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By KEN SUGIURA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 01/13/05
ST. LOUIS — When Mike Martz said he didn't want to mean what he was about to say to be arrogant, you had a pretty good idea he wasn't going to toss any verbal bouquets at the Falcons defense.
And, no, the St. Louis Rams coach didn't when he brought up his talented group of receivers.
Said Martz, "When you put those guys in position, when they go one-on-one, you would expect that they would win on the route."
Make no mistake, the Rams are feeling it. With three consecutive wins and quarterback Marc Bulger playing well, wide receiver Torry Holt said the team's level of confidence has not been this high since the 2001 season, when the Rams went to their second Super Bowl in three seasons.
Holt even challenged Falcons rookie cornerback DeAngelo Hall.
"I don't think he has seen anything that we would bring to the table on a consistent basis for four straight quarters," Holt said. "No knock against him. We think he's a tremendous athlete, a tremendous player. . . .We will see where he is as a defensive back and he will be challenged and he'll challenge us."
Holt is hardly going out on a limb. It can be effectively argued that Hall, who was out with a fractured hip when the Falcons played the Rams Sept. 19, will be the best passing team that he will see this season, and his teammates, as well.
Martz isn't the only one who believes in Holt and fellow receivers Isaac Bruce, Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald.
"It starts with the receivers," said Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. "They've got tremendous speed. They're the top receiver corps in the NFL, probably."
When the Falcons played the Rams in the second week of the season, Holt and Bruce combined for 223 receiving yards. They are also getting increasing support from Curtis and McDonald, two second-year players who are developing into dangerous options.
The fleet Curtis was named the team's offensive MVP for his four-catch, 107-yard game in St. Louis' wildcard win over the Seattle Seahawks last week. McDonald has nine receptions of 20 yards or more, more than any Falcons receiver.
"Now that we have four go-to guys, it's going to be a nice luxury," Rams quarterback Marc Bulger said. "Maybe we can throw some quicker routes, maybe spread their defense out a little bit."
Curtis and Alexander will be a significant difference from the teams' first meeting. McDonald caught one pass, and Curtis didn't have any catches.
"I think with the emergence of these other two young players, I think it takes a little bit of the coverage pressure off of [Torry] and he has a little bit more of an opportunity to be singled up," Martz said. "Earlier in the year, both of our outside guys (Holt and Bruce) were getting doubled, and it does affect you."
The Falcons defensive backs have little playoff experience. Kevin Mathis is the leader with six playoff games. Jason Webster has played in one, while DeAngelo Hall, Cory Hall and Bryon Scott will make their playoff debuts.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 01/13/05
ST. LOUIS — When Mike Martz said he didn't want to mean what he was about to say to be arrogant, you had a pretty good idea he wasn't going to toss any verbal bouquets at the Falcons defense.
And, no, the St. Louis Rams coach didn't when he brought up his talented group of receivers.
Said Martz, "When you put those guys in position, when they go one-on-one, you would expect that they would win on the route."
Make no mistake, the Rams are feeling it. With three consecutive wins and quarterback Marc Bulger playing well, wide receiver Torry Holt said the team's level of confidence has not been this high since the 2001 season, when the Rams went to their second Super Bowl in three seasons.
Holt even challenged Falcons rookie cornerback DeAngelo Hall.
"I don't think he has seen anything that we would bring to the table on a consistent basis for four straight quarters," Holt said. "No knock against him. We think he's a tremendous athlete, a tremendous player. . . .We will see where he is as a defensive back and he will be challenged and he'll challenge us."
Holt is hardly going out on a limb. It can be effectively argued that Hall, who was out with a fractured hip when the Falcons played the Rams Sept. 19, will be the best passing team that he will see this season, and his teammates, as well.
Martz isn't the only one who believes in Holt and fellow receivers Isaac Bruce, Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald.
"It starts with the receivers," said Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. "They've got tremendous speed. They're the top receiver corps in the NFL, probably."
When the Falcons played the Rams in the second week of the season, Holt and Bruce combined for 223 receiving yards. They are also getting increasing support from Curtis and McDonald, two second-year players who are developing into dangerous options.
The fleet Curtis was named the team's offensive MVP for his four-catch, 107-yard game in St. Louis' wildcard win over the Seattle Seahawks last week. McDonald has nine receptions of 20 yards or more, more than any Falcons receiver.
"Now that we have four go-to guys, it's going to be a nice luxury," Rams quarterback Marc Bulger said. "Maybe we can throw some quicker routes, maybe spread their defense out a little bit."
Curtis and Alexander will be a significant difference from the teams' first meeting. McDonald caught one pass, and Curtis didn't have any catches.
"I think with the emergence of these other two young players, I think it takes a little bit of the coverage pressure off of [Torry] and he has a little bit more of an opportunity to be singled up," Martz said. "Earlier in the year, both of our outside guys (Holt and Bruce) were getting doubled, and it does affect you."
The Falcons defensive backs have little playoff experience. Kevin Mathis is the leader with six playoff games. Jason Webster has played in one, while DeAngelo Hall, Cory Hall and Bryon Scott will make their playoff debuts.
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