Injury Update: Sean Weatherspoon Doesn't Return To Game, Needs MRI

It seems that there is some bad news out of Sunday’s win. Rookie Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon injured himself on a Cleveland Browns running play. He was attended to by trainers then walked off by his own power.

According the AJC Weatherspoon is going to get an MRI on his knee to make sure there is no serious damage. But with an already sore ankle things don’t sound the brightest.

If the Falcons expect to make a run in the playoffs they will need Weatherspoon for the season. Let’s hope he is healthy and ready to go next week against Philadelphia.

Video: Kroy Biermann Pick Six

For those of you keenly interested, here is a video of Kroy Biermann's first career interception. Oh and his runningback skills are up to date too, as he returns it for a touchdown.

Video Link: Kroy Biermann Pick Six

Good god he's amazing.

Falcons-Browns Score: 20-10, Falcons Win Fourth In A Row As Michael Turner Gains 139 Yards

The Falcons have won four in a row after an overtime loss in Pittsburgh in week one. In almost perfect symmetry, the Falcons rushed for 165 yards and passed for 173 yards.

The offense and defense each accounted for one touchdown and Matt Bryant delivered on two field goals.

Up next for the 4-1 Falcons, the Eagles and perhaps Michael Vick.

Falcons-Browns Game Update: Jake Delhomme's Second Interception Likely Seals Victory For Falcons

The Falcons came into this game leading the league with eight interceptions. They’ll likely leave with the lead as well. They’ve picked off Jake Delhomme twice in this one after struggling against Seneca Wallace in the first half.

Kroy Biermann and Stephen Nicholas were the recipients of Delhomme’s errant throws. The Falcons lead 20-10 with under two minutes to play.

Falcons-Browns Score: Kroy Biermann Opens Up A Can Of Magic, Scores Touchdown To Put Falcons Up 20-10

Wow, I mean who would’ve predicted that to happen? I think it’s safe to say Kroy Biermann is an absolute male.

Kroy Biermann tipped a pass and regathered it to intercept the pass and return it for a touchdown. His motor is continuous and unrelenting. Well done, Beer Man!

[VIDEO] Roddy White Catches 45-Yard Touchdown To Give Falcons 13-10 Lead

Roddy White and Matt Ryan hooked up on a long touchdown pass to give the Falcons a fourth quarter lead.

Watch the highlight

Falcons-Browns Game Update: Michael Turner And Roddy White Top 100 Yards

For the first time this season, Michael Turner and Roddy White have gone over 100 yards rushing and receiving, respectively.

The Falcons two big guns on offense are clicking on all cylinders but the entire offense has yet to cash in and are stuck at 13 points in the fourth quarter.

Falcons-Browns Fantasy Football Update: Michael Turner Goes Over 100 Yards Rushing

For the second time this season, Michael Turner has surpassed the century mark. He also becomes the first running back to rush for more than 100 yards against the Browns this season.

Falcons-Browns Game Update: Surprisingly, Browns Miss Seneca Wallace

When Seneca Wallace left the game with an ankle injury, the Browns offense came to a sputtering stop. Jake Delhomme has been unable to move the ball and the Falcons take a 13-10 lead into the fourth quarter.

Falcons-Browns Game Update: Falcons Nearing 300 Yards Total Offense

The Falcons have had no trouble moving the ball in this one, rolling up 267 yards with 15 minutes to play, but it’s the scoreboard that has given them trouble.

As is their trademark in 2010, Atlanta has also delivered a balanced attack with 149 passing yards and 118 rushing yards.

Falcons-Browns Game Update: Jake Delhomme's Interception Nullified By Penalty

Jake Delhomme has struggled to move the Browns offense in this one, going 4-for-9 for 29 yards. He threw an interception to Thomas DeCoud that was erased by a Dunta Robinson pass interference call.

The score remains; Falcons 13, Browns 10.

Falcons Injury Update: Sean Weatherspoon Down With Injury

Sean Weatherspoon went down in the 3rd quarter, Sunday, against the Cleveland Browns. Trainers attended to him on the field. He walked off on his on power.

