Around The NFL (UPDATED)

The Saints locked up Darren Sproles. Great Move, he is basically Reggie Bush without the media attention. There will be hardly any setback in the offensive production from the Saints with Sproles taking over.

Roy Williams is going to the Bears. Now they will have an underachieving QB and an underachieving WR. Also both just had some marital problems so it's a good fit.

CB Jonathan Joseph went to Houston. Huge upgrade and does this mean they are out of the Awesome-hua mania. Still a nice piece.

The Falcons released wide receiver Michael Jenkins and defensive end Jamaal Anderson. It's about time, Jenkins sucked and with my boy Julio Jones there, he is no longer needed. Jamaal Anderson is just another bust defensive player.

Looks like Matt Light is coming back to the Patriots. Nice move figuring Solder will need some grooming.

***UPDATE***

- Ray Edwards has agreed to a five-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

- Miami Dolphins have agreed to terms with former Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore.

- Vince Young has signed with the Eagles.

- Pittsburgh Steelers have released veteran offensive tackle Flozell Adams.

With The 6th Pick In The NFL Draft The Falcons Select...

Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

My favorite player in the draft. The Falcons offense is going to be sweet with Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Julio Jones and Michael Turner. He is a burner and has size at 6'4. I love this pick and thank god he didn't go to a faggy team so I can get his jersey.

Falcons gave the Browns

Trade details w/CLE: Falcons get 6th pick from Browns, give up 2011 1st (27), 2nd (59), 4th (124) & 2012 1st Rd & 4th Rd

Fuck the Whole Pick By Pick, The Draft Is Tomorrow

DP's Picks:
24. NO: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
25. Sea: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
26. Balt: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
27. Atl: Bruce Carter, OLB, UNC
28. NE: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
29. Chi: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pitt
30. NYJ: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
31. Pitt: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida
32. GB: Marcus Cannon, OL, TCU

BMack's Picks:
24. NO: Brooks Reed, DE, Arizona
Fills the need at DE for the Saints, and adds a good pass rusher to a team that really needs one.

25. Sea: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
I like Mallet a lot, but with all the questions surrounding being a booze bag and what not I think Seattle takes a pass. I also like Locker a lot and if Seattle can bring back Matt Hasselbeck for one more year I think he could be real good.

26. Balt: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
Ravens need to improve thier defensive backfield, and Smith could end up being the 2nd best CB in this draft.

27. Atl: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Was projected to be a top 15 pick last year, but dropped in this years rankings (nerve damage/5 less sack then 2010), could be a steal this late in the first round.

28. NE: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Dude is huge (6-foot-8 319 pounds), and the Patriots could be very thin on the OL depending on what happens with the CBA/free agency.

29. Chi: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
The Bears have to find a way to protect Cutler, this is a good start,

30. NYJ: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
Big, strong pass rusher is exactly what the Jets need, but what makes him special is he is great against the run.

31. Pitt: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
Not a sexy pick, but lets be honest the Steelers have to find a way to protect Big Ben.

32. GB: Justin Houston, LB, Georgia
Gives the Packers another OLB pass rushing option other then just Matthews. Houston is also versitle, and could eventually be a DE, another need for the Packers.

Falcons Give Mike Smith Extension

"The Falcons announced on Thursday that they signed head coach Mike Smith to a three-year extension, the terms of which were not disclosed (CBS Sports)."

Very deserved, as Mike Smith is 33-17 in three years with the Falcons, and although he has never won a playoff game he has turned around a franchise that was in ruin after Vick went to jail. The Falcons are arguably the most balanced team int he NFL, and should be near the top of the NFC for years to come. You really just can't argue this move, and Falcons fans should be happy that their franchise is once again heading in the right direction.

Divisional Round Breakdown

Packers at Falcons

In Saturday’s NFC matchup, the Green Bay Packers will take their show on the road for a second consecutive week. Their opponent, the number one seeded, Atlanta Falcons. The Georgia dome has provided very little southern hospitality to visiting teams this season. Matt Ryan has led the Falcons to a 7-1 home record and a 13-3 mark overall. The Packers will have to become just the second team this season to defeat Atlanta at home if they want to punch their ticket to the conference championship.

