FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Running through a gauntlet of colliding bodies and vicious tackles may not sound hospitable. But it's with these circumstances that Jerious Norwood feels at home.
The Falcons No. 2 running back and kickoff return specialist draws praise for his speed on game day. That gift allows him confidence -- and ability -- to navigate the storm of a return and break away from the madness for game-changing gains.
"I'm all about speed and quickness," Norwood said. "Kick return, that phase of the game, I feel I'm best at."
He's certainly made an impact.
Norwood returned a kickoff 85 yards against the Bears in the Falcons last game and averages 29 yards per return for the season. The Birds have one of the league's best kickoff return units and show no signs of fading down the stretch.
"As long as we do our job and do what we're supposed to do we feel good about our chances of being one of the top kickoff return teams in the league," Norwood said.
The Philadelphia Eagles -- the Falcons next opponent -- have given up one touchdown on a kickoff this season and surrender nearly 26 yards per return. Though confident, Atlanta's special teams aren't looking for instant success this weekend.
"Each week in the NFL is a different week," Norwood said. "Anything can happen. We're just going to try go out and do what we've been doing. Go out and execute our scheme and go from there."
INJURY REPORT: Head Coach Mike Smith gave his team a three-day weekend over the bye week in hopes of healing bruised bodies. Wednesday's practice presented signs of success. Only two players missed practice while two more returned to the field full time.
"Brent Grimes did not participate, nor did Kindal Moorehead," Smith said. "Grimes was injured in the last ball game and Monday Kindal tweaked his ankle."
The coach expects Grimes to practice on Thursday. Wide receiver Laurent Robinson (knee) and defensive tackle Jason Jefferson (ankle) practiced earlier in the week and on Wednesday. Both missed significant time before the bye week.
For more injury news visit the Saint Joseph's Injury Report.
HOMECOMING GAME: When it comes to progressing through his rookie year, quarterback Matt Ryan hasn't been overly patient. He's tackled new challenges with gusto and has his team off to a 4-2 start.
Just as quickly he's faced with another step in a players' development: playing for the hometown fans.
Ryan grew up in Exton, Pa. (35 miles from Lincoln Financial Field). He went to Eagles games as a child and followed the career of quarterback Donovan McNabb from its start. At best estimate, more than 50 friends and family will attend Sunday's game.
The rookie quarterback said he's ready to play for old fans. He even got a fresh hair cut for the occasion. But he's never been one to let his nerves get the best of him.
"I'm excited to be able to head home and see some of my family and friends after the game but, other than that, you have to prepare for it like any other week," he said.
Smith said he has no concerns about the focus of his young signal caller.
"I think it will have some sentimental value for him but Matt is going to be very focused," he said. "We have no doubt. I think our entire football team coming off the bye week had the opportunity to rest and now we're focused on the task at hand and that's to go play the Philadelphia Eagles; I think we'll all be ready to go."
WEATHERING THE STORM: The Eagles are tied for second in the NFL with 21 sacks. Pressuring the quarterback is a trademark of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's scheme and the Eagles are in the midst of a classical revival.
No player has more than 4.5 sacks on the season. The defense shares the wealth through a plethora of "exotic" blitz schemes.
"Coach Johnson does a very good job of changing it up from week to week," Smith said. "You really don't know who's going to come and, I know it's cliche to say they bring the kitchen sink, but whether you're a cornerback, strong safety, free safety or a linebacker you're going to get an opportunity to blitz.
"It's a very complex package that can create a lot of issues if you're not on top of your game."
Ryan hasn't been sacked off an opponents' blitz this season and the Falcons haven't allowed a quarterback takedown in the past two games, both victories.
"We have to communicate and all be on the same page," starting center Todd McClure said Wednesday. "I think if we can get the guys picked up down front (Ryan) be able to make plays down field."
RELATED LINKS:
- NOTEBOOK: Special teams key as Falcons 'return' to action
- BLOG: McNabb Shares Thoughts on Ryan | J. Mike's Missives
- FROM THE LOCKER ROOM: Ryan | Abraham | McClure | White
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith
- FROM THE TRAINING ROOM: Team doctors explain common injuries
- INJURY REPORT: Updated injury news from Saint Joseph's Hospital
- FOE AUDIO: Head Coach Andy Reid | Donovan McNabb
- IN THE COMMUNITY: Falcons visit children's hospital
- RELEASE: Falcons Physical Therapy Centers announce expansion
