J.Mike's Missives

Tuesday afternoon Falcons players and cheerleaders spent time with American soldiers – in Flowery Branch and across the world — playing video games.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FALCONS COMMUNITY PHOTOS

“It’s a great opportunity to give back to those guys,” safety Thomas DeCoud said. “They’re over there risking their lives for our safety at home.”

Greg Zinone, co-founder and president of Pros vs. G.I. Joe’s — an organizer of the event said the Falcons went above and beyond, providing close to a dozen players to take part in the experience.

The troops in Flowery Branch Tuesday will soon be deployed to Iraq.

The community service aspect of an NFL players’ life often gets overlooked. But it’s a major portion of his in-season priorities and often takes up most days off through the year.

To keep up with as much community news as possible, the Falcons CR department has launched a new blog: “Spreading our Wings.”

You can also look for community news in Wednesday or Thursday editions of “Birdseed.”

Falcons defense keeping an eye on Panthers, AF.com
All eyes will be on Jake Delhomme this week to see if there’s a repeat of a dreadful performance against the Eagles (seven completions, four interceptions). The Falcons expect the best from the Panthers. It’s the only way to effectively prepare.

Falcons’ Jackson takes demotion in stride, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Things change when quality roster depth is added to the equation.

Expert’s Take: Panthers at Falcons, AF.com
NFL.com’s Steve Wyche talks about the solid quarterback play in Atlanta and the rest of the NFL.

From the Examiner’s Desk: The Beerman Cometh, Examiner.com
When Kroy Biermann was drafted, many analyst had him pegged as a 3-4 outside linebacker. But when I talked to Falcons defensive line coach Ray Hamilton in the spring of 2008 he assured me the Montana native was a defensive end. It’s all coming into focus now.

Digging Deeper into the Box Score: Week 1, The Falcoholic
This is what happens when you apply math and science to football. I like it.

Tony Gonzalez takes a Zen approach to tight end, Associated Press
“I love studying the mind, the hidden determinant in human behavior, that type of thing.” Whatever Tony Gonzalez is studying, it’s working.

Delays expected over Panthers game weekend, AF.com
I’m not naive enough to think road construction and improvements will ever be finished in Atlanta. But does it ever slow down?

Ex-Spiders’ star Sidbury getting adjusted with Falcons, Richmond Times-Dispatch
This is one of my favorite things in the NFL: local papers following-up on familiar heroes.

Falcons vs. Panthers (Preview), CBSSports.com
The fact this game is at home helps the Falcons. The fact the Panthers running game was almost as good as the Falcons in 2008 balances the scales.

Body balance key to Falcons staying uninjured, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Speaking of balance… It seems empirical tests have a place in the weight room and the draft room. Numbers don’t lie and science can solve plenty of problems.

Power Rankings: Big arms give teams leg up on competition, CBSSports.com
The Falcons are in the top 10 and ranked the third-best team in the NFC. That’s great for Week 1. Check back in Week 17.

Gonzalez likes chances in one-on-one coverage, ESPN.com
I can personally attest, via a few games on Madden 2010, Gonzalez wins in one-on-one battles.

Smitty gets to scheming, and the Falcons’ D gets good, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“One more truth we need to reaffirm: Mike Smith wasn’t going to let this defense stink when the real games began. He’s too good at his job.”

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Falcons in the Community AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, CBSSports.com, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Falcons in the Community, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jake Delhomme, Kroy Biermann, Lawrence Sidbury, Madden 2010, NFL.com, power rankings, Ray Hamilton, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Steve Wyche, The Falcoholic, Thomas DeCoud, Tony Gonzalez

Ran into assistant special teams coach Eric Sutulovich in the hall this morning. I got to know him when we crossed paths in Houston back in 2004 and his personality has changed little.

“Tell me something good,” the bubbly coach said.

“Something good for a Monday morning?” I said pre-cup of coffee.

“Yeah.”

“We get to play the third preseason game this week. You get to game plan.”

Sutulovich took the opportunity to remind me coaches do some planning for every preseason game but it’s in the third that things really take on a more “official” feel.

After practice Head Coach Mike Smith confirmed offensive and defensive starters will play into the third quarter Saturday night against the Charters — their most extensive action of the exhibition season.

Tell me something better than that.

