J.Mike's Missives

I’ve decided pretty much anything I write here won’t make Falcons players, staff, coaches or fans feel better.

You don’t lose 35-27 to a division rival on Monday Night Football with so much emotion and passion on the line and wake up chipper the next morning (or, more accurately, later the same morning).

“Especially with the Saints, you know you’re going to have a tough game,” quarterback Matt Ryan said after the game.

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That about sums up why things happened in New Orleans. The Falcons expected a hard game. But it doesn’t really explain all the details and how the team will rebound from a 4-3 record on a short week and take on a struggling Redskins team.

“That’s the way the game goes sometimes… They’re going to make some plays,” Ryan said when asked about his team’s turnovers and the chances to snatch victory away from the undefeated Saints. “A credit to them; They’ve been making those kind of plays all year.”

Still too early in the season for a must-win game, but the Falcons can’t afford too many more losses if they want to keep the playoff dream alive.

“The focus now has to be getting back to work and getting ready for the Redskins,” Ryan said.

The focus will include a game plan that features the Falcons strengths. After Monday night, there are additional positives to build on including 151 rushing yards from Michael Turner, a defense that is increasingly opportunistic and crafty when pressuring the quarterback and a special teams unit that has some tricks ups its sleeve.

But let’s see what the media at large thinks…

Complete Gameday Coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com
We’ve all seen games like this. But we haven’t seen them over the last two seasons with the Falcons. I’m talking about passion. What does the rebound look like with so much left on the field in New Orleans?

Falcons can’t close the upset deal against Saints, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta certainly looked like the upstart team looking for an upset. But, as the game played out, it looked more and more like a heavyweight bout between balanced opponents.

Saints’ remaining schedule is league’s easiest, ESPN.com
Well, that’s not good news.

Crowd was part of Saints’ arsenal, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Get ready New Orleans, you have two nationally-televised games left. They happen to be against the toughest teams left on the schedule.

Saints Beat Falcons and Tie Best Start to a Season at 7-0, The New York Times
More notes from NFL Week 8 and the Saints (Version 2009) have a piece of franchise history.

These truly aren’t the Saints of old, ESPN.com
“Everything that could go wrong pretty much did — and the Saints still won.” Credit to the Saints and a lesson for the Falcons.

Saints have realistic shot at 16-0, SI.com
Plenty of eyes with the Falcons organization, mostly coaches but also everyone at home, took notes from this one. I expect a similarly intense battle next month at the Georgia Dome.

Falcons sought running back help, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Plenty of injuries going into the game, but it doesn’t look like the Falcons suffered any other major setbacks.

A night of fire from the Falcons, but not much Ice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A few words about Ryan’s Monday night interceptions. The first was to a spot on the field that was to be occupied by a receiver, who was thrown off his route (penalty or not doesn’t matter). The second was a tipped pass (another great play by Jonathan Vilma). The third was a classic Hail Mary pick. I’m not saying there should be additional stat lines to describe interceptions, but I am saying…

Rapid Reaction: Saints 35, Falcons 27, ESPN.com
We certainly have a clearer picture of how the playoff race in the NFC South could shape up.

Former Falcon Hall still no fan of Petrino, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Is there ever a game in the NFL without a sub-story line.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, DeAngelo Hall, ESPN.com, Jonathan Vilma, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, SI.com, The New York Times, Washington Redskins

Something about the Bears coming to town brings out the best in the Georgia Dome crowd and the Falcons.

It also stirs up a little storm of luck that, for now, seems to be on the Falcons’ side. But like a tornado slicing through the plains, luck can be a fickle friend. This is particularly true if, as FoxSports.com reports, Falcons cornerback Brian Williams (knee) is done for the season.

Williams hurt the knee defending a pass in the end zone in the second half of Sunday’s game.

He was replaced in base packages by Brent Grimes and in the nickel package, when Williams usually moves inside, Chevis Jackson came into the game.

Head Coach Mike Smith is scheduled to speak with the media at 3:15 p.m. Monday, but he usually does not discuss injuries until after practice on Wednesday.

Regardless, the Falcons have done well with the injury bug this season overcoming most if not all the major bumps and bruises they’ve encountered.

It’s part of being a successful team in the NFL.

It’s part of controlling the storm of luck.

Complete Falcons-Bears Game Coverage, AF.com
The Falcons improved to 4-1 with a win over the Bears with two tough road games ahead. More on the game and what’s on the horizon in other blogs.

Falcons withstand Bears in another thriller, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“The NFL schedule makers might want consider pitting the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons against each other more often. This is getting to be fun.” That would certainly be nice… But I’m good for a while.

No ‘growing pains’ for Falcons defense, AF.com
Whenever the Falcons offense struggles the defense is there to save the day. That’s the way a team is supposed to work.

Breaking down Ryan by the numbers, ESPN.com
There’s a stat for just about anything.

Atlanta Falcons edge out a victory over Chicago Bears, 21-14, Examiner.com
It was a late night at the Georgia Dome, but time certainly flies when you’re having fun.

Falcons’ veteran linebacker finds groove, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At one point during Sunday night’s game @FalconsCreative turned to me and said ‘I’m glad we’ve got Mike Peterson.’ Yes. Me too.

Cutler, Bears come up short in 21-14 loss to Falcons, USA Today
Judging from the headline USA Today leans toward Chicago. I guess Jay Cutler is still the big name. At this point the Falcons are probably used to the lack of attention and perform well as an underdog.

