The Falcons' leadership was deconstructed. Not it's the roster's turn, with seven players released to begin the overhaul on Feb. 15. It's what happens when a team was a victory from going to the Super Bowl in 2004 then fails to make the playoffs the next three seasons.
The transformation of player personnel could be, and arguably should be, radical.
Three years of diminishing returns and a 2007 season of unforeseen, immeasurable turmoil must be left in the rear-view mirror and included in the wake could be popular players who simply haven't been able to reverse the downward turn.
A wealth of cuts are expected. The first big names to hit the transaction wire were tight end Alge Crumpler, defensive tackle Rod Coleman and quarterback Byron Leftwich. Tailback Warrick Dunn, quarterback Joey Harrington, wide receiver Joe Horn and linebacker Keith Brooking could be among the next round of cuts in an effort to transform the persona of a franchise that lacks an identity.
Seemingly any player over 30 or with an injury history or with a hefty salary that runs no further than '09 is a potential victim.
Team owner Arthur Blank said the Falcons will have at least $23 million in salary-cap space and could have more than $30 million, depending on how deep and wide the cuts.
The revamping of the roster won't be made randomly. Though the salary-cap ramifications have a lot to do with who stays and who goes, new general manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith - who have established themselves as the top decision makers - have made sure plans are in place to fill any vacancies before creating those voids.
Much of the replenishing will come through the draft - the Falcons have nine picks. With ticket sales lagging, a marquee pick could be popular (Atlanta will draft third, fourth or fifth - more later). However, Dimitroff and Smith have indicated the fortification of the interior is priority, big splash or not.
By flouting the abundance of projected room under the salary cap, Atlanta also must be active in free agency and land their desired targets.
Atlanta's ability to lure the right players could be very interesting because the Falcons' top pro personnel man, Billy Devaney, recently left to become the executive vice president of player personnel for the St. Louis Rams.
Dimitroff's area of expertise is evaluating college talent, although he's been on a crash course to bone up on guys who've been playing in the league and who will be available.
Smith is said to have a solid eye for pro personnel, but he's a coach. Thus, he can't devote all of his time to player evaluation, except for what he's seen on film or across the field from him on Sundays.
A longtime defensive coach/coordinator for Jacksonville and Baltimore, Smith should have a solid perspective on offensive players that he's had to game plan against. He will know not only a player's physical gifts but if a player competes hard all the time.
Notes, Quotes
• Proof that a team's record doesn't mean that coaches can't coach: The Falcons have hired four coaches - two coordinators -- from a Miami Dolphins' team that went 1-15 last season. Having built a solid resume before last season's disaster in South Florida surely didn't hurt Mike Mularkey (offensive coordinator), Keith Armstrong (special teams coordinator), Terry Robiskie (wide receivers) and Glenn Pires (linebackers).
• Though the date of the coin flip to determine where Atlanta, Kansas City and the Oakland will draft (4-12) has not been determined, the Falcons' representative at the tiebreaker will be new GM Thomas Dimitroff.
The flip will take place at the scouting combine in Indianapolis and will determine which team drafts third, fourth and fifth.
• There has been no decision by the Falcons as to whether they will appeal a recent court ruling that allows them to collect $3.75 million of the $20 million in bonus money it sought from imprisoned quarterback Michael Vick. Judge David Doty overturned an earlier ruling by an arbitrator, who said Atlanta was entitled to $20 million in bonus money Vick had not earned. Doty said all but nearly $4 million was signing bonus money, which the collective bargaining agreement states can't be recovered.
Quote To Note: "This is a difficult day for the entire organization. A number of these players have contributed to this organization on and off the field at a high level and we greatly appreciate their efforts. These decisions weren't easy, but we felt they were necessary to build a team in the long-term best interest of the Falcons and its fans." -- Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff in a statement after seven players were released Feb. 15.
Strategy And Personnel
Head coach Mike Smith plans on sticking with a 4-3 front on defense but he wants a physical group that intimidates as well as executes. Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey wants to implement a physical offense that can grind out yards, play mistake free and take pressure of the quarterback.
Their goals are hardly original. With this franchise, reaching those ideals will take time, more than a season in all likelihood.
First, the rebuilding of the offensive line is in order. Former coach Bobby Petrino failed in forcing zone-blocking personnel to transition to more traditional in-line blockers. Mularkey wants to be able to push people around which means the personnel must - and will -- change.
Mularkey has already said that mashing fullback Ovie Mughelli will be used far more than the 35 percent of plays he was used for last season. That means carrying the ball more and clearing a path for a more physical tailback (Warrick Dunn is not expected back).
A near overhaul with the offensive line is expected.
