Falcons Thread: 2011 post season

So far Atlanta has been tight with the checkbook (for a change). They don't have a lot of cap room, but they do have enough to grab a couple players. Also, they have a list of guys who could be asked to restructure or take a pay cut in favor of making a leap past Philadelphia to get to the Super Bowl, which will be difficult.

Currently, the only guy who's scheduled a visit to Atlanta is Jeremiah Trotter. This was a bit of surprise when I read it on theredzone.org b/c I feel like the team would focus on the offensive line and secondary during free agency, but Trotter would be a nice addition.

As is, Atlanta's defense can be worn down. Especially if a team goes into a game willing to run the ball 40 times if that's what it takes. Detroit did that early in the season and won in Atlanta. Trotter at MLB would make the rest of the front seven better. He doesn't miss tackles, and he drives through the ball carrier. Basically, that's ususally the difference between a two yard gain and a four yard gain. Defensive ends could worry less about having to make the tackle, and more about turning outside runs back inside to Trotter.

Taking him from Philadelphia would definitely be an added bonus.


DEFENSIVE TACKLE/NOSE TACKLE

After being released Ed Jasper has decided not to retire, so he may return to Atlanta. However, I'd be shocked if Atlanta didn't make a strong push for Chartric Darby of Tampa Bay. He's a perfect fit for the style of defense Atlanta plays (the front seven is really just a slightly modified version of Tampa Bay's anyway) and would be killer if teamed with Rod Coleman in the middle. They'd compliment each other perfectly.

I think he's better against the run than Jasper, I'm not sure how good he is at getting a pass rush compared to Ed, but I don't think there'd be a huge drop off. As long as he can push the pocket and draw a double team, he'll help the other three defensive linemen get to the QB.

OFFENSIVE LINE

JESUS CHRIST WHERE DID ALL THE LINEMEN GO? It's amazing that this year, the offensive linemen market has moved the fastest. Atlanta has two DESPERATE positions to fill, and another in need of upgrade.

Roberto Garza is a free agent and has somehow become ridiculously over-rated by the media. In reality, he's okay run-blocking, but terrible finding his responsibilities on pass plays. The blame for this could rest on Center Todd McClure, but only the team officials know the answer to this. Regardless, to many safeties and middle line backers were able to have a straight shot at Michael Vick last season. I hope Garza doesn't come back.

The Falcons favor lighter, quicker linemen, so I feel like they'll go after Rick DeMulling or possibly Dan Neil at LG. Again, no action so far, which could be a good thing. Let the guys who want big paychecks get them, and wait to see who wants to come to Atlanta, work with Alex Gibbs, and block for Michael Vick, in one of the few offenses in the NFL that runs more than it passes.

SECONDARY

The teams' 3rd, 4th, and 5th cornerbacks are all free agents, and the probability for any of them to return is sketchy. There's also the sucking void of talent at the free safety position.

I expect Atlanta will look for bargains and stop-gaps here. Possibly Antuan Edwards at free safety. They pursued him last year, and tried to claim him on waivers during last season as well. At cornerback, I don't know.

Dwight Smith would be a great addition. He could start at free safety then roll up to play nickle when needed. However, he seems to be looking for a big pay day, and I don't know if Atlanta will be able to write the check.

I do expect them to draft at least one defensive back on the first day, but they'll still need to sign a free agent or two.

WIDE RECEIVER

Atlanta's wide receiver needs have been greatly over-rated. It's strongly-rumored that Tim Dwight could make a return to Atlanta. It's also rumored that the Falcons are in the hunt for Plaxico. Both guys would help in their own way, Tim Dwight could play in the slot, and allow Michael Jenkins to step up into the starting line up (which should happen anyway). Burris would of course push Peerless Price down to the Y-receiver where he supposedly would be more effective.

but until Vick learns the offense and the wide receivers wearing Atlanta jerseys consistently run their routes, then any addition to the receiving corps is only going to meet with marginal improvement to the offense. Whoever they sign needs to understand that it's a run-first offense, and they're probably not going to get 85 receptions during the year.

I expect they're gearing up to use a 2nd round draft pick on this position.


That's all I got for now.

As everyone knows, Jeremiah Trotter decided to go back to Philadelphia.

I haven't read where any other free agents are scheduled to visit Atlanta, but I did see that Matt Lehr's (OG St. Louis) agent said that the Falcons were interested in him. I don't know a lot about him, but I know Atlanta worked St. Louis's o-line twice, so I'm not too excited about Matt Lehr.

