FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons offensive guard Mike Johnsonparticipated in his first full practice since suffering a concussion on Aug. 4, and promptly tossed his helmet into the ring to replace Harvey Dahl.
“We still have three preseason games to go,” Johnson said on Monday. “There is plenty of camp left. I’m just looking forward to getting some work in and doing the best that I can.”
When camp opened, Johnson played left guard because Justin Blalock was a free agent and couldn't practice until the league's new business year started.
On Aug. 4, Blalock returned to practice and Johnson moved to right guard to compete with Garrett Reynolds for Dahl's old spot. Dahl signed with the St. Louis Rams during free agency.
On his first day at right guard, Johnson suffered a concussion. After going through the league’s concussion protocol, Johnson participated in parts of the practice Sunday.
Johnson, a third-round pick in the last year's draft, last started on the right side during his sophomore season at Alabama; he opened eight games at right tackle and four at right guard for the Crimson Tide.
Johnson appears to have a considerable challenge to overtake Reynolds, who has gotten off to a good start.
“I’ve always been a believer that since I’m right-handed it is always easier on the right side,” Johnson said. “It’s just a matter of getting my footwork down and being able to get used to different looks and playing against different guys.”
Ryan stays humble
Quarterback Matt Ryan has taken the Falcons to the playoffs in two of his first three seasons in the league, but doesn't consider himself one of the elite quarterbacks in the league.
“If you get caught up in those kinds of things and worrying about how you rank and where you fit in in the league, that can be a distraction,” Ryan said. “For me, I always just try to play the best I can week to week to give ourselves a chance to win.”
In three seasons, Ryan has posted a 33-13 record during the regular season, which is tied with Dan Marino for the most wins by a quarterback in his first three seasons since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
In 2008, he was the first rookie quarterback along with Baltimore's Joe Flacco to start all 16 games and lead their teams to the playoffs.
“Whatever I can do to help us win, that is where my focus is,” Ryan said. “I try not to pay attention to that stuff too much.”
Franks matures
Reserve cornerback Dominique Franks is turning some heads during training camp, and Falcons All-Pro wide receiver Roddy White has noticed his improved play.
“He’s doing such a great job of getting his hands on balls and getting interceptions," White said. "He’s growing up. He’s doing a real, real, real good job.”
White blanked
White led the league with 115 receptions last season, but he didn’t catch a pass in the exhibition opener against Miami.
“I had some opportunities to get the ball, but I didn’t get it thrown to me,” White said. “That’s not my concern right now. We are just kind of easing the young guys in. The young guys are making a lot of plays right now.”
Abraham the thief
Defensive tackle John Abraham, fresh off his interception against Miami while dropping into coverage, picked off a screen pass during the morning practice.
Abraham, the Falcons returning sack leader with 13, had his first career interception last season against New Orleans.
Babineaux enthused
Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux's work in the trenches often goes overlooked, but on Miami's opening play of the game Babineaux sliced through the line and dropped Daniel Thomas for no gain.
“They allow me to get off the ball and go and create havoc in the backfield,” Babineaux said. “I just have a great time doing it. I’m licking my chops out on the field. I just feel like that I’m 10 steps ahead of where I was last year.”
Etc.
Instead of a padded practice, the Falcons went in jerseys and shorts during their morning practice for the first time in training camp. "We are trying to give them some of the different practices that they are going to have during the season," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. ... Quarterback John Parker Wilson (concussion), linebacker Akeem Dent (knee), tight end Justin Peelle (knee) and defensive tackle Corey Peters (knee) did not practice. ... Defensive tackle Vance Walker (ankle) worked out with the training staff and tight end Marquez Branson (knee) returned to practice. ... The Falcons will have two practices today before leaving for Jacksonville. They will practice with the Jaguars on Wednesday. ... Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who is recovering from right knee surgery, will not play against the Falcons.
