Thomas Dimitroff’s performance as general manager in the 2008 offseason was the key to the Atlanta Falcons’ sudden turnaround, but as he embarks on his second offseason as GM things may get even more difficult. Becoming a winning team in the NFL is anything but easy, but keeping it that way just might be even harder. And it’s for that that reason that the upcoming offseason that might be Dimitroff’s most crucial one.
One thing is for sure, changes are coming, and lots of them.
The biggest of those changes was the decision not re-sign veterans Keith Brooking and Lawyer Milloy.
The Brooking situation shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, as Dimitroff has clearly stated his intentions to revamp a defense that ranked 21st and 25th respecitively against the run and pass. The 33-year old, who was clearly on the decline for several seasons, was a big reason for that.
Perhaps Brooking’s final meaningful play of his Falcons career will most define his 2008-09 season, when he bit on a play action on a crucial third down play against the Cardinals, allowing the future NFC champs to run out the clock for the victory. Not only did the 11-year veteran experience a rapid decrease in his physical ability, but the mental mistakes he continually made became a major obstacle at times for an already undermanned defense. Add in the money that he was looking for (and may very well cash in on), and Dimitroff’s decision probably wasn’t an especially difficult one.
Still, Brooking will be missed. The leadership he provided in the locker room was invaluable, but in the end, Dimitroff decided it wasn’t worth it to pay him like a starter.
The race for Brooking’s spot will be interesting. Expect youngster Coy Wire, a favorite of the coaching staff who was just signed for next year, to get a real shot at sliding into his position at outside linebacker.
At safety, Milloy will be harder to replace. The team inked backup Jamaal Fudge to a new deal, but it’s harder to foresee the Clemson alum starting on opening day. This is a position that Atlanta could certainly address in the draft, and/or improve through a free agent class that includes former Georgia standout Sean Jones.
These moves represent the final touches on what has been a surprisingly smooth transition from the Mora/Petrino eras to Mike Smith’s. Last season was a nice start, but there is still plenty of work to do in Flowery Branch.
Bagriansky can be reached at jbagriansky@scoreatl.com.
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