Falcon Team Report - 8-7-2010

[Wild Bill]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/falcons/notes.htm

At the outset of training camp, the Falcons received some good medical news.

Wide receiver Harry Douglas, defensive tackle Peria Jerry and cornerback Brian Williams were all medically cleared to participate in practice.

"They will start on a limited basis and we're going to monitor them and manage them throughout training camp," Smith said. "They will not be involved, to start with, in two-a-days. They will be practicing once a day and we'll bring them along very, very slowly."

All three players suffered season-ending knee injuries last season.

Douglas suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on Aug. 5 and was placed on injured reserve the next day. He is the closest one to being 100 percent. He's running routes and should be cleared to play in exhibition games.

Douglas is expected to add some pop to the receiving corps if he can fully recover.

In 2008 as a rookie, he played in all 16 games and caught 23 passes for 320 yards, rushed 12 times for 33 yards — mostly on reverses — and averaged 11.9 yards per punt return. He scored one touchdown receiving, one rushing and one on a punt return as a triple-threat.

Jerry, the team's first-round pick in 2009, suffered a knee injury in the second game of the season against Carolina on Sept. 20. He was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 21.

He's expected to add some inside muscle and stability to the defensive line if he can fully recover.

Williams was added to the team at the outset of last season. A few days later, he opened the season as the starting left cornerback and moved down inside to the slot in nickel situations.

He suffered a knee injury in the fifth game of the season against Chicago on Oct. 18. He was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 20. He's appears to have the longest road to full recovery.

"Their workloads will increase depending on how they handle their recovery," Smith said. "They have been working really, really hard this offseason. I'm excited that they have been cleared."

If the players were not cleared for practice, they could have been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and continued their rehabilitations.

CAMP CALENDAR: Camp runs through Aug. 22. Jacksonville is coming end for scheduled practices on Aug. 9 and 10. New England will scrimmage the Falcons on Aug. 17.

NOTES, QUOTES

—The Falcons unveiled a new secondary logo.

"We established our own secondary logo in conjunction with the league," said Jim Smith, the team's chief marketing officer. "What we wanted to do was find something that was uniquely Atlanta. So when we started looking around, everybody in this country knows that the three letters A-T-L stand for Atlanta. So we wanted to find a way to capitalize on that."

The Falcons sent their design to the league office and it was approved.

Fans can purchase the apparel exclusively at training camp or on the website: Falcons365.com

—Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann is getting some bad advice concerning not talking about his "rumored" relationship with "Real Housewives of Atlanta" reality TV star Kim Zolciak. Biermann would not confirm that he and Zolciak are dating.

"Just in general, that's my personal life and I would probably keep it that way," Biermann said.

You saw last year that this Reality TV star thing worked out for the New Orleans Saints. Reggie Bush was dating Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and they won the Super Bowl.

Maybe Biermann and Kim Zolciak could help the Falcons bring home the Lombardi trophy.

—After just four practices the Falcons' defense is clearly dominating the offense.

The defensive players, in non-contact scrimmages, are beating the offensive players to spots and are getting their hands on a lot of passes.

"They have been dominating us," Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White said. "We've been struggling. They are active and are making plays out there."

The defense was often maligned last season, especially for its play against the pass. They were ranked 28th in the league in defending the pass and gave up 54 pass plays that went for more than 20 yards.

"I think they can be special as long as they keep grinding and being consistent," White said.

Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton believes the defense is on a mission to improve.

"We are not satisfied where we've been the last couple of years," Lofton said. "We want to get to elite status and we are going to do that this year."

—Falcons coach Mike Smith has stressed that the team must improve its performance on third down. The team had two scripted periods where they worked only on third down situations on Saturday.

"It's an area of emphasis," Smith said.

—The Falcons will ease into training camp with six practices without pads.

On Monday, things will start to ramp up with at least one padded practice a day in what Smith believes will be the toughest week of training camp.

