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Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Why this preseason is important
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A lot more importance will be placed on preseason games - not necessarily the final scores - for the Falcons than in recent memory. An abundance of inexperienced players are going to have the opportunity to be starters or in rotations and the coaching staff wants to see what players can deal with the pressure.
To test players, Smith said a lot of rookies and upstarts will be put in situations against opponents’ first and second units. Atlanta’s quarterbacks, in particular, will ideally be put in some uncomfortable situations, head coach Mike Smith said.
That way, the staff will be able to determine how certain players work their way through adversity - if they do. Rookie Matt Ryan is really going to be challenged by coaches in the preseason, since he has been tabbed “the franchise quarterback.” If he’s up to the task, he could very well be the Day One starter.
The preseason won’t be just about the players’ ability to deal with pressure.
This is a new coaching staff and a lot of the coaches haven’t worked together before. So the coaches have to learn how some of their colleagues respond to pressure situations or how they handle themselves in red-zone, time-sensitive situations and the like.
“There is going to be a sense of urgency for the coaching staff as well,” Smith said. “How are we going to handle the two-minute situations and sudden changes? We have to see how all those things are going to occur. It’s going to be a good learning experience not just for the players, but the staff.”
Smith is going to let offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey call the plays and defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder set the defense. As for VanGorder, the preseason will carry even more importance since this is his time as an NFL defensive coordinator.
In addition, it’s the first time the league is allowing a sideline coach (VanGorder) to communicate with a defensive player (most likely LB Keith Brooking) via headset. Although subtle, that is something coaches and players must become familiar with before the regular season starts against Detroit Sept. 7 at the Georgia Dome.
Smith said it’s his duty to manage the game, not make the calls, which can distract a coach (remember last season when play-calling Bobby Petrino was late throwing a challenge flag because he got caught up with managing the situation and choosing his plays?).
(Join Falcons beat writer Steve Wyche for a live two-hour blog as the team prepares to open its 2008 training camp. Wyche will be online Friday from noon-2 p.m. to answer your questions about this year’s team.
