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Monday, November 12, 2007
Could Leftwich start against Bucs?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Starting quarterback Byron Leftwich in place of Joey Harrington was almost a no-brainer three weeks ago after the Falcons fell to 1-5. What about putting him back in the starting lineup now that Atlanta has won two straight with Harrington at quarterback and sits just two games behind NFC South-leading Tampa Bay, which comes to town Sunday?
Could happen.
Coach Bobby Petrino was non-committal Monday about a possible quarterback change once Leftwich is medically cleared following ankle surgery two weeks ago. Petrino said no decision would be made until Leftwich proves he is physically able to play but the fact that he’s even contemplating Leftwich’s role after two straight wins means there is a chance a change could be made.
Before the winning streak, there was little doubt that Leftwich would be re-inserted once he was able. Leftwich’s arm strength allowed Petrino to call more downfield passes, which, in turn opened up running lanes because linebackers and safeties could crowd the line of scrimmage.
However, the Falcons actually have momentum. Harrington also proved to teammates that he is pretty darn tough. He took some jarring hits vs. Carolina and kept getting up and making plays that needed to be made.
In other developments, there were no medical updates for WR Joe Horn (hamstring) or RB Jerious Norwood (ankle). Petrino said he did not have a full diagnosis but the initial report on rookie tight end Martrez Milner was that his suffered a high left ankle sprain against Carolina.
Also, there are some tickets available to the game vs. Tampa Bay, meaning, if there are unsold seats by 1 p.m. Thursday, the game could be blacked out on local television. That would mark two consecutive home blackouts.
