Chris Owens article

[THE ICEMAN]

Chris Owens article

BIRDLAND – Falcons cornerback Christopher Owens showed a great deal of promise during his rookie season in 2009.

He ended the season as the starting left cornerback and appeared on his way to a solid NFL career.

But last season, the third round pick from San Jose State, appeared to take a few steps backwards. He had a particularly rough outing against Green Bay in the divisional round playoff upset.

However, Falcons coach Mike Smith, in a conversation with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution during the NFL scouting combine staunchly defended Owens. Smith noted that Owens only lost his job to Brian Williams as the nickel back because of a back injury.

Smith also noted that Owens wasn’t the only one who had a bad day against Green Bay. He said himself, the rest of the coaches and all the way down to the water boys were to blame for the Packers’ torching of the Georgia Dome on their way to the Super Bowl.

In a recent conversation with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Owens, like most players, didn’t want to use the injury as an excuse.

Q: How has your offseason been going?

A: It’s been going real smooth. I’ve just been staying in shape and now we’ve got this going on. I feel like we are back rolling pretty much.

Q: Did you spend some time back in California?

Falcons cornerback Christopher Owens with children from Project Guinness.

Falcons cornerback Christopher Owens with children from Project Guinness.

A: I spent a little time back at home. Not too much time because I didn’t know what was going to happen with the lockout so I wanted to get back out here just in case stuff got rolling quickly.

Q: What do you hope to get out of the seven-on-seven drills?

A: Just to get my feet back. Get my feet back and the camaraderie of my teammates.

Q: How did you battle through the back injury last year and are you healed?

A: You have to battle through some of the small little nicks and bruises. It’s part of the game. Now, it’s a new year. I feel good.

Q: Have you gotten over the playoff game?

A: Yeah, I’ve gotten over it. It’s time to move on.

Q: What’s next for you?

A: Now, that I’ve had two years in the program, I feel I have more upside now. Besides the fact that I’m quick and fast, I have a better understanding of the defense. I can play inside as the nickel and outside on the corner. I think that’s going to help my progression in my third year.

Q: Were you comforted somewhat that they didn’t draft at your position?

A: No, that doesn’t mean anything. I’m going to come with the same mentality every time. I’m going to give them 110 percent no matter what.

Q: Can you look to Brent Grimes’ development to help you? Do you get any help from Dunta Robinson?

A: Oh yeah. I’m learning from those guys daily. What Grimes did last year was tremendous. I’m just following in his footsteps. I’m trying to do what he did.

I know about all of the extra work that he put in and he’s been a great help for me

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Link to the Article

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2011/05/26/qa-owens-ready-to-rebound-from-tough-second-season/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog

[atljbo]

I wish the coaches would elude to what they see in him. They must see something in practice because on the field (especially last season) he lacks sound decision making. He is fast and athletic, and has average coverage (at times), but that is about all I have seen from him. Maybe i am still a little bitter over the terrible outing he had last game. I think when he said, "Yeah, it's time to move on" it should have been followed by "...to another team." He seems like a project to me and right now we don't need him. I'd rather see Franks out there.

Did you not see him in 09... Dude looked good with potential... You cant let a couple of bad games and the guy was injured then he was put in a tough position... I'm not making any excuses for the guy... He was beat like a drum 2 times last year and 1 was in the playoffs...

I just remember i was one of the guys that got really low on Grimes when he was beat like a drum earlier in his career (especially musin) ... The guy developed into a probowler...

Just give the man time ... I think the FO not drafting a guy and letting Williams walk shows faith in Owens and Franks

[birdz4i]

Did you not see him in 09... Dude looked good with potential... You cant let a couple of bad games and the guy was injured then he was put in a tough position... I'm not making any excuses for the guy... He was beat like a drum 2 times last year and 1 was in the playoffs...

I just remember i was one of the guys that got really low on Grimes when he was beat like a drum earlier in his career (especially musin) ... The guy developed into a probowler...

Just give the man time ... I think the FO not drafting a guy and letting Williams walk shows faith in Owens and Franks

it might show faith but there is no way we are going w/ just 4 corners. someone will be signed

[ltstorm2]

:ph34r: William Moore 2.0 Brent Grimes 5.0 :ph34r: :ph34r:

[atljbo]

it might show faith but there is no way we are going w/ just 4 corners. someone will be signed

I agree... I can see us signing a UDFA CB/S prospect...

[The Falcon Jedi Knight]

I dont care how much sugar-coating you put on Chris Owens, there is not enough. He is horrible. At best he is a dime-back, and thats only on a good day.