Also, Kareem McKenzie has signed with the Giants, so it looks like the OT market is dead until June.

looks like that winning season/losing season pattern atlanta has had will continue

hey, what do you think of matt stewart? he came down here to visit and since the dolphins lost morlon greenwood to FA and have an oft injured OLB projected to start (eddie moore) we could use a starter or someone to comptete to start who woul be cheap? was matt stewart a good player in atlanta? was he at least decent enough to warrant a starting spot on another team?

So the 2nd best team in the NFC this year will have a losing season because they've lost what or who? Were looking at adding players not talking about things that were lost since Rossum and Cory Hall are the only starters were losing.

Umm, I don't know. What I read about Morlon Greenwood said that he was alright until you ran at him. Matt Stewart is pretty much the same there, except he's also not to hot in pass coverage or blitzing.

He'd be a good player for Miami to have until they find someone better, which I think is what Saban may be looking for this off-season.

We've also cut our nose tackle (Jasper), our 3rd DE (T. Hall), our nickle corner (K.Mathis), our dime corner (A. Beasley), and our 5th corner (A. Rossum). This is on a team that already had no depth to speak of. None of these players have been signed by anyone yet, though.

It's way too early to panic. Next season will be a lot more difficult than this year, no mistake about that. There is some good to not jumping into the feeding frenzy this first week of free agency... especially when your team has so many big money contracts already.

T.Hall will probably resign, Beasley might also resign a deal close to what he signed last year. Also don't rule ou Jasper returning if he dosn't get a large offer somewhere else.

Len Pasquerelli reports that Atlanta that although Atlanta has an offer for Kicker Jay Feely to return, they are looking at Todd Peterson (S.F) to replace him.

Feely was solid, but it doesn't take a great kicker to be successful in Atlanta. You're guaranteed to play 9 games indoors.

If that happens then they've only managed to tread water. They need depth everywhere on defense, and another stand out player would be nice.

I still think they could get Chartric Darby for a modest price. Maybe Tommy Polley, too. Then get someone like Antuan Edwards to play FS.

Dwight Smith would be big, but it's hard to say with things being so quiet at this point.

wait didnt jasper retire? im positive one of the falcons dline men retired, i thought it was jasper but i could be wrong

when was the last time the falcons had back to back winning seasons???

can you say NEVER???

what makes you think they can this year? they were 14-2 in 1998, they followed that up in 1999 going 5-11.

little example of how inconsistent the falcons have been since 1990...

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atlindex.htm

Ass.

Jasper was considering retirement, but he changed his mind. He's been playing with a bad back for two or three years now. I think he would've retired last year if they hadn't brought someone in that didn't want to play a 3-4.

Very good. You are able to look at previous information and post it. Waht does this previous information have in common with last season and next season...nothing. We have a front office and a owner that know what needs to be done to make this team a winner and have already proven it after one year so I would at least wait till pre-season to make such bold predictions.

Falcons | Peterson Agrees - from www.KFFL.com
Fri, 4 Mar 2005 15:42:52 -0800

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports the Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent PK Todd Peterson (49ers) to a one-year contract. Financial terms were undisclosed. He will take a team physical Monday, March 7.

Okay, we have a kicker.

Jay Feely don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way to.... I'm guessing Minnesota, maybe Indianapolis if they're serious about getting rid of Vanderjagt. He's an idiot if he signs with a team that plays outdoors.

Funny enough, hes rumored to have an offer from the Bucs.

Kenoy Kennedy is scheduled to visit. There's no date listed, so my guess is that he's visiting today.

I think Kennedy is a strong safety, so that would probably mean that Brian Scott will be moved to free safety, which may be a better fit for him. This would solve personnel issues at both positions.

Kenoy Kennedy obviously is one of the top free agents available, and would be a huge sign for the Falcons as they try to upgrade their secondary.

kffl.com is reporting that Atlanta has resigned Allan Rossum. Supposedly it's a four-year deal with a signing bonus near $2 million.

If I'm being positive, I'd call my feelings on this mixed. During the last few years, Atlanta has given special teams a priority that few teams if any in the league have. It's proven to be a positive during that time. Atlanta always seems to pull a half-dozen or so big plays off in special teams every year, but...

A four year deal with a two-million dollar signing bonus for a kick returner? All I'm saying is that for that much money, his coverage ability better continue to improve... alot. He needs to at least move into the dime role for this to resemble a good deal. If he does that AND can continue to do what he does for Atlanta's field position on returns, then we've got some value.

This deal also makes me think that Atlanta has given up on re-signing either Kevin Mathis and/or Aaron Beasley. Mathis wouldn't be a shock. His agent was doing a lot of talking about how great Kevin Mathis is, etc.

Oh well...

Get one good o-linemen and 2 defensive starters and another 2 defensive role players and everything will be okay.

