Falcons News

[THE KOD]

8. Ed Hartwell, linebacker, Falcons

Going into 2005, we truly believed that Hartwell going to the Falcons was one of the better, albeit under-the-radar, moves of last off-season. Atlanta's defense never got to really enjoy the fruits of the savvy pickup when Hartwell ruptured his right Achilles' tendon in an early season game against New England.

Hartwell told us that he believes he will be 100% physically by opening day. Even with the additions of John Abraham, Lawyer Milloy, Chris Crocker, and Jimmy Williams, Atlanta's defense needs that toughness up the middle to stop the run. Remember how the Falcons' run defense was shredded in 2005 in big
spots?

If Hartwell isn't healthy or isn't the same player and Jim Mora has to dip into his bench, this could be a major blow to the Falcons playoff chances.
.........................................................................

Got to agree with this statement about the Falcons defense. Hartwell has had a long layoff and a Achilles is not something that is 100% sure to heal properly. He could also be hurt again easily with this type injury.

Have to wait until pre season to see if the Falcons defense is going to step up the run defense , or fall back on their asses just like last year.

 

[THE KOD]

The acquisition of John Abraham was a shrewd one, as he adds an explosive element on the defensive line which was not present. Patrick Kerney is the little engine that can, but he does not have the same burst in his first step. With Rod Coleman in the middle ? when he fully exerts himself, unlike last year ? this front four is going to be a handful in pass protection. However, one concern is how this line will react to the run. Coleman is more adept at pressuring the quarterback than run awareness, Abraham is often overaggressive and can be neutralized by bigger tackles, while Kerney wears down if a team constantly runs at him.
.....................................................................

This spells trouble for Falcons and it sounds about right to me.
Should help me make alot of money again this year.

 

[THE KOD]

Blackbirds singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

We were only waiting for a Super Bowl to arise.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these sunken eyes and learn to pass.

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to be last.

Blackbird fly

Blackbird fly

Into the light of a dark black night

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

You were only waiting for this moment

 

[THE KOD]

Under a microscope, Donatell sees stars
'Talent is just the starting point,' says defensive coordinator

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 07/23/06

You'd never think Falcons defensive coordinator Ed Donatell could be the life of the party. Not with his tall, military-fit frame, perpetually stoic demeanor and reluctance to engage in even the most basic of football conversation outside of meeting rooms or practice fields.

"He's very cautious when he's talking to the public, that chin juts out and he's very careful," head coach Jim Mora said. "Now, when he comes over to the house, he's fun, always laughing, telling jokes, partying, letting his hair down ? well, he doesn't have any hair. Ed's a lot different than you'd think."

With another 8-8, non-playoff season a non-option for team owner Arthur Blank, Donatell must produce with the star-studded personnel that was delivered to him this offseason.

The Falcons traded two draft picks to get three-time Pro Bowl defensive end John Abraham and safety Chris Crocker, respectively, and used their top remaining draft selection on Virginia Tech cornerback Jimmy Williams. Four-time Pro Bowl safety Lawyer Milloy was the team's top free-agent signing.

Those players will be added to a unit featuring Pro Bowl players Rod Coleman, Keith Brooking and DeAngelo Hall, a unit that also gets back middle linebacker Ed Hartwell from a season-ending ruptured Achilles' tendon.

"Talent is just the starting point," said Donatell, entering his third season with the Falcons. "Putting that talent together and having great work habits is how you get a fine-tuned machine. We've taken a lot of the right steps. Now it's time to take that next step, and we're ready to go. I am really excited."

Donatell also knows he's under a microscope.

Unlike offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, Donatell avoided the critical wrath that followed the team's 2-6 finish, although the defense might have been the biggest culprit in the Falcons' collapse. In the final eight games, the Falcons allowed 198 points ? 55 more than in the first eight games ? and they could not stop the run when it mattered most.

The defense that ranked 14th overall in the NFC championship game run in 2004 fell to 22nd in 2005. The slide was even worse when it came to stopping the run. Atlanta was ninth in the NFL in rushing defense in 2004 (105.1 yards per game allowed). Last season, it fell to 22nd (129 yards allowed per game).

"I don't feel pressure," Donatell said. "You don't feel pressure when you are prepared and you go through the proper steps. Last year we didn't have the kind of year we wanted. The last thing I want to do is make excuses. What if the exact same situation comes up again? You've got to do things better. You've got to create other ways to be more effective. That's what I'm focused on."

Season-ending injuries to defensive end Brady Smith, defensive back Kevin Mathis and Hartwell were devastating. Rookies Jonathan Babineaux, Chauncey Davis and Michael Boley were forced into action. None of the team's nickel backs could stay healthy. And there was the production, or lack thereof, at safety.

Donatell was forced to play sets as basic and plain as his public persona. Opponents manipulated the schemes and the personnel.

"He had to protect people last year with his play calling," Mora said.

