AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhy 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.
Comments
By I.MUS WRITE
July 23, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
4 wins topps,we are screwed
By Sun Tzu 7
July 23, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
“To test players, Smith said a lot of rookies and upstarts will be put in situations against opponents’ first and second units.”
Of course… what else do we have on the team than rookies and upstarts?
It’s going to be a long season.
By 65nativefan
July 23, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
In my opinion, this team, regardless of the coaching change, should be a better team than last year. All be it that Crumpler and DeAngelo is gone but they were dubious in their roles last year anyway.
This year, the QB will not be a “go fishing” game…we have Redman (competent) and Ryan to fall back on or to take over. Better promise than last year. We also have a better running tandem than last year. I really liked Dunn but face it…he wasn’t successful at getting the tough yardage (too small).
It looks like our receiving corps looks better as well, at least more promising. With the strength of our defense our linebackers the defense is somewhat stronger but the DBs are still a question mark.
Thank God we finally have a proven kicker too.
Things could be worse and have been.
By The Grinch
July 23, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
I’m mainly looking forward to the preseason to see if the o-line even comes close to keeping QB’s off their back. We finally have an o-line coach, which I think will make a difference in the long run, but are very shaky talent/experience wise at the tackle positions. If Ryan gets creamed in the preseason, hopefully the staff has enough sense not to start him in the regular season (at least ‘till after the bye). Next year’s draft should be nothing but O and D linemen.
By William Fink
July 23, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
I think this year we will have a better football team. We are more balanced…better running back duo, more promising receivers, better prospects at QB, better linebacking corp, and much better coach…how could it have been worse?
Hopefully the D-line will preform better with the new scheme and hopefully the O-line will play better with a different scheme as well. If everyone steps up their game and barring injuries…we could be in for a nice surprise. I’m excited!
By **Frederick (Bailey) Douglass**
July 23, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Starting over AGAIN!!! The Falcons are a debacle…one of those bad dreams that you never seem to wake up from. Will THIS coach work out? Why is Joe Horn still on the team? After taking the “franchise QB” why in the hell did we not draft LINEMAN for this defunct organization? When are we finally going to cut Keith “tackle the wrong man” Brookings loose?
This is a 5 year project that is starting at ROCK BOTTOM. Rick McKay should be run out of town for this…I guess we see who the most important piece in Tampa Bay was (Gruden).
Stay out of this new GM’s way Blank and McKay, and hopefully he will understand that football is about elbows and @SSholes. BRING THE BIG MEN IN HERE!!!
By Maniac is accurate
July 23, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
I think Mike Smith is going to be a good one. The more I read about him, the more I like his thinking and style. Can’t wait for the season to start.
By humble
July 23, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
i for one cant wait till the pre-season starts. im looking forward to seeing the rookies and some of the vets, such as shockley and b-finn. steve, any word on the kid from usc getting signed before camp starts (cant think of his name right now). especially since the bears signed the kid from vandy today.
By tp
July 23, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
resign big grady jackson mr. blank.
By carlaven
July 23, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Someone : Pls notice that our new QB drops his arm to throw a football . He will be killed in the NFL unless he can throw off his ear . Yeh sure he “aint no Brett farve “.Look at Brady, Manning , Palmer to prove my point . Carl m Aven
By falcondawg
July 23, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
No matter what our record will be this year, I believe we will be a considerably better organization in every aspect than we were in the last 4 years.
By Rod
July 23, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
I hope your right about the QB’s. I would be happy just seeing DJ Shockley and Ryan in preseason games. Haven’t we already seen Joey in the preseason and regular season and Redman come on he is old and and played good against seattles backups.
By CJ2
July 23, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
1 - 15.
By Paddy
July 23, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Mora, Vick and Petrino are never coming back. Don’t worry Coach Smith, we are behind you. Turn up the heat and see what we have on this team. We all hope there will be some great moments during your coaching years. Good Luck.
PS don’t buy any pit bulls. They make you stupid.
By TheJama
July 23, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
I couldn’t agree more. The juices are starting to flow with the anticipation of a new NFL season. I always use preseason to watch the new draft picks and free agent additions but this year is different, much different.
