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**RoyWilliams** · 09-17-2007, 08:27 PM

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Chris Mortensen of ESPN is reporting that the Atlanta Falcons are meeting with former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich.

Leftwich, who was released at the end of the preseason after spending the entire off-season being assured that he would be the Jaguars' starter, is by far the best veteran quarterback available as a free agent right now, but there are few teams where he could step in and become a starter in 2007, considering that he'd have to learn a new offense while working with teammates and coaches who are more concerned about winning the next week's game than tutoring the new guy.

Mortensen reports that if he signs, Leftwich would be the third quarterback at first, but the Falcons hope he would learn coach Bobby Petrino's offense well enough to compete for the starting job.

The Falcons are one of the few teams where Leftwich would have a chance of earning the starting spot and providing an upgrade at quarterback relatively quickly. Starting quarterback Joey Harrington wasn't brought in to be a starter, and after two games the Falcons have scored just 10 points.

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Smooth Lemon · 09-17-2007, 08:29 PM

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports the Falcons will meet with free agent Byron Leftwich and could sign him as soon as Tuesday.

Leftwich will undergo a physical Tuesday. Coach Bobby Petrino indicated Monday that he's less than confident in Joey Harrington as his starter, so Leftwich could get a chance to play near midseason or down the stretch.

Fantasy Football - Rotoworld.com

Smooth Lemon · 09-17-2007, 08:48 PM

Leftwich would serve them well.

**Serrated Shadow** · 09-17-2007, 08:50 PM

he's got to be better than Harrington right?

**RoyWilliams** · 09-17-2007, 08:56 PM

He wouldnt play for awhile though. I doubt he comes in and picks up Petrinos play book just like that.

Aundre · 09-17-2007, 11:35 PM

whoever comes in is just warming the seat for Brohm

**Serrated Shadow** · 09-17-2007, 11:37 PM

If that were true then i wonder where Leftwich will ultimately get his true second chance?

Smooth Lemon · 09-18-2007, 12:52 PM

Falcons, Leftwich meet in Atlanta | ajc.com

The Falcons met with former Jacksonville quarterback Byron Leftwich in metro Atlanta Monday night to determine whether to sign the former starter, according to two members of the organization. Leftwich is scheduled to take a physical this morning.

The development comes after winless Atlanta's offense struggled once again Sunday in losing its second game of the season, coincidentally against Leftwich's former team.

Falcons officials declined comment.

Coach Bobby Petrino expressed frustration Monday with the Falcons' managing just 10 points in two games and allowing 13 sacks — some of which he blamed on starting quarterback Joey Harrington.

The Falcons had been reluctant to pursue Leftwich after he was cut by the Jaguars before the start of the season. Coach Jack Del Rio named David Garrard the starter. A lack of solid depth and unsteady play by Harrington — two interceptions were returned for touchdowns in the Falcons' 24-3 season-opening loss at Minnesota — could have sparked the interest in Leftwich, who was selected 7th overall in the 2003 draft.

The Falcons had contemplated the addition of a quarterback to compete for the No. 3 job for the past few weeks, but they decided to stick with Chris Redman as Harrington's main backup and Casey Bramlet as the third quarterback. If Leftwich were signed, he would initially be a backup but could compete for the starting job if Harrington gets hurt or falters.

Leftwich has been plagued by injuries. He has never played a complete season and played 17 games over the past two seasons.