SB Nation Atlanta - Falcons Preseason 2012: Roddy White Ready To Share Spotlight With Julio Joneshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46601/atlanta-fave.png2012-08-29T19:50:05-04:00http://atlanta.sbnation.com/rss/stream/29358342012-08-29T19:50:05-04:002012-08-29T19:50:05-04:00Falcons Depth Chart: Fifth Wide Receiver Spot Is Up For Grabs
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<img alt="Aug. 24, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan looks on before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_ZT74_osSRCB6r-24zdS7FK6r5k=/0x1007:2978x2992/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8630959/20120827_kkt_su8_572.jpg" />
<figcaption>Aug. 24, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan looks on before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Atlanta Falcons are looking at solidifying their fifth wide receiver spot and the spot is likely coming down to Drew Davis and Kevin Cone</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> are taking part in their final preseason game on Thursday night against the Jacksonville <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a>, and the fifth wide receiver is one of the positions that is going to be closely looked at Thursday night. There are five players who are being considered for that fifth and final spot with <span>Drew Davis</span>, <span>Kevin Cone</span>, <span>Tim Toone</span>, <span>Dominique Davis</span>, <span>James Rodgers</span> and <span>Marcus Jackson</span>.</p>
<p>In the <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/2012/8/28/3274515/falcons-vs-jaguars-depth-chart-lamar-holmes-peter-konz/in/3035339" target="_blank">final depth chart </a>for Thursday's game it is Davis and Cone who are both listed as the fifth wide receiver. The winner of this battle will also likely see a lot of time on special teams.</p>
<p>SB Nation's Falcons blog, <a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/" target="_blank">The Falcoholic</a> believe that it will be <a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2012/8/29/3277321/who-will-be-the-no-5-receiver" target="_blank">Davis who earns that fifth spot</a>:</p>
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<p>To me it seems like Davis will get the nod, simply because he's been leaving an impression on coaches in practice, and he has a year with the team on the practice squad. Cone was my pick, but I'm not sure where the concussion leaves him. I'm still not to the point where I'm ready to make a decision, though, so I'll leave it up to you guys.</p>
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<div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: bottom; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;" class="commentable-body">
<p style="margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; background-color: transparent;"><font face="Helvetica, Arial, Liberation Sans, FreeSans, sans-serif" color="#333333"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Thursday's game will go a long way in determining who gets that fifth wide receiver spot.</span></font></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; background-color: transparent;"><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">For more on the Atlanta Falcons, visit <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/">The Falcoholic </a>and <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Atlanta</a>. Also be sure to check out our <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl">NFL hub</a> and our <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/sbnation">YouTube channel</a>.</i></p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/8/29/3278186/falcons-depth-chart-wide-receiverJeremy Mauss2012-08-22T11:00:25-04:002012-08-22T11:00:25-04:00The Halfway Point: An Atlanta Falcons Preseason Progress Report
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<img alt="ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 16: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons enters the field to face the Cincinnati Bengals at Georgia Dome on August 16, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l1kde-9G5FzWCBEr692_cq5cS3o=/0x73:4000x2740/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8479748/150406726.jpg" />
<figcaption>ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 16: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons enters the field to face the Cincinnati Bengals at Georgia Dome on August 16, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Now two weeks into the preseason and only two weeks away from the real games, the Falcons roster is slowly starting to take shape. But a few competitions are still heating up.</p> <p>Two games down, and two to go. Sweet regular season football is almost here.</p>
<p>While this week's preseason game is usually considered the "dress rehearsal" for the regular season, the next two weeks are also vital to hundreds of players across the league. Pretty soon, GM's will have to trim their rosters from 90 down to 53.</p>
<p>So with that in mind, we'll examine each of the remaining roster/positional battles and see how they play out over the finale of the preseason.</p>
<p><b>Backup QB: <span>Chris Redman</span> vs. <span>Dominique Davis</span> </b></p>
<p>Davis has been a pleasant surprise. Chris Redman and <span>John Parker Wilson</span> have been far from it.</p>
<p>As for the three backups, let's just say the rookie Davis <a href="http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/08/18/atlanta-falcons-davis-in-hunt-for-no-2-backup-qb-gig/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog" target="_blank">has made things interesting</a>:</p>
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<p>Whoever the best backup guy is, whether if he’s a 10-year vet or a rookie, is going to be our backup quarterback," <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> coach Mike Smith said after practice on Saturday. "I think you have to go out there and let the play on the field [decide]. … It’s a matter of who plays the best.</p>
