Countdown to Training Camp: Day 3 — Running backs
tlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) heads for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
Birdland – The players are due to report for training camp on Thursday. The first practice is slated for Friday.
Over the last two weeks, we’ve been taking a quick look at a position group in the “COUNTDOWN TO TRAINING CAMP 2010.”
We’ve already looked at the defensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties, offensive line, tight ends and wide receivers.
The running backs are up today.
THE REALLY BIG QUESTION: Can a slimmed down Michael Turner turn in another mega-season while carrying a lighter load?
Over the offseason, the Falcons finally attributed Michael Turner’s slow start in 2009 to him being out of shape.
He’d rounded into shape and appeared primed for another mega-season when he suffered what was essentially a season-ending high right ankle sprain against Carolina in the ninth game of the season.
He was rushed back two weeks later against a lowly Tampa Bay team for no apparent reason and went
Loading ...Turner, determined to prove that the 1,700-yard season in 2008 was not a fluke, has basically lived at the team facilities this offseason. If he does get off to a slow start, fitness will not be the issue.
The team also retained running backs Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling.
The coaches plan to spread some of Turner’s carries around.
At fullback, Ovie Mughelli is backed up by Dan Klecko.
FIVE GOALS FOR THE RUNNING BACKS
Running back Jerious Norwood recently told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger that he's healthy and ready to roll in 2010. (Curtis Compton/Ccompton@ajc.com)
Running back Jerious Norwood recently told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger that he's healthy and ready to roll in 2010. (Curtis Compton/Ccompton@ajc.com)
- TAKE more real estate in short yardage situations.
- Continue to run the ball well late in the game with a lead.
- Do a better job of setting up the blocks on screen plays.
- Become more effective when operating in the Dirty Bird (Wildcat) attack.
- Continue to block well while picking up the blitz.
Here’s a look at the running backs:
Michael Turner: There won’t be a more determined running back in the league this season.
Jerious Norwood: He has pronounced himself fit and ready to roll this season. He’s been injured in three of his four seasons in the NFL.
Jason Snelling: Ran for a career-high 147 yards in the season finale against Tampa Bay.
Antone Smith: The former Florida State Seminole was signed to the practice squad last October.
Dimitri Nance: Could be a diamond in the rough after an injury-marred senior season at Arizona State.
Ovie Mughelli: Back to help power the run game with his lead blocking.
Dan Klecko: He has earned three Super Bowl rings in backup roles with New England and Indianapolis.
Date, Practice Times (public availability)
Friday, July 30 — Practice 8:30 – 10:10 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (open to the public).
Saturday, July 31 — Practice 8:30 – 10:10 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public).
Sunday, August 1 — Practice 9:35 – 10:30 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:55 p.m. (open to the public).
Monday, August 2 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (closed to the public).
Tuesday, August 3 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (closed to the public).
Wednesday, August 4 — Practice 1:30 – 3:40 p.m. (open to the public).
Thursday, August 5 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (closed to the public).
Friday, August 6 — Practice 10:15 – 11:55 a.m. (open to the public)
Falcons Allstate All-Access “Friday Night Lights”
Team Scrimmage at North Gwinnett High School – 7:30 p.m. (open to the public)
Saturday, August 7 — Mock Game at Flowery Branch – 12:00 p.m. (open to the public)
Sunday, August 8 — No Practice.
Monday, August 9 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (open to the public). COMBINED PRACTICES WITH JACKSONVILLE.
Tuesday, August 10 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:50 p.m. (open to the public). COMBINED PRACTICES WITH JACKSONVILLE.
Wednesday, August 11 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (closed to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (closed to the public).
Thursday, August 12 — Practice 8:50 – 10:55 a.m. (closed to the public); practice 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. (closed to the public).
Friday, August 13 — Preseason Week 1 vs. Kansas City 8 p.m.
Saturday, August 14 –No Practice.
Sunday, August 15 — Practice 9:30 – 11:35 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:25 p.m. (open to the public).
Monday, August 16 — Practice 8:30 – 10:40 a.m. (closed to the public); practice 3:45 – 4:40 p.m. (closed to the public).
Tuesday, August 17 — Practice 8:30 – 10:55 a.m. (open to the public); practice 3:45 – 5:35 p.m. (open to the public). COMBINED PRACTICES WITH NEW ENGLAND.
