Since so many websites posted about this, I thought you should here my complete 32 cents about Hakeem Nicks, and the Dirty Bird. I can assure you one thing, I did not expect to see the Dirty Bird in the end zone on Sunday. Especially not from a Giant. I was watching the game with my Mom, who is rarely with me on such occasions, making this even crazier. Once I saw Hakeem Nicks start what I instantly recognized, I looked at my Mom and typed my reaction on twitter, which was beamed around the country. NO HE DIDN’T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (9 letters + 23 exclamation points)

A few things. To be clear, Nicks doing the Dirty Bird was a slap to the face of her the current Falcons playing. I know people thought I would be angry with Nicks, and frankly, seeing the Dirty Bird done against the Falcons isn’t something I enjoy. I do however recognize the fact, and I said as much, that Nicks had a bunch of people talking about a touchdown celebration I stared over a decade ago. A catch 32 if you will. Further, I wasn’t surprised Nicks knew the dance well. Nicks is from North Carolina, he has surely seen it many times in the end zone against the Panthers! Also can’t hurt to have a teammate who has done it, egging you on!

Now back to the current Falcons, who still call themselves, and are called the “Dirty Birds” by fans all over. Rightfully so, as me and my teammates are proud of have started a tradition. Another reason, a more likely one, an opponent may want to do the dance. The dance is linked to the name, but the Dirty Bird is more than a celebration. IT IS AN ATTITUDE of the way you play. The celebration just topping, if you will. Dirty South, Dirty Birds. Thing is, this is not a team that celebrates in the end zone. Outside of an Ovie effort earlier this year, none do any version of a Dirty Bird. I get tweets nearly every single day asking me to teach the current players the dance. I usually reply telling people it’s not up to me, nor does it bother me one bit the Dirty Bird isn’t done anymore. Not one bit. However, I like to think that the first person who does break it out consistently, in addition to stand out play, will have this cities heart. This is the ATL, Black Hollywood, housewifeville, and home to the Dirty Birds. Folks like substance with flash here.

Again, I don’t like seeing the Dirty Bird against the Falcons, but the lasting memory is respectful to this Dirty Birds career. As a friends email said to me. “Why don’t they do Deion’s dance? He’s Got a banner in the dome, and he’s clearly one of the best to ever play.” I guess you should aim higher guys, and leave my Dirty Bird celebration alone! Ha.

This is not the best version, but here you go….

Dirty Bird

Jam

I co-hosted a podcast over at SkinnyPost.com with Steve O’Reilly. We broke down each game, and picked the winners.

Give it a listen!

Thanks

You really couldn’t ask for a better situation tonight, if you were playing in this game! Showdown is correct, as the Falcons face the Saints tonight in the Superdome. They have secured playoff births, BUT, the division title is still on the line. In addition, Drew Brees is merely 305 yards from breaking Dan Marino’s single season passing record. All the elements are set for a great game.

No, 300 yards is not necessarily easy, but considering Brees has failed to reach that level only twice this year, it is a Brees norm. Therein lies the challenge for the Falcons, stopping Brees. Especially given the health of Brent Grimes, the Falcons premier corner. Clearly his return/health are key for the Dirty Birds. The other keys to victory for the Falcons against the Saints have not changed since the arrival of #9. Run the ball well (Turner/Rodgers) with Matt Ryan being sharpe, are a must. Of course, Stopping Brees means the defense must play well. The aforementioned Grimes, Sean Weatherspoon, and Abraham must play well.

Be clear, this is a heated rivalry that is only getting hotter lately as the teams are experiencing franchise first with respect to their level of victories, and notoriety.

We all know what occurred last time. If you’re a Falcon fan, a very disappointing 4th down failed conversion that cost you at home. Could there be anymore subplots tonight? The Saints & Brees are hot, and undefeated this year at home. However, the Falcons match up very well. A question of will, and who wants it more, and which teams star players shine brightest under the Monday night lights. The Falcons must be consistent all four quarters, and they must be the more physical team. MUST!

Saints vs Falcons, I am ready…..Are you?

Jam

Now, the best of the rest for Week 3.