The Saints were able to stun Atlanta in week 16 when they became the first team defeat the Falcons in the Georgia dome this season. Prior to that defeat, Atlanta had rattled off eight straight victories and appeared to be the class of the NFC. However, after losing to New Orleans, many people (myself included), began to notice the softness of Atlanta’s schedule. Wins against; St. Louis, Arizona, Carolina twice, San Francisco, Cincinnati, and Cleveland account for more than half of their victories. However, a closer look reveals that Atlanta’s only three losses have all come at the hands of playoff teams. However, seeing as the two NFC teams (Eagles and Saints) out of those three were eliminated last weekend, Atlanta’s chances of playing in Dallas seem more realistic.

The biggest advantage Atlanta holds over Green Bay is location. If this game is played on the frozen tundra at Lambeau Field, the Packers could run away with it. Instead the Falcons hold home field advantage, a place where the Packers have already lost this season.

A Matt Bryant field goal with :09 seconds left is all that separated these two teams in their week 12 matchup. Matt Ryan was nearly perfect; completing 24 of 28 passes for 197 yards and a score. However, it was the play of running back, Michael Turner that propelled the Falcons to victory. Turner carried the ball 23 times for 110 yards and a touchdown. If the Falcons wish to serve the Packers with a second helping of home cooking, Turner has to be the main ingredient. Atlanta’s 12th ranked rushing attack relies on turner to pick up yards as well as, bring opposing safeties closer to the line of scrimmage, opening up the door for play action and single coverage on Pro Bowl receiver, Roddy White.

White led the NFL with 115 catches this season, shattering Atlanta’s franchise record. The Ryan to White connection has at times looked unstoppable. White is able to create separation from cornerbacks with relative ease. From there, if he is not double teamed or allotted safety coverage, he uses his big body to make space and catch the ball at its highest point. He is especially dangerous inside the red zone where the Falcons will run slants and fades in an effort to get one on one coverage for Roddy to exploit.

An area of weakness for the Falcons is their 22nd ranked pass defense. In two of their three losses, Atlanta has allowed a quarterback to throw for over 300 yards. Kevin Kolb torched the Atlanta secondary for 326 yards and 3 touchdowns. Drew Brees completed 35 of 49 passes for 302 yards and a score. Even their first loss against Pittsburgh, the Falcons surrendered 236 yards to third string quarterback, Dennis Dixon.

Unfortunately for the Falcons, they are going against the hottest passer in the NFC in Packer’s quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has been on fire since returning from his second concussion of the season. In his first game back, Rodgers dissected the New York Giants defense for 404 yards and 4 touchdowns, effectively spoiling their playoff chances. Last week, in Philadelphia, Rodgers needed just 18 completions and 180 yards to put up 3 touchdowns and advance past a dangerous Eagles team. Enough cannot be said about Rodgers’ play. He has stepped up as Green Bay’s leader and continues to produce despite not having a running game to compliment him.

Rodgers’ main target is Pro Bowl receiver, Greg Jennings. After getting off to a slow start Jennings has elevated his play and has emerged as one of the top receivers in the NFC. His ability to go over the middle and over the top has provided Rodgers with a legitimate number 1 target who can be relied on in the clutch. Last Sunday, Asante Samuel blanketed Jennings; he was limited to 1 catch for 8 yards. However, Jennings had an outstanding season, with over 1,200 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He will no doubt be a headache for the Falcons secondary on Saturday.

The Packers defense is nothing short of ferocious. Led by Clay Matthews, the Pack have held opponents under 10 points five times this season, most of any NFC team. Their 5th ranked pass defense can be credited to a strong secondary led by reigning defensive player, Charles Woodson. The key defensively for the Packers is to force Atlanta to be one-dimensional. Shutting down Roddy White is much easier said than done, but Woodson is truly one of the league’s premier shutdown corners.

