Here are five things to know about the Falcons today:
1. OTA practice: The Falcons will hold an OTA session that will be open to the media at 12:15 p.m. Coach Dan Quinn will address the media after the session.
2. Update from Matthews: Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews, who's up for a contract extension, says he is having a fine offseason.
“It’s been really good,” Matthews said. “I’m healthy and stronger and in better shape.”
He’s not doing much different though.
“Every year it’s the same mindset of going in and becoming a better overall player,” Matthews said. “It really starts with the work you put in over the offseason.”
Matthews is set to make $12.49 million this season. The Falcons want to re-sign him and not allow him to reach free agency. Look for a late in-season contract extension.
3. Deeper understanding: Matthews is also trying to get a deeper understanding of the offense.
“Just trying to get into the playbook that much more to get an understanding of not just what you’re doing but what everyone’s job is,” Matthews said. “Once you get to that level, you can settle things down and it will make you play much faster and confident player.”
Falcons are $7.2 million under the salary cap
4. Offensive touch-up: Matthews confirmed that the team is tinkering with the offense. They'll have to get wide receiver Julio Jones up to speed when he returns for mini-camp.
“We definitely added a few more wrinkles,” Matthews said. “We are always trying to improve. We’ve got a lot of big time players on this offense. So anytime we can add new things to get guys the ball out in space, that’s what we are going to try to do.”
5. Helping to fight hunger: With school out for the summer, many children are not guaranteed a hot meal, so the Falcons will be teaming up with Publix to pack food boxes at the Atlanta Community Food Bank to help feed families in need from 6-8 p.m. today.