"We are really emphasizing over these first three or four days, getting our feet underneath us," Smith said.

—Rookie cornerback Dominique Franks dropped an interception that hit him in the hands.

"I've already have been on him," Lofton said. "He's got to give us some pushups. We don't drop picks. We have to take those to the house."

—Rookie defensive tackle Corey Peters is taking his status in stride.

"It's whatever they want," Peters said. "I'm getting ready to go over to Target and get some candy and stuff right now. I've already been sent out on a mission."

Dallas rookie Dez Bryant made headlines when he refused to carry a veteran's shoulder pads. Peters doesn't plan to fight his extra rookie chores.

"I look at it as paying your dues," Peters said. "It's something every rookie should do."

If Peters makes the team, he'll be charged with bringing the fried chicken to the team plane during the regular season.

"I've heard about that, but I haven't received any details," Peters said. "I'll do anything they need me to do. I believe that's how it's supposed to be done. It's part of football."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "My goal is to win the Super Bowl. First we have to win the NFC South. Those are my goals. Whatever I do during the season is fine because I know if we are winning my stats and everything will be OK." —Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White on his goals for the season.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

The depth on the roster is apparent at several positions.

They should be some good battles for roster spots across the board, but the cornerback, linebacker and offensive line battles will be particularly intense.

PLAYER NOTES

—TE Robbie Agnone, who spent last season on New England's practice squad was signed. He will compete with Keith Zinger and Michael Palmer for the third tight end position.

—CB Gabe Derricks, a four-year starter at the University of San Diego, was released.

—WR Brian Finneran suffered back spasms early in camp. He's in a battle to retain his spot as the No. 4 receiver in the roster.

—CB Domonique Franks will get a shot to win the kickoff return job. Last season, Eric Weems handled punts and kickoffs. Jerious Norwood is also a candidate.

—LB Sean Weatherspoon has been impressive working out and both outside linebacker spots. He will compete for a starting position.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Erik Coleman vs. William Moore for the starting SS — Coleman played well and has been the team's second leading tackler over the last two seasons. Moore, a second-round pick who missed most of last season, is finally healthy and will mount a challenge. He's running well and has the striking ability for the position.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: The cornerback position opposite Dunta Robinson will be hotly contested. Brent Grimes opened camp with the first-team defense. Brian Williams, who opened last season as the starter, is coming back from knee surgery. Christopher Owens and Chevis Jackson will also get a look.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: RB Michael Turner — He has reduced his body fat several percentage points and appears much quicker and light on his feet. He appears to be hitting holes at a high rate of speed.

ROOKIE REPORT: LB Sean Weatherspoon doesn't appear to be overwhelmed even though the coaches are using him at both outside linebacker positions. ... OG Mike Johnson has struggled in some drills. DT Vance Walker put a nice bull rush on him before he got his feet set. He'll have to get quicker. ... OG/C Joe Hawley is working with the third team being Todd McClure and Brett Romberg. .... CB Dominique Franks looks good moving around and turning his hips. He's getting a look as a returner, too. ... WR Kerry Meier has shown good hands and route-running ability. ... FS Shann Schillinger, the Montana product, is holding his own. He looks good in coverage.

INJURY REPORT: WR Brian Finneran (back spasms), is day to day. ... FS Matt Giordano (back spasms) is day to day. ... TE Colin Peek (knee) is out for extended practices.

[vabchbirdlover]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/falcons/notes.htm

At the outset of training camp, the Falcons received some good medical news.

Wide receiver Harry Douglas, defensive tackle Peria Jerry and cornerback Brian Williams were all medically cleared to participate in practice.

"They will start on a limited basis and we're going to monitor them and manage them throughout training camp," Smith said. "They will not be involved, to start with, in two-a-days. They will be practicing once a day and we'll bring them along very, very slowly."

All three players suffered season-ending knee injuries last season.

