BLOGGER'S NOTE: Mini Camp is underway. Look for coverage over on AF.com as we get things together from today's practice, including a one-on-one with quarterback Chris Redman. Photos are also available in the AF.com Media Lounge.
As I watched the first practice of the Mike Smith era, a few things came to mind.
- The Falcons are having fun
- Their coach is into every part of practice
- Weather makes it feel like football season
The Falcons vocally expressed frustrations with the game last season, so it's refreshing to see this new approach. So contagious was the attitude, I wanted to step in at running back (more like "chubby back" if you consider the 20 pounds of useless fat I put on during 2007).
It really is a new day at Flowery Branch.
Smith took the field Monday morning for about two hours with 67 veteran players.
The workout included an even amount of special teams work, running game focus and passing drills.
But the most interesting thing -- besides the unseasonably cool weather -- was how Smith approached the day.
It was tough to keep an eye on him. His baritone voice was easily heard, but it was tough to spot him as he jumped between offensive and defensive drills.
One moment, a hand on David Irons' shoulder explaining a mistake in coverage. The next? A slap on the behind of Roddy White for a route well run.
The atmosphere was almost jovial as players shot through various drills and coaches installed the base of the team's offense and defense which -- as Smith promised -- looks to include a heavy focus on the run game.
It was tough to judge a depth chart, nor was one officially released as players moved around the field with a consistent pep. But, in his post-practice press conference, Smith said he was pleased with the tempo he helped create.
He seemed just as excited as his team to be taking the field making it much harder to judge just who is spreading such infections enthusiasm for which even I have no vaccine.
“This has been a great day for us as a coaching staff," he said. "For the last 10 weeks or so, we have not had an opportunity to get out there and really coach football. I was excited to see our coaches out there coaching and our players out there playing. It’s been fun to meet some of you guys over the last two months. This is a lot better when you are out there coaching football, I can assure you that. We had one practice today. That’s one down and we have two more to go this week. We are really excited and I know the players had a lot of energy. We want to keep that energy and that’s the type of tempo we are looking for."
Some more news and notes from mini camp...
- Michael Turner and Michael Boley weren't healthy enough to workout but Smith said they should be ready to go "sooner rather than later."
- Newly-signed tight end Ben Hartsock, known mainly for his blocking skill made some great catches -- including a one-handed grab early in practice.
- Players recovering from ACL injuries, including quarterback D.J. Shockley did not practice.
- Linebacker Keith Brooking, who underwent knee surgery earlier in the offseason, was at practice.
- Free agent addition Jason Elam was in uniform (his trademark No. 1) but did not kick any field goals on Monday.
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