J.Mike's Missives

Falcons fans are still waiting to get official word on the injury report concerning Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner’s sprained ankle. But, as of early Wednesday afternoon, some news — and options — emerged in case the team is without its leading rusher.

For starters, the team re-signed 10-year veteran running back Aaron Stecker Monday evening to add more depth to the backfield. The Falcons also have Jason Snelling (hamstring) healthy and are hopeful to have fourth-year running back Jerious Norwood, the No. 2 man on the depth chart, back in action after an extended injury absence.

Stecker was originally signed on Oct. 27 to fill a roster spot created when rookie William Moore went on injured reserve.

In two games with the Falcons, Stecker totaled two rushes for six yards and five catches for 34 yards. The 10-year veteran has more than 1,500 rushing yards and 1,445 receiving yards in his career. He was released just before last week’s game and replaced by wide receiver Troy Bergeron. Though he missed some time, he said he’s not behind in the team’s system.

“I’ve been studying and picking up stuff week by week and there was a situation where, yeah, I was gone last week but I’ve been here,” Stecker said. “I can pick up where I left off.”

He can also help the Falcons make sense of time without the No. 1 running back.

Multiple times in Stecker’s career he’s been called upon to fill in for a big name (think Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush in New Orleans).

“That’s why guys last as long as I have,” Stecker said. “They go out there and, when they get an opportunity, they’re ready.”

Turner was optimistic about his own recovery and what the team can do in any absence.

He didn’t say when he’ll be back on the field, but did tell members of the media he’s never missed six weeks (widely reported recovery time for a high-ankle sprain) with an ankle injury.

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/194141/194141_2009-11-18-120813.flv
Click here for more Falcons video interviews from Wednesday

The six-year veteran also said he won’t rush back to the field until he’s ready.

“You don’t want to rush it,” he said. “You want to give it time to heal up and get stronger but, at the same time, you’ve still got to work it in order to get back as soon as possible.”

Should Turner and Norwood be unable to play, the Falcons would rely on Snelling and Stecker.

Asked earlier in the week about playing in place of the team’s feature back, Snelling, a seventh-round draft pick in 2007, continued the theme of confidence.

“Oh, yeah, that’s what I’m prepared for and I think that’s why I’m here,” he said. “We got a great offense and a great line and I’ll be prepared to go.”

BLOGGER’S NOTE: I’ll be tweeting from Head Coach Mike Smith’s media gathering this afternoon. Follow live updates here.

J. Michael Moore News Aaron Stecker, Carolina Panthers, Deuce McAllister, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, interview, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Michael Turner, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Troy Bergeron, video, William Moore

A move at running back wasn’t a surprise for the Falcons in light of Michael Turner’s high ankle sprain and yet-to-be determined game status.

With reserve Jason Snelling just one game removed from a hamstring injury and Jerious Norwood still nursing a sore hip, the Falcons re-acquired the services of veteran running back Aaron Stecker Monday evening.

To make room for Stecker, Atlanta released wide receiver Troy Bergeron.

Head Coach Mike Smith did not offer many details on Turner’s injury other than to say he’s confident the Pro Bowler will be back in 2009 and that more tests need to be done to determine a prognosis.

Turner suffered the sprain in the first half of Sunday’s loss at Carolina after rushing for 111 yards on just nine carries.

Stecker was originally signed on Oct. 27 to fill a roster spot created when rookie William Moore went on injured reserve.

In two games with the Falcons, Stecker totaled two rushes for six yards and five catches for 34 yards. The 10-year veteran has more than 1,500 rushing yards and 1,445 receiving yards in his career.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Aaron Stecker, Carolina Panthers, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Michael Turner, Troy Bergeron, William Moore

In a move to add depth to the receiving corps, the Falcons released veteran running back Aaron Stecker on Saturday and promoted wide receiver Troy Bergeron from the practice squad.

