Atlanta Falcons: Could Douglas takeover for ‘Fair Catch Franks’ in the playoffs?
110812 Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dominique Franks breaks away for his second long return against the Dolphins during 2nd half action at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Friday, August 12, 2011. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
FLOWERY BRANCH — Until last Sunday, Dominique Franks had never played safety. But he was called in replace Hope when he left the game to be examined for a head injury.
“You just always have to be ready,” Franks said. “I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can. I got a chance to get out there and play a little bit of safety.”
Franks has played outside at cornerback and has been the primary nickel back, covering receivers in the slot. At safety, it’s a whole new ball game.
“Really, you have to be more patient,” Franks said. “You are the last defense back there. You have to make sure that you don’t give up the big play and if anything breaks, you’ve got to come up and make sure you make the tackle.”
Franks returns: Some fans on twitter have taken to calling Franks “Fair Catch Franks.” He has 17 fair catches and 20 punt returns for 154 yards (7.7 per return).
His 17 fair catches are seventh-most in the league behind Jets returner Jeremy Kerley (31), Minnesota’s Marcus Sherels (26), Philadelphia’s Damaris Johnson (22), Green Bay’s Randall Cobb (21), Detroit’s Stefan Logan (20) and Miami’s Davonne Bess (18), according to NFL.com stats.
His 7.7 yards per return is 21st in the league among players with at least 20 returns or more. Buffalo’s Leodis McKelvin leads the league with an 18.7 averaged and two touchdowns.
“Really, it’s just whatever I see back there,” Franks said. “Really, it’s just make a play. That’s all it is. Every play is different.”
In the loss to the Saints at New Orleans, the Falcons let Harry Douglas return a punt late when they were trying to bust a big return. Perhaps, they’ve been keeping him on ice for the playoffs?
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86 comments Add your comment
atlantaALLDAY
December 20th, 2012
10:19 am
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGG PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEE WE NEED SOME 1 OTHER THEN FRANKS FIELD POSITION IS KEY IN ALL GAMES HE IS A TRUE I SAY TRUE LIABILITY IN THE PUNT RETURN GAME HE HAS 0 BURST NO VISION ALL HE IS GOOD FOR IS FAIRCATCHING WE GET A VIABLE RETURNER BACK THERE AND ITS ON AND POPPING HOPE ATL SEE THEY NEED TO MOVE HIM ALSO
BillyBob
December 20th, 2012
10:19 am
I could have been first, wait, I am! Now that is really satisfying.
SirReal
December 20th, 2012
10:21 am
Fair catch Franks?!! Thats funny D Led. Y sure that wasnt YOU who came up with it?LOL
I do think HD would be better though. I really do.
GA_Native
December 20th, 2012
10:21 am
Had a chance for my first FIRST and blew it! #FairCaughtIt
PMC
December 20th, 2012
10:25 am
Dominique Franks returned kicks at Oklahoma if I remember correctly.
Some of these fair catches are so blatantly unnecessary, I’m fairly confident that they are more a product of what he is being taught and coached to do than his own choosing. If guys are 20 yards away from you and you are fair catching… that’s a problem unless they only want you to catch the ball and secure it.
kd
December 20th, 2012
10:27 am
were missing eric weems right about now
PMC
December 20th, 2012
10:28 am
really, with the weapons they have on this offense, it’s a pretty good strategy to just hold on to the football and not worry about a return. I’d just rather him run away from anything inside the 10.
Starship 1
December 20th, 2012
10:32 am
It isn’t fair to label Franks-esp because of the new rules the NFL has in place regarding kickoff field position. If you receive the ball in the endzone it’s a knee down for a guaranteed 1st and 10 on the twenty. Now if you receive the ball on the 10-then its more probable to attempt a run-when you can. Better to be safe than sorry.
falcfvr
December 20th, 2012
10:42 am
“Better safe than sorry”. Are you kidding?? The Falcon’s have played the better safe than sorry for 46 year’s. Full steam ahead and don’t take your foot off there neck’s till you hear the gun fire at 0:00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rise Up ATL. Kick some lion a$$ Saturday night.
