AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRyan debuts, Brooking among many changes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Flowery Branch - The Falcons just finished the first of five mini-camp practices and there were a ton of interesting developments.
First off, there were hundreds - if not thousands - of fans on hands for the two-hour sessions and they were into it.
The part of practice that drew the biggest uproar were the one-one-on passing drills, which were very heated. Backup left cornerback Brent Grimes continues to show arguably the best man coverage ball skills and it appears the coaches are devising ways to get him on the field.
As for people being on the field, everyone was accounted for, including safety Jimmy Williams, who missed two of the three voluntary workouts at an April mini camp. Williams, once again worked as the third team free safety behind Erik Coleman and Antoine Harris, respectively.
I’ve made you wait long enough. Quarterback Matt Ryan made his debut and he made it as the third-team quarterback. This veteran coaching staff is going to make him earn his stripes. So, for now, he worked behind Chris Redman and Joey Harrington and rotated with D.J. Shockley. Shockley, who spent all last season on injured reserve after tearing the ACL in his left knee, participated in all drills and looked active and fairly sharp.
He did not wear any type of support brace on his knee unlike Ryan, who wore a brace on his left knee. Ryan said he wears the brace as a precaution. At Boston College, the coaches required the quarterbacks to wear a brace on their plant leg so Ryan said wearing the brace was out of habit.
Other players who were back from injury: WR Brian Finneran, OLB Michael Boley and TB Michael Turner. OT Todd Weiner and NT Trey Lewis, both recovering from knee operations, have not been medically cleared.
Coach Mike Smith said there were more positions open than at any point of his nine years in the NFL and some of the competition was already being staged. Rookie LT Sam Baker worked with the second unit behind Quinn Ojinnaka. Justin Blalock returned from right tackle to his natural spot at LG. Tyson Clabo worked as the starting right tackle, the position he held down for most of last season after Weiner got injured.
On defense, rookie Curtis Lofton and second-year Georgia product Tony Taylor rotated at middle linebacker. Keith Brooking returned to his natural spot at weakside linebacker. Coach Mike Smith said that a lot of the positions changes are experimental, although Brooking feels far more comfortable at weakside linebacker than inside.
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Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Scooter
May 10, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Good stuff Wyche, keep it coming!
By Mudcat
May 10, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
This season is going to very exciting and frustrating. We’ll only win 4-5 games during this rebuilding phase, but I see the positive beginnings for this team. If we can manage getting into the playoffs in 3 years, it will be a tremendous turn-around for this franchise.
By TheJama
May 10, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the report Wyche. From the sounds of it, Coach Smitty and Co. are gonna make every attempt to create competition. I really liked reading that Lofton and Taylor were in the middle and Brooking outside. Let the rookies get thier feet wet and slowly work them into the starting position they were drafted to fill…provided they are the best at that position. Not to terribly interested on the QB situation until we see Ryan in action with live rounds.
By JasonRbach
May 10, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Good stuff Whyche, but for a fan who couldn’t make it this morning, give me some stuff on how Redman and Ryan looked in their passing drills. Who started at Mike? Lofton or Taylor? Who were the starting DTs?
Look forward to the evening session update.
By Panarican
May 10, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
First! Go Falcons!
By Gold standard
May 10, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
will they buy Ticket to see the Falcon play? Matt has not played a down yet. only time will tell if he is a QB. The Gm lost my ticket when he drafted Matt Ryan why? we have had a loseing season for over 4 year at 1800 buck a year no way I could pay that kind of money on a hope he can play and PR games . Dorsey is what this team need now not a face. Blank your Gm is not a Gm he is a pr man. We need a winner all the hype over this guy I think he is pure hype and he had a home boy to draft him the Hype was to get him paid now lets see if he can play under pressure. Could be wrong But I don’t think so. Blank wanted a golden boy . Let see if they will come. Blank forgot who he sell ticket to. Maybe he don’t want ticket sell . but he got his Boy. Good luck!! Know your market and you don’t!
By Ryno
May 10, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
SUPERBOWL!
By Jed
May 10, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
I’ve ben a falcon fan since 66.But i can’t stand another losing year.As mush as i hate to i can’t say it i may have to go with the ah hated ———saints.
By Jed
May 10, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
I’ve ben a falcon fan since 66.But i can’t stand another losing year.As mush as i hate to i can’t say it i may have to go with the ah hated ———saints.
By TI
May 10, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Go Falcons! It’s the end of the Vick Era!
