FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons coach Mike Smith wasn’t about to take Julio Jones’ word for it.
The rookie wide receiver’s acrobatic 50-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter was originally ruled incomplete in Sunday’s win over the Colts. Jones immediately got up and signaled to the sideline to challenge the ruling.
Smith eventually threw the red challenge flag and the play was overturned after an officials review. However, Smith wanted more conclusive evidence that Jones’ insistence.
“With all due respect to all those guys, I appreciate their positive attitude, but we are going to make a decision [to challenge a call] based on what we see,” Smith said. “We have a procedure that we go through. I saw that on the field, felt like it was a catch. I wanted to get confirmation from upstairs.”
Injury report
Safety William Moore (quad) and defensive lineman Corey Peters left Sunday’s game with injuries. Smith said he expected to know more about the status of Moore when the team returns to practice on Wednesday. The coach does not expect Peters to miss any time.
James Sanders filled in after Moore left in the first half.
“James is a pro,” Smith said. “He’s got a lot of games under his belt. There are certain things that he probably has a little more comfort level with but I like the way he came in and played. It’s good to get him some experience.”
Pick six
The Colts only touchdown came on a six-yard interception return by Jerraud Powers. Smith said the play was a miscommunication as Powers jumped a slant route intended for Roddy White.
“It was definitely not the way we wanted the play to be run,” Smith said. “It was a miscommunication. Those things happen. We were very fortunate that we were able to overcome that. I say that because the momentum could have easily changed on that play.”
Rodgers gets more carries
With the Falcons enjoying a big lead, rookie running back Jaquizz Rodgers got a season-high 10 carries as Michael Turner took the rest of the day off. Rodgers finished with 44 yards.
Smith complimented Rodgers’ play and said he will continue to play a role in the team’s offense.
“We felt comfortable in all phases, not just third down or a change-of-pace back,” Smith said. “He has proven that he can run the ball from all of our personnel groupings. He has a much better understanding than when he got here in regards to his protection responsibilities. He’s becoming the player that we envisioned when we drafted him.”
Etc.
With his touchdown catch Sunday, Tony Gonzalez now has 93 touchdown receptions in his career, ninth in NFL history and first for tight ends. … It was the 17th touchdown catch as a Falcon, third by a tight end in franchise history. … Dating back to last season, the Falcons have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 11 straight games. … Smith said he was pleased with the play of fullback Mike Cox, who was signed to replace the injured Ovie Mughelli. “We had a short set number of plays we felt comfortable he could run and we felt like he did a very good job stepping in for Ovie,” Smith said. … The Colts had just 10 first downs in the game, only one in the second half.
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