Falcons State of the Franchise--Fan Questions Edition

Source: The Falcoholic by Jeanna Thomas

The final phase of the Falcons State of the Franchise event was the opportunity for fans to ask questions of president and CEO Rich McKay, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith. Smitty fielded football-specific questions, Dimitroff took some contract-related questions and McKay was focused primarily on the new stadium.

On Football:

The very first question was, how did they convince Tony Gonzalez to return for one more year with the Falcons?

Mike Smith said that, after Gonzalez announced the 95% certainty that he would retire at the end of the 2012 season, they discussed it, and made an agreement that they wouldn't discuss it

Projecting The Final Falcons Roster: Wide Receiver

Source: The Falcoholic by Dave Choate

The Falcons go into this season with perhaps the best starting wide receiver tandem in the NFL. Beyond that, it's a little murky.

This season, the team is likely to turn the reins at fourth and fifth receiver over to unproven players. They're likely to roll with the solid if unspectacular Harry Douglas in the slot once more. Once you get past Julio Jones and Roddy White, in other words, we're not looking at one of the team's strengths. Fortunately, White and Jones

The Saturday Night Atlanta Falcons Open Thread

Source: The Falcoholic by Dave Choate

Got Falcons-related news and ideas on your mind? Here's where you can discuss them!

Falcons State of the Franchise--New Stadium Edition

Source: The Falcoholic by Jeanna Thomas

The Falcons hosted their annual State of the Franchise event on Thursday evening, and president and CEO Rich McKay, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith had a number of interesting things to say about personnel and focus moving into the new season and plans for the new stadium, and they also fielded questions from fans.

Rich McKay focused primarily on the new stadium in his remarks, as he is heavily involved in the process.

McKay stated that the primary reason the Falcons are moving forward on the new stadium at this time is because their lease at the Georgia Dome is set to expire in 2017, and Arthur Blank believes that it's time to

Roddy White: 'I Know We Know What It Takes to Get over the Super Bowl Hump'

Source: Bleacher Report

Playoff obstacles are nothing new to this Atlanta Falcons football team. In fact, enduring and overcoming past postseason hardships has made this team a more cohesive unit and taught them how to push forward.

With the arrival of general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith in 2008 came unparalleled success for the franchise. In 2009 the Falcons put together their first back-to-back winning seasons in franchise history. Since 2008 the Falcons have won 56 games and been to the playoffs four times in five seasons.

But the team’s first playoff win under Smith as coach and Matt Ryan as quarterback was elusive. After three one-and-done appearances in the postseason, the Falcons found a way in 2012 to put

Film of the NFC South chat

Source: NFC South Blog

We had all sorts of great questions in Friday's NFC South chat. Here's a team-by-team look at some of the highlights: ATLANTA FALCONS eric (arcata, ca) [via mobile]: the last time the falcons dropped 100 mill on a qb it didnt turn out as well. do you think this time is different with matty ice and do you think he deserves it? thanks pat and happy Friday. Pat Yasinskas: Yes, I think he deserves it. He's produced five straight winning seasons and I don't think there are any off-field concerns with Ryan.

Projecting The Final Falcons Roster: Fullback

Source: The Falcoholic by Dave Choate

Our roster projection series shakes, rattles and rolls its way on to fullback. This is not, admittedly, the most exciting position we'll cover.

The Falcons may not really need a full-time fullback on this offense, given that it's mostly pass-first and they have Jason Snelling as a sorta kinda fullback option. Ultimately, though, I have to believe they'll carry a lead blocker, and preferably one who can catch the football.

The choices here are fairly limited, as you'll see, but one of these guys is likely to stick on the final roster. The most interesting one is actually a converted defensive

Falcons Sign Four Draft Picks

Source: Yardbarker

The Falcons have announced they have signed four of their eight draft picks. Clemson's Malliciah Goodman, Notre Dame's Zeke Motta, TCU's Stansly Maponga and UCF's Kemal Ishmael will now shed their college colors as they become Falcons. Terms for the deals were not disclosed. Stansly Maponga tweeted he was excited to be in Atlanta for the next four + years. Blessed to be a Falcon for the next 4+ years. #AllGloryToTheGoodLord #RiseUp2013 — Stansly Maponga (@BeAst_MoDe90) May 17, 2013 That leaves Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Levine Toliolo and Sean Renfree as the unsigned draft picks.

NFL will vote on $200M in Falcons stadium funds

Source: AJC.com

Atlanta Falcons Sign Draft Pick S Kemal Ishmael

Source: Yardbarker

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a four-year contract with seventh-round pick safety Kemal Ishmael. His future lies on special teams or the practice squad and even then that is no guarantee. He will have a tough time matching up physically to opposing competition at the next level. The post Atlanta Falcons Sign Draft Pick S Kemal Ishmael appeared first on FFLockerRoom | NFL News | MLB News | NBA News | NHL News | Fantasy |.

