The Falcons will likely need another starting quality OT this offseason

[Halsey]

Sam Baker has looked good when on the field, but can he stay healthy. Todd Weiner is 33 and has his own health issues. It's looking like this draft might be pretty deep and strong at OT, so maybe that will be the direction the Falcons need to go. The Falcons have thier franchise QB and they should make sure they can keep him healthy.

[D-Rod]

Getting a starting calibre RT would be good. I'm not worried about LT. Baker was very durable at USC, and this year he's missed games with concussion and a banged up hip. It happens. Weiner certainly has his issues, but he's a pretty good backup option, and isn't overly expensive.

I'd be in favour of picking up a RT in FA or the 2nd round, and then letting him, Clabo, Dahl, and Foster have a fight to the death for the two spots on the right side.

[iloxygenil]

Sam Baker has looked good when on the field, but can he stay healthy. Todd Weiner is 33 and has his own health issues. It's looking like this draft might be pretty deep and strong at OT, so maybe that will be the direction the Falcons need to go. The Falcons have thier franchise QB and they should make sure they can keep him healthy.

I disagree with you completely here. It's a knee jerk reaction, just like those people calling Jamaal Anderson and Roddy White busts. It's a bad decision it's not well thought out and it's just a quick way to get yourself in trouble. Who's to know what happened to his hip, that stuff just happens, they said he could have played Sunday, but held him out for precaution. So, no, we don't need a LT, and Baker will be our starting LT for the next number of years, just settle down and get used to it.

Gotta learn to trust this FO, it's not like those in the past, we have other needs, LT isn't one anymore though, mark that off our list.

[Halsey]

I disagree with you completely here. It's a knee jerk reaction.

No, it's not. I'm not going to read any further because it's just not. Baker DOES have a history of injuries. It's part of the reason he dropped from being considered a sure top 10 pick at one time.

From his NFL.com draft profile:
"2007: Suffered a slight cracked rib in a mid-August scrimmage...Did not play vs. Notre Dame (10/20) after missing the second half of the previous game vs. Arizona (10/13) with a hamstring strain...Returned vs. Oregon (10/27), but re-injured his hamstring and was forced to sit out the next two contests vs. Oregon State and California."
http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/sam-baker?id=186#player-profile-tab-set-1:player-profile-tab-analysis

Am I saying Baker is injury prone? No, but there is reason for some concern, and the Falcons don't have a lot other than him. Weiner IS 33 and has dealt with injuries including one that made him leave the Philly game. I don't want to hear about Clabo and Ojinakka being long term answers as starters. If you say that you're just another fan who always wants to draft glamour players and never lineman.

[d34ng3l021]

RT in the 3rd wouldnt be a bad option. LT? I dont know.

[Bosanac01]

We're probably gonna select an OT, but in the later rounds. I really like our o-line and i think if you give them time they will be a whole lot better. We need to replace McClure though, he makes a lot of mistakes from watching him on a weekly basis.

[iloxygenil]

No, it's not. I'm not going to read any further because it's just not. Baker DOES have a history of injuries. It's part of the reason he dropped from being considered a sure top 10 pick at one time.

From his NFL.com draft profile:
"2007: Suffered a slight cracked rib in a mid-August scrimmage...Did not play vs. Notre Dame (10/20) after missing the second half of the previous game vs. Arizona (10/13) with a hamstring strain...Returned vs. Oregon (10/27), but re-injured his hamstring and was forced to sit out the next two contests vs. Oregon State and California."
http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/sam-baker?id=186#player-profile-tab-set-1:player-profile-tab-analysis

Am I saying Baker is injury prone? No, but there is reason for some concern, and the Falcons don't have a lot other than him. Weiner IS 33 and has dealt with injuries including one that made him leave the Philly game. I don't want to hear about Clabo and Ojinakka being long term answers as starters. If you say that you're just another fan who always wants to draft glamour players and never lineman.

It is a knee jerk reaction. He's been hurt 3 times in 2 years in the nastiest spots in football...okay. You're right...FALSE go back to propagating your garbage on AFMB

[Bosanac01]

Dont speak of the AFMB in here pls.

[Twinblade]

Andre Smith is out of the picture, the only Tackle I would take with the first pick, but he will be long gone and we are most likely out of the top 10 pick.

[Twinblade]

Dont speak of the AFMB in here pls.

AFMB has nothing but power abuse Admins that hates opinions.

[d34ng3l021]

Oh wow. Sam Baker is not traveling to Oakland so he can have more tests done.

This is pretty annoying.

