DEL.ICIO.USThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/12/08
Flowery Branch — The Falcons' new regime is working on an extreme makeover of the team's offensive line — personnel and blocking style.
Coach Mike Smith and his staff want to see some sheer nastiness and the ability to push defenses off the line of scrimmage.
 AP | ||
| Offensive lineman Harvey Dahl gets an arm under the chin of Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Rob Meier during the preseason opener Saturday. | ||
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In the midst of the transformation, the battle for the right guard spot, between Harvey Dahl and incumbent Kynan Forney, has turned into one of the best of training camp.
Dahl, a former undrafted free agent, is currently running with the first team. He caught the coaches' eye during the offseason with his tenacious style of play.
Forney has been a mainstay on the line since his rookie season in 2001, having started 89 of 95 regular-season games. He was part of the cut-blocking unit that helped the Falcons lead the league in rushing from 2004 to 2006.
"Harvey played well, and when Kynan was in there, he did a good job," said Smith of their play against Jacksonville in the preseason opener. "I think that's probably one of the big competition areas. Those two are competing hard."
Coming out of Nevada, Dahl was signed by Dallas. After being waived, Dahl spent 2005 and 2006 with San Francisco, bouncing back and forth between the practice squad and active roster.
Last season, the Falcons plucked Dahl off the 49ers' practice squad on Oct. 9. He played in the season-finale against Seattle.
"[San Francisco] had a lot of high draft picks and a lot of competition," Dahl said. "They couldn't find a spot for me, and they tried to keep me on the practice squad. Luckily things opened up out here, and the Falcons picked me up. I was happy to get on an active roster last year. I was happy to get out here and be appreciated a little bit."
The Falcons were successful running the ball behind Dahl and right tackle Tyson Clabo against the Jaguars.
"They had something going on over there," offensive line coach Paul Boudreau said. "It was nice to see. The guys were hustling down field, trying to get an extra punch at a guy."
Dahl senses that he and Clabo, who also has a mean streak, are blending well together.
"Yeah, a little bit," Dahl said. "We were just trying to play hard and have an impact on the team. Just trying to get us all better."
Dahl sees the similarities between his rugged style and the fiery Clabo.
"I think so, but the only difference is that I'm not nice off the field," Dahl said. "I'm kind of a jerk off the field, too."
Forney missed one game last season with a sinus infection and was benched for another.
Forney declined comment for this story through a team spokesman.
"I think Kynan is doing like everybody, he's out here competing for playing time," Smith said. "I don't think anything has been set as far as the rotation."
Dahl is not ready to claim victory.
"Just keep it going, just keep on playing hard and physical," Dahl said. "I'm just trying to do everything right."
During offseason workouts, whenever there was a fight or shoving match, Dahl was at the center. When training camp started, Dahl was the favorite to start the first fight. However, Dahl didn't get into his first fight until he and linebacker Tony Taylor mixed it up Monday.
"It felt good," Dahl said. "I was just going hard and everyone is playing hard. Just kind of locking up with the guy at the end. I think it's good for both sides of the ball."
The offensive line transitioned last season from the old Alex Gibbs' cut-blocking scheme to more of a finesse style. Now they are being asked to be pile movers to open holes for running backs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood.
"I think they've done a nice job, coach Boudreau and [assistant offensive line] coach [Paul] Dunn with having those guys play with a nasty attitude," Smith said.
And Dahl has been the nastiest of them all.
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