ESPN Chat: Pat Yasinskas Aug 26

[theProf]

Chat with Pat Yasinskas

MJC (Georgia)

There was some tweeting and rumors about the Falcons making another move by adding another piece before the end of preseason. Is there any truth to this rumor? What piece do you feel should be added? Any names related to this?

Pat Yasinskas (1:03 PM)

Well, all I know was that tweet came more than a week ago and said the "big move" was coming the next day. Nothing's happened. And, really, what's out there that could happen? I think Falcons have pretty much taken care of their needs.

CP (Brooklyn, NY)

What are the chances that Chauncey Davis doesn't make the cut in ATL? They signed him to a relatively sizable deal for a backup and with the Ray Edwards coming in, Biermann still around, the rookie Matthews getting some love from the coaches, I think that leaves Sidbury and Davis as the 5th DE, no way ATL keeps 6 DEs...

Pat Yasinskas (1:03 PM)

Think that's very possible. Chauncey's cap figure is either $3 million or $3.5 million. That's a lot for a backup.

Wilson (TN)

Up and running now. What's the word on Dunta Robinson's injury? Will he play against the Steelers tomorrow?

Pat Yasinskas (1:06 PM)

Don't think he's playing this week. But I think they're just being cautious on that one.

Vinnie (ATL)

Bradley had a great piece on AJC.com on wondering why there is no buzz about this years' Falcons in the ATL. I have lived here for 10 years and I can tell you ATL feels a lot like Cleveland, my old hometown. Atlanta is in "show me" mode expecting the worse after last year's playoff lose at home. The difference between Browns and Falcons fans though is the Browns fans always showed up.

Pat Yasinskas (1:11 PM)

I saw the Bradley piece. Atlanta is a unique market. Sort of like Tampa and Charlotte in that there are a lot of transplants from elsewhere. Plus, Falcons were mediocre for so long that I understand the "show me" mode even after three straight winning seasons.

Michael (SC)

Have the Falcons said what type of knee injury Edwards had?

Pat Yasinskas (1:20 PM)

No, only that it was a "minor" procedure. Like a lot of teams, they're very guarded about injury info. Heck, they never have officially said what Peria Jerry's knee injury was exactly.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Could you see Harry Douglas putting up surprising numbers now that he's finally healthy and the offense is going to be more open?

Pat Yasinskas (1:23 PM)

Yep, think you'll see some plays like last week where he basically goes uncovered because teams are so worried about Roddy and Julio.

Matt Riddle (Atlanta, Ga)

Pat, earlier this week you referenced an article that claimed that falcons fans haven't been making a lot of buzz in the preseason. Is that really a fair assessment? I mean, there was the lockout, the braves are doing well, and we left last season with a really low feeling loss against the Packers(I was there)...Are there really a lot of fans of any team that are making a lot of "buzz" right now? Getting Julio and Edwards is great, and I think they'll make us even better this year. But, even as a die-hard fan, I have to admit my trust in my team was shaken a bit last season.

Pat Yasinskas (1:29 PM)

Let's hear what some other Atlanta fans have to say on this. I see Matt's points and I read the Bradley article. Matt and Bradley live in Atlanta, so they've got a feel for what the buzz or lack of buzz is really like in Atlanta.

Joshua (Atlanta)

Pat will you be at the Falcons and Pitt. game Sat. or watching it for that matter?

Pat Yasinskas (1:32 PM)

I will be at Tampa Bay's home game with Miami. We don't travel for preseason games. But I will be watching the live feed of Falcons at same time I'm watching Bucs and providing post-game observations on both.

Michael (SC)

When you were at Falcons training camp did they really seem more explosive?

Pat Yasinskas (1:34 PM)

It was hard to tell because they were just starting padded practices and some guys weren't allowed to practice until CBA was ratified. I was there the night it was ratified and those guys were limited when they got on the field. The one thing I definitely saw was a lot more downfield passing.

CC (Atlanta)

Why would our confidence be shaken? 13-3 last year. Sure GB got us in the playoffs. We beat that same in November. The Packers caught fire at the right time. Who cares about "buzz" anyway? All my buddies are fired about about the season but that doesn't mean we go around screaming about it with our windows down.

Pat Yasinskas (1:36 PM)

I think I like CC's answer best. No need to go around screaming you're great in the preseason.

Al (Wausau, WI)

Pat, I'll chime in on Matt's points, even though I'm a Vikings fan. I see where Matt is coming from, but he has to realize that Green Bay was on an incredible roll during the playoffs, and they were just not going to lose. The Falcons have nothing to be ashamed of! They should be a deep playoff contender in 2011.

