Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > September > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons will hit the ground running
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On the second day of training camp, Michael Turner spoke of his job description: “I know it’s going to be somewhere around 300 carries. … I know I’m getting my touches, guaranteed.”
Memo to Turner: It isn’t quite guaranteed.
Mike Mularkey is the Falcons’ offensive coordinator, and he learned early not to let numbers be his guide. “I caught myself once — in my second year in Pittsburgh — thinking, ‘How many balls has this guy had?’ ” Mularkey said. “I stopped right then. The idea is to defeat the opponent.”
As for Turner and his nice round number, Mularkey said: “We’ll see as we go. I’ve never said he’s going to get 300, and I probably never will.”
We can assume Turner is going to carry the ball most of the time. Mularkey’s scheme is based on power, and Turner is a power back. The imponderable, yet again, is Jerious Norwood.
This is the third Falcons regime that has looked on Norwood and declared, “We’ve got to get him the ball.” But in 29 games he has 202 carries and 40 receptions, which averages out to 8.3 touches. Given that Norwood is the most spectacular talent among Falcons, is that enough? And if not, how does Mularkey fit a speed back into a power scheme?
“I think it’s going to happen by force of habit,” Mularkey said. “Whether we design a set for him, we know his talents.
Working in Bobby Petrino’s pass-first offense, the Falcons rushed 385 times last season. They averaged 531 rushes under Jim Mora, but that’s skewed by Michael Vick’s average of 115 carries those three seasons. Figure this team will shoot for 450-plus rushes, a number that would satisfy Turner and better utilize Norwood and maybe even win a few games.
Said Mularkey, speaking of Norwood: “We’ll do our best to get him the ball.”
Yes, we’ve heard that before. Five years from now, there’s a chance we’ll be hearing it still. But under Mora and Petrino, the offensive focal point was never the running backs. This time it is.
Permalink | Comments (55) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons/NFL
Comments
By Kyle
September 1, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Will Jerious still be returning kicks??
By michaelgee
September 1, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Mark, NOBODY CARES about the Petrino mess.
Must you regurgitate on every article you write?
By lolo
September 1, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
maybe MV7 will come back and help us at RB next year when he gets out
By Ken Strickland
September 1, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
You can have a power funning gm and still utilize a speed runner like Norwood. Miami did it successfully with Zonka, Kick and Mercury Morris and had an undefeated season in the process. This type of power OFF makes it easier on the OL. That’s because run blocking is a lot easier than pass blocking, and pass blocking is a lot easier when using play action.
There’s no doubt our OL won’t be rated near the top, or even close, talent wise. However, in this system and with the overall OFF talent we have, especially at the skill positions, they can certainly perform like one of the best.
By Ken Strickland
September 1, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Does everyone remember the “Grits Blitz” with Buddy Curry anchoring.I think we need to reestablish the Andrews,Cain backfield.I want to resurrect the past with every post I make,has anyone noticed?
By Herschel Talker
September 1, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Yawn
By QBALL
September 1, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
i believe the U of A deserves to stay in Atlanta and play the Falcons schedule.i believe we would have a better record against the rest of the NFL and definitely draw a larger turnout too.HA HA
By Jim P.
September 1, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
I may be asking for alot here but, if we can Run the ball, and keep our defense off the field, we may just win a few games. Our defense in preseason did not give up a touchdown in 9 or 10 Quarters, (past 2.5 games) That alone has raised my hopes that we can keep games close, and not loose the handle of the game early, that would make up play catch up by passing more than running. Running is the key here. We must run, control the clock, and give our defense rest. Good luck boys, I will be watching every game. I will you good health, and may the football bounce your way.
By DJ's Memaw
September 1, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
how come they never give DJ Schockley a fair chance to be QB? Why do they ignore the fact that he is the best running back on the team. He is the best middle line backer they have and have you seen him return kick offs? He never got a fair shot at center, he is so good he can snap it to himself (in the shotgun), do a play action fake to himself and throw the ball 165yds downfield and catch it for a touchdown. How come he never got a fair chance to place kick, you know he led his team in field goals(11&12 year old league). I am so sick of the racism on this team, they do not have one black man on the the team or on the coaching staff. It is a disgrace! How come DJ never got a real chance to sell beer in the stands……………………………..
