Part 2

A
L O O K
I N S I D E
T H E
OFFENSE
QB
QB: Matt Ryan (No. 2, 6-foot-4, 213 pounds) – In just his first year in the league, the third overall pick passed for 3,440 yards to go along with 16 touchdowns while completing 61.1
percent of his throws. In addition to being named Rookie of the Year, Ryan led the Falcons to the playoffs.
Backups: Chris Redman (No. 8, 6-3, 229) – A career backup, the 31-year-old Redman has spent time in Baltimore, New England, Tennessee and now Atlanta. Redman did not appear
in a game in 2008. … D.J. Shockley (No. 3, 6-0, 218) – The former Georgia Bulldog has spent three years in the league, but has yet to take a regular season snap. … John Parker Wilson
(No. 4, 6-2, 218) – The former Alabama signal caller signed with the Falcons after going undrafted in 2009.
RB
RB: Michael Turner (No. 33, 5-10, 256) – Turner joined the Falcons in 2008 after spending his first four years in San Diego. He finished second in the league in rushing with 1,699 yards
and also tallied a club record 17 rushing touchdowns on 376 carries.
Backups: Jerious Norwood (No. 32, 5-11, 209) – Four years out of Mississippi State, Norwood is electric with the ball in his hands and has rushed for 1,735 yards in his NFL career. Last year,
the 25-year-old rushed the ball 95 times for 489 yards. … Jason Snelling (No. 44, 5-11, 223) – The three-year vet out of Virginia appeared in seven games in 2007 before making 17 appearances in 2008 with 28 carries to show for it. … Thomas Brown (No. 27, 5-8, 203) – Brown, a local favorite out of the University of Georgia, was selected with the 172nd pick of the 2008 draft.
FB
FB: Ovie Mughelli (No. 34, 6-1, 252) – In 2007, Mughelli signed the largest contract given to a fullback in NFL history, getting a six-year deal worth $18 million. Mughelli rushed five
times last year for 16 yards and caught eight passes for 57 yards. Considered one of the top blockers in the league, Mughelli paved the way for Turner in his most productive season yet.
He is a big, strong lead blocker who is as quick as he is physical.
Backups: Verron Haynes (No. 36, 5-9, 233) – In his seventh season out of the University of Georgia, Haynes spent his first six years in Pittsburgh with the Steelers. Over his career,
Haynes has accumulated 738 rushing yards and has found the endzone on three occasions.
WR
WR: Michael Jenkins (No. 12, 6-4, 217) – The 29th pick by the Falcons in 2004, Jenkins had a slow start to his career before taking the next step in 2008. For the season, the physical
wideout reeled in 50 passes for a total of 777 yards to go along with three touchdowns. For the third time in his career, Jenkins appeared in every game.
Backups: Brian Finneran (No. 86, 6-5, 210) – Has accumulated 208 receptions for 2,816 yards and 16 touchdowns in his NFL career. … Chandler Williams (No. 18, 5-11, 176) – Williams signed
with the Falcons as a free agent after being waived by the Dolphins in 2008. … Aaron Kelly (No. 15, 6-5, 203) – The former Walton High School standout signed with the Falcons in 2009 as an
undrafted free agent. … Darren Mougey (No. 16, 6-6, 217) – A rookie out of San Diego State, Mougey provides a big, physical target.
TE
TE: Tony Gonzalez (No. 88, 6-5, 243) – The future Hall of Famer and 10-time Pro Bowler currently holds NFL tight end records for single-season receptions (102), career touchdowns
(76), career receptions (916), and reception yards (10,940). Gonzalez spent each of his 12 years with Kansas City.
Backups: Justin Peelle (No. 87, 6-4, 251) – Peelle spent his first season in Atlanta last year after playing the previous seven in San Diego and Miami. He appeared in all 17 games. …
Ben Hartsock (No. 89, 6-4, 270) – The 28-year-old out of Ohio State saw limited time in his first season with the Falcons due to injury and has appeared in 56 career games. … Jason Rader
(No. 85, 6-4, 263) – He appeared in six games for the Falcons last year, his first in the league. … Keith Zinger (No. 82, 6-4, 258) – He was the 232nd pick in the 2008 draft.
