Author: FalconAlley Football

Rico is Ready

September 4, 2019

By: Allison Smith

Just days away from the season opener, Ricardo Allen calls in to Dukes and Bell to share his thoughts on the upcoming season.

Rico was on Injured Reserve most of last season, going out in the third game of the season.  Now, he has healed, rehabbed, and studied to come back even stronger.  His wife, Grace, helps….or ensures he is doing is film study at home as she helps break down film.  With all of his rehab time, he had plenty of time to watch film and prepare.  This training camp and preseason, he has begun sitting in on many of the offensive meetings in order to hear their views and discussions and be even more prepared for other teams.  Rico is the defensive play caller and last line of defense on the field.  Rico always makes sure the defense is lined up correctly, especially when there is any offensive movement before the snap.

Ricardo told Carl Dukes and Mike Bell of 92.9 The Game’s afternoon show that he is glad pre-season is over.  He’s ready to play.  He has been limited in pre-season as a starter and returning from injury.  Rico said that Head Coach Dan Quinn (serving as defensive coordinator) is keeping everyone busy and excited.  DQ really gets into the details.

Ricardo is excited to see Isaiah Oliver at Cornerback this year, he did his learning last year and is ready this year.  “He will give up some plays, but will make more plays; he’s been putting the work and study in.”

Rico noted they are a competitive defense and ready to put some hits on some guys in real games.  If they are throwing the ball up, we are going to try and go get it.  Rico is very confident in this defense and the work they have put in so far and know they are going to do their part to keep the score low and let the offense do their part.

Discussing the grind to get back to playing this season, Rico was trying to enjoy the process and learn from that slow process.  Sometimes you feel like you are going backwards, but you just have to keep working and trying and know you are blessed to be able to heal up and come back.

#RiseUp

 #FalconAlleyOwt

Dukes & Bell Sneak into Mr. Blank’s Office

By:  Allison Smith

August 5, 2019

On Monday, August 5, 2019, Carl Dukes and Mike Bell (from the 92.9 afternoon show “Dukes and Bell”) showed up to Mr. Arthur Blank’s office to talk Atlanta Falcon football.  I can neither confirm nor deny if they were actually invited, but Mr. Blank did speak with them on a variety of topics.

This interview was the day after the Military focused Fan Day in Mercedes Benz Stadium.  Tickets were $5 each and sold out, raising over $200,000 to be donated to Veterans Empowerment Organization.  

Dukes and Bell started with questioning the expectations for this season for the Falcons.  Mr. Blank’s expectations are for the team to be in the discussion every year, to be competitive each year.  He noted the defense is healthy, the team made some good draft choices and FA pick-ups.  Mr. Blank loves where the team is right now, but said, “You have to play the games.”  He quipped that, “Matt Ryanplays better vertically than horizontally.” Matt is in great shape and he needs to be  kept that way.  Mr. Blank commented that the staple is a great O and D line to play successfully, carry you throughout the season, and into the colder climates late in the season.

Head Coach Dan Quinn said “the compass was off last year.”  Mr. Blank “One of the great strengths of Dan is that he is brutally honest with himself and with me.”  Dan looked at his coaching staff and evaluated and made changes.  DQ brought in several guys that are familiar with Matt with great offensive minds.  With Dan now calling the plays on defense – he will be able to really focus on the defensive plays and players and help with all the current and new guys.  Mr. Blank doesn’t think they necessarily lost the compass, but DQ looked without filters and made necessary changes.  He and General Manager Thomas Dimitroff agreed on what changes needed to take place.

Julio Jones will be a Falcon for life, and we all know his accomplishments and he will be the highest paid receiver in the NFL….and Ju will be kept healthy and ready for game 1.  He is physically and mentally in great shape.  There is great trust on both sides, just waiting on his agent to finish talks.

Mr. Blank thinks we have moved from protest to progress.  He serves on several NFL committees to help and lead progress and believes players should use their platform to affect change.  The league is definitely paying attention to the need for change and the climate of change.

Thanks to Dukes and Bell for bringing us the top interviews.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

Allison on Ollison

Article and Photo by Allison Smith

July 30, 2019

 

The article title was too good to pass up, every time I hear someone call Qadree Ollison by his last name, I think they are saying mine, so had to do the pun here.

 Carl Dukes and Mike Bell of the 92.9 The Game afternoon show “Dukes and Bell” spoke to Qadree Ollison; their interview aired on Tuesday afternoon.