Atlanta Falcons Sign 2013 NFL Draft Pick Safety Zeke Motta

Source: Yardbarker

The Atlanta Falcons have signed their 2013 NFL draft pick, safety Zeke Motta, to a four-year contract. If he wants to have a shot at sticking around for any length of time this year on the talented Falcons squad, he will have to earn the right to wear their uniform by showing excellent special teams play. The post Atlanta Falcons Sign 2013 NFL Draft Pick Safety Zeke Motta appeared first on FFLockerRoom | NFL News | MLB News | NBA News | NHL News | Fantasy |.

Atlanta Falcons Sign Malliciah Goodman and Stansly Maponga

Source: Yardbarker

The Atlanta Falcons signed a pair of 2013 NFL draft picks on Friday, agreeing to terms with defensive end Malliciah Goodman as well as defensive end Stansly Maponga on four-year deals. Of the two, fourth-round pick Goodman has the higher upside, but anything can happen. This is the NFL. The post Atlanta Falcons Sign Malliciah Goodman and Stansly Maponga appeared first on FFLockerRoom | NFL News | MLB News | NBA News | NHL News | Fantasy |.

Stadium contractor finalists named

Source: AJC.com

Falcons sign four of eight draft picks

Source: AJC.com

NFL roundup: Gronkowski may need back surgery too (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The health status of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski seems to be getting more complicated by the day.

Falcons sign DEs Goodman, Maponga, 2 more picks

Source: Yardbarker

The Atlanta Falcons have signed four NFL draft picks, including defensive ends Malliciah Goodman and Stansly Maponga. The Falcons also announced Friday they have signed safeties Kemal Ishmael and Zeke Motta. The terms of the deals were not disclosed. Goodman, from Clemson, was the first of Atlanta's two fourth-round draft picks last month. He had 12 career sacks at Clemson. Maponga was a fifth-round selection who had 15.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles at Texas Christian. Ishmael and Motta were seventh-round picks. Ishmael had six interceptions at Central Florida. Motta had two interceptions in 29 career starts at Notre Dame.

Falcons Fans! Enter The New Era Photo Day Contest!

Source: Falcons Gab by Matt Loede

New Era, the official on-field headwear of the National Football League, is teaming up with the NFL to launch the Back to Football Photo Day contest. So what this means is that Falcons fans will now have the chance to join the ranks of Roddy White to also become THE face of the Falcons.

The contest, which is live at www.speakwithyourcap.com or through New Era’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/neweracaps?fref=ts) will require Falcons

Falcons Ink Malliciah Goodman, Stansly Maponga To Four-Year Deals

Source: The Falcoholic by Alec Shirkey

Slowly but steadily, the Falcons are taking care of signing this year's incoming draft picks, a process that has been expedited by the rookie pay scale instituted under the new collective bargaining agreement.

With safeties Zeke Motta and Kemal Ishmael already under wraps, Atlanta officially signed defensive ends Malliciah Goodman and Stansly Maponga, fourth and fifth-round picks in

Falcons sign DEs Goodman, Maponga, 2 more picks (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) -- The Atlanta Falcons have signed four NFL draft picks, including defensive ends Malliciah Goodman and Stansly Maponga.

Seahawks DE Bruce Irvin suspended 4 games (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

RENTON, Wash. (AP) -- Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin was suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season on Friday after the league announced he violated the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Goodman among four Falcons rookies to sign (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Atlanta Falcons signed four draft picks: defensive end Malliciah Goodman, defensive end Stansly Maponga, safety Kemal Ishmael and safety Zeke Motta. The terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Ex-Falcon Ray Edwards claims boxing safer than football

Source: Yardbarker

Ray Edwards made news this week but once again it had nothing to do with his one-time ability to play professional football. First, in early November, the Falcons cut the erstwhile defensive end for a poor attitude more so than they did poor performance. Then he made news again in February when a video surfaced of his doughy-looking opponent taking a dive during a boxing match. Earlier this week, Edwards was at it again. Edwards, who received 11 million guaranteed from the Falcons for producing 3.5 sacks in 25 regular season and playoff games combined, told Yahoo! Sports that he thinks boxing is safer than football.Funny how injuries never seemed to be an issue during his NFL career for Edwards, who missed only eight games in six and a half seasons, before the Falcons cut him. Sometimes, as they say, where a mans paycheck (or lack thereof) comes from, tends to influence his beliefs. Remember, in December the Seattle Seahawks brought in Edwards for a workout. They had lost one of their top pass-rushers, Chr