Douglas suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on Aug. 5 and was placed on injured reserve the next day. He is the closest one to being 100 percent. He's running routes and should be cleared to play in exhibition games.

Douglas is expected to add some pop to the receiving corps if he can fully recover.

In 2008 as a rookie, he played in all 16 games and caught 23 passes for 320 yards, rushed 12 times for 33 yards mostly on reverses and averaged 11.9 yards per punt return. He scored one touchdown receiving, one rushing and one on a punt return as a triple-threat.

Jerry, the team's first-round pick in 2009, suffered a knee injury in the second game of the season against Carolina on Sept. 20. He was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 21.

He's expected to add some inside muscle and stability to the defensive line if he can fully recover.

Williams was added to the team at the outset of last season. A few days later, he opened the season as the starting left cornerback and moved down inside to the slot in nickel situations.

He suffered a knee injury in the fifth game of the season against Chicago on Oct. 18. He was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 20. He's appears to have the longest road to full recovery.

"Their workloads will increase depending on how they handle their recovery," Smith said. "They have been working really, really hard this offseason. I'm excited that they have been cleared."

If the players were not cleared for practice, they could have been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and continued their rehabilitations.

CAMP CALENDAR: Camp runs through Aug. 22. Jacksonville is coming end for scheduled practices on Aug. 9 and 10. New England will scrimmage the Falcons on Aug. 17.

NOTES, QUOTES

The Falcons unveiled a new secondary logo.

"We established our own secondary logo in conjunction with the league," said Jim Smith, the team's chief marketing officer. "What we wanted to do was find something that was uniquely Atlanta. So when we started looking around, everybody in this country knows that the three letters A-T-L stand for Atlanta. So we wanted to find a way to capitalize on that."

The Falcons sent their design to the league office and it was approved.

Fans can purchase the apparel exclusively at training camp or on the website: Falcons365.com

Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann is getting some bad advice concerning not talking about his "rumored" relationship with "Real Housewives of Atlanta" reality TV star Kim Zolciak. Biermann would not confirm that he and Zolciak are dating.

"Just in general, that's my personal life and I would probably keep it that way," Biermann said.

You saw last year that this Reality TV star thing worked out for the New Orleans Saints. Reggie Bush was dating Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and they won the Super Bowl.

Maybe Biermann and Kim Zolciak could help the Falcons bring home the Lombardi trophy.

After just four practices the Falcons' defense is clearly dominating the offense.

The defensive players, in non-contact scrimmages, are beating the offensive players to spots and are getting their hands on a lot of passes.

"They have been dominating us," Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White said. "We've been struggling. They are active and are making plays out there."

The defense was often maligned last season, especially for its play against the pass. They were ranked 28th in the league in defending the pass and gave up 54 pass plays that went for more than 20 yards.

"I think they can be special as long as they keep grinding and being consistent," White said.

Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton believes the defense is on a mission to improve.

"We are not satisfied where we've been the last couple of years," Lofton said. "We want to get to elite status and we are going to do that this year."

Falcons coach Mike Smith has stressed that the team must improve its performance on third down. The team had two scripted periods where they worked only on third down situations on Saturday.

"It's an area of emphasis," Smith said.

The Falcons will ease into training camp with six practices without pads.

On Monday, things will start to ramp up with at least one padded practice a day in what Smith believes will be the toughest week of training camp.

"We are really emphasizing over these first three or four days, getting our feet underneath us," Smith said.

Rookie cornerback Dominique Franks dropped an interception that hit him in the hands.

"I've already have been on him," Lofton said. "He's got to give us some pushups. We don't drop picks. We have to take those to the house."

Rookie defensive tackle Corey Peters is taking his status in stride.

"It's whatever they want," Peters said. "I'm getting ready to go over to Target and get some candy and stuff right now. I've already been sent out on a mission."