Bergeron, 6-foot-2, 195 lbs., played with the Georgia Force of the now defunct Arena Football League for three seasons, totalling  328 receptions for 4,335 yards and 96 touchdowns. He was named the AFL Rookie of the Year in 2005 and was a second-team All-Arena selection in 2007.

He was a mini camp addition that stuck through 2009 training camp in Flowery Branch. Though he was released on the final cut day before the regular season, he was quickly signed to the practice squad.

Stecker was signed on Oct. 27 to fill a roster spot created when rookie William Moore went on injured reserve. He played six days later in New Orleans, stepping in for an injured Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood. He served in a similar role last week against Washington.

In two games with the Falcons, Stecker totaled two rushes for six yards and five catches for 34 yards. The 10-year veteran has more than 1,500 rushing yards and 1,445 receiving yards in his career.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Aaron Stecker, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, New Orleans Saints, Troy Bergeron, Washington Redskins, William Moore

The Falcons injury situation in the secondary took a turn for the worse Wednesday as the team placed recently re-signed safety Jamaal Fudge on injured reserve.

In his place, Atlanta brought in four-year veteran safety Charlie Peprah.

Fudge, who was with the team in 2008 and the preseason, was re-signed on Oct. 20 after the team placed starting cornerback Brian Williams on injured reserve. The team also lost second-round pick safety William Moore (hamstring) for the season last week.

Thomas DeCoud and Erik Coleman have started every game at safety in 2009 but injury concerns have hit the reserve unit hard with Moore and Antoine Harris, who returned to the lineup last week after missing four games with a knee injury.Wor

Peprah, 5-11, 203 pounds, spent the past three seasons with the Green Bay Packers (2006-08). He was released by the Packers following training camp this season.

In 37 career games (one start), the Alabama graduate has totaled 21 tackles (10 solo) and forced two fumbles on special teams in 2007.

At Alabama, Peprah played in 50 games (45 starts) at multiple positions in the secondary. He finished his career with 210 tackles, nine interceptions, five fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and 24 passes defensed. He was a first-team All American (The NFL Draft Report) as a senior.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Antoine Harris, Brian Williams, Charlie Peprah, Erik Coleman, Green Bay Packers, injury, Thomas DeCoud, William Moore

For the second time this season the Falcons have placed a 2009 draft selection on the season-ending injured reserve list.

The team placed second-round pick William Moore (hamstring) on the list Tuesday afternoon, just more than a month after adding first-round pick Peria Jerry (knee). In all, the Falcons have four players on IR.

Moore underwent knee surgery during training camp but recovered in time for the start of the 2009 season. However, a lingering hamstring injury suffered at the end of the preseason led to his being shelved for the rest of the campaign.

He recorded two special teams tackles against the Chicago Bears in Week 6.

In Moore’s place on the roster, the Falcons added 10-year veteran running back Aaron Stecker.

Fans likely remember Stecker from his time with the New Orleans Saints.

In 120 career games (16 starts), the Western Illinois graduate has totaled 381 carries for 1,511 yards and eight touchdowns. He has also contributed with 161 receptions for 1,141 yards and three touchdowns and 167 kickoff returns for 3,880 yards and one score.

His best season was 2007, when he carried the ball 115 times for 448 yards and five touchdowns (all career highs). He also has experience as a kickoff returner and is a former NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

The Falcons also made practice squad moves Tuesday, adding cornerback Glenn Sharpe to practice squad-injured and bringing safety Eric Brock back to the practice squad. Sharpe and Brock both saw time on the active roster at the end of 2008. Sharpe started ‘09 on the practice squad while Brock was released on Sept. 4, 2009.

Sharpe is essentially on an injured reserve list and can’t be added to the Falcons practice squad or 53-man roster. However, like any practice squad player, another team has the option of signing him to the 53-man roster.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Aaron Stecker, Chicago Bears, Eric Brock, Glenn Sharpe, injury, New Orleans Saints, William Moore

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

In today’s high-paced, ultra-competitive NFL, any advantage can be the difference between winning and losing.

