Head Coach Mike Smith
Q: Was everyone accounted for during the first day of minicamp?
A: “Everyone was accounted for and the guys had an orientation with the rookies last night. We met this morning and started talking football with the team. We have a number of rookies who have their heads swimming, but I thought they did a nice job today.”
Q: How did the rookies do finding their way in practice today?
A: “They were at a disadvantage. We had a run-through with the veterans and had walked through it prior to that. The rookies got here last night and it was really dark when we got out of meetings. If it wouldn’t have been dark, I probably would have gone out there and showed them how we would do things. They fell in line and I thought it went very smooth.”
Q: On injured players who participated in minicamp.
A: “Brian got cleared for practice and of course he is wearing his knee brace out there. He’ll probably have to keep it on because he’s had those two surgeries on his knee. It was great to see (Michael Turner) out there. He is going to be a great running back. He runs low to the ground and I think it will be fun watching him run the football. We’ve got some guys who have progressed and Todd Weiner has progress in his rehab, so we are excited with where he is right now.”
Q: What exactly is Todd Weiner’s status injury-wise?
A: “I think the next few weeks are going to be critical in terms of rehab. You can get ahead of schedule, but the real test starts when you get out there and start running.”
Q: Will Todd Weiner participate in any minicamp activities?
A: “No he will not. I’m talking about him running on the side. We’ll have a chance to see where he is at in his rehabilitation process.”
Q: How excited were you regarding the fan turnout for camp?
A: “It was very nice. When we made the decision to open it to the public, we didn’t know if there would be two, 200 or 2,000 people. I thought it was a great turnout, they were energetic and they got a chance to see our guys go out and compete. I think it’s important for our fans to know that we are team-oriented and we like to go out there and have fun. Everyone got a chance to see that today.”
Q: How did QB Matt Ryan pick up the offense on his first day of practice?
A: “I thought Matt threw the ball well out there. Like anybody competing in their first practice, I think he was a little nervous out there. He had some jitters, but I thought he did a nice job throwing the ball. The command of the huddle was good and I don’t think there were any bad snaps involving Matt. It’s going to be a process for him and he’ll go through it like anyone else. Sam Baker is going through the same thing as well as Curtis Lofton and Harry Douglas. All of our draft picks are going through the same thing. That first day is something they’ll always remember.”
Q: Did you see evidence of jitters in Matt Ryan?
A: “No I didn’t see any jitters. I know they were there and he has played in big games. Once you break that huddle, it’s all about football. It’s a 100-yard field and you go out and play.”
Q: When do you hope the rookies will get over the shock of play at the NFL level?
A: “We hope it will happen soon. This weekend will be a blur for them because there is a lot thrown at them and it’s their first opportunity to be a professional football player. We’ve thrown a lot at them both offensively and defensively, but that’s by design. We want them to experience these situations from day one and it will be easier for them as we move into the month of June.”
Q: On coaching a team with several positional jobs open among players.
A: “In my nine years, I would say that there are not nearly as many jobs that are secured compared to other teams I’ve been with. It’s a great opportunity for everyone and it’s a new season. We don’t have any preconceive ideas. It’s a new staff with new coaches and a new general manager. Everyone should feel pretty good about their situation in terms of being able to come in and compete.”
Q: How did the rookie free agents compete in minicamp today?
A: “I think they did a nice job. Until we watch the film, we won’t get a real determination on how they did. We did something this morning that I thought was good and that was having the veterans speak about their first minicamp. I did the same with some of the coaches, some of which had their first minicamp over 30 years ago. They talked about being drafted late, but making a career in the NFL. We want those guys to know that there are all kinds of stories out there. It doesn’t matter where you were drafted, the best players are going to play and that’s what we are trying to evaluate as a coaching staff.”
Q: How did you connect with Chad Hall?
A: “Our scouting department evaluates all kinds of players. The only time I happened to see Chad Hall was when I was doing some TV scouting. It was when Air Force played Notre Dame and I had some time to kill. I watched this guy almost single-handedly beat Notre Dame. I was familiar with him, but our scouting department had grades on him and we thought it would be a good opportunity for him to come in and compete. He’s not a prototypical running back in terms of height, weight and speed, but he played very well in his conference.”
Q: Talk about Curtis Lofton.
A: “We’ve said from the beginning that we are going to cross train all of our guys. We drafted Curtis and he can play outside linebacker as well. I know Keith (Brooking’s) natural position and the position he’s had the most success in has been at WILL linebacker. We wanted to go through those first three practices and he going to work at numerous position. If you ask Keith, I would imagine he would tell you that he’s comfortable at the WILL linebacker position.”
Q: Talk about LB Michael Boley’s legal situation and how he performed at practice.
A: “I didn’t notice anything different about he practiced today. I have spoken to Michael and I would like to keep our conversation private. I want everyone to know that I am disappointed that Michael was in that situation. Anytime we see our players in the metro section in a negative light, it’s not good. I did not see anything different about Michael. It was his first time out and I’m sure he’ll be a little sore because it was the first activity that he had this offseason.”
Q: How does WR Brian Finneran fit in with this offense?
A: “It would be a great story if Brian can come back. I think the fact that he went through those injuries and has come back to compete on the field is a story in itself. I know he was very excited and I saw him when he got back from Birmingham, Alabama when he got clearance from the doctor. I told him to ease into it and I thought he would ease into it a little slower that he did. I looked up and he was taking snaps. As far as his future here, I think he has an opportunity just like everybody. He’s two years removed and there has been some wear and tear that he has taken off his body.”
MORE FROM MINI CAMP:
- NOTEBOOK: Ryan glad first practice in the books
- QUOTABLE: Quarterback Matt Ryan
- J. MIKE'S MISSIVES: Baker Has Family Support
- PHOTOS: Snapshots from Mini Camp
- AUDIO: Tackle Sam Baker
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | David Baker | Matt Ryan | Michael Turner | Michael Boley
