Ray Edwards Still Has Knee Problems. We Need Two De.

[Guest Fibonacci]

http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/2/25/2823621/ray-edwards-injury-knee-surgery

When the Atlanta Falcons signed Ray Edwards away from the Minnesota Vikings for what seemed to be a bargain at the time, you couldn't help but wonder what lowered the cost. We came to find out shortly after that Edwards had had offseason knee surgery. But at least that's all cleared up after a somewhat disappointing 2011 and OH NO:

Aaron Wilson @

RavensInsider

Falcons coach Mike Smith said DE Ray Edwards had a procedure done on his knee recently.

25 Feb 12

• Reply
  
  
• Retweet
  
  
• Favorite
  
  

That's from the NFL Combine on Saturday morning, when Smith hosted a brief presser. The good news, this time around: it was very early in the offseason, instead of in the summer. We also don't know how major it was, and since nobody's heard about it until now, it probably wasn't all that severe. Right? Let's hope it was just a followup procedure of sorts and not a sign of long-term problems.

Edwards picked up only 3.5 sacks in his first year in Atlanta, and the pressure on him will only increase as John Abraham (likely) departs.

This is not good at all. Is it just me or does the falcons seem to have injury issues? Someone please tell me other teams come down with just the same or more issues?

Anyhow if he is still having issues I am not going to keep saying, "Well maybe he will get better and we got him for cheap". It also seems like we need two De's.

2012 NFL Free Agent Defensive Linemen

By: Roshan Bhagat

Mario Williams (HOU) - DE - Mario Williams just suffered any players' nightmareÑa season ending injury in a contract year. Fortunately for Williams, he has a proven track record and had the production prior to the injury with 4 sacks through 4.5 games. For a Texans defense that survived without him and a franchise tag that would cost them $23 million, there seems to be reason to believe the former #1 overall pick may end up elsewhere next season. Imagine that, a former number one overall with 2 All-Pros that isn't re-signed after his rookie contract. It's not a sure bet, but very possible.

Robert Mathis (IND) - DE - In a big offseason for the Colts, another quiet superstar is set to become a free agent. With the Colts probably slowly transitioning to a 34 defense, Robert Mathis's future in Indy is in jeopardy. Coupled with the $14 million salary of Dwight Freeney, in unrealistic to think the Colts could tie that much money to quarterback and defensive end, if Manning returns and the Colts draft Luck-even if a discount is factored in somewhere along the lines.

Calais Campbell (ARZ) - DE - Campbell is an important part of the defensive front for the Cardinals. He's a terrific athlete at 6'8, 300 pounds and a football player that seems to improve every season. His productivity can't easily be replaced, which is why the Cardinals won't let him test the market. At the very least, they'll use the franchise tag on Campbell who has said he won't fight it if it comes down to it.

Jason Jones (TEN) - DT - When healthy, Jason Jones is one of the league's better interior pass rushers. He has an explosive first step in getting upfield and disrupting a quarterback's ability to step up into a clean pocket. However, last year the Titans moved him out to defensive end, where he struggled to match his productivity from years past. If that's where they expect to play Jones, his value will certainly be greater outside of Tennessee.

Cliff Avril (DET) - DE - Avril has been a member of the Detroit D-Line revolution under Jim Schwartz and Ndamukong Suh. He's an explosive pass rusher off the perimeter on a team that seems to get to the quarterback at will, at times. For a defense predicated on the pass rush, Avril figures to be an important part of the long-term solution. Avril has expressed displeasure at the thought of the franchise tag.

Antonio Garay (SD) - NT - Just as quickly as they lost Jamal Williams, the Chargers thought they had replaced him at nose tackle with another Pro Bowl caliber player. However, after a stellar 2010 season, Garay took a slight step backward in 2011. If the Chargers need to enter a bidding war for his services, it's reported they'll bow out rather quickly.

