Crumpler looking to become more of a target
By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/24/05
FLOWERY BRANCH — Michael Vick's favorite target has been impersonating an offensive tackle this preseason when he hasn't been on the sideline posing for a life-size, Alge Crumpler cut out. Crumpler, the Pro Bowl tight end has been the stealth Falcon, working in relative obscurity to those outside the film room.
"When it all boils down, I know where I'm going to be, the fans know where I'm going to be, other teams know where I'm going to be and I know my teammates damn-sure know where I'm going to be," Crumpler said. "That's all the matters."
Crumpler should finally step out of the shadows Thursday, when the Falcons play at Jacksonville. The Falcons will play their starters at least a half and open up the playbook a little, pausing here and there on the pages designed for the versatile tight end.
"We really haven't thrown everything out there that gets Alge involved in the game," said Vick, the Falcons' Pro Bowl quarterback. "We'll do that [tonight] and hopefully, we'll get him involved and kind of get him going a little bit."
Crumpler, who caught a team-high 48 passes to earn a second straight berth in the Pro Bowl last season, has not had a ball thrown in his direction this preseason.
He did not play in the opener against Indianapolis in Tokyo because of a sore knee. He spent the few series he did play in the next two games blocking or running routes as a second or third option. The few times his number was called, there were penalties levied or he had to stay in and pass protect because of an unexpected blitz.
"There were some nice looks, we just couldn't get some things taken care of," Crumpler said. "My job is 50-50. One part of that 50 percent, I've done a hell of a job with. Now I've got to get the ball thrown in my direction."
The Falcons' insistence on establishing an outside passing game is the main reason Crumpler hasn't been a target. The coaching staff has put an impetus on getting more from the wide receivers to balance the NFL's best rushing attack - and ease the burden on Crumpler.
It has been a slow process, so far. Michael Jenkins, who was promoted ahead of Peerless Price at flanker, has not asserted himself outside of the practice field. Split end Dez White has done what's been asked but nothing extraordinary. There have been few deep completions and the pass protection hasn't been the best.
"We would like to get Alge involved, but we still want to get some throws out to the wideouts and then you want some runs," coach Jim Mora said about the exhibition strategy.
That Vick hasn't used Crumpler as a security blanket during this period of growth and that players and coaches have stuck to the plan of improving the overall offense has been fine by Crumpler.
"You've got to understand the relationship that Mike and I have — it's pretty good," he said with a smile. "We want a better relationship with the wide receivers, running backs, throughout the whole team. I know my routine. I've been set in it for the last few years. Some of the guys are new or are in new roles and they're trying to find their niche."
Until the outside passing game comes around - and that could be well into the season — Crumpler figures to remain the main receiving option. He's raised personal expectations to make more catches and gain more yards than the career-best 774 he posted last season.
"The goal is to have better numbers with more balance," Crumpler said. "I'd like for us to be able to take deep shots so everything doesn't just funnel back to me. It would make my job a whole lot easier. Teams knew what we were going to do last year and I still was able to get over 16 yards a catch. I just do what I do.
"The great players in this league sustain greatness over a long period of time. I feel like I could do the same if I keep working the way I work. Period.
great player, a class act for the falcons. obviously big things are expected of him but we need someone just as reliable as him in the WR position too.