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Projected Record
9-7, 2nd Place NFC South
Projected Schedule W/L
@Carolina (L)
Tampa Bay (W)
@New Orleans (L)
Arizona (W)
NY Giants (W)
Pittsburgh (L)
@Cincinnati (L)
@Detroit (W)
Cleveland (W)
@Baltimore (L)
New Orleans (W)
@Washington (W)
@Tampa Bay (L)
Dallas (W)
Carolina (L)
@Philadelphia (W)
There may not have been a more disappointing team in 2005 than the Atlanta Falcons. After reaching the NFC Championship Game in Coach Jim Mora’s first season the Falcons took a step backwards last season as Michael Vick continued to struggle with the West Coast offense. If one word could be used to describe the West Coast offense it would be ‘controlled’. One word to describe Michael Vick? ‘Chaos’. Coming into this season rumors swirled that Vick and Offensive Coordinator Greg Knapp had a rocky relationship at best. For their part, Mora and Knapp have toned down the offense and added more of what makes Vick so effective. Boot-legs, run-outs and QB draws will be more affluent in the game plan. Whether it translates onto the field remains to be seen.
Team Strengths – Vick is the most dynamic weapon in the NFL. There has never been a pure athlete like him at the Quarterback postion ever. His style, however opens Vick up to a beating. The Falcons have come to the conclusion that Vick is not going to be a 16 game QB. That’s what makes Matt Schaub so important to Atlanta’s success. Schaub is a better quarterback for the Falcons scheme than Vick is. Having him as the backup is definitely a plus for Atlanta because he is gonna start 2-4 games this season, without a doubt. Warrick Dunn continues to be effective, though you have to imagine that Dunn is due for a downturn. Defensively, the Falcons went out and traded for John Abraham in the off-season to spruce up their pash rush. They’ll need to get to the opposing quarterbacks because the DB’s fit into the next column.
Team Weaknesses - The defnsive backs for the Falcons are going to need to play well for Atlanta to get back to their 2004 success. The other teams in the NFC South all figure to have great offenses and how the defense handles Steve Smith in Carolina, Reggie Bush and Joe Horn in New Orleans, and Mark Clayton and Cadillac Williams in Tampa will make or break their season. After Dunn the Falcons really don’t have a running threat other than Vick which isn’t good. The Falcons passing game took a hit when Brian Finneran was lost for the season with a knee injury. Michael Jenkins will have to step up and become a consistent target for Vick. After Jenkins, the receiving corp is a big question mark to say the least. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Falcons bring in another receiver via trade, with disgruntled Denver Bronco Ashley Lelie being the likely target.
Best Case Scenario – If Vick can stay healthy he creates mismatches all over the field, and can take any play all the way. This team was one win away from the Super Bowl 2 years ago and Vick can get the team there again. If Abraham can blow up the oppositions backfield and creat havoc the Falcons defense will be vastly improved. The best case scenario for the Falcons might be an injury to Vick, forcing the Falcons to use Schaub. The offense the Falcons want to use is more suited to Schaub and the offense would be more consistent, if not as explosive, without Vick.
Worst Case Scenario - Even though Vick and Mora are saying all the right things I think there is some animosity in Atlanta. Vick doesn’t like the offense, and Mora doesn’t like the way Vick runs the Offense. The Falcons are saying they are going to loosen the reigns a little bit on Vick, and if it doesn’t work changes may be in order. Owner Arthur Blank may have a decision to make in the off-season if this season goen poorly once again. The worst case scenario for the Falcons this season just might be the best case scenario long term for the team.
My Opinion - The situation in Atlanta is definitely intriguing to me. Vick is an incredible talent, but the Falcons coaching staff has yet to build the offensive system around Vick and what he does best. Both sides are beginning to get frustrated and another so-so season could lead to the breaking point. On the other hand, if the Falcons have some success than all could be forgiven. After missing the playoffs last year the expectation is to get back and go deep in 2006. They’ll get to the playoffs at 9-7 before losing to Seattle in the 2nd Round. Will that be enough to appease ownership? Only time will tell.
