The Elements of Improvement

[Peyton]

I see 6 elements that would play into the Falcons improvement this year as compared to last year.

1. Free Agents (Dunta Robinson)

2. Draft

3. Passage of Time / Experience

4. Return of Injured players

5. Better luck with injuries this year

6. A schedule that appears easier

If I am missing any elements, feel free to add.

How will each of these elements of improvement impact the Falcons? More importantly, what do you think of the Falcons chances for improvement as compared to other teams in the league?

Edited September 2, 2010 by Peyton

[vabchbirdlover]

If I had to guess, the first level of improvement would be the apparant easier schedule,

at least on paper.

Injuries, Well, I guess no one can predict those but, if

there is a supreme being, He couldn't be so cruel to

this team two yrs in a row, could he? Draft - Once

again, who knows. but on the surface it appears that one

major weaknesses were addressed, a LB with significant

pass coverage skills. Free agency acquisiton(s) - This

part gets fuzzy with me, maybe I'm just not sold as of

yet, DROB, tho a significant improvement over CH-23

is he worth the money he was paid?. Return of injured

players - Myself, I think this is the most underrated

aspects that ppl fail to grasp, I.E. PJ, his ability

to make a contributuion to inside pressure, thus

improving our overall pass rushing game. Added

experience is always a good thing, anyways you slice

it. Bottom line, it's a good time to be be a Falcon

fan!!

Edited September 2, 2010 by vabchbirdlover

[peoriabird]

I see 6 elements that would play into the Falcons improvement this year as compared to last year.

1. Free Agents (Dunta Robinson)

I thought that you felt that Robinson was overrated! :ph34r:

[redwolfcfc]

#3 for the win!

Unlike some other teams we are young. Real young. Most of our players are still improving. Especially on Defense, but even on offense there is still plenty of upside.

This Dline and LB corp can be special. The secondary gets better everyday, not even counting Robinson.

[Peyton]

I thought that you felt that Robinson was overrated! :ph34r:

I do. I'm listing all of the possible elements for discussion, I wasn't making a commentary on them...yet.

[Peyton]

#3 for the win!

Unlike some other teams we are young. Real young. Most of our players are still improving. Especially on Defense, but even on offense there is still plenty of upside.

This Dline and LB corp can be special. The secondary gets better everyday, not even counting Robinson.

I agree that the fact that a lot of our players should be rounding into their prime is a potentially huge plus for the Falcons. Along with the difference in the schedule, I think that is the biggest factor in the Falcons improvement this year as it relates to other teams.

[Dog River]

I agree that the fact that a lot of our players should be rounding into their prime is a potentially huge plus for the Falcons. Along with the difference in the schedule, I think that is the biggest factor in the Falcons improvement this year as it relates to other teams.

Not only experience...but continuity. 3 years in the same system with the same coaches makes a difference. Let's not forget Mike Smith was a rookie just like Ryan in 2008.

[Peyton]

Not only experience...but continuity. 3 years in the same system with the same coaches makes a difference. Let's not forget Mike Smith was a rookie just like Ryan in 2008.

I agree that it is a logically positive progression. The only thing that makes me skeptical in this aspect is that I didn't see the benefit of the continuity last year.

However, I am sure that was in large part due to playing defenses like Miami, NE, and Dallas as opposed to teams like Detroit, KC, and St. Louis.

[ChessPlayer1]

Micheal Turner losing weight is an element of improvement.

[NCFalconfan]

Schedule is an improvement from what I can tell. At least we aren't playing the absurd amount of teams coming off bye weeks again this season.

[TeamPlayer1]

I see 6 elements that would play into the Falcons improvement this year as compared to last year.

1. Free Agents (Dunta Robinson)

2. Draft

3. Passage of Time / Experience

4. Return of Injured players

5. Better luck with injuries this year

6. A schedule that appears easier

If I am missing any elements, feel free to add.

How will each of these elements of improvement impact the Falcons? More importantly, what do you think of the Falcons chances for improvement as compared to other teams in the league?