Chicago Bears lose 21-14 to Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Tribune
The Bears did a good job protecting the football in three straight wins. Three turnovers in Game No. 5 didn’t do them any favors.

DeCoud, Johnson stand up for Falcons’ defense, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Smith talked Sunday night about younger players stepping up and making plays. DeCoud and Johnson joined the party against the Bears.

Stepping into starring roles, ESPN.com
“…But the game actually was won for the Falcons by an assemblage of lesser-known role players, guys who might enjoy a trip to Honolulu only if they pay for it.” If you blink, you miss this wonderful aspect of the NFL.

What We Learned: Bears-Falcons, SI.com
I know it’s looking ahead, but I’m wondering what the Falcons-Saints game at the Georgia Dome will be like. It’s shaping up to be the biggest game of the year. Then again, they’re all big games.

Norwood, Moore go down to injuries, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
John Manasso highlighted the Falcons injury situation in his morning blog.

Falcons And Bears Recap: Hanging Tough And Winning Big, The Falcoholic
Highlights and lowlights, though a win erases just about any bad feeling in the pit of the stomach, right?

The brand new Falcons play in prime time and find a way, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“These Falcons are not the feckless Falcons of old. They can look bad, yes. But they refuse to look bad for long.”

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Brent Grimes, Brian Williams, Chevis Jackson, Chicago Bears, Chicago Tribune, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, FalconsCreative, FoxSports.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jay Cutler, John Manasso, Mike Peterson, SI.com, Sunday Night Football, The Falcoholic, Thomas DeCoud, Thomas Johnson, USA Today

Not sure if I can stick around Flowery Branch much longer. The team is long gone, starting personal expeditions of relaxation. With the Fall sun warming a soft breeze it’s hard not to day dream out the window.

Let’s throw some random Birdseed together to get the other creative juices flowing.

Then, it’s time for a few days of R&R.

Weems turning heads in return game, AF.com
The injury to Harry Douglas was bad and put a kink in the Falcons plans. But the play of Eric Weems has made fans feel just fine about the team’s return game.

Falcons’ Norwood returns from concussion, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jerious Norwood is healthy and the bye week is at hand. Time to get back into a rhythm before a key trip to San Francisco.

Atlanta Falcons Stats, NFL.com
Look at this positive from the bye week. With just three games down, stats are a little easier to work with (not as many big numbers).

From the Examiner’s Desk: Did the process for the Atlanta Falcons ever end?, Examiner.com
We all can agree last week’s game in New England shows the Falcons haven’t reached the ultimate goal. Considering the process won’t be “over” until a Super Bowl win, we’ll have to wait at least until February.

Power rankings: Saints climbing, Bucs falling, ESPN.com
Is there an adjective more descriptive than “falling” to associate with the Bucs?

NFL Power Rankings, Week 4, SI.com
Hard to argue with the top six (undefeated teams). How does an undefeated team like the Broncos fall out of the top 10? I understand the question marks. Heck, I have a few of my own. But until you fall to the ranks of the one-loss crowd, you deserve some recognition.

How I See It: NFC South Stock Watch, ESPN.com
There’s really nothing wrong with a 3.5-yard per carry average. Just depends on what the offense does around it.

The Falcons say they don’t practice censorship – really!, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No comment.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Eric Weems, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Harry Douglas, Jerious Norwood, NFL.com, San Francisco 49ers, SI.com, stats, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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

Random find while sharpening the YouTube search skills…

Now for some thoughts.

1. Love the fact the Falcons are in the Super Bowl and made it through the playoffs after a 10-6 regular season. But, if you’re going to use the “rewind” function and cancel out a bad play, shouldn’t the team have gone 16-0?

(I see the user let the computer simulate the playoffs and “gamecasted” much of the big game so don’t call him out for cheating. My point is more with the act of hitting rewind, computer or otherwise).

2. Michael Jenkins has much better dance moves than what he showed in the post-game celebration.

3. Good flow to the video but what happened in the final 1:21? Defensive stand? Take a knee? I’m sure it was boring so I understand the edit but I’m still curious.

4. Why do video game creators insist on using first initials on jerseys when its not required in real life? “J. Abraham.” That just looks stupid.

5. Kidding aside, I wish I had the setup to record some of my xBox skills. Good work, Falcons fan. I look forward to the digital rendition of Super Bowl XLIIII.

Falcons on the Clock, NFL Network
More experts are leaning to cornerback with the Falcons No. 24 selection but I’m thinking of throwing another curve ball in Mock Draft 2.0 (coming soon).

2009 NFL Mock Draft 3.0, SI.com
Looks like Don Banks is ahead of me in mock draft count. No worries. No surprises about the Lions pick but it is interesting to see Matt Stafford as the second quarterback taken. Banks has the Falcons selecting Brian Cushing.

Falcons lining up replacements for Boley, Brooking, ProFootballWeekly.com
Last season the Falcons had no problems rotating linebackers in and out of the game based on down, distance and offensive formation. A little depth and maybe a play maker in the draft will make that strategy all the more effective.

A Very Falcoholic Discussion: Projecting The Cornerbacking Corps, The Falcoholic
More and more cornerbacks are making a case to be selected in the first or early second round of the draft so this discussion could take a different tone on April 26.

Draft Discussion: Tight Ends, AF.com
It’s not too late to ask a question about tight ends and the NFL Draft.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Random, YouTube Atlanta Falcons, AtlantaFalcons.com, Football, Michael Jenkins, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL Network, Pro Football Weekly, SI.com, Sports, Super Bowl, The Falcoholic