It’s getting closer and closer to Atlanta Falcons’ season opening 2023. And you can tell by the team throwing out the welcome mat to the press for its orientation and training sessions for the new guys on the roster.
The Dirty Birds opened the doors in Flowery Branch to the Atlanta media as the team used its second day of Organized Team Activities (OTA) for full team workouts, activities, and meetings with the press on hand to cover the event.
He fits right in #DirtyBirds pic.twitter.com/oH3M3lqc1r
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 24, 2023
The day’s first activity was a press conference with Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, who said that the team needs to improve its communications, teamwork, and habits to ensure success in the regular season. Smith said Defensive Lineman Calais Campbell and Offensive Line Backer Bud Dupree were the two best examples of the leadership and on and off-the-field behaviors he wanted to see from the team as a whole.
Then, while on-field activities took place, the players met with the press:
- Drake London (WR) told WXIA TV’s Maria Martin he thought joining the Falcons was the “biggest breath of fresh air you could imagine.” He is comfortable and excited about the Falcons’ defense this year.
- Desmond Ridder said he also feels more comfortable about this upcoming season with the team in his second year as QB. He told Locked On Sports Atlanta’s Jarvis Davis his head was “spinning” last year when he stepped on the field as a Falcon for the first time.
“It worked, obviously! It was a great tactic.”
—
Before new defensive lineman Calais Campbell signed with the #Falcons, he wanted to hear more about their QB situation.
So Arthur Smith said, we’ll do you one better, and popped in Desmond Ridder’s film ⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/PwV8PrZK3i— Justin Felder (@Justin_FOX5) May 24, 2023
- Tyler Allgeier (RB) is more than satisfied with what he’s seen so far this year from Ridder. Allgeier told Fox 5 Sports’ Kelly Price “Like with the huddle, a lot of people try to ‘rah rah’ and stuff, but with him. it’s just natural…just boosting everyone (around him).”
The thing Calais Campbell likes the most now actually being around the #Falcons is how hungry this group is. “I’m really excited about this year. The coaching staff is great.” Says he loves being here and loving on the younger guys. pic.twitter.com/mvG2e6Z0ag
— Kelly Price (@thekellyprice) May 24, 2023
- Campbell told Price he is excited about the coming season. “the coaching staff is great.” He also likes the fight in this year’s squad, and working with the young guns in the team. It should be noted that observers were marveling at how tall and imposing Campbell is up close. That bodes well for Falcons’ defense this year.
“I didn’t pay for it. It’s all good.”
Kicker Younghoe Koo says no money changed hands when he let @Bijan5Robinson take over the #7 jersey for the Falcons. Said he and Bijan said they’ll figure something out, maybe a charitable donation. pic.twitter.com/XdlqW6je2O— Justin Felder (@Justin_FOX5) May 24, 2023
- Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo said no money changed hands when Bijan Robinson (RB) took over the #7 jersey Koo once wore. “I didn’t pay for it,” he told reporters. “It’s all good.”
- Former Falcon Mohamed Sanu visited to check out the scene. Sports Illustrated reported earlier this month that Sanu appeared interested in returning to possibly returning to his former team.
OTAs are devided in three sessions. Session one is from May 23-25. Two is May 31-June 2. Three is June 6-9, leading to mandatory minicamp, which is June 13-15th.
Image source: Google
