Post by Guvmintcheeze on Sept 29, 2014 21:01:01 GMT
Falcons' defense has to rally with or without William Moore
By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com
When injuries started to mount for the Atlanta Falcons last season, the downward spiral never stopped.
Once again, the injury bug has bitten the Falcons on both sides of the ball. And once again, a defensive leader is among the walking wounded.
Strong safety William Moore suffered what is thought to be a significant shoulder injury during Sunday's 41-28 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Coach Mike Smith did not immediately provide an update on Moore's status, but the tone of the locker room wasn't too optimistic. In fact, one player indicated Moore "might be out" as if the injury could be serious enough to jeopardize Moore's season.
Nothing will be certain, however, until Smith provides an injury update either during his Monday afternoon news conference or on Wednesday, when the injury report is released.
The Falcons are bracing for the worst.
"William is a big part of our defense and he sets the tone for us back there," rookie safety Dez Southward said. "I don't know anything about his situation. I hope that he comes back. But he is the heart and soul of this defense. Guys love him and listen to him. So, I'm wishing the best for him. But at the same time, I know that if he's not able to play, others, including myself, have to be ready to go."
The Falcons already lost their primary defensive leader when linebacker Sean Weatherspoon suffered an Achilles injury during the preseason. Moore immediately assumed more leadership and vowed to be more vocal. He was playing at a high level -- and playing smarter in terms of avoiding illegal hits -- before suffering the shoulder injury late in the first quarter of Sunday's game.
If Moore is out for any amount of time, Kemal Ishmael will have to develop quickly. Ishmael got a head start when defensive coordinator Mike Nolan started using more of a three-safety look featuring Moore, Ishmael, and free safety Dwight Lowery. That could become a threesome of Lowery, Southward, and Ishmael.
"Willy Mo has a big impact on our defense and he's one our senior leaders; a veteran guy who has been here," Ishmael said. "But this is the NFL. Guys have to step up and play at the same level as the starters do. We're just going to have to work through it and push through."
Moore was Ishmael's biggest supporter leading into the season, which should give Ishmael more confidence if he becomes the starter for any amount of time.
"Ever since I came here, Will's a guy I've always looked up to," Ishmael said. "His style of play is similar to mine and I just feed off of him. I watch what he does in practice and I just learn from him. For him to respect me like that and talk about me, that's awesome, because I'm basically under his wing.
"I'm going to do everything I can to help this team -- and help this defense -- to win."
After surrendering 558 total yards against the Vikings, the Falcons need all the defensive help they can get.
By Vaughn McClure | ESPN.com
When injuries started to mount for the Atlanta Falcons last season, the downward spiral never stopped.
Once again, the injury bug has bitten the Falcons on both sides of the ball. And once again, a defensive leader is among the walking wounded.
Strong safety William Moore suffered what is thought to be a significant shoulder injury during Sunday's 41-28 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Coach Mike Smith did not immediately provide an update on Moore's status, but the tone of the locker room wasn't too optimistic. In fact, one player indicated Moore "might be out" as if the injury could be serious enough to jeopardize Moore's season.
Nothing will be certain, however, until Smith provides an injury update either during his Monday afternoon news conference or on Wednesday, when the injury report is released.
The Falcons are bracing for the worst.
"William is a big part of our defense and he sets the tone for us back there," rookie safety Dez Southward said. "I don't know anything about his situation. I hope that he comes back. But he is the heart and soul of this defense. Guys love him and listen to him. So, I'm wishing the best for him. But at the same time, I know that if he's not able to play, others, including myself, have to be ready to go."
The Falcons already lost their primary defensive leader when linebacker Sean Weatherspoon suffered an Achilles injury during the preseason. Moore immediately assumed more leadership and vowed to be more vocal. He was playing at a high level -- and playing smarter in terms of avoiding illegal hits -- before suffering the shoulder injury late in the first quarter of Sunday's game.
If Moore is out for any amount of time, Kemal Ishmael will have to develop quickly. Ishmael got a head start when defensive coordinator Mike Nolan started using more of a three-safety look featuring Moore, Ishmael, and free safety Dwight Lowery. That could become a threesome of Lowery, Southward, and Ishmael.
"Willy Mo has a big impact on our defense and he's one our senior leaders; a veteran guy who has been here," Ishmael said. "But this is the NFL. Guys have to step up and play at the same level as the starters do. We're just going to have to work through it and push through."
Moore was Ishmael's biggest supporter leading into the season, which should give Ishmael more confidence if he becomes the starter for any amount of time.
"Ever since I came here, Will's a guy I've always looked up to," Ishmael said. "His style of play is similar to mine and I just feed off of him. I watch what he does in practice and I just learn from him. For him to respect me like that and talk about me, that's awesome, because I'm basically under his wing.
"I'm going to do everything I can to help this team -- and help this defense -- to win."
After surrendering 558 total yards against the Vikings, the Falcons need all the defensive help they can get.