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Scouting Report: Atlanta Falcons
Only the Lions stand between the Atlanta Falcons and their first 5-0 start
in the 39 year history of the franchise. With a 27-10 win over Carolina
last week, the club tied the 1986 Falcons for best start in franchise
history.
When you think of the Falcons, you think of Michael Vick. But give credit
to the defense for the turnaround from the 5-11 season a year ago. In 2003,
the Falcons defense gave up the most points in the league (452) but have
allowed on 49 points scored through four games this year, their lowest total
through the first four games since 1977. The defense also allowed 381.8
yards per game in 2003, worst in the league, but have moved up to tenth
overall by shaving over 70 yards a game off that total in 2004.
Vick's numbers do not look overly impressive so far in 2004 and the Falcon's
success can be attributed to a total team effort. "People understand that
Mike is a great player," running back Warrick Dunn Said. "He's going to get
all the attention. But it takes a team to win a football game. I think
people are going to start recognizing that it's not just Mike."
"It feels good," Vick said. "That's why you have to have a total team
effort. We get that type of effort and it takes a lot off my shoulders and
the coach's shoulders."
Vick is sporting a quarterback rating of 81.5 and has thrown two touchdowns
and two interceptions in four contests. Vick did have his career best
passing day versus the Lions when he threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns.
He is, however, averaging just over 150 yards passing per game this season.
His 222 rushing yards rank second on the team to Warrick Dunn's 299 but Vick
has also fumbled twice while carrying the ball. Dunn has five rushing
touchdowns. Former Spartan T.J. Duckett has only 24 carries for 121 yards
and one touchdown.
Peerless Price continues to disappoint since joining the team after a
successful career in Buffalo. Price has only 10 receptions for 118 yards
and has failed to reach the end zone. Tight end Alge Crumpler leads the
team in receptions (16) and receiving yards (250).
On defense, Patrick Kerney ranks second on the team in tackles with 26
(Keith Brooking leads with 28) but has a remarkable seven sacks on the
season to lead the NFL.
FALCONS STARTING LINEUP
OFFENSE:
QB - Michael Vick (7)
RB - Warrick Dunn (28)
FB - Justin Griffith (33)
WR - Peerless Price (81)
WR - Dez White (89)
LT - Kevin Shaffer (76)
LG - Roberto Garza (63)
CN - Todd McClure (62)
RG - Kynan Forney (65)
RT - Todd Weiner (74)
DEFENSE:
RE - Brady Smith (91)
NT - Ed Jasper (95)
UT - Rod Coleman (75)
LE - Patrick Kerney (97)
LB - Keith Brooking (56)
LB - Chris Draft (54)
LB - Matt Stewart (52)
SS - Bryan Scott (24)
FS - Cory Hall (27)
CB - Jason Webster (36)
CB - Kevin Mathis (23)
PROJECTED STARTERS:
Written by: Paul Donaghy, Senior Writer
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