However cap space was not the only reason they cut Crumpler.  The Falcons for several years had been one of the best rushing teams in the league.  While part of that was due to the running of now jailed quarterback Mike Vick, the team had a good running game from Warrick Dunn, another former all pro.  Last year, the Falcons were in the bottom quarter of the NFL in rushing averaging less than 85 yards a game.  The offensive line consisted of a gagle of no-names like Ojinnaka, Batiste, McClure, Forney and Clabo.  Things got so bad that Bobby Patrino, the first year coach, quit after 13 games to go back to college football.

    New head coach Mike Smith (no relation) wants to establish a physical running game.  First, he signed Hartsock then he signed the best running back available on the free agent market, Michael “the burner” Turner who was the backup to La Damian Thomlinson in San Diego.  Turner is a good inside runner but has the speed to get around the end.  Without a good blocker at TE, it is impossible to get around the end.  Hartsock was signed because he is a good receiver and an above average blocker.

    For the first time in his career, Hartsock will start and it is about time.  Hartsock  played in all 16 games last year but was stuck in the depth chart of the Tennessee Titans behind Ben Troupe and Bo Scaife.  Now he gets a chance to start. 

    Most Buckeye fans will remember the ability of Hartsock to catch passes over the middle and convert first downs.  A tight end with good hands becomes a security blanket for any quarterback, particularly one with a less than stellar offensive line.  Whoever ends up as the starting QB for the Falcons better have a great major medical plan.  But the signing of Hartsock will at least give him someone to throw to that can catch the ball. 

    Most of all, nothing helps a QB more than a reliable running game.  At 6-4 and 265 pounds, Hartsock will help the running game immensely.  He can take on the defensive end or outside linebacker and seal off the edge so the back can get around the corner.  He also has enough speed to block at the second level and further down field.  No long runs happen without the wide receivers and tight end blocking down field.

    Congratulations to Brian Hartsock and all Buckeye fans will be pulling for him to have a great year.