Register now, it's free! |
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/19/08
Flowery Branch — Falcons head coach Mike Smith wrapped up his first Organized Training Activities sessions on Thursday and shaved a three-day minicamp off the summer itinerary.
Smith and the coaching staff are pleased with the team's offseason effort and installation of the offensive, defensive and special team schemes.
|
"We've talked about what we accomplished and what we've been able to do in our OTAs," Smith said.
As of late Wednesday, the Falcons still had a three-day minicamp later this month listed on their website. But Smith has decided to give the players a break.
"We felt it would be more beneficial for those guys to work in the weight room next week," Smith said.
Schaub married in Buckhead
Houston and former Falcons quarterback Matt Schaub got married in mid-February in Buckhead. Falcons receiver Brian Finneran was a groomsmen.
"We had a great time," Finneran said. "We had a great relationship while he was here. He's a good friend of mine. We stay in touch."
Communication experiment
The Falcons used their final offseason practices to experiment with the newly allowed audio communication device. It allows the helmet of one defensive player to receive a play call made by the coaching staff on the sideline.
The device has been in use for years on offense, as one coach calls plays to the quarterback. However, it was only allowed on defense this season in wake of Spygate, in which the New England Patriots admitted filming defensive hand signals.
Smith said it's not just the players that have to get familiar with the devise. Linebacker Keith Brooking will wear one of the two devices and make the on-field calls. Defensive coaches have never communicated with players this way so they need to get used to making calls through a headset.
"It's going to be a learning experience for the defensive coaches and defensive players to have someone in their ear," Smith said. "We're going to spend a lot of time in training camp doing that so our guys are accustomed to spending time with that communication device."
Douglas making strides
Third-round pick Harry Douglas, a wide receiver from Louisville, has had a solid offseason. He's created a buzz as the slot receiver and the coaching staff has incorporated him into much of the offense.
Douglas, who wants to be lawyer, said he's been able to adapt and excel because of his ability to learn.
"You've got to understand the playbook," Douglas said. "Once you understand that you're able to play fast."
— Staff writer Steve Wyche contributed to this report.
Vote for this story!
More on ajc.com
- Ex-UGA, Falcons TE Milner signs with Giants (09/30/2008)
- FALCONS REPORT: Milloy's status, ribs still sore spot (09/30/2008)
- Young Falcons can't let mistakes linger (09/30/2008)
- Falcons' Milloy feeling effects of Carolina loss (09/29/2008)
- PANTHERS 24, FALCONS 9: FALCONS RECAP (09/29/2008)
- PANTHERS 24, FALCONS 9: Veteran out of hand (09/29/2008)
- PANTHERS 24, FALCONS 9: Q&A / MIKE SMITH, Falcons coach: Game's failures 'Are all things we can fix' (09/29/2008)
- PANTHERS 24, FALCONS 9: FALCONS REPORT: Panthers line protects Delhomme (09/29/2008)
- PANTHERS 24, FALCONS 9: STIFF MEDICINE: Offensive failures drop Falcons to defeat, .500 (09/29/2008)
- PANTHERS 24, FALCONS 9: Turner never surmounts stacked odds (09/29/2008)
Inside AJC.COM
Alan Jackson in concert
The country singer performed at Chastain Park this weekend, along with Blake Shelton.
Who has the fine whine?
Who's the whiniest football coach in the SEC? Tell Metro Atlanta what you think.
Look who turned 16
Miley Cyrus celebrated her Sweet Sixteen with whom else? Mickey Mouse at Disneyland.
Making the perfect cookie
How about making some yummy cookies for co-worker or friend who is feeling down?




DEL.ICIO.US




