J.Mike's Missives

The Falcons announced the release of linebacker Edmond Miles Tuesday.

Miles, a two-year veteran, signed with the Falcons in May but injuries limited him during Russell Falcons Training Camp. Miles played in 18 games (no starts) with the Dolphins and Giants before joining Atlanta.

The move leaves 79 players on the Falcons active roster. The team must cut down to 75 players on or before Sept. 1.

The final cut to a 53-man roster must be done by Sept. 5.

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, Roster Moves Edmond Miles, injury, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp

Monday was my first full day in a new office here at Falcons headquarters. The new space has a window (nice) but, more importantly, it’s in the PR wing and in the heart of all the news.

It’s also just outside the team meeting room.

I didn’t need to get the official notice Head Coach Mike Smith canceled the afternoon — and final — practice of Russell Falcons Training Camp on Monday.

The collective cheer of 80 football players tipped me off.

Could have sworn I heard some music, too…

You may be wondering what really changes from training camp to the preseason. For starters, it’s the end of two-a-day practices (hence the wild exclamations of happy players). It’s also the start of a regular-season schedule.

From here to the end of 2009 Smith will work his players with what amounts to meetings in the morning, lunch, practice in the afternoon. There are subtle changes depending on the day of the game or time of the year, but players and staff can now get into a new routine.

And we all love a good routine.

Falcons, AirTran announce new partnership, AF.com
Another reason to fly AirTran if you’re a Falcons fans. And, with Internet access on every flight, you can keep up with AtlantaFalcons.com en route.

Falcons upbeat at end of training camp, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’d be upbeat too if I got the afternoon off, especially after nearly a month of two-a-day practices in the Georgia heat.

Some very deep numbers on the Falcons, ESPN.com
I’m actually linking to the story mentioned in Pat’s post later in Birdseed. Scroll…

Matt Ryan’s primary backup tries to stay ready, Associated Press
Backup quarterback is one of the most important jobs in the NFL. Really.

Falcons’ Weems, a small college product, closing in on roster spot, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Read carefully and see Weems wasn’t a major college recruit. Tidbits like that make rise-to-the-NFL stories all the more inspiring.

Lab Results, Atlanta Falcons, The New York Times
Great numbers and research. I’d have to watch games at least a dozen times to pick up on some of this stuff. Then again, I’d love to have the time to watch games at least a dozen times.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason AF.com, AirTran, AJC, Associated Press, Chris Redman, Eric Weems, ESPN.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, Russell Falcons Training Camp, The New York Times

Head Coach Mike Smith said backup quarterback Chris Redman will get snaps in the team’s next two preseason games. The veteran, who spent all of 2008 as Matt Ryan’s primary backup did not play in St. Louis.

That, according to the coach, was by design and allowed the team to look at other quarterbacks on the roster.

Reserve D.J. Shockley completed 5 of 12 passes and threw two interceptions in the game.

Monday Redman was asked about working behind a rising star like Ryan and the performance of undrafted rookie John Parker Wilson.

“For a young guy Matt Ryan is a great leader and its good to be around a bunch of good guys,” he said. “All the team really feeds off that.”

And Wilson?

“He is a great quarterback and has been in some big games before. He has done a great job, he has learned one of the toughest offense’s in the league,” Redman said. “I am real happy for him, he is a great guy and is working real hard.”

Redman, a seven-year veteran, started four games for the Falcons in 2007, completing 59.7 percent of his passes for 1,079 yards and 10 touchdowns.

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, training camp Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Parker Wilson, Matt Ryan, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp, San Diego Chargers

Some important things to cover on this last day of Russell Falcons Training Camp.

What do ya say, Smitty?

“We will start (Tuesday) getting into our regular-season routine,” Head Coach Mike Smith said Monday morning. “Tomorrow will be a Wednesday, so it will be a typical Wednesday and we will just sequence through the week Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Of course we play on Saturday, which will be a regular Sunday game.

“Our guys are going to get indoctrinated this week starting tomorrow to our regular schedule. We will come in, work in the mornings, have a walk through, take a break for lunch and come back after lunch and practice.”

