Falcons coverage and the NFL http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Falcons have selected ILB Curtis Lofton who will be a great addition to their defense. They need some help up front to keep lineman off him but he could be a great pick http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Falcons were thought to be a team coming up to get a quarterback if they didn't take Matt Ryan... but they got Ryan and the Falcons decided to come back into round one as well... with the Redskins pick at #21 offensive tackle Sam Baker. What a BAD move. He is a good tackle but it is a position with depth in the draft and they had the picks in round two to get one. Baker is not a value here. Definitely not worth moving up for him http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net As if it wasn't obvious the Michael Vick Falcons are over... the Falcons have the new face of the team in BC quarterback Matt Ryan. Passing up Glenn Dorsey to get the face of the organization be a better move considering their need to move forward but Dorsey would be a better fit and with all their 2nd round picks they could have gotten any of the other QBs they wanted http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Ok here is our final 2008 NFL Mock Draft. Glad we got the first pick right and guaranteed not to get all 32 thanks to the Patriots, but never came close anyway http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints are looking to move up in the first round... all the way to #2 and the thinking is they are after local product DT Glenn Dorsey. Forget the cost of moving up, forget the cost of paying the pick... they Saints have admitted they are looking to move up. It's an interesting move to go up and get one of the premier players. Maybe not the smartest move but they are being bold. A few months ago Dorsey was considered by most to be the best player in the draft. Some injury issues and the usual draft process pushed him down a bit but he is still a force inside. The Rams and Falcons have been contacted as have other teams, but if it's Dorsey they want, it's likely those two teams they will have to deal with. If they can't get there the questions is will they move up for Sedrick Ellis as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net So it's time to release our first 2008 NFL Mock Draft - another will come Friday before the draft. There is lots of intrigue and different scenarios and some trades will factor in of course, but we'll take a look where things are at now. See our 2008 NFL Mock Draft http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Dolphins have signed former Falcons safety Chris Crocker to a one year deal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Titans have signed former Falcons backup tight end Dwayne Blakley to add depth. He is a solid blocker but not much of a threat in the passing game http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Raiders are at it again spending big bucks. According to ESPN Falcons CB DeAngelo Hall has agreed to a contract with Oakland that will complete the trade for a second round pick, and possibly another later round pick. The deal is reported to be worth $70 million over 7 years. You have to consider this a high risk high reward. He is a good corner, but doesn't know how to shut his mouth and if things don't go well in Oakland he could get unhappy and loud quickly... remember Moss, Porter, Sapp, Woodson... need we continue? This could seem to make it near impossible to complete a long term deal with their other corner Nnamdi Asomugha, who is franchised... but this is Oakland who cares about money. Though you'd have to say Asomugha just found the contract terms he is looking for http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Raiders don't appear to be done spending money. According to ESPN they have agreed to send a 2nd round. pick to the Falcons for Hall if they can work out a new contract. But the arrogant little jerk can't seem to keep his much shut telling the Atlanta Journal Constitution "no team is going to sign me without talking to me and getting everything right on my end". Yes you fool no team will trade for a player until discussing the contract parameters, but this loudmouth fool thinks people care what he thinks and if he knew much he would shut up and let the Raiders overpay for him as they have for others all off season. An interesting side note is if they give the overrated corner a deal like Asante Samuel's it will make the one year tender to Nnamdi Asomugha even more expensive as he is an exclusive franchise player meaning his tender is of the top 5 corners salaries THIS year... interesting move. There are rumblings they would take the tag off him if this deal goes through. What a colossal mistake that would be, much better off paying Asomugha and keep the 2nd round pick! Some have said Asomugha should sign quickly as the big money has dried up in free agency... dumb. The big money deals dried up because there is no one left worth anything close to one. However teams have a ton of cap room left and Asomugha would see a monster deal if he all of a sudden got free of the Raiders, and that alone would be worth millions to leave such a troubled franchise http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Falcons have resigned QB Joey Harrington shortly after kicking him to the street. Maybe he gets another chance to start with the new coaching staff. Think they'll come to the same conclusion http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Bucs have brought a popular player, RB Warrick Dunn has signed a 2 year $6 million deal to return to his first team. Dunn is