Mike Smith – Head Coach

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Falcons defensive line features new-found depth, unique training methods
he Atlanta Falcons’ defensive line had a
solid season in 2009. The Birds ranked
10th in the league in rushing defense, which
can be attributed to solid play from the front
four. More often than not, however, the
opposing team’s quarterback was allowed to
stand tall in the pocket, as Atlanta had only 28
sacks last season, good for 26th in the NFL.
to form this upcoming season.
Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder has
been asked often about getting to the quarterback. “We’re better. I think we’re better. I think
that the process over the last three years has been
to build a bigger, faster defense,” VanGorder told
the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We certainly
have added to the depth of our defense. I like
where we are right now with respect to our personnel. We have to keep developing and decide
what they are going to do well and take advantage of all of their skills.”
Another star on the defensive line is
Jonathan Babineaux who hopes to continue
the success he had last season.
Babineaux had more sacks than any
other Falcons defensive lineman in the
2009 campaign. Surprisingly, he did
this at the defensive tackle position
despite the fact that defensive ends
are smaller, faster and more prone
to wrapping up the signal-caller.
According
to
ProFootballFocus.com, he was
the most effective defensive
tackle overall in the
NFL.
Though
Babineaux has a
lot going for him,
the Falcons will
have to play
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APPLYING PRESSURE …
Starting right defensive end John Abraham
looked like a man on a mission in 2008 with
16.5 sacks. But his production dropped off the
map last year, dipping to 5.5 sacks. The coaching staff is hoping that Abraham can get back
and strong as possible. According to
FoxSports.com’s Alex Marvez, Atlanta will
become the first team in the NFL to have a
team-sponsored MMA program for the players
when an organization called MMAthletics
begins training the team.
Renowned mixed martial arts trainer and
NFL insider Jay Glazer has worked with middle linebacker Curtis Lofton. “There is a lot of
carryover to what we do on the field,” Lofton
told Marvez. “We do some Muay Thai (for
core-muscle and hip development), wrestling,
working on our hands and getting guys off
you. We work on body leverage, too, which is
important. Whoever is the lowest man controls
the other man.”
Falcons General Manager Thomas
Dimitroff gave his opinion to Fox Sports.com.
“We’re always looking for new and progressive ideas as far as training and offering our
team supplements to the athletic performance
model we have in place here,” he said. “This
was something we were comfortable with as
far as conditioning but even more importantly
the idea of having MMA helps the players with
their leverage, hand quickness, and things that
could help them within the trenches taking on
blocks and battling inside.”
In the last eight seasons, the NFC South
has been won by a different team each year and
the Falcons hope to continue that trend this season. In 2009, the New Orleans Saints won the
division on their way to lifting the Lombardi
Trophy in Super Bowl XLIV. The previous season, the Carolina Panthers rushing attack
seemed unstoppable in their quest for a 12-4
record and the division title. The Falcons have
spent $75 million dollars this offseason to
improve their defense and, if the big bodies on
the line can reach the quarterback and the additions of shutdown corner Dunta Robinson and
outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon can
improve the 28th-ranked pass defense, the
“Dirty Birds” will be on their way to the playoffs. Football in January is anyone’s to seize
and Atlanta has built a solid front four that will
come in handy during those tough and physical
late-season games that decide championships.
Photo of Jonathan Babineaux is courtesy of Jimmy Cribb/Atlanta Falcons. Anello
can be reached at 404-256-1572.
their first few games without him. According
to Dawson Devitt of AJC.com, Babineaux
was charged with possessing more than an
ounce of marijuana, but not with intent to distribute. He was driving without a license at
the time of the arrest and was also charged
with having too much window tinting.
Babineaux’s charges are felonies and he must
leave his fate in the Georgia Judicial System
and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s
hands. Goodell is a strict disciplinarian and
has come down hard on players like
Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam
“Pacman” Jones and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
GOT DEPTH? …
The Falcons have added bodies at the
defensive tackle position in the last couple of
seasons. Thomas Johnson will keep his spot at
left defensive tackle while Trey Lewis, Peria
Jerry and Corey Peters may all see time in
Babineaux’s absence. Jerry is a second-year
player out of Ole Miss that missed the 2009
season due to injury. The first-round pick is
expected to do big things for the Falcons. He is
rehabbing on the sidelines and hopes to be
back for training camp at the end of July.
Atlanta drafted Peters in the third round out of
the University of Kentucky. One of his goals in
the offseason is to get physically stronger than
he was in his college days.
