A hot camp opens, with a hotter Falcons’ season to follow
A pithy Smitty says: "This way to the Super Bowl!" (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
FLOWERY BRANCH — On a hot day in July, Mike Smith made reference to January. That was the new beginning, the coach said, the day his Falcons beat Tampa Bay to finish 9-7. Not that Smitty was celebrating the 9-7.
“We got the result we wanted to get us over the hump with the consecutive winning seasons,” he said Friday, “but I have to tell you I was very, very disappointed in the final result of the season. Internally our goals were much, much higher.”
In Tampa, Smith told his players: “This is the first game of 2010. We need to start 2010 in the right fashion.”
And they did. And the Falcons have scarcely put a foot wrong since. They signed Dunta Robinson. They drafted Sean Weatherspoon. They re-signed Brian Williams. And now here they were, after the first practice of Training Camp 2010, hot but happy.
“The fact that it’s 100 degrees doesn’t matter,” said Tony Gonzalez, the tight end.
See, this team fully expects to be playing when it’s below freezing. (Meaning: in January 2011.)
The offseason moves met with internal approval, Gonzalez said. “Defensive backs were our biggest need, and Dunta Robinson is one of the best. From what I saw in one practice, that was the best decision we could make. And drafting for defense in the past two drafts was the right thing.”
Said John Abraham, the defensive end: “Dunta’s a great guy. He’s a hard-nosed guy, a no-nonsense guy. Having him there makes it easier to do what I do.”
The defense should be better. The offense, which figured to be great last season but wasn’t quite … well, here’s Gonzalez: “Offensively we’re pretty confident. We can move up and down the field. We have the horses.”
So: A 9-7 team stands to improve on both offense and defense. What does that mean? Gonzalez again: “If we stay healthy, the sky’s the limit.”
The Super Bowl champion plays in the NFC South. The Falcons don’t care. The first three games are against Pittsburgh, Arizona and New Orleans, the first and third of them being road dates. The Falcons won’t be fazed. These are no longer the feel-good fresh faces of 2008. This is a team about to enter its prime.
Said Smith: “It’s part of our process. We’re in Year 3 now. We should be advanced.”
Said Gonzalez: “We’ve got a lot of guys in their third and fourth years. That’s when it’s supposed to click. That’s the norm in the NFL. If we do that, we’ll be pretty good.”
Third-year Falcons: Matt Ryan, Sam Baker, Curtis Lofton, Thomas DeCoud, Kroy Biermann. Those were the plums of Thomas Dimitroff’s first draft crop, and they’ve already done good work. The good news is that they’re capable of doing even better.
A bit later, Gonzalez said: “That third and fourth year is when guys start to hit their peak. It’s not, ‘We hope we do it.’ It’s, ‘We have to do it.’”
In the cold light of hindsight, the 2008 team probably wasn’t as good as 11-5. The 2009 Falcons, of which much was expected, were gifted but not terribly deep, and that’s why they wound up 9-7. Another injury to Ryan or Michael Turner would hurt the 2010 team, sure, but this bunch would appear to have more ways to win.
“That 9-7 was good for the organization,” Abraham said, “but for me it was not good. I felt we should have been a playoff team. We lost some close games.”
That said, the 2009 Falcons were stout enough to play the eventual Super Bowl champs tough twice, the second time without Ryan and Turner. They were able to whip the Jets, whom a lot of folks regard as the coming power in the AFC, on the road in December. Utilizing hindsight yet again, we can now say that wrangling nine victories from a season going wrong was a test of both will and skill.
And now a new training camp has commenced and a new season is six weeks away, and here’s a team for which January cannot be the beginning of something. This is a team for which January should be a culmination.