Jaguars vs Panthers

The rookie bowl! Blaine Gabbert takes the reigns for the first time against Cam Newton. Newton has erased all doubts about his ability to play QB in the NFL in two weeks. Yes, he can play. And Yes, he will get his first win. My pick: Panthers

49ers vs Bengals

I really want to pick the 49ers here, but something tells me last weeks lost might linger. Of course, a proper dose of Frank Gore could change this! Niners have to keep the Bengals rookies in check. My pick: 49ers

Dolphins vs Browns

This is game three for Miami, without much of Reggie Bush. Wonder if this will change? Reggie should be full go this weekend. Across the sideline you need not worry about the Brown running back. Peyton Hillis will bring his A game. My Picks: Browns

Lions vs Vikings

Normally, I would suggest that Adrian Peterson could help change the Vikings fortune. Well, he did, a week ago, and the Vikes still lost! The Lions are on a mission, why stop now… My Pick: Lions

Broncos vs Titans

Titans, I shall disrespect you no longer. Matt Hasselbeck has a little something going in Tennessee. Bravo Matt. And this, without a prolific Chris Johnson, so far..Yes, I am impressed. New Coach, New QB, New Wins. My pick: Titans

Chiefs vs Chargers

What an awful start to the season for the Chiefs, who were one of the surprise teams of 2010. Now, no Jamaal Charles, oh boy. Rivers, well, you already know I like this QB… My Picks: Chargers

Ravens vs Rams

Could be a long week for the Rams, the Ravens will be very motivated to bounce back. Ravens must keep Bradford in check to ensure the Rams start win less. My pick: Ravens

Cardinals vs Seahawks

You’ve got to believe that Pete Carroll has said to himself more than once that he could have stuck out the two years of probation at SC. On that note… My Pick: Cardinals

Steelers vs Colts

Well, anything is possible, right? As always the Steelers have to show up and play. Or, do they just have to show up?? Colts look lost. The Steelers will not help matter. My Pick: Steelers

** Special Thank you to Conn Jackson, and his excellent staff**

Enjoy the games!

Jam

Showdown is right. The emotions are running high in the city of Atlanta this week. The return of Micheal Vick is a big event, and there is no doubt about this. What a week, at least if you’re a Falcon fan. Your team returned from a proper drubbing in Chicago, only to come home to prepare for one of the franchises biggest former stars. Arguable the franchises BIGGEST Star ever. I played with Micheal Vick, albeit briefly. And to be frank, one of the great regrets of my career is the fact that I got hurt during our time together. I would have loved to play with Michael Vick for a few more years. Fate dealt me a different hand.

Vick is an exceptional talent. Few who have ever played this game can claim to posses the talent of number 7. Micheal Vick’s time in Atlanta can truthfully be summed up on one word, inconsistent. Vick has said this himself. But, when he was on, he was amazing to watch in the Dome! That was then, this is now. Vick has found a new home. More importantly, he has excelled in his new home. When you think for a second about all he has been through, all that he brought upon himself, you must marvel at where he is now. YOU must marvel, as I had little doubt, that he would come back strong.

I am sure you’ve been hearing all week from certain members of the Falcons that this is just another game. Another week in a 16 game schedule. That is true, literally. Further, it is what most players will say to downplay the hype. There is NO downplaying Micheal Vick coming back into the dome. They hype, the expectations, the energy, shall all be on display tonight! So will the explosive Eagles offense, if the Falcons fail to show up. Vick, McCoy, Jackson & Co field one of the fastest teams in the NFL. I  really believe the fastest offense in professional football. Miss a tackle, they are gone. Blow a coverage, good night Irene. Blow an assignment, you can cancel Christmas.

As I have watched, read, and heard all of the pregame hype for tonight’s game I got fired up. If you follow me on twitter, you are well aware of this fact. Sometimes, it seems as if Football started and ended in Atlanta with Micheal Vick. Yes, a great player. Yes, a winning QB. YES, a very exciting player. But, you’ve got to keep perspective.  I know Vick has lot of fans in Atlanta, as he should.  However, I also believe that if your team is the Falcons, that is who you should be rooting for. That’s just me. I’m not saying you can’t root for Vick to play well. I also don’t care if you wear his jersey to the Dome tonight. Just weird to me if you support the Falcons, because Vick has moved on, YOU should have too, right?

There is no doubt that I always want to see the Falcons do well. I will always be associated with the Falcons for several reasons. I’ve said this before, but feel it need’s to be said again.  Please do not confuse my hopes, with my job. I will be as critical of the Falcons as the next analyst if they fail to show up tonight. A repeat performance of the Chicago go would be disastrous on many levels. Outside of losing the game a week ago, the only issue I had with the Falcons was the apparent lack of emotion in the lost. Everybody loses, lord knows I am well aware of this fact. I still would like to see the unbridled hatred for losing. More so, when you field the talent the type of talent the Falcons do.

