FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- In the weeks following the Falcons trade for 10-time Pro Bowler Tony Gonzalez few details emerged on how he'll integrate into the team's offense.
Offensive coordinators, as a rule, are a secretive bunch. But in the case of Mike Mularkey and Gonzalez, the Falcons simply have too many options to list.
That he'll help the team's already potent offense is no secret. How much and in what capacity draws some discussion.
Gonzalez is the league’s all-time leader among tight ends in receptions (916), touchdowns (76) and receiving yards (10,940). He’s played in 191 career games and missed just two starts since 1998. His 93 catches (1,058 yards) last season marked the third-highest single-season total of his career. He also added 10 touchdowns -- the third time he’s had 10 or more scores in a season.
He'll catch passes, but the Falcons built the offense around Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner.
"Tony will help our offense in a number of ways," Mularkey said at the close of June organized team activities. "One thing he's going to do is that he's a productive blocker and that's important in our offense... As successful as he's been as a receiver, he's a good blocker too and he really doesn't get the credit that he should."
At 6-foot-5 and 251 pounds, Gonzalez has size to push people around but his ability to shake defenders and soft hands made him the most prolific pass catcher at his position.
That history could do more in the run game than any blocking along the line of scrimmage.
Turner took note in mini camp and sees a time he and Jerious Norwood can run up the middle of the field without an extra defensive back in the run game.
“If you double team somebody, someone’s going to get open,” Gonzalez said. “If it’s one-on-one, we have to get open. Do I think I’ll catch 100 balls? I don’t have to. This is something we’re all going to work together on. I’ve been fortunate to have such a good career. It’s not about breaking records and all that stuff. It’s about going out there and moving those chains... I’m going to help those guys. I feel like I’ve got some stuff they can learn and I’m going to learn from them. I don’t mind putting in the work, I never have, and hopefully they feel the same way I do.”
Quarterback -- and reigning Rookie of the Year -- Matt Ryan looked to Gonzalez early and often during mini camp. Likely a step to grow familiarity, but Gonzalez is coming off his fourth 1,000-yard receiving season.
Falcons tight ends combined for 19 catches for 211 yards last season.
With defenses focussing on a Pro Bowler at wide receiver (Roddy White) and tight end, the Falcons look to create more mismatches in the passing game.
Enter Michael Jenkins, who is coming off a career season, and second-year slot receiver Harry Douglas.
"It's going to be interesting to see how people match up with us and we'll try to create some mismatches with where we put people," Mularkey said. "That's kind of the offense anyway, even before Tony got here. We're trying to create mismatches and create problems for defenses. That's not going to change. That's our philosophy."
As the Falcons take the field for the opening practices of Russell Falcons Training Camp, how Gonzalez changes the Falcons offense will come into focus.
But Gonzalez, who played 10 years in Kansas City with no playoff success, has made his goals clear.
“I’m here for one reason, that’s to win a Super Bowl.” Gonzalez said at an introductory press conference. “I haven’t won a playoff game in my whole career and that’s something I’m going to make sure isn’t the end for me. I want to come here, go to the playoffs, win playoff games and go to the Super Bowl.”