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126 comments Add your comment
papa
July 30th, 2010
2:54 pm
Ithought the record the falcons had was never making the playoff back to back that stills stands.
adelfersy
July 30th, 2010
2:57 pm
Hey MB, how does PJ look? Hows William Moore moving around? How bout Dunta first look? Give me the nitty gritty? Any no-names standing out right now
Jim n Buckhead
July 30th, 2010
3:01 pm
I wouldnt say we whipped the Jets….10-7 or 10-6 it was a very physical game and the Falcons won with a late clutch drive at the end…pretty evenly matched IMO
Misses Mike Kenn
July 30th, 2010
3:04 pm
It’s almost an hour north of the city
cheshire
July 30th, 2010
3:07 pm
it’s crazy to me when I look at how many things went wrong last year and we STILL wound up with a winning record. the schedule was a nightmare, both sides of the ball were decimated by injury, Elam killed this team with an incompetent kicking game that likely cost us 2 wins, and twice we had to play the SB champs.
that’s pretty incredible. it makes you wonder how nice things can get if we actually have a few tings break our way this year like the Saints did in 2009.
i’m not ready to anoint them SB contenders just yet, but what you have to love about this team is that there’s no reason they couldn’t be playing late into January, and that’s all you can ask for in July.
POAD
July 30th, 2010
3:13 pm
SeenthisB4 Flowery Branch is a town about 1 1/2 hour outside Downtown Atlanta.
Tweets that mention A hot camp opens, with a hotter Falcons’ season to follow | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
July 30th, 2010
3:18 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mark Bradley, Abasi Phillips and Troy Heinzman, Sara. Sara said: RT @MarkBradleyAJC: A hot camp opens, with a hotter #Falcons season sure to follow. http://bit.ly/cWbuZf [...]
SeenThisB4
July 30th, 2010
3:25 pm
Thanks Misses Mike Kenn.
JTH
July 30th, 2010
3:52 pm
I’m really looking forward to the season. High expectations that this team is capable of fulfilling. Now that THE CURSE is over it’s time to fly.
Go Falcons!
Picky Picky
July 30th, 2010
4:01 pm
Heard this before!
Remember 1974, after a 9-5 season in 1973? Answer: 3-11!
Remember 1981, after a 12-4 season in 1980? Answer: 7-9!
Remember 1992, after a 10-6 season in 1991? Answer: 6-10!
Remember 1999, after a 14-2 Super Bowl season in 1998? Answer: 5-11!
Remember 2005, after a 11-5 season in 2004? Answer 8-8!
So, the above is overwhelming and convincing evidence to just shut up and let your actions(results) speak for you!
Pat Peppler
July 30th, 2010
4:01 pm
Whuh?
Chief Hittabatta
July 30th, 2010
4:02 pm
I’ve never been this excited to see the Birds play!! If we win the first 3, I think we win at least 7 of the next 13. There, I said it!
truth
July 30th, 2010
4:06 pm
Picky Picky……..SHUT UP!! This team is now managed entirely diffirent these days. If you can’t see and understand that then how about showing stupid some respect and keep your fingers off the keyboard. Thanks!
Proof that America is going to HELL
July 30th, 2010
4:15 pm
OK.
Recently saw the new Falcons new PR TV ad with the “Reverend”
Samuel L. Jackson and the choir doing their “RISE UP” PR for the Falcons.
It was SERIOUS trash. And, on some level, sacriligeous.
We have Samuel L. essentially dressed as a “Minister” giving us a “pulpit” speech, and a church choir in robes, singing a
gospel-sounding tune with the message to get the Falcons
fans to “Rise Up” and buy tix and support the Falcons play.
WHAT……….THE……….HELL……IS THIS CRAP ?!?!?!?!?!?!
Is THIS how low the Falcons have to go ?!?!?!?!?!
Are the Falcons, THIS DESPARATE ?!?!?!?!?!
And yet, they think they need a new stadium?
Picky Picky
July 30th, 2010
4:15 pm
truth…you can’t handle the truth!
truth
July 30th, 2010
4:16 pm
Picky….you can handle reality.
truth
July 30th, 2010
4:18 pm
There’s enough truth in the last two years in this team than there ever has been. It’s not my fault you don’t have the brain to recognize it.
truth
July 30th, 2010
4:23 pm
It’s a T.V. commercial not a sunday morning worship service.
Proof that America is going to HELL
July 30th, 2010
4:26 pm
The POINT is…
…it was DESIGNED to sound like a Sunday Morning worship service.
So, going to a Falcons game is now “worship?”
So, lets ponder a VERY imprtant question:
Just exactly WHERE are we going in this hand-basket?
