Atlanta Falcons 2008 Season in Review
Atlanta Falcons 2008 Season in Review
Atlanta Falcons 2008 Season in Review
season in review
11-5, 0-1, second in nfc South
REGGIE ROBERTS - Vice President of Football Communications TED CREWS - Manager of Football Communications
[email protected], (770) 965-2761 [email protected], (770) 965-2764
FRANK KLEHA - Senior Director of Media Relations MATT CONTI - Football Communications Coordinator
[email protected], (770) 965-2763 [email protected], (770) 965-4350
falcons reach playoffs for first time since 2004
By Draft (10):
QUOTING THE COACH QB Matt Ryan (first round), OT Sam Baker (first round), LB Curtis
Lofton (secon round), CB Chevis Jackson (third round), WR Harry
Head Coach Mike Smith following the Falcons performance Douglas (third round), S Thomas DeCoud (third round), LB Robert
against the Arizona Cardinals - James (fifth round, injured reserve), DE Kroy Biermann (fifth
round), RB Thomas Brown (sixth round, injured reserve), TE Keith
"First, let me say I'm disappointed, our whole football team is dis- Zinger (seventh round, practice squad)
appointed, in the outcome of the game today, but we're not dis-
couraged. I'm proud of the way these guys fought today. We just Free Agents (20):
didn't get it done. They made the plays when they had to. It's tough S Eric Brock, S Erik Coleman, K Jason Elam, DE Simon Fraser, S
to win when you're minus on the turnover ratio. The three turnovers Jamaal Fudge, OT Wayne Gandy, LB Tony Gilbert, TE Ben
I thought were very, very big. I really thought the guys fought Hartsock (injured reserve), CB Von Hutchins (injured reserve), DT
extremely hard and they showed their resiliency there. It's tough to Grady Jackson, DT Jason Jefferson, DT Kindal Moorehead, TE
have a chance there at the end to get a stop and we weren't able Justin Peelle, TE Marcus Pollard, TE Jason Rader, CB Glenn
to get a stop. That's tough. My hat's off to Coach (Ken) Sharpe, C Alex Stepanovich, RB Michael Turner, WR Eric Weems,
LB Coy Wire
Whisenhunt. I congratulate his football team. They played very
passionate, hard-nosed football and I thought it was a hard-nosed
By Trade (1):
game. We'll go into this off season with some issues we've got to
CB Domonique Foxworth (Trade from Denver)
address. This is all part of the process. It's just another step in the
process. We're going to remember how we feel as a football team
because we plan on being back in this situation and we want to
remember how this feels."
PLAYOFF WING TIPS
Since the NFL merger took place in NFC Divisional 1-3-92 at Washington (L) 24-7
1970, only three rookie quarterbacks Recap: Washington jumped out to a 14-point lead in the second quarter
and the Falcons offense coud not make up the difference, falling 24-7
have started all 16 games of a season. against the Redskins.
Those players include Rick Mirer
(Seattle) in 1993, Peyton Manning 1995 9-7 NFC Wild Card 12-31 at Green Bay (L) 37-20
(Indianapolis) in 1998 and David Carr Recap: Falcons WR Eric Metcalf finished with eight receptions for 114
(Houston) in 2002. Falcons quarterback yards and one touchdown, but it was not enough to overcome a Packers
27-10 lead at halftime.
Matt Ryan and Baltimore QB Joe Flacco
joined the trio following the regular sea- 1998 14-2 NFC Divisional 1-9-99 vs. San Francisco(W) 20-18
son finale last Sunday. Ryan and Flacco Recap: Atlanta took its first steps toward a Super Bowl appearance as
both became the only rookies to lead Jamal Anderson paced a ground attack with 29 carries for 113 yards and
Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan led two touchdowns in a Falcons 20-18 win.
the Falcons to a 11-5 regular sea- their respective teams to the playoffs
son record this year.
after starting every game in the regular NFC Championship 1-17-99 at Minnesota (W) 30-27
season. Below is a look at the success of the five rookie QBs who Recap: The underdog Falcons fought back from a 10-point fourth quarter
have started all 16 games in their first seasons. deficit to win the NFC title on the road in an overtime thriller. Kicker Morten
Andersen split the uprights on a 38-yard attempt to clinch the win in OT.
Player Year Reg. Season Rec. Postseason
Super Bowl XXXIII1-31-99 vs. Denver (L) 34-19
Matt Ryan, Atl 2008 11-5 NFC Wild Card Recap: The Falcons lost their only Super Bowl appearnce, 34-19, at the
Joe Flacco, Bal 2008 11-5 AFC Wild Card hands of the Denver Broncos. WR Tim Dwight returned a kickoff 94 yards
David Carr, Hou 2002 4-12 - for a touchdown and RB Jamal Anderson registered 96 yards in the losing
Peyton Manning, Ind 1998 3-13 - effort.
Rick Mirer, Sea 1993 6-10 -
2002 9-6-1 NFC Wild Card 1-4-03 at Green Bay (W) 27-7
Recap: The Falcons became the first team ever to defeat the Green Bay
Packers in the postseason at Lambeau Field with a 27-7 victory. Atlanta
rush to the end zone logged 309 net yards and three touchdowns in the win.
Head Coach Mike Smith led the Atlanta Falcons to one of the biggest turnarounds in team his-
tory (11 wins) while leading the team to its first playoff berth since 2004. Atlanta witnessed several
improvements from the previous season, which included points per game average, rushing yards per
game average, passing touchdown to interception ratio and sacks allowed. Smith had the Falcons ready
to play in every game this season as Atlanta ranked first in the NFL in first quarter points scored and sixth
in first quarter points allowed. The team also recorded a streak of 12 of 15 games holding opponents to
under 20 rushing yards in the opening 15 minutes of play.
Under Smith’s guidence, rookie quarterback Matt Ryan quickly developed into an offensive
leader as he became the first Falcons quarterback to win 10 games in his first season. Ryan also threw
for over 3,000 passing yards, becoming Atlanta’s first rookie quarterback to accomplish the feat. Free
agent running back Michael Turner revived the Falcons rushing attack and he finished the regular sea-
son ranked second in the league in rushing yards. Turner also topped the 1,000-yard plateau for the first
time in his career. Finally, Smith witnessed Roddy White become the first wide receiver in franchise his-
tory to post back to back 1,200-yard seasons while setting a single-season mark with 1,382 yards.
FALCONS BEST COMPLETION % IN A SEASON NFL LEADERS IN RUSHING PLAYS OF 10+ YARDS
Team Percentage Team Plays
1. 1982 64.0 1. New York Giants 73
2. 1983 63.3 2. Atlanta Falcons 69
3. 1984 61.5 3. Carolina Panthers 63
4. 1992 61.3
5. 2008 61.1 NFL PUNT RETURN YARDS ALLOWED (Season)
Team Return Yards
FALCONS MOST POINTS IN A SEASON 1. Atlanta Falcons 49 (NFL Record)
Team Points 2. New York Giants 140
1. 1998 442 3. San Diego Chargers 146
2. 1981 426 4. New England Patriots 158
3. 1980 405 5. Buffalo Bills 187
4. 2002 402
5. 2008 391
The National Football League announced that Atlanta Falcons running back Michael
Turner and wide receiver Roddy White have been selected to the 2009 Pro Bowl. Both
Turner and White will be making their first Pro Bowl appearances.
“It’s always a good thing when players from your team are recognized for outstanding
seasons,” said Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith. “Michael and Roddy have each played
extremely well this season and I’d like to congratulate them both on behalf of our entire
organization.”
In his first season in an Atlanta Falcons uniform, Michael Turner posted 1,699 rushing
RB Michael Turner WR Roddy White
yards, which ranks second the NFL in the category. Along with producing eight 100-yard
games this season, Turner set a franchise single-game rushing record with a 220-yard performance against the Detroit Lions in the open-
ing week of the season. He also tied a club record with four rushing touchdowns in one game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 12
and in the same contest, topped the 1,000-yard rushing plateau for the first time in his career. Turner also scored 17 touchdowns this sea-
son, which sets a team record for rushing touchdowns in a campaign. On three occasions, Turner was named NFC Offensive Player of the
Week. The first was for his performance against the Lions in Week 1. Turner earned the award again following Week 3 against Kansas City
and the season finale against the St. Louis Rams.
“Every player who plays this game wants to be recognized by his peers, coaches and fans as being one of the top players in the game,”
said Turner. “Nobody gets to the Pro Bowl by themselves and I want to thank my coaches and my teammates, especially my offensive line-
men. Those guys have done a great job all season and I wouldn’t be in the NFL’s all-star game without them.”
White became the first Falcons receiver to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons since 1998-99 and the first player in team history to reg-
ister back-to-back 1,200-yard campaigns. His 1,382 receiving yardage total ranks fourth in the NFL and set a new franchise record for
receiving yards for a season. He also broke career highs in receptions (88) and touchdowns (seven). White recorded seven 100-yard games
this year, which included a Week 14 performance at New Orleans where he set a career-high in receiving yards (164) on 10 receptions.
White also ranks second in the NFL in third down receptions (29) and leads the league in third down receiving yards (516).
“It’s great to finally accomplish one of my goals I’ve had since I was drafted into the NFL,” said White. “I’d like to thank all of my teammates
for their hard work this season. Those guys are a big reason why I’m getting to play in my first Pro Bowl.”
• White and Turner are the 112th and 113th Pro Bowl selections in team history. • White and Turner are the first Falcons selections to the Pro Bowl since 2006.
• Both White and Turner are making their first Pro Bowl appearances. • 2008 marks the 10th season Atlanta has posted a winning record with at least
• Turner is the eighth different Falcons running back to earn Pro Bowl honors. one Pro Bowl selection.
• White is the fourth different Falcons wide receiver to earn Pro Bowl accolades • Turner and White are the second Falcons RB and WR duo to be voted to the
and the first since Terance Mathis in 1995. Pro Bowl in the same year (first since 1980).
Under Smith’s guidance, the Falcons posted one of the biggest turnarounds in franchise history (+7 wins from 2007) while finishing second
in the NFC South Division. Since 1978, Smith’s 11 victories tie him for the best record for rookie head coaches in the NFL taking over a
team that finished below .500 the previous season. He joins other 2008 rookie head coaches, John Harbaugh (Baltimore) and Tony
Sparano (Miami) in that category.
Smith led a Falcons offense which witnessed massive improvements from 2007. The rushing attack finished second in the
league with a 152.7 average, while running back Michael Turner ranked second in the NFL in rushing yards (1,699), topped
the 1,000-yard plateau for the first time in his career and was named to the 2009 Pro Bowl. Atlanta posted a 24.4 points per
game average in 2008, which was an 8.2-point upgrade from 2007 and the offensive line set a franchise record by allowing
only 17 sacks. The Falcons passing offense, led by Associated Press Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan, improved four spots
in the conference from ’07 (18th to 14th) and the team’s total offensive average of 361.2 ranked third in the NFC
compared to a 12th place finish last season. Wide receiver Roddy White was the recipient of a franchise record
1,382 receiving yards as the four-year veteran will make his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Ryan became the first rook-
ie quarterback in team history to win 11 games and the first rookie in franchise annals to throw over 3,000 passing
yards (3,440) in his first season. Smith and Ryan also became the first rookie Head Coach and rookie quarterback to
compete in a playoff game since the Cleveland Rams accomplished the feat in 1945.
Defensively, Smith guided defensive end John Abraham to a career season as the South Carolina alum set a new fran-
chise record with 16.5 sacks in a single-season while forcing four fumbles and blocking one punt against Carolina in
Week 4. Atlanta’s special teams were also a highlight this season as the unit set a NFL record allowing only 49 punt
return yards. Wide receiver/punt returner Harry Douglas also became the first Falcon to return a punt for a touchdown
(61 yards against Carolina in Week 12) since 2004.
Smith becomes only the second Head Coach in Falcons history to earn coach of the year honors and the first since Dan
Reeves achieved the award after leading Atlanta to a 14-2 regular season record and a Super Bowl appearance in 1998.
2 - Atlanta’s rank in the NFL in rushing average (152.7) at the 7 - The Falcons win improvement from the 2007 season under the
leadership of Coach Smith. The seven wins are tied for the sixth-
conclusion of the 2008 regular season. The Falcons improved 24
highest improvement between seasons by a first-year head coach
spots in rushing average compared to last season.
in NFL history.
4 - Coach Smith was the fourth head coach in Falcons history to 8.2 - Atlanta’s improvement in points per game average com-
record 11 or more wins in a season.
pared to the 2007 campaign. The Falcons finished the season
4 - The number of years (2004) between the last playoff appear- averaging 24.4 points per game.
ance for the Falcons and the NFC Wild Card game against the 9 - Coach Smith is the ninth head coach in the NFL to win 11-plus
Arizona Cardinals on January 3, 2009.
games in his rookie campaign.
10 - The number of players who earned opening day starts for
the first time in their NFL careers.
11 - The number of regular season wins Coach Smith and the
Falcons accumulated during the 2008 campaign.
17 - The number of sacks allowed by the offensive line in the
2008 regular season, which set a new franchise record low.
51 - The number of points the Falcons totaled off of 18 no-huddle
possessions in 2008. Atlanta scored six touchdowns and three field
goals.
5,779 - The total number of net yards for the Falcons offense in
2008, which set a team record for a single-season.
rookie of the year honors
FALCONS QUARTERBACK MATT RYAN
NAMED NFL OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Matt Ryan was named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in an announcement by the Associated Press. This season, Ryan complet-
ed 265 of 434 passes for 3,440 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for an 87.7 passer rating. He also contributed with 104 rushing
yards and one rushing touchdown. His 3,440 passing yards ranks sixth in a single-season in Falcons annals as he became only the sec-
ond rookie quarterback ever in the NFL to amass over 3,000 passing yards. Ryan became one of two rookie quarterbacks in the NFL since
2003 to start a regular season opener. He guided Atlanta to an 11-5 record, which made him the first rookie quarterback in franchise histo-
ry to win 11 games. Ryan also became the first quarterback in club history to reach the 3,000-yard passing plateau. Along with Ravens quar-
terback Joe Flacco, Ryan became the first rookie quarterback to start all 16 regular season games and lead his team to the playoffs.
On his first career NFL passing attempt against the Detroit Lions in Week 1, Ryan found wide receiver Michael Jenkins
for a 62-yard touchdown to become the first quarterback in the NFL since 2000 to throw a TD on his first career pass-
ing attempt. He led Atlanta to a 7-1 record at the Georgia Dome and guided the Falcons to a 6-2 mark in games decid-
ed by one score or less this year.
For his performance in the month of October, Ryan earned NFC Rookie of the Month accolades, becoming the
first player in franchise history to accomplish the feat. In October, Ryan and the Falcons defeated the Green
Bay Packers at historic Lambeau Field in Week 5 and posted a victory against the Chicago Bears in Week 6.
Against the Bears, Ryan tallied his first career 300-yard passing game (301) and completed a 26-yard pass
to Jenkins with one second remaining to set up kicker Jason Elam’s game-winning field goal. During the
month of October, Ryan completed 61 of 100 passes for 772 yards and five touchdowns.
One week after being named NFC Rookie of the Month, the Falcons posted a shutout over the Oakland Raiders
(24-0) at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum. In that game, Ryan registered the ninth-highest NFL passer rating
in a single game this season with a 138.4 mark. For his efforts, he was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
This season, Ryan totaled a streak of nine consecutive 200-yard passing games from Weeks 6-15 and notched
eight contests with a 65.0 completion percentage or higher. He also ranked second in the league in yards per
completion with a 12.98 average.
Ryan is the only player in franchise history to earn offensive rookie of the year honors. He joins linebacker
Tommy Nobis (1966-76) and defensive end Claude Humphrey (1968-74, 76-78) as the only other Falcons to
earn rookie of the year accolades (both defensive rookie of the year).
OFFENSE DEFENSE
WR Roddy White - Led the Falcons in receiving with 88 catches for RE John Abraham - Posted his third three-sack performance in
1,382 yards and seven touchdowns. His receiving total set a new Week 15 against Tampa Bay as his 16.5 sacks in 2008 set a season
franchise record for receiving yards in a season. Tallied seven 100- record in club annals. This year, totaled 42 tackles (35 solo), four
yard games and back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons while earning his forced fumbles and one pass defensed.
first trip to the Pro Bowl.
DT Grady Jackson - Totaled 23 tackles (21 solo), two sacks and
LT Sam Baker - Started in five career games at the left tackle posi- one pass defensed.
tion in his rookie season.
DT Jonathan Babineaux - Recorded 38 tackles (30 solo), a career-
LG Justin Blalock – Assisted a Falcons rushing attack that posted best 3.5 sacks for a loss of 26.5 yards, two passes defensed and
2,443 yards this season, the sixth-highest total in team history. one fumble recovery in 2008.
C Todd McClure - Started his 112th consecutive game on the offen- LE Jamaal Anderson - Totaled two sacks, which includes his first-
sive line in Week 17. career quarterback takedown in Week 6 vs. Chicago. Also added 36
tackles and three passes defensed.
RG Harvey Dahl - Started his 16th career NFL game in a Week 17
meeting against the St. Louis Rams. OLB Keith Brooking - Increased his starting streak to 128 consec-
utive regular season games following the season finale against St.
RT Tyson Clabo - Made his 37th career start following the Falcons Louis and has now led the Falcons in tackles for eight straight sea-
meeting with the Rams in Week 17. sons with 133 (80 solo).
TE Justin Peelle - Caught 15 passes for 159 yards and two touch- MLB Curtis Lofton - Totaled his first-career sack against
downs. Philadelphia in Week 8, while forcing a fumble on the play. Ranked
fourth on the team in tackles with 108.
WR Michael Jenkins - Totaled 50 catches for 777 yards and three
touchdowns, which included a 62-yard touchdown on Matt Ryan’s OLB Michael Boley - Recorded 90 tackles, nine passes defensed
and one interception.
first career pass against Detroit in Week 1.
RCB Chris Houston - Intercepted his first-career pass against the
QB Matt Ryan - Started every game under center and completed Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3 and returned it 10 yards for a touch-
265 of 434 passes for 3,440 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 intercep- down. Added his second INT against New Orleans (Week 10) and
tions for a 87.7 passer rating en route to earning AP Rookie of the contributed with 59 tackles and 16 passes defensed.
Year honors.
LCB Domonique Foxworth - Started 10 games in 2008 and totaled
RB Michael Turner - Posted 376 carries for 1,699 yards and 17 39 stops, 11 passes defensed and one interception.
touchdowns while setting a Falcons single-game record with 220
yards against Detroit in Week 1. Also tallied four touchdowns against SS Lawyer Milloy - Ranked third on the team in tackles with 117 (76
Carolina in Week 12 while topping the 1,000-yard rushing plateau solo) while adding one interception and five passes defensed.
for the first time in his career. Turner earned his first trip to the Pro
Bowl as well. FS Erik Coleman - Ranked second on the Falcons in tackles with a
career-high of 127 and contributed with three interceptions, six pass-
FB Ovie Mughelli - Created lanes for Falcons rushers to total 2,443 es defensed and two forced fumbles.
rushing yards this season.
KEY CONTRIBUTOR:
KEY CONTRIBUTOR:
RE Chauncey Davis - This season, recorded 35 tackles, three fum-
RB Jerious Norwood - Finished the season with 489 rushing yards, ble recoveries, one forced fumble and four sacks, which included a
338 receiving yards and six TDs. Also tallied 1,311 kickoff return yards. two-sack game against Carolina in Week 12.
55
6-4, 263 pounds John Abraham registered 16.5 sacks this season setting a new
9th year in the NFL season-high for the nine-year veteran, topping his previous high of
13.0, which he set with the New York Jets in 2001. His 16.5 sacks
South Carolina also rank first in a season in Falcons annals.
Atlanta Falcons Highest Sack Totals in a Season
Acquired by the Falcons in Player Year Sacks
a trade with the New York John Abraham 2008 16.5
Joel Williams 1980 16.0
Jets in 2006
Claude Humphrey 1976 15.0
1
Kicker
5-11, 194 pounds This season, kicker Jason Elam split the
uprights on 29 of 31 field goal attempts
16th year in the NFL while converting all 42 PATs to log 129
Hawaii points. His scoring total ranks fifth in the
NFC and was 15 points shy of
Philadelphia Eagles kicker David Akers’
Signed by the Falcons as total (144). Elam’s 129 points this year
an unrestricted free agent fell nine points shy of an Atlanta fran-
(Den.) in 2008. chise record for a season (138 set by
kicker Jay Feely in 2002). The point total
also fell three points shy of Elam’s
30-straight career-high (132 set in 1995).
Falcons kicker Jason Elam split the NFC Leading Scorers Among Kickers
uprights on five of six field goal attempts Player PAT FG Total Points
against the Chicago Bears in Week 6. In David Akers, Phi 45/45 33/40 144
the fourth quarter of the game, he missed John Carney, NYG 38/38 35/38 143
his first attempt of the season, which broke Matt Bryant, TB 35/36 32/38 131
a streak of 30 consecutive field goals dat- John Kasay, Car 46/46 28/31 130
ing back to the 2007 campaign. This year, Jason Elam, Atl 42/42 29/31 129
Elam totaled 129 points and registered his
16th career 100-point season. He became Falcons Franchise Scoring Leaders In a Season
the first player in NFL history to record at Player Year PAT FG Total Points
least 100 points in each of his first 16 sea- Jay Feely 2002 42/43 32/40 138
sons, which is also the longest streak in the league. He is also sec- Jason Elam 2008 42/42 29/31 129
ond in the league to former Falcons kicker Morten Andersen in Morten Andersen 1995 29/30 31/37 122
consecutive games scoring at least one point (252). Andersen Morten Andersen 1998 51/52 23/28 120
ended last season with his streak at 360 games. Jay Feely 2001 28/28 29/37 115
2
Quarterback
6-4, 220 pounds Quarterback Matt Ryan was named NFC
Rookie Rookie of the Month (for October) becoming the
first player in franchise history to earn confer-
Boston College ence Rookie of the Month accolades. In three
games during October, Ryan completed 61 of
Selected as a first round 100 passes for 772 yards and five touchdowns
while leading the Falcons to a 2-1 record. Atlanta defeated the
(3rd overall) draft choice by Green Bay Packers by a 27-24 margin on October 5 as Ryan threw
the Falcons in 2008 for 194 yards with two touchdowns. The second victory of the
month was an unprecedented comeback against the Chicago
Bears with a 22-20 win. In that game, Ryan completed 22 of 30
Starting early (73.3 pct.) passes for 301 yards (his first career 300-yard passing
outing) and a 116.1 passer rating. With 11 seconds remaining in
Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan completed the game, Ryan completed a 26-yard pass to wide receiver
nine of 13 passes for 161 yards and one Michael Jenkins, setting up the game-winning field goal as time
touchdown for a 137.0 passer rating in his expired from kicker Jason Elam. In Week 8, the Falcons fell to the
first career start under center against Philadelphia Eagles, however, Ryan totaled 277 passing yards in
Detroit in Week 1. Ryan became the first the outing while throwing two touchdown strikes to wide receiver
Falcons rookie quarterback to start a sea- Roddy White.
son opener since Steve Bartkowski in
1975. On Atlanta’s first offensive posses-
sion of the 2008 season, the Falcons flying high
recorded a three-play, 74-yard drive that
was capped by a WR Michael Jenkins 62- This season, quarterback Matt Ryan
yard touchdown on Ryan’s first career completed 265 of 434 passes for 3,440
NFL pass. Ryan became the first quarter- Quarterback Matt Ryan yards and 16 touchdowns. His streak
back to throw a touchdown on his first of nine consecutive games with 200 or
career pass since October 8, 2000 when more passing yards ended against
Michael Bishop completed the feat as Minnesota in Week 16. He also record-
member of the New England Patriots. ed seven contests with a 60 percent or
The 62-yard touchdown strike made better completion percentage. Ryan’s
Ryan the first player to throw a touch- passing total ranked sixth in a single-
down pass of 50 yards or longer in the season in Falcons annals. Below are
first quarter of his NFL debut since Roger the top 10 Atlanta quarterbacks in
Staubach tossed a 75-yard touchdown to Quarterback Matt Ryan passing yards in a season.
Lance Rentzel in 1969.
Quarterback Roger Staubach Player Season Passing Yards
*Jeff George 1995 4,143
Steve Bartkowski 1981 3,829
already a first *Jeff George 1994 3,734
Steve Bartkowski 1980 3,544
Matt Ryan and Ravens QB Joe Flacco started their respective Chris Miller 1989 3,459
Week 1 match-ups under center marking the first time since 2003 Matt Ryan 2008 3,440
a rookie quarterback started on opening day (Kyle Boller, Steve Bartkowski 1983 3,167
Baltimore). The last time the league saw two rookie QBs starting Chris Chandler 1998 3,154
on the same day came in 1971 when Archie Manning (Saints) and *Bobby Hebert 1996 3,152
Jim Plunkett (Patriots) started at quarterback. In the past 11 sea- *Chris Miller 1991 3,103
sons (1998-2008), only five rookie quarterbacks prior to Ryan and *Bobby Hebert 1993 2,978
Flacco have started the first game of the regular season. In Week
Quarterback Steve Bartkowski
1 of the 2008 campagin, both Ryan and Flacco recorded victories *Run ‘N Shoot Offense
in their first career starts.
Rookie QBs Starting In Regular Season Openers (‘98-‘08) ONE AND ONLY
Team Player Year Note
Atlanta Matt Ryan 2008 NFC Wild Card Game This season, Matt Ryan and Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco
Baltimore Joe Flacco 2008 AFC Wild Card Game became the first NFL rookie quarterbacks to have played in all 16
Baltimore Kyle Boller 2003 AFC North Champs games and thrown fewer than 15 interceptions. Only three prior
Houston David Carr 2002 Won season opener rookie quarterbacks have started 16 games of a season (Rick
Carolina Chris Weinke 2001 Won season opener Mirer in 1993, Peyton Manning in 1998 and David Carr in 2002)
Indianapolis Peyton Manning 1998 Lost season opener and none threw fewer than 15 INTs in their respective seasons.
San Diego Ryan Leaf 1998 Won season opener
WING TIPS
33
5-10, 244 pounds In a Week 12 meeting against the Carolina Panthers, Michael
5th year in the NFL Turner tied a franchise record with four touchdowns in one game,
tying T.J. Duckett’s mark in 2004. The game was also his fourth-
Northern Illinois career multiple-touchdown contest and his second three score or
more game. Turner’s career-high of four TDs made him only the
Signed by the Falcons as second Falcons running back in team history to register four touch-
downs in a game. Turner finished the season ranked second in the
an unrestricted free agent league in scoring (non-kickers) with 102 points and second in the
(S.D.) in 2008. NFL rushing touchdowns with 17. Below is a look at Turner’s mul-
tiple-touchdown games this season.
Michael Turner was named NFC Offensive Seldom has a new acquisition to a team
Player of the Week on three occassions and Fed made as impressive of an opening day
Ex Ground Player of the Week twice in 2008. performance as running back Michael
Turner earned both accolades for his perform- Turner made against the Detroit Lions at
the Georgia Dome in Week 1. In his first
ance against the Detroit Lions in his Atlanta
game in a Falcons uniform, Turner set a
Falcons debut, earned conference acco- team single-game rushing record after
lades again following a Week 3 game posting 220 yards on 22 carries for an
against Kansas City and posted his latest in extraordinary 10.0 yards per carry aver-
the season finale against the Rams. His last age. Not only are the 220 yards a career-
Fed Ex Ground Player of the Week recognition came in Week 12 high for Turner, but he eclipsed Atlanta’s
after recording four touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers. old record held by Gerald Riggs (202
yards) which was previously set on
Turner set a Falcons single-game September 2, 1984 at New Orleans. In
rushing record with 220 yards on 22 the regular season finale, Turner also
carries for a 10.0 yards per carry recorded the second-highest single-game rushing total with 208
average in the season opener yards against the Rams.
against Detroit while adding two
touchdowns in a Falcons 34-21 win- Falcons Top 5 Single-Game Rushing Records
ning effort. The two touchdowns Player Game Carries Yards
marked his first multiple-touchdown Michael Turner 9/7/08 vs. Detroit 22 220
game of his career. Turner con- Michael Turner 12/28/08 vs. St. Louis 25 208
Gerald Riggs 9/24/84 at New Orleans 35 202
tributed with a 66-yard touchdown
Gerald Riggs 12/8/85 at Kansas City 26 197
run on Atlanta’s second offensive Erric Pegram 9/19/93 at San Francisco 27 192
possession of the game, which is the
fourth-longest rush in his career and The five-year veteran also added two touchdowns in a Falcons 34-
Running back Michael Turner recorded
the Falcons single-game rushing record the eighth-longest carry in Falcons 21 winning effort against Detroit, which marked his first-career mul-
with 220 yards against Detroit. history. His 220 yards against the tiple-touchdown game. Turner’s last touchdown prior to the season
Lions are also the most in NFL annals by a player in his first game opener came on October 7, 2007 at Denver as a member of the
with a team. San Diego Chargers.
Against the Chiefs, Turner recorded his fifth-career 100-yard game Finally, on Atlanta’s second offensive possession in the first quar-
after totaling 23 carries for 104 yards and career-high three touch- ter against the Lions, Turner posted a 66-yard touchdown, which is
downs. He sparked the Falcons first scoring drive of the game the fifth-longest rush in his career and the ninth-longest rush in
when he posted a 38-yard rush in the first quarter and capped the Falcons history. The 66-yard run led to 117 rushing yards in the
drive with a four-yard touchdown run, his first of the day. Turner first quarter, which marked the most in an opening quarter of a
found the end zone on two more occasions logging his second game for the Falcons in at least two decades. Turner topped his
Week 1 season-high rush after scampering for a 70-yard gain
career multiple-touchdown game.
against St. Louis in Week 17, marking the Falcons fourth-longest
In Week 12 against Carolina, Turner posted 24 carries for 117 carry in team history.
yards and four touchdowns, becoming only the second player in
Falcons Top 9 Longest Rushes
team history to tally four touchdowns in a game. The performance
Player Game Long Rush
also marked his fifth 100-plus rushing contest of the season. Warrick Dunn 10/15/06 vs. NYG 90t
Jerious Norwood 10/1/06 vs. Arizona 78t
In the 2008 season finale, Turner posted 208 rushing yards, the Byron Hanspard 9/14/97 vs. Oakland 77
second-highest total in a game in Falcons history. He also con- Michael Turner 12/28/08 vs. St. Louis 70
tributed with one touchdown in the winning effort. Jerious Norwood 12/3/06 at Washington 69t
Warrick Dunn 10/19/03 vs. New Orleans 69t
Turner became the first Falcons player to earn NFC Offensive Jerious Norwood 10/15/07 vs. NYG 67t
Player of the Week accolades three times in a year and the first Mike Rozier 12/30/90 vs. Dallas 67
player to earn it twice in a three-week span in team history. Michael Turner 9/7/08 vs. Detroit 66t
Following his record-setting performance against Detroit in Week Harmon Wages 12/7/69 vs. New Orleans 66t
1, Turner became the first Falcons offensive player to earn player
of the week honors after a season opener since 1984 (Gerald
Riggs). grand opening
If Michael Turner’s career day against Detroit in the regular season
half way there opener wasn’t already impressive, the fifth-year running back fell
30 yards short of tying a record held by a legendary running back
Following the first half of play against the St. Louis Rams in the and Hall of Famer. Turner’s 220 yards against the Lions marked
season finale at the Georgia Dome, running back Michael Turner the second-highest opening day rushing total behind O.J. Simpson
tallied 13 carries for 59 yards. This season, when the fifth-year (Bills) who rushed for 250 yards in a season opener in 1973.
running back rushed for 50 yards or more in the first half, the Turner’s total was also the most in NFL history by a player in his
Falcons registered an 8-0 record. first game with a new team.
WING TIPS
84
6-0, 208 pounds Roddy White fell just short of becoming the first receiver in fran-
4th year in the NFL chise history to lead the NFL in receiving yards since Alfred
Jenkins accomplished the feat in 1981 (1,358 yards). To this point,
UAB Jenkins is the only Atlanta receiver to have led the NFL in receiv-
ing yards in a season. This year, White logged 1,382 yards, which
Selected as a first round ranked third in the NFC and fourth in the league. Below is a look
at the 2008 top five in NFL receiving yardage.
(27th overall) draft choice
by the Falcons in 2005 Player Rec. Yards Avg. TD
Andre Johnson, Hou 115 1,575 13.7 8
Larry Fitzgerald, Ari 96 1,431 14.9 12
BACK-TO-BACK FOR 1,000 Steve Smith, Car 78 1,421 18.2 6
Roddy White, Atl 88 1,382 15.7 7
Last season, wide receiver Roddy White Calvin Johnson, Det 78 1,331 17.1 12
recorded 1,202 receiving yards becoming the
first Falcons receiver since 1999 to top the
1,000-yard receiving mark (Terance
Mathis). White also established numer-
ous career-highs in receptions (83), yards
(1,202) and touchdowns (six) while post-
ing five 100-yard games.
Below is a glance at Falcons receivers who have tallied back-to- over 1,000 yards this season. Below is a look
back 1,000-yard seasons in franchise history. Atlanta’s 1,000-yard combinations in fran-
chise history.
Player Years (Yards)
RB Michael Turner
Roddy White 2007 (1,202) and 2008 (1,382)
Terance Mathis 1998 (1,136) and 1999 (1,016) Year 1,000-Yard Rusher 1,000-Yard Receiver
Terance Mathis 1994 (1,342) and 1995 (1,039) 2008 Michael Turner (1,699) Roddy White (1,382)
Andre Rison 1992 (1,119), 1993 (1,242) and 1994 (1,088) 1998 Jamal Anderson (1,846) Tony Martin (1,181)
Alfred Jenkins 1980 (1,035) and 1981 (1,358) Terance Mathis (1,136)
1995 Craig Heyward (1,083) Eric Metcalf (1,189),
Terance Mathis (1,039)
record that mark Bert Emanuel (1,039)
This season, the Falcons finished 4-3 in games where wide 1993 Erric Pegram (1,185) Andre Rison (1,242)
receiver Roddy White totaled 100 or more receiving yards. Atlanta 1984 Gerald Riggs (1,486) Stacey Bailey (1,138)
was also 5-1 when White recorded one or more touchdowns in a 1981 William Andrews (1,301) Alfred Jenkins (1,358)
game. 1980 William Andrews (1,308) Alfred Jenkins (1,035)
1979 William Andrews (1,023) Wallace Francis (1,013)
WING TIPS
Atlanta notched a field goal on its opening offensive possession Dating back to the 2000 season, the Falcons have remained con-
against the St. Louis Rams in Week 17 when kicker Jason Elam sistent with their rushing attack, which includes leading the NFL in
split the uprights from 39 yards. The field goal marked the eighth the category for three seasons (2004, 2005 and 2006). Part of
occasion the Falcons scored on their opening drive of the game, Atlanta’s success in the rushing game has been gaining yardage
which led to an 8-0 record. Atlanta also posted an 11-1 record in chunks. Over the last nine seasons (2000-08), the Falcons rank
when scoring first in a game in 2008. second in the league in rushes of 10-plus yards.
Week Opponent Scoring Result
NFL Team Leaders in 10+ Yard Rushes 2000-08
1 Detroit QB Matt Ryan 62-yard touchdown
Team 10+ Yard Rushing Plays
pass to WR Michael Jenkins
5 Green Bay QB Matt Ryan 1-yard touchdown pass Minnesota Vikings 541
to TE Justin Peelle Atlanta Falcons 525
6 Chicago K Jason Elam 29-yard field goal Jacksonville Jaguars 516
9 Oakland QB Matt Ryan 37-yard touchdown Pittsburgh Steelers 512
pass to WR Michael Jenkins New York Giants 499
12 Carolina K Jason Elam 23-yard field goal
13 San Diego K Jason Elam 35-yard field goal Along with ranking second in the NFL in rushing plays of 10-plus
16 Minnesota RB Michael Turner one-yard TD run yards from 2000-08, Atlanta contributed to this total with 69 plays
17 St. Louis K Jason Elam 39-yard field goal of 10-plus rushing yards in 2008, which ranked second in the
league behind the New York Giants.
Following a 12-yard touchdown run by running back Jerious
Norwood on Atlanta’s second offensive possession against the
2008 NFL Team Leaders in 10+ Yard Plays
Oakland Raiders in Week 9, the Falcons registered their third con-
test in which they posted a rushing and receiving touchdown in the Team 10+ Yard Plays
first quarter. New York Giants 73
Atlanta Falcons 69
Carolina Panthers 63
OFF TO A FAST START Minnesota Vikings 59
Two teams tied 55
Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith stressed a fast start in each game
in 2008 and the Falcons responded. This season, Atlanta outscored
its opponent 114-52 in the opening 15 minutes of play. The Falcons
114 first quarter points led the NFL while the 52 first quarter points
TOTAL PACKAGE
allowed ranked tied for third in the NFC. Below is a look at Atlanta’s This season, the Falcons rushing
first quarter point totals against their opponents this season, the top attack ranked second in the NFL aver-
three teams in the NFL in first quarter scoring and the top three
aging 152.7 yards per game. Atlanta’s
teams in first quarter points allowed in the NFC.
rushing total also led to a total offen-
Opponent 1st Quarter Score Opponent 1st Quarter Score sive effort which ranked third in the
Week 1 vs. Det 21-0 Week 10 vs. NO 7-3 NFC with a 361.2 yards per game
Week 2 at TB 0-7 Week 11 vs. Den 3-7
Week 3 vs. KC 14-0 Week 12 vs. Car 10-0
average. Running back Michael Turner
Week 4 at Car 3-7 Week 13 at SD 6-7 ranked second in the league in rushing
Week 5 at GB 10-0 Week 14 at NO 0-7 with 1,699 yards while quarterback
Week 6 vs. Chi 6-0 Week 15 vs. TB 10-0 Matt Ryan contributed with 3,440 pass-
Week 8 at Phi 0-0 Week 16 at Min 7-7 ing yards en route to a 208.5 net pass-
Week 9 at Oak 14-0 Week 17 vs. Stl 3-7 ing average per game.
Quarterback Matt Ryan
2008 NFL Team Leaders in First Quarter Scoring
Team First Quarter Points 2008 NFL Team Rushing Leaders
Atlanta Falcons 114 Team Total Rushing Yards Rushing Avg.
Chicago Bears 109 New York Giants 2,518 157.4
Denver Broncos 106 Atlanta Falcons 2,443 152.7
2008 NFC Team Leaders in First Quarter Points Allowed Carolina Panthers 2,437 152.3
Team First Quarter Points Baltimore Ravens 2,376 148.5
New York Giants 39 Minnesota Vikings 2,332 145.8
Chicago Bears 47
Atlanta Falcons 52 2008 NFC Team Leaders in Total Offense
Team Rushing Avg. Passing Avg. Yardage Avg.
New Orleans Saints 99.6 311.1 410.7
POINT well TAKEN Arizona Cardinals 73.6 292.1 365.8
Atlanta’s 24 points in the first half against the Raiders are tied for Atlanta Falcons 152.7 208.5 361.2
the fifth-highest total in franchise history since 1991. The first half New York Giants 157.4 198.6 355.9
point total is also the most in a game since October 2, 2005 Green Bay Packers 112.8 238.3 351.1
against Minnesota where the Falcons defeated the Vikings, 30-10.
WING TIPS
Game Net Rushing Net Passing Net Yards October 12, 2008 – Falcons 22, Bears 20
vs. Detroit (Week 1) 318 156 474
at Tampa Bay (Week 2) 105 129 234 The Bears, with 11 seconds remaining,
vs. Kansas City (Week 3) 186 192 378 take a 20-19 lead at the Georgia Dome
at Carolina (Week 4) 118 150 268 with a 17-yard TD strike from Chicago
at Green Bay (Week 5) 176 194 370 quarterback Kyle Orton to wide receiver
vs. Chicago (Week 6) 75 301 376 Rashied Davis. The ensuing kickoff is a
at Philadelphia (Week 8) 77 258 335 squibb kick and returned to the Falcons
at Oakland (Week 9) 252 201 453 44-yard line by wide receiver Harry
vs. New Orleans (Week 10) 113 248 361 Douglas. Falcons quarterback Matt
vs. Denver (Week 11) 114 250 364 Ryan finds wide receiver Michael
vs. Carolina (Week 12) 133 259 392 Jenkins on a corner route for a 26-yard
at San Diego (Week 13) 141 207 348 gain to set up the potential game-win-
at New Orleans (Week 14) 99 315 414 ning FG. Falcons kicker Jason Elam
vs. Tampa Bay (Week 15) 175 198 373 connects from 48 yards away to give the
at Minnesota (Week 16) 98 124 222 Falcons the walk-off win as time expired.
vs. St. Louis (Week 17) 263 154 417 Wide receiver Michael Jenkins caught this 26-yard pass
with one second remaining in the game to set-up kicker
Jason Elam’s game-winning field goal.
This season, the Atlanta Falcons The Giants, on Monday Night Football at the Meadowlands, got a
offense recorded 5,779 net yards en 30-yard FG with 11 seconds remaining from Matt Bryant to take a
route to an 11-5 record and a 7-1 32-29 lead. Bryant then booted the ensuing kickoff out of bounds.
mark at home. Running back Michael Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter then hit wide receiver Antonio
Turner paced a ground game which Bryant for a 26-yard gain with four seconds remaining. Cowboys
posted 2,443 yards while quarter- kicker Billy Cundiff then forced OT with a 52-yard FG for the
back Matt Ryan and wide receivers Cowboys. Cundiff later kicked the game-winning 26-yarder in OT
Roddy White and Michael Jenkins to give Dallas a 35-32 win in the OT period.
contributed to an air attack which tal-
lied 3,336 net passing yards. The November 8, 1970 – Saints 19, Lions 17
Falcons 2008 net yardage total set a
franchise record for total offensive The Saints get their final win of a 2-11-1 year in Week 8. The Lions
net yards in a season, topping the Wide receiver Michael Jenkins and the kicked a FG with 11 seconds remaining to take a 17-16 lead at old
previous best of 5,661 yards in 1981. Falcons celebrate a touchdown. Tulane Stadium. The Saints received the ensuing kickoff, and
Below is a look at Atlanta’s top offenses in terms of net yards in a stepped out of bounds immediately and then completed a pass to
season. set up a 63-yard FG attempt by Tom Dempsey. Dempsey would
Year Net Yards Gained kick the game-winning FG (setting the NFL record for the longest
2008 5,779 FG ever made) and the Saints won 19-17.
1981 5,661
1980 5,650
1983 5,628 fall rush
Atlanta’s rushing offense totaled 727 yards in four games through
Along with posting an impressive offensive package, the Falcons
the month of September, which led the NFL and was the third high-
finished fifth in points scored in a season (391) and tied for sixth in
est total for the month in franchise history. The Falcons rushing
touchdowns (43). Below is a glance at Atlanta’s top seasons in
mark also tops September totals from 2004 (531 yards), 2005 (551
terms of points.
yards) and 2006 (675 yards) when Atlanta finished the season
Year Points in the Season leading the league in rushing. Below is a look at the Falcons high-
1998 442 est rushing totals in the month of September in team annals.
1981 426
Year Games Att Yards
1980 405
1986 4 183 871
2002 402
1984 5 162 750
2008 391
2008 4 129 727
WING TIPS
Against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10, Falcons RB Jerious This season, the Falcons beefed up its
Norwood registered a total of 178 all-purpose yards by rushing for starting five on the offensive line as the
17, receiving for 88 and totaling 73 yards on two kickoff returns. In squad was collectively 22 pounds heav-
the fourth quarter, Norwood grabbed a 67-yard touchdown pass ier than the starting five in the first week
from QB Matt Ryan to give the Falcons a 27-6 lead over their of the 2007 regular season. Atlanta also
Southern Division foe. The touchdown reception marked the first of featured Sam Baker, the Falcons second
Norwood’s three-year career and also set a career-long, surpass- selection in the first round of the 2008
ing his previous best of 46 yards vs. New Orleans on December NFL Draft. Baker, weighed in at 312
10, 2007. The catch was also the fourth play of 60-plus yards from pounds and started five games at left
scrimmage for Norwood in his career as the explosive running tackle in 2008.
back has amassed five career catches of over 30 yards in 44 Center Todd McClure
career games. Below is a look at his longest career receptions. Weight of Atlanta’s 2008 Starting Offensive Line
LT Sam Baker 312 pounds
Norwood’s Longest Career Receptions LG Justin Blalock 333 pounds
Date Opp. Long C Todd McClure 301 pounds
11/9/08 vs. New Orleans 67t RG Harvey Dahl 308 pounds
12/10/07 vs. New Orleans 46 RT Tyson Clabo 332 pounds
12/30/07 vs. Seattle 35
10/29/06 at Cincinnati 32 Total Weight - 1,586 pounds
9/21/08 vs. Kansas City 30
Weight of Atlanta’s 2007 Starting Offensive Line in Week 1
LT Wayne Gandy 315 pounds
LG Justin Blalock 329 pounds
C Todd McClure 295 pounds
RG Kynan Forney 311 pounds
RT Todd Weiner 314 pounds
MAX PROTECTION
Running back Jerious Norwood slides past a Denver defender.
The Falcons allowed an average of only one sack for every 25.5
plays, which set a team record and topped the old average of one
first down fin sack for every 17.1 plays (1994, ‘97). Atlanta’s offensive line also
allowed only 17 sacks on 434 passing attempts, which broke the
Against the Minnesota Vikings in a current club record of 25 sacks allowed in one campaign (1982 on
Week 16 meeting, wide receiver Brian 219 passing attempts).
Finneran logged one reception on third
down for a gain of 13 yards and a new
set of downs. At the conclusion of the starting debuts...
regular season, Finneran has posted
132 of 194 career receptions that have The Falcons had 10 players earn opening day starts for the first
gone for a first down or touchdown time in their NFL careers. The players lining up as starters for the
(68.0 percent). This season, the veter- first time included: QB Matt Ryan, LT Sam Baker, RB Michael
an receiver was a target for rookie Turner, TE Ben Hartsock, RG Harvey Dahl, RT Tyson Clabo, DT
quarterback Matt Ryan as 16 of his 24 Jonathan Babineaux, MLB Curtis Lofton, LCB Brent Grimes and
catches came on third down plays, 13 RCB Chris Houston.
Wide receiver Brian Finneran
of which were converted for a new set of downs. Finneran’s team- Three of the 10 new opening day starters included Falcons offen-
mate, Roddy White, led the team in the category with 29 third down sive linemen who helped block for an Atlanta offense that record-
receptions for a first down. ed a team record 318 rushing yards and 474 yards of total offense
in a Week 1 meeting against Detroit.
home stand “The most underappreciated but most outstanding position group
of Week 1 in the NFL was the Atlanta Falcons offensive line. Left
With a 31-27 victory over St. Louis in Week 17, the Falcons won to right: Sam Baker, Justin Blalock, Todd McClure, Harvey Dahl
their seventh game at home and brought their 2008 record at the and Tyson Clabo. The line paved the way for 318 rushing yards.
Georgia Dome to 7-1. Prior to a Week 11 loss against Denver, The line allowed one sack and one pressure of Matt Ryan. The
Atlanta’s previous 4-0 mark set the best start at home for the line cleared the way for an average of 8.3 yards per play.”
Falcons since 1998 when Atlanta finished with an undefeated
Georgia Dome record (8-0) en route to a Super Bowl appearance. - Peter King
The ‘98 and ‘08 campaigns are the only two seasons the Falcons Monday Morning Quarterback, CNNSI
have started 4-0 at home in franchise history.
WING TIPS
time on your side 32 Consecutive field goals K Jason Elam has converted from
20-29 yards.
The Falcons defense significantly helped the offense utilize its time
on the field, especially in the first half of play this season. Atlanta 26.5 The number of sacks John Abraham has totaled in his last
31 games on the defensive line.
held its opponents to an average of six minutes and one-second in
time of possession in the first quarter, which ranked first in the 15 Consecutive field goals K Jason Elam has converted from
league. Along with a seven-minute and 14-second average in the 40-49 yards.
second quarter, the Falcons ranked second in the league in oppo-
nents first half time of possession with a 13-minute and 16-second 8 Consecutive seasons LB Keith Brooking has led the Falcons
mark. in tackles.
WING TIPS
BUILT FOR SUCCESS • The Georgia Dome is the second largest cable-supported Dome
in the world with a translucent teflon roof to allow natural lighting.
