by Chad "Capologist" Walton
July 16, 2004
July 16, 2004
In the last installment of the Red Zone, we took an in-depth look at the new offense that will be in place this season. This installment will focus on the defense and special teams. In 2003, the defense was largely a victim of injuries and personnel that just simply didn't fit the scheme. 2004 promises to be vastly different due to Ed Donatell being brought in and implementing the 4-3 defense. Once again, position by position analysis and training camp battles are the focus:
Defensive End (8): Patrick Kerney, Brady Smith, Travis Hall, Will Overstreet, Raymond House, Karon Riley, Charles Alston, Bruce Adrine. This unit is basically intact from last year. As of now, Kerney and Smith are slated to be the starters. Smith is a solid role player but a healthy Travis Hall may push him for the starting spot. The most interesting battle will be determining the backups. Traditionally, 4 ends are kept and the frontrunners would be Will Overstreet and Karon Riley. However, don't lose sight of Raymond House or Charles Alston. House was impressive last preseason and earned himself a spot on the practice squad and an invite to camp this year. Alston was one of the leading ends in NFL Europe this season and shows quite a lot of promise.
Defensive Tackle (6): Ed Jasper, Rod Coleman, Ellis Johnson, Demetrin Veal, Chad Lavalais, Antwan Lake. The big question among this group is whether or not Ellis Johnson will be a part of it. If so, then expect to see a steady rotation of Jasper, Coleman and Johnson. If not, then Travis Hall will probably rotate at end and tackle. Again, the expectation is that 4, possibly 5, tackles will be kept. Veal, Lavalais, and Lake should all provide a very interesting battle for the the final spots.
Outside Linebacker (7): Keith Brooking, Matt Stewart, Demorrio Williams, Artie Ulmer, Eric Johnson, Terrence Melton, Deryck Toles. The biggest move made in this group is the shift of Pro Bowler Keith Brooking to the weakside. Stewart will maintain his starting spot on the strongside. Rookie Demorrio Williams will make his biggest impact on special teams but will fight for backup time with Ulmer and Johnson, special team aces in their own right. Most likely, look for 4 to be kept.
Middle Linebacker (4): Chris Draft, Jamie Duncan, Terrence Robinson, Rod Royal. Chris Draft returns as middle linebacker and unlike last year, he will be the man in the middle and will be a key to the Falcons run defense. Newcomer Jamie Duncan will push Draft for the starting job and will most likely round out the linebacker corps.
Cornerback (10): DeAngelo Hall, Jason Webster, Tod McBride, Derek Ross, Aaron Beasley, Kevin Mathis, Allen Rossum, Brandon Williams, Pat Ricketts, Curome Cox. This is the group that underwent the most changes this offseason. Two new starters are introduced with the signing of Jason Webster and rookie phenom DeAngelo Hall replacing Ray Buchanan and Juran Bolden. Tod McBride, Derek Ross, and Kevin all return to provide depth. Free agent signee Aaron Beasley further adds to the logjam and will also possibly see time at safety. The big question will be whether or not Allen Rossum finds a spot as a kick returner.
Safety (5): Bryan Scott, Cory Hall, Kevin McCadam, Etric Pruitt, Siddeeq Shabazz. Without question, Bryan Scott and Cory Hall will be the starters with McCadam and Pruitt being the backups. As mentioned above, Beasley will also compete for time at safety.
Special Teams
Kicker (2): Jay Feely, Damon Duval. Jay Feely returns as the Falcon's kicker with Duval being a long shot to provide competition.
Punter (2): Chris Mohr, Glenn Pakulak. Veteran Chris Mohr returns with Pakulak being a long shot to provide competition.
Training camp is now less than two weeks away and Falcon fans have a lot to look forward to offensively and defensively. There will be many battles well worth paying attention to. One thing is for certain, cutdown days will be very interesting discussion material this preseason.