ESPN Chat and Final Word: Pat Yasinskas

[theProf]

Chat with Pat Yasinskas

Derek (cottage grove, mn)

Why is Atlanta being labeled as the cream of the NFC, when they have only beaten one team above 500? The Bucs have only beaten one team 500 or above as well, but have been dismissed as a pretender. Right now both teams have a solid qb, have a legitimate threat at wr, and now that the Bucs are "hopefully" going to feature Blount, both teams have a good rb carrying the ball. If the Bucs pull this out, will Atlanta then be labeled as the pretender?

Pat Yasinskas (12:52 PM)

Think Sunday's game will tell us a lot about the Falcons and Bucs. Can't wait to get up to Atlanta to watch it. All right, this chat is up and running. Fire away.

Greg (CT)

Any new word on Dunta and 'Spoon?

Pat Yasinskas (12:57 PM)

More later this afternoon. But, right now, my guess is Robinson plays this week and Weatherspoon doesn't.

CP (Brooklyn, NY)

Will you tell these Bucs fans, they are labeled pretenders because they have been blown out twice by good teams, and the Falcons have only been beaten soundly once (Philly). Regardless, this weekends game will be a good one, that's the way it goes in the NFC South and pretty much always has!

Pat Yasinskas (1:00 PM)

Falcons got thumped by Pittsburgh, too. Either way talk about "respect" and "pretenders" is just talk. The proof will come on the field Sunday and I'm anxious to see how it plays out.

Jeremy (GA)

Thumped by Pit?? We lost in OT to prolly best D we will see all yr. We played one of the worst games we've played and still had a chance to win. Im sorry but that wasnt a thumping!!!

Pat Yasinskas (1:12 PM)

Steelers controlled the game almost the whole way. Two other words on that one: Dennis Dixon.

Francis T. (Brooklyn NY)

Does William Moore move up your rankings of best safeties in the NFC South & what happened to your midseason report you stated you would do earlier this year?

Pat Yasinskas (1:08 PM)

Mid-season stuff is scheduled to run Nov. 10. Yep, I think Moore probably moves up.

kevin (atlanta)

What is your stance on what the falcons should do with jerious norwood....he has big play potential but he gets hurt EVERY season....To me that is what the falcons lack at time a change of pace back should have went after L.T.

Pat Yasinskas (1:10 PM)

Let him walk. Go out and get a speed back to go with Turner and Snelling.

Colin (Miami)

Just read your piece on the new faces of the NFC South. Great stuff. Its really exciting to see the potential for a new rivalry budding in front of us. Hopefully we can see the intensity that was a staple of the old Bucs-Panthers games.

Pat Yasinskas (1:12 PM)

Yep, I think Atlanta/Tampa Bay could become a very good rivalry.

Roy (Greenville, SC)

Any special coverage planned while you are in ATL between the Bucs and Ravens games? Would love an in depth interview with Dimitroff or Smith (or both).

Pat Yasinskas (1:14 PM)

I will be staying in Atlanta through next Friday and will be spending early part of next week out at Flowery Branch. Anything in particular you'd like to hear about from Smith or Dimitroff?

CP (Brooklyn, NY)

Pat, when you talk to Smith and Dimitroff, ask them how they plan on solving the falcons road issues. We are great at home but below average on the road. That has got to be a concern.

Pat Yasinskas (1:25 PM)

Will do.

krista (atl)

make sure you eat at the varsity on your visit, it's to die for

Pat Yasinskas (1:23 PM)

Did that many times in my younger years, but trying to stay at my playing weight this season, so I think I'll pass.

john (ms)

What are the chances the falcons get home field advantage for the playoffs

Pat Yasinskas (1:23 PM)

Definitely have a shot if they keep winning.

Ricky (L.A.)

Hey Pat, who is your mid season NFC South MVP?

Pat Yasinskas (1:31 PM)

Without a doubt, Roddy White.

David (Atlanta)

Obviously Roddy is Atlanta's offensive MVP so far, but what about the defense? Who's the MVP? Nobody specific seems to stand out above everyone else.

Pat Yasinskas (1:40 PM)

I don't think Curtis Lofton gets nearly the attention he deserves.

Matt Riddle (Statesboro, Ga)

Great article on Ryan and Freeman. You said they are both very similar but Freeman has a noticeable advantage in mobility. What do you think is an advantage Ryan has on Freeman? Obviously experience for one but I was looking for something besides that.

