RISE UP ATLANTA FALCONS 2011 SEASON IN REVIEW

Transcription

1 RISE UP ATLANTA FALCONS 2011 SEASON IN REVIEW

2 2011 WEEKLY PRESS RELEASE 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS SEASON IN REVIEW 10-6 NFC WILD CARD SEASON IN REVIEW The Atlanta Falcons concluded the 2011 season with a 10-6 record, marking the first time in franchise history that the team has recorded back-to-back seasons with at least 10 wins and third time in the last four seasons. The Falcons captured the fifth seed in the NFC, notching consecutive playoff berths for the first time in franchise history. The Falcons also clinched a playoff berth for the third time in the last four seasons. Under Head Coach Mike Smith, the Falcons are the only NFC team to post winning records in each of the last four seasons ( ). Smith has posted a four-year record of 43-21, which is not only the best four-year mark in team history, but ranks among the best records in NFL history for first-time head coaches. Smith is tied with Bill Cowher (Pittsburgh 92-95), Mike Martz (St. Louis 00-03), Mike Sherman (Green Bay 00-03), and Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh 07-10) for the fourth-best four-year record among first-time head coaches. The Birds wrapped up the 2011 campaign in recordsetting fashion, as QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner and WR Roddy White all established new franchise bests. Ryan broke the franchise record for passing yards in a singleseason after eclipsing QB Jeff George s club record of 4,143 yards set in Ryan finished the 2011 season with 4,177 passing yards, 29 touchdown passes and a 92.9 quarterback rating, all career highs. White became the Falcons all-time leading receiver with 7,364 career receiving yards, breaking Terance Mathis franchise record of 7,349 yards set between 1994 and The seventh year receiver out of UAB also finished the season with 100 receptions and became the first player in team history to record multiple 100-catch seasons. Turner also got in on the action, breaking Gerald Riggs franchise record of 48 rushing touchdowns set between 1982 and The Burner led the NFC in rushing yards with 1,340 yards and added 11 touchdowns on the season. In addition, TE Tony Gonzalez continued his ascension in the NFL record books, becoming the NFL s second alltime leading receiver with his 1,149 career receptions and climbed to 11th in League annals with his 13,338 career receiving yards and was named to his 12th Pro Bowl. Defensively, the Falcons enjoyed a breakout season from LB Sean Weatherspoon, who finished the season with a career-high 127 tackles (86 solo) and four sacks. LB Curtis Lofton led the team in tackles for the third consecutive year with 167 tackles (101 solo) and added two interceptions. DE John Abraham continued to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, notching 9.5 sacks and four forced fumbles SCHEDULE Falcons 2011 Season Schedule Regular Season (10-6) Date Opponent Time Network September 11 at Chicago 1 p.m. L, September 18 PHILADELPHIA 8:20 p.m. W, September 25 at Tampa Bay 4:15 p.m. L, October 2 at Seattle 4 p.m. W, October 9 GREEN BAY 8:20 p.m. L, October 16 CAROLINA 1 p.m. W, October 23 at Detroit 1 p.m. W, October 30 BYE - - November 6 at Indianapolis 1 p.m. W, 31-7 November 13 NEW ORLEANS 1 p.m. L, (OT) November 20 TENNESSEE 4:15 p.m. W, November 27 MINNESOTA 1 p.m.* W, December 4 at Houston 1 p.m.* L, December 11 at Carolina 1 p.m.* W, December 15 JACKSONVILLE 8:20 p.m. W, December 26 at New Orleans 8:30 p.m. L, January 1 TAMPA BAY 4:15 p.m. W, Postseason (0-1) Date Opponent Time Network January 8 at New York Giants 1:00 p.m. L, 24-2 WINNING CULTURE Under Head Coach Mike Smith, the 10-WIN SEASONS Falcons have posted 10-or-more Coach Seasons wins and earned playoff berths in Mike Smith 3 three of the last four seasons. Smith Leemen Bennett 1 is the first coach in franchise history Jerry Glanville 1 to post multiple 10-win seasons and Dan Reeves 1 his overall record is the best Jim Mora 1 four-year mark in club history. DIGITAL MEDIA GUIDE In 2011, the Atlanta Falcons introduced a digital media guide that provides media members with the most up-todate information about the club. The Atlanta Falcons Digital Media Guide can be accessed at or via USB thumb drive. The DMG was updated weekly in coordination with each game. Users can find updated bios, records and statistics in an easy-to-use PDF format. REGGIE ROBERTS BRIAN CEARNS Vice President of Football Communicaons Football Communicaons Coordinator RRoberts@Falcons.NFL.com BCearns@Falcons.NFL.com FRANK KLEHA MATT HALEY Senior Director of Media Relaons Football Communicaons Coordinator FKleha@Falcons.NFL.com MHaley@Falcons.NFL.com

3 WING TIPS 2011 SEASON RANKINGS 2011 Regular Season Statistics Falcons (NFL Rank) Points/Game 25.1 (7) Total Offense (10) Net Rushing Yards/Game (17) Net Passing Yards/Game (8) Possession Average 32:05 (3) Opponent Points/Game 21.9 (18) Opponent Total Offense (12) Opp. Rushing Yards/Game 97.0 (6) Opp. Passing yards/game (20) Turnover Differential +8 (5t) Team Leaders Passing Cmp. Att. Yards TDs INTs Rate Matt Ryan , Rushing Att. Yards Avg. Long TDs Michael Turner 301 1, t 11 Jacquizz Rodgers* Receiving Rec. Yards Avg. Long TDs Roddy White 100 1, Tony Gonzalez Julio Jones* t 8 * - Rookie Feb April May July 2011 SEASON LEADERS 2011 NFC STANDINGS Team W L T Pct. Conf. Div. 1 - Green Bay San Francisco New Orleans NY Giants Atlanta Detroit OFFSEASON SCHEDULE NFL Scouting Combine (Indianapolis) 2012 NFL Draft (New York City) OTAs/Rookie Mini Camp Training Camp Opens COACH SPEAK We are all disappointed in the outcome of the game yesterday. We didn t play up to our capabilities; that was obvious. We are disappointed, extremely disappointed, in the way that we played as a football team. Our goal is to do everything in our power not to have that happen again. We ve got a busy calendar coming up, in terms of what we need to get done as a team. It s not the offseason; it s the non-playing game season for our organization. We re not playing games, but we re working very hard. The first thing that we have to do is we have to evaluate our roster from top to bottom and have meetings in terms of the evaluations of our players from this season. We ve got a lot of decisions to make in regards to players that are reaching free agency. In 2012, the Falcons will face their customary NFC South rivals, Carolina, New Orleans and Tampa Bay both at home and on the road. Atlanta will also battle the NFC East in intra-conference play as well as the AFC West in interconference play. The Birds will also host the NFC West runner-up Arizona Cardinals and travel to Detroit for the second consecutive season to play the NFC North runnerup Lions. Atlanta has totaled 161 wins against its 2012 opponents and since the NFL realigned its divisions in 2002, the Falcons are against the NFC South. Under Head Coach Mike Smith, the Falcons have posted a (.672) overall record. Since 2008, Atlanta owns a record against its 2012 opponents. Home 2011 Record Last Meeting Result Carolina /11/11 W, New Orleans* /26/11 L, Tampa Bay /1/12 W, Dallas /25/09 L, NY Giants* /22/09 L, OT Arizona 8-8 9/19/10 W, 41-7 Denver* /16/08 L, Oakland /2/08 W, 24-0 Road 2011 Record Last Meeting Result Carolina /11/11 W, New Orleans* /26/11 L, Tampa Bay /1/12 W, Philadelphia 8-8 9/18/11 W, Washington /8/09 W, Detroit* /23/11 W, Kansas City 7-9 9/21/08 W, San Diego /30/08 W, * - Denotes playoff team in OPPONENTS 2012 NFL DRAFT The 2012 NFL Draft will once again be held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The Draft will be broadcast in primetime in 2012, with the first round taking place Thursday, April 26, followed by the second and third rounds on Friday, April 27. Rounds four through seven will be held Saturday, April 28. The Draft will be televised by the NFL Network and ESPN. The Falcons do not have a first round pick in 2012, as their first round selection was packaged with other picks in 2011 to acquire WR Julio Jones. Atlanta holds its own selection in rounds two, three, five, six and seven and is slated to pick 22nd in each round. DIMITROFF S PLAN It doesn t matter where we are in the Draft, it doesn t matter where our needs may be. I really want to have a firm grasp. You never know where you re going to see those players later. It could be in free agency, it could be because of a cut early. Who knows, so I make sure I m looking at everyone. - Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff on his approach to the 2012 draft. - Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith on Atlanta s playoff loss and offseason plan.

4 WELCOME TO ATLANTA OC DIRK KOETTER The Falcons hired Dirk Koetter as offensive coordinator on January 15, Known for his expertise in the passing game, Koetter has 30 years of coaching experience, including five seasons in the NFL as he served as the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator from 2007 to Last Season, Koetter led an offense that saw RB Maurice Jones-Drew lead the NFL in rushing with 1,606 rushing yards on 343 carries. In five seasons in Jacksonville, Koetter coached four different players to six Pro Bowl selections, including Jones-Drew who has earned three trips to the Pro Bowl. Prior to arriving in Jacksonville, Koetter led Arizona State to four bowl games in his six seasons as head coach and finished with a record. He also served as offensive coordinator and helped the Sun Devils average nearly 30 points per game over six seasons, and the team was ranked in the top 20 in the nation in passing offense in five of his six seasons. Koetter also spent three seasons as head coach at Boise State University where he compiled a mark and two consecutive bowl victories. He was a two-time Big West Coach of the Year honoree and two-time conference champion. COACH SPEAK I am very pleased to add Coach Koetter as our offensive coordinator. Dirk is a veteran offensive coach who will bring years of NFL experience as an offensive coordinator. I look forward to working with Dirk and have tremendous confidence that he will be a great addition to our team and our coaching staff. - Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith on offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. PAT HILL Pat Hill will serve as the Falcons offensive line in Hill spent 15 seasons as the head coach at Fresno State University where he led the Bulldogs to a overall record and went to 11 bowl games. Hill led Fresno State to 15 wins over BCS teams during the last decade, which is the highest win total of any non-bcs team in the nation. Hill has coached a number of NFL players including Falcons safety James Sanders and guard Andrew Jackson. COACH SPEAK Pat is a distinguished coach that brings a wealth of coaching experience to our club. He has a history of producing tough and physical offensive lines and we are pleased to have him join our staff. - Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith on offensive line coach Pat Hill. DC MIKE NOLAN The Falcons hired Mike Nolan as defensive coordinator on January 17, Nolan is one of the most experienced defensive coordinators in the NFL, having served in that capacity for over 14 seasons. Nolan spent the last two seasons as the Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator. In 2011, the Dolphins boasted the third best run defense in the NFL, allowing just 95.6 yards per game and 3.7 yards per carry. His defense also produced 41 sacks, which ranked tied for 10th in the League and allowed the sixth fewest points per game at The Dolphins also ranked seventh in thirddown percentage (33.8) and sixth in red zone defense. In 2010, Nolan s defense ranked among the League s top ten in overall defense, pass defense and run defense, and was one of just five units in the League to accomplish that feat. Nolan joined Miami after spending the 2009 season as the defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos. Under his tutelage, Denver s defense improved to seventh in the NFL in total defense after finishing 29th in Nolan served as the San Francisco 49ers head coach from 2005 to He also spent four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, including three as defensive coordinator. The New York Giants made him the NFL s youngest defensive coordinator in 1993 at the age of 34. COACH SPEAK Mike Nolan is an established coordinator in this League. He brings more than 25 years of NFL experience to our team and has been a coordinator at this level for 14 years. Mike has a history of developing physically intimidating defensive units, and we are fortunate to have him join our staff. - Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith on defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. JOE DANNA Joe Danna will serve as the Falcons defensive backs coach in Danna served as an assistant defensive backs coach with the Miami Dolphins for the last two seasons where he worked under Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. In 2010, the Dolphins secondary ranked eighth in the NFL against the pass. Prior to joining the Dolphins, Danna spent two seasons in Atlanta as a defensive assistant ( ). COACH SPEAK Joe is an experienced coach that has worked with our staff in the past. He has spent the last two seasons working with Coach Nolan in Miami, so he has a familiarity with our scheme and verbiage. - Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith on defensive backs coach Joe Danna. STAFF CHANGES The Falcons also promoted Glenn Thomas to quarterbacks coach, Andrew Weidinger to offensive assistant, Dave Caldwell to Director of Player Personnel and DeJuan Polk to Director of Pro Scouting. Thomas served as an offensive assistant for the past four seasons, while Weidinger spent the last four seasons as assistant to the head coach/offense. Caldwell has spent the last four seasons as the Falcons Director of College Scouting, overseeing Atlanta s college area and regional scouts. Polk has spent the last six seasons in the Falcons scouting department, including the last four as a pro scout.

5 2011 ACCOMPLISHMENTS NFL ROOKIE OF THE MONTH WR JULIO JONES Jones caught 24 passes for 461 yards and six touchdowns in the final five games of the regular season. The rookie out of Alabama caught eight touchdowns last season, six of which came in December/January. He caught a touchdown in each of the final four games. Despite missing three games because of injury, Jones posted the best season by a Falcons rookie receiver after notching 54 receptions for 959 yards and eight touchdowns. DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK DE JOHN ABRAHAM Abraham had one of his best games as a Falcon in Atlanta s win over Jacksonville in Week 15, sacking Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert 3.5 times for a loss of 35.5 yards. Abraham has won the award four times in his 12 year career and his second as a Falcon (Week 1, 2006). DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK LB CURTIS LOFTON Lofton recorded his first career touchdown and added 14 tackles (eight solo) with one tackle for loss in Atlanta s Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He intercepted QB Josh Freeman and returned the pick 26 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Lofton anchored one of the NFL s best run defenses, as the Falcons ranked sixth in the NFL holding opponents to 97.0 yards per game on the ground. OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK QB MATT RYAN Ryan completed 22 of 38 passes for 320 yards and tied a career-high with four touchdown passes in the Falcons Week 14 win over Carolina. He tossed three touchdowns in the second half and led the Falcons to 24 unanswered points in the final 30 minutes to record the fourth-largest comeback in team history (16 points). The award was Ryan s second Player of the Week selection of his career. He also won the award in Week 9 of the 2008 season. REWRITING THE RECORDS TEAM RECORDS in 2011, the Falcons set a franchise TOTAL NET YARDS record for most total net yards gained Year Yards in a season with 6,026 yards. Atlanta ,026 broke the record that was set by the , squad, which posted 5,779 total ,661 yards. MATT RYAN QB Matt Ryan broke the franchise record for passing yards in a single season when he hit WR Julio Jones for a 48-yard touchdown in the first quarter of Atlanta s Week 17 win over Tampa Bay. Ryan eclipsed QB Jeff George s club record of 4,143 yards set in Ryan finished the 2011 season with 4,177 passing yards and is just the second quarterback in franchise history to throw for 4,000 yards in a season. Ryan also set a franchise mark for 300-yard passing games in a season with six. RODDY WHITE WR Roddy White became the Falcons all-time leading receiver when he hauled in a 16-yard pass from QB Chris Redman in the second half vs. Tampa Bay. White, who now has 7,374 career receiving yards, broke WR Terance Mathis franchise record of 7,349 receiving yards set between 1994 and White finsihed the season with 100 receptions for 1,296 yards and became the first player in team history to record multiple 100-catch seasons. MICHAEL TURNER RB Michael Turner broke the franchise record for career rushing touchdowns when he punched in a one-yard touchdown on a fourth-and-goal play in Atlanta s Week 17 win over Tampa Bay. The touchdown was Turner s 49th score as a Falcon and topped RB Gerald Riggs record of 48 set between 1982 and PASSING RECORDS Passing Yards Player Yards Matt Ryan 4,177 Jeff George 4, Yard Games Player Yards Matt Ryan 6 Jeff George 4 Turner added an 81-yard TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS touchdown later in the game Player TDs to give him 50 touchdowns Terance Mathis 57 as a Falcon. Turner is just the Andre Rison 56 third player in franchise history to post 50-or-more overall *Falcons History Michael Turner 50 touchdowns. FOUR IN A ROW WR Roddy White finished the season with 100 catches for 1,296 yards and eight touchdowns. He led the NFC in receptions for the second straight season and became just the eighth player in NFL history to record five consecutive seasons with at least 80 catches and 1,000 yards. WHITE IN 2011 Rec. Yds. Avg. TDs 100 1, MAKE IT A DOZEN All-Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez was named to his 12th Pro Bowl after posting 80 catches for 875 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He became the NFL s second all-time leading receiver with his 1,149 career receptions and ranks 11th in League annals with 13,338 receiving yards. GONZALEZ IN 2011 Rec. Yds. Avg. TDs

6 STARTING LINEUP OFFENSE WR Roddy White - Set a new franchise record with 7,374 career receiving yards after catching 100 passes for 1,296 yards. He also became the eighth player in NFL history to record five straight seasons with at least 80 catches and 1,000 yards. LT Will Svitek - Started 10 games and blocked for QB Matt Ryan who set a franchise single-season record with 4,177 yards. LG Justin Blalock - Started at left guard, blocked for a Falcons rushing attack that notched a season-high 251 yards and 6.6 yards per carry vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). C Todd McClure Part of an offensive line that allowed QB Matt Ryan to throw for a franchise record 4,177 yards in RG Joe Hawley - Made his first career start at right guard and helped pave the way for a rushing atttack that produced 163 yards on the ground at Indianapolis (11/6). RT Tyson Clabo - Part of an offensive line that helped produce a season-high 481 yards of total offense vs. New Orleans (11/13). TE Tony Gonzalez - Was named to his 12th Pro Bowl after catching 80 passes for 875 yards with seven touchdowns. Became the NFL s second all-time leading receiver with his 1,149 career receptions. WR Julio Jones - Posted six touchdowns in the final four games of the regular season and set a franchise record with eight touchdown receptions as a rookie. QB Matt Ryan - Set a franchise record, throwing for 4,177 yards last season. Also set career highs with 29 touchdowns and a 92.2 passer rating. RB Michael Turner - Ran for a season-high 172 yards on 17 carries with two touchdowns vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). Broke Gerald Riggs franchise record for career rushing touchdowns with 50. FB Mike Cox - Saw action at fullback, blocking for a rushing attack that totaled 251 yards vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). PROBABLE STARTERS DEFENSE RE John Abraham - Posted 9.5 sacks and forced four fumbles in 2012, including a season-high 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles against Jacksonville (12/5). Ran his career sack total to 112.0, which ranks 16th in NFL history. DT Jonathan Babineaux - Notched 25 tackles (14 solo) with one sack in DT Corey Peters - Recovered a fumble and returned it 13 yards for his first career touchdown against Jacksonville (12/15). LE Ray Edwards - Recorded 33 tackles (24 solo) with 3.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries in his first season in Atlanta. OLB Sean Weatherspoon - Had a breakout season in 2011 with a career-high 127 tackles (86 solo) with four sacks, one fumble recovery and eight passes defensed. MLB Curtis Lofton - Scored his first career touchdown when he intercepted QB Josh Freeman and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). Posted double digit tackles 10 times in 2011, leading the team with a career-high 167 tackles (101 solo). OLB Stephen Nicholas - Totaled 28 tackles in 2011, including a key stop on special teams against Philadelphia (9/18) dragging down WR DeSean Jackson on a late game punt return. RCB Dunta Robinson - Posted 58 tackles (46 solo) with two interceptions and nine passes defensed in his second season with the Falcons. LCB Brent Grimes - Collared 44 tackles (36 solo) with one interception, one forced fumble and 14 passes defensed in S William Moore - Recorded 62 tackles (37 solo) with one half sack, two interceptions and nine passes defensed in S Thomas DeCoud - Picked off four passes last season, including three which came in the endzone, at Tampa Bay (9/25), at Seattle (10/2), and vs. Carolina (10/16). Posted double-digit tackles four times and ranked third on the team with HOMEGROWN STARTERS 14 of the Falcons 22 starters were either drafted or signed by the team as a rookie free agent - shown in bold S William Moore S Thomas DeCoud 09 Draft 08 Draft CB Brent Grimes CB Dunta Robinson 06 Rookie FA 10 Free Agent (Hou) LB Sean Weatherspoon LB Curtis Lofton LB Stephen Nicholas 10 Draft 08 Draft 07 Draft DE John Abraham DT Jonathan Babineaux DT Corey Peters DE Ray Edwards 06 Trade (NYJ) 05 Draft 10 Draft 11 Free Agent (Min) TE Tony Gonzalez LT Will Svitek LG Justin Blalock C Todd McClure RG Joe Hawley RT Tyson Clabo 09 Trade (KC) 09 Free Agent (KC) 07 Draft 99 Draft 10 Draft 05 Free Agent WR Julio Jones QB Matt Ryan WR Roddy White 11 Draft 08 Draft 05 Draft FB Mike Cox 11 Free Agent RB Michael Turner 08 Free Agent (SD)

7 OUTSTANDING OWNERSHIP MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN Since acquiring the Falcons in 2002, Owner & Chairman Arthur M. Blank has raised the bar and level of expectations for the Falcons in constructing a talented and creative team to lead his club both on and off the field. In 2008, Blank looked to a rookie trio to help rebuild his franchise hiring Patriots Director of College Scouting Thomas Dimitroff as his new General Manager, Arthur M. Blank Jaguars Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith as his Head Coach and approving the selection of Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan with the third overall pick in the draft. In the four seasons since WINNING PCT. SINCE 08 bringing in Dimitroff, Smith Team W-L Pct. and Ryan, the Falcons have New England gone 43-21, which is the New Orleans fifth-best record in the NFL. Pittsburgh Atlanta has also posted Baltimore four consecutive winning Atlanta seasons and earned backto-back playoff berths for the first time in franchise history. Under Blank, the Falcons FALCONS UNDER BLANK have posted a record and a.547 winning per Years W-L Pct. cenage, better than the winning percentage that the franchise posted in the 35 years prior to Blank s purchase of the team. RECORD SETTER The Atlanta Falcons hosted a world-record breaking physical education class at the Georgia Dome in A total of 2,288 elementary and middle school-aged children from across the state of Georgia who are part of the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation s Falcons Fitness Zones and the Atlanta Falcons First Down for Fitness Program participated in the event to set a Guiness Book World Record. NO PLACE LIKE DOME Since 2008, the Falcons have a 26-6 record at the Georgia Dome. Currently, the Falcons only trail the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens for the NFL s best home record over the last four seasons. 28 wins - New England 27 wins - Baltimore 26 wins - Atlanta 25 wins - New Orleans and Green Bay 24 wins - Pittsburgh BLANK S COMMITMENT At the start of his tenure, Blank made a three-point commitment to Falcons fans which he maintains today as the leader of the franchise. Put a perennially-winning product on the field. Under Blank, the Falcons have earned four postseason berths, including a trip to the NFC Championship Game in In 2010, the Falcons posted an NFC-best 13-3 record and clinched their first NFC South title since Provide a great game day experience. The Falcons and the Georgia World Congress Center invested $53 million into enhancements inside and outside of the Georgia Dome, including new HD video boards, suite and club seat renovations, and red and black paint to give the Dome the look and feel of the home of the Falcons. Have a winning team off the field and in the community. One of the hallmarks of Blank s philosophy is giving back to the community. The Falcons community outreach efforts are led by the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation (AFYF), the largest team-funded foundation in the NFL. Since 2002, the foundation has awarded more than $16 million in grants to more than 700 nonprofit organizations. SELLOUT CROWD Since Blank purchased the team in 2002, the Falcons have sold out 78 of their last 80 home games, including 32 ina-row from , and from 2002 to 2007, the Falcons sold out 43 straight games. The incredible support that fans have shown the team during Blank s tenure has helped the Falcons to a record at the Georgia Dome and Atlanta s.625 winning percentage at home ranks tied for eighth in the NFL during that time. THE SEASON Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank was featured on an episode of NFL Films The NFL Season: A Biography. Episode 10 of the show, entitled Blank s Commitment, highlights the story of the man responsible for the transformation of the Atlanta Falcons franchise. The NFL Season offers an unprecedented panoramic view of the NFL season from the first kickoff to the final whistle; the fifty-yard line to the upper deck; and the training room to the board room. More information on The NFL Season and a glimpse of the Blank s Commitment episode can be found online.

8 GM THOMAS DIMITROFF BUILDING A WINNER Over the course of his four seasons in Atlanta, General Manager Thomas Dimitroff has laid the foundation to accomplish his goal of making the Falcons a relevant and sustainable franchise. His ability to lead an organization and his astute football knowledge garnered him Sporting News Executive of the Year for the second time in three seasons in 2010, after a roster which he and his staff have carefully crafted since 2008 produced four All-Pro players and a franchise record nine Pro Bowlers. Dimitroff s philosophy is centered on the belief that the NFL Draft is the major building block to establish a team s foundation for the future. This strategy, combined with his targeting of key veteran players to shore up various positions, has been the catalyst for the Falcons emergence since PROJECTED STARTERS DRAFTED BY ATLANTA OFFENSE DEFENSE Pos. Player How Acq. Pos. Player How Acq. WR Roddy White 07 Draft DT J. Babineaux 05 Draft LT Sam Baker 08 Draft DT Corey Peters 10 Draft LG Justin Blalock 07 Draft LB S. Weatherspoon 10 Draft C Todd McClure 99 Draft LB Curtis Lofton 08 Draft RG Joe Hawley 10 Draft LB Stephen Nicholas 07 Draft WR Julio Jones 11 Draft S Thomas DeCoud 08 Draft QB Matt Ryan 08 Draft S William Moore 09 Draft Bold names drafted by Dimitroff WINNER S CIRCLE The Falcons have nine players on their current roster that have played in a collegiate national championship game, and six of those nine players won a national title while in college. Atlanta s commitment to building a team with players that have come from winning programs and proven to be leaders is shown in the fact that of the nine Falcons that have played for a national title, eight were drafted or signed as free agents under Dimitroff. PLAYERS REACHING NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES FBS/D-1A Player (year) School FCS/D-1AA Player (year) School *^Mike Peterson (96) Florida ^Kroy Biermann (04) Montana *^Sam Baker (04-05) USC *^L. Sidbury (08) Richmond *Justin Blalock (05) Texas ^S. Schillinger (08-09) Montana ^D. Franks (08) Oklahoma * - player that won national title *^Mike Johnson (09) Alabama ^ - player drafted or signed by Dimitroff *^Julio Jones (09) Alabama DEEP DRAFTS Under Dimitroff, the Falcons have had a successful history of selecting players deep in the draft who became key contributors to the team. In the last four drafts, Atlanta has selected six players in the second round or later that have gone on to become starters. BUILDING A WINNER In three seasons as the Falcons General Manager, Thomas Dimitroff re-worked the roster to feature 19 new starters from the 2007 campaign. With the Draft being a key to his philosophy, it comes as no surprise that 24 of the 31 players Dimitroff selected between have seen game action and 16 have started games. In all, 27 rookies have been active on game day since FALCONS ROSTER BUILT THROUGH THE DRAFT 2011 Players Round 2008 Players Round *Julio Jones 1st *QB Matt Ryan 1st Akeem Dent 3rd *LT Sam Baker 1st Jacquizz Rodgers 5th *LB Curtis Lofton 2nd Matt Bosher 6th *WR Harry Douglas 3rd Cliff Matthews 7th *S Thomas DeCoud 3rd 2010 *DE Kroy Biermann 5th *Sean Weatherspoon 1st 2007 *Corey Peters 3rd *G Justin Blalock 2nd Mike Johnson 3rd *LB Stephen Nicholas 4th *Joe Hawley 4th 2005 *Dominique Franks 5th *WR Roddy White 1st Shann Schillinger 6th *DT J. Babineaux 2nd 2009 *DT Peria Jerry 1st 1999 *C Todd McClure 7th *S William Moore 2nd *Denotes player that has started *CB Chris Owens 3rd at least one game. DE Lawrence Sidbury 4th *T Garrett Reynolds 5th LB Spencer Adkins 6th *DT Vance Walker 7th Second Round: S William Moore* LB Curtis Lofton* Third Round: DT Corey Peters* CB Christopher Owens CB Chevis Jackson WR Harry Douglas S Thomas DeCoud* Fourth Round: C Joe Hawley* DE Lawrence Sidbury Fifth Round: CB Dominique Franks T Garrett Reynolds DE Kroy Biermann Sixth Round: S Shann Schillinger LB Spencer Adkins Seventh Round: DE Cliff Matthews OL Andrew Jackson DT Vance Walker TE Keith Zinger * - Regular Starter S William Moore, a second round selecon, ed for the team lead with five intercep- ons in DT Corey Peters, a thirdround dra selecon in 2010, started 15 games as a rookie.

9 HEAD COACH MIKE SMITH ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS Since being named the 14th head coach in Falcons history in 2008, Smith has recorded four consecutive winning seasons, back-to-back playoff berths both firsts for the club and a collective record, easily the best four-year coaching mark in franchise history. Smith s impressive track over his first four seasons as a head coach is not only the best in Falcons annals, but ranks among the best four seasons of any first-time head coach in NFL history. Smith ranks tied for fourth in League history in terms of first time coaching records. WINS IN FIRST FOUR SEASONS Coach Team Yrs W-L George Seifert San Francisco Chuck Knox LA Rams John Harbaugh* Baltimore Mike Smith* Atlanta Bill Cowher Pittsburgh Mike Martz St. Louis Mike Sherman Green Bay Mike Tomlin Pittsburgh *Currently in fourth season Smith s Record When... (REGULAR SEASON ONLY) Overall Record vs. the NFC vs. the AFC vs. the NFC South Home Away Day Games (1 p.m. ET) Afternoon Games (4 p.m. ET) Night Games (8 p.m. ET) Indoors Outdoors Atlanta scores first Atlanta leads at halftime Atlanta leads going into the 4th Qtr Atlanta leads in time of possession Gains 300+ yards Holds opponent under 300 yards Atlanta has a 300-yard passer Atlanta has a 100-yard rusher Atlanta has a 100-yard receiver Atlanta wins the turnover battle Atlanta is penalized five or fewer times LOCK IT UP As Head Coach of the Falcons, Mike Smith has led one SINCE 2008 NFC POINTS ALLOWED of the top teams in the NFC in Team Pts/G terms of points allowed and San Francisco 19.3 point differential. In 2011, the Green Bay 19.9 Falcons outscored opponents Atlanta Since 2008, Smith has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments and accolades while leading the Falcons to four consecutive winning seasons and three playoff berths. Smith s Accomplishments Sporting News Coach of the Year in 2008 and KC 101 Club NFC Coach of the Year in 2008 and Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year in winning percentage - highest in club history through four seasons. 43 wins - most wins in first four seasons by a Falcons coach. Second best home record in NFL history in his first three seasons as a head coach. Second most wins in team history in a single season (13). Under coach Smith, the Falcons are the only NFC team to post winning records in each of the last four seasons ( ). START FAST, FINSH STRONG Starting fast and finishing strong has been a staple of Smith s teams during his time in Atlanta. This zoom focus has seen the Falcons post a 34-9 record in games where they score first. Atlanta also owns a 33-1 mark in games where the Birds IMPRESSIVE RESUME hold the lead at the start of the fourth quarter. Since 2008, the Falcons lead the League in points scored on their first offensive possession. Atlanta has totaled 173 points in 64 games, including 51 points in While the Falcons have been one of the fastest starting teams in the NFL over the last three seasons, they have also been among the League s best in closing out the first half and the game. Since 2008, the Falcons rank sixth in the NFL with 80 points on 77 possessions in the final two minutes of either half, including 19 points in 24 possessions in two-minute situations in Despite struggling in two-minute situations in 2008, the Falcons defense has been impressive in closing out halves and games in the last three seasons. The Birds rank second in the League, allowing just 17 points in 53 possessions, beginning in the final two minutes of either POINTS ON 1ST OFFENSIVE POSSESSION, Team Pts Avg/G Atlanta New Orleans New England Miami Philadelphia TWO-MINUTE OFFENSE SINCE 2008 Team Pos. Pts. Philadelphia New Orleans Indianapolis NY Giants Tampa Bay Atlanta TWO-MINUTE DEFENSE SINCE 2009 Team Pos. Pts. St. Louis Atlanta Kansas City Green Bay Two teams tied with 32 half during that time span. In 2011, Atlanta allowed just three points inside two minutes. The three points allowed in Week 11 were the first points the Birds allowed since Week 13 of 2010 in two minute situations.

10 WING TIPS MOVING THE CHAINS In 2011, the Falcons were NFC 3RD CONVERSIONS among the NFC s best Team Att. Conv. Eff. teams in terms of thirddown conversions. Atlanta New Orleans Green Bay converted 44.2 percent Atlanta of its third downs, which Philadelphia ranked sixth in the NFL and Carolina third in the NFC. The Falcons were successful in FIRST DOWNS moving the chains, notching 349 Team 1st Downs first downs, including 100 on the New Orleans 416 ground, 215 through the air and New England by penalty. The Birds 21.8 first San Diego 359 downs per game ranked tied for Philadelphia 356 sixth in the NFL in Green Bay 353 Atlanta 349 Detroit 349 SUNDAY DRIVES Since 2008, the Falcons have SCORING DRIVES employed a methodical offense Team Score TOP that works its way down the Pittsburgh 57 4:12 field with a mix of the run and Kansas City 42 4:07 passing game. Last season, Atlanta continued that trend and San Diego 71 4:01 Jacksonville 44 3:59 ranksed among the NFL s leaders in average length of scoring Atlanta 70 3:54 drives. In 2011, the Falcons wore down opposing defenses with long drives posting an average of 8.07 plays and 3:54 per scoring drive. IT S ALL ABOUT POINTS Since 2008, the Falcons have been among the top teams in the NFC in both scoring offense and scoring defense. Atlanta is averaging 24.5 points per game on offense over the last four seasons, while allowing just 20.1 points per game on defense during that span NFC SCORING BREAKDOWN Scoring Offense Scoring Defense Team Pts./G Team Pts./G New Orleans 29.8 Green Bay 28.6 Philadelphia 26.3 NY Giants 25.3 Atlanta 24.5 San Francisco 19.3 Green Bay 19.9 Atlanta 20.1 Philadelphia 20.8 Chicago 21.1 CLOSE SHAVE Since 2008, the Falcons have CLOSE GAMES been one of the best teams in Team W-L Pct. the NFL in games decided by Atlanta eight points or less. During that NY Giants span, Atlanta has posted a 9-6 Indianapolis record in 15 games determined Pittsburgh by a field goal or less, including New England a two-point win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4. Over the last four seasons, Atlanta leads the League with a.688 winning percentage in games decided by eight points or less NFL RANKINGS Offensive Rankings week by week Total Rush Pass NFC NFL Week 1 (after Chi.) Week 2 (after Phi.) Week 3 (after TB) Week 4 (after Sea.) Week 5 (after GB.) Week 6 (after Car.) Week 7 (after Det.) Week 8 (after BYE) Week 9 (after Ind.) t-17 Week 10 (after NO) Week 11 (after Ten.) Week 12 (after Min.) Week 13 (after Hou.) Week 14 (after Car.) Week 15 (after Jax.) Week 16 (after NO) Week 17 (after TB) Defensive Rankings week by week Total Rush Pass NFC NFL Week 1 (after Chi.) Week 2 (after Phi.) Week 3 (after TB) Week 4 (after Sea.) t-10-24t Week 5 (after GB) Week 6 (after Car.) Week 7 (after Det.) Week 8 (after BYE) Week 9 (after Ind.) Week 10 (after NO) t-23 Week 11 (after Ten.) Week 12 (after Min.) Week 13 (after Hou.) Week 14 (after Car.) Week 15 (after Jax.) Week 16 (after NO) Week 17 (after TB) Last season, the Falcons were 1st & GOAL INSIDE FIVE one of the best teams in the Team Drives TDs League in terms of converting New England goal-line situations into points Atlanta The Falcons scored 19 touchdowns on 22 drives in goal-to-go New Orleans Detroit situations from inside the opponents five-yard line. NY Jets Philadelphia Atlanta also ranked second with 21 scores in goal-to-go inside the five situations. Games with a reception: Tony Gonzalez^ 84 - Roddy White ^Longest active streak in NFL Games with a TD pass: 15 - Matt Ryan SHORT FIELD ACTIVE STREAKS 1,000-yard seasons: 5 - Roddy White 60+ catch seasons: 13 - Tony Gonzalez* 5 - Roddy White * - NFL Record

11 OFFENSIVE NEWS AND NOTES The Falcons offense has thrived on ball control in the last four seasons. Since 2008, Atlanta leads the League with 62 touchdowns on drives lasting 10 plays or more. Atlanta has also been one of the League s most efficient teams when it comes to getting points out of its long drives. THE LONG HAUL 10-PLAY DRIVES, SINCE 2008 Team Pos. 10 Play TDs Atlanta Indianapolis New Orleans PLAY DRIVE BREAKDOWN Team 10 Play Scr. Eff. Atlanta Miami Houston New Orleans Since 2008, the Falcons lead the NFL with 115 scores and have posted an 83 percent scoring efficiency on drives of 10 plays or longer. In 2011, the Falcons PLAY DRIVES ranked second in the Team League with 133 points New Orleans on 33 drives lasting 10 Atlanta plays or more. Atlanta New England scored 13 touchdowns Baltimore which ranked tied for Green Bay fifth in the NFL and added 10 Play Pts field goals on 10 play drives last season. The Falcons ranked FIVE MINUTE SCORING among the NFL leaders Team Drives Score Pts. in five-minute drives Atlanta with 29 possessions Pittsburgh lasting five minutes or San Diego longer and Atlanta s 25 Green Bay scores and 131 points New Orleans on such drives lead the NFL. In a Week 15 win over the Jaguars, the Falcons scored 10 points on drives lasting more than five minutes each. SEEING RED Putting points on the board RED ZONE SCORING when in the red zone is vital to a team s success. In Green Bay Team Pos. Scr. Eff. 2011, the Falcons scored Detroit points in the red zone, San Francisco including 31 touchdowns in Chicago trips inside the 20 yard Atlanta line. Atlanta came away with points 52 times in those 54 trips. The Birds 88.1 scoring percentage inside the red area ranked eighth in the NFL and fifth in the NFC last season. CLOCKING IN As a result of its long drives and POSSESSION AVG. balanced attack, Atlanta ranked Team TOP third in the NFL in average time Houston 32:41 of possession in The Falcons Pittsburgh 32:33 chewed up 32:05 per game, including an impressive 36:59 in a Week San Francisco 32:02 Atlanta 32:05 11 win over Tennessee at the Georgia New Orleans 31:46 Dome. QUICK STARTER On day one of the 2011 ROOKIE RECEIVING TDs NFL Draft, the Falcons Player Rec. Yards TD traded up from the 27th Julio Jones spot to sixth overall to A.J. Green , select Alabama wide Torrey Smith receiver Julio Jones. In Titus Young 13 games, Jones made a Denarius Moore lasting impression ranking second among rookies with 959 yards on 54 catches and leading all first-year receivers with eight touchdowns despite missing three games. Jones posted back-to-back 100-yard games at Tampa Bay in Week 3 and at Seattle in Week 4. He is the first Falcons rookie since Alfred Jenkins in 1975 to accomplish that feat and the first NFL rookie to do so since DeSean Jackson in Jones became the first Falcons rookie to record 11 receptions in a game when he posted 11 catches for 127 yards at Seattle in Week 4. The last NFL rookie to post 11-or-more catches in a game was Denver s Eddie Royal in Jones posted the best ROOKIE RECORDS season by a Falcons rookie receiver after notching Julio Jones Player Rec. Yards TD 54 receptions for 959 Alfred Jenkins yards and eight touchdowns. He recorded more Jim Mitchell Ken Burrow yards and touchdowns Falcons History than any Falcons rookie before him and only Shawn Collins caught more passes in his first season when he pulled down 58 balls in TRIPLE TROUBLE In 2011, the Falcons offense was once again led by the three-pronged attack of QB Matt Ryan under center, RB Michael Turner in the backfield and WR Roddy White down the field. Ryan set a franchise record with 4,177 passing yards, while Turner rushed for over 1,300 yards for the second straight season and White logged over 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth straight season. 3K PASSER - 1K RUSHER - 1K Year QB RB WR 2011 M. Ryan M. Turner R. White 2010 M. Ryan M. Turner R. White 2008 M. Ryan M. Turner R. White 1998 C. Chandler J. Anderson T. Martin 1995 J. George C. Heyward E. Metcalf 1981 S. Bartkowski W. Andrews A. Jenkins 1980 S. Bartkowski W. Andrews A. Jenkins 2011 marked the seventh time in franchise history that the Birds posted the 3k-1k-1k trifecta. Ryan, Turner and White are the first trio to accomplish the feat three different times. Ryan s 4,177 passing yards, marked only the second time in club history the team has had a 4,000 yard passer, 1,000 yard rusher and 1,000 receiver. Atlanta also accomplished the feat in 1995.

12 DEFENSIVE NEWS AND NOTES RED ZONE SHUTDOWN In 2011, Atlanta was one of the RED ZONE DEFENSE League s top defenses with its Team Scores Eff. back against the wall in the Baltimore red zone. The Falcons held opponents to an 78.7 scoring Atlanta Philadelphia percentage inside the red area, NY Giants allowing 22 touchdowns and 15 Chicago field goals on 47 drives inside the 20. Atlanta also held opponents to a 46.8 touchdown efficiency in the red zone, which ranked eighth in the League. Additionally, the Falcons led the NFL with seven red zone takeaways. SACK ATTACK In 2011, the Falcons posted 33 sacks, including a season-high five at Chicago and vs. Jacksonville. DE John Abraham led the team with 9.5 sacks. DE Lawrence Sidbury and LB Sean Weatherspoon each had four sacks. While DE Ray Edwards had 3.5 sacks and DT Corey Peters notched three sacks. Atlanta sacked Packers QB Aaron Rodgers four times in a Week 5 loss and brought down Panthers rookie QB Cam Newton twice in a Week 6 win. The Falcons followed that up with three sacks of Lions QB Matthew Stafford in a Week 7 win. DE Lawrence Sidbury had a career-day posting two sacks vs. Minn to double his total for the season. He pulled down Ponder twice in the third quarter and added a pair of tackles. His four sacks last season were a career-high. Atlanta notched three sacks at Houston in Week 13, including a strip sack by DT Vance Walker. DE John Abraham and LB Curtis Lofton also dragged down Texans QB T.J. Yates. LB Sean Weatherspoon and DE Ray Edwards each sacked Panthers QB Cam Newton in Atlanta s win at Carolina in Week 14. Two of Edwards three sacks this season came against the Panthers. DE John Abraham had one of his best games as a Falcon against Jacksonville, sacking QB Blaine Gabbert 3.5 times and forcing two fumbles. SCOREBOARD WATCHING Last season, Atlanta held opponents FIRST POSSESSIONS under 20 points eight times, including seven of the last 11 games. One Team Pts. Baltimore 7 of the keys to the Falcons ablity to Houston 14 limit opponents scoring was their Atlanta 16 success on teams first offensive Miami 16 possessions. The Falcons surrendered 16 points on opponents first Arizona 17 offensive possessions in In Week 16, New Orleans became the first team to score a touchdown on its first possession against the Falcons in 16 games dating back to HITTING THE WALL Over the last two seasons, Atlanta RUN DEFENSE has been one of the League s best Team Yds/G teams in terms of limiting opponent s ability to effectively run the Baltimore 92.6 San Francisco 77.3 ball. In 2011, the Birds held opponents to 97.0 rushing yards per Houston 96.0 Miami 95.6 game, which ranked sixth in the Chicago 96.4 League. Atlanta held eight of its 16 Atlanta 97.0 opponents to under 100 rushing yards, including four of its last eight games. The defense allowed a an individual 100-yard rusher just three times in the last 19 games. Last season, the Falcons NFC OPP. 4+ YARD RUNS were one of the League s Team Runs 4+ Pct. best teams in terms of limiting opponents successful San Francisco Chicago rushes by holding them to Seattle less than four yards per carry. Opponents averaged 4.1 Atlanta yards per carry against the Falcons defense. Additionally, the Birds allowed just 40.6 percent of runs to gain four-ormore yards, which ranked ninth in the League and fourth in the NFC in Atlanta s defense also stopped opponents in the backfield 41 times. TURNING IT OVER The Falcons caused at least one turnover in 27 consecutive games between 2010 and 2011, which was the longest active streak in the NFL and the longest streak since Chicago posted 25 straight games with a takeaway between 2007 and In a Week 15 win over Jacksonville, the Falcons defense forced a season-high four turnovers. Atlanta s defense forced 29 takeaways in 2011 and recorded at least one takeaway in 33 of its last 35 games. LB Curtis Lofton recorded his first career touchdown when he intercepted a pass and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown in a Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Atlanta forced three fumbles and intercepted a pass in a Week 15 win over Jacksonville. DE John Abraham recorded two fumbles on sacks, one of which was returned 13 yards by DT Corey Peters for a touchdown. S Thomas DeCoud also intercepted a pass and LB Sean Weatherspoon recovered a muffed punt. CB Dunta Robinson intercepted his first pass of the season and his second as a Falcon in Atlanta s Week 11 win over Tenneesee. He returned the pick 14 yards to help set up a 19-yard field goal by K Matt Bryant. With the Eagles at the Falcons four-yard line, DT Peria Jerry forced QB Michael Vick to fumble, DE Ray Edwards picked up the loose ball and returned it 64 yards to the Philadelphia 24. It was the first forced fumble of Jerry s career and the third fumble recovery for Edwards.

13 SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES PINNING THEM DEEP Special teams play an integral DRIVES INSIDE 20 role in putting the offense and Team Pos. In 20 defense in position to have success. In 2011, rookie P Matt NY Jets Atlanta Bosher pinned opponents inside Cincinnati their own 20-yard line 27 times, Arizona which was tied for 10th in the New England NFL. Falcons opponents started 62 of their 180 offensive possessions inside their own 20- yard line, which led the League. In 2011, the Falcons punt coverage unit was the League s best Team Ret. Avg. PUNT RETURN AVG holding opponents to just 4.8 Atlanta 4.8 yards per punt return. Bosher Chicago 5.4 punted 70 times this season Philadelphia 5.7 with only 31 of those punts being Tennessee 6.1 returned. Atlanta only allowed New Orleans total punt return yards, which ranked among the League leaders. The Falcons also had success limiting opponents KICKOFF RETURNS Team KOs KRs In 20 on kickoff returns. Atlanta s kickoff coverage team New England Atlanta held its opponents to an NY Jets average drive start of the Cincinnati yard line after kickoffs. The Falcons pinned Arizona opponents inside their own 20-yard line 28 times on kickoffs last season which ranked among the NFL leaders. Pro Bowl Specialist Eric Weems became the first Falcon to record both a kickoff and punt return for a touchdown in GOING STREAKING K Matt Bryant connected on three field goals from 23, 47 and 40-yards in Atlanta s Week 7 win at Detroit setting a new franchise record with 27 consecutive made field goals dating back to In 2011, he made 27 of 29 field goal attempts and increased his franchise record of consecutive made kicks to 30 before missing a 41 yarder against New Orleans in Week 9. Bryant s string of 30 straight kicks is the longest streak in team history. He passed Norm Johnson, who hit 26 straight from LEG UP Rookie P Matt Bosher punted 70 DRIVES INSIDE 20 times pinning opponents inside Player Punts In 20 their own 20 yard line 27 times, M. Koenen which was tied for the fourthhighest total in a single season John James M. Koenen in team history. Bosher averaged Matt Bosher per kick and the Falcons allowed 4.8 yards per punt Three others with 27 return. MAKING A DENT Rookie LB Akeem Dent made an instant impact on special teams in his TACKLES Player SpT first season with the Falcons. Dent Artie Ulmer 21 notched 19 special teams tackles, Akeem Dent 19 which was tied for the second-highest Jason Snelling 19 total in team history. Artie Ulmer s 21 Darryl Ford 18 stops in 2002 are the most, while Dent is tied with teammate RB Jason Snelling who also logged 19 in Dent forced Lions kick returner Stefan Logan to fumble on a kickoff return at Detroit (10/23), which was recoverd by Snelling and resulted in a one-yard touchdown run by QB Matt Ryan. PINPOINT ACCURACY In 2011, Matt Bryant hit FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE 27 of his 29 field goal attempts, including a string Team FGM FGA Pct. Matt Bryant of 14 in-a-row to start the Connor Barth season. Bryant s 93.1 field Josh Scobee goal percentage led the Rob Bironas NFL last season. Since Alex Henery he joined the Falcons in 2009, Bryant s 88.6 field goal percentage ranks second in the League. IMPRESSIVE COMPANY K Matt Bryant s 93.1 field FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE goal percentage in 2011 Team FGM FGA Pct. was the third-highest Norm Johnson mark in team history and Jason Elam his 27 made field goals Matt Bryant are the second most in Falcons History club annals. Last season, Bryant totaled 126 TOTAL POINTS points, which was the fourthhighest single-season total in Jay Feely Player Year Pts team history. Jay Feely set a club Jason Elam record with 138 points in Matt Bryant Bryant also owns the thirdhighest mark with his 128 points Matt Bryant in 2010.

14 QB MATT RYAN RARE AIR In his four seasons under NFL QB WINS FIRST FOUR YEARS center, QB Matt Ryan Player Years Wins posted a record, Joe Flacco which is the second best Matt Ryan mark by a quarterback Dan Marino in his first four seasons Otto Graham since Only Ravens Ben Roethlisberger QB Joe Flacco has more wins in his first four seasons, posting 44. In 2010, Ryan tied Hall of Fame QB Dan Marino for the most wins by a quarterback in his first three seasons with 33. Pro Bowl QB Matt Ryan set a frachise record for passing yards in a single seasonm, throwing for 4,177 yards in He broke the record with a 48-yard touchdown pass to WR Julio Jones in Week 17. SLINGING THE ROCK QB Matt Ryan set a career high with NFC TD LEADERS 29 touchdown passes in He Player TDs has thrown at least one touchdown Drew Brees 147 pass in 15 straight games, and has Aaron Rodgers 131 found a receiver in the endzone in Eli Manning of his last 31 games. In Atlanta s Matt Ryan 95 Week 2 win over Philadelphia, Ryan Tony Romo 94 set a career-high with four touchdown passes. He also tossed four *Since 2008 touchdowns against Carolina in Week 14. Ryan threw for three-or-more touchdowns six times in 2011 and 11 times in his career. Since 2008, the Falcons own a 24-5 record when Ryan throws multiple TD passes and are when he finds a man in the endzone at least once. His 95 touchdowns since 2008 rank fourth in the NFC and sixth overall. FRANCHISE FIND With the third overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, Falcons rookie general manager Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Mike Smith found their franchise quarterback in Boston College s Matt Ryan. Ryan immediately took over the starting job under center and has led the Falcons to a record as a starter. During his four seasons under center, Ryan has already begun climbing up the Falcons all-time passing records lists. Ryan s 95 touchdown passes are TOUCHDOWNS the second most in team history. Player TDs He passed Chris Chandler (87) Steve Bartkowski 154 and Chris Miller (87) with his Matt Ryan 95 four touchdown performance at Chris Chandler 87 Carolina in Week 14. Chris Miller 87 Ryan has completed 1,232 of PASSING YARDS 2,022 pass attempts for 14,238 Player Yards yards, which ranks second in Steve Bartkowski 23,470 Falcons history. He moved past Matt Ryan 14,238 Chris Miller with his 373-yard Chris Miller 14,066 showing at New Orleans in Chris Chandler 13,268 Week 16. Ryan s.694 winning percentage since 2008 is the fifth best in the NFL and the second-highest mark in the NFC. Ryan, Flacco and Marino are the only quarterbacks since 1950 to post 40-or-more wins in their first four seasons. MATTY ICE Quarterbacks are often GAME-WINNING DRIVES judged by their play in Date Opponent Score tight games in the fourth 10/05/08 Green Bay quarter and their ability 10/12/08 Chicago to put together gamewinning drives late in 12/28/08 St. Louis /14/08 Tampa Bay* games. Ryan has shown 10/18/09 Chicago an ability to rise to the 12/20/09 NY Jets 10-7 challenge in pressure 01/03/10 Tampa Bay situations by leading the 09/26/10 New Orleans* Falcons on 16 game-winning drives in the fourth 10/24/10 Cincinnati /03/10 San Francisco quarter or overtime during his first four seasons 11/28/10 Green Bay /11/10 Baltimore under center in Atlanta. 12/05/10 Tampa Bay /18/11 Philadelphia /16/11 Carolina /11/11 Carolina *denotes game winning drive in OT. The Pro Bowl signal caller led the Falcons on three gamewinning drives in the fourth quarter in In a Week 2 win over the Eagles, Ryan led the Falcons on two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to rally back from a 10-point deficit. Trailing the Panthers entering the fourth quarter, Ryan led the Falcons to 17 points in the final frame to give Atlanta a victory in Week 6. In a Week 14 win over the Panthers, Ryan threw two touchdowns to WR Julio Jones to complete a 24-point second half comeback. FRANCHISE RECORDS 4,177 Most passing yards (season, 2011). 571 Most passes attempted (season). 357 Most passes completed (season) Highest passer rating (career) Highest completion pct. (career). 6 Most 300-yard games (season, 2011).

15 TE TONY GONZALEZ MOVING UP THE CHARTS Gonzalez recorded 80 catches for 875 yards in 2011, giving him 13,338 career receiving yards. He passed WR Andre Reed for 11th place on the NFL s all-time receiving list in Week 14 and he is the first tight end, and 13th player in NFL history, to have over 13,000 receiving yards in a career. The 11-time Pro Bowler is 44 yards shy of passing WR Torry Holt (13,382 yards) for 10th place. Gonzalez became the first tight end and 13th player in NFL history to record 13,000 career receiving yards in Atlanta s Week 11 win over Tennessee. Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez caught seven passes for 100 yards at Houston in Week 13, improving his NFL record for 100-yard receiving games by a tight end to 28. Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez moved into second place on the NFL s all-time receptions list with a two-yard catch in the secondquarter of Atlanta s Week 7 win over the Detroit Lions. In 2011, Gonzalez pushed his total to 1,149 career receptions. In 2010, he became the first tight end in League history to record 1,000 receptions. Gonzalez holds a number of NFL records at the tight end position, including most career receiving yards, most career receptions, most receptions in a single season, most touchdown catches, most STACKING UP NFL ALL-TIME RECEIVERS Player Years Rec. Jerry Rice ,549 Tony Gonzalez* ,149 Marvin Harrison ,102 Cris Carter ,101 Tim Brown ,094 Terrell Owens ,078 Isaac Bruce ,024 *Denotes active player 100-yard receiving games and most 1,000- yard seasons. He is the NFL s second leading receiver overall and his 1,149 career catches are an NFL record for tight ends. ONE OF A KIND TE Tony Gonzalez continued 2011 TIGHT ENDS TDs to shine in his 15th season Player Rec. TDs in the NFL. He finished the Rob Gronkowski regular season ranked fourth Jimmy Graham with 80 catches and fifth with Jermichael Finley yards among tight ends. Tony Gonzalez 80 7 His seven touchdowns were Antonio Gates 64 7 tied for the third most among Aaron Hernandez 79 7 tight ends in Gonzalez was named to his 12th Pro Bowl squad after catching 80 passses for 875 yards in Gonazlez has now posted 80-or-more receptions five times and 800-or-more yards 11 times, including two of his three seasons with the Falcons. CAREER LEADERS, RECEIVING YARDS Rank Player Seasons Rec. Yards 10th Torry Holt 11 13,382 11th Tony Gonzalez 15 13,338 12th Andre Reed 16 13,198 RISING UP Gonzalez caught a touchdown in six games last season, including a pair of scores in Atlanta s win over Philadelphia in Week 2. He pulled down touchdown catches in three straight games vs. Philadelphia (9/18), at Tampa Bay (9/25) and at Seattle (10/2). The last time he caught touchdowns in consecutive games was in his first two games in a Falcons uniform in He also caught TDs in three consecutive games, at Indianapolis (11/6), against New Orleans (11/13) and vs. Tennessee (11/20). Since he was accquired in a trade in 2009, Gonzalez has posted 19 touchdowns, which is the fourth most by a tight end in the NFL during that time span. Since 2009, he has notched 233 receptions, which ranks second in the League among tight ends behind Jason Witten (267). NFL RECORDS HELD BY GONZALEZ 13,338 Most receiving yards by a TE 1,149 Most receptions in a career by a TE 102 Most receptions in a season by a TE 95 Most touchdown receptions by a TE 28 Most 100-yard receiving games by a TE 13 Consecutive 60+ catch seasons 4 Most 1,000-yard seasons by a TE MILESTONES TE Tony Gonzalez hauled in seven 60-CATCH SEASONS passes for 100 yards at Houston in Player Years Week 13, giving him 66 receptions Tony Gonzalez* 13 on the season and marking his Derrick Mason* 11 13th consecutive season with 60- Jerry Rice 11 plus receptions. Gonzalez broke * - denotes active player the NFL record for consecutive 60-catch seasons in Gonzalez has posted 60-ormore catches in 13 of his 15 NFL seasons.