We hired a new GM, Head Coach, and have drafted 11 players including a potential franchise pocket passing QB. Mix that together with the fact we got rid of the cancer(s) and what we are seeing is a completely new team. I don’t no the stats but the Falcons should be one of the youngest teams in the league now. There is a lot to watch no doubt.
By Steve Wyche
July 23, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Just a reminder that I will be on for a live blog Friday
By Greg from Marietta
July 23, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Its going to be important for all the fans to remember that preseason games are for evaluation, teaching and learning. Its not the win-loss percentage that matters. We are going to have to be patient because we finally have a good foundation of young players and a halfway decent coaching staff.
By Singletary
July 23, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Here, here. Mike Smith is a GENERAL. Let the DC and OC make the calls, He needs to manage the game. He should also have a “parliamentarian” or expert 2 minute drill designee who can keep his head in battle to whisper strategic or tactical suggestions simply on the clock.
Wow. I think we may have an empire to build here … even though I’m cheering for Chris Redman to start the season/ lead the team. On the defense it is absolute brilliance to have kept Brooking, moving him to his natural weak side LB expertise so that a veteran can master the new defensive headset with a DC he lobbied for.
Other than the need for more depth on thye lines, I’m not seeing a lot of negatives here!!!
By michaelgee
July 23, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
OPTIMISM, OPTIMISM, OPTIMISM!
We will be better than many people think possible, credit the new staff and the no-nonsense attitude.
By JLo
July 24, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
I am nervously looking forward to this preseason. I like the less flashy coaching staff and their approach. I hope the team and coaches work together, rather than the instant disconnect petrino brought. If the chemistry grows, good things will begin to happen. I just like Coach Smith and his demeanor. I always had a weird feeling about “bolting Bobby”. Let’s GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!
By Jay
July 24, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
The preseason is going to be interesting because of all of the position battles taking place. I cannot wait to see how these lines perform since the GM and coaching staff made the decsion not to draft or sign many additions.
The offense sounds like it will be like it was in the Dan Reeves era which might be good for Matt Ryan since it is a run first, pass second scheme. I will enjoy watch the blue collar attitude develop on this team.
By TheManMike
July 24, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Go Falcons!
Im excited to hear about MyMAN Ovie and the rest of the backfield. Ovie is a pure crusher and im hoping he is utilized more this year. DEFENSE - Hope the guys can stay healthy and looking forward to seeing what Grimes and crew can do this time around.
Again - Go Falcons!
By Ben
July 24, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
I’m hoping and praying that the Falcons won’t really be as bad as people are projecting them to be. I don’t mind a sub .500 season as long as we win about 7 games. That would be a great start for a young team which is now what we have. It might take a one or two more off-seasons to get the team we really need, but I honestly think this bunch won’t be as bad as they are tabbed to be. If only we could get one more good defensive lineman and one more good offensive lineman. That would be huge.
By Tramarius Adkison
July 24, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
I Know that we are going to be very good this year so get your popcorn ready falcons fan because we are going to do some damage in the NFC South and we are going to have a better record and we are going to win the NFC South division title and make the playoff. So our record is going to be 11-5 DIVISION CHAMPS. SUPER BOWL .
By ron johnson
July 25, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
I like your enthusiasm Mr. Adkison, but I believe if your reverse that record to 5-11, that would be more realistic. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the season won’t be exciting. I believe that the Birds will be in a lot of games. So I think they will do better than most of the “so-called” experts are predicting. As long as the Falcons play hard and improve each week, I think that the next season or two will tell all about the type of team we have. Not saying that Mike Smith is another Jimmy Johnson just yet, but remember how bad the Cowboys were before he got there? Remember the 1-15 season under JJ with the young players Aikman, Smith and Irvin? They were rebuilding too and within a few years they were hoisting up the Lombardi trophy. Bottom line, if the management and coaches are worth their salt, this will be a competitive team for years to come. Not saying to mail this season in before we even play it, but I’m looking a little further into the future than just this year. Sustain a few years of winning (remember we have never had back-to-back winning seasons), then we can talk about winning a Super Bowl.