g-dawg Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 James Sanders - WIKIJAMES SANDERS - Falcons SafetyJames Sanders (born November 11, 1983 in Porterville, California) is an American football safety for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Fresno State.College careerAfter high school, Sanders attended Fresno State University, where he played for head coach Pat Hill, a former assistant under Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, then coach of the Cleveland Browns. As a freshman in 2002, Sanders was a first-team freshman All-American selection by the Football Writers Association of America and an All-WAC honorable mention. He started every game at strong safety for the second straight year in his 2003 sophomore season, earning first-team All-WAC honors. In his junior season in 2004, Sanders again earned All-WAC honors in what would prove to be his final season at Fresno cks on special teams.Professional career-New England Patriots Sanders was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft (133rd overall). He was subsequently signed by the Patriots in July 2005. He played in 10 games as a rookie in 2005, starting twice. In a Week 14 game against the Buffalo Bills, Sanders returned an interception late in the game 39 yards for a touchdown. Sanders started five of the 16 games he played in during the 2006 season, filling in for an injured Rodney Harrison.During the 2007 season, fellow safety Eugene Wilson lost his starting spot to Sanders, who went on to start 15 games in the regular season and Super Bowl XLII. He started 14 games in 2008, missing two games in December due to an injury. In March 2009, Sanders agreed to terms with the Patriots on a three-year contract. It was reported that Sanders turned down more money elsewhere to return to the Patriots.[1]During an August 2, 2009 press conference, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick spoke of Sanders:"James is an excellent leader. He plays with a good level of confidence. He's a very good physical player. He's a tough kid. Football's important to him. He's a very committed player, spends a lot of time in the classroom, studying, learning, watching tape, making sure he knows his assignments. I think he's a leader for any young player, forget young player, for any player to emulate and follow. I think he's very professional and you would like to have 53 players like James on your team in terms of his work ethic, his toughness [and] being a teammate." Sanders started the first game of the 2009 season before losing his job to Brandon McGowan in Week 2. He suffered a shoulder injury in Week 4 and missed the team's Week 5 game. He regained his starting job in Week 14, and started the final four games of the season as well as the Patriots' playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He finished the season with 48 tackles.In 2010, Sanders opened the regular season as a starter in the Patriots' base defense following the demotion of Brandon Meriweather, and started two of the first three games. After Meriweather returned as a starter in Week 4, Sanders was the team's third safety until he filled in for an injured Patrick Chung in Weeks 8 and 9. In Week 10, Sanders did not start but was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after intercepting a Ben Roethlisberger pass and returning it 32 yards for a touchdown in a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the next game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sanders made a game-saving interception at the Patriots' 6-yard line with seconds remaining when he picked off quarterback Peyton Manning's throw as the Colts offense (already in field goal range) was poised to score and either tie the game or take the lead with a touchdown.Sanders finished the 2010 season with 58 tackles, three interceptions, and one forced fumble in 15 games played (nine starts). He was released by New England on August 29, 2011.Atlanta FalconsOn August 30, 2011, Sanders signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon Man™ Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 TD workin' his magic again! Always brings a smile to my face! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slamee101 Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 I know he's a safety but is he capable of playing Nickel as well? Just curious... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-dawg Posted August 31, 2011 Author Share Posted August 31, 2011 TD workin' his magic again! Always brings a smile to my face! agreed.....love it!I think DeCoud should remain starter but DeCoud should and will have to perform to keep his starting position. James Sanders is more than capable to take over and be a starter for Falcons once he becomes acclimated to the new system should DeCoud falter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slamee101 Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 agreed.....love it!I think DeCoud should remain starter but DeCoud should and will have to perform to keep his starting position. James Sanders is more than capable to take over and be a starter for Falcons once he becomes acclimated to the new system should DeCoud falter.I agree. I hope this is the push that DeCoud needs to get back to what he looked like 2 seasons ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-dawg Posted August 31, 2011 Author Share Posted August 31, 2011 I love the fact that he has that much experience, desire, physicality, leadership and ability - all at only 27yrs old - he is in his PRIME! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freebird310 Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 got to love this part, when is the last time DeCoud did something like that ? ...In Week 10, Sanders did not start but was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after intercepting a Ben Roethlisberger pass and returning it 32 yards for a touchdown in a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the next game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sanders made a game-saving interception at the Patriots' 6-yard line with seconds remaining when he picked off quarterback Peyton Manning's throw as the Colts offense (already in field goal range) was poised to score and either tie the game or take the lead with a touchdown. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon Man™ Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 I love the fact that he has that much experience, desire, physicality, leadership and ability - all at only 27yrs old - he is in his PRIME!I love the optimism, but let's also remember there is a reason he was let go from NE and I don't believe he was a "cap casualty." That said, I think he is going to be a good fit here and will challenge for a starting job sooner than later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-dawg Posted August 31, 2011 Author Share Posted August 31, 2011 got to love this part, when is the last time DeCoud did something like that ? ...In Week 10, Sanders did not start but was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after intercepting a Ben Roethlisberger pass and returning it 32 yards for a touchdown in a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the next game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sanders made a game-saving interception at the Patriots' 6-yard line with seconds remaining when he picked off quarterback Peyton Manning's throw as the Colts offense (already in field goal range) was poised to score and either tie the game or take the lead with a touchdown.DeCoud is sweatin' it right now. Step up or get out of the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slamee101 Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 I love the optimism, but let's also remember there is a reason he was let go from NE and I don't believe he was a "cap casualty." That said, I think he is going to be a good fit here and will challenge for a starting job sooner than later.Keep in mind that Belicheck has never really valued DBs that much. He'd rather let them go than pay them. Whether they're Pro Bowlers, aging veterans, etc. (Lawyer Milloy, Ty Law, Asante Samuel, etc.