J.Mike's Missives

Thanks to the Motorola Player Challenge, linebacker Stephen Nicholas proved once and for all competitive nature doesn’t disappear the moment a Falcon leaves the field.

Just wait for his introduction…

Unfortunately, Nicholas went home early.

Curtis Lofton will face off against Michael Turner in Round No. 2.

Of course, most Falcons fans would rather Nicholas take that fiery personality — and any possible rage from losing to his teammate — to the field this Sunday in San Francisco.

I’m just sayin’…

J. Michael Moore Feature Curtis Lofton, Michael Turner, Motorola, Motorola Player Challenge, Stephen Nicholas, video

There was no question Thomas Johnson was having a good time.

The smile on the Falcons defensive tackle’s face stretched from ear to ear at Sandy Springs Middle School, his body losing control to the rhythm of the music pumping into the gymnasium.

It may seem awkward — a 305-pound man doing step aerobics — but Johnson seemed at home among more than 60 eighth grade students in the gym Tuesday morning.

It was a particularly interesting day for the lineman, who spent more than a year out of football before signing with the Falcons in the offseason. He spent that time working  as a ninth-grade P.E. teacher at White Station High School in his native Memphis.

Johnson, quarterbacks Matt Ryan and D.J. Shockley, linemen Chauncey Davis and Vance Walker, linebackers Curtis Lofton and Stephen Nicholas and long snapper Mike Schneck traveled Sandy Springs Tuesday as part of Hometown Huddle 2009 — a team-wide, city-wide service project that included stops to thank fans and work with children in the midst of the school day.

“This was like coming back to the classroom,” Johnson said. “I had a ball today. They had the stations easy to explain so I just went out and had a little fun, put my own little twist to it. I think the kids had fun.

“A lot of people think they can do it but you definitely have to have patience. You have to be a great teacher because every school is different.”

Johnson and his teammates spent an hour going through various activities with students ranging from stretching, to core exercises to good, old-fashioned games of tag.

Johnson and Lofton tried to steal the show on stage, where a simple aerobics station was on display.

“This is pretty tough,” said Lofton, the Falcons middle linebacker who on this day dripped with sweat sans helmet and shoulder pads. “They put these kids through a pretty tough workout today.”

Falcons players made stops at eight locations around the city (additional photos and video footage to come on AtlantaFalcons.com).

Players thanked fans for support at Publix on Peachtree Road SW, Home Depot in Decatur, a retirement community in Stone Mountain and the Georgia Aquarium. Players and cheerleaders also visited four middles schools — including Sandy Springs — to promote physical fitness.

“I think it’s very important for kids to stay in good physical shape,” Ryan said. “The NFL has the Play 60 initiative. I think it’s a great thing for kids to go outside and play 60 minutes of day, regardless of what it is… I was impressed with what I saw today.”

J. Michael Moore Falcons in the Community Chauncey Davis, Curtis Lofton, D.J. Shockley, Falcons in the Community, Hometown Huddle, Matt Ryan, Mike Schneck, Stephen Nicholas, Thomas Johnson, video

Welcome to Week 1, Falcons fans.

Welcome to the new evolution of the “Friday Pep Talk.”

Welcome, to Wildcat Falcons football.

Before you throw up comments ranging from insults to confusion, let me say I’m changing up the tradition of posting a video on Fridays from a straight pep talk to some football — or otherwise funny appropriate — video.

After recording Falconcast with Matt Moore this morning and talking about the Dolphins Wildcat formation for yet another day, I couldn’t help but think of the classic 80’s move “Wildcats,” featuring Goldie Hawn.

The last 30 seconds offers a motivational moment. The Falcons can relate to the “burning” of the schedule and looking forward — beyond any previous failures or success — to a new season with new opportunities.

Now it’s time to embark on another edition of Birdseed where we see just what makes football “the sport of kings” (better than diamond rings).