This is going to be a close game with both teams evenly matched. I think Atlanta’s home field advantage can be neutralized with early scoring drivers orchestrated by Rodgers. However, Matt Ryan has proved to be money in the clutch and can never be counted out of a game. I believe whichever quarterback has the ball last will be victorious. A game winning drive by Matty Ice is going to be the difference in this one.

Falcons 23 Packers 20

Patriots 28, Falcons 10

It's preseason. That needs to be repeated every time you feel any emotion while watching one of these exhibition games. Any thrill at seeing Fred Taylor break a big run, any disappointment at a 14 yard gain yielded by the defense, needs to be tempered.

The Patriots tested two things in this game: Wes Welker and the running game. Brady threw at Welker three straight times, putting him in tough positions, and eventually getting him hit pretty hard. It was Welker's first appearance in preseason, and you can tell that the Pats want to appraise him before they rely on him.

The Pats ran the ball. A lot. And it caught the Falcons off guard. So the two rushing touchdowns, Taylor's 54 yards, and Morris' 52 yards shouldn't be taken at face value. Then again, Atlanta allowed the 10th fewest rushing yards, and 8th fewest yards per carry in the 2009 season.

This team doesn't need the ground attack to win games for them. But they do need other teams to respect it. They need it for short yardage, 3rd down, and red-zone/goal-line situations. They need it for play-action pass. They need it to slow down and wear out opposing pass rushes.

The biggest concern I have with the runningbacks is their age. Sure, Taylor, Morris, and Faulk looked great. But they played half the game. Half a game in August. Will they still be this good in November and December?

One very positive thing from this game was the play of Aaron Hernandez. He's not really a tight-end. I think he can be a challenging guy for opponents to cover, though. The Patriots haven't had a reliable pass-catching tight-end since Fauria. And Hernandez can present some real matchup problems for opposing defenses.

How will the defense be this year? Probably inconsistent. Matt Ryan was finding holes in the zone just before he was pulled. Give skilled coaches, QBs, and WRs 4 quarters to figure the Pats' defense out, and things will get difficult. I like Chung at safety. But I didn't like how the unit looked against a no-huddle offense.

So while a 28-10 win with rookie tight-ends catching touchdowns, and runningbacks amassing 120 yards on the ground is very pleasant, there are still some concerns that might not manifest themselves until snow starts falling.

-The Commodore

What To Watch For During Patriots Game Tonight

Exhibition games suck, but here is what you die hard fans should be watching for...

1. WRs: I doubt Welker will play tonight, so we can leave him out of this mix, and we all know Randy Moss is awesome and in a contract year. Even Edleman has found his spot as the Welker replacement, the question is behind those guys. Holt is now gone, and David Patten retires, so it is up to the young guys to make up the difference. Tate has been good this preseason (according to reports), and I really think he will get a lot of playing time this year. The other option is the speedy Taylor Price. Watch to see how Tate and Price compare because the Patriots are going to need another deep threat other then Randy Moss.

2. The defensive line: Ty Warren is lost for the year, and that leaves a huge hole in this defense. Gerard Warren and Damione Lewis were solid pickups this offseason, but I'm really not sold on them. I like Mike Wright, but I really think of him as more of a backup, That’s why the development of second-year players Ron Brace and Myron Pryor and the assimilation of rookies Brandon Deaderick and Kade Weston is so important, because who knows what they'll get out of Derrick Burgess. Look for how the Patriots go against the run, and how they are getting pressure on the QB, because honestly right now I am really worried if they will be able to do either of those things.

3. CBs: They played well overall in the first game, and that is encouraging for this young secondary, but there are still a ton of questions. The Patriots need to cause more turnovers, and if this defensive line is going to be below average then the Patriots are really going to need their CBs to pickup the slack.

