J.Mike's Missives

Who says there’s no good news coming out of Flowery Branch?

Thursday Head Coach Mike Smith confirmed running back Jerious Norwood returned to the practice field. The fourth-year pro was limited, but it’s a welcome sign of progression for the speedster, who suffered a concussion earlier in the season and, more recently, hurt his hip.

Norwood hasn’t played in a game since Oct. 18 and has just 19 carries for 78 yards on the year.

However, no additional good news on Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner (ankle sprain), who missed a second-straight day of practice. Smith said Wednesday Turner had “made a lot of strides” since injuring his right ankle Sunday afternoon. Thursday, Smith said a time table for the back’s return has not been set.

If the team doesn’t have Turner’s services, the sting would be lightened with Norwood in the lineup. The Falcons got a good day from Jason Snelling in the backfield last week and re-signed 10-year veteran running back Aaron Stecker for depth.

“It was good to get Jerious Norwood back out there,” Smith said (video). “That was a positive. Now we just have to wait and see how he responds to the work he got today.

“He looked good. You see that speed and Jerious’ smile out there breaking in and out of the huddle.”

Norwood certainly puts another big play threat into the offense. He’s averaged 5.7 yards per carry over his career, has shown skill as a slot receiver out of the backfield and was a centerpiece in the Falcons version of the “wildcat” formation in 2008, where the running back takes a direct snap with the quarterback split out as a wide receiver.

He’s also been a fixture in the “Birdseed” formation, which hasn’t left the blog-room drawing board yet…

What to Watch For in Week 11, AF.com
If you’re going to pay attention to just a few things in Sunday’s game, make sure you look at this page first.

A Look Ahead and the Shrinking Schedule, The Falcoholic
Will 10-6 get you into the NFC playoffs? Tough to say, but 11 wins would certainly be a safer bet.

Ryan is working through a ‘rough stretch,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Matt Ryan watches the office? This opens up endless opportunities in the blog when it comes to YouTube clips and satire. Must… Contain… Funny… Bone…

Falcons share early Thanksgiving with students, AF.com
Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday of the J. Mike Family. Too bad it always sneaks up on us.

If Michael Turner Is Out, Let’s Discuss Our Other Options, The Falcoholic
Still waiting for a time line on Michael Turner’s return to the field. So now is as good a time as any to start figure out what the options are in the running game in case of a long-term absence.

Snelling ready to try to fill Turner’s cleats, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With Norwood returning to practice, Falcons fans can be hopeful the team will have a compliment of three running backs on Sunday — Norwood, Snelling and Stecker.

Sophomore slump slowing flight path of Falcons’ Ryan, USA Today
“I think there are ups and downs of every season,” Ryan said. “There are a lot of things to learn from. You have to learn from your mistakes, bounce back.”

Falcons Coach on Parting Ways With Boley, The New York Times
It seems the former Falcons linebacker will also be the Giant responsible for shutting down Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Turner not ruling himself out for Giants game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
And, so far, neither are the Falcons…

Numbers, Notes and Colors for Week 11, AF.com
White jerseys, winning streaks and more in this notes column from New Media Intern Vance.

Falcons’ video crew sees all, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Make no mistake, the video, equipment and public relations staffs have some of the hardest working men in Flowery Branch

Bergeron rejoins Falcons practice squad roster, AF.com
The former Georgia Force receiver has quickly become a fan favorite.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed Aaron Stecker, AF.com, Georgia Force, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Matt Ryan, Michael Boley, Michael Turner, New Media Intern Vance, New York Giants, NFC, The Falcoholic, The New York Times, The Office, Tony Gonzalez, Troy Bergeron

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.

Click here for more Falcons-Saints interviews

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

We’re in the middle of a busy week in Flowery Branch. Actually, busy, is probably too soft a word. (I should have known a week where an airplane is completely dedicated to the Falcons was going to be a bit out of control).

It’s a good thing.

When the Falcons return home for the only time in the month of October, the Georgia Dome will be a buzz with prime time activities. We all remember last year’s game against the Bears (you know, 12 seconds, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Jason Elam, field goal).

