Countdown to Training Camp: DAY 5 — Tight Ends

Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88). (Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com)

Birdland – This is the sixth of 10 installments in the “COUNTDOWN TO TRAINING CAMP 2010.”

Each morning until Training Camp starts, we’ll take a quick look at a position group before the players report for camp on Thursday. They will hit the field for their first practice Friday.

We’ve already looked at the defensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties and offensive line.

The tight ends are up today.

THE REALLY BIG QUESTION: Can Tony Gonzalez continue to perform at a high level at his age?

It was easy to see the statistical impact that Tony Gonzalez had last season.  He caught 83 passes for 867 yards and six touchdowns.

But his real impact can’t be measured in just receptions.

When he’s on the field, defenses have to be aware of him and in some instances have two players to follow his routes. What that does is open things up for other receivers.

Justin Peelle is a savvy veteran at the No. 2 tight end slot.

There should be a good battle for the No. 3 spot between Keith Zinger, Michael Palmer and Colin Peek.

FIVE GOALS FOR THE TIGHT ENDS

Tight ends Justin Peelle and Leroy Banks (since released) signing autographs after a recent minicamp practice. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/AJC)

1.  Maintain a high level of blocking on the edge in the run game.

2. Continue to be a force on passing situations on third down.

3. Try harder to get yards after the catch.

4. Continue to develop the No. 3 tight end.

5. Be available for hot routes in blitz situations.

Here’s a look at the tight ends:

Tony Gonzalez: He needs one reception to reach 1,000 for his career.

Justin Peelle: Used mostly as a blocker last season as he caught 12 passes.

Keith Zinger: Played in 15 games last season. Has worked hard to improve his hands.

Colin Peek: Started his career at Georgia Tech, before transferring to Alabama and winning a national championship.

Michael Palmer: The Parkview High grad played at Clemson.

Date, Practice Times (public availability)

Friday, July 30 — Practice 8:30 – 10:10 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (open to the public).

Saturday, July 31 — Practice 8:30 – 10:10 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public).

Sunday, August 1 — Practice 9:35 – 10:30 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:55 p.m. (open to the public).

Monday, August 2 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (closed to the public).

Tuesday, August 3 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (closed to the public).

Wednesday, August 4 — Practice 1:30 – 3:40 p.m. (open to the public).

Thursday, August 5 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (closed to the public).

Friday, August 6 — Practice 10:15 – 11:55 a.m. (open to the public)

Falcons Allstate All-Access “Friday Night Lights”

Team Scrimmage at North Gwinnett High School – 7:30 p.m. (open to the public)

Saturday, August 7 — Mock Game at Flowery Branch – 12:00 p.m. (open to the public)

Sunday, August 8 — No Practice.

Monday, August 9 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (open to the public). COMBINED PRACTICES WITH JACKSONVILLE.

Tuesday, August 10 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public). COMBINED PRACTICES WITH JACKSONVILLE.

Wednesday, August 11 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (closed to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (closed to the public).

Thursday, August 12 — Practice 8:50 – 10:55 a.m. (closed to the public); practice 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. (closed to the public).

Friday, August 13 — Preseason Week 1 vs. Kansas City 8 p.m.

Saturday, August 14 –No Practice.

Sunday, August 15 — Practice 9:30 – 11:35 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (open to the public).

Monday, August 16 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (closed to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (closed to the public).

Tuesday, August 17 — Practice 8:30 – 10:55 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:35 p.m. (open to the public). COMBINED PRACTICES WITH NEW ENGLAND.

Wednesday, August 18 — Practice 10:15 – 11:35 a.m. (closed to public).

Thursday, August 19 — Preseason Week 2 vs. New England 8 p.m.

Friday, August 20 — No Practice.

Saturday, August 21 — 9:30 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. (closed to the public); 3:45 p.m. – 5:25 p.m. (closed to the public).

Sunday, August 22 — 9:35 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (closed to the public)

Get instant updates on Twitter at AJCFalcons and you can join the Facebook Fan page at AJC Falcons.