That’s why Head Coach Mike Smith made a point Monday not to reveal too much news on injuries. The Falcons aren’t required to issue an injury report until Wednesday of game week, so no sense tipping the hand.

Then again, the team is as healthy as its been at any point during the season.

The bye week will do that for you.

“Antoine (Harris) was the only player who didn’t practice today,” Smith said.

Harris, a versatile player who has nursed a variety of minor injuries in his career, hasn’t missed a game in 2009.

Just more good news for the Falcons, who travel West this weekend to take on the San Francisco 49ers (3-1) in a game that could go a long way in deciding future power rankings, division championships and all around positioning.

A win would give the Falcons a .500 record on the road before taking to the skies for four of the next six games.

The 49ers, Bears, Cowboys and Saints — the Falcons next four opponents — have a combined 12-4 record. The 49ers, Cowboys and Saints — road games — are 5-1 at home.

Having most players healthy is an advantage not every NFL team can claim.

Rookie safety William Moore (hamstring) has been practicing. Running back Jerious Norwood (concussion) also figures to return to the field soon. Asked Monday about the re-addition of Norwood, Smith said the third-year running back would be “full go.”

“We’re much faster when we have Jerious in the game,” Smith said. “He brings that speed element.”

The coach also said the team is “anxious” to see what Moore can do when he gets a chance to suit up on Sundays. He’s been inactive due to injury and fell behind learning the system during training camp after minor knee surgery.

J. Michael Moore News Antoine Harris, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jerious Norwood, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers, William Moore

So it’s Week 4…

And we have a weekend off?

Doesn’t seem right, but it’s the hand the NFL dealt the Falcons when the schedule was released.

The con of an early bye week is obvious: The motor just got going. Too soon to shut it off for maintenance! However, there are some hidden pros that make an early bye week — though not necessarily desirable — acceptable.

Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) and I talked about the bye with AF.com contributor John Manasso this morning in a special edition of Falconcast.

CLICK HERE FOR THE BYE WEEK DISCUSSION

The bye week is something many players, if able, would likely abandon. But in today’s NFL — where smelling salts are kept on the sidelines for use after vicious hits — any break is beneficial.

Which brings me to three keys the Falcons should keep an eye on for a Week 4 respite:

• Identify points of emphasis. It’s impossible to work on everything in just two days of practice. So, it’s important to find specifics to hit quickly and efficiently. For the Falcons, that likely includes evaluating the run game — on offense and defense.
• Go one-on-one. William Moore is healthy and practicing. Tye Hill is entering another week learning the system. This is a time, as Head Coach Mike Smith said, to focus on younger (or new) players and see how they are picking up the system.
• Relax, get away and recharge. The Falcons will play 13-straight games to end the regular season. For that reason an early bye week requires a bit more rest and focus for what’s ahead. It allows for more practice, too, since in a later break, Smith’s hand may be forced to eliminate a practice from the schedule.

J. Michael Moore Falconcast bye week, Falconcast, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Manasso, Matt Moore, Tye Hill, William Moore

Looking through some Birdseed possibilities while thinking about the Falcons’ place in the universe…

A frustrating side effect of the NFL bye week has appeared in Flowery Branch. Well, at least it’s focused its attention on the Falcons practice facility.

In case you’ve lived in a cave for the past week, the Falcons lost a Week 3 matchup at New England, 26-10.

That loss, coupled with two weeks before the next game, tends to make fans get a little nervous. In professional football you’re only as good as your next game. And, when that game is not for another 12 days, it puts everyone edge.

It’s a force of nature, not unlike gravity, with the power — evidently — to make otherwise sane people forget the Falcons are 2-1 and guaranteed 13 more games for the rest of the season.

To extrapolate miscues from the New England game into month-long season killers — especially after three games — is premature. Head Coach Mike Smith talked about the issues and acknowledged the gift of time to correct them.