RT
RT: Tyson Clabo (No. 77, 6-6, 331) – The four-year veteran out of Wake Forest appeared in all 17 games last year. He is a versatile, physical lineman who plays at a high level. He has
spent three years with the Falcons after originally signing with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2004. Clabo was eventually cut by the Broncos but went on to
earn All-NFL Europa League honors in 2005.
Backups: Garrett Reynolds (No. 75, 6-7, 317) – Reynolds, a rookie out of North Carolina, plays with toughness and reliability. He was a three-year starter for the Tar Heels. … Michael
Butterworth (No. 70, 6-7, 304) – The Slippery Rock alum signed with the Falcons as an undrafted rookie and earned ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America honors his last two years in school.
RG
RG: Harvey Dahl (No. 73, 6-5, 305) – Harvey is in his third year out of Nevada-Reno after originally signing with Dallas as an undrafted free agent. He has also spent time in San
Francisco and in Atlanta last year, where he appeared in all 17 games.
Backups: Jose Valdez (No. 65, 6-6, 324) – Valdez, a rookie out of Arkansas, specializes in run blocking, as he helped lead the way for college backs such as Darren McFadden, Felix
Jones and Michael Smith over his career. A tackle in college, Valdez's size and strength are his greatest attributes. Transitioning to guard shouldn't be too much of a problem for him. He
plays with a nasty attitude, gets into blocks quickly, works hard to finish blocks and never stops moving his feet.
C
C: Todd McClure (No. 62, 6-1, 296) – The 11-year veteran hasn’t missed a start since 2001 and was the anchor of a dominant rushing attack last year. He has good size, athleticism
and quickness, and plays the game with great awareness.
Backups: Brett Romberg (No. 66, 6-2, 293) – The 29-year-old Romberg is in his seventh year out of the University of Miami. He appeared in 14 games last year for St. Louis. On the field,
Romberg lacks size but shows great quickness. … Ben Wilkerson (No. 67, 6-4, 313) – The fifth-year player out of LSU appeared in 13 games for the Falcons in 2008 after spending 2005 and
2006 with the Bengals. Wilkerson can line up at either center or guard.
LG
LG: Justin Blalock (No. 63, 6-4, 329) – Blalock started 14 games last year. The 25-year-old Texas product is a mammoth run blocker with decent athleticism, but good initial quickness
off the ball. Blalock is a big part of Atlanta’s future at the position and will only get better in time, as he adds more consistency to his game.
Backups: Ryan Stanchek (No. 68, 6-3, 300) – A 23-year-old rookie out of West Virginia, Stanchek was a four-year starter in college and earned first-team All-Big East honors in 2006 and
2008. He is another tackle transitioning to guard in the NFL. He has a knack for run blocking, as he created holes for college superstars Pat White, Steve Slaton and Noel Devine. Quick hands
and pure strength are Stanchek's greatest qualities. He is hard for defenders to get free of once engaged in a block and will be a reliable backup for the Falcons offensive line this year.
LT
LT: Sam Baker (No. 72, 6-5, 307) – In his first year out of USC, the 21st overall selection appeared in eight games for the Falcons last year after being sidelined with an injury. Another
cornerstone on the offensive line, Baker became USC’s third three-time All-America first-team selection after starting 49 of 52 games during his time there.
Backups: Will Svitek (No. 74, 6-6, 309) – In his fourth year out of Stanford, Svitek has spent all of his career as a backup after being drafted out of college in 2005 as a defensive
tackle. He has spent his entire career in Kansas City and is a solid run blocker. … Quinn Ojinnaka (No. 76, 6-5, 299) – A 2006 fifth-round Falcons draft pick, Quinn appeared in 11 games
in 2007, making seven starts.
