falcon057 Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 What is Falcons Biggest Area of Need?6:42 pm February 6, 2012, by Dawson Devitt (D3) Positions of NeedThis is just a smaller new post thread to transition to a much more in-depth and longer post to come soon. Until the new post comes, we wanted to hear from The Bird Cage Faithful on the Atlanta Falcons biggest areas of need by position.The Cage’s Take Offensive LineSome will say defensive ends or cornerbacks or maybe even running backs, but the Falcons must finally infuse some much needed talent into an offensive line that has overachieved since its inception. Maybe a new OL coach, scheme, and offensive coordinator can make a big difference with the guys already on roster, but Dimitroff likely even concedes he hasn’t drafted enough talent.Only two players are solid at two positions, Justin Blalock and Tyson Clabo, and the rest will be totally up for grabs. Joe Hawley gave some flashes and Will Svitek did an admirable job in relief, but still major question marks on Mike Johnson and Andrew Jackson remain. Garrett Reynolds will likely only be seeing a starting job at RT if they move Tyson Clabo inside. Defensive LineAbe Likely Gone (AJC)The Falcons could go in several different ways here, but one thing is certain: the idea of the smaller, quicker defensive tackles to get penetration with unspectacular defensive ends just doesn’t work. They are solid with Jonathan Babineaux, Corey Peters, and are committed to Ray Edwards. Vance Walker provides a nice role player and Peria Jerry is staring down his last chance with the Falcons.It appears the Falcons will part with Abraham unless he agrees to take a big paycut. Lawrence Sidbury has shown flashes, but very uncertain if he can be a 3 down DE. Kroy Biermann may be back in Atlanta or he might be moving on elsewhere. Maybe it’s finally time to get a big-bodied DT in here to help out the defensive ends, under tackle DT, and linebackers, especially some moves to 3-4 principles. Tight EndThis one’s obvious since Tony Gonzalez said this would be his last year and Michael Palmer seems to be no more than a legitimate #2 TE. Drafting Gonzalez’s replacement this year is an almost certainty. SafetyWilliam Moore is set at strong safety, but is often hurt. Thomas DeCoud may get another shot under a new and proven defensive coordinator or the Falcons may decide to part ways and draft a new starter. James Sanders provides a nice insurance policy for both Moore and DeCoud, and may even be the day 1 starter until they groom a new draft pick. Shann Schillinger was always a special teams player, but it appears his days are numbered in a Falcons uniform. Running BackDynamic. The Falcons must get dynamic in the backfield in some form or fashion. Perhaps a Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers combo at running back could work if used correctly, but Turner is heading downhill fast and Rodgers doesn’t have burner speed, but rather quickness. If the Falcons decide to part with Turner, they likely would keep Snelling as a transition back until a rookie gets up to speed, but it’s doubtful they’ll keep both again. Perhaps Antone Smith finally gets used correctly and can make a dent.This much is certain: they must find a way to get more dynamic in the backfield. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StatzQuo Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 They're weak at the point of attack on both sides. OL and DL needs to be uprgraded if we ever want to compete for a SB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red falcon Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Line help as he said. If abe goes I'm fine with that. He was missing most of the season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blizzard_falcon Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Left tackle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falcon057 Posted February 9, 2012 Author Share Posted February 9, 2012 Center and gaurd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synaptic apoptosis Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 LT DT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HouseofEuphoria Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 LT is our biggest need.I also see need for a blocking TE, FS, and C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jah Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 LT, RG, DE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blkbigdog35 Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Your foundation has to be strong and that starts with the O-line and D-line. We need to be physical and aggressive at the point of attack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flip Wilson Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 1. Left Tackle is our biggest area of need.2. We have some really good DTs on the roster but they are all the same body type.We need a Grady Jackson type on our roster. Then everyone on our D-line becomes better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdz4i Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 still the lines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aftermath Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Head Coach Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeNeedaQB Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Hear me out. All of the positions listed are good options. However, we have been able to make it to the playoffs with this group. Once you get to the playoffs anything can happen. Given that, the single most impactful move would be: upgrade the quarterback position. That is the spot that we are most deficient at in comparison to other NFC PLAYOFF teams. Saints, Giants, Packers, Lions, *Bears. With our squad and quarterback production similar to those, we would have won a playoff game by now.