So doing extra work to make sure fans know all about what’s happening at the game — on the field and off — isn’t a big deal.

It’s Sunday Night Football. And the excitement has already started.

Pro Bowl wideout Booker adjusts to backup role, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Veterans don’t always come into starting roles late in their careers. But that doesn’t mean they don’t do vital jobs on a football team.

Introducing the Atlanta Falcons offense, Examiner.com
Better late than never. But I’d argue the Falcons offense was doing what it needed to do through the first three games as well. Just took a few weeks to get ready to explode.

NFC rankings: Elite meet with Falcons-Bears, Giants-Saints, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons No. 5. Bears No. 6. Something has to give this weekend at the Georgia Dome.

Love affair for Falcons’ Ryan is growing, Yahoo Sports
Now that’s an interesting headline, especially from a sports columnist.

Brees, Ryan thriving when pressure is on, ESPN.com
The ‘Matty Ice’ nickname makes more and more sense each day.

Vantage Point, AF.com
One last word, or should I say ‘look’ at the big win over San Francisco.

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/175043/175043_2009-10-14-133416.flv

How I See It: NFC South Stock Watch, ESPN.com
If a 200-yard game didn’t get Roddy White’s football stock rising I’m not sure what would.

Mughelli suffered leg injury against 49ers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ovie Mughelli was listed on the injruy report during the week and did not return after leaving Sunday’s game. Should know more Wednesday when the team issues its first injury report of this week.

With Singletary Looking on, 49ers’ Bly Apologizes, The New York Times
I’ve covered the NFL for six years and yesterday’s Dre’ Bly apology was a first. Of course, his celebrating an interception in the middle of the field during a return was also a first.

Six touchdowns = Six toppings, Falcons Biz
Stay tuned to the “Falcons Biz” blog through the season for more notes on the Falcons offerings to fans and some notes on sports business.

Bears To Face Tough Challenge Versus Atlanta Sunday Night. Bleacher Report
Got some interesting comments from Elam in the Wednesday open locker room period about his game-winning kick against the Bears last season.

Bounce backs a part of the Atlanta Falcons game plan, Examiner.com
We’ve made it through one and a quarter seasons for the Mike Smith era and the Falcons have yet to lose back-to-back games.

Smith delivers Falcons quarterly report, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Speaking of quarters, the Falcons just finished the first (four out 16 games) of the 2009 season.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AirTran, AJC, Chicago Bears, Dre' Bly, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Falcons Biz, Georgia Dome, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Marty Booker, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Mike Singletary, Ovie Mughelli, Roddy White, Sunday Night Football, The New York Times, Vantage Point, video, Yahoo Sports

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

BLOGGER’S NOTE: You can follow Russell Falcons Training Camp on the Twitter feed (click here for all the Falcons Twitter accounts) and Qik, if I can figure out some technical aspects, find a subject and get the live streaming to work on the phone. Enjoy!

I don’t get sick very often. So, when I do come down with something, it’s usually severe — and at the worst possible time.

A year ago, on the opening day of training camp, I thought I was dying. What started as summer sniffles evolved into full-blow, throat-clogging, cough-inducing bronchitis.

Not the way you want to start a new season full of hope.

Some say the Falcons were sick entering 2008, suffering from something that started small but ballooned into some disease no one in pro sports had ever heard of. But with time — and an infusion of talented personnel executives, coaches and players — the team recovered.

Now, stronger than ever, the Falcons look to show last season’s playoff appearance was no fluke.

Training camp is here.

At last.

Russell Falcons Training Camp, AF.com
Get all the information on training camp, including practice times and notifications on changes.

White fined for no-show at Falcons camp, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More on this story today when Head Coach Mike Smith talks to the media (should be around 11 a.m.).

Team enjoys increased buzz in ticket sales, AF.com
Before we hear from Smitty, single-game tickets for the 2009 season will go on sale. Click here for ticket information and set your alarm for 10 a.m.