The biggest news from Monday includes injury updates… Or a lack there of.

Cornerback Chris Houston, who injured his hamstring in the first preseason game, returned to the field. Running back Thomas Brown, who did not dress for Friday’s win at St. Louis, also practiced.

Smith said the team limited Houston and will keep an eye on the hamstring to see if there are any negative side effects.

“It felt great, just getting back in and getting some of the soreness out of my leg, it felt good,” Houston said.

A three-year veteran, Houston has started 27 of 32 games in his career including 11 in his rookie season. But he and others at his position are locked in intense battles for jobs this preseason.

Brent Grimes is listed opposite Houston on the depth chart but Chevis Jackson, Von Hutchins and rookie Christopher Owens got plenty of snaps in the first two preseason games.

“Competition brings out the best in us and everybody is doing good,” Houston said. “Owens is learning, Brent is doing good and Chevis… Everybody is stepping up and doing good.”

He said he likes what he sees from Owens. He’s also provided some advice on playing corner as a rookie.

“With the calls he is getting in defense, things are going kind of fast,” Houston said. “Once he gets in the game and he learns from his mistakes it will really come to him. I just tell him to take his time.”

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, training camp Brent Grimes, Chevis Jackson, Chris Houston, Christopher Owens, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Russell Falcons Training Camp, San Diego Chargers, Thomas Brown, Von Hutchins

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE THROWBACKS

When it comes to football, there’s one thing most fans can agree on (at least most fans I’ve talked to).

Everyone loves a good throwback uniform.

Add the Falcons to the list of teams getting some of that love in 2009.

The Birds will don replicas of the team’s inaugural 1966 uniform twice this season — first on Sept 20 against the Carolina Panthers and again when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit on Nov. 29.

Atlanta has many choices when it comes to throwbacks (the team has had about a dozen uniform variations in its 43-year history) but the selection of the 1966 uni is both historic and appropriate.

As throwbacks go, this goes back to the beginning. Back to the start.

As looks go, it gets the job done. And it has a nifty gold stripe on the helmet.

Falcons unveil throwback uniforms, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you’re a fan of history and a fan of football, Throwback Weekend was made just for you.

Falcons look to make adjustments in St. Louis, AF.com
The third preseason game is for the starters. This preseason game is for players looking for roster spots.

5 things to watch for in Rams/Falcons Game, Examiner.com
One thing I’m looking for is improvements at the Edward Jones Dome. Evidently some renovations and updates will be revealed tonight.

Falcons-Rams Game Center, NFL.com
Everything you need to know about Friday’s game between the Falcons and Rams.

Tony Gonzalez: A high motor chugs on alternative fuel, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If I want to be in Tony Gonzalez shape, I’m going to need to change a lot more than my diet.

Football vagabond Troy Bergeron still trying to stick with Falcons, The Greenville (S.C.) News
It’s all about an opportunity for Troy Bergeron and, though he’s low on the unofficial depth chart, he will get his chances to fill in at a wide receiver spot that opened up with Harry Douglas‘ injury.

Atlanta Falcons-St. Louis Rams Game Preview: Opportunities Arise, Examiner.com
The Rams — now with a defensive-minded head coach — figure to run the ball a little more in 2009. Another test for the Falcons young defense.

Falcons rookies to get early playing time, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rookies will get into the game early and often on Friday as the Falcons look to make further evaluations before the first cut-down date.

For the Atlanta Falcons’ Thomas Johnson, the time is now, Examiner.com
Talked on the radio Thursday about Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and if he’s bringing any “New England style scouting” to Atlanta. Tough question to answer, but finding success with a player who spent a year out of football seems to be on the good side of unorthodoxy.

Rams’ mandate for Spagnuolo: ‘Turn this place upside down,’ USA Today
The Rams have drafted some recognizable names over the last few years. Time will tell if the right coach will turn things around.

