Are you ready for some Mini-Camp football?
Falcons coach Mike Smith making a timeout call in the second quarter against Arizona in the playoffs. (CURTIS COMPTON/ccompton@ajc.com)
FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons coach Mike Smith was fired up about hitting the practice fields today with his re-tooled team.
“We plan to introduce a lot of new things to our rookies and young guys,” Smith said. “Try to show them how we do things. How we work. How we practice. It will be an indoctrination this weekend into our tempo, our scheme and the pace of how we practice.
Loading ...Smith has a different philosophy in getting the rookies ready. He elects to throw everything, including the kitchen sink, at his young players. Another theory is to give them things piecemeal and then build on it, block by block.
“I’m a big believer in the whole-part-whole theory of teaching,” Smith said. “Throw all of it at them at once and then see what they can retain. Then you come back and refine it the second time. Then the third time when you throw the whole at them again. . . different people approach it different ways, but I really like this and have always done it that way.”
Tony and October Gonzalez. (CURTIS COMPTON/ccompton@ajc.com)
It’s going to be a little different with some of the mainstays like Keith Brooking, Lawyer Milloy and Grady Jackson no longer on the team. The Falcons elected to get younger this offseason, especially on defense.
“Right now we have 25 players on our roster with three years or less NFL experience,” Smith said. “We are also going to be a faster and more urgent football team with the infusion of the players we drafted. That was one of the things we set out to do. We wanted to increase or speed and urgency on our roster.”
Smith is looking forward to seeing his rookies.
“They have some very good measurable and numbers coming out,” Smith said. “We are excited as a coaching staff. We get to do the closest thing to playing football that we’ve done since the end of the season.”
All right now, time to go camping!!!
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191 comments Add your comment
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 8th, 2009
11:55 pm
Sarah, The Lions drafted Louis Delmas and he is a MONSTER. He has an added incentive in being drafted in his home state, so he plays like a beast. Also, they drafted Sammie Lee Hill, who alot of us in the bird cage coveted. He’s very raw, though; he’s so raw, he’s getting personal attention. They just got Foote from the Steelers. Defensively, they should improve.
Big Ray
May 8th, 2009
11:56 pm
WR,
I’m certainly down with Sidbury learning the tricks of the trade from an older predator like Abe.
Just like I’m down with Mike Peterson teaching stuff to our younger ‘backers.
In the meantime, one guy I’m excited about as well is William Moore. I know y’all are going to get tired of hearing that one from me, but I believe in this guy. And I hope Chris Owens is a serious gem. But as good as Delmas looks, I’m looking for Moore to rock the joint as the top safety in this class.
Sarah B
May 8th, 2009
11:58 pm
Stirg – thank God but I still hope we win that 1st game. Report in, like you said.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 9th, 2009
12:06 am
Big Ray, just a little mini-camp jitters. Got slap each other around to wake up, heh? Let’s get ready for some football!
Again, I don’t want to get too caught up into what I suggested earlier because of the Trey Lewis scare. I’ve retracted my statement and have since realized Abraham’s need. He brings a lot to the table; but, like you, I’m ready to see how effective Davis can be, if he started, and the emergence of Jamaal Anderson. We got youth; we’ve got explosion on the ends and up the middle; and we have URGENCY. Now we can defend first downs like its third and goal at the five yard line. Urgency!
Sarah B
May 9th, 2009
12:16 am
Well Guys it’s been great chatting but I have to get up and cut the lawn before it starts raining again here tomorrow, so i think I’ll call it a night. I would love to go out to mini-camp tomorrow but I have a lot of chores to do and if I can make the afternoon training I will or if not I’ll make the next one. I can’t believe I’m the only girl/woman to be in the cage right now but it’s great!!! I love the cage!!! GO Falcons!!! Nite all… I’ll check in tomorrow.
Sarah B
May 9th, 2009
12:17 am
Invite your wives/girlfriends…. Football is great!
Sarah B
May 9th, 2009
12:18 am
Stirg – talk to you soon.
Big Ray
May 9th, 2009
12:18 am
Sara B,
I hear you. I hope little Jimmy Mora Jr learned his lesson, but I don’t want to see him around these parts again. And you’re probably right, though as you say, sound bites aren’t much in the way of evidence. I think a LOT of players had that mentality when Mora (and Petrino, who was much worse) was around. That’s bad culture.
