J.Mike's Missives

Who says there’s no good news coming out of Flowery Branch?

Thursday Head Coach Mike Smith confirmed running back Jerious Norwood returned to the practice field. The fourth-year pro was limited, but it’s a welcome sign of progression for the speedster, who suffered a concussion earlier in the season and, more recently, hurt his hip.

Norwood hasn’t played in a game since Oct. 18 and has just 19 carries for 78 yards on the year.

However, no additional good news on Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner (ankle sprain), who missed a second-straight day of practice. Smith said Wednesday Turner had “made a lot of strides” since injuring his right ankle Sunday afternoon. Thursday, Smith said a time table for the back’s return has not been set.

If the team doesn’t have Turner’s services, the sting would be lightened with Norwood in the lineup. The Falcons got a good day from Jason Snelling in the backfield last week and re-signed 10-year veteran running back Aaron Stecker for depth.

“It was good to get Jerious Norwood back out there,” Smith said (video). “That was a positive. Now we just have to wait and see how he responds to the work he got today.

“He looked good. You see that speed and Jerious’ smile out there breaking in and out of the huddle.”

Norwood certainly puts another big play threat into the offense. He’s averaged 5.7 yards per carry over his career, has shown skill as a slot receiver out of the backfield and was a centerpiece in the Falcons version of the “wildcat” formation in 2008, where the running back takes a direct snap with the quarterback split out as a wide receiver.

He’s also been a fixture in the “Birdseed” formation, which hasn’t left the blog-room drawing board yet…

What to Watch For in Week 11, AF.com
If you’re going to pay attention to just a few things in Sunday’s game, make sure you look at this page first.

A Look Ahead and the Shrinking Schedule, The Falcoholic
Will 10-6 get you into the NFC playoffs? Tough to say, but 11 wins would certainly be a safer bet.

Ryan is working through a ‘rough stretch,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Matt Ryan watches the office? This opens up endless opportunities in the blog when it comes to YouTube clips and satire. Must… Contain… Funny… Bone…

Falcons share early Thanksgiving with students, AF.com
Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday of the J. Mike Family. Too bad it always sneaks up on us.

If Michael Turner Is Out, Let’s Discuss Our Other Options, The Falcoholic
Still waiting for a time line on Michael Turner’s return to the field. So now is as good a time as any to start figure out what the options are in the running game in case of a long-term absence.

Snelling ready to try to fill Turner’s cleats, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With Norwood returning to practice, Falcons fans can be hopeful the team will have a compliment of three running backs on Sunday — Norwood, Snelling and Stecker.

Sophomore slump slowing flight path of Falcons’ Ryan, USA Today
“I think there are ups and downs of every season,” Ryan said. “There are a lot of things to learn from. You have to learn from your mistakes, bounce back.”

Falcons Coach on Parting Ways With Boley, The New York Times
It seems the former Falcons linebacker will also be the Giant responsible for shutting down Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Turner not ruling himself out for Giants game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
And, so far, neither are the Falcons…

Numbers, Notes and Colors for Week 11, AF.com
White jerseys, winning streaks and more in this notes column from New Media Intern Vance.

Falcons’ video crew sees all, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Make no mistake, the video, equipment and public relations staffs have some of the hardest working men in Flowery Branch

Bergeron rejoins Falcons practice squad roster, AF.com
The former Georgia Force receiver has quickly become a fan favorite.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed Aaron Stecker, AF.com, Georgia Force, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Matt Ryan, Michael Boley, Michael Turner, New Media Intern Vance, New York Giants, NFC, The Falcoholic, The New York Times, The Office, Tony Gonzalez, Troy Bergeron

In the ambiguous world of NFL injuries, any hint of good news can be built into a case for euphoria or deception.

Keep that in mind when analyzing, breaking down and/or poring over Head Coach Mike Smith’s Wednesday comments about injured Pro Bowler Michael Turner.

