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Newly signed Falcon Jimmie Williams shows off his two new tattoos.
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- Jason McDonald
Falcons Take Flight Training
By Jason McDonald
The 2006-2007 edition of the Atlanta Falcons took flight Thursday afternoon. Coach Jim Mora enters training camp hoping to erase the bad memories of the 2005 season.
With the arrival of key veteran free agents John Abraham-DE, Lawyer Milloy-DB and Chris Crocker-DB the Dirty Birds hope to shore up a defense that ranked 22nd in the NFL. Abraham, a 3-time Pro Bowler, recorded 10.5 sacks in 2005 for the New York Jets and will be looked upon to deliver the same level of performance for the Birds.
Coordinator Ed Donatell's defensive secondary will have a new look this season as Milloy, Crocker, and second round draft pick Jimmie Williams join sole returnee DeAngelo Hall. Milloy, a four-time Pro Bowler, and Crocker, a hard hitting 4-year vet will patrol the deep ball while Williams is expected to play opposite of Hall at cornerback.
Improving upon last season's performance is going to depend a lot on the physical toughness of the Falcons. Sal Alosi was brought in this season to do just that. "Everyone has really bought into Coach Sal's system" affirmed quarterback Matt Schaub. "The position specific stuff has really helped us out as a whole group".
The Birds worked their way up from jersey's and helmets on Thursday to full pads on Friday evening. Contact was hot and heavy as the defense and offense faced off in the hot Georgia sun.
Schaub was anxious to get back to business after last season's troubles. "We don't really think about it a whole lot just the taste of how the season ended and how disappointed we were in how we finished." Michael Vick echoed his backups enthusiasm. "The best thing about playing this game is there's always next year and this is our opportunity" said an energetic Vick.
Side Note: Jimmie Williams celebrated his new contract by adding two new tattoos on his forearms. Patience adorns Williams' right arm and faith adorns his left. "Just knowing its going to be a long career with a lot coming at me but without those two I probably won't make it" confessed a humble Williams.