There won't be any protections heading into the season, Donatell said. This defense is going to play to its strength: Speed. The only real questions, Mora said, are does Atlanta use a complex system where opponents have no idea how it will attack or play the most basic of sets and simply let the plethora of playmakers make plays?

"You're going to look up and see a football team that plays with speed and plays with explosiveness," Donatell said. "We've just got more guys that have what we're looking for. Abraham will be in position where he can fly off the edge. Milloy will be in the box and do what he does best ? hit people. There's Brooking, DeAngelo, who will be matched up in playmaking situations. We've got Rod Coleman, Patrick Kerney. ... Crocker is a speed guy that covers a lot of ground.

"Every year the hand is different, and when you have certain tools, you want to maximize the effectiveness. That doesn't always happen.

"The truth is, no matter what happens, no matter who the players are, you are still required to get the job done
.....................................

 

[THE KOD]

Quote of the Week

"My daughters like to be accessorized. Isabella doesn't like to leave the house without a purse.''

-- Jean Strahan, who became the ex-wife of Giants defensive end Michael Strahan last week at a family court in Newark, N.J., commenting on why she needed to spend $27,000 on clothing for her twin daughters, who are not yet two.

........................................................................

And we wonder why we got problems with glorified NFL athletes.

This is the top of pathetic. To think what she could have said that would have made a differance.

I need the money to help a homeless shelter I support.

I need the money to keep a foundation for abused mothers and children.

I need the money........

 

[THE KOD]

Shockley signs 4-year deal
Ex-UGA QB among the rookies coming to terms as camp begins

By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 07/27/06

With training camp to open Thursday, the team reached deals with three of its five 2006 draft picks and planned to work well into the night to have second-round pick Jimmy Williams and third-round pick Jerious Norwood signed before the first practice.

All of the team's second-day draft picks ? tackle Quinn Ojinnaka (fifth round), wide receiver Adam Jennings (sixth round) and quarterback D.J. Shockley (seventh round) ? signed four-year contracts on Wednesday with base salaries of $275,000, $360,000, $445,000 and $530,000.

Shockley, the former University of Georgia standout, received a $53,750 signing bonus making his contract worth $1.663 million.

"It's done and he's excited to start his NFL career," said Todd France, Shockley's agent.

"It kind of hit me when I was driving here, that I was signing an NFL contract for the first time," Shockley said, as he checked into the on-site living quarters at Flowery Branch Wednesday. "It's kind of like one of those dream-come-true moments. Everybody doesn't get to make it here and I get to sign a contract with the Atlanta Falcons. It's a new thing for me. I'm ready to learn and see where it takes me. I'm trying to earn a spot on this team and the best way to do it is to work hard."

Jennings' signing bonus was just under $94,000 and Ojinnaka received $180,500. Jennings' deal totals $1.70 million and Ojinnaka's $1.79 million.

The Falcons confirmed the signings in a press release.

Ojinnaka, of Syrcause, has a decent chance to make the final roster and provide depth at right tackle.

With Michael Jennings (no relation), Roddy White and Brian Finneran entrenched as the top three wide receivers, Jennings, of Fresno State, will have to show well on specials teams. He averaged 24.7 yards on kickoff returns and 11.8 yards on punt returns at Fresno State.

Shockley will compete for the No. 3 quarterback position against Bryan Randall.

In his lone season as Georgia's starting quarterback, Shockley led the Bulldogs to the SEC title.

Last season, the Falcons signed five picks the day before camp opened and two picks on the first day of camp. White, a first-rounder last season, held out six days.

Waiver wire

Long snapper Gavin Tarquinio, who was signed as a free agent out of Georgia Tech, was waived. He injured a shoulder during offseason workouts.

Quote of the day

"He's excited," said Joe Linta, Ojinnaka's agent. "It's the right place for him. They like him. He could have a good career there."

Opening practice

The Falcons' first training camp practice camp at 2:30 p.m. Thursday. The practice is open to the public with gates open an hour before practice. There will be an autograph session following the scheduled two-hour practice.

........................................................................

 

[THE KOD]

1. PIVOTAL THIRD YEAR FOR VICK


Michael Vick will be better this season ? or so the theory about quarterbacks developing in the West Coast offense goes.

It's Year Three in Greg Knapp's hybrid-version of the chain-moving offense, which is the time quarterbacks tend to show signs of progress, Knapp and head coach Jim Mora have said. It could take longer, but for Vick, the Falcons and particularly Knapp, things need to turn now.

Vick, nursing an injured knee, hit a plateau last season, and he's heard about it for months. The skepticism seems to have inspired Vick, who began throwing with his wide receivers shortly after playing in the Pro Bowl, weeks earlier than normal. His teammates said he has been diligent in the film and weight room this summer and is motivated to re-establish himself, not as a great player, but as a winner.

Mora brought in quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave to fine-tune Vick's handling of the offense but any improvement in Vick's game is going to have to come from Vick.


2. JUST WHO WILL BE THE PLACE-KICKER?


Of the handful of intriguing position battles, the most compelling ? and important ? is the place-kicking job.

