J.Mike's Missives

The Falcons released defensive end Willie Evans, tight end Ben Hartsock and cornerback Von Hutchins Tuesday afternoon.

Hartsock and Hutchins were free agent acquisitions before the 2008 season. Hartsock started 11 games before going on injured reserve while Hutchins missed the year after hurting his foot during training camp.

“They did a nice job while they were here but it was a football decision that we made and we’re going to be making a lot more decisions as we move down to our 53-man roster through the weekend,” Head Coach Mike Smith said after Tuesday’s practice.

Hartsock caught three passes for 26 yards as a Falcon, bringing his career total to 27 grabs for 273 yards. Known primarily for his blocking, the five-year vet helped pave the way for the league’s second-best running game in 2008.

Hutchins was working at cornerback and safety for Atlanta through Russell Falcons Training Camp.

A veteran of three NFL teams, the Ole Miss product has 16 starts to his credit (38 games), 142 tackles and two interceptions.

Evans was in his second season with the Falcons after joining the team in January 2008. He was waived at the end of 2008 training camp but re-signed to the practice squad in November, where he spent the remainder of the season.

The moves, coupled with the addition of cornerback Tye Hill, leave the Falcons with 73 players on the active roster. The team must be at 53 players on or before Saturday.

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, Roster Moves Ben Hartsock, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Preseason, Tye Hill, Von Hutchins, Willie Evans

Well, so much for the Falcons defense getting a test from an All-Pro running back.

The Chargers just announced running back LaDainian Tomlinson will be among the players not participating in Saturday’s game between San Diego and Atlanta.

Tomlinson is joined by defensive ends Jacques Cesaire and Vaughn Martin, defensive lineman Ryon Bingham, linebacker Jyles Tucker and tight end Antonio Gates.

The move isn’t entirely unexpected since staying healthy is the goal of all NFL teams during training camp and the preseason.

The Falcons will be without a pair of defensive linemen: Willie Evans and Jason Jefferson.

No changes in the lineup for the home team.

J. Michael Moore Gameday, Preseason, injury injury, Jason Jefferson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Preseason, San Diego Chargers, Willie Evans

Random thoughts from the press box while wondering if “Gumbel to Gumbel: Beach Justice” will ever be on the air...

Amazing how a home game changes your perspective on football. For the first time this season I was greeted with images of tailgaters outside the Georgia Dome. My seat in the press box has that familiar feel.

Yes… It’s all coming back to me now.

The Atlanta Falcons host the San Diego Chargers Saturday night at “The big Dome in Atlanta.” Football season has, officially, returned.

Some quick notes on the game before we get into Birdseed…

• Defensive linemen Jason Jefferson and Willie Evans will not play against the Chargers. Both are nursing injuries.
• Head Coach Mike Smith said the team’s offensive and defensive starters will play into the third quarter, allowing time for halftime adjustments.
• Eric Weems seems to have the lead in the job to return punts, but we could also see Chandler Williams and Brent Grimes at some point.
• Keep an eye on the D-line rotation. Lots of players with ability. Lots of motivation to keep everyone fresh and ready for the preseason.
• William Moore will play early on special teams and get in on defense in the second half.

Complete Falcons-Chargers game coverage, AF.com
All you need to know pre-game, in-game and postgame.

5 reasons to feel confident about the 2009 Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The pieces are in place. The expectations are set. All that’s left to do is play some football.

San Diego Chargers-Atlanta Falcons Preview Pack, Examiner.com
Let’s preview some of the story lines. It’s preseason, but we all have to get into the regular-season routine.

First string to see action against San Diego, AF.com
I wouldn’t recommend tuning into this game late, but if you miss the first couple of series you’ll still be able to see the Falcons first-string offense and defense.

Saturday Pre-Game Notes: Tackling The San Diego Charger, The Falcoholic
To discuss aspects of the game, I recommend the FalconsLIFE Message Boards.

Roster spots on line for Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Roster decisions are never easy, particularly for a team that’s starting to take on the personality of its General Manager and Head Coach. More personal relationships to face.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Gameday, Preseason AF.com, AJC, Brent Grimes, Chandler Williams, Eric Weems, Examiner.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Jefferson, Preseason, San Diego Chargers, The Falcoholic, Willie Evans

Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton is in the midst of his second preseason as a Falcons starter.

