SB Nation Atlanta - Falcons Offseason: Free Agency Underwayhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46601/atlanta-fave.png2012-03-16T10:41:34-04:00http://atlanta.sbnation.com/rss/stream/24563962012-03-16T10:41:34-04:002012-03-16T10:41:34-04:00Atlanta Falcons Coach Mike Smith 'Absolutely' Not On Hot Seat, Says Arthur Blank
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Mike Smith is the best coach the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> have ever had. But is he good enough to lead the team to a Super Bowl? After three playoff losses (which glosses over the fact that the Falcons have made the playoffs thrice in four years, an improbable fact (also, all three to eventual Super Bowl teams)) and an ass-kickin' press conference to start the offseason, I suppose it's reasonable to wonder whether Smith's job is on the line this year.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/17835653/despite-postseason-struggles-falcons-smith-far-from-hot-seat">Arthur Blank does not appear to find it reasonable</a>, via a chat with Pete Prisco:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Absolutely," Blank said when I asked him if Smith was safe, no matter what happens in 2012. "He will be fine. He will be here for a very long time."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It's the dreaded vote of confidence, the world's dumbest sports cliche! Still don't know how an owner is supposed to comment on his coach without giving a dreaded vote of confidence, short of saying, "this is not a dreaded vote of confidence."</p>
<p>General manager Thomas Dimitroff agrees:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>So when Dimitroff heard the talk about his friend's job status, it irked him like it irked many in the building.</p>
<p>"I just don't know where that stuff comes from," Dimitroff said.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Smith has taken heat for going it on fourth down too often, but it's been the right decision almost every time. If a play call doesn't work or if a running back lingers before hitting the hole, that's the fault of the play caller, not the head coach.</p>
<p>The Falcons would be wise to give Smith at least two years with his new coordinators, pretty much no matter what happens this year. A transition season of sorts wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, with two new schemes and a lack of both draft picks and cap room. Not to mention four years worth of what should be goodwill, no matter how impatient this fan base has grown for a championship.</p>
<p>I probably sound like a big homer.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/3/16/2877500/atlanta-falcons-mike-smith-hot-seatJason Kirk2012-03-14T11:04:16-04:002012-03-14T11:04:16-04:00Eric Weems Leaves Falcons For Bears, So Who Returns Kicks Now?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> Pro Bowl return man <span>Eric Weems</span> has left for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>, where he'll catch all the kicks <span>Devin Hester</span> drops and hand them to Devin Hester. That's probably not true. For the Falcons, this raises the question of what to do about all of the kicks, since somebody's going to need to catch them and ideally run them somewhere.</p>
<p>Here's the list of players who've returned kicks or punts for the Birds before:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Harry Douglas</span></li>
<li><span>Dominique Franks</span></li>
<li><span>Thomas DeCoud</span></li>
<li><span>Ovie Mughelli</span></li>
</ul>
<p>That's it! Douglas brought back a few punts his rookie year, and the other three each scooped up a squib kick or something along the way. Ovie Mughelli! Enormous kick returner!</p>
<p>However, players like <span>Jacquizz Rodgers</span> could handle return duties, and Franks, <span>Brent Grimes</span>, and <span>Julio Jones</span> have some kick return experience. The latter two cost a lot of money, so let's say the competition comes down to Franks and Rodgers for the time being.</p>
<p>Franks handled 37 returns in his three years at Oklahoma, and his ball skills are evident in his two interception return touchdowns. Rodgers didn't take on returns at Oregon State, but he's got the movement ability and the hands to give it a shot.</p>
<p>I wouldn't worry too much about special teams here. Ovie's got it all under control anyway.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/3/14/2870786/eric-weems-bears-falcons-kick-returnerJason Kirk2012-03-12T08:45:24-04:002012-03-12T08:45:24-04:00Atlanta Falcons Hire Devin Bonik As Assistant To Mike Smith, According To Report
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/devin-bonik-joins-atlanta-falcons-coaching-staff-031212">Fox Sports' Alex Marvez is reporting</a> that the Falcons have made yet another seemingly mandatory acquisition of a former Jacksonville Jaguar staffer/player - Devin Bonik, the assistant to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> head coach Mike Munchak, who held the same job in Jacksonville from 2003-'09.</p>
<p>Bonik will become to the assistant to head coach Mike Smith in all things coaching (he's not an administrative assistant) Marvez details the duties thusly:</p>
<p>Bonik aided in coaching staff decisions, personnel evaluation, and coordinated the Titans’ practice schedule and football calendar. Bonik also helped in game preparation by compiling scouting reports and statistical analysis for upcoming opponents.</p>
<p>Bonik joins new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and newly signed guard <span>Vince Manuwai</span> as the latest former Jags turned Falcons. Atlanta also sent former O.C. Mike Mularkey to the Jags as their new head coach, along with quarterbacks coach Bob Bratkowski.</p>
<p><i>For more on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>, check <a href="http://thefalcoholic.com">The Falcoholic</a> and <a href="http://sbnation.com/nfl">SB Nation's NFL page</a>. </i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/3/12/2864241/atlanta-falcons-devin-bonik-mike-smith-nfl-2012Steven Godfrey2012-03-02T15:28:29-05:002012-03-02T15:28:29-05:00Saints Bounty Investigation Could Make Offseason Pretty Fun
