J.Mike's Missives

A tip of the cap to “Sesame Street,” which today celebrates its 40th anniversary. Apparently, more than 1,000 studies have been done to prove how watching the famous children’s show is good for you. No research is scheduled to prove if this blog has any long-term value. Nonetheless, today’s edition of Birdseed is brought to you by the letter ‘B’ and the No. 2…

Falcons LIVE with Head Coach Mike Smith, AF.com
Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff was the guest Monday evening. In case you missed the live broadcast, here’s the archived piece:

Smith ready to move on, past sideline incident, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I think it’s safe to say if this incident involved any other play in the league it might not have the same publicity. The NFL acknowledged the scuffle in question is being reviewed for possible disciplinary action.

Gonzalez is still cleaning up here, The Kansas City Star
Players move frequently in the NFL so it’s nice to see such a strong connection to a city that did so much for Tony Gonzalez’s career.

Falcons wait word on Finneran’s knee, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is the first injury to hit the Falcons group of wide receivers since Harry Douglas was lost for the year during training camp. If Finneran misses time, Matt Ryan would lose a key, third-down target.

A rainy-day question: Who’s better, the Falcons or Hawks?, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An interesting question considering the long-barren sports landscape in the city of Atlanta. I do not follow the NBA as much as the NFL (no brainer) so i can’t really offer an opinion.

Falcons say they feed off Smith’s enthusiasm. Philadelphia Enquirer
Players are one group, but I can say I know plenty Falcons staffers who are equally willing to support Head Coach Mike Smith in anything he may ask.

Panthers in trouble, Falcons on track as second half looms, The (Anderson, S.C.) Independent-Mail
This is not the matchup we expected when these teams began the season.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Brian Finneran, DeAngelo Hall, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Kansas City Star, Matt Ryan, Philadelphia Inquirer, Sesame Street, Thomas Dimitroff, Tony Gonzalez, video

So, the much-anticipated Madden showdown didn’t go too well for me.

It seems the human behind the controls of an xBox 360 needs to have some actual skill to make things work properly. My abilities must have caught an earlier flight to San Francisco.

Sorry to let you down Falcons fans, but rest assured the 31-17 defeat last night at the hands of my 49er-fan brother-in-law was more due to my mental mistakes than the digital attributes of the Birds.

Take, for example, my “hitting of the wrong button” that allowed Glen Coffee a 40-yard run on second-and-10 at the Niners 2. That’s right… Let them out of a hole.

There were bright moments.

Trailing 17-3, Atlanta (or I?) tied the game with a 72-yard Matt Ryan to Roddy White touchdown pass and a fumble returned by Eric Weems on the following kickoff.

But the rest of the second half wasn’t as inspiring.

Let my defeat inspire a Friday Pep Talk.

Veteran addition makes difference for Falcons, AF.com
I know it’s early, but I’m going to say it’s safe to start chalking up the Brian Williams signing as another “Dimitroff Special.”

Shoppin’ with Tony, NFL.com
Tony Gonzalez would be horrified — simply panic-stricken — if he went shopping with me. Hot wings don’t fit with “The All-Pro Diet.”

Gonzalez wants to help Falcons’ running game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More in Falconcast about how Gonzalez and other linemen and tight ends are remaining accountable for difficulties in the run game. It’s a refreshing trend that’s sweeping the locker room.

Three and Out: Can Turner Top ‘08?, The Beat Blog
It’s the million dollar question we all want to know the answer to. But, wins and losses decide playoff positioning. Not rushing yards.

Fourth season of 49ers’ Davis looks like a breakout year, The Mercury News
So Vernon Davis is a late bloomer. It happens. Unfortunately, it’s happening at a time when the Falcons are charged with preparing for his freakish ability.

Falcons’ Moore ready to make NFL debut Sunday, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“I know I’m going to be shaking a little bit,” Moore said.  “It’s a different atmosphere, but I’m excited about it.”

49ers defense shining during fast start to season, Associated Press
I certainly had trouble with the 49ers offense, but that’s just the talk of a Madden newb. Defense is the real story this weekend, on both sides of the field.

Will The Cornerback Depth Chart Change Before The 49ers Game?, The Falcoholic
Let’s assume Tye Hill doesn’t get on the field this week. He certainly helped in preparation efforts, having gone against the 49ers many times in his earlier life in the NFC West.