Concerning the Falcons chances of improvement compared to other teams; No team ever stays the same, they are either getting better or getting worse. Of course you know the better the record the tougher schedule the next season.

[Peyton]

Ok, so here is the way I see it.

Free Agency - (Dunta Robinson) - If he stays healthy, he is a bit of an upgrade from Chris Houston, but he doesn't fundamentally change the way the Falcons are able to play defense. Since his devastating knee injury, he has been just a serviceable starter, and it is reasonable to think that he will continue to improve somewhat. As it relates to what other NFL teams have done, I think the Falcons are probably at best middle of the pack when it comes to improvement through free agency.

Draft - Fans of every team think they had a great draft. I am very excited about Sean Weatherspoon and I think the depth added in the line is very beneficial, if those guys pan out. Franks might be a player one day but I doubt he will make an impact this year. If I have a concern about the draft, it's that the Falcons didn't really address the pass rush and waited til late in the draft to address WR, but I acknowledge that you only have so many draft picks. As it relates to other teams, I think the Falcons are at least middle of the pack in improvement throught he draft.

Passage of Time / Experience - This should be a big one, because the Falcons are still a pretty young team and have a lof ot guys at the front side of the prime of their careers. The only concern for me is that I didn't really see improvement out of some of those guys last year, but as I stated earlier, I am sure that was in large part to substantially tougher competition. I think the Falcons are probably in the top third of the league when it comes to experience being an element of improvement this year.

Return of injured players - While many fans are counting on the return of injured players to make a big impact on the Falcons this year, I am extremely skeptical on counting on guys returning from ACL injuries to make a big impact. It just rarely happens. If all of these guys have a Jamaal Lewis experience, then all of these players coming back will have a huge impact on the Falcons. If they have the typical ACL experience, then the impact will be moderate. Because of the nature of the injuries to Jerry, Williams, and Douglas, I am going to say the Falcons are middle of the pack in impovement in this category.

Better Luck with injuries - The Falcons had a lot of injuries last year. I am believing that it will be better this year, but losing certain players would be devastating because the Falcons have serious depth issues at a couple of positions. I feel like they will have better luck though, and I am going to say the Falcons are at worst middle of the pack when it comes to improvement with injuries this year.

Schedule appears easier - The schedule is a lot easier, there is no doubt about it. Top Quarter of the league in improvement.

So, even though I've said I don't think this is a Super Bowl team, by my own anlaysis, this team is probably in better shape to improve than most teams in the league. That would put them in the playoffs, and you never know once you are there.

So ya'll stop calling me a hater.

[Peyton]

Concerning the Falcons chances of improvement compared to other teams; No team ever stays the same, they are either getting better or getting worse. Of course you know the better the record the tougher schedule the next season.

Your record only impacts two of your opponents in the following year. This year, the Falcons get Green Bay and Philly and New Orleans gets Minn and Dallas.

I'm not sure who got the better end of that deal actually.

[FalcoChicquera]

Everyone thinks their team has got better - but let's appraise it relative to the competition -

1. Free Agents (Dunta Robinson)

He's overpaid. He isn't a shutdown corner. He isn't going to put up gaudy numbers of interceptions. But he's a big improvement on the scrubs (Houston, Hill) we put out at times last year. And of the 12 teams I expect to make the playoffs I can only think of Karlos Dansby as a FA signing that is a genuine difference maker. Now some contenders have made trades (Boldin, Marshall) but overall I feel we made more progress than our competitors.

2. Draft

We got one impact player for this year. That's it. But with 1 pick in the 1st 80 that was all we were likely to get - others will add depth. But some didn't even get one guy for this year. Colts, Saints, Packers, Vikings, Ravens - I'm not sure one player from their classes will be a day 1 starter, although obviously they too got some really nice depth. But there is certainly an argument to say that we had more holes, and that teams like the 49ers, Patriots and Dolphins did big things. Probably we made less progress than most.

3. Passage of Time / Experience

Big advantage for us. Only three players (Abe, McClure and Gonzo) will really be counted on and have passed 30 (we have Nicholas in reserve for Mike P). Meanwhile, the 2008 draft class (and maybe even JA98!) are entering their peak years. Compared to everyone but the Packers we have improved more than most.

