White opens up on Falcons’ offense, his future

[theProf]

White opens up on Falcons’ offense, his future

By Jeff Schultz - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

As the football world prepares to obsess over 40 times, three-cone drills and shuttle runs, none of which guarantee whether somebody can play in the NFL, the Falcons continue to ponder the future of Roddy White.

“No, I haven’t spoken to anybody,” the veteran wide receiver said when asked if he had been given any indication from the Falcons as to whether he’s a part of their future. “I haven’t been given clarity about anything.”

The NFL is a business and the Falcons, like any team, have major decisions to make. So I’m not going to suggest they’re being unusually cold or secretive or certainly unprofessional in this area. Coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff have said positive things about White, while stopping short of declaring what their plans are.

One could discern from Dimitroff recently bringing up the admitted screw-up of pushing former center Todd McClure into retirement that it was his way of saying, “We won’t make the same mistake with Roddy White.” But there’s no way of knowing because he and Quinn merely may recognize that White has been a popular player and this is a sensitive situation. So publicly they’re going to be as positive about White as possible, no matter the ending.

I know this much: Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan blew it last season. He forced elements of his scheme on the team before fully realizing what he had on the roster. The Falcons signed wide receiver Leonard Hankerson largely because of his history with Shanahan in Washington. That decision was a miserable failure as Hankerson dropped passes and couldn’t stay healthy, consistent with his career.

White obviously has slowed with age and wear, but there was no reason for him to be reduced to decoy, blocker and third-down specialist. He went from 125 targets and 80 catches with seven touchdowns in 2014 to 70 targets and 43 catches with one touchdown in 2015.

He reiterated in our conversation that he wants to remain a Falcon and considers Atlanta home, adding, “It would be a tragedy if I had to leave.”

Regardless of how this ends, employment won’t be a problem. Dirk Koetter, the Falcons’ former offensive coordinator and now Tampa Bay’s head coach, would take him in a heartbeat as a target (and mentor) for Jameis Winston. So would a number of contenders looking for a physical and dependable receiver. (Think Tom Brady wouldn’t want White in New England?) So White isn’t going to retire, as McClure did after the 2012 season when the Falcons believed second-round pick Peter Konz was ready to take over as starting center. (Oops.)

Interesting perspective from White on McClure, as it relates to perceptions of Ryan’s regression: “We should’ve had Todd McClure for two more years. I believe if we had him, we could’ve gone to a Super Bowl. He literally fixed everything. Todd always made sure somebody was on a body, which alleviated pressure on Matt. He was the ultimate at that, making calls, reading blitzes and letting Matt do his thing. When Todd left, Matt couldn’t be as good at the other stuff.”

White said he and Shanahan “didn’t have any problems” on a personal level. But, “Maybe what he expected from me and I expected for myself — the bridge just broke down. What I expected for me was what I always did. He had another plan for me, but you expect that when there’s a new regime.”

The Falcons’ defense finished 16th in yards allowed and 14th in scoring, remarkable given the lack of a pass rush and a general lack of playmakers. The ultimate reason for the team’s undoing after a 6-1 start was the offense.

Ryan and the receivers made progress in the season’s final few weeks: six touchdowns, 60 points and an average of 372 yards in the last three games (2-1); two touchdowns, 29 points and an average of 292 yards in the previous three (0-3). But the production still fell short of what White and most believe the Falcons’ offense is capable of.

“Do I wish I could be a more significant part of the offense? Absolutely,” White said. “But that’s not what they wanted me to do and you have to enjoy and embrace the role you have.”

White said he recently ran a 5K race “to get ready for anything that happens.” His immediate plans are to vacation in Belize next week and he expects to hear from the Falcons soon, perhaps around the time of NFL free agency (which begins March 9). He also will have his annual youth football camp in Charleston, S.C., in June before heading to training camp … somewhere.

“I’d bet every dollar I had that I’m going to be a Falcon,” White said.

Sometimes he says things for effect.

“Yeah,” he acknowledged, laughing. “But that’s how much I want to stay here.”

Still waiting for the other side to weigh in.

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/football/white-opens-up-on-falcons-offense-his-future/nqWkS/?icmp=AJC_internallink_022316_roddy_white

 

[Gold4425]

I wonder what would have happened if DQ would have brought A. Gase in with him for OC instead of Shanny? Interesting about McClure who wanted to continue playing. Kind of like Hawley. Hopefully Shanny saw all those OC's being mentioned for HC and he not get one interview. Hopefully he will change some of the ways that some think are negative. I could be wrong but being a fan I have no choice but to want him to succeed but it seems like Shanny turned what was a very good offense upside down. 

