FALCONS REPORT: McKay OK’d to talk with Browns

Flowery Branch —- Falcons president Rich McKay has been granted permission by owner Arthur Blank to interview for the vacant general manager position with the Cleveland Browns.

McKay was stripped of his general manager duties after last season. He stayed on with the Falcons to help in several capacities.

McKay has stepped into the background this season as Thomas Dimitroff took over the football operations. He’s been instrumental in helping Dimitroff with the salary cap, contract negotiations, the Falcons’ pursuit of new stadium options and several other business operations.

McKay, co-chair of the league’s powerful competition committee, came to the Falcons in 2004 after a successful stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Falcons went to the NFC Championship game in McKay’s first year, but things went sour with his hirings of Jim Mora and Bobby Petrino, poor free agent signings, like Ed Hartwell, and failed high draft picks in DeAngelo Hall and Jimmy Williams.

The jury is still out on defensive end Jamaal Anderson, who was taken with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2008 draft.

To McKay’s credit, he did select guard Justin Blalock, wide receivers Roddy White and Michael Jenkins and make the trade for defensive end John Abraham.

McKay’s tenure with the Falcons has endured the federal dogfighting investigation that landed quarterback Michael Vick in prison.

McKay did not return a call to his cellphone.

Milloy practices

Falcons safety Lawyer Milloy, recovering from a back injury, returned to practice Tuesday.

“We are getting a little bit better,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “Lawyer was able to go through limited participation today. Jamaal Anderson did not practice.”

Milloy and Anderson (high ankle sprain) were injured against Minnesota and did not play in the regular-season finale.

Milloy said he could barely walk last week and had trouble tying his shoes. He returned to practice late in the week and tried to play Sunday.

“I did everything I could to get out there,” Milloy said. “It killed me not to be able to get out there.”

Milloy is planning to start in Saturday’s playoff game against Arizona.

“I don’t really like sitting down,” Milloy said. “I’m doing whatever it takes to get back on the playing field for this playoff game just because that’s my nature.”

Tough-nosed Cards

Milloy said he sees a lot of Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt in his team.

“He’s a hard-nosed type of guy,” Milloy said. “That’s the way his team is playing. They just have a hard-working team and it’s definitely a reflection of their coach and what he brings to the table.”

Koenen pleased with league record

Punter Michael Koenen was elated about the punt coverage team setting an NFL record for fewest return yards allowed in a season with 49.

“You have to give a lot of credit to the cover guys for blocking, covering and holding guys to small returns,” said Koenen, who’s hang-time and directional punting helped the unit.

A good hang-time is 4.5 seconds. Koenen’s third punt against the Rams stayed in the air for 4.97 seconds, allowing his unit to get down field and force fair catches.

Koenen is looking forward to punting in the University of Phoenix Stadium in the playoffs.

“It’s a dome with an open top so there probably won’t be too much wind,” Koenen said. “Hopefully it will be in the 70s or 60s, nice weather to play a football game in.”

‘Focused … relaxed’

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has plans to maintain his composure in his first career NFL playoff game.

“I’m sure I’ll be excited once the day rolls around,” Ryan said. “The biggest thing is to stay focused and stay relaxed, especially playing the quarterback position you have to be that way. I’ll do everything I can to get prepared this week and be relaxed.”

Weiner as tight end

With left tackle Sam Baker healthy and tight end Ben Hartsock on injured reserve, the Falcons have turned to tackle Todd Weiner to line up as a blocking tight end.

“It’s beneficial,” Weiner said. “I play some tackle, then I go out and play some tight end a little bit. I think it helps the overall flow of the game. We are both playing. It’s not like we are sitting out for a long time. It’s worked.”

Officials announce when Weiner goes to tight end because he’s an eligible receiver. But don’t expect Weiner to run any routes.

“I’ve got some good hands, but I can’t run,” Weiner said.