IF YOU GO BOX
Who: Atlanta Falcons
What: Minicamp – Open to the public
When: Tuesday (Gates open 12:30 p.m.; practice begins at 1:30 p.m.); Wednesday (Gates open at 12:00 p.m.; practice begins at 1:30 p.m.) and Thursday (Gates open at 10:30 a.m.; practice begins at 11:30 a.m.)
Where: Falcons facilities, 4400 Falcons Parkway, Flowery Branch, Ga. 30542
Parking: Available across the street from the Flowery Branch training facility, at the Hog Mountain Sports complex, 4373 Atlanta Highway, Flowery Branch 30542.
After making a blockbuster move with the release of former starting left tackle Sam Baker, the Falcons are set to open their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.
The camp, which is open to the public, runs through Thursday. It’s the last phase of the offseason program before the team reconvenes in late July for the start of training camp.
Here are five things to watch at minicamp:
1. Ryan on the move. The Falcons have worked through installing their offensive scheme extensively this offseason.
Quarterback Matt Ryan will be on the move more in the pocket.
It will interesting to determine if the movement hurts his passing accuracy.
2. New offensive line. Only one starter remains from the offensive line that played against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game after the 2012 season. Baker, left guard Justin Blalock, center Todd McClure and right tackle Tyson Clabo have all been released. Only Peter Konz, who started at right guard against the 49ers remains and he's battling back from knee surgery.
Left tackle Jake Matthews is the lone entrenched starter. Offensive line coach Chris Morgan is trying to sort through the different combinations.
“Probably, the number one thing is that the guys have to be able to move,” Morgan said. “They really have to be on the run, adjust on the run.”
Matthews (foot), center Joe Hawley (knee) and Konz (knee) all returned to the individual part of practice during the OTA last week. Also, right guard Jon Asamoah (ankle) was injured and has missed some time.
The Falcons signed former Washington players Chris Chester and Tyler Polumbus. They played for new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and can help with the installation of the blocking system.
“These guys right now are learning the system,” Morgan said. “Learning the verbiage, learning the calls, learning the scheme, learning how we want to practice. They are learning how we want to drill. They are doing a really good job embracing the change. It’s a little bit different and they are doing a good job with it.”
3. Is Tamme the answer? The Falcons are trying to see what they have in free agent signees Jacob Tamme and Tony Moeaki.
Tampa Bay claimed tight End Tim Wright off waivers after he was released by the New England Patriots, but the Falcons reportedly put in a claim.
The Falcons also have Levine Toilolo, Mickey Shuler and Beau Gardner at the position. The Falcons were likely attracted to Wright’s proficiency in the redzone and he’s scored 11 touchdowns over two seasons.
Tamme, 30, caught 67 passes in 2010. He had 52 receptions in 2012 before his catches dipped to 20 and 14 in the subsequent seasons. He’s hoping to revive his career with the Falcons.
“My body feels great,” Tamme said. “I’ve always felt like I could produce in the right situations. I’m working hard to make this a good situation.”
Moeaki, 28, has struggled with injuries since being selected in the third round of the 2010 draft out of Iowa. He’s been with three teams already.
4. Beasley update. The Falcons signed Vic Beasley, their first-round draft pick on Friday. He was held out of the final open OTA session because of a shoulder strain.
Minicamp is important for the rookies in order to get them ready to perform and earn playing time in training camp.
Beasley is being counted on to help revive the Falcons dormant pass rush.
5. Linebacker corps. Linebacker Brooks Reed returned from a groin injury and took part in individual drills.
He’s slated for the strongside while Justin Durant is playing at the weakside slot. Returnee Paul Worrilow is playing middle linebacker.
Playing on the weakside is an adjustment for Durant, who came over from the Dallas Cowboys.
“I think that I’m playing more outside than I’ve normally played,” Durant said. “Once I get a little more accustomed to it then I’ll be alright.”
Marquis Spruill, who’s coming back from knee surgery, also missed some time during OTAs.
“He’s not doing as well as he would like yet,” Falcons coach Dan Quinn said. “We have a couple of guys who are battling through some injuries as well.”
