Update on Falcons LB corps (1 Viewer)

[Jene Bramel]

From today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Link

For those of you who weren't already aware and expecting this, Michael Boley is confirmed as the starter on the strong side in Atlanta. Despite his pretty boxscore numbers, Demorrio Williams struggled on the strong side last season and teams continued to exploit his size on the weak side by running right at him.

There were rumors that he could be moved to safety, but those seemed to quiet after the acquisitions of Lawyer Milloy and Chris Crocker. I have no idea how often the Falcons would use a "hybrid fourth linebacker" or "spy-type safety" but I wouldn't imagine it'd be very much.

If you were waiting on confirmation to begin shopping Williams, you've got it. He may be worth moving if you can get value equal to his 2005 numbers. If not, stash him on your roster. Hartwell isn't guaranteed to be healthy and Williams has talent. It's unlikely he'll be traded with the injury questions surrounding the Falcon backers but he could end up walking the same line as 2005 if Hartwell struggles.

Linebackers a strength

By STEVE WYCHE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 04/27/06

The Falcons plan to address a lot of positions during this weekend's NFL draft, except linebacker. There's a feeling the unit stands on firm footing.

However, two vital cogs to that corps can't quite say that, yet.

"I'm about 75-80 percent," middle linebacker Ed Hartwell said this week.

"I'm still not 100 percent," said Jordan Beck, Hartwell's backup.

Both players are coming off season-ending foot injuries that forced others to compete out of position for most of the Falcons' 8-8, non-playoff season. The defense, in particular the run defense, suffered as a result.

Though Hartwell and Beck wouldn't be able to play today, they don't have to until late this summer, when they should be fully recovered.

That prognosis has Atlanta's brass so optimistic about the caliber of talent and depth it has at linebacker that using one of its six draft picks on the position would be like adding a bucket of water to the ocean.

"We think Hartwell is going to come back fine and if he has a setback, we have a plan, especially since Beck is going to be back," coach Jim Mora said.

Hartwell, who signed a six-year, $26.2 million, free-agent contract before last season, tore his right Achilles tendon in a loss to New England, just more than a month after Beck, a third-round draft pick, broke his foot in a preseason game at Jacksonville.

Both were serious injuries that required surgery and left each player feeling somewhat vulnerable. That is why they are proceeding with caution. Besides lifting weights, Hartwell and Beck have been going through running drills, but with no cutting or jumping.

"I've got to make sure that, when I'm back I'm back," said Hartwell, who recorded 22 tackles before getting hurt. "I'm not coming back to make excuses for not making plays. When I step on the field, it's my job to make plays. I'm not going to taper off. I'm not going to worry about the injury. When you turn that switch on, it's game time. Whatever hurts, we'll deal with it after the game. It's time for me to go out and make some plays and help my team win."

If things go as planned, Hartwell will man the middle with Beck, who was strong in preseason before getting hurt, as insurance. Weakside linebacker Keith Brooking, who earned his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance despite moving to the middle for the final 11 games, can return to his comfort zone. Michael Boley, who started 11 games as a rookie after the shuffling was necessitated, will start at strong side linebacker.

Demorrio Williams, who started all 16 games, initially on the strong side, then at the weak side, will be used as a hybrid player, lining up as a fourth linebacker in some sets or a spy-type safety in others. Veteran Ike Reese will back up all three spots.

"Now we've got guys who can play their true positions, the positions that they are built for," Hartwell said. "Teams are going to come at us and do what they think they do best, especially early. If they're a power offense, they're going to run their power offense — until we bend some facemasks and knock some people out. Then they're going to have to say, 'Let's scratch that.'

"That's what it's about for us this season."

 

[Birdie048]

WOW.... this has some serious impact on alot of Demarrio owners.... I am no longer in that group... as I traded Demarrio in a package for Zach Thomas 3 weeks ago!!

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

This is a terrific example of why you always have to look behind the numbers to see if a player has really broken out, or just took advantage of a short term situation. Demarrio is a talent, but without a natural position.

 

[The_Hunchback]

This is the reason I stayed away from Williams in a couple leagues.

 

[Sideline Merc]

I don't buy in to this just yet. I am a Williams owner due to the fact that I watch the Falcons games and have been impressed by this guy. He makes to much happen when he is on the field. There are many times when he beats Brooking to the ball. His contact points are closer to the line of scrimage than Brooking. I think things will shake out differently in training camp.

 

[RAPTURE]

I don't buy in to this just yet. I am a Williams owner due to the fact that I watch the Falcons games and have been impressed by this guy. He makes to much happen when he is on the field. There are many times when he beats Brooking to the ball. His contact points are closer to the line of scrimage than Brooking. I think things will shake out differently in training camp.

I think you are wrong on this one. Hartwell comes back and Williams goes to the bench..period! You should have traded him when you had the chance.RAPTURE

 

[Sideline Merc]

  I don't buy in to this just yet. I am a Williams owner due to the fact that I watch the Falcons games and have been impressed by this guy. He makes to much happen when he is on the field. There are many times when he beats Brooking to the ball. His contact points are closer to the line of scrimage than Brooking. I think things will shake out differently in training camp.