4. Return of Injured players

Not sure how much we improved here. On day 1 last year the only major loss was HD for the year. This year it's Meier, with Jenkins a wk 1 doubt. Now obviously we are healthier than we were mid-season, but so is every team. However, at least we aren't the Patriots (Warren and Bodden down for the year). We've done as expected.

5. Better luck with injuries this year

No idea until the year pans out. Every team will have injuries - but if we lose Peterson in game 2, Grimes for half the year and Snelling for 5 weeks, that's a lot better than Jerry, our no1 CB and Turner. It's not about the number of injuries - it's who gets hurt, and no-one knows that until it plays out. No idea how we will compare to other teams but this may be the most decisive factor.

6. A schedule that appears easier

I think the division games will, again, make the difference. If we can go 4-2 at least that make a big difference. It can't hurt that it may be easier but it won't make as big a difference as some think. We've done better than most teams, but if we want to go to the big show I feel we need to win the division and give ourselves some home playoff games - and we share 14 games with the division.

[FalcoChicquera]

Schedule is an improvement from what I can tell. At least we aren't playing the absurd amount of teams coming off bye weeks again this season.

This is a very good point worth repeating.

[Peyton]

Everyone thinks their team has got better - but let's appraise it relative to the competition -

1. Free Agents (Dunta Robinson)

He's overpaid. He isn't a shutdown corner. He isn't going to put up gaudy numbers of interceptions. But he's a big improvement on the scrubs (Houston, Hill) we put out at times last year. And of the 12 teams I expect to make the playoffs I can only think of Karlos Dansby as a FA signing that is a genuine difference maker. Now some contenders have made trades (Boldin, Marshall) but overall I feel we made more progress than our competitors.

2. Draft

We got one impact player for this year. That's it. But with 1 pick in the 1st 80 that was all we were likely to get - others will add depth. But some didn't even get one guy for this year. Colts, Saints, Packers, Vikings, Ravens - I'm not sure one player from their classes will be a day 1 starter, although obviously they too got some really nice depth. But there is certainly an argument to say that we had more holes, and that teams like the 49ers, Patriots and Dolphins did big things. Probably we made less progress than most.

3. Passage of Time / Experience

Big advantage for us. Only three players (Abe, McClure and Gonzo) will really be counted on and have passed 30 (we have Nicholas in reserve for Mike P). Meanwhile, the 2008 draft class (and maybe even JA98!) are entering their peak years. Compared to everyone but the Packers we have improved more than most.

4. Return of Injured players

Not sure how much we improved here. On day 1 last year the only major loss was HD for the year. This year it's Meier, with Jenkins a wk 1 doubt. Now obviously we are healthier than we were mid-season, but so is every team. However, at least we aren't the Patriots (Warren and Bodden down for the year). We've done as expected.

5. Better luck with injuries this year

No idea until the year pans out. Every team will have injuries - but if we lose Peterson in game 2, Grimes for half the year and Snelling for 5 weeks, that's a lot better than Jerry, our no1 CB and Turner. It's not about the number of injuries - it's who gets hurt, and no-one knows that until it plays out. No idea how we will compare to other teams but this may be the most decisive factor.

6. A schedule that appears easier

I think the division games will, again, make the difference. If we can go 4-2 at least that make a big difference. It can't hurt that it may be easier but it won't make as big a difference as some think. We've done better than most teams, but if we want to go to the big show I feel we need to win the division and give ourselves some home playoff games - and we share 14 games with the division.

That's a great post and a great point at the end. The change in schedule does not really impact our chances of winning the division at all, but probaby only improves the chances at getting a wild card.

[FalconMama]

If I had to guess, the first level of improvement would be the apparant easier schedule,

at least on paper.

