Twenty Questions with Falcons Linebacker Michael Boley

I recently had the opportunity to interview Falcons strong side linebacker Michael Boley.  For those of you who aren't familiar with Boley, some history; 

Boley was drafted in the fifth round by the Falcons in 2005 out of Southern Mississippi.  He quickly was inserted into the linebacking rotation and immediately made an impact.  In his first start he tallied five tackles and a forced a fumble which was returned for a touchdown against the Saints.  Last year he recorded 125 tackles and has become an integral part of the Falcon defense.  You can read about his entire history with the team on their official site.  Boley is currently playing on a one year tender offer from the Falcons and he had no problem talking about his contract and his desire to play in Atlanta.

My questions with Boley covered this past Sundays' game, the front office, the defense, and we even get an update on his son Mikey, who most of his fans know, suffers from Autism.  On a personal note I wanted to mention that this was my first interview with a professional athlete and I couldn't have started with anyone better.  I found Michael to be funny, insightful, courteous and easy going.  He answered every question I posed to him and as an amateur writer I could'nt possibly convey his wit and gregarious personality through the keyboard. I learned a great deal about Michael and the Falcons hopefully you the reader will as well.

GL: Can you give me your assessment of Sunday's game vs. Carolina. What do you think the team did well and what went not so well?

MB: I though we played pretty well. The offense, defense, even special teams. The problem was we gave up a few big plays and that's what hurt us the most.

GL: Have your responsibilities changed as an outside linebacker? What are you being asked to do this year that is different under last years system.

MB: I actually haven't really been asked to do a lot different. A lot of the stuff we use this year kind of carried over from my last couple years. I would'nt say its different. The thing when they first put this system in was terminology a lot of the stuff is still the same. So, now that we have the terminology and all that good stuff down things are looking pretty good. We've got some small stuff we need to clean up here and there but overall its good.

GL: I've noticed you're playing the cover two more often.

MB: Yeah. That's one of those things that when Coach came in that was one of the good things we wanted to do is a little more cover two and its been working pretty good for us.

GL: Can we expect some blitz packages that have YOU going after the QB this season?

MB: Yeah. (Laughs) The season is still young so we're still trying to figure out a few things here and there but as the season goes on I would think that you'll get some more of that.

GL: In the last few games we've seen some of the larger wide receivers exploit the Falcon defensive backs. Are there any changes being worked on to give the DB's some more support?

MB: Not really. We just look at it as we need to get more pressure up front. Regardless how big receivers are or how big the defensive backs are if you give the quarterback too much time they can pick you apart. So I think that's one of our main keys is to get more pressure upfront.

GL: Is there one aspect on the defense that you feel the team really needs to improve on, you just said pass rush, maybe that would be it but is there anything else...

MB: I would'nt say we need to improve on pass rush. I would say we need to be more consistent. We do a lot of good things at times and every now and then one or two plays get away from us a little bit.

GL: How has the overall atmosphere on the field and in the locker room changed under Coach Smith vs last year with Coach Petrino?

MB: (Laughs) Oh man complete 180. Man oh man (Laughs)

GL: So things are much much better yes?

MB: (Laughs) Oh yes, most definitely. Guys are a...you know he's just given us a better atmosphere overall. Not just on the field but in the locker room and just the way the guys carry themselves.

GL: Has there been any talk about contract negotiations for you in the near future?

MB: I had'nt talked to anybody yet.

GL: Do you find it distracting playing on the one year deal?

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