[Bosanac01]

Oh wow. Sam Baker is not traveling to Oakland so he can have more tests done.

This is pretty annoying.

Yea it's very annoying. We never won without him so idk how we'll do, but bottom line is we need HIM!!!

[iloxygenil]

Andre Smith is out of the picture, the only Tackle I would take with the first pick, but he will be long gone and we are most likely out of the top 10 pick.

Michael Oher.

[d34ng3l021]

Andre Smith, Michael Oher, Eugene Monroe are all good guys. One of them could have a Branden Albert slip into the 15ish area. I love picking at like 15. There will be some stud who falls to us.

LT in the first is going pretty far though. Who knows though with Baker...

[dunagan15]

Getting a starting calibre RT would be good. I'm not worried about LT. Baker was very durable at USC, and this year he's missed games with concussion and a banged up hip. It happens. Weiner certainly has his issues, but he's a pretty good backup option, and isn't overly expensive.
I'd be in favour of picking up a RT in FA or the 2nd round, and then letting him, Clabo, Dahl, and Foster have a fight to the death for the two spots on the right side.

Todd Weiner is garbage. He is the definition of S**t. He needs to go play bingo somewhere in Bangledesh.

[falconsrule]

I heard we just sign Wayne freaking Gandy......OH LORD!......Ive brought this up before in the draft dicussion.....If Sam Baker keep missing games we should draft OT someone one could maybe play LT and RT but we have to look into getting better depth at the OT posistion or draft one in April.

[iloxygenil]

I heard we just sign Wayne freaking Gandy......OH LORD!......Ive brought this up before in the draft dicussion.....If Sam Baker keep missing games we should draft OT someone one could maybe play LT and RT but we have to look into getting better depth at the OT posistion or draft one in April.

Only reason we signed him is because Weiner is hurt too. Quinn is a joke at LT

[Mekias]

Well, Sam Baker is having back surgery now. That's why we got Gandy. They didn't say how long he would be out but back surgery sounds scary even if it's "minor". I'd say he's out a minimum of 4 weeks but I fear that he'll be gone the rest of the year.

[Bosanac01]

Well, Sam Baker is having back surgery now. That's why we got Gandy. They didn't say how long he would be out but back surgery sounds scary even if it's "minor". I'd say he's out a minimum of 4 weeks but I fear that he'll be gone the rest of the year.

you're right back problems suck, they will last through out his whole career and life. Hopefully it's not too serious.

[Halsey]

Sam Baker getting back surgery + possible issues with concussions in the future + Todd Weiner being 33 and having his own injury issues + a need for better depth = the Falcons needing to aquire a starting quality OT in the offseason, whether it's through draft or FA.

[iloxygenil]

No one yet knows the nature of the surgery, my friend had back surgery and was fully recovered in less than a week, all they did was clear up a little debris from his lower back. If that's what Sam has, then it's nothing at all, just a minor issue. We'll see soon enough, but quit jerkin your knees, you're going to bust your mouth wide open.

[Mekias]

According to the AJC, Baker has a herniated disk and is getting a discectomy.

From Orthopedics.about.com
What is the recovery from a discectomy?
Patients often awaken from surgery with complete resolution of their leg pain; however, it is not unusual for these symptoms to take several weeks to slowly dissipate. Pain around the incision is common, but usually well controlled with oral pain medications. Patients often spend one night in the hospital, but are usually then discharged the following day. A lumbar corset brace may help with some symptoms of pain, but is not necessary in all cases.

Gentle activities are encouraged after surgery, such as sitting upright and walking. Patients must avoid lifting heavy objects, and should try not to bend or twist the back excessively. Patients should avoid strenuous activity or exercise until cleared by their doctor.

Fairly good news I'd say. Warwick Dunn had the procedure in July and started practicing 3 weeks after. It doesn't look like it's hindering him in any way.

[iloxygenil]

According to the AJC, Baker has a herniated disk and is getting a discectomy.

From Orthopedics.about.com
What is the recovery from a discectomy?
Patients often awaken from surgery with complete resolution of their leg pain; however, it is not unusual for these symptoms to take several weeks to slowly dissipate. Pain around the incision is common, but usually well controlled with oral pain medications. Patients often spend one night in the hospital, but are usually then discharged the following day. A lumbar corset brace may help with some symptoms of pain, but is not necessary in all cases.

Gentle activities are encouraged after surgery, such as sitting upright and walking. Patients must avoid lifting heavy objects, and should try not to bend or twist the back excessively. Patients should avoid strenuous activity or exercise until cleared by their doctor.

