FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Mics add to the fan experience

The Atlanta Falcons held their annual “Friday Night Lights” at North Gwinnett High School and over 12,000 Falcons fanatics took it in live at the free event. For the fans, it was an opportunity to connect with their football heroes and get a glimpse into what a real NFL practice is like. Players and coaches had microphones on so everything that was happening was heard “loud and clear” by the audience. Autograph signings and a fantastic fireworks display were part of the post-game activities. The entire event was a great way to earn more admiration and respect from a enthusiastic and growing fan base.

The young Falcons players gained an immense amount of experience in a short time by participating in full contact and tackling during the scrimmage. Rookies, like Kerry Meier and Dominique Franks, performed extremely well and showed that they are ready for their first preseason game. Franks made some impressive tackles and pass break ups, while Meier was able to haul in passes from Matt Ryan with ease on more than a few occasions.

“I thought tonight was good, first time we were really hitting live for most of the guys, taking people to the ground. I thought (the) young guys did a good job adjusting to the tempo,” said starting quarterback Matt Ryan.

Ryan was impressed by the rookie wide receiver Kerry Meier. “Kerry’s doing a good job for us. He’s been working real hard, studying hard, learning the offense, getting better day-by-day. So, he’s done a really good job and I think everybody is pleased with where he’s at,” said Ryan.

Throughout training camp Curtis Lofton has battled first round draft pick and rookie linebacker, Sean Weatherspoon, for the starting middle linebacker spot. He sees a lot of potential in his teammate and knows he can help the team. “I love ‘Spoon! He brings a lot of energy to the game and you know he’s a smart player. As a rookie and as a linebacker you love having that,” said Lofton.

Lofton liked what he saw from the entire defense during the scrimmage, but also commented on the obvious need to get better. “I feel like there’s a couple plays that we would like to have back, but overall I think we did a pretty good job. There’s plenty of room for improvement, and that’s what we’re going to be working with the next couple of weeks,” said Lofton.

Ovie Mughelli is a tremendous part of the Falcons offense and helps to establish the run. He knows the importance of real hitting during a live scrimmage. “It’s been a while since we’ve really been able to hit each other and take people to the ground and make it more like a real game situation because at practice we don’t go at people this hard,” Mughelli said.

The first preseason game is rapidly approaching, and Mughelli feels that the experience gained by the young players at “Friday Night Lights” is essential. “It’s invaluable. We got to have a chance like this for young guys to play,” said the fullback. “Obviously you saw them play more than the starters because they need that NFL game experience for the speed of the game and a chance to really see how fast things are going to be as far as blocks, catches, runs, everything. You don’t want the first time for them to be seeing that to be against our first opponent,” said Mughelli.

The first time they will see action against an opponent will be against the up-and-coming Kansas City Chiefs this Friday. There will be NFL football every weekend from now until early February, and that is something that has everyone, especially me, brimming with excitement.