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At least four teams ask about Duckett
Falcons expect running back worth significant compensation

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/22/06

Flowery Branch — The Falcons remained in trade talks regarding tailback T.J. Duckett Monday, with the Washington Redskins being one of the potential trade partners, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

Washington is among at least four teams that have contacted the Falcons about Duckett's availability over the past few days, the person said.

Falcons coach Jim Mora said he would like to upgrade the depth and talent at No. 3 wide receiver, backup safety and along both interior lines. Mora said Sunday that if Duckett were traded he would expect a significant return.

The Redskins were one of several teams that had a scout at Atlanta's 38-10 exhibition loss to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, in which Duckett, who started, posted his second consecutive strong performance (five carries, 37 yards).

Washington is seeking help at running back with tailback Clinton Portis out with a shoulder injury. The Redskins struggled in running the ball this weekend against the New York Jets, who were interested in Duckett before they acquired San Francisco 49ers tailback Kevan Barlow on Sunday.

Duckett's solid outings against Green Bay and the New England Patriots, along with his work ethic in training camp, has increased his stock within the Falcons organization. Even so, trading him may be what Atlanta feels it needs to do to upgrade other positions.

It appears that Atlanta would prefer a player, or players, for Duckett rather than draft picks. The Falcons' most pressing need is at No. 3 wideout, which Mora said is open for competition after the loss to Green Bay.

Veteran Jerome Pathon assumed the role after Brian Finneran suffered a season-ending knee injury early in training camp. However, his performance against Green Bay prompted Mora after the game to say: "We don't have a No. 3 receiver."

The Redskins are not deep at wide receiver, with David Patten and James Thrash their key backups. Given Mora's claim that the Falcons want significant compensation, other players could be in a package, other positions could be addressed or a third team could be involved.

In response to a reporter's question Monday, Mora acknowledged his coaching staff discussed scenarios if Duckett were gone and rookie Jerious Norwood was forced to be Pro Bowl starter Warrick Dunn's main backup. Mora was critical of Norwood after his performance at Green Bay, saying he did not show up to play.

That did not mean Norwood couldn't improve, Mora said.

"We could continue to operate like we operate as long as he continues to develop as a pass protection guy," Mora said of Norwood. "Your main concern, typically, with young running backs, is not running the ball or running a route and catching it. That's just kind of natural ability. The thing you worry about with young guys is when all of a sudden you're presented with a new front, a blitz and he's involved in protection is that he gets it right. If he doesn't and they're blitzing and you get a guy free to the quarterback, that's when you have problems.

"If he was forced into a larger role, then that would be my No. 1 concern. When he's got the ball in his hands, he's got the ability to make some plays."

notwhy26 wrote:I think picking up Duckett would be huge, better in my opinion then Steven Davis. Would Duckett though be the better back in this system then Portis ?

Hooligan wrote:So we had a scout at the game... that doesn't necessarily mean we're looking at Duckett.

The article also claims we aren't deep at WR when our 5th WR is going to be either Patten or Thrash. Gee that sucks huh?

frankcal20 wrote:Don't forget how teams like to throw our name in there so that they may possilby get more for their player b/c we have been known to overpay in the past.

frankcal20 wrote:Don't forget how teams like to throw our name in there so that they may possilby get more for their player b/c we have been known to overpay in the past.

notwhy26 wrote:Patten wasn't at practice... I dunno i think theres legitimacy to this claim...Patten someone else maybe for duckett...could happen

Gibbs4Life wrote:A 3rd and a fourth! How good is Duckett, better than Ladell? Capable to start? I don't know much about this guy but I don't like not having our 3 and 4 nxt yr.

JPM36 wrote:We finally have a goal line back!!

Gibbs4Life wrote:A 3rd and a fourth! How good is Duckett, better than Ladell? Capable to start? I don't know much about this guy but I don't like not having our 3 and 4 nxt yr.