By Rick
May 10, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Thank you Jesus, I can’t wait for the fall. win, lose or draw I love watching the Falcons.
By 75transam
May 10, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Wish i could be there to show my support but gotta work.
GO FALCONS and have a good camp!!
By will jones
May 10, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
man I hope they dont cut shockely . He is a good homer. BY end of season he will have some playing time. With the bad OL we have. Like to see tony get some playing time at middle. sound like a georgia boy dont I .you got that right. Go falcons ! go dawgs ! & go Forest Park panthers ! ! !
By TheJama
May 10, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the report Wyche. From the sounds of it, Coach Smitty and Co. are gonna make every attempt to create competition. I really liked reading that Lofton and Taylor were in the middle and Brooking outside. Let the rookies get thier feet wet and slowly work them into the starting position they were drafted to fill…provided they are the best at that position. Not to terribly interested on the QB situation until we see Ryan in action with live rounds.
By Bob Sacamano
May 10, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Why do you people still call Brooking’s “natural” spot weakside linebacker?
I’m sorry, but I for one don’t forget the Keith Brooking who gets embarrassed by athletic backs in the flats. I don’t forget the Keith Brooking who has issues with wrapping up those athletic backs in the flat.
Are we talking about different guys, here? At least in the middle, the play could stay in front of Brooking (and he still had issues with them). Now, he’s supposed to be covering backs out of the backfield? Are you kidding me? In the same division with Reggie Bush, who’s bread-and-butter (and about the only thing he does halfway decent) is to catch the ball in the flats and embarrass weakside linebackers like Keith Brooking (SLOW)?
I know this is a multi-year plan to make the Falcons winners again, but seriously, Keith Brooking on the weakside is a HORRIBLE idea.
By Professor QB
May 10, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Matt Ryan may not be the best or most athletic QB, but unlike Mike Vick, he can at least read and speak English and does not seem to want to rape or torture dogs.
By Juno1977
May 10, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Why is Brookings even on the field? He can’t play middle and he’s not fast enough to play the outside, he can’t cover an above average TE. Why is Harrington there He proved he could not get the job done last year. This is going to be a sad year. Good thing the defense will be better; they will at least keep the games respectable.
By Juno1977
May 10, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Why is Brookings even on the field? He can’t play middle and he’s not fast enough to play the outside, he can’t cover an above average TE. Why is Harrington there He proved he could not get the job done last year. This is going to be a sad year. Good thing the defense will be better; they will at least keep the games respectable.
By Juno1977
May 10, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Why is Brookings even on the field? He can’t play middle and he’s not fast enough to play the outside, he can’t cover an above average TE. Why is Harrington there He proved he could not get the job done last year. This is going to be a sad year. Good thing the defense will be better; they will at least keep the games respectable.
By DeezNutz
May 10, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Glad to see some new Falcons news… and no arrests!!!
By D3
May 10, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
This is the most excited I’ve been in a while as a Falcons fan. I know its gonna take a couple of years and I’m still dumbfounded why they didn’t take any d-line and more than one o-line, but it finally feels like the structure is in place to win.
I like that the coaching staff is making everyone earn their spot, including Ryan. I also would love it if Lofton or Taylor could hold down the inside, allowing Brooking to move back to his natural weakside position. There’s a lot to be excited about as a Falcons fan understanding this is at minimum a two year, more like three year rebuilding process.
By Blaze
May 10, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
GO FALCONS!!!!
By Ryder
May 10, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
“Thousands of fans in attendance” This tells me that people are going to support this new movement of the Falcons, and that has to mean a lot to the front office.
Great to see there’s no preferential treatment, which was a major problem for the past four years. They are excited to see what Matt Ryan can do.
Great to see Finneran back, hopefully he will be healthy again.
It will be a tough year, but at least we know they have a real direction in place for future glory.
GO FALCONS!
By Jim P.
May 10, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Steve Wyche,
Listened to you this early afternoon on Sirus NFL Radio. Thanks for the break down.
Like most people I have a wait and see approach to this season. I am excided about the beefing up of the O and D lines. I wish the coaching staff, the Vets and Rookies good luck. Players, lets learn the new scheam of things, and lets have some fun this year. Best of luck to all,
Jim
By Billy
May 10, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Good update, Wyche! Keep ‘em coming!
By Steve Wyche
May 10, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Trying to get back to some questions: First team DTS were Jonathan Babineaux and Montavious Stanley.
Redman and Harrington looked pretty sure of themselves. Redman took more chances throwing the ball downfield and he clearly has a good chemistry with the receivers.
