Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins Week 1

8/14/2019 Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins Week 1

1/67

The Atlanta Falcons will open the 2009regular season schedule with a homecontest against the Miami Dolphins.

Atlanta will look to put together anoth-er winning campaign after finishing 11-5 last year, which included the teamsfirst playoff berth since 2004. TheFalcons hold an impressive 11-6record in season home openers andhave won six of their last seven datingback to 1990.

Miami owns a 7-3 overall series record

against Atlanta, however the Falconshave won two of the last three meetings (1998 and 2005). Atlantaslast victory in 2005 improved its regular season record to 6-2.Collectively, the Falcons hold a 4-2 mark against AFC EastDivision opponents since 2001.

Although the Falcons closed the 2009 preseason with a loss to theBaltimore Ravens, the team finished with a 2-2 record, marking thesixth consecutive year Atlanta finished the preseason with a non-losing record. Among the preseason highlights, quarterback MattRyan completed 27 of 36 passes for 267 yards, two touchdownsand zero interceptions for a 114.0 passer rating in four preseasoncontests.

Slated next for the Falcons is a Week 2 home contest against the

Carolina Panthers on Sunday, September 20.

REGULAR SEASON WEEK 1

ATLANTA FALCONS (0-0)vs.

Miami Dolphins (0-0)1:00 p.m. (EST), Sunday, September 13, 2009, Georgia Dome

THIS WEEKS MEDIA AVAILABILITY

Quarterback Matt Ryan

Monday, September 7

- Practice1:10 p.m.

- Players available on thefield after practice

- Coach Smith available onthe field after practice

Tuesday, September 8

- No availabilityplayers day off

Wednesday, September 9

- Open locker room11:35 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.(Matt Ryan and TonyGonzalez available)

- Practice1:10 p.m.


Thursday, September 10

- Open locker room11:35 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.

- Practice1:10 p.m.


This preseason, tight end Tony Gonzalez caught six passes for 54 yards and thistouchdown reception against the St. Louis Rams.

http : //pr .atlantafalcons .com Username : falconspr Password : afmed ia

Friday, September 11

- Practice10:50 a.m.

- Open locker room12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.


Saturday, September 12

- No mediaavailability

Team W L T Pct. PF PA Div. Conf.

Atlanta 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0-0 0-0

Carolina 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0-0 0-0

New Orleans 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0-0 0-0

Tampa Bay 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0-0 0-0

RADIOCoverage Provided ByDAVE-FM (92.9)

Play-by-Play: Wes Durham

Color Analyst: Dave Archer

REGGIE ROBERTS - Vice President of Football Communications MATT CONTI - Manager of Football [email protected], (770) 965-2761 [email protected], (770) 965-4350

FRANK KLEHA - Senior Director of Media Relations BRIAN CEARNS - Football Communications [email protected], (770) 965-2763 [email protected], (770) 965-4318

falcons open 2009 campaign

with home contest vs. miami

BROADCAST INFORMATION

2009 nfc south standings

ATLANTA FALCONS WEEKLY PRESS RELEASEWWW.ATLANTAFALCONS.COM 4400 FALCON PARKWAY fLOWERY bRANCH, ga 3054

TELEVISION

Coverage Provided By CBS

Play-by-Play: Greg Gumble

Color Analyst: Dan Dierdorf


2/67

THIS WEEKS OPPONENT: THE MIAMI DOLPHINS

gameday storyline

The Atlanta Falcons open the 2009 regular season schedule at the

Georgia Dome with a matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The

Falcons will look to improve their franchise record in home open-

ers to 12-6 while Head Coach Mike Smith will work off of a 7-1

Georgia Dome record which he set last season. Quarterback Matt

Ryan will have a new target downfield this season with the addition

of tight end Tony Gonzalez. First round draft pick, Peria Jerry, willalso see his first official NFL action on Sunday.

ALL-TIME RESULTS

All-time regular season results: Dolphins lead series, 7-3

All-time postseason results: No meetings

Falcons regular season home record vs. Dolphins: 1-2

Falcons regular season road record vs. Dolphins: 2-5

Falcons regular season record at Georgia Dome: 1-0

Current regular season streak: Falcons - one game

Last regular season meeting: 2005 - Falcons 17 Dolphins 10 (Mia

Regular Season

Dolphins lead series, 7-3

Year Result Location

1970 Dolphins 20 Falcons 7 Atlanta

1974 Dolphins 42 Falcons 7 Miami

1980 Dolphins 20 Falcons 17 Atlanta


1986 Falcons 20 Dolphins 14 Miami



1998 Falcons 38 Dolphins 16 Atlanta


2005 Falcons 17 Dolphins 10 Miami

TALE OF THE TAPE

2008 Final Regular Season StatisticsFalcons (rank) Dolphins (rank)

24.2 (10) Points Per Game 21.6 (21)361.2 (6) Total Offense Per Game 345.6 (12)152.7 (2) Net Rushing Yards Per Game 118.6 (11)208.5 (14) Net Passing Yards Per Game 227.0 (10)

30:49 Possession Average 31:0320.3 (11) Opponent Points Per Game 19.8 (9)

347.9 (24) Opponent Total Offense Per Game 329.0 (15)127.5 (25) Opponent Net Rushing Yards Per Game 101.3 (10)

220.4 (21) Opponent Net Passing Yards Per Game 227.8 (25)-3 (21) Turnover Differential +17 (1)

Leading Passers: Comp. Att. Yards TDs INTs RatingMatt Ryan 265 434 3,440 16 11 87.7Chad Pennington 321 476 3,653 19 7 97.4

Leading Rushers: Att. Yards Avg. Long TDsMichael Turner 376 1,699 4.5 70 17Ronnie Brown 214 916 4.3 62t 10

Leading Receivers: Rec. Yards Avg. Long TDsRoddy White 88 1,382 15.7 70t 7Ted Ginn, Jr. 56 790 14.1 64 2

2008 regular season leaders

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan on the completion of the pre

season and moving on to a Week 1 contest against the Miam

Dolphins.

We were able to score some points and move the ball consistent

ly over the course of the preseason. But right now, its all about th

regular season in front us. The preseason is now behind us and

doesnt matter what we did in the past four games. Were focused

on moving forward and we have to prepare for the Miami Dolphins

We will try to score as many points as it takes to win the game.

think everybody is excited for the game on Sunday.

quoting matt ryan

PRESEASON (2-2)Date Opponent Time Result/Network

Aug. 15 at Detroit 4 p.m. L, 27-26 Aug. 21 at St. Louis 8 p.m. W, 20-13Aug. 29 SAN DIEGO 8 p.m. W, 27-24

Sept. 3 BALTIMORE 7:30 p.m. L, 20-3REGULAR SEASON (0-0)Date Opponent Time NetworkSept. 13 MIAMI 1:00 p.m. CBSSept. 20 CAROLINA 1:00 p.m. FOXSept. 27 at New England 1:00 p.m. FOXOct. 4 BYE WEEKOct. 11 at San Francisco 4:05 p.m. FOXOct. 18 CHICAGO 8:20 p.m. NBCOct. 25 at Dallas 4:15 p.m. FOXNov. 2 at New Orleans 8:30 p.m. ESPNNov. 8 WASHINGTON 1:00 p.m. FOXNov. 15 at Carolina 1:00 p.m. FOXNov. 22 at New York Giants 1:00 p.m. FOX*Nov. 29 TAMPA BAY 1:00 p.m. FOX*Dec. 6 PHILADELPHIA 1:00 p.m. FOX*Dec. 13 NEW ORLEANS 1:00 p.m. FOX*Dec. 20 at New York Jets 1:00 p.m. FOX*Dec. 27 BUFFALO 1:00 p.m. CBS*Jan. 3 at Tampa Bay 1:00 p.m. FOX** Denotes Flexible Scheduling

2009 regular season schedule

Wide receiver Brian Finneran recorded his

second-highest receiving total of the 2005

season finishing with 92 yards on eight

receptions with one touchdown.

Wide receiver Roddy White contributed

with three receptions for 50 yards in

Atlantas last regular season meeting

against Miami in 2005.


3/67

MIKE SMITH

Coaching Years in NFL: 11th Year

Falcons Head Coach: 2nd Year

Regular Season: 11-5 (.688)

Postseason: 0-1 (.000)

In his first season as

Head Coach of the

Falcons, Mike Smith led

Atlanta to one of the

biggest turnarounds in

NFL history (+7 wins from

2007) while finishing sec-

ond in the NFC South

Division and guiding the

team to their first playoff

appearance since 2004.

For his efforts, he earned NFL Coach of the Year honors from the

Associated Press and Sporting News. Smiths 11 victories tied him

for the best record for rookie head coaches in the NFL taking over

a team that finished below .500 the previous season. Atlanta wit-

nessed several improvements from the 2007 season, which includ-

ed points per game average, rushing yards per game average,

passing touchdown to interception ratio and sacks allowed. Atlanta

also ranked first in the NFL in first quarter points scored and sixth

in first quarter points allowed.

Former Falcons:

Dolphins Offensive CoordinatorDan Henning was the Head Coach for the AtlantaFalcons from 1983 to 1986.

Miami Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Evan Marcus and Assistant Strengthand Conditioning Coach Dave Puloka served in the same role for the Falcons in

2007.

Former Dolphins:

Atlanta wide receiverMarty Bookerplayed with Miami from 2004-07. Falcons Offensive Coordinator Mike Mularkey (2006-07), Special TeamsCoordinatorKeith Armstrong (2007), Linebackers Coach Glenn Pires (2003-06)

and Wide Receivers Coach Terry Robiskie all coached for the Miami Dolphins.

Atlanta TE Justin Peelle competed with the Dolphins from 2006-07.

Georgia/Florida Connections:

Seven Falcons players were born/lived in the state of Florida including: LBSpencerAdkins (Naples), DE Chauncey Davis (Bartow), K Jason Elam (Ft. Walton Beach),

WR Michael Jenkins (Tampa), LB Stephen Nicholas (Jacksonville), LB Mike

Peterson (Gainesville) and WR Eric Weems (Ormond Beach).

Six Dolphins players were raised in Georgia including: RB Ronnie Brown(Cartersville), LB Quinton Moses (Athens), OG Justin Smiley (Ellabell), OT Andrew

Gardner(Chamblee), LB Channing Crowder(Atlanta), LB Erik Walden (Dublin).

