AJC > Sports > Falcons > Training Camp Blog > Archives > 2006 > August > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USClocking out
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Final notations as today’s morning practice session draws to a close:
Rookie cornerback Jimmy Williams must have an oil tanker’s worth of confidence in his natural ability. Where’s his intensity during scrimmages? He’s prone to lull around in the defensive backfield, fondling his hand towel, until the instant the ball is snapped. Nothing wrong with being low-key. And without doubt he’s flashed considerable talent. But something about him hints of distraction. He’s the anti-D. Hall; a team firebrand who was quick to question referees’ calls on receptions in his vicinity, and who drew a chorus of sideline heckling when Jamin Elliott appeared to beat him deep for a TD. The refs ruled that Elliott had landed out of bounds.
The Falcons shouldn’t call off their search for a reliable placekicker just yet. While Mike Koenen and new acquisition Carlos Martinez both proved today that they’ve got the leg to kick 50 yard field goals, neither was able to do it consistently.
If he proves to be durable, rookie running back Jerious Norwood could be one of the shrewder draft picks. As he grows more familiar with the offense, Norwood gets speedier by the day.
D.J. Shockley needs to bounce back after a less-than-stellar showing this morning. Only Matt Schaub and Bryan Randall took snaps during the final rounds of clock drills. And Randall missed only one of his six “hurry up” passes.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By CRS
August 3, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
It seems as though Jimmy will need to learn the hard way. If you saw it, Scott, then I’m sure Donatell and Mora saw it too.
By Charles
August 4, 2006 8:26 AM | Link to this
Scott, the Falcons need to take a look at recently graduated Georgia Tech kicker Ben Arndt. True, he was the Tech punter, but he’s much more than that. He’s a pure placekicker, who served as the backup kicker for Georgia Tech. He had the strongest leg in the ACC last year and I think everyone remembers that 78-yard kick that killed any hopes Miami had of defeating Tech. He also made the game saving tackle in that 14-10 win over No. 3 Miami.
I’m not even sure if he’s interested, but given the chance, he could easily win that placekicker job. He could also provide insurance throughout the year as a punter.
Arndt was National Special Teams player of the week in week 9 last season in the win over Miami. He punted nine times in that game for 363 yards, including the 78-yarder.
He punted a career-high 11 times for 464 yards against Virginia Tech. He is an excellent athlete with good cover speed. No one will get past him in punt or kick coverage. He’s 6-feet, 190 pounds with a great head for the game.
By Ben Arndt
August 4, 2006 9:26 AM | Link to this
Charles, I appreciate the kind words and support. I was just browsing and I saw my name and was like “Wow”. I didn’t know anyone was paying attention to little ol’ me.
When I was in 8th grade, I was all-neighborhood QB/PR/DB…that is until I hurt my knees.
By Charles
August 4, 2006 2:58 PM | Link to this
Would you be interested Ben? Where are you at now?
By Wes
August 4, 2006 3:58 PM | Link to this
CRS,
I wouldn’t read too much into a little head slapping. It is 100% degrees out there and I imagine tempers flare at the smallest thing. I know mine would.