Atlanta Falcons News and Notes

Draft Day decision makers: Atlanta Falcons

This will be the third draft conducted by Atlanta Falcons General Manger Thomas Dimitroff. He and head Coach Mike Smith share the philosophy that a winning team is built through the draft not via free agency. They will be joined in the Flacons war room for the 2010 NFL Draft by Nick Polk the Director of Football Administration, Kevin Winston senior Director of Player Development, Les Snead Director of Player Personnel, and David Caldwell the director of College Scouting. Of course their full complement of scouts will also be in attendance.

2009 NFL draft one year later: Atlanta Falcons

Man how do you asses a draft where the first two picks went down with injury and rode out their rookie campaigns on the injured reserve list? It seems that we have to give the Falcons a mulligan, because it could very well be that this draft class turns into something special. A year ago I gave the Falcons high marks for getting two stars and adding depth along both offensive and defensive lines.

What should the Atlanta Falcons do with their first round draft pick?

Based on the Falcons hierarchy of needs it seems pretty clear that they will use the 19th overall pick in the 2010 draft to address their needs at DE, or at OLB.

What are the 2010 Atlanta Falcons team needs?

With just 28 sacks, and 15 interceptions it seemed the biggest needs on this team was in the defensive secondary and along the defensive line. That was true until the Falcons landed Dunta Robinson and Matt Giordano in free agency. Now the Falcons must work on their pass rush.

Fix the Franchise: Atlanta Falcons edition

The Falcons have been around since the 1960’s and 2009 marked the first time they had consecutive winning seasons. They have been an inconsistent franchise, in 2009 that inconsistency led to two three game losing streaks, and that kept them from the NFL playoffs. It would be easy to say that the status quo on this tam is sufficient, but standing still does nothing, they have to get better, and get getter quickly.

2009 NFL season in review: Atlanta Falcons

A 9-7 record isn't all that bad, but for the Atlanta Falcons coming off an 11-5 2008 it is somewhat of a step back. It seems the main problem for this club was its inability to bounce back from a loss. All the teams losses in 2009 came in bunches.  Of course they did not follow up their loss to the New England Patriots with a loss, but they did head into the bye week on that down note. Those stats suggest this is a team that just barely missed the playoffs, and that seems to hold up. What this team needs is a tweak to the defense, and they should be just fine.

Stadiums of the NFL-Georgia Dome

With that being said it is a football specific facility and is so nice it has played host to the Super Bowl Twice. More than that though the Georgia Dome is a symbol of the transformation of Atlanta from Minor League Major Sports City to big time sports city destination. The Completion of the Georgia Dome and Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves nabbed the city the Olympics and two very nice venues for their pro team to play in.

Matt Ryan to miss pivotal game against the Eagles

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan will miss his first NFL start this week against the Philadelphia Eagles. Ryan has been diagnosed with a turf toe injury and will sit for at least this week. Back up QB Chris Redman will get the start the game versus the Eagles, but the Falcons are facing a must win situation and are minus at least three starters on offense.

2009 Atlanta Falcons draft analysis

The Atlanta Falcons found themselves in a unique position on draft day in 2009. They were a pretty solid team, had just completed the acquisition of TE Tony Gonzales, and the only significant needs were all on the defensive side of the ball.

What are the Atlanta Falcons worth?

The Atlanta Falcons have been a part of the NFL since 1965 when then Commissioner Pete Rozelle awareded the franchise to Rankin Smith. Since that time the Falcons have appeared in one Super Bowl, won three division titles, and appeared in the playoffs nine times. They have an overall record, through the 2008 NFL season of 275-399-6.