Abraham works to strengthen his core

By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Flowery Branch — Falcons defensive end John Abraham found something that works for him and he’s sticking with it.

For the third consecutive offseason, Abraham made the trek to Vancouver to see an abdomen and groin specialist.

Early in his career, Abraham suffered a series of groin injuries and missed part of the 2006 season, his first with the Falcons, with the same problem.

After 2006, Abraham and Falcons trainer Ron Medlin spent two weeks working with Nico Berq at the Orthopedic and Sports Physiotherapy Clinic reconstructing Abraham’s core — his abdominals and other muscles supporting his spine, hips and torso. Berq is noted for his work with hockey players, who suffer groin and abdomen injuries at a higher rate than most athletes.

Since getting on Berq’s program, Abraham has made 33 consecutive starts. Last season, he set the franchise record for most sacks (16.5) in a season.

“It’s been working out well for me the last couple of years,” Abraham said. “I actually stayed up there an extra week because I wanted to get away. I had a great stay in Vancouver and hopefully I can stay longer next year.”

Before the past two seasons, Abraham had started all 16 games just once in seven years. He missed major parts of the 2000, ’03 and ’06 seasons with groin or sports hernia injuries and parts of the 2004 season with a sprained knee.

“Since I’ve been going there, things seem to be working pretty good,” Abraham said. “It’s a one-on-one workout for two or three hours. Just working on my core stuff, my mid-section, the stuff that has troubled me for my career.”

Abraham didn’t take full part in organized team activities, but he did report to the team facilities two weeks before the start of training camp.

“John showed up in very good shape,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “Prior to the opening of camp, he was here with us working with our strength and conditioning staff. John knows the rigors of the preseason and knows how to prepare himself.”

Abraham has been silent about all of the team’s defensive changes. Five starters — Grady Jackson, Lawyer Milloy, Domonique Foxworth, Keith Brooking and Michael Boley — were let go or signed elsewhere.

He was particularly close to Milloy, who was not re-signed.

“All of those guys are my friends, but this is a business,” Abraham said. “Everybody understands that you could be here today and gone tomorrow. It’s part of the game. ...”

Abraham, not a real vocal leader, prefers to let his play do most of his talking.

“We did a good job of drafting [Peria] Jerry,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of young players that are eager and ready to learn. They are just trying to become a part of our team.”

Abraham has made it a point to introduce himself to the younger players.

“I’m just starting with a new slate,” he said. “Trying to get to know them, know their personalities and getting to know how they play.”