Odds and Ends, April 6th

As the off season progresses, with the exception of the signing of former Jacksonville LB Mike Peterson, the Falcons remain silent, waiting for the draft. Thomas Dimitroff has stated on several occasions that the team is committed to building in the future from the draft, in the Patriots' style. Given that, the move today, trading Laurent Robinson to the St. Louis Rams in exchange for advancing both the 5th and 6th round picks, isn't entirely a surprise. Robinson waits behind a strong list of accomplished receivers, Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, Harry Douglas, and Brian Finneran, so this move will serve to advance his own cause, and I couldn't be happier for him. Robinson was one of the bright spots in the checkered 2007 season, and, I believe barring his injury in '08, he would be one of the go-to receivers for this team going into the '09 season, and as such, I wish him all the best, especially considering we won't be playing the Rams this season. The Vick-Capades Continue Michael Vick's application for a bankruptcy plan was declined by a Virginia judge this week, finding problems with either/both his planned income ($10 million/year), and/or his expected take-home salary ($750,000/ year). Reportedly, the judge was dissatisfied with the expectation that Vick would maintain three luxury vehicles and two $2 million homes. The good news for the Falcons is that Vick's money-men agreed to repay the Falcons $6.5 million in bonus money. Vick will likely be released from the Falcons' contract before his release from house-arrest. Goals In 2008, Mike Smith set several goals for the season, including not losing back-to-back games, and winning three in-a-row. This season, included in the season-long goals will be the oft-tried, never completed, goal of back-to-back winning seasons. In the 33 year-long history of the team, this has never been accomplished, and Smith and Dimitroff were chomping at the bit to make this happen, gladdened by the, as they see it, a very do-able goal. If they were to accomplish this, they would, in the eyes of many life-long Falcons' fans, have done the impossible. What to Expect Invigorated by a surprisingly successful 2008 campaign, the Falcons' management is optimistic about the the 2009 season, with good cause. The Falcons will be hitting the field with the '08 Rookie of the Year in Matt Ryan, and a leading candidate for MVP in Michael Turner. The team's offensive line, which, despite predictions, protected their starting quarterback better than any other in the NFL returns intact, and the record-setting special teams, led by Michael Koenen and Jason Elam will hope to improve upon their '08 numbers. Dimitroff and Smith (reportedly down 45 pounds) will hope to have all woes, offensive and defensive, addressed by opening day. Matt Ryan would love to open the '09 season with a TD pass, but we'll just have to wait to see if that happens. The truth is, come '09, the Falcons will not be facing anyone that underestimates them, and they'll have to play accordingly. There will be several teams, in the NFC South, East and the AFC East that will have something to prove, so, whatever happens, it will have to be hard-fought and well-earned. I can't hardly wait for draft day to see what magic Dimitroff has under his hat...