AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons 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.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Jim H.
April 14, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
I hope that he has abolutely NO similarities to that coward Petrino.
By ATLanta Born
April 14, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
I think until he gets comfortable he will probabky be a little more observative while expressing himself only when he see fit. Which is not a bad thing for the added mini camp.
By Jim
April 14, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
I’d bet no one flashes a “free Mike Vick” sign…………
By Matt
April 14, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Is Shockley back on the field from injury ?
By KJinCton
April 14, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Amen to that Jim, if anything this is a blessed day to know it’s a fresh start from last years debacle. I’ve been impressed with the moves so far and I truly hope we see a committment to building the lines. It’s won in the trenches guys and I get the feel Smith and TD realize that.
Looking forward to draft day…
By TheJama
April 14, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
A new beginning for Falcons fans and hopefully the history of this tortured (self inflicted) franchise. When will we actually have back to back winning seasons?
By Paradice
April 14, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
I hate bobby petrino, please dont remind me of him!
IMG]http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q308/ajvc82/t53600994_5503.jpg[/IMG]
By Maleek Hicks
April 14, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
The first day of mini-camp has to be very exciting. I only wish I could be out there, running routes, and playing football. Anyway, I hope that Brian Finnerman does not re-injure his knee and can play this year.I would also like to see DJ Shockley compete for the back up , or the #1 spot at QB. I thought I would feel bad to see D Hall go, but I would like to see what The Falcons do to replace him. In my opinon if we can find a player with a better attitude, that would be an upgrade by it self. One thing Im sure Falcon fans are getting excited about is the picking up of Micheal Turner. Im ready to see him, and Norewood light it up, and bring the running game back. This may be the time Atlanta welcomes The Thunder & Lightning. I would also like to see my boy Roddy White have a pro bowl season. Thats right I said Pro-Bowl season. I dont believe Coach Smith will bail out on us. This will be his team and with the new free agent players, returning rookies,the veterans, and the draft, this will be a great season . GOOD LUCK FALCONS 1RealFan
By Rod Peterson
April 14, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
And I want to give you credit, Steve, for allowing comments on your last blog for 12-plus hours, rather than cutting it off after about 2 as we have previously seen. Looking forward to every bit of news possible as the Falcons leave the putrid Petrino and vulgar Vick eras in the rearview mirror.
By Poor McKay
April 14, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Is Jimmy Williams still on the roster? Why?
By RaySkee
April 14, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Coach Smith should have any comparisions to Petrino. Jacksonville Jags had always impressed me will thier style and competiveness in the division they were in. I believe that Smith is bringing that attitude to the Falcons. We need a complete team on both sides of the ball. Everyone is blamming Vick for the past, but he was not the TOTAL PROBLEM! This is a team game and building it inside out is what I feel Coach Smith is doing. So let’s just forget about the past and look forward to the future.
By VICKFAN
April 14, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
VICK STILL HEART AND SOUL OF THIS TEAM!!! WE LOVE YOU MIKE!!! COME BACK IN 09 TO LEAD US TO SUPERBOWL!
By Bias sport media need help
April 14, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Is keith brooking still on the roster. Can’t wait till Vick come back and haters it won’t kill yea the earth is still round!! I hope the new coach does fine. we will see after the frist year. I see the haters are line up to make Jimmie william the next scape goat you knew it was comming!
By dirty
April 14, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
yes he is hes agreat player just havent been given da chance is brookings on da roster he should be
By Donald
April 14, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
I hope he doesnt act like Petrino. Many people talk about the veterans from last year but Petrino ruined their careers. Crumpler, Dunn, and even Grady Jackson were good players until Petrino came in and everyone blamed the players instead of that terrible high school coaching staff Petrino brought to Atlanta. Even with the Vick BS we still had a foundation of hard work for the city of atlanta and he destroyed that.
By Stuart D. Gilcreast
April 14, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
First.
And VickFan is an idiot.
By Cairo
April 14, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Now that Highway 56 is on the DL now the real LBs can make an impact. They will have more impact in shorts and helmets then this guy in full pads. Washed up 56.
By Najeh Davenpoop
April 14, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
I hope he’s nothing like Petrino or Mora.
By JB
April 14, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Lot’s of changes but the biggest change is the coach’s. Read the Bio’s of all these guys. Lot’s and lot’s of NFL experience on this staff. The circus has left the building. Give this group 2 -3 years, and we could have a NFL team.