birdz4i Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 Posted 3 hours agoIn 2008, Collin Mooney set a single-season West Point record by amassing 1,339 yards on the ground. He also ranked 13th in the country in rushing yards per game (111.6). And, to top it off, he became the first and only player in school history to run for 170 or more yards in three straight contests.Despite these accomplishments, Mooney, who fulfilled his active duty commitment to the U.S. Army after graduation, knew he’d have to change his approach to make it in the NFL. So he shifted his focus to blocking — a decision that, eventually, proved to be worthwhile.The Texas native went undrafted and landed with the Titans in 2012, not as a halfback, but as a fullback. First he was waived; then he joined the practice squad; then, after his fair share of ups and downs, made it onto Tennessee’s active roster. And he didn’t disappoint: Pro Football Focus gave him an 8.3 cumulative grade in 2013, the third highest mark among qualifying FBs. Now a Falcon, Mooney has an opportunity to expand upon the role her carved out in Nashville.“I’m fitting in well,” he said. “Coach (Dan Quinn) just wants us to compete and give effort, so I’m coming out here and that’s what I’m trying to do.“I knew coming into the league my role would be as a blocking back. I had no problem with that. I want to do whatever I can to help the team and protect those running backs. That’s No. 1, that’s paramount for me. If I can do my job, they can do their job. Making them look good is what I want to do.”It’s far too early to know how the Falcons’ rushing attack will perform 2015, but there are lots of reasons to be optimistic.Second-year pro Devonta Freeman looks ready to take the next step. Third round pick Tevin Coleman, who enjoyed a dominant senior campaign at Indiana, has loads of potential. Additionally, Kyle Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme has a well-documented history of success in the running game.The fullback situation, however, is somewhat unclear. If Mooney can step up and be a consistent, reliable force, it would go a long way towards building an effective offense.“Love the system so far. It’s been great,” he said. “It’s fast, guys are moving around fast, and I think that’s good. From the O-line to the backs, to get outside you have to be fast off the ball and get that edge. That’s what we’re working on now.”Although the Falcons have high hopes for Mooney, a job is far from guaranteed. Patrick DiMarco is also in the mix, and in today’s NFL, organizations don’t exactly stock the cupboard with fullbacks.The battle between these two is shaping up to be a good one, and Mooney thinks he has a unique edge: While the 5-foot-10, 238-pounder isn’t bound to get many (if any) carries, he believes his experience in college offered some useful perspective.“Having run the ball a lot, it gave me an advantage because I know what running backs are looking for, where they want the fullback to fit, what kind of blocks they want,” Mooney said. “It’s a mental advantage, at least.”Still, DiMarco is a talented in his own right and has value on special teams. He and Mooney seem to enjoy challenging each other, which, in the end, can only be good for the Falcons.“Iron sharpens iron,” Mooney said. “We’re making each other better, we’re competing every day. You have to realize that in the NFL, you’re always going to be competing with somebody — even if that guy isn’t here right now, you’re competing with that guy. We understand that and we’re to get each other better and getting ready to play. We’re not worried about who’s what — we’re just trying to help this team win.”http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/blog/article-1/Army-Vet-Mooney-Ready-to-Carve-Paths-for-RBs/ed377cfb-467a-4c3b-82b7-ac9eaa1b124d Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldskooler Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 I hope he beats out DiMarko. Not a fan of his work. Plus, I would like to see a man who served our country succeed for us.I remember when fullbacks were viable running options. Jim Taylor, Larry Csonka, Rocky Blier, Robert Newhouse. These guys were threats as blockers and runners. What changed, and why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdz4i Posted June 4, 2015 Author Share Posted June 4, 2015 I hope he beats out DiMarko. Not a fan of his work. Plus, I would like to see a man who served our country succeed for us.I remember when fullbacks were viable running options. Jim Taylor, Larry Csonka, Rocky Blier, Robert Newhouse. These guys were threats as blockers and runners. What changed, and why?the game changes and evolves. just like when tight ends were nothing more than glorified blockers, now today most teams want one that is more of a receiver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grrrillapmpn Inc.® Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 William Andrews Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lornoth Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 I hope he beats out DiMarko. Not a fan of his work. Plus, I would like to see a man who served our country succeed for us.I remember when fullbacks were viable running options. Jim Taylor, Larry Csonka, Rocky Blier, Robert Newhouse. These guys were threats as blockers and runners. What changed, and why?There's still guys like Kuhn that can do both, it's hard to find someone that's really good at multiple things though. Snelling was decent at both for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hashbrown3 Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 Love this guy. I'm pulling for Mooney all the way... Got a soft spot for soldiers too!“Having run the ball a lot, it gave me an advantage because I know what running backs are looking for, where they want the fullback to fit, what kind of blocks they want,” Mooney said. “It’s a mental advantage, at least.” “Iron sharpens iron,” Mooney said. Right on bro!