Pat Yasinskas (1:37 PM)

Also agree with that. Green Bay was on a roll. They exposed some Atlanta flaws and Falcons addressed those in the offseason.

Mylo (Atlanta)

Have you spoken with Matt Ryan about his off-season workout regarding increasing his arm strength?

Pat Yasinskas (1:38 PM)

Talked with Matt at training camp. Didn't specifically ask about increasing his arm strength. Matt and Falcons always have felt he has reasonably strong arm. I think it's just a matter of them being more willing to let him throw downfield now that they've got more downfield options.

Matt Riddle (Atlanta, Ga)

13-3 is great and was part of the reason that the the playoff blowout was such a hard blow. I can tell you that during the entire second half of that game the only fans cheering had cheese on their heads. The Packers were on fire but the birds still need to show they can win in the post-season. I do agree that preseason buzz is meaningless however.

Pat Yasinskas (1:42 PM)

Yep, I was in Georgia Dome that day and remember how the way the game played out silenced Atlanta fans.

John (Jakcson, MS)

Falcons fans, why in the world are a majority of you so sure that the division is locked up already. Last time I checked, no team has ever repeated as champs before... FACT

Pat Yasinskas (1:46 PM)

That is an NFC South fact.

CP (Brooklyn, NY)

I want to believe Mularkey is not showing much in the preseason, but the offense seems VERY similar to last season with not much downfield throwing. Your thoughts Pat?

Pat Yasinskas (1:47 PM)

You don't need to show the world your play book in the preseason.

Jeff (Rise Up)

Speaking of LT's, is Sam Baker on the hot seat this season?

Pat Yasinskas (1:49 PM)

Yeah, I think that would be very fair to say.

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/39830/nfl-with-pat-yasinskas

[theProf]

For those who missed Bradley's articles, referenced several time in the Chat, about the lack of Buzz for the Falcons:

"Your help needed: Why aren’t we buzzing about the Falcons?

9:55 am August 24, 2011, by Mark Bradley

They're excited. Why aren't we? (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)

As you know, I need all the help I can get, and today I’m asking for yours. See, I’ve having this problem. (Many problems, actually, but for today we’ll stick with one.)

It’s about the Atlanta Falcons. I think they’re going to be really good, Super-Bowl-or-thereabouts good. But then, when I listen closely, I hear no buzz about this team.

And I ask myself: Why isn’t there a buzz?

As ever, I have my own ideas, but today I’m soliciting yours. I’m hoping to write something longer later in the day — this will also be for Thursday print — about the buzz, or the lack thereof, and I’d like to incorporate (polite word for “steal”) your thoughts.

Possible factors, at least as I see it:

1.We’re more focused on college football starting.

2.We’re caught up in the Braves’ stirring season.

3.We still haven’t gotten past the Green Bay game.

4.We simply don’t trust the Falcons to win big when they’re supposed to win big.

Perhaps you’ve got another reason. Or perhaps I have, not for the first time, gotten it wrong. Maybe there’s not just a buzz but a full-throated roar about these Falcons that these aging ears haven’t detected.

Whatever the case, I’m asking you to let me know. I’ll try to cherry-pick comments and give you credit. (If you’d prefer to e-mail me and write something longer using your real name, as opposed to your screen moniker, I’m mbradley@ajc.com.) And I thank you in advance.

Update, 1:10 p.m.: Thanks for all the thoughts and submissions. You’ve given me way too much material, but I must note that my premise seems to have held — there is more skepticism about this team than you (or at least I) would expect.

I’m writing the longer post, the one with your sentiments included, now. But I’ll keep checking back here. And thanks again.

By Mark Bradley

http://blogs.ajc.com...ut-the-falcons/

I asked, ‘Why no buzz for the Falcons?’ Here’s what you said

4:19 pm August 24, 2011, by Mark Bradley

The rookie Julio Jones makes a buzz-worthy entrance. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)

I’ve been hearing rather less about the Falcons than I thought I might, and much of what I have heard has been negative. So I got to thinking: Where’s the buzz about these Birds? And then I thought, “Maybe it’s just you. Maybe there’s this huge buzz you haven’t heard because you’re off listening to your warped vinyl records.”

So I asked. In a blog post on AJC.com Wednesday morning, I invited readers to tell me if such a buzz existed, and if not why not. And the results were overwhelming — 400 online comments in 4 1/2 hours, dozens of emailed responses, plus Facebook postings and Twitter tweets — and instructive.

