The Falcons may have a quick defensive front-four, but they will be facing a tough test in the Super Bowl in the experienced Broncos' offensive line. As Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz pointed out in an ESPN.com chat, the Broncos have an edge in that department for a number of reasons.
Muñoz also addressed the kind of production he foresees from Terrell Davis and Jamal Anderson, what it means to him to have been named the first Hispanic Hall of Fame inductee and why he thinks of Media Day as Lineman Day.
Take a look below to see what Muñoz sees as the keys to Atlanta's offensive line.
Casey: What is it like for the lineman on Media Day? Is it fun to finally get some
props from the press?
Muñoz:
It is. It's almost like you go into Media Day having the attitude that the offensive
linemen are just going to go in there and talk to each other because it's the time for
the quarterbacks and the wide receivers. So you're a little surprised when people
start to stop and gather around you and ask you questions.
But it is fun because most of the year it is the skilled guys that get all the interviews.
You can have fun with it and kind of expand on your stories or exaggerate a little
bit. Usually you get some nice characters on the offensive line.
Casey: How many yards does Jamal Anderson have to get for the Falcons to have a
realistic shot in your opinion?
Muñoz:
I think that yardage is important, but I also think in getting 100 to 125 yards, he
would chew a lot of time off the clock. That will be a key to the game. I would say
he'll be in that range.
Andy Dolata: Will the Falcons' No. 1 rush defense be able to stop Terrell Davis?
Muñoz:
They are capable of doing it. I like their front seven, but I think they are really going
to have to be disciplined and not over-commit. There is really a balance in how you
defense that run game. You have to be disciplined and really be careful of not giving
up that cut back.
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Muñoz's File |
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Former NFL offensive tackle Anthony Muñoz joined ESPN in July 1998 as a
NFL analyst. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in July
1998. Muñoz was the 1980 first-round draft choice of the Cincinnati Bengals, for
whom he played his entire NFL career. After only his second season with the
Bengals, Muñoz was selected to the Pro Bowl -- the first of 11 consecutive
appearances. Unanimously chosen for the NFL Team of the '80s, Muñoz was
named three times NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year (1981,1987 and
1988) and NFL Alumni Offensive Lineman of the Year (1982, 1987 and
1989). He was also named NFL Man of the Year in 1991. As a member of
two Cincinnati AFC champion teams, Muñoz played in Super Bowls XVI and
XXIII. |
Tim: Which team has the most seasoned offensive linemen?
Muñoz:
No question about it has to be Denver that gets the edge there. They have Tony Jones,
Mark Schlereth, and Harry Swayne all with 10-plus years of experience. And then Dan Neil is
the youngest with five years.
It has to be the Denver offensive line. Not just the experience, but also everything
they've seen because they've played together for so long. They've probably been together for three or four years.
Justin: Kow proud are you to be the first Hispanic in the Hall Of Fame? Here in
Panama, when the word football is mentioned, your name comes next!
Muñoz: I'm really proud of that. That's something I have not lost touch of -- where I come
from. I'm very proud that my parents were from Mexico and the only thing that I
wished I would have done better as a kid is speak the language. I understand it very
well and can speak it, but not as good I'd like to.
There's no question about it. Being Hispanic and doing as well as I did in the NFL
and making the Hall of Fame is a tremendous source of pride.
Casey: What is the key for Atlanta's offensive line in a big game like this?
Muñoz: I guess as I look at their offensive line, and I look at the NFC title game against
Minnesota and the fact that they did not make any mistakes, was huge. That's what it's
going to have to happen. They are really going to have to cocentrate and stick to
their technique. They can't get rattled when they don't get a big gain. They've been
able to do that throughout the course of the season, but this is a lot different. But, if
there is an indicator of them being able to get the job done, you have to go back to
their ability to get it done versus Minnesota in the dome with the crowd noise against a
very good defense.
Corey: Do you get the sense that Denver is underestimating Atlanta?
Muñoz:
A lot of times, you can speak to the media and verbally express that you have to be
aware of your opponent, but sometimes you have a tendency to not really believe
that. However, I think Denver has enough veterans where they know that Atlanta is
a really good team. The only trouble that could play into this question is if they are
just a little too confident in their own ability. They know they are playing an excellent
team, however.
Casey: Both teams have All-Pro kickers, who do you feel has the advantage in the clutch?
Muñoz:
That's a great question. I would have to go with Morten just because he has been
around the league longer. He hasn't really seen the championship-type of kicks year
in and year out, but he's faced plenty of pressure situations. I think when you have played that
many years, the advantage has to go to you.
Thanks for the questions. Take care.
