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Monday, October 1, 2007
Rewards doled out; Hall did not request trade
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As a reward for getting the first win of the season, Falcons coach Bobby Petrino got the game ball and players got Monday off from all team-related activities, which usually consist of running, film study and meetings.
I’m not overstating this when I say that victory lifted a tremendous burden off nearly everyone with this franchise. I’m with these people at team headquarters nearly every day and I knew things were bad during the whole Michael Vick saga, DeAngelo Hall saga and all the other things that materialized. But I didn’t realize how bad things were until I saw how at ease everyone was after Sunday’s win over Houston.
Even team owner Arthur Blank looked refreshed as we spoke for a few minutes before he met with team officials Monday.
A few points of interest: I spoke with two team officials about an internet report that said cornerback DeAngelo Hall requested to be traded. Those team officials, who are the types who would be in the know, said that Hall did not ask or demand to be traded.
Despite everything that happened last week involving Hall, including his admission that he and some members of the coaching staff don’t have a great relationship, Hall is playing very well and team officials believe he gives them the best chance to win. As irreparable as things may seem on the surface between Hall and the Falcons, things appear to be reconciled for now.
On the injury front, Petrino said there were no new injuries. He did not have any updates on previously injured players — TE Dwayne Blakley, DTs Rod Coleman and Jonathan Babineaux. Of the three, Blakley could stand the best shot at returning for Sunday’s game at Tennessee.
High praise was doled out for the defense by Petrino, namely for linebacker Michael Boley and safety Lawyer Milloy. Boley had nine tackles, three on either third or fourth down, and ranks second in the NFL in tackles with 28.
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