Some crucial late-game plays did not go the Falcons way in a loss at Carolina. But the team isn't making excuses in the wake of a division defeat.
The Falcons placed long snapper Mike Schneck on injured reserve Thursday and added another long snapper, Bryan Pittman, to the active roster.
It's often forgotten, but games can be decided on big plays and field position. Special teams anyone? The Falcons will open camp with plenty of opportunities for younger players but a core group of special teamers also return.
Jason Elam highlights the changes made on special teams during the offseason. His steady leg and the philosophy of new special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong will come into view during Training Camp.
Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking knows the importance of the running game, especially when it comes to stopping the Titans -- the league's second-best rushing offense. "We’ve got to be great on first down and not allow them to establish a run," he said.
Defensive tackle Rod Coleman returned to the practice field Wednesday while the Falcons looked to carry a wave of confidence from the first win of 2007 into a regional rivalry game at Tennessee. That and more in today's Notebook.
Tuesday the Falcons announced the release of long snapper Boone Stutz and the signing of veteran Mike Schneck. Schneck went to the Pro Bowl as a long snapper in 2005.