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Monday, October 16, 2006
Personnel changes possible
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First, the injury update…
Defensive end John Abraham (groin) should play in Sunday’s game with Pittsburgh, although he could be limited to passing situations. Coach Jim Mora said Abraham was pulled out of last Sunday’s 27-14 smack down by the Giants because his injured groin had tightened and that Abraham met a preset 20-play limit.
Defensive tackle Rod Coleman had a bone scan on his left foot Monday. Results were inconclusive, but Mora said he did not think it was a serious injury. Defensive end Patrick Kerney’s hamstring will be monitored through the week, but Kerney said he will play vs. the Steelers.
One thing is for sure, the Falcons will need all three of those players to hold up against Pittsburgh. Once all three went out against New York in the second half, the Giants steamrolled the Falcons up front, particularly on the edges. That led to the linebackers and defensive backs getting worn down and the Giants churning out back-breaking drives that led to the victory.
The Falcons’ inability to stop the run for the first time this season also opened the door for the possible insertion of Ed Hartwell at middle linebacker. If that happens, Keith Brooking would move to weakside linebacker. Michael Boley will remain at strongside linebacker, regardless.
Demorrio Williams has played well, but Brooking would provide more size at the weakside spot and could better stand up to fullbacks and tackles. This remains an intriguing scenario. Hartwell, who had dual arthroscopic knee operations, wants to play badly, but getting him back into the lineup could cause some hurt feelings and the possible disruption of chemistry.
Offensively, it might be time for the Falcons to get wide receiver Ashley Lelie more involved. After the loss, Lelie expressed disappointment about his role. He had just one ball thrown his way, and that coming late in the game.
Lelie, after starting the previous two games, came off the bench behind Roddy White and Michael Jenkins. Both starters failed to make catches in key first-half situations, which had to bother Lelie, who has led the NFL in yards per catch the past two seasons.
Of the Falcons’ top three wideouts, Lelie is the only receiver with a legit resume. He’s also in a contract year, a time when many players tend to have big seasons. Atlanta needs to get something out of its anemic passing game and feeding Lelie could be a partial solution.
