Falcons upbeat at end of training camp

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution


Flowery Branch — The Falcons were elated with the completion of training camp on Monday, some of that elation no doubt linked to coach Mike Smith giving the players the afternoon practice off.

“The guys have worked hard through these 24 days of training camp,” Smith said.

The coach believes the difference between his second camp and his first was palpable.

“Everybody knows what to expect,” Smith said. “The guys know how we operate and it’s gone logistically a lot smoother than last year.”

The Falcons next swing into the their regular season routine.

“[Tuesday] will be like a Wednesday,” Smith said. “We’ll just sequence it through the week and play on Saturday.”

The team will now hold walk-throughs in the morning, break for lunch and then practice in the afternoon.

Who’s No. 2?

Given the chance, Smith would not name Chris Redman as his No. 2 quarterback.

“I think it’s an open competition,” Smith said. “Chris has the most experience. Chris has played in games. But we are going through a true evaluation process and we want to stay true to that process. But Chris definitely has the most experience of the backup quarterbacks.”

Third-year man D.J. Shockley and Alabama rookie John Parker Wilson are the other two quarterbacks in camp.

Many happy returns

Jerious Norwood may get some kick return action Saturday against San Diego, along with some other candidates in the punt returner derby.

Eric Weems, Chandler Williams and Thomas Brown have handled all of the returns in the first two games.

Other candidates for punt returner include Brent Grimes and possibly Troy Bergeron, who returned kickoffs off the net in the Arena Football League.

Deep numbers at WR

The Falcons face some tough decisions at the wide receiver position.

The additions of veteran free agents Marty Booker and Robert Ferguson have made it tough on young receivers like Williams, Weems, Bergeron and Aaron Kelly to make an impression.

“I’ve always enjoyed when you’ve got a nice mix of veterans and young guys,” wide receivers coach Terry Robiskie said. “Our situation is very good.”


Upping the work load

The Falcons will play the starters for at least a half against the Chargers on Saturday at the Georgia Dome.

“We definitely want to bring the guys out after halftime,” Smith said.