‘More consistent, more urgent’ Falcons out to defy own history, USA Today
If you haven’t read anything about the Falcons this preseason this story will bring you up to speed. Now the Falcons turn to the third preseason game, perhaps the most important dress rehersal for the upcoming season.

Atlanta Falcons Report. A look back and forward, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Safety William Moore could return to practice this week.

Falcons’ Turner ready for a bigger year in ‘09, The (Columbus, Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer
Michael Turner says he feels better than he did this time last year. Amazing to think the Falcons could be fully refreshed and ready to go after a grueling training camp. Then again, that’s what adrenaline is for.

Sidbury finds some things to correct on game film, AF.com
Lawrence Sidbury also talked about his breakout game on Falcons First Take:

QB rotation changing for third preseason game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As we go deeper in the preseason, the battle for backup quarterback positions gets more interesting.

Atlanta Falcons run game continues to impress, Examiner.com
It was little surprise Turner went to the bench after the first series of Friday night’s game. Six carries for 65 yards and a touchdown was enough.

Tony Gonzalez: Future Hall of Famer and so much more, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Anyone else amazed at how easy Tony Gonzalez made that touchdown catch look Friday night? Yeah… I didn’t think I was the only one.

Video: Gonzalez on fitting in with Falcons, ESPN.com
“It’s nice to be the old guy in the mix; it’s keeping me young and I’m having fun out there,” Gonzalez said.

Ex-Dog Brown tries to overcome injuries, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Two preseason injuries in a row seems unthinkable. But, it’s what Thomas Brown is facing.

Falcons will break out the throwbacks, The (Anderson, S.C.) Independent-Mail
Start thinking about what you can wear Week 2 to honor the 1966 team. Anything old in the closet that never moves at the yard sale?

John Parker Wilson: 3rd Slot QB Dark Horse?, The Falcoholic
Let the quarterback debate begin. Believe it or not, this one could be more complicated than it is for teams with first-round picks at the position.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Preseason, training camp AF.com, Eric Sutulovich, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Falcons First Take, Head Coach Mike Smith, John Parker Wilson, Lawrence Sidbury, Michael Turner, Preseason, San Diego Charters, The Falcoholic, The Independent-Mail, The Ledger-Enquirer, Thomas Brown, Tony Gonzalez, USA Today, William Moore

Eric Brock’s interception in the end zone with less than a minute to play did more than secure the Falcons first victory of the preseason.

It showed the team’s defense — first-string or otherwise — can get a big play to end a game.

Without Brock’s play the Falcons may have been looking at overtime (not the best thing for the preseason). Instead, the team leaves St. Louis with a 20-13 win and a little momentum heading into the pivotal third preseason game.

Unless something changes, you can expect the team’s starters to play into the third quarter to knock off all the remaining rust that accumulated in the offseason.

The Falcons turned the ball over three times Friday but also forced a pair of turnovers, both turning away scoring threats.

On defense, Atlanta held the Rams to just 26 first-half rushing yards and just 79 for the game.

“Stopping the run is fundamental,” said rookie Lawrence Sidbury, who led the team with two sacks. “I think last week we didn’t do as good a job of stopping the run and preventing explosive plays. We cut down on the explosive plays in this week’s game and we also stopped the run on first and second down.

On offense, the first-team looked unstoppable, putting up 14 points in the first quarter and moving the ball through the air and on the ground. As Voice of the Falcons Wes Durham put it to me after the game, “this offense could be juggernaut.”

Michael Turner rushed for 65 yards… On the first series.

Matt Ryan threw just one incompletion.

“It’s all part of the process,” said tight end Tony Gonzalez, who recorded his first preseason touchdown. “We had a plan and we were able to go out there and execute. I have to give it to the offensive line, giving Matt the protection. We had a very good night, but it’s important that we don’t rest on that and we go out there and keep improving. We have a long way to go.”

Same holds true for Brock and the defense, but nothing like proving a point before the season even begins.

MORE FROM THE FALCONS-RAMS GAME:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete gameday coverage from AF.com
• GAME CENTER: Stats and more on the game from NFL.com
• BLOGS: J. Michael Moore’s blog posts from Aug. 21, 2009
• FIRST TAKE: Head Coach Mike Smith | Gonzalez | Sidbury | Ryan | Wilson
• NFL NETWORK: Game Highlights | Ryan Highlights | Turner Highlights
• FORUMS: Talk about the game on FalconsLIFE
• QUOTES: Transcript from the Falcons locker room | Rams
• GAME NOTES: Official game notes from the Edward Jones Dome
• PHOTOS: Images from the Falcons preseason game in St. Louis

J. Michael Moore Gameday, News, Preseason, highlights Eric Brock, Gameday, highlights, Lawrence Sidbury, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, NFL Network, Preseason, St. Louis Rams, Tony Gonzalez, Wes Durham

BLOGGER’S NOTE: We’re entering the fourth quarter here at the Edward Jones Dome, meaning I will soon close up the computer and make the trip to the sideline. More coverage through Twitter (@FalconsJMoore) and after the game.

D.J. Shockley led the Falcons offense into the third quarter of Friday’s game in St. Louis and continued to shake off rust from the opening half.

An earlier interception led to a Rams field goal and, in the third quarter, Shockley and the offense turned the ball over again. The Rams sent a blitz from the quarterback’s right on second-and-8 at the Falcons 27 with just more than 10 minutes remaining in the period.

Shockley was sacked and the ball stripped.

Two plays later Rams quarterback Brock Berlin found Derek Stanley with a touchdown pass.

The Falcons rebounded on the next drive, using a mix of key passes from Shockley, runs by Jason Snelling and Rams penalties to work the ball into Rams territory. A Snelling fumble was overturned after a coach’s challenge, but a third-down scramble by Shockley came up short and the Falcons settled for a 34-yard field goal.

End of third, Falcons up 17-10.

A LOOK AT THE IN-GAME THOUGHTS…

… Another sack by Lawrence Sidbury in the third quarter raised some eye brows in the press box. It went for a 6-yard loss that forced a second-and-16 at the St. Louis 45.

It was also his second sack of the day.

… On the next Falcons possession after Shockley’s fumble, Chandler Williams took over kickoff and punt return duties. Williams slipped on the kickoff return but the Falcons got some extra yardage when Rams cornerback David Roach was flagged for a facemask.

J. Michael Moore Gameday, News, Preseason, highlights Chandler Williams, D.J. Shockley, Gameday, highlights, Jason Snelling, Lawrence Sidbury, Preseason, St. Louis Rams

The Falcons defense was the talk of Atlanta sports after last week’s preseason loss. Linemen, linebackers and defensive backs also talked about the mistakes and what they needed to do to get better.

Friday in St. Louis the defense made the necessary adjustments and showed the speed and enthusiasm coaches have raved about since April’s NFL Draft.

The Falcons forced a punt on the Rams first series and weren’t afraid to blitz quarterback Kyle Boller on passing downs. One blitz forced a quick throw that was nearly intercepted by Brent Grimes. Another forced a short incompletion that Mike Peterson picked up as a fumble and rumbled toward the end zone.

Thus shows just a glimpse at the speed and aggressiveness that could be the Falcons defensive trademark in 2009 and beyond.

Peterson and the first-team defense did not allow a score and, when quarterback D.J. Shockley threw an interception giving the Rams their best chance of the first half, the Falcons held strong and forced a field goal.

For the second-straight week, Atlanta allowed just three points in the opening half.

Atlanta’s defense allowed just one rushing first down in first two quarters, held the rams to 107 net yards and got a turnover — a fumble by Samkon Gado recovered by rookie cornerback Christopher Owens.

The Rams had just 26 rushing yards in the half, 11 on a scramble by Boller.

EVEN MORE IN-GAME THOUGHTS…

… Shockley played the entire second quarter at quarterback, completing 2 of 6 passes for 7 yards and an interception. He had one nice throw on third-and-8 that went for 23 yards and a first down to Justin Peelle, but the play was oveturned on a penalty.

… Former Falcons receiver Laurent Robinson had a solid first half for the Rams, hauling in five catches for 65 yards. Robinson, a Falcons draft pick in 2007, got increased playing time with veteran Donnie Avery sitting out the game.

… Running back Jerious Norwood took over for Michael Turner after the first drive of the game and proved he can get some work done between the tackles. He got positive yards on most every run, sometimes shedding defenders at the line of scrimmage and fighting for a gain.

Norwood finished the first half with 8 carries for 36 yards.

… Rookie defensive end Lawrence Sidbury got the first sack of his career in the second quarter.

J. Michael Moore Gameday, News, Preseason, highlights Brent Grimes, D.J. Shockley, Gameday, highlights, Jerious Norwood, Justin Peelle, Lawrence Sidbury, Michael Turner, Mike Peterson, Preseason, St. Louis Rams

Hello from the Detroit, where music and motor cars rule.

And where Wes Durham and Dave Archer from Falcons Radio find a Big Boy inside Comerica Park.

Oh the joys of NFL road trips.

But, seriously, time to get down to some preseason business.

You all have an excuse to be on edge today. After months with no football, the nerves tweak and the appetite is ready for anything — even exhibition games.

But, without fail, after the first 5 or 6 minutes of the game, the preseason starts to lose its luster.

At the end of the day, the game still doesn’t count.

To get through this four-game stretch it’s important to remember the value of playing time to the 27 players who won’t be on the roster in three weeks. A handful of snaps on film adds to the highlight reel and makes for a spot in the archive of the 31 other NFL teams that may come calling after an injury or next preseason.

It also helps if you watch the game like a coach.

Identify three or four positions to watch and focus your attention there.

Game doesn’t count anyway; you can afford to miss certain things.

FOR INSTANCE…

… The Falcons plan to rotate a lot of bodies along the defensive line today in Detroit. Starters should include John Abraham, Jonathan Babineaux, Peria Jerry and Jamaal Anderson. After that, all bets are off. Defensive end Lawrence Sidbury and defensive tackle Vance Walker are rookies that have had a solid training camp but you can’t grade the physical aspect of the game until the pads go on.

… Matt Ryan will start at quarterback (no surprise). He’ll also start Week 1 against the Dolphins. But Head Coach Mike Smith said there’s a battle going on for the No. 2 and 3 spot on the depth chart. This is an interesting game since all four quarterbacks will play. But we don’t know who will come into the game after Ryan.

… It’s a hard position to watch on television (normally lined up out of the frame) but cornerback is a hot position for the Falcons this preseason. Chris Houston and Brent Grimes are one and two on the current depth chart, but Smith wants to get a look at some of the younger players at the position including rookies William Middleton and Christopher Owens. Don’t freak out if they allow some catches. Instead, keep an eye on how they break on the ball and make tackles in front of them.

… One more note. Safety William Moore (knee) will not play Saturday. Defensive tackle Jason Jefferson (hip flexor) and linebacker Edmond Miles (knee) are game-time decisions.

J. Michael Moore Gameday, News, Preseason Brent Grimes, Chris Houston, Chris Redman, Christopher Owens, D.J. Shockley, Detroit Lions, Edmond Miles, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jamaal Anderson, Jason Jefferson, John Abraham, John Parker Wlson, Jonathan Babineaux, Lawrence Sidbury, Matt Ryan, Peria Jerry, Preseason, travel, Vance Walker, William Middleton, William Moore

Re-signing defensive end Chauncey Davis in March was just an early step in the team’s defensive line building project for the 2009 season.

Three linemen were added in the draft (Peria Jerry, Lawrence Sidbury and Vance Walker) were added in the draft. Then there was the addition of undrafted rookie Maurice Lucas. And let’s not forget the earlier signings of Tywain Myles, Willie Evans and Thomas Johnson.

Davis, a five-year veteran, represents a core group of players asked to keep the defense in line through an infusion of youth.

“It is a change for the better,” Davis said Thursday when asked about the team’s task to replace five starters from the 2008 campaign. “We lost and added some people. It is going to be an exciting, hard-nosed, stopping the run, getting after the quarterback defense.”

Davis is currently behind Jamaal Anderson on the team’s depth chart but all the team’s linemen have seen time in various rotations and sets.

In defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder and Head Coach Mike Smith’s hit-the-quarterback-and-force-mistakes system, fresh legs are valued.

“There is a lot of competition in camp,” said Davis, who finished with four sacks and three fumble recoveries last season. “We are getting better and really helping each other. When one man is doing better he is pushing the other to get better as well.  When you have that kind of competition out there it’s great.  We want to make it hard on the coaches to make a decision on who gets to go out there and play, because our rotation is so strong.  We have a great rotation so it doesn’t matter who is out there.  We are getting after the quarterback and doing our assignment, just getting the job done.”

Smith said the team will rotate through several line pairings during the preseason opener at Detroit.

