Falcons News

"Michael Vick has lost another lawsuit to a financial institution, his second in less than a week. Vick must repay more than $1.1 million for defaulting on a loan to Wachovia Bank in a court order filed Tuesday in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia."

"Following the Falcons' mandatory minicamp last weekend, coaches and team officials said they were pleased with the performance of the 11 players selected in the April NFL draft. It could be tough for all to make the final 53-man roster. Some could end up on the eight-man practice squad or looking for work in the fall. Based on interviews with coaches, including coach Mike Smith, plus general manager Thomas Dimitroff and other personnel officials, Falcons beat writer Steve Wyche explains what each draft pick must do to make the roster and/or earn playing time."

"LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey was there for the taking in last month's NFL draft. The Falcons passed on Dorsey — and every other defensive tackle. They chose not to bring in any undrafted free agent tackles. The defensive linemen already on the roster — a group of unheralded role players except for end John Abraham — will have to suffice, for now. So, with new coaches and new schemes, can this unit be successful? "When you've got a coach that listens to his players, a guy who is trying to make us better by doing what he needs to do, be it with different schemes or rotations, who knows?" defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux said. "We're simply trying to be a better defensive line than we were last year.""

"The Falcons have an image problem. Now let that sink in. After all, from his GQ attire to his spiffy facilities throughout Flowery Branch to his stated emphasis on keeping fans happy and coming, no NFL owner is more obsessed with the perception of his franchise than Arthur Blank. So this isn’t good: Starting with December 2006, there was Jim Mora boasting to a Seattle radio station that his “dream job” was coaching the University of Washington football team instead of Blank’s professional one in Atlanta. There was that dogfighting mess with Michael Vick. Then Bobby Petrino bolted in the middle of the night with three games left during his first and only season as Mora’s replacement to call Hogs in Arkansas. Now you have rising linebacker Michael Boley sacking what was a good-guy image after he was arrested on battery charges against his wife."

"Jimmy Williams, the Falcons' top draft pick in 2006, said he annoyed the coaching staff by reporting to offseason workouts overweight. He is said to weigh more than 230 pounds, although he is listed at 212. "They're a little upset about that," Williams said of his weight gain. "They want me like 215. Me at 215 is skinny. It's me trying to get down to what they want.""

"Three of the newest Falcons sat down to talk with Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter D. Orlando Ledbetter about where they come from and what they do when they're not out trying to impress their new NFL coaches. Here's a sampling of what they're about: ROBERT JAMES"

"Steve Bartkowski knows a little about the pressures of being the first quarterback drafted, and hence, the anointed savior of a franchise. The overall No. 1 pick in 1975 out of Cal, Bartkowski was a Falcons starter from his first season in town. He paid the requisite dues — the Falcons won just eight games in his first two seasons. By the time he was done at the close of '85, he held every significant Falcons passing record."

"Falcons quarterback Chris Redman did not fling his helmet at the flat screen when the franchise selected Matt Ryan with the No. 3 pick in the NFL draft. The move signaled that Redman's days as the starting quarterback are numbered. He had just made the long climb back up the NFL ladder from being out of the league to becoming a starter again. Now he's likely headed back to a reserve role."

"The Falcons’ first full minicamp wasn’t unlike that first spring training scene in the baseball movie “Major League,” except that I’m fairly certain owner Arthur Blank and general manager Thomas Dimitroff did not replicate this exchange between members of the Indians’ front office. Rachel Phelps (owner): “I want to put together a team that will help us relocate to Miami.” Charlie Donovan (GM): “What do you mean? Some of these guys are furniture movers?” Falcons players wore logo-less helmets for three days, which seemed appropriate because nobody can be sure whether they belong here or Bekins. But there is this: By this time a year ago, Bobby Petrino voodoo dolls already would’ve been a hot seller in the locker room. This season, players are at least following Petrino’s successor, Mike Smith."

