Hostile
The Duke
- Messages
- 119,565
- Reaction score
- 4,544
Competition committee will look at cut blocks
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News
October 30, 2004
Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher, co-chairman of the NFL's competition committee, said Friday he expects cut blocks similar to the one Broncos tackle George Foster made on Cincinnati defensive tackle Tony Williams on Monday to get a look by the committee this off-season.
"We will look at all injuries, we'll look at all blocking schemes, we'll look at the play in detail, I'm sure . . . ," Fisher said. "When you have an instance that happens once every so often, you have to be careful about changing the rules, and in this case, in my opinion, there should be some disciplinary action taken at the league level."
Advertisement
The competition committee recommends rules changes each year. Any changes then must be approved by at least 24 of the league's 32 franchise owners.
Atlanta Falcons general manager Rich McKay, also a co-chairman, said this week he thought the cut block, which is a common practice and allowed under current league rules, would get a look as well.
Foster was not penalized or fined for the play, but Williams suffered a season-ending fractured and dislocated ankle.
Fisher added, though, there is only so much that can be done in the rule book.
"Players have to govern themselves, and they have to have respect for one another," he said.
Though away from the play, Foster's block did come in pass protection and he would have been graded down by the team's coaches had he let a defensive lineman around him.
It was a play-action pass in which quarterback Jake Plummer had rolled out to throw back across the field for what was an incomplete pass to Rod Smith.
OLDER AND WISER: Broncos safety Kenoy Kennedy said he has dialed back some of his aggressiveness and might be having a better season because of it.
Personnel executives around the league say Kennedy is having a quality season as the Broncos' defense has been ranked among the league's best all season.
"I think I'm having a pretty good year, not great - I need to get more turnovers - but pretty good," Kennedy said. "I haven't missed any tackles; that's one thing I'm kind of proud about through seven games."
Kennedy said he has been more conscious of getting the offensive player on the ground instead of always going for the highlight hit.
"I was pretty much averaging one (missed tackle) a game in past seasons . . . ," Kennedy said. "Usually when I'm missing tackles, I'm too aggressive. I'm going for the kill shot instead of just getting the guy down in the open field. Just get the guy down and save those touchdowns."
Monday night, Kennedy had one of the biggest hits in the Broncos' 23-10 loss. He slammed into Bengals running back Rudi Johnson at the Denver 3-yard line, stopping Johnson cold in the open field. Two plays after the touchdown-saving tackle, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer was intercepted by Champ Bailey to end the drive.
FAMILIAR FACES: There will be few secrets Sunday between the Broncos and Falcons.
Falcons defensive coordinator Ed Donatell and assistant head coach/offensive line Alex Gibbs were longtime assistants for Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. Both worked for Shanahan when the Broncos won back-to-back Super Bowls.
"I don't think it's too big a thing because once it's said and done, you still have to execute," Broncos linebacker Al Wilson said. "It's really about who gets that done. Everybody knows what everybody does around the league.
BELL LIKELY OUT: Broncos running back Tatum Bell (hamstring) did not practice Friday and Shanahan said it would take a "miracle" for Bell to avoid being a game-day inactive Sunday.
Bell has missed much of training camp and the season because of injuries - a fractured finger that needed surgery to repair, rib cartilage and now the hamstring. He suffered the hamstring injury playing on special teams Monday night.
Atlanta Falcons at Denver Broncos
2:05 p.m. Sunday, Invesco Field at Mile High (76,125 capacity)
The facts
• Records: Broncos are 5-2, Falcons are 5-2.
• The series: Broncos lead 8-3, including 1-0 in playoffs.
• The previous meeting: The Broncos beat the Falcons 42-14 on Sept. 10, 2000, at Mile High Stadium.
• TV/radio: KDVR-Channel 31; KOA-AM (850), KBNO-AM (1280-Spanish).
• Who's favored: Broncos by 6 1/2
• Broncos injuries:
OUT: DE Trevor Pryce (back).
DOUBTFUL: RB Tatum Bell (hamstring).
QUESTIONABLE: CB Lenny Walls (shoulder).
PROBABLE: S Nick Ferguson (elbow), TE Patrick Hape (neck), CB Willie Middlebrooks (hamstring), G Dan Neil (abdomen) and WR Darius Watts (shoulder).
• Falcons injuries:
OUT: TE Eric Beverly (shoulder) and DT Roderick Coleman (knee).
QUESTIONABLE: CB Aaron Beasley (foot) and S Cory Hall (foot).
Matchups
When the Broncos run the ball
• The skinny: It's no accident the Broncos have lost both games they trailed at halftime this season because when they trail they can't pound in the run game. And right now, their offense is at its best when it's rolling on the ground. The Falcons defend the run better this season because of a switch to a 4-3 front, but defensive tackle Rod Coleman's injury weakens the middle.
• It's a fact: The Falcons defense has surrendered only one run longer than 20 yards this season - to Detroit's Shawn Bryson.
