Falcons don't believe Turner has a fumbling issue

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH  --  Falcons Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner has three fumbles this season, and two have been drive killers.

Sunday against San Francisco, Turner had the ball poked out, but he managed to recover the loose ball.

While taking on a league-high 376 carries last season, he had only three fumbles. In his previous four seasons in San Diego, he had two fumbles and 228 carries.

Falcons coach Mike Smith is not overly concerned about the fumbles.

"Michael, I'm sure is disappointed about it, but that's part of the game," Smith said. "I'm sure when you have the number of carries that Michael has, there are going to be times when they are going to get a shot on it."

After his breakout 1,699-yard season last year, Turner doesn't believe that defenses are attacking him and his low-to-the-ground running style any differently.

"It's not a conscious thing people are doing," Turner said. "I just have to be more careful with the football."

Against the 49ers, middle linebacker Patrick Willis forced Turner to fumble.

"I let the ball get away from me when I raised my arm," Turner said. "The guy was right there, and he slapped it. If I would have kept it close to my body, it would have never happened."

Sunday, the Falcons face the Chicago Bears, who have forced four fumbles and recovered two this season.

"The Bears, traditionally have been a tough run defense," Turner said.

Cutler's corner

The Falcons are 9-1 in the Georgia Dome under Smith. The only quarterback to get out with a victory was Jay Cutler, while playing for Denver last season.

He returns Sunday as a member of the Chicago Bears.

Starting free safety Thomas DeCoud watched Cutler last season as he was inactive for that game.

"He throws the ball hard and accurately," DeCoud said. "You see a lot of plays on film, and the [defensive back] will be right there, but the ball is placed perfectly, and the receiver makes the play on the ball."

DeCoud is fourth on the Falcons in tackles with 26, according to the coaches' stats.

"Thomas has probably been the biggest surprise in my mind," Smith said. "He's playing extremely well to be a first-year starter."

Etc.

* Ovie Mughelli (calf) did not practice Thursday and had a walking boot on his left leg.

* Defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux and Bears guard Frank Omiyale will match up Sunday. Both were members of the Falcons' 2005 draft class, but didn't battle much in practice. Omiyale was a tackle in 2005 and 2006 when he was with the Falcons. Babineaux was a second-round pick, and Omiyale went in the fifth round.