Atlanta Falcons

Dale Zanine-USA Today Sports There is certainly an art to the way that the Atlanta Falcons have pulled out so many games they had no business winning over the past few years. A quarterback like Matt Ryan, in his short career already establishing himself as an all-time great late-game player, tends to tip the scales almost single-handedly towards your team when it goes down to the wire. Including the incredible comeback to kick a game-winning field goal that led Atlanta past the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round of the 2013 NFL postseason, eight of the Falcons’ 14 wins came by one score or less while many involved pulling victory out of the jaws of defeat. Unlike in Ryan’s first playoff win, there were a few contests during the regular season, like in an early win against the Carolina Panthers, that just left you tipping your cap to Hotlanta for pulling another one out somehow, someway. This may turn out to be much tougher down the stretch in the Falcons’ 2013 regular season schedule. Starting Week 10, Atlanta closes out three division champs: at Green Bay Packers, vs. Washington Redskins and at San Francisco 49ers. This stretch also includes teams with very reasonable Super Bowl aspirations in the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints. The only chance they might have to breathe a little here is probably Week 13 at the Buffalo Bills, with at Tampa Bay Buccaneers and closing vs. the Carolina Panthers — who hammered Atlanta down the stretch last year — both providing sneaky-difficult matchups. The overall improvement of the NFC South will also play a major role in requiring Atlanta to be on their game all four quarters more often to hit 13-3 once again. Thomas Emerick is a Senior Writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ThomasEmerick, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

October 7, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas (83) runs with the ball against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports I just got back from a long car ride from Florida and am feeling pretty tired.  I wanted to do my predictions for Roddy today, but I’m really in a Harry Douglas kind of mood.  I don’t usually hear a lot of love for the Falcon slot receiver.  That’s probably because he is so severely overshadowed by all the receiving talent on the roster.  With the best tight end of all time, two of the top five wide receivers in the league, and now two pass catching running backs, this guy can get forgotten about.  In fact, he can catch a lot of heat by not really being on that level. When it all comes down to it, Harry Douglas very well could be the number two guy on any given team.  He could even be the number one guy on a few teams.  He doesn’t run extremely precise routs and his hands aren’t suction cups, but he can beat defenders and he absolutely can come down with an important catch (see miracle catch against the raiders last year.)  My point being he does his job, and he does it pretty damn well.  But it is real hard to get great numbers with three great players in front of you. Last year, HD had 38 receptions for 395 yards.  That probably doesn’t rank very high amongst other team’s slot receiver, but it must be considered that most team’s slot guy is usually the second choice.  Third if they have a good tight end.  Considering the amount of targets, Harry Douglas wasn’t the third choice, or even the fourth choice.  That’s right; four other players were targeted more than HD.  Pulling out 400 yards and a touchdown as the team’s fifth receiver is still pretty impressive. The Falcons do still love to pass and if they want to make another run to the superbowl, they need several players to step up.  Douglas is one of those players.  He doesn’t have to have superstar numbers, but if he can grow just a little bit, it could make another huge difference in the season.  He’s young and he’s smart and I know he can, but how much of a chance will he get?  With Jackson’s receiving ability, HD may even slip as the sixth choice for Matty Ice.  I’m sure he’ll make the best of what he is given. Look for him to make 30 Receptions and 350 yards, but 4 touchdowns.  Atlanta loves misdirecting and I believe they use that in the red zone. I’ll bet on seeing 4 times throughout the season and once or twice in the playoffs where Matt Ryan drives down the field using Julio, Roddy, and Tony as if Harry never existed and surprise them with a wide open catch in the end zone. Harry Douglas is much better than his numbers show.  He needs to be planned against and if a team forgets about him, they will pay.  Stats don’t tell the story of Harry Douglas.  Any Falcons fan can tell you how much of an underrated game changer this guy can be. How do you think this guy does next year?

if the Falcons run the table in 2013, nobody will be able to ridicule the quarterbacks they faced. Last season, the Falcons faced 11 such QBs, including two games each against NFC South rivals Drew Brees and Cam Newton. They were 11-2 against the Pro Bowl quarterbacks and were just one of only two teams to face that many quarterbacks with Pro Bowl honors. The Saints were the other and against that competition they were 5-8. Arguably our 2012 schedule was fairly easy. I've tried to argue it wasn't, but the facts don't agree. Even so, playing such talented quarterbacks is never easy. When they have a decent supporting cast, that difficulty is compounded. Look, I get it, the Pro Bowl isn't the greatest judge of talent. And Cam Newton is a perfect example. He's pretty dynamic, but then again, he kinda sucks. Looking ahead, the read option quarterbacks are particularly scary. Drew Brees is always a concern, and of course, Aaron Rodgers is one of the best to ever play the game. It won't be an easy road, by any means. Your thoughts?

