Dahl is one mean, dancing dude

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Flowery Branch -- Falcons right guard Harvey Dahl's reputation for being a feisty and aggressive blocker is spreading around the league.

He will play a key role as the Falcons attempt to run the ball and block former Falcons' stalwart Keith Brooking.

In a conversation with the AJC, Dahl discussed some of the issues he will face against Brooking and the Cowboys on Sunday at the sparkling new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Q:  So, how have things been going for you in the trenches this year?

A:   I think it's been good. It's tough sledding in there sometimes. I think we are getting it going in the right direction. We are trying to play our style of football. We've run up against some good defenses and seeing some different things, but I think all in all, we are always getting better. We are always trying to play physical.

Q: Looking forward to going against Keith Brooking at different points of the game?

A:  He's a great player and a hell of competitor. It will be good to go against him.

Q: What do you make of how close the offensive line has been able to become as a unit?

A: This is a carry over from last season. We are going into our 22nd game that we've all been together. There is some unspoken communications out there. I think that really helps on the o-line.

Q: During training camp, you all ran out onto the field and did some little shtick every day. Who came up with the dances and routines?

A: During training camp, those are the dog days of football. We were just trying to pump the team up a little bit and bring that enthusiasm. Usually, it was Mud Duck (center Todd McClure) who had a little chant or a little dance. We just kind of followed his lead.

Q: So you guys were kind of like the Dancing Bears?

A: Yeah, yeah.

Q: Anybody headed for Dancing with the Stars?

A: No, no. I don't think so. (laughing)

Q:  Did you get a kick out of your run-in with San Francisco coach Mike Singletary?

A: It was just a fun game. He wanted to come out and play. To play in a game like that was exciting. It was emotional and I'm just moving on. I can't look back.

Q: You all are winning, but are you stuck on the fact that you haven't been able to get the running game going?

A: It's just something that we have to keep on working at. Obviously people know that we want to run the ball and they are going to try to stop us. It's something that we have to keep on plugging at. We have to keep looking at our schemes, stay on blocks longer and be physical.