“Mike did not participate today,” Smith said, a foggy Flowery Branch practice field over his shoulder. “He’s been working real hard in the training room to get back as quick as he can. We’re hoping he will continue to progress. He has made a lot of strides in the 48 hours or so since the end of the game.”

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/194271/194271_2009-11-18-152123.flv
Click here for more Falcons-Giants Interviews

Turner was surprisingly durable in his first full-season as a starter, carrying the ball a league-high 376 times and rushing for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2008. He was running the ball in similar fashion before suffering a high-ankle sprain last week in Carolina, leaving the field having rushed for 111 yards on just nine carries.

Multiple reports have recovery time for a high-ankle sprain hovering from four to six weeks. Turner said Wednesday he’s never needed that long to recovery from a sprain and he’s using all the weapons in the Falcons arsenal — rehab equipment, hot tubs, etc. — to expedite his return.

“You don’t want to rush it,” he said. “You want to give it time to heal up and get stronger but, at the same time, you’ve still got to work it in order to get back as soon as possible.”

Should Turner be unable to play Sunday, the Falcons will turn to third-year back Jason Snelling.

Snelling carried the ball a career-high 18 times for 61 yards and a touchdown against Carolina. Smith said the Falcons planned to only work Snelling “10 to 15 snaps” in Sunday’s game. He ended up playing in more than 50.

Atlanta could also regain the services of speedster Jerious Norwood, who ran on a side field for a second-straight day. Ten-year veteran Aaron Stecker was also re-signed Monday for depth.

“That’s really the first time he’s run back-to-back (days),” Smith said of Norwood, who rushed for 489 yards and four scores last season and is the feature back in the team’s “wildcat” package. “We’re anxious to see if we can get him out here tomorrow.”

J. Michael Moore News, injury Aaron Stecker, Carolina Panthers, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, interview, Jason Snelling, Michael Turner, New York Giants, video

Falcons fans are still waiting to get official word on the injury report concerning Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner’s sprained ankle. But, as of early Wednesday afternoon, some news — and options — emerged in case the team is without its leading rusher.

For starters, the team re-signed 10-year veteran running back Aaron Stecker Monday evening to add more depth to the backfield. The Falcons also have Jason Snelling (hamstring) healthy and are hopeful to have fourth-year running back Jerious Norwood, the No. 2 man on the depth chart, back in action after an extended injury absence.

Stecker was originally signed on Oct. 27 to fill a roster spot created when rookie William Moore went on injured reserve.

In two games with the Falcons, Stecker totaled two rushes for six yards and five catches for 34 yards. The 10-year veteran has more than 1,500 rushing yards and 1,445 receiving yards in his career. He was released just before last week’s game and replaced by wide receiver Troy Bergeron. Though he missed some time, he said he’s not behind in the team’s system.

“I’ve been studying and picking up stuff week by week and there was a situation where, yeah, I was gone last week but I’ve been here,” Stecker said. “I can pick up where I left off.”

He can also help the Falcons make sense of time without the No. 1 running back.

Multiple times in Stecker’s career he’s been called upon to fill in for a big name (think Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush in New Orleans).

“That’s why guys last as long as I have,” Stecker said. “They go out there and, when they get an opportunity, they’re ready.”

Turner was optimistic about his own recovery and what the team can do in any absence.

He didn’t say when he’ll be back on the field, but did tell members of the media he’s never missed six weeks (widely reported recovery time for a high-ankle sprain) with an ankle injury.

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/194141/194141_2009-11-18-120813.flv
Click here for more Falcons video interviews from Wednesday

The six-year veteran also said he won’t rush back to the field until he’s ready.

“You don’t want to rush it,” he said. “You want to give it time to heal up and get stronger but, at the same time, you’ve still got to work it in order to get back as soon as possible.”

Should Turner and Norwood be unable to play, the Falcons would rely on Snelling and Stecker.