WR
WR: Roddy White (No. 84, 6-0, 212) – The fifth-year player out of UAB has had back-to-back tremendous years after an inconsistent start to his career. In 2008, White caught 88 passes for 1,382 yards (fourth in the league) and seven touchdowns. In a short amount of time, White has established himself as one of the league’s top pass catchers.
Backups: Harry Douglas (No. 83, 6-0, 182) – Douglas was stellar in 2008, his first year in the league, as the Louisville product appeared in every game, while grabbing 23 balls for
320 yards. … Eric Weems (No. 14, 5-9, 194) – Weems appeared in six games last year and caught just one pass. … Troy Bergeron (No. 11, 6-2, 195) – Bergeron spent the last few
years with the Georgia Force. … Brandon Godfrey (No. 17, 6-3, 201) – Godfrey was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Utah.
K
K: Jason Elam (No. 1, 5-11, 195) – The 16-year veteran is one of the game’s all-time great kickers, and added yet another great year to his resume last season by connecting on 29 of
31 field goal attempts, missing just one from 30-39 yards and another from beyond 50.
Backups: Michael Koenen (No. 9, 5-11, 198) – Two years ago the team experimented with Koenen handling both kicking and punting responsibilities. Now, Koenen handles kickoff
duties and is available on extra-long field goal attempts. He has attempted 13 field goals in his career and connected on four of the attempts, with longs of 51 and 58 yards. Koenen has
not attempted a field goal since the 2007 season.
KR
KR: Jerious Norwood (No. 32, 5-11, 209) – Norwood is the team’s fastest player in terms of top speed and has good acceleration and vision as well. He is a one-cut-and-go type of
returner and is a threat to go the distance at any time. Last year he returned 51 kickoffs for a total of 1,311 yards (25.7) with a long of 92. Norwood has yet to return a kick for a score
in his three years.
Backups: Thomas Brown (No. 27, 5-8, 203) – Brown ranks fifth in Georgia history with 529 rushing attempts and 2,646 yards. He totaled 3,767 all-purpose yards, which ranks fourth
in Georgia history, and averaged 22.7 yards per kickoff return.
E
FA L C O N S
L I N E U P
DEFENSE
L D E : Jamaal Anderson (No. 98, 6-6, 289) – Now in his third year in the league, Anderson got off to a slow start in year one before turning it up last season. Relatively new to the defensive end position, Anderson managed 27 tackles in 2008, with 24 coming solo, and two sacks.
B a c k u p s : Chauncey Davis (No. 92, 6-2, 262) – The four-year veteran out of Florida State showed great productivity in his playing time last year, collecting 38 tackles, 29 solo, to go
along with four sacks. … Willie Evans (No. 96, 6-1, 269) – A year out of Mississippi State, Evans did not play a year ago. He is decent against the run and plays with solid leverage. …
Maurice Lucas (No. 64, 6-4, 267) – The rookie out of Colorado started all 13 games for the Buffs last year and notched 43 tackles from his left defensive end position.
DE
N T : Peria Jerry (No. 94, 6-2, 294) – Jerry was the Falcons’ first-round pick in the 2009 draft, selected No. 24 overall. Last year at Ole Miss, Jerry led a dominant rush defense that ranked fourth nationally. Individually, Jerry led the Southeastern Conference and ranked second nationally among defensive tackles with 18 stops behind the line of scrimmage, and an average of 1.5 stops for a loss per game.
B a c k u p s : Jason Jefferson (No. 99, 6-1, 297) – Jefferson, in his fifth year out of Wisconsin, appeared in 14 of 17 games last year. He totaled 12 tackles with no sacks. … Thomas
Johnson (No. 93, 6-2, 304) – Johnson spent the 2008 training camp on the New York Jets roster before being released prior to the season. He signed with the Falcons in January 2009.
… Vance Walker (No. 61, 6-2, 307) – The rookie from Georgia Tech provides solid play against the run.
