ShareThisSince joining the National Football League in 1966 the Atlanta Falcons have managed to win one NFC championship (and earn the accompanying Super Bowl berth that goes with it), along with three division titles.
That's seeing the glass as half full.
Those who opt for the half empty perspective point to 399 losses for the franchise and the fact that the Falcons have never had back-to-back winning seasons.
There is every indication that in 2009 the cup might just runneth over.
Even though All-Pro wide receiver Roddy White is a training camp holdout in search of a more lucrative deal, the rest of the news is mostly good as the team opens training camp.
Mike Smith evolved into a top-notch head coach in his first year in that role last season, while Matt Ryan's remarkable performance as a rookie quarterback helped the club finish 11-5 in the regular season and just miss winning the NFC South.
A year ago Smith was excited about the opportunity to be a head coach.
This year, he's excited about continuing the building process.
"We've evaluated everything we've done as a coaching staff, and we've made some subtle changes in how we present things," Smith said. "As far as the sequence in practice, though, we just want to get to the opener as healthy as possible.
"We're going to work hard and work smart. You'll see that some of our older players will have some days off. Some guys will get some one-a-days, and that's all by design."
One of those guys is All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez, who the Falcons acquired from Kansas City this spring. In 2008 Gonzalez led all NFL tight ends with 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns on 96 receptions.
"They only make me go one (practice) a day -- that's one of the perks of being an old guy," Gonzalez said.
Like most of his peers, Gonzalez doesn't exactly relish the intense work schedule leading up to the season.
"It's never easy and it's never something you can totally be prepared for," he said. "But it's part of the business whether you like it or not. Anyone who says they look forward to this is crazy in my book. And there are some guys out there that are crazy."
Ryan was the new kid in town last season, coming to Atlanta as the third overall pick in the draft.
Not only did he wind up starting, his first pass went for 62 yards and a touchdown -- and he wound up winning Rookie of the Year honors.
Instead of adjusting to a new level of football in 2009, Ryan is concentrating more on simply getting better.
"I'm in a different situation than I was last year," Ryan said. "This time I'm more comfortable and used to the coaches, and I'm definitely excited to get this season started."
Ryan is anxious to find Gonzalez this fall. In 2008 the Falcons aimed only 19 passes to their tight ends.
"Tony is a big pickup for us," Ryan said. "I'm enjoying the chance of getting to work with him. We're already starting to develop a little bit of a rapport."
Once White settles his contract issues -- which his coaches and teammates are confident will be resolved soon -- the Falcons' offense should be one of the NFL's best.
The addition of Gonzalez adds a new dimension to the passing game, while Michael Turner helped Atlanta have the league's second best rushing attack in 2008.
"Basically we're just focusing on making better decisions this year," Ryan said. "At this moment it's all about getting ready to go Week One against Miami."
Five starters are gone on defense but an influx of young talent -- such as recently signed draft pick Peria Jerry -- should provide some positive impact early on.
The bid to become the first Atlanta Falcon team in history to make the playoffs and record a winning season in two consecutive years is a serious goal.
And now Smith has a chance to get a feel for the players hoping to add another block to the foundation.
"For a lot of these guys it'll be based on what happens this week," Smith said. "You start with a little shell (helmet) practice and then we have a padded practice (Monday). Monday through Friday is really the gist of what we're going to do in camp."
(Contact Scott Adamson of the Anderson Independent-Mail in Anderson, S.C., at adamsons(at)independentmail.com.)
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