Six potential Atlanta Falcons on the bubble in training camp, Examiner.com
Whether you’re talking March Madness or NFL football, being “on the bubble” isn’t a stress-free environment.

Ole Miss’ Jerry ready to go for Falcons, The (Biloxi, Miss.) Sun-Herald
Saw Peria Jerry this morning in the lunch room. Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder reminded him to eat breakfast. Preview of a hard day of work?

Falcons Arrive At Training Cam, WSBTV.com
Players had most of the day to check in and many of them took their time. Sure, training camp is exciting but it’s also a lot of work.

Falcons start camp with high expectations, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s plenty to watch at training camp, even if most of the major questions focus on defense.

When Auto Plants Close, Only White Elephants Remai, The New York Times
I know this doesn’t really have anything to do with training camp but the Falcons are mentioned. I also love chances to put The Gray Lady in Birdseed. It adds credibility.

Falcons sign free agent lineman Adam Speer, AF.com
Last minute roster moves are sometimes popular before camp. They don’t really facilitate the web team taking a day off, though.

Falcons position battles to watch, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let me guess… All the position battles on defense? Oh, OK. Backup quarterback is in there. I was wondering if we’d all be watching one side of the ball for the next three weeks.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, training camp AF.com, AJC, Brian VanGorder, Examiner.com, Mike Smith, Peria Jerry, Russell Falcons Training Camp, Sun-Herald, The New York Times, WSBTV.com

Peria Jerry just finished up his first press briefing as a member of the Atlanta Falcons and the word to describe him is simple in spelling and definition.

Humble.

“I look forward to coming in, working hard, learning as much as I can as quick as possible and getting to work,” Jerry said Sunday morning. “I want to thank everyone for the support.

“It’s a blessing to be here.”

Jerry said the Falcons brought him to Flowery Branch for an interview “about a week ago.” He knew then he could be looking at his new home.

“I was sitting there and, after the first five picks, I was thinking ‘I don’t know what’s going to happen,’ he said. “I stopped watching (the Draft) until the 20th pick because I knew Atlanta had the 24th pick.

General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Mike Smith echoed their thoughts from Saturday evening on Jerry — a physical player who can rush the passer and defend the run.

The team got the versatile defensive lineman it was after.

“Peria, as we all know, is a first-team All American: 18 tackles for loss, seven sacks (as a senior),” Dimitroff said. “In our minds Peria was one of the most disruptive and productive defenders in this year’s draft.

“Peria Jerry, in our minds, is a fantastic person as well off the field. We look forward to his leadership on the defensive line.”

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT PERIA JERRY…

A quick look at some articles about Jerry, including those describing his passion for the game and love of his family.

Rebels’ Peria Jerry takes hard road to potential NFL future, The (Memphis, Tenn.) Commercial-Appeal
This story got to me. Seriously. I talked about this in my first analysis of Jerry. And I saw and heard more about his devotion to family this morning.

Falcons get a steal with Rebels’ Jerry at No. 24, The (Jackson, Miss.) Clarion-Ledger
Jerry isn’t well known nationally, but the reporters that covered him through college think he’ll have a stellar pro career.

The new Falcons: They’re real simple and really smart, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“The newfangled Falcons are meat-and-potatoes smart. They see football as a simple game, and they’ve taken a simple approach to getting better.”

Falcons pick defense on first day, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m thinking we’ll see some defense on Day Two as well.

The Impact: Defensive Tackle Peria Jerry, The New York Times
Whoever replaces Jerry at Ole Miss has some big shoes to fill, especially with the turnaround the defensive tackle led from 2007 to 2008.

Falcons’ team report: DT Jerry a solid overall pick, The Sporting News
“Jerry is an excellent three-technique defensive tackle who will be a constant disruptor against the run and the pass. We feel he’s a better overall pick than Hood would have been.”

5 Reasons Why…Jerry Will Become a Household Name in Atlanta, Tight Spirals
Some great thoughts from New Media guru Dan Levak.