Falcons sign four draft picks

Source: NFC South Blog

The Atlanta Falcons jumped into the business of signing draft picks Friday. The team announced it has signed defensive ends Malliciah Goodman and Stansly Maponga and safeties Kemal Ishmael and Zeke Motta. Goodman was a fourth round pick and Maponga was chosen in the fifth round. Ishmael and Motta both were seventh-round picks. Cornerback Desmond Trufant (first round), cornerback Robert Alford (second round), tight end Levine Toilolo (fourth round) and quarterback Sean Renfree (seventh round) remain unsigned.

McKay: Falcons' PSLs will be reasonable

Source: NFC South Blog

Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs) will be a part of the cost of the Atlanta Falcons’ proposed stadium, but the cost to fans won’t be as high as it was at some other recently opened stadiums. That was the message from team president Rich McKay on Thursday night as he addressed fans during the team’s State of the Franchise event. “We’ve said from the very beginning that we do believe PSLs will be part of this program,’’ McKay said.

Falcons GM says Matt Ryan will get a new contract when the time is right

Source: Yardbarker

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution caught up with Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and asked him about quarterback Matt Ryan’s contract situation. “We all know that Matt is going to be here for a long time,”said Dimitroff. “We’re going to be diligent and creative with how we put together our package when the time is right. Nothing new on the timing, but suffice it to say, we will have things taken care of, again, when the time is right.” The biggest question right now is whether the Falcons will give Ryan Tony Romo money ($18 mill per year) or Aaron Rodgers money ($22 million per year).  I think it will be somewhere in the middle right now.       Need NFL Tickets? The post Falcons GM says Matt Ryan will get a new contract when the time is right appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Falcons Lock Up Seventh-Round Pick Zeke Motta

Source: The Falcoholic by Dave Choate

The Falcons may be a little short on cash until June 1, but they're not wasting any time signing their low-round draft picks.

Zeke Motta became the second to sign in just two days, after the Falcons inked Kemal Ishmael just a day ago. The Falcons now have both of their drafted rookie safeties on board and can get them going on the important work of, I dunno, learning special teams.Motta has a chance to do more than that,

Smith: Atlanta Falcons no longer “10 yards from the Super Bowl”

Source: Yardbarker

Can Mike Smith lead the Falcons to the Super Bowl in his sixth season with the team? (Associated Press) While much of the attention so far this offseason has been directed to the NFC West, the Atlanta Falcons have been retooling their roster to make another run at the Super Bowl in the 2013 season. Longtime New York Giant Osi Unemyiora and former Rams running back Steven Jackson should be upgrades over departed veterans Michael Turner and John Abraham, and tight end Tony Gonzalez returned for a 17th season in pursuit of that elusive Super Bowl title. Coming as close as they did to a Super Bowl berth, it could be easy for the Atlanta Falcons to dwell on what could have happened in 2012. Still, any team that truly wanted to be successful would find a way to look past the adversity of last season. That is exactly the goal for Falcons head coach Mike Smith. Smith has to keep his team looking forward to a new year and a new opportunity to represent the NFC on one of the biggest stages in sports. The Falcons arenâ€

Atlanta Falcons still sorting out O-line

Source: NFC South Blog

With the release of right tackle Tyson Clabo and the retirement of center Todd McClure, the Atlanta Falcons have a lot of uncertainty on their offensive line. Coach Mike Smith didn’t set forth any concrete plan Thursday night at the team’s State of the Franchise event. “There’s going to be an open, big competition with our offensive line,’’ Smith said. “We’ve got some young guys that we’ve drafted and they’re ready to step in and do it.

Offensive Line is Key to Arizona Cardinals Success in 2012 (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

COMMENTARY | With a better offensive line in 2012, former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb may have remained healthy. He may have continued leading the team to victory after victory, and he may have ultimately led the team to the playoffs.

Falcons State of the Franchise--Football Edition

Source: The Falcoholic by Jeanna Thomas

The Atlanta Falcons hosted their annual State of the Franchise event yesterday evening at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center and invited season ticket holders to attend. From photos with Freddie Falcon immediately upon arrival, to free food, to discounted merchandise, it was clear that the Falcons, as usual, took great care to provide a great experience for fans.

Wes Durham, the "Voice of the Falcons" on the radio, served as the master of ceremonies for the event, and Falcons president and C.E.O. Rich McKay, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith all spoke at the event.

