Atlanta Falcons Training Camp: Is Spoon the Answer?

Think about the excitement you felt during your first day on a college campus, or your first day at a new job.  There was a fresh breath in the air, and the joy that you were among your peers, not even considering the challenges that lay ahead.

Now multiply the energy times 10, and that is what is going on at Flowery Branch.

This is due not to just the raised predictions for the Atlanta Falcons, but also because of the presence that rookie LB Sean Weatherspoon is already bringing to camp.

Since the 19th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft was signed last week, he has reported to training camp not only in great shape, but has made his presence felt during the team's first practice in pads.

Spoon, as he is widely known, leveled running back Antone Smith in a drill that normally ends with simply tagging a player.  Instead, he has brought an intense focus that has the other players on defense beaming with excitement. 

Think about it: This is exactly what Atlanta needs to bring life back into a defense that was ravaged by injuries and poor play in 2009.  Along with fellow LB Curtis Lofton, Spoon seems to be the kind of intense presence that will make life easier for defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder, especially in pass coverage situations.

Also, notice something interesting about his jersey? He has been issued 56, which, as Falcons fans know very well, belonged to former Falcon LB Keith Brooking, who was considered a mainstay on the defense for over a decade.

A lot of people have questioned whether or not Weatherspoon deserves this number, considering that Brooking had quite the following before leaving to join the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent last year.

I think that it isn't a coincidence that he was issued that number.

Remember how Brooking was displaying such immaturity on the sidelines when Atlanta visited Dallas last year?  One thing owner Arthur Blank will not stand for is players who disrespect the organization, something he learned obviously from the Vick fiasco.  I don't like Brooking's chances of making the Falcons' Ring of Honor anytime soon.

Besides, if Spoon brings the kind of intensity in the real games that he does in practice, I don't think anyone will be missing Keith Brooking.