AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2006 > June > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHartwell getting back to action
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Middle linebacker Ed Hartwell, the Falcons’ big-money free agent acquisition in 2005, went through full (non-contact) workouts last week for the first time since tearing his Achilles’ tendon last season.
Though he is not completely recovered, he moved and reacted fluidly and seemingly at full speed. The inactivity also had him a little frisky as he mixed it up with some offensive players whom he wanted to get re-acquainted with.
Hartwell had gone through some skeleton drills with fellow starting linebackers Keith Brooking and Michael Boley but he hadn’t participated in 11-on-11 workouts, where he had to step over fallen bodies, navigate around blocks, make calls and set his defense.
It hardly looked like he missed a step.
Now, the pads weren’t on, so you can only judge things to a point. However, I get the feeling that when the Falcons get fully suited July 28, Hartwell is going to be just fine. He may have some rust, but with him back, the run defense that was so poor should be much improved.
When he got hurt and the linebackers had to be re-shuffled, there plenty of blown assignments that led to some big gains. Now that Boley has more experience, Brooking is back where he feels most comfortable and Hartwell is back in the mix, concerns about the linebackers should be eased.
Comments
By The Grinch
June 19, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
Hartwell’s return will be key, especially with the d-line getting even smaller. Anybody hear how Jordan Beck’s doing? He looked great last pre-season.
By Brian
June 19, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
That’s great that Hartwell is moving well. Now all he needs is a big butt in front of him gobble up blockers and he’ll thrive at the MIKE position.
By Scooter
June 19, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
Come on Sept.
By steve wyche
June 19, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
Hey guys,
Sorry to leave out the update of Jordan Beck, who suffered a season-ending broken foot in the last preseason game of last season. Beck was very solid in offseason drills. He was the guy who took most of Hartwell’s snaps during team drills and really seems to have picked up the mental part of the game. His foot was sore, but he worked through it. Beck should be a key special teamer and provide insurance if Hartwell can’t stay healthy.
By John
June 19, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this
How did jimmy williams look to you in OTAs? in man to man coverage? Did he progress throughout OTA in man to man? was it a lack of speed or hips or just thinking to much IYHO?
By John
June 19, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this
How did jimmy williams look to you steve? Did jimmy progress in man coverage as OTA went along? What was jimmy problem in coverage? to slow, hips or just thinking to much IYHO?
By Steve Wyche
June 19, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
Jimmy looked so-so in man coverage, which is to be expected from a rookie. He was probably thinking about so many things, such as secondary coverages, where to position himself….So much happens so fast. It’s hard to judge his game without contact since he is such a physical player. I’m looking forward to seeing him in pads, when he’s able to use his size, strength and nasty temperament.
By This gets old
June 19, 2006 07:27 PM | Link to this
Boy I don’t know..I remember McKay saying about this time last year, that the Safety position was set and you could always go out and find a S.
The Falcons that I saw last season were physically man-handled along both lines. I mean safeties are run SUPPORT aren’t they? We took some lickings last year within our division because those teams were more physical.
Carolina already with a better D-line bulked up even more this season.
Finally if this season is a Super Bowl push then why are we going to camp without a proven plasekicker?
By supa
June 19, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
Hey Steve,
I enjoyed the article on Jimmy Williams. He really seems to have his head on straight, saying all the right things, respecting his elders, and genuinely sounding like he’s happy to be here.
Wasn’t he the guy who had to be asked not to speak to the media at VaTech? I hope he’s gotten some coaching from the other players on how to handle those interviews more professionally. He came off very well in the interview.
By Jeff
June 19, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this
Nice interview with Jimmy Williams. It was interesting to see him say that Finneran is the best receiver we have. Roddy and Jenkins (both first round picks) can’t be too happy about that.
By you know who
June 19, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this
stevie- do u really not think the falcons need to jump on a big (literally BIG) D-lineman such as Brentson or Big Daddy that the lions let go?
one play here and there from a BIG MAN in cvertain situations would be key to stopping some of the big run plays that killed us last year we need somebody big just to throw out there a few games and let him eat up some space
what u thik
By The Giraffe
June 19, 2006 11:52 PM | Link to this
Hey Steve, How is the new rookie tackle, Ojinnaka, looking in OTA’s. Will he even see playing time this season or will he do a sit-and-wait like Omiyale did last year? Thanks!
By BirdDawg
June 20, 2006 01:31 AM | Link to this
OH man! Finally, some new Bird talk! I’ve been going through withdrawels, watching Bobby Cox destroy his baseball team through inaction.
