AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWill the Falcons commit to the run?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons’ rushing attempts have dipped from 28 to 25 to 19, respectively, in their three season-opening losses. Heading into Sunday’s game with the Texans, that trend could change.
There seems to be an emphasis on committing to the run. So far, the Falcons have rarely called three running plays in a row, in large part, because things haven’t worked.
Offensive tackle Wayne Gandy told me this week that the running backs are still transitioning from the zone run scheme, where they ran to an area, picked a seam and cut, to the more traditional scheme, where they need to be patient and let a pulling guard engage his man or allow the lineman to establish leverage against his opponent.
There also seems to be signs that Jerious Norwood could be more involved in the running game. Norwood has just 20 carries in six catches in three games. That’s hardly enough to get into any type of rhythm.
Linemen are chomping for coach Bobby Petrino to give them a heavy dose of run plays. Some of them feel they’ve been able to control the line of scrimmage in the ground game but the team has gotten itself into too many bad down and distance situations to establish any type of consistency.
Comments
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By This Gets Old
September 28, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
Well you’re not going to win throwing 44 times (vs. Carolina) but you’re also not likely to win without your defense turning the ball over. Once so far this year. Not having to account for the possibility of a QB bootleg and with little speed in the backfield teams can just jam the middle.
However you’re not going to win without STOPPING the run and I don’t see how they’ll do that without Coleman and Babineaux this week. I didn’t think we’d have a good year but I certainly didn’t think it’d be this much of a disaster.
By **billy g**
September 28, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
Some of them feel they’ve been able to control the line of scrimmage in the ground game but the team has gotten itself into too many bad down and distance situations to establish any type of consistency.
I have yet to see our OL gain control of the LOS. I hope that I am missing something.
By BOBO
September 28, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
BLA BLA BLA
By sonny
September 28, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
We need to get the ground game going because Joey Harrington is going to need all the help he can get. He is doing a fine job moving the ball, but when we get to the red zone we have to find a power running game. Our defense will also benefit from a solid run game. The defense looks real good… when they are on the sideline.
By Ryder
September 28, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
It may be the only way to prevent the Falcons’ defense from getting ran over. Ahman Green may not play but instead Samkon Gado….whoops! Looks like the pass may still be the only way to go.
By SC
September 28, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
Steve, they’ve got to be kidding you - if the OL is controlling the line of scrimmage, how come I see so many Falcons linemen standing around by themselves at the end of almost every running play? *The line does need more game experience with the new run scheme . I don’t know about you Steve, but the most successful running plays that I have seen are those in which Jerious hits the hole in the blink of an eye. The Birds have had a tough time running inside when Blalock goes up against a stout DT. He stands up too much. He hesitates. He’s a rookie. We have to give him time, but we don’t have to expect gaping holes up the middle. Hey, even Forney screwed up by hesitating on the right-side screen to Norwood in the first half.
By ATLfan
September 28, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
Give Norwood more carries! I need it for my fantasy football team.
By Gandalf, the White
September 28, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
Seems to me Mr. Schaub will roll into town and give the Home team an A$$ whoomping, just for spite. I am all about them Falcons, BUT, getting rid of Schaubaldelic, well, time will tell. It’s Brett Favre all over again. Think old Mr. Blanks would sell the team? PLEASE consider it, and get rid of McKay as well while your cleaning house. FINALLY WE HAVE A COACH!
By SC
September 28, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this
Steve, they’ve got to be kidding you - if the OL is controlling the line of scrimmage, how come I see so many Falcons linemen standing around by themselves at the end of almost every running play? *The line does need more game experience with the new run scheme . I don’t know about you Steve, but the most successful running plays that I have seen are those in which Jerious hits the hole in the blink of an eye. The Birds have had a tough time running inside when Blalock goes up against a stout DT. He stands up too much. He hesitates. He’s a rookie. We have to give him time, but we don’t have to expect gaping holes up the middle. Hey, even Forney screwed up by hesitating on the right-side screen to Norwood in the first half.