But the thrill of playing in front of the home crowd for the first time in a given year doesn’t go away.

“The ticket sales say it all,” Lofton said Thursday when asked about the intensity level of Falcons fans, which grew steadily during his rookie season en route to an 11-5 finish.

“(Sales) went up this year and I think the Dome is going to be rocking when we get in there.”

Lofton said he’ll be just as excited Saturday when the Chargers come to town as he was in his first NFL game, particularly since this time he’ll have some more responsibilities in the team’s defense.

The Falcons took Lofton off the field on most third downs in 2008 as he was a middle linebacker in the team’s base, 4-3 package. In the nickel package — when more defensive backs come on the field — Lofton moved to the sideline.

He’s now a part of those “sub” packages.

“It’s the same excitement level as last year but this year I’m more prepared and I’m not thinking as much,” he said. “I’ll be able to play a lot faster and play my game.”

Head Coach Mike Smith said Lofton, who finished second among NFL rookies in total tackles last season, is doing well in the new role though the staff would like to see how he plays in the final preseason games.

Lofton and the Falcons defense have a solid test ahead of them at the Georgia Dome. The Chargers boast some of best skill players in the game, including regular All-Pro LaDainian Tomlinson.

Last year in a Falcons win at San Diego, Tomlinson was held to 24 yards on 14 carries.

“It’s always good to come back and play in front of home fans and stuff,” Lofton said. “You’re a little bit more prepared and you know what to expect unlike the previous game. You’ve got to be studied up and ready to go.

“You always want to go against the best and I think L.T. is one of the best backs we’ll play this year. It’s exciting and it’s going to be a test for our defense.”

MORE NOTES ON THE FALCONS AND CHARGERS…

… Smith said he’s looking forward to seeing his team compete against a tough, “playoff-caliber” team in the third preseason game. The Chargers have won the AFC West three years in a row. ”

I think it will be a big challenge for us and — if you have to have a challenge — I think you want it in this third preseason game because of the way we’re going to work our substitution patterns,” he said.

… Defensive linemen Jason Jefferson and Willie Evans will not play in Saturday’s preseason game. Jefferson (groin, hip flexor) had, according to Smith, “a procedure” done to help the injury. Evans is working through back issues. Smith said he hopes the rest of the team will be ready to play.

… One of those players “ready to play” is William Moore. The rookie missed nearly three weeks after minor knee surgery but he practiced Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

“We are planning on William getting some snaps early in the game doing some special teams and then, in the second half, giving him a couple series and see how he handles those two or three series,” Smith said. “He is way behind in terms of reps because he missed about three weeks.”

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason Curtis Lofton, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Jefferson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Preseason, San Diego Chargers, Willie Evans

Re-signing defensive end Chauncey Davis in March was just an early step in the team’s defensive line building project for the 2009 season.

Three linemen were added in the draft (Peria Jerry, Lawrence Sidbury and Vance Walker) were added in the draft. Then there was the addition of undrafted rookie Maurice Lucas. And let’s not forget the earlier signings of Tywain Myles, Willie Evans and Thomas Johnson.

Davis, a five-year veteran, represents a core group of players asked to keep the defense in line through an infusion of youth.

“It is a change for the better,” Davis said Thursday when asked about the team’s task to replace five starters from the 2008 campaign. “We lost and added some people. It is going to be an exciting, hard-nosed, stopping the run, getting after the quarterback defense.”

Davis is currently behind Jamaal Anderson on the team’s depth chart but all the team’s linemen have seen time in various rotations and sets.

In defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder and Head Coach Mike Smith’s hit-the-quarterback-and-force-mistakes system, fresh legs are valued.

“There is a lot of competition in camp,” said Davis, who finished with four sacks and three fumble recoveries last season. “We are getting better and really helping each other. When one man is doing better he is pushing the other to get better as well.  When you have that kind of competition out there it’s great.  We want to make it hard on the coaches to make a decision on who gets to go out there and play, because our rotation is so strong.  We have a great rotation so it doesn’t matter who is out there.  We are getting after the quarterback and doing our assignment, just getting the job done.”

