J.Mike's Missives

The Falcons announced the acquisition of Rams cornerback Tye Hill Tuesday for an undisclosed pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Hill, 5-10, 185 pounds, is in his fourth professional season. The first-round selection (15th overall) by the Rams in 2006, Hill started 21 of 28 career games in St. Louis.

Hill has totaled 94 tackles (79 solo), four interceptions, 15 passes defensed, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.

As a rookie, Hill started 10 of 16 games and finished the season with 42 tackles (33 solo), a team-high three interceptions, four passes defensed and one fumble recovery.

He was named to the All-Rookie team by Pro Football Weekly and the Professional Football Writers of America.

Hill entered 2008 as the Rams starting left cornerback, but was sidelined for the season after suffering a knee injury in Week 4.

“We added a cornerback to our roster; he’s a guy that’s going to have an opportunity to come in here and compete,” Head Coach Mike Smith said after practice. “Anytime we can upgrade our roster that’s something we want to do and we’re constantly trying to do that.”

Smith said Hill was scheduled to arrive in Atlanta Tuesday evening. He added he doesn’t think it’s feasible to expect the cornerback to play in Thursday’s game.

“He’s got a lot of work to catch up,” the coach said. “He’s going to have to learn our system but he’s going to have an opportunity to come in here and compete and I think it’s an upgrade for our secondary.”

Hill will wear No. 24 for the Falcons.

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, Roster Moves breaking news, St. Louis Rams, trade, Tye Hill

Tight end Tony Gonzalez said he’ll miss Kansas City but he’s ready to take the field in Atlanta and accomplish the ultimate goal.

“I’m here for one reason, that’s to win a Super Bowl.” Gonzalez said at an introductory press conference Friday evening. “I haven’t won a playoff game in my whole career and that’s something I’m going to make sure isn’t the end for me. I want to come here, go to the playoffs, win playoff games and go to the Super Bowl.”

The Falcons acquired the 10-time Pro Bowler from the Chiefs on Thursday afternoon. He provides an immediate threat at the tight end position, opening up the offense for Matt Ryan and Pro Bowlers Roddy White and Michael Turner.

GONZALEZ ONE-ON-ONE:
http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/87345/87345_2009-04-24-191229.flv

Gonzalez said he’s ready to provide another option for Ryan, who he called earlier in the day. He also plans to act as a mentor for younger players.

“If you double team somebody, someone’s going to get open,” the veteran said. “If it’s one-on-one, we have to get open. Do I think I’ll catch 100 balls? I don’t have to. This is something we’re all going to work together on. I’ve been fortunate to have such a good career. It’s not about breaking records and all that stuff. It’s about going out there and moving those chains… I’m going to help those guys. I feel like I’ve got some stuff they can learn and I’m going to learn from them. I don’t mind putting in the work, I never have, and hopefully they feel the same way I do.”

Of course, Gonzalez has put up the numbers in his career.

He’s the all-time leader among tight ends in touchdowns (76), receptions (916) and yards (10,940). He’s played in 190 games (174 starts) and is a regular All-Pro selection. The 12-year veteran is regarded as one of the best tight ends in the game and a lock for future enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“I could go on and on and tell you about where and why we set forth in getting Tony Gonzalez as our next tight end here and continue to put up prolific numbers and statistics,” General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “We need to continue to provide the instruments to this offense.”

Dimitroff acknowledged the team took a look at available tight ends in this weekend’s NFL Draft and joked he could no longer use the position as “a smoke screen.”

While plenty of tight ends will turn pro Saturday and Sunday, the Falcons get a proven player in Gonzalez on the field, in the locker room and in the community.

GONZALEZ PRESS CONFERENCE:
http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/87361/87361_2009-04-24-193634.flv

Gonzalez is a world traveler, taking time to study abroad over the offseason in 2004, 2005 and 2006. He was named the “2004 NFL Good Guy” by the Sporting News and is active in charitable efforts through the Tony Gonzalez Foundation, which he founded in 1998.

He made countless community visits during his 12 years in Kansas City and says he plans to move some of his foundation work to Atlanta.

