Dem Dirty Birds!!!!

Welcome Back!

     Its baaaaaack!!!  Yes folks the NFL season is finally upon us and the excitement level surrounding every team is at an always rampant level at the seasons start.  Even the Cleveland Browns are being discussed on a daily basis, thanks ESPN and Johnny Football.  This is the time of year where every city feels their team has a true chance to make a push towards the playoffs and I truly enjoy this time of year based on that simple idea.  This NFL off-season was not filled with high profile players switching teams (Peyton to Denver) but it was filled with costly suspensions, arrests, and fines for a record high amount of players.  Roger Goodell had plenty on his plate and still does as he is looking to implement a rigid system that makes players accountable for these increasingly stupid slip ups.

     Let us move on what those of you reading this actually care about..... Dem Dirty Birds!!!!  We are back for a 2014 season that is to be filled with redemption and trying to re-gain the respect that we had for the previous 5 years in the Mike Smith era.  It was an off-season where we actually received a high amount of publicity thanks to the ground breaking on our one of a kind stadium, participating with HBO's Hard Knocks, and an early splash in free agency.  Last years struggles were easy for any NFL fan to dissect.....injuries to key players in all positions and pitiful play along both lines.  Injuries are something that every NFL team is faced with so I will never be one to blame an entire season on.  With that I will say that it will be great to be getting Julio, Roddy, and Jackson back on the offensive end. 

     The shoddy play along both the offensive line and defensive line was clearly addressed in both free agency and the NFL Draft.  As soon as free agency began Dimitroff began improving those aspects by signing Jon Asamoah (Guard), Tyson Jackson (Defensive End), and Paul Soliai (Defensive Tackle).  These immediate signings give us size, strength, and most importantly talent.  The improvement continued with the NFL Draft as the Atlanta Falcons used their first 2 picks to
snatch up obvious talent with Jake Matthews and Ra'Shede Hageman.  Both should make immediate impact as Matthews has had to slide over to Matty Ice's blindside with the injury to Sam Baker and Hageman getting play time with his improved play throughout the pre-season.  These additions do not count for anything unless their are coaches to mold these players into what the Atlanta Falcons are looking to create.  Hince the signings of O-line coach Mike Tice and D-line coach Bryan Cox (Favorite on Hard Knocks).  

Rivalry Continues

     The rivalry continues as the 'Aints come into the Dome and look to start their season off with a bang.  The Falcons are looking for a huge win to start their season of redemption and of course I believe they will because they have the opportunity to bang ATL rap throughout the speakers!!!  Anybody else catch that VH1 documentary on us ATLiens and the influx of rap, yes we are #BoutThatLife.  

     Our rivalry with the 'Aints began as both franchises were stuck in mediocrity, but has since been transformed to one of the most intriguing match-ups of talent in the last 5 years.  Both Drew Brees and Matt Ryan are the keys to each offense and both are fully capable of putting up a big day.  The achilles heel is always defense in these games.  The 'Aints had a much improved defense under the always fat and disgusting Rob Ryan, while the Falcons are constantly searching for the right combination of talent.  The Falcons certainly did not benefit from the injury to Sean WeatherSPOON and while it will be strange to not see the SPOON celebration these younger players are more than ready to step up.  The Falcons defense was able to give ample snaps to the younger guys last year as they were struggling through the season so look for one of the weaknesses (secondary) to be a marked improvement this year.  Trufant, Alford, WillyMo, and newcomer Dwight Lowery will form a formidable secondary that will look to establish their reputation against the always talented 'Aints offense.  The most excited aspect of the defense is our new and improved defensive line.  Trying to put the clamps on Brees always starts and stops with getting early pressure on him.  His ability to step up in the pocket and utilize his infamous pump fakes have been the keys to his success since his signing with the 'Aints.  In order to clamp down on the 'Aints offense the Falcons D-line must get continuous pressure on him.

Key Matchup:  Atlanta offense vs. 'Aints improved D.  The Falcons will have the healthy returns of Roddy, Julio, Jackson and an improved offensive line.....need I really say more?!?!?!  This Tha City, This Tha City!!!!!  While Roddy and Julio get the majority of the publicity, the true Falcoholics know that Harry Douglas and Devin Hester will be critical to the overall success of this offense.  No longer is Tony G here to dominate the middle of the field and bail out Ryan.  Our top 4 receivers are in my opinion the most talented group in the league, by far.  Everybody just has to gel and learn how to play within the system that has proven to be successful.

Food: 
Now to the part that everyone comes for.......the Figgy Fat Boy food section!!!!  I have to start with a huge shoutout to my boy Wally (@Wally___world on IG, throw that boy some Follows, he thinks he's "IG Famous") who was able to take care of everything while I was stuck dealing with people who sell "body wraps" at the hotel????  Really, thats a profession....its NFL season sir I have some serious obligations that need tending to.  Wally was hooked on the blog when I posted my ribs recipe so he decided he was going to tackle them on the green egg along with some classic jalapeno poppers.  Here the items needed for the ribs.

-2 racks of baby back ribs

-2 cups brown sugar

-1/2 cup dry mustard

-1 tbsp.  cayenne pepper

-1 tbsp. smoked paprika

-1 tbsp. garlic powder

-1 tbsp. onion powder

-1 tbsp. salt (I prefer kosher salt)

-2 teaspoons black pepper (I use mixed pepper)

First step is to remove the membrane on the under side of the rib.  Slice down the middle and tear back to remove all of the membrane.  Much harder than it sounds.  Before I mix the rub together in a bowl, I like to coat both sides of the rib in spicy mustard.  This coating will make it easier for the rub to stick and also give the rib a good crust.  When applying the rub make sure to fully rub it in and make sure all parts of the rib are covered.  Once done applying the rub, cover with aluminum foil and place in the fridge for overnight.  In the morning take out the trey of ribs and let sit in room temperature for about an hour.  Place the ribs down meat side first for about an hour.  Turn and check the ribs every half hour after that, making sure to apply your bbq sauce every time.  I've never done ribs on the egg before so we'll see how they turn out.

If you don't have that Dirty Bird Fever running rampant through your blood then please get to steppin!  This game will be a great statement game to showcase to the league that we are #BoutThatLife.  I apologize for the length of the 1st post, but the 1st of the season is always the longest as I have so much built up adrenaline for the Falcons.  I hope you enjoy the food, game, and atmosphere!  Rise Up!!!

-Bon Appetit, Long may you eat