2008 NFL Preview > Atlanta Falcons Preview
2008 Atlanta Falcons Football Preview
Head Coach: Mike Smith
2007 Record: 4-12
Key Additions: OT Sam Baker, FS Erik Coleman, WR Harry Douglas, K Jason Elam, TE Ben Hartsock, LB Curtis Lofton, CB Chevis Jackson, QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner
Key Losses: DT Rod Coleman, FS Chris Crocker, TE Alge Crumpler, RB Warrick Dunn, OT Wayne Gandy, CB DeAngelo Hall, WR Joe Horn, OLB Demorrio Williams, S Jimmy Williams
2007 was nothing short of disastrous for Atlanta. Quarterback Michael Vick was arrested and sentenced to federal prison for his role in a dog fighting ring, leaving the club to rely on retread Joey Harrington at quarterback. Also, first year head coach Bobby Petrino resigned in the middle of the season and took the Arkansas Razorbacks head coaching job. Meanwhile, the Falcons were truly dirty birds on the field, winning only four games in one of the most turbulent seasons in franchise history. As a result, the Falcons hired Patriots director of college scouting Thomas Dimitroff as their general manager, and brought in Jaguars coordinator Mike Smith as the new head coach after Bill Parcells jilted them for Miami.
2008 Atlanta Falcons Offense:
The Falcons drafted Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan with the third overall pick and the former Golden Eagle has been named the starter for Week 1. Unfortunately for Ryan, he will be charged with turning around an offense that ranked 29 th in scoring last season. The acquisition of Michael Turner provides Atlanta with a talent at running back, but it remains to be seen whether the Falcons skimpy offensive line will be able to open up holes in the ground game or protect the quarterback. Dimitroff and Smith are hoping first round pick Sam Baker will help right away at left tackle. Receiver Roddy White may be Atlanta’s biggest weapon on offense. The former first round pick, who many had given up on, enjoyed a breakout season with 1200 yards and 6 touchdowns. These numbers are even more impressive when you consider that Joey Harrington was throwing to him. Alge Crumpler’s production will be missed this season, as it is unlikely starting tight end Ben Hartsock will be a major factor in the passing game.
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2008 Atlanta Falcons Defense:
Jamal Anderson was disappointing in his rookie season, failing to register a single sack in 16 starts. John Abraham is still a force of the edge at right end and tallied 10 quarterback takedowns last year. The interior of Atlanta’s defensive line is abysmal, leading many to speculate whether the Falcons might regret passing on Glenn Dorsey for Ryan. Rookie linebacker Curtis Lofton could be one of the steals of the draft and should start at middle linebacker for Atlanta. Standout linebacker Keith Brooking is one of the few veteran holdovers from prior years. Lawyer Milloy is expected to start again at strong safety in an otherwise inexperienced secondary that lost its best player in DeAngelo Hall. In total, the Falcons defense will probably be equally as bad as last year when they allowed nearly 26 points a game, and perhaps even worse due to its instability at cornerback.
2008 Atlanta Falcons Special Teams:
The kicking game should be much improved with the addition of Jason Elam. Jerious Norwood has blazing speed and may return kicks this season.
2008 Atlanta Falcons Expectations:
To be blunt, the Falcons are atrocious. They could be nearly as bad as last year’s Dolphins. It will be surprising if they are able to win four games this season.
2008 Atlanta Falcons Prediction: 4th place in the NFC South
By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer
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