Arthur Blank roamed the sidelines on Thursday, keeping a close eye on the first Atlanta Falcons AT&T Training Camp practice this season. There was plenty of new out there, from general manager Terry Fontenot to head coach Arthur Smith and on down through this re-made roster.
All that brought the Falcons owner a sense of excitement and hope his team can rise out of a three-season rut of lackluster results. That sentiment doesn't stem from a single practice. It came from watching new hires work through a trying offseason while positioning the team to have success in 2021.
He can see the long-term vision being executed one day at a time.
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"I'm most excited about what's happening with Coach Smith and Terry Fontenot," Blank said in a Tuesday press conference. "All the things we anticipated, with their attention to detail, the intellect with which they're approaching the work, their ability to analyze their existing roster has been impressive.
"They've done a great job understanding the salary cap situation this year while getting vets who might not come their way. Terry has shown those abilities while in New Orleans. Coach Smith has a great mind and perspective on the game. We're excited about the first day of practice. We're excited about the season. We're as excited as we can be right now."
Blank said he feels the fans' pain, that the last few years haven't been good enough. He's an admittedly impatient man but has confidence the leaders in place can turn things around.
"The standard is high. It should be high," Blank said. "… We want to get where we need to be. We've made a lot of commitments over the years to have a competitive team. That has been our goal since I both the team in 2001. We've had a successful run, the last three years not so much. I think we have a great combination with Coach Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot."
He also understands that it may take some time to get completely right but can see things getting incrementally better.
"You look at the process, from free agency to the draft and on forward," Blank said. "Looking at it that way, we're moving in the right direction. We feel good about where we are making those changes. I feel good about where we are."
The Atlanta Falcons kicked off 2021 AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp in Flowery Branch. Here are the best images from Day 1.
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42, running back Mike Davis #28, wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson #84 and running back Javian Hawkins #25 run the hill at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Frank Darby #88 smiles as he puts on his helmet during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank looks on during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Javian Hawkins #25 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
A generic image of a helmet at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Javian Hawkins #25, wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson #84 and running back Caleb Huntley #42 come down from running the hill at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson #84 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 calls a play during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Frank Darby #88 talks at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws a pass at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons free safety Erik Harris #23 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson #84 walks with running back Mike Davis #28 at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 and wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #83 warm up during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Juwan Green #19 gestures at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws a pass at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 look on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Matt Haley/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 runs a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 smiles at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Dorian Etheridge #48 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil #64 runs drills with the offensive linemen during the first day of Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday July 27, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard #99 and defensive lineman Olive Sagapolu #69 run a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42, running back Mike Davis #28, wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson #84 and running back Javian Hawkins #25 run the hill at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ta'Quon Graham #95 talks with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Isaiah Oliver #26 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Delrick Abrams #25 makes a catch at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones #45 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank talks with Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Marlon Davidson #90 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Zac Dawe #93 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank talks with Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 and fullback Keith Smith #40 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
A detail shot of Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #83 warming up during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Josh Harris #47 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 makes a catch at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
A generic image of a helmet at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley #18 works with wide receiver Frank Darby #88 at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up during the first day of Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday July 27, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons offensive line run drills during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up during the first day of Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday July 27, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #83 warms up before the first day of Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday July 27, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
A detail shot of Atlanta Falcons defensive back T.J. Green's #39 hair during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Austin Trammell #82 runs the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #83 runs drills during the first day of Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Tuesday July 27, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons punter Sterling Hofrichter #4 looks on at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back T.J. Green #39 drinks water during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Austin Trammell #82 runs the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 warms up during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons run a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Caleb Huntley #42 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Javian Hawkins #25 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 catches the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Willie Beavers #72 in action at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 calls a play during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63, offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield #77, and offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil #64 run a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Georgi Obinna #59 runs a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 catches the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Rowland #12 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63, offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield #77, and offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil #64 run a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Chris Rowland #12 runs with the ball during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Lindstrom #63, offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield #77, and offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil #64 run a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank and head coach Arthur Smith look on during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Georgi Obinna #59 runs a drill during AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp at Atlanta Falcons Headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia, on Thursday July 29, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank speaks to the media at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank speaks to the media at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith speaks to the media at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 speaks to the media at AT&T Atlanta Falcons Training Camp on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Atlanta Falcons)
2022 Atlanta Falcons: First Look Open Practice
WHEN: July 29-30, August 1-10, 15, 24, 25
Rise Up Dirty Birds! Be the first to see your 2022 Atlanta Falcons take the field as they prepare for the upcoming season!