From Paul Lipsey via email: “Thought you’d made a wacky assumption this morning, but I see nothing in the first hour of comments to indicate that you’ve made a mistake. No screeching outrage from the Falcon flock? I’m flummoxed.”

So that made two of us. The obvious next question: Why aren’t you buzzed?

From Tom on AJC.com: “Because the thought of Michael Turner running for two yards a carry and the defense getting repeatedly smoked does not make one excited.”

From Matt from MN on AJC.com: “Because the thought of another year of Mike Mularkey in charge of Matt Ryan and the offense is just too much to bear.”

From Derrick on AJC.com: “The reason for the lack of buzz goes back to that embarrassing playoff loss. It sucked the air out of our fan base.”

From Fred-D on AJC.com: “It’s a combination of both the Green Bay game and not trusting them to win big when they should.”

From Micky Woolsey via email: “The fans just don’t trust the Falcons because of the past. I have to admit that, even though I think they are the best team in the NFC, I still have doubts.”

From HJones on AJC.com: “I am 65 years old and lived in the Atlanta area all of my life. I have seen all of the bad times and the supposedly good times. I don’t have faith in the current Falcons to play at the high level required to win the BIG games.”

From JSS on AJC.com: “They are the NFC’s version of the Chiefs. No one except for the diehards or those just like long-suffering Cubs fans put much trust in them. When they finally win a title, it will be more of a relief than a feeling of honest elation.”

We pause to note: The Falcons were 13-3 last season and were the NFC’s No. 1 seed. They got blitzed by Green Bay in the playoffs, but the Packers did win the Super Bowl. The Falcons have added Julio Jones via the draft and Ray Edwards via free agency. A good team would appear to have gotten better on both offense and defense. Does glory not await?

From nickpaste on Twitter: “The Packers, Eagles, Saints, Patriots, et cetera, temper our expectations. ”

From jamaaliver on AJC.com: “Philadelphia signed the bigger names in free agency. A lot of the pundits are picking New Orleans to win the division.”

From NorthGANole on AJC.com: “Buzz usually comes with added personnel … The only major acquisition that was made [outside of draft picks] is Ray Edwards and we haven’t seen him play yet.”

From Mark Teems on Facebook: “Falcons starters are great. The rest of the team keeps losing preseason games.”

From Big Ray on AJC.com: “True diehard Falcon fans are excited. But even we were burnt by the loss to Green Bay. We’ve got to win that first playoff game under the Dimitroff/Smith regime.

Many respondents pointed, with cause, to causation: The lockout diverted our attention, and the Braves captured it. And we tend to pay attention to college football around here. And it is still preseason.

From Ronald D. Willard via email: “The vast majority of reasonable fans understand that this team is in such good hands that there is little need for hand-wringing … It is simply too early to get excited or worried. You know that Dimitroff, Smith and the players will be well prepared and will give us the maximum effort at all times. Their efficiency has both spoiled us and given us a sense of security that long-time fans have never had the luxury of enjoying.”

From Jason Reittenbach via email: “My prediction: If we beat Chicago in Week 1 and then have Vick and prime-time TV coming in Week 2, the excitement will be through the roof once again.”

On those cheery notes, I’ll end. But not without saying thanks to everyone who responded. I’m in your debt.

By Mark Bradley"

http://blogs.ajc.com...rk_bradley_blog

I started a topic thread on this particular article a couple of days ago linked as follows:

[theProf]

Some more interesting information from a Pat Yasinskas article today as follows:

"The minimum-salary benefit is designed to give teams that sign veterans a salary-cap break. It can be used on any player with four or more accrued seasons, who signs for the minimum base salary, which varies depending on the number of years the player has in the league. As a general rule, the cap hit for those players is $525,000, even though the player might actually earn far more in base salary. The cap hit can also escalate a bit if there is a signing bonuses involved in the deal.

Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff used it twice and got some big savings because both of his veterans have a lot of years under their belts. Tight end Reggie Kelly and linebacker Mike Peterson each got $910,000 base salaries with $50,000 signing bonuses. Kelly and Peterson each are counting only $575,000 against the cap."

[Pacific_Falcon]

I dont see how it matters if Bakers on the 'hot seat'. We have nobody better to replace him, even if he's doing his usual human traffic cone routine. We're stuck with him until next offseason.

[theProf]

I dont see how it matters if Bakers on the 'hot seat'. We have nobody better to replace him, even if he's doing his usual human traffic cone routine. We're stuck with him until next offseason.

If a player is truly on the coach's hot seat and does not improve during the season, then in all liklihood a replacement will be found in the next offseason at the latest.