The 2008 Atlanta Falcons competed with a
revamped coaching staff, complete with 17 • First Preseason Game:
coaches who hold 188 years of combined NFL August 23, 1992 - Falcons 20 Eagles 10
experience. The Falcons also brought aboard • First Regular Season Game:
Offensive Coordinator Mike Mularkey who, September 6, 1992 - Falcons 20 Jets 17
along with Assistant Head Coach/Secondary
Emmitt Thomas and Wide Receivers Coach
Assistant Head Coach Terry Robiskie, have served as previous head 2008 falcons opponents
Emmitt Thomas has coaches. Mularkey served as the Head Coach
logged 28 seasons in the
NFL. of the Buffalo Bills from 2004-05, Thomas This season the Falcons faced the NFC North and AFC West in
served as the Interim Head Coach of the Falcons for three games cross-division play while battling NFC South opponents, Tampa
last season and Robiskie totaled three games as Interim Head Bay, New Orleans and Carolina twice a year. Atlanta also matched-
Coach of the Washington Redskins (2000) and five games with the up with the St. Louis Rams in a home game at the Georgia Dome
and traveled to Philadelphia to meet the Eagles for the first time
Cleveland Browns (2004). Below is a breakdown of the Falcons
since the 2006 season finale. Collectively, the Falcons hold a 74-64
2008 coaching staff and their NFL experience (including this sea- record against their NFC South foes while totaling 94 all-time victo-
son). ries against their opponents on the 2008 schedule. The NFC South
also tallied a 26-5 combined home record in 2008.
Assistant Head Coach Emmitt Thomas - 28 years
Wide Receivers Coach Terry Robiskie - 27 years
HOME Last Time Played Prior to ‘08 Result 2008 Result
Offensive Line Coach Paul Boudreau - 22 years
Carolina Nov. 11, 2007 W, 20-13 W, 45-28
Defensive Line Coach Ray Hamilton - 22 years New Orleans Dec. 10, 2007 L, 34-14 W, 34-20
Defensive Backs Coach Alvin Reynolds - 16 years Tampa Bay Dec. 16, 2007 L, 37-3 W, 13-10 OT
Offensive Coordinator Mike Mularkey - 15 years Detroit Nov. 5, 2006 L, 30-14 W, 34-21
Special Teams Coordinator Keith Armstrong - 15 years Chicago Dec. 18, 2005 L, 16-3 W, 22-20
Linebackers Coach Glenn Pires - 13 years Kansas City Dec. 24, 2004 L, 56-10 W, 38-14
Head Coach Mike Smith - 10 years Denver Oct. 31, 2004 W, 41-28 L, 24-20
Quarterbacks Coach Bill Musgrave - 10 years St. Louis Dec. 2, 2007 L, 28-16 W, 31-27
Defensive Coordinator Brian VanGorder - 3 years
AWAY Last Time Played Prior to ‘08 Result 2008 Result
Assistant Special Teams Coach - Tom McMahon - 2 years Carolina Nov. 11, 2007 W, 20-13 L, 24-9
Running Backs Coach Gerald Brown - first year New Orleans Dec. 10, 2007 L, 34-14 L, 29-25
Defensive Assistant Joe Danna - first year Tampa Bay Dec. 16, 2007 L, 37-3 L, 24-9
Assistant Offensive Line Coach Paul Dunn - first year Green Bay Nov. 13, 2005 L, 33-25 W, 27-24
Tight Ends Coach Chris Scelfo - first year Minnesota Sept. 9, 2007 L, 24-3 W, 24-17
Offensive Assistant Glenn Thomas - first year Oakland Dec. 12, 2004 W, 35-10 W, 24-0
San Diego Oct. 17, 2004 W, 21-20 W, 22-16
Total Years of NFL experience - 188 Philadelphia Dec. 31, 2006 L, 24-17 L, 27-14
WING TIPS
The Falcons were one of five teams with two selections in the first Currently, the Falcons yield four players from the state of Georgia
round of the NFL Draft. With the third overall selection, Atlanta on their active roster. Two Falcons including quarterback D.J.
drafted quarterback Matt Ryan. The Falcons then made a deal with Shockley and linebacker Tony Gilbert hail from the University of
the Washington Redskins to trade back into the first round and Georgia. Linebacker Keith Brooking, a native of Senoia, Ga., is an
grab offensive tackle Sam Baker with the 21st overall pick. Both alum of Georgia Tech.
players earned opening day starts coming out of training camp.
Below is a look at the five teams with multiple first round picks and Where They’re From
the players selected this year. 1. Keith Brooking - Senoia, Ga.
2. Harry Douglas - Jonesboro, Ga.
TEAM PLAYERS 3. D.J. Shockley - College Park, Ga.
Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan and T Sam Baker 4. Tony Gilbert - Macon, Ga.
Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart and T Jeff Otah
Dallas Cowboys RB Felix Jones and CB Mike Jenkins
Kansas City Chiefs DT Glenn Dorsey and T Branden Albert
New York Jets LB Vernon Gholston and TE Dustin Keller
DRAFT BREAKDOWN
For the second consecutive year, the Falcons drafted 11 players, a
particularly large draft class. Following the first round selections of
Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan and USC offensive tackle 3 2
Sam Baker, the Falcons solidified the linebacker position,
addressed the secondary, found a gem at wide receiver and
1
selected two players from the National Champion LSU Tigers. 4
Below is Atlanta’s draft class breakdown and a look at players from
the 2008 Falcons draft class who earned a spot on the roster. Two
draft picks, LB Robert James and RB Thomas Brown are current-
ly on the injured reserve list.
quarterbacks (3)
No Name
2 Matt Ryan - Started 16 games under center and completed 265 of 434 passes for 3,440 yards, 16
touchdowns and 11 interceptions for an 87.7 passer rating. Was named NFC Rookie of the Month
(October) and NFC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 9). Guided the Falcons to a 7-1 home record.
Totaled a career-high with 315 passing yards against the Saints in Week 14.
3 D.J. Shockley - Listed as the third (inactive) quarterback in all 16 contests this season.
No Name
32 Jerious Norwood - Compiled 489 rushing yards on 95 carries for a 5.1 average, 338 receiving
yards on 36 catches and six total touchdowns. Led the Falcons in receiving with 88 yards against
New Orleans (Week 10) while recording his longest reception and first receiving touchdown of 67
yards. Posted two rushing touchdowns, one against the Lions in Week 1 and the other at Oakland in
Week 9. Recorded 51 kickoff returns for 1,311 yards and a long return of 92 yards against St. Louis
in Week 17.
33 Michael Turner - In his first game in an Atlanta uniform, set the Falcons single-game rushing record
with 220 yards on 22 carries (10.0 avg.) vs. Detroit. Totaled his 11th-career 100-yard game against
St. Louis in Week 17. This season, ranked second in the NFL with 376 carries for 1,699 yards while
contributing with 17 touchdowns (set a franchise-high for a single season). Turner also topped the
1,000-yard mark in Week 12 while tying a club record with four touchdowns. Was named NFC
Offensive Player of the Week on two occasions (Week 1 vs. Detroit and Week 3 vs. Kansas City).
34 Ovie Mughelli - Blocked for a Falcons running game which totaled 2,443 rushing yards this sea-
son (ranked second in the NFL). Caught a season-high 18-yard reception against the Oakland
Raiders in Week 9 and contributed with 57 receiving yards and 16 rushing yards.
44 Jason Snelling - Led the Falcons with 17 special teams tackles and posted 15 rushes for 62 yards.
No Name
12 Michael Jenkins - Caught Matt Ryan’s first-career NFL pass and ran 62 yards for a touchdown
against Detroit in Week 1. Added his second-career multiple-touchdown game after grabbing two
touchdown passes against the Oakland Raiders in Week 9 while leading the team in receiving
yardage. This season, compiled 50 catches for 777 yards and three TDs.
14 Eric Weems - Caught his first-career catch against Carolina in Week 12 with a four-yard gain in the
first quarter and provided a key block for WR Harry Douglas’ seven-yard touchdown run in the
same game. Recovered his first career fumble on a Minnesota muffed punt in Week 16.
83 Harry Douglas - Rushed 12 times for 69 yards and caught 23 passes for 320 yards this season.
Tallied his first-career touchdowns in a Week 12 meeting against Carolina, when he rushed for a
seven-yard score and became the 10th player in Falcons history to return a punt for a touchdown
with a 61-yard return in the fourth quarter. Also caught one touchdown against San Diego in Week
13. Totaled 19 punt returns for 226 yards (11.9 avg.).
84 Roddy White - Tallied his seventh 100-yard receiving game of the season and set a career-high
with 164 yards on 10 receptions against New Orleans in Week 14. Topped the 1,000-yard plateau
after catching six passes for 112 yards against San Diego in Week 13. Led the team and ranked
fourth in the NFL in receiving with 88 receptions for 1,382 yards and six touchdowns. His 1,382
yards made him the first Falcons receiver to record back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons in franchise
history. His yardage total also set a new franchise record for receiving yards in a season.
POSITION BY POSITION BREAKDOWN
No Name
81 Marcus Pollard - Was signed to the Falcons active roster on December 16, 2008.
85 Jason Rader - Caught his first-career pass for 26 yards in a Week 15 meeting against the Tampa
Bay Buccaneers.
87 Justin Peelle - Significantly contributed with 15 receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns.
Caught his first touchdown pass in an Atlanta Falcons uniform against the Green Bay Packers in
Week 5 and added his second score against the Chargers in Week 13.
No Name
62 Todd McClure - Started his 112th consecutive game on the offensive line to tie Jeff Van Note for
third place in Falcons annals in that category.
63 Justin Blalock - Started every game of the season for the second consecutive year.
67 Ben Wilkerson - Saw action for the Falcons primarily on special teams.
68 Wayne Gandy - Was signed to the Falcons active roster in Week 9 and saw action on the offensive
line in seven games.
69 Alex Stepanovich - Competed in four games on special teams and the offensive line.
72 Sam Baker - Started in five contests as a rookie and helped open holes for Atlanta’s 2,443 rushing
yards.
73 Harvey Dahl - Competed in his 17th game in a Falcons uniform after starting every game in the
2008 season.
74 Todd Weiner - Assisted the offense in averaging 361.2 net yards per game and 152.7 net rushing
yards per game in 2008.
76 Quinn Ojinnaka - Saw action on the offensive line and special teams in eight weeks this year.
77 Tyson Clabo - Started in 37 career contests and helped the Falcons rush for a team record of
318 yards in the season opener against Detroit.
No Name
55 John Abraham - Ranked second in the NFC with a franchise-best 16.5 sacks, which included three
three-sack performances against the Detroit Lions in Week 1, the Oakland Raiders in Week 9 and
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15. Also posted four forced fumbles all on sacks to give him 31
for his career. This season, registered 42 tackles (35 solo).
71 Kroy Biermann - Contributed with 14 tackles and two sacks in his rookie campaign.
75 Simon Fraser - Posted two tackles this season and added one pass defensed against Carolina in
Week 12.
90 Grady Jackson - Totaled 23 tackles (21 solo), one pass defensed and two sacks, one of which
against Green Bay (Week 5) and one versus Tampa Bay in Week 15 this season.
POSITION BY POSITION BREAKDOWN
94 Kindal Moorehead - Made 18 stops (15 solo), one sack, one pass defensed and one forced fumble
on the defensive line in 2008.
95 Jonathan Babineaux - This season, recorded 38 tackles (30 solo), 3.5 sacks, two passes defensed
and one fumble recovery. Notched 1.5 sacks against San Diego in Week 13.
98 Jamaal Anderson - In 2008, totaled 36 tackles (29 solo), two sacks and three passes defensed.
Posted a career day against the Chicago Bears in Week 6 after earning his first-career sack and
deflecting two passes. In Week 13 against San Diego, blocked his first-career field goal to help the
Falcons maintain a 22-13 lead.
99 Jason Jefferson - Competed in 14 games and posted his best outing in Week 2 at Tampa
Bay when he notched three tackles and recovered a fumble. Logged nine stops this year.
linebackers (6)
No Name
50 Curtis Lofton - Led all Falcons rookies and ranked fourth on the team with 108 tackles (67 solo).
According to STATS Inc., Lofton finished second in the league among rookies in stops. In a Week 8
meeting at Philadelphia, posted his first-career sack while forcing a fumble on the play.
51 Tony Gilbert - Was listed as inactive for Atlanta in every contest this season.
52 Coy Wire - Posted 24 tackles while lining up at outside linebacker and 15 stops competing on
the special teams unit in 2008.
54 Stephen Nicholas - Competed at both linebacker and on special teams this season. Ranked third
on the Falcons with 13 special teams tackles and added one sack against the Rams in Week 17.
56 Keith Brooking - Extended his consecutive games starting streak to 128 and ranked first on the
team in tackles for the eighth straight season with 133 (80 solo).
59 Michael Boley - This season, tallied 90 tackles (65 solo), one interception and nine passes
defensed. His lone interception of the year came against the Green Bay Packers in a Week 5
meeting.
No Name
20 Brent Grimes - Intercepted his first-career pass against Kansas City in Week 3 and contributed with
36 tackles (29 solo) and six passes defensed.
22 Chevis Jackson - In 2008, recorded 33 tackles, five passes defensed and one interception. His
first-career INT, the second-longest in Falcons history, was returned 95 yards for a touchdown
against New Orleans in Week 10.
23 Chris Houston - Returned his first-career interception in Week 3 versus Kansas City 10 yards for a
touchdown. Also added 59 tackles (52 solo), 16 passes defensed and another INT while starting
all 16 games at right cornerback.
24 Domonique Foxworth - Started in 10 contests and contributed with 39 tackles (34 solo), 11 passes
defensed and his first interception of the season, which he made against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
in Week 15.
26 Erik Coleman - Ranked second on the team with 127 tackles (82 solo) while adding six passes
defensed, three interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2008.
POSITION BY POSITION BREAKDOWN
29 Jamaal Fudge - Saw action in 11 games, starting in one at strong safety, while posting 12 tackles
and two special teams stops this season.
36 Lawyer Milloy - Ranked third on the team in tackles with 117 (76 solo) and deflected five passes.
Intercepted his 25th career pass against the Detroit Lions in the season opener.
37 Glenn Sharpe - Was inactive for the final three contests of the 2008 season.
42 Eric Brock - Saw action on special teams in the season finale against the St. Louis Rams.
SPECIALISTS (3)
No Name
1 Jason Elam - Split the uprights on 29 of 31 field goal attempts and 42 points after touchdowns
for 129 points this season. Following a missed field goal in Week 6, the 16-year veteran posted a
streak of 30 consecutive field goals dating back to 2007. Notched his 38th field goal of 50-plus yards
in the season opener versus Detroit.
9 Michael Koenen - Totaled 63 punts for 2,566 yards, 25 of which were pinned inside the 20-yard line
and a long kick of 60 yards. Set a career-high with five punts downed inside the 20-yard line in
Week 8 at Philadelphia.
46 Mike Schneck - Served as the Falcons long snapper in every contest this season and finished the
year with one special teams stop.
2008 Atlanta Falcons Alphabetical Roster
PRACTICE SQUAD
38 Barclay, Chris RB 5-10 180 10/15/83 2 Wake Forest FA '08 Louisville, KY
66 Bennett, Nate OG 6-4 315 1/19/84 R Clemson FA '08 Dallas, GA
70 Butterworth, Michael OL 6-7 298 1/7/85 R Slippery Rock FA '08 Northern Cambria, PA
96 Evans, Willie DE 6-1 267 3/5/84 1 Mississippi State FA '08 Waynesboro, MS
11 Kinoshita, Noriaki** WR 5-10 179 12/29/82 1 Ritsumeikan (Japan) FA '08 Osaka, Japan
91 Myles, Tywain DT 6-2 305 10/1/84 R Tarleton State FA '08 Nacogdoches, TX
35 Vinnett, Darius CB 5-8 170 9/30/84 2 Arkansas FA '08 New Orleans, LA
18 Williams, Chandler WR 5-11 178 8/9/85 1 Florida International FA '08 Miami, FL
82 Zinger, Keith TE 6-4 268 10/9/84 R LSU D7b '08 Leesville, LA
INJURED RESERVE
27 Brown, Thomas RB 5-8 200 5/15/86 R Georgia D6 '08 Tucker, GA
41 Harris, Antonie S 5-10 197 4/8/82 2 Louisville FA '07 Columbus, OH
89 Hartsock, Ben TE 6-4 264 7/5/80 5 Ohio State FA '08 Chillicothe, OH
25 Hutchins, Von CB 5-10 185 2/14/81 5 Mississippi FA '08 Natchez, MS
30 Irons, David CB 5-11 197 10/9/82 2 Auburn D6b '07 Dacula, GA
51 James, Robert LB 5-11 218 12/26/83 R Arizona State D5a '08 Glendale, AZ
64 McCoy, Pat OL 6-5 328 12/14/80 2 West Texas A&M FA '07 Fairfield, CA
19 Robinson, Laurent WR 6-2 194 5/20/85 2 Illinois State D3 '07 Fort Lewis, WA
updated 1/6/2009
2008 Atlanta Falcons Numerical Roster
PRACTICE SQUAD
11 Noriaki Kinoshita** WR 5-10 179 26 1 Ritsumeikan (Japan) FA '08 Osaka, Japan
18 Chandler Williams WR 5-11 178 23 1 Florida International FA '08 Miami, FL
35 Darius Vinnett CB 5-8 170 24 2 Arkansas FA '08 New Orleans, LA
38 Chris Barclay RB 5-10 180 25 2 Wake Forest FA '08 Louisville, KY
66 Nate Bennett OG 6-4 315 25 R Clemson FA '08 Dallas, GA
70 Michael Butterworth OL 6-7 298 24 R Slippery Rock FA '08 Northern Cambria, PA
82 Keith Zinger TE 6-4 268 24 R LSU D7b '08 Leesville, LA
91 Tywain Myles DT 6-2 305 24 R Tarleton State FA '08 Nacogdoches, TX
96 Willie Evans DE 6-1 267 24 1 Mississippi State FA '08 Waynesboro, MS
INJURED RESERVE
19 Laurent Robinson WR 6-2 194 23 2 Illinois State D3 '07 Fort Lewis, WA
25 Von Hutchins CB 5-10 185 27 5 Mississippi FA '08 Natchez, MS
27 Thomas Brown RB 5-8 200 22 R Georgia D6 '08 Tucker, GA
30 David Irons CB 5-11 197 26 2 Auburn D6b '07 Dacula, GA
41 Antoine Harris S 5-10 197 26 2 Louisville FA '07 Columbus, OH
51 Robert James LB 5-11 218 25 R Arizona State D5a '08 Glendale, AZ
64 Pat McCoy OL 6-5 328 28 2 West Texas A&M FA '07 Fairfield, CA
89 Ben Hartsock TE 6-4 264 28 5 Ohio State FA '08 Chillicothe, OH
updated 1/6/2009
2008 Atlanta Falcons Roster By Experience
# PLAYER POS H W Birthdate EXP COLLEGE ACQUIRED HOMETOWN
1 Elam, Jason K 5-11 194 3/8/70 16 Hawaii UFA '08 (Den) Ft. Walton Beach, FL
68 Gandy, Wayne OT 6-5 308 2/10/71 14 Auburn FA' 08 Haines City, FL
81 Pollard, Marcus TE 6-3 255 2/8/72 14 Bradley FA '08 Valley, AL
36 Milloy, Lawyer S 6-0 216 11/14/73 13 Washington FA '06 St. Louis, MO
90 Jackson, Grady DT 6-2 345 1/21/73 12 Knoxville FA '08 Greensboro, AL
56 Brooking, Keith LB 6-2 241 10/30/75 11 Georgia Tech D1 '98 Senoia, GA
74 Weiner, Todd OT 6-4 300 9/16/75 11 Kansas State UFA '02 (Sea) Coral Springs, FL
62 McClure, Todd C 6-1 301 2/16/77 10 LSU D7a '99 Baton Rouge, LA
46 Schneck, Mike LS 6-1 234 8/4/77 10 Wisconsin FA '07 Whitefish Bay, WI
55 Abraham, John DE 6-4 263 5/6/78 9 South Carolina Tr '06 (NYJ) Timmonsville, SC
86 Finneran, Brian WR 6-5 206 1/31/76 9 Villanova FA '00 Mission Viejo, CA
87 Peelle, Justin TE 6-4 250 3/15/79 7 Oregon FA '08 Fresno, CA
52 Wire, Coy LB 6-0 228 11/7/78 7 Stanford FA' 08 Camp Hill, PA
94 Moorehead, Kindal DT 6-2 299 10/14/78 6 Alabama UFA '08 (Car) Memphis, TN
34 Mughelli, Ovie FB 6-1 245 6/10/80 6 Wake Forest UFA '07 (Balt) Boston, MA
8 Redman, Chris QB 6-3 221 7/7/77 6 Louisville FA '07 Louisville, KY
26 Coleman, Erik S 5-10 206 5/16/82 5 Washington State FA '08 Sacramento, CA
51 Gilbert, Tony LB 6-0 248 10/16/79 5 Georgia FA '08 Macon, GA
12 Jenkins, Michael WR 6-4 215 6/18/82 5 Ohio State D1b '04 Tampa, FL
69 Stepanovich, Alex C 6-4 296 9/25/81 5 Ohio State UFA '08 (Cin) Berea, OH
33 Turner, Michael RB 5-10 244 2/13/82 5 Northern Illinois UFA '08 (SD) Waukegan, IL
95 Babineaux, Jonathan DT 6-2 284 10/12/81 4 Iowa D2 '05 Port Arthur, TX
59 Boley, Michael LB 6-3 223 8/24/82 4 Southern Miss D5a '05 Gadsden, AL
92 Davis, Chauncey DE 6-2 274 1/27/83 4 Florida State D4 '05 Bartow, FL
24 Foxworth, Domonique CB 5-11 180 3/27/83 4 Maryland Tr '08 (Den) Cantonsville, MD
75 Fraser, Simon DE 6-6 274 3/27/83 4 Ohio State FA '08 Upper Arlington, OH
99 Jefferson, Jason DT 6-1 295 12/20/81 4 Wisconsin W '08 (Buf) Chicago, IL
9 Koenen, Michael P 5-11 199 7/13/82 4 Western Washington FA '05 Ferndale, WA
84 White, Roddy WR 6-0 208 11/2/81 4 Alabama-Birmingham D1 '05 James Island, SC
77 Clabo, Tyson OT 6-6 332 10/17/81 3 Wake Forest FA '06 Knoxville, TN
29 Fudge, Jamaal S 5-9 194 5/17/83 3 Clemson W '08 (Jax) Jacksonville, FL
32 Norwood, Jerious RB 5-11 202 7/29/83 3 Mississippi State D3 '06 Jackson, MS
76 Ojinnaka, Quinn OT 6-5 305 4/23/84 3 Syracuse D5 '06 Seabrook, MD
85 Rader, Jason TE 6-4 271 4/12/81 3 Marshall FA '08 St. Albans, WV
67 Wilkerson, Ben C 6-4 310 11/22/82 3 Louisiana State FA '07 Port Arthur, TX
98 Anderson, Jamaal DE 6-6 282 2/6/86 2 Arkansas D1 '07 Little Rock, AR
63 Blalock, Justin OG 6-4 333 12/20/83 2 Texas D2a '07 Dallas, TX
73 Dahl, Harvey OG 6-5 308 6/24/81 2 Nevada-Reno FA '07 Fallon, NV
23 Houston, Chris CB 5-11 175 10/18/84 2 Arkansas D2b '07 Austin, TX
54 Nicholas, Stephen LB 6-3 232 5/1/83 2 South Florida D4a '07 Jacksonville, FL
3 Shockley, D.J. QB 6-0 222 3/23/83 2 Georgia D7 '06 College Park, GA
44 Snelling, Jason RB 5-11 229 12/29/83 2 Virginia D7 '07 Chester, VA
20 Grimes, Brent CB 5-10 185 7/19/83 1 Shippensburg FA '07 Philadelphia, PA
14 Weems, Eric WR 5-9 191 7/4/85 1 Bethune-Cookman FA '07 Ormond Beach, FL
72 Baker, Sam OT 6-5 312 5/30/85 R USC D1b '08 Tustin, CA
71 Biermann, Kroy DE 6-3 241 9/12/85 R Montana D5b '08 Hardin, MT
42 Brock, Eric S 6-0 202 4/24/85 R Auburn FA '08 Alexander City, AL
28 DeCoud, Thomas S 6-0 197 3/19/85 R Cal-Berkeley D3c '08 Vallejo, CA
83 Douglas, Harry WR 5-11 171 9/16/84 R Louisville D3b '08 Jonesboro, GA
22 Jackson, Chevis CB 5-11 185 12/11/85 R LSU D3a '08 Mobile, AL
50 Lofton, Curtis LB 6-0 248 6/2/86 R Oklahoma D2 '08 Kingfisher, OK
2 Ryan, Matt QB 6-4 220 5/17/85 R Boston College D1a '08 Exton, PA
37 Sharpe, Glenn CB 6-0 185 2/27/84 R Miami (Fla.) FA '08 Miami, FL
PRACTICE SQUAD
38 Barclay, Chris RB 5-10 180 10/15/83 2 Wake Forest FA '08 Louisville, KY
35 Vinnett, Darius CB 5-8 170 9/30/84 2 Arkansas FA '08 New Orleans, LA
96 Evans, Willie DE 6-1 267 3/5/84 1 Mississippi State FA '08 Waynesboro, MS
11 Kinoshita, Noriaki** WR 5-10 179 12/29/82 1 Ritsumeikan (Japan) FA '08 Osaka, Japan
18 Williams, Chandler WR 5-11 178 8/9/85 1 Florida International FA '08 Miami, FL
66 Bennett, Nate OG 6-4 315 1/19/84 R Clemson FA '08 Dallas, GA
70 Butterworth, Michael OL 6-7 298 1/7/85 R Slippery Rock FA '08 Northern Cambria, PA
91 Myles, Tywain DT 6-2 305 10/1/84 R Tarleton State FA '08 Nacogdoches, TX
82 Zinger, Keith TE 6-4 268 10/9/84 R LSU D7b '08 Leesville, LA
INJURED RESERVE
89 Hartsock, Ben TE 6-4 264 7/5/80 5 Ohio State FA '08 Chillicothe, OH
25 Hutchins, Von CB 5-10 185 2/14/81 5 Mississippi FA '08 Natchez, MS
41 Harris, Antonie S 5-10 197 4/8/82 2 Louisville FA '07 Columbus, OH
30 Irons, David CB 5-11 197 10/9/82 2 Auburn D6b '07 Dacula, GA
64 McCoy, Pat OL 6-5 333 12/14/80 2 West Texas A&M FA '07 Fairfield, CA
19 Robinson, Laurent WR 6-2 194 5/20/85 2 Illinois State D3 '07 Fort Lewis, WA
27 Brown, Thomas RB 5-8 200 5/15/86 R Georgia D6 '08 Tucker, GA
51 James, Robert LB 5-11 218 12/26/83 R Arizona State D5a '08 Glendale, AZ
COACHING STAFF
Mike Smith (Head Coach), Emmitt Thomas (Assistant Head Coach/Secondary),
Mike Mularkey (Offensive Coordinator), Brian VanGorder (Defensive Coordinator), Keith Armstrong (Special Teams Coordinator),
Paul Boudreau (Offensive Line), Gerald Brown (Running Backs), Joe Danna (Defensive Assistant), Paul Dunn (Assistant Offensive Line), Jeff Fish (Director of Athletic Performance),
Ray Hamilton (Defensive Line), Josh Hingst (Team Nutritionist), Bill Hughan (Assistant Director of Athletic Performance), Tom McMahon (Assistant Special Teams),
Bill Musgrave (Quarterbacks), Glenn Pires (Linebackers), Doug Plank (Coaching Assistant), Alvin Reynolds (Defensive Backs), Terry Robiskie (Wide Receivers),
Chris Scelfo (Tight Ends), Glenn Thomas (Offensive Assistant).
updated 1/6/2009
2008 Atlanta Falcons Roster By Position
Offense: 25 Defense/Special Teams: 28
Coordinator: Mike Mularkey Coordinator: Brian VanGorder
Offensive Assistant: Glenn Thomas Defensive Assistant: Joe Danna
QUARTERBACKS (3) DEFENSIVE LINE (9)
Coach: Bill Musgrave Coach: Ray Hamilton
2 Matt Ryan 55 John Abraham
3 D.J. Shockley 71 Kroy Biermann
8 Chris Redman 75 Simon Fraser
90 Grady Jackson
RUNNING BACKS (4) 92 Chauncey Davis
Coach: Gerald Brown 94 Kindal Moorehead
32 Jerious Norwood 95 Jonathan Babineaux
33 Michael Turner 98 Jamaal Anderson
34 Ovie Mughelli 99 Jason Jefferson
44 Jason Snelling
LINEBACKERS (6)
WIDE RECEIVERS (5) Coach: Glenn Pires
Coach: Terry Robiskie 50 Curtis Lofton
12 Michael Jenkins 51 Tony Gilbert
14 Eric Weems 52 Coy Wire
83 Harry Douglas 54 Stephen Nicholas
84 Roddy White 56 Keith Brooking
86 Brian Finneran 59 Michael Boley
OFFENSE
WR 12 Michael Jenkins 86 Brian Finneran
LT 72 Sam Baker 76 Quinn Ojinnaka 68 Wayne Gandy
LG 63 Justin Blalock 67 Ben Wilkerson
C 62 Todd McClure 67 Ben Wilkerson 69 Alex Stepanovich
RG 73 Harvey Dahl 77 Tyson Clabo
RT 77 Tyson Clabo 74 Todd Weiner
TE 87 Justin Peelle 85 Jason Rader 81 Marcus Pollard
WR 84 Roddy White 83 Harry Douglas 14 Eric Weems
QB 2 Matt Ryan 8 Chris Redman 3 D.J. Shockley
RB 33 Michael Turner 32 Jerious Norwood 44 Jason Snelling
FB 34 Ovie Mughelli
DEFENSE
RE 55 John Abraham 92 Chauncey Davis 71 Kroy Biermann
DT 90 Grady Jackson 99 Jason Jefferson
DT 95 Jonathan Babineaux 94 Kindal Moorehead
LE 98 Jamaal Anderson 75 Simon Fraser
OLB 59 Michael Boley 54 Stephen Nicholas
MLB 50 Curtis Lofton 51 Tony Gilbert
OLB 56 Keith Brooking 52 Coy Wire
RCB 23 Chris Houston 22 Chevis Jackson
LCB 24 Domonique Foxworth 20 Brent Grimes 37 Glenn Sharpe
SS 36 Lawyer Milloy 29 Jamaal Fudge 42 Eric Brock
FS 26 Erik Coleman 28 Thomas DeCoud
SPECIALISTS
K 1 Jason Elam
KO 9 Michael Koenen 1 Jason Elam
P 9 Michael Koenen 1 Jason Elam
KR 32 Jerious Norwood
PR 83 Harry Douglas
LS 46 Mike Schneck
H 9 Michael Koenen
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
Position - start P - played IA - inactive DNP - did not play IR - injured reserve MR - reserve/military NFI - reserve/non-football injury
PUP- physically unable to perform SR - Supsended/Reserve PS/IN - practice squad/Injured
HOW THE FALCONS WERE BUILT
Year By Draft By Trade Undrafted Free Agents Free Agents
2008 QB Matt Ryan (D1a-‘08) CB Domonique Foxworth S Eric Brock
OT Sam Baker (D1b-‘08) (Tr ‘08 - Den) S Erik Coleman
LB Curtis Lofton (D2-‘08) K Jason Elam (UFA-‘08 - Den.)
CB Chevis Jackson (D3a-‘08) DE Simon Fraser
WR Harry Douglas (D3b-‘08) S Jamaal Fudge (W ‘08 - Jax)
S Thomas DeCoud (D3c-‘08) OT Wayne Gandy
DE Kroy Biermann (D5b-‘08) LB Tony Gilbert
DT Grady Jackson
DT Jason Jefferson (W ‘08 - Buf)
DT Kindal Moorehead (UFA-‘08 - Car.)
TE Justin Peelle
TE Marcus Pollard
TE Jason Rader
CB Glenn Sharpe
C Alex Stepanovich (UFA-‘08 - Cin.)
RB Michael Turner (UFA-‘08 - S.D.)
WR Eric Weems
LB Coy Wire
2006 RB Jerious Norwood (D3-‘06) DE John Abraham (Tr-‘06 - NYJ) OT Tyson Clabo
OT Quinn Ojinnaka (D5-‘06) S Lawyer Milloy
QB D.J. Shockley (D7-‘06)
2003
2001
March 1 Signed free agent S Erik Coleman and signed free agent CB Von Hutchins
March 2 Signed unrestricted free agent (SD) Michael Turner and signed free agent TE Ben Hartsock
March 3 Released RB Warrick Dunn
March 5 Released QB Joey Harrington
March 7 Signed unrestriced free agent (Car) DL Kindal Moorehead and free agents DL Simon Fraser and Rashad Moore
March 10 Re-signed DT Tim Anderson and signed Unrestricted Free Agent (Cin) Alex Stepanovich
March 12 Re-signed QB Joey Harrington
March 14 Signed free agent TE Jason Rader
March 19 Retained exclusive rights for OL Tyson Clabo
March 20 Traded CB DeAngelo Hall to the Oakland Raiders for a second round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and a future fifth
round selection in the 2009 draft
March 21 Signed unrestricted free agent (Den) K Jason Elam
March 24 Retained exclusive rights for DT Montavious Stanley
September 1 Signed RB Kenneth Davis and DE Sean Conover to the practice squad, signed free agents TE Justin Peelle and LB Tony
Gilbert and released TE Jason Rader and LB Tony Taylor
September 2 Traded a 2009 seventh round draft pick to the Denver Broncos for CB Domonique Foxworth, claimed Jamaal Fudge off of
waivers (Jax) and released CB Blue Adams and FB Corey McIntyre
September 16 Waived TE Martrez Milner
September 17 Signed TE Jason Rader
October 14 Signed free agent RB Chris Barclay to the practice squad, RB Kenneth Darby signed off of the Falcons practice squad to
the St. Louis Rams active roster
October 29 Signed free agent OT Wayne Gandy, signed free agent DT J’Vonne Parker to the practice squad, released TE Jason Rader
and released DE Sean Conover from the practice squad
November 11 Released WR Adam Jennings, signed DE Brandon Miller from the practice squad to the active roster and signed free
agent WR Chandler Williams to the practice squad
November 19 Waived DE Brandon Miller and signed WR Eric Weems from the practice squad to the active roster
November 20 Signed DE Willie Evans to the practice squad
November 26 Placed TE Ben Hartsock on injured reserve and signed free agent TE Jason Rader
December 9 Placed S Antoine Harris on injured reserve, signed CB Glenn Sharpe from the practice squad to the active roster and
signed OG Nate Bennett to the practice squad
December 10 OL D’Anthony Batiste was signed off the practice squad to the Washington Redskins roster
December 16 Placed CB David Irons and WR Laurent Robinson on injured reserve, signed S Eric Brock from the practice squad to the
active roster, signed free agent TE Marcus Pollard to the active roster and signed OL Michael Butterworth and CB Darius
Vinnett to the practice squad
December 24 DT J’Vonne Parker signed from the Falcons practice squad to the Carolina Panthers roster, signed DT Tywain Myles to the
practice squad
ATLANTA FALCONS / WEEK 17 / THROUGH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008
* PASSING Att Cmp Yds Cmp% Yds/Att TD TD% Int Int% Long Sack/Lost Rating
Ryan 434 265 3440 61.1 7.93 16 3.7 11 2.5 70t 17/ 104 87.7
TEAM 434 265 3440 61.1 7.93 16 3.7 11 2.5 70t 17/ 104 87.7
OPPONENTS 549 325 3771 59.2 6.87 20 3.6 10 1.8 56t 34/ 245 84.6
2008 ATLANTA FALCONS
DEFENSIVE/SPECIAL TEAMS STATS
Based on Coaches Breakdown
* PASSING Att Cmp Yds Cmp% Yds/Att TD TD% Int Int% Long Sack/Lost Rating
Ryan 40 26 199 65.0 4.98 2 5.0 2 5.0 28 3/ 9 72.8
TEAM 40 26 199 65.0 4.98 2 5.0 2 5.0 28 3/ 9 72.8
OPPONENTS 32 19 271 59.4 8.47 2 6.3 1 3.1 71t 0/ 0 94.7
2008 ATLANTA FALCONS POSTSEASON
DEFENSIVE/SPECIAL TEAMS STATS
Based on Coaches Breakdown
DEFENSE
LE DT DT RE OLB MLB OLB LCB RCB SS FS
09/07 DET J. Anderson G. Jackson J. Babineaux J. Abraham M. Boley C. Lofton K. Brooking B. Grimes C. Houston L. Milloy E. Coleman
09/14 @TB J. Anderson J. Jefferson J. Babineaux J. Abraham M. Boley C. Lofton K. Brooking B. Grimes C. Houston L. Milloy E. Coleman
09/21 KC J. Anderson G. Jackson J. Babineaux J. Abraham C. Wire C. Lofton K. Brooking B. Grimes C. Houston L. Milloy E. Coleman
09/28 @CAR J. Anderson G. Jackson J. Babineaux J. Abraham M. Boley C. Lofton K. Brooking B. Grimes C. Houston L. Milloy E. Coleman
10/05 @GB J. Anderson G. Jackson J. Babineaux J. Abraham M. Boley C. Lofton K. Brooking B. Grimes C. Houstoin L. Milloy E. Coleman
10/12 CHI J. Anderson G. Jackson J. Babineaux J. Abraham M. Boley C. Lofton K. Brooking B. Grimes C. Houston L. Milloy E. Coleman
10/26 @PHI J. Anderson G. Jackson J. Babineaux J. Abraham M. Boley C. Lofton K. Brooking D. Foxworth C. Houston L. Milloy E. Coleman
11/02 @OAK J. Anderson G. Jackson J. Babineaux J. Abraham M. Boley C. Lofton K. Brooking D. Foxworth C. Houston L. Milloy C. Jackson
11/09 NO J. Anderson G. Jackson J. Babineaux J. Abraham M. Boley C. Lofton K. Brooking D. Foxworth C. Houston L. Milloy E. Coleman
11/16 DEN J. Anderson G. Jackson J. Babineaux J. Abraham M. Boley C. Lofton K. Brooking D. Foxworth C. Houston L. Milloy E. Coleman
11/23 CAR J. Anderson G. Jackson J. Babineaux J. Abraham M. Boley C. Lofton K. Brooking D. Foxworth C. Houston L. Milloy E. Coleman
11/30 @SD J. Anderson G. Jackson J. Babineaux J. Abraham M. Boley C. Lofton K. Brooking D. Foxworth C. Houston L. Milloy E. Coleman
12/07 @NO J. Anderson G. Jackson K. Moorehead J. Abraham M. Boley C. Jackson (CB) K. Brooking D. Foxworth C. Houston L. Milloy E. Coleman
12/14 TB J. Anderson G. Jackson J. Babineaux J. Abraham C. Wire C. Lofton K. Brooking D. Foxworth C. Houston L. Milloy E. Coleman
12/21 @MIN J. Anderson G. Jackson J. Babineaux J. Abraham C. Wire C. Lofton K. Brooking D. Foxworth C. Houston L. Milloy E. Coleman
12/28 STL C. Davis G. Jackson J. Babineaux J. Abraham C. Wire C. Lofton K. Brooking D. Foxworth C. Houston J. Fudge E. Coleman
2008 ATLANTA FALCONS OPPONENTS’ RED ZONE STATISTICS “INSIDE THE 20”
Score Drives in
OPPONENT ATL Opp Red Zone Scores Scoring % Pts TDs TD% FGs Turnovers
DET 34 21 2 2 100.0 14 2 100.0 0 0
@TB 9 24 5 3 60.0 17 2 60.0 0 1
KC 38 14 4 2 50.0 14 2 50.0 0 0
@CAR 9 24 1 1 100.0 7 1 100.0 0 0
@GB 27 24 1 1 100.0 7 1 100.0 0 0
CHI 22 20 5 4 80.0 20 2 40.0 2 0
@PHI 14 27 4 4 100.0 20 2 50.0 2 0
@OAK 24 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 1
NO 34 20 4 2 50.0 10 1 25.0 1 2
DEN 20 24 4 4 100.0 24 3 75.0 1 0
CAR 45 28 5 5 100.0 28 3 60.0 2 0
@SD 22 16 2 2 100.0 10 1 50.0 1 0
@NO 25 29 5 5 100.0 26 3 60.0 2 0
TB 13 10 1 1 100.0 3 0 0.0 1 0
@MIN 24 17 3 1 33.0 7 1 33.3 0 1
STL 31 27 3 4 70.0 21 3 100.0 0 0
M O S T R U S H I N G AT T E M P T S F E W E S T R U S H I N G AT T E M P T S
Falcons: 57 at Oakland 11/2 Falcons: 23 at Carolina 9/28
Opponents 37 vs. St. Louis 12/28 Opponents: 11 at Oakland 11/2
M O S T P A S S AT T E M P T S F E W E S T P A S S AT T E M P T S
Falcons: 44 at Philadelphia 10/26 Falcons: 13 vs. Detroit 9/7
Opponents: 58 vs. New Orleans 11/9 Opponents: 19 at Oakland 11/2
M O S T T O TA L N E T Y A R D S F E W E S T T O TA L N E T Y A R D S
Falcons: 474 vs. Detroit 9/7 Falcons: 222 at Minnesota 12/21
Opponents: 521 vs. New Orleans 11/9 Opponents: 77 at Oakland 11/2
HIGHEST COMPLETION PCT. (min. 15 att.) 9 Roddy White vs. Chicago 10/12
Falcons: 77.3 Matt Ryan at Oakland 11/2 8 Roddy White at Philadelphia 10/26
Opponents: 72.7 Jon Kitna vs. Detroit 9/7 8 Roddy White at Green Bay 10/5
RECEIVING YARDS
MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES 164 Roddy White at New Orleans 12/7
Falcons: 2 Matt Ryan (5 times) at San Diego 11/30 132 Roddy White at Green Bay 10/5
Opponents: 3 Aaron Rodgers at Green Bay 10/5 119 Roddy White vs. Kansas City 9/21
113 Roddy White at Philadelphia 10/26
MOST RECEPTIONS
Falcons: 10 Roddy White at New Orleans 12/7 LONGEST RECEPTION
Opponents: 8 Antonio Bryant vs. Tampa Bay 12/14 70T Roddy White vs. Kansas City 9/21
69 Harry Douglas vs. Carolina 11/23
MOST RECEIVING YARDS 67T Jerious Norwood vs. New Orleans 11/9
Falcons: 24 Michael Turner vs. Carolina 11/23 41 Matt Ryan at Carolina 9/28
Opponents: 12 (3 times) Steven Jackson vs. St. Louis 12/28 PASS COMPLETIONS
24 Matt Ryan at New Orleans 12/7
MOST SACKS 23 Matt Ryan at Philadelphia 10/26
Falcons: 3.0 John Abraham (3 times) vs. Tampa Bay 12/14
Opponents: 2.0 Gaines Adams at Tampa Bay 9/14 LONGEST KICKOFF RETURn
92 Jerious Norwood vs. St. Louis 12/28
Falcons: 1 Domonique Foxworth vs. Tampa Bay 12/14 54 Jerious Norwood at Green Bay 10/5
Opponents: 1 (three times) Jonathan Wade vs. St. Louis 12/284 LONGEST FIELD GOAL
50 Jason Elam vs. Detroit 9/7
THE FALCONS RECORD WHEN...