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<p>In albeit limited action, Redman hasn't show the Falcons, at least recently, that he can really be counted on as a backup. His only two appearances in 2011 weren't confidence-inducing, and at this point in his career he's not getting any better.</p>
<p>He's 11-of-20 with one INT and not impressing anyone. A similar case could be made for Wilson, who's stuck around since 2009 but has yet to really make his mark and got less time than Davis against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>.</p>
<p>Davis, on the other hand, has some decent upside. With mobility, good accuracy on his short throws and room to grow, he's got a real shot at winning the No. 2 QB job.</p>
<p><b>Starting RB: <span>Michael Turner</span> vs. <span>Jacquizz Rodgers</span></b></p>
<p>This isn't really a competition, per se, but more an indication of how the carries may be split come regular season.</p>
<p>Turner's production has been pretty abysmal (eight carries for 14 yards), and he generally looks just as slow and worn-out as he did toward's the end of last season. And while I won't join the folks around the league exclaiming "Turner's done!" I do think he'll take a noticeable step back this year.</p>
<p>Thankfully, Rodgers has shown enough to compensate. He's run the ball well, has shown good catching ability, especially on those short screen throws, and could be in for a big year. Mike Smith has repeatedly stressed his belief that Jacquizz is a "legitimate three-down back," and we already know that Turner's workload should be lighter this season.</p>
<p>Of course, the loss of rookie FB Bradie Ewing also partially takes <span>Jason Snelling</span> out of the equation, as I think we'll see him split time with someone else at fullback. Speaking of that...</p>
<p><b>Starting FB: <span>Mike Cox</span> vs. <span>Lousaka Polite</span></b></p>
<p>Cox had one catch for seven yards against Cincy. Polite had two for nine yards and a score. Both blocked pretty well, though Cox was <i>much </i>less impressive when blocking for Turner than he was Rodgers.</p>
<p>So at this point, we may actually give the edge to Polite. In a way, it's not surprising: only a few years ago Polite was one of the better run-blocking fullbacks in the league. Still, the fact that someone who spent 2011 out of football could be a starter on our team is a little unnerving.</p>
<p>Neither is a grade-A option at the position, and hopefully Snelling will steal some time at fullback should the eventual winner .</p>
<p><b>No. 5 WR: <span>Kevin Cone</span> vs. <span>Drew Davis</span> vs. <span>Marcus Jackson</span> vs. <span>James Rodgers</span></b></p>
<p>Nobody has really distinguished themselves in this contest. With <span>Kerry Meier</span> locked in as the fourth receiver, it'll likely come down to Cone vs. Davis and how they perform on special teams, with Cone perhaps having the edge because of his presence on the roster last season.</p>
<p>But don't count anybody out yet. Little(r) Rodgers still has a good shot at making the 53 because of his wheels and skills as a return man. Jackson has shown some good pass-catching skills as well, but ultimately it's his special teams value that will determine his place or lack thereof on the roster.</p>
<p><b>No. 3 TE: <span>LaMark Brown</span> vs. <span>Tommy Gallarda</span> vs. <span>Aron White</span></b></p>
<p>This battle was a deadlock until Brown's four-catch, 47-yard effort last week. Originally a converted wide receiver, the 6'3/220 rookie out of Minnesota-Mankato has intriguing potential certainly worthy of a roster spot.</p>
<p>Gallarda, a Boise State product, spent last year on the practice squad and is a capable blocker, but hasn't shown much in the receiving department yet. As for White, I thought he'd perform better given the opportunity, but so far he's been pretty invisible.</p>
<p>The other two have really yet to show anything spectacular on the field, so Brown's in the lead for now.</p>
<p><b>Starting RG: <span>Peter Konz</span> vs. <span>Garrett Reynolds</span></b></p>
<p>It'll be interesting to see when the rookie Konz finally gets the starting nod. So far he's played extensively with the second team all preseason, with Reynolds getting a majority of the first team reps in camp and starting both exhibition games.</p>
<p>Still, I'd say it's only a matter of time before Konz gets the job. It'll definitely happen before week one. We know from last season and limited action this year that Reynolds is not a prime option at right guard. Hopefully our man Konz is making good strides.</p>
<p><b>Backup CB: <span>Dominique Franks</span> vs. Chris Owens vs. <span>Darrin Walls</span> vs. <span>Robert McClain</span></b></p>
<p>The top three cornerbacks are set in stone, but beyond that it's anyone's game. Franks' special teams value as a return man gives him a slight edge, but the proven ability of Owens and the upside of Walls makes it a tight race.</p>
<p>In short, what we have here is a Falcons team that, for all its talent, still lacks depth in several places. Hopefully this doesn't come back to bite us down the road.</p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;"><span style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">For more on this game Falcons fans should visit <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/">The Falcoholic</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> fans should check out <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" target="_blank" href="http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Bolt From The Blue</a>. </i></span>For more news and notes from around the NFL head over to SB Nation's <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl">NFL hub page</a>.</i></span></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-falcons/2012/8/22/3254684/atlanta-falcons-preseason-progress-recap-roster-dominique-davis-lousaka-polite-peter-konzTurnerTheBurner2012-08-18T17:56:16-04:002012-08-18T17:56:16-04:00Falcons Reach Injury Settlement With Wideout Michael Calvin