Asked earlier in the week about playing in place of the team’s feature back, Snelling, a seventh-round draft pick in 2007, continued the theme of confidence.

“Oh, yeah, that’s what I’m prepared for and I think that’s why I’m here,” he said. “We got a great offense and a great line and I’ll be prepared to go.”

BLOGGER’S NOTE: I’ll be tweeting from Head Coach Mike Smith’s media gathering this afternoon. Follow live updates here.

J. Michael Moore News Aaron Stecker, Carolina Panthers, Deuce McAllister, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, interview, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Michael Turner, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Troy Bergeron, video, William Moore

Even with a stomach full of delicious Chick-fil-A, sweet tea, coffee and a dash of trail mix (trying to do better with the diet) I couldn’t satisfy a hungry writing muse this afternoon.

While the gut may not be the only source of inspiration in my arsenal, it is where my classy sappy words of inspiration and insight often flow. So, with writer’s block firmly entrenched, I won’t waste your valuable time.

Here’s what they’re saying about the Falcons before we turn complete attention to this weekend’s game against the New York Giants…

Ask Vance Walker a Question, AF.com
We’re dusting off the Voices Heard question gathering/voting device and putting it to work for a special interview with rookie defensive tackle — and former Georgia Tech standout — Vance Walker.

Turner update coming Wednesday, ESPN.com
Don’t get upset with the Falcons for not releasing more news about Michael Turner. In the NFL, competitive advantage is everything and teams aren’t required to reveal any details on injuries until Wednesday afternoon.

Falcons re-sign Stecker, release receiver Bergeron, AF.com
Time on the 53-man roster is sometimes short. Regardless, Bergeron has been a contributor on the practice squad and Stecker returns to add to his numbers through two games.

Giants’ owner doesn’t like Thanksgiving schedule, ProFootballTalk.com
Outside of physically shrinking the country, there’s nothing to do to avoid some of these schedule complications. (Memo to disaster movie makers: please do not pull a 2012-style film out of your hat about shrinking the United States).

Ryan down, Turner out as Falcons lick wounds from Carolina loss, Examiner.com
When headliners are struggling, younger players must step up.

Elam takes blame for missed field goal, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kicking isn’t a one-man operation. Jason Elam and Head Coach Mike Smith made that clear. That said, as the veteran player, Elam will be called upon to correct any mistakes.

History on Atlanta’s side going into N.Y., ESPN.com
Well that’s interesting. For more on the series history check out Frank Kleha’s recent Time Machine post.

How I See It: NFC South Stock Watch, ESPN.com
“After an almost flawless rookie season, Ryan has been only ordinary. At times, he’s been worse than ordinary.”

Turner’s injury has Falcons juggling running backs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hard to imagine a more epic doomsday scenario than losing Turner in 2008 (Hollywood, see earlier comment). With Jason Snelling playing well, the Falcons have additional options at running back in 2009.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed Aaron Stecker, AF.com, AJC, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Frank Kleha, Georgia Tech, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, New York Giants, ProFootballTalk.com, Time Machine, Troy Bergeron, Vance Walker, Voices Heard

A move at running back wasn’t a surprise for the Falcons in light of Michael Turner’s high ankle sprain and yet-to-be determined game status.

With reserve Jason Snelling just one game removed from a hamstring injury and Jerious Norwood still nursing a sore hip, the Falcons re-acquired the services of veteran running back Aaron Stecker Monday evening.

To make room for Stecker, Atlanta released wide receiver Troy Bergeron.

Head Coach Mike Smith did not offer many details on Turner’s injury other than to say he’s confident the Pro Bowler will be back in 2009 and that more tests need to be done to determine a prognosis.

Turner suffered the sprain in the first half of Sunday’s loss at Carolina after rushing for 111 yards on just nine carries.

Stecker was originally signed on Oct. 27 to fill a roster spot created when rookie William Moore went on injured reserve.

