AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2006 > June
June 2006
Answering the e-mail inbox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Technically, the Falcons are off until training camp opens in late July, but all the rookies and several dozen veterans are still attending morning strength and conditioning sessions at Flowery Branch headquarters.
So with the news flow relatively slow, I thought I’d answer some really good questions some of you posted on last week’s blog. I’ll try to do that from time to time from now through the season to keep you loyal followers as up to speed as I can.
I also want to thank you guys for posting so frequently and providing some thought provoking insight.
The need for a big defensive tackle: I don’t know if they necessarily need one, however none of the Falcons’ current DTs have consistently proved to be the answer. If Chad Lavalais can somehow get into better shape and sustain, he can be very effective. However, he faded last season even with Darrell Shropshire and Antwan Lake providing adequate play in relief. Shropshire really looks hungry. He’s got his body together and is very focused.
Of the veteran DTs on the open market, Brentson Buckner might be at the top of the wish list, especially since he played for division rival Carolina and knows a little about their schemes.
The offensive line’s pass blocking: I have to be fair on this one. I can’t give an honest opinion because this unit, which is the same from last year with the addition of left tackle Wayne Gandy, hasn’t put on pads yet. Once these guys start working against a pass-rushing monster like John Abraham in practice and play some preseason games, we’ll be able to get a better read. If the offense incorporates more of a moving pocket and sprint-out passing game, the burden on the offensive line could be relieved, somewhat.
Rookie OT Quinn Ojinnaka: Though he wasn’t in pads, the Syracuse product showed a very nasty temperament and some good agility that has coaches excited. However, much of playing in this scheme is being able to adapt and change a lot of the techniques that have been learned since youth leagues. That is why Ojinnaka will be handled like Frank Omiyale. He won’t play a down this season unless injuries force the issue.
Rookie tailback Jerious Norwood: From everything I’ve been told, he’s going to play more than just on special teams. In fact, he could push T.J. Duckett to be the No. 2 tailback. He’s going to be given a lot of carries in the first few preseason games and if he displays the traits that have coaches so excited, I could see him getting Duckett’s carries outside of short-yardage situations. What has impressed coaches the most is how quickly he’s picked up the offense, particularly pass-blocking schemes, which are often the most difficult adjustments a running back has to make.
Frequent reports: I’d love to have articles in the paper every day for you guys, but I can’t manufacture news. Most players and coaches are on vacation and are not available. In the next few weeks, contract negotiations will take place, rookies will be signed and there might be some more free agent signings. I promise, I’ll be on top of that and will get you the info as soon as I can.
I love the fact there are so many football junkies with insatiable appetites on this blog. Just hang in there because there will be plenty of stuff coming your way soon.
Hartwell 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.
Roethlisberger’s risky behavior
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As I return from one of my favorite hobbies -– cliff jumping in the Caribbean -– I’m greeted with reports of Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger getting into a nasty motorcycle wreck Monday morning. Though reports are preliminary, Big Ben suffered some serious, but non-life threatening injuries. He also was not wearing a helmet, according to reports.
After Browns tight end Kellen Winslow tore apart his knee and missed last season after a motorcycle wreck, Roethlisberger spoke freely about not giving up his penchant for riding and his preference not to wear a helmet. Those remarks may come back to haunt him.
As a thrill-seeker myself, this type of news always makes me uneasy. Sure, I could get hurt if I don’t execute my jumps off the cliffs with care, but I also could get taken out just as easily driving northbound on I-85 at rush hour. At least that’s my rationale.
I’ve never been one to judge athletes who get hurt water skiing, riding motorcycles or playing pick-up basketball because most of us partake in some type of activity that could ruin our livelihood. However, with the limited playing careers of athletes and the money teams invest in them, it would seem reducing the risk of off-field injuries would be a priority. Players also typically sign contracts that include provisions limiting certain off-field activities.
I know some of you typically don’t like to answer questions, but I’d like to get some opinions on this issue because it seems that every year an athlete suffers a major injury away from their sport while doing something that is considered dangerous to some and normal to others.
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