What to watch for in Falcons next game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ll be keeping an eye on this and more from the Edward Jones Dome press box.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason, training camp AJC, Edward Jones Dome, Examiner.com, Harry Douglas, History, NFL.com, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp, St. Louis Rams, The Greenville News, Thomas Dimitroff, Thomas Johnson, throwback, Tony Gonzalez, Troy Bergeron, USA Today

BLOGGER’S NOTE: Hitting the road this afternoon for St. Louis and the Falcons second preseason matchup. Follow me on Twitter (@FalconsJMoore) and take a look at what others in the AF.com team are saying about our progress to the Gateway City.

Thursday we kicked off Birdseed with a mention of Chris Mortensen and his ESPN tour bus, which parked on the hill overlooking the Falcons practice field.

As of early Friday morning, Mortensen moved on to Tampa, leaving some interviews and coverage in his wake: Falcons blending ‘old’ with the ‘new’

I’m a fan of what “The Worldwide Leader” does to add a new twist on the camp tour concept. Of course, add a tricked-out bus to just about anything and you have something worth talking about.

Mort spent some time Thursday with quarterback Matt Ryan and All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez. The pair have quickly formed the on-field bond you want to see from quarterback and tight end.

They also represent the interesting dynamic between young and old players taking shape in Atlanta.

Gonzalez on the offense, 11-year veteran Mike Peterson on the defense, 17-year veteran Jason Elam on special teams. Not many other players on the roster boast 11 or more years in the league.

You need some elders (and I use the term with all respect) in the locker room to have success in the NFL. You also need the don’t-know-any-better excitement young players can provide.

If it seemed like Mort welcomed two players with very different personalities — and eating habits — on his bus, it’s because he did.

But they’re united by a common goal.

Atlanta Falcons: Sights and Sounds from Camp, Examiner.com
We’re cruising through the preseason with the speed and efficiency of a NASCAR driver skirting around a turn.

Falcons’ top pick Peria Jerry learning the ropes, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Oh the joys of rookie hazing. Good to know the Falcons don’t make it an all-camp affair. There has to be some focus on work, right?

Video: Gonzalez vs. Witten in fantasy football, ESPN.com
Time to start the fantasy football debate. Witten over Gonzalez? I’ve removed the bias and it’s still hard for me to understand (though Witten did look good in the Cowboys preseason opener).

Rookie CB Chris Owens battling for starting job, San Jose (Calif.) Mercury-News
Now’s the time for rookies to show what they’ve got. There won’t be many reserves playing next week against the Chargers and incumbent starter Chris Houston could be healthy by then.

Matt Ryan anxious for more playing time Friday, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Catch the note at the bottom: No Ryan on Twitter. This is a good time to remind everyone the AF.com team will confirm any Falcons found on Twitter. If you think you’ve got a guy, let us know.

Eric Weems Pushing Hard For A Roster Spot, The Falcoholic
Saw someone on the FalconsLIFE Message Boards started an “Eric Weems Fan Club.”

Falcons expect Curtis Lofton to be long-term leader on defense, Los Angeles Times
There are some unwritten rules in football. “Middle linebackers are team leaders” seems to be one of them. And Lofton is growing into one of the best around.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason, training camp AJC, Chris Houston, Chris Mortensen, Christopher Owens, Curtis Lofton, Eric Weems, ESPN, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, fantasy football, Jason Elam, Jason Witten, Los Angeles Times, Matt Ryan, Mike Peterson, Peria Jerry, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp, San Jose Mercury-News, St. Louis Rams, The Falcoholic, Tony Gonzalez, Twitter

Over the past five days we’ve covered all the ground necessary after a preseason-opening loss.

Does the game count. No.

Were the injuries. A few.

Anything serious? It appears not.

But in the Groundhog Day that is the NFL and training camp, the topics are bound to come up again sooner or later. Thursday, the Falcons Pro Bowl tight end, starting quarterback and Head Coach took things a step further and laid down some expectations for Friday’s preseason game at St. Louis.

If you’re keeping count, that’s exhibition game two of four.

“Anytime we go out and play we want to win, but the main goal is for us to be healthy, be ready for the first game and do some evaluating,” Head Coach Mike Smith said Thursday. “There will be a different rotation as far as guys who will be playing and who they will be playing against.”

One thing fans can expect to see is more youngsters on the Falcons offense and defense playing earlier in the game. This, according to Smith, gives coaches the chance to evaluate second- and third-teamers against the Rams top-liners.

