Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.
Last year: 7-9 (third in NFC South)
Best addition: Joe Horn (WR, Saints)
Key personnel loss: Matt Schaub (QB, Texans)
2007 outlook: Things would look a lot better if Michael Vick wasn't in the potential trouble he could be in. Already hearing the negativity because he hasn't quite become the QB people expected him too, Vick would really hurt the Falcons if he were to be suspended for part of the year. And with the NFL's recent crackdown on conduct, how do you trade away Schaub and enter the season with Joey Harrington as your No. 2 guy. No offense to Harrington - I was probably one of the few guys that wanted to see him succeed in the NFL - but he is not a good option to be a long term starter.
On the other hand, after trying to upgrade the receiver position with guys like Peerless Price, Ashley Lelie and Michael Jenkins, the Falcons may have finally picked up a winning receiver in Horn, who will only be more fueled by the fact New Orleans didn't want him back. And as long as the offense can find some way to jell and get past offseason distractions, the defense will be there to stop people.
Key to success: If Atlanta wants avoid the stigma of being a team in constant turmoil, the players will need to find a way to rally around each other and quickly learn new coach Bobby Petrino's system. It was obvious a change needed to be made with all of the negative publicity being caused by former coach Jim Mora Jr. (must be a family trait), but anytime you have to change systems it takes time. So even if the Falcons don't make the playoffs this season, fans should get excited even if the team just comes off as a cohesive group.
Against Washington: The Falcons beat the Skins 24-14 in Washington last year and are not on the team's schedule this season.
Fantasy sleeper: Michael Jenkins. Missing out on what should have been his breakout year last year (it seems most receivers break out in year three) Jenkins finally has a veteran to learn from that is not a complete mess. And with Horn lining up opposite him, he will have a No. 1 receiver teams will actually respect. This should create some opportunities for Jenkins and if he wants to remain gainfully employed, he will need to make the most of them. Look for Jenkins to finally become a solid fantasy option. Take a flier on him in the late rounds once you have most of your team set.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
2007 Previews: Atlanta Falcons
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