Former Trojan White starting to catch on with the Falcons

By Andrew Miller (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Monday, September 24, 2007


ATLANTA — Maybe Michael Vick was the problem.

Over the last couple of seasons, the Atlanta Falcons receivers have been criticized for not being able to keep up with Vick's talent.

Roddy White, a first-round pick of the Falcons in 2005 and a former James Island High School star, certainly had taken more than his share of criticism because of a lack of production during his first two seasons in the NFL.

But with Vick serving an suspension for his role in a dog-fighting ring, White is off to the best start in his young NFL career.

White caught a career-high seven passes for 127 yards and one touchdown in Atlanta's 27-20 loss to Carolina on Sunday at the Georgia Dome.

White, the 27th overall pick two years ago, has become quarterback Joey Harrington's prime weapon early in the season.

"I think Roddy and I have pretty good chemistry out there," said Harrington, who threw for 361 yards and two TDs. "He made some plays out there for us. His touchdown catch really got us going in the first half."

Midway through the second quarter, White caught a routine slant pass, shook off a tackle by Carolina cornerback Ken Lucas at midfield, and raced 69 yards for the score.

"It was just a little slant route and Joey hit me in stride," White said. "I broke a tackle and made my way into the end zone."

Just before crossing the goal line, White did a flip into the end zone and then jumped into the stands to celebrate with Falcons' fans.

"I was pretty excited," White said. "It's been a while since I scored, so I wanted to do something special."

White said he hopes to become more of a factor in the Falcons offense as the season goes on.

"I feel like the more I go out there and make plays, the more they'll want to get me the ball," White said. "I hope this is the sign of things to come. I want to be their go-to guy. I want to go out there and make plays."

"This doesn't surprise me at all," said Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli. "I knew what Roddy was capable of doing. We see it everyday in practice.

Mughelli eyes involvement

Seven months ago, Mughelli signed the richest contract in league history for a fullback.

The former Porter-Gaud High School star said he'd like to earn his keep by getting more involved in the Falcons offense.

Mughelli, who signed a six-year $18 million contract last spring, caught just one pass for five yards against the Panthers.

"I'm a fullback, so I'm used to not being in the spotlight," Mughelli said. "I definitely want to play a bigger role in this offense. Obviously, I'd love to get more touches out there, but I just want to do anything I can to help this team win.

Mughelli caught 21 passes for 182 yards and 2 TDs last season and was named an alternate to the Pro Bowl.

In three games with the Falcons, Mughelli has two receptions for eight yards.

Abraham tough to stop

Atlanta defensive end John Abraham continues to give Carolina offensive linemen fits.

Abraham, a former University of South Carolina star, recorded just two tackles, but both were sacks. Abraham had five tackles, including two sacks in the 2006 opener against the Panthers.

"He's very fast coming off the corner and he's strong," said Carolina left tackle Travelle Wharton.

Morgan leaves in second half

Carolina Pro Bowl linebacker Dan Morgan couldn't seem to stay on the field against the Falcons.

In the first quarter, Morgan injured his shoulder and missed three defensive series, but returned to the lineup in the second quarter.

Morgan, who missed almost the entire 2006 season with a concussion, then was knocked out of the game for good in the third quarter with a hamstring injury.

Morgan, who came into the game with 13 tackles on the season, finished the game with a team-high nine tackles.

"It's a little tight," Morgan said. "I don't think it'll keep me out of the lineup for long."