2008 Atlanta Falcons NFL Predictions

By drafting quarterback Matt Ryan with their first overall draft choice, the Falcons are looking to put the Michael Vick era behind them with a new face for the franchise. After a 4-12 season, it's going to take some noticeable improvements to boost the morale of this franchise. Find out how much Jimmy Boyd sees this season shaking out for the Dirty Birds in his 2008 Atlanta Falcons predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

GM Thomas Dimitroff has expressed concerns about thrusting young QB's into action too soon into unfavorable situations. He feels that it's a good way to ruin them. David Carr and Joey Harrington are two good examples if you ask me. The Falcons may not have the luxury of waiting until he is ready as they have already been pitching the new face of their franchise to boost season ticket sales. If he is the starter in week 1, a conservative offensive approach should minimize his pitfalls.

Atlanta has had a strong running game in recent years and it will be the strongest part of its offense again in 2008. Running back Michael Turner gives the Falcons a punishing runner with speed. He was phenomenal in a backup role behind L.T. in San Diego, but he has never been a starter in the NFL before so we will have to see how he holds up over the course of the season.

Roddy White is the number one option at receiver and he was about the only bright spot on the offense last season. He caught 83 balls for 1,202 yards and six touchdowns a season ago. Second-year wide receiver Laurent Robinson is another talented player who could blossom this year.

Veteran center Todd McClure and veteran right guard Kynan Forney anchor an unsettled offensive line with plenty of holes.

Defense

The Falcons may have went with LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, had he still been on the board, to become the cornerstone of their defense. Instead, they went in a completely different direction, which leaves the defensive tackle problems unsolved.

The Falcons took Oklahoma's Curtis Lofton in the second round to take over the middle linebacker spot. Now, Keith Brooking can move to his natural spot on the weak side. I expect Brooking to flourish after three seasons of playing out of position. Strong side linebacker Michael Boley is very versatile. He can rush the passer and drop in coverage effectively.

The secondary is a big area of concern with the loss of DeAngelo Hall. Strong safety Lawyer Milloy will be counted on to lead the crew. Rookie Chevis Jackson could take over Hall's left corner spot.

Special Teams

Place kicker Jason Elam will likely be Atlanta's best scoring option this season as the offense doesn't show much potential and punter Michael Koenen could be the busiest punter in the league.

Prediction – 4th NFC South

The loss of go-to tight end Alge Crumpler, and the loss of lockdown corner DeAngelo Hall add insult to injury for the Falcons. If Ryan gets the nod out of the gate, it's going to be a rough ride. The Falcons will be at the bottom of the barrel in the NFC South again.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's NFL predictions to see how he likes each of the eight NFL divisions to shape up. Make betting Jimmy's NFL picks a priority this season and watch you bankroll skyrocket as we consistently pick apart the NFL odds.

Check out the official site of the Atlanta Falcons and for more great sites on the team check out these fan sites:

• The Falcoholic - a tall, dark and unofficial Atlanta Falcons blog.
• Falc Fans - a fan site with the latest on the Atlanta Falcons.

June 19th, 2008