"Place all you think you know about Mike Vick in a strongbox and bury it somewhere deep. Absolutely nothing in there is relevant to the story that follows. The Falcons' fallen star is at one pole of the quarterback planet. At the exact opposite is the third of Mike and Bernie Ryan's four kids from the not-so-mean cul-de-sacs of Exton, Pa. He's a striking piece of statuary in the pocket, who agrees that his upbringing was '50s-sitcom idyllic and who comes off about as hip as a pair of Birkenstocks."

"Four of the newest Falcons sat down to talk with Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter D. Orlando Ledbetter about where they come from and what they do when they're not out trying to impress their new NFL coaches. Here's a sampling of what they're about: MATT RYAN Q. What's so special about Philadelphia? A. It's a great area to grow up. Everybody knows about the cheesesteaks, but my favorite sandwich up there is the chicken cheesesteak."

"Four more of the newest Falcons sat down to talk with Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter D. Orlando Ledbetter about where they come from and what they do when they're not out trying to impress their new NFL coaches. Here's a sampling of what they're about: THOMAS BROWN"

"When the Falcons top unit broke the huddle during a Sunday minicamp practice, the offensive line looked shockingly familiar. Quinn Ojinnaka was at left tackle, Justin Blalock at left guard, Todd McClure at center, Kynan Forney at right guard and Tyson Clabo at right tackle."

"Mother Nature must not have appreciated the Falcons practicing on Mother's Day. Saturated practice fields from overnight down pours forced the team inside its indoor facility for a cramped morning session, at which fans had to be denied entry. Then heavy winds limited any passing plans for throws beyond 20 yards at the afternoon sessions, which was fairly well attended by fans."

"Chad Hall spends much of his days looking into the skies that will shape his future, one way or another. The Wesleyan High product is attempting to land a job with the Falcons this weekend as a punt returner — a position of need for the rebuilding franchise. The Air Force Academy standout running back/wide receiver is also trying to capitalize on the military's rules allowing academy graduates to defer or reduce their military commitments in order to play in the NFL."

"He was the right pick at the right time, and here’s why: When you watch the Falcons work, your first thought is no longer about the man who isn’t there; instead your eyes keep moving until you find the new guy. And you like, it must be said, what you see. That other person, the one who’s in prison, has been rendered yesterday’s news. Tomorrow belongs to the new guy, and this franchise is better for it. The Falcons needed to move on, and how better to do it than with the first draft choice under new management? Thomas Dimitroff said he didn’t take Matt Ryan because of “symbolism. We needed a quarterback, and he was the best fit for the team.” But then Dimitroff, who grasps both the details and the big picture, concedes the ancillary point: “Now that [the need for a clean break with Michael Vick] was a sidebar.”"

"No. 3 overall pick Matt Ryan made his debut, working as a backup with Shockley, to quarterbacks Chris Redman and Joey Harrington. Ryan wore a brace on his left knee, which he said he wears for precautionary reasons. Ryan said coaches at Boston College made quarterbacks wear braces on their plant legs, and he wears the support out of habit."

"Several veteran players recovering from injuries took part in the Falcons' first mandatory mini-camp on Saturday. Tailback Michael Turner (shoulder) and linebacker Michael Boley (ankle) participated in most drills after being medically withheld from a voluntary mini-camp in April. Quarterback D.J. Shockley and wide receiver Brian Finneran, both trying to make comebacks from season-ending knee injuries, went through the majority of the dual practice sessions."

"Falcons linebacker Michael Boley apologized for his arrest on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge last week and said he was "embarrassed" to have taken attention away from other team-related developments. Boley made his first public remarks about the arrest after the first of Atlanta's five, mini-camp practices this weekend."

