Dec 16, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) stiff-arms New York Giants defensive back Will Hill (31) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Jacquizz Rodgers was a surprising addition to the Falcons for the 2011 season.  In 2012, he provided a great range of abilities.  We saw him run over and outrun defenders and we saw him catch a surprising amount of passes for a second-string running back.  After Turner stopped producing as well as Atlanta would have hoped, we started seeing a lot more from Quizz.  What is most surprising, however, is his pass-catching ability.  Watching a 5’6” guy jump over a defender (or run underneath) to make catch after catch game in and game out is an amazing sight.  Hell, He had more receiving yards than Harry Douglas.  Both of them were targeted 59 times and he came down with the ball significantly more.  Atlanta basically has two slot receivers, and one doubles as a pretty good running back as well.  Even to the point that after a poor running game from Turner the past year, fans wanted the Falcons to look to Rodgers for their new first string runner.

Last year, Rodgers had 94 rushes and 362 yards for 3.9 yards per carry.  That’s not too bad for a second year back, especially for a fifth round pick.  He’s progressing well as a running back.  But 53 catches and 407 yards on 59 targets shows a VERY reliable receiver as well. He’s just another great target for Matt Ryan.

He’s improving every year, but I don’t think he’ll have as many carries this year being behind Steven Jackson.  He’ll probably watch a little more while getting on the field to carry the load and to catch a few passes.  He’ll be able to showcase his playmaking abilities even though his stats may not show it.

I would look to see Rodgers to have a season like this: 75 carries with 300 yards at 4 yards per carry.  He’ll shine even brighter as a receiver with 70 receptions with 550 yards.

I also predict seeing him run over a guy twice his size fifteen different times.  This guy is a beast.

Thoughts?

Oct 16, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; St. Louis running back Steven Jackson (39) attempts to evade Green Bay Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop (55) after Jackson caught a pass from Rams quarterback Sam Bradford during the second half of the game at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Rams 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, we looked at how Steven Jackson may perform in the 2013 season, but we only looked at his rushing ability.  As we all know, Steven Jackson is a very versatile back.  Not only is he fast, he’s powerful.  Not only can he run, he can catch with some of the best hands a back in the NFL has.  Today, we’ll look at receiving.  Let’s see what he did with the Rams last year:

38 Receptions with 321 yards at 8.4 yards per catch.  That’s exceptional for a running back.  Something interesting to keep in mind is Jacquizz Rodgers had 53 receptions for 402 yards.  Both Rodgers and Jackson are also great at picking up the blitz in pass blocking.  In all reality, when looking at the intangibles, the Quizz is just a short SJAX.

Atlanta loves to throw to their running back if he can catch it.  Jacquizz sometimes seemed more like a slot receiver than a running back.  Jackson can supply that versatility alongside Rodgers and I’m willing to bet we see a lot more passing to Jackson than he has ever had, maybe even more than his 2006 season where he had 90 passes and 806 yards.  Defenses won’t know what to expect when Jackson is on the field.  He could block, he could go catch a pass, he could run it up the middle, and he could run it outside.  If given the right opportunity, Jackson could be outstanding for the Falcons this coming year, especially in the passing department.

With a better quarterback, Jackson will be able to catch more passes.  With a pass happy team, he’ll be able to really show his awesome catching ability.  Jackson will absolutely and unequivocally thrive in this offense.  He seems like the most complete answer Atlanta could have picked up this off-season.  I’m predicting a ground-breaking season like this:

80 catches, 750 yards at 9.4 yards per catch.  I believe that Steven Jackson will have the kind of season that makes fans love him as much as they love Tony Gonzalez.  In two years, when his contract is up, fans will be begging him to come back for a few more seasons.  It may sound like I’m being optimistic, and I may be, but I believe that Steven Jackson’s skill sets are a perfect match for Atlanta.  He’ll be able to do things here that he may not be able to do on other teams.  I’m very excited to see him play in the red and black.