Dallas rookie Dez Bryant made headlines when he refused to carry a veteran's shoulder pads. Peters doesn't plan to fight his extra rookie chores.

"I look at it as paying your dues," Peters said. "It's something every rookie should do."

If Peters makes the team, he'll be charged with bringing the fried chicken to the team plane during the regular season.

"I've heard about that, but I haven't received any details," Peters said. "I'll do anything they need me to do. I believe that's how it's supposed to be done. It's part of football."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "My goal is to win the Super Bowl. First we have to win the NFC South. Those are my goals. Whatever I do during the season is fine because I know if we are winning my stats and everything will be OK." Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White on his goals for the season.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

The depth on the roster is apparent at several positions.

They should be some good battles for roster spots across the board, but the cornerback, linebacker and offensive line battles will be particularly intense.

PLAYER NOTES

TE Robbie Agnone, who spent last season on New England's practice squad was signed. He will compete with Keith Zinger and Michael Palmer for the third tight end position.

CB Gabe Derricks, a four-year starter at the University of San Diego, was released.

WR Brian Finneran suffered back spasms early in camp. He's in a battle to retain his spot as the No. 4 receiver in the roster.

CB Domonique Franks will get a shot to win the kickoff return job. Last season, Eric Weems handled punts and kickoffs. Jerious Norwood is also a candidate.

LB Sean Weatherspoon has been impressive working out and both outside linebacker spots. He will compete for a starting position.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Erik Coleman vs. William Moore for the starting SS Coleman played well and has been the team's second leading tackler over the last two seasons. Moore, a second-round pick who missed most of last season, is finally healthy and will mount a challenge. He's running well and has the striking ability for the position.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: The cornerback position opposite Dunta Robinson will be hotly contested. Brent Grimes opened camp with the first-team defense. Brian Williams, who opened last season as the starter, is coming back from knee surgery. Christopher Owens and Chevis Jackson will also get a look.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: RB Michael Turner He has reduced his body fat several percentage points and appears much quicker and light on his feet. He appears to be hitting holes at a high rate of speed.

ROOKIE REPORT: LB Sean Weatherspoon doesn't appear to be overwhelmed even though the coaches are using him at both outside linebacker positions. ... OG Mike Johnson has struggled in some drills. DT Vance Walker put a nice bull rush on him before he got his feet set. He'll have to get quicker. ... OG/C Joe Hawley is working with the third team being Todd McClure and Brett Romberg. .... CB Dominique Franks looks good moving around and turning his hips. He's getting a look as a returner, too. ... WR Kerry Meier has shown good hands and route-running ability. ... FS Shann Schillinger, the Montana product, is holding his own. He looks good in coverage.

INJURY REPORT: WR Brian Finneran (back spasms), is day to day. ... FS Matt Giordano (back spasms) is day to day. ... TE Colin Peek (knee) is out for extended practices.

Thanks for the read.

Great attitude and from all reports the young man has

been quite impressive in camp thus far. Funny tho,

article doesn't even mention Kerry Meier, from what

I've read he been the most impressive of all the

rookies, but Franks has been turning some heads as

well. Note to Beerman - Leave the dirty Skank

alone. :ph34r: :ph34r:

Edited August 8, 2010 by vabchbirdlover

[kibitzer]

Thanks for the read.

Great attitude and from all reports the young man has

been quite impressive in camp thus far. Funny tho,

article doesn't even mention Kerry Meier, from what

I've read he been the most impressive of all the

rookies, but Franks has been turning some heads as

well. Note to Beerman - Leave the dirty Skank

alone. :ph34r: :ph34r:

It mentioned Meier at the end. "Good hands and route-running ability."

But yeah.... that Kim Zolciak stuff is just unnecessary news, and the whole SB comment was just stoopid.

[Dem Birds]

Now this says the Falcons and Patriots will scrimmage.... I just figured it was normal drills and stuff, does anyone know if this is incorrect?