Pat Yasinskas (1:32 PM)

They're really similar in a lot of ways, except for mobility. I'd give Ryan edge in accuracy and fundamentals, but Freeman's not far off.

atlfanintampa (tampa)

Good afternoon, Do you think because of the off week the Falcons will get more production out of M. Jenkins and H. Douglas? thanks

Pat Yasinskas (1:45 PM)

I think so. I think Jenkins is just getting back to being himself and that will allow Douglas to truly focus on the slot receiver job.

Eric (ATL)

Pat, who is the most cerebral and who is the most fun to interview or talk to in the NFC SOUTH?

Pat Yasinskas (1:47 PM)

Roddy White is probably the most fun. DeAngelo Williams can be good too. Cerebral -- Jon Beason, Matt Ryan, Josh Freeman, Brees.

CP (Brooklyn, NY)

Michael Jenkins return, a coincidence or the reason the Falcons offense seems to be hitting it's stride? I think it's closer to reason than coincidence!

Pat Yasinskas (1:48 PM)

I'd tend to agree with you on that.

Sean (ATL)

Hey Pat, is there any way Corey Peters makes it on your depth list of best NFC south d-lineman? He's been pretty solid this season for a rook.

Pat Yasinskas (1:49 PM)

Yep, I've been real impressed with him.

mike jones (Charlotte NC)

pat with you staying in Atlanta for the next 2 weeks.Is the NFC south headquarter moving to Atlanta for the next 2 weeks ???

Pat Yasinskas (1:54 PM)

Yes, sir. Headquarters will be established in Georgia tomorrow afternoon. I'll be there through next Friday. We might have to do some shuffling on next week's chat because I'll be traveling back to Florida, but I'll let you know on the blog once we figure that out.

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/35262/nfl-with-pat-yasinskas

Final Word: NFC South

November, 5, 2010 4:00PM Comments By Pat Yasinskas

Five nuggets of knowledge about Week 9:

Expect Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib to be matched up against Atlanta receiver Roddy White. Matchup of the week. People with the Falcons will tell you Roddy White has been the NFL’s best wide receiver this season. People with the Buccaneers will tell you Aqib Talib is one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks. These two will go head to head continually on Sunday when the Bucs and Falcons play at the Georgia Dome. The Bucs use Talib on the opposing team’s best receiver, no matter where he lines up, and that will make for a great individual battle. But this one has the potential for being entertaining in more than just a physical way. Talib and White are extremely competitive and two of the more talkative and animated players in the game. Just because a play ends, don’t stop watching these two. The real entertainment could come between plays.

Bulletin-board battle. Largely because coach Mike Smith is a no-frills guy, the Falcons don’t fight a lot of battles through the media. Although White sometimes is an exception, the Falcons are careful not to provide bulletin-board material for other teams. But they’re not above collecting bulletin-board material from elsewhere. When Raheem Morris declared Tampa Bay the best team in the NFC nearly two weeks ago, word got to Atlanta quickly. Since the declaration came during Atlanta’s bye week, the Falcons had a little extra time to ponder Morris’ words. Smith might not have to give a pregame talk this week, because Morris already provided the motivation.

Grudge match. Speaking of motivation, keep an eye on Atlanta kicker Matt Bryant. He’s not a big fan of the current regime in Tampa Bay. Bryant gave the Bucs some good years, but was run out of town last year. Although he’s a kicker, Bryant can be a bit feisty and he’ll be looking for any opportunity for revenge against his former team.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth

NFC South Saturday mailbag

November, 6, 2010 9:00AM Comments By Pat Yasinskas

Dylan in Athens, Ga., writes: What do you think of Gartrell Johnson and do you see him developing into a bigger role player with the Falcons offense?

Pat Yasinskas: Saw Johnson have one very nice run the last time I covered an Atlanta game. That should help his stock a bit. He’s behind Michael Turner and Jason Snelling on the depth chart. But it’s a long season and guys can get banged up. Thomas Dimitroff and the scouting department do an excellent job and Johnson wouldn’t be on the roster if the Falcons didn’t think he could contribute.