Update to come when available…

[VIDEO] Michael Turner Gets Loose For 55 Yards Against Browns

Showing his trademark burst, Michael Turner got free in the Browns’ secondary with a 55-yard run in the second quarter.

Watch The Burner in action.

Falcons-Browns Fantasy Football Update: Roddy White Continues To Dominate

Dating back to last season, Roddy White has had 100 yards receiving or scored a touchdown in seven straight games.

He has 82 yards receiving including a 45-yard touchdown against the Browns with over 22 minutes to go.

Falcons-Browns Score: Roddy White Scores Touchdown, Puts Falcons Up 13-10

Finally the Falcons open up the playbook and it pays off with Roddy White scoring a big time touchdown to give the Falcons the lead towards the end of the 3rd quarter.

Sheldon Brown got beat by Roddy and Matt delivered the ball on target making Mike Murlakey look the genius to Falcon fans. Just wait for them to flip side again.

6-10: Browns Get A Field Goal

Phil Dawson kicked a 19-yard field goal to put the Browns up by 4. The Browns are being opportunistic on defense and looking decent on offense, while the Falcons are squandering opportunities on defense and looking inept on offense.

Sure, this is a winnable game, but the Falcons need to wake up quickly because time is running out.

Falcons-Browns Game Update: Jake Delhomme Starts Second Half

Seneca Wallace is out with a right ankle injury so Jake Delhomme of Carolina Panthers fame will start the second half against the Falcons.

Falcons-Browns Game Update: Falcons Defense Has Held Browns To 14 Rushing Yards

Peyton Hillis came into this game with a lot of praise. He was the NFL’s 8th leading rusher and was thought to provide a tough test for the Falcons’ smallish defensive line. That has not been the case.

The Browns have managed only 14 yards with Hillis gaining only seven of those. He does have a touchdown on a pass reception but is averaging only 2.3 yards per carry with a fumble.

Falcons-Browns Game Update: Stat Sheet Betrays The Scoreboard Again

For the second straight week, the Falcons have outplayed their opponent on the stat sheet but find themselves trailing at the half.

The Falcons have more first downs, more yards and have controlled the time of possession but a blocked field goal has them trailing the Browns by one at the half, 7-6.

Falcons-Browns Game Update: John Abraham's 2nd Sack Has Jake Delhomme In Game

The Falcons prayers are answered.

Falcons-Browns Fantasy Football Update: Michael Turner 94 Yards In First Half

Michael Turner rattled off a 55-yard run in the second quarter, his longest of the year, and the Falcons are threatening with a second down on the Cleveland 12.

Turner was averaging only 3.8 yards per carry coming into this one but is putting up 7.8 yards per touch in this one.

Falcons-Browns Fantasy Football Update: Peyton Hillis Has Receiving TD But Browns Rushed For Only 14 yards

Peyton Hillis’ fantasy day may have been saved by his receiving touchdown but the ground game has not been effective against the Falcons defense.

Michael Turner has 11 carries for 39 yards through two quarters.

6-7: Bryant Kicks Another Field Goal

If the Falcons have ever heard of a touchdown it certainly wouldn’t be this week. Once again the Falcons fail to punch it in and play the close game making the ball-game 6-7 with the Browns leading.

Ryan still has happy feet and the run game looks decent. But what’s hurting the Falcons is a sense of finesse that elite football teams have.

Falcons-Browns Game Update: Falcons Run 32 Plays To Browns 18

In what’s becoming a trend for this year’s version of the Falcons, they have controlled the ball in the first half.

They’ve held the ball for over 15 minutes giving the Browns less than 10 minutes of possession time.

Falcons-Browns Game Update: Browns Outgaining Falcons

The Browns have, surprisingly, passed for more yards than the Falcons in this one but the Falcons are driving and within four points.

Matt Ryan is 4-for-13 against a pressuring Cleveland defense.

Browns Score Touchdown Make Falcons Look Foolish 3-7

A Peyton Hillis catch for a touchdown has given the Browns the first touchdown of the game. While Dunta Robinson gets burned, and the Falcons defense gets fooled on play-action, the Browns are looking the better team out there.

