2011 Atlanta Falcons Predictions
The Atlanta Falcons have enjoyed three straight winning seasons, a first in the history of the franchise.
Last year, they won the division with a 13-3 record and earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC. But the home-field advantage they earned didn’t hold up as they were crushed 48-21 by eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay.
The next step is to win a playoff game, which is something the Falcons have failed to do while making postseason trips two of the last three years.
Offense: The Falcons ranked 16th in the NFL in total offense last season with 341.1 yards per game. They finished fifth in scoring with 25.9 points per game.
Quarterback Matt Ryan, who completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 3,705 yards with 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions, was selected to his first Pro Bowl team. There is a chance his numbers could be even better in 2011 if wide receiver Julio Jones lives up to the hype.
The former Alabama star possesses a rare blend of speed, power and athleticism. He has been brought in to stretch the field, which is something the Falcons didn’t do enough of last year. They ranked just 26th in the league with an average of 6.46 yards per pass attempt.
Roddy White is Ryan’s favorite target. He caught 115 passes for 1,389 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
Tight end Tony Gonzalez isn’t as explosive as he once was but is still a nice possession guy. He hauled in 70 passes for 656 yards and six scores in 2010.
The running game is led by Michael Turner, who bounced back from an injury-riddled season to rush for 1,371 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The offensive line was solid in 2010, allowing the third-fewest sacks in the league (23).
Defense: Last season, the Atlanta stop unit ranked 16th in the NFL in total defense with 332.4 yards allowed per game. It ranked fifth in scoring defense with only 18.0 points allowed per contest.
John Abraham, who is coming off a 13.0-sack campaign, anchors the defensive line. He has recorded 10 sacks or more three of the last four seasons.
Atlanta has struggled to find a quality performer opposite Abraham, but the search may be over now that Ray Edwards is in town. Edwards had 16.5 sacks for Minnesota the last two seasons while playing opposite Jared Allen.
The linebacking unit added some depth with third-round draft pick Akeem Dent. Curtis Lofton, who led the Falcons with 142 stops in 2010, is quickly becoming one of the best inside linebackers in the league.
Atlanta likes what it has in the secondary with cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson. Grimes tied for the team lead with five interceptions and made his first trip to the Pro Bowl last season.
The safety position isn’t quite as sound but strong safety William Moore did show some great potential last year.
Prediction: 2nd Place NFC South – I think it’s still a little too early to know for sure if Tampa Bay is for real, which means the NFC South will likely come down to Atlanta and New Orleans – the last two division winners. NFL odds makers have listed the Falcons at +120 to win the division.
Individual Team NFL Season Predictions
