Snelling takes bigger role in Falcons offense

Flowery Branch — Running back Jason Snelling has taken a more prominent role in the Falcons’ offense.

It began in earnest when he closed out the victory over Oakland four weeks ago by running out the clock. The combo fullback/halfback has earn a spot in the third-down package, carrying the ball in three of the last four games. He also caught passes in two games.

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Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

Falcons running back Jason Snelling is starting to take on a bigger role in the offense.

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“He’s been productive since the day we’ve been here” offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey said. “Whenever he’s had opportunities, even in training camp, in the preseason games, he’s always somehow made plays.”

Since suffering a rib injury against Denver on Nov. 16, backup running back Jerious Norwood has not had more than five carries in a game.

With Michael Turner set to go over 300 carries and the Falcons needing to establish a running game, Snelling has been an additional option for the Falcons.

“I wouldn’t be afraid to,” Mularkey said when asked he’d be comfortable leaning more on Snelling down the stretch. “Not at all. I wouldn’t hesitate.”

Snelling’s main job on third down is to pass protect.

“Third down is always a big passing down in some cases so you have to be thinking protection,” Snelling said. “I’m real comfortable back there, knowing what I have to do. We have to keep (quarterback) Matt (Ryan) up on his feet.”

Snelling showed his open field ability against Carolina, when he took a screen pass for 27 yards.

“The main thing about the screen is really just catching the ball,” Snelling said. “If it opens up, you have the ball in a lot of space and you can do something with it.”

If the team needs to call his number even more down the stretch, then Snelling says he’s ready.

“I’m definitely capable of doing what I need to do help the team,” Snelling said. “Hopefully I’ll get more opportunities. We all are going to get our chances, we just have to do something with it.”

Norwood has 82 rushes for 430 yards on the season, but has not rushed for more than 18 yards since the injury.

“I don’t know much about the injury,” Mularkey said. “I haven’t purposely limited his carries. It’s just that the scheme has been more of the issue than anything.”

Norwood said he’s over his injury and he’s fine.

“Everything has been going good,” Norwood said. “I continue to keep a positive attitude. I feel good.”

Snelling, Turner and Norwood are not sure if it’s a good thing to be facing Tampa Bay a week after they gave up 299 yards rushing on national television.

“They are going to be amped up because they gave up a big running game, but we’re just going to do what we do,” Snelling said.

Turner knows the Bucs are preparing for the Falcons running game.

“They know we are going to try and do the exact same thing,” Turner said.

The Panthers strategy was simple.

“It was just football,” Turner said. “It’s always going to come down to basic plays. There are no tricks in the NFL. Just some basic football.”

Turner did see the block that Carolina’s Brad Hoover put on Tampa Bay perennial Pro Bowler Derrick Brooks.

“It was an unusual game for Tampa,” Turner said. “They are a very prideful defense. They are going to try to bounce back.”

If the Falcons need Turner and Norwood — or Turner, Norwood and Snelling — all three plan to be ready.

“All of the backs that we have are able to step in and pick up the slack at any time,” Norwood said.