Norwood outruns worry...

[Greenhead22]

September 7, 2006

No time for small talk

Norwood outruns worry about those 'skinny legs'

By David Brandt
david.brandt@clarionledger.com

Robert Smith/The Associated Press

Jerious Norwood's success in the preseason facilitated T.J. Duckett's trade to Washington.

One month ago, Jerious Norwood was a question mark for the Atlanta Falcons.

A backup running back who needed to improve his toughness and blocking to survive in the NFL.

A third-round selection in the NFL Draft out of Mississippi State, Norwood finished as the Bulldogs' all-time leading rusher, but scouts were still wary of his pro prospects.

Those who were not convinced pointed to Norwood's relatively small frame (5-11, 204-pounds) and skinny legs as indicators the Brandon resident couldn't take the pounding running backs are asked to endure.

But what a difference one preseason made.

Four exhibition games, 215 rushing yards and two touchdowns later, Norwood is one of the biggest rookie surprises in the NFL. His rushing yards ranked third in the league.

"I've still got those skinny legs but I just keep on playing football," Norwood said by cell phone this week. "I was never very worried about the stuff I couldn't control. It was more about coming to the Falcons, learning the plays and giving them what they needed."

Norwood was stuck behind Falcons' running backs Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett on the depth chart when camp began in late July. But after only two preseason games, Atlanta felt comfortable enough with Norwood's play that it traded Duckett to the Washington Redskins on Aug. 22 in a three-team deal.

Rewarding the Falcons' for their newfound confidence in him, Norwood rushed for 104 yards on nine carries in a 20-6 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 26.

He also produced Atlanta's biggest play of the game, a 62-yard touchdown run through the middle of the Titans' defense.

"He's got a little bit of speed, doesn't he?" Falcons' coach Jim Mora Jr. told reporters after that game. "When he gets in the open field, he's hard to catch. What we need him to do is be a little more decisive up inside and hit it up in there on those plays that don't look so clean, but it's fun to watch him in the open field."

The Falcons might be pleasantly surprised by what they've found in Norwood, but here in Mississippi, his former coaches said his talent should have been obvious.

Dan Davis, the Brandon High School coach, said common sense told him his former star would be just fine in the NFL.

"He proved at Mississippi State that he could run in situations that were not ideal," Davis said. "The offensive line didn't have a lot of depth and he had to gain a lot of those yards on his own. Now he's in Atlanta with a veteran offensive line, so that should make him even better."

Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom fielded phone calls from scouts for months leading up to the NFL Draft. A 17-year NFL assistant coach before coming to State, Croom tried telling everyone who would listen that Norwood's frame would survive the NFL. Turns out the Falcons listened, and Croom says they will reap the benefits.

"I think he's going to have an outstanding career, I really do," Croom said. "... I knew he was fast here and could outrun guys at our level. But when you outrun guys in the NFL, particularly a rookie, that's real fast ... It's who he is. Jerious Norwood always had a pro mentality."

And once he got to the pros, Norwood was already ahead of the curve.

The Falcons run a West Coast offense very similar to the one Croom taught at Mississippi State. All Norwood had to do was get used to the speed of NFL football and not get caught in star-gazing.

"At first, it was hard not to be in awe with (Michael) Vick and (Warrick) Dunn in the locker room," Norwood said. "It probably took me about two weeks before I really settled down and started playing football. But the system came to me real fast. It was just new words put on plays that were familiar."

Norwood said he's not sure what role he'll play in Sunday's regular-season opener against the Carolina Panthers. Dunn will likely start at running back, but it won't be surprising if Norwood sees plenty of playing time.

"I've just got to be ready when my number's called," Norwood said. "I have confidence in my ability so all that's left to do is play football."

[rjohnson]

Wish that guy the best! Still wonder what could have been in college for that guy on a good team.

[Bigpoppa]

He could be a good un if he gets the right shot! Or should I say he is a good un. I hope he gets the right shot.

[NUTMEG]

Norwood besides Bush was the best RB in the draft last year.