What do you think Steven Jackson will do for the Passing game?  Am I right, or just hopeful?

Even though we are still 4 months away from the 2013 season getting underwait’s never too early to predict how well the Atlanta Falcons will do next year starting with the first half of the season.

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints

The dirty birds begin their 2013 season on the road and even more interesting, against the rival Saints. Sean Payton will be returning to coach the Saints making this game a little bit unpredictable. I see both teams playing to prove they’re the top dog in the NFC South but this will be the first game back after a very disappointing loss last year in the NFC Championship game for Atlanta. So I have to give the edge to the Falcons it will be a fun game to watch but I think Atlanta takes it 28-24 WIN

St. Louis Rams @ Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta will get their home opener in week 2 but whats more important than that is they will raise their NFC South Championship banner before the game. The biggest story however will be Steven Jackson playing against his former team. Look for Jackson to have a huge impact in this game even though it wasn’t a messy break for either side Steven Jackson will work extra hard in this game to beat his former team. Atlanta will have a strong game against the Rams taking the victory 27-13. WIN

Atlanta Falcons @ Miami Dolphins

Miami has made a ton of noise this offseason and has really improved their roster. The experience of Matt Ryan will be the difference maker in this game though if you ask me. I do see Mike Wallace having a big game though which will make it close but Atlanta wins 24-17 WIN

New England Patriots @ Atlanta Falcons

Prime time begins in week 4 against the always dangerous Patriots.Tom Brady vs Matt Ryan, Present vs Future. A huge game for the Falcons and if Atlanta wants to win they are going to have to have a great game offensively. Atlanta wont win this game if they don’t pressure Brady and I don’t see this happening therefore I have to give this game to New England 31-21 LOSS

New York Jets @ Atlanta Falcons

Back to back home games meet back to back prime time game for the Georgia Dome in week 5. Jets are a somewhat broken team and they have to come across an Atlanta team who just played one of the best teams in the NFL a week earlier. It all spells out a butt whooping for the Jets. I see this being the game that pushes Sanchez out as the starter we might even see Geno at some point in this game but it will be all about Atlanta winning 31-10. WIN

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons

This is a game I could have seen being harder to pick if the circumstances were not so much in the Dirty Birds Favor. Atlanta will play this game in week 7 following their bye week, t will also be 4 weeks since the team has had to travel away from the Georgia Dome. It makes this game a no brainer, Atlanta will show their dominance even if the “good” Buccaneers team shows up for this one. The Falcons take control early and finish strong beating the Bucs 27-17 WIN

Atlanta Falcons @ Arizona Cardinals

The Falcons take flight after a month at home to take on the Cardinals. Matt Ryan had his worst two games last season against the Cardinals and against Carson Palmer.Now that the two are together this does seem to be trouble for the Falcons but I think Matt Ryan makes adjustments and has a better game. I do see a close game here even though the Cardinals are nowhere near as good as Atlanta but I am gonna give Atlanta the fourth quarter victory    24-20. WIN

Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers

Atlanta will travel back east for back to back road games to finish the first half of the season. Cam Newton played great against the Falcons last year but Atlanta has spent time learning how to stop running QB’s this offseason, It all comes down to stopping Cam in this one. Matt will put up points but if Cam has his way with our defense again this year it is his game to win. I have to go with my gut and say the research in the offseason pays off enough to get the ‘W’ 28-24. WIN

The Atlanta Falcons have obviously a tougher schedule then last year but they are still arguably more talented than every team they face this season. I think every game will come down to the Falcons winning or the Falcons letting other teams beat them. No team in the first half of the season should be able to beat Atlanta if they play to their potential. At worst see a 5-3 record after 8 games but definitely there is the chance we see another 8-0 record this season. Only time will tell though.

Link to second half schedule predictions:  http://bloggingdirty.com/2013/05/20/atlanta-falcons-2nd-half-schedule-predictions/