NT
U T : Jonathan Babineaux (No. 95, 6-2, 296) – Babineaux will be entering his fifth year in the league and with the Falcons. In his career, Babineaux has missed only two games. Last year,
he recorded 39 tackles—32 solo—to go along with 3.5 sacks.
B a c k u p s : Trey Lewis (No. 97, 6-3, 316) – Lewis, originally selected in the sixth round of the 2007 draft by the Falcons, competed in nine games while making five starts in his rookie
season. He did not see the field in 2008. … Tywain Myles (No. 91, 6-2, 319) – The rookie out of Tarleton State totaled 47 tackles and 10 for a loss in his senior year. In 2006 he was
named Lone Star Conference South Division Defensive Lineman of the Year and first-team defense in the South Division.
UT
R D E : John Abraham (No. 55, 6-4, 263) – After playing in just eight games in 2006, the nine-year veteran has appeared in every game the Falcons have played over the last two years.
In 2008, Abraham collected 38 tackles and managed 16.5 sacks, good for third in the league.
B a c k u p s : Kroy Biermann (No. 71, 6-3, 260) – Biermann, in just his second season out of Montana, appeared in all 17 of Atlanta’s games last season. He managed 18 tackles and two
sacks in 2008. … Lawrence Sidbury (No. 90, 6-3, 265) – A rookie out of Richmond, Sidbury was the top pass rusher in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision. In his senior year,
he registered 11.5 sacks, the third-highest season total ever recorded by a Spider.
DE
W L B : Mike Peterson (No. 53, 6-1, 233) – Peterson is entering his 11th year in the league, spending his first four with the Colts before moving to Jacksonville. Peterson’s arrival in Atlanta
will rekindle the successful relationship he had with Mike Smith in Jacksonville.
B a c k u p s : Spencer Adkins (No. 59, 5-11, 242) – Adkins is a rookie out of Miami and was selected 176th overall. He is a big, physical linebacker who excels against the run. …
Rashad Bobino (No. 47, 5-9, 232) – The rookie out of the University of Texas was a four-year letterman who started 45 of 52 career games for the Longhorns, earning All-Big
12 honors on three occasions.
LB
M L B : Curtis Lofton (No. 50, 6-0, 242) – A big, physical second-year ‘backer out of Oklahoma, Lofton appeared in all 17 of Atlanta’s games last year and inspired the move of Peterson from
the middle, his most natural position, to the weakside. Lofton is a monster against the run and the team’s future at the position. Collected 94 tackles in 2008, earning All-NFL rookie honors.
B a c k u p s : Tony Gilbert (No. 51, 6-0, 245) – The former Bulldog spent five years in the league, mostly in Jacksonville. He is a good athlete and should be a valuable asset on
special teams. … Edmond Miles (No. 43, 6-0, 235) – Miles is a second-year player out of Iowa who appeared in two games last year with the Giants after signing with them
as a free agent. He finished 2008 with one tackle.
LB
S L B : Stephen Nicholas (No. 54, 6-3, 230) – The former South Florida standout will be entering his third year in the league after being selected 109th overall by the Falcons in 2007.
Despite playing in a reserve role last year, Nicholas appeared in all 17 games and recorded 20 tackles on the season.
B a c k u p s : Coy Wire (No. 52, 6-0, 225) – An eight-year veteran out of Stanford, Wire is a heady player who still possesses good speed. In his first year with the Falcons, Wire collected 34 tackles in 17 games. Wire spent his previous six seasons in Buffalo with the Bills. … Robert James (No. 45, 5-11, 220) – James is a versatile rookie out of Arizona State. He was selected by the
Falcons in the fifth round, 138th overall.
LB
L C B : Brent Grimes (No. 20, 5-10, 181) – Grimes is a second-year player out of Shippensburg University who originally signed with the team in May of 2006, at which time he was
assigned to the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europa. In 2008, Grimes appeared in all but four games and compiled 34 tackles and one interception.
