FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Cornerback Domonique Foxworth moved to the top of the depth chart at left cornerback this week after starting the past two games. The move comes a little more than two months after the Falcons acquired his services from the Denver Broncos in a Week 1 trade.
That left little time to learn the defense.
“He did not go through mini-camp, OTAs or training camp," Head Coach Mike Smith said earlier this week. "He lost about 3,500 opportunities for snaps and learning our system and being in our system. He is a pro and he has been in this league for four years. He knows how to play the game and I think he is doing a good job in getting up to speed.”
Foxworth said he's grown comfortable with learning quickly. The 25-year-old wowed college and pro scouts with his smarts for the game. But a permanent starting job has proven elusive during his four-year career.
He was thrown into action as a freshman at Maryland and started some games as a rookie in the NFL. By the time his second professional season rolled around he was starting games at safety.
Just when he started adapting to a new role, the Broncos traded him. He said he plans to stay in his new spot for a while, saying the bench "is not somewhere where football players feel comfortable."
Foxworth has five tackles and two passes defensed over the last two games. He has 171 stops and three interceptions in his career.
Despite the curve balls in his football journey, Foxworth insists he isn't shocked by the need to adapt.
"They've never been surprises to me," he said. "I think I answered the call and I think I've done it so far here in Atlanta..."
FEELING A BREES: The New Orleans Saints have the league's top passing offense and one of the best pocket passers in the game in quarterback Drew Brees. He's been talked about amongst MVP candidates and is completing just less than 70 percent of his pass attempts this season.
No surprise the Falcons have their eyes on him and his plethora of weapons.
"They spread the ball around pretty well," Foxworth said. "I haven't really focused yet on one individual (receiver). It's going to be tough to watch film on all the guys and all the concepts they do. They're such an advanced and mature offense that they make it really difficult to prepare for them but I think we're ready for the challenge."
Smith said the Saints also lead the league in plays of more than 20 and 40 yards. Limiting explosive plays continues to be a goal of the Falcons 16th-ranked pass defense.
STATS AT THE HALF: The Falcons enjoyed an open date in the schedule two weeks ago but with eight games now in the books the team can take a look at some of the "halfway" numbers.
Several players on the team are on pace for record-setting years.
If Jason Elam stays on his current pace through the second half he'll have career highs in field goals made and points. He'd also tie the Falcons record for most points in a season.
John Abraham would destroy his previous career high of 10.5 sacks and tie the Falcons single-season total (unofficially set by Hall of Fame candidate Claude Humphrey).
If wide receiver Roddy White stays on track, he'll set the Falcons single-season receiving record.
DEFEND THE DOME: After spending more than a month away from home (four of five games on the road) the Falcons look forward to three straight home games in a packed Georgia Dome.
Fans that don't already have tickets for Sunday's game are likely out of luck.
"Anytime you play a division opponent the win counts for a little bit more," quarterback Matt Ryan said. "It's going to be a tough challenge, no question about it, but we're excited about the opportunity."
"We get to sleep in our own beds," added White. "We'll be comfortable down here and jacked up to play in front of the crowd at The Dome... If you get all your home games, that's eight (wins). Then you go on the road and win one or two and you're in the playoffs."
INJURY REPORT: Only two players missed Wednesday's practice.
Tackle Sam Baker is still recovering from back surgery. Smith did not give a timeline for his return but said the team hopes to have him back "sooner rather than later."
Leading special teams tackler Jason Snelling also missed practice with an illness.
RELATED LINKS
- NOTEBOOK: Foxworth looks to turn increased role into big plays
- PREVIEW PACK: More on the Falcons-Saints game
- VIDEO: Head Coach Mike Smith | Ryan | Norwood | Houston | White
- INJURY REPORT: Visit the Saint Joseph's Injury report for more info
- FOE AUDIO: Saints head coach Sean Payton | Quarterback Drew Brees
- BLOG: Doubling Up the Stat Sheet | Birdseed
- NEWS: Ryan named NFC Offensive Player of the Week
- AWARDS: Big win in Oakland leads to award nominations
- COMMUNITY: Brooking up for Home Depot Neighborhood MVP
- TRANSCRIPT: Head Coach Mike Smith
- VANTAGE POINT: Falcons-Raiders Highlights from AF.com