Smith said the team will rotate through several line pairings during the preseason opener at Detroit.

OTHER NOTES FROM THURSDAY…

… If you’re looking at position battles, Saturday will be an educational day. “I want to see how well our punt returners do,” Smith said when asked about plans for Detroit. “They are going to be auditioning for a spot since Harry Douglas is out.  I want to see the rotation on the defensive line and see how those guys compete. Also, our young corners Chris Owens and William Middleton play.”

… Smith said all four quarterbacks will play Saturday. “In terms of when each will play I don’t want to divulge that right now. I don’t think anyone should read into how the rotation takes place.”

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, training camp Brian VanGorder, Chauncey Davis, Chris Owens, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jamaal Anderson, Lawrence Sidbury, Maurice Lucas, Peria Jerry, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp, Thomas Johnson, Tywain Myles, Vance Walker, William Middleton, Willie Evans

With emotion in his voice, Falcons linebacker Coy Wire brought a special message to soldiers stationed at Ft. Benning Monday evening.

Attitude is everything.

After thanking the gathering of more than 250 men and women for their service, Wire noted the urge to wilt in the face of adversity but asked everyone to rise above the challenges with a positive attitude.

Wire and 10 of his Falcons teammates flew to Ft. Benning on Army Blackhawk helicopters Monday afternoon to have dinner with soldiers soon to be deployed to Iraq. A group of Falcons Cheerleaders also made the trip and gave a brief performance — their first of the 2009 season.

“We came to show our appreciation,” Wire said. “To show how much respect we have to each and every one of you. We came to represent not only the Atlanta Falcons, not only the city of Atlanta for which we play, but for all the people across this country — strangers you’ve never met — who are thinking of you and praying for you every day.”

Wire said attitude is something people can choose to control and, through a brief anecdote, illustrated the impact of a positive outlook on life.

Everyone goes through tough times.

The secret is in the process.

“We see the world not as it is; we see the world as we are on the inside,” he said.

“There’s a saying that the strongest steel is burned in the hottest coals. Each and every one of you men and women will have to go through something difficult in the next few months or year. It’s going to make you strong. It’s going to refine you and make you ready for anything and everything that you may encounter in your lives.”

Wire said the Falcons plan to dedicate the first game of the 2009 season to the soldiers at Ft. Benning and across the nation.

Members of the brigade the Falcons visited should be deployed in October.

Running back Jerious Norwood, center Brett Romberg, lineman Quinn Ojinnaka, guard Justin Blalock, defensive end Willie Evans, fullback Ovie Mughelli, tight end Justin Peelle, wide receiver Brian Finneran and tackle Will Sviteck also made the trip.

Finneran’s father served in Vietnam, adding special meaning to his trips to military posts.

“It’s awesome, especially the ride in the helicopter,” Finneran said. “We’re here to support our guys, our troops that fight for us.”

The veteran wide receiver said it’s easy to take the joys in life for granted, particularly air conditioning after a hot training camp pracitce.

But he knows none of it’s possible without the daily activity of service men and women around the world.

He joined Wire and his teammates in an expression of gratitude.

“We’re here to say thanks, shake their hands and tell them how much we appreciate all they do.”

Members of the Army thanked the Falcons with a custom, engraved sledge hammer — the symbol of the brigade. Wire proudly carried it the rest of the day and, once practice starts, will find a way to keep it in front of his teammates for motivation.

The Falcons organization is also offering a military-only deal on tickets to the Carolina Panthers game on Sept. 20 (click here for details). Tickets are $30 and include a limited edition, camouflage Falcons hat (pictured).

Click here for more pictures from the Falcons trip and work in the community.

J. Michael Moore Falcons in the Community, Feature, News Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, Brett Romberg, Brian Finneran, community, Coy Wire, Ft. Benning, Jerious Norwood, Justin Blalock, Justin Peelle, Ovie Mughelli, Quinn Ojinnaka, Will Sviteck, Willie Evans