Potential exhibited vs. Bucs
Matt Winkeljohn - Staff
Saturday, September 1, 2001
There's still time to change predictions for the upcoming NFL season, with
openers slated for Sept. 9. Some prognosticators might want to, if they are as
encouraged by the Falcons' preseason as the players and coaches are.
Six weeks ago, the Falcons (3-1) were almost universally picked to wrestle
Carolina for last place in the NFC West. After whipping Tampa Bay 36-7 Friday
night in the Georgia Dome to finish the preseason 3-1, there is optimism.
Only time will tell, of course, if it's warranted.
The Bucs (1-3) are picked by many to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. It
should be mentioned that most of their starters were gone by the second quarter
Friday, and quarterback Brad Johnson and others left before that. All-Pro
defensive tackle Warren Sapp didn't even suit up.
But for the Falcons, coming off a 4-12 season, these positives are being looked
upon as harbingers of good things to come:
> Atlanta outrushed the Bucs 211-86, and for the entire preseason outrushed
opponents 565-370.
> Quarterback Chris Chandler threw his first interception of the preseason, but
linebacker Chris Draft and strong safety Marty Carty pulled in interceptions, and
defensive tackle Ed Jasper forced a fumble while sacking Joe Hamilton. For the
preseason, the Falcons had 10 takeaways to five turnovers.
> The Falcons ground out 25 first downs to Tampa Bay's nine while holding the
ball 37:14 to the Bucs' 22:46. In four games, Atlanta had 75 first downs,
opponents 50.
Perhaps best of all, there is a positive vibe --- at least until the Falcons begin the
regular season with back-to-back road games at San Francisco (where they
haven't won since 1991) and St. Louis (where they haven't won since 1998).
It grows out of an offensive line that was miserable last year. This summer,
they've played as if on the same page rather than as if reading five separate
books.
At the same time, running back Jamal Anderson (six rushes, 25 yards, one
touchdown) is running with far more confidence, quickness and power than a
year ago.
''Our offensive line is definitely more physical than it was last season, or even
during the 1998 (Super Bowl) season,'' Anderson said. ''It seems like they are
getting to the linebackers faster, which really helps our running game.''
Atlanta appears to have more polished depth, as demonstrated by running backs
Maurice Smith (12 carries, 89 yards, two touchdowns) and Rodney Thomas (18
carries, 68 yards) Friday.
The Falcons continue to have problems in a couple of key areas. They converted
just three of 11 third downs, and 15 of 53 (28.3 percent) in the preseason. Also,
three drives ended inside the Bucs' 20-yard line with field goals instead of
touchdowns.
''I think we are going to be a better football team,'' said coach Dan Reeves,
whose team was 4-1 last preseason. ''I think you have to keep preseason in
perspective. The key thing for us down the road is going to be the ability to stay
healthy.'' |
