Harry Douglas Is Ready To Go For The Falcons

by Dave Choate on Jun 25, 2011 12:30 PM EDT in Falcons News

You really need to read D. Orlando Ledbetter's fantastic article about the players' camp, which I'll be using as a starting point for more than one article in the coming days. In fact, I'm requiring it.

To springboard off one of the points in the article, it appears that Harry Douglas is finally back to full strength after his 2009 knee injury. That injury not only cost him in 2009, but it led to him having a pretty lackluster 2010, if you listen to Mike Smith.

The Falcons were incredibly thin at receiver in 2010, relying almost exclusively on Roddy White, with a sprinkling of Michael Jenkins, Douglas and Brian Finneran. This season, with Douglas flying around in seven-on-sevens and looking like the explosive player everyone hoped he'd be after an encouraging rookie season in 2008, the Falcons look a hell of a lot stronger.

Douglas will have to surpass Jenkins to get significant snaps this season, which isn't impossible. His best bet is to become a fixture at the slot, and a guy who can offer quickness and sharp route running behind White and Julio Jones. I see no reason why he can't do that if he's truly healthy, and he should be good for 25-30 catches in a suddenly high-octane offense.

Hard not to get excited about this season, isn't it? Discuss Douglas!

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Douglas

Love this guy, not at all worried about his size or health heading into this next season.
Any chance we let Weems walk because we got our original return guy nearly 100% healthy?

"I don't want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be
Kobe Bryant"

-Kobe Bryant

by waltbabyluv on Jun 25, 2011 12:41 PM EDT reply actions

You know, it's within the realm of possibility

It’ll be hard to let a Pro Bowl special teamer walk, but the rule change might make it more likely.

by Dave Choate on Jun 25, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Right

Either way, they are both good return men so Atlanta can’t lose.

"I don't want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be
Kobe Bryant"

-Kobe Bryant

by waltbabyluv on Jun 25, 2011 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Weems is still our best Special Teams coverage guy.

In 2010, he had 14 Return Stops in 15 Return Tackles giving him a 93% stop rate. He really is an underrated defender on Special Teams.

Ron Artest = Ron (sm)Artest - He Is The Most Interesting Man In The World

by JoshChildressAfroIsCure4Cancer on Jun 25, 2011 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

That is 7th best in the NFC and 17th in the NFL

Ron Artest = Ron (sm)Artest - He Is The Most Interesting Man In The World

by JoshChildressAfroIsCure4Cancer on Jun 25, 2011 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe

His special teams coverage skills are overlooked due to his return skills.

"I don't want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be
Kobe Bryant"

-Kobe Bryant

by waltbabyluv on Jun 25, 2011 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions

What they might do

is keep Weems on kick-off returns and reinstate Dougles as the punt returner.

by falconfan1 on Jun 25, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Nice

I like Douglas at punt returner, and Weems is great on kick returns. Almost sounds like cheating.

"I don't want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be
Kobe Bryant"

-Kobe Bryant

by waltbabyluv on Jun 25, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

And the bonus there

would be that it would allow Weems to rest more. That way he can have fresh legs every time he goes to return a kick.

by falconfan1 on Jun 25, 2011 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes

I love it.

"I don't want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be
Kobe Bryant"

-Kobe Bryant

by waltbabyluv on Jun 25, 2011 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I expect big things from Douglas

He’s in a contract year and is 2 years removed from the injury.

by Mosugo on Jun 25, 2011 12:55 PM EDT reply actions

the only way i see them letting weems go is

If it helps with cap room just enough to make the splash in FA that they want to, but even then I’m sure there are guys lower on the totem pole so to speak. He did a great job at returner (see pro bowl)

Shi@t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by JJWatt1stfalconspick on Jun 25, 2011 12:55 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

He's going to be a restricted free agent

We will probably give him a low draft choice protection with low pay. If someone else takes him fine, if not he’ll be cheap to keep.

by Mosugo on Jun 25, 2011 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Following him on Twitter

HD has been up-and-at-it early just about every morning. He is definitely working hard this off-season, and I hope he reaps the reward. HD was starting to get that burst back late last year, and, as we saw, he got behind the DEF a few times. All that was lacking was the chemistry b/n him and Ryan. These 7-on-7’s should have reestablished that.

