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June 2007
A little linebacker chatter
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Guys, I have to admit, I love your passion and quest for constant updates and news and I’m sorry if that last blog didn’t deliver. Frankly, there isn’t much going on.
However … I’m going to give it another shot.
The Falcons should be close to signing at least two, if not three of their drafts picks this week. From what I’ve heard, they likely will be mid to later-round selections, which typically is the trend at this point of the offseason. Higher picks tend to get signed closer to training camp.
As for the players and coaches, most of them are taking a week or two off to recharge. Bobby Petrino is headed home to Montana for the first time in six years for a great reason — his parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
One personnel development not to overlook: The recent signing of former Arizona linebacker Orlando Huff.
Though Huff was brought in to add depth at weakside linebacker, he also was signed to a one-year deal for experience. Though weakside starter Demorrio Williams is recovering ahead of schedule, there is no guarantee he is going to stay healthy. One hard shot or awkward fall and that surgically repaired, torn pectoral could be re-aggravated and Williams could be on the shelf again.
Though the Falcons really like rookie Stephen Nicholas at weakside linebacker, having a veteran like Huff, who’s started in this league, provides some assurance that the Falcons can field a player who might not freeze when the lights come on.
Another little nugget; there’s a buzz that the Falcons’ coaches really like undrafted middle linebacker Tony Taylor out of Georgia. His headiness and knowledge of the game has set him apart from other upstarts and if he can meet the physical demands of the NFL, he could be on the roster.
Buying into the new regime
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons coach Bobby Petrino said in an interview last week that, for the most part, players have bought into the new coaching staff and what it’s trying to teach.
However, he’s noticed that, “you still have some guys sitting on the fence, deciding whether they’re going to jump in or jump out or kind of wait and see if the water’s too hot or too cold. You still have some of those guys but the majority of it is very positive.”
When a coaching change is made, it’s probably tough for every player to feel comfortable because scheme changes might not fit everyone’s strengths and new coaches also want to supplant current players with new ones.
A huge part of the Falcons’ success this season, or lack thereof, is how much players take to Petrino’s system — and who those players are. Key players, such as Michael Vick and Joe Horn, have publicly stated their willingness to follow Petrino’s lead. That’s a huge endorsement since they play such vital roles. If it’s the leaders of the team that are on board, then Petrino and his staff should feel pretty comfortable about their transition.
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