I have had the same concerns myself. The thing is, he is still getting penetration and pushing people back into the backfielfd pretty consistently. The guy gets held more than anyone I have ever seen as well. I expect that he will at some point break out and have a multi-sack game. If it doesnt happen it is his own fault. they guy still has enough skill to get it done, is his unjury(whatever it is) slowing him just enough to make him ineffective??? I don’t think so. Lets see what happens on Sunday. I think this is a good shot for him to redeem himself.

VanGorder has dropped him into coverage on the Zone Blitz more and more the past few weeks:

Miami – 2
Carolina – 9
Patriots – 4
San Fran – 11
Bears – 9
Dallas – 12
I don’t have the totals for New Orleans yet.

Now, those are the totals for all Zone Blitzes on passing downs, but I’d bet he was the guy dropping into coverage ~80% of the time. But against Dallas (for instance), he still was available to rush the QB on 24 of the 34 pass plays – and didn’t get a single sack.

Basically, I think it’s both 1) how he’s being used, and 2) a slow start to the season for him. I wish I had hits/hurries stats available to see how much those are down, too… There is no doubt in my mind he is already in the “decline phase” of his career (he’s 31), but this would be a severe drop-off (from 16.5 to a projected 7). As long as he’s healthy, he should be able to get pressure against the ’Skins, though.

in regard to sack totals this year.

There have been just 521 sacks in 7,630 pass attempts so far this year, among the lowest rates of sack-success in NFL history

it makes me wonder if the rule changes protecting the quarterback are pushing the trend. that, in addition to the lack of holding calls discussed above.

Back when Abe was acquired from the Jets he had an established rep for being injury prone, and more often than not he’s had some sort of nagging problem since. Given the fact that every team “games” their injury news now (to some extent), I wonder if Abe’s got some physical issue that’s holding him back. At 31, your body doesn’t heal as quickly either.

Agree that usage is something that the Falcons need to look at, too. If you’re only going to get X snaps out of him, pick your spots better for Pete’s sake!

he has made some plays this year and other teams have to focus on him. hes often double teamed and usually gets a great push. im actually starting to get worried about our reciever depth. i noticed roddy on the injury list and even tho he most likely will play if something is slowing him up or he goes down we dont have much of a backup. the DT position is another concern even tho i have to give props to anderson who is doing good on the line and the coordinaters for the rotation. NEVER have him drop back and cover a tight end like that again tho shockey had him beet before the ball was even snapped i saw it the whole way. and i kno we can beat the skins but lets please give the same effort and improve from last week. i dont want a nailbite win. the skins will have an offensive game plan they’re fresh off a bye and we have to put this one out early. lets handle the biz and get n the playoffs.

The only team that has given the saints that much of a problem is the jets. Both ATL and NY had insane pass rushes that were so good that our runningbacks couldn’t even get started most of the time. So while you guys are counting sacks, and I agree that those are important, consider how devastating your pass rush has been to cause hurries, batted balls, and throw aways.