"Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan met with the media after the morning practice.

Here's the chat session:

Q: How did the first practice go?

A: It was a walk through this morning. I thought it was good. It was productive. I think with the new schedule we're going to have to be productive with our walk throughs. I think we did a good job out there. Guys were focused. Everybody is really excited to be back, players and coaches. There was a really good energy.

Q: What has the week been like since learning that the lockout was lifted?

A: It's been busy. Everybody was very well prepared. Both sides of it, players and coaches. We had a conditioning test last night. Guys came back in great shape. Everybody looked good and ran well. The coaches were prepared for the changes. I think they've adjusted. . . Smitty has done a great job of getting us organized with what we are going to do to get ready. Now we just have to make the most of it.

Q: What do you guys have to emphasize the most after being off for so long?

A: We've got some time, but we have to be productive in the time that we have. We have to make up for what we missed in the offseason. But I think we are lucky in that we are a veteran team and we've got a lot of guys back. We have a lot of guys that understand what it takes to get it done and know our system. They can help our young guys out. The goal is to continue to work hard the entire camp."