GREENVILLE, S.C. - Patrick Kerney stopped in front of the Furman University dining hall to speak with some old friends from Virginia early Saturday afternoon.
It seems everyone wants to wish him well these days. After Pro Bowl linebacker Keith Brooking, Kerney is the Atlanta Falcons' most recognizable defensive player.
``Having been through the dregs of the organization my first two or three years, it makes you feel that much better to talk about our team,'' Kerney said. ``To know I contributed to being one of the main factors to carrying us to the next level is nice, but it won't mean anything if we don't build on what we did last year.''
At this point last year, Kerney felt somewhat confused. He was coming off a 12-sack season at defensive end, but new coordinator Wade Phillips wanted him to play outside linebacker. The issue of free agency also loomed on the horizon and affected Kerney's concentration.
His worries didn't last long. Injuries to Travis Hall and Shane Dronett forced Phillips to move Kerney back to left end in the second week of training camp. By Oct. 11, Kerney was even happier when he agreed to a new contract that included an $8.5 million signing bonus.
The timing was impeccable. After suffering through a combined 17-35 record from the start of 1999 through the fourth game of 2002, Kerney and the Falcons didn't lose for nine weeks. They earned the NFC's last playoff spot and became the first visiting team ever to win a playoff game at Green Bay.
``As we were walking off the field after beating the Packers, I just stopped for a few minutes to soak it all in,'' Kerney said. ``It was snowing, I was freezing and exhausted, but our team had just done something historic.''
Kerney forced a fumble and sacked Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre on that night. Though Atlanta's season ended the following week at Philadelphia, Kerney and his teammates set their expectations high for 2003.
``I really believe a championship is within our grasp,'' said Brady Smith, who starts opposite Kerney at right end. ``We have the pieces in place and a window of opportunity to get it done.''
Over the last two years with Kerney and Smith combining for 37 sacks, the Falcons' defense has solidified its pass rush from the line. Ellis Johnson finished second on the team last season with seven sacks. Ed Jasper and Travis Hall combined for three.
Kerney drew most of the attention from opposing teams. He was double-teamed throughout last season.
``I started seeing more chips, but it's easier for an offense to do if you're lined up in a three-man front,'' Kerney said. ``So when we're out there and talking trash, I'll tell them, 'Congratulations. It only took two of you to stop me.' ``
The line must improve against the run. Atlanta finished 23rd in rushing defense last year by allowing 127.9 yards per game.
``So many people look at our defense and say, 'No wonder they gave up so many yards against the run. They don't have a D-lineman over 300 pounds. You can't stop the run without that,' `` Kerney said. ``Well, we weren't having a problem at the point of attack.''
Their difficulties lay in preventing the cutback move that many running backs could exploit. Atlanta allowed 13 runs of 20 or more yards, including two each by William Green, Mike Alstott and Shaun Alexander in losses to Cleveland, Tampa Bay and Seattle.
``We should be a lot better at bending and chasing players down,'' Kerney said. ``We focused so much on playing with leverage and playing strong at the point of attack that we neglected defending, the spilling and the cutback.''
NOTES: Strong safety Cory Hall missed the two-hour workout Saturday morning with a pulled groin. ... Reserve center Roberto Garza (left triceps) hopes to return Monday.
Tuesday
April 1st, 2025
8:57AM