This football season cannot get here fast enough.
I’m with the guy up there though, in thinking that not having a proven place-kicker is going to haunt this team in November, or maybe even in September.
Still, though, Camp is almost here! I can’t wait. I got my spot in Flowery Branch already picked out and the thought of getting to see Vick run around is getting my juices flowing!
Football! Hell Yeah!
By bryan
June 20, 2006 01:32 AM | Link to this
I dont understand why so many people hoping we get a big 300+ defensive tackle. i believe that its technique that makes a defensive taclke good. Afterall, in 2004, our run defense was solid considering we had Ed jasper who weighed around 280 pounds. With our young defensive tackles getting extensive playing time last year i think we are fine at defenisve tackle
By Barry McCokiner
June 20, 2006 02:27 AM | Link to this
Hartwell’s presence is gonna mean nothing if we can’t keep blockers off him. Sure, if we can find a 280 pound DT who can hold his ground at the line of scrimmage and occupy blockers, then by all means get him, since none of our DT’s have been able to hold up for a whole season at the point of attack. Unfortunately those are few and far between in the league, and it’s much easier to find a 300+ pound guy who is simply immovable. Generally technique improves with experience, and when you have a guy like Buckner sitting in free agency you gotta believe he knows more about technique than Lavalais or Shropshire do. The Falcons should go get him before some other team snaps him up — I would think at this stage in the game a one-year deal for Buckner wouldn’t cost that much, meaning if he bombed the cap hit wouldn’t be too great to cut him. Seems like a low-risk, high-reward idea to me, so let’s get to work on it McKay and Mora. A blubber-butt in the D-line is the difference between this being a high-turnover but high-yardage defensive unit and a dominant, shut-down defensive unit.
By Keeping it real !!!
June 20, 2006 07:57 AM | Link to this
I am glad to here hartwell is back near 100% . Jordan Beck seem to be comming fine to and that real good. All the AJC print is how the defense is doing what about our sorry offense line how do they stack up. As a team they need to step it up. How does pass blocking look this year have the improve from the last two years.I hope the running back and Vick have a line they feel good about this year and fans. Our line need help . Only time will tell they have improve but please don’t blow smoke to the fans when you are doing the same thing you did last year.
By tim
June 20, 2006 08:13 AM | Link to this
steve,
Please tell us that the birds are looking to bring in Brenston Buckner. He would be the final piece to the puzzle a big butt in the middle for 1st and 2nd down. In addition he played in this division and knows what it takes.
By RSC
June 20, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
You know, for a while I was a big ‘gotta have Grady Jackson’ person. But now, thinking about it, I’m not so sure. I’m hearing that Abraham may be better in the ground game than expected. Also having Ed Hartwell in the middle will help solidify the defense. Then, adding Milloy, who should help groom Crocker…this might be interesting.
By Ezekiel
June 20, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this
Hey Steve, I kind of bashed the paper a little last week for what I felt was a lack of coverage. I just want to say thanks for the updates that have been coming the last few days. This is exactly the types of things I want to here from the AJC. Q and A’s updates on injured players and how they feel the team is coming along. Thanks a million because the AJC is one of the main vessels for us fans when it comes to information on the team.
By Andy
June 20, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this
Hopefully, we can still get some news on the team until Training Camp comes around…
By Ezekiel
June 20, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this
yea I’m with you Andy. Maybe even post one article a day versus 2 or 3 with long droughts between.
By larry w.
June 20, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
The way that our defense is built, why would we need a big, slow, fatty in the middle of our defensive line? This defense is built for quickness and speed. I think the guys we have now should be just fine. The way our defense is designed, gap discipline is the key. As long as our guys maintain their gaps, the linebackers will be free to read and react. Fast and aggressive is the type of defense we are building.
By EG
June 20, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
I’ve got a confession to make. I watched a World Cup Soccer game the other day. Please forgive me. When I did it I was thinking of football though. I didn’t mean to cheat. I mean, it was there on the satellite and I said OK. I feel so dirty. I hope I didn’t catch anything. You know how it is these days when you stray. I didn’t use any protection either. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! I fell asleep afterward and when I woke up and saw what I did I turned it off and ran out of the room. I promise I won’t do it again. It was meaningless. I didn’t even TIVO it. I know it’ll be hard to trust me again but maybe it took something like this to wake me up to reality. I may need some help to deal with what I did. Anybody know a good therapist?
By Ezekiel
June 20, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this
^^^ This guy should be band from posting or reading anything Falcons for at least a month for what he did. How dare you watch the world cup when I’m sure you have an old Falcon’s vhs tape or game on TIVO!
