Atlanta Falcons Season in Review

Atlanta Falcons Season in Review

Its amazing how losing can expose so much about a team. This team was picked by some to win the Superbowl prior to opening day. The Falcons only managed to pull off a  4-12 record. There are a couple of reasons why this team suffered. 

Injuries can absolutely damage a team's playoffs hope...in the Falcons case injuries destroyed the team's division hopes. Injuries were devastating, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Matt Ryan's three favorite targets were hurt all year. Julio Jones was placed on IR. Roddy White played through a ankle injury and Tony Gonzales played through a toe injury. Don't forget Stephen Jackson was injured most of the season. With all of Matt Ryan's toys defected, he turned to Harry Douglas, who turned in a solid season (85 receptions, 1067 yards). Matt Ryan looked like a rookie again a lot this season. 

The next reason is the Falcons had a lack of running game. In with Stephen Jackson, out with Michael Turner. They essentially did nothing to help their running game by adding Stephen Jackson last offseason. He can be a dominate running back but he is too fragile. Michael Turner had the same problem. The Falcons averaged only 77.9 rushing yards a game last season, worst in the NFL. The Falcons should look into getting a younger running back who can help the team win now.

The last reason this team struggled was one of the NFL's worst defense. They were ranked 28th in total yards allowed (379.4). Its surprising that teams found time to throw the ball on the Falcons pass defense when they were running the ball with ease. The Falcons rush defense was ranked 31st in the NFL (135.8 yards a game. Miss Curtis Lofton? How about Brent Grimes?

The most bizarre thing this season was how the handled Tony Gonzales situation. The man came back to play because he thought the Falcons had a chance to win. Out of respect for Tony Gonzales, they should have traded him mid-way through the season to a contender. There are a number of teams who could have used a tight end. It would be a win-win for both teams involved. Patriots needed a tight end, Green Bay Packers could have been a fit...or the obvious team, the Kansas City Chiefs. 

In order for this team to get back to its 2012 form, the Falcons need to get healthy, find a running back, and improve that defense. The Falcons can be a scary team offensively when they are clicking. It's time for them to have fearful defense. They need to upgrade every position on that defense.