Falcons' runners' roles uncertain
Norwood learns new system; Dunn eager for more catches
By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/14/07
Flowery Branch — With questions of age and durability now added to his lack of stature, Falcons tailback Warrick Dunn either has a big hill to climb entering his 11th NFL season or additional chips to place on his surgically repaired shoulder.
Seemingly always on borrowed time, the Falcons' starter for most of the past five seasons said he might as well add a new coach that owes him no favors to the mix, too.
"I have to go out and prove what I can do," said the 32-year-old, 180-pound Dunn. "It's a new coaching staff and every year you have to prove yourself. I have to prove my worth."
Dunn has been as valuable as any player to Atlanta's offense in each of the past three seasons, in which he's rushed for more than 1,000 yards and the Falcons led the NFL in rushing.
Now, though, there is a new system based on a power-running scheme. Jerious Norwood is bigger (210 pounds) and more seasoned to the NFL game after a standout rookie season (633 yards, 6.4 yards per carry). He's also a very good receiver, something mandatory in coach Bobby Petrino's system.
So what will Dunn's and Norwood's roles be? Nobody knows right now because Dunn has been limited in offseason workouts, including the two mini-camps after having tissue from his right rotator cuff surgically reattached to the bone.
"It's a little early for that," Petrino said. "It would be great to see [Dunn] back doing everything. We could get a little better idea. It's still a process of getting to know each other and getting to know what they do best and getting them in the best situations to use their talents."
Norwood, thicker through the shoulders and chest, took most of the repetitions at mini-camp and dazzled coaches with his speed and hands.
"The great thing about Jerious is every time he touches it, he can go the distance," Petrino said. "Hopefully I won't have to call so many plays because he can make big plays. A lot of games are won with turnovers and big plays. He's a very good receiver. He can run routes just like receivers, so that's an exciting part of it."
For Norwood, learning Petrino's offense has been a radical change, especially pass protection, but he made strides during mini-camp, Petrino said.
"At first it was tough on me," Norwood said. In college I ran the West Coast offense. Last year, under coach [Jim] Mora, we ran something similar to the West Coast. This year is totally different for me. It was tough, but I'm catching on."
However Dunn and Norwood are used — in terms of starter, finisher, short-yardage specialist — Petrino said he has faith that each can do what's asked. One thing that's certain, each will be catching the ball, something Dunn has longed for.
He averaged nearly 52 catches a season in five years with Tampa Bay and had 50 catches in his first season with the Falcons in 2002. He never caught more than 29 passes in each of the past three seasons with a career-low 22 last season. Norwood caught 12 passes last season.
"I should catch more balls than 29," Dunn said, smiling. "If I can get back up to 40 or 50, I'm good."
As for that big tailback Petrino desired but didn't get in free agency and the draft, Dunn and Norwood have changed his thinking. So has massive fullback Ovie Mughelli, who not only can run for the tough yards, but can clear a path.
"When you talk about power running you're talking about running down hill, lead plays," Petrino said.
"The running backs we have can do that."
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