FanHouse DJ Shockley

I can't imagine even the most optimistic Falcons fan is expecting much from the team in 2008. As long as no one is detained at the airport for carrying a pot-concealing water bottle or is sent to prison for murdering puppies, it'll be a successful season.

And that's probably the best attitude to take. That way, if the team somehow manages to win five or six games, it'll be a pleasant surprise as the front office prepares to make another top-5 pick in a year's time.

I mention all this because even though it might seem prudent to draft Matt Ryan if he's available when the Falcons make the third-overall pick, there's a chance Atlanta won't pull the trigger. That's because they might try to trade out of the selection all together.

... [D]on't be shocked if Atlanta trades down from the No. 3 spot in the April 26-27 draft to accumulate more selections later in the process. The Falcons have to bolster the offensive and defensive lines, middle linebacker and depth at nearly every position except for tailback. In adding at least one more relatively high draft pick and either a player or additional draft pick by coming off the No. 3 selection, Atlanta could get more talent at solid value.

Duly noted, I will not be shocked. Thanks for the warning. Basically, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Steve Wyche could've written: "The Falcons need help, well, at every position. They can't go wrong by throwing a dart at the top 15 players and just taking one."

Last year the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback depth chart consisted of starter Michael Vick, backup Matt Schaub and No. 3 D.J. Shockley. With the news today that Shockley is out for the season with a knee injury suffered in the Falcons' second preseason game, the Falcons have now had complete turnover at quarterback.

Shockley went to Georgia and was a local fan favorite, and there was some talk that he might be able to push Joey Harrington out of the starting lineup. He was at least considered the favorite to win the No. 2 quarterback job this season, ahead of Chris Redman.

Now the Falcons are stuck with Harrington, Redman and Casey Bramlett at quarterback. Bobby Petrino had no idea what he was getting himself into when he accepted the Falcons' head coaching job seven months ago.

The New York Jets started their preseason with a bang. Led by back-up quarterback Kellen Clemens (16 of 22 for 174 yards and 3 touchdowns) and running back Leon Washington (127 total yards), they were able to ground the Atlanta Falcons in a 31-16 victory.

One of the more sparkling plays of the game came courtesy of cornerback Drew Coleman, who made an excellent read on a Chris Redman pass and was able to tip it away. Unfortunately, he missed an easy interception only a few plays later.

Jets back-up tight end Sean Ryan (4 receptions for 29 yards) also had a an excellent game, grabbing two touchdown -- one of which came on a brilliant diving catch in the back of the endzone.

Finally, cornerback Alphonso Hodge had a very impressive open field tackle on the Falcons' Laurent Robinson that saved a first down and ended Atlanta's drive. Little things like this go unnoticed in the box score, but you can bet Eric Mangini gives him a pat on the back tomorrow when they watch the film.

Tonight, the Atlanta Falcons open their preseason in a 7:00 pm (est.) showdown with the New York Jets at Giants Stadium.

Spotlight:

After an offseason marred by controversy courtesy of Michael Vick, much of tonight's focus will be on quarterback Joey Harrington. He will make his Falcons debut this evening and in the eyes of the fans, there is little room for error. However, Harrington is excited and truly believes he can succeed in Bobby Petrino's offensive system.

"It was a bit difficult to pick up initially," said Harrington, playing for his fifth head coach in seven years, Bobby Petrino. "But now, it's great. I love it. It's by far my favorite offense I've played for in the NFL."

It's going to be interesting to see how the normally inconsistent Harrington comes out and performs in an entirely new system. He certainly has the tools for success with Joe Horn, Roddy White, Michael Jenkins and Alge Crumpler as his targets.

With Michael Vick looking increasingly unlikely to be the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback this season, the assumption has been that backup Joey Harrington will, by default, get the job.

But don't forget about the No. 3 man on the Falcons' depth chart: D.J. Shockley. Although he spent all of last year on the Falcons' roster, Shockley has never been active for an NFL game. But fans in Atlanta know him well because he grew up in Georgia and was the Bulldogs' starting quarterback in 2005.

Shockley was mentioned on ESPN First Take this morning as a possible starter whom local fans would prefer over Harrington. New coach Bobby Petrino isn't going to let the fans decide on his starting quarterback for him, but anything that would make fans happy would be a positive in the Falcons' decidedly negative situation.