AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 10
Friday, November 10, 2006
Injuries may impact offense’s strategy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rookie cornerback Jimmy Williams (ankle) returned to practice Friday and appears set to enter the starting lineup Sunday against Cleveland opposite DeAngelo Hall.
Hall missed his second straight practice with a sore hamstring, but unless he slips on an ice patch, Hall will start. He was held out for precautionary reasons, especially in light of the wave of injuries that have ransacked Atlanta’s secondary this week.
What could be the best strategy for a banged-up defense that is struggling against the pass is for the Falcons to return to what they do best, and that’s run the ball on offense.
Cleveland has one of the worst run defenses in the league and Atlanta should be able to establish some lengthy, clock-munching drives, which would limit the defense’s time on the field. That was the case early in the season when the fresh-legged defense allowed just one touchdown over the first four games.
Tailback Warrick Dunn, who likely won’t have Jerious Norwood (knee) to relieve him, should be up to carrying a heavy load since he had just 11 carries and three catches last week.
The Falcons have done a good job pacing Dunn this season and though he might want to get his hands on the ball more often, he should be more suited to endure the stretch run than last season, when a nagging hamstring injury limited him over the final five games.
