AJC > Sports > Falcons > Training Camp Blog > Archives > 2006 > August > 04
Friday, August 4, 2006
High notes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Their starting quarterback missed practice for a third straight day with a “tweaked” hamstring. They remain unsettled at the wideout position in terms of who’ll serve as the third target to throw to. Still, the Falcons managed to end practice on a positive note leading into tomorrow “Midtown Touchdown” event.
Patrick Kerney was an absolute beast during pass rush drills, punishing every offensive lineman who took him on. The rookie receiver from Fresno State, Adam Jennings, made great strides toward mounting a solid challenge for a starting position. And star cornerback DeAngelo Hall didn’t have to go through the rigors of participating in both defensive and offensive drills.
Part of the reason much of the team seemed so upbeat may have to do with the fact that veteran players are getting a one-night release out of the confines of the Flowery Branch complex. Rookies must remain on campus.
The kicker? The kickers.
Practice ended with a distance-kicking contest between the new acquisition Carlos Martinez and puntin specialist Michael Koenen. Martinez has apparently ingratiated himself with the team already because several players made Mexican hat dance moves to try to distract him.
Both kickers were on target from 50 and 55 yards out amid hoots, hollers and towels being waved around them. Koenen won out with a 60-yarder from the center of the field.
Spiraling upward
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Quick fluid break for the players, so here’s an update on practice so far.
Rookie cornerback Jimmy Williams apparently takes offense at ticky-tack blocking by receivers. Wideout Roddy White was on the receiving end of a prodigious left hook to the helmet from Williams as payback for holding him under the shoulder pads.
Rookie tailback Jerious Norwood has sideline observers whistling in delight at his flashes of speed and elusiveness. Norwood’s problem though is picking a hole and commiting to diving through it. Starting tailback Warrick Dunn is putting on a clinic in that regard. And T.J. Duckett isn’t making anyone miss, but he is making would-be tacklers pay with his downhill running style.
If you were to ask me whose passes looked more apt to be intercepted, I’d say Matt Schaub’s. Today so far they’re all floaters; accurate, but taking too long to reach the targeted receivers. Second-year QB Bryan Randall on the other hand is throwing darts while working with the second team. D.J. Shockley’s only looking okay today in his sporadic work with reserves.
And here’s a mild, amusing example of that rookie hazing they talk about: star cornerback DeAngelo Had had a little fun at rookie corner Brent Grimes’ expense. Grimes was politely offering a bottled sports beverage to Hall, who looked down at it in mock disgust. Grimes skulked away to retrieve a BLUE bottle of the beverage instead of the orange. Again, Hall looked at him dismissively. Grimes had forgotten to remove the cap.
Mike Vick — shrouded in a towel — appeared on field nearly 90 minutes after practice started, held out of workouts for a third straight day.
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Heat strokes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
While waiting for today’s practice to get going in earnest, I wanted to offer a few pointers for those thinking of attending training sessions out here before they close to the public at an undetermined date. (It’s at coach Jim Mora’s discretion when that will be.)
If you can’t stand the heat, stay away from Flowery Branch. The Heat index is at 99 degrees currently according to Weather.com. It’s so withering that even the air horns coaches blow between drills sound flatulent. Special teams coach Joe DeCamillis had some salty things to say regarding the climate, and how it’s hot in Carolina (where the Falcons launch their season) too.
If you come, realize there’s not much refuge from the sun; and it’s furthest away from the action. Canopied grandstands are situated atop a hill overlooking the practice fields. And today they’re filled to capacity. Everyone else is braving the sun on the grassy hillside beneath.
No official count is being taken, but this looks to be the second largest crowd of the week in spite of the heat. Several radio stations have remote broadcasts going on, and local sportscasters have been trickling in or out all week. The AJC is the only media outlet with multiple representatives here daily.
There’s another canopied grandstand closer to the field, but it’s reserved for the hottie wives and girlfriends of the players and select VIPs. Families are out here in droves and parking across the street from the training complex fills up early.
There’s a slew of mock football activities for the kids, and of course a sizeable merchandise kiosk where sales of Mick Vick jerseys only appear to be rivaled by hand-over-fist sales of frozen lemonade. You’re allowed to bring your own refreshments.
Gotta do the 100 yard dash back onto the field now to see if there’s any action worth noting. Mike Vick has yet to grace the field. P.S. Be sure to read Saturday’s AJC for complete preview coverage of the “Midtown Touchdown” at Piedmont Park.
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