In two games with the Falcons, Stecker totaled two rushes for six yards and five catches for 34 yards. The 10-year veteran has more than 1,500 rushing yards and 1,445 receiving yards in his career.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Aaron Stecker, Carolina Panthers, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Michael Turner, Troy Bergeron, William Moore

Jason Elam knows the life of a kicker is often lonely.

But when he gets attention, it’s for one of two reasons: A game winning kick or a miss that could have made a difference in the outcome of a game.

Elam missed a 34-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter Sunday that would have given the Falcons a 22-21 lead. Sunday night and Monday morning, he found himself in the spotlight as the Falcons eventually fell to the Carolina Panthers, 28-19.

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/193029/193029_2009-11-16-124947.flv
Click here for more reaction from Panthers-Falcons

Replay of the kick clearly shows a timing issue between snapper, holder and kicker. Elam said he would watch video of the play with holder Michael Koenen and snapper Bryan Pittman.

“Yeah, I got going a little too early; bottom line the ball was down and I didn’t make it,” Elam said Monday. “I’m fine with taking the blame on that one.”

Elam made it clear he’s taking responsibility for the miss, though he did mention the process involved — snap, hold, kick — and how even after hundreds of tries mistakes can happen.

Pittman was playing in just his second game as a Falcon on Sunday, joining the team two weeks ago when Mike Schneck went on injured reserve.

“The missed field goal yesterday we did not handle the operation of the snap, hold and kick very well and when that operation does not go smoothly, it puts stress on the attempt,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “Jason has not kicked the ball as well as he has in the past. And it definitely is a concern for us.”

Elam, who has missed five kicks this year, said the only way to fix problems is with repetition, film study and trusting the process.

“You just have to keep swinging,” he said. “History tells me that’s what you need to do. Keep doing what got you there and, more times than not, it’s going to work. It just didn’t work on that one particular play…

“You just keep going.”

Simple advice for just about anyone I suppose.

Now let’s all keep going on some Birdseed and put this game in the past.

Complete Falcons-Panthers game coverage, AF.com
It wasn’t a game you want to relive many times, but the only way to learn from mistakes is to watch them… Multiple times if necessary.

Falcons RB Turner will undergo tests on injured right ankle, NFL.com
For more on Michael Turner’s ankle injury, check out The Beat Blog.

Falcons won’t go anywhere if Ryan doesn’t figure things out, CBSSports.com
Amazed at how opinions change so quickly in the NFL. I know players aren’t allowed to break down, make mistakes or otherwise slump but sometimes I wonder if George Burns was right (thank you, Bart Simpson)…

Post-Game Thread: Falcons Get Dropped By Panthers, 28-19, The Falcoholic
You can have ugly wins and you can have ugly losses. But only one makes fans happy.

Falcons melt down on the road against Panthers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To quote the head ball coach: Falcons made “way too many mistakes in all three phases.”

In first career start, Will Svitek held his own for Atlanta Falcons, Examiner.com
Much like Todd Weiner in 2008, Will Svitek is called upon to backup — and play well — at right and left tackle.

Falcons And Panthers Recap: When Everything Goes Wrong, The Falcoholic
When everything goes wrong, you circle the wagons and figure out how to escape the situation. The Falcons have had their backs to the wall before. Maybe not so prevalent, but it’s happened. And success is an option.

Falcons’ defense was no match for Panthers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Curious how the Panthers, a running team, installed a robust no-huddle offense. Teams that face Carolina down the road will look at the Falcons game take for guidance.

Has the (Matty) Ice Age ended?, ESPN.com
Great headline. Story isn’t the favorite reading of Falcons fans, but I have to give love to the blogger and copy editor.

Three keys to the Falcons loss to the Panthers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Smith said removing Tye Hill from the game was a coach’s decision. Sometimes at cornerback you have to play the matchups.

