EDITOR'S NOTE: This week's scouting report includes insight from Vikings.com writer Mike Wobschall
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Welcome to the great unknown -- Week 1 of the NFL season.
Games have been played over the past month, but coaches and players are the first to admit that what fans see in the preseason, in many cases, bares no resemblance to what takes the field Week 1.
Teams have had months to get ready for this game and, for that reason, it tends to offer a mixture of excitement and nerves. But Falcons Head Coach Bobby Petrino is encouraged by his team's progression.
“I feel good because I have watched the players attend meetings and I like the way they come out and practice," he said. "I feel confident in the veterans and their leadership of the team. It will be a learning process for the rookies, but I believe they will fare well."
ON THE GROUND: Warrick Dunn was slowed in the preseason as he recovered from surgery to repair a ruptured disc. He returned to see limited action in the team’s third preseason game, but is expected to be ready to go in the opener. Backup running back Jerious Norwood also missed time in the exhibition season with an infection.
Petrino has talked at length about Norwood’s explosiveness. The second-year player rushed fro 633 yards and two touchdowns last season on a 6.4-yard per carry average. He led the team with three touchdowns in the preseason. He's also the big-play threat the Falcons will look to as they take the field in Minnesota.
When it comes to stopping the Vikings running attack, the Falcons have to do some extra homework.
Chester Taylor, rookie Adrian Peterson and Mewelde Moore all figure to get some touches in the backfield. Peterson was a first-round pick and Taylor led the team with more than 1,200 rushing yards a year ago.
"They make you nervous with the fact that you know they're going to come in and run the ball. They've got a big offensive front and two real good runners so we've got to be able to take care of that," Petrino said. "I think they can throw it deep with their play-action and try to get the ball down the field. Defensively they led the NFL against the rush. They're big and physical up front so we've got to be able to complete some passes but also run the ball. Our rhythm is better when we're going positive running the football and completing passes."
Falcons Pro Bowl defensive end John Abraham said he isn't worried about the Vikings platooning their backs.
"One of them might be a little bit faster. One of them might be a little bit slower," he said. “But if we play our technique on their line we’ll be OK. I worry about the guy in front of me and not the running back. If I can’t get past that guy it’s pointless anyway.”
Wobschall on the Vikings running game...
One clear strength of the Vikings offense last season was their ability to rush the ball. With the offensive line having another offseason together under their belt and the addition Peterson, the Vikings figure to have a dynamic and explosive ground game. For Sunday’s game against the Falcons, and for the remainder of the season, it will be paramount that the Vikings effectively rush the ball to take pressure off of quarterback Tarvaris Jackson. A strong ground game will also allow the Vikings to play a defense-dominated, pound-it-out on the ground type of game, which suits their strengths. Peterson showed flashes during the preseason that is leaving everyone anxious to see him play and run in games that count.
THROUGH THE AIR: The Vikings return a defensive backfield that includes safety Darren Sharper. The duo finished third and fourth on the team in tackles respectively and three of Sharper's 50 career interceptions have come off Falcons quarterback Joey Harrington.
Sharper said his team focused on improving pass defense this offseason. That motivation comes, in part, because of performances like Harrington's in 2006. The quarterback completed 26 passes in a 24-20 Dolphins victory. The offense rested squarely on his shoulders, as Miami ran the ball just 13 times for 7 yards.
"He will always carry that third-pick-in-the-draft label with him so you know he has talent," Sharper said via conference call Wednesday. "I've seen Joey have good games. I played against him when he's had good games against me when I was in Green Bay and also when I was in Minnesota last year. Last year was a prime example when he was in Miami and they beat us. He had a very solid game against us that day.
"I know what Joey is capable of. Hopefully we'll be able to do some different things and try to confuse him."
Harrington said he has "a bit of an advantage" playing in the Metrodome -- a venue he suited up in seven times as a member of the Detroit Lions.
Petrino said the team will rotate its receivers Sunday, putting Joe Horn, Roddy White, Michael Jenkins and rookie standout Laurent Robinson at various positions. Harrington, who finished the preseason with a 92.5 passer rating, and other Falcons quarterbacks, spread the ball amongst various receivers in the preseason.
Wobschall on the Vikings quarterback situation...
On Sunday, Vikings (and Falcons) fans will see just how far Jackson has come in his development as a franchise quarterback. Last season Jackson saw limited action, including starts in the final two regular season games, and now it’s his turn to take the reins and lead Brad Childress’ offense. Physical tools are not the issue for Jackson; he has a strong arm, good accuracy and nifty mobility. The determining factor in how well Jackson performs will be his ability to take care of the football, identify blitzes and make the proper reads. Due to his discouraging performances as a rookie but then some encouraging performances during the preseason, most observers are still on the fencepost in their judgment of Jackson. Although Sunday is just one game, it will likely set expectations for the young quarterback for the rest of the season.
SPECIALTIES: Kicker Matt Prater made the team’s roster despite being signed just three days before final cuts.
He kicked two field goals, including the game winner, in the preseason finale and impressed the front office in his workout. Sunday will be his first regular-season NFL game. Another key comes in the return game, where the Falcons will go with second-year pro Adam Jennings over Allen Rossum – a team-record holder that was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers Sept. 1.
“That was driven by Adam Jennings and the faith we have in him as a returner,” Falcons President and General Manager Rich McKay said Monday. “We drafted him last year to do that. He’s developed really nicely and we think he can do both (punt and kickoff returns).”
Wobschall on the Vikings special teams...
During the 2006 season and into this preseason, special teams have been an area of concern for the Vikings, especially their kick coverage units. The Vikings signed former Carolina Panthers special teams ace Vinny Ciurciu during the offseason to try and shore up the weakness, but the jury is still out as to what kind of advantage he will bring to the unit. Punter Chris Kluwe has been inconsistent, showing a great ability to land punts inside the 20 but also miss-hitting attempts at times. Ryan Longwell worked on strengthening his leg on kickoffs during the offseason and the Vikings look forward to his steady leg as a field goal kicker. These three facets of special teams will be important on Sunday, as field position seems to be a factor that will outcome the game.
SHUFFLING THE CARDS: Tight end Alge Crumpler was also slowed this week and spent some time on the injury report. Petrino said that's more for rest and likely will continue through the season as Crumpler works his way back from offseason knee surgery. Crumpler practiced Friday.
The other injury for the Falcons is at defensive tackle, where Rod Coleman was easing into practice before undergoing another procedure to help recovery from a torn quadricep. Petrino said Friday that Coleman could miss another "three to four weeks." Trey Lewis and third-year player Jonathan Babineaux will now get more playing time. Both saw considerable action in the preseason.
The biggest change for this game could come on defense, where safety Chris Crocker may be unavailable.
Crocker suffered a bone bruise in the Falcons preseason win over the Bengals and missed practices this week. If he is unable to go Sunday at Minnesota, second-year pro Jimmy Williams would step into the starting spot at free safety.
Williams switched positions in the offseason from cornerback. He played safety for two seasons at Virginia Tech, including a sophomore season where he recorded 114 tackles.
“You’ve got to go like Jimmy’s going to be the guy,” Petrino said Wednesday. “Just talking to (Crocker) and just talking to the trainers I’m not real encouraged, but he does have a little bit of time left. Jimmy will be ready to go. He’s excited about it. He knows what we want. I think he’s gotten better each game.”
Wobschall on the Vikings secondary...
Although the Vikings pass defense in 2006 ranked near the bottom statistically, the secondary should not be considered a liability heading into the 2007 season. A nice blend of veteran players combine with young talent to give the Vikings a solid starter at each position. A key facet of the game on Sunday will be the gamesmanship between Harrington and the Vikings safeties. As one of the best running teams in the league over the past few seasons, Atlanta will undoubtedly try to establish a running game early. With support from Dwight Smith, the Vikings defense will look to flex its muscle and stop the combo of Dunn and Norwood. If they are successful in doing so, Sharper, who has more interceptions than any other active player since 2000, will pick his spots and try to intercept Harrington, who has more career interceptions (77) than touchdowns (72).
ON THE HEADSET: Sunday will be a chess match between two young head coaches when it comes to NFL experience.
Petrino is in his first year with the Falcons and has three seasons as an offensive coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also has more than 20 years experience in college football. Vikings head coach Brad Childress is in his 10th year as an NFL coach.
The Falcons, though, have a mastermind on defense with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Zimmer spent the last seven seasons as the head of the Cowboys defense -- a group that finished in the top 15 in the league the last two seasons.
The Vikings defense works under Leslie Frazier, who is in his first season with the Vikings. He previously coached defensive backs for the Indianapolis Colts -- a defense that primarily employees a cover-two style, with plenty of zone coverage.
Wobschall on the Vikings coaching staff...
Childress is charged with improving an offense that was lackluster in 2007. A change in the starting quarterback, other new additions on offense such as tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, Peterson and Bobby Wade and another year with his players are all factors that play into Childress’ favor. It was decided during training camp that offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell will handle the play-calling duties, allowing Childress to pay attention to all aspects of his team on game day. But perhaps the biggest change that will affect his team’s performance is his demeanor. The second-year coach seemed more relaxed with players this offseason, often joking with them before and after practice. At the same time, he has maintained control of the team.
