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

The whiteboard in my new office is still void of markings.

But that will soon change.

Right now Falcons players are trickling into the team’s Flowery Branch practice facility for a day of weighing in and meetings.

Voluntary offseason conditioning is set to begin. Media availability will follow in the next few days.

That’s when my whiteboard starts getting its workout.

I’m a planner. Always have been. So, as the whiteboard fills with names and story ideas you best believe I’ll start crossing them off.

(I’ve been known to write a simple, unscheduled task on the board just for the satisfaction of marking it complete).

This day isn’t nearly as exciting as the first day of the NFL Draft, the opening practice of Russell Falcons Training Camp or kickoff of the NFL season but it is symbolic when it comes to returning to work and planning for what’s to come.

I’ve got some ideas that are about to flow out of my brain and onto the whiteboard.

Any other suggestions?

English goes to Falcons in early Mock Draft, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Another opinion on the first round. I like the Colts picking a running back (almost did that in my mock) and it’s interesting to see a few players I had low going high. Isn’t the NFL Draft wonderful? Oh, and if you want to see some highlights on Larry English:

Falcons’ HC Smith on Stephen Nicholas: ‘He will get a chance to compete for a starting position,’ Examiner.com
Keep an eye on No. 54 through the preseason. His talent fits well with many defensive schemes and no one would complain if he won one of the open jobs at outside linebacker.

Falcons already have some options at OLB, ESPN.com
Speaking of linebackers… Pat Yasinskas makes a great point in the final paragraph that often gets forgotten in the talk of free agency and criticism of the Falcons offseason actions. Competition. When there are bodies in camp with experience the team has no choice but to compete and get better.

Be a fan judge at Falcons cheerleader tryouts, AF.com
I know it’s not really an article or blog but I built this page last week and I’m hoping to add some traffic. Grab your camera and tell us why you should be a fan judge at cheerleader tryouts. What do you have to lose?

NFLPA head hot topic, The Washington Times
NFL owners may be in California this week but it’s anything but a vacation.

Falcons Take Butler in Scout.com Mock Draft, Scout.com
Note the nice explanation of why “best player available” actually applies to the Falcons this season. If outside linebacker is truly a need I wouldn’t be surprised to see moves made to get players before they come off the board. Then again, Darius Butler wouldn’t be a bad pick.

Draft Discussion: Offensive Line, AF.com
It’s not too late to join the discussion about offensive line prospects.

Falcons WR Roddy White visits North Augusta, WRDW.com
Not every NFL player goes on a month-long respite during the offseason. There’s always work to be done. Bravo, Roddy!

On the Clock: Atlanta Falcons, ESPN.com
Two heads are better than one. Note: “Coach Mike Smith and general manager Thomas Dimitroff are one of the most harmonious duos in the league.” I know that makes me feel good about the draft.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, Darius Butler, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Larry English, NFL Draft, NFLPA, Pat Yasinskas, Roddy White, Scout.com, The Washington Times, Thomas Dimitroff, WRDW.com