Elam wins over teammates with 56-yard kick

Flowery Branch — All of the Falcons players stormed the field after kicker Jason Elam made a 56-yard field goal near the end of Thursday’s morning practice.

Before the kick, coach Mike Smith made a deal with the team. A lot was on the line.

If Elam made the kick, the veterans could break training camp and head home after the evening practice. If he missed it, they had to stay in training camp until Sunday.

“Some of the guys were talking to me who never talked to me before,” Elam said. “It always feels good as a kicker when you can do something for the team and give them a little boost.”

After the second practice, the team gathered for a farewell dinner and meeting. After the meeting the veterans were free to leave the team’s facilities, where they’ve been since reporting July 27.

“I’d image there will be a fast exodus to their homes after the meetings tonight,” Smith said.

Corners to get tested

When in Jacksonville as defensive coordinator, Smith faced Indianapolis’ high-powered offense twice a year. Quarterback Peyton Manning is not making the trip as the Colts play the Falcons on Saturday in the second exhibition game. Still, Smith expects the Falcons’ young corners to be tested by backup Jim Sorgi and the Colts’ well-conceived passing schemes.

“I think what we need to have happen is have our guys being able to read the route combinations and run to the play,” Smith said. “Because they are going to have some guys that our going to be out in one-on-one situations. Our guys are going to have to make plays.”

After the season-ending foot injury to Von Hutchins, the Falcons are young at cornerback. The Falcons will likely start second-year men Chris Houston and Brent Grimes. Last week, rookie Chevis Jackson started for Houston, who was out with a shoulder injury.

“They like to attack the seams,” Grimes said. “It will definitely be a test for our secondary out there.”

Sorgi will likely start for Manning.

Wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison are tough assignments for veteran cornerbacks.

“It’s always good to go up against some great receivers, you get to test yourself and see where you are,” Grimes said. “This should be a good experience for all of us.”

Houston has the most NFL game experience at cornerback other than reserve nickel back Blue Adams.

“They take what you give them,” Houston said. “If you’re off [the line of scrimmage] they are running outs. If you press, they are going to try to beat you deep. If they see mismatches in the defense, they are going to take that.”

Right-guard battle

Harvey Dahl and Kynan Forney, who are in a battle for the starting right guard job, are both set to take snaps with the No. 1 unit.

Dahl started last week and played with the No. 1 team. Forney, a seven-year starter, was in the game late playing with reserves.

Horn practices

Disgruntled veteran wide receiver Joe Horn returned to practice for the first time since early in training camp. He has missed time with a hamstring injury. Horn wants to be traded because he believes the Falcons view him as an insurance policy against injuries at the position.

“He’s been working with the trainers and running some routes, almost full speed,” Smith said. “We got him some snaps. So we’ll get an opportunity to see what he can do this week.”