Check out all of our 2009 NFL team previews.
Offseason Additions: Tony Gonzalez (TE); Mike Peterson (LB); Brian Williams (CB); Tye Hill (CB); Brett Romberg (C).
Offseason Losses: Michael Boley (LB); Keith Brooking (LB); Domonique Foxworth (CB); Lawyer Milloy (S); Grady Jackson (DT).
Player to Watch: Tony Gonzalez, TE.
It was clear after the Falcons made their remarkable playoff run in 2008 that the only thing missing from their potent offense was a pass-catching tight end that young signal caller Matt Ryan could use to work the middle of the field. Enter future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. While he’ll be expected to block more in Atlanta than he did in KC, if the preseason was any indication of how Gonzo will perform in his new surroundings, he’ll see plenty of opportunities to make plays in the passing game. Ryan often looked (and found) Gonzo on third downs this preseason and the pair has already formed chemistry despite ‘09 being their first year together in the same offense.
Team Strength: The Falcons have one of the most complete offenses in the league and can burn defenses in a variety of ways. As long as the 376 carries he received in ’09 didn’t wear him out, Michael Turner will again be the backbone of Atlanta’s offense. Even after trading for Gonzalez and re-signing playmaker Roddy White to a lucrative contract extension, the Falcons will remain a run-first team and won’t concern themselves with the number of carries Turner receives. When “The Burner” does need a rest, highlight reel speedster Jerious Norwood is the perfect compliment to Turner’s bruising style. While a sophomore slump is a concern, Ryan poured in hours of work this offseason to try and improve his footwork. He will also be better at reading defenses now that he has a full year of starting experience under his belt and has two excellent weapons at his disposal in White and Gonzalez. Speaking of White, the fifth-year player has emerged as a top 5 receiver and will lead the Falcons in receptions barring injury. No. 2 wideout Michael Jenkins has developed into a solid run-blocker and gives Ryan a tall target on third downs and in the red zone, as does veteran Brian Finneran.
Potential Weakness: The Falcons have a major issue brewing in their secondary after the unit was torched in preseason. Third year corner Chris Houston has the athleticism to be a successful pro, but he’s been victimized in coverage at times and has received plenty of criticism for not being more aggressive. Brent Grimes is extremely athletic but at only 5-foot-8, taller receivers often overpower him. There’s a good chance that he’ll lose his starting job at some point this season to Brian Williams, who was recently signed after being cut by the Jaguars and who also played under head coach Mike Smith in Jacksonville. Tye Hill will push for playing time as well after being acquired via trade with the Rams in August. At safety, Erik Coleman is a solid leader and was the Falcons most consistent defensive back last season, although he has a tough task in helping first year starter Thomas DeCoud, who looked shaky in preseason. DeCoud may eventually be challenged by second round pick William Moore.
Outlook: Something that wasn’t talked about above is how underrated the Falcons’ offensive line is. The unit exceeded expectations last year and returns all five starters, led by its interior of Harvey Dahl, Todd McClure and Justin Blalock. Intriguing prospect Sam Baker and steady Tyson Clabo form a nice duo at the tackle positions. Atlanta’s defense holds the key to whether or not this team finally halts its embarrassing streak of never having back-to-back winning seasons in the history of the franchise. The Falcons are faster and more athletic on the defensive side of the ball, but young players Curtis Lofton, Stephen Nicholas and Peria Jerry must step up so that defensive end John Abraham doesn’t have to carry this unit on his own. The addition of Mike Peterson (who knows Smith’s defense) will help, but the Falcons want more out of end Jamaal Anderson, who is walking the line of potentially being a first round bust. Anderson will be aided by the addition of Jerry, as well as Jonathan Babineaux, who doesn’t get enough credit for how productive he is from his tackle position.
Opposing teams are going to have to score to beat the Falcons this season, but will Atlanta’s defense allow as many points as the offense generates? The sky is the limit for this team in 2009, but Smith has to iron out the issues on the defensive side of the ball before the Falcons can take the next step.
2009 Prediction: Second, NFC South.