Rookie WR Harry Douglas worked a lot in the slot with Roddy White and Laurent Robinson as the wideouts. White and Robinson look really good. Robinson can close a CBs cushion remarkably fast, allowing him some space to make catches.
It’s hard to give much of a report on how some of the interior guys look because there isn’t any hitting taking place. However, a huge change is how the interior guys are getting coached.
OL coach Paul Boudreau is an old-school grinder who is preaching violence and nastiness. DL coach Ray Hamilton is pushing this guys hard. You can sense that the mission of this new coaching staff is to establish a foul temperament among the guys in the trenches.
By Dante
May 10, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Juno,
Harrington was not that bad last season. Ryan will come to understand nobody…Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, NOBODY…can be an effective QB playing behind our horrible OL.
Also, Brooking is back to where he belongs…OLB, and will be gone in 2009…..with Loftin becoming our MLB hopefully for the next 10 years. That can be the only reason this team drafted more LBers rather than address what they should have addressed…Glenn Dorsey at DT (or at least get Pat Simms in the 3rd round for DT) and drafting a center (Steve Justice from Wake in the 6th round) and another OT (Carl Nicks from Nebraska )in the 6th round…
Overall, another mediocre draft from the falcons….
By LEEEEEON
May 10, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
The Falcons will suck? I have been a Falcon Fan for 25yrs. I thought the draft was horrible and I hope all of you falcons fans that wanted Vick gone get exactly what you ask for.
By RA
May 10, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
What people forget is that at the point where Shockley got hurt last preseason, he was outperforming Harrington and Redman. Look for him to at least beat out Joey Harrington for third string, AT LEAST!
By Imthere
May 10, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
I took my 3 sons to mini cap this morning, and the feeling around the facility was 180 degrees opposite from last year. The mentality shift can translate into some wins. It was a very positive morning. I’m ready for the fall. Go Birds!
By JD
May 10, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Ryan will be successful here if Turner, Norwood, and Brown can generate a consistent ground game to take some of the pressure off him. Since they passed on Dorsey, it is CRITICAL that they get a REALLY REALLY GOOD defensive lineman to shore up that D-line and create an effective pass rush. I just hope Dmitroff’s years in New England will translate into good decision making here in Atlanta.
By GTIronman
May 10, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
As of yesterday, President Bush is considering pardoning Michael Vick. Please send him your emails to encourage him to pardon MV&.
By Jim P.
May 10, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Steve Wyche,
Listened to you this early afternoon on Sirus NFL Radio. Thanks for the break down.
Like most people I have a wait and see approach to this season. I am excided about the beefing up of the O and D lines. I wish the coaching staff, the Vets and Rookies good luck. Players, lets learn the new scheam of things, and lets have some fun this year. Best of luck to all,
Jim
By virginia falcon
May 10, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Keep the expectations low….maybe 2-3 wins and then we can draft Tim Tebow with the #1 pick……ohh wait we already the bone-head pick of Ryan.
By Tron
May 10, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Hey Gold standard, just stay at home then. Let the real Falcons fans go to the Dome and cheer for our team. The real fans cheer for the team, not for one player. If you like Dorsey so much, go buy your Kansas City jersey and start hanging out at Chiefs bars. Just stay away from our Dome with that jersey on.
Also, were you trying to pass off your gibberish as English? You can’t slide gibberish past me. I know it when I see it. Put down the pipe and pick up a book.
By zoxh01
May 10, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
You jerk. This franchise will never win with losers like you in the crowd.
By Najeh Davenpoop
May 10, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Jed, come on man. Don’t switch teams within the division. The Jaguars are closer to here than the Saints anyway, and they are better and more exciting too.
Y’all Falcons fans better hope they bring Ryan along slowly behind that line. It’s good they are starting him with the 3rd team.
By catd
May 10, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
I know many people would like to forget the Vick era but a qb isn’t what is needed an oline and dline. I can see Ryan getting killed if that line is not better and teams running the ball up the gut. I hope it not true but football starts on the line and the falcons have neither.
By some sense
May 10, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
One of these days most of the backbiters, criticizers, and all around personal losers are gonna realize that this franchise was on the way to consistent competitiveness until VATECH trash Michael Vick brought it down.
That’s in the past now.
You watch…the Falcons under Blank, McKay, Dimitroff, and Smith will join Pats, Colts as every year competitors.
Naysayers are as trashy as Vick.
Sooner than later…just watch.