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<p><span>Michael Calvin</span>, an undrafted free agent wide receiver for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>, was waived by the organization earlier today after reaching an injury settlement, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2012/08/falcons-reach-injury-settlement-with-wr-michael-calvin/">as reported by the official Falcons website</a>.</p>
<p>Calvin was picked up by the Falcons largely due to his speed, having run a <a href="http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/08/18/atlanta-falcons-wide-receiver-michael-calvin-waived/" target="_blank">4.32 40-yard dash at the Cal pro day</a> earlier this year in Berkeley. Had he worked out at the official NFL scouting combine, that time would have been the fastest of all players this past year, regardless of position.</p>
<p>During his years at Cal, Calvin played in 37 games, starting 10 and amassing 42 receptions for 528 yards and one touchdown.</p>
<p>Calvin's injury is reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as a nondescript "leg injury," a term that signifies almost nothing more than him being simply too banged up to make the final 52-man roster for Atlanta.</p>
<p>NFLDraftScout.com does have his <a href="http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=68883&draftyear=2012&genpos=WR" target="_blank">injury listed more specifically</a> as a "knee injury," which, for any football player, is a tough thing to overcome. According to his <a href="http://www.calbears.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/calvin_michael00.html" target="_blank">official profile at CalBears.com</a>, this is not the first knee injury Calvin has sustained.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on the Atlanta Falcons, visit <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/" target="_blank">The Falcoholic </a>and <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/" target="_blank">SB Nation Atlanta</a>. Also be sure to check out our <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl" target="_blank">NFL hub</a> and our <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.youtube.com/sbnation" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2012/8/18/3252367/atlanta-falcons-michael-calvin-releaseBob Lynch2012-08-16T09:30:02-04:002012-08-16T09:30:02-04:00Falcons Preseason 2012: Charles Mitchell Looking To Land A Roster Spot As A Hybrid Safety
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> defensive back <span>Charles Mitchell</span> is attempting to land a spot on the roster, and the chances for the <a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2012/4/28/2984652/falcons-select-safety-charles-mitchell-in-sixth-round" target="_blank">sixth round pick</a> out of Mississippi State are looking good. The two defensive back starters for the Falcons are <span>Thomas DeCoud</span> and <span>William Moore</span> are both hybrid defensive backs, and Mitchell feels that he can <a href="http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2012/08/charles-mitchell-spending-time-at-both-safety-positions/" target="_blank">fit that role</a>:</p>
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<p>"I got here and they put me at free safety and I was able to be around the ball a lot and have made some plays on the ball," Mitchell said. "I feel like I'm a hybrid player. I can play both. When the ball comes my way, I'm confident in myself that I can make the play."</p>
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<p>Being a versatile player is the best way for Mitchell to make the Falcons squad and it looks like he has a good chance especially since his teammates feel he is doing a good job:</p>
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<p>"Coming into OTAs, he was doing great picking the playbook up," Moore said. "During training camp, he's been rolling. I like that. I told him in the classroom that he's doing an excellent job staying after, watching film. His progression as a player shows maturity. He's been making plays on the ball. He's going to step in and play. I know that."</p>
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<p><i>For more on the Falcons stay tuned to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/"><b>The Falcoholic</b></a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com"><b>SB Nation Atlanta</b></a>. Visit <b><a href="http://sbnation.com/nfl" target="_blank">SB Nation's NFL hub</a> </b>for even more news and notes from around the league.</i></p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2012/8/16/3246138/falcons-preseason-2012-charles-mitchellJeremy Mauss2012-08-15T20:49:32-04:002012-08-15T20:49:32-04:002012 Falcons Preseason: Atlanta Going With More 3 Wide Receiver Sets
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> offense is having a few changes with new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, and the big change is a three-wide receiver set known as "11." In addition to the three wide receivers, the 11 set will have a tight end and one running back.</p>
<p>Wide receivers <span>Julio Jones</span> and quarterback Matt Ryan have felt that the three wide receiver set is a <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/08/15/atlanta-falcons-offense-showing-11-personnel-often/">set that the offense should use more often</a>:</p>
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<p>"That three-wide receiver set, one tight end and one back has been good for us in the past," Ryan said. "We've got talented guys to fill out those positions. It will probably be something that we use."</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; background-color: transparent;">The Falcons used that set in their prior preseason game and had to use wide receiver <span>Kerry Meier</span> in the 11 formation since <span>Harry Douglas</span> couldn't play due to a rib injury.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: bottom; background-color: transparent;"><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">For more on the Falcons check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;">The Falcoholic</a>. For more news and notes from around the NFL, head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;">SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub</a>.</i></p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2012/8/15/3245937/2012-falcons-preseason-atlanta-offenseJeremy Mauss2012-08-15T10:30:11-04:002012-08-15T10:30:11-04:002012 Falcons Preseason: Joe Hawley Sharing First Team Snaps With Todd McClure