Qadree was a 5th round draft pick from the University of Pittsburg, and is taking on a big number to fill, as he will be wearing the Falcons #32.  Qadree is notably bigger than your average running back, coming in at 6’2” and 225 pounds.  I met Qadree at training camp on Thursday, July 25th.  I was able to chat briefly and he could not have been nicer.  Having heard many great things about his playing ability, I was excited to see his practice and meet him personally.  He did not disappoint, making some good moves and runs at practice.  As a note, if you want to make FalconAlley a fan, do 1 of 2 things, play really well and/or meet her at training camp!

 At the combine, Qadree was not the fasted RB out there, but he noted that, “Allot of people don’t run fast 40’s but don’t get caught in the game.  I think I am fast enough to run fast and make good plays.”  And as big as he is, he can run over people or stiff arm them out of the way.  He is aware he may be blocking or performing fullback duties at times for Devonta Freeman and is ready for that responsibility.  Playing at Pittsburg, he is well versed in pass protection and has a very good understanding of what it entails.

 Obviously there are differences from college to the NFL game.  Qadree stated that in college you have the playbook and practice, but also study hall and classes and such.  Now, in the NFL you have practice, working out, and studying of the playbook time.  So he plans to spend class and study hall time, studying the playbook and learning from the veterans, it is just a different routine.

Qadree has an excellent mentor as well.  Ollison is learning from Freeman, “He is amazing, he teaches me so much, not just about football.  He teaches you about life and being a professional on and off the field.”  Qadree just watches the way Freeman works and prepares and he feels he has been put in a great situation here in Atlanta. 

He said that he loves Atlanta, the city, and the people.  Having grown up in Niagara Falls, Qadree is happy to play indoors or mostly good weather, but is good with any of the elements.  Noting that he played college is Pittsburg……

 When asked about how the death of his older brother affected him, Ollison said that it motivates him every day.  He plays with a different sort of chip on his shoulder.  He lives with a “Go get it attitude.”  And he provided a quote that I love, “Be where your feet are.”  Meaning, be present in the moment, not dwelling on past or looking very far into the future, just live in and appreciate today.

 Lerowne Harris, Qadree’s older brother, was shot and killed early on a Saturday before Ollison played for Pittsburg against NC State later that day.  He was not made aware that a former elementary school friend had shot his brother until after the game.  Ollison has only ever offered forgiveness and hope and prayers for his childhood friend.  

Ollison said that he had to provide forgiveness, so that he could move on from it.  “You can’t hold a grudge and move on, so I had to forgive.”  Qadree hopes that he inspires others to forgive and be able to move on from whatever life throws at them.  Because of this, he really doesn’t allow football to stress him out.  He is honored and blessed with his opportunities to play in the NFL, but is just going to do his work and not stress about football.  

 Thanks to Dukes and Bell for this interview….and making me cry as I listened and researched the story of Qadree’s brother Rome.

 

#RiseUp

 

FalconAlley Owt

 

Atlanta Falcons Qadree Ollison Dukes and Bell 2019 Draft RiseUp InBrotherhood

Rico Speaks to Andy-Randy

July 23, 2019

Ricardo Allen called in to the 92.9 Midday Show with Randy and Andy minutes after Day 2 of Training Camp practice ended on Tuesday, July 23.

Randy McMichaels and Andy Bunker were at Flowery Branch on Monday and were excited when they saw Ricardo take the field early in practice.  Tuesday, they were back in the studio, taking calls from Ricardo Allen.

 They first asked when Rico knew he was hitting the field actively on Monday.  Rico responded that he found out in their pre-practice meeting when he saw the assignments and his name was on the board, and was naturally very excited.

 Rico said that he felt good throughout all of his off season training and rehab, and was officially cleared for play on the field just before practice began.  He was excited and ready.  Rico was running the team with the plays planned for him.  During his healing process, Rico’s mindset was to get ready and motivate his two babies, to show them to muscle through hard times.  Rico is known for building others up, but really had to focus on himself this off season.  

 Asked about fellow 2018 injured defender, Keanu Neal, Rico stated that Keke looks really good, moving like he always did, feeling comfortable.  He was glad they got to rehab and now hit the field healthy back together.  

Rico stated that this season is even more special.  “You have to put life in perspective when you are injured and out.”  He said that you are so use to the consistency of practicing and playing, then suddenly life slows down and you sit around and think and focus on yourself.  You really appreciate every time you are on the field because you never know when it is the last play.

