Atlanta Falcons: Best receiving game in the NFL?

The Atlanta Falcons have the best receiving game according to Matthew Tabeek of the team’s official website, but he thinks they could be even better in 2017

In 2016 the Atlanta Falcons had one of the best receiving games in the league thanks to the work of NFL MVP quarterback Matt Ryan and his star-studded cast led by All-World wide receiver Julio Jones. Ryan went for career highs in completion percentage (69.9), yards (4,944) and touchdowns (38). He was also more efficient than ever before as he had a career low with just seven interceptions.

The key to his success was the rapport he built with his pass catchers. Jones was good as always, but he actually saw his catch totals drop in 2016. That would be thanks to the addition of Mohamed Sanu and Taylor Gabriel, two players who performed much better than expected in their first season with the team. There were also more passes delivered to running backs as both Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman have proven to excel in that area.

Now on the heels of that success, Matthew Tabeek of AtlantaFalcons.com thinks they could be even better in 2017.

"“The Falcons have the quarterback, proven weapons, depth, balance and coaching. The one key to every successful season not listed? Health. Injuries, unfortunately, are unavoidable and part of the game.’ — Tabeek"

Not only does Tabeek like the fact that all the players are returning, but he also believes those guys — Ryan especially — will be motivated by their Super Bowl loss to be even better this season.

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Ryan seemed to really thrive in his second season under offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. With him taking the head coaching gig in San Francisco there may be some concern about how Ryan will adapt. However, new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian plans to run a similar scheme with just a few new wrinkles added. The Falcons offense was already exciting last season. They could be even more so in 2017.