Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons

2013 Season:  Matt Ryan completed the 3rd most passes in the NFL last season with 439, but unfortunately he thew the 7th most interceptions in the league with 17.   Ryan was sacked 44 times, 3rd most in the league.  

After finishing 1st in the NFC south division in 2012 and finishing the season so close to the Super Bowl, Falcons fell to a low in their franchise for the 2013 season.   Injuries and poor defensive play sacked the team.  The defense ranked 27th last season.  Julio Jones started with 41 catches 580 yards in only 5 games before going down with season ending foot injury.  Roddy White also went down with injury after hauling in 63 receptions for 711 yards.  Steven Jackson was added to the roster but also got a bite of the injury bug after catching 33 passes from Ryan.  Tony Gonzalez grabbing 83 receptions 859 yards and 8TD's in his final season was the best thing about watching the Falcons last season, Hall of Fame talent indeed.  

Key Additions:  Devin Hester, Jake Matthews

Key Losses:  Tony Gonzalez, Asante Samuel 

Fantasy Players to Watch for:  Julio Jones, Roddy White, Devin Hester, Steven Jackson, Matt Ryan, Jacquizz Rodgers

2014 Season Outlook:  Falcons had to solve the problem of getting Matt Ryan sacked 44 times last season.  They Picked up Jake Matthews 1st round to create the needed stability with Justin Blalock whose only missed 2 games in 7 seasons.  Matt Ryan will need protection.  He found plenty weapons to throw to when he got the chance to.  Tony Gonzalez left big cleats to fill.  Harry Douglas and Jacquizz Rodgers stepped up showed they belong when Jones went down.  Matt Ryan in his 7th season has proven he is an elite qb but hasn't yet reached the big game.  He is surrounded with a duo of big time wide receivers and now to add Devin Hester to the mix.  If this offense can stay healthy, watch out.

The defense on the other hand, needed more of a boost.  Watch out for Ra'Shede Hageman, 6'6 318 lbs rookie DE from Minnesota.  Osi Umenyiora comes in his 12th season with 82.5 sacks will anchor the defense.  Youth in the secondary have me wondering if this will be the same defense as last season.  It will be a really good offense and special teams but defense will hurt them in some games.  Much improvement from last season and a better Matt Ryan I see 9-7.