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Monday, April 14, 2008
Noticeable change in minicamp
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons first mini-camp workout went as expected: like the first round of a boxing match with both sides feeling each other out.
Coaches took note not only of how players produced but how well they followed directions. Players, although they’d been verbally prepared on how practice would operate, worked through some kinks as to where to go for certain drills, how to line up, things like that.
New head coach Mike Smith was very hands-on, going from position to position, giving pointers when he felt they were needed. He’s pledged to be communicative with his players and that he was.
Though he had knee surgery and there were concerns about his availability for this mini camp, linebacker Keith Brooking did take part in most drills. Several other players, including quarterback D.J. Shockley, did not participate because they are recovering.
The most noticeable change in the lineup was the move - potentially temporary - of starting left guard Justin Blalock to right tackle. Blalock was moved, in large part, because of the uncertainty of starter Todd Weiner’s return from knee surgery. Blalock played some tackle in college, so the move wasn’t totally foreign.
Smith said Blalock could return to left guard at some point and that the Falcons are simply cross-training Blalock in case they need him at either position.
Chris Redman opened as the starting quarterback, with Joey Harrington working behind him. Laurent Robinson also worked with the first unit at wide receiver with Roddy White. Smith said a lot of players are going to be shuffled in and out with different groups so a depth chart today will be very different tomorrow.
Free-agent acquisition Von Hutchins opened at left cornerback in place of DeAngelo Hall, who was traded to Oakland for a second-round pick in 2008 and a fifth-rounder in 2009. Erik Coleman, also a free-agent signee, worked as the starting free safety.
It was kind of strange not seeing maintstays Warrick Dunn and Alge Crumpler on the field. It’s clearly a different team, a young team, that will only get younger after the April 26-27 draft, at which Atlanta holds 11 picks.
Falcons pre-mini camp update
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m getting ready to head onto the field for the Falcons’ first mini-camp under coach Mike Smith. Things will get started around 10:15 a.m. and will end around noon. We in the media will do player interviews right after drills and we’ll speak to Smith around 12:30. I’ll try to give an updated blog within a few minutes of Smith speaking.
Some things I’ll be looking for:
• How Smith runs practice: Is he a rah-rah guy? Will he leave the coaching to his assistants and simply observe? Jim Mora was very involved, typically by motivating players and keeping coaches on their toes. Bobby Petrino stood back, spoke to coaches and players near the huddle and did most of his talking in meetings. How similar or different will Smith be?
• Injured players: LB Keith Brooking, WR Brian Finneran, QB D.J. Shockley, NT Trey Lewis, OT Todd Weiner have had surgery and are not expected to be cleared to participate in this first mini-camp. Maybe there will be a surprise and one or some of them will be at work.
• Depth-chart status: Who will go first or second at QB, CB (D-Hall’s spot), LT, RT, NT and at both safety spots.
I’ll check in later to update these issues and more. For Wyche’s updated blog, and to continue today’s conversation, click here.
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