[MashDaddy]

Good read....and the Cory Peters thing is funny lol

[kibitzer]

Now this says the Falcons and Patriots will scrimmage.... I just figured it was normal drills and stuff, does anyone know if this is incorrect?

Seems like I did hear something about that - that the Pats were coming to FB for a scrimmage game, I think.

[AtlantaFalconPokerPro]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/falcons/notes.htm

At the outset of training camp, the Falcons received some good medical news.

Wide receiver Harry Douglas, defensive tackle Peria Jerry and cornerback Brian Williams were all medically cleared to participate in practice.

"They will start on a limited basis and we're going to monitor them and manage them throughout training camp," Smith said. "They will not be involved, to start with, in two-a-days. They will be practicing once a day and we'll bring them along very, very slowly."

All three players suffered season-ending knee injuries last season.

Douglas suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on Aug. 5 and was placed on injured reserve the next day. He is the closest one to being 100 percent. He's running routes and should be cleared to play in exhibition games.

Douglas is expected to add some pop to the receiving corps if he can fully recover.

In 2008 as a rookie, he played in all 16 games and caught 23 passes for 320 yards, rushed 12 times for 33 yards — mostly on reverses — and averaged 11.9 yards per punt return. He scored one touchdown receiving, one rushing and one on a punt return as a triple-threat.

Jerry, the team's first-round pick in 2009, suffered a knee injury in the second game of the season against Carolina on Sept. 20. He was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 21.

He's expected to add some inside muscle and stability to the defensive line if he can fully recover.

Williams was added to the team at the outset of last season. A few days later, he opened the season as the starting left cornerback and moved down inside to the slot in nickel situations.

He suffered a knee injury in the fifth game of the season against Chicago on Oct. 18. He was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 20. He's appears to have the longest road to full recovery.

"Their workloads will increase depending on how they handle their recovery," Smith said. "They have been working really, really hard this offseason. I'm excited that they have been cleared."

If the players were not cleared for practice, they could have been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and continued their rehabilitations.

CAMP CALENDAR: Camp runs through Aug. 22. Jacksonville is coming end for scheduled practices on Aug. 9 and 10. New England will scrimmage the Falcons on Aug. 17.

NOTES, QUOTES

—The Falcons unveiled a new secondary logo.

"We established our own secondary logo in conjunction with the league," said Jim Smith, the team's chief marketing officer. "What we wanted to do was find something that was uniquely Atlanta. So when we started looking around, everybody in this country knows that the three letters A-T-L stand for Atlanta. So we wanted to find a way to capitalize on that."

The Falcons sent their design to the league office and it was approved.

Fans can purchase the apparel exclusively at training camp or on the website: Falcons365.com

—Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann is getting some bad advice concerning not talking about his "rumored" relationship with "Real Housewives of Atlanta" reality TV star Kim Zolciak. Biermann would not confirm that he and Zolciak are dating.

"Just in general, that's my personal life and I would probably keep it that way," Biermann said.

You saw last year that this Reality TV star thing worked out for the New Orleans Saints. Reggie Bush was dating Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and they won the Super Bowl.

Maybe Biermann and Kim Zolciak could help the Falcons bring home the Lombardi trophy.

—After just four practices the Falcons' defense is clearly dominating the offense.

The defensive players, in non-contact scrimmages, are beating the offensive players to spots and are getting their hands on a lot of passes.

"They have been dominating us," Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White said. "We've been struggling. They are active and are making plays out there."

The defense was often maligned last season, especially for its play against the pass. They were ranked 28th in the league in defending the pass and gave up 54 pass plays that went for more than 20 yards.

"I think they can be special as long as they keep grinding and being consistent," White said.

Middle linebacker Curtis Lofton believes the defense is on a mission to improve.

"We are not satisfied where we've been the last couple of years," Lofton said. "We want to get to elite status and we are going to do that this year."

