Atlanta Falcons Off Season To Do List: Time for Matt Ryan to prove he is Elite
By Editorial Staff
Atlanta Falcons off Season Check List
2011 Outcome (10-6)
MikeSmith and Thomas Dimitroff need to do something to get over the hump. They have created a roster that competes every season and has gone to the post season 3 out of their 4 year tenure. Yet they have failed to win a playoff game to this point. In fact they have lost by over 14 points in 2 of their 3 losses. The Falcons offense has been explosive in the regular season but has fizzled in the post season. The defense has been a major liability against elite passing teams. Something needs to change and Matt Ryan needs to step up.
Coach Seat Temperature
It is hard to gauge whereMikeSmith is. He has an overall regular season record of 43-21 which is very impressive. He has a post season record of 0-3 which is not. My guess is he is safe as long as he doesn’t suffer a drop back but eventually he will need to make a Super Bowl run. Offensive CoordinatorMikeMuhlarky left to coach the Jaguars and was replaced by former Jaguars OC Dirk Koetter…weird. MikeSmith made a wise decision bringing inMikeNolan to coach the defense. It remains to be seen if he tries to make the Falcons run a 3-4 defense.
2011 Draft Class Rating (C)
I am still in shock that the Falcons traded 5 picks in order to move up and take Julio Jones. Jones is a great talent but anytime a team thinks they are one player away they are usually wrong. Selecting Jacquizz Rogers was a steal in Round 5. Akeem Dent did little in year 1. After that the Falcons did little.
2010 Draft Class Rating (C)
Sean Weatherspoon is a Pro Bowl talent who is an effective player in all phases at OLB. Corey Peters is a decent DT who gets good initial pressure. The Falcons have not gotten much from middle round OL prospects Michael Johnson and Joe Hawley. Dominique Franks improved in year 2 and might be a decent secondary depth player. Overall, this class was pretty blah.
2009 Draft Class Rating (D)
This draft was spent on fixing the defense. They failed to do so. First and Second Round picks DT Peria Jerry and SS William Moore has been injured and just plain ineffective. Chris Owens has done little as a slot CB. Lawrence Sidbury and Vance Walker have been decent depth DL talents.
Current Needs
Offense: RB, TE, OL
Defense: DE, OLB, CB, S
Current FA
Henry Douglass: Douglas was finally healthy and was an explosive slot WR. Falcons should try to retain him but might seek a better offer and more playing time elsewhere.
Tony Gonzalez: Gonzalez showed he has more sand in his hour glass. He had a Pro Bowl year and should play one more season. Expect a drop off though.
Todd McClure: McClure is 35 years old and injury prone. When playing he is effective but should be less so next season. I say it is time to move on.
John Abraham: Abraham is still a threat to go for around 10 sacks. I know he is slowly declining every season but the Falcons do not have anyone else. Be careful how long you sign him but he should be brought back.
Curtis Lofton: Lofton needs to be resigned. He is an every down MLB who is a team leader. He is the Falcons #1 priority this offseason.
Brett Grimmes: It remains to be seen if Grimmes actually sat out to protect his health for Free Agency. If it is true than the Falcons need to move on; if it isn’t true he should be brought back. Grimmes is the Falcons best CB and has improved every season.
Current Mock
2. Nate Potter OT BoiseState
3. Orson Charles TE Georgia