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October 22, 2009 5:32 PM
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
I just got off the phone with Atlanta coach Mike Smith. Our conversation mostly was about a topic I’ll be writing about Friday, but I took a couple of minutes at the end to go off track and ask Smith a couple of other questions.
One frequent question I’ve been getting from a bunch of readers is, why don’t the Falcons seem to be running the no-huddle offense as much as they did last year? I put the question to Smith and he pointed out that the Falcons probably have used the no-huddle offense at least as much as or more than they did to this point last season.
“We started running no huddle in fourth game last year against Carolina,’’ Smith said.
Smith acknowledged the Falcons may not seem like they’re using that offense as much as they did later last year, but he said that’s because of the defensive matchups they’ve faced so far. He wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the Falcons using more of the no-huddle system as the season goes on.
“That’s something we discuss every week as a staff going into a game,’’ Smith said. “We determine how much, when and where and under what circumstances we’re doing to run it. It really is done with a week-to-week analysis and a lot depends on who we’re playing and their defense. If we feel it gives us an advantage, it will be in the game plan.’’
Atlanta Falcons, Mike Smith, no-huddle offense
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Checking in on the injuries that matter most
October 22, 2009 4:46 PM
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
Time for a checkup on the most important injuries in the NFC South.
Get ready to see a lot of Jason Snelling in the Atlanta backfield on Sunday. Fullback Ovie Mughelli and running back Jerious Norwood each missed their second straight day of practice and it doesn’t look promising that either will play against the Cowboys. Also, starting running back Michael Turner was limited again in practice by a chest injury. Turner should be all right to play, but Snelling probably will be his primary backup and also be the backup fullback if Verron Haynes has to start in Mughelli’s place.
Smith sings praises of backup RB Snelling
October 22, 2009 5:53 PM
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
In my phone conversation with Mike Smith this afternoon, I asked him about running back Jason Snelling. That was mainly because I don’t know a lot about Snelling and his role seems to be increasing.
It could increase even more this week as fullback Ovie Mughelli and running back Jerious Norwood each missed their second straight day of practice due to injuries. That means Snelling could be the top backup at both running back and fullback on Sunday against Dallas.
“Jason is a guy who has been very impressive since I got here,’’ Smith said. “He has the ability to play both fullback and tailback and that’s always a big plus. He doesn’t get a lot of reps in practice simply because of where he’s been on the depth chart. But he’s one of those guys who, it seems like every opportunity he has had, he’s been productive for us. That’s the most impressive thing is the way he produces. The last two games, he’s had to play a lot. He probably didn’t run 90 percent of those plays in practice, but he went out there and ran them in the games and there was no drop off. It’s great to have a guy like that around.’’
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
I just got off the phone with Atlanta coach Mike Smith. Our conversation mostly was about a topic I’ll be writing about Friday, but I took a couple of minutes at the end to go off track and ask Smith a couple of other questions.
One frequent question I’ve been getting from a bunch of readers is, why don’t the Falcons seem to be running the no-huddle offense as much as they did last year? I put the question to Smith and he pointed out that the Falcons probably have used the no-huddle offense at least as much as or more than they did to this point last season.
“We started running no huddle in fourth game last year against Carolina,’’ Smith said.
Smith acknowledged the Falcons may not seem like they’re using that offense as much as they did later last year, but he said that’s because of the defensive matchups they’ve faced so far. He wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the Falcons using more of the no-huddle system as the season goes on.
“That’s something we discuss every week as a staff going into a game,’’ Smith said. “We determine how much, when and where and under what circumstances we’re doing to run it. It really is done with a week-to-week analysis and a lot depends on who we’re playing and their defense. If we feel it gives us an advantage, it will be in the game plan.’’
Atlanta Falcons, Mike Smith, no-huddle offense
Read comments or leave a comment
Checking in on the injuries that matter most
October 22, 2009 4:46 PM
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
Time for a checkup on the most important injuries in the NFC South.
Get ready to see a lot of Jason Snelling in the Atlanta backfield on Sunday. Fullback Ovie Mughelli and running back Jerious Norwood each missed their second straight day of practice and it doesn’t look promising that either will play against the Cowboys. Also, starting running back Michael Turner was limited again in practice by a chest injury. Turner should be all right to play, but Snelling probably will be his primary backup and also be the backup fullback if Verron Haynes has to start in Mughelli’s place.
Smith sings praises of backup RB Snelling
October 22, 2009 5:53 PM
Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas
In my phone conversation with Mike Smith this afternoon, I asked him about running back Jason Snelling. That was mainly because I don’t know a lot about Snelling and his role seems to be increasing.
It could increase even more this week as fullback Ovie Mughelli and running back Jerious Norwood each missed their second straight day of practice due to injuries. That means Snelling could be the top backup at both running back and fullback on Sunday against Dallas.
“Jason is a guy who has been very impressive since I got here,’’ Smith said. “He has the ability to play both fullback and tailback and that’s always a big plus. He doesn’t get a lot of reps in practice simply because of where he’s been on the depth chart. But he’s one of those guys who, it seems like every opportunity he has had, he’s been productive for us. That’s the most impressive thing is the way he produces. The last two games, he’s had to play a lot. He probably didn’t run 90 percent of those plays in practice, but he went out there and ran them in the games and there was no drop off. It’s great to have a guy like that around.’’
