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
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
7:09 am
This is the biggest group of underachievers on the falcant team, by far. Talk about failure!
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
7:10 am
First and second
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
7:11 am
Recking: 10 minutes.
Tweets that mention Countdown to Training Camp: DAY 3 — Running backs | Atlanta Falcons -- Topsy.com
July 27th, 2010
7:50 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by D. Orlando Ledbetter, D. Orlando Ledbetter. D. Orlando Ledbetter said: COUNTDOWN TO TRAINING CAMP: Running backs — is the BURNER TURNER ready for another mega-season? http://bit.ly/9y3T0S [...]
rekingball
July 27th, 2010
7:53 am
Nine minutes to stink up the blog.
i saw brent grimes
July 27th, 2010
7:54 am
b4 – what exactly is it that you’ve ’seen b4′? is it how you don’t have any friends and watch games on your 13 inch rabbit ears tv? if so, we all have seen that b4 for guys like you…
as for the rb’s – turner will be a monster this year. i’m primarily worried about norwood. he’s the fastest i’ve ever seen on field…. sideline to sideline. i don’t think he can get out of his own way. every time, seemingly, he tries to turn upfield, he trips over his own feet. but it’s nice to know we have a bruiser in snelling. if we have to, we can just pound the ball all the way down the field with turner/snelling ala’ redskins in the 80’s.
rekingball
July 27th, 2010
7:57 am
I don’t remember the Falcons running very many screen plays last year.
Tweets that mention Countdown to Training Camp: DAY 3 — Running backs | Atlanta Falcons -- Topsy.com
July 27th, 2010
8:01 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ATLHOMER, D. Orlando Ledbetter. D. Orlando Ledbetter said: Countdown to Training Camp: DAY 3 — Running backs http://bit.ly/9hMsGp [...]
i saw brent grimes
July 27th, 2010
8:01 am
they didn’t. but their 2 main screen guys were out most of the year (douglas and norwood). we got both those guys back this year, so i’m sure that will be a new wrinkle we can use.
rekingball
July 27th, 2010
8:05 am
I believe that one of the main reasons Turner had a slow start, is that the Falcons first 5 or 6 opponents, utilized the 3-4 defense.
Which according to the talking heads on the TV, is used to prevent the run. According to your article concerning the OLine, the Falcons are working on establishing the running game against the 3-4.
I think that they will succeed.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 27th, 2010
8:06 am
rekingball — Norwood is the screen guy and he was hurt. Snelling is a good screen guy too. But they do run them, he gets in front of his blocking. Have to let the big uglies get set-up. (Now, I see where “I saw brent grimes” made this point, too.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 27th, 2010
8:07 am
ANY QUESTIONS out there for COACH SMITH. He’s about to call any second . He’s going to help us preview camp for us.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 27th, 2010
8:10 am
rekingball — 3-4 was definitely a reason for the slow start, too.
rekingball
July 27th, 2010
8:12 am
Also, I think that if the OLine can keep the pass rush off of Ryan just a little bit longer than last year, that will give the Falcon receivers a better chance to get open down field. Completeing more long passes down field will get the opposing defense back on their heals a little bit, and open up some holes at the line, for the RBs to run through.
BKJ
July 27th, 2010
8:13 am
DOL – Ask Coach about where Jamaal Anderson will be spending most of his time during TC (DT or DE)?
BKJ
July 27th, 2010
8:15 am
Another Q — Any undrafted free agents that Coach is really interested in watching in TC based on OTAs?
BKJ
July 27th, 2010
8:15 am
Another Q — Does coach know when the first “full pad” practice will be?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 27th, 2010
8:16 am
BJK — GOT both of your questions down.
BKJ
July 27th, 2010
8:17 am
Another Q – Status of Weatherspoon negotiations?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 27th, 2010
8:18 am
BKJ — Will get that padded practice one in. I know there are only nine padded practices.