By Month
September 2 2 1 3 2 1 2 1 3 0 10 7 0
October 2 1 0 3 3 1 3 1 3 2 11 8 0
November 4 1 2 2 0 4 2 2 3 0 11 9 0
December 3 1 1 4 2 3 1 3 2 2 9 13 0
January 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0
vs. AFC 3 1 1 3 2 2 3 1 3 1 12 8 0
South 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0
East 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 3 1 0
North 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 0
West 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 6 2 0
vs. NFC 6 4 3 9 5 6 5 7 8 4 27 30 0
South 3 3 1 5 3 3 2 4 4 2 13 17 0
East 0 1 0 1 1 3 1 0 1 0 3 5 0
North 4 0 0 1 0 1 2 2 0 1 6 5 0
West 1 0 2 2 1 0 0 1 3 1 7 4 0
Playing Conditions
On grass 3 3 1 4 3 1 1 3 3 2 11 13 0
On Turf 8 2 3 8 4 7 7 5 8 3 30 25 0
Outdoors 3 3 1 3 4 2 2 4 4 3 14 15 0
Indoors 8 2 3 9 3 7 6 4 7 2 27 24 0
Day 10 5 4 9 7 8 5 7 10 5 36 34 0
Night 0 0 0 3 0 1 3 1 1 0 4 5 0
Temp. 85 or higher 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
Temp. 32 or lower 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Following a win 5 5 1 2 4 4 3 3 7 4 20 18 0
Following a loss 5 0 3 9 2 5 4 3 3 1 17 18 0
Leading at halftime 11 1 2 2 3 2 8 1 9 1 33 7 0
Tied at halftime 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 1 0 2 4 0
Trailing at halftime 0 4 1 8 4 6 0 6 1 4 6 28 0
Ahead going into 4th quarter 10 1 2 1 7 0 7 1 9 0 35 3 0
Tied going into 4th quarter 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 3 3 4 0
Trailing going into 4th quarter 1 4 1 11 0 9 0 6 0 2 2 32 0
+ turnover margin 5 0 4 3 7 1 4 3 6 0 26 7 0
Even turnover margin 2 1 0 2 0 4 3 0 3 1 8 8 0
- turnover margin 4 4 0 7 0 4 1 5 2 4 7 24 0
NFL NFC
OFFENSE DEFENSE OFFENSE DEFENSE
OVERALL RUSH PASS OVERALL RUSH PASS OVERALL RUSH PASS OVERALL RUSH PASS
Week 1 3/474.0 1/318.0 24T/156.0 15/308.0 5/62.0 27T/246.0 Week 1 3/474.0 1/318.0 13/156.0 7/308.0 3/62.0 14/246.0
Week 2 9/354.0 3/211.3 26/142.5 17/309.5 20/113.0 18/196.5 Week 2 6/354.0 1/211.5 14/142.5 8/309.5 11/113.0 7/196.5
Week 3 9/362.0 1/203.0 23/159.0 15/306.7 23/136.7 10/170.0 Week 3 7/362.0 1/203.0 14/159.0 9/306.7 13/136.7 3/170.0
Week 4 10/338.5 1/181.8 26/156.8 20/332.3 23/131.3 13/201.0 Week 4 8/338.5 1/181.8 16/156.8 11/332.3 13/131.3 4/201.0
Week 5 8/344.8 2/180.6 25/164.2 23/347.4 21/125.8 22/221.6 Week 5 7/344.8 2/180.6 14/164.2 11/347.4 11/125.8 10/221.6
Week 6 8/350.0 2/163.0 21/187.0 25/349.7 20/118.0 24/231.7 Week 6 6/350.0 2/163.0 13/187.0 12/349.7 11/118.0 13/231.7
Week 7 BYE WEEK BYE WEEK Week 7 BYE WEEK BYE WEEK
Week 8 10/347.9 3/150.7 21/197.1 25/361.4 23/128.6 24/232.9 Week 8 7/347.9 3/1450.7 13/197.1 13/361.4 13/128.6 11/232.9
Week 9 7/361.0 1/163.4 22/197.6 16/325.9 22/120.9 16/205.0 Week 9 5/361.0 1/163.4 14/197.6 9/325.9 13/120.9 8/205.0
Week 10 6/361.0 2/157.8 19/203.2 23/347.6 21/119.1 22/228.4 Week 10 4/361.0 2/157.8 11/203.2 12/347.6 12/119.1 10/228.4
Week 11 7/361.3 2/153.4 14/207.9 23/346.0 22/119.6 22/226.4 Week 11 5/361.3 2/153.4 7/207.9 12/346.0 13/119.6 10/226.4
Week 12 6/364.1 2/151.5 14/212.5 24/351.6 21/120.9 23/230.7 Week 12 4/364.1 2/151.5 7/212.5 13/351.6 12/120.9 12/230.7
Week 13 6/362.8 2/150.7 14/212.1 22/339.1 21/116.7 23/222.4 Week 13 4/362.8 2/150.7 7/212.1 12/339.1 12/116.7 12/222.4
Week 14 5/366.7 2/146.7 13/220.0 22/344.8 22/121.8 23/223.0 Week 14 3/366.7 2/146.7 7/220.0 12/344.8 13/121.8 11/223.0
Week 15 5/367.1 1t/148.7 13/218.4 23/343.4 22/120.2 23/223.2 Week 15 3/367.1 1t/148.7 7/218.4 12/343.4 13/120.2 11/223.2
Week 16 6/357.5 5/145.3 14/121.1 24/343.9 21/122.5 22/221.3 Week 16 3/357.5 4/145.3 7/121.1 13/343.9 12/122.5 11/221.3
Week 17 6/361.2 2/152.7 14/208.5 24/347.9 25/127.5 21/220.4 Week 17 3/361.2 2/152.7 8/208.5 13/347.9 13/127.5 11/220.4
TOTALS 8 10 18 10 11 21 -3
YDS RECEIVER PASSER QTR DATE OPP YDS RECEIVER PASSER QTR DATE OPP
70T R. White M. Ryan 1 9/21 KC 56T S. Smith J. Delhomme 2 9/28 @CAR
69 H. Douglas M. Ryan 4 11/23 CAR 48 M. Colston D. Brees 4 11/9 NO
67T J. Norwood M. Ryan 4 11/9 NO 47 B. Marshall J. Cutler 4 11/16 DEN
62T M. Jenkins M. Ryan 1 9/7 DET 44T D. Driver A. Rodgers 2 10/5 @GB
59 R. White M. Ryan 2 12/7 @NO 41 S. Smith J. Delhomme 3 11/23 CAR
55T R. White M. Ryan 2 10/26 @PHI 38 C. Johnson J. Kitna 2 9/7 DET
46 R. White M. Ryan 3 9/7 DET 37 T. Humphrey A. Rodgers 4 10/5 @GB
47 H. Douglas M. Ryan 3 10/12 CHI 36 S. Jackson M. Bulger 3 12/28 StL
41 M. Jenkins M. Ryan 2 12/28 StL 36 D. Henderson D. Brees 4 12/7 @NO
38 R. White M. Ryan 1 11/30 @SD 36 G. Jennings A. Rodgers 4 10/5 @GB
37 R. White M. Ryan 2 11/16 DEN 36T M. Muhammad J. Delhomme 4 9/28 @CAR
37T M. Jenkins M. Ryan 1 11/2 @OAK 36 J. Gilmore B. Griese 4 9/14 @TB
37 R. White M. Ryan 1 10/5 @GB 33 T. Holt M. Bulger 4 12/28 StL
32 M. Jenkins M. Ryan 2 11/9 NO 32T L. Moore D. Brees 4 11/9 NO
31 M. Jenkins M. Ryan 4 10/5 @GB 31 V. Shiancoe T. Jackson 4 12/21 @MIN
30 R. White M. Ryan 1 12/14 TB 31 S. Smith J. Delhomme 2 11/23 CAR
30 R. White M. Ryan 1 11/23 CAR 30 D. Jackson D. McNabb 2 10/26 @PHI
30 J. Norwood M. Ryan 1 9/21 KC 29 J. Klopfenstein M. Bulger 4 12/28 StL
28 H. Douglas M. Ryan 2 12/7 @NO 27 S. Smith J. Delhomme 4 11/23 CAR
27 J. Snelling M. Ryan 1 11/23 CAR 27 C. Buckhalter D. McNabb 3 10/26 @PHI
27T M. Jenkins M. Ryan 2 11/2 @OAK 25 K. Curtis D. McNabb 3 10/26 @PHI
26 J. Rader M. Ryan 3 12/14 TB 25T G. Jennings A. Rodgers 4 10/5 @GB
26 M. Jenkins M. Ryan 2 12/14 TB 23 B. Miller D. Brees 4 11/9 NO
26 R. White M. Ryan 3 12/7 @NO 23 B. Miller D. Brees 4 11/9 NO
26 M. Jenkins M. Ryan 4 10/12 CHI 23 M. Muhammad J. Delhomme 1 9/28 @CAR
26 R. White M. Ryan 3 10/12 CHI 22 A. Bryant B. Griese 2 12/14 TB
26 R. White M. Ryan 2 10/5 @GB 22 S. Smith J. Delhomme 3 11/23 CAR
25 R. White M. Ryan 3 11/30 @SD 22 D. Jackson D. McNabb 2 10/26 @PHI
23 M. Jenkins M. Ryan 1 12/14 TB 22 G. Olsen K. Orton 4 10/12 CHI
23 R. White M. Ryan 2 9/28 @CAR 21 V. Shiancoe T. Jackson 3 12/21 @MIN
23 L. Robinson M. Ryan 4 9/14 @TB 21T V. Shiancoe T. Jackson 1 12/21 @MIN
22 J. Norwood M. Ryan 1 12/28 StL 21 J. Shockey D. Brees 2 12/7 @NO
22 R. White M. Ryan 3 12/28 StL 21 D. Rosario J. Delhomme 4 11/23 CAR
22 M. Jenkins M. Ryan 3 9/21 @MIN 21 M. Colston D. Brees 4 11/9 NO
22 M. Jenkins M. Ryan 2 11/30 @SD 21 L. Smith D. McNabb 3 10/26 @PHI
22 H. Douglas M. Ryan 1 10/12 CHI 21 M. Muhammad J. Delhomme 1 9/28 @CAR
22T R. White M. Ryan 2 10/5 @GB 21T R. Williams J. Kitna 2 9/7 DET
22 R. White M. Ryan 1 9/28 @CAR 21 C. Johnson J. Kitna 1 9/7 DET
21 M. Jenkins M. Ryan 3 12/7 @NO 21 D. Campbell J. Kitna 2 9/7 DET
21 J. Norwood M. Ryan 2 11/9 NO 20 B. Wade T. Jackson 1 12/21 @MIN
21 M. Jenkins M. Ryan 4 10/26 @PHI 20T A. Bryant B. Griese 2 12/14 TB
21 H. Douglas M. Ryan 3 9/14 @TB 20 M. Clayton B. Griese 2 12/14 TB
20 J. Norwood M. Ryan 4 10/26 @PHI 20 D. Henderson D. Brees 4 11/9 NO
20 J. Norwood M. Ryan 3 10/26 @PHI 20 D. Jackson D. McNabb 2 10/26 @PHI
20 B. Celek D. McNabb 2 10/26 @PHI
20 G. Jennings A. Rodgers 3 10/5 @GB
YDS RUSHER QTR DATE OPP YDS RUSHER QTR DATE OPP
70 M. Turner 4 12/28 StL 68T E. Graham 4 9/14 @TB
66T M. Turner 1 9/7 DET 48 L. Johnson 3 9/21 KC
45 J. Norwood 4 12/28 StL 43 R. Bush 1 12/7 @NO
44 J. Norwood 4 9/21 KC 39T B. Westbrook 4 10/26 @PHI
40 J. Norwood 2 9/28 @CAR 36 S. Jackson 1 12/28 StL
38 M. Turner 1 9/21 KC 30 D. Henderson 2 11/9 NO
33 H. Douglas 2 9/14 @TB 29 T. Jackson 2 12/21 @MIN
29 M. Turner 1 9/7 DET 28 J. Hester 4 11/30 @SD
28T M. Turner 4 11/16 DEN 24 J. Russell 4 11/2 @OAK
26 M. Turner 1 12/7 @NO 23 S. Jackson 2 12/28 StL
23 M. Turner 2 10/12 CHI 22 J. Russell 4 11/2 @OAK
22 M. Turner 3 12/14 TB 21 D. Williams 3 11/23 CAR
22 M. Turner 3 10/26 @PHI 21 D. Williams 3 9/28 @CAR
22 M. Turner 1 10/5 @GB 20 B. Westbrook 4 10/26 @PHI
21 J. Norwood 3 10/12 CHI 20 B. Westbrook 2 10/26 @PHI
20 M. Turner 2 11/9 NO 20 M. Forte 3 10/12 CHI
19 M. Turner 1 11/23 CAR 18 T. Jackson 3 12/21 @MIN
18 M. Turner 1 12/14 TB 18 P. Thomas 2 12/7 @NO
18 H. Douglas 1 10/5 @GB 18 P. Thomas 2 12/7 @NO
17 M. Turner 3 12/28 StL 18 B. Westbrook 3 10/26 @PHI
17 M. Turner OT 12/14 TB 17 A. Peterson 2 12/21 @MIN
17 M. Turner 1 10/26 @PHI 17T W. Dunn 2 9/14 @TB
17 M. Ryan 4 10/5 @GB 16 D. Williams 4 11/23 CAR
17 M. Turner 1 9/14 @TB 16T B. Westbrook 3 10/26 @PHI
17 M. Turner 4 9/7 DET 16 J. Stewart 2 9/28 @CAR
17 J. Norwood 2 9/7 DET 15 P. Pope 3 11/16 DEN
16T M. Turner 4 11/23 CAR
16 M. Turner 4 11/23 CAR
16 M. Turner 3 11/16 DEN
16 M. Turner 2 11/2 @OAK
16 M. Turner 3 9/7 DET
15 M. Turner 2 12/14 TB
15 M. Turner 3 11/30 @SD
15 M. Ryan 3 9/21 KC
15 M. Turner 4 9/7 DET
2008 GAME-BY-GAME rushing
SCORE HARRY DOUGLAS OVIE MUGHELLI JERIOUS NORWOOD MATT RYAN
Game Atl Opp Att Yds Avg LG TD Att Yds Avg LG TD Att Yds Avg LG TD Att Yds Avg LG TD
TOTALS 391 325 434 265 61.1 3,440 3,336 70T 16 11 87.7 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
2008 GAME-BY-GAME rECEIVING
SCORE HARRY DOUGLAS BRIAN FINNERAN BEN HARTSOCK MICHAEL JENKINS
Game Atl Opp Rec Yds Avg LG TD Rec Yds Avg LG TD Rec Yds Avg LG TD Rec Yds Avg LG TD
DET 34 21 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 17 17.0 17 0 1 62 62.0 62T 1
@TB 9 24 2 34 17.0 21 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
KC 38 14 2 10 5.0 6 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 19 9.5 16 0
@CAR 9 24 2 8 4.0 5 0 2 10 5.0 5 0 1 7 7.0 7 0 3 32 10.7 12 0
@GB 27 24 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 3 38 12.7 31 0
CHI 22 20 5 96 19.2 47 0 3 29 9.7 13 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 4 58 14.5 26 0
@PHI 14 27 0 0 0.0 0 0 3 20 6.7 8 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 3 50 16.7 21 0
@OAK 24 0 1 12 12.0 12 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 2 2.0 2 0 2 64 32.0 37T 2
NO 34 20 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 6 6.0 6 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 6 72 12.0 32 0
DEN 20 24 0 0 0.0 0 0 4 44 11.0 14 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 5 55 11.0 15 0
CAR 45 28 4 92 23.0 69 0 1 9 9.0 9 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 4 48 12.0 19 0
@SD 22 16 3 13 4.3 5T 1 2 14 7.0 7 0 INJURED RESERVE 1 22 22.0 22 0
@NO 25 29 2 45 22.5 28 0 2 8 4.0 6 1 INJURED RESERVE 5 69 13.8 21 0
TB 13 10 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 4 4.0 4 0 INJURED RESERVE 3 55 18.3 26 0
@MIN 24 17 1 4 4.0 4 0 1 13 13.0 13 0 INJURED RESERVE 4 61 15.3 22 0
STL 31 27 1 6 6.0 6 0 1 12 12.0 12 0 INJURED RESERVE 4 72 18.0 41 0
TOTALS 391 325 23 320 13.9 69 1 21 169 8.0 14 1 3 26 8.7 17 0 50 777 15.5 62T 3
TOTALS 391 325 8 57 7.1 18 0 36 338 9.4 64T 2 15 159 10.6 18T 2 5 52 10.4 23 0
PLAYER 9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/26 11/02 11/09 11/16 11/23 11/30 12/7 12/14 12/21 12/28 TOTALS
DET @TB KC @CAR @GB CHI @PHI @OAK NO DEN CAR @SD @NO TB @MIN STL
DE John Abraham 3.0/16.0 1.0/5.0 2.0/11.0 1.0/5.0 3.0/16.0 1.0/6.0 1.0/8.0 0.5/4.5 3.0/33.0 1.0/5.0 16.5/109.5
TEAM TOTALS 3.0/16.0 2.0/13.0 2.0/11.0 0.0/0.0 2.0/9.0 1.0/4.0 2.0/13.0 4.0/21.0 1.0/6.0 1.0/8.0 3.0/21.0 3.0/18.0 0.0/0.0 4.0/43.0 3.0/38.0 3.0/24.0 34.0/245.0
PLAYER 9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/26 11/2 11/9 11/16 11/23 11/30 12/7 12/14 12/21 12/28 TOTALS
DET @TB KC @CAR @GB CHI @PHI @OAK NO DEN CAR @SD @NO TB @MIN STL
TEAM TOTALS 1/38 0/0 3/51 0/0 1/16 0/0 0/0 1/0 3/127 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 1/1 0/0 0/0 10/233
2008 GAME-BY-GAME OFFENSIVE STATISTICS
GAME FIRST DOWNS 3RD TOTAL OFFENSE RUSHING PASSING PENALTIES FUMBLES PUNTING
DOWN
T R P PN PCT. Plays Yards Att Yds Net Sacked Gross Att-Comp-Yds-TD-Int No-Yards No-Lost No-Avg T.O.P
DET 23 17 5 1 3-9-33% 56 474 42 318 156 1/5 161 13 - 9 - 161 - 1 - 0 7 - 68 0-0 3 - 38.3 29:07
@TB 14 2 8 4 7-19-37% 65 234 28 105 129 4/29 158 33 - 13 - 158 - 0 - 2 8 - 60 2-0 5 - 36.2 29:38
KC 16 9 7 0 6-13-46% 54 378 36 186 192 0/0 192 18 - 12 - 192 - 1 - 0 4 - 22 1-1 6 - 43.2 30:10
@CAR 17 5 9 3 2-13-15% 66 268 23 118 150 2/8 158 41 - 21 - 158 - 0 - 0 5 - 45 0-0 6 - 42.3 27:45
@GB 22 10 9 3 6-12-50% 62 370 36 176 194 0/0 194 26 - 26 - 194 - 2 - 1 2 - 15 1-0 3 - 41.7 28:43
CHI 18 4 14 0 6-14-43% 60 376 30 75 301 0/0 301 30 - 22 - 301 - 1 - 0 6 - 46 1-1 2 - 41.0 30:50
@PHI 19 3 13 3 6-16-38% 70 335 24 77 258 2/19 277 44 - 23 - 277 - 2 - 2 6 - 51 1-1 7 - 37.7 27:39
@OAK 30 14 12 4 9-17-53% 82 453 57 252 201 3/19 220 22 - 17 - 220 - 2 - 0 4 - 40 1-1 2 - 16.5 45:15
NO 18 6 11 1 5-11-45% 59 361 36 113 248 0/0 248 23 - 16 - 248 - 2 - 0 2 - 25 0-0 4 - 35.3 31:12
DEN 20 6 13 1 11-18-61% 68 364 35 114 250 0/0 250 33 - 20 - 250 - 0 - 1 5 - 36 0-0 2 - 31.0 33:42
CAR 21 10 10 1 6-13-46% 61 392 33 133 259 1/0 259 27 - 17 - 259 - 0 - 0 3 - 25 1-1 3 - 43.0 28:49
@SD 20 9 10 1 8-16-50% 66 348 43 141 207 0/0 207 23 - 17 - 207 - 2 - 0 3 - 20 3-3 2 - 53.0 34:58
@NO 22 9 13 0 7-12-58% 63 414 30 99 315 0/0 315 33 - 24 - 315 - 1 - 1 5 - 34 1-0 4 - 47.5 32:52
TB 18 9 9 0 6-14-43% 67 373 43 175 198 1/8 206 23 - 15 - 206 - 0 - 2 3 - 20 3-1 6 - 37.5 36:10
@MIN 18 9 7 2 5-12-42% 58 222 32 98 124 2/10 134 24 - 13 -124 -1- 0 6 - 70 1-0 6 - 42.2 27:05
STL 17 9 7 1 2-10-20% 54 417 32 263 154 1/6 160 21- 10-160 -1-2 3 - 14 0-0 4 - 36.8 24:27
GAME FIRST DOWNS 3RD TOTAL OFFENSE RUSHING PASSING PENALTIES FUMBLES PUNTING
DOWN
T R P PN PCT. Plays Yards Att Yds Net Sacked Gross Att-Comp-Yds-TD-Int No-Yards No-Lost No-Avg T.O.P
DET 21 4 14 3 2-9-22% 57 308 21 62 246 3/16 262 33 - 24 - 262 - 2 - 1 5 - 30 1-0 6 - 42.5 30:53
@TB 15 5 10 0 6-14-43% 61 311 28 164 147 2/13 160 31 - 18 - 160 - 1 - 0 11 - 94 1-1 5 - 46.6 30:22
KC 17 10 7 0 8-18-44% 71 301 33 184 117 2/11 128 36 - 14 - 128 - 1 - 3 3 - 13 2-0 6 - 51.5 29:50
@CAR 19 5 13 1 3-12-25% 62 401 33 107 294 0/0 294 29 - 20 - 294 - 2 - 0 11 - 90 0-0 6 - 40.8 32:15
@GB 21 6 14 1 7-13-54% 62 408 23 104 304 2/9 313 37 - 25 - 313 - 3 - 1 9 - 97 0-0 3 - 41.0 31:17
CHI 22 4 17 1 9-16-56% 67 361 23 79 282 1/4 286 43 - 26 - 286 - 1 - 0 6 - 57 1-1 3 - 43.3 29:10
@PHI 24 11 11 2 3-12-25% 68 432 32 192 240 2/13 253 34 - 19 - 253 - 0 - 0 7 - 70 1-1 7 - 40.9 32:21
NO 25 5 20 0 7-15-47% 76 521 17 105 416 1/6 422 58 - 31 - 422 - 2 - 3 7 - 45 0-0 3 - 48.3 28:48
DEN 19 7 11 1 7-12-58% 53 332 25 124 208 1/8 216 27 - 19 - 216 - 1 - 0 6 - 36 0-0 3 - 42.3 26:18
CAR 22 7 15 0 5-14-36% 64 408 26 134 274 3/21 295 35 - 21 - 295 - 1 - 0 8 - 48 0-0 6 - 46.2 31:11
@SD 13 5 7 1 3-12-25% 52 201 19 70 131 3/18 149 30 - 17 - 149 - 0 - 0 9 - 84 1-0 4 - 43.5 25:02
@NO 24 9 14 1 4-10-40% 62 414 30 184 230 0/0 230 32 - 18 - 230 - 2 - 0 3 - 30 0-0 3 - 50.7 27:08
@MIN 24 11 11 2 6-13-46% 70 350 31 155 195 3/38 233 26 - 22 - 195 - 2 - 0 3 - 15 7-4 1 - 44.0 32:55
STL 22 11 11 0 5-15-33% 72 408 37 202 206 3/24 230 32 - 19 -230 - 1 - 0 3 - 14 0-0 5 - 48.8 35:13
UPDATED PLAYER bios - OFFENSE
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 312 Year: Rookie Ht: 6-4 Wt: 333 Year: 2nd
Southern California Texas
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (8/ 5/ 0/ 8) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 16/ 0/ 0)
Career GP / GS: (8/5) Career GP / GS: (30/30)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/0) Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/1)
• Started at left tackle in his NFL debut and helped open running lanes • Started on an offensive line that paved the way for a franchise sin-
for a ground attack that amassed a franchise single-game high 318 gle-game high 318 rushing yards vs. Detroit (9/7), including a career
yards vs. Detroit (9/7). and franchise-high 220 rushing yards by RB Michael Turner.
• Started at left tackle at Tampa Bay (9/14) before leaving the game • Member of a an offensive line that opened running lanes for a
with an injury (head). ground attack that totaled 105 yards at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Started at left tackle vs. Kansas City (9/21), but left the game follow- • Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack on 18 pass
ing the second quarter (head). attempts vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Inactive at Carolina (9/28). • Started at left guard at Carolina (9/28).
• Started at left tackle for an offensive line that did not allow a sack on • Member of an offensive line that cleared rushing lanes for a ground
26 pass attempts at Green Bay (10/5). attack that recorded 176 total yards at Green Bay (10/5).
• Member of an offensive line that helped produce a season-high 301 • Started on an offensive line unit that did not allow a sack on 30 pass
passing yards vs. Chicago (10/12). attempts vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Inactive at Philadelphia (10/26). • Started at left guard at Philadelphia (10/26).
• Inactive at Oakland (11/2). • Member of an offensive line that opened rushing lanes for a ground
• Inactive vs. New Orleans (11/9). attack that posted 252 total yards at Oakland (11/2).
• Inactive vs. Denver (11/16). • Part of an offensive attack that recorded 361 total yards vs. New
• Inactive vs. Carolina (11/23). Orleans (11/9).
• Inactive at San Diego (11/30). • Started at left guard vs. Denver (11/16).
• Inactive at New Orleans (12/7). • Member of an offensive line that helped tie a franchise-high in rush-
• Saw his first action on the offensive line in nine weeks against ing touchdowns (five) vs. Carolina (11/23).
Tampa Bay (12/14). • Started for an offensive line that cleared rushing lanes for a ground
• Competed on the offensive line against Minnesota (12/21) and attack that recorded 141 yards at San Diego (11/30).
helped the team rush for 98 yards in a victory over the Vikings. • Started at left guard for an offensive line that did not allow a sack on
• Helped open holes for RB Michael Turner to record 208 rushing 33 pass attempts at New Orleans (12/7).
yards aginst St. Louis (12/28). • Started at left guard and helped block for RB Michael Turner’s 152
• Was part of an offensive line that blocked for QB Matt Ryan to com- rushing yards vs. Tampa Bay (12/14).
pleted two touchdowns passes against Arizona (1/3/09) in a NFC • Recovered a Matt Ryan fumble in the end zone and became the first
Wild Card meeting. Falcons offensive lineman to record a touchdown since 1996 (Robie
Tobeck) against Minnesota (12/21).
• Blocked for a Falcons rushing attack, which totaled 263 yards
against St. Louis (12/28).
• Opened holes for RB Michael Turner to rush for 42 yards and one
touchdown against Arizona (1/3/09) in a NFC Wild Card match-up.
UPDATED PLAYER bios - OFFENSE
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 332 Year: 3rd Ht: 6-5 Wt: 308 Year: 2nd
Wake Forest Nevada
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 16/ 0/ 0) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 16/ 0/ 0)
Career GP / GS: (37/37) Career GP / GS: (21/16)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/1) Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/1)
• Started on an offensive line that helped produce 474 total offensive • Made his first career NFL start vs. Detroit (9/7) for an offensive line
yards vs. Detroit (9/7), including a franchise single-game high 318 that led the way for RB Michael Turner career and franchise single-
rushing yards. game high 220 rushing yards.
• Part of an offensive line that cleared running lanes for a ground • Member of an offensive line that created holes for a ground attack
game that tallied 105 total rushing yards at Tampa Bay (9/14). that recorded 105 total rushing yards at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Member of an offensive line that opened rushing holes for a ground • Started on an offensive line that did not allow a sack in 18 pass
attack that recorded 186 total yards vs. Kansas City (9/21). attempts vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Started at right tackle at Carolina (9/28). • Started at right guard at Carolina (9/28).
• Started on an offensive line that did not allow a sack in 26 pass • Part of an offensive line that cleared rushing lanes for a ground
attempts at Green Bay (10/5). attack that tallied 176 total rushing yards at Green Bay (10/5).
• Member of an offensive line that assisted in producing 376 total • Started at right guard for an offensive line that did not allow a sack
yards vs. Chicago (10/12). on 30 pass attempts vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Started at right tackle at Philadelphia (10/26). • Started at right guard at Philadelphia (10/26).
• Started on an offensive line that helped posses the ball for a fran- • Member of an offensive line that cleared rushing lanes for a ground
chise-high 45:15 at Oakland (11/2). game that amassed 252 total yards at Oakland (11/2).
• Member of an offensive unit that did not allow a sack on 23 pass • Part of an offensvie line that helped tally 248 passing yards vs. New
attempts vs. New Orleans (11/9). Orleans (11/9).
• Started at right guard vs. Denver (11/16). • Started on an offensive line that did not allow a sack on 30 pass
• Part of an offensive unit that produced 392 total yards of offense vs. attempts vs. Denver (11/16).
Carolina (11/23). • Member of an offensive group that tied a franchise-high in rushing
• Member of an offensive line that did not allow a sack on 23 pass touchdowns (five) vs. Carolina (11/23).
attempts at San Diego (11/30). • Part of an offensive line unit that opened running lanes for a ground
• Started at right tackle for an offensive line that helped produce 414 attack that recorded 141 total yards at San Diego (11/30).
total yards of offense at New Orleans (12/7). • Started at left guard at New Orleans (12/7) for an offensive line that
• Started at right tackle and paved the way for Atlanta’s 175 rushing did not allow a sack on 33 pass attempts.
yards against Tampa Bay (12/14). • Started at left guard against Tampa Bay (12/14) and blocked for QB
• Started at right tackle and blocked for the Falcons to produced 222 Matt Ryan’s 206 passing yards.
yards of net offense in a win against Minnesota (12/21). • Started at left guard at Minnesota (12/21) and created rushing lanes
• Started his 16th game at right tackle against St. Louis (12/28) and for RB Michael Turner to record 70 yards and one touchdown.
was part of an offensive line that gave up only one quarterback sack • Started at left guard versus St. Louis (12/28) and helped open holes
while Matt Ryan threw for 160 passing yards. for Atlanta’s 263 net rushing yards.
• Started in his first career postseason contest and provided time for • Started at right guard in Atlanta’s NFC Wild Card game at Arizona
the offense to record 190 net passing yards at Arizona (1/3/09) in a (1/3/09) and opened holes for the Falcons to register 60 rushing
NFC Wild Card contest. yards and one rushing touchdown.
UPDATED PLAYER bios - OFFENSE
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 308 Year: 14th Ht: 6-4 Wt: 264 Year: 5th
Auburn Ohio State
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (7/ 0/ 0/ 1) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (11/ 11/ 0/ 0)
Career GP / GS: (219/205) Career GP / GS: (56/26)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 0/ 1) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (4/4) Career Postseason GP / GS: (3/1)
• Saw action on the offensive line at Oakland (11/2). • Hauled in one catch for 17 yards in his Falcons debut vs. Detroit
• Saw action on the offensvie line vs. New Orleans (11/9). (9/7).
• Saw action in his 215th career game vs. Denver (11/16). • Started at tight end at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Saw action on special teams vs. Carolina (11/23). • Started at tight end vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Saw action on special teams at San Diego (11/30). • Posted seven receiving yards on one reception at Carolina (9/28).
• Saw action on special teams at New Orleans (12/7). • Started at tight end at Green Bay (10/5).
• Listed as inactive against Tampa Bay (12/14). • Started at tight end vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Saw action on special teams at Minnesota (12/21). • Started at tight end at Philadelphia (10/26).
• Listed as inactive against St. Louis (12/28). • Tallied one reception for two yards at Oakland (11/2).
• Listed as inactive for Atlanta’s Wild Card contest at Arizona (1/3/09). • Started at tight end vs. New Orleans (11/9).
• Started at tight end vs. Denver (11/16).
• Started at tight end vs. Carolina (11/23).
• Placed on injured reserve November 26.
Ht: 6-1 Wt: 301 Year: 10th Ht: 6-1 Wt: 245 Year: 6th
LSU Wake Forest
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 16/ 0/ 0) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 14/ 0/ 0)
Career GP / GS: (136/134) Career GP / GS: (69/33)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (5/5) Career Postseason GP / GS: (3/0)
• Started on an offensive line that helped open rushing lanes for a • Recorded one reception for three yards vs. Detroit (9/7) in addition to
ground attack that recorded a franchise single-game high 318 rush- opening running lanes for a ground game that totaled a franchise sin-
ing yards vs. Detroit (9/7). gle-game high 318 yards.
• Started his 120th career game at Tampa Bay (9/14). • Hauled in one catch for six yards at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Member of an offensive line that cleared running lanes for a ground • Helped open rushing lanes for a ground attack that recorded 186
game that tallied 186 total yards on 36 attempts vs. Kansas City total yards vs. Kansas City (9/21).
(9/21). • Saw action at fullback for an offense that recorded 118 rushing yards
• Started his 100th consecutive game at Carolina (9/28). at Carolina (9/28).
• Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack in 26 pass attempts • Tallied one carry for nine yards at Green Bay (10/5).
at Green Bay (10/5). • Started a fullback vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Started at center for an offensive line that did not allow a sack on 30 • Registered one catch for two yards at Philadelphia (10/26) in his 60th
pass attempts vs. Chicago (10/12). career game in addition to recording 17 kickoff return yards on one
• Started at center for his 125th career start at Philadelphia (10/26). attempt.
• Member of an offensvie line that helped produce 252 total rushing • Logged two catches for 23 yards at Oakland (11/2) and helped block
yards at Oakland (11/2) and record a franchise-high 45:15 minutes for a rushing game that tallied 252 total yards.
of time of possession. • Started at fullback vs. New Orleans (11/9).
• Started at center for an offensive line that did not allow a sack on 23 • Notched two receptions for 22 yards vs. Denver (11/16).
pass attempts vs. New Orleans (11/9), marking the fouth time the • Started at fullback for an offensive attack that totaled 392 yards vs.
offensvie line has accomplished the feat in 2008. Carolina (11/23).
• Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack on 30 pass attempts • Recorded five rushing yards on three carries at San Diego (11/30).
vs. Denver (11/16). • Posted one carry for two yards at New Orleans (12/7).
• Started on an offensive line that helped produce five rushing scores • Started his 12th game of the season in a Week 15 contest vs. Tampa
vs. Carolina (11/23). Bay (12/14) and caught one pass for one yard.
• Member of an offensive line that did not allow a sack on 23 pass • Started his 13th game at fullback and helped block for a running
attempts in his 130th career start at San Diego (11/30). game which totaled 98 yards against Minnesota (12/21).
• Started on an offensive line that helped Matt Ryan throw for a career- • Saw action at fullback for an offensive unit that totaled 417 yards
high 315 yards at New Orleans (12/7). against St. Louis (12/28).
• Started at center against Tampa Bay (12/14) in his 110th consecutive • Saw action in Atlanta’s Wild Card contest at Arizona (1/3/09) and
game and blocked for an offensive attack which registered 373 net paved the way for RB Michael Turner to record 42 yards and one TD.
offensive yards.
• Started at center at Minnesota (12/21) and blocked for quarterback Mughelli’s Game-By-Game Statistics
Matt Ryan who threw for 134 yards and one touchdown.
DATE OPP RUSH YDS AVG LG TD REC YDS AVG LG TD
• Started at center against St. Louis (12/28) and set a franchise record
9/7 DET 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 3 3.0 3 0
as a member of an offensive line that allowed only 17 quarterback
sacks this season. 9/14 @TB 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 6 6.0 6 0
• Started his fifth career postseason contest in the Falcons Wild Card 9/21 KC 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
game at Arizona (1/3/09) and blocked for QB Matt Ryan to complete 9/28 @CAR 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
65 percent of his passes (26 of 40). 10/5 @GB 1 9 9.0 9 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
10/12 CHI 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
10/26 @PHI 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 2 2.0 2 0
11/2 @OAK 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 23 11.5 18 0
11/9 NO 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
11/16 DEN 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 22 11.0 14 0
11/23 CAR 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
11/30 @SD 3 5 1.7 3 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
12/7 @NO 1 2 2.0 2 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
12/14 TB 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 1 1.0 1 0
12/21 @MIN 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
12/28 STL 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
2008 TOTALS 5 16 3.2 9 0 8 57 7.1 19 0
CAREER 23 73 3.2 12 1 38 288 7.6 30T 2
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 305 Year: 3rd Ht: 6-4 Wt: 250 Year: 7th
Syracuse Oregon
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (8/ 0/ 0/ 8) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 11/ 0/ 0)
Career GP / GS: (30/7) Career GP / GS: (109/50)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 0/ 1) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (0/0) Career Postseason GP / GS: (2/2)
• Inactive vs. Detroit (9/7). • Posted 13 receiving yards on one grab in his Falcons debut vs.
Detroit (9/7).
• Inactive at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Saw action at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Inactive vs. Kansas City (9/21). • Hauled in one catch for seven yards vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Saw action at Carolina (9/28). • Started at tight end at Carolina (9/28).
• Inactive at Green Bay (10/5). • Recorded two grabs for 15 yards and one touchdown at Green Bay
• Inactive vs. Chicago (10/12). (10/5).
• Saw action at Philadelphia (10/26). • Started at tight end vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Saw action on special teams at Oakland (11/2). • Started at tight end and hauled in one reception for 17 yards at
Philadelphia (10/26).
• Inactive vs. New Orleans (11/9).
• Tallied season highs in receptions (three) and receiving yards (33) at
• Saw action on special teams vs. Denver (11/16). Oakland (11/2).
• Saw action vs. Carolina (11/23). • Logged one catch for 14 yards vs. New Orleans (11/9).
• Saw action on special teams at San Diego (11/30). • Started at tight end vs. Denver (11/16).
• Saw action on special teams at New Orleans (12/7). • Saw action at tight end vs. Carolina (11/23).
• Saw action on special teams vs. Tampa Bay (12/14). • Posted a season-high 38 receiving yards on three receptions at San
• Inactive at Minnesota (12/21). Diego (11/30), including a season-long 18-yard touchdown recep-
tion.
• Inactive vs. St. Louis (12/28).
• Registered one reception for nine yards at New Orleans (12/7).
• Inactive in Atlanta’s Wild Card match-up at Arizona (1/3/09). • Caught one pass for five yards against Tampa Bay (12/14).
• Made his 10th start at tight end and caught one pass for eight yards
at Minnesota (12/21).
• Started his 50th career game at tight end against St. Louis (12/28).
• Started at tight end in Atlanta’s Wild Card contest at Arizona (1/3/09)
and caught three passes for 11 yards and one touchdown.
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 255 Year: 14th Ht: 6-4 Wt: 271 Year: 3rd
Bradley Marshall
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 1) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (5/ 1/ 1/ 3)
Career GP / GS: (192/133) Career GP / GS: (9/2)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (14/10) Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/0)
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 221 Year: 6th Ht: 6-2 Wt: 194 Year: 2nd
Louisville Illinois State
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 15/ 0) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (6/ 0/ 0/ 8)
Career GP / GS: (17/10) Career GP / GS: (21/6)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 1/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (2/0) Career Postseason GP / GS: (0/0)
• Did not play Weeks 1-17. • Saw action on special teams vs. Detroit (9/7).
• Did not play in Atlanta’s Wild Card Playoff meeting at Arizona (1/3/09). • Tallied four receptions for 45 yards at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Posted one catch for seven yards vs. Kansas City (9/21) before leav-
redman’s Game-By-Game Statistics ing the game with an injury (knee).
• Inactive at Carolina (9/28).
DATE OPP ATT CMP PCT YDS TDINT LG SK RTG RSH YDS AVG TD
• Inactive at Green Bay (10/5).
9/7 DET DID NOT PLAY
• Inactive vs. Chicago (10/12).
9/14 @TB DID NOT PLAY • Inactive at Philadelphia (10/26).
9/21 KC DID NOT PLAY • Saw action on special teams at Oakland (11/2).
9/28 @CAR DID NOT PLAY • Saw action at wide receiver vs. New Orleans (11/9).
10/5 @GB DID NOT PLAY • Saw action on special teams vs. Denver (11/16).
10/12 CHI DID NOT PLAY • Inactive vs. Carolina (11/23).
• Inactive at San Diego (11/30).
10/26 @PHI DID NOT PLAY
• Inactive at New Orleans (12/7).
11/2 @OAK DID NOT PLAY
• Inactive vs. Tampa Bay (12/14).
11/9 NO DID NOT PLAY • Placed on injured reserve December 16.
11/16 DEN DID NOT PLAY
11/23 CAR DID NOT PLAY robinson’s Game-By-Game Statistics
11/30 @SD DID NOT PLAY DATE OPP REC YDS AVG LG TD RUSH YDS AVG LG TD
12/7 @NO DID NOT PLAY 9/7 DET 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
12/14 TB DID NOT PLAY 9/14 @TB 4 45 11.3 23 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
12/21 @MIN DID NOT PLAY 9/21 KC 1 7 7.0 7 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
12/28 STL DID NOT PLAY 9/28 @CAR INACTIVE
2008 TOTALS 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 10/5 @GB INACTIVE
CAREER 347 195 56.2 2,190 17 10 74T 43 79.5 21 28 1.3 0 10/12 CHI INACTIVE
10/26 @PHI INACTIVE
redman’s postseason Statistics 11/2 @OAK 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
DATE OPP ATT CMP PCT YDS TDINT LG SK RTG RSH YDS AVG TD 11/9 NO 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
1/3/09 ARI DID NOT PLAY 11/16 DEN 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
2008 TOTALS DID NOT PLAY 11/23 CAR INACTIVE
CAREER 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 11/30 @SD INACTIVE
12/7 @NO INACTIVE
12/14 TB INACTIVE
12/21 @MIN INJURED RESERVE
12/28 STL INJURED RESERVE
2008 TOTALS 5 52 10.4 23 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
CAREER 42 489 11.6 74T 1 0 0 0.0 0 0
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 222 Year: 3rd Ht: 5-11 Wt: 229 Year: 2nd
Georgia Virginia
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 0/ 16) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 1/ 0/ 0)
Career GP / GS: (0/0) Career GP / GS: (23/1)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 0/ 1) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (0/0) Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/0)
• Designated as the third quarterback Weeks 1-17. • Saw action on special teams vs. Detroit (9/7).
• Listed as the third quarterback in Atlanta’s Wild Card meeting against • Posted a team-high three tackles on special teams at Tampa Bay (9/14).
Arizona (1/3/09). • Collared two special teams tackles vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Started his first career game at Carolina (9/28) and hauled in one recep-
tion for 11 yards.
Shockley’s Game-By-Game Statistics
• Recorded two tackles on special teams at Green Bay (10/5).
DATE OPP ATT CMP PCT YDS TDINT LG SK RTG RSH YDS AVG TD • Logged a team-high three special teams tackles vs. Chicago (10/12).
9/7 DET INACTIVE • Hauled in two receptions for 20 yards at Philadelphia (10/26) in addition
9/14 @TB INACTIVE to adding one tackle on special teams.
9/21 KC INACTIVE • Tallied 47 rushing yards on eight carries and hauled in one pass for 12
9/28 @CAR INACTIVE yards at Oakland (11/2) in addition to adding one tackle on special
10/5 @GB INACTIVE
teams.
• Saw action on special teams vs. New Orleans (11/9).
10/12 CHI INACTIVE
• Hauled in one catch for two yards vs. Denver (11/16) in addition to post-
10/26 @PHI INACTIVE ing minus-three rushing yards on one carry.
11/2 @OAK INACTIVE • Notched a career-high 31 receiving yards on two catches vs. Carolina
11/9 NO INACTIVE (11/23), including a career-long 27-yard reception in the first quarter.
11/16 DEN INACTIVE • Posted one rushing yard on one carry at San Diego (11/30).
11/23 CAR INACTIVE • Collared one tackle on special teams at New Orleans (12/7) and added
11/30 @SD INACTIVE
five rushing yards on two attempts.
• Saw action on special teams vs. Tampa Bay (12/14) and notched one
12/7 @NO INACTIVE
tackle.
12/14 TB INACTIVE • Recorded three rushes for 12 yards and caught one pass for a 13-yard
12/21 @MIN INACTIVE gain at Minnesota (12/21).
12/28 STL INACTIVE • Notched two tackles on special teams against St. Louis (12/28).
2008 TOTALS 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 • Saw action in his first career playoff game in Atlanta’s Wild Card match-
CAREER 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 up at Arizona (1/3/09) and posted one special teams tackle.
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 296 Year: 5th Ht: 5-10 Wt: 244 Year: 5th
Ohio State Northern Illinois
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (4/ 0/ 0/ 12) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 16/ 0/ 0)
Career GP / GS: (46/34) Career GP / GS: (75/17)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 0/ 1) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (0/0) Career Postseason GP / GS: (5/1)
• Inactive vs. Detroit (9/7). • Logged a franchise and career single-game high 220 rushing yards
• Inactive at Tampa Bay (9/14). with two touchdowns on 22 carries in his Falcons debut vs. Detroit
• Inactive vs. Kansas City (9/21). (9/7). His 220 rushing yards led a Falcons ground attack that
• Inactive at Carolina (9/28). amassed a franchise single-game high 318 total yards.
• Inactive at Green Bay (10/5). • Recorded 14 carries for 42 yards at Tampa Bay (9/14) in addition to
• Inactive vs. Chicago (10/12). hauling in one catch for six yards.
• Inactive at Philadelphia (10/26). • Posted a team-high 104 rushing yards on 23 carries with a career-
• Inactive at Oakland (11/2). high three touchdowns vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Made his Falcons debut on special teams vs. New Orleans (11/9). • Tallied 56 rushing yards on 18 attempts at Carolina (9/28).
• Inactive vs. Denver (11/16). • Registered 26 rushing attempts for 121 yards with one touchdown at
• Saw action on special teams vs. Carolina (11/23). Green Bay (10/5).
• Saw action on special teams at San Diego (11/30). • Logged 54 rushing yards on 25 attempts vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Saw action on special teams at New Orleans (12/7). • Posted 17 carries for 58 rushing yards at Philadelphia (10/26).
• Inactive vs. Tampa Bay (12/14). • Recorded his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season at
• Inactive at Minnesota (12/21). Oakland (11/2) with 139 yards on a career-high 31 carries.
• Inactive vs. St. Louis (12/28). • Notched 96 rushing yards on 27 carries with one score vs. New
• Listed as inactive for the Falcons Wild Card Playoff meeting at Orleans (11/9).
Arizona (1/3/09). • Tallied 25 carries for 81 yards with two touchdowns vs. Denver
(11/16).
• Tied single-game franchise highs in rushing touchdowns (four) and
points scored (24) vs. Carolina (11/23) by recording 117 rushing
yards on 24 carries.
• Carried the ball a career-high 31 times for 120 yards at San Diego
(11/30).
• Registered 61 rushing yards on 18 attempts with one touchdown at
New Orleans (12/7). His rushing score tied Jamal Anderson for the
most rushing scores (14) in a single-season in team history.
• Logged his third-highest rushing total of his career with 152 yards on
32 attempts against Tampa Bay (12/14). Added his 15th rushing
touchdown of the season, which set a franchise record and moved
into fifth place in rushing yards for a season (1,421). Also caught two
passes for 30 yards, both of which went for his first two receiving first
downs of the season.
• Led the team in rushing with 19 carries for 70 yards and added one
touchdown on Atlanta’s opening offensive possession of the game at
Minnesota (12/21). His touchdown was the 16th of the season, tying
a Falcons franchise record for the most TDs in a campaign.
• Posted 208 yards on 25 carries against St. Louis (12/28) to mark his
second 200-yard game this season and set the second-highest rush-
ing total in a single game in franchise history. Turner also finished the
regular season with 1,699 yards, which ranks third in a single-sea-
son in franchise history.
• In his first career playoff start in a Wild Card contest at Arizona
(1/3/09), totaled 18 carries for 42 yards and one touchdown in the
second quarter. Also caught one pass for seven yards.
UPDATED PLAYER bios - offense
Ht: 6-4 Wt: 300 Year: 11th Ht: 6-0 Wt: 208 Year: 4th
Kansas State Alabama-Birmingham
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 11/ 0/ 0) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 15/ 0/ 0)
Career GP / GS: (152/118) Career GP / GS: (64/43)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (6/5) Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/1)
• Saw action vs. Detroit (9/7). • Posted two receptions for 54 yards vs. Detroit (9/7).
• Saw action at left tackle at Tampa Bay (9/14). • Led the team in receiving with four grabs for 59 yards at Tampa Bay
• Saw action at left tackle for an offensive line that did not allow a sack (9/14).
in 18 pass attempts vs. Kansas City (9/21). • Logged 119 receiving yards on five receptions with one touchdown
• Started at left tackle at Carolina (9/28). vs. Kansas City (9/21). His 70-yard touchdown catch in the first quar-
• Saw action at Green Bay (10/5). ter marked the longest reception of his career and his 100-yard
• Saw action vs. Chicago (10/12). receiving game was the eighth of his career.
• Started at left tackle at Philadelphia (10/26) before leaving the game • Recorded seven catches for 90 yards at Carolina (9/28).
with an injury (knee). • Hauled in eight catches for a season-high 132 yards with one touch-
• Started on an offensive line that helped post 252 total rushing yards down at Green Bay (10/5).
at Oakland (11/2). • Posted a season-high nine receptions for 112 yards with one score
• Started at left tackle on an offensive line that did not allow a sack on vs. Chicago (10/12).
23 pass attempts vs. New Orleans (11/9). • Registered 113 receiving yards on eight grabs with a season-high
• Started at left tackle vs. Denver (11/16). two touchdowns at Philadelphia (10/26).
• Member of an offensive line that helped tie a franchise record in rush- • Logged five receptions for 54 yards at Oakland (11/2).
ing touchdowns (five) vs. Carolina (11/23). • Notched five catches for 68 yards with one score vs. New Orleans
• Part of an offensive line that helped produce 141 total rushing yards (11/9).
at San Diego (11/30). • Tallied his fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season by hauling in
• Started on an offensive line that did not allow a sack on 33 pass five catches for 102 yards vs. Denver (11/16).
attempts at New Orleans (12/7). • Recorded 70 receiving yards on four grabs vs. Carolina (11/23).
• Started at left tackle and helped block for a Falcons rushing attack, • Hauled in six receptions for 112 yards at San Diego (11/30). He
which totaled 175 net rushing yards vs. Tampa Bay (12/14). became the first Falcons receiver to record back-to-back 1,000-yard
• Started at left tackle and opened holes for a Falcons running game receiving seasons since Terance Mathis (1998 and 99).
which produced 98 rushing yards at Minnesota (12/21). • Recorded a career-high 164 receiving yards on a season-high 10
• Started at left tackle against St. Louis (12/28) for an offensive unit that receptions at New Orleans (12/7).
set a franchise recored with allowing only 17 quarterback sacks in • Led the team in receiving with four receptions for 61 yards vs. Tampa
the regular season. Bay (12/14) and his long reception of 30 yards in the first quarter
• Started at left tackle in Atlanta’s Wild Card contest at Arizona (1/3/09) moved him into ninth place on Atlanta’s career receiving list (3,464).
and opened holes for RB Michael Turner to rush for 42 yards and • Caught three passes for 24 yards at Minnesota (12/21) and moved into
one touchdown. fifth place in club annals for receptions in a season (85).
• Recorded his seventh receiving touchdown of the season against St.
Louis (12/28) while setting the franchise record for receiving yards in a
season with 1,382.
• Started his first career playoff game in Atlanta’s Wild Card match-up at
Arizona (1/3/09) and led the team in receiving with 11 receptions for 84
yards and one touchdown. Set postseason franchise records with
eight first half catches and 11 total receptions in a game.
LS MIKE SCHNECK 46
• Collared five tackles and three sacks (16 yards) vs. Detroit (9/7). His
three sacks are the most in single-game for him since 2004 (vs.
Buffalo, 3.0) and have him 70.5 for his career.
• Recorded two tackles, one sack (five yards) and one forced fumble
at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Posted two tackles, two sacks (11 yards) and one forced fumble vs.
Kansas City (9/21) in his 100th career game.
• Tallied one tackle at Carolina (9/28).
• Registered a season-high six tackles and one sack (five yards) at
Green Bay (10/5).
• Collared three tackles vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Logged two tackles at Philadelphia (10/26).
• Logged three sacks (16 yards), one forced fumble and five tackles
at Oakland (11/2) for a defense that recorded the first shut-out in
franchise history since 2002 at Carolina (11/24).
• Recorded two tackles, one sack (six yards) and one pass defensed
vs. New Orleans (11/9).
• Notched one tackle vs. Denver (11/16).
• Tallied three tackles and one sack (eight yards) vs. Carolina (11/23).
• Collected one tackle and a half of sack (4.5 yards) at San Diego
(11/30).
• Collared one tackle at New Orleans (12/7).
• Totaled his third three-sack game this season (33 yards) vs. Tampa
Bay (12/14) while adding three tackles.
• Posted four tackles and added one sack at Minnesota (12/21). His
sack gave him 16.5 on the year, which sets a new single-season
record in franchise history.
• Logged one tackle in his 16th start against St. Louis (12/28).
