Falcons put rushing attack under microscope

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH – One of the Falcons top priorities as they returned from their bye week Monday was to shift their running attack back into gear.

The Falcons led the league in rushing for most of last season before being surpassed late in the season by the New York Giants. But one year after averaging 152.7 yards per game -- second most in the league -- the same unit has been mired early in 2009.

The Falcons are averaging just 92.3 yards per game. To get things corrected, the offensive linemen watched film of all 81 running plays this season.

"We looked at where we were falling short in the run game," center Todd McClure said, "all of the things we have to focus on to get our running game where it was last year."

Teams have loaded the so-called box against the Falcons. Michael Turner, who accumulated 366 yards and five touchdowns in the first three games of 2008, has 226 yards and two TDs in three games this fall.

McClure believes the unit found some solutions.

"We just have to concentrate on the little things," McClure said. "Whether if it's footwork or hand placement or helmet placement once you get up to the second level."

Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey has stated that the unit has been close to popping some long gainers.

"I think we are going to have that breakout game," McClure said. "I just hope it's sooner rather than later. We are doing it right. It's just small breakdowns here and there that's keeping the offense from having those big runs."

The run game should get a boost from the return of running back Jerious Norwood, who missed the last game against New England because of a concussion.

"We are much faster when we have Jerious in the game," coach Mike Smith said. "He brings that speed element."

Hill impresses

The Falcons also wanted to get a better assessment of cornerback Tye Hill, who they traded for just as the season started.

"We got a chance to see what he can do," Smith said. "I thought that he performed well. We have to be patient with Tye and Tye has to be patient with us."

Hill said the key to learning the Falcons system was mastering the language and techniques.

"I feel like I got a lot accomplished in these last three days of practice," Hill said. "I feel like I'm getting closer and closer."

Once Hill gets up to speed, the secondary will become pretty crowded at the cornerback position.

"That's a good problem," Smith said.

During the break

McClure had to sneak to get some football viewing in over the weekend.

"My wife got mad," McClure said. "It was like you see the guy on ESPN on his wedding day, checking his phone for scores. That was me on the family vacation. I didn't even get to watch the LSU-Georgia game. I watched a little bit of it. I was checking my phone every so often."

Lofton visited the Sooners

Over the bye week, former Oklahoma standout linebacker Curtis Lofton went to see the Sooners play the Miami Hurricanes.

"The defense played good but the offense turned the ball over and they turned them into touchdowns," Lofton said.

Injury report

Safety Antoine Harris (knee) was the only player who didn't practice Monday.

Hometown huddle

The entire team will disperse to eight locations in Metro Atlanta, including four Atlanta schools, Tuesday morning to meet and greet fans. The event is league-wide and the Falcons are believed to be the only team that is sending its entire roster out into the community.