Falcons

By mountain jim

September 11, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Not only should Norwood not be covering kickoffs, both him and Turner should have been on the bench the last drive of last week’s game, with Snelling getting mop-up duty. Skinny-legs Norwood is too valuable on offense and too susceptable to injury in past seasons to risk him like this. imho.

By leftcoastfan

September 11, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

I like Norwood, the guy is tough, fast, and doesnt drop the ball. steelers rookie rashad mendenhall had four fumbles in the preseason. looks like he went to the tiki barber school of fumbling.

the birds look fit, the d hustles to the ball. no outspoken displays of selfishness, a team concept, and a QB that is very efficient.

birds go 9-7. nfc is falling apart this year, seattle is down, philly will falter, green bay, will be average.

there’s new sheriff in town. his name is THE ICEMAN aka Matty ICE.

hehehehehhehehehehehehhe

By Maxx

September 11, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Norwood is going to get hurt if he keeps covering kicks and having to make tackles. He is much more valuable on offense, especially with our lack of depth at running back with Thomas Brown on IR. Returning kicks is one thing, covering them is another

By Tron5000

September 11, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

I expect Norwood to help the team a lot this year (at least they have him on the field more than twice a game), but I’m not sure if the kick coverage unit is a great idea. He’ll already take his lumps returning kicks, and I’d like for his legs to be as fresh as possible when they put him in at RB.

But I’m not paid to make those kids of decisions, and so far I like Mike Smith a lot. If he thinks he needs 32 on the field during kickoffs, then I’m not going to question the guy. Just keep my boy healthy.

By Token Gringo

September 11, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

With the way this Tampa team has dominated the line of scrimmage against the Falcons, this one will be tough. Stuff the run and make that other qb we used to have throw it, which means we would get slaughtered. Ryan is going to have to make some throws this week under duress and disguised coverages to keep Tampa honest.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

September 11, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

I agree with the previouos bloggers that Norwood is too valuable to us on offense to have him covering kicks. With his penchant for getting injured we need to keep him doing only what he does well for us and that’s running the rock on offense. I applaud his willingness to do whatever this good coaching staff ask him to do, but we may be stretching him a little thin. I put my faith into believing this staff knows what its doing, but the risks outwiegh the rewards as far as having Norowood covering kicks. Hopefully it all works out and the Birds kick the Tampa Bay Yuc’s butts this weekend!

GO FALCONS!!!

By Rock

September 11, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

I think that teaching Norwood to make open field tackles is a brilliant stroke. It may help him be more aggressive as a runner and thereby avoid injury (i.e., better to hit than be hit.) It also will toughen him up and that may help his overall durability.

Having said that, I won’t mind if the coaches use JR more sparingly on KOs as the season progresses and the running backs accumulate more and more of the aches and pains that naturally occur with that position.

By Ken Strickland

September 11, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

I believe our OFF will present Tampa’s DEF with more challenges than their OFF will present to our DEF. The Saints presented a lot of challenges to their DEF without the benefit of a strong rushing attack. To stop our rushing attack, they will have to make a bigger player committment. That should open up our passing attack and make it as effective against them as New Orleans’ passing attack was.

If our DEF and special teams hold up, we will win this gm. The blocking scheme and overall OFF system we’re using is allowing our OL to take full advantage of their talents. Imagine what next yr will be like with a yr to develop chemistry and master the system. Add another excellent draft and FA signings to shore up our weaknesses, and we could easily develop into NFC power.

By Henry

September 11, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

I trust the Coaching Staff to do what is best for this team. If they see the value of Norwood on the special team and decide that the value he brings to that unit is worth the risk so be it. It is the same as New Orleans using Bush on special team. It is funny that he was hardly on the field under the previous Coaches and now this coach has decided to utilize his talent to the fullest, and everyone thinks it is not wise to do so. It is good that Mike Smith is the coach.

By destin

September 11, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

I can’t wait to see what offensive game plan Smith & Co. come up with! Every defense has it’s strengths and vulnerabilities. Can our coaching staff and players meet the challenge of neutralizing what they do best and exploit their weaknesses? Can our line give Ryan time to throw?

By Maniac is accurate

September 11, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Jackson, meet Jerious. You’re down!

Birds win, 28-17.

By BirdBob

September 11, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

I don’t think that Norwood should be on punt or kickoff coverage teams. He is too valuable on offense, and has a history of getting nicked up.

I know that Norwood is a team player, and will do everything they asked him do. But please take Norwood off of punt and kickoff coverage teams!!!