• Started at right defensive end and notched one tackle in Atlanta’s
Wild Card Playoff game at Arizona (1/3/09).
Ht: 6-6 Wt: 283 Year: 2nd Ht: 6-2 Wt: 288 Year: 4th
Arkansas Iowa
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (15/ 15/ 0/ 1) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 15/ 0/ 0)
Career GP / GS: (31/ 31) Career GP / GS: (62/31)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 0/ 1) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (0/ 0) Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/ 1)
• Posted five tackles vs. Detroit (9/7) for a defense that allowed 62 • Recorded three tackles vs. Detroit (9/7).
rushing yards in the 34-21 win. • Collared three tackles and one sack (eight yards) at Tampa Bay
• Tied a career-high in tackles (seven) including a career-high six solo (9/14).
tackles at Tampa Bay (9/14). • Tallied three tackles vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Recorded three tackles vs. Kansas City (9/21). • Logged three tackles at Carolina (9/28) in his 50th career game.
• Logged three tackles at Carolina (9/28). • Posted two tackles at Green Bay (10/5).
• Collared two tackles at Green Bay (10/5). • Registered a season-high five tackles vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Registered two tackles, two passes defensed and his first career • Recorded one tackle at Philadelphia (10/26).
sack (four yards) vs. Chicago (10/12). • Notched one tackle and one fumble recovery at Oakland (11/2) for a
• Tallied two tackles and one sack (six yards) at Philadelphia (10/26). defense that allowed a franchise-low three first downs in the contest.
• Started at defensvive end for a defensive unit that did not allow a first • Started at defensive tackle vs. New Orleans (11/9).
down in the first half at Oakland (11/2). • Tallied two tackles and one sack (eight yards) vs. Denver (11/16).
• Notched two tackles vs. New Orleans (11/9). • Collared three tackles and one pass defensed vs. Carolina (11/23).
• Posted two tackles vs. Denver (11/16). • Posted two tackles, 1.5 sacks (10.5 yards) and one pass defensed
• Logged two tackles and one pass defensed vs. Carolina (11/23). at San Diego (11/30).
• Recorded two tackles and blocked his first career field goal at San • Registered three tackles at New Orleans (12/7).
Diego (11/30). • Collared three tackles while making his 13th start of the season
• Started at defensive end at New Orleans (12/7). against Tampa Bay (12/14).
• Started at defensive end vs. Tampa Bay (12/14) and recorded two • Started at defensive tackle and posted one tackle for loss at
tackles. Minnesota (12/21).
• Started at defensive end at Minnesota (12/21) and collared one tack- • Posted three tackles, which included one tackle for loss against St.
le. Louis (12/28).
• Listed as inactive due to an injury against St. Louis (12/28). • Started in Atlanta’s Wild Card meeting at Arizona (1/3/09) and tallied
• Inactive for Atlanta’s Wild Card Playoff meeting at Arizona (1/3/09). three tackles (two solo).
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 241 Year: Rookie Ht: 6-3 Wt: 242 Year: 4th
Montana Southern Miss
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 0/ 0/ 0) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 12/ 0/ 0)
Career GP / GS: (16/0) Career GP / GS: (63/53)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/ 0) Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/ 1)
• Saw action at defensive end in his NFL debut vs. Detroit (9/7). • Logged six tackles and one pass defensed vs. Detroit (9/7).
• Tallied one tackle at Tampa Bay (9/14). • Collared four tackles in his 50th career game at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Saw action vs. Kansas City (9/21). • Posted six tackles vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Saw action at Carolina (9/28). • Recorded eight tackles and one pass defensed at Carolina (9/28).
• Recorded one tackle at Green Bay (10/5). • Tallied four tackles, one pass defensed and one interception at Green
• Collared one tackle vs. Chicago (10/12). Bay (10/5).
• Registered two tackles at Philadelphia (10/26). • Posted nine tackles and one pass defensed vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Saw action on special teams at Oakland (11/2). • Collared seven tackles including a season-high six solo tackles at
• Logged a team-high three tackles on special teams vs. New Orleans Philadelphia (10/26).
(11/9). • Notched one tackle for a defense that allowed a franchise-low 77 net
• Notched one tackle on special teams vs. Denver (11/16).
yards at Oakland (11/2).
• Saw action on special teams and defense vs. Carolina (11/23).
• Tied a season-high in tackles (nine) and logged two passes defensed
• Posted two tackles and his first career sack (three yards) at San
vs. New Orleans (11/9).
Diego (11/30).
• Logged three tackles and one pass defensed vs. Denver (11/16).
• Recorded one tackle on special teams at New Orleans (12/7).
• Registered seven tackles vs. Carolina (11/23).
• Notched three tackles (two solo) against Tampa Bay (12/14).
• Tallied two tackles at Minnesota (12/21). • Tallied three tackles and one pass defensed at San Diego (11/30).
• Notched two solo tackles and contributed with his second sack of the • Posted six tackles and one pass defensed at New Orleans (12/7).
season against St. Louis (12/28). • Saw action vs. Tampa Bay (12/14), but did not record a tackle.
• Saw action against Arizona (1/3/09) in a NFC Wild Card contest and • Registered four tackles (two solo) and recovered a fumble on special
posted two tackles and one pass defensed. teams at Minnesota (12/21).
• Against St. Louis (12/28), compiled a season-high 13 tackles which
also led the team.
biermann’s Game-By-Game Statistics
• Started at outside linebacker in Atlanta’s Wild Card Playoff game at
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
Arizona (1/3/09) and finished with two tackles.
9/7 DET 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/14 @TB 1 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 boley’s Game-By-Game Statistics
9/21 KC 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
9/28 @CAR 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 9/7 DET 6 5 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
10/5 @GB 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 9/14 @TB 4 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/12 CHI 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 9/21 KC 6 5 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/28 @CAR 8 5 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
10/26 @PHI 2 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/5 @GB 4 2 0.0 0.0 1 0 0 1
11/2 @OAK 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/12 CHI 9 5 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
11/9 NO 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/26 @PHI 7 6 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/16 DEN 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 11/2 @OAK 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/23 CAR 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 11/9 NO 9 6 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 2
11/30 @SD 2 2 1.0 3.0 0 0 0 0 11/16 DEN 3 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
12/7 @NO 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 11/23 CAR 7 5 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/14 TB 3 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 11/30 @SD 3 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
12/21 @MIN 2 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 12/7 @NO 6 4 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
12/14 TB 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/28 STL 2 2 1.0 10.0 0 0 0 0
12/21 @MIN 4 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS 14 11 2.0 13.0 0 0 0 0
12/28 STL 13 11 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
CAREER 14 11 2.0 13.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS 90 65 0.0 0.0 1 0 0 9
CAREER 365 260 6.0 33.0 5 5 3 28
biermann’s postseason Statistics
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD boley’s postseason Statistics
1/3/09 ARI 2 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1 DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
2008 TOTALS 2 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1 1/3/09 ARI 2 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
CAREER 2 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1 2008 TOTALS 2 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
CAREER 2 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
season highs
TACKLES: 13 vs. St. Louis (12/28)
SOLO TACKLES: 11 vs. St. Louis (12/28)
PASSES DEFENSED: 2 vs. New Orleans (11/9)
ADDITIONAL SPECIAL TEAMS STAT: 1 fumble recovery at Minnesota
(12/21)
UPDATED PLAYER bios - DEFENSE
season highs
TACKLES: 12 (two times) last time: vs. Tampa Bay (12/14)
SOLO TACKLES: 9 at Green Bay (10/5)
UPDATED PLAYER bios - DEFENSE
• Led all defensive backs with eight tackles in his Falcons debut vs.
Detroit (9/7).
• Tallied six tackles at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Posted a season-high nine tackles, one interception, one pass
defensed and one forced fumble vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Logged eight tackles and one pass defensed at Carolina (9/28).
• Recorded 10 tackles at Green Bay (10/5).
• Collared six tackles vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Registered a team-high 10 tackles and one pass defensed at
Philadelphia (10/26).
• Notched two tackles, one interception and one pass defensed at
Oakland (11/2). His interception came in the endzone in the fourth
quarter to preserve the Falcons first shut out since November 24,
2002 at Carolina.
• Collected a team-high 11 tackles, one interception, one pass
defensed and one forced fumble vs. New Orleans (11/9).
• Registered nine tackles vs. Denver (11/16).
• Logged seven tackles vs. Carolina (11/23).
• Posted four tackles and one pass defensed at San Diego (11/30).
• Collared four tackles at New Orleans (12/7).
• Tallied 10 tackles against Tampa Bay (12/14).
• Started his 14th game at free safety and tied his season-high of 11
tackles (seven solo) at Minnesota (12/21).
• Compiled a season-high with 12 tackles against St. Louis (12/28)
while starting at free safety.
• Led the team in tackles (11) in Atlanta’s Wild Card Playoff contest at
Arizona (1/3/09).
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 274 Year: 4th Ht: 6-0 Wt: 197 Year: Rookie
Florida St. Cal-Berkeley
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 1/ 0/ 0) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (10/ 0/ 1/ 5)
Career GP / GS: (64/10) Career GP / GS: (10/0)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/ 1) Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/ 0)
• Recorded two tackles vs. Detroit (9/7) for a defense that allowed only • Did not play vs. Detroit (9/7).
62 rushing yards. • Saw action on special teams in his NFL debut at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Posted two tackles in his 50th career game at Tampa Bay (9/14). • Saw action on special teams vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Saw action vs. Kansas City (9/21). • Saw action on special teams at Carolina (9/28).
• Tallied a season-high three tackles at Carolina (9/28). • Saw action on special teams at Green Bay (10/5).
• Logged one tackle at Green Bay (10/5). • Inactive vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Registered two tackles vs. Chicago (10/12). • Inactive at Philadelphia (10/26).
• Led all defensive linemen with five tackles and one fumble recovery • Inactive at Oakland (11/2).
at Philadelphia (10/26). • Inactive vs. New Orleans (11/9).
• Member of a defensive unit that did not allow a first down in the first • Inactive vs. Denver (11/16).
half at Oakland (11/2). • Assisted on one special teams tackle vs. Carolina (11/23).
• Saw action vs. New Orleans (11/9). • Saw action on special teams at San Diego (11/30).
• Posted two tackles vs. Denver (11/16). • Recorded one tackle on special teams at New Orleans (12/7).
• Collared two tackles and two sacks (13 yards) vs. Carolina (11/23), • Saw action on special teams against Tampa Bay (12/14).
marking the first time he had recorded two sacks in a single-game in • Saw action on special teams at Minnesota (12/21).
his career. • Saw action on special teams against St. Louis (12/28).
• Recorded his first career forced fumble at San Diego (11/30). • Saw action on special teams in Atlanta’s Wild Card contest at Arizona
• Led all defensive linemen in tackles (five) at New Orleans (12/7). (1/3/09) and registered three tackles.
• Contributed with four tackles against Tampa Bay (12/14).
• Finished with four tackles while adding one sack for a loss of four decoud’s Game-By-Game Statistics
yards and two fumble recoveries at Minnesota (12/21).
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLO SACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
• Made his first start of the season at left defensive end and contributed
9/7 DET DID NOT PLAY
with three tackles and his fourth sack of the season for a loss of eight
yards against St. Louis (12/28). 9/14 @TB 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
• Started at defensive tackles in Atlanta’s Wild Card game at Arizona 9/21 KC 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
(1/3/09) and finished the game with three tackles (two solo). 9/28 @CAR 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/5 @GB 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
davis’ Game-By-Game Statistics 10/12 CHI INACTIVE
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLO SACKS YDS INT FF FR PD 10/26 @PHI INACTIVE
9/7 DET 2 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 11/2 @OAK INACTIVE
9/14 @TB 2 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 11/9 NO INACTIVE
9/21 KC 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 11/16 DEN INACTIVE
9/28 @CAR 3 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 11/23 CAR 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/5 @GB 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 11/30 @SD 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/12 CHI 2 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 12/7 @NO 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/26 @PHI 5 4 0.0 0.0 0 0 1 0 12/14 TB 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/2 @OAK 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 12/21 @MIN 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/9 NO 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1 12/28 STL 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/16 DEN 2 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 2008 TOTALS 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/23 CAR 2 2 2.0 13.0 0 0 0 0 CAREER 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/30 @SD 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 1 0 0
12/7 @NO 5 5 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 decoud’s postseason Statistics
12/14 TB 4 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
12/21 @MIN 4 1 1.0 4.0 0 0 2 0 1/3/09 ARI 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/28 STL 3 2 1.0 8.0 0 0 0 0 2008 TOTALS 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS 35 27 4.0 25.0 0 1 3 1 CAREER 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
CAREER 147 104 8.0 49.0 1 1 7 3
Ht: 5-11 Wt: 180 Year: 4th Ht: 6-6 Wt: 274 Year: 4th
Maryland Ohio State
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (15/ 10/ 0/ 1) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (6/ 0/ 0/ 10)
Career GP / GS: (61/28) Career GP / GS: (54/6)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (3/3) Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/ 0)
Ht: 5-9 Wt: 194 Year: 3rd Ht: 6-0 Wt: 248 Year: 5th
Clemson Georgia
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (10/ 1/ 1/ 4) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 0/ 16)
Career GP / GS: (30/1) Career GP / GS: (56/0)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 0/ 1)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (3/ 0) Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/0)
Ht: 5-10 Wt: 185 Year: 1st Ht: 5-10 Wt: 197 Year: 2nd
Shippensburg Louisville
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (12/ 6/ 0/ 4) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (12/ 0/ 0/ 1)
Career GP / GS: (14/6) Career GP / GS: (25/0)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/0) Career Postseason GP / GS: (0/0)
• Started his first NFL game at left cornerback vs. Detroit (9/7) and • Saw action on speical teams vs. Detroit (9/7).
posted six tackles. • Saw action on special teams at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Collared three tackles and one pass defensed at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Saw action on special teams vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Tallied four tackles, two passes defensed and his first career intercep-
• Saw action on spectial teams at Carolina (9/28).
tion vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Logged a season-high 11 tackles and one pass defensed at Carolina • Saw action on special teams at Green Bay (10/5).
(9/28). • Saw action on special teams vs. Kansas City (10/12).
• Recorded six tackles at Green Bay (10/5). • Logged a team-high two tackles on special teams at Philadelphia
• Posted five tackles and two passes defensed vs. Chicago (10/12). (10/26).
• Registered one tackle on special teams at Philadelphia (10/26). • Saw action on special teams at Oakland (11/2).
• Saw action on special teams at Oakland (11/2).
• Saw action on special teams vs. New Orleans (11/9).
• Saw action on special teams vs. New Orleans (11/9).
• Inactive vs. Denver (11/16). • Saw action on special teams vs. Denver (11/16).
• Saw action vs. Carolina (11/23). • Saw action on special teams vs. Carolina (11/23).
• Inactive at San Diego (11/30). • Saw action on special teams at San Diego (11/30).
• Inactive at New Orleans (12/7). • Inactive at New Orleans (12/7).
• Inactive vs. Tampa Bay (12/14). • Placed on injured reserve December 9.
• Saw action at Minnesota (12/21).
• Saw action on special teams against St. Louis (12/28).
harris’ Game-By-Game Statistics
• Saw action on special teams in Atlanta’s Wild Card meeting at
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLO SACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
Arizona (1/3/09).
9/7 DET 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/14 @TB 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
grimes’ Game-By-Game Statistics
9/21 KC 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLO SACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
9/28 @CAR 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/7 DET 6 6 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/5 @GB 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/14 @TB 3 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
10/12 CHI 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/21 KC 4 2 0.0 0.0 1 0 0 2
10/26 @PHI 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/28 @CAR 11 9 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
11/2 @OAK 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/5 @GB 6 5 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/9 NO 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/12 CHI 5 5 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 2
11/16 DEN 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/26 @PHI 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/23 CAR 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/2 @OAK 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/30 @SD 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/9 NO 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/7 @NO INACTIVE
11/16 DEN INACTIVE
12/14 TB INJURED RESERVE
11/23 CAR 1 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/21 @MIN INJURED RESERVE
11/30 @SD INACTIVE
12/28 STL INJURED RESERVE
12/7 @NO INACTIVE
2008 TOTALS 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/14 TB INACTIVE
CAREER 10 7 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
12/21 @MIN 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/28 STL 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS 36 29 0.0 0.0 1 0 0 6
harris’ postseason Statistics
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
CAREER 47 39 0.0 0.0 1 0 0 6
1/3/09 ARI INJURED RESERVE
2008 TOTALS INJURED RESERVE
grimes’ postseason Statistics
CAREER 13 8 2.0 20.0 0 0 0 1
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
1/3/09 ARI 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
CAREER 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
season highs
TACKLES: 11 at Carolina (9/28)
SOLO TACKLES: 9 at Carolina (9/28)
INTERCEPTIONS: 1 vs. Kansas City (9/21)
PASSES DEFENSED: 2 (two times) last time: vs. Chicago (10/12)
UPDATED PLAYER bios - DEFENSE
Ht: 5-11 Wt: 197 Year: 2nd Ht: 5-11 Wt: 185 Year: Rookie
Auburn LSU
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (5/ 0/ 0/ 9) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 2/ 0/ 0)
Career GP / GS: (20/0) Career GP / GS: (16/2)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 0/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (0/ 0) Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/ 1)
• Saw action on special teams vs. Detroit (9/7). • Tallied two tackles in his NFL debut vs. Detroit (9/7).
• Inactive at Tampa Bay (9/14). • Saw action at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Inactive vs. Kansas City (9/21). • Saw action vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Inactive at Carolina (9/28). • Recorded one tackle at Carolina (9/28).
• Inactive at Green Bay (10/5). • Posted two tackles and one pass defensed at Green Bay (10/5).
• Inactive vs. Chicago (10/12). • Logged a season-high three tackles vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Inactive at Philadelphia (10/26). • Collared one tackle at Philadelphia (10/26).
• Inactive at Oakland (11/2). • Started his first career NFL game and tallied one pass defensed at
• Inactive vs. New Orleans (11/9). Oakland (11/2).
• Logged one tackle on special teams vs. Denver (11/16). • Notched one tackle, three passes defensed and his first career inter-
• Inactive vs. Carolina (11/23). ception vs. New Orleans (11/9). He returned the interception 95 yards
• Collared a team-high two tackles on special teams at San Diego for a touchdown, marking the second longest interception return in
(11/30). Falcons history.
• Recorded one tackle on special teams at New Orleans (12/7). • Tallied two tackles vs. Denver (11/16).
• Saw action on special teams against Tampa Bay (12/14) before exit- • Collected four tackles vs. Carolina (11/23).
ing the game with a knee injury. • Registered three tackles at San Diego (11/30).
• Placed on injured reserve December 16. • Started at cornerback at New Orleans (12/7) and recorded four tack-
les.
irons’ Game-By-Game Statistics • Recorded three tackles (two solo) vs. Tampa Bay (12/14).
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLO SACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
• Tallied three tackles (two solo) at Minnesota (12/21).
• Tied a season-high with four tackles against St. Louis (12/28).
9/7 DET 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
• Earned a start in the secondary in Atlanta’s Wild Card game at
9/14 @TB INACTIVE Arizona (1/3/09), posted two tackles, one pass defensed and the
9/21 KC INACTIVE Falcons first postseason interception since January 15, 2005.
9/28 @CAR INACTIVE
10/5 @GB INACTIVE jackson’s Game-By-Game Statistics
10/12 CHI INACTIVE DATE OPP. TKLS SOLO SACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
10/26 @PHI INACTIVE 9/7 DET 2 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/2 @OAK INACTIVE 9/14 @TB 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/9 NO INACTIVE 9/21 KC 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/16 DEN 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 9/28 @CAR 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/23 CAR INACTIVE 10/5 @GB 2 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
11/30 @SD 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 10/12 CHI 3 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/7 @NO 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 10/26 @PHI 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/14 TB 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 11/2 @OAK 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
12/21 @MIN INJURED RESERVE 11/9 NO 1 1 0.0 0.0 1 0 0 3
12/28 STL INJURED RESERVE 11/16 DEN 2 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 11/23 CAR 4 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
CAREER 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 11/30 @SD 3 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/7 @NO 4 4 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
irons’ postseason Statistics 12/14 TB 3 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD 12/21 @MIN 3 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
1/3/09 ARI INJURED RESERVE 12/28 STL 4 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS INJURED RESERVE 2008 TOTALS 33 27 0.0 0.0 1 0 0 5
CAREER 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 CAREER 33 27 0.0 0.0 1 0 0 5
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 345 Year: 12th Ht: 6-1 Wt: 295 Year: 4th
Knoxville Wisconsin
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (15/ 15/ 0/ 1) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (13/ 1/ 0/ 3)
Career GP / GS: (170/117) Career GP / GS: (33/2)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (10/7) Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/0)
• Posted three tackles vs. Detroit (9/7) for a defensive unit that allowed • Inactive vs. Detroit (9/7).
only 62 rushing yards. • Started at defensive tackle and logged three tackles and one fumble
• Inactive at Tampa Bay (9/14). recovery in his Falcons debut at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Logged one tackle vs. Kansas City (9/21). • Saw action vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Tallied three tackles and one pass defensed at Carolina (9/28). • Saw action at Carolina (9/28).
• Recorded two tackles and one sack (four yards) at Green Bay (10/5). • Inactive at Green Bay (10/5).
• Collared one tackle vs. Chicago (10/12). • Inactive vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Registered one tackle at Philadelphia (10/26). • Saw action at defensive tackle at Philadelphia (10/26).
• Started at defensive tackle for a defense that allowed a franchise-low • Collected one tackle at Oakland (11/2).
77 total net yards at Oakland (11/2). • Recorded one tackle vs. New Orleans (11/9).
• Collected one tackle vs. New Orleans (11/9). • Saw action on defense vs. Denver (11/16).
• Started at defensive tackle vs. Denver (11/16). • Collared one tackle vs. Carolina (11/23).
• Tallied two tackles vs. Carolina (11/23). • Saw action on defense at San Diego (11/30).
• Started at defensive tackle at San Diego (11/30). • Saw action on defense at New Orleans (12/7).
• Logged one tackle at New Orleans (12/7). • Finished with one tackle against Tampa Bay (12/14).
• Posted his second sack of the season (10 yards) while adding six • Saw action on the defensive line at Minnesota (12/21).
solo tackles vs. Tampa Bay (12/14). • Against St. Louis (12/28), collared two solo tackles.
• Made his 14th start at defensive tackle at Minnesota (12/21). • Saw action in his first career postseason contest in Atlanta’s Wild
• Started his 15th game of the season at defensive tackle against St. Card game at Arizona (1/3/09).
Louis (12/28) and finished the game with two solo tackles.
• Totaled four tackles (three solo) while competing on the defensive line jefferson’s Game-By-Game
in Atlanta’s Wild Card playoff match-up at Arizona (1/3/09).
Statistics
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLO SACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
JACKSON’S Game-By-Game Statistics
9/7 DET INACTIVE
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLO SACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
9/14 @TB 3 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 1 0
9/7 DET 3 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/21 KC 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/14 @TB INACTIVE
9/28 @CAR 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/21 KC 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/5 @GB INACTIVE
9/28 @CAR 3 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
10/12 CHI INACTIVE
10/5 @GB 2 2 1.0 4.0 0 0 0 0
10/26 @PHI 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/12 CHI 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/2 @OAK 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/26 @PHI 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/9 NO 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/2 @OAK 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/16 DEN 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/9 NO 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/23 CAR 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/16 DEN 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/30 @SD 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/23 CAR 2 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/7 @NO 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/30 @SD 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/14 TB 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/7 @NO 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/21 @MIN 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/14 TB 6 6 1.0 10.0 0 0 0 0
12/28 STL 2 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/21 @MIN 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS 9 8 0.0 0.0 0 0 1 0
12/28 STL 2 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
CAREER 35 19 0.0 0.0 0 0 1 0
2008 TOTALS 23 21 2.0 14.0 0 0 0 1
CAREER 530 383 35.5 256.0 0 8 7 27
jefferson’s postseason Statistics
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
JACKSON’S postseason Statistics
1/3/09 ARI 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
2008 TOTALS 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
1/3/09 ARI 4 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
CAREER 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS 4 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
CAREER 39 30 0.0 0.0 0 0 1 0
season highs
TACKLES: 6 vs. Tampa Bay (12/14)
SOLO TACKLES: 6 vs. Tampa Bay (12/14)
UPDATED PLAYER bios - DEFENSE
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 248 Year: Rookie Ht: 6-0 Wt: 216 Year: 13th
Oklahoma Washington
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 15/ 0/ 0) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (15/ 15/ 0/ 1)
Career GP / GS: (16/15) Career GP / GS: (202/196)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/0) Career Postseason GP / GS: (10/10)
• Registered five tackles in his NFL debut vs. Detroit (9/7). • Collared six tackles, one pass defensed and one interception vs.
• Tallied a team and career-high 10 tackles at Tampa Bay (9/14). Detroit (9/7). The interception marked the 25th of his career.
• Posted six tackles vs. Kansas City (9/21) and added one tackle on • Led all secondary players in tackles (nine) at Tamp a Bay (9/14).
special teams. • Tallied a team-high 12 tackles and two passes defensed vs. Kansas
• Recorded 10 tackles at Carolina (9/28). City (9/21).
• Logged six tackles at Green Bay (10/5). • Posted seven tackles at Carolina (9/28).
• Collared a career-high 11 tackles vs. Chicago (10/12) including a • Logged eight tackles at Green Bay (10/5).
career-high eight solo tackles. • Recorded five tackles vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Tallied two tackles, one forced fumble and his first career sack (seven • Collared eight tackles at Philadelphia (10/26)
yards) at Philadelphia (10/26). .• Notched three tackles at Oakland (11/2) for a defense that allowed
• Notched a team-high seven tackles at Oakland (11/2) for a defense only 10 net passing yards.
that did not allow a first down in the first half and allowed a franchise- • Collected 10 tackles and one pass defensed vs. New Orleans (11/9)
low three in the whole game. in his 190th career start.
• Registered six tackles and one pass defensed vs. New Orleans • Registered a team-high 10 tackles vs. Denver (11/16).
(11/9). • Tallied seven tackles and one pass defensed vs. Carolina (11/23).
• Posted seven tackles vs. Denver (11/16). • Logged six tackles at San Diego (11/30).
• Collected six tackles vs. Carolina (11/23). • Posted seven tackles at New Orleans (12/7).
• Logged eight tackles at San Diego (11/30). • Collared a season-high 13 tackles (eight solo) vs. Tampa Bay (12/14).
• Collared nine tackles at New Orleans (12/7). • Tallied six solo tackles at Minnesota (12/21) while added one forced
• Posted seven tackles and one special teams stop in his 13th start of fumble.
the season against Tampa Bay (12/14). • Listed as inactive against St. Louis (12/28) with an injury.
• Notched five tackles (three solo) at Minnesota (12/21). • Finished with eight tackles (three solo) while starting at strong safety
• Started at middle linebacker and totaled three tackles and two pass- in the Falcons Wild Card game at Arizona (1/3/09).
es defensed against St. Louis (12/28).
• Collared six tackles (five solo) in Atlanta’s Wild Card meeting at milloy’s Game-By-Game Statistics
Arizona (1/3/09).
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLO SACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
9/7 DET 6 6 0.0 0.0 1 0 0 1
lofton’s Game-By-Game Statistics
9/14 @TB 9 7 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLO SACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
9/21 KC 12 9 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 2
9/7 DET 5 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/28 @CAR 7 4 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/14 @TB 10 5 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/5 @GB 8 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/21 KC 6 4 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/12 CHI 5 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/28 @CAR 10 7 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/26 @PHI 8 4 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/5 @GB 6 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/2 @OAK 3 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/12 CHI 11 8 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/9 NO 10 8 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
10/26 @PHI 2 1 1.0 7.0 0 1 0 0
11/16 DEN 10 8 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/2 @OAK 7 6 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/23 CAR 7 5 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
11/9 NO 6 6 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
11/30 @SD 6 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/16 DEN 7 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/7 @NO 7 4 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/23 CAR 6 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/14 TB 13 8 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/30 @SD 8 6 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/21 @MIN 6 6 0.0 0.0 0 1 0 0
12/7 @NO 9 6 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/28 STL INACTIVE
12/14 TB 7 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS 117 76 0.0 0.0 1 1 0 5
12/21 @MIN 5 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
CAREER 1,586 1,032 17.0 144.5 25 11 9 85
12/28 STL 3 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 2
2008 TOTALS 108 67 1.0 7.0 0 1 0 3
milloy’s postseason Statistics
CAREER 108 67 1.0 7.0 0 1 0 3
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
1/3/09 ARI 8 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
lofton’s postseason Statistics
2008 TOTALS 8 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
CAREER 65 43 0.0 0.0 2 0 0 7
1/3/09 ARI 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
season highs
CAREER 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
TACKLES: 13 vs. Tampa Bay (12/14)
SOLO TACKLES: 9 vs. Kansas City (9/21)
season highs
INTERCEPTIONS: 1 vs. Detroit (9/7)
TACKLES: 11 vs. Chicago (10/12)
PASSES DEFENSED: 2 vs. Kansas City (9/21)
SOLO TACKLES: 8 vs. Chicago (10/12)
UPDATED PLAYER bios - DEFENSE
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 299 Year: 6th Ht: 6-3 Wt: 232 Year: 2nd
Alabama South Florida
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (14/ 1/ 0/ 2) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 0/ 0/ 0)
Career GP / GS: (89/14) Career GP / GS: (29/0)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 1/ 0/ 0) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (4/1) Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/0)
• Tallied two tackles vs. Detroit (9/7). • Posted one tackle on special teams vs. Detroit (9/7).
• Saw action at Tampa Bay (9/14). • Saw action at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Saw action vs. Kansas City (9/21). • Collared three tackles on special teams vs. Kansas City (9/21).
• Recorded one tackle at Carolina (9/28). • Registered one tackle on defense at Carolina (9/28) and added two
• Logged one tackle and one pass defensed at Green Bay (10/5). tackles on special teams.
• Registered four tackles vs. Chicago (10/12). • Recorded three tackles and one pass defensed at Green Bay (10/5).
• Collared four tackles at Philadelphia (10/26). • Tallied two tackles on special teams vs. Chicago (10/12).
• Member of a defensive unit that allowed only three total first downs at • Saw action at Philadelphia (10/26).
Oakland (11/2). • Member of a denfense that allowed a franchise-low 77 total net yards
• Saw action vs. New Orleans (11/9). at Oakland (11/2).
• Inactive vs. Denver (11/16). • Collared one tackle vs. New Orleans (11/9).
• Inactive vs. Carolina (11/23). • Assisted on one tackle vs. Denver (11/16).
• Tallied one tackle at San Diego (11/30). • Logged two tackles vs. Carolina (11/23).
• Started at defensive tackle at New Orleans (12/7). • Saw action on defense and special teams at San Diego (11/30).
• Recorded one assisted tackle vs. Tampa Bay (12/14). • Posted one pass defensed and one tackle on special teams at New
• Against Minnesota (12/21), collared three tackles, his first sack of the Orleans (12/7).
season for a loss of 29 yards and a forced fumble. • Saw action on defense and special teams vs. Tampa Bay (12/14).
• Posted one solo tackle against St. Louis (12/28). • Competed against Minnesota (12/21) and added one special teams
• Tallied one solo tackle in Atlanta’s Wild Card match-up at Arizona tackle.
(1/3/09) while starting at left defensive end. • Logged his first career sack which went for a loss of six yards against
St. Louis (12/28).
moorehead’s Game-By-Game • Posted two tackles in his first career postseason game in Atlanta’s
Wild Card meeting at Arizona (1/3/09).
Statistics
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLO SACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
nicholas’ Game-By-Game Statistics
9/7 DET 2 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLO SACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
9/14 @TB 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/7 DET 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/21 KC 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/14 @TB 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/28 @CAR 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
9/21 KC 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/5 @GB 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
9/28 @CAR 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/12 CHI 4 4 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/5 @GB 3 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
10/26 @PHI 4 4 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/12 CHI 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/2 @OAK 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/26 @PHI 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/9 NO 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/2 @OAK 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/16 DEN INACTIVE
11/9 NO 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/23 CAR INACTIVE
11/16 DEN 1 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/30 @SD 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/23 CAR 2 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/7 @NO 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/30 @SD 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/14 TB 1 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/7 @NO 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
12/21 @MIN 3 2 1.0 29.0 0 1 0 0
12/14 TB 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/28 STL 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/21 @MIN 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS 18 15 1.0 29.0 0 1 0 1
12/28 STL 1 1 1.0 6.0 0 0 0 0
CAREER 156 100 10.5 101.0 1 1 3 5
2008 TOTALS 9 7 1.0 6.0 0 0 0 2
CAREER 20 17 1.0 6.0 0 0 0 2
moorehead’s postseason Statistics
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
nicholas’ postseason Statistics
1/3/09 ARI 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
2008 TOTALS 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
1/3/09 ARI 2 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
CAREER 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS 2 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
CAREER 2 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
UPDATED PLAYER bios - DEFENSE
Ht: 6-0 Wt: 185 Year: Rookie Ht: 6-0 Wt: 228 Year: 7th
Miami (Fla.) Stanford
GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 0/ 3) GP / GS / DNP / IA: (16/ 4/ 0/ 0)
Career GP / GS: (0/0) Career GP / GS: (96/25)
2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (0/ 0/ 0/ 1) 2008 Playoffs GP / GS / DNP / IA: (1/ 0/ 0/ 0)
Career Postseason GP / GS: (0/0) Career Postseason GP / GS: (1/0)
• Signed to the Falcons active roster on December 9, 2008. • Recorded one tackle on special teams vs. Detroit (9/7).
• Inactive Weeks 15-17. • Saw action on special teams at Tampa Bay (9/14).
• Inactive for Atlanta’s Wild Card meeting at Arizona (1/3/09). • Started at outside linebacker vs. Kansas City (9/21) and posted five
tackles in addition to recording three tackles on special teams.
SHARPE’S Game-By-Game Statistics • Saw action on special teams at Carolina (9/28).
• Saw action on special teams at Green Bay (10/5).
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLO SACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
• Assisted on one tackle on special teams vs. Chicago (10/12).
9/7 DET
• Saw action on special teams at Philadelphia (10/26).
9/14 @TB • Saw action on special teams at Oakland (11/2).
9/21 KC • Tallied one tackle vs. New Orleans (11/9).
9/28 @CAR • Saw action on special teams vs. Denver (11/16).
10/5 @GB • Registered a team-high two tackles on special teams vs. Carolina
10/12 CHI (11/23).
• Assisted on one tackle on special teams at San Diego (11/30).
10/26 @PHI
• Saw action on special teams at New Orleans (12/7).
11/2 @OAK
• Made his second start of the season at outside linebacker and regis-
11/9 NO tered a season-high nine tackles (eight solo), one pass defensed and
11/16 DEN three special teams stops vs. Tampa Bay (12/14).
11/23 CAR • Started his second consecutive game at linebacker and totaled eight
11/30 @SD tackles (five solo) and one special teams stop at Minnesota (12/21).
12/7 @NO • Started his fourth game of the season at outside linebacker against
St. Louis (12/28) and notched one solo tackle.
12/14 TB INACTIVE
• Totaled eight tackles (five solo) in Atlanta’s Wild Card Playoff game at
12/21 @MIN INACTIVE
Arizona (1/3/09).
12/28 STL INACTIVE
2008 TOTALS 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
wire’s Game-By-Game Statistics
CAREER 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLO SACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
9/7 DET 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
SHARPE’S postseason Statistics 9/14 @TB 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
DATE OPP. TKLS SOLOSACKS YDS INT FF FR PD
9/21 KC 5 2 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
1/3/09 ARI INACTIVE
9/28 @CAR 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS INACTIVE
10/5 @GB 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
CAREER 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/12 CHI 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
10/26 @PHI 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/2 @OAK 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/9 NO 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/16 DEN 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/23 CAR 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
11/30 @SD 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/7 @NO 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/14 TB 9 8 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
12/21 @MIN 8 5 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
12/28 STL 1 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2008 TOTALS 24 17 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 1
CAREER 188 117 5.0 0.0 0 1 0 5
GP/GS: 46/18 POSTSEASON: 2/2 BORN: March 27, 1983 ACQ: Tr. ‘08 (Den)
TRANSACTIONS
• Selected as a third round (97th overall) draft choice by the Denver Broncos in 2005.
• Traded to the Falcons on September 2, 2008.
CAREER
• Has competed in 46 games starting in 18 while contributing with 166 tackles (138 solo), three interceptions, 34 passes defensed, three
forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
• Averaged 55 tackles and 11 passes defensed each season with the Broncos while seeing regular season action for the club on spe-
cial teams, registering 18 career stops on coverage units.
2007 (BRONCOS)
• Played in 14 games with six starts while totaling 42 tackles (32 solo), four passes defensed and one forced fumble.
• Led the secondary with 10 tackles filling in for injured cornerback Champ Bailey vs. Pittsburgh (10/21).
2006 (BRONCOS)
• Saw action in all 16 games, starting in five and finished the season with 58 tackles (47 solo), one interception, 12 passes defensed
and one forced fumble.
• Intercepted his lone pass of the season against Baltimore (10/9) and posted a 45-yard return.
• Led Denver with a career-high 14 tackles and a forced fumble that led to a turnover versus Cincinnati (12/24).
2005 (BRONCOS)
• Competed in all 16 games (seven starts) and tallied 66 tackles (59 solo), two interceptions, 18 passes defensed, one forced fumble
and one fumble recovery.
• Named to USA Today’s All-Joe Team
• Earned Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors after posting seven tackles, one interception for a return of 23 yards and one fum-
ble recovery against Jacksonville (10/2).
• Had one interception and a season-high four passes defensed against Philadelphia (10/30).
COLLEGE
• Played four seasons at the University of Maryland, where he started all 40 career games played and earned All-Atlantic Coast
Conference honors during each of his last three seasons.
• Totaled 143 tackles (121 solo), eight interceptions, 31 passes defensed and four fumble recoveries.
PERSONAL
• Attended Western Tech High School in Catonsville, Md.
• Chosen as a consensus all-state defensive back and Big School All-State choice (Associated Press) while earning first-team All-Metro
and All-Baltimore County honors from the Baltimore Sun.
• Totaled a school-record 14 interceptions and recorded 2,037 all purpose yards as a senior.
GP/GS: 20/0 POSTSEASON: 2/0 BORN: May 17, 1983 ACQ: W ‘08 (Jax)
TRANSACTIONS
• Originally signed as a rookie free agent in 2006 by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
• Claimed off of waivers by the Falcons on September 2, 2008.
CAREER
• In 20 career games, has totaled 15 tackles (12 solo), one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
2007 (JAGUARS)
• Played in a career-high 14 games, seeing action on special teams and as a back-up safety.
• Finished the season with 10 tackles (seven solo), one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception.
• Saw action in 25 snaps while contributing with two passes defensed and his first career interception against Oakland (12/23).
2006 (JAGUARS)
• Competed in six games and posted five tackles.
• Saw extensive action at free safety for Deon Grant and posted five tackles against New England (12/24).
COLLEGE
• A three-year starter at Clemson, competing in 49 consecutive games.
• Totaled 74 tackles and three interceptions in 2005.
• Started all 11 games as a junior and finished with three interceptions and 10 passes defensed.
PERSONAL
• Attended Ed White High School in Jacksonville, Florida.
• Registered 81 tackles and nine interceptions.
• Named All-Area and All-Conference as a junior and senior.
GP/GS: 0/0 POSTSEASON: 0/0 BORN: April 24, 1985 ACQ: FA ‘08
TRANSACTIONS
• Signed by Atlanta on May 19, 2008.
• Waived by the Falcons on August 30, 2008 and was signed to the Atlanta practice squad one day later.
• Signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad on December 16, 2008.
COLLEGE
• Finished fifth on an Auburn Tigers defense with 59 tackles in 2007 while setting a season-high with eight stops against LSU.
• Finished fourth on the team in tackles with 50 in 2006 and tied for third on the team with five tackles against Nebraska in the Cotton
Bowl.
• Competed in all 12 games in 2005 making seven starts and posting 30 stops.
PERSONAL
• Attended Benjamin Russell High School (Alabama) and finished with 84 tackles, six interceptions and four blocked punts as a senior.
• Caught 25 passes for 515 yards and six touchdowns on offense.
• Helped lead his team to a 13-2 record and 5A state championship as a junior and a 10-3 record as a senior.
TONY GILBERT
LINEBACKER
51
HT: 6-0 WT: 248 COLLEGE: Georgia NFL SEASON: 5th
GP/GS: 56/0 POSTSEASON: 1/0 BORN: October 16, 1979 ACQ: FA ‘08
TRANSACTIONS
• Originally selected by Arizona in the sixth round (210th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft.
• Released by the Cardinals on September 1, 2003 and was signed to the Arizona practice squad the following day.
• Signed off of the Arizona practice squad by the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 29, 2003.
• Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on August 31, 2008.
CAREER
• Dominant special teams player who has served as a backup middle linebacker.
• Has seen action in 56 career games with Jacksonville while contributing with 23 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery.
• Tied for sixth in Jacksonville team history with 38 special teams tackles.
• Allocated to the Rhine Fire of NFL Europa in 2005.
2007 (JAGUARS)
• Spent the season on the team’s injured reserve list.
2006 (JAGUARS)
• Played in all 16 games for the third consecutive season and led the squad with 16 special teams tackles.
• Recorded a career-high 16 tackles and one sack. Posted his first career sack against the New York Jets (10/8).
2005 (JAGUARS)
• Appeared in all 16 games and ranked fifth on the squad with nine special teams stops.
• Finished the season with seven tackles and one fumble recovery.
2004 (JAGUARS)
• Saw action in all 16 games playing primarily on special teams. Made six special teams stops.
2003 (JAGUARS)
• After being signed off of the Arizona practice squad on October 29, 2003, appeared in eight games for the Jaguars while totaling seven
special teams tackles.
COLLEGE
• Earned All-SEC second-team honors as a senior at Georgia as he tied for the team lead with 114 tackles.
• Voted the team’s most valuable player as a junior middle linebacker.
PERSONAL
• Attended Central High School in Macon, Georgia where he was named a 4-A all-state first-team selection by the Atlanta Journal-
Constitution.
• Served as the team’s captain his senior season while contributing with 105 tackles and two interceptions.
• Played on the varsity basketball team and threw shot put for the track team.
TRANSACTIONS
• Selected as a third round (97th overall) pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 2002 NFL Draft.
• Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on July 25, 2008.
CAREER
• Spent the first six seasons of this career in a Buffalo Bills uniform and tallied 164 tackles in 80 games played.
• Was voted the Bills special teams captain in 2007.
2007 (BILLS)
• Named the Bills special teams captain prior to the start of the season.
• Competed in seven games with one start and finished the season with four tackles.
2006 (BILLS)
• Saw action in all 16 games and contributed with 16 tackles and 19 special teams stops.
2005 (BILLS)
• Played in 13 games and recorded six tackles and one forced fumble.
2004 (BILLS)
• Competed in 12 games, starting in three and totaled 31 tackles (12 solo) and one sack.
2003 (BILLS)
• In 16 games, finished the year with 15 tackles (10 solo), one sack and two passes defensed.
2002 (BILLS)
• Pieced together a stellar rookie season after starting in 15 of 16 games and finished fourth on the team in tackles with 92 (67 solo).
• Recorded his first career NFL sack when he dropped Brian Griese for an eight-yard loss at Denver (9/22).
• Was second on the team with a career-high 12 tackles (nine solo) in a loss to New England (11/3).
COLLEGE
• Competed at running back, linebacker and safety in his collegiate career at Stanford University.
• Led Stanford in rushing in 1998 and then in tackles in 2000 and ’01.
• Finished his career with 177 tackles (111 solo) and 11 sacks for 70 yards.
• Was a first-team All-Pac 10 Conference choice in 2001.
PERSONAL
• Attended Cedar Cliff High School and was an All-America selection after rushing for 2,087 yards and 29 touchdowns on 334 carries.
• Was voted Conference Offensive Player of the Year as well as Central Pennsylvania Player of the Year.
• Full name is Coy Michael Wire.
GP/GS: 212/205 POSTSEASON: 4/4 BORN: February 10, 1971 ACQ: FA ‘08
TRANSACTIONS
• Originally selected as a first round (15th pick overall) draft choice by the Los Angeles Rams in 1994.
• Signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers on April 6, 1999.
• Signed as an unrestricted free agent by the New Orleans Saints on March 2, 2003.
• Traded to the Falcons for safety S Bryan Scott and the Falcons 2007 seventh-round draft pick on April 6, 2006.
• Signed as a free agent on October 29, 2008.
CAREER
• Consistent player on the offensive line, who has played in 212 career games while starting in every contest from 1995-2007.
• Has started all 16 games in 10 of the past 12 seasons, missing only one start in 2001 and 11 in 2007.
2007 (FALCONS)
• Started the first five games of the season before being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury following a Week 5 match-up at
Tennessee.
2006 (FALCONS)
• Started all 16 games for the fifth consecutive season, helping the team lead the NFL in rushing for the third consecutive year, while
setting a Falcons franchise record with 2,939 rushing yards (ninth highest in NFL history).
• Blocked for a running game that tallied six, 200-yard rushing games, while also leading the NFL in rushes of 20+ yards (23) and 10+
yards (82).
• Blocked for an offense that produced 252 rushing yards at Carolina (9/10), followed by a franchise-record 306 rushing yards vs. Tampa
Bay (9/17).
• Paved the way for Vick to rush for 166 rushing yards vs. New Orleans (11/26), which marked the second highest rushing total for a
quarterback in a single game.
2005 (SAINTS)
• Started all 16 games for the fourth straight season and for the tenth time in his 12-year career.
2004 (SAINTS)
• Started all 16 games at left tackle for the third straight season, and the ninth time in his career.
2003 (SAINTS)
• Started all 16 regular season games and was part of a unit that helped pave the way for RB Deuce McAllister's record-breaking sea-
son. McAllister finished second in the NFC with a career-high 1,641 yards (4.7 avg. on 351 carries) and posted a club-record nine-
straight 100-yard games (from vs. Indianapolis, Sept. 28 to vs. Tampa Bay, Dec. 7). McAllister's nine-straight 100-yard performances
tied for the third-longest streak in NFL history.
2002 (STEELERS)
• Started all 16 regular season games and both postseason contests.
• Was instrumental in the offense's record-setting performance vs. Atlanta (11/10), in which the team amassed 645 total yards.
• Started his third postseason game in a Wild Card clash vs. Cleveland (1/5/03) and his fourth postseason game in the Divisional Playoff
game at Tennessee (1/11/03).
2001 (STEELERS)
• Earned first-team All-Pro honors from Football Digest as he started 15 games.
• Anchored an offensive line that produced a third-straight 200-yard rushing performance at Tampa Bay (10/21).
• Had his string of 102 straight games end vs. Baltimore (11/4) because of a hamstring injury.
• Started the first postseason game of his career vs. Baltimore (1/20/02) and started his second postseason game in the AFC
Championship Game vs. New England (1/27/02).
2000 (STEELERS)
• Produced a solid season despite playing the majority of it with a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder.
• Helped the offense finish as the fourth-best rushing team in the NFL and one of only 10 units in the league to compile more than 2,000
yards.
1999 (STEELERS)
• Started every game at left tackle and provided stability in his first season with the Steelers.
• Instrumental in his Steelers debut as the team produced 460 total yards, including 213 rushing yards, at Cleveland (9/12).
1998 (RAMS)
• Started in all 16 games at right tackle for the Rams.
1997 (RAMS)
• Showed versatility by starting Games 1-4 and 10-12 at left tackle, and Games 5-9 and 13-16 at right tackle.
• Played in 1,005 of possible 1,011 plays.
1996 (RAMS)
• Started 16 games at left tackle.
• Received game ball from coaches vs. Atlanta (11/10) after not allowing a sack and helping the Rams to 279 rushing yards.
1995 (RAMS)
• Started 16 games at left tackle.
1994 (RAMS)
• Played in 16 games with nine starts at right tackle. Was only Rams rookie offensive lineman to start more than half of season since G
Tom Newberry (14) in 1986.
• Made first career start vs. New York Giants (10/16), replacing an injured Jackie Slater.
COLLEGE
• Started 37 games during his four-year career at Auburn, earning first-team All-America honors from Football Writers Association and a
unanimous All-Southeastern Conference selection as a senior. Was also a finalist for the Outland Trophy.