4. Offensive line: Looked good in the first game, but with Mankins out and some injuries this has to be an area of concern. Watch to see if the Patriots get a good push up front when running the ball, and how they protect Brady during any kind of deep drop. Doesn't matter who your QB is if he doesn't have enough time to make his reads.

Game starts at 8pm.

2010 NFL Preview: NFC South

We have finished the NFC South, and here is how we see it playing out...

New Orleans Saints: 12-4
Atlanta Falcons: 9-7
Carolina Panthers: 5-11
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5-11

NFL Breakdowns: Atlanta Falcons

KEY ADDITIONS
Player, Pos., 2009 Team
Matt Giordano, S, Green Bay
Dunta Robinson, CB, Houston
KEY LOSSES
Player, Pos., 2010 Team
Tye Hill, CB, Tennessee
Chris Houston, CB, Detroit

Rd., Player, Pos., Ht., Wt., College
1. Sean Weatherspoon, LB, 6-1, 239, Missouri
2. Corey Peters, DT, 6-3, 295, Kentucky
3. Mike Johnson, G, 6-5, 312, Alabama
4. Joe Hawley, C, 6-3, 297, UNLV
5. Dominique Franks, CB, 5-11, 194, Oklahoma
6. Kerry Meier, WR, 6-2, 224, Kansas
7. Shann Schillinger, S, 6-0, 202, Montana

Offense:
Matt Ryan is trying to have a bounce back year after a horrendous sophomore year. I like Ryan, I root for Ryan and I really hope his sophomore year was just a slump, but I'm concerned about him. Luckily for Matt Ryan he has overused Michael Turner(who lost 20 pounds this offseason, which I don't know if it helps him or not), Jerius Norwood and Jason Snelling. All have different approaches with the ball and are all good options. Their WRs are adequate, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez are good and will be an anchor for Ryan, but it angers me that Michael Jenkins is still on this team. He is horrible and brings really nothing to the table but "potential" all of us have fallen for him before, I just have had enough.

Defense:
Their defensive line is anchored by John Abraham who had a rough year last year with 5.5 sacks and was often double teamed due to Peria Jerry going down with an ACL injury last year. The rest of the depth is Jonathan Babineaux and bust Jamal Anderson who is still trying to find his groove in the NFL. Their linebackers while undersized are very versatile and quick. Led by pro bowl snub Curtis Loften and flanked by veteran Mike Peterson and rookie Sean Weatherspoon brings some hope those positions. Also their secondary improved dramatically by signing Dunta Robinson, but they still have some improvements to be made as they were ranked 28th last year.

Overall:
I expect this team to be better purely based on easier schedule and improving on defense. Matt Ryan is the key to the offense and if he is on the Falcons could challenge a wildcard spot, if not it could be a long season for the dirty bird. I say they just miss the playoffs with a 9-7 record.

Matt Ryan Out vs. Eagles

"Falcons QB Matt Ryan (toe) will not play in Week 13 against Philadelphia. He left Sunday's game against Tampa Bay with what has been officially diagnosed as turf toe. Falcons coach Mike Smith would not confirm reports that Ryan has gone to see a foot specialist in Charlotte, saying that he was still in Atlanta. "During the week he's going to work with our medical staff diligently to get back as quick as he can," Smith said of Ryan (CBSSports)."

Ryan has been durable in career as thing is the first game he will miss since being drafted by the Falcons. Ryan has not had a great year and Redman played well while Ryan was out, so the Falcons shouldn't be hurt too bad. Still, I don't see them winning this game, as the Eagles are eventually going get it going with all that talent (right?). There is no word on how many games Ryan might miss...

NFL Previews: NFC South

2008 Standings:
Carolina 12-4
Atlanta 11-5
Tampa Bay 9-7
New Orleans 8-8


New Orleans Saints


Mark my words. The New Orleans Saints will be representing the NFC in the Superbowl. Everyone knows the Saints have a video game offense, however, their defense led by new defensive coordinator Greg Williams will be top ten. They re-signed Jonathen Vilma, an they signed veteran safety Darren Sharper along with some other pieces that will bring the Saints out of Mediocrity. Plus they have my friend Devery Henderson on the team and he is due for a 1300 yard season.