By EG
June 20, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this
I’m so ashamed.
By This gets old
June 20, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this
The World Cup !! Wouldn’t you have enjoyed just sitting in front of your set with the power off just as much?
The World Cup, jeez it takes all kinds I guess.
By mark
June 20, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
The defense will be much improved. The offensive line, which is taking a lot of bashing, has led the falcons to the #1 rushing offense in the league 2 years in a row… they are not the best pass blockers, but look at the big picture!!
The biggest concern is the kicker. SO MANY games come down to 1-3 points that a good kicker is critical! I think they are holding out until late in the game to bring in Edinger or Peterson at the cheapest price possible. There is NO WAY that a team with super bowl asperations will go with an undrafted rookie kicker as a starter!!! comments?
By keeping it REAL !
June 20, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
weak points kicker and offense line on this 2006 team
By midniterider
June 20, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this
birds will be 8 & 8 with vic at qb if he gose down early enough 10 & 6
By midniterider
June 20, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this
birds will be 8 & 8 unless vick gose down early enough for matt to play then 10 & 6
By bdlucas
June 20, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this
midniterider, what are you basing that record on? 8 & 8 was the worst record for the Falcons with him as the starter, (for more than 8 games) and remember the defense that couldn’t stop the run, hold a lead, and gave up a 90 yard drive in the last 3 games, do you think that contributed to the record? And what are you basing Shaub’s projection on?
Anyway, the kicker should have been addressed earlier, “wait and see” is the state the Falcons are in because of this, but I’m confident McKay will get it done. Go Falcon’s!!!
By Randy
June 21, 2006 01:52 AM | Link to this
I can relate to Hartwell’s situation. When I played for the &#@*#s, I missed a year with an injury, but I came back strong. That’s the same approach I used when I got my MBA.
I can tell midniterider (aka Midnight Cowboy) never played in the league and doesn’t have an MBA. He’s an idiot.
By Stephanie Larimore
June 21, 2006 07:33 AM | Link to this
Go Falcons!!!!
By Rutuger
June 21, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this
The World Cup has been nothing short of spectacular so far. Newsflash—people are allowed to like more than one sport, folks! It sure beats the hell out of watching offseason episodes NFL Live, or the unmentionable disgrace that is this year’s Major League baseball team.
And I’m sure more than a handful of you who post here watch golf or even—UGH—racing, so how could you even begin to dream of labeling something as compelling as the World Cup, with such a worldwide impact, as “boring?!”
Now that I have dropped some enlightenment, let’s move on… If Williams isn’t starting over Toast “Arm Tackle” Webster at RCB in the season opener, I won’t be happy. And I still don’t get why we didn’t go after Buckner—is it for cap-related reasons? He would have been a perfect fit.
What’s Norwood’s anticipated role for the season? Is there any expectation of him playing in any more than strictly a special team capacity in his rookie year?
GO FALCONS!!!!
By Rutuger
June 21, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this
The World Cup has been nothing short of spectacular so far. Newsflash—people are allowed to like more than one sport, folks! It sure beats the hell out of watching offseason episodes NFL Live, or the unmentionable disgrace that is this year’s Major League baseball team.
And I’m sure more than a handful of you who post here watch golf or even—UGH—racing, so how could you even begin to dream of labeling something as compelling as the World Cup, with such a worldwide impact, as “boring?!”
Now that I have dropped some enlightenment, let’s move on… If Williams isn’t starting over Toast “Arm Tackle” Webster at RCB in the season opener, I won’t be happy. And I still don’t get why we didn’t go after Buckner—is it for cap-related reasons? He would have been a perfect fit.
What’s Norwood’s anticipated role for the season? Is there any expectation of him playing in any more than strictly a special team capacity in his rookie year?
GO FALCONS!!!!
By EG
June 21, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this
Just wanted to add a little humor folks. I checked out the Q & A with Jimmy Williams. It’s good to know he’s in familiar territory with peers around him to help him keep his head together. I hear about some of these ‘06 Draft Choices and it’s real nice to know the power of familiarity is with our pick. The key to our D this year is the secondary. Think about it folks. Look at last year. When a 4th rate receiver can burn us then we might as well just sit back and look for a miserable year and another 3rd or even 4th place finish. The D line and the LBs I believe are set for a great year. The D backfield I hope can cover AND play the run. The additions of Milloy and Crocker I hope will help also with the learning curve of Jimmy Williams. If that happens and we get a break or two our way it could be 1998 all over again.