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<p>The competition at offensive line for the Atlanta Falcons has been one of the most spirited throughout training camp and the preseason with just about every spot up for grabs. <span>Todd McClure</span> is expected to once again nail down the starting job for the Falcons at center but <span>Joe Hawley</span> <a href="http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2012/08/joe-hawley-todd-mcclure-splitting-time-with-first-teamers/">is getting opportunities to show that coaching staff</a> that he is capable of handling the position on a regular basis.</p>
<p>Hawley has been rotating snaps with McClure more frequently with the first team. At this point McClure doesn't have much left to prove to anyone and head coach Mike Smith indicated that Hawley is seeing increased action in an effort to help keep McClure healthy.</p>
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<p>"Todd is one of those guys that we have on a management program," Smith said. "His snaps are going to be monitored. He and Tony (Gonzalez) are the guys who have the most restrictions in terms of the number of snaps they are going to get, not only in practice but in preseason games. Those guys have been around a long time. That is really why you are seeing Joe and Mud Duck (McClure), basically splitting those reps. We have a certain amount of snaps we want Todd to get each and every day."</p>
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<p>Hawley started at center to begin last season when McClure was out with an injury. He later took over as the full time right guard. That type of versatility is something the Falcons have been looking for this preseason and he should provide a nice insurance policy should McClure get nicked up at some point this season.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;">Atlanta Falcons</a> check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;">The Falcoholic</a>. For more news and notes from around the NFL, head over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;">SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub</a>.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2012/8/15/3243478/2012-falcons-preseason-joe-hawley-todd-mcclureKris Willis2012-08-15T10:03:19-04:002012-08-15T10:03:19-04:00Falcons' Roddy White Agrees To Share The Load
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<p><span>Roddy White</span> led the Atlanta Falcons in all major receiving categories last year. This year, things might be a little different, and according to <a href="http://chronicle.augusta.com/sports/nfl/2012-08-14/falcons-roddy-white-willing-let-teammates-share-load" target="_blank">The Augusta Chronicle's George Henry</a>, Roddy White would be okay with that.</p>
<p>White has always been a bit of a diva, but he seems to be in favor of spreading the ball out more this year. Said White, "I told them earlier in the season that I don't want to be the most targeted receiver in the NFL. We've got a lot of good playmakers and we've got to spread the ball around."</p>
<p>Since being joined by sixth-overall pick <span>Julio Jones</span> last year, White is taking a team-first mentality. Added to the mix WR <span>Harry Douglas</span>, who recently returned from a rib injury.</p>
<p>White has been a Pro Bowler for four years in a row, and led the NFC in receptions last season.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on the <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> check out <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/" target="_blank">The Falcoholic</a>. For more news and notes from around the NFL, head over to <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl" target="_blank">SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub</a>.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2012/8/15/3244238/2012-falcons-preseason-roddy-whateBrandon Kline2012-08-15T09:30:04-04:002012-08-15T09:30:04-04:002012 Falcons Preseason: Stephen Nicholas Makes Comeback In Mike Nolan System
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> head coach Mike Smith said he's been impressed with how prepared <span>Stephen Nicholas</span> has been in training camp. But it should be expected from a guy who missed six games last season and most of the offseason due to injuries, but in a new situation, is starting at linebacker opposite side of <span>Sean Weatherspoon</span>.</p>
<p>Nicholas has also been staying on the field in passing situations when the Falcons go to a nickel defense with three cornerbacks and no middle linebacker.</p>
<p>Here's a quote from Smith, <a href="http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2012/08/stephen-nicholas-thriving-in-nolans-defense/">via Daniel Cox</a>:</p>
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<p>"I think he is continuing to get better," Smith said. "He is a guy that can play all three downs for us, and he can rush the passer. He has some unique skills, and I think they are starting show even more this training camp."</p>
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<p><i>Read more on the Falcons at <a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/">The Falcoholic</a> and <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com">SB Nation Atlanta</a>. Head over to the <a href="http://sbnation.com/nfl">SB Nation NFL hub page</a> for additional news and analysis around the league. </i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2012/8/15/3243748/2012-falcons-preseason-stephen-nicholasBrandon Scott