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

Cowboys linebacker Keith Brooking spent the first 11 years of his NFL career with the Falcons. He went to five Pro Bowls and, as a rookie, made an appearance in the Super Bowl.

He knows a thing or two about the game… And the Falcons.

When asked in a conference call with Atlanta media Wednesday if he’s getting involved with game planning for Sunday’s game between his old and new team, Brooking was coy but not totally silent.

“”From a personnel standpoint I can give the guys some tips… But I’ve got enough to worry about over here on defense taking care of that offense,” Brooking said.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE CONFERENCE CALL

In particular, Brooking warned his teammates of the Falcons offensive line, which has gone four games without allowing a sack and includes two of the “meanest” players in the NFL — right guard Harvey Dahl and right tackle Tyson Clabo. The duo is known for playing through the whistle and, for lack of a better word, pestering opposing defenses.

“I’m just letting them know how nasty Harvey Dahl and Clabo are. Be careful. Those guys will sneak up on you in a heartbeat,” Brooking said. “I think the offensive line, like last year, has really come together. Those guys are playing together; all good offensive lines do that.”

J. Michael Moore News conference call, Dallas Cowboys, Foe Audio, Harvey Dahl, Keith Brooking, Tyson Clabo

Take a look at the Falcons depth chart and you’ll see a familiar name in an unfamiliar position. Third-year pro Stephen Nicholas is lining up as the team’s No. 1 strong-side linebacker.

But this isn’t an unfamiliar situation to him.

Nor is he taking it lightly.

It was two years ago, almost to the day, he was in a starting position as a rookie. It was the preseason and he was filling in for an injured Demorrio Williams, but it was an opportunity.

Now one of the players expected to replace five departed starters on defense, Nicholas is taking every chance he gets to improve. He is careful not to look over his shoulder or coast with success.

“I feel good, man…” he said Tuesday. “But I’m still competing.”

Nicholas played in 13 games as a rookie, totaling 37 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. His numbers on defense slipped in 2008 (9 tackles and a sack) but he was a force on special teams.

When Michael Boley left in free agency, Nicholas was called to step up. He’s been solid on the field during Russell Falcons Training Camp.

A fun-loving — and humorous — member of the team’s defense, Nicholas isn’t taking anything for granted.

“I got to be consistent and do everything they ask me to do,” he said. “I have to stay consistent and understand the defense.”

MORE NOTES FROM TUESDAY IN THE BRANCH…

… It took 11 days, but Tuesday saw the first scuffle in training camp. It involved tackle Tyson Clabo and safety Erik Coleman. “They were a little testy this morning; this is probably one of the toughest days we’re having in camp,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “… This is one of the longest days our guys will have here in training camp.

“Guys are going to mix it up. They were out there competing this morning and some of our nerves got frayed a little bit, but that’s all part of it.  We just want to make sure we are in control during the game.”

… With an injury to second-round pick William Moore and the move of Coleman to strong safety, second-year man Thomas DeCoud is getting the bulk of the work at free safety thus far in camp. But Smith and his staff don’t see DeCoud as a single-position player.

“We drafted him for that dual safety role because he can play both the strong and free safety,” Smith said Tuesday. “That’s what we really like to have, guys that are interchangeable because of the things teams do in formations or with a substitution package.  It is very important for us to get Thomas, and a number of guys on the defensive side, as much exposure as we can.”

J. Michael Moore News, training camp Demorrio Williams, Erik Coleman, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, Michael Boley, Russell Falcons Training Camp, Stephen Nicholas, Thomas DeCoud, Tyson Clabo, William Moore

Wednesday the Falcons announced a pair of roster moves and a tender signing (Tyson Clabo).

The moves included one roster addition — former Utah wide receiver Bradon Godfrey. The team now carries 11 wide receivers on the roster battling for five or six spots.

The Falcons ended 2008 with five receivers.

Godfrey, 6-foot-3, 197 pounds, caught 128 receptions for 1,440 yards (11.3 avg.) and eight touchdowns in 36 career games at Utah.

