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2016 Atlanta Falcons: Why they are Super Bowl Contenders

By Matt Karoly

Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) and quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrate the win over the Denver Broncos in the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) and quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrate the win over the Denver Broncos in the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; The crowd reacts after Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) returns an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; The crowd reacts after Atlanta Falcons cornerback Robert Alford (23) returns an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Turnover Differential

But even the most talent laden rosters can unravel due to boneheaded penalties or turnovers. If you ask anyone what the 2015 Falcons main problem was, they’d tell you it was turnovers.

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The numbers suggest it too. Atlanta ranked in the bottom third of the league last year in turnover margin at -7. Their 30 giveaways was the third highest figure surrendered during the 2015 season.

To put it into perspective, 11 of the 12 playoff representatives from a year ago had a positive turnover differential. Ironically enough, the team that didn’t was the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos.

The Falcons, however, still do not have the type of defense that can bail them out of such a hole. The 2016 Falcons have done a better job taking care of the ball, currently sitting at sixth in the NFL in that department with a +3 differential.

While the team only has six takeaways through five games, the 2016 Falcons have made the most of those opportunities. With the exception of Robert Alford’s second interception in week 4 which ultimately ended the game, Atlanta has converted the remaining takeaways into ensuing touchdowns. That is the mark of a successful football team, and one that should definitely be considered a Super Bowl contender.

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