BKJ
July 27th, 2010
8:18 am
DOL – Thanks. I’ll stop now. Look forward to your blog/article.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
July 27th, 2010
8:20 am
rekingball — Paul Boudreau and Paul Dunn will have the Oline together. Wish you see them go to work at practice. They are awesome coaches.
rainman
July 27th, 2010
8:23 am
A couple of questions for Smitty:
- are they going to use HD on punt returns or Norwood on kickoff returns?
- does he thing our field goal kicker is good enough, or is this position still under evaluation.
- when is Brian Williams projected to be on the field?
O G Falcon Fan
July 27th, 2010
8:23 am
How about we get somebody to fix Norwoods legs. He is about the most bowlegged guy i have ever seen.
Really if he would just run a little bit under control he will be fine.
Bird Dog
July 27th, 2010
8:27 am
What has Turner done differently to prepare for this season? P90x?
rekingball
July 27th, 2010
8:34 am
I am very glad to hear about the OLine’s progress.
Last year, most of them played hurt(due in part, to the NFL scheduling bye-week situation the Falcons faced, in my opinion).
I think that the OLine is the foundation for this team’s success.
I believe that the Falcons will be very successful in 2010.
Joe Tess Fish House
July 27th, 2010
8:44 am
Ask Smitty what do they have against going to the Superbowl because if they don’t sign TO, they are NOT going.
Thanks.
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
8:48 am
DOL: Turner’s 1700 yds were in 2008, not 2009.
Individually, the falcant running backs are talented but quite prone to injury.
Their shortcoming is their contribution as a group. They don’t compliment each other very well. When one goes down, the others don’t pick up the slack. And the anemic passing attack doesn’t help them. Get some balance, and the offense will be more effective. Which speaks to the coaching more than the players.
rekingball
July 27th, 2010
8:58 am
You wrote that that the Jets put a targeted hit on Turner’s ankle, in his attempted return in that game.
I think that the Panthers placed a targeted hit on Turner’s ankle, in the game in which he was first injured.
If I remember correctly, Turner had over 140yds rushing against them, early in the 2nd quarter when the incident occurred. That appeared to be the only way that they could stop him.
Hamp
July 27th, 2010
9:00 am
Seenthisb4 your last post was decent. For you to the hate the falcons so much you sure know alot about them. Are you a undercover falcon backer that just wants us to think you don’t care.
JTH
July 27th, 2010
9:11 am
Turner became a victim of his own success last season. He felt like he had “made it” as a football player and got complacent. That led to laziness, that led to fat.
It’s good to see him get the fire in the belly back. This is the year of the Falcon.
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
9:20 am
Hamp: Everyone should know their opponents.
Ken Strickland
July 27th, 2010
9:28 am
OG FALCON FAN-You obviously never saw former Falcon DE Claude Humphery, or OLB Henri Crockett.
Zone4FalcFan
July 27th, 2010
9:28 am
B4-I wouldn’t call our RBs injury prone. Norwood is the only one tipping that scale and IMO he isn’t worse than what Abe used to be like. Snelling is never hurt and Turner had his first injury this year. Sorry so injury prone doesn’t work for this group. I think this past season will be the worse season the Falcons have in a long time. Injuries resulted in an “anemic” passing attack that still put up 23 poitns and 300+ yds against the Saints and poor play calling hurt as well. But I think since Ryan will get Turner, Douglas, Norwood back healthy and Meier as well roaming the middle, he will have a tremendous number of options to work with.
