AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWeek 1 training camp observations
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Flowery Branch - As the team prepares for a full-scale scrimmage tonight at Mill Creek High School, here are some observations after a week of training camp:
• QB Matt Ryan might not have the strongest arm, but he is completing passes because of his timing. There will be times he misfires or throws an interception because he can’t zip the ball into a tight window, but he looks a lot better now than he did in mini camp. He seems to recognize the speed of players better and his familiarity of the system has improved. He has improved as much as any player on the team over the past few months.
• That said, veteran QB Chris Redman still looks the most at ease and has done nothing to hurt his chances of opening the season as the starter.
• Upstart RG Harvey Dahl, who was moved into the starting lineup during summer workouts, is not buckling under pressure and could make his competition with incumbent Kynan Forney the most heated on the team. The shift to Dahl appeared to start as a motivational ploy to get Forney, who struggled some last season. going. Forney has played fairly well but Dahl seems to have stepped up to the challenge. It will be interesting to see how Dahl performs against players from opposing teams. If he plays well, he could be the guy.
• Don’t expect the tight ends to catch many passes. The group assigned to replace Alge Crumpler by committee is made up pf blockers. The unit, led by Ben Hartsock and Martrez Milner, hasn’t consistently caught the ball and doesn’t appear to be a huge part of the game plan. They won’t be neglected but they might combine to total the 42 catches made by Crumpler in ’07.
• Rookie WR Harry Douglas could be the real deal. He is a fearless route runner who gets open and makes catches. He should get plenty of catches out of the slot and make up for some of the possible lack of production from the tight end spot.
• WR Brian Finneran, who missed the past two seasons after tearing the ACL in the same knee, is making a strong case to be retained. Not only is he catching the ball but also he’s re-established himself as a reliable special teams player. That is crucial for any non-starting wide receiver trying to make the team.
• The Falcons are still unsure of what’s going to happen with WR Joe Horn. Horn has missed the past few practices with a sore hamstring, which is prompting him to miss more time. Horn, who wants to be traded, skipped summer workouts. The Falcons say they want him to compete for playing time but can’t because he’s hurt. His $2.5 million salary is guaranteed so the team would have to eat the salary if it cut him. There has been little interest in terms of trades. This situation is going to get more interesting over the next few weeks.
• It is hard to get a read on the defensive line, since so many players - Jamaal Anderson, Jonathan Babineaux and John Abraham - have missed practice time with injuries and personal matters. Grady Jackson hasn’t done much since signing earlier this week. Anderson, last season’s first-round draft pick (No. 8 overall), returned a day ago and he has to step up. The Falcons are going to need a pass rush to protect the young secondary and Anderson can’t go much more time without being a threat.
• FS Erik Coleman has been solid in coverage, which has been sorely missed at that position for years. He’s also a big hitter, who has yet to cut loose.
• Rookie CB Chevis Jackson could turn out to be the most physical player on the team at his position and should emerge as the starting nickel back. Jackson loves to get his hands on receivers and annoy them. His long arms also allow him to close gaps and compensate for his lack of ideal speed.
• Though the goal might be for rookie Curtis Lofton to start at middle linebacker, second-year player Tony Taylor could delay Lofton’s entrance. Taylor has shown the physicality and the smarts to play the position and he seems to have good chemistry going with outside ‘backers Keith Brooking and Michael Boley.
• Rookie running back Thomas Brown has been very impressive. If he stays healthy he should make the team as a kickoff returner and third option at tailback. His shiftiness, toughness and different running style from Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood make him a nice complement. Second year tailback Jason Snelling isn’t going to go quietly but Brown’s versatility and running style could be the difference maker.
• Backup DBs David Irons and Daren Stone, who seemed to be headed in the right direction as rookies last season, could be losing ground. Irons, a standout special teams player, is rotating with the third defensive unit along with Stone, who was demoted from No. 2 strong safety with the acquisition of veteran Deke Cooper.
The Falcons’ personnel department likely won’t be idle with this roster as the preseason progresses. It will be tracking receiver-type tight ends and veteran cornerbacks that could give them some security, at least, in nickel packages.
One of those veteran corners won’t be Philadelphia’s Lito Sheppard. Atlanta wants to stay relatively young and build through the draft for the most part, according to some folks with the team.
Comments
By MikeJones
August 1, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Great read. Keep it coming!
By Carl
August 1, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Man, I am so ready for the season! GO FALCONS!
By Mike Kenn
August 1, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Nice work Steve. A couple of questions, what is the vibe in flowery branch on J.Anderson? I think it’s too early to consider him a bust, but we need to see something pretty early this season from him. Second, great news that C.Jackson is being physical, look forward to watching him, what about Irons, as to why is he falling behind? Is it a talent issue or is he just not responding to whats going on? Thanks again, great info.
By Thorpe
August 1, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Steve,
I think you are underestimating Matt Ryan’s arm strentgh as it compares favorably with Chris Redman’s (and is clearly stronger than Harrington or Shockley’s arm strength).
From what I have seen in camp, Ryan has been nothing but impressive. You speculate that he might throw interceptions in the future, but that has not been evident in camp this week at all as Ryan has been very accurate on most all of his throws.
Thanks for the updates!
By Falcon 4 Life
August 1, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
I love this GAME!!
By hunterj6
August 1, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Steve, nice freaking article man. Way to go!
By JD
August 1, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith- please make me a Falcon fan again.
By DevilInLaw
August 1, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Matt Ryan and a weak arm.