[birdz4i]

I dont care how much sugar-coating you put on Chris Owens, there is not enough. He is horrible. At best he is a dime-back, and thats only on a good day.

his rookie year he was decent, last year he battled thru a back injury. i am not saying he should be starting but i think he can be in the mix for nickel.

[maxatlanta]

He was promising one year, terrible the next. We can't count on him, and need to sign a vet nickel back, but there is only upside in allowing him to compete for a spot.

[Quarterback]

He may very well turn it around but I do not see the basic, fundamental skills required of an NFL DB.

Aside from the maturation process and needed experience at the NFL level, minimally you would like to see the speed, quickness, and most importantly, the instincts and anticipation necessary to be an effective NFL CB. What I saw too much last season and nearly every pass toward him in the Green Bay game is simply a man that tried to run with and stay close to the receiver. However, once the receiver veered left, right, curled or stopped, he would create substantial separation from Owens and would be 2-3 yards wide open. For a passer with such unique accuracy coupled with exceptional velocity as Aaron Rogers, this was like shooting ducks in a bathtub.

Brain Williams had tremendous anticipation and instincts. It is a shame that he couldn't stay healthy the past two years.

Lastly, with the protection rules now afforded NFL QB's, thus giving them that extra second or two to spot open receivers, the CB position now is more critical than ever. Look how the TD interception just before halftime hurt the Falcons against Green Bay, and what won the Super Bowl two years ago for the Saints when Manning was driving for the possible winning TD--an interception by the New Orleans' DB taken to the house to clinch a Super Bowl championship!

Yes, we need another great DB. I hope we can get or develop one NOW!

[vel]

It's shame how quickly you guys forget his rookie season and write it off but won't give him room for a few bad games. One was absolutely TERRIBLE, yes, and the other he was against 2 of the most savviest of vets in the league in Ochocinco and TO. If two games can wipe out a whole season for you guys then you never liked him in the first place

[BenB321]

Did you not see him in 09... Dude looked good with potential... You cant let a couple of bad games and the guy was injured then he was put in a tough position... I'm not making any excuses for the guy... He was beat like a drum 2 times last year and 1 was in the playoffs...

I just remember i was one of the guys that got really low on Grimes when he was beat like a drum earlier in his career (especially musin) ... The guy developed into a probowler...

Just give the man time ... I think the FO not drafting a guy and letting Williams walk shows faith in Owens and Franks

I for one never questioned Grimes and always defended him for several reasons. 1: The guy always was in position to make a play even when he was beat. 2. He was never beaten like a drum, that is a ridiculous assertion in fact one of his main weaknesses early in his career is he failed to hold on to the ball when he had the opportunity to make an int. 3. He has always been a Coach Smith favorite, Smith would comment that Grimes was making plays in training camp and was the best athlete on the team.

Owens last year looked like he could not compete at this level. Against Green Bay he was just grabbing at receivers because he could not cover them. Once Green Bay realized this they relentlessly targeted Owens.

I really fail to see how you could be down on Grimes when he showed so much potential and yet not be down on Owens. Doesn't make sense.

[Xfactor]

Crisp Owens reminds me of another player named Crisp they both look equally lost on the field.

[atljbo]

I for one never questioned Grimes and always defended him for several reasons. 1: The guy always was in position to make a play even when he was beat. 2. He was never beaten like a drum, that is a ridiculous assertion in fact one of his main weaknesses early in his career is he failed to hold on to the ball when he had the opportunity to make an int. 3. He has always been a Coach Smith favorite, Smith would comment that Grimes was making plays in training camp and was the best athlete on the team.

Owens last year looked like he could not compete at this level. Against Green Bay he was just grabbing at receivers because he could not cover them. Once Green Bay realized this they relentlessly targeted Owens.

I really fail to see how you could be down on Grimes when he showed so much potential and yet not be down on Owens. Doesn't make sense.

I cant lie.. I wasnt high on Grimes... I like the guy now... The guy is a probowler now...

But to say the guy was never burnt when he went thru his benching growing pains is crazy... Muhsin Muhammad had a career game vs Grimes... If you say he didnt get burnt all game that game... Well we need a new word for burnt....

Also to act like Owens didnt show promise in 09 doesnt make sense... The guy def took a step back last year... Coach Smith said the guy played with an injury ... Thats not giving him a pass... Its just i learned from Grimes... If a guy show promise but have a couple of growing pain games... Dont over react and get down on the guy...

This is an important year for him... The Coaching Staff still seem to have all the faith in the guy... Lets see can he take that step forward.