In addition to getting strong, head coach
Mike Smith likes players to improve their
F.B.I. or football intelligence. The more a player has, the faster they learn. “We’ve already
put in more plays than I’ve had in four years of
college,” Peters said. “It is something that has
grown exponentially since I’ve been here.”
“For a coach, that’s the fun part of the
game, the developmental part. I still consider myself a developmental coach. I enjoy
that part of it,” VanGorder told the AJC.
“It’s enjoyable to take a guy and help his
game, help them speed up this process that
they are all in.”
OUTSIDE THE BOX …
To help gain any advantage possible
in the trenches, the Falcons are trying
new things to help players become as fit
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Lofton a solid starter in the middle, but position battles rage elsewhere
he Atlanta Falcons completed back-toback winning seasons for the first time
ever by going 9-7 last year, but their 2009
campaign was nonetheless a disappointment.
Once a moribund franchise, Atlanta set
a new standard for itself by going 11-5 in
Mike Smith’s first turn as head coach. In
other years, 9-7 would have represented a
success. These Falcons, however, have playoff aspirations and if they expect a return to
the postseason in 2010, the defense will
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have to raise its level.
Atlanta finished 21st in the NFL in total
defense last season, surrendering 348.9 yards
per game. On the ground, the Falcons allowed
a respectable 106.9 yards per contest, good for
10th in the league. The passing defense, however, wallowed at No. 28 in the NFL by giving
up 241.9 yards per outing.
The linebacking corps plays a critical
role in both departments. Let’s take a look at
what Atlanta will be working with in the middle of the defense when the season arrives at
the end of the summer.
tions, and no passes defensed. By comparison,
NFC South rivals Jonathan Vilma and Jon
Beason (also MLBs in the middle of a 4-3
defense) made a far bigger impact all over the
field. Vilma came up with two sacks and three
interceptions to go along with his 110 tackles;
Beason had three sacks and three picks in addition to his 111 tackles. “I gotta make plays,”
Lofton told the team’s website last week.
“That’s one of my weak points from last year. I
made a lot of tackles but I didn’t make any
plays. I’m very happy where I’m at, but I’m not
satisfied and always looking to improve.
MIDDLE LINEBACKER …
LEFT OUTSIDE LINEBACKER …
Atlanta let Keith Brooking walk to Dallas
after the 2008 season. Brooking, a staple at
middle linebacker, had been the face of
the franchise both before and after
Michael Vick. However, there was a
reason why team higher-ups
knew that Brooking was
expendable. And the reason
was not old age.
The reason, of course,
was Curtis Lofton. A
second-year linebacker
out of Oklahoma,
Lofton stepped into a
starting role last year
and immediately produced big results. He made
10 solo tackles in a season-opening
win over Miami, had 19 total tackles
in a Week 3 loss at New England,
and finished with a team-high 133
tackles, 103 of them solo.
Quite simply, Lofton has been a
tackling machine for the Falcons
since the day he was drafted in
April of 2008. A problem, however, is that Lofton has been little
else. If he wants to become a
bona fide star and one of the
more feared middle linebackers
in the league, Lofton must start to
show some versatility.
Despite his lofty 2009 tackle numbers, Lofton had no sacks, no intercep-
Atlanta
made
Missouri’s
Sean
Weatherspoon the 19th overall pick in the
2009 draft. Although mock drafts had the
Falcons going with various players depending
on availability, general manager Thomas
Dimitroff said afterward that Weatherspoon
was the one guy they targeted all along. And
why not? Weatherspoon made 111 total tackles
(14.5 for loss) for the Tigers last season while
tallying 4.5 sacks and an interception.
The Falcons are anticipating more of the
same, perhaps right away. “‘Spoon’ has been
looking good,” Lofton told the AJC after last
month’s organized team activities. “He’s a smart guy. As a rookie coming in, I really
feel like he's starting to get a grasp on things.”
Weatherspoon has been enduring somewhat of a back-to-school period, as he is learning both outside linebacker positions. Lofton
in the middle is the only real certainty in the
corps, so Weatherspoon must be ready to step
in on both the right and the left side.
“It was just up to me to adjust and be able
to play both sides,” the heralded rookie told the
AJC during May workouts. “It’s been good so
far because the veterans have done a good job
of talking to me. Without those guys out there
talking to me, it would be a little bit different.”