Since the arrival of Mike Smith, the Falcons are in the midst of the best three year run in the organizations HISTORY. No Vick, No Dirty Bird. You cannot discount this fact, just because they did not play well in week ONE. Expectations are just that, expectations. They do not mean a thing without action. The Falcons have spent well this off season. Everything they have done is pointing to a Super Bowl run. Starting the season 0-2 could lead to a run down. Especially if that second loss is to Vick & the Eagles tonight in the dome. Vick will forever strike some type of nerve in the hearts & minds of Falcons fans. As he should. If you like to compete, you dream to play in games like this. Matt Ryan the ball is in your hands, now. I can assure you that Mike Vick will be coming to play, I am also certain Falcons are fans hoping Matt Ryan is as well.

I can’t wait for tonight’s game as a fan of football. I expect an exciting match up that could go either way, easily. One thing I am also certain of. If Vick explodes early, it could be a very long night. Mike Smith will have the Falcons ready to play tonight. Further, the Falcons with Matt Ryan under center have enjoyed a very successful home record. One of the main reasons for my pick tonight, the Dirty Birds can ill afford to lose this game. Not only for their record, or playoff aspirations, but also for the  hearts & minds of Falcon fans. No, It should not be this way in game two, or with this team. Last week did the Falcons no favors. Additionally, the Saints & Buccaneers won their respective game today. Vick shinning,  & winning tonight will make it all of this worse. The reality of this fact seems painfully evident. Big game, indeed.

For more on the game tonight, please see the Q&A I did for NBC Philadelphia: http://bit.ly/rrIB5p.

My pick: Falcons

I got a lot of heat for not posting picks last week. Nice to be missed, I guess. No worries my friends, I shall not leave you hanging this week. Week two, your on the clock.

The NFC South took it on the chin in week one. Here’s to hoping the NFC South shows it’s true colors today! They’re all in the same boat, whoever loses today, my lose the paddles as well. Each team is playing in the conference today. starting the season 0-2 with both being in the conference does not bode well for a positive future. The Falcons get to sit back today, and see who does what before the real pressure kicks in at 8pm.

Raiders vs Bills

I said MANY times last year, that despite their record, the Bills always showed up to play. Although the score was surprising against the Chiefs, the Bills winning was not. My Pick: Bills

Packers vs Panthers

Cam Newton, did you really need to do all of that in week one? Start slow, build the hype up a little my man. Kidding, of course. However, rookie reality should come in the form of a proper drubbing today from Aaron Rodgers & Co. I mean, did you see hat game last week, it looked at times like a 7 on 7 passing drill. Packers vs a High school. My Pick: Packers

Chiefs Vs Lions

I would be SHOCKED if the Chiefs did not bring it this week. Todd Haley is an intense guy. Ok, that is an understatement. I still like Detroit at home. The Lions, as I hope you are aware, are really putting it together. Suh is a wrecking ball with a diplomats tongue. Danger Will Robinson. My Pick: Lions

Browns vs Colts

Well, both of these teams had a rough week to open the season. Kerry Collins did not have a good game. You try having a good game in a new system, for a new team, with Mario Williams collapsing your lounges on every other play. That being said, Collins has amassed substantial numbers in his career for a reason. PLUS the Colts are paying him 4 million this year. Will pick up the Colts offense? Will Colts play defense? Shall see. Colt McCoy & Peyton Hillis are on the sideline, they’ll be ready. Colts losing at home used to be unthinkable. My Pick: Colts

Buccaneers vs Vikings

I honestly am at a lost for words when I am asked to explain Donavan McNabb’s performance a week ago. LOST FOR WORDS. If this is the end, make it stop. Bucs lost a heartbreaker to the Lions. This team, under Raheem Morris, always shows up to play. Contain Peterson, notice I did not say stop, but contain, and….. My Pick: Buccaneers

Bears vs Saints

Remember that same boat line above. The Saints don’t want anything to do with it, at all. We saw what the Bears did to the Falcons a week ago. Whew. This game will be emotional charged for the Bears do to the unfortunate, and untimely death of Brian Urlacher’s mother. Just awful news. The Bears will be amped up, but I have a very hard time seeing the Saints lose this game, at home. Drew Brees anyone, Drew Brees. My Pick: Saints (If the Bears do win, look out folks)

