2015 Nfl Offseason: Atlanta Falcons

[hjerry]

Atlanta Falcons (Last Year: 6-10)

2015 NFL Season Preview:

Veteran Additions:
WR Leonard Hankerson, TE Tony Moeaki, TE Jacob Tamme, OT Tyler Polumbus, G Chris Chester, G Mike Person, DE Adrian Clayborn, DE O'Brien Schofield, OLB Brooks Reed, OLB Justin Durant, CB Phillip Adams.
Early Draft Picks:
DE/OLB Vic Beasley, CB Jalen Collins, RB Tevin Coleman, WR Justin Hardy, DT Grady Jarrett. Falcons Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
RB Steven Jackson, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, WR Harry Douglas, TE Bear Pascoe, OT Sam Baker, G Justin Blalock, G Gabe Carimi, DT Corey Peters, OLB Sean Weatherspoon, OLB Prince Shembo, CB Robert McClain, CB Josh Wilson, S Dwight Lowery.

2015 Atlanta Falcons Offense:
The past two seasons have been very disappointing for the Falcons, but don't blame Matt Ryan. Atlanta's franchise signal-caller generated 4,694 yards, 28 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions in 2014, yet the team still couldn't qualify for the playoffs despite being in one of the worst divisions in NFL history.

The front office simply hasn't been able to provide Ryan with enough help. There's Julio Jones, of course, but that's been about it. Jones, who just turned 26, is entering the prime of his career. He was unstoppable last year, catching 104 passes for 1,593 yards and six touchdowns. He's expected to see more volume in Kyle Shanahan's offense. Roddy White, meanwhile, will continue to regress. White, 34 in November, has failed to average more than 11.5 yards per reception in the past two seasons. He dealt with some injuries in 2014, but those will continue to pile up as he gets older.

Ryan will need White to play well because he still inexplicably has no one else to throw to. Slot receiver Harry Douglas isn't even available anymore. It's a huge mystery as to why the front office couldn't find a better slot option or a replacement for Tony Gonzalez at tight end this offseason; after all, Maxx Williams was sitting there in the second round, available for the taking. Instead, Ryan will have to settle for throwing intermediate passes to pedestrian players like Tony Moeaki, Jacob Tamme and Levine Toilolo. Tight ends are normally a big factor in Shanahan's offense, so it doesn't seem like Atlanta has any sort of plan.

The running back position figures to be better, at least. Steven Jackson is gone, so that's already addition by subtraction. Jacquizz Rodgers also departed, leaving disappointing rookie Devonta Freeman and breakaway-threat Antone Smith as the team's sole running backs heading into the draft. To remedy this situation, Atlanta used a third-round choice on Tevin Coleman, who was expected to go in the second frame. It's unclear if Coleman can handle a full workload, but he was exceptional for Indiana this past season, as he proved that he was capable of going the distance every single time he touched the ball. Freeman didn't show anything last year, so it should surprise no one if Coleman overtakes him as the team's starting runner.

Atlanta's offensive line is also a huge question mark. The greatest areas of concern are on the left side, even though Jake Matthews is stationed there. Matthews, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, had a brutal rookie campaign. Perhaps this was because of a Lisfranc injury he sustained, but Ryan's blind-side protector still hasn't resumed practicing and might not be ready for the season opener. Meanwhile, with Justin Blalock gone, the recently signed Chris Chester is expected to start at guard, though that's not a given. The 32-year-old Chester has been a pedestrian blocker over the past few years.

Two of the other three starters up front are unknowns, with the lone exception being right guard Jon Asamoah. Center Joe Hawley is coming off a torn ACL, though he's expected to be ready for training camp. Right tackle Ryan Schraeder performed well last season, but he is a former undrafted free agent, so given the small sample size, there's a chance his play could've been a mirage.

2015 Atlanta Falcons Defense:
Rather than adding more offensive weapons or improving Matt Ryan's blocking, the Falcons spent the majority of their resources bolstering their defense. It's hard to blame the front office for doing this, given that the "stop" unit surrendered 26.1 points per game in 2014, including 34 to the Panthers in a must-win for the divisional crown in Week 17.

The first two draft picks were defensive players. The No. 8 overall choice was used on a pass-rusher who could fit new head coach Dan Quinn's system perfectly. That would be Vic Beasley, who could've easily gone in the top five without any complaints. Beasley was a terror for Clemson this past season, so he, along with free-agent acquisitions Adrian Clayborn and O'Brien Schofield should be able to help a pass rush that has been lacking for years.