Atlanta won’t be as healthy entering the game as last week, however.

Cornerback Chris Houston (hamstring), defensive tackle Jason Jefferson (hip flexor) and linebacker Edmond Miles (knee) are out. The coach said second-year running back Thomas Brown will be a game-time decision.

When faced with some of the same questions, tight end Tony Gonzalez mentioned health as a top preseason priority.

He caught one pass in the preseason opener and the only first-team touchdown went to running back Michael Turner. Gonzalez would like to see continued balance on offense.

“It was a good mix of run and pass,” he said. “Let’s just pick up where we left off. That first drive we came out there and, once we got our rhythm, that’s when we started putting it on them a bit.”

Quarterback Matt Ryan completed five of seven passes for 37 yards but one of the incompletions sticks with him — a roll out pass to Michael Jenkins that missed its target and fell to the ground.

“We’ve got some clean some things up from what we did last week. That’s the biggest thing, cut down on mental errors, improve the execution and ultimately score points.”

There’s a unique focus that overtakes an NFL team during the preseason. It’s part passion, part preparation. The games count for something, they just don’t count.

“You never want to lose,” Ryan said. “All of us our competitive. But, ultimately, our No. 1 goal is to get to the regular season healthy and be as prepared and ready as we can be when Miami rolls around.”

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, training camp Edmond Miles, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Jefferson, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Michael Turner, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp, St. Louis Rams, Thomas Brown, Tony Gonzalez

It’s a short week in Flowery Branch. Even in the preseason this presents less than desirable circumstances.

For the next few days I’ll routinely forget the day of the week and mix up various responsibilities needed to get to the plane on time and prepare for the second preseason contest at St. Louis.

Thankfully it’s just that… preseason.

More coverage to come today but, for now, enjoy some preseason Birdseed.

Falcons plan to monitor Turner’s workload, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OK, a geek confession to make. Last night while playing Madden 2010 for the first time, I was at the controls for a 30-yard Michael Turner run where he threw off about six tacklers. Still don’t know how I did it. Probably won’t do it again.

Rookie Owens recaps first NFL game experience, AF.com
I’ve been on teams with rookie cornerbacks that got a lot of playing time. Trust me when I say Owens looks like a good one.

Atlanta Falcons Monday Mailbag, Examiner.com
Nothing like a preseason game to increase the questions.

Houston misses Falcons’ practice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lots of guys taking a break at Monday’s practices. No need to be alarmed. I can’t remember a time a team didn’t err on the side of caution and give plenty of players a break after the first preseason game.

Weems hopes to catch on as Falcons special teamer, The Associated Press
“Everyone, they gave me a butt to run off of, so I just seen what I can get.” I love football speak.

Offensive line searching for more depth, AF.com
It’s not the high-profile position battle people expect during training camp, but the need for offensive line depth is an important one.

Kickers, Golfers and Major League Pitchers, J. Mike’s Missives
Refreshing to know that a three-time Pro Bowler and 17-year veteran still works as hard as a rookie. Ironic that, for a kicker, that includes less, well, kicking.

Shockley: ‘I can start in this league,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Keep an eye on the backup quarterback position if only for the fact you’ll see a lot of D.J. Shockley, Chris Redman and John Parker Wilson in the preseason.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason, training camp AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Chris Houston, Chris Redman, Christopher Owens, D.J. Shockley, Examiner.com, Jason Elam, John Parker Wilson, Michael Turner, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp

Jason Elam, like most NFL kickers, looks the part of a coach or trainer more than a player.

He’s smaller in stature than most of the team and is the oldest player on the roster, by six years.

But 17 seasons in professional football have been kind to Elam.

His six-and-a-half page biography in the Falcons media guide details the record-setting numbers:

• Three Pro Bowl selections.
• Special Teams Player of the Year, 2001.
• Fifth in NFL history in field goals made (424) and points (1,915).
• First player in league history to score at least 100 points in each of his first 16 seasons — still the longest streak in the NFL.
• Record holder for longest field goal in a game (63 yards).

And that’s just the first few paragraphs.

