NFL preview: Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta took the world by storm in 2008, winning the NFC South with a rookie QB and a rookie coach, and I see the Falcons repeating, though it won't be easy.
Projected finish: 10-6 (1st in NFC South)
Matt Ryan did enough as a first-year starter under center to convince me he could well be the NFL's next superstar at the position. Combine a projected bump for him and the Falcons' passing game, especially with the addition of TE Tony Gonzalez, and Michael Turner's emergence as a premier running back, and the Falcons could have a top-flight (pun intended) offense. I'm not so sure about the defense, though it shouldn't be terrible. Adequate is the word that fits best.
My only concern with Ryan was his late-season swoon, as he threw more interceptions in his final five games than he did in the previous 12. He nonetheless had one of the greatest rookie seasons by a quarterback in league history, experiencing far more success than fellow first-year starters like Peyton Manning could have dreamed of. Roddy White sure looked like a No. 1 receiver last year, and there is a decent amount of depth behind him in Michael Jenkins, Marty Booker and Brian Finneran, though the injury loss of slot receiver Harry Douglas stings. Gonzalez had an outstanding 2008, and the greatest pass-catching end in league history should still have plenty to offer Ryan and the Falcons.
Turner came up 1 yard short of 1,700 in his first season as a starter last fall. The Falcons might try to ease his workload a bit this year, which could actually work to their advantage, as the quicker Jerious Norwood is a different style of runner. Turner has his entire 2008 line back, and Sam Baker, Justin Blalock, Todd McClure, Harvey Dahl and Tyson Clabo, along with FB Ovie Mughelli, should again provide him ample running room.
DE John Abraham was, rather accurately, described as "borderline unblockable" by former Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden in ESPN The Magazine. The rest of the defensive line, though, is quite blockable. Chauncey Davis is the starter at the other end spot, while rookie Peria Jerry replaces Grady Jackson at one tackle spot, starting alongside Jonathan Babineaux.
Another significant loss in Atlanta is LB Keith Brooking. Left behind at the position is a subpar starting trio that includes Mike Person, Curtis Lofton and Stephen Nicholas. The secondary is about as unimpressive as the linebackers. Brent Grimes and Chris Houston start at cornerback, with Chevis Jackson contributing in nickel situations, and Thomas DeCoud and Erik Coleman are the safeties.
