The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Snelling excited by new role
He expects more touches following offensive changes.
FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons have made it known you can expect two differences in their offense this season — fewer carries for Michael Turner and more screen passes.
Both are just fine with Jason Snelling.
Turner had more than 300 carries in three of his first four seasons with the Falcons.
The lone exception came in 2009 when he played in only 11 games because of injury. Coach Mike Smith has said it’s unlikely his final total will begin with the number three. Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers will get more carries.
“I know that the amount of carries that Michael has had under his belt the last few years,” Snelling said following Friday’s training camp practice. “I know that, as a running back, it wears on you. I feel like we have a good group of backs who can handle the job, whether it’s me or [Rodgers]. If my number is called, I’m going to be ready.”
Snelling, who signed a three-year, $4 million contract in March, rushed for 151 yards on 44 carries last season, a 3.4 yardsper-carry average.
Snelling also had 26 receptions for 179 yards and a touchdown last season. He has been the leading receiver among running backs each of the past three seasons (100 total receptions).
A commitment to the screen pass promises even more touches.
“I feel great about it,” Snelling said. “Me being a player that has the versatility out of the backfield, it gives me an opportunity to get the ball in space, and I’m loving that.” tals. With a new offensive coordinator in Dirk Koetter and offensive line coach in Pat Hill, Reynolds has a clean slate. Management has made it clear that there is open competition along the offensive line for the best five players to protect quarterback Matt Ryan and successfully use the team’s offensive weapons.
To that end, the Falcons used their first two draft picks on offensive linemen this year in Peter Konz and Lamar Holmes. Reynolds knows he is being challenged.
“Competition is good for you,” Reynolds said. “It helps you grow. You take it as an opportunity to get better. And also, you help those guys along because that is the business we’re in. You keep on working. All you can worry about is yourself, what you do and make yourself a better player and carry guys with you instead of worrying about if you are going to be here or not. Keep your head down. Keep on working. Help the team out while you are here.” contact drills of camp, allowing players to get acclimated to the pads.
“You don’t want to come out and be taking guys to the ground [right away],” Smith said.
The first full-speed contact will be during the team scrimmage Friday at Peachtree Ridge High School, according to Smith.
The coach also indicated that meaningful contact, although not full speed, will be part of the combined practice with the Titans at Coahulla Creek High School on Aug. 6. 2006 game. It was unveiled at a ceremony Friday.
It was the first game at the dome and came 13 months after Katrina ravaged the region. The blocked punt was recovered in the end zone by Curtis DeLoach for a touchdown, 90 seconds into the game, and sent the Saints to a 23-3 victory on “Monday Night Football.”