Atlanta Falcons: Sights and Sounds from Camp, 8/11/09

Matt Ryan, 8/6/09, AP Photo/John Bazemore

Tuesday was a special day at Atlanta Falcons training camp. Over 70 Falcons from the past came out to the afternoon practice. It was called Alumni Day and Falcons, new and old, mingled together.

"I think it's something that builds camaraderie that carries over through the different eras," Head Coach Mike Smith about the return of former Falcons. "I think it's important that our guys see the guys that came before them." 

It's never a bad thing when a stalwart like former Atlanta linebacker Jessie Tuggle can interact with the team's current linebackers. Or allowing the team's receiving corp. to glean some wisdom from 1994 All-Pro wide receiver Terance Mathis.

Perhaps the biggest guest appearance of all was the visit to the morning's practice by team owner Arthur Blank. Blank braved the heat to see his team in the midst of preparation for the Detroit Lions on Saturday. A smart business man always likes to check on his investments and Blank is no different. During the team's stretching session, Blank spent some time speaking with quarterback Matt Ryan, undoubtedly ensuring the 24-year-old is prepared to make 2009 even more memorable than last season.

There was one other visitor to camp on Tuesday, a young girl named Shannon. She was the winner of a contest that allowed her to serve as Smith's on-field special assistant during the morning session. Sporting a No. 2 jersey (Ryan's) covered in signatures, she stood by the coach's side at various times throughout the practice. Smith likely wanted her opinion on the defensive end battle between Chauncey Davis and Jamaal Anderson or possibly some suggestions regarding motivational tactics.

Her response about her morning with Smith and the team: "It was really cool."

Game-week intensity

Tuesday's was a particularly hot morning. The heat combined with the tenth practice of training camp and the potential nerves of the upcoming first game of the preseason made tempers flare.

Practice was spirited, as Smith likes it, but at one point safety Erik Coleman and tackle Tyson Clabo took things to a higher intensity when they tangled, exchanging words and requiring teammates to break them up.

"That's just part of training camp," Ryan said about the scuffle. "But I think guys are excited to finally have to go against somebody else this week."

Smith expected some attitude on Tuesday, the day of practice that he called one of the tougher ones of camp because of the amount of work that would be completed. But he reminded his team that while the passion is good, they can't allow it to get away from them in game situations.

"They were out there competing again this morning and I think some of our nerves got frayed a little bit, but that's all part of it," said Smith. "We just want to make sure that we are controlled when we do it in a game."

Ryan in sync

One of the most talked about connections in training camp is between newly-acquired tight end Tony Gonzalez and Ryan. The team's offense surprised the NFL last season, introducing two Pro Bowlers in running back Michael Turner and receiver Roddy White.

Adding Gonzalez to the mix makes Atlanta's potential on offense imposing. One of the places Ryan believes the ten-time Pro Bowl tight end can make the most impact is inside the 20, an area where the team struggled to come away with more than three points at times during 2008.

"Tony was obviously a big pick up and I certainly think he'll do some things well for us in the red zone," Ryan said Tuesday morning. "...I think we're going to make some improvements on what we did last year."

Depth chart release

As Saturday's preseason game approaches, the Falcons were required to release a depth chart, but it's far from carved in stone.

Cornerback Brent Grimes is penciled in as the starter, but also will be assuming punt return duties.

Last year's free safety Erik Coleman has moved to strong safety and second-year safety Thomas Decoud will be the free safety. Both players have similar skill sets and it is part of Coach Smith's vision of interchangeable pieces at one of the more critical positions on the defense.

Decoud has spent his off season preparing for the opportunity and is thankful the coaches like what they're seeing in him. Starting is a role he appears determined not to lose.

"It means a lot to know that the hard work that I put in over the offseason is paying off and I'm out here performing, making plays, and doing what I can to be that starter and make sure I keep that position," the 24-year-old safety said Tuesday.

Smith said that despite the current depth chart there are still a number of positions that are unsettled and he plans to use the play in preseason games as a large part of a player's evaluation. He and the coaching staff, to avoid an increased risk of injury, will take a calculated approach to determine who gets how much playing time.

"There are a number of guys on the defensive side that we're going to have to get as much exposure as we can," Smith said. "But we're going to have to be smart with it and not over do it in terms of how many snaps they're going to get in the preseason."   

Additional Training Camp coverage

I always love to hear what you've got to say. Leave a comment or email me for the Weekly Mailbag: jdanielcox@gmail.com. Click "subscribe" to receive emails whenever a new article is posted. Follow me on Twitter.