FLOWERY BRANCH -- The change to the naked ear is noticeable with your first step onto the Atlanta Falcons practice fields these days.
‘Can’t Tell Me Nothin’ by Kanye West blared to ridiculous levels on a stereo system designed to both pump up the current Falcons players, and create a little chaos. It’s a far cry from the quiet, almost somber atmosphere from previous years walking around the Falcons complex, and new Falcons coach Dan Quinn hopes it is just one of many positive changes as they try to turn around the Falcons’ fortunes.
“It’s chaotic on the field (during a game) and we’re trying to recreate that,” Quinn said. “The music gives the guys energy and lets us work on developing that non-verbal communication you need during games; the hand signals, a look, whatever you need to do.”
The Falcons held the last of three Organized Team Activities (OTA) on Tuesday and will now prepare for next week’s three-day mandatory minicamp, which starts next Tuesday (June 16th) and runs through Thursday (June 18th) and is open to the public.
Quinn noted that the OTA sessions were fun for the coaches, who got to see the team as a whole on the field for the first time. However, what they worked on did not seem as important to the coaches as to how they did it.
“It was good to have the rookies with the established guys and see how everyone worked together,” Quinn said. “We want to play fast and go after the ball and that’s our challenge right now. The focus is how they practice and not necessarily on any specific plays. How fit can these guys get will be a key to their success. But the work ethic of these guys has been outstanding and they want to learn and improve.”
DEFENSE: One area that should not be a concern for the Falcons defense will be at cornerback, where third-year players Robert Alford and Desmond Trufant give Quinn and defensive coordinator Richard Smith two guys that have shut-down potential on the outside.
“Both of those guys are capable of that and they’re making strides in the scheme we want them to do it in,” Quinn said. “We had guys like that in Seattle and that is a key area.”
Trufant said things have not changed much despite a new system and new coaches.
“I feel I can fit into any scheme. I love what we have going on right here,” Trufant said. “We’re playing aggressive, getting hands on guys and they want us to go after balls and I couldn’t ask for anything else.”
Rookie No. 1 pick Vic Beasley (DE) said he is trying to adapt quickly. He’ll need too as he was drafted to help resurrect the Falcons’ dormant pass rush. However, he was held out of practice Tuesday because of a slight shoulder strain.
“I think I’m doing pretty good. Playing the end position is not too much different than what I did in college,” Beasley said. "They have a good plan for the defense."
Beasley also noted there were plenty of positive vibes during the OTA sessions.
“It’s been very positive. I think everybody is enjoying Coach Quinn and the scheme and what he is doing. He’s very hands-on and I really like that, especially at my position,” Beasley said.
Defensive coordinator Richard Smith said implementing all the changes will take time but praised Quinn for assembling a great group of coaches, which includes former Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris.
“We’re still learning what everyone can do but we have a lot of talent and we have some tremendous coaches,” Smith said. “Dan deserves a lot of credit for bringing in an incredible group of coaches. We’re still evaluating but I like what I’ve seen so far.”
“Raheem brings a lot of energy to the team and just his knowledge of the passing game and has been very valuable to me as a former head coach if I have a question or need to bounce an idea off him,” Quinn said. “We kind of feed off his energy and he draws things out of the guys to get them going.”
OFFENSE: Despite a new set of coaches and a new playbook, the Falcons should continue to be near the top of the league offensively with Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Roddy White returning and the addition of Leonard Hankserson in the slot position. Second-year running back Devonta Freeman is expected to take over for Stephen Jackson as the featured back and he is looking forward to the challenge.
“I just want to come out and compete and we have some great coaches and I’m just trying to learn from them,” Freeman said. “Whether I’ll be the No. 1 back, I’ll leave that up to the coaches. I just came in this year ready to compete.”
The offensive line was battered and bruised most of last season and several key players are still recovering from injuries. Tuesday marked the return of Jake Matthews (foot), Joe Hawley (knee), and Peter Konz (knee) to the practice field for the first time for individual drills. None took part in 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 drills, however. Sam Baker (knee) did not dress.
“It was good to see some of those guys get back out there,” Quinn said. “They have worked hard to get back but we’re taking things in steps but today was good for them I think.”
But the line may have more flexibility, barring injury, with the emergence of James Stone (center) and the addition of Tyler Polumbus, a free agent signing from the Washington Redskins in the off-season, at tackle.
Freeman said he feels the group should be deeper and is ready to see what they can do as a whole.
“Those guys have been working their butts off and competing and we’re trying to develop some depth there. I think they should be good by the start of the season,” Freeman said.
Freeman worked with the No. 1 unit during Tuesday’s practice and was a popular target for Ryan and the other two quarterbacks -- Sean Renfree and T.J. Yates -- during live action.
“We want our backs to be able to catch the ball out of the backfield,” Quinn said. “That will be a big part of our offense I think. I liked what I saw for the most part.”
All in all, Quinn felt it was good to get the first practices out of the way as they prepare for training camp in just over six weeks.
“We’re trying to find out how fast we can play,” Quinn said. “We’re trying to find the balance of install and how much is too much and what will allow them to play at their best speed and not have to over-think things and play freely. This was the first install. The final one will be at training camp.
“I think after next week we’ll have a good sense of what they can do individually and then it will be up to them to stay on it. But we’re excited about what is going on right now.”
TECHNOLOGY: With the Dallas Cowboys looking into deploying drones to help film practices, Quinn was asked if the Falcons were likely to jump into the future. Helmet cams to help with teaching during practice of what to look for and what signals to call during plays and virtual reality also were topics of discussion.
“My big question is who will be controlling those things (drones),” he said while laughing. “We’re not looking into drones at this time. Helmet cams could be something down the road but how do you get the entire picture. Virtual reality may be better but right now I don’t us doing any of that stuff.”
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/6/315825/falcons-summer-practice-6-9-15