2011 NFL previews: Atlanta Falcons
When I look at the Atlanta Flacons and their offensive weapons, sometimes it is hard to remember that this is really a power running team. They will use their Offensive line to bully people, and RB Michael Turner to run the ball aggressively. With the new additions to the Offense, that cost them plenty, the Falcons seem to be in a win now mode.
On Offense QB Matt Ryan is going to be called upon to throw a lot more deep balls. If teams stack up their safeties to deal with Turner WR Roddy White and rookie Julio Jones may run right past them for big yardage. Let us not forget the Falcons still have TE Tony Gonzales, and this offense looks very potent.
The defense is strong up front, and DE John Abraham is coming off a monster season. The LB corps looks a lot better, especially after Sean Weateherspoon had a very big training camp. The secondary returns in tact, but they must step it up. The DB's all have big upside and this team will need them to produce.
The Falcons have a week eight bye, and the schedule is pretty tough from the get go. They begin at Chicago, and then get the Philadelphia Eagles at home. Then they are at Tampa Bay, and if this team can win those three games they will be off to a great start. I think right now that they win at least two of those games. Before the bye there are two more challenges, and two pretty winnable games.
After the bye I see four more very winnable games, and a couple of tough challenges. It is not going to be easy for the Falcons, but if they beat the teams they should and play everyone else tough they could easily be a 10 win team.
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