Harvey Dahl: Catching up with ‘the NFL’s meanest,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Get to know one of the toughest guys on the Falcons roster and see how looks, off the field, can be deceiving.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Bryan Pittman, Carolina Panthers, CBSSports.com, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Matt Ryan, Michael Koenen, Michael Turner, Mike Schneck, The Beat Blog, The Falcoholic, The Simpsons, Todd Weiner, Tye Hill, Will Svitek

We learned two things in the aftermath of last week’s Redskins-Falcons sideline skirmish:

1. The team will always stand up for and protect its quarterback.
2. The head coach will always watch his players’ backs.

Let’s be clear.

Head Coach Mike Smith moved on from the incident — and his fine — quickly. The coach and his team put 100 percent focus into the Carolina Panthers and improving through the rest of the season.

This is the way it should be.

But the carryover from what happened against the Redskins — the team and coach coming to the defense of on another — is something to remember. Sure, no one likes controversy. But everyone likes teamwork.

It’s going to take plenty of that, solid play from the quarterback and a good game plan to go into Carolina and win in Week 10. The Panthers may be 3-5, but they could be at .500 if not for a rough stretch of games. There’s an effective run game and talented defense awaiting the Falcons, who took the first meeting between the teams back in Week 2.

Quarterback Matt Ryan had his best game of the season that day (21-of-27 for 220 yards and three touchdowns). Michael Turner had a 100-yard rushing game. The defense got an interception and a fumble recovery.

It all comes back this week in the Queen City.

But let us not forget the long-term intangibles.

With that in mind, Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) and I took some time Thursday to discuss the Falcons-Panthers matchup.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONCAST GAME PREVIEW

As is often the case in Falconcast, Matt and I don’t get a lot of time to discuss every aspect of the game, but we’d like to publicly thank Andrew Mason of Panthers.com for helping us better understand the state of the Panthers.

And I’d like to thank Matt, the creator of Falconcast, for putting up with my Keys to the Game:

• Let’s talk about Ryan. We mentioned him at the top of the post, but let’s reiterate how important quarterback play can be in this game. Long term, Ryan would like to talk about something else than his five-game streak with an interception. He’ll have his chances this week as the Panthers will certainly focus attention on Turner.
• Seeing “red” in the red zone. The Falcons allowed their first 100 percent touchdown percentage by an opponent last week against the Redskins. Washington scored a pair of TDs in the red zone. Still, Atlanta has played remarkably well inside the 20 contributing to the team’s 12th-ranked scoring defense. Play well this week and the Panthers chances will be limited.
• Continue the pressure. Fans loved seeing last week’s five-sack game. Conversely, one of the worst games at getting to the quarterback came in Week 2 against Carolina (one sack). Jake Delhomme was allowed to throw for nearly 300 yards that day. Atlanta’s defensive success is built on pressure (think interceptions and fumble recoveries). This is always a key.

MORE FALCONS-PANTHERS COVERAGE:

• SCOUTING REPORT: An overview of Sunday’s game from John Manasso
• FALCONCAST: J. Mike and Matt preview Sunday’s game against the Panthers
• MULTIMEDIA: Video interviews and more concerning the Falcons, Panthers
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the Falcons from the managing editor
• INJURY REPORT: Updates on Falcons, Panthers injury news
• WHAT TO WATCH: Some key stats and info that could come into play
• NUMBERS, NOTES, COLORS: Bits of info and “by the numbers’ for the game
• EXPERT’S TAKE: A beat writer’s thoughts on the Falcons running game

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Andrew Mason, Carolina Panthers, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jake Delhomme, Matt Moore, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Panthers.com, Washington Redskins

This weekend the Falcons take the I-85 rivalry to a different level.

Saturday afternoon the team will climb aboard charter buses and burn rubber on the way to Charlotte and a date with the Carolina Panthers.

But this isn’t the first trip by bus for the Falcons in this series.

