Bowling Green State University Athletics
Vick Touts Magner
August 15, 2005 | Football
Aug. 15, 2005
By George Henry, The Times - Few fans have heard his name, but don't be surprised if Cole Magner makes the final cut as the No. 5 receiver for the Atlanta Falcons. The undrafted rookie has Michael Vick in his corner.
"He's a guy who goes out and catches the ball with no gloves on, straight hands, so you have to respect that," the star quarterback said after a 16-3 preseason win over Baltimore Saturday night.
"He's a playmaker. I've been watching him the last month and a half and critiquing him. I think he's going to make this football team."
The Falcons (2-0) have three more exhibition games remaining before head coach Jim Mora and his staff decide on the 53-man roster. For players like Magner who sit on the proverbial fence, having a role on special teams is likely to determine who stays and who goes after the preseason ends Sept. 1 in Miami.
"Anywhere I can help the team win, if it's special teams and that's my job or if it's as a backup receiver, that's what I'll do," Magner said. "I'll do anything."
Magner, who grew up in Alaska before accepting a football scholarship to Bowling Green, helped his cause by catching two passes for 34 yards.
His 23-yard reception from Ty Detmer converted a third-and-13 scenario on the final play of the third quarter, so instead of punting from their 15, the Falcons were able to punt from the 37 four plays later.
"I just ran my routes, and Ty gave me some great balls to catch," Magner said. "I'm confident in my abilities, and coaches put me out there and trust me to do the right job."
An 11-yard catch midway through the fourth quarter came after Magner beat his coverage near the right sideline and put Atlanta on the Ravens' 18. Todd Peterson ended the scoring four plays later with a 27-yard field goal.
Mora named Magner as the special teams player of the game after he returned two punts for 43 yards. Coupled with a personal foul penalty on Baltimore's Mark Clayton, Magner's 21-yard return early in the fourth set up Detmer's go-ahead touchdown pass to tight end Mark Anelli.
If Magner does make the final cut, he must find more ways to contribute on special teams. His performance as a punt returner was nice, but that job belongs to Allen Rossum, and the Falcons would use cornerback DeAngelo Hall if their Pro Bowl specialist was injured.
Magner needs to distinguish himself on kickoff or punt coverage and likely prove himself on kickoff return, too. Coaches believe sixth-round draft pick DeAndra Cobb will win the job as kickoff returner, and they also could use Rossum, Hall or receiver Michael Jenkins in the role. Mora said last week that Atlanta prefers to use Rossum exclusively as a punt returner and a nickel cornerback. That would allow Rossum a chance to preserve his body.
If the staff decides that the 6-foot-2, 196-pound Magner stays, it would come at the expense of either Dez White or Peerless Price. Dez White was a borderline addition to special teams units last year, but Price plays no position other than receiver. What gives Price staying power, however, is a huge contract that makes it far more financial sense for the Falcons to cut him after June 1, 2006.
KUDOS TO DETMER: After replacing Matt Schaub late in the third quarter, Detmer was an efficient 7-of-13 for 79 yards passing and a 97.9 rating. The 14th-year veteran hasn't attempted a pass in an NFL game since 2001, but he made some difficult throws after avoiding the pass rush.
After his first two possessions ended with punts, Detmer directed scoring drives on his next three.
"That's what you expect from a veteran like Ty," Mora said. "He's surrounded by a whole bunch of young guys and he finds a way to keep his composure and keep them together and put some points on the board."
MORE HONORS: Mora named Anelli offensive player of the game and rookie linebacker Jordan Beck, who made seven solo tackles, the top defensive player.
NO WORD: The team provided no update Sunday on the status of rookie receiver Roddy White, who left the game in the fourth quarter after sustaining a high right ankle sprain. X-rays taken Saturday night at the Georgia Dome were negative, and White said doctors told him he would miss two or three days of practice.
Many players often require three to five weeks before they return to action.
Though Roddy White remained third on the depth chart behind Dez White and Brian Finneran, Mora wants a No. 1 receiver to emerge now.
"I watch our practices, I watch the way those guys compete and interact and I'm happy with where they are," Mora said. "We're looking for a breakout. We're looking for someone to grab it and say it's mine."
A two-hour practice begins at 3 p.m. today. Camp officially ends on Thursday. The Falcons play their second and last home preseason game the following night against Tennessee.
