DEL.ICIO.USThings to watch as Falcons face Colts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Falcons play their second preseason game against Indianapolis Saturday night with Joey Harrington as the starting quarterback. With several issues unsettled, Falcons beat writer Steve Wyche analyzes the state of the team a week before the first round of player cuts (from 80 to 75). Here are seven things to look for:
Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com
Joey Harrington (foreground) gets the start over Falcons quarterbacks Chris Redman and D.J. Shockley.
• While upstart guard Harvey Dahl and tackle Tyson Clabo make up a nasty right side of the offensive line, the coaching staff is eager to see the veteran tandem of guard Kynan Forney and tackle Todd Weiner in action. Weiner is nearly fully recovered from major knee surgery but he might not play much this preseason. Forney has been bothered by knee tendinitis this week. Forney really needs to get going because he’s in the last year of his contract and it will be hard to justify retaining a backup guard at $2.95 million.
• Rookie defensive end Kroy Biermann is making a nice push. The undersized (6-foot-3, 241 pounds), fifth-round draft pick was getting physically handled early in training camp, but he has battled back in a major way. He has shown to be a capable pass-rusher. He’s also effective in some of the twists defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder runs up front. If Biermann continues to surge, he could be the No. 4 end — and the second edge pass rush option behind John Abraham.
• You haven’t heard a lot from free safety Erik Coleman and that’s a good thing. It means he is doing his job. The free-agent signee from the Jets is inspired to regain his chops after a rough 2007 season. He hasn’t been tested like he’ll be tested against the Colts. This will be a good challenge.
• The biggest issue for coach Mike Smith in the 20-17 preseason-opening loss at Jacksonville was the 10 penalties, most for offensive procedure/false starts. Players need to gather themselves mentally or they’ll be looking for work in a few days. It is clear this coaching staff is not going to tolerate mental blunders.
• While it will be important for Harrington to play well for the new coaching staff, it is more important for him to play well for his teammates. If he handles himself and the offense well, some needed trust can be established. If he falters, players will lose faith in him and that could be very bad for his future with the team. Players feel comfortable with veteran Chris Redman and rookie Matt Ryan and, to some degree, D.J. Shockley. Harrington, the most seasoned of the group, has the most to prove.
• Roddy White’s established himself as the No. 1 wideout. How the rest of the pecking order shapes up remains to be seen. Michael Jenkins is working as the No. 2 and his ability to block is a huge plus for the run-first offense. Up-and-comer Laurent Robinson is returning from a tailbone bruise and he’s trying to reclaim the No. 2 spot. Rookie Harry Douglas has been the real deal from day one of training camp and has been very effective playing out of the slot. Disgruntled Joe Horn could play some tonight but he’s at the bottom of the depth chart.
• The No. 3 tailback battle between Jason Snelling and Thomas Brown is as compelling as any in training camp. Both offer something special, but Brown’s kickoff returning duties could be the deciding factor. If Snelling continues to play like he has, he could develop some trade value if the Falcons don’t want to retain him.
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