near the end of a great career but could be energized in Jon Gruden's offense and be a solid role player. The Bucs also signed former 49ers WR Antonio Bryamt to a one year deal for the league minimum. He will get one more chance to prove himself. He has the talent and even more issues to go with it http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Falcons signed 3 defensive lineman Friday to add depth, DT's Kindal Moorehead and Rashad Moore and DE Simon Fraser http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net So much for Atlanta as the place to salvage QB Joey Harrington's career, today he got released and will be looking for another team to take a chance on him. Hard to blame him for the mess that was the Falcons last year and he could do well to get a backup job somewhere he doesn't have to play the first year and stay with that team for a bit http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Chiefs have signed former Falcons LB Demorrio Williams to a 5 year deal and claimed FB Oliver Hoyte from Dallas http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net As expected after signing Michael Turner the Atlanta Falcons have released RB Warrick Dunn http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Some don't like the Falcons giving big money to Michael Turner, but this looks good to us. Yes it was a lot of money, just under $6 million a year and $15 million guaranteed. Look at it this way, that is less than what it would cost to get a back in the first round (Darren McFadden) and Turner has proven himself. As for the fact he has mileage... in his 4 year career he has only 228 carries which is less than a lead back has in a season. He has a gaudy 5.5 yard per average carry and has been a home run hitter with 3 TDs over 70 yards, and he isn't considered a speed back. He will replace Warrick Dunn (who will be released) and is a good pair with Jerious Norwood. This pair is better than Norwood and McFadden as well and allows the Falcons to focus elsewhere in the draft if McFadden is still on the board... which is good as they have a lot of needs! Mark it down, this will be a good decision looking back on it http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Chargers RB Michael Turner was LaDainian Tomlinson's caddy long enough, now it his time to shine. The Falcons have signed him to a 6 year $34.5 million deal with $15 million guaranteed. Though never a starter he has averaged 5.5 yards per carry... over his career! Turner was highly sought last year but the Chargers kept him. This year he didn't look around much and chose to help rebuild the Falcons http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Falcons added blocking tight end Ben Hartsock formerly of the Titans http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Jets safety Erik Coleman to a 4 year $10 million deal. He is a former starter and should be a solid starter for the Falcons as they revamp their secondary http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Chargers RB Michael Turner is visiting with the Atlanta Falcons today http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Saints are not done and they are shopping on the corner now... yes with the Patriots but not only Samuel, they are also looking at Randall Gay and Drayton Florence. Gay is also getting interest from Tampa, Seattle and Atlanta http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The NFC South may keep former Falcons DT Rod Coleman who is visiting with the Panthers today. The Bucs were also interested and visited with him earlier. He would make sense in both places, the Panthers needing to replace Kris Jenkins could move quick http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Huge news from Atlanta... the Falcons have resigned QB Chris Redman. Ok sorry Chris, big news for you http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Bucs are keeping busy trying to set up more visits... Cowboys CB Jacques Reeves, Vikings RB Mewelde Moore, 49ers DT Marques Douglas, and linebackers Demorrio Williams and Niko Koutouvides http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Finally a big win for the Atlanta Falcons. It was only a coin toss but they get the #3 pick in the draft this year, followed by the Oakland Raiders at #4 and the Kansas City Chiefs at #5 http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Looking for a possible new home former Falcon TE Alge Crumpler may want to check the housing market in Seattle. The Seahawks desperately need a big time tight end and last year made a push for Daniel Graham (who didn't exactly light it up in Denver, 24 catches for 246 yards and 2 TDs). Crumpler could fit right in with the Seahawks and after a quick signing of Mike Wahle they may be able to land two starters before free agency even starts. Of course there will be other teams interested, and if the Seahawks miss out they could target Fred Davis from USC in the draft http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons dumped some big names today as they start another long and difficult off season. They released TE Alge Crumpler, QB Byron Leftwich, DT Rod Coleman, OT Wayne Gandy LB Marcus Wilkins, CB Lewis Sanders and WR Jamin Elliott. There are some good "names" in there but not so much recent production. It will be interesting to see how Leftwich fares now being released just before the start of free agency, how much action will he get? For someone who was the starting QB of the Jaguars just six months ago you'd think he would be ok, but don't expect much of a contract. Coleman was a terror a few years ago but injuries and age are limiting him now. The Falcons have a lot of work