There’s something you never heard the Falcons discussing when they threw all that money his way. Amazing how starting to play at a more full-speed level exposes Ryan’s weaknesses.
When your arm is not as impressive as Chris Redman’s arm, you might not be worthy of the No. 3 pick in the NFL draft. Just a thought.
By Steve Wyche
August 1, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Thanks for checking in.
One thing I’d like to make clear, even though some of these observations are my own, a lot of this analysis comes from coaches, personnel types and people with the team.
By no means am I saying Matt Ryan has a weak arm. He can make all the throws, that’s for sure. He just doesn’t have a cannon, like Brett Favre or some other NFL quarterbacks. And for clarity, D.J. Shockley has the strongest arm of all the quarterbacks on the roster.
I agree with you Thorpe that Ryan has been nothing but impressive —- he is very accurate — which is why it wouldn’t shock me in the slightest if he’s the Day One starter.
As for Jamaal Anderson, there seems to be some uncertainty until the staff sees how he performs in preseason games. I don’t think they feel he is a bust. He’s going to be put in a variety of positions to where the staff feels he could succeed. It’s just up to him to produce.
By chc4
August 1, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
The CB tandem of Houston/Grimes/Jackson really, really frightens me. And neither Milloy nor Coleman are known as great pass defending safeties. I sure hope we can generate a pass rush but other than Abe, I don’t see who can without blitzing. And that opens up alot of other problems in the secondary.
By Daniel
August 1, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Thorpe,
You are sorely mistaken about Ryan’s arm strength being better that Shockley’s. In terms of arm strength and the long ball, DJ wins in that category hands down. I’d then say it’s a toss up between Redman and Ryan for 2nd, then of course Joey last. Accuracy is one thing, but arm strength is another.
By Daniel
August 1, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Hey Steve,
Good hearing someone have something positive about the Falcons, unlike T. “Hater” Moore. How do you see the MLB position rounding out? I think everyone is underestimating Taylor because of his draft status.
By Expert
August 1, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Steve, where do you see this team in three years?
By roman88
August 1, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
steve, thanks for the updates, by the way how much has baker been going against abraham, how’s he looking ? developing? I hope norwood does get more touches as mentioned. I hope the birds can get the running game rolling, control the clock like in the dan reeves days.
By texasbirdfan
August 1, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
“The Falcons are going to need a pass rush to protect the young secondary and Anderson can’t go much more time without being a threat.”
LOL- if any player should be given some time it’s Anderson. Drafted young and needing coaching, he was a high round project for the long term- not just one season……
By CA
August 1, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Ryan’s Arm? C’mon. Accuracy is everything. The LAST thing I want to see out of Ryan, is for him to try and fire a Bullet into Tight Coverage, and even then how catchable is that ball going to be? 50/50 ? By his 3rd season as a Starter you will see those Laser Guided Rocket Cannon Arm throws.(@Peyton Manning)
Even then did Montana rely on that or did Montana rely on what Bill Walsh Insisted upon? Catchable Passes . (hopefully not to many to the Defenders) Accuracy is the Foundation.
Great Write Up Steve!
By Greg from Marietta
August 1, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Steve - Great insight as to what is going on at camp. I’m so hungry for play to begin I can hardly stand it. I hope D.J. gets a fair shake since he missed so much time due to the knee. I think he would offer a totally different dynamic at QB since he has a cannon for an arm and he can scramble. He would be a great No# 3 and possibly a No# 2 next year behind Ryan. I also hope that Jamaal comes around, he has so much potential and we really need a force from his side of the D-line. Keep up the great work we anxiously await your every word.
By Rick
August 1, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Steve, Thanks for the comments. Regarding the defensive line, I have not heard anything about Rashad Moore. When Grady was signed, Coach Smith talked as if Grady was the only “BIG GUY” for a DT. Grady + Moore= 700lbs. What is wrong with that combination in the middle of the Dline?
By jt
August 1, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Steve. You may want to listen to what Coach Thomas said about the qbs all of you may shut up and say oh well maybe next year. Only honest person speaking.
By jt
August 1, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Steve. You may want to listen to what Coach Thomas said about the qbs all of you may shut up and say oh well maybe next year. Only honest person speaking.
By jt
August 1, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Steve. You may want to listen to what Coach Thomas said about the qbs all of you may shut up and say oh well maybe next year. Only honest person speaking.
By jt
August 1, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Steve. You may want to listen to what Coach Thomas said about the qbs all of you may shut up and say oh well maybe next year. Only honest person speaking.
By CA
August 1, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Steve - D-Led
It is just Great to have Grady back with us. Has this added a sense of Unity to the D? I truely hope to see and read and hear that our New Team and Staff work, for the United good of the TEAM and Each Other on and Off the Field. Please update us on this.
The Harry Douglas / Lawyer Milloy Smack Down? Priceless. My guess is that Lawyer just viewed it “business as usual” . I bet Harry gets some Pay Back via a locker room Prank. We gotta hear about that, just give us a Coke Alert! Have a Great Weekend Everybody. C
By jt
August 1, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Steve. You may want to listen to what Coach Thomas said about the qbs all of you may shut up and say oh well maybe next year. Only honest person speaking.
By Falcon to the bone
August 1, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
Ah come on guys. Let’s talk about Vick and Petrino. Just kiddin’ It’s about time we got this party started! ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!
By Paddy
August 1, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
Josh Jarobe is a thug
By JD
August 1, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
I think Harrington will be the odd man out at QB because he is just another version of Redman and Ryan - a pocket passer. Shockley will be the third QB because his scrambling ability gives another dimension to the depth chart at that position. Green Bay might be interested in Harrington if he is indeed released because they need a veteran backup behind Rodgers. Brohm and Flynn are pure rookies and are too inexperienced to be effective if Rodgers goes down due to injury.
By Najeh Davenpoop
August 1, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Although I am no longer a Falcons fan, I look forward to seeing Grady Jackson playing. Among the terrible decisions made by this franchise last season, releasing him was one of the worst.
By terrell barron
August 1, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Joey Harrington is pretty accurate. It’s his arm strength that makes him a liability. I hope the same wont be said about Ryan. I hate when I hear words like, He might not have the strongest arm, BUT…. Thats something that I dont like hearing. Especially with a TOP 3, qb.
By terrell barron
August 1, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Joey Harrington is pretty accurate. It’s his arm strength that makes him a liability. I hope the same wont be said about Ryan. I hate when I hear words like, He might not have the strongest arm, BUT…. Thats something that I dont like hearing. Especially with a TOP 3 qb.
By Thorpe
August 1, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
Anyone that watched Ryan in his senior year at Boston College knows that arm strength is not and never has been an issue.
The fact that Steve Wyche would mention it as a possible issue is mind boggling.
Some of Ryan’s greatest, most clutch throws (as in the game winner against Virginia Tech, in a driving rain storm) have been across his body nearly fifty yards in the air. Ryan made throws last year that not many other qb’s could make.
Now, based on one off-handed and unsupported comment by Mr. Wyche, people are going to be unfairly questioning Matt Ryan’s arm strength.
Amazing.
Just wait Falcons fans. You will be impressed when you are able to judge Matt Ryan for yourself without having to rely on second hand info (this post included).
Go Birds!
By Thorpe
August 1, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
In addition to a strong, accurate arm, there is something about Matt Ryan that has not been commented on by Mr. Wyche and that is his intangible qualities such as poise, leadership and fierce competitiveness not seen by a falcons QB in some time.
By BCS Slave
August 1, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
Guys, I’m just looking forward to a new season with a REAL football approach. Matt Ryan’s early progress is encouraging. We might not win too many games this year, but it looks like we are building the right way.
By Jim P.
August 1, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Nice job Steve. I want another one next week.
By Bernie
August 1, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
I hope the Falcons have a very good season.I hope coach Smith has a very good year and all in the past can be forgotten. I hope Matt Ryan can pick up the offense so he can compete for the starting job.Good luck Falcons.
By Charliolio
August 1, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
This is a great article! Exactly the kind of info we’re hungry for. Thanks, and keep it up!
By terrell barron
August 1, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Thorpe, I guess Wyche just made it up then. He was there. Were you? I wish Ryan the best, but that was just something that I dont like hearing. That’s all. Hopefully Your’re right, and he’s wrong.
By Singletary
August 1, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
JT (of 6 duplicate posts) — what DID Coach Thomas say about ATL QB’s? I’m not seeing anything but his “endorsement” of Grimes. Thanks.
By Professor Falcon
August 1, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Matt Ryan is the real deal. There are alot of QB’s that had great careers that didn’t have cannons. This will be a run first offense, he might get about 18 to 20 attempts a game and most of those will be short yardage. Ryan will be fine. This is not the run and gun.
By Mike
August 1, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
So what is the big deal about Ryan’s arm strength? Vick had a cannon arm…sure helped his accuracy didn’t it. Matt Ryan appears to exactly what we need at qb. I’ve been a falcon fan since 1966. Ryan will be the best qb in franchise history before he’s done.
By DeezNutz
August 1, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Nice article Steve. Can we get another update on Sam Baker sometime soon?
By Boots
August 1, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
There is much good news coming out of camp and that is the absense of whining, belly-aching stupidity and negativity that we’ve be subjected to over the past couple of seasons.
Regarding arm strength, nobody had greater armstrength that MV7 but his lack of touch and accuracy —- hell, he couldn’t hit a barn with his passes and threw the ball so hard and high at five to seven yards that is was uncatchable.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ryan start the season —- he’s smart, motivated and can read a freakin’ defense —- three things that MV7 never acquired.
By Expert
August 1, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Let’s please understand that Steve Wyche is trying to give an objective view of the falcons; no matter who the player is. Steve write on!!
By Uncle Dave
August 1, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Steve: It is not comforting to hear that our multi- million dollar quarterback is learning to compensate for having a weak throwing arm… you just bummed me out tremendously.
By shonuff765
August 1, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
I miss Michael Vick!!!! No Vick - No Peace!!!
By Wiley
August 1, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
Ryan had enough arm strength to launch a 65 yard touchdown pass in tonight’s scrimmage whereas Chris Redman had enough to throw an INT on his first pass of the game….
Go Falcons!
By Steve T
August 1, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
Don’t be blind, look good in a camp is one thing, but when you go against another team, it is not the same. I think the coverage is very plain in camp, but other teams will show him a lot of looks. They will find out the throws he can not make and use it against him. Remember that DBs in the NFL can close on the ball very quick.
BTW, Matt had trouble against the zone blitz and I have a feeling that he will see lots of zone blitzes and various other blites. Weak armed QBs have to rely on the WRs breaking tackles. Joe had some very good WRs that could change the game in the blink of an eye. The falcons do not have that. They have some fast WRs, but if the QB does not have the arm to stretch the field then what good are fast WRs.
By ray
August 1, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
Joey Harrington? Accurate arm? Must be another Joey Harrington who hasn’t been drafted yet…
I’m not worried about the strongest throwing arm. Vick had a stronger throwing arm than nearly all the Atlanta quarterbacks in the last 10+ years, except Jeff George. You see just how much yardage he passed for. If a guy has poise, good leadership qualities, courage, and good accuracy, he’ll usually be fine. Of course, he also needs blocking. Heh.
But Joey Harrington? Ugh…Ask the Lions just how accurate he is.
By Shady
August 1, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
That was an awesome update!
By JD
August 1, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
What if Ryan turns out to be another Pat Sullivan.
By Caddywhacker
August 2, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Matt Ryan will be okay if the offensive line doesn’t get him killed. I would let Redman and Harrington take all the hits until the offensive line gets to playing really good, then throw Ryan in there. Or maybe Shockley could play first, he can scramble some.
By Joey Harrington
August 2, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Hey! I resent that remark. I can throw just fine, but Detroit let me go because they are LOSERS!
By Erk
August 2, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
Matt Ryan and the Falcons are going to do just fine.
I saw what Ryan did to Georgis Tech and it was almost perfect.
The only time I have seen a performance like that was 25 yrs ago in the Sugar Bowl when Dan Marino carved UGA apart.
Ryan is special.
By Eric Graves
August 2, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
Hey Guys! I was at Millcreek today watching the Falcons scrimmage. I watched DJ Shockley throw 3 good passes to number 82 (I think he’s a tight end), and all of them were dropped. Shockley also threw one pretty 40 yard touch down pass to a receiver as he was back peddling to avoid a sack, but the receiver also dropped the touch down pass. I did not know that Shockley had that kind of accuracy along with his strong throwing ability. I hope the Falcons hold on to Shockley; he is more than just a scrambler.
By ray
August 2, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
Erk, I think he has the “it” that people talk about. He’ll probably be just fine. We’ll see. If he starts looking bad for some reason, we will have picks in next year’s draft. Know what I mean?
By Eric Graves
August 2, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
Hey Ray, I stressed Shockley’s accuracy because he has had the least time to practice with the receivers because of his injury last year. All the other quarterbacks were in the mini camp but except Shockley. Just think what Shockley would really be able to do once he’s given more reps and once he gets comfortable with the playbook. I always liked Shockley more than Michael Vick because he is a more accurate passer “AND” he can run a little bit.
By ray
August 2, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this
Eric,
I’d rather the Falcons hold onto Shockley than Harrington. I know Harrington is an NFL veteran, but he has proven to be a failure in so many ways and at so many times. I hear what you’re saying about Shockley’s accuracy despite his practice time. I’m encouraged by this, too.
I agree about his game vs. Vick’s. Vick was great to watch until defenses began to prove that he could not keep on doing the impossible. Meanwhile, the frustration that the receiving core dealt with all this time was slowly beginning to seep into the fans as we realized that Vick never learned to be a more complete quarterback.
By Eric Graves
August 2, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
Hey Ray, I forgot one pass I saw Shockley throw to the left side line while being pressured. I was amazed the speed and accuracy of his pass, which was one of the only passes I saw someone catch. I remember watching Mike Vick throw the same passes from side line to side line, but Vick’s passes always thrown behind the receiver or on the ground. I just can’t get over seeing Shockley play so little but do so well. I was sitting next to an Elderly Caucasian lady, at Millcreek, who told me that she has been following Shockley since his Georgia years, and she loves him to death. She said he has always been a good quarterback with a good arm.
By Ryder
August 2, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
I don’t remember people saying that Tom Brady had a strong arm either……I’ve seen plenty of Matt Ryan here in Virginia to know that this man is the real deal!
What many of you don’t seem to get is that this Falcons team will be a run-first offense. I really doubt that we’ll see Ryan throw more than 20 to 25 passes a game. Even then I don’t think they will attempt to throw deep routes all the time.
Roddy White is an underrated playmaker. He may not get the same numbers like last year, but he will be the go to guy and will only get better with time.
Steve, any word on how Norwood is doing?
By ray
August 2, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
Ryder, that’s good to hear.
Eric, very encouraging. I hope to see Shockley get some good playing time. I know Ryan is supposed to be the future, but we always need a good back up. We should know that after having screwed up and let Schaub go. I don’t like Harrington…and how many NFL games has Redman played? Where is this guy from anyway?
By jackson
August 2, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
Arm strength isn’t everything, look at Vick. He had the arm strength but his accuracy was crap! There are lots of guys sitting at home on Sundays who can sling the ball down the field, but hitting the reciever is the key. There were many times the recievers were getting blamed for dropping passes when the blame should have been on Vick for throwing them too high, too low or behind them. Everybody was dogging Roddy White one time for dropping a ball that he had to reach behind his back to even get his hands on. Amazing how Roddy got to be a better reciever when he got a quarterback who was accurate. Matt Ryan will be fine.
By jcarson
August 2, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
I’m not sure why this is a surprise to everyone. Ryan’s arm strength was always known to be average to just above average by NFL standards. That is not why we drafted him. We drafted him because his intangibles (football IQ, leadership, work ethic) are off-the-charts. I don’t know about you guys, but I put much more stock in that.
By chris
August 2, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
I hear everybody talking about throwing catchable passes you in the nfl and you learn in high school if it touch your hands it is a catchable pass so don’t make excuses there pros they have to get it done no excuses for all that money they make.
By Daryl
August 2, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Why would anyone pay a person $72,000,000.00 to play professional football as a quarterback who can’t run, has a weak arm and isn’t accurate with his throws? This is a joke! The fourth string quarterback’s arm stength is stronger the the first string quarterback’s. Oh, he thows intersections because he’s not accurate but has good timing(not great timing). What is that, an oxymoron? He’s a proto-typical drop-back passer who has no mobility. Am I missing something here? He sounds like a average quarterback, at best.
By Steve T
August 2, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
QBa with avgerage arms need lots of help. They need a very strong O-line, they need WRs to get open and make the catch. So far the falcons does not have any of that in place.
You have to realize that the pro game is changing because defensive players are getting bigger, faster, and stronger. The QB must be able to move and in some cases the QB must have a strong enough arm to throw off balance. The pro game is worlds apart from the college game. If a player has a weakness, teams will find a way to take advantage of it. The book on Ryan is he doesn’t bring anything you can’t get in every draft. In other words, the scouts do not see anything so specials.
By Steve T
August 2, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
QBa with avgerage arms need lots of help. They need a very strong O-line, they need WRs to get open and make the catch. So far the falcons does not have any of that in place.
You have to realize that the pro game is changing because defensive players are getting bigger, faster, and stronger. The QB must be able to move and in some cases the QB must have a strong enough arm to throw off balance. The pro game is worlds apart from the college game. If a player has a weakness, teams will find a way to take advantage of it. The book on Ryan is he doesn’t bring anything you can’t get in every draft. In other words, the scouts do not see anything so specials.
By De Nile
August 2, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
You falcon fans are dillusional. You have just been told that ryan does not have a strong arm and you morons respond by saying vick had a strong arm and he wasn’t successful passing.
If vick did not have a strong arm he would have never sniffed a day in the NFL and he definitely would not have been drafted number 1.
let’s just hope he doesn’t turn out to be danny weurfell?
By JeanE
August 2, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Go Finn!!!!! I am so excited, I want him to make this team so bad, he has been my absolute favorite player for a long time, how I long to see him catching a fade route in the end zone!! I sincerely hope they don’t shove Matt Ryan in there, let the veteran QB’s guide this team, Joey would be my choice although I know I’m in the minority.
By SickandTired
August 2, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Shockley was the worst of all the QB’s I witnessed at Mill Creek High School last night. As for the posters that insist that he had passes dropped, well technically they touched the hands of diving and and layed out receivers that would have been incredible catches. He throws the short ball with the nose down (a negative), and his mechanics have improved not one smidgen since his Georgia days. Hey Shock, try to keep at least one foot on the ground when you throw a pass, it helps a little with the accuracy thingy.
By justathought
August 2, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Just a question as to why the scrimmage event was moved from Grady to Mill Creek? Looks like we just need to go ahead and name them the Gwinnett Falcons since obviously all “Atlanta’s” franchises love it so much.
Mill Creek has great facilities I get it but how about investing money to improve facilities in the city so that you can have the scrimmage in front of fans IN the city!! It kills me how people don’t want anything to do with atlanta until the name is in lights on television.
By Thing
August 2, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
For Shockely, it’s tough to get his feet on the ground when he throws because he is so short (by NFL standards). He is not even six feet tall, which makes it tough to see over the O-line/D-Line let alone throw over them. There is a reason that Shockley was acquired the way he was and never played a down in the NFL for any team. He is, by NFL standards, a bad quarterback. Maybe he would be good in the CFL - who knows?
By Tim C
August 2, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
What is the BIGGEST STORY in the NFL now? Brett Favre…why don’t the Falcons get off the stick and land him for a year or two? The excitement could get all the players playing better. And Ryan could have a year or two to get ready for the NFL. The word “poetic” comes to mind -Favre started his career with the Falcons, he had a great year last year, he is a future Hall of Famer, other Falcons QB’s would be able to learn from him, and the Falcons play at Green Bay this year. Plus, he probably won’t give the fans the finger (well, maybe not too often, anyway :-) Instead, the fans are supposed to be excited about a 4 way “battle” to see who will start at quarterback? Please…! The Falcons have been rebuilding for 42 years now (i.e. since inception) so why not shake things up a little?
By Doug
August 2, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Steve, Ryan needs a mentor and we don’t have one, so do you believe we need to trade for a QB or wait for a release of one and pick him up? “
By azkek
August 2, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Ask the LIONS: Ok, Harrington wasn’t that bad, but he had no support and no OL when he was with that disastrous team. Come on, they aren’t winning no matter who is QB
By Steve Wyche
August 2, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Ryder,
You couldn’t have been more correct in your assessment about arm strength.
Tom Brady doesn’t have the strongest arm. Neither did Joe Montana. Guess what? They are two of the greatest QBs ever. Please don’t take my mention of Ryan’s arm strength as a criticism. As I said, he can make all of the throws and he is very accurate. His adjustment to the speed of the NFL game has been fairly rapid and that is a very good sign.
Another good point was made regarding huddle presence. Getting your teammates to play for you by displaying poise and leadership might be the most important attributes a quarterback can have.
Ryan has those.
How rapidly he is brought along will depend on how he plays in preseason games. However, the coaches are putting him in situations to test him. Prime example: on Ryan’s first play at the scrimmage at Mill Creek High School, they blitzed LB Michael Boley, who flushed him out of the pocket and caused an intentional grounding penalty.
Ryan bounced back nicely, though, throwing a 65-yard bomb to Roddy White a little later.
As for LT Sam Baker, coach Paul Boudreau said he’s coming along well. He will go through rookie growing pains but he is fundamentally solid, Boudreau said. He hasn’t gone up against Abe too much because Abe has missed a few days to attend his grandfather’s funeral.
As for Norwood, he looks more special than ever. I think he is excited about getting more opportunities and he seems to be playing more physically than he has before.
Regarding the move of the scrimmage from Piedmont Park to Mill Creek; most major events were moved away from Piedmont Park because of the drought conditions. As for the move to Mill Creek, the Falcons hope to have a rotating scrimmage at a high school in different counties each year.
They started at Mill Creek because it is close to the team’s facility.
By newvickhater
August 2, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Went down to the GA dome today and was very impressed. Well done Mr. Blank —you did exactly what was needed to put us on the path to success. I’m excited about the new direction and feel good about our future. 5 and 11 this year, 9 and 7 the next. Playoffs in 11 and 5 in 3 yrs (hopefully sooner). Go Falcons!!!! BTW — Great read.
By mookie
August 2, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Milll Creek has alot to be proud of, I was there and what a great facility. Been in football along time and I was real impress with DJ at quarterback, White at WR, Brown and Norwood at RB. Ga Dome looks real nice good job!! I think we are headed in the right direction!! Kind of disappointed in Ryan both days but Matt keep on trying to improve but I think I would have to go with Harrington or Shockely at QB. Hey OL… get some life in you , did you see Brooking doing alittle dance today, nice!!
By Rick
August 2, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
The “Inside Skinny” approach is great! Keep up the good work Steve.
By Reggie
August 2, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
Steve
got a question, What nfl quarterback playing right now would you compare Matt Ryan to?
By Mike
August 2, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
Was at the Dome today. DJ looked really good out there. I was really impressed with rookie receiver Harry Douglas. He plays much bigger than 5’ 11”. Blue Adams looked good at corner. Finn looked good today as well. I also was impressed with Lofton and T Taylor, they always seemed to be around the ball. I know we aren’t in contention for a Super Bowl…but we are headed in the right direction. Go Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By ATLawk
August 3, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
Quit knocking Joey. The guy has played for some of the worst teams in the NFL: Det, Miami, and ATL. If any of you think Shockley could do any better in the NFL, that must be the Georgia bias in you. Joey’s an average QB who has played on some horrible teams, the same teams that can make great QBs like Brady and Manning look very pedestrian.
By ray
August 3, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
Still trippin’ off of the arm strength thing. Well, nothing is proven until the first snap of the regular season.
I think Ryan will be fine. I think Harrington has confidence issues. Even that pi$$-a$$ Bobby Petrino could see that. Guess what? It makes the other 10 guys nervous, then nobody plays well. Like I said, Harrington plays for stretches where he doesn’t kill you, but doesn’t really win the game. Then he has the other stretches, where absolutely nothing is going right. People can pick on Shockely all they want. Some of us want to see him do well. I’d think that being a Falcon fan, you’d want any Falcon player to do well, as it will help the team. Given some of the attitudes of some of the fans (on this blog alone), it’s a wonder we don’t get to see “the finger” more often….
I hope Harry Douglas turns out to be the real deal. We have caught so much hell getting good receivers (and matching them up with good quarterbacks and solid offensive lines). I noticed that Roddy White did turn it on once Vick was out. Sorry, but that was no coincidence…
And I liked Vick…but he was no passer.
By Unbiased_Blogger
August 3, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this
Did anyone see the latest articles? 1. FOX SPORTS predicts the falcons will go winless. 2. NFL network ranks Oakland as the best 2 corner tandems in the NFL and guess what. One of them played last year in Atlanta and everybody here said he sucked. I guess analysts that get paid have other opinions. From 4 wins to 0 wins in two seasons, this is incredible.
By Unbiased_Blogger
August 3, 2008 2:48 AM | Link to this
Hey Ray would you rather have 4-12 and 0-16 or a bad passer and a contender?
By weetheresearcher (Pee-Wee)
August 3, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Shockley had one of the highest passing percentages in the SEC the year he started. Accuracy is not a problem for Shockley. I had the opportunity to talk to Shockley on occasion when I was at Georgia finishing my Doctoral degree. He was an academic all American at Georgia and a very engaging young man. His teammates at Georgia loved him and said he was making good passes and breaking ankles when he got out of the pocket in practice all the years he was at Georgia.
I would love to see DJ Shockley create a Drew Brees situation similar to the one created in San Diego and Cleveland (are the Falcons Bold enough to let that situation develop?). I know the circumstances are a little different but it would be great. Think about it DJ starts and plays well this year Ryan sits and the market for DJ becomes huge next season. We could sign DJ back in 2009 or trade him for some good parts and then give Ryan the keys.
By Tim C
August 3, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
“Week 1 training camp observations” ?!? Please… Here is an observation: see today’s NY Times artice “As Hall of Famers Reunite, an Insult to a Future One” It says it all. Instead of a 14 (or whatever the number is) way battle for starting QB (after 42 years of the Falcons “rebuilding” nobody cares right now…) why not get Favre here to Atlanta, where he started, for a year or two and generate some excitement and some wins?!!
By True Falcon
August 3, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Tim the moron:
Favre ain’t coming! That’s 10 posts about it including the 6 timer. Give it up!
By Tim C
August 3, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
True Falcon:
Well, at least someone is paying attention to these posts! The Falcons management, meanwhile, who knows what they are up to…maybe dreaming about how exciting it is to have a 4 way contest for QB, where they can all “battle it out!” Wow!!! The excitement is unbearable…I’m feeling dizzy. B.T.W. — the “6 timer” was because when I first posted I didn’t know it takes 100 years for a post to apply to this blog and I clicked multiple times then exited. If it makes you feel better, I am done posting to the Falcons blog. You are probably right…Favre ain’t coming, and it is because Falcons management has no imagination.
By Vick Supporter
August 3, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Matt Ryan, lol. He’s gonna have to have a strong arm playing behind that weak o-line. NFL DBs are gonna eat him alive. i can’t wait.
By Vick Supporter
August 3, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
All I’ve got to say is………
No Vick = Losing Season…. AGAIN…. Forever.
You don’t and can’t replace The Great Mike Vick
He’s gonna come back and burn the falcons. I can’t wait!
By Ken Stricikland
August 3, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
BOOTS-I see you’re still burdened by your personal issues with MVick. If it’s someone you favor, you focus only on perceived positives. If it’s someone you dislike, especially MVick, you focus on perceived negatives. When it comes to MVick, you often get rediculous. Despite all of your silly comments to the contrary, he is the winningest QB in Falcons history, both regular season and playoffs. He’s been to more playoffs and won more conference titles, and been to more probowls than any QB in Atlanta Falcon history. NOT BAD FOR A QB THAT’S AS BAD AS YOU SEEM TO THINK.
TELL ME BOOTS, WHAT WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE. A QB WITH MVICKS ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT CAN’T HIT THE SIDE OF A BARN, OR ONE THAT CAN HIT THE SIDE OF A BARN, BUT CAN’T MEASURE UP TO THOSE ACCOMPLISHMENTS?
BE CAREFUL HOW YOU ANSWER THAT QUESTION, OR YOU’LL LET EVERYONE KNOW WHAT YOUR PROBLEM WITH MVICK REALLY IS.
TIM C-the Falcons have purged their roster of most of the vets from previous yrs. Their main goal is to get younger, and they have. So, why would they use the #3 pick on a QB, pay him all that money, and then bring in BFarve, who doesn’t know from one minute to the next what he wants to do. If Green Bay doesn’t want him, why should we. After all, they’re trying to get younger just like we are. They’re even willing to pay him to go away. He’s gone from a Packer icon to an annual menace, with his on again off again retirement. Even the league office is trying to get rid of Farve and his antics.
UNBIASED BLOGGER-these are the same clowns that predicted the Saints would be in last yrs SuperBowl, based on the previous yrs results. They certainly didn’t predict the Packers would go 13-3 based on the previous yrs results. Remember when they predicted the Panthers would go to the SB, and the Bucs would have a losing season? These fools think that because the Falcons won only 4gms last yr, and have a new coaching staff, we will go winless. The 2 previous times we’ve had this situation, under DReeves and JMora, we went to the playoffs and won.
By Jimmy
August 3, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
For those of you who think Ryan will pass only 20-25 times a game, youre kidding youvselves. Everyone(including D-Coordinators) know this team will WANT to run first and pass second, so they will stack the box on 1st down. This will create 2nd and 3rd&long situations, forcing the team to pass the ball 30+ times a game. Add that to the fact that the defense will get burned so many times we’ll be down quickly and often, forcing us to pass even more in catch up mode.
I still think the Falcons should imploy a pass to set up the run offense. Use a short passing game AS a running game,(ie-have our QB’s take the short 3-5 step drops and complete some passes for 4-6 yds) setting us up in 2nd and short downs. It sounds simple, it just depends on how quickly the WR’s can get off the LOS and how the OL protects. Opposing defenses will play lots of zone of course, trying to confuse our QB’s(especially the rookie). Looks to be a long season, though heading in the right direction.
By will
August 3, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
i hate to say it but vick gets out in december of this year,no wonder the falcons have the sorryest ol in the game between vick and ryan thats 217 million dollars in salary,if vegas is right, this team wont win 4 games this year and verybody will say wait for next year,well they will have the first pick in the draft,who will they choose, its august 2008 ,ATLANTA IS ON THE CLOCK 1ST PICK IN 2009, AND THE DAWGS WILL NOT WIN THE NC THIS YEAR, AND THE BRAVES, AND HAWKS, AND THRASHERS WILL FINISH LAST, AND GT WELL THEY HAVE A GOOD COACH,THATS ABOUT IT, THE SPORTS IN GEORGIA SUX, LOSERSVILLE USA SHOULD THE THE CAR TAG OF GEORGIANS,IF YOU PEOPLE THINK THIS FALCONS TEAM IS GOOD ,WELL I HAVE LAND IN THE DESERT THAT YOU MIGHT WANT, BECAUSE YOU ARE ALL IDIOTS.
By will
August 3, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
i hate to say it but vick gets out in december of this year,no wonder the falcons have the sorryest ol in the game between vick and ryan thats 217 million dollars in salary,if vegas is right, this team wont win 4 games this year and verybody will say wait for next year,well they will have the first pick in the draft,who will they choose, its august 2008 ,ATLANTA IS ON THE CLOCK 1ST PICK IN 2009, AND THE DAWGS WILL NOT WIN THE NC THIS YEAR, AND THE BRAVES, AND HAWKS, AND THRASHERS WILL FINISH LAST, AND GT WELL THEY HAVE A GOOD COACH,THATS ABOUT IT, THE SPORTS IN GEORGIA SUX, LOSERSVILLE USA SHOULD THE THE CAR TAG OF GEORGIANS,IF YOU PEOPLE THINK THIS FALCONS TEAM IS GOOD ,WELL I HAVE LAND IN THE DESERT THAT YOU MIGHT WANT, BECAUSE YOU ARE ALL IDIOTS.
By A_Town_Down
August 3, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
My personal observations:
Steve Wyche has taken every opportunity to back-track his initial assessment of Matt Ryan.
Wyche actually said that Tom Brady has a weak arm. Wasn’t he thowing 70-yard bombs to Randy Moss all last season?
Wyche seemed to provide a water-down assessment of Sam Baker.
Steve Wyche = Falcon Propaganda Machine
I have seen enough tape and Matt Ryan CANNOT throw a deep out.
We can only hope that Matt Ryan is a healthy Chad Pennington, but there are already serious doubts.
If Matt Ryan proves me wrong, I’ll support him to the fullest. Otherwise, I’m a redskin fan.
I hope the that we win enough games to keep Boley and Roddy White through free agency at the end of the season.
Don’t see the same thug labels thrown at Dawg players Clint Boling and the long snapper.
After over oneweek of camp, AJC writers could muster up only 4 or 5 articles total on the Falcons.
By Thorpe
August 3, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
ATownDown - you are clueless and have no idea about what throws Matt Ryan can’t make.
Go cheer for the Redskins.
We don’t need you.
By ray
August 3, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
Gosh A town Down, if things are so bad then I guess we can expect to not see on this blog anymore, right? Unless of course Ryan does well…then you’ll climb back on the wagon. Ah yes, fairweather fans….
Unbiased Blogger, how many years were we “contenders” with Vick behind center? When was the last time we made the playoffs with him? I think it was in 2004. We went 8-8 in 05 and 06. Contenders. Right. Look, I don’t even blame Vick for all of that. There were 21 other guys on both sides of the ball all season long. And there’s no use comparing Vick and the team/coach he had to Ryan now and the team/coach he has. We’ve started over. And the team is a patchwork of youngsters and oldsters. We’re not going to contend this year or the next. But we weren’t going anywhere with Vick, Mora, and Co.
By Falcon Fan
August 4, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
From Mill Creek: Jamaal Anderson showed good speed and quick hands as he sacked the QB and knocked the ball loose. Shockley impressed me because his first couple of short passes were poorly thrown, but he showed poise and then made several good throws (that were dropped Zinger and Rader) and rifled a beautiful 40 yard rope on target into the endzone. On Ryan’s 65 yard TD, White beat the defender by about 15 yrds but the ball was slightly underthrown and White had to hesitate slightly. If the defender were 1-2 steps behind the pass would have been deflected.
By James T.
August 4, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Falcon Fan - are you kidding???
Ryan’s pass to White was NOT underthrown. People are just making stuff up because they want to see their “Dawg” shockely make the team - which he probably won’t - because he is a BAD QB.
Thanks for posting your nonsense.
By RAIDERS.
August 4, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
But thorpe this is the nfl,college throws don’t count when it comes to this game.(speaking of m.ryan making throws in college).The game is faster the players are stronger and smarter.Theres simply no comparison.
By Theyhateme.
August 4, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Just face it falcon fans,this falcons organization is the worst franchise ever!You can bring in jordan,bird,cobe,and shack it just won’t matter.(LOL)And oh yea,the fans are divided and the worst fans of any sport.but i think they will be a good team somewhere in 2040.
By A_Town_Down
August 4, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Thorpe, You’re not judge and jury on who can or should be a Falcons fan. You’re probably one those people claiming that you want go to game as long as Vick was the QB. Like all lifelong Falcons, I always have a back-up team to support EVERY season.
Ray, I’m entitled to my opinion and right to make an assessment of a player’s ability to play in the NFL as you are. You are correct, however, that I will jump on the band wagon if Matt Ryan shows that he can play in this league. I would gladly eat that crow.
If Matt Ryan has a winning record as a starter over four years with two playoff and pro bowl appearances, I would buy his jersey, season tickets, and back him as much as I backed Vick.
By Jimmy
August 4, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
“Cobe and Shack?” LOL Enough said on that poser. Dude, get an education. Either that or ‘hooked on phonics,’ yo.
By Pumpkinshart
August 4, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Hey Steve, nice blog….but you forgot to mention 2 important facts…Colin Cowherd thinks you are wrong on everything..And also, what’s the latest info on AJ Hawk going free agent and the chances of the falcons acquiring him your #1 fan, at lil riv!
By ZachEdwards
August 7, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Its a shame that Farve couldnt have gotten traded to the Falcons so that he could come back home to Atlanta to play for the Falcons for a year, having Ryan in the wings and teaching Ryan everything he knows about hall-of-fame quarterbacking. That would have been something else. Well I have a suggestion for Brett Farve to get even with those uncaring Green Bay Packers management. I understand that Farve played 17 seasons in the NFL; 1 year with Atlanta and 16 years with Green Bay. FARVE COULD GET EVEN WITH THOSE NASTY GREEN BAY FANS AND THEIR SELFISH, SATANIC, HATEFUL MANAGEMENT BY ENTERING THE HALL OF FAME AS AN ATLANTA FALCON, INSTEAD OF A GREEN BAY PACKER THEREBY ERASING OR FORGETTING EVERYTHING HE EVER DID IN GREEN BAY. I hope to God that Brett reads my blog today and decides to implement my brilliant, ingenious plan. This would get even with the Packers for their insidious, uncaring, dehumanizing treatment of their great legend quarterback, Brett Farve.