The Falcons moved a step closer to being whole Friday, when All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones took part in what amounted to a long walk-through in the team’s final workout before leaving Sunday for Houston to play the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Jones, who didn't practice earlier this week as he continues to get treatment for a sprained toe that has bothered him, is expected to be full-go Feb. 5 for the Falcons' second-ever Super Bowl. Pro Bowl center Alex Mack, who has a left fibula injury, hasn't practiced this week yet is expected to play.
“Julio Jones participated some today,” said Falcons head coach Dan Quinn. “He was limited, and Alex Mack, like we said the plan was [did not], and we’ll get both those guys into action next week.”
Locked up and loaded
Quinn said the game plans have been installed, and his team had a good week of practice. Practices in Houston will be primarily to fine tune.
“I couldn’t have been more pleased with the preparation from the coaching staff and players to put that work in today,” he said. “It’s important while we’re right here in our own environment to get everything ready …
“When we get down to Texas we may do minor things, sure, some tweaks here and there. The more work you put in [ahead of traveling] … we’re ready to rip.”
Going for rings and dough
Every player on the roster of the Super Bowl’s winning team will earn a bonus share of $107,000, while every player on the other roster will pocket $53,000.
Looking to break a trend
This will be the fifth Super Bowl pitting the NFL’s top scoring offense against the top scoring defense, and Atlanta would like to change things as the top defense won three of the first four, most recently two years ago when Quinn and the Seahawks slaughtered the Broncos, 43-8.
The Falcons averaged 33.8 points per game in the regular season, when the Patriots allowed just 15.6.
San Francisco whipped Denver, 55-10, in the Super Bowl following the 1989 season, the only time the top scoring offense has won.
New is good, right?
The Falcons have five players who’ve been on Super Bowl rosters in defensive linemen Dwight Freeney (twice), Courtney Upshaw and Joe Vellano, reserve safety Dashon Golson and linebacker Philip Wheeler.
New England has 23 players who’ve been on a Super Bowl roster, all of them from two years ago. Twenty one of these Patriots were active for that game.
Patriots have traitors
Five Falcons are from Georgia, but the Patriots have them beat with six players with connections to the Peach State.
For Atlanta, Vic Beasley Jr. (Adairsville), Grady Jarrett (Conyers), snapper Josh Harris (Carrollton) and Wheeler (Columbus) are on the active roster while Chris Mayes (Griffin) is on injured reserve.
For New England, cornerbacks Jonathan Jones (Carrollton) and Justin Coleman (Columbus/Brunswick), wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (Valdosta) and center David Andrews (Johns Creek) are on the active roster, as is starting right guard Shaq Mason from Georgia Tech.
Mitchell and Andrews played for the University of Georgia. Guard Tre’ Jackson (Jesup) is on injured reserve.
About the Author