When the Broncos pass the ball
• The skinny: What the Falcons do better than most of the Broncos' opponents thus far is get to the passer - defensive end Patrick Kerney has seven sacks. Falcons defensive coordinator Ed Donatell also is a former Broncos assistant under Mike Shanahan, so he has a good feel for the Denver playbook. Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer has thrown five interceptions the past three games; Plummer must be on.
• It's a fact: Twice this season, the Falcons have taken the rare step to start two players 30 or older at cornerback. Kevin Mathis is 30 and Aaron Beasley is 31.
When the Falcons run the ball
• The skinny: The Broncos certainly have seen this movie before. Former Denver assistant Alex Gibbs has the Falcons using many of the same concepts in the running game as the Broncos used when he was in Denver. Atlanta leans more toward the speed/power combo pack with Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett. There also is the matter of quarterback Michael Vick, who has 58- and 32-yard runs this season.
• It's a fact: The Falcons are tied for second in the NFL at 4.8 yards per run play, and Vick leads the league in yards per carry at 6.6.
When the Falcons pass the ball
• The skinny: Atlanta has made the long-term decision to put Vick in the controlled passing attack of a West Coast offense. That means the Falcons are asking Vick to scramble less and get rid of the ball more quickly. And it's tough to learn. As a result, Vick has completed better than 60 percent of his passes in only two games and has thrown for at least 200 yards only once. Running backs and tight ends have made 51 of the team's 88 completions.
• It's a fact: The Falcons receivers have combined for only one touchdown this season - by Dez White.
Special teams
• The skinny: The Falcons have been one of the best kick-cover teams all season. They lead the NFL in punt coverage, allowing only 1.8 yards a return, and are third in the league in kickoff coverage at 18 yards a return. Atlanta also has the league's leading punt returner in Allen Rossum (15.7). With Broncos running back Quentin Griffin's season-ending knee injury and Reuben Droughns now the team's primary back, look for rookie cornerback Roc Alexander to return kickoffs for the Broncos.
• It's a fact: Since he began coaching special teams in 1993 with the New York Giants, Atlanta special teams coach Joe DeCamillis' units have returned 18 kicks for touchdowns.
Intangibles
• The skinny: Both teams were embarrassed last week, so one certainly is not more angry than the other. But the Broncos have had the short week after a Monday night game in the Eastern time zone. That's a lot to ask.
Jeff Legwold's prediction:
Falcons 23, Broncos 20
legwoldj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-2359.
By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News
October 30, 2004
Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher, co-chairman of the NFL's competition committee, said Friday he expects cut blocks similar to the one Broncos tackle George Foster made on Cincinnati defensive tackle Tony Williams on Monday to get a look by the committee this off-season.
"We will look at all injuries, we'll look at all blocking schemes, we'll look at the play in detail, I'm sure . . . ," Fisher said. "When you have an instance that happens once every so often, you have to be careful about changing the rules, and in this case, in my opinion, there should be some disciplinary action taken at the league level."
Advertisement
The competition committee recommends rules changes each year. Any changes then must be approved by at least 24 of the league's 32 franchise owners.
Atlanta Falcons general manager Rich McKay, also a co-chairman, said this week he thought the cut block, which is a common practice and allowed under current league rules, would get a look as well.
Foster was not penalized or fined for the play, but Williams suffered a season-ending fractured and dislocated ankle.
Fisher added, though, there is only so much that can be done in the rule book.
"Players have to govern themselves, and they have to have respect for one another," he said.
Though away from the play, Foster's block did come in pass protection and he would have been graded down by the team's coaches had he let a defensive lineman around him.
It was a play-action pass in which quarterback Jake Plummer had rolled out to throw back across the field for what was an incomplete pass to Rod Smith.
OLDER AND WISER: Broncos safety Kenoy Kennedy said he has dialed back some of his aggressiveness and might be having a better season because of it.
Personnel executives around the league say Kennedy is having a quality season as the Broncos' defense has been ranked among the league's best all season.
"I think I'm having a pretty good year, not great - I need to get more turnovers - but pretty good," Kennedy said. "I haven't missed any tackles; that's one thing I'm kind of proud about through seven games."
Kennedy said he has been more conscious of getting the offensive player on the ground instead of always going for the highlight hit.
"I was pretty much averaging one (missed tackle) a game in past seasons . . . ," Kennedy said. "Usually when I'm missing tackles, I'm too aggressive. I'm going for the kill shot instead of just getting the guy down in the open field. Just get the guy down and save those touchdowns."
Monday night, Kennedy had one of the biggest hits in the Broncos' 23-10 loss. He slammed into Bengals running back Rudi Johnson at the Denver 3-yard line, stopping Johnson cold in the open field. Two plays after the touchdown-saving tackle, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer was intercepted by Champ Bailey to end the drive.
