Topic: ESPN.com: Struggling Falcons ponder inserting Leftwich at QB

[ThunderZone]

Atlanta considering quarterback change after 1-5 start
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

ATLANTA -- In need of a catalyst on offense, the Atlanta Falcons may soon turn to Byron Leftwich.

There have been indications since the Falcons' loss to the New York Giants on Monday night that Atlanta coaches are strongly considering a change at quarterback, where Joey Harrington has started all six games for the 1-5 Falcons.

That change, league and team sources said, could come as early as this week, when the Falcons play at New Orleans.

The Falcons hope that Leftwich, a fifth-year veteran signed last month after his release from the Jacksonville Jaguars, might provide a spark for the team's sagging offense. Atlanta statistically ranks 27th in total offense and is 29th in scoring, averaging just 13.2 points per game. The Falcons have scored only six offensive touchdowns in six games.

Two weeks ago, coach Bobby Petrino moved Leftwich ahead of Chris Redman into the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. But last week, Leftwich suffered a slight ankle sprain, missed two days of practice, and was listed as the No. 3 or "emergency" quarterback Monday night.

Although he has been with the team for only a month, Leftwich, a quick learner, has said that he is comfortable enough in Petrino's offense to operate it. Rather than try to teach him the entire playbook, coaches instead have worked with Leftwich on simply mastering the game plan from week to week.

Leftwich, 27, has played in only one game since signing a two-year contract on Sept. 18. he replaced Harrington in an Oct. 7 loss at Tennessee, and completed two of eight passes for 28 yards, with one interception.

The Jaguars' first-round choice in the 2003 draft, Leftwich has started 44 games in his career.

In six games this season, Harrington has completed 123 of 195 passes for 1,279 yards. He has four touchdown passes, four interceptions and an 80.3 passer rating. Harrington has played well at times, but suffered from poor offensive line play. The Falcons have allowed 22 sacks.