Learning the Ropes
Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez admits he was a little rusty in his first practice with the Falcons but he saw enough to know the team has the chance to be special in 2009.
“Our first game is a long time from now,” The 12-year veteran said Friday. “I’m not going to stress too much but I am going to put a little pressure on myself to learn (the offense) as quickly as possible and get on the same page… We have a lot of weapons on that offensive side of the ball. We just have to come up with some chemistry and make sure we’re doing it right.”
Gonzalez was acquired via trade with the Chiefs two days before the NFL Draft. The move gave the Falcons another weapon for second-year quarterback Matt Ryan and instantly elevated the status of the offense.
No wonder.
Gonzalez is the league’s all-time leader among tight ends in receptions (916), touchdowns (76) and receiving yards (10,940). He’s played in 191 career games and missed just two starts since 1998. His 93 catches (1,058 yards) last season marked the third-highest single-season total of his career. He also added 10 touchdowns, the third time he’s had 10 or more scores in a season.
He took snaps with the first offense Friday and spent much of the early part of practice catching passes from the team’s quarterbacks.
“My head is spinning a little bit learning the language of this offense but last year in Kansas City Chan Gailey brought in a new offense,” Gonzalez said. “This is my third offense in three years so I’m used to it. I can’t say I like it; I’m frustrated because it’s not as comfortable (to me) as it could be but that just comes with experience and coming out here and working. I have no problem doing that. Yeah I’m going to mess up some plays. I might be a little hesitant at times but, once it gets together, I’ll be back to my old form.”
Gonzalez said he liked the enthusiasm of his new teammates.
He also liked the moxie of his new quarterback.
“He’s very good,” Gonzalez said of Ryan, who was an alternate for the Pro Bowl in his rookie season. “One thing that definitely stood out was how accurate he is (and) how much of a leader he is when he gets into that huddle. That’s indicitive of a good player and a great leader. It’s fun to be playing with a guy like that. I’m looking forward to it.”
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Tony G. in red ‘n’ black. I love it!
wow i still am in shock we brought in tony g. its so hard to wrap my head around.
I cant wait for pre-season to see all the positions battle.
Tony is more than an offensive weapon he is the evolution of the Tight End because of this trade KC just lost a fan go Falcons
If we get any kind of help from the defense watch out nfc south!!!
hmm…I think Matt Ryan is gonna give Brees a run for his money
@Derek Collins
You will not be dissapointed. I had the privelige of watching Tony many times live at Arrowhead and he influences the whole team, offense and defense. I can’t count how many third an nine’s he bailed out the Chiefs on. I was crushed to see him go. However, I really want to see him win a championship. You now have not only the best tight end ever to play, you have a true professional who will impose his will and ethic on every person in the Falcon orginization. Talk about a perfect way to blow away the smelly ashes of Michael Vick!! Tony fan 4-ever.