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>My, we're talking about the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Saints</a> a lot today! With <span>Drew Brees</span>' new contract being a little bit more difficult to negotiate than you'd like, we were already set for a pretty enjoyable weekend of NFC South vibes, but this is just too much. Adam Schefter reported, and the NFL has confirmed, that the league has concluded a years-long investigation into the Saints, finding that former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was running a bounty system for his players.</p>
<p>This is against the rules, of course, especially since "performance" was often interpreted as "injuring people." The NFL's <a href="http://www.wsbtv.com/news/sports/football/nfl-discloses-findings-investigation-violations-bo/nLKJ6/">released a lengthy statement on the matter</a>. Roger Goodell:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"The payments here are particularly troubling because they involved not just payments for ‘performance,' but also for injuring opposing players," Commissioner Goodell said. "The bounty rule promotes two key elements of NFL football: player safety and competitive integrity.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It's alleged that Sean Payton knew but did nothing to stop the program, the operation lasted for three years, and as many as 27 players contributed funds to the pool. More from the NFL:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The discipline could include fines and suspensions and, in light of the competitive nature of the violation, forfeiture of draft choices.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>That's bad! Pretty bad stuff, Saints! And for those who would raise a complaint that the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a>' offensive line has also been accused of playing dirty, I'd point out that they're at least doing it for the love of the game and not for bounties, if indeed they are doing it. Not agreeing that they are. Never would. Pleased with 2012.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Saints, visit <a href="http://canalstreetchronicles.com">Canal Street Chronicles</a>.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/3/2/2840028/saints-bounties-gregg-williams-nflJason Kirk2012-03-02T13:13:52-05:002012-03-02T13:13:52-05:00Drew Brees Rejected Really, Really Big Contract Offer, According To Report
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> news isn't the only locally relevant pro football news of the season. No sir! Let's also continue to keep an eye on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>, who don't seem to be having the easiest time re-signing their star quarterback*. Like <span>Brent Grimes</span>, <span>Drew Brees</span> doesn't want to be franchised, but it looks like it goes farther than that, according to CBS' Saints beat man, Larry Holder:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>My man Larry Holder has this: Saints offered Brees contract that would have made him highest paid player in NFL. Brees rejected it.</p>
— mike freeman (@realfreemancbs) <a data-datetime="2012-03-02T17:50:32+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/realfreemancbs/status/175639240263213057">March 2, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
<p>Brees will eventually sign a new deal with the Saints. Let's not get our hopes up at all about him leaving the NFC South and getting to face <span>Chase Daniel</span> every year. But you'll kindly permit us to enjoy reports like this one, won't you?</p>
<p>* You cannot deny this is true. The easiest possible re-signing would be Drew Brees offering to accept a new, one-year, veteran's minimum contract every year. He would be unwise to do this, but it would be easy.</p>
<p><i>For more on Nola, visit <a href="http://canalstreetchronicles.com">Saints blog Canal Street Chronicles</a>.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/3/2/2839659/drew-brees-saints-contract-franchiseJason Kirk2012-02-27T10:56:03-05:002012-02-27T10:56:03-05:00This Is How You Stick The Knife In
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Here is Charles Star, <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Saints</a> fan, on the <a href="http://theclassical.org/articles/evolution-and-extinction-in-new-orleans" target="_blank">end of the Gregg Williams era in New Orleans</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Whatever the Saints do next year, it won’t be the same. The offense as it exists may be unaffordable—Brees, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8271a6ac/article/saints-guard-nicks-expects-to-be-paid-more-than-teammate-evans">disgruntled</a> All-Pro guard <span>Carl Nicks</span> and top wideout <span>Marques Colston</span> are all free agents. If the changed environment leads to fewer points, the GWIME will have to evolve or die. By the same token, if the offense and defense both regress towards the NFL mean, it doesn’t mean that the team will lose. <i><b>But it does mean that the gonzo, high-variance, definitely-bet-the-over Saints games of recent years will be replaced by the same boring crap that, say, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a> fans have been watching.</b></i> If the Saints start winning that way, I guess I’ll enjoy the wins. But I think I’ll miss the screaming.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Having written or tweeted on a number of occasions during Falcons-Saints games that watching the Saints offense makes me both jealous of their attack and angry at Mike Mularkey, I am in no position to disagree.</p>
<p>The "same boring crap" description is interesting when one thinks about the significant portion of the Falcons fan base that are, like me, fanatics on Saturday and casual fans on Sunday. On the one hand, the conventional, traditional NFL-style approach of the Falcons is likely to push me away. I spend Saturday watching all varieties of offense go up and down the field, so how am I going to get excited on Sunday to see <span>Michael Turner</span> run between the tackles 25 times in a game that will inevitably finish 23-20? On the other hand, with the SEC getting more and more like the NFL as everyone apes Nick Saban (and more disdainful of shootouts as cheap Big XII thrills, the football equivalent of empty calories), maybe we will be able to better appreciate the "same boring crap?"