As a senior, he recorded season highs in receptions (56), receiving yards (556) and touchdowns (four) while averaging 9.9 yards per catch.

Including this one…

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Bradon Godfrey, Tyson Clabo

Cornerback Von Hutchins and defensive end John Abraham returned to the OTA practice field on Wednesday.

Abraham was held out of early workouts while recovering from some lingering bumps and bruises from the 2008 campaign. Hutchins, a free agent addition last year, missed the entire season after injuring his foot on the first day of training camp.

“I still (got some time) before I’m 100 percent healthy,” Hutchins said on May 21, knowing he would soon be back at practice. “But I’m looking forward to getting out there and getting a little sore.”

Away from the field, Hutchins acted as a mentor to a young secondary.

Now he’s ready to extend his six-year career which, to date, includes 142 tackles, two interceptions and 16 starts.

“I had all that time during the season to re-evaluate a lot of things,” he said. “I learned a lot about myself and the team. I learned a lot about my family. But this is football now. I’m ready to get back on the field. I’m working on rehabbing. I’m staying after practice rehabbing. I’m getting here before and getting some treatment and stuff in.”

Abraham led the Falcons with 16.5 sacks in 2008 while fighting through a variety of ailments. Smith decided to give the 10-year veteran some time off to open offseason workouts.

The three-time Pro Bowler got some work Wednesday, though the team limited offensive and defensive linemen to focus more on the passing game.

“We had a plan for John,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “We’re going to work John with that plan in mind. John has been through a lot of OTAs and a lot of mini camps so we want to get him acclimated to some of the new things we’re doing defensively.”

In other OTA news…

… Smith called this week’s practices a “passing camp,” saying linemen will get to retreat to the weight room before the end of practice while the rest of the team focuses on throwing the ball and defending the pass (not bad since the temperature has been hovering around 90 degrees).

… With Hutchins back the team is closer to 100 percent. Smith is pleased with the health of the Falcons at this point in the offseason.

“Jeff Fish and his staff have done a good job preparing these guys,” he said. “We’ve had very few pulled muscles or any of those soft tissue injuries. We’re really healthy and hopefully we can stay that way. Our goal has always been (to be healthy) for September 13. So hopefully we can accomplish that.”

… After missing some time during voluntary workouts earlier in the offseason, newly-acquired tight end Tony Gonzalez is on the field for a second week.

The coach is still happy the 10-time Pro Bowler is part of the Falcons family.

“Tony is going to be a great addition to our team,” he said. “We’re always trying to improve and he’s definitely going to make us a better football team — offensively, defensively and special teams.”

… The team announced tackle Tyson Clabo signed his restricted free agent tender on Wednesday, confirming his status for 2009. He and right guard Harvey Dahl are restricted free agents this season. Both received a reported second-round tender, meaning any team to sign them would have to forfeit a draft pick.

Atlanta also released undrafted free agent Brock Christopher.

J. Michael Moore News, Offseason, Roster Moves Brock Christopher, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Abraham, OTAs, Tony Gonzalez, Tyson Clabo, Von Hutchins

Random thoughts from the back porch on the Monday after the NFL Draft…

It was a long but productive weekend for the Falcons. Now, we all take a few breaths and get ready for the difficult tasks ahead.

I chose to get a few extra hours of sleep this morning and blog from the back patio at home. Nothing like the tweeting of birds and the low hum of what may be a bee hive in the back yard to get the creative juices flowing.

The marvels of wireless Internet access.

Unfortunately, the birds aren’t going to enjoy this type of Birdseed.

Falcons’ defensive focus continues in Day 2 of draft, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons did exactly what they said they were going to do in the draft. They focused on defense.

Complete Draft Coverage and Bios, AF.com
Visit the official site for your draft news, links to blogs, bios and photos.

