DEL.ICIO.USFalcons tackle Baker excused from film sessions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Monday, September 22, 2008
Flowery Branch — Falcons tackle Sam Baker, who left Sunday’s game with what the team called flu-like symptons, was excused from Monday’s film study sessions.
“We kept him at home today,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said.
Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com
John Abraham wrapped up Chiefs quarterback Tyler Thigpen on his first offensive play of the game for a 7-yard loss. The Falcons’ defensive end has six sacks on the season.
Baker has not finished the last two games. He left the Tampa Bay game after suffering a concussion after he hit his head on a player’s knee while trying to execute a cut block.
Baker started against the Chiefs on Sunday, but did not return at halftime.
Smith did not know if Baker’s flu-like symptons, which included nausea and dizziness, were unrelated to the original concussion injury.
“That I do not know,” Smith said. “All I know is that he’s not feeling well and we kept him at home.”
Also, wide receiver Laurent Robinson injured his left knee against Kansas City.
“I know that right now they are calling it a knee sprain,” Smith said. “But we will be able to give you a lot more information on Wednesday.”
Receiving tight end
The Falcons have lined up tackle Todd Weiner at tight end is some double tight end formations for an extra blocking push.
“It’s not much different as far as technique and that kind of stuff,” Weiner said. “But it’s a little different in that you can’t hear the signal or snap count as well because you’re a little bit further away from the ball. I talked to the tight ends about that and they said, that’s just something that you can get used to.”
Weiner and Smith would not say if the Falcons have a few pass routes for him.
“You know what, that hasn’t been the focus of our game plans, trying to get Todd the ball through the air,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “He’s done a good job for us when he’s come in at tight end. He’s blocked really well.”
Abraham healthy
Defensive end John Abraham has a history for groin injuries and suffered one in his first season with the Falcons in 2006. But he’s been healthy since, playing in every game last season and is off to a fast start this season with six sacks.
“I’m feeling good,” Abraham said. “[Defensive line coach] Ray [Hamilton] is doing a good job of resting me. I want to play every play, but Ray is like, ‘John calm down, relax. We’ll get you in when we need you.’ “
Flyin’ Falcon
The Falcons are looking for a nickname for their formation when Jerious Norwood goes to quarterback in the shotgun formation.
Arkansas popularized the ploy of putting running back Darren McFadden at quarterback and running some plays. Miami used it to help it defeat New England on Sunday.
Arkansas called their formation the Wild Hog.
“We don’t have anything like the Wild Hog or anything like that,” Ryan said. “We just kind of have the personnel grouping where he goes in. We need something cool.”
Norwood hasn’t asked Ryan for any quarterbacking tips.
“He doesn’t need many tips when he’s in there,” Ryan said. “He’s looked pretty good so far when he’s gotten into those situations.”
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