to do and this was the first salvo http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net No surprise but the Buffalo Bills have dumped WR Peerless Price. Oh how things can change and you can never go back. Price spent his first four years in the league with the Bills and he and Eric Moulds created a great combo. After the 2002 season in which he caught 94 balls for 1,252 yards he went for the big money in free agency with the Atlanta Falcons and the chance to be a #1 receiver and step out of the shadow of Moulds. That backfired to say the least! He caught 64 passes the first year with the Falcons and 45 the second before getting released as a huge disappointment. He then signed on with Dallas who let a similar player go, anyone remember Alvin Harper, and he caught a whopping 6 passes for them before heading home to Buffalo in 2006 where he did a bit better with 49 receptions but for a measly 402 yards and last year played only 4 games and caught 7 balls.... the Price isn't right anymore http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Ah yes tax time is near and the pain of seeing how much money we fork over to cause deep pain in our stomachs. Then of course there is all the good that comes from it, such as members of congress spending the day listening to the he said she said of Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee (don't forget Andy Pettitte too) and now a new wonderful word "Nannygate", ugh what has this world come to? Add to that Arlen Specter grilling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over the spygate issue, threatening congressional hearings and the league's antitrust exemption. Do these blowhard's not have anything better to do with their days??? Do we not have any serious issues to be tackled in this great country that we have time to bicker and seek headlines with this crap? Hey guys call me when you fix the economy, health care, homelessness in this rich country and a list longer than.... then we can get around to which retired baseball players did what. Other than Barry Bonds the rest of this is ridiculous and makes me not want to pay attention to the sports we all love so much. This country has become addicted to soap opera's and reality crap where everyone wants their 15 minutes. It's not like this is all brand new, the Steelers of the 70s admittedly used steroids and they certainly were not alone but no one is calling to take back their Super Bowl wins. Lester Hayes is probably my favorite corner of all time, but he reported used something to help him get a better grip. Can we all just move on and focus on trying to fix things rather than going over the top about the past. Either way Roger was dominant, the Patriots were superior and as much as it pains us Bonds was a Hall of Famer before they all crossed the line http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Falcons finally have a new head coach, former Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith. It is not the flashy hire you expected from owner Arthur Blank, but that is not a bad thing! After the Bobby Petrino fiasco Blank needed to hire the "right" coach, not necessarily the most popular. Initial review have been positive, but Smith has never been a head coach at any level and has a lot of work to do with this team, so we'll have to wait a year or two to see what he can do http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net All the rumors and in the end defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin will be staying with the Bucs... not joining his son in Oakland or heading to Atlanta. He has agreed to a contract extension with the Bucs http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net This year has been interesting, more than I can remember in the last 5 years combined there are so many coaches withdrawing from consideration or not even wanting to interview for head coaching job this year it is getting comical. The latest is Seahawks assistant Jim Mora who has pulled out of consideration with the Redskins... let that lead to rumors about Mike Holmgren. Anyway it seems Gregg Williams is the man there anyway http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will keep offensive coordinator Jason Garrett who has pulled out of the Ravens and Falcons head coaching search. The Ravens have said they did begin negotiating with him, but he chose to stay in Dallas. He certainly got a big raise and likely a promise to be promoted soon. The Ravens job was attractive but a challenge as well. While there are only 32 of these job can't say that Atlanta looks that great. Many times an assistant can be hot one year and then forgotten, Garrett seems safe with the Cowboys though. One spot to keep an eye could be Seattle if Mike Holmgren were to step down. That could be a spot that would entice him http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Former Falcons head coach Jim Mora Jr was at least partly fired because of his radio comments that he'd take the Washington job if offered. Most then assumed it to be the University of Washington, but now the "Washington" Redskins are interviewing him for the head coaching job. While Mora made his share of mistakes he was an good head coach and should get another chance. That said not with the Redskins right now. Mora could be a possible successor when Mike Holmgren steps done, which possibly could come in days. It was good for Mora to get the interview and his name out there, but this job looks like Gregg Williams http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Colts assistant head coach and QB coach Jim Caldwell is a popular man right now. He has been a target of all the head