Empire of the South

I think it’s safe to say at this point this kid is going to be something special. He came out and dominated the world champions, what else can you ask?

The relationship between Josh Smith and Mike Woodson over the last couple of days could best be described as dissappointing. The Hawks are 20 games away from the playoffs and it appears that they’re fading rather then building with each game as a team.

The Hawks know what’s at stake and with the Heat, Pistons, and Sixers only a few games back the Hawks can’t be having problems in the locker room that leads to problems on the court.

The Hawks have the opportunity to secure the fourth spot in the next couple of weeks and need to gather themselves as a team and get on the same page. Whatever problems Smith and Woodson are having behind the scenes has to be reconciled sooner rather then later.

As I was doing my daily AJC sports browsing I came across an interesting poll; which brave do I miss the most? It gave you six different Braves and it wasn’t hard to decide who I missed most, and that is Marquis Grissom ( not really, but I always was fasicnated by him for some odd reason).

First option, Andruw Jones. Do I miss his production at the end of his tenure with the Braves? No, but I do miss his glove and his power from 3 years ago. So in a sense, yes.

Second, Mark Teixeira. Surprisingly, this is my choice only because I’m always going to think of what could of been. If Teixeira has a stellar career with the Yankees like expected then my hatred towards Frank Wren will only grow even deeper. Teixeira played college baseball at Tech and quickly became a local icon. Giving him to the Angels in a Pau Gasol esque way has left lots of fans bitter towards Wren.

Third, John Smoltz. Do I really need to get started here?

Fourth, Mike Hampton. I took this as a joke.

Fifth, Marcus Giles. Well, Giles was a very reliable hitter in the second spot but really fell off during his last season with the club. Johnson has struggled at times but Giles brings nothing Johnson can’t bring.

Sixth, Edgar Renteria. I’d miss him if he played like he did in 2007 every year. Unfortunately he only plays when money is on the line. Escobar is a huge upgrade and comes at a lot less steap of a price.

RealGM is reporting the release of Jason Taylor by the Washington Redskins. The two sides weren’t able to come to an agreement on some sort of deal.

The Falcons already have a dominant pass rusher in John Abraham, however, the other side of the line is very weak and the addition of Taylor could certainly help take the pressure off of Abraham.

Expect the Falcons to at least take a look at him because with the loss of Brooking and Milloy the veteran presence on the defense is lacking.

Atlanta Falcons GM Tom Dimitroff addressed the media this week and made it clear that the Falcons will not further build this team through free agency, but rather focus on the NFL draft in May.

DT Albert Haynesworth is leaning towards signing with the Washington Redskins who appear to be the front runners in the best defensive tackle in the NFL. The Falcons certainly need some help on the d-line to take some pressure off John Abraham. Abraham had a bounce back season in 2008 and if he can stay injury free again this season the Falcons should manage on the line if they can’t make a splash and get a defensive tackle in the draft.

It also appears Keith Brooking is on his way out in Atlanta, which comes as a shock to some but to people who saw Brooking make perhaps a game changing mistake against the Arizona Cardinals could not be more estactic. I am one of the fans who fall under the “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out” mindset and could not be happier to see Brooking being released. The Falcons have relied on the inside linebacker for 11 seasons now and has been great, but his skills have greatly diminished over the years and not worth extending him for the future.

Lawyer Milloy is also another player who will not be back on the defensive side of the ball next season. Another player who was a liability all season at the free safety spot and got torched by Fitzgerald and the Cardinals offense in the postseason, but who didn’t right? Milloy is still a heavy hitter but his coverage mistakes all season long were very apparent and it may be time for Milloy to hang it perhaps this offseason.

The Falcons look to be going for defense in this draft along with building the offensive line. Expect a first round pick consisting of either a defensive tackle, linebacker, or secondary help.

This draft is loaded with defensive talent and the only offensive areas the Falcons need to address is at the Tight End position and offensive line and perhaps another reciever to pair with Roddy White.

Here’s some highlights from the Atlanta Falcons 2008 comback season.  Enjoy