John Abraham (ATL) - DE - The Falcons went out this past offseason to acquire Ray Edwards to improve the pass rush. Though Abraham is aging, he's still easily the Falcons top pass rusher. His production, even on a snap count, can't be easily replaced, but the team still won't pay him the $8 million a year they did in 2011.

Sione Pouha (NYJ) - NT - The Jets aren't in a position with great depth in their front 7 where they can afford to allow productive starters to leave. Securing Pouha should be one of the organization's first objectives before they decide how to improve their roster through external acquisitions.

The Rest:

Vonnie Holliday (ARZ) - DE

Kroy Biermann (ATL) - DE

Cory Redding (BAL) - DE

Israel Idonije (CHI) - DE

Victor Adeyanju (CIN) - DE

Frostee Rucker (CIN) - DE

Derrick Harvey (DEN) - DE

Jason Hunter (DEN) - DE

Tim Bulman (HOU) - DE

Jamaal Anderson (IND) - DE

Tyler Brayton (IND) - DE

Jeremy Mincey (JAC) - DE

Matt Roth (JAC) - DE

Wallace Gilberry (KC) - DE

Kendall Langford (MIA) - DE

Phillip Merling (MIA) - DE

Igor Olshansky (MIA) - DE

Mark Anderson (NE) - DE

Andre Carter (NE) - DE

Shaun Ellis (NE) - DE

Eric Moore (NE) - DE

Jeff Charleston (NO) - DE

Turk McBride (NO) - DE

Dave Tollefson (NYG) - DE

Jarvis Moss (OAK) - DE

Trevor Scott (OAK) - DE

Victor Abiamiri (PHI) - DE

Juqua Parker (PHI) - DE

Aaron Smith (PIT) - DE

Raheem Brock (SEA) - DE

Anthony Hargrove (SEA) - DE

Jovan Haye (TB) - DE

Dave Ball (TEN) - DE

William Hayes (TEN) - DE

Adam Carriker (WAS) - DE

Kedric Golston (WAS) - DE

So if we need two, then I do not think we will be going after a top tier DE. to me; I think, we would need two mid-range DE players.

But what do you all think of Sidbury? I think he did good last year for the little time he got. He also replaced Abraham so no one can say that Abraham took some of the heat to make it easier on Sidbury.

[Psychic Gibbon]

It wasn't a major surgery. It was a clean up procedure, similar to what Lofton had last season before his production improved.

[razrtalon]

This is not good at all. Is it just me or does the falcons seem to have injury issues? Someone please tell me other teams come down with just the same or more issues?

Anyhow if he is still having issues I am not going to keep saying, Well maybe he will get better and we got him for cheap. It also seems like we need two De's.

(So if we need two, then I do not think we will be going after a top tier DE. to me; I think, we would need two mid-range DE players.

But what do you all think of Sidbury? I think he did good last year for the little time he got. He also replaced Abraham so no one can say that Abraham took some of the heat to make it easier on Sidbury.

YES OTHER TEAMS COME DOWN WITH THE SAME OR MORE ISSUES! ITS FOOTBALL, NOT GOLF. I think sidburry is a very good DE who fits into Nolan's scheme well I believe we will see Sid quite a bit whether j. Abe is retained or not. I believe we go after one if the price is right or via draft, but don't count Biermann or Mathews out either.

Edited February 25, 2012 by razrtalon

[Guest Fibonacci]

here is what I am thinking. Clif avril age:25 started off slow in sacks and pressure, but he is always on the increase. 5, 5.5, 8.5, 11. his average in tackles is around the mid 20's. this is his forced fumbles. (is this right? this is coming from NFL.com) 6, 1, 3, 4. Cliff is possibly going to get franchised tagged, and I believe the tag is 10 million. if that is the case then you can count on him costing around that price if he hits FA.

Frostee Rucker age: 28. sacks were low in his start, but it was due to the team not putting him in. cinncy may have had it's reasons, but he didn't get his start until mid season. anyhow he finished of with 4 sacks and 30 tackles.