• Started every game at left tackle as junior and senior.
PERSONAL
• Lettered three times in football, basketball and track (shot put) at Haines City (FL) High School.
• Was an All-State first-team selection as two-way lineman as a senior. Averaged 10 tackles per game and had 20 sacks as senior.
• Member of National Honor Society.
• Born Wayne Lamar Gandy on February 10, 1971 in Haines City, Florida.
TRANSACTIONS
• Originally signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent on January 24, 1995.
• Signed from the Colts practice squad to the active roster on October 10, 1995.
• Signed by the Detroit Lions as an unrestricted free agent on March 7, 2005.
• Released by the Lions on March 3, 2007 and was signed by the Seattle Seahawks on March 13, 2007.
• Signed by the New England Patriots as a free agent on April 23, 2008.
• Released by the Patriots on August 20, 2008 and was signed by the Falcons as a free agent on August 24, 2008.
• Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on December 16, 2008
CAREER
• Has competed in 191 career games with 133 starts and has caught 349 passes for 4,280 yards (12.3 avg.) and 40 touchdowns.
• Posted eight career 100-yard receiving games and has also recorded 57 special teams tackles.
• Led Seattle tight ends in receiving in 2007 with 28 receptions for 273 yards and two touchdowns.
• Left the Indianapolis Colts after the 2004 season ranked second among the franchise’s tight ends with 263 career receptions, third with
3,391 receiving yards and third with 35 touchdowns.
• Set career highs in all receiving categories in 2001, catching 47 passes for 739 yards and eight touchdowns while starting in all 16
games for the first time in his career.
2007 (SEAHAWKS)
• In 14 games, totaled 28 receptions for 273 yards and two touchdowns.
• Started his first game against Tampa Bay (9/9) and caught five passes for 43 yards.
• Caught two passes for 23 yards and a 14-yard touchdown, his first in a Seahawks uniform at San Francisco (9/30).
• Caught a key two-point conversion in a Wild Card Playoff Game against Washington (1/5).
2006 (LIONS)
• Saw action in 15 games while registering 12 catches for 100 yards.
• Surpassed 4,000 career receiving yards for his career against San Francisco (11/12).
2005 (LIONS)
• Started all 16 games during the regular season and led the team with 46 receptions while tallying 516 yards and three touchdowns.
• Caught his first touchdown pass as a Lion against Green Bay (9/11) while finishing the game with 58 receiving yards.
• Tied his career long pass of 86 yards to set up a Lions field goal versus Carolina (10/16).
• Led the team with six receptions at New Orleans (12/24) which included his 300th career catch.
2004 (COLTS)
• Started in all 13 games he appeared in while logging 29 catches for 309 yards and six touchdowns.
• Totaled two receptions for 29 yards, which both went for a season-high two touchdowns against Minnesota (11/7).
• Posted a season-high 52 yards on three catches with a 26-yard long against Jacksonville (10/24).
2003 (COLTS)
• Played in 14 games starting in 13 and notched 40 receptions for 541 yards and three touchdowns.
• Made a season-high 51-yard grab at Miami (11/2) finishing the game with 68 yards.
• Caught a seven-yard touchdown pass in the AFC Championship Game at New England (1/18).
2002 (COLTS)
• Started in 15 games and caught at least one pass in every contest, totaling 43 catches for 478 yards and six touchdowns.
• Caught a season-long 41-yard touchdown catch at Pittsburgh (10/21) capping a three-game touchdown streak from 10/6-10/21.
2001 (COLTS)
• Started in all 16 games and set career highs in receptions (47), yards (739) and a long catch of 86 yards for a touchdown.
• Averaged 15.7 yards per catch (a career best) which ranked first among all NFL tight ends with 40-plus receptions.
• Pulled down an 86-yard touchdown pass at New Orleans (11/18), the fifth longest touchdown reception in Colts history and the sec-
ond longest by a tight end.
2000 (COLTS)
• Started 14 games and registered 30 catches for 439 yards and three touchdowns.
• Had a season-high five catches for 74 yards and a 50-yard touchdown at Miami (12/17).
1999 (COLTS)
• Started in 10 of 16 games and finished the season with 34 receptions for 374 yards and four touchdowns.
1998 (COLTS)
• Started in 11 games and caught four touchdowns on 24 receptions for 309 yards.
• Made a then-career-high six catches at New England (9/13) for 53 yards.
• Caught a 44-yard touchdown pass against Carolina (12/27).
1997 (COLTS)
• Started in six contests while seeing action in every game and finished the season with 10 catches for 116 yards.
1996 (COLTS)
• Started in four contests and finished the campaign with six catches for 86 yards and one touchdown.
• His first career reception was also his first career touchdown on a 48-yard grab from quarterback Jim Harbaugh at Dallas (9/15).
1995 (COLTS)
• Played in eight games in his rookie season and saw action primarily on special teams.
COLLEGE
• Did not play college football, but was a two-year starter at power forward in basketball for Bradley.
• Transferred to Bradley after starting two years at Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kansas.
PERSONAL
• Attended Valley High School in Valley, Alabama.
• Grew up idolizing Billy “White Shoes” Johnson and the Atlanta Falcons as a child.
• An avid golfer who sports a handicap of 10.
• Coached the Rhein Fire of NFL Europa in 2006.
• Majored in Criminal Justice.
• Marcus and his wife Amani have two sons, Myles Ashton and Micah Jayden, and one daughter, Aja Amani.
GP/GS: 93/39 POSTSEASON: 1/1 BORN: March 15, 1979 ACQ: FA ‘08
TRANSACTIONS
• Originally selected as a fourth-round draft choice (103rd overall) by the San Diego Chargers in 2002.
• Signed as a free agent by the Miami Dolphins on March 20, 2006.
• Signed as a free agent by Atlanta on August 31, 2008.
CAREER
• Has competed in 93 games (39 starts) in six NFL seasons.
• Has caught 85 career passes for 614 yards and seven touchdowns.
2007 (DOLPHINS)
• Competed in all 16 games starting in 10 and tallied career-high totals of 29 receptions for 228 yards and two touchdowns.
• Posted at least one reception in 13 of 16 games.
• Caught one touchdown reception in the season opener at Washington (9/9).
• Totaled 10 receptions for 84 yards in back-to-back contests against New England (10/21) and the New York Giants (10/28).
2006 (DOLPHINS)
• Played in 15 games, starting in 10 and finished the season with 16 catches for 116 yards and one touchdown.
• Caught a season-high three catches for 21 yards and one touchdown on an 11-yard pass versus Minnesota (11/19).
2005 (CHARGERS)
• Saw action in all 16 games with four starts and caught 11 passes for 38 yards and one touchdown.
• Caught three passes for 20 yards and one touchdown pass from RB LaDainian Tomlinson against Oakland (10/31).
2004 (CHARGERS)
• Started in four of 16 contests and recorded 10 receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns.
• Caught a 10-yard touchdown from Drew Brees in a Chargers victory over Tennessee (10/3) and notched his second score of the year
on a 17-yard strike against Oakland (10/31).
2003 (CHARGERS)
• Appeared in 15 games starting in nine and caught 16 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown.
• Caught lone touchdown pass on a seven-yard strike from Drew Brees at Oakland (9/28).
2002 (CHARGERS)
• Saw action in 15 games during his rookie campaign while catching three passes for 15 yards.
COLLEGE
• Started 28 of 42 games at Oregon totaling 63 receptions for 944 yards and 14 touchdowns.
• Was a first-team All-Pac 10 selection as a senior when he caught 34 passes for 491 yards and nine touchdowns.
PERSONAL
• Attended Dublin High School (CA) and earned first-team Tri-County Athletic League offensive and defensive honors.
• Peellee and his wife, Sara, have one son, Morris David.
PEELLE’S OFFENSIVE STATISTICS
RECEIVING RUSHING
Year Team GP/GS No. Yards Avg. LG TD No. Yards Avg. LG TD
2002 SD 15/2 3 15 5.0 10 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
2003 SD 15/9 16 133 8.3 24 1 0 0 0.0 0 0
2004 SD 16/4 10 84 8.4 17t 2 0 0 0.0 0 0
2005 SD 16/4 11 38 3.5 11 1 0 0 0.0 0 0
GP/GS: 155/102 POSTSEASON: 9/7 BORN: January 21, 1973 ACQ: FA ‘08
TRANSACTIONS
• Originally selected by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round (193rd overall) of the 1997 Draft.
• Signed by New Orleans Saints as an unrestricted free agent on April 12, 2002.
• Waived by the Saints on November 3, 2003. Claimed off waivers by Green Bay Packers on November 4, 2003.
• Signed with the Falcons as an unrestricted free agent on August 22, 2006.
• Waived by the Falcons on October 23 and was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 31, 2007.
• Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on July 29, 2008.
CAREER
• A remarkable athlete and impactful defender, who anchored the Packers defensive line from 2003-05.
• Has the ability to generate significant inside pass rush.
• An agile force at defensive tackle, Jackson had an impressive year for the Packers in 2005, starting all 16 games for the second time
(also 2001 with Oakland) in his career and tallying a career-high 72 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and a career-high four pass-
es defensed.
• In 2004, Green Bay allowed nearly 40 less rushing yards per game (39.9) in Jackson’s 10 regular season contests than what the
Packers gave up without him.
• Possesses a keen understanding of the game from nearly a decade of working in the NFL trenches.
• Led all NFL players with 13 tackles for loss in 2006.
GP/GS: 20/1 POSTSEASON: 0/0 BORN: December 20, 1981 ACQ: W ‘08
TRANSACTIONS
• Originally selected in the sixth round (193rd overall) by the New Orleans Saints in the 2005 NFL Draft.
• Waived by the Saints on August 28, 2005 and signed was to the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad on October 4, 2005.
• Signed by the Buffalo Bills from the Eagles practice squad on October 12, 2005.
• Claimed off of waivers by the Atlanta Falcons on August 31, 2008.
2007 (BILLS)
• Saw action in a career-high 11 games totaling a career-high 20 tackles.
• Tied a career-high of four tackles against the New York Jets (9/30).
2006 (BILLS)
• Competed in four games while contributing with six tackles (two solo).
2005 (BILLS)
• Played in five of the last eight games during the 2005 campaign, but did not record a tackle.
COLLEGE
• Started every game on the Wisconsin defensive line as a senior and posted 25 tackles (14 solo), three sacks and one forced fumble.
• Collared 30 tackles and one sack in 14 games as a junior.
• Took over the starting role as a sophomore in 2002 and posted a career-best 45 tackles.
PERSONAL
• Attended Leo High School where he was a three-time offensive line MVP and team captain in both football and track.
• Won the 1998 state title in the shot put.
• Registered 310 career tackles and 43 sacks.
• Earned Academic All-State honors.
Sunday as the Falcons pulled within one game of the NFC South Falcons 4 14:57 M. Turner 4 yd. run (J. Elam kick) 13 24
lead. Panthers 4 10:57 J. Delhomme 12 yd. run (D. Williams run) 21 24
Atlanta out-gained Carolina 162-0 in the first quarter thanks to Falcons 4 7:13 M. Turner 1 yd. run (J. Elam kick) 21 31
solid defense and ball-hogging offense. Falcons 4 4:47 H. Douglas 61 yd. punt return (J. Elam kick) 21 38
The Falcons darted down the field on the first series of the game
Panthers 4 2:23 M. Muhammad 16 yd. pass from J. Delhomme (J. Kasay kick) 28 38
but settled for a field goal. That was followed by touchdowns from
Falcons 4 0:54 M. Turner 16 yd. run (J. Elam kick) 28 45
Douglas and Turner.
Carolina scored 10-straight points in the third quarter negating some of the work the Falcons did in the opening half. But, when it mattered most, the team
found a way to hit the accelerator.
ball away from tight end Alex Smith and tip a pass intended for Antonio
Bryant on consecutive plays. That forced one of nine Buccaneer punts.
The defense also benefited from a missed field goal with 3:38 Falcons 1 6:50 J. Elam 26 yd. Field Goal 0 3
remaining in regulation. The Bucs rushed for just 99 yards in the game
and committed five false start penalties, which Smith attributed to crowd Falcons 1 1:01 M. Turner 1 yd. run (J. Elam kick) 0 10
noise in an energized Georgia Dome.
Tampa Bay finished with 11 penalties for 76 yards.
Bryant finished with eight catches for 108 yards and touchdown. Bucs 2 0:11 A. Bryant 20 yd. pass from B. Griese (M. Bryant kick) 7 10
Griese, playing in place of an injured Jeff Garcia, helped engineer that
scoring drive just before halftime and cut into the Falcons lead, 10-7. Bucs 4 0:44 M. Bryant 38 yd. Field Goal 10 10
But the Falcons redirected that momentum swing as well, holding the
Bucs No. 1 receiver to just one catch the rest of the game.
Falcons OT 4:04 J. Elam 34 yd. Field Goal 10 13
With the win, a playoff picture is starting to take shape for the
Falcons. Sunday's thriller also improved the Birds to 6-1 in the Dome and improved the overall division record to 25-2 at home.
The Falcons wrote the final chapter in a storybook season Saturday TEAM STATISTICS
afternoon, losing 30-24 to the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the
playoffs. Cardinals Falcons
The defense gave up touchdown passes of 42 and 71 yards in the first TOTAL FIRST DOWNS 15 20
half as the team fell behind 14-3 in the second quarter. But the unit settled THIRD DOWN EFFICIENCY 6-15-40% 6-14-43%
in to allow just four first-half first downs and give the offense a chance at FOURTH DOWN EFFICIENCY 0-0-0% 1-1-100%
the field. TOTAL NET YARDS 357 250
A Jason Elam field goal got the Falcons on the board with 7:31 remain-
ing in the second quarter to start a Falcons rally. Rookie quarterback Matt NET YARDS RUSHING 86 60
Ryan began the game 1 of 4 with an interception but rebounded to pilot a NET YARDS PASSING 271 190
14 play, 77-yard drive that ended with a Michael Turner touchdown run. PASS ATTEMPTS - COMPLETIONS-HAD INTERCEPTED 32-19-1 40-26-2
Ryan completed 17 of his next 21 pass attempts after the shaky start. KICKOFFS - NUMBER - IN ENDZONE - TOUCHBACK 5-5-3 6-3-1
The offense held the ball for more than 21 minutes in the first half and PUNTS - NUMBER AND AVERAGE 6-39.8 5-42.4
successfully flipped the momentum put in play by the Cardinals offense.
Cornerback Chevis Jackson picked off quarterback Kurt Warner on the FGS - PATS HAD BLOCKED 0-0 0-0
next series, giving the ball back to the Falcons in Cardinals territory with NET PUNTING AVERAGE 34.7 36.8
2:03 to play. Ryan completed three passes on the ensuing possession, the TOTAL RETURN YARDAGE (NOT INCLUDING KICKOFFS) 2 31
last a 2-yard throw to tight end Justin Peelle in the back of the end zone. PENALTIES NUMBER AND YARDS 6-47 6-52
The Falcons took a 17-14 halftime lead off that play and stood ready FUMBLES NUMBER AND LOST 0-0 2-1
to take the ball to open the third quarter. But a bizarre play sent the Birds
back on their heels for nearly the rest of the game. TOUCHDOWNS 4 3
A muffed handoff on the second play of the third quarter was recov- EXTRA POINTS MADE-ATTEMPTS 4-4 3-3
ered by Cardinals defensive back Antrel Rolle and returned 27 yards for a FIELD GOALS MADE-ATTEMPTS 0-1 1-1
touchdown. The play started a rough second half for the Falcons, who RED ZONE EFFICIENCY 1-1-100% 3-4-75%
wouldn't find the end zone again until late in the game. GOAL TO GO EFFICIENCY 1-1-100% 3-3-100%
A penalty-laden stretch on the next possession forced the Birds to punt
from their own end zone for the second time in the game. The teams SAFETIES 1 0
swapped punts on the next two drives but the Cardinals pieced together a TIME OF POSSESSION 30:02 29:58
clock-eating march that began with 10:31 left in the third quarter. A Tim
Hightower touchdown run put the Cardinals up by 11.
The Falcons went deep on the next offensive play but Ryan threw his SCORING DRIVE
second interception of the game, this one to fellow rookie Dominique
Rodgers-Cromartie. It was the third, and final, turnover of the day.
Ryan and wide receiver Roddy White, who set a franchise postseason Team Qtr Time Scoring Play Cardinals Falcons
record with 11 catches for 84 yards, hooked up for a touchdown with 4:19
to play but the Cardinals offense picked up first downs to wash away Cardinals 1 10:28 L. Fitzgerald 42 yd. pass from K. Warner (N. Rackers kick) 7 0
Atlanta's final timeouts.
Falcons 2 10:00 J. Elam 30 yd. Field Goal 7 3
The Falcons strong running game was held in check, especially as the
team tried to piece together a comeback. Turner rushed for 42 yards on 18 Cardinals 2 8:58 A. Boldin 71 yd.pass from K. Warner (N. Rackers kick) 14 3
carries but was held to just three carries -- zero yards -- in the final two peri-
ods. Falcons 2 2:55 M. Turner 7 yd. run (J. Elam kick) 14 10
Warner took a knee on the final three snaps as Cardinal fans celebrat- Falcons 2 0:23 J. Peelle 2 yd. pass from M. Ryan (J. Elam kick) 14 17
ed just the second playoff win since the team's move to Arizona. The
Falcons could only watch but left the field with reason to hold their heads Cardinals 3 14:08 A. Rolle 27 yd. fumble return (N. Rackers kick) 21 17
high.
Ryan was named Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Cardinals 3 2:48 T. Hightower 4 yd. run (N. Rackers kick) 28 17
Press. Turner rushed for a record 17 touchdowns, 1,699 yards and finished Cardinals 4 12:37 M. Ryan sacked in end zone by A. Smith for a Safety 30 17
second in league MVP voting. White set a new single-season record for
receiving yards and will join Turner at the Pro Bowl in February -- the first Falcons 4 4:15 R. White 5 yd. pass from M. Ryan (J. Elam kick) 30 24
trip for both players. The offensive line allowed just 17 sacks in the regular
season (down from 47 in 2007) and led the way for the league's No. 2 rushing offense. And that's just a brief list...
Even storybook seasons must come to a close, but the Falcons can always look back on the accomplishments of 2008. And get an early start on a better sequel in
2009.
ATLANTA FALCONS Falcons vs. Cardinals ARIZONA CARDINALS
RUSH. No Yds Avg LG TD RUSH. No Yds Avg LG TD
Starters
M. Turner 18 42 2.3 13 1 E. James 16 73 4.6 10 0
J. Norwood 2 12 6.0 8 0 FALCONS Cardinals T. Hightower 6 23 3.8 7 1
M. Ryan 4 6 1.5 2 0
OFFENSE OFFENSE K. Warner 4 0 0.0 6 0
WR M. Jenkins WR L. Fitzgerald
Total 24 60 2.5 13 1 LT T. Weiner LT M. Gandy J. Arrington 1 -2 -2.0 -2 0
LG J. Blalock LG R. Wells S. Breaston 1 -8 -8.0 -8 0
C T. McClure C L. Sendlein Total 28 86 3.1 10 1
PASS. Att Cmp Yds Sk/Yd TD LG INT RT RG H. Dahl RG D. Lutui
M. Ryan 40 26 199 3/9 2 28 2 72.8 RT T. Clabo RT L. Brown
Total 40 26 199 3/9 2 28 2 72.8 TE J. Peelle TE S. Spach PASS. Att Cmp Yds Sk/Yd TD LG INT RT
WR R. White WR S. Spach
QB M. Ryan QB K. Warner K. Warner 32 19 271 0/0 2 71 1 94.7
REC. No Yds Avg LG TD RB M. Turner RB E. James Total 32 19 271 0/0 2 71 1 94.7
WR H. Douglas WR A. Boldin
R. White 11 84 7.6 12 1
M. Jenkins 5 51 102 21 0 DEFENSE DEFENSE REC. No Yds Avg LG TD
J. Peelle 3 11 5.7 6 1 RE J. Abraham NT B. Robinson L. Fitzgerald 6 101 16.8 42 1
DT C. Davis DT D. Dockett
B. Finneran 2 11 5.5 7 0 DT J. Babineaux RDE B. Berry S. Spach 3 34 11.3 23 0
M. Pollard 2 7 3.5 6 0 LE K. Moorehead SLB C. Okeafor A. Boldin 2 72 36.0 71 1
OLB M. Boley MLB G. Hayes S. Breaston 2 36 19.5 25 0
J. Norwood 1 28 28.0 28 0 OLB K. Brooking WLB K. Dansby
M. Turner 1 7 7.0 7 0 RCB C. Houston LCB R. Hood J. Urban 2 7 3.5 5 0
H. Douglas 1 0 0.0 0 0 LCB D. Foxworth RCB D. Rodgers-Cromartie E. James 1 9 9.0 9 0
SS L. Milloy SS A. Wilson
Total 26 199 7.7 28 2 FS E. Coleman FS A. Rolle B. Patrick 1 8 8.0 8 0
DB C. Jackson SS A. Francisco T. Smith 1 4 4.0 4 0
J. Arrington 1 -3 -3.0 -3 0
Total 19 271 14.3 71 2
National Football League Game Summary
NFL Copyright © 2008 by The National Football League. All rights reserved. This summary and play-by-play is for the express purpose of assisting media in
their coverage of the game; any other use of this material is prohibited without the written permission of the National Football League. Updated: 1/3/2009
Date: Saturday, 1/3/2009 Atlanta Falcons At Arizona Cardinals Start Time: 2:36 PM MST
at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Substitutions Substitutions
K 1 J.Elam, P 9 M.Koenen, WR 14 E.Weems, CB 20 B.Grimes, S 28 K 1 N.Rackers, P 5 B.Graham, CB 20 R.Brown, S 22 M.Ware, CB 27
T.DeCoud, S 29 J.Fudge, RB 32 J.Norwood, FB 34 O.Mughelli, RB 44 M.Adams, RB 28 J.Arrington, RB 34 T.Hightower, FB 45 T.Smith, FB
J.Snelling, LS 46 M.Schneck, LB 50 C.Lofton, LB 52 C.Wire, LB 54 46 T.Castille, LS 48 N.Hodel, LB 51 P.Togafau, MLB 52 M.Beisel, G/T
S.Nicholas, C 67 B.Wilkerson, DE 71 K.Biermann, OT 72 S.Baker, DE 61 E.Brown, WR 85 J.Urban, WR 87 S.Morey, TE 89 B.Patrick, DE 91
75 S.Fraser, TE 81 M.Pollard, TE 85 J.Rader, WR 86 B.Finneran, DT K.Iwebema, DE 93 C.Campbell, DE 94 A.Smith, DT 98 G.Watson
90 G.Jackson, DT 99 J.Jefferson
Did Not Play Did Not Play
QB 8 C.Redman QB 7 M.Leinart, LB 57 V.Hobson, C 70 P.Ross
Not Active Not Active
QB 3 D.Shockley, CB 37 G.Sharpe, S 42 E.Brock, LB 51 T.Gilbert, OT QB 2 B.St. Pierre, CB 25 E.Green, DE/LB 55 T.LaBoy, T 68 E.Vallejo,
68 W.Gandy, C 69 A.Stepanovich, OT 76 Q.Ojinnaka, DE 98 T 72 B.Keith, DT 78 A.Branch, WR 80 E.Doucet, TE 82 L.Pope
J.Anderson
1 2 3 4 OT Total
VISITOR: Atlanta Falcons 0 17 0 7 0 24
HOME: Arizona Cardinals 7 7 14 2 0 30
Scoring Plays
Team Qtr Time Play Description (Extra Point) (Drive Info) Visitor Home
Cardinal 1 10:28 L.Fitzgerald 42 yd. pass from K.Warner (N.Rackers kick) (4-63, 2:03) 0 7
Falcons 2 10:00 J.Elam 30 yd. Field Goal (14-80, 7:31) 3 7
Cardinal 2 8:58 A.Boldin 71 yd. pass from K.Warner (N.Rackers kick) (3-72, 1:02) 3 14
Falcons 2 2:55 M.Turner 7 yd. run (J.Elam kick) (14-77, 6:03) 10 14
Falcons 2 0:23 J.Peelle 2 yd. pass from M.Ryan (J.Elam kick) (6-23, 1:40) 17 14
Cardinal 3 14:08 A.Rolle 27 yd. fumble return (N.Rackers kick) 17 21
Cardinal 3 2:48 T.Hightower 4 yd. run (N.Rackers kick) (14-76, 7:43) 17 28
Cardinal 4 12:37 M.Ryan sacked in end zone by A.Smith for a Safety 17 30
Falcons 4 4:15 R.White 5 yd. pass from M.Ryan (J.Elam kick) (9-58, 3:36) 24 30
Atlanta Falcons
FUMBLES FUM LOST OWN-REC YDS TD FORCED OPP-REC YDS TD OUT-BDS
M.Pollard 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
M.Ryan 1 1 0 -3 0 0 0 0 0 0
J.Norwood 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 2 1 1 -3 0 0 0 0 0 0
Arizona Cardinals
FUMBLES FUM LOST OWN-REC YDS TD FORCED OPP-REC YDS TD OUT-BDS
A.Wilson 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
A.Rolle 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 27 1 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 27 1 0
Atlanta Falcons vs Arizona Cardinals
1/3/2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium
TOUCHDOWNS 3 4
Rushing 1 1
Passing 2 2
Fumbles 0 1
Arizona Cardinals
# Time Time Time How Ball Drive # Yds Yds Net 1st Last How
Recd Lost Poss Obtained Began Play Gain Pen Yds Down Scrm Given Up
1 15:00 13:56 1:04 Kickoff ARZ 12 3 8 0 8 0 ARZ 20 Punt
2 12:31 10:28 2:03 Interception ARZ 37 4 63 0 63 2 ATL 42 Touchdown
3 7:11 4:16 2:55 Punt ARZ 24 5 40 0 40 1 ATL 36 Punt
4 2:53 2:31 0:22 Punt ARZ 45 3 0 0 0 0 ARZ 45 Punt
* inside opponent's 20
Scoring Plays
Team Qtr Time Scoring Play Score
Visitor Home
Cardinal 1 10:28 L.Fitzgerald 42 yd. pass from K.Warner (N.Rackers kick) (4-63, 2:03) 0 7
Falcons 2 10:00 J.Elam 30 yd. Field Goal (14-80, 7:31) 3 7
Cardinal 2 8:58 A.Boldin 71 yd. pass from K.Warner (N.Rackers kick) (3-72, 1:02) 3 14
Falcons 2 2:55 M.Turner 7 yd. run (J.Elam kick) (14-77, 6:03) 10 14
Falcons 2 0:23 J.Peelle 2 yd. pass from M.Ryan (J.Elam kick) (6-23, 1:40) 17 14
Falcons Cardinals
TOTAL FIRST DOWNS 16 4
First Downs Rushing-Passing-by Penalty 5 - 11 - 0 1-3-0
THIRD DOWN EFFICIENCY 5-9-56% 1-5-20%
Glendale, Ariz. — Michael Turner was not accusing the Cardinals of dirty tricks, just a good game plan.
“It seemed like they knew what play we were going to run before we ran it,” Turner said after the Falcons’ 30-24 loss to Arizona
in the NFC playoffs Saturday.
When Atlanta does not run, it has trouble winning. You can look it up.
The Falcons (11-6) suffered all six of their losses this season in their eight worst rushing games, and this one was the biggest
stinker at perhaps the most unexpected time.
Atlanta ran for a season-low 60 yards and Turner tied his season low with 42 yards against a Cardinals defense that was ranked in
the middle of the NFL. They gave up 165 yards to Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson on Dec. 14 and 110 to Philadelphia’s Michael
Westbrook two games before that.
“They loaded the box and they did a very good job controlling the line of scrimmage,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said.
Turner, who entered with 1,699 yards and a Pro Bowl invitation, had trouble finding holes from the beginning, rushing for 2, 0, 5,
minus-3, 3, 2 and 2 yards on his seven first-quarter carries.
When the Falcons dropped into a 14-3 hole shortly thereafter, the game plan skewed away from the running game. He finished
with 18 carries.
“They just played great football, period. Their defense was fired up. They were running around all day,” Turner said. “It seemed
like they had guys everywhere. They had a good game plan.”
“Our plan was to fly to the ball and make tackles,” Cardinals outside linebacker Karlos Dansby said. “He’s a great running back.
To hold him to 42 yards is huge.”
Jerious Norwood was not a factor, carrying twice for 12 yards. Matt Ryan scrambled four times for six yards. That was the extent
of the Falcons’ ground game.
“I thought they played physical up front,” said Ryan, who completed an NFL rookie playoff-record 26 passes. “Their linebackers
scraped (off blocks) and made some plays. Credit them. They played a very good game defensively.”
Roddy White had a season-high 11 receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown when the Falcons accentuated the passing game, but
said he would have liked to see the offensive mix that had worked all season.
“You want to establish the run and the play-action pass. They scored and made two big plays and it kind of threw us behind the
eight ball.”
The Cardinals had three sacks and three turnovers, the biggest one coming when defensive tackle Darnell Dockett got into the
Falcons’ backfield early to force a fumbled exchange between Ryan and Turner that turned into a touchdown.
“That’s one of the chips we had on our shoulders all week,” Dockett said. “I was watching the TV before the game started:
‘Michael Turner will have a big game. He’ll run all over the Cardinals defense.’ We can’t stop the run. We suck against the run.
The d-line took it as a challenge.
“Sixty yards in a playoff game. We did a good job of stopping the run.”
The Cardinals were 19th in the NFL in rushing defense entering the playoffs.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 12/29/08
Falcons wide receiver Roddy White set a franchise record for most receiving yards in a season with a fine game against St. Louis
Sunday.
After catching three passes for 48 yards, White finished the regular season with 1,382 yards. He broke the 27-year-old team mark
of 1,358 yards that was set by Alfred Jenkins in 1981.
White caught a pass for eight yards in the first quarter. He caught a deep square-in route in the third quarter for a 21-yard gain to
set the record.
“It means a lot to me,” White said. “Especially after the first two seasons when everybody was saying that I was going to be a bust.
Just to come back and this happen to me, it’s been great. It’s been a great season for us and it’s been a good season for me, too.”
White was also selected to his first Pro Bowl this season.
The punt coverage unit broke the NFL mark for fewest punt return yards giving up in a season with 49 yards.
The Falcons, working off Michael Koenen’s booming punts, forced three fair catches against the Rams. One of his punts had 4.97
seconds of hang time.
The booming kicks allow defenders to get down the field and stalk the return men, who usually make a fair catch.
“That’s not only a tribute to our coverage units, but also to our punter,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “I thought he did a nice
job all season long. That’s big when you know that you’re not going to get the field flipped on you.”
Quarterback , despite throwing two interceptions, became the first rookie quarterback to finish a season having played in all 16
games and thrown under 15 interceptions. Only three quarterbacks — , and — have started 16 games as a rookie and none threw
fewer than 15 picks. Ryan has 11 interceptions.
Second sack
Linebacker ’ sack of Rams quarterback in the first quarter was just the second of the season by a Falcons linebacker.
Nicholas was on the field in the Falcons 3-3-5 formation and came on a blitz. Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton has the other sack
and it came on a blitz against Philadelphia in Week 8.
Defensive starters safety (back) and defensive end (high ankle sprain) were inactive for the regular-season finale.
Milloy was replaced by Jamaal Fudge and Anderson was replaced by Chauncey Davis.
Also, defensive end John Abraham started but was pulled right before halftime.
St. Louis running back Steven Jackson rumbled for 161 yards rushing and had 54 yards receiving against the defense.
“We were a little under-manned in term of the guys, but that’s no excuse,” Smith said. “The next guy has to come in, step up and
make plays. I thought that Jamaal Fudge stepped up for Lawyer Milloy.”
’s 39-yard field goal on the Falcons opening drive was a good omen. The Falcons are now 8-0 when they score on their opening
drive.
Burner watch
The Falcons are now 8-0 when running back rushes for 50 yards or more in the first half. He had 13 carries for 59 yards at halftime
against the Rams.
Minneapolis — Now that the Falcons have done the improbable, they are set on doing something most thought utterly impossible.
Making the playoffs after a season of turmoil is just fine. But now, with a taste of success, they want the whole thing.
With Minnesota treating the football like a steaming hot potato, the Falcons capitalized on four turnovers for a 24-17 victory
Sunday at the Metrodome.
“I don’t think there is a team out there that we can’t compete with,” center Todd McClure said. “I’m looking forward to it, it’s
going to be a lot of fun.”
The victory secured at least a wild-card playoff berth for the Falcons, their first trip to the playoffs in three years. They could still
claim the NFC crown, depending on the results of Sunday night’s Carolina-New York Giants game.
In the Falcons jubilant locker room, one thing was clear. Just making the playoff is not enough.
“Especially for the older guys, you don’t know how many times you are going to have this opportunity to get in again,” McClure
said. “So we have to make the most of it.”
The Falcons, predicted by most to be NFL doormats and in a rebuilding mode, are back in the playoffs for the first time since after
the 2004 season. They reached the NFC championship game in Jim Mora’s first season before losing to Philadelphia.
That was followed by seasons of 8-8 season and 7-9 and Mora’s dismissal. Then there was last season, which started with a federal
dogfighting investigation that landed Michael Vick in prison and ended with new coach Bobby Petrino leaving to coach the
University of Arkansas.
“It’s been a long four years, up and down,” Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White said.
“It means you’re going to be in this thing until the end,” White said. “It means you’re going to have a chance to win the Super
Bowl. You’re in the tournament.”
Running back Jerious Norwood, who scored on an 8-yard shovel pass to make it 14-7 early in the second quarter, was also
considering the possibilities.
“It’s a great feeling, just to have chance,” Norwood said. “All you can ask for is a chance.”
With a new general manager, new head coach, rookie quarterback, a re-tooled offensive line and a young secondary, most had the
Falcons winning between one and four games this season.
“We kind of used that to fuel our fire,” McClure said. “Nobody gave us a chance.”
Before the Falcons took the field, they knew their position. Dallas lost on Saturday and 25 minutes before kickoff, news of Tampa
Bay’s loss was already making its way up an down the sidelines.
The Falcons took the potentially raucous crowd out of the game by scoring on their opening drive out of the no-huddle attack. It
was a good omen for them. The Falcons are 7-0 when they score on the opening drive.
Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey was ruthless with is play calling. He knew the Vikings were without Pro Bowl defensive
tackle Pat Williams, so he attacked his replacement Fred Evans. By the time the Falcons drove deep into Minnesota territory,
Evans was replaced by Jimmy Kennedy.
“We ran the ball a lot,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “That’s been our trademark this year.”
The Falcons didn’t take full advantage of the three first-half fumble, but managed a 17-7 halftime lead.
The Falcons opened a 17-point lead, after Ryan scrambled down to the 1-yard line before fumbling. The ball slipped through the
hands of Minnesota safety Darren Sharper in the end zone. Left guard Justin Blalock, for the second consecutive week, came away
with a key fumble down in the pile.
Blalock was credited with a touchdown, the first by a Falcons lineman since Robbie Tobeck scored a touchdown against Pittsburgh
on Oct. 27, 1996.
The Vikings’ rallied, adding a field goal and touchdown, but came up short with cornerback Domonique Foxworth knocked down
a pass intended for Bobby Wade late in the fourth quarter.
Turner, who scored his 16th rushing touchdown of the season, was not in the middle of the festivities. He’s been to the playoff two
times in four seasons with San Diego and reached the AFC Championship game last season.
“I was just happy seeing the other guys who have never been, see them celebrate,” Turner said. “The guys that have been there
before know this is just the beginning. There is something that’s bigger, out there for us.”
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: YahooSports.com Date: 12/19/08
Some of the most important moments happened 15 years ago, when almost nobody knew of Thomas Dimitroff. When he would
trudge in from his job painting football fields for the Cleveland Browns, slump into a chair across from Scott Pioli, and wonder
aloud, what the hell am I doing?
Pioli chuckles at the thought of those lunchtime meetings, when he was a scout working up through the ranks for the Browns, and
Dimitroff was far, far removed from his current perch as the celebrated 42-year-old architect of the Atlanta Falcons. Long before
Pioli would carve out his own esteemed reputation as an executive with the New England Patriots, and long before Dimitroff
would vault from that franchise to become general manager and central redeemer of the 9-5 Falcons.
“Thomas would come in and there were times where he’d just be covered in paint. He’d have it in his hair and he’d stink from
sweat,” Pioli said. “We would be talking and I’m like ‘Thomas, get a shower.’ ”
It was the time in Dimitroff’s life when, as Pioli put it, “He was just waiting and hoping for the break.”
This is a common yarn for personnel men, who all collect tales of woe while crossing the NFL’s scouting tundra. But even
amongst the most hardened talent evaluators, Dimitroff’s path was as unique as it was scattered – from the Canadian Football
League in Saskatchewan, to the dying moments of the World League of American Football, to a little-known corporate football
league in Japan.
It’s a winding path that lends itself to one of the best stories in the NFL this season: how Thomas Dimitroff went from painting
football fields to resurrecting a scorched Falcons franchise and leaving the outside world to wonder how the hell did he do it?
It was a staggering nexus – football’s version of a hurricane coming ashore in the midst of an earthquake.
One year ago at this time, Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick was incarcerated; Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall was
seeking a trade; and head coach Bobby Petrino had abruptly quit after 13 games. And if that wasn’t enough, a courtship with Bill
Parcells ended in an embarrassing snub when he headed for Miami to take over football operations for the Dolphins.
“People 20, 30, 40 years in the NFL said ‘There’s nobody that ever went through a year like you went through last year,’ ” Falcons
owner Arthur Blank said. “There’s no franchise in the history of the league that ever did.”
Eventually, this was the mess Dimitroff inherited. He took a team that some said would take years to fix, and mended it in his first
offseason. And he did it in the best way possible – with a strong draft class, and free-agent signings that were used to accentuate
existing talent.
A first-year foray that lived up to the billing of former New York Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi, who called Blank and
championed Dimitroff as the right man for the job.
In the world of personnel, those six words are the framework of Dimitroff’s pigeon hole. The son of former Boston Patriots
quarterback and football lifer Tom Dimitroff, Thomas always seemed slightly removed from the NFL scouting assembly line.
Over the years, he has gotten sideways glances over his hair – which was once long and at the shoulders, but is now tall and spiky.
He’s been called a “spy” by one college coach because he didn’t look like a typical scout.
“Everyone has something that they are attached to,” Thomas Dimitroff said. “There can be some good things, and there can be
some things that aren’t very good. I think that has stuck with me – that I didn’t beat to the same drum always. Maybe I was a little
alternative in my approach. And yet, I really felt like in the end I would come through.”
But it wouldn’t come without some arrows flung in his direction. He was given a hard time during the 13 years he was a vegan,
and still gets the occasional sideways glance for being a vegetarian. While living in Boulder, Colo., and scouting for the Detroit
Lions, Dimitroff indulged his enthusiasm for fitness, cycling, rock climbing and snowboarding. Even his demeanor, which has a
diplomatic and philosophical feel to it, has been mistaken for West Coast ambivalence.
“I had no issue that he was ‘from Boulder’ and all the things that theoretically meant – long hair, snowboarder and all that kind of
stuff,” Blank said. “What impressed me with what Ernie Accorsi told me is ‘This is a very smart young man who has great
experience, a fine pedigree, and the fact that he came out of the New England system … all those things are really important to
me.”
But criticisms naturally come with being a personnel man in the NFL – you are part of a cannibalistic tribe that prides itself on
sizing up not only the players, but the other members of the scouting community.
“There are a lot of things that just aren’t mainstream for this business from a perception standpoint,” Pioli said. “I think at times
people have not been fair in their judgments of him, in terms of how passionate he is about football and how good he is at what he
does, and how smart he is.
And yet, in some aspects – particularly the journey across the scouting desert – he couldn’t be more traditional.
Whirlwind tour
Dimitroff was born in Ohio but spent much of his youth in Canada. He played defensive back at the University of Guelph, in
Ontario, Canada. His first scouting job after college would be in the prairies of Saskatchewan with the Roughriders – a two-year
stint that involved him in virtually every aspect under the personnel umbrella, from tickets to scouting to promotion and
operations. All the while, he earned $16,000 a year and rode his bike though the snow to the team’s facility.
When a regime change in the franchise had Dimitroff moving to the video department, he left for the Dallas-based office of the
World League of American Football, where he split up an 18-month duration as a self-described “plebe-like administrator”. When
the league folded, he headed to – where else? – Japan, to join a friend who was coaching a corporate league football team.
Spending his free time hanging out in Shinjuku Station, enjoying sake and stretching his cultural horizons, this is nearly where the
football trail went off a cliff. With a pad-less Dimitroff teaching tackling drills to team Hitachi players who understood little
English, they often looked at their coach like he was crazy.
And it might have ended at that, with Dimitroff considering staying and teaching English, and moving on from his NFL
aspirations. It wasn’t entirely unusual. At various times, Dimitroff had thought about going into the business world.
But as often happened in his life, his father Tom was there to play the centering force, focusing and renewing his son’s dream. And
with Dimitroff in another country, his father delivered a singular dose of reality: NFL teams weren’t going to find Dimitroff in
Japan. He needed to come home and join his father, who was scouting with the Browns.
After a few months, that’s where Dimitroff ended up, working on Cleveland’s grounds crew, writing reports part-time for the
Kansas City Chiefs, and forming a lasting bond with Pioli.
After several months of field maintenance, the Detroit Lions offered a full-time scouting position. Dimitroff was officially on his
way. He’d eventually return to Cleveland’s personnel department before rejoining Pioli in New England in 2002.
His father would eventually succumb to cancer in 1996, but it was his call that ultimately set Dimitroff onto a track that was
unimaginable only a few years earlier.
It didn’t take Arthur Blank long to know he had made the right decision. Forget the lovefest over Dimitroff’s hiring, which was
locked with a detailed presentation via teleconference. Forget the free-agent coups, which included the signing of running back
Michael Turner. Dimitroff’s budding relationship with new head coach Mike Smith, and their work together on the NFL draft
board became Atlanta’s shining moment – particularly when the phones were ringing and quarterback Matt Ryan was hanging in
the balance.
On one line, the Baltimore Ravens wanted to move up for Ryan. On the other, the St. Louis Rams were sitting one spot ahead of
Atlanta and using Baltimore’s interest in Ryan as leverage to try to squeeze Atlanta into moving up to the No. 2 spot to get their
man.
It was a moment ripe for panic. But Dimitroff, who had spent six years in New England watching Pioli in this type of situation,
seized on advice his friend had given him: Trust your instincts, and trust your draft. Don’t be manipulated.
“I was impressed he didn’t act ‘stupidly’ [saying] ‘I’m not taking the phone call. I know what I’m doing,’ ” Blank said. “We took
all those phone calls. It’s not like we didn’t listen. [Thomas] did listen. At the end of the day, he went around the room. He
listened, expressed himself and he and [Mike Smith] made the decision.”
By the end of the draft, Dimitroff had selected quarterback Matt Ryan, who he was certain was special; left tackle Sam Baker, who
he was sure could fit the same position at the pro level; starting middle linebacker Curtis Lofton; and cornerback Chevis Jackson
and wideout Harry Douglas. All that was left was to meld the pieces into a talent base that Dimitroff believed was better than
advertised, and a coaching staff that Blank thought was vastly underrated.
“Honestly, I think there were guys in the locker room who felt a little shaky about the moves at first,” defensive end John Abraham
said. “You were talking about a rookie quarterback, a rookie tackle, and a running back who had never been a starter before. But
that’s why [Dimitroff] is who he is. He came from a winning organization.”
“I don’t think there is anyone in the locker room who isn’t shocked about how things have flipped,” Abraham said.
For now, that might be the ultimate validation. A personnel man who was nitpicked and pigeon holed and run to another continent
and back has earned the ultimate form of respect: faith in his plan. Surely, the expectations are only beginning, along with a public
microscope more brutal than anything he’s faced from the scouting community.
And when that moment comes, it will likely be his father’s words that prove most critical. A few months before his passing, Tom
Dimitroff urged his son to stick to his core beliefs – both in his work and in his life.
“He had said to me ‘You stick to what you believe in,’ ” Dimitroff said. “[He said] ‘That’s what is getting you to where you are.
Don’t deviate. Stay the course. You’re doing things the right way, even if they are a little anti-establishment. In the end, your work
ethic and abilities will come through.”
One year into Dimitroff’s greatest opportunity, truer words have never been spoken.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 12/15/08
As Jason Elam’s 34-yard game-winning field goal eased its way through the uprights, Falcons owner Arthur Blank shot both arms
into the air.
Elam’s kick capped a hard fought 13-10 overtime victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday to guarantee the Falcons a non-losing season
and keep their NFC playoff hopes vibrant.
A jubilant Blank made his way down the team’s sideline and first greeted the man of the hour, running back Michael Turner, with
a slap on the shoulder pads.
Blank then gave Roddy White a fist-bump before making his way to the locker room.
“This is a big win for us,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “We’ve gone through this entire season and have not had back-to-back
losses.”
The Falcons and Buccaneers both stand at 9-5 and, at least temporarily, hold the wild card spots. The Bucs hold tiebreakers over
the Falcons and Dallas based on conference record. The Cowboys, 8-5 heading into Sunday night’s game against the New York
Giants, would hold the final wild card spot with a win based on the conference record tiebreaker.
The Falcons needed all of the 152 yards rushing that Turner amassed on 32 carries. Also, defensive end John Abraham came up
with three timely sacks, but none was bigger than his sack of Brian Griese in overtime on third down.
“He was just outstanding,” Smith said. “I think without a doubt John Abraham is having a Pro Bowl year. When we needed him to
come up and make a play, he was able to do that. He’s done that all season for us too.”
Once the Falcons got the ball back, Turner and the offensive line took over.
Quarterback Matt Ryan, who didn’t have one of his better outings, nearly gave the ball back to the Buccaneers, when he fumbled
on a scramble. Left guard Justin Blalock dove into the pile and came away with the ball to keep the drive and their playoff hopes
alive.
“I saw the ball out and I wasn’t even sure if it was a fumble or not,” Blalock said. “One of their guys had a hand on it. He wasn’t
able to cradle it. So I got in there and worked by magic.”
Two plays later, Turner busted loose for 17 yards down to Tampa Bay’s 18-yard line and well within Elam’s range.
The Falcons ran two more plays before sending Elam out to win the game.
“We have to keep winning,” Turner said. “The key to our success is somebody stepping up big every week. It’s something special
in this locker room right now.”
The Bucs had given up 299 yards rushing last week against Carolina.
“We just had to be patient,” said Turner, who rushed for a season-low 42 yards in the first meeting with Tampa Bay. “We wanted
to stay with it. We knew it was going to open up for us.”
“It seems like in overtime, we just locked in and got on our guys,” right tackle Tyson Clabo said. “We got a good push.”
Turner set the tone for the drive with a 9-yard run, carrying about three Buccaneers the last four yards. He picked up three yards on
the next play to convert the first down.
Ryan made a first-down throw to White to pick up 14 yards to enter in Tampa Bay territory.
“Our offensive line just kept plugging away,” Ryan said. “That’s what they’ve done all year. They kept doing their job and played
physical all game and at the end of the game the holes seem to get a little bit bigger.”
Behind a 26-yard field goal and a 1-yard touchdown run by Turner, the Falcons held at 10-7 lead at halftime.
The Falcons defense came through in regulation after Micheal Koenen had a punt block by Brian Clark.
Tampa Bay had the ball at Atlanta’s 22. The Bucs reached the 9-yard line before Abraham, on his hands and knees, fought his way
to Griese and dropped him a loss of 11 yards. A holding penalty on Tampa Bay’s Arron Sears pushed them back 10 more yards.
After a run by Warrick Dunn, Matt Bryant, who’d missed a 52-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter, came on and made a
38-yarder with 48 seconds left.
The Falcons lost the coin toss, but the defense was got the ball back for the offense.
“When things get tough, we expect to make the plays that will lead us to victory,” said cornerback Domonique Foxworth, who had
a third-quarter interception.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: USAToday.com Date: 12/15/08
It's not pretty, but Falcons' win keeps them in playoff spotlight
By Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY
On a second-and-8 from the Buccaneers 43, Ryan scrambled up the middle after a passing play broke down — only to have
defensive lineman Kevin Carter poke the ball loose as Ryan fell to the turf. Atlanta's Justin Blalock recovered, but Ryan had to
think fast to salvage another busted play on third-and-3.
Off a shotgun snap, he faked a toss to tailback Michael Turner then found himself staring at a crack in the middle of the defense
and no runner to hand off to. So Ryan put his head down and barreled ahead for the first down.
