Alex Gibbs came out of retirement to toughen up the offense in general and running game in particular. The jury's still out, and it's a work in progress. I know many of you fans want Ahman Green dumped, but if he's healthy, he's still their best back, according to the coaches. That's a big IF, of course. At least now he'll have to stay healthy to earn the big bucks -- $200,000 for every game in which he's active starting with the home opener against Baltimore.
Chris Taylor and Steve Slaton are the backups. Both are going to improve. Slaton has exceeded expectations, according to the coaches. I predict at some point this season he'll be the starter. He weighs 203. Warrick Dunn played three years for Gibbs in Atlanta and rushed for more than 1,100 yards each season. Dunn weighs 187. Terrell Davis (205) and Clinton Portis (205) weighed about the same as Slaton when they were rookies. What the coaches like about Slaton, other than his speed and big-play ability, is the way he's improved as a blocker and isn't afraid to take on pass rushers. He doesn't absorb; he dishes.