But surprisingly that was a good non-Falcons bashing post. Congrats
The excitement builds…
CaliDirtyBird
July 27th, 2010
9:36 am
I agree not many screen plays last year. What about draw plays?
truth
July 27th, 2010
9:42 am
Seen…you pathitic man. What did you do stay up all night to be first on the Falcons blog? Why not admit you are a Falcon fan in hiding just trying to pi$$ people off. Just sad. You have no pride in yourself.
truth
July 27th, 2010
9:49 am
I happen to think Snelling picked up the slack very well.
smittty
July 27th, 2010
9:56 am
in short yardage situations every now and then I sure would like to see 2 TE(check in a tackle) and 2 fb(mughelli and klecko) and turner…old school here we come try to stop us…we will get the yard
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
10:01 am
truth: What? You think 7 am is early? LOL! and don’t forget, your 7AM is my 6AM. First of all, I don’t need a lot of sleep and second, I am no falcant fan. And I told you Sunday, I want to hear what you guys think of your team PLUS I want to aggravate you all to the point that you’re crying like babies. You know, like you’re doing! LOL!
And if Snelling picked up the slack very well, then why is Ledbetter’s #1 recommendation: TAKE more real estate in short yardage situations?
Matt R
July 27th, 2010
11:05 am
Hey D-led, the most glaring reason the flacons didn’t make the playoffs last year was not the D-line or CB’s, It was the field goal kicker!!! Did we aquire any new kickers this year?
FalconsFan284
July 27th, 2010
11:40 am
Seen—You must explain how the Falcons tailbacks don’t compliment one another. The way I see it, and ESPN and NFL.com and many, many more see it, the Falcons have some of the most versatile, complimentary groups in the NFL. Let me explain it in terms you will understand.
Micheal Turner = Pierre Thomas. Yes Micheal is faster, doesn’t fumble as often and scores more touchdowns but it is the only comparison that will make sense to you. Just compare their respective stat lines and, I think, it will explain just how big a difference there is in the quality of Turner over Thomas. In what was essentially eight games, due to injury in parts of three others, Micheal Turner turned in 178 carries for 871 yards and 10 touchdowns! Even though he had a slow start, Turner had a better rushing season then all of the Saints backs. Evidence for this lies in Pierre Thomas’ numbers which are, 147 rushes for 793 yards and 6 touchdowns. The one area Thomas does soundly defeat Turner is in receptions and yards. However, these teams have two decidedly different styles of offense.
Jerious Norwood = Reggie Bush. I do give this matchup advantage to New Orleans. Reggie Bush is a terror out of the backfield when he catches the ball. Though Bush only had 70 rushes last year, he was very effective when given the opportunity. Now, I give the advantage to Bush but with a caveat. That being Jerious Norwood is not as durable as Reggie. When it comes to speed the advantage leans to Norwood. When it comes to running between the tackles the advantage stays with Norwood. When it comes to turning the corner or gaining the edge there is no advantage; I think Bush and Norwood are equal to one another. When it comes to receiving I give a clear advantage to Bush. I’ll stick with Reggie on field vision as well. Reggie is also much more durable. However, when it comes to value, Jerious Norwood is leaps and bounds ahead of Reggie Bush! Reggie Bush was the number 2 overall pick in the draft; which is not good value for your second string tailback. Jerious Norwood, on the other hand, was a late third round pick and is now just a third down, third string back. With Norwood’s speed to offset the power of Micheal Turner they form a potent combination.
Ovie Mughelli = Heath Evans. This is so not a fair comparison. Ovie is clearly the better fullback! When it comes to lead blocking, advantage Ovie. When it comes to short yardage, advantage Ovie. When it comes to blitz protection, advantage Ovie. When it comes to durability, advantage Ovie. Heath Evans could probably defeat Ovie in a foot race though but I’m not even sure of that.
Jason Snelling = ?. There is no longer a player on the Saints roster that can do the things for them that Jason Snelling does for the Atlanta Falcons. Micheal Bell was probably the closest but he is no longer in New Orleans. Snelling is our second string runningback that provides the versatility to play in singleback, H-back, fullback and I-form offensive sets. Again, he is another perfect compliment to Micheal Turner. I say that because both Turner and Snelling can be on the field at the same time and add a double power run threat.