Hello everyone, I have returned from a period of extended slumber, known to some mortals as "hibernation". Today, on this Memorial Day weekend (Go troops!) I ask but a simple question: If you could attend only one game this year, which one would it be? Thankfully, many of you will attend more than one game, and that's great, because everyone knows the Dome would only be about 30% full every week if you could only attend one! (Insert ATL fans joke here) In any case, playoff games aren't included, so you can't all say "OUR SUPER BOWL GAME THIS YEAR" because that completely takes the fun out of it. Dave, myself, and the rest of the Falcoholic crew are going to try to make it down to Atlanta for a game this year. We're not sure which game it'll be, but we'll actually be there this time. There won't be any herp derpery slowing us down (stupid meddling kids and all). That being said, if I could pick one game, it'd probably be the Patriots home game. It's a primetime game and it's against a good team. You want an insane Dome crowd? That's as good a game as any to go to. They're usually a benchmark for the category of "Are we really good or not?" We do have the advantage since we're in the Dome, but we'll see about that one. Doesn't have to be a home game, either. That SF game is sure to be good. OR, if you feel so inclined, you could pick a preseason game! ("I want to see Tom Bombadil at quarterback because I hate Matt Ryan!") Choose away! Let us know when and why in the comments!

It's become clear that the Falcons still very much consider themselves to be in "win now" mode. Even after the team jettisoned a number of established veterans this offseason, Atlanta remains poised to do some damage in the regular season and beyond (we hope). But given that the Falcons cut starters John Abraham, Michael Turner, Dunta Robinson, along with letting Brent Grimes sign with Miami and watching Todd McClure announce his retirement, there are some spots on the roster that need someone to step forward in 2013. Or to rise up, rather (Mr. Jackson insisted). My five, in no particular order: DE Osi Umenyiora Atlanta's most recent free agent signing is perhaps the only established pass-rusher on the roster. And in case the images of Russell Wilson standing in the pocket for ten-plus seconds have escaped your memory, I'm here to remind you of those instances. The Falcons' pass-rush was very hit-or-miss down the stretch. Osi needs to make a lasting impact this season. CB Desmond Trufant This one is a no-brainer. The Falcons traded up in the first to grab Trufant, who will attempt to replace Grimes / Robinson at corner, opposite of Asante Samuel. He looks to be a week-one starter, and should be tested early and often. The season opener against the rival Saints could be a real baptism by fire for Trufant. OT Sam Baker Baker has pulled quite the Jekyll/Hide transformation throughout his career with the Falcons. As a rookie, he was a promising young prospect who performed reasonably well. Then his play went downhill, partially due to injury. Then in 2012, he was all like "hey guys, I can start in the NFL, promise *wink*" And so Thomas Dimitroff offered Baker a six-year, $41.4 million contract. The pressure's on for him to live up to that contract. But which Baker will we see? LB Stephen Nicholas Nicholas was often labeled the scapegoat on defense last season. He had a tough time covering tight ends down the stretch, and he's never been a staunch run-defender at linebacker. Part of this could relate to the sports hernia surgery he underwent this offseason. The Falcons neither drafted nor signed a veteran linebacker, clearly a sign of support for the 30 year-old journeyman, and they look to rely on him just as much in the upcoming season. OT Lamar Holmes In a surprising move, the Falcons released veteran right tackle Tyson Clabo to clear up cap space. In doing so, the team all but painted a billboard in Flowery Branch that reads "Lamar Holmes is our starter." His only competition at that spot looks to be Mike Johnson, who has yet to sniff a starting spot since the Alabama product was drafted in the third round. My money is on Holmes to really impress in camp this summer. Those are my five. Agree? Disagree? Let's hear it, because I'm not ESPN and thus do not tell you what to think.