Prediction: 12-4 (representing NFC in Superbowl according to DP)

Atlanta Falcons

matt ryan took the league by storm last year, and he will only get better this year. He has already far surpassed my expectations I had for him last year. And him teamed up with Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez and Michael Turner the offense will be absolutely fine. I expect Atlanta to be a NFC wild card team.

Prediction: 10-6 (DP's wildcard pick)

Carolina Panthers


I hate the Panthers, I really do. I hate Jake Delhomme and I hate DeAngelo Williams. DeAngelo Williams was a fluke and defenses will be able to stop him easily, so what does that leave? Jake Delhomme passing to Steve Smith. That will be the only offense they have and their defense is deteriorating. Julius Peppers will only play for stats and could care less about the Panthers. They are going to drop off.

Prediction: 7-9

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I hate this team even more than the Panthers. Tampa Bay is going to have a really long season. Their QB situation is a mess, their runningback situation is confusing, they only have Antonio Bryant as their only WR. their aging defense is going to get burnt. This will be the definition of a rebuilding year in Tampa.

Prediction: 3-13

Top 25 Under 25: #9 Matt Ryan

Born: May 17, 1985

Breaking the top 10 on our list, former ACC player of the year, Matt Ryan. Ryan was the third overall pick by the Falcons in last year’s draft. After winning the starting job in the pre season, Ryan made his debut in style, hooking up with receiver Michael Jenkins for a 62-yard touchdown pass on the first throw of his career. What began as a good start quickly transpired to a solid season. Although Matty Ice didn’t have dazzling numbers last season (16 Touchdowns 11 interceptions) he was able to start all 16 games and lead the Falcons to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. In addition to the team’s new found success, Ryan earned AP rookie of the year honors over Raven’s quarterback Joe Flacco.

Ryan’s success as a rookie was just the beginning of what promises to be an outstanding career. The Falcons are a shoe-in to win the NFC south, with a potent offensive attack led by Ryan, receiver Roddy White, and running Michael “the burner” Turner.

Vick Released By Falcons

Well this isn't really shocking news, since we all knew it was coming, but....

The Michael Vick era in Atlanta is officially over. Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the team relinquished its contractual rights to Vick on Friday. "Michael remains suspended by the NFL," Dimitroff said. "However, in the event NFL commissioner Roger Goodell decides to reinstate Michael, we feel his best opportunity to re-engage his football career would be at another club (Sportsline)."

I thought overall Dimitroff held this entire situation as best you can. He is not taking shots at him at this point, and just wants to distance himself from the mess that is Vick's life. The question is who will cave and take this guy on? There have been many rumors, but nothing that seems all that credible.

Breaking News: Gonzalez Traded To Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have traded for TE Tony Gonzalez for a 2nd round draft pick in the 2010 draft. If there was anywhere Gonzalez was going to go I thought it was Atlanta. Matt Ryan has to be doing backflips right now, because he just got one of (if not the) best TE in all of football. Is he getting older? Yes, but don't doubt for the next 2-3 season Gonzalez can help the Falcons. With the running attack they already have, the heads up play of Ryan, all they really needed on offense was a sure handed pass catcher, and they sure got one of those today.

Gonzalez caught 96 passes for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2008. He has been a Chief his whole career collecting 916 receptions, 10,940 yards receiving, 76 TDs receiving and 26 100-yard receiving games. Great pickup for the up and coming Falcons.

Tony Gonzalez To Atlanta

"With a need to acquire a pass-catching tight end before the 2009 season begins, the Atlanta Falcons hosted then-free agent L.J. Smith earlier this offseason, but he left town without signing a contract and later agreed to terms with the Baltimore Ravens. With the need still there, a new rumor has gained steam that Tony Gonzalez may be headed to Atlanta next season, as reported by Michael Lombardi of the National Football Post (ESPN)."