“We’re trying to teach him a lot of different
positions because he’s a bright player,” defensive
coordinator Brian Van Gorder said in a recent
Q&A with the AJC. “He’s taking in a lot of information right now. We are hoping that all of that
training will pay off for him when we come back
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in training camp. But he’s doing a good job.”
The first step, of course, is simply to sign
Weatherspoon, who is still seeking a contract
as of press time. Few players drafted in
Weatherspoon’s mid-first round range, however, have already inked deals, so it is not yet
serious cause for concern.
RIGHT OUTSIDE LINEBACKER …
At 33-years-old last season, Mike
Peterson started all 16 games in his first stint
with the Falcons. The 12-year veteran not
only stayed healthy, but he also recorded 109
tackles (82 solo), a sack, an interception, two
forced fumbles, and seven passes defensed.
Those impressive numbers, though, will
not guarantee a starting spot for Peterson in
2010; not at 34-years-old, and not with
Stephen Nicholas continuing to improve. In
his third NFL season, Nicholas started 13
games and contributed 80 tackles (65 solo),
three sacks and one forced fumble.
Peterson and Nicholas are expected to
see action on the outside of the defense, perhaps at the same time depending on
Weatherspoon’s growth and productivity.
Regardless of Peterson’s on-field contributions, his veteran leadership will be invaluable to an otherwise youthful corps.
The former Jacksonville Jaguar already
seems to be getting on well with
Weatherspoon, whom he nicknamed “Baby
Lion” during OTAs.
“That came from Daddy Lion, the guy
with the dark visor and the mane,”
Weatherspoon told the AJC, speaking of
Peterson. “I guess he’s Mufasa and I'm
Simba,” Weatherspoon added, channeling his
inner “Lion King” fan.
While there is time for fun and games
now, the regular season is barely more than
two months away. Last year was a long one
for the defense and for the Falcons as a whole.
If this linebacking corps lives up to its potential, however, 2010 could produce a result that
this franchise now comes to expect.
Photo of Curtis Lofton is courtesy of
Jimmy Cribb/Atlanta Falcons. Dimon can be
reached at [email protected].
M
MEET THE COACHES
Mike Smith – Head Coach
Brian VanGorder – Defensive Coordinator
Smith returns for his third season with the Falcons. After leading the biggest turnaround in Falcons franchise history in 2008, Smith made it clear that his determination is to look towards the future instead of focusing on the past. With 10 seasons of
NFL coaching experience under his belt, it is safe to say that the Chicago
native combines both a firm structure and a team-oriented environment that
will lead the Falcons to success in 2010.
With a mindset to redefine the Falcons’ defense, VanGorder shifted gears in 2008
from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator. Remolding his players into a determined, passionate and aggressive unit created an atmosphere that allowed the
Falcons’ defense to finish 11th in the NFL in points allowed. This Michigan
native is not unfamiliar in Georgia. VanGorder was defensive coordinator at
Georgia from 2001-2004 and head coach at Georgia Southern in 2006.
Ray Hamilton – Defensive Line
Mike Mularkey - Offensive Coordinator
An innovative offensive coordinator is only one way to describe Mularkey after his
explosive debut for the Falcons in 2008. Playing a key role in that memorable
turnaround season, Mularkey used his 15 years of coaching experience to
combine both veteran and rookie players in creating a flourishing offense
that has grown together over the past two seasons. His expertise allows his
players to sharpen their skills and make plays on the field.
Hamilton came to Atlanta along with head coach Mike Smith in 2008 from the
Jaguars. After spending five years working closely with Smith on the defensive
line, he knows exactly what Smith seeks from those players. In 2008, under
Hamilton’s guidance, defensive end John Abraham set a career-high in
sacks with 16.5. Hamilton played for Oklahoma in college and brings
25 years of coaching experience to the table.
Bill Musgrave – Assistant Head Coach/QBs
Glenn Pires - Linebackers
Helping Matt Ryan emerge as one of the most effective rookie quarterbacks ever in
2008 was one way for Musgrave to establish his name as a solid quarterbacks
coach. Musgrave, a member of both the Colorado and University of Oregon
sports halls of fame, is entering his seventh year in Atlanta. A six-year starting NFL quarterback, it comes as no surprise that Musgrave combines both
knowledge and experience in helping his players to succeed.