Injuries, Well, I guess no one can predict those but, if

there is a supreme being, He couldn't be so cruel to

this team two yrs in a row, could he? Draft - Once

again, who knows. but on the surface it appears that one

major weaknesses were addressed, a LB with significant

pass coverage skills. Free agency acquisiton(s) - This

part gets fuzzy with me, maybe I'm just not sold as of

yet, DROB, tho a significant improvement over CH-23

is he worth the money he was paid?. Return of injured

players - Myself, I think this is the most underrated

aspects that ppl fail to grasp, I.E. PJ, his ability

to make a contributuion to inside pressure, thus

improving our overall pass rushing game. Added

experience is always a good thing, anyways you slice

it. Bottom line, it's a good time to be be a Falcon

fan!!

Are you posting from your phone lol?

[Optimus*Crimes]

I actually think each of the things you listed can be as any other. Our easier schedule seems to be huge, just because of what we went through last year.

One thing I think you missed is the difficulty of everyone else's schedule. I know we shouldn't have to count on other teams losing, but the simple fact of the matter is that this is the NFL. Other teams failing can bump us up. One interesting fact is that most of our tough "outside the division games" are at home, whereas the Taints get them away. I think this will have a great affect on how those games end...

[Peyton]

I actually think each of the things you listed can be as any other. Our easier schedule seems to be huge, just because of what we went through last year.

One thing I think you missed is the difficulty of everyone else's schedule. I know we shouldn't have to count on other teams losing, but the simple fact of the matter is that this is the NFL. Other teams failing can bump us up. One interesting fact is that most of our tough "outside the division games" are at home, whereas the Taints get them away. I think this will have a great affect on how those games end...

Yeah, I kind of meant that to be all encompassed in the schedule discussion.

Having your tougher games at home is a double edged sword. Maybe it makes you more likely to win your road games, but it could also make it more likely that you lose home games.

[peoriabird]

Passage of Time / Experience - This should be a big one, because the Falcons are still a pretty young team and have a lof ot guys at the front side of the prime of their careers. The only concern for me is that I didn't really see improvement out of some of those guys last year, but as I stated earlier, I am sure that was in large part to substantially tougher competition. I think the Falcons are probably in the top third of the league when it comes to experience being an element of improvement this year.

So ya'll stop calling me a hater.

Wow! you have to be considered a hater if you didn't see improvement out of Grimes, Owens, Bierman, Snelling, Lofton, Weems and Even Babineaux. Oh well, I guess we just see things differently

[peoriabird]

Because of the nature of the injuries to Jerry, Williams, and Douglas, I am going to say the Falcons are middle of the pack in impovement in this category.

Jerry did not have an ACL tear.

[Peyton]

Wow! you have to be considered a hater if you didn't see improvement out of Grimes, Owens, Bierman, Snelling, Lofton, Weems and Even Babineaux. Oh well, I guess we just see things differently

Well.....I did say "some".

Everyone on this board should know how I feel about Brent Grimes. Bierman certainly looks to be improving, Snelling is a nice backup. I think Owens is going to become a player. Babs was already a great player.

Weems....I don't see the fascination with the guy, I think he is a complete non factor as a WR and an average return guy.

Lofton was as good in 2008 as he was in 2009, but honestly, he is one of the few guys that I can see clear improvement out of this year just in the preseason.

[DavyDmx]

The one element that i want to see is us develop a killer instinct and put teams away when we have them down. The last two seasons though winning ones, were marred by some games that should have been won (mostly by our kicking woes but some by turnovers). If we ever want to be considered a elite team we have to develop this type of attitude.

[Peyton]

Jerry did not have an ACL tear.

I was never sure because they seemed to keep it secret. Hopefully that means he has a better chance for a full recovery than he would have had if it was a torn ACL.

[ConnFalcon]

Well.....I did say "some".

Everyone on this board should know how I feel about Brent Grimes. Bierman certainly looks to be improving, Snelling is a nice backup. I think Owens is going to become a player. Babs was already a great player.

Weems....I don't see the fascination with the guy, I think he is a complete non factor as a WR and an average return guy.

Lofton was as good in 2008 as he was in 2009, but honestly, he is one of the few guys that I can see clear improvement out of this year just in the preseason.

I agree with you on Weems. He was a nice stopgap solution for kick returning last year, but he is medicore at best. However, since we are thin at WR, he may have roster spot.