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| The Falcons struggled at times defensively last season, ranking 24th overall. Their rush defense was the biggest disappointment, allowing 127.5 yards per game. First-round pick Peria Jerry hopes to provide a lift to the rush defense. The Falcons hope Jerry turns into the big, run-stuffing tackle they were lacking last season. Atlanta also needs some more playmakers in the secondary. They had just 10 interceptions last season. Chris Houston and rookie Chevis Jackson need to make some plays at cornerback. The pass rush for the Falcons is solid, though, with ends John Abraham and Jamaal Anderson doing a good job of pressuring the quarterback. Abraham remains one of the premier pass rushers in the game, getting 16 and a half sacks last season. The Falcons lost veteran Keith Brooking this offseason, but were able to replace him with another veteran linebacker, Mike Peterson. So the Falcons should see much of a dropoff at linebacker. The Falcons have a very good special teams unit. Harry Douglas emerged as a legit punt returner last season, averaging 11.9 yards per return. And Jerious Norwood remains one of the best kick returners in the game. These two are capable of big plays every time they touch the ball.
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The Falcons defense might be worth a spot start or two, but that is about it. They have a little sack potential with Abraham and Anderson, but their secondary doesn't cause a lot of turnovers and they will allow some points and yards. The special teams unit is above average, though. |
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| The Atlanta Falcons have announced they have placed LS Mike Schneck (ribs) on Injured Reserve, ending his 2009 season. |
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| AtlantaFalcons.com reports Atlanta Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux (ankle), OT Sam Baker (ankle), WR Brian Finneran (ankle), DT Thomas Johnson (calf), LB Curtis Lofton (knee, ankle), RB Jerious Norwood (hip), LS Mike Schneck (ribs), RB Jason Snelling (hamstring), WR Eric Weems (ankle) and TE Keith Zinger (back) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 4. |
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| Atlanta Falcons LB Tony Gilbert (knee) and LS Mike Schneck (back) fully participated in practice Saturday, Oct. 31. They are listed as probable for Week 8. |
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| D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux (ankle), CB Chris Owens (shoulder) and LS Mike Schneck (back) were limited during practice Thursday, Oct. 29. They are expected to play in Week 8. |
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| J. Michael Moore, of AtlantaFalcons.com, reports the Atlanta Falcons signed LS Mike Schneck (Bills) Tuesday, Oct. 2. |
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| Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports the Buffalo Bills have released LS Mike Schneck. |
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Injury Concern.