Falcons cornerbacks on hot seat

By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Falcons coach Mike Smith was clearly displeased with the defense’s play against San Diego.

The target of much of his displeasure was cornerbacks Chris Houston and Brent Grimes, who have been running with the first team defense, for their lack of physical play in man-to-man situations.

The secondary was victimized on several third-and-long situations with catches over Grimes and Houston. The Chargers converted 7-for-8 on third downs in the first half.

“A lot of times, people just think it’s the secondary, but it’s not,” Smith said. “It’s team defense.”

However, Smith made it clear that he was not absolving the cornerbacks, who were left in man-to-man coverage with the Falcons blitzing on several of the third down conversions.

“I’m not absolving anybody,” Smith said. “Again, when we go out there and play, we play as a team, we play as a unit.”

Last season, the Falcons acquired Domonique Foxworth from the Denver Broncos in a trade on Sept. 2, right before the outset of the season. He eventually replaced Grimes as the starter at left cornerback.

Houston was scolded early last season for not being physical enough, but he retained his starting spot when he picked up his play.

The Falcons’ options are limited at the position.

Nickel back Chevis Jackson plays the physical brand of cornerback that Smith prefers, but lacks the top-end speed to lock up No. 1 receivers.

Also, Von Hutchins, who was signed as a free agent last year, is not 100 percent recovered from his broken Lisfranc (foot) injury, which caused him to spend last season on injured reserved.

Before the injury, Hutchins was considered another tough and physical cornerback, best suited for nickel situations covering receivers out of the slot.

Hutchins has been working out at safety and cornerback when he can practice.

It’s unlikely that Smith would toss either of the two rookies, Christopher Owens or William Middleton, out on the field before they are ready to play. But Owens’ performance plan may have to be accelerated.

There are a lot of veteran free agent cornerbacks available, including Mike McKenzie, Chris McAlister and Ty Law.

Other veteran free agents include Ricky Manning, Sam Madison and Aaron Glenn.

“I know we are very disappointed with our third down efficiency, but again that was a very good offense,” Smith said. “It’s something that we have to address, and we’ll address it as a coaching staff and a defensive unit.”

The Falcons starters played their most time of the preseason. Several starters played into the third quarter.

“This is the preseason,” Smith said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

It was not lost on Smith that the defense was carved up by one of the league’s top passers.

“I will tip my hat to Philip Rivers,” Smith said. “Congratulations on his $92 million contract. I think the San Diego Chargers have made a very, very wise investment.”

Roster moves

The Falcons released defensive tackles Jason Jefferson and Tywain Myles and long snapper Robert Shiver to get down to 75 players before the Tuesday deadline.