Atlanta Falcons Begin Second Set of OTA’s

The Atlanta Falcons began their second set of OTA’s today at Flowery Branch.  Head Coach Dan Quinn, RB Antone Smith, and newly signed offensive lineman Chris Chester met with the media today.

Smith made his first return to the practice field today after breaking his leg during the 2014 season.  He said that though he has been able to run for the last few months, Smith enjoyed being able to cut and receive the ball out of the backfield for the first time since November’s injury.  This is great news as Smith’s recovery will only bolster an improved running back corps.  Even if Smith loses a step or two in 2015, I still love his breakaway playmaking ability out of Atlanta’s backfield.

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Chester made his first appearance as a member of the Atlanta Falcons since coming over to the team via free agency from Washington.  When asked about his familiarity with Shanahan’s offensive scheme when they were both with the Redskins, Chester stated, “I’m looking forward to maybe helping some of the guys who are new to progress in their understanding of the offense.”  That’s excellent to hear that Chester wants to lead on the team’s new look offensive line.  He speaks well and I believe he will be a great fit on Quinn’s roster.

Quinn expressed his enthusiasm on having Antone Smith back on the practice field.  He believes that along with Eric Weems, Antone will be one of the guys on special teams that Atlanta is “completely counting on”.  Coach Quinn really likes his two new tight ends in Jacob Tamme and Tony Moeaki so far.  Atlanta had little to no production from its tight ends last year after Tony Gonzalez’s retirement.

“I’m just hungry. I feel like I’m too big to be average.” – Atlanta Falcons DT Ra’Shede Hageman

But in today’s press conference with Dan Quinn the one player he seemed to speak the most highly of was second-year DT Ra’Shede Hageman.  Quinn said that Hageman will play the 3-Technique in the defense’s base package and will find a way on the field in its nickel package.  This is huge for Ra’Shede as his quickness for an interior lineman already impresses his new head coach this early on.  The 3-Technique for those who aren’t familiar with this terminology means that Hageman will line up on the outside shoulder of the opposing guard.  That’s where he needs to play as his speed will be better used than at nose tackle, lining up off the center’s outside shoulder.

I’m not saying that Ra’Shede Hageman will become a Warren Sapp type of 3-Tech DT, but if he can harness his raw talent, Atlanta could have a very talented DT squad with Hageman, Paul Soliai, Jonathan Babineaux, and rookie Grady Jarrett.  It seems that Ra’Shede has high expectations for himself in his sophomore campaign, “…I’m just hungry.  I feel like I’m too big to be average.”  When it all clicks for him, look out, NFL!