The Falcons drafted a corner back in the first round of the NFL draft. They made a draft day trade, moved up, then drafted that corner back. That corner back is one they'd wanted all along, and his name is Desmond Trufant. He likes long walks on the beach, light beer, and chili cheese fries. But will Trufant start right away? It's an issue worth debating, because it significantly affects our defense. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't be debatable. Darn you Robert McClain! You see, McClain way way above average last year. The Falcons were quick this offseason to say goodbye to the disappointing investment that was Dunta Robinson, and they were happy to let Brent Grimes hit the open market and sign with the Miami Dolphins. The play and development of Robert McClain was a big reason why. This isn't necessarily as complicated as it seems. McClain, as PFF points out in the above-linked analysis, is built to thrive in the slot. That said, this is the guy who surrendered just 9.2 yards/catch in 2012. This is the guy who gave up zero touchdowns in 2012. This is the guy that went to UConn, was drafted in the 7th round, and was cut by the John Fox-led Panthers. Yikes. My guess? Trufant blows us away with his ridiculous athleticism, starting from game one. Vote! Poll Who will be the number two corner back for the majority of 2013? Desmond Trufant Robert McClain Dave's Mom 50 votes | Results

Ice cream and Cake but not Football. Vanilla is bad when it’s a description to Football. “When a great team loses through complacency, it will constantly search for new and more intricate explanations to explain away defeat.” That was a quote from Pat Riley, but I wonder how many would have guessed Mike Mularkey ? If the 2013 Atlanta Falcons are going to make the playoffs again this year and as all in Falcon nation hope win a ticket to the Super Bowl they will have to rise up in many area’s of play from a year ago, with a tougher schedule and some prime time match ups on slate. Even with a nice draft and of rumors of Seymour coming aboard I think the defense will be challenged from opening day each and every game. If you look at the 2013 schedule it is set up with teams who own very good offenses and led by very good quarterbacks. Nolan and company this year may be a little better as we all hope, but just look at the 2012 December 9th game footage and realize a little better may not be enough to get Atlanta back to playing in January. Cam Newton threw for 287 yards and ran for 116 also. Carolina is not in par with a New England offense we see on Prime time Sunday night, a Rogers led squad in Lambeau or even close to the best of the west we met last January. If the defense gets a little better it will be because the offense has done the same. The Atlanta Falcon offense was a solid unit last season, a headache for even the best defenses. But how does the offense stray away from a previous owned habit of being predictable and too vanilla? Tough to improve the side of the ball that gave us the fifth best quarterback in yardage, two pro bowl caliber receivers each with over 1,100 yards and a tight end who was fourth in touchdowns at that position in the league. The Atlanta offense was 7th in scoring for 2012, and it is nice to know that of the six in front of them the birds beat four of them (Saints, Skins, Giants and Broncos) and did not play Green Bay and New England but they will this year. Falcon Faithful will knowingly answer the question of how to improve the offense with the running game upgrade, and we all certainly hope so. An offense that can eat clock, get short yardage first downs, keep a pass rush at bay and mix the passing game the likes that the Falcons have will have a top shot at a ticket to the Bowl. Steven Jackson springs hope, Jaquizz may even be more dangerous this year, but success ultimately falls on the offensive line and Vanilla might be the flavor of the month. The O line position battles and play will be the preseason biggest task. Could it be so simple that the pieces fall in place early, Jackson and Jaquizz hit holes and consume time of play like the days of Turner the Burner ? Bradie Ewing comes in and becomes a star. Wish and hope and pray but only time will tell. Dirk has to keep vanilla out of the playbook and inject a few second options if things don’t go as planned which happens a lot in all sports. The Birds best weapon is flight. We can improve even a super stellar unit with a few well laid schemes. The screen pass was introduced last season and can even get better with Jackson. I strongly suggest a serious preseason look at two tight end sets. The New England team that comes in week four uses it as their biggest weapon, and Atlanta has the talent and size at the position to certainly send a few red zone headaches at the defense. The Pats use the sets nearly all for pass, but checking the size of Toilolo and Coffman the Birds can shuffle in some runs, shuffle pass plays with the extra bulk as a two option call. Whether a war, video game or football season, you really can never have too many weapons. While on the subject of weapons, the slot has to improve as a real threat. H.D is a good receiver, is at prime age, but one touchdown in 2012 must improve. Backup Drew Davis is a little bigger, a little younger, had fifty less targets and caught as many touchdowns as H.D in 2012. I’d like to see

