Ask Jay: Fan Mailbag; Falcons Q & A

[theProf]

Ask Jay: Fan Mailbag

By: Jay Adams | February 3rd, 2012

AtlantaFalcons.com managing editor Jay Adams will be taking fan questions every Friday and giving you answers on the subjects you’re wondering about most this offseason. Today, Jay answers questions on the new coordinators on staff, the schemes they will offer and why the change in defensive scheme might breathe new life into Dunta Robinson.

Throughout the offseason, I will be fielding your questions about all things Falcons and trying to give you the best answers I can. If you would like to submit a question to be included in the Friday Mailbag, check out my profile on Formspring.me. If you asked a question this week and don’t see the answer below, fear not. They may appear in future mailbag posts.

Question: Can you explain the lack of splash with our offensive coordinator hire? Jackonsville’s offense was horrible last season. What should we expect?

Answer: There are a couple of things I will warn against when it comes to Dirk Koetter. First, a “splash” doesn’t always translate into success. Sometimes, a “big name” doesn’t fit the direction your organization wants to go and it’s about simply finding the right person. Head coach Mike Smith found that right guy in Koetter. Second, placing too much weight on Jacksonville’s 2011 season is viewing merely a slice of a very big picture, and it’s important to see the whole thing. Think of it this way. Let’s say you had 30 years of experience in whatever it is you do and people only judged one year of your career. That wouldn’t be a fair assessment of your talents, right? Same thing with Koetter, who spent his final season in Jacksonville grooming a rookie quarterback in Blaine Gabbert who he couldn’t speak to until training camp because of the lockout. Add into that an offensive roster and a wide receiving corps that is young and largely untested and you see the result. Fact is, Koetter was still responsible for the league’s leading rusher last year in Maurice Jones-Drew, and Koetter’s first year with the Jags — arguably their most stable in the past few years concerning coaching, ownership and the roster — was a great one with Jacksonville’s offense finishing in the top 10. During those four years Koetter was there, however, even with all the instability, he was able to put together the NFL’s 13th best offense through that span. His offense, in those four years, was also sixth in rushing (134.2), fifth in third-down conversions (43.0 percent) and fifth in average yards per rush (4.5). There’s the reason why Alabama, the top college football program in the country, was looking at Koetter for their offensive coordinator position at the same time the Falcons were. Along with a strong college background as a head coach at Arizona State, Koetter brings in imaginative mind focused on vertical passing to the Falcons’ staff. Sure, Koetter wasn’t the “splash” people were looking for, but it’s hard to not get excited about what he’s accomplished in his career and the weapons he now has at his disposal in Atlanta.

Q: Do you see the falcons changing their whole offensive scheme now that they have a new offensive coordinator that will be calling all of the plays?

A: You can probably expect a fair amount of change from Koetter. Of course, we need to get through free agency and the NFL Draft to really see how things are going to look from a personnel standpoint, but Koetter’s past provides a glimpse into what he might be planning on implementing in Atlanta. As a head coach at Arizona State, Koetter was responsible for leading the Sun Devils to 30 points per game during six seasons and an offense that was ranked in the top 20 in the nation in passing offense five of those six years. From that, we can assume that a premium will be placed on the passing game. This is a coach who knows how to get his team into the endzone with a solid group to work with, and the Falcons certainly have that. One of the biggest changes I think you can expect is the establishment of the screen passing game, which the Falcons struggled with in recent years. Koetter said the screen is an element of the offense he finds to be very important in fooling defenses, and with a talented, quick running back like Jacquizz Rodgers in the backfield, we could see what was once a weakness become a huge strength for the Falcons very quickly.

Q: What are the chances we retain Brent Grimes? Also, any chance we bail on Dunta Robinson?

A: Free agency is going to be an interesting period of the offseason as the Falcons have 17 free agents on the roster. Of course, Brent Grimes is one of the biggest names on that list. General manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith have made very solid decisions since they took over the franchise in 2008 and whatever they decide to do will always be in the best interest of the team. That’s my way of saying, “It’s too soon to know for sure.” As far as Dunta Robinson goes, I think fans will be pleasantly surprised with him in 2012. Robinson was signed two years ago into a defensive system he wasn’t exactly accustomed to running at the pro level. While in Houston, Robinson was a beast in press coverage, jamming receivers at the line and being aggressive. I think we still see that level of aggression when he’s on the field as he’s easily one of the most physical football players in the game today, but playing way off the line for the past two seasons took away from one of his main strengths — and one that he relies upon to be successful. That’s not to say Dunta hasn’t seen success in Atlanta. People tend to see the interception numbers sometimes and base everything off of that. Sure, Dunta hasn’t had hugely impressive INT numbers, but in 2011, he was targeted 74 times and gave up just three TDs. New defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said almost immediately during his conference call with the Atlanta media after he was hired that his philosophy is to form the defensive scheme to players’ strengths and not the other way around. With that said, we could see a real rebirth in Robinson’s career.

