AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 05
Monday, November 5, 2007
The Predator’s on the loose
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Flowery Branch — The Falcons beat a bad San Francisco team Sunday but the caliber of the foe doesn’t matter much after losing six of the first seven and a victory is crucial.
Several players stepped up, particularly on defense, but the biggest difference maker was end John Abraham. Abe had a sack and a forced fumble and he seemed to take up residence in San Francisco’s backfield.
He could have just been warming up because he’s getting ready to play against the team he’s wreaked the most havoc against over the past two seasons, Carolina. In two of Atlanta’s past three games vs. the Panthers, he has four sacks and two forced fumbles. This week, his prey will be QB David Carr, who was sacked seven times in a loss to Tennessee Sunday.
The Predator has six sacks this season and we’re starting to see how good he can be if he stays healthy. If tackle Rod Coleman can get anywhere near where he’s capable of playing and if rookie Jamaal Anderson figures things out any time soon, Abe’s presence could allow other people opportunities to ring up some sacks or pressures.
There was no update about tailback Jerious Norwood’s right ankle injury from coach Bobby Petrino Monday. Norwood did not need crutches or any other type of support after the game but he did limp gingerly.
In other injury news, RT Todd Weiner (knee surgery) return for Sunday’s game at Carolina. He was active against the 49ers but he did not play. He could replace Tyson Clabo and Clabo could serve as the swing tackle to Clabo could be moved to left tackle, although Quinn Ojinnaka performed fairly well, Petrino said.
The returns of quarterback Byron Leftwich (ankle) and tight end Alge Crumpler (knee/ankle) could be soon, but maybe not this week.