16 RB MICHAEL TURNER GROUND GAME RB Michael Turner has provided RUSHING TDs the Falcons with a reliable scoring option in his four seasons Adrian Peterson 52 Player TDs with the team. In 59 career Michael Turner 50 games in an Atlanta uniform, Maurice Jones-Drew 40 Turner has tallied 50 rushing Chris Johnson 38 touchdowns, which ranks second in the NFL over that time Brandon Jacobs 36 period. In 2008, he set a franchise record with 17 rushing TDs and in 2010, Turner found the endzone 12 times. Only Minnesota s Adrian Peterson has scored more rushing touchdowns in the last four seasons than Turner. Pro Bowl RB Michael Turner ran for a season-high 172 yards and two touchdowns against Tampa Bay in Week 17, setting a franchise record for career rushing touchdowns with 50. Since arriving in Atlanta in 2008, Turner has rushed for 5,281 yards, 50 touchdowns and 89.5 yards per game. Turner is one of only two running backs in the NFL to amass 5,000 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns since His yardage total FACTOR BACK RUNNING BACKS SINCE 2008 Player Yards Chris Johnson 5,645 Adrian Peterson 5,411 Michael Turner 5,281 Player Yards/G Adrian Peterson 91.7 Chris Johnson 89.6 Michael Turner 89.5 and yards per game total rank third in the League during that time span. BURN NOTICE Turner posted an NFC-best four BIG RUNS SINCE 2008 runs of 50-plus yards in 2011, Player Big Runs including an 81-yard touchdown Chris Johnson 148 against Tampa Bay, a 53-yard Adrian Peterson 143 run at Chicago, a 61-yard scamper against Philadelphia and Michael Turner 134 Steven Jackson yarder at Detroit. Turner also Maurice Jones-Drew 124 posted 100 yards on the ground *Runs of 10-more yards all four games. Since arriving in Atlanta, Turner has often burnt opposing defenses for big gains. He ranks third in the NFL in big runs rolling off 134 runs of 10-or-more yards in his four seasons in the ATL. Since 2008, the Falcons rank tied for ninth in the League with 209 runs of 10-plus yards. Turner posted his longest touchdown run as a Falcon with his 81-yard touchdown run against Tampa Bay in Week 17. It was the second-longest touchdown run in Falcons history behind RB Warrick Dunn s 90-yard touchdown against the Giants in FRANCHISE RECORDS 220 Most rushing yards in a game. 50 Most career rushing touchdowns. 24 Most points scored in a game. 17 Most touchdowns in a season. 4 Most rushing touchdowns in a game. With two touchdowns in Atlanta s Week 17 win vs. Tampa Bay, Player TDs CAREER RUSHING TDs Turner broke RB Gerald Riggs Michael Turner 50 franchise record for career rushing touchdowns. Riggs tallied 48 Jamal Anderson 34 Gerald Riggs 48 touchdowns between 1982 and *Falcons History Turner s 50 touchdowns are the third most overall touchdowns in team history with WR Terance Mathis owning the club record with 57 career scores. With 11 touchdowns this season, Turner became the first running back in team history to score 10-or-more touchdowns in four straight seasons. This season, Turner has continued his impressive scoring run Player Pts SCORING as his 11 touchdowns lead the Adrian Peterson 324 team and rank tied for sixth in Michael Turner 300 the NFL among running backs. Maurice Jones-Drew 288 He totaled 66 points through Calvin Johnson 274 last season, which is tied for the Chris Johnson th-highest point total among non-kickers. Since 2008, Turner ranks second among nonkickers with 300 points. He is one of two non-kickers to total 300-plus points during that time. RUNNING FOR RECORDS Since 2008, RB Michael Turner RUSHING YARDS has carried the ball 1,189 times Player Yards for 5,281 yards. After just four Gerald Riggs 6,631 seasons, Turner already ranks William Andrews 5,986 fifth on the team s all-time rushing list. He is the shortest ten- Warrick Dunn 5,981 Jamal Anderson 5,336 ured player in the teams top five Michael Turner 5,281 and trails RB Jamal Anderson by 55 yards for fourth place. Turner became the fifth rusher in team history to record 5,000 rushing yards in Atlanta s Week 14 win over the Carolina Panthers. RUNNING MAN Turner posted 172 yards on YARD GAMES carries in Atlanta s Week 17 win Player Games over Tampa Bay, marking his 25th Michael Turner yard game and tying RB Gerald Riggs for the franchise record. William Andrews 22 Gerald Riggs 25 Riggs posted yard games Warrick Dunn 19 between 1982 and Turner Jamaal Anderson 19 logged 100-or-more yards in six * Falcons History games last season.

17 WR RODDY WHITE AIMING HIGH In 2011, WR Roddy White ran his career receiving yardage total to 7,374 yards, passing WR Terance Mathis for the franchise record. Mathis totaled 7,349 yards in eight seasons from In his seven seasons with the Falcons, White has recorded 45 touchdowns which is the third most in team history. FALCONS ALL-TIME RECEIVING Years Player Yards Roddy White 7, Terance Mathis 7, Alfred Jenkins 6, Andre Rison 5,633 FALCONS HISTORY Player TDs Terance Mathis 57 Andre Rison 56 Roddy White 45 Alfred Jenkins 40 Pro Bowl WR Roddy White caught 4 passes for 69 yards in Atlanta s Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He became the Falcons all-time leading receiver with 7,374 career receiving yards. IN GOOD HANDS After leading the League and NFL RECEPTIONS setting a franchise record with Player Rec. 115 receptions in 2010, WR Wes Welker 122 Roddy White continued to show Roddy White 100 he was QB Matt Ryan s favorite Jimmy Graham 99 target in White hauled in Calvin Johnson 96 an NFC-high 100 passes and Rob Gronkowski 90 ranked second in the NFL behind New England s Wes Welker. White is the only player to post 100-or-more catches in each of the last two seasons. TE Tony Gonzalez also finished in the top 15 with 80 catches. TD CATCHES SINCE 08 Since 2008, White leads the Player TDs NFC and ranks second in the Calvin Johnson 45 NFL with 388 receptions. Larry Fitzgerald 39 Additionally, his 36 touchdowns are the third most in Roddy White 36 Greg Jennings 34 the League during that time. Antonio Gates 33 Only White, Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald have totaled 300-or-more catches and 35-plus touchdowns over the last four seasons. GO-TO-GUY White was one of the League s best pass catchers on third down in 2010, hauling in an NFL-best 36 receptions and League-leading 497 receiving yards on third down. Additionally, a League-high 29 of his 36 third-down catches went for first downs. White also had five touchdown catches on third down and led the League with 73 first down receptions. Since 2008, White leads the NFL with 120 catches and 102 first downs on third down. His 13 touchdowns on third down tied for the second most in the NFL. In 2011, White once again led 3RD DOWN RECEPTIONS the League with 35 catches on Player Rec. third down, 29 of which resulted Roddy White 35 in first downs. The four-time Pro Nate Washington 29 Bowler set a franchise record Antonio Brown 28 and tied for the NFL lead with Victor Cruz first down receptions overall. White improved his franchise record for 100-yard receiving games to 28 with his 11 catch, 127-yard effort at New Orleans in Week 16. White finished the regular season with 100 receptions for 1,296 yards and eight touchdowns. HOT HANDS In seven seasons with the Falcons, White has totaled 530 Player Rec. FALCONS HISTORY receptions. He currently ranks Terance Mathis 573 second on the club s all-time Roddy White 530 receptions list behind Terance Andre Rison 423 Mathis (573). In a Week 14 win Alfred Jenkins 360 over Carolina, White became just the second Falcon receiver to post 500 career receptions. White is the only player in frachise history to post five straight 1,000-yard seasons. ELITE COMPANY WR Roddy White became the WHITE eighth receiver in NFL history to Year Rec. Yards record five consecutive seasons ,202 with at least 80 catches and 1, ,382 receiving yards. He joins Tim Brown ,153 ( ), Cris Carter ( ), ,389 Marvin Harrison ( ), Torry ,296 Holt ( ), Chad Ochocinco ( ), Jerry Rice ( ) and Reggie Wayne ( ) as the only players to accomplish this feat. 80+ CATCHES & 1,000+ YARDS Player Years Tot. Marvin Harrison Torry Holt Jerry Rice Tim Brown Reggie Wayne Roddy White Cris Carter Chad Ochocinco FRANCHISE RECORDS 7,374 Most career receiving yards. 1,389 Most receiving yards in a season. 210 Most receiving yards in a game. 115 Most receptions in a single season. 28 Most 100-yard receiving games. 5 Most consecutive 1,000 yard seasons.

18 DE JOHN ABRAHAM THE PREDATOR In 2008, Falcons DE John Abraham set a Falcons franchise record with 16.5 sacks after totaling 14.0 in his first two seasons with the team. Since the defensive-minded Mike Smith took over as head coach of the Falcons in 2008, Abraham has totaled 44.5 sacks, which ranks fourth in the NFL. DE John Abraham finished the season with 9.5 sacks, including one in the season finale against Tampa Bay. Abraham moved into a tie with Chuck Smith for second on the team s all-time sacks list. QUARTERBACK HUNTER Since joining the Falcons in 2006, DE John Abraham has totaled 58.5 sacks, which ranks fifth in the NFL during that time. Abraham posted a team-leading 9.5 sacks last season. In January of 2009, Abraham was voted one of the top defensive ends of the decade. His career ACTIVE SACK LEADERS sacks since 2000 rank first Player Sacks among all defensive ends. Dolphins LB Jason Taylor (139.5) is Jason Taylor John Abraham the only active NFL player with Jared Allen more sacks than Abraham. Dwight Freeney Julius Peppers 99.5 FRANCHISE RECORDS In 2008, Abraham set a Falcons franchise record with 16.5 sacks topping Joel Williams previous record of 16, set in Since sacks became an official statistic in 1982, 27 players have recorded 100-or-more career sacks. With a pair of sacks during Atlanta s Week 14 win at Carolina in 2010, Abraham became the 25th player in NFL history to record 100-or-more sacks in a career and his sacks rank 16th in League annals. ALL-TIME SACK LEADERS Player Sacks Player Sacks Bruce Smith Reggie White Kevin Greene Chris Doleman Michael Strahan Richard Dent John Randle Jason Taylor* Lawrence Taylor Leslie O Neal Rickey Jackson Derrick Thomas Simeon Rice Clyde Simmons CENTURY CLUB Sean Jones John Abraham* Greg Townsend Pat Swilling Trace Armstrong Kevin Carter Neil Smith Jim Jeffcoat Jared Allen* Dwight Freeney* William Fuller Charles Haley Andre Tippett *Active Players In 2011, Abraham recorded 9.5 SACKS SINCE 2008 sacks, including a season-high Player Sacks 3.5 sacks in a Week 15 win over DeMarcus Ware 66.0 the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also Jared Allen 62.0 posted two sacks in the season James Harrison 45.5 opener at Chicago, notched one John Abraham 44.5 sack in Atlanta s Week 7 win LaMarr Woodley 44.0 over the Detroit Lions, one in the Falcons Week 11 win over Tennessee, one in a Week 13 loss at Houston and one in the season finale against Tampa Bay. KEEPING PACE In six seasons in an Atlanta Falcons uniform, DE John Abraham has already broken into the top three sack leaders in franchise history, moving into a tie for the second spot when he notched one sack against the Buccaneers in Week 17. He is the shortest-tenured Falcons player ranked on the list and is one half sack shy of passing Chuck Smith for sole possession of second place. FALCONS ALL-TIME SACK LEADERS Player Years Sacks Claude Humphrey (11) 94.5 John Abraham (6) 58.5 Chuck Smith (7) 58.5 Patrick Kerney (8) 58.0 John Zook (7) 47.0 SACK ATTACK In 11 seasons in the NFL, it s no surprise to opposing offenses that DE John Abraham makes a difference on every snap. His career sacks currently lead all active players and in 2008, he posted a career-best and franchise record 16.5 quarterback takedowns. To take it a step further, Abraham s 26 multiple-sack games over his career have made an even bigger difference as he has contributed to a 20-6 overall record and a 12-2 record for the Falcons. ABRAHAM S MULTI-SACK GAMES Year Multi-Sack Record 2011 Two Falcons Four Falcons One Falcons Four Falcons Two Falcons One Falcons Two NY Jets Two NY Jets Two NY Jets Three NY Jets Two NY Jets One NY Jets 1-0 Total 26 Games 20-6

19 BAND OF BACKERS LOFTY SEASON In his fourth season in a Falcons uniform, LB Curtis Lofton played a pivotal role in Atlanta s defense. In 2011, Lofton collared 167 tackles (101 solo), one sack, two interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one touchdown. Lofton led one of the NFL s best run defenses, as the Falcons are allowed 97.7 yards per game and held 13 of their last 22 opponents under 100 yards rushing, including four of the last eight games. The Falcons have held opponents without a 100-yard rusher in 16 of their last 19 games dating back to LB Sean Weatherspoon posted a team-high 10 tackles, one sack and three tackles for loss in Atlanta s Week 12 win over Minnesota. He finished second on the team with 127 tackles and recorded three sacks. DOUBLE DOWN LB Curtis Lofton posted 167 tackles in 2011, topping his career high 160 set in He notched 10-plus tackles in 10 games, including a season-high 14 at Houston in Week 13 and vs. Tampa Bay in Week 17, and has now recorded 29 games in his career with double-digit tackles. A large part of Lofton s success in his four seasons in the NFL has been the games in which he has finished with a double-digit tackle total. In 2010, Lofton recorded 10-or-more tackles in seven games, including a season-high 17 at Philadelphia. Since 2008, Atlanta is when he posts 10-plus tackles. LOFTON S 10+ TACKLE GAMES Game Tkl. Result 1/1/12 vs. TB 14 W 12/4/11 at Hou 14 L 11/27/11 vs. Min. 11 W 11/13/11 vs. NO 10 L 11/6/11 at Ind. 12 W 10/23/11 at Det. 11 W 10/9/11 vs. GB 12 L 9/25/11 at TB 13 L 9/18/11 vs. Phi. 11 W 9/11/11 at Chi. 13 L 12/27/10 vs. NO 11 L 12/5/10 at TB 10 W 11/21/10 at StL 11 W 11/11/10 vs. Bal. 11 W 10/17/10 at Phi. 17 L 9/26/10 at NO 10 W 9/12/10 at Pit. 12 L 12/20/09 at NYJ 11 W 11/22/09 at NYG 15 L 11/8/09 vs. Wash. 10 W 11/2/09 at NO 14 L 10/18/09 vs. Chi. 11 W 10/11/09 at SF 10 W 9/27/09 at NE 19 L 9/20/09 vs. Car. 10 W 9/13/09 vs. Mia. 13 W 10/12/08 vs. Chi. 11 W 9/28/08 at Car. 10 L 9/14/08 at TB 10 L Totals 29 Games Since he arrived in 2008, the 4+ YARD 1ST DOWN RUNS Falcons have a 25-6 when Team Runs 4+ Pct. holding opponents under Chicago yards, including a 6-3 Atlanta mark in Much of the Seattle Birds success in defending the run has come from their ability to limit successful plays on first down as they rank among the League leaders in limiting runs of four-or-more yards on first down. TAKE IT AWAY In 2010, LB Curtis Lofton forced a teamhigh three fumbles and recorded one interception. Last season, the third-year middle linebacker notched two interceptions, forced one fumble and recovered a fumble helping the Falcons to 29 takeaways, marking their third straight season with 28-ormore takeaways. Lofton scored his first career touchdown in Atlanta s Week 17 win over Tampa Bay when he intercepted QB Josh Freeman and returned it 26-yards to the endzone. Lofton forced Colts RB Delone Carter to fumble on Indianapolis second play from scrimmage. The loose ball was recovered by DE Ray Edwards and set up a twoyard RB Michael Turner touchdown run. Lofton recorded his second career interception at Seattle (10/2) when he picked off a pass that LB Mike Peterson tipped. SPOONMAN LB Sean Weatherspoon had a breakout year in his second season with the Falcons. Weatherspoon racked up 127 tackles (86 solo) in 2011, including double-digit tackles in six games. He recorded his fifth career sack against the Panthers (12/11), dragging down QB Cam Newton for six-yard loss. The Falcons first pick (19th overall) in the 2010 NFL Draft, Weatherspoon played in 11 games in his rookie season, missing five games due to injury, and totaled 50 total tackles (38 solo) and one sack.

20 2011 Atlanta Falcons Alphabetical Roster # PLAYER POS H W Birthdate EXP COLLEGE ACQUIRED HOMETOWN 55 Abraham, John DE /6/78 12 South Carolina Tr '06 (NYJ) Timmonsville, SC 59 Adkins, Spencer LB /16/87 3 Miami (Fla.) D6 '09 Naples, FL 95 Babineaux, Jonathan DT /12/81 7 Iowa D2 '05 Port Arthur, TX 72 Baker, Sam OT /30/85 4 USC D1b '08 Tustin, CA 71 Biermann, Kroy DE /12/85 4 Montana D5b '08 Hardin, MT 63 Blalock, Justin OG /20/83 5 Texas D2a '07 Dallas, TX 5 Bosher, Matt K/P /18/87 R Miami (Fla.) D6 '10 Jupiter, FL 3 Bryant, Matt K /29/75 10 Baylor FA '09 Orange, TX 73 Chambers, Kirk OL /19/79 7 Stanford FA '11 Provo, UT 77 Clabo, Tyson OT /17/81 7 Wake Forest FA '11 Knoxville, TN 12 Cone, Kevin WR /20/88 R Georgia Tech FA '11 Stone Mountain, GA 42 Cox, Mike FB /11/85 4 Georgia Tech FA '11 Lewisberry, PA 28 DeCoud, Thomas S /19/85 4 California D3c '08 Vallejo, CA 52 Dent, Akeem LB /27/87 R Georgia D3 '11 Atlanta, GA 83 Douglas, Harry WR /16/84 3 Louisville D3b '08 Jonesboro, GA 93 Edwards, Ray DE /1/85 6 Purdue FA '11 Cincinnati, OH 24 Franks, Dominique CB /8/87 2 Oklahoma D5a '10 Tulsa, OK 88 Gonzalez, Tony TE /27/76 15 California Tr '09 (KC) Torrance, CA 20 Grimes, Brent CB /19/83 4 Shippensburg FA '07 Philadelphia, PA 61 Hawley, Joe C /22/88 2 UNLV D4 '10 Yorba Linda, CA 51 James, Robert LB /26/83 2 Arizona State FA '10 Glendale, AZ 94 Jerry, Peria DT /23/84 2 Mississippi D1 '09 Batesville, MS 11 Jones, Julio WR /3/89 R Alabama D1 '11 Foley, AL 89 Kelly, Reggie TE /22/77 12 Mississippi State FA '11 Aberdeen, MS 50 Lofton, Curtis LB /2/86 4 Oklahoma D2 '08 Kingfisher, OK 98 Matthews, Cliff DE /5/89 R South Carolina D7b '11 Cheraw, SC 62 McClure, Todd C /16/77 13 LSU D7a '99 Baton Rouge, LA 80 Meier, Kerry WR /12/86 1 Kansas D5b '10 Pittsburg, KS 25 Moore, William S /18/85 2 Missouri D2 '09 Hayti, MO 54 Nicholas, Stephen LB /1/83 5 South Florida D4a '07 Jacksonville, FL 21 Owens, Christopher CB /1/86 3 San Jose State D3 '09 Los Angeles, CA 81 Palmer, Michael TE /18/88 2 Clemson FA '10 Stone Mountain, GA 91 Peters, Corey DT /8/88 2 Kentucky D3a '10 Louisville, KY 8 Redman, Chris QB /7/77 9 Louisville FA '07 Louisville, KY 75 Reynolds, Garrett OG /1/87 3 North Carolina D5b '09 Knoxville, TN 23 Robinson, Dunta CB /11/82 8 South Carolina FA '10 Athens, GA 22 Rodgers, Jacquizz RB /6/90 R Oregon State D5 '11 Richmond, TX 66 Romberg, Brett C /10/79 7 Miami (Fla.) FA '11 Windsor, Canada 2 Ryan, Matt QB /17/85 4 Boston College D1a '08 Exton, PA 36 Sanders, James S /11/83 7 Fresno State FA '11 Porterville, CA 39 Schillinger, Shann S /22/86 2 Montana D6 '10 Baker, MT 90 Sidbury, Lawrence DE /6/86 3 Richmond D4 '09 Cheltenham, MD 35 Smith, Antone RB /17/85 2 Florida State FA '09 Pahokee, FL 44 Snelling, Jason RB /29/83 5 Virginia D7 '07 Chester, VA 74 Svitek, Will OT /8/82 6 Stanford FA '09 Prague, Czech Republic 33 Turner, Michael RB /13/82 8 Northern Illinois UFA '08 (SD) Waukegan, IL 99 Walker, Vance DT /26/87 3 Georgia Tech D7 '09 Fort Mill, SC 29 Walls, Darrin CB /20/88 R Notre Dame FA '11 Pittsburgh, PA 56 Weatherspoon, Sean LB /29/87 2 Missouri D1 '10 Jasper, TX 14 Weems, Eric WR /4/85 4 Bethune-Cookman FA '07 Ormond Beach, FL 84 White, Roddy WR /2/81 7 Alabama-Birmingham D1 '05 James Island, SC 4 Wilson, John Parker QB /17/85 3 Alabama FA '09 Hoover, AL 82 Zelenka, Joe LS /9/76 13 Wake Forest FA '09 Cleveland, OH PRACTICE SQUAD 19 Davis, Drew WR /4/89 R Oregon FA '11 Denver, CO 87 Gallarda, Tommy TE /8/88 R Boise State FA '11 Brea, CA 30 Hansen, Matt LB /10/89 R Rhode Island FA '11 Providence, RI 67 Jolly, Kyle OL /22/87 1 North Carolina FA '11 Powhatan, VA 97 Powell, Carlton DT /14/85 1 Virginia Tech FA '11 Chesapeake, VA 41 Tuimaunei, Suaesi S /11/88 R Oregon State FA '11 Laie, HI 65 Valdez, Jose OG /13/86 1 Arkansas FA '09 St. Francis, WI 86 Winterswyk, Ryan TE /10/87 R Boise State FA '11 La Habra, CA INJURED RESERVE 79 Johnson, Mike OG /2/87 2 Alabama D3b '10 Pensacola, FL 26 Hayden, Kelvin CB /23/83 6 Illinois FA '11 Chicago, IL 34 Mughelli, Ovie FB /10/80 9 Wake Forest UFA '07 (Bal) Boston, MA 53 Peterson, Mike LB /17/76 13 Florida UFA '09 (Jax) Gainesville, FL PRACTICE SQUAD - INJURED 85 Branson, Marquez TE /14/87 1 Central Arkansas FA '10 Starkville, MS 69 Jackson, Andrew OG /18/88 R Fresno State D7a '11 Grass Valley, CA COACHING STAFF Mike Smith (Head Coach), Mike Mularkey (Offensive Coordinator), Brian VanGorder (Defensive Coordinator), Keith Armstrong (Special Teams Coordinator), Jonas Beauchemin (Assistant Strength and Conditioning), Paul Boudreau (Offensive Line), Bob Bratkowski (Quarterbacks), Gerald Brown (Running Backs), Mark Collins (Defensive Assistant), Paul Dunn (Assistant Offensive Line), Jeff Fish (Director of Athletic Performance), Ray Hamilton (Defensive Line), Tim Lewis (Secondary), AJ Neibels (Assistant Strength and Conditioning), Glenn Pires (Linebackers), Alvin Reynolds (Defensive Backs), Terry Robiskie (Wide Receivers), Chris Scelfo (Tight Ends), Eric Sutulovich (Assistant Special Teams), Glenn Thomas (Offensive Assistant), Andrew Weidinger (Assistant to the Head Coach/Offense). updated 1/3/2012

21 2011 Atlanta Falcons Numerical Roster # PLAYER POS H W AGE EXP COLLEGE ACQUIRED HOMETOWN 2 Matt Ryan QB /17/85 4 Boston College D1a '08 Exton, PA 3 Matt Bryant K /29/75 10 Baylor FA '09 Orange, TX 4 John Parker Wilson QB /17/85 3 Alabama FA '09 Hoover, AL 5 Matt Bosher K/P /18/87 R Miami (Fla.) D6 '10 Jupiter, FL 8 Chris Redman QB /7/77 9 Louisville FA '07 Louisville, KY 11 Julio Jones WR /3/89 R Alabama D1 '11 Foley, AL 12 Kevin Cone WR /20/88 R Georgia Tech FA '11 Stone Mountain, GA 14 Eric Weems WR /4/85 4 Bethune-Cookman FA '07 Ormond Beach, FL 20 Brent Grimes CB /19/83 4 Shippensburg FA '07 Philadelphia, PA 21 Chris Owens CB /1/86 3 San Jose State D3 '09 Los Angeles, CA 22 Jacquizz Rodgers RB /6/90 R Oregon State D5 '11 Richmond, TX 23 Dunta Robinson CB /11/82 8 South Carolina FA '10 Athens, GA 24 Dominique Franks CB /8/87 2 Oklahoma D5a '10 Tulsa, OK 25 William Moore S /18/85 2 Missouri D2 '09 Hayti, MO 28 Thomas DeCoud S /19/85 4 California D3c '08 Vallejo, CA 29 Darrin Walls CB /20/88 R Notre Dame FA '11 Pittsburgh, PA 33 Michael Turner RB /13/82 8 Northern Illinois UFA '08 (SD) Waukegan, IL 35 Antone Smith RB /17/85 2 Florida State FA '09 Pahokee, FL 36 James Sanders S /11/83 7 Fresno State FA '11 Porterville, CA 39 Shann Schillinger S /22/86 2 Montana D6 '10 Baker, MT 42 Mike Cox FB /11/85 4 Georgia Tech FA '11 Lewisberry, PA 44 Jason Snelling RB /29/83 5 Virginia D7 '07 Chester, VA 50 Curtis Lofton LB /2/86 4 Oklahoma D2 '08 Kingfisher, OK 51 Robert James LB /26/83 2 Arizona State FA '10 Glendale, AZ 52 Akeem Dent LB /27/87 R Georgia D3 '11 Atlanta, GA 54 Stephen Nicholas LB /1/83 5 South Florida D4a '07 Jacksonville, FL 55 John Abraham DE /6/78 12 South Carolina Tr '06 (NYJ) Timmonsville, SC 56 Sean Weatherspoon LB /29/87 2 Missouri D1 '10 Jasper, TX 59 Spencer Adkins LB /16/87 3 Miami (Fla.) D6 '09 Naples, FL 61 Joe Hawley C /22/88 2 UNLV D4 '10 Yorba Linda, CA 62 Todd McClure C /16/77 13 LSU D7a '99 Baton Rouge, LA 63 Justin Blalock OG /20/83 5 Texas D2a '07 Dallas, TX 66 Brett Romberg C /10/79 7 Miami (Fla.) FA '11 Windsor, Canada 71 Kroy Biermann DE /12/85 4 Montana D5b '08 Hardin, MT 72 Sam Baker OT /30/85 4 USC D1b '08 Tustin, CA 73 Kirk Chambers OL /19/79 7 Stanford FA '11 Provo, UT 74 Will Svitek OT /8/82 6 Stanford FA '09 Prague, Czech Republic 75 Garrett Reynolds OG /1/87 3 North Carolina D5b '09 Knoxville, TN 77 Tyson Clabo OT /17/81 7 Wake Forest FA '11 Knoxville, TN 80 Kerry Meier WR /12/86 1 Kansas D5b '10 Pittsburg, KS 81 Michael Palmer TE /18/88 2 Clemson FA '10 Stone Mountain, GA 82 Joe Zelenka LS /9/76 13 Wake Forest FA '09 Cleveland, OH 83 Harry Douglas WR /16/84 3 Louisville D3b '08 Jonesboro, GA 84 Roddy White WR /2/81 7 Alabama-Birmingham D1 '05 James Island, SC 88 Tony Gonzalez TE /27/76 15 California Tr '09 (KC) Torrance, CA 89 Reggie Kelly TE /22/77 12 Mississippi State FA '11 Aberdeen, MS 90 Lawrence Sidbury DE /6/86 3 Richmond D4 '09 Cheltenham, MD 91 Corey Peters DT /8/88 2 Kentucky D3a '10 Louisville, KY 93 Ray Edwards DE /1/85 6 Purdue FA '11 Cincinnati, OH 94 Peria Jerry DT /23/84 2 Mississippi D1 '09 Batesville, MS 95 Jonathan Babineaux DT /12/81 7 Iowa D2 '05 Port Arthur, TX 98 Cliff Matthews DE /5/89 R South Carolina D7b '11 Cheraw, SC 99 Vance Walker DT /26/87 3 Georgia Tech D7 '09 Fort Mill, SC PRACTICE SQUAD 19 Drew Davis WR /4/89 R Oregon FA '11 Denver, CO 30 Matt Hansen LB /10/89 R Rhode Island FA '11 Providence, RI 41 Suaesi Tuimaunei S /11/88 R Oregon State FA '11 Laie, HI 65 Jose Valdez OG /13/86 1 Arkansas FA '09 St. Francis, WI 67 Kyle Jolly OL /22/87 1 North Carolina FA '11 Powhatan, VA 86 Ryan Winterswyk TE /10/87 R Boise State FA '11 La Habra, CA 87 Tommy Gallarda TE /8/88 R Boise State FA '11 Brea, CA 97 Calton Powell DT /14/85 1 Virginia Tech FA '11 Chesapeake, VA INJURED RESERVE 26 Kelvin Hayden CB /23/83 6 Illinois FA '11 Chicago, IL 34 Ovie Mughelli FB /10/80 9 Wake Forest UFA '07 (Bal) Boston, MA 53 Mike Peterson LB /17/76 13 Florida UFA '09 (Jax) Gainesville, FL 79 Mike Johnson OG /2/87 2 Alabama D3b '10 Pensacola, FL PRACTICE SQUAD - INJURED 69 Andrew Jackson OG /18/88 R Fresno State D7a '11 Grass Valley, CA 85 Marquez Branson TE /14/87 1 Central Arkansas FA '10 Starkville, MS COACHING STAFF Mike Smith (Head Coach), Mike Mularkey (Offensive Coordinator), Brian VanGorder (Defensive Coordinator), Keith Armstrong (Special Teams Coordinator), Jonas Beauchemin (Assistant Strength and Conditioning), Paul Boudreau (Offensive Line), Bob Bratkowski (Quarterbacks), Gerald Brown (Running Backs), Mark Collins (Defensive Assistant), Paul Dunn (Assistant Offensive Line), Jeff Fish (Director of Athletic Performance), Ray Hamilton (Defensive Line), Tim Lewis (Secondary), AJ Neibels (Assistant Strength and Conditioning), Glenn Pires (Linebackers), Alvin Reynolds (Defensive Backs), Terry Robiskie (Wide Receivers), Chris Scelfo (Tight Ends), Eric Sutulovich (Assistant Special Teams), Glenn Thomas (Offensive Assistant), Andrew Weidinger (Assistant to the Head Coach/Offense). updated 1/3/2012

22 2011 Atlanta Falcons Roster By Experience # PLAYER POS H W Birthdate EXP COLLEGE ACQUIRED HOMETOWN 88 Gonzalez, Tony TE /27/76 15 California Tr '09 (KC) Torrance, CA 62 McClure, Todd C /16/77 13 LSU D7a '99 Baton Rouge, LA 82 Zelenka, Joe LS /9/76 13 Wake Forest FA '09 Cleveland, OH 55 Abraham, John DE /6/78 12 South Carolina Tr '06 (NYJ) Timmonsville, SC 89 Kelly, Reggie TE /22/77 12 Mississippi State FA '11 Aberdeen, MS 3 Bryant, Matt K /29/75 10 Baylor FA '09 Orange, TX 8 Redman, Chris QB /7/77 9 Louisville FA '07 Louisville, KY 23 Robinson, Dunta CB /11/82 8 South Carolina FA '10 Athens, GA 33 Turner, Michael RB /13/82 8 Northern Illinois UFA '08 (SD) Waukegan, IL 95 Babineaux, Jonathan DT /12/81 7 Iowa D2 '05 Port Arthur, TX 73 Chambers, Kirk OL /19/79 7 Stanford FA '11 Provo, UT 77 Clabo, Tyson OT /17/81 7 Wake Forest FA '11 Knoxville, TN 66 Romberg, Brett C /10/79 7 Miami (Fla.) FA '11 Windsor, Canada 36 Sanders, James S /11/83 7 Fresno State FA '11 Porterville, CA 84 White, Roddy WR /2/81 7 Alabama-Birmingham D1 '05 James Island, SC 93 Edwards, Ray DE /1/85 6 Purdue FA '11 Cincinnati, OH 74 Svitek, Will OT /8/82 6 Stanford FA '09 Prague, Czech Republic 63 Blalock, Justin OG /20/83 5 Texas D2a '07 Dallas, TX 54 Nicholas, Stephen LB /1/83 5 South Florida D4a '07 Jacksonville, FL 44 Snelling, Jason RB /29/83 5 Virginia D7 '07 Chester, VA 72 Baker, Sam OT /30/85 4 USC D1b '08 Tustin, CA 71 Biermann, Kroy DE /12/85 4 Montana D5b '08 Hardin, MT 42 Cox, Mike FB /11/85 4 Georgia Tech FA '11 Lewisberry, PA 28 DeCoud, Thomas S /19/85 4 California D3c '08 Vallejo, CA 20 Grimes, Brent CB /19/83 4 Shippensburg FA '07 Philadelphia, PA 50 Lofton, Curtis LB /2/86 4 Oklahoma D2 '08 Kingfisher, OK 2 Ryan, Matt QB /17/85 4 Boston College D1a '08 Exton, PA 14 Weems, Eric WR /4/85 4 Bethune-Cookman FA '07 Ormond Beach, FL 59 Adkins, Spencer LB /16/87 3 Miami (Fla.) D6 '09 Naples, FL 83 Douglas, Harry WR /16/84 3 Louisville D3b '08 Jonesboro, GA 21 Owens, Christopher CB /1/86 3 San Jose State D3 '09 Los Angeles, CA 75 Reynolds, Garrett OG /1/87 3 North Carolina D5b '09 Knoxville, TN 90 Sidbury, Lawrence DE /6/86 3 Richmond D4 '09 Cheltenham, MD 99 Walker, Vance DT /26/87 3 Georgia Tech D7 '09 Fort Mill, SC 4 Wilson, John Parker QB /17/85 3 Alabama FA '09 Hoover, AL 24 Franks, Dominique CB /8/87 2 Oklahoma D5a '10 Tulsa, OK 61 Hawley, Joe C /22/88 2 UNLV D4 '10 Yorba Linda, CA 51 James, Robert LB /26/83 2 Arizona State FA '10 Glendale, AZ 94 Jerry, Peria DT /23/84 2 Mississippi D1 '09 Batesville, MS 25 Moore, William S /18/85 2 Missouri D2 '09 Hayti, MO 81 Palmer, Michael TE /18/88 2 Clemson FA '10 Stone Mountain, GA 91 Peters, Corey DT /8/88 2 Kentucky D3a '10 Louisville, KY 39 Schillinger, Shann S /22/86 2 Montana D6 '10 Baker, MT 35 Smith, Antone RB /17/85 2 Florida State FA '09 Pahokee, FL 56 Weatherspoon, Sean LB /29/87 2 Missouri D1 '10 Jasper, TX 80 Meier, Kerry WR /12/86 1 Kansas D5b '10 Pittsburg, KS 5 Bosher, Matt K/P /18/87 R Miami (Fla.) D6 '10 Jupiter, FL 12 Cone, Kevin WR /20/88 R Georgia Tech FA '11 Stone Mountain, GA 52 Dent, Akeem LB /27/87 R Georgia D3 '11 Atlanta, GA 11 Jones, Julio WR /3/89 R Alabama D1 '11 Foley, AL 98 Matthews, Cliff DE /5/89 R South Carolina D7b '11 Cheraw, SC 22 Rodgers, Jacquizz RB /6/90 R Oregon State D5 '11 Richmond, TX 29 Walls, Darrin CB /20/88 R Notre Dame FA '11 Pittsburgh, PA PRACTICE SQUAD 67 Jolly, Kyle OL /22/87 1 North Carolina FA '11 Powhatan, VA 65 Valdez, Jose OG /13/86 1 Arkansas FA '09 St. Francis, WI 97 Powell, Carlton DT /14/85 1 Virginia Tech FA '11 Chesapeake, VA 19 Davis, Drew WR /4/89 R Oregon FA '11 Denver, CO 87 Gallarda, Tommy TE /8/88 R Boise State FA '11 Brea, CA 30 Hansen, Matt LB /10/89 R Rhode Island FA '11 Providence, RI 41 Tuimaunei, Suaesi S /11/88 R Oregon State FA '11 Laie, HI 86 Winterswyk, Ryan TE /10/87 R Boise State FA '11 La Habra, CA INJURED RESERVE 53 Peterson, Mike LB /17/76 13 Florida UFA '09 (Jax) Gainesville, FL 34 Mughelli, Ovie FB /10/80 9 Wake Forest UFA '07 (Bal) Boston, MA 26 Hayden, Kelvin CB /23/83 6 Illinois FA '11 Chicago, IL 79 Johnson, Mike OG /2/87 2 Alabama D3b '10 Pensacola, FL PRACTICE SQUAD - INJURED 85 Branson, Marquez TE /14/87 1 Central Arkansas FA '10 Starkville, MS 69 Jackson, Andrew OG /18/88 R Fresno State D7a '11 Grass Valley, CA COACHING STAFF Mike Smith (Head Coach), Mike Mularkey (Offensive Coordinator), Brian VanGorder (Defensive Coordinator), Keith Armstrong (Special Teams Coordinator), Jonas Beauchemin (Assistant Strength and Conditioning), Paul Boudreau (Offensive Line), Bob Bratkowski (Quarterbacks), Gerald Brown (Running Backs), Mark Collins (Defensive Assistant), Paul Dunn (Assistant Offensive Line), Jeff Fish (Director of Athletic Performance), Ray Hamilton (Defensive Line), Tim Lewis (Secondary), AJ Neibels (Assistant Strength and Conditioning), Glenn Pires (Linebackers), Alvin Reynolds (Defensive Backs), Terry Robiskie (Wide Receivers), Chris Scelfo (Tight Ends), Eric Sutulovich (Assistant Special Teams), Glenn Thomas (Offensive Assistant), Andrew Weidinger (Assistant to the Head Coach/Offense). updated 1/3/2012

23 2011 Atlanta Falcons Roster By Position # PLAYER POS H W Birthdate EXP COLLEGE ACQUIRED HOMETOWN QUARTERBACKS (3) 8 Redman, Chris QB /7/77 9 Louisville FA '07 Louisville, KY 2 Ryan, Matt QB /17/85 4 Boston College D1a '08 Exton, PA 4 Wilson, John Parker QB /17/85 3 Alabama FA '09 Hoover, AL RUNNING BACKS (5) 42 Cox, Mike FB /11/85 4 Georgia Tech FA '11 Lewisberry, PA 22 Rodgers, Jacquizz RB /6/90 R Oregon State D5 '11 Richmond, TX 35 Smith, Antone RB /17/85 2 Florida State FA '09 Pahokee, FL 44 Snelling, Jason RB /29/83 5 Virginia D7 '07 Chester, VA 33 Turner, Michael RB /13/82 8 Northern Illinois UFA '08 (SD) Waukegan, IL WIDE RECEIVERS (6) 83 Douglas, Harry WR /16/84 3 Louisville D3b '08 Jonesboro, GA 12 Cone, Kevin WR /20/88 R Georgia Tech FA '11 Stone Mountain, GA 11 Jones, Julio WR /3/89 R Alabama D1 '11 Foley, AL 80 Meier, Kerry WR /12/86 1 Kansas D5b '10 Pittsburg, KS 14 Weems, Eric WR /4/85 4 Bethune-Cookman FA '07 Ormond Beach, FL 84 White, Roddy WR /2/81 7 Alabama-Birmingham D1 '05 James Island, SC TIGHT ENDS (3) 89 Kelly, Reggie TE /22/77 12 Mississippi State FA '11 Aberdeen, MS 88 Gonzalez, Tony TE /27/76 15 California Tr '09 (KC) Torrance, CA 81 Palmer, Michael TE /18/88 2 Clemson FA '10 Stone Mountain, GA OFFENSIVE LINE (9) 72 Baker, Sam OT /30/85 4 USC D1b '08 Tustin, CA 63 Blalock, Justin OG /20/83 5 Texas D2a '07 Dallas, TX 73 Chambers, Kirk OL /19/79 7 Stanford FA '11 Provo, UT 77 Clabo, Tyson OT /17/81 7 Wake Forest FA '11 Knoxville, TN 61 Hawley, Joe C /22/88 2 UNLV D4 '10 Yorba Linda, CA 62 McClure, Todd C /16/77 13 LSU D7a '99 Baton Rouge, LA 75 Reynolds, Garrett OG /1/87 3 North Carolina D5b '09 Knoxville, TN 66 Romberg, Brett C /10/79 7 Miami (Fla.) FA '11 Windsor, Canada 74 Svitek, Will OT /8/82 6 Stanford FA '09 Prague, Czech Republic DEFENSIVE LINE (10) 55 Abraham, John DE /6/78 12 South Carolina Tr '06 (NYJ) Timmonsville, SC 71 Biermann, Kroy DE /12/85 4 Montana D5b '08 Hardin, MT 93 Edwards, Ray DE /1/85 6 Purdue FA '11 Cincinnati, OH 98 Matthews, Cliff DE /5/89 R South Carolina D7b '11 Cheraw, SC 90 Sidbury, Lawrence DE /6/86 3 Richmond D4 '09 Cheltenham, MD 95 Babineaux, Jonathan DT /12/81 7 Iowa D2 '05 Port Arthur, TX 94 Jerry, Peria DT /23/84 2 Mississippi D1 '09 Batesville, MS 91 Peters, Corey DT /8/88 2 Kentucky D3a '10 Louisville, KY 99 Walker, Vance DT /26/87 3 Georgia Tech D7 '09 Fort Mill, SC LINEBACKERS (6) 59 Adkins, Spencer LB /16/87 3 Miami (Fla.) D6 '09 Naples, FL 52 Dent, Akeem LB /27/87 R Georgia D3 '11 Atlanta, GA 51 James, Robert LB /26/83 2 Arizona State FA '10 Glendale, AZ 50 Lofton, Curtis LB /2/86 4 Oklahoma D2 '08 Kingfisher, OK 54 Nicholas, Stephen LB /1/83 5 South Florida D4a '07 Jacksonville, FL 56 Weatherspoon, Sean LB /29/87 2 Missouri D1 '10 Jasper, TX DEFENSIVE BACKS (9) 28 DeCoud, Thomas S /19/85 4 California D3c '08 Vallejo, CA 24 Franks, Dominique CB /8/87 2 Oklahoma D5a '10 Tulsa, OK 20 Grimes, Brent CB /19/83 4 Shippensburg FA '07 Philadelphia, PA 25 Moore, William S /18/85 2 Missouri D2 '09 Hayti, MO 21 Owens, Christopher CB /1/86 3 San Jose State D3 '09 Los Angeles, CA 23 Robinson, Dunta CB /11/82 8 South Carolina FA '10 Athens, GA 36 Sanders, James S /11/83 7 Fresno State FA '11 Porterville, CA 39 Schillinger, Shann S /22/86 2 Montana D6 '10 Baker, MT 29 Walls, Darrin CB /20/88 R Notre Dame FA '11 Pittsburgh, PA SPECIALISTS (3) 3 Bryant, Matt K /29/75 10 Baylor FA '09 Orange, TX 5 Bosher, Matt K/P /18/87 R Miami (Fla.) D6 '10 Jupiter, FL 82 Zelenka, Joe LS /9/76 13 Wake Forest FA '09 Cleveland, OH PRACTICE SQUAD 19 Davis, Drew WR /4/89 R Oregon FA '11 Denver, CO 87 Gallarda, Tommy TE /8/88 R Boise State FA '11 Brea, CA 30 Hansen, Matt LB /10/89 R Rhode Island FA '11 Providence, RI 67 Jolly, Kyle OL /22/87 1 North Carolina FA '11 Powhatan, VA 41 Tuimaunei, Suaesi S /11/88 R Oregon State FA '11 Laie, HI 97 Powell, Carlton DT /14/85 1 Virginia Tech FA '11 Chesapeake, VA 65 Valdez, Jose OG /13/86 1 Arkansas FA '09 St. Francis, WI 86 Winterswyk, Ryan TE /10/87 R Boise State FA '11 La Habra, CA INJURED RESERVE 26 Hayden, Kelvin CB /23/83 6 Illinois FA '11 Chicago, IL 79 Johnson, Mike OG /2/87 2 Alabama D3b '10 Pensacola, FL 34 Mughelli, Ovie FB /10/80 9 Wake Forest UFA '07 (Bal) Boston, MA 53 Peterson, Mike LB /17/76 13 Florida UFA '09 (Jax) Gainesville, FL PRACTICE SQUAD - INJURED 85 Branson, Marquez TE /14/87 1 Central Arkansas FA '10 Starkville, MS 69 Jackson, Andrew OG /18/88 R Fresno State D7a '11 Grass Valley, CA COACHING STAFF Mike Smith (Head Coach), Mike Mularkey (Offensive Coordinator), Brian VanGorder (Defensive Coordinator), Keith Armstrong (Special Teams Coordinator), Jonas Beauchemin (Assistant Strength and Conditioning), Paul Boudreau (Offensive Line), Bob Bratkowski (Quarterbacks), Gerald Brown (Running Backs), Mark Collins (Defensive Assistant), Paul Dunn (Assistant Offensive Line), Jeff Fish (Director of Athletic Performance), Ray Hamilton (Defensive Line), Tim Lewis (Secondary), AJ Neibels (Assistant Strength and Conditioning), Glenn Pires (Linebackers), Alvin Reynolds (Defensive Backs), Terry Robiskie (Wide Receivers), Chris Scelfo (Tight Ends), Eric Sutulovich (Assistant Special Teams), Glenn Thomas (Offensive Assistant), Andrew Weidinger (Assistant to the Head Coach/Offense). updated 1/3/2012

24 UNOFFICIAL DEPTH CHART OFFENSE WR 11 Julio Jones 83 Harry Douglas 14 Eric Weems LT 74 Will Svitek 72 Sam Baker LG 63 Justin Blalock 73 Kirk Chambers C 62 Todd McClure 61 Joe Hawley 66 Brett Romberg RG 61 Joe Hawley 75 Garrett Reynolds RT 77 Tyson Clabo 74 Will Svitek TE 88 Tony Gonzalez 89 Reggie Kelly 81 Michael Palmer WR 84 Roddy White 80 Kerry Meier 12 Kevin Cone QB 2 Matt Ryan 8 Chris Redman 4 John Parker Wilson RB 33 Michael Turner 44 Jason Snelling 22 Jacquizz Rodgers 35 Antone Smith FB 42 Mike Cox DEFENSE RE 55 John Abraham 90 Lawrence Sidbury 98 Cliff Matthews DT 91 Corey Peters 99 Vance Walker DT 95 Jonathan Babineaux 94 Peria Jerry LE 93 Ray Edwards 71 Kroy Biermann OLB 56 Sean Weatherspoon 51 Robert James MLB 50 Curtis Lofton 52 Akeem Dent OLB 54 Stephen Nicholas 59 Spencer Adkins RCB 23 Dunta Robinson 21 Chris Owens LCB 20 Brent Grimes 24 Dominique Franks 29 Darrin Walls S 25 William Moore 36 James Sanders S 28 Thomas DeCoud 39 Shann Schillinger SPECIALISTS K 3 Matt Bryant KO P 5 Matt Bosher 5 Matt Bosher KR 14 Eric Weems 24 Dominique Franks PR 14 Eric Weems 24 Dominique Franks PRONUNCIATION GUIDE Kroy Biermann... Beerman Thomas DeCoud... DAY-Coo Peria Jerry... Pur-ray Jacquizz Rodgers... JA-quiz Dunta Robinson... Don-tay Shann Schillinger...Schillin-GR Will Svitek... Svee-tech Joe Zelenka... ze-link-ah LS 82 Joe Zelenka H 5 Matt Bosher 80 Kerry Meier

25 2011 Atlanta Falcons Transactions Date Position Player Transaction January 18 TE BRANSON, Marquez Signed as Reserve/Future Free Agent C BRUGGEMAN, Rob Signed as Reserve/Future Free Agent WR BUCKLEY, Tim Signed as Reserve/Future Free Agent WR HARVEY, Brandyn Signed as Reserve/Future Free Agent DE STEPHENS, Emmanuel Signed as Reserve/Future Free Agent WR STRICKLAND, Andy Signed as Reserve/Future Free Agent G VALDEZ, Jose Signed as Reserve/Future Free Agent January 25 LB JAMES, Robert Signed February 11 LB WOODS,Bear Signed DB PRIEST, Rafael Signed February 14 Coach BRATKOWSKI, Bob Named Quarterbacks Coach February 17 TE AGNONE, Robbie Signed DT LEWIS, Trey Signed April 28 WR JONES, Julio Drafted in the first round (6th overall) April 29 LB DENT, Akeem Drafted in the third round (91st overall) April 29 RB RODGERS, Jacquizz Drafted in the fifth round (145 overall) P/K BOSHER, Matt Drafted in the sixth round (192 overall) OG JACKSON, Andrew Drafted in the seventh round (210th overall) DE MATTHEWS, Cliff Drafted in the seventh round (230th overall) July 27 WR BEAUMONT, Doug Signed as a College Free Agent DB BELGRAVE, Kirk Signed as a College Free Agent FB COX, Lucas Signed as a College Free Agent WR DAVIS, Drew Signed as a College Free Agent C FENAROLI, Paul Signed as a College Free Agent QB FROMAN, Adam Signed as a College Free Agent WR GORE, P.J. Signed as a College Free Agent DB HANSEN, Matt Signed as a College Free Agent DE McCARTHY, Tom Signed as a College Free Agent T McGILL, Rob Signed as a College Free Agent DB McILWAIN, Kamaal Signed as a College Free Agent C MCMAHON, Ryan Signed as a College Free Agent FB MERROW, Thor Signed as a College Free Agent G MURPHY, Matt Signed as a College Free Agent LS SCHULZE, Andrew Signed as a College Free Agent RB SYLVESTER, Philip Signed as a College Free Agent LB THOMPSON, Lamarcus Signed as a College Free Agent DT TRIPP, Kiante Signed as a College Free Agent S TUIMAUNEI, Suaesi Signed as a College Free Agent CB WALLS, Darrin Signed as a College Free Agent TE WINTERSWYK, Ryan Signed as a College Free Agent RB YENGA, Youri Signed as a College Free Agent July 28 K HARFMAN, Jacob Signed as a College Free Agent K BOSHER, Matt Signed

26 2011 Atlanta Falcons Transactions Date Position Player Transaction July 28 OL JACKSON, Andrew Signed DE MATTHEWS, Cliff Signed WR JONES, Julio Signed LB DENT, Akeem Signed RB RODGERS, Jacquizz Signed July 29 K BRYANT, Matt Signed T CLABO, Tyson Signed LB NICHOLAS, Stephen Signed LB PETERSON, Mike Signed DE EDWARDS, Ray Signed as a Free Agent (Min) July 30 DT WALKER, Vance Signed Exclusive Rights Tender WR WEEMS, Eric Signed Restricted Free Agent Tender QB WILSON, John Parker Signed Exclusive Rights Tender July 31 G BLALOCK, Justin Signed August 1 TE AGNONE, Robbie Waived/Injuried August 2 WR CONE, Kevin Signed as a College Free Agent August 3 TE SIMMONS, A.J. Signed as a College Free Agent August 5 OT McGILL, ROB Waived K HARFMAN, JACOB Waived August 7 RB SNELLING, JASON Signed August 14 DT POWELL, Carlton Signed August 15 TE KELLY, Reggie Signed WR GORE, P.J. Waived August 19 TE PEELLE, Justin Injury Settlement August 30 WR BEAUMONT, Doug Waived CB BELGRAVE, Kirk Waived WR BUCKLEY, Tim Injury Settlement LB THOMPSON, LaMarcus Waived LB YENGA, Youri Waived RB SYLVESTER, Philip Waived C ROMBERG, Brett Signed September 1 CB HAYDEN, Kelvin Signed S SANDERS, James Signed September 2 DE DAVIS, Chauncey Released DT LEWIS, Trey Released LB WIRE, Coy Released TE BRANSON, Marquez Waived FB COX, Lucas Waived C FENAROLI, Paul Waived S HANSEN, Matt Waived WR HARVEY, Brandyn Waived RB JOHNSON, Gartrell Waived DE McCARTHY, Tom Waived

27 2011 Atlanta Falcons Transactions Date Position Player Transaction CB McILWAIN, Kamaal Waived C McMAHON, Ryan Waived S PRIEST, Rafael Waived DE TRIPP, Kiante Waived S TUIMAUNEI, Suaesi Waived LB WOODS, Bear Waived WR STRICKLAND, Andy Injury Settlement September 3 C ROMBERG, Brett Released S BUSH, Rafael Waived WR CONE, Kevin Waived WR DAVIS, Drew Waived OL JACKSON, Andrew Waived LB JAMES, Robert Waived DE STEPHENS, Emmanuel Waived OL VALDEZ, Jose Waived QB WILSON, John Parker Waived TE WINTERSWYK, Ryan Injury Settlement September 4 S BUSH, Rafael Signed to Practice Squad WR CONE, Kevin Signed to Practice Squad WR DAVIS, Drew Signed to Practice Squad OL JACKSON, Andrew Signed to Practice Squad LB JAMES, Robert Signed to Practice Squad OL VALDEZ, Jose Signed to Practice Squad QB WILSON, John Parker Signed to Practice Squad September 5 TE BRANSON, Marquez Signed to Practice Squad September 12 C BRUGGEMAN, Rob Waived C ROMBERG, Brett Signed September 12 TE GALLARDA, Tommy Signed to Practice Squad TE BRANSON, Marquez Practice Squad Injured October 18 S TUIMAUNEI, Suaesi Signed to Practice Squad October 26 FB MUGHELLI, Ovie Placed on Injured Reserve OL JOHNSON, Mike Placed on Injured Reserve FB COX, Mike Signed OL CHAMBERS, Kirk Signed November 22 OL JACKSON, Andrew Placed on Practice Squad-Injured OL JOLLY, Kyle Signed to Practice Squad November 29 TE GALLARDA, Tommy Waived TE WINTERSWYK, Ryan Signed to Practice Squad December 2 DT POWELL, Carlton Waived QB WILSON, John Parker Signed to the Active Roster December 6 DT POWELL, Carlton Signed to the Practice Squad December 27 CB HAYDEN, Kelvin Placed on Injured Reserve LB PETERSON, Mike Placed on Injured Reserve December 28 WR CONE, Kevin Signed to the Active Roster

28 2011 Atlanta Falcons Transactions Date Position Player Transaction December 28 LB JAMES, Robert Signed to the Active Roster S HANSEN, Matt Signed to the Practice Squad December 30 TE GALLARDA, Tommy Signed to the Practice Squad January 1 TE GONZALEZ, Tony Signed to a one-year contract extension