"The second Falcons minicamp of the Mike Smith era begins Saturday at Flowery Branch and continues through Monday. Unlike the April minicamp, this one is mandatory, and on hand this time will be the 11 players the Falcons drafted last month and nine players brought in after the draft. Coming off a 4-12 season and looking at a retooled roster, the Falcons will have numerous personnel decisions to make between now and the beginning of the regular season. With that in mind, here are Falcons beat writer Steve Wyche's five players to watch at the minicamp:"

"Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan along with veteran linebacker Keith Brooking will take part in the Falcons' first, mandatory mini-camp under new coach Mike Smith Saturday-Monday at team headquarters in Flowery Branch. Four of the five non-contact practices will be open to the public, with Monday's workout being the only closed session. There will be no charge for the twice-daily practices Saturday and Sunday, which start at 10:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Gates will open an hour before each practice."

"Michael Vick has been ordered to pay more than $2.5 million to the Royal Bank of Canada in a court order filed Wednesday. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia granted a motion for summary judgment against Vick for default and breach of a promisory note from Jan. 18, 2007."

"The Falcons have hired Lionel Vital as assistant director of player personnel. For the past three seasons, Vital was a national scout for the Baltimore Ravens. In February 2007, Vital was honored with the inaugural Fritz Pollard Alliance Scouting Award, which is given to the top African-American scout in the NFL. From 2000-04, Vital was assistant director of college scouting for the New England Patriots where he worked closely with current Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff."

"The Oakland Raiders signed free-agent linebacker Edgerton Hartwell, hoping he can revive a career beset by injuries in recent seasons. The 30-year-old Hartwell played only 13 games in 2005 and '06 with Atlanta because of injuries to his knee and Achilles' tendon. He was cut by Cincinnati before the start of last season and sat out the entire year."

"Falcons linebacker Michael Boley was arrested and charged with battery Saturday after his wife told police he "became physical" with her, Gwinnett police said. The 25-year-old linebacker was released on $1,200 bond. The family violence battery charge leveled against Boley is a misdemeanor. Boley's wife, Chantelle, told police officers who were called to their home in Dacula that she and Boley argued and that Boley became physical with her, said Cpl. Illana Spellman, spokeswoman for the Gwinnett County Police Department. "

"Falcons linebacker Michael Boley was arrested and charged with battery Saturday, according to the Gwinnett County Detention Center's online booking records. The 25-year-old linebacker, a rising star in the NFL and one of the team's more popular players, was released on $1,200 bond. Details of the arrest were not available."

"In another move involving the shakeup of the front office under new Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, David Caldwell was hired to be the director of college scouting. Caldwell was a regional scout with Indianapolis for the past 10 years. He replaces Phil Emery, who was re-assigned to be the Eastern region scout for the Falcons. Emery, a long-time scout with the Chicago Bears, has been Atlanta's director of college scouting since 2004."

"Brian Xanders, a young but experienced NFL executive assistant, has reached an agreement on a three-year contract to become the Broncos' new assistant general manager, an NFL source confirmed. After spending the past 14 years with the Atlanta Falcons as a coach, evaluator, contract negotiator and salary capologist, Xanders, 37, will give Shanahan a new perspective and voice. "

"Newly drafted quarterback Matt Ryan will not be a prime player in an advertising campaign planned by the Atlanta Falcons to try to rebuild the team's sagging season-ticket base."

"The Falcons continued adding to their roster by signing free-agent wide receiver Chandler Williams and claiming safety Nick Turnbull from Cincinnati. Turnbull joins the Falcons for the third time in three seasons."

"The Falcons have received permission to interview two Baltimore Ravens executives for an assistant director of player personnel position, according to a person familiar with the situation. The team is set to interview Baltimore assistant director of pro personnel Vincent Newsome and Baltimore national scout Lionel Vital."

"The Falcons signed seven undrafted free agents Monday, including Georgia defensive end Brandon Miller. The others are: Linebacker Isaac Brown, Central Michigan"

"The low-key approach of remaking the Falcons resumed with general manager Thomas Dimitroff drafting 11 players, including a Day 1 trade to move up to select offensive tackle Sam Baker."