With a brutal schedule where outcomes may be decided by single digits, the Falcons enter camp with two unknown kickers, Zac Derr and Tony Yelk, vying for a roster spot.

The importance of a kicker varies in some circles, but a made or missed field goal could be the difference in a playoff berth. Neither player has attempted a kick in an NFL game or faced hostile crowds in Carolina, Tampa or New Orleans.

The Falcons hired kicking guru Steve Hoffman, who has a history of developing kickers, to work with the upstarts. There is more to putting the ball through the uprights in practice, though. Poise is just as crucial as an accurate leg and going through a season with must-win expectations with a first-time kicker isn't the most comforting proposition.

Veteran Paul Edinger is on the team's short list if these youngsters falter and last season's kicker Todd Peterson, who made 23-of-25 field goals, also is available. The Falcons also could snatch a kicker who gets released.


3. OTHER POSITION BATTLES


? Defensive tackle: Chad Lavalais is listed as the starter but coaches and management have made it clear all offseason that they are not pleased with his conditioning or his play in the second half of last season. Second-year player Darrell Shropshire and three-year vet Antwan Lake are well aware of the opportunity to unseat Lavalais.

? Tailback: Pro Bowler Warrick Dunn will continue to carry the load but the coaches don't want the load to be as heavy as it's been the past two seasons, when he's registered back-to-back career highs in carries. Rookie speedster Jerious Norwood will challenge former first-rounder T.J. Duckett for the No. 2 job. Duckett is in a contract year and should be motivated to showcase himself.

? Right cornerback: Incumbent Jason Webster is a favorite of Mora and secondary coach Brett Maxie but he has yet to firmly establish himself. Safety-sized rookie Jimmy Williams was drafted to eventually take Webster's spot. How soon depends on Williams' ability to learn the system and make plays.


4. CRUMPLER COMING OFF TWO SURGERIES


Tight end Alge Crumpler enters training camp with a surgically repaired knee and shoulder. He'll be limited in the preseason but Crumpler, even if he is still sore or not fully healed, is too much of a gamer to voluntarily miss any time in the regular season.

Though Crumpler's absence afforded Vick and his wide receivers more time to develop chemistry in the offseason, don't expect the relationship between Vick and his Pro Bowl tight end to suffer. They have a bond that is too vital to the team's success.

Look for Atlanta to really push Dwayne Blakley in the preseason to see if he could assume some of the pass-catching load should Crumpler have to miss some playing time. Eric Beverly will still be used in running situations.


5. GANDY FILLS IN ON OFFENSIVE LINE


Much wasn't said when left tackle Kevin Shaffer left to Cleveland in free agency and replacement Wayne Gandy was acquired from New Orleans for safety Bryan Scott. That's because it's assumed Gandy still has some effective snaps in the tank.

This training camp is as important for Gandy as it is for anyone on the team. Gandy is the only new player on this offensive line and, as guard Matt Lehr can attest, there is a period of adjustment. Having played for New Orleans should help Gandy since he'll be going against familiar foes (Carolina, Tampa Bay) the first two games.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

 

[THE KOD]

Vick, nursing an injured knee, hit a plateau last season, and .......

.................................................................

Let me preface this by saying that I have the utmost respect for Vick and the Falcons. It has been a love hate relationship for many years.

The reason that Vick will not have a outstanding season again this year is because of this bull crap. The media essentially letting him put off his bad year for a injury to his knee. To listen to Vick...
I just wasnt 100% , but my 80% is better than most every other QB in the NFL .

Even though he wants to use the injury as a excuse he is unable to accept his poor play. Its a ego thing and he is just does not have the team attitude it takes for a top ten QB in the NFL.


If your knee is injured just don't play. Sit on the bench and rehab it and come back. But instead we hear from Vick about how he was hurt. And how things will be differant this year. All along stringing out his 40 million dollar contract without having to improve much from year to year. Vick is being paid for his potential. Unfortunately the potential is about one step from the disabled list.

I guess my main problem is that I hold Vick up to Montana and Young standards. Never did I ever hear either of them blame a poor season, outing, game on a injury. Its ludicrous. They just went out and played and made the plays over and over again. With Vick thats sadly lacking.

Vick will not improve this year because he cannot pass with accuracy to put the ball in the exact spot where only his receiver can catch it. Its as simple as that. He couldnt do it in college and the tiger aint changing his stripes at this late stage.
He will continue to run and make plays. He will make his offensive line look silly again.

Everyone was saying he should stay in the pocket and pass. But you can't stay in the pocket if you can't make the passes required.

Can't wait to make some big money this year on these Falcons. Its in the bag.

First game with Carolina in Carolina should tell us all we need to know.

GO FALCONS !

 

[THE KOD]

The Falcons also could snatch a kicker who gets released.
.................................................

:142smilie :142smilie :142smilie

:scared :scared :scared

:mj07: :mj07: :mj07:

Not that the Falcons will need a place kicker to win any games this year.