The Atlanta Falcons can toot their new Horn

The Atlanta Falcons have signed Joe Horn to help stabilize their receiving corp.  Now please understand, I have watched Joe Horn his entire career.  He made a splash as a young receiver with the Kansas City Chiefs and his speed was blistering.  As he began to mature as a receiver he peaked at just the right time, his best season as a Chief came right before he became an unrestricted free agent and was signed to a healthy contract by the New Orleans Saints.  As he began to age Horn proved he could still be successful.  His route running became more sharp in order to compensate for the taming of speed that comes with each year.  He learned how to take the big hit when making catches over the middle.  In fact he became one of the best go to receivers in the league, being thrown to on 3rd and 4th down more than anyone else in the NFC.  Then the Saints release him.  Heartbreak City.  I know his skills aren’t what they used to be, but they are more than average.  More importantly, is how Horn stood by the city of New Orleans through everything that has happened in the recent past.  When there was talk of ownership moving out of New Orleans, Horn made a public plea to stay and be a source of income and revitalization for the community.  He became the public face of the Saints.  When Drew Brees and Reggie Bush came to the Big Easy this past year, it was Joe Horn that did a great service by involving them in the community and giving them the reputation there that they now have.  Atlanta picked up a more than average receiver, the Saints lost a more important part of their team than I think they realize.