Falcons cutdown analysis

[Toronto_Dirty_Bird]

Check here for a full list of Atlanta ’s roster moves.

Biggest surprise: There really are no major surprises here. But cornerback Chevis Jackson is a guy that once was viewed as having a lot of potential, and he’s fallen by the wayside. Consider that a sign of how much the Falcons think they’ve upgraded their cornerback group by drafting cornerback Christopher Owens last year and Dominique Franks this year, and the signing of free-agent Dunta Robinson. Jackson also had some special-teams ability, but Franks can fill that role. Jackson still has practice-squad eligibility, but there’s a decent chance he might get picked up by another team.

No-brainer: The release of center Brett Romberg comes as no surprise. His days were numbered as soon as the Falcons drafted Mike Johnson and Joe Hawley. Those two might not play immediately, but they’re versatile and the Falcons have a bunch of offensive linemen that could become free agents next year. Romberg was a veteran with no upside. Johnson and Hawley can start off as backups, but they’ll eventually be starters.

What’s next: There really is not much left to do with this roster. The Falcons are pretty healthy and have no glaring holes. Adding a receiver that comes free from another team might be a possibility. The Falcons also are carrying only one fullback -- Ovie Mughelli. He’s pretty durable and tailback Jason Snelling also can play that spot. But Atlanta also could look for an extra fullback.

[kibitzer]

Check here for a full list of Atlanta ’s roster moves.

Biggest surprise: There really are no major surprises here. But cornerback Chevis Jackson is a guy that once was viewed as having a lot of potential, and he’s fallen by the wayside. Consider that a sign of how much the Falcons think they’ve upgraded their cornerback group by drafting cornerback Christopher Owens last year and Dominique Franks this year, and the signing of free-agent Dunta Robinson. Jackson also had some special-teams ability, but Franks can fill that role. Jackson still has practice-squad eligibility, but there’s a decent chance he might get picked up by another team.

No-brainer: The release of center Brett Romberg comes as no surprise. His days were numbered as soon as the Falcons drafted Mike Johnson and Joe Hawley. Those two might not play immediately, but they’re versatile and the Falcons have a bunch of offensive linemen that could become free agents next year. Romberg was a veteran with no upside. Johnson and Hawley can start off as backups, but they’ll eventually be starters.

What’s next: There really is not much left to do with this roster. The Falcons are pretty healthy and have no glaring holes. Adding a receiver that comes free from another team might be a possibility. The Falcons also are carrying only one fullback -- Ovie Mughelli. He’s pretty durable and tailback Jason Snelling also can play that spot. But Atlanta also could look for an extra fullback.

If the team needed "an extra fullback", or if the coaches thought we did, then why release Klecko? He wasn't THAT bad as a backup, was he?

[Romfal]

I think we are good at tailback

[TdotFalcon]

Snelling i good as our extra FB we are fine.

[The Falcon Jedi]

Yasinskas said there were no Surprises? I disagree Valdez and Nance were surprises to me. Bear Woods was a little surprise too.

[Romfal]

Yasinskas said there were no Surprises? I disagree Valdez and Nance were surprises to me. Bear Woods was a little surprise too.

UDFA's dont really count as surprises...they are surprises if they make the roster

[Abe]

Don't forget the eight guys on the practice squad.

Edited September 5, 2010 by Abe

[Curveball]

Valdez has done everything that organization has asked of him. Reported early in the Spring to work out daily. Had great reports from Mini Camps, OTA's, and Training Camp. Played right tackle and left tackle. Played the entire game vs. Jacksonville and gave up no sacks and no penalties. Played an entire year on the practice squad. He is in great shape. Good feet ( so the coaches say ). What has Johnson done? Except get drafted in the 3rd round and get injured. I realize they have money in the drafted guys. On day one the coaches told the line that it didn't matter how much money you made "the best players make it here". BRUGGMAN? Please. I hope Valdez gets a shot at someone elses roster and leaves like a shot in the night.

[DaMeatTroughsEgo]

Valdez has done everything that organization has asked of him. Reported early in the Spring to work out daily. Had great reports from Mini Camps, OTA's, and Training Camp. Played right tackle and left tackle. Played the entire game vs. Jacksonville and gave up no sacks and no penalties. Played an entire year on the practice squad. He is in great shape. Good feet ( so the coaches say ). What has Johnson done? Except get drafted in the 3rd round and get injured. I realize they have money in the drafted guys. On day one the coaches told the line that it didn't matter how much money you made "the best players make it here". BRUGGMAN? Please. I hope Valdez gets a shot at someone elses roster and leaves like a shot in the night.