[slamee101]

If he's not he should be. This is a make or break season for him.

[Daddy's Home]

If a player is truly on the coach's hot seat and does not improve during the season, then in all liklihood a replacement will be found in the next offseason at the latest.

Well that's gonna be some slim pickin's. I mean next season we already have to anticipate replacing: A. Gonz, Abe, Peria Jerry, and Edwards. Now you wanna throw Baker into the mix? That's a lot to pull off with 2 draft picks.

[Radical]

Wouldn't be shocked if Svitek ends up replacing Baker mid-season if he keeps it up.

[HouseofEuphoria]

Well that's gonna be some slim pickin's. I mean next season we already have to anticipate replacing: A. Gonz, Abe, Peria Jerry, and Edwards. Now you wanna throw Baker into the mix? That's a lot to pull off with 2 draft picks.

:blink:

You really dont know much about this team at all, do you?

GTFO

[shockerfalcon]

I dont see how it matters if Bakers on the 'hot seat'. We have nobody better to replace him, even if he's doing his usual human traffic cone routine. We're stuck with him until next offseason.

I think Valdez has been solid when playing LT this preseason.

[FA91]

Looks like a lot of good Tackles in next year draft.

[KeepItCrispy]

Well that's gonna be some slim pickin's. I mean next season we already have to anticipate replacing: A. Gonz, Abe, Peria Jerry, and Edwards.

You think Edwards is going to play so extremely well this year that we will feel compelled to give him an extension 1 year into the new deal we just gave him?!?!

Wow. I never figured you for such an optimist.

[Radical]

:blink:

You really dont know much about this team at all, do you?

GTFO

He's an Eagles fan. Posts on their board and everything. He might be the old Daddy Warbucks guy that used to post on here. The guy that started "0-16 is staring us in the face" if I remember correctly.

[FalconPio]

But what really caught my attention was the whole Repeat thing. I think we have a really strong chance to repeat as NFC south champions

[KeepItCrispy]

I know some here disagree, but I think he's right about Dunta. If this was week 1 against CHI he would be playing.

[Pacific_Falcon]

:blink:

You really dont know much about this team at all, do you?

GTFO

You again.

[Falcon Fanatic]

Pat Yasinskas (1:03 PM)

"Well, all I know was that tweet came more than a week ago and said the "big move" was coming the next day. Nothing's happened. And, really, what's out there that could happen? I think Falcons have pretty much taken care of their needs."

Well we haven't taken care of our needs since we need a suitable replacement for Coleman or Williams at NB

[HouseofEuphoria]

[quote name='Falcon Fanatic' timestamp='1314404961' post='6296678'

Well we haven't taken care of our needs since we need a suitable replacement for Coleman or Williams at NB

Franks, Owens, Walls, Bush, Priest

If the cream dont rise, TD will bring someone in after pre-season.

Darren Sharper is still out there. Would be great for nickel and dime.

Edited August 27, 2011 by HouseofEuphoria

[kiwifalcon]

Well that's gonna be some slim pickin's. I mean next season we already have to anticipate replacing: A. Gonz, Abe, Peria Jerry, and Edwards. Now you wanna throw Baker into the mix? That's a lot to pull off with 2 draft picks.

See this is what I mean with you negative cake posts like this.

PJ and Ray Edwards will still be here bar injury so I don't no where you got that from pulling CR*P from the clouds again.

Abe and Gonzo well who know's but its no surprise if they retire depending on how we go they may go round again.

But I'm pretty sure the FO will have a plan regardless..

See as I mentioned in a previous thread why bother posting you mention words like the truth well with regards to that door swings both ways but unfortunately with 90% of the time in your opinion is negative so again wy bother posting.

Edited August 27, 2011 by kiwifalcon

[Daddy's Home]

See this is what I mean with you negative cake posts like this.

PJ and Ray Edwards will still be here bar injury so I don't no where you got that from pulling CR*P from the clouds again.

Abe and Gonzo well who know's but its no surprise if they retire depending on how we go they may go round again.

But I'm pretty sure the FO will have a plan regardless..

See as I mentioned in a previous thread why bother posting you mention words like the truth well with regards to that door swings both ways but unfortunately with 90% of the time in your opinion is negative so again wy bother posting.

You didn't like the post?

[falcon057]

You didn't like the post?

Well daddy, you need to get back to that Philly board and find out what you guys are going to do when Vick goes down. Behind that make shift line its not a matter of if but when. Can Young pick it up or does he walk off again. Can you say we can't stop the run. you may want to start practicing now for latter. Now you come back, Hear!