The Georgia Dome and Bank of America Stadium are separated by 251 miles of asphalt. The Falcons practice facility in Flowery Branch is significantly closer, so a bus trip will actually be complete about an hour before the team would make it by air. After a little research (a.k.a asking Time Machine’s Frank Kleha) I found out the Birds traveled by bus in 1995 to face the Panthers at Clemson, the first year of the franchise.

After an exhaustive search, I found footage of that trip…

On a related note, the team did not accept my suggestion for alternate transportation.

Several Falcons players were asked about the bus trip this week, most of which saying they haven’t gone to a game by wheel since college — or high school. Head Coach Mike Smith said the equipment staff has made the trip by truck for years and always beats the team there and back (I can attest to that). So, on paper, this one is a no brainier.

Your thoughts?

Can some time on America’s highways really build some extra team camaraderie?

Davis injury typifies Panthers’ woes, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This could be a huge advantage for the Falcons, but Landon Johnson, Davis’ replacement does have a start this season.

Quotable: Head Coach Mike Smith, AF.com
Thursday Smith talked about the league’s decision to fine him for his actions in last week’s game against the Redskins. For more on the fine and what happened, click here.

Atlanta fans just fine with Smith, ESPN.com
I’m still waiting on official word to find out what will be done with money raised by fans. Charity donation is an option. Either way, what a cool thing to do. I think the amount is pushing $2,000.

Atlanta Falcons midseason report, Examiner.com
If memory serves me, the Falcons were 5-3 at this point last season as well. They went on to finish 11-5. Encouraging comment about the 2009 Birds: I think we all can agree the best football is yet to be played.

What to Watch for in Week 10, AF.com
Jay Cutler officially moved past Jake Delhomme for the league-lead in interceptions Thursday night. But that doesn’t change the Panthers recent history of turnovers.

Market report: Smitty gets fined, but his stock surely rises, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“I’m thinking there are 53 guys based in Hall County who’d be glad to take up a collection.”

Superfan Cartoon: “Pantie Raid!,” The Canvas, by Superfan
It’s that time again! I love the use of the Pink Panther. It makes too much sense.

Numbers, Notes and Colors for Week 10, AF.com
Each week there’s a collection of stats and notes that give you an overview of the game at hand. This is that collection.

The all-NFC South midseason defense, ESPN.com
Congrats to Curtis Lofton, Mike Peterson and Jonathan Babineaux. Hard to congratulate a division rival for sweeping the secondary category but it’s also hard to argue with Pat Yasinskas on this one.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Bank of America Stadium, Carolina Panthers, Curtis Lofton, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Fans, Frank Kleha, Friday Pep Talk, Georgia Dome, Head Coach Mike Smith, History, Jake Delhomme, Jay Cutler, Jonathan Babineaux, Landon Johnson, Mike Peterson, Pat Yasinskas, rivalry, Superfan, Thomas Davis, Time Machine, travel, video, Washington Redskins

Head Coach Mike Smith said he received a letter from the NFL office in New York Thursday morning informing him of a disciplinary fine for his role in a sideline altercation in Sunday’s game against the Redskins.

Smith said he accepts the fine and, along with his team, wants to move on to this week’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

“I want everyone to know I’ve moved on from it,” Smith said. “I moved on from it back on Sunday night when that play was over. I’m ready to get prepared for the Carolina Panthers.”

A skirmish broke out on the Atlanta sideline when former Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall got into a scuffle with coaches and players. The scuffle started after Redskins safety LaRon Landry was flagged for a late hit on quarterback Matt Ryan.

After the game Hall said he was accosted by coaches and he would file a formal complaint with the NFL.

According to published reports, Smith received a $15,000 fine for his interaction with Hall. Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was fined $7,500. Landry was fined $5,000. Hall was reportedly not fined.

Smith did not comment on the fine amounts Thursday.

The coach did, however, make it clear he will always “have the backs” of his players. On Monday, Smith said he was trying to restore order on the sideline after the late hit to Ryan.

The second-year coach said he learned from the experience.

