NFC South: Troy Bergeron
Chris in Knoxville, Tenn., writes: What are the chances Carolina trades Dwayne Jarrett to Seattle for T.J. Houshmanzadeh?
Pat Yasinskas: I’m not going to totally rule this one out. The reports say Seattle is ready to trade or cut Houshmandzadeh and Jarrett hasn’t made himself a centerpiece in the Carolina receiving corps. But I think this one is a long shot for several reasons. Trades are easy to talk about, but don’t happen all that often in the NFL. Bringing in an aging wide receiver doesn’t exactly fit with Carolina’s youth movement and there must be a reason Seattle is ready to part with Houshmandzadeh. Also, what makes anyone think any team is going to give up something for Jarrett? Yeah, I know he played for Pete Carroll at USC, but it’s not like he’s shown anything since he’s been in the NFL.
Bhavik in Atlanta writes: What do you think of the Falcons signing T.J. Houshmandzadeh? He's getting old, which is something against the Falcons philosophy but he can have a solid year.
Pat Yasinskas: I’m having a tough time figuring out why so many Atlanta fans think there’s a big need for help at wide receiver. Roddy White’s a very good No. 1. Michael Jenkins is a role player at No. 2 and the Falcons are excited about having a healthy Harry Douglas in the slot. Eric Weems and Brian Finneran provide solid depth and Troy Bergeron may even make the roster. I know a lot of Atlanta fans are down on Jenkins because he doesn’t put up big numbers, but that’s not really his role in this system. His role is to be a safety valve as a possession receiver and a blocker in the running game and he does those things well. With tight end Tony Gonzalez, it’s almost like the Falcons have an extra wide receiver. Gonzalez and White are going to be the main targets in the passing game and I don’t think the Falcons want someone cutting into their opportunities.
Todd in Indianapolis writes: I'm going to be the first to ask,what are the chances the Bucs go after TJ Housh? .f not Carolina probablyy will and we can’t have that!!!
Pat Yasinskas: I really don’t see that one, Todd. It just doesn’t fit with Tampa Bay’s plan. The Buccaneers are going with youth. They drafted Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams this year and Sammie Stroughter last year and they traded for Reggie Brown with five years remaining on his contract. That gives them four young receivers and the plan is to let them grow up with Josh Freeman.
Kenneth in Boston writes: Do you think the Saints could possibly think about switching to a 3-4? Junior Galette seems like the perfect man for an outside linebacker/pass rush specialist and the team can use all their depth, especially to stop 4 receiver sets. Casillas is a great start, but I'd like to see the Saints use more of their young LBs and Clint Ingram in some mixes. Also, Tony Hargrove could definitely play a defensive end in a 3 man front, lined up next to Will Smith and Sedrick Ellis. Your thoughts?
Pat Yasinskas: You may see Gregg Williams throw a 3-4 front out there now and again just to confuse other teams. But the Saints are a 4-3 defense at heart and they’re not about to switch from that. Their personnel is set up for the 4-3 scheme. Besides, I wouldn’t go projecting too much of a role for Ingram. I think there’s a decent chance he won’t even be on the roster by the end of today.
It’s been pretty obvious that was the direction the Falcons would have to go in after Finneran suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s loss to New Orleans. Finneran had been a role player as a backup receiver, but he had played a key role on special teams.
The Falcons elevated Troy Bergeron from the practice squad to take Finneran’s roster spot and Bergeron could end up getting time on special teams immediately. The Falcons also signed receiver James Swinton to fill Bergeron’s spot on the practice squad.
Tampa Bay offensive tackle Jeremy Trueblood says he needs to play with more controlled intensity after costing the Bucs with an unnecessary roughness penalty in Sunday’s loss. While he’s at it, Trueblood might want to work on cutting down his false starts. He has seven of them and is tied for the league lead.
Atlanta receiver Troy Bergeron, who seems to be involved in a transaction or two each week, is back with the Falcons. This time, Bergeron was brought back to the practice squad. He’s been bouncing between the practice squad and the regular roster through much of this season and he’s probably not done yet.