He “grew up” as a Chief, noting he arrived in the NFL at the tender age of 21.

But he’s ready for a new challenge.

“I’m going to miss Kansas City but, having said that, I’m excited to be here,” Gonzalez said. “This is an unbelievable opportunity… This is going to be something special, I believe, and I’m really looking forward to being a part of this. After 12 years sometimes change is good and I couldn’t be more excited to be in this situation.”

MORE GONZALEZ COVERAGE:

• TWITTER: Some quick photos and commentary
• REACTION: Gonzalez trade excites, delights
• YOUTUBE: Footage of the jersey presentation
• PHOTOS: Images from Friday’s press conference
• BIO: Gonzalez career information on AtlantaFalcons.com
• RELEASE: Falcons agree to acquire Pro Bowler Gonzalez

J. Michael Moore News Arthur Blank, Kansas City Chiefs, Matt Ryan, press conference, Thomas Dimitroff, Tony Gonzalez, trade

You got a sneak peak at Tony Gonzalez new, No. 88 jersey thanks to Jimmy Luck. Well, that same jersey was used this evening as the team introduced its newest player to Atlanta. The Falcons acquired Gonzalez, a 10-time Pro Bowler in a trade with the Chiefs on Thursday.

J. Michael Moore News, YouTube Kansas City Chiefs, Tony Gonzalez, trade

The Falcons agreed to acquire Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez from the Kansas City Chiefs for a second-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft, the team announced Thursday.

“Tony brings a new dynamic to the Falcons offense and we are very pleased that we were able to make the trade with Kansas City,” General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “His career numbers and records are top notch and he will no doubt be an integral part of our offense.”

The 13-year veteran is the all-time leader among tight ends in receptions (916), touchdowns (76) and receiving yards (10,940). He’s played in 191 career games and missed just two starts since 1998. Gonzalez’s 93 catches (1,058 yards) last season marked the third-highest single-season total of his career. He also added 10 touchdowns, the third time he’s had 10 or more scores in a season.

Those numbers earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl, where he set a game record for career receiving yards with six catches for 98 yards and a touchdown.

Gonzalez, 6-foot-5, 251 lbs., played at the University of California before the Chiefs drafted him with the 13th overall selection in the 1997 NFL Draft.

He’s a six-time All-Pro selection by various media outlets and led the league in receptions in 2004 (102). That’s also the record for most catches in a season by a tight end.

Falcons tight ends combined for 19 catches for 211 yards and two touchdowns last season. Gonzalez is expected to provide another offensive weapon for quarterback Matt Ryan.

Reporters around the country think this could put the Falcons offensive over the top (video) but the team’s quarterback is taking the news in stride and is happy to have one of the game’s greatest players as a mentor.

“Tony’s arrival will make an instant impact not only on the offensive side of the ball, but on the overall team in general,” Ryan said. “I feel privileged to be throwing the ball to a future Hall of Famer and I’m anxious to get on the field to start working with him.”

Gonzalez is a world traveler, taking time to study abroad over the offseason in 2004, 2005 and 2006. He was named the “2004 NFL Good Guy” by the Sporting News and is active in charitable efforts through the Tony Gonzalez Foundation, which he founded in 1998.

“Tony is one of the best tight ends in NFL history and will be a great addition to our team,” said Head Coach Mike Smith. “He will be a leader both on and off the field for our organization.”

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING…

A quick look at what’s being said about the Falcons trade for Gonzalez.

A special Bradley’s Buzz: All-draft edition with T. Gonzalez!, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some quick notes on Gonzalez and some now out-of-date predictions on the Falcons and the draft.

NFL draft’s big winner — Atlanta Falcons again, The Associated Press
Last year Dimitroff made an impact in free agency and draft day. This year, the biggest move may have come with the first round more than 24 hours away.

Chiefs trade Gonzalez for 2010 draft pick, ESPN.com
ESPN.com pulls together all the necessary information and puts it in a nice package.

Falcons trade for Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The story of note from the paper of record.

Falcons land Gonzalez, NFL.com
The NFL Network crew talked about how the acquisition of Gonzalez will change the Falcons draft plans.

