Falcons ready to show off new look

alen1 · Jul 19, 2008

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) -- Michael Vick was busted. Bobby Petrino was a bust.

The Atlanta Falcons needed a new start, and so they've cleaned house.

Vick's involvement in a dogfighting operation and a four-win 2007 season combined to force a makeover that began with the hiring of general manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith.

Some of the team's biggest names will be missing when the team opens training camp July 26. The long list of players traded or released includes Warrick Dunn, DeAngelo Hall, Alge Crumpler, Rod Coleman, Jimmy Williams and Wayne Gandy.

Dimitroff, the former director of college scouting for the New England Patriots, made an early splash in Atlanta by selecting Matt Ryan, rated the top college quarterback in the draft, and signing Michael Turner, regarded as the top free agent running back.

Ryan faces unique expectations as he is asked to replace Vick as the face of the franchise even as some fans remain loyal to Vick. He's also being asked to help shift the focus to the future.
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http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/07/18/falcons.new.look.ap/index.html

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