McKay spoke a great deal about the new stadium, and the thought

Eight in the Box: Returning from injury

Source: NFC South Blog

A look at key players for each NFC South team who are coming back from injuries: Atlanta Falcons: Bradie Ewing was ticketed for the starting fullback job as a rookie last season. But he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason, and the Falcons were forced to juggle fullbacks. That’s one reason why the running game never really got on track last season. The Falcons want a more consistent running game this season, so they brought in running back Steven Jackson to replace Michael Turner.

Dimitroff confident on Matt Ryan extension

Source: NFC South Blog

Without locking into any time frame, Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said he’s confident a contract extension will be worked out with quarterback Matt Ryan. Dimitroff was asked by a fan for a status update during Thursday night’s State of the Franchise event. “Obviously, Matt’s going to be with us here for a long time,’’ Dimitroff said. “We’re hoping to win many, many more games and many bigger games in the future.

Smith: 'We're not 10 yards from Super Bowl'

Source: NFC South Blog

When he meets with the media, Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith almost always comes across as polite and not very emotional. But he’s a football coach and you get the sense there’s a lot more inside of him. A glimpse of what a Smith pep talk to his team must look like emerged Thursday night as the Falcons held their annual State of the Franchise event. You can see the video here (skip ahead to about the 59-minute mark to see Smith get really animated).

5 questions with Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff

Source: AJC.com

Motta reaches deal with Falcons

Source: AJC.com

Falcons FS Thomas DeCoud To Participate In Strikes 4 Kids Bowling Event

Source: The Falcoholic by Dave Choate

This is a story about a charitable event.

Thomas DeCoud has always been active in area charities. I have to think bowling is one of the most fun things he could be doing.

Strikes 4 Kids is putting on its first annual “Strikes 4 Kids Atlanta Charity Bowling Tournament” at 300 Atlanta bowling on June 1 from 3:00pm-5:30pm.

Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl Safety Thomas DeCoud will be hosting this benefit with teammates William Moore, Jason Snelling, Peyton Thompson, Brent Grimes, Dominique Franks and Robert McClain scheduled to join DeCoud in this bowling extravaganza with guest appearances by many more.

The event will donate 100% of the net proceeds raised to Make-A-Wish® Georgia. Make-A-Wish

Falcons promote Olson to national scout

Source: AJC.com

Around the NFC South

Source: NFC South Blog

Let's take or morning run (or bike ride) through some news and notes from around the NFC South: ATLANTA FALCONS General manager Thomas Dimitroff is taking part in National Bike To Work Day. I don’t think we’ll see any roster moves out of the Falcons this morning. Quarterback Matt Ryan turns 28 today. That’s a prime age to become one of the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks. The Falcons have stayed quiet about where negotiations are for an extension, but I suspect a deal will get done before training camp.

Latest on Matt Ryan's contract extension

Source: NFL.com Video

Find out when Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan will see big money and which free-agent signing will have the bigger impact, running back Steven Jackson or defensive end Osi Umenyiora.

NFC South chat Friday at 1 p.m.

Source: NFC South Blog

A quick reminder that our weekly NFC South chat will be held Friday at 1 p.m. ET. We’ll talk about all things Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers and Saints. Bring your questions and join us. Here’s your free ticket into the NFC South chat.

Falcons hoping Matt Ryan contract is done sooner than later

Source: Yardbarker

Atlanta Falcons GM Tom Dimitroff was a guest on "Late Hits" with Alex Marvez and James Miller on Sirius XM radio Thursday, and touched on the need to sign quarterback Matt Ryan to an extension. Ryan is schedule to be an unrestricted free agent after this season. “Right now there’s nothing new on the contract,” Dimitroff said. “Understand that he will be here. We will get this done and we would prefer to have this done sooner than later.” Now that the NFL Draft is out of the way, we should expect some talks between the team and Ryan's agents. “We have a very good working relationship with CAA (and Ryan’s agent Tom Condon) and I’m confident that this will, when the time is right, move expeditiously to get his done,” Dimitroff added.

The pressure index (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

While the expectations vary for each, these 12 teams have the most to lose in 2013.

Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players Poised for Breakout Campaigns in 2013

Source: Bleacher Report

As the offseason rolls on, we'll continue our look at the Falcons’ pre-training camp roster by discussing which players are poised for breakout seasons in 2013.

What's a breakout season? For the purposes of our discussion, we'll simply define a breakout season as one in which the player reaches a major milestone that he hasn't yet hit in his career (Pro Bowl, leading the team in a key statistical category, making an impact as a full-time starter for the first time, etc.).

Since the rookies have not competed in full pads yet, this evaluation will be limited to veteran players with at least one year on the team.