HD can have a Jordy Nelson-ish role in our OFF. Jordy wasn’t great every game, but was a force in some very important games.

by KMarch on Jun 25, 2011 1:10 PM EDT reply actions

I have a couple of suggestions for the Falcons.

1. Hire Brian Finnerman as a special teams and receivers assistant coach. He seems to not be able to see himself as anything other than a Falcon, best to keep him here happy than away bearing ill will.

2. Put a lot of plays with twin receiver sets (double flanker, flanker wideout, both on the sime side of the field) for Roddy and Julio. Teams are going to roll their coverages toward one or the other, they may even try to double both receivers. Putting them on the same side will complicate these plans.

by BEZERKO on Jun 25, 2011 2:19 PM EDT reply actions

I agree about

Finn. I think he’d be a real asset for the team.

by drmondo667 on Jun 27, 2011 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions

My 2 cents...

IMHO Harry has to blow the competition away in camp to be #3 when the season starts. Weems has surpassed him as a returner as well as also being an excellent gunner and I believe they are also looking for Meier to take on the integral role Finn held on special teams. I think they want MJ in the slot to become the underneath guy with Roddy and Julio stretching the field while also putting three big, strong WRs on the field to help the run/screen game; I think we’ll see many SD Charger type formations with 3 WRs, a FB and RB and Matty audiblingin response to the D.

by bobulated on Jun 25, 2011 2:42 PM EDT reply actions

HD could help raise the O to the next level

If he could get back to 2008 form and stay healthy. It would be easy enough to alternate HD and MJ as the #3 WR. RW, JJ and HD on the field at the same time would open up the passing game considerably.

On a side note, the comments about Palmer were very encouraging.

by mwalex on Jun 25, 2011 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

yeah, DOL's comments about Palmer

were high. I think it’s going to be good for him that the other TEs couldn’t make it out there and he got all those reps with Ryan.

by KMarch on Jun 25, 2011 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm hoping that Palmer

gets more snaps this year than last. Peele might be gone and this is probably going to be TG’s last year so it’s Palmers to get.

by mwalex on Jun 25, 2011 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

And he if shows that he can’t handle it (which I think will happen), TE becomes a top priority for the draft/FA next year

"He has lived up to the legendary billing... And the legend is born in Calvin Johnson!" -Wes Durham

by sportsfan4life2012 on Jun 25, 2011 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions

As well it should.

by mwalex on Jun 25, 2011 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions

hopefully

HD will see some screens and end arounds this season

by Erihury on Jun 25, 2011 4:26 PM EDT reply actions

Jacquizz Rodgers - I’m disappointed he didn't attend the player organized workouts.

by SBFalcon101 on Jun 25, 2011 4:44 PM EDT reply actions

Can't really blame him

Yeah it would have been nice to have every rookie out there but Jones and Dent took HUGE risks being out there without anything guaranteed.

I’m somewhat disappointed/surprised that Gonzalez didn’t show up. I know he doesn’t need the work but his veteran presence would’ve helped some of the younger guys out

by FLA_Falcon on Jun 25, 2011 5:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Also have to think about

Jones and Dent just had to come from Tuscaloosa and Athens. ‘Quizz is still probably nestled up in Oregon. That’s a much farther way to come w/out a payday.

by KMarch on Jun 25, 2011 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions

I wonder what whould happen if

one of the unsigned guys got hurt during the unofficial training camp?

by mwalex on Jun 25, 2011 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions

they would probably treat it similar to a Sergio Kindle situation. Give him something to live on, and then a year contract on his return.

by KMarch on Jun 25, 2011 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Agents have insurance policies too

but I think it would have been crazy for Jacquizz to come. I mean he’s a fifth round guy, does he even have a playbook? Man you get hurt and it’s your ass. Remember how quickly they shipped Laraunt Robinson out of town?