Proof that America is going to HELL
July 30th, 2010
4:29 pm
I guess the next step will be……the State or the City of Atlanta
taxing its citizens for NOT going to a Falcons game.
truth
July 30th, 2010
4:41 pm
I am 100% confident that the “worship service” you are referring to is not how Christians first worshipped. You are the one making it into something it’s not.
truth
July 30th, 2010
4:42 pm
The traditions of man make the word of God of no effect. You keep your tradition and I’ll keep the living God. Your religion will send you to hell. It’s not religion, it’s in whom you believe.
cdog
July 30th, 2010
4:47 pm
someone please remind mike smith to challenge plays this year.he sit back and let the referees took his game against the saints and all he did was stand on the sideline and grin.he can be stupid as a coach sometimes.there was an obvious first down the falcons made.the officials marked it short obviously.he just stood there and smiled and never challenged the spot.the saints ended up winning the game.that call could have made a difference had he challenge it.smith can be dumb a lot of times as a coach
Roger
July 30th, 2010
4:50 pm
I’m a little confused Proof….Do you think all commercials should purely attempt to show reality and without any satire, comedy or wit? Wouldn’t all advertisements and commercials be loads of fun then?
Or do you fear their may be subliminal messages in the ad?
Picky Picky
July 30th, 2010
4:51 pm
truth,
You seem like an angry sort who suffers from feelings of inadequacy. Are you emotionally injured about your anatomical shortcoming? Were you picked on too frequently as a child? Were you the unfortunate one who was always picked last on all the teams?
Transferring your gross insecurities into NFL player idolitry in not the answer, truth! You ned to accept your inadequacies, shortcomings, and cognitive defiency like a real man and only then will the “truth” set you free, truth!
truth
July 30th, 2010
4:57 pm
Actually….if you look the scripture up it is you shall know the truth and the shall make (not set) free. You were the one coming on the board all “angry” that the Falcons disrespected God by using a choir. I don’t detect a bit of anger in my post, yours however you should re-read. You made reference that I was in a hand basket going to hell, again not scriptual, God never said in His word about people going to hell in a basket (another tradition).
truth
July 30th, 2010
4:58 pm
May bad Picky I got you confused with Proof. Sorry.
Rod "Straight Outta of Augusta" Johnson
July 30th, 2010
5:03 pm
This TEAM is definitely filled with a lot of potential. I just hope that we do not overlook some of these undrafted free agents that we picked up.
Barry
July 30th, 2010
5:14 pm
HEY Y’ALL:
WE DON’T CARE ABOUT THE HEAT. THIS IS JUST SOME “HEART BURN” TO GET THE RUST OFF OF US. “WE” WILL BE JUST FINE. I SAID THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE PRETTY FINE TUNING THE TEAM INTO “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” MODE. BUT I GUARANTEE AFTER TRAINING CAMP AND THE TEAM THAT WE PUT ON THE FIELD WHEN THE SEASON STARTS WILL BE “SECOND TO NONE.”
COACH “FIGHTIN” SMITTY AND THE COACHES WILL HAVE THIS TEAM “SUUPPED UP” AND READY IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” MODE.
CAN YOU HEAR THE BEAT!!? THUMP!! IT’S GETTING LOUDER!!!!! THUMP!!THUMP!! THUMP!!!!………….! I’M IN “HEART ATTACK!!!” MODE.
IT’S “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” TIME, BABY!!!!!!
SWEAT IT OUT MY FALCONS!!! SWEAT IT OUT IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!”
GO FALCONS!!!! THE “PROCESS” CONTINUES TO THE SUPER BOWL.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET fron a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!
…………………..”ONE HEARTBEAT,BABY!!!!”……………
Alice Babylon
July 30th, 2010
5:20 pm
Being spiritual does not demand religious attachment. Having “spirit” at pep rallies in High School is meant to be uplifting, not indoctinate us into any religion, or transform us into little green shirts like they are doing now right under our noses. I liken it to nation building.
Concerning the camp it was hot as hell.
truth
July 30th, 2010
5:22 pm
Alice…..LOL!!!!
truth
July 30th, 2010
5:25 pm
I guess wearing a suit means you are trying to look like a minister. Man I saw alot of “ministers” today. I wonder what people would think if they saw John the Baptist dressed in skins if animals eating locus and honey. Some religeous people would call him mad.
Chief Hittabatta
July 30th, 2010
5:25 pm
I’m too busy being excited about the Falcons to worry about the division lead that the Braves are squandering. It’s a miracle!
All I'm Saying Is...
July 30th, 2010
5:35 pm
I like the expectations expressed by every Falcon quoted—that’s important. The Road to a Super Bowl victory starts now!
LET’S GO FALCONS!
TheAntiMe
July 30th, 2010
6:28 pm
Proof that America is going to HELL
Anyone who doesn’t like the Falcons playing on Sunday can go to Helen this season and watch the pretty leaves change color. No proof necessary.
nes
July 30th, 2010
6:58 pm
Oh no! What is Coach Smith thinking dressing in all black, brings back shades of Jerry Glanville! laughs!
Reality Check
July 30th, 2010
7:03 pm
True Sabbath falls on Saturday.
Who Dat
July 30th, 2010
7:33 pm
Who Dat say they ganna beat them SAINTS. We will bring the ring to the ATL so ya’ll can see one.
The NFC South is the home of the champions!!!!!!
RSX
July 30th, 2010
8:27 pm
Who Dat? B*tch we got that FLAME! ATL finna light a spark under NO’s butt.
zinoDawg
July 30th, 2010
8:56 pm
“They were able to whip the Jets,….”
Hey Mark, did you actually watch that game? The Jets dominated physically and the Birds barely squeaked it out on their final drive. I wouldn’t call that whipping somebody.
Truth-Serum
July 30th, 2010
9:16 pm
YAWNNNnnnnnnn MVY
WTF?
July 30th, 2010
9:21 pm
They’ll be lucky to finish the season 9 – 7. If the media would stop hyping them up they might actually make a run at something one of these days. Just let them play football.
Loooooosers
July 30th, 2010
9:26 pm
I’m laughing my butt off at all the hyped-up comments by the goobers that somehow think that they have a personal connection to the Falcons. Come on, guys. These are a bunch of highly paid athletes that are in it for the money (and the pooney, if the truth be told). There is no “we”- it’s a group of jocks that Arthur Blank hired that have no connection to you on any level. Stop trying to relive your frustrated high school past through the Falcons.
Crusader
July 30th, 2010
9:36 pm
Reality Check: Only for you and Arthur and Bernie Madoff
curious
July 30th, 2010
9:44 pm
Defensive goals: sacks, interceptions. Offensive goals: touchdowns. Result: a season to remember.
Hollywood Don
July 30th, 2010
10:11 pm
We’ve heard that fur years..we still love yall….bring it on dirty birds….give em ale!!!…..make us enjoy 8 dollar beers…
thunderbull56
July 30th, 2010
10:53 pm
Dang Marco, they’ve thrown you under the bus quickly today.Suck it up,Furm handled all the pitiful pro teams,less than sparkling college sports,golf,tennis,gymnastics,and the horses.Don’t let ‘em tear out your heart and stomp that sucker flat!
tree rollins
July 30th, 2010
11:52 pm
I still have a huge problem with Chris Redman as backup QB – this is ridiculous after last season that we are staying with him! He had every other pass batted down at the line of scrimmage. And Michael Turner was fat. slow and ineffective last season after having a great initial season here. So this year he’s going to be great again – right? And so who’s going to return punts and kickoffs this year? Has anything dramatic changed in this area? And finally, who is our place kicker?
Don't Drink the Coolade
July 31st, 2010
6:28 am
I keep hearing all this Dunta Robinson talk – this is the same Dunta Robinson that fell out of favor in Houston because of his “LACK” of production over the last 2 years. Come on Falcons – all this 12-4 – 14-2 talk – never amounts to anything but, talk – that’s right make the expectations as high as possible – then when they don’t live up to them – we’ll have something to complain about!
Paddy
July 31st, 2010
8:52 am
N….to answer your question about baseball coverage before the trade deadline; MB has an editor that thought the first day of Falcon practice is more interesting than baseball gm’s telling him “does not look we will do anything” with the Braves at this time. Trades and their news is always after the fact not before the fact.