J.Mike's Missives

Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey wasn’t shocked by the uptick in single wing or “Wildcat” formations in the NFL last season.

In fact, if you listen closely, you can hear his confusion with the hype.

Regardless, the Falcons joined the Dolphins and other teams in the NFL in implementing some direct-snap plays to running backs.

It worked because of Jerious Norwood’s various talents.

“His ability to do some of the things as a quarterback (allowed it),” Mularkey said. “(But) we’ve been doing that for 10 years. I don’t think we caught anyone off guard with it. All of a sudden it has a name but Hines Ward, Antwaan Randle El and Roscoe Parrish have been doing those things for 10 years now.”

For the record, Mularkey coached Ward and Randle El in Pittsburgh. He wasn’t afraid to call the trick play, though the “Wildcat” is more of a nod to football’s past than its inovative tricksters.

(I watched similar plays in my days covering high school football).

Surprisingly, defenses had trouble containing the formation in 2008, leading experts — and Madden 2010 programmers — to think its sticking around.

Good news for Norwood who, according to Mularkey, can also throw the ball out of the formation.

Getting Norwood the football more is a hot topic among fans this offseason, who are dazzled by his speed and play making ability. With Pro Bowler Michael Turner starting at running back, however, some sharing is in order.

“We have a plan every week that involves Jerious,” Mularkey said. “We have a plan for every guy. Really, situations dictate whether those plans or plays get called. A lot of it is based on down, distance, field position, score… If those things evolve to get them. I think sometimes people believe we don’t use him enough but he has some plays.”

But the Falcons didn’t depend strictly on situations to get Norwood in the game in 2008.

He was the team’s primary kickoff return man, racking up 1,311 return yards. In just three seasons he’s moved to third place on the team’s all-time list for return yards.

Working on special teams allows Norwood more touches and puts him in line with Turner in terms of production.

The fourth-year back had 2,138 yards last season (rushing, receiving and returns). Turner had 1,740, but caught only six passes. The Pro Bowler had 200 more carries, but Norwood accounted for 27.8 percent of the total yards generated by the offense and special teams.

He averaged 5.1 yards per carry, a number that could go down with more rushing attempts.

But the Falcons aren’t concerned with numbers as much as creating mismatches. That changes with the game and the formation.

That’s where the Wildcat — or whatever you call it — comes into play.

And Norwood gives the Falcons something not every team has.

“He’s an explosive player,” Mularkey said. “He’s a fun player. He’s one of my favorite guys I’ve ever coached just because of the way he practices and approaches the game. He just has fun and is a good player.”

J. Michael Moore Feature, Offseason Heinz Ward, Jerious Norwood, Michael Turner, Mike Mularkey, Roscoe Parish, stats