Eleven practices into training camp and the rookies are starting to understand their expectations. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution offers grades for all the rookies, and the two highest on his scorecard are RG Peter Konz and S Charles Mitchell. Konz is competing for the starting RG spot but could see time at C. Mitchell may see some time at S but should at least play special teams.
Samuel a member of football Mensa: Asante Samuel has "FBI" according to his coach Mike Smith. "He's got super football intelligence and that's why you see him making the plays that he makes," reported John Massalo of foxsports.com. Samuel, who has 45 career interceptions, is a boisterous addition to the Falcons secondary and has increased the swag of his peers.
QB Davis battleing for backup job: Backup QB Dominique Davis is fighting for one of Matt Ryan’s backup spots, wrote Jay Adams. Davis, who attended East Carolina, backed up Matt Ryan at Boston College before transferring to the Pirates. In 25 games for ECU, he threw for 62 touchdowns and 7,192 yards.
Is RB Turner over the hill? Will RB Michael Turner see a decline in production now that he’s 30? Blogging dirty discusses the question. In the past four years, Turner has had 1,189 rushing attempts and as pointed out, Minnesota's Adrian Peterson only had nine more attempts in his first four years. Turner started 15 of 16 regular-season games last season and led the NFC with 1,340 rushing yards.
For more Falcons coverage, follow Mike Singer @CBSSportsNFLATL.
