An official separates Falcons cornerback Christopher Owens (21) and Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. AP

BIRDLAND – Falcons cornerback Christopher Owens showed a great deal of promise during his rookie season in 2009.

He ended the season as the starting left cornerback and appeared on his way to a solid NFL career.

But last season, the third round pick from San Jose State, appeared to take a few steps backwards. He had a particularly rough outing against Green Bay in the divisional round playoff upset.

Atlanta Falcons' Chris Owens, right, intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills' Terrell Owens, left, in the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)

However, Falcons coach Mike Smith, in a conversation with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution during the NFL scouting combine staunchly defended Owens. Smith noted that Owens only lost his job to Brian Williams as the nickel back because of a back injury.

Smith also …