2009-2010 Carolina Panthers Complete Schedule Breakdown

For Panthers fans this season, most of us would rather watch a Lions preseason game than glance over Carolina’s schedule.

The easiest team on the rundown is Buffalo, who was 7-9 last season. Besides that, every single opponent was at or above .500 in ’08-’09. The two divisions played are the NFC East and AFC East, and then you have to add in additional NFC foes Minnesota and Arizona.

The truth is, the schedule is the hardest of any team in years. And it’s up to the Panthers to handle it.

However, I’m not backing down just yet. I know the list is puke-provoking, but someone has to preview it!

 

Schedule Part One – Super Bowl Preview 3X

Week One – vs. Philadelphia Eagles

One thing we know: The Panthers won’t have to wait long to find out how good they really are. The first tough test comes in Week One!

It should be a difficult game for both teams in Bank of America Stadium, and also the first real look at how Vick will work with Philly. Expect a closely contested game with the Birds ending up on top.

Predicted Score: Eagles 24, Panthers 20 (0-1)

 

Week Two – @ Atlanta Falcons

Following a close loss the previous Sunday, Carolina will head a little south for another very hard game that has a lot of early playoff implications in it, too.

Atlanta’s offense should be fired up and ready to go, and that (in the end) will be the factor that hands the Panthers another “L”.

Predicted Score: Falcons 30, Panthers 17 (0-2)

 

Week Three – @ Dallas Cowboys

Even after two straight losses against elite teams, the schedule doesn’t cool down until the week after this. This matchup features two above-average teams battling a close game in the new, non-punt friendly Cowboys stadium.

It will likely be a back-and-forth ball game, but expect the Panthers to come through, driven by several rushing TDs from you-know-who and you-know-who.

Predicted Score: Panthers 21, Cowboys 20 (1-2)

 

Schedule Part Two – Rest Month

Week Four – Bye

Week Five – vs. Washington Redskins

The matchups finally give some lenience starting in Week Four, and then the Panthers stay at home to face the Redskins in what should be a very low-scoring affair.

It seems likely it will be a battle of two sub-par units when the Washington offense is out there, but I think the Carolina rushing game can overpower the overhauled Redskin defense to earn themselves an easier-than-average victory and level the record at 2-2.

Predicted Score: Panthers 17, Redskins 7 (2-2)

 

Week Six – @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Although most would mark this as a fairly easy win on paper, it is a division matchup and a tough road location, as well.

However, I still think that the Cats can do it. Look possibly for a big day from the passing game while the focus remains on the ever-ready rushing attack.

Predicted Score: Panthers 24, Buccaneers 16 (3-2)

 

Week Seven – vs. Buffalo Bills

In Week Seven, we stay in familiar territory accompanied by the northern Buffalo Bills. The Bills bring with them an always-interesting face in Terrell Owens, and it may end up that his play will determine the game.

However, when you pick a player to take the team on his shoulders and ride you to victory, TO isn’t usually the one that comes to mind. Should be a pretty easy win for the Panthers.

Predicted Score:  Panthers 27, Bills 10 (4-2)

 

Schedule Part Three – Heating Up

Week Eight – @ Arizona Cardinals

This game could turn out to be the game of the season for the Panthers. A win would be huge, but a loss could knock them out of playoff contention.

The points may be flying, and Fitz and Boldin should have their share of yards. Watch out for a tough loss in this one.

Predicted Score: Cardinals 30, Panthers 27 (4-3)

 

Week Nine – @ New Orleans Saints

In almost a duplicate of the Week Eight matchup, the Panthers are once again on the road against a team that can certainly put up the points.

Drew Brees should be fired up for this one, and I have a feeling that it could be a big day for Thomas and Bush in the backfield for the Saints, too.

Predicted Score: Saints 35, Panthers 24 (4-4)

 

Week Ten – vs. Atlanta Falcons

The Cats will finally get to head home, but that doesn’t mean the game will be any easier. The opponent this time will be the Falcons, who should already have a couple game lead on the division title.

