Atlanta Falcons Q&A w/ D. Orlando Ledbetter

On a short-week the 6-2 AFC North leading Baltimore Ravens are heading south to meet the 6-2 NFC South leading Falcons in Atlanta.

D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. is the beat-writer for the Falcons for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

You can find his work at:
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/feed/

and on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/ajcfalcons

Baltimore Sports and Life thanks Mr. Ledbetter for answering a few questions on the Falcons.

Baltimore Sports and Life: "Michael Turner is having another good season, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. I note that he only has 9 receptions while his back-up Jason Snelling has 22. Based on that, I would expect that Snelling is on most 3rd downs? Is one back better than the other at blitz pick-up?"

D. Orlando Ledbetter: "Turner has never been noted for his pass catching ability. Both are very good at picking up the blitz. Actually, the nine catches for Turner project out to 18, which would be a career-high for Turner."

Baltimore Sports and Life: "Leading the way for Turner, is former Ravens FB Ovie Mughelli. Not a lot of glory for pure-blocking FB's, but kind of a difference-maker in his own right?"

D. Orlando Ledbetter: "Ovie is hoping that his lead blocking gets notices and he makes it to the Pro Bowl. He is doing a very good job of lead blocking this season and spring Turner to the second level."

Baltimore Sports and Life: "After leaving the game due to injury Sunday, WR Roddy White was able to return. White has played in every game of his 6-year career, so I would expect to see him back on the field Thursday night. Coming into this season White had 3 consecutive seasons with at-least 83 catches, and 1,150+ yards. This year, his yards per game are up significantly. (99.5 yards per game vs. an average of 77.86 the past 3 seasons). Is he being used slightly different in the offense? How do you rate him among the elite wideouts in the game?"

D. Orlando Ledbetter: "He is running all of the routes and came move around from flanker to split end to slot receiver. This allows him to stretch the field vertically and horizonally on crossing routes."

Baltimore Sports and Life: "Opposite of White is the 6'4, 217 lb former 1st round pick Michael Jenkins. Jenkins has had some solid years (3 consecutive seasons of 50 to 53 catches) but has never quite met his earlier expectations. What has held him back from fully emerging?"

D. Orlando Ledbetter: "He is productive and does what they ask him to do. He's doing a better job of fighting for yards after the catch."

Baltimore Sports and Life: "If White is option 1 in the passing-game, than I am guessing TE Tony Gonzalez remains option 1a. The future Hall of Famer has averaged 11.7 yards per reception for his career, but is down to 9.8 this year with the Falcons. Does Gonzalez remain capable of stretching the field?"

D. Orlando Ledbetter: "They have not asked him to stretch the field, but have gone to him underneath and in the redzone. He did get open deep for a 22 yard gain against the Bengals."

Baltimore Sports and Life: "The strength of the Atlanta offensive-line appears to be on the left side with LT Sam Baker, and LG Justin Blalock. Is that correct? What can you tell me about the other starters?"

D. Orlando Ledbetter: "Todd McClure is the anchor at center. Havey Dahl is the right guard and Tyson Clabo is the right tackle. They are tenacious run blockers. The unit has been together for three years and has been quite effective."

Baltimore Sports and Life: "Like Ravens QB Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan is in his 3rd year in the league. Ryan came into the league with a reputation as being very polished. What progression have you seen from him? What does Ryan still need to improve?"

D. Orlando Ledbetter: "Ryan is very determined and calculating. He's doing what the coaches are asking him to do, which be a little bit more than a manager of the game. He has to improve on his deep throws."

Baltimore Sports and Life: "The Falcons run a 4-3 defense that is pretty solid against the run, but has struggled against the pass. Are the struggles with the pass defense primarily a result of the lack of pressure from the Atlanta front-7? Who is helping DE John Abraham (16.5 sacks in 2008, 6 in 2010) with the pass-rush?"

D. Orlando Ledbetter: "The issues with the pass defense revolve around the Falcons tendency to blitz in passing situation. They are going to win some and lose some. They have given up touchdown passes of 83, 64 and 58 yards in each of the last three games. Two of those plays came against blitzes."

Baltimore Sports and Life: "Atlanta is 4-0 at the Georgia Dome, and appear to be built for the turf. As mentioned above, the Falcons appear pretty solid against the run - tell me about the LB's. ROLB Mike Peterson always had a lot of tackles during his time with the Colts, and Jaguars. I see the MLB Curtis Lofton had over 100 solo tackles last year."

D. Orlando Ledbetter: "In addition to the two linebackers you mention, third-year man Stephen Nicholas is starting at the strongside linebacker position. He's replacing rookie Sean Weatherspoon (knee injury) who opened the season as the starter. They are an attacking group that has great speed and striking ability."

Baltimore Sports and Life: "Obviously neither the Falcons nor the Ravens are going to have a lot of time to prepare for this game. One thing that jumps out to me immediately is that both teams are in the Top 5 overall in the NFL in Time of Possession. In a short-week, I expect both teams to spend less time worrying about the opposition, and more time focusing on what they do best. What does Atlanta look like, when performing optimally?"

D. Orlando Ledbetter: "They will rely on their run. The coaching staff had the bye week, which preceded the Tampa Bay game, to get ready for the Ravens."

Baltimore Sports and Life: “Predictions on the game, and what you believe the 6-2 NFC South leading Falcons are capable of the remainder of this season?”

D. Orlando Ledbetter: "Falcons 24, Ravens 10. The Falcons will have to hold off the Saints for the NFC South title."