By Paul from Milton
May 10, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
I like how this team is being assembled and coached. No more smoke and mirrors and flash. This will be a blue collar, smack you in the mouth team. That formula works for the Pats, Steelers and Jags and it will work here in Atlanta.
Michael Vick, Jim Mora, DeAngelo Hall and Bobby Petrino…good riddance. Go ruin some other football teams.
By demoney2291
May 10, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
i have never been a falcons fan while i watch this thing unfold i do realize that the falcoms were ready to end the Vick era and i cant say that i blame them but i will say this i am not ure of the move on Dimitroff yeah true he did come from the Patriots howeever does anyone not think it starnge that he didnt bring a single person from the Patriots with him . The Ryan move was a reach if it were me i would have put Shockley as my new face of the Falcons ( i know he is unproven , But so is Ryan) fact of the matter is over the past few years the better QBs in the league have not come in the first round and how do you pass on Glenn Dorsey ,What happens if DJ outplays Ryan which is possible because i think he has shown signs that he has what it takes to play in the NFL in pre- season . Harrington and Redmon i will take a healthy DJ over either of those guys any day . Lets say DJ outplays Ryan then that great pick becomes a wasted pic .
By Field General 425
May 10, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Thousands? Wyche must be using that neo-con math.
By Rod
May 10, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
DJ looked pretty good. I noticed when there is tight body to body coverage on the recievers DJ stuck the ball right the chest before the defender could touch it. The other QBs don’t seem to have the zip on the ball to that.
By Rod
May 10, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Why was DJ left out of the 11 on 11 and 7 on 7 drills? He threw the bball in all the other drills so what the heck is the difference. It made me sick. It seems DJ is always having to fight an uphill battle to get the kind of snaps the other QBs get. How can anyone get in a rythem like that? It’s like they want him to fail.
By michaelgee
May 10, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
As I saw yesterday on the Falcon’s Message Board, credit someone there for the phrase,
Mr Ryan, “Welcome to Mattlanta!”
Go Falcons!
By ignition
May 10, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
I wish Author Blank would sell the team to someone that knows football. I’m so disgusted and deflated about this team after the draft.. I wonder how many of those “hundreds of fans” were people that lived around Flowery Branch and the media cause I don’t see any exitement about this team this coming season.. This team is gonna be terrible, I don’t care how much they advertise on radio and T.V. no one should buy the garbage the Falcons are trying to sell… Boo Birds
By JHarv
May 10, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
I must say after seeing the falcons first hand today, I actually feel pretty decent about our team’s chance of actually doing pretty well. Matt Ryan looked very good and percise throwing the ball in the second practice, he threw the best deep balls of the day.
By Shane
May 10, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
This may be the worst “blog” I’ve ever seen. Bottom line: You didn’t tell us ANYTHING. If it’s so “interesting” then why not provide some evaluation. You didn’t mention anything that isn’t readily available in a regular wire story. How about telling us who looked good, who looked bad, who looked fat and out of shape, and who looked sharp? Jeez…. for a beat blog, this is one rung below some Middle School Kid with a funny “Press” hat, scribbling some crap down on some notebook paper…..meat on the bones, man, MEAT ON THE BONES.
By THE TRUTH HURTS
May 10, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
WELL WELL WELL!!!! THE FALCONS NUMBER ONE DRAFT PICK IS WEARING A KNEE BRACE. THAT’S GOOD. HE IS ALREADY PREPARED TO BE ON INJURY RESERVE. IF THE LEAGUE FASTEST QB WAS SACK A LOT OF INJURIES. I FEEL SORRY FOR A GUY WITH A BUM KNEE. GREAT JOB FALCONS. LIKEN MATT RYAN WOULD ACTUALLY TELL US IF SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH HIS KNEE. NO HONESTY( HONOR) AMONGST THIEVES. THEN YOUR O-LINEMAN ARE HURT GREAT(DUMB) JOB WITH THE DRAFT. I THINK YOU MIGHT HAVE A PART IN THE SPY GATE TOM. THAT’S WHY THE PATRIOTS LET YOU GO SO EASY. PEOPLE THINK ABOUT THIS. IF YOU HAD A GUY THAT WAS GREAT AT DRAFTING AND FREE AGENCY WOULD YOU LET THEM GO SO EASY???? TEXT TO BE LINKED
By Orlando
May 10, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Great analysis zox because it’s bandwagon riding carpet l!ckers like you, dante, and leeeeeon (whatever) that made the falcons what they are.
I wish people like you would show up at the Dome so I could p!mp slap some sense into you people.