—Falcons coach Mike Smith has stressed that the team must improve its performance on third down. The team had two scripted periods where they worked only on third down situations on Saturday.

"It's an area of emphasis," Smith said.

—The Falcons will ease into training camp with six practices without pads.

On Monday, things will start to ramp up with at least one padded practice a day in what Smith believes will be the toughest week of training camp.

"We are really emphasizing over these first three or four days, getting our feet underneath us," Smith said.

—Rookie cornerback Dominique Franks dropped an interception that hit him in the hands.

"I've already have been on him," Lofton said. "He's got to give us some pushups. We don't drop picks. We have to take those to the house."

—Rookie defensive tackle Corey Peters is taking his status in stride.

"It's whatever they want," Peters said. "I'm getting ready to go over to Target and get some candy and stuff right now. I've already been sent out on a mission."

Dallas rookie Dez Bryant made headlines when he refused to carry a veteran's shoulder pads. Peters doesn't plan to fight his extra rookie chores.

"I look at it as paying your dues," Peters said. "It's something every rookie should do."

If Peters makes the team, he'll be charged with bringing the fried chicken to the team plane during the regular season.

"I've heard about that, but I haven't received any details," Peters said. "I'll do anything they need me to do. I believe that's how it's supposed to be done. It's part of football."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "My goal is to win the Super Bowl. First we have to win the NFC South. Those are my goals. Whatever I do during the season is fine because I know if we are winning my stats and everything will be OK." —Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White on his goals for the season.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

The depth on the roster is apparent at several positions.

They should be some good battles for roster spots across the board, but the cornerback, linebacker and offensive line battles will be particularly intense.

PLAYER NOTES

—TE Robbie Agnone, who spent last season on New England's practice squad was signed. He will compete with Keith Zinger and Michael Palmer for the third tight end position.

—CB Gabe Derricks, a four-year starter at the University of San Diego, was released.

—WR Brian Finneran suffered back spasms early in camp. He's in a battle to retain his spot as the No. 4 receiver in the roster.

—CB Domonique Franks will get a shot to win the kickoff return job. Last season, Eric Weems handled punts and kickoffs. Jerious Norwood is also a candidate.

—LB Sean Weatherspoon has been impressive working out and both outside linebacker spots. He will compete for a starting position.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Erik Coleman vs. William Moore for the starting SS — Coleman played well and has been the team's second leading tackler over the last two seasons. Moore, a second-round pick who missed most of last season, is finally healthy and will mount a challenge. He's running well and has the striking ability for the position.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: The cornerback position opposite Dunta Robinson will be hotly contested. Brent Grimes opened camp with the first-team defense. Brian Williams, who opened last season as the starter, is coming back from knee surgery. Christopher Owens and Chevis Jackson will also get a look.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: RB Michael Turner — He has reduced his body fat several percentage points and appears much quicker and light on his feet. He appears to be hitting holes at a high rate of speed.

ROOKIE REPORT: LB Sean Weatherspoon doesn't appear to be overwhelmed even though the coaches are using him at both outside linebacker positions. ... OG Mike Johnson has struggled in some drills. DT Vance Walker put a nice bull rush on him before he got his feet set. He'll have to get quicker. ... OG/C Joe Hawley is working with the third team being Todd McClure and Brett Romberg. .... CB Dominique Franks looks good moving around and turning his hips. He's getting a look as a returner, too. ... WR Kerry Meier has shown good hands and route-running ability. ... FS Shann Schillinger, the Montana product, is holding his own. He looks good in coverage.

INJURY REPORT: WR Brian Finneran (back spasms), is day to day. ... FS Matt Giordano (back spasms) is day to day. ... TE Colin Peek (knee) is out for extended practices.

I love when people repost a huge post so I have to scroll down for 30 minutes to see the next post.

[kibitzer]

I love when people repost a huge post so I have to scroll forever to see the next message.

Everything we do.... we do it for you, Pro. :wub: