I came within inches of crushing a turtle this morning on my way to work.
The little guy was doing his best to cross one of the many country roads in the Flowery Branch and, as my tire rolled by, he had made it to the center line. As I continued, another car passed me at an equal rate of speed.
I’m surprised he didn’t jump into his shell.
(The turtle was on a not-so-busy road, so I’m confident he made it across).
Then I got to thinking…
I wonder if that turtle has something in common with NFL rookies in their first mini camp?
Learning a new playbook (which is at least three inches thick) practicing twice a day in Georgia humidity and going up against some of the best athletes in the world must be like crossing a highway at tortoise-like speed.
As I walked out of the building last night I caught glimpses of Peria Jerry and other Falcons rookies working with position coaches.
They reviewed film of practices to mentally correct mistakes.
There are no excuses in the NFL for a 15-year veteran or a rookie with 15 minutes on the job.
That’s why Head Coach Mike Smith expects his rookie class to be confused and instructs his staff to throw as much information as possible at the first-year players.
It separates the men from the boys.
“They’ve earned the right to be here and be a professional football player now they need to earn the right to be on a 53-man roster,” Smith said.
Notebook: Gonzalez takes part in first practice, AF.com
Tony Gonzalez represents the missing piece in the Falcons offense. Considering the team had a top-five offense before Gonzalez arrived, fans should be pretty excited.
Gonzalez earns praise of Falcons teammates, AF.com
Good work, D. Led. I looked for a good description and couldn’t find one. This one works: “Gonzalez ran his routes with the grace of an oversized ballet dancer and plucked Matt Ryan’s passes out of the air with ease.”
Falcons’ Ryan eyes Gonzalez with zeal, ESPN.com
Ryan described Gonzalez as “a new toy.”
Smith: ‘A Very Spirited Practice,’ J. Mike’s Missives
First day of practice; first mini camp skirmish. That’s what happens when you have people fighting for jobs.
Gonzalez feels like perfect fit for Falcons’ talented offense, NFL.com
“The Atlanta Falcons had 19 catches for 211 yards and two touchdowns between their three tight ends last season.” And think… The team went to the playoffs and still got quality production from the position. What will adding a Pro Bowler do?
Wilson could factor into Falcons’ QB plans, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Some Alabama fans help me out… Is it “John” or “John Parker?” I haven’t had a chance to introduce myself and was wondering what he likes to be called.
Why there won’t be a ’sophomore slump’ for Ryan, ESPN.com
I’ll confirm the assertion that Ryan is indeed the same guy on and off the field. He’s grounded and humble — two things that seem rare in the world today.
Atlanta Falcons mini camp report: Day 1, Examiner.com
Rookies have no time to rest. Well, they do, but it’s after the season, eight to nine months from now.
Falcons’ Abraham does not practice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The season doesn’t start tomorrow. Plenty of time for players to nurse a few last bruises. How else do guys stay fresh through 16 games?
Signing off from Flowery Branch, ESPN.com
Trey Lewis left the field briefly Friday but, after some work with the trainers, he was back in action.
Falcons mini-camp: Fans’ guide, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For more information on mini camp you can log on to www.atlantafalcons.com/minicamp.
Six Tryout Players at Mini Camp, J. Mike’s Missives
The Falcons brought in tryout players last season as well, which is allowed by the NFL. If any are signed, the news will be announced early next week.
Quick Hits from the First Practice, Tight Spirals
Dan Levak has an eye for practice. He got all this stuff down without a notebook. Impressive memory. Wish I had that.
Early observations from Falcons’ minicamp, ESPN.com
The three linebackers with the first unit were Curtis Lofton, Mike Peterson and Stephen Nicholas. Erik Coleman and Thomas DeCoud worked at safety.
Now… Do it Backwards, J. Mike’s Missives
Going to try to get more video like this today but not sure how the team will set up in relation to the media area.
Falcons’ Dimitroff only makes exceptions for the exceptional, The Sporting News
I read something in the blog comments yesterday that’s fitting here: “Prior planning prevents poor performance.” Think about it.
J. Michael Moore Birdseed, News AF.com, AJC, Curtis Lofton, D. Orlando Ledbetter, Dan Levak, Erik Coleman, Head Coach Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, Mike Peterson, NFL.com, Stephen Nicholas, The Sporting News, Thomas DeCoud, Tony Gonzalez, Trey Lewis
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