Jaguars vs Jets

Luke McCown is starting for the Jaguars, in New York vs The JETS. Right away, I like the Jets, of course. Anything is possible in football, yes. And, if Jones-Drew goes off, possibility, could turn into reality. My Pick: Jets

Seahawks vs Steelers

Pittsburgh, what was that last week? I highly doubt we see that again, especially this week against the Hawks. Tarvaris Jackson, I hope you’re ready to play today. Or I should say, I hope you’re ready to get lit up today. Steelers at home, after and awful show against a hated rival…. My Pick: Steelers

Ravens vs Titans

Hello Ravens, you looked mighty good last week. I suspect the Titans think the same thing. The anything is possible scenario always applies….. Less words means less expectations for a great game. Would be surprised in the Ravens lost this one. Of course, Titans have Chris Johnson. My Pick: Ravens

Cardinals vs Redskins

This one should be interesting. Kevin Kolb’s familiarity with the NFC East will be an asset. I think. The Cardinals hope. The revamped Redskins are an intriguing bunch. Another win would turn intrigue into excitement. I really like Tim Hightower in the Shanahan running scheme, plus the Redskins defense looks up to snuff. At home, I like em’. My Pick: Redskins

Cowboys vs 49ers

Dallas, or Romo threw away a win a week ago. Doubt that will happen again today. Romo is not a bad QB, in fact he’s pretty good to me. Yeah I said it. No doubt Romo needs to win the big games, but this is week two. Dex Bryant’s status today is key, of course. Alex Smith, my fellow Ute, forgive me but…. My Pick: Cowboys

Bengals vs Broncos

Bengals, you sly devils you. Nice work a week ago, think you ca follow that up on the road today in Denver? I think they can, with the assistance of another 120+ performance from Cedric Benson.
The QB situation for both teams is a trip. Who is starting, how much playing time will they get? Also, very tough to pick a rookie QB to win on the road. However, the Bengals just looked hungrier last week. I also like their Cornerbacks. My Pick: Bengals

Texans vs Dolphins

I was impressed with these teams last week. Chad Henne stepped up big time last week! Ben Tate more than filled the role of Arian Foster, who speaking of will be back in the lineup today. I am sure Foster will be on point today to supplant any doubt about who “the man” is in Houston. Another thing, Texans have Mario Williams, who is crushing people at the moment. Plus, Andre Johnson. I like the fight in the Phins, I do. And I love me some Devone Bess, but… My Pick: Texans

Chargers vs Patriots

This should be one of the best football games of the day! Brady/Rivers battles are always fun to watch. Explosive, and oh so much fun to watch. Tom Brady was sensational last week. Rivers is one of my favorite QB’s in the NFL. Showdown coming, oh yes! Patriots are home, and this is one of the main reason’s for my pick. Emotions will be running on high as the Patriots will honor the late Myra Kraft. You never want to lose games of this nature. My Pick: Patriots

What looked to be somewhat of a long shot just a few months ago, is finally back! Color me thrilled, welcome back NFL!

To open the season we get a real treat. The last two Super Bowl Champions! History tell’s us, at least the last 12 years, that the winner of the Super Bowl, will be victorious in week One. However, I am not sure that memo reached Drew Brees, or any of the Saints.

Super Bowl Champions, or not, the Packers are a very tough team to beat at home. Aaron Rodgers & Drew Brees are to of our finest passers, let’s hope for fireworks tonight!

Time to step up, or shut up. Football’s back, let’s see who wants it all!

My pick: Packers

Enjoy the game.
JAM

I was very pleased I could attend because Jarvis Green does a lot of work in the community, with an emphasis to help disadvantaged impoverished single mothers. Also in attendance, Kevin Faulk, Randall Gay, Kaleema from Dirty Money, Stefani Vara & Brandon Harris, to name a few.

To donate, please see Jarvis Green Foundation

Fortunately, I have consistently had a presence on the radio from the numerous call in’s I am requested to do. Always thankful to be invited as a guest, I certainly look forward to this opportunity now. Who know’s where this will lead? *Wink.

For those of you who are not in Atlanta, you can listen on the Internet 790TheZone

Let’s have some fun!

Tune in tomorrow, 10am. Thank you!

JAM