Kerney, Abraham set to wreak havoc in Atlanta

By Anthony Carroll  |   Friday, May 19, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

Atlanta Falcons
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Since 2000, Patrick Kerney has worked alongside Brady Smith, and Smith was pretty good.

Next year, Kerney will flank John Abraham, and he is even better.

For the 2006 campaign, seven-year Falcon, Patrick Kerney, will remain at the left defensive end position, while the former Jet will be welcomed on the right side.

"Welcomed" by the Atlanta Falcons, that is. For opposing quarterbacks, the pocket won't be a very welcoming place to sit--unless you're someone like Michael Vick. He doesn't need to worry about that, though. All three players will wear the red and black on Sundays; and, if history stays it course, Vick has to be happy with the pass rush on the other side of the ball.

At 29-years-old, Patrick Kerney has proven to be one of the most consistent annual pass rushers in the NFL. Early in his career, the 273-pounder was considered to be a future linebacker for the team; however, the role didn't fit his mold. That probability remained up in the air for the first two years of his career, as his rookie and sophomore sack totals seem to be at the floor of his NFL sack average. That all changed in 2001, when Kerney racked up 12 sacks and 38 tackles at the end positon, ranking him fifth in the NFC in sacks.

There was no turning back from that point.

In the next three seasons, from 2002-2004, Kerney amassed another 30 sacks and 169 tackles, categorizing him as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL.

His new partner-in-crime, John Abraham, is also in the category.

Abraham, who was drafted 13th overall in 2000 by the New York Jets, quickly made a name for himself in the NFL. In just six games of action in his rookie season, Abraham amassed 4.5 quick sacks. That momentum carried with him into his second-year, as he added 13 more sacks to his career total--sending him to his first NFL Pro Bowl. In 2002, the 6-4, 258-pounder accrued another 10 sacks and 62 tackles; and, in the next two injury-laden years, battled for another 15.5 sacks. Finally, in his last campaign in New York, Abraham closed the season with another stellar year, finishing with 10.5 sacks and 58 tackles.

When fellow defensive end, Brady Smith, went down with a toe injury five games into last season, the Falcons' Patrick Kerney struggled, delivering a run of the mill 6.5 sacks to opposing quarterbacks. However, with John Abraham working hard on the opposite side in 2006, Kerney could come close to doubling that total.

"He's a very willing worker. He doesn't say a lot," said head coach Jim Mora when referring to Abraham. "He's got a very good demeanor on the field."

Usually, when a player joins a new organization you hear the statement, "I'm happy to be here." But since John Abraham "doesn't say a lot," the defensive end on the other side, Patrick Kerney, could rightfully say it for him.

I bet Rod Coleman has cracked a smirk, too.

Anthony Carroll can be contacted at acarroll@realfootball365.com

• Get more Patrick Kerney & John Abraham analysis at Realfootball365.com
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About Anthony Carroll

Anthony Carroll began writing for RealFootball365.com on Sept. 26, 2005, making him one of the longest tenured contributors to the “365” team. As a senior writer, Anthony has taken on the task of delivering original content to the silver and black faithful year round, despite having to deal ...
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