Falcons Call Up 47-Year-Old Kicker

Sept. 18, 2007 — -- The Falcons' shortcomings at quarterback, along the offensive line and in the kicking game have added up to what you might expect: two losses to start the NFL season.

Atlanta, though, is doing what it can to address some of these pressing issues.

After two games, the Falcons' offense appears to be going nowhere with Joey Harrington. Byron Leftwich might be a more viable option, John Clayton writes in his Quick Hits. Blog

The Falcons' disappointing defeat in Jacksonville on Sunday has led to a push to sign quarterback Byron Leftwich, sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Monday. And, for the second consecutive season, Atlanta has turned to venerable kicker Morten Andersen to remedy its placement woes.

Atlanta was planning to sign another quarterback this week or next, but Joey Harrington's performance in Sunday's 13-7 loss to Jacksonville may have added urgency to bringing in a more experienced player. Leftwich, cut by Jacksonville in a surprise preseason move, was the Jags' starter for most of the last four seasons.

Team officials were meeting with Leftwich on Monday night to determine whether they want to sign the 27-year-old, the sources said.

Ankle and knee problems have prevented Leftwich, the seventh pick in the 2003 draft, from completing a full season. He missed 15 games the past two years before he was beaten out in the preseason by David Garrard for the Jaguars' starting job.

If Leftwich is signed, he will be the third quarterback behind Harrington and Chris Redman. Falcons coach Bobby Petrino wants to bring in a passer who can be developed in his system and ultimately compete for the job, while at the same time securing the depth behind Harrington.

Harrington has been sacked 13 times -- seven times in a 13-7 loss to Jacksonville -- in his first two starts for the Falcons, and coach Bobby Petrino said the offensive line shouldn't shoulder all of the blame for it.

Petrino said Monday that Harrington is holding the ball too long.

"I think right now Joey is playing a little bit conservative, a little bit not to throw the interception," Petrino said. "Therefore it is causing him to hold the ball. He just needs to open it up more with confidence and play to go win the game."