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We’re more than a month away from the start of free agency. Ordinarily, I’d say it’s too early to start projecting specific free agents to land with specific teams.

That’s because a lot of potential free agents will re-sign with their own teams and new free agents will be created as teams make cuts to get in compliance with the salary cap. Also, teams can’t talk to free agents until the start of the league year in mid-March unless they want to run the risk of violating the NFL’s tampering laws.

But D. Orlando Ledbetter writes about one exceptional situation that’s worth watching. That’s linebacker Channing Crowder, who said he already has had some contact with the Falcons. Atlanta just hired defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, who previously coached Crowder with the Miami Dolphins.

The typical rules of free agency don’t apply to Crowder because he’s in a unique situation. Crowder, 28, sat out all of last season. He announced his retirement shortly after the Dolphins released him last season.

But Crowder explained that situation to Ledbetter. His wife was pregnant and Crowder didn’t want to play somewhere else and move his family. So he sat out the season and worked in radio. Now, he wants to get back into football.

Crowder said he’d love to play for the Falcons and the Nolan connection certainly adds another layer. Crowder, who has played inside and outside linebacker, also could add depth to Atlanta’s linebacker corps.

Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton is a potential free agent, although I expect the Falcons to make a strong attempt to keep him. The Falcons are in pretty good shape on the outside with Sean Weatherspoon and Stephen Nicholas as returning starters. Spencer Adkins and Akeem Dent provide some depth, but the Falcons aren’t likely to bring back veteran Mike Peterson.

He dealt with injuries last season and will be an unrestricted free agent. Peterson was valuable because he was experienced and versatile. But Crowder has those same traits and is younger.

Since the NFC South doesn’t have a team in the Super Bowl, let’s start looking ahead to the 2012 offseason.

We’ll start by taking a look at each team and its potential free agents. We’ll start with the Atlanta Falcons. We’ll list all of their potential free agents. Each one listed is a potential unrestricted free agent, unless he’s noted as a restricted or exclusive-rights free agent. After I list the free agents, I’ll summarize what could be the most important moves as teams re-sign players between now and the start of free agency in mid-March.

Here are Atlanta’s potential free agents: Defensive end John Abraham, defensive end Kroy Biermann, offensive lineman Kirk Chambers, safety Thomas DeCoud, receiver Harry Douglas, cornerback Brent Grimes, cornerback Kelvin Hayden, tight end Reggie Kelly, linebacker Curtis Lofton, center Todd McClure, linebacker Mike Peterson, offensive lineman Brett Romberg, safety James Sanders, running back Jason Snelling, receiver Eric Weems, long-snapper Joe Zelenka, tight end Michael Palmer (exclusive rights), running back Antone Smith (exclusive rights) and defensive tackle Vance Walker (restricted).

Lofton and Grimes are the most significant names on that list. They’re key defensive starters, and they’re in their prime. Keeping Lofton, the quarterback of the defense, might be the top priority. There’s little doubt the Falcons want Grimes back. He’s developed into a very good cornerback, despite the fact that he’s undersized. But Grimes could get big money elsewhere. The Falcons already have a lot invested in cornerback Dunta Robinson, and might not be able to pay huge contracts to two cornerbacks.

Abraham, McClure and Peterson are nearing the end of their careers. Any of them could decide to retire. The Falcons also could decide to bring back any of them as a role player. Abraham still was the team’s best pass-rusher in 2011.

It’s likely the Falcons will have some interest in keeping Biermann, DeCoud, Douglas and Snelling. They’re still young, but they could get better offers elsewhere. Hayden and Sanders each are veterans that could test the market, but eventually return to give the Falcons depth.

The Atlanta Falcons just put out their final injury report for Sunday’s playoff game with the New York Giants.

The Falcons listed 18 players as probable and all of them took part in practice, to some degree, Friday, so we won’t waste time running through guys who almost certainly will play. That narrows the report down to two players.

Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) is listed as doubtful and did not practice Friday. He almost certainly won’t play. With veteran Mike Peterson on injured reserve, that likely means Spencer Adkins will start in place of Nicholas.

Cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) is questionable. But there appears to be some hope Grimes can play. He practiced on a limited basis Friday. If Grimes can’t play, the Falcons likely would start Dominique Franks in his place.

The Giants are listing rookie linebacker Mark Herzlich (ankle) as out. Everyone else on New York’s injury report is listed as probable. That includes running back Ahmad Bradshaw. He missed some practice time early in the week with a foot injury, but took part in Friday’s session on a limited basis.

We’ve got some very significant injury news out of New Orleans and updates on other injuries of note all around the NFC South.