"Mike's first thought on third-and-3 is not to have me running the football," Ryan said, referring to first-year coach Mike Smith.
"But that's just the way it worked out. We had to make a play."
Ryan didn't pass for a touchdown, threw two interceptions, fumbled twice (the Falcons recovered both) and was thrown for a series
of loops by the Bucs' fast, sophisticated defense.
But he won. And Ryan had the right kind of help, with a defense fortified by John Abraham's three sacks and a running game
powered by Turner's season-high 32 carries for 152 yards and his franchise-record 15th rushing touchdown of the season.
After Ryan's back-to-back dashes, Turner took over for four consecutive run plays, ripping off 17- and 9-yard chunks to set up
Jason Elam's game-winning 34-yard field goal with 4:08 remaining in the extra period.
"Winning a game like this is all part of the process," said Smith, whose 9-5 squad is even with Tampa Bay but two games behind
the first-place Carolina Panthers in the division.
The Falcons won despite the blown protection that led to the block of Michael Koenen's punt with just 2:29 left in the fourth
quarter. That set up a 38-yard field goal by the Bucs' Matt Bryant, forcing overtime. Atlanta won despite three turnovers, including
a goal line fumble by tight end Jason Rader.
"They didn't have their best stuff," said Falcons owner Arthur Blank. "I said to coach, 'This is a little like when you watch Tiger
Woods and he doesn't have his A game but figures out a way to win.' At the end of the day, it's a W. The good teams figure out
how to win with their B games."
Turner was the last man to leave the Falcons' locker room, still wearing his uniform pants after all of his teammates had departed.
It was fitting. He carried a big load all afternoon.
Of his 32 carries, 21 were for 3 yards or fewer. But Atlanta kept pounding, and Turner obliged with runs of 18, 15, 22 and 17 yards
against a worn-down Tampa Bay defense that allowed a franchise-record 299 rushing yards last Monday night at Carolina.
"You've got to stay patient with the running game," Turner said. "You know one's going to pop. You just never know which one it
is."
But the Atlanta defense did more than just limit Tampa Bay to 10 points.
Abraham kept coming at Tampa Bay from all directions, including a possession-ending sack in overtime that caused Bucs tackle
Jeremy Trueblood to throw up his hands in frustration.
On Abraham's first sack, he shoved a Tampa Bay lineman into Brian Griese. On the second, he crawled under tackle Donald Penn
to get at the fill-in quarterback.
"This will be a fun game to sit down and watch on film," said Abraham, who had his third three-sack game of the season, giving
him 15.5 overall.
The Bucs have back-to-back losses for the first time this season and missed a chance to possibly clinch their playoff berth. They
were hampered by 11 penalties for 76 yards.
"I'm not going to take any credit away from Atlanta, but I don't feel like they were the better team," said Tampa Bay receiver
Antonio Bryant, who had eight catches for 108 yards and got into a brief confrontation with Smith on the Falcons' sideline.
The Falcons pulled even with Tampa Bay in the NFC South behind first-place Carolina, ensuring their first winning season since
2004.
Turner had his seventh 100-yard rushing game of the season against a Tampa Bay defense that was looking for redemption after
giving up 299 yards on the ground in a loss to Carolina. The Bucs surrendered 175 yard to the Falcons, most of them piled up by
their bull of a running back.
Turner had a 1-yard touchdown early on that gave Atlanta a 10-0 lead. He was running just as hard at the end.
"As the game wore on, he got stronger and stronger," Smith said.
The rookie coach laughed off his staredown with Bryant, who had given cornerback Domonique Foxworth a shove in front of the
Atlanta bench.
"Antonio was on our sideline and I politely asked him to go back over to his sideline," Smith quipped.
The Bucs had to go without starting quarterback Jeff Garcia, sidelined by a calf injury. Griese completed 26 of 37 for 269 yards,
hooking up with Bryant on a 20-yard touchdown with 11 seconds left in the first half.
But Griese also threw an interception and was sacked four times in all. The Bucs converted just 3-of-14 chances on third down.
The Falcons jumped ahead 10-0 in the first quarter, but two turnovers deep in Tampa Bay territory kept the Bucs in the game.
Ryan got greedy and went for the touchdown on second-and-8 from the Tampa Bay 34. The pass was underthrown and Aqib Talib
picked it off at the 1.
In the third quarter, Ryan found Rader alone down the right sideline, and the backup tight end hauled in the pass and headed for a
touchdown. Bucs safety Jermaine Phillips stripped the ball from behind just as Rader was going in, and Phillip Buchanan scooped
it up in the end zone.
The officials initially ruled TD, but referee Terry McAulay overturned the call after Tampa Bay challenged, even though replays
from several angles looked inconclusive.
Notes: NFC South teams are now 11-0 at home in division games. ... Turner broke Jamal Anderson's franchise record with his 15th
rushing touchdown of the season. ... Former Falcons RB Warrick Dunn rushed for 40 yards and caught seven passes for 50 yards
in his return to the Georgia Dome. ... Elam had the 17th game-winning kick of his career in the final 2 minutes of regulation or
overtime.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: CBSSports.com Date: 12/14/08
ATLANTA -- Not exactly sure what the hell Atlanta coach Mike Smith was thinking. In a remarkably physical game, a game that
had the feel of a postseason contest, Smith decided to channel his inner Cassius Clay, and get in the face of much stronger, fully
shoulder-pad armored football player and all but challenge him to a fight on the sideline.
The player was Antonio Bryant, who is 6-feet-1 and 205 pounds and seems to be a rider on the crazy train. In the second half of a
highly chippy and physical contest -- won in overtime 13-10 by the most dangerous team in the NFC, the Atlanta Falcons -- Bryant
found himself near the Falcons bench after one particular play. Bryant started to mouth off to Falcons players.
Smith momentarily lost his freaking mind and attempted to intimidate Bryant -- and back his players -- by moving to within inches
of Bryant's facemask and staring him down. Bryant gave Smith a look that said: "Are you nuts old man?"
Smith is as threatening as a grandpa wrapping Christmas presents, and a Bryant beatdown of the coach would be considered
patricide in some states.
Smith had to be separated from Bryant, and later, after the spirited Buccaneers blocked a Falcons punt with just minutes
remaining, Smith was separated from his wits.
"I just politely asked him to go back to his sideline," Smith said, laughing, when asked about the confrontation.
"I don't recall what he said," Bryant explained. "I just looked at him. It's nothing personal."
If there is an underdog coach of the year candidate it has to be Mike "Bonecrusher" Smith. And if there is an underdog for the title
of most dangerous team in the conference, it might be held by the Falcons.
Because this was a playoff game. It felt like it. It looked like it. It tasted like it. And this young Falcons team stared down a
seasoned Buccaneers group and beat them head up even as their coach was about to get his ass beat.
Think about how wonderful a story the Falcons are after the disgrace that was Mike Vick.
Smith won't talk about the playoffs, but I can. The Falcons have not only a good chance to make the postseason but also do some
damage. They've gone the entire season without back-to-back losses, Matt Ryan is one of the best rookie throwers in recent years
and the Atlanta defense gets better with every game.
What you have to love about this Atlanta team is that it mirrors its hard-nosed coach. The Falcons are tougher than you think,
much tougher, and will be a hard out for any team in the playoffs. That is if they can hold on and make it.
Their toughness was evident against the Buccaneers, usually the team doing the exclusive head-knocking. While other games
coming into Sunday had the billing of being the most brutal of the day, the violence quotient in this one was significant. Scuffles
broke out after the first several plays of the Falcons' first possession -- then again after the Buccaneers' first series, and then after
Tampa Bay's first punt.
It probably didn't help that several Falcons players were taking deep inhalations of those metabolism kick-starting ammonia
capsules several times before taking the field. They were chemically primed for a fight or two.
The officials were in serious danger of losing control at more than one point. Finally, they regained at least some. In the second
half, after Harvey Dahl cheap-shotted one of the Buccaneers players while he wasn't looking, and a Tampa Bay player responded
to Dahl, officials flagged both. Nevertheless, soon after that, another scuffle broke out after a Tampa Bay interception.
On one play, Buccaneers tight end Alex Smith was hit so hard by defensive back Domonique Foxworth while he was trying to
make a catch across the middle -- hit fairly and squarely -- I'm not sure how he ever stayed conscious.
There was also so much trash talking in this game it violated local recycling laws, but instead of telling players to shut the hell up
and play, game officials let the talking continue.
In the end, Tampa Bay was punch drunk from exchanging swings with a franchise that is clearly on the way up.
Atlanta's mental toughness is also impressive. The team could've folded after Michael Koenen's punt was blocked with 2:37 left in
the game and the Falcons leading by three. The Buccaneers turned the blocked kick into a game-tying 38-yard field goal. Jason
Elam went on to make the game-winning field goal in overtime.
Now, if they could only keep their head coach from getting his butt kicked.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 12/11/08
No way did it seem wise for the usually NFL draft-challenged Falcons to use their No. 3 pick overall during the spring on
quarterback Matt Ryan instead of defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey.
No way did it seem likely that Ryan would do anything more than become your typical rookie at that position and stumble when
he wasn’t rumbling or bumbling.
No way did it seem possible for the Falcons to go from sorry to solid within a year courtesy of that same rookie quarterback.
OK, I was wrong. Then again, so were a slew of others, including a Hall of Fame quarterback who still rubs his eyes while
watching Ryan become, well, let Steve Young tell you.
“Frankly, what this guy is doing is unprecedented in the history of the game, and to be honest with you, I really can’t fathom it
all,” said Young, now an ESPN analyst and a Ryan groupie, failing to contain his glee over the phone from his home city of Palo
Alto, Calif.
This is a guy who owns two NFL MVP trophies. He has the league’s highest career passer rating. He was a Super Bowl MVP after
throwing a record six touchdowns. He won six league passing titles. This also is a guy who shuns hyperbole, so this is significant:
Young said without hesitation that, ‘“Even though it won’t be a bed of roses along the way, Matt Ryan already has shown me
enough to say that he’ll be one of the all-time greats.”
Wow.
Let’s catch our breath. Young rarely did during this interview. He was so eager to discuss Ryan that he continued to talk on his
cellphone while jogging.
Said Young, recalling the Falcons’ chaos of last season involving Michael Vick and Bobby Petrino, “It was almost a year ago to
the day that I was in Atlanta for a Monday night game, and I thought the Falcons were flat on their backs. There already had been
among the worst teams in the NFL for years, and given everything that happened last season, there was absolutely no way you
could expect this.”
Here’s what “this” entails: Ryan, Ryan and more Ryan. He has helped the 8-5 Falcons double their 2007 victory total to become
playoff contenders. He throws every type of pass well (short, medium, deep, impossible, improbable and unbelievable). He is a
master at handling the blitz. He inspires his teammates. He looks as poised now as Young did at the height of his career with the
San Francisco 49ers.
Although the Falcons lost in New Orleans last Sunday, Ryan still was impressive with 315 yards courtesy of clutch throws. His
passer rating of 92.0 is ninth-best in the league, but it remains 6.8 points shy of Young’s career mark.
Young laughed, saying, “Just wait. Dan Marino had success as a rookie, but he had a Dolphins team that already was a playoff
contender. Ben Roethlisberger had success as a rookie, but his Steelers team also was a playoff contender already. This guy was
drafted by the worst team in football, and he’s like a bolt of lightning.”
That bolt needed a spark, and it came from Young’s old backup with the 49ers, Bill Musgrave, now the Falcons quarterback coach.
“Billy knows football and quarterbacks as well as anybody I’ve ever met, and he’s into details,” Young said. “If you want to be the
consummate quarterback, Billy is your guy, and you can see his influence here.”
Young stopped jogging to add, “These are just flat-out facts in my mind. (Ryan) passes the eyeball test.”
New Orleans — In this season of thrilling comebacks, surprising victories and unmatched togetherness, some things started to
unravel for the Falcons here in the Big Easy.
With a chance to put a stamp on the season and keep marching toward the playoffs, the Falcons couldn’t hold two fourth-quarter
leads and fell to desperate New Orleans 29-25 before 70,011 fans Sunday at the raucous Superdome.
“We definitely took a step back as a team today,” Falcons safety Lawyer Milloy said.
The Falcons dropped to 8-5. They will be two games behind the winner of Monday night’s NFC South Division showdown
between Tampa Bay (9-3) and Carolina (9-3) with three games to play. The loss also dropped the Falcons behind Dallas (8-5) for
the final Wild Card spot in the NFC. Dallas currently has a better conference win percentage.
A division title will likely require a sweep and some help, while making the playoffs as a wild card would likely require winning at
least two of the final three games.
The Saints were on life support, but put air back into their playoff hopes by improving to 7-6.
Milloy, a 13-year veteran, knows about these playoff marches from New England days.
“It’s all about controlling your own destiny,” Milloy said. “At the end you never want to be looking at who’s winning and who’s
losing. … Most of the times that I’ve been in that situation it has never turned out. To be able to control your own destiny is the
way you go about it.”
Now, the Falcons will be fighting with a group of teams, which includes Dallas, Washington, Philadelphia, Chicago and
Minnesota for the two NFC wildcard spots. The field is crowded now.
Wide receiver Roddy White, who turned in a spectacular game with 10 catches for 164 yards, concurred with Milloy.
“We felt like we could beat this team,” White said. “We started out good. It was nothing they did. We just did little things to stop
our selves today.”
White admitted that the defeat, in which the defense couldn’t stop the run, the special teams allowed an untimely 88-yard kickoff
return and the offense couldn’t execute on a key fourth-quarter drive, was not playing well in the locker room.
“We can’t let this linger, because if we do it’s all downhill from there,” White said.
Smith was not happy with the run defense, which gave up 184 yards on 30 carries. Saints running back Pierre Thomas ran for 102
yards on 16 carries and Reggie Bush added 80 yards on 10 carries.
“We’ll have to definitely take a good hard look at that,” Smith said. “After our film evaluation, we have lot of things that will have
to get corrected.”
The Saints were 0-17 when trailing entering the fourth quarter under coach Sean Payton. The Falcons led 17-16 going into the final
period.
Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Thomas. The two-point conversion was stopped to make it 22-
17.
Riding the hot passing of Matt Ryan — who passed for a career-high 315 yards — the Falcons had scrambled back to take a 25-22
lead with 7:51 left. Ryan scored on a 12-yard scramble and tossed a two-point conversion pass to Michael Jenkins.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Saints slipped Thomas into the game. Courtney Roby had been returning kicks.
Thomas hit a seam to his left and then broke back to the middle. Eric Weems, Thomas DeCoud and kicker Michael Koenen all had
shots at him, but whiffed.
“Yeah, I had a shot at him,” Weems said. “I just missed the tackle. I had a clear opening toward him. … It’s tough, letting one out
at the end.”
DeCoud and David Irons hustled back to keep Thomas from scoring. But the Saints had the ball at the Falcons’ 16-yard line.
“I came from the left side,” DeCoud said. “He tried to bounce it and then he cut back inside through the middle. Then I just had to
go run him down.”
“It’s very disappointing that we weren’t able to cover that kick more efficiently and make them, at least go a long way,” Smith
said. “We put ourselves on a short field.”
Thomas would later score from five yards out for the 29-25 lead.
The Falcons had the ball with 5:47 to play but were stopped. When faced with a decision to punt or go for it on fourth-and-5 from
their 35, Smith elected to punt.
“You have to play the odds there,” Smith said. “They get one first down and they are kicking a field goal. The way we approached
it was that we were going to go back out there, punt and try to get the stop.”
The Falcons had not stopped the Saints, but once on their six previous possessions.
The Saints ran out the clock and put a dent in the Falcons playoffs hopes.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 12/1/08
San Diego — A sign of a good team is being able to win when all cylinders are not firing.
The Falcons didn’t bring anything close to their A-game to the west coast, but made just enough timely plays to hold on for a 22-
16 victory over San Diego Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium.
“This is a resilient football team,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “This is a group of men that enjoy being around each other.
They fight hard every single day.”
The Falcons (8-4) remain only one game behind NFC South leaders Tampa Bay (9-3) and Carolina (9-3). Atlanta and the Panthers
hold the two wild-card playoff slots with four games remaining.
The defense, which has been yielding a lot of passing yards and couldn’t hold a fourth-quarter lead against Denver, came through
with clutch plays.
The stage was set for San Diego to mount a victory drive with 2:46 to play. However, the Falcons defense came up three big stops
to force a punt. Running back Michael Turner then closed out a stellar game with a first down and the Falcons ran out the clock.
Cornerback Chris Houston chased LaDainian Tomlinson out of bounds for no gain on first down.
Jonathan Babineaux and John Abraham crashed the pocket to sack San Diego quarterback Philips Rivers for a 9-yard loss on
second down.
Then safety Erik Coleman broke up a pass intended for wide receiver Malcom Floyd on third down.
“It was something that we needed to work on going into this game, finishing games and finishing critical situations like that,”
linebacker Michael Boley said. “We had some problems with that the past few weeks. I think it was huge for us to come in and
improve that part of our game.”
Babineaux, who signed a contract extension on Tuesday, also had another sack and batted down a pass.
“I gave him a head fake outside and I came back underneath him,” Babineaux said of Chargers guard Mike Goff. “I thought
LaDainian (Tomlinson) was going to chip me but he didn’t. (John) Abraham had a piece of (Rivers) and I just finished him off.”
In addition to the key stop, the defense held San Tomlinson, a two-time rushing champion, to 24 yards rushing on 14 carries, his
second lowest total over his career.
“I thought it was, beside our trip out to Oakland, it was our best defensive performance,” Smith said. “We had some guys step up.
Babineaux rushing the passer. “They were able to get some yards in the passing game, but this quarterback is the No. 1 rated
quarterback in the league in terms of passer rating.”
Turner, returning to play against his former team, powered the offense with 120 yards rushing on 31 carries.
The Falcons did have miscues. Three turnovers resulted in all 16 Chargers points. Quarterback Matt Ryan missed an open receiver
in the end zone. Harry Douglas muffed a punt. A Brian Finneran fumble was returned 86 yards for a touchdown. Turner even had a
fourth-quarter fumble when the Falcons were trying to run out the clock.
“You’ve got to win the ugly ones sometimes,” center Todd McClure said.
San Diego, one of the league’s hardluck stories with four losses in the final 24 seconds of games, dropped to 4-8.
The Falcons held a 15-7 lead at halftime, but could have built a larger lead if they hadn’t got stuffed on four tries from the 1-yard
late in the second quarter.
“That’s part of the game,” Ryan said. “You have to understand that there are going to be some ups and downs.”
The Falcons got the ball to start the second half, but a promising drive was stopped when Finneran fumbled the ball while fighting
for a first down. San Diego’s Eric Weedle scooped up the fumble and returned it for a touchdown. The Chargers two-point
conversion attempt, a pass to Floyd was incomplete to make it 15-13.
After an exchange of punts, the Falcons cobbled together a nice 11-play, 72-yard scoring drive. Douglas was wide open in the left
corner of the end zone an a third-and-goal from the 5. Elam’s kick made it 22-13 with 14:56 left.
Defensive end Jamaal Anderson blocked a field goal attempt on San Diego’s ensuing possession. The Falcons took over at their 25
with 11:33 left.
Turner fumbled and it was recovered by San Diego’s Quentin Jammer with 9:05 left.
San Diego got a 28-yard field goal to make it 22-16 with 5:15 left.
“Our team has been growing every week,” safety Lawyer Milloy said. “We showed our progression. It’s been a steady progression
even through some of our losses. We are team that is getting stronger as the season goes on.”
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: ProFootballWeekly.com Date: 11/30/08
No turning back
After fighting through some false starts, Falcons WR Roddy White has turned a corner to become one of the league’s top
receivers
By Dan Parr
It can be a long, lonely road from first-round bust to potential Pro Bowler.
Roddy White’s path from the bottom up was marked by failure, struggles and self-doubt. There are still lapses for the Falcons’ first
pick, 27th overall, of 2005. Drops and diminished confidence have yet to be completely wiped out of his game, but when they
creep back in, he has someone who doesn’t just remind him of how good he can be, but demands that he be even better.
After White dropped two passes in a crucial loss to the Panthers in late September, he turned to his mentor, former Falcons and
Saints receiver Joe Horn, as the two sat across the table from each other at Stoney River, a steak house just outside Atlanta.
Horn was fuming. He gets angry when mistakes are made by the player he helped guide once they became teammates months prior
to White’s breakout year last season.
“You want people to respect you?” Horn asked that night over dinner. “The only way you’re going to get respect is if you show
those (defensive backs) on Sunday that they’re not at your level. You got to show all those receivers around the league that you are
the best in the business.”
Horn, a four-time Pro Bowler and veteran of 13 NFL seasons, told White he wasn’t going to watch his next game. If he didn’t
respond after that conversation, Horn said he didn’t think White would ever rise to become one of the best.
Tough treatment from the man you look up to, but White came up with a strong rebuttal.
Against the Packers a few days later, White had eight catches, 132 yards and a touchdown by halftime. He didn’t have a single
catch in the second half and didn’t need one as the Falcons won at Lambeau, 27-24.
He still has moments of weakness — a brief glimpse of the past shows up once in a while, as it did in the Carolina game and again
in Week 11, when White, in his fourth year out of UAB, dropped what could have been the game-winning touchdown pass in the
endzone during Atlanta’s loss to the Broncos. However, White ranks among the league’s leaders in receiving yards (973),
receptions (62) and has matched a career high in touchdowns (six). His turnaround from a guy who couldn’t live up to the hype to
one of the most feared weapons in the league has helped lead the Falcons to their surprising 7-4 start. Last season, he became the
first Falcons receiver of this decade to gain 1,000 yards — he had fewer than 1,000 in his first two years combined.
“It was disappointing, because I knew I was talented enough,” White said of the slow start to his career. “I never folded my tent,
though. I always kept my head up. I just walked around and thought to myself, ‘What am I doing wrong?’
“At the time I wasn’t doing my job. I was letting the team down.
The Falcons’ success and White’s individual milestones over the past two seasons make his trying times seem far away.
Horn, though, hasn’t forgotten the Roddy White he met before things started to change.
“(He was) quiet,” Horn said. “He held a lot of stuff inside of him, and I noticed that before the (’07) season started. We went on a
trip to Florida, and I got to know him a little bit. I started telling him what I felt would bring him out, what would make him one of
the elite receivers.
“He listened to the formula. … He had to earn his respect, and the only way he was going to do that was catching balls and talking
junk if he had to talk junk and walking the walk.”
The talent that Atlanta’s scouts were enamored with was always there, but it took Horn’s prodding, White’s determination and a
decision to clean up some things in his personal life, particularly his diet, that led him in the right direction for the first time as a
pro.
“Joe Horn had a lot to do with it,” White said. “He said, ‘I’ve been watching you, man, you can play.’ But he said, ‘You’re playing
like you don’t want to be that guy, but you can be that guy.’
“(Horn) caught (603) balls in this league. So when he tells you, ‘You can be that guy, you can be a No. 1 in this league,’ then, you
should know you can be a No. 1.
White needed to believe. Growing up in James Island, S.C., White didn’t have a lot of reasons for optimism, he said. White was
raised by a single mother and didn’t have many positive influences.
“We were in neighborhoods with a lot of people that had drugs and things like that,” he said. “That’s kind of what we saw every
day. Everybody thought that was the way of living.
“When I went to high school, that’s all I thought about. I just wanted to find a way to get my family out of there.”
We’ve heard that type of story before. Many players have come and gone from the league in short order because they were unable
to shake the bad habits and bad people that latched on to them in their younger days. White’s former teammate, Michael Vick, is
an example.
With the help of Horn, White was able to push back on the tide he’d been succumbing to in his first couple of seasons.
“I finally realized it was me,” White said. “I have to live with myself and go out there and do what I’m supposed to do.
It was a Tuesday in September and Mike Smith, the first-year head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, was sitting in his office looking
out onto the practice field below him.
Since it was the players' day off, Smith didn't expect to see much activity.
"You know what's going on out there now?" Smith asked. "My rookie quarterback is working on his drops. He's out there putting
in the time."
The Falcons are one of the shocking stories of 2008. They are 7-4, and Ryan's a big reason. He has been the starter since opening
day and he hasn't disappointed.
Some have already said he's the best rookie quarterback ever.
I think one Dan Marino might have something to say about that. Some might point to Ben Roethlisberger, who went 13-0 as a
starter for the Steelers in 2004 and threw 17 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. But Ryan is having an outstanding season and
making a case for himself.
In 11 starts, he has thrown for 2,418 yards, 11 touchdown passes and six interceptions. He has completed 60 percent of his passes
and his yards-per-attempt is an impressive 7.8, which shows he isn't just managing the game.
As a rookie, Marino threw for 2,210 yards in nine starts -- he opened the season on the bench -- threw 20 touchdown passes and
six interceptions and had a completion percentage of 58.4. His yards-per-attempt average was 7.5.
So Ryan has him on completion percentage and yards-per-attempt. He'd need to catch fire to overtake him in touchdown passes,
and yards-per-game is Marino's.
Marino lost his first playoff game before reaching the Super Bowl the following year.
Matt Ryan's stats show only part of his rookie success story. (US Presswire)
Can Ryan take the Falcons there in his first try? If he does, it just might be the greatest rookie quarterback season ever.
This Falcons group was a team picked to win maybe two games. And now they're one game out of the lead in the NFC South.
"I think one of the best things we've done is that we haven't worried about the outside expectations," Ryan said. "We believed in
ourselves. We bought into it. The hard work could pay off."
"I don't think you use the word surprised," Ryan said. "We had expectations for ourselves, even if others didn't."
When the Falcons drafted him with the second overall pick last April, they were hoping to get the franchise passer they badly
needed after the Mike Vick fiasco. Ryan is everything Vick wasn't. Call him the anti-Vick.
He throws from the pocket. He scans the field. He works at his job tirelessly.
I always ask. I asked him at the scouting combine. I asked during a chat during training camp and I asked again during this
interview.
What Ryan has done in 11 games is make people forget the misery of the Vick situation. Those who held on to the notion that Vick
might someday be back in a Falcons uniform can forget that. Owner Arthur Blank has said as much, and Vick isn't a better
quarterback than Ryan.
Not when it comes to throwing the football -- and that's what the NFL is all about.
The challenge of taking over as quarterback was daunting for Ryan. He was thrown into a situation where people were labeling
him the savior, while others were saying he's no Vick, many of those Vick backers holding onto their No. 7 jerseys.
It didn't take long for teammates, coaches and even the fans to realize that Ryan has that "it" you need from the quarterback
position.
"He never seemed like a rookie," Falcons center Todd McClure said.
McClure did say it was a few games before Ryan really took over the huddle. That's understandable for any rookie quarterback.
Now it's his huddle for sure.
"I think it takes time to earn the respect of your teammates," Ryan said. "The early playing time helps that happen, but in a lot of
ways I'm still working toward that."
To see Ryan work and practice and talk to him made me think he's cut from Peyton Manning-Tom Brady fiber. That's high praise.
He isn't there yet, of course, but he has that look playing the position.
"It's a great compliment," Ryan said. "But I have a long way to go to get to that level."
As a rookie in 1998, Manning threw 26 touchdown passes but 28 interceptions. His completion percentage was 56.7 and his yard-
per-attempt was 6.5. And his team won only three games.
Brady threw three passes as a rookie, completing one for 6 yards. That's a blowout for Ryan.
The hard part is sustaining it. Manning and Brady got better and better. It's hard to imagine that Ryan won't follow their lead.
Showing up at the practice facility on a day off to work on minor details is all the proof of that we need.
"Doing the extra work comes with playing the position," Ryan said.
The next five weeks will decide whether the Falcons are a playoff team or not. If they make it, and even make some noise once
there, I just might have to re-evaluate my thinking that Marino is the greatest rookie quarterback ever.
The fact that Ryan is even in the debate has to make Falcons fans happier than a pit bull tearing into a steak.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 11/24/08
Falcons head coach Mike Smith had another notion. Facing a fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, he ordered the place-kicker
back to the sideline.
On this day, with the secondary hemorrhaging yardage again and the Falcons holding a precarious three-point lead, Smith made
the call of the season.
The first-year coach determined that a field goal wasn’t going to help the team’s cause against division leader Carolina Sunday at
the Georgia Dome. The Falcons needed a touchdown.
The Falcons went for it and running back Michael Turner barreled into the end zone, making a statement and paving the way to a
stunning 45-28 victory over the Panthers before a sellout crowd of 64,841. The Falcons are now one game out of first place in the
NFC South.
“We were able to get ourselves into what we felt was the best play,” Smith said. “Our offensive line did a great job on the surge.”
Smith was bucking the old football axiom to put the sure points — the field goal — on the scoreboard. But after Carolina has
stormed back from a 17-0 deficit to make it 24-21, the Falcons needed much more than three points.
“I really felt there was no other choice but to go ahead and do it,” Smith said. “A three point field goal, gives you a six-point lead.
I thought we could score a touchdown. That made it a real easy decision.”
“The call came in from Smitty,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “He’s got confidence in us. Any time that you’ve got an offensive
line and guys like Mike Turner, it makes those decisions a little easier.”
The linemen wanted to prove their mettle and Turner had been pounding the ball at the Panthers all day.
“It was just an attitude thing,” said Turner, who rushed for four touchdowns. “Carolina had a little momentum. We had to try to
counter that. It was just an attitude thing. Go in there and punch it in and try to put them away.”
The left side of the Falcons line all blocked down. Wayne Gandy appeared to get a good block on Carolina defensive end Julius
Peppers.
“It wasn’t a situation were we were trying to attack Peppers or anything,” said Turner, who finished with 117 yards on 24 carries
and went over the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his five-year career. “It was just a play we wanted to execute. Peppers just
happened to be on that side.”
There was no hesitation along the line. Nobody ran off the field.
“Smitty said there wasn’t a doubt in his mind,” center Todd McClure said. “That was huge. To get that ball into the end zone at
that point in the game, that was huge.
The touchdown gave the Falcons a 31-21 lead. After the defense got a stop, rookie Harry Douglas, who put on a show of his own,
caught a Carolina punt and hit the middle seam of the coverage at rocket speed. He bounced out to the right side and scored on a
69-yard return. Elam’s extra point made it 38-21 with 4:47 to play.
It was Douglas’ second touchdown, he’d scored earlier on a 7-yard run. He finished with 3 yards rushing (two carries), 92
receiving on four catches and 93 on three punt returns — 188 total yards.
Turner closed the day with his fourth touchdown, a 16-yard run with 54 seconds left to secure the victory.
With the victory, the Falcons have thrust themselves into the NFC South Division title race as they improved to 7-4, 2-2 division,
one game behind Carolina and Tampa Bay. The Panthers, which had won four straight, dropped to 8-3, 2-2.
Behind the pinpoint passing of Ryan and running of Turner, the Falcons held a 17-3 halftime lead.
The Falcons got a field goal on their opening drive. They are now 5-0 when they score on the opening drive.
In Carolina’s 24-9 victory on Sept. 28, the Panthers held Turner to 56 yards rushing on 18 carries. He had 56 yards on 12 carries
by halftime.
“We didn’t maintain our blocks,” McClure said the earlier meeting. “We tried to get to the second level too quick, up to the
linebackers. We didn’t spend enough time pushing their lineman and that’s what we focused on today.”
Carolina came out strong in the third quarter. Passing the ball to Steve Smith, the Panthers cut the Falcons lead to 17-13 heading
into the fourth quarter.
The Falcons were forced to move the Domonique Foxworth over to right cornerback and sit down starting cornerback Chris
Houston. Brent Grimes was inserted at left cornerback.
Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith finished with eight catches for 168 yards.
When the game was on the line, the Falcons put the ball in the hands of Turner and powered their way to victory.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 11/24/08
It was a moment in a game that was slipping away, and if this game slips away then maybe this improbably sunny season does,
too. Third-and-10 at the Atlanta 45-yard line, Carolina having closed within 17-13, and here the Falcons looked at their rookie
quarterback and said, “Make a play.”
The play as designed fizzled on the launch site. The pocket collapsed and the rookie was forced to scramble to his left, away from
his first read, and now he had a choice: He could keep running and come up short of the vital first down, or …
Running left, he threw to his right. Michael Jenkins caught the ball and skittered for 19 precious yards, and five snaps later the
Falcons had an 11-point lead. And right about here the realization struck:
Tom Brady threw three passes his rookie season; Brett Favre threw four. Bart Starr and Joe Montana each started one game as
rookies. Troy Aikman had to be benched midway through, having gone 0-11 as a starter. Peyton Manning threw 28 interceptions
his first season. John Elway completed 47.5 percent of his rookie passes, Terry Bradshaw 38.1 percent.
Joe Namath was 3-5-1 as a lavishly salaried — he was making $400,000 — rookie. Fran Tarkenton was 2-8 as a first-year starter;
Johnny Unitas was 4-3, Bob Griese 3-7. Ben Roethlisberger was 13-0 as a rookie quarterback on a loaded Pittsburgh team but
didn’t start until Week 3. Sammy Baugh made All-Pro as a rookie but threw six more interceptions than touchdown passes. Bob
Waterfield was league MVP as a rookie but started only four games. (Doubtless he got bonus points for being married to Jane
Russell.)
Dan Marino is considered the gold standard of rookie quarterbacks, but his first start only came in Week 6, and he joined a team
that had reached the Super Bowl the previous season. And now we consider Matt Ryan, who has started from Day 1 for a
dilapidated team the Sporting News pegged to finish 1-15, who stands now as the chief reason the refurbished Falcons are 7-4.
He completed 17-of-27 passes for 259 yards against Carolina Sunday. He completed nine of his first 11 passes in staking the
Falcons to a 17-0 lead. Said Roddy White, who ran under a 30-yard rainbow off a Ryan pump-and-go on the second snap Sunday:
“Sometimes you luck up and get the guy. We got the guy.”
Eleven games in, the Falcons have stopped waiting for Ryan to have a Rookie Moment. “He hasn’t given me a reason to [expect
one],” said Mike Mularkey, the offensive coordinator. And then, asked if Ryan has already absorbed the entire playbook and
thereby given the Falcons license to call anything at any time, Mularkey said, “Yes.”
We saw it again Sunday, same as we’ve seen it since August. We saw it in the fourth quarter, the Panthers having drawn within a
field goal again, the Falcons facing third-and-11 at their 25 with eight minutes left. We saw Ryan drop back and step forward into
a big rush and loft the ball down the right side for Douglas to snatch, and the 69-yard gain positioned the Falcons to bang home the
clincher.
“I threw it on time, actually a little early,” Ryan said. “He had man coverage, and I was hoping he’d roll his hips back toward me.
But he was able to put his foot in the ground and stop [and make the catch]. It was a great play by Harry Douglas, not me.”
That’s typical Ryan. Everybody else makes the plays. He just carries out his assignments. But we on the periphery, having watched
all along, know better. We know this rookie quarterback has made a difference in a way no other rookie quarterback — not
Marino, not Roethlisberger, not anybody — ever has.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 11/19/08
Among the numbers Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner has put up this season -- 220 rushing yards in the season
opener, nine touchdowns, an average of 4.3 yards per carry -- the one that stands out in bold type is his league-leading 227 rushing
attempts.
Turner has one fewer carry in 10 games this season than he did in four seasons in San Diego, where he was the understudy for
LaDainian Tomlinson.
After finally stepping out of L.T.'s shadow, Turner has proved he has the makeup to be a No. 1 back. He has rushed for 971 yards,
third in the NFL behind Minnesota's Adrian Peterson (1,100) and Washington's Clinton Portis (1,063). Turner is a primary reason
why the Falcons are 6-4 and in the hunt for a playoff spot one year after they went 4-12.
There's no arguing this point: The Falcons have received a good return on their six-year, $34.5 million ($15 million guaranteed)
investment. Their addition of Turner was one of the best free-agent moves of the offseason.
"It was a great signing, and it has made a difference for their team, obviously," said Mark Dominik, director of pro personnel for
the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "He's been a big part of their turnaround."
Last year was one of the darkest in the history of the Atlanta franchise. There was the dogfighting saga involving Michael Vick,
coach Bobby Petrino's walking out on the team with three games left and a lot of empty seats in the Georgia Dome.
Now, the Falcons are enjoying a rebirth largely because of three men: first-year head coach Mike Smith, rookie quarterback Matt
Ryan and Turner, who is reducing the stress level of each of the other two.
What distinguishes Turner is his rare combination of power and speed. He is a big back (5-10, 240) who can hit the seam and go
long distances. He has 25 runs of 10 yards or more, including a 28-yarder, a 38-yarder and a 66-yarder.
"There aren't a lot of guys like him in the NFL," said linebacker Na'il Diggs, whose Carolina Panthers take on Turner and the
Falcons on Sunday in an NFC South clash. "They're doing a great job in Atlanta as far as getting him the ball and letting him just
run down the middle, which is what he likes to do."
Because of his size and speed, Turner presents a big challenge for defenses.
"You've got to try to get early penetration -- you can't let him build up a lot of steam going downhill -- and obviously you've got to
tackle well," Dominik said. "You can't be a coward. You've got to go up and want to hit him, even though he's a big man."
This is the time of year when every NFL player's body feels tired and beat up. But Turner went through that phase earlier in the
season -- it took several games for his body to get used to taking a full-time beating -- and now he says he feels energized.
The statistics support Turner's claim that he's not wearing down. He is averaging almost as many yards per attempt in the fourth
quarter (4.8) as he is in the first (4.9). His average on his first 10 carries in a game (4.5) is similar to his average on carries 21 to 30
(4.4).
One reason Turner has stayed fresh is that the Falcons have rotated in Jerious Norwood at running back. Norwood, who is more of
an edge runner than Turner, has carried 69 times for 383 yards. The Falcons have the second-best rushing average per game in the
NFL (153.4 yards) behind only the New York Giants (172.7).
At his current pace (22.7 carries per game), Turner would wind up with 363 carries in his first year as a feature back. That would
be more than any running back had in 2007. Can he continue to handle that kind of load?
"I don't know," Turner said. "I've never been through a whole season as a starting running back, so this is my trial year. I'm going
with the flow. When coach calls my number, I'm ready every time."
And Smith will continue to call on Turner. He knows a winning number when he sees one.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 11/17/08
The stage was set for another magical finish at the Georgia Dome.
Quarterback Matt Ryan’s fourth-quarter dagger intended for the Denver Broncos’ heart, went in and out of the outstretched arms
of wide receiver Roddy White in the end zone.
The key drop allowed Denver to hold on for a 24-20 victory on Sunday before the announced sellout crowd of 54,644 fans.
White has made big plays all season long and registered another 100-yard receiving game against the Broncos. But with the
Falcons needing a big catch to pull out the game, White was tough on himself.
Denver took the lead on a 9-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Graham with 5:35 left in the game. The Falcons picked up three first
downs on its final drive and converted on a third-and-7. Ryan connected with Brian Finneran for a 13-yard gain.
On third-and-18 from Denver’s 45-yard line, White got open and made his way to the right corner of the end zone. Ryan’s pass
wasn’t perfect, but White got to it.
Receivers live by the creed that if they touch the ball, they are supposed to catch it.
“I felt it hit my hands,” White said. “I was trying to reach for it again, but by that time it had already gotten away from me.”
White finished with five catches for 102 yards and had a long catch of 37 yards.
It wasn’t a routine catch, but White felt he still should have made it. The touchdown would have put the Falcons ahead 27-24 with
1:16 left.
“Yeah, I feel responsible for this one,” White said. “I’m a leader on this team and you know, when they expect me to go out there
and makes plays for us to win, when we have a chance to win, I have to go out there and make those. It’s a tough one. We should
be celebrating right now.”
White appeared to have his feet down in bounds. All he needed was the ball.
“Every time that you’re in that position, you know the sidelines are there,” White said. “You know you have to get the ball in and
get your feet in. I just kind of dropped it basically.”
The defeat dropped the Falcons to 6-4 and was their first loss at home. Denver improved to 6-4.
“It’s a tough loss for us, especially for us at home,” White said. “We have to bounce back next week. We have to let this one go.”
White didn’t have to shoulder all of the blame for the loss.
The Falcons held a 13-7 halftime lead behind two field goals from kicker Jason Elam and a 9-yard touchdown by running back
Michael Turner.
Denver scored on the opening drive of the second half. Peyton Hillis’ 2-yard touchdown run made it 14-13.
On the Falcons ensuing drive, Ryan threw an interception while under duress on a third-down blitz. The Falcons had converted a
37-yard Ryan-to-White pass play earlier on similar blitz, but Denver cornerback Dre Bly was ready the second time.
“But (Bly) kind of ran over there and Matt threw the ball,” White said. “Good job by the defense.”
The Broncos converted the turnover into a 20-yard Matt Prater field goal to take a 17-13 lead.
“It was a cover zero,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “We didn’t make a good decision there. We’d like to have that one back if
we could.”
The Falcons battled back and Turner scored on a 28-yard touchdown run to make it 20-17 with under 11 minutes to play.
The Falcons defense was off balance for most of the day. They were expecting long passes, but Denver threw underneath. They
weren’t expecting Denver to run, but they ran the ball effectively.
Even though the Broncos were staying two steps ahead of the defense, the unit still had a chance to stop the drive and protect the
three-point lead.
They stopped Denver running back P.J. Pope for three yards on first down and quarterback Jay Cutler threw an incomplete pass on
second down.
On third-and-7 from Denver’s 20, the Dome came alive with chants of “Defense, Defense.”
With the Falcons looking for underneath routes, Cutler tossed a strike deep down the field for Brandon Marshall for a 47-yard
gain. Cornerback Chris Houston was in coverage.
“He’s a real big receiver and he’s athletic,” Houston said. “He came down with the ball.”
Seven plays later, Cutler threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Graham for the winning margin.
The Falcons had their final shot, but White’s drop and a holding call on Tyson Clabo hurt their chances.
“That last drive was a big drive for us,” running back Jerious Norwood said. “You’ve got to take the good with the bad and keep
rolling.”
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: NFL.com Date: 11/15/08
ATLANTA -- The success of the Atlanta Falcons this season has been, to say the least, unexpected, especially with first-time
leadership charged with fixing a franchise mired in on- and off-field ruin.
But it's even more remarkable when you consider that rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, free-agent tailback Michael Turner,
emerging star wide receiver Roddy White and a hodgepodge of characters on the offensive line were turned over to a new
offensive coaching staff that managed a combined eight NFL victories with their respective teams in 2007.
On top of that, Mike Mularkey, who lost his play-calling duties as offensive coordinator in Miami and was re-assigned to be the
woeful Dolphins' tight ends coach last season, was named offensive coordinator in Atlanta, hired to design the scheme that would
be the foundation for years. In addition, the only coach on the Falcons' staff that Mularkey had ever worked with before was wide
receivers coach Terry Robiskie, who was with him in Miami.
"I guess you can say things are going pretty good," Mularkey, 46, said.
The one-time offensive guru who had helped turn Kordell Stewart into a Pro Bowl quarterback, who revitalized the career of
journeyman quarterback Tommy Maddox in Pittsburgh, who spent two unsuccessful seasons as the Buffalo Bills head coach, who
was Miami's offensive coordinator under Nick Saban in 2006, and who was Cam Cameron's tight ends coach with the Dolphins in
2007, got his groove back.
Through 10 weeks, Mularkey's offense in Atlanta ranks second in rushing and sixth overall.
"My experience in Miami, I'm not going to say it was bad, but I was attempting to call and run other people's offenses that I didn't
have familiarity with," Mularkey explained. "This (in Atlanta) is the one I used in Pittsburgh and Buffalo. It's nice to have some
common things back. The coaching staff picked right up on it, which was the biggest thing.
"I went to Miami (in 2006) thinking I was expected to run (former Dolphins offensive coordinator) Scott Linehan's offense, use the
same terminology and succeed. I've seen other coaches try to do that and fail. I said I would not fail, and I did. It's hard to explain
to people. As hard as you want to try, if it's not your philosophy, you can't just call a game."
With a cerebral quarterback in Ryan and a group of intelligent, if not overly physical offensive linemen, Mularkey has been able to
call plays that he could not do with Daunte Culpepper, Joey Harrington, Drew Bledsoe, J.P. Losman or Kelly Holcomb -- or even
Stewart, for that matter. The recognition ability of Ryan is off the charts, which is why the third overall draft pick has been so
effective so early into his career.
In Atlanta's 34-20 victory over the Saints on Sunday, the Falcons drove to the New Orleans 34-yard line in the second quarter
using a no-huddle set. Slot receiver Harry Douglas went in motion, from left to right, and a defensive back went with him,
signaling man coverage. Ryan, in shotgun formation, changed the play and threw a deep lob down the left sideline to Michael
Jenkins, who was matched up in man coverage on Aaron Glenn. Jenkins caught it and was brought down at the 2. Less-cerebral
quarterbacks wouldn't have been able to make that read, and Mularkey wouldn't have put many in the position to make that
decision.
The offense is a personnel-based scheme, where Mularkey and his staff tailor plays and play calls to the abilities of the talent. It's a
system Mularkey devised as Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator in 2001 with fellow offensive assistants Russ Grimm and Ken
Whisenhunt, currently the assistant head coach and head coach, respectively, with the Arizona Cardinals, who, like the Falcons,
boast a 6-3 record.
"It started with us meeting and evaluating our personnel, and in reality, this system started with Kordell and worked its way down
from there," Mularkey said. "We saw what we had offensively, player-wise, and said, 'Let's fit what we have here. Tinker some
things -- don't even install things -- that we know our left tackle can't do. Even though it looks good or another team is successful
with it, let's not put any player in a position where he is uncertain if he can do it.'
"You want your quarterback to have success, but if one guy isn't put in the position to be successful, you can't run that play."
The only real constants through the years in Mularkey's system have been blocking tight ends and tough tailbacks. The
quarterbacks and offensive lines have had a variety of skill sets, so Mularkey has had a variety of ideas, sets and schemes.
Veteran offensive tackle Wayne Gandy was with Mularkey in Pittsburgh and now is a reserve with the Falcons. Before getting cut
last spring and re-signed two weeks ago, Gandy predicted Mularkey would run a semi-pedestrian, mistake-free offense based on
the team's personnel. The mistake-free part was dead on but Mularkey's offense has hardly been vanilla.
"Mike likes to change stuff up, and with Matt and the offensive line, which is very heady, that allows Mike to change this and that
weekly," Gandy said. "This system is about allowing the quarterback to play, to make throws or runs or do things he can do. It's
about moving the chains. If it's second-and-2 you go get the first down. Not, 'Oh, it's second-and-2, let's go long.' It's a very
efficient offense. It's about constantly keeping the pressure on the defense and using the talent. He's not trying to make Jerious
Norwood into Jerome Bettis or make Michael Turner try things he's not comfortable with."
As well as things have run over nine games, Mularkey isn't looking to acquit himself for his past failures, including his 14-18 mark
as head coach of the Bills. He's also not angling for another head-coaching job.
"I have coaching aspirations," said Mularkey, clearly leaving "head coaching" out of his answer. "l love coaching. I don't have to
be anything more than I am. If it's less, I'll be happy. I enjoy coaching. I'm not doing this for any other reason. I'm enjoying this
job. I enjoyed coaching tight ends last year.
"People say, 'You went from head coach to a tight ends coach. How do you feel about that?' I looked at it as a privilege and I had
fun being in the classroom again. I don't have to be any more than I already am to be happy. If it happens, great; if not, that's fine.
I'm not reaching out for it."
Mularkey's trek in coaching is very much in the now. He's only had Ryan for nine games, which is hardly enough time to get
everything right. With seven regular-season games left, there's also plenty of time to mess things up.
What has helped the Falcons offense more than anything is that it's getting off to quick starts and being able to dictate the tempo.
Falling behind and putting more pressure on players who aren't quite equipped -- as was the case in losses to Tampa Bay and
Carolina -- makes the good work he and his staff have managed thus far look very ordinary.
"This is a work in progress," Mularkey said. "We've got a long way to go. We've come a long way. It's been a long time since I've
seen a whole group work like this -- especially with the situations we've all come from."
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: USAToday.com Date: 11/14/08
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Last January, when general manager Thomas Dimitroff took over an Atlanta Falcons team still
reeling from the Michael Vick dogfighting travesty, he knew that whomever he selected with the third overall pick in the draft may
have to deal with becoming the new face of a troubled franchise.
Dimitroff wrestled with the weight of the decision.
"I knew in the back of my mind I more than likely was going to be defined by this move in the draft, being my first as a general
manager," he says. "And it obviously was going to be very crucial for this franchise."
