The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with former Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich on a two-year contract, Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting. The signing makes it just a matter of time before starter Joey Harrington is shown to the bench, and the fact that Leftwich agreed to a two-year deal indicates that this is more than a quick fix.
Schefter reports:
Although Leftwich is currently the backup, it's only a matter of time before he becomes the starter. At the same time, Harrington is far from the only problem in Atlanta. The Falcons' defense and special teams have been lousy, and the running game hasn't accomplished much. No matter who's under center, this isn't going to be a good year in Atlanta.Harrington has been sacked 13 times, and coach Bobby Petrino said Monday the quarterback is holding the ball too long and showing a lack of confidence in his play.
"I think right now Joey is playing a little bit conservative, a little bit not to throw the interception," Petrino said. "Therefore it is causing him to hold the ball. He just needs to open it up more with confidence and play to go win the game."
Harrington was 12-for-20 passing for 200 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in a 13-7 loss to Jacksonville on Sunday.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-18-2007 @ 4:15PM
Luz said...
So what is the over-under on when Leftwich is starting? Week 5?
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9-18-2007 @ 5:15PM
Chris said...
I think this is a system that Leftwich could actually play well under. It's a west coast offense. He won't have to rush too much. I think it was a smart move for the lowly Falcons.
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9-18-2007 @ 5:16PM
verily said...
Good for Leftwich. Good for Atlanta. I was aghast at what the Jaguars were allowed to do to Leftwich. Play him during the preseason and then cut him before he could learn another team's playbook in time to start! Seems like the player's union would have made that kind of evil a no-no. Gooooo, Falcons!
Verily
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9-18-2007 @ 5:49PM
alan said...
Atlanta waited far too long in signing a hopefully quality replacement for Vick. First of all they were never going to be a winner with Vick, despite his awesome athleticism. They may find that Leftwich is a good fit for the team and in the end will be better off with him over Vick. The team was in obvious distress over the loss of Vick with no viable replacement other then Harrington. Vick was never an NFL quarterback, he was too interested in running out of the pocket and no matter how many yards he gained it hurt the balance of the team.
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9-18-2007 @ 6:23PM
Gern Wormstead said...
Boy, did Jim Mora and Matt Shaub get out just in the nick of time or what? Arthur Blank deserves it.
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9-18-2007 @ 7:31PM
The Natural said...
I love the guy. Remember when he had to be carried down the field by his linemen at Marshall when his fricken leg was hanging off. He won that game for them on one leg. Bryon, stay away from the Gold Club and any home with 40 dead dogs. Do your thing baby!
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9-18-2007 @ 10:08PM
Barabbas said...
The Vikes missed their opportunity to pick up an experienced qb. Otherwise, I don't much care.
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9-20-2007 @ 1:02AM
vegasdreaming702 said...
I couldnt understand why the falcons hired joey harrington in the first place hes a total dud a loser every team hes been with has given him the boot such as lol the lions and dolphins....Im glad they hired Byron leftwich........
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