2009 NFL Football Preview - Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons got it right this time with the coaching hire. Instead of a glitzy college coach (Bobby Petrino) who was swimming in water too deep with his style of coaching (NFL players), the Falcons went after a fairly unknown coach, picking up Jacksonville defensive coordinator Mike Smith. Add in rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, who started every game, and the Falcons went from a 4-12 laughingstock to 11-5 and the top wild-card. Before getting your hopes up about continued progress for this team, be aware that Atlanta has NEVER posted consecutive winning seasons in its 43-year existance. Optimists believe that slick GM Thomas Dimitroff and Smith have impacted the franchise in such a positive way that losing is no longer an option. OC Mike Mularkey installed a power running game while using a vertical attack that favored taking shots downfield. Ex-Charger backup Michael Turner was second in the league in rushing and helped Atlanta to a 9-0 record when he ran for at least 96 yards. Only Dan Marino and Ben Roethlisberger have been comparable rookies to Ryan, who threw for 3,440 yards and only 11 interceptions. Add in tight end Tony Gonzalez, perhaps the best to ever play the position, and the pieces are there for another playoff run. |
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On the other side, Atlanta won six of its 11 games by a touchdown or less last fall and were incredibly fortunate to not lose many games to injury. Dimitroff went almost completely for defense in the draft. Smith prefers bulky D-tackles who can occupy blockers so that his linebackers can roam unharmed. Smith will run a basic 4-3, Cover-2 again - since they don't blitz much, the Falcons need to find help for DE John Abraham (16.5 sacks!).
ASK the bookie? - In the NFL, a team sneaks out of nowhere every once in awhile and has a great year. Will the Falcons be able to sustain after busting out in 2008? The Bookie doesn't think so, not with New Orleans and Carolina to contend with in the division and a road schedule where they might only be favored once or twice. Regression looks to be in the cards, especially if Ryan has any sort of sophomore slump. The Bookie will be looking for the Falcons to go UNDER 9, even at big juice, for a pretty big bet. It looks like 6-10 or 7-9 from here if the Falcons don't get as fortunate as they did in 2008.
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