 

[falconcrest58]

Roddy needs to take a pay cut or be cut

[Sobeit]

I did not like how they handled Hawley, and I do not like how they are handling White. No matter how you feel about White and money he has been a great Falcon and a team guy and deserves to be treated better than this.So did Mcclure. While I think this staff could be good I have some very serious concerns about them as well. Also the fact that he felt the need to say there was nothing personal between them and Shanahan is a good indicator there probably was some issues.

Edited February 24, 2016 by Sobeit

[Draftnut57]

 Shanny should have kept the plays that Ryan and White had down pat.. WE won many games with those plays, Yes , we do need to draft a top WR in this draft. But Roddie could help this team win

 more games if they choose too. The biggest reason for his fall of is Shanny not being smart by slowing implanting his new scheme. He tried to change everything all at once, and to honest with you. That is Why we didn't make the playoffs this year. So now you know how I feel about it. Shannie's running game is great. But I'm not sure his passing game will be as good as the one we had, So far, it's been a huge down grade IMO.

[AtlantaFanatic]

Do we want to make sure that Roddy likes us or would we rather be a better team?

If we keep players around at high salaries because they have been good for us in the past but suck now, we can't improve as a team. 

If the issue is too much dead money on the contract if you cut him, then you keep him and put the blame on the man who re-upped his contract.

[HASHBROWN3]

Another slight poke of Shanahan.  This dude better get his chit together this year and utilize what he's got in his receiving corps.  

I bit my tongue last year.  But when opposing teams are waiting on things, it ain't good.  I judge men not by the mistakes they make, but how they respond.  

I have faith that Shanahan and our offensive players will take a step.  Afterall, they had a brand new scheme and it was a difficult transition.  

[theProf]

1 hour ago, Gold4425 said:

I wonder what would have happened if DQ would have brought A. Gase in with him for OC instead of Shanny? Interesting about McClure who wanted to continue playing. Kind of like Hawley. Hopefully Shanny saw all those OC's being mentioned for HC and he not get one interview. Hopefully he will change some of the ways that some think are negative. I could be wrong but being a fan I have no choice but to want him to succeed but it seems like Shanny turned what was a very good offense upside down. 

 

It appears that the Falcons coaches don't quite appreciate how important the Center position is to the overall proper functioning of the Offensive Line. Getting a good competent Center should be priority #1 for the Falcons this offseason.

[Intellectually Honest]

The reality is fans want Roddy because he has been on the team for so long and WAS good. It is just confirmation bias. I hope Roddy the best, but I'd rather go with a young WR with some upside than an old one just sticking around because the fans can't give up nostalgia.

[Ezekiel 25:17]

2 hours ago, falconcrest58 said:

Roddy needs to take a pay cut or be cut

Roddy should not take a pay cut and learn the offense so he can be the #2 WR.

[Intellectually Honest]

6 minutes ago, Ezekiel 25:17 said:

Roddy should not take a pay cut and learn the offense so he can be the #2 WR.

He isn't going to be #2, even if he did learn. He is too old and the Falcons have other options.

[Dirtybird56]

Peace 

[Ezekiel 25:17]

9 minutes ago, Intellectually Honest said:

He isn't going to be #2, even if he did learn. He is too old and the Falcons have other options.

What are the other options "the Falcons have"?

[Intellectually Honest]

4 minutes ago, Ezekiel 25:17 said:

What are the other options "the Falcons have"?

Justin Hardy for 1. Not to mention the RB, TE and FB that is part of the QB progression tree before the QB looks at the #2 WR in this offense. I am not sure if you know this, but Roddy is #5 on the pecking order to whom Ryan throws to.

Falcons can always get a cheaper and younger WR in the lower rounds of the draft or in free agency. Roddy is pretty expendable at this point.

Edited February 24, 2016 by Intellectually Honest

[Ezekiel 25:17]

1 minute ago, Intellectually Honest said:

Justin Hardy for 1. Not to mention the RB, TE and FB that is part of the QB progression tree before the QB looks at the #2 WR in this offense. I am not sure if you know this, but Roddy is #5 on the pecking order to whom Ryan throws to.

So.... What your saying is.... Cut Roddy and go with what else we have??

And you maybe right, with Roddy being 5th in progression order this last year, since it seemed Julio was one, Hankerson #2, Opposing LB out by himself #3, then LB dropping back under TE in coverage #4.

