FLOWERY BRANCH — The Atlanta Falcons certainly look like they’re taking to heart the adage that championships are won on the lines of scrimmage.
The Falcons had 15 offensive lineman in mini camp on Tuesday, the first of three mandatory workouts, including several starters from last season's core group in Alex Mack, Jake Matthews, Andy Levitre, and Ryan Schraeder. Second-line guys like Ben Garland and Wes Schweitzer to go along with fourth-round pick Sean Harlow (Oregon State) should give them plenty of talent to choose from as they begin the preparations for the upcoming 2017 campaign.
Head coach Dan Quinn did not say whether they would keep all 15 of them through the mini camp and into preseason practice. But he did not dismiss keeping as many as possible.
“We tried to stay true to our philosophy of having a good group of linemen on both sides of the ball to work and develop. The lines of scrimmage are so important so we’re going to continue to push and develop as many as we can,” Quinn said.
He said "Plan D" of having the linemen take part in post-practice workouts on Wednesday’s and Thursday’s has begun to yield fruit.
“Garland and Schweitzer are products of that over the last year and are in a position to challenge for starting spots because of the program,” Quinn said. “We’re encouraging everyone to continue to take part and push themselves to be better. We’ll reserve ultimate judgement until we get to the preseason and in pads but so far they are all off to a good start.”
Top free agent pickup Dontari Poe (DT, Kansas City) and Grady Jarrett posed a huge inside obstacle along the defensive line. That was in spite of Poe meeting a 340-pound weight clause in his contract to earn $125,000. He was listed as 346 as a member of the Chiefs. The Falcons had 12 defensive linemen listed on Tuesday's roster.
Poe said Jarrett has been instrumental in helping him not only learn the defense but also in getting acclimated to his new surroundings.
“Grady has taken me under his wing as far as getting know how things are done here and that has been a big help,” Poe said. “It’s been a pretty smooth transition overall.”
Quinn said he liked the initial look of the two mammoth linemen anchoring the middle.
“Having those two guys inside give us a different look and we think that is going to be a real plus on the defensive line for us,” Quinn said. “They’ll push the offensive guys to get better and I’m sure they’ll continue to be pushed by guys like Alex (Mack) and Levitre.”
HEALTHY(ER) RYAN: Quarterback Matt Ryan said he still feels “young and excited” coming into his 10th season in the league.
But that has not stopped him from trying to get healthier, both physically and mentally. He changed his diet and has already put the sting of the Super Bowl LI loss behind him.
“I’ve been trying to cut down the inflammation so sweets are out and that’s been tough. Sugar is not real good for inflammation,” he said. “I'm very thankful that I’m healthy. I still feel pretty young and feel I have a lot of football in front of me and hopefully I can play for a long time.
“We’ve already moved on from the Super Bowl. Looking back on the past is not going to help this team -- which is a different group -- get better and accomplish its goals. We''ve learned what we need from (the Super Bowl loss) and we're moving forward.”