NFL Connections:

Dolphins QB Chad Pennington played for the Jets with Falcons DEJohn Abrahamand S Erik Coleman. Falcons LB Tony Gilbert, LB Mike Peterson, and C Brett Romberg were team-mates with Dolphins LB Akin Ayodele in Jacksonville.

Dolphins LB Joey Porterplayed for the Steelers with Falcons FB Verron Haynesand LS Mike Schneck.

Coaching Connections:

Dolphins Assistant Head Coach/Secondary Todd Bowles was an assistant with theCleveland Browns with Falcons Defensive Line Coach Ray Hamilton and Wide

Receivers Coach Terry Robiskie.

Falcons Offensive Line Coach Paul Boudreau coached with Dolphins OffensiveCoordinatorDan Henning on the Carolina Panthers.

College Connections:

Falcons OT Sam Bakerwas teammates with WR Patrick Turnerat the Universityof Southern California.

Falcons DE Kroy Biermann was teammates at the University of Montana withDolphins RB Lex Hilliard and K Dan Carpenter.

notable connections

Falcons 17 - Dolphins 10November 6, 2005

Dolphins Stadium - Miami, FL

1 2 3 4 Final

Falcons 7 7 3 0 17Dolphins 0 10 0 0 10

Recap:The Falcons wasted no time jumping out to a 7-0 lead in the first quartefollowing a nine-play opening drive, which ended with a Warrick Dunn oneyard touchdown run. The score initiated what would be a back and forthstruggle between the two teams in the first three quarters. The Dolphinretaliated with a 21-yard touchdown run by Ricky Williams in the secondquarter, however Atlanta responded with an 11-yard rushing touchdown treclaim a 14-7 lead. Miami added a field goal with 1:56 remaining in the firshalf and entered the locker room trailing 14-10. Falcons kicker ToddPeterson logged the only points in the second half with a 21-yard field goain the third quarter. As the Dolphins attempted to mount a comeback

Atlanta safety Keion Carpenter intercepted a Gus Frerotte pass at theight-yard line to seal the victory.

Highlights:

Wide receiver Brian Finneran led the team with eight receptions for 92yards (11.5 average) and one touchdown.

Wide receiver Roddy White recorded career-highs with three receptions

for 50 yards, which included a career-long catch of 20 yards. He also tal-

lied his first career rush of 16 yards.

The Falcons recorded two of their longest scoring drives of the season

in terms of yardage.

2nd quarter- 12-play, 92-yard drive (6:10). 11-yard reception by

Brian Finneran

3rd quarter- 14-play, 91-yard drive (7:15). 21-yard Peterson FG

The contest marked the 17th occassion out of the last 18 that the

Falcons rushed for 100-plus yards.

The Falcons converted a season-high 11 third down conversions (11 of

16 for 69 percent).

For the second consecutive game, the Falcons did not allow any third

down conversions.

THE LAST TIME OUT...

COACHING

BACKGROUND

1982 San Diego State Asst. Coach

1983-85 San Diego State Linebackers

1986 Morehead State Def. Line

1987 Tennessee Tech Def. Line

1988-95 Tennessee Tech ST. Coord.1996-98 Tennessee Tech Def. Coord.

1999-2001 Baltimore Ravens Def. Line

2002 Baltimore Ravens Linebackers

2003-07 Jacksonville Jaguars Def. Coord.

2008-09 Atlanta Falcons Head Coach

TONY SPARANO

Coaching Years in NFL: 11th Year

Dolphins Head Coach: 2nd Year

Regular Season: 11-5 (.688)

Postseason: 0-1 (.000)

Tony Sparano enters his

second year with the

Miami Dolphins after lead-

ing the team to one of the

biggest turnarounds in

League history. Sparano

inherited the Dolphins with

a 1-15 record (2007), and

guided the team to a 11-5

record the following sea-

son. Under Sparanos

guidance, the Dolphins

secured an AFC East Division title, giving Miami their first post

season berth in eight years. Prior to his stint with the Dolphins

Sparano spent five years with the Dallas Cowboys, helping the

team to the playoffs in three of those seasons. Throughou

Sparanos 10 years of coaching in the NFL, he spent time with the

Jacksonville Jaguars (2002), Washington Redskins (2001), and

the Cleveland Browns (1999). He also carries 14 years of colle

giate-level coaching experience.

COACHING

BACKGROUND

1984-87 University of New Haven Off. Lin1988-89 Boston University Off. Line1990-93 Boston University Off. Coord1994-98 University of New Haven Head Coach1999 Cleveland Browns Off. Quality Cont2000 Cleveland Browns Off. Line2001 Washington Redskins Tight Ends2002 Jacksonville Jaguars Tight Ends2003-04 Dallas Cowboys Tight Ends2005 Dallas Cowboys Off. Line2006-07 Dallas Cowboys Asst. HC/Off. Lin2008-09 Miami Dolphins Head Coach



4/67

OFFENSE

WR Roddy White - After setting a franchise record for receivingyards in a season (1,382) and earning his first Pro Bowl berth in2008, White is looking to post his third consecutive 1,200-yard cam-

paign this year.

LT Sam Baker - Enters his second NFL season as the starter at lefttackle. Last season, he logged five starts.

LG Justin Blalock Will look to start every game of the season forthe second consecutive year.

C Todd McClure In his 11th season with the Falcons, will enter theseason looking to improve his consecutive games starting streak to113.

RG Harvey Dahl - Started every game in 2008, and will look to blockfor a successful rushing attack which finished second in the NFL lastseason.

RT Tyson Clabo - Listed as the starter at right tackle following an

impressive season last year where he started every game for thefirst time in his career.

TE Tony Gonzalez - Holds NFL records for the most receptions(916), receiving yards (10,940) and touchdown catches (76) by atight end. His 10 Pro Bowl selections are more than any other tightend in NFL history.

WR Michael Jenkins - Posted a career-high 777 receving yards in2008 while adding three touchdowns. He has finished second on theteam in receiving in each of the last four seasons.

QB Matt Ryan - In 2008 was votedAssociated Press NFL OffensiveRookie of the Year and Sporting News Rookie of the Year after com-pleting 265 of 434 passes for 3,440 yards and 16 touchdowns for a87.7 passer rating. He became the first player in franchise history toearn NFC Rookie of the Month accolades (October).

RB Michael Turner - Earned his first career Pro Bowl berth last sea-son after finishing second in the NFL with 1,699 rushing yards. Lastyear also marked the first time he topped the 1,000-yard plateau inhis career.

FB Ovie Mughelli - In 2008, opened holes for a Falcons rushingattack which averaged 152.7 yards per game. He also added eightreceptions for 57 yards.

DEFENSE

RE John Abraham - Will look to top his career and franchise recordof 16.5 sacks which he set last season. He also posted three-sacperformances in Weeks 1, 9 and 15 of 2008.

DT Peria Jerry - Atlantas first-round selection will look to make aninstant impact on the defensive line after earning Associated Presfirst-team honors in his senior season at Ole Miss.

DT Jonathan Babineaux - Enters his fifth season as an AtlantaFalcon this year. In 2008, posted 3.5 sacks and 38 tackles. He wasalso selected to the USA TodayAll-Joe team.

LE Jamaal Anderson - In his first two seasons with the Falcons, hehas totaled 81 tackles and two sacks. His sacks came in back-toback games against Chicago and Philadelphia in 2008.

OLB Mike Peterson -A veteran and vocal leader, Peterson entershis first year with the Falcons starting at linebacker. In 135 careegames, he has totaled 1,365 tackles (792 solo) and 19.5 sacks.

MLB Curtis Lofton - Will look to build off of his impressive rookie

campaign where he totaled 108 tackles (second in the NFL amongrookie players). Lofton also garnered 2008 All-Rookie honors by theSporting News and Pro Football Weekly.

OLB Stephen Nicholas - Entering his third year with the FalconsNicholas has collected 46 tackles, two sacks and one fumble recovery over the past two years. He also ranked third on the team in special teams tackles with 12 last season.

RCB Chris Houston - Last season, Houston started every contesat cornerback and finished the season with 59 tackles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

LCB Brent Grimes -After entering the NFL as a rookie free agent i2006, Grimes has made his mark after seeing action in 14 games ovethe last two seasons. In 2008, he contributed with 36 tackles andadded his first career interception.

SS Erik Coleman - The leader in the secondary unit, Colemanenters his second season with the Falcons after piecing together asteller campaign in 2008. He set a career-high with 127 tackles andadded three interceptions.

FS Thomas DeCoud - One season after contributing heavily onspecial teams, fans will look for DeCoud to ramp up his game andcompete with the same athleticism which earned him All-Pac 10honors following his senior season at the University of California.

Probable starters this week Probable starters this week

LAST GAME AT A GLANCEPreseason Game #4 (9/3/09)

The Falcons concluded the 2009 preseason with a 2-2 record after

Baltimore defeated Atlanta by a 20-3 margin at the Georgia Dome.

Following a Ravens touchdown on their first offensive possession

of the game, the Falcons defense held Baltimore to four total yards

in the next three combined offensive series. The Ravens posted 13

fourth quarter points, however to keep Atlanta out of reach for a

comeback. The Falcons starters competed in the first offensive

series before quarterback John Parker Wilson filled in behind cen-

ter and finished the game having completed 13 of 19 passes for 80

yards. Running back Thomas Brown led the team in rushing with

39 yards and also contributed with two kickoff returns for 47 yards.

The Falcons defense recorded four sacks against the Ravens and

totaled eight quarterback takedowns in four preseason contests.

Ravens - 20 Falcons - 3DE John Abraham2005 - Finished with five tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass defense2004 - Collared four tackles, two sacks for a loss of seven yards, one forced fumblone fumble recovery and one pass defensed.2002 - Notched four tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble.

LB Mike Peterson2001 - Totaled four tackles, one sack, one interception and one pass defensed.

S Erik Coleman2007 - Posted 15 tackles (eight solo)

TE Tony Gonzalez2008 - Finished with seven receptions for 64 yards and one touchdown.2002 - Caught seven passes for 140 yards (20.0 avg.), a long reception of 42 yardand three touchdowns.