[Intellectually Honest]

6 minutes ago, Ezekiel 25:17 said:

So.... What your saying is.... Cut Roddy and go with what else we have??

And you maybe right, with Roddy being 5th in progression order this last year, since it seemed Julio was one, Hankerson #2, Opposing LB out by himself #3, then LB dropping back under TE in coverage #4.

Did you not read about the draft or FA for looking for a new WR as being another option also? The problems of this offense isn't even WR but offensive line. Matt Ryan needs time to go through his progressions and the interior line needs to protect him better and open holes for the RB. Falcons can easily find someone comparable to Roddy's level now for less cash and younger.

You don't think that 30+ catches and 500+ yards will be hard to replace do you?

[Ezekiel 25:17]

9 minutes ago, Intellectually Honest said:

Did you not read about the draft or FA for looking for a new WR as being another option also? The problems of this offense isn't even WR but offensive line. Matt Ryan needs time to go through his progressions and the interior line needs to protect him better and open holes for the RB. Falcons can easily find someone comparable to Roddy's level now for less cash and younger.

You don't think that 30+ catches and 500+ yards will be hard to replace do you?

I thought I asked...  "Cut Roddy and go with what else we have??", which is what you stated. "Justin Hardy for 1. Not to mention the RB, TE and FB that is part of the QB progression tree before the QB looks at the #2 WR in this offense. I am not sure if you know this, but Roddy is #5 on the pecking order to whom Ryan throws to."

So no, I didn't read anything about FAs because you didn't say anything about them. 

Let me change the Tenor of this back and fourth by stating my full position on mr. White. No, I am not one of the people on this board that doesn't think he is replaceable, he is. I am also not one of the folks on this board that doesn't realized this May not be the best time to let him go as we have a lot of holes to fill as you additionally stated(offensive line). 

With that said... I STILL think it would be a better idea to draft a WR than free agency IF we were going to replace him. That actually gives us to option to keep or release him this year as well. 

Another point is that in todays NFL you play a heavy amount of three Receiver formations so it's a good idea to have four or more dependable guys on your roster as well for such a situation.

[theProf]

3 hours ago, theProf said:

It appears that the Falcons coaches don't quite appreciate how important the Center position is to the overall proper functioning of the Offensive Line. Getting a good competent Center should be priority #1 for the Falcons this offseason.

Thought the following paragraph from the article particularly apropos:

"Interesting perspective from White on McClure, as it relates to perceptions of Ryan’s regression: “We should’ve had Todd McClure for two more years. I believe if we had him, we could’ve gone to a Super Bowl. He literally fixed everything. Todd always made sure somebody was on a body, which alleviated pressure on Matt. He was the ultimate at that, making calls, reading blitzes and letting Matt do his thing. When Todd left, Matt couldn’t be as good at the other stuff.”

[AtlantaFanatic]

3 hours ago, Intellectually Honest said:

Did you not read about the draft or FA for looking for a new WR as being another option also? The problems of this offense isn't even WR but offensive line. Matt Ryan needs time to go through his progressions and the interior line needs to protect him better and open holes for the RB. Falcons can easily find someone comparable to Roddy's level now for less cash and younger.

You don't think that 30+ catches and 500+ yards will be hard to replace do you?

 

You're right on two levels. First of all. If we improve the O-line, I could line up outside and we'd do better on offense than we did last year. WR is not public enemy #1.

Secondly, Paying a guy 6 million dollars to have 35 catches and 550 yards is just bad money management. Didn't see it coming last year so they get a pass but to let that continue this offseason is just a mismanagement of money.

There are probably 10 FA/Draftable WR's that could equal that production and you'd have to pay them so much less.

[KRUNKuno]

6 hours ago, AtlantaFanatic said:

Do we want to make sure that Roddy likes us or would we rather be a better team?

If we keep players around at high salaries because they have been good for us in the past but suck now, we can't improve as a team. 

If the issue is too much dead money on the contract if you cut him, then you keep him and put the blame on the man who re-upped his contract.

How is Roddy's salary high?  What do you think free agent receivers are going to get this offseason?  

Roddys's salary is considerably low compared to the contracts that are about to be handed out.  So if you feel like spending 8-11 mil on a free agent wideout with all the other issues we have, you sir are nuts.

