J.Mike's Missives

After more than two NFL seasons of full-time blogging I’m running out of things to say. Shocking, huh?

So, for today’s edition of the Friday Pep Talk, I’m going with a clip so short and easy a caveman can understand it.

If this is, as Dwight Schrute says, “the most inspiring thing” he’s ever heard we can rest assured nothing will ever go wrong on The Office. Luckily for the Falcons, sitcom television has no bearings on football (episodes get moved for the Super Bowl, remember)?

As the Falcons prepare to face the 2-5 Washington Redskins, we’re reminded that no team can be overlooked on an NFL schedule. Of course, “not being an idiot” is sometimes easier said than done.

But with the right amount of focus mixed with a dash of frustration from back-to-back losses the Falcons can do the same thing they did when faced with a 4-3 record in 2008 — win.

Atlanta won seven of it’s last nine games last season to secure a playoff spot.

A victory Sunday won’t be easy. The Redskins have a top-10 defense and, at least when it comes to sound byes, a chippy personality the Falcons tend to answer on the field.

I look for the Falcons to come out with the necessary motivation because, for 24 games, Head Coach Mike Smith’s team didn’t lose back-to-back contests.

Three in a row seems unlikely.

Just don’t Schrute it.

Redskins defense an area of Falcons focus, AF.com
With a defense as good as the Redskins’, where would the team be with an offense that scored more than 13 points per game?

Falcons version of “Saving Private Ryan,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I forgot Terry Robiskie was once a Redskins interim head coach. Blast from the past.

Turner taps into his old mind-set, The Augusta Chronicle
Watching film doesn’t have to be about the opponent.

What to Watch for in Week 9, AF.com
Last year the Falcons won ball games by dominating in the first quarter. Could struggles in the second quarter be a sign of a struggle in 2009?

Falcons-Redskins sold out, no blackout, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Blackouts aren’t a thing of the past in the NFL. But Falcons fans take note. This isn’t 2007 or the start of 2008. The Falcons have announced their presence on the national scene.

I Think I Remember This Guy, J. Mike’s Missives
A little self-promotion never hurt anyone.

Falcons CB Tye Hill hopes to contribute more, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For more on Hill, who got his first start as a Falcon last week, watch…

Redskins’ tackle job may be left to Jones, The Washington Times
On a team built around an All-Pro running back and ball-control passing game (not to mention a good defense), injuries at offensive line aren’t an option.

‘Misunderstood’ Hall in midst of an overhaul, The Washington Post
This is a story line that changes by the day. Good thing kickoff isn’t far away.

Blache passionately defends Redskins owner Snyder from criticism, NFL.com
Speaking of story lines… I think Michael Jenkins said it best this week when he told reporters the Falcons can’t concern themselves about what goes on in an opponents’ front office. Words to live by.

Matty Ice mired in a bit of a slump, Yahoo Sports
Plenty of football left. Interceptions get added to the stat sheet at some point or another. Maybe Matt Ryan’s come in clumps.

Haynesworth calls out Clabo, Dahl on radio show, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Again with the talk! We got comments from Tyson Clabo, too, if you’re interested…

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Albert Haynesworth, DeAngelo Hall, Dwight Schrute, Friday Pep Talk, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Michael Turner, NFL.com, Terry Robiskie, The Augusta Chronicle, The Office, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, Tye Hill, Tyson Clabo, Washington Redskins, Yahoo Sports

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

We’re getting ready for a busy couple of days in The Branch and around the community.

I’ve often said how great it is to cover a team that does so much in the community at all points of the year (it’s not only about the in-season Tuesdays).

Tonight, Head Coach Mike Smith and some of the veteran players are at a community event (video coming tomorrow afternoon). Also tomorrow, the team’s community relations department will host a fishing expedition with Falcons players and more than a dozen veterans of U.S. combat operations in Iraq and Afgahnistan.

On Wednesday, the team will open a portion of its OTA (organized team activities) workout to the media. Such will be the case for the next five weeks as the team gets a little extra work in before the start of Russell Falcons Training Camp on Aug. 1.

Details and coverage to come, but don’t think we’re just taking it easy.

Can’t take a breath when you’re hunting for a Super Bowl.

Falcons more than $20 million under new salary cap, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
People get payed a lot of money to tinker with the economics of the salary cap. It’s relatively simple, but extremely complicated. This news, of course, doesn’t kick off a spending spree. It doesn’t really work like that.

Bergeron gets second chance with Falcons, The (Columbus, Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer
Troy Bergeron also has the luxury of learning a new system from one of the best receiver coaches in the game: Terry Robiskie.

NFL Photos: New Falcons for 2009, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Share your thoughts on some of the Falcons recent additions.

You call it: Best NFC South rivalry, ESPN.com
My vote is for Falcons-Saints. Sure, Panthers-Falcons may have been more relevant over the past decade but the New Orleans-Atlanta connection, especially the struggles through lean years, make for the most story lines.

Falcons announce the release of three players, AF.com
Proof that tweaking the roster isn’t reserved for the preseason.

Falcons DE Abraham still recovering from 2008 campaign, Pro Football Weekly
Go ahead and speculate, but you can’t argue with the logic behind holding out Pro Bowl caliber players in an effort to retain energy and health for the regular season.

Falcons finding right blend on defense, ESPN.com
There’s work to be done. No question about that. But I’ve always liked the idea of youth and speed on defense. Leaders will rise to the top and the Falcons will benefit from young players eager to play.

Atlanta Falcons ‘09 Draft Review, NFLDraftCountdown.com
Quick notes and another grade on the Falcons draft. I’ll give you a hint. It’s better than passing.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Falcons in the Community AF.com, AJC, ESPN.com, Falcons in the Community, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Abraham, New Orleans Saints, NFLDraftCountdown.com, Pro Football Weekly, salary cap, Terry Robiskie, The Ledger-Enquirer, Troy Bergeron

Falcons wide receivers coach Terry Robiskie is always coaching.

And he’s always keeping a focused, business-like practice both light and comical.

Watch closely at the end of this video when the receivers turn to go back through the ropes. After a successful pass on one of the hardest drills, Robiskie asks rookie wideout Aaron Kelly to perform the moves backwards.

Just as Kelly appeared to get nervous, Robiskie revealed the joke.

Off to the next drill.

J. Michael Moore Clips, Random, YouTube, mini camp Aaron Kelly, mini camp, Terry Robiskie