WR Brian Finneran2005 - Grabbed eight passes for 92 yards (11.5 avg.) and one touchdown.

WR Michael Jenkins2005 - Caught five passes for 69 yards (13.8 avg.) and one touchdown.

FALCONS BEST GAMES

VERSUS MIAMI



5/67

head coach mike smith

In his first year at the helm, Head Coach

Mike Smith realized the importance of

winning at home and did not dissapoint

the team or Falcons fans alike. In 2008,

Atlantas 7-1 record at the Georgia

Dome was the best home mark for aFalcons team since 2004. Smith will look

to improve this record in 2009 with a dif-

ficult schedule ahead. Atlanta will battle

NFC South Division rivals, Carolina,

Tampa Bay and New Orleans as well as

AFC East Division foes, Miami and Buffalo. The Falcons will also

host the Chicago Bears in a Sunday Night Football matchup and

the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins who battle in a

very competitive NFC East Division.

Smiths 2008 record of 7-1 is tied for the best home mark by a

Falcons first year head coach since Jim Mora accomplished the

feat in 2004. Currently, Smiths home winning percentage stands

at .875 while his overall winning percentage is .688. Below is alook at where Smith ranks among other Falcons head coaches in

both categories.

Coach Seasons Home Record (%) Overall Record (%)

Mike Smith 2008 7-1 (.875) 11-5 (.688)

Jerry Glanville 1990-93 20-12 (.625) 27-37 (.424)

Jim Mora 2004-06 14-10 (.583) 26-22 (.542)

June Jones 1994-96 14-10 (.583) 19-29 (.396)

Leeman Bennett 1977-82 25-18 (.581) 46-41 (.516)

holding down the dome

coach smiths record when...

(Regular season totals only)

Overall Record: 11-5

vs. the NFC: 8-4

vs. the AFC: 3-1

vs. the NFC South Division: 3-3

The Falcons play at home: 7-1

The Falcons play on the road: 4-4

The Falcons play during the day (1 p.m. EST games): 9-4

The Falcons play during the afternoon (4 p.m. EST games): 2-1

The Falcons play a night game (8 p.m. EST games): 0-0

The Falcons play indoors: 8-2

The Falcons play outdoors: 3-3

The Falcons score first: 11-1

The Falcons lead at halftime: 11-1

The Falcons lead at the start of the fourth quarter: 11-1

The Falcons lead in time of possession: 6-2

The Falcons offense gains more than 300 total yards: 9-3

The defense holds the opponent to under 300 total yards: 2-0

The Falcons have a 300-yard passer: 1-1

The Falcons have a 100-yard rusher: 8-0

The Falcons have a 100-yard receiver: 4-3

The Falcons win the turnover battle: 5-0

The Falcons are penalized five times or less: 8-3

Head Coach Mike Smith was named the prestigious

2008 Associated Press and Sporting News NFL

Coach of the Year after leading the Falcons to an11-5 regular season record and the clubs first play-

off appearance since 2004. Under Smiths guid-

ance, the Falcons posted one of the biggest turnarounds in NFL

history (+7 wins from 2007) while finishing second in the NFC

South Division. Since 1978, Smiths 11 victories tied him for the

best record for rookie head coaches in the NFL taking over a team

that finished below .500 the previous season. He joined other 2008

rookie head coaches, John

Harbaugh (Baltimore) and Tony

Sparano (Miami) in that category.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Coach (Team - Year) Record Previous Season

Mike Smith (Atlanta, 2008) 11-5 4-12

John Harbaugh (Baltimore, 2008) 11-5 5-11

Tony Sparano (Miami, 2008) 11-5 1-15Jim Mora (Atlanta, 2004) 11-5 5-11

Bill Cowher (Pittsburgh, 1992) 11-5 7-9

Bobby Ross (San Diego, 1992) 11-5 4-12

Jim Fassel (NY Giants, 1997) 10-5-1 6-10

Eric Mangini (NY Jets, 2006) 10-6 4-12

Sean Payton (New Orleans, 2006) 10-6 3-13

Jim Haslett (New Orleans, 2000) 10-6 3-13

Chan Gailey (Dallas, 1998) 10-6 6-10

Ray Rhodes (Philadelphia, 1995) 10-6 7-9

best records for rookie head

coaches taking over teams that

finished below .500 the previ-

ous season (since 1978)

Coach Team Win Improvement

Tony Sparano 2008 Dolphins +10 (11-5 from 1-15)

Al Davis 1963 Raiders +9 (10-4 from 1-13)

Bill Parcells 1997 Jets +8 (9-7 from 1-15)

Ted Marchibroda 1992 Colts +8 (9-7 from 1-15)

Ted Marchibroda 1975 Colts +8 (10-4 from 2-12)

Mike Smith 2008 Falcons +7 (11-5 from 4-12)

Sean Payton 2006 Saints +7 (10-6 from 3-13)

Jim Haslett 2000 Saints +7 (10-6 from 3-13

Bobby Ross 1992 Chargers +7 (11-5 from 4-12)

Don Shula 1970 Dolphins +7 (10-4 from 3-10-1)

GREATEST IMPROVEMENT IN

WINS BETWEEN SEASONS BY A

FIRST-YEAR HEAD COACH


6/67

WING TIPS

The Falcons finished the 2009 preseason campaign with a 2-2

record earning wins against St. Louis and San Diego. The record

marked the sixth consecutive year the team finished preseason

play with a non-losing record.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan complet-

ed 27 of 36 passes for 267 yards, two

touchdowns and zero interceptions for a

114.0 passer rating in four preseason con-

tests. Atlanta also received impressive

performances from running back Michael

Turner who led the team in rushing with 27

carries for 187 yards and wide receiver

Roddy White who logged 10 receptions

for 125 yards.

Defensively, the Falcons totaled eight sacks throughout the pre-

season, which included a four-sack performance last Thursday

against the Baltimore Ravens. Rookie defensive end Lawrence

Sidbury paced the team with two quarterback takedowns while first

round draft pick, Peria Jerry, posted his first sack as well.

Other notes from the preseason:

Falcons linebacker Tony Gilbert intercepted Lions quarterback

Matthew Stafford and returned the pick 42 yards for a touchdown.

The score gave Atlanta a 16-3 lead.

Running back Jason Snelling logged his only touchdown of the

preseason on a one-yard run in the third quarter against Detroit

to give Atlanta a 23-10 advantage.

The Falcons engineered a nine-play, 77-yard scoring drive on

their opening offensive possession against the Rams. Running

back Michael Turner capped the drive with a one-yard touchdownand contributed with 65 yards on the drive. On the second offen-

sive play, Turner rushed for a 43-yard gain, which was the

longest for Turner in a preseason game since a 63-yard scamper

against Indianapolis last year (August 16, 2008) at the Georgia

Dome and a long of 40t yards at Detroit in the preseason opener.

Tight end Tony Gonzalez caught his first touchdown pass in a

Falcons uniform on a 14-yard strike from quarterback Matt Ryan

on the teams second drive of the game against St. Louis, giving

Atlanta a 14-0 lead. On the drive Gonzalez caught two passes for

25 yards, which included one first down.

Atlantas rush defense held the St. Louis Rams to 79 yards on

30 carries for a 2.6 yards per carry average.

With 14 seconds remaining on the clock against San Diego in

the third preseason contest, quarterback Chris Redman found

wide receiver Eric Weems for a game-winning five-yard touch-

down. Redman finished the game having completed 15 of 19

passes for 134 yards and one TD. He also added a 10-yard rush-

ing touchdown on his first offensive drive after entering the con-

test in the third quarter.

Wide receiver Marty Booker led the team in receiving with six

catches for 62 yards against San Diego. Booker was acquired by

the Falcons as a free agent on August 6, 2009.

PRESEASON RECAP credential deadline notice

All requests for Falcons single-game regular season credentials

should be made by visiting http://pr.atlantafalcons.com (user-

name: falconspr, password: afmedia). All requests are due the

Tuesday of each game week at noon. Below is a schedule of

upcoming credential request deadlines.

Game 1, Sunday, September 13 vs. MiamiCredential requests are due: Tuesday, September 8 - Noon

Game 2, Sunday, September 20 vs. Carolina

Credential requests are due: Tuesday, September 15 - Noon

Game 3, Sunday, September 27 at New England

Credential requests are due: Tuesday, September 22 - Noon

Game 4, Sunday, October 11 at San Francisco

Credential requests are due: Tuesday, October 6 - Noon

Game 5, Sunday, October 18 vs. Chicago

Credential requests are due: Tuesday, October 13 - Noon

Quarterback Matt Ryan

2009 sTRENGTH OF SCHEDULE

The Falcons will face the NFC East and AFC East in cross-division

play while continuing to battle NFC South opponents, Tampa Bay

New Orleans and Carolina twice a year. Atlanta will also match-up

with the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football in a home game

at the Georgia Dome and will travel to San Francisco to battle the

49ers. Collectively, the Falcons hold a 74-64 record against thei

NFC South foes while totaling 90 all-time victories against thei

remaining opponents on the 2009 schedule. The Falcons ran

fourth in strength of schedule this season with their opponents

combining for a .588 winning percentage in 2008 (150 wins, 105losses and one tie). The Carolina Panthers are the only NFC team

ranked higher in strength of schedule entering the season (sec

ond).

HOME 2008 Record Last Time Played Result

Miami 11-5 November 6, 2005 W, 17-10

Carolina 12-4 November 23, 2008 W, 45-28

Chicago 9-7 October 12, 2008 W, 22-20

Washington 8-8 December 3, 2006 W, 24-14

Tampa Bay 9-7 December 14, 2008 W, 13-10 OT

Philadelphia 9-6-1 October 26, 2008 L, 27-14

New Orleans 8-8 December 7, 2008 L, 29-25

Buffalo 7-9 September 25, 2005 W, 24-16

AWAY 2008 Record Last Time Played Result

New England 11-5 October 9, 2005 L, 31-28

San Francisco 7-9 November 4, 2007 W, 20-16

Dallas 9-7 December 16, 2006 L, 38-28

New Orleans 8-8 December 7, 2008 L, 29-25

Carolina 12-4 November 23, 2008 W, 45-28

New York Giants 12-4 October 15, 2007 L, 31-10

New York Jets 9-7 October 24, 2005 W, 27-14

Tampa Bay 9-7 December 14, 2008 W,13-10 OT


7/67

WING TIPS

what to look for onatlantafalcons.com

AtlantaFalcons.com is an award-winning website, which features exclusive team

content for fans and the media alike. This weeks schedule includes:

Monday, September 7 - Coverage of the Falcons as the team prepares for

the season opener against the Miami Dolphins.

