Best Case Scenario for the Rest of the Offseason
May 29, 2013; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive back Thomas DeCoud (28) stretches during organized team activities at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sometimes on slow news days, I like to break out the hypotheticals. On top of that, I also like to be a little optimistic. So let’s look at the best case scenario would be for the Falcons for the rest of the Offseason.
As of right now, there is 87 days, 0 hours, 31 minutes and 33 seconds until the kickoff of the Falcons season. And there are a lot of things that could happen by then. But what are the best possible things that could take place, no matter how far of a reach they are?
Defense
The defense, despite how many yards were allowed, was actually pretty good last year in that they only allowed about 18 points per game ranking 4th in the league. However, there were still some major concerns about how Atlanta could blow a 17 point lead and miss going to the Super Bowl. One of those problems was in the pass rush.
What if John Abraham was able to forgive Atlanta for letting him go and resign for a couple million dollars? He already knows the defense and being a situational pass rusher paired with Osi would make the Defensive end position a lock.
What if Atlanta signed Richard Seymour to a two year deal for only a few million? In a great rotation, Seymour could stay rested and max out his productivity. The line would all of a sudden be a non issue.
Mike Nolan and Mike Smith have been in communication with Clemson University trying to figure out the best way to stop the option. Mike Nolan could get some great ideas while fixing some major schemes. The first option team that crosses Atlanta’s path could be in for a rude awakening when people like Akeem Dent (who would end up having a breakout season as a major middle linebacker) and Steven Nickolas (Who led the team in tackles last season) was all of a sudden swarming anyone with a ball.
I think the safeties are and Corners are a lock while Robert Alford, Robert McClain, Asante Samuel, and Desmond Trufant rotate in and out to stay as fresh as possible against some major passing threats.
If everything goes well, Atlanta could be a lean, mean, turnover machine.
Offense
I think the players on the offensive side of the ball are all set. I would love to see Mike Johnson step up and practice catching touchdowns a few times. Garret Reynolds would be an even bigger improvement than he was the short time he played in 2012, and Peter Konz shows off why many projected him to be the best center in the draft with a season under his belt and back at his most comfortable position.
Matt Ryan works on strength again and finds the ability to throw 60 yards touchdowns while Julio and Roddy drop almost no passes. Steven Jackson, who is already accredited for having the body of a 22-year-old, proves that there is no age wall with him. Also Harry Douglas never stutters again.
Overall, the one thing that could really keep the Falcons on top is if this little possibility happened:
NO INJURIES.
I obviously can’t predict zero injuries, every team has them, but if we are talking best case scenarios and being hypothetical, how awesome would this team be if no one ever got hurt?
What are your dream changes for the rest of the offseason?