AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 29
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Do the Falcons miss Duckett?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sorry folks, this is going to be short and sweet. I’m swamped. A lot of stuff is going on today, plus I’m collecting a lot of info for the weekend papers. Most importantly, I’ve got to do an interview with T. J. Duckett.
Which brings me to an interesting point.
The Falcons have seven rushing touchdowns this season. Last season at this point, Duckett alone had six. Overall, Atlanta had 13 running TDs after 11 games.
The lack of having that sledgehammer of a running back, like Duckett, is allowing opponents to use fewer down linemen in goal line situations and stack linebackers and defensive backs a few yards off the line of scrimmage to pursue outside runs and cover receivers.
The Falcons will say that there is no need for a huge back to move the pile and that if the line blocks, Warrick Dunn, Jerious Norwood or whomever can get into the end zone on the ground. Based on the numbers, though, having a battering ram seems to be more advantageous.