Wednesday, August 18 — Practice 10:15 – 11:35 a.m. (closed to public).
Thursday, August 19 — Preseason Week 2 vs. New England 8 p.m.
Friday, August 20 — No Practice.
Saturday, August 21 — 9:30 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. (closed to the public); 3:45 p.m. – 5:25 p.m. (closed to the public).
Sunday, August 22 — 9:35 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (closed to the public)
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123 comments Add your comment
robertussen
July 27th, 2010
1:03 pm
hey seen, you know whats funny, your love affair with the falcons. i like how you make up terms of endearment like falcants. but do you know who came up with aints. yup the actual aints fans. what good fans you are. in all the years the falcons came up short the fans never took to wearing paper bags and humiliating the team and city. thats you guys bro. and after one, count them, one good season, you think youre the best thing ever. compared to what you once were i can see the excitement but dont get ahead of yourself or youll be eating your words…..no youll be crying like the little girl you know you are
FalconsFan284
July 27th, 2010
1:04 pm
Seen—-Glad to see that finally have added something to the conversation. It’s about time. Though the “golden tidbit” thing is a bit much. Considering that I had already answered your question before you asked it, just read what I typed, I can only extrapolate on my previous points. Before I do that I need to know which injury you are talking about with your Saints? Then we’ll compare it to losing what you have said is an “elite back” in Micheal Turner.
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
1:04 pm
FalconsFan284: You and Kenneth can dismiss my thoughts all day and twice on Sunday.
But when your own beat writer’s 1st recommendation is: TAKE more real estate on short yardage situations, you’re not getting a glowing endorsement of last year’s running game, and he isn’t just directing that at one runner in particular, he’s making that recommendation to all of them.
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
1:18 pm
I’m sorry 284 and Ken I have been a complete idiot this whole time and I truly am a Falcon fan just trying to stir the competative fire in our fan base.
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
1:20 pm
I’m also known as hiramsaint and I like to dress like one of the Village People (the indian).
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
1:25 pm
Falconfan284: We didn’t lose any running back to season ending injuries, but, they were all hurt at one time or the other for a couple of games each. The distinction is, the others picked up the slack and gave the injured player time to heal properly, unlike Mr. Turner here who, in DOL’s own words:”was rushed back two weeks later against a lowly Tampa Bay team for no apparent reason and went out again.” Come on, is that how you treat your pro bowl running back?
Why would the falcants do that? Oh yes, I forgot, because they compliment each other very well! Uh-huh.
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
1:28 pm
Truth, keep pretending to be me. I wish you were more humorous and clever with what you do with it though. Just a little constructive criticism there. Have fun!
FalconsFan284
July 27th, 2010
1:35 pm
SEEN—-He also made the same recommendation for the entire offensive line. Do you really want to get into the fact the Atlanta was missing the O-linemen at the end of the season and our starting runningback? Really? That when Turner went down Ryan had to throw more and Jason Snelling still gained over 600 yards?
The real question is, is Micheal Turner 14 yards per game better then Jason Snelling? I think he is. The reason I say that is because the Saints were only 14 yards per game better on the ground then Atlanta, last season. That is an Atlanta Falcons team that did not have Micheal Turner for almost the entire second half of the season. I can answer the question. The answer is 20.2. That is how much better Micheal Turner is then Jason Snelling. The Falcons were averaging over 136 rushing yards per game when Turner went down. That’s even with his slow start.
You want to know about a glowing endorsement eh? Well, try this one, 10 touchdowns for Micheal Turner and 6 for Jason Snelling. 13 of those combined touchdowns came in the red zone; where the field is the shortest! That means that with Micheal Turner in the starting lineup the Falcons did well in short yardage. There was a significant dropoff from Turner to Snelling. However, there is always room for improvement. 2008 Micheal Turner lead the league in short yardage conversions.
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
1:43 pm
Why am I talking to myself again. I’m such a fool, no I’m not……yes I am……oh shut up and leave…..I will……stop following me……why am I alwys with stupid……I’m alone for cripe sake.