New Orleans running back Mark Ingram, who has missed the past three games with a toe injury, suffered what coach Sean Payton called a setback in his recovery. Ingram aggravated the injury when he returned to practice Wednesday and did not practice Thursday. Receiver Lance Moore (hamstring) missed his second straight day of practice. On the bright side, safety Malcolm Jenkins (neck) and linebacker Jonathan Vilma returned to practice on a limited basis after sitting out Wednesday.

The Buccaneers are pretty banged up. Receiver Arrelious Benn (neck), defensive end Michael Bennett (toe), defensive tackle Brian Price (ankle) and right tackle Jeremy Trueblood (concussion) each missed their second straight day of practice. Defensive end Adrian Clayborn (hamstring) also was held out of Thursday’s practice.

Atlanta’s also got some significant injuries. Defensive end Ray Edwards (knee) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) each missed their second straight day of practice. If Edwards can’t play, Kroy Biermann and Lawrence Sidbury likely would get increased playing time. With Nicholas injured and Mike Peterson on injured reserve, the Falcons are getting Spencer Adkins ready to start at outside linebacker.

Carolina’s defensive line has some big injury problems. Defensive end Charles Johnson (back) and defensive tackle Andre Neblett (head) each missed practice for the second straight day.

After putting linebacker Mike Peterson and cornerback Kelvin Hayden on injured reserve Tuesday night, the Atlanta Falcons filled their roster spots Wednesday.

The Falcons have signed receiver Kevin Cone and linebacker Robert James. They also added linebacker Matt Hansen to their practice squad.

With linebacker Stephen Nicholas also injured, the Falcons are expected to start Spencer Adkins in Sunday’s regular-season finale against Tampa Bay. But James has a chance to be active and get some playing time on special teams. With wide receiver Kerry Meier also injured, Cone also has a chance to be active.

Time for a quick look at the Wednesday morning headlines from around the NFC South.

The Falcons say they’d like to see the Saints again in the playoffs. It’s entirely possible that can happen. But Atlanta would have to play a whole lot better than it did Monday night to have any shot at losing to the Saints for the third time this season.

The Falcons placed cornerback Kelvin Hayden and linebacker Mike Peterson on injured reserve. Look for Atlanta to make a couple of moves Wednesday to fill the roster spots.

All those pre-draft questions about his ability to make it in the NFL have been answered quite nicely by Carolina rookie quarterback Cam Newton.

If the Bucs give up 25 points to Atlanta on Sunday, they’ll break the franchise record for points allowed in a season, 473 by the 1976 team.

New Orleans coach Sean Payton wouldn’t say if he plans to play or rest his starters in the season finale against Carolina. The Saints still have an outside chance at the No. 2 seed, but that would require San Francisco losing to St. Louis.

NEW ORLEANS — No big surprise here, but the Atlanta Falcons will be without two injured defenders in their “Monday Night Football’’ game with the New Orleans Saints.

Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (groin) and nickel back Kelvin Hayden have been declared inactive. Veteran Mike Peterson likely will start in Nicholas’ place. Dominique Franks likely will be Atlanta’s nickel back.

The other inactives for the Falcons are quarterback John Parker Wilson, center Brett Romberg, tackle Kirk Chambers, receiver Kerry Meier and defensive end Cliff Matthews.

I’ll be back with the inactives for the Saints as soon as I get them.

The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints just filed their final injury reports for their “Monday Night Football’’ game.

New Orleans running back Mark Ingram (toe) is doubtful. Don’t expect to see him Monday. The Saints also have Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles and Chris Ivory at running back. They’re better off resting Ingram and making sure he’s fully healthy for the playoffs. Linebackers Jonathan Casillas (knee) and Ramon Humber (knee) also are listed as doubtful. Receiver Lance Moore is questionable with a hamstring injury and was held out of Saturday’s practice.

The Falcons are listing cornerback Kelvin Hayden (toe), receiver Kerry Meier (groin) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (toe) as doubtful. Cornerback Brent Grimes is questionable as he attempts to come back from knee surgery. But the Falcons seem optimistic Grimes will play. If Grimes plays and Hayden doesn’t, look for Dominique Franks to be used as the third cornerback. If Nicholas doesn’t play, veteran Mike Peterson likely will start in his place.

A lot can change between now and the start of free agency and I sure don’t see any way the New Orleans Saints let quarterback/King Drew Brees walk away. I also think there’s a pretty good chance tight end Tony Gonzalez can return to the Atlanta Falcons if he chooses. Same for cornerback Ronde Barber with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and maybe even Jeremy Shockey with the Carolina Panthers.