By Black & Gold
May 10, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
I hail from Pittsburgh and bleed BLACK & GOLD. However, I want to be an Atlanta fan but they just make it so tough!!!! They never seem to make the right “football” move; it’s uncanny! Let’s dream a bit. What if they’d kept Patrick Kerney, and drafted Glenn Dorsey and retained Coleman with John Abraham; WOW. So the question becomes, why and how do you trade one of the premier DE’s (Kerney) in the league especially when you don’t have a high quality replacement nor a solid defense in general? Especially when the record is checked, the vast majority of Falcon wins in the Vick era where defensive wins: The win over Arizona 6-0 being the quintessential example. The bottom line, DEFENSE wins football games and championships. Just check with the Giants and marvel at the wonderful job their defensive line did in the Super Bowl; All EIGHT of them. Now compare the Falcons, how many solid defensive linemen do they have? How many quality linebackers? Is Keith Brooking a REAL NFL linebacker? He wouldn’t play in Pittsburgh! Anyway, I find it ironic that my Steelers make a living getting players from UGA, right here in Atlanta’s back yard. I’m a tech fan, but love a Bull dog in a Steelers’ uniform. Maybe the Falcons can check there also. Good Luck Falcons.
By Ross
May 10, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Look at that picture - a 6’5” guy with total arm extension and shoulder rotation - that ball is 8 feet in the air. No more having passes swatted down at the line by mediocre linemen. I am a happy fan!
-drl
By War Eagle
May 10, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Ryan could be a Manning or a Leaf…Its the roll of the dice with Franchise being the Pit Boss.
By BG
May 10, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
I attended the afternoon session and I thought Ryan looked really good. His timing was excellent, and most of his passes were right on the money. He threw a couple of balls a bit behind guys, but literally, only a couple. I also though Harry Douglas looked great. He move very well and seems to have excellent hands and speed. I don’t think I saw him drop a single ball, whether it was in passing drills or returning punts.
On the other hand, Sam Baker worries me a little. It looked to me like he got beat a few times when he was up against guys with quick feet. It is still early, and he has to adjust to the speed of NFL DE’s, but it is an early concern.
Norwood, Turner, and Thomas, all looked very fast and shifty. Nice group of backs.
By kreese31
May 10, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
This is a serious thought, thats why I continue to pose it. Matt Ryan threw 19 int’s against teams like these: GT, Wake Forest, Duke, Maryland, weakend FL state and Miami teams, NC State, & North Carolina. If you want to say that he was the only playmaker on the BC team, well wont he be only one of few for the birds? if you want to say he had no receivers at BC, well when was the last time NFL teams were scared of the falcons rec. corps(no disrespect)? Make as many excuses for Matt Ryan as you want, STATS don’t lie!!!!!! the Falcons wasted a pick on a guy that is no more athletic, intelligent, nor comanding than any of the QB’s already here. Horrible pick for a rebuilding franchise!
By Brookwood1
May 10, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Was at the practice this morning with my 12 year old son. While watching the punting drills, Jerious Norwood along with 2 other players rotated receiving the punts. Had to explain to my son that Jerious Norwood sometimes exhibits a tendency to fumble as demonstrated in the drills where he was the only to show that tendency. During the passing drills, the rookie from Louisville made a good catch in the end zone from a pass thrown by Matt Ryan which had the fans excited. The only ones to drop passes consistently were guys who probably won’t make the team.
Anybody know who Landry is who participated in the receiver drills? His body just seem to wide and a step slow for receiver. For fans, it was a relaxing morning on the hill viewing the Falcon’s mini-camp. Thanks to the Falcon organization for this opportunity.
By Expert
May 10, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
I think Matt Ryan is going to be a good fit in this environment. I really look forward to his career as an Atlanta Falcon.
By Noland Sturtz
May 10, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
People, could we end the Mike Vick commentary please….I mean, enough already! Hes not on the Team, why keep talking negative about that situation. Its the past, turn the page already, talk about football please!!!
By Ace
May 10, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Connie,
Thanks for ruining the blog with your stupid racist comments. As a white person myself, I am embarrassed by the comments left on this blog by ignorant racists. This blog was going well until you posted your dumb input. You are obviously not a real sports fan. Let’s hope the Falcons pick the best players per position, and not choose them based on the color of their skin.
