Tony Gonzalez traded to Falcons / Photo: Newscom

Tony was understandably excited to join the Falcons:

“It’s somewhat bittersweet. I love Kansas City. I grew up in Kansas City. The city means a lot to me. I got there when I turned 21. It will be sad to leave a city I love. But I’m looking forward to making a Super Bowl run in Atlanta every year for the next three or four years. With Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and now myself, we have the chance to be in the top five in the league in offense every year. How could I not be excited to join that team? (Chiefs General Manager) Scott (Pioli) and (coach) Todd (Haley) told me a little bit ago and there were nothing but positives ….. I think this is something that will help the team because they are rebuilding. There was no biterness at all from either side.”

The Falcons look smart with this trade. On paper, Tony might seem past his prime at 33-years-old. But if you look at his numbers on a miserable 2-14 KC team last season with four different quarterbacks on the 24th ranked offense (96 catches, over 1,000 yards and 10 TDs), you have to be impressed. And then look at what he did in the Pro Bowl (six catches, 98 yards and a TD), it’s easy to see the guy has a lot of football left.

Sources: AtlantaFalcons.com, FoxSports.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Chiefs Trade Tony Gonzalez to Falcons

Here is the NFC Pro Bowl roster. Starters are listed in bold.

OFFENSE

QB: Kurt Warner, Cardinals; Drew Brees, Saints; Eli Manning, Giants
RB: Adrian Peterson, Vikings; Michael Turner, Falcons; Clinton Portis, Redskins
FB: Mike Sellers, Redskins
WR: Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals; Anquan Boldin, Cardinals; Steve Smith, Panthers; Roddy White, Falcons,
TE: Jason Witten, Cowboys; Chris Cooley, Redskins
T: Jordan Gross, Panthers; Walter Jones, Seahawks; Chris Samuels, Redskins
G: Chris Snee, Giants; Steve Hutchinson, Vikings; Leonard Davis, Cowboys
C: Andre Gurode, Cowboys; Shaun O’Hara, Giants

DEFENSE

DE: Justin Tuck, Giants; Julius Peppers, Panthers; Jared Allen, Vikings
DT: Kevin Williams, Vikings; Jay Ratliff, Cowboys; Pat Williams, Vikings
OLB: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys; Lance Briggs, Bears; Derrick Brooks, Buccaneers
MLB: Patrick Willis, 49ers; Jon Beason, Panthers
CB: Charles Woodson, Packers; Antoine Winfield, Vikings; Asante Samuel, Eagles
S: Nick Collins, Packers; Adrian Wilson, Cardinals; Brian Dawkins, Eagles

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: John Carney, Giants
P: Jeff Feagles, Giants
KR: Clifton Smith, Buccaneers
ST: Sean Morey, Cardinals

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

2009 NFC Pro Bowl Roster

Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan was impressive in his debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars tonight. The Falcons lost the game 20-17, but Matt was 9 of 15 passing for 113 yards and a touchdown (25 yards to WR Roddy White) in five first half drives. It’s too early to be making any sort of predictions, but Falcons fans have to be optimistic with this start.

Source: AtlantaFalcons.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Matt Ryan Solid in Preseason Debut

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Joe Horn said today that he will ask to be traded from the team rather than serve a reserve role this season. He might just be blowing off some steam after what was apparently a pretty disappointing weekend minicamp, but I can’t blame him for his displeasure.

“I’m not rocking the boat. The main reason I came here last year was for (owner) Arthur Blank. His character, his passion and the way he takes care of his people. I relish the opportunity to play here. I haven’t talked to Mr. Blank, but so far the way it seems, I think they want to go younger.”

First of all, I think it was a travesty he was forced out of New Orleans a year ago. He was the heart and soul of that team, both on- and off-the-field, and they should have found a way to keep him. Joe can still play and could fulfill a much greater role as a starter on a team that has less rebuilding to do. Atlanta is filled with youth at the receiver position (Roddy White, Laurent Robinson, Michael Jenkins) and Joe is 36-years-old. It makes more sense for him to flourish in an established offense than to spend the last couple years of his career mentoring young receivers from the sidelines and catching an occasional ball from a rookie (Matt Ryan). Still, I think the Falcons value his experience and like the depth he gives them. If it were two years from now, I’d say ok. But Joe Horn deserves a starting role somewhere.

Source: AJC.com, Photo: Newscom

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Joe Horn Plans to Seek Trade From Falcons