“Every day is a learning experience,” he said Thursday. “I think you’re a lifelong learner. You have to handle situations differently when you learn from them.”

Thursday, wide receiver Roddy White said the team will always come to the defense of its franchise quarterback, who he called “the future.” White was not on the sideline for the incident but added that, if he were, he may have done something “out of character.”

Fans on the FalconsLIFE Message Boards started taking a collection to help pay any possible fines early in the week. As of 2:15 p.m. Thursday the amount had climbed above $1,100. Smith said the action is “very nice to hear” but he’s ready to move on to a new opponent and continue the season.

“It’s been the last thing on my mind since Sunday afternoon,” he said. “My focus is getting prepared and getting this team ready to play the Carolina Panthers.”

J. Michael Moore News Albert Haynesworth, Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Hall, Head Coach Mike Smith, LaRon Landry, Matt Ryan, NFL, Roddy White, Washington Redskins

Jason Snelling and Thomas Johnson were limited, but the running back and defensive tackle returned to the Falcons practice field Wednesday according to Head Coach Mike Smith.

Snelling, who led the team in rushing yards two weeks ago in Dallas, has been nursing a hamstring injury. Johnson, who took over as starting nose tackle when Peria Jerry went on injured reserve, has dealt with calf problems the past two games.

Smith talked about the team’s health and most of the Panthers defensive personnel when he met with the media…

Other injury concerns are on offense, where left tackle Sam Baker (ankle) and wide receiver Brian Finneran (knee) missed practice. Smith said Finneran, who has undergone two major knee surgeries in his career, “moved around a little bit in the walk-through” but it could be a game-time decision on his playing status.

Running back Jerious Norwood also missed practice for personal reasons. According to Smith, the fourth-year pro welcomed a new baby Wednesday.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PIEDMONT HEALTHCARE INJURY REPORT

ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM WEDNESDAY…

… Tight end Tony Gonzalez and many of his offensive teammates were quizzed about a new ad campaign featuring the Pro Bowler and his wife, October. It will certainly raise some eyebrows. Most interviewed said they can appreciate the passion Gonzalez has to support a unique campaign (this one is for PETA). “We should be protecting animals, not sacrificing their lives for the sake of fashion or luxury,” Gonzalez said in a release from PETA. “October and I have changed many of our habits in light of the inhumane treatment of animals that occurs not only in the fur industry but also on factory farms.”

… Smith did not speculate on how many wins his team may need to make the playoffs in the NFC. Too early to tell. This was, of course, the answer everyone expected: “There are so many things that can happen in the second half of the season and when you get into November and December there are so many people that are still in the mix,” the coach said. “I don’t know of anyone who is mathematically eliminated at this point in time.”

… The Falcons practiced indoors Wednesday because of soggy field conditions. According to Smith, more than 4.5 inches of rain fell in Flowery Branch Monday night and Tuesday.

… When it comes to the Panthers offense, the Falcons are looking at the running game. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have combined for more than 1,100 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. In a Week 2 meeting between the teams, the backs combined for 144 yards and a score. Of course, it’s never easy to beat a team twice in one season. “They get up for you,” linebacker Mike Peterson said. “No one wants to be beat twice. They’re going to look at the tape and I’m sure the coach is going to be on them hard this week but we’re ready.”

… Carolina spent the time since the last game with the Falcons improving the defensive line. Preseason injuries took their toll, but now the Panthers have added veteran Hollis Thomas and traded for former Chiefs starter Tank Tyler at defensive tackle. “They’re playing well right now,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “We felt like it was a good defense when we played them the first time… With that said, they’re playing well right now and we have our work cut out for us.”

J. Michael Moore News Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Williams, Head Coach Mike Smith, Hollis Thomas, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Jonathan Stewart, Matt Ryan, Mike Peterson, NFC South, Peria Jerry, PETA, playoffs, Sam Baker, Tank Tyler, Thomas Johnson, Tony Gonzalez