Countdown to Camp: A look at the cornerbacks
061912 FLOWERY BRANCH: Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel loosens up with some high kicks for the first day of mini-camp in Flowery Branch on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM
Birdland – With the opening of the Falcons‘ training camp just a week away, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will take a look at some key positions every day through July 26th. Today we examine the cornerbacks.
The 10-day “Countdown to Camp” series started out with the defensive line and followed by the linebackers.
The players report for training camp next Wednesday and take the field for the first practice at 10:40 a.m. the following day.
Here’s a look at the cornerbacks:
THE REALLY BIG QUESTION: Can the trio of Asante Samuel, Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson propel the Falcons pass defense?
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However, he’ll have to tackle much stronger in the Falcons defense in addition to playing the pass. Over the last three seasons, Samuel has missed a tackle for every 3.7 he attempted, according to profootballfocus.com. That’s tied with Tampa Bay safety Tanard Jackson for worst in the league.
During that span, Samuel has played 2,460 snaps, made 93 tackles and missed 37. Jackson, a safety, played 1,454 snaps, made 98 tackles and missed 43 tackles.
Samuel, 31, has 45 career interceptions in nine seasons, fourth among active players. His 38 interceptions since 2006 lead the league.
With Samuel, the Falcons are hoping that Dunta Robinson is the answer to their nickel back situation. He played some against slot receivers when he was with the Texans (2004-09).
Brent Grimes, who went to the Pro Bowl after the 2010 season, will play this season on the team’s franchise tag. He’s set to make $10.281 million in base salary.
Dominique Franks, who will get a shot to earn the punt returner spot, will provide depth. Christopher Owens, who shined on special teams last season, will likely be in a fierce battle to retain his roster spot.
FIVE GOALS FOR THE CORNERBACKS IN 2012
- Help improve the third-down defense.
- Play much better in man-to-man coverage.
- Make more impact plays.
- Shut down the opponents slot receivers.
- Tackle much better in the open field.
Here’s a look at the cornerbacks:
Brent Grimes: He struggled late last season with a meniscus tear in his knee injury that required surgery. Appeared healthy during the offseason.
Asante Samuel: Will add some much needed attitude and swagger to the defense.
Dunta Robinson: He appears re-energized by the move inside and will get a chance to play more man-to-man coverage.
Darrin Walls: Appears to have a bright feature as a bigger cornerback.
Dominique Franks: He made four starts, had three passes defensed and two interceptions in 2011.
Christopher Owens: He played in 14 games and made one start last season.
Marty Markett: A former walk-on and sprinter on the track team at South Carolina.
Robert McClain: Played in 16 games with Carolina and had 14 tackles in 2010. He was with Jacksonville for two games late last season, but did not see any action.
Peyton Thompson: In four seasons, he had 186 tackles (125 solo), 10.5 tackles for loss, seven interceptions, one sack, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 22 passes defensed.
Training camp Dates, Practice Times (public availability)
Thursday, July 26 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public)
Friday, July 27 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public)
Saturday, July 28 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05p.m. (open to the public)
Sunday, July 29 Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Monday, July 30 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Tuesday, July 31 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Wednesday, August 1 Players’ Day Off
Thursday, August 2 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Friday, August 3 Practice 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
KIA Motors “Friday Night Lights” at Peachtree Ridge High School
6:45 – 9:10 p.m. (open to the public)
Saturday, August 4 Players’ Day Off
Sunday, August 5 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public)
Monday, August 6 Walkthrough 11:10 – 11:55 a.m. (closed to the public)
Combined Practice w/ Tennessee Titans
Coahulla Creek High School – Dalton, GA — 4:30 – 7:15 p.m. (open to the public)
Tuesday, August 7 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Wednesday, August 8 Pregame Walkthrough – No Media Availability
Thursday, August 9 Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens, Georgia Dome, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, August 10 Players’ Day Off
Saturday, August 11 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Sunday, August 12 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (open to the public)
Monday, August 13 Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (closed to the public)
Tuesday, August 14 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 5:50 p.m. (closed to the public)
Wednesday, August 15 Pregame Walkthrough – No Media Availability
Thursday, August 16 Falcons vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Georgia Dome, 8 p.m. – FOX (National Broadcast)
Friday, August 17 Players’ Day Off
Saturday, August 18 Walkthrough 10:40 – 11:25 a.m. (closed to the public)
Practice 3:30 – 6:05 p.m. (closed to the public)
Sunday, August 19 Walkthrough 10:15 – 11:45 a.m. (closed to the public)
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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70 comments Add your comment
Braves in last palce by Sept fist
July 18th, 2012
1:56 pm
U no what need 2 be done is get rid of cheep shot artis Donte Roberson. He does more hram then good 4 the Flacons.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 18th, 2012
1:57 pm
Hudd — Thanks!
SeenThisB4
July 18th, 2012
2:54 pm
Look our city and fan base is a joke. So to talk football I have to come here and get my fill. Don’t hate me for it. Be happy I show up to talk to you guys.
Ackshun
July 18th, 2012
3:01 pm
Saints Fans can hang it up this year. You got all happy when Brees signed his contract but without Peyton calling the dance, you are history. Particularly with key losses on both sides of the ball. You think it’s all Brees right, well after the first couple of games you will realize why Bress loved Carl Nicks. You guys minimize VIlma’s loss but he was the quarterback of that Defense. Plus with a monster schedule, I’d say the inbred Jeds in bayou country and their kissin katrinarian cousins currently befouling my beloved peach state, are looking at 6-10 8-8 at best. Let the games begin.
Rick
July 18th, 2012
3:51 pm
Slowy “seen”until your truths are surfacing. Deep down like you said a couple days ago, you are a Falcons fan. That will come out eventually. Hehehehwhwh. We dont have room for “aint” fans however!
Jean Claude Killy
July 18th, 2012
4:00 pm
September Fist,,,BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA,,, sorry,, thats funny…
SeenThisB4
July 18th, 2012
6:12 pm
Enough of this Saints talk. I am now sober and can speak intelligently about football.
The Falcants cornerbacks this year will be much improved with the addition of Samuel. If I were the Falcants, I would have let Grimes walk, though. And here is the reason. The guy is built like a small running back and his knee issue is the beginning of the end for what is a great story. You should not sale him short by any means. He is easily the most athletic cornerback in the division and came out of a school no one has ever heard of. To be given the franchise tag is no small feat. But he is small in stature and will continue to take beatings while trying to tackle the likes of Jimmie Graham and Marques Colston. I only hope the Falcants further handicap themselves by signing, yet another declining cornerback to a premiere contract like they did Robinson.
As for their younger guys, we have been killing them for 4 years now. So keep them coming.
Firsttimer
July 18th, 2012
6:22 pm
Who is Peyton Thompson? Impressive stats. I think Dominique Franks and Darrin Walls are going to have solid seasons and surprise a lot of people, when they are in the game
thejama
July 18th, 2012
6:28 pm
Illegal bounty programs and secret listening devices are just the beginning of the Saints problems this year. The biggest loss will be no head coach. When the losses start the entire Saints team will crumble…and yes I fully expect teams to take an extra crack at Brees and all Saints players. And no, Ben Grubbs will not protect Brees like Nicks so have your head on a swivel Drew…pass rush is coming and Asante is creepn’ lol
Firsttimer
July 18th, 2012
7:12 pm
I voted for Grimes to get the most picks. I think teams will go after him and not test Samuel. They will get burned when they try Grimes. Playing for a contract can make an already dangerous player an All Pro.
Falcon James
July 18th, 2012
7:15 pm
I wish DOL would add these words to the spam filter like he did with a former QB name.
Falcants
Falcantz
Failcon
Falcant
Falcan’t
Aint
Aints
Saint
Saints
Falclown
Falclowns
Seen
SeenthisB4
hiramsaint
hiramait
I am sure there are a few more words that can be added. This would clean up the board. Please DOL, help a brother out!
Saint
SeenThisB4
July 18th, 2012
8:17 pm
Add “Falcón James” to that list!
Michael M.
July 18th, 2012
8:28 pm
Well looks like the keyboard bashing has been flying today………………………..a simple question ? Anyone ever attend or thinking about attending any of the practice sessions listed in D-led’s article here ? Be something to do instead of knocking letters off each other’s keys………………………………………Think outside the box !
DR. FALCON
July 19th, 2012
12:27 am
OUR DB’S BETTER STEP UP TO THE PLATE THIS YEAR! THE QB’S WE FACE THIS YEAR, IS MURDERER’S ROW! MANNING, RIVERS, BREES, CAM, FREEMAN, VICK, STAFFORD, E. MANNING, ETC.! THANK GOD, FOR MIKE NOLAN, TO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER! IT CAN GET UGLY!
D man
July 19th, 2012
7:08 pm
Seen – you just want to steal Grimes, that’s why you’re talking this way. 3 of Grimes interceptions this season will come from the aging arm of Brees. All down hill for Brees and the Saints. Matty Ice is young and way better than Drew was after 4 seasons. Future is so bright for my Fal-cans.
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