Q: What is the bigger issue: the D-line not getting pressure, or wideouts running through our secondary?

A: These are problems that go hand-in-hand. If you’re not getting pressure from the defensive line, you’re going to do one of two things — 1. You’re going to give an opposing quarterback too much time in the pocket to find an open receiver, or; 2. You’re going to have to get creative in finding pressure, which means bringing linebackers in on blitzes instead of dropping them back into coverage to help the secondary. The same is true for wideouts in the secondary. If the secondary is allowing wide receivers to get open right away and can’t maintain coverage, the defensive line isn’t going to have time to get to the quarterback before he gets rid of the ball. I don’t know that one problem is bigger than the other because they certainly play off of each other. One thing is for sure and that is that Nolan is aware of the issues and has set to work trying to fix them.

Q: How do we, the fans, get to have a chance to pick out music to be played at the Dome for the upcoming season?

A: Very easily. Tweet at Director of Event Marketing and Client Services Roddy White (yes, Roddy White, but not the receiver) and tell him your suggestion via Twitter.

Published 12 mins ago hours ago by Jay Adams.

http://twitter.com/falconsjadams

http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2012/02/ask-jay-fan-mailbag-2/

[vel]

If the secondary is allowing wide receivers to get open right away and can’t maintain coverage, the defensive line isn’t going to have time to get to the quarterback before he gets rid of the ball

This happened every game. And we wondered why we couldn't get sacks. Nobody plays their corners 10 yards off anymore and wins. Man up, get physical at the line, and play football. Not this patty cake crap we played for a few years and Gooddell is trying to turn the league into.

[FootballRealist]

Jay Adams works for Falcons right ? what does he do it says editor ? He qualified to answer these questions ? reason im asking is looks like detail information ..it looks like he is pushing the company kart with the Dunta Robinsion talk . Looks to me Dunta will be here for the 2012 season and the tone of the talk which is hard to read into is that Falcons brass will be pushing hard for this coaching change to get Dunta playing like the big $ Thomas Dimtroof paid for him

[vel]

Jay Adams works for Falcons right ? what does he do it says editor ? He qualified to answer these questions ? reason im asking is looks like detail information ..it looks like he is pushing the company kart with the Dunta Robinsion talk . Looks to me Dunta will be here for the 2012 season and the tone of the talk which is hard to read into is that Falcons brass will be pushing hard for this coaching change to get Dunta playing like the big $ Thomas Dimtroof paid for him

Will you go away? This clearly shows you are not a Falcons fan. I mean seriously, you are a sad excuse for a troll. You make the other trolls look worse. You don't have to try and make up some reasoning for how you aren't a troll and anybody with deferring POVs is always a troll around here. You haven't been around "here" to even know anything about "here".

Just leave

[FootballRealist]

Damm vel your reading comprehension is terrible..who said anything about here ? My quote was looks like Dunta Robinsion will be here (Falcons)

vel you suck bro ..nice try with troll montior ..did you give your teacher a apple to ..

[vel]

Damm vel your reading comprehension is terrible..who said anything about here ? My quote was looks like Dunta Robinsion will be here (Falcons)

vel you suck bro ..nice try with troll montior ..did you give your teacher a apple to ..

Ok let me make sure I read this right:

Jay Adams works for Falcons right ? what does he do it says editor ? He qualified to answer these questions ?

That means you have no clue who Jay Adams is. Right?

I think your reading comprehension needs sharpening. When I said "here" I was speaking on the boards. I know you were talking about the Falcons, using "here" to assume you are apart of the fanbase.

Maybe if you hadn't made such a piss poor impression on everybody in your first 200 posts, nobody would care, but you are, again, a sad excuse for a troll. Maybe you should wait for swift to show up and get some lessons from him. He has lasted for a mighty long time.

[Guest Gritz]

I appreciate the Q&A from Adams but he is an employee of the Falcons. He isn't going to exactly be critical of them. If you're looking for an investigative journalist-take then you're looking in the wrong direction...

Not a slam of Adams or the Q&A....I learned some things about Koetter that I didn't know.

What I really like to read about the Falcons is in each NFL preview issue of Lindy's. They usually have a section (on each team) where they quote observations from front office personnel, scouts, etc...from other teams talking about the Falcons.....

I really like and put a lot of weight on those comments.......

In the interest of full disclosure I must confess that I am the illustrator (freelance) for Lindy's.