[PapaJoe]

Well that's gonna be some slim pickin's. I mean next season we already have to anticipate replacing: A. Gonz, Abe, Peria Jerry, and Edwards. Now you wanna throw Baker into the mix? That's a lot to pull off with 2 draft picks.

You're full o' cr*p with that post.... We won't need to replace Abe, Jerry, and especially :blink: not Edwards. Gonzo is TBD.

[Mid-Nite-Toker]

Vinnie (ATL)

Bradley had a great piece on AJC.com on wondering why there is no buzz about this years' Falcons in the ATL. I have lived here for 10 years and I can tell you ATL feels a lot like Cleveland, my old hometown. Atlanta is in "show me" mode expecting the worse after last year's playoff lose at home. The difference between Browns and Falcons fans though is the Browns fans always showed up.

Pat Yasinskas (1:11 PM)

I saw the Bradley piece. Atlanta is a unique market. Sort of like Tampa and Charlotte in that there are a lot of transplants from elsewhere. Plus, Falcons were mediocre for so long that I understand the "show me" mode even after three straight winning seasons.

Matt Riddle (Atlanta, Ga)

Pat, earlier this week you referenced an article that claimed that falcons fans haven't been making a lot of buzz in the preseason. Is that really a fair assessment? I mean, there was the lockout, the braves are doing well, and we left last season with a really low feeling loss against the Packers(I was there)...Are there really a lot of fans of any team that are making a lot of "buzz" right now? Getting Julio and Edwards is great, and I think they'll make us even better this year. But, even as a die-hard fan, I have to admit my trust in my team was shaken a bit last season.

Michael (SC)

When you were at Falcons training camp did they really seem more explosive?

Pat Yasinskas (1:34 PM)

It was hard to tell because they were just starting padded practices and some guys weren't allowed to practice until CBA was ratified. I was there the night it was ratified and those guys were limited when they got on the field. The one thing I definitely saw was a lot more downfield passing.

CC (Atlanta)

Why would our confidence be shaken? 13-3 last year. Sure GB got us in the playoffs. We beat that same in November. The Packers caught fire at the right time. Who cares about "buzz" anyway? All my buddies are fired about about the season but that doesn't mean we go around screaming about it with our windows down.

Pat Yasinskas (1:36 PM)

I think I like CC's answer best. No need to go around screaming you're great in the preseason.

Matt Riddle (Atlanta, Ga)

13-3 is great and was part of the reason that the the playoff blowout was such a hard blow. I can tell you that during the entire second half of that game the only fans cheering had cheese on their heads. The Packers were on fire but the birds still need to show they can win in the post-season. I do agree that preseason buzz is meaningless however.

Pat Yasinskas (1:42 PM)

Yep, I was in Georgia Dome that day and remember how the way the game played out silenced Atlanta fans.

Jeff (Rise Up)

Speaking of LT's, is Sam Baker on the hot seat this season?

Pat Yasinskas (1:49 PM)

Yeah, I think that would be very fair to say.

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/39830/nfl-with-pat-yasinskas

In bold, some interesting questions and responses that arise here from time to time. Pre-season is pre-season, but I understand the "show me mode" sentiment that may be present in ATL and other fans.

I definitely agree that Baker needs to justify the money he's getting and protect MR arse.

[theProf]

Three things: Falcons-Steelers

August, 27, 2011

12:30PM By Pat Yasinskas

Three things to watch for in Atlanta’s preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET:

1. The debut of Ray Edwards. He was Atlanta’s prized signing in free agency, but fans have yet to see the defensive end play. He had a minor operation on his knee in the preseason and the team has brought him along slowly. He’s supposed to get a fair amount of playing time. Edwards might not go into the third quarter like the rest of the starters, but the Falcons are anxious to get a look at their investment and they’ll be looking for signs he can help the pass rush.

2. Stephen Nicholas and Sean Weatherspoon at linebacker. These two have played before, but haven’t worked together as starters in the regular season. Weatherspoon took Nicholas’ starting job last year and showed promise as a rookie. But his first year was interrupted by injuries. Weatherspoon has the potential to be a play-making linebacker. Nicholas has good speed and athleticism and he’s back in the starting lineup in place of veteran Mike Peterson. The Falcons wanted more speed at linebacker and they’re hoping that translates into more big plays.

3. Matt Ryan and the offense. There have been a few big plays and bright moments in the first two preseason games. But there also have been some mistakes. The third preseason game is the one where starters get the most playing time and the Falcons want to show they have the kinks worked out on an offense that has a chance to be one of the league’s best.

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