The three-day Atlanta mini camp wrapped on Thursday and gave fans some tantalizing glimpses into what the 2012 season holds, but nothing to really hold onto. New coordinators Dirk Koetter and Mike Nolan continue to preach change and adjustment, while the players are starting to get a better handle on what the two men like to see from their teams.
Mike Smith spoke of the need to solidify both sides of the line, and spoke about how there would be a need for competition in training camp to decide who would be the starters. The other big question was at middle linebacker, where both Akeem Dent and Lofa Tatupu took 1st team snaps. As it stands there are still a lot of jobs up for grabs, and those will get sorted out in time.
It may be more than a little contrived to give an MVP of training camp, but the Atlanta Journal Constitution awarded this to WR Julio Jones, who had an outstanding camp. The MVP nomeclature is irrelevant, what's important and can't be understated is just how good Jones looked this week. He already seems to be in mid-season form, but he wasn't the only receiver to have a good week. Today especially, Kerry Meier really stood out-- and as a player I thought could be on the roster bubble he's making waves quickly.
Now the players get a three week reprieve to break, rest, and prepare for training camp. Of note, the Falcons and Titans will co-host a scrimmage in Dalton, GA on Monday, August 6th; this will be a good chance for local fans to see more of the team before the season.
For more on the Falcons head over the The Falcoholic