2009 NFL Preview: Atlanta Falcons

By JFein:

Last year, the Atlanta Falcons were a big surprise team, qualifying for the playoffs when nobody thought that they had a chance only to be surprised themselves in the first round of the playoffs when they lost to the future NFC Champion, Arizona Cardinals. This year, the Falcons look to repeat as NFC South champions and make a return trip to the post-season. and if you ask me, I say they have a darn good chance of that happening.

The Return of Matty Ice: Matt Ryan is returning for his 2nd NFL year and 2nd year as the QB for the Atlanta Falcons. Essentially the replacement for Michael Vick, Matt Ryan showed his stuff last year and went from being booed at the draft by Falcon fans to being one of the faces of the franchise that everyone loved in Hot-lanta. This year, assuming he stays away from injury, it is thought that he can only be better than last year. But at the same time, one has to beware of the sophomore slump....

Michael Turner The Burner: Michael Turner has been exactly that for the Falcons, putting up career numbers last season. And while we are talking about a different situation, for the Falcons sake, they are certainly hopeful that he does not come down with Ryan Grant Syndrome. But like I said, it was a different situation and he showed what he can do in San Diego, so we should not be surprised that he did so well last year for the Dirty Birds.

Falcon Wideouts: Troy Bergeron of the Georgia Force is an Atlanta Falcon? Holy cow. Onto the more meaningful receivers for this team, while they do not have one huge name, last year they were really solid as a unit, from Roddy White to Michael Jenkins to Brian Finneran. The Falcons are a dangerous team all around offensively, and with a defense that can get the job done, this team can be tough to beat.

Schedule: Even though they have a rather easy division, the Atlanta Falcons are not getting cut any breaks by playing both the NFC East and AFC East this year, as well as the improved Bears and 49ers. Oh, and you might want to mark the date on December 6. Michael Vick returns to the Georgia Dome.

Video: Matt Ryan highlights to the song "Leave The Memories Alone" by Fuel



Prediction: 11-5, 1st place NFC South. 49er16 and I disagree on this one. Even at 11-5, I think that this race is even going to be close. Jake Delhomme is way too much of a hindrance for the Panthers (I don't even have them in 2nd), the Saints are too one dimensional with Brees (not to mention Reggie Bush is pretty much a bust), and the Bucs, well, they'll completely suck this year.