By EG
June 21, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this
As for Norwood he’s gonna shock the league. We stole this guy. If you look at where he played and his stats you’ll feel the same about his as I do. This kid can do it all. The trade I’m looking for to load the offense is Duckett for Ashley Lelie. He should have been here in the first place. A change of scene for both of these guys will make a difference. Think about that trade folks. It sure would be nice.
By miker
June 21, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this
all of us should be confidenty that we will have a better run defence. i strongly believe that this is a much better team. really nice answers by jimmy. seems like a young bright kid. congrats!!!!!
By midniterider
June 21, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this
Randy name calling only shows your iq Vick will go down not a matter of if but when Matt is a stronger and tougher qb than Vick I like Vick but you cant play his style of qb in the nfl for very long oh and i am not midnite cowboy dont know who that is but its not me look at who the birds play some killer teams who will be out to put down Vick and i think they will but only time will tell i wont sink to your name calling i just love the game and have been a falcon for 40 years good and bad years
By titothebear
June 22, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this
Get rid of Vick! Put Schaub in. He’s a much better quarterback, more physically and intellectually suited for the position. Go Foulcons!
By "D" in Houston
June 22, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this
Has anybody checked out our rankings on ESPN? They put us at 20! Freaking 20! We get absolutely no respect. I can’t wait till the season starts…..Our defense is gonna smack people in the face. Mckay, pull the trigger and land Lelie! He was pretty good in Denver, and I would love to see some 4 WR sets, with him out there. EG, your nuts! LOL!
By Charles
June 22, 2006 07:26 AM | Link to this
I agree we need a big butt d tackle. Brenston Buckner or Grady Jackson. By the way whatever happen with Grady Jackson? (Steve) It’s also true we need a kicker that we can depend on. The talent level is too even not to have a proven kicker.
I can’t wait until the season starts. Vick haters do not hide. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Dirty Birds!!!!!!!!!!!
By falcon guy
June 22, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this
If all we need is a big butt on the d-line, how about Monica Kauffman? Have you ever seen her out from behind the anchor desk? That would plug any hole.
By Randy
June 22, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this
midnight cowboy (rent the movie or read the summary on imdb.com if you don’t get the reference).
However, have you ever heard of punctuation marks? You know, like commas, periods, semicolons, etc? Try using them. If you’ve been a fan for 40 years, you’re old enough to know how. But at the same time, your education (or lack thereof) has lead you to believe Schaub is better than Vick.
“D” in Houston, getting lelie for the purpose of a 4 WR set is a terrible idea. The guy never worked hard in Denver to master the game. He didn’t study or try to get better. Why give up something to acquire him when the Falcons have already invested so much in Jenk and Roddy?
Falcon guy, What jersey number would you assign ol’ big butt Monica?
By bryan
June 22, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this
Grady Jackson failed a physical with the falcons so enough about him.
By Bruce
June 22, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this
I agree with Larry W. Our defense is based on gap coverage and if the gaps are covered there is nowhere to run. We don’t need Jaba The Hut in the middle. We need guys who use proper technique to get in the gaps and pursue the ball from there.
I would like to challenge all the critics to look at the positives of this team and stop looking for the possible negatives. It’s way too early to be criticizing. I’m ready for camp. Go Falcons!!!!
By L.J.
June 22, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
“D” in Houston, Why in the world are you concerned about preseason rankings of NFL teams in the middle of June? Seriously, dude…who cares what ESPN thinks? But if you think about it, how can you blame them. The only thing that has changed since the team finished 8-8 is the draft and some personnel moves. Nothing has changed on the field. I am sure the preseason rankings had the falcons near the top last year and what did that get the team?
There are no championship rings, parades, etc for ESPN polls. This is why I hate that there are preseason college polls. All the writers have to go on is recruiting classes and spring practice…yet they can declare someone #1 in the nation. Please.
Let’s let performance on the field dictate where they rank. That’s all you should be concerned with, especially in the NFL.
By JT
June 22, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
Thankfully Edgerton is feeling a bit better. As someone said up there, Brooking can go back to the outside where he is more useful and can return to being the Pro Bowl caliber player that he is. It’s going to take a collective effort from the defense however, as no one man can make ALL the difference. Jimmy will be starting by the beginning of the season, cause he’s going to beat out THAT BUM Jason Webster for the spot. Everyone is 0-0, so let’s get after it. Also, hopefully the Falcs saw the ESPN.com preseason Power rankings. The birds are ranked 20th. 20th…….. Hopefully they’ll use that as some motivation to get them back to the level that they are capable of. GO FALCONS!!!
