Birdseed: Last Words from Mini Camp

A common misconception is that people who work in football get to take extended vacations or “take it easy” when the team is away.

Not the case.

The offseason is the time we catch up on any number of projects.

Working on a website takes a tremendous amount of planning and prep work which, in football, must be condensed to the time between seasons. In the NFL, that time is shrinking.

This week I’m looking to do some more research about Twitter, Flickr and blogging.

Last week I was getting ready for mini camp — an island of football in the sea of the offseason.

No surprise that event made me, and other fans, incredibly happy. But, now we all must take a cleansing breath and set sail into an ocean of waiting.

I’ll keep throwing out some Falcons news and do some interviews during organized team activities, which begin in just more than a week, but take this chance to throw me some ideas.

And to take one last look at what was by all accounts a successful mini camp…

Falcons, White working on contract extension, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OK, so this isn’t necessarily mini camp related, but it’s relevant news to anyone who’s thinking about the Falcons future.

Falcons’ Anderson hoping for breakout year, ESPN.com
I want a TV that plays football clips with the push of a button. Kidding aside, Jamaal Anderson knows it’s time to study even harder than he has in the past.

Atlanta Falcons mini camp parting shots, Examiner.com
A nice wrap of the Falcons three days in Flowery Branch. More to come on May 20 when the team begins OTAs (organized team activities).

Public Mini-Camp Morning Practice Report, The Falcoholic
More notes from mini camp and some possible areas where the team can continue to improve.

Falcons rookie Jerry does not practice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Good news on defensive tackle Peria Jerry.

Playoff-hungry Gonzalez makes Falcons offense scary, CBSSports.com
Solid read and good notes on what Tony Gonzalez will do for the Falcons offense. If you think about it for more than a few minutes you may start to giggle uncontrollably.

Falcons re-sign Bergeron at close of mini camp, AF.com
Troy Bergeron proved his health in a mini camp tryout and rejoins the Falcons in time for the rest of the preseason.

Falcons’ Lofton tackles new role: team leader, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m warming up to the idea of a younger, faster defense. There’s more chances for big plays in that lineup.

Four Downs: NFC South, FootballOutsiders.com
Gonzalez is not only one of the best tight ends to play the game, he’s also one of the most consistent. Never has he missed more than one game in a season. And he only done that twice.

Mixed Mini Camp Highlights, J. Mike’s Missives (YouTube)
Enjoy this look at some drills from the second day of mini camp.

Atlanta Falcons mini camp report: Day 2, Examiner.com
Jerious Norwood will always figure into the offensive plans. It gets interesting when coaches try to figure out the proper balance of carries to make his speed the most effective.

The Atlanta Falcons May Have Found a Gem in Aaron Kelly, Bleacher Report
Kelly is a guy to watch through the preseason. Everyone has their share of mistakes during workouts and Kelly was no exception in mini camp. I’m curious to see how he he does in a game, particularly in overcoming disadvantages in size and strength.

Former Ala. QB Wilson just hoping for a chance, The (Columbus, Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer
Don’t let your eyes float too far away from the quarterback position. There’s still some competition to be had there in 2009.

Reviewing the tape of the NFC South chat, ESPN.com
Always pay attention to the rest of the NFC South. “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”