Discussing FB Ovie Mughelli's Role In The Offense

by Dave Choate on Jun 21, 2009 12:00 PM EDT

Ovie_mughelli_falcons_v_buccaneers_medium

Ever since I covered Ben Hartsock's somewhat overlooked role in the offense, I kept having the feeling that I was forgetting someone else. Turns out, it's probably the least discussed Falcon on offense since he signed his deal under Bobby Petrino. That's right, our topic for discussion on this Sunday afternoon is the man, the myth, the legend, Ovie Mughelli.

One of the best blocking fullbacks in the league, Mughelli is a key piece of the Falcons' potent ground attack who goes somewhat unheralded running in front of Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. He's also the highest paid fullback in the league, which means he darn well better be doing a good job.

Your topic of discussion, should you choose to accept it, is what kind of impact Mughelli really has on this team and what he's likely to do in the year ahead. How critical is he to the running game? Will he do any short yardage work in 2009? Is Ovie Mughelli one of the coolest names in football?

It's all in your capable hands, friends.

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Ovie Baby!!!

The value of a big time fullback is well known around the league… Lorenzo Neal for example, pathes the way for thousand yard backs annually. HUGE role in the Falcons rushing attack, although I would like to see him make a few more receptions( not likely, Welcome Tony Gonzalez!) Let “The Burner” eat up those short yards. Selfless service is the sign of a good man, Thank You Ovie, put em in the dirt!

by CaliFALCON on Jun 21, 2009 1:17 PM EDT reply actions

Sore spot for this fan was how much we paid to get Ovie Mughelli. Yes his roll keeps him under the radar so I welcome more insight into how he contributes to this team. How often is he on the field? Is he a huge contributor to the Burners success? So thank you for bringing this subject up because sadly each year I don’t even consider him on this team.

by Jon Cushman on Jun 21, 2009 3:18 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah

I don’t know how often he was on the field the last 2 years, but I’m almost certain it will be (at least a little) less this year. With Tony G here and Hartsock back healthy, I’d assume Mularkey would consider using more 2 TE sets. With all the good things coming out of Flowery Branch about Harry Douglas, they’ll probably be in 3-wide sets a lot too (with Tony G). I’m sure he’s still going to be a huge part of Turner’s (and Norwood’s) success running the ball, but I don’t think he’s going to get his hands on more than about 1 pass per week (actually, probably less than that)…

by orang3b on Jun 22, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Ovie is the sledgehammer....

His collisions with LBs are worthy of a standing ovation. He is a big part of the reason our running game gets better in the 4th quarter. The punishment he deals out takes it toll. He won’t be the pass catcher Justin Griffith(sp?) was, but he doesn’t have to be. He earns his salary…

I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I only lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three.

Elayne Boosler

by NaGaNole on Jun 21, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

well... my first thought

when Ovie made the comment in interviews that Matt Ryan has been improving by “leaps and bounds” was that perhaps Matt has been finding Mughelli as a receiver on a couple of pass plays. The guy was a receiving full-back in college and has stated he wants to be used more in the passing game. I recall a really awesome pass Matt Ryan made to him during preseason last year – I think the more weapons we use, the less predictable we are, the more potent our offense is (and imagine how many “no-names” will be running around the field uncovered with our list of probowlers). I like the idea of finishing games where Matt Ryan finds 7-8 different receivers, each with at least 15-20 yards.

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Jun 21, 2009 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

You said it...

There is no doubt that Mughelli is a great lead blocker for our RBs. Keep up the good work in that regard.

While I know that we have plenty of folks out there to throw to (and now, Tony Gonzalez), I like MentallyMIA’s thought that “the more weapons we use, the less predictable we are.” Also, when the ball is thrown to Mughelli (not very often), he catches it and makes a gain 100% of the time. He says so himself in this interview from AF.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD7-qKYEQeI

Note: I submitted the question about him being used as a receiver more – I’m famous!

by TomQ on Jun 22, 2009 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions

no way!

nice job on that question… that honestly is what made me make that reference (and the realization of the guy’s talent). Thanks for posting the link.

know what you believe in and why you believe in it

by MentallyMIA on Jun 22, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Thanks...

and no problem!

by TomQ on Jun 22, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Nickname for him.

Ovie “the thug mug” Mughelli

New Orleans Hornets: The most inconsistent team in the NBA.

by Grayson on Jun 22, 2009 1:11 AM EDT reply actions

FYI...

Not sure if you were trying to rhyme with his last name or not, but it’s pronounced: Moo-hay-lee. If you weren’t, my apologies for misunderstanding. Good day!

by TomQ on Jun 22, 2009 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Beside the point

Even if the correct pronunciation doesn’t ryme. ALl in good fun. I say we dub him Ovie "Mug Life" Mughelli

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

by runningback on Jun 22, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Given his large contract...

How about Ovie “You Pay Me” Mughelli. It rhymes, too!

by TomQ on Jun 22, 2009 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions

No respect

Fullbacks are like interior offensive linemen; they are usually the last people mentioned when accolades are given out for a team’s success despite how much they contribute especially to a running team. Ovie is an genuine stud as a blocking FB lighting people up and clearing the path for out running backs. The man deserves some praise for regularly taking on the best and hardest hitting tacklers on the opposing team’s defense.

by Leon07 on Jun 22, 2009 9:10 AM EDT reply actions