Milloy questionable for Arizona game
December 30
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"Falcons safety Lawyer Milloy received treatment on his back on Monday, but it's unclear if he'll be ready for Saturday's playoff game at Arizona.
Milloy was injured in the fourth quarter two weeks ago against Minnesota and did not play in the regular-season finale against St. Louis Sunday. Milloy, who started 15 games, was replaced in the starting lineup by Jamaal Fudge.
"He's feeling better," Falcons head coach Mike Smith said. "We'll just have to see how the week progresses."
The Falcons also were without defensive end Jamaal Anderson, who suffered a high ankle sprain after just four snaps against Minnesota.
"Jamaal did not practice at all last week," Smith said. "So we have to see if we can get him back on the field toward the end of the week."
With Milloy out, the Rams were able to run the ball against the Falcons defense. Steven Jackson ran for 161 yards on 30 carries, coming close to the 167 yards rushing that Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook amassed against the Falcons on Oct. 26.
"Lawyer, not only to our run defense, but Lawyer has been a starter for us and leader for us on the defensive unit," Smith said. "I know that we are a better football team when we have Lawyer Milloy out on the field."
Chauncey Davis and rookie Kroy Biermann took Anderson's snaps. Both registered a sack against the Rams.
Turnover battle
The Falcons won another game when they lost the turnover battle, 0-3.
Running back Michael Turner lost a fumble and quarterback Matt Ryan threw two interceptions. The Falcons also won against San Diego and Tampa Bay, while committing three turnovers.
"These games in the playoffs will come down to turnovers," Smith said. "The team that wins the turnover battle is probably going to win. We've been very fortunate to win three games with minus-three turnover ratio going down the stretch."
Arm still strong
Ryan has thrown six interceptions over the last five games, including two against the Rams.
He also threw a few high passes and missed wide receiver Michael Jenkins on a route in the end zone.
Smith doesn't sense that Ryan's arm is getting tired.
"It's a long season for everybody, but I see no evidence whatsoever," Smith said. "He threw the big long ball to Michael Jenkins. I don't see anything different than what I saw from the first day that he walked on in terms of arm strength."
No contact
The Falcons have not been contacted to grant permission for any of their assistant coaches to be interviewed for vacancies in Detroit, Cleveland and the New York Jets.
"Not that I'm aware of at this point in time," Smith said. "The coaching changes will start to take place over the next few days.""
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