Key Additions: C Alex Mack, WR Mohamed Sanu, TE Austin Hooper, DT Grady Jarrett, S Keanu Neal
Key Subtractions: WR Roddy White, OT Jake Long, DE/OLB O’Brien Schofield, DT Paul Soliai, OLB Justin Durant, S William Moore.
Strengths
The Falcons only finished 18th in the NFL with 100.7 rushing yards per game last season, but the ground game could be one of the team’s big strengths this year. Devonta Freeman was a breakout dual-threat star before fading a bit down the stretch, and Tevin Coleman showed flashes in an otherwise disappointing rookie season.
That running back platoon should have a very good line blocking for them, with left tackle Jake Matthews set to take yet another leap toward stardom and excellent run-blocking center Alex Mack now anchoring the line.
And of course, superstar receiver Julio Jones should continue to almost singlehandedly prop up a Falcons passing game that remains short of options even with the addition of Mohamed Sanu. Jones led the NFL last season with 1,871 receiving yards, edging out rival Antonio Brown.
Weaknesses
The Falcons started out 5-0 last season but crashed to just 3-8 the rest of the way. A big reason for this collapse was complete decline of Roddy White and the absence of a dependable receiving option for quarterback Matt Ryan apart from Jones. The team tried to address this big weakness with the addition of Sanu and rookie tight end Austin Hooper. However, it remains to be seen just how quickly – and how consistently – those newcomers can contribute.
It also remains to be seen whether head coach Dan Quinn can finally solve the team’s complete lack of a pass rush, which is a major factor in their defense’s inconsistency. The Falcons were dead last in the league with just 19 sacks last season.
Key Player – Matt Ryan
Jones is undoubtedly the Falcons’ best player, but Ryan is going to be their most important. The 31-year-old quarterback has some questions to answer after last season’s disappointing performances. Ryan threw for just 21 touchdowns (his lowest total since his rookie year) and had 16 interceptions, with some coming in very bad situations.
The Falcons will need Ryan to bounce back from his poor season if they are to contend with the Carolina Panthers this year. Atlanta is priced at +475 to win the NFC South.
Key Game – at Carolina (Dec. 24)
The Falcons’ Christmas wish will likely be to get some revenge on the Carolina Panthers, whom they visit on Christmas Eve. The last meeting between the two didn’t go too well for Atlanta, as they were shut out in a 38-0 laugher. If the Falcons’ NFC South title hopes this season are for real, this visit to Carolina will most likely be critical to the division race.
2015 Team Stats
Category
Stat (Rank)
Points per game
21.2 (#21)
Passing yards per game
273.7 (#6)
Rushing yards per game
100.7 (#18)
Scoring defense
21.6 (#14)
Writer’s Prediction
The Falcons defense takes a step forward as they go 9-7, over their 7.5 over/under wins.