I really need to stop watching TV…

Nicholas looking to make most out of opportunity, AF.com
Stephen Nicholas’ story is unique and inspiring. He also represents a growing number of young players on the Falcons defense looking to make an impact.

Falcons’ Abraham practices, will play Sunday, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
John Abraham may show up on the injury report from time to time during the regular season but, unless it’s absolutely necessary, he won’t miss a sold-out game in the Georgia Dome.

Locker Room Report: NFC South, ESPN.com
Building an NFL team isn’t unlike finding the perfect recipe. A heaping spoonful of youth followed by a dash of experience.

Game 1 vs. Miami Dolphins…”A Kodak Moment,” The Canvas
Superfan is back for another season. This time, we’re giving him a “canvas” to work on. First up in the smack cartoon category, a fishing trip.

Comparisons continue between Dolphins’ Jake Long and Falcons’ Matt Ryan, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The Matt Ryan-Jake Long connection isn’t as compelling as the Joe Flacco one, but it’s vital when looking back at the NFL Draft. The Dolphins went with long-term need. So did the Falcons.

More from the Sun-Sentinel:

• Yeremiah Bell is excited to face Falcons’ future hall-of-famer, tight end Tony Gonzalez
• Miami Dolphins plan to regularly rotate receivers
• Matt Ryan clarifies comments after calling Wildcat offense a fad

Turner and Norwood back to power the running game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeroius Norwood has bulked up in the offseason. Now, he will never be a bruising NFL running back, but he’s put on some pounds and looks a little more like a traditional runner.

Blank’s fortune cookie: Parcells is goin’ down, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Bill Parcells incident likely won’t come up in any gameday conversation. That’s really the way it should be.

Young Falcons defense to be tested by Dolphins, The (Columbus, Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer
No better confidence booster than getting out of the gate with a good performance.

The Hot Button: Did Falcons redo too much of their defense?, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Valid points, but you have to make moves and changes when players are available. The Falcons obviously liked defensive players in the 2009 NFL Draft. Things will work out.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, YouTube AF.com, AJC, Bill Parcells, ESPN.com, Friday Video, Goldie Hawn, Jake Long, Jerious Norwood, Joe Flacco, John Abraham, Matt Ryan, Miami Dolphins, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Stephen Nicholas, Superfan, The Ledger-Enquirer, Tony Gonzalez, wildcat formation, Wildcats, Yerimiah Bell

They don’t call it “The Worldwide Leader” for nothing.

ESPN.com and its army of writers and bloggers take pride in knowing just about all there is to know on sports. That’s why whenever NFC South Blogger Pat Yasinskas comes to town I’m first in line to see if he’ll go in front of the Flip.

Special thanks to Pat for answering some questions and sharing his opinion on the Falcons thus far in Russell Falcons Training Camp.

Let’s start with the secondary — a position group that’s getting plenty of notice as coaches look to replace two starters from 2008.

“Brent Grimes seems to be the guy that has the edge for that job right now,” Yasinskas said, referring to the roster spot opposite three-year veteran Chris Houston. “Coaches and players are raving about his athletic ability. Yes his height is a bit of a question mark but he’s a guy that’s so athletic and has such great leaping ability he can make up for that lack of height.”

Yasinskas also likes what he sees from Stephen Nicholas at linebacker and first-round pick Peria Jerry at defensive tackle. The question a week ago was who would fill spots on defense, that’s getting answered, according to Yasinskas.

Now it’s time to gauge effectiveness.

The veteran blogger points out Nicholas and Grimes know the defensive system, so the Falcons could be ahead of the curve.

“There might be some ups and downs early on but, in the long term, I think they’re going to be very good players,” he said. “They were schooled in this system so I think it will work out well.”

J. Michael Moore News, YouTube, training camp Brent Grimes, Chris Houston, interview, NFC South, one-on-one, Pat Yasinskas, Peria Jerry, Russell Falcons Training Camp, Stephen Nicholas, YouTube

Take a look at the Falcons depth chart and you’ll see a familiar name in an unfamiliar position. Third-year pro Stephen Nicholas is lining up as the team’s No. 1 strong-side linebacker.

