Falcons Flap Gums

FLOWERY BRANCH, GEORGIA - There were protesters at the gates and plane circling overhead that suggested the Falcons change their name to "Dogkillers."

Under that bad moon, the Bobby Petrino Era really began in Atlanta with the first practice of training camp. In hot but not ridiulous weather, the Falcons went for two hours.

When they were done, they trotted out seven players to do the "all is well" routine.

Here's the good, the bad and the stupid from those press conferences.

THE GOOD

ALGE CRUMPLER: "Obviously everyone knows we're in a tough situation with the ultimate leader being out. I played with Michael since the beginning. I support Michael and hope he can get through this ordeal. The outlook isn't the best right now but the outcome is under our control."

BUMP'nRUN VIEW: Really well phrased. Acknowledge the difficulty. Show loyalty to the longtime teammate. Admit that it's bleak. Then end with a fetching turn of phrase. Well DONE, Mr. Crumpler!

LAWYER MILLOY: "It's about how you as a team approach it. Do you say 'woe is me'? (Coach Petrino) gave a couple examples, one that I know personally. There were some injuries that happened to a team, major injuries. And an individual that was ready behind that injured player came in and the team rallied behind that player. Ultimately the team went on to be successful and won a championship. And that individual has had the best first five years of his career of any player in history."

BUMP'nRUN VIEW: I know who it was. Aaron Brooks and the 2002 Saints, right? Am I right? Actually, it was the 2001 Patriots. Good story by Petrino and Milloy although Drew Bledsoe came by his sheared artery honestly during a game while Mike Vick singlehandedly tore the heart out of these Falcons in his spare time.