The Falcoholic, an Atlanta Falcons community

I've said my piece about this before, so I'll leave you with this Mike Smith quote, pulled directly from the story: "We want to get him back as quickly as possible because there are still two more games to play."

As I watch this video of Mike Smith, it occurs to me that he could probably do the voice for Santa Claus in an upcoming cartoon holiday feature. You just feel at ease with this guy, and it helps that he's saying encouraging things. Also in this link from the official site, we learn that John Abraham isn't participating because of nagging ailments. I hope he hasn't gone Howard Hughes on us, but the very first minicamp of the year isn't the time to panic about a guy not practicing. All is well.

Not Mike Smith, mind you. Still, with the group of talent we've got on the sidelines right now, I'd prefer we kept this one intact.

In the wake of Matt Ryan's terrifying leap near the goal line, Mike Smith appears to have told him never to do that again. I rejoice.

Rest assured I'll have the video up for this as soon as I can get my hands on it. The AJC's Terence Moore is positively giddy about Mike Smith getting in Antonio Bryant's face, and even the receiver gives Smitty some respect. I'd have a beer with Smith, but I'm afraid he'd smash the bottle over my head when he was done with it. Best part of this article? It ends with the sentence "This is Smith as Smith, and this is awesome."

The no huddle offense has been successful for the Falcons so far, but Mike Smith says he's not going to overuse it. It'd be nice if the Falcons went to it more quickly when they struggle given how effectively the team rolls. But hey, Aristotle was right. Everything in moderation.

As armchair quarterback noted, the Falcons aren't escaping the league's notice. I hope Mike Smith wears a top hat and monocle for the occasion.