I think you are wrong on this one. Hartwell comes back and Williams goes to the bench..period! You should have traded him when you had the chance.RAPTURE

Another novice not reading. Rap, your not in the warroom, no one hear to bend over in a trade. Where did I say Hartwell does not man the middle. The question is who will man the strongside. Boley or Williams? IMO, Williams will win it during training camp. Now if you wish to comment on that then be my guest.

 

[Jene Bramel]

  I don't buy in to this just yet. I am a Williams owner due to the fact that I watch the Falcons games and have been impressed by this guy. He makes to much happen when he is on the field. There are many times when he beats Brooking to the ball. His contact points are closer to the line of scrimage than Brooking. I think things will shake out differently in training camp.

I think you are wrong on this one. Hartwell comes back and Williams goes to the bench..period! You should have traded him when you had the chance.RAPTURE

Another novice not reading. Rap, your not in the warroom, no one hear to bend over in a trade. Where did I say Hartwell does not man the middle. The question is who will man the strongside. Boley or Williams? IMO, Williams will win it during training camp. Now if you wish to comment on that then be my guest.

Sideline,I'll search for links later, but Boley starting at BLB meshes well with comments from the coaching staff that they really liked his play on the strongside last year. He was much better at the point of attack than Williams and got off blocks much better as well.

And I saw Williams getting plowed over as often as making tackles, which I'll grant you was plenty often. Both insiders and other observers have said that Williams needs to be protected as a weak side linebacker or safety because of his difficulty against bigger blockers.

 

[RAPTURE]

Another novice not reading. Rap, your not in the warroom, no one hear to bend over in a trade. Where did I say Hartwell does not man the middle. The question is who will man the strongside. Boley or Williams? IMO, Williams will win it during training camp. Now if you wish to comment on that then be my guest.

If you are in the so-called war room, how are you able to post your past comment? On the other hand, who is the novice when you are talking about Williams still being the starter for the Falcons. Get your facts straight...buddy!RAPTURE

 

[Weiner Dog]

Falcons | E. Hartwell may miss 2-4 weeks

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 17:52:17 -0700

AtlantaFalcons.com reports Atlanta Falcons LB Edgerton Hartwell (knees) had minor surgery on both of his knees and may miss 2-4 weeks. Hartwell has not been ruled out of playing in the season opener.

 

[gregjcross]

Falcons | E. Hartwell may miss 2-4 weeks

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 17:52:17 -0700

AtlantaFalcons.com reports Atlanta Falcons LB Edgerton Hartwell (knees) had minor surgery on both of his knees and may miss 2-4 weeks. Hartwell has not been ruled out of playing in the season opener.

And as mentioned earlier by the Atanta Journal constitution, the Associated Press today confirms that one should expect Jordan Beck to assume Hartwell's job and not Brooking sliding over. this probably isnt long term unless Hartwell is never the same again.This was also mentioned in the spring (per reference to AJC)

http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/politics/15383479.htm

 

[Rozelle]

Falcons | E. Hartwell may miss 2-4 weeks

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 17:52:17 -0700

AtlantaFalcons.com reports Atlanta Falcons LB Edgerton Hartwell (knees) had minor surgery on both of his knees and may miss 2-4 weeks. Hartwell has not been ruled out of playing in the season opener.

And as mentioned earlier by the Atanta Journal constitution, the Associated Press today confirms that one should expect Jordan Beck to assume Hartwell's job and not Brooking sliding over. this probably isnt long term unless Hartwell is never the same again.This was also mentioned in the spring (per reference to AJC)

http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/politics/15383479.htm

Beck was impressive in Atlanta's last outing. Hartwell could have a difficult time getting his job back.

 

[gregjcross]

i would agree yet I am one to view the ATL coaching staff as thinking that a veteran makes a lot of difference by starting, that they coudl work Beck in.

I think ATL's backups would be the best players in a few places, starting w/ NOR. Boley or Beck would be their best. Demorrio would be a sure starter.

Its kind of interesting how some teams, NOR/SF, treat the LB position, or should i say dumbfounding! You can use an LB to stop the run and the pass, so why not draft some of them

Falcons | E. Hartwell may miss 2-4 weeks

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 17:52:17 -0700

AtlantaFalcons.com reports Atlanta Falcons LB Edgerton Hartwell (knees) had minor surgery on both of his knees and may miss 2-4 weeks. Hartwell has not been ruled out of playing in the season opener.

And as mentioned earlier by the Atanta Journal constitution, the Associated Press today confirms that one should expect Jordan Beck to assume Hartwell's job and not Brooking sliding over. this probably isnt long term unless Hartwell is never the same again.This was also mentioned in the spring (per reference to AJC)

http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/politics/15383479.htm

Beck was impressive in Atlanta's last outing. Hartwell could have a difficult time getting his job back.