ESPN's Pat Yasinskas/NFC South Chat - Falcons Only

[g-dawg]

NFC South - Chat Link

Phil (New Jersey):

What do you think the chances are of the Falcons signing DE Ray Edwards in the free agency this year?

Pat Yasinskas (12:47 PM):

They certainly have a need for a pass-rusher and it seems like they're going all-in this year. I'd expect them to make a strong run at Edwards.

Greg (Stone Mountain)

Pat, I was wondering what the situation was with the Falcons offensive line. I feel good about our firepower on offense, (at least until Gonzalez retires) and the rest of the receivers/backs look to be in good shape. I was wondering who might leave in free agency (Clabo?) if there is a free agency, and just a general feel what you think the Atlanta O-line will look like in 2011.

Pat Yasinskas (12:53 PM)

Yeah, Clabo could be odd man out. But that's part of the reason they drafted the two offensive linemen last year. They didn't get to play much, but the coaches liked what they saw in practice. They're both versatile and that should give them some flexibility.

Zack (ATL)

Do you see any sense in the Chad Ochocinco/Johnson to Atlanta rumors?

Pat Yasinskas (12:55 PM)

No, I think those rumors are ridiculous. They don't need him.

Greg (Watertown, CT)

Providing everyone stays relatively healthy (and there is a season), is Mike Mularkey on any sort of hot seat? You can't really say that Ryan no longer lacks tools, so is this a make or break season for the OC? I ask, because a lot of fans are sick of the two yards and a cloud of little rubber astroturf play calling.

Pat Yasinskas (1:00 PM)

I think there's some pressure. I also think there's a realization that they need to tweak the offense a bit and put more on Ryan's shoulders. I think the play calling has held him back at times. They need to let him do what he does best.

ryan (baton rouge,la)

Have you seen any of Kerry Meier? Could he actually be the #3 WR over Jenkins and the future number 2?

Pat Yasinskas (1:02 PM)

Only saw him before he got hurt last preseason. I know coaching staff is really high on him. But I think he's probably a No. 4 or No. 5 receiver to start with and can develop into a little more down the road.

Matt (Atlanta,Ga)

Any chance the Falcons brin back Jerious Norwood? He should be cheap enough but as fragile as fine china.

Pat Yasinskas (1:09 PM)

I think his Atlanta days are over.

Brett (Cleveland, OH)

Up in Cleveland we think we're the big winners in the Julio Jones trade. How do most Atlanta fans view the trade now that time has passed to reflect upon it?

Pat Yasinskas (1:24 PM)

Well, let's throw it out there and see what ATL fans have to say.

Rob (Houston, TX)

Hey Pat, love all your posts and the time you carve out for us fans of the NFC Stout in these chats! Panthers fan here, but an ATL question for you. With the Falcons loaded up at WR now, is there an odd man out, or are they going for something similar to what the Saints have with tons of weapons all on the field at the same time and opening up the play book for Ryan?

Pat Yasinskas (1:30 PM)

I think they keep them all and let situation sort itself out. Jenkins could be trade bait in a year or two, but I think he still has a role for now.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

I think that the draft is such an unknown, but you have to appreciate someone that has that much conviction in their beliefs. Julio will go a long way in defining the Smith/Mularkey era. Don't know if I like the move, but I like the stones to pull the trigger.

Pat Yasinskas (1:31 PM)

Here's response from one ATL fan.

Michael (SC)

Great trade.

Pat Yasinskas (1:31 PM)

And here's another.

Dylan (Atlanta, GA)

What is Bryant and Koenen's status as free agents and what are your thoughts on Atlanta letting them go? I could see them letting Bryant go due to him being a little older but Koenen wouldn't make sense to me. Them drafting a kicker/punter somewhat baffled me.

Pat Yasinskas (1:36 PM)

I think Bryant stays and Koenen goes.