coach openings with the exception of Miami. However his most likely chance at a head coaching gig is in Indy. Either after this year or next Tony Dungy is likely to retire and Cadwell would be the most likely replacement. The Rooney rule requires teams to interview at least one minority coach before hiring, has done a lot of good to be sure. It is certainly getting Caldwell's name out there, but it won't likely land him a job. Last year 49ers assistant head coach Mike Singletary was a hot candidate and was at that time said to be very impressive, but he hasn't gotten so much as a nibble this year. Continuing the interesting way "hot" candidates come and go look at Jim Schwartz, who nearly landed the job with the 49ers that went to Mike Nolan and then was untouched for two years and now is hot again. The same thing happened to current Packers head man Mike McCarrthy, who while the Saints offensive coordinator was a hot name only to disappear for a few years and then surprisingly landed the Packers job and look what he has done there. It is interesting how this all works, not necessarily smart but interesting http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Bengals interviewed former Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer for the same role. Zimmer is a good coach... however we understand the head coach can't focus solely on one side of the ball but makes us wonder if maybe he shouldn't spend a little extra of his time in those meetings and practices. Reminds you that some coaches are great coordinators and just because they are the hots names doesn't make them good head coaches or able to cure that side of the ball if hired. Just ask Brian Billick, who if not for the Ravens defenses would have been canned after a couple years rather than nine http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Yet another win for the Patriots... ESPN is reporting that offensive coordinator and QB coach Josh McDaniels will not interview for any head coaching jobs this year. The Falcons and Ravens were interested and Bill Parcells might have brought him in to pick his mind a bit as well. At only 31 years old and in his second season as a coordinator he may be making the wise if not usual decision. He is short on experience and with a great organization where he will be able to grow. After all Bill Belichick won't coach forever either. McDaniels will continue to run a top offense for the foreseeable and will have more than his share of opportunities. You could say things may change and take it when offered as assistants who are hot one year and disappear in a year or two as has happened many times. But jumping at the first opportunity especially if you are not ready can set you back even further. Personally it would be hard to leave the Patriots right now and this just serves as another win for them http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Cowboys assistant head coach Tony Sparano is the front runner in Miami, but Atlanta has an interview set up first according to ESPN. Sparano will meet with the Falcons on Friday and they have also requested permission to speak with Jason Garrett, but no interview is set up yet. Garrett according to the report is a front runner in Baltimore who desperately needs the help on offense. Be careful Jason, the last offensive guy they hired didn't fare so well with the offense http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons have named secondary coach Emmitt Thomas as the interim head coach. Thomas has gotten some attention in the past as a head coach candidate and maybe this will help bolster his future. A good selection though not the expected one. Arthur Blank needs to hire the right person this time. Bill Cowher will certainly get a call as will Mike Singletary who was close last year. Whoever he selects better come with NFL experience and the ability to command respect. Singletary is getting a lot of talk early, but with a huge rebuilding project it may be a difficult task for him and we may wish better for such a classy guy. Cowher would get to stay somewhat close to home and Blank can certainly afford him, that might create the easy call http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Bobby Petrino clearly wasn't the right man for the job with the Falcons so no one is too sad to see him go, and with the pathetic way he walked out on them they should be dancing in the streets to be rid of him. The utter lack of class he displayed should have meant something to Arkansas who thinks they won big. Petrino clearly was in a lose lose situation this year after the Michael Vick fiasco but his handling of the QB situation was horrible. He did not understand how to treat the players like men... these are not 19 and 20 year old college kids, but grown men with families and jobs. By the way he left, the whole 20 second goodbye to his assistant coaches who now find their future in disarray shows that lack of class and anything worth knowing. Good riddens and have fun with Nick Saban in the SEC http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The NFL suffered a tragedy with the loss of Redskins safety Sean Taylor who was shot in his home during a suspected buglary, he was 24 years old. We extend our sympathy to Sean's family, friends and teammates http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Falcons CB DeAngelo Hall is top corner in the league and is an emotional guy. That bit the team Sunday as Hall gave the Panther 67 yards on 3 penalties in a key drive that was the difference in the game. Hall admitted he was beat on the first flag and took down Steve Smith to save a TD, the next call didn't help but the