Stat of the day (straight from the NFL public relations office): By virtue of the New Orleans Saints clinching the NFC South this past weekend, 2009 marks the seventh consecutive season that at least one team has gone from last place to first place in its division from one year to the next, the longest such streak in NFL history. Of the 32 teams to go from “worst-to-first” in NFL annals, 15 of them have done so in this decade (2000-2009).
The New York Times takes a look back at the sequence of events that put Drew Brees in New Orleans and made Philip Rivers the starter in San Diego. The history is so detailed that even Ryan Leaf and Michael Vick play into this saga.
Quote of the day: “We don’t really look at it as the 12-0 Saints. We always concern ourselves about us. It’s really about us not our opponent, going out and playing the best we possibly can and going out and executing. It is a big game because it’s a division game. I’ve been in the NFC South. Every game I’ve been involved with has been very closely contested and it’s very competitive, so we’re looking forward to going out and playing these guys in the Georgia Dome this week.’’ – Atlanta coach Mike Smith on a conference call with the New Orleans media.
Wrapping up Tuesday's transactions
The Saints signed cornerback Marcus McCauley and waived cornerback Chris McAlister. The Saints also placed linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar on injured reserve. The summary on this one is that McAlister, who the Saints signed a couple weeks ago, was really old and it showed when he had to play. McCauley’s nothing special and didn’t live up to his status as a third-round pick in 2007 by Minnesota, but he can at least move.
The Falcons signed running back Verron Haynes and tight end Jason Rader and released receiver Troy Bergeron while placing linebacker Tony Gilbert on injured reserve. Nothing major here, Haynes has bounced on and off the roster this year. Rader was with the Falcons last year and was in training camp this summer.
As expected, the Bucs went ahead and placed return man Clifton Smith on injured reserve after his second concussion of the season. They filled his roster spot by elevating running back Kareem Huggins from the practice squad. Look for rookie receiver Sammie Stroughter to take over the return duties.
Tampa Bay’s Antonio Bryant is a wide receiver and, thus, his thought process is different than that of most players. He’s got 22 catches in a year in which he’s making almost $10 million as the franchise player. He’s not happy about the number of opportunities he’s getting and he spouted off Wednesday, taking some veiled shots at quarterback Josh Freeman and the coaching staff. Umm, this is not a real good idea when you’ve got 22 catches and you’re in a contract year. Also, this team is building around Freeman. You start questioning him publicly and you’re punching your own ticket out of town.
Speaking of wide receivers who are divas, here’s a great story about one who is not. Anna Katherine Clemmons really put a ton of work into getting the story behind New Orleans Marques Colston. For the record, Colston is the first wide receiver of any quality that I’ve ever covered (see Steve Smith, Keyshawn Johnson, Muhsin Muhammad and Alvin Harper to name just a few) who doesn’t have at least a pretty strong dose of competitive selfishness. Keary Colbert and Dwayne Jarrett didn’t have it either, but I wouldn’t put them into the category of quality wide receivers.
The Falcons signed receiver Troy Bergeron to the practice squad. He’s been bouncing between the practice squad and the regular roster most of this season.
The Bucs signed defensive end Josh Leonard and defensive back Jamar Love to the practice squad. They also released wide receiver Darnell Jenkins from the practice squad.
The Bucs said there’s been one change to the scoring of Sunday’s game. The sack that was credited initially to linebacker Quincy Black now is officially being split with defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson and each player is credited with half a sack.
First, Jim Bates, who was removed from his role as defensive coordinator this week, did not travel with the Buccaneers to Atlanta. Coach Raheem Morris said Friday he expected Bates to make the trip. Morris also said Bates has been breaking down film this week. But the Bucs said Saturday evening that Bates did not travel with the team. Although the Bucs have said they want Bates to remain in some sort of consulting role for the rest of the season, this may be a sign that he won’t go along with that.
