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2013 NFL Draft – Help is on the Way

September 25th, 2012 at 9:57 AM
By Jason Schron

The 2013 draft class is deep and talented, especially on defense. According to Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN and Scouts Inc., 18 of the top 32 projected first rounds picks are on the defensive side of the ball, including four local UGA Bulldogs: Jarvis Jones (1st pick, OLB), Johnathan Jenkins (5th pick, DT), Alec Ogletree (19th pick, ILB), and Shawn Williams (28th pick, S).

'SEC' photo (c) 2007, Alby Headrick - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

It is unlikely the Falcons will be picking in the first half of the first round since they are on track to make the playoffs. However, Alec Ogletree and Shawn Williams would be great additions to a defense that is in need of more toughness in the middle of the field. Alternatively, the Falcons could select one of the 14 SEC players that are projected to go in the first round as well.

With more than 75% of the regular season to go, it is too early to gauge where the Falcons will pick in the draft and what their greatest needs are. Nonetheless, the offense and special teams have always outperformed the defense as long as Mike Smith has been the head coach. Therefore, it wouldn't surprise anyone if the Falcons selected defensive players with two out of their first three or three out of their first four picks.

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Michael Turner Has Solid Day After DUI Arrest

September 24th, 2012 at 3:47 PM
By Jason Schron

Michael Turner ran for 80 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries during the Falcons 27-3 win over the Chargers in San Diego yesterday.

Turner played well against his former team again as well as bouncing back from his DUI arrest just hours after the Falcons defeated the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football earlier in the week.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith wasn't even sure if Turner would be allowed to play due to possible league and internal disciplinary actions. Turner may still face discipline in the future depending on the findings of the police investigation into his DUI arrest.

Turner has scored touchdowns in back-to-back games. He is also facing the Carolina Panthers this week who gave up 113 yards and two touchdowns to backup running back Andre Brown of the New York Giants. I would expect Turner to have another solid performance this week. Start him on your fantasy team or pick him up if you haven't already.

'Full Field (mostly) w/ banner_3183' photo (c) 2007, James Emery - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

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Atlanta Falcons Defeat the Chargers Easily in San Diego

September 23rd, 2012 at 8:38 PM
By Jason Schron

Matt Ryan completed 30 of 40 passes for 275 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception as the Falcons easily beat the San Diego Chargers in San Diego, 27-3.

The game was never close. Ryan threw his three touchdowns passes to three different receivers – in the first half. Ryan hooked up with Jacquizz Rodgers for a seven yard score in the first quarter. He later hit Tony Gonzalez with a seven yard strike and Julio Jones with a beautiful throw and catch in the second quarter.

Michael Turner ran for 80 yards on 14 carries with one touchdown against his former team. Jacquizz Rodgers also chipped in with 32 yards on 10 carries.

The defense was rock solid as safety Thomas DeCoud has two interceptions and one fumble recovery. The Falcons' defense held Phillip Rivers to only 178 yards with two interceptions during his poor 21 for 38 throwing performance. 

The Falcons did have two miscues: They botched the PAT on their first touchdown of the day and Matt Ryan was intercepted by Antoine Cason at the goal line early in the fourth quarter.

 

 

 

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Jones and White Swap “Butterfingers Syndrome”

September 21st, 2012 at 2:05 PM
By Jason Schron

Last season, Roddy White led the NFL in drops while Julio Jones was a sure-handed receiver. This season, they have reversed roles. Jones is tied for second in the league with two drops this season while White has seemingly caught everything thrown his way. Surprisingly, Hall of Fame tight end and teammate Tony Gonzalez, is tied with Jones for two drops thus far this season.

As a team, the Falcons rank fourth in the league with six drops.

 

Falcons’ fans, don’t be worried – Its only two games into the season. Matt Ryan has been great, the defense and special teams are solid, and your team just demolished Peyton Manning on Monday Night Football for the first time in his storied career. Part of the reason for Jones’ butterfingers is that opposing teams have adjusted their coverage for him. Moreover, head coach Mike Smith, offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, and receivers coach Terry Robiskie, will make sure Julio Jones cuts out the drops.

 
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Michael Turner’s DUI: Beginning of the End?

September 20th, 2012 at 10:48 AM
By Jason Schron

Atlanta Falcons starting running back Michael Turner was arrested for DUI early Tuesday morning in Gwinnett County, GA – just hours after a paltry 42 yards for 17 carries against the Denver Broncos on MNF. Turner has ran for a total of 74 yards for 2.6 yards per carry during the Falcons two 2-0 start to this season.

This DUI arrest will lead Turner entering the league’s substance abuse program as a first-time offender. If he doesn’t have any additional problems during his time in the program, he would be dismissed. However, if Turner has another alcohol related arrest, he could be suspended and face fines.

Last year, San Francisco linebacker Clark Haggins was suspended for three games for a DUI arrest after he pleaded guilty. He could have been suspended for up to six games. In September 2008, former Falcons safety Lawyer Milloy was arrested in Gwinnett Country after leaving a post-game celebration.

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