Atlanta Falcons Notes, Quotes

--RB Jerious Norwood has struggled since returning from his right hip flexor. He's played in the last two games after missing five straight and has been ineffective.

He had six carries for 22 yards against Tampa Bay and 11 carries for 18 yards against Philadelphia. On the season, he's had 36 carries for 118 yards and is averaging 3.3 per carry, well below his career average of 5.8.

He has caught 12 passes for 107 yards (8.9) and has a 22-yard touchdown pass.

"Not to make excuses, but I don't know that Jerious is 100 percent," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "He's fighting through that injury. I don't know that he is explosive as he would be if he was 100 percent. Again, we're not going to use injuries as an excuse."

They are hoping he can return to form down the stretch.

"Jerious is a guy that can create explosive plays," Smith said.

--Last season, middle linebacker Curtis Lofton ranked second in the League in tackles among rookies behind Jerod Mayo (according to STATS, Inc.) and received 2008 All-Rookie accolades from the Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly.

He has not had a drop-off in his second season, as he leads the team in tackles with 135. He had a career-high 19 against New England earlier this season. Lofton has also added two forced fumbles and two passes defensed.

Last season, he came out in passing situations. Now, he's a three-down player and is emerging as a leader on the unit.

--The Falcons have had their share of injuries, the latest is a concussion to tight end Justin Peelle, who will not play this week. Linebacker Tony Gilbert (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve.

Quarterback Matt Ryan, who missed last week's game against the Eagles with turf toe, and running back Michael Turner (high ankle sprain) will be game-time decisions.

After having very few injuries last season, the Falcons have been hit hard in 2009.

First-round draft pick Peria Jerry (knee), wide receiver Harry Douglas (knee), second-round pick Williams Moore (knee), cornerback Brian Williams (knee), long snapper Michael Schneck (broken ribs) and linebacker Tony Gilbert (hamstring) have all been lost for the season.

Fullback Ovie Mughelli (two games), running back Jerious Norwood (six), Turner (two full and parts of two others), left tackle Sam Baker (two, parts of two others), wide receiver Brian Finneran (three) and Ryan (one) have all missed games.

Last season, Baker, who suffered a concussion and a back injury, was the only starter to miss any games. He missed 11 starts, but played in eight games, making five starts.

"We can't make excuses," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "There are no excuses. Injuries are a fact of life in the NFL. This late in the season, we are going to have guys down."

BY THE NUMBERS: 0 -- Number of times the Falcons have dropped back-to-back home games under second-year coach Mike Smith.

143 -- Tony Gonzalez' streak of consecutive games with a reception. His streak ranks second among tight ends in league history behind Ozzie Newsome (150 games).

12-2 -- The Falcons' home record in the Georgia Dome under second-year coach Mike Smith.

48 -- Number of pass plays that the Falcons have given up that have gone for 20 yards or more.

7 -- Number of rushing plays that the Falcons have given up that have gone for 20 yards or more.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Guys, the sky is not falling." -- Falcons head coach Mike Smith when asked about the Falcons' playoff chances with four games to play.