Falcons: Training Camp Rapid Reports

[Polar Bear Jones]

Quote:Aug. 10, 2011 12:06 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - G Johnson not cleared to return
OG Mike Johnson still has not been medically cleared to participate after suffering a concussion on Aug. 4. He will not play Friday against Miami. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 10, 2011 12:00 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Edwards sits with knee injury
DE Ray Edwards had a minor procedure done on his knee in the offseason and will not play Friday against Miami. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 10, 2011 9:46 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - KR Weems showing improved receiving skills
WR Eric Weems showed he's more than just a Pro Bowl kick returner. Weems got past Christopher Owens and made a fantastic grab in the end zone. Weems is tracking at No. 5 on the depth chart and should see time in the offense. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 09, 2011 6:29 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Babineaux healthy following surgery
DT Jonathan Babineaux had offseason arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder, according to a Tuesday report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Babineaux said he is now 100 percent healthy. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 09, 2011 12:59 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - DBs Franks and Owens off to good start
“I see guys making plays,” said head coach Mike Smith on watching game tape of CB’s Dominque Franks and Christopher Owens. Smith went on to say the two have been competing well and their competition is making them better players because of the work ethic they are bringing every day. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 09, 2011 12:57 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - LB Peterson wants a ring
LB Mike Peterson has been working a lot with the second-team defense and said where or when he plays isn’t as important as the ultimate goal: “My ultimate goal went from wanting to lead the team in tackles and sacks in the middle of my career to just wanting to get that ring.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 09, 2011 12:43 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Gonzalez anxious to see more from Jacquizz
TE Tony Gonzalez on rookie RB Jacquizz Rodgers: “I can’t pass any judgment until I see him play. We did have our mini-scrimmage yesterday and he played really well, so I am anxious to see him (Friday night in the Falcons first preseason game).” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 09, 2011 12:43 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Defense ahead of offense?
LB Mike Peterson said continuity might be the reason the defense is a little ahead of the offense in training camp thus far: “The majority of the guys that are out there (on defense) have been in the system two years or three years; naturally it should be easier for those guys.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 09, 2011 12:40 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Gonzalez a fan of one-a-days
TE Tony Gonzalez on the new camp schedule and how he thinks it will cut down on injuries: “You ask anybody -- and I’m sure it’s this way around the league -- how good their bodies are feeling just going once a day. I really never understood it the old-school way.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 09, 2011 12:30 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - QB Ryan says Falcons have options
QB Matt Ryan said the combination of RB’s Jacquizz Rodgers and Gartrell Johnson gives the offense many new options on underneath routes and screens. He said he’s anxious to “get those guys the ball out in some space and let them make some plays.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 09, 2011 11:10 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Owens, Franks step up
As Tuesday's morning session nears completion, CB Christopher Owens has an interception and CB Dominique Franks has a batted ball in coverage. Both players are stepping up as they compete with one another for the nickel back job. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 09, 2011 11:03 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - RB Johnson sees action
With RB Michael Turner out for personal reasons, RB Gartrell Johnson is seeing action with the first-team offense. This could be an indication of RB Jason Snelling's reduced role in the offense. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 08, 2011 2:50 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Starting lineup answers defensive questions
The new Falcons depth chart answers some burning questions on defense. DT Corey Peters is listed as the starting defensive tackle with Jonathan Babineaux. DT Peria Jerry is listed as a backup. The nickel back position battle between CB’s Dominique Franks and Christopher Owens isn’t addressed. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 08, 2011 2:42 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - WR Jones earns starting spot
The Falcons released their first depth chart of training camp, showing which players were winning position battles. OG Garrett Reynolds is listed as the starting right guard with OG Mike Johnson as a backup. Rookie WR Julio Jones is already listed as a starter, opposite WR Roddy White. Falcons RapidReports


Aug. 08, 2011 12:21 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Falcons practice all out, tackling included
As a change of pace to finish practice Monday, head coach Mike Smith decided to have “an impromptu, full-speed scrimmage” with tackling (usually a no-no for a Smith-ran session). “Everybody enjoyed it,” said Smith, especially the defense who watched the offense do up-downs after losing, 6-5, in Smith’s scoring system. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 08, 2011 12:13 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Schillinger thinks defense is coming along
“The last two have been good days,” said S Shann Schillinger on the defensive dominance in practice lately. Schillinger, who picked off a pass in the Monday morning session, said everything is clicking for the defense as all the installs are in and players get comfortable in their roles. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 08, 2011 12:03 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Reynolds working hard to replace OG Dahl
OG Garrett Reynolds promises to keep up the nasty ways of his predecessor at right guard, who was known for being vicious, angry and extremely mean on the field: “I learned a lot from Harvey (Dahl) and will play the same way Harvey always played.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 08, 2011 11:46 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - RB Turner misses practice next two days
RB Michael Turner missed practice Monday and will also miss Tuesday's sessions. Coach Mike Smith said the absence was excused for personal reasons. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 08, 2011 10:52 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - DeCoud inflicts the hit, Franks benefits with interception
S Thomas DeCoud just popped WR Brandyn Harvey after a reception in 7-on-7 drills and the ball went airborne into CB Dominique Franks' hands. Franks is showing a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 08, 2011 9:48 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - WR Meier catching on in 1-on-1 drills
WR Kerry Meier just made his second acrobatic catch of 1-on-1 drills. Meier seems completely back from the knee injury that kept him off the field in 2010. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 07, 2011 6:13 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - RB Snelling battling for playing time
RB Jason Snelling was at practice Sunday, shortly after signing his contract. Coach Mike Smith said the competition will be fierce at RB. With RB Jacquizz Rodgers likely the “change-of-pace” back and RB Michael Turner in good form, Snelling’s playing time could be limited. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 07, 2011 12:01 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - RB Snelling signs
The Falcons agreed to terms with RB Jason Snelling on a one-year deal on Sunday. Snelling carried the ball 87 times last year with the Falcons and caught 44 passes, scoring two rushing touchdowns and three on passes. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 07, 2011 12:00 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Falcons like DB Franks' confidence
“Dominique (Franks) is a lot more confident,” said head coach Mike Smith on one of the big differences between Franks and CB Christopher Owens. “That leads to him feeling more comfortable. He has a very good understanding of what we’re trying to do and he’s asking the right types of questions.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 07, 2011 11:51 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Nickel back getting more reps than third LB
“Last year we played over 55 percent of our snaps in our sub defense,” said head coach Mike Smith on the importance of the battle between CB Christopher Owens and CB Dominique Franks. “So our nickel back plays more than our third linebacker.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 07, 2011 11:50 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - OG Johnson out because of concussion protocol
OG Mike Johnson, who has been out of practice since Thursday's evening session, is being held from activities because he "got his bell rung." Coach Mike Smith said the team was following concussion protocol in the handling of the second-year lineman from Alabama. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 07, 2011 11:26 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - S Moore starring in drill
William Moore is known as a hard-hitting safety but has done a fantastic job of breaking up passes in drills Sunday, two in particular were against WR Roddy White and TE Tony Gonzalez. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 07, 2011 11:24 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Defense making mark in scrimmage
The defense is showing up the offense through the first portion of 11-on-11 drills. LB Curtis Lofton broke up a pass and has been active in coverage while DE John Abraham has registered one sack and hurried the QB often. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 07, 2011 11:11 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - DE Matthews stands out
Rookie DE Cliff Matthews shined during the one-on-one pass rush drills Sunday. The seventh-round pick from South Carolina was able to collapse the pocket with regularity. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 07, 2011 10:36 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - OG Jackson pushing people around
Rookie OG Andrew Jackson was pushing defensive linemen around in 9-on-7 drills. The seventh-round pick from Fresno State has been impressive in camp thus far. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 07, 2011 10:26 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Falcons pick up local free agent
Undrafted rookie free agent WR Kevin Cone (Georgia Tech) has signed with the Falcons. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 06, 2011 1:27 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Falcons wave kicker, tackle
The Falcons waived K Jacob Harfman and T Rob McGill on Saturday. Atlanta still has three kickers on its roster and 14 offensive linemen. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 05, 2011 7:14 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Falcons to practice at high school Friday night
Instead of a full practice session at the Falcons training facility, the team will have Friday Night Lights at a local Atlanta-area high school with practice and a light scrimmage in front of fans. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 05, 2011 1:02 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Falcons sign undrafted TE Simmons
The Falcons signed undrafted free agent TE A.J. Simmons on Friday. Simmons caught 21 passes during his college career at the University of Arizona for 238 yards and two touchdowns. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 05, 2011 10:27 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Smith: Pro Bowler Weems coming off knee surgery
Pro Bowl KR Eric Weems had offseason knee surgery, according to head coach Mike Smith. Weems wasn't able to practice with the team until Thursday per NFL rules for recently signed free agents. Smith said the procedure on Weems' knee was minor. Falcons RapidReports