If it weren’t for a couple of mental errors by the Browns defense this could easily be 7-0. The Falcons better wake up because there’s a game out there to be played.

Falcons-Browns Fantasy Football Update: Matt Ryan 2-for-9 Passing After First Quarter

Matt Ryan has struggled to adjust to the Cleveland defense completing only two passes in the first quarter.

Peyton Hillis fumbled early on and was benched for a few series but is back in the game. He has 41 total yards and one touchdown reception.

Seneca Wallace is lighting up the Falcons going 9-of-11 for 112 yards and one touchdown.

Falcons Kick Field-Goal Make It 3-0

A Matt Bryant 24 yard field goal has given the lead to the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons drove down to the Browns 5 yard line, mostly on penalties and couldn’t punish the Browns for their mistakes.

If the Falcons offense keeps giving up these kinds of opportunities it could turn out a lot worse than last week's 49ers game.

Falcons And Browns Playing A Defensive Struggle

So far a scoreline of 0-0 plagues the TV screens of people around Georgia as the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns play a tough and gritty game. Both defenses are getting stops when needed. Look for one play to shift momentum for one of the teams.

So far Matt Ryan looks nervous and Turner looks decent. The Falcons defense is swarming to the ball with Abraham getting a sack and making plays. A lot to like, while a lot to not like.

Atlanta Falcons-Cleveland Browns Gameday Cheatsheet Via Daniel Cox

My favorite Sunday morning read. Download here for the all the goodness or hit the highlights below.

Atlanta Falcons To Face Seneca Wallace, Not Jake Delhomme; Peyton Hillis Will Start At RB

Chris Mortensen is reporting that every defenses favorite quarterback, Jake Delhomme, is active for this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, but he will not start. Instead, the Falcons will face Seneca Wallace.

In other news, Browns running back Peyton Hillis is active and will start.

Falcons-Browns Inactives: Michael Jenkins Out, Sean Weatherspoon & William Moore To Start

No big surprises this week as Michael Jenkins will have to wait another week to make his season debut.

The Falcons welcome back a healthy Spoon but even with a healthy Erik Coleman, William Moore gets the start.

Falcons-Browns Fantasy Football Impact: Play Atlanta's Defense Like It's Sim City

Expect the running backs to take center stage in this game, and there are two good ones worth using in Peyton Hillis and Michael Turner. The former has scored a touchdown in each of the first four games of the season, while the latter has amassed double-digit scores in back-to-back years and only faces a mild threat to his workload from Jason Snelling.

Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez are two other must-starts among Atlanta players, while Matt Bryant is currently tied for the league lead with 10 field goals and merits strong consideration at kicker.

Matt Ryan seems to be in an attractive spot as well, as the Cleveland defense has given up a slew of passing yards and touchdowns the past couple of weeks. There’s really not a whole lot of options you can count on from the Browns’ side other than Hillis, though Josh Cribbs is a decent play in leagues that reward return yardage.

Jake Delhomme isn’t a recommended choice, but since the erratic quarterback has been known to give away the football at times, the Atlanta defense, which leads the NFL in interceptions, could be a good selection.

Falcons-Browns Preview

(Sports Network) – Two teams brimming with optimism in the wake of recent events square off for an interconference matchup this Sunday in Cleveland, where the Atlanta Falcons set their sights on a fourth consecutive victory in a Week 5 clash with a Browns team expected to have its No. 1 quarterback on the field for the first time in nearly a month.

Atlanta comes into Cleveland Browns Stadium sporting a 3-1 record, with an overtime loss at Pittsburgh in the season-opener the club’s lone blemish. The Falcons have been rock-solid on both sides of the ball during their strong start, while displaying a knack for winning close games as well.

After showing a real gut-check in coming through with a 27-24 overtime triumph on the road over fellow NFC South member and reigning Super Bowl champion New Orleans in Week 3, the Falcons were able to overcome a big early deficit and rally for a 16-14 win over visiting San Francisco this past Sunday.

Atlanta spotted the determined 49ers a 14-0 first-quarter lead before assuming control, with the defense stifling the opposition the rest of the way. Wide receiver Roddy White made a big impact as well, hauling in seven Matt Ryan passes for 104 yards and forcing a game-saving turnover as time was winding down.

