I’m sure everyone has heard the big new Falcons stadium plans and everyone has an opinion.  Recently there were two designs released that were the top of the idea board, The Pantheon and the Solarium.  I was a fan of the Solarium because I really enjoyed the glass walls and the view of the skyline.

It was released that the pantheon design will be moving forward and we got to see some more inside on the new stadium designs.  I’m happy to find out that, when open, the city will be just as visible as well as the sky through what appears to be a mostly glass roof.

On top of that, there will be cutting edge technology in every corner of the new stadium along with a giant screen lining the edge of roof.

There is still a long way to go, but I enjoy the glimpse into what will be the home for the Atlanta Falcons.

If you haven’t looked at the new, updated pictures, check it out here: http://newstadium.atlantafalcons.com/

Leave comments with any opinions on the new designs

Aug. 17, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive tackle (92) Richard Seymour against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It’s official! Richard Seymour is now a proud member of the Atlanta…wait, what?

It’s real easy to let yourself get bogged down in rumors and talks in the offseason.  Most of them are just rumors, but when talks go underway, things get serious.  I recall hundreds of rumors that went around when it came to who could possibly be a Falcon.  Names like Paul Kruger, Karlos Dansby, and even Elvis Dumervil were linked to the Falcons.  99% of all rumors get lost in the noise of speculation.

Atlanta is, however, a destination for some older players.  Players nearing the end of their career look for teams that are almost there to spend a few years and attempt to win a championship.  This means that a lot of guys may be willing to cut their price a bit to land on a team that has a real chance.  Steven Jackson was a great example of this.  He’s a top tier Running Back and could have commanded a pretty penny for his services.  However, he had only been to the playoffs once in his career and would rather compete for a championship than break the bank.  Atlanta picked him up for a bargain compared to what other teams would have to pay for him.

Even when a player already had a championship and still wants to play, they find a great fit.  Osi Umenyiora lived in Atlanta, knew that the Falcons were close to winning it all, and knew that the organization in general is great all around so even though he already has two Lombardies, he was willing to take a price cut to end up in red and black.

The company of Mike Smith, Thomas Dimitroff, and Arthur Blank makes very good bargains for incoming players and usually when talks ensue, and the pieces seem to fit, it appears to only be a matter of time before they get the deal done.  But now Richard Seymour and his Agent have dissolved negotiations with the Falcons.

It’s a little shocking in a strange way.  I don’t think Seymour is as good as what his asking price is, but there is always room to talk down.  Considering that he lives in Atlanta, would fit into a rotation where the coach knows how to take care of the older players, and would contend, I (along with many fans) was sure he would drop his asking price to an acceptable level because the fit makes sense)  the Falcons aren’t stupid though.  They will not overpay for a player.

All this tells me is that Seymour is only in it for the money.  His heart isn’t in the game and that’s the kind of personality that Atlanta does not want.  Unless he realizes that no team will pay Seymour as much as he wants, this deal will not happen.

I am a little relieved.  The fact the Falcons are not going to put a lot of money into an easily injured player is a good sign.  At the verge of a major quarterback contract, there is no room for another incident like Brent Grimes last year.

Thoughts?

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs against Atlanta Falcons defensive end Cliff Matthews (98) during the second quarter of the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Cliff Matthews came into practice the other day with ten extra pounds.  But it’s not because he’s over weight, he may be making a position change.

Obviously the pass rush and run stopping were major problems on the line last season and they could use all the help they can get on the line.  After picking up two defensive ends in the draft, along with Biermann, Osi, Matthews, and Massaquoi, the line is quite crowded.   Someone is going to get cut…unless they make a position switch.

Cliff Matthews is a talented lineman who got to see some playing time even in the playoffs.  He was able to generate some penetration as a defensive end and even got a hand on Colin Kaepernick.  Gaining some weight and moving to defensive tackle may help with the depth at tackle.  He may even be good enough to be a great contributor in stuffing the run and rushing the passer here and there.

If this is the case, however, there may be no need to drag along Peria Jerry.  If Cliff Matthews can match his production (which shouldn’t really be all that difficult) then the Falcons may be able to free up a little cap space.

What are your thoughts on Matthews moving to DT?