re: Hard Knock Falcons Edition

I think the D-Line is showing up in these practices as really the only "mean" group on the field.

You did hit the nail on the head about injuries, though. Completely healthy, this team can beat anyone in the league.

Hopefully, our "big injury" already happened when Witherspoon went down. I couldn't think of a more valuable player on a new defense.

I don't agree with your assessment on Moore. I think he's a great safety in spots and a true ballhawk.

Dead on about Trufant and Alford. Trufant is just a rock, but Alford is definitely more a gamble type player. Plays very similarly to Asante Samuel when he was here.

In the post regarding the LB's--those folks on FalconsLife are as big a group of delirious sunshine pumpers as the guys on Saints Report. Sure Paul Worrilow had a good season; but unless the opposing team scores a touchdown on every play, SOMEONE has to make a tackle. To be honest, I'm more optimistic about Joplo Bartu. This group better just be mean SOB's, because on talent alone, they lack it.

quote:

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Saints 13-3

Falcons 9-7

Bucs 7-9

Panthers 7-9

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That looks par for the course, though I see y'all at 12-4.

Some Saints-fan flavored thoughts sort of based on your roster notes:

Offense
-OT Matthews indeed looks legit. Wished the Falcons would've fricked up that pick, but to the contrary, they've actually drafted well in the 1st round the last four times out (Spoon, Julio, Trufant, and Matthews). Serviceable offensive line with the exception of Baker. Hawley needs to tone the antics down. His foolishness could cost you drives and TDs.

-Mattiocre gonna Mattiocre.

-Roddy is on the decline like Joe Horn rapidly did for us. Horn went from 90+ catches and 10+ TD's to under 50 and 1 TD. Roddy's down from 115 catches with double digit TD's in his prime to 60+ with just 3 TD's. I think the loss of Tony G in the middle will accelerate the numbers drop.

-Julio scares the shite out of me, but foot microfractures for a WR can be worse than ACL injuries. Douglas... meh...in a Meachem/speed-guy role player sorta way. Toilolo will never be a threat.

-Freeman looks like a keeper. SJax is like a used car; best bet is to use him infrequently like the Steelers did with Bettis.

Defense
-Solai is legit. Jackson & Babineaux are below average. Osi is another used car. Biermann is below average. I'm betting Hageman is more bust than boom his rookie year. Way to early to tell, but just HK's footage of him winded and getting pancaked (this, before hurting his wrist) shouldn't inspire hope of the next ND Suh.


-Not scared of Worrilow & Bartu. The loss of Spoon hurt an already shady position.

-Trufant & Alford are legit. Moore is one-dimensional. Lowery is a concussion waiting to happen. Southward was trash in college. You still don't have Bush.

Overall

The biggest thing I noticed about 2012 was the discipline & focus that the team had for most of the year. Great teams have that, along with the luck of health. You didn't really see the mental false starts, offsides penalties, late hits, etc. the year you guys were a legit force.

First impressions from Hard Knocks is that the team will be so focused on being "tough", the discipline & focus on the nuances in winning football is not gonna be at the 2012 level. The mass of injuries so far this season also complicates the return to contender status. I think the Saints win the NFC South with Tampa trailing, and Atlanta firmly over surprise cellar dweller Carolina.

Overall, I give the Falcons a great big grade of Mattiocre: 8-8.

quote:

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I heard one of the Failcons tore his ACL today? Anyone hear who?

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You're a douche.

Why is he a douche for asking who got injured?

I don't know if being a homer impacted these observations, but after watching the episode, the Falcons look like a team on the decline.

For some of the pros, Jake Matthews looks like he has the makings of a stud. I do wish the Saints could find someone of the paedigree, but it may not matter as Armstead has been impressing. Also with the show, you get to see how some of the players are off the field, and you can't help but like them as people, although they made the horrid mistake of playing for the Falcons.

Now, the cons. Mike Smith really looks clueless. His laid-back attitude is the perfect one to get walked all over when the going gets tough. And this season will be a continuation of the going's getting tough. The Falcons just don't look like a team that believes in their coach.

Let's teach toughness? LOL. The fact that he has to say that shows how not tough his team is. Matt Ryan is okay, but he's another who really isn't a leader. His demeanor. His facial expressions. It's just not who he is. The loss of Tony Gonzales is a huge one, as he was clearly the locker room leader.