Falcons owner Blank talks up need for new stadium, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m calling it… We’re going to average one stadium story every two weeks until further notice. Mark it down.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Brian Williams, Eric Weems, Falconcast, family, Friday Pep Talk, Glen Coffee, Madden 2010, Matt Ryan, NFL.com, Roddy White, San Francisco 49ers, The Beat Blog, The Falcoholic, Thomas Dimitroff, Three-and-Out, Tony Gonzalez, Tye Hill, Vernon Davis, William Moore

The Falcons take to the road for the first time in the 2009 regular season this weekend.

But that’s not the story line.

At least, that’s not what’s getting discussed in the halls of Flowery Branch. Going on the road is a way of life in professional sports. In fact, in one of the weird curiosities of us-against-them motivation, coaches often embrace the challenge.

It would be foolish to downplay the importance of Sunday’s game against the Patriots. As on one of four games against the AFC this season, the matchup won’t be the first option in breaking any playoff positioning ties. As the first road game of the year, difficulties are understood.

But as a game against arguably the best team of the decade…

It just got interesting.

Atlanta has an opportunity to move into elite status in NFL rankings come Sunday evening. A win in a hostile environment against an unquestioned AFC power and national-peering eyes start to take notice.

But who needs that as motivation when you’re playing on the road?

It’s us against them. Embrace it.

Smith plots before tossing the challenge hanky, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons players pulled out a photo of Head Coach Mike Smith throwing the challenge flag last week and placed it outside a meeting room door. A comment was scribbled complimenting the coach’s arm. I must say, when Smitty looks to throw the flag, he makes sure the official sees it.

Snelling provides additional spark to run game, AF.com
Most teams are lucky to get one running back to carry the load. With Michael Turner, Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling, the Falcons have a trio of options.

Sporting News’ Athletes of the Decade, The Sporting News
That’s right, sports fans, we’re closing out a decade. It goes by so fast. Oh… And Falcons tight end Tony Gonzlaez made a list.

A second wind in Atlanta for Gonzalez, Examiner.com
Speaking of Gonzalez… He’s adopted the Falcons as his team, even though most of his career highlights are from Kansas City.

Belichick praises Dimitroff’s work with Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This story hasn’t flown under the radar but it hasn’t been as high profile as I thought it would be on Falcons-Patriots week. Maybe we’ll hear more about Thomas Dimitroff’s history in New England on Sunday.

2009 NFL Power Rankings: Week 3, ESPN.com
Get ready Falcons fans, a win this weekend and the Birds likely move into the top three.

Ailing Norwood misses practice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Head injuries aren’t a laughing matter. They sometimes require a little more “just to be cautious” time than some other ailments and for that reason, Norwood is getting held out for a little extra breather.

Digging Deeper into the Box Score: Week 2, The Falcoholic
Ryan’s interception against the Panthers wasn’t pretty — they never are — but you knew it was going to happen at some point. Better to happen at home, in a win, instead of running the snowball risk on the road.

Safety Thomas DeCoud eases into new starting role, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Looks can be deceiving. Case and point? Thomas DeCoud doesn’t look like the textbook, hard-hitting safety.

Patriots offense a new challenge for Atlanta ‘D,’ AF.com
New England hasn’t been the passing beast everyone expected. Yet. The Falcons are preparing for the Tom Brady of 2007. The one that threw 50 touchdown passes.

Matt Ryan: The absolute right man at the absolute right time, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Lots of successful sports people write books on leadership. Ryan is the living text.”

Falcons best bet: Put game in Turner’s hands, ESPN.com
How long can Turner carry the ball for 26 or more times a game and keep the Falcons unbeaten? Not really the point. This stat is more about controlling the clock.

Inconsistent Brady faces unbeaten Falcons, The Sporting News
Anyone else get the feeling Brady could be a sleeping giant? Like he has big games left?

Dimitroff explains why Falcons didn’t panic at DT, ESPN.com
Talked about this on the radio yesterday. In the spring, you’d think the loss of Peria Jerry a huge deal. But in the offseason the Falcons got healthy (Trey Lewis) and made some key additions at D-line (Thomas Johnson). It’s a deep position with pleasant surprises. No time to panic.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, ESPN.com, Friday Pep Talk, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, New England Patriots, Peria Jerry, The Falcoholic, The Sporting News, Thomas DeCoud, Thomas Dimitroff, Thomas Johnson, Tom Brady, Trey Lewis, video

Just visited with Panthers.com’s Andrew Mason who — as noted in Falconcast — is a fan of the Falcons’ throwback uniforms. Of course, being a Panthers employee he was sure to point out the “bad karma” the Falcons may bring into today’s matchup at the Georgia Dome.