third saved the drive after a sack on third down. With the drive kept alive it ended in a TD. Things are ugly in Atlanta but could get much worse before it gets any better. New head coach Bobby Petrino has to keep control of the team in what is certainly not what he expected when he took the job http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net It wasn't all Joey's fault this time but the Falcons lost anyway 27-20 to the Panthers. Harrington had 361 yards passing and 2 TDs. The Falcons used to be a great running team but were out done by The Panthers 175 to 91 so they don't have the balance when a QB finally shows up. Panthers QB Jake Delhomme left the game with an elbow injury that has the team worried, good thing they signed David Carr as the backup http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Falcons have signed QB Byron Leftwich to a 2 year $6 million deal according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Leftwich won't start or likely be active this week but don't expect it to take long before he starts, despite not knowing the offense, after all it can't get worse. Leftwich will get his shot but expect the team to look at taking a QB with the "high" first round pick next year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons have signed Grandpa Morten Andersen... ok but he is 47 years old, but still a solid kicker inside 40 yards. The team is also reportedly meeting with Byron Leftwich as well... about time http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net It counts as a win, but the Jaguars pulling out a 13-7 win over the Falcons is hardly impressive as the team pulls to 1-1 on the year. Their defense had 7 sacks of Joey Harrington which should be enough for the Falcons to start looking for a replacement... rumor has it the Jags let a starting caliber QB go before the start of the year who is still available. Neither run game was impressive and the Jags defense gets the win http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Buffalo Bills have signed former Falcons and Saints safety Bryan Scott and DE Copeland Bryan from the Bears practice squad. They replace Ko Simpson and Eric Powell http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net According to WTAM radio in Cleveland Charlie Frye will be traded today or cut and the team will sign Ken Dorsey to serve as the #3 QB. The Browns realized how bad they sucked on Monday and presumably will start Brady Quinn this week allow that is speculation at this point. The Falcons and Giants are obvious choice for a trade partner http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Falcons got the same ole Joey Harrington we have seen for years. What do we mean by that... well good luck Falcons fans, you'll need it. On a positive note the defensive line looked better than expected without Rod Coleman http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons rumor has it had a rough off season, now DT Rod Coleman will 2-4 weeks. Coleman is a key to the defensive line and will be a tough loss http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net So throw basic logic out. The Baltimore Ravens have signed QB Kyle Boller to a one year extension worth up to $3 million according to the Baltimore Sun. Most everyone believed the Ravens would sign Byron Leftwich next week and use the year to gauge him and develop the replacement for Steve McNair. Boller being in his final year was not expected to be offered a contract after the season, but now that is out. This will leave Leftwich searching a little more. Atlanta is possible as is Minnesota, but we don't think either will go after him unless there are major major issues this weekend http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Falcons RB Warrick Dunn isn't the prototype for head coach Bobby Petrino but he has been named the starter. For years, all the way back to college, people have doubt Dunn and he always comes out on top anyway. They say he is too small to run inside and then he goes right through the defense. One of the nicest players in the league as well, good for Warrick, keep proving them wrong http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Former Pro Bowl returner Allen Rossum was traded by the Falcons to the Steelers Saturday for a conditional pick next year. The Steelers are looking for a boost in their return game and the Falcons obviously didn't think he'd return to the Pro Bowl year of 2005 form, last year he was not nearly as good http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Oh the comedy that surrounds the Michael Vick drama. Today he said he needs to grow up (not that we believe him but...) maybe others should take his advice. Look we have said it before there is plenty of unfortunate racial issues that still exist today, however the Michael Vick case isn't one of them. Some fool on ESPN today said the media focuses on black crime and over covers the black athletes when they do something wrong. When asked to compare it to a white athlete that didn't get hammered he pick former 49ers QB Joe Montana and said when he refused to attend the Super Bowl halftime show because he wanted more money, the press let him get away with it in a manner of speaking, but with black athletes and Michael Vick they don't. Excuse me how stupid is he? The Super Bowl halftime and Michal Vick, which one is a news story? Wow and even worse ESPN selected him to be on the air, next time pick the fools a bit better maybe. As for the crap about should he return to the NFL... he is going to jail. Can't we wait until he gets out and it actually matters? The judge controls his fate, maybe 1 year maybe more. Until then