Tuesday, September 8 - Catching up with Roddy White on a community

appearance and a look at Falcons history in Time

Machine.

Wednesday, September 9 - Video interviews of Falcons players and coaches as

they get ready for the Dolphins.

Thursday, September 10 - A look at linebacker Stephen Nicholas as he

prepares for Week 1 of the regular season.

Friday, September 11 - Thoughts on the season opener, pitting two success-

ful second-year head coaches

Saturday, September 12 - GamedayLIVE, pregame content and behind-the-

scenes information.

The Atlanta Falcons enter the 2009 season with essentially the

same coaching staff as the previous year, complete with 17 coach

es who hold more than 200 years of NFL experience. Last season

Offensive Coordinator Mike Mularkey guided a Falcons offense

which ranked second in the League in rushing (152.7 ypg.) and

sixth in total offense (361.2 ypg.). In his first season as DefensiveCoordinator, Brian VanGorder coached a defensive unit that held

opponents to 20.3 points per game as defensive end John

Abraham logged a franchise record 16.5 sacks. Special Team

Coordinator Keith Armstrong and the Falcons punt coverage uni

set a NFL record allowing only 49 punt return yards in 2008.

Below is a breakdown of the Falcons 2009 coaching staff and thei

NFL experience including this season.

Assistant Head Coach/Secondary Emmitt Thomas - 29th year

Wide Receivers Coach Terry Robiskie - 28th year

Offensive Line Coach Paul Boudreau - 23rd year

Defensive Line Coach Ray Hamilton - 22nd year

Defensive Backs Coach Alvin Reynolds - 17th year

Offensive Coordinator Mike Mularkey - 16th year

Special Teams Coordinator Keith Armstrong - 16th year

Linebackers Coach Glenn Pires - 14th year

Head Coach Mike Smith - 11th year

Quarterbacks Coach Bill Musgrave - 11th year

Assistant Special Teams Coach - Eric Sutulovich - 6th yearDefensive Coordinator Brian VanGorder - 4th year

Running Backs Coach Gerald Brown - 2nd year

Defensive Assistant Joe Danna - 2nd year

Assistant Offensive Line Coach Paul Dunn - 2nd year

Tight Ends Coach Chris Scelfo - 2nd year

Offensive Assistant Glenn Thomas - 2nd year

Total Years of NFL experience - 207

Offensive Coordinator

Mike Mularkey

Defensive Coordinator

Brian VanGorder

Special Teams Coordinator

Keith Armstrong

support staff

The Falcons hired Eric Sutulovich as the clubs new Assistant

Special Teams Coach this offseason. Prior to joining the Falcons,

he served as an Offensive Assistant for the Detroit Lions in 2008.

He logged a one-year stint as a Football Assistant for the

University of Kansas, before spending four seasons (2002-05) asthe Assistant Special Teams Coach for the Houston Texans.

Sutulovich also spent time in the collegiate ranks with Fort Scott

Community College as the Offensive Coordinator (2001), the

University of Pittsburgh as the Offensive Graduate Assistant

(2000-01) and Louisiana Tech as the Offensive Graduate Assistant

from 1997-99. Sutulovichs coaching experience also spans to the

Indoor Football League as he spent one season as the Offensive

Coordinator for the Casper Calvary in 2000.

sutulovich new to staff

Atlanta released 20 players to reach the NFL mandated 53-man

roster by September 5. Those released included: wide receiver

Troy Bergeron, safety Eric Brock, running back Thomas Brown,

offensive lineman Michael Butterworth, wide receiver Robert

Ferguson, linebacker Robert James, wide receiver Aaron Kelly,

defensive end Maurice Lucas, cornerback William Middleton, tightend Jason Rader, cornerback Glenn Sharpe, quarterback D.J.

Shockley, offensive tackle Adam Speer, offensive guard Ryan

Stanchek, cornerback Tony Tiller, offensive guard Jose Valdez,

defensive tackle Vance Walker, center Ben Wilkerson, wide receiv-

er Chandler Williams and linebacker Jamie Winborn.

The Falcons also established an eight-player practice squad, con-

sisting of wide receiver Troy Bergeron, offensive lineman Michael

Butterworth, linebacker Robert James, defensive end Maurice

Lucas, cornerback Glenn Sharpe, quarterback D.J. Shockley,

offensive guard Jose Valdez and defensive tackle Vance Walker.

Finally, the Falcons signed defensive back Brian Williams and

released safety Jamaal Fudge. Williams is entering his eighth NFL

season and in 107 career games (93 starts), has totaled 484 tack-

les (387 solo) 18 interceptions, four sacks, nine forced fumbles,

one fumble recovery and 71 passes defensed. Last season, he

started all 16 games and compiled 89 tackles and two intercep-

tions while adding 10 passes defensed for Jacksonville.

falcons make roster moves


8/67

WING TIPS

Matt Ryan impresses in first year

Last year was a special season for Matt Ryan who revitalized the Falcons organ

ization as a rookie, leading the team to an 11-5 regular season record and

Atlantas first playoff berth since 2004. For his efforts, he was named th

Associated Press and Sporting News NFL Rookie of the Year. Having started in

all 16 contests in 2008, Ryan completed 265 of 434 passes for 3,440 yards, 16

touchdowns and 11 interceptions for an 87.7 passer rating. His passing totaranked sixth in a single season in Falcons annals as he became only the second

rookie quarterback ever in the NFL to amass over 3,000 passing yards. Along

with Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, Ryan became the first rookie quarterback

to start all 16 regular season games and lead his team to the playoffs.

Matt Ryans Record when

(Regular season totals only)

Playing at home: 7-1

Playing on the road: 4-4

Playing indoors: 8-2

Playing outdoors: 3-3

Playing against the NFC South Division: 3-3

Playing against the NFC Conference: 8-4

Playing against the AFC Conference: 3-1Playing on an artificial surface: 8-2

Playing on a grass surface: 3-3

The offense generates 300-plus total yards: 10-3

Finishing with 300 or more passing yards: 1-1

Finishing with 200-299 passing yards: 5-2

Throwing at least one touchdown pass: 9-2

Throwing two or more touchdown passes: 4-1

Completing 60% or more pass attempts: 9-2

Finishing with zero interceptions: 8-1

Finishing with a 100.0-plus passer rating: 6-0

Being sacked no more than one time: 9-2

DOME SWEET DOME

Matt Ryan will look to build upon a 7-1 career home record heading into the 2009

season. Ryan and the Falcons won the first four contests at the Georgia Dome in

08, before falling to the Denver Broncos by a 24-20 margin in Week 11. Two o

the last three victories at home

came against division opponents

(Carolina and Tampa Bay) Atlanta defeated visiting opp

nents by an average of nearly 10

points as the Falcons record a

the Georgia Dome was the bes

since the 2004 NFC

Championship Game season. A

home, Ryan completed 121 o

188 passes (64.4 percent) fo

1,777 yards and six touchdowns

playoff first

In Atlantas NFC Wild Card playoff meeting against Arizona last season, quarter

back Matt Ryan and Head Coach Mike Smith became the first rookie head coach

and quarterback to compete in a playoff game since the Cleveland Rams accom

plished the feat in 1945. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and Head Coach John

Harbaugh followed with the same acheivement last season as well. Against the

Cardinals, Ryan set a franchise record for completion percentage in a postsea

son contest with a 65.0 mark. He completed 26 of 40 passes, which included a

streak of nine consecutive completions in the first half.

As rookies last season, Matt Ryan and Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco eac

started all 16 games for their respective teams for the first time in a season since

the Super Bowl era (1966). Both quarterbacks led their teams to 11-5 regular sea

son records while Ryan earned Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the

Year and Flacco guided the Ravens to the AFC Championship game. They both

became the first rookie quarterbacks to lead their clubs to the playoffs since the

16-game schedule was put in place in 1978. Ryan and Flacco combined for a 22

10 record last season, which was the best winning percentage by two rookie

quarterbacks in the same year since 1983.

Year Quarterbacks Record Percentage

2008 Matt Ryan/Joe Flacco 22-10 .688

1983 John Elway/Dan Marino 11-8 .579

1979 Steve Fuller/Phil Simms 12-11 .522

2006 Matt Leinart/Vince Young 12-12 .5002006 Bruce Gradkowski/Vince Young 11-13 .458

not like a rook

MATT RYAN

6-4, 213 pounds, Boston College

2009Associated Press and Sporting News

Rookie of the Year

2008 NFC Rookie of the Month (October)

2008 NFC Offensive Player of the Week (8)


9/67

WING TIPS

Take a pass

At the conclusion of his rookie season,

quarterback Matt Ryan logged 3,440 pass-

ing yards, the highest total for a Falcons

quarterback in a season since Jeff George

threw for a franchise season-record 4,143

yards in a pass-first offense in 1995. Ryanstotal was the highest for a Falcons rookie

and it also ranks sixth in a season in team

annals. Along with Indianapolis Colts quar-

terback Peyton Manning, Ryan became

only the second rookie quarterback in NFL

history to reach the 3,000-yard passing

plateau. Part of his success in reaching the

milestone last season were the nine con-

secutive 200-yard passing outings from

Weeks 6-15. He tallied his highest game

total with a 315-yard performance at New

Orleans in Week 14. This year, Ryan will

look to become only the third quarterback in

team history behind Jeff George and SteveBartkowski to finish with back-to-back

3,000-yard passing seasons.

Player Years Total Passing Yardage

Matt Ryan 2008, ? 3,440 (2008), ? (2009)

Jeff George 1994, 1995 3,734 (1994), 4,143 (1995)

Steve Bartkowski 1980, 1981 3,544 (1980), 3,830 (1981)

Steve Bartkowski

Jeff George

In 2008, Matt Ryan completed 265 of 434 passes for 3,440 yards,

16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for an 87.7 passer rating in his

rookie season. His 3,440 passing yards ranked sixth for a Falcons

single-season as he became only the second rookie quarterbackever in the NFL to amass over 3,000 passing yards. Ryan became

one of two rookie quarterbacks in franchise history to win 11

games and along with Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, became

the first rookie quarterback to start all 16 regular season games

and lead his team to the playoffs. Among other accomplishments,

Ryan became the first player in club history to earn NFC Rookie of

the Month accolades (October) and tallied a streak of nine consec-

utive 200-yard passing games from Weeks 6-15. Below is a list of

where Matt Ryan ranked among the NFC last season.

