Diner morning news: Random thoughts—by Mike Lombardi

National Football Post

QUOTE: “Leadership is a quality of those who earn the respect of others through the wisdom of the combination of their words and their actions.”—Walter Grant IV, former president, University of Redlands Whitehead Leadership Society

Random Thoughts…

 

On Tony G. and the Falcons…

It cracks me up when I read about a player’s role in the second week of July. It’s July, people. No one is working in the NFL. Even the commissioner is off climbing mountains. Has Brad Childress come back from fishing? How can someone’s role be decided off the field?

I’m with my man Matt Bowen Atlanta.html" target="_blank">on Tony Gonzalez’s role—he’s not going to be a blocker. He is going to be a third-down converter, a red zone scorer and the new best friend of quarterback Matt Ryan. Yes, he has a role; it will be to be Tony G. At this point in his career, he has defined his own role.

The more prevalent question with the Falcons lies with their defense, and if the 2009 version of John Abraham is not the 2008 version, the Falcons are in deep trouble.

Abraham was their defense last year—when he was rushing the passer, he was creating plays. His spirited play is evidence that when you have an offense that can make big plays and procure an early lead, all you need is a dominating rusher to make the defense complement the offense.

Can the Falcons expect the same this season? Many predict the Panthers will not return to the playoffs, expecting the Falcons to keep taking the next step. But to me, the Falcons seem more vulnerable.

They have a great offense and a budding star in Ryan, but they have many holes to fill on defense. If Abraham misses any time, those holes will look like craters. Yes, Curtis Lofton, the new middle linebacker, will be a tackling machine, but who else is going to help Abraham?

First-round pick Peria Jerry will help, but expecting any rookie defensive lineman to make a huge impact is a dream.

Usually, quarterbacks shift the balance of power when injured or missing time, but Abraham holds that power for the Falcons. This summer, the Falcons are going to have to prove to the NFL that they can stop the run on first and second down, that they can cover in the secondary and that they can find a physical quality with their defense. They are no lock to return with Abraham healthy—and they have no chance to return if he misses any time.

 

On Tony Romo...

I loved Bowen’s piece Wednesday placing the Cowboys’ destiny squarely on the shoulders of Tony Romo. I agree with everything Matt wrote, but I might add that my fellow Jerseyan, Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, will have to prove he can handle the job.

We all know from the book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell that it takes 10,000 hours to perform your craft at a high level. Does Garrett have the 10,000 hours of apprenticeship?

I’m not sure on this one, and let me throw more fuel on the fire: The Cowboys’ big offensive line must play its best in 2009 for them to make the playoffs. The NFC East has some of the best defensive lines in football, so this well-paid offensive line must perform well.

Romo has the weight on his shoulders, but Garrett and the line share some of the burden.

 

Beach Thoughts...

I live along the Jersey Shore, and since the weather has gotten better, it means some beach time to do a little reading on the NFL (I don’t read Danielle Steele, as most beach goers seem inclined to do; even our own Joe “The Tipper” Fortenbaugh can be seen reading her books in an attempt to find his softer side).

So while doing some reading, I thought I’d make a few observations. FYI, I am determined to follow the recipe of Jim Collins, author of “Good to Great,” for having a productive day, so if I spend 10 percent of my day working on the creative side, I might as well do it while looking at the Atlantic Ocean.

Is Chad Ochocinco for real? Tweeting during NFL games? He just talks and never seems to have any point to his comments. So why would you believe him when he says he’s going to turn things around this year and play at a higher level? I don’t….

I love all the Hotel fans who rip me when I post something on their team (maybe I should just write that all is well at the Hotel since they set an NFL record for being the first team with six consecutive 10-loss seasons).

Just make sure you leave a valid email on your post. I’m from Jersey and I can take being ripped, but make sure you have the guts to stand behind your comments with a valid email….

For many reasons, I’m not sold on the new United Football League becoming a success. I love the idea of a new league creating more jobs for everyone—players, coaches and front office—but in light of the economy, it seems a tough sell to get fans into the stadium.

Who will attend these games? There are going to be some empty seats at NFL games this fall, so I can’t imagine fans will be willing to spend on the UFL before they spend on the NFL. The timing, premise and foundation of the league don’t seem viable from my beach chair….

Before former Falcons linebacker Michael Boley was signed by the Giants, they knew he would be suspended for at least one game for conduct detrimental….

My Philadelphia 76ers’ offseason is off to a very slow start (don’t give in to Andre Miller’s demands for three years and $30 million—we’re going to be bad with or without him; think long term). Yet the San Antonio Spurs have reloaded again. They just seem to understand what it takes to build a team….

I’m still very sad about the death of Steve McNair. It’s going to take a while to get over that one.

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