29 Atlanta Falcons / Week 17 / Through Sunday, January 01, 2012 / Regular Season Won 10, Lost 6 9/11/2011 L at Chicago Bears 9/18/2011 W Philadelphia Eagles 9/25/2011 L at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10/2/2011 W at Seattle Seahawks 10/9/2011 L Green Bay Packers 10/16/2011 W Carolina Panthers 10/23/2011 W at Detroit Lions 11/6/2011 W 31-7 at Indianapolis Colts 11/13/2011 L New Orleans Saints 11/20/2011 W Tennessee Titans 11/27/2011 W Minnesota Vikings 12/4/2011 L at Houston Texans 12/11/2011 W at Carolina Panthers 12/15/2011 W Jacksonville Jaguars 12/26/2011 L at New Orleans Saints 1/1/2012 W Tampa Bay Buccaneers Atlanta Opponent Total First Downs Rushing Passing Penalty rd Down: Made/Att 99/224 93/211 3rd Down Pct. 44.2% 44.1% 4th Down: Made/Att 4/13 6/11 4th Down Pct. 30.8% 54.5% Possession Avg. 32:05 27:55 Total Net Yards Avg. Per Game Total Plays Avg. Per Play Net Yards Rushing Avg. Per Game Total Rushes Net Yards Passing Avg. Per Game Sacked/Yards Lost 26/173 33/231 Gross Yards Attempts/Completions 594/ /340 Completion Pct. 61.4% 60.7% Had Intercepted Punts/Average 71/ /46.1 Net Punting Avg Penalties/Yards 93/ /843 Fumbles/Ball Lost 12/8 19/10 Touchdowns Rushing Passing Returns 3 5 Score By Periods Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 OT Pts Team Opponents Scoring TD Ru Pa Rt PAT FG 2Pt Pts M.Bryant /45 27/ M.Turner /0 0/ R.White /0 0/ J.Jones /0 0/ T.Gonzalez /0 0/ O.Mughelli /0 0/ J.Rodgers /0 0/ M.Ryan /0 0/ C.Lofton /0 0/0 0 6 H.Douglas /0 0/0 0 6 K.Biermann /0 0/0 0 6 M.Palmer /0 0/0 0 6 C.Peters /0 0/0 0 6 J.Snelling /0 0/0 0 6 Team /45 27/ Opponents /37 23/ Pt. Conversions: Team 0/ 1, Opponents: 1/ 3 Sacks: J.Abraham 9.5, S.Weatherspoon 4.0, L.Sidbury 4.0, R.Edwards 3.5, C.Peters 3.0, K.Biermann 2.5, V.Walker 2.0, C.Lofton 1.0, J.Babineaux 1.0, C.Owens 1.0, W.Moore 0.5 Team: 32.0, Opponents: 25.0 Rushing No. Yds Avg Long TD M.Turner t 11 J.Rodgers J.Snelling M.Ryan J.Jones H.Douglas O.Mughelli C.Redman Team t 14 Opponents t 10 Receiving No. Yds Avg Long TD R.White T.Gonzalez J.Jones t 8 H.Douglas J.Snelling t 1 J.Rodgers t 1 M.Turner E.Weems M.Palmer O.Mughelli M.Cox R.Kelly K.Meier Team t 29 Opponents t 25 Interceptions No. Yds Avg Long TD T.DeCoud W.Moore C.Lofton t 1 D.Robinson K.Hayden D.Franks K.Biermann t 1 B.Grimes D.Walls M.Peterson C.Peters Team t 2 Opponents t 2 Punting No Yds Avg Net TB In Lg B M.Bosher Team Opponents Punt Returns Ret FC Yds Avg Long TD E.Weems D.Franks Team Opponents Kickoff Returns No. Yds Avg Long TD E.Weems Team Opponents Field Goals M.Bryant 2/ 2 9/ 9 9/ 9 5/ 7 2/ 2 Team 2/ 2 9/ 9 9/ 9 5/ 7 2/ 2 Opponents 0/ 0 8/ 8 4/ 5 9/ 10 2/ 5 Fumbles Lost: M.Ryan 3, M.Turner 2, D.Franks 1, J.Jones 1, J.Rodgers 1 Total: 8 Opponent Fumble Recoveries: R.Edwards 2, S.Nicholas 1, J.Snelling 1, C.Lofton 1, V.Walker 1, C.Peters 1, S.Weatherspoon 1, J.Abraham 1, J.Sanders 1 Total: 10 Passing Att Cmp Yds Cmp% Yds/Att TD TD% Int Int% Long Sack Lost Rating M.Ryan % % % 80t 26/ C.Redman % % 1 3.6% 22 0/ Team % % % 80t 26/ Opponents % % % 70t 33/

30 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

31 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - TEAM RECORDS 2011 (10-6) 2nd NFC SOUTH Coach: Mike Smith DATE ATL OPP L 62,115 9/18 PHI W 69, L 46, W 66,266 10/9 GB L 69,576 10/16 CAR W 69, W 63, W 65,218 11/13 NO L 70,359 11/20 TEN W 68,164 11/27 MIN W 68, L 71, W 72,680 12/15 JAX W 68, L 70,086 1/1 TB W 68, ATL OPP TOTAL FIRST DOWNS Rushing Passing Penalty rd Down: Made/Att 99/224 93/211 3rd Down Pct th Down: Made/Att 4/13 6/11 4th Down Pct POSSESSION AVG. 32:05 27:55 TOTAL NET YARDS 6,026 5,338 Avg. Per Game Total Plays 1, Avg. Per Play NET YARDS RUSHING 1,834 1,552 Avg. Per Game Total Rushes NET YARDS PASSING 4,192 3,786 Avg. Per Game Sacked/Yards Lost 26/173 33/231 Gross Yards 4,365 4,017 Att./Completions 594/ /340 SCORE/QTR Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 OT PTS Team Opponents SCORING TD Ru Pa RT PAT FG 2 TP M.Bryant /45 27/ M. Turner /0 0/ R. White /0 0/ J. Jones /0 0/ T. Gonzalez /0 0/ O. Mughelli /0 0/ M. Ryan /0 0/ J. Rodgers /0 0/ H. Douglas /0 0/0 0 6 M. Palmer /0 0/0 0 6 J. Snelling /0 0/0 0 6 C. Lofton /0 0/0 0 6 K. Biermann /0 0/0 0 6 C. Peters /0 0/0 0 6 Team /4527/ Opponents /3723/ PASSING ATT CMP YDS CP% YD/AT TD TD% INT INT% LG SK/YDS RTG Ryan , t 26/ Redman / Team , t 26/ Opponents , t 33/ PUNTING NO YDS AVG NET TB I20 LG B Bosher 70 2, Team 70 2, Opponents 75 3, RUSHING NO YDS AVG LG TD Turner 301 1, t 11 Rodgers Snelling Ryan Jones Douglas Mughelli C. Redman Team 453 1, t 14 Opponents 372 1, t 10 RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD White 100 1, Gonzalez Jones t 8 Douglas Snelling t 1 Rodgers t 1 Turner Weems Palmer Mughelli Cox Kelly Team 365 4, t 29 Opponents 340 4, t 25 Sacks: J.Abraham 9.5, L. Sidbury 4.0, S. Weatherspoon 4.0, C. Peters 3.0, R. Edwards 3.5, K. Biermann 2.5, V. Walker 2.0,, J. Babineaux 1.0, C. Owens 1.0, C. Lofton 1.0, W. Moore 0.5 Team: 32.0, Opponents: Pt. Conversions: Team 0/0, Opponents: 1/2 Fumbles Lost: M.Ryan 3, M.Turner 2, D. Franks 1, J. Jones 1, J. Rodgers 1 Total: 8 Opponent : 10 Fumble Recoveries: R. Edwards 2, C. Lofton 1, Corey Peters 1, S. Nicholas 1, V. Walker 1, J. Snelling 1, J. Sanders 1, S. Weatherspoon 1, John Abraham 1 Total: 9 INT S NO YDS AVG LG TD DeCoud Robinson Hayden Moore Lofton t 1 Franks Biermann t 1 Grimes Peterson Peters D. Walls Team t 2 Opponents t 2 PUNT RET RET FC YDS AVG LG TD Weems Franks Team Opponents KICK RET NO YDS AVG LG TD Weems Team Opponents 60 1, FG S Bryant 2/2 9/9 9/9 5/7 2/2 Team 2/2 9/9 9/9 5/7 2/2 Opponents 0/0 8/8 4/5 9/10 2/5 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

32 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - TEAM RECORDS DEFENSIVE TACKLES T A TOTAL TACKLES Curtis Lofton Sean Weatherspoon Thomas DeCoud Dunta Robinson William Moore James Sanders Brent Grimes Kroy Biermann Stephen Nicholas Ray Edwards Corey Peters Chris Owens Kelvin Hayden Mike Peterson John Abraham Jonathan Babineaux Vance Walker Dominique Franks Peria Jerry Lawrence Sidbury Spencer Adkins Total QUARTERBACK SACKS SACKS John Abraham 9.5 Lawrence Sidbury 4.0 Sean Weatherspoon 4.0 Ray Edwards 3.5 Corey Peters 3.0 Kroy Biermann 2.5 V. Walker 2.0 Jonathan Babineaux 1.0 C. Owens 1.0 C. Lofton 1.0 W. Moore 0.5 Total 32.0 SPECIAL TEAMS TACKLES T A TOTAL TACKLES Akeem Dent Eric Weems Shann Schillinger Kroy Biermann Matt Boesher Chris Owens Antone Smith Jason Snelling Stephen Nicholas Kelvin Hayden Brent Grimes Jacquizz Rodgers Ovie Mughelli Lawrence Sidbury Mike Peterson James Sanders Sean Weatherspoon Thomas DeCoud Darrin Walls Spencer Adkins Total DEFENSIVE FUMBLE RECOVERIES FR R. Edwards 2 S. Nicholas 1 V. Walker 1 J. Sanders 1 C. Lofton 1 C. Peters 1 J. Snelling 1 Total 8 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM PASSESS DEFENSED PD Brent Grimes 14 William Moore 9 Dunta Robinson 9 Sean Weatherspoon 8 Curtis Lofton 7 Thomas DeCoud 5 Corey Peters 3 Kelvin Hayden 3 Jonathan Babineaux 3 Dominuqe Franks 3 Chris Owens 3 Ray Edwards 3 James Sanders 2 John Abraham 2 Mike Peterson 2 Lawrence Sidbury 2 Darrin Walls 2 Kroy Biermann 1 Stephen Nicholas 1 Akeem Dent 1 Peria Jerry 1 Total 85 TACKLES FOR LOSS TFL S. Weatherspoon 14 J. Abraham 9 C. Lofton 9 C. Peters 6 R. Edwards 4 L. Sidbury 4 P. Jerry 3 J. Babineaux 3 S. Nicholas 3 K. Biermann 3 V. Walker 3 C. Owens 2 M. Peterson 2 T. DeCoud 2 K. Hayden 1 W. Moore 1 D. Robinson 1 Total 75 INTERCEPTIONS INTs Thomas DeCoud 4 Kelvin Hayden 2 William Moore 2 Dunta Robinson 2 Dominique Franks 2 Curtis Lofton 2 Kroy Biermann 1 Brent Grimes 1 Mike Peterson 1 Corey Peters 1 Darrin Walls 1 Total 19 DEFENSIVE FORCED FUMBLES FF J. Abraham 4 S. Nicholas 2 C. Lofton 2 B. Grimes 1 P. Jerry 1 W. Moore 1 A. Dent 1 V. Walker 1 Total 12

33 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 1 SOLDIER FIELD, CHICAGO, IL ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Ryan / TOTAL / CHICAGO BEARS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT J. Cutler /21 256T TOTAL /21 256T RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M.Turner J. Snelling J. Rodgers TOTAL RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Forte K. Bell D. Sanzenbacher TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD R.White T. Gonzalez J. Jones J. Snelling M. Turner J. Rodgers H. Douglas TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD M. Forte T 1 R. Williams D. Hester J. Knox K. Davis E. Bennett M. Spaeth D. Sanzenbacher TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY ATL CHI Bears 1 9:58 R. Gould 41 yd. Field Goal (10-54, 5:02) 0 3 Falcons 1 5:24 M. Bryant 48 yd. Field Goal (10-50, 4:34) 3 3 Bears 1 1:10 M. Forte 56 yd. pass from J. Cutler (R. Gould kick) (3-72,1:32) 3 10 Bears 2 8:42 R. Gould 23 yd. Field Goal (7-25, 3:43) 3 13 Bears 2 0:55 R. Gould 26 yd. Field Goal (14-72, 5:19) 3 16 Falcons 3 10:13 M. Bryant 25 yd. Field Goal (11-87, 4:47) 6 16 Bears 3 6:55 M. Spaeth 1 yd. pass from J. Cutler (R. Gould kick) (7-92,3:18) 6 23 Bears 3 5:58 B. Urlacher 12 yd. fumble return (R. Gould kick) 6 30 Falcons 4 10:23 K. Biermann 50 yd. interception return (run failed) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

34 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 2 GEORGIA DOME, ATLANTA, GA PHILADELPHIA EAGLES PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Vick / M. Kafka / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD L. McCoy M. Vick R. Brown M. Kafka J. Maclin D. Jackson TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD J. Maclin B. Celek L. McCoy S. Smith D. Jackson J. Avant TOTAL ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M.Ryan / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Turner J. Rodgers M. Ryan O. Mughelli TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD T. Gonzalez T 2 R. White J. Jones H. Douglas M. Turner J. Snelling O. Mughelli T 1 TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY PHI ATL Falcons 1 2:44 R. White 2 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (7-38, 3:58) 0 7 Eagles 2 10:54 J. Maclin 5 yd. pass from M. Vick (A. Henery kick) (12-84, 6:50) 7 7 Eagles 2 6:46 A. Henery 22 yd. Field Goal (7-42, 2:51) 10 7 Falcons 2 0:44 T. Gonzalez 4 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (4-24, 1:13) Falcons 3 11:56 T. Gonzalez 17 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (2-49, 0:56) Eagles 3 10:00 J. Maclin 36 yd. pass from M. Vick (A. Henery kick) (4-70, 1:56) Eagles 3 7:52 L. McCoy 8 yd. run (A. Henery kick) (4-22, 1:54) Eagles 3 1:59 L. McCoy 2 yd. run (A. Henery kick) (5-20, 2:05) Falcons 4 10:45 O. Mughelli 1 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (12-80, 6:14) Falcons 4 4:48 M. Turner 3 yd. run (M. Bryant kick) (7-80, 3:24) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

35 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 3 RAYMOND JAMES, TAMPA, FLA ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Ryan / TOTAL / TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT J. Freeman / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Turner M. Ryan J. Rodgers J. Jones TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD R. White J. Jones H. Douglas J. Rodgers T. Gonzalez T 1 J. Snelling TOTAL RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD L. Blount J. Freeman E. Graham TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD E. Graham M. Williams A. Benn L. Stocker K. Winslow L. Blount P. Parker K. Lumpkin TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY ATL TB Bucs 1 1:19 C. Barth 49 yd. Field Goal (9-37, 3:23) 0 3 Falcons 2 11:10 M. Bryant 26 yd. Field Goal (11-84, 5:09) 3 3 Bucs 2 3:37 J. Freeman 1 yd. run (C. Barth kick) (12-80, 7:33) 3 10 Bucs 2 1:56 C. Barth 26 yd. Field Goal (4-1, 1:29) 3 13 Bucs 3 6:50 C. Barth 28 yd. Field Goal (16-70, 8:10) 3 16 Falcons 4 9:55 T. Gonzalez 10 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (2-59, 0:43) Falcons 4 4:06 M. Bryant 33 yd. Field Goal (13-53, 3:40) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

36 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 4 CENTURYLINK FIELD, SEATTLE, WA SEATTLE SEAHAWKS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT T. Jackson /0 3 52t TOTAL /0 3 52t RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Lynch t 1 T. Jackson J. Forsett L. Washington TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD D. Baldwin S. Rice t 1 M. Williams M. Lynch J. Forsett B. Obomanu Z. Miller M. Robinson L. Washington TOTAL T 3 ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Ryan / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Turner T 2 M. Ryan J. Rodgers TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD J. Jones T. Gonzalez R. White M. Turner J. Rodgers M. Palmer TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY ATL SEA Falcons 1 6:08 T. Gonzalez 1 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (12-72, 7:40) 7 0 Falcons 2 10:13 M. Turner 21 yd. run (M. Bryant kick) (4-37, 1:31) 14 0 Seahawks 2 8:46 S. Rice 52 yd. pass from T. Jackson (S. Hauschka kick) (4-84, 1:27) 14 7 Falcons 2 2:48 M. Turner 1 yd. run (M. Bryant kick) (11-72, 5:58) 21 7 Falcons 2 0:25 M. Bryant 47 yd. Field Goal (9-33, 1:18) 24 7 Falcons 3 13:40 M. Bryant 50 yd. Field Goal (5-48, 1:20) 27 7 Seahawks 33 10:01 M. Williams 6 yd. pass from T. Jackson (S. Hauschka kick) (10-61, 3:39) Seahawks 3 3:07 M. Lynch 11 yd. run (S. Hauschka kick) (1-11, 0:05) Falcons 4 11:38 M. Bryant 42 yd. Field Goal (13-57, 6:29) Seahawks 4 8:13 B. Obomanu 8 yd. pass from T. Jackson (S. Hauschka kick) (9-60, 3:25) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

37 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 5 GEORGIA DOME, ATLANTA, GA GREEN BAY PACKERS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT A. Rodgers / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD J. Starks R. Grant A. Rodgers TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD J. Jones T 1 G. Jennings J. Finley J. Nelson R. Cobb J. Starks T. Crabtree D. Williams R. Grant J. Kuhn A. Green D. Driver TOTAL T 2 ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Ryan / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Turner J. Jones J. Rodgers M. Ryan J. Snelling TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD T. Gonzalez R. White J. Snelling H. Douglas J. Jones E. Weems TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY GB ATL Falcons 1 8:15 R. White 5 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (13-80, 6:45) 0 7 Falcons 2 12:26 M. Turner 1 yd. run (M. Bryant kick) (10-60, 6:05) 0 14 Packers 2 5:26 M. Crosby 32 yd. Field Goal (13-70, 7:00) 3 14 Packers 2 0:08 M. Crosby 35 yd. Field Goal (8-27, 4:14) 6 14 Packers 3 5:28 M. Crosby 56 yd. Field Goal (8-45, 3:13) 9 14 Packers 3 3:42 J. Jones 70 yd. pass from A. Rodgers (pass failed) (1-70, 0:11) Packers 4 14:51 G. Jennings 29 yd. pass from A. Rodgers (M. Crosby kick) (7-68, 2:21) Packers 4 1:10 M. Crosby 30 yd. Field Goal (12-66, 6:22) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

38 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 6 GEORGIA DOME, ATLANTA, GA CAROLINA PANTHERS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Ryan / TOTAL / ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Ryan / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD C. Newton T 1 J.Stewart D. Williams TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD S. Smith G. Olson J. Shockey J. Stewart L. Naanee B. LaFell D. Williams TOTAL RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Turner J. Snelling J. Rodgers M. Ryan O. Mughelli TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD T. Gonzalez H. Douglas R. White O. Mughelli M. Turner M. Palmer R. Kelly J. Snelling J. Rodgers TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY CAR ATL Panthers 1 4:54 O. Mare 42 yd. Field Goal (13-64, 6:51) 3 0 Falcons 1 0:00 M. Turner 1 yd. run (M. Bryant kick) (7-81, 4:54) 3 7 Panthers 2 10:13 J. Stewart 1 yd. run (O. Mare kick) (9-81, 4:47) 10 7 Falcons 2 3:49 O. Mughelli 1 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (12-80, 6:24) Panthers 3 6:28 C. Newton 14 yd. run (O. Mare kick) (13-80, 8:32) Falcons 4 14:12 M. Bryant 24 yd. Field Goal (8-43, 3:18) Falcons 4 7:00 M. Ryan 1 yd. run (M. Bryant kick) (10-60, 5:25) Falcons 4 1:56 M. Turner 2 yd. run (M. Bryant kick) (8-39, 4:10) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

39 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 7 FORD FIELD, DETROIT, MI ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Ryan / C. Redman / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Turner J. Rodgers M. Ryan TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD T. Gonzalez R. White T 1 H. Douglas J. Rodgers J. Snelling M. Palmer O. Mughelli TOTAL DETROIT LIONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M.Stafford / T TOTAL /24 157T RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Morris K. Williams N. Burleson TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD C. Johnson T 1 B. Pettigrew T. Scheffler M. Morris W. Heller N. Burleson TOTAL T 1 SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY ATL DET Lions 1 10:26 J. Hanson 43 yd. Field Goal (4-10, 1:47) 0 3 Falcons 1 3:01 M. Bryant 23 yd. Fiedl Goal (7-21, 3:03) 3 3 Falcons 1 0:04 M. Ryan 1 yd. run (M. Bryant kick) (5-28, 2:46) 10 3 Lions 2 10:52 J. Hanson 38 yd. Field Goal (9-50, 4:12) 10 6 Falcons 2 0:25 R. White 18 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (7-81, 3:05) 17 6 Lions 3 7:37 J. Hanson 29 yd. Field Goal (6-35, 2:25) 17 9 Falcons 3 5:04 M. Bryant 47 yd. Field Goal (7-51, 2:33) 20 9 Lions 3 1:57 C. Johnson 57 yd. pass from M. Stafford (J. Hanson kick) (6-84, 3:07) Falcons 4 8:41 M. Bryant 40 yd. Field Goal (9-25, 4:42) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

40 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 8 LUCAS OIL FIELD, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 31-7 ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Ryan / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Turner J. Rodgers J. Jones J. Snelling M. Ryan TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD R. White T. Gonzalez J. Jones T 2 J. Rodgers M. Palmer M. Turner TOTAL INDIANAPOLIS COLTS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT C. Painter / D. Orlovsky / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD D. Brown D. Carter C. Painter TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD A. Collie R. Wayne P. Garcon D. Clark J. Tamme B. Eldridge D. Brown TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY ATL IND Falcons 1 11:38 M. Turner 1 yd. run (M. Bryant kick) (5-26, 2:38) 7 0 Falcons 1 2:51 J. Jones 50 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (3-79, 1:34) 14 0 Falcons 2 11:55 J. Jones 80 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (3-87, 1:34) 21 0 Colts 2 7:47 J. Powers 6 yd. interception return (A. Vinatieri kick) 21 7 Falcons 3 2:50 T. Gonzalez 1 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (12-73, 7:32) 28 7 Falcons 4 10:15 M. Bryant 20 yd. Field Goal (10-62, 5:49) 31 7 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

41 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 9 GEORGIA DOME, ATLANTA, GA NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT D. Brees / TOTAL / ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Ryan / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD P. Thomas M. Ingram D. Sproles TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD M. Colston J. Graham P. Thomas D. Sproles R. Meachem D. Thomas L. Moore J. Collins M. Ingram TOTAL RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M.Turner J.Rodgers M. Ryan H. Douglas J. Snelling TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD H. Douglas T. Gonzalez t 1 R. White E. Weems J. Snelling t 1 J. Jones M. Cox M. Turner J. Rodgers TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY NO ATL Falcons 1 6:20 M. Bryant 36 yd. Field Goal (16-61, 8:40) 0 3 Saints 1 2:48 J. Kasay 52 yd. Field Goal (8-30, 3:32) 3 3 Falcons 2 9:25 M. Bryant 29 yd. Field Goal (9-45, 5:21) 3 6 Saints 2 2:34 J. Graham 21 yd. pass from D. Brees (J. Kasay kick) (3-50, 1:01) 10 6 Falcons 3 5:08 J. Snelling 21 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (10-70, 6:04) Saints 3 1:31 R. Meachem 33 yd. pass from D. Brees (J. Kasay kick) (7-82, 3:37) Saints 4 11:57 J. Kasay 48 yd. Field Goal (6--4, 2:56) Saints 4 7:13 J. Kasay 44 yd. Field Goal (8-62, 3:35) Falcons 4 4:13 T. Gonzalez 20 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (9-81, 3:00) Falcons 4 0:00 M. Bryant 27 yd. Field Goal (13-85, 1:55) Saints OT 8:25 J. Kasay 26 yd. Field Goal (4-21, 2:21) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

42 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 10 GEORGIA DOME, ATLANTA, GA TENNESSEE TITANS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Hasselbeck / J. Locker / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M.Hasselbeck C. Johnson J. Locker TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD N. Washington T 2 J. Cook J. Ringer C. Johnson L. Hawkins D. Williams TOTAL ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Ryan / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Turner J. Snelling M. Ryan J. Rodgers TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD R. White T. Gonzalez H. Douglas E. Weems M. Palmer M. Turner J. Snelling TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY TEN ATL Falcons 1 10:41 T. Gonzalez 17 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (5-44, 2:42) 0 7 Falcons 2 14:08 M. Bryant 19 yd. Field Goal (12-43, 6:53) 0 10 Falcons 2 7:18 M. Bryant 33 yd. Field Goal (7-64, 3:46) 0 13 Titans 2 0:02 R. Bironas 46 yd. Field Goal (7-62, 0:59) 3 13 Falcons 3 11:56 M. Turner 4 yd. run (M. Bryant kick) (7-80, 3:04) 3 20 Falcons 3 3:07 M. Bryant 24 yd. Field Goal (12-73, 6:49) 3 23 Titans 3 2:00 N. Washington 40 yd. pass from J. Locker (R. Bironas kick) (3-48, 1:07) Titans 4 3:06 N. Washington 4 yd. pass from J. Locker (R. BIronas kick) (14-84, 3:30) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

43 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 11 GEORGIA DOME, ATLANTA, GA MINNESOTA VIKINGS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT C. Ponder / TOTAL / ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Ryan / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD T. Gerhart P. Harvin C. Ponder TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD P. Harvin T 1 V. Shiancoe M. Jenkins T. Gerhart D. Aromashodu A. Reisner TOTAL RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Turner J. Rodgers J. Snelling M. Ryan TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD R. White T. Gonzalez H. Douglas J. Rodgers M. Palmer M. Turner J. Snelling TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY MIN ATL Falcons 1 6:08 H. Douglas 27 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (9-80, 5:39) 0 7 Falcons 2 4:04 R. White 6 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (10-68, 6:01) 0 14 Falcons 2 0:37 M. Bryant 37 yd. Field Goal (6-17, 1:23) 0 17 Vikings 3 3:58 T. Gerhart 1 yd. run (R. Longwell kick) (14-80, 7:53) 7 17 Vikings 4 13:13 P. Harvin 39 yd. pass from C. Ponder (R. Longwell kick) (4-36, 0:52) Falcons 4 6:40 M. Palmer 3 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (9-73, 3:59) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

44 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 12 RELIANT STADIUM, HOUSTON, TX ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M.Ryan / TOTAL / HOUSTON TEXANS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT J.Freeman / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M.Turner J. Snelling M. Ryan J. Rodgers TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD T. Gonzalez J. Jones R. White H. Douglas J. Rodgers TOTAL RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD A. Foster B. Tate T. Yates TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD A. Johnson A. Foster O. Daniels K. Walter J. Dreessen TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY ATL HOU Texans 1 4:03 N. Rackers 43 yd. Field Goal (6-14, 2:45) 0 3 Texans 2 10:08 J. Dreessen 3 yd. pass from T. Yates (N. Rackers kick) (7-80, 4:00) 0 10 Falcons 2 5:06 M. Bryant 19 yd. Field Goal (10-79, 5:02) 3 10 Falcons 3 1:46 R. White 4 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (7-56, 2:44) Texans 4 6:05 A. Foster 1 yd. run (N. Rackers kick) (19-85, 10:41) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

45 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 13 BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM, CHARLOTTE, NC ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Ryan / TOTAL / CAROLINA PANTHERS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT C. Newton / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M.Turner J. Snelling J. Rodgers M. Ryan TOTAL RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD D. Williams T 1 C. Newton J. Stewart A. Edwards TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD R.White T.Gonzalez J. Jones T 2 J. Rodgers T 1 H.Douglas J. Snelling TOTAL T 4 RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD S. Smith J. Stewart G. Olsen T 1 L. Naanee B. LaFell J. Shockey T 1 D. Williams TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY ATL CAR Falcons 1 5:29 R. White 5 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (10-62, 5:26) 7 0 Panthers 1 0:03 J. Shockey 6 yd. pass from C. Newton (O. Mare kick) (9-74, 5:26) 7 7 Panthers 2 7:12 M. Ryan sacked in end zone by A. Applewhite for a safety 7 9 Panthers 2 6:51 D. Williams 74 yd. run (O. Mare kick) (2-74, 0:21) 7 16 Panthers 2 3:03 G. Olsen 44 yd. pass from C. Newton (O. Mare kick) (4-60, 1:59) 7 23 Falcons 3 10:55 M. Bryant 30 yd. Field Goal (10-45, 2:55) Falcons 3 8:55 J. Rodgers 31 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (2-35, 0:32) Falcons 4 12:42 J. Jones 17 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (10-90, 4:24) Falcons 4 4:17 J. Jones 75 yd pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (2-74, 0:55) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

46 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 14 GEORGIA DOME, ATLANTA, GA JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT B. Gabbert / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Jones-Drew B. Gabbert D. Harris TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD C. West T 1 M. Lewis T. Price J. Dillard C. Cloherty M. Jones-Drew TOTAL ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Ryan / C. Redman / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Turner J. Snelling J. Rodgers J. Jones C. Redman TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD R. White J. Jones J. Snelling M. Turner T. Gonzalez H. Douglas J. Rodgers TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY JAX ATL Falcons 1 10:51 J. Jones 29 yd. pass M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (7-75, 4:09) 0 7 Falcons 1 3:18 M. Bryant 33 yd. Field Goal (9-43, 5:33) 0 10 Falcons 2 13:03 M. Turner 5 yd. run (M. Bryant kick) (1-5, 0:04) 0 17 Falcons 2 1:49 R. White 6 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (9-72, 3:55) 0 24 Falcons 2 0:00 M. Bryant 31 yd. Field Goal (4-6, 0:46) 0 27 Falcons 3 13:33 C. Peters 13 yd. fumble return (M. Bryant kick) 0 34 Falcons 3 6:38 R. White 29 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (8-79, 5:07) 0 41 Jaguars 3 2:12 Z. Potter 46 yd. return of blocked punt (J. Scobee kick) 7 41 Jaguars 4 0:59 C. West 16 yd. pass from B. Gabbert (J. Scobee kick) (10-85, 2:14) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

47 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 15 SUPERDOME, NEW ORLEANS, LA ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M. Ryan / C. Redman / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M. Turner J. Rodgers M. Ryan TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD R. White J. Jones T. Gonzalez M. Turner J. Snelling E. Weems J. Rodgers M. Palmer H. Douglas TOTAL NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT D. Brees / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD D. Sproles P. Thomas C. Ivory D. Brees TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD M. Colston J. Graham R. Meachem D. Henderson L. Moore D. Sproles P. Thomas TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY ATL NO Falcons 1 8:53 M. Bryant 34 yd. Field Goal (11-64, 6:07) 3 0 Saints 1 5:25 P. Thomas 4 yd. run (J. Kasay kick) (8-84, 3:28) 3 7 Falcons 1 1:31 J. Jones 21 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (8-72, 3:54) 10 7 Saints 2 12:32 M. Colston 8 yd. pass from D. Brees (J. Kasay kick) (10-81, 3:59) Saints 2 0:24 J. Graham 9 yd. pass from D. Brees (J. Kasay kick) (10-80, 1:55) Saints 3 8:28 R. Meachem 24 yd. pass from D. Brees (J. Kasay kick) (6-86, 3:15) Falcons 3 4:41 M. Bryant 51 yd. Field Goal (5-47, 3:47) Saints 3 3:04 J. Kasay 29 yd. Field Goal (4-3, 1:37) Falcons 4 12:43 M. Bryant 30 yd. Field Goal (16-68, 5:21) Saints 4 11:09 M. Jenkins 30 yd. fumble return (J. Kasay kick) Saints 4 2:51 D. Sproles 9 yd. pass from D. Brees (J. Kasay kick) (6-33, 2:17) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

48 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECORDS & RESULTS - GAME-BY-GAME STATS GAME 16 GEORGIA DOME, ATLANTA, GA TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT J. Freeman / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD J. Freeman L. Blount J. Johnson M. Madu K. Lumpkin TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD D. Briscoe K. Winslow K. Lumpkin P. Parker M. Madu L. Blount M. Williams TOTAL ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING ATT CP YD SK TD LG INT RT M.Ryan / C.Redman / TOTAL / RUSHING ATT YDS AVG LG TD M.Turner T 2 J. Snelling J. Rodgers J. Jones C. Redman TOTAL RECEIVING NO YDS AVG LG TD J. Jones T 2 R. White T. Gonzalez E. Weems M. Palmer J. Rodgers J. Snelling TOTAL SCORING DRIVE TEAM QTR TIME SCORING PLAY TB ATL Falcons 1 8:12 J. Rodgers 1 yd. run (M. Bryant kick) (12-80, 6:48) 0 7 Falcons 1 3:30 J. Jones 17 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (7-53, 2:52) 0 14 Falcons 1 3:04 J. Jones 48 yd. pass from M. Ryan (M. Bryant kick) (1-48, 0:12) 0 21 Falcons 2 11:40 M. Turner 1 yd. run (M. Bryant kick) (7-30, 3:34) 0 28 Falcons 2 10:43 C. Lofton 26 yd. interception return (M. Bryant kick) 0 35 Falcons 2 6:49 M. Turner 81 yd. run (M. Bryant kick) (2-86, 0:50) 0 42 Bucs 2 2:04 D. Briscoe 2 yd. pass from J. Freeman (C. Barth kick) (7-80, 4:45) 7 42 Bucs 3 4:19 C. Barth 41 yd. Field Goal (10-53, 5:27) Bucs 3 3:32 E. Mack 40 yd. interception return (J. Freeman-K. Winslow pass) Bucs 4 11:13 D. Briscoe 5 yd. pass from J. Freeman (run failed) (10-77, 5:03) Falcons 4 3:59 M. Bryant 20 yd. Field Goal (4-8, 2:10) A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

49 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS PLAYER PARTICIPATION PHI NO TB PL S DNP IA 55 Abraham, J. RE RE RE RE IA RE RE RE RE RE RE RE RE RE RE RE Adkins, S. IA IA P P P P P IA IA P IA P P IA P OLB Babineaux, J. DT IA IA IA DT DT DT DT DT DT DT DT DT DT DT DT Baker, S. LT LT LT LT LT LT IA IA IA IA P P P P P P Biermann, K. P P P P RE P P P P P P P P P P P Blalock, J. LG LG LG LG LG LG LG LG LG LG LG LG LG LG LG LG Bosher, M. P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P Bruggeman, R. P Bryant, M. P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P Chambers, K P P P IA IA IA IA IA IA Clabo, T. RT RT RT RT RT RT RT RT RT RT RT RT RT RT RT RT Cone, K. P Cox, M. FB FB P P P FB FB P FB DeCoud, T. S P S S S S S S S S S S S S S S Dent, A. P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P Douglas, H. P P P P P WR WR P P WR P P P P WR P Edwards, R. LE LE LE LE LE LE LE LE LE LE LE LE LE LE LE LE Franks, D. DNP DNP P DNP P P P DNP DNP P P CB CB CB P CB Gonzalez, T. TE TE TE TE TE TE TE TE TE TE TE TE TE TE TE TE Grimes, B. CB CB CB CB CB CB CB CB CB CB CB IA IA IA CB IA Hayden, K. DNP CB IA P P P P P P P IA IA IA IA IA IR Hawley, J. C C P P C P P RG RG RG RG RG RG RG RG RG R. James P Jerry, P. DT DT DT DT P P P P P P P P P P P P Johnson, M. IA IA IA IA IA P P IR IR IR IR IR IR IR IR IR Jones, J. WR WR WR WR WR IA IA WR WR IA WR WR WR WR WR WR Kelly, R. P P P P P P P P P P P TE P P P P Lofton, C. MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB MLB Matthews, C. IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA McClure, T. IA IA C C IA C C C C C C C C C C C Meier, K. P P DNP P P P P P P P P DNP P P IA IA Moore, W. S S S S S S S S IA IA DNP DNP P S S S Mughelli, O. P FB FB FB FB FB FB IR IR IR IR IR IR IR IR IR Nicholas, S. OLB P IA IA P OLB OLB OLB OLB OLB OLB IA IA OLB IA IA Owens, C. P P P P CB IA IA P P P P P P P P P Palmer, M. TE P P P P P P P P P TE P P P P P Peters, C. IA DT DT DT DT DT DT DT DT DT DT DT DT DT DT DT Peterson, M. P P OLB OLB P P P P P P P OLB OLB P OLB IR Powell, C. P P P P IA IA IA IA IA IA IA Redman, C. DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP P P DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP P P P Reynolds, G. RG RG RG RG RG RG RG P P P P P P P P P Robinson, D. CB CB CB CB CB CB CB CB CB CB CB CB CB CB CB CB Rodgers, J. P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P B. Romberg P IA IA P IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA Ryan, M. QB QB QB QB QB QB QB QB QB QB QB QB QB QB QB QB Sanders, J. P S P P P IA P P S S S S S P P P Schillinger, S. P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P Sidbury, L. P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P Smith, A. IA IA P P IA P P IA P P P P P P P P Snelling, J. P P P IA P P P P P P P P P P P P Svitek, W. P P P P P P LT LT LT LT LT LT LT LT LT LT Turner, M. RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB P RB Walker, V. P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P Walls, D. IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA IA P P P P P Weatherspoon, S. OLB OLB OLB OLB OLB OLB OLB OLB OLB OLB OLB OLB OLB OLB OLB OLB Weems, E. P P P P P P P P P WR P P P P WR P White, R. WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR WR Zelenka, J. P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P KEY: Position - start, P - played, IA - inactive, DNP - did not play, IR - injured reserve, SP - suspended by NFL A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

50 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS OFFENSIVE & DEFENSIVE STARTERS OFFENSE WR LT LG C RG RT TE WR QB RB FB R. White S. Baker J. Blalock J. Hawley G. Reynolds T. Clabo T. Gonzalez J. Jones M. Ryan M. Turner M. Palmer (TE) 9/18 PHI R. White S. Baker J. Blalock J. Hawley G. Reynolds T. Clabo T. Gonzalez J. Jones M. Ryan M. Turner O. Mughelli R. White S. Baker J. Blalock T. McClure G. Reynolds T. Clabo T. Gonzalez J. Jones M. Ryan M. Turner O. Mughelli R. White S. Baker J. Blalock T. McClure G. Reynolds T. Clabo T. Gonzalez J. Jones M. Ryan M. Turner O. Mughelli 10/9 GB R. White S. Baker J. Blalock J. Hawley G. Reynolds T. Clabo T. Gonzalez J. Jones M. Ryan M. Turner O. Mughelli 10/16 CAR R. White S. Baker J. Blalock T. McClure G. Reynolds T. Clabo T. Gonzalez H. Douglas M. Ryan M. Turner O. Mughelli R. White W. Svitek J. Blalock T. McClure G. Reynolds T. Clabo T. Gonzalez H. Douglas M. Ryan M. Turner O. Mughelli R. White W. Svitek J. Blalock T. McClure J. Hawley T. Clabo T. Gonzalez J. Jones M. Ryan M. Turner M. Cox 11/13 NO R. White W. Svitek J. Blalock T. McClure J. Hawley T. Clabo T. Gonzalez J. Jones M. Ryan M. Turner M. Cox 11/20 TEN R. White W. Svitek J. Blalock T. McClure J. Hawley T. Clabo T. Gonzalez H. Douglas M. Ryan M. Turner E. Weems (WR) 11/27 MIN R. White W. Svitek J. Blalock T. McClure J. Hawley T. Clabo T. Gonzalez J. Jones M. Ryan M. Turner M. Palmer (TE) R. White W. Svitek J. Blalock T. McClure J. Hawley T. Clabo T. Gonzalez J. Jones M. Ryan M. Turner R. Kelly (TE) R. White W. Svitek J. Blalock T. McClure J. Hawley T. Clabo T. Gonzalez J. Jones M. Ryan M. Turner M. Cox 12/15 JAX R. White W. Svitek J. Blalock T. McClure J. Hawley T. Clabo T. Gonzalez J. Jones M. Ryan M. Turner M. Cox R. White W. Svitek J. Blalock T. McClure J. Hawley T. Clabo T. Gonzalez J. Jones M. Ryan E. Weems H. Douglas (WR) 1/1 TB R. White W. Svitek J. Blalock T. McClure J. Hawley T. Clabo T. Gonzalez J. Jones M. Ryan M. Turner M. Cox DEFENSE LE DT DT RE OLB MLB OLB LCB RCB S S R. Edwards J. Babineaux P. Jerry J. Abraham S. Nicholas C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon B. Grimes D. Robinson W. Moore T. DeCoud 9/18 PHI R. Edwards C. Peters P. Jerry J. Abraham K. Hayden C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon B. Grimes D. Robinson W. Moore J. Sanders R. Edwards C. Peters P. Jerry J. Abraham M. Peterson C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon B. Grimes D. Robinson W. Moore T. DeCoud R. Edwards C. Peters P. Jerry J. Abraham M. Peterson C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon B. Grimes D. Robinson W. Moore T. DeCoud 10/9 GB R. Edwards J. Babineaux C. Peters K. Biermann C. Owens C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon B. Grimes D. Robinson W. Moore T. DeCoud 10/16 CAR R. Edwards J. Babineaux C. Peters J. Abraham C. Owens C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon B. Grimes D. Robinson W. Moore T. DeCoud R. Edwards J. Babineaux C. Peters J. Abraham S. Nicholas C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon B. Grimes D. Robinson W. Moore T. DeCoud R. Edwards J. Babineaux C. Peters J. Abraham S. Nicholas C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon B. Grimes D. Robinson W. Moore T. DeCoud 11/13 NO R. Edwards J. Babineaux C. Peters J. Abraham S. Nicholas C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon B. Grimes D. Robinson J. Sanders T. DeCoud 11/20 TEN R. Edwards J. Babineaux C. Peters J. Abraham S. Nicholas C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon B. Grimes D. Robinson J. Sanders T. DeCoud 11/27 MIN R. Edwards J. Babineaux C. Peters J. Abraham S. Nicholas C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon B. Grimes D. Robinson J. Sanders T. DeCoud R. Edwards J. Babineaux C. Peters J. Abraham M. Peterson C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon D. Franks D. Robinson J. Sanders T. DeCoud R. Edwards J. Babineaux C. Peters J. Abraham M. Peterson C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon D. Franks D. Robinson J. Sanders T. DeCoud 12/15 JAX R. Edwards J. Babineaux C. Peters J. Abraham S. Nicholas C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon D. Franks D. Robinson W. Moore T. DeCoud R. Edwards J. Babineaux C. Peters J. Abraham M. Peterson C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon B. Grimes D. Robinson W. Moore T. DeCoud 1/1 TB R. Edwards J. Babineaux C. Peters J. Abraham S. Adkins C. Lofton S. Weatherspoon D. Franks D. Robinson W. Moore T. DeCoud A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

51 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS TEAM - GAME-BY-GAME STATS 1 ST DOWNS 3 RD D. TOT. OFF. RUSH. PASSING PENAL. FUM. PUNT. OFFENSE T R P PN PCT. PLAYS YDS ATT YDS NET SCK GROSS ATT-CP-TD-INT NO-YDS NO-LST NO-AVG / :41 PHI / / / :10 GB / :49 CAR / / / :46 NO / :32 TEN / :59 MIN / / / :43 JAX / / :19 TB / :08 1 ST DOWNS 3 RD D. TOT. OFF. RUSH. PASSING PENAL. FUM. PUNT. DEFENSE T R P PN PCT. PLAYS YDS ATT YDS NET SCK GROSS ATT-CP-TD-INT NO-YDS NO-LST NO-AVG / :19 PHI / / / :50 GB / :11 CAR / / / :14 NO / :03 TEN / :01 MIN / / / :17 JAX / / :41 TB / :52 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

52 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS PASSING - GAME-BY-GAME STATS PASSING GAME ATL OPP MATT RYAN ATT CMP CMP% GROSS NET LG TD INT RATE CHRIS REDMAN ATT CMP CMP% GROSS NET LG TD INT PHI GB CAR t NO TEN MIN t JAX TB DID NOT PLAY DID NOT PLAY DID NOT PLAY DID NOT PLAY DID NOT PLAY DID NOT PLAY DID NOT PLAY DID NOT PLAY DID NOT PLAY DID NOT PLAY DID NOT PLAY Totals ,177 4,008 80t A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

53 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECEIVING - GAME-BY-GAME STATS RECEIVING MIKE COX HARRY DOUGLAS TONY GONZALEZ JULIO JONES GAME ATL OPP REC YDS AVG LG TD REC YDS AVG LG TD REC YDS AVG LG TD REC YDS AVG LG PHI t t GB CAR T 2 NO T TEN INACTIVE MIN t 2 JAX TB t 2 Totals T 8 RECEIVING REGGIE KELLY MICHAEL PALMER OVIE MUGHELLI JACQUIZZ RODGERS GAME ATL OPP REC YDS AVG LG TD REC YDS AVG LG TD REC YDS AVG LG TD REC YDS AVG LG PHI t GB CAR INJURED RESERVE NO INJURED RESERVE TEN INJURED RESERVE MIN INJURED RESERVE INJURED RESERVE INJURED RESERVE t 1 JAX INJURED RESERVE INJURED RESERVE TB INJURED RESERVE Totals t 1 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

54 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RECEIVING - GAME-BY-GAME STATS RECEIVING GAME ATL OPP JASON SNELLING REC YDS AVG LG TD MICHAEL TURNER REC YDS AVG LG TD ERIC WEEMS REC YDS AVG LG TD RODDY WHITE REC YDS AVG LG PHI GB CAR NO TEN MIN JAX TB INACTIVE T t Totals T , A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

55 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS RUSHING - GAME-BY-GAME STATS RUSHING GAME ATL OPP HARRY DOUGLAS ATT YDS AVG LG TD JULIO JONES ATT YDS AVG LG TD OVIE MUGHELLI ATT YDS AVG LG TD JACQUIZZ RODGERS ATT YDS AVG LG PHI GB CAR INACTIVE INACTIVE INJURED RESERVE NO INJURED RESERVE TEN INACTIVE INJURED RESERVE MIN INJURED RESERVE INJURED RESERVE INJURED RESERVE JAX INJURED RESERVE INJURED RESERVE TB INJURED RESERVE Totals RUSHING GAME ATL OPP MATT RYAN ATT YDS AVG LG TD JASON SNELLING ATT YDS AVG LG TD MICHAEL TURNER ATT YDS AVG LG PHI INACTIVE t 2 GB CAR NO TEN MIN JAX TB Totals , Additional Statistics - A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

56 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS SACKS & INTERCEPTIONS PHI NO TB SACKS 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27 12/4 12/11 12/15 12/26 1/1 Total J. Abraham 2/12 1/5 1/6 1/5 3.5/35.5 1/6 9.5/69.5 L. Sidbury 1/2 1/1 2/13 4/16 K. Biermann 1/7 1/12 0.5/ /23.5 S. Weatherspoon 1/11 1/9 1/9 1/6 4/35 C. Peters 1/7 1/10 1/12 3/29 R. Edwards 1/8 1/8 1/11 0.5/ /29.5 J. Babineaux 1/3 1/3 C. Owens 1/2 1/2 C. Lofton 1/8 1/8 V. Walker 1/0 1/8 2/8 W. Moore 0.5/ /4.5 TEAM 1/2 1/2 Team Totals 5/21 0/0 0/0 0/0 4/27 1/8 3/24 2/15 0/0 1/6 4/24 3/13 2/17 5/50 1/8 2/15 33/230 PHI NO TB INT S 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27 12/4 12/11 12/15 12/26 1/1 Total K. Biermann 1/50 1/50 K. Hayden 1/2 1/1 2/3 W. Moore 1/27 1/29 2/56 T. DeCoud 1/0 1/7 1/49 1/21 4/77 C. Lofton 1/4 1/26 2/30 B. Grimes 1/29 1/29 C. Peters 1/1 1/1 D. Robinson 1/14 1/14 2/28 M. Peterson 1/4 1/4 D. Franks 1/0 1/0 2/0 D. Walls 1/23 1/23 Team Totals 1/50 1/2 2/27 2/11 0/0 3/79 0/0 1/1 0/0 1/14 0/0 0/0 2/33 1/21 2/14 3/49 19/301 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

57 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

58 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS JOHN ABRAHAM DEFENSIVE END PRO BOWL YEARS 2010, 2004, 2002, HT: 6 4 WT: 263 NFL EXP: 12 ACQ: TR- 06 (NYJ) 6 TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 5/6/78 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSACTIONS Originally selected as a first round (13th pick overall) draft choice by the New York Jets in the 2000 NFL Draft, which was acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay. In exchange for WR Keyshawn Johnson, the Jets obtained first round draft choices #13 and #27 (TE Anthony Becht). Abraham was the third linebacker taken overall in 2000 (following Washington s selection of LaVar Arrington and Chicago s pick of Brian Urlacher). Traded to the Falcons in exchange for Atlanta s 2006 first round pick (#29), which was acquired from Denver (FALCONS) Registered two sacks (12 yards) vs. Chicago (9/11). His two sacks represented the 25th multi-sack game of his career. Recorded two tackles and a forced fumble against the Eagles (9/18). Posted one tackle against Tampa Bay (9/25). Collared one tackle and two quarterback hits at Seattle (10/2). Inactive vs. Green Bay (10/9) due to injury (hip). Tallied two tackles and one quarterback hit vs. Carolina (10/16). Recorded two tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack at Detroit (10/23). Collared two tackles (one solo) at Indianapolis (11/6). Notched four tackles (three solo) and two tackles for loss vs. New Orleans (11/13) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB INACTIVE 10/16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Tallied four tackles (one solo) and one quarterback hit vs. Minnesota (11/27). Registered one sack, one tackle for loss and one pass defensed at Houston (12/4). Posted three tackles at Carolina (12/11). Recorded his 26th career multi-sack game vs. Jacksonville (12/15), after tallying five tackles, three and a half sacks, two forced fumbles and one tackle for loss. Assisted on one tackle at New Orleans (12/26). Notched one sack (six yards), one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in addition to one tackle vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). EXTRA POINTS Regularly donates to Atlanta s Hosea Feed the Hungry event during the Thanksgiving holidays. His contributions help feed hundreds of Atlanta s less fortunate during annual holiday event. Recorded three tackles and a sack vs. Tennessee (11/20). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

59 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS SPENCER ADKINS LINEBACKER 59 HT: 5 11 WT: 236 NFL EXP: 3 ACQ: D RD YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 5/16/87 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI (FLA) TRANSACTIONS S e l e c te d a s a s i x t h ro u n d ( 176 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Was inactive for Week 1 at Chicago (9/11), Week 2 vs. Philadelphia (9/18), Week 9 at Indianapolis (11/6), Week 10 vs. New Orleans (11/13), Week 12 vs. Minnesota (11/27) and Week 15 vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Posted two tackles in first action of 2011 against Tampa Bay (9/25). Recorded one quarterback hit in a reserve role at Seattle (10/2). Saw time on special teams vs. Green Bay (10/9). Collared one special teams tackle vs. Carolina (10/16). Saw time on special teams at Detroit (10/23). Saw action on special teams vs. Tennessee (11/20). Saw action on defense and special teams at Houston (12/4). Saw action on special teams at Carolina (12/11). Saw action on special teams at New Orleans (12/26). Started his first career game at outside linebacker vs. Tampa Bay (1/1) and recorded a career-high three tackles (one solo) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI INACTIVE 9/18 PHI INACTIVE TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND INACTIVE 11/13 NO INACTIVE 11/20 TEN /27 MIN INACTIVE HOU CAR /15 JAX INACTIVE NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER COLLEGE In 3 1 care er games at the Universit y of Miami, to - taled 72 tackles (42 solo), 10 tackles for loss, five sacks and one interception. Finished with a career-high 52 tackles while adding one sack, one pass defensed and one interception during his junior season (2007). PERSONAL At tended Naples High S chool and was one of the top defensive prospects in the state. As a senior in 2004, made 11 sacks (four in one game and 19 tackles for loss. Rated as the No. 7 outside linebacker in the nation and No. 87 in the nation regardless of position by Rivals.com. Adkins Career Defensive Statistics YEAR GP/GS TK SO AST SK YDS INT YDS LG TD PD FF FR YDS TD 2009 ATL 5/ ATL 9/ TOTAL 14/ A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

60 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS JONATHAN BABINEAUX DEFENSIVE TACKLE 95 HT: 6 2 WT: 300 NFL EXP: 7 ACQ: D TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 10/12/81 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF IOWA TRANSACTIONS Selected as a second round (59 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Recorded one tackle in week one at Chicago (9/11). Was inactive due to injury vs. Philadelphia (9/18), at Tampa Bay (9/25) and at Seattle (10/2). Tallied one tackle and two quarterback hits vs. Green Bay (10/9). Registered four tackles (two solo) and a quarterback hit vs. Carolina (10/16) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI INACTIVE TB INACTIVE SEA INACTIVE 10/9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Recorded three tackles (two solo) and a pass defensed at Detroit (10/23). Recorded two tackles, two tackles for loss and his first sack of the season at Indianapolis (11/6). Notched four tackles (three solo) vs. New Orleans (11/13). Tallied three tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and two passes defensed vs. Tennessee (11/20). Started at defensive tackle, but did not record any statistics vs. Minnesota (11/27). Registered two quarterback hits at Houston (12/4). Logged three tackles (one solo) and one quarterback hit at Carolina (12/11). Assisted on two tackles and added one quarterback hit vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Started at defensive tackle at New Orleans (12/26). Notched two tackles (one solo) vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). EXTRA POINTS Has own charitable foundation, the Babineaux Brothers Foundation and hosts an annual golf tournament in his hometown of Port Arthur, TX to benefit the foundation. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

61 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS SAM BAKER OFFENSIVE TACKLE 72 HT: 6 5 WT: 301 NFL EXP: 4 ACQ: D1B TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 5/30/85 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRANSACTIONS Originally selected as a first round (21 st pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in CAREER In his rookie season, paved the way for the Falcons to finish second in the NFL in rushing, averaging yards per game (FALCONS) Started the first six games of the 2011 season at left tackle. Started at left tackle vs. Philadelphia (9/18) for an offense that produced 318 total yards. Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack at Seattle (10/2). Part of an offensive line that paved the way for RB Michael Turner, who rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns vs. Carolina (10/16). Inactive at Detroit (10/23), at Indianapolis (11/6), vs. New Orleans (11/13) and vs. Tennessee (11/20) due to injury (back). Saw action on special teams at Houston (12/4). Saw action at right guard at Carolina (12/11). Saw action vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Saw action on offense and special teams at New Orleans (12/26). Saw action on offense and special teams vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). COLLEGE All-America first-team selection by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, adding second-team accolades from the Associated Press, College Football News and Sports Illustrated as a senior. A unanimous All-Pac 10 Conference first-team choice and was named the team s Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year in A semi-finalist for the Lombardi Award as a senior. Selected as the team s Offensive Lineman of the Year in Saw action on special teams vs. Minnesota (11/27) ATL ATL ATL ATL 12/6 16/16 14/14 8/5 TOTAL 50/ ATL ATL 1/0 1/0 TOTAL 1/0 Baker s Career Games Played/Started Baker s Career Postseason Games Played/Started A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

62 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS KROY BIERMANN DEFENSIVE END 71 HT: 6 3 WT: 255 NFL EXP: 4 ACQ: D5B TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 9/12/85 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA TRANSACTIONS S e l e c te d a s a fi fth round (154 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Intercepted a pass and returned it 50-yards for a touchdown, while also posting a sack (seven yards) vs. Chicago (9/11). Recorded one tackle in week two against the Eages (9/18). Tallied four tackles (two solo) and one tackle for loss at Tampa Bay (9/25). Collared two tackles (one solo) and added two quarterback hits at Seattle (10/2) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Started at right defensive end and recorded four tackles (two solo) and a tackle for loss vs. Green Bay (10/9). Recorded two tackles (one solo) and two quarterback hits vs. Carolina (10/16). Registered one tackle at Detroit (10/23). Collared two tackles and one quarterback hit at Indianapolis (11/6). Recorded two tackles (one solo) vs. New Orleans (11/13). Tallied one tackle for loss vs. Tennessee (11/20). Notched two tackles and one quarterback hit vs. Minnesota (11/27). Logged four tackles (one solo) at Houston (12/4). Assisted on one special teams tackle at Carolina (12/11). Notched four tackles (three solo) and one quarterback hit at New Orleans (12/26). Compiled three tackles (one solo) and one-half sack vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). Registered one tackle, one sack (12 yards) and one tackle for loss vs. Jacksonville (12/15). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

63 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS JUSTIN BLALOCK OFFENSIVE GUARD 63 HT: 6 4 WT: 326 NFL EXP: 5 ACQ: D2A TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 12/20/83 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS TRANSACTIONS Originally selected as a second round (39 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on July 31, (FALCONS) Started seven games at left guard in Started at left guard and was part of a unit who protected for QB Matt Ryan, who threw for 319 yards vs. Chicago (9/11). Part of an offensive line that helped pave the way for 138 rushing yards, including 114 from Michael Turner vs. Philadelphia (9/18). Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack at Seattle (10/2). Helped paved the way for RB Michael Turner, who rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns vs. Carolina (10/16). Part of an offensive line that paved the way for 129 rushing yards at Detroit (10/23). Member of an offensive line that helped produce 163 yards on the ground at Indianapolis (11/6). Started at left guard and was part of a unit who protected QB Matt Ryan who threw for a careerhigh 351 yards vs. New Orleans (11/13). Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack vs. Tennessee (11/20). Protected for QB Matt Ryan, who recorded a passer rating vs. Minnesota (11/27). Member of an offensive line that did not allow a sack at Houston (12/4). Protected for QB Matt Ryan, who threw for 320 yards and four touchdowns at Carolina (12/11). Part of an offensive line that protected QB Matt Ryan, who recorded a season-high passer rating vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Started at left guard and was part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack at New Orleans (12/26). Helped pave the way for RB Michael Turner, who rushed for 172 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). CAREER I n h i s fi rst four seasons, has started in all 62 contests he has participated in ATL ATL ATL ATL ATL 16/16 16/16 16/16 16/16 14/14 TOTAL 78/ ATL ATL 1/1 1/1 TOTAL 2/2 Blalock s Career Games Played/Started Blalock s Career Postseason Games Played/Started A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

