RSS Feed
Twitter
Michael Daniels Under 
Tags: The last 3 years for the Atlanta Falcons have been a roller coaster ride like no other in the NFL. After having the most exciting player in the game, Michael Vick, for so many years, the Falcons are looking to move forward with QB sensation Matt Ryan.
Matt Ryan, for one, was a more than competent rookie quarterback, and lived up to the hype cast upon any number one draft pick. Roddy White was a third year wide receiver who was continually improving his trade, and finally had the breakout season that so many had predicted. Additionally, the critical signing of Michael Turner gave a huge boost to this team’s offense. Turner was one of the best running backs in football last season, besting 1700 yards and 1700 touchdowns. This didn’t surprise me much, since he was coming from San Diego, where he learned from Ladainian Tomlinson.
All of this led to a playoff berth for the Falcons, their first since the days of Michael Vick. With an acquisition of Tony Gonzalez in the off-season, things looked even better in 2009 than they did in 2008.
The Falcons got to work quickly in week 1, easily beating the Miami Dolphins, winners of the AFC East last year. The team was dealt an equally challenging opponent in week 2 in the Carolina Panthers, winners of the NFC South last year.
RB Michael Turner will have a huge role in the Falcons success this year again without question. Turner had a monster season in 08′ playing all 16 games with nearly 1,700 yards, 17 touchdowns, and averaged 6.8 yards per touch. Matt Ryan has a good assortment of targets to choose from – TE Tony Gonzalez, WR Roddy White, and WR Michael Jenkins also.
If Matt Ryan stays healthy and protected, distributes the ball efficiently and limits turnovers – the Falcons may see post season action for the second year in a row and contend in the NFC. No one thought the Arizona Cardinals would make the Super Bowl – 09′ can be the year for the Falcons.
Get involved with the latest discussions on the Atlanta Falcons message board at RootZoo, and make sure to play their free free NFL pickem game.
