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

BLOGGER’S NOTE: For additional coverage of Sunday’s game against the Panthers, visit AF.com and The Beat Blog, powered by John Manasso.

Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense continued to have their struggles Sunday in Carolina, but the sophomore quarterback had the ball when it counted, halftime adjustments erased an 11-point lead and Atlanta a chance at what would have been a key division win on the road.

Ryan went 8-of-10 in the third quarter and found tight end Justin Peelle with a 3-yard touchdown pass to pull the Falcons to within a score of taking the lead.

But the chances found a way to collapse in the second half.

Atlanta lost the game 28-19 and fell to 5-4 on the season (1-4 on the road and 1-2 in the division).

It wasn’t the game Ryan or his teammates expected or wanted. The first half included Michael Turner running wild over a Panthers defense that recently lost outside linebacker Thomas Davis (111 yards on nine carries certainly sounds nice).

But the Falcons Pro Bowl running back left the game with an ankle injury, not to return.

Atlanta trotted into the halftime locker room down 21-10, but halftime adjustments, including a healthy dose of running back Jason Snelling along the edges and Ryan on quick passes, paid off.

Ryan’s throw to Peelle had the Falcons in place to take the lead with 6:35 to play on a 34-yard Jason Elam field goal attempt. The kick sailed wide left, forcing the team’s defense to get a stop.

That happened, but Ryan’s second interception of the day — and the resulting 45-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Stewart — ended hope for this day.

Ryan now has 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions over his last five games. The second-year quarterback finished the game 22-of-41 for 224 yards, a touchdown and the aforementioned interceptions.

Playing for Turner, Snelling rushed for 61 yards and a score.

The loss is surely perplexing to Falcons fans and the team alike. The Panthers were better than the 3-5 record but, if the Falcons are to make a run to the playoffs, they can’t afford too many losses to teams with a sub-par winning percentage.

That will be discussed at length in the media but likely only in passing in the locker room and team meetings.

A loss is a loss.

And the 24-hour rule is never broken.

Though it may be easy to point fingers, I’ve been in the NFL long enough to know the “win as a team, lose as a team” attitude is heartfelt and true. Too short is the turnaround before facing the New York Giants (another 5-4 team) on the road.

There will be additional struggles — the season’s too long to be perfect — but there will also be successes.

And there will always be chances.

MORE FALCONS-PANTHERS GAME COVERAGE:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete Falcons-Panthers coverage from AF.com
• GAME CENTER: Stats and more on the game from NFL.com
• GAME SIDEBAR: John Manasso looks at key moments from the game
• BEAT BLOG: Game updates and insight in The Beat Blog
• GAME NOTEBOOK: Notes from the Bank of America Stadium press box
• FIRST TAKE: Exclusive postgame interviews from AF.com
• MULTIMEDIA: More Falcons-Panthers game interviews and highlights
• QUOTABLE: Postgame thoughts from Falcons players | Panthers
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the game from the managing editor
• INACTIVES: Falcons-Panthers game inactives and starters

J. Michael Moore Gameday Carolina Panthers, Jason Snelling, Jonathan Stewart, Justin Peelle, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, New York Giants, NFC South

In a move to add depth to the receiving corps, the Falcons released veteran running back Aaron Stecker on Saturday and promoted wide receiver Troy Bergeron from the practice squad.

Bergeron, 6-foot-2, 195 lbs., played with the Georgia Force of the now defunct Arena Football League for three seasons, totalling  328 receptions for 4,335 yards and 96 touchdowns. He was named the AFL Rookie of the Year in 2005 and was a second-team All-Arena selection in 2007.

He was a mini camp addition that stuck through 2009 training camp in Flowery Branch. Though he was released on the final cut day before the regular season, he was quickly signed to the practice squad.

Stecker was signed on Oct. 27 to fill a roster spot created when rookie William Moore went on injured reserve. He played six days later in New Orleans, stepping in for an injured Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood. He served in a similar role last week against Washington.

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, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, New Orleans Saints, Troy Bergeron, Washington Redskins, William Moore

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

More cameras than usually filled the media room in Flowery Branch Monday afternoon for Head Coach Mike Smith’s weekly press conference.

It wasn’t long before questions moved toward a very non-football topic.

Smith was asked again about an incident on the sideline in Sunday’s win over the Redskins where former Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall got into a scuffle with Atlanta coaches and players. The skirmish broke out 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.

Smith said he watched film of the game multiple times and he hasn’t thought about Hall’s comments.

“Our quarterback was hit late out of bounds on the sideline and we were trying to restore order on our sideline,” Smith said. “I haven’t even thought about (Hall’s comments). Today is Monday and we are on to the Carolina Panthers.”

