A kudo-worthy offseason for the Falcons

[DrReality]

Bradley’s Buzz: A kudo-worthy offseason for the Falcons

6:53 am July 7, 2009, by Mark Bradley

If these guys show up, head for the hills.

Two summers ago it was possible to characterize the Falcons as having had the worst offseason in NFL annals, and that would subsequently lead into what I decided was the worst single season in the history of professional sports. But look now.

Writing for SI.com, Ross Tucker lists the three NFL clubs that have had the best offseasons. Two of them are organizations of proven worth (New England, Philadelphia). The third is headquartered in Flowery Branch.

Writes Tucker, speaking of Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith: “The moves they did make were solid if not spectacular and the intensity of the offseason practices indicated this is not a franchise interested in resting on last season’s achievements.”

Tucker calls Tony Gonzalez “still an elite talent at tight end” and labels rookie safety William Moore “a physical phenom.” Tucker also hauls out his favorite Tucker-ism, referring to No. 1 pick Peria Jerry as “a rolling bucket of butcher knives.” (I ask again: Shouldn’t that be a rolling ball of butcher knives?) And he wonders if the loss of Domonique Foxworth will hurt the secondary.

Me, I’m just wondering if the team that had such a great offseason can finally surmount the barrier that, 43 years on, still blocks the Falcons — never having consecutive winning seasons. I’m thinking they’ll get there this time. But I thought that back in 2005, when they were coming off the NFC title game and started 6-2. Then Jim Mora started to coach.

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[mattlanta]

This offseason was great. We added another threat to our already very good offense. And we brought in some players from the draft to improve our defense.

I am VERY high on William Moore. I wanted us to draft him in the first round if possible, and I've been saying all along that this kid seems like the Dimitroff type of player. Some people wanted to take Michael Johnson in the second round, but I personally think he's a bust in the NFL other than a sack here and there sort of like a pass specialist only. Peria Jerry looks like he will be very solid this year, but I hope he stays healthy for most of the year. And we also got a steal in Sidbury in the fourth round. Something tells me that this guy will not be coming off the bench for too long.

The free agency was solid as we brought in Mike Peterson (another fellow I've mentioned before we got him as someone I'd like to replace Brooking - just giving myself props / showing off, lol) to add another veteran player on the defense.

We could have been flashier later in the draft, but you know how Dimitroff is! He knows where the true value is at - whether flashy or not. I would grade our offseason an "A".

[Bahamut]

Cheers to the best owner, GM, and head coach in Atlanta sports :beer:

[mattlanta]

Cheers to the best owner, GM, and head coach in Atlanta sports :beer:

Arthur Blank is one of the best owners in the entire league. He's got a very good reputation in the sports and business world. Thomas Dimitroff is quite possibly the best GM in the NFL (not just Atlanta). And Mike Smith is one of the best coaches in the league also and he might also be part of the part coaching staff the Falcons have ever had.

[APE]

Thomas Dimitroff is quite possibly the best GM in the NFL

Ever heard of Ozzie Newsome and Bill Polian?

[scottt]

It is simply amazing that the Falcons went from being one of the least stable franchises to one of the most stable in virtually no time at all. How many NFL teams have no issues at all regarding GM, HC, QB, all the skill positions on offense, (at least 4 of the) O- Line, Kickers, and most of the defense. Simply amazing. If Matt Ryan stays healthy, this team can be special for years to come. I am happy for Mr. Blank. He seems like a decent man and he deserves to enjoy some success.

[KrishATL]

It is simply amazing that the Falcons went from being one of the least stable franchises to one of the most stable in virtually no time at all. How many NFL teams have no issues at all regarding GM, HC, QB, all the skill positions on offense, (at least 4 of the) O- Line, Kickers, and most of the defense. Simply amazing. If Matt Ryan stays healthy, this team can be special for years to come. I am happy for Mr. Blank. He seems like a decent man and he deserves to enjoy some success.

couldn't agree more Scottt,

Mr. Blank seems like a genuinely good person and it's great that his money, hard work, and patience are finally paying off....he's been taken advantage of too often in the past by the likes of Vick, Petrino, and even Mora...so couldn't be happier that he's surrounded himself with guys who care for him and look up to him in Dimitroff, Coach Smith, and M Ryan. Just a great story. and he deserves a lot of that credit. Can't wait for this year!!! even with the tougher schedule, think we're gonna go 12-4 :)

[Bahamut]

Can't wait for this year!!! even with the tougher schedule, think we're gonna go 12-4 :)

The wait is killing me :ill:

[DrReality]

It's really amazing the seemingly great transformation that has taken place with the Falcons so fast. I would have never thought it could happen this way and it truly makes the fall a time of greatanticipation.

[codyatl]

This is a young team as well. This could be the start of something really special here. We are pretty well stacked offensively. I still believe we need little help on o-line but everywhere else we are deep with young talent. Defensively I like Jerry and LOVE the moore pick. He had a down yr his sr season but as a jr he was awesome. We should be able to fill the last few holes on defense next yr. I am scared that we will lose Mularky this yr. Hopefully we can hold onto him for few more yrs.

We have an absolutley brutal schedule but as long as the defense plays better there is no reason we cant at least win 10 games. The tough schedule will help in long run as all this young talent will cut their teeth playing in big games. I for one have never been more excited to be a falcon fan. bring on the season.

[Dexmethylphenidate]

Offense is pretty good. Defense is getting there but I think it still start and ends with Abe. If he goes down so do the Falcons.

[EazyRoc]

It's sad, but Abraham has got to be the most underrated player in the league. However, I think we've added some more pass rushers so we'd be OK without him, but he is a very big part of our defense. I still think we need an athletic LB and a good CB. However, we got some good safeties (if Moore works out) and we're solid in the trenches.

[DrReality]

Last year we were very lucky when it came to injuries. Only had a few. That is pretty unusaul and we will need similar luck this year if we are going to win double digits.

[mattlanta]

It's sad, but Abraham has got to be the most underrated player in the league. However, I think we've added some more pass rushers so we'd be OK without him, but he is a very big part of our defense. I still think we need an athletic LB and a good CB. However, we got some good safeties (if Moore works out) and we're solid in the trenches.

I think our cornerback core is fine. We lost Foxworth, but I have a good feeling about Von Hutchens and Chris Owings. I have a feeling Owings will be the starting CB by the time the season starts or somewhere close to that time. Remember, last year we had a terrible pass rush. With an improved pass rush by the addition of Peria Jerry and Sidbury along with the return of Trey Lewis, I'm sure our pass rush will help boost our pass defense and take some stress off of our cornerbacks. Also keep in mind that in the Cover 2, the cornerbacks are not as relied upon as some other defenses because they mostly play zone and safeties are integrated into the pass coverage as much as cornerbacks are.

(Boy, talking about football sure gets me fired up for this season...)