NFL

Dunn breaks slew of team records

By RICK STROUD, Times wires
Published January 16, 2005

ATLANTA - The Falcons piled up yards and records on the ground in Saturday's NFC division playoff against the Rams.

And that was just in the first half.

And at least one belonged to former Bucs running back Warrick Dunn. His 62-yard touchdown run in the first quarter was the longest in Falcons playoff history. In fact, Dunn was only the third Atlanta player to eclipse the 100-yard rushing mark in a postseason game.

Dunn's 126 yards on eight carries in the first half set a team playoff record. And the Falcons' 239 rushing yards eclipsed the club mark of 192 set at Green Bay in 2002. His 142 yards for the game also set a team record.

NO BRUCE, NO PROBLEM: Rams veteran receiver Isaac Bruce was inactive with a groin pull.

Too bad for the Falcons.

Bruce's replacement, second-year pro Kevin Curtis, hurt the Falcons early and often.

The former Utah State star caught the first pass from quarterback Marc Bulger and raced 57 yards for a touchdown that tied it at 7.

Curtis, who had four passes for a career-best 107 yards last weekend against Seattle, had five catches for 113 yards and a score in the first half. Pro Bowl receiver Torry Holt had two receptions for 42 yards and a TD during that stretch.

Bruce was among the league leaders with 89 catches for 1,292 yards, a 14.5-yard average, and six touchdowns. He was unable to run at full speed when he tested the injury several hours before game time. He was hurt in last weekend's first-round victory over the Seahawks.

The Rams replaced Bruce on the active list with guard Darnell Alford , who dressed for two regular-season games but did not play.

MONEY OR SUPER BOWL?: Quarterback Michael Vick truly is a money player. He proved it during his candid reponses in a Q&A session with the Atlanta-Journal Constitution that appeared in Saturday's edition.

Q: Be honest: What would you rather win, an MVP award or the Super Bowl?

A: Super Bowl.

Q: Hall of Fame induction or the Super Bowl?

A: Super Bowl.

Q: $130-million or the Super Bowl?

A: $130-million.

RALLY TOWELS: The Falcons distributed 60,000 rally towels for fans to wave. It was only the fourth home playoff game in their 39-year history. The noise in the Georgia Dome has been an advantage for the Falcons, causing opponents to commit 23 false starts.

INJURIES NO EXCUSE: The Falcons and Rams entered relatively healthy. Atlanta did not list any injuries on the weekly report. Tight end Alge Crumpler (sprained right knee) and defensive tackle Ed Jasper (broken left hand), however, had come back from injuries. Crumpler missed the final two games of the regular season and Jasper missed the last four.

Rams running back Steven Jackson was slowed by a rib injury last weekend against Seattle and Bruce missed some practice time with a groin strain. Defensive lineman Tyoka Jackson, the ex-Buc, was inactive with a high ankle sprain.

[Last modified January 16, 2005, 00:34:19]