The Falcons seem to be willing to give up their 2nd round pick (55th overall) the the Chiefs for Gonzalez. For Atlanta this makes a lot of sense. They don't really have a true TE, and Matt Ryan could really build off a great 2008 if he had that kind of talent at TE. So, I guess it comes down to whether or not Gonzalez thinks the Falcons have a legit shot at winning it all. I question their defense, but their offense could be extremely good (especially if they add him). The Chiefs should take this deal if offered, since Gonzalez wants out, and a 2nd round pick is right about what he is worth.

Mike Vick Thinks Mike Vick Can Make 10 Mil A Year

"The embattled Atlanta Falcons quarterback is hoping to earn as much as $10 million a year or more, according to court filings in his bankruptcy case. Under the plan he submitted to the court, Vick would keep the first $750,000 of his annual income over the next five years. After that, a percentage would go to his creditors based on a sliding scale."

Hmmmm, let's think about this one Mike. You haven't played football in a long time, you weren't THAT good to begin with, the reason you weren't playing football is because you were in jail for FIGHTING DOGS and KILLING THEM, and Roger Goodell hasn't even let you back into the league. So Mike, let me ask you this. Why the fuck would anyone give a asshole, mediocre football player 10 million a year? This doesn't surprise me at all to tell you the truth, just like when Vick went into jail, he still thinks he is above the league, and hasn't learned anything. If anything he should appreciate being in the league and not getting paid. Fuck Vick and Goodell should do the right thing and not let him back in the league.

Canadiens Fire Guy Carbonneau

"Guy Carbonneau was fired as coach of the struggling Montreal Canadiens, hockey's most historic franchise that is in danger of missing the playoffs in its 100th season (Sportsline)."

Canadiens had to do something, because this team is way too good to miss the playoffs. They were probably watching the Penguins turn their season around after firing their coach, and hope they can do the same. Montreal went into a free fall in late January and February, losing 10 of 13. They currently are sitting at 6th place in the East, but there is a cluster fuck of teams from 5-10. I think this move will work, and that the Canadiens will be in the playoffs, and be a dangerous team.

Mike Peterson To Atlanta

Peterson 32, will a sign a three-year contract, league sources confirmed; financial details were not immediately available. Peterson visited with team officials and coaches on Monday and Tuesday.ESPN

I don't know why people were overlooking Mike Peterson as much as they were. Even though he is old, he is still a hell of a LB. He fell out of graces with Jack Del Rio last year, which may bring on some heat, and was suspended a couple games, but he still finished with 84 tackles. The Falcons got an absolute steal with this signing.

Vick Gets Release Date

"A government official says imprisoned NFL star Michael Vick has been approved for release to home confinement. Vick's lawyers have said they expected him to be moved any day into a halfway house in Newport News, Va. But the official says there's no bed space, so Vick could be released to his Hampton, Va., home as soon as May 21 (Sportsline)."

No word on how long he will be confined to his home, but this is the first step toward Vick coming back to the NFL. I still think he has a long road in front of him, as Roger Goodell will most likely suspended for a while, or at least he should since he has been doing it to other NFL players who have been in trouble with the law. Expect the Falcons to eventually cut him, as no one is going to want to trade for the contract he is under now, and there is no way the Falcons will being him back.

Teams Interested In Vick

"Two teams with unsettled quarterback situations -- the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings -- might be interested in acquiring suspended Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick (Sportsline)."

No real surprise here, these are two teams that really need a QB. If the Viking could settle their QB problems, they could be a Super Bowl favorite in the NFC next year. I don't think Vick is the answer, but I do have to say it would be really interesting to see Vick running around with Taylor, and Peterson. Still, we have no idea what Vick has left, and how he will react to being back on the field and in front of hostile fans. There is almost no chance he will be traded, because he is no longer worth his contract, so for the Vikings to eventually cut him, and then my guess is that he will actually go to San Fran. I just think he will have a lot less problems with fans and media out west, and it seems like Singletary has a soft spot for Vick.