Norwood Will be Back in 2010

The Atlanta Falcons made sure their running back core would stay intact for the third straight season by inking Jerious Norwood to a new deal.

Keeping Norwood is a good move for the Falcons. He provides a shifty counterpoint to the more bruising Michael Turner and Jason Snelling (signed earlier) combo.

When Turner gets a breather on the bench, defenses can’t relax because the former Mississippi State Bulldog has crazy Forrest Gump speed.

Staying healthy has been the big knock on Norwood. He’s yet to play a full season, despite finishing as the Falcons 2nd leading rusher twice in the past four seasons.

I think Norwood will return to the backup role in 2010, relegating Snelling to the #3 running back position.

I see the running back distribution as follows:

What do you think? Will Norwood be healthy for all 16 games this season? Will Snelling be the #2 back? Let me know in the comments or start the conversation on Twitter.