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freebird310 Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 DeCoud is sweatin' it right now. Step up or get out of the way.He just don't bring much to the table anymore does he ? ...I am gratified to see that this staff recognizes mediocrity when they see it, and take action to address the situation ...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHOCTHEFALCONFAN™ Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 I think DeCoud should remain starter but DeCoud should and will have to perform to keep his starting position. Agreed. I'm tired of seeing Decoud take bad angles on plays and get burned for a long TD, He has to step up, or there is a nice spot on the bench waiting for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slamee101 Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 He just don't bring much to the table anymore does he ? ...I am gratified to see that this staff recognizes mediocrity when they see it, and take action to address the situation ......This is what I love about this regime though. You can tell when they're not happy with a guy and his play but they never come out and just throw a guy under the bus. There might be subtle signs and comments but that's it. Over the past 3 seasons I can think of several examples. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-dawg Posted August 31, 2011 Author Share Posted August 31, 2011 I love the optimism, but let's also remember there is a reason he was let go from NE and I don't believe he was a "cap casualty." That said, I think he is going to be a good fit here and will challenge for a starting job sooner than later.you have to look at the depth chart. Patriots drafted Brandon Meriweather in 1st round 3-4yrs ago and Patrick Chung has been in league 2 years and he was a 2nd round draft pick. Patriots were and are loaded at the safety position. I'm sure they must have one other safety that they like as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raysnill1 Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 Keep in mind that Belicheck has never really valued DBs that much. He'd rather let them go than pay them. Whether they're Pro Bowlers, aging veterans, etc. (Lawyer Milloy, Ty Law, Asante Samuel, etc.)I know right? the only DBs that BB probably wouldn't cut is Nnamdi & Ed Reed (who BB has a serious man crush on lol) dude has a DB revolving door Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconinPA Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 I agree. I hope this is the push that DeCoud needs to get back to what he looked like 2 seasons ago.The push might be the one that pushes DeCoud on the pine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slamee101 Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 The push might be the one that pushes DeCoud on the pine.Hey, may the best man win.The more I think about it the more and more I like this move. Low risk/high reward if you ask me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sipifalcon Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 (edited) He just don't bring much to the table anymore does he ? ...I am gratified to see that this staff recognizes mediocrity when they see it, and take action to address the situation ......NO he sures dont hes good against the run but im very shaky that the guy is suppose to be the last level of safety on our d... Not to confident... he is bound to give up a big play on any given play... He's decent though just not consistent enough... Edited August 31, 2011 by Sipifalcon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-dawg Posted August 31, 2011 Author Share Posted August 31, 2011 NO he sures dont hes good against the run but im very shaky that the guy is suppose to be the last level of safety on our d... Not to confident... he is bound to give up a big play on any given play... He's decent though just not consistent enough...falcons MUST tighten up the back-end on pass defense. Our corners (Grimes/Dunta) are good enough. We need better safety play and better nickel play. We have addressed the safety and the pass rush(Edwards).Now its time to go out and get a legit nickel corner with experience to give us all the pieces we need to increase the chances of success. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freebird310 Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 falcons MUST tighten up the back-end on pass defense. Our corners (Grimes/Dunta) are good enough. We need better safety play and better nickel play. We have addressed the safety and the pass rush(Edwards).Now its time to go out and get a legit nickel corner with experience to give us all the pieces we need to increase the chances of success.God bless you my enlightened friend .....that is all we need now for the Lombardi run ....those here calling to stand pat with Crisp Owens and Franks are voices of madness calling out in the dark .....TD will get one, bank it .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-dawg Posted August 31, 2011 Author Share Posted August 31, 2011 God bless you my enlightened friend .....that is all we need now for the Lombardi run ....those here calling to stand pat with Crisp Owens and Franks are voices of madness calling out in the dark .....TD will get one, bank it ....agreed freebird....more competition is better. So far, not only have Owens/Franks not "claimed" the nickel job - they have basically not stepped up at all.In the abscence or claiming a job - more competition must be infused. This must come from a FA pick-up since the current roster players are not showing up as of yet.Falcons have $120+ million invested in 2011 season - what is a couple of more million dollars to give yourself the best chance of success.To those about to hit the "send button" saying we are capped out, there is always a way to free-up a few more million dollars - Chauncey Davis comes to mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freebird310 Posted August 31, 2011 Share Posted August 31, 2011 agreed freebird....more competition is better. So far, not only have Owens/Franks not "claimed" the nickel job - they have basically not stepped up at all.In the abscence or claiming a job - more competition must be infused. This must come from a FA pick-up since the current roster players are not showing up as of yet.The beauty of it is we are being pro active. We are not just sitting around waiting for complete disaster to strike before acting .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g-dawg Posted August 31, 2011 Author Share Posted August 31, 2011 The beauty of it is we are being pro active. We are not just sitting around waiting for complete disaster to strike before acting ....yes we are being pro-active which is good. I love that Thomas Dimitroff is AGGRESSIVE in most cases.Hopefully we get that nickel corner soon though because it will take a few weeks to get acclimated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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