Divyesh (Atlanta, GA)

Falcons fan here. It's almost asinine to assign winners/losers of trades before four or five years after the trade occurs; and, it's an even larger exercise in futility to do it before the draft picks are even made. We'll only be able to evaluate this trade after we see the careers of Julio Jones and the other picks involved in this transfer. That being said, with the large abundance of picks Cleveland received, there's probably a much higher chance down the road that Cleveland 'wins' this trade. However, if this trade allows the Falcons to finally open up their vertical passing game (which would not have happened had they not had the chance to select either Green/Jones from the draft) and finally elevate their offense to the next level, they will become a deep threat in the playoffs for years to come. That chance at finally winning a ring is worth something, too. Additionally, if there isn't a slotting system introduced in the next CBA, this trade would probably allow Atlanta to go after two or three more free agents next year with the money that they saved over not having to pay a first-round pick. That's a part of the trade that people seem to forget, and it could have extremely positive effects for next year's team.

Pat Yasinskas (1:39 PM)

Very valid point about it being way too early to judge that trade.

James (WI)

Hey Pat, Falcons slot reciever opening day, (assuming we have one) Douglas, Jenkins, Jones, or someone else?

Pat Yasinskas (1:40 PM)

Douglas is my guess.

Brett (Cleveland, OH)

Our Browns won't mind getting your 31st pick to compliment our 32nd.

Pat Yasinskas (1:41 PM)

In the interest of balance, let's hear a few words from Cleveland.

james (los angeles)

what's the best nfc south rivalry heading into this season whether it's between two teams, players, coaches or gm's?

Pat Yasinskas (1:43 PM)

Saints and Falcons, without question. They really don't like each other

Divyesh (Atlanta, GA)

If Atlanta does sign Ray Edwards, do you think that he's going to be worth the salary? I think Atlanta would really like to take back the Dunta Robinson deal... it looks quite bad to me right now.

Pat Yasinskas (1:53 PM)

See, I don't think the Dunta deal was all that bad. I think his play helped the rest of the defense even though he didn't put up big INT numbers.

[Tribal Chief]

Pat Yasinskas (1:53 PM)

See, I don't think the Dunta deal was all that bad. I think his play helped the rest of the defense even though he didn't put up big INT numbers.

Why can't his haters understand that

[Panther Pride]

I LOOOOVE this one

Carl (Atlanta)

Pat, I absolutely think Charles Johnson is a option than Edwards. Look at the numbers. Something like 9 sacks with the Williams wall, while Johnson had nearly 12 with no help.

Pat Yasinskas (1:46 PM)

Yeah, but I think Johnson and Panthers have talked long-term deal prior to the lockout and could get something done quickly as soon as lockout ends.

Hands off our CJ.

[JOEinPHX]

Brett (Cleveland, OH)

Our Browns won't mind getting your 31st pick to compliment our 32nd.

Silly comment, but it got me wondering about the Vegas line on a Falcons/Browns Super Bowl. Has to be astronomical, because the Browns are light-years away.

[dirtybird1989]

Brett (Cleveland, OH)

Our Browns won't mind getting your 31st pick to compliment our 32nd.

Silly comment, but it got me wondering about the Vegas line on a Falcons/Browns Super Bowl. Has to be astronomical, because the Browns are light-years away.

There not as far away as you may think. They are in the same position we were in 2007. They dont have as much talent as we did back then, but then again you never know. I thought roddy was a bust untill we drafted ryan.

[chifalc]

There not as far away as you may think. They are in the same position we were in 2007. They dont have as much talent as we did back then, but then again you never know. I thought roddy was a bust untill we drafted ryan.

Roddy had his breakout year during the Falcons Interregnum, when Harrington reigned.

[AnonFalcFan]

I honestly don't understand why people read his opinions. I doubt he has any info we don't have so he's just about as clueless as we are (albeit more mature than a lot on the board). The only thing he has working for him is that he works for espn.

His writing in this blog revealed he either doesn't care about what he's doing (although it's hard in a lockout) or he's completely clueless and doesn't really know what to say.