I even have to wonder what kind of guy DeAngelo Hall would be, had Coach Smith been around when he arrived. Ehhh…no sense in languishing in the past. I’m looking forward to Erik Coleman, Thomas Decoud, William Moore, Chris Owens, etc…
Stirg,
You know it’s all good with me, bro’. I know what you’re talking about. All you want is for there to be good attitude, urgency, and fired up players. That’s not too much to ask, and exactly what Dimitroff and Smith demand. The demand will be met, one way or another.
I don’t think anybody is taking your suggestion too seriously, and the fact that you’re not is a credit to you. Still, as I said, when the time comes, the guys who make the decisions will not shy away from them, and that’s good to know. I’m not looking to boot Abe either. But I’m glad we don’t have “long, sad, well-overdue goodbyes” to worry about when the time comes. Until said time comes, ride this mutha til the wheels come off….and have a fresh set to change into right away.
I like this new brand of Falcon Nation.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 9th, 2009
12:29 am
Well said, Big Ray.
With that, I’m about to do something that the devil aint never did before. Rest!
In the morning, gentlemen (and lady).
Sarah B
May 9th, 2009
12:36 am
Who you callin lady??? I Got to go to bed…
Sarah B
May 9th, 2009
12:39 am
nite all…
Big Ray
May 9th, 2009
12:45 am
Later, y’all. I have miles to go before I sleep. Or hours at least. Shift isn’t over til 0600.
D3
May 9th, 2009
1:06 am
Great friday evening ladies and gents! Got some lively debate between our Bird-Cage brethren, eh? Stirg & Falcon Devil having a little disagreement about Abe, and its all good. Let’s just remember we’re brothers here in the ‘Cage and as Barry so eloquently says, “We’re One Heartbeat!”
JPW – I had a sneaking suspiscion that this signing had some bigger implications than just inviting him to camp as a potential scout teamer. The crackpot theory I came up with involved allowing Shockley to move to #2, and JPW to #3. Redman is the 8th highest paid backup in the NFL and he’s turning 33 this year. Shockley’s earned the right to compete for it, IMHO. Definitely goes in line with that “process” and “youth” movement.
Trey Lewis – guys I may be the negative detractor on this one, but with Big Trey “tweakin” his knee yet again, I just don’t see him being healthy enough on a consistent basis to be effective. I wish him the best and hope he turns it around on the injury front, but its not looking good, IMO. Glad we picked up Jerry and Walker, because Trey had two knee injuries in a year in a half and first practice back he tweaks his knee? Don’t like the sound of it. Hope he proves me wrong because I know he has the skills.
Lil’ Dave – represent the ‘Cage well tomorrow and take some good notes. Also got give you MAD, MAD PROPS MY FRIEND. Tried your Tender Sauce and it ABSOLUTELY ROCKED THE HOUSE!!!!! Man, it was the $H—!!! Thanks for the recipe brother.
Stirg – I understand your frustration with Abe not practicing, but Smitty believes in giving the vets time off, especially those who’ve earned it (16.5 sacks). Seemingly, Abe’s always been the consummate pro since he’s been in the ATL. He does have a huge injury history problem so having Biermann, C.Davis, J.Anderson, and El Sidbury competing for the other DE spot and backups is a good problem.
Reno911(aka The Champ) – definitely credit the coaches for helping Abe have his best year in the Falcons uniform.
falcon21 – agreed on Abe finishing out his contract here in the ATL. With the addition of TG, TD & Co. are signaling that we should be ready to compete for a Super Bowl by next year; maximum two years. Abe is a cornerstone in that venture.
falmouth – great to have you in the Bird-Cage as well. This must be an alternative universe whereby we get two bloggers from Japan in the ‘Cage within two days. Glad to have you my friend.
Unca’ Bob – you da’ man on regulating the ‘Cage between us bro’s. Positive, respectful, and ONE HEARTBEAT here in the Bird-Cage.
Ken Strick – love your nicknames brother. Especially Scary Jerry and Monster Moore.
FalconDevil – agree with you on Abe. In two years we should be ready for Super Bowl contention, maximum of three. TG and Abe probably have the same amount of gas left in the tank; maybe TG has a little more fuel.
