OTA's starting around the league...

To quote the song from Kenny Chesney, The "Boys of Fall" are gearing up in the early part of summer. Football is cranking it's motor back up again. OTA's or Offseason Training Activities are starting all around the league for all 32 teams, in preparation for the upcoming 2012 campaign. So since the Atlanta Falcons mini camp begins next week, these OTA's are very important. I was reading on the Falcons website the importance of an OTA in preparation for the season, and Atlanta Falcons writer Daniel Cox brought up a great point. This year's OTA session is far more important this year than in years past. Why you might ask? Gone is offensive coach Mike Mularkey, in is Dirk Koetter. Out is defensive coach Brian Van Gorder, in is Mike Nolan. OTA's are very important this year because this year all the guys have to get accustomed with what the new coaches bring, and what they expect from the players. No, they are not game planing, but rather working on footwork, and running drills. Both playbooks will be installed by the end of mini camp next week, and then that's when the players will dig in deep to start learning the new playbook. Another smart idea that was brought up in the article was that Koetter is easing into his playcalling, weaning little from Mularkey's playbook at a time so it's not a big jump into his playbook. I like this idea so it will be easier for the players to learn the new system.

Mark A. Kirkley: twitter @makirkley

The best time of the year is almost upon us. At least in my eyes it's the best time of year. As much as I love baseball, baseball is my pasttime in between football seasons. Football is fast approaching us. So let's start getting excited football fans. I'll keep my blog updated on important happenings during the mini camp session and on into late July training camp.

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