FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Covering receivers last year in the Southeastern Conference wasn't too hard for Atlanta Falcons rookie cornerback Chris Houston.
He said today, ``I could just kind of run side by side because most of the receivers weren't faster than me. It didn't take me long to see that you can't give receivers much wiggle room in the National Football League.''
That's right, particularly when you're lined up against St. Louis' Torry Holt, the only player in NFL history with six straight seasons of 1,300 yards receiving.
Houston's matchup with Holt last week was just another chance for opponents to pull out the welcome mat from under Houston's feet this year. The Falcons know that other teams will rarely try to isolate Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall when they can take their chances with Houston.
It's a tough job and one that gets no easier with Atlanta's injury-marred defensive line putting little pressure on the quarterback. The Falcons rank second-worst in the NFC with just 19 sacks, five of which belong to linebackers Michael Boley and Keith Brooking.
So after Holt beat him for a 31-yard touchdown catch, Houston spent the rest of the first half on the sideline. Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer wanted him to remember that rookies can't afford even the slightest misstep in awareness or technique.
Houston returned with the starters, replacing Lewis Sanders, and played the last two quarters of Atlanta's 28-16 loss to the Rams.
It's hard enough for the Falcons' defense to create any momentum in a dismal season. Against New Orleans (5-7) on Monday, Atlanta (3-9) will attempt to end a three-game losing streak after getting outscored by combined 54 points since winning at Carolina on Nov. 11.
Tuesday
April 29th, 2025
12:00PM
