AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USJ. Williams likely to start
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Though the Falcons have been game planning for the Vikings for about a week, things grew much more focused during practice Wednesday.
Free safety Chris Crocker (bone bruise, knee) was the only player not practice and it is looking more likely that Jimmy Williams will start in Crocker’s place in the season-opener.
Based on coaches’ comments following practice, Williams could be starting on merit. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and head coach Bobby Petrino said they feel Williams has grown into the position after coming into the league last season as a cornerback.
On the issue of growing, Williams said he’s added about 10 pounds and is up to nearly 220. The added size gives him a better chance to deal with the physical rigors of playing safety, Williams said.
If Crocker can’t go, it also affects the Falcons’ nickel package because Crocker was the nickel back - Williams came in at free safety in nickel coverage.
Right cornerback Lewis Sanders could move inside to nickel back and rookie Chris Houston would come in at cornerback. Cornerback Antoine Harris could also be used at nickel back and Sanders could remain at cornerback in the nickel set.
Comments
By Aaron C.
September 5, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Finally?
By D-Man
September 5, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
That secondary still is suffering to a great degree through this make shift defense, I hope their QB doesn’t air it out much or we will be exposed even on D.Hall side.
By Blaze
September 5, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
GO FALCONS Week 1 is a wrap…..WE WILL BEAT MINESOTA!!! The challenge starts Week 2….we’re on the road against a tough run ‘D’. Joey will be forced to air it out. Based on the 1st half sked, we have a great chance to go 4-3 & maybe, just maybe 5-2!!!
IT’S TIME FOR FOOTBALL, GO FALCONS
By Greg from Marietta
September 5, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Bring on the Vikings and the rest of the 2007 Season! I can feel it in my bones that the Falcons are going to fool some people this year. The predictions are dim but I think that they are going to be more successful than most people think. These nay sayers are the same people that said Michigan was the number 5 team in the nation and that Georgia Tech shouldn’t be ranked and look what happened to those predictions. GO FALCONS!!
By Ray
September 5, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
They just BETTER WIN and Dont let them get any big catches in the back field.
Jimmy Williams Bring your A-GAME
By thall
September 5, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
This will be ugly!
By Outlaw_Cat_Fighting
September 5, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
Its about darn time. A coach that gets it.
By Mave2124
September 5, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
Great info. I am curious to see Jimmy Williams coverage skills. He is a great hitter, but we already have one in Lawyer Milloy, we need a guy who can cover for a CB and stop the potential big pass play.
Is Rod Coleman starting or being held out? Who is the last Practice Squad spot going to? Is Snelling still out there or was he picked up by another team?
Is the defense ready for the rook RB of the Vikes? Who else on the Vikes is worth noting as a game breaking player?
By Poor McKay
September 5, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
Any chance Eric Shelton is the reason we cut Snelling? And when do you expect that we add 3rd QB? Is it possible we would go to Minnesota with 2 QBs?
By Jay Black
September 5, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this
They need to pick up Leftwich. He has a strong arm. Jacksonville will soon find out.
By DW
September 5, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this
Falcons announced Snelling is the 8th practice squad player today. I was a bit shocked that he was cut and it’s yet to be determined if he’ll gain some weight to be a potential pass catching fullback or stay leaner as a RB. I’m glad he’s still a Falcon because either Dunn or Norwood could miss games due to injury. We should beat Minn. if we can contain A. Peterson and Williams doesn’t choke at safety. Our passing game should expose their secondary because it may be tough getting running yards against their front 7. I’m really looking forward to Petrino’s play calling too. Finally we have an offensive play-caller.
GO FALCONS.