3,440 Passing Yards - Ranked 6th in the NFC.

265 Completions - Ranked 9th in the NFC.

61.1 Completion Percentage - Ranked 8th in the NFC.

16 Touchdowns - Ranked 8th in the NFC.87.7 Passer Rating - Ranked 6th in the NFC.

ENCORE, encore

FRANCHISE FIND

Following a stellar 2008 season which featured Sporting News and

Associated Press Rookie of the Year honors, Matt Ryan earned

other accolades throughout the media, which included a top hono

from FoxSports.com. Ryan was voted the NFLs top franchise play

er under 30 years old. Adrian Hasenmayer ofFoxSports.comwrote

the following:

It's a quarterback's league, so our top building

block is Ryan (24 years old), who completely

changed the mindset for folks intending on starting

a rookie quarterback with a historic 2008 season

Now a year later with a full season and NFL Offensive Rookie o

the Year under his belt, Ryan proved how much Atlanta's fron

office thinks of him by building its offseason around him name

ly trading for veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez. You only deal away

a second-round draft pick for a 33-year-old tight end if you are

planning to win ... NOW. Adrian Hasenmayer

Other players that Ryan topped on the list include:

5. Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware4. Vikings running back Adrian Peterson

3. Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas

2. Texans defensive end Mario Williams

In his rookie season, quarterback Matt Ryans numbers topped

numerous passing categories compared to Falcons totals over the

past five years. In 2008, Ryan pieced together a passing attack

which ranked 14th in the NFL and took the top spot in completion

percentage, yards per attempt, interceptions and passer rating

among all Falcons quarterbacks dating back to 2004. Against the

Oakland Raiders in a Week 9 meeting last season, Ryan compileda 138.4 passer rating, which was the ninth-highest total for a sin

gle game among any NFL quarterback. For his efforts, he was

named NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Listed below are

Ryans 2008 final statistics compared to collective Falcons quarter

backs over the past five seasons.

Category (stat and rank over the last five seasons)

2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

NFL Passing Rank 14th (1) 18th (2) 32nd (5) 27th (3) 30th (4)

Passing Yards 3,440 (2) 3,573 (1) 2,682 (5) 2,907 (3) 2,692 (4

Completion % 61.1 (1) 60.5 (2) 53.4 (5) 54.8 (4) 54.9 (3)

Yards Per Attempt 7.93 (1) 6.44 (5) 6.50 (3) 6.45 (4) 6.82 (2)

Touchdowns 16 (3) 18 (2) 15 (4t) 19 (1) 15 (4t)

Interceptions 11 (1) 15 (3t) 15 (3t) 13 (2) 16 (5)

Passer Rating 87.7 (1) 78.9 (2) 75.2 (4) 76.6 (3) 72.0 (5)

WHATS THE DIFFERENCE

After leading the Falcons to an 11-5 regular season record and the teams first playoff berth since 2004 last season,

quarterback Matt Ryan not only captivated Falcons fans, but fans around the world. This point was proven this off-

season as Ryans jersey ranked No. 15 in jersey sales among all NFL players and first among all 2008 rookies from

April 1 - June 30, 2009. Below is a list of the top 15 players.

1. Jay Cut ler, Chicago Bears 5. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys 9. Terrell Owens, Buffalo 13. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis

2. Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers 6. Brett Favre, Green Bay/N.Y. Jets 10. Hines Ward, Pittsburgh 14. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego

3. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers 7. Tom Brady, New England 11. Eli Manning, N.Y. Giants 15. Matt Ryan, Atlanta

4. Mark Sanchez, New York Jets 8. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 12. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota

MR. POPULARITY


10/67

WING TIPS

for the record...

Below is a list of records achieved by

Tony Gonzalez over the course of his

12 NFL seasons.

NFL RECORD & FACT BOOK MOST RECEPTIONS

TIGHT END, CAREER

Rank Receptions Player Years1. 916 Tony Gonzalez 1997-08

2. 815 Shannon Sharpe 1990-03

3. 662 Ozzie Newsome 1978-90

4. 541 Kellen Winslow 1979-87

5. 505 Frank Wycheck 1993-03

NFL RECORD & FACT BOOK MOST RECEIVING

YARDS, TIGHT END CAREER

Rank Yards Player Years

1. 10,940 Tony Gonzalez 1997-08

2. 10,060 Shannon Sharpe 1990-03

3. 7,980 Ozzie Newsome 1978-90

4. 7,918 Jackie Smith 1963-78

5. 6,741 Kellen Winslow 1979-87

NFL RECORD & FACT BOOK MOST TD

RECEPTIONS TIGHT END, CAREER

Rank Yards Player Years

1. 76 Tony Gonzalez 1997-08

2. 62 Shannon Sharpe 1990-033. 60 Jerry Smith 1965-77

4. 54 Wesley Walls 1989-03

5. 52 Dave Casper 1974-84

NFL RECORD & FACT BOOK MOST

100-YARD REC. GAMES, TIGHT END, CAREER

Rank Games Player Years

1. 26 Tony Gonzalez 1997-08

2. 24 Kellen Winslow 1979-87

3. 22 Jackie Smith 1963-78

4. 19 Shannon Sharpe 1979-88

5. 14 Todd Christensen 1979-88Mike Ditka 1961-72

MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH A RECEPTION,

ACTIVE PLAYERS

Games Player Streak Began

183 Terrell Owens vs. Cincinnati (10/20/96)

162 Hines Ward vs. Green Bay (11/9/98)

153 Torry Holt vs. Cleveland (10/24/99)

131 Tony Gonzalez at New England (12/4/00)

NFL RECORD & FACT BOOK MOST1,000-YARD REC SEASONS, TIGHT END

Rank # Seasons Player Years

1. 4 Tony Gonzalez 00, 04, 07-08

2. 3 Kellen Winslow 1980-81, 83

Todd Christensen 1983-84, 86

Shannon Sharpe 1994, 96-97

2 Ozzie Newsome 1981, 84

going gonzo

Tony Gonzalez is arguably the best player to compete at his position in NFL his-

tory and he is a future Hall of Famer. This past offseason, the Falcons aquired

the 10-time Pro Bowl tight end in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs on April 23,

2009. In exchange, the Falcons gave the Chiefs their second round selection in

the 2010 NFL Draft.

Gonzalez, 6-5, 251 pounds, has estab-

lished himself as one of the premier

tight ends in NFL history following 12

seasons, all with Kansas City. A native

of Torrance, California, Gonzalez holds

League records for the most recep-

tions (916), receiving yards (10,940)

and touchdown catches (76) by a tight

end. His 10 Pro Bowl selections are

more than any other tight end in the

game and he has also earned eight first or second-teamAssociated PressAll-Pro

selections, his latest coming last season.

keep it tight

Tonys arrival will make an

instant impact not only on the

offensive side of the ball, but on

the overall team in general. I feel

privileged to be throwing the

ball to a future Hall of Famer.

- Quarterback Matt Ryan

Tony Gonzalez enters the 2009 campaign

already holding NFL records for the most

receptions (916), receiving yards (10,940) and

touchdown receptions (76) among all tight

ends. This season, Gonzalez is looking for

more. With 84 more receptions, the 12-year

veteran will become the first tight end in

League history with 1,000 career catches.

Additionally, Gonzalez needs just 50 receptions

in 2009 to become the first tight end in NFL his-

tory with 12 consecutive 50-catch seasons. Right now, he stands as the only tight

end in NFL history with 11 consecutive seasons. He also enters the 2009 season

looking to extend his streak of catching at least one pass in a game, which cur-rently stands at 131 contests. Gonzalez trails Ozzie Newsome (150 games) for

the longest streak by a tight end in NFL history.

catch of the century

Now into the 2009 season, tight end Tony Gonzalez remains the only tight end in

NFL history to record six 100-yard receiving games in a single year (2000 and

2004). Reaching the century mark on six occassions led to Gonzalezs highest

receiving yardage totals for a season in his career. In 2000, he finished with 1,203

yards while setting his career-high of 1,258 yards in 2004.


11/67

WING TIPS

In his first season in an Atlanta Falcons uniform,

Michael Turner ran for 1,699 yards which ranked

second the NFL in the category. Along with pro-

ducing eight 100-yard games last season,

Turner set a franchise single-game rushing

record with a 220-yard performance againstthe Detroit Lions in the opening week of the

season. He also tied a club record with four

rushing touchdowns in one game against the

Carolina Panthers in Week 12 and in the same

contest, topped the 1,000-yard rushing

plateau for the first time in his career. Turner

scored 17 touchdowns last year, which set a

team record for rushing touchdowns in a

campaign. On three occasions, he was

named NFC Offensive Player of the Week. The first was for his

performance against the Lions in Week 1. Turner earned the award

again following Week 3 against Kansas City and the season finale

against the St. Louis Rams. Turner along with teammate Roddy

White, was named to his first Pro Bowl.

TURNERs 2008 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Set a Falcons single-game rushing record with 220yards against the Detroit Lions in the first week of

the season.

Set a franchise record with his 17th rushing touch-down in a game against St. Louis (Week 17).

Topped the 1,000-yard rushing plateau for the firsttime in his career after posting 117 yards on 24 car-

ries against Carolina in Week 12.

Tied a team record with a four-touchdown game

against the Panthers in Week 12.

Recorded eight 100-yard games last season (thirdmost ever for the Falcons in a season).

Ranked second in the NFL in rushing yards (1,699)

behind Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings. Was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week on three occasions and Fed ExGround Player of the Week twice.

The Falcons posted an 8-0 record when Turner rushed for 50 yards or more in thefirst half of a game.

Totaled four multiple-TD games in 2008.

