FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Jaguars aren't used to seeing many big numbers when it comes to their defensive stats, especially in the running game. But defensive tackles Marcus Stroud and John Henderson, who weigh a combined 645 pounds, were exposed to quite the massive figure in a 13-10 loss to Tennessee last week.
The Titans rushed for 282 yards last Sunday -- 126 more yards than the Jaguars' average allowance last season.
It makes for some chin-scratching curiosity, but the Falcons aren't simply assuming they'll be able to have the same type of success this weekend. They will, however, take a few more notes on the Titans running game.
"The amount of success that Tennessee had running the football I thought was a bit abnormal," Falcons quarterback Joey Harrington said. "Very rarely do you see a defense give up that many rushing yards. That just doesn't happen very often in the NFL, especially against such a big defensive front. That being said, I'm sure we're going to try to do some of the things Tennessee did well and see if they can stop it."
Fullback Ovie Mughelli said the Titans had success running outside the tackles. He also said one look at Henderson and Stroud and it's an obvious tough road up the middle, "unless you do some misdirection or something"
So, the Jaguars are ready to get another dose of Tennessee-style running.
"I've been part of the NFL for over 20 years and one thing that's a certainty is people are going to try you where you've shown vulnerability," Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio said via conference call. "Certainly we looked vulnerable last week. We anticipate we'll get tested and we've got to prepare hard to meet that challenge."
Falcons running back Jerious Norwood, who had five rushes for 33 yards last week against the Vikings isn't tipping his hand or taking any chances.
"That might have just been Tennessee's day on rushing," he said simply. "Anything can happen... They've got a tough defense down there. Whatever play the coaches call we're going to try to do our best to handle our job and keep the offense rolling."
ANOTHER ADDITION: The Falcons created a hole on the practice squad last week when quarterback Casey Bramlet was promoted to the active roster. That slot was filled Wednesday when the team signed defensive end Kevin Huntley to the practice squad.
Huntley, 6'7," 270 pounds, was a member of the Oakland Raiders last season where he tallied 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks for a loss of 20 yards in six games. He spent two seasons at Kansas State (2003-04) and compiled 58 tackles with three fumble recoveries in 24 games. During his freshman and sophomore seasons, he attended Valley Forge Military College and logged 72 tackles with 14.5 sacks.
'BACKER FLIPS: Head Coach Bobby Petrino said Wednesday that the team will likely continue a rotation at weak side linebacker between veteran Demorrio Williams and rookie Stephen Nicholas. Williams recovered from a torn pectoral in the offseason and the staff wants to watch the injury. Nicholas started three of four preseason games and finished third on the team with 14 tackles.
The coach added the rotation is more preparation than precaution.
"We're going to watch them in practice," Petrino said. "They're both going to get reps in practice with the (first team)... We're going to need them both."
A DAY ON THE LINKS: Harrington, Chris Redman and Bramlet made their way to East Lake Golf Club earlier this week to visit with golfers getting ready for the PGA Tour Championship. Harrington's second cousin, Padraig, let the trio accompany him on a practice round.
Harrington the golfer is the reigning British Open champ.
"It's great to hear another professional's perspective on how he goes about his craft," Harrington the quarterback said.
The quarterback said earlier in the offseason he and his cousin have grown closer over the years, especially as the golfer has become more of a player on the world stage.
HARRIS FITTING THE NICKEL: Defensive back Antoine Harris got significant playing time as the team's nickel -- or fifth -- defensive back at Minnesota. He got everyone's attention when he knocked away a second-half pass that, in a perfect world, could have been an interception.
Coaches are also pleased with his ability on special teams, where he regularly gets down field and disrupts the return team.
"He did a good job except for he dropped that one interception," Petrino said. "We'd like to see him make that pick. He also had a lot of production in the kicking game again, so I think it's a point where he's starting to get comfortable playing the position."
FALCONS TO PEN THERAPY CENTERS: Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers will begin popping up around the Atlanta Metro Area in October, it was announced Wednesday.
Owner and CEO Arthur Blank’s management and investment company will launch the new business, which will bring "professional-grade physical therapy and sports rehabilitation services to the public."
The first center, expected to open in October, will be a 3,000-square foot, state-of-the-art facility located at 1180 Satellite Blvd. in Suwanee.
North Gwinnett High School has also named Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers its official provider of athletic training and physical therapy services.
Each center will offer outpatient physical therapy by licensed and certified physical therapists as well as industrial rehabilitation for workers injured on the job. There will also be a focus on injury prevention, sports massage, fitness services, post-operative rehabilitation and chronic pain management services. According to a press release, Extended hours and flexible scheduling are also planned.
"We see a great partnership ahead with the Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers," North Gwinnett High School Principal John Green said. "Both organizations want the best care for students, but what truly stands out is their commitment to excellence in every phase of the operation and their desire to provide a valuable service to the community. That aligns perfectly with the leadership skills and values we’re trying to nurture in our students."
INJURY REPORT: The Falcons and Jaguars released the first edition of the week's injury report Wednesday afternoon. It included Falcons Chris Crocker (knee), Laurent Robinson (hamstring) and Rod Coleman (knee).