FAMILIAR FACES: There will be few secrets Sunday between the Broncos and Falcons.
Falcons defensive coordinator Ed Donatell and assistant head coach/offensive line Alex Gibbs were longtime assistants for Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. Both worked for Shanahan when the Broncos won back-to-back Super Bowls.
"I don't think it's too big a thing because once it's said and done, you still have to execute," Broncos linebacker Al Wilson said. "It's really about who gets that done. Everybody knows what everybody does around the league.
BELL LIKELY OUT: Broncos running back Tatum Bell (hamstring) did not practice Friday and Shanahan said it would take a "miracle" for Bell to avoid being a game-day inactive Sunday.
Bell has missed much of training camp and the season because of injuries - a fractured finger that needed surgery to repair, rib cartilage and now the hamstring. He suffered the hamstring injury playing on special teams Monday night.
Atlanta Falcons at Denver Broncos
2:05 p.m. Sunday, Invesco Field at Mile High (76,125 capacity)
The facts
• Records: Broncos are 5-2, Falcons are 5-2.
• The series: Broncos lead 8-3, including 1-0 in playoffs.
• The previous meeting: The Broncos beat the Falcons 42-14 on Sept. 10, 2000, at Mile High Stadium.
• TV/radio: KDVR-Channel 31; KOA-AM (850), KBNO-AM (1280-Spanish).
• Who's favored: Broncos by 6 1/2
• Broncos injuries:
OUT: DE Trevor Pryce (back).
DOUBTFUL: RB Tatum Bell (hamstring).
QUESTIONABLE: CB Lenny Walls (shoulder).
PROBABLE: S Nick Ferguson (elbow), TE Patrick Hape (neck), CB Willie Middlebrooks (hamstring), G Dan Neil (abdomen) and WR Darius Watts (shoulder).
• Falcons injuries:
OUT: TE Eric Beverly (shoulder) and DT Roderick Coleman (knee).
QUESTIONABLE: CB Aaron Beasley (foot) and S Cory Hall (foot).
Matchups
When the Broncos run the ball
• The skinny: It's no accident the Broncos have lost both games they trailed at halftime this season because when they trail they can't pound in the run game. And right now, their offense is at its best when it's rolling on the ground. The Falcons defend the run better this season because of a switch to a 4-3 front, but defensive tackle Rod Coleman's injury weakens the middle.
• It's a fact: The Falcons defense has surrendered only one run longer than 20 yards this season - to Detroit's Shawn Bryson.
When the Broncos pass the ball
• The skinny: What the Falcons do better than most of the Broncos' opponents thus far is get to the passer - defensive end Patrick Kerney has seven sacks. Falcons defensive coordinator Ed Donatell also is a former Broncos assistant under Mike Shanahan, so he has a good feel for the Denver playbook. Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer has thrown five interceptions the past three games; Plummer must be on.
• It's a fact: Twice this season, the Falcons have taken the rare step to start two players 30 or older at cornerback. Kevin Mathis is 30 and Aaron Beasley is 31.
When the Falcons run the ball
• The skinny: The Broncos certainly have seen this movie before. Former Denver assistant Alex Gibbs has the Falcons using many of the same concepts in the running game as the Broncos used when he was in Denver. Atlanta leans more toward the speed/power combo pack with Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett. There also is the matter of quarterback Michael Vick, who has 58- and 32-yard runs this season.
• It's a fact: The Falcons are tied for second in the NFL at 4.8 yards per run play, and Vick leads the league in yards per carry at 6.6.
When the Falcons pass the ball
• The skinny: Atlanta has made the long-term decision to put Vick in the controlled passing attack of a West Coast offense. That means the Falcons are asking Vick to scramble less and get rid of the ball more quickly. And it's tough to learn. As a result, Vick has completed better than 60 percent of his passes in only two games and has thrown for at least 200 yards only once. Running backs and tight ends have made 51 of the team's 88 completions.
• It's a fact: The Falcons receivers have combined for only one touchdown this season - by Dez White.
Special teams
• The skinny: The Falcons have been one of the best kick-cover teams all season. They lead the NFL in punt coverage, allowing only 1.8 yards a return, and are third in the league in kickoff coverage at 18 yards a return. Atlanta also has the league's leading punt returner in Allen Rossum (15.7). With Broncos running back Quentin Griffin's season-ending knee injury and Reuben Droughns now the team's primary back, look for rookie cornerback Roc Alexander to return kickoffs for the Broncos.
• It's a fact: Since he began coaching special teams in 1993 with the New York Giants, Atlanta special teams coach Joe DeCamillis' units have returned 18 kicks for touchdowns.
Intangibles
• The skinny: Both teams were embarrassed last week, so one certainly is not more angry than the other. But the Broncos have had the short week after a Monday night game in the Eastern time zone. That's a lot to ask.
Jeff Legwold's prediction:
Falcons 23, Broncos 20
legwoldj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-2359.