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Monday, July 16, 2007
Sizing up position battles on defense
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With training camp starting July 26, let’s look at some position battles. Next Monday, we’ll look at competition on offense. Once camp starts, I’ll be blogging just about every day, so we’ll have some fresh stuff to deal with. I’ll try to check in on these blogs as much as I can to address any questions you might have.
DE. Jamaal Anderson vs. Chauncey Davis. The Falcons didn’t draft Anderson No. 8 overall for him to come off the bench. At the same time, they are going to put the best player on the field and if Anderson isn’t ready to start the season, don’t be shocked if Davis starts and Anderson is weaned into the job, initially as a pass-rusher.
Backup NT. Darrell Shropshire vs. Tommy Jackson vs. Trey Lewis. The main backup is going to have to take a lot of snaps and Jackson emerged over Shropshire late last season. Lewis is trying to make a big leap from small college ball to the pros. Shropshire’s ability to slide to the opposite tackle works in his favor.
Backup MLB. Jordan Beck vs. Tony Taylor. This might seem like somewhat of a surprise since Beck has shown flashes of being ready to play a lot. However, the coaching staff was very impressed during offseason workouts with Taylor, who could slide outside in a pinch. Don’t forget, Taylor’s position coach, Brian VanGorder, also had him at Georgia.
Backup WLB. Orlando Huff vs. Stephen Nicholas. The acquisition of Huff, who’s started plenty of games in the NFL, was a sign that Nicholas’s inexperience is a concern, as is the durability of starter Demorrio Williams’ (torn pectoral muscle).
FS. Chris Crocker vs. Jimmy Williams. Williams might be the future but Crocker is not going to give his position away. Though Crocker was susceptible to the deep ball last season that is a fixable flaw. Williams, who is incredibly gifted and very physical in the running game, is still learning the position. This could be the top battle during the preseason.
RCB. Lewis Sanders vs. Chris Houston. Houston will eventually be the starter. It’s just a matter of when. Sanders is a steady player and he gives the Falcons more depth at the position than they’ve had.
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