Chiefs trade Gonzalez to Atlanta for second-round pick, The Kansas City Star
Gonzalez has yet to win a playoff game in his 13-year career.

Video: Breaking down the Gonzalez trade, ESPN.com
Panelists discuss the Falcons increased odds of making the playoffs and high-powered offense now that Gonzalez is in the mix.

J. Michael Moore NFL Draft, Roster Moves AJC, ESPN.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Kansas City Chiefs, Matt Ryan, NFL Draft, NFL.com, The Kansas City Star, Thomas Dimitroff, Tony Gonzalez, trade, University of California

Working from home today and expecting a visit from a home repair guru. His mission, should he choose to accept it, is to take a look at a leaky spot in the roof.

I can write — or report — on roof repair but climbing around on top of a house and evaluating and/or fixing problems isn’t in my wheelhouse.

If I tried some of the things that needed to get done around the house my life would turn into an episode of “Home Improvement.”

I’m not as funny as Tim the Tool Man so I’m going to stick with what I know about Falcons football.

Blank backs longer season, likes DirectTV, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons Owner and CEO shares his thoughts on NFL business news and the extension of the regular season, which could eliminate one or two preseason games.

Falcons’ 2009 OTA Dates Announced, Scout.com (Insider)
Dates for the team’s organized team activities are listed on the AF.com events calender. This does not include the team’s mandatory mini camp. Details to come on that.

After a brief rest, Ryan ready to build on rookie success, NFL.com
Joe Flacco has playoff wins. Matt Ryan has Rookie of the Year honors. That said, the most important thing either of them could do for the game — and their fans — is be a leader to their teammates. I don’t know much about Flacco, but it’s obvious Ryan is well on his way to mastering the locker room role.

In retirement, Weiner still helping Falcons, ESPN.com
I didn’t need another reason to respect and love Todd Weiner for all he has done for the game. But here’s one more.

Turner, Falcons know what to expect in 2009, AF.com
The Falcons will surprise no one in 2009. There may as well be targets on the backs of the jersey to go along with the logo on the side of the helmet.

UPDATE: Falcons Thinking Safety First?, Scout.com (Insider)
Add Wake Forests’ Chip Vaughn to the growing list of safeties reported to meet with the Falcons before the NFL Draft.

With their first pick the Falcons select…, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let’s take a little trip down memory lane. Remember these are just photos. No reason to drive the car off the street in frustration or panic.

Atlanta Falcons 2009 Draft Preview, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
We’re at the point of the offseason when papers (or online news organizations) across the country take note of teams around the league. Oh, the draft is close.

Mini-mailbag: Atlanta Falcons edition, ESPN.com
The Laurent Robinson trade is getting a lot of attention. Maybe it’s because the Falcons have been quiet in other areas but, for a team that wants to build through the draft, there’s nothing wrong with moving up a total of 40 picks.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Arthur Blank, Chip Vaughn, ESPN.com, Home Improvement, Joe Flacco, Laurent Robinson, life, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, NFL Draft, NFL.com, Scout.com, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, trade

The Falcons traded wide receiver Laurent Robinson to the St. Louis Rams Monday afternoon. The teams also agreed to swap fifth- and sixth-round picks as part of the deal.

Atlanta receives the Rams first pick in the fifth round (138 overall) in exchange for the 160th pick. The teams also switch picks in the sixth round, with the Falcons moving from 196 to 176.

The move gives the Falcons five picks in the first 150 selections of the NFL Draft. All the Falcons picks in the 2009 Draft now fall within the first 176 selections. Atlanta improved its draft position by 22 spots in the fifth round and 20 spots in the sixth round.

Robinson showed flashes of big-play ability in his rookie season with a long touchdown grab in a Week 16 loss at Arizona and was a regular on the training camp highlight reel but injuries limited his production over the last two years.

He played in 21 games for the Falcons, catching 42 passes for 489 yards and a score. Robinson was a third-round choice in the 2007 draft.

J. Michael Moore Roster Moves Laurent Robinson, NFL Draft, Roster Moves, St. Louis Rams, trade