But this isn’t an unfamiliar situation to him.

Nor is he taking it lightly.

It was two years ago, almost to the day, he was in a starting position as a rookie. It was the preseason and he was filling in for an injured Demorrio Williams, but it was an opportunity.

Now one of the players expected to replace five departed starters on defense, Nicholas is taking every chance he gets to improve. He is careful not to look over his shoulder or coast with success.

“I feel good, man…” he said Tuesday. “But I’m still competing.”

Nicholas played in 13 games as a rookie, totaling 37 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. His numbers on defense slipped in 2008 (9 tackles and a sack) but he was a force on special teams.

When Michael Boley left in free agency, Nicholas was called to step up. He’s been solid on the field during Russell Falcons Training Camp.

A fun-loving — and humorous — member of the team’s defense, Nicholas isn’t taking anything for granted.

“I got to be consistent and do everything they ask me to do,” he said. “I have to stay consistent and understand the defense.”

MORE NOTES FROM TUESDAY IN THE BRANCH…

… It took 11 days, but Tuesday saw the first scuffle in training camp. It involved tackle Tyson Clabo and safety Erik Coleman. “They were a little testy this morning; this is probably one of the toughest days we’re having in camp,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “… This is one of the longest days our guys will have here in training camp.

“Guys are going to mix it up. They were out there competing this morning and some of our nerves got frayed a little bit, but that’s all part of it.  We just want to make sure we are in control during the game.”

… With an injury to second-round pick William Moore and the move of Coleman to strong safety, second-year man Thomas DeCoud is getting the bulk of the work at free safety thus far in camp. But Smith and his staff don’t see DeCoud as a single-position player.

“We drafted him for that dual safety role because he can play both the strong and free safety,” Smith said Tuesday. “That’s what we really like to have, guys that are interchangeable because of the things teams do in formations or with a substitution package.  It is very important for us to get Thomas, and a number of guys on the defensive side, as much exposure as we can.”

J. Michael Moore News, training camp Demorrio Williams, Erik Coleman, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, Michael Boley, Russell Falcons Training Camp, Stephen Nicholas, Thomas DeCoud, Tyson Clabo, William Moore

Linebacker Curtis Lofton, who injured his hamstring at the end of the first day of Russell Falcons Training Camp, returned to the field Monday — a sign the Falcons are getting healthier as the preseason opener approaches.

Lofton, a second-year player from Oklahoma, started 15 of 16 games at middle linebacker last season, has worked with the first-team with Stephen Nicholas and Mike Peterson.

Defensive tackle Trey Lewis, who missed 2008 with a torn ACL, also returned to practice Monday after missing a few days with a minor injury.

“Curtis was back today. Trey Lewis was back today,” Head Coach Mike Smith said when he met with the media.

“The only player that was held out of practice today — and that was precautionary from the scrimmage there on Friday night — was Jason Snelling.”

Snelling was on the receiving end of a big hit by safety Jamaal Fudge during the team’s Friday Night Lights scrimmage at Brookwood High School. Smith said the third-year running back would be ready for the afternoon practice.

Lofton was second to New England’s Jerod Mayo in tackles by a rookie last season (108). He said he’s “trying to get back in football shape” after aggravating his left hamstring and that he’s careful not to overexert himself.

But he’s not underestimating the value of getting on the field with new linebackers Peterson and Nicholas and increasing his breadth of knowledge and leadership.

“It’s important because in camp is when you start bonding and forming a relationship,” Lofton said.

“We have a combination of leaders. There’s not just one, sole leader. Everyone leads by different measures. I’m just trying to lead and do my thing.”