Adam in Milledgeville, Ga., writes: Early in the year (after the first game) I was fairly upset with your harsh words towards the Falcons. Now after seeing the praise you have given them, I can actually set my fandom aside and realize that you truly just write what you see. I know Panthers fans may feel like you are ragging on them, but what else can you really say? They can look at the Falcons after the Steelers game, or the Saints after the Browns game to see the exact same thing. You are one of the most honest analysts in the NFL who shows loyalty to the division, but not a particular team in the division. This is why I love your blog and will continue reading for a long time.

Pat Yasinskas: Thank you for understanding the nature of my job. Some people always look for conspiracy theories. Truth is, if there’s one team in the division that I’d probably be inclined to favor just on human nature, it’s the Carolina Panthers. I spent nine seasons covering them on a daily basis in my newspaper days. There are many people (coaches, players, front-office workers) that work in that building that I have the utmost respect for. I talk to them frequently and there is a part of me that is pained to see them struggling. But my job is to write about what’s going on. When a team is 1-6, that’s not going to include many positives.

Atlanta Falcons mailbag

November, 4, 2010 4:35PM By Pat Yasinskas

I saved the Atlanta Falcons for last in today’s series of team-by-team mailbags. The entire reason for that was because many of your questions were about the injury situation. That’s why I waited for the Falcons to send me their injury report from this afternoon’s practice to give you the latest information available.

Jeff in Atlanta writes: Is there any word on Sean Weatherspoon and Dunta Robinson for this week? Both have proved their worth in this D and I think we are finally starting to show our true potential with them healthy.

Pat Yasinskas: Robinson went through practice fully Thursday afternoon, so I’d say that’s a pretty strong sign he’ll play Sunday. On the flip side, Weatherspoon did not practice and I’m guessing that means he’ll be out at least another week. Weatherspoon definitely brings an element of speed, but Stephen Nicholas isn’t a bad alternative. Having Robinson back is bigger because the Falcons don’t have another cornerback near his level.

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David in Bensenville, Ill., writes: I know people have been asking why haven't the Falcons taken more shots down the field, why doesn't Mike Mularkey air it out? Well on the flip side, the blue print to beating the Saints was keep the offense watching on the bench. Is it wrong to keep doing that? What is wrong with wearing down a defense? The offensive line benefits and the defensive lines gets gassed. So I ask you, do you believe it is in the best interest for Atlanta to "air it out" when the blue print to beat one of the best teams in the league is pound, pound, pound?

Pat Yasinskas: Excellent point and the Falcons certainly followed that blueprint when they beat the Saints in New Orleans. But every opponent is different and I think the Falcons still are tweaking their offense a little to find the right balance. At times, they’ve been very good in the running game. At times, they’ve been very good in the passing game. My personal opinion is this is an offense that is very close to clicking on all cylinders and I think one way to finalize that would be to take just a few more shots down the field each game.

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David in Atlanta writes: When will the NFC South get the respect it deserves from the media? It's currently the only division with three five-win teams. Where's the love from your colleagues?

Pat Yasinskas: Well, you know I’m always writing about the NFC South, but I think the rest of the world is starting to catch on. I think there’s going to be some national attention on Sunday’s first-place showdown between the Falcons and the Buccaneers. A lot of times, I’m on the road alone. But I already know for a fact that ESPN.com is bringing out the big gun for this game. John Clayton’s going to be sitting next to me in the Georgia Dome. I know of at least two other friends in the national media who are headed to Atlanta this weekend.

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Jamie in Atlanta writes: After the Falcons have continued to try and improve the defense why do you think they are still ranked as low as 27th in opp passing yards? I this something us Falcon fans should be worried about? I just feel that if we can sure up this pass D then the season would be the Falcon's to lose.

Pat Yasinskas: Opposing passing yards sometimes can be deceiving. When you’re winning, that means other teams are playing from behind and passing the ball more than they’d like. With Robinson healthy and the pass rush showing up, I wouldn’t be too worried about this particular statistic.Share

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth

[Tribal Chief]

Why not let him go. He can't stay on the field. No need to give him any money. All I can say is it was fun while it lasted but sometimes you just got to move on

[maxatlanta]

Why not let him go. He can't stay on the field. No need to give him any money. All I can say is it was fun while it lasted but sometimes you just got to move on

Let me play devil's advocate. Norwood knows our system, is a good blocker, and is a threat to break a big play at any time. If we had not been using him as KR, his injury history would be much better. The majority of his injuries were incurred on KR, including the concussion and hip issues that seem to have plagued him the most. Also, he is the perfect compliment speed back to Turner.