"Back in January of 1999, Harry Douglas Sr. and Jr., and Toney Douglas loaded up the car and drove to Miami. The Jonesboro family were big Falcons fans and didn't want to miss the franchise's watershed moment, its only appearance in the Super Bowl."

"Curtis Lofton, the Falcons' second-round draft pick, is the heir apparent to Keith Brooking at middle linebacker."

"1. The selection of QB Matt Ryan with LSU DT Glenn Dorsey (Kansas City) on the board could spark Mario Williams-Reggie Bush-type debates."

"The suspense -- and the Michael Vick era -- are over. With their first pick in the NFL draft Saturday, No. 3 overall, the Falcons selected Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan."

"Matt Ryan, the highly regarded quarterback from Boston College, was quizzed by many teams in the weeks leading to Saturday’s N.F.L. draft. No team wants to make a mistake when selecting a franchise quarterback, but no team in this draft could less afford an error this year, at that position, than the Atlanta Falcons."

"Let's get serious here. The Atlanta Falcons needed a lot from their first-round pick in the 2008 NFL draft. Enmeshed in a public relations nightmare, they needed an intelligent, polished, eminently marketable pick who can serve as the face of the New Falcons."

"Michael Vick, one of the faces of the NFL, stood on the stage at Radio City Music Hall one year ago with Roger Goodell as part of a program honoring the victims of the Virginia Tech shootings. But Saturday, Matt Ryan stood with Goodell in the same spot as the new face of the Falcons."

"Southern California left tackle Sam Baker had an inkling that he would be drafted by the Falcons. Just not in the first round, with the 21st pick overall."

"Thomas Dimitroff remembers being in the Cleveland selection room on NFL draft day in the late 1980s. He was a college student tagging along with his dad, Tom, a scout with the Browns."

"As Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff prepares to call the shots for the first time in an NFL Draft, he brings a reputation as a superb talent evaluator. Saturday we'll see how he fares in the league's annual chess game."

"There is "a good chance" that Jeremy Shockey will be part of a trade that ends his tenure with the Giants on Saturday, according to a league source familiar with the team's situation. The Saints remain the most likely suitor for the tight end in a draft-day deal, with growing interest from the Falcons among others."

"Falcons coach Mike Smith, a former linebacker, appreciates the value of a defensive line — especially one that constantly causes a ruckus in the opposition's backfield. The Falcons need to improve in the mayhem causing area. They will have a prime chance to address the defensive line in this weekend's NFL draft."

"Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, nattily dressed, sat behind a small table at this pre-NFL draft media event at Chelsea Piers. He answered questions about playing for the Falcons. He seemed to have little idea how possibly being selected No. 3 overall by Atlanta is a painful reminder of why he's even being considered as the Falcons' next franchise quarterback... "I think I stack up well," Ryan said. "I'm confident in my abilities.""

"Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College: Ryan can make all the throws for NFL quarterback and he has shown leadership. He thoroughly impressed the Falcons' brass in interviews. Ryan likely wouldn't play much this season but Atlanta needs a long-term answer at quarterback. "

"With Long gone, the Falcons will have to look elsewhere for help. The team's tackle positions are in a state of flux. Wayne Gandy and Todd Weiner were the starting tackles for the first game last season, but Gandy was released and Weiner is battling back from knee surgery. At their recent minicamp, the Falcons moved left guard Justin Blalock to right tackle and left tackle Quinn Ojinnaka to left guard. Pat McCoy, a late-season signee, lined up at left tackle. The new coaching staff likes to cross-train players at the line positions."

"Troy's Leodis McKelvin is considered one of the best cornerback prospects in this year's NFL draft. Yet, that's not who he is. McKelvin is a plain ol' kid from Waycross. He bypassed going to one of those expensive pre-draft workout factories in sunny climates. Instead, he trained at school, where he could also take classes and earn his degree."

"One source also indicated that other teams have expressed an interest in Shockey, although none more than the Seahawks and Saints. The source did not say who those teams were, but one possibility is the Atlanta Falcons, who are looking to replace tight end Alge Crumpler."