MORE NOTES FROM CAMP…

… New receiver Marty Booker likes what he sees from quarterback Matt Ryan (few can argue), particularly when considering the struggles he’s had with quarterbacks over his 11-year career. “It’s good to finally play with a pretty good quarterback,” he said. “If you look at my career and my stats, 11 years I’ve been in the NFL I think I’ve had like 20 different starting quarterbacks. I can adjust on that level, but to come in and have a No. 1 guy that’s as impressive as he is, it’s always a plus.”

… Booker worked under offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey in Miami, but said he’s got some work to do in learning the Falcons system. “It’s pretty similar,” he said. “The concept is similar. It’s a matter of tweaks here I have to learn but I’m trying to get in there early and learn as much as I can so I can be ready.”

… Smith wants to keep an eye on his team’s attention span leading up to the first preseason game, especially when training camp enters its most brutal stretch. “These next few days are kind of the dog days,” the second-year coach said. “As we get to the end of the week the game will be more prevalent. These next few days it’s going to be tough for all of us to focus but we have to do it.”

… The team is happy to have Roddy White back on the practice field after the Pro Bowler signed a contract extension and ended his holdout. But injuries to players who miss the start of camp aren’t uncommon. Smith said the team will keep an eye on it’s top receiver.

“We’re going to monitor his reps but it will be really on day two and three you have to take a good look at it,” he said. “Roddy came in yesterday after he signed his contract and the first thing I said to him was: ‘You ready to take your running test?’”

J. Michael Moore News, injury, training camp Curtis Lofton, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, injury, Jamaal Fudge, Jason Snelling, Marty Booker, Matt Ryan, Mike Mularkey, Roddy White, Russell Falcons Training Camp, Stephen Nicholas, Trey Lewis

One of the most well-respected radio personalities in Atlanta took some time out Tuesday morning to talk about the Falcons. For that, the staff at J. Mike’s Missives (me), thank him.

A striking theme is developing in these interviews with media types.

They like what the Falcons have going.

“The foundation Coach Smith talks about so often is really, truly being laid right now for this franchise to have that four- or five-year window when every year they compete for an NFC Championship Game,” Kincade said.

The veteran radio personality said the Falcons could have the best offense in the NFC in 2009 and fans should be ready to embark on a journey to epic success.

“We’ve been up here for training camp with them for the better part of a decade and, from watching them, I can say I’ve never been this optimistic for Falcons fans that this is a year that’s going to take them the next step,” he said. “I’m not sure it takes them to 12 games; I’m not sure it takes them to an NFC Championship Game. But, for the long run, you’ll look back at 2009 and say ‘This is the year a lot of key parts of the puzzle got their feet wet.’”

Those lofty expectations did not come without some concern.

Kincade likes the athleticism in the secondary, but isn’t sure about the youth movement. He also wonders about the linebacker group, which may have a first-time starter in Stephen Nicholas and a second-year man in the middle in Curtis Lofton.

“There are so many questions marks and I think teams that are truly competing for a Super Bowl in ‘09 are teams that don’t have that many ‘what ifs’ on the defensive side of the ball,” he said.

But in three or four years Kincade — a self-described Eagles fan — sees the Falcons as Super Bowl participants.

J. Michael Moore News, YouTube, training camp 680 The Fan, Curtis Lofton, interview, John Kincade, NFC Championship Game, one-on-one, Stephen Nicholas, Super Bowl

In the matter of 24 hours I’ve witnessed my garage door attempt to free itself from its tracks (still figuring that one out), my truck leak transmission fluid and the toilet in the bathroom go on the fritz.

When it rains, it pours.

Times like this I look to blog writing for stress relief.

I also gain more respect for all the father’s in the world and what they give up for the betterment of society.

Take, for example, the friend — a dad — who took time out of his Father’s Day to diagnose the problems in my garage (thanks David).

Then there’s my Dad.

How many garage door openers has he installed? How many times has he taken a car for an oil change or a check up? How many toilet tanks has he reached in to fix some sort of plumbing issue?

How many times has he fielded a phone call from his new-home owner son asking how to fix something or requesting his presence for a weekend project?

