REPORT DATES: Rookies July 27th, Veterans July 27th

SITE: Atlanta Falcons Training Facility, Flowery Branch, GA

CAMP OBJECTIVES: The big offseason acquisition for the Falcons was defensive end John Abraham (Jets), who could be scary in a defensive line rotation that already includes Rod Coleman and Patrick Kerney. But that group, along with an inconsistent group of linebackers, is also going to have to prove that it can stop the run, after the Falcons finished 26th in NFL rushing defense a year ago. Elsewhere on defense, head coach Jim Mora and coordinator Ed Donatell are going to have to determine where free agent safety pickups Lawyer Milloy (Bills) and Chris Crocker (Browns) fit, and will also have to see if rookie d- back Jimmy Williams (Virginia Tech) is ready for a significant role. Offensively, Falcons fans can forget about seeing much of Michael Vick in the preseason, and will also scarcely see tight end Alge Crumpler, who is coming off of shoulder surgery. The play of the underachieving Atlanta wideouts and offensive line is always worth noting, and there is also some sentiment that rookie Jerious Norwood (Mississippi State), a third-round pick, could have a chance to unseat T.J. Duckett as the No. 2 running back.

PRESEASON SCHEDULE: vs. New England (8/11); at Green Bay (8/19); at Tennessee (8/26); vs. Jacksonville (8/31)