Picking Michael Turner's Brain with One Question at a Time

Make no mistake about it: The Atlanta Falcons want to run the football.

That's the philosophy and that's what they'll stick to.

The Falcons were second in the NFL in rushing last season, mainly because of the superb running of Michael Turner—who ran for 1,699 yards after four seasons backing up LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego.

Turner, who attended Northern Illinois for college, patiently waited to earn the chance to become a starting running back in the NFL. And if I were to have the privilege to get inside the mind of Atlanta's star, here are 15 questions I would have:

1. After the Chargers drafted you in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL draft—and knowing LaDainian Tomlinson was going nowhere—how did you see yourself fitting in and how did that factor in your mindset as to whether you truly considered yourself an NFL starter?

2. After last season's impressive performance, are the increased expectations something that weight heavy or are they something that comes with the territory?

3. What was it like playing behind LT? What did you get out of that experience, and was there anything unique that he taught you?

4. In last year's season opener against Detroit, you set a single game Falcons record with 220 rushing yards. When did the significance of that accomplishment sink in and how so, considering the tribulations the Falcons were going through heading into last season?

5. Many of us in the media like to assume Tony Gonzalez will have a major impact in the passing game considering Matt Ryan didn't throw to tight ends often last season, or have a threat over the middle of the field. But conversely to the passing attack, how will he help the running game and how do you think he'll impact you this season?

6. You've dealt with criticism since your high school days—earning just one scholarship offer to Northern Illinois. You had a great college career only to be drafted on the second day to a team with the best back in the league. How do you handle the negativity, and has it made you a better player?

7. Would you really want to take 376 more carries this season? Or are you looking forward to a little more passing and a little more Jerious Norwood to take a little bit of the load off your shoulders?

8. Does the fact Atlanta has never had back-to-back winning seasons in franchise history worry you at all?

9. How have you adjusted to life in Atlanta in the last year or so, considering you lived in Illinois and San Diego before moving to the East Coast? How different is it out here?

10. Describe your relationship with offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey—do you feel it's a match made in Heaven? And what are the differences in his philosophy as opposed to Norv Turner and Clarence Shelmon's at San Diego?

11. Be honest—what do you think of Michael Irvin's new reality TV show 4th and Long?

12. Who do you credit the most for getting you involved with football and who helped craft your game the most?

13. Do you have any superstitions? Pre-game rituals that not many people know about?

14. A couple of years ago Chad Johnson, er, now Ocho Cinco raced a horse and won. If you raced a horse what would the outcome be and would you ever consider doing a stunt like that to showcase your speed?

15. What are your personal expectations for this season, and how do those factor in to the team expectations you have?