I can’t answer those questions.

I can, however, tell you how many times he’s complained, scoffed or belly-ached.

Zero.

Maybe I complain enough for the both of us. Maybe it’s something I’ll learn when I have children. Regardless, thanks Dad — and all the fathers out there — for helping your sons when they need it most.

Very special Father’s Day for Falcons’ Nicholas, ESPN.com
Magnificent story of hope and compassion. A must read.

Father’s Day extra special for Falcons coach, AF.com
Before Terry Robiskie was called “Falcons coach” he was called “dad.”

5 new Falcon dads celebrate Father’s Day, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Something tells me the family section at training camp will be crowded this year.

Mailbag: Atlanta Falcons edition, ESPN.com
Time for a little in-depth discussion on the Falcons roster. More to come over the next month.

A Falcons Father’s Day, Examiner.com
Let’s keep this Father’s Day theme rolling (I’m sure all the dads out there would love an extra day).

Ranking the NFC South coaching staffs, ESPN.com
I haven’t been keeping count, but I’m pretty sure the Falcons are leading the way in this blog series. Of course, this post may be the most important.

Sustained success or sophomore slump in 2009 for Matt Ryan?, Examiner.com
Matt Ryan did a pretty good job last year eliminating rookie stereotypes. So why does anyone think something as stereotypical as a “sophomore slump” is a possibility?

The Falcons are stacked — on one side of the ball, anyway, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First, what an incredible photo on this story! I know it’s John Abraham, but you have to admire sports photography like that. Second, print out this article and keep it. Something to keep in mind in good times and bad for the season to come.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Father's Day, John Abraham, Matt Ryan, Stephen Nicholas, Terry Robiskie

I came within inches of crushing a turtle this morning on my way to work.

The little guy was doing his best to cross one of the many country roads in the Flowery Branch and, as my tire rolled by, he had made it to the center line. As I continued, another car passed me at an equal rate of speed.

I’m surprised he didn’t jump into his shell.

(The turtle was on a not-so-busy road, so I’m confident he made it across).

Then I got to thinking…

I wonder if that turtle has something in common with NFL rookies in their first mini camp?

Learning a new playbook (which is at least three inches thick) practicing twice a day in Georgia humidity and going up against some of the best athletes in the world must be like crossing a highway at tortoise-like speed.

As I walked out of the building last night I caught glimpses of Peria Jerry and other Falcons rookies working with position coaches.

They reviewed film of practices to mentally correct mistakes.

There are no excuses in the NFL for a 15-year veteran or a rookie with 15 minutes on the job.

That’s why Head Coach Mike Smith expects his rookie class to be confused and instructs his staff to throw as much information as possible at the first-year players.

It separates the men from the boys.

“They’ve earned the right to be here and be a professional football player now they need to earn the right to be on a 53-man roster,” Smith said.

Notebook: Gonzalez takes part in first practice, AF.com
Tony Gonzalez represents the missing piece in the Falcons offense. Considering the team had a top-five offense before Gonzalez arrived, fans should be pretty excited.

Gonzalez earns praise of Falcons teammates, AF.com
Good work, D. Led. I looked for a good description and couldn’t find one. This one works: “Gonzalez ran his routes with the grace of an oversized ballet dancer and plucked Matt Ryan’s passes out of the air with ease.”

Falcons’ Ryan eyes Gonzalez with zeal, ESPN.com
Ryan described Gonzalez as “a new toy.”

Smith: ‘A Very Spirited Practice,’ J. Mike’s Missives
First day of practice; first mini camp skirmish. That’s what happens when you have people fighting for jobs.

Gonzalez feels like perfect fit for Falcons’ talented offense, NFL.com
“The Atlanta Falcons had 19 catches for 211 yards and two touchdowns between their three tight ends last season.” And think… The team went to the playoffs and still got quality production from the position. What will adding a Pro Bowler do?