[FootballRealist]

Ok let me make sure I read this right:

That means you have no clue who Jay Adams is. Right?

I think your reading comprehension needs sharpening. When I said "here" I was speaking on the boards. I know you were talking about the Falcons, using "here" to assume you are apart of the fanbase.

Yeah I didnt mention here the boards so no clue why you made that assumption that there here was these boards . You know what they say when you assume right . I have seen Jay Adams around the Falcons site and was sure he worked for Falcons didnt know what he did . It says editor that is why I put question mark ..

[FootballRealist]

I appreciate the Q&A from Adams but he is an employee of the Falcons. He isn't going to exactly be critical of them. If you're looking for an investigative journalist-take then you're looking in the wrong direction...

Agree. He did a pretty good job answering those questions in detail . I think he will push the company line which I already see is Dunta Robinsion getting coached up ..

[Guest Gritz]

Agree. He did a pretty good job answering those questions in detail . I think he will push the company line which I already see is Dunta Robinsion getting coached up ..

Scheme or personnel?

We're definitely going to get some hard and definitive answers this fall about this team.

[FootballRealist]

Scheme or personnel?

We're definitely going to get some hard and definitive answers this fall about this team.

I agree..Im no mind reader and i hate to read into context but it sounds like more and more we will be losing Grimes this off season and a change in scheme (Nolan) will make Robinson more of a impactful corner we paid for . Then I have to question the intentions are these type of comments plus hearing Grimes might have sat out playoff game are caluclated interviews and story plants to either drive down the price of Grimes or possibly brace the fans of Grimes and Falcons that a good chance coming we lose Grimes this off season

[Guest Gritz]

Then I have to question the intentions are these type of comments plus hearing Grimes might have sat out playoff game are caluclated interviews and story plants to either drive down the price of Grimes or possibly brace the fans of Grimes and Falcons that a good chance coming we lose Grimes this off season

Could be one of those reasons, both or neither....I'm probably being too naive, but I like to think that the powers that be at Flowery Branch wouldn't do that....but heck, with the exception of one exec there I don't personally know any of them or what they're capable of.

[theProf]

Jay Adams works for Falcons right ? what does he do it says editor ? He qualified to answer these questions ? reason im asking is looks like detail information ..it looks like he is pushing the company kart with the Dunta Robinsion talk . Looks to me Dunta will be here for the 2012 season and the tone of the talk which is hard to read into is that Falcons brass will be pushing hard for this coaching change to get Dunta playing like the big $ Thomas Dimtroof paid for him

Jay Adams - Atlanta Falcons

Basic Information

Flowery Branch, GA

Affiliation: Atlanta Falcons

Birthday: October 28, 1981

About: New media producer/managing editor of AtlantaFalcons.

Pesonal Information: New media producer/managing editor for AtlantaFalcons.com. St. John Fisher College and Syracuse University alumni. Internet pitbull.

Personal Interests: The Atlanta Falcons and the NFL in general.

Website: http://www.atlantafalcons.com

http://www.facebook....sJAdams?sk=info

[Dem Birds]

Jay Adams works for Falcons right ? what does he do it says editor ? He qualified to answer these questions ? reason im asking is looks like detail information ..it looks like he is pushing the company kart with the Dunta Robinsion talk . Looks to me Dunta will be here for the 2012 season and the tone of the talk which is hard to read into is that Falcons brass will be pushing hard for this coaching change to get Dunta playing like the big $ Thomas Dimtroof paid for him

Anyone who thinks Dunta Robinson isn't going to be here next season is an idiot. It would cost 6 million to cut him and no one is going to take his 7 million dollar salary via trade for the production he's put out the last 2 years.

[FootballRealist]

Anyone who thinks Dunta Robinson isn't going to be here next season is an idiot. It would cost 6 million to cut him and no one is going to take his 7 million dollar salary via trade for the production he's put out the last 2 years.

Yea the salary cap ramifications but a possible restructure . Also this will hinder the Grimes contract negotiation . Grimes is going to want Dunta type $ and why shouldnt he , he is better then Dunta Robinson

[JayAdams]

Hey all. Love seeing this feedback. Thanks much for chatting about my answers. Dunta's situation is certainly interesting, and I know many fans have been frustrated with him and his production. But I can really see him being put in a position to succeed under Nolan. That's not the company line or anything like that. Just my opinion. Of course, I'm hardly unbiased and do work for the organization, but I am never pressured to write anything that doesn't align with my own personal opinion. I really do believe he can find success if Nolan truly does scheme his defense to his players' strengths. It just makes sense to me. D-Rob was a beast in Houston when he was able to play press. He's a physical CB, as we've seen on occasion, and his strength is really getting his hands on receivers at the line. He wasn't able to do that under VanGorder. Just speculating here, but we could see him getting back to that style of play under Nolan.