Dimitroff hoped the Boston College product could help erase the memory of Vick's 2007 conviction on federal charges related to
dogfighting and the defection of then-coach Bobby Petrino to the college ranks 13 games into what would be a 4-12 season.
Dimitroff, who had spent the previous five years as director of college scouting for the New England Patriots, liked what he had
heard from multiple sources about the quarterback who played his home games about 25 miles from Foxborough. He liked what he
saw when watching hours of video footage and liked Ryan's unmistakably genuine, yes-sir-no-sir demeanor.
In Ryan, he sees a player with a rare, innate grasp of the position. He initially saw it when he and a group of Falcons
representatives, including first-year coach Mike Smith and quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave, visited Ryan last season.
"We're in a meeting room, and Bill is tossing around and firing a lot of what we refer to as 'exotics' at him," Dimitroff says. "So
Matt just gets up and goes to the dry-erase board and starts drawing what Bill was asking about. It reminded me of the character in
A Beautiful Mind. It was almost as if he finished drawing all these things, plopped the marker back down and basically said, 'You
got anything else for me?' "
So far, the general manager's instinct about the man who would become his first draft pick have been dead-on. Through the first 10
weeks of the season, Ryan has become one of the few quarterbacks in history to find success in his rookie season and has helped
lead the Falcons to an unlikely 6-3 record and a tie for second in the NFC South.
Among those who have been impressed is Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard, whose team beat the Falcons on Oct. 26.
"I mean, he throws the ball up there to a lot of places where only his receivers can make plays," Sheppard says. "As long as he
keeps doing that and they keep making plays, he can be something special."
Ryan's nickname, going back to high school, is "Matty Ice." Those who know him say that when the politely humble player steps
onto the field, he becomes a different person.
"When he walks into the huddle," says his college coach, Jeff Jagodzinski, "everybody knows it's going to be OK, no matter how
dire the situation. Some guys have it and some guys don't. He has it. It's hard to put your finger on it, but he just has that 'it' factor."
Ryan has a strong sense of the responsibility the Falcons have placed upon him. He views it as a simple but all-important job
requirement.
"That's what a quarterback has to do," he says. "You've got to get in there and get everybody on the same page. But that's kind of
the way I've always been in terms of playing. Whatever my personality is in the locker room or whatever, when it's time to go to
work, it's time to go to work."
Similarities to Brady
Safety Lawyer Milloy, a 13-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowler, was with the New England Patriots in 2001 when Drew
Bledsoe was injured and replaced by second-year man Tom Brady. All Brady did that season was lead the Patriots to the first of
three Super Bowl wins.
"The similarities are scary," Milloy says about the immediate impact of Brady and now Ryan. "They both have all the intangibles,
the pocket presence, the leadership qualities.
"With Matt, you get a feeling that every time you go out there and he has the ball in his hands, we have a chance to win, and you
can't say that about too many quarterbacks in this league.
Ryan already has thrown for 1,909 yards and 11 touchdowns, has the fifth-highest single-game quarterback rating (138.4) of the
season, and perhaps most importantly, has grabbed — and earned — the leadership mantle on a team that desperately needed a
rudder.
"No doubt about it," says wide receiver Roddy White, who already has tied a career high with six touchdowns and has 801
receiving yards. "He commands everybody's attention. At first, you were kind of surprised about that because ... he's a rookie, but
he doesn't act like one in the huddle."
Ryan and the Falcons' surprising success this season has been aided by another of Dimitroff's acquisitions in his first few months
on the job. After spending his entire five-year NFL career backing up LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego, running back Michael
Turner ended up becoming the steal of the free agent market. Turner has punished defenses for 890 yards and seven touchdowns
and given Atlanta the NFL's second-ranked rushing offense, all while taking the pressure off of his rookie quarterback.
End John Abraham, ranked first in the NFC with 11 sacks, leads an improving defense that has helped the Falcons post a plus-4
turnover differential.
"He is very polished (and) he has great mechanics," says Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, whose team visits the Falcons on
Sunday. "He's ahead of the curve as a rookie because he has such great fundamentals and he reads coverages extremely well."
Asked whether he hit a home run in his first career at-bat, the energetic but suddenly cautious Dimitroff pauses and sighs.
"Geez, that's tough," he says. "I'd say we're very encouraged by his development and his wise-beyond-his-years maturity. ...
Obviously, his natural leadership skills are rising to the top."
Despite the accolades, Musgrave says Ryan's early success hasn't gone to his head.
"There are some guys in this league, rookies included, who kind of change when success comes their way," he says. "But with
Matt, he's the same guy as he was when I got here for the post-draft meetings."
"I think I've been getting better week in and week out in terms of recognizing defenses and trying to make better decisions, but I've
still got a long, long way to go," he says. "That's evident when you get in there on Mondays and you look at the tape.
"But I'm also excited about that, because I think I can get a whole lot better."
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 11/13/08
Flowery Branch — John Abraham has played a while. Nine NFL seasons, to be exact. So it is rather significant that the brilliant
defensive end for the Falcons sat at his locker on Wednesday, thought about the last time he experienced this much togetherness
among teammates and thought some more.
He kept thinking.
Abraham kept thinking, before glancing up to say, “It’s been a while,” he said, reflecting on a career that included six years with
the New York Jets. Then he added, “Actually, probably never. I’ve been on some hard teams, and to have this kind of chemistry,
as far as in the locker room and on the field, along with everybody communicating with each other — this probably is the best
team when it comes to that situation.”
Sounds like Thomas Dimitroff knows what he’s doing. He’s in his first season as an NFL general manager. Even so, he envisioned
building a team without knuckleheads long before he spent six years in the scouting department of the New England Patriots,
supposedly the league’s team of teams.
“What we did [after taking over the Falcons] is evaluate the players, and then we discussed the other stuff, whether there were
character issues and what not, whether there were personality traits on and off the field that we felt wouldn’t fit into our system,”
said Dimitroff, 42, involved with pro scouting since 1990. “We spent a lot of time talking about that as a group. There are a lot of
good football players that we didn’t feel, kicking this off, would necessarily fit into a rebuilding program.”
The results? The NFL rookies at general manager, head coach and quarterback for the Falcons are helping them shock reality in
the rugged NFC South. They’ve won four of their past five games for a 6-3 record, and they’ve done so with harmony.
Since the Falcons’ 2007 season of disharmony (4-12 finish, No. 7 and his dogs, Bobby Petrino), the Falcons’ roster has changed 60
percent. The purging involved some familiar names. Alge Crumpler. DeAngelo Hall. Warrick Dunn. Kynan Forney. Joey
Harrington.
Said offensive tackle Todd Weiner, in his sixth season with the Falcons: “It’s clear that the administration and the front office
purposely went after guys that were going to jell together. Some players may not have gotten some name recognition in the past
that they acquired in the offseason, but they looked for a certain attitude in a guy. The idea was that when good things happened,
they were going to stick together, and when bad things happened, they still were going to stick together.”
Consider: After the Falcons dismantled a bad Detroit team in their season opener, they were clobbered at Tampa Bay. Unlike the
past, when Abraham hinted that such a drastic turnaround would have produced “whining and bickering” across the Falcons’
locker room, they recovered to flatten a bad Kansas City team.
Then the Falcons were clobbered again at Carolina the next week, but that’s when they responded with a victory at Green Bay the
next week to start their current surge to sit a game behind first-place Carolina.
You have rookies Matt Ryan at quarterback and Curtis Lofton at middle linebacker among those leading the way for the Falcons.
You also have mighty contributions from free agents such as running back Michael Turner, safety Erik Coleman, kicker Jason
Elam and tight end Ben Hartsock, all signed by Dimitroff since the end of last season.
As a result, you have the Falcons trying to become another team of teams.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: CBSSports.com Date: 11/12/08
For weeks we've been waiting for the right time to say it, hesitant because it just didn't seem right to say the Atlanta Falcons were a
real playoff threat. Is it because we expected them to take the young-team fall we anticipated from a group that came into the
season in rebuilding mode?
There's no denying it any more. The way they handled the New Orleans Saints on Sunday is the all the proof we need.
The Atlanta defense was the last remaining question for this team, but shutting down Drew Brees the way it did says that unit has
improved enough to call it a playoff defense.
The story of the Falcons is the best of this season in a league full of great ones. It's so shocking that many inside the building are
even surprised, even if they won't admit it.
This was to be a rebuilding season with an eye on 2010 as the playoff year. It was a three-year plan to turn the Falcons around.
First-year coach Mike Smith and general manager Thomas Dimitroff won't admit it now, but they had to be realistic and a three-
year plan to turn the Falcons around made sense.
They can run it. They can throw it with Matt Ryan and the defense is growing up under a rising coaching star, defensive
coordinator Brian VanGorder.
If the Falcons make the playoffs and Smith isn't the coach of the year, then the award should be eliminated.
The Falcons started out in the CBSSports.com Power Rankings at No. 31, which means one away from last. Now they're in the top
10. That's hard to believe.
After the Michael Vick fiasco, the Bobby Petrino mess and the feeling of disconnect from Atlanta fans, the Falcons are a great
story. The best thing for their chances to win the division is that Tampa Bay and Carolina -- the two teams ahead of them in the
NFC South -- both have to come to Atlanta.
The amazing thing about the Atlanta start is that most thought the two lines would be problem areas. The coaching staff said they
were the worry spots before the season. They've been the opposite of that.
The offensive line plays with a nasty streak, making up for some athletic limitations, and the defensive line has overachieved,
especially inside. Defensive end John Abraham is having a huge season rushing the passer, but the rest of the defense isn't exactly
star-studded.
Atlanta also starts four rookies if you count the nickel back (Chevis Jackson), the third receiver (Henry Douglas) and injured left
tackle Sam Baker, who is expected back in a few weeks. The best of the first-year players is Ryan. Without him, this wouldn't be
happening. He's the best rookie quarterback since Peyton Manning.
He sees the field. He plays with a swagger. He works his butt off doing the little things. He's cut from the Manning-Tom Brady
cloth.
The Falcons did the right thing starting him on opening day, thinking that this would be a building year for the future. But Ryan's
play has accelerated the timetable.
He didn’t dodge the question or give that “one game at a time” response.
For anybody who wanted to take note, the Falcons defensive end said it’s OK to go ahead and pencil the Falcons in the playoffs.
“Definitely, I felt that from the first game and I’m going to keep saying it until we make it,” Abraham said. “We play good as a
team. That’s the best thing that you could say right now.”
Such playoff talk was unheard at the beginning of the season, with so much change coming off a 4-12 record last season.
But after the Falcons received a stellar performance from the secondary and beat New Orleans 34-20 on Sunday at the Georgia
Dome to climb to 6-3, maybe the playoffs are not such a pipe dream.
“At this point we are 6-3, and have seven more to go,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “A lot will be determined through those seven
weeks. Right now we’re just focused on trying to beat the Broncos.”
The victory was the Falcons first win against a NFC South foe to move to 1-2 in the division, with road losses to Tampa Bay and
Carolina.
Falcons head coach Mike Smith will not hear of any playoff talk in Week 10 of the season.
“We look at our next game, Denver,” Smith said. “We’ll focus on them.”
As expectations have been exceeded and goals have to be reset, the playoffs are something that’s realistically with the Falcons’
grasp.
The Falcons are undefeated at home and have four more home games. If they simply keep defending the Dome, they’ll reach the
10-win mark. They also have road games at San Diego, New Orleans and Minnesota.
“As we continue to work the process, and work it well, we will have opportunities to have the outcomes that we desire,” Smith
said, coming about as close as he wants to in addressing the team’s playoff chances.
The Saints, with the top-rated passing attack in the NFL, let it been known on the first play of the game what they thought of the
Falcons secondary.
Brees stood tall in the pocket and launched a deep pass into double coverage to speedster Devery Henderson. Falcons cornerback
Chris Houston dropped back into his zone and had Henderson covered underneath and safety Erik Coleman came over the top to
intercept the pass.
“We were able to steal a possession there,” Smith said. “I think that was big. That’s a team that I don’t think you want to give them
a whole lot of offensive opportunities because they are very, very potent.”
From that point, the secondary, which focused on re-routing the Saints’ receivers, stayed in coverage.
“I thought most all passes were contested,” Smith said. “There were very few open receivers. I thought they had a good
understanding going into the game of how they were going to attack us.”
Led by cornerback Domonique Foxworth, the Falcons knocked down 15 passes and had three interceptions, including Chevis
Jackson’s fourth-quarter pick that he returned 95 yards for a touchdown to make it 34-13.
“It was a great challenge for our [secondary] today with Drew Brees and their passing game,” linebacker Keith Brooking said.
“The key thing was disrupting the receivers at the line of scrimmage. That threw off the timing of their passing game.”
The Saints did pass for 422 yards, but a lot of that came in the fourth quarter while trying to scramble back after Jerious Norwood
shot up the right sideline for a 67-yard touchdown to make it 27-6 with 9:54 left.
Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan was hot early and helped the Falcons build a 17-6 halftime lead.
Ryan tossed two touchdown passes and spread the ball around to six different receivers.
“Our quarterback is maturing each week,” Smith said. “As long as he can continue to develop we can continue to add to what we
can do offensive.”
But in the end, it was the defense that controlled the Saints passing attack and got in Brees’ face. Abraham had one sack, which
gives him 11.
“We just wanted to come and play together,” Abraham said. “Sure, he’s a good quarterback, but we wanted to get him out of his
rhythm. We put a lot of pressure in his face and kept him moving around.”
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 11/10/08
This is no longer just a good story. What we’re watching is a good team. The Falcons need only to win the rest of their home
games to finish 10-6, and 10-6 puts you in any playoff discussion any year. And how stout have they been at home?
They’ve played 240 minutes in the Georgia Dome this season. They’ve trailed for a total of 11 seconds, and those 11 — the time it
took the Falcons to lose the Chicago game and then win it — are part of NFL history. This is a team that keeps tending to business
with such dogged resolve that we are, believe it or not, coming to regard winning as business as usual.
“You keep hearing that Atlanta is going to fail at some point,” said Lawyer Milloy, the free safety, “but this is happening the right
way.”
Here he smiled, and you should know that Milloy is stingy with his smiles. “Every year there’s a team that has you scratching your
head, that you never saw coming. Why not us?”
It sounds silly until you watch this team play, but when you do you see no silliness about it. You see a team that comes to work,
that hits really hard and plays really smart. On Sunday the Falcons took the ball from New Orleans on the first snap and saw the
frazzled Saints use the last snap to cut their deficit to 14 points. In between the Falcons were dominant.
Forget total yardage, for it meant nothing. All that mattered was that the Falcons needed barely five minutes to score their first
touchdown and Drew Brees, hailed as the NFL’s best player, required 50 minutes to get one for his team. All that mattered was
that Brees threw 58 passes and accomplished less than the rookie Matt Ryan, who didn’t throw half so many.
“I liked the way we played,” said Mike Smith, the Falcons’ coach, and how could you not? There are no Glanvillian gimmicks in
these Falcons, no Mora-like false chatter. This a simply a collection of proud pros — hey, even rookies can have pride — that has
developed a sense of itself and has cottoned to its coaches.
Said Todd McClure, the center: “It’s about time everybody else started thinking we’re a good team.”
It is. It’s November, and by now any football flukes have begun to wilt. The Falcons are gathering strength. Maybe they surprised
themselves back in September, but no more. They’ve played nine times and haven’t been routed yet. Why shouldn’t they expect to
win?
“We’ve been very fortunate with our acquisitions,” said Thomas Dimitroff, the general manager, and never had those acquisitions
stood out more than Sunday. Ryan worked another lovely game. Erik Coleman, a free agent, stole Brees’ first pass. Domonique
Foxworth, acquired by trade, broke up three passes. And the third-rounder Chevis Jackson capped it all by scoring on a 95-yard
interception return.
“I can’t stress this enough,” Dimitroff said, “but all our new guys are about the team. It’s not just about them.”
And we saw — or at least we thought we saw — a moment Sunday when Smith appeared to make the same point. Jerious
Norwood had scored on a 67-yard yard catch-and-run. But, by breaking into high-step at the 27, he was nearly caught by Usama
Young. Thus did it come as no shock that Smith waved the back over.
But not for a dressing-down. “I was just congratulating him,” Smith said. “I said, ‘Nice run, Jerious.’ “
Really? “Sometimes you’ve got to let them go,” said Smith, shrugging.
Oakland — The Falcons were happy to see their old pal, Oakland cornerback DeAngelo Hall.
Throwing Hall’s way, the Falcons got a quick touchdown and some early momentum to carry them to a 24-0 rout over the Raiders
at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Sunday.
The Falcons defense dominated Oakland’s pitiful offense and posted the franchise’s first shutout since beating Carolina 30-0 on
Oct. 20, 2002.
“Defensively, I thought it was our best performance,” said Falcons coach Mike Smith, who awarded game balls to the defense for
keeping the league’s lowest scoring offense (just nine touchdowns on the season) out of the end zone.
On the game’s 10th play, rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, who hasn’t been shy about throwing at top cornerbacks, unleashed a
strike to Michael Jenkins, who had gotten behind Hall, for a 37-yard touchdown.
“It was just kind of a press and fade up the sideline,” Jenkins said. “Matt threw a great ball and I was able to get by DeAngelo.”
Hall, who played his first four seasons with the Falcons and made two Pro Bowls, was traded to the Raiders last March. He went
by the Falcons’ team hotel to visit with Jenkins and linebacker Michael Boley on Friday.
Ryan wasn’t shy about throwing to Philadelphia’s Asante Samuel’s side of the field last week, so Hall had to figure he was going
to see action.
Hall was dressed and gone when the Raiders locker room was open to the media.
During their surprising start, the 5-3 Falcons have been the masters of the quick start, throwing early-knock down punches in all of
their victories.
The Falcons established early leads in all of their previous victories — Detroit (21-0), Kansas City (24-0), Green Bay (17-7) and
Chicago (9-0) — and did the same to the Raiders.
Scoring on their first four possessions, the Falcons jumped out to a 24-0 by halftime.
The Falcons scored on their opening drive, which was a good omen. They are now 4-0 when they score on the opening drive this
season.
The Falcons came out determined to get their struggling running game on track. They ran the ball with Michael Turner or Jerious
Norwood on six of the first eight plays. With the Raiders starting to creep up in run support, Jenkins ran past Hall to make it 7-0.
The Raiders, who were held to just three first downs the entire game, were forced to punt after their first possession. Wide receiver
Harry Douglas replaced Adam Jennings as the Falcons return man. Jennings, who played at Fresno State and is from Granite Bay,
Calif., was inactive for the game.
Jennings lost his job after he botched a return in the final three minutes against Philadelphia that cost the Falcons a chance at a
final drive.
After Douglas had a 6-yard return, the Falcons started their second drive at their 30-yard line.
The tried to mix things up and started passing from their no-huddle attack.
Ryan drove the Falcons to midfield before hitting tight end Justin Peelle for a 16-yard gain. A roughing the passer penalty on
Oakland’s Jay Richardson, moved the ball down to Oakland’s 19. Three plays later, Norwood took a toss and got escorted into the
end zone by lineman Tyson Clabo from 12 yards to make it 14-0.
“Clabo got out in front, he was pulling from the right side,” Norwood said. “I had to set my blocks up and wait for him to get
there. Once he dove at the cornerback he ended up on the ground. I had to jump over him to get in the end zone.”
The Raiders could only manage four yards on their second series and were forced to punt. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell missed a
shot on third down when Oakland wide receiver Ashley Lelie ran past cornerback Chris Houston, but the pass was overthrown.
Ryan mixed in some passes with the run to drive down to Oakland’s 19 before right guard Harvey Dahl was called for holding,
moving the ball back to the 27 after the spot foul.
Ryan threw an incompletion before finding Jenkins again for a 27-yard touchdown to make it 21-0.
“It was just kind of a corner route from inside,” said Jenkins, who beat safety Stanford Routt on the play. “Kind of like a tight end
route.”
The Falcons had their fourth drive stall on Oakland’s 24, when Ryan was sacked for a third-and-3. Jason Elam came on and kicked
a 48-yard field goal to make it 24-0.
The Raiders did not pick up their first down until 9:19 was left in the third quarter as Russell struggled mightily
The Raiders most promising drive ended when safety Erik Coleman intercepted Russell in the end zone with 7:27 to play.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 10/26/08
Philadelphia — The stage was set for another thrilling fourth-quarter ending for the Falcons.
In their last game, the Falcons showed that 11 seconds was enough time to snatch back a victory and that rookie quarterback Matt
Ryan has a flare for the dramatic.
On Sunday, trailing Philadelphia by six points, the Falcons defense had did their job and forced a punt.
Ryan was on the sideline with quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave getting the calls from offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, who
was up in the booth.
However, a controversial call on the punt return left the Falcons without the ball and sent them spiraling to a 27-14 defeat at
Lincoln Financial Field.
The Falcons were trailing 20-14 in a hard-hitting contest and figured to get the ball back with just over two minutes remaining.
The Falcons had a punt return set up, but the ball was short. Punt returner Adam Jennings tried to field the punt and then backed
off.
The officials ruled that the ball touched him and that the Eagles’ Akeem Jordan recovered it.
“I felt like it didn’t touch me, but I can’t control what people see,” Jennings said.
Falcons coach Mike Smith didn’t want to place the defeat on Jennings’ decision to back off with a punt return called.
“I don’t think you can ever say that there is one play in the football game that makes the difference,” Smith said. “There are a
number of plays that we’d like to have had back in that ball game.”
The defeat dropped the Falcons to 4-3, while the Eagles improved to 4-3.
When the Falcons got word that the replay indicated that Jennings did not touch the ball, they were in bad spot because Smith had
already used the last timeout.
Without a timeout, the Falcons had to live with the call on the field. Smith, clutching the red challenge flag, vehemently protested
to referee Jerome Boger, of Atlanta.
“He said that since we do not have a timeout that we could not challenge it,” said Smith, who considered throwing the challenge
flag anyway. “It would be a 15-yard penalty if we threw the flag. His explanation was what he thought he saw. He thought he saw
the ball touch the return man’s hands. That’s the call that was made.”
After stopping the Eagles, the Falcons used their timeout with 2:28 remaining. Smith explained the decision to burn the last
timeout.
“At that point in time when there was two minutes and 30 seconds [actually 2:28] to go, we used the timeout to have more time,”
Smith said. “By using the time out there we would save 31 seconds (actually 28). We still had a timeout technically with the two-
minute warning. If we let that roll to the two minute warning we basically run 28, 29 seconds off. That was a decision that we
made.”
Two plays after the muffed punt, Philadelphia running back Brian Westbrook broke free for a 39-yard touchdown run for the
game’s final touchdown.
“I think we had our chances and opportunities to win the football game at the end and that’s all that you can ask for,” Smith said.
The Falcons defense had trouble with Westbrook all day. He ran for 167 yards and two touchdowns.
“Anytime he gets the ball in his hands he can make plays,” defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux said. “He did a good job against
us making plays. He got the edge a few times on us and was able to make some plays.”
The Falcons rushing attack, which entered the game ranked second in the league, was stymied. Running back Michael Turner was
held to 58 yards on 17 carries.
The Falcons scored first when Ryan hooked up with Roddy White for a 55-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
Philadelphia answered with a 3-yard touchdown run from quarterback Donovan McNabb.
The Eagles got a 36-yard field goal with four seconds left in the second quarter after driving down from Atlanta’s 12 in 41 seconds
to take 10-7 halftime lead.
On the Eagles opening drive of the second half, Westbrook scored on a 16-yard run to make it 17-7.
After an exchange of punts, the Falcons drove down to Philadelphia’s 1-yard line. On second-and-1, Ryan’s pass for White on a
fade route was intercepted by Lito Sheppard.
“That’s obviously frustrating, especially as a quarterback when you throw an interception on the 1-yard line,” Ryan said. “That
was just a poor throw by myself. The ball needs to get outside.”
After another exchange of punts, the Eagles added a 18-yard field goal by David Akers to make it 20-7.
The Falcons answered with a 14-play drive. Ryan tossed an 8-yard touchdown pass to White with 4:01 left.
The defense got the necessary stop, to set the stage for the punt return that never happened.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 10/13/08
While the game-winning kick was still sailing through the air, Falcons long snapper Michael Schneck and lineman Jonathan
Babineaux were sprinting downfield.
They were in a foot race for the souvenir. After Jason Elam’s 48-yard field goal went through the uprights, Babineaux picked it up
and raced back up field with the ball in hand.
Elam was being mobbed by holder Michael Koenen and several other teammates, as the Falcons had pulled off a heart-stopping
22-20 victory over Chicago Bears Sunday.
“I’ve been in some wild games, but this one trumps them all,” said rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, who had his first career 300-
yard passing game.
The Falcons improved to 4-2 and continued their march through the NFC North as they also have victories over Green Bay and
Detroit. They play Minnesota later this season. The Bears dropped to 3-3.
“This is one of the most exciting games I have ever seen,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “I haven’t been in a game that finished
quite like this. There were a lot of ebbs and flows in terms of emotions for everybody out there.”
The Falcons had dominated the Bears the entire day, but their inability to score touchdowns, instead settling for field goals, nearly
came back to haunt them.
Leading 19-13, Elam missed a 33-yard field goal with 2:46 left to play. Despite being outplayed, the Bears had life.
They had the ball on their 28-yard line and marched right down the field to take a 20-19 lead after wide receiver Rashied Davis
caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Orton with 11 seconds to play. It was their first lead of the day and it looked like a
deal sealer.
“It looked bleak there for a minute,” Smith said. “It really did.”
After giving up an 85-yard kickoff return to Jerious Norwood on the previous kickoff, the Bears decided to kick it low and short.
Wide receiver Harry Douglas scooped up the kick and returned it 10 yards to the Falcons 44-yard line before sliding down in order
to save some precious seconds on the clock.
The Bears loaded up all day to stop running back Michael Turner, daring Ryan to beat them. Well, Ryan did and his last dagger
was his best.
With six seconds remaining, wide receiver Michael Jenkins ran a deep corner route. He started it inside and then broke back out to
the sideline.
The ball was there waiting for Jenkins, who tapped down his two feet and got out of bounds with one second to burn.
“[Ryan] pretty much put it where I couldn’t miss it,” Jenkins said.
The 26-yard gain, set the stage for Elam’s redemption kick, that had room to spare.
Ryan didn’t want to look at the kick as players were congratulating him about the pass to Jenkins.
“I was crossing my fingers, doing everything superstitious that you can do,” Ryan said.
Before Jenkins’ catch, Elam was dejected on the sidelines. He thought his missed 33-yarder may have cost the Falcons the game.
He quickly forgot about that blunder when Jenkins came down with the ball.
“Michael actually made the catch and I saw two seconds on the clock,” said Elam, who has made 16th game-winning kick in the
last two minutes or in overtime of a game. “You just go on the field and try to make it just like any other kick. It’s like a golf
swing.”
“Things don’t always go the way that you want them too,” said Elam, who had made 30 consecutive field goals before that miss.
“You just don’t want to have the previous play affect you in any way. So you just try to concentrate on your swing and trust it.”
He trusted his swing and a big party broke out on the field.
Turner, who entered the game as the league’s leading rusher, was held to 54 yards rushing on 25 carries. The Falcons top weapon
was taken away.
“That’s going to happen sometimes when you play against a very good defense like the Chicago Bears,” Ryan said. “I think their
front seven is as good as anybody in the league.”
With Bears concentrating on Turner, Roddy White, Harry Douglas and Brian Finneran worked their way open for Ryan’s passes.
Ryan completed 22-of-30 passes for 301 yards and one touchdown. He had a quarterback rating of 116.1.
“Matt has got ‘it’ ” Smith said. “We say that he’s got ‘it.’ We don’t know what ‘it’ is, but he’s got ‘it.’ “
This type of clutch come-from-behind victory is going to give Ryan more cache in the locker room.
“The team has really taken to Matt,” Smith said. “He knows how to be a leader. He was an outstanding leader in college.
“To go out and operate the way he did against a very fine Chicago defense was a part of his maturation process. I think it’s been
accelerated through these first six weeks more than we anticipated.”
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: FOXSports.com Date: 10/13/08
Check his ID. Take his fingerprints. Look under the Atlanta Falcons helmet just to make sure.
Ryan blushed when I asked that very question shortly after he guided the Falcons to Sunday's improbable 22-20 home victory over
Chicago. As those inside the Falcons' interview room laughed, Ryan smiled and said, "Yeah, I'm sure."
I'm not.
Rookie quarterbacks usually play — if they're even playing at all — like Baltimore's Joe Flacco did when throwing three
interceptions in Sunday's 31-3 loss at Indianapolis. They don't complete 22 of 30 passes for 301 yards and one touchdown against
one of the NFL's fiercest defenses. They don't lead a team that won just four games all of last season to a 4-2 record and a share of
first place in the NFC South. And they don't handle pressure the way Ryan did in the waning moments of what seemed a certain
Falcons loss after the Bears took a 20-19 lead with 11 seconds remaining.
Chicago's decision to squib the ensuing kickoff backfired when Harry Douglas' 10-yard return gave the Falcons possession at their
44-yard line with six seconds left. The field position prompted offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey to change a desperation play
call that wide receiver Michael Jenkins said involved "pitching the ball around and trying to get downfield."
Mularkey instead called double corner routes designed to put the Falcons in position for a long field goal. Before relaying
Mularkey's orders, Ryan did something else you wouldn't expect from a 23-year-old.
"He comes in the huddle and says, 'We're going to win this game,' " Falcons wide receiver Roddy White said.
Ryan then backed up his words. Just before being hit by Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris, Ryan connected with Jenkins
along the Falcons' sideline for a 26-yard gain with one second left. Jason Elam did the rest, kicking a 48-yard field goal while
Ryan watched from a distance with his fingers crossed.
Told he looked like a "little kid" while awaiting Elam's attempt, Ryan said, "I am just still a kid, really."
That's what makes Ryan's performance even more amazing. He started eight-for-eight passing and made just about every type of
throw imaginable — deep patterns, sideline routes, quick slants and one completion to White that saw a hurried Ryan throw across
almost the entire width of the Georgia Dome field. Ryan picked apart a Bears defense that lost so many members of its secondary
to injury that effective nickel and dime packages couldn't be fielded.
"Unreal," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said shortly after giving Ryan a post-game hug.
"Unreal" was being used in another context by Blank last year during the Michael Vick/Bobby Petrino debacles that devastated the
franchise. The selection of Ryan with the No. 3 overall pick in April's draft was supposed to provide hope for the future.
"I was talking to some guys not that long ago about how the rookies were performing," said Falcons wide receiver Brian Finneran,
a nine-year NFL veteran who caught three passes Sunday. "I went through Sam Baker, Harry Douglas, Curtis Lofton and Chevis
Jackson and just stopped there.
"Matt is so composed and shows such confidence in the huddle that you don't think of him as a rookie any more. You can see it.
Today was just a telltale sign that the kid is growing up really fast."
Falcons running back Michael Turner also offered praise when asked to compare Ryan to one of the NFL's top young
quarterbacks. While playing for San Diego, Turner saw Philip Rivers have the luxury of two years of tutelage sitting behind Drew
Brees before becoming a starter in 2006.
"They remind me of each other a lot as far as taking the game seriously, studying, knowing what everybody is supposed to do and
what plays would be good against a certain defense," said Turner, who signed with Atlanta during the offseason. "The thing is
Philip had to wait, but Matt is going in there right away. I don't know if we'd be (4-2) if Philip had started as a rookie."
Like with Rivers, Ryan has benefitted from having a solid supporting cast. Turner entered the game leading the NFL in rushing;
White was second in receiving yards. The offensive line also has played much better than expected, not allowing a sack against a
Bears defense known for its strong pass rush.
Ryan had yet to win a game in which Turner rushed for less than 60 yards. The Bears, now 3-3 on the year, limited Turner to 54
yards on 25 carries, forcing Ryan to carry the offensive load.
"He took exactly what we were giving him," Bears linebacker Lance Briggs said. "He knew exactly where to go. He threw the ball
with authority. He didn't look like a rookie."
The offensive line is known as the "Breakfast Club" for gathering collectively each morning to watch game film.
The defensive line is planning a birthday dinner for one of its own (Jonathan Babineaux).
And the new head coach holds "Over 30" meetings to solicit feedback from his veteran players.
It's not just a 3-2 record entering Sunday's home game against Chicago that distinguishes this group from the horrific Falcons
squad of 2007. This is an actual team, one quickly distancing itself from the Michael Vick/Bobby Petrino era that gave a whole
new meaning to the term "Dirty Bird."
"I thought it was going to take considerably longer for this team to gel because they were getting to know each other," Falcons
first-year general manager Thomas Dimitroff said Friday. "I feel like that's really been expedited. In my mind, it has a lot to do
with the group bonding."
Reestablishing trust was needed after Vick and Petrino left Atlanta burned in General Sherman-like fashion. A ship that was too
loose under 2006 coach Jim Mora had become rudderless last season with Petrino, who retreated to the college ranks after just 13
games.
But even that embarrassment paled in comparison to the damage caused by Vick, who was arrested and sentenced to prison for dog
fighting after initially lying about his involvement. Atlanta's descent to a 4-12 record was so depressing that defensive end John
Abraham said friends and family stopped calling to ask for game tickets.
"I really didn't want anyone to come anyway, to be honest," Abraham said. "When you don't feel your team is playing up to par,
you really don't want to be seen."
Abraham's telephone is ringing once again — and there are plenty of reasons why.
Let's start with the healing process. Shortly after being hired in January for his first head coaching job, Mike Smith began
arranging face-to-face meetings with Falcons players who lived in the Atlanta area. Smith's honesty and straight-forward approach
struck a chord with Falcons who felt betrayed by Petrino and a coaching staff that Abraham said left players "scared to voice their
opinion." Smith also hired assistants who have a combined 188 years of NFL coaching experience.
"From the very beginning, we've talked about being communicative with one another," said the 49-year-old Smith, who had spent
the past five seasons as Jacksonville's defensive coordinator. "When you have open lines, it fosters that (positive) atmosphere."
A roster overhaul soon followed that reflected the knowledge Dimitroff gained while working in New England's front office the
previous six seasons. Falcons mainstays like running back Warrick Dunn, cornerback DeAngelo Hall and tight end Alge Crumpler
were released or traded. Dimitroff used that salary cap space to add the best running back (Michael Turner) and most reliable
kicker (Jason Elam) available in free agency.
The draft was even more fruitful. Quarterback Matt Ryan was the bell-cow selection, but Atlanta's next four picks — left tackle
Sam Baker, middle linebacker Curtis Lofton, cornerback Chevis Jackson and wide receiver Harry Douglas — are either starting or
heavily contributing as backups.
The next step was getting the pieces to mesh together. Ryan started coming out of his shell after being named one of 10 new
starters during the preseason.
"When he first got here, he was a little timid in the huddle," Turner said. "He wasn't calling plays. He was whispering. Now, he's
taken command of the offense. He's telling guys where they need to be and giving little reminders like, 'You've got to get a little
closer on your split.'
Turner has helped accelerate Ryan's development, carrying the rushing load with an NFL-high 543 yards. LaDainian Tomlinson's
former understudy made an immediate impact in his Falcons debut, pounding the Detroit Lions for 220 yards and two touchdowns.
That 34-21 victory in the season-opener went a long ways toward exorcising the Vick/Petrino ghosts.
"We wanted to change the look of this team right away," Turner said. "You only get one chance to make a first impression. We left
a pretty good one."
The Falcons are a modest 2-2 since that win, but these birds of a feather continue to flock together. When players have Tuesdays
off during the regular season, only the starting quarterback is expected at team headquarters to get a head start studying the game
plan and upcoming opponent. In Atlanta, Ryan and backups Chris Redman and D.J. Shockley drive in together for an extra day of
work.
"Everybody is pulling for one another," said Ryan, who already has as many victories as Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning
posted during his 1998 rookie season. "We've got a bunch of unselfish people in that locker room as well, guys who are willing to
do whatever it takes to win and get better. It's fun to be part of those types of teams."
Smith tries to keep his finger on the locker room's pulse by meeting semi-regularly with the 11 Falcons players who are age 30 and
older. When the veterans asked for a slight change in the way practices were being run, Smith acquiesced.
"It lets them know how important they are in disseminating information to the whole team," Smith said. "You've got to have your
lieutenants out there. That's what veteran players are."
Smith has set modest goals for a roster where 25 of the 53 players have three years or less of NFL experience. One objective was
accomplished last Sunday when Atlanta won its first road game at Green Bay. The next can be reached Sunday if the Falcons
string together consecutive victories for the first time by defeating Chicago (3-2).
These are reasonable expectations for a team that may fade from playoff contention as the season unfolds. Although wide receiver
Roddy White is playing at a Pro Bowl level, Ryan is probably too inexperienced to carry the offense if Turner can't get on track.
Turner failed to reach 60 rushing yards in both of Atlanta's losses.
Besides Abraham — who has an NFL-high seven sacks — the defensive line needs off-season upgrading. The same goes for a
secondary that is surrendering too many big pass plays.
"In my mind, we're still at a different place than most teams simply because of the process of re-tooling the roster and going
through this," Smith said. "But I think we're laying a foundation that is very solid."
Just like the bonds that are being built between the Falcons themselves.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: CBSSportsline.com Date: 10/11/08
The words were a bit salty. But they needed to be to make Mike Smith's point.
Smith, the Atlanta Falcons' first-year coach, gathered his team last week and gave the young squad a lesson on the history of
Lambeau Field.
Mike's Smith's players call him Smitty -- he prefers it that way. (Getty Images)
"That ----- field is 100 yards long and 53½ yards wide just like all the other --- fields," Smith told them.
They didn't. The Falcons went to Green Bay and upset the Packers to go to a shocking 3-2 for the season, one game out of first
place in the NFC South.
"Some of the young guys came up to me during warm-ups and said it was cool being there," Smith said. "But they weren't awed by
it. It was just cool. Not intimidating."
Said veteran linebacker Keith Brooking: "I've been on teams that had success there, but that doesn't matter to these guys. Hearing
that from Smitty, it had a big impact."
Smitty. That's right. The Falcons call their coach Smitty. And he likes it, prefers it in fact.
That easy-going demeanor and open relationship with his players is a far cry from the iron-fisted regime that was in place last
season. "Stalog Petrino" is what it was under coach Bob Petrino.
Players and staff alike loathed the Petrino way, which was such a dictatorship it made Fidel Castro's look democratic. There was
no middle ground. It was Petrino's way -- or else. Just ask DeAngelo Hall -- the coach wanted his picture taken down from outside
his office because he didn't like the way the ex-Falcons corner was working.
Coming on the heels of the Mike Vick dog nightmare, which ended with the team's marquee player in jail, the last thing players
wanted or needed was a coach who was standoffish.
"I remember talking to my wife about how miserable I was then," center Todd McClure said. "I hated the drive into work
everyday."
Brooking agreed.
"For the first time in my career, I wanted to be going somewhere else every day and I love football,"
Brooking said. "It was misery."
Thankfully for almost all in the Falcons' building, including a staff that was subjected to Petrino's daily verbal bombs, he left for
Arkansas before the season ended.
So here was a team without its marquee player, without a coach, without direction and with a fan base
deteriorating in front of owner Arthur Blank's eyes. What to do to fix it?
The Falcons thought about Bill Parcells, but he used them to get a better deal from the Dolphins. They then hired crack scout
Thomas Dimitroff to run the football side of things. He, in turn, helped hire Smith, who was the defensive coordinator of the
Jacksonville Jaguars the four years before that.
When Smith got the job, it sent out a cry around the league. Mike who?
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 10/6/08
Green Bay, Wis. — Roddy White had seen enough of the turtle-like road starts. So the Falcons’ blossoming wide receiver decided
to take matters into his own hands Sunday in Green Bay.
White and his teammates had been outscored, 31-12, in the first half of their first two road games this season. Not surprisingly, the
Falcons had been blistered in those away contests.
White stole the show early against the Packers, catching eight first-half passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. White’s
performance helped the Falcons build a 10-point halftime lead and they held on for a 27-24 win.
“It was a real big lift, going out there and making plays early in the game,” White said. “In our other two road games, we didn’t get
off to good starts and that was our thing all week: ‘Get off to a good start. Get off to a good start.’
“We did that today and got off to the kind of start we wanted. And the game just kind of came a little bit slower from there. The
last couple of games on the road have been confusion and everybody not doing what they’re supposed to do. Today, I felt
everybody did their job.”
No one did it better than White early on. And even though White didn’t have a second-half catch, his dominating first half set the
tone and gave the Falcons confidence they could win away from the Georgia Dome.
“Yeah, he hurt us,” Packers cornerback Tramon Williams said of White. “We knew about him coming in, but he just kind of got
loose, I guess.”
He sure did. On the Falcons’ opening score, White had three catches and accounted for 64 of the Falcons’ 81 total yards.
On the game’s opening play, White beat Charles Woodson off the line of scrimmage and hauled in a 37-yard pass from
quarterback Matt Ryan. Three plays later, with the Falcons operating out of the shotgun and employing four receivers, White
schooled rookie cornerback Pat Lee and made a 19-yard reception.
White later made an 8-yard catch against Williams on a drive that ended with Ryan hitting tight end Justin Peelle for a 1-yard
touchdown.
“First drive, for him to get three catches and help us get seven [points] right away on the road, that was huge for us,” wideout
Michael Jenkins said of White. “It just really got us going in the right direction.”
Atlanta led, 10-7, midway through the second quarter when it embarked on a 90-yard scoring drive. White again was at the
forefront, accounting for 68 of those yards, including a 22-yard touchdown.
White drew a 20-yard pass interference penalty against Lee on a third-and-9 to keep the drive going. “I thought it was going to be
Charles [Woodson] covering me, but when [Blackmon] came out there, I was like, ‘Oh, boy!’ ” White said on the touchdown.
“Matt [Ryan] looked over and I knew he was going to throw the ball deep.”
Green Bay shadowed White with Woodson, its top corner, much of the second half. And while that took White out of the spotlight,
it opened up plenty for his teammates.
“I just wanted to compete and show my stuff,” said White, who now has 26 catches for 454 yards. “I feel like I can be an elite
receiver in this league and that’s something I want to show every week.”
Charlotte – The Falcons wanted to come to Carolina and make a statement about their worthiness.
They’d taken care of weaker teams — Detroit and Kansas City — on the schedule and needed a victory over a team with a
winning record to show how far they’ve progressed.
But the inability to score touchdowns, convert on third downs and a porous pass defense contributed mightily to a 24-9 loss to the
Panthers on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.
“We wanted to come out and show ourselves and everybody out there that we’re a good football team,” wide receiver Brian
Finneran said. “With the penalties, the third downs, not scoring touchdowns in the red zone, we weren’t able to do that today.”
The running attack that powered them in their victories was shut down. The Falcons entered the game leading the league in rushing
with 203 yards per game.
The Panthers stuffed running back Michael Turner, holding him to 56 yards on 18 carries. They held the Falcons to 118 yards
total.
“That’s football,” Turner said. “There are going to be grind it out games. There’s not going to be big long runs every week.”
When rookie quarterback Matt Ryan had to pass, his receivers didn’t always help out. Unofficially, there were at least seven
dropped passes.
Ryan threw the ball 41 times, completing 21 passes for 158 yards and finished with a 60.8 quarterback rating.
He would not place the blame for the offense’s woes on the receivers.
“Physical mistakes are going to happen in games,” Ryan said. “There is nothing that you can do.”
Wide receivers Roddy White and Harry Douglas had two drops each. Finneran had a drop and running backs Turner and Jerious
Norwood also dropped passes.
“Those were balls that we should catch,” White said. “That’s on us. We’ve got to get better. We’ve got to get out there and help
the young fellow (Ryan) out.”
In both of the Falcons’ losses, the offense has failed to score a touchdown. Against the Panthers they settled for three field goals.
“It’s a learning process for Matt right now and where we are at right now,” Falcons head coach Mike Smith said. “We’ve got to
take a positive out of every game and every thing that we do. I think it’s very important to be positive because it’s very big
learning curve in this league.”
With the dropped passes being a contributing factor, the Falcons converted just 2-of-13 third downs.
“Third down kind of killed us,” left tackle Todd Weiner said. “We were in a bunch of makeable third downs and we just didn’t get
that done.”
Despite all of the Falcons woes, Mike Smith felt they were not major issues.
“The things that went on out there as far as the Falcons are concerned, they are all things that we can fix,” Smith said. “They are
fixable.”
Ryan’s first pass of the game was intercepted and returned for an apparent touchdown by Richard Marshall. The play was nullified
by a roughing the passer penalty on Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers.
The Falcons added their third field after Jason Elam had missed a 49-yard attempt. The Panthers were called for having 12 men on
the field and from five yards closer, Elam made the field goal.
The Panthers entered the game having committed 13 false start penalties and added two more in the first half.
The Falcons were hanging around in the third quarter, needing to come up with a big play. On third-and-10 from Carolina’s 43
yard line, Douglas was open in the middle of the Panthers zone and appeared to have room to run, but he dropped the pass.
On the next possession, the Panthers added a field goal to make it 17-9. After stopping the Falcons, Muhsin Muhammad got open
for a 56-yard touchdown.
Muhammad caught the ball between safety Erik Coleman and cornerback Brent Grimes, who had a rough day. Muhammad had
eight catches for 147 yards and a touchdown, mostly all over Grimes.
“They did a good job of finding a hole in the zone,” Coleman said.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 9/21/08
Falcons running back Michael Turner could not put a number on how many Kansas City defenders that he ran over, through or
around Sunday.
Early in the new regime, his bruising running style has been the team’s trademark. It’s the physical brand of power football that the
re-made Falcons want to establish under general manager Thomas Dimintroff and head coach Mike Smith.
Turner had several key runs and three rushing touchdowns to help the Falcons defeat Kansas City 38-14 at the Georgia Dome.
Turner, who rushed for 220 yards in the season opener, finished with 104 yards on 23 carries. He was bottled up last week against
Tampa Bay, rushing for only 42 yards on 14 carries.
“We committed ourselves to running the football,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “We talked all week about how that’s what we
were going to do and our guys went out and executed it. It’s really enjoyable as a coach to see a game plan executed like they
executed it today.”
The Chiefs, after giving up 300 yards rushing last week to Oakland, were determined to crowd the line of scrimmage on Turner.
“We just had a better plan for it,” Turner said. “Last week kind of took us off guard. We really weren’t sure how teams were going
to try to defend against the run.”
The Falcons were not able to run the ball against the Chiefs early. They were stopped on their opening three possessions and
forced to punt.
“We weren’t panicking when they came out playing great defense,” Turner said “We had to be patient with the run and big things
were going to happen.”
After the offense misfired early, the Falcons went to Turner, who became the fifth Falcon to rush for at least three touchdowns in a
game, to get things going.
Backed up to their 7-yard line after a special teams penalty, Turner slipped off the left side of the line and through five tackles on a
38-yard gain. It appeared that he carried Kansas City linebacker Pat Thomas for about five of those yards.
When asked how many people he ran over during the brutish run, Turner said, “I have no idea. I have to see it on film” and started
smiling.
“It’s a great thing to see when your running backs are bouncing off three, four or five guys,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “That
wears on a defense. When they are running through the first and second tackle and getting to the secondary play-in and play-out.
That’s takes a toil on the defense.”
The Falcons used Turner’s 38-yard run to score 24 unanswered points, that included touchdown runs of four and one yards by
Turner.
On the possession following the key run, Ryan tossed a 70-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White. With the safeties creeping up to
the line of scrimmage looking for Turner, White just took off up the right side and ran past Kansas City cornerback Dimitri
Patterson and safety Jarrad Page. He caught Ryan’s strike in the middle of the field at the 20-yard and ran in for the score.
“We are not one dimensional,” Turner said. “When we can get that big start, it shows that we can run and pass and keep the
defense on its heels.”
Ryan tossed a 62-yard touchdown pass to Michael Jenkins against Detroit. For a team that wants to establish the run, it must show
that it can effectively connect on deep passes.
“It’s part of football, if they are going to protect against the run,” Turner said. “They have to worry about the deep ball. We can hit
those plays. If we can show teams that we can hit the deep ball, there’s no telling what we can do this year.”
A week after Ryan was hit 18 times — four sacks and 14 quarterback hits — the offensive keep his uniform clean against the
Chiefs.
“They played phenomenal up front,” Ryan said. “I don’t think I got hit all day and that’s credit to those guys up front.”
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 9/14/08
Tampa — Somewhere between the first two performances of the season, likely lie the real Atlanta Falcons.
