Falcons on the way to consecutive winning seasons? I say yes!
OK, it is a bit funny to say consecutive winning seasons and have it be a big deal, but no other team in the NFL with such a history has NEVER had consecutive winning seasons. Well folks, I am here to say that will end this year folks.
Now, the naysayers say that the Falcons have a really hard schedule and that the NFC South is just too stacked and too tough to repeat as a playoff team but I say that talent and coaching can and will overcome scheduling issues and roster depth.
There are just a few things I want to go over here about this team coming into training camp and the 2009 season:
1. Mike Smith: No one in the NFC prepares his team better for his team’s opponent from week to week. Facing the Saints? Pressure Drew Brees and make him uncomfortable, let Reggie Bush run till his legs are ready to fall off and limit yards after the catch. We split with Saints last year and although they will have an improved D this year I truly believe that the Falcons will take both games from the ‘Aints this year!
2. Matt Ryan leads the offense: The rookie sensation returns for year two and he is only going to get better. An improved offense with the addition to Tony Gonzalez and what we are told an increased role for running back Jerious Norwood and look for fullback Ovie Mugelli to provide extra blocking and picking up those rogue run stoppers to open big running lanes and give Michael Turner bigger and longer gains which means more points and more wins in 2009.
3. The fans: The city of Atlanta rose to the occasion last year and the Georgia Dome will be deafening for the opposing teams. The Falcons went 7-1 last year at home and this year it will only get better. 8-0 at home is in reach and I think it will happen.
4. Defense: The most important part of football is the defense and the Falcons have a new defensive tackle in Peria Jerry to assimilate into the line and improve an already good run defense. Add in Curtis Lofton building on a strong rookie season and a secondary with more time to get used to playing together and I believe it makes for a more cohesive unit that is on it’s way to building what could be an elite squad in the very near future.