“You went to a Super Bowl with that logo, but not the red helmet,” my friend said, alluding to the team’s less-than-stellar history.

Well, Mase, how’s this for karama?

This Falcons team doesn’t believe in it.

And the fans who have supported the Birds through ups and downs know a little throwback game won’t slow the process Head Coach Mike Smith and General Manger Thomas Dimitroff have in place.

If anything, I’d say karma is on the Falcons side. That is, if the team needs it in the first place.

Ground game a Falcons focus in Week 2, AF.com
The Falcons offense likes to run the football. So look for Michael Turner and the offensive line to take another crack at dominance against the Panthers.

Peterson pushing ‘the process’ in Atlanta, ESPN.com
Oy vey! Again with the “process.” I thought we were going with “course of action” this year? Regardless, there’s nothing wrong with a plan.

Falcons’ Sam Baker talks strategy, Panthers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Baker fought injuries in 2008 and didn’t play in either matchup against the Panthers. He’ll be a key part of today’s offensive plan, however, as the Falcons look to establish a run game.

Saturday Pre-Game Notes: Tackling The Carolina Panthers, The Falcoholic
Another stop on the web-based journey to Falcons-Panthers.

Falcons’ Abraham preys on opponents, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
John Abraham wears the throwback look well. Should look even better when he’s chasing down quarterback Jake Delhomme.

Against Delhomme, Atlanta Falcons defense looks to continue the progression, Examiner.com
This quarterback thing with the Panthers is interesting. I know where my eyes will be early in this game (one of the few times I’ll pay more attention to the opponent than the Falcons).

Defensive Key Match-ups: Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons, Cat Scratch Reader
Some thoughts from a Panthers fan blog.

Five things to watch in Falcons-Panthers game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Write them down, tape them to your TV, scribble them on your hand… Whatever you do, watch for keys to victory.

Opponent Series History Week 2 – ATL vs CAR, The Falcoholic
It’s a short, but colorful, history.

Atlanta Falcons feeling nostalgic in matchup with Panthers, Examiner.com
Throwback Weekend at the Georgia Dome will include honoring the 1966 team and music from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

Homers vs. Haters, the Atlanta Falcons edition, Cat Scratch Reader
Some additional thoughts from the Carolinas on today’s matchup.

NFC South: Final Word, ESPN.com
“Kroy Biermann is the best NFC South player you’ve never heard of.”

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Gameday AF.com, AJC, Andrew Mason, Carolina Panthers, Cat Scratch Reader, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jake Delhomme, John Abraham, Kroy Biermann, Michael Turner, NFC South, Panthers.com, Sam Baker, The Falcoholic, Thomas Dimitroff, throwback

We’ve been here before.

Falcons 1-0 and the toast of the town.

A year ago this week Atlanta exploded out of the gate and defeated the Detroit Lions with a heavy dose of the running game.

Remember Michael Turner’s franchise-record 220 rushing yards?

Sunday Atlanta got it done with the defense.

The Falcons came within 3:21 of recording a shutout, beating the Miami Dolphins 19-7 at the Georgia Dome.

Atlanta protected the football and forced four turnovers in the game, holding the Dolphins to 4-of-11 on third down and just 259 total yards (96 on the ground).

Sunday’s win marks another stop on the long “process” Head Coach Mike Smith and General Manager Thomas Dimitroff talk about — publicly and privately — almost every day in Flowery Branch.

The team’s focus on defensive players in the draft (seven of eight players selected in 2009) and the steady addition of more exotic blitzes and coverages will pay dividends.

After self-described “learning experiences” in the preseason, it seemed the Falcons offense needed to shoulder a bit more of the load earlier in the season.

The process wasn’t quite finished.

But, with Sunday’s performance, the Falcons took a big step in the right direction.

“We played with a lot of energy, they were very enthusiastic and I think our defense really attacked the football with the four turnovers,” Smith said. “Anytime you can have four turnovers in a game you’re really going to enhance your chances of getting what you want.”

And, quietly, Matt Ryan and Co. did their part in the points department.

Atlanta totaled 281 yards of total offense. Ryan threw for 229 yards and a pair of touchdowns (one to Tony Gonzlaez and another to Ovie Mughelli). Ironically, the team rushed for just 68 yards (65 with a 3-yard per carry average from Turner).

Get that rushing line in 2008 and a win was unlikely if not impossible.

But the Falcons still held the ball for more than 30 minutes in the game and got the points needed for a victory.

