Around the Horn
ATLANTA — Since I’ve got a break in between games at the Southeastern Conference basketball tournament, let’s talk about football.
Specifically, let’s take a look at what’s happening just up I-75 in Flowery Branch.
In another 20 minutes or so, the Atlanta Falcons will introduce newly-signed wide receiver Joe Horn at a press conference.
After blogging the other day about the free agents the Falcons lost, what do you think of the decision to offer a 4-year, $19 million deal to Horn?
He’s easily the most recognizable free agent signed by the Falcons to date, the others being fullback Ovie Mughelli, linebacker Marcus Wilkins and cornerback Lewis Sanders. But it's too early to tell if the Falcons bought something more valuable than a recognizable name off the free agent market.
New Orleans released the 35-year-old Horn, partly because the development of other receivers made him expendable. But there were also concerns about his age and durability. He missed six games last season due to injury and only managed five touchdown grabs in the last two seasons.
Still, you have to like his body of work even if there are questions about whether his body can hold up. His career numbers -- 576 catches, 8,501 yards and 57 touchdowns -- make him an intriguing acquisition.
If nothing else, the Falcons can look to Horn as a player-coach of sorts. Roddy White and Michael Jenkins flashed some potential last season amidst all the dropped passes, but will benefit from Horn's guidance.
2 comments:
I was just looking for that Falcons’ article of yours on the L-E site but couldn’t find it. (Read it in the paper edition)
While I definitely find reason to disagree with some of your sports opinions (namely those surrounding the Dawgs and… uh, a coach named Spurrier), that article on the birds was pretty much spot on.
As far Horn… and as a Falcon fan, I want to remember the story of one Billy ‘Whiteshoes’ Johnson… who was also supposedly in the twilight of his career. So, one player can indeed make a difference but I do have my doubts whether the Falcons’ lack of a passing game can be solved with even a whole corps of Billy Whiteshoes or Joe Horns.
It usually takes a few years for a new coach to install in a new scheme but for Michael Vick, my guess is that Joe Horn has more job security right now… especially in the event that 2007 goes further south or north than the Dome.
Redoubt,
Thanks for your insightful post. You made an excellent parallel between Joe Horn and White Shoes Johnson. Even if Horn produces relatively modest numbers, say 40 catches and 600 yards, the Falcons' passing game can't help but get better. Having Brian Finneran back healthy will provide Atlanta with the sure-handed possession receiver it sorely lacked last season.
As for your general disagreement with most of my opinions, get in line with the other angry Georgia, Auburn, Alabama and Atlanta Falcons fans.
While I neither expect nor plan to convert you to my way of thinking all the time, I hope you and other readers will always feel free to let me know what's on your mind. I always enjoy a good discussion.
Post a Comment