Things I like about the Atlanta Falcons right now...
1. No distractions in camp. This is the first training camp in quite some time where the Falcons can actually get down to work with out some media circus popping up every fuckin day. The team is focused as hell and bawlin.
2. Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff. These dudes "picked up the pieces" (they love that jam) after what can be argued as the worst season in Falcons history. They (along with Blank) assembled a STELLAR coaching staff (including our former UGA dawg - VanGorder at defensive coordinator) who seem to be in it for the long run rebuild. They arent cutting corners - they have the team focused on playing solid and unselfish football.
3. Thomas Brown is running hard, SON! Reports from camp say that he is one of the standouts of the new batch of rookies. Running really well, jamming jukes, stops/starts, cuts, and getting good looks and yardage. Dimitroff said he is playing so well he has almost cemented a spot on special teams along with 3rd string RB!
4. Tony Taylor at middle linebacker. His size has me a little worried, but Smitty says he has played so well thus far he sees him in the position all season. DAMN! That is good news for us b/c it frees up Brooking to play strong side.
5. Detroit first game. Detroit is almost as bad as Atlanta, so they gave us a fuckin chance! I think it would be really huge for this team to win its first game on the road in Detroit. Kitna is showing up shitty in camp and their running back situation is questionable at best. Lets hope Smith gets em jacked up for that game.
6. Receivers/Running. White is poised to have a damn fine season. Watch him this year, with the Falcons trailing so much, he could pick up some major yardage and TD numbers. Still a big question mark with Turner, but with Ovie creatin' those holes for he and Norwood - could be bad ass. Thunder and Lightnin' baby!
Things i'm worried about:
1. (utmost concern) DJ Shockley is probably going to get cut soon. Right now he's lining up as Atlanta's 4th QB. I heard someone on 790 last night saying that if the Falcons were smart they would see the upside of DJ vs. Redman. Why not take the chance and get him some PT? I kind of agree. Maybe thats just my love for the guy coming through and me not wanting to see a great dude get cut. Lets hope this doesnt happen.
2. Our Defense. The youngest in the NFL? Grady coming back was good, but obviously doesnt fix everything. DBs without Hall is going to be interesting to say the least.
3. O-Line. Again, young as shit. Lets hope 7 weeks in when Matt Ryan is starting his 2nd game - that line doesnt break down and Ryan doesnt break his leg.
4. Tight End Position. No Crump (not that he's been on fire the past few years) and no Milner (out for a long time with a knee injury). This week they picked up a backup, but still - this typically was a strong position for the Falcons and this may take a back burner. Lets hope they can block.
Its clear this team isnt going to go 8-8, but after hearing how solid this camp is going, I'm really excited for this rebuilding. A few years from now you will see a compltely different team. The time of the flashy ego driven Falcons is over (I hope), now its time to get down to business and maybe surprise some people.
Walk quiet in the night, bide your time...and carry that big ass stick!