Filed under: Atlanta Falcons, NFC South
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- In front of his locker Thursday, the Atlanta running back Antone Smith showed a big a smile when asked if he was ready to get some work in Sunday in an NFC South game against Carolina (1-11). He is ready and the Falcons (10-2) might need Smith and Gartrell Johnson because valuable backup Jason Snelling is doubtful.Snelling did not practice Friday because of a hamstring injury. He has been a trustworthy every down back-up to starter Michael Turner.
Snelling, who is averaging 4.1 yards per carry, could be missed if the game turns into a rock-em, sock-em slugfest because of the weather. Quarterback Matt Ryan might be able to deal with rain, but the wind could keep things dicey with the pass game.
Smith and Johnson each have one carry this season. The Falcons can also turn to fullback Ovie Mughelli, who has 10 carries for 25 yards.
Turner, of course, is the workhorse with 1,062 yards. His low center of gravity and fierce leg drive would handle the muck just fine in Bank of America Stadium if it came down to a shoving match in the trenches.
The other concern on the injury front is the team's leading tackler, middle linebacker Curtis Lofton. He did not participate fully in practice and is listed as questionable with a knee issue.
The Panthers are a run-first team and Lofton is a rock in the middle of the Atlanta defense. If he is less than 100 percent, that's significant.
Carolina is the fortunate opponent that gets Ryan outside. So far this season indoors, Ryan and the Falcons are 8-0. They are 2-2 outside.
No comments:
Post a Comment