and he is released it doesn't matter so let it go and enjoy this year please http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Here is a great article by Fox Sports' John Czarnecki about how the NFL rookie are being paid way too much. "It doesn't make sense that LaRon Landry is the highest paid safety in the game," Cowboys executive Stephen Jones told me. "And that Joe Thomas (Cleveland's top pick) has a better deal than Tom Brady. For example, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson signed yesterday for less guaranteed money than what Johnson and Thomas collected, and only a moron would say those rookies deserve more than one of the NFL's best running backs... we're right there with you John, good work http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The top story on the Atlanta Falcons web site is - Offense set to soar in 07. While I understand they have to stay positive, do they realize Joey Harrington is their QB, Warrick Dunn just had back surgery and as much as we like him he is 32 years old. Installing a new offense isn't usually easy and with the changes mentioned, scrapping the zone blocking on the line for bigger bodies, the offense is set for something but we wouldn't call it soaring http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Falcons RB Warrick Dunn has had another surgery, this time the joy of back surgery. He is expected to miss 3-4 weeks but will likely be very limited throughout the pre-season. Things just keep getting worse for the Falcons http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net So Jeff Garcia is the QB of the moment for the Bucs, but they are after Dauntee Culpepper and have Chris Simms backing up Garcia now as well. Not so sure Dauntee would be a good fit with coach Gruden, the Falcons look like a better choice but we doubt he'd start for either team opening day. Certainly both team would give him an opportunity eventually though. Jacksonville is possible as well, but that wouldn't be to calm a situation http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Falcons followed up a good day one in the draft by adding 7 players on day two. The focus was on getting players who fit the style and add size. TE Martrez Milner is a local product who will add depth behind Alge Crumpler. Center Doug Datish was added to the line in round six and a replacement at fullback in the last round was Jason Snelling http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Falcons moved up in the second round to get a corner who will step in right away in Chris Houston. A very physical and fast corner. A good selection for them. They are having a good draft http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Falcons wanted to get bigger on the offensive line and getting Justin Blalock in round two they did that. He is versatile enough to play guard or tackle. Better suited inside but right tackle is possible. A good choice for Bobby Petrino's offense http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons selected DE Jamaal Anderson #8 overall. They didn't get who they wanted when they traded up to #8 but in Jamaal Anderson they have a pass rusher with great size and potential. Anderson is a prospect, not a lock, but may have a higher upside than Gaines Adams, but isn't as safe. The Falcons needed an end and are hoping Anderson's size and strength can become a yearly Pro Bowler http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons have resigned restricted free agent LB Demorrio Williams to his one year tender for $1.3 million http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons have released defensive back Kevin Mathis http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons have settled on their backup QB, signing former Lion and Dolphin Joey Harrington to a 2 year deal. He was the third overall pick in the draft in 2002 has never lived up to the billing and now takes over for Matt Schaub http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons have signed kicker Aaron Elling who was cut by the Ravens in training camp last year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net All you can say is Wow... the Houston Texans have completed the trade for former Falcons backup QB Matt Schaub by agreeing to a long term contract. That deal... and make sure you're sitting down for this one... $48 million over 6 years with $7 million guaranteed and $20 million in the first three years according to ESPN. He certainly has ability but he has never won a regular season start, has attempted only 161 passes in the regular season completing 84 of them for a measly 52.2%, has thrown 6 TDs and 6 INTs and has a passer rating of 69.2. The backup is always the favorite and looks good but wow is that a lot to pay for an unknown. Granted JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn will get more for having done even less but man every father needs to take his boys outside to throw the ball, when night time comes they can go break down the practice films. We like Schaub too but you have to be nervous about this one especially with the way David Carr got beaten behind this line http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons are pinning their hopes on Michael Vick. Driving that point home they are close to completing a deal to send backup QB Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans according to ESPN. The Falcons would swap spots with the Texans in the first round this year, the Falcons move from #10 to #8 and get a second round pick both this year and in 2008. The move puts a dagger in David Carr and ends speculation the Texans may take a QB in the first round. The Falcons clearly