But all we know about those guys at the moment is they’re not under contract for 2012. We’ll do much more on free agency as it gets closer but I’ve got the complete list of every NFC South player presently not under contract for 2012.

I’ll list them by team here and we’ll only go with the guys who have at least four years of service and can become unrestricted free agents. We’ll deal with restricted and exclusive-rights free agents at another time.

Atlanta Falcons: Tony Gonzalez, tight end; Reggie Kelly, tight end; Todd McClure, center; Mike Peterson, linebacker; John Abraham, defensive end; Joe Zelenka, long-snapper; Chris Redman, quarterback; Kirk Chambers, offensive line; Kelvin Hayden, cornerback; Brett Romberg, offensive line; James Sanders, safety; Jason Snelling, running back; Kroy Biermann, defensive end; Thomas DeCoud, safety; Harry Douglas, receiver; Brent Grimes, cornerback; Curtis Lofton, linebacker; Eric Weems, receiver.

Carolina Panthers: Jeremy Shockey, tight end; Reggie Wells, offensive line; Derek Anderson, quarterback; Geoff Hangartner, center/guard; Omar Gaither, linebacker; Cletis Gordon, cornerback; Legedu Naanee, receiver; Antwan Applewhite, linebacker; Mackenzy Beranadeau, offensive line; Dan Connor, linebacker; J.J. Jansen, long-snapper; Jerome Felton, fullback; Jordan Senn, linebacker.

New Orleans Saints: John Kasay, kicker; Drew Brees, quarterback; Shaun Rogers, defensive tackle; John Gilmore, tight end; Aubrayo Franklin, defensive tackle; Marques Colston, receiver; Pat McQuistan, offensive line; Courtney Roby, receiver; Leigh Torrence, cornerback; Jeff Charleston, defensive end; Turk McBride, defensive end; Robert Meachem, receiver; Jo-Lonn Dunbar, linebacker; Carl Nicks, guard; Tracy Porter, cornerback.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ronde Barber, cornerback; Earnest Graham, running back; Sean Jones, safety; Connor Barth, kicker; Geno Hayes, linebacker; Josh Johnson, quarterback; James Lee, offensive line; Corey Lynch, safety; Elbert Mack, cornerback; Frank Okam, defensive tackle; Micheal Spurlock, receiver; Jeremy Zuttah, offensive line.

The Atlanta Falcons have put out their final injury report for Thursday night’s game with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

It’s very lengthy, so I’ll leave off the 10 guys who are listed as probable because they’ll all play, barring any major setbacks. We’ll deal just with the guys who are listed as doubtful or questionable.

There’s major doubt in the defensive backfield as cornerbacks Brent Grimes (knee) and Kelvin Hayden (toe) are both doubtful. The Falcons have been using Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks as their second and third cornerbacks opposite Dunta Robinson while Grimes and Hayden have been out.

There are more issues in the front seven. Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (ankle) and linebacker Stephen Nicholas (quadriceps) are listed as questionable. If Babineaux can’t go, Peria Jerry likely would move into a starting spot. Veteran Mike Peterson has been starting at outside linebacker while Nicholas has been banged up.

On offense, the only real issue is left tackle Will Svitek. He’s questionable with a groin injury. If Svitek can’t play, Sam Baker likely would get the start.

It’s late in the season and the injuries are piling up. We’ve got a bunch of injured players all around the division, so let’s get the update on the most significant ones.

There’s mixed news out of Tampa Bay. Although quarterback Josh Freeman (shoulder) is listed as questionable, he got some first-team work Friday and may be able to play Sunday at Jacksonville. But cornerback Aqib Talib (hamstring) has been ruled out. Safety Larry Asante (hamstring) is doubtful and that could mean some playing time for Ahmad Black, who was promoted from the practice squad Friday. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (knee) is questionable, but fully participated in Friday’s practice.

Some significant news out of New Orleans: running back Mark Ingram (toe) has been declared out. You’ve got to admire the Saints. They’re without Ingram, so they’ll just plug last year’s leading rusher, Chris Ivory, into the backfield rotation with Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas. Linebacker Jonathan Casillas (knee) and defensive end Turk McBride (ankle) also have been ruled out.

The Falcons are facing some pretty steep injury issues. Cornerback Brent Grimes (knee) is out and cornerback Kelvin Hayden (toe) is doubtful. That means another week of Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks getting significant playing time. Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (quadriceps) also is doubtful, which probably means another start for Mike Peterson. Left tackle Will Svitek (groin) is questionable and it looks like Sam Baker could return to the starting lineup after missing six games.