Fairly good news I'd say. Warwick Dunn had the procedure in July and started practicing 3 weeks after. It doesn't look like it's hindering him in any way.

Awesome, glad they're doing that now then. If he's out only 3 weeks, that's Oakland, New Orleans, and Denver, would be a huge boost to get him back for the Carolina game.

OH NOZ HIMZ CAREERZ OBER! GET NEWZ GUYZ IN HEREZ RIGHT AWAY!!!11!!11

[Bruce Banner]

Herniated disks are not good....obviously.

I hope he gets well soon but some setbacks should be expected.

[Gay Ork Wang]

didnt Chris Williams have a Herniated disc

[iloxygenil]

didnt Chris Williams have a Herniated disc

Multiple and some other complications as well if I remember right, but you'd know better than me on that.

[Halsey]

It's funny how less than bright people can always be counted on to misinterpret what you say and spin it. I said the Falcons will need another starting quality OT this offseason and stated exactly why. Along comes captain short bus to spin it as if I said Sam Baker's career is over and the Falcons will need to draft an LT in the first round. If you think the Falcons should go into next year with the same lineup of OT's then don't be surprised when they have to sign Wayne Gandy to play some games again. :rolleyes:

[scar988]

I agree with you Halsey, we do need another OT. I think we should sign a guy like Vernon Carey if he's available to be our RT and then if Baker gets injured just slide him over to LT and have Clabo move to RT.

[dunagan15]

Herniated discs are not good at all. I know soemone w/ a herniated disc and it has bothered them for almost 8 years now since the day it happened.

This injury could be a nagging one for a long time, but lets hope he isnt a P***Y

[Twinblade]

Michael Oher.

Let me rephrase what I said, We will not be picking anywhere near the top this year unless we lose the rest of the games (which I doubt it) so both oher and smith will be gone.

[Twinblade]

People are freaking out and already started to call Baker a Bust, same people that called White and Anderson a bust, we all know how much of a impact Anderson is, after he hurt, our defense got worst. His only problem was getting sacks which is overrated anyways.

Players are going to get injured all threw their career, if not then their not doing their job.

[Bosanac01]

People are freaking out and already started to call Baker a Bust, same people that called White and Anderson a bust, we all know how much of a impact Anderson is, after he hurt, our defense got worst. His only problem was getting sacks which is overrated anyways.

Players are going to get injured all threw their career, if not then their not doing their job.

Chill man, who's calling baker a bust? We need depth on the o-line, the guy is having problems staying healthy and could his whole career. Roddy White sucked, just couldn't catch ****. He is an all-star caliber player now. Please dont say anything about jamaal anderson. He hasn't done anything yet

[Halsey]

People are freaking out and already started to call Baker a Bust
This is what I mean. There's always got to be the guys who take what you actually say and twist it into something completely negative.

[iloxygenil]

This is what I mean. There's always got to be the guys who take what you actually say and twist it into something completely negative.

You ACTUALLY said that we need another starting OT because Baker is injury prone basically is what you said, meaning the we need to draft someone in his place, because Weiner is too old to take over.

[awfullyquiet]

Chill man, who's calling baker a bust? We need depth on the o-line, the guy is having problems staying healthy and could his whole career. Roddy White sucked, just couldn't catch ****. He is an all-star caliber player now. Please dont say anything about jamaal anderson. He hasn't done anything yet

And by depth. You should be talking like, third, fourth round depth. Hidden Gems. You want to spend your money on baker. He's solid. But you don't want to be paying TWICE for the same position. Obviously. You can find some third round, fourth round RT talent that is almost big enough to play right side but have a little more athleticism than your average RT...

[Halsey]

You ACTUALLY said that we need another starting OT because Baker is injury prone basically is what you said, meaning the we need to draft someone in his place, because Weiner is too old to take over.

Nope, never said he was injury prone. You're taking what I said and twisting it. Go back and read the original post. I even made a later post stating specifically that I wasn't saying he was injury prone. ;)

[iloxygenil]

Sam Baker has looked good when on the field, but can he stay healthy. Todd Weiner is 33 and has his own health issues. It's looking like this draft might be pretty deep and strong at OT, so maybe that will be the direction the Falcons need to go. The Falcons have thier franchise QB and they should make sure they can keep him healthy.

Game, set, match.

[Halsey]

Game, set, match.

:D My 3 year old nephew is more reasonable than you are.

[iloxygenil]

:D My 3 year old nephew is more reasonable than you are.

