Steven Jackson: Falcons were ‘drunk’ off team’s success

Dec 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Drayton Florence (29) hits Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) causing an incomplete pass during the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Jackson is ready for the Falcons to get over their hangover.

The Falcons top running back wrote on his blog Thursday that the Falcons were too caught up with the intoxication that was the previous year’s season that ended in the NFC Championship game:

"“We were probably a little drunk off the team’s success the year before, to be honest. We just assumed that things would work out like they did the years prior, and they didn’t. So now that we’ve had a piece of humble pie, we’re going to come back hungrier and more determined than ever. I’d say we have a really good chance of making the playoffs, if not more.”"

He said that 2013 was a wakeup call for him, and conceded that he has to work harder to get better, not simply suit up.

"“But to have it happen to me after thinking that I was going to change my fortune by changing area codes — well, that goes to show that you can never assume things are going to be easy. Each and every year presents new challenges no matter what uniform you have on, or what city you represent.”"

Jackson said a healthy Falcons team was also key to success, in particular citing the injuries to all-world receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White. Jackson also lost playing time due to injury last year.

The former St. Louis Ram said he has spent his offseason back home in Las Vegas training, even adding meditation to his regimen.

His renewed focus can be part of the perfect hangover cure. Add a healthy Jones and White, a first-round left tackle in Jake Matthews, and solid back-up running backs in Jacquizz Rogers and fourth-round pick Devonta Freeman, and Matt Ryan should have the tools on offense to make 2013’s 4-12 campaign look like an anomaly.

Jackson and the rest of the Falcons are scheduled to start OTAs on Tuesday. To read more of Steven Jackson’s blog, visit http://www.sj39.com/