By Rob377

September 11, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

I agree Norwood is very valuable on offense.But the ability to get to Jackson fast and pin their offense deep would also be very valuable.Especially in a close game.Plus I have a lot of confidence that Snelling could handle a few carries.If you’ve got a weapon you’ve got to use it.

By Singletary

September 11, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Save Norwood for sustained offense. Find some high pain-tolerance maniac (remember Tim Dwight?) that will “channel” his inner Devin Hester/Josh Cribbs for returns.

In fact, I’m ready to assign Norwood Secret Service protection: If the Palins are Denali & Driller, then our offensive backfield can be Burner, Ice and Javelin.

By jamaal

September 11, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Great win last week! I was shocked at how good we played! Ryan is going to have to make some plays. The Bucs used to be my boys Vick’s nemesis, hopefully we can overcome this year!

By phar71

September 11, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

I do agree with the Falcons having him on the Kickoff team. Most of our kickoffs were going towards the opposite side of the Dome that I sit in, so I got to watch him from behind, and he creates many problems by getting there so fast. As important as he is to the O, please remember that for us to shock people this year we will have to be outstanding in special teams.

By chris

September 11, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

If you take a look at how the Patriots field their special teams, you will see starting offensive and defensive players covering and returning kicks. I’m a firm believer in putting your best 11 players on the field. If you are afraid to put a player in for fear that he might get hurt, you are handicapping your team. If a guy has a tendency of getting hurt, cut him lose and move on (Tim Dwight anyone?).

By DC

September 11, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

The Falcons still have a lot to prove, we should be going balls out every down until the final whistle sounds. If that means putting your most talented players on the field throughout the game in any situation, we have to do it, remember, we have to be thinking about winning every game, and winning BIG in order to EVENTUALLY get back in the NFC South race. Who cares about risking injury?? We have to gain some respect first. In this case with Jerious, he’s the type of player you want on the field every down, he’s a dangerous weapon on offense and more recently special teams.

By punkin

September 11, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Jamaal everything was going good until Quote(how old are you) you typed Vick’s name who cares this is a new year and new season that is the past Find Jesus and ask for forgiveness everyone speaken there opinon until JAMAAL want to start _hit do you work for PETA! GROW UP MAN _AM!

By SirReal

September 11, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I dont think letting Norwood cover kickoffs is a good idea at all. One wrong move and we’ve lost the lightning package of our run offense. Not good when they guy catches out of the backfield and has big pplay potential EVERY time he touches the ball. I understand the new coaching staff is trying to deploy the best possible people but I think they’ll eventually rethink having him there. As far as Adam Jennings….I need to see him return the ball for ten yards before I start thinking TDs. He’s no Allen Rossum in his prime…

By littlebird

September 11, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

This dude needs to play!!! He has to be on the field to contribute and even he knows the risk—but every play every down is a risk to all … that’s just a chance they take playing this game. The more he plays, likely the better he will be … tougher in the long haul. Coach, do whatever it takes to win … I love your staff and the way this team has become a TEAM!! Keep it up guys and you may just make a lot of predictions look ridiculous!!!

By Paddy

September 11, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Norwood returning kicks and punts on special teams seems like a good idea. Punt coverage and kick off coverage….you are going to have to give me more time on that one. Gut feeling says no or very limited in a crucial game situation that alot is riding on the outcome of that sequence.

By Earl

September 11, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

I am all for using a threat like Norwood to return kickoffs, but I am afraid that somebody on another special team is going to blind side him big time, hoping to keep him off the field on offense. Special teams did look pretty good though. I have to say I am impressed with the attitude that is being shown, aggressiveness and overall team discipline thus far. I am very satisfied with where this team seems to be right now.

I am like most others in that I have confidence in the coaching staff and they know the risks versus rewards in using Norwood too much..

Gooooooo Falcons

By ray

September 11, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Why not….

By Dmac

September 11, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if he needs to be covering kickoffs, but returning kicks is something he is special at. I believe he has Lateral moves like Barry Sanders. One on one Norwood will win that battle everytime..You have to get him touches period…Get your playmakers the ball. Other staffs never figured it out.

By Mixxo

September 11, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

I’m a little “iffy” on using Norwood on coverage teams. Like Earl said, he’d be a target for the opposition, knowing how valuable he is to us on offense.

What a great tandem in he and Turner too. Great attitudes also. Barring injury, I believe they’ll continue to push and support each other which can only lead to good things for the team.

I know it’s only one game but, really liking what I see so far in this football team. Keep it going men!

