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Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Norwood iffy, focus on the run not
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons resumed practice Wednesday focused on running the ball and stopping the run.
With either an injured David Carr, Vinny Testaverde or rookie Matt Moore at quarterback, the Falcons expect Carolina to do everything in its power to establish a running game.
Safety Lawyer Milloy said Atlanta won’t get hammered on the ground like it did in the teams’ first meeting this season, when Carolina ran for 175 yards in a 27-20 victory. And there won’t be a repeat of last season, when the Panthers threw just seven times and were able to run for 183 yards in a 10-3 victory the second time the teams’ faced off.
Offensively, tailback Jerious Norwood (sprained right ankle) did not practice but he said he would be able to play Sunday. Coach Bobby Petrino said if Norwood plays it won’t be in a limited capacity, meaning, Norwood would only see the field if he can do what he does well. If Norwood is out, bruiser Artose Pinner would backup starter Warrick Dunn.
The running game could get a boost with the return of tackle Todd Weiner, who missed the past three games after having arthroscopic left knee surgery. Weiner will play Sunday but where has not been determined.
Tyson Clabo has played well in Weiner’s spot at right tackle. Quinn Ojinnaka also had a good game at left tackle vs. San Francisco in his first NFL start, but the coaching staff might feel that Panthers’ end Mike Rucker is a tall order for Ojinnaka. Weiner said he’s played both tackle spots and would have no problem moving to left tackle.
In other injury news, tight end Alge Crumpler took part in portions of practice and he could be back. QB Byron Leftwich was in more discomfort than anticipated after a pretty tough workout Monday, according to Petrino, so his return probably won’t be for at least another week.
