AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2006 > October > 17
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
The soul-searching begins
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons are off today but time is probably being spent doing a lot of soul searching. Atlanta is 3-2 but the next two games vs. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are huge. Based on a series of interviews Monday, there seems to be a feeling among players that they need to generate some momentum.
Players were still somewhat distraught. They said their angst was a result of blowing a 14-3 lead Sunday vs. the Giants and losing 27-14. Several players wondered aloud; are they as good as they thought?
Players told me Monday that they were humbled, especially on defense. That might be all the motivation that is needed on that side of the ball. There are enough veterans on the defense to where some of the problems will be fixed before Sunday’s game with the Steelers.
Offensively is where there seems to be to most room for continued struggles.
In a conversation with running back Warrick Dunn Monday, the Pro Bowler told me and my colleague D. Orlando Ledbetter he’s capable of being an option in the passing game, especially based on his effectiveness at Florida State and in Tampa and early on with Atlanta.
Thing is, he’s having to be used a lot in protection.
Somehow, the Falcons have to figure out how to keep defenders out of the backfield. If one of the best offensive weapons on the team - we can add fullback Justin Griffith to the equation – is being used to block in the passing game, that negates some of the potential to move the chains and diversify the offense.
