LATEST STORIES FROM J. MIKE'S MISSIVES
Blogger Says Goodbye
As many of you know, I am leaving the team Friday to pursue a career opportunity outside of football.
For a lifelong fan of the game, it’s a painful switch but I’m moving with a smile on my face and an appreciation for everything fans, players, coaches and colleagues have given me over the past three seasons in Atlanta and four additional seasons in the NFL.
Every moment...
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May 13, 2010
Discuss
State of the Franchise Rewind
Falcons Owner and CEO Arthur Blank, President Rich McKay, General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Mike Smith spoke directly — and candidly — to fans Tuesday evening via a “State of the Franchise” webcast on AtlantaFalcons.com.
The event was held in front of a small studio audience at Home Depot’s corporate office.
Click here to view the embedded...
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May 12, 2010
Five (or Six) Links to Review Mini Camp
I’ve been in this business for seven seasons and, without fail, the best barometer for preseason expectations — perhaps success — comes with the amount of media attention.
The earlier the better.
So imagine the reaction when there were almost too many links to list from the Falcons weekend mini camp.
Sure, I could have pulled together some Birdseed but I’d...
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May 10, 2010
Tryout Players Join Roster
The Falcons announced the addition of two players to the active roster who tried out with the team during last weekend’s mini camp.
Quarterback Eric Ward and defensive back Daylan Walker will re-join the team May 17 when rookies return for a four-practice session.
An Atlanta native, Ward (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) played at Richmond, completing 784 passes for 8,969 yards and 61...
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May 10, 2010
Blank: Excited About Progress
Falcons Owner and CEO Arthur Blank watched the last of five mini camp practices Sunday, making it to The Branch after returning from an overseas trip.
The Falcons chief executive walked from station to station and spoke with media on the sideline.
Echoing comments from earlier in the offseason, Blank said he’s excited about the team’s progress and wants to move from back...
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May 09, 2010
Closing Out Mini Camp
Head Coach Mike Smith has only been in Atlanta for three seasons, but there’s one spring tradition that’s already in full bloom.
The last mini camp practice is on Mother’s Day. It’s often slightly shorter than other workouts and ends with every player scattering to make it to various events with wives, mothers or friends.
Smith thanked the media for making...
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May 09, 2010
Mini Camp Highlights: Day 2
Cooler air welcomed the Falcons back to the field on Day Two of mini camp but the oppressive heat was exchanged for a stiff breeze that sent pre-practice punts spiraling and passes sailing.
That created some difficult situations for the offense, which did manage to even the score a bit with a spirited group of defenders.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Additional highlights...
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May 08, 2010
Looking to Help… Wherever Possible
After one of the Falcons mini camp practices rookie cornerback Dominique Franks could be found with seven-year veteran — and prized free-agent acquisition — Dunta Robinson.
Their conversation didn’t debate lunch options or Atlanta living arrangements.
It was all business. Specifically Franks breaking from his backpedal too quickly after the snap.
“He’...
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May 08, 2010
Mini Camp Chat with Yasinskas
I spent some time Friday chatting with experienced football writer and all-around “friend of the program” Pat Yasinskas. The ESPN.com NFC South Blogger tries to hit each team in the offseason and will attend two days of Falcons mini camp.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Besides calling our Flowery Branch home the “nicest practice facility in the NFC South...
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May 08, 2010
Birdseed: May 8, 2010
My pasty white legs and I made it through the first two-a-day of mini camp without much of a sun burn.
That’s surprising considering the surface-of-the-sun like heat that found its way to Flowery Branch almost three months early.
Not sure what to say to the 163 people who looked at the picture of my legs on Twitter.
With that awkwardness out of the way…
Complete Mini...
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May 08, 2010
Mini Camp Highlights: Day 1
Looking back at this first day of Falcons mini camp, I can’t help but wonder what training camp is going to look like.
Yes, it’s months away. Yes, the weather will be much warmer. Yes, this is an example of looking too far ahead when I’m constantly telling fans to live in the moment.
But if the Falcons can keep the enthusiasm they showed Friday morning through...
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May 07, 2010
Mini Camp: All About Intensity
It felt more like July than early May in Flowery Branch Friday, giving Falcons players and staff a taste of what’s surely to come at Russell Falcons Training Camp — punishing heat.
But the team directed its focus in practice, creating white-hot flames of intensity that left everyone feeling upbeat and optimistic about the next round of workouts and the 2010 season.
It...
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May 07, 2010
Five Tryout Players at Mini Camp
It’s not unusual for teams to welcome in players for extended tryouts over mini camp. The Falcons have five:
P Robert Maver (University of Guelph)
QB Eric Ward (Richmond)
WR R.J. Webb (Furman)
DB Daylan Walker (Arkansas State)
DE Steven Stone (Vanderbilt)
Ward is the only local player in the group, listing Atlanta as his home town.
More to come on these guys between practices…
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May 07, 2010
What to Watch at Mini Camp
In just more than two hours the Falcons take the field for the first real “practice” of 2010 — a mini camp workout in Flowery Branch to knock off some rust and start laying the foundation for the pre- and regular-season.
It’s easy to jump to conclusions with the first snaps on mini camp Friday but let’s, for just a moment, look strategically at what...
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May 07, 2010
Ryan, A Reporter and Film Study
Technically, it’s called “watching tape.” Film is just so archaic, especially considering the gigabytes worth of game film quarterback Matt Ryan can digest on his laptop.
(Hence the start of this great read).
The whole game tape process is broken down in a recent article from CBSSports.com’s Pete Prisco (Private showing: Ryan’s road to QB stardom paved...
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May 06, 2010
A Look at Freddie’s Offseason
We all try to take a little vacation during the off months but, with mini camp coming up in just more than a day, it’s time to return to the daily grind.
This holds true for mascots as well as bloggers.
That said, I’ve got some footage showing Freddie Falcon enjoyed his time away.
Click here to view the embedded video.
The Bird will stay plenty busy over the coming months...
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May 05, 2010
“State of the Franchise” on May 11
Continuing a tradition started last season, Falcons decision makers will speak directly to fans at the “State of the Franchise” event on May 11.
It starts at 6:30 p.m. and it will be broadcast live on AF.com.
We’ll have more coverage on the site leading up to the event, which will feature Owner and CEO Arthur Blank, President Rich McKay, General Manager Thomas...
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May 04, 2010
Secondary Grows Stronger
When Brian Williams was lost for the season with a knee injury in the Falcons Week 6 victory over the Bears Oct. 18, the floodgates of criticism opened on the team’s secondary.
Now without one of its starting cornerbacks, Falcons coaches needed to mix and match to find the right combination. In the process, Brent Grimes, Christopher Owens and Tye Hill worked their way into...
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May 04, 2010
Birdseed: May 3, 2010
As many of you know, I grew up in and around Nashville, Tenn. So, most of my Internet time over the last three days has been spent following the historic flooding overtaking the city — including my hometown.
There are no reports of major damage or injury to anyone in my family or circle of friends, but I’m still thinking about everyone facing tragedy. It’s simply...
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May 03, 2010
Falcons Staffers Support Community
The entire Falcons staff — including coaches, front office executives and support personnel — joined others from the Arthur M. Blank Family of Businesses and traveled to Gainesville Friday to volunteer at two locations in need of some renovation and improvements.
A total of 165 employees participated in the second annual All Associates Community Day, spending the morning...
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April 30, 2010
Return to the Community
Falcons and Blank Foundation staffers from coach to accountant will hit the community Friday for the second annual All Associates Community Day.
This blogger included.
FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER
Starting around 7:45 a.m. in Flowery Branch all employees of the Blank Family of Business will gather and spread out around the town to serve various programs.
Last year the team partnered...
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April 29, 2010
White: Health the Key in 2010
Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White is ready to welcome a new group of receivers to Flowery Branch. But when it comes to getting accustom to the fun-loving, hard-working style of veteran receivers coach Terry Robiskie, they’re on their own.
And mini camp is quickly approaching.
Robiskie brings out the best in receivers (hence, White’s two straight Pro Bowls). He also has...
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April 29, 2010
The Dimitroff Media Tour
General Manager Thomas Dimitroff’s post-draft media junket continues.
The Falcons chief player executive went on air three times Wednesday (680, ESPN Radio and Sirius NFL) and twice Tuesday morning to discuss his team’s move in the NFL Draft and goals for the future.
Tuesday on The Rude Awakening (680), Dimitroff touched again on his excitement for the 2010 class.
“...
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April 28, 2010
Birdseed: April 27, 2010
As if you didn’t need another sign Falcons football is right around the corner, the team announced mini camp dates this week.
It’s the NFL version of spring practice, only this group includes rookies and free agent additions.
It’s where a team starts to form.
By the time the Falcons take the field for the first time in 2010 on May 7 the post-draft discussion and...
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April 27, 2010
Welcome to 15 College Free Agents
The Falcons announced the addition of 15 college free agents Monday afternoon.
In all, the Falcons will welcome 22 rookies to mini camp May 7-9 (seven draft picks and 15 undrafted free agents). Mini Camp, by the way, will have one day open to the public.
Undrafted players include…
Tight end Leroy Banks (Southern Mississippi)
Wide receiver Tim Buckley (Alcorn State)
Safety Rafael...
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April 26, 2010
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