The Falcons took care of the stigma of not winning a playoff game last year.
What they weren’t able to do this offseason was take care of all the problems they’re facing.
With the return of Tony Gonzalez and the addition of Steven Jackson, the Falcons should have one of the best offenses in the league. Quarterback Matt Ryan’s due a huge payday for good reason, as he’s a steady leader and one of the top passers in the game.
But until Ryan or Gonzalez or Jackson tackle somebody, the Falcons are going to have problems. Money and age have stripped them of playmakers on that side of the ball, and they’re crossing their fingers that some kids in the secondary step up, and that defensive end Osi Umenyiora finds his old form again.
That’s a lot to hope for, and if the defense can be just OK, the Falcons could be among the favorites this year.
You can read the full preview here, and tell us in the poll below whether we’ve accurately assessed the Falcons’ chances.
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