JoeBrave – right on man. Glad to have you rockin’ here in the ‘Cage. We’re definitely faster, more athletic, and hungrier than last year. Can’t wait.
Waitin’ for more updates like Plaxico waiting on his court case.
jason
May 9th, 2009
7:50 am
I know, I am a UGA Homer. I am interested in overall improvement in DJ Shockley. I want an unbiased opinion from some good football minds. Another question would be about the DBs drafted. How are they looking this weekend. I believe in having quality depth there. CB has to be the toughest position to play in the NFL, besides QB.
Dave
May 9th, 2009
8:37 am
If I was the coach of the Falcons I would not play John Abraham a single down during the preseason nor would I practice him much at all. We all know he is injury prone, he is our best player on defense, and a guy we can’t afford to lose. He has nothing left to prove especially in the off season. Why take any chances on getting him hurt.
jason
May 9th, 2009
8:41 am
Dave i agree. I would only have him doing conditioning drills.
Unca' Bob
May 9th, 2009
9:19 am
Good Morning All,
The gates to Flowery Branch are swinging open and I’m not there. It sucks to be me.
long time falcon
May 9th, 2009
11:44 am
Just read some great stuff on atlanta falcons.com. Dimitroff was raving about chris owens and saying this guy has been on his radar for 2 years. ESPN said the kid had a neck like mike tyson and could run like usian bolt. High praise indeed. Ray, according to some reports trey lewis did get back on the practice field yesterday after he was intially banged up. It was suggested that if lewis stays healthy don’t be surprised to see the falcons in some 3-4 alignments next year. Also Lofton was talking up stephen nichols ability to tackle and rush the passer from the linebacking position. Seems like the coaching staff has a lot of faith that this kid will step up and take one of the starting linebacking positions. The battle to take milloy’s old spot will come down to moore and thomas decoud. Moore is more compact while decoud is more tall and rangy. Overall the buzz surrounding the falcons new look defense was much more speed, athleticism and versatility. I have faith that mike smith and van gorder will coach this bunch up and the falcons by year end will have a pretty solid defense.
I reccommend that you guys read atlantafalcons.com and espn to get your falcon football fix. I notice that there is a much greater presence from the national media at flowery branch like I have never seen. ESPN will have a reporter there for every single practice session. Coming off the playoff year and the addition of tony gonzalez has created a buzz around the falcons this year. Not to mention Matt Ryan and what he will do in year 2. I’m very excited about this franchise. Can’t wait until training camp to see how some of these positional battles will unfold and which youngsters on defense step up to the plate.
Ken Strickland
May 9th, 2009
12:25 pm
STIRG & UNCA BOB-DE CDavis has enough experience playing DE to understand the nuances and techniques of playing the position and has likely reached his max potential. Any increase in his production will likely be the result of increased playing time, not individual improvement. On the other hand, DE JAnderson hasn’t played DE long enough to master instinctly the naunces and techniques of the position. He hasn’t come close to reaching his max potential. With his size, speed, quickness and strength, if he masters instinctively the techniques and nuances of the position, he could be even more disruptive and dominant than DE JAbraham.
He hss to learn he can’t be as effective using patented moves used by shorter, smaller premire pass rushing DE’s like Dwight Freeney or JAbraham. His height and size can make it more difficult for him to spin then flatten out(bending his waist and lowering his shoulder to get under the pads of the DT). He should learn how to use his hands and upper body strength to redirect, or get the OT off balance, then spin and use his size and leg strength to blow by him. Instead of trying to bull rush the OT like he successfully did in college, he should go straight into the OT and use his size and upper body strength to stand the DT straight up. Once he’s stood the OT up, and knocked him back or destroyed his base and/or balance, the OT will be at his mercy with his size, strength and speed.
He simply needs to develop different techniques designed to get the OT off balance, then use his size, strength and quickness to bull rush the QB, instead of trying to bull rush the OT to get to the QB.