64 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS MATT BRYANT KICKER 3 HT: 5 9 WT: 203 NFL EXP: 10 ACQ: FA 09 3RD YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 5/29/75 COLLEGE: BAYLOR UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS Was signed as a free agent by the New York Giants in 2002 and was allocated to NFL Europa. Was released by the Giants in 2004 and competed in four games between the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins. Signed by Tampa Bay as a free agent on March 2, Released by the Buccaneers on September 5, 2009 and competed with the Florida Tuskers of the UFL. Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on December 1, Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on July 29, (FALCONS) Recorded six points after converting on field goals of 48 and 25 yards against Chicago (9/11). C o n n e c t e d o n fi ve of five extra point attempts vs. Philadelphia (9/18). Scored seven points, including field goals of 26 and 33 yards, against Tampa Bay (9/25). Notched 12 points, including a season-long 50- yard field goal, at Seattle (10/2). Connected on both of his extra point attempts vs. Green Bay (10/9). Tallied seven points, including a 24-yard field goal and four of four extra point attempts, vs. Carolina (10/16). Recorded 11 points, including field goals of47, 40 and 23 yards at Detroit (10/23). With his 47-yard FG in the third quarter, Bryant set a new franchise record for the most consecutive field goals made in team history, passing K Norm Johnson who connected on 26 straight from Notched seven points, including a field goal of 20 yards, at Indianapolis (11/6). Tallied 11 points, connecting on field goals of 36, 29 and 27 yards vs. New Orleans (11/13). Recorded 11 points, including field goals of 33, 24 and 19 yards, vs. Tennessee (11/20). Connected on a field goal of 37 yards and added three extra points vs. Minnesota (11/27). Tallied four points at Houston (12/4), including a field goal of 19 yards. Recorded seven points, connecting on four-offour extra points and adding a 30-yard field goal, at Carolina (12/11). Notched two-of-two field goals, including a long of 33 yards, and connected on five-of-five extra points vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Connected on three-of-three field goals, including a season-long field goal of 51 yards, at New Orleans (12/26). Hit six-of-six extra point attempts and added one field goal of 20 yards vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). CAREER In 115 career games, has converted 173 of 209 field goals, a long kick of 62 yards and 235 of 239 PATs for a total of 754 career points. Kicked the second-longest game-winning field goal in NFL history after splitting the uprights on a 62-yarder against Philadelphia in A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

65 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS KIRK CHAMBERS OFFENSIVE TACKLE 73 HT: 6 7 WT: 315 NFL EXP: 7 ACQ: FA 11 1ST YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 3/19/79 COLLEGE: STANFORD UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS Originally selected as a sixth round (176 th pick overall) draft choice by Cleveland in Released by the Browns on Sept. 3, Signed as a free agent with Buffalo on Jan. 25, Waived by the Bills on Sept. 4, 2010 and signed by Cincinnati as a free agent on Nov. 16, Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on October 25, (FALCONS) Saw action on special teams at Indianapolis (11/6). Saw action on special teams vs. New Orleans (11/13). Saw action on offense and special teams vs. Tennessee (11/20). Inactive in Weeks CAREER Played 67 career NFL games with 14 starts, including nine starts for Buffalo in COLLEGE Started all 45 games of his Stanford career at left tackle and was named Second Team All-Pac-10 and First-Team Academic All-Pac-10 during his senior campaign. A solid force on the offensive line, Chambers shared honors of the Menlo-Atherton Trophy as the team s top freshman in PERSONAL Named a SuperPrep All-American as an offensive lineman as a senior at Provo High School, where he started on both offense and defense for three seasons. Named to the Tacoma News Tribune s Western Top-100, while also garnering First-Team All-State and Frist-Team Academic All-State honors his senior season. Played four years of varsity basketball in high school and was a member of an AAU All-Star Basketball Team. Did not play football during the seasons before enrolling at Stanford while spending both seasons as part of a Mormon Mission in Berlin, Germany. Selected in 2005 to participate in NFL Business Management and Entrepreneurial Program at Stanford Majored in Public Policy and German Studies at Stanford, earning Academic All Pac-10 honors for three years and Academic All-America honors as a senior. Fluent in German. Born in Provo, Utah. He and his wife, Marilyn, have four daughters - Marianne, Katie, Allison and Claire. Chamber s Career Games Played/Started ATL CIN BUF BUF BUF CLE CLE 3/0 0/0 14/9 16/4 16/1 15/0 6/0 TOTAL 69/14 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

66 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS TYSON CLABO OFFENSIVE TACKLE PRO BOWL YEARS HT: 6 6 WT: 329 NFL EXP: 7 ACQ: FA 06 6TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 10/17/81 COLLEGE: WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS Originally signed by the Denver as an undrafted rookie free agent on April 26, Waived by the Broncos on September 5. Signed by the New York Giants practice squad on September 7. Released from the Giants practice squad on September 21. Signed to the San Diego practice squad on October 5. Released by the Chargers on October 11. Signed by the Broncos on December 21. Allocated to the Hamburg Sea Devils of NFL Europa. Waived by the Denver on September 3, Signed to the Falcons practice squad on September 21, 2005 and was re-signed by the Falcons on January 2, Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on July 29, (FALCONS) Started at right tackle against Chicago (9/11) and was part of an offensive line that protected for QB Matt Ryan, who threw for 319 yards. Member of an offensive unit that produced 318 yards of total offense vs. Philadelphia (9/18). Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack at Seattle (10/2). Helped pave the way for RB Michael Turner, who rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns vs. Carolina (10/16). Started at right tackle at Detroit (10/23) and helped block for RB Michael Turner, who rushed for 122 yards. Member of an offensive line that helped produce 163 yards on the ground at Indianapolis (11/6). Started at right tackle vs. New Orleans (11/13) and helped protect QB Matt Ryan, who passed for a career-high 351 yards. Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack vs. Tennessee (11/20). Protected for QB Matt Ryan, who recorded a passer rating vs. Minnesota (11/27). Member of an offensive line that did not allow a sack at Houston (12/4). Protected for QB Matt Ryan, who threw for 320 yards and four touchdowns at Carolina (12/11). Part of an offensive line that protected QB Matt Ryan, who logged a season-high passer rating vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Started at right tackle and was part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack at New Orleans (12/26). Helped pave the way for RB Michael Turner, who rushed for 172 and two touchdowns on 17 carries vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). Clabo s Career Games Played/Started ATL ATL ATL ATL ATL ATL ATL DEN 16/16 16/16 16/16 16/16 11/11 10/10 0/0 0/0 TOTAL 85/85 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

67 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS MIKE COX FULLBACK 42 HT: 6 0 WT: 252 NFL EXP: 4 ACQ: FA 11 1ST YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 7/11/85 COLLEGE: GEORGIA TECH TRANSACTIONS Originally selected as a rookie free agent by Kansas City on May 2, Signed by Kansas City on March 25, 2010 before being released on Sept. 3, Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on October 25, (FALCONS) Started at fullback at Indianapolis (11/6) and helped pave the way for a rushing attack that gained 163 yards on the ground. Recorded two receptions for eight yards vs. New Orleans (11/13). Saw time on offense vs. Tennessee (11/20). Saw time on offense vs. Minnesota (11/27). Saw time on offense at Houston (12/4). Started at fullback at Carolina (12/11). Started at fullback vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Saw time of offense at New Orleans (12/26). Started at fullback vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). CAREER A solid blocker who is also a sure-handed receiver., Cox has played in 39 games (17 starts), notching four carries for three yards with a touchdown and 22 catches for 125 yards (5.7 avg.), in addition to a catch on a two-point conversion. Also recorded three special teams tackles and has five kickoff returns for 20 yards (4.0 avg.) GAME-BY-GAME RUSHING RECEIVING DATE OPP RUSH YDS AVG LG TD REC YDS AVG LG TD CHI 9/18 PHI TB SEA 10/9 GB 10/16 CAR DET SIGNED TO ACTIVE ROSTER 10/25/2011 IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER COLLEGE Saw action in 47 games, with 33 starts, at Georgia Tech, registering 10 carries for 63 yards. Also caught 30 passes for 217 yards with a touchdown and added five special teams tackles. Served as the lead blocker in a Yellow Jackets rushing attack that paced the ACC at yards per game. Was named the ACC s best blocking back by The Sporting News. PERSONAL Three-year letterwinner rushed for 1,326 yards with 18 touchdowns and caught 20 passes for 415 yards at Red Land High School in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Also was a starter at linebacker, recording 125 tackles and three interceptions. Majored in Management at Georgia Tech. Married to wife, Dana. Brother, Lucas, attended training camp with the Falcons in A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

68 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS THOMAS DECOUD SAFETY 28 HT: 6 0 WT: 192 NFL EXP: 4 ACQ: D3C- 08 4TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 3/19/85 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA TRANSACTIONS Originally selected as a third round (98 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Led the secondary with 12 tackles (eight solo) against Chicago (9/11). Saw time on defense and special teams vs. Philadelphia (9/18). Started at free safety and recorded 11 tackles (six solo) and added an interception against Tampa Bay (9/25). Recorded three tackes (two solo), one pass defensed and an interception in the endzone at Seattle (10/2). Tallied seven tackles (six solo) and one pass defensed vs. Green Bay (10/9). Recorded nine tackles (five solo), one pass defensed and tied a career-high with his third interception of the season vs. Carolina (10/16). Registered four tackles (two solo) at Detroit (10/23). Collared four tackles (three solo) at Indianapolis (11/6). Notched 12 tackles (seven solo) and one tackle for loss vs. New Orleans (11/13). Tallied four tackles (three solo) vs. Tennessee (11/20). Recorded eight tackles (six solo) vs. Minnesota (11/27). Registered a season-high 13 tackles (11 solo) at Houston (12/4) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Established a career-high with his fourth interception of the season and added one tackle and one pass defensed vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Notched a team-high 10 tackles (seven solo) and one pass defensed at New Orleans (12/26). Led the Falcons secondary with eight tackles (six solo), while adding one tackle for loss and one pass defensed vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). EXTRA POINTS Participated in the Extra Yard partnership program the past three seasons and has purchased 40 season tickets and t-shirts for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Georgia Chapter. Participated as a celebrity waiter for Coach Smith s second annual Huddle Up for Miracles at Capital Grille to benefit the Children s Miracle Network. CAREER In three seasons with the Falcons, has emerged as the starting free safety. Tied a career-high and ranked second on the team with 113 tackles in Collared three tackles at Carolina (12/11). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

69 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS HARRY DOUGLAS WIDE RECEIVER 83 HT: 6 0 WT: 183 NFL EXP: 3 ACQ: D3B TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 9/16/84 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE TRANSACTIONS Selected as a third round (84 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Collected 10 yards on two receptions in vs. Chicago (9/11). Recorded two receptions for 19 yards in week two against Philadelphia (9/18). Logged a season-high five receptions for 35 yards against Tampa Bay (9/25). Saw action but did not record any statistics at Seattle (10/2). Recorded two receptions for 16 yards vs. Green Bay (10/9). Started at wide receiver and recorded two catches for 57 yards, including a long reception of 34 yards vs. Carolina (10/16). Hauled in four receptions for 62 yards, including a season-long 49-yard catch at Detroit (10/23). Saw action but did not record any statistics at Indianapolis (11/6). Recorded eight catches for 133 yards, both career highs, including a long reception of 46 yards vs. New Orleans (11/13). Started at wide receiver and tallied four catches for 51 yards vs. Tennessee (11/20). Logged two receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown vs. Minnesota (11/27). Hauled in four catches for 43 yards at Houston (12/4). Recorded two receptions for 12 yards at Carolina (12/11) GAME-BY-GAME RECEIVING RUSHING DATE OPP REC YDS AVG LG TD RSH YDS AVG LG TD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS TOTALS 85 1, Registered one reception for 12 yards vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Tallied one catch for three yards at New Orleans (12/26). Saw action but did not record any statistics vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). EXTRA POINTS Hosts an annual bowling fundraising event for the March of Dimes Georgia Chapter at Ten Pin Bowling Alley in Atlanta. The event has helped raise several thousand dollars for the March of Dimes to help save newborn babies. The Douglas Brothers Foundation, a charitable foundation run by Harry and his brother Toney, hosted its second annual Holiday Treat Festival in their hometown of Jonesboro, GA in December This event helped treat several underprivileged children during the holidays to free gifts, haircuts, health screenings and meal. Last year s event was attended by over 3,000 people. Several of Douglas teammates joined him at the event. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

70 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS RAY EDWARDS DEFENSIVE END 93 HT: 6-5 WT: 268 NFL EXP: 6 AQU: FA ST YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDAY: 1/1/1985 COLLEGE: PURDUE UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS Selected as a fourth round (127 th pick overall) draft choice by Minnesota in Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on July 29, (FALCONS) Logged one tackle at Chicago (9/11). Tallied two tackles, both for loss, and a 64-yard fumble recovery vs. Philadelphia (9/18). Recorded three tackles (two solo) at Tampa Bay (9/25) Collared five tackles and recorded a quarterback hit at Seattle (10/2). Notched two tackles (one solo), one tackle for loss and a sack vs. Green Bay (10/9). Registered two tackles, two quarterback hits, one tackle for loss and a sack vs. Carolina (10/16). Recorded three tackles and one pass defensed at Detroit (10/23). Tallied two tackles (one solo) and recovered a fumble at Indianapolis (11/6). Collared three tackles (two solo), including a tackle for loss vs. New Orleans (11/13). Notched one tackle and one pass defensed vs. Tennessee (11/20). Recorded one tackle (one solo) vs. Minnesota (11/27). Registered one tackle and one tackle for loss at Houston (12/4). Logged three tackles (two solo), one sack (11 yards) and one tackle for loss at Carolina (12/11) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Assisted on one tackle and added one-half sack vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Assisted on two tackles at New Orleans (12/26). Collared one tackle, one pass defensed and a quarterback hit vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). CAREER Enjoyed breakout season in 2009 with careerbest 8.5 sacks, 75 tackles (50 solo), three passes defensed, nine tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. In 2009, tied a Vikings playoff record with three sacks in a Divisional round game vs. Dallas (1/17) and set a Vikings record for most playoff sacks with four. Was part of a Vikings line that keyed the defense to rank first in the NFL in rushing defense from and ranked second in the Leauge in Showcased playmaking abilities in 2007 when he tied for team lead with four forced fumbles and scored his first career touchdown on a nine-yard fumble recovery at Detroit (9/16). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

71 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS DOMINIQUE FRANKS CORNERBACK 24 HT: 6 0 WT: 197 NFL EXP: 2 ACQ: D5A- 10 2ND YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 10/8/87 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA TRANSACTIONS Selected as a fifth round (135 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Was active but did not participate against Chicago (9/11), vs. Philadelphia (9/18), at Seattle (10/2), at Indianapolis (11/6) and vs. New Orleans (11/13). Recorded one tackle in his first playing time of 2011 at Tampa Bay (9/25). Saw action on special teams vs. Green Bay (10/9), vs. Carolina (10/16), at Detroit (10/23) and vs. Tennessee (11/20). Collared five tackles (three solo) and added one quarterback hit vs. Minnesota (11/27) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI DID NOT PLAY 9/18 PHI DID NOT PLAY TB SEA DID NOT PLAY 10/9 GB /16 CAR DET IND DID NOT PLAY 11/13 NO DID NOT PLAY 11/20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Started at left cornerback and recorded four tackles (three solo) at Houston (12/4). Started at left cornerback for the second consecutive week at Carolina (12/11), recording two tackles (one solo) and one pass defensed. Notched three tackles and one pass defensed vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Recorded his second career interception and two passes defensed at New Orleans (12/26). Intercepted a pass for the second consecutive game and recorded five tackles (three solo) vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). EXTRA POINTS In 2010, a participant in the Atlanta Falcons Rookie Club sponsored by UnitedHealthcare of Georgia, this program gives the players the opportunity to take part in several charitable events. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

72 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS TONY GONZALEZ TIGHT END PRO BOWL YEARS 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, HT: 6 5 WT: 247 NFL EXP: 15 ACQ: TR 09 (KC) 3RD YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 2/27/76 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA TRANSACTIONS O r i g i n a l l y s e l e c t e d i n t h e fi rst round (13 th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1997 NFL Draft. Traded to the Falcons for Atlanta s second round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft on April 23, (FALCONS) Logged a team-high 72 yards receiving on five catches vs. Chicago (9/11). Led the team with seven receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns vs. Philadelphia (9/18). With his seven catches, Gonzalez moved into fifth-place on the NFL all-time receptions list (1,081). Recorded two receptions for 18 yards and a touchdown at Tampa Bay (9/25). Hauled in seven catches for 56 yards and a touchdown. With a score in his third consecutive game, Gonzalez passed WR Isaac Bruce into sole possesion of 9th place on the NFL-career touchdown reception list with 92. Corralled six passes for 60 yards vs. Green Bay, and moved past WR Art Monk into 14th place on the NFL s all-time receiving list with 12,748 yards. Additionally, Gonzalez moved past WR Tim Brown for fifth on the NFL s all-time receptions list with 1,096 career receptions. Tallied three catches for 29 yards vs. Carolina (10/17). Moved into second place on the NFL s all-time receptions list with 1,103 career receptions, passing WR Marvin Harrison (1,102), after recording five receptions for 62 yards at Detroit (10/23). Recorded four receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown at Indianapolis (11/6). Reeled in six receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown vs. New Orleans (11/13) GAME-BY-GAME RECEIVING RUSHING DATE OPP REC YDS AVG LG TD RSH YDS AVG LG TD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS t TOTALS 1,149 13, t Recorded five receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown, while becoming the 13th player in NFL history to eclipse the 13,000 receiving yard mark vs. Tennessee (11/20). Hauled in a season-high nine catches for 69 yards vs. Minnesota (11/27). Notched seven catches for a season-high 100 yards at Houston (12/4). Gonzalez improved his NFL record for 100-yard receiving games by a tight end to 28 games and recorded his NFL-record 13th 60-catch campaign. Recorded seven catches for 82 yards, including a long of 20 yards, and moved into 11th place on the all-time receiving yardage list at Carolina (12/11). Tallied one catch for 14 yards vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Registered five catches for 41 yards at New Orleans (12/16). Hauled in one catch for eight yards vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

73 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS BRENT GRIMES CORNERBACK PRO BOWL YEARS HT: 5 10 WT: 183 NFL EXP: 4 ACQ: FA 07 4 TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 7/19/83 COLLEGE: SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS Originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Atlanta Falcons on May 16, Re-signed by the Falcons on January 10, 2007 and was allocated to the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europa. Signed to the Falcons practice squad following training camp. Was activated to the 53-man roster on October 29, but was waived and signed back to the practice squad on November 6. E l e v a t e d t o A t l a n t a s m a n r o s t e r o n December 17, (FALCONS) Notched a team-high three passes defensed against Chicago (9/11). Collared five tackles (four solo) against Philadelphia (9/18). Tallied four tackles, all solo, at Tampa Bay (9/25). Recorded four tackles and one pass defensed at Seattle (10/2). Posted seven tackles (six solo), two passes defensed and recorded his first-career forced fumble vs. Green Bay (10/9). Registered four tackles, one pass defensed and an interception vs. Carolina (10/16). Recorded five tackles (three solo) and two passes defensed at Detroit (10/23). Notched three tackles (two solo) at Indianapolis (11/6). Collared four tackles (three solo) and one pass defensed vs. New Orleans (11/13) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU INACTIVE CAR INACTIVE 12/15 JAX INACTIVE NO /1 TB INACTIVE TOTALS CAREER Posted one tackle and two passes defensed vs. Tennessee (11/20). Started at cornerback vs. Minnesota (11/27) but did not record any statistics before leaving the game with an injury (knee). Was inactive due to injury (knee) at Houston (12/4), at Carolina (12/11) and vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Returned from injury (knee) and recorded seven tackles (five solo) and two passed defensed (12/26). Was inactive vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). CAREER In four seasons with the Falcons, has totaled 196 tackles (169 solo), 12 interceptions, one fumble recovery and 42 passes defensed. Led the Falcons in interceptions with six in Named to the NFC Pro Bowl squad for the first time in his career in A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

74 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS JOE HAWLEY CENTER 61 HT: 6 3 WT: 302 NFL EXP: 2 ACQ: D V YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 10/22/88 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA-LAS VEGAS TRANSACTIONS Selected as a fourth round (117th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Started his first career game at center in place of injured-veteran Todd McClure against Chicago (9/11). Member of an offensive line that assisted in producing 138 rushing yards vs. Philadelphia (9/18). Saw action on special teams at Tampa Bay (9/25). Saw action at center and on special teams at Seattle (10/2). Started at center vs. Green Bay (10/9). Member of an offensive line that did not allow a sack at Houston (12/4). Protected for QB Matt Ryan, who threw for 320 yards and four touchdowns at Carolina (12/11). Part of an offensive line that protected for QB Matt Ryan, who recorded a season-high passer rating vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Started at right guard and helped protect QB Matt Ryan, who threw for a career-high 373 yards at New Orleans (12/26). Helped pave the way for RB Michael Turner, who rushed for 172 and two touchdowns vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). Saw action on special teams vs. Carolina (10/16). Saw action on offense and special teams at Detroit (10/23). Started at right guard at Indianapolis (11/6) and helped pave the way for a rushing attack that produced 163 yards on the ground. Part of an offensive line that helped protect for QB Matt Ryan, who threw for a career-high 351 yards vs. New Orleans (11/13). Member of an offensive line that did not allow a sack vs. Tennessee (11/20). Started at right guard and protected for QB Matt Ryan, who recorded a passer rating of vs. Minnesota (11/27) ATL ATL 16/12 15/0 TOTAL 31/12 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM COLLEGE Competed in 47 career games with 33 starts at UNLV as a center and right guard. Started every contest as a junior and senior ( ). A talented blocker who was a leader on the offensive line throughout his collegiate career. Won the Rebel Spirit Award, given to the senior who showed the most toughness, positive attitude and strong commitment to his teammates. Did not give up a sack at his position all season. PERSONAL Attended Esperanza High School in Anaheim, California and was a three-year letterwinner for the Aztecs. Hawley s Career Games Played/Started

75 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS ROBERT JAMES LINEBACKER 51 HT: 5 11 WT: 224 NFL EXP: 2 ACQ: D5A 08 3 RD YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 12/26/83 COLLEGE: ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS S e l e c t e d a s a fi fth round (138 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in Signed to the Falcons practice squad on September 6, 2009 and was elevated to the 53-man roster on December 29, Signed to the Falcons active roster on December 28, (FALCONS) Serves as a member of the Falcons practice squad. Saw action on special teams vs. Tampa Bay (1/1) (FALCONS) Was signed to the active roster for the regular season finale at Tampa Bay (1/3) where he saw action on special teams. COLLEGE Started 19 of 42 games during his career at Arizona State, recording 174 tackles (102 solo), 5.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss and five INTs. Earned All-America and All-Pac 10 Conference honors during his senior campaign GAME-BY-GAME 9/11 CHI OPP TK 2 SO SK YDS 0.0 INT 0 YDS 0 FF 0 FR 0 PD0 9/18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO SIGNED TO ACTIVE ROSTER 12/28/11 1/1 TB TOTALS CAREER Helped the Sun Devils improve from a total defensive ranking of 51st in the nation in 2006 to 30th nationally in 2007 allowing yards per game. PERSONAL Attended Maryvale High School (Arizona ), lettering four times in football and twice in track. Earned second-team all-city honors as a DB and first-team accolades as a RB. Has one son, Robert James III. James Career Defensive Statistics YEAR GP/GS TK SO AST SK YDS INT YDS LG TD PD FF FR YDS TD 2008 ATL INJURED RESERVE 2009 ATL 1/ TOTAL 1/ A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

76 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS PERIA JERRY DEFENSIVE TACKLE 94 HT: 6 2 WT: 295 NFL EXP: 3 ACQ: D1 09 3RD YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 8/23/84 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI TRANSACTIONS S e l e c t e d a s a fi rst round (24 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) R e c o rd e d t wo t a c k l e s i n fi rst career start at Chicago (9/11). Forced a fumble against Philadelphia (9/18). Tallied two tackles (one solo) and two tackles for loss at Tampa Bay (9/25). Notched two tackles (one solo) and added a quarterback hit at Seattle (10/2). Saw action on defense vs. Green Bay (10/9) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Saw action on defense vs. Carolina (10/16). Saw action on defense at Detroit (10/23). Recorded one tackle at Indianapolis (11/6). Registed one quarterback hit vs. New Orleans (11/13). Saw action on defense vs. Tennessee (11/20). Collared one tackle vs. Minnesota (11/27). Recorded one tackle at Houston (12/4). Notched one pass defensed at Carolina (12/11). Assisted on one tackle vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Tallied one tackle at New Orleans (12/26). Saw action on defense vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

77 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS REGGIE KELLY TIGHT END 89 HT: 6 4 WT: 257 NFL EXP: 13 ACQ: FA ST YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 2/22/77 COLLEGE: MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS Originally selected as a second round (42 nd pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in Signed as a free agent by Cincinnati on March 13, Re-signed with Cincinnati as a free agent on March 8, Signed as a free agent by the Falcons on August 16, (FALCONS) Saw action on offense and special teams against Chicago (9/11). Saw action on offense and special teams against Philadelphia (9/18). Saw action on offense and special teams at Tampa Bay (9/25). Saw action on offense and special teams at Seattle (10/2). Saw action on offense and special teams vs. Green Bay (10/9). Recorded first reception of 2011 vs. Carolina (10/16), hauling in one catch for seven yards. Saw action on offense and special teams at Detroit (10/23). Saw action on offense and special teams at Indianapolis (11/6). Saw action on offense and special teams vs. New Orleans (11/13). Saw action on offense and special teams vs. Tennessee (11/20) GAME-BY-GAME RECEIVING RUSHING DATE OPP REC YDS AVG LG TD RSH YDS AVG LG TD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER 195 1, Saw action on offense and special teams vs. Minnesota (11/27). Saw action on offense and special teams at Houston (12/4). Saw action on offense and special teams at Carolina (12/11). Saw action on offense and special teams vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Saw action on offense and special teams at New Orleans (12/26). Saw action on offense and special teams vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). CAREER Played in 62 games with 47 starts in four seasons with the Falcons. Posted 69 catches for 790 yards and two touchdowns. Set career-highs with 31 receptions, 340 yards and two touchdowns in his sophomore season in A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

78 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS CURTIS LOFTON LINEBACKER 50 HT: 6 0 WT: 241 NFL EXP: 4 ACQ: D TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 6/2/86 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA TRANSACTIONS S e l e c t e d a s a s e c o n d r o u n d ( 3 7 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Collared 13 tackles (eight solo), including one tackle for loss at Chicago (9/11). Recorded a team-high 11 tackles (nine solo) and two passes defensed against Philadelphia (9/18). Tied his season-high with 13 tackles (eight solo) and added a tackle for loss against Tampa Bay (9/25). Collared nine tackles (four solo) and added his second career interception at Seattle (10/2). Logged 12 tackles (four solo) vs. Green Bay (10/9). Registered nine tackles (six solo) and one pass defensed vs. Carolina (10/16). Recorded 11 tackles (eight solo) and a quarterback hit at Detroit (10/23). Notched 12 tackles (nine solo), a tackle for loss and a forced fumble at Indianapolis (11/6). Collared 10 tackles (six solo), including one tackle for loss, vs New Orleans (11/13). Registered six tackles (four solo), one pass defensed and a tackle for loss vs. Tennessee (11/20). Logged 11 tackles (four solo) and one pass defensed vs. Minnesota (11/27). Recorded 14 tackles (11 solo) and his first sack of the season at Houston (12/4). Tallied five tackles (three solo) at Carolina (12/11) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Collared eight tackles (six solo), one tackle for loss and his first-career fumble recovery vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Registered nine tackles (three solo) and one tackle for loss at New Orleans (12/26). Returned an interception 26 yards for his first career touchdown while leading all tacklers with 14 tackles (eight solo) vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). CAREER In three seasons with the Falcons, has totaled 410 tackles (286 solo), three sacks, six forced fumbles, eight passes defensed and one interception. Totaled 160 tackles in 2009, which was the highest total for a member of the Falcons defense since Garnered 2008 All-Rookie accolades by The Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly. Ranked second in the league in tackles among first year players behind Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo (according to STATS, Inc). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

79 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS TODD MCCLURE CENTER 62 HT: 6 1 WT: 296 NFL EXP: 13 ACQ: D7A TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 2/16/77 COLLEGE: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS S e l e c t e d a s t h e fi rst of two seventh round (237 th pick overall) draft choices by Atlanta in CAREER Tough, hard-nosed veteran who has started 166 of 168 games at center, including a streak of 144 starts heading into the 2011 season. Set a franchise record for the most consecutive starts with 144, topping Keith Brooking s old mark of 128 set from Voted to the USA Today All-Joe Team (2008, 10) Heady performer who has been the signal-caller on the line after earning the starting center position in Has blocked for three 1,000-yard running backs in Michael Turner (2008, 10), Warrick Dunn (2004, 05, 06) and Jamal Anderson (2000). Rebounded from a rookie campaign that was cut short due to a season-ending knee injury suffered in training camp, starting seven of 10 games played on a revamped line in (FALCONS) Was inactive against Chicago (9/11), snapping a streak of 144-consecutive starts, the longest consecutive streak in Falcons history. Was inactive vs. Philadelphia (9/18). Saw first action of 2011, starting at center at Tampa Bay (9/25). Started at center at Seattle on an offensive line that did not allow a sack (10/2). Inactive vs Green Bay (10/9) due to injury (knee). Started at center vs. Carolina (10/16) and helped pave the way for RB Michael Turner, who ran for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Part of an offensive line that paved the way for 129 rushing yards at Detroit (10/23). Started at center and helped pave the way for a rushing attack that gained 163 yards on the ground at Indianapolis (11/6). Part of an offensive line that helped protect QB Matt Ryan, who threw for a career-high 351 yards vs. New Orleans (11/13). Member of an offensive line that did not allow a sack vs. Tennessee (11/20). Protected for QB Matt Ryan, who recorded a passer rating, vs. Minnesota (11/27). Started at center on an offensive line that did not allow a sack at Houston (12/4). Protected for QB Matt Ryan, who threw for 320 yards and four touchdowns at Carolina (12/11). Started at center and helped protect QB Matt Ryan, who recorded a season-high passer rating vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Part of an offensive line that did not allow a sack vs. New Orleans (12/26). Helped pave the way for RB Michael Turner, who rushed for 172 yards and two touchdowns vs. Tampa Bay (1/1) (FALCONS) Was a 16-game starter for the ninth consecutive year and was part of an offensive line ranked third in the NFL and first in the NFC with 23 sacks allowed. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

80 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS KERRY MEIER WIDE RECEIVER 80 HT: 6 3 WT: 222 NFL EXP: 1 ACQ: D5B 10 2ND YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 11/12/86 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS TRANSACTIONS Selected as a fifth round (165 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Saw action in Week 1 against Chicago (9/11). Saw action in Week 2 on offense and special teams vs. Philadelphia (9/18). Was active but did not participate against Tampa Bay (9/25). Saw action on special teams at Seattle (10/2). Saw action on special teams vs. Green Bay (10/9). Saw action on offense and special teams vs. Carolina (10/16). Saw action on offense and special teams vs. Detroit (10/23). Saw action on special teams at Indianapolis (11/6). Saw action on special teams vs. New Orleans (11/13). Saw action on offense and special teams vs. Tennessee (11/20). Saw action on offense and special teams vs. Minnesota (11/27). Was active but did not participate at Houston (12/4). Saw action on special teams at Carolina (12/11) GAME-BY-GAME RECEIVING RUSHING DATE OPP REC YDS AVG LG TD RSH YDS AVG LG TD CHI /18 PHI TB DID NOT PLAY SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU DID NOT PLAY CAR /15 JAX NO INACTIVE 1/1 TB INACTIVE TOTALS CAREER COLLEGE Started 38 of 46 games at Kansas, including lining up as a receiver in 35 of those contests. Caught 226 passes for 2,309 yards with 18 touchdowns while adding 417 yards and six scores on 118 carries. Completed 134 of 219 passes for 1,612 yards, 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Amassed 2,029 yards in total offense and 2,726 all-purpose yards. Holds the school career-record with 226 receptions, which also ranks eighth in Big 12 Conference history. Set the school reception record on two occasions, the first coming in 2008 (97), followed by 2009 (102). One of five KU players to gain over 1,000 receiving yards in a season. Saw action on offense and special teams vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Inactive Weeks due to injury (groin). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

81 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS WILLIAM MOORE SAFETY 25 HT: 6 0 WT: 221 NFL EXP: 2 ACQ: D RD YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 5/18/85 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI TRANSACTIONS S e l e c t e d a s a s e c o n d r o u n d ( 5 5 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Notched four tackles (two solo) against Chicago (9/11). Recorded seven tackles (three solo) and had a quaterback hit vs. Philadelphia (9/18). Collared 10 tackles (five solo), returned an interception 27 yards and added a pass deflection at Tampa Bay (9/25). Logged eight tackles (four solo) at Seattle (10/2). Tallied two tackles (one solo) vs. Green Bay (10/9). Recorded three tackles, two passes defensed, a forced fumble and a forced interception vs. Carolina (10/16). Registered four tackles and one pass defensed at Detroit (10/23). Notched two tackles at Indianapolis (11/6). Inactive vs. New Orleans (11/13) and vs. Tennessee (11/20) due to injury (quadricep). Was active but did not participate vs. Minnesota (11/27) and at Houston (12/4). Recorded three tackles (two solo) and intercepted one pass (29 yards) at Carolina (12/11). Collared seven tackles and one tackle for loss vs. Jacksonville (12/15) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO INACTIVE 11/20 TEN INACTIVE 11/27 MIN DID NOT PLAY HOU DID NOT PLAY CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Registered six tackles (four tackles), one-half sack and one forced fumble vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). CAREER M o o r e b e c a m e t h e s t a r t i n g s t r o n g s a f e t y i n and ranked third on the team with 108 tackles (73 solo), three quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His five interceptions in 2010 were tied for the team lead and tied for third in the National Football League among safeties. Recorded his first career interception and added four tackles against Arizona (9/19/10). Logged eight tackles, one interception and two passes defensed at St. Louis (11/21/10). His INT snapped Rams QB Sam Bradford s rookie record streak of 169 consecutive pass attempts without an interception. Logged six tackles (two solo) and a career-high four passes defensed at New Orleans (12/26). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

82 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS STEPHEN NICHOLAS LINEBACKER 54 HT: 6 3 WT: 236 NFL EXP: 5 ACQ: D4A 07 5 TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 5/1/83 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA TRANSACTIONS S e l e c t e d a s a f o u r t h r o u n d ( th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on July 29, (FALCONS) Started at Chicago (9.11) and posted four tackles and one tackle for loss. Logged four tackles (three solo), one forced fumble and one fumble recovery vs. Philadelphia (9.18). Tampa Bay (9.25). Seattle (10.2). Posted three tackles vs. Green Bay (10.9). Recorded four tackles, one sack (three yards), one tackle for loss and one forced fumble vs. Carolina (10.16). Collared a season-high seven Detroit (10.23). Logged two Indianapolis (11.6). New Orleans (12.26) and vs. Tampa Bay (1.1) due to injury (toe). EXTRA POINTS D u r i n g t h e h o l i d a y s e a s o n, t r e a t e d s e v e r a l underprivileged families from the Hall County Boys & Girls Club to a special holiday treat. Participated in the Extra Yard partnership program and purchased 40 season tickets and t- shirts for various charities in metro Atlanta GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB INACTIVE SEA INACTIVE 10/9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU INACTIVE CAR INACTIVE 12/15 JAX NO INACTIVE 1/1 TB INACTIVE TOTALS CAREER Notched four tackles and one tackle for loss vs. New Orleans (11.13). Assisted on one special teams tackle vs. Tennessee (11.20). Registered four tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass defensed vs. Minnesota (11.27). Houston (12.4) Carolina (12.11) due to injury (quadricep). Started at outside linebacker vs. Jacksonville (12.15). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

83 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS CHRISTOPHER OWENS CORNERBACK 21 HT: 5 9 WT: 180 NFL EXP: 3 ACQ: D RD YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 12/1/86 COLLEGE: SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS S e l e c t e d a s a t h i r d r o u n d (9 0 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Logged two Chicago (9.11). Assisted on one tackle and logged one tackle for loss vs. Philadelphia (9.18). Posted one assisted Tampa Bay (9.25) and added one special teams tackle. Saw Seattle (10.2). Tallied two tackles on defense vs. Green Bay (10.9) and added one tackle on special teams GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR INACTIVE DET INACTIVE IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Inactive vs. Carolina (10.16). Detroit (10.23). Saw Indianapolis (11.6). Saw action vs. New Orleans (11.13). Recorded a team-high seven tackles vs. Tennessee (11.20). Collare d fi ve tackles, one tackle for loss and his first career sack (two yards) vs. Minnesota (11.27). He also added one tackle on special teams that prevented WR Percy Harvin from scoring on a 104- yard kickoff return. Notched one tackle and one pass Houston (12.4). Tallied four tackles (three Carolina (12.11). Registered two tackles and one pass defensed vs. Jacksonville (12.15). Recorded one special teams New Orleans (12.26). Collare d fi ve tackles (two solo) and one pass defensed vs. Tampa Bay (1.1). EXTRA POINTS N a m e d t h e A t l a n t a Fa l c o n s M a n o f t h e Ye a r for his contributions to the community. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

84 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS MICHAEL PALMER TIGHT END 81 HT: 6 5 WT: 252 NFL EXP: 2 ACQ: FA ND YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 1/18/88 COLLEGE: CLEMSON UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS Signed by the Falcons as a Rookie Free Agent on April 26, [FALCONS] Started his first career Chicago (9.11) and helped an offense that produced 114 total rushing yards. Saw action vs. Philadelphia (9.18). Saw Tampa Bay (9.25). Recorded one catch for two Seattle (10.2). Saw action vs. Green Bay (10.9) GAME-BY-GAME RECEIVING RUSHING DATE OPP REC YDS AVG LG TD RSH YDS AVG LG TD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Logged one reception for eight yards vs. Carolina (10.16). Tallied one catch for eight Detroit (10.23). Registered one reception for nine Indianapolis (11.6). Saw action vs. New Orleans (11.13). Hauled in one reception for a season-long 11 yards vs. Tennessee (11.20). Notched two catches for eight yards and one score ve. Minnesota (11.27). Saw Houston (12.4). Saw Carolina (12.11). Saw action vs. Jacksonville (12.15). Grabbed one catch for seven yards vs. Tampa Bay (1.1). Recorded two catches for 19 New Orleans (12.26). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

85 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS COREY PETERS DEFENSIVE TACKLE 91 HT: 6 3 WT: 305 NFL EXP: 2 ACQ: D3A ND YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 6/8/88 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY TRANSACTIONS Selected as a third round (83 rd pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in [FALCONS] Chicago (9.11). Started at defensive tackle vs. Philadelphia (9.18). Logged one Tampa Bay (9.25). Tallied a season-high five Seattle (10.2). Collected four tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack (seven yards) vs. Green Bay (10.9). Posted one tackle and his first career interception vs. Carolina (10.16). Collared three tackles, one sack (10 yards), two tackles for loss and one pass Detroit (10.23). Logged two tackes, one sack (12 yards) and one tackle for Indianapolis (11.6). Started at defensive tackle vs. New Orleans (11.13). Recorded one tackle vs. Tennessee (11.20) for a defense that allowed 41 total rushing yards. Led all defensive linemen with five tackles vs. Minnesota (11.27) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI INACTIVE 9/18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Collared one New Orleans (12.26). Assisted on one tackle and recorded one quarterback hit vs. Tampa Bay (1.1). EXTRA POINTS In 2010, a participant in the Atlanta Falcons Rookie Club sponsored by UnitedHealthcare of Georgia, this program gives the players the opportunity to take part in several charitable events. In December 2010, the Falcons defensive line treated children from the Atlanta Urban Ministries to a holiday shopping spree at a WalMart in the city. The players ate dinner and shopped with the children. Registered four tackles (three Houston (12.4). Posted three tackles and one tackle for Carolina (12.11). Returned a fumble 13 yards for his first career touchdown and collared two tackles vs. Jacksonville (12.15). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

86 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS CHRIS REDMAN QUARTERBACK 8 HT: 6 3 WT: 225 NFL EXP: 9 ACQ: FA 07 5 TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 7/7/77 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE TRANSACTIONS Originally selected as a third round (75 th pick overall) draft choice by the Baltimore Ravens in Declared a free agent on February 2, Signed by the New England Patriots on January 6, Waived by the Patriots on June 1. Signed by the Tennessee Titans on August 23. Waived by the Titans on September 4. Signed by Atlanta on March 23, Re-signed by Atlanta on February 29, (FALCONS) Did not play Weeks GAME-BY-GAME PASSING RUSHING DATE OPP ATT COM YDS PCT TD INT LG SK RTG ATT YDS TD CHI DID NOT PLAY 9/18 PHI DID NOT PLAY TB DID NOT PLAY SEA DID NOT PLAY 10/9 GB DID NOT PLAY 10/16 CAR DID NOT PLAY DET IND /13 NO DID NOT PLAY 11/20 TEN DID NOT PLAY 11/27 MIN DID NOT PLAY HOU DID NOT PLAY CAR DID NOT PLAY 12/15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER , t Saw Detroit (10.23). Saw Indianapolis (11.6). Did not play vs. New Orleans (11.13). Did not play vs. Tennessee (11.20). Did not play vs. Minnesota (11.27). Did not Houston (12.4). Did not Carolina (12.11). Completed five of six passes for 56 yards, including a long of 22 yards, and added two carries for a loss of two yards at Jacksonville (12.15). Tallied 61 yards on six of nine passing, for a quarterback rating of New Orleans (12.26). Totaled 71 yards and one interception on seven of twelve passing vs. Tampa Bay (1.1). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

87 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS GARRETT REYNOLDS OFFENSIVE GUARD 75 HT: 6 7 WT: 310 NFL EXP: 3 ACQ: D5B RD YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 7/1/87 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA TRANSACTIONS S e l e c t e d a s a fi fth round (156 th overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Started his first career Chicago (9.11) and assisted the offense produce 114 total rushing yards. Started at right guard vs. Philadelphia (9.18) for an offensive line that helped clear rushing lanes for a ground attack that produced 138 total yards. Started at right Tampa Bay (9.25). Member of an offensive line that did not allow a Seattle (10.2) on 42 pass attempts. Started at right guard vs. Green Bay (10.9). Part of an offensive line that opened running lanes for a ground attack that produced 166 total yards and three touchdowns vs. Carolina (10.16). Started on an offensive line that produced 129 total rushing Detroit (10.23). Saw Indianapolis (11.6). Saw action vs. New Orleans (11.13). Saw action vs. Tennessee (11.20). Saw action vs. Minnesota (11.27). Saw action vs. Jacksonville (12.15). Saw New Orleans (12.26). Saw action vs. Tampa Bay (1.1). COLLEGE A second-team All-ACC selection by the Associated Press and first-team All-ACC pick by The ACC Sports Journal following his senior season. Was named to the 08 Lombardi Award Watch List. PERSONAL Attended Carter High School and ranked among the top 15 players in Tennessee by Rivals.com and SuperPrep. Named all-state at defensive tackle in 4-A schools and was an Associated Press honorable mention all-state selection on offense. A three-year starter on both the offensive and defensive lines while contributing with 76 tackles on defense as a senior. Uncle is former Rams and 49ers linebacker Jack Hacksaw Reynolds. EXTRA POINTS Awarded the Atlanta Falcons Community All-Star sponsored by AllState for the month of December Recognized at the inaugural Community Honors dinner presented by AllState at the 191 club in downtown Atlanta. Saw Houston (12.4). Saw Carolina (12.11) ATL ATL ATL 16/8 0/0 5/0 TOTAL 21/8 Reynolds Career Games Played/Started A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

88 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS DUNTA ROBINSON CORNERBACK 23 HT: 5 10 WT: 183 NFL EXP: 8 ACQ: FA ND YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 4/11/82 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSACTIONS S e l e c t e d a s a fi rst round (10 th overall) draft pick by the Houston Texans in Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on March 6, (FALCONS) C o l l a r e d fi ve Chicago (9.11). Tallied six tackles and one pass defensed vs. Philadelphia (9.18). Posted six Tampa Bay (9.25). Logged three tackles and one pass Seattle (10.2). Recorded four tackles vs. Green Bay (10.9). Collected four tackles vs. Carolina (10.16). Started at right Detroit (10.23). Intercepted his second pass of the season (14 yards) and added four tackles (three New Orleans (12.26). Started at cornerback vs. Tampa Bay (1.1) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Posted six Indianapolis (11.6). Notched four tackles vs. New Orleans (11.13). Registered four tackles, three passes defensed and his first interception of the season (14 yards) vs. Tennessee (11.20). Logged three tackles and one pass defensed vs. Minnesota (11.27). Recorded four tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass Houston (12.4). Registered four tackles and one pass Carolina (12.11). Posted one tackle vs. Jacksonville (12.15). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

89 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS BRETT ROMBERG CENTER 66 HT: 6 2 WT: 291 NFL EXP: 7 ACQ: FA ST YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 10/10/79 COLLEGE: UNIVERITY OF MIAMI TRANSACTIONS Originally signed by Jacksonville as a free agent on April 29, 2003 and later signed to the Jaguars practice squad on September 2, Signed to the Jacksonville practice squad on September 5, Signed by St. Louis Rams as a free agent on September 12, Signed by Atlanta as a free agent on March 9, Signed by Atlanta as a free agent on August 29, 2011 and released on September 3, 2011 Signed by Atlanta as a free agent on September 12, [FALCONS] Saw action on special teams vs. Philadelphia (9.18). Tampa Bay (9.25). Seattle (10.2). Saw action at right guard vs. Green Bay (10.9). Inactive Weeks CAREER A six-year veteran who has seen action in 46 career games with 19 starts [FALCONS] Competed in 10 contests, primarily on special teams. Saw action at right guard against Tampa Bay (11/29) and at center against Philadelphia (12/6). COLLEGE Three-year starter at both guard and center for the Miami Hurricanes. A consensus All-America and All-Big East selection as a senior. Won the Dave Rimington Award, given to the nation s top center. Named CBSSportsline.com All-America fi rst-team as a junior. An All-Big East fi rst-team selection by The Sporting News as a sophomore. PERSONAL Attended Belle River High School in Belle River, Ontario. Was named the Canadian Junior Football League Offensive Lineman of the Year as a senior at A.K.O. Married to his wife, Emily. Born Brett Christopher Romberg in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Has blocked for two 1,000-yard rushers, including Fred Taylor (2004) and Steven Jackson (2006, 07 and 08). Romberg s Career Games Played/Started ATL ATL STL STL STL JAX JAX JAX 2/0 10/0 14/6 9/9 10/3 0/0 1/0 0/0 TOTAL 46/19 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

90 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS MATT RYAN QUARTERBACK PRO BOWL YEARS HT: 6 4 WT: 217 NFL EXP: 4 ACQ: D1A TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 5/17/85 COLLEGE: BOSTON COLLEGE TRANSACTIONS S e l e c t e d a s a fi rst round (3 rd pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Tallied 319 passing yards by completing 31 of 47 Chicago (9.11). games. Completed a season-high 79.4 percent of his passes by connecting on 27 of 34 attempts for 262 yards and three touchdowns vs. Minnesota (11.27). Logged a career-high four touchdown passes vs. Philadelphia (9.18) on 17 of 28 passing for 195 yards. Recorded a season-high 330 passing Tampa Bay (9.25) on 26 of 47 passing with one touchdown. Completed 28 of 42 passes (66.7 cmp. pct.) for 291 yards with one Seattle (10.2) and added 26 rushing yards on four carries. Posted 167 passing yards on 18 of 32 passing with one touchdown and two interceptions vs. Green Bay (10.9). Connected on 14 of 22 pass attempts for 163 yards with one score vs. Carolina (10.16) and added three rushing attempts for seven yards and one touchdown. The fourth quarter comeback marked the 15th in his four-year career. Registered 218 passing yards on 20 of 34 passing with one Detroit (10.23) and added three carries for two yards and one score. Recorded a season-high passer rating of Indianapolis (11.6) by connecting on 14 of 24 passes for 275 yards with three touchdowns. Set career highs in passing yards (351) and attempts (52) while completing 29 passes with two touchdowns vs. New Orleans (11.13). Notched 316 passing yards on 22 of 32 passing with one touchdown vs. Tennessee (11.20). His 300-yard passing game marked the first time in his career he posted consecutive 300-yard Connected on 20 of 47 pass attempts for 267 yards and one touchdown and added one carry for 10 Houston (12.4). Posted 320 yards on 22 of 38 passing and tied a career high with four Carolina (12.11). Garnered FedEx Air Player of the Week and NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his Carolina. Recorded a season-high passer rating, completing 19 of 26 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns vs. Jacksonville (12.15). Threw for a career-high 373 yards and one touchdown on 34 of 52 New Orleans (12.26). Completed six of nine passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns for a career-high passer rating vs. Tampa Bay (1.1) GAME-BY-GAME PASSING RUSHING DATE OPP ATT COM YDS PCT TD INT LG SK RTG ATT YDS TD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS , t CAREER 2,025 1,229 14, t A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

91 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS JAMES SANDERS SAFETY 36 HT: 5 10 WT: 210 NFL EXP: 7 ACQ: FA ST YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 11/11/83 COLLEGE: FRESNO STATE UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS Originally drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round (133rd overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft Re-signed by the Patriots on March 5, 2009 Signed by Atlanta as a free agent on August 30, (FALCONS) Saw action on special Chicago (9.11). Started his first career game with the Falcons vs. Philadelphia (9.18) and logged three tackles. Saw action on special Tampa Bay (9.25). Assisted on one tackle and logged one pass Seattle (10.2). Posted a season-high four tackles and one pass defensed vs. Green Bay (10.9). Inactive vs. Carolina (10.16). Saw action on special Detroit (10.23). Logged two Indianapolis (11.6). Started at safety vs. New Orleans (11.13) and posted a season-high eight tackles. Started at safety and posted five tackles vs. Tennessee (11.20) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR INACTIVE DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Saw action vs. Jacksonville (12.15). Recorded one special teams New Orleans (12.26). Assisted on two tackles vs. Tampa Bay (1.1). CAREER Has played in 84 games with 50 starts over his first six NFL seasons ( ), totaling 300 tackles (217 solo), one sack, eight interceptions for 172 yards and two touchdowns, 19 passes defensed and 30 special teams tackles. Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after returning an interception 32 yards for a touchdown at Pittsburgh (11/14/10). It was the second time in his career that he returned an interception for a touchdown (at Buffalo, 12/11/05 as a rookie). Led all defensive backs with nine tackles vs. Minnesota (11.27). Collared 13 tackles (nine solo) and added a key fumble Houston (12.4). Assisted on one Carolina (12.11). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

92 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS SHANN SCHILLINGER SAFETY 39 HT: 6 0 WT: 200 NFL EXP: 2 ACQ: D ND YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 5/22/86 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA TRANSACTIONS Selected as a sixth round (171 st pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in [FALCONS] Logged one tackle on special Chicago (9.11). Tallied one tackle on special teams vs. Philadelphia (9.18). Recorded one tackle on special Tampa Bay (9.25). Posted one tackle on special Seattle (10.2). Saw action vs. Green Bay (10.9). Assisted on two special teams tackles vs. Carolina (10.16). Tallied one tackle on special Detroit (10.23). Saw action on special New Orleans (12.26). Saw action on special teams vs. Tampa Bay (1.1) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Recorded one tackle on special Indianapolis (11.6). Saw action on special teams vs. New Orleans (11.13). Saw action on special teams vs. Tennessee (11.20). Saw action on special teams vs. Minnesota (11.27). Saw action on special Houston(12.4). Assisted on one special teams Carolina (12.11). Recorded two special teams tackles (one solo) vs. Jacksonville (12.15). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

93 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS LAWRENCE SIDBURY DEFENSIVE END 90 HT: 6 3 WT: 261 NFL EXP: 3 ACQ: D RD YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 2/6/86 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND TRANSACTIONS S e l e c t e d a s a f o u r t h r o u n d ( th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) C o l l e c t e d h i s s e c o n d s a c k o f h i s c a r e e C h i - cago (9.11) while adding two solo tackles. Saw action vs. Philadelphia (9.18). Posted one Tampa Bay (9.25). Saw Seattle (10.2). Logged his second sack of the season (one yard) vs. Green Bay (10.9) Logged one assisted tackle on special teams vs. Carolina (10.16). Saw Detroit (10.23). Saw Indianapolis (11.6). Saw action vs. New Orleans (11.13). Saw action vs. Tennessee (11.20). Collared a career-high two sacks (13 yards), one tackle for loss and one assisted tackle vs. Minnesota (11.27). Saw Houston (12.4). Recorded one Carolina (12.11). Saw action vs. Jacksonville (12.15). Assisted on one New Orleans (12.26). Tallied one tackle and one tackle for loss vs. Tampa Bay (1.1) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER EXTRA POINTS S p o ke t o t h e i n c o m i n g r o o k i e s a t t h e 2 n d annual Atlanta Falcons Rookie Club Kickoff Dinner Presented by UnitedHealthcare of Georgia about the importance of giving back to the community and participating in all of the Rookie Club community initiatives. Participated in NFL Network s Keep Gym in School event at Camp Creek Middle School in Atlanta in September In November 2010, visited the Georgia Aquarium and participated in fish arts & crafts with disabled children from Challenged Child & Friends in Gainesville. CAREER C o m p e t e d i n a l l 1 6 g a m e s a s a r o o k i e, a n d t o t a l e d four tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and one touchdown. Logged three tackles, including his first career sack (four yards) against Philadelphia (12/6). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

94 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS ANTONE SMITH RUNNING BACK 35 HT: 5 9 WT: 192 NFL EXP: 2 ACQ: FA ND YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 9/17/85 COLLEGE: FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS Originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Detroit Lions on May 8, Released by the Lions in July of 09 and was signed by Minnesota on August 5. Was released by the Vikings following training camp and was signed to Houston s practice squad on Sept. 24. Was signed to the Atlanta practice squad on October 21, (FALCONS) Chicago (9.11). Inactive vs. Philadelphia (9.18). Saw action vs. Jacksonville (12.15). Saw action on special New Orleans (12.26). Notched one special teams tackle vs. Tampa Bay (1.1) (FALCONS) Saw action in nine games in 2010 and contributed with two special teams tackles. COLLEGE Totaled 2,065 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns throughout his career at Florida State and was named a 2008 honorable mention All-ACC pick. Saw action on special Tampa Bay (9.25). Saw action on special Seattle (10.2). Inactive vs. Green Bay (10.9). Saw action vs. Carolina (10.16). Logged one tackle on special Detroit (10.23). Indianapolis (11.6). Notched one tackle on special teams vs. New Orleans (11.13). Posted one tackle on special teams vs. Tennessee (11.20) GAME-BY-GAME RUSHING RECEIVING DATE OPP RUSH YDS AVG LG TD REC YDS AVG LG TD CHI INACTIVE 9/18 PHI INACTIVE TB SEA /9 GB INACTIVE 10/16 CAR DET IND INACTIVE 11/13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Collared one tackle on special teams vs. Minnesota (11.27). Registered two tackles on special Houston (12.4). Saw action on special Carolina (12.11). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

95 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS JASON SNELLING RUNNING BACK 44 HT: 5 11 WT: 234 NFL EXP: 5 ACQ: D TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 12/29/83 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA TRANSACTIONS Originally selected as a seventh round (244 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in Signed by Atlanta as a free agent on August 7, (FALCONS) Recorded 32 receiving yards on five Chicago (9.11), while adding two carries for 10 yards on the ground. Hauled in one catch for eight yards vs. Philadelphia (9.18). Posted two catches for three Tampa Bay (9.25) before leaving with an injury (head). Seattle (10.2). Tallied two receptions for 21 yards vs. Green Bay (10.9) and added one rush for two yards. Logged 12 rushing yards on three carries and added one reception for seven yards vs. Carolina (10.16), and assisted on one special teams tackle. Hauled in one catch for 18 Detroit (10.23). Saw action at fullback and running Indianapolis (11.6) and tallied eight carries for 15 yards. Registered two grabs for 25 yards with one touchdown vs. New Orleans (11.13). Notched 11 rushing yards on seven carries and added one catch for four yards vs. Tennessee (11.20). Recorded six yards on three carries and added one Carolina (12.11). P o s t e d fi ve carries for 22 yards, including a long of 11 yards, and added four receptions for 26 yards vs. Jacksonville (12.15). Hauled in four catches for 28 yards, including a long of 16 New Orleans (12.26). Logged nine carries for 50 yards, including a long of 18 yards, and added one reception for four yards vs. Tampa Bay (1.1). EXTRA POINTS Served as the keynote speaker for the Epilepsy Foundation s Taste of Love gala at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead in February 2010 and attended to show his support in February GAME-BY-GAME RUSHING RECEIVING DATE OPP RUSH YDS AVG LG TD REC YDS AVG LG TD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA INACTIVE 10/9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO T 1 11/20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS t 1 CAREER 300 1, Recorded one catch for four yards and added three carries for seven yards vs. Minnesota (11.27). Logged two carries for 16 (12.4). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