Aug. 04, 2011 9:57 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - WR Jones taking note of teammates' habits
WR Julio Jones said he’s learning from WR Roddy White and WR Harry Douglas, but keeps an eye on another receiver too. “I try to watch Tony (Gonzalez),” he said. “He’s been to numerous Pro Bowls and knows how to practice and knows how to get open. I try to watch every little detail.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 04, 2011 9:55 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Rookie WR Jones keeping an eye on TE Gonzalez
WR Julio Jones said he’s learning from WR Roddy White and WR Harry Douglas, but keeps an eye on another receiver too. “I try to watch Tony (Gonzalez),” said Jones. “He’s been to numerous Pro Bowls and knows how to practice and knows how to get open. I try to watch every little detail.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 04, 2011 8:30 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - DE Edwards adjusting to more complex scheme
DE Ray Edwards on the new defense in Atlanta: “This scheme is very different. The Tampa 2 was very vanilla. I’m getting used to rushing from both sides. Jared (Allen) didn’t like to change too much in Minnesota.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 04, 2011 8:27 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - CB Grimes is rusty but ready to go
CB Brent Grimes had both big highs and lows in his first practice back with the Falcons Thursday. He said he’s 100 percent ready to play. “You’ve got to work off a little rust,” said Grimes. “But as far as just being in shape and having my wind with me, I’m good.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 04, 2011 6:09 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - CB Grimes has signed and will practice Friday
CB Brent Grimes has signed his tender and will be at practice Friday night when the Falcons go in full pads. Grimes was a Pro-Bowler last season with 76 tackles and five interceptions. He'll play opposite CB Dunta Robinson on the first-team defense. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 04, 2011 11:02 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Hazing down at Falcons camp, veteran says
FB Ovie Mughelli on hazing being down this year: “This is my first time having two rookies and I was excited to do all types of things, but it’s just a lot of work. Taking their cars and hiding their pads, it’s just too much. It’s more about just getting ready for football.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 04, 2011 10:53 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - FB Mughelli builds bond with RB Turner
FB Ovie Mughelli on his bond with RB Michael Turner: “Me and Mike have that relationship where I know where he’s going to run, he’s knows where I’m going to block and we can see a defense and what they’re doing and be able to sift through that and work off each other.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 04, 2011 10:50 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - CB Owens offers high praise for his competition
Even though CB Chris Owens is tangled in a position battle with CB Dominique Franks, he still has high praise for his counterpart: “Oh he’s ballin’ out there. I know you guys see his interceptions (in practice) and I’m expecting him to do big things. He’s learned that nickel position very quickly.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 04, 2011 10:48 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - DT Jerry confident, healthy for '11 season
DT Peria Jerry on being fully healthy and how that will change his game this season: “I feel really good,” Jerry said. “I’m more confident in what I’m doing and I think that’s going to take a lot of hesitation out of my game.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 04, 2011 10:41 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Babineaux sees more opportunities for himself this eason
DT Jonathan Babineaux thinks that he’ll get more 1-on-1 opportunities this season with the addition of DE Ray Edwards. “I’m hoping that,” said Babineaux. “I’m sure they’ll try to come up with different schemes to protect what we have coming toward them.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 04, 2011 10:38 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - DL to use more than DEs to pressure QBs
DT Jonathan Babineaux wants people to know that all the pressure on the quarterback this season isn’t going to come just from DE Ray Edwards and DE John Abraham on the outside. He’s worked hard to make sure there is pressure from the middle this year too. Falcons RapidReports


