AJC > Sports > Falcons > Training Camp Blog > Archives > 2007 > July > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRobinson impressive in morning practice
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just wrapped up the morning practice and interviews. I observed practice today with a few goals in mind. 1. Watch the rookies. 2. See if anyone jumped out with their play. 3. Look for injuries.
On the injury front, Grady Jackson and Alge Crumpler joined practice late as the team continues to monitor their injury situations closely. But it looked like it was a relatively clean practice other than that.
The player who jumped out was rookie wide receiver Laurent Robinson. The third round pick from Illinois State was impressive. The guy caught everything thrown in his direction. On one pass, he caught a hitch from Chris Redman then juked fellow rookie David Irons and sprinted down the sideline untouched.
If I’m Roddy White, I’m getting nervous. As for White, he caught a long touchdown pass from Redman, but later let out a yell of frustration after dropping a perfect pass down the right sideline from Joey Harrington.
Most of Robinson’s catches were under 20 yards, and the one time he stretched things out downfield, Harrington overthrew him. But he’s definitely worth watching as training camp unfolds.
During a post-practice chat, he said all the right things. He’s just working hard, and hoping to make the most of his opportunities.
Bobby Petrino said he was pleased with the pace of the morning practice. Obviously there were less distractions, although he said when you’re on the field, you don’t notice any of the things going on around you. Day two was a better one for the quarterbacks, who Petrino said looked a little more comfortable in his offense. Harrington continued to make the right passes, while D.J. Shockley was a little inconsistent, especially with his accuracy. Redman looked fine, although it’s really early to evaluate the battle to back up Harrington. The best time for all that will be when the exhibition season starts.
Justin Blalock, the last of the draft picks to sign, was out there for the first time, and he said it was good to get the first practice behind him. He said there was a lot of anxiety, especially considering he missed yesterday’s practice. He worked with the first team and Petrino said there are high hopes for him this season on the offensive line now that he’s signed.
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By Nique
July 27, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
I’d like to hear some updates on Jimmy Williams & that battle at safety! & also the battle between Chris Houston & Sanders. I know it’s still early as you said with the battle between D.J. Shockley & Redman but just for future reference, those are two things i’d appreciate some stories on If the battle between Laurent Robinson & White comes down to the end, I think that Robinson should get the nod in a toss up. He’ll be cheaper to keep, White has had plenty of chances & squandered ALL of them, & in my mind should be either traded for whatever draft pick that someone who still has hope that he can turn his potential into production, is willing to give us or even cut him. We’ll be fine with J. Horn, M. Jenkins, L. Robinson, F. Gibson, & A. Jennings at wide out. They have all been more impressive that White in whatever limited amount of time they’ve played & only 1 of them is getting paid 1st round money like White’s getting paid. Trim the payroll, lose White, & allow the other young WR’s a chance to develop & grow!
By John R
July 27, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
Roddy White needs to be nervous. From what I’ve heard and seen of Laurent Robinson, he could possibly start this year. Most people have written him off because his impressive numbers comes from small school competition, but I remember another WR who went to a small school. You ever heard of a guy from Mississippi Valley State University who played for the 49ers? Anyway, people said Robinson is too slow until he ran a 4.38 at the combine. Not bad for 6-2, 200 pounds. Good hands, good size, good speed, all means: Watch out Roddy, the unemployment line might be waiting! Go Falcons!
By Ole Man Bourbon
July 27, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
Is our D going to be able to patch up the holes caused by the off-season injuries?
By Bushwacker
July 27, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
With all the negativity we’ve all been force to go thru, that picture of DJ (a confident gut ready to LEAD his team) looks better to me than a PLAYBOy CENTERFOLD!!
Go DJ, Atlanta is behind and ready to rock the dome for you so Coach Petrino understand what Coach Mora expericened last year when he put you in, DO US PROUD BUDDY, WE NEED YOU!!!
By Roswell Ed
July 27, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
I want to get this straight because I get confused sometimes.
If I want Shockley to succeed and I am tired of Vick
AM I HALF RACIST?
By Greg from Marietta
July 27, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
EXCELLENT ARTICLE! You actually reported on the Falcons and what is happening in training camp. What a refreshing article. It may astonish some sports reporters for the AJC, but there are those of us who would like to hear about the players & coaches and the progress of the team. Thanks for being there for us. Keep up the great reporting.
By Tyger
July 27, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
Racial divide
By Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports July 26, 2007
RICHMOND, Va. – The crowded, chaotic sidewalk on Main Street, across from the federal courthouse, was an unlikely location for a lesson on the virtues of the fifth amendment.
But standing behind a throng that wanted a pound of Michael Vick’s flesh – people that had just screamed for the Atlanta Falcons quarterback to “burn in hell” and held signs advocating his murder, torture and neutering – was Thomas Smith in work boots and a white t-shirt.
High above his head he held a simple sign with just a single word: “Constitution.”
“These folks have convicted a man who hasn’t even had a chance to defend himself,” said Smith. “They just forget everything about America.”
But here was America in full force, full vision, mixing it up while Vick pled not guilty to federal charges pertaining to an alleged dog-fighting ring on property he owned in rural Surry County. And front and center, impossible to ignore, was race.
By Ace123
July 27, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
i want to hear about Jimmy Williams and Chris Houston..i wonder how is camp going so far for them..also i want to hear about Vincent Marshall…i saw this guy play at the university of Houston and he reminds me of Ted Ginn with his speed and quickness and also his acceleration..i think he would be perfect for our kick and punt return duties
By rick
July 27, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this
a good article about how blank has ruined the falcons:
http://sundaypaper.com/CurrentArticles/tabid/98/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/384/072907-SPORTSLEAD-Shooting-Blanks.aspx
By larry w.
July 27, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
Laurent Robinson just may turn out to be the steal of the draft. He is in a pass friendly offense, and no one expects too much from him. Just the right formula for a surprising and successful season.
By SC
July 29, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Craig,
Can you compare this year to previous years with respect to the relative amount of practice on pass-related skills versus run-related skills? Is there noticeably more work done with regards to the pass offense? I’d would expect this to be the case - just looking for confirmation. How about other differences between this year and last year?
By SC
July 30, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
Craig, how is Daniel Fells performing?