Ryan threw what seemed to be a fate-sealing interception with 1:20 left to play and his team still down by a point, but White ran down Niners cornerback Nate Clements and induced a fumble that was recovered by Atlanta lineman Harvey Dahl at the Falcons’ seven-yard line. Ryan than moved the offense into scoring range, with White coming up with three catches on the second-chance drive, to set up Matt Bryant’s go-ahead 43-yard field goal with two seconds remaining.

The fortunate Falcons will now be aiming to record four straight wins for the first time since Oct. 31-Nov. 28, 2004, a year in which Atlanta advanced to the NFC Championship Game under quarterback Michael Vick and head coach Jim L. Mora.

Cleveland has been involved in its share of close calls as well in the early going. The Browns lost their first three contests of 2010 by a combined 12 points before finally breaking out with a hard-earned 23-20 decision over division-rival Cincinnati last Sunday.

The Browns rode the strong legs of Peyton Hillis to the much-needed victory, with the powerful running back churning out 102 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries, while a defense that was burned for 346 passing yards on the afternoon came up with a big late stop to preserve Cleveland’s three-point edge.

Cleveland also received an efficient outing from backup quarterback Seneca Wallace, who completed 18-of-30 attempts for 184 yards and a touchdown with one interception in making a third consecutive start for an injured Jake Delhomme, out with a high ankle sprain the veteran suffered in a Week 1 loss at Tampa Bay.

Delhomme was able to return to practice on Wednesday, and all indications are he’ll be back in the huddle for this weekend’s tilt barring any setbacks. The 35-year-old will be facing a very familiar foe, having spent the previous seven seasons as the primary triggerman for Atlanta’s NFC South co-tenants in Carolina before signing with the Browns in March.

Jake Delhomme Will Start Against The Falcons Or Maybe He Won't

There's conflicting reports surfacing about the status of every cornerbacks best friend, Jake Delhomme. In one corner, we have NFL.com:

Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini told reporters Friday that he needs one more day to examine quarterback Jake Delhomme's ankle and mobility before selecting a starter for this weekend's home game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Delhomme is listed as questionable on the Browns' official injury report.

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"(Jake) had a little bit more work yesterday and little more work today," Mangini said. "It's better than last week, but we've got to go through the whole set of days before we make a decision.

And in the other corner, ESPN:

The Cleveland Browns' offense could get a boost for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Starting quarterback Jake Delhomme participated in practice all week and is as healthy as he's been since injuring his ankle in the season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Delhomme is confident he'll play.

So what to believe? In fairness, Mangini is notorious at spreading misleading information so this is a difficult one to unravel. If he doesn't go, Seneca Wallace gets the start and the Falcons are 0-1 this year against mobile quarterbacks, losing to Dennis Dixon and the Steelers in Week 1.

One thing both reports agree on is despite missing Friday's practice, Peyton Hillis will be in uniform on Sunday. His past success against the Falcons is not a secret.

Atlanta Falcons Friday Injury Report: Questionable All Around

Nothing new from Thursday's report except the oddness of listing Curtis Lofton (knee) and Sean Weatherspoon (ankle) as Questionable for Sunday's game. They both practiced fully on Thursday and Friday so I'd say their chance to play against the Browns is way more than 50%.

As for Michael Jenkins (shoulder), I would be surprised to see him play. He's been limited all week and the Falcons' offense isn't exactly suffering in his absence.

The full report via the official site:

WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder) - LP-Q
LB Curtis Lofton (knee) - FP-Q
LB Sean Weatherspoon (ankle) - FP-Q

The Browns' report shows us what Eric Mangini learned from the privacy-monger Bill Belichick. List everyone! That'll show 'em.