OTHER NOTES FROM THURSDAY…

… If you’re looking at position battles, Saturday will be an educational day. “I want to see how well our punt returners do,” Smith said when asked about plans for Detroit. “They are going to be auditioning for a spot since Harry Douglas is out.  I want to see the rotation on the defensive line and see how those guys compete. Also, our young corners Chris Owens and William Middleton play.”

… Smith said all four quarterbacks will play Saturday. “In terms of when each will play I don’t want to divulge that right now. I don’t think anyone should read into how the rotation takes place.”

J. Michael Moore News, Preseason, training camp Brian VanGorder, Chauncey Davis, Chris Owens, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jamaal Anderson, Lawrence Sidbury, Maurice Lucas, Peria Jerry, Preseason, Russell Falcons Training Camp, Thomas Johnson, Tywain Myles, Vance Walker, William Middleton, Willie Evans

The Falcons took the field at the Allstate All-Access Roam the Dome Saturday with two goals: Work hard and put on a show.

With thousands of fans in attendance and a mock game that featured turnovers and three touchdown passes, both missions were accomplished.

Head Coach Mike Smith split his roster and ran the team through 11-on-11 stretches across the Georgia Dome turf. The red team won the mock game, 21-6.

Quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Michael Jenkins had the early highlight — a 28-yard touchdown strike up the seam in the first half.

On the next series with the first team, Ryan found newly-acquired tight end Tony Gonzalez on three straight passes, including a 10-yard play to the end zone for a score over safety Jamaal Fudge.

Chris Redman also threw a touchdown pass, finding Ben Hartsock from 6 yards out in the second half of play.

Three times the white team, quarterbacked by John Parker Wilson and D.J. Shockley marched into the red zone. Two stops were treated as field goals. The third trip ended with a Brent Grimes interception.

Click here for more photos from Roam the Dome and Friday Night Lights

SOME NOTES FROM THE FIELD…

… The session opened with some punt return work. Eric Weems, Chandler Williams, Brian Finneran and Grimes lined up as return men, with Grimes showing some nifty moves. The team needs to find a new return man since Harry Douglas (knee) is out for the season.

… The first-team defense allowed just one first down on the opening possession helped, in part, by a John Abraham sack of Shockley (no contact, of course).

… On offense, Finneran and  Jenkins were the top two receivers with the first team. Former arena football star Troy Bergeon was the first man in for three-receiver packages but the team also showed plenty of two-tight end looks.

… Ryan made a bit of a fashion statement, wearing black sweat pants instead of shorts with his red practice jersey. Kind of looked like he rolled out of bed Saturday morning, had a cup of coffee and decided to go be an NFL quarterback.

… Defensive end Lawrence Sidbury and defensive tackle Peria Jerry, 2009 Draft selections, worked with the second team defense. Curtis Lofton and Trey Lewis sat out, pushing Thomas Johnson into the rotation at defensive tackle and Tony Gilbert to first-team middle linebacker.

… Smith was all over the field, watching the scrimmage from behind the offense and talking to his staff via headset. He also alerted officials to a missed face mask and gave quick, direct instruction to both sides of the ball.

… William Moore, who is out for the next one to four weeks after minor knee surgery, did not play. Thomas DeCoud and Erik Coleman continue their work as first-team safeties.

… Cornerback Chris Houston, who played with the first-team defense broke up a would-be touchdown pass from John Parker Wilson to tight end Jason Rader.

J. Michael Moore News, YouTube, highlights, training camp Allstate All-Access Weekend, Ben Hatsock, Brent Grimes, Brian Finneran, Chandler Williams, Chris Redman, D.J. Shockley, Eric Weems, Erik Coleman, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, Jason Rader, John Abraham, John Parker Wilson, Lawrence Sidbury, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Peria Jerry, Roam the Dome, Thomas DeCoud, Thomas Johnson, Tony Gilbert, Tony Gonzalez, Trey Lewis, Troy Bergeron, video, William Moore

Head Coach Mike Smith was asked about Roddy White at the start of his media briefing on Tuesday, commenting again on the Pro Bowl wide receiver’s decision to holdout on starting the season at Russell Falcons Training Camp.

This time, he shed some light on how the team works with one less receiver in the lineup.

“We’re down a pair of legs with nine wide receivers,” he said. “They’re working extremely hard and I think there hasn’t been any pulls or anyone missing any snaps. That’s been very positive. We have to make adjustments as a coaching staff preparing our guys for practice and making sure we keep a good rep count.