Bradley’s Buzz: Post-draft grades show B’s for TD the GM, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A great recap of draft grades. Saves some time on Birdseed. And, save yourself some time reading draft report cards by knowing most pundits gave the Falcons a “B.”

The rich get richer? NFL draft grades favor the NFC East, USA Today
The Falcons check in with the best grade in the NFC South.

Atlanta Falcons choose to rebuild defense in 2009 NFL draft, Examiner.com
Special thanks to Daniel Cox — and countless other reporters and fans — for keeping me company on Twitter this weekend.

Atlanta’s UDFA signees, Scout.com
I recapped some of this information in an earlier blog post. Note none of this information is official. That news will come via AF.com.

Falcons give top pick Jerry royal treatment, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Peria Jerry is a hard worker from a background the required dedication and dreams. The Falcons get the prototypical “high motor” player.

Goodell sees ‘merit’ in expanded season, ESPN.com
Catching up on some NFL news. One of the best things about an extended regular season would be less preseason games and a weekend off on Labor Day.

Moore eager to join Falcons’ secondary, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A history of injuries likely pushed Moore’s stock lower as the draft got underway. But, the Falcons remained high on him after a solid junior season. Who wouldn’t love a guy that’s 220 pounds and can run a 4.5, 40?

Draft day was worth the wait for Fort Mill native Walker The (Rock Hill, S.C.) Herald
Vance Walker makes a good point. Must be nice to take a big step into the NFL and not have to worry about moving to a new city. The stress value is lower.

Miami Hurricanes’ Spencer Adkins heading to Atlanta Falcons, The Miami Herald
A 14-year streak of first-round selections was broken this weekend for the Hurricanes. But something new begins for Adkins, who was the first and only player from “The U” taken in the Draft.

Clemson RB Davis, 3 teammates drafted; Kelly to Falcons, The State
Aaron Kelly, a native of Marietta, is reported to have agreed to terms on an undrafted free agent deal with the Falcons.

WVU’s Ryan Stanchek Signs with Falcons, cbs59.com
Got an email this morning from a friend who worked with Stanchek at D1 Sports Training prior to the Combine. Curious to see how he does with the Falcons o-line coaches.

Falcons’ draft pick from Marist has future in medicine, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some notes on the Falcons draft picks. If anything else they have interesting stories and, in the case of Middleton, an impressive post-football career aspiration.

Falcons draft Reynolds in fifth round, Knoxville News-Sentinel
Garrett Reynolds joins another Knoxville native on the Falcons offensive line — right tackle Tyson Clabo.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, NFL Draft Aaron Kelly, AF.com, AJC, cbs59.com, ESPN.com, Garret Reynolds, NFL Draft, Peria Jerry, Roger Goodell, Ryan Stanchek, Schedule, Scout.com, Spencer Adkins, The Herald, The Miami Herald, The State, Tyson Clabo, USA Today, Vance Walker, William Middleton, William Moore

Don’t say the NFL fails to correct flaws in the system.

Earlier this week league owners approved a measure that will change the draft order of playoff teams based on their exit from the postseason, not regular-season record.

This year the Eagles barely made the playoffs but went all the way to the NFC Championship game. Under the current system, the Eagles have the No. 21 pick. If the rule change were in effect (and it happens in 2010), the Eagles would pick at No. 29.

Here’s a chart from colleague and AFC South blogger Paul Kuharsky.

Apply the rule change and the Falcons would get a better selection this season, from No. 24 to No. 22.

Falcons cornerback talks about overcoming learning disability, Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat
Bravo to David Irons. He’s a “friend of the program” when it comes to the website and he’s always willing to talk about things important to him.

News & Notes — DeCoud’s Number is Up, Scout.com
Some tidbits of Falcons news from friends over at Falcons Insider.

Draft Discussion: Defensive Ends, AF.com
We’re turning our attention to the defensive line this week. Ask your questions or make your comments and Matt Moore and I will discuss them next week on Falconcast. Here are some topics to get you started:

Falcons pros, kids team up to deliver food for Meals on Wheels, Gainesville Times
The Falcons don’t have to travel far from home to find opportunities to serve the community.

