Atlanta Falcons News: Which players will exceed expectations in 2016?

Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) runs the ball in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Justin Hardy (16) runs the ball in the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Which five Atlanta Falcons players will exceed expectations this year? Should the Falcons sign Dwight Freeney? That and more in the Dirty Bird Daily.

Good morning, Falcons fans and happy Saturday! The weekend is here at long last, and we’re now just 15 away from the start of the regular season. It may sound like a lot, but it’s really not. If the season started right now at Week 1, September 11 (Falcons’ home opener vs. Buccaneers) would arrive at the equivalent of Week 16.

For now, sit back with your weekend coffee and enjoy these Falcons articles from around the internet.

Doing it the Hardy way: Falcons stress embracing special teams — Vaughn McClure of ESPN

If a young player can make it on special teams, they will lock down a roster spot. Justin Hardy was never in any great danger of being cut anyway, but he has been asked to play plenty on special teams already in his career, and embracing the role like he did helped him grow in confidence.

Why did the Falcons pass on Brandon Boykin? — Kathryn Morris of ATL All Day

The Falcons hosted cornerback Brandon Boykin for a workout this week but decided not to sign him at this time. Why did they pass on the corner? They are still in the hunt for a free agent at the position to add much needed depth to the secondary.

Should the Falcons sign Dwight Freeney? — Kathryn Morris of ATL All Day

One free agent the Falcons might not pass on is Dwight Freeney, the pass rusher who is still available on the market. Freeney is expected to be hosted for a visit by Atlanta in the near future, and the Falcons certainly can’t turn their nose up at a pass rusher, 36-years-old or not.

Next: Five ways Atlanta Super Bowl berth effects team

Five Falcons who will exceed expectations — Joe Soriano of NFL Spin Zone

Which Falcons will go far and beyond this season and exceed expectations? Joe Soriano from our friends at NFL Spin Zone has put together his top five. Well worth a read.