Because if the coaches thought Valdez was better than Bruggeman he'd still be here?

[Curveball]

Here may be the deal on Bruggman. Lets just say a back up center has a hip flexor or some nagging injury. He won't be able to perform at Pittsburg thus, they need a back up center. Lets just say once the back up center is healthy for week two then Bruggman goes to PS. Just speculation.

[Falconsfan567]

I thought for sure that Dmitri Nance would make the team.

[kibitzer]

Here may be the deal on Bruggman. Lets just say a back up center has a hip flexor or some nagging injury. He won't be able to perform at Pittsburg thus, they need a back up center. Lets just say once the back up center is healthy for week two then Bruggman goes to PS. Just speculation.

We can hope. Valdez getting cut was unexpected for me. Don't know much about the other guy, but Valdez has done a pretty decent job in the trenches, from what I've seen.

[uup115]

UDFA's dont really count as surprises...they are surprises if they make the roster

Brent Grimes, took him 2 years and getting waived about 3 times to finally make his stand...and we are still trying to replace our most "game player" the last two seasons...lets not give up hope on Valdez yet...

[FalconFanSince1970]

I still think our Oline is the weakest link. Mostly the left side. Blalock and Baker. I hope I'm wrong but I don't think so. If we add anyone else I believe it should be Olinemen.

[bossFALCON™]

I still think our Oline is the weakest link. Mostly the left side. Blalock and Baker. I hope I'm wrong but I don't think so. If we add anyone else I believe it should be Olinemen.

well, we will definitely find out week 1

[The Falcon Jedi]

I still think our Oline is the weakest link. Mostly the left side. Blalock and Baker. I hope I'm wrong but I don't think so. If we add anyone else I believe it should be Olinemen.

The right side, Dahl and Clabo, are in contract years so hopefully they will step it up. I have never been a fan of Blaylock - he really isnt very good. Baker still has something to prove before I become a fan of his.

[terryowens__]

Great post.

Overall I see the Falcons' weaknesses at DT, depth at WR, pass catching RBs, and depth in the DB.

I think we have a decent roster but the defense won't be any better from last year barring a STELLAR SURPRISE from the unknown Dunta Robinson. I don't expect much.

The Saints just cut the DT they drafted, Al Woods. Honestly how can Corey Peters be that much better coming from Kentucky?

I hope to eat crow on what I see right now. Yeah OK, 10 wins is doable but there's no question the Saints are poised to take the division again. Ryan needs more pass catching backs to beat the over aggressive Saints D. Norwood is a twig. I'm counting on him being injured by the time we play N.O in Wk 3.

And what is the point with all these bunch formations??? Mularkey clearly needs better receivers cause the bunch formations are rolling the dice on execution.

[terryowens__]

The right side, Dahl and Clabo, are in contract years so hopefully they will step it up. I have never been a fan of Blaylock - he really isnt very good. Baker still has something to prove before I become a fan of his.

Really?

Top 10 in 3rd Down %, 4th Down %, and Sacks-not-allowed last year DESPITE the injuries to Ryan and Turner, and you're gonna harp on Blaylock and the OL of all people?

Me thinks if we had a couple more playmakers/depth on offense who weren't tied up due to injuries (Douglas, Norwood), that the Falcons could've overcome even more adversity than they did last year @ 9-7.

OL isn't my worry with Boudreau at the helm.

Why is it the Falcons keep inviting guys like Bergeron, who's been coming to camp for the past several years, when you know **** well he has NO SHOT at really making the team?? What's the freakin point? Somebody isn't doing their job if you keep inviting the same dudes back every year.

How is it Sean Peyton finds guys like Pierre Thomas or this year's guy Chris Ivory (injured) that he seems to plug in. Guy is doing his homework!

Hey I love Snelling. He's the best thing to happen to the Falcons in the Petrino year. But for ****'s sake that was a few years ago. Where's the homework McKay?? TD?? LET'S GO!!!

[kiwifalcon]

Great post.

Overall I see the Falcons' weaknesses at DT, depth at WR, pass catching RBs, and depth in the DB.

I think we have a decent roster but the defense won't be any better from last year barring a STELLAR SURPRISE from the unknown Dunta Robinson. I don't expect much.