Because I'm right? Good call. I quoted your text, not anyone else's

[Twinblade]

Chill man, who's calling baker a bust? We need depth on the o-line, the guy is having problems staying healthy and could his whole career. Roddy White sucked, just couldn't catch ****. He is an all-star caliber player now. Please dont say anything about jamaal anderson. He hasn't done anything yet

In your eyes, if he doesn't get 10+ sacks a season, hes not doing anything yet..but yet at the eagles game, when he got injured, the run defense went from good to crap. How did you think Westbrook ran all those yards?

Remember, the first half, Westbrook has been pretty much shut down, after Anderson got hurt, Westbrook was clearly running all over us.

Yet hes not doing anything yet?

[Twinblade]

This is what I mean. There's always got to be the guys who take what you actually say and twist it into something completely negative.

I clearly didn't say "Halsey is saying Baker is a bust!", I said people are calling Baker a bust because hes been injured off the field.

[Halsey]

Warrick Dunn missed this weeks game because of back issues related to the herniated disk he has. So much for the trying to argue that a herniated disk is no big deal.

[Mr. Offseason]

I disagree with you completely here. It's a knee jerk reaction, just like those people calling Jamaal Anderson and Roddy White busts. It's a bad decision it's not well thought out and it's just a quick way to get yourself in trouble. Who's to know what happened to his hip, that stuff just happens, they said he could have played Sunday, but held him out for precaution. So, no, we don't need a LT, and Baker will be our starting LT for the next number of years, just settle down and get used to it.

Gotta learn to trust this FO, it's not like those in the past, we have other needs, LT isn't one anymore though, mark that off our list.

that is good to hear about the precautionary hold out. its not like we needed him anyways. thanks for letting me know that.

im on board with you here, i really dont think we are going to look at LT prospects in the first 3-4 rounds. if we find a sleeper late in the draft i wouldnt be dissapointed in picking one up though.

[scar988]

We need to sign Vernon Carey as our big signing this offseason as well as re-sign Michael Boley, Johnathan Babineaux, Michael Jenkins and Roddy White (not a FA but needs a long contract)

[d34ng3l021]

Vernon Carey would be terrific. He is pretty versatile too.

[Halsey]

We need to sign Vernon Carey as our big signing this offseason as well as re-sign Michael Boley, Johnathan Babineaux, Michael Jenkins and Roddy White (not a FA but needs a long contract)

I agree about Jenkins and wonder how many others agree. Boley, Babs and Roddy are obvious guys that need to be resigned. Jenkins is worth a reasonable contract and while he may not put up big numbers, is a good guy who shows up to play every Sunday and makes contributions in a number of ways including being a good blocker and red zone option. Resigning both Jenkins and White would help ensure things are stable around Ryan.

[D-Rod]

There should be a number of really good prospective RT free agents this year.

In order of personal preference:

1. Jordan Gross
2. Vernon Carey
3. Stacey Andrews

(Lesser options: Mark Tauscher, Max Starks)

I think that at least two of the top three guys will hit free agency.

Gross has already been franchised this year, and Carolina has a ton of free agents to deal with, not least Peppers. Miami has a lot of money invested in Jake Long, so it will be difficult for them to throw money at Carey as well. And Cincy also has a lot of money already invested in their O-line, and franchised (or transitioned) Stacey this year.

I think that Stacey is the most likely. Apparently we were very interested in taking him in free agency last year, until Cincy surprisingly tagged him.

I like Clabo, I think he does a good job. But he's not dominant, or even very good. Those three guys are all at worst very good, potentially dominant. Then Clabo and Dahl can compete for the starting job at RG - that'll make them both better, and it'll be a nasty scrap! Also, Clabo's versatility makes him a very useful backup.

Btw, I agree that picking up a late round tackle as a developmental backup is a good idea.

I also think that Baker will be fine long-term. We certainly don't yet need to think about drafting his replacement!

[Halsey]

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2009/02/05/falcons_weiner.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

No longer a debateable issue. The Falcons will need to find a starting quality OT this offseason, one way or another.

[thefalconer]

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2009/02/05/falcons_weiner.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

No longer a debateable issue. The Falcons will need to find a starting quality OT this offseason, one way or another.

wow that came out of nowhere.

[Bosanac01]

wow that came out of nowhere.

Not quite. Sam Baker played over him, and he knew we will sign a quality OT to compete and it would be too hard for him to stay on the team and find another place. He would have probly get cut so smart move to retire on his part.

[thefalconer]

Not quite. Sam Baker played over him, and he knew we will sign a quality OT to compete and it would be too hard for him to stay on the team and find another place. He would have probly get cut so smart move to retire on his part.

that makes sense. just wasn't expecting it.