AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 21
Monday, July 21, 2008
The course of action: Compete
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Okay, okay, I left you hanging for a minute but I had to shut it down for a few so I can re-fuel for the season. So, I apologize for the hiatus but I’m back.
In fact, on Friday, I’ll be on live to answer any questions you guys have regarding training camp, the season, whatever. I’ll keep it real and hopefully offer some perspective about what’s to come. Once training camp arrives, my partner on the beat, D. Orlando Ledbetter (D-Led) and I will blog every day with the latest.
To more important matters, I spoke to head coach Mike Smith today after a staff meeting and he laid some things out as to how they will approach training camp. The first 26 practices are scripted, with much of it being a review of things they went over in offseason workouts.
I gathered it’s going to be pretty intense, but that they will not wear players out for the sake of proving this new coaching staff is unyielding.
He re-iterated that few positions are settled - including quarterback - and he emphasized the importance of preseason games. Smith said players throughout the roster would be put in high-pressure situations in practices and the exhibition games so coaches can see who cracks and who they can trust. There are no concerns about playing rookies if they are the best players at their positions, he said.
Smith was not definitive about the health of some players, but he did say that some players returning from injury, such as veteran right tackle Todd Weiner (knee surgery), would be brought along cautiously. Whether that means Weiner be set for the regular season remains unknown.
Smith also addressed the return game and said that Adam Jennings is still in play for punt returns. That means that Jennings, at worst, would be the No. 5 wide receiver, meaning the competition for rosters spots at wide out will be one of the most heated.
Jerious Norwood and rookies Thomas Brown and Harry Douglas will join Jennings as possible kickoff returners.
Offensive tackle Sam Baker, the first-round draft picks penciled to start at left tackle, and middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (2nd round) remain unsigned but Smith said the staff is hopeful they’ll be under contract when camp opens Saturday.
(Join Falcons beat writer Steve Wyche for a live two-hour blog Friday as the team prepares to open its 2008 training camp. Wyche will be online from noon-2 p.m. to answer your questions about this year’s team.)