BOTTOMLINE, YOU SIMPLY CAN’T GIVE UP ON DE JANDERON BECAUSE HE SIMPLY HAS FAR TOO MUCH PHYSICAL TALENT AND VERSATILITY.
long time falcon
May 9th, 2009
1:11 pm
Ken, I respect you’re opinion but I’m not drinking the JAnderson koolaid any longer. Abe had 4.5 sacks as a rookie and 13 in his second season. JA doesn’t even come close to ABE as a pass rusher. For two years now I have watched even journeyman right tackles man handled this guy. If Mike Smith and his staff couldn’t coach this dude up last year then who can? Ever time I hear or read his name somewhere the word bust is always associated with him. Dimitroff didn’t draft this guy and don’t be surprised if he’s not around in a year or two. Just be thankful that Dimitroff and not Mckay is doing the draft picking from now on.
I read on atlantafalcons.com that if Lewis stays healthy the falcons will deploy some 3-4 looks with ABE and Nichols as the primary pass rushers. In fact Lofton was talking up Nichols speed and ability to rush the passer from the linebacking position. I think Mike Smith and company will use our new look speed in creative ways to get more pressure on the QB. I think the falcons will rely much less on JAnderson this year as a pass rushing weapon. The writing is on the wall if you ask me.
jason
May 9th, 2009
1:15 pm
Given that ATL’s offense has no OOMPH, Can they move the fences in at Turner field? Could turn a few of those warning track shots in to doubles? Just a thought. LOL!!!
jason
May 9th, 2009
1:16 pm
Whoops wrong blog, reading the Braves blog also…
Unca' Bob
May 9th, 2009
1:44 pm
Ken Strickland,
I understand the development it takes for most TE’s is about three years. This will be his third year. Anderson is only 23 years old and I feel that is part of his not coming out. Most kids at his age are still in school and JA now has two years in the NFL. I have not given up on him and really feel when the light comes on in his head he will be a tremendous asset to the Falcons Def.
Unca' Bob
May 9th, 2009
2:00 pm
long time falcon,
In all fairness there are less than a handful of DE’s that can match up with Abe. If Coach Smith and Co. see that there is no chance to “coach him up” there is no doubt JA will be shown the revolving door that is the NFL.
Unca' Bob
May 9th, 2009
2:07 pm
K Strick,
That TE should be DE. More proofreading needed.
falcon21
May 9th, 2009
2:20 pm
Unca’Bob, I agree with you on JA but if he going to show anything except for being good against the run then this should be the year.
falcon21
May 9th, 2009
2:24 pm
if he is, sorry!
JoeBrave
May 9th, 2009
2:28 pm
Oh!No! P.Jerry has tweaked a knee,I certainly hope the Trey Lewis bug has not reared it’s ugly head.
mars
May 9th, 2009
2:31 pm
Guys, I believe the steal of the draft was Lawrence Sidbury (L Sid). Unless J Anderson performs the unlikely miracle of turning into a football player, L Sid will be the starter, As will ” Mungo” Jerry and “Hit ‘Em Some” Moore.
jason
May 9th, 2009
2:34 pm
Is there a chance Owens can win a CB job, or will it be nickel like Jackson was last year. Any thoughts…
falcon21
May 9th, 2009
2:42 pm
Jason I think Owens may have a shot to start. A lot of scouting time has been put into this guy. Maybe not right away but at some point during the season.
jason
May 9th, 2009
2:44 pm
Falcon 21, just the post earlier I read with the compliments TD gave Owens. Owens could very well be the ultimate sleeper of this years draft.
Unca' Bob
May 9th, 2009
2:49 pm
Falcon21,
I read this morning that TD & Co. have been following Owens for two years. Said he has a neck like Mike Tyson.
falcon21
May 9th, 2009
2:51 pm
Yeah Jason, when they drafted him I said who is he? After listening to TD they are really high on this guy. As you said, he may be the sleeper of the draft.
jason
May 9th, 2009
2:51 pm
I’m thinking owens will come up hard and fast in run support.
Stirg d'Nahsif
May 9th, 2009
2:55 pm
Thanks for the reminder, Unca’ Bob; Jamaal Anderson is only 23 years old and is already seasoned with two years of NFL experience. Abraham is a freak of nature (his numbers resemble the early numbers of Javon Kearse, the original Freak), which makes him an exception at defensive end. Anderson is young, strong and is, potentially (I know we’re become increasingly impatient with that word) a future all-star.
I sure would hate to release him to another team and he becomes that all-star (remember Tony Casillas?). Its almost like getting with that nerdy, fat girl in high school; You know the one…that girl that loved your dirty draws. You dump her and see her five years later, hosting an exercise program on ESPN. Looking like GOD, himself, came down and molded her body with perfection. Patience, my friends. Anderson will work out. Let’s not get jilted like we did with Tony Casillas.
jason
May 9th, 2009
2:56 pm
I looked at this draft and at first was what?, then in TD we trust. Now I look at this draft and see that the first four picks will play alot this year, and the rest will play more the following. It wasn’t just depth TD was drafting. No he was drafting players Coch Smith can develope over the next two years. Where was owens picked again?
falcon21
May 9th, 2009
2:56 pm
I read that Unca’Bob, heck if he has a neck like Mike Tyson we may put him at safety!
Supes
May 9th, 2009
2:57 pm
I look for the 1st 4 picks to all start at some point during the season.
Jerry will start for sure, barring an injury and be a part of the DT rotation.
Moore will play, esp. in obvious run down situations.
Owens will play b/c let’s face it…I’m not picking on Grimes, but that’s who he has to beat out. It’s not out of the question that he’s the starter from game 1 if he beats him out in camp.
Sidbury, I look for to start in obvious passing situations, long 3rd downs, etc where he’ll be turned loose on the QB.
In any case, if those 4 players contribute like we are all expecting, it’ll be a heck of a draft for the Falcons 2 years in a row.
Job well done, and word is (at least from Buck and Kincade the other day), that Matt Ryan looking poised to have a big follow up year!
Unca' Bob
May 9th, 2009
2:59 pm
Strig,
Had one in HS. She grew up to become Miss Indiana. Not Miss October, but not bad either.
Ken Strickland
May 9th, 2009
3:03 pm
LONG TIME FALCON-When Abreham first came into the league he was considered undersized and used as a pass rushing specialist only. Can you give any stats on how may tackles or how well he played the run? There’s more to being a DE, or DT, than getting sacks., and out biggest DEF weakness last yr was defending the run. Did you ever wonder why JAnderson wasn’t replaced as a starter like LB MBoley? Even though he had problems rushing the passer, he played the run better than any DE on the roster. SS LMalloy was allowed to remain a starter for the same reason, even though his limited coverage skills cost us big at times.
Former Falcons DE, and 1st rd pick, Patrick Kerney didn’t come close to showing he had the ability of becoming a Probowl DE his 1st 2yrs. I remember some of the same comments and attitudes, that are being expressed about Janderson, were being expressed about PKerney his 1st 2yrs. Do any of you think we would have made it to the Superbowl without DE PKerney’s Probowl calibur play? There’s no way we could have benefited from his growth and maturity as a DEF if our coaches had listened to the uninformed ravings of the doubters among us.
Unca' Bob
May 9th, 2009
3:18 pm
Jason,
Owens was picked in the third round.
jason
May 9th, 2009
3:27 pm
Thought he was the 5 rounder, but that was CB from Marist Highschool?
Unca' Bob
May 9th, 2009
3:35 pm
Jason,
The second day for the falcons went:
3 Owens
4 Sidbury
5 Middleton
5 Reynolds
6 Adkins
7 Walker
Unca' Bob
May 9th, 2009
4:16 pm
Does anybody have an up dare on Jerry?
long time falcon
May 9th, 2009
4:23 pm
Ken, I beg to differ on Abe he hade twice as many tackles in his second season as Anderson to go along with six forced fumbles. Abe has always been a pretty complete player. Not just a sack artist as you claim.
But for the sake of any further debate I’m willing to give Anderson one more year to prove he can get pressure on the QB. Believe me I’m not pulling against the guy because I’m a true falcon fan and would love nothing more than to see the guy breakout this year. However, you will have to admit that this is a make or break season for Anderson. If he has another lackluster season he will probably be on his way out the door.
D3
May 9th, 2009
4:41 pm
Good Sat. Afternoon Bird-Cage bro’s and sis’s! Man, I wish I was at the ‘Branch today watching all the vets, rooks, and boys comin’ back from IR. Not a great weekend with Mothers Day and all, but I’m sure they don’t arrange it for the fans, which is all good. Where’s the updates? I jonesin’ here guys. To Football…………
longtime – thanks for the update. Definitely gotta go outside to get some good Falcons tidbits, particularly AtlantaFalcons.com. DOL’s pretty dang good about getting everything that’s available. The team website will obviously have more access than the normal press. Good to see the national sports media getting in on us.
Ken Strick – agree right up your alley on J.Anderson. He showed major progress last year from his rookie year, and even though he only got one sack, he did get within inches of getting several more and had several tackles for a loss. He should have a big year this year with Jerry, Lewis, and Walker. Chauncey Davis will give him everything he can handle and we know competition will bring out the best in every player. I depart from you on Chauncey Davis. We don’t know if his skills are maxed out because he hasn’t had the snaps to prove it on a consistent basis. Just going on efficiency, Davis has made the absolute most of every chance he’s gotten. So time will tell this year if Davis is maxed out or not.
jason – Our Bravo’s need to borrow a page from our ‘Birds. Win two, lose 4; win 1, lose two. Frustrating to watch the Braves these days. If I were to bet Chris Owens will probably work his way in the way Chevis Jackson did last year. Work in the nickel, get a feel for the game with less responsibilities on smaller 3rd receivers, get confidence, and shine. Better than throwing him to the wolves, getting torched, and losing confidence, JMHO.
JoeBrave – where is that confirmed that Jerry tweaked his knee? Don’t ruin my saturday bro’, JK.
Stirg – love the ugly duckling reference. We should know a TON about JA this year. No excuses for him.
Supes – where ya been bro’? Glad to have you back. Jerry will definitely start. I agree that Moore will surely play, but I think he’ll have a huge chance to win the starting job. I think Owens may win a starting job, but I’ll be real surprised if Houston and C.Jackson aren’t our starting CB’s against Miami. Agree that Sidbury will start slow, but I think there’s even a chance that he can work in a rotation at DE and OLB. I think he has enough skills to play the SAM, particularly if we move to some 3-4 looks. Imagine Lofton, Peterson as ILB’s in a 3-4, and Sdibury/Biermann and Nicholas/Wire as outside OLB’s in a 3-4? Middleton will have a chance to work in at Dime back and Walker working in a DT rotation.
DOL – where’s the updates my friend?
jason
May 9th, 2009
4:56 pm
D3 agree on Owens, Talking about this at work. CBs and QBs are the most important positions on the field froma pure confidence level. This is just me saying, but I always thought from a collage point of view is that you could never have to many snaps at those positions in collage. Confidence is absolutelt vital to the success of a CB in the NFL.
Dean 21
May 9th, 2009
5:17 pm
Hello Birdcage!
I was actually at the Falcons Mini Camp morning practice today and the weather was awesome! The crowd was huge! Lucky for me, the sun came out when they wrapped up! It was my first mini camp experience, so I truly enjoyed the festivites including watching the practice sessions. The entire team looked good! I was impressed with the first team offense although Tony G. didn’t participate. I was able to get the little Dean and myself several autographs. I was very happy to meet and greet some of the players after practice, Trey Lewis, Chancy Davis, Chris Houston, Chelvis Jackson, Von Hutchins, E. Coleman and William Moore..etc I even got a chance to speak with Arthur Blank and he happily autographed my football!! A big bird clap to see the owner out there signing autographs! It’s going to be a awesome training camp coming up and I truly believe we will have back to back winning seasons!
D3
May 9th, 2009
5:21 pm
Since no updates on here, some tidbits from AtlantaFalcons.com:
“William Moore moves really well for as stout as he is. He and Thomas DeCoud are going to be fun to watch as the starting strong safety battle progresses in Training Camp.
DT Trey Lewis worked individually with Assistant Coach Ray Hamilton prior to the start of practice, and he fully participated in drills once the session got underway.
WR Harry Douglas put a devastating move on an unsuspecting cornerback, selling a curl pattern and releasing on a go route. Chris Redman’s 45-yard pass was right on the money, prompting “Oooohs and Ahhhhs” from the fans watching from the hill.
Speaking of long passes, John Parker Wilson demonstrated some of his arm strength on two very well-thrown balls of 40+ yards. One of the knocks on Wilson coming out of ‘Bama was his arm strength, but the undrafted free agent was able to get the ball down field during one-on-one receiver/corner drills.
An official count of just over 1,600 fans watched the morning practice, and several hundred fans were already lined up at the gates 30 minutes before the gates opened for the afternoon session.”
Good to see Moore and hear Jerry walked off on his own power.