Share
ATLANTA Chevis Jackson, a third-round pick in the 2008 draft, is the odd man out as the Falcons play musical cornerbacks in the secondary.
Not pleased with the play of the secondary in the preseason, the Falcons made a trade for Tye Hill and signed Brian Williams, who was released by Jacksonville.
Williams had played under Falcons coach Mike Smith when Smith was the defensive coordinator for the Jaguars.
He started the season opener Sunday against Miami at left cornerback. In passing situations, Williams moved inside to the slot, where Jackson played all of last season. Brent Grimes, who was starting at left cornerback, came in and played left cornerback in nickel situations.
The move wasn't explained to Jackson, who said he had “no idea” why the change took place.
Defensive tackle Peria Jerry (rib) and safety William Moore (hamstring) both took part in practice Wednesday.
Quarterback Matt Ryan had 36 attempts against Miami. He attempted more than 36 passes in only three games last season – 41 against Carolina on Sept. 28, 44 against Philadelphia on Oct. 26 and 40 against Arizona in the playoffs Jan. 3.
The Falcons practiced in their red helmets Wednesday. They will be part of the “throwback” uniforms they wear Sunday. The emblem and stripes will be added to practice wear Friday.
The Falcons lead the series against the Panthers, 17-11. The Falcons are 10-4 against the Panthers at the Georgia Dome.
Around the league
DALLAS: Quarterback Tony Romo and running back Felix Jones practiced without any lingering problems from injuries sustained against Tampa Bay.
Romo sprained his right ankle, but didn't miss any snaps in the game.
Jones bruised his thigh and returned, but was limited.
JACKSONVILLE: The Jaguars lost 17,000 season-ticket holders after last season, a staggering number that could lead to blackouts for every home game in 2009.
Most blamed the sluggish economy. Some pointed to the slumping team. Either way, team owner Wayne Weaver has to find a way to get them back.
How about Tim Tebow?
Weaver said drafting Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner who grew up in Jacksonville and has top-ranked Florida seeking its third national championship in four seasons, is something he will consider next year.
“Star power is incredible, and Tebow is an iconic figure,” Weaver said, noting that Brett Favre's arrival in Minnesota prompted about 7,000 season-ticket sales. “He clearly is an outstanding football player and would be an asset to any football organization.”
NEW YORK GIANTS: Receiver and first-round draft pick Hakeem Nicks, who starred at Charlotte's Independence High and North Carolina, will be out at least two weeks after injuring his foot in New York's win over Washington Sunday.
NEW YORK JETS: The NFL assessed $125,000 in fines to the New York Jets and former coach Eric Mangini for violating the league's rules on injury reporting with former quarterback Brett Favre last season.
The Jets failed to place Favre, now with the Minnesota Vikings, on the injury report during the final month of last season even though he had a torn biceps tendon.
JERSEY SALES: Over just a 10-day span following his arrival in Minnesota, Brett Favre's No. 4 Vikings jersey was the top seller on the NFL's merchandise Web site for the entire sales period from April 1-Aug. 28. It costs $80.
Newness always helps: Jay Cutler ranked second and Michael Vick was fourth.
Troy Polamalu and Ben Roethlisberger of the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers ranked third and fifth, respectively. Observer News Services
