreadful performance against the Eagles (seven completions, four interceptions). The Falcons expect the best from the Panthers. It’s the only way to effectively prepare.

Falcons’ Jackson takes demotion in stride, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Things change when quality roster depth is added to the equation.

Expert’s Take: Panthers at Falcons, AF.com
NFL.com’s Steve Wyche talks about the solid quarterback play in Atlanta and the rest of the NFL.

From the Examiner’s Desk: The Beerman Cometh, Examiner.com
When Kroy Biermann was drafted, many analyst had him pegged as a 3-4 outside linebacker. But when I talked to Falcons defensive line coach Ray Hamilton in the spring of 2008 he assured me the Montana native was a defensive end. It’s all coming into focus now.

Digging Deeper into the Box Score: Week 1, The Falcoholic
This is what happens when you apply math and science to football. I like it.

Tony Gonzalez takes a Zen approach to tight end, Associated Press
“I love studying the mind, the hidden determinant in human behavior, that type of thing.” Whatever Tony Gonzalez is studying, it’s working.

Delays expected over Panthers game weekend, AF.com
I’m not naive enough to think road construction and improvements will ever be finished in Atlanta. But does it ever slow down?

Ex-Spiders’ star Sidbury getting adjusted with Falcons, Richmond Times-Dispatch
This is one of my favorite things in the NFL: local papers following-up on familiar heroes.

Falcons vs. Panthers (Preview), CBSSports.com
The fact this game is at home helps the Falcons. The fact the Panthers running game was almost as good as the Falcons in 2008 balances the scales.

Body balance key to Falcons staying uninjured, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Speaking of balance… It seems empirical tests have a place in the weight room and the draft room. Numbers don’t lie and science can solve plenty of problems.

Power Rankings: Big arms give teams leg up on competition, CBSSports.com
The Falcons are in the top 10 and ranked the third-best team in the NFC. That’s great for Week 1. Check back in Week 17.

Gonzalez likes chances in one-on-one coverage, ESPN.com
I can personally attest, via a few games on Madden 2010, Gonzalez wins in one-on-one battles.

Smitty gets to scheming, and the Falcons’ D gets good, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“One more truth we need to reaffirm: Mike Smith wasn’t going to let this defense stink when the real games began. He’s too good at his job.”

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Falcons in the Community AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, CBSSports.com, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Falcons in the Community, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jake Delhomme, Kroy Biermann, Lawrence Sidbury, Madden 2010, NFL.com, power rankings, Ray Hamilton, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Steve Wyche, The Falcoholic, Thomas DeCoud, Tony Gonzalez

Today is one of those days where it’s hard to think about football.

In the past week the world has lost Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Each were celebrities in their own way: radio and TV personality, actress and widely proclaimed “King of Pop.”

It’s hard to think about a sport when so much of Americana is unexepectedly gone.

Don’t think this impacts culture? Do a YouTube search for “Thriller” and see how many views Jackson’s video (and the various wedding adaptations) receive by the minute.

The world lost three role models and three examples of decades-long celebrity.

My father-in-law remarked yesterday how each represented the devotion of generations of fans. Multiple age groups.

Another report marveled at how each could stay recognizable in the public eye despite troubles and the often cruel nature of time. Tests of popularity.

Yet, legacies will remain.

My thoughts and prayers to everyone — family, friends, fans — affected.

More kudos for the Falcons: Is it all too much too soon?, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What do you think Falcons Nation? Too early to tell? Mind made up the team will mirror its history? Think the new leadership and quarterback are on to something?

‘Sugar Bear’ ready for Waterville return, The Kennebec (Maine) Morning Sentinel
Players aren’t the only Falcons giving back at youth football camps across the country.

Peterson’s voice resonating in Atlanta, ESPN.com
It didn’t take long for Mike Peterson to become a leader on the Falcons defense. He’s a respected player with experience. The perfect addition to a team with youthful exuberance.

‘All of a Sudden it has a Name,’ J. Mike’s Missives
I didn’t realize this piece on Jerious Norwood and some thoughts on the Wildcat formation would become so popular. My point was to show Norwood’s heavy involvment on special teams and offense.

Bucs are team of the decade in NFC South, ESPN.com
Since the formation of the NFC South the Buccaneers, Panthers, Falcons and Saints have appeared in the NFC Championship. The Buccaneers won the Super Bowl in the divisions first year of existence. That world championship must be good enough for all-decade recognition.

HPSD and a Football Tourney, Spreading Our Wings
Some good stuff from the community relations blog. The NFL isn’t all about professional athletes. There’s a focus to help the youth in the game, too.

Chat with Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.com
“All I can tell you is Thomas Dimitroff told me at mini camp, ‘I promise you, Michael (Turner) won’t be carrying 375 times this year.’” Of course, TD didn’t tell Pat — or anyone — exactly what the Falcons will be doing.

Ex-Jaguar LB Peterson still loves to “Bring It,” The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union
“It’s bigger than just me. To me, it’s about the kids. The kids want it. So it has nothing to do with me not playing for the Jags or me not being from here. The kids from here want to come to the Mike Peterson football camp. So to me, it was a no-brainer to have it.” Enough said.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Ed McMahon, ESPN.com, Farrah Fawcett, Florida Times-Union, Jerious Norwood, Michael Jackson, Mike Peterson, NFC South, Ray Hamilton, Spreading Our Wings, The Morning Sentinel, Thomas Dimitroff