Gonzalez, a 10-time Pro Bowler that joined the Falcons just before the draft, caught five passes for a game-high 73 yards. Ryan found a total of seven receivers — four with 40 or more yards.

“From the day he arrived we worked on blitz communication and understanding route breaks,” Ryan said of his relationship with Gonzalez. “There is not much you have to tell him. Tony is a guy that has played for a long time . He understands protection better than anyone I’ve been around.”

Factor in a pair of missed field goals and a botched extra point from Jason Elam and the Falcons left seven additional points on the field.

His favorite target, however, was the tight end.

Gonzalez has now caught at least one pass in 132 straight games and the move he put on a Dolphins safety Yeremiah Bell on the touchdown play is stuff you’d expect from a future Hall of Famer.

But the defense was the star of this game.

“I think we can be as good as we want to be,” defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux said. “Guys out there are executing, doing their job. If everybody does their job, we’ll do alright.”

Now, will history include this as the start of another magical season?

If so, we have a new introduction in the book.

“I want to caution everyone that this is Week 1 of a long journey and we’ve got 15 more games that we’re guaranteed to play,” Smith said. “We got a lot of things that we will correct when we get in there and watch the tapes tomorrow. Again, I can’t say any more about the energy and enthusiasm that this football team played with today,”

SOME FINAL NOTES FROM THE GAME…

… Atlanta recorded four sacks in the game (two a piece from defensive ends Kroy Biermann and John Abraham). For the record, the Falcons went 11-1 in 2008 when out-sacking opponents. Biermann also recorded a pair of special teams tackles.

… Mughelli’s first-half touchdown was his first since 2006, when he was a member of the Baltimore Ravens.

… Linebacker Curtis Lofton was credited with a game-high 10 solo tackles and a forced fumble but it was Peterson with the other big plays — an interception and a forced fumble.

MORE FROM THE FALCONS-DOLPHINS GAME:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete game coverage from AF.com
• GAME CENTER: Stats and more from NFL.com
• GAME FEATURE: Falcons defense steps up in Week 1 win
• FROM THE BLOG: Notes from the game in J. Michael Moore’s blog
• FIRST TAKE: Head Coach Mike Smith | Ryan | Gonzalez | Biermann | Peterson
• NFL NETWORK: Highlights and interviews from NFL Network
• INTERVIEWS: Locker room interviews and more Falcons-Dolphins video
• GAME NOTES: Offcial game notes from the Georgia Dome press box
• PHOTOS: Images from the Falcons season-opening win
• QUOTABLE: Quotes from Falcons coaches and players | Dolphins
• INACTIVES: Inactive players and starters from Sunday’s game
• BOARDS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE

J. Michael Moore Gameday Curtis Lofton, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, John Abraham, Jonathan Babineaux, Kroy Biermann, Matt Ryan, Miami Dolphins, Michael Turner, Ovie Mughelli, Thomas Dimitroff, Tony Gonzalez, Yeremiah Bell

The Falcons just announced the release of safety Jamaal Fudge, a move necessary to keep the roster at 53 players with the addition of cornerback/safety Brian Williams.

A graduate of Clemson, Fudge was originally signed by the Falcons off of waivers on Sept. 2, 2008. Last season, he competed in 10 games and recorded 12 tackles.

Notably in 2008, Fudge filled in for an injured Lawyer Milloy at Carolina and made one start for the veteran safety later in the year (Week 17 against the Rams).

It was his first and, to date, only career start.

Fudge was one of three late-preseason additions to the Falcons defense in 2008.

Head Coach Mike Smith and General Manager Thomas Dimitroff brought in the safety, who worked under Smith in Jacksonville and former Jaguars linebacker Tony Gilbert, who is still with the team.

Atlanta also added now-Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth via a trade with the Denver Broncos.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Brian Williams, Domonique Foxworth, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars, Jamaal Fudge, Thomas Dimitroff, Tony Gilbert

In the high-speed race to publish roster moves and keep up with NFL happenings over the weekend, a story close to the Falcons and two other NFL teams flew under the radar.

Defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona, who spent time with the Falcons in 2007, died in a car accident Friday. He was 26.

Mahelona was drafted by the Titans in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He also spent time with the Dolphins during his NFL career.

According to a report from the Associated Press, Mahelona’s wife is expecting the couple’s second child. The lineman’s agent said a fund to help the family is in the planning stages.