There was no white-hot start to open the game, no punishing ground attack and no rookie quarterback playing like a savvy and
seasoned signal-caller.
In their road opener, the Falcons fell behind early, running back Michael Turner was made to look mortal and rookie Matt Ryan
nearly threw away more passes than he completed.
Tampa Bay built an early lead and got a long touchdown run late to defeat the Falcons 24-9 at Raymond James Stadium on
Sunday.
“I thought we started out entirely too slow both on offense and defense,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “Our third down
efficiency wasn’t what we needed to have, both on offense on defense.”
In the season opener, the Falcons jumped all over Detroit, building a 21-0 lead before winning 34-21.
Against Tampa Bay then got behind 17-0 and could never string together enough plays to mount a legitimate comeback.
Ryan, the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, got off to a horrid start before bouncing back with a respectable second half.
Ryan was befuddled by Tampa Bay’s coverage schemes. He misfired on his first nine passes, which also included two
interceptions.
Ryan didn’t complete a pass until the 6:22 mark of the second quarter. After completing just 3 of 15 passes in the first half, Ryan
came back to comlete 10 of 18 in the second half.
The Falcons had some scoring opportunities, but Ryan couldn’t pull the trigger.
“A couple of times there were throws that were there that I’ve got to be on time a little bit better with,” Ryan said. “But at the end
of the day, they did a really good job.”
After throwing the two interceptions, Ryan threw away several passes.
“They had some good coverage today,” Ryan said. “That’s a credit to those guys. They’ve got some talented players in the
secondary.”
Ryan completed 9 of 13 passes in the opener against Detroit. The Buccaneers were determined to stop the Falcons run game and
make the rookie beat them passing the ball.
Right now, in just his second game in the NFL, Ryan wasn’t ready to take that challenge. “As a rookie, it’s never going to be
easy,” Ryan said.
Turner, who ran for 220 yards in the season-opener, was held to 42 yards rushing and suffered an ankle injury.
“They loaded the box,” Smith said. “We had to make checks to get out of the run game when they loaded the box.”
The Falcons came out passing. After two incompletions, Ryan’s pass intended for Harry Douglas was intercepted by fellow rookie
Aqib Talib at Atlanta’s 19 yard line. Five plays later, Brian Griese tossed a 5-yard touchdown pass to John Gilmore to make it 7-0.
“That one was on me,” Ryan said. “I just threw it a little high. Trying to get the ball out of my hand quickly. The most important
thing is being accurate and I wasn’t accurate on that pass.”
Former Falcon Warrick Dunn came back to haunt them on Tampa Bay’s second scoring drive.
Dunn helped the Bucs put together a brutish 15-play touchdown drive. They converted on four consecutive third downs with Dunn
scoring on 17-yard draw play on third down-and goal from the 17.
Dunn also broke free for a 12-yard gain on third down-and-10 to keep the drive moving.
“When you don’t get off the field on third down, you’re usually going to pay for that,” Smith said.
On the Falcons ensuing possession, Ryan was intercepted by safety Sabby Piscitelli on a pass that was intended for Michael
Jenkins. Tackle Sam Baker, who would later leave the game with a blow to head, made a touchdown saving tackle. The pass
appeared to be thrown behind Jenkins.
Tampa Bay had a first down at Atlanta’s 17. The defense held and forced the Bucs to settled for a field goal. Matt Bryant made a
33-yarder to make it 17-0.
The Falcons got field goals of 32-, 27- and 24-yards from Jason Elam to make it 17-9.
But Tampa Bay’s Earnest Graham broke loose for a 64-yard touchdown run with 3:08 to play to end all of the drama.
“I didn’t have a good enough grab on him,” Falcons defensive end Jamaal Anderson said. “I was expecting some help from the
outside, but it wasn’t there.”
Next week, against lowly Kansas City it will be interesting to see which Falcons teams shows up. The one that mauled Detroit or
the one that faced the Buccaneers.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 9/8/08
After throwing his first NFL pass, Matt Ryan was gliding around the Georgia Dome like he’d just won the lottery.
First stop, the end zone to congratulate Michael Jenkins and celebrate with his teammates.
Then Ryan, the new face of the franchise and quarterback of the future, ran up the sidelines back to the bench, raising his arms to
excite the crowd while taking a few leaps in the air.
It was a spectacular way to start his career and help send his team to a 34-21 victory over Detroit Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
“I think anybody would get excited in that situation,” Ryan said. “I was fired up. Jenks was fired up. That was a good start for us.”
On the 62-yard touchdown, Jenkins got behind Detroit’s cornerback and Ryan threw a masterful strike before the safety could
come over to help.
“I had a skinny post and Matt put it right on the money,” Jenkins said. “I couldn’t believe I was kind of by myself. All I had to do
was take it in.”
Ryan was so happy after the play, he forgot to get the ball for a keepsake.
Ryan’s touchdown pass got things started, but it was the running of Michael “The Burner” Turner and Jerious Norwood that was
the bulk of the offense. Turner rushed for a team record 220 yards as the offense set a team-record with 318 yards.
Turner, who backed up LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego for the last four season, was also making his first NFL start.
On the Falcons second possession, Turner broke loose for a 66-yard touchdown run.
That clearly was the Falcons offensive plan for success. Run Turner and open things up for Ryan to throw the ball.
“I was just impressed,” Ryan said. “Sometimes you find yourself sitting back there watching these runs, then you snap to it
because you realize that you’ve got to run down there and help out because he might break through some more of those tackles.”
The rookie from Boston College, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the draft and signed a $72 million contract, completed 9-of-13
passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. He had a quarterback rating of 137.
“He was very composed,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “Way, way back when we were doing our due diligence with [GM]
Thomas [Dimitroff] and his staff, when we met with Matt, you knew this guy had something about him. He was very calm, cool
and collected.”
The Falcons may not have asked Ryan to do too much, but the offensive players knew who was in control in the huddle.
“He didn’t seem like a rookie out there today,” Turner said. “He took control of the huddle. … He was being a real drill sergeant
out there, letting everybody know that he was in control.”
The Falcons didn’t ask Ryan to throw 30 times or try to get 300 yards. He stayed within the framework of the offensive
coordinator Mike Mularkey’s system.
“Matt did some good things at the line of scrimmage, getting us out of bad plays and into good plays,” Turner said.
On the Falcons third drive, Turner scored against on a 5-yard run to make it 21-0.
The Lions battled back with two touchdowns and were driving for a tying score to open the third quarter, but safety Lawyer Milloy
intercepted a Jon Kitna pass intended for an open Roy Williams.
Milloy returned the ball 38 yards to set up the Falcons offense is good field position.
The Falcons added Jason Elam’s 50-yard field goal off Milloy’s turnover. After holding the Lions, Norwood scored on a 10-yard
run to make 31-14.
“That’s probably the turning point in the game,” Smith said. “They were moving the football.”
To close out the victory, the Falcons ran the final 5:53 off the clock by pounding Turner and Norwood into the heart of the Lions
defense.
In his first NFL game, Ryan got to take the victory stance — kneeling down — three times after the Lions used their final timeout
with 1:41 left.
When asked if Ryan got an A or an F in his debut, Jenkins said, “Obviously an A, that was something he’ll never forget.”
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 7/29/08
Flowery Branch — Nobody knew the outwardly compassionate Bill Walsh would evolve into a secretly ruthless NFL head coach.
Chuck Noll was more about actions than words from the start. Then you had the sideline calisthenics of John Madden, Jerry
Glanville and the rest.
You just can’t tell, especially since this particular “Mike Smith” is entering his seventh month with the Falcons as a first-year NFL
head coach.
What we do know is that Smith has coached for 26 years overall, including nine in the NFL. He also has the facial profile of a
kinder, gentler Vince Lombardi, and he smiles like Steve “wild and crazy guy” Martin. Plus, despite having a team that began
training camp this week dominated by question marks instead of exclamation points, he gives you the impression that he is
eternally joyful.
So why did Falcons defensive end John Abraham raise his eyebrows after easing into a smile between two-a-days on Tuesday after
our last comment?
“I’ve seen him angry,” said Abraham, before adding in a hurry, “It wasn’t fiery angry, but I’ve seen him get an attitude a couple of
times. He puts his foot down when he needs to, and a lot of times, you can have a tendency to overlook that, because if you look at
his exterior, he’s such a nice guy. But when you have somebody who is always happy, you don’t want to see him when he gets
mad.”
That’s true, which means the Falcons may have what they need — a head coach who makes players comfortable, but only to a
point. In other words, Smith isn’t wearing the blinders of Jim Mora, who was so chummy with his players that he once climbed
into the Lamborghini of DeAngelo Hall to follow the bus containing the rest of the Falcons to a team event.
Then again, Smith is sort of like Mora, suggested Abraham, who has seen more than a few coaching styles during his nine seasons
in the league that began with the New York Jets. “To me, [Smith] is a mix of a several people, including Jim Mora, and he’s a little
bit of Herm Edwards,” Abraham said. “Both of those coaches know how to treat guys on and off the field. That’s the biggest thing
to me. You can always go to Mike’s office and talk to him.”
Bobby Petrino, not so much. He was Smith’s predecessor, and he also was a rookie NFL head coach. His style was to treat
professional athletes as if they were the same as the college players he was used to coaching. The word “dictatorship” comes to
mind. Not surprisingly, with much of the Falcons locker room threatening to shove a goalpost down his mouth, he bolted in the
middle of the night to call Hogs in Arkansas near the end of last season.
You had Mora before Petrino, and you had Dan Reeves and his traditional ways as a veteran NFL head coach before that. As for
other Falcons skippers, their styles aren’t worth mentioning, except for moments of goodness by a Leeman Bennett here and a
Glanville there.
Now you have Smith and his occasionally deceptive calmness. “I’m not a hothead by any stretch, but the guys know when it’s time
to get on point,” Smith said, straight-faced, forgetting to add … or else.
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 5/13/08
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.
"I think I'm just pretty normal, like everybody else," said Matt Ryan after his second Falcons minicamp practice Saturday.
"I enjoy going out getting some good food. I love the beach — my family has a house on the Jersey Shore, I love spending the
summers there just kind of hanging out. Beach-goer, golfer, TV watcher, just like everybody else. Normal — kind of boring,
really."
The Falcons could use a touch of boring after a wild ride through the animal cruelty statutes this past year and change.
When the Falcons took Ryan with their No. 3 pick in the NFL draft, it represented a turning of the page. Actually, they ripped out
the page, burned it and scattered the ashes to the wind.
If there are no other promises in selecting Ryan to lead the Falcons back to self-respect — and former Baltimore Ravens coach
turned NFL Network analyst Brian Billick has put his chances at long-term success at no better than 50-50 — there is this:
"He'll do everything he possibly can to turn Atlanta into a winning franchise," assured his high school coach, Brian McCloskey.
"He'll always say the right things and do the right things."
A little guarded on the details, Ryan already has his house in the Atlanta area secured. He and his father knocked out that detail
during a visit shortly after the draft. He has been seeing the same young woman for a while now. Per his request, we'll leave it at
the fact she is a former basketball player at his alma mater, Boston College.
Dad has a business wiring new offices. Mom is in the field of raising Ryans, all of them tilting toward the athletic, even though
their parents weren't exactly built that way.
Matt's uncle, John Loughery, was a good man to have on board. A quarterback, too, at Boston College, he laughingly pegs himself
as "the guy Doug Flutie replaced." He also was the guy who could begin to fill in his nephew on the wonderful methods of turning
a safety to pudding.
Matt's oldest brother, Mike, his father's namesake, began the tradition of game-playing in the Ryan household. He was the light in
the distance to which Matt was always drawn. He was the big brother who inspired a powerful competitive instinct.
A Division III quarterback at Widener University, Mike Ryan was home in the spring of 2001, out with his little brother to do what
else — compete. With 16-year-old Matt at the wheel of the car, they were waiting to turn left into a local golf course when they
were rear-ended. The collision pushed them into the path of an oncoming fuel truck. Matt suffered a broken ankle. Mike had a
shattered throwing elbow that a series of surgeries couldn't make completely right. Football career over.
"Looking back, he and Michael were very fortunate to walk away from that," said their father. "Obviously, they were very close
before [the accident]. I think they were even closer after that."
It was difficult for Matt to take anything for granted after the accident. Seemed that everything he was and did could be traced
back to the bedrock of family. That has been his biggest asset through the first 22 years (he'll turn 23 Saturday).
Even the man's high school is a monument to a well-grounded life. There aren't many Matt Ryan mementos in the halls of the
William Penn Charter School, said his former football coach, McCloskey. As the nation's oldest Quaker school, founded by Mr.
Penn himself in 1689, it's not that kind of place. They tend to take pride in not being prideful. You don't have to be a Quaker —
and the Ryans are not — to absorb a little of the ethos of the place.
What they do have are the memories of a three-sport athlete who always seemed to hit the big 3-point shot, drive in the key run or
convert on third down on demand. The player who wowed the Falcons with his ability to riff on offense as they tested him before
the draft — the master of the dry-erase board — was showing his stuff early. Big game against Malvern Prep his senior year; third-
and-long, and the big-play quarterback checks off to a fullback dive. Someone wrap the coaches in blankets, they're in shock. But
the play goes for 15.
" 'You know what? That's why we're on the sidelines and he's out there,' " McCloskey remembers telling his coaches at the time.
"Matty Ice" was the nickname he picked up in high school for his coolness under duress, and it followed him to Boston College.
His father can't remember the last time he saw his boy rattled — that is, if you don't count when the Ryan men are on the golf
course.
Wait until he gets his hands on these Falcons; the nickname will undergo a real crash test.
Need more evidence that there's a different sheriff in town? Others come by their YouTube stardom by juggling beer kegs or
setting their hair on fire or even, say, flipping off the fans in the stands. Ryan's arrived when, out of a sense of release, he threw up
on the sideline after leading B.C. to two touchdowns in 131 seconds to beat Virginia Tech on the road last year.
His was a college career that peaked with 11 wins in 2007, Boston College's highest total since 1940. He threw for 4,507 yards, 31
touchdowns and those troublesome 19 interceptions. Along the way, heroic odes were written to his ability to tough it out, whether
it was popping up after his head went one way and his helmet went the other against Clemson or playing the bulk of his junior
season with a broken foot.
"The things I've gone through are similar to what everybody on this team has gone through at some point," he said, once more
securing his own anchor.
Ryan's first impressions of Atlanta were all lollipops and rainbows. He came into town last September, spent a night at a nice
Buckhead hotel and threw for 435 yards against Georgia Tech with the lights of the city as a shimmering backdrop. Then he sent a
foreshadowing text message to his mother about what a great place this Atlanta seemed to be. Why, he wouldn't mind playing
there one day.
On his return for Falcons minicamp, he was talking to old Boston College teammate Tony Gonzalez, a Falcons free-agent tryout
receiver. The setting has changed. He has a dome full of disaffected fans to win over.
But the tone of his message hasn't changed all that much.
"The thing he was real adamant about," said Gonzalez, recalling their conversation, "was getting down here and working, proving
to everyone that he's not just a first-round draft pick, the wonder boy. He's coming in here to show — not only the Atlanta Falcons,
but every team in the NFL — that's he's here for real."
ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS
Publication: AJC.com Date: 1/26/08
In breaking down the anatomy of the new guy, let's do it very systematically. Mike Smith would want it that way.
The head of the new Falcons head coach is as snow-capped as Kilimanjaro. Smith is 48, admits he looks 58, and hardly gets upset
at all when a stranger comments on what a cute little granddaughter he has. Seven-year-old Logan is his one and only daughter.
Turns out it was a very short trip from long-haired Daytona Beach surfer boy to hoary-headed tendency wonk. The first flecks of
white began appearing in Smith's thatch at 23. By 28 he was all gray and unwilling to buy Grecian Formula by the barrel.
"It wasn't worry, it wasn't stress, he got it honestly," said his mother, Carol, whose eight children all have inherited their mother's
and father's premature gray gene. Thanks, folks.
The eyes, it is said, are particularly adept at spotting talent. When the Falcons' new general manager first met Smith, Thomas
Dimitroff was struck by just how much they had in common on that score. They could have talked hip turn and shuttle run times
all night.
Smith's scouting acumen was evident early, in 1982, when he was just starting his entry-level gig as a "quality control" coach at
San Diego State. Just-fired Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick was on that staff, too. One night, when Billick and his wife had
other plans, he asked the kid if he would take out his wife's sister, who was visiting from out of town.
"I'm in."
His instincts were accurate, the movie and dinner went well, and Mike and Julie Smith have been married for nearly the entire
length of his coaching journey. For those keeping score, that would be: San Diego State (1982-85), Morehead State (1986, D-line
coach), Tennessee Tech (1988-1998, eventual D-coordinator), Baltimore Ravens (1999-2002, D-line and linebackers coach),
Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-07, D-coordinator).
As well as squaring away Smith's personal life, Billick was his great professional bridge, bringing him to the NFL when he took
over the Ravens and installing him behind a defense that was the reason Baltimore won the Super Bowl in the 2000 season.
Being related by marriage to the head coach has it perks, but there also are drawbacks. In the never-ending battle for locker room
respect — something Smith is bound to face with the Falcons
"I think what happens when you come in that situation, you're going to present who you are in the first three or four months that
you're there," Smith said. "That's what happened in Baltimore. People knew after 60 or 90 days, hey, this guy is a ball coach. This
guy is a worker. This guy has an eye for personnel.
"In every situation there is going to be somebody who is skeptical about your situation. Over the long haul, your true colors will
always come out."
As the oldest of eight children — Sam and Carol determined early that there was a critical shortage of Smiths in the world — Mike
found himself in a coaching position from a young age.
"You're the mentor to a number of siblings," he said, speaking as the eldest. "There is eight of us [four sisters, three brothers,
himself] within 13 years. We're a very tight-knit group."
Both parents are educators — his father currently heads an alternative high school in Daytona, and his mother, semi-retired, still
substitute teaches special education classes.
(A local aside: His father actually lived in the Druid Hills area until moving to Florida when he was 14. His mother, Mike's 94-
year-old grandmother Frances Smith, still lives in Atlanta. She's not much of a football fan, though, Sam Smith says. But has
always been a big Braves backer.)
As the eldest, Mike was there for the full, brief tenure of Sam Smith's run as a middle school football coach, and is thus the only
child who veered into serious sports. It was dad's habit to involve his son in the process. At the end of practice, he'd send his 8-
year-old boy on a deep pass pattern. If he caught the ball, no more wind sprints for the team. If the coach wanted his team to run
more, he'd throw the ball higher, harder, more beyond his son's reach.
The notions of work and responsibility are a given when you're one of eight children. The beach child would cut his long hair to fit
the code at Father Lopez High School in Daytona and fit right into the stricter culture. But there was one catch. If he wanted to
stay in private school, his father insisted, Mike would have to work and pony up half the tuition. "And he always came up with the
money," Sam Smith said.
Smith's senior season at Father Lopez was cut short by a broken arm in the second game. Shattered, he nonetheless couldn't get
away from the game. "He loved football," said his high school coach, Phil Richart. "He came to me and said, 'Coach, I've got to do
something to be a part of the team.' So I let him coach the other linebackers."
Football had become a part of his soul. "He used to tell me he could go to sleep and play the game in his head," his mother said.
OK, one of Smith's former players in Jacksonville, Marcellus Wiley, questioned the Falcons hire, suggesting that Smith was but a
functionary while head coach Jack Del Rio did all the heavy lifting on defense. There's the dissenting view.
Others put out the image of a tireless worker who can relate to players as well as dancing X's and O's. "We had a pretty motley
crew in Baltimore, and he kept it together really well," former Ravens defensive lineman Rob Burnett said.
Then there's the terrible slander — the same one that Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy spent years trying to overcome —
that the coach is at heart a nice guy. He can get emotional, he can let fly an excited barrage on the practice field, but he tends to
quickly return to center.
"When people use the term 'he's a nice guy,' I hope that means you're a quality person," Smith said. "That's what I feel being a nice
guy means. There are times when you are going to have to not be nice. There'll be times when you have to talk to a player or a
subordinate and they're not going to like what you say. But that's just a part of interacting with one another."
Stomach: Cast iron. He has a reputed taste for pickled eggs. 'Nuff said.
Legs: Better than you might suspect for an undersized high school Class AA linebacker whose wrecked senior season left only
East Tennessee State and Army at his door.
"He could go sideline-to-sideline quicker than anyone I ever saw at that position," remembered one of his East Tennessee
teammates, defensive back Donnie Cook.
"I was a very active player," Smith said. "I was a very passionate player."
Smith still holds the single-season tackle record, an almost preposterous 186. And he may very well keep it forever — East
Tennessee has since dropped football.
Even his mother says, "He is one of the less glitzy coaches."
Just what the Falcons ordered. It remains to be seen what impact Smith will have on this damaged franchise. By appearances at
least, he should do nothing to add to the drama. The perfect Bud Abbott for this Lou Costello of a team.
The man hasn't surfed in close to 15 years, he figures. His hobbies now — fly fishing and kayaking — speak to a contemplative
approach.
His candidacy came out of nowhere, because he is not one of those coaches who shoot off flares in the media.
"He's always been: 'I work hard, and someone will be out, is watching, and they'll notice.' He's not one to flash his name around.
He just believes in hard work," said Julie, his wife.
There is a pattern emerging here in this version of Mr. Smith Goes to Flowery Branch. If you hang in there long enough, sooner or
later the gray hair will fit your place in life. If you are patient, even after nearly 20 years of marriage, your prayers will be
answered with the arrival of a beautiful child. And if you put your head down and go to work like you always have, maybe it is
possible to pay down all the nonsense the Falcons have accrued.
records / team records
ATLANTA FALCONS ALL-TIME RECORDS LARGEST MARGIN OF LOSSES
Total Regular Season Games Played: 656 59 at LA Ram., 0–59 (12–4–76)
Regular Season Record: 267–383–6 (44 seasons) 46 at K.C., 10–56 (10–24–04)
Home: (160–167–2) 44 at Balt., 0–44 (12–1–68)
Away: (107–216–4) 43 at StL., 16–59 (11–10–96)
Playoff Gms. Played: 14 (4 home, 9 away, 1 neutral)
Playoff Rec.: 6–8 (3–1 home, 3–6 away, 0–1 neutral) BIGGEST COMEBACKS
21 vs. G. B. (11–27–83) Down 21–0, Won 47–41–OT
MOST GAMES WON, SEASON 21 at N.Y.J. (10–23–83) Down 21–0, Won 27–21
16 (14 regular — 2 playoff) (1998) 18 at StL. (11–9–80) Down 24–6, Won 33–27 OT
12 (all regular season) (1980) 17 at Pitt. (11–10–02) Down 34–17, Tied 34–34 OT
12 (11 regular — 1 playoff) (2004) 17 vs. S. F. (12–11–93) Down 24–7, Won 27–24
11 (10 regular season — 1 playoff) (1991) 17 vs. LA Ram (10–18–87) Down 17–0, Won 24–20
17 at G. B. (9–13–81) Down 17–0, Won 31–17
BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE, OVERALL SEASON
.842 (16–3) 1998 LONGEST GAME PLAYED
.706 (12–5) 1980 4:23 S. F. (10–6–85)
Best Win. Per., Reg. Season: .875 (14–2) (1998)
Fewest Gms. Won, Season: 1 (.077, 1–12–1) (1967) SHORTEST GAME PLAYED
Playoff Berths: 9 (1978, ‘80, ‘82, ‘91, ‘95, ‘98, ‘02, ‘04, ‘08) 2:16 at N. E. (9–24–72)
Division Titles: 3 (1980, ‘98, ‘04)
Conference Championships: 1 (1998) SCORING
Most Points, Season
CONSECUTIVES 442 (1998)
Most Consecutive Wins 426 (1981)
9 (1998) 405 (1980)
9 (1980) 402 (2002)
7 (1973) 394 (2008)
6 (Last 2, 1985 — 1st 4, 1986) Most Points, Game
Most Consecutive Home Wins 62 at N. O. (7) (9–16–73)
11 (3 in 1997, 8 in 1998) 51 vs. Car. (23) (10–4–98)
7 (5 in 1980, 2 in ‘81) 48 vs. Chi. (31) (11–16–69)
7 (1978) 47 vs. Hou. (27) (9–9–90)
Most Consecutive Road Wins 47 vs. G. B. (41), OT (11–27–83)
6 (1980) Most Points, First Half
4 (1973) 34 vs. Det. (10–5–80)
4 (1998) 33 vs. T. B. (11–17–91)
4 (2005) Most Points, Second Half
Most Consecutive Losses 38 at N. O. (9–16–73)
11 (Last 7, 1967 — 1st 4, 1968 Most Points, One Quarter
9 (1st 9 played, 1984) 33 vs. T.B., (2nd Qtr) (11–17–91)
8 (1st 8 played, 1996) 31 at G.B., (4th Qtr) (9–13–81)
Most Points, Each Quarter
ATTENDANCE 1st: 21 vs. DET (9-7-08)
Home Season, (10 games) 21 vs. Ten (11–23–03)
703,423 (1992) 21 vs. Mia (12–27–98)
703,361 (2006) 21 vs. Hou (9–9–90)
701,556 (2005) 21 vs. Hou (9–23–84)
700,731 (2003) 2nd: 33 vs. T. B. (11–17–91)
694,793 (2004) 24 vs. Wash. (12–17–89)
Largest Attendance, Home Game 24 at N. O. (9–16–73)
71,151 (10–22–06 vs. Pitt.) 3rd: 24 at N. O. (10–19–80)
71,102 (12–16–06 vs. Dal.) 4th: 31 at G. B. (9–13–81)
71,079 (10–9–05 vs. N. E.) Most Points, Both Teams, Game
71,001 (11–13–05 vs. G. B.) 90 Atlanta (33) vs. Pitt. (57) (12–18–66)
70,995 (10–24–05 vs. N.Y.J.) 88 Atlanta (47) at G.B. (41) (11–27–83)
Largest Attendance, Away Game 85 Atlanta (44) vs. Sea. (41) (12–30–07)
83,437 (11–26–67 at NO, Tulane Stadium) 80 Atlanta (35) vs. S.F. (45) (10–14–90)
79 Atlanta (38) at Det.(41) (10–3–71)
Consecutive Sellouts, Home (Regular Season) 79 Atlanta (48) vs. Chi. (31) (11–16–69)
38 (2002–07) Most Points, Both Teams, By Quarter
28 (1971–74) 1st: 34 Atlanta (13) at LA Rai. (21) (11–30–75)
2nd: 41 Atlanta (20) at N.O.(21) (9–2–79)
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY 3rd: 35 Atlanta (14) vs. Pitt. (21) (12–18–66)
55 at N.O.,62–7 (9–16–73) 4th: 43 Atlanta (28) vs. CAR (15) (11–23–08)
41 at Car., 41–0 (11–24–02) Most Touchdowns, Season
41 at S.D., 41–0 (10–21–73) 53 (1998)
40 vs. Chi., 46–6 (10–14–73) 52 (1981)
36 vs. T.B., 43–7 (11–17–91) 50 (1980)
46 (1983)
records / team records
Most Touchdowns, Game 145 (1980)
8 at N. O. (9–16–73) Most First Downs, Rushing, Game
6 vs. CAR (11-23-08) 19 vs. N. O. (10–24–71)
6 at Car. (11–24–02) Most First Downs, Passing, Season
6 vs. Car. (10–4–98) 218 (1994)
6 vs. Hou. (9–23–84) 216 (1995)
6 vs. N. O. (12–7–69) 202 (1996)
6 vs. Chi. (11–16–69) 194 (1992)
Most Touchdowns, Both Teams, Game 190 (1983)
12 Atlanta (5) vs. Pitt. (7) (12–18–66) Most First Downs, Passing, Game
Most PATs, Season 22 vs. Det. (11–5–95)
51 (1998) 21 at StL. Cardinals (11–9–80)
51 (1981) 20 vs. LA Ram (9–11–94)
46 (1980) Most First Downs, Penalty, Season
43 (1983) 35 (2000)
Most PATs, Game 33 (1998)
8 at N. O. (9–16–73) 31 (2004)
6 Four times 31 (1978)
Most PATs, Both Teams 30 (2002)
11 Atlanta (5) vs. San Fran. (6) (10–14–90) 30 (2001)
10 Atlanta (5) vs. Sea. (5) (12–30–07) Most First Downs, Penalty, Game
10 Atlanta (5) at G. B. (5) (11–27–83) 7 at Clev. (9–27–81)
10 Atlanta (5) at Det. (5) (10–3–71)
10 Atlanta (6) vs. Chi. (4) (11–16–69) TOTAL YARDS
Most Two–Point Conversions, Season Most Net Yards Gained, Season
4 (4–for–4) (2005) 5,779 (2008)
3 (3–for–8) (1995) 5,661 (1981)
3 (3–for–4) (1994) 5,650 (1980)
Most FG’s, Season 5,628 (1983)
33 (40 att.) (1995) Most Yards Gained, Game
32 (40 att.) (2002) 587 vs. Cards, (209–R, 378–P) (11–9–80)
29 (31 att.) (2008) 569 vs. N. O., (257–R, 312–P) (9–2–79)
29 (37 att.) (2001) Most Yards Gained, Game, Both Teams
26 (27 att.) (1993) 1,092 Atlanta (447) at Pitt. (645) (11–10–02)
26 (34 att.) (2007) 1,061 Atlanta (552) at N.O.(509) (9–2–79)
26 (38 att.) (1973) Most Total Plays, Season
Most FG’s Made, Game 1,144 (1981)
6 at N. O. (11–13–94) 1,090 (1985)
5 seven times, Last time vs. Det. (12–22–02) 1,086 (1986)
Most FG’s Made, Both Teams
8 Atlanta (6) at N.O.(2) (11–13–94) RUSHING
7 Atlanta (1) at S.F. (6) (9–29–96) Most Yards Gained, Season
7 Atlanta (2) at Car. (5) (9–1–96) *2,939 (2006)
7 Atlanta (1) vs. StL. (6) (12–9–73) *2,672 (2004)
7 Atlanta (5) vs. LA Ram. (2) (11–4–73) *2,546 (2005)
Most FG’s Attempted, Game 2,524 (1986)
6 at N.O.,(6 made) (11–13–94) 2,466 (1985)
6 vs. S.F., (3 made) (10–7–73) * NFL leader
Most FG’s Attempted, Both Teams Most Yards Gained, Game
10 Atlanta (3) vs. StL. (7) (12–11–66) 318 vs. DET (9-7-08)
Most Consecutive Games Scored In 306 vs. T. B. (9–17–06)
160 (1993–2003) 297 vs. L. A. Ram (10–1–72)
114 (1978–86) Most Yards Gained, Both Teams, Game
77 (1988–93) 476 Atlanta (169) vs. Wash. (307) (11–3–85)
Most Rushing Attempts, Season
FIRST DOWNS 582 (1977)
Most First Downs, Season 578 (1986)
336 (1980) 560 (2008)
325 (1983) 559 (1985)
319 (1998) 559 (1980)
318 (1981) Most Rushing Attempts, Game
Most First Downs, Game 58 at T. B. (11–27–77)
35 vs. N. O. (1979) Most Rushing Att. Both Teams, Game
34 vs. StL. (Cardinals) (1980) 105 Atlanta (43) at Oak. (62) (11–30–75)
32 vs. N. O. (1973) Best Rushing Average, Season
Most First Downs, Both Teams 5.5 (2006)
59 Atlanta (35) at N. Orleans (24) (9–2–79) 5.099 (2004)
Most First Downs, Rushing, Season 4.79 (2005)
149 (1986) 4.528 (2002)
149 (1985) 4.523 (1969)
records / team records
Most TD’s Rushing, Season Most TD Passes, Both Teams, Game
23 (2008) 10 Atlanta (4) vs. S.F. (6) (10–14–90)
23 (2002) 8 Atlanta (2) at Wash. (6) (11–10–91)
20 (2004 Most Passes Had Intercepted, Season
18 (1998) 32 (501 att.) (1987)
18 (1973) 31 (355 att.) (1974)
17 (2005) 30 (600 att.) (1996)
17 (2003) 29 (388 att.) (1975)
17 (1983) 26 (297 att.) (1977)
Most TD’s Rushing, Game Most Passes Had Intercepted, Game
5 vs. CAR (11-23-08) 6 vs. StL. Ram (12–15–96)
5 at S. D. (10–21–73) 6 at Hou. (12–5–93)
6 vs. L. A. Ram (10–1–72)
PASSING Most Passes Had Int, Both Teams, Game
Most Net Yards Passing, Season 8 Atlanta (3) vs. Den. (5) (11–23–75)
4,186 (1995) 7 Atlanta (6) vs. StL. (1) (12–15–96)
4,112 (1994) Fewest Passes, Intercepted, Season
3,700 (1981) 10 (507 att.) (1983)
3,695 (2001) 11(434 att.) (2008)
3,655 (1996) 11 (484 att.) (1997)
Most Net Yards Passing, Game 11 (275 att.) (1982)
422 vs. Buf. (12–23–01) 12 (479 att.) (2002)
416 vs. Pitt. (11–15–81) 12 (603 att.) (1995)
Most Net Yds Passing, Both Teams, Game 12 (578 att.) (1989)
807 Atlanta (365) vs. S.F. (442) (10–14–90) 12 (320 att.) (1973)
771 Atlanta (272) at Den. (499) (10–31–04) 12 (282 att.) (1969)
742 Atlanta (279) a Pitt. (463) (11–10–02) Most Times Sacked, Season
722 Atlanta (346) vs. Wash. (376) (12–17–89) 70 (527 yds.) (1968)
722 Atlanta (378) at Cards (344) (11–9–80) 69 (531 yds.) (1985)
Most Passing Attempts, Season 67 (496 yds.) (1984)
629 (1994) Most Times Sacked, Game
603 (1995) 11 at Clev. (11–18–84)
600 (1996) 11 at StL. (11–23–68)
578 (1989) Most Times Sacked, Game, Both Teams
573 (1993) 17 Atlanta (8) vs. Phil. (9) (12–14–84)
Most Passing Attempts, Game 15 Atlanta (10) at N. Orleans (5) (10–12–97)
66 vs. Det. (37 comp) (12–24–89) Fewest Times Sacked, Season
58 at Stl. (33 comp) (12–2–07) 17 (434 att.) (2008)
56 at Car. (31 comp) (12–17–95) 25 (219 att.) (1982)
56 vs. LA Raid. (34 comp.) (9–19–82) 31 (500 att.) (1991)
Most Passing Att. Both Teams, Game 31 (239 att.) (1971)
102 Atlanta (45) vs. S.F. (57) (10–6–85) 32 (294 att.) (1975)
Most Passes Completed, Season Fewest Sacks Per Play, Season
374 (629 att) (1994) 1 per 25.5 plays (2008)
366 (548 att.) (1992) 1 per 17.1 plays (1997, 1994)
364 (603 att) (1995) 1 per 16.1 plays (1991)
356 (600 att.) (1996) 1 per 15.2 plays (1981)
336 (555 att.) (2007)
Most Passes Completed, Game PUNTING
37 vs. Det. (66 att) (12–24–89) Highest Punting Average, Season
34 vs. Dal. (46 att) (12–21–92) 44.32 (1968)
34 vs. LA Raid. (56 att) (9–19–82) 43.69 (1967)
33 at StL. (58 att) (12–2–07) 43.45 (2007)
33 vs. Phi. (49 att) (9–22–96) 43.30 (1966)
Most Passes Comp. Both Teams, Game 43.25 (1993)
68 Atlanta (31) vs. S.F. (37) (10–6–85) Most Punts, Season
Best Completion Percentage, Season 110 (1978)
64.0 (1982) 106 (1977)
63.3 (1983) 101 (1976)
61.5 (1984) Most Punts, Game
61.3 (1992) 12 vs. Wash. (12–10–78)
61.1 (2008)
Most TD Passes, Season PUNT RETURNS
33 (1992) Highest Punt Return Average, Season
31 (1980) 14.3 (2003)
30 (1991, ‘81) 13.6 (2001)
28 (1998, ‘93) 12.5 (1974)
26 (1997, ‘96, ‘95) 12.4 (2004)
Most TD Passes, Game 11.6 (1999)
5 at T. B. (12–13–92) Most Punt Returns, Season
60 (1976)
records / team records
59 (1977) Most Fumbles Lost, Game
53 (1980) 5 vs. N. O. (11–25–79)
52 (1997) 5 at N. O. (10–10–76)
51 (1974) 5 at N. O. (10–15–72)
Most Punt Returns, Game Most Turnovers, Season
8 at Det. (11–12–00) 55 (24 Fum., 31 int.) (1974)
8 at S. F. (10–23–76) 49 (17 Fum., 32 int.) (1987)
8 vs. Chi. (10–13–74) 48 (19 Fum., 29 int.) (1975)
Most Yards Gained, Season 45 (21 Fum., 24 int.) (1976)
635 (1974) Most Takeaways, Season
613 (2003) 48 (1977)
536 (1980) 47 (1969)
489 (1983) 46 (1981)
483 (1997) Most Interceptions, Season
Most Yards Gained, Game 26 (1980)
139 vs. Dal. (11–11–01) 26 (1977)
137 vs. N. O. (10–25–70) 25 (1975, ‘81, ‘94)
Most TD Returns, Season 24 (1988, ‘02)
2 (1970, 1999) Biggest Turnover Differential, Season
Most TD Returns, Game +23 (48 Takeaways, 25 Turnovers) (1977)
1 13 Times , Last time vs. CAR (11–23–08) +20 (44 Takeaways, 24 Turnovers) (1998)
+16 (42 Takeaways, 26 Turnovers) (1980)
KICKOFF RETURNS +16 (47 Takeaways, 31 Turnovers) (1969)
Highest Kickoff Return Average, Season +12 (39 Takeaways, 27 Turnovers) (2002)
25.15 (1998) + 9 (30 Takeaways, 21 Turnovers) (1995)
25.03 (1971) Biggest Turnover Deficit, Season
24.39 (2007) –26 (29 Takeaways, 55 Turnovers) (1974)
23.94 (1992) –22 (27 Takeaways, 49 Turnovers) (1987)
23.86 (2008) –18 (23 Takeaways, 41 Turnovers) (1996)
23.64 (1993) –18 (24 Takeaways, 42 Turnovers) (1993)
Most Kickoff Returns, Season
87 (1996) QUARTERBACK SACKS MADE
83 (2000) Most Sacks, Season
82 (1966) 55 (1997)
79 (2003) 48 (2004)
76 (1999) 47 (2002)
Most Kickoff Returns, Game 47 (1978)
10 vs. Pitt. (12–18–66) 46 (1980)
10 vs. S. F. (9–29–76) Most Sack Yardage, Season
9 at StL. . (11–10–96) 425 (1978)
9 at S. F. (12–4–94) 396 (1980)
9 at Wash. (11–10–91) 391 (1977)
Most Yards Gained, Season 389 (1989)
1,890 (2000) 344 (1997)
1,825 (1996) Most Sacks, Game
1,737 (1966) 10 at N.O. (10–12–97)
1,781 (2007) 9 vs. Min. (10–2–05)
1,700 (1987) 9 vs. Car. (9–3–95)
Most Yards Gained, Game 9 vs. N.Y.G. (10–2–77)
257 at Den. (9–10–00)
249 vs. Pitt. (9–27–93) OPPONENT FUMBLES/RECOVERIES
237 vs. Sea. (12–30–07) Most Fumbles, Season
214 at Hou. (10–25–87) 45 (1978)
Most TD Returns, Season 43 (1981)
3 (2000) 37 (1998)
2 (1997, ‘92) 37 (1969)
1 (1967, 69, 78, 85, 87, 90, 91, 93, 98, 01, 02) Most Recoveries, Season
28 (1969)
TURNOVERS/TAKEAWAYS 25 (1998)
Most Fumbles Had, Season 25 (1978)
42 (1972) 22 (1977)
41 (1978) 22 (1976)
40 (1973, ‘90) Most Fumbles, Game
Most Fumbles Lost, Season 7 at Min. (12-21-08)
24 (1974) 7 vs. Phi. (10–5–76)
22 (1969) 6 vs. Car. (12–18–04)
21 (1973, ‘76, ‘84) 6 at Det. (8–31–97)
Most Fumbles Had, Game 6 vs. S. F. (12–11–93)
7 at L. A. Rams (9–28–69) 6 vs. Hou. (9–23–84)
Most Fumbles Had, Game, Both Teams
11 at Det. (Lions 6, Falcons 5) (8–31–97 )
records / team records & DEFENSIVE BEST
PENALTIES Fewest Net Yards Allowed, Game
Most Penalties, Season 9 vs. StL. (12–9–73)
130 (1,083 yds.) (1978) 10 at OAK (11-2-08)
126 (1,149 yds.) (1985) 15 vs. N. E. (11–29–92)
125 (1,004 yds.) (1990) Fewest Passing Attempts, Game
124 (1,011 yds.) (1984) 8 vs. G. B. (3 Comp.) (11–22–71)
Most Penalties, Game Fewest Passes Completed, Game
17 at S. F. (11–5–78) 2 vs. StL. (10 Att.) (12–9–73)
16 vs. Hou. (9–9–90) Fewest TDs Allowed, Passing, Season
16 at Clev. (11–8–87) 9 (1977)
16 vs. G. B. (12–26–82) 9 (1971)
Fewest Penalties, Season
63 (601 yds.) (1969) YARDS
63 (659 yds.) (1968) Fewest Net Yards Allowed, Season
65 (593 yds ) (1973 2,848 (1982)
Fewest Penalties, Game 3,242 (1977)
1 14 Times Last vs. Car. (9–23–01) Fewest Net Yards Allowed, Game
Most Yards, Penalties, Game 77 at OAK (11-2-08)
153 vs. G.B., (16 penalties) (12–26–72) 78 vs. T. B. (62–R, 16–P) (11–27–77)
Fewest Yds Rushing Per Attempt, Season
TIME OF POSSESSION 3.2 (1998)
Largest Advantage, Game (Atlanta in regulation) Fewest Yards Allowed, Rushing, Season
(45:15) Atl. at OAK (14:45) (11-2-08) 1,044 (1982)
(43:21) Atl. vs. LA (16:39) (11–17–85) 1,203 (1998)
(42:39) Atl. vs. San Fran. (17:21) (12–19–82) 1,357 (1990)
(41:22) Atl. at Dal. (18:38) (10–20–96) 1,547 (1995)
(41:18) Atl. vs. K.C. (18:42) (12–24–00) 1,666 (1981)
Fewest Yards Allowed, Rushing, Game
INTERCEPTIONS 18 at N. E. (14 att.) (11–8–98)
Most Interceptions, Season 22 vs. Det. (26 att.) (10–15–78)
26 (1980) 29 vs. Hou. (12 att.) (9–9–90)
26 (1977) 30 vs. StL. (15 att.) (9–19–04)
25 (1981) 30 vs. Car. (20 att.) (10–29–00)
25 (1975) Fewest Rushing Attempts, Game
24 (2002) 11 at T.B., (40 yards) (12–2–90)
24 (1988) 11 at Det., (34 yards) (9–18–83)
Most Interceptions, Game Fewest TD’s Allowed, Rushing, Season
6 at N. O. (9–16–73) 5 (1977)
6 vs. LA Rams (10–1–72) 7 (1998)
DEFENSIVE BEST
POINTS
Fewest Points Allowed, Season
129 (1977)
Fewest Points Allowed, Game
0-13 Times Last at OAK. (11–2–08)
Fewest TD’s Allowed, Season
15 (1977)
FIRST DOWNS
Fewest First Downs, Season
170 (1982)
192 (1977)
Fewest First Downs, Game
3 at OAK (11–2–08)
Fewest First Downs, Rushing, Season
66 (1982)
Fewest First Downs, Rushing, Game
1 Six Times Last at Ari. (12–23–07)
Fewest First Downs, Passing, Season
76 (1977)
Fewest First Downs, Passing, Game
0 at OAK (11-2-08)
0 at L. A. Rams (9–23–73)
PASSING
Fewest Net Yards Allowed, Season
1,384 (1977)
records / club records - fewest
POINTS 330 (1994)
Fewest Points Scored, Season Fewest Rushing Attempts, Game
111 (1974) 8 at Det. (9–5–93)
170 (1968) 9 vs. Wash. (12–17–89)
172 (1976) 10 at Chi. (9–27–92)
Fewest Points Scored, Game Fewest Rushing Attempts, Both Teams, Game
0-21 Times , Last time at StL. (10–13–03) 34 Atlanta (15) vs. S.F. (19) (12–24–95)
Fewest Points Scored, Game, Both Teams 35 Atlanta (12) at Hou. (23) (12–5–93)
3 Atlanta (0) at Buf. (3) (10–16–77)
6 Atlanta (0) at Chi. (6) (10–3–93) PASSING
7 Atlanta (7) vs. San Fran. (0) (10–9–77) Fewest Net Yards, Season
Fewest Touchdowns, Season 1,307 (1974)
12 (1974) 1,356 (1977)
20 (1977) 1,414 (1976)
20 (1976) Fewest Net Yards, Game
20 (1968) (-39) at S. F. (10–23–76)
Fewest PAT’s, Season Fewest Net Yards Both Teams, Game
12 (1974) 37 Atlanta (-39) at S.F. (76) (10–23–76)
17 (1968) Fewest Passes Attempted, Season
19 (1976) 275 (176 Comp.) (1982)
Fewest FG’s, Season 282 (149 Comp.) (1969)
4 (1974) Fewest Passes Attempted, Game
7 (1967) 9 at L. A. Rams (9–23–73)
9 (1966, ‘70, ‘74) 9 at Chi. (9–17–72)
Fewest First Downs, Season 9 vs. L. A. Rams (10–1–72)
178 (1968, ‘74) Fewest Passes Att. Both Teams, Game
Fewest First Downs, Game 21 Atlanta (9) at Chi. (12) (9–17–83)
2 at L. A. Rams (9–23–73) Fewest Passes Intercepted, Season
Fewest First Downs, Game, Both Teams 10 (507 att.) (1983)
14 Atlanta (5) vs. Min. (9) (12–21–69) Fewest Passes Completed, Season
Fewest First Downs, Rushing, Season 140 (297 att.) (1977)
63 (1994) Fewest Passes Completed, Game
65 (2000) 2 vs. L. A. Rams (10–1–72)
67 (1992, ‘96) 2 at L. A. Rams (9–23–73)
Fewest First Downs, Rushing, Game Fewest Passes Comp., Both Teams, Game
0 Six Times, Last time vs. N.Y.G. (10–8–00) 10 Atlanta (8) vs. StL. (2) (12–9–73)
Fewest First Downs, Passing, Season 10 Atlanta (6) vs. Chi. (4) (9–17–72)
80 (1977) 10 Atlanta (6) vs. Min. (4) (12–21–69)
Fewest First Downs, Passing, Game Fewest Touchdown Passes, Season
0 at Chi. (11–24–85) 4 (1974)
Fewest First Downs, Penalty, Season Fewest Sacks Allowed, Season
9 (1968) 17 (2008)
25 (1982)
TOTAL YARDS 31 (1971, ‘91)
Fewest Net Yards Gained, Season
2,800 (1974) INTERCEPTIONS
Fewest Net Yards Gained, Game Fewest INT’s, Season
44 at San Fran., (83 run, -39 pass) (10–23–76) *6 (1996)
Fewest Net Yards Gained, Both Teams * NFL Record
253 Atlanta (156) at S.F. (97) (11–6–77) *10 (1982)
* Strike season
RUSHING 11 (2008)
Fewest Yards Gained, Season 11 (1992)
1,155 (1989) 12 (1999, ‘84, ‘78)
1,181 (1982) 13 (1993)
1,196 (1999)
1,214 (2000) PUNTING
1,249 (1994) Fewest Punts, Season
Fewest Yards Gained, Game 43 (1982)
13 vs. N.Y.G. (10–8–00) 60 (1971)
21 at Det. (9–5–93) 65 (2008)
24 vs. L. A. Rams (12–1–74) Fewest Punts, Game
24 at Chi. (9–27–92) 1 Six times, Last time vs. S. F. (10–16–94)
Fewest Yds Gained, Both Teams, Game
79 Atlanta (29) vs. S.F. (50) (10–14–90) PENALTIES
Fewest Rushing Attempts, Season Fewest Penalties, Season
310 (1982) 63 (601 yards) (1969)
318 (1989) 63 (659 yards) (1968)
322 (1992) Fewest Penalties, Game
329 (1986) 1 14 Times, Last time vs. Car. (9–23–01)
records / club records - fewest & OPPONENT RECORDS