96 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS WILL SVITEK OFFENSIVE TACKLE 74 HT: 6 6 WT: 308 NFL EXP: 6 ACQ: FA RD YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 1/8/82 COLLEGE: STANFORD UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS O r i g i n a l l y s e l e c te d a s a s i x t h - r o u n d ( th overall) draft choice by the Kansas City Chiefs in Released by the Chiefs on August 30, Signed by Atlanta as a free agent on February 12, (FALCONS) Saw action on offense and special Chicago (9.11). Saw action vs. Philadelphia (9.18). Saw Tampa Bay (9.25). Saw Seattle (10.2). Saw action vs. Green Bay (10.9). Saw action vs. Carolina (10.16). Started at left Detroit (10.23). Started at left Indianapolis (11.6) for an offense that produced 432 total yards and allowed just one sack. Started at left tackle for an offense that amassed 481 total offensive yards vs. New Orleans (11.13). Started at left tackle for an offense that did not allow a sack vs. Tennessee (11.20) on 32 pass attempts. Started at left tackle on an offensive line that did not allow a Houston (12.4). Protected for QB Matt Ryan, who threw for 320 yards and four Carolina (12.11). Part of an offensive line that protected for QB Matt Ryan, who recorded a season-high passer rating of vs. Jacksonville (12.15). Member of an offensive line that did not allow a New Orleans (12.26). Helped pave the way for RB Michael Turner, who ran for 172 yards and two touchdowns vs. Tampa Bay (1.1). COLLEGE Played in 38 games at defensive end (18 starts) for Stanford and recorded 60 tackles (35 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. Competed at tight end as a sophomore, including time at defensive end. Competed in nine games as a senior and recorded a career-high 30 tackles. PERSONAL A t t e n d e d N e w b u r y P a r k H i g h S c h o o l i n N e w b u r y Park, California and was a three-sport athlete. Registered 87 tackles, 9.0 sacks and five forced fumbles as a defensive end and caught 48 passes for 624 yards and four touchdowns as a senior tight end. Started at left tackle and did not allow a sack on 34 pass attempts vs. Minnesota (11.27). Svitek s Career Games Played/Started ATL ATL ATL KC KC KC 16/10 16/0 13/2 13/4 2/0 1/0 TOTAL 61/16 A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

97 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS MICHAEL TURNER RUNNING BACK PRO BOWL YEARS 2010, HT: 5 10 WT: 247 NFL EXP: 8 ACQ: UFA 08 (SD) 4 TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 2/13/82 COLLEGE: NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS O riginally se le c te d in th e fi fth round (154th overall) by the San Diego Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft. Signed by the Falcons as an unrestricted free agent on March 2, (FALCONS) Produced 140 total yards of Chicago (9.11) after recording 100 rushing yards on 10 carries and 40 receiving yards on three grabs. Recorded his 21st 100-yard rushing game as a Falcon vs. Philadelphia (9.18) by posting 114 rushing yards on 21 carries with one touchdown. He added one reception for 32 yards in the passing game. Tallied 20 rushing yards on 11 Tampa Bay (9.25). Posted 26 carries for 70 yards with a seasonhigh two touchdowns on the Seattle (10.2) and added two receptions for 18 yards through the air. Logged 56 rushing yards on 16 carries with one touchdown vs. Green Bay (10.9). Amassed a season-high 139 rushing yards on 27 carries with two touchdowns vs. Carolina (10.16) and added one catch for eight yards through the air. Recorded his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season by posting 122 yards on 27 Detroit (10.23). Registered 71 rushing yards on 19 carries with one Indianapolis (11.6) and added one reception for seven yards. Notched 96 rushing yards on 22 carries vs. New Orleans (11.13) GAME-BY-GAME RUSHING RECEIVING DATE OPP RUSH YDS AVG LG TD REC YDS AVG LG TD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA T /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS 301 1, CAREER 1,417 6, t Tallied 100 rushing yards on 21 carries with one touchdown vs. Tennessee (11.20). His 100 rushing yards marked the 24th time he has eclipsed the 100-yard mark as a Falcon, tying him with Gerald Riggs for the most 100-yard rushing games in franchise history. Notched 60 yards on 19 carries vs. Minnesota (11.27) and added one reception for four yards. Posted 44 yards on 14 Houston (12.4). Recorded 76 yards on 21 Carolina (12.11) and eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the third time in four seasons as a Falcon. Logged 61 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries and added two receptions for four yards vs. Jacksonville (12.15). Registered 39 yards on 11 carries and added four receptions for 36 New Orleans (12.26). Rushed for a season-high 172 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries while becoming the franchise s all-time rushing touchdown leader vs. Tampa Bay (1.1). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

98 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS VANCE WALKER DEFENSIVE TACKLE 99 HT: 6 2 WT: 304 NFL EXP: 3 ACQ: D RD YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 4/26/87 COLLEGE: GEORGIA TECH TRANSACTIONS Selected as a seventh round (210 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on July 30, (FALCONS) Tallied two Chicago (9.11). Collared one tackle vs. Philadelphia (9.18). Recorded four Tampa Bay (9.25). Posted two Seattle (10.2). Logged one tackle and one fumble recovery vs. Green Bay (10.9). Collected three tackles vs. Carolina (10.16). Collared three Detroit (10.23). Produced three Indianapolis (11.6). Assisted on one tackle vs. New Orleans (11.13). Assisted on one tackle vs. Tennessee (11.20). Saw action at defensive tackle vs. Minnesota (11.27). Recorded one sack, one forced fumble and one Houston (12.4). Registered one tackle and one tackle for Carolina (12.11). Assisted on one tackle vs. Jacksonville (12.15). Saw time on defense and special teams vs. Tampa Bay (1.1) (FALCONS) Competed in all 16 games with one start and totaled 15 tackles (8 solo). Started the season opener at Pittsburgh (9/12) and contributed with one tackle. Registered a season-high five tackles against Cincinnati (10/24). COLLEGE Voted a first-team All-ACC selection by the ACC Sports Journal and was a 2008 Bednarik Award Semifinalist. Finished his Georgia Tech career with 110 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Collared his second sack of the sesaon (eight yards) and added one New Orleans (12.26). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

99 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS SEAN WEATHERSPOON LINEBACKER 56 HT: 6 2 WT: 244 NFL EXP: 2 ACQ: D ND YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 12/29/87 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI TRANSACTIONS Selected as a first round (19 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in [FALCONS] Tallied 12 tackles, two tackles for loss and one pass Chicago (9.11). Finished second on the team with 10 tackles vs. Philadelphia (9.18) in addition to adding one tackle on special teams. Tied for the team lead in tackles Tampa Bay (9.25) and added two tackles for loss. Collared eight Seattle (10.2). Recorded 11 tackles, one sack (11 yards) and two tackles for loss vs. Green Bay (10.9). Posted nine tackles and one pass defensed vs. Carolina (10.16). Tallied six tackles, one sack (nine yards) and one pass Detroit (10.23). Logged 10 tackles, two passes defensed and one tackle for Indianapolis (11.6). Notched seven tackles and one pass defensed vs. New Orleans (11.13). R e g i s t e r e d fi ve tackles vs. Tennessee (11.20) Posted four catches for 62 yards vs. New Orleans (11.13). Logged nine tackles (eight solo), two tackles for loss, one sack (six yards) and one pass Carolina (12.11). Collected two tackles, one tackle for loss and recovering a fumble on special teams vs. Jacksonville (12.15). Notched two tackles (one New Orleans (12.26). Log ge d fi ve tackles (two solo) and one special teams tackle vs. Tampa Bay (1.1). EXTRA POINTS In 2010, a participant in the Atlanta Falcons Rookie Club sponsored by UnitedHealthcare of Georgia, this program gives the players the opportunity to take part in several charitable events GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Collared 10 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack (nine yards) vs. Minnesota (11.27). His stop of RB Toby Gerhart on fourth and goal from the two yard line sealed the Falcons victory. Recorded eight tackles (six solo) and one pass Houston (12.4). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

100 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS ERIC WEEMS WIDE RECEIVER PRO BOWL YEARS HT: 5 9 WT: 195 NFL EXP: 4 ACQ: FA 07 5 TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 7/4/85 COLLEGE: BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS O r i g i n a l l ys i g n e db ya t l a n t aa sa nu n d r a f t e dr o o k- ie free agent on May 1, Signed to the Atlanta practice squad following the 2007 training camp and was elevated to the 53- man roster for the final regular season game. Waived by the Falcons at the end of the 2008 training camp on August 30 and signed to the Atlanta practice squad the following day. Signed to the Atlanta active roster on November 19, Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on July 30, (FALCONS) Returned two kickoffs for 33 Chicago (9.11) and added three punt returns for 10 yards. Logged one punt return for 19 yards and added three kickoff returns for 78 yards vs. Philadelphia (9.18). Recorded three kickoff returns for 58 Tampa Bay (9.25) and added two punt returns for 16 yards. Tallied two punt returns for 24 Seattle (10.2) and added one kickoff return for 19 yards. Posted one kickoff return for 28 yards and added one catch for four yards vs. Green Bay (10.9). Logged one kickoff return for 22 yards vs. Carolina (10.16) and added one punt return for eight yards. Notched 82 kickoff return yards on three Detroit (10.23) and added 62 punt return yards on four returns. Produced 19 punt return yards on three Indianapolis (11.6). Hauled in three catches for 25 yards vs. New Orleans (11.13) and added two kickoff return yards for 41 yards. Tallied three grabs for 20 yards vs. Tennessee (11.20). Notched 54 punt return yards on four attempts vs. Minnesota (11.27) and added 52 kickoff return yards on two attempts. Logged two kickoff returns for 47 yards, two punt returns for 22 yards and three special teams tackles (two Houston (12.4). Recorded one kickoff return for 23 yards, two punt returns for 14 yards and two special teams Carolina (12.11). Tallied two kickoff returns for 53 yards, inlcuding a long of 29 yards, and added four punt returns for 28 yards vs. Jacksonville (12.15). Started at wide receiver, recorded three catches for 33 yards and returned one kickoff for 27 New Orleans (12.26). Returned one punt for nine yards and recorded one reception for eight yards vs. Tampa Bay (1.1) GAME-BY-GAME RECEIVING RUSHING DATE OPP REC YDS AVG LG TD RSH YDS AVG LG TD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER t A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

101 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS RODDY WHITE WIDE RECEIVER PRO BOWL YEARS 2010, 2009, HT: 6 0 WT: 211 NFL EXP: 7 ACQ: D TH YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 11/2/81 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM TRANSACTIONS S e l e c t e d a s a fi rst round (27 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) R e c o r d e d a t e a m - h i g h e i g h t r e c e p t i o n s f o r 61 Chicago (9.11). Posted three receptions for 23 yards with one touchdown vs. Philadelphia (9.18). Logged a season-high 140 receiving yards on nine Tampa Bay (9.25) Tallied six receptions for 78 Seattle (10.2). Collected six grabs for 50 yards with one touchdown vs. Green Bay (10.9). Registered two receptions for 21 yards vs. Carolina (10.16). H aule d in five grabs for 52 yards and one Detroit (10.23). Notched four receptions for 76 Indianapolis (11.6). Posted four catches for 62 yards vs. New Orleans (11.13). Logged seven receptions for a season-high 147 yards vs. Tennessee (11.20). Tallied a season-high 10 catches for 120 yards with one touchdown vs. Minnesota (11.27). His touchdown marked the 41st of his career moving him into third place in career touchdown catches in club anals (WR Alfred Jenkins, 40). Recorded seven receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown, while becoming only the second Falcon receiver to post 500 career Carolina (12.11). Amassed 135 yards on 10 receptions, including his first multi-touchdown game of the season, vs. Jacksonville (12.15). Became just the eighth receiver in NFL history to have four consecutive seasons with at least 80 catches and 1,000 yards receiving. Tallied a season-high 11 receptions for 127 yards, including a long of 26 New Orleans (12.26). Passed Terance Mathis to become the franchise s all-time receiving yardage leader after recording four catches for 69 yards vs. Tampa Bay (1.1). White also became the first Falcon receiver to post two 100-catch seasons GAME-BY-GAME RECEIVING RUSHING DATE OPP REC YDS AVG LG TD RSH YDS AVG LG TD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET T IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS 100 1, CAREER 530 7, t Recorded four catches for 51 yards and a Houston (12.4). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

102 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS JOHN PARKER WILSON QUARTERBACK 4 HT: 6 2 WT: 215 NFL EXP: 3 ACQ: FA RD YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 10/17/85 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA TRANSACTIONS Signed by Atlanta as a rookie free agent on April 27, Signed by the Falcons as a free agent on July 30, Signed to the Falcons practice squad on September 4, Signed to the Falcons active roster on December 2, (FALCONS) Signed to the practice squad on September 4. Signed to the active roster on December 2. Was inactive in Week (FALCONS) Designated as the third quarterback for the Falcons from Weeks COLLEGE Was a three-year starter at quarterback for Alabama and finished his career having completed 664 of 1,174 passes for 7,894 yards and 46 touchdowns. Named the team s Offensive Achievement Award co-winner in 2007 and earned the 2008 Johnny Musso Offensive Back Award. PERSONAL Attended Hoover High School and was a threeyear starter leading the Buccaneers to state titles in 2002 and 03. Completed 615 of 978 passes for 8,170 yards and 78 touchdowns in his career. Was the 2003 Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year. Was a Parade High School All-America honoree and the Alabama Sports Writers Association and Montgomery News Player of the Year in EXTRA POINTS Took part in the Falcons 3rd annual Fishing with the Falcons (a special fishing outing on Lake Lanier with wounded military veterans) in June Has taken an active role in supporting several of his teammate s initiatives by attending their charitable events. In 2008, led the Crimson Tide to a 12-2 record. His career pass attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns all sit atop the Alabama passing charts. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

103 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS VETERAN PLAYERS JOE ZELENKA LONG SNAPPER 82 HT: 6 3 WT: 266 NFL EXP: 13 ACQ: FA RD YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDATE: 3/9/76 COLLEGE: WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS Originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by San Francisco on April 23, Was traded to Washington from San Francisco on April 17, After his one-year stint with the Redskins, was signed by Jacksonville in Released by Jacksonville and was signed by the Falcons as a free agent on December 1, CAREER Took over long snapping duties for Jacksonville in 2001 and competed in a team record 128 consecutive games played (FALCONS) Handled all long snapping duties Weeks (FALCONS) Handled all long snapping duties for Weeks COLLEGE Was a four-year letterman at Wake Forest and totaled 25 career receptions for 217 yards as a tight end. Saw extensive playing time on special teams as a long snapper. PERSONAL Attended Cleveland Benedictine High School and competed in six different positions in his tenure. Earned second-team all-state honors as a senior and received the Coaches Award for overall effort. Married to Rebekah and the two have twins, Benjamin and Grace. EXTRA POINTS Hosts an annual fundraising bowling event every spring in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Participated in the Extra Yard partnership program and purchased 40 season tickets and t-shirts for the WinShape Foundation. Participated in the 3rd annual Fishing with the Falcons in June Went fishing out on Lake Lanier with soldiers who had been recently injured in the war in the Middle East. Zelenka s Career Games Played/Started ATL ATL JAX JAX JAX JAX JAX JAX JAX JAX WSH SF 16/0 5/0 16/0 16/0 16/0 16/0 16/0 16/0 16/0 16/0 16/0 13/0 TOTAL 178/ ATL JAX JAX 1/0 2/0 1/0 TOTAL 4/0 Zelenka s Career Postseason Games Played/Started A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

104 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS ROOKIES Draft Picks A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

105 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS ROOKIES JULIO JONES WIDE RECEIVER 11 HT: 6-3 WT: 220 NFL EXP: R AQU: D ST YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDAY: 2/3/1989 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA TRANSACTIONS S e l e c t e d a s a fi rst round (6 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) R e c o r d e d fi ve receptions for 71 yards in his pro debut against Chicago (9/11), including a teamlong 32-yard reception. Hauled in two receptions for 29 yards vs. Philadelphia (9/18). Reeled in six receptions for 115 yards, including a career-long catch of 49 yards, at Tampa Bay (9/25). Set career-highs in receptions (11) and receiving yards (127) and recorded his second-consecutive 100-yard receiving game at Seattle (10/2). Tallied one reception for 16 yards and added one rush for 17 yards vs. Green Bay (10/9). Inactive vs. Carolina (10/16) and at Detroit (10/23) due to injury (hamstring). Hauled in three passes for 131 yards, including his first two career touchdowns, and added two carries for 33 yards at Indianapolis (11/6). Recorded two catches for nine yards vs. New Orleans (11/13). Inactive vs. Tennessee (11/20) due to injury (hamstring). Registered 104 yards and two touchdowns on three catches, including a long reception of 75 yards, at Carolina (12/11). Hauled in five catches for 85 yards and a 29-yard touchdown and added one carry for six yards vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Logged eight catches for 128 yards, including his third consecutive game with a touchdown, at New Orleans (12/26). Notched his third multi-touchdown game of the season after recording four catches for 76 yards and two scores vs. Tampa Bay (1/1) GAME-BY-GAME RECEIVING RUSHING DATE OPP REC YDS AVG LG TD RSH YDS AVG LG TD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR INACTIVE DET INACTIVE IND /13 NO /20 TEN INACTIVE 11/27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS TOTALS Participated but did not record any statistics vs. Minnesota (11/27). Tallied four catches for 68 yards, including a long of 26, at Houston (12/4). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

106 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS ROOKIES AKEEM DENT LINEBACKER 52 HT: 6-1 WT: 239 NFL EXP: R AQU: D ST YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDAY: 9/27/1987 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA TRANSACTIONS Selected as a third round (91 st pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Saw action on special teams in his professional debut at Chicago (9/11) Saw action on special teams against Philadelphia (9/18). Saw action on special teams at Tampa Bay (9/25). Recorded one special teams tackle at Seattle (10/2). Saw action on special teams vs. Green Bay (10/9). Saw action on special teams vs. Carolina (10/16). Recorded one special teams tackle and forced a fumble at Detroit (10/23). Notched two special teams tackles at Indianapolis (11/6). Registered two special teams tackles vs. New Orleans (11/13). Tallied two special teams tackles vs. Tennessee (11/20). Recorded two special teams tackles vs. Minnesota (11/27). Saw action on defense and special teams at Houston (12/4). Collared four special teams tackles (three solo) at Carolina (12/11) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Collared one tackle and added one special teams tackle vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Recorded one special teams tackle at New Orleans (12/26). Assisted on two special teams tackles vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). COLLEGE Started 29-of-47 games at Georgia, including 16 at strong-side outside linebacker and 13 at strongside inside linebacker. Posted 240 tackles (133 solo) with 4.5 sacks (42 yards) and 12 tackles for loss (54 yards) with two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and five passes defensed. Emerged as one of the elite tacklers in the Southeastern Conference in 2010 after receiving All-SEC second team honors and leading the Bulldogs with 126 tackles (69 solo) with 2.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

107 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS ROOKIES JACQUIZZ RODGERS RUNNING BACK 22 HT: 5-6 WT: 188 NFL EXP: R AQU: D ST YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDAY: 2/9/1990 COLLEGE: OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY TRANSACTIONS Selected as a fifth round (145 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Gained 33 yards on three receptions and added two carries in his professional debut vs. Chicago (9/11). Tallied 17 yards on three carries against the Eagles (9/18). Gained seven yards on two carries while adding 19 yards on two receptions at Tampa Bay (9/25). Rushed six times for 25 yards, including a careerlong 11 yard gain, and added one reception for 10 yards at Seattle (10/2). Recorded one carry for 11 yards vs. Green Bay (10/9). Gained eight yards on one carry and added one reception for six yards vs. Carolina (10/16). Hauled in three catches for 12 yards and added five yards on one carry at Detroit (10/23). Rushed a career-high 10 times for 44 yards and added one reception for 16 yards at Indianapolis (11/6). Carried the ball seven times for 30 yards, including a long of 13 yards, and added one reception for eight yards vs. New Orleans (11/13). Recorded two yards on two carries vs. Tennessee (11/20). Gained 19 yards on three carries and added two receptions for 12 yards vs. Minnesota (11/27) GAME-BY-GAME RUSHING RECEIVING DATE OPP RUSH YDS AVG LG TD REC YDS AVG LG TD CHI /18 PHI TB SEA /9 GB /16 CAR DET IND /13 NO /20 TEN /27 MIN HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Registered one catch for five yards and one carry for no gain at Houston (12/4). Gained 39 yards on two receptions, including a 31- yard touchdown catch, and added four yards on one carry at Carolina (12/11). Logged10 yards of eight carries, including a long of 12 yards, and added one reception for four yards vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Hauled in two passes for 19 yards, including a long of 11 yards, and added one carry for a loss of one yard at New Orleans (12/26). Tallied 24 yards on eight carries, including his first career rushing touchdown, and added one catch for five yards vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). COLLEGE Was the focal point of the Oregon State offense since his arrival in 2008, earning touches not only in the ground game, but in the passing attack as well. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

108 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS ROOKIES MATT BOSHER KICKER 5 HT: 6-0 WT: 208 NFL EXP: R AQU: D6-11 1ST YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDAY: 10/18/1987 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI TRANSACTIONS Selected as a sixth round (192 nd pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Averaged 38.4 yards on five punts, including a long of 45 and added one touchback as the kickoff specialist against Chicago (9/11). Averaged 35.6 yards on seven punts, including a long of 49 against Philadelphia (9/18). Averaged 31.3 yards on three punts, including one pined inside of the twenty, and added three touchbacks as the kickoff specialist at Tampa Bay (9/25). Averaged 37.5 yards on four punts, including a long of 48 at Seattle (10/2). Averaged 37.8 yards on five punts, including a long of 47 vs. Green Bay (10/9). Averaged 43 yards on three punts, including two inside of the 20, vs. Carolina (10.16). Averaged 35.4 yards on five punts, including two inside of the 20, at Detroit (10.23). Averaged 45.9 yards on seven punts, including three inside of the 20, and had a career-long kick of 59 yards at Indianapolis (11/6). Averaged 45.4 yards on five punts, including a long of 55 yards, and pinned one punt inside the 20 vs. New Orleans (11/13). Averaged 33.0 yards on two punts, pinning both kicks inside the 20, vs. Tennessee (11/20). Averaged a career-high 50.4 yards on five punts, including a long of 57 yards, while pinning one kick inside of the 20, vs. Minnesota (11/27). Averaged 50.5 yards on four punts, including a long of 52 yards, and downed two kicks inside the 20 at Houston (12/4). Averaged 47.8 yards on six punts, including a long of 55 yards, and downed three kicks inside the 20 at Carolina (12/11). Averaged 51.0 yards on four punts, including a long of 58 yards and three punts inside the 20 vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Averaged 50.0 yards on three punts, including a long of 56 yards and one punt inside the 20 at New Orleans (12/26). Averaged 50.5 yards on two punts, including a long of 58 yards, vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). COLLEGE Served as the Hurricanes primary place kicker and punter, appearing in 50 games during his career. Set a school record after connecting on 14 consecutive field goal attempts between 2009 and Posted a string of 105-straight PATs which is the second-best streak in Miami annals. His 127 PATs and 260 points scored both placed seventh in Hurricanes annals. Connected on 45 field goals as a Hurricane, posting a field goal percentage of 84.9 (45-of-53), including 9-of-13 attempts of 40-or-more yards. As a punter, placed 70-of-234 attempts inside the 20-yard line, finishing with a 41.7-yard average, and averaged at least 40.0 yards in each of his four seasons handling punting duties. Had 49 punts for 50 yards or longer and forced opponents to call for 82 fair catches. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

109 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS ROOKIES CLIFF MATTHEWS DEFENSIVE LINEMEN 98 HT: 6-4 WT: 268 NFL EXP: R AQU: D7B- 11 1ST YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDAY: 8/5/1989 COLLEGE: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSACTIONS Selected as a seventh round (230 th pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in (FALCONS) Inactive in Weeks COLLEGE Finished his Gamecocks career with 149 total tackles (108 solo), 26 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, six passes defensed and seven forced fumbles. As a senior in 2010, was listed on the preseason Lott, Nagurski and Lombardi trophy watch lists, was named a preseason first team All-SEC selection. Posted 44 tackles (30 solo), with 8.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in his final season. Served as a team captain in 2009 and earned second team All-SEC honors after recording 47 tackles (35 solo), 10.0 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks. Earned the Weight Room Effort Award for the defense and captured the Joe Morrison Award as the top defensive player of the spring as a junior. Moved to defensive end after spending most of his freshman season at outside linebacker, started all 13 games and logged 32 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. News Freshman All-SEC team as an outside linebacker, also named to the honorable mention freshman All-America squad by the Sporting News after playing in all 13 games with nine starts as a freshman. Recorded 26 tackles (20 solo) with a pair of tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry in his freshman season. PERSONAL Graduated from Cheraw (S.C.) High School in 2007, was a two-way starter, playing both tight end and defensive end and led his team to the state championship as a senior. Was an all-region selection, earned Defensive MVP honors at the Shrine Bowl after finishing with four tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. Earned his degree in Criminal Justice in Family includes father James Matthews, mother Mary Matthews and younger brother Damian. Parents are William Jackson and Tamara Wilson, and he has two brothers Sean and Warren. Off the field interests include fishing, golf and spending time with family and friends. Named to both the SEC Coaches and the Sporting YEAR GP/GS TK SO AST SK YDS INT YDS LG TD PD FF FR YDS TD 2007 USC 12/ USC 13/ USC 12/ USC 14/ TOTAL 51/ A TLANTAFALCONS.COM Matthews Career Defensive Statistics

110 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS ROOKIES DARRIN WALLS CORNERBACK 29 HT: 6-0 WT: 190 NFL EXP: R AQU: FA ST YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDAY: 6/20/1988 COLLEGE: NOTRE DAME TRANSACTIONS Signed by the Falcons as a College Free Agent on July 26, (FALCONS) Inactive in Weeks Saw first professional action on special teams at Houston (12/4). Saw action on special teams at Carolina (12/11). Recorded one tackle and one pass defensed vs. Jacksonville (12/15). Saw action on special teams at New Orleans (12/26) GAME-BY-GAME DATE OPP TK SO SK YDS INT YDS FF FR PD CHI INACTIVE 9/18 PHI INACTIVE TB INACTIVE SEA INACTIVE 10/9 GB INACTIVE 10/16 CAR INACTIVE DET INACTIVE IND INACTIVE 11/13 NO INACTIVE 11/20 TEN INACTIVE 11/27 MIN INACTIVE HOU CAR /15 JAX NO /1 TB TOTALS CAREER Notched his first career interception (23 yards) vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). COLLEGE Notched 41 tackles (30 solo) with two tackles for loss, four passes defensed and three interceptions, including one interception return for a touchdown. He totaled a team-best six pass breakups and added one interception with 27 tackles as a junior. The Pittsburgh, PA native had a breakout year as a sophomore with 32 tackles (23 solo), 2.5 tackles for a loss, nine passes defensed, one interception and two forced fumbles. PERSONAL Graduated from Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, PA...second-team defensive back on USA Today prep All-America squad for four-year letter-winner who finished with 124 career tackles, 80 of them solo, and 16 interceptions. A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

111 2011 ATLANTA FALCONS ROOKIES KEVIN CONE WIDE RECEIVER 12 HT: 6-2 WT: 216 NFL EXP: R AQU: FA ST YEAR WITH FALCONS BIRTHDAY: 3/20/1988 COLLEGE: GEORGIA TECH TRANSACTIONS Signed by the Falcons as a College Free Agent on August 2, Waived by the Falcons on September 3, Signed to the Falcons practice squad on September 4, Signed to the Falcons active roster on December 28, (FALCONS) Served as a member of the Falcons practice squad from weeks COLLEGE C a u g h t fi ve passes for 89 yards and one touchdown in the Yellow Jackets triple option offense in Prior to transferring to Georgia Tech, he played one season (2007) at Shorter College where he caught 12 passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns. PERSONAL Earned two varsity letters in football at St. Pius X Catholic High School where he also played basketball and ran track. Hails from Stone Mountain, GA. Saw first career action on offense and special teams vs. Tampa Bay (1/1). A TLANTAFALCONS.COM

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113 Arthur M. Blank

114 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Q&A: Falcons owner Arthur Blank FLOWERY BRANCH Falcons owner Arthur Blank is ready to follow the NFL s new slogan and get Back to Football. After the 132-day lockout, a frenzied free-agency period and training camp, Blank will travel to Chicago to see the Falcons open the season at 1 p.m. Sunday against the Bears at historic Soldier Field. In a Q&A with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Blank discussed the lockout, his goals for the team and Michael Vick s return to the Georgia Dome. Q: How do you feel about the team going into the season? A: I like the direction of the Falcons. We are well-positioned to have another good year. But there is nobody in this league that is going to give you anything. We ve got to go out and play. The teams we are competing against are very powerful. Q: What was the toughest part of the lockout for you? A: Just in going through the process, it was very difficult because we have a great relationship with our players. But the players, the league and owners were able to get a deal done that s a sustainable winning deal for everybody. From a personal standpoint, the most difficult thing was feeling the angst of our fans. Q: What would be a successful season for the Falcons in 2011? A: I m not into predicting our record, but obviously I would like to see us get to the playoffs again. That would make it three out of four years. That would be great. Obviously, then I d like to see us go deep into the playoffs.... Those are our goals. Be in the playoffs.... We are a significant team in terms of both our power rankings that all of the pundits are putting together. I think when we get to the playoffs we ought to be viewed that way as well. Q: How has Matt Ryan done in leading the franchise thus far? A: Well, I think he s been great. I really liked the kind of leadership that he s showed this spring when we didn t have our normal minicamps and our OTAs. Matt was able to provide the leadership with the camp that he put together with Curtis Lofton and others, to get the young men that we had coming to the workouts on a voluntary basis. He was both the player as well as the coach. I feel great about him on the field as well as off the field. Q: Your thoughts on the home opener being against Philadelphia and your former quarterback, Michael Vick? A: Well, our first home game is going to be like any other game. It s a very good team we are playing. It s one of the better teams in the NFC and one of the better teams we ll face. The fact that their quarterback is Michael Vick, in terms of our coaches and players, is really not going to make any difference.... We look forward to competing. Obviously, I wish Michael well, except when he plays against us. I ve been a big fan of Michael s return to the NFL. I m happy that he s had on-field success and now I m happy that he s had some financial success as well. Q: How important was it to sign coach Mike Smith and general manager Thomas Dimitroff to contract extensions this offseason? A: It was very important. These guys are the leaders of our football business. They represent two very fine parts of our organization on the coaching side and the personnel side. I m thrilled to have them provide that leadership and the consistency of that leadership, which is very important in terms of success in the National Football League.

115 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS If you look at the best teams in the league over time, they maintain their leadership: their general manager, their coach and all of their coordinators and coaches. Many of their key personnel, the sound evaluators, the salary-cap people, and we ve been able to do that.... I feel very fortunate to have them provide that leadership for a number of years going forward. Q: What s been done to improve the fan experience this year? A: We continue to work on a variety of projects, including providing better Falcons stats during the game to our fans. We are going to provide the highlights from around the league. We are going to provide the depth charts, so that they can follow the progress of our first team on the video boards.... We ve focused on getting more parking and getting our fans in and out of the parking lots after the games.

116 THOMAS DIMITROFF

117 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Dimitroff:'Theexpectationsarelegitmate' FLOWERYBRANCH,Ga. EnteringhisfourthfullseasonasAtlantaFalconsgeneralmanager,ThomasDimitroffhasalready wonsportingnewsnflexecutiveoftheyearawardtwice,includingforhisworkin2010.sn'svinnieiyercaughtupwith DimitroffattrainingcamptodiscussjusthowgoodtheFalconsfeelabout2011,thebigdraftdaytradeforwideoutJulio JonesandotherkeydecisionsthathavehelpedbuildtheteamintoaconsistentNFCcontender: Q:Sohowdoyoufeelaboutthisteamyouhaveassembledforthisseason? A:Veryencouragedaboutwhatwehavebothoffensivelyanddefensively.Ifeellikeweaccomplishedwhatwesetoutto accomplishintheoffseasonbyaddingsomeexplosiveelementsonbothsidesoftheball.wewereabletoresigntwoof ourthreeoffensivelinemen veryimportantforus aswellasakicker,linebackerandrunningback.(i m)encouraged howthingsfellintoplacethewaytheydid.theexpectationsarelegitimate. Q:ComingoffthetoughplayofflosstoGreenBay,didyouseetheneedtoaddmorepopinthepassinggame? A:Aaron(Rodgers),hewasonfire Idon'tknowifI'veeverseenaquarterbackonfireasmuch.Ourfeelingwasweknew wehadtogotitfortatwithteamslikethat,quarterbackslikethat.thatwassomethingthatwasonourmind,noquestion aboutit.wefeltforawhilenowthatwewereveryinterestedinhavingano.1aandno.1breceiver.andwefeelwith Julio,wehaveaddedaniceelementtobeaverysolidreceiverinthisleague. Q:DoyoufeelthatjustlookingatthetalentedoffensesintheNFCSouth,youhavetokeepupwiththeseteams? A:Youthinkaboutitalittlebitwhereourdivisionis,howexplosiveitisasfarasplaymakingability.Wefeltfromthevery beginningwhenwedraftedmattryan,wehadtocontinuetoputpiecesinplacetohelphimalongthewayasweevolveas ateamandmattasaquarterback.webelieveinridingthetrainwhilemattisstrong,healthyandyoung. Q:Withyourdefense,itseemslikeyou'veslowlyaddedtherightpiecesthroughthedraftandfreeagencyoverthepast fouryears.what'sbeenyourplanthere? A:Allalong,wesaid,let'sreallyfocusonoffense,takecareofthebigpiecesthere someexpensive,somehighdraftpicks, andthenbuildadefensethatcanbeconsistent,tough,young,hungryandpassionate.wefeellikewehavethatdefense. We'vesprinkledintheselectveteranswhohavealotofexperienceintheleagueandtheirownelementofpassion.With ourcombinationofyouthfulplayerswhoaregoingintotheirfourthyearnowandarebattletested,withtheselect veterans,thedefenseisreallystartingtocometogethernow. Q:Haveyoubeenfollowinghowyourdefensehasstatisticallyimprovedoverthepastthreeseasons? A:I'mveryawareofthatandfollowthatquiteclosely.Ithinkit'sagoodindicationofwhereweare.Thefinishtolastyear, thoughnooneinthisorganizationisdwellingonit,there'salittlebitofapitinthestomachthatkeepsthefireburning. Everyonewantstoproveweareaverysoundopponentandwe'readefensethatcanplaywithanyoneinthisleague. Q:Justhowmuchdoesyourowner,ArthurBlank,facilitateyourjobasgeneralmanager? A:Arthurhasbeenverygoodwithmyselfand(coach)MikeSmithasfarasbeingmindfulofthatproverbialline,respectfully speaking,wherehehasallowedusasthetwofootballdecisionmakerstomakethedecisionsweneedtomake.he's providedsomeverygoodcounselalongtheway.he'sbeenverygeneroustomeandoneofthemostcompetitiveowners intheleague.anytimeweneedsomethingwedeemwewillmakethisorganizationbetter whetherit'sthetalentonthe

118 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS fieldorthetechnologyweneedtoimproveincertainareas he'salwaystheretoencourageustodoso.we'revery fortunatethatway. Q:HowhasyourworkingrelationshipwithcoachMikeSmithbeensosuccessful? A:OneofthethingsI'vebeensoimpressedwithsince2008 fromtheverybeginning,wehaveviewedbuildingthisteam, settingpolicy allthedecisionswehavemadetogether wedodefinitelyseeitthroughthesamelenses.ourapproach andourleadershipstylehavebeenverycongruent.witharthur,thethreeofusworkverywelltogetherwhentherearebig decisionstomake. Q:WhenArthurhiredyouandcoachSmithin'08,wasitatfirstoverwhelmingtolookatthelaundrylistneededtoturnthe teamaround? A:There'snoquestionitcouldhavebeenperceivedasadauntingtaskfromtheoutside.ButwhenMikeandIcamein,we bothtalkedaboutbeingsequentialwithourapproach.wefocusedonthingsinsegments.weknewwehadtotakecareof certainpolicies,wehadtogettherightplayershereandjettisontheplayerswefeltweren'trightforthisteam.wehadso manythingsonthedocketwehadtoapproach,butwesteppedbackandthoughtaboutknockingoutoneaspectasatime. Wedidn'tlooktoofardowntheroad. Q:Isthereanykindofblueprintyoufollowtobuildingateam? A:Ithinkthere'snotablueprintatall.Forus,whatworkshere andi'mproudofmikeandmyself we'reverysystematic andwe'reverycalculatinginourdecisionmaking.we'vemadeaconcertedeffortnottolettheemotionssendusin differentdirections. Q:HowimportantisthesuccessoftheFalconstothecityofAtlantaandtheneighboringcommunity? A:I'mveryimpressedwiththefanbasehere.They'reveryintelligent theyknowfootballinsideout.it'sencouragingwhen we'reoutinthecommunitytoseethesupport.we'veheardtimeandtimeagainsincewe'vebeenherein2008howmuch thisfanbaseiscravingaperennialcontendingteam.theyknowthateachgame,wehaveachanceasateamtowin.that makesmefeelgoodthatwe'reprovidingtherightproducttobeproudofandgetbehind.

119 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS FiftymilesnortheastofAtlanta,andFridaynightwasturningintoSaturdaymorning.Asolitaryfigurestrodeacrossadewy practicefieldatthefalcons'trainingcomplexinflowerybranch,ga.allthatlitgeneralmanagerthomasdimitroff'spath wereafewstarsandthedimglowfromtheteam'soffices150yardsaway.itwas1:05a.m. Aswithsomanyofhispeerslastweek,the45yearoldDimitroffdidnotworkbankers'hours.Nordidheworkregular trainingcamphours.infact,itwasthestrangestweekofhistwodecadesinprofessionalfootball.at1:30theprevious Mondayafternoon,NFLownersandplayershadagreedontheframeworkofthecollectivebargainingagreement,ending the135daylockoutandjumpstartingtheleague.consequentlythesigningperiodfordraftpicksandfreeagents,which normallyspansfivemonths,wouldbecompressedintofivedaysasthenfloperatedonthefly.example:originallythe leaguesaidteamswouldbeabletomakedealswithfreeagentrookiesat10a.m.ontuesday.then,at6:25p.m.on Mondayitwasannouncedthatthosenegotiationscouldbeginin35minutes. It'sthekindofweekwhenapersonnelguymighttellhiswifeandkidshewon'tbehomeforawhile."Howdoyouknow anythinginaweeklikethis?"saiddimitrofflastfriday."noneofushaseverbeenthroughthisbefore." ThiswastheendofDayFive.Butnotreallytheend,becauseonedayblendedintothenext,andtherewasstillworktodo. FalconsleftguardJustinBlalock,27,wasafreeagent,andDimitroffwantedtokeephim.Thecontractneededtogetdone, whichiswhytheg.m.wasnowheadedthroughthedarknesstotheofficeofnickpolk,theteam'ssalarycapexpert. Dimitroffknockedlightlyandwalkedin.HefoundPolk,withaninkedupoffersheetonhisdesk,talkingwithBlalock's agent,bendogra,onspeakerphone.ithadbeenabusydayfordogratoo:ninehoursearlierhe'dlandedcornerback NnamdiAsomughaafiveyear,$60millioncontractwiththeEagles(page32).Afterlisteninginonthebackandforthfora fewminutes,dimitroffburstintotheconversation:"comeon,benny!meandyou!comeon!wewereclosefourdaysago! Wegottaclosethedeal!" Dograwashoarse.Helaidouthiscase again andpolkanddimitroffbangedhometheirs.dogracitedthebuccaneers' FridayresigningofguardDavinJosephforsevenyearsand$53million;PolkandDimitroffbalkedandsaidDograwould havetoacceptanoffsetclausesothatifblalockwascutwithguaranteedmoneyleftonthecontract,thefalcons' obligationwouldbereducedbywhathemadewithhisnewteam. "Ourownersayswegottahaveanoffset,"Dimitroffsaid. "O.K.,I'llgiveyoutheoffset,"Dograsaid."ButIgetmyaverageperyear,mythreeyearcashnumberandmyguarantee." "Benny,Benny,Benny,"Dimitroffsaid. Atlantaenteredtheweekwiththreemajorpersonnelgoals:tosignapassrushingleftendwhocouldprovideastrong complementtotheagingjohnabrahamandtoinktwoofitsfreeagents,blalockandrighttackletysonclabo,tolongterm deals.claboagreedonfridaytoafiveyear,$25millioncontract.dimitroffhopedthepromising27yearoldblalockwould comeinatfiveyearsforalittleabove$30million. ButthatwasjustpartoftheAtlantastaff'stodolist.TheFalconshadtosigntheirtwoexclusiverightsfreeagents,decide whichrestrictedandunrestrictedfreeagentstheywouldpursue(boththeirownandthosefromotherteams)andfillout theirrosterwith23undraftedcollegefreeagents,playerswhoinnormalyearsaresignedinatwodaywindowafterthe draft. DimitroffputdirectorofplayerpersonnelLesSneadinchargeoftheundraftedplayers,andSneadusedastaffofnine scoutsandadministratorstorecruitandmakeagreementswiththetopnamesonatlanta'sboard.sneadnotonlyhadto overseeagreementswiththeplayers,butalsohadtodoitallinaboutfivehoursbecauseoftheintensecompetitionamong

120 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS teams.andtheneveryoneofthoseplayershadtobeonaflightandincampbytuesdaynight,intimetoundergo physicals,signcontractsandattendthefirstteammeetingonwednesdaymorning. Withsomanyclubscallingplayersoversuchashorttime,thereweregoingtobedefections.At11p.m.onMondayscout BobKronenberg,whodrewuptheshortlistofoffensivelinemen,gotNevadatackleJoseAcunatoagreetoterms.When Sneadcamebackintothedraftroomfora12:30a.m.updatehewastoldAcunahadswitchedtotheCowboys.Kronenberg gotbacktowork,andby9a.m.ontuesdayhehadthenextoffensivelinemanonhislist,stonybrookcenterpaulfenaroli, inthefold. AtonepointSneadneededa15minutementalhealthbreak.Heretreatedtohisoffice,closedthedoorandputonsome NorahJones.Whenhecameouthegotwordthattwomoreplayershadgoneelsewhere.Nottoworry,Dimitrofftoldhim. "Thecruelreality,"theG.M.said,"isthatveryfewoftheseguysaregoingtohavethechancetosniffourpracticesquad.So we'vejustgottomoveontothenextguy."all23rookiefreeagentswereinhouse26hoursafterthefalconshitthe phones. Shortlybefore2a.m.onTuesday,Dimitrofflaydownandheardhisphoneping an frompolk,maybe1,000words long,withachecklistforthenextday.scroll,scroll,scroll.thetopics:unrestrictedfreeagents,rookiepoolprojections, offerstodraftpicks,cashandcapprojections,contractlanguageforveteranplayers,travelarrangementsforplayers,how fartogowithfreeagentcontracts."ihopethiswasn'ttoocumbersome,"polkwrote.dimitroff'sheadspun. TheFalconswere133lastyear,andthoughthePackersblewthemoutinthedivisionalroundoftheplayoffs,Dimitroff knewhisrosterdidn'thavemanymajorholes.aftertradinguptodraftalabamawidereceiverjuliojoneswiththesixth pickinapril,hecouldscratch"explosiveoffensiveweapon"offhisshoppinglist.(themovesavedhimfromhavingto possiblyoverpayafreeagentwideoutsuchassidneyrice,whosignedafiveyear,$41milliondealwiththeseahawks.) Thatleftonebigfreeagentneed:atdefensiveend,wheretheFalconsgotfivesackscombinedfromKroyBiermannand JamaalAndersonlastseason. AtlantahadbeguntheweekinterestedinPanthersfreeagentCharlesJohnsonandpursuedhimwhenveteranfreeagency beganontuesdayafternoon.dimitrofflikedjohnsonat$7millionayearbutnotat$12million,whichiswhatcarolinapaid tokeephim.at7a.m.friday,dimitroffdecidedtowaiveandersonandwideoutmichaeljenkins,twoformerfirstround pickswhoneverproducedatfirstroundlevel.thatsaved$7.8millionin'11caproomandallowedpolkanddimitroffto focusonthemantheywantedmost:vikingsfreeagentdefensiveendrayedwards. ThedecisiontoofferEdwardsadealworthhalfofJohnson's $27.5millionoverfiveyears,withapotential$2.5million morebasedonhissackproduction waseasy.buttheprocesswasfarfromnormal.withlittletimetoarrangevisits, Dimitroff,coachMikeSmithandownerArthurBlankgotEdwardsonawebcamfor75minutesonThursdayafternoon."At leastyoucanlookathimandgetasenseofthekindofpersonheis,"blanksaid."that'showiinterviewedthomasbeforei offeredhimthegeneralmanager'sjob." Thestrangenesswasjustasdisconcertingtotheplayers.AsDimitroffwalkedthroughthelockerroomonFriday,hesawa gaggleofveteransstaringupatatv,watchingespn'sadamschefterreportingthelatestnewsonplayermovement."it'sa toughtimeforthem,"dimitroffsaidofthevets."they'renotsurewho'scomingandgoing.it'stheirlivelihood,andthe rosterisstillinastateofflux." LaterthatafternoonDimitroffcalledEdwards'sagent,DougHendrickson,togooverterms."DougieFresh!"saidDimitroff. "WegotadealonRay?" "Wegotadeal,"saidHendrickson."You'regettingahellofaplayer,andahellofakid."

121 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS ShortlyafterDimitrofffinishedthecall,PolkwalkedintotheG.M.'sofficeandsaid,"We'vegottochangeonething."He wenttothegreaseboard,wipedoffanescalatorclauseforthe26yearoldedwardsandscribblednewnumbers,showing Dimitroffhowhe'dchangedtheclausewithHendricksonattheendofthenegotiation."Ifyoudoaperyearescalator,"Polk said,"thatcouldbeaoneyearspikeinproduction.we'dratherdotheescalatorbasedonwhataplayerdoesoverthreeor fouryears." "Great,"saidDimitroff."It'sbetterforus." FinallyonFridayafternoonDimitroffgottoseehisplayerspractice.Hestoodinthemiddleofthefieldashisoffenseran plays50yardsaway.hewatchedforjones'squicknessoffthelineandgaugedhowwellbackupwideoutkerrymeier, projectedtoreplacewaivedveteranbrianfinneran,wasrunningafterkneesurgerylastyear. "Seeyouforasecond?"saidtrainerMartyLauzon.Dimitroffwalkedtoaquietspot,whereLauzontoldhimthatbackup tightendrobbieagnone who'dmissed2010withafootinjury hadreinjuredthefoot.dimitroffwentbacktothedrills. FiveminuteslaterPolkpulledhimasidetotellhimthatJasonSnelling,acoreFalconsspecialteamsplayer,wantedtotest themarket.thenassistantdirectorofplayerpersonnellionelvitalcamebytotelldimitroffthatveterandefensiveendty Warren,cutearlierinthedaybythePatriots,mightbeavailableforaminimumcontract. Around10thatnightDimitroffwalkedthroughthelockerroom,amaninneedoflevity.Hefoundit.Thejustresigned Clabowaschucklingatsomeconstructionworkhisteammateshadspentfartoomuchtimeon.Afewcardboardboxeshad beensculptedintoafauxatm.someonehadwrittentysonclabo,acctbalance$12,000,000 theamountofclabo's signingbonus. "Thatisfantastic!"Dimitroffsaid. "Evidently,"saidClabo,"theseguysdon'tknowabouttheconceptofincometaxyet." Funnythingis,Dimitroffwaslovingit."WhenSmittyandIcameherein2008,"hesaid,referringtohiscoach,"oneofmy goalswasthatweweregoingtoenjoythisjourney.weweregoingtocreateanenvironmentwherepeoplelikedcomingto workandbuildingagreatproduct.sowhenwe'renegotiatingjustinblalock'scontract,it'snotlikei'llsaytonickpolk,'get thisdamnthingdone,nick!'thisispartoftheprocess,solet'senjoyit.andifwecan't,let'satleastenjoythechallengeof buildingtheteaminatimewhenfootball'schanging." ThatexplainedDimitroff'ssmileintheweehourslastSaturdaymorningashelistenedtoDogralaunchintoametaphor aboutanepisodeofthebradybunch,whosemeaningnoonewastooclearon.itwasgettinglate itwaslate andpeople werepunchy."sojustkissyoursister,"dograsaid."i'm6.75,you're6.33.thenumber's6.5.that'swhatitis."

122 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS DimitroffpropelshisFalconsonestepclosertoaSuperBowl FloweryBranch Assuminghehasn tdonesoalready,thomasdimitroffshouldtakeseveralmomentstoprophisfeeton thenearestottoman,pourhimselfatallglassofcabernetandcrankhismainmanbobsegerto11onthehifi.dimitroffhas itcoming. Thegreatgeneralmanageracedhisgreatesttest.Halfhisoffseasonbusinesshadbeenleftundone.He dtraded21spots upwardtodraftjuliojones,thewidereceiverofvastpromise,butthestillsoughtpassrusherwouldhavetocomeviafree agency,whichowingtothenfllockoutwouldberenderedafrenzy. SpeakinginhisofficeshortlyafternoonFriday,Dimitroffsaid, Ifeelcalmamidthisostensibledisarray. Anhourlater,he feltpositivelyserene.anhourlater,thefalconshadtheirpassrusher. They dlandedthefreeagentrayedwards,formerlyofminnesota.andherewestandbacktoassesswhatthefalconshave doneoveranoffseasoncomplicatedbyaworkstoppage:upgradedatreceiver,upgradedatdefensiveendandretainedleft tackletysonclabo,afreeagenthimself.iftheydonothingelse,theylooktobeabetterteamthantheywerelastseason, andlastseasontheywere133.theylooktobebetterbecausetheirmasterplannerhad,yetagain,plannedmasterfully. Whenwe recalledontoadapt, Dimitroffsaid, wewanttobeadaptable.thisleagueisaboutbeingadaptable.thebest teamsare. Therewasatime decadesofit,actually whenthefalconswereamongthenfl sklutzes.thattimeendedwhen ArthurBlankfoundthisGMbywayofawebcaminterview.SinceJanuary2008thishasbeenamodelorganization,smart andassertiveandprescient.thesefalconshadaplantohandlethelockout.thesefalconshaveaplanforeverything. Nothinghassurprisedmeasyet, Dimitroffsaid,meaningaboutthepostlockoutprocessBlankhadcalled freeagencyon steroids. TheFalconsmadeaquickpitchtoCharlesJohnson,butthatdefensiveendchosetoreupwithCarolinaforthe stunningsumof$72million($30millionguaranteed)oversixseasons. Dimitroffagain: Thisisapuzzle,anditallhastofittogetherfromaskillstandpointandacharacterstandpoint,butitalso hastofitfinancially. TheFalconslandedEdwardsfor$30million($11.5guaranteed)overfiveseasons.That safitcutfromregalcloth. ThedayhadbegunwiththeFalconssheddingJamaalAndersonandMichaelJenkins,firstrounddrafteesfromaprevious regime.thatwasdonetoclearmoneyforedwards,whowouldcomeaboardnotlongafterthefirstpracticeoftraining Camp2011 ashortandsedatewalkthrough ended.(therewouldbeanothersession,thisonewithhelmets,inthe afternoon.) Asastaff,weweresopreparedgoingintothis, Dimitroffsaid. We vedoneagoodjobofbeingpatient,andwe dsaid thatgoingin: Wehavetobepatientwhenthingsgoawryalittlebit. Nothingreallydid.TheFalconstookarunatJohnsonbutwoundupwithEdwards,who slikewisealeftendandwhohas had291/2sacksoverfivenflseasonstojohnson s211/2overfour.andtheydiditatlessthanhalftheprice. Nottoputtoofineapointonit,butthesearen tyourfather sdumbol Falcons.Dimitroffisshrewdenoughtoknowwhat todo,boldenoughtodoit. Whenwestarted,wesaidwedidn twanttogettothepointwherewewereoveranalyzing things, hesaid. Therecanbeatendencytosecondguessandtohesitate,andwhenyoudothatyoudon tgettheperson andyou releftholdingyourbacksidewondering, Whathappened?

123 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS WhathappenedFridaywasthis:TheFalconsreportedtocampandweregivenanimmediatejoltbynewsthattheirGMhad delivered.thefirstdayofonfieldworkendedwiththisfranchiseclosertoholdingthelombarditrophythanatanytime sincerodsmithbeateugenerobinsondeepinthesecondquarterofsuperbowlxxxiii. It straditionalonthefirstdayofcamptoguzzlegatoradebythejug.onthisfriday,anexceptionneededtobemade:the Falconsshouldhaveraisedaglassofthegrapetotheirsnowboardingarchitect.He ddonehispart.therestisuptothem.

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125 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Smith keeps it simple for Falcons Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith worked two full-time jobs before joining his family for dinner on Thursday. The event-filled Thanksgiving was a non-stop whirlwind that included practice and meetings at the Falcons' training complex in Flowery Branch and community service 50 miles south in downtown Atlanta. Smith wouldn't have it any other way, but you would hardly know it. In his fourth season as an NFL head coach, Smith has 39 career victories, two playoff appearances and one NFC South title, yet he's a master at deflecting from himself and to his team. ''Smitty,'' as his players and fellow coaches call the 52-year-old coach, is long accustomed to putting his family, players, assistants and fans ahead of his personal agenda. A few fans approached him to say hello and take pictures Thursday as Smith mingled among 6,000 people at Atlanta's annual Hosea Feed the Hungry event at the Georgia World Congress Center. But Smith mostly blended in and worked quietly without notice. He and wife Julie stood next to Falcons owner Arthur Blank for about an hour serving Thanksgiving meals. After Blank left, the Smiths picked up plates and brought them to needy people sitting at tables throughout a big ballroom. Asked to describe the experience, Smith didn't want to give himself any credit. He was more interested in discussing those that worked with him at the event - tight end Tony Gonzalez, safety William Moore and linebacker Mike Peterson, defensive line coach Ray Hamilton, not to mention Blank's family members and other Falcons staffers. ''I believe that you want to be a humble person all the time,'' Smith said. ''And I think the thing that we want to do as an organization, it comes from the top. Mr. Blank is very involved and our team is very involved with this.'' That's the Smitty way. ''He's by far the best coach I've ever played for,'' said center Todd McClure, who played under former Atlanta coaches Dan Reeves, Jim Mora and Bobby Petrino. ''Smitty is completely genuine. You want to work as hard as you can for a guy like that.'' Smith's reputation as a players' coach took root in 1999, his first season in the NFL as a defensive assistant with the Baltimore Ravens. By the time he was promoted to linebackers coach in 2002, the word was out. His players loved him. ''He's a guy who kind of came out of nowhere to be a head coach,'' Atlanta running back Michael Turner said. ''He wasn't high on everybody's list, but the Falcons did a great job of hiring him and he did a great job of putting a staff together that works well with the players.'' During his four years as an assistant with the Ravens, Smith often spent Thanksgiving with former Baltimore head coach Brian Billick. They are married to sisters, but the holiday grew bigger when the Smiths moved to Jacksonville when Mike took over as the Jaguars' defensive coordinator in Mike Smith grew up in Daytona Beach, Fla., as the oldest of eight kids.

126 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS When he and Julie and their daughter moved to Atlanta in January 2008, Smith had taken his career to the highest level, but added responsibilities didn't affect the traditional holiday weekend. Julie Smith said the family was expecting 14 guests at their home in Suwanee on Thursday night. ''I've always been used to having what seems like a huge crowd at Thanksgiving,'' Mike Smith said. ''That's why I feel at home here with all these people. It's a blessing to give back. For me, this is a great time to give thanks and help those let fortunate than you are.'' By Sunday, when Atlanta (6-4) faces Minnesota (2-8) at the Georgia Dome, Falcons linebacker Curtis Lofton knows Smith will have on his game face. The holiday distractions will be a distant memory. The only thing that will matter is beating the Vikings. ''If he says something he means it,'' Lofton said. ''It's not a guessing game. You don't wonder where he stands, so as players, we know Smitty's got our back and we got his back. Whatever we go through, we're going to go through as a team.'' Though Smith won't say much about himself or his accomplishments, he does acknowledge feeling his players' affection. ''I always want to be a consistent person,'' he said. ''That's something we try to do each and every day. Some days we are not able to do that, but for the most part we want to be consistent and you want to treat people the way you want to be treated. That's how I've approached coaching and how I've approached interacting with other folks.'' Smith was about to leave with Julie and drive home. He was still wearing the community service nametag he filled out with a pen a couple of hours earlier. It was simple and to the point: Coach Mike. ''It's great to get out and have an opportunity to see our fans,'' he said. ''To me, that's part of one of your duties as a head coach.''