Aug. 02, 2011 5:01 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - WR White applauds Falcons conditioning
WR Roddy White thinks the Falcons arrived in camp in better shape than usual because of personal or group workouts during the lockout. "I think a lot of guys came in ready," he said. "Through the first few days we haven't had any hamstring pulls or anything like that, which speaks volumes." Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 02, 2011 3:01 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Gonzalez praises rookie Jones on Twitter
Rookie WR Julio Jones just got fantastic praise from TE Tony Gonzalez on Twitter: "This kid Julio Jones is the real deal. He's the best incoming receiver I've ever played with. Come to think of it, it's not even close." Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 02, 2011 10:57 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - WR Douglas shows his talent in practice drill
WR Harry Douglas just showed his leaping ability on a 43-yard touchdown catch from QB Matt Ryan. Douglas battled CB Chris Owens down the sideline before winning the jump ball in the air. Great route, great catch. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 01, 2011 12:07 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Smith likes what DE Edwards brings to Falcons
New DE Ray Edwards can’t get on the field with the Falcons until Thursday, but coach Mike Smith said Edwards has impressed elsewhere: “We’ve been trying to get him up to speed, he’s been spending extra time with (defensive line coach) Ray Hamilton and (defensive coordinator) Brian VanGorder. We’ve been very impressed.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 01, 2011 12:01 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Smith takes it slowly with players in pads
In Monday’s first padded practice of training camp, coach Mike Smith wanted his team to tone it down a bit and wait until Tuesday’s padded practice to go all out. The Falcons will have Wednesday off before a Friday night scrimmage at a local high school. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 01, 2011 11:57 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - White optimistic about how Jones will help Falcons
WR Roddy White was asked about the addition of WR Julio Jones and if it makes him wonder how anyone is going to stop the Atlanta offense. “Yeah, I mean we think about that a lot,” White said. “We just want to get out on the field and see it though.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 01, 2011 11:49 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - White tries to teach tricks to rookie Jones
“I’m just teaching him the little things,” said WR Roddy White on what he’s helping rookie WR Julio Jones with. “He can play football, he’s a football player, it’s just the formations that we have to get down, the lineup and things like that.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 01, 2011 11:43 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - WR White fine with less contact in practice
WR Roddy White on whether the lack of contact in training camp has a downside: “Yeah, a lot of guys need that contact to try to fell their way through things, especially the rookies. I’m fine with it though. We have a veteran team -- our guys know how to play.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 01, 2011 11:37 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Falcons need more 'explosive plays,' White says
“Explosive plays,” said WR Roddy White about the one thing the offense needed to improve. “We get caught up in driving the ball and just beating people -- 10, 12-play drives and things like that. It’s a lot easier to score in three or four plays and give our big guys some rest.” Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 01, 2011 11:03 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Rookie Jones shows skills in 11-on-11 drill
Rookie WR Julio Jones just schooled CB Dunta Robinson on a 45-yard fly pattern in 11-on-11 drills. Jones put a move on Robinson and got behind him, finishing with a diving catch. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 01, 2011 10:23 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - WR Jones shows he's a blocker too
When WR Julio Jones was drafted he told the media that he didn't like to block, he loved to block. It was one of ex-Falcons WR Michael Jenkins strong suits. Well, Monday in full pads, Jones is showing that he indeed loves to block and that he's quite good at it. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 01, 2011 9:42 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - LB Lofton is early star on defense
LB Curtis Lofton has been wreaking havoc in the backfield in early reps of a 9-on-7 drill. Just remember there are nine defensive players out there and just seven on offense. Lofton has a bit of an advantage. Falcons RapidReports

Aug. 01, 2011 9:41 a.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Defenders looking forward to handing out hits
Monday morning's practice is the first for the Falcons in full pads. A few of the defensive players have made it known that it will be fun today since they can finally hit the skill players who have been running past them since camp began. Falcons RapidReports

July 31, 2011 6:57 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Good day for two rookies at Falcons camp
“Julio (Jones) had some nice catches today,” said coach Mike Smith. “We got to see his athleticism and his ability to run off the ball.” Smith also said RB Jacquizz Rodgers did some good things when he had touches. Falcons RapidReports

July 31, 2011 6:53 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Blalock gets favorable comparison from coach
Newly re-signed OG Justin Blalock was compared to Lou Gehrig by head coach Mike Smith Sunday. “He’s never missed a practice since we’ve been here, or a game,” said Smith, who also likes Blalock’s youth and high upside. Falcons RapidReports

July 31, 2011 6:45 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - Competitions will be fierce at nickel CB, RG for Falcons
Coach Mike Smith said the two fiercest position battles he expects this training camp are at nickel back, between CB Dominique Franks and CB Chris Owens, and at RG, between OT Garrett Reynolds and OG Mike Johnson. Falcons RapidReports

July 31, 2011 5:42 p.m. - by Knox Bardeen - WR Jones thrilling fans at Falcons camp
Rookie WR Julio Jones has given the crowd two chances Sunday to go wild. He's made two spectacular catches in drills today, one in the end zone. He's quickly becoming a fan favorite. Falcons RapidReports