DL Kenyon Coleman (knee) - LP-Q
OL Alex Mack (shoulder) - LP-Q
DL Shaun Rogers (ankle, hip) - LP-Q
DL Robaire Smith (back) - LP-Q
DB Nick Sorensen (calf) - LP-Q
OL John St. Clair (ankle) - DNP-O
RB Jerome Harrison (thigh) - FP-P
WR Josh Cribbs (ankle) - FP-P
QB Jake Delhomme (ankle) - LP-Q
OL Shawn Lauvao (ankle) - FP-P
WR Brian Robiskie (hamstring) - FP-P
RB Peyton Hillis (thigh) - DNP-Q

Here's what's important. Delhomme is questionable and Mangini has said he is waiting until Saturday before making a decision at quarterback. If he can't go, the Falcons would see Seneca Wallace.

The other MAJOR issue is the eighth-leading rusher in the NFL, Hillis, did not practice and is questionable to play. Now, reports are he was held out to rest his thigh but if he can't go, that's a huge blow to the Browns chances. And good news for the Falcons.

The Numbers Game: A Falcons-Browns Stats-apalooza

Welcome to the pre-game quick hit stats-apalooza. Enjoy.

FANTASY ALERT: In Peyton Hillis' only game against the Falcons, he had 70 total yards and scored two touchdowns while leading the Broncos to a 24-20 win in 2008.

In three games against the Browns (as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs), Tony Gonzalez racked up 21 receptions for 262 yards and four touchdowns.

Falcons Vs. Browns

Their Week 5 meeting will be only the 13th meeting - and first since 2006 - between the Falcons and Browns. The Browns have actually dominated this series, winning 10 of 12. In fact, the Falcons haven't beaten the Browns in 17 years. Mind you, that only includes three games but it still needs to be rectified.

The Falcons record against the Browns (by decade):

• 2000s ...0-2
• 1990s ...1-1
• 1980s ...0-3
• 1970s ...1-2
• 1960s ...0-2

Average Score in all 12 meetings:

• Falcons 14.3
• Browns 24.5

Average Yards:

• Falcons 277.0
• Browns 344.4

Most Points Scored:

Falcons 31, Oct. 31, 1971

Highlight: The Falcons threw only 10 passes and ran the ball 54 times in a 31-14 rout.

Browns 49, Oct. 30, 1966

Fewest Points Scored:

Falcons 3, Nov. 8, 1987

Browns 13, Dec. 16, 1990

Longest Streak:

• Falcons have not beaten the Browns more than once in a row.
• Browns won 6 in a row between 1976 and 1990.

Coaches:

The Browns' Eric Mangini is 29-40 as a head coach. He is 1-2 in Week 5 games lifetime.

Mike Smith is 23-14 as Falcons head coach and is 2-0 in Week 5 games.

Best Individual Performances Against the Browns:

• Passing: Michael Vick, 240 yards, 2002
• Rushing: Junior Coffey, 117 yards, 1966
• Receiving: Alfred Jenkins, 136 yards,1981
• Sacks: 12 players tied, 1, 2006 was most recent
  

Madden NFL 11 Simulation: Falcons 27, Browns 10

Last week, the Madden Simulation predicted a two-point win for the Falcons over the 49ers and I mocked it's video game naivete. This is my apology. Never again will I doubt the all-knowing EA Sports engine. If it warns me of a close game against a winless team, I will listen.

Now, on to this week's sim.

The analysis via ESPN and EA Sports:

The Falcons are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now, and they capitalize on their momentum to beat up on the Browns, 27-10. Matt Ryan threw for 254 yards and two touchdowns, while Michael Turner added 169 yards -- including an 85-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter -- that helped put the game away for Atlanta.

Player of the Game: Michael Turner

Highlights:

• Turner's huge game. A 169-yard game with an 85-yard touchdown to ice it? That's a prediction I could get behind.
• Roddy White is projected for 7 receptions, 96 yards and one touchdown. That's his baseline nowadays.
• Jake Delhomme throws a pick. We covered the likelihood of that here. SPOILER ALERT: It's high.
• And in news that makes me hope it comes true, the Falcons hold Peyton Hillis to 50 yards on 11 carries and no touchdowns.
  

Falcons Vs. Browns Winner? The Experts Weigh In

Last week the Atlanta Falcons were huge favorites over the San Francisco 49ers. Why shouldn't they be? They were coming off an upset of the New Orleans Saints on the road and the 49ers had yet to win a game. As it turned out the game was a lot closer than many expected but that hasn't deterred the experts from showering the Falcons with prediction love again in Week 5.

