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Monday, July 17, 2006
Hard training camp ahead?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Coaches and players are getting in their last few days of rest before Falcons training camp starts July 27 at Flowery Branch.
They’d better.
I had a conversation with coach Jim Mora this morning and he made it clear that he is going to push players pretty hard this training camp. Mora is smart enough not to run guys ragged to the point where they’ll be spent come the regular season, but he’s going to hold the feet of a lot of guys to the fire in order to provide depth to the fire.
He said he was unable to really put the Falcons through the true rigors of camp last season because of the lengthy trip to Tokyo. He had to keep them fresh for the trans-Pacific journey, then be cautious with them upon their return, especially immediately after the trip, he said. With four preseason games, all in the U.S., things will be a little different this summer.
Atlanta is set with its starting 22, but they are uncertain at come key backup positions and those players are going to really be challenged, probably more mentally than physically.
There is some concern about depth along the entire offensive line and safety.
The Falcons don’t have much experience at backup guard or center and backup left tackle Frank Omiyale is still raw. There are no plans to play fifth-round draft pick Quinn Ojinnaka, Todd Weiner’s heir apparent at right tackle, unless injury dictates as much.
As for safety, there is still some uncertainty if Kevin Mathis is going to be able to bounce back from major knee surgery — his agent said he’s coming along fine. There are also some questions as to whether Omare Lowe can be effective at safety after moving from cornerback. The Falcons like Cam Newton at safety, but he’s never had to do much in game conditions. He will in preseason.
Rich McKay and Co., also will be scanning the waiver wires daily to see if any safety help becomes available.
The project kickers, Zac Derr and Tony Yelk, are going to be tested early to see if the investment in developing them is worth it or if the team should move on. If the Falcons opt to pick up a veteran kicker, Paul Edinger seems like the top option — not Todd Peterson. However Edinger isn’t going to bypass other opportunities once camps begin, waiting for the Falcons’ call.