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
2:03 pm
Falconfan284: How can that be? How could the Saints be 14 yards per game better than atlanta last year? Even when Atlanta was without Michael Turner for ALMOST the entire second half of the season? I don’t get it, I fail to comprehend it, perhaps I am stupid, I admit it. My brain can’t get around it. Too small I guess. But it just doesn’t make sense, WE didn’t have an elite runner like Michael Turner running for us in ANY game! And yet the Saints were 14 yards better per game. I don’t get it! And I guess, I never will, Jim Mora Sr. was right! Who knew?!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 27th, 2010
2:12 pm
SOME VIDEO OF TD AT THE ATL PRESS CLUB TODAY — Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff want fans to RISE UP. He spoke today to the Atlanta Press Club. http://bit.ly/b4DgjQ
FalconsFan284
July 27th, 2010
2:14 pm
SEEN—Do you know what complimentary is? Is doesn’t mean that a player can replace another player and do the same things. No, it means that one player has a skill or set of skills that another player does not or isn’t as skillful in those areas. That is what you have in Atltanta; a group of running backs that compliment one another.
Micheal Turner is one of the best running backs in the NFL! Even in half a season Turner turned in 10 touchdowns by running and keeping defenses honest.
Jerious Norwood is a scat back that is faster than Turner and is able to return punts. Hence, they compliment one another.
Jason Snelling is a skilled receiver out of the back field. He is still able to run between the tackles but rarely can run around them and turn the corner. Hence, he is a compliment to Turner and Norwood. Yes, Norwood can catch the ball but not in the same way as Snelling who is more of an H-back.
For the Saints, Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas were, basically, the same back. Reggie Bush is a very nice compliment to either of them. The reason I say that is to answer your question. The reason the Saints could have one player hurt and wait for him to get back to full health is because they had the exact same player sitting behind him. That is why there was no drop off!
You tell me a team that has two Micheal Turner’s or two Adrian Petersons or two Chris Johnsons. But I hope you can tell me who compliments each one of those players.
FalconsFan284
July 27th, 2010
2:16 pm
SEEN—–I already answered you and didn’t need to sound like a fool to do it!
rekingball
July 27th, 2010
2:22 pm
What I don’t understand, is why do the Falcon fans on this blog even acknowledge these saintsfans turds, that come on everyday, with the same tiresome and boring BS?
rekingball
July 27th, 2010
2:23 pm
Will someone please explain? Why?
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
2:37 pm
Because they’re STUPID!!
rekingball
July 27th, 2010
2:55 pm
There is the answer Falcon Fans.
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
3:00 pm
my one question is, and then i might leave, is if the backs and the d line and the o line and te’s and …well everyone is so superior, why was last year a 9-7 season? simple question yet keep in mind the falcants were not the ONLY team to have injuries or play a team after a bye or play an away game or have calls go against them.if those are your excuses the don’t even answer cause y’all played that out long ago
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
3:01 pm
anyone?
falcon4ever
July 27th, 2010
3:04 pm
Wait a minute now . I’m thinking…hmmmmmmm
Just sayin....
July 27th, 2010
3:05 pm
samw reason the saints won it last year! They had an 8-8 record the year before!
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
3:21 pm
Enter your comments here
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
3:22 pm
dol- why will you not let my comment thru when i’m trying to give your team a compliment?
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
3:23 pm
3 times i tried posting what i thought was complimentary and it was blocked . are we feeding on strife only?
truth
July 27th, 2010
3:47 pm
SeenThisLoserB4 leaves and hiram shows up……….hmmmmmmmmmm…..I wonder……??????
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
3:52 pm
it’s totally impossible that 2 different people work two different sets of hours. he’s the fact man- i’m the witty one., but together we’re gettin’ the job done. had 284 almost ready to wet himself last night. thats how it is when your right and the others are scratchin’ for a clue
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
3:53 pm
ok truth- you are way past due for your B4 impersonation- but like he sais , try to be –original or something
truth
July 27th, 2010
4:03 pm
He’s the “fact one”????????? BWAA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!
You should do stand-up hiram, that was funny……..or dumb.
truth
July 27th, 2010
4:04 pm
BTW….if I were to mpersonate Seen it wouldn’t be very difficult.
Birdword
July 27th, 2010
4:07 pm
” he’s the fact man- i’m the witty one ”
delusional.
