No Playoffs, No Cry

Don't let Atlanta's 7-7 record fool ya. GM Thomas Dimitroff has done an impeccable job during his brief tenure with the Falcons. His first draft class included 2008 NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year, QB Matt Ryan, WR Harry Douglas (320 Receiving yards, 226 Punt Return yards- including a 61 yd TD, 46 Kick Return yards, and 69 yards rushing in 2008), LB Curtis Lofton (128 tackles and 2 forced fumbles in 2009), DE Kroy Biermann (44 tackles and 5 sacks in '09), and Safety Thomas DeCoud (63 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions in '09).

Not only has Dimitroff done a great job in building through the draft, he has supplemented very well in free agency. Some of his key acquisitions are RB Michael Turner (1,699 yards rushing, 17 td in '08 and 871 yards rushing, 10 tds in an injury plagued 2009 season), and LB Mike Peterson (100 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, interception in '09). Prior to the current season, he sent Kansas City a future 2nd round pick, in exchange for Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez (820 yards receiving, 6 td for Falcons in 2009).

The 2009 season has not gone as I expected. But, I believe in the leadership of this franchise. Although Atlanta is no longer in contention for the playoffs, this team is headed in the right direction.

To view some of the talent Thomas Dimitroff has accumulated in Atlanta, click on the title of this post. About half way through, you'll see #83 Harry Douglas making some big plays in 2008. Unfortunately, he was sidelined for the entire '09 season with a torn ACL in August.

Falcons Acquire Tony Gonzalez

Three days before the NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons brilliantly filled their void at the TE position. GM Thomas Dimitroff worked out a deal to acquire 33 year old Pro Bowler, Tony Gonzalez from the Kansas City Chiefs for just a 2010 2nd round draft pick. Gonzalez may be aging, but his skills are not in decline (TG caught 93 passes last season). This move gives young signal caller, Matt Ryan, a tremendous weapon between the 20's and inside the red zone. The former Chief is not just a playmaker with the ball in his hands. The veteran TE is also an outstanding blocker. His presence on the field will make life easier for runningbacks Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. The trade appears to be a win-win situation for the Falcons. Although they'll send their 2nd round pick to KC in 2010, Atlanta will still have many options available in the future draft. Due to the losses of veterans Keith Brooking, Michael Boley, Lawyer Milloy, and Dominique Foxworth, the Falcons could receive as many as 4 supplemental draft picks in 2010.

The only negative: Atlanta still needs a defense. Although this move inches the Falcons closer towards becoming an NFC power, there are still many holes on the other side of the ball.

Do or die for DJ?

Thursday night's preseason game at Baltimore could have been the last time you'll see former Dawg, D.J. Shockley, in an Atlanta Falcons uniform. The ultimate team player, especially during his collegiate career, Shockley is very easy to root for. During his days at UGA, D.J. played sparingly behind talented passer, David Greene. He did, however, make the most of his senior season. Finally presented with an opportunity to be the first string quarterback, D.J. led his Dawgs to an SEC Championship in 2005.

As position battles come to an end, it appears as if either D.J. or Joey Harrington will not make the final 53 man Falcon roster. Although returning from a major knee injury, Shockley still possesses skills that Harrington will never have. You see, the former Georgia Bulldog can still "pick em up and put em down" with enough of a burst to turn busted plays into positive yardage. Shockley may need to improve his touch on the ball, but Joey ain't Joe Montana, either. Do or die for D.J.? I believe he did. 7-14 for 97 yards and 1 td.