By Skeptic Tank

September 11, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

I just hope that all the fans who are jumping on the Falcons and Mike Smith bandwagon after one victory will still be around when this team gets knocked around in the coming weeks. Even if we end up 5-11 or 4-12, this team is a helluva lot better than the 2007 squad. So don’t start whining about Ryan or Smith when things start to unravel. This bandwagon has a bright future ahead of it. You gotta BELIEVE!

By saint

September 11, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Kickoff returns: OK Special Teams: No. Headhunters abound. After Turners wears the D down, it will be easier for Norwood to break free, that should be his slot.

By CA

September 11, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Hey All, Earl: I in the most part agree. No D Coverage on ST.

I believe that Norwood is our Kick Off Return Guy Only. The way I see it, that it is a bit like breaking some tackles and then facing a Safety. which is usually a side tackle anyway. Norwood is a BAD @$$ He can handle it as well as anybody else ‘cept maybe for Dunn. hehe

This weekend is going to be an all out WAR. TB coming off a Div Loss and and this is their Home Opener. You just Know that Chuckie Gruden is planning some Nasty Suprises for Our Birds of Prey.

No Doubt Smitty is gearing up for this Bloody Battle. The Bucs are wanting to lay the wood to Ryan, and just yellow rain all over us.

Dahl and T Rex will be the difference.

Talk about a Gut Check!

I just hope no players on either side get Injured.

^5

By CA

September 11, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Just a couple other thoughts.

Yes Tampa has Man Handled our O Line, but that is in the past, just hope the camera crew keeps Dahl and Clabo in our view (not the refs :D))

But here is the Best Part.

The Chargers sparingly used Turner just like all of the previous Falcons have done with Norwood.

These guys combine for 7 or 8 years of limited play and Physically Mature for the NFL.

We have good Coaches, and it will take several games to tone this Tandem down to a fine Science, and when they do the Entire NFL will follow suit.

Who knows what it will be called.

Any ideas?

By This Gets Old

September 11, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

“and winning BIG in order to EVENTUALLY get back in the NFC South race. Who cares about risking injury??”

This isn’t a team that can win the NFC South right now. Don’t think that teams won’t target certain players. The game is a lot more violent than we see.

Is there value in knocking Norwood out of the game? If so you don’t have to be dirty to knock a player out. Norwood is capable of starting. If he’s out of the game then Snelling isn’t going to carry the same load as Norwood. Turner will get more carries. Not as fresh? Maybe not as effective.

You need Norwood not for just this season. Two years from now, after the third draft of the current regime the Falcons could be a legitimate contender for a playoff spot. If you lose a Norwood now then you’re going to have to find another one later. Too valuable to lose now.

By Clutcher

September 11, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

What? Adam Jennings is doing much better on punt returns? WTF is Mr. Ledbetter smoking? Jennings averaged 3 yards last week and nearly gave up a TD on a stupid play. Mr. Ledbetter, please send me some of your weed so I can have it analyzed.

By Calvin G. Sims, Sr.

September 11, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

I hear all the talk about not playing Norwood on Special Teams, and I agree with the assessment that he is kinda fragile. But I don’t believe in protecting players. Injuries are a part of the game. You can’t keep a professional football player off the field because you think he might get hurt.

If the score is outrageous and you are in the 4th quarter, that’s one thing, but all things being equal, you should always have your best, most talented players on the field. Injuries can happen to the other guys just as they can happen to us. They are a part of the game. Let’s just play football.

Go Jerious, Go Falcons!!!

By The Dean 21

September 11, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

They are paid to process their players and use them in situations they feel warranted. I think Norwood will be fine. In his interview on Falcons.com, he smiled when asked about being on special teams…seems that this quick fast running back enjoys putting a hit on folks as well.

The Falcons must use this game as a game to gain their respect back. Forget about the Lions game, this is a game to make a statement that we will not be Tampa Bay’s whipping boy any longer! I hope its smash mouth from beginning to end! I will be glued to the large screen on every down! Finally, a blog about football only…..keep it going ladies & gents…GOOOOOO FALCONS!!!

About the Falcons band wagon, it pulled up at the dome last Sunday and will be leaving toward Tampa Saturday….jump off or stay on people…..make up your minds, because it cannot be a weekly thing!

By T to the D

September 11, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

I agree with those that say he’s too important to have on kickoff’s…Dudes’ fast, but with skinny thighs its possible to hit his left leg and break his right.

By MATTY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

September 11, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

MATTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By SHOTYME

September 11, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

The game is called football, and injuries are a part of the game.If norwood is successful at covering punts and kick offs, then let him do it, it could only help the team win games, and isn’t that the main goal.Norwood keep up the good work.