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jigglypuff Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 (edited) Mooney ready to "save the running back" Edited June 4, 2015 by WORRY_LOW1492 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldskooler Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 the game changes and evolves. just like when tight ends were nothing more than glorified blockers, now today most teams want one that is more of a receiver.Dave Casper, Billy Joe Dupree, Ozzie Newsome, Mike Ditka, John Mackey, and of course Kellen Winslow were all very talented receivers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jigglypuff Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 Man I hope Mooney sticks around!!! He is my personal pick for the team, he could be our Kun"Making them look good is what I want to do." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drunken Minotaur Zebra Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 I hope he beats out DiMarko. Not a fan of his work. Plus, I would like to see a man who served our country succeed for us.I remember when fullbacks were viable running options. Jim Taylor, Larry Csonka, Rocky Blier, Robert Newhouse. These guys were threats as blockers and runners. What changed, and why?Went from a run heavy NFL to pass heavy, same reason TEs are now tall possession receivers and not blockers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WOR Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 Hes already carved a path straight into our hearts <3 <3 <3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheldon Cooper Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 If he makes this team his nickname is the Beav because he looks like Beaver Cleaver straight out of the 1950's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 This is how you give an interview.I’m fitting in well,” he said. “Coach (Dan Quinn) just wants us to compete and give effort, so I’m coming out here and that’s what I’m trying to do.“I knew coming into the league my role would be as a blocking back. I had no problem with that. I want to do whatever I can to help the team and protect those running backs. That’s No. 1, that’s paramount for me. If I can do my job, they can do their job. Making them look good is what I want to do.”“Iron sharpens iron,” Mooney said. “We’re making each other better, we’re competing every day. You have to realize that in the NFL, you’re always going to be competing with somebody — even if that guy isn’t here right now, you’re competing with that guy. We understand that and we’re to get each other better and getting ready to play. We’re not worried about who’s what — we’re just trying to help this team win.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaptain Krazy Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 "iron sharpens iron"That quote alone has me rooting for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knight of God Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 "iron sharpens iron"That quote alone has me rooting for him.This dude is ALL TEAM. Not one thing is about his own vanity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerosmith67 Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 I hope he beats out DiMarko. Not a fan of his work. Plus, I would like to see a man who served our country succeed for us.I remember when fullbacks were viable running options. Jim Taylor, Larry Csonka, Rocky Blier, Robert Newhouse. These guys were threats as blockers and runners. What changed, and why?You only have to go back as far as Ovie to see what happens to a running game after a good FB goes down. Turner was never the same without Ovie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldskooler Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 You only have to go back as far as Ovie to see what happens to a running game after a good FB goes down. Turner was never the same without Ovie.True fax. I'm a big fan of offenses that utilize a quality fullback. Ask Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman how valuable Moose Johnson was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wleggett Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 **** some of Ovie's blocks to open up for the runner was as exciting as the run. We need a good fullback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raysnill1 Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 DiMarco was cool but he doesn't seem like a tough guy to me. Mooney looks like a throwback and we already know he's disiplined. seems to relish in his role too. plus being a former running back he could possibly be a red zone threat carrying the ball too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FentayeJones Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 I fully expect Mooney to win the FB battle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wleggett Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 Only thing more fitting would be if he was named starter June 14. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cnst Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 This dude is ALL TEAM. Not one thing is about his own vanity.Refreshing, isn't it? Contrast this to guys who aren't happy with a multi-million dollar paycheck and hold out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papachaz Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 **** some of Ovie's blocks to open up for the runner was as exciting as the run. We need a good fullback.one of my favorite quotes came from Dave Archer one day listening to a game on the radio, it was a game we played when the Falcons picked up over 30 first downs, and the quote was "Ovie shortened some necks out there today".....that man could pound a block, no doubt about that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldskooler Posted June 5, 2015 Share Posted June 5, 2015 one of my favorite quotes came from Dave Archer one day listening to a game on the radio, it was a game we played when the Falcons picked up over 30 first downs, and the quote was "Ovie shortened some necks out there today".....that man could pound a block, no doubt about thatI remember seeing some of his blocks where linebackers would just buckle at the knees and go down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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