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| Wednesday, July 16 Updated: August 20, 10:30 AM ET Falcons: Training camp report Pro Football Weekly |
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In Pro Football Weekly's third and final installment of training-camp reports, we look at the good (biggest positive), the bad (biggest disappointment) and the ugly (injury update) factors surrounding every team halfway through the 2003 preseason. We also set our sights on a rookie to watch on each team, for whatever the reason. Aug. 19 Biggest positive: While the mood around the Falcons was anything but upbeat following Mike Vick's broken leg, the team believes it has a solid enough surrounding cast to overcome the star quarterback's injury. Taking over at quarterback is Doug Johnson, who went 19-of-25 for 257 yards with two touchdowns to help beat the Giants in his only start in 2002. Biggest disappointments: The Falcons hoped to install free-agent signee Tod McBride as the nickel back, but he suffered a broken thumb in the first days of training camp and hasn't gotten the opportunity to show what he can do. DE Travis Hall also has struggled to return from the abdominal injury that plagued him all last season, and his absences from practice have kept head coach Dan Reeves from getting a good look at his team's depth. Injury update: Vick will be out for the first four games - maybe longer. McBride won't get the five pins in his broken thumb removed until the second week of the season and won't be a big part of the mix until that injury is fully healed. Hall's abdominal issues will be a chronic concern all season, while OG-C Roberto Garza's strained triceps will keep him from taking over the starting center job from Todd McClure. Rookie to watch: FB Justin Griffith leaves something to be desired as a blocker, but his versatility in the backfield could see him play both fullback and tailback. He is a better receiver than expected and has the quickness to be a threat as a runner. Griffith is battling veteran George Layne for the starting FB job, and the competition has been intense. If Griffith improves his blocking, the job could be his. Part 2 -- Aug. 12 Veteran to watch: All eyes have been on WR Peerless Price this training camp, and that won't change during the season. Price has impressed everyone in the organization with his speed, athleticism and ability to make acrobatic catches, and he has developed a good chemistry with QB Mike Vick. The Falcons are looking to Price to be the catalyst this season and take some pressure off Vick, and Price will get plenty of opportunities to make plays happen. Player on the verge: LB Chris Draft made only five starts last season, but he showed signs of being something special. Fast-forward to this year, and Falcons insiders believe he can become a difference-maker. He has good speed and a nose for the ball and has become more comfortable in the defense. With opponents trying to avoid teammate Keith Brooking, Draft could see more plays come his way, giving him more chances to show his stuff. Strongest position: The linebackers have great speed and were flying all over in camp practices, and their play will make a big difference in stopping the running game. Sam Rogers, Brooking, Draft and Matt Stewart complement each other well and play with an intensity that few teams can match. Will Overstreet, Twan Russell, Artie Ulmer and Keith Newman provide quality depth and can seamlessly be worked into the starting lineup. Weakest position: Injuries have hurt the secondary, especially at cornerback. Newcomer Tod McBride has missed valuable practice time while recovering from a broken thumb, and Tyrone Williams and Bryan Scott haven't impressed anyone. One positive is that veteran Ray Buchanan is healthy and playing well, but he isn't getting much support. Part 1 -- July 18 Most significant changes: Peerless Price was acquired from Buffalo in a move designed to give the Falcons someone who can stretch the field. Former Packers cornerbacks Tyrone Williams and Tod McBride should improve the secondary, and the loss of tight end Reggie Kelly via free agency will push talented Alge Crumpler into a starting role. Reasons for optimism: The acquisition of Price and the signing of wide receiver MarTay Jenkins will allow Atlanta to be much more versatile in the passing game this season. The Falcons also are impressed with the development of quarterback Mike Vick during the offseason. He has become more of a leader and has matured some, two areas that could allow the Falcons to hit the ground running once the season starts. Causes for concern: The lack of an experienced fullback is going to be a worry for head coach Dan Reeves now that Bob Christian has retired. Running backs Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett must co-exist to give the Falcons a consistent running game, and the quarterback position isn't as experienced as the coaching staff would like. The secondary gave up too many big plays last season and will have to come together quickly to avoid the same fate this year. Training-camp battles to watch: The Falcons signed outside linebacker Keith Newman during the offseason to improve the team's speed and experience at linebacker, and Newman will give everything Matt Stewart can handle to break into the starting job. Stewart was effective for the most part last season, but Newman's savvy and nose for the ball could elevate him to the first unit. Don't be surprised if: The defense is better than expected and the Falcons push the Buccaneers for the NFC South title.
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