NFL Team-By-Team Previews - Atlanta Falcons

Record: 11-5 (2nd NFC South)

Best Game: Week 12 Vs. Carolina - 45-28
Beating the eventual division champ was good enough, but a true testament to this team's gritty desire is seen if you look at the numbers. Carolina had more yards passing and rushing and fewer turnovers, but what they didn't have was an answer for Michael "Burner" Turner. Turner had three rushing TDs in the 4th period, and the Falcons added another impressive win to their playoff run.

Worst Game: Week 2 @ Tampa Bay - 9-24
In a rare terrible all-around performance by the dirty birds, Matt Ryan went 13-33 with two INTs, the O-Line gave up four sacks, and the offense never could find the endzone. The Falcons had eight penalties for 60 yards, and the offense finished with a total of 234 total yards. Against a team like the Buccaneers, you would've expected a better performance.

MVP: Michael Turner
Turner was nothing short of exciting in his first season with a new team. Over the course of the season he amassed 376 rushes for 1,699 yards and 17 TDs. He recorded eight 100 yard games and had four multiple-TD games en route to his first Pro Bowl. He also had two games with over 200 yards rushing. This team still would have competed, but would probably not have made the playoffs without "The Burner".

The Offseason

Significant Losses:
- Keith Brooking - LB - Declared Free Agent February 27
Brooking had a solid season w/ the Falcons last season, piling up 102 tackles. It was his 8th straight season with at least 100 tackles, and the current Cowboy will surely be missed.

- Harry Douglas - WR - Placed on IR August 6
The former Louisville Cardinal has all the potential in the world, but the NFL will have to wait another season to see it. He was carted off the field with a knee injury in the fifth day of training camp and will be sidelined the rest of the season.

- Michael Boley - LB - Declared Free Agent Frebruary 27
Boley is another solid LB to leave the Falcons over the offseason. He wasn't flashy, but he was a solid tackler who had 9 passes defensed last season.

Significant Additions:

- Tony Gonzalez - WR - Traded for April 23 for 2010 2nd round pick
Gonzalez is exactly what Matty Ice needs to keep improving. He's a beast at TE, and amassed 96 receptions for over 1,000 yards and 10 TDs last season.

- Jamie Winborn - LB - Signed August 1
Winborn spent 2008 with the Panthers. He very quietly had 99 tackles and 11 Passes Defensed last season. He'll be a fine replacement for Boley.

- Mike Peterson - LB - Signed March 10
Peterson had a good season for Jacksonville last year, ending with 84 tackles and a sack. He's not Brooking, but some feel he's on par with him.

Draft Picks:
Round 1, Pick 24: Peria Jerry - DT - Mississippi
Round 2, Pick 23: William Moore - S - Missouri
Round 3, Pick 26: Christopher Owens - CB - San Jose State
Round 4, Pick 25: Lawrence Sidbury, Jr. - DE - Richmond
Round 5, Pick 2: William Middleton - CB - Furman
Round 5, Pick 20: Garrett Reynolds - OT - North Carolina
Round 6, Pick 3: Spencer Adkins - LB - Miami
Round 7, Pick 1: Vance Walker - DT - Georgia Tech

Draft Grade: B-
I love what they did at the top with Jerry and Moore, and againt in the 4th round with Sidbury. I know they needed CB help, but I think both Owens and Middleton were stretches at best. Overall, they knew they needed help on defense, and their first five picks were used on that side of the ball. Not the greatest of drafts, but an effective one regardless.

Training Camp Report:

- Losing WR Douglas hurts -- bad.

- HC Smith said the Punt Returner battle should be a good one.

- LB Lofton and DT Lewis have missed some time in camp, but look to be healthy again.

- Marty Booker: "It's good to finally play with a pretty good quarterback."

- Everyone is glad to have WR Roddy White back in camp, though most wish he was back before he was.

- Newly acquired LB Peterson has looked good, and says the defense has the focus to succeed in 2009.

- K Jason Elam has looked solid as always.

- Rookie S William Moore is out 2-4 weeks.

- RB Turner looking solid. Making people miss and showing an extra gear in open field.

- Rookie Jerry is practicing with the 2nd team, with spots with 1st team.

- According to the first few live practices, turnovers will be a big factor for the defense this year.

- Brent Grimes has looked solid in camp.

2009 Outlook

Best Case Scenario:
Matty Ice takes a step forward, Roddy White continues to be a top 10 WR, Michael Turner proves he's for real and the Falcons contend for the NFC South title for a 2nd year in a row.

Worst Case Scenario:
Ryan has the dreaded Sophomore Slump and the defense struggles to mesh. The Falcons find themselves fighting for a .500 season.

Prediction: 11-5, 2nd NFC South