J. Michael Moore NFL Draft AJC, NFL Draft, Peria Jerry, The Clarion-Ledger, The Commercial-Appeal, The New York Times, The Sporting News, Thomas Dimitroff

You’ve probably noticed my series of mock drafts over the past seven weeks. Judging from the comments, just about everyone has an opinion on what the Falcons will do with the No. 24 pick.

But how do you feel about the rest of the first round?

Let’s get this draft week started by kicking off a staple of the Falcons contest circuit. Click here to enter the Draft Pick ‘Em contest. Guess the players selected in the first round — in any order — and you’re off to Miami for Super Bowl XLIV.

It may sound easy, but beware the unknowns.

Especially with the New York Jets‘ selection…

NFL Draft: Falcons’ need at linebacker, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Brush up on your linebackers and know that’s just one position that will come into focus when the Falcons go on the clock Saturday evening.

Pettigrew looks like the real deal, Houston Chronicle
Always love an article by my old friend John McClain (the sports writer, not the “Die Hard” character). Brandon Pettigrew figures to be in Falcons discussions until he comes off the board, especially since Head Coach Mike Smith described the position as “a priority.”

The Atlanta Falcons: Who Is Thomas DeCoud?, Bleacher Report
Thomas DeCoud is the second-year player who has a chance to compete for a starting job in 2009.

Draft Needs, Team by Team, The New York Times
It’s odd to think the Falcons can dedicate the entire draft to one side of the ball. But, given the relative stability on offense it’s not out of the question to go for defensive players early and often.

Matt Ryan to potential draft picks: ‘Hold on,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ever had a particularly busy weekend? House work on Saturday followed by a busy day at church on Sunday? A trip to visit family? Last-minute holiday shopping? Well, imagine that multiplied by 1,000. Then you get an idea of what Matt Ryan’s time was like leading up to the 2008 NFL Draft.

Tony Gonzalez trade rumor fading, Examiner.com
I don’t think the rumor will officially die until the draft is in the books, but it certainly looks finished.

Jenkins finally delivers for Falcons, Athens Banner-Herald
Building for long-term success in the NFL isn’t easy, but getting a reliable receiver on board for the long haul is a great start.

Gilbert not sure about Falcons’ draft, The (Macon, Ga.) Telegraph
Fans excited? Apprehensive? Wonder how a player feels…

Falcons could be team to beat in NFC South, The (Anderson, S.C.) Independent-Mail
Back-to-back division championships are rare. Parity is as common in the NFL as tax forms in April.

Mock Draft 5.0: USC’s Cushing falls to Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Picking at No. 24 isn’t easy, but it’s a number Thomas Dimitroff is comfortable with. Picking at No. 24 in a mock draft is pretty much impossible and rides a lot on what happens in the previous 23 spots.

NFC South discussion, NFL.com
Let’s talk about schedules in the NFC South.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Athens Banner-Herald, Bleacher Report, Brandon Pettigrew, Brian Cushing, D. Orlando Ledbetter, Examiner.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Houston Chronicle, Independent-Mail, John McClain, Macon Telegraph, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, New York Jets, NFC South, NFL Draft, NFL.com, The New York Times, Thomas DeCoud, Thomas Dimitroff, Tony Gilbert, Tony Gonzalez

It’s amazing how a photograph can transport you to a different place and time.

Yesterday, my wife went through some old pictures and found a snapshot of my father, grandfather and me playing golf in Florida. It was taken from the balcony of a rented condo as the course wrapped its way between vacation homes.

I’m hacking my way out of a bunker while Dad and Pop watch patiently from the green.

With one glance at the photo I remembered nearly everything about the moment. I made it out of the trap with one of the best sand shots of my life (and I’ve had plenty). The memory evolved to images from the entire Thanksgiving vacation…

We had a deep fried turkey at my aunt and uncle’s beachfront campsite.

We braved the wind along the Florida panhandle for some tough, but enjoyable, rounds of golf.

Kelli played poker with my family for the first time and took everyone’s money.

All this from one picture. Maybe you can relate.

