Jerious Norwood Is Tired Of Your Promises

by Dave Choate on Jun 9, 2008 1:28 AM EDT in Falcons News

If I were Jerious Norwood, the endless stream of effluent coming from Falcon coaching staffs over the last couple of years would have worn me out by now. No matter how many times he's told he'll have an expanded role in the offense, he ends up stuffed in a locker, forlornly listening to the cheers of the crowd outside. But this year, things are different!

Aren't they?

"I'm still going to keep the same mentality that I have since I've been here, which is compete, be the best I can be, so when my time comes I can deliver," said Norwood, who will backup free-agent acquisition Michael Turner. "Until then, I'll just play my role."

Okay, so he's a little skeptical. But can you blame him? Bobby Petrino said nearly every week that Norwood was finally going to get some carries, and in an incredible turn of events, our friend Jerious never got more than nine carries in a single game. On a team that featured the hollowed-out pumpkin that was Warrick Dunn's body. All year long.

I'd be skeptical too.

Mike Smith seems to have some idea of how to turn this guy into a real weapon, though. Getting him on the field in passing situations as a hybrid receiver is a great use of his talents, assuming his hands complement his speed. It seems weird to say this, but Norwood's skillset is still somewhat of an unknown given his sporadic playing time. We do know that he has amazing speed, and if they get him on the field he's going to contribute. Seems like a good enough reason to plan him some plays.

Will Norwood finally get the carries he (arguably) deserves?

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Turner is the #1 RB

Norwood’s number of carries will probably depend on whether the Falcons use Turner as an every-down workhorse, or spread the load around more evenly. They would be wise to do the latter for a while, since Turner has not proven his durability as a starter.

I would love to see Norwood utilized more as a receiver. The Falcons, with their substandard OL, will need to get the ball out of the QB’s hands fast. Quick passes could get him the ball on the move, in the open field, where he excels.

Here’s hoping that Smith is serious about utilizing Norwood more. He will never be a #1 back (too fragile, not a power runner), but can contribute much if used properly.

"There's no such word as 'quit' in swamp buggy racing, Marigold"

by tom slick on Jun 9, 2008 3:03 AM EDT reply actions

Committee

He has always done well with spot duty the fact that RB by committee seems to be the hot trend (the Cowboys using a #1 pick for a back that they know won’t start) things seem to be going in his favor.

Should be interesting though. Given that Turner himself was in pretty much the same role with LT. Can a second banana prove his mettle starting for a new team? The last time I remember a team trying to make that happen was the Raiders with Lamont (You Big Dummy) Jordan. Seemed to work for a bit, but then he faded away.

In a way, each of us has an El Guapo to face.

by runningback on Jun 9, 2008 10:11 AM EDT reply actions

I agree that he's still a risky bet

But 9 out of 10 teams with the “Thunder and Lightning” system agree: It’s a damn good thing. If Norwood can pick up ten carries a game in this likely run-heavy offense and still get on the field for a few passing downs, he’ll be providing excellent value.

Football is not a contact sport. It's a collision sport. Dancing is a good example of a contact sport. ~Duffy Daugherty

by Dave Choate on Jun 9, 2008 12:06 PM EDT reply actions