Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
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With quarterback Matt Ryan playing like a veteran and left tackle Sam Baker proving some critics wrong, the Falcons already are collecting dividends on their 2008 draft. They also, finally, got something out of their 2007 top pick.
Defensive end Jamaal Anderson got his first career sack (and also batted down two passes) Sunday. Anderson had taken plenty of criticism from Atlanta fans early this season. But writing Anderson off as a bust so early would have been a mistake.
What he did against the Bears is just a preview of what Anderson can do. He has tremendous physical talent. He struggled last year, but everyone in Atlanta struggled last year. Just forget his rookie season. In fact, consider this his rookie season.
The arrival of coach Mike Smith, who has a strong defensive background, truly marked the start of Anderson's NFL career. Smith and his staff have believed all along that Anderson had potential. Now, they're just starting to draw it out of him.
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.