But a couple of bad games this year will not make me forget the 09 season and how he start the 2010 season (the first 2 games... Had the back injury during the 2nd game) ... It just mean he has to show us something this year very early or Franks will be in.

[BenB321]

I cant lie.. I wasnt high on Grimes... I like the guy now... The guy is a probowler now...

But to say the guy was never burnt when he went thru his benching growing pains is crazy... Muhsin Muhammad had a career game vs Grimes... If you say he didnt get burnt all game that game... Well we need a new word for burnt....

Also to act like Owens didnt show promise in 09 doesnt make sense... The guy def took a step back last year... Coach Smith said the guy played with an injury ... Thats not giving him a pass... Its just i learned from Grimes... If a guy show promise but have a couple of growing pain games... Dont over react and get down on the guy...

This is an important year for him... The Coaching Staff still seem to have all the faith in the guy... Lets see can he take that step forward.

But a couple of bad games this year will not make me forget the 09 season and how he start the 2010 season (the first 2 games... Had the back injury during the 2nd game) ... It just mean he has to show us something this year very early or Franks will be in.

The difference I see with both Grimes and Owens is even in the Carolina game Grimes was right there in good position with the receiver to make a play. Being burnt is when you get blown out by a receiver's moves or speed and have no chance to make a play. I never, never saw Grimes look "burnt" out there on the field.

I was high on Owens when TD first drafted him but just like Jamaal Anderson he looks less effective the more he plays while Grimes improves every year. I am hopeful that Franks is the real deal but I would like TD to acquire another quality FA CB as well.

[isproab]

We've seen this before, wasn't it last off season that somebody posted an article where Smith said good things about Spencer Adkins? People starter jumping to conclusions about the guy being a future starter.

Already we have seen articles talking about Biermann and how he is a "soon to be star." People did the same thing with HD last off season as well. I have no problem being hopeful and high on guys, but when guys have played for 2 or 3 season and have not progressed, just pipe down and see if they pan out.

I don't see great potential in Biermann, Owens or HD. They do all have another year, likely the last for HD if he does not make an impact. Owens, hopefully he improves and shows more considering he had an injury last year. Biermann, I hope his numbers go the right way this year.

[d#d#d#]

I have pretty much lost any faith i had in Owens after watching him get torched all season

[Hustle Up]

Smith also noted that Owens wasn’t the only one who had a bad day against Green Bay. He said himself, the rest of the coaches and all the way down to the water boys were to blame for the Packers’ torching of the Georgia Dome on their way to the Super Bowl.In a recent conversation with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Owens, like most players, didn’t want to use the injury as an excuse.

HAHAHAHA!!!....you didn't give us enough gatorade mf

[atljbo]

Falcons TWESTOTE of the Day: Chris Owens is NOT the Weakest Link

It's funny how NFL fandom works. One second a player is enormously popular. He garners our respect and we're hopeful about his future. Then - in what seems like an instant - he's done. Not literally. He's still under contract, the red and black still his to wear. But in our minds and hearts he is done. Not worth our time.

I was afraid Chris Owens would suffer that fate, then I read this Q and A with DOL.

Falcons coach Mike Smith, in a conversation with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution during the NFL scouting combine staunchly defended Owens. Smith noted that Owens only lost his job to Brian Williams as the nickel back because of a back injury.

In a recent conversation with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Owens, like most players, didn’t want to use the injury as an excuse.

Q: Were you comforted somewhat that they didn’t draft at your position?

A: No, that doesn’t mean anything. I’m going to come with the same mentality every time. I’m going to give them 110 percent no matter what.

It won't surprise me if we sign a veteran corner during free agency, but if you think Smitty is giving up on Owens any time soon, then you're sadly mistaken. There's an explanation for the disparity between his '09 and '10: he was hurt. He's not going to blame his performance - or lack thereof - on the injury. And I respect that. But at the very least, it's downright illogical to assume his '10 campaign is what we will see going forward, assuming he stays healthy.

Coach telling ppl the man had a back injury in the second game.... Go back and look at the games... He had a good game vs steelers (almost and int) and vs the Cards (and int) .

The guy was beat no excuses... No question about that... Coach is telling ppl the guy was injured tho

[Lord Sarcomere]

I'm hoping for the best but expecting the worst. I don't have faith in Owens at all.

I know that's harsh, but how can you get destroyed THAT bad in one game. Kid was lost.

[atljbo]

The difference I see with both Grimes and Owens is even in the Carolina game Grimes was right there in good position with the receiver to make a play. Being burnt is when you get blown out by a receiver's moves or speed and have no chance to make a play. I never, never saw Grimes look "burnt" out there on the field.

