The way the Falcons saw it: They could gently nudge Todd McClure into retirement after the 2012 season because Peter Konz was ready to be their next center.
The way it happened: Konz struggled at center in 2013 and was eventually moved back to right guard.
By the time 2014 training camp around, Konz was a reserve behind center Joe Hawley and guard Jon Asamoah, a free-agent addition. It was a rapid rise and decline for Konz, who had played well as a rookie after the Falcons selected him in the second round of the 2012 draft out of Wisconsin.
Now with Hawley’s status up in the air because of a knee injury that knocked him out of the Vikings game Sunday, Konz could have a chance to redeem himself.
“I want to play with a chip,” Konz said. “I want to play like I’ve got something to prove because it means a lot to me. This game means a lot to me and this team means a lot to me. Whatever happens, I want to go in there and play better than I’ve ever played just to prove to myself that I can do it. It’s just as much about that as it as having fun playing with a great group of guys.”
A relative lack of strength was a weakness for Konz in 2013 so he spent last off season focused on adding power in the weight room. His improved physique was highlighted by coach Mike Smith during a segment on an episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” documentary.
Konz said the added strength has made a difference.
“Strength has been something to give you confidence,” Konz said. “I’ve been able to feel it in the run blocking but especially the pass blocking. When you are trying to back up and someone is trying to bowl you over that’s especially when you need to bow up and stop them.”