It’s easy to get tunnel vision in the football world where, by design, little matters except for Sunday’s game. But, sometimes, we’re all reminded how fragile life can be and what stretches beyond the playing field and touches people from every walk of life.

Hug someone you love today, Falcons fans.

Birds agree to terms with cornerback Williams, AF.com
It didn’t take long for the Falcons to address some needs in the secondary. Just more proof there’s always options in the vast world of NFL rosters, waiver wires and free agency.

Falcons’ offensive line out to prove its worth, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Look through old rosters at Paul Boudreau offensive lines and some of the most successful groups don’t have “big name” recognition. That’s because it’s all about chemistry. What do you think, Coach Bou? “Last year at this time, we were trying to find out who the guys were and where we were going to line them up… They had to figure out us and how we coach. We had to figure out them. So far, the chemistry has been good, especially with the first group.”

Falcons sign eight to practice squad, AF.com
The practice squad can work out with the team during the week and hang out on the sideline on game day but can’t dress in uniform.

Falcons release 13, set 53-man roster, AF.com
The roster is taking shape, though I wouldn’t call it “final.” General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Mike Smith are always looking to upgrade.

Seahawks sign Milloy, add new offensive tackle, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
This move was long rumored for the Seahawks and Washington native Lawyer Milloy. Now it’s official.

Former Shaw receiver Bergeron signs to Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad, The (Columbus, Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer
“I think it’ll be a good experience and give me some more time to pick up the play book a little better,” (Troy) Bergeron said. “If one guy goes down, it’s on me, so I’ve got to get ready and go from there.”

Falcons want stadium deal before 2013, Atlanta Business Chronicle
Fun to think about the stadium of the future, wherever it may be.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Brian Williams, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jesse Mahelona, Lawyer Milloy, new stadium, Paul Boudreau, Seattle PI, The Ledger-Enquirer, Thomas Dimitroff, Troy Bergeron

The Falcons agreed to terms with veteran defensive back Brian Williams Sunday evening, adding a versatile player that is familiar with Head Coach Mike Smith’s style of defense.

Williams played under Smith — then the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator — in 2006 and 2007, starting 29 games at cornerback. The eight-year veteran has 93 starts (107 games), 484 tackles, 18 interceptions, four sacks, nine forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 94 passes defensed in his career.

In 2008, Williams started all 16 games for the Jaguars, finishing with 89 tackles and two interceptions.

The move is the second to affect the Falcons secondary in little less than a week. Last Tuesday Atlanta added former first-round pick Tye Hill in a trade with St. Louis to help sure up a young secondary.

Williams can play multiple positions.

“Brian Williams is a veteran player who gives us versatility in the secondary with the ability to play both cornerback and safety,” General Manger Thomas Dimitroff said Sunday evening. “Adding Brian to our roster is consistent with our plan to improve our team when the opportunity presents itself.”

Williams led Jacksonville with 14 passes defensed in 2007, adding a pick in three straight games at one point in the season. His best year came as a member of the Minnesota Vikings (2003: 80 tackles, five interceptions, three sacks).

The Falcons kept 10 defensive backs at the final roster cut, the oldest being six-year veteran Erik Coleman. The addition of Williams and Hill, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, shows the front office’s ability to make valuable additions in a short amount of time.

“One week ago, Falcons needed CB help,” Schefter writes on his Twitter page, “In one week, they got vet CBs Tye Hill and Brian Williams for a 7th-round pick. That’s great work.”

In other words, in one week the Falcons added 145 games of NFL experience (114 starts) and retained the young, athletic players that learned the system through the preseason and Russell Falcons Training Camp.

PRACTICE SQUAD THOUGHTS…

… Atlanta added eight players to the practice squad Sunday, all of which carrying previous experience with the team.

… Two players were selected by the team in the draft over the past two seasons (Vance Walker and Robert James).

… D.J. Shockley joins the practice squad after being the No. 3 quarterback in 2008. The team continues to carry four quarterbacks in camp — an advantage in resting arms during practice and allowing options for the future.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Adam Schefter, Brian Williams, D.J. Shockley, Erik Coleman, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, practice squad, Robert James, Thomas Dimitroff, Twitter, Tye Hill, Vance Walker

The Falcons released 13 players Saturday and the list includes some familiar names.

Former Georgia standouts Thomas Brown and D.J. Shockley were released along with two players from the team’s 2009 Draft class: cornerback William Middleton and defensive tackle Vance Walker.