Jeremy Mincey age:28 he started mid season last year. this year he had 8 sacks, and last year he had 5. 40 tackles this year and last year he had 25. he went to New England and never played, the to 49ers and he ended up with the Jags. in what I read he his looking around Edwards contract. so we can get him at 6 million. but I honestly think he would more likely be 5 million.

any thoughts on wallace wallace gillberry? I know he was never a starter but he still put up numbers. sacks: 7, 2.5, 4. seems to be around 15 tackles. I know he does not have numbers but he is a rotational player. I just do not know how much of a player he is in and out. I'm just thinking about a back up for us just in case Edwards knee craps out on him.

Mark anderson as also a back up. he put up 11 sacks last year and only started once. he is 28.

that is how far I have made it down that long list. thoughts?

[Flashinator23]

I think Jeremy Mincey is very likely if he isn't resigned, Cliff Avril will also be an option as well as Robert Mathis. I don't see anyone else being a falcon other than those guys. JMO

[madman88]

Go get a vet DE, draft curry and you take care of de problem weathsr edwards come around or not

[kiwifalcon]

We are in a tough situation here do we stop gap and aim up next year in the draft or do we make a play for one of those top guys as Abe no longer looks lke an option here.If we are stop gaping I'd have a look at guys like Mincey or Carter.

If we are serious about locking up young talent for a long term its Avril Campbell or Mario its a tough bind the FO have left themselves with here because then for me if they go with the first option we stay situational at pass rush and I don't think Nolan wants that but if it works out that way as he has stated he wants as many 3 down guys as possible.

All I no is there is alot of pressure on Mike Nolan to come in here and resuascitate this defense I think he can improve the backend but upfront without an injection of talent I'm trying to stay positive but if we are going with Ray Babs Peters and Sidbury or a stop gap FA in our 43 base man I fear for the success of the defens this season.

Edited February 25, 2012 by kiwifalcon

[Trouble]

We are in a tough situation here do we stop gap and aim up next year in the draft or do we make a play for one of those top guys as Abe no longer looks lke an option here.If we are stop gaping I'd have a look at guys like Mincey or Carter.

All I no is there is alot of pressure on Mike Nolan to come in here and resuascitate this defense I think he can improve the backend but upfront without an injection of talent I'm trying to stay positive but if we are going with Ray Babs Peters and Sidbury or a stop gap FA in our 43 base man I fear for the success of the defens this season.

Im still holding out hope for Abe returning

Nolan if he can at least make people move around and not sit in such a predictable zone (just waiting to be picked apart), then we will improve. BVG had little to no creativity.

[kiwifalcon]

Im still holding out hope for Abe returning

Nolan if he can at least make people move around and not sit in such a predictable zone (just waiting to be picked apart), then we will improve. BVG had little to no creativity.

This is my point though the pressure is going to be put on him if the Falcons don't make a significant move or 2 to address that side of the ball I can see him doing alot to that secondary but upfront he needs an upgrade bigtime and especially if he wants use 34 looks.

[atljbo]

Its not that serious... Abe said he think the nagging knee held Ray Edwards back this year.... He also said the guy is a workout beast and thinks he can be a 10 sack guy (when healthy) ..But yea... He probably just got it fully cleaned out... Like Coach Smith said.. He should be good by TC or OTA's

I want to see how Mike Nolan use him... Hearing that the Dolphins really wanted him last year ... I want to see will he stand him up as a 3-4 OLB

[slamee101]

Another excuse for what's going to be more lackluster production. He just stinks!

[kiwifalcon]

Its not that serious... Abe said he think the nagging knee held Ray Edwards back this year.... He also said the guy is a workout beast and thinks he can be a 10 sack guy (when healthy) ..But yea... He probably just got it fully cleaned out... Like Coach Smith said.. He should be good by TC or OTA's

I want to see how Mike Nolan use him... Hearing that the Dolphins really wanted him last year ... I want to see will he stand him up as a 3-4 OLB

JBO but are you confident going in with Ray Babs Peters Sidbury and a FA or draft pick at RDE???

