Atlanta Falcons Predictions
The Atlanta Falcons are in worse shape than any other NFL team heading into 2008. Their off-the-field problems were the perfect example of how it can lead to on-the-field performance with a 4-12 record last year. The face of the organization was Michael Vick, now it’s going to be Matt Ryan after the Falcons selected him No. 3 overall in the NFL Draft. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall, tight end Alge Crumpler and running back Warrick Dunn are all gone. That leaves a very young team that will struggle to compete in the NFC South Division this season. The team at Info Plays gives you our 2008 Atlanta Falcons Predictions and a team preview of what you’ll see on the field.
Offense:
The Falcons are trying to put the Vick saga in the past and move on with No. 3 overall pick Matt Ryan at quarterback. But veteran Chris Redman was re-signed to a two-year deal to be the leader and mentor to Ryan. Joey Harrington and D.J. Shockley will compete for the No. 3 spot. The Falcons have plenty of depth at QB, but no proven talent. It remains to be seen how the most important position in the league plays out in Atlanta.
The Falcons wanted to get younger at running back so they parted ways with Warrick Dunn. They signed Michael Turner, formerly LaDanian Tomlinson’s backup in San Diego, the first weekend of free agency. Many believe Turner is a starter in this league and he’s just been waiting for his time to show it. This was the Falcons’ most important acquisition in the offseason. The Falcons led the league in rushing two years ago and will focus on the ground under offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey. Third-year player Jerious Norwood offers a change-of-pace back just as he did last season.
Roddy White emerged as a true No. 1 receiver last season, breaking the 1,200-yard receiving mark and catching six touchdowns. Michael Jenkins is their slot receiver and will work with second-year player Laurent Robinson, who has the tools to be able to compliment White. The Falcons drafted speedster Harry Douglas out of Louisville to add a deep threat. 26-year veteran Terry Robiskie has been brought in as the receiver’s coach to help guide these youngster’s as well.
The Falcons have all but one starter returning on the offensive line. But they drafted Sam Baker to take the left tackle void left by Wayne Gandy. This unit was crushed by injuries last season as four different players started at left tackle. Todd McClure remains the glue at center, though the team signed Alex Stepanovich to provide a challenge and another possible starter in the interior. Players just have to recover from many offseason surgeries to be able to perform well as a group in 2008.
Defense:
Experts around the league question the Falcons for not taking Glenn Dorsey as the No. 3 pick in the draft. But the Falcons felt that the rookie class wasn’t deep enough to make a move in the draft. The team signed free agents Kindal Morrehead from Carolina and Rashad Moore of New England to help their defensive line instead. Second-year man Trey Lewis will also get a look after he started two games at nose tackle last season before blowing out his knee. Jonathan Babineaux is a veteran reserve who started six games last year in this spot as well. Defensive end Jamaal Anderson should come into his own in his second season after failing to record a sack last year. Pro Bowler John Abrams, who had 10 sacks in 2007, should give the Falcons a steady pass rush off the end.
Second-round draft choice Curtis Lofton could move into the starting lineup at middle linebacker. He was a tackling machine in college but lacks the prototypical speed of a middle linebacker. This move would allow the Falcons to shift five-time Pro Bowler Keith Brooking to the weak side. Outside backer Michael Boley blossomed in his third season, recording 109 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions on the strong side. Stephen Nicholas turned some heads as a rookie before an ankle injury slowed him. Nicholas will be given every chance to win a position as well.
The Falcons addressed the need of a free safety by signing Eric Coleman from the Jets in the offseason. He had 121 tackles to go along with 2 interceptions so he has proven he can shoulder the load. Veteran Lawyer Milloy will be the strong safety and these two should form a solid 1-2 punch in the secondary. Trading DeAngelo Hall created a big hole at cornerback. Second-year player Chris Houston played as a rookie and should be solid on the right side. Free agent Von Hutchins figures to replace Hall. But don’t be surprised if Brent Grimes, rookie Chevis Jackson and hard-hitting David Irons prove they are ready for a spot.
Info Plays 2008 Atlanta Falcons Predictions
This is clearly a rebuilding year for the Falcons. They did a nice job through free agency in getting a running back who could be great for years to come in Atlanta with Michael Turner. They also signed key defensive tackles along with proven secondary players to fill a big void left by DeAngelo Hall. This team is doing a great job to build for the future. Big headaches will arise in Atlanta this season, but it can’t be any worse than last year considering their head coach walked out on them and Michael Vick’s era is gone. The Falcons will finish 4th in the NFC South while showing some signs of improvement towards the end of the season.
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