The team also released wide receiver Troy Bergeron, offensive lineman Michael Butterworth, wide receiver Robert Ferguson, linebacker Robert James, wide receiver Aaron Kelly, defensive end Maurice Lucas, tight end Jason Rader, offensive guard Jose Valdez and linebacker Jamie Winborn.

“Today is never an easy day for anyone in the organization,” General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “With that said however, we are pleased with our roster heading into the 2009 campaign. Our staff did a tremendous job of evaluating the entire team throughout the offseason, which included mini-camp, OTAs, training camp and preseason games.”

Shockley was the team’s third quarterback in 2008 but lost the position to undrafted rookie John Parker Wilson, who put up solid stats in the preseason in limited snaps.

Brown worked as a kickoff return man and reserve running back in the preseason after missing all of 2008 — his rookie year — with a groin injury.

“It’s always difficult to see players being released especially considering how hard everyone has worked,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “I feel like we have a good group of guys in place and I’m looking forward to moving on to the regular season.”

Winborn was signed just before the start of Russell Falcons Training Camp and provided support at linebacker and on special teams during the preseason.

Kelly, Valdez and Lucas were rookies that joined the Falcons after the NFL Draft.

James was a 2008 Draft selection that spent the season on injured reserve.

Rader joined the team for the second time in 2008 and played in five games (one start) after former tight end Ben Hartsock went on IR.

Ferguson joined the Falcons early in training camp after No. 3 receiver Harry Douglas tour an ACL in his knee. He spent the first part of his career with the Packers and Vikings.

Bergeron spent three seasons with the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League. He was in his second stint with the Falcons, working with the team 2006 training camp.

Butterworth worked at right tackle through the preseason. He joined the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2008.

The final roster breakdown includes:

• Nine defensive linemen (four tackles, five ends)
• Six linebackers (three starters and a backup at each position)
• 10 defensive backs (five cornerbacks and five safeties)
• Five wide receivers (including 11-veteran Marty Booker)
• Three quarterbacks (two will likely be active on gameday)
• Three tight ends (Keith Zinger wins the final spot over Rader)
• Nine offensive linemen (Quinn Ojinnaka continues to backup multiple positions)
• Five running backs (three tailbacks and a pair of fullbacks: Ovie Mughelli and Verron Haynes)
• Two kickers (Jason Elam and Michael Koenen)
• One long-snapper (returning starter Mike Schneck)

The Falcons can establish an eight-player practice squad starting on Sunday.

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, Roster Moves Aaron Kelly, Ben Hartsock, breaking news, D.J. Shockley, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jamie Winborn, Jason Elam, Jason Rader, John Parker Wilson, Jose Valdez, Keith Zinger, Marty Booker, Maurice Lucas, Michael Butterworth, Michael Koenen, Mike Schneck, Ovie Mughelli, Preseason, Quinn Ojinnaka, Robert Ferguson, Robert James, Thomas Brown, Thomas Dimitroff, Troy Bergerson, Vance Walker, Verron Haynes, William Middleton

We all know the quarterback image portrayed in the movies.

Clean cut. All-American look. Popular with the ladies. Gifted athlete.

Some news organizations have taken note of the archetypal attributes of “handsome” signal-callers. Well, at least they’ve identified the most symmetrical faces.

In case you’re wondering, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan takes the top honor via a report in The Wall Street Journal.

What does this really have to do with football?

Absolutely nothing. But the Falcons don’t practice until late Monday afternoon and I’m willing to push the blog envelope to appeal to a broad audience.

It’s why we call it Birdseed, ladies and gentlemen.

Falcons make roster moves, get to 75-man limit, AF.com
The first round of roster cuts was small. Saturday the team must be down to 53 active players.

Falcons cornerbacks on hot seat, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Plenty of “coachable moments” emerged from Saturday’s game against the Chargers. Those remain important no matter the amount of players on the roster or veterans in the locker room.

Dimitroff: “It’s going to be a very busy two weeks,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Work never ends for an NFL General Manager. Sure, there’s a break after the draft but when teams start trimming rosters it’s time to see if there’s a chance to upgrade.

Falcons have tough schedule ahead, Examiner.com
Again with the toughness of schedule? Let’s see if these teams repeat the success of 2008 before we deem the schedule too difficult to handle.

2009 Falcons Roster Spot Friendly Competition, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Start making your predictions. Final roster cuts will come after the team’s preseason finale against the Ravens.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason AF.com, AJC, Baltimore Ravens, Examiner.com, Matt Ryan, Preseason, San Diego Chargers, The Wall Street Journal, Thomas Dimitroff