DeAngelo Hall set to make return to Georgia Dome

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall is set to run onto the Georgia Dome field Sunday and isn't sure what kind of reception he will get.

"I haven't even thought about it," Hall said via phone Wednesday. "They are not introducing us in that stadium, so I don't know if I'm going to bet booed or applauded."

The Falcons face Hall and the 2-5 Redskins at 1 p.m. Sunday, and they'll be trying to snap a two-game losing streak.

But Hall, who starred for the Falcons from 2004-07 and went to two Pro Bowls before being traded to the Oakland Raiders, doesn't want all of the focus on him.

"It's a football game that is going to be played on Sunday," Hall said. "It's not me versus them. It's going to be the Washington Redskins against the Atlanta Falcons."

Hmmm, is this the same player who some people called "MeAngelo" because he was all about "me"?

The trade to Oakland and subsequent release from the Raiders roster have had an effect on Hall, whom the Falcons took with the eighth pick of the 2004 draft.

Since the Falcons traded Hall, they have had a revolving door at left cornerback, where Hall played. Monday night, Tye Hill became the fourth player to start at that position since the trade.

Does Hall wish he still played for the Falcons?

"It probably would have worked out," Hall said. "Me and Mike Smith saw eye-to-eye very well. I didn't have any problems with that coaching staff that came in there."

Hall blames former coach Bobby Petrino for greasing the skids for his exit out of town.

"I think it was a little bit of planting the seeds that Petrino had kind of laid in the ground that kind of ultimately led to me feeling that it wasn't going to be a right fit at the time," Hall said.

So Hall was sent to Oakland in March 2008 for a second-round pick in the 2008 draft and a fifth-round pick in 2009. He had a tough time with the Raiders and was waived Nov. 5, 2008. The Redskins signed him and then gave him a lucrative contract extension in February.

"Would I do things over? Probably not," Hall said. "Would I change anything? Probably not. It's made me a better person, a better father and a better player.

"I probably wouldn't change a thing. I would probably do every thing the same way, even the debacle in Oakland. I wouldn't change any of that because it wouldn't have humbled me like I am now. It would not have gotten me back as hungry as I am."

Hall is playing well for the Redskins, with 30 tackles and three interceptions. He is proud of the Redskins' pass defense, which allows 169.4 yards (second overall in the league).

While the Redskins have several problems, the secondary and Hall have been sturdy.

"We try to go out there and play lights out," Hall said. "No matter what happens on the other side of the ball and special teams, we can't control any of that. All we can control is when we are on the field."

Hall still speaks his mind, but has been a hit in Washington.

"He's been nothing but great," Washington coach Jim Zorn said.

Hall, who still lives in the Atlanta area, has followed the Falcons' rise to playoff team and NFC South title contender.

"They are still a great football team," Hall said. "I thought that when I left. Matt Ryan has really showed that he's a force to be reckoned with in this league."

Hall and Falcons wide receiver Roddy White used to have some good battles in practice.

"We haven't got the game plan yet," Hall said. "I hope I get the challenge. I've never been one to shy away from a challenge. I would love to step back into the Dome and be on 84."