[BeRom]

Tempted to say Roddy stays because of what he has meant to the Falcons over the years... pay him what his current contract states since it was signed when Roddy was at an age when his performance could be expected to decline. But, I really believe Roddy has some good football left in him if used correctly. There were many times this past season that many of us saw he was open and  ignored. Obviously, he has declined in speed, but the man can run routes and catch the ball. If he were to play the slot   (i know we have other slot receivers but none have his receiving experience) he could easily earn his pay, IMO, provided Shanahan doesn't write him out because of what I believe are personal reasons.

References have been made to him going to another team(Bucs) and mentoring Jamis and their young receivers. What about retaining those skills for the Falcons? Keep Roddy because of what he is still able to contribute rather than for sentimental reasons.

Edited February 24, 2016 by BeRom

[AtlantaFanatic]

10 minutes ago, KRUNKuno said:

How is Roddy's salary high?  What do you think free agent receivers are going to get this offseason?  

Roddys's salary is considerably low compared to the contracts that are about to be handed out.  So if you feel like spending 8-11 mil on a free agent wideout with all the other issues we have, you sir are nuts.

Let me give you an example to make my point stick.

Roddy White 2015 salary - $5,587,000 (set to make $6,137,500 in 2016). Roddy White 2015 Production - 43/506/1

 

Rueben Randle 2015 Salary - $813,899. Rueben Randle  2015 Production - 57/797/8.

 

You're going to have to quote me where I implied that we should spend 7-11 million on a #2 WR because I have never wanted that to happen. What I'm saying is that for 6 million dollars you could have a guy that produces WAY more than Roddy White, or for WAY less money, you could have a guy that produces the same as Roddy White. Hope that clears things up so you understand that I'm far from nuts,

 

 

Edit: Yes I know Randle wouldn't be ok getting paid 800k on his new team but he won't command 6 million either.

[hjerry]

I can't say that I care for this article. It isn't what it claims to be. It's a couple comments by Roddy, filled with tons of speculation and inferences by the author.

[KRUNKuno]

Just now, AtlantaFanatic said:

Let me give you an example to make my point stick.

Roddy White 2015 salary - $5,587,000 (set to make $6,137,500 in 2016). Roddy White 2015 Production - 43/506/1

 

Rueben Randle 2015 Salary - $813,899. Rueben Randle  2015 Production - 57/797/8.

 

You're going to have to quote me where I implied that we should spend 7-11 million on a #2 WR because I have never wanted that to happen. What I'm saying is that for 6 million dollars you could have a guy that produces WAY more than Roddy White, or for WAY less money, you could have a guy that produces the same as Roddy White. Hope that clears things up so you understand that I'm far from nuts,

What you're missing is that it makes no sense to pay anybody to be a number 2 receiver in this system because the numbers you posted are indicative of the targets that number 2 receivers get under Shanahan.

There will be no receiver worth it that will get less than 7 mil this free agency.

So if you cut Roddy...hello dead money, upset QB, divided locker room, irate fan base.  Another McClure situation.

We have 5 picks in the draft and youre saying lets spend one on a receiver who wont see targets to begin with.

It's not logical any way you slice it.  

[AtlantaFanatic]

7 minutes ago, BeRom said:

Tempted to say Roddy stays because of what he has meant to the Falcons over the years... pay him what his current contract states since it was signed when Roddy was at an age when his performance could be expected to decline. But, I really believe Roddy has some good football left in him if used correctly. There were many times this past season that many of us saw he was open and  ignored. Obviously, he has declined in speed, but the man can run routes and catch the ball. If he were to play the slot   (i know we have other slot receivers but none have his receiving experience) he could easily earn his pay, IMO, provided Shanahan doesn't write him out because of what I believe are personal reasons.

References have been made to him going to another team(Bucs) and mentoring Jamis and their young receivers. What about retaining those skills for the Falcons? Keep Roddy because of what he is still able to contribute rather than for sentimental reasons.

I'm really starting to dislike this "leadership" reason for wanting to keep overpaying for his production. If you want him for leadership, cut him, then pay him 6 million as an assistant to Raheem Morris so it doesn't go against the Falcons salary cap.

Don't get me wrong, I love Roddy and what he has done for this franchise but if you look at last years production, add on another year of "old age." it's reasonable to assume he won't have 1200 yards and 6 TD's this season. That's what I'd need out of Roddy to be able to justify his 6 million dollar salary in 2016. 

Do you think the Pats would keep him around? No, they are smart with money and when production dips below paygrade, they get gone in a hurry. The message board complains about paying Tyson Jackson for his level of production but then turn around and say they want Roddy to stay. (not saying that about you BeRom, just in general)