RUSHING REVAMPED

The Falcons organization knew one of the steps to improving the

teams offense following the 2007 season would be the acquisition

of a running back. Just days into free agency, General Manager

Thomas Dimitroff signed Michael Turner who was ready to break

into a starting role following four seasons playing behind perennial

Pro Bowler LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego. Atlanta led the NFLin rushing for three consecutive seasons from 2004-06. After the

07 campaign, Offensive Coordinator Mike Mularkey was hired to

rejuvenate the rushing attack that opposing defenses have known

to fear. Turners solo performance last season was among the best

in franchise history (1,699 rushing yards ranking third for a single

season). Even with the Falcons leading the League in rushing for

three straight seasons, Turners numbers in 2008 trumped any run-

ning back since 1998 when Jamal Anderson set the club record

with 1,846 yards. To the right is a look at Turners rushing presence

directly affecting the Falcons win/loss total last season.

With Turner in 2008...

Note Falcons Record

When Turner rushed for 8-0

over 100 yards in a game

When Turner recorded 20 10-1

or more carries per game

When Turner averaged 4.5 7-0

yards per carry or more in a game

When Turner scored one 8-2

or more touchdowns in a game

When Turner posted a long 7-3

rush of 20 yards or more in a game

taking it to the next level

In 2008, Michael Turner led the NFL in carries with 376, which also

set his personal career-high. The sixth-year NFL veteran also

established a franchise record with 17 rushing touchdowns, which

included four multiple-touchdown games. Last season, Turne

averaged one touchdown per every 22.1 carries leading all running

backs in the NFL with 300-plus rushes. Below is a look at the topfive running backs on this list.

Players Carries Touchdowns TDs per carry

Michael Turner, Atl. 376 17 22.1

Adrian Peterson, Min. 363 10 36.3

Clinton Portis, Was. 342 9 38.0

Matt Forte, Chi. 316 8 39.5

Ryan Grant, G.B. 312 4 78.0

carrying the load

IT ONLY TOOK ONE

In just his first season with the Falcons, running back Michae

Turner rushed for 1,699 yards, the third-highest total in franchisehistory. If Turner can record another 1,000-yard campaign in 2009

he will already surpass Haskel Stanback for seventh place on the

clubs all-time rushing yards list (needs 964 yards to jump

Stanback).


12/67

WING TIPS

Last season, Falcons wide

receiver Roddy White became

the first player in club history to

post back-to-back 1,000-yard

seasons through the air since

1998-99 and the first player inteam history to register back-to-

back 1,200-yard campaigns.

His 1,382 receiving yardage

total ranked fourth in the NFL

and set a new franchise record

for receiving yards for a sea-

son. White also broke career

highs in receptions (88) and

touchdowns (seven). He

recorded seven 100-yard games in 2008, which included a Week

14 performance at New Orleans where he set a career-high in

receiving yards (164) on 10 receptions. White ranked second in the

NFL in third down receptions (29) and led the League in third down

receiving yards (516). For his efforts last season, the fifth-year

receiver earned his first Pro Bowl nod.

This season, White is looking to become the second player in team

history to record three consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns. Only

Andre Rison has accomplished the feat in a string of 1,000-yard

seasons from 1992 (1,119), 93 (1,242) and 94 (1,088). Below is a

look at where White compares to Risons streak.

Player Yards Season

Roddy White ? 2009

Roddy White 1,382 2008

Roddy White 1,202 2007

Andre Rison 1,088 1994

Andre Rison 1,242 1993Andre Rison 1,119 1992

Wide Receiver Roddy White

Wide Receiver Andre Rison

WHITE ON PACE

Roddy White has logged four seasons in an Atlanta Falcons uni

form and in the past two years alone, he has established himsel

as a deep threat. With a 1,200-receiving yard campaign in 2007

White followed his performance with a career-high and franchise

record 1,382 yards en route to his first Pro Bowl berth last season

In his career, White has now posted 36 big plays or receptions o25-plus yards. He ranks tied for second in franchise history behind

club leader Terance Mathis who caught 49 receptions of 25-plu

yards in his eight-year career with the Falcons. Below is a look a

Atlantas career big play receivers in franchise history.

Falcons Leaders in Career Big Plays

Player Seasons Plays of 25-plus yards

Terance Mathis 1994-2001 (8) 49

Roddy White 2005-2008 (4) 36

Bert Emanuel 1994-1997 (4) 36

Fourteen of Whites 36 receptions of 25-plus yards came last sea

son, which also includes his career long catch of 70 yards for a

touchdown against Kansas City in Week 3. He also posted seven

contests where he notched a long reception of 35-plus yards

Below is a look at the Falcons franchise leaders for plays of 25

plus yards in a season.

Falcons Big Plays For a Season

Player Season Plays of 25-plus yards

Michael Haynes 1991 16

Roddy White 2008 14

Andre Rison 1994 14

BIG PLAY RODDY

The Falcons organization has wit-

nessed a strong contribution from wide

receiver Michael Jenkins in his five NFL

seasons with Atlanta, which led to a

contract extension in the middle of the

2008 campaign. In each of the last fouryears, Jenkins has finished second on

the team in receiving after earning the

starting role in 2005. Last season,

Jenkins posted a career-high with 777

receiving yards and a 15.5 average (30 or more catches). In the

08 season opener against Detroit, he caught Matt Ryans first

career pass and sprinted 62-yards for a touchdown. Jenkins also

added two contests where he tied his season-high of 72 receiving

yards in Week 10 against New Orleans and the season finale

against the St. Louis Rams. He also tied his career-high with a two-

touchdown game at Oakland in a Week 9 meeting.

second contribution BET YOU DIDNT KNOW...

The oldest player - K Jason Elam, 39 years old (3/8/70)

The youngest player - OT Garrett Reynolds, 22 years old (7/1/87)

The tallest player - OT Garrett Reynolds, 6-7

The shortest player - RB Verron Haynes, CB Christopher Owens and

WR Eric Weems, 5-8

The heaviest player - OT Tyson Clabo, 331 pounds

The lightest player - CB Chris Houston, 178 pounds Most seasons with the Falcons - C Todd McClure, 11 seasons

Most seasons in the NFL - K Jason Elam, 17 seasons

The farthest distance a player has to travel from their hometown to

Flowery Branch, Ga. - OT Will Svitek is 4,800 miles from his birthplace

of Prague, Czech Republic.

The shortest distance a player has to travel from their hometown to

Flowery Branch, Ga. - LB Tony Gilbert is 123.4 miles away from his

hometown of Macon, Ga.

The college that is represented the most on the roster - LSU with three

players.

The state that is represented the most on the roster - The state of

Florida with seven players.


13/67

WING TIPS

Last season, Falcons defensive end John Abraham registered 16.5 sacks setting a new season-high for the 10-year veteran, topping his

previous mark of 13.0, which he set with the New York Jets in 2001. His 16.5 sacks also rank first in a season in Falcons annals

Throughout 2008, Abraham made several impacts on the field. While contributing with 42 tackles (35 solo), one pass defensed and fou

forced fumbles, Abraham also posted three contests in which he tallied three sacks each. At the conclusion of the season, he has now

totaled 18.5 sacks in his last 17 games, 26.5 in his last 31 contests and has notched 84.0 for his career, which ranks second in the NFL

among active players from 2000-08.

the predator earns his keep

Atlanta Falcons Highest Sack Totals in a Season

Player Year Sacks

John Abraham 2008 16.5

Joel Williams 1980 16.0

Claude Humphrey 1976 15.0

NFL Sack Leaders 2000-2008 (Active Players)

Rank Player Sacks Yards

1 Jason Taylor, Mia 104.0 680.0

2 John Abraham, Atl 84.0 534.0

3 Joey Porter, Mia 81.0 510.0

NFL Sack Leaders 2008

Rank Player Sacks Yards

1 DeMarcus Ware, Dal 20.0 113.0

2 Joey Porter, Mia 17.5 96.0

3 John Abraham, Atl 16.5 109.5

4 James Harrison, Pit 16.0 114.5Abrahams 16.5 sacks in 2008 came from both sides

of the defensive line in Atlantas 4-3 defense.

QB

RT RG C LG LT

DE NT NT DE

(five sacks, one FF) (11.5 sacks, three FF)

sack attack

After nine seasons in the NFL, its no surprise

to opposing offenses that John Abraham

makes a difference on every snap. His 84.0

career sacks currently rank second in the

League among active players (2000-08)

and last season, he posted a career-best

and franchise record 16.5 quarterback

takedowns. To take it a step further,

Abrahams 19 multiple-sack games

over his career have made an even

bigger difference as he has contributed

to a collective 14-5 record. Last year, the

Falcons posted 4-0 mark when Abraham

logged a multiple-sack performance. Those games included: three

sacks against Detroit (Week 1), two sacks against Kansas City

(Week 3), three sacks against Oakland (Week 9) and three sacks

against Tampa Bay (Week 15).

Year Multiple-Sack Games Team Record

2008 Four Games Falcons 4-0

2007 Two Games Falcons 1-1

2006 One Game Falcons 1-0

2005 Two Games New York Jets 1-1


2003 Two Games New York Jets 0-22002 Three Games New York Jets 2-1


2000 One Game New York Jets 1-0

Total 19 Games 14-5

KEEPING PACE

Now entering his fourth sea

son in an Atlanta Falcons

uniform, defensive end John

Abraham has already bro

ken into the top 10 sack

leaders list in franchise his

tory, holding down the 10th

spot with 30.5 sacks. His

total with the Falcons has

contributed to his caree

mark of 84.0, which rank

second in the NFL among a

active players (2000-08)

The Predator is looking to

piece together anothe

impressive campaign, which

would have major implications in the stat books. If he matches his

career-high and franchise record of 16.5 quarterback takedowns

from last season, he will finish the year with 47.0 career sacks as

a member of the Falcons, which would rank tied for fourth in club

annals with John Zook who logged seven seasons with the team

Atlanta Falcons Career Sack Leaders

Player Years Sacks

Claude Humphrey 1968-78 (11) 94.5Chuck Smith 1992-98 (7) 58.5

Patrick Kerney 1999-2006 (8) 58.0

John Zook 1969-75 (7) 47.0

Travis Hall 1995-2004 (10) 41.5

Don Smith 1979-84 (6) 38.5

Jeff Merrow 1975-83 (9) 36.0

Brady Smith 2000-05 (6) 32.0

Lester Archambeau 1993-99 (7) 31.0

John Abraham 2006-08 (3) 30.5

John Abraham (left) is shown here with former

Falcons linebacker Joel Williams who played on the

famed Gritz Blitz defenses of the 1980s. Last sea-

son, Abraham topped Williams franchise record for

sacks in a single-season with 16.5. The two connect-

ed on Alumni Day at Russell Falcons training camp.