By Seeer
May 11, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
I went to the afternoon sesson and had a great time sitting on the bank watching the players play and the coaches coach. Nice family atmosphere with lots of autographs and pix! Will say Ryan does look impressive standing tall in the pocket and delivering the ball with some touch. White and Douglas both made a couple of nice catches and Norwood was flying all over the field. Just want to say if you see any color other than Red & Black please say at home and off this blog as you are only a detriment to this team and our city!! If the GA Dome is only half full this fall with true Falcon fans so be it!!!
By Nookah
May 11, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
It’s good to see the Faclons are back on the field again. It’s football time again!!!
I am very optimistic about the Falcons. I honestly think we’ll be better this year than most people think.
I also think Redman is not given enough credit. If the O’line gives him some time to throw the football he will pick teams apart, you mark my word.
I have faith in this management. I also will give them the benefit of the doubt in not drafting major defensive help. I hope they are right on this. Perhaps with a new coaching staff and new scheme, the top brass is satisfied with what they saw on film.
Go Falcons!!!!
Nuff Respect!!!
By Ryan
May 11, 2008 7:06 AM | Link to this
Save for one year, Dan MArino threw more interceptions than touchdowns. Including, in jis junior year, 23. And had a worse passing completion percentage than Ryan.
As for the anti - Brooking(No s note) people - notice your pitiful copmments weren’t considered even worth bothering with.
And SHockley, who is not going to win a starting position, is still coming off an injury which is the same reason Finneran isn’t participating in those same drills.
By Lynne
May 11, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
See the AJC is trying hard to cater to the “new fanbase”….its a shame that new fanbase only fills up about 35,000 seats….the rest of you better get those radios ready! LOL
By Myrtle Beach
May 11, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
Sorry, but if Grimes is the best cover corner we got then we will not have to worry about defending the running game because they’ll just throw over it. Sure would be nice to see L. Sheppard with a Falcons jersey on, maybe a couple of 2nd picks in 2009, 2010 would pry him loose from Philly.
By David
May 11, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
How did Thomas Brown look?
By Matt Foley, motivational speaker
May 11, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
When will David Irons get his chance? That guy can cover! He shredded up the LSU receivers during his senior year at AU. The LSU receivers are like most NFL players.
DJ….hope you got your UGA degree….I think the Fat Lady is starting to warm up in the Loft.
By rmh
May 11, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Black & Gold:
Eloquent. Truer words have never been spoken. I don’t know if keeping Kearney was possible with the cap and his age. Abraham and Anderson were the answer. I am not giving up on Jamal yet. I like our DT’s, but I would have gone Dorsey in this draft as well. Ryan may be good, but there are so many holes the Birds will draft high again next year, where they could have landed a popular choice like Stafford.
If KC gets Dorsey this year and Stafford next year, the Falcons are going to look like numbskulls again.
By jim I
May 11, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Tron had it right Gold Standard. Buy yourself a jersey for K.C. and root those Chiefs on next year - We don’t need you as a Falcon fan. And take Truth Hurts with you. Hey Truth, you really need to work on that paranoia thing you got going on. Your rant about the knee brace and other connections to SpyGate is classic paranoid stuff. Get help and leave the Falcons out of your fantasy life. GO FALCONS and let the negative types go their own way .
By THE TRUTH HURTS
May 11, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Connie We the fans dont care if the QB is BLACK or WHITE. We rallied behind CHRIS CHANDLER just the same as we did VICK. We just want a franchise that wins. I am not saying that MATT RYAN isn’t a good QB. I don’t follow college football enough to say that. We the fan want results now. NOt in TWO or THREE year from now. The reason people loved MV so much, because he gave us hope(even though a lot of people wont admit it, because of the trouble he is in). I personally think that MATT RYAN wasn’t the best choice, because we don’t have anyone to protect him. So what good would he be if he is injuried. WHY is he wearing a knee brace again( not a good look). text to be linked
By jeanE
May 11, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Go Finn, go Finn, go Finn!! I hope they truly give you a chance to show you can be back b/c you have the best hands & no one can run the fade in the end zone like you!! I am trying to back Ryan but it’s hard b/c I’m still so angry about that pick. Big WASTE of a pick. Everyone thought Jeff George was the 2nd coming, too & look at him! I dont’ think Joey gets enough credit at all, he helped this team win last year while getting absolutely pounded behind that pathetic line! They say they’ll make Ryan earn his stripes, I don’t believe it. DJ will be cut & before a couple of games are done, Ryan will be starting. I know it. Makes me sick. He played at BC, big deal, what was his competition? That interception ratio is atrocious…I don’t have a good feeling about this at all. Another year of suffering.