AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 23
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Anderson slow out the gate
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Falcons first-round draft pick Jamaal Anderson was selected to generate pass pressure and garner sacks. After seven games, he’s posted the big donut in terms of taking the quarterback down. He’s been solid against the run, which is what teams want from their left defensive end, but that’s not all they want if they’re going to spend the No. 8 overall pick on him.
Coaches said they’ve been pleased with Anderson’s progress and the sacks will come. He’s been the one getting most of the double teams to that side because defensive tackle Rod Coleman has been out with a knee injury for most of the season and not been close to his best since he returned two weeks ago.
The learning curve for rookie defensive ends clearly is steep. Mario Williams, the No. 1 overall pick by Houston last season, is a prime example. He took him a year to get going.
Five defensive ends were selected in the first round this April. Only three - Gaines Adams, Anthony Spencer and Jarvis Moss - have a sack. None has more than one. Adam Carriker was moved from DE to nose tackle by the Rams and he doesn’t have a sack.
Anderson still has nine games to make progress. At some point he’s got to start having more of an impact but based on the overall development of rookie ends he’s about on track.
