Falcons Running Backs Pose A Threat

In the time it takes to finish this sentence, Michael Turner or Jerious Norwood can be through the hole and cruising into the end zone.

Just that fast.

Atlanta's fleet backfield tandem terrorized the Lions last week as the Falcons opened a new era in dynamic style, rushing for 318 yards in a 34-21 triumph. That output broke the previous franchise record of 306 yards, set against the Bucs in 2006.

"We'd better get four or five hats to the ball Sunday," Bucs defensive tackle Chris Hovan said. "You'd better wrap up Michael Turner, and we know Norwood's very elusive. He can make you miss and look stupid."

Tampa Bay's defense didn't take proper pursuit angles in the opener at New Orleans. The Bucs didn't tackle particularly well, either.

Those mistakes could prove decisive Sunday against a young club that has already established an offensive identity under rookie coach Mike Smith and first-year general manager Thomas Dimitroff.

"It's always been in our minds to get a viable running attack going so we could take pressure off our young quarterback," said Dimitroff, who spent the previous five years as New England's director of college scouting.

Rookie Matt Ryan threw only 13 passes in his pro debut last week, and the Bucs might place nine defenders in the box to blunt Atlanta's run-heavy attack, which relies on crunching blocks from fullback Ovie Mughelli.

Turner, who spent four years as LaDainian Tomlinson's understudy in San Diego, figures to receive the bulk of the carries.

Despite starting only one game for the Chargers, the former Northern Illinois standout was targeted by the Falcons at the start of free agency and never visited another team before signing for $15 million in guaranteed money.

"I felt comfortable with this coaching staff, and everyone accepted me with open arms," Turner said. "Ever since I got drafted, I knew I had to be patient and wait my turn."

In his glorious Atlanta debut, Turner set a franchise record by running for 220 yards against a Detroit defense that eventually showed little interest in tackling a 240-pound slab with deceptive speed.

"When we were doing our due diligence, we thought that Michael was by far the best available free-agent running back, and we wanted to add a power back to our arsenal," Smith said.

As Jacksonville's former defensive coordinator, Smith became familiar with the running style of Maurice Jones-Drew. Then he made sure he got one of his own.

Once Turner signed with the Falcons, Warrick Dunn was released the next day and later signed with the Bucs.

"Turner's a bigger version of Jones-Drew," said Bucs strong safety Jermaine Phillips, who figures to play a key role in the box Sunday. "He's the same back he was in San Diego, but he was overlooked there because they had Tomlinson."

Bucs defensive tackle Ryan Sims describes the 240-pound Turner as a "rolling ball of butcher knives."

Despite their limited opportunities, Turner and Norwood have each displayed a remarkable knack for posting long gains.

Turner has four runs of 66 yards or longer in his brief career while Norwood, who has played only 30 NFL games, already has three runs of at least 67 yards.

For perspective, Dunn also has broken four runs of at least 66 yards, but he has carried 2,492 times, compared with only 250 career rushing attempts for Turner.

"That No. 33 Turner is a load, and just about the time he's out of there, here comes the other guy, No. 32 Norwood," said Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. "I told our guys, sometimes you can't tell which number it is, but just make sure you're not looking at the back of his number, OK?"