Having said all that, if we replace him with a draft pick I'll be perfectly happy because Turner and Snelling are playing more on third downs anyways. But if we are looking to sign a FA then I'd rather just keep Norwood instead. He will be cheap and is the kind of player that can bust a playoff game wide open. I know I wouldn't want us to have to face him on another NFC South squad.

[Tribal Chief]

Let me play devil's advocate. Norwood knows our system, is a good blocker, and is a threat to break a big play at any time. If we had not been using him as KR, his injury history would be much better. The majority of his injuries were incurred on KR, including the concussion and hip issues that seem to have plagued him the most. Also, he is the perfect compliment speed back to Turner.

Having said all that, if we replace him with a draft pick I'll be perfectly happy because Turner and Snelling are playing more on third downs anyways. But if we are looking to sign a FA then I'd rather just keep Norwood instead. He will be cheap and is the kind of player that can bust a playoff game wide open. I know I wouldn't want us to have to face him on another NFC South squad.

He barely gets touched sometimes and he ends up injured. He probably wouldn't last on another NFC South team. Personally I would go ahead and divorce him. Sure he has the breakaway speed and can catch the ball out the backfield but that means nothing if we dont have him on the field for more than 6 games. I don't know who will be available in FA or who would be a good value pick in the draft but I don't see the need in keeping him. But hey, that's just me

[The Birds are the truth]

WTF is Pat talking about? The Falcons got thump by the Steelers

[The Birds are the truth]

Let me play devil's advocate. Norwood knows our system, is a good blocker, and is a threat to break a big play at any time. If we had not been using him as KR, his injury history would be much better. The majority of his injuries were incurred on KR, including the concussion and hip issues that seem to have plagued him the most. Also, he is the perfect compliment speed back to Turner.

Having said all that, if we replace him with a draft pick I'll be perfectly happy because Turner and Snelling are playing more on third downs anyways. But if we are looking to sign a FA then I'd rather just keep Norwood instead. He will be cheap and is the kind of player that can bust a playoff game wide open. I know I wouldn't want us to have to face him on another NFC South squad.

Max I understand what you are saying. But....how is Norwood going to benefit us if he can't stay on the field?

[The Birds are the truth]

He barely gets touched sometimes and he ends up injured. He probably wouldn't last on another NFC South team. Personally I would go ahead and divorce him. Sure he has the breakaway speed and can catch the ball out the backfield but that means nothing if we dont have him on the field for more than 6 games. I don't know who will be available in FA or who would be a good value pick in the draft but I don't see the need in keeping him. But hey, that's just me

+1

[muskokas finest ©]

I think Steve Slaton would be a great fit here. With Ward and Foster taking most of the snaps in Houston and Ben Tate returning next season, Slaton could be had for cheap. He can return kicks, catch and had 1300 yards rushing as a rookie before Kubiak messed with his head. Steve is also more durable than Jerious. Let Norwood find another gig.

[Tribal Chief]

I think Steve Slaton would be a great fit here. With Ward and Foster taking most of the snaps in Houston and Ben Tate returning next season, Slaton could be had for cheap. He can return kicks, catch and had 1300 yards rushing as a rookie before Kubiak messed with his head. Steve is also more durable than Jerious. Let Norwood find another gig.

i didnt think about him. i agree my dude

[Statick]

Let Norwood walk? That's a no-brainer.

[maxatlanta]

Max I understand what you are saying. But....how is Norwood going to benefit us if he can't stay on the field?

I agree with you that he is good when he's not injured. I agree that he has been injured too often the last couple of years. But I also think that he would be injured less if he wasn't returning kickoffs. That is just based on the fact that most of his injuries occured that way. He will be inexpensive and better than 90% of the 3rd string rbs in the league. If he can't stay healthy then it's a bad signing. If he can then it's a great signing. I guess that the only difference in our view is that I think he can stay healthy if he isn't returning kicks. Remember, we are talking about who will be our 3rd string back, a role on our team that does not get much action.

[The Birds are the truth]

I agree with you that he is good when he's not injured. I agree that he has been injured too often the last couple of years. But I also think that he would be injured less if he wasn't returning kickoffs. That is just based on the fact that most of his injuries occured that way. He will be inexpensive and better than 90% of the 3rd string rbs in the league. If he can't stay healthy then it's a bad signing. If he can then it's a great signing. I guess that the only difference in our view is that I think he can stay healthy if he isn't returning kicks. Remember, we are talking about who will be our 3rd string back, a role on our team that does not get much action.