“(White) is one of our best 53 players and, as a coach, you want to get all your best players here. Hopefully he’ll be here soon.”

MORE NOTES FROM CAMP…

… Falcons got into some red zone work Tuesday. “This week is all about situational football,” Smith said. “We have to expose our guys to every situation possible.”

… Antoine Harris, practicing for the second-straight day, recorded an interception in seven-on-seven drills. The ball was juggled by the receiver after Matt Ryan’s throw and landed in the hands of the third-year defensive back.

… Rookie defensive end Lawrence Sidbury is stronger than some thought. Though raw, like most rookies, the former Richmond star has gotten to the quarterback with speed and force thus far in training camp.

… Linebacker Curtis Lofton (hamstring) sat out the morning practice.

… Smith brought back an old, important, word in his media gathering which, I’m driven to point out. “… We want guys to feel like they are part of the process, and not only the players, but everybody in the organization. I think when you set that tone and you have that culture in place, then everyone feels like part of the process. I think we’re ahead of last year because these guys are familiar with me and what we’re trying to get done as a coaching staff.”

Now for the off topic, recorded as the players took a water break…

… John Kincade once had a cameo appearance on the soap opera “Guiding Light.”

… Voice of the Falcons Wes Durham has encyclopedic knowledge of West Virginia and its high schools. In a matter of one minute, he gave a nod to Jason Rader’s hometown (St. Albans) and educated me on the pronunciation of towns like Nitro and Hurricane (Her-i-kun). Did you also know the mascot for Poca High School is the “Dot?” Seriously.

J. Michael Moore News, highlights, training camp Antoine Harris, Curtis Lofton, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, Jason Rader, John Kincade, Lawrence Sidbury, Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Wes Durham, West Virginia

Training camp, like any form of intense training, is a step-by-step process. You start with jerseys, add the shoulder pads a couple practices in and, by day three, you’re ready for full pads and a more traditional football look.

The shoulder pads went on Sunday afternoon at Flowery Branch, which opened up a list of new possibilities for coaches looking to test their players’ knowledge, endurance and strength.

For example, putting the offensive and defensive lines against one another in small, controlled, rushing drills. Linebackers, quarterbacks and running backs were working too but much of the attention was focused on the linemen, who slammed into each other looking to create — and take away — running lanes.

It was another wake up call for rookies and a chance for fans at Russell Falcons Training Camp to see where the Falcons invested in the future.

The team drafted three defensive linemen and an offensive tackle in April. There were also undrafted free agent additions on both sides of the ball.

“It felt unusual because it’s been a long time since I’ve been in pads,” rookie defensive end Lawrence Sidbury said. “I haven’t had them on since December… Coming out here the first day I think I got my feet wet a little bit. You come out here with the veterans and the guys who have been here for a while and you have to step your game up. The more and more you do it, you just have to adjust. That’s pretty much what this game is about. You have to adjust even when you don’t know things.”

Fellow rookie, tackle Garrett Reynolds, said Sidbury was “fast as lightning” during drills, which featured two linemen against a pair of defenders.

“A little anxious, a little nervous… All of that stuff combined you really don’t know what it’s going to be like,” Sidbury said of his first day in a contact situation against veteran linemen. “I’m excited to come out here and play football again.”

MORE FROM DAY TWO OF TRAINING CAMP…

… Sticking with the linemen theme, all the rookie defensive linemen — including first-round pick Peria Jerry played well. Coaches will surely find flaws, but this blogger didn’t see anything that should be immediately troubling to fans.

… Jerry is, as I tweeted from the field, “as good as we all thought.” His explosiveness was apparent as he cut through linemen on his way to the backfield. “Jerry has great hands and fires off the ball and gets off on the snap very well,” Reynolds said.

… On the offensive side of the drill, starting guard Harvey Dahl was his usual self. Physical, play-to-the-whistle lineman.

… Rookie safety William Moore had a nice interception during 7-on-7 drills, making a diving grab along the sideline on a ball that flew a bit too far over the receiver.

… In an effort to keep the tempo up, Head Coach Mike Smith brought the team to the main practice field for a brief 11-on-11 session right after opening stretches. Coaches gave orders quickly as the first, second and third teams went through about six plays.

J. Michael Moore News, training camp Garrett Reynolds, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, Lawrence Sidbury, Peria Jerry, Russell Falcons Training Camp, William Moore