If Falcons defensive end John Abraham can duplicate the season

he put together last year, he has the possibility of joining a very

exclusive club. Abraham is 16.0 sacks shy of reaching 100 for his

career. Its a mark that only 24 other players in the NFL have

achieved in their careers (since the stat became official in 1982).

(VERY) EXCLUSIVE CLUB


14/67

WING TIPS

leaders of the pack

Following the 2008 season, it was clearly evident that two members of the Falcons

would return the following year to take more of a leadership role. Sixth-year safety

Erik Coleman and second-year linebacker Curtis Lofton fit the trend as both com-

piled impressive 2008 campaigns, leading the Falcons to an 11-5 regular season

record and their first playoff berth since 2004. Coleman, one of the more tenured

players in the secondary, will continue to help the development of young corner-backs Chris Houston, Brent Grimes, Chevis Jackson and 2009 third round draft pick

Christopher Owens while doing the same for safeties Thomas DeCoud and William

Moore. In 2008, Coleman pieced together one of his best statistical seasons, finish-

ing with a career-high 127 tackles (82 solo), three interceptions, two forced fumbles

and six passes defensed.

In his rookie season, Lofton ranked second in the League in tackles among rookies

behind Jerod Mayo (according to STATS, Inc.) and garnered 2008 All-Rookie acco-

lades by Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly. Competing in all 16 games (15

starts), he contributed with 108 tackles (67 solo), one sack, three passes defensed and one forced fumble.

Safety Erik ColemaLinebacker Curtis Lofton

LOOKING FOR 17

In 2008, Falcons kicker Jason Elam

logged 129 points, three shy of a

career-high and nine shy of a Falcons

franchise record. Last season was also

Elams 16th 100-point campaign, which

made him the first player in NFL history

to record at least 100 points in each of

his first 16 seasons. Elam also ranks

second in the League in consecutive

games scoring at least one point (252)

and sits behind former Falcons kicker

Morten Andersen who totaled one point in 360-straight contests.

Jason Elams Top Three Seasons (Points)Year PAT FG Total Points

1995 39/39 31/38 132

2008 42/42 29/31 129

2004 42/42 29/34 129

2009 NFL RANKINGS

Offensive Rankings - 2009 Week by Week

Total Rush Pass NFC NFL

Week 1 (after Mia.)

Week 2 (after Car.)

Week 3 (after N.E.)

Week 4 (BYE)

Week 5 (after S.F.)

Week 6 (after Chi.)

Week 7 (after Dal.)

Week 8 (after N.O.)

Week 9 (after Was.)

Week 10 (after Car.)

Week 11 (after NYG)

Week 12 (after T.B.)

Week 13 (after Phi.)

Week 14 (after N.O.)

Week 15 (after NYJ)

Week 16 (after Buf.)


Defensive Rankings - 2009 Week by Week

Total Rush Pass NFC NFL

Week 1 (after Mia.)

Week 2 (after Car.)

Week 3 (after N.E.)

Week 4 (BYE)

Week 5 (after S.F.)

Week 6 (after Chi.)

Week 7 (after Dal.)

Week 8 (after N.O.)

Week 9 (after Was.)

Week 10 (after Car.)

Week 11 (after NYG)


Week 13 (after Phi.)

Week 14 (after N.O.)

Week 15 (after NYJ)

Week 16 (after Buf.)


For the last two seasons, running back

Jerious Norwood has expanded his role

from the backfield. Along with posting signif-

cant rushing and receiving numbers,

Norwood has also been impressive return-

ing kickoffs for the Falcons. In 2007 heranked eighth in the NFL with 1,317 yards

while finishing fifth in the League with 1,311

yards last year. In the past two seasons,

Norwood, along with New York Jets running back Leon

Washington, are the only two players in the NFL who finished with

back-to-back 2,000-yard all purpose campaigns. Below is a look at

the totals from both players.

Jerious Norwood Rush Rec KR PR Total2008 489 338 1,311 0 2,1382007 613 277 1,317 0 2,207

Leon Washington Rush Rec KR PR Total2008 448 355 1,231 303 2,337

2007 353 213 1,291 183 2.040

playing with a purpose


15/67

WING TIPS

The Atlanta Falcons selected eight play-

ers in the 2009 NFL Draft, which included

seven players on the defensive side of

the ball. The Falcons also made a trade

with Dallas, giving the Cowboys their fifth

round (143rd overall) pick in exchange forDallas fifth (156th overall) and seventh

round (210th overall) selections.

With the 24th overall selection in the first

round of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Falcons

selected defensive tackle Peria (pur-ray)

Jerry from the University of Mississippi.

Jerry became the Falcons first defensive

tackle selected in the first round since Tony Casillas (Oklahoma)

was drafted in 1986. Jerry is also the first player from Mississippi

to be selected by Atlanta in the first round and only the third play-

er from the university to be selected in franchise history.

Jerry was a first-team All-America selection by the Associated

Press and ESPN following the 2008 season. He finished the yearranked first in the SEC in tackles for loss (18.0), fifth in quarterback

sacks (7.0) and tied for sixth in forced fumbles (two). A consensus

first-team All-SEC selection, Jerry also helped the Rebel defense

rank second in the conference and fourth in the nation in rush

defense (85.5 ypg.) last year. In his Ole Miss career, Jerry totaled

132 tackles (79 solo), 11.5 sacks, 33.0 tackles for loss, three pass-

es defensed, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one

interception. He also recorded his first career touchdown on a 13-

yard fumble recovery against Vanderbilt in 2008.

Below is a look at the Falcons 2009 draft class.

Rd. Overall Player Pos Ht Wt College

1 24 Peria Jerry DT 6-2 290 Mississippi

2 55 William Moore S 6-0 218 Missouri3 90 Christopher Owens CB 5-9 181 San Jose St.

4 125 Lawrence Sidbury DE 6-2 266 Richmond

*5 138 William Middleton CB 5-11 186 Furman

5 156 Garrett Reynolds OT 6-7 310 North Carolina

6 176 Spencer Adkins LB 5-11 246 Miami (Fla.)

7 210 Vance Walker DT 6-2 293 Georgia Tech

*Not on active roster or practice squad

Defensive tackle Peria Jerry

draft breakdown

A sure sign of functionality in an organizatio

comes with the amount of draft picks a team

holds on its active roster and the contribution i

receives from those players. Currently, almos

half of the Falcons roster consists of draft selec

tions, while 13 players specifically have comefrom the two drafts under General Manager Thomas Dimitrof

(2007 and 08). Of the 26 total draft picks on the roster, 12 are

starters on game day. Below is a list of Falcons draft picks current

ly on the 53-man roster by year.

2009: DT Peria Jerry, S William Moore, CB Christopher Owens

DE Lawrence Sidbury, OT Garrett Reynolds, LB Spencer Adkins

2008: QB Matt Ryan, OT Sam Baker, LB Curtis Lofton, CB Chevis

Jackson, S Thomas DeCoud, DE Kroy Biermann, TE Keith Zinge

2007: DE Jamaal Anderson, OG Justin Blalock, CB Chris Houston

LB Stephen Nicholas, DT Trey Lewis, RB Jason Snelling

2006: RB Jerious Norwood, OT Quinn Ojinnaka

2005: WR Roddy White, DT Jonathan Babineaux, DE Chauncey

Davis

2004: WR Michael Jenkins

1999: C Todd McClure

first draft

In July, the Atlanta Falcons annouced a multi

year partnership with Piedmont Healthcare

which will now be recognized as the Preferred

Healthcare Provider of the team.

Along with a goal to motivate fans to be proactive about health and

wellness, Piedmont Healthcare and Falcons will develop a hear

disease awareness campaign during the month of September

Falcons players will sport a heart symbol (shown above) on thei

practice jerseys and will make appearances at select Piedmon

Healthcare facilities with team cheerleaders.

Piedmont Healthcare will be the title sponsor of the Atlanta Falcon

Football Academy event benefitting breast cancer-related organi

zations including the Doris Shaheen Breast Health Center a

Piedmont Hospital. Piedmont Heart Institute will also be actively

involved in the community and will provided heart health screen

ings on Falcons game days.

PRACTICE WITH HEART

Brotherly love

Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux and linebacke

Mike Peterson are two members of the roster that have brothers

who play for different NFL teams. Babineauxs brother, Jordan, is

a defensive back for the Seattle Seahawks. Peterson, a Falcons

2009 free agent acquisition, will face his brother, Adrian, who is a

running back for the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Footbal

(October 18, 2009).

current falcons streakS

251 Consecutive regular season games K Jason Elam has

scored at least one point.

131 Consecutive regular season games TE Tony Gonzalez has

caught at least one pass.

112 Consecutive regular season games C Todd McClure has

started, dating back to 2001.

36 Consecutive regular season games in which WR Roddy

White has caught at least one pass.

32 Consecutive field goals K Jason Elam has converted from

20-29 yards dating back to 2006.

26.5 The number of sacks John Abraham has totaled in his last

31 games on the defensive line.

15 Consecutive field goals K Jason Elam has converted from

40-49 yards dating back to 2007.


16/67

WING TIPS

ATLANTA FALCONS TO DON THROWBACK

UNIFORMS FOR TWO GAMES IN 2009

The Atlanta Falcons unveiled throwback uniforms that the team

will wear twice this season to honor the inaugural 1966 team.

As part of Falcons Alumni Weekend, Atlanta will wear their first

throwback uniforms in franchise history during Week 2 when

they host NFC South Division rival Carolina on Sunday,September 20. The Falcons team will again don the retro uni-

forms during NFL Week 11 when they host the Tampa Bay

Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome on Sunday, November 29.

Fans attending the game on September 20 will receive a com-

memorative rally flag with the teams original logo courtesy of

TicketMaster.