Atlanta Falcons’ Trey Lewis has come full circle and is excited to be back on the field, Examiner.com
Trey Lewis is the “X-Factor” when it comes the Falcons defensive line fortunes. A healthy Lewis can give the team some options.

Dahl Tops Falcons’ Performance-Based Pay List, Scout.com
This proves working hard does pay off in time. After 2008, more people got familiar with Harvey Dahl and Tyson Clabo.

Smith likes the USC linebackers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I, too, like the linebackers at USC. The fact that all three starters at the position could go in the first round says enough.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Belleville News-Democrat, community, David Irons, Examiner.com, Gainesville Times, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, NFL Draft, NFL News, Scout.com, Thomas DeCoud, Trey Lewis, Tyson Clabo

Free agency is under way but, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Falcons made some moves Thursday to ensure some contributors from 2008 remain in Atlanta.

According to Ledbetter, tight end Justin Peelle, linebacker Coy Wire, defensive tackle Jason Jefferson and center Ben Wilkerson agreed to terms to stay with the team. Contract talks continue with other unrestricted free agents including cornerback Domonique Foxworth and defensive end Chauncey Davis.

The team announced Sunday that free agent safety Lawyer Milloy will not be re-signed.

Peelle’s return, guarantees the top two tight ends from last season’s playoff team remain on the roster.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan didn’t throw to the tight end much in 2008, but the addition of Peelle provided an option to compliment the blocking power of Ben Hartsock.

The 29-year-old was signed at the end of the preseason and quickly integrated with an offense ran by his former position coach — current Falcons offensive coordinator — Mike Mularkey. He finished the season with 15 catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Peelle also recorded three catches for 11 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons Wild Card playoff loss at Arizona.

All the contract extensions address a position thought to be on the Falcons wish list for the NFL Draft.

Thursday, Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew said he met with Falcons staff at the Scouting Combine. He’s regarded by many experts as the best all-around tight end in the rookie class and may remain on the Falcons radar.

But, with the bulk of the league’s 10th-best scoring offense returning, the Birds are also expected to take a long look at the defense.

The move to keep Wire and Jefferson solidify some things on that side of the ball.

Jefferson, who was signed just before the start of the season, played in 13 games in 2008. He started in Week 2 at Tampa for an injured Grady Jackson.

Wire was never officially listed at the top of the depth chart in 2008 but he did take on a key role in run defense in the last four games. Wire split time with linebacker Michael Boley at strong-side linebacker and finished the year with 24 tackles and one pass defensed.

He had five solo tackls in the team’s playoff loss.

In all, five defensive starters from 2008 are on the free agent market: Boley, Foxworth, Keith Brooking, Jackson and Milloy.

Ledbetter also reports the Falcons made moves to secure the services of two restricted free agents. Right tackle Tyson Clabo and right guard Harvey Dahl received second-round tenders, meaning any team that signs them must reward Atlanta with a second-round pick.

Both players, journeymen early in their careers, started on a 2008 offensive line that allowed just 17 sacks and cleared the way for 2,443 rushing yards.

RELATED LINKS:

• FREE AGENCY HOME: More information on the Falcons 2009 free agents
• QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: More on free agency in this FAQ
• NFL.COM: Free agency news from NFL.com
• TRANSACTIONS: Click here for a list of Falcons official transactions from 2001 to present
• IMPORTANT DATES: Key days in the 2009 NFL Offseason

J. Michael Moore Free Agency AJC, Ben Hartsock, Ben Wilkerson, Brandon Pettigrew, Chauncey Davis, contracts, Coy Wire, D. Orlando Ledbetter, Domonique Foxworth, Grady Jackson, Harvey Dahl, Jason Jefferson, Justin Peelle, Keith Brooking, Lawyer Milloy, Michael Boley, Mike Mularkey, Roster Moves, tight end, Tyson Clabo