FanSinceBartowski
December 20th, 2012
10:47 am
Haha I love to see all the six-year-olds claiming to be first when they’re really not. Anyway, I don’t really have as much of a problem with Franks fair catching as I do with the small amount of yards he gets on the ones he returns. But I’m probably one of the few that thought Rossum was over-rated.
Drinking the water from a toilet.
December 20th, 2012
10:47 am
Franks returns punts. Rodgers returns the kicks. You need to research before you post.
ATL/UGA #1 fan
December 20th, 2012
11:04 am
jULIO JONES IN THE PLAYOFFS RETURNING PUNTS! OR ANTIONE SMITH
btwarren
December 20th, 2012
11:06 am
Only make the change if necessary in a play off game if we are behind or something like tht. Right now Franks fair catching hasn’t cost us anything. You do recall when he did try to return a punt against the giants he fumbled it. Don’t won’t HD getting hurt returning punts. our other receivers are too inexperienced to be counted on in the playoffs. And we all know that HD can make some big contributions at times when other teams forget about him. See big play against gianst who were focused on Julio.
Captain Crazy
December 20th, 2012
11:20 am
Phair-catch Phranks – Phunny! At phirst I thought it was a good idea, but I, too, don’t want HD to get hurt returning punts. The status quo has given the Birds a 12-2 record. If it ain’t broke, don’t phix it!
warfalcon
December 20th, 2012
11:26 am
ONE GAME AT A TIME,LETS GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
old falc
December 20th, 2012
11:44 am
tim toone is a good return man but he’s a w/r
I Concur
December 20th, 2012
11:55 am
He hasn’t had too many opportunities to bring one back. I do agree there are probably better options, but go back and watch. He usually has someone bearing down on him almost immediately. He did have at least one chance in the NYG game, and…he fumbled.
Yeah, let’s see what HD can do.
D. Franks
December 20th, 2012
11:58 am
I hate y’all!
SawThat1nce
December 20th, 2012
12:09 pm
When he calls for a fair catch, and then he lets the ball hit the turf and roll for 20 yards, does that still qualify as a fair catch?
How many times has he done that this season? I know that I have seen him do it a lot of times.
That has cost the Falcons good field position, too many times.
SawThat1nce
December 20th, 2012
12:26 pm
@10:32……..When you recieve a “kickoff” on the ten, then what other options do you have, but to return the “kickoff”?
chc4
December 20th, 2012
12:30 pm
Huge sigh of relief when he does call for the fair catch. On returns he carries the ball like a loaf of bread. A turnover waiting to happen. He got really lucky in the NYG game.
Sonic Boom
December 20th, 2012
12:39 pm
I wouldn’t put HD back there to return punts. We’d be risking too much with our 3rd receiver. I’d rather have DF fair-catching and letting the offense do its thing than having him risking a fumble (like in the Giant’s game).
DP
December 20th, 2012
12:41 pm
Julio Jones returned a few punts at Alabama when the regular returner Javier Arenas was hurt, and he looked good doing it. You’ve got to use your weapons in the playoffs. Put Julio back there.
Tommy
December 20th, 2012
12:46 pm
Which is worse–Franks calling for the fair catch and actually catching the ball, or Weems last season waving for the fair catch, letting it go over his head and the other team downing it at the one? That seemed to happen at least once a game last year, and field position was a big factor in last year’s good-but-not-great results.
Weems’ big returns were on kickoffs, not punt returns. And putting Douglas back there sounds great until he gets plastered on a return and we’re missing our #3 wideout
Mario
December 20th, 2012
12:48 pm
He needs to. Douglas is dangerous at punt returner. Franks runs litle bit then gets tackled. He never gives our offense great field position. Douglas should be the guy, but he won’t. Our coaching staff won’t change anything up in the playoffs.
Mario
December 20th, 2012
12:51 pm
DP, thats the dumbest thing I think I’ve ever read. Put Julio back there? No way. He’ll be gassed. Remember, after a punt return, the offense is on the field. Julio would be gassed by the 4th. We need him at receiver. Harry Douglas would be great at punt returner or even Jacquizz Rodgers. Somebody with a spark.
Samuel
December 20th, 2012
12:53 pm
I think the only reason Harry Douglas is not returning kicks is, the coaching staff doesn’t want him hurt, because one of the receivers could go down. And he would have to fill in as a number two wideout. But in the playoffs there could be someone else at that position.So Dominque Franks you need to step your game up against the Lions. And get Matt Ryan & company some good field position…
vesaversa
December 20th, 2012
12:56 pm
Fair catch Frank. lmbo
When the Falcons are on their game it doesn’t matter what field position they start from .The Giants game were a good exampled of that. Douglas i believe is the fastest of the two but who have the sure hands is what matter most .
okeetee
December 20th, 2012
12:57 pm
Hey, I hope Franks gets to fair catch 10 punts a game in the playoffs! That means our defense is holding up really good!
ronhen24
December 20th, 2012
1:20 pm
I do not care who return them as long as the run up the field. Dominique Franks is a horrible return man. I like the guy, but he does not have great awareness of where the gunners are at. This causes him to wave the hand a bit early and fair catch everything. I hate it and I said this before that it is and will be our achilles heel. I hope HD get the opportunity to return, because he secures the ball, scan quickly and go. Franks faking dead air space doesn’t get it. Please! Make it happen Coach Reynolds. D-LED, that my be a good discussion question.
Go Deep
December 20th, 2012
1:30 pm
-=| I love all the X Spurts |=- I’ll take Matty Ice on the 20 anyday. o_o
Ebenezer S.
December 20th, 2012
1:35 pm
Bah! Hambug! All Franks has to do is catch the ball and not waste a single effort in returning it, it’s a waste of effort. Let the offense do what they are very handsomely paid to do, advancing the ball!
Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi
December 20th, 2012
1:41 pm
Anyone wanting julio jones returning punts is just retarded, why would you risk ur biggest playmaker on a lousy punt return, are you trying to ruin the team, let tim toone return some or antone smith.
sean
December 20th, 2012
2:04 pm
fair catches = no turnovers on special teams an our offense on the field
TUG MAN
December 20th, 2012
2:07 pm
I SEEN BILLY WHITE SHOES AT THE MALL. HE LOOK LIKE HE STILL CAN PLAY PUT HIM BACK THERE COACH!!!!!!!!!!
Esquire
December 20th, 2012
2:13 pm
SawThat1nce
December 20th, 2012
12:26 pm
@10:32……..When you recieve a “kickoff” on the ten, then what other options do you have, but to return the “kickoff”?
***************************************************
I agree! HUH? What choo talkin’ bout Willis?
WE ARE THE MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS!!!!
Doug
December 20th, 2012
2:15 pm
I agree with “sean.” DOL, how many fumbles/muffs does Franks have this year? It would be great if he could get 10yds per return (make one of the 1st Downs on that drive), but with this offense and our kicker I’m happy to just get the ball with no drama. Imagine what a lift it would be to a team we had the lead on in the playoffs if they recover a fumble because of a reckless fumble on a punt?
Surg
December 20th, 2012
2:37 pm
I would rather keep Franks back there, HD hasnt been back there all season. I would hate for him to pull a Kyle Williams at the wrong time. Just field the punts and let the offense do what they do.
Go Falcons..!!
December 20th, 2012
2:45 pm
What scares me about Franks is not his YAC. I notice he tends to hold the ball away from his body when he attempts evasive action…..Thats gonna make me cringe. I’d rather see him fair catch it all day long. fine by me.
Fair catch Franks
December 20th, 2012
3:39 pm
Come on sports fans I am all for playing ot safe but you can’t play scared. Franks needs to field the ball better. Do you remember when Weems took it to the house aganist tampa? The coverage was tight but he made a play. By tje way thanks for the shout out D-led
Loyal Falcon
December 20th, 2012
3:46 pm
Not sure why they don’t have Tim Toone back there returning punts with all the speed he has.
frankie
December 20th, 2012
3:48 pm
As long as they catch the darn ball and not muff it, I could care less who catches punts or kickoffs…
and not fumble during the return….
Go Falcons..!!
December 20th, 2012
3:49 pm
My point exactly. With all due respect to Franks. He’s not Weems. and Yes I do remember that play. Totally blew TB’s minds. I think atlanta was not favored if i remember correctly. Falcons went on to win that game. Go FALCONS..!!
inkspot
December 20th, 2012
3:57 pm
Franks doesn’t look comfortable back there taking punts. Now that could be because the coaching staff has told him to do anything but DON’T MAKE A MISTAKE and so young Dominique (in Atlanta you’ve got to let Dominique fly) is holding back and sort of bunching up his body and trembling before getting tackled because the coaches have coached the life out of him. That, or he just isn’t very good.
FalconJim
December 20th, 2012
4:11 pm
Been wondering why “Fair Catch” Franks was back there in the first place…..I mean, almost anybody would be better than him… ..just sayin’. Mix it up…..try Antone Smith, or Tim Car-toon…..anybody but Franks.
1stn10
December 20th, 2012
4:33 pm
Look…fair catching takes alot of skill. If fair catching was an art…Franks would be Picasso.
Ernie Q.
December 20th, 2012
4:50 pm
New stadium now! Bring back Atlanta Chiefs soccer to MLS and bring US National Team games to ATL.
Great Falconi
December 20th, 2012
4:59 pm
You have to make quick decisions on punt returns. If Franks doesn’t trust his ability enough to catch the ball and run it, then get somebody else out there who is more comfortable making the correct decisions.
bfred
December 20th, 2012
4:59 pm
There is, quite simply, no freaking way the coaches put ANY of our receivers back there. You have to have a special kind of screw loose to be a return guy and the injury rate is through the roof. I’m fine picking up somebody willing to go for it a little more but Douglas? Rogers? JONES? You have to be kidding.
E43
December 20th, 2012
5:06 pm
I see nothing in this article that talks about blocking. This isn’t the same falcons special teams unit. if we’re going to complain about fair catches, then we should at least give examples of situations where he could have made a return but didn’t. Douglass is a bigger piece to the falcons offense. He is also our best punt returner.However, its not worth it to have Douglass back there.
ezzy e
December 20th, 2012
5:27 pm
LISTEN UP!!!!!!! HD is to valuable and he used to return before the Knee. As much as i want him to return, Quizz’s brother JAMES RODGERS can return bring him up from the practice squad, Antone Smith is crazy fast
extremus
December 20th, 2012
5:54 pm
The Falcons used to have one of the premier special teams units in the league. It’d be nice to somehow put together that kind of explosiveness and efficiency again, but for now there are simply too many other major needs (RB, D-Line, O-Line) to fill during the offseason.
Chris Eagle
December 20th, 2012
5:56 pm
The Falcons should give tim Toone a chance. I’m not sure why he’s on the roster if it isn’t as insurance for a Punt returner? He looked good in preseason. I guess it would be a knee-jerk reaction to change now though.
PlanB
December 20th, 2012
6:25 pm
Teams less than good need to take chances. The Falcons need only to make sure they don’t give these teams momentum. I cringe on punt returns. A turnover is awful. You loose about 50 yds field position and momentum. I don’t know if Toone or Smith would be better. MS keeps many players under wrap but whoever does it, it needs to be done without turning the ball over. My only complaint is the punts that DF doesn’t catch and rolls 20 yds. No reason a returner can’t catch the ball. Go back 50 yds. Easy to run 10 yds forward or backward and catch the ball.
Whadda Ya Know?
December 20th, 2012
6:43 pm
I don’t feel so bad about Franks now that I see Randall Cobb of Green Bay has more fair catches than Franks. Smitty is directing Franks to simply field the ball to be on the safe side…the man is so cautious. Anyway, Franks has the speed and ability to break one but he spends too much time dancing once the ball is caught. Hit it and go north–not east/west.
Son Of Bart
December 20th, 2012
8:18 pm
I couldn’t care less if he fair caught every punt if he wasn’t standing inside his own ten yard line while he was doing it! More girly play by Smith who obviously has ordered him to do it. Placid, flacid approach to the game. Infuriating. It’s an offensive play. Each and every offensive play should be an attack against the defense.
Mikey
December 20th, 2012
8:26 pm
The punt return team has been the weakest link on special teams. Its not just Franks. If you look at the blocking, too many of the opposing tacklers are on or just in front of Franks at the catch. If he gets a block or two, he seems to jump on it but that has been rare. I have full confidnece in our Falcons coaches to know even more than most of us fans about who is the best returner on the team. I have no doubt that in the interest of continuous improvement, they are working hard on it. Better blocking will have a lot of impact on this unit and I suspect we see it improve in the coming weeks. GO FALCONS! YOU ARE RISING UP!
John John
December 20th, 2012
8:27 pm
The problem, I feel with Franks is not that he doesn’t have great vision and great cutbacks (which he does), its that he moves side to side, dancing too much, instead of bursting through north and south like his shoes were on fire. Watch Devin Hester, Tedd Ginn, and Patrick Peterson…Even Deion Sanders back in the day. They get it make one, maybe two quick cuts, and are bursting through in straight line and up to full speed pretty quickly, taking it to the house. Franks had the longest 28 yard return this year I have seen. He was juking and moving laterally, and he was finding some holes, but eventually the whole team will have time to surround you, if you arent in the end zone very quickly after the return. It took him 20 seconds and looked alot better, and he only got 28 yards. He needs less cuts and jukes, and just try to find a good seam and stick to it, then once you get people in your review, THEN you can use some ankle breakers on the few remaining defenders blocking your way. Just my analysis, because I feel with TIME this kid has some talent and could be pretty good. I mean this is his first season returning punts and 7.7 is not terrible, its 21st in the league and he is a rookie. I remember he had a touchdown return in the preseason, and had alot of good ones at Oklahoma Also remember it takes good blocking as well, and the Falcons may not be getting great blocks from their special teams. I still don’t know why we let Weems walk….
Michael M.
December 20th, 2012
8:27 pm
Falcons are going to kick the Lion’s ASS and have em playing through the Dome……………..do I have to say what will happen when they face Atlanta in the Dome?……………..Curtains for the Visitor…….
Michael M.
December 20th, 2012
8:31 pm
and rest the starters against Tampa Bay and lose…………….13-3 going into the playoffs
okeetee
December 20th, 2012
8:52 pm
“I said this before that it is and will be our achilles heel.”
…..what! Are you a football clown or something??? If making fair catches becomes our Achilles heal then we won’t be going very far in the playoff! Fumbling fair catches would be a problem, but as someone pointed out, Franks rarely, if ever, fumbles fair catches! Last I looked, that’s a good thing!
okeetee
December 20th, 2012
8:55 pm
By the way, fair catching punts is alot better than not fair catching them…..and then get a 10 yard penalty for holding or clipping and starting inside the 10 yard line!
Son Of Bart
December 20th, 2012
9:14 pm
Does anyone know if Tim Toone is hurt? I remember another little squirt of a punt returner who could make that first step and make the play that is one of the most exciting in football. His name was Tim Dwight. Can’t remember is someone finally broke him into — but he was fun to watch! Almost couldn’t wait for the opposing team to punt!
Son Of Bart
December 20th, 2012
9:15 pm
if..not is
Michael M.
December 20th, 2012
10:14 pm
They traded Tim away………………guy was tough on returns……………never could reason the trade…………………still shaking my head about that one…………………..
Fair catch Franks
December 20th, 2012
10:14 pm
Herman Edwards said it best hello you play to win the game. You can not play to lose. All i am saying is dont fair catch the ball because you’re afraid you will fumble. To beat teams like San Francisco you need to take advantage of every opportunity; fair catching the ball with the defenders 5 yards away does not do that. When he makes a big play or takes 1 to the house fair catch Franks will be never more quote the Raven
bp
December 20th, 2012
10:15 pm
who is worried about punt returns,we are 12 and 2 quit bitchin this a good team.
Michael M.
December 20th, 2012
10:22 pm
even I agree with them being a good team……………….still think they lose the last one to the Bucs before they go on a run to the Bowl
4.3 Speed
December 21st, 2012
12:08 am
We need somebody with speed to return both punts and kicks. There will never be a kick-off TD or punt TD with Rodgers or Franks. If a line-backer can out run Rodgers, then how can he out run the defenders? We need to improve on this position next year. I say Toone would be fastest person we could use the rest of this year and playoffs and upgrade next year to….the honey badger?
DR. FALCON
December 21st, 2012
12:18 am
AT THIS POINT, WE NEED SOMEONE TO SECURE THE BALL! THE PLAYOFF PRESSURE IS DIFFERENT! REMEMBER #10 FOR THE 49ER’S LAST YEAR? HE BLEW THAT GAME! KEEP FRANKS IN THERE!
Flo-Ri-Duh
December 21st, 2012
2:31 am
Stupid idea to have the starting WRs return kicks and chance an injury……. Douglas has a history of injuries.
Samuel
December 21st, 2012
8:10 am
Dominique Franks very rarily gives the Falcons a spark. If not Douglas, there are other guys on the team who are capable……
Jay
December 21st, 2012
8:27 am
Are we saving the No Huddle for the playoffs too???
Roger
December 21st, 2012
8:50 am
Go Falcons….I would hope Franks would be replaced…field position is critical agaisnt big time teams and the threat of a returner being able to ake it to the house changes things.
On another note:
The great Georgia Tech football player Larry Morris died december 19th. All SEC, All American and MVP of the Super Bowl Chicago Bears. Perhaps the best all time Tech player. Rest in peace Larry!
harleyman
December 21st, 2012
10:11 am
Fair-catching is the only thing I pray Franks will do. To big of a liability.
Scott Case's leggs
December 21st, 2012
10:31 am
Have me field it….i am still as fast as a deer
Joey The Bull
December 21st, 2012
11:09 am
Can we get in the Delorean and travel back to ‘98 and grab Tim Dwight?
single white dove
December 21st, 2012
3:51 pm
Joey The Bull
December 21st, 2012
11:09 am
Can we get in the Delorean and travel back to ‘98 and grab Tim Dwight?
Tim Dwight? Why not Deon Sanders?
single white dove
December 21st, 2012
3:54 pm
harleyman
December 21st, 2012
10:11 am
Fair-catching is the only thing I pray Franks will do. To big of a liability.
Fair catching? I would settel for catching the ball period.
veedub
December 21st, 2012
3:57 pm
DONT WANT HARRY DOUG TO GET HURT?? WHAT ELSE IS HE DOING BESIDES JUST RUNNING ROUTES?????? HE’s NOT A THREAT IN THE PASSING GAME FOR SURE!!
harleyman
December 21st, 2012
7:44 pm
Good point single white dove
Gritsfalcon
December 22nd, 2012
6:02 am
To Mike Smith: DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT start tinkering when you get INTO the playoffs. If you are going to make ANY changes DO THEM NOW!
BK
December 22nd, 2012
10:30 am
THIS IS WHEN WE WISH WE STILL HAD WEEMS, BEACUSE FRANKS IS GARBAGE 7.7 AVG IS A JOKE..HD HELL ANYONE CAN DO BETTER THAN FRANKS RIGHT NOW TRY ANTONIO SMITH…ANYONE BUT FRANKS HE IS WEEK!!!!
BK
December 22nd, 2012
10:39 am
ONLY PROBLEM HAVING HD RETURN PUNTS IS HE GETS HURT VERY EASY….
W.R.Terrell
December 23rd, 2012
7:56 am
I for one do not see anything wrong with so-called “Fair catch Franks”. On the other hand I am hostile about fumbles. Great punt returns happens but so do a lot of fumbles. There’s a few old sayings that come to mind. (1) “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” and (2) Leave well enough alone”.
Jay
December 24th, 2012
11:40 am
It IS worth having Harry Douglas back there. Playoffs is so much about field position. Maybe I agree because I thought Harry Douglas should have been returning punts SINCE 2008!!!