Injuries have forced the Falcons to rely on draft picks in key positions this season. Results from those backups have been largely sub-par.
Harry Douglas proved to be the exception Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
With Julio Jones out for the season and Roddy White missing his first career start, Douglas was thrust into the No. 1 receiver role against the Buccaneers. He thrived with seven catches for a career-high 149 yards and a touchdown.
The only healthy Falcons wide receiver with significant NFL experience, it was up to Douglas to fill the void left by Jones and White.
“I’m the type of person, I never shy away from it,” Douglas said. “(Jones) went down and Roddy wasn’t playing. I wanted the challenge. I’ve always been like that my whole life.”
Jones suffered a season-ending foot injury during Atlanta’s last game, a loss to the Jets on Oct. 7. White has struggled with a high ankle sprain all season and also suffered a hamstring injury against the Jets.
Douglas made his 11th career start since the Falcons selected him in the third round of the 2008 draft out of Louisville.
“I don’t prepare any differently,” he said. “I’ve got to go out here and be Harry, not try to be somebody else. I approached it the same way. I just knew I was going to have more opportunities.”
Douglas ended up surpassing his career high for yards in the first half. Quarterback Matt Ryan was 6-for-6 for 140 yards and the touchdown on passes to Douglas before halftime.
“I hope you are not surprised by what Harry did today,” Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez told reporters. “He’s definitely a capable person (but) with Julio Jones and Roddy White, those guys are making all the plays. Harry played great today. It’s another weapon.”
When the Falcons were sluggish at the start, Douglas helped get them going with a 26-yard catch during their first touchdown drive.
On the next Atlanta possession, Douglas’ 54-yard reception set the Falcons up in the red zone. Douglas showed good focus, keeping his eye on the ball and his arms free even as Buccaneers cornerback Leonard Johnson tangled with him.
Douglas scored his touchdown on the following drive by splitting two defenders and hauling in Ryan’s pass near the goal line on a 37-yard play.
“Harry is a very good wide receiver,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “He just hasn’t had the opportunity to be the No. 1 receiver.”
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