are the winners here at least for now. If Schaub tears up the league that may change but for now the winner is easy. Everyone seems to love Schaub, but he hasn't played that much to really prove he is the man. I remember another QB everyone loved years back named Rob Johnson. The Bills paid heavily to get him and watch him flop. The Falcons move in front of the Texans and Dolphins in the first round putting them in better position to land either Levi Brown or LaRon Landry as well as an extra second round pick to help new head coach Bobby Petrino get the players he wants http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net New Seahawks DE Patrick Kerney isn't having a quiet off season. Atlanta police are investigating an alleged rape at his Atlanta home according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution and WSB-TV in Atlanta. Kearney was home at the time of the incident but is not a suspect, all he has said is that he supports his friend and the police who are trying to apprehend the offenders. The unidentified woman invited three men into Kerney's home, it's not known if she lives there, after meeting them in a bar and getting a ride from them http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Oakland Raiders have signed former Falcons FB Justin Griffith to 3 year $3.8 million deal according to the NFL Network. Griffith is an excellent fullback for the West Coast offense and will be familiar with offensive coordinator Greg Knapp who held the same title last year with the Falcons http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Former Saints WR Joe Horn has signed with the Atlanta Falcons. This will make the Saints fans cringe having to go against him twice a year. Horn will finally give QB Michael Vick a dependable target to throw to. He has always had tight end Alge Crumpler but the receivers have never been an impressive bunch. The Falcons hope Horn can not only help Michael Vick but also mentor the young receivers and help them improve. It is a huge signing for the Falcons , but it will also add pressure for Vick to perform better as a passer, as if he could be under more scrutiny. Horn was scheduled to go to Green Bay but never took the flight (or any others) as he wanted to be a Falcon http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Texans CB Lewis Sanders. He has excellent size at 6'1 and 210 pounds. He will add a more physical approach to the secondary http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Former Falcons FB Justin Griffith will visit with the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Also reported was long time Packers FB William Henderson saying he has been told he will be released. That seems to go along with looking at Griffith who is over 10 years younger and is familiar with the blocking scheme that the Packers use as it was the same in Atlanta. Henderson is a player that has been on the block before and he has outlasted players that were brought in to replace him. He is just a solid ole fullback who does his job well and may find another team who needs some veteran leadership and a smart player as a backup http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Seattle Seahawks have overpaid for... or excuse me signed former Falcons DE Patrick Kerney to a six year $39.5 million deal with $19.5 million guaranteed. Kerney is known as an excellent pass rusher and had not missed a game in his 8 year career before missing 7 games last season with a torn pectoral muscle. He notched 13 sacks in 2004 but that was the only year of the last 4 where he had over 6.5. At 30 years old they have guaranteed a sizable amount for a player that hasn't gotten the production expected of him recently. He has 11 sacks over the last 2 years combined. The Seahawks have to hope he can stay healthy and regain his previous form. He will be reunited with his former head coach Jim Mora, who is now the Seahawks assistant head coach. Kerney is a high energy player much like Grant Wistrom, who the Seahawks overpaid for 3 years ago and has never gotten more than 4 sacks in his 3 years with the team http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Falcons will bring in Eagles CB Williams James, or the player formerly known as William Peterson with the Giants for a visit Wednesday according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. James is a big physical corner that Bobby Petrino will like. Also the Falcons hosted Floyd Womack over the weekend. The Seattle guard/tackle certainly has the size Petrino wants to add, but he left without a contract http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons have released guard Matt Lehr as they look to get bigger on the offensive line and do away with the zone blocking they employed last year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The San Francisco 49ers have signed WR Ashley Lelie to a 2 year contract worth $4.3 million according to Adam Schefter of the NFL Network. We have already stated our opinion of Lelie as an underachiever who will disappoint whatever team signs him. The 49ers have only one real receiver on their roster in Arnaz Battle so considering the weak market I suppose that has to be taken into account. The reasonable price as well acts as protection against disappointment. Remember the 49ers needed a receiver last year but were not at all interested in Lelie when the Broncos were looking to trade him. He didn't do much in Atlanta last season but he does have good speed and if they could land someone to fill the #1 receiving spot with Battle and Lelie as #2 and 3 it wouldn't look so bad. According to Matt Maiocco of te Press Democrat he will undergo