Atlanta Falcons 2009 Prediction and preview

Last Season -

If there was anything that we learned from the NFL last season, it was that Matt Ryan has all the ingredients to be a superstar. The young quarterback took over the starting role in his rookie campaign and looked like a veteran the entire season. Ryan threw for 3,440 yards and 16 touchdowns to help improve the Falcons offense. Atlanta jumped from being ranked 23rd in the NFL in total offense to 6th in the NFL last season averaging 361 yards per game. However as important as Ryan changed the passing attack, it may not have been near as important as Michael Turner posted just shy of 1700 yards on the season only behind Adrian Peterson to be 2nd best in the league. Behind the legs of Turner, Atlanta was 2nd best in the NFL in rushing offense which also was a big improvement. However, the Falcons had the problems on the defensive side of the ball. The defensive unit allowed nearly 350 yards per game which ranked in the bottom half of the NFL. The secondary received a lot of the blame with their inability to stop teams from converting 3rd downs and will be an area of interest heading into the new season. We look forward to seeing how Ryan will respond in his sophomore season and to see if the defense can find any way to compliment the offense.

Off Season -

Atlanta did a nice job of re-signing some of the big guys that opened up holes for Michael Turner last year. Tyson Clabo and Harvey Dahl both had big seasons among the offensive front. Both players signed 1 year deals and they could be in similar situation again at the end of the season. Atlanta lost some guys on the defensive side of the ball that may take a toll. CB Dominique Foxworth had a great season in Atlanta, but signed a 4 year deal with Baltimore. Atlanta made perhaps the biggest moves of the off season when the Falcons were able to land TE Tony Gonzalez from Kansas City. Gonzalez is getting up there in age, but put together a solid season for the Chiefs eclipsing the 1,000 yard barrier in that weak offense last year. After those transactions were completed, the Falcons only had one focus left during the draft and that was solely on the defensive side of the ball. The Falcons first 5 selections were all defensive players in attempt to find some emerging playmakers. Atlanta drafted Peria Jerry out of Mississippi with the number 24 overall selection. Jerry is not as big as normal defensive tackles, but makes up for it with quickness. However, the Falcons could have made a better first round pick. The Falcons selected defensive back William Moore in the 2nd round. Moore is a former Missouri standout that could likely be placed at the free safety position considering there is nobody to backup current starter Erik Coleman. Atlanta strives to improve the defense continued with draft picks CB Christopher Owens, DE Laurence Sidbury, and CB William Middleton. It is safe to say that the Falcons wanted to add some depth to the secondary which was a main area of focus. The Falcons did a great job filling their needs over the off-season, but now we will see if they have the right players to do the job.

2009 Preview -

It will be very interesting to see if Matt Ryan can continue his surprising play from his rookie season. Tony Gonzalez should really make an impact on the offense mainly because he should be able to take a lot of focus off Roddy White. Defenses narrowed down on White last season as he was the only true consistent threat to make plays catching the football. The addition of Gonzalez may impact the team a lot more than many would expect. However, we still have to question the defense. The Falcons added a lot of young guys in the secondary, but nobody in particular jumps out that would make an immediate change. Also the Falcons lost linebackers Michael Boley and Keith Brooking after last season. The Falcons are very thin at the LB position and that has to be a concern.

Checkout Bangthebook.com for all your football betting needs and free nfl picks and now onto our 2009 Prediction -

The NFC South has historically been a wide open division that has been difficult to predict and this year will be no different. New Orleans should be better and Carolina is usually solid. The Falcons should expect the offense to be strong, but we are not so sure Ryan will be as impressive. The main focus that will be holding the team back will be the defense. Not only is the secondary bad, but now they are even worse at the linebacker position and we don’t see how anything is going to get better on that side of the ball.

Pick - Tied for 2nd in NFC South (9-7 overall)