AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 09
Thursday, November 9, 2006
Secondary stretched thin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons lost cornerback Jason Webster for at least a month because of a torn groin muscle. Webster is the second of Atlanta’s top five defensive backs to be lost this week.
Safety/nickel back Kevin Mathis is out for the season after fracturing his neck on the opening kickoff of Sunday’s 30-14 loss to Detroit.
Jimmy Williams will start in Webster’s place.
Webster is probably the Falcons’ most criticized defensive player, with his coverage skills the reason why he’s come under attack. Williams, who the Falcons drafted in the second round to one day take over for Webster is now on the spot.
Though some may view Webster’s loss as no big deal, losing him and Mathis at once puts a great drain on Atlanta’s depth and puts some players on the field that might or might not help the vulnerable secondary. For all of Webster’s perceived shortcomings, Williams could not unseat him.
Williams was set to have been weaned into things by taking over for Mathis at nickel back but now, as teammate DeAngelo Hall put it, the talking is through and it’s show time.
Allen Rossum will take over at nickel back, something the team ideally does not want to do because it increases the probability of injury to its big-time kickoff and punt returner.
