Competition at weakside

By: T. Love

In Atlanta’s season opener versus the Minnesota Vikings, fourth-year man Demorrio Williams got the start, but rookie Stephen Nicholas played the entire second half, setting the stage for a fierce battle for the starting spot at weakside linebacker.

Bobby Petrino has yet to announce the starter for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Williams (6-0, 232), who signed a one-year tender offer through the 2007-08 season, tore a pectoral muscle during offseason workouts which prompted the team to draft Nicholas. Williams has been a steady player throughout his career and makes plenty of plays using his speed. However, when teams lineup in double tight formations or pull a blocker around to take on Williams, he is quickly engulfed and taken out of the play.

Nicholas (6-3, 225) had five total tackles (three solo) in his NFL debut playing only a half, while Williams picked up two. The former South Florida standout is a bit slower than Williams, but is more stout against the run. He has only played one game in the league, so lets see how he fairs as the season moves forward.

My guess is that the team is going to try and work Nicholas into the full-time starter and allow Williams to walk after this season. As much as I would hate to see D. Mo depart, the NFL is a business and with the Falcons’ salary cap in flux this is strictly a business decision.

Jacksonville will try to run the ball down Atlanta’s throat with Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew so it will be critical for both of these players to bring their “A” game.

As a fan, this is what we have to look forward to this season. Position battles and how it sets up the team for next year. Wow, I still wonder if Bobby P. is kicking himself.

May the best man win… and hopefully there will be a shakeup at middle linebacker soon.