Jacquizz Rodgers might be uncertain what his role with the Atlanta Falcons will look like in 2013, but that is not stopping him from being a vital teammate to newly signed players. Veteran Steven Jackson is expected to pick up where Michael Turner left off. The Falcons are hoping he can be a crucial piece to their Super Bowl puzzle. During the offseason, Rodgers is helping his teammate and competition adjust to the lifestyle of the Falcons and Atlanta.
Rodgers is entering his third season with the Falcons and will be an excellent complement to Jackson who is expected to get the majority of the carries for the run game. During minicamp and organized team activities, Rodgers and Jackson spent a lot of time helping one another out. Jackson gave Rodgers tips from a veteran and Rodgers helped Jackson learn the playbook and adjust quickly to a new team.
"Since he doesn't know the playbook well, he asks me questions and I help him out with it. Out playbook has so much up-tempo. We often run out offense no huddle, so I help him out when I can," Rodgers said.
Jackson and Rodgers are very familiar with one another. Both players are former Oregon State running backs and had previously met before joining up on the Falcons. Rodgers notes that he met Jackson years ago when he was in college. They had talked multiple times and he was excited to work with him.
Rodgers is not concerned that a veteran is stepping in to start ahead of him. As was the case last season, Rodgers said his main goal is to make ever rep count when he is given one. After a breakout season in 2012, he can expect to get plenty of them.
While Jackson is the new starting running back, he will not be seen much in Atlanta's preseason games. The Falcons plan on limiting Jackson in the preseason in order to allow him plenty of rest before the real work begins. Jackson will be extremely involved in training camp learning the team's offense, but will not be playing much on the field until Week 1.
"Steven's got a gazillion carries in career," offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said. "Coach Smith will determine how many carries he gets, but I don't believe Steven Jackson needs a bunch of touches in the preseason. I don't see the benefit."
This is not a surprising approach. The Falcons will take the same attitude with tight end Tony Gonzalez. A player like Jackson who has that high amount of experience does not need a preseason to be prepared.