Second, the Falcons made a roster move Saturday afternoon. They released fullback Verron Haynes and signed receiver Troy Bergeron from the practice squad.
Falcons re-sign RB Stecker after Turner's injury
He had been with the team for several weeks, but was released Saturday when the Falcons elevated receiver Troy Bergeron from the practice squad. On Monday night, Bergeron was released to make room for Stecker. Bergeron likely will be added back to the practice squad, assuming he clears waivers.
Turner is dealing with an ankle sprain and top backup Jerious Norwood has been out five games with a hip injury. That left the Falcons with Jason Snelling as their only healthy running back after Turner was injured in the first half of Sunday’s game.
Team officials are optimistic Norwood may be able to return soon. But even if Norwood returns this week, the Falcons still needed some more depth at running back because it seems likely Turner will miss at least one game.
Falcons still sorting through WRs
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Atlanta’s wide receiver situation is still very much up in the air.
Although there has been a report that Michael Jenkins will play, that’s not definite yet, a source just said. The Falcons are hoping Jenkins, who’s been fighting a virus for several days, will be able to play. But they’re waiting until about 11:30 a.m. to make a final decision. Fellow starter Roddy White, who has been dealing with a knee injury, will play, the source said.
Veteran backup receiver Brian Finneran will not play. The Falcons added some insurance at receiver Saturday night when they elevated Troy Bergeron from the practice squad. They also released running back Aaron Steccker.
Shockley back with Falcons on practice squad
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
D.J. Shockley is back with the Atlanta Falcons, a day after he was released.
The quarterback was one of eight players signed to the practice squad Sunday, the Falcons announced. In addition to Shockley, the Falcons also signed receiver Troy Bergeron, offensive lineman Michael Butterworth, linebacker Robert James, defensive end Maurice Lucas, cornerback Glenn Sharpe, guard Jose Valdez and defensive tackle Vance Walker were signed to the practice squad.
Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
The Falcons have announced their cuts as they got down 53 players.
The following were released: wide receiver Troy Bergeron, 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, tight end Jason Rader, quarterback D.J. Shockley, offensive guard Jose Valdez, defensive tackle Vance Walker and linebacker Jamie Winborn.
Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- A few evening notes from Atlanta's camp.
The Falcons put out their initial unofficial depth chart Tuesday and there aren't any real surprises. The first offense is what it was most of last year with tight end Tony Gonzalez added to the mix.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the offensive depth chart is the situation at backup wide receiver. With Harry Douglas lost for the season, the Falcons have Marty Booker and Brian Finneran listed as the top two backups. But Robert Ferguson, Chandler Williams, Eric Weems, Troy Bergeron and Aaron Kelly also are in the mix. Also, Chris Redman is listed as the No. 2 quarterback and D.J. Shockley is third.
On the defensive side, the Falcons have rookie Peria Jerry as the first-team nose tackle. The first-teamers in other positions of interest are Stephen Nicholas at strongside linebacker, Brent Grimes at cornerback and Thomas DeCoud at safety.
The Falcons were hoping Douglas would play a big role in the return game. For the moment, they're listing Jerious Norwood as the kickoff returner and Grimes as the punt returner.
The Falcons had a very nice event this afternoon. It was Alumni Day and more than 60 former Falcons showed up, including eight from the inaugural 1966 team. The event, organized by player development director Kevin Winston, was a little different than the usual.
This wasn't tied to any marketing or sales campaign. In fact, the afternoon practice was closed to the public. The alumni basically had a reunion as they watched practice. At the end of practice, coach Mike Smith called all the alumni to join the current players as he spoke to the team. Couldn't hear the speech. But I can say I heard several alumni raving about the current facilities and wishing they had something like the Flowery Branch complex back in their playing days. By the way, Morten Andersen showed up and looked like he's still fit enough to play in this league.
Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- I just got finished watching the Falcons practice and doing some interviews. Had a chance to talk with Matt Ryan, Brent Grimes, Brian Finneran and Tony Gonzalez, mainly for our upcoming Camp Confidential segment on the Falcons, but I got a few other notes from them that I'll share in the coming days.
I'll be out at practice again this afternoon, when the Falcons will bring in more than 60 former players, including a bunch from the 1966 team, for Alumni Day. But first, I wanted to share some quick observations from the morning session.
- Gonzalez looked absolutely tremendous out there. Ryan was already very good, but it's going to be interesting to see what he can do with a true pass-catching tight end.
- Roddy White doesn't look like his contract holdout set him back a bit. I saw him and Ryan hook up on one very nice out route.
- I wasn't able to get much of feel for the receiver situation beyond White and Michael Jenkins. With the loss of Harry Douglas to injury, the Falcons are looking for a No. 3 receiver and they just brought in Marty Booker and Robert Ferguson and they've also got the veteran Finneran. I've heard young receivers Troy Bergeron, Chandler Williams, Eric Weems and Aaron Kelly have done some good things. I'll keep an eye on this situation in the upcoming practices and also plan to talk to the coaches to see who's impressed them. I'll give you more of an update once I've got it.
- We heard lots from just about every member of Atlanta's rookie class last year. But one guy, who was relatively quiet last year, seems poised for big things. That's Thomas DeCoud. He pretty much was limited to special teams last year. But he looks like he's locked up the starting safety spot opposite Erik Coleman. The injury to rookie William Moore played some part in assuring that, but DeCoud was outplaying Moore even before the injury.
- The Falcons fully intend to give third-year defensive end Jamaal Anderson every chance to stay in his starting role. But it looks like they're considering all their options. Chauncey Davis got some work with the first defensive line.
I'll be back with more after the afternoon practice.
Douglas' injury throws off Falcons' plans
Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
What once was a position of strength for the Atlanta Falcons suddenly has become a problem spot.
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The news Thursday morning that wide receiver Harry Douglas is out for the season is devastating. It comes as Roddy White's contract holdout has no apparent end in sight. The Falcons had big plans for Douglas.
He was working with the first team in White's absence. Even if White returned, Douglas was going to be no worse than a very active third receiver. Now, the Falcons don't really have a first or third receiver.
If they had to play a game right now, the starters presumably would be Michael Jenkins and Brian Finneran. Those two are nice possession guys, but neither can stretch the field.
This is an opportunity for guys like Eric Weems, Chandler Williams and Troy Bergeron to step up. But those guys are candidates for the fourth or fifth receiver spots. The Falcons may have to look outside for more help at receiver and there's more need than ever to get White's situation resolved quickly.
Also, the Douglas injury really messes with the plans for the return game. The Falcons wanted Douglas to handle much of the return duties. This could put a bigger return load on running back Jerious Norwood.
Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
One guy who apparently had a good minicamp for the Falcons is receiver Troy Bergeron.
He was brought in for a tryout during the three-day session. After wrapping up camp Sunday, the Falcons turned around and signed Bergeron.
The former Arena League player may be a long shot, but there could be some openings in the receiver corps and that gives Bergeron a chance to make the roster. The Falcons are set with Roddy White, Michael Jenkins and Harry Douglas as their first three receivers.
After that, nothing's set in stone. The Falcons do have veteran Brian Finneran, but he's not guaranteed a job because he's 33 and doesn't play special teams. If Finneran doesn't stick, the Falcons could be looking for Bergeron and a bunch of other young receivers to fill two roster spots.
Four trying out for Falcons during minicamp
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- I meant to post an item on this yesterday, but forgot with everything else going on. The Falcons have four players who are getting tryouts during their minicamp.
Here's the list: Wide receiver Troy Bergeron, offensive lineman Chris Jamison, offensive lineman Ronald Thompson and linebacker Rashad Bobino. All are undrafted rookie free agents. The Falcons will make decisions on signing them soon after the minicamp ends Sunday.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Pat Yasinskas
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.
