called "short and productive" negotiations ended with K

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons are hoping their second season with coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan brings more familiarity, confidence -- and wins.A few new key players might make an even bigger difference.The Falcons improved from 6-10 to 8-8 but missed the playoffs in Quinns first season. There was improvement, especially on defense, but the failure to take advantage of a 5-0 start left the season feeling more like a letdown.The teams biggest offseason addition could be a difference maker for quarterback Matt Ryan, 31. Three-time Pro Bowl center Alex Mack left Cleveland to sign a five-year, $47.5 million deal.Mack will be expected to provide the stability and leadership at center the team has lacked since Todd McClures final 2012 season.Even after the release of Roddy White, the most accomplished receiver in franchise history, Ryan has potent playmakers with receiver Julio Jones and dual-threat running back Devonta Freeman. Mohamed Sanu was signed to be the No. 2 receiver.Ryans 21 touchdown passes in 2015 were his fewest since his 2008 rookie season. His 16 interceptions were the second most of his career.Ryan organized and paid for a passing camp which preceded OTAs and minicamp. He said having a year in Shanahans system has made a difference. Thats important because there were calls for Shanahan to be replaced after it appeared Ryan had not adjusted well to the zone-blocking scheme.I think were further along this offseason, Ryan said this month. I think thats going to bode well for us.Ryan said theres certainly an adjustment period following a coaching change, but added I think we handled it pretty well.The key newcomers on defense include linebacker Courtney Upshaw, defensive end Derrick Shelby and rookie strong safety Keanu Neal. Each should start. Another rookie, linebacker Deion Jones, also could play a big role.Here are some story lines to watch for the Falcons training camp:KUDOS FOR KEANU: Neal was drafted from Florida to be an anchor for the defense. Quinn believes Neal has the toughness to play close to the line like a linebacker and the pass coverage skills to defend tight ends and running backs. Quinn said Neal showed in minicamp the mental quickness and the speed that he plays with.Quinn said the strong safety position is so important to his scheme that he drafted Neal with the No. 17 overall pick instead of looking for pass rush help.NEW ROLE FOR BEASLEY: Quinn, the former Seattle defensive coordinator, couldnt find instant answers for the teams persistent pass-rush problem. The Falcons were last in the league with 19 sacks. They have ranked no higher than 28th in sacks since 2012.Vic Beasley Jr., last years first-round pick from Clemson, had four sacks while spending most of his time at defensive end. The plan this year is for Beasley to play strongside linebacker in the base defense and defensive end in nickel packages. Quinn estimates the Falcons will be in their nickel package at least 60 percent of snaps.Shelby had 3 1/2 sacks with Miami last season.HELP FOR JULIO: Perhaps no receiver added to the roster would have prevented defenses from assigning an extra defender to Jones. His 136 catches for 1,871 yards in 2015 each ranked as the second-best totals in NFL history.Last year, Freeman had 73 catches and tight end Jacob Tamme had 59 as Ryans top options to Jones. Sanu, who signed a five-year, $32.5 million deal, could be in position to flourish as the new top complement to Jones. Sanu was a part-time starter with Cincinnati.Second-year receiver Justin Hardy could earn a job as the No. 3 receiver with a strong camp.QB INSURANCE: Ryan made every start for the sixth straight season, but his durability may disguise the effects of the constant pounding. Ryan has been sacked at least 30 times in three straight seasons -- the three highest totals of his career.Ryans new backup is veteran Matt Schaub, 35, who played for Shanahan in Houston. Quinn said Schaub has added a real calming presence.HESTERS HEALTH: Devin Hester, 33, is coming off toe surgery. He played in only five games last season and needs a strong camp to show he has regained the speed that made him one of the top return specialists in the game.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL DeSean Jackson Womens Jersey . Supported by three-run homers from Jayson Werth and Wilson Ramos, the young right-hander went seven strong innings in the Washington Nationals 8-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. Brian Dawkins Womens Jersey . - Chris Tierney snapped a tie with a power-play goal late in the third period as the London Knights rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Erie Otters 5-3 in Ontario Hockey League action on Wednesday. http://www.theeaglesfootballauthentic.com/eagles-reggie-white-black-jersey/ . He said Tuesday thats a big reason why he is now the new coach of the Tennessee Titans. Whisenhunt said he hit it off quickly with Ruston Webster when interviewing for the job Friday night. Carson Wentz Youth Jersey . Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night. Dallas Goedert Womens Jersey . What general manager Dave Nonis called "short and productive" negotiations ended with Kessel signing a US$64-million, eight-year contract on Tuesday. FRISCO, Texas -- Free agent right wing Jiri Hudler has signed a $2 million, one-year deal with the Dallas Stars.Hudler, a veteran of 11 NHL seasons, had 46 points (16 goals, 30 assists) in 72 games combined for Calgary and Florida last season.Stars general manager Jim Nill said Wednesday that Hudler has a championship pedigree.Hudler has appeared in 83 career playoff games and went to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals with Detroit in 20008 and 2009 when Nill was still part of the Red Wings organization.dddddddddddd They won the title in 2008.The Red Wings originally selected Hudler, a native of the Czech Republic, in the second round of the 2002 NHL draft. He has played in 676 career regular-season games for Detroit, Calgary and Florida. ' ' '