We can discuss different formations, and which team has the advantage in each, but I honestly believe that you just aren’t capable of breaking things down the way I have. I know you will come back with, “Explain why the Saints rushing offense was ranked higher than Altalnta’s last season” or some garbage of that ilk. The answer is, Atlanta did not have Turner for the second half of the season. It is the simple. Take Thomas away from New Orleans and the Saints have little to no running game. Take Turner out of Atlanta and the Falcons still have Snelling that came in and got 613 yards. I will remind you that we have all seen what the Saints have looked like with Reggie as the starter. Can you say one dimensional?
truth
July 27th, 2010
11:41 am
Enter your comments here
truth
July 27th, 2010
11:45 am
Be ready 284, SeenThisLoserB4 is gonna spin an you.
truth
July 27th, 2010
11:46 am
Opps “on you” gotta what out for PROF
truth
July 27th, 2010
11:47 am
DANG “watch out” for PROF
FalconsFan284
July 27th, 2010
11:55 am
Truth—-He tries every time I post but he ends up proving my arguments, the vast majority of the time. The whole reason I posted this was because he said our backs don’t compliment one another. Which just doesn’t make sense.
robertussen
July 27th, 2010
12:05 pm
d led, dan kleco is listed as a d lineman by the falcons. do you think his versatility earns him a spot on the 53 man roster.
Ken Strickland
July 27th, 2010
12:21 pm
This has become a daily habit. We get these vagrant AINT fans who wake up every morning and log onto the Falcon blog to have fun making fools of themselves. What else can you call someone dumb enough to criticize certain aspects of the Falcons when their beloved AINTS are in far worse shape than we are.
Here’s a sample of that stupidity. Making an issue of the Falcon RB’s, particularly MTurner, who in 08 out gained the AINTS entire rushing OFF(MTurner-1699, AINTS-1594).
Even after playing hurt and being unable to finish the season in 09, MTurner(871yds-10TD’s) managed to out gain and out score the AINTS leading rusher, PThomas(793yds-6TD’s). Even our #3 backup(JSnelling)gained 613yds and scored 4TD’s last yr, which is only 180 fewer yds than their #1 rusher.
I guess they’re very comfortable hiding behind a computer and making stupid remarks. AFTER ALL, THEY OBVIOUSLY DEVELOPED THE HABIT FROM HIDING UNDER BAGS, AFTER 25 CONSECUTIVE YRS OF UTTER FUTILITY AND EMBARRASSMENT.
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
12:48 pm
Falconsfan284: Ever heard of the term: “cacoethes scribendi”?
Interesting, that you’re hanging your hat on the versatility of Snelling, so many sets! LOL! It’s not the number of sets, it’s the execution from those sets that counts.
When Mr. Turner, turned in that 1699 yard performance for 2008, he distinguished himself as an elite runner. Anybody else in that group over there do that? Ever?
Answer: No.
Result: When Mr. Turner started slow last year, and then had ankle injuries, the falcant run oriented offense ended up 15th in the league of 32. Just slightly above average.
Last year, the Saint PASS oriented offense ended up 6th in rushing, top 20%. Odd that you all continue to dismiss that little golden tidbit.
The Saints don’t possess that elite, bowling ball type runner like the falcants do in Turner, but their running corp did compliment each other very well. When one went down, the next guy picked up the slack and they just kept rolling along. They don’t have the same style of running, but they know how to pick up each other’s slack. At least in my opinion they do. And yes, they did lose Mike Bell, but the reality of it is, that Mike Bell and Lynell Hamilton were basically numbers 3a, and 3b. That complimentary running corp will still be a formidable one to stop this year, as they were last year.
And let me give you a bit of advice: If you want to stop the Saints offense, stop their run offense first, but watch out for that pass offense, cause it will burn you if you don’t.
Go ahead FalconsFan284, keep thinking your run offense is superior.