Elsewhere,

another OG just went off the market. Jermaine Mayberry has signed with New Orleans. This isn't a big deal to Atlanta. Mayberry isn't their type of o-lineman. It sucks because he's going to a division opponent, but I'm sure the rest of the Saints' squad will coax him down to their level of mediocrity and underachieving in no time.

The AJC.com is reporting that we are in serious negotiations with Ike Reese and don't be suprised if he signs soon.

That would be a pretty good signing. Good hustle guy. Good character guy. He'd challenge Demorrio for the SLB job. That would take care of the immediate needs at that position.

I thought Tommy Polley would be their top target, and while he's got great physical ability.... He was on the field when the Falcons hung 300 yds rushing on the Rams. Also, we don't need someone in the line up that can't tackle.

Where did you find this on AJC.com? Do you have a premium membership to the site?

he will not start on this team and if he does then he will suck. hes a good back up and a special teamer, not someone i would want started at MLB (which is the position he is) i always thought he was a big leader for philly and wouldnt want to leave, i guess not. whatever

Yes I do. They are also looking at Cooper Carslise, the G from Denver.

It says that what they want him for. Special teams and leadership. He wanted to stay with the Eagles but dosn't have an offer from them.

Jesus, we're missing a handful of guys on defense. The free agent offensive line crop is drying up, but hey, screw that shit, we're signing special teamers first!

I don't get it.

SO... in my book we still need an offensive lineman (Cooper Carlisle might work, although I don't know much about him other than he played for Denver), an NT/DT, an OLB, a FS, and probably a corner. BUT HEY WE GOT OUR SPECIAL TEAMS LOCKED DOWN!!!!

Okay, here's some info if we sign Cooper Carlisle:

Ht: 6-5 Wt: 295
Position: OT
Projected as: OG
Position Rank: 12
Date of Birth: 8/11/1977
Experience: 4
High School: McComb HS
(McComb, MS)
College: Florida



Biography:
Cooper Carlisle is a versatile, athletic and tenacious player. His mobility and agility are good, which helps Carlisle reach the second level with relative ease. He moves well laterally and gets into his stance quickly. His positioning is improving, as is his understanding and recognition skills. Needs to improve his strength and overall power, makes up for the lack of power with solid techinique. Has the ability to become a solid starting quality lineman.


He started 4 games last year, and 2 in 2003. He stepped in for Dan Neil last year when he was injured.

Hopefully, he'll be a step up from Garza, and Atlanta will be able to fill the other two line positions with draft picks. Moore goes back to being the 3rd guard.

Although I have heard something about Adrian Klemm OT from New England, but he doesn't look too promising.

Remember Cooper played in Gibbs system so thats the reasoning there Im sure.

About Reese, its said that the coachs really liked him after spending the week with him at the pro-bowl and thought he'd be a great addition to the team with Ulmer and Eric Johnson not coming back.

Also its now being said Kelly Herndon will visit around the first of the week.(DB, Denver)

Yeah, I know that about Carlisle. He's got the prototypical Gibb's size. I also found an article on Sportsline that mentioned how much the Broncos wanted him back now that Neil was gone and given how well he had played in Neil's absence.

If Herndon's cheap, good. There are a lot of okay corners still on the market. Corner doesn't worry me nearly as much as the lines and free safety do.

I still would like to get Beasley back. Mathis played pretty well this year, but he's replacable. Looking at the draft prospects right now, there should be some corner backs available in the 6th and 7th who could contribute and maybe steal time from the depth we try to sign. Most of the corners flew down the track last week.

Did you read anything about Kenoy Kennedy?

I don't think we need to draft a free safety, the last thing they need is another safety who's trying to figure out where to be (Brian Scott). I think we need a veteran who can direct everyone else.

Nothing yet. I really feel like the front office is going to wait and see what happens with Sharper before making a real move on a safety. Just a gut feeling that Donatell will be asking for a favor on this one.

Yeah, that thing has sort of gotten my attention too. He'd be perfect, but I doubt they'll release him. We'd probably have to trade for him, then rework his contract, which I don't think would be a huge problem. Still I don't think we can afford to give up more than a 4th round pick this year, and maybe a 3rd next year. They're likely to get a 2nd or 3rd round pick for him.

I just read a scouting report on Kennedy that said he's over-rated. A big hitter, but he gets beaten deep... and watching the Denver games I saw last year that makes sense. I know John Lynch played awful, but....

The only other free safety who might help is Antuan Edwards, although I don't think he'd be a huge step up from Cory Hall. He played in Green Bay under Donatell, and Atlanta's tried on numerous occasions to get him. I would think he'd be affordable. He may be interested. I read that he'd rejected a series of offers from St. Louis. Dwight Smith is probably too expensive.