The second draft choice was used on tall cornerback Jalen Collins. Atlanta didn't have a huge need for the corner position, but Collins could offer an upgrade over the mediocre Robert Alford. The winner of that training camp battle will start across from Desmond Trufant, who is one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. If Alford loses the job, perhaps he can take over the nickel spot, which was occupied by the departed Robert McClain.

Rounding out the secondary are safeties Dezmen Southward and William Moore. This is a position that should have been upgraded this past offseason. Moore missed nine games in 2014 because of a shoulder injury, while Southward, a 2014 third-rounder, struggled in brief action as a rookie. No potential improvements are available, unless seventh-round rookie Akeem King unexpectedly steps up.

One other area that Atlanta tried to bolster this offseason was the linebacking corps. They let go of the oft-injured Sean Weatherspoon and brought in Brooks Reed as a potential upgrade. Reed was miscast as a rush linebacker in Houston's defense; he doesn't get after the quarterback well, but he excels in other departments, such as covering and stopping the run. Justin Durant was also signed; he played well last year for the Cowboys before tearing his bicep. Durant can play all three linebacker spots, but he's missed 16 games over the past couple of seasons. He and Reed will sandwich Paul Worrilow, who needs to improve his game after missing countless tackles in 2014.

The defensive line is basically the same, with Tyson Jackson, Jonathan Babineaux and Paul Soliai returning as starters. Babineaux was the best of the bunch this past season, offering an interior pass rush, though he wasn't very good in run support. The Falcons have Soliai to handle the run, while Jackson is a jack of all trades, but a master of none. Meanwhile, 2014 second-rounder Ra'Shede Hageman will fight for playing time. The Minnesota product struggled as a rookie, but perhaps his sophomore campaign will be better.

2015 Atlanta Falcons Schedule and Intangibles:
In five seasons, Matt Ryan is 40-17 in the Georgia Dome. However, the Falcons have been 6-10 at home over the past two seasons, so perhaps the magic has worn off.

The Falcons did pretty well on special teams, thanks to Devin Hester. The former Bear took a return to the house and helped the team outgain the opposition on both punts and kickoffs.

Matt Bryant signed a 3-year, $8.5 million contract this offseason, which was well deserved. Bryant has been incredibly clutch over the years, and he was 29-of-32 in 2014, including an impressive 7-of-10 from 50-plus.

Matt Bosher ranked 11th in net average in 2012, but improved, finishing sixth in both 2013 and 2014. He also did a good job of placing punts inside the 20.

Atlanta doesn't have a very difficult schedule. As of this writing, the team is a Vegas underdog against the Eagles (home), Giants (road), Cowboys (road), Saints (road), 49ers (road), Colts (home) and Panthers (road).



2015 Atlanta Falcons Rookies:
Go here for the Falcons Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.

2015 Atlanta Falcons Analysis: The Falcons should be better than they were in 2014, when they went 6-10. However, it doesn't appear as though they've made enough improvements to distance themselves from the pack in the NFC South. A divisional victory is still possible, but it appears as though Atlanta will finish at .500, or somewhere close to it.

Projection: 8-8 (3rd in NFC South)

Walter has begun posting his season previews and he's now up to the NFC South. It's Walter so take it with a grain of salt, and keep in mind that it isn't just one guy's opinion. It's something to talk about at very least though.

I've posted everything that I can. I can't transplant his star ratings, so follow the link to see those.

Almost all of the NFC South is up now as well, except Tampa, who will probably be added early Monday morning.

http://walterfootball.com/offseason2015atl.php

[quotemokc]

"Ryan will need White to play well because he still inexplicably has no one else to throw to. Slot receiver Harry Douglas isn't even available anymore. It's a huge mystery as to why the front office couldn't find a better slot option or a replacement for Tony Gonzalez at tight end this offseason; after all, Maxx Williams was sitting there in the second round, available for the taking. Instead, Ryan will have to settle for throwing intermediate passes to pedestrian players like Tony Moeaki, Jacob Tamme and Levine Toilolo. Tight ends are normally a big factor in Shanahan's offense, so it doesn't seem like Atlanta has any sort of plan. "

Failure to mention Hardy who should be better than Douglas and having 3 TEs to fight for a position isn't a bad thing.

[Tuggle'2]

"Ryan will need White to play well because he still inexplicably has no one else to throw to. Slot receiver Harry Douglas isn't even available anymore. It's a huge mystery as to why the front office couldn't find a better slot option or a replacement for Tony Gonzalez at tight end this offseason; after all, Maxx Williams was sitting there in the second round, available for the taking. Instead, Ryan will have to settle for throwing intermediate passes to pedestrian players like Tony Moeaki, Jacob Tamme and Levine Toilolo. Tight ends are normally a big factor in Shanahan's offense, so it doesn't seem like Atlanta has any sort of plan. "

Failure to mention Hardy who should be better than Douglas and having 3 TEs to fight for a position isn't a bad thing.

