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DEL.ICIO.USOTAs end, time off begins
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Flowery Branch - It was the old-school equivalent of students yelling “school is out for the summer” on the last day of class.
The Falcons raced off the field after their last Organized Training Activity practice on Thursday. Even some of the rookies, who were carrying four or five of the veterans helmets, were skipping merrily along.
Coach Mike Smith knocked off a three-day minicamp for next week and told the players he’ll see them for training camp on July 25. They’ll hit the field the next day on the 26th. Camp is likely to run through Aug. 17th, but the official training camps schedule will come out early next week.
“They are going to get ready to take a little vacation time,” Smith said. “They have worked very hard.”
The players will be expected to workout and lift weights while away. Smith and strength and conditioning coach Jeff Fish have ordered the players to keep working on what they call “functional speed and functional strength.”
Also, Smith’s staff has been on the grind for a while and some have been away from their families. They’re about to get some time off, too.
“We’re going to tie up some loose ends over the next few days.” Smith said. “But we’ll start moving out in different directions.”
Smith is looking forward to spending some time in metro Atlanta and taking some day trips with his family.
How do you plan to satisfy your Falcon football fix until training camp starts?
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Comments
By tyger
June 19, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
I’ll be taking bets on how many will go to jail between now and July 25?
By Matt Yoder
June 19, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Since there is no football I’ll be consumed with baseball ;-) Can’t wait till training camp! Go FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!
By Ken Strickland
June 19, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
I’ll be waiting for training camp to start. Judging from everyone I’ve seen so far, our new coaching staff is laying the groundwork for something really special. Their preferemce for establishing a strong power rushing OFF and the emphasis on fundamentals reminds me of Dan Reeves’ approach when he established the SuperBowl bound Dirty Birds.
Our backfield will feature possibly the biggest, strongest FB in the league and a RB that features one of the best combinations of speed and power. Add the speed and versatility of JNorwood, and we will have a total combination of speed and power. Our WR’s will be just as versatile.
If our DEF can perform up to expectations, we could win the NFC championship. We’ve seemingly solved our MLB problem with CLofton, which allows Brookings to move back to his natural position.
I see the possibility for us to have a really successful season this yr.