127 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Smith's steady hand keeps Falcons on track ATLANTA If you looked at and listened to Falcons coach Mike Smith in the media room deep within the Georgia Dome last Sunday and this Sunday, you probably wouldn t have noticed much difference. Other than a couple really, only a couple of quick smiles after this Sunday s victory against the Tennessee Titans, Smith was the same guy he was last week. That was when the Falcons suffered perhaps the most emotionally draining loss of Smith s career. That was when he made a decision that backfired in overtime and the Falcons lost to the New Orleans Saints. Win or lose, Smith is always the same guy. That s why the Falcons bounced back with a crucial win against the Titans. I think that s the mark of a fantastic football coach, when he can keep his emotions in check at moments when a lot of us might not be able to do that, Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. Mike s an even-keel guy. He s competitive and he gets fired up, but he keeps it in check. The Falcons, playing as well as they have all season for the first three quarters, jumped out to a 23-3 lead. Yeah, there were a few bumps near the end, when rookie quarterback Jake Locker replaced an injured Matt Hasselbeck and rallied the Titans to a pair of touchdowns. But that didn t really matter. What did matter was how the Falcons started. A lot of other teams might have folded after a loss like the one the Falcons suffered to the Saints. A lot of other teams might have let their season spiral out of control. But the Falcons now are 6-4 and only a game behind the Saints in the NFC South standings. That s because the Falcons aren t like a lot of other teams and Smith isn t like a lot of other coaches. It starts at the top, said Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan, who threw for 316 yards, a touchdown and was not intercepted. Smitty does a great job of teaching off the tape from the week before and really ingraining in all of us that it s time to move on. Smith has a 24-hour rule. Basically, that means you ve got 24 hours to celebrate a win or think about a loss. After that, it s on to the next game. Lots of teams and lots of coaches have some sort of similar rule. It might sound cliché and Smith is certainly capable of spewing clichés. But the difference is the Falcons really do buy into the 24-hour rule. Consider this: Since Smith s arrival in 2008, the Falcons are 16-3 in games after a loss. Since 2009, they re 8-0. We really do flush it after 24 hours, said defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux, who batted down two third-quarter passes, had two quarterback hurries and two tackles for a loss. We have a great leader in Mike Smith. Whatever he tells us to do, we do. We ve seen the results of his 24-hour rule and I think that s why we buy into it totally. You can t argue with the results. But Smith, who was more than willing to step up and take the blame last week, wasn t standing around and take the credit this week. Instead, he pointed at his players. It says a lot about the guys, Smith said. Regardless of the outcome, we know it s a long season. Regardless of the outcome, we have to move on to the next football game. Our guys have done an outstanding job since we ve been here.

128 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS That s one of the things from the very first day that we got together, we talked about what the formula for being a successful football team is and one of the things is to put defeats behind you and move to the next ball game. Our guys really have bought into that. We don t let things linger. There s no doubt the players deserve plenty of credit for bouncing back against the Titans. We have a mature locker room and we have a group of guys that understand what it takes to be a professional, Ryan said. You re going to have some tough losses and you need to move on from that. I think, collectively, all 53 guys and our practice-squad guys take that to heart and that s probably the reason why. The maturity of Atlanta s players may set the Falcons apart from a lot of teams. The Falcons have some very strong leadership from veterans like Babineaux, tight end Tony Gonzalez and center Todd McClure. Some younger guys, like Ryan and middle linebacker Curtis Lofton also have emerged as very strong leaders. When our backs are against the wall, everybody gets locked in and we are on the same page, Lofton said. But the maturity of the coach might be what matters most. Just as an example, let s compare Smith and the Falcons to another NFC South team. Let s compare the Falcons to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris took a lot of criticism after last week s loss to Houston. He spent a lot of the past week firing back at critics, criticizing some of his own players and talking about how difficult Tampa Bay s schedule has been. No matter how much Morris said he had moved on from the Houston loss, he hadn t. The Bucs went up to Green Bay on Sunday and lost to the Packers. Tampa Bay now is on a four-game losing streak. At 4-6, the Bucs hopes of a playoff berth are fading away. After the loss to New Orleans, Smith took way more criticism than Morris; Smith didn t respond a single time. He never singles out players for criticism and you ll never hear him using anything that sounds remotely like an excuse. That s why the Falcons still are very much in the NFC South race. The Falcons are far from flawless and they ve yet to be very consistent this season. But you look at their roster and you look at their coach and it s not all that hard to imagine everything suddenly clicking, maybe at just the right time. The rest of their schedule really isn't that difficult and they've got a rematch in New Orleans the day after Christmas. The Falcons have faced some adversity, but they still have their heads well above water. That s why anything remains possible for this team. Smith is the reason for that. Mike Smith is a guy of positivity and passion, Dimitroff said. He s a guy that is so competitive. Mix all those things together and that s what he presents to the players, day in day out and game in, game out. The players feel that he has their back and I think it s vice versa that they have his back. Smith is a model of consistency. With that kind of example every day, maybe the Falcons will become a consistently good team before this season is over.

129 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS FalconscoachMikeSmitheagerlyawaitsseason FLOWERYBRANCH Fouryearsago,onlythewellinformedfootballcognoscentiknewJacksonville sdefensive coordinatoronafirstnamebasis. TheunassumingMikeSmithwouldjointheFalconsastheheadcoachinJanuary2008andpromptlybecomethefirst persontoleadthefranchisetothreeconsecutivewinningseasons. ButafterwinningtheNFCSouthtitleandearningtheNo.1seedfortheplayoffslastseason,Smithiseagertogetthe2011 campaignunderway. ThesoonertheballiskickedoffinChicagoat1p.m.Sunday,thebetter.Hewantstogetthelingeringbadtastefromaloss togreenbayinthedivisionalroundoftheplayoffsandalongsummerofnfllaborstrifeinhisrearviewmirror. Idon tliketotalkaboutit, Smithadmitted. RecentlytherewasaTshirtintheFalcons lockerroomshowingthescore(4821)ofthelosstogreenbayandtheword Unacceptable. Idon tknowmuchaboutthetshirt, quarterbackmattryansaid. ThisisthefirstthatI veseenit.forme,that skindof lastyear sdeal.everybodywas,atthetime,disappointedwithhowitfinishedup. Butyouhavetousethosethingstherightway.Youhavetouseitasmotivation,youhavetolearnfromit,andIthinkguys havedonethat.now,weneedtoputthatbehindusandfocusonsunday. Smithhasmovedon.Hewouldratherfocusonthe2011seasonandthepromiseitholdsfortheFalcons,whoatleastone punditispickingtowinthesuperbowl. I mexcitedaboutyearfourbecauseoftheunfinishedbusinessfromyearthree, Smithsaid. Eachandeveryyearbrings newopportunities.we vegotgreatopportunitiesthisyearinawaythatweputtogetherouroffseason.i mlooking forwardtoseeingourguysgooutandcompete. ThelossdroppedSmith srecordto02intheplayoffs.hehasamasseda3315regularseasonmarkandisclosinginondan Reeves(49)andLeemanBennett(46)formostwinsinfranchisehistory. Onlythreeothercoaches,GeorgeSeifert(3810),ChuckKnox(348)andBarrySwitzer(3414)havebetterrecordsthan SmithovertheirfirstthreeseasonsintheNFL. FalconsownerArthurBlankhonoredSmith ssuccesswithathreeyearcontractextensioninfebruarythatrunsthrough Smitty sthetotalpackage, Blanksaid. Hehasstrongleadershipskillsandexperienceandatrackrecordtobackitup. He samanofhighcharacterandintegrity,andhe shighlyrespectedbyourplayers. AftertheBobbyPetrinoexperimentin2007,theFalconsinterviewedRexRyan,whowentontakeajobwiththeNewYork Jetsin2009.BlankalsointerviewedLeslieFrazier,whowasnamedMinnesota sheadcoachthisoffseason. MostfolkshadheardofRyan,becauseofhisfatherisformerNFLcoachBuddyRyan,andFrazier,aformerplayerwiththe ChicagoBears.SmithhadquietlyputtogetherastellarresumeinBaltimoreandJacksonville.

130 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS WhenMikejoinedusin2008,hepromisedfansahardnosed,physicalstyleoffootball aggressiveonoffenseand explosiveondefense, Blanksaid. Smittyhasdeliveredthat andthensome. SmithhasusedasternhandandclearmessagestobecomethefirstpersontoleadtheFalconstothreeconsecutive winningseasons. Buthewantsmore. Ithinkthatwe vecontinuedtoaddpartsandpiecestothedefensivesideofthefootball, Smithsaid. Wearevery familiarwithoneanother.ithinkweareafasterunitthanwewerelastyear.that sonethingthatwesaid,thatwewanted tobecomeafasterandmoreurgentunit.wewantedtohelpourpassrush.ithinkthatwe veaddressedthataswell. DefendingtheNFCSouthtitlewillbethefirststepfortheFalcons.Butaftertwotripstotheplayoffsoverthepastthree seasons,smithappearstohavethefalconsreadyforadeeprunintotheplayoffs. SmithhasaSuperBowlringfromhisdaysasthelinebackerscoachwiththeBaltimoreRavens.Hewouldn tmindgetting onetomatchitasaheadcoach. Iwantourfootballteamtobeknownasasmart,aggressive,physicallytoughfootballteamthatisgoingtogooutand competeeverytimethattheystepoutonthefield, Smithsaid.

131 JOhn abraham

132 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS PursuitoftitledrivesFalconsDEAbraham. Thebiggestdifferencewiththisyear'sFalconsisn'ttangible,DEJohnAbrahamtoldPFW. It'snotthepersonnel,althoughtherosterreceivedtwobigupgradesinrookieWRJulioJonesandDERayEdwardsthanks totheaggressiveoffseasonmaneuveringofgmthomasdimitroff,whoclearlybelievesthetimeisnowforhisteam. Abraham,enteringhis12thseasonandsixthwiththeFalcons,sensesthehungertogetoverthehumpisgreaterthanever inatlanta. "Theonlythingaboutthisyearisweprobablyhaveabiggerchip(onourshoulder)thantheyearbefore,"Abrahamsaid. TheFalconsweresenthomeintheplayoffswithoutawinforthesecondtimeinthreeseasonsonJan.15,whenthe Packersdealtthemadevastating4821loss.Atlantaislookingforitsfirstplayoffwinsincethe'04season. "It'stough,"Abrahamsaid."AcoupleyearsbeforeweplayedArizonaintheplayoffsandenduplosing.Theyendupgoing tothesuperbowlandthengreenbaycametoourhouseandprettymuchhandeduswhateverwecouldtakeandtheyend upbeingsuperbowlchamps. "Itkindofsticksinyourmind. Itfeelsalittleworsewhentheteamthatbeatsyouendsupgoingtotheultimategame." Abraham,atwotimeAllProandfourtimeProBowler,hasachievedrareindividualsuccess.Hefinishedfifthintheleague with13sackslastseasonandis10sacksawayfrommovingintosecondonthefalcons'alltimesacklist. ButAbrahamturned33inMayandmightnothavemanyseasonsleft.Heneverhasbeenonateamthatmadeitpastthe divisionalround.enteringhiscontractyear,hesaidwinningismoreimportanttohimthanmoneyatthispointinhiscareer. Oneofhisprioritiesduringtrainingcampwashelpingtoinstillthatsenseofurgencyintheteam'syoungDlinemen. "I'mtryingtoharponthemabouthowseriousitisandhowimportantitisforusolderguystogettherethisyear," Abrahamsaid." I'mgoingtodoalotmorepushing.IfIneedtobe(an)assaboutit,I'mgoingtobecauseIknowwehavea goodthinggoinghereandidon'twant(thedefensiveline)tobethereasonwedon'tgetthere." AleadershippositionisoneAbrahamsayshedidn'talwaysfeelcomfortablein.Thathaschangedoverthepastfew seasons. "AlotoftimesbeforeIdidn'twanttobetheguytostandupandsaystuffbecauseIdidn'twanttoputripplesinthewater, butnowidon'tcare,"hesaid."i'm33now.i'vebeenintheleague.i'veprovenmyselfsoifeellikeihavetherighttotell certainpeoplecertainthings.iftheygetmad,ohwell. We'regoinginaverypositivedirectionandI'mtryingtomakesure everybodyunderstandsthatgettingitnowisreallybetterthantryingtogetitlater." Youngerplayersapparentlyhavebeenreceptivetothemessage.RolesandjobsontheDlineareupforgrabsthis preseasonandabrahamsaidhedoesn'tthinkmotivationisanissue. "Ireallyfeellikenoonehasachoice,"hesaid."I'mnottryingtocalloneguyout.Wehave15guysinthatroomrightnow, nobodyhasa(guaranteed)seatinthatroomrightnow.evenme.ifeellikeistillhavetoprovemyself.ithinkeverybodyin theroomfeelsthatway.wemightkeepeight,nineguys,soalmosthalftheroommightbegone.

133 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS "Idon'tthinkanybodyneedsafireunderhimrightnow.Ifeellikeeverybodyfeelslikethereispressureontheirback.My pressureismorejusttoleadandbetheguytheycancometoandtalkto." Abrahamsaidhehasn'tspentmuchtimelookingbeyondthisseason.HesaidhelovesAtlantaandbeingclosetoSouth Carolina,wherehewasbornandraised.Heexpectstocontinuelivinginthearealongafterhisplayingdaysareover,but toldhisagent,richardrosa,nottotalktothefalconsaboutacontractextensionuntilthisseasonisover. "Itoldmyagentdon'ttalktothemaboutanextensionoranything,"Abrahamsaid."Let'sjusthaveagoodtimethisyear. I'mold.Idon'twanttohavethatthinglingeringwithmeforthewholeseason.Alotofguystrytohandleitduringthe seasonandtheydon'tproduceliketheyshould.idon'twanttogothroughthat.ijustwanttoplayfootballandhaveagood time." Celebratingatitle,ratherthananewcontract,soundsbettertoAbrahamatthisstageofhiscareer. "There'sabiggergoalformethanjustgettingmoremoney,"hesaid."Ireallywantachampionship."

134 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS FalconsveteranDEJohnAbrahamfeelingfreshincamp FLOWERYBRANCH,Ga. Theseusedtobethedogdaysofsummer,whenwearylegsandachingshouldersremindedJohn Abrahamofthephysicalcostrequiredforhisprofession.Thosereminderswillstillcome,especiallyonMondaymornings aftertherealgamesbegin. Yetfornow,inthemiddleoftrainingcamp,Abraham,33,hasneverfeltbetter. "Thisiswhat,our15thpractice?"theAtlantaFalcons'defensiveendsaidafteranopadssessionlastweek."Ifeelgreat. Before,the15thpracticewasprobablywithinthefirstsevendaysorsoofcamp.SoIfeelalotfresher." Abraham,preppingforhis12thNFLseason,lookedprettyfresh,too,beamingandbarelysweatingashestoodontheedge ofthepracticefield.revisedworkrulesinstitutedwiththenewlabordeal,aimedtoreducewearandtear,haveeliminated twoadaycontactpractices.youdon'thavetoventurefarinanynflcamptofindaveteranexpressingsummerblissover thatdevelopment. Therules,pushedforwardduringlabortalksbyBaltimoreRavenscornerbackDomoniqueFoxworthandIndianapolisColts centerjeffsaturday,limitteamstoamaximumof41/2hoursonthefieldduringcamp.ondayswithtwopractices,one mustbeawalkthroughsessionwithouthelmets.paddedpracticeslongerthanthreehoursareprohibited. "Theyoungguysdon'tknowhowgoodtheyhaveit,"saidAbraham."Theydidn'tcomeinlikeIdid,whenthereweretwoa daypracticeseverydayinfullpads.itwascrazy.now,withonepaddedpracticeperday,i'mlovingthis." Abraham,anexplosivepassrusherwhowasfifthintheNFLlastseasonwith13sacks,brokeintotheleaguewiththeBill ParcellsinfluencedNewYorkJetsin2000.HesaysheregardshisrookieyearcampundercoachAlGrohhismostgrueling ever. "Iwastryingtolearneverything,"heremembered."Iwasoneveryspecialteam,andplayedwiththefirststringdefense, secondstringandsometimesthethirdstring.andeverydaytherewasalotofhitting.ithinkwehadjusttwoshort practicesallsummer.itwastough." Wasthereatleastsomevaluewiththetoughercamps? "Ithinkittoughensyouuptoacertainextent,butIalsothinkitwearsyoudown,"saidAbraham,afourtimeProBowl selectionwhomissedeightgamesin2006andninegamesin2003duetoinjuries."attheendoftheyear,itkindofcatches uptoyou. "Ireallywon'tbeabletotellthedifferenceuntilthisyearisoverwith,butasofnow,inthemidstoftrainingcamp,Iknow it'saloteasiertowakeupinthemorning.itdoesn'ttakeasmuchpreparationtogetupandgetreadytopractice." RighttackleTysonClabo,aseventhyearpro,contendsthathislegsarejustastiredastheywereduringcamplastyear.Yet withthecollisionsinthetrenchesreduced,clabosays,"myshoulders,mywristsandmyhandsdon'thurtasbad." Theeffectsofthenewcampregimencouldbebetterilluminatedovertime.Playersbelievethatcareerswillultimatelybe extendedandthattheystandabetterchanceofleavingthegamehealthier.intheshorterterm,however,coachesare tryingtogaugewhethertheirteamswillbeasfootballreadywhentheseasonbegins especiallyafterthe132day lockoutwipedoutthetypicaloffseasonteamworkouts. Headingintothepreseasonopener,forexample,FalconscoachMikeSmithwasinterestedtofindouthowhisdefense wouldhandlelivetacklingforthefirsttimeallsummer.

135 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS "Nodoubt,teamswillstillbeready,"declaredAbraham,whose1021/2careersacksrankssecondamongactiveplayers."If you'reatrainedathlete,likemostofusare,you'llbeprepared.nowtheyoungguysmighttakealittlelongertocatchup, learningtheterminologyandthings,butfortheolderguysit'sthesamething.it'sfootball." Abraham,freshandactive,surehadhisbigplaypresenceintactagainsttheMiamiDolphinsonFridaynight.Hedropped intocoverageandinterceptedchadhenne'sfirstpass,whichledtoafalconstouchdown. ThebigpictureforAbrahaminvolveshelpingtheFalconsavengetheirabruptplayoffexit.Despitea133regularseason recordthatearnedthemthetopseedinthenfcplayoffs,thefalconsweretrouncedintheirpostseasonopenerbythe eventualsuperbowlchampiongreenbaypackers. "Hopefully,wegainedsomeexperiencefromthat,"Abrahamsaid."I'mgoingintomy12thyearanditwasgoodforme,too. Itshowedmethatjustbecauseyoufeelthatyoucangoallthewaydoesn'tmeanthatyouwill.Ithinkwecangrowfrom that."

136 JOhnathan babineaux

137 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS BabineauxtheunsungheroofFalcons'defensiveline FLOWERYBRANCH Forsomeonesoquiet,JonathanBabineauxmakesalotofnoise. ThetacklehasgrownintoadisruptiveforceinthemiddleoftheFalcons defensiveline.endsjohnabrahamandfreeagent signeerayedwardsgrabmuchoftheattention,butbabineauxmightbetheunsungherooftheunit. DefensiveendandgoodfriendChaunceyDavisdescribedBabineauxas veryquiet onandoffthefield. However,his playspeaksvolumes. Hereallyhelpstheendsoutbecauseifyoudon thaveagoodinsidepresence,someonewhocanpushthepocketup insidesothequarterbackcan tjuststepupinsidewhenhewantsto,theendswouldn tgetverymanysacks, Falcons defensivelinecoachrayhamiltonsaid. Hedoesagoodjobofkeepingthequarterbackfrommovingupinthepocket. Babineaux,asecondrounddraftpickfromIowain2005,hassteadilyimprovedinhissixseasons.Hefinishedwith31 tackles,includingfoursacks,lastseason,accordingtostatisticskeptbythecoachingstaff.thatwasfourthamongfalcons defensivelineman.sixofhistackleswereforaloss. Babineauxcreditsastablecoachingstaff,inplaceforafourthseason,forhisprogress. Wehadtwodifferentcoachespriorandtwodifferentschemes, Babineauxsaid. ThisschemethatI minnow,ifeelfree.i feeltheyutilizemytalent,lettingmegetontheedgeofguysandlettingmecreatedisruptioninthebackfield.ihaveagood timeouttheredoingit. Babineauxhas254tackles,18sacks,oneinterception,sevenforcedfumblesandsevenfumblerecoveriesinhiscareer.One ofthosefumblerecoveriescameintheendzonelastseasonagainsttheseahawksforhisonlycareertouchdown. In2009,BabineauxledtheFalconswithsixsacksandhadacareerhigh58tackles.Thepreviousyearherankedfourthin thenflintacklesforalosswith9.5,accordingtostats,inc. ItismyresponsibilitytodomyjobeverytimeIsteponthefield, Babineauxsaid. Theygavemetheopportunity,and everytimeicomeouthereitakeadvantageofit.iworkmybuttoffeveryyeartogetbetter. TheFalconshadtroubleagainstthepasslastseason.Theyranked22ndintheNFLinthecategory.Againsttherush,itwasa differentstory.theyranked10thintheleague,allowing105.9yardspergameontheground.babineaux spresenceinthe middlewasonereasonwhytheunitwassosuccessful. AccordingtoHamilton,Babineauxhasanuncommonabilityasafootballplayer.Hecantakewhathelearnsinpracticeand applyitingames.it snotsomethingeveryplayercando. Heworkshardeveryday,everyplay, Hamiltonsaid. Theninthegameheplaysthesameway.Someguysworkhardin practicebutinthegametheycan ttakeittothenextlevel.hedoesthat.thesmalllittledetailsabouthisposition,hesoaks allthatinandlearnsinanddoesit.someguyswilllearnsomethingbutarescaredtotryitinagame. HamiltonsaidBabineauxalsoisaidedbyhisknowledgeoftheopposingoffensiveschemes. Babineauxdoesn tconsiderhimselftheunsungheroofthedefensiveline justamemberofa family.

138 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Myroleistobedisruptive,getpressureonthequarterback,anchortheinsideandtrytomakealotofplaysinthe backfield, hesaid. Wealwayshavetobeonthesamepagebecausewerelyoneachotherplayinandplayout.Wemay haveastuntwiththeendcominginside,andihavetocomearoundandcontain.weswappositionswhenwedostunts,so weallhavetobeaccountabletoeachother.

139 harry douglas

140 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS NFLbroinspiresDouglas'determination Day145oftheNBAlockoutarrivedthismorning,andtheprospectsofhavingaseasonarelookinggrimmerandgrimmeras anantitrustlawsuitsitsonthetable. ButevenwithlongtermuncertaintycastinganominousshadowovertheNBAplayers,someofthemarepreparingtoday asifanewcbawillberatifiedatanymomentandtheopeningtipwillcomelaterthisweek. OneofthoseguysisKnickscomboguardToneyDouglas,who'sbeenunusuallyfocusedinhiseffortsbymaintainingaclose proximitytotheteam'strainingground. WhilemanyoftheKnicksarecurrentlyeitherbackintheirhometown,temporarilylivinginLosAngelesorexploringnew interestslikecarmeloanthonyandamarestoudemire,douglashashardlyleftnewyork.heiscommittedtostayingon trackwithanearlymorningworkoutroutineatbrewsterhigh(brewster,n.y.),only40minutesfromtheknicks'training facilityintarrytown. During the week, Douglas has been focusing on improving his outside shot, ballhandling, conditioning, strength, explosivenessanddifferentoffensivemovestogettofreethrowlinemorethis(potential)season.notonlythat,douglasis pushing throughtherapy sessionstohealhisright shoulder,whichwassurgicallyrepairedinmayaftertheknickswere sweptinthefirstroundoftheplayoffsbytheceltics. Sowhytherelentlesspursuitwithalmostafullycementedwallinfrontoftheplayers?Threewords,"Don'tletup,"from hisolderbrotheroftwoyears,harry,27,whoisnowawidereceiverfortheatlantafalcons. "Hewasinthesamesituation[duringtheNFLlockout]andhekeptworkingwithhisteammates,"Toneysaid."Hetoldme, 'Youneverknowwhenadealcangetdone.Youjustwanttomakesurethatyou realwaysprepared.'" HarryinstilledthatpersistenceinToneywhentheywerebothteens,especiallythroughhisphysicalplayonthefootball fieldatjonesborohigh(jonesboro,ga.).atfirst,toneywasn'tflatteredbyharry'sroughbehaviorwithhim,buthesoon realizedtheimpactitcouldhaveonhisbasketballdevelopment,fromplayingaggressivelyonoffensetodefendinglikeapit bulltodivingforlooseballs. That mentality helped Toney excel in high school, flourish at Florida State and become the Knicks' goto sixth man last season,evenwhilebattlinganinjurythatrequiredaneventualoperation.unbeknownsttofans,hewasplayingthrougha tornlabruminhisshootingshoulderduringthelatterpartofthesecondhalfof201011,andhestillledtheleaguein3 pointersmadeaftertheallstarbreak(68). "Mybrotheralwaysusedtotrytobullymebecausehewasthebigbrother,buthemademetougherandplayphysical," Toneysaid."Helovedfootballbecausehe saphysicalguy.he dalwaysbeatmeatthehouseplayingoneononeandstuff likethat.he'dfoulmeandwe dgobackandforth,andmydadusedtobelike,'ya llchillout,ya llchillout'(laughs).but [Harry]mademeabetterplayerandabetterperson." HarryalsohelpedToneystayfocusedonthecourt,likehavinghimmakeacertainnumberofoutsideshotsandthensink10 freethrowsinarow.onthegridiron,toney,whoneverpaddedupcompetitivelyinhighschoolbutsayshecanthrow"65, 70yardseasily,"heavedpassestoHarrywhenhepracticedhisdifferentroutes. Notonlyweretheywereinseparablegrowingup,alsoplayingbaseballandrunningtrack,theystarredinthebackcourt togetheratjonesborohighfrom2002to2004.the"dynamicduo,"aspeoplewouldcallthem,ledthecardinalstobackto backstatechampionshipgamesinthetwoyearsbeforeharrygraduated.whileharryaveraged20.5ppg,4.5apgand3.0

141 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS rpgasasenior,toneywasevenbetterasajunior,averaging28.5ppg,7.5rpgand4.0apg.fromtimetotime,they'llwatch videosoftheiroldgamesandreminiscehowexcitingitwasandhowunstoppabletheywere. "Weusedtodriveandkick,shootthreesandeverything,"Toneysaid."Mybrotherwasveryathletic.Hewouldalwaysdunk andwe ddotherunandguntogether.wehadarealspecialmomentinhighschoolplayingtogether." "IknowteamsusedtoplayaTriangle2onmeandmybrother,butthatdidn twork(laughs),especiallywithhimbeingso good,"harrysaid."thereweretimestheywouldtryandputatriangle2onhim,puttwopeopleonhim,andthat swheni scoredlike30pointsorwhatnot.whenateamcameoutandplayedman,thatdefinitelydidn twork(laughs).thenifthey playedzone,hewassuchagoodshooterandhadrange.hewouldshoottheballatnbarange.itwasalotoffun.itwas toughforteamstotrytostayonbothofus." While they were swishin' and dishin', Toney and Harry talked about taking their collective talents to the same college campusinfact,louisvilleheadcoachrickpitinowasrecruitingharryforbasketballbuttheywerebothtooinvolvedin theirrespectivesports.atonepoint,though,itcameclosetohappeningwhentheywereunderclassmen. "My brother s junior year, my senior year of high school, he committed to Auburn," Harry said. "When I committed to Louisvilleforfootball,and[headcoach]JohnL.SmithleftandwenttoMichiganState,IactuallywasgoingtogotoAuburn andplayfootballandbasketball.but[headcoach]bobbypetrinowenttolouisville,sothat swhyijuststayed." Their commitment to their craft paid off. The Knicks made Toney the 29th pick in the 2009 NBA draft, and Harry was selectedinthethirdroundbythefalconsin2008.thedouglasesbecameonlythesixthsetofbrotherstoplayinthenba andthenfl.coincidentally,withtoneycomingoffhisbestseason,averaging10.6pointsandonlymissingoneregular seasongame,harryisnowhavinghisbestcampaign.in10gamessofar,hehas29receptionsfor383yards,andinweek10 hehadacareerhigheightcatchesfor133yards.he'sjustawaitinghisfirsttouchdownoftheyear. "I msoproudofhimandhisworkethic,"toneysaid."that sonereasonwhymyworkethicthewayitis,himbeingabig brothertome,tellingmealotofthings.whenhefirstgotintotheleague,andiwasincollege,hepreparedmewithmy workethic,eventhoughheplayedfootball.hetoldme,'alwaysstayhumble.'hewantstobecomethebestplayerthathe canbe.itakethatfromhim." Typicallyduringthefall,becausethey'rebothinseason,theyonlyseeeachotheracoupleoftimesandnotduringthe holidaysbecauseoneofthemhasagame.buttheymakesuretotalkandtexteveryday.notsurprising,it'susuallyharry whoistheonestillgivingadvice.for11a.m.knickspracticesduringthedaysharryhasagame,toneymakesitapriorityto gettotheteam'strainingcenterat8:30toshootaroundandnotafter,sohewon'tmissthefalcons'openingkickoff. Butnow,sinceToneyisinlockoutmode,he'sbeenabletohangoutwithHarrydowninAtlantamoreoften.Infact,Toney hasattendedacoupleofhisgamesalongwiththeirfather,harrysr.,mother,stephanie,andoldersister,jamila,29. BecauseoftheNFLschedule,HarryhasmoreampletimetowatchToneyinperson,andhebecomesaregularatMSGcome January unless, of course, the Falcons are fighting for a Super Bowl appearance. This past NBA season, Toney really impressedharrybystickingtotheolderbro'sblueprint. "Ithink,thefirstthing,heisafocusedperson.Andmebeingsoclosetohim,Iknowheworkshard,"Harrysaid."Whenyou lookathimplay,he snotjustanoffensiveplayer;he sadefensiveplayer.hecanscore,hecanplaydefense,hecanget assists,hecanrebound;everythingyouneedonthebasketballcourt,hecandoit.it sveryrareyoufindaplayerwhocan scorejustaswellasheplaysdefense."

142 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS ToneyknowsfansareachingtoseetheupgradedKnicksreturntothenewlyrenovatedGarden,buthealsoknowshemay never have this extended time again in his career to be with his brother. Even though they have polaropposite personalities(toneyisquiet,whileharryisoutgoing),theysaytheirdifferencesbalanceoutwellwhenthey'retogether, andsometimestheystillgetmistakenfortwins.mostimportantly,theycallthemselves"bestfriends,"andeventhough Harrywastheinstiller,theybothwerebigbelieversineachother. "Alotofpeopleactuallydidn tbelieveinmeandmybrother,butwealwaysbelievedineachother,"harrysaid."wealways workedhardandweknewthatonedaythehardworkhadtopayoffsomewhere.itwasfortunatethatwebothwereable tomakeittotheprofessionallevelandplayoursport,andwejustthankgodeverydayforit."

143 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS DouglascouldbecomeFalcons bigplayweapon InalineupthatincludesafutureHallofFametightend,awidereceiverwholedtheNFLincatchesin2010,andanotherfor whomtheatlantafalconssurrenderedaveritableking'sransomtodraftinthefirstroundofthisyear'sdraft,fourthyear veteranharrydouglas(notes)mightbeeasytooverlook. Buttheformerthirdrounddraftchoice,seeminglyfullyrecoveredfromthekneesurgerythatwipedouthis'09season completelyandlefthimwithamarkeddropinquicknessin2010,couldwellbethekeytothefalcons'muchpublicized pursuitofamoreexplosivepassinggamein2011. "He'sbackandthatreallygivesusanelementweneverreallyhad(in2010),"acknowledgedFalcons'quarterbackMatt Ryan(notes)afterlastSaturday'spreseasonlossatPittsburgh."PeoplearegoingtoconcentrateonstoppingRoddy(White), orjulio(jones),ortony(gonzalez) andharryiskindofthexfactor.we'recountingonhimagaintomakealotofplays." Throughthreepreseasongames,Douglashasdonethatandthensome.HeistiedwithJones,thepotentialdifference makerforwhomthefalconsmoveduptodraftatthetopofthefirstround,withateamhigheightreceptions.more important,douglashasaveraged20.6yardspercatch,hasscoredtwice,andhasprovidedatlantawithaviableslotreceiver andanaddedthirddownoption. Thereareseveralexcellentslotreceiversintheleague DannyAmendola(notes)(St.Louis),WesWelker(notes)(New England),AustinCollie(notes)(Indianapolis)andJasonAvant(notes)(Philadelphia),ledtheNFLinreceptionsbyaslot receiverin'10 butnotmany,ifany,possessdouglas'speed. Thepositiondemandsmorequicknessthanspeed,theabilitytorunthroughtrafficinthemiddleofthefield,andtobeat thesinglecoverageoftenaffordedslotplayers.douglaspossessesalltheprerequisiteattributes.andhisspeedpermitsthe formerlouisvillestandoutandtwotimeallbigeastperformertobemorethanjustaguywhomovesthechains. Ofthetopfivepasscatchingslotreceiversin2010,noneaveragedmorethan12yardsperreception.Amendolaand Welkereachaveragedlessthan10yards.AvantandAmendolascoredonlyfourtouchdownsbetweenthem. Douglashasa76yardtouchdownreceptioninthepreseasonandhasauthoredthreeoftheFalcons'eightpassplaysof morethan19yards. Thekey,DouglassaidafterthepreseasonlosstotheSteelers,isthereturnofthespeedheflashedinhis2008rookie campaign,hisconfidenceinhisknee,andthefacthecansimplyreactagainafterhavingspentacampaignthinkingtoo much. "Whenyouplayconfident,youplayfast,andthekneefeelingsogoodhasallowedmetodothat,"Douglassaid."It'sso muchbetterthanayearago.icanplaynowandnotthinkaboutit." Douglas,26,registered23catchesfor320yardsasarookiein2008,andseemedonhiswaytobecomingarealforceforthe Falconsin'09,whenhesufferedaseasonendinganteriorcruciateinjurytohisleftkneeonthefifthdayofcampthatyear. Adiligentrehabilitationprogramputhimbackonthefieldfor2010,buthewasn'tthesameplayer,despitecatching22 ballsfor294yards,eventhoughheplayedinall16games,withfourstarts. Becauseofinjuries,Douglasfrequentlyhadtoplayoneoftheoutsidereceiverspotsin'10.Heismuchmoreeffective workingfromtheslot.

144 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Twoyearsremovedfromthesurgerynow,Douglasisplayingfastagain.ThereturntohealthoftheJonesboro,Ga.,nativeis oneoftheprimaryreasonsthefalconsaresoconfidenttheycanbemoreimpactfulinthepassinggamein2011.asnoted bythesportsxchangeinseveralpreviouscolumns,atlantahadthesecondfewestcompletionsfor20yardsormore(32)in thenflin2010.coachmikesmithandhisstaff,andevenplayers,havemade"explosive"theoperativewordforthe offseasonandtrainingcamp. GettingJonesinthefirstround,afterthetradewithCleveland,certainlywilladdtotheteam'sbigplaycapabilities.But havingdouglasat100percent,everyoneseemstoagree,willhaveasignificantimpactaswell. ThethreeyearveteranwaswellschooledinasophisticatedpassgamewhileplayingatLouisvilleand,whilenotparticularly big(6feet0,183pounds),cantakeapoundingrunningbetweentheseams.plushisspeedandabilitytogetupfieldmakeit difficulttocheckhimwithjustoneplayer. Ironically,itwasduringthelockout,whenDouglascouldn'tworkwiththeteam'smedicalstaffandtrainers,thatthe surgicallyrepairedkneebegantofeelwhole.intheclub'sunofficialdrills,whichryanprimarilyorganized,douglas acknowledgedhequitconsciouslythinkingaboutthekneeinjury,putthesurgeryintherearviewmirror,andleft defendersinhiswakeaswell. "Thingsjuststartedcomingnaturallyagain,"Douglassaid."It'smyfourthyearinthisoffense,andthelearningcurvepartis over.timeagaintostartmakingplays." And,inapassinggamewithalotofbiggernames,tomakehisownmark.

145 Ray edwards

146 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS RuggedRayEdwardsreadytorumble FLOWERYBRANCH Inneedofapassrushingdefensiveend,thesigningofRayEdwardsonJuly29washailedasanother shrewdmovebyfalconsgeneralmanagerthomasdimitroff. EdwardswasconsideredtheNo.2freeagentatthepositionbyESPNdraftanalystMelKiperJr.andsignedafiveyear,$30 millioncontract. Edwardshad20.5sacksoverthepasttwoseasons(includingplayoffgames).Hehadkneesurgeryovertheoffseason,but playedinthefinaltwoexhibitiongamesandshowedflashesofhisskills. InaQ&AwithTheAtlantaJournalConstitution,Edwardsdiscussedhisplansfortheseasonandhowheplanstoutilizehis speedandpowertoterrorizequarterbacksonthefalcons schedule. Q:Canyousumhowit sbeensincesigningwiththefalcons? A:It sbeengreat.we vehadsomegreattimes.i mjustlearningthewholedefense.it sfunbeingaroundsomegreatguys. Q:Whataretheexpectationsforyouthisseason? A:Idefinitelyhavetoapplypressureandmakeplays.Ihavetodogreatthings;me,John[Abraham],[Jonathan]Babineaux andthewholefrontline.wejusthavetogotowork. Q:Howwouldyoudescribeyourstyleofplay? A:Rugged!IjusttrytopatternmygameafterReggieWhiteandMichaelStrahan.ThosearetwoguysthatIlookuptointhe gamebecausewehaveasimilarbuildandeverything.ijusttryingtobringthatintensitytothegame. Q:DoyoutraceyourinterestinboxingtogrowingupinCincinnati,whichhasarichboxingtradition? A:HawkTime!AaronPryor,baby.JustbeingfromtheMidwestingeneral,KronksGymandTommyHearns[outofDetroit] andallofthoseguys.that sjustthewayitis.igrewuparounditandalwayshadaloveforit. Q:Whendidyoustartfocusingonfootball? A:Iplayedeverythinggrowingup.Then,whencollegestartedcomingaround,Ipickedfootball. Q:HowdidyouendupatPurdue? A:IhadagreatvisitwithShaunPhillips[oftheSanDiegoChargers],andhekindofjustbecamemymentor.Wegrew togetherandhadagreatbondtoourrelationship.that swhatiwaslookingforwheniwantedtogetawayfromhome. That showtheygotme.that sdeu!weareallintheleague.wehavealotofdefensiveendsintheleague.itwasano brainer. Q:HowisyourstyleandJohnAbraham sstyleblendingtogether? A:Wearejusttryingtoworkoffofeachother.Wearebothprettyfastofftheedge.I malittlebitstrongerthanhim.i knowthatmyrushisalittlebitdifferentthanhis,butwejusttrytoplayoffofeachother.ifiseehimhigh,i lltrytogolow.

147 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS IfIseehimhigh,I lltrytogolow.thatwaywecanondifferentlevelssowhereverthequarterbackgoes,wecanhopefully capitalizeonit. Q:Howisthedefensecomingtogethergoingintotheseasonopener? A:Itlooksgood.Weareallreallyworkingoffofeachother.[Babineaux]isdoingwellgettingapushupthemiddle.Sois Peria[Jerry]andtheotherguys.Wearecomingtogether.Ithinkweareallgettingonthesamepage.

148 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Edwards:PreparedforseasonwithFalcons FLOWERYBRANCH,Ga. Formostofthelast18days,FalconsfanscouldonlywonderwhatdefensiveendRayEdwards theteam'sbiggestoffseasonfreeagentsigning hasbeenabletodo. Comingoffoffseasonkneesurgery,whichtheteamhasdeemedminor,fansmostlyhadtomarvelatEdwards'impressive6 foot5,268poundphysiqueasonewouldadmireastatue.slowly,thefalconshavebeguntointegrateedwards,whohad eightsackslastyearwithminnesota,intopracticeasherehabbed. Ironically,nowthatpracticesareclosedwiththeteamhavingbrokencamponSunday,thebigdefensiveendistakingmore snaps.dependingonhowthingsgo,edwardscouldseehisfirstpreseasonactiononsaturdayatpittsburgh.traditionally, thethirdpreseasongameistheoneinwhichthestartersplaythemostplaysandalsotheonlyoneforwhichcoaches actuallygameplan. "Yeah,again,we'vebeenrampingupRay'sworkeachandeveryday,"FalconsheadcoachMikeSmithafterpracticeon Mondayafternoon."Ithoughttodayhegotprobablyhalfthesnaps,whichismorethanhe'shad,so,again,wecontinueto exposehimtomorereps." Forhispart,EdwardssaidthatheisreadytogoonSaturday. "Gottoaskaboutcoachaboutthat,"Edwardssaidofwhetherhewouldplay."It'suptohim.AndifIdo,I'mreadytogo." Edwardsadded,"I'vebeenready." Sowhilehisteammateshavehad,insomecases,almostfourweeksofswelteringintheheattogetreadyfortheseason, Edwardshasnot.Hesaidhisconditioningwouldnotbeanissue. "Iconditionwell,"hesaid."Idon'treallyworryaboutconditioningbecause,Imean,Itrainalloffseasonforthelonghaul andthefootballseason,soi'mnotworriedaboutmyconditioning." Whileoffseasonconditioningcanhelptocompensatefortrainingcampconditioning,onethingthatcannotbeduplicatedis repstolearntheteam'sscheme.thatiswhereedwardsmighthavesomecatchinguptodo,butsmithsaidtheplayerison track. Smithsaidthatdefensiveendisnodifferentfromanyotherpositionintermsoflearningtheschemeandthatdefensive linecoachrayhamiltonhashelpedoutedwardsinthatdepartment. "Ithinkallofthepositionsbasicallyhavethesamelearningcurvebecauseit'sawholenewverbiagethathehastolearn," Smithsaid."There'sonlysomanytechniquesthatyoucandowhetheryou'reawidereceiverorarunningback,linebacker oradefensiveend.thebigthingisjustlearningtheverbiagebecauseithappenssoquicklyoutthereonthefield.buti don'tfeellikeit'sanydifferentthananyotherpositiononthefield. "RayhasdonearealgoodjobwhenhefirstgothereofworkingwithRayHamiltonandwehopethatwegettoseehim hereoverthenextcoupleofweeks. Whilehesaidthathewouldhavetoadjusttotheteam'sphilosophyofrotatingplayersinonthedefensiveline ashewas accustomedtoplayingthewholegame Edwardssaidtheteam'sschemeis"prettystraightforward."

149 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS "JustacoupleofdifferentthingsandIthinkIgotthatdownnowandI'mreadytogooutthereandplayball,"hesaid."I pickeduptheschemeprettywell." Intermsofhisoffseasonconditioning,Edwardssaidpartofwhathelpshimisboxing.Hetookpartinaprofessionalbout duringthelockoutinmay,winningaunanimousdecisioninfourrounds. "Absolutely,boxinghelpsyouwithalotofthings,"hesaid."Ithelpsyouwithyourfootwork,ithelpsyouwithyourhands, seeingguystryingtopunchyou,soithelpsyououtalot." EdwardswasaskedonMondayhowheinjuredhisrightknee.Heresponded,"nextquestion." Askedifitwererelatedtohisboxing,hesaid,"No,justsomethingthathadtogetdone." Asitisnowtimeforhisfootballcareer.

150 tony gonzalez

151 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS RedefiningaPosition,With15YearsofCatches FLOWERYBRANCH,Ga. The N.F.L.tightendoncebelonged tothe brotherhoodofbiguglies unheraldedoffensive linemenwhosemaindutieswereconfinedtoblocking,notflinchingbeforethesnapandnotbeingcaughtholding.what distinguishedhimfrompeerswasthesporadicpassaimedhisway. TheparagonofthecontemporarytightendisevidentattheAtlantaFalcons complex.tonygonzalezreelsinballsthrown before,duringandafterpracticebytheassistantcoachandrewweidinger.thepassesarriveatallangles high,low,wide asmanyasahundreddaily. He sgotahorriblearm, Gonzalezsaidaffectionately. Youneverknowwhereit scoming. ThatfitsGonzalez sdesiretosimulategameconditions,inwhichnoteverypassisabull seye.thedrillhashelpedhim accrue1,119catchesinhiscareer,trailingonlyjerryrice,awidereceiver,whohad1,549. Thatatightendinhis15thseasonrankssecondamazesthoseacquaintedwiththerootsoftheposition. Inever,everimaginedonewouldhavethatmanyreceptions, sayskenherock,aprofessionaltightendforsixseasonsin the1960swhohassinceworkedasann.f.l.scout,coach,personneldirector,generalmanagerandpredrafttutor. Theposition stransformationwasaccelerated,ifnotpartlyignited,byprofootball sreinventionasapassingsport.tight endsarestationedintheslotandatthewing.theyaresentinmotion,thesesupersizereceivers,andracedownfieldon postpatternsoncereservedforlithewideouts. In the prehistoric dinosaur days, they always lined up at the line of scrimmage, next to a tackle, Herock said while laughinglyrecallingthatapasswasthrownhiswayaboutonceagamejusttomakehimfeelinvolved. During the 90s and early 2000s, Shannon Sharpe was the exception. His 815 career receptions paced tight ends until Gonzalezwhizzedpast. WhenIgotintotheleague,ifatightendcaught20passes,hehadagoodseason, saidsharpe,ahalloffamerandcast memberof TheNFLToday oncbswhoisfriendlyenoughwithgonzaleztoexchangebarbsabouttheirblocking. Nowtheyaresoathletic, addedsharpe,whomgonzalezconsidersthequintessentialpasscatchingtightend. Andthey canrun.thisisthegreatestgroupoftightendsinthehistoryofthegame. ItsringleaderisGonzalez,whodefiesthebiguglystereotypeofaninteriorlinemaneventhoughhecouldbenchpressmost wideouts.ifalaboratorydesignedtheidealhuman,hemightlooklikegonzalez.bodyfatisalmostimperceptibleonhis 250pound frame, and with his handsome features, he could be a standin for the actor Dwayne Johnson, the former footballplayerandprofessionalwrestlerknownastherock. Gonzalez,35,breakstypeforallN.F.Lplayers,notjusttightends. Onceavegan,hehasmovedtowardthedietarymainstream,butbeef grassfed,ofcourse passeshislipsnomore thanmonthly.hedispensesnutritionadvicetoteammates,opponents,falconsemployees andanassistantcoachwho hasshed35pounds. Gonzalezenjoyshissportbutisnotcaptivetoit.Hesurfsandplaysintensegamesofbasketball,asporthemasteredin collegeatcalifornia.whenheandhisoriginalteam,thekansascitychiefs,wereatloggerheadsoveranewcontractin

152 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS 2001,GonzalezplayedontheMiamiHeatsummerleagueteamandleftconvincedthattheN.B.A.hadmissedoutonthe nextcharlesbarkley. HesupportedanantifurcampaignbyPeoplefortheEthicalTreatmentofAnimals,posingessentiallynudewithOctober Gonzalez,whomheconsidershiswife.(Theyhadacommitmentceremonyin2007.) Gonzalezdoesnotchaseeveryavailabledollar.Earlyinhiscareer,hesaid,hepassedon$200,000bonusestostayathis Californiahomewithhisinfantson,eschewingoffseasonteamworkoutsinKansasCity,Mo. Sometimes, hesaid,utteringwordsthatwouldbeappropriateonhistombstone, you vegottodowhatfeelsright. AnintellectualcuriosityguidesGonzalez,providingstressreliefthatmightexplainhisfootballlongevity. His wellrounded approach to life is something that has truly kept him energized, Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroffsaid. Gonzalezglobetrotsbetweenseasons,mostrecentlytoBelgiumandGermany.Hereadsbooks,twoatatime nowa socialhistoryofthemartinlutherkingyearsandanexplorationofhumanbehavior. PourthemultipleethnicitiesonGonzalez sfamilytreeintoablenderandmix.thisiswhatyouget. Iwalkintoaroomandpeoplewonder, Whatisthatguy? saidgonzalez,whowasrearedprimarilyinblackcultureina whiteneighborhoodinhuntingtonbeach,calif.,andstudiedspanishinmexicoduringanoffseason. Atourfamilyreunions,abouteverynationisrepresented, hesaid. Ittakesmorethanzestandamixedancestrytoendureadecadeandahalfinaleagueknownforshortcareers.Hehaslong ingestedvitaminsupplements,immersinghimselfsodeeplyinthesubjectthathelenthisexpertisetothecompanyallpro Science,ofwhichTonyGonzalezisafounder. Fortipsonwaystoreplacefatwithmuscle,hecanleafthroughthebook TheAllProDiet, ofwhichtonygonzalezisa writer. ThenumberthatastonishesGonzalezisnothisreceptions orhis95touchdowns. Icouldn thavefathomedsomebodycomingintotheleagueandlasting15years, hesaid. His most staggering statistic went unmentioned: two. That is how many games he has missed with injuries, none since 2006.Heisabeneficiaryofthegoodtimes,havingengagedlesswithphysicaldefensivelinemen whousedtobebrutalon tightends, saiddanreeves,aproplayerandcoachfor39seasons. Gonzalezdevisedanoffseasonfitnessplanthatincludes20minutesdailyonhisbackyardbasketballcourt.Heplaysone onnone,cuttinghardtothehoop,workingupaserioussweat.ifnotforresponsibilitiestohissupplementsfirm,hesaidhe wouldplaypickupgamesmorethanonceaweek. I mutterlyconvincedbasketballhasmademetheplayeriamandcontinuetobe, saidgonzalez,athreeyearletterman atcaliforniadespitestartingeachseasonlatebecauseoffootball.hescored23pointsinhislastcollegevictory,against VillanovaintheN.C.A.A.tournament.

153 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS TheChiefstradedupfivespotsinthefirstroundtoselecthimatNo.13in1997.Thencame basketballongrass, Sharpe said,withgonzalez(andothers)applyingpostupandboxoutmovestofootball. TheHallofFamerOzzieNewsome,nowtheBaltimoreRavens generalmanager,maintainedthatmanyfellowtightendsof hisera(197890)werejustasadeptatreceiving.thedifference,hesaid,is today sarebiggerandfastercomingoutof college. Reevesaddedthatthepopularizationofthecover2defenseopenedroutesfortightends. Youcouldn tdoublethemupinit, saidreeves,whoretiredasthefalcons coachafterthe2003season. Theyareso dadgumathletic. Nowadays,tightendsareaprimarytargetonasmanyas40percentofpassplays,Newsomesaid.Gonzalezusedthesame figureforthefrequencyofhisbeingthechieforsecondaryoption. Rarely,ifever,inNewsome sgenerationwouldatightendcopewithdoubleteams.now,gonzalezsaid,heseesitmore thanever. It snotfair, hesaid. Singlecoveragewouldseemunfairtoadefenderupagainsta6foot5strongmanwithflypaperhandslikeGonzalez,whose loftyplaceonthereceptionshonorrollshouldholdupforyears.thenearestactiveplayer,hinesward,also35,trailsby 138. Gonzalezreachesmilestonesalmosteverygame.LastSunday,hetopped13,000receivingyards,inwhichheranks13thon thecareerlist. But he never won a playoff game with the Chiefs, who traded him in 2009 to Atlanta. Now his contract is weeks from expiring,heremainsstuckonzeropostseasonvictories,andheisuncertainaboutnextseason. It may depend on Matt, Gonzalez said, turning to the fourthyear quarterback Matt Ryan, the franchise cornerstone. Hey,Matt,youcomingbacknextyear? Ryan saffirmativeanswerelicitedaclue:gonzalezsmiled.

154 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Inside slant: Falcons' Tony Gonzalez has one goal remaining DETROIT Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is by all appearances a naturally humble team leader. So it was somewhat surprising to hear Gonzalez issue a guarantee after reaching a career milestone in Sunday's win against the Detroit Lions. "There's one thing I can guarantee you: Jerry Rice will not be caught," Gonzalez grinned. "I'm happy with second place." It might be the last time Gonzalez settles for second best considering how driven he is to win an elusive Lombardi Trophy in what will likely be his final season with the resurgent Falcons (4-3). Gonzalez had just supplanted Cris Carter (1,101 receptions) and Marvin Harrison (1,102), two of the game's most accomplished receivers. At 6-5, 247 pounds with deceptive speed and Velcro hands, the tight end has made a career of risking his body down the middle of the field to make life easier for his quarterbacks. He's provided a role model for former college basketball players turned tight ends including San Diego's Antonio Gates and New Orleans Saints pass catcher Jimmy Graham. "I guess I'm getting old any time you get up to these type of records," said Gonzalez, 35. One thousand, one hundred and four catches. That total once seemed unfathomable for the former University of California hoopster who helped point guard Jason Kidd take the Golden Bears to the 1997 Sweet 16 before he turned to football 15 seasons ago. Gonzalez has defied age, catching at least 70 passes in 11 of the past 12 seasons. "Gonzo" is on pace for 80 catches and 10 touchdowns this season. "He's amazing," Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson said. "To be second all-time to Jerry Rice? That's incredible. "I'm honored to be playing on the same field with a player of Tony Gonzalez's caliber." Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs 13th overall in 1997, Gonzalez has never stopped running all out down the seam or working after practice. Gonzalez has already transitioned to his athletic after-life as co-founder of All-Pro Science, a health supplement company he has been running and promoting the past few offseasons. Based on his remarkable longevity, Gonzalez has become a go-to nutritional guru for healthy diet and conditioning to younger teammates. "Tony Gonzalez is an All-Pro's pro," receiver Roddy White said. "He's a Hall of Famer already. "It's not just catching balls. He does everything right. He's very consistent. He stays after practice, catching balls and comes in early and does the weight room thing. He doesn't slack in any area of his game. "He shows everybody what it takes to be in this league that long." It's unfinished business that drove Gonzalez to return for another title shot after a bitter divisional playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers last January.

155 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS "I ask him every day, 'How does it feel to have 1,000 receptions?." White said. "Hopefully, I can get to that point one day. I don't know I will. That's a long way away." Gonzalez doesn't look his 35 years, dressed in a sharp brown striped suit, reflecting on a proud moment in a career that began with 12 seasons as a Chief and the last three mentoring the young, Matt Ryan-led Falcons. "This is something I share with everybody I've ever played with; all the great coordinators and quarterbacks guys like Trent Green, Rich Gannon, Elvis Grbac and finishing with a quarterback like Matt Ryan," Gonzalez said. "Guys like Marcus Allen, guys like Warren Moon, Tony Richardson, Will Shields, they taught me to keep grinding every day." Ryan appreciates a trusted, security blanket who helped him be ahead of the learning curve from the day the Falcons selected him third overall in the 2008 draft. "I'm happy for him," Ryan said. "Personally, it couldn't happen to a better person. "He has worked hard for everything that's come his way. He has one of the best work ethics I've ever seen, never taking a shortcut. Gonzalez leads the Falcons with four touchdown catches and is second to White with 35 catches for 380 yards. The receiver, 29, and his mentor are averaging 10.9 yards per catch despite the six years disparity between them. After all those catches and more to come this season, there's only one thing still left to grab: "He deserves a Super Bowl ring," Robinson said of the tight end who has yet to win a playoff game.

156 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Atlanta Falcons Tony Gonzalez nears No. 2 all-time receiving spot FLOWERY BRANCH Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is closing in on another major receiving milestone. He needs four receptions when the Falcons face the Detroit Lions at 1 p.m. Sunday at Ford Field to move into second place all-time on the NFL s receptions list. Gonzalez currently ranks fourth with 1,099 catches. He could pass Cris Carter (1,101) and Marvin Harrison (1,102). Yeah, it s a big deal, Gonzalez told the Associated Press on Thursday. Obviously, during the game, whenever that time comes, I ll know when I catch that fourth one. I hold my own clock inside, but it s one of those things, in the heat of the battle, you can t worry about that. I ll probably relish on it after the game. At age 35, he likely doesn t have enough time remaining in the league to catch Jerry Rice (1,549). Without a doubt, with no disrespect to any of the other tight ends, including Ozzie Newsome, who I know very well, I think he s probably the best tight end to ever play the game, Falcons coach Mike Smith said Wednesday. His work ethic is just unbelievable. It will be quite an individual honor for Tony to become the second-leading guy. Gonzalez, an 11-time Pro Bowler, originally was drafted in the first round (13th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in He was traded to the Falcons for a second-round pick on April 23, Gonzalez quickly integrated into the offense and caught 83 passes in 2009 and 70 last season. He has 30 catches and a team-leading four touchdowns this season. He has caught at least 70 passes in 11 of the past 12 seasons. He s been incredible for my career, quarterback Matt Ryan said. He s done a lot for me both on the field and off the field. I m certainly glad that we got him a couple of years ago. Also, Gonzalez needs 5 yards receiving to move past Irving Fryar for 13th place on the career yards-receiving list with 12,786 yards. I quit the first year I played, but my brother made me get back out there, Gonzalez said. So for me to say I thought this could ever happen is something I never imagined. It makes it that much sweeter to know that my family and my teammates have been there to help me along the way. Because he s going up against an old friend in Detroit defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham, Gonzalez doesn t expect the four catches to come without a major tactical battle. Gonzalez and Cunningham, known for his blitz packages, spent seven seasons together with the Chiefs. He s over there calling the defenses, and I have a pretty good history with him and great respect for him, Gonzalez said. Cunningham is not calling blitzes as much as he did when he was Kansas City s coordinator from and I haven t seen that on film, Gonzalez said. I haven t seen too much of it all. But he still has his style, where it s going to be man-to-man, up in your face and letting that front seven or front four get after that quarterback. He likes that. That s probably why he s not blitzing because he doesn t have to.

