Fresh Start Excites Falcons’ Abraham, Edwards

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) – John Abraham usually doesn’t mind honestly critiquing his teammates on the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive line.

Abraham made an exception last year. While Ray Edwards battled injuries during their first season as teammates, Abraham kept quiet.

Now that Edwards is no longer bothered by a stiff knee, he and Abraham believe they can become one of the NFL’s most feared pair of defensive ends.

That was their plan last year after Atlanta (No. 13 in the AP Pro 32) signed Edwards to a five-year, free-agent contract with $11 million guaranteed.

Unfortunately for Edwards, arthroscopic knee surgery hindered his burst from the line of scrimmage, and opponents essentially needed just one blocker to keep him away from the quarterback.

Edwards says he has no health concerns now.