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Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Falcons keeping receivers intact
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By extending the contract of wide receiver Michael Jenkins, the Falcons have a chance to keep their passing game intact for years to come.
With Jenkins secure for four more years, along with Roddy White and Harry Douglas, the Falcons have a solid triple-threat receiving corps for the foreseeable future.
White is already first in line for next year’s extension. White has a base salary of $805,000 this year and $780,000 next year. He would be eligible to become a free agent in 2010, but these two moves - DT Jonathan Babineaux was also extended — show that the Falcons plan to “lock down” players who fit THE PROCESS.
After what should be two 1,000-yard seasons, White certainly fits.
Jenkins is finally being used correctly as a vertical receiver and he’s blocking like Hines Ward. He should turn in his second consecutive 50-catch season. He’s also doing enough on his side of the field to keep White for seeing unadulterated double-teams.
With quarterback Matt Ryan, Jenkins and Douglas on board, the Falcons have a chance to develop some cohesiveness in the passing game. White has earned a new deal and one should be forthcoming. They don’t want him to hit the free agent market. Knowing that they’ll be together, Ryan and the top three receivers can work on their timing, route running and route adjustments over the offseason.
They are doing great for being together basically since last April. They will only get in more sync over time and have a shot at becoming one of the league’s top passing attacks.
Brian Finneran is also doing a great job this year and has to be a Comeback Player of the Year candidate. Wide receiver Laurent Robinson is also a talent, but can’t seem to stay healthy. Eric Weems has pro moves and quickness, too.
Also, Babineaux has been toiling away inside at defensive tackle this season. He’s been a downright disruptive force at times. The team must like his upside and think he can get even better.
So do you like the Falcons trying to keep in the receiving corps together? Should the Jenkins and White duo —- with HDTV in the slot — strike fear into the rest of the NFC South? Should Ryan and the receivers do like Peyton Manning and his receivers and hook up over the offseason to precision tune their routes?
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