157 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Going into each game, Gonzalez expects to receive some extra attention from a safety and a linebacker. The teams that have left him in single coverage this season have paid dearly. He had seven catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns playing against Philadelphia, which deploys the same wide-tackle defense that Cunningham runs with Detroit. Going into the Carolina game, I thought there was some big opportunities because of what [New Orleans Jimmy] Graham was able to do to them the week before, but they kind of closed that up when I got there. Gonzalez had a few tips on how the Lions might try to play him. The luxury that I have right now is that they did play against [San Francisco s] Vernon Davis last week and [Tampa Bay s] Kellen Winslow early, Gonzalez said. They want to get physical. I don t expect him to treat me any differently than how he treated those two. Davis, a Pro Bowler in 2009, was held to two catches for 8 yards last week. Winslow caught six passes for 66 yards against Detroit on Sept. 11. Gonzalez doesn t expect Ryan to force passes into him. Their defense presents a problem, Gonzalez said. They get after the quarterback really well. Their front four is exceptional. You want to make sure that you keep Matt clean. Keep him healthy and upright so that he can get the ball out of his hands. Ryan appears certain that he and Gonzalez will hook up four times in the near future. If they don t get them all against Detroit, they ll have a good shot against Indianapolis after the bye week. First of all, it s an unbelievable accomplishment, Ryan said. It s a testament to how good of a player that he is, how good he s worked for a long time and how talented that he is. It s just fun to be a part of those things as a player.

158 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Great Gonzo shows no signs of slowing for Falcons ATLANTA (AP) Practice is winding down. Tony Gonzalez(notes) is still working. While the scout team offense takes a few snaps, Gonzalez puts his helmet back on and heads to a patch of field that isn t being used. There, he does some quick stutter steps, breaks this way and that, then hauls in passes thrown by one of the coaching assistants. He doesn t want the passes thrown right at him, either. Around the world, he calls it above his head, at his knees, way over here or there. By the end of the day every day the goal is to catch 100 passes. It s just like a jump shot in basketball, Gonzalez said. The more you do it, the better you are at it. No one has done it better, not at the tight end position. And amazingly, at age 35 and in his 15th season, the Great Gonzo shows no signs of slowing down. He s not old, man, Atlanta Falcons teammate Michael Turner(notes) jokingly told a group of reporters. He s fooling y all. He s faking that age. He wants to look more amazing to y all by saying he s old. All kidding aside, it does seem like Gonzalez has turned back the clock, defying his birth certificate and all those who thought he d surely lost a step, if not two. I could be biased, Gonzalez said, but honestly, I feel better athletically. He ll get no argument from the Philadelphia Eagles. Last weekend, Gonzalez hauled in seven passes for 83 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a thrilling victory, including an early contender for catch of the year. On third down at the 4, Matt Ryan(notes) threw one high over the middle, seemingly targeting a fan sitting behind the end zone rather than someone in a red jersey. Not so fast. Gonzalez leaped and thrust an arm toward the roof of the Georgia Dome. The ball stuck in his huge right hand as if drawn by a magnet, his eyes intently watching as he pulled it toward his body. At the same time, he stuck his left foot into the turf, then tapped down his right toes for a split-second before tumbling out of bounds under the goal posts. At real-life speed, it seemed improbable that Gonzalez had actually pulled all that off within the space of no more than a single second for a touchdown. He wasn t sure he got both feet down. The guy in the replay booth wasn t buying it at all, ordering the referee to take another look at the video. When slowed down, it became clear the ageless tight end had pulled off another catch for the ages. Before the night was done, he d gone past Terrell Owens(notes) for fifth place on the career list with 1,081 catches. In the next month or so, he should pass Tim Brown(notes) (1,094), Cris Carter (1,101) and Marvin Harrison(notes) (1,102), as well. That will leave him trailing only Jerry Rice (1,549). All those guys are wideouts, of course. Gonzalez is already the unparalleled standard for tight ends, a player who helped redefine a position long occupied by hulking, lumbering players, more blockers than receivers.

159 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS You can pretty much throw it wherever you want, he seems to come down with it, Ryan marveled. He made an unbelievable catch the other night, but that s what we ve come to expect from him. When I work with him in practice and talk to him in meetings, he tells me all the time, If I get this guy in this position, just put it up there and I ll come down with it. In 2010, there were signs Gonzalez might have finally run into an opponent he couldn t beat. On a team that won 13 games and captured the NFC South championship, he had 70 catches for 656 yards a brilliant year for most tight ends, but not by his standards. It was his fewest catches and yards since 1998, his second of a dozen seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. He had only one year left on his contract, so it was natural to assume this would be the farewell tour of a brilliant career. Hold off on that rocking chair. Gonzalez has made no decision about whether to return for a 16th season. At this stage, he s just playing it week to week, relishing every moment. His long-term future? That s something he ll address at the end of the year. The Falcons will face divisional rival Tampa Bay on Sunday, and the Buccaneers know they ll have to keep an eye on the old man. In fact, Gonzalez is counting on drawing enough coverage toward the middle of the field to open up things for receivers Roddy White(notes) and Julio Jones(notes), who ve been largely shut down the first two games. Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris compares Gonzalez to a movie that never gets old, no matter how many times you watch it. Stars Wars, that s who he is, Morris said. The same routes, the same thing he s going to do. He s going to run his route, use a legal push-off and he s going to catch the ball. He s mastered the art. He developed it, we use it. He s the best at what he does. No doubt about that.

160 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Falcons' speed opens the field for Gonzalez, Turner FLOWERY BRANCH After two games, a mini-trend has been established. The Bears and the Eagles elected to respect the speed of wide receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones by keeping their safeties deep. That opened the middle of the field for running back Michael Turner and tight end Tony Gonzalez to do damage. Turner had 10 carries for 100 yards against the Bears, and he caught three passes for 40 yards, including a 20-yarder. We just couldn t stick to the run because we got in a situation where we had to get out of it, Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey said. I think Julio has helped to create production for some other guys, which we kind of anticipated. Rarely does a rookie receive such respect at the start of the season. I think they ve seen some speed from him, Mularkey said. Gonzalez had five catches for 72 yards against the Bears. Against the Eagles, he had plenty of room to work and caught seven passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns, including a dazzling one-handed 4-yard grab. Turner, not known for his hands, had a career-best 32-yard reception and broke a 61-yard run up the middle on the gamewinning drive. You want to be a good balanced team so that the defense doesn t know who s getting the ball, Gonzalez said. We ve got a Pro Bowl backfield in Turner and [fullback] Ovie Mughelli, so they have to respect run. Turner is enjoying the fact that teams are not lowering a safety into the box to stop him. He also had a 53-yard run against the Bears. It opens the middle of the field, and it depends on what formation that we re in, too, Turner said. It leaves it open for Tony, and the run game is more open. We just have to be in the right play call. Turner s previous long reception was a 30-yarder back in 2006 as a member of the San Diego Chargers. He caught a careerhigh 12 passes last season. As long as [quarterback] Matt [Ryan] keeps checking it down to me, I hope to keep making big plays out of it, Turner said. They are going to start to guard me a little bit more, and that ll open up stuff for Roddy, Tony and Julio. That makes us more dangerous. Gonzalez is expecting to see a crowd when the Falcons play Tampa Bay on Sunday. If they take me out of the game, that s fine, Gonzalez said. Julio is going to have some plays, and Roddy is one of the best receivers in the league. It s just a matter of time before he explodes like he always does. White, who led the NFL with 115 catches last season, had a quiet three catches for 23 yards against the Eagles. Jones had just two catches for 29 yards.

161 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS That s not my forte or something I desire, White said about his paltry stats. I can t complain because we re winning. As long as we keep winning, I ll be fine. Ryan, despite running for his life at times, enjoyed attacking the Eagles defense and getting the ball to Gonzalez, who was targeted nine times. You can pretty much throw it wherever you want, Ryan said. He seems to come down with it. He made an unbelievable catch the other night, but that s what we ve come to expect from him. Ryan said he has seen Gonzalez make that one-hand catch 50 to 70 times in practice. When you work with him in practice and talk to him in these meetings, he tells me all the time, if I get this guy in this position, just put it up there and I ll come down with it, Ryan said. More often than not, he does that. Jones was sent deep on one play against the Eagles and appeared to have a step on his double coverage, but Ryan overthrew him. They believe it s just a matter of time before they connect on some deep passes. I think Julio s done a great job for us, and he s going to continue to improve, Ryan said. They all seem to get a kick of Gonzalez, who s 35 and in his 15th year in the league. He s not old, Turner said. He s fooling y all. He s faking that age. He just wants to look more amazing to y all by saying he s old. He didn t lose his skills. He s still very effective out there. He did go to the Pro Bowl. I think he can play three more years, at least.

162 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Freaked out Gonzalez steps up game For Tony Gonzalez(notes), the reality check came with a stunning suddenness and reverberated with resounding, rimshaking clarity. Playing in a high-powered pickup basketball game in an Orange County gym a few months ago, the Falcons future Hall of Fame tight end switched off his man to stop a fast break and rose up to reject a precocious teenager slashing in from the wing. The next thing Gonzalez knew, he was getting the most unwelcome facial of his 35-year existence. I was posterized, Gonzalez recalled Sunday night after helping the Falcons to a victory over the Eagles at the Georgia Dome. It was real bad. I got dunked on by a high school senior he came down over me and threw down with two hands. It hurt my feelings. I thought, Maybe I am old. Gonzalez s athletic mortality has been a popular subject in recent years last November, he was particularly peeved by former Lions president Matt Millen s assertion that his skills had declined and it s not specious that he d use the basketball court as a gauge. The dude has game, and the only thing that kept him from pursuing a pro hoops career was his emergence as a slam-dunk NFL prospect. A two-sport standout at Cal, Gonzalez closed out his collegiate career by leading the Bears on a run to the Sweet 16 of the 1997 NCAA tournament. In a second-round victory over Villanova, Gonzalez scored 23 points while holding forward Tim Thomas to 11. A few months later, Thomas was selected seventh overall in the NBA draft and ultimately played 13 seasons in the league. And Gonzalez? Now in his 15th season in the NFL, he is in the process of becoming the most prolific pass-catcher of anyone in history not named Jerry Rice. On Sunday, Gonzalez boosted his career receptions total to 1,081, moving past Terrell Owens(notes) into fifth place on the league s all-time list. He needs another 13 to catch Tim Brown(notes), 20 to pull even with Cris Carter and 21 to tie Marvin Harrison(notes). After that, he ll look up only to Rice (1,549) a remarkable accomplishment for a tight end. Though Gonzalez s numbers have been slightly less impressive since he was traded from the Chiefs to the Falcons before the 2009 season, he certainly doesn t seem like a player on the decline. On Sunday, in a game steeped in symbolic significance for the Falcons and fourth-year franchise quarterback Matt Ryan(notes), Gonzalez played a huge role, catching seven passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns. His first scoring reception was simply spectacular. With the Falcons trailing 10-7 and facing a third-and-3 from the Philadelphia 4-yard-line late in the first half, Ryan dropped back and launched a high pass to the back of the end zone. Covered tightly by Philly linebacker Jamar Chaney(notes), Gonzalez leapt up and tapped the ball with his right hand, then somehow managed to pin it to his shoulder pad while falling face-first and dragging his feet inbounds. Early in the third quarter, Gonzalez gave the Falcons a lead when he cut across the middle, caught a sharp pass from Ryan inside the 5 and finished off the 17-yard touchdown while dragging safety Jarrad Page into the end zone. Given that he d done the same for his team in a figurative sense, I wondered whether Gonzalez felt an obligation to come through for Ryan as the quarterback squared off against predecessor Michael Vick(notes).

163 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS I look at it like he did me a solid, Gonzalez said of Ryan. Everybody thinks I m old, so I want to go out and prove I can still play. He was especially driven after that dunking episode over the offseason, not that his conditioning regimen is ever subtle. An obsessive health freak, Gonzalez co-founded All-Pro Science a supplement company designed to boost athletic performance and has spent much of his time in recent years helping to run the business while exploring cutting-edge philosophies. This past spring and summer, he went back to basics: I changed my workout approach: more Pilates, more aerobic exercise, more basketball. While playing regularly at that gym near his Orange County home, in games that included plenty of current and former college hoopsters Kobe even showed up one day, Gonzalez said, but I wasn t there the veteran tight end more than held his own. At first, however, gravity began to drag him down. I had a hard time dunking, he said. It scared the [expletive] out of me. I mean, I could dunk, but I had to time it up just right, like I was in 9th grade again. It was a wake-up call for me. (Did he say ninth grade? Yeah, Gonzalez said, laughing. I actually started dunking in eighth grade. This, my friends, is what s known as an upscale problem.) In response, Gonzalez freaked out and started working on my vertical. I was doing box jumps, the [medicine]-ball routine. In the heyday, my vertical was 37 or 38 inches. I m not sure it s quite that high now, but by the end of the summer I was dunking again. Suffice it to say that getting dunked on was a one-time occurrence. The kid was pretty good, Gonzalez said. I can t remember his name, but he got a scholarship to UC Irvine. As soon as it happened, I looked around and nobody was filming, so I didn t have to worry [about it showing up on YouTube]. I put my head down and ran back down the court like it was no big deal. Then I started guarding him. I don t think he scored any points on me the rest of the summer.

164 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Falcons' Gonzalez refuses to act his age Few in football have held out against the siege guns of aging better than the Falcons Tony Gonzalez. This guy is Dorian Gray in shoulder pads. Ageless as Springsteen. As constant as Meet the Press. Surviving a cannibalistic profession does not come without great effort. Gonzalez works out while you recline. He carefully fuels up while you snack. As the author of a diet book and founder of a nutritional supplement company, Gonzalez doesn t just eat his food, he vets it. Each morsel must earn its way to his digestive tract. The Falcons never-ending tight end also has heredity on his side. Look at mom. She s 65 years old, and she looks about 45. She s Tina Turner-like, ripped up, muscled, brags Judy Gonzalez s boy. Still, as a 15th year of professional football opens for Gonzalez today in Chicago, a 15th year of linebackers and safeties lining up to take aim at his connective tissue, the extraordinary breadth of his career defies easy explanation. The usual reasons wear thin after so long, leaving one to wonder what potion, or charm or Faustian bargain is at work here? And then you find that he has outlasted even the supernatural explanations. When Gonzalez entered the NFL in 1997, his mother presented him with a pendant that was inscribed on one side with a Chinese character representing longevity, and on the other with one meaning protection. He wore that like a talisman, and it worked, year after uninterrupted year in Kansas City. Then, five years ago while surfing in Costa Rica, a big wave snatched it off his neck. The superstitious part of him freaked. But still, Gonzalez played on without incident (just to be safe, his mother bought a replacement in San Francisco s Chinatown). I guess it s about what s inside, more than wearing a charm, Gonzalez said. This is how long Gonzalez has persevered: As a senior in California, he was named a co-winner of the Orange County high school athlete of the year, sharing the title with Tiger Woods. Consider how time has nibbled away even at the body of golfer, and how the trials of Woods own making have weighed him down and aged him before his time. Meanwhile, the 35-year-old tight end has scarcely broken stride. Seeing Gonzalez limping around with a damaged ankle at the close of last season s playoff loss to Green Bay was as close as anyone has come at glimpsing his professional mortality. He had caught only one pass in that game and was devastated by yet another early postseason exit. I was really [angry] about the loss, he said. I felt we had underachieved. And underachievement is at least a venal sin in Gonzalez World. So, for about a millisecond, Gonzalez thought about retiring. It didn t take me that long to say I feel good, I m going to come back. I thought about the pros and cons. The cons didn t even come close, he said.

165 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Which brings us to this, the beginning of a Falcons season of great expectation, one in which Sports Illustrated s Peter King preordained them Super Bowl champions. With his contract and its $5.75 million base salary expiring this year, Gonzalez is set up for one last run at a meaningful season. (There is no guarantee, however, he will not seek a new contract somewhere next year. He keeps taking his veggie protein and his fish oil and feels fit enough right now to play a couple more years, he says.) Included on the Falcons 2011 to-do list is this: Excise the one great asterisk from Gonzalez s career. Re-signed this year by the team that drafted him in 1999, Reggie Kelly backs up Gonzalez. He has played nearly as long as Gonzalez without amassing anywhere near his gaudy numbers just 875 fewer catches, 10,703 fewer yards, 83 fewer touchdowns, that s all. But Kelly has something Gonzalez doesn t: a single playoff victory (with the Falcons in 2002, over Green Bay). He certainly would like to help rectify that grievous inequity. You definitely want to play for a guy like that, Kelly said. You want to sacrifice so that, when he does retire, he can look back on all the hard work and know that it has equaled being successful. Three times, twice with Kansas City and last year with the Falcons, Gonzalez s team has entered the postseason 13-3, only to be dismissed in the first round. Overall, his playoff record is 0-4. The victories of Tony Gonzalez are measured in stats, the ones that will lead his parade from here to Canton (Ohio, not Georgia). Among tight ends, he is the NFL s career leader in receptions, touchdowns and 1,000-yard seasons. Among all species of receivers, he is sixth all time in catches and could climb to No. 2 with an average season. Being behind Jerry Rice is not a bad thing, he said. Last season, he had his fewest number of receptions (70) since 2002 and fewest receiving yards (656) since 1998, and still was second on the Falcons in both categories. Entering his third Falcons season, Gonzalez has not had a tangible impact on the January bottom line. Beyond providing Matt Ryan a when-all-else-fails target, he acts as the conscience of a team learning to win. He has proven to be the practice field example, an All Pro with the work habits of a desperate rookie. The drudgery of the football routine likely will drive him into retirement before his body breaks down, but still he commits. It s tedious, monotonous work. Going over the same thing over and over, but that s what football takes and that s what makes football players great, he said. After 15 years, do I really need to go out there and run another corner route? Yeah, I do. But I get tired of it. When the Falcons signed Gonzalez, they also gained an unofficial team nutritionist. Tuesday, the team s off day, tackle Sam Baker called Gonzalez to ask about cutting beef from his dinner menu. On the tight end s prodding, receiver Roddy White is now eating oatmeal for breakfast. In the lunch line at camp, linebacker Curtis Lofton will bring his filled plate to Gonzalez for approval. Tight ends coach Chris Scelfo has lost around 30 pounds on Gonzalez s diet, and another coach told him he has been inspired to kick his addiction to bacon.

166 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS I still haven t gotten through to Terry, though, Gonzalez said from his locker Wednesday, just loudly enough to be heard by receivers coach Terry Robiskie as he passed. All Gonzalez asks in return for his good work is one significant postseason run. At the close of the first workout of training camp, defensive end John Abraham broke the team huddle with an exhortation to make this a special season for aging pros like himself and Gonzalez. We ve got a special team; we have a great opportunity here, Gonzalez said. If we can just build on what we did last year, we have a legitimate shot. So, when the team is up against it and all the other rallying cries have been spent, would he resort to playing the win-onefor-tony card? If it works, yeah. I ll stand up in front of the whole stadium and say win one for me, please, Gonzalez laughed. Numbers from a long, proud career 12,463 - Career receiving yards, making Gonzalez the 17th player in NFL history to surpass the 12,000 mark. 1,069 - Career receptions, sixth all-time Gonzalez s career passer rating. In 2001, he completed his only pass attempt for a 40-yard gain. Matt Ryan s career rating is Career receiving touchdowns, tied with Don Maynard for 10th all-time. He needs three more to catch No. 9 Isaac Bruce Consecutive games started, since missing his last one in He missed two games with injury since taking over the starting job in Kansas City in Career fumbles in 222 games played, none as a Falcon. 0 - Playoff games won.

167 Brent Grimes

168 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS GrimesputsimprintonFalconsdefense FLOWERYBRANCHInalllikelihood,thestartingdefensethatplaysagainsttheChicagoBearsonSundaywillsharethe fieldforthefirsttime. DefensiveendRayEdwards,theteam smajoroffseasonacquisitionondefense,playedonlyinthefinaltwoexhibition games.startersduntarobinson(hamstring)andcoreypeters(knee)missedthosegameswithinjuries. OnThursday,theteamaddedcornerbackKelvinHaydenandsafetyJamesSanders.TheteamisforcefeedingHaydenand Sandersthedefensiveschemewithhopesofgettingthemonthefieldasquicklyaspossible.Haydenwillgetashotatnickel backandsandersinitiallywillbackupsafetieswilliammooreandthomasdecoud. InadditiontodefensiveendJohnAbraham,middlelinebackerCurtisLoftonanddefensivetackleJonathanBabineaux,left cornerbackbrentgrimes,whohadthreeinterceptionsinexhibitionplay,isoneoftheconstantsonthedefensiveunit,and someonetocounton.grimeslikeswhatheseesofhisunitpostlockout. Itwastoughcominginwithouttheorganizedteamactivitiesandeverything,butIfeellikemosteverybodycamein preparedandinshape, Grimessaid. Wedidwhatwecouldwiththistrainingcampandwegotsomegoodworkoutofit. Lastyear,thedefensefinishedrankedfifthinpointsscored(18),10thinrushingdefense(105.9)and22ndagainstthepass (226.6)intheleague.Theoffseasongoalwastoimprovethepassdefenseanddoabetterjobofstoppingteamsinthird andlongsituations.theproblemwastheplayersbroughtintohelpwerelatearriving. Grimes,whotiedfortheteamleadwithfiveinterceptions,comesoffabreakthroughseasoninwhichhewenttothePro Bowl.He slookingformorethisseason. I mjusttryingtogetbetter,workonmyfundamentals, Grimessaid. Grimes,28,whowassignedasanundraftedfreeagentfromShippensburgUniversityin2006,hascomealongway.Hehad astintonthepracticesquadandsometimewiththeamsterdamadmiralsinnfleuropa. Youcanneverrestandthinkyou vegotit, Grimessaid. Grimesbelievesthedefensehasimproved,evenwithitslimitedpracticetime. Weshowedthatwecanmakeplaysandthat swhatwewanttodoasasecondary, Grimessaid. DefensivecoordinatorBrianVanGorderwouldlikeamoreaggressiveunit,butconcedeshemustfirstknowthathis defensivebackswillholdupinmantomancoverage. Grimesisreadyforasteadydoseofmantomanorzonecoverage. Wearewillingtodowhateverittakesfortheteamtogetbetter, Grimessaid. Ifthat swhatwewanttodo,be aggressiveandgetafterthequarterback,thenwehavetocoveronthebackend.ifeelasthoughwecandothatwiththe guyswehaveoutthere. Grimeswasarestrictedfreeagentandsignedafirstroundtendercontractthatpays$2.61millionforthisseason.With anotherstrongcampaign,thefalconswilllikelytrytosignhimtoacontractextensionduringtheseason.

169 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Theycouldplacethefranchisetagonhim,buttheylikelywon tlethimreachunrestrictedfreeagencystatus. Grimesiskeenlyawareofhiscontractstatus,butisdeterminedtofocusonhisplay.LastNovember,thePackerssigned cornerbacktramonwilliamstoafouryear$33.074millionextension,givinggrimessomethingforcomparison. UndergeneralmanagerThomasDimitroff,theteamgenerallyhasreachedcontractextensionwithkeyplayersbefore lettingthemtestfreeagency. Iapproachitlikeanyotheryear,tobecompletelyhonestwithyou;IjustwanttobethebestfootballplayerthatIcan possiblybe, Grimessaid. Ifyoudothat,everythingelsewilltakecareofitself...Iplantojustfocusonplayingfootball.I willletmyagentworryaboutallofthosenumbers.

170 Julio Jones

171 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Four games into a pro career, Julio Jones is already big-time Flowery Branch Dumb ol Thomas Dimitroff messed up. He thought he d traded up 21 spots to pluck a No. 2 receiver. Turns out he hooked a No. 1. Actually, the Falcons general manager knew full well what he was doing, but it was convenient to label the deal that left this team with Julio Jones as 21-spots-and-five-draft-picks-for-a-No.-2-wideout. Had Jones ceiling been that of a No. 2 but never a No. 1, Dimitroff wouldn t have made the trade. And now, four games later, we see the prescience therein. Through two games and three quarters, the Falcons offense had been nothing special. Then the thought seemed to occur: Hey, we moved up 21 spots to draft this guy! Why don t we throw him the ball? And nothing special became something very special. Over the past five quarters, Jones has caught 16 passes for 222 yards. That s No. 1 receiver stuff. Which isn t to say he s the Falcons No. 1 receiver. He s not yet. He will be soon enough. And that, if you happened to read the fine print on the 21-spots-up-and-five-picks-gone move, was always Dimitroff s plan. The Falcons didn t want just any wide receiver: They wanted Julio Jones or A.J. Green, who was gone one pick ahead of Jones. They wanted a receiver who could offer immediate assistance and a down-the-road succession plan. Roddy White, the incumbent No. 1, turns 30 next month. (We sometimes forget that White, by his admission, spent his first two NFL seasons not working hard.) White has had four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and is, by tight end Tony Gonzalez s estimation, one of the three best wideouts Arizona s Larry Fitzgerald and Houston s Andre Johnson being the others in the business. That said Good as he is, White isn t the talent Jones is. He s bigger 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds to White s 6-foot and 211 and stronger. White is more possession receiver than downfield playmaker: His longest catch over his past 29 regular-season games is for 46 yards. Jones had a 49-yarder in his third professional game. Said Gonzalez: Right now I wouldn t say [that Jones is the Falcons' No. 1 receiver] Both of them are No. 1 receivers. They work well off each other. There s no doubt this can be the best receiving tandem in the NFL. And let s not forget the Canton-bound tight end. I m the one who s going to get lost in the shuffle, Gonzalez said, smiling. Then: But that s the best thing that could happen. Defenses can t bracket me. White sometimes feels feel duty-bound to live up to the standard of No.-1-receiver-as-raging-diva. Last December he got into a Twitter fight with Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints; more recently he has averred that the Falcons were a better team that the 2010 Packers, who beat the Falcons by 27 points en route to winning the Super Bowl. (Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, overreacting, has called this borderline disrepectful. Guess who the Falcons play Sunday night.) By way of contrast, Jones works hard at saying nothing. (The Falcons love him for other reasons, but also for this. Mike Smith and Matt Ryan are the world champs at saying nothing.) I never say anything to defenders, Jones said Wednesday, and then he admitted he hadn t been awestruck to see Philadelphia cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, one of the absolute best, matched against him in his second pro start. Jones: I really don t know who I m locked up with in a game. The young man from Alabama plays with a focused fury, and since you asked he was that way before the furious Nick Saban got hold of him in Tuscaloosa. That s just how I am, Jones said.

172 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS He doesn t care who s shadowing him. He doesn t care how many catches he has. (Jones had two that night against Philly, but one of them a third-down conversion when the Falcons trailed by 10 points in the fourth quarter was the game s biggest play.) He just plays. Other big-time rookies might have made a stir about needing to be The Man overnight. Jones seems thrilled to be sharing the same locker room as the big-timer Roddy White and hasn t grasped that he s a big-timer, too. He hasn t noticed that he s in the process of transforming a team that went 13-3 last season. He thinks he s no better than sub wideouts Harry Douglas or Eric Weems. He s wrong.

173 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Rookie WR Jones still feeling his way for Falcons (AP) After getting embarrassed by Green Bay in the playoffs last season, the Atlanta Falcons knew quarterback Matt Ryan(notes) needed another big weapon at his disposal. Hello, Julio Jones(notes). It s your time to shine. Ryan targeted the NFL s leading rookie receiver a whopping 17 times in last week s win at Seattle, and the No. 6 overall draft pick responded with career highs of 11 catches for 127 yards. All that means is we re getting a little more chemistry, me and Matt, with timing, but we re never satisfied, Jones said Wednesday. We ve still got a lot of improvements to make and that s what we re working on. Jones and Ryan will need to be on top of their games when the Falcons (2-2) host the Super Bowl champion Packers (4-0) on Sunday night. Jones believes nothing will come easy against the different looks Atlanta will see from Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers. The Packers rank next-to-last this season in yards passing allowed, but Jones lends no significance to such statistics. Teams usually are forced to pass the ball when they re trailing, and the Packers have won 10 straight dating to Week 15 last year. It matters more to Jones that Green Bay ranks No. 2 against the run and No. 8 in sacks. Since Capers took charge of the defense in 2009, Green Bay leads the league in interceptions, ranks second in opponents passer rating and third in both scoring average and sacks. We ve just got to capitalize on those opportunities once we get them in a game, Jones said. They re very skilled. They ve got a lot of talent. Trading up 21 spots to draft Jones six months ago, the Falcons acknowledged that a smothering defense like the Packers could cover wideout Roddy White(notes), the NFL s leading receiver in 2010, and Tony Gonzalez(notes), the league s careerbest receiving tight end, with relative ease. Jones, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound receiver from Alabama, was seen as the solution. His size and speed were considered a difficult matchup for cornerbacks and safeties. He graded out as an excellent blocker. Jones could see plenty of matchups with Charles Woodson(notes), who ranks first in interceptions returned for touchdowns (seven) and is tied for second in picks (21) since the start of 08. Among defensive backs, Woodson is tied for second in sacks with seven and tied for third in forced fumbles with 10. He s versatile, Jones said. You can move him around a lot. Sometimes, he ll do invert, he ll go to safety, he ll go to corner, he ll kind of be a Will or a Sam linebacker. He comes up. He blitzes. He does it all, and he tackles very well. In theory, the presence of White, Gonzalez and Jones was supposed to help expand Ryan s options while continuing to strengthen the Falcons desire to control time of possession with running back Michael Turner(notes). But Atlanta s rushing attack has played sporadically this season, and Ryan s protection in the pocket was spotty though he escaped without a sack against Seattle. In the first three games, Ryan was sacked 13 times, only 10 less than he was sacked in 16 games last year.

174 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Ryan acknowledged frustration in the Falcons inability to put the Seahawks away despite leading by 20 points in the third quarter. The game wasn t decided until Steven Hauschka(notes) missed a potential game-winning field goal from 61 yards out with 8 seconds remaining. We made enough plays to win last week, but you d like to stretch it out through an entire game, Ryan said. It s been one of our focuses the last couple of weeks, and we haven t been able to do that yet. I certainly think we re capable of doing it. There s no doubt about that. To beat Green Bay, Ryan believes the Falcons need to spread touches evenly among Jones, White and Gonzalez and give Turner a heavy workload. And Atlanta must stay patient when the Packers change their 3-4 front into a hybrid 4-2 look that seeks to free Woodson and linebacker Clay Matthews(notes) for big plays. It creates some problems when you re in your base personnel and nickel personnel for identification purposes, Ryan said. That s something we re going to have to be on top of this week and certainly something we re preparing for. Jones knows his assignments won t be easy. Despite leading NFL rookies with 24 catches for 342 yards, he still seeks his first professional touchdown. The game plan kind of changes a little bit, but it s going to take all 11 of us to win the game, Jones said. All of us doing our job at the same time and being on the same page to win the game. When my number is called and it s my opportunity to make a play, I try to make the play to best of my ability, you know?

175 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS AtlantaFalconshopeJulioJonesislastpuzzlepiece FLOWERYBRANCH,Ga. Withonelongthrowtotheendzoneamidthesearingsummerhumidityearlyintrainingcamp, ThomasDimitroff'sheartnearlystoppedrightontheedgeofthepracticefield.ItwasJulioJones,downontheturf. ThiswasthelastthingthatDimitroff,theAtlantaFalcons'vibrantgeneralmanager,wantedtowitness,evenbriefly.Jones, therookiereceiverfromalabamaforwhomthefalconstradedabundletodraftsixthoverall,hadploppedtothegrass afterdivingfora40yardmattryanpassthatsailedbeyondhisfingers. "Iwasn'tthinking,"Jonesrecalleddayslater."Itwaslike,'Seeball.Getball.'Iturnedaroundandleftmyfeet.Idoveforita littlebit.butitwasn'tlikeanoverexaggerateddive." ChalkuprookielessonNo.1. Jones,22,remembersexactlywhatRyantoldhimaftercomingdownfield. "Hewaslike,'Youdon'tdiveatpractice.Stayofftheground,'"Jonessaid."I'vegottocontrolit.Themostimportantthingis beingabletoplaywhenit'sgametime.practice,wecangetthatback." Atthenextpractice,DimitroffsidleduptoJonesandwaspolitewithhisrequest:"Canyoupleasestopdivingforballs?" Itiseasytounderstandtheanxiety.Inthemoststunningmoveduringthisyear'sdraft,theFalconsdealtfivepickstothe ClevelandBrowns,includingafirstrounderin2012,tomoveup21slotstoclaimthebig,physicalreceiverpacking explosiveness. Givensuchcost,Jones,63,220,wholeftAlabamaafterhisjunioryear,willmakehisNFLdebutatSoldierFieldonSunday againstthechicagobearswitharguablymorepressuretosucceedthananyrookiebesidesno.1overallpickcamnewton. AtlantaearnedaNo.1seedlastseasonwiththeNFC'sbestregularseasonrecord(133),thenwastrouncedinitsplayoff openerbythegreenbaypackers.jones clockedat4.39inthe40yarddashatthecombine,witha40inchverticalleap despiteastressfractureinhisleftfootthathassincebeensurgicallyrepaired representsabigresponsetothatsetback, asthefalconsbeginanewyearamongcontenderstoreachsuperbowlxlvi. "Welearnedthatwehavetohaveexplosiveplaymakers,"Dimitroffsaysoftheplayoffloss,"ifwe'regoingtogotitfortat withexplosiveteams." TheFalconsalreadyhaveonebigtimereceiverinallproRoddyWhite,wholedtheNFLwith115catcheslastseasonand setafranchisemarkwith1,389yards.yetforamonthbeforethedraft,dimitroffplottedstrategiestolandjonesorgeorgia receivera.j.green,whowaspickedfourthbythecincinnatibengals. "Ithinkyoucanseethedirectionthey'regoing,"saidFoxanalystBrianBillick,aformerBaltimoreRavenscoach."They neededhelpondefenseinthedraft,butinsteadtheyfigured,'let'smakeouroffenseevenbetter.we'regoingtofeedthe stud.'" Ryan,thestudBillickrefersto,rankedamongthetop10quarterbackslastseasonforpassingyards(3,705)andTDpasses (28).Buthewastiedfor26thintheleaguewith6.49yardsperattempt.AndwithWhitepostingacareerlow12.1yardsper catch,thefalconsrankednexttolastinthenflwithjust32receptionsof20plusyards. NowonderexplosivenessissuchabuzzwordforDimitroff.

176 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS "At27,"hesaidoftheteam'soriginalslotinthefirstround,"wewouldhavebeenstaringdownthebarrelofarighttackle. Wewanted1Aand1Breceivers." Jonescarriesweightofgreatexpectations Therearenoguarantees,consideringthemixedbagofresultsforhighlydraftedreceiversinrecentyears.Ofthe14 receiverstakenwithtop10picksintheprevious10drafts,justthreebecamebonafidestars LarryFitzgerald,Andre JohnsonandCalvinJohnson.Twoothers,BraylonEdwardsandRoyWilliams,havehadmarginalsuccessbutstartanewthis seasonontheirthirdteams. "Sometimes,thatstuffgetsoverblownaboutthispositionorthatposition,"saysFalconscoachMikeSmith,whocameto theteamwithdimitroffin2008."wetrynottocompareourguystosomeoneelse.weevaluatewhatwesee." Throughoutthesummer,theFalconshaveconfirmedthescoutingreportsonJones,signedtoafouryear,$16.2million contract.heisacompletereceiver,justaspronetodeliveracrackbackblockordashtodaylightonanendaroundasheis tosnagapassintrafficwhiledreadlocksdancefromthebackofhishelmet.andashispracticediveanddailybattleswith ProBowlcornerbackDuntaRobinsonindicate,helacksnothingintheintensitydepartment. PreppedbyNickSaban WhatimpacthasAlabamacoachNickSabanhadonJulioJones?Plenty,maintainstheAtlantaFalconsrookiereceiver.Jones outlinedwhatheconsidersthemostcrucialtraitssabandemandsofhisplayers: Beresponsible. Heimploredustogrowupandbemen. Noexcuses. Beinglatetomeetingswouldn tcutit. Don tpointfingers. Youcouldn tthrowanybodyunderthebus. Suchstandardssurelycanbetestedduringtheheatofcompetition. Takebadbodylanguage, Jonessays. Ifthequarterbackthrowsabadball,youcan tbejumpingupanddown,actingsilly. That sbadchemistry.youcan thavethatonateam.it slikeacancer.whetheryou reupordown,youjusthavetostay positiveabouteveryaspectofthegame. ByJarrettBell "Heissocompetitive,"Dimitroffgushedduringarecentpractice."Hewantstomakeeveryplay,evenouthere." Afterthedraft,AlabamacoachNickSabancalledDimitroffandmentionedtherewasonethinghe'dneverhavetoworry aboutwithjones:focus.bythat,sabanmaintainedthatneitherthepressuresofthegameoroutsidedistractionswouldbe issues. "I'minabigcityandthere'salotgoingon,butIkeepmyprioritiesinline,"saysJones,anativeofFoley,Ala.(pop.13,807). "Iwanttobesuccessful.Alltheotherstuffisirrelevant.Cominginasarookie,Idon'tgoout.Ihaven'tevenbeenfishing, likeinormallydo." Ryan,whoworkedoutwithJonesforfiveweeksbeforecampwhileteamswerelockedout,ishighlyimpressedwiththe rookie'sattentiontodetail.ryanhaspickeduponsubtlecues,includingthetypeofquestionsjonesasksinmeetingsand attentivenessinwatchingotherswhenhe'snotonthefield.

177 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS "That'sgoingtohelp.He'sgottherightmindset,"saysRyan. JonessurelydoesnotfittheprofileastheNFL'snextgreat"diva"receiver.Askedatthecombinetonametheplayerwho bestreflectshisstyle,hechosealinebackerratherthanreceiver RavensiconRayLewis. TurnsoutthatJonesissuchafanofLewisthathe'ssearchedYouTubefornuggets. "He'sbeenplaying15years,buthedoesn'tcheat,"Jonessays."Hestaysinshape,anddoessomanythingstotakecareof hisbody.hedrinkstwoorthreegallonsofwatereverydaytostayhydrated.justlittlethingslikethat.andilovethe passionheplayswith." Falconseagerforpostseasonsuccess Jones,whohelpedAlabamawinanationaltitletwoseasonsago,mightbeontheroadforcreatinghisownlegendwrapped inpassion.whenhewas12,hefinallyconvincedhismother,queenmarvin,toallowhimtoplayfootballforthefirsttime witharecreationleagueteamcalledthelions. "IwantedtoplaysinceIwasaboutsix,"recallsJones,whoplayedrunningbackuntilswitchingtoreceiverin10thgrade whichmightexplainhisprowessinpilingupyardsafterthecatchandonendaroundrushes."shewasafraidi'dgethurt. "Ihadtobegher.Itoldher,'Ifyouletmeplay,IpromiseI'llneverloseagame.'" TheLionswentundefeated. Winningandlosingisstillparamount,asJonescansensethebittertastelingeringwithhisnewteamasitregroups followingtheabruptendtolastseason. "Ithurtalot,"saysdefensiveendJohnAbraham,a12thyearpro,ofthe4821losstothePackers."Ireallythoughtwehad ateamthatcouldgoalltheway.andthentheteamwelosttowentontowinthesuperbowl.ittookmelikethreemonths afterthattoevenwanttowatchsportscenter." InthethreeseasonssinceDimitroffandSmithcameaboardtorebuildateamdevastatedbyMichaelVick'sdogfightingcase andformercoachbobbypetrino'sboltbacktothecollegelevelafterlessthanaseason,thefalconshaveproducedthree consecutivewinningseasons.yettheteamis0fortheplayoffsduringthatspan,twiceeliminatedinpostseasonopeners. "AnytimeyouputyourselfinpositioninJanuarytomakearunandyoudon'tgetitdone,it'sfrustrating,"saysRyan, startinghisfourthseason."butit'sanewslate.whathappenedlastyearhasnobearingonwhatwe'regoingtodothis year." Still,Ryanacknowledgestherewerelessons.Helamentstheinterceptionhethrewbeforehalftimethatwasreturnedfora scorethatmadeitatwotouchdowngame. "Themistakesyoumakeinplayoffgamesareheightened,"hesaid."Itstinksthattherearethosegrowingpainsandyou havetolearnthemsomeway.butyoulearnmorewhenyou'redowninthedumps." Jonesmightmakeadifference.Yettherewerealsootherkeytweaks.TheFalconsdraftedanexplosive,pintsizedrunning back,jacquizzrodgers,tocomplementpowerrushermichaelturner.andaninconsistentpassrushwasaddressedwith formerminnesotavikingsendrayedwardssignedasthecomplementtoabraham.

178 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS "I'mgoingtodowhateverittakesforustowin,"saysJones."I'mwillingtowork,andI'llbeaccountable.They'veseenthat inme.buti'mnotgoingtoputanyextrapressureonmyself.ican'tgooutthereandtrytobeasuperhero."

179 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS FalconsGetTheirMan,JulioJones FLOWERYBRANCH,Ga. AtlantaFalconsGeneralManagerThomasDimitroff,hishairspikedandhisshouldersoften hunchedoverracingbicyclehandlebars,hasayouthfulbearingthatmightconnoteimpetuousdecisionmakingwithoutthe benefitofhistoricalcontext. ButforDimitroff,theengineeroftheboldestplayertransactioninanN.F.L.offseasonfilledwiththem,thenotionof payingaking sransomforonecollegeplayerwhowasnottheconsensusleadingpickathispositionbeganbrewingsoon afteratlantahiredhim. Dimitroff,45,caughtwindofwidereceiverJulioJonesin2008,whenhewastheSoutheasternConferencefreshmanofthe yearatalabama.intime,hegrewsmittenwithjones sskills,admiringofhisgrit,blownawaybyhishumblenature. Thefactthathewasastalentedashewasonthefield,sansthedivaqualitiesyousometimeshaveatthatposition,was veryattractivetothisorganization, Dimitroff,whohas22yearsinplayerevaluation,fiveasthedirectorofscoutingwith thenewenglandpatriots,saidlastweek. AstheAprildraftapproached,withtheFalconspicking27th,Dimitroffbegancalculatingthecostoftakingan unprecedentedleaptowardthefrontofthelinetoselectjones.thisyear sfirstroundpick,hefigured.kaching.next year s,too.kaching.probablyano.2.kaching.somelikelymiddlerounders. Wegotourheadsarounditquitequickly,aftertheinitialstickershockworeoff, hesaid. DimitroffdugintotheN.F.L.archives,whichremindedhimthataoneformanytradecarriesrisksthatcanriseto embarrassment.therewasthegreattrainrobberyof1989,whichinvolved18playersbutboileddowntominnesota s sacrificingeightdraftchoicestothedallascowboysforherschelwalker. IteasedmymindwhenwelookedatourcompensationpackageandIthought, Ah,oursisn tthatbad, Dimitroffsaid. Tenyearslater,NewOrleansCoachMikeDitkaconcoctedaswapofallsixofthatyear sdraftpicksfortheexperienced RickyWilliams.TheSaintspromptlywent313andDitkawasfired,alongwithhisentirestaffandthegeneralmanager. Amorecomparableexchange,atthe2004draft,sentEliManningtotheGiantsfromSanDiegoforfourdraftpicks. TheFalconsalsowereundeterredbythefootsurgeryJoneshadinMarch,bythesketchylegacyoffirstroundreceiversor bytheimpliedadviceagainstamovefromanumericalguideline. ThecomputerbasedTradeValueChartassignsapointstotaltoeachspotinthedraft.(Example:No.1overallis3,000,No. 32is590.)Itallowsgeneralmanagerstocomparisonshop.Someignoreit.Dimitroffdoesnot.Ultimately,thenumbersdid notfavorthefalcons,butthedifferencewaswithinarangehefoundacceptable. Thentherewerevariousanalyses,combiningstatisticsandsubjectivity,thatconcludedthatwaitinguntillaterroundsfor receiversisthewisercourse.somecitedthedetroitlions,withoneoffourreceiverdrafteesinafiveyearspanpanning out.othersreachedbacktothelastquarterofthe20thcentury,whenthecincinnatibengalsspunthewheelsixtimeson firstroundwideouts. Dimitroffprocessedthedata,sniffedandassembledthepackagetooffer. Wealltookadeepbreathinsaying: Thisis significant.let smakesurewe redoingtherightthing, hesaid,meaningcoachmikesmithandtheownerarthurblank.

180 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS TheyfoundasuitorintheClevelandBrowns,whoweresixthinthedraft,andpartedwithfivepicks,includingtwofourth rounders. ResearchhaddeterminedthatfewerthanhalfofN.F.L.fourthroundersinthepreviousfiveyearshadbeenactivatedfora game. TheFalcons daringreflectedthehereandnowphilosophyofateamthatcravesanotheroutletforquarterbackmattryan, Dimitroff sotherheavilyscrutinizeddraftdaycall. Wehavethoughtforthelastthreeyearsthatwe dlovetohavea1anda1areceiver,nota1anda2 thatcharacterized thefalconssquads,hesaid. Joneswasnotapprisedofthesteeppriceheboreuntilnewsmediainterviewsthenightofthedraft.Hisfirstthought,ashe recalledthisweek: Theyreallywantme. JonesistryingtotampdownexpectationsthataccompanysomeonewhopromptedDimitroffto betthefarm onhim,as oneanalystwrote. I mhuman, saidjones,noshrinkingviolettocontact,whichleadstohistheorywhymanyfirstroundreceiversflop. Guysain tusedtohittingandgettinghit, hesaid. Somecan treallyhandlethat. Hehaswowedteammatesandcoaches,evenonpassesnotdirectedhisway.HisblockhelpedspringHarryDouglasfora 76yardtouchdowninapreseasongamelastweek.(AtlantawastoplayatPittsburghonSaturdaynight.) Theskyisthelimitwiththatguy, saidtightendtonygonzalez,whose14halloffameworthyseasonsqualifyhimasan authority. Thebestthingabouthimisthatattitude.Ihavenodoubthe llmakeit. JonesisbeingcountedontoaddressoneofthefewfailingsoftheFalcons,thereigningN.F.C.Southchampions.Their longestpassplaylastseasonwas46yards.only44snaps,32ofthemresultinginthrows,produced20yardsormore. Explosiveplays ishowsmithcategorizesthem. Youdefinitelyenhanceyourchanceofscoringpoints, hesaid. RegardinghowmuchJonescaninflatethestatistic,Smithsaid, Wemadeourownexpectationsfairlyclearwiththemove wemadeinthedraft. Smithwasallinwiththedeal,andnotjustbecausecoachestendtothinkmoreshorttermthangeneralmanagers.The N.F.L.,henoted,hasevolvedinto aquarterbackdrivenspacinggame youwanttobeabletocontrolthespacing with athletesbyslidingthemintoformationstomaximizegains. Jones,tallat6feet3inches,andfast,isentrustedwithdrawingsomedefensiveattentionawayfromtheAllProreceiver RoddyWhite. AwidespreadassessmentisthattheFalconsmadeahighriskrewarddealbecausetheyregardthemselvesasoneortwo playersawayfromsuperbowlcontention.dimitroffassailssuchthinking.

181 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Thismovewasnevermadewithusbelievingweareonepieceawayfromwinninganything, saiddimitroff,who addressedtheteam sotherlonging,forapassrusher,bysigningthefreeagentrayedwards. Ifirmlybelievethisdecision isidealforwhereweareatourgrowthstages. Besides,howmanyteamswiththe27thpickcansnaretheirpreferredman? Dimitroffhaschuckledatsomeofthecriticisms.Oneevaluatorsuggestedthat,ifthetradebackfires,itwillbe heandjulio downbytheschoolyard, notlongfortheleague. ButDimitroffexpectstohearthesoundsofsilencefromthesecondguessers. AsDimitrofftoldJonesrecently, Youunderstandthatwewillbetiedtogetherfortherestofourcareers. TowhichJonesresponded, I vegotyourback.

182 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS RookieWRJonesgivesFalconsfirepower JACKSONVILLE,Fla. Ifoneplayfromanotherwisedrearyexhibitiongamemeansanything,perhapsAtlanta stradefor JulioJones(notes)won tbeknownasdimitroff sfollyforverylong. MidwaythroughthesecondquarteronFridaynight,Atlantafacedamundanethirdand5situationfromitsown24yard line.thefalconslinedupinafourreceiversetwithquarterbackmattryan(notes)inshotgunformation. Lastseason,thissituationmighthavebeenastruggle.Morethanafewtimes,theFalconslineduplikethiswiththreeof thefourreceiversbeingbrianfinneran(notes)andtightendstonygonzalez(notes)andjustinpeelle(notes).noneofthose threerunfasterthan4.6inthe40.eventhatestimateoftheirindividualspeedisgenerous. Thistime,threeofthefourincludedRoddyWhite(notes),HarryDouglas(notes)(wholookscompletelyhealthynowthat he snearlytwoyearsremovedfromakneeinjury)andfirstroundpickjuliojones.douglasturnedasimplecrossingroute intoa76yardtouchdown.alongtheway,jonesprovidedhelpwithablockthatmadesuredouglasranalltheway untouched. WhileAtlantafanssawmanywonderfulthingslastseasononthewaytoa133recordandthetopseedintheNFCplayoffs, theydidn tseeanythinglikethat.notevenclose.theponderousfalconswerebigplaydeprivedaseasonago,finishing secondtolastintheleaguewithonly32passplaysof20yardsorlonger.theirlongestpassplayoftheseasonwas46 yards. IfyouunderstandthatfactandhowimportantbigplaysareinthemodernNFL,it saloteasiertounderstandwhygeneral managerthomasdimitroffpaidaheavypriceforjones.hewasn tlookingforjustaguywhohustlesdownthefieldto block.dimitroffwaslookingforadifferencemaker,someonecapableofchangingxsandosandopeninglanesfor everyone.mostimportant,thefalconsneededthekindofguywhowouldn ttakelongtodevelop,aserious,focused athlete. OurexpectationswithJulioareforhimtobealegitimatecontributorfromDay1andhehasdonenothingtomakeusfeel that soffbase, saiddimitroff,whogotjonesaftermovingupfromno.27tono.6inthefirstrounddraftboardafter givingupatlanta sfirst,secondandfourthroundpicksthisyearanditsfirstandfourthnextyear. Somefellowexecutiveshavecalledthemovegutsy.MorehavesaidDimitroff,whomadeanotherlaterounddealtograb speedyrunningbackjacquizzrodgers(notes),overpaid byalot. Heputalotofeggsinonebasket, anotherexecutivesaid. Maybe,buttheFalconshadtodosomethingdrastic,eveniftheirrecordlastseasondidn tindicatethat.aconservativegm mighthaveriddenlastseason srecordforayearortwo,makinglittletweakshereandtherewhilehopingtheteamheld steady.instead,dimitrofftookthesoberingpunchofa4821losstogreenbayintheplayoffsandtookstockofwherehis teamstood.thefalconsweregood,notgreat.disciplined,notexplosive.withryan,whiteandasolidnucleusofothers, thefalconshadanicefoundationforthehouse.nowitwastimeforareallycoolfamilyroom. EnterJones,aplayersomeofthosesameexecutiveshavedescribedasafasterversionofWhite.At6foot3,Jonesisalso physical.hisblockondouglas playwasanexampleofhowheplayedincollege. That stheguywesawattheuniversityofalabama, AtlantacoachMikeSmithsaid. Isawhimontapefromagamelast yearwherehecontrolledtheblockallthewaythroughtheplay.hetookthedefenderallthewayoutofbounds.iasked himwhathewastryingtodo.hesaid, I mtryingtogetmyjobdone. Tome,thatshowsyouhe sanallaroundplayerand heunderstandsnotonlycatchingtheball,butbeingabletoblock.

183 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS IntheexhibitionopeneragainstMiami,Jonesputhisotherskillsondisplay.Hecaughtpassesfor21and22yardsandrana reversefor12,gettingfirstdownsonallthreeplays.intwogames(andreallyjustaboutonegameworthoftotalaction),he hasbeenafactorinthreeplaysof20yardsorbetter. That scriticalforthefalcons,whowerestarvedforbigplayslastseason.atlantaspentlastseasonoftenjustgettingbyin importantgames.thefalconswent62ingamesdecidedbysixpointsorfewer,winningdespitehavingoneofthemost ploddingoffensesinthenfl.therecordinclosegameswasfilledwithoneoddoccurrenceafteranother.againstsan Francisco,theFalconswononalatedriveafterthe49ersfumbledawayaninterceptiontheydidn tneedtoreturn.intheir firstwinovertampabay,theyhadagoallinestandattheend.inanovertimewinagainstneworleans,theywonafterthe Saints kickermisseda29yardfieldgoalattemptearlyintheextraperiod.thefalconsbeatbaltimoreonatouchdownwith 20secondsremainingonaquestionablenocall.ThesecondgameagainstTampaBayrequireda102yardkickoffreturnfor ascore.finally,theybeatthepackersbyafieldgoalintheregularseasondespitebeingoutgainedby124yards. AnothertroublingindicatorfortheFalconsisthattheywereoneofonlythreeteamsthatwereoutgainedontheaverage play,anextraordinarilydifficultproblemtoovercomeoverthelonghaulofaseason.thefalcons averagegainperplaylast seasonwas5yards,whiletheirdefensegaveupanaverageof5.6.whilethatdeficitof0.6yardsmaynotseemsignificant, ittiedthefalconswithseattleforworstamongthe12playoffsteams(chicagowastheonlyotherteamwithanegative markata0.1deficit). Overthepast15seasons,onlyNewEnglandin2001haseverwonatitlewithadeficitinthatcategory.ThetypicalSuper Bowlteamisat0.6ormoreonthepositiveside.Lastseason,GreenBaywasat0.6perplayandPittsburghwasata stunning1.1. Withinthat,themostglaringdeficiencyfortheFalconswastheirinabilitytocreatebigplaysintheair.Theonlyteaminthe NFLwithfewerplaysof20yardsormorepassingwasCarolina(30). Whilebigpassingplaysaren taprerequisitetosuccess(atotalofeightplayoffteamshad47orfewer),theyobviouslyhelp. PittsburghandGreenBayhad62and57,respectively.Philadelphia,whichnarrowlylosttothePackersintheplayoffs,had 61. It ssomethingwewereverycognizantofthroughouttheoffseason, Dimitroffsaid. Youwanttobesmart,butthisleagueisalsoabouttakingrisks, Smithsaid. That sbothingamesandinbuildingateam.enterjones,whohasnotonlydisplayedgreattools,butawillingnesstolearn. Theblockingissomethingeverybodydoeshere,youseeitinpracticeandyouknowthat spartofhowthisteamworks, Jonessaid. Wehaveoffensivelinemenrunningdownfieldlikethatallthetime,soyouknowit spartofthejob. Moreimportant,Joneshasbeenaquickstudy.InoffseasonworkoutsrunbyRyan,thequarterbackquicklyfoundthatout. Ifyoutellhimsomething,he sgoingtodoeverythinghecantodoitexactlythewayyoutellhimto, Ryansaid. Wehave arouteontheoutsidewherewestopontherouteat8to9yards.heranitalittledeepthefirsttime,probably10or11 yards.itoldhim, Ifyou reevergoingtoerr,erron7,not11. Isaymissat7,hopinghe sgoingtomissat9andhehitsit rightat7.that sonmetotellhimexactlyhowiwantitbecausethat showhe sgoingtobe.ihavetosay, Really,it s8 Heissodetailed,IhavetobepreciseinhowI mtalkingtohim. ToRyan,that sfine.ashelooksacrossthefieldathissupedupweapons,thepossibilitymakeshimfeelbetteraboutthe team schancesandhisresponsibility.

184 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS I mexcited, Ryansaid. Wehaveguyswhohavetheabilitytomakebigplays.Harrycatchesthatballat10or12yards andallofasuddenyouseehimget70andhe sintheendzone. Tome,somuchofthatfallsonthequarterback,too.You havetoputtheminpositiontogetyardsafterthecatch.youhavetobesodetailedinwhereyouputtheballtohelpthem out.ifaballisonthisshoulderwhenthedefenderisontheothershoulder,youhaveachance.butifyouputitinthe middleofaguy sbody,he sgoingtogettackled. That sonme,thefinerpointsthatwe retryingtoaccomplish.

185 Curtis Lofton

186 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Falcons' Lofton a hero in hometown However today s big scrap with the Packers turns out, the result is unlikely to shake up the Kingfisher, Okla., celebrity rankings. Falcons middle linebacker Curtis Lofton could have the game of his young, tackle-rich life right there on national TV. He could actually catch, and bring down, Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, unlike the last time the two teams played. Wouldn t matter. Lofton s not going to take over as the most famous person born in the tiny town (population 5,000) 30 minutes outside Oklahoma City. The late Sam Walton will own that title for as long as the land remains covered up in Walmarts. Being wedged in there at the No. 2 spot of famous Kingfisherites is hardly a terrible fate. Lofton is only 25 and so well regarded in his hometown that there already is a statue of him in the making. As part of a project called Kingfisher Legacy, statues of characters from the city s past and present are being commissioned for every street corner. Twelve should just about cover up Main Street, said John Gooden, the Kingfisher artist in charge. As the funding falls into place, those who will be committed to bronze include a man who walked from Mississippi to Kingfisher and became a local legend by singing at the train depot for troops as they left for WWI; a former territorial governor; a Native American newspaper columnist; a man who left Kingfisher to start the Iditarod sled race in Alaska; and the founder of the Coleman lantern company. And another statue, not yet cast, of a football player who grew up in a small trailer by the railroad tracks, raised by his grandmother while spending more Sundays visiting his mother in prison rather than watching the NFL. Usually, statues are for people who died. I m pretty stoked up about it, Lofton said, happy with his status as both a noteworthy and still-breathing citizen. Taking ownership It s not just Kingfisher residents taking note of Lofton. I ve been really impressed with Curtis Lofton, the Super Bowl champion QB Rodgers said, unprompted. This is his [fourth] year, and he has jumped up another notch. He s one of the most underrated players at his position. I m hopeful, for his sake, that he starts getting the recognition that he deserves. That is a powerful endorsement, one of those that go right on the front of the book jacket of a player whose stock-in -trade is the solid more than the spectacular. It s good that other top players recognize me, Lofton said, careful not to be sweet-talked. But [the game is] going to be a battle. He is the top quarterback in the league now, and we got to go out there and take care of business. The challenge of today is imposing. The Packers came in here in January as a team that made the postseason last-minute, then rolled the top-seeded Falcons Rodgers completed 86 percent of his passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns. He ran for one more and was more elusive than world peace.