So, my question for you is simple. If you could take one photo from the Falcons 2008 season, what would it be? If you could capture one moment you saw on TV or at the Georgia Dome, what would it include?

What thoughts would you want it to conjure up in the future?

Atlanta Falcons: Anatomy of a turnaround, Examiner.com
Journalists write the first draft of history. I pass along to you, “Anatomy of a turnaround” in four parts. Great work by Daniel Cox.

Falcons, 2009 Draft Countdown, 24th Pick, The New York Times
Polished, balanced and put together. I love The Gray Lady.

Draft room: Falcons & Panthers, NFL.com
Now why did they have to ruin a Falcons discussion by including the Panthers? The Falcons did get more talk time, but there still isn’t a definitive player for the No. 24 pick.

Chat with Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.com
You’re going to have to dig for some of the Falcons talk in this chat session, but there’s nothing wrong with staying up-to-date on all NFC South news.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed ESPN.com, Examiner.com, family, Georgia Dome, Kelli, NFL.com, Pat Yasinskas, Pop, The New York Times

The Falcons were quiet in the first weekend of free agency but there’s something to be said for detailed and cautious planning.

Upon joining the team General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Mike Smith talked about the importance of evaluating players with an unbiased approach. The pair meet regularly — often daily — to talk about free agents and possible rookie additions.

It was a slow weekend in Atlanta. That’s obvious.

But Dimnitroff said at the Combine the team would not be major players on the open market and any additions would be made to supplement talent acquired in the draft (flashback to his introductory press conference).

It’s always fun to make the big splash.

But, when building for the present and the future, it pays to be working at a controlled pace.

Brooking signs contract with Cowboys, AF.com
Linebacker Keith Brooking will play for another team in 2009. He spent 11 seasons with the Falcons but many more playing football in Georgia. He’ll be missed, but his status in Dallas won’t change his role as an icon in Atlanta.

All is quiet on free agency front, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
My colleague D. Orlando Ledbetter recaps the weekend nicely and throws out a few names that would be good fits for the Falcons system. Keep in mind, good fits don’t necessarily sign on the opening weekend. There’s a definite relationship between when a player is signed and how much money his services should go for on the open market. Patience is a virtue.

On the Air: Feb. 27, 2009. J. Mike’s Missives
Special thanks to Kevin Thomas of the Southeast Georgia radio scene for talking a little Falcons.

Giants Keep Defense a Priority, Signing Canty, The New York Times
Michael Boley will fit nicely with the Giants system.

Brooking ’sad to be leaving the Falcons,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This must be a tough situation for Brooking, who played his entire career in the state of Georgia. “The Atlanta area is my home,” Brooking said. “It will always be my home. Although I will play for the Cowboys for the next few years, I will always be a Falcon at heart.” Trust me, you don’t hear that kind of talk often.

Free agent signing period underway, AF.com
An older headline, but some valuable information on the free agent signing period.

Falcons agree to deal with reserve safety, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jamaal Fudge may not be a household name, but he was one of the first players to be brought in from the Jaguars defense. He’s familiar with Smith and served in a valuable role as Lawyer Milloy’s backup last season.

NFL: Hartsock, rarely a receiver, caught on nicely in Atlanta, The Columbus Dispatch
The Falcons have a great asset in Hartsock, who has pretty good hands when the ball is thrown his way. But he’s also a force in the community. In fact, he’s reading at an elementary school today.

Ravens believe Foxworth signing covers need at cornerback, Baltimore Sun
Homecomings are special in the NFL. Though it’s unclear what kind of numbers Domonique Foxworth will put up in the Ravens defensive system. But, for a Maryland native, it must be nice to play so close to family. Good luck, Fox!

Falcons will keep LB Wire, tight end and DT, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The first move for any team in free agency? Evaluate and re-sign your own players.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Free Agency AF.com, AJC, Baltimore Sun, D. Orlando Ledbetter, Domonique Foxworth, Head Coach Mike Smith, Michael Boley, The Columbus Dispatch, The New York Times, Thomas Dimitroff