They need a much needed talent upgrade in my eyes especially in the middle and right side of the line Peters is serviceable and had a good season last year I think he's just solid though I'm worried at those 2 spots though.

Edited February 25, 2012 by kiwifalcon

[JRid]

It means one of two things Either his knee will be a constant problem and we are in trouble or the first surgery was not as successful as it should have been, which caused him to have a down year.

Hopefully he just got it cleaned up and is going to be fine. It could mean he is primed for a great season. There is no way for us to really know until next season so people can either think the worst or think it's a good thing. I'm going with thinking positively about it because what good does it do to go negative?

[HouseofEuphoria]

Even if Abe comes back...

Even if Edwards knee is fine...

I still think we need another good pass rushing DE in camp.

Kiwanuka, Tuck, JPP, Umenyiora(sp?). We've got some work to do to match that kind of pass rush.

[jdub051082]

Cliff Matthews and Sidbury. You're up.

[PokerSteve]

Im still holding out hope for Abe returning

Nolan if he can at least make people move around and not sit in such a predictable zone (just waiting to be picked apart), then we will improve. BVG had little to no creativity.

Since it appears we're going to hand Brent Dwarf the keys to the vault leaving the team with little to no money to sign any decent free agent DE's, then Nolan BETTER have a more effective plan than the pathetic soft zone, no pass rush scheme of last year or it's gonna be an ugly season.

[atljbo]

JBO but are you confident going in with Ray Babs Peters Sidbury and a FA or draft pick at RDE???

They need a much needed talent upgrade in my eyes especially in the middle and right side of the line Peters is serviceable and had a good season last year I think he's just solid though I'm worried at those 2 spots though.

I want to see what we do in FA first... If BVG ws here i would be worried because i know we would be very vanelle on D so our Front 4 must be overly beastly (I know what we would try to do) ... With Nlan i keep hearing different fronts... I know Nolan blitz and is aggressive... I'm not worried because its wayyy to soon to be worried because as fans we dont even know what direction we are headed into yet... We will learn more when FA start.

Its a couple of standup pass rushers i potentially like that would be their in the 2nd round and its a couple in FA

[HouseofEuphoria]

Since it appears we're going to hand Brent Dwarf the #1 CB FA the keys to the vault leaving the team with little to no money plenty of money to sign a decent top notch free agent DE, then Nolan BETTER have a more effective plan than the pathetic soft zone, no pass rush scheme of last year or it's gonna be an ugly season we should look pretty good under Nolans new schemes.

fixed.

[PokerSteve]

I love midgets and dwarves and I really suck at math!

fixed.

[HouseofEuphoria]

fixed.

lol

Well...i do suck at math, anyway.

[capologist]

Cliff Matthews and Sidbury. You're up.

Exactly!

[PokerSteve]

lol

Well...i do suck at math, anyway.

lmao. At any rate, I hope you're right and I'm wrong about having enough money left for a top-tier FA DE. And just for the record, I'm sure Nolan isn't going to put a defensive scheme out on the field that even faintly resembles BVG's.

[Mr. Right]

Ever stop and think that the reason he was so cheap wasn't because TD is a genius. It's because the market priced him that low.

[HouseofEuphoria]

Ever stop and think that the reason he was so cheap wasn't because TD is a genius. It's because the market priced him that low.

About as many times as i stopped to think that you might not be a Falcon fan, but just some rival fan here to start shi!.

[Psychic Gibbon]

Ever stop and think that the reason he was so cheap wasn't because TD is a genius. It's because the market priced him that low.

In one thread I see people complaining that Ray Edwards was overpaid and in this one he got a cheap contract. This fanbase confuses me to no end. In any case, Edwards did get surgery during the previous offseason so that is most likely why he got a mid tier contract. I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't the best surgery in the world, he struggled during the season, and then the team sent their doctor (as opposed to him finding his own in the previous offseason) to clean it up to make sure it was 100%.