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Jun 26, 2011 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions

about Laraunt...

he has a little over 500 yards receiving in 2 years in St Louis.

Dont cloud the issue with facts!

by muuzilla on Jun 26, 2011 1:30 AM EDT up reply actions

all i can say is the last time he was in full strength he was a little beast

by mr92687!!! on Jun 25, 2011 5:09 PM EDT reply actions

I can't imagine

a scenario where HD passes Jenkins, unless we’re down by 2 touchdowns. If Weems, Sunshine, and HD are all on the active roster come opening day, it’ll be because Jenkins is playing for someone else.

Smokey says: Only you can BVG forest fires.

by VaderX5 on Jun 25, 2011 5:57 PM EDT reply actions

One positive of an 18 game schedule could be extended rosters

Could allow for 6 wr and an extra ol or two

by FLA_Falcon on Jun 25, 2011 6:10 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

If Harry comes back all the way

then watch out! The only possible thing that could slow the offense down is the play calling.

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Jun 26, 2011 12:11 AM EDT reply actions

agreed

I think it will be well established by the start of the season that MM will have a huge target on him if this offense does not produce. With the talent on this team, the only way it will not produce is if the playcalling constantly puts them in bad situations resulting in many 3 and outs offensively. The one good note is that with Ryan running the offense , he may eliminate that problem by calling an audible to a better play. I think he is capable of it, easily, he did very well in 2 minute offense and especially the no huddle, which I expect to be a primary weapon this season anytime we get behind. In those instances is when you will see the true potential of this offense, in the long run.

@Chi, @Ind,@Det SIMPLY AWESOME !! . All are within 3.5 hours of me.I'll probably be supporting the birds from the sidelines of all 3 of those this year. I am getting so excited about the first game of the season, everybody I work with are Bears and Colts fans. It's gonna be sooo sweeet this year, taking all their money!! bwaaha haha haha

by ATLsince1972 on Jun 26, 2011 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions

IF (caps intended)

Everything pans out and no one gets hurt, we could easily have a top 3 running OR passing team with the people we have. Since I dont think we can have both (the plays/yards gained by one would be plays not ran by the other which means less yards gained by that side of the offense), I see us as a top 7 overall offensive team. Why not better? Because I think we will be far ahead enough in the 4th qtr that we will be running more than Forrest Gump.
All in all, only MM’s playcalling can hold us back and I am hoping that he was that conservative based on the players we had and now that we have HD back at full potential and Jones in the mix, he can now open it up. DAYUM I am getting all giddy over this offense!

Dont cloud the issue with facts!

by muuzilla on Jun 26, 2011 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions

Losing a couple Offensive Linemen could hold us back as well.

This is a factor that seems to be getting overlooked.

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by Duff_Man on Jun 26, 2011 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions

great point

Thanks for reminding us. I hope we dont lose any of them but…money is reality.

Dont cloud the issue with facts!

by muuzilla on Jun 26, 2011 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions

From a rushing yardage standpoint

I agree. I think ATL is going to open up the passing game as the expense of rushing yardage. I’m good with that as long as the rushing game becomes more effective.

by mwalex on Jun 26, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

If teams have to do more than just double Roddy and then jam up the Box...

… that should open our Play Action, which is the bread and butter of the Mularkey offense. The addition of JJ (who may just be a bigger stronger faster Roddy White, ) and a healthy HD should allow MR2 to show us just how good he can be.

This is meaningless if we can’t protect our QB, but that is why God made draw plays, screens, etc.

by Mnemonic on Jun 28, 2011 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Except we

don’t run draws and screens.

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Jun 28, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Love HD but I don't see a bright future...

I would love to be proven wrong, but I don’t see him having a real impact for the Falcons. The window of opportunity in this league is so narrow, and I think he may have missed his. I’m a little worried about Meier too, whom I had high hopes for. God I hope I’m wrong.

"It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. If I can give and people thank me for it, that's kind of the thing that makes me feel great inside." - Dunta

by TomQ on Jun 27, 2011 5:00 PM EDT reply actions