The Falcons certainly had an exceptional season in 2012, although they did fall short of their ultimate goal. They certainly had some weaknesses on both sides of the ball that opponents were able to exploit. They also left some questions marks at starting roles with cuts this offseason. With that in mind, which players need to step up for the Falcons in 2013? The key weakness for Atlanta's offense in 2012 was their running game. Basically, they didn't have much of one. They finished the season 29th in the league for rushing yards per game with 87.3. The Falcons acknowledged this with the decision to cut Michael Turner following the season, and the subsequent signing of Steven Jackson in free agency. Jackson will need to step up for the Falcons, as the threat of an effective rushing game takes a lot of pressure off of Matt Ryan. If you just replace Michael Turner's stats from last season with Steven Jackson's stats in St. Louis in 2012, the net increase in rushing yards would put the Falcons at 22nd in the league instead of 29th. It's an improvement, but there are some key issues that suggest Jackson's impact in Atlanta will be more significant. First of all, Matt Ryan is inarguably a better quarterback than Sam Bradford, and the Falcons receivers are much more threatening than the St. Louis receivers. It's a little more challenging to stack the box when you know you have to try to cover Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez. Another key to offensive success will be the performance of the offensive line in 2013. With key players Todd McClure and Tyson Clabo departed, it's time for young players along the line to step up and contribute. Mike Smith has indicated that second-year player Peter Konz is currently expected to start at center. Sam Baker will again start at left tackle, Justin Blalock will start at left guard, and Garrett Reynolds will step back into the starting right guard role that he held prior to a season-ending injury in 2012. Lamar Holmes will compete with Mike Johnson for the right tackle spot. Konz, Holmes or Johnson, and the rest of the line will need to perform at a high level to effectively protect Ryan this season. On defense, the two most glaring weaknesses for the Falcons last season were the pass rush and a lackluster run defense. The Falcons cut John Abraham, their most productive pass rusher, and lost defensive tackle Vance Walker, very effective in 2012, to free agency. In addition, the Falcons lost a starting cornerback when they cut Dunta Robinson, and they did not re-sign cornerback Brent Grimes in free agency. To address the pass rush issues, the Falcons signed Osi Umenyiora as a free agent, but Umenyiora can't do it all by himself. The Falcons also drafted defensive end Malliciah Goodman, and statements by Thomas Dimitroff indicate that Goodman should be prepared to start opposite Osi. Goodman will definitely have to step up in 2013 if that is the case. The Falcons woes against the run last season are no secret. According to Pro Football Focus premium stats, only nine defensive players graded positively against the run over the course of the regular season and postseason, and of those nine, the Falcons did not retain five of those players (Dunta Robinson, Vance Walker, Mike Peterson, Chris Owens and Brent Grimes.) However, of those five, only Robinson and Walker saw a significant snap count last season. The Falcons run defense has to improve if they want to succeed in 2013. Middle linebacker Akeem Dent seemed to settle into his role as last season progressed, and he ended up being one of the nine players with a positive grade against the run. Basically, everyone that struggled against the run last season, which was most of the defense, needs to step up in 2013 to stop the run. The other key player who needs to step up in 2013 would be cornerback Desmond Trufant, drafted in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft to start opposite Asante Samuel. Many fans did not love Dunta Robinson's p

We may want to pump the brakes on those reports of tlaks between Richard Seymour and the Falcons, at least for now. There was a report on Richard Seymour & #Falcons last night: I'm told there are no ongoing talks between parties right now. Nothing imminent — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 24, 2013 Rapoport is fairly reliable, but now that we've received two conflicting reports, it's difficult to know where things stand. My guess would be that the Falcons and Seymour have had at least preliminary conversations, but they're waiting to get things moving until after June 1, when the Falcons will clear over $4 million in cap space. It's also possible that all the smoke has been erroneous, and that the Falcons don't intend to sign Seymour at all. I still expect this to eventually happen, given the logical fit of team need, Seymour's proximity to Atlanta and his desire to play for a contender. But it may not be now, and it may not happen right after June 1. Stay tuned.

The greatest #FlashbackFriday photo ever - WR Harry Douglas. #RiseUp