Beginning his third season in charge of linebackers, Pires will continue to work
closely with Brian VanGorder on the defensive side of the ball. After getting Curtis
Lofton acclimated to the NFL and the Falcons, it was Pires’ continued leadership
that paved the way for Lofton to post 108 tackles and receive rookie honors
from both Pro Football Weekly and Sporting News. This year, Pires is
tasked with bringing along first-round pick Sean Weatherspoon.
Paul Boudreau – Offensive Line
Alvin Reynolds – Defensive Backs
Establishing a new franchise low in his debut season for the Falcons in
2008, Coach Boudreau saw his line allow only 17 sacks all season. With
24 years of NFL coaching experience, this seasoned veteran knows
how to successfully mold an offensive line. As he begins his third
season with the Falcons, Boudreau’s line is expected to continue to
pave the way to victory.
During the 2008 season, his first as Falcons defensive backs coach, Reynolds saw
his players record 76 passes defensed and 10 interceptions. He also helped veteran
cornerback Chris Houston achieve a career-high of 16 passes defensed. The former
Indiana State Sycamore has coached with Mike Smith for seven seasons.
Reynolds boasts 17 years of NFL coaching experience with stints in
Denver, Baltimore, Carolina and Jacksonville.
Gerald Brown - Running Backs
Tim Lewis - Secondary Coach
Brown’s guidance has proved to be exactly what Falcons running backs needed.
Helping Michael Turner reach exceptional levels during a breakout season in 2008
exemplified what was to come for the Falcons’ offense. This Tennessee-bred mentor takes pride in the accomplishments the running backs have achieved for
the Falcons in the past two seasons. Both Brown and his players will continue to develop as they begin their third season together this fall.
Debuting this season for the Falcons, Lewis will use his 15 years of coaching the
defensive secondary to help improve the Falcons’ unit. Lewis comes over from
Seattle, where he was an assistant for one year under former Falcons head coach
Jim Mora, Jr. During his NFL coaching career, Lewis has been an assistant
for Pittsburgh, the New York Giants and Carolina. The former Pitt Panther
was defensive coordinator for the Steelers for four seasons.
Terry Robiskie – Wide Receivers
Mark Collins - Defensive Assistant
In 2008, his first year in Atlanta, the 28-year coaching veteran and his corps of
wideouts helped the Falcons’ offense set a team record for net yards gained with
5779. With his help, Roddy White has become one of the most dangerous
receivers in the NFL and also set a team record in 2008 for receiving
yards with 1,382. Young receivers Michael Jenkins and Harry Douglas
have also blossomed under Robiskie.
After working under Brian VanGorder at Georgia Southern, Collins embarks
on his first season with the Falcons rejoining VanGorder as a defensive assistant. Already familiar with VanGorder’s coaching style, Collins will use his
11 years of coaching experience to help create an even stingier Atlanta
defense. Like VanGorder, Collins is a Michigan native and coached
at the University of Georgia for a brief period.
Keith Armstrong – Special Teams Coordinator
Chris Scelfo – Tight Ends
One of the most successful head coaches in Tulane history, Scelfo will be returning to Atlanta for his third season. Under his guidance, the Falcons had a successful season in the passing game as well as the ground attack. His tight
ends blocked for the league’s second-ranked running game with 2,443
yards (fifth in franchise history) and the second-ranked rusher
(Michael Turner, 1699 yards) in 2008.
No stranger to the NFL or even the Falcons, Armstrong’s strong resume caught
the eye of Smith who hired him as special teams coordinator in 2007. In 2008,
his units established an NFL record when the Falcons held opponents to 43 punt
return yards all year. After earning his start in the NFL in 1994 with the
Falcons, Armstrong returns for his third season under Smith. Armstrong’s
2009 unit finished 10th in the league in overall special teams play,
according to Rick Gosselin’s rankings.
Paul Dunn - Assistant Offensive Line
Eric Sutulovich – Assistant Special Teams
With 22 years of offensive line coaching experience, Dunn contributed heavily to how successful the line has been since 2008. Beginning his second season
with the Falcons and the NFL, Dunn will continue to use his extensive
experience to aid Paul Boudreau as the two continue to shape the line
into one of the league’s best.
A five-year NFL coaching veteran, Sutulovich comes to the Falcons as assistant special teams coach. He will work closely with special teams coordinator Keith
Armstrong. Sutulovich’s previous five years included one season with the Detroit
Lions as offensive coordinator and four seasons with the Houston Texans as
assistant special teams coach. During his stint in Houston, the Texans
ranked first in punts downed inside the 20-yard line.
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