187 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Green Bay rode that wave through the Super Bowl and, at 4-0 this season, has betrayed no signs of running aground. Rodgers leads the NFL in quarterback rating and is second in touchdowns and fourth in yards. His team is scoring 37 a game, tops in the league. Lesser quarterbacks have troubled the Falcons this season. Last week, Seattle s Tarvaris Jackson threw for a career-high 319 yards in a Seahawks loss. The Falcons defense hasn t recorded a sack in the past three games. A unit that in theory was upgraded this season is 24th in pass defense, 21st overall. All this reflects on the middle linebacker, a position that demands personal ownership of every play. He s the one who wears the magic hat, the helmet with the radio receiver that relays the defensive coordinator s orders. He s the one who has to translate those barks into workable alignments, often on the fly. He s the one who, in the everlasting mold of Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary and Ray Nitschke, is in charge of delivering a message of violence. Like this season, Lofton led the team in tackles in 2009 and 10. He hasn t missed a game over that span, despite finishing last season with knees so grouchy that both required an offseason surgical tune-up. Whatever this Falcons defense becomes this season, be it an improvement or an impediment, go ahead and pin it on Lofton. You have his permission. I feel like I am the face of this defense, he said. It s a challenge. Each and every day, I got to bring a certain attitude, and that s what I love doing. If something s wrong, I feel I need to do something to get it fixed. Maybe I didn t let em know what play was coming or I didn t set em up to put them in the right position to make a play. It s all about accountability to one another, and I ve got to hold myself to that. This was not necessarily a role he was born to play. Arriving at Flowery Branch from Oklahoma in 2008 as the team s second-round pick, Lofton wasn t the automatically assertive type. Having played the position for a half dozen years in Jacksonville, Mike Peterson came to the Falcons that same year and served as a guide to the demanding world of middle linebacking. When I first got here, he was in a shell, he didn t want to be that [leadership] guy, Peterson said. Last year, you saw it a little bit more. This year, I ve been pushing him a little more. I tell him, [The players] hear me, but I m not the guy in the middle. They want to hear you. It s night and day in how far I ve grown since getting here, Lofton said. When I first got here, I didn t want to step on anybody s toes. Now I look at it as my defense. I got to take charge. Tough childhood The challenges of asserting one s self in a huddle of willful men, as well as those that will come today as the Falcons face the Packers, are not the most daunting Lofton has faced. That s the bottom of the list, he said.

188 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Above that, he d place those Sundays spent loaded in a car with his grandmother and two older brothers, making an hour drive to visit his mother at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center. LaDonna Terrell was in and out of the joint for much of Lofton s youth, more in than out, he said, up to his junior year in high school. She has since beaten back her trouble with drugs and alcohol and the crimes that spun off that, he said. He speaks of growing up without a father nearby, growing up in a cramped trailer, having to mature at double-time. He also says he wouldn t change a thing about his upbringing: It made me what I am. The linebacker coach at Oklahoma noticed something different about the kid from Kingfisher when he told an Oklahoma newspaper years ago, He has substance about him. Rather than distancing himself from his origins, Lofton embraces them, no matter how far the NFL life may tear him away. When his grandmother s small church was flooded out in 2007, Lofton helped relocate it to a storefront on higher ground. The size of his donation is a carefully guarded secret. The last time Lofton was home, the past offseason, customers at the First Capital Bank were a bit stunned when an NFL linebacker playfully began greeting them at the drive-through teller window. He hasn t changed a bit, Jack Stuteville, Kingfishers mayor and the bank president, said. After two years of pleading, Lofton finally convinced his grandmother to let him move her out of the trailer, to a new house in a better area. She called me crying the day she moved in, he said. That s probably my best experience ever. That s the very least he could do, he said, for the woman who raised him and sparked all his best instincts. Work hard, she preached. Keep the faith. Treat others as you want to be treated. And, still, she is intent upon uploading more. Last week, smiling and raising his voice several octaves, Lofton did an impression of the woman who has a difficult time processing the altered personality her grandson must assume on the field: Baby, you don t have to be so mean to those boys. But, of course, his job is the very embodiment of mean. And Falcons fans from here to Kingfisher are banking on that quality today.

189 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS FalconsQ&AwithlinebackerCurtisLofton FLOWERYBRANCHSincehissecondroundselectioninthe2008draft,FalconsmiddlelinebackerCurtisLoftonhasbeena tacklingmachine.heledtheteamintackleswith142lastseasonandhas410tacklesoverhisthreeyearsinthenfl. InaQ&AwithTheAtlantaJournalConstitution sd.orlandoledbetter,loftondiscussedhisoutlookforthedefense enteringthe2011season: Q:Whenpeoplesay Falconsdefense whatdoyouwantthemtothink? A:Wewanttobefeared.Wewanttoputoutgoodimagesofeveryoneflyingtotheball,withnooneloafing.Whenitgets tobethirddown,wehaveourboysgettingafterthequarterbackandthesecondarypickingoffsomepasses. Q:Whatarethegoalsandobjectivesforthedefensethisyear? A:Wewanttocomeoutandbeinthetop10ineverydefensivecategory,butrightnowwearejustfocusingongetting better. Q:Howisthenewlinebackerunitworkingtogether? A:It sgoingfine.thisisthemostathleticandfastestlinebackinggroupthatwe vehadsincei vebeenhere.wearephysical andeveryoneissmart.we vebeenplayingtogetheronandoffoverthepasttwoyears.wearereadytogetitgoing. Q:What sbeenthekeytohavingasuccessfulrundefense? A:It sdisciplineandtrust.youhavetobedisciplinedtostayinyourgapsandyouhavetotrusttheguyswillstayintheir gaps.thatallowsyoutoplayatfullspeed. Q:Howimportantisitforthedefensetogetofftoafaststartthisyear? A:It sveryimportant.youwanttogooutandwinyourfirstgameandthatgivesyoumomentumtostarttheseasonoff right. Q:Youplaymostofthetopquarterbacksintheleaguethisseason.Whatwillbesomeofthekeysagainsttheelite quarterbacks? A:Ithinkthethingthatsticksoutiswhenyouplaytopquarterbacks,youhavetoaffectthem.Youdon tnecessarilyhaveto getsacks,butyouhavetohitthem.battheballdown.youhavetoplaytightcoveragebehindthat. Q:Thefirstteamdefensehasnotplayedtogetheryet;howwilltheplayerstrytocometogetherasquicklyaspossible? A:Itstartsouthereonthepracticefield.Wehavetostartbuildingthatbondandstartbuildingthattrustineachotherand havethatcarryoveronsundays. Q:Whatweresomeofthepreseasonhighlightsforthedefense? A:TheNo.1thingthatstuckout,wasthatnoonecouldruntheballagainstus.Wewereverypleasedwiththat.Thereis stillroomforimprovement.then,ireallyfeltlikesomeyoungguyssteppedupinthesecondary.wehavealotofyoung

190 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS guysthathaveanotheryearinthesystem.theyarestartingtofeelmorecomfortable.wewereabletoplaysomemore mantoman.wedidagoodjobwiththatandwegotafterthepasser. Q:Canthedefenseturninabigyear? A:SinceI vebeenherethisisthebestdefensethatwe vehad.ourexpectationsarehighandi msurethateveryoneelse s are,too.

191 corey peters

192 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS No drama in his game Falcons defensive tackle Corey Peters is nobody s big-budget blockbuster hero. He does not come at you in IMAX 3-D, bigger than life. Aside from the little performance he gives after a quarterback sack he pantomimes a dead dude Peters goes about his work with the drama and flamboyance of a census taker. Thursday night against Jacksonville, after a visit to the locker room to tend to an injured knee, he scooped up a fumble and trucked it in from 13 yards out his first touchdown since high school. But, even then, his big play was obscured by John Abraham s 3 1/2sacks and the Falcons flashiest offensive performance of the season. Like his agent says, guys like Peters are a much easier sell to football general managers and coaches than they are to fans. He is, in other words, just the type to show up in Late Rounders, a modest independent film in which nothing blows up, there are no special effects, and not a single Kardashian is involved. The documentary follows a group of five players getting ready for the 2010 NFL draft. It made the film festival circuit this year to nice reviews, but nobody was going to get rich or famous off it. Peters is the solid, dependable, slightly under-appreciated one, the one who looks into the camera and declares: I will never give [a team] a reason to get rid of me other than that I m too old and that I can live with. Falcons fans are slowly getting more acquainted with Peters as he fleshes out his second season in town. He s the one who does a lot of the trench work, occupying blockers while the linebackers swoop in for the tackle. He s the one who is proving himself a third-round bargain, starting over 2009 first-rounder Peria Jerry. And away from the field, the Falcons just named him their nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, given annually to a single NFL player in recognition of his work in the community. That doesn t create the headlines of, say, a suspension or an arrest, but it does suggest Peters might be someone worth getting to know a little better. Heroes are teachers In Late Rounders, Peters is introspective and beautifully unimpressed with the world he s hoping to dive into, the film producer said. In the film, Peters himself declares, I m not your typical football player. When asked to expand on that characterization, he slathers himself in humility. To me, I m able to see the big picture of things and understand that football is just something I do, something God blessed me to do, he said. I went to school to be a teacher. They were my heroes. Somebody talented at math is no different than somebody who s talented at football. My position is glorified a lot more, but in reality we re the same. I try to stay grounded. This is what I do, but it s not a big deal to me. Sometimes, when people ask for autographs, I get it, but I don t get it.

193 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS His mother is a chief nursing officer at a West Virginia hospital. His father is a USDA liaison officer at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. Such parents do not raise a son to believe that football is a be-all, end-all proposition. Clifton Peters was one of 14 children. He put himself through college at Alcorn State working at the school s pig farm. And I sent money home, he said. One quote from Corey suggests his father made a strong impression: A man who doesn t work, doesn t eat that s what I was always taught. Dad tried to make clear to his three sons that the world is filled with people who come from tough circumstances and such folks are not to be ignored. And with Corey, the son with the most obvious athletic gifts, Clifton found himself delivering an additional message whenever they d watch a game or a highlight show together. They d interview a player and I d say to Corey, Why didn t he explain himself better in that answer? He probably put more emphasis on sports than he did academics. Enough of the sermons got through that Peters earned his degree from Kentucky in secondary education, while twice being named to the SEC s All-Academic team. And with the Falcons this season, he was an almost weekly participant in the team s community outreach. He has popped in on firehouses, dined with breast cancer survivors, stumped for Children s Healthcare of Atlanta and the team s child fitness program. One event, bowling with children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, was particularly moving. I was paired up with a little girl who had leukemia. She had so much energy, was so excited about every little thing. I don t know how I could take something that serious in stride and still be able to go out and have a good time. Season of extremes Peters, however, is not paid by the mid-week appearance. The trick for a fellow who wishes to carry himself in a proper fashion is not to let good intentions get in the way when it is time to sow havoc at game time. Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams will testify that Peters principles don t interfere with his play. Among his three tackles last Sunday was the one in which he dragged down Williams by the dreadlocks dangling below his helmet. Peters was himself once the owner of flowing tresses, but apparently there is no code of honor among that braided society. [The Panthers] were outraged a little, but you got to get them down any way you can get them down, Peters said. If I can grab it, I ll grab it. Grabbing for whatever he can, Peters leads all Falcons defensive linemen in tackles (31). He also has three sacks, each one of them accompanied by a celebration move he calls The Bernie, in which he goes stiff and tilts backward in the attitude of the dead character in the old movie Weekend at Bernie s. He broke out a rendition Thursday after his fumble return. The fan base has had reason to focus on Peters just twice this season, for good and bad. You finally get some small share of notoriety, then find out she s a fickle dame.

194 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS He had a nifty one-handed interception of a Cam Newton screen pass that halted a potential tying touchdown drive in the first Carolina game. One of the best things to come of that was the big photo in his father s office, showing his 300-pound son trying to stiff-arm a tackler like an oversized Adrian Peterson on the return. Earlier in the season, there was the other extreme: Tampa Bay with the ball and a three-point lead, fourth-and-1 on the Atlanta 44 with 1:49 left to play. During the timeout, coaches reminded Falcons defenders that the Bucs best option was to try to draw one of them offside. Be careful. Be smart. Then Peters lurched. His offside penalty enabled the Bucs to run out the clock, denying Matt Ryan a shot to play hero. The response on my Twitter, it was kind of a reality check, Peters said. You learn who your true supporters are. I was surprised; a lot of people will take the opportunity to kick you when you re down. But you bounce back from it and learn from it. I guarantee you I ll never do that again in my career. Peters said he also applied the lessons of that episode to how he will react to other players foibles. The next blown dunk, the next base-running blunder or dropped pass he views as a fan, he won t be so quick to pile on with criticism. He wouldn t mind if others out there would follow that lead, granted that reason and perspective are tough sells in the sports marketplace. The camera crew stopped following Peters shortly after he was drafted and secured a spot on the Falcons roster, but his story didn t end there. Since, Peters has discovered there is a place in his noisy profession for a guy who, as his agent Greg Linton says, just goes to work, studies film, listens to his coaches and does his job. There is an epilogue Peters would supply to that little film about young players and their against-the-odds struggles to make it in the NFL. He said it would simply go: I couldn t have ended in a better spot. I couldn t be happier.

195 Matt ryan

196 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS The top one percent There's a very fine line between really good and Hall of Fame. Matt Ryan is working hard to cross over. Matt Ryan is attempting to join Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers as an elite player, but the difference between very good and great has never seemed wider for quarterbacks. This story appears in the Jan. 9, 2012 NEXT issue of ESPN The Magazine. IT WAS SMOKY. Streaks of fire shot into the domed air like champagne as each player from the hometown Falcons was introduced, none louder than the 10th to be called. Quarterback... from Boston College... No Matt Ryan! This was last January during the playoffs, minutes after the Georgia Dome crowd waved red flags and booed the visiting Packers and their quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. This game seemed to have an evolutionary quality, the beginning of a new chapter. Each decade has its quarterback rivalries, and now, for the first time, the league's two premier young passers were to meet in the postseason. Both Ryan and Rodgers had become starters in Ryan the hotshot rookie, Rodgers the forgotten benchwarmer -- and until this evening, Ryan seemed to have more upside. He was AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2008, NEXT in 2009 and Matty Ice throughout, a 6'4", 217-pound, ever-smiling Irish Catholic cleansing of the Michael Vick era. In 2010, Ryan led the Falcons to a 13 3 record, with 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Days before the playoffs, Ryan, not Rodgers, was named to the Pro Bowl. And it was on: Ryan passed the Falcons down the field for a 7-0 lead, then Rodgers answered with a score. The teams went back and forth until Atlanta took over with 42 seconds left in the first half, down Ryan moved the Falcons into field goal range with 10 seconds remaining. Looking for another five yards, he called one more play. Ryan rolled left, hesitated for a beat, recocked and forced a late pass to Roddy White, a throw he immediately regretted. Packers corner Tramon Williams intercepted the ball and ran 70 yards for a touchdown, changing the trajectory of not only the game but the perceptions of the two quarterbacks. Rodgers went on to throw for 366 yards and three touchdowns in a blowout. He's never looked back. Meanwhile, when the smoke finally cleared that night, Ryan, dazed behind his eyeblack, seemed as small as his end of the scoreboard as a peer passed him by. Each year, this magazine anoints athletes we think will not only become stars but also transcend sports. Most of the picks -- think Maria Sharapova, Larry Fitzgerald, Carlos Beltran -- become stars. But few actually do transcend, and the reason is simple: It's really hard. So hard, in fact, that only a few from each era -- think LeBron, A-Rod, Yao Ming -- achieve it. And it's even harder for NFL quarterbacks. Our past NEXT QB picks range from Jared Lorenzen to Donovan McNabb to Ben Roethlisberger, with only Big Ben possibly destined for Canton. For as gorgeous as a perfect pass looks, the path to greatness isn't so pretty up close. All quarterbacks, especially great ones, volley between huge ego trips and driving insecurity. Doubt gnaws at them, no matter how many Super Bowls they've won. Some channel those nerves into a Hall of Fame career. Rodgers is on his way. Ryan is desperate to join him. He ranks as one of the 10 best people in the world at what he does. But Ryan's goal, he says, "is to be the very best." And the difference between the 99th percentile and the 99.9th seems huge. Since being drafted third overall in 2008, he's won 42 games and led 16 fourth-quarter comebacks, both second only to Drew Brees. He's exactly the kind of guy you'd sell as the face of your team -- loved by teammates, always willing to hold his smile for a second picture if the flash doesn't go off. His coaches trust him to operate the no-huddle offense and pick from roughly 30 plays on every down. He's only 26, with his career ahead of him.

197 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS But he's stuck. A hangover that started with that playoff pick has lingered into this year. Ryan's completion percentage is down, his interception rate up. At times, both he and the Falcons, preseason Super Bowl favorites, look like they've plateaued. He lights up bad teams, like his six touchdowns and one interception in wins against the Jaguars and Colts, but struggles against the best, with three scores and three picks in losses to the Packers and Saints. And he chose a bad year to be stuck: The difference between very good and great has never seemed wider for quarterbacks, as Rodgers, Brees and Tom Brady have distanced themselves from everyone else. Ryan watches film of those passers every off-season, wondering why he hasn't joined them. He's got the arm, brains, ambition and support system. But the last step is the hardest. "There's something to be said for being motivated and driven," he says. "There's also something to be said for being able to let things go. It's a constant battle." The current crop of future Hall of Famers has one thing in common: Before they were great, they were broken. Whether it was Brady's draft-day slide, or Rodgers' not receiving a single Division I offer out of high school, or Brees' being ignored in favor of taller quarterbacks, each had to face the prospect of not having a pro career. But Ryan's interception against the Packers was the first time he was broken, and he struggled to let it go. He watched video of it for days after the loss, replaying the momentum he gave away. "That's the difference between winning a Super Bowl and not," he says. He had never doubted his arm, even when he operated a run-first offense at William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia. But at last year's Pro Bowl, his first, he wondered whether he belonged on the same stage with Brees, Vick and Peyton Manning. Then he saw them throw and was relieved that his arm was as good as theirs. "It was the best thing that ever happened to him," tight end Tony Gonzalez says. "Watching those guys, saying, 'I'm just as good as them. What's separating me from them? Execution and consistency.'" Ryan shook off a slump against Carolina, rallying his team to its biggest second-half road comeback in 31 years.this year, though, Ryan has struggled with both, flatlining at a high level but far short of where he wants to be. His coach, Mike Smith, calls Ryan a "great quarterback, with the skill set to be elite." His GM, Thomas Dimitroff, says his progress is "right on track," adding that circumstances beyond Ryan's control have contributed to his problems: Through Week 15, he'd been hit 74 times this season, fourth most in the NFL, and his receivers had 32 drops -- second most in the league. But the greats find ways to rise above, and he's reached that point common to so many ambitious people, where his expectations can be corrosive. That's why Ryan, whom former college teammates called a "cocky sucker," sits at a table in December and describes his career as "good, not great," a six out of 10. Later he laughs about how "embarrassed" he was recently after studying game tape from 2009, back when he was where Cam Newton is now, considered wise beyond his years. Ryan knew relatively nothing, and he wonders whether he now knows too much. "You start to think you know things and start to second-guess," he says. "And that screws you up. So you kind of go back to what you originally did: Trust what you see and throw it." Each Sunday is another chance. The game plan is faxed to his house every Tuesday night, and he knows it cold when he leaves the next day at 5:50 a.m. His coaches try not to overload him, but Ryan asks to be overloaded -- the drive and curse of the supremely motivated. He meets with Smith alone twice a week to watch film, an advanced-level scouting session between a defensive mind and his quarterback, in the mold of Belichick and Brady. But on game day, Ryan has struggled to grind through self-imposed doubts. "It's a fine line between being your harshest critic but not beating yourself up," he says. "Sometimes you need to pat yourself on the back and say, 'Know what? You're doing a good job.'" Against the Texans on Dec. 4, Ryan overthrew easy scores on his first two passes and tossed interceptions on his third and sixth. He didn't snap out of it until the Falcons trailed with 59 seconds left. He drove into Houston territory, and on the final play he lofted a pass that slipped through rookie receiver Julio Jones' hands. Ryan spent the next week talking about how "s---ty" he'd played. "Matt's his toughest critic," Dimitroff says. "That can be an incredibly admirable trait. It also can be the bane of our existence."

198 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS When Ryan entered the league, he obsessively patterned his game after Brady and Manning, as if emulating them would seal his rise. But as he's grown, he has realized he can be great only on his own terms. And when he's on, Ryan does things that they didn't at his age. He wields more power at the line of scrimmage than Brady, and he throws fewer interceptions than Manning. He says his only chance to be great is to "keep working hard. Keep your head down. That's all you can do, I think." He smiles. "Could be wrong, though." It's revealing both as a measure of his maturity and his confidence that the play he's most proud of this year was one in which, with the game on the line, he took the ball out of his hands. On Sept. 18 against the Eagles, he audibled from a pass to a run that Michael Turner busted for 61 yards, helping to lock up a win. A year ago, Ryan might have thrown the ball, trying to prove himself. Now he's content to share the burden. "Not every play has to be on me," he says. But there are moments, like in last year's playoffs, when a great quarterback is the only answer. Ryan was in the middle of one of those times against the Panthers in December, sitting, head down, on the bench. Moments earlier, he dropped into his own end zone, locked onto a receiver too long and was sacked for a safety. Down 9-7, Ryan lifted his eyes in time to see Panthers tailback DeAngelo Williams convert his mistake into a 74-yard touchdown run. On the next series, Ryan recovered his own fumble on first down, tossed a screen for a loss on second, and on third threw incomplete to Jones. A few minutes later, Newton hit a 44-yard TD to move past Ryan into fourth place on the rookie passing yardage list. Down 23-7, Ryan looked lost. But this time he did what the great quarterbacks do: He threw himself out of a funk. During a third-quarter stretch, Ryan called passes on 14 of 19 plays, and he kept throwing, even after Jones couldn't haul in two potential scores, even after he was sacked, even after a field goal and two touchdown passes put Atlanta ahead with 12:42 left. And he kept throwing to Jones. Ryan's most resolute pass of the game was a post in the fourth quarter that the rookie caught between two defenders for a 75-yard touchdown. After Ryan ended the game on one knee and tossed the ball to the ref, Newton approached him. The rookie whose greatness seems preordained patted the helmet of the veteran who knows better, and Ryan jogged away. An hour later, on the way to the team bus, he was asked by a fan to autograph two plastic packages containing Matt Ryan action figures. One was from his Boston College days, slinging it in maroon and gold, a cocky sucker; the other was in Falcons black, hardened by self-awareness. For a half, at least, Ryan melded the best qualities of both of those quarterbacks, and nobody could touch him. He signed each, and ascended the bus, a step closer to becoming himself.

199 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Tough Irishman' Matt Ryan draws praise from Smith Mike Smith calls Matt Ryan a ''tough Irishman.'' The Falcons coach says that toughness helps make his quarterback a fourth-quarter winner. Ryan was pounded by Philadelphia's pass rush for three quarters, but he was at his best at the end. He led two touchdown drives in a near-perfect final quarter to rally the Falcons to a crucial victory over the Eagles on Sunday night. ''He's a tough Irishman,'' Smith said. ''I've said that before. He gets hit and he takes that hit and he keeps going. He is a guy that will never give up. When you have a guy like that leading your football team, it's going to pay dividends in the long run.'' Ryan was sacked four times - all in the first three quarters - struggling after one to rise from his knees. He was also hit six times, usually landing hard on the turf. Despite the beating, the fourth quarter belonged to Ryan. His No. 2 jersey commanded the respect of a Georgia Dome sellout crowd packed with Michael Vick's No. 7 - in Falcons' red and Eagles' green. Ryan completed 8 of 10 passes with a touchdown to rally the Falcons from a deficit. Vick, the former Falcons star, left with a third-quarter concussion, spitting blood on his way off the field. Ryan won the battle of endurance before winning the game. A victory the Falcons needed. They were coming off a 13-3 season that ended with a disappointing home playoff loss to Green Bay and opened with an ugly loss at Chicago following a winless preseason. Another setback would have left an opening for doubts to enter the Falcons' locker room before this week's game at Tampa Bay. Ryan, in his fourth season, has led 14 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime. Smith said this may have been Ryan's top showing with the game on the line. ''Matt was at his best in the fourth quarter,'' Smith said. ''It would be hard to think of him in those two drives playing any better since we've been here.'' Ryan passed for 76 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter while leading two touchdown drives. He had a 1-yard scoring pass to Ovie Mughelli to cap a 12-play drive that covered 80 yards and then led another 80-play drive which ended with Michael Turner scoring from the 3 with less than 5 minutes remaining. ''That is probably as well as I've seen Matt play in those circumstances,'' Smith said. Overall, Ryan completed 17 of 28 passes for 195 yards with a career-high four touchdowns and two interceptions. Smith said the fourth-quarter win also showed him more about his team. ''This is a team that doesn't blink,'' he said. ''This is a team that stays focused, knows what the task is, and to the best of their abilities goes out and tries to perform.''

200 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS The sacks are a growing concern, however. Ryan was sacked five times and hit 11 more times in the loss at Chicago. Ryan already is almost halfway to his career-high total of being sacked 23 times last season. It's a pace the Falcons can't afford to see continue. ''We have got to protect the quarterback,'' Smith said. ''We've got to make sure schematically that we put our guys in the best situations and we've got to win our one-on-one matchups. We've played two very good defensive fronts in the first two games and we have not fared the way that we wanted to in the sacks given up. ''This is a group that over the last three years has been one of the top teams in protecting our quarterback, and we've got to get back to playing with some continuity and some confidence in protecting our quarterback.'' The Falcons' offensive line has played without injured center Todd McClure and is adjusting to the loss of guard Harvey Dahl, who signed with St. Louis as a free agent. Ryan defended his line, which included second-year center Joe Hawley. Garrett Reynolds has replaced Dahl at guard. Ryan said the unit played especially well in the fourth quarter. ''I thought our guys stepped up and did a great job,'' Ryan said. ''They kept battling and on those last two drives they provided some really good protection. We were able to make some throws down the field.'' The Falcons ran a no-huddle offense in the final quarter, limiting the ability of the Eagles' defense to have time for substitutions and adjustments. It didn't take long for Ryan to look ahead to this week's game at Tampa Bay. ''I think anytime you get the first win of the year, it feels really good,'' Ryan said. ''But we've got a long way to go. One of the things I say every week is that you can't get too high and you can't get too low. We've got a good Tampa Bay team that we're going to be going against down there.... We need to move on.'' NOTES: The Falcons are sticking with rookie punter Matt Bosher, at least for now. Bosher averaged only 35.6 yards on seven punts, including an 18-yarder out of the end zone. ''We know that when you have a young player, especially one of the specialists, they're going to have some rookie moments and I think he had some of those yesterday,'' Smith said, adding Bosher ''has good resolve'' and will improve.

201 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Asseasonapproaches,Ryanisdeepthinker FLOWERYBRANCHDuringhisFalconscareer,quarterbackMattRyan sfilmroomattendancehasbeenwellknown. That swherehefindssolaceinselfcritiquesandcomesupwithvariousimprovementplans,andwherehefindswhatworks leaguewideandincorporatesintothefalconsoffense. Thisoffseason,however,Ryansteppedoutsidethefilmroomoutofnecessity.Duringthe132daylockout,Ryanwasthe mainorganizeroftheplayersledpracticesatbufordhighandtaughttheplaybooktorookiewidereceiverjuliojones, workinghandson. Withnocoachesaround,Ryanhelpedlayoutplansforwhattheoffensewouldlooklikethisseason. Ryanfoundsomepositivethingstheunitcouldcarryforwardfroma133season,wheretheFalconswontheNFCSouth andfinishedrankedfifthinscoring(25.6pointspergame)and16thintotaloffense(341.1yards)intheleague. Wewerereallygoodinthirddownsituationslastyearandwewereprettygoodinfirstandseconddownsituations;we gaveourselvesalotofthirdandmakeables, Ryansaid. YetRyanwashonestabouthisandtheunit'sshortcomings. Oneoftheareas,andit sbeentalkedaboutalot,isafocusforme,[andthat's]throwingtheballdownthefieldand workingwiththeguysthrowingtheballdownthefield, Ryansaid. TheFalconsoftenmarcheddownthefieldlastseason,runningtimeofftheclock.Yetwhentheygotintoashootoutwith GreenBayintheplayoffs'divisionalround,theycouldn tkeepup. Throwingthelongballhopefullywillallowtheoffensetoscorequicker. Forme,IfeltlikeIneededtobemoreaccurateinthosesituations,givingthoseguysachance[tomakeaplay], Ryansaid. NotalloftheworkonthedeeppassinggamewasondisplayatBufordHigh,Ryansaid.Therewereprivate,oneonone sessionsinwhichhetriedtogetthetimingdownwithhisreceiversondeeproutes. OneofthekeyplaysintheGreenBaygameoccurredwhenMichaelJenkinswasopenonadeepball,slippedwhenit showeduplateandwatchedasthepasswasinterceptedbytramonwilliams. HadRyanandthesincedepartedJenkinsconnectedonthatplay,theFalconswouldhavetakena2114leadandadifferent SuperBowlchampmighthaveemerged. ThereweresomesituationswhereIwantedtoworkonsomethingsandkindofjustworkwithoneguy,kindofeveryday," Ryansaidoftheoffseasonworkouts. Outsideofthefilmroom,RyanknewitwouldbeimportanttogetJonesacclimated.Jonesreceivedhisplaybookwhenthe lockoutwastemporarilylifted. ForJones,whileherecognizedsomeconcepts,theplaybookmightaswellhavebeenwritteninhieroglyphics.Ryan,with thehelpofjohnparkerwilson,whoplayedaseasonwithjonesatalabama,servedastranslators.thestudyplanwas ambitious.

202 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Wewantedtoteachhimtheoffenseasawhole,notjustoneposition, Ryansaid. Ithinkthat sthebestwaythatthese guyscanlearnit,istolearnthesystem.youneedtoknowwhateachspecificplayerisdoing.ithinkthathashelpedhim. RyanknewifJoneswereabletolearntheentireattack,hewouldn thavetocomeoffthefieldwhenthefalconswentto theirnohuddleattack. Heendsupplayingalotofdifferentpositions, Ryansaid. Intheteam sfourreceiverformations,jonescouldendup,dependingontheplaycall,atanyoneofthespots. Ifyouarejustlearningoneposition,it sgoingtoputyoubehind, Ryansaid. Him,havingabetterfeelandbetter understandingofwhatoursystemislike,hashelpedhim. ByaddingJonestorunningbackMichaelTurner,fullbackOvieMughelli,widereceiverRoddyWhite,tightendTony GonzalezandwidereceiverHarryDouglas,theFalconshaveadeeperoffensivearsenal. WithJones,WhitecomparedtheFalconstotheoldSt.LouisRams GreatestShowonTurf offensethatfeaturedhallof famermarshallfaulk,quarterbackkurtwarnerandreceiversisaacbruce,torryholt,azzahirhakimandrickyproehlfrom 1999to2001. That sgoodthatroddyhashighexpectations, Ryansaid. Inallhonesty,Ithinkallofushavetherightmindset.Allofus justwanttowin.whenyouhaveacollectionofguyslikethatonyouroffenseandonyourfootballteam,itmakesitfunto beapartof. Itwillbeimpossibletokeepeverybodyhappy,butRyandoesn tbelievetherewillbeproblems. Alloftheseguysknowthattheyhavegreatindividualtalent, Ryansaid. Roddyhasit.Tonyhasit.Harryhasit.Juliohas it.michaelturnerhasit.allofusarekindofwillingtoputthattothesideanddowhateverittakestobesuccessful."

203 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Nolettinggo MattRyanwatchedit.Notobsessively,butenoughtoseethemistakes,toremember,andtomakesure4821never happenstohimagain.forallbutoneteamintheplayoffs,theseasonendsabruptly,butforryanandhisatlantafalcons, lastseason'sendingwasespeciallyjarring.atlantawastheno.1seedinthenfc,comingoffabye,playingathomewhere ithadlostonlyonceduringtheregularseason,takingonateamcomingoffashortweekafterawildcardgameonthe road.andgreenbaywaxedthefalcons.bam.over.thanksforplaying. "Itstings,"Ryansaidearlierthisweek."Anditdoesstickwithyou." With4821inhisbackpocketservingasmotivation,Ryanwilltrytocontinuehisupwardprogressionthisseasonasoneof thebestyoungquarterbacksintheleague.inhisfirstthreeyearsinatlanta,ryanhasledthefalconstoa3315record,the bestthreeyearruninfranchisehistory.hehasimprovedhisaccuracy,cutdownonhisturnoversandgrownintoaleader forateamthatwasatgroundzero,postvick,postpetrino,whenhearrived. Nowcomesthehardstep:winninginthepostseason.RyanhasgottentheFalconsintotheplayoffstwiceinthreeyears,but hedidnotplaywelleithertime.alossontheroadtoarizonaasarookiewasforgivable,buttwopicks,includingagame changerattheendofthefirsthalf,ina4821defeat?notsomuch. RyaniswherePeytonManningwasafterhis410playofflosstotheNewYorkJetsin2002:ohforthepostseason,with somefansquestioningwhetherhecangetitdonewhenitmattersmost. InsidetheFalconstrainingfacilityinFloweryBranch,Ga.,thereisnodoubt.AlthoughRyanthrewtwointerceptionsagainst thepackers,includingonetramonwilliamsreturnedforatouchdownasthefirsthalfended,atlanta'sdefensealsogaveup 442yardsandcouldbarelygetahandonQBAaronRodgers'jersey.Withplentyoftimetothrow,Rodgersputonaclinic, completing31of36passesfor366yardsandthreetouchdowns,andheranforafourth. ThatispartofthereasonAtlantasignedMinnesotadefensiveendRayEdwardstoafiveyear,$30milliondealtoplay oppositejohnabraham.edwardsdoesnothavetogetdoubledigitsacksaslongashecanalleviatesomeofthepressure onabraham,whowasthefalcons'onlyeffectivepassrusherlastseason.abetterpassrushalsoshouldhelpatlanta's secondary.thefalconsfilledtheirotherbigneedadirectnodtoryanbymovingup21spotsinthedrafttoselect Alabama'sJulioJoneswiththesixthoverallpick.Lastseason,Atlantarankedlastinpassplaysof30plusyards,withnine. AlthoughRoddyWhitecanstretchthefield,hecan'tdoitbyhimself.Jones,6foot4and220pounds,isaspeedyreceiver whocaught179passesincollege,secondmostinschoolhistory.hisarrivalmeantharrydouglascouldmovetohis preferredpositionintheslot,andwithtonygonzalezattightendandmichaelturneratrunningback,ryanhasweapons alloverthefield. "MikeSmithsaiditwelltheotherday:WemadeitveryclearwhatourexpectationsareforJuliowhenwemovedupfrom 27tosix,"FalconsgeneralmanagerThomasDimitroffsaid."Juliohasimpressedmefromdayone." HehasimpressedRyan,too,despitethefactthatJonesdroppedaperfectlyplaceddeepballfromhimintheFalcons'third preseasongameagainstpittsburgh. "He'sgoingtomakethoseplays,"Ryansaid."He'smadethosekindsofplayshisentirelife,highschool,college.He'llmake theminthenfl,too.theimportantpartishekeepsgettingdownthefield.he'sveryfast.i'vegottoletgoofthatball quickly." IftheexpectationsonJonesarebig,theonesonRyanareenormous.Hemadeabigleapfromhissecondtothirdseason. Heimprovedhisaccuracyfrom58.3percentto62.5percent,inpart,Ryansaid,becauseofhowdiligentlyheprepared.("It

204 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS putsyouateaseonsunday,andallowsyoutohaveconfidenceinwhatyou'redoing,"ryansaid.)healsothrewfor3,705 yardsand28touchdowns,bothcareerhighs. DimitroffsaidRyan'sconfidenceisfeltthroughoutthebuildingonthepracticefield,inthemeetingrooms,inthelocker room.hesaidryanhastakenmoreofaninterestinthedevelopmentofallareasoftheteam,notjusttheoffense. "He'salwayshadapresence,butit'sthatmuchmoreevidentthisyear,"Dimitroffsaid."He'savery,verycompetitive individual,asmostquarterbacksatthislevelare,buthejustseemssodriventhisyeartocontinuetotakethistonew levels." LiketothatplaceDimitroff,whocuthisteethwiththeNewEnglandPatriots,won'tmentionbyname:theSuperBowl. Togetthere,Ryanmustshowthathe,likeRodgers,isclutchwhenitcounts.Abunchofcomefrombehindwinslastyear meantlittleafter4821. SoRyanwatchedthelosstothePackers,morethanonce,nottotorturehimself,buttolearn.Itstung,forsure,butitdid help. "Oneofthethingsthat'sreallyimportantandI'vekindoflearnedovertheyearsisyouhavetogetpastthosetoughlosses andmoveforward,"ryansaid."youcan'tletiteatatyou.youhavetoletitaffectyoutherightway,servingasmotivation andlearningfromthat,notsendingyouintoafunkwhereyoucan'tmovepastit. "Ithinkeverybodyintrainingcampisbeyondthatandfocusedonthisseason.We'llusewhatwelearnedfromthelast threeseasons,andi'lltrytomakemeabetterplayer." Andawinnerinthepostseason.Manninggothisfirstplayoffwinonhisfourthtry.ThefeelinghereisthatRyanwillgethis inhisthirdtrytomake4821justnumbersinabook.

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206 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS For Will Svitek, one-way hike led to the pros The story of the newest starter along the fluid offensive front of the Falcons is one that spans continents, cultures and political systems with a little football in the footnotes. The search for a beginning to such a sprawling tale led to a veteran s suggestion: Make sure he shows you the photo, the one with him in the backpack, tackle Tyson Clabo said. As good an opening scene as any, that photo: Will Svitek,the Falcons tackle opposite Clabo, in the Yugoslavia of 1984, a 2- year-old riding his eldest brother s back. Svitek obviously was a great load even then, as the family gathered on a rocky plateau. This was no family picnic in the mountains, as the scene suggested. The two oldest Svitek boys, Tomas and Ivan, knew that. All Andrew, four years older than Will, knew was the fib his parents told him, that they were all just playing a game, pretending to go on military maneuvers. Facing the family were saw-toothed Alpine crags. The symbolism was stark and to scale one more mountain to climb to freedom. Here was a treasured captured moment, just before the family went seeking a soft spot in the Iron Curtain, the very day it left behind everything familiar for the sake of a dream. Svitek s presence at left tackle today as the Falcons take on New Orleans is proof that his father, Milan, and mother, Eva, made it. They led the family from its native Communist Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), through Yugoslavia (in an area that is now Slovenia) and into Austria. And the entire brood not just the professional football player in the family seems to live as if to honor the parents decision to make the difficult journey that ended in America. Today will be Svitek s third start in place of Sam Baker, part of a recent effort to keep Matt Ryan out of traction. There has been some improvement on that front. In the Falcons first three games, Ryan was sacked 13 times. The sack total is less than half that (six) over the past five games. Holding is discouraged in Svitek s profession, unless it is to cling stubbornly to a roster spot. A sixth-round pick by Kansas City in 2005 out of Stanford, Svitek started four games for the Chiefs before being released following the 2007 season. The Falcons signed him in 09, and he has been mostly a big guy in the background until now. His NFL numbers are the least exceptional component of his personal history. There d be no football numbers at all had Milan and Eva Svitek opted not to take a one-way hike in the summer of As to where he might be now had they remained in Prague, Svitek said, I think about it all the time. Who knows what I would have gotten into? I definitely wouldn t be playing football. Maybe I d be a hockey player, who knows? Probably not. Don t think I d be too good on ice. My parents gave me everything. I could never be grateful enough. Whatever I do, I try to make them proud. Window for escape

207 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Milan Svitek was not a good little Communist. He was a dissident who chaffed at the Soviet rule of his land. There was a thick secret police file with his name on it, Milan said, one he was later able to read and disregard as the flotsam of a failed system after the fall of communism at the end of He still had value to the state. He was an urban planner and a former weight thrower on the national track team who was married to a math teacher. The deprivation they felt was largely intellectual. As oldest son Tomas crossed over into his 20s, the need to escape became clear. Tomas was very gifted in space science, said Milan, who with Eva lives in Southern California. But he would not be allowed to study where he wanted. They would take him into the army, and, maybe, he d work on Russian satellites. We were hostages of a political system. The exit strategy was complicated. Because of his politics, Milan could not obtain passports for him and his family. When, in 1984 he was granted permission to travel on vacation to another Soviet Bloc nation, Yugoslavia, a window for escape appeared. The Yugoslavian border was less heavily guarded. Milan, the urban planner, was skilled with maps. This was their chance. Driving where they could, taking an all-day hike for the final leg over the mountains and across the border, the Sviteks turned themselves in as refugees seeking political asylum to Austrian authorities. They spent nine months in Austria until their application to come to America was approved. The Sviteks arrived in California in early 1985 with five suitcases, $1,000 and a $1,600 loan from the U.S. that Milan would pay back $20 at a time. We were more poor than people realize, Milan said. McDonald s was a place we couldn t visit for our first three years here. But we always were able to feed the family. Breeding success A quick audit on the family now shows a huge return for the parents risk. Milan, 70, is retired after 20 years as an urban planner for Los Angeles County. His wife, 68, is an artist who broke five hours in this year s L.A. marathon. With his advanced degree from the California Institute of Technology, Tomas is building solar-sail-powered spacecraft in California. Ivan, the gangly teenager in the photo who fled communism, is now the ultimate capitalist in Moscow, the CEO of Home Credit and Finance Bank in Russia. Andrew got his law degree from California-Davis and works as an urban planner in Southern California. As for the 29-year-old Will, with his political science degree from Stanford and his forays into business classes at Harvard and Wharton: I always joke around about me being the dumb jock in the family, he said.

208 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Svitek came to football late. First, there was track (he was a national youth decathlon champ); then there was basketball; then, after much objection from his family, he began playing football in high school. The motivations to play were simple enough. I started playing football just because all my friends were, and I thought it would be kind of a cool thing to do, maybe the girls would like it, Svitek said. The game was so foreign to his parents that Will bought them a Football for Dummies book at Christmas. The Americanization of the Sviteks would not be complete until the elders learned the non-military use for such terms as bomb, the trenches, blitz and shotgun. Svitek s parents are visiting Atlanta through November, for a three-game homestand that begins today against the Saints. Tomas will be along to witness his first pro game and learn up-close that the NFL, indeed, is not rocket science. The Sviteks earned U.S. citizenship in 1989, just as the Soviet Bloc was disintegrating. Milan had the opportunity to return to his old home in the early 90s, but was far too rooted in his new home to seriously consider it. American Dream Svitek is not the man to go to in search of confirmation that the ideal of the American Dream is growing up threadbare. He is his father s son, shot through with an instinctual suspicion of big government and a true believer in the power of selfreliance and hard work. He sings the immigrant s song in full voice. Our country is in tough times being in recession, deficit, risk of inflation, he said. I think the American Dream is possible. I believe in it 100 percent because I m a living example. Obviously, there are people who have advantages and disadvantages. But I think, at the end of the day, you control your own destiny. You don t have to look to others. (His father also has influenced Svitek s charitable efforts. Milan is a prostate cancer survivor, and Will is currently taking part in a prostate cancer awareness program called Movember, growing a moustache as a visible sign of support while raising donations on his own Movember website). Svitek may not be known as the most artful of offensive linemen, or the most skilled. But in his first two starts with the Falcons this year, he faced Detroit s Kyle Vanden Bosch and Indianapolis Dwight Freeney without yielding a sack to either. On a line that is trying to rediscover the aggressive edge with which it played a season ago, his goal is to pretty much try to fit in with the rest of the guys. I was always a defensive guy in college [defensive end], so I try to play with a defensive mentality, try to play with an attitude and an edge, he said. At the very least, growing up as he did, playing hard is never optional. My parents sacrificed everything they could so I could come here and have these opportunities, Svitek said. I never want to take anything for granted. I have to maximize my potential. Svitek was carried into a new life, a meaty toddler toted upon his brother s back. The load has long since shifted. It is his turn to carry, his responsibility to take his parents hard-earned hopes as far as possible.

209 Michael turner

210 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Falcons' Turner endorses return to the run When Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff made a blockbuster deal last April to draft Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones sixth overall, he thought the move would take an already-strong team to the next level. While the rookie has flashed tons of ability in making 25 catches for 358 yards through his first five games and, as expected, took heat off star receiver Roddy White, his arrival may have inadvertently created something of an identity crisis for a team that earned the top seed in last year's NFC playoffs. Atlanta sent its first-, second- and fourth-round picks this year and its first-and fourth-round selections next year to the Clevleand Browns in order to move up 21 slots for Jones. But when the speedster missed last Sunday's victory against the visiting Carolina Panthers with a hamstring injury, star running back Michael Turner used the outcome to emphasize what he believes Atlanta's offensive personality should be. "We're a run-first team," he said after carrying 27 times for a season-high 139 yards and two touchdowns. "I think everybody would say that." In truth, it has become more difficult to characterize a Falcons team that finished 13-3 last season but did not have nearly enough firepower to match the visiting Green Bay Packers in making a sudden exit in the divisional round of the postseason. One certainty is that they are still chasing Green Bay, having fallen to the defending Super Bowl champions at home in Week 5. Another surety is that Atlanta has already matched last season's regular-season loss total at 3-3 and must find its stride in a hurry if it is to retain NFC South honors. "I'm sure the wide receivers will say we're a passing team," said fullback Ovie Mughelli, "but we're really a running team, and that helps the passing game not the other way around. "If we can get the running game going like we did (against Carolina), we can do some things." The Falcons churned out 166 yards and averaged a robust 4.7 yards per carry vs. the Panthers. They executed methodical touchdown drives of 81, 80 and 60 yards that kept explosive Carolina rookie quarterback Cam Newton off the field. "We'd like to be able to do that every week," said quarterback Matt Ryan. The same blueprint would seem to make sense when Atlanta visits the resurgent Detroit Lions on Sunday. Few would argue with a gameplan aimed at keeping hot-handed quarterback Matthew Stafford and wideout Calvin Johnson the dreaded "Megatron" off the field as much as possible. The Falcons' coaching staff will then have a bye week to evaluate strategy going forward. Turner, who rushed 334 times for 1,371 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2010, is not waiting that long to make his case. "This team was built on running the football," he said. "We added Julio, he was a good addition for us and we're going to incorporate him." But he noted that Atlanta appeared to wear down the Panthers as the clock wound down.

211 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS "I think we had a better focus on finishing, and in order to finish, we had to steadily pound the rock." Coach Mike Smith also highlighted the role the ground game played. "I really liked the way that we got our run game going," he said. "We did a nice job blocking up to the second level. When you get your offensive line up to the second level and have the wide receivers blocking down the field, then you have an opportunity to have explosive plays." Mughelli praises the receivers for doing whatever is necessary to make the Falcons fly high. "We have receivers who love to block," he said. "They are not finesse, prissy wide receivers who don't want to get their hands dirty. These guys will get in there and rumble with any defensive backs, so it really helps the running game."

212 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS TurnerstilltheheartofAtlanta'soffense ATLANTATalkallyouwantabouthowtheAtlantaFalconsshouldgotothenohuddleoffenseorhowtheyshouldthrow downthefieldmoreoften. Theremaybesometruthtoboththeories.ButwhenitcomestotherealcoreoftheAtlantaoffense,there sonethingyou needtokeepinmind.don teverforgetthattherealbackboneofthisoffenseismichaelturnerandtherunninggame. Ifyouwantproof,justlookatacoupleofcrucialplaysinthefourthquarterofSundaynight s3531victoryagainstthe PhiladelphiaEaglesintheGeorgiaDome. AlthoughtherewasalotofhypeaboutquarterbacksMichaelVickandMattRyangoingheadtoheadforthefirsttime,they didn tdecidethegame.turnermighthavebeentheguywhodidthat. WithPhiladelphialeading3128with7minutes,54secondsremainingandAtlantaholdingtheballatits13yardline, Turnerbrokeoffa61yardrun.Fiveplayslaterheplungedinfora3yardtouchdowntogivetheFalconstheleadforgood. Mattmightliketothinkwe reapassingteamand[receiver]roddy[white]willdefinitelytellyouwe reapassingteam, fullbackoviemughellisaid. ButMichaelandIwilltellyouwe rearunningteam,andtonightshowsthat.really,theygo handinhand.you vegottobeabletorunandyou vegottobeabletopass.calluseitherone,butcallusahappyteam becausewewereawinningteamtonight. Vickleftthegamewithaconcussioninthethirdquarteranddidn treturn.ryan,whoseperformancewasrockyattimes earlierinthegame,tookcontroloncethefalconswenttothenohuddleoffenseinthefourthquarterafterfallingbehind 3121.Ryanfinishedwithacareerbestfourtouchdownpasses,buttheFalconswouldn thavewonthisgamewithout Turner. HislongrunputPhiladelphia sdefense,whichspentafortuneonfreeagentsintheoffseason,onitsheels.histouchdown alsowasthedifferenceonthescoreboard. Turnercarried21timesfor114yards.Itmarkedthe21sttimesincehejoinedtheFalconsin2008thatTurnerhasrushed for100ormoreyards. That soneofthetopdefensivelinesintheleague, FalconscoachMikeSmithsaid. Wejustkeptscratchingwherewe weregoingandwefinallybustedoneopen. ThelongruncameonatrapplayandSmith srightwhenhesaysthefalconsworkedallnighttosetitup. Iwasaspectatoronthesidelinesforthatplay, Mughellisaid. Butthecoacheswereallsaying,'Thiscouldbetheone. Thiscouldbetheonewherehebreaksit.'We dbeenlookingatthephotosofourplaysallgamelongandyoucouldjustsee thatonewasgoingtobreakopenatsomepoint.wewerecloseonitawholebunchoftimes.we djustmissablockortwo hereandthere.wefinallyputallthoseblockstogetherandmikewasabletobreakit. Turner splaycameimmediatelyafterthefalconshadanotherofhisrunswipedoutbyaholdingpenaltyonjoehawley. TheFalcons(11)werealreadyinthenohuddleoffense,anditwouldhavebeeneasytogrowimpatientandjustabandon therunninggame.theycouldhavejustputthegameinryan shands,buttheydidn t. That spartlybecauseryancallstheshotswhenthefalconsrunthenohuddleoffenseandhelikedwhathesaw.

213 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Wegotthelookwewanted, Ryansaid. Thatwasahugeplayinturningthefieldpositionandgettingusonaroll. IthasoftenbeensuggestedbyfansandmediathattheFalconsshouldgowiththenohuddleoffensemoreoftenormaybe evenallofthetime.italsohasbeensuggestedthatthefalconsshouldallowryantothrowdownfieldmoreoften, especiallynowthathe sgotrookiereceiverjuliojonestogowithwhite. Butthereweren talotofdownfieldpassestothosetwoagainsttheeagles,whohavecornerbacksnnamdiasomughaand AsanteSamuel.Whitehadthreecatchesfor23yardsandatouchdown.Joneshadtwocatchesfor29yards. Yeah,thingsseemedtogoalittlebetteroncetheFalconswenttothenohuddleoffense,butoffensivecoordinatorMike Mularkeyisn tgoingtobeoutofajobanytimesoon. No,no,no,no, Ryansaidwhenaskedifheshouldcalltheplaysfromnowon. Mikedoesagreatjobforus,andthat sfor sure. Ryanfinishedwithonly195totalpassingyardswhilecompleting17of28passes.HismaintargetwastightendTony Gonzalez.Atthisstageofhiscareer,Gonzalezisn treallyadownfieldthreat.hecaughtsevenpassesfor83yardsandtwo touchdowns,includingaspectacularonehandedgrabinthebackoftheendzone. TherewillbetimesthisseasonwhentheFalconsaren tplayingtwomarqueecornerbacksoraren tplayingagainstacover 2defenselikeChicago sinaseasonopeningloss.inthosesituations,thefalconsmayfinallygettothedownfieldpassing they vetalkedsomuchabout. Theremightbesomeothergameswheretheygowiththenohuddleoffenseearlieriftheythinkitwillhelpwithtempoand matchups.thisoffenseisaworkinprogressandthingswillgobackandforththroughouttheseason. Butonethingwillalwaysholdtrue.Turnerandtherunninggameneedtobeattheheartofthingsifthisoffenseisgoingto thrive.

214 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Turner sworkloadpilingup MichaelTurnerhashearditallandiswellawarewhatotherssay:Hegetstoomanycarries.Itwilltakeatollonhisbody. Hisproductionwilldecrease.Itwillcatchuptohimeventually. TheFalconsrunningbacklaughsatallofthis. Itdoesn taffectme, Turnersaid. Carriesarecarries.Youcan tcontroltheflowofthegame.differentsituationscallfor runplays.ijusthavetogooutthereandbereadyeverytimemynumberiscalled.i mnotgoingtotrytosavemyself,just totrytosqueezeextrayearsoutofthisleague. TurnersignedwiththeFalconsasafreeagentin2008.HehasbeenoneofthetoprunningbacksintheNFLinhisthree yearsasafulltimeplayer.hehasrushedfor3,941yardsinhistimewiththefalcons,andonlythetitans ChrisJohnson (4,598)andtheVikings AdrianPeterson(4,441)haverushedformore. Turnerhasdoneitdespiteinjury.Hemissedfivegamesin2009withanankleproblem.Lastseason,Turnerplayednearly theentireyearwithagroininjury,onethatrequiredsurgeryintheoffseason. Wasitaproblem?TurnerledtheNFLinrushingattemptsandwasthirdintheleague,andfirstintheNFC,with1,371yards. HemadehissecondProBowl.His12rushingtouchdownstiedPetersonforfourthintheNFL. Turner s4.1yardspercarrywasdownfrom2009(4.9)andadropfrom2008(4.5),thelatteranotherprobowlseasonwith 1,699yardsandanNFLleading376attempts. It sjustfunny;yourstatsaredownbutyouareaprobowlstarter...whatdoyouwantmetodo? hesaid. I mjustgoing togoouttherewhenmynumberiscalled.coachisgoingtogivemetheball,andihavetodosomethingwithit. Turnerwon tusethegroininjuryasanexcuse.however,headmittedhewasinpainandtheprotectivewraplimitedhis explosiveness.hewasn tabletocutassharplyorasquickly.thereweretimeswhenturnerranoutofboundsattheendof aplayratherthantakeonanextrahit. Iwassurprisedtohearhegotitfixedintheoffseason, fullbackoviemughellisaid. Iwaslike, Oh,youweren t100 percent? IfaguywithagroinsituationcanleadtheNFC[inrushing],I mscaredtoseewhathappensthisyear. TheFalcons offseasonmantracalledforanincreaseinexplosiveplays.theteamtradeduptodraftwidereceiverjulio Jones,addinghimtoanoffensethatincludesProBowlersMattRyan,RoddyWhiteandTonyGonzalezandahealthyHarry Douglas.Therunninggamecouldbeinforsomebiggains. Inthepastthreeseasons,Turnerhas100runsof10yardsormore,thirdbehindJohnson(122)andPeterson(116).Last season,hehad15ofthefalcons 20rushesof15yardsormore. Wearearunfirstmentality, Turnersaid. Explosiveplaysdon tnecessarilycomefromthepassinggame.wewanttorun moreexplosiveplays.iwanttogetthat[number]up,too. Withmebeingtotallyhealthy,addingJulio[Jones],theotherthingswedoonoffenseandwithahealthyHarryDouglas, wehavealotofweaponsonthefield.hopefullythosedimensionsopenupthingsforme. Lastseason,Turnercarriedtheball334times,andhehas888carrieswiththeFalcons.InfourseasonswiththeChargers,as LaDainianTomlinson sbackup,turnerhadjust228carries.

215 ATLANTA FALCONS NEWS CLIPS Thecarriesdon tmattertoturner.productivitydoes. Ilookatyardspercarry,butIdon tlookatitlikei mgettingtoomanycarries, Turnersaid. Ilookatitasfarasmy production.ineedtokeepmyproductionup. MughelliiseagertoseewouldbetacklerstrytobringdownahealthyTurnerwitharmtacklesthisseason.Runningbacks coachgeraldbrownsaysturnercaneasilycarrytheballmorethan300timesagain.coachmikesmithexpectsmore production. WewereallawareofthesituationthatMichaelwasgoingthroughlastyearintermsofhisgroin, Smithsaid. Tome,it justvalidateswhatkindofguyheis.he satoughguy.he snotgoingtocomplain.he sgoingtofightthroughinjuries,do whateverhehastodo. Wethinkhe sinabetterplacethisyearthanhewaslastyear.

216 SEAN WEATHERSPOON