Falcons: Training Camp Rapid Reports

[Polar Bear Jones]

Quote: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