Falcons: Camp report | 
Prisco
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Observations from Atlanta Falcons camp:
1. When the Falcons hired Mike Smith as their coach, there were a lot of snickers around the league. Who, they asked. That's because many people didn't know that the Falcons actually hired a detail-oriented, football junkie who has the right temperament for the job. His players call him "Smitty." That says a lot about the guy, who came to the Falcons after four seasons as the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator. Despite his player-friendly ways, Smith is still capable of tearing into his team when need be, which he did a few weeks ago when he threatened to cut players on the spot if they didn't pick it up. It will take a year or so, but Smith will turn the Falcons into a winner. It helps that he has a sharp football man making the decisions. General manager Thomas Dimitroff made his bones as a scout, and he is true to that. That's why the Falcons will turn it around -- they have the right people running the show. One more thing: They don't have to worry about Smith leaving in the middle of the season like Bob Petrino. He actually loves his job.
2. The Falcons are excited about rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, the team's top pick, but they will also have four other rookies in key roles this season. Sam Baker will start at left tackle and Curtis Lofton is expected to take the middle linebacker job from Tony Taylor at some point, maybe even by opening day. Harry Douglas, who has been impressive, will be the slot receiver while Chevis Jackson is expected to be the nickel corner. That's a heck of a draft, one that shows the scouting acumen of Dimitroff.
3. With a rookie left tackle, the line is bound to be a concern. But he might be one of the least of the worries. The right side is in question. It looks like Harvey Dahl, a feisty player, will start at left guard and the team is hoping Todd Weiner will be ready to go for the regular season. Weiner is battling back from ACL surgery. If he can come back, the line should be OK. If not, they could struggle.
4. The Falcons signed running back Michael Turner as a free agent from San Diego and he's been having a good camp. Turner will be the feature back, but look for Jerrious Norwood to get 10-12 carries a game. Norwood has explosive speed and the team is hopeful that he can provide the home run threat. It's a nice combo with Turner the power guy and Norwood the speed guy. That will take the pressure off Ryan.
4. Receiver Roddy White caught 83 passes for 1,202 yards and six touchdowns last season, even though the quarterback play wasn't good. White could be ready for even more if Ryan develops quickly. White struggled his first two seasons and was considered a bust by some. There's a reason -- he wasn't focused. "I did a lot of other stuff that I didn't need to do and not really focusing in on the task at hand," White said. "It was just being young and not really knowing what it took." White credits veteran Joe Horn for helping him become more focused. "The game has slowed down for me because I know what's happening out there," White said.
5. The Falcons have problems inside at defensive tackle. They hope 365-pound Grady Jackson, who they signed in July can help solve them. Jackson is good against the run, but he offers little in terms of pass rush. Look for the Falcons to scan roster cuts for defensive tackle help.
Falconidiot 