By DJ for #1
September 1, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
DJ didnt get a fair shot.If he was QB-they would sell alot more jerseys and the Falcons MIGHT have a winning record
By Boo Boo
September 1, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
With an offensive line that is questionable, at best, and not tested as to how healthy it can stay, and how well they can block as a unit, when healthy, the ability to run or pass begins with the O-line. Great dreams are: we will power run, stay close in games, and even win a few we shouldn’t. Great realities are: The running game goes out the window if midway through the 3rd quarter when the team is down 21 points. When the real season begins, we all will see then if it is “hitting the ground running,” or “hitting the ground trying to run.” The run is a safe offense for a rookie quarterback. Maybe we should talk about how the Falcons will be pass-happy, in case any opposing team coaches read blogs to see what the Falcon game plan is? Maybe that way we won’t find the line stacked against the run, with four spies on Turner?
By Curious George
September 1, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
How did Affirmative Action at the QB position work out for the Falcons with Michel Vick?
By Saul
September 1, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
The Lions will bring a good D. They are 1st in the pre-season with 8 points, 84 yards rushing and 4 sacks per game. Dont look for a big game from anybody on O.
On the flip side, they cant rush the ball but have allowed only 4 sacks in 4 games. Who is going to cover Calvin?
Should be a brawl and no doubt the biggest game of the year.
By Ken Strickland
September 1, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
LOLO-is that the best you can do? Is that the extent of your mental ability to contribute intelligent, rational and meaningful dialogue to this forum? If so, try keeping your ignorant irrational comments to yourself.
By John Smith
September 1, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Bradley you are a JOKE of a writer… the team wuill be under .500. Why can’t you write what you really feel! Oh yeah, you really doin’t believe UGA will go undefeated do you!?!??!
By John Smith
September 1, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Bradley you are a JOKE of a writer… the team will be under .500. Why can’t you write what you really feel! Oh yeah, you really doin’t believe UGA will go undefeated do you!?!??!
By John Smith
September 1, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Bradley you are a JOKE of a writer… the team will be under .500. Why can’t you write what you really feel! Oh yeah, you really doin’t believe UGA will go undefeated do you!?!??!
By Mark Bradley
September 1, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
I didn’t pick Georgia to go undefeated. I picked the Bulldogs to win the BCS title. There’s a difference.
By Falcom1
September 1, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
I think Norwood will catch lots of balls out of the slot. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing him there plenty.
By bradley a joke?
September 1, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
bradley is about as bad as moore..maybe the ajc will let them go..and maybe atlanta will overhaul all their sport teams……send em to chattanooga..moore,bradley, the braves and the falcons..if the hawks finish below .500 next year send them too…keep tech…dawg fans need to count on at least one win a season
By jmt
September 1, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Why do they continue to pay you “Mark the uh Bradley why don’t you take off runnig and buy those 2500 tickets maybe if you go to a football game you will lean something and look for another job after you’re done.
By jmt
September 1, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
Why do they continue to pay you “Mark the uh Bradley why don’t you take off runnig and buy those 2500 tickets maybe if you go to a football game you will lean something and look for another job after you’re done.
By D-Cider
September 1, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
Hey, Marky, r the Braves in first place, yet?
By moderator
September 1, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
It is obvious the FCC needs to monitor this blog for sexual perverts so tjat young sports fans don’t have to read thid sickness whoever this is mudt wish for the sick things they write time to make a call to FCC agaib.
By moderator
September 1, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
It is obvious the FCC needs to monitor this blog for sexual perverts so tjat young sports fans don’t have to read thid sickness whoever this is mudt wish for the sick things they write time to make a call to FCC agaib.
By Falcons Fan
September 1, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Nice smack down Mark on the Bulldogs winning the BCS.
The Falcons will struggle this year.
We all know it.
only 2500 tickets from a sell out for Sunday. Thats a accomplishment right there.
By Saul
September 1, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
The Internet…Empowering Douchbags!
By Mark Bradley
September 1, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
I have to say the 2,500-tickets-short-of-a-sellout surprised me, too. Not so long ago — to be precise, nine days ago — I was thinking there might not be a single home sellout this season.
By This Gets Old
September 1, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Mark:
Don’t you think that if you answer someone who starts his post out with an insult you only encourage that type of response? A lot of us are really tired of the non-stop idiocy on the blogs.
By bigeasy830
September 1, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
Mark many of those tickets are bought by the ticket brokers and then sold by the scalpers. There will be many empty seats in the dome this year in this case, ticket sell numbers are not a true indicator of fan support. The scalpers will take a beating. I am going to buy those tickets for the LOW LOW. Many times example the Hawks, I have bought tickets for less the 50 percent face value from the scalpers. Bought a 100 buck ticket once for 10 dollars and sat directly behind the Chicago Bulls bench in Eddie Curry and Tyson Chandler’s rookie year. Close game to, Dion Glover missed a last second shot that would have given us the win. But anyway, I believe that Arthur Blank will buy those remaining tickets so this game will be televised. He cannot sell the fan base on this team by starting off with a black out. But, after they Falcons lose this game it may be better that they are not televised again until they become competitive. Just my opinion.
