Falcons' Rodgers has something to prove

By Chris Vivlamore

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH – Jacquizz Rodgers is collecting evidence.

The Falcons running back wants to show that despite his 5-foot-6 stature there is a place for him in the NFL. Rodgers has built his own case  for the little man during his rookie season. But on Monday night he will be on the opposite sideline from proof positive – the Saints’ Darren Sproles.

Rodgers (196 pounds) and Sproles (190), both running backs, share the distinction of being the shortest players on an active NFL roster. They are joined by the Lions wide receiver Stephen Logan. Trindon Holliday, at 5-5, is on the Texans’ practice squad.

“I like guys that are short like me,” Rodgers said. “It gives us hope as little guys, as little running backs, for the future that it’s proven that guys can play at this level at that height.”

Don’t forget Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who at 5-7 leads the NFL in rushing with 1,334 yards.

In his seventh season, and first with the Saints, Sproles has added another dimension to a potent offense. He is third on the team in rushing with 496 yards on 76 carries with two touchdowns. He is the Saints' second leading receiver with 79 catches for 659 yards and five touchdowns.

Sproles is also a danger on special teams. He is fifth in the NFL in kick return yardage and has returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown this season. Sproles had a 39-yard kickoff return in the first meeting with the Falcons this season, setting up a field goal.

Rodgers has rushed for 182 yards on 48 carries this season, playing behind Michael Turner and Jason Snelling. He has also caught 18 passes for 164 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown against the Panthers two weeks ago.

“I see Jacquizz as a three-down back,” coach Mike Smith said. “I think Darren Sproles could be a three-down back in certain offenses and I think Jacquizz can be as well. What we’re trying to do, and I think we’ve done a nice job our coaching staff, is to integrate him into our offense where we give him the best chance to succeed. Right now, that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Despite their size, Sproles and Rodgers have been reliable with the football. Sproles has lost eight fumbles in 550 combined rushes and receptions over seven seasons. Rodgers has not fumbled in the NFL and had just one in his three years at Oregon State on a combined 939 rushes and receptions.

Rodgers said he is becoming more comfortable in the Falcons offense. Coaches have worked to fit the speedy, change-of-pace back into the game plan. He has at least one carry in all 14 games this season and has caught at least one pass in all but three games. He had a career-high 10 carries against the Colts in November.

The touchdown reception against the Panthers was a designed play for Rodgers, one the team practiced during the week. In the third quarter, the call was made to get Rodgers one-on-one against a Panther linebacker. He caught the ball over his shoulder for his first NFL touchdown.

“I was relieved because all the older guys always get on you about scoring your first touchdown,” said Rodgers, who kept the ball and will eventually give it a place of prominence.