Notebook: Falcons successful with no-huddle

Flowery Branch — Falcons coach Mike Smith said the team will determine how much it will use the no-huddle offense on a game-by-game basis.

The Falcons were stumbling — a fumble and three consecutive three-and-outs against Carolina — before they went to the no-huddle.

Quarterback Matt Ryan promptly converted four first downs and drove the team 80 yards in 12 plays. Michael Turner scored on a 4-yard run to extend its lead to 24-13.

“We make a determination going in, when and how much we are going to execute it,” Smith said. “It’s just part of the game plan.”

The Falcons have used the no-huddle offense on 12 possessions this season and have scored 31 points.

Given the success of the no-huddle should the team consider using it more often?

“Just like what plays we are going to run on offense and defense, we have discussions about how we want to involve that part of our offense,” Smith said. “Some weeks it’s more than others.”

When they run the no-huddle, Ryan surveys the defense and then picks from about a dozen plays. Ryan usually has the play set with 10 seconds remaining on the play clock and the Falcons attack from there.

The Falcons have run almost as much as they’ve thrown passes out of the no-huddle.

“I don’t know that the no huddle has necessarily expanded, but it’s just part of what we are capable of doing,” Smith said.

Key matchups

It should be a good game between San Diego cornerbacks Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie and Atlanta receivers Roddy White and Michael Jenkins.

Cromartie, who had 10 interceptions last season, has two this year, but has been battling a hip injury.

“Cro has struggled a little bit with a hip injury, but I think he’s finally over that,” San Diego coach Norv Turner said. “Over the last couple of weeks, those guys have gotten back to playing at the level we expect them to.”

Explosive offense

Michael Turner, Jerious Norwood, Harry Douglas, Jenkins and White, after Douglas’ 69-yard reception last week, each have made plays of at least 50 yards.

“That’s being explosive on offense,” Turner said.

Hartsock surgery?

Tight end Ben Hartsock is set to get a second and third opinion on his big toe/plantar fasciitis injury that lead to him being placed on injured reserve.

“It’s definitely a long-term injury,” Smith said. “It’s the great toe, the bottom of it, tendons, and plantar fasciitis. But we’ll have clarity on that next week.”

Defensive strength

With the return to practice of defensive tackle Kindal Moorehead, the defense expects to back at full strength for San Diego.

Moorehead is expected to be available to play after missing the last two games.

On offense, left tackle Sam Baker (hip/back) and wide receiver Laurent Robinson (hamstring) are not expected to play on Sunday.