[FootballRealist]

. It just makes sense to me. D-Rob was a beast in Houston when he was able to play press. He's a physical CB, as we've seen on occasion, and his strength is really getting his hands on receivers at the line. He wasn't able to do that under VanGorder. Just speculating here, but we could see him getting back to that style of play under Nolan.

Dunta really only had 1 great season in Houston his rookie season . He was overpaid greatly but you could be right a change of a more physcial scheme can help him be less exposed in cover 2 scheme . With that being said do you wonder Brent Grimes will be asking for the same kind of $ Dunta recieved and do you think Grimes is the better corner of the 2 . Dunta is more physcial and can play bump and run but as a cover corner and a corner that usually makes plays on the ball . You would say Brent Grimes is the better corner of the 2

[Free Radical]

Nobody plays their corners 10 yards off anymore and wins.

Colts, Bears, Patriots, just to name a few. There's a difference between man coverage and press man coverage, and not a whole lot of teams run a press man scheme.

[chitowndirtybird]

Damm vel your reading comprehension is terrible..who said anything about here ? My quote was looks like Dunta Robinsion will be here (Falcons)

vel you suck bro ..nice try with troll montior ..did you give your teacher a apple to ..

Yea, you do need to go away, and get off your high horse before you fall and hurt yourself. The real question is, who the **** are you?

Thats a rhetorical question, and if you coudn't infer it, I don't care what your answer might be.

Go away.

[phattywankenobi]

Hey all. Love seeing this feedback. Thanks much for chatting about my answers. Dunta's situation is certainly interesting, and I know many fans have been frustrated with him and his production. But I can really see him being put in a position to succeed under Nolan. That's not the company line or anything like that. Just my opinion. Of course, I'm hardly unbiased and do work for the organization, but I am never pressured to write anything that doesn't align with my own personal opinion. I really do believe he can find success if Nolan truly does scheme his defense to his players' strengths. It just makes sense to me. D-Rob was a beast in Houston when he was able to play press. He's a physical CB, as we've seen on occasion, and his strength is really getting his hands on receivers at the line. He wasn't able to do that under VanGorder. Just speculating here, but we could see him getting back to that style of play under Nolan.

I believe many share that belief. Contrary to revisionist historians, Dunta was regarded as the top free agent when the Falcons picked him up who was considered one of the few who consistently had success at man to man press coverage. If the Falcons can get out of the zone D then this will take away from the strenghts of Brees and Co.

[rounz]

OK, I'm just a fan not an expert, but what I saw in Dunta had nothing to do with what schemes we were running.

To me it looked like he was making basic mistakes like taking the wrong angle, mistiming hits, etc.

[theProf]

Hey all. Love seeing this feedback. Thanks much for chatting about my answers. Dunta's situation is certainly interesting, and I know many fans have been frustrated with him and his production. But I can really see him being put in a position to succeed under Nolan. That's not the company line or anything like that. Just my opinion. Of course, I'm hardly unbiased and do work for the organization, but I am never pressured to write anything that doesn't align with my own personal opinion. I really do believe he can find success if Nolan truly does scheme his defense to his players' strengths. It just makes sense to me. D-Rob was a beast in Houston when he was able to play press. He's a physical CB, as we've seen on occasion, and his strength is really getting his hands on receivers at the line. He wasn't able to do that under VanGorder. Just speculating here, but we could see him getting back to that style of play under Nolan.

Jay we certainly appreciate all that you do. This Q & A that you are doing in the offseason should be very informative and beneficial to us fans. I know that you are reflecting only your opinions in your columns, but that is certainly worth a lot, since you are a very knowledgeable member of the Falcons organization. I am truly hoping that Dunta improves under Nolan, because he certainly hasn't been worth his $57 million contract thus far.

[FalconFanSince1970]

I appreciate the comments. But this weekly Friday thing is gonna open up a whole lot of speculation and conspiracy theories that probably won't be true. Good thing for AFMB traffic. Bad thing for reality.

[The Don™]

I appreciate the comments. But this weekly Friday thing is gonna open up a whole lot of speculation and conspiracy theories that probably won't be true. Good thing for AFMB traffic. Bad thing for reality.

Sounds like you're worried about change

[FalconFanSince1970]

Sounds like you're worried about change

Sounds like you're worried about me. Thanks.

Don't worry. I'm not a worrier. Never have been.

I can quickly adapt to change.

On the field and off the field.

Especially with the Falcons. I've seen a lot of change. Pretty much every change.