No one doubts Elam’s ability, even as he nears the third decade of his tenure. Last season he missed just two field goals and made all of his extra point attempts (129 points on the season, second-highest total in Falcons history).

But he probably couldn’t quote all the numbers.

He’s busy “tweaking” his “swing,” figuring out the next edge to improve his game or cooking up any number of metaphors to compare the world of NFL kicking to other professional sports.

“I don’t think you perfect it,” he said Monday. “I don’t think you can ever stop learning. You’re always watching film and looking to try little tweaks here and there to see where it goes.

“Ultimately it’s like a golf swing. You tell yourself, ‘If I swing this way, the ball will go here.’ You learn to trust your swing.”

Elam said he didn’t trust his motion early in his career, but he’s closer than ever to that elusive goal. He admits he’s not perfect — he missed two field goals in 2008 and an extra point in the preseason opener — but he’s to the point of minor adjustments instead of major overhauls. Thoughtful practice instead of marathon kicking sessions.

“I’ve got to be careful with my body to make sure I’m in good, physical condition,” he said.

Elam is the only placekicker at Russell Falcons Training Camp. Many teams bring in an extra leg to work through special teams drills but the veteran said the coaching staff trusts his methods and lets him work though his cycle of kicking, working out, stretching and rest.

“They know how I like to prepare and they’re good with it,” he said. “I firmly believe I’m no different from a Major League Baseball pitcher in that they go every fourth day and they’re on a pitch count. Why is a kicker any different?”

Elam says he knew his extra point attempt in the third quarter of Saturday’s game against the Lions was off before he ever made contact with the ball.

He would have stopped his “swing” and called timeout if he could.

He liked the feel of the 46- and 41-yard field goals he made but the missed chip shot, which proved the difference in the 27-26 loss, just motivated him to continue what he’s never stopped doing.

Working.

“Fortunately it was a practice game,” Elam said. “Even if it’s a practice you’re more embarrassed than anything. It’s like that 3- or 4-foot putt. If those PGA guys miss those, they’re like ‘What happened?’ You realize you have to keep working on your swing and keep refining it.”

J. Michael Moore Feature, Preseason, training camp Detroit Lions, feature, Jason Elam, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp

Falcons fans expressed plenty of concern (in blog comments and on the message boards) about the team’s defense as the Detroit Lions marched down the field on their opening drive in Saturday’s preseason game.

But the Falcons were able to force a field goal — the Lions’ only points of the first half.

Starting outside linebacker Mike Peterson, who was credited with three tackles in limited work, said all the errors the defense made are easily corrected.

“We realize it’s a process,” the 11-year veteran said Monday when asked about the team’s preseason loss. “The first preseason game you’re going to go out and make some mistakes. The thing is, this week, we have to correct the mistakes and move forward.

“Once guys realize what to do everyone can play fast and play on the same level.”

The Falcons allowed more than 454 yards in total offense in the game, but most of that came in the second half.

Head Coach Mike Smith voiced concerns about the team’s penalties (five for 36 yards) in the game but that, too, falls under the heading of “mental” or “coachable” areas.

“The great thing about the bad and the ugly? They’re all correctable,” Smith said.” That’s what we worked on today as a staff in the film review. This is a process. This preseason, just like last year, our goal is to get to the opener as healthy as we can and have our players ready.”

MORE NOTES FROM MONDAY…

… Smith said he thought all the Falcons quarterbacks “played well” on Saturday, pointing out a deep pass from D.J. Shockley which — though incomplete — forced a pass interference call that led to a touchdown.

The coach said all four quarterbacks will play again on Friday night in St. Louis, though likely enter the game in a different order. No quarterback had more than 33 passing yards, but two of the four — Matt Ryan and John Parker Wilson — finished with passer ratings above 80.0

… The Falcons spent Monday morning before practice reviewing tape from Saturday’s loss. “A lot of coaching in terms of what we had to correct from the game,” Smith said. “We spent a lot of time this morning on corrections.”

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, training camp Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley, Detroit Lions, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Parker Wilson, Matt Ryan, Mike Peterson, Russell Falcons Training Camp