Defensively, Rod Coleman was released and nose tackle Trey Lewis is coming off a season-ending knee injury, so his health is an issue. Atlanta is expected to acquire a nose tackle and it wouldn't be a surprise if Grady Jackson, who was cut by the Falcons and signed by Smith in Jacksonville last season, returns for another tour.
TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY
The Falcons could do some major re-tooling, with most of the change - in the words of new coach Mike Smith and new GM Thomas Dimitroff - designed to be strong up the middle. That ranges from tailback, where veteran Warrick Dunn seems to have played his last snap with the Falcons, to safety.
Age and injury depleted the interior lines, while the deep middle of the secondary has been targeted for an infusion of athleticism, play-making ability and longevity. Though not the highest of priority, the Falcons also need to add depth at wide receiver and tight end and they need to find a middle linebacker, as Keith Brooking - his future with the team is somewhat tenuous - is better suited as a weak-side linebacker.
The draft will focus on the interior lines, running back, middle linebacker and quarterback. Free agency likely will be used to fortify both safety positions, at least one quarterback job and the offensive line.
1. Offensive line: LT Wayne Gandy (36) was released. RT Todd Weiner had knee surgery that could threaten his availability this season. RG Kynan Forney ($2.9 million base salary) could also be cut for cap purposes. Michigan's Jake Long could be up. Atlanta might use the majority of its picks along the offensive line. At least one potential starter could be acquired along the OL in free agency.
2. Quarterback: The Falcons are expected to draft a prospect within the first two rounds but building a line to protect him seems like the top priority. Chris Redman could be the caretaker (Chad Henne, Brian Brohm) until the upstart is ready. A veteran free agent could be signed as well. Joey Harrington could be released, following Byron Leftwich out the door.
3. Safety: Free safety Chris Crocker will be allowed to test free agency. There are mixed opinions as to whether Jimmy Williams can replace him as a starter. Strong safety Lawyer Milloy, if retained, will be playing his final season. Addressing both spots through free agency is likely.
Medical Watch: The Falcons have been uncustomarily tight-lipped about offseason surgical procedures.
Of those that took place during the season, the most crucial could be that of starting tackle Todd Weiner. The second of two procedures to Weiner's right knee was said to be extensive and could put the upcoming season in jeopardy. Weiner was walking fine a few weeks ago but he is not expected to be football ready until training camp, at the earliest.
QB D.J. Shockley, who had season-ending left knee surgery, is expected to be healthy enough for next season. It has not been determined if he will be retained, though.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
• PK Morten Andersen is a reliable geriatric kicker that still has some leg left but he'll likely have to wait, again, for team to try out young replacements.
• DT Tim Anderson is a midseason pickup that did little to earn another shot.
• TE Courtney Anderson was a late-season pickup from Detroit who has good size and could be a late summer callback if the Falcons purge the position, which is possible.
• TE Dwayne Blakley is a receiver more than a blocker but he showed improvement in both areas in an expanded role last season. He could be re-signed but he has and will garner interest from other teams.
• FS Chris Crocker, who had a solid 2007, is expected to be set free as the Falcons try to rebuild anew at this position.
--SS Omare Lowe is a special teams ace who lost that title while on IR (knee) last season. He likely won't be re-signed.
--QB Chris Redman played himself into a new contract and maybe a starting position with the Falcons. Atlanta will have to fight off other suitors but this could be the best spot for the former insurance salesman.
--OLB Demorrio Williams is an undersized playmaker not expected to be back. Rising second-year OLB Stephen Nicholas is bigger and showed he was better against the run than Williams, who often was targeted in running situations.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--OLB Michael Boley is a rising star whose retention is top priority. Extension talks started weeks ago and this defensive building block might not get a taste of free agency. If so, Falcons will place a high tender on this former fifth-round pick.
• DE Chauncey Davis is a solid backup who will seemingly be tendered and re-signed, especially with the verdict still out on Jamaal Anderson and John Abraham's injury history.
• P/K Michael Koenen's consistency as a punter and kickoff specialist likely will lead to his retention.
• FB Corey McIntyre was the special teams captain, but he might not be an ideal fit in the offense and he could be allowed to test free agency. If there are no takers, he could be brought back later in the summer.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
• OL Tyson Clabo is a reliable backup that emerged as the team's best starting lineman outside of C Todd McClure. He could have played himself into a multi-year deal and a starting job depending on the health of RT Todd Weiner (knee surgery).
PLAYERS LOST
• DT Rod Coleman (released).
• TE Alge Crumpler (released).
• TE WR Jamin Elliott (released).
• LT Wayne Gandy (released).
• QB Byron Leftwich (released).
• CB Lewis Sanders (released).
• LB Marcus Watkins (released).
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Falcons Off-Season Outlook
Falcons Off-Season Outlook
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