I was high on Owens when TD first drafted him but just like Jamaal Anderson he looks less effective the more he plays while Grimes improves every year. I am hopeful that Franks is the real deal but I would like TD to acquire another quality FA CB as well.

I get what you are saying about getting burnt.. when a guy blow past you... But i also call getting Burnt when a WR have his way with you ALL day... Chris Houston was always in the position to make plays if you could turn his head... Dude was very rarely blown past.... But most call him crisp Houston because the guy was beat almost all game alot

I dont get how you can say that about Owens... 1st of all the JA98 comparison made no sense... You say the more houston play the less effective he was... Dude started the last 6 games of the 2009 season... STARTED and played good while showing promise... The 1st 2 games this year... He played good... The guy got hurt (back injury) ... He wasnt the same.... If you want to say he took a step back this year... Cool... I cant disagree... But to act like the guy is a lost cause because he played bad with an injury and this is his 1st full year entering as a starting (basically has played less then 16 games) .... Thats crazy to me...

Give the guy another year to see can he take that step forward again... He showed to much promise in 09 just to get down on him that quick... That playoff game was frustrating and terrible.... I agree.. But come on

[The Dirty Bird]

I dont care how much sugar-coating you put on Chris Owens, there is not enough. He is horrible. At best he is a dime-back, and thats only on a good day.

I don't think Owens is starting material, but this is a little harsh. Everyone DB in the NFL looked lost against the Packers in the playoffs -- Aaron Rodgers had perhaps the best postseason for a QB in the history of the NFL and the Packers were essentially running a spread attack. Polamalu looked like a chump in the Superbowl routinely getting beat and he was hurt, just like Owens was.

By no means am I comparing Owens to Polamalu so don't take it there, but Owens is a talented DB who our front office and coaches have a lot of confidence in. I think competition between him and Franks will lead us to a good NB. I also want us to sign a good CB because in our division with New Orleans and now Tampa, the more good CBs the merrier. But Brent Grimes went from trash to treasure and there's no reason Owens can't go from good rookie to bad sophomore to good nickelback. It is very important for a DB to have confidence, and Owens clearly has that entering his 3rd year. Add an improved pass rush via Ray Edwards and hopefully a healthy Peria Jerry and our entire pass defense should improve significantly. Don't forget vs. Green Bay we had nothing that resembled a pass rush, and same was the case for most of the year outside of the games where John Abraham racked up sacks.

Look at what a great pass rush did for the Packers' Tramon Williams (best postseason for a CB in recent memory) and Sam Shields (two UDFAs who are now Pro Bowl-esque). A great pass rush tremendously helps the development of young DBs -- and most of our core DBs are young (William Moore, Thomas DeCoud, Brent Grimes, Chris Owens, and Dominique Franks). I expect them all to individually improve this year with a revamped D-line generating consistent pressure and our entire defense to enter Top 15 in every category as an improved unit. If we could also add a SLB (Manny Lawson) to go along with a DE, our defense will be studly at every single position.

[MattM12]

kid was great in college, a pick I was so happy about. I am in no way ready to give up on him.

Injury free and complete knowledge of the playbook will be interesting.

Owens has good hops, and I have yet to see it..

[JHav]

I cant lie.. I wasnt high on Grimes... I like the guy now... The guy is a probowler now...

But to say the guy was never burnt when he went thru his benching growing pains is crazy... Muhsin Muhammad had a career game vs Grimes... If you say he didnt get burnt all game that game... Well we need a new word for burnt....

Also to act like Owens didnt show promise in 09 doesnt make sense... The guy def took a step back last year... Coach Smith said the guy played with an injury ... Thats not giving him a pass... Its just i learned from Grimes... If a guy show promise but have a couple of growing pain games... Dont over react and get down on the guy...

This is an important year for him... The Coaching Staff still seem to have all the faith in the guy... Lets see can he take that step forward.

But a couple of bad games this year will not make me forget the 09 season and how he start the 2010 season (the first 2 games... Had the back injury during the 2nd game) ... It just mean he has to show us something this year very early or Franks will be in.

I really want to see Franks get some time and see what potential he has. I am not saying I am giving up on Owens, but just want to see what our other options are.

[Ga_spider]

He was promising one year, terrible the next. We can't count on him, and need to sign a vet nickel back, but there is only upside in allowing him to compete for a spot.

So how oftendo you play Madden???

[cnasty]

Q: Have you gotten over the playoff game?

A: Yeah, I’ve gotten over it. It’s time to move on.