Atlanta Falcons
Offense
The Falcons’ offensive line was atrocious last season, and combined with a number of injuries to key players the entire offense suffered. The team landed Jake Matthews with the No. 6 overall pick, and he’ll slide right into the left tackle spot, immediately bolstering the team’s pass protection.
A healthy Julio Jones and Roddy White can be all the difference for Matt Ryan, who is now without Tony Gonzalez. Expect Harry Douglas to take on a larger role, with White fitting into the slot. In addition, Devonta Freeman is a rookie to keep an eye on, and may be the best running back on the roster right now.
Defense
Atlanta is transitioning to a 3-4 scheme, and is doing so with most of its linebacking corps lost already due to injury. Among those losses is Sean Weatherspoon, the defensive captain.
Kroy Biermann is the team’s top pass-rusher, while 2013 first-round pick Desmond Trufant is being counted on to be the team’s top cornerback. There’s talent, but not a lot of depth. Expect some growing pains in the first year of this new defense.
Outlook
Now that it’s healthy, the Falcons’ offense is primed to bounce back in a big way. But there are major questions about the new defense, which will have trouble stopping the likes of New Orleans in its own division.
Atlanta will be in a fight for the No. 2 spot in the AFC South, but with deeper divisions in the NFC North and West, they’re probably not going to be able to make the playoffs this year.