</p>
<p>There is a great analogy to be made here to the Dutch soccer team, but I only start posts with soccer analogies.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2012/2/27/2827959/this-is-how-you-stick-the-knife-inMichael Bird2012-02-26T18:38:20-05:002012-02-26T18:38:20-05:00Falcons Comfortable With Sam Baker At Left Tackle?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ubtDnr9CNr48rmmnIJm0Y9_2y-Q=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828099/large_atlanta.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>After an injury plagued 2011 season it appeared that offensive lineman <span>Sam Baker</span> might have played his last game for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>. That might not quite be the case after head coach Mike Smith told Pro Football Weekly writer Dan Parr that he would be "Very Comfortable" with Baker at the left tackle position in 2012. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I thought Sam had his best year (in 2010). This (past) season, unfortunately, he got injured and had to have a procedure done and missed some time. We're looking forward to having Sam back. Sam's very resilient and has fought through a lot of injuries through his first three years."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Baker lost his starting job in 2011 to <span>Will Svitek</span> who is also signed through next season. Baker injured his back early in the season and led to a surgical procedure that sidelined him for four games. Despite that it appears that Baker will get the opportunity to win back his starting position. </p>
<p>For more on the Falcons visit <a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com">The Falcoholic</a>. </p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/2/26/2826714/Atlanta-falcons-offseason-Sam-bakerKris Willis2012-02-25T20:41:02-05:002012-02-25T20:41:02-05:00Falcons Looking To Extend Matt Ryan, According To A Report
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sffvRqQtRAUHiqvTAj5t214RKYI=/0x194:467x505/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/5192365/136581964.jpg" />
<figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Falcons are looking to begin negotiations to extend starting quarterback Matt Ryan.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> are looking to extend quarterback Matt Ryan to a long-term deal, <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.nfl.com/2012/02/25/falcons-ready-to-discuss-extension-with-ryan/?module=HP11_headline_stack">according to Jason La Canfora of NFL.com</a>. Ryan still has two years left on his six-year, $72 million contract that he signed as a rookie. This past season Ryan had career highs in passing yards with 4,177 and touchdowns with 29. Ryan has had regular season success and led the Falcons to the playoffs, but he has yet to win a playoff game in his career.</p>
<p>Mike Florio brings up an interesting point to <a target="_blank" href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/02/25/falcons-plan-to-launch-extension-talks-with-matt-ryan/">why the Falcons might be starting to work out an extension with Ryan at this time</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Ryan's case for a big contract would be considerably improved by a deep playoff run in 2012. With so many other quarterbacks operating at a high level (and winning playoff games, or at least scoring points in them), Ryan doesn't yet deserve a spot at the top of the quarterback pay grade.</p>
<p>Maybe that's why the Falcons are interested in doing something sooner rather than later. But that's exactly why Ryan should wait. With base salaries of $11.5 million and $10 million due in the next two seasons, along with whatever other back-end bells and whistles are in his top-five rookie deal, Ryan should only be willing to trade that in for a new contract if the Falcons are going to pay him based on potential in relation to other top-end quarterbacks, not results.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>That does make sense for both sides; however the odds that an extension would be less per year than his rookie deal is probably not going to happen, and if it somehow is there is no way that Ryan would take a lesser deal when he has been performing well.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Falcons go visit <a target="_blank" href="http://thefalcoholic.com"><b>The Falcoholic</b></a>.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/2/25/2824733/falcons-matt-ryan-extensionJeremy Mauss