By titothebear
June 22, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this
I remember Grady jackson from Sanford and Son. He was funny on that show and I’m sure he’ll be hilarious with the Foulcons.
By midniterider
June 22, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this
lol @ Randy!!!!!! There were no comma’s, periods or semi colons in what I typed, because I chose to leave them out. As for Michael Vick, it would be great if he could last an entire season. Matt Schaub will be playing long after Michael Vick has either been injured or gone to the CFL. Like I have said in the past, I would love to see Vick play an entire season. However, I am willing to bet he will not make it past the first 3 games. The teams “the birds” play are out to put him down. And they will!!!!!!!
By keeping it REAL !
June 22, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this
what do the Falcons rank in pass protections in the NFL. NOW this keep it real!!
By Keeping it real !!!
June 23, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this
In the last five year what is the pass protection rateing of the Atlanta Falcons?Gibbs I can’t here you!!! Just keep it real!
By Keeping it real !!!
June 23, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
Gibbs ** the TO DO LIST in Tranning camp . Replacements for #61 and #62 or just use them on run plays. Better Pass protection ! Better run Blocking when playing Tampa and carolina (44-11) last game of the year. Greg -Knapp To do list. Better play calling.Have better real time ajustment in game and use right player in the play that is called. Get a first class kicker this player can win us 4to five game this year a must do! ED Donatell-need a tackel and use the speed and bring pressure more this year and will linebacker be ready to play this year. MORA - Keep this team focus to detail this year. Mckay- Keep getting good skilled player with size ,speed on both side of ball.Note Get us a offense line .WE need a mean big defense tackel with speed. Hartwell and Beck will they be ready? Be mean and win!!!
By titothebear
June 23, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this
“D” in Houston-ESPN ranks the Foulcons at #20 and I agree with you. That seems way too high! Go Foulcons!
By bob
June 23, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this
It iooks like carolina is going to win both times until we do somthing drastically
By The Grinch
June 23, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
Last I heard Grady Jackson had a mild heart problem of some sort. B. Buckner would be a better choice of the two, but I doubt it’ll happen. Shrop is improving and will push Lavalais (I hope). I can’t figure out how a guy like Lavalais could totally dominate the best division in college football (SEC) and play pro looking like the the Pillsbury dough boy. Why isn’t anyone kicking his a$$ and making him hit the weights? Jimmy Williams will look better in pads, and the whole team will be better than last year, barring injuries. The schedule is absolutely brutal, though. As for the whole Vick vs. Shaub thing: yes, I think Schaub is smarter and a better fit for the WCO and will one day be a polished and successful QB. However, he is nowhere near as electric or interesting as Vick, and will play second fiddle as long as we have both. We should all quit debating who’s better and be glad we have both (Doug Johnson, anyone)?
By Poor McKay
June 25, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this
The few games Hartwell did play last year, he looked extraordinarily average. Did not make tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Acted excited after making a weak tackle 5 yards down field. Seemed like a very average player making a ton of dough. Whether it is Shropshire or Buckner, this team will need someone to take on the center and guard if Coleman and Hartwell are to hold down the middle. And what’s the word on our secondary depth, specifically Omare Lowe, Chris Cash and Kevin Mathis?
By bdlucas
June 25, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this
Great post Grinch! Although I believe Buckner would put this defense over the top, Shrop’ will probably be the guy. Something tells me that barring injury or a complete bust , the Falcons have signed their free agents for “06”.
Hello … My name is bdlucas … (hi bdlucas) I once bought into the back-up qb hype. Vick will get it done, if he gets hurt, Shaub will get it done. Go Falcons!!!
By Charles
June 26, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the update on G. Jackson. Can’t wait until season starts.
By BMM Falcon Fan 1
June 29, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this
WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! Does anybody remember the Smith family, Jerry Glanville or Aundrey Bruce? We finally have an organization dedicated to winning. Blank ,McKay and Mora (BMM) Are the best thing that ever happened for us Falcon diehards (30+ yrs)And I think they deserve much appreciation and support. I believe these guys are the best at what they do (along with the coaching staff they put in place)I wouldn’t trade em for anybody.I believe this trio will produce championships and a winning tradition in ATLANTA!! Their transactions and schemes etc can”t please everyone so just have faith in these guys as top drawer pros and support their decisions.(They are the most qualified to make them )So shut up all the griping and second guessing and trust our team (BMM & Co)They’re doing one helluva job. REMEMBER where we were,LOOK where we’re going.