FLOWERY BRANCH, Georgia (Ticker) - Coach Jim Mora will not have to worry about coaching in the final year of a contract.

Falcons give coach Mora three-year extension (SportsTicker)

John Abraham wanted a long-term deal and a chance to play closer to home. The Atlanta Falcons were desperately seeking another top-notch defensive end. Both sides got their wish. Abraham, a three-time Pro Bowls selection, officially joined the Falcons on Wednesday after the New York Jets agreed to a three-way trade that also included the Denver Broncos.

Abraham gets his wish, Falcons get their man (AP)

TEAM NEEDS 1. Cornerback: Jason Webster is locked in as the right-side starter opposite first-time Pro Bowler DeAngelo Hall entering the season. Webster, however, is a consummate team player and never grumbles about his role. Less reliance on Webster would make him more effective, particularly in a nickel role.

Atlanta Falcons Strategy and Personnel

Few things have contributed more to the ruin of society than excessive end-zone celebrations. That's why the NFL never sleeps. Not for long, anyway. "We've allowed those things to creep back," Rich McKay, general manager of the Atlanta Falcons and co-chairman of the competition committee, said at the start of the league meetings this week.

Why the NFL never sleeps -- not for long, anyway (AP)

--Giving up a fourth-round draft choice for Chris Crocker might seem a lot for a player who was coming off shoulder surgery and no longer fit into Cleveland's plans for the coming season. Atlanta scouts, however, were otherwise convinced. With 86 tackles, two forced fumbles, two sacks and two interceptions, the 26-year-old Crocker showed an ability to finish plays that often eluded Keion Carpenter on the deep end of the Falcons' secondary.

Atlanta Falcons Notes, Quotes

Jim Mora wants to spend the rest of his coaching career with the Atlanta Falcons. The team is committed to him for at least four more seasons.
Despite a second-half collapse that ruined a shot at the playoffs, the Falcons gave Mora a three-year contract extension Friday that runs through the 2009 season.
"My family and I love it here," Mora said in a telephone interview from his home. "Our business is a little bit nomadic at times. We'd like to stay here as long as we can.

Falcons sign Mora to three-year extension through 2009

Despite a second-half collapse that ruined a shot at the playoffs, the Atlanta Falcons gave coach Jim Mora a three-year contract extension Friday that runs through 2009.
Mora guided the Falcons to the NFC South championship and within one win of the Super Bowl in his first season. Atlanta was 6-2 at the midway point of his second year but won only two games the rest of the way, finishing 8-8 and missing the playoffs.
Even so, Falcons owner Arthur Blank decided to give the coach a new deal.

Falcons extend Mora's contract through '09

The Falcons expect a big return on the $13.3 million they guaranteed John Abraham in signing and roster bonuses. Anyone familiar with Abraham's six-year career with the New York Jets understands that the three-time Pro Bowl selection has durability issues. Despite missing 13 games over the last three years, Abraham should flourish in Atlanta's system. Line coach Bill Johnson uses a heavy rotation to keep his players fresh.

Atlanta Falcons Inside Slant