I really enjoy Pat Yasinskas’ ESPN NFC South Blog. He just wrote an article offering up his thoughts on Atlanta’s rebuilt defense.
“Sure, Atlanta’s defense played well enough to help the Falcons win 11 games, but it was done with smoke, mirrors, John Abraham and a whole lot of luck.”
So let the rebuilding begin by releasing a handful of aging veterans and drafting some key talent at critical positions. Peria Jerry at DT, and underrated (and undervalued) S William Moore. There is no doubt that Moore could be the steal of the draft. I absolutely think his stock dropped due to an injury plagued senior season, which in effect gave the Falcons two late First Round draft picks.
“Linebacker Keith Brooking, defensive tackle Grady Jackson, cornerback Domonique Foxworth and linebacker Michael Boley were allowed to walk in free agency and safety Lawyer Milloy was released.
The truth is Foxworth was the only one of the bunch the Falcons wanted to keep, but only if they could do it at a reasonable price and that didn’t happen. Brooking, Jackson and Milloy were great players — a few years ago. But last season, they were old guys and liabilities.”
I am as big a homer as the rest, and Brooking contributed mightily to the Falcons defense over the years, by oh my gosh did he loose a step or three last year. How could anyone forget the dumb zone read against the Cardinals in playoffs? I still think his play against the Rams in the last home game of the year was far worse. At times he looked completely befuddled, dazed, and confused.
Of everything the Falcons have done with their defense, not being able to keep Foxworth stings the most. Not that he is an elite player, but he was clearly the cream of the crop of the Falcons secondary.
I hope before it is all said and done the Falcons somehow are able to bring in a decent cover cornerback. Chris Houston and the rest just do not do it for me, but hopefully Smith and Dimitroff know best.
