Falcons Gameday!

The Atlanta Falcons open up the 2009 season at home versus the other miracle team from 2008 in the Miami Dolphins. The game will feature the rookie of the year and coach of the year in Matt Ryan and Mike Smith. The wildcat running pass rushing madmen in the Miami Dolphins will be a strong challenge for a young defense but never fear Falcons faithful the Dirty Bird is here to guide you though what to watch for in week one.

The Place: The Georgia Dome.

The Time: 1:00 EST (10:00 for weirdos like me out west)

Who to watch for (Falcons)

 Matt Ryan: Started out his first 5 games sort of slow last year and a key to this game will be making key throws in key situations to keep those chains a movin’.

 Michael Turner: The burner is a monster and after carrying the ball 373 times his work load will be reduced to keep him fresh, enter Jerious Norwood who is nursing a minor knee injury to be the switch up ball carrier and give Turner the rest he needs.

 The Falcons D: Brent Grimes and Chris Houston that feeling on your ass is the hot seat! Tye Hill and Brian Williams were both signed in the last 10 days to upgrade a leaky secondary that at this point is the most glaring hole on the team. Brian VanGorder the Falcons defensive coordinator will have his work cut out for him with the Dolphins rushing attack that has such strong weapons.  

Who to watch (Dolphins)

  Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams: The wildcat enters it’s second second and this could be it’s make or break season. Will the defensive coordinators of the NFL have figured it out enough to render it a passing fad like new Coke or a sober Lindsey Lohan. I like these two and I think they will have a good season, the question is can the Falcons run defense keep them in check?

  Chad Pennington: A very immobile QB should have Falcons pass rushing specialist John Abraham licking is chops and if the Falcons can keep that guy looking behind his back it could allow for easy interceptions all day long. If he can sit back in the pocket it could be a long day.

 The Dolphins D: Good lord this team has a lot of pass rushers! I would be scared if I were Matt Ryan but the Falcons offensive line should keep the pain to a minimum.

The Outcome: C’mon this is a FALCONS blog and you know I say that the birds win it.

               I see the final score at 34-27.