a physical on Monday before the deal is completed and signed http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Falcons have signed former Bengals LB Marcus Wilkins to a 3 year deal worth $3.5 million according to the Cincinnati Enquirer http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Ravens FB Ovie Mughelli, According to ESPN the deal is for $18 million over 6 years with a $5 million signing bonus. That dwarfs the deal Lorenzo Neal just signed making him the highest paid fullback. Mughelli is a bruising powerful lead blocker that new head coach Bobby Petrino needed in his offense http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Atlanta Falcons have release a pair of linebackers Edgerton Hartwell and Ike Reese. Hartwell was a prized free agent pick up two years ago but never panned out http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net According to ESPN Falcons DE Patrick Kerney will make his first visit to Denver and then onto Seattle http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Tomorrow morning isn't Christmas but may seem like it in some NFL cities as free agency begins . There will be some quick signing and the sticker price will shock and awe http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net As expected Atlanta Falcons free agent QB Matt Schaub got the highest tender meaning another team would have to give up a first and third round pick to sign him. More realistic is another team trying to work out a trade with the Falcons who don't want Schaub to go but might be wise to get something from him now. Otherwise next year it will be the franchise tag to trade him unless he supplants Michael Vick http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The Bills have resigned DE Chris Kelsay just before he becomes a free agent. Kelsay was a top priority of theirs and would have been popular in free agency. Defensive ends are very thin in free agency this year as the franchise tag claimed many. This move also put a big smile on Patrick Kerney's face as his value just went up in free agency as one less name is available. It will put a smile on many others faces too as according to ESPN the 4 year deal is worth $23 million and $14.5 million is guaranteed! Players value is quickly being reset in this new age of a higher salary cap http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Falcons DE Patrick Kerney is now a free agent after waiting past the deadline to use the franchise tag to void his contract. Due to others getting the tag he figures to see quite a bit of action in free agency from teams looking for a proven pass rusher http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The New Orleans Saints are expected to name DE Charles Grant as their franchise player if they cannot get a deal done in the next couple of days according to ESPN. With no movement in talks that appears to be what will happen giving him a guaranteed one year deal for $8.66 million. He would be the third defensive end to get tagged following Justin Smith of the Bengals and Dwight Freeney of the Colts thinning out the free agents at the spot. The Falcons Patrick Kerney is left as the top option for other teams http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The San Diego Chargers are conducting the last of their scheduled interviews today with Saints defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs. The only other name that was mentioned early to be interviewed was Jim Mora but he has not been contacted further. AJ Smith and owner Dean Spanos will be making their choice very soon, and an introduction will come by Wednesday at the latest. The early leader is Rex Ryan, but discount the chance that someone who hasn't interviewed will appear and be announced as the next coach as well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Mike Zimmer got his turn to interview Saturday with the San Diego Chargers and Sunday will be New Orleans defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs, who will be the first interview who doesn't have a Super Bowl ring. That's good we thought they were prejudice before. Gibbs doesn't have a ring but he was the head coach at Oklahoma for six years. He and Norv Turner are the only candidates so far with head coaching experience, Norv being the only one with NFL head coaching experience http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net The San Diego Chargers will meet with Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer Saturday. He will be the fifth candidate to interview http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Falcons DE Patrick Kerney just became more valuable in free agency with the Bengals tagging Justin Smith as their franchise player. Dwight Freeney certainly will be as well and it's possible the Saints will tag Charles Grant as well which means Kerney is moving on up and while it may not be to the East side it will be to an even higher income bracket http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5 PFInsider.net Michael Vick will finally have some freedom, is that a good thing (yes as long as no water bottle is involved)? According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution new head coach Bobby Petrino will allow Vick to audible at the line of scrimmage if the played called, something he couldn't do before. He could flip the play to the opposite side of the field but if the play was doomed all he could do was run it or call timeout. Don't expect to see him become Peyton Manning but this should help him take advantage of what is given to him, provided he makes the right calls http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=5