By Big Skee
September 1, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Seriously if I see someone else comment on Shockley not getting a fair shot or Vick coming back when he gets out or any other stupid comments I’m going to scream. There are still some people who have some faith in this team. They were competitive in the pre-season and i think they can keep it up. If they win a few games they will start to sell out games, and theres still hope for the opener. Go Falcons!
By Mark Bradley
September 1, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
To This Gets Old: If you’ll notice — and I’m guessing you have — I try very hard not to respond to insults. And in this case I didn’t so much answer the insult (because, truth to tell, there’s no answering such a thing) as correct an erroneous assertion.
Thanks for taking a stand on civility. I applaud you and, to borrow from the great Smokey Robinson, second that emotion.
By TheJama
September 1, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
I haven’t lived in the ATL for several years so I am not impacted by the blackouts with my DirectTV NFL ticket. However, I was surprised to read that at least the first game of the season might be televised locally. I would think that Arthur will pull out all of the stops to see that happen. If the Falcons can show well and win the first game it will give the people of the city a chance to see this new team…which would be very critical to future ticket sales this year. Just waiting to see some ground and pound by Turner Burner!!!
By chris deighan
September 2, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this
I understand the “touches” concept as a way to track a player’s individual contribution. But I think a more valuable statistic for their contribution to the team might be their “AYP” — average yards per play. In other words, what kind of offense do the falcons generate when Norwood is on the field — regardless of whether he touches the ball or not. Think of it like the “plus/minus” minutes that a basketball player gives.
By ShanghaiATL
September 2, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this
Mark,
Make a choice on the spot: Norwood or Reggie Bush? I’m a USC alum, but based on what I’ve seen of both in the pros, I’d take Norwood. It kills me to see the team repeatedly wasting such a talent because of their adherence to “a system.” Mularkey’s words, “we’ll do our best to…” don’t exactly sound like a strong commitment. Other teams, I’m sure, covet him.
By Mark Bradley
September 2, 2008 3:14 AM | Link to this
I’d take Turner. I’m a big fan of power backs.
Thanks for asking.
By Famuan
September 2, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this
I think the “2500 tickets remaining” is a very generous number to make the situation seem better. Its probably more like 7500. If some sponsor (stupid as they may be) steps in to buy seats for no one, you will see the blocks of empty seats that will indicate the true number.
By MV7 with time on my hand
September 2, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this
ALL YOU’LL RED NECKS PLEASE REMEMBER LAST YEAR WHEN THE LOOK GOOD IN PRESEASON AND HOW THE SEASON ENDED UP, SO PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT A GOOD YEAR UNTIL THEY PLAY A GAME OR SO. THE WILL HAVE MANY BLACKOUT THIS SEASON AND THE YEARS TO COME AND MATT LITTLE MAN WILL NOT MAKE IT PASS GAME THREE AND FOR NORWOOD PLEASE DON’T LET HIM GET MORE THAN FIVE TOUCHES A GAME BECAUSE HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY FOR THREE GAMES. DEFENSE HAS LOOK GOOD IN PRESEASON BUT WE ALL KNOW THAT WILL CHANGE WILL TEAMS PLAY THEIR FIRST TEAM THE WHOLE GAME. PREDICTION 4-12. AND NO MONDAY OR SUNDAY NIGHT GAMES IN THE NEAR FUTURE
By MV7 with time on my hand
September 2, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
ALL YOU’LL RED NECKS PLEASE REMEMBER LAST YEAR WHEN THE LOOK GOOD IN PRESEASON AND HOW THE SEASON ENDED UP, SO PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT A GOOD YEAR UNTIL THEY PLAY A GAME OR SO. THE WILL HAVE MANY BLACKOUT THIS SEASON AND THE YEARS TO COME AND MATT LITTLE MAN WILL NOT MAKE IT PASS GAME THREE AND FOR NORWOOD PLEASE DON’T LET HIM GET MORE THAN FIVE TOUCHES A GAME BECAUSE HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY FOR THREE GAMES. DEFENSE HAS LOOK GOOD IN PRESEASON BUT WE ALL KNOW THAT WILL CHANGE WILL TEAMS PLAY THEIR FIRST TEAM THE WHOLE GAME. PREDICTION 4-12. AND NO MONDAY OR SUNDAY NIGHT GAMES IN THE NEAR FUTURE
By MV7 with time on my hand
September 2, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
ALL YOU’LL RED NECKS PLEASE REMEMBER LAST YEAR WHEN THE LOOK SO GOOD IN PRESEASON AND HOW THE SEASON ENDED UP, SO PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT A GOOD YEAR UNTIL THEY PLAY A GAME OR SO. THE WILL HAVE ALOT OF BLACKOUT THIS SEASON AND THE YEARS TO COME AND MATT LITTLE MAN WILL NOT MAKE IT PASS GAME THREE AND FOR NORWOOD PLEASE DON’T LET HIM GET MORE THAN FIVE TOUCHES A GAME BECAUSE HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY FOR THREE GAMES. DEFENSE HAS LOOK GOOD IN PRESEASON BUT WE ALL KNOW THAT WILL CHANGE WHEN TEAMS PLAY THEIR FIRST TEAM THE WHOLE GAME. PREDICTION 4-12. AND NO MONDAY OR SUNDAY NIGHT GAMES IN THE NEAR FUTURE
