Falcons defensive front answers Abraham challenge

By ERIC GILMORE

For the AJC

SAN FRANCISCO – Falcons defensive end John Abraham sent the unmistakable message earlier in the week.

It was, Abraham determined, time for the Falcons’ defensive line to “man up” against the 49ers after a dismal showing against New England.

Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann, making his first career start Sunday, certainly took Abraham’s message to heart.

Biermann had a sack, his team-leading third of the season, and two quarterback hits during the Falcons’ 45-10 victory. His sack was the first by a Falcons defensive lineman since the season-opener against Miami, when he and Abraham each had two. Abraham and defensive tackle Thomas Johnson each also added a sack Sunday.

“We were excited to get out there,” Biermann said of the defensive line. “We were excited to rush the passer, fly around and make some plays. We were really high energy.”

Later in the half, Biermann added a huge play on the kick-off coverage team. He recovered a fumble by kick returner Delanie Walker that set up Atlanta’s fourth touchdown of the half.

The Falcons were gashed for 168 rushing yards in a Week 3 loss to New England before their bye weekend. One week earlier, Carolina rushed for 144 yards against Atlanta. The Falcons’ defensive line went back-to-back games without a sack.

It came as no surprise when the Falcons brought in a trio of defensive linemen – Paul Spicer, Orpheus Roye and Antwan Lake – for workouts during the off week. All three left without contracts, but their presence sent another strong message.

Although Falcons coach Mike Smith decided to stick with the defensive linemen he had, he shuffled the starting lineup. Biermann started at left end and Jamaal Anderson opened at tackle in place of Johnson.

“We really don’t have four starters,” Smith said. “We have seven or eight starters that we have to rotate in there. It’s based on scheme and what the opponents present to us.

“(Defensive line coach) Ray (Hamilton) and (defensive coordinator) Brian (VanGorder) did a great job in putting that rotation together. They made some plays. We are creating plays that we’d like to see from our defensive front.”

Biermann, a fifth-round pick out of Montana last year, had 21 tackles and two sacks as a rookie, coming on strong after a slow start. This year he already has three sacks and 14 tackles.

“Biermann showed he can get to the quarterback, so we’ve got to get him out there,” Abraham said.

The Falcons held the 49ers, who were missing injured running back Fran Gore, to 100 net yards rushing. Quarterback Shaun Hill, under pressure most of the day, completed just 15 of 38 passes for 198 yards.

“We need pressure on the quarterback,” Biermann said. “That always helps coverage. That kind of puts a stop to some of the offense’s drives, kind of kills their momentum. We were trying to get out there and get those. It’s great.”