FLOWERY BRANCH—The first score from Falcons training camp is in.
Offense 2, Defense 1.
The Falcons ended Tuesday's afternoon practice by running three goal-line plays, from the 3-, 2- and 1-yard lines. After the defense stopped the first attempt, the offense scored on the final two plays. They ran behind rookie draft pick Peter Konz for the two successful ventures into the end zone.
"We wanted to give them a real competitive finish to the day," coach Mike Smith said. "... I think there was some good execution down there on the offensive side. There was good hard running. It wasn't like they walked in. They went behind our young offensive lineman."
The starters were not involved in the plays. The sides were made up of rookies and young second- and third-team players.
The Falcons had well-documented issues last season in short-yardage situations.
No off day for coaches
On Tuesday, the coaching staff finished installing its offense and defense with the no-huddle, goal-line and short-yard situations.
"It's in, now we have to refine it," Smith said.
Wednesday is a day off for the players. However, Smith quickly noted it's not an off day for the coaches. Smith said the staff will use the day to catch up on film work, take a look at the first six days of camp, examine in detail the sequencing of the first week and consider possible changes for next season and finalize logistics for the team scrimmage Friday and the combined workout with the Titans on Monday.
The staff will then begin to take another look at the first two regular-season opponents, the Chiefs and Broncos.
Cone fighting for spot
Kevin Cone isn't focused on the Falcons' battle for wide-receiver roster spots.
But, he's right in the middle of it.
Cone, from Stone Mountain, is in his second seaon with the Falcons after making the team as an undrafted free agent last season. He spent most of the season on the practice squad but was signed to the active roster for the regular-season finale against the Buccaneers.
With four experienced rosters in camp — Roddy White, Julio Jones, Harry Douglas and Kerry Meier — Cone and Drew Davis are battling five rookies for the fifth and sixth receiver spots.
"I feel like if I did [focus on the potential roster] that I would have too much on my mind," Cone said after a recent practice. "I want to come out here, focus on the plays, focus on getting better. There are so many things on the field that I can worry about. All that other stuff I can't control."
Cone acknowledges being elated to play for his home-team Falcons. He played at St. Pius, Shorter and Georgia Tech during is road less traveled to the NFL. Although, Cone does acknowledge he rooted for the Jets as a youngster. After all, his father was drafted by New York out of Georgia Tech in the 10th round of the 1984 NFL draft.
The rest of the wide receivers group in training camp includes Michael Calvin, Kenny Stafford, Marcus Jackson, James Rodgers and Tim Toone.
Cone believes his experience last season is a plus.
"I think it's helping me with the knowledge of the offense and me as a player," Cone said. "I know what I can do and what I need to work out. I'm trying to use what I gained last year to improve as a player."
Smith is valuable
Running back Antone Smith has developed into a valuable special-teams commodity for the Falcons.
The team is not certain yet how to use him because he's a good blocker, tackler and has the speed to win the kick-returner job.
"He'll be in the mix," Smith said of the open job.
Overheard
Asante Samuel to the offense: "Better get some new plays. I used to pick that off every [darn] year."
Sean Weatherspoon after an interception by Kroy Biermann during goal-line drills: "That's going to be on Bravo." The reference was to the network that airs the reality show 'Don't Be Tardy for the Wedding' that features Biermann and his wife, Kim Zolciak. The show is a spinoff of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta.'
Etc.
After fighting temperatures in the mid-90s for the first five days of training camp, the Falcons got a little relief in their afternoon session Tuesday. A steady rain fell for first 30 minutes of the workout with temperatures 10 degrees cooler. ... Braves Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro was a visitor to camp. He spent several minutes speaking to owner Arthur Blank, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and players Dunta Robinson and John Parker Wilson.
Staff writer D. Orlando Ledbetter contributed to this article.
About the Author
