The Atlanta Falcons will head into the 2010 season with one thing in mind, win the NFC South. The Falcons battled through a lot of injuries to key players in 2009, but still managed to finish the season 9-7. I think there are a lot of people sleeping on the Falcons in 2010. They have a much easier schedule to manage this season, and have made some nice moves this offseason and should head into the season relatively healthy. Here is a quick look at the 2010 Atlanta Falcons, plus my prediction on where they finish in the NFC South.
Offense:
The Falcons have one of the premier quarterbacks in the league in Matt Ryan, who is entering just his third season in the NFL. Ryan played like a veteran in 2009, throwing for 2,916 yards with 22 touchdowns to just 14 interceptions. Watch out for a monster season from Ryan in 2010.
The Falcons will need running backs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood to stay healthy in 2010. Turner was out for five games in 2009, while Norwood missed six games. When healthy these two backs form a great 1-2 punch and a running duo that can have the Falcons near the top of the NFL in rushing.
No big changes on the outside for the Falcons. Roddy White has emerged into one of the top receivers in the game, and is coming off a 85 catch season for 1,153 yards and 11 scores. The Falcons would like to see more out of No.2 receiver Michael Jenkins this season, especially with all the attention White and tight end Tony Gonzalez get from opposing teams defensive backs.
The offensive line remains intact heading into the 2010 season, and the only player to miss more than two games on the line was right guard Harvey Dahl. The Falcons are very solid at the two tackle positions with Sam Baker and Tyson Clabo. With veteran center Todd McClure the only starter with more than four years of experience, this unit should just keep getting better and better over the next few seasons.
Defense:
The Falcons are hoping that they will get a full season out of defensive tackle Peria Jerry this season, as Jerry played in just two games in 2009 before tearing his ACL. Jerry has the ability to really make a big impact on the defense if he is able to come in healthy and ready to go. and Jonathan Babineaux is penciled in as the other starter, while Thomas Johnson will either be used as a backup or starter if Jerry isn't ready. The Falcons have to be hoping that with improved play in the middle, veteran defensive end John Abraham will be able to jump that sack total back up in 2010. Abraham went from 16.5 sacks in 2008 to just 5.5 in 2009. Kroy Biermann, Jamaal Anderson, and Chauncey Davis will compete for the other starting end spot in training camp.
The Falcons used their first round pick on outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, and they believe this kid is going to be a star in this league for years to come. Curtis Lofton is stapled in as the starter at middle linebacker, and Mike Peterson and Stephen Nicholas are both back at the two outside spots, but don't be surprised if Weatherspoon ends up starting for Nicholas.
The Falcons were not good against the pass last season, as they finished the year 28th in pass defense. They added corner Dunta Robinson this offseason, and he should instantly make this group better. Brian Williams entered the 2009 season as one of the starters at corner, but is coming off an ACL tear, so it could end up being Brent Grimes, who started nine games in 2009. No changes were made at safety, as free safety Thomas DeCloud and free safety Erik Coleman are both back.
Prediction - 2nd NFC South: I still have this team finishing behind the Saints, but I would not be surprised at all if this team surpassed my expectations and won the division in 2010. Without question they need a big season out of Turner if they are going to win the division. Easily could see this team winning 10-11 games in 2010.
For a complete look at the upcoming season, be sure to check out our 2010 NFL predictions. If you plan on betting the NFL this season, be sure to check out our live NFL odds page each and every week!
