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    Healthy Norwood proves to be dynamic for Falcons

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December 29, 2008

Healthy Norwood proves to be dynamic for Falcons

Associated Press Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) — No longer bothered by sore ribs, Jerious Norwood feels 100 percent for the Atlanta Falcons.

He showed as much on Sunday, finishing with 270 all-purpose yards in a 31-27 victory over St. Louis.

The burst he lacked as recently as two weeks ago returned with ease, helping Norwood run back a kickoff 92 yards and score a pair of touchdowns from 8 and 45 yards out.

Though the 45-yarder sealed Atlanta's win, Norwood placed more importance on ending an 11-5 regular season with three straight wins. He believes the last three weeks will help the Falcons have the right mind-set in preparing for their playoff game at Arizona.

For Atlanta, the turnaround was unexpected following last season's 4-12 record, the imprisonment of quarterback Michael Vick and the resignation of first-year coach Bobby Petrino after just 13 games.

"I'm just thankful for the position we're in," said Norwood, a fourth-year running back from Mississippi State. "We came a long way. Whoever would've thought we'd be in the playoffs?"

Norwood's 8-yard TD run with 11 seconds left before halftime came out of the "wildcat" formation. He was lined up to the left of quarterback Matt Ryan. Both had their hands ready to receive the snap before Norwood scampered untouched for a 17-14 lead.

His 92-yard kickoff return came two plays earlier. St. Louis' Jason Craft chased him down.

"It was me and the safety, one-on-one," Norwood said. "I was trying to see where he was going, so I could go the other way."

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