For those of scoring at home, that's 29 experts in the Falcons corner with only two (Les Carpenter and Peter King) picking the Browns. It's getting really hard to keep playing the "no respect" card when the national media keeps giving the Falcons... well, respect.

Falcons-Browns PIC: Birds Finally Set To Wear Pink For Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Last week the Falcons were alone among NFL teams in not wearing pink as a part of the league's Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. The team wore its throwbacks, and God help you if you try to pink up Mr. Falcon’s unis, though we’re pretty sure Mr. Falcon wouldn’t mind, but it’s nice to have God’s help anyway, with life.

As Andrew Sharp captioned a photo of Matt Ryan and Tony Gonzalez laughing, “You know who clearly doesn’t care about cancer though? Falcons QB Matt Ryan. Not an inch of pink on there. What are they laughing about here? I bet Matt Ryan told a cancer joke.”

John Abraham says it’s all pink everything for the rest of this month:

Would it amuse you if the team went overboard to make up for last week? It would.

Abe also tweets a cleat CLEAT TWEET he’s thinking about wearing:

Atlanta Falcons Thursday Injury Report: WR Michael Jenkins Limited Again

We can all breathe easier now.

Curtis Lofton (knee) and Sean Weatherspoon (ankle) were full participants in practice on Thursday. Michael Jenkins, on the other hand, is perhaps the slowest healing human being on earth. He's nine weeks into an injury originally diagnosed as a four-to-six week setback. He was limited again.

From the official site:

WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder) - LP
LB Curtis Lofton (knee) - FP
LB Sean Weatherspoon (ankle) - FP

Great, great news that Lofton and Weatherspoon had no setbacks today. They'll definitely be needed to slow down the NFL's eighth-leading rusher, Peyton Hillis. Whether Jenkins plays is anybody's guess.

The Browns' injury report reads as follows:

DL Kenyon Coleman (knee) - DNP
OL Alex Mack (shoulder)  - DNP
DL Shaun Rogers (ankle, hip) - LP
DL Robaire Smith (back) - DNP
DB Nick Sorensen (calf) - DNP
OL John St. Clair (ankle) - DNP
RB Jerome Harrison (thigh) - FP
WR Josh Cribbs (ankle) - LP
QB Jake Delhomme (ankle) - LP
OL Shawn Lauvao (ankle) - LP
WR Brian Robiskie (hamstring) - LP

Falcons Receive High Praise From Cleveland Media

It's one thing to read about how awesome the Falcons have become on Atlanta-specific sites, but it's way better to read about the awesomeness when it comes from outside sources. Tony Grossi of The Plain Dealer gives glowing praise to the Falcons organization on and off the field.

Consider where the Falcons were when Dimitroff was hired as Atlanta GM in January, 2008.

Their franchise quarterback, Michael Vick, was a national pariah and on his way to federal prison for leading a dog-fighting ring. Their coach, Bobby Petrino, bolted the team after the 13th game to return to college coaching. The 2007 season ended with 16 players on injured reserve and a bunch of the healthy ones pining to play elsewhere.

Dimitroff was given carte blanche by owner Arthur Blank to change the culture in the Atlanta organization. He weeded out players and employees who didn't fit his "positive, passionate and persevering people" mantra.

He mentions the home run choices of Mike Smith and Matt Ryan and hitting the free agent jackpot with Michael Turner. Grossi also heaps large amounts of praise syrup on the defense:

The Falcons started a youth movement on defense last year. Now coordinator Brian VanGorder is taking the unit to the next level. The addition of cover corner Dunta Robinson has emboldened VanGorder to trust the secondary in single coverage. He is taking more risks on third downs with blitzes, and they can come from anywhere. The Falcons will throw some exotic looks on third down to confuse quarterbacks. The gambling strategy has worked so far. The Falcons have improved from 32nd last year to fifth this season in third-down efficiency. They also lead the league with eight interceptions and are tied for fifth with 10 takeaways.

