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Falcons Not Feeling Sorry For Themselves

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By IRA KAUFMAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 14, 2007

Updated: 11/13/2007 11:22 pm

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The game was on the line and so was Arthur Blank, striking his accustomed pose down on the field in the final moments.

With the score tied and his Falcons within field-goal range, Atlanta's 65-year-old owner kept pacing as the scoreboard clock ticked down to 26 seconds remaining.

Blank looked chilly Sunday without a topcoat in the late afternoon twilight at Bank of America Stadium, but when Joey Harrington burned an all-out Carolina blitz and fired a 30-yard touchdown pass to tight end Alge Crumpler, Blank pulled his hands out of his pockets.

He raised both fists over his head in an exultant pose rare for any Falcons executive in the past calendar year.

"Our situation in Atlanta has probably been in some ways the most adverse for any club in the history of the NFL," Blank told the Tribune, minutes after a 20-13 triumph that gives the Falcons a two-game winning streak before they meet the Bucs on Sunday at the Georgia Dome. "Our head coach has stayed focused and we've done a good job of not feeling sorry for ourselves."

At 3-6, the Falcons still dwell at the bottom of the NFC South, the only division in the league where first and last place are separated by a mere two games.

Bobby Petrino's first year as an NFL head coach has been defined by the ongoing Michael Vick saga. After building his offense around Vick's unique skills, Petrino was forced to adapt his scheme around Harrington, a journeyman quarterback.

Byron Leftwich may be cleared to play just two weeks after ankle surgery and Petrino wouldn't commit to Harrington as Sunday's starter.

No matter who takes the snaps against Tampa Bay, Atlanta likely will rely on a resurgent ground attack led by a familiar face.

After losing 13 of their previous 16 games, the Falcons turned to veteran back Warrick Dunn two weeks ago and the former Buc standout responded with a 100-yard rushing effort against the 49ers.

Sunday, Dunn ran for 89 yards and added 51 yards on three receptions.

"Our leaders are helping us find our way out of this," Dunn said, referring to the 1-6 start that led to a home blackout against San Francisco - the first non-sellout at the Georgia Dome in six years. "Our guys haven't given up and we've stayed dedicated. I feel great right now. ... I feel like it's my time to step up."

Dunn, who spent his first five seasons in Tampa, needs 58 yards Sunday to reach the 10,000-yard career rushing plateau.

He burned the Bucs for 134 yards in Atlanta last season as Vick keyed a 306-yard ground assault, but Tampa Bay's defense won't be concerned with containing No. 7 this time around.

"When you sit and think about it, you really understand how great his career has been and how much legacy he leaves in the NFL," Petrino said, referring to Dunn. "We'd certainly like to see him get it done on Sunday."

Life after Vick has proved to be a work in progress for the Falcons, averaging only 15 points per game without the scarred face of the franchise.

Vick has been suspended by the NFL after pleading guilty to a federal dogfighting conspiracy charge. He awaits sentencing next month.

"Michael Vick's not even an issue around here anymore," insisted defensive end John Abraham. "We've moved on."

Injuries have hit the offense hard, but Atlanta's defense is playing well and the club tops the NFC with a plus-9 turnover differential.

Opponents are converting only 33 percent on third down, No. 3 in the league behind New England and Green Bay.

"Young guys are starting to learn how to be professionals," Dunn said, noting Atlanta started five rookies against the Panthers. "Hopefully, this victory is a confidence booster for us heading into the Tampa Bay game."

Another rookie, former USF linebacker Stephen Nicholas, is back contributing on special teams after missing three games with a high ankle sprain.

Narrow victories against the 49ers and Panthers have provided the Falcons with a spark as Tampa Bay takes a 2-0 division mark into the Georgia Dome, where Abraham has registered five of his six sacks.

"I know our players will be excited about it and there is a nice little rivalry going on there," Petrino said. "They are coming in leading the division and we'll have a chance to get right back in it with a win."

Reporter Ira Kaufman can be reached at (813) 259-7833 or ikaufman@tampatrib.com.

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