Carolina left tackle Jordan Gross (ankle) is listed as questionable. Gross did not practice this week. But Gross did run on the sidelines Friday and coach Ron Rivera said Gross moved well. Gross is a veteran and the fact that he didn’t practice during the week won’t be enough to keep him out of the lineup if the ankle feels fine on Sunday morning.

Let’s check in on the most significant injuries around the NFC South.

Looks like Atlanta has some potentially major issues heading into Sunday’s game with Tennessee. Receiver Julio Jones (hamstring) missed another day of practice, meaning it’s becoming more likely he’ll sit out. Harry Douglas stepped up when Jones was hurt in Sunday’s loss to the Saints, but it might be nice if Roddy White could do the same. Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton was added to Thursday’s report with an ankle injury. If he can’t go, the Falcons might have to shuffle their linebackers, and that could involve some movement of the outside linebackers, which could mean more playing time for Akeem Dent and Mike Peterson. Safety William Moore (quadriceps) missed another practice. Moore missed last Sunday’s game, and veteran James Sanders could end up starting in his place again.

Tampa Bay safety Tanard Jackson (hamstring) missed his second straight day of practice. But defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth returned and practiced fully after getting what the team said was a day of rest Wednesday. Haynesworth is listed on the report with a knee injury.

Carolina tight end Jeremy Shockey (ribs) missed his second straight day of practice. Linebacker James Anderson (ankle) practiced fully after sitting out Wednesday. Middle linebacker Dan Connor (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis for the second straight day.

The New Orleans Saints have a bye and don't have to issue an injury report.

TAMPA, Fla. – Here are the inactives for the Atlanta Falcons and there’s a bit of a surprise.

Starting linebacker Stephen Nicholas is out with a calf injury. Veteran Mike Peterson likely will take his place. Cornerback Kelvin Hayden, cornerback Darrin Walls, center Brett Romberg, offensive lineman Mike Johnson, defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux and defensive end Cliff Matthews are inactive.

Center Todd McClure is active and expected to start after missing the first two games with a knee injury.

We’ll be back with the inactives for the Bucs in just a few minutes.

Also, a quick weather report. It’s been raining hard in Tampa for the last 30 minutes or so. The University of South Florida played a game here Saturday night, so it could be interesting to see how the field holds up. Also, there's been some lightning in the area. If that continues, a delayed start is possible.

CHICAGO – One game into the season, the Atlanta Falcons have an identity they don't want.

“Sloppy ball,’’ linebacker Mike Peterson said. “We played sloppy ball.’’

That might be putting it kindly. A team that has spent the past three seasons winning with precise efficiency lost in a way it seldom has since Mike Smith took over as coach in 2008.

The Falcons spewed turnovers, failed to protect their quarterback and got very few of the big plays they talked so much about during the offseason. And that’s just the offense. The defense did such a poor job that if Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler put up those kind of numbers in his days with the Broncos, he’d still be in Denver and John Elway would be forgotten.

Throw in nine penalties for 65 yards and it all added up to a 30-12 loss to the Bears at Soldier Field in a game that was pretty much over during the second quarter.

“We’ve just got to make sure that doesn’t happen again,’’ cornerback Dunta Robinson said.

You can at least start to wonder if those predictions that had the Falcons going to the Super Bowl, or at least deep into the playoffs, were way off base. This team looked like it was one day out of the lockout or still caught in last season’s playoff loss to Green Bay.

Quarterback Matt Ryan threw an interception (that set up a touchdown) and Michael Turner lost a fumble -- and that was just in the first quarter. In the third quarter, Ryan lost a fumble that Brian Urlacher returned for a touchdown.

Smith always emphasizes the importance of the turnover battle and the Falcons usually win it. Not this time. They turned the ball over three times and generated only one takeaway -- an interception that went for a touchdown by defensive end Kroy Biermann in the fourth quarter, long after the game had been decided.

“You’re going to decrease your chances of winning,’’ Smith said. “We can’t do that.’’

When Biermann and kicker Matt Bryant, who made two field goals, are your most explosive players, it’s not a good thing.

Rookie receiver Julio Jones and free-agent defensive end Ray Edwards, the players who were brought in to help the Falcons become more explosive, didn’t have major impacts. Jones had five catches for 71 yards, but most of that came way too late. Edwards produced precisely one tackle. But let’s not pin all the blame on the high-priced newcomers, because the Falcons were collectively and uncharacteristically bad.

“Explosiveness is not just for the offense,’’ Smith said. “It’s for the entire football team. We want to be explosive in all three phases.’’

