J. Anderson coming along slowly

By: T. Love

With the eighth-overall pick in the 2007 draft, the Falcons selected Jamaal Anderson, who picked up 13.5 sacks in his final season at Arkansas. The 6-6, 280 pound pass rusher was brought in to replace Patrick Kerney at the left end position and help the team generate a rush.

Three tackles so far this season and no sacks. Not too good. Although he is a rookie, when you spend a top 10 pick on a player; the front office, coaches and fans expect an immediate impact.

When paired opposite of a healthy John Abraham, Anderson should see a lot of one-on-one matchups. Since the two teams the Falcons have played worked first to establish the run and we have yet to have a lead this season, the rookie is not getting his “time to shine”. He better get those reps in soon, because Abraham is due for an injury any time now.

Anderson is struggling, there is no denying that, but defensive end is a tough position to play at the professional level. Not to mention, expectations are far higher than what the actual input from a rookie will be.

Mario Williams, who the Houston Texans passed up Reggie Bush to draft 1st overall in the 2006 draft, did not pick up his first sack until Nov. 5 against the New York Giants. It was a pretty pathetic looking play and he was lucky Eli is so uncoordinated. Williams finished with 4.5 for the year. This season, the former N.C. State standout has two sacks and six tackles. Looks like big things coming his way.

Although I wish Anderson would start destroying opposing offensive lines and take advantage of the double and sometimes triple teams that Abraham receives, he is just not completely ready to be that person. It took Williams as well as all rookies to get a handle on the game.

“Patience” is beginning to emerge as the theme of this season.