By The Dean 21

September 11, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Don’t know what happened to first part of my post.

Let the Falcons Coaches make this call. They are paid to process their players and use them in situations they feel warranted. I think Norwood will be fine. In his interview on Falcons.com, he smiled when asked about being on special teams…seems that this quick fast running back enjoys putting a hit on folks as well.

The Falcons must use this game as a game to gain their respect back. Forget about the Lions game, this is a game to make a statement that we will not be Tampa Bay’s whipping boy any longer! I hope its smash mouth from beginning to end! I will be glued to the large screen on every down! Finally, a blog about football only…. keep it going ladies & gents…GOOOOOO FALCONS!!!

About the Falcons band wagon, it pulled up at the dome last Sunday and will be leaving toward Tampa Saturday….jump off or stay on people…..make up your minds, because it cannot be a weekly thing!

By The Dean 21

September 11, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Don’t know what happened to first part of my post.

Let the Falcons Coaches make this call. They are paid to process their players and use them in situations they feel warranted. I think Norwood will be fine. In his interview on Falcons.com, he smiled when asked about being on special teams…seems that this quick fast running back enjoys putting a hit on folks as well.

The Falcons must use this game as a game to gain their respect back. Forget about the Lions game, this is a game to make a statement that we will not be Tampa Bay’s whipping boy any longer! I hope its smash mouth from beginning to end! I will be glued to the large screen on every down! Finally, a blog about football only…. keep it going ladies & gents…GOOOOOO FALCONS!!!

About the Falcons band wagon, it pulled up at the dome last Sunday and will be leaving toward Tampa Saturday….jump off or stay on people…..make up your minds, because it cannot be a weekly thing!

By Professor

September 11, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

Check out this review on NFL.com:
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80abb172

They really give Matt Ryan a lot of praise for a rookie. I hope he turns out alright cause lord knows he has a lot of pressure from the Vick lovers. They already have him labeled as a bust. I like Matt Ryan. I like Mike Vick. I LOVE the Falcons. Nuff said.

By FJR

September 11, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

How often do you see gunners get injured on special teams? Seriously? It’s one of the hardest positions in football to get injured on because you are running so fast forward. You get injured by getting hit awkwardly from the side and then landing in a pile, like running backs tend to get hit, not head on collisions. As long as he doesn’t put his head down, there is virtually no way he gets injured covering kicks.

He gets don the field like 5 yards before anybody else and totally throws off a team’s return scheme. He probably costs the opposition an average of 5 yards on every kick return. Think about that and how much it amounts to over the course of a game.

By KingBeaverCleaverVIII

September 11, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

It always worries me to see a standout position player on special teams. Gives the other team an easy opportunity to deliberately end a player’s day, year, or career. It’s amazing somebody didn’t permanently clean Deion’s clock when he returned punts. I expected it with each return.

By Joel Foreman

September 11, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Norwood seems suspect as posssibly being a frequently injured player as well as a speedster! That being said, it’s “VERY SCARY” seeing himm out there on special teams!!!!!!!!!!!!

By AceSupreme

September 11, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

At first I was against Norwood returning kickoffs but Adam Jennings sucks and seeing as how Thomas Brown got hurt and Turner is Burnin, I think Norwood should return punts too. He’s young and from the country, I doubt he’ll get tired. And they’ll stop Dexter Jackson. Nooo Problemo.

By saint

September 11, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Thanks Professor for the video link on Matt Ryans’ touchdown pass and the NFL analysis of the play….those who have not viewed it, should.

By KingBeaverCleaverVIII

September 11, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

nice vid professor, thanks

By DJ D-Dubb

September 12, 2008 3:27 AM | Link to this

Atlanta Falcon Born. Atlanta Falcon Bred. Win or Lose……I’m an Atlanta Falcon til I’m Dead!!!! Falcon 4-Life!!!

By Bo Bo

September 12, 2008 3:36 AM | Link to this

Please Help!!!! I need Help!!! There are too many People jumping on the Wagon and my Stick just BROKE!!!!!

By Barry

September 12, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

Get Norwood off the kick-off team!! Teams will try to block him on the knees and that’s it for his running the ball with speed for a long time. If it happens I will blame the coaches and the organization for such a dumb move. I know they have other capable players with speed who can tackle and cover kick-offs. Use him on returns and offense ONLY!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

            "ONE  HEARTBEAT!!"

GO FALCONS!!!

Ringold