B a c k u p s : Chevis Jackson (No. 22, 5-11, 193) – Jackson, a dynamic corner who started for three years at LSU, had a successful rookie season with the Falcons in 2008. He is a shutdown corner with good speed who managed 31 tackles and an interception. … Glenn Sharpe (No. 37, 6-0, 184) – Sharpe is out of the University of Miami and received the program’s
Brian Piccolo Award after bouncing back from injury in both 2004 and 2005.
CB
R C B : Chris Houston (No. 23, 5-11, 178) – Heading into his third year, the former Arkansas Razorback started for the first time last season and appeared in all 17 games. He totaled 61
tackles in 2008 to go along with two interceptions. He excels in man-to-man press coverage.
B a c k u p s : Christopher Owens (No. 21, 5-9, 179) – Owens is a rookie out of San Jose State, where he started for three years. He displays great speed as a shutdown corner. … Von Hutchins (No. 24, 510, 180) – Heading into his fifth year in the league, Hutchins missed all of last season due to a foot injury. In 2007, the physical corner started in 15 of 16 games for the Texans and collected an incredible
93 tackles and one interception. … William Middleton (No. 35, 5-11, 194) – Middleton, a rookie out of Furman and former Marist star, was one of Atlanta’s two fifth-round selections in this year’s draft.
CB
S S : Erik Coleman (No. 26, 5-10, 207) – Coleman, a five-year veteran who has missed just one game in his career, started in all 17 games for the Falcons in 2008. The undersized, but
tough and gritty Coleman finished last season with 95 tackles, 80 solo, to go along with three interceptions.
B a c k u p s : William Moore (No. 25, 6-0, 227) – The rookie from Missouri was a receiver in high school before becoming a corner in his first year of college. As Moore continued to grow,
however, he made the move to safety, where he recorded 32 career starts for the Tigers. … Jamaal Fudge (No. 29, 5-9, 190) – In his first season with the Falcons, Fudge appeared in
11 games, recording 13 tackles on the year. The fourth-year man out of Clemson spent his first two years in the league with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
SS
F S : Thomas DeCoud (No. 28, 6-0, 193) – DeCoud, a second-year player out of California, was Atlanta’s third-round pick in 2008. Due to the presence of Lawyer Milloy, DeCoud saw limited playing time as a rookie, appearing in 11 games and totaling 11 tackles on the year.
B a c k u p s : Eric Brock (No. 42, 6-0, 204) – The former Auburn Tiger will look to make a bigger impact in his second season. Last year, Brock appeared in only the season’s final two games and
finished with no tackles. … Antoine Harris (No. 41, 5-10, 202) – Harris is going into his third year in the league after signing with the Falcons before the 2007 season. In 2008, the former
Louisville Cardinal appeared in 12 games and collected three tackles.
FS
P : Michael Koenen (No. 9, 5-11, 198) – Koenen is entering his fifth year in the league and with the Falcons. The Western Washington graduate has one of the strongest legs in the
league and is used on kickoffs and some long field goals as well. In 2008, Koenen had yet another strong year, averaging 38.7 net yards per punt while placing 39.7 percent of his
attempts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. His booming punts also make it difficult for opponents to achieve successful returns, as they only got 20 attempts at returns last year
for a combined 49 yards (NFL record), an average of just 2.5 yards an attempt. Finally, Koenen’s exceptional power allows him to out-kick his coverage often and flip the field position battle in favor of his team.
P
P R : Harry Douglas (No. 83, 6-0, 182) – Even as a rookie, it didn’t take long for Douglas to emerge as the team’s deadliest punt returner. In addition to possessing excellent top-end speed,
Douglas is extremely shifty with the ball in his hands and can cut and break on a dime. In 2008, he returned 19 punts for 226 total yards, with a long of 61 yards and one touchdown.
Douglas has also returned four kicks in his career for 46 yards.
B a c k u p s : Chandler Williams (No. 18, 5-11, 176) – The second-year receiver has no professional experience at the spot, but earned Sun Belt Special Teams Player of the Week honors
in 2006 after scoring on an 82-yard punt return against South Florida.
PR