[ThePundit]

Joey Harrington could soon have a new backup. Byron Leftwich, cut by Jacksonville in a surprise preseason move, could sign a deal with the team this week. ESPN reported Monday night that Leftwich will take a team physical on Tuesday.

Harrington, who has been sacked 13 times in his first two starts for the Falcons, was feeling more heat on Monday -- this time from his coach.

Bobby Petrino said it's not fair to blame the offensive line for the high sack totals -- including seven in Sunday's 13-7 loss at Jacksonville.

Petrino said Harrington is holding the ball too long.

"I think right now Joey is playing a little bit conservative, a little bit not to throw the interception," Petrino said. "Therefore it is causing him to hold the ball. He just needs to open it up more with confidence and play to go win the game."

Petrino: Harrington holding ball too long as sacks mount - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

Good move? I think so. Leftwich is a definite upgrade over Harrington.

[cwstech]

That's an interesting move. Now they have two QB's who could not make it in another franchise. Man, Petrino is setting himself up to draft Brohm next year.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

Petrino: Harrington holding ball too long as sacks mount - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

Good move? I think so. Leftwich is a definite upgrade over Harrington.

I think they are evens up...Leftwich has a cannon for an arm but zero mobility...

[vincesanity82]

FALCONS SIGN LEFTWICH

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the Atlanta Falcons have signed free-agent quarterback Byron Leftwich to a two-year deal. Terms are not yet available.

Leftwich was abruptly dumped by the Jaguars on September 1, one day after announcing that he'd be cut or traded. The Ravens showed some interest in the seventh overall pick in the 2003 draft, but talks reportedly broke down after roughly 3.5 hours of negotiation.

In Atlanta, Leftwich could find himself playing sooner rather than later. Joey Harrington has been so-so so far, and the Falcons will want to figure out whether Leftwich can be the guy before the team positions itself to land Brian Brohm of Louisville, who was mentored until last season by new Falcons coach Bobby Petrino.

ProFootballTalk.com -- The Best Pro Football Scoop on the Internet

[Lefty Noob]

Typical "hold down the fort" type move. Leftwich isn't anything special, but if Harrington continues to falter, better him coming in than Redman.

[vincesanity82]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Typical "hold down the fort" type move. Leftwich isn't anything special, but if Harrington continues to falter, better him coming in than Redman.

I dont know lefty I think Leftwich is a good qb, a lot better than quite a few starters I could mention..The Jags shouldnt have let him go and now theyre paying for it..

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

I dont know lefty I think Leftwich is a good qb, a lot better than quite a few starters I could mention..The Jags shouldnt have let him go and now theyre paying for it..

Garrard's numbers weren't all that bad last week. I can't see blaming that loss on Leftwich's absence.

[simple simon]

well i hear they are blaming the sack problems mostly on Joey ..... and i think Leftwich is more mobile then he is

[Bette]

I heard they resigned Mort Anderson. I think he's more mobile than both of them.
Unfortunately, they resigned him as a kicker.

[EmpireWF]

Leftwich's stock sure has dropped since being a top 10 pick a few years ago. I always thought he could be a top NFL guy. Guess I was wrong.

[vincesanity82]

Per Schefter, Leftwich will receive $2.35 million in base salary in 2007, and $2.5 million in 2008. The deal includes no signing bonus; an option bonus of $1.15 million is payable in 2008, along with a $1 million escalator.

Essentially, it's a one-year, $2.35 million deal with a team option for year two.

The deal can easily fit within the team's salary cap, given that a credit of $6 million was acquired when Michael Vick's salaru for the season was wiped off of the books.

ProFootballTalk.com -- The Best Pro Football Scoop on the Internet

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

Leftwich's stock sure has dropped since being a top 10 pick a few years ago. I always thought he could be a top NFL guy. Guess I was wrong.

It took Testaverde a while to become a good QB. There's still hope for Leftwich. Let's not give up on him just yet.

[cash23]

the birds are back so the nfc south beware of leftwich. leftwich will come for revenge for stupid jags to let him go.

[RAMSFAN96]

Now the Falcons have a prayer.

[JRL]

Originally Posted by RAMSFAN96

Now the Falcons have a prayer.

Now all they need is an offense that works - a defense that defends - special teams that are special - kickers that can kick - my fingers are tired but you get the picture I'm sure.

I think they are 38th or 39th in the NFL power rating this week.