By morris
September 28, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
If we continue running dunn up the middle for one yard gains then I say forget the running game all together. I’m a fan of smash mouth football but if you ain’t got the horses to pull it off then whats the use. If petrino’s smart he will give norwood the majority of the carries to see if he is the answer because dunn doesn’t have it anymore. Otherwise just throw the heck out of the ball.
By Capt Caveman
September 28, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this
I just didnt want Steve to think that nobody wanted to post on his blog. Here’s one for ya bud!!
By JB Stoner
September 28, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
Since the day Petrino donned a Falcons cap he’s shown the offensive savvy of Marion Campbell. Can’t run, can’t throw, and can’t hide!
Did Marion ever remind Y’all, (as he stood on the sideline), of Uncle Varcel about to throw another squirrel on the grill? He looked like a short-order cook at the Blue Star Tavern…
Anyway, how many games is it gonna take for Petrino to ACTUALLY make Norwood a substantial part of the offense? He promise after every loss, then pulls a Richard Nixon on Sunday…
By Navigator
September 28, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
Forget it folks, this Houston team is for real. The bumbling Falcons will take another hit. Get the new quarterback ready fast, the starter isn’t going to be there long.
By Thomas Cianfrogna
September 28, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
Part of the problem is the situations the Falcons are in late in the games they have played. However, especially during the Carolina game, they committed to the pass fairly early. Why?? The running game hasn’t been able to open up the passing game, so the opposite is the way it is working…Plain and simple.
By mountain_jim
September 28, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
“Linemen are chomping for coach Bobby Petrino to give them a heavy dose of run plays. Some of them feel they’ve been able to control the line of scrimmage in the ground game”
Whoever said this must be smoking some of what.. well never mind…
When a RB hits the line, he is smacked backward with a hit starting a yard behind the line of scrimmage in almost every running play so far this year.
By Olde Faithful
September 28, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
Falcons 35 Texans 18
By stendec
September 28, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
If we continue running dunn up the middle for one yard gains then I say forget the running game all together. I’m a fan of smash mouth football but if you ain’t got the horses to pull it off then whats the use. If petrino’s smart he will give norwood the majority of the carries to see if he is the answer because dunn doesn’t have it anymore. Otherwise just throw the heck out of the ball.
This makes tremendous sense. If gains are going to be one or two yards per pop forget the ground attack. Let Harrington, or whoever, throw, throw, then throw some more. Wins are the main objective. Wins come with points. There are no morale victories in the NFL. Only winners AND losers!
By johnb
September 29, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this
The running game will improve because we already faced TWO of the best Run D’s the first 2 weeks, Vikings and Jags. I know Houston has Mario Williams and all, but compared to MIN JAX they are weaker up front. Our ground game should get better! Look for Jerious to break one, it will happen!!
By BRIAN HUNT
September 29, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
More variety in the type of running plays called might help. They are running a lot of draw plays and traps that are not being blocked well. Let’s see some drive blocking with our $3 million a year FB leading the way. The linemen will feel better about being able to hit the guy across from them rather than having to “catch” their opponents.
By lgd
September 29, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Petrino knew he didnt have a power runner for hes power running game.I thank that was slated for next years draft.Vicks yardage in the running game was why we lead the league in rushing the last three years and im sure he was counting on vicks yards to make due this year.
By Mark
September 29, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
The falcoons suck. Can’t wait to see Shaub, a real QB, burn the def backs. GO TEXANS!!
By Roddy White
September 29, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
I think Harrington should just throw the ball to me… i’m the feature receiver of this team and after my performance last week i think we have more than a chance to beat Houston, after all we playing the Texans????? hahahaha are you serious Game prediction: atl 33 hou 10
By Singletary
September 30, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this
Am I not seeing what everyone else is seeing? I think Dunn is hitting the line extremely fast — faster than he did under Mora — so much so that I can’t believe he’s been in the NFL so long.
That being said, Jerious rocks.. and needs more holes. Finally, Petrino loves the big back. Where’s our former Raven? He’s had, what, one major carry? Teams don’t establish a run game without the TJ Duckett style pile driver who can get it in, no matter what, in the Red Zone.
By Atlwine
September 30, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
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