The entire article makes you think the Falcons are the greatest team of all-time and the Browns have no chance. I heartily agree but then something hit me. Perhaps this is a trick designed to make the Falcons over-confident and look past the Browns to next week's revenge-minded game against the Eagles. Could this all be a ruse? I'm on to you Grossi.

Falcons To Face Former Division Rival Jake Delhomme

When the Atlanta Falcons kickoff Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns, they'll be facing a familiar foe in new Browns' quarterback Jake Delhomme. Delhomme, who is expected to start this Sunday, spent seven seasons with the Carolina Panthers and led them to three playoff berths including appearances in two conference championship games and one Super Bowl.

Then the badness started. Delhomme's Faustian deal must have run out because after a 2008 playoff loss to the Cardinals, he could no longer determine the difference between a receiver and a defender and piled up 23 interceptions in 12 games before the Panthers decided his future would no longer include a Carolina address.

The Falcons secondary, which leads the NFL in interceptions with eight, has to be drooling at the prospect of Delhomme throwing beach balls into the middle of the field. In Delhomme's one start for the Browns this year he threw two more interceptions giving him an impressive 25 interceptions in his last 13 NFL games.

Delhomme against the Falcons

6-6 as a starter. Average game was 18-for-30 for 224 yards with one touchdown and (you guessed it!) one interception.

Three Falcons Limited During Wednesday's Practice

Two Falcons who missed Sunday's game against the 49ers, Michael Jenkins and Sean Weatherspoon, were limited in practice on Wednesday. The surprise was seeing Curtis Lofton on the report with a knee injury. This concerns me in a way it didn't used to concern me.

If a player was limited on Wednesday it usually just meant they were resting some bumps and bruises. However, after last week's Weatherspoon fiasco where he went from having a cramp to a minor issue to not practicing all week to missing the game, I don't take anything for granted.

For the love of everything Falcony, I hope Lofton is fine and reduces Peyton Hillis to rubble but his participation - even limited - is concerning. Oh and it'd be nice to see Jenkins and Weatherspoon back too.

From the official site:

WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder) LP
LB Curtis Lofton (knee) LP
LB Sean Weatherspoon (ankle) LP

By the way, thank the Football Gods the Falcons have avoided a lot of injuries this season because it could be worse. The Browns have 11 players listed on their injury report.

DL Kenyon Coleman (knee) DNP
OL Alex Mack (shoulder) DNP
DL Shaun Rogers (ankle, hip) DNP
DL Robaire Smith (back) DNP
DB Nick Sorensen (calf) DNP
OL John St. Clair (ankle) DNP

RB Jerome Harrison (thigh) FP
WR Josh Cribbs (ankle) LP
QB Jake Delhomme (ankle) LP
OL Shawn Lauvao (ankle) LP
WR Brian Robiskie (hamstring) LP

Browns' Safety T.J. Ward Fined For Cheap Shot

The Atlanta Falcons' receivers may want to keep their head on a swivel this Sunday. Cleveland Browns' safety T.J. Ward was fined $15,000 for his cheap shot to the head of a defenseless Jordan Shipley during last Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Ward said he was not trying to hurt Shipley but Terrell Owens disagreed. From ESPN:

"A ridiculous play," Bengals receiver Terrell Owens said after the game. "The guy's defenseless. I just hate to see a guy get hit like that in the head. For him to take a cheap shot like that, that's uncalled for.

"At one point, I thought [Shipley] was out cold. His eyes were rolling in the back of his head. You never want to see a teammate in that situation."

We've seen the hit and can only hope the Falcons' receivers will take extra care when in the vicinity of Ward.

Falcons Vs. Browns: Eric Mangini Sort Of Says Sean Payton And Mike Singletary 'Look Really Dumb'

Bro-wns coach Eric Mangini, on the subject of kicker-icing, bro:

That’s a really tough question because you look really smart when he misses the second one, and you look really dumb when he kicks the second one.

Saints and Niners head broaches Sean Payton and Mike Singletary both iced Falcons kickbro Matt Bro-ant within the past two weeks. Neither icing worked, bro, not that the learned scholar-bro would expect them to.

From a Falcons conference call with Mangini.