They didn’t even come close. After an offseason filled with talk about more downfield passing, it seemed like there was less than in the past.

“I thought Chicago did a good job of keeping things in front,’’ Ryan said. “There were (deep) plays called, but I had to check down.’’

“There were plays that were designed to go into the end zone,’’ Smith said. “I can assure you of that. If the read took (Ryan) down, then he’s got to go where the reads take him. We’ve got to win our one-on-ones.’’

That can be tough to do when you’re going against the Tampa Two defense that Chicago runs, and give the Bears, who were the No. 2 seed in the NFC last season, plenty of credit for playing a strong all-around game.

But the Falcons were the No. 1 seed in the NFC last season and it looked like they’ve taken multiple steps back.

“Not the outcome we wanted,’’ Smith said. “Disappointed, not discouraged. It’s a long season. It’s Week 1. We’ will work to get it fixed and we will get it fixed.’’

That might sound like lip service coming from just about any other coach. But Smith’s got a track record in this area that he can point to.

Last season, the Falcons went up to Pittsburgh and lost the opener in a game where they didn’t play very well. They bounced back to win 13 of their next 15 games.

“It’s the first week of the season,’’ Smith said. “There’s a lot of football to be played. Let’s not be saying the sky is falling. We didn’t play well. I know that we will get things fixed. We’ve got a great locker room. We’ve got a great group of men that work very hard and love to compete. We’ll come back and we’ll get things fixed.’’

Maybe Smith’s right and maybe the Falcons will recover just like they did after the Pittsburgh loss last season. It’s too early to say a disappointing performance means doom for the Falcons. That’s especially true in an opening week in which New Orleans and Tampa Bay, the teams viewed as the main challengers to Atlanta’s NFC South crown, also lost.

“You lose a game the way we did and you’ve got to come to work Monday expecting a very rough day,’’ Peterson said.

The Monday film session and the upcoming week of practice aren’t going to be a lot of fun. But Smith and his coaching staff fixed a lot of problems in a hurry last season, and it could happen again.

It almost has to. The Philadelphia Eagles and Michael Vick, who once was Atlanta’s franchise quarterback before an epic fall from grace, are coming to the Georgia Dome next Sunday night.

If the Falcons play against the Eagles the way they did against the Bears, we’re no longer talking about one game or one week. We could be talking about a long season.

We won’t start our leaguewide Stock Watch feature until next week. But I’m going to go ahead and do one for the NFC South this week because we have more than enough to work with.

FALLING

Aqib Talib, cornerback, Buccaneers. We’re starting his stock low because he had a turbulent offseason and he’s going to be under the microscope. This guy can’t afford a wrong move on or off the field. He’s got to stay focused on football and get his career on a good path.

Mike Peterson, linebacker, Falcons. All indications are the veteran has lost his starting job to Stephen Nicholas, who got a big contract to stay with the team. Peterson re-signed for the veteran minimum and Nicholas got first-team work throughout the preseason. But the good news is Peterson’s the kind of guy who can handle a backup role and be a mentor. He also still might be able to step in and play a little bit, if needed.

John Kasay, kicker, Saints. He starts off the season on the hot seat after missing a field goal and an extra point in his preseason debut with New Orleans. Released by Carolina earlier this summer, Kasay’s a proven veteran who has made many big kicks throughout his career. He was signed to fill in while Garrett Hartley is out with a hip injury. But coach Sean Payton isn’t the most patient guy in the world when it comes to kickers, so Kasay better get on track in a hurry.

RISING

Garrett Reynolds, guard, Falcons. He won the starting job at right guard by beating out Mike Johnson. This is a chance for Reynolds to pave the way to a nice, long career. He’ll be playing next to right tackle Tyson Clabo and that will help. Offensive line coach Paul Boudreau is a master at working with guys who were drafted late or not at all and turning them into reliable players.

Sione Fua and Terrell McClain, defensive tackles, Panthers. Ready or not, the two rookies are going to play extensively. The Panthers tried to buy them some time by signing free agent Ron Edwards, but he got hurt. The Panthers tried a few other veterans, but they either couldn’t play or were hurt. The Panthers are just going to have to throw McClain and Fua out there and hope they grow up in a hurry.

Julio Jones, receiver, Falcons. We’re going to start this rookie’s stock very high because that’s exactly what the Falcons have done in the preseason. They’ve showcased their first-round draft pick, throwing to him often and letting him run reverses. You generally like to save those things as surprises for the regular season. But my guess is the Falcons wanted to go ahead and make opposing defenses very aware of Jones because that may free things up for some other offensive players.