The Saints just cut the DT they drafted, Al Woods. Honestly how can Corey Peters be that much better coming from Kentucky?

I hope to eat crow on what I see right now. Yeah OK, 10 wins is doable but there's no question the Saints are poised to take the division again. Ryan needs more pass catching backs to beat the over aggressive Saints D. Norwood is a twig. I'm counting on him being injured by the time we play N.O in Wk 3.

And what is the point with all these bunch formations??? Mularkey clearly needs better receivers cause the bunch formations are rolling the dice on execution.

Offense yes I agree there ideally you want a threat on either side but they have faith in Jenkins so i'm good with that.

I don't see RB as weakness I think this is our strength against the Saints,Turner normally seems to run riot against these guys when he's on and Snelling and Norwood give us a change of speed and a good back-up so I like our running game alot.

O-Line people who think Blaylock is a weakness,well really he's expirenced and seems to get picked at LG every year since he's been drafted and if he was'nt any good I'm thinking we would have off loaded him already and Baker just has to get through a year uninjured and then you'll be able to judge him more fairly but I think he's done a good job getting Matt Ryan's blind-side.

I see DT as a strength actually for us.Babs will be the standout leader of this group and we'll be tough against the run.I really like the group we have and in Ray Hamilton I trust.

[Wild Bill]

I am sure we are looking at other teams cuts as well for the PS.

[The Falcon Jedi]

Really?

Top 10 in 3rd Down %, 4th Down %, and Sacks-not-allowed last year DESPITE the injuries to Ryan and Turner, and you're gonna harp on Blaylock and the OL of all people?

Me thinks if we had a couple more playmakers/depth on offense who weren't tied up due to injuries (Douglas, Norwood), that the Falcons could've overcome even more adversity than they did last year @ 9-7.

OL isn't my worry with Boudreau at the helm.

Why is it the Falcons keep inviting guys like Bergeron, who's been coming to camp for the past several years, when you know **** well he has NO SHOT at really making the team?? What's the freakin point? Somebody isn't doing their job if you keep inviting the same dudes back every year.

How is it Sean Peyton finds guys like Pierre Thomas or this year's guy Chris Ivory (injured) that he seems to plug in. Guy is doing his homework!

Hey I love Snelling. He's the best thing to happen to the Falcons in the Petrino year. But for ****'s sake that was a few years ago. Where's the homework McKay?? TD?? LET'S GO!!!

Yea Im going to harp on Blaylock. Because he sucks at Run Blocking, and Mularkey tends to call 75% of his running plays to Blaylock's gap. He is a Guard, his primary job is to create a hole against DTs on running plays or push them to the side on pass plays. He does OK on pass plays, but he does not create any gaps on run plays. Every single time Turner runs to his gap, it's clogged up.

[Peyton]

If the team needed "an extra fullback", or if the coaches thought we did, then why release Klecko? He wasn't THAT bad as a backup, was he?

Jason Snelling is really a fullback that can play tailback, not the other way around. So the Falcons don't need another fullback.

He's wrong about their being no glaring holes though. I think I am going to send Pat an e-mail and set him straight.

[The Falcon Jedi]

Jason Snelling is really a fullback that can play tailback, not the other way around. So the Falcons don't need another fullback.

He's wrong about their being no glaring holes though. I think I am going to send Pat an e-mail and set him straight.

Pat Yasinskas is an occasional hack sports writer. That article he wrote about the Falcons for a pre-season game that He Did Not Even Watch made me lose a lot of respect for him. He should never have written that article.

And besides that, all of his answers to bloggers questions are the same cookie-cutter crap every week.

[Peyton]

Pat Yasinskas is an occasional hack sports writer. That article he wrote about the Falcons for a pre-season game that He Did Not Even Watch made me lose a lot of respect for him. He should never have written that article.

And besides that, all of his answers to bloggers questions are the same cookie-cutter crap every week.

Yeah I decided the same thing last year when he did the same thing for regular season games.

I put far more stock in the opinions of the people on this message board than I do the "talking heads". I mean, lots of people on this board will record the game and run plays back 4 or 5 times studying each play. All these national media types, they just watch highlights, and then act like they have an informed opinion. They don't.

[muskokas finest ©]

If the team needed "an extra fullback", or if the coaches thought we did, then why release Klecko? He wasn't THAT bad as a backup, was he?

Vance Walker's job came at the expense of an extra FB