Running Backs

By: T. Love

The Atlanta Falcons have led the NFL in rushing yards the past three seasons. While Jim Mora was at the helm, the team employed the productive and controversial “zone blocking” system. The philosophy consisted of one cut and go and looked for cutback lanes. The system is controversial because the linemen would dive at the feet of defensive linemen to “cut” block. The running game was effective between the 20s, but the red zone is where the team faltered. The total yards on the ground are also misconstrued when taking into account the amount of yardage gained by quarterback Michael Vick on the ground.

Now that Bobby Petrino has come in, the team has moved away from the previous system and has gone to a power running game. The offense calls for a big running back that can push the piles and unfortunately, the Falcons have running backs that are more suited for the zone blocking system. For the upcoming season, the Falcons will work with what we have as the team moves more to Petrino’s philosophy.

Warrick Dunn (5-9, 180)
Warrick Dunn begins his sixth season with the Atlanta Falcons and is currently listed as No. 1 on the depth chart. He flourished in the zone blocking scheme and earned himself a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2005 (3rd overall appearance, 1st with Falcons). Dunn has started the past two seasons very strong, but tends to tire as it goes on. He is not well suited for Petrino’s power style of football and will have to work extremely hard to keep carries away from the emerging Jerious Norwood. Petrino’s backs must know how to catch out of the backfield and this aspect will keep Dunn highly active in the offense. His blocking is also an under appreciated talent that will help the team through the 2007-08 season.

Jerious Norwood (5-11, 204)
Norwood is an explosive runner that has the ability to hit the homerun anytime he touches the football. (Watch Jerious Noorwood) The second-year player out of Mississippi State has put on five pounds (up to 210) this off season to help him be more effective for the duration of the season. His pass catching ability out of the backfield will also make him more effective this season. If he plays to his level of talent week in and week out, he could supplant Dunn as the starter by mid-season.

Jamal Robertson (5-11, 215)
Career journeyman. Will battle for a roster spot, but could make it on special teams.

Jason Snelling (5-11, 232)
Drafted in the seventh round by the Falcons out of Virginia, but could be the teams answer in short-yardage situations. Snelling is faster and more shifty than his size would suggest, but he will probably only be asked to push the pile. He could also serve as a valuable backup to starting fullback Ovie Mughelli.

Analysis
Completed by the acquisition of rookie FA Justin Vincent of LSU, the Atlanta Falcons go into training with four running backs on the roster. Dunn and Norwood will battle for the majority of the carries while, Robertson, Snelling and Vincent will compete for the third spot. Norwood’s explosiveness and youth suggest that he would be the feature back in the offense; however, as Dunn continues to age, he continues to impress and will not give away the starting job without a fight.