Julio doesn't count either I guess. lol

[Guest facelessman07]

This was an 8-8 team last year, if not for a few hand signal gaffes

We've improved the team, no reason why 9-7 or 10-6 isn't attainable, easily

Plus, not sure why they have us at 3rd in a division with New Orleans and Tampa Bay scraping the bottom of the barrel

[quickzero]

If someone can step up and make plays at both safety positions then our team wilo be a whole heck of alot better.

[Vandy]

I've always been a Walter homer. Will always enjoy his insight, especially when it comes to the draft.

8-8 isn't too far off. 9-7 sounds more reasonable, but would not be surprised with 500 (nor would I be disappointed).

Yup.....especially good and fair analysis of our draft picks. Edited July 5, 2015 by Vandy

[k-train]

Mike Smith's coaching snafus cost us 1-2 games a year, so it could be argued that while Quinn is as of yet unproven as a HC, that's another significant replacement. We are probably 2 games better than the prediction as long as DQ can just be normal in terms of boneheaded calls/clock management, and not on par with Smitty.

[jwickha2]

Not sure when the article was written but it mentions Southward as the other Safety opposite of Moore not Godfrey or Allen so Im not sure what to make of it.

Also we couldn't fix every single hole in the roster in one offseason. So we band-aided TE and other positions and hope to make to next yr

[Dirtybird56]

Several mistakes but not a terrible analysis

[hjerry]

Not sure when the article was written but it mentions Southward as the other Safety opposite of Moore not Godfrey or Allen so Im not sure what to make of it.

Also we couldn't fix every single hole in the roster in one offseason. So we band-aided TE and other positions and hope to make to next yr

It just came out, but if your expecting Walter to know details like that your getting your hopes up. He really doesn't get terribly in depth on these. They're really more of a skin level analysis, so if it isn't commonly known, like major FA moves, or draft class, then don't expect him to know about it.

[Atlfanstckndenver]

Durant and Reid will sandwich Worrilow!

They're are plenty of mistakes, enough for me to consider it terrible.

[hjerry]

I encourage everyone here to go to the site and look at his star ratings for each part of the team. They're really an important part of this, but I can't post them here. Also, do the same for the other NFC South teams. Basically, all the NFC South teams are all one big analysis, so you need to look at all of them to get the big picture. It's also interesting to see how many stars he gave to certain aspects of our rivals in contrast to our own.

[hjerry]

Durant and Reid will sandwich Worrilow!

They're are plenty of mistakes, enough for me to consider it terrible.

irony, thy name is Atlfanstckdenver

[Lornoth]

He thinks at least three NFCS teams will finish at or above .500? That's a real stretch...

[hjerry]

He thinks at least three NFCS teams will finish at or above .500? That's a real stretch...

Best that I can tell, he does these each year by division. I don't think that he goes down the schedule and predicts win/loss, but rather predicts each division's winner inclusively.

[Oldskooler]

Julio doesn't count either I guess. lol

Were you asleep through the article? He uad already mentioned Iulio as the unstoppable #1. He was talking about our failure to find a THIRD option behind Jones/White.

[Tuggle'2]

Were you asleep through the article? He uad already mentioned Iulio as the unstoppable #1. He was talking about our failure to find a THIRD option behind Jones/White.

I was replying to what he had quoted. Not what the guy said. >.>

Ryan will need White to play well because he still inexplicably has no one else to throw to. Slot receiver Harry Douglas isn't even available anymore. It's a huge mystery as to why the front office couldn't find a better slot option or a replacement for Tony Gonzalez at tight end this offseason

That is what I was laughing at. Now shoo!

[direwolf]

You know, I do wish people would stop using the word "disappointing" when discussing Devonta Freeman. He was the third back on a team with a coach who didn't like playing rookies unless he had to on an offense with a shattered offensive line run by an OC that wanted to throw all the time. What did you expect?

Will he be great? Dunno. We don't know what we've got in him. But calling his season disappointing doesn't really do him justice.

[rugger8]

You know, I do wish people would stop using the word "disappointing" when discussing Devonta Freeman. He was the third back on a team with a coach who didn't like playing rookies unless he had to on an offense with a shattered offensive line run by an OC that wanted to throw all the time. What did you expect?

Will he be great? Dunno. We don't know what we've got in him. But calling his season disappointing doesn't really do him justice.

I'm not a big fan of his, to be honest, but as always- these are good points.