Then again, what are we left to do when we have to wait a while for more football?

Well, there is no Birdseed bye week.

Falcons work on run defense during bye, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Run the ball and stop the run. It’s the bread-and-butter system that has worked in the NFL for decades.

Smith: Falcons lost some focus in New England, AF.com
Some encouraging news on Jerious Norwood and William Moore in the notebook. Both should be ready to go by the time the team turns 100 percent of its attention to the 49ers.

Bradley’s Buzz: Did Smitty coach scared in Foxborough?, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Patriots also kept two and three tight ends in the game in most formations — a sign of running the football and protecting Tom Brady in the passing game. Blitzing doesn’t necessarily help in that situation.

FalconsLIVE with Head Coach Mike Smith, AF.com
More from the head coach about Sunday’s loss and a little about what the team will do to improve and rest during the bye week.

NFL on FOX: Matty ‘Ice’ Ryan, FoxSports.com
In case you missed it, here’s the segment on Matt Ryan produced by FOX and the interview conducted by Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw.

Interview with Thomas DeCoud, AM 790 The Zone
Some comments from the Falcons starting free safety on just what happened in New England.

Monday Afternoon Quarterback, The Beat Blog
Another introduction of John Manasso, who will help me blog and cover the Falcons in 2009.

A Shot of Falcohol, The Falcoholic
A word of praise to the Falcoholic: You do a great job playing off the “Falcohol” concept. Seems like it’s a theme that keeps on giving. Wish we had the same luck with all the “bird” derivatives. After “Birdseed” my brain was cooked.

The New England Patriots control the clock and the Atlanta Falcons, win 26-10, Examiner.com
I think the reason so many people are worried and vocal about the disappointment in New England is because we have to wait two weeks before another game.

A Very Falcoholic Discussion: The Bye Week Focus, The Falcoholic
Get the thinking caps on. Plenty of time to come up with a convincing argument as to why the sky is falling in Flowery Branch. The sky is falling, right? Wait… it’s not!

J. Michael Moore Birdseed 790 the Zone, AF.com, AJC, bye week, Examiner.com, FalconsLIVE, FoxSports.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jerious Norwood, John Manasso, Matt Ryan, New England Patriots, Terry Bradshaw, The Beat Blog, The Falcoholic, Thomas DeCoud, Tom Brady, William Moore

No Wes Welker for the Patriots.

No Jerious Norwood for the Falcons.

Not exactly a 1:1 exchange, but it’s close.

Welker, who has 12 catches for 93 yards in one game this season, is Tom Brady’s favorite target in blitz situations.  He’s also pretty good in the regular offense — team-leading 11 catches for 1,165 yards last season.

Norwood is a triple threat for the Falcons — rushing, receiving, returns — but the team showed a good additional option in running back Jason Snelling last week. Norwood suffered a head injury in Week 2 and, through the week, was “day-to-day.”

Additional Falcons inactives:

• QB John Parker Wilson (thrid quarterback)
• CB Tye Hill
• S William Moore
• LB Spencer Adkins
• OT Will Svitek
• OT Garrett Reynolds
• DT Vance Walker

Additional Patriots inactives:

• CB Jonathan Wilhite
• CB Darius Butler
• RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis‘
• LB Jerod Mayo
• OL Rich Ohrnberger
• G Kendall Simmons
• WR Wes Wlker
• LB Prescott Burgess

Injuries facilitate some lineup changes for the Patriots, who will start Mike Wright at defensive tackle (in place of Mayo) and Joey Galloway in place of Welker. The decision to move Wright into the starting lineup confirms the Patriots desire to mix plenty of 4-3 with the 3-4.

No lineup changes for the Falcons.

J. Michael Moore Gameday Garrett Reynolds, inactives, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, John Parker Wilson, New England Patriots, Spencer Adkins, Tye Hill, Vance Walker, Will Svitek, William Moore