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/189337/189337_2009-11-09-153855.flv

“I watch all three phases of the game at least two and sometimes three times every week,” added Smith. “We’re finishing up our work on the Washington Redskins and at about 4 o’clock we’ll be moving on to Carolina. I just work like I normally do and watch the tape.”

With that the Falcons turn attention to a division opponent that has won only three games this season. The Panthers got additional bad news Sunday when it was announced starting outside linebacker Thomas Davis will be out for the year with a torn ACL.

Smith spoke more of the Panthers effectiveness in the running game but with the Falcons play on offense and defense over the last two weeks, fans have reason to be excited.

The coach said defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (10 tackles, 2.5 sacks) may have “played his best game as an Atlanta Falcon” against the Redskins. Cornerback Tye Hill, starting his second game with the team since a preseason trade, also got an interception and a score.

Smith declined to name a starter at left cornerback for this week’s game but said the team is growing more comfortable with Hill, a former first-round pick.

“Tye continues to progress,” Smith said. “That was a big play for him on the 64-yard interception return and he’s continuing to become more comfortable in our system and we are continuing to become more comfortable with Tye.”

On the injury front, Smith did not reveal details on wide receiver Brian Finneran, who left Sunday’s game with a knee injury. Left tackle Sam Baker (ankle) also left, but Smith was encouraged by the play of reserve offensive lineman Will Svitek, who had a key block on Michael Turner’s second-half touchdown run.

The coach is “very hopeful” injured running backs Jason Snelling (hamstring) and Jerious Norwood (hip) and defensive tackle Thomas Johnson (calf) will be able to return to the field soon.

J. Michael Moore News Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Hall, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Jonathan Babineaux, LaRon Landry, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Sam Baker, Thomas Johnson, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins, Will Svitek

For the second-straight week the Falcons will be be without their No. 2 and 3 running backs.

Jerious Norwood (hip) and Jason Snelling (hamstring) were added to the Falcons-Redskins inactive list about an hour before kickoff Sunday. Look for Aaron Stecker, signed last week, to back up Pro Bowler Michael Turner and fullbacks Verron Haynes and Ovie Mughelli to see additional action.

Atlanta went with the same setup last week against the New Orleans Saints and Turner rushed for a season-high 151 yards.

Other Falcons inactives:

• QB John Parker Wilson (thrid quarterback)
• S Charlie Peprah
• LB Spencer Adkins
• T Garrett Reynolds
• G Quinn Ojinnaka
• DT Thomas Johnson

We knew the Redskins would be without tight end Chris Cooley (foot) so the rest of the inactives aren’t a surprise. Normal punter Hunter Smith will miss the game, but reserve Shaun Suisham will take over those special teams duties.

Washington inactives include:

• P Hunter Smith
• CB Kevin Barnes
• CB Byron Westbrook
• FB Eddie Williams
• TE Chris Cooley
• G Chad Rinehart
• DT Antohny Montgomery
• DE Renaldo Wynn

The Falcons placed Jamaal Fudge on injured reserve early in the week and signed Peprah. Head Coach Mike Smith was impressed with Peprah’s play with the Packers last season, but he likely needs to freshen up on the Falcons system before seeing playing time.

The team also has special teams ace/reserve safety Antoine Harris (knee) back in the lineup.

“Charlie Peprah has started in this League,” Smith said. “He was a starter when we played Green Bay last year so we have some familiarity with him. He’s not familiar with our scheme in terms of verbiage and all of that, so it’s going to take some time. He was also a special teams player for the Packers last season.”

Some other things to keep an eye on in Sunday’s game at the Georgia Dome:

• Snap ready? Newly-acquired long snapper Bryan Pittman will play in his first game with the Falcons. He has more than 90 games of NFL experience, but he’s working at a key position
• Burner beginning? Turner got his game in gear against the Saints. The Redskins aren’t as good against the run as they are the pass (No. 2 in the league). Is that how the Falcons will attack their opponent?
• Healthy and ready? “Questionable” is one of the more interesting designations on the injury report. Not quite probable, but not a guarantee to be out. Many questionable players this week are suiting up. How productive will they be? Can the Falcons get a big lead and give players a chance to get healthy?

J. Michael Moore Gameday, injury Aaron Stecker, Antoine Harris, Bryan Pittman, Charlie Peprah, Chris Cooley, Garrett Reynolds, Head Coach Mike Smith, Hunter Smith, inactives, Jamaal Fudge, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, John Parker Wilson, Michael Turner, New Orleans Saints, Ovie Mughlli, Quinn Ojinnaka, Shaun Suisham, Spencer Adkins, Thomas Johnson, Verron Haynes, Washington Redskins