 Practicing in the rain on Day 2, you are sore from the previous day’s activities, but there were no complaints today, the team is focused, shaking it off and challenging each other, a super focused team.

 Asked about the relationship with Head Coach Dan Quinn and Quinn being the Defensive Coordinator this year, Rico agreed that DQ is more lit and woke this season, he is excited about the season, but on top of every detail and will not let anything go unsaid.  He knows the type of team compiled here.  Rico talks to DQ daily, they are really close as DQ helped develop Rico in his early years with the team.  DQ knows he can depend on Allen, as Rico wants to be called on to make the tough decisions and counted on for the win or the loss. 

Rico has been studying the offense as well as his own defensive responsibilities.  Asked, “how does a defense coordinator prepare for the Falcons?”  Rico said it would be really hard, too many awesome weapons, especially with Devonta Freeman back and more experience for Calvin Ridley, and the line looks really good.

 Rico told Randy and Andy that Damontae Kazee is talking to the receivers to pick their brains and figure out the best way to play at the NFL nickel spot.  Note that Kazee played Safety once Allen went down, and excelled and definitely made a starting spot for himself with his play last season.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

Four. More. Years….Of Grady Jarrett

July 16, 2019

 The day after the Atlanta Falcons and Grady Jarrettagreed to a new deal (just hours before the deadline) Jarrett joined Dukes and Bell on 92.9 The Game.

 Jarrett had agreed and signed to play under the Franchise Tag, but negotiations continued to work out a new contract.  He signed a 4-year, $68 million deal, to keep Jarrett in Atlanta until he is at least 30 years old.  There is a $42.5 million fully guaranteed, which will help the Falcons with the salary cap and other negotiations, while obviously benefiting Jarrett as well.  Note that Deion Jones signed a 4-year extension later in the day.

 Carl Dukes and Mike Bell host the afternoon show on 92.9 The Game and hosted an in-studio Q&A with Grady on Tuesday, July 16. 

Grady joins the show, notably in even better shape than last season.  He said he was not stressed about the negotiations, “Everything happens in due time.  I have put the work in and prepared to play under the tag or with the new deal.”

 Grady was prepared to let the process take care of itself.  As soon as the season ended earlier this year, Grady started preparing and training for this 2019 season.  He did enjoy family time, took some vacations and other off the field activities, such as his charity camps as well as other charity events.

 The ever humble Grady is going to focus on the task at hand and continue to improve.  He is “Thankful for where I am at.  Blessed.  I am motivated to perform even more now. So much more out there for me to accomplish – ready to go get it.”

 When asked if he is out to prove he is worth his new deal, he replied that he did not have to prove he was worth it, he has already done that.  Grady stated that, “No one can put more pressure or expectations on me than myself….whatever deal I had.  I am always hungry for more, always want to be better and drive for more.”  He considers himself a “Kid that came from nothing,” so anything he gets he legitimately works for.  

 On becoming a leader on the team, Grady stated that he is definitely a leader on the team.  His first year was a learning year, but he has always been a leader, respected in his role on the team.  “To much who is given, much is expected” that is why God put Grady on this earth.

 During the off season, Grady talked to Head Coach Dan Quinn and Falcons owner Arthur Blank some.  Everything was very respectful on both sides, he had no worries – just had to get the deal done.  He, as Julio Jones has noted, “Mr. Blank said I would be a Falcon for life.”  Grady noted, “If we came up to something we did, if not, we didn’t.  I am still playing the same.  Not taking it personal.”  The talks with DQ in off season were checking in and chatting – not football or contract based.  DQ legitimately cares about his players and just checks in on everyone.

 On DQ calling shots as the Defensive Coordinator, Grady said that he is excited.  He knows the Falcons have great players on every level, with more experience now, with young guys ready to step up.  There are new guys to the team.  And Adrian Clayborn is back.

 Regarding the new offensive line, Grady responded that they defensive line will be a good challenge for them and really pushing the O-Line.  As DQ says, iron sharpens iron, and that will help the defense get better as well.  He noted there is allot more beef on the line now and he is excited to go against these new guys.  However the battles turn out, there are many new guards and tackles acquired through free agency or the draft.  Grady commented that Chris Morgan is the offensive line coach and is out there yelling and getting them in shape.  It looks like the 2 first rounders are ready to come in and work.

