falconstorm

http://www.atlantafalcons.com/News/A...pass_rush.aspx

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Rookie defensive end Jamaal Anderson has started every game for the Falcons this season but, in one way, he's still trying to crack the ice of his freshman campaign.

Defensive linemen are -- accurately or not -- often measured by one statistical category. Sacks. Anderson hasn't recorded one through the first 12 games but that doesn't mean he's not contributing to the team's defensive success.

Anderson is an every-down lineman and, thus, has plenty of responsibility on running plays. On passing downs, his 280-pound frame is often locked in double teams or diverted by a running back heading out of the backfield. It's not quite like his college days at Arkansas, where he recorded 17.5 sacks.

He's ready to break the ice, but is satisfied with what he's learned and how he's contributed.

"They wanted me to come here and stop the run," Anderson said Thursday. "I definitely have had to play a lot different techniques than when I was in college. When I was in college I played one position... my main objective was to go after the quarterback. Here I've had to learn to play inside the tight end and tackle and play in less space.

"Being in this game you have to be well balanced. A balanced defensive end is really hard to find. That's what they really wanted me to come in here and be -- the next Michael Strahan, the next Reggie White. I just have to live up to those expectations, try to finish the season well and try to have a great offseason and know what I have to prepare for."

Another example could be the work of 2006 No. 1 pick Mario Williams, who struggled at times as a rookie (4.5 sacks), but has evolved into a force along the line as a sophomore player (8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles).

Anderson is currently seventh on the team with 35 tackles (first among defensive linemen). Fifteen of those tackles have come in the last five games.

"Jamaal is doing a good job," Head Coach Bobby Petrino said of the rookie earlier in the season. "We are putting him in situations where he is responsible for a lot in the run game. He's doing a nice job of that and he has learned how to use his hands. He's doing a nice job of fitting where he belongs. He's doing a lot of the dirty work right now and his sacks will come along."

Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said Anderson has steadily improved against the run, an asset the rookie said will help as he moves forward in his career.

"He's doing much better in the running game," Zimmer said. "He has to improve in the pass rush. He has to learn how to work the edge. A lot of guys in college are speed rushers. He has to be a power rusher and use his hands and work the different angles. We'd like to get him some sacks, too. Where he's got to improve is understanding the angles and where offensive linemen are setting and that will consequently bring the sacks."

Anderson is ready to take the next step in his development and crack the ice on the one aspect that has alluded him.

"I'm very hard on myself," Anderson said earlier this year. "I look to be out there to make as many plays as I can."



GROUNDING THE SAINTS: New Orleans is 10th in the NFL in yards per game (343.9). Petrino said his team aims to limit the big play threat presented by quarterback Drew Brees and wide receiver Marques Colston.

"They'd like to run it and then throw it down field," Petrino said.

The Rams put up scoring plays of 31 and 50 yards in a win over the Falcons last Sunday.

"Last week we had some real good coverage and they made great plays and great throws and catches," the coach said. "You can live with it when it's the other team making plays because they're going to do that. It's when you turn somebody completely loose and make mental errors where it really hurts you."

__________________