Falcons Expect Full Complement Of Weapons Against Browns

Injuries derailed the Falcons season in 2009 and minor ailments have kept the Falcons from having their full complement of weapons during the first four weeks of this season. No more, says head coach Mike Smith via D-Led:

"All 53 of our guys on our roster will be participating in practice on Wednesday for the first time this season."

While he noted some players might be limited in practice, we are likely to see the return of Michael Jenkins, Sean Weatherspoon and Erik Coleman against the Browns on Sunday.

Music to my ears.

Falcons Vs. Browns: Cleveland Browns Stats And Rankings

This weekend's match-up between the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons has many pundits already making up their mind as to the victor. However road games are road games; I don't care who it is, it's tough to win in someone else's house. 

Last week Cleveland got a win against their AFC North rivals the Cincinnati Benglas which suprised many in the NFL blogsphere. So instead of blindly judging the Browns let's delve into how they rank against the rest of the NFL.

Offensive Ranks:

• Passing: 22nd (193 yards per-game)
• Rushing: 14th (116.5 yards per-game)
• Red Zone Scoring Percentage: 17th (50% tied with Atlanta)
• Sacks Allowed: 5th (4 Sacks Allowed)
• QB Hits Allowed: 2nd (10 Hits Allowed)

Defensive Ranks:

• Total Yards: 22nd (344.5 yards per-game)
• 3rd Down Percentage: 22nd (42%)
• Passing: 24th (235.8 yards per-game)
• Rushing: 17th (108.8 yards per-game)
• Sacks: Tied 12th (8 Sacks)
• Interceptions: Tied 20th (3)

Summary

This is going to be a more difficult game than people think. We should win this, and I expect us to. But the Browns have some very strong points that will make this weekend a tougher game than expected, not the walk-over many thought it would be in August. 

Falcons Vs. Browns: Safety T.J. Ward Is A Dirty Young Man

We mentioned T.J. Ward as a Brown on whom to keep an eye this Sunday, and after viewing the filth he put on Jordan Shipley last week, it’s easy to see why:

Ward says he has no remorse for the boom headshot, and that he would do it again. Harvey Dahl, please keep this guy away from my Roddy White.

I have no idea how Shutdown Corner managed to embed NFL.com video, but that’s where I got the code from.

Atlanta Falcons Vs. Cleveland Browns: Going For Four In A Row

The Falcons are a rarity: a power team that prefers to play indoors. Matt Ryan has gone 15-1 in the Dome and 17-4 in all domes. This week they'll play in one of their blessedly few colder-than-Atlanta regular season games, even though it's supposed to be 64 degrees and sunny on game day, or three degrees colder than it was here yesterday. Negligible!

Comparing resumes: The Browns lost their first three games by one score each before beating the Bengals by three. Nobody knows if the Bengals are any good, because this is the NFL and nothing ever makes sense except for about five minutes during the Super Bowl halftime show when we can all agree they should just let Prince do it every year.

The Falcons blew away the Cardinals, but their other three games could've gone either way. Two went the right way, so the Birds get the edge here.

Browns to watch: Scrappy blocking fullback (sorry, don't know why I keep calling him that) running back Peyton Hillis has more than twice as many yards from scrimmage as any other Brown. The 250-pound cannonball has hands, with 16 catches for 94 yards. The Falcons couldn't shut down Frank Gore, but they did manage to funnel the entire 49er offense through him, ensuring no big plays by anybody else. That may be more doable this week, with the Browns lacking anybody of Vernon Davis' caliber.

If we don't wrap up Hillis, it's gonna be a long day. Here he is breaking a Rams tackle. No, not a specific Rams player. More like the entire defense:

Their strength appears to be their defense, though they do give up more than their share of yards. Expect to hear headhunter safety T.J. Ward's name called frequently, as he's tied for 11th in the league in tackles. Some of his most terrifying wallops, from his college days:

Vegas says: Falcons by 3. All signs point to this being a low-scoring deal, but Cleveland's "Dawg Pound" home field advantage is significantly overrated. They've only won five more games at home than on the road over the past ten seasons. Then again, they've only had two winning seasons in that span, so five is kind of a lot.