*Projected Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aftermath Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Hear me out. All of the positions listed are good options. However, we have been able to make it to the playoffs with this group. Once you get to the playoffs anything can happen. Given that, the single most impactful move would be: upgrade the quarterback position. That is the spot that we are most deficient at in comparison to other NFC PLAYOFF teams. Saints, Giants, Packers, Lions, *Bears. With our squad and quarterback production similar to those, we would have won a playoff game by now.*Projectednot possible Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tandy Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 not possibleAnything is possible, but it would be like putting a small bandage on a gaping wound. Until the line is fixed, there is no QB out there who could take us all the way. Once we hit the post season and face the elite talent on the defense - our line folds.I don't know if our QB is the ultimate answer, but I do know he has the physical tools, the work ethic, the talent and oh most definitely the savvy and knowledge to do the job. Has he already been ruined by the poor line ala Joey Harrington or David Carr? I don't know. I do know that getting a line that can pass protect should make all the difference in the world in his production.He has already accomplished things no other quarterback has been able to accomplish here, now he needs to take us all the way. Give him the protection and let's see what happens. If he can't succeed with good protection, then we need to move on.I look back to his pro bowl production. He threw an interception the first throw, realized he actually had a line and then proceeded to outplay every other quarterback there. Period. He can get the job done when he has the protection. At least, he could. I just hope it's not too late to salvage what he brings to the table. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aftermath Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Anything is possible, but it would be like putting a small bandage on a gaping wound. Until the line is fixed, there is no QB out there who could take us all the way. Once we hit the post season and face the elite talent on the defense - our line folds.I don't know if our QB is the ultimate answer, but I do know he has the physical tools, the work ethic, the talent and oh most definitely the savvy and knowledge to do the job. Has he already been ruined by the poor line ala Joey Harrington or David Carr? I don't know. I do know that getting a line that can pass protect should make all the difference in the world in his production.He has already accomplished things no other quarterback has been able to accomplish here, now he needs to take us all the way. Give him the protection and let's see what happens. If he can't succeed with good protection, then we need to move on.I look back to his pro bowl production. He threw an interception the first throw, realized he actually had a line and then proceeded to outplay every other quarterback there. Period. He can get the job done when he has the protection. At least, he could. I just hope it's not too late to salvage what he brings to the table.Very good post, I agree with most of what you said, was just trying to see if I could get him to go off on a 2 page rant lol, worth a shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#1 pick Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 (edited) DERGif they move Clabo to RG then RT Edited February 9, 2012 by #1 pick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulitik Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 Well if McClure walks, it might be Center. I don't trust Hawley to start, unless we have a beast next to him. I think Svitek is serviceable until we can draft the LT of the future if we can't get someone in FA. I say RG is the most pressing need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfalconsp Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 LTRGDEFS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falcon057 Posted February 10, 2012 Author Share Posted February 10, 2012 Well if McClure walks, it might be Center. I don't trust Hawley to start, unless we have a beast next to him. I think Svitek is serviceable until we can draft the LT of the future if we can't get someone in FA. I say RG is the most pressing need.I agree, I think Hawley should play left OUThe's a perfect fit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abcranford2 Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 biggest needs? pretty much everything on the OL and DT, maybe even FS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mega Flare Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 Real fans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
X-Man21 Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 Right Guard by Far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psychic Gibbon Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 Interior line depth on both sides of the ball. They need to get someone who can play RG and stay healthy, which is why Mike Johnson gets my no confidence vote, and they need better DT depth and someone who can collapse the pocket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeNeedaQB Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 Very good post, I agree with most of what you said, was just trying to see if I could get him to go off on a 2 page rant lol, worth a shot.Yeah. He made some great points, but to be a quarterback that can lead a team to the Super Bowl, a quarterback has to be able to:1) Win while under pressure from the defense.2) Win in spite of personnel short comings.3) Win in spite of throwing a critical interception. In today's nfl the road to the Super Bowl is not a "sterilized environment". We need some guts at that position bro.Brady and Manning demonstrated those qualities this year. Rothlesburger and Rodgers demonstrated those qualities last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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