Grady provided thoughts on the 2019 D.  He is excited to play with Tyeler Davison that was acquired through free agency from Saints.  They came out of college the same year, both in the fifth round.  Jack Crawford is attacking and looking good.  Big Shede (Ra’Shede Hageman) is back, Grady noted that he missed him as a teammate, the day in and out with Shede and his has picked up where he left off.  Second year DT, Deadrin Senat is hungry for success. Grady commented that having AC back is big.  John Kaminsky, rookie, is going to learn, he goes hard.  Excited to see Takk McKinley and (Clemson teammate) Vic Beasley, Jr. 

Grady said the best way to be good on this team is to be open to learn.  Coach Simpson is doing a great job.  DQ a defensive line guy, so the line knows they are getting good attention too.

 So, with all this new money (realizing as a 5throunder, Jarrett’s original contract was $2.5 million for 4 years) what is Grady going to do for himself?  He plans to pay off his house (purchased last year) and any other debt that he has.  Of course, he plans to take care of his mom top to bottom.  Grady plans to have his business in order, then put it away for his legacy.  Grady said, this is “Such a blessing and I don’t take it lightly.”  He doesn’t compare his deal to others in his position or on his team, he knows he is blessed to be where he is. 

 It is really Grady’s drive and heart that makes him special.  He said, “It’s the things I don’t show and put out there that contribute to my success.”  He recognized and appreciates his nutritionist to his massage therapist and anyone that contributes to what Grady is.

 The 2019 expectations:  Great to have everyone back healthy….Devonta Freeman is ready to tote that pill.  We have one of the best receiving corps in league.  D is happy to be back together.  We really missed each other.  We will do the work day in and day out.  We have a hungry coaching staff.  No excuses.

 Asked when Grady started his post season work out.  With no playoffs, he had extra time and started in January.  He actually originally said July and laughed like he had never done nothing.  Grady said he is as “strong as I have ever been” and works on his nutrition as well.  He does not have a cook, any cooking at home, he cooks himself.  He does have a good nutritionist.  Grady again commented, “Blessed with good people around me.”

 Grady’s work ethic and dedication is evident in everything he says and does, “The more work you put in, the more mutual respect” you have.  He said that the “Brotherhood” the Falcons use is not just a word, it is the action and respect.  “InBrotherhood” is real, when times get hard, you don’t fall apart, you have a sense of accountability to each other.  Tough love is still love, they know they can’t get in their feelings about things, come to each other with respect.

 Returning to the pre-Falcon days, when Clemson University was on the cusp, when they were near the big show, now, they are “dynasty-ish.”  “Clemsoning-good but go down” but Head Coach Dabo Swinneysaid “Clemsoning is winning.” They were always having 10-11 win seasons.  Dabo will tell you (and has nationally) said these teams and players laid the ground work for the champion seasons – and they teams know that and thank those players for that. Grady and Vic graduated and joined the NFL the year before the 2016 Clemson National Championship.  They were on the team with some guys that just one the 2019 Championship as well.  Dabo reminds them “this wasn’t overnight.”  To go to Clemson wasn’t a sexy thing.  The had a top 10 recruiting class, but now turning down 4 and 5 stars.  And players like Grady are an advertisement for that…moving into the NFL and being good, successful, contributing young men.

 Although it was trying waiting for college offers to come in, he admits that going to Clemson changed his life.  He was a 2 star recruit, visited USC, Florida, Alabama and because he was too short or not the right DT prototype, he was not offered anything from them.  After numerous visits, Dabo finally realized what Grady had to offer, and look at him now.  But Grady (and his mother) never doubted himself, what he could do, his heart.  Grady reiterated, put in your work, it is the story you don’t see that makes you.  Grady has always just put his head down and kept working. 

 Asked for final comments on what you would tell kids today (and what he does tell them at his kids camps.  Grady said, “Believe in yourself, no one else will.  When it is hard, keep going.  Keep grinding.  Don’t listen to anyone else.  Put the work in.  Do not worry about others and acceptance.”  You know yourself in your heart of hearts.

THIS is why I love Grady Jarrett so much and he is and has been my favorite Falcon since he arrived in Atlanta.  Also, I’m a Clemson fan.  But that doesn’t skew my judgement.

Thanks to Dukes and Bell for being the first guys to talk to Grady and for a great, long interview.

 

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt