Scouting the Atlanta Falcons

Posted Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 Comments   (0) Print Share Share Reprints
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Turner-Cowboys connection? Michael Turner has developed into one of the league’s top running backs since leaving the San Diego Chargers for the Falcons last season. But he already had the eye of Cowboys coach Wade Phillips. After coming to Dallas from San Diego in 2007, Phillips tried to talk Cowboys owner Jerry Jones into trading for Turner, then the backup to starter LaDanian Tomlinson. San Diego had no interest in moving Turner, who parlayed another strong season into a free agent contract with the Falcons. Turner rewarded the Falcons with 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns. He has 353 yards and six touchdowns so far this season.

No sacks allowed It’s little wonder that Matt Ryan has emerged as one of the league’s top quarterbacks in just two seasons. He is protected better than the president. The Falcons’ offensive line hasn’t given up a sack over the past four games — 123 straight passes — and has given up just two sacks this season. By comparison, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has been sacked nine times. Credit the blocking of the Falcons’ big boys up front — LT Sam Baker, LG Justin Blalock, C Todd McClure, RG Harvey Dahl and RT Tyson Clabo. Also credit Ryan for getting the ball away quickly and making good decisions to throw the ball away if nothing is there.

Scoreboard hunting Falcons punter Michael Koenen has heard all the hype about the Cowboys’ controversial video board, which is 160 feet lonb by 72 feet wide and hangs 90 feet above the playing surface. Now he can’t wait for his chance to hit in pre-game warm-ups if not today’s game. "If I accidentally hit it, I accidentally hit it," Koenen said facetiously. Koenen averages 42.4 yards per punt. He has a long of 61 yards and has had four downed inside the 20-yard line. In five seasons, he’s had four punts blocked and none returned for a touchdown.

No-huddle Falcons Apparently the Falcons’ no-huddle attack is unstoppable. At least that’s story according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. As a result, the Cowboys plastered the headline throughout the locker room. The Falcons don’t use it as much this year as they did last year. But they are very successful when they go no-huddle, and the Cowboys have taken notice. The Falcons scored two touchdowns last week against the Bears in the no-huddle attack. "They get up to the ball quick and you’ve got to be ready because they will snap it with a quick count every now and then," said Cowboys linebacker Keith Brooking, who played in Atlanta last season.

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