Roddy White Expects Diminished Role In 2012
By Josh Sanchez
While Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White was speaking with the media, the Pro Bowl wideout stated that he he expects a diminished role this upcoming season so the offense can really thrive under new coordinator Dirk Koetter.
“I know that sounds crazy, but we’ve got other guys out there that can play,” White said. “Julio [Jones] is going to be a big part of the offense this year. Harry [Douglas] is going to do wonders in the slot. We have to maximize our talent and get the ball in everyone’s hands.”
White led the league in receptions in 2010 and was second with 100 receptions last season, but he also led the league in drops. Now, with the team under new offensive direction, White expects the focus to shift.
“We switched some things up,” White said. “We are doing the things [Koetter] likes to do. He’s a smart guy, and he knows what we do best. [Koetter’s] been watching film, and he knows how to get the ball into our hands,” White said. “He wants to get it to us quick, make people miss and then get after guys like that.
“There will be a lot of wide receivers out there, tight ends and things like that.We’re going to try to get the ball to the backs in the screen game. We are going to try to get it in everybody’s hands.”
The Falcons definitely have a number of big time targets and quarterback Matt Ryan will have to do his job to get the ball in the hands of his playmakers. Luckily for the Falcons, Ryan appears to have more zip on the ball this offseason.
“He throws it a little bit harder than he did last year,” White said. “He’s done a lot in the offseason, he’s been working out since February, so there really wasn’t a break for him.”
All signs point to the Falcons having one of the best offenses in the league this upcoming season and it is no surprise that they should be considered one of the NFC’s top contenders — even if their top receiving threat over the past two seasons will see a decrease in his role.
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