NFL Throwback Weekend is an opportunity for our club and

our fans to honor and celebrate our inaugural team, the 1966

Falcons, said Falcons President Rich McKay. Honoring past

teams and former players is a time-honored tradition in the

NFL, and we plan to make sure our fans have every opportuni-

ty to celebrate the 1966 Falcons with us in a big way.

The uniforms include black jerseys with white numbers, red

trim and a white Falcon crest on the sleeves. The white pants feature a red strip bordered by two black stripes. Red helmets will be worn

with a black Falcon crest logo trimmed in white and a black strip down the middle of the helmet trimmed in white and gold. The colors in

the helmet were meant to represent rival schools Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia. The gold trim was later removed, but the

white portion of the stripe remained a part of the helmet.

Falcons players Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and John Abraham recently

modeled the uniforms for a photo shoot at the teams Flowery Branch

headquarters. Members of the media may access those photos by visit-

ing the football communications intranet site at:

http://pr.atlantafalcons.com (user name: falconspr, password: afmedia).

For more information on throwback uniform games, ticket information,

throwback merchandise and exclusive photos and video please visit:

www.atlantafalcons.com/throwback.

Members of the 1966 Atlanta Falcons breakdown the team huddle following prac-tice on Alumni Day at Russell Training Camp in 2009.

Falcons defensive end John Abraham, quarterback Matt Ryan and running back MichTurner feature Atlantas throwback uniforms, which will be worn in Week 2 against

Carolina Panthers and Week 12 versus the Tampa Bay Buccanee

The 1966 Atlanta Falcons


17/67

WING TIPS

2009 DRAFT PICKS(On the active roster or practice squad)

DT Peria Jerry6-2, 294 poundsD1 - 09 (Mississippi)

In 38 career games at Ole Miss, totaled 132 tackles, 11.5sacks, 33 tackles for loss, three passes defensed, two forcedfumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception. Named to the All-SEC team twice in his collegiate career (firstteam in 2008 and second team in 2007). Jerry became the first defensive tackle selected by the Falconsin the first round of the NFL Draft since Tony Casillas (Oklahomain 1986.

S William Moore6-0, 218 poundsD2 - 09 (Missouri)

Started 32 of 48 games at Missouri and finished his career hav-ing totaled 284 tackles (182 solo), which was the fourth-highesttotal among Tigers defensive backs. Totaled 11 interceptions for 162 yards, breaking Erik McMillansschool career record (three) by returning four of those for touch-

downs.

CB Christopher Owens5-9, 179 poundsD3 - 09 (San Jose State)

Started 38 of 48 games at San Jose State, including his final 37contests at right cornerback. Recorded 228 tackles (132 solo), one sack, seven tackles forloss, 20 passes defensed and 13 interceptions. His 13 INTs rank fourth on the school career-record list.

DE Lawrence Sidbury6-3, 265 poundsD4 - 09 (Richmond)

Started 31 of 52 games at Richmond, recording 145 tackles (71solo), 20.5 sacks, 38 tackles for loss four forced fumbles, twofumble recoveries and four passes defensed. His 20.5 sacks rank fourth in school history. Set the NCAA record for the most sacks in a playoff gameagainst Montana in a 2008 FCS title game victory with four. Was voted the Virginia Defensive Player of the Year his seniorseason.

OT Garrett Reynolds6-7, 317 poundsD5b - 09 (North Carolina)

A second-team All-ACC selection by theAssociated Press andfirst-team All-ACC pick by The ACC Sports Journal. Named to the 2008 Lombardi Award Watch List.

LB Spencer Adkins5-11, 242 poundsD6 - 09 (Miami)

Saw action in 31 games in four seasons and totaled 72 tackles(42 solo), 10 tackles for loss, five sacks and one interception.

DT Vance Walker6-2, 307 poundsD7 - 09 (Georgia Tech)

Finished his Georgia Tech career with 110 tackles, 26.5 tacklesfor loss, 13.0 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recov-eries.

KEY ACQUISITIONS

TE Tony Gonzalez6-5, 243 poundsCaliforniaTrade - 09 (Kansas City)

In 12 NFL seasons, has earned 10 Pro Bowl

appearances and eight first or second-teamAssociated PressAll-Pro selections.

Holds NFL records for career receptions (916), receiving yards

(10,940), touchdown catches (76), 100-yard receiving games

(26), Pro Bowl appearances (10) and 1,000-yard seasons (four)

among all tight ends.

Is the only tight end in League history to record 900 or more

receiving yards in seven seasons and currently stands as only

the third tight end in NFL history to lead their respective franchis-

es in all-time receiving.

LB Mike Peterson6-1, 233 poundsFlorida

Unrestricted Free Agent - 09 (Jax) In 135 career games (127 starts), Peterson has

totaled 1,365 tackles (792 solo), 19.5 sacks, 15

interceptions, 40 passes defensed, six forced fumbles and seven

fumbles recoveries.

Collected 837 tackles in his Jaguars career, which ranks second

in team history behind safety Donovin Darius (858).

Has tallied double-digit tackles in 73 career games and 15-plus

tackles in 23 games.

WR Marty Booker6-0, 205 poundsLouisiana-MonroeFree Agent - 09

In 141 career games (116 starts) has totaled 523

receptions for 6,522 yards and 36 touchdowns.

Currently ranks tied for third in Bears history in receptions (329)

and sixth in receiving yardage (3,895).

Posted two 1,000-yard receiving campaigns in 2001 and 02

while combining for 14 touchdowns in those seasons.

CB Tye Hill5-10, 185 poundsClemsonTrade - 09 (St. Louis)

Started 21 of 28 career games and has totaled 94

tackles (79 solo), four interceptions, 15 passes

defensed one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. Earned All-Rookie honors from Pro Football Weeklyand PFWA.

CB/S Brian Williams5-11, 202 poundsNorth Carolina StateFree Agent - 09

Has compiled 484 tackles (387 solo), 18 intercep-

tions, four sacks, nine forced fumbles, one fumble

recovery and 71 passes defensed in 107 career games (93

starts).

Returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown in 2003.


18/67

POSITION BY POSITION BREAKDOWN

quarterbacks (3)

RUNNING BACKS (3)

No Name

2 Matt Ryan - Started 16 games in 2008 and completed 265 of 434 passes for 3,440 yards, 16 touch-

downs and 11 interceptions for an 87.7 passer rating. Was named NFC Rookie of the Month (October

and NFC Offensive Player of the Week (Week 9). Guided the Falcons to a 7-1 home record. Totaled a

career-high with 315 passing yards against the Saints in Week 14.

8 Chris Redman: 6-3, 229 pounds, seventh year, Louisville

4 John Parker Wilson: 6-2, 218 pounds, first year, Alabama

No Name

33 Michael Turner- In his first game in an Atlanta uniform last year, set the Falcons single-game rushing

record with 220 yards on 22 carries (10.0 avg.) vs. Detroit. Totaled his 11th-career 100-yard game

against St. Louis in Week 17. Ranked second in the NFL with 376 carries for 1,699 yards while con-

tributing with 17 touchdowns (set a franchise-high for a single season). Turner also topped the 1,000-

yard mark in Week 12 of 08 while tying a club record with four touchdowns. Was named NFC

Offensive Player of the Week on two occasions (Week 1 vs. Detroit and Week 3 vs. Kansas City).

32 Jerious Norwood: 5-11, 209 pounds, fourth year, Mississippi State

44 Jason Snelling: 5-11, 233 pounds, third year, Virginia

No Name

34 Ovie Mughelli - In 2008 blocked for a Falcons running game which totaled 2,443 rushing yards

(ranked second in the NFL). Also caught a season-high 18-yard reception against the Oakland

Raiders in Week 9 and contributed with 57 receiving yards and 16 rushing yards.

36 Verron Haynes: 5-9, 233 pounds, sixth year, Georgia

No Name

84 Roddy White - Tallied seven 100-yard receiving games last season and set a career-high with 164yards on 10 receptions against New Orleans in Week 14. Topped the 1,000-yard plateau after catch

ing six passes for 112 yards against San Diego in Week 13. Led the team and ranked fourth in the

NFL in receiving with 88 receptions for 1,382 yards and six touchdowns. His 1,382 yards made him

the first Falcons receiver to record back-to-back 1,200-yard seasons in franchise history. His

yardage total also set a new franchise record for receiving yards in a season.

12 Michael Jenkins - Caught Matt Ryans first-career NFL pass and ran 62 yards for a touchdown

against Detroit in Week 1. Added his second-career multiple-touchdown game after grabbing two

touchdown passes against the Oakland Raiders in Week 9 while leading the team in receiving

yardage. In 2008, Jenkins compiled 50 catches for 777 yards and three TDs.

80 Marty Booker: 6-0, 205 pounds, 11th year, Louisiana-Monroe

86 Brian Finneran: 6-5, 210 pounds, ninth year, Villanova

14 Eric Weems: 5-9, 194 pounds, second year, Bethune-Cookman

No Name

88 Tony Gonzalez - Has established himself as one of the premier tight ends in NFL history following

12 seasons, all with Kansas City. A native of Torrance, California, Gonzalez holds League records f

the most receptions (916), receiving yards (10,940) and touchdown catches (76) by a tight end. His

10 Pro Bowl selections are more than any other tight end in the game and he has also earned eigh

first or second-teamAssociated PressAll-Pro selections, his latest coming last season.

87 Justin Peelle: 6-4, 251 pounds, eighth year, Oregon

82 Keith Zinger: 6-4, 258 pounds, second year, LSU

FULLBACKS (2)

tight ends (3)

WIDE RECEIVERS (5)


19/67

POSITION BY POSITION BREAKDOWN

No Name

62 Todd McClure - Has started in 112 consecutive games on the offensive line which ties Jeff Van

Note for third place in Falcons annals in that category.

66 Brett Romberg: 6-2, 293 pounds, sixth year, Miami (Fla.)

No Name

72 Sam Baker - Started in five contests as a rookie and helped open holes for Atlantas 2,443 total

rushing yards.

74 Will Svitek: 6-6, 309 pounds, fourth year, Stanford

No Name

77 Tyson Clabo - Has started in 37 career contests and helped the Falcons rush for a team record of

318 yards in the season opener against Detroit last season.

75 Garrett Reynolds: 6-7, 317 pounds, first year, North Carolina

No Name

Documents

Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins Week 1