FalconsFan284
July 27th, 2010
12:56 pm
Ken—–the Saints fans, hiram and SEEN, have both said it themselves. They only come here to try to aggravate Falcon fans. They don’t come to add to the discussion or share their ideas about why the Saints are better prepared for the season. No, they just come to call names (hiram) and type non-factual, outrageous things (SEEN). Honeslty, when did you ever see them make a pervasive argument about football?
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!
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
5:22 pm
it was nice talking to a non hostile fan – thanks just sayin…
B Sanders
July 27th, 2010
5:47 pm
It’s more the offensive line and game calling than the backs that make a good running team.
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
5:53 pm
Hiramsaint: What do you think, QBs tomorrow or kicking teams? My vote: QBs. LOL! Ahhh, my shot at Matty Ice!!! I—-can’t—- wait.
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
5:58 pm
i think they;re gonna save the best for last so you’ll have to show some patience. i’m sure kenneth and 284 will be working overtime digging up stats from the revolutionary war as to why matty slush is the most awesome qb ever and argue that he should be inducted even before gonzo. per haps even this year
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
6:00 pm
provided i can stay awake for their tutorials, as ken likes to educate us, they should at least be fictional and entertaining
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
6:08 pm
I think you’re right, but, as old Hap would say, I’m going to “Speak as I please!”
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
6:13 pm
hap glaudi- now that brings back memories. i read your post on nola about why shockey passed out . now that was freakin’ funny. i laughed for about 5 min. on that one
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
6:27 pm
Yeah, nobody answered my question about Strief, although he has never caught a pass, he checks in as “eligible” all the time. One day Brees is going to throw him the ball! THE ENTIRE STADIUM IS GOING TO GET A BIG LAUGH OFF THAT. Hope it happens against the falcants!
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
6:34 pm
they won’t need to use that against them. it’ll be saved for the playoffs if we really need a surprise score or first down . you’re giving the cants to much credit.
SeenThisB4
July 27th, 2010
6:36 pm
I’m out Hiramsaint. Later!
FalconsFan284
July 27th, 2010
6:57 pm
hiram, SEEN—–The conversation you two had was very sweet. I’m sure some other Saints fans would appreciate seeing it.
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
7:00 pm
don’t be jealous 284 . ken will be here soon to comfort you…later
Gary from Indiana
July 27th, 2010
7:28 pm
Per ESPN something happened to Brees on the way to the airport, said stay tuned for further information.
Gary from Indiana
July 27th, 2010
7:33 pm
ESPN reports that Brees was caught with a bag of money and a note that said “do the same this year” problem is he was handing the bag and the note to an NFL field judge.
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
7:44 pm
you gotta do what works for you
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
7:45 pm
too bad what works for you is stupidity…LOL LOL
Gary from Indiana
July 27th, 2010
8:11 pm
Hiram,
How many times do you check for a new post so you can respond? I bet this blog is all you think about , don’t lie be honest you know you do. I could not imagine going through life all jacked up about getting the “next big blog remark.” Man what a loser. Dang this is to funny. Look close you won’t see my name again. I’ve been reading th last few days and sir you are a sad little man. LOL! LOL! LOL! LOL! LOL!
Your enemy,
Gary in Indiana
hiramsaint
July 27th, 2010
8:19 pm
ooooooooooooh-so long g from ill.
waynester
July 27th, 2010
9:02 pm
Mike Smith wants the same thing from his running game as 31 other coaches–convert consistently to open up the passing game. The OL has to make it happen. At least the Falcons are starting off with a healthy backfield for a change….
FalconsFan284
July 27th, 2010
9:50 pm
SEEN—–Change hiram’s diaper. His posts smell worse than normal.
drmondo
July 27th, 2010
10:47 pm
Just ignore them, please. If you must respond to them, just go post on a saints board under their name and rag on the Saints. Its really sad that every article on the Falcons devolves to this garbage because of a few jerks.
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