The players who made this list

Former Falcons DE: Heavyweight boxing is safer than pro football

Source: Yardbarker

Noted medical expert Ray Edwards, via this article on Yahoo!, has finally chimed in on the debate over which sport is safer: prizefighting or bear wrestling thresher chicken Russian roulette pro football. Edwards is one of a rare few that have found any sort of success in the pro ranks of both sports (and that level in boxing is pretty nebulous after only 4 fights but he is 4-0) and he has something to add to the pile of scattered discourse regarding the safety of playing pro football. Edwards has an interesting take on the differences, claiming point blank, “It might sound crazy to some people but for sure I believe boxing is a safer sport than football now.” You’ll be surprised to find out that his reasoning doesn’t actually account for the most important safety issue in both sports: brain injuries. If you don’t drill down on what he’s actually saying then Ray Edwards kind of has a point. His joints and digits and vertebrates are safer in boxing than they are playing along the def...

Giants sign tight end Morgan Newton, waive two (NBC Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The New York Giants made a change at the tight end position on Thursday. The Giants signed former Kentucky quarterback-turned-tight end Morgan Newton after having him in for a tryout during the team’s rookie mini-camp last week. Newton replaces former Atlanta Falcons tight end Michael Palmer, who signed with the team last week. Palmer and…

In Your Opinion: What Mistake(s) Derailed the 2012 Falcons Season?

Source: The Falcoholic by James Rael

2012 was by no means a bust for the Falcons. It was undoubtedly Matt Ryan's best campaign. It was a season where we saw Julio Jones come into his own. Despite all scientific odds, Tony Gonzalez continued to defy age, gravity, and the space-time continuum. And yet San Francisco cheated their way to a Superbowl bounced the Falcons out of the playoffs. What does that mean? It means something didn't go right.

Blame is a funny thing in football. We can blame one player or one unit. We can blame one particular play. We can just blame Dave, because he's responsible for world hunger, bird flu, and the great American malt liquor shortage. In practice, assigning blame is complicated. Even so, I can list a few things that could have gone

State of the Falcons: Defensive Tackles

Source: Yardbarker

When we left off, we finished up our offensive look at the 2013 Falcons as compared to the 2012 squad. We went through the RBs, QBs, WR/TE and offensive line. The biggest jump in talent is at the RB position with the addition of Steven Jackson and the biggest concern is on the OL with the departure of Tyson Clabo and Todd McClure. Now let's start our defensive look by focusing on the defensive tackle position. The Falcons currently have seven DTs listed on their roster with the most notable absence from the 2012 squad being Vance Walker. In 2012, Walker played in 16 games (starting eight) and had 21 tackles and three sacks. His three sacks were the second most from the DT spot, behind Jonathan Babineaux's 3.5 and his 21 tackles also placed him second behind Babineaux. The loss of Walker will hurt but it's not crippling. Babineaux remains our best DT and he bounced back from a disappointing 2011 although he is getting up there in years. The Falcons will ne...

Falcons Sign Safety Kemal Ishmael

Source: The Falcoholic by Dave Choate

The Falcons are going to need to wait until after June 1 to sign all their rookies, more than likely, but at least they've got one in the fold.

Safety Kemal Ishmael, one of the team's seventh round compensatory picks, is the first Falcon to sign. According to D. Orlando Ledbetter, it's a four-year contract:

The #Falcons have reached an agreement with seventh-round draft pick free safety Kemal Ishmael from Central Florida. Terms undisclosed.

— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@AJCFalcons)

Dimitroff on Matt Ryan contract talks “We will get this done.” (NBC Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

With Joe Flacco getting a new contract completed with the Baltimore Ravens early this offseason, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan became next in line on the list of young quarterbacks looking to cash in with a big second contract. Ryan is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following the upcoming season but it’s unlikely…

Edwards: Boxing is safer than football

Source: Yardbarker

Former Atlanta Falcons defensive end Ray Edwards retired from the league (or was forced to, since he couldn’t find work) in order to pursue his boxing career back in 2011 during the NFL lockout, and hasn’t looked back. Edwards, who played in the NFL from 2006-2010, says that his new sport, boxing, is safer than his former sport, football. On the surface, this may seem like a ridiculous claim, since the premise of boxing is taking direct blows to the face with no helmets, pads, etc. However, Edwards comes at it from a different angle.Here are some details via profootballtalk.com: “Football is the only sport that is 100-percent injury prone,” Edwards tells Martin Rogers of Yahoo! Sports.  “[In football], you don’t know what is coming, where you are going to get hit, how you are going to get hit.  You play for a long time, chances are you are going to tear your MCL or ACL. You can break your leg, snap your femur, break your arm, break your neck. . . . “In boxing you know where the hits are comi