AJC > Sports > Falcons > Training Camp Blog > Archives > 2007 > July > 26
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Shockley pleased with first day
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The press conferences just wrapped up — but first let’s get to the end of practice. I got a few requests for updates on D.J. Shockley — he took the last few snaps before the team broke off into some field goal kicking to end practice. My first impression of Shockley during the live work against a defense was that he disappeared at times behind the offensive line, especially compared to 6-foot-4 Joey Harrington. It became a factor when he missed Michael Jenkins over the middle - either the ball was tipped or Shockley was trying to throw a curveball because it was end-over-end and way behind Jenkins.
But after that miss, Shockley completed his last three passes - one to 5-foot-8 Vincent Marshall, another to tight end George Cooper and the last one a deep ball to Noriaki Kinoshita. On a side note, Kinoshita, the import from Osaka Japan, had a nice little media following.
In all, Shockley said he was pleased with the first day of training camp. When asked about Harrington, he said their relationship was great and Harrington echoed those comments later in a press conference. But Shockley did say he’s preparing to fight for the No. 1 spot - which you have to like from any competitor.
Lastly, Jamaal Anderson made it out for the second half of practice. Bobby Petrino said it’s a huge deal to him to have all his draft picks signed at this point in the season. We’ll get into the rookies a little more on Friday.
Crumpler leaves the field
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On Friday, I’m coming with binoculars. After being moved to the metal bleachers instead of the usual spot on the sideline, following the action across the field became a challenge. The most interesting development was Alge Crumpler walking off the practice field about 10 minutes ago. Nobody seemed too alarmed, he’s coming off a knee surgery and is being closely monitored.
The quarterbacks graduated to some passing against a defense, which gives you a much better look at all of them. Joey Harrington still looked good, and the discussion going on in the bleachers was whether or not he’ll get a serious challenge from D.J. Shockley. Or if Shockley will be given a fair shot. Interestingly enough, the best pass came from Chris Redman, who hit Eric Weems on a deep route down the sideline. Weems, a rookie from Bethune-Cookman, did a nice job reeling in the pass, drawing a nice applause from the fans gathered on the hill next to the action.
No Jamaal Anderson in early drills
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The first session just wrapped up, and they removed us from our prime position between practice fields. With the new regime, comes a lot of new rules about when and where you can videotape, take pictures and use your cell phone. But most photographers seemed more interested in the plane flying overhead that dragged a banner that read: “New team name? Dog-killers?” rather than anything happening on the field.
First - It’s interesting to note that first-round pick Jamaal Anderson was not out on the field to open practice. As Steve Wyche earlier reported, he agreed to terms on a five-year contract, but evidently it wasn’t enough to get him out there for the first portion of practice. One possibility is that he could be getting a physical, but it’s not clear. Wyche is getting to the bottom of it as we speak.
Big Grady Jackson, on the other hand, was out there. He was dressed but wasn’t participating in early drills.
I spent most of the first portion watching Joey Harrington, who I’ll be writing about for Friday’s paper. Without Vick, Harrington is thrust into the starting job and in early drills he looked fine. Granted, the only pass rush was a coach running by him after he took a snap from an assistant, but he was accurate on the deep out, showing the arm strength that made him the No. 3 overall pick by Detroit. Early action was basically a progression of pass routes, from a quick slant to a seam route. He looked fine, as did D.J. Shockley and Chris Redman - as you would hope on routine passing drills. The only dropped pass came from Roddy White, who couldn’t handle a 15-yard out that hit him in the numbers.
I’m also curious about Jerious Norwood, who, if he gained 10 pounds this offseason, it wasn’t in his legs. I’ll be watching him in the next session. I’ll also let you know if Jamaal Anderson ever shows up.
Getting ready for some actual football
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s a zoo up here. Between fans waiting to get in, to protesters shouting at each other across Falcons Parkway, it’s hard to believe that there will be any actual football being played today in Flowery Branch. But thankfully there will be, and I’ll be updating you on the latest developments on the field here at training camp.
I promise, this is a Michael Vick-free zone - unless we’re talking about what the team is doing to replace him. There won’t be PETA mentions or dog fighting references. Just football. All training camp long, I’ll be here blogging from practice, updating you on how the 10-pound heavier Jerious Norwood looks as the potential primary ballcarrier and if this year’s rookie class is ready to contribute like many feel they will have to. Today, the updates will come every half hour once practice starts unless I’m escorted out by Falcons security. I’ll keep you posted.
