AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2005 > October > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USReading the injury signs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Though still listed as questionable, all signs indicate that quarterback Michael Vick will start Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.
Vick took the majority of snaps at practice today, as he has all week, and moved around well. It probably won’t be known until the game whether we’ll see Vick play a more controlled style, like he did at Buffalo, when he was bothered by a sore left hamstring, or if he’ll be more involved in the running game and in roll out and bootleg schemes.
It will also be interesting to see if the Falcons continue to throw the deep ball, something they did often with Matt Schaub filling in for Vick last week.
In other injury news, it appears that rookie outside linebacker Michael Boley will see significantly increased playing time if he doesn’t outright start. Though Ike Reese continues to take snaps at outside and middle linebacker, there are indications that weak side LB Keith Brooking will take over in the middle for Ed Hartwell, who suffered a season-ending Achilles’ tendon against New England.
Boley and Demorrio Williams have worked at both outside linebacker spots but Williams admitted — without divulging who is playing where — that he feels he’s a much-better weakside ‘backer because he won’t have to play over bigger tight ends and because his speed allows him to operate better in the open space. Teams that have run right at the 225-pound Williams have had success off tackle and around end because he’s struggled shedding blockers from head on.
Boley, 6-3, 236, has more ideal size to play on the strong side and he has the speed to keep up with tight ends and some slot receivers. Coaches loved Boley in the preseason and were trying to find ways to get him on the field, but until now, he’s been limited to special teams, where he shares the lead in tackles (with cornerback Omare Lowe, at 7).
At nickel back, Allen Rossum looks set to take over for Chris Cash. Rossum, the punt and kickoff return specialist, probably will get the nod because he has more experience than Lowe, Christian Morton and Leigh Torrence — the other options — according to coaches.
Comments
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By Erik
October 14, 2005 06:09 PM | Link to this
Hey Steve, I E-Mailed you the other day to see if you wanted to check out my Blog. You know since you have one and everything. I guess you were busy, but you can just click theLink if you want…
Anywhoo, I hope the Falcons throw the ball deep with Vick. Wehn a teaam gives up 53 points, you attack them.
I would LOVE to see Boley start. It’s nice to see the Falcons are starting to get on a youth movement. That’s something that hasn’t happened in the past. Switch D.Mo to the weakside and let Boley and Ike share time 60-40….
I hate watching Rossum in the Nickel spot. He is to small to cover Slot receivers. Give him about to weeks and i bet he is back on the bench. He is what he is…A Kick Returner
Keep up the Good Work Steve
By larry w.
October 14, 2005 06:16 PM | Link to this
I like Rossum as a kick returner, but he scares the heck out of me as a nickel back.
By dan k r
October 15, 2005 08:46 AM | Link to this
I hope Schaub went through every single play on film with Vick and explained what he did. This could be a very good teaching tool for Vick.
By PSack
October 15, 2005 09:04 AM | Link to this
ROSSUM
Is horrible in coverage team will begin to attack us in the air our defense is in trouble placing more pressure on the offense to score points. We better get some free agents in here fast to help us.
By L.J.
October 15, 2005 12:18 PM | Link to this
Does the fact that Rossum is starting in the nickel mean that I should start Donte’ Stallworth on my fantasy team? I am still rooting for the falcons, but hey, if the saints are gonna score, might as well be beneficial to me right?
:-)
By dirrtybird
October 16, 2005 04:44 PM | Link to this
Jason Webster and Allen Rossum playing defense mean automatic first downs for the other team. Please cut Jason Webster and keep Rossum where he belongs on special teams.
By the professor
October 16, 2005 05:19 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Roddy. We needed that catch!