Falcons’ success relies heavily on Abraham’s health

By: T. Love

When the Atlanta Falcons pulled off a three-team trade in the 2006 offseason to acquire the services of “sack artist” John Abraham, the front office solidified the defense line by adding the three-time pro bowler along fellow honorees Patrick Kerney and Rod Coleman. That, with the addition of noted run-stuffer, Grady Jackson, gave the Falcons one of the top units heading into the 2006-07 season.

Abraham signed a six-year $45 million contract with Atlanta. The South Carolina graduate has recorded nine or more sacks in four of his seven NFL campaigns, but the overwhelming knock on Abraham is his durability as he has only played in all 16 games three times in his career.

“The Predator” as he is nicknamed and has tattooed on his ankle, gave Atlanta fans plenty to cheer about in his first outing picking up five total tackles (four solo), two sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass defensed. That game was really exciting to watch and the Carolina Panthers had no answer for his speed and strength coming off the edge.

Watching Jake Delhomme slam the ball in frustration was classic.

With less than two minutes remaining in a 20-6 blowout, the unthinkable happened when Abraham went to the ground in pain. He should not have been playing at that point, but we can chalk that up to the circus Jim Mora was running the last three seasons.

Since the injury, Abraham failed to make a significant contribution in another game. He hopes for a healthy 2007-08 season and has conditioned his body well to stay ready for the long haul. (Click to watch Abraham interview)

With the loss of Kerney, the injury to Rod Coleman and conditioning of Jackson, Abraham will need to stay healthy in order for the Falcons’ defensive line to have some success this season.

If Abraham can stay healthy, rookie Jammal Anderson and third-year player Chauncey Davis will see plenty of one-of-one action on the left side. Abraham’s disruptive nature will also benefit the Falcons’ secondary which finished 29th in passing defense.

Atlanta’s last big free-agent defensive signing, Ed Hartwell from Baltimore, was cut this offseason after two injury-riddled campaigns. We’ll see if Mr. Abraham can stay healthy for 16 and help this Atlanta squad that comes into the 2007-08 season that has already found its backs up against the wall.