+1 Good point.

[atljbo]

I see us letting Norwood walk alaso... It kinda hurts because looking at Jamal Charles is like looking at a healthy Norwood.... We miss that explosive RB... Dude can never stay healthy tho.

[FalconPio]

Let Him walk? More like let him ROLL......in a wheel chair!

[The Birds are the truth]

excellent post i agree 100 percent.

But I disagree with your point about, getting rid of our GM if he decides to sign Norwood. Like Max "said" That wouldn't be bad Idea to have Norwood at 3rd string. That still doesn't stop TD drafting a RB or signing a free agent. But If Norwood walks he walks.

Edited November 6, 2010 by The Birds are the truth

[The Birds are the truth]

It kinda hurts because looking at Jamal Charles is like looking at a healthy Norwood.... We miss that explosive RB... Dude can never stay healthy tho.

+1

[The Birds are the truth]

Let Him walk? More like let him ROLL......in a wheel chair!

D***!

[atljbo]

Now let me say this tho... IF... And i mean IF... We did resign Norwood... It wouldnt be the worst thing... He will come very cheap and if he can stay healthy... the guy is explosive.

Saying that... I see us moving on.

[The Birds are the truth]

im just saying only a fool would resign norwood. if td resigns him, hes a fool. if hes a fool its time to go lol. just breaking down my thought process for you. i wouldnt be surprised if he signs him though. td has a soft spot for injury plagued players.

Well....Got ****! I'm tired of Norwood going into every season banged up. I think Norwood will get another chance just not with the Falcons. But I don't hate the guy. Just couldn't stay healthy.

Edited November 6, 2010 by The Birds are the truth

[theProf]

I agree with you that he is good when he's not injured. I agree that he has been injured too often the last couple of years. But I also think that he would be injured less if he wasn't returning kickoffs. That is just based on the fact that most of his injuries occured that way. He will be inexpensive and better than 90% of the 3rd string rbs in the league. If he can't stay healthy then it's a bad signing. If he can then it's a great signing. I guess that the only difference in our view is that I think he can stay healthy if he isn't returning kicks. Remember, we are talking about who will be our 3rd string back, a role on our team that does not get much action.

I tend to agree with your assessment, although I can understand the "he can't stay healthy" argument also. If Norwood is 100% healthy, he is just way too dynamic of a player and playmaker to let go. He is capable of taking it to the house on any given play. Although Norwood got dinged up somewhat at RB, the real injury problem with him appears to be with kick returns, as you say. Let the man heal, keep him off KRs in the future, and use him as a #3 change-of-pace RB. He could also still be used as the wildcat, or in the Falcons case, the wildbird QB. Opposing teams would then be forced to game-plan for this possibility too. I even think Norwood is versatile enough to be used as a back-up slot receiver to get him even more touches during a game.

[kschreck]

The answer to the first question is simply. Why is Atlanta getting more respect right now?

The Bucs came out of no where. Atlanta, while not great last year, has been consistent enough to be above .500 the last two season.

People expected this from us, Bucs are a surprise, it will take some time for people to believe it.

[lee sunset]

Being the fisherman he is Norwood will understand it's time to cut bait and move on...

[theProf]

Being the fisherman he is Norwood will understand it's time to cut bait and move on...

I think he needs to keep fishing in the same spot.

[rugger8]

I think Steve Slaton would be a great fit here. With Ward and Foster taking most of the snaps in Houston and Ben Tate returning next season, Slaton could be had for cheap. He can return kicks, catch and had 1300 yards rushing as a rookie before Kubiak messed with his head. Steve is also more durable than Jerious. Let Norwood find another gig.

Bass Pro Tours.

[theProf]

Let me play devil's advocate. Norwood knows our system, is a good blocker, and is a threat to break a big play at any time. If we had not been using him as KR, his injury history would be much better. The majority of his injuries were incurred on KR, including the concussion and hip issues that seem to have plagued him the most. Also, he is the perfect compliment speed back to Turner.

Having said all that, if we replace him with a draft pick I'll be perfectly happy because Turner and Snelling are playing more on third downs anyways. But if we are looking to sign a FA then I'd rather just keep Norwood instead. He will be cheap and is the kind of player that can bust a playoff game wide open. I know I wouldn't want us to have to face him on another NFC South squad.

Good response.