James
July 27th, 2010
4:08 pm
I boldly predict that Jerious Norwood will have a great, breakout season in 2010. Also looking for a big turnaround from Michael Jenkins. I feel that both players have the pride and drive to respond resoundingly to the criticism (and rightly so) from recent years thru their actions on the field.
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
4:09 pm
birdword- nobody sais that about you as far as you know
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
4:10 pm
james- what about MATTY ICE ?- he needs some lovin’ too!
Just sayin....
July 27th, 2010
4:14 pm
I just love the fact that the Falcons and Saints are battling for first! It wasn’t too long ago that they were jsut trying not to be last!
FalconsFan284
July 27th, 2010
4:15 pm
hiram—Almost had me wetting myself? And just how was that? You mis-quoting Rex Ryan, not knowing what the playoff race looked like last season or you passing gas being the smartest thing you’ve said in some time?
I think it’s funny that you want to correct the way other people spell, on here, and yet, you type sais. I’ll give you the benefit of a doubt and choose to believe you meant to type said. By the way, no one has said that about you! You aren’t witty.
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
4:19 pm
everyone sais so
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
4:24 pm
i’m with you on that just sayin… we’ll let the bucs and the panthers handle that distinction for a few more years. i’d keep my eyes on the panthers though. i know theres not a whole lot on paper that SAIS they’ll be much but they just might suprise a few teams
Just sayin....
July 27th, 2010
4:27 pm
They play us tough every year! that is one thing about divisional play. The teams know each other so well that it is going to be a good game regardless of records!
Ken Strickland
July 27th, 2010
4:28 pm
FALCONFAN284-I don’t have a problem with them doing what they’re doing. I just want to educate them on themselves, and get them to take the psychological bags off their heads and realize we’re not the same injured Falcons with limited experience and depth, no matter how they try and spin it. I also want them to understand the AINTS aren’t lucky enough or good enough, especially of DEF, to even come close to winning the division, let alone return to the Super Bowl.
There’s no way their OFF will be able to overcome their SORRY DEF and our powerful, versatile and balanced OFF to defeat us. And they certainly can’t expect to get the lucky calls and make the plays they managed to get and make last yr. By the time we get through with their beloved AINTS, they’re going to finally realize that the effects of hurricane Katrina and the oil spill weren’t all the bad compared to the whipping they got from the Falcons.
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
4:33 pm
thanks for the education ken. just sayin..- agreed on the div. games. i watch them all with the sun. ticket but the bucs , panthers and you guys are the nail biters of the season
Just sayin....
July 27th, 2010
4:37 pm
I would rather play the AFC all stars than play the Bucs. It is just an ugly game and somebody is going to get hurt! It’s like Alabama and Auburn and the final is 15 to 13! What kind of score is that!
JB FALCON
July 27th, 2010
4:40 pm
I’d like to watch the Falcon Saints game with hiram and just sayin’. That would be an absolute blast. Od course the winner will be the one with the most points at the end, it’s always like that.
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
4:43 pm
not a good scenario towards the end of the season when the playoffs are lookin’ you in the face. out of curiousity- who do like ala. or auburn?– o.k. if you had to pick
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
4:44 pm
jb- ain’t that the truth! LOL
Just sayin....
July 27th, 2010
4:50 pm
gotta go with bama! they are just too strong! not a fan! just recognize talent!
GA ALL DA WAY
July 27th, 2010
4:54 pm
DL- This offseason I have seen all the true falcon fans input all of their concerns about our team have an outstanding year. And even those who don’t like us have gave input with some degree of respect. Don’t let those clowns like “matt choke ryan” come up in here to start strif when all offseason I haven’t seen his name once. @ll Da W@ Live!!!
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
4:56 pm
i’m with you on that too. saban is good- i’m still a little sour on him leaving lsu though. he was a king in baton rouge and thought the grass was greener in miami. it would appear that he’s regained his throne in the shadow of the ‘BEAR’
truth
July 27th, 2010
5:05 pm
GA ALL DA WAY…….when the Falcons when the superbowl this year, hiram, SeenThis, and matt choke ryan will all become fans. That’s how they pck their team for the next season, all depends on who wins the superbowl. However, they will change their blog name.
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
5:07 pm
truth- don’t interrupt while the adults are speaking
Just sayin....
July 27th, 2010
5:17 pm
well guys once again it has been fun discussing the Birds but I gotta run!