Wilson could factor into Falcons’ QB plans, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some Alabama fans help me out… Is it “John” or “John Parker?” I haven’t had a chance to introduce myself and was wondering what he likes to be called.

Why there won’t be a ’sophomore slump’ for Ryan, ESPN.com
I’ll confirm the assertion that Ryan is indeed the same guy on and off the field. He’s grounded and humble — two things that seem rare in the world today.

Atlanta Falcons mini camp report: Day 1, Examiner.com
Rookies have no time to rest. Well, they do, but it’s after the season, eight to nine months from now.

Falcons’ Abraham does not practice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The season doesn’t start tomorrow. Plenty of time for players to nurse a few last bruises. How else do guys stay fresh through 16 games?

Signing off from Flowery Branch, ESPN.com
Trey Lewis left the field briefly Friday but, after some work with the trainers, he was back in action.

Falcons mini-camp: Fans’ guide, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For more information on mini camp you can log on to www.atlantafalcons.com/minicamp.

Six Tryout Players at Mini Camp, J. Mike’s Missives
The Falcons brought in tryout players last season as well, which is allowed by the NFL. If any are signed, the news will be announced early next week.

Quick Hits from the First Practice, Tight Spirals
Dan Levak has an eye for practice. He got all this stuff down without a notebook. Impressive memory. Wish I had that.

Early observations from Falcons’ minicamp, ESPN.com
The three linebackers with the first unit were Curtis Lofton, Mike Peterson and Stephen Nicholas. Erik Coleman and Thomas DeCoud worked at safety.

Now… Do it Backwards, J. Mike’s Missives
Going to try to get more video like this today but not sure how the team will set up in relation to the media area.

Falcons’ Dimitroff only makes exceptions for the exceptional, The Sporting News
I read something in the blog comments yesterday that’s fitting here: “Prior planning prevents poor performance.” Think about it.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, News AF.com, AJC, Curtis Lofton, D. Orlando Ledbetter, Dan Levak, Erik Coleman, Head Coach Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, Mike Peterson, NFL.com, Stephen Nicholas, The Sporting News, Thomas DeCoud, Tony Gonzalez, Trey Lewis

About a week ago I was in my normal seat at a weekly staff meeting when a familiar face caught my eye. Walking up the steps on the other side of the glass wall was Eric Sutulovich.

He was chatting with Head Coach Mike Smith.

At the time I couldn’t remember his name but I knew he was the assistant special teams coach for the Houston Texans when I interned with the team in 2004.

Now’s a good time to mention that 2004 was one of the best years in the team’s young history. Sure that 7-9 record is eclipsed by the team’s back-to-back years at .500, but I like to think some of that magic had to do with me.

So, turns out Sutulovich got a job with the Falcons earlier this week.

I spent some time this morning catching up with him in his new office. He’s excited to be in Atlanta and work with special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong. He didn’t say it, but I could tell he’s eager to coach a team that set an NFL record in fewest punt return yards last season and boast such talents as Jason Elam, Michael Koenen, Coy Wire, Stephen Nicholas and Jason Snelling.

We chatted for about 20 minutes, discussing neighborhoods to live in around Flowery Branch and comparing notes on the organization.

It’s always good to see a familiar face, especially one with great experience.

Sutulovich served as an offensive assistant in Detroit last season but most of his NFL experience came in Houston. Over that four-year span, the Texans ranked first in the league in punts downed inside the 20-yard line (120), fourth in opponent punt return yard average (7.4), sixth in the AFC in kickoff touchbacks (120) and seventh in the conference in kickoff return yard average (22.1).

He coached under one of the best special teams coordinators in the business, Joe Marciano.

It’s rare that I get to swap stories with coaches, so that was an interesting part of the day. I’m sure fans will also give him a warm welcome at Mini Camp, which is open to the public on May 9.

J. Michael Moore News, Random Coy Wire, Detroit Lions, Eric Sutulovich, Houston Texans, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, Michael Koenen, Stephen Nicholas