By MV7 with time on my hand
September 2, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this
ALL YOU’LL RED NECKS PLEASE REMEMBER LAST YEAR WHEN THE LOOK SO GOOD IN PRESEASON AND HOW THE SEASON ENDED UP, SO PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT A GOOD YEAR UNTIL THEY PLAY A GAME OR SO. THE WILL HAVE ALOT OF BLACKOUT THIS SEASON AND THE YEARS TO COME AND MATT LITTLE MAN WILL NOT MAKE IT PASS GAME THREE AND FOR NORWOOD PLEASE DON’T LET HIM GET MORE THAN FIVE TOUCHES A GAME BECAUSE HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY FOR THREE GAMES. DEFENSE HAS LOOK GOOD IN PRESEASON BUT WE ALL KNOW THAT WILL CHANGE WHEN TEAMS PLAY THEIR FIRST TEAM THE WHOLE GAME. PREDICTION 4-12. AND NO MONDAY OR SUNDAY NIGHT GAMES IN THE NEAR FUTURE
By DukeStank
September 2, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
The Falcons should give away any remaining tickets to social service organizations like the boys and girls clubs or big brothers and sisters organization. Then the game wont be blacked out and more fans would be able to see how they played.
By DukeStank
September 2, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bradley, The Falcons have no choice but to hit the ground running since their 72 million dollar man can’t seem to be able to consistently generate drives that put points on the board.
By Jarvis
September 2, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
I like the way Bradley interacts with his blog. It’s a nice change. Just an observation.
By Paddy
September 2, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
The Falcons will be better than expected. May not translate into more than 5 or 6 wins. But I think this town will be proud of them. I like this new coach. Tech WILL be better and it will translate into more wins, 8 or 9. I really like CPJ and his mind set of how a game is to be player. UGA is just plain good, period. Should be a fun year in the state of Georgia for football.
By Ken Strickland
September 2, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Does everyone remember the “Grits Blitz” and the Dirty Birds?I hope you all do and if not,I wanted to remind you of them.
By DukeStank
September 2, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Ken Strickland,
Us old-timers who have been watching and cheering for the Falcons from the first played here in Atlanta remember the gritz blitz, dirty birds, tommy nobis, claude humphries, jeff van note, et al
By Mark Bradley
September 2, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Thanks, Jarvis.
By Myrtle Beach
September 2, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Wow Paddy, great to hear from someone who knows about team sports, but how did we ramble on from the real focus of the falcons to the college game? Gee sounds to me like you need some food network. Then you would not loose your focus right?
By Mrytle Beach
September 2, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Oh i forgot my buddy bugeasy830, no body gives a crap what they do in Chicago, we are talking about the Falcons dude do i hear an Amend?
By tru fan
September 3, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
if you don’t support the falcons move to another state and find a new team.
By MSherman
September 3, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
If the Falcons want to run, they need to let Snelling get in on more snaps. he showed that he could run the ball in the last preseason game against Baltimore. Too bad two 15 yard runs got called back and then they threw and interception because they were about to score a touhdown.
By MSherman
September 3, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
If the Falcons want to run, they need to let Snelling get in on more snaps. he showed that he could run the ball in the last preseason game against Baltimore. Too bad two 15 yard runs got called back and then they threw and interception.they were about to score a touhdown.
By MSherman
September 3, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
If the Falcons want to run, they need to let Snelling get in on more snaps. he showed that he could run the ball in the last preseason game against Baltimore. Too bad two 15 yard runs got called back and then they threw and interception.they were about to score a touhdown.
By MSherman
September 3, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
If the Falcons want to run, they need to let Snelling get in on more snaps. he showed that he could run the ball in the last preseason game against Baltimore. Too bad two 15 yard runs got called back and then they threw and interception.they were about to score a touhdown.