Atlanta Falcons 2008 Training Camp Update

The Atlanta Falcons finished the first two weeks of training camp with out the distraction of Michael Vick. The fields were quiet and everything was about football at Flowery Branch. Competition heated up at every position but most noticeably, the quarterback, third running back, middle linebacker, cornerbacks, offensive tackle and guard spot are all up for grab.

At quarterback, Matt Ryan is listed as the bottom of the depth chart but reports say he has looked impressive in two weeks. The plan with Ryan is to slowly develop him behind the smooth veteran in Chris Redman. Redman has shown accuracy and poise through out training camp with a spark of leadership. Redman is looking to start against the Jaguars this Saturday night. Watch out for the athletic D.J. Shockley. There has been a lot of buzz about the former Bulldog and he is looking to take over the QB spot either the third spot or second. It will be real interesting to see what the staff does with the electric Shockley before the season starts.

The third running back position is a good problem to have for the Falcons. Thomas Brown and Jason Snelling are both fighting for the spot, but both look great in training camp. Thomas Brown brings a Ahmad Bradshaw like running style to the team. His kick off abilities could give the small but strong running back an edge at the third running back position. Jason Snelling is out to prove that his power is a good enough reason for him to stay on the team. His speed is sneaky and his power comes at you like a freight train. The 240-pound running back looks to be the versatile running back that can plow people over yet catch the ball out of the backfield. I would love to see these two running backs make the team and add some power and speed to the position.

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Curtis Lofton and Tony Taylor are having a heated batter for the middle linebacker spot. Curtis brings a big play, big hit type linebacker to the team but Taylor brings the football smarts and savvy to the position. I would hope Curtis could shore up the middle due to his athletic ability and freakish play making abilities.

The corner backs are all going to be mixing and matching between vets and mostly rookies. Chevis Jackson is getting a spot at starting this weekend for Chris Houston who is nursing a hurt shoulder.

The offensive line is going to see a lot of competition at every spot. Sam Baker is looking to prove his worth as a first rounder. Alex Stepanovich is out to take the center spot from the small Todd McClure. Harvey Dahl is out to prove his nastiness is good enough for the right guard spot. Tyson Clabo is going to battle Todd Weiner for the right tackle spot. The offensive line is looking put the best nastiness five offensive linemen they can find. This should be exciting to watch.

There will be more to come after the Jaguars vs Falcons preseason game.

By Ryan Valdez
ProFootball-fans.com Atlanta Falcons Correspondent