However, I think the Panthers will be emotionally pumped and will play one of the best games of the season in this one. Although it’ll be close, John Kasay can get it done in the final seconds once again in this shocking upset.

Predicted Score: Panthers 27, Falcons 24 (5-4)

 

Schedule Part Four – Calm Before the Storm

Week Eleven – vs. Miami Dolphins

They may be easier than the previous run, but Miami is by no means a pushover. On the other hand, though, they should end up as a win.

I’ll say that this is the defense’s night, and that Carolina will come out with a low-scoring (yet important) win.

Predicted Score: Panthers 13, Dolphins 7 (6-4)

 

Week Twelve – @ New York Jets

In Week Twelve, we finish off our NFC East back-to-back with a road game at the Meadowlands.

The Jets may come into the game with a worn-out lighter, after trying to catch Sanchez on fire game after game. That may allow the Panthers to come away with a slim victory.

Predicted Score: Panthers 20, Jets 14 (7-4)

 

Week Thirteen – vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Easy win on paper, huh?!

Not so much. This could be the real heartbreaker trap game for the Panthers: they were 7-4 and right in the middle of the playoff race when they suffer a crushing blow to the Bucs right before a brutal late-season schedule.

Predicted Score: Buccaneers 27, Panthers 20 (7-5)

 

Schedule Part Five – Run For Your Life

Week Fourteen – @ New England Patriots

This is when it gets ugly. A road date versus the Patriots is not what you want to hear, especially when you need a win.

Look at it this way: Both teams have great running games….and only one team has a passing game. This could turn out to be a big-time, old-fashioned whoppin’.

Predicted Score: Patriots 34, Panthers 9 (7-6)

 

Week Fifteen – vs. Minnesota Vikings

At this point, a win here would be essential to keep any playoff chance the Cats have left. The home crowd will be cheering them on, but in the end, I can’t see our defense holding up as well as the Vikings to keep our hopes alive.

Predicted Score: Vikings 23, Panthers 17 (7-7)

 

Week Sixteen – @ New York Giants

The Panthers will return to the Meadowlands for the second time in two months to face the harder of the stadium’s residents, the New York Giants.

By now, there won’t be much left to hope for, and the Giants should have a field day with their cheese shredder.

Predicted Score: Giants 24, Panthers 12 (7-8)

 

Week Seventeen – vs. New Orleans Saints

The finale will come down to a battle to the finish. The Panthers will be long gone from the playoff race, but the Saints will be right in the mix. However, I think we may just have one last word to say in 2009-2010 to our divisional foe.

Carolina wins in a massive shootout.

Predicted Score: Panthers 35, Saints 33 (8-8)

 

Final Projected Record: 8-8

Division Finish: Third

Playoff Seed: none…

Number of Times I fainted writing this article: 381

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL 2009-2010 Off-Beat Rankings: Backup Quarterbacks

It’s back Mark Jones here again, bringing you the second article in the three-piece series of my off-beat NFL rankings.

Last week, I covered backup running backs from around the league. I had Jonathan Stewart, LenDale White, and Reggie Bush as my top three, but common opinion in the comments showed strong love for Jerious Norwood yet no support for players like Reggie Bush or Felix Jones.

This weekend, I’m covering the replacement QBs for all 32 teams. I will count down from No. 32, and all players ranked in the top 16 (upper half) will get a few sentences of analysis each. All opinions are appreciated—go ahead and comment and tell me your perspective!

Next week you can look forward to my rankings of No. 3 WRs. Here is the list/links of my entire series:

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Backup Running Backs: here

Backup Quarterbacks: read on

No. 3 Wide Receivers: coming next week

 

 

32. Todd Bouman, Jacksonville

31. Chris Redman, Atlanta

30. Kevin O’Connell, New England

29. Billy Volek, San Diego

28. Joey Harrington, New Orleans

27. Brian Brohm, Green Bay

26. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo

25. Chris Simms, Denver

24. Brett Basanