AJC > Sports > Falcons > Training Camp Blog > Archives > 2006 > July > 31
Monday, July 31, 2006
Take your pick(s)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cornerback DeAngelo has been flashing fancy footwork throughout training camp. He’s sporting a different version of his licensed cleats by Reebok daily. And he gave coaches and teammates reason to feel encouraged about his play this season by picking off deep passes by Mike Vick and Matt Schaub on successive series. He kept the celebratory high-stepping to a minimum; just enough enough to show the blinging soles of his cleats, which somehow defy dirt and grass stains.
At last a show of force by newly drafted running back Jerious Norwood, but at a price. On a goal liine dive play Norwood slashed through a first wave of tacklers, only to collide into pulling guard Kynan Forney. Forney had to be driven off the field on a cart due to a re-injured right angle.
Something to ponder overnight, in anticipation of 8:15 practice in the morning: which Mike Vick do you really want? The one who drops back, cocks to pass, re-considers, pulls it down, re-loads and tries to split defenders? Or the one who makes a quick drop, then flings it when he’s initially, instinctually feeling it?
Discuss…
Trial and error
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What’s NOT working (today at least)? Wide receiver reverses are being sniffed out and squelched by the scout defenses. Also flare passes of mid-length over the middle. Vick just nearly had one intercepted.
What IS working (today at least)? Designed scrambles where Vick fakes a handoff up the 2-hole, then rolls in a wide arc left before sprinting up the sideline. No one got within 20 yards of him, and he ran it twice the same way.
Finally getting a good look at top draft pick Jimmy Williams. He’ll need some coaching up. Right now he’s relying on his core strength to knock receivers off their routes or tie them up. Meanwhile he’s trying to read into the backfield. The league’s top receivers will toast him with that type of technique.
And Allen Rossum’s giving himself away. He can cover you tight unless you take him on a deep winding route. That leaves him flailing and getting outlept. Still, he’s running faster backward than most players could dream of running forward.
Water break’s over. Back to the field.
Catching on
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The most intense aspects of practice center on the passing game. In two-minute drills, Michael Jenkins, Roddy White and Jerome Pathon (being scrutinized as a possible replacement for the injured Finneran) are running with the first unit.
In drills devoted to the short passing game, coach George Stewart is really pushing technique and running crisp, 11 yard in and out routes. “Look me in the eye,” Stewart keeps barking. “If you’re looking low the guy knows it’s short.”
More discussion and instruction than action going on with the DBs. Not getting much to look at from top draft pick Jimmy Williams. Would love to see if he’s shaken off all the sluggishness he had entering camp.
Warrick Dunn is dipping and zipping through holes so effortlessly and quick. Still not a bit of work out of Alge Crumpler; unless you count schmoozing on the sidelines with owner Arthur Blank. Head coach Jim Mora, meanwhile is spending the bulk of his time with the defense.
That is, after all, what wins championships.
Passive-agressive tendencies
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This isn’t the most spirited of practice sessions. Perhaps the injury to Finneran has sapped some of the team’s enthusiasm. Perhaps it’s the heat that’s starting to feel withering.
Mike Vick’s showing some serious zip on his sideline passes, whereas D.J. Shockley appears to be struggling slightly to keep his throws up and tight.
Receivers and defensive backs seem to have more spring in their steps than anyone so far. Though he’ll probably be used most as a returner and a nickle specialist, Allen Rossum’s showing amazingly quick feet and smooth hip rotation. DeAngelo Hall and Lawyer Milloy seem to have some kind of tough-guy competition going on. Each is doing sets of fist-to-ground push-ups between drills. Over in the receivers pit, it’s like a fire drill. Vets, rookies and prospects all look like something’s got them motivated.
So far, Alge Crumpler’s pretty idle; not in pads like the rest of the team, and scowling a good deal.
That new kicker, Martinez is a southpaw, by the way. He gets a lot of air under the ball and kicks it straight. Early on, Michael Koenen’s kicks are spraying left to right.
Desparate measures?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s a new hired foot on the field and he’s being quickly placed into action.
Diminuitive kicker Carlos Martinez is in camp trying to win a position and he’s booming kickoffs downfield as I write.
Martinez doesn’t have the most sparkling pedrigee, being a product of Buena Vista College. But he’s’ not entirely a slouch. He comes to Flowery Branch from the Arena Football League, where he converted 117 out of 130 PATs last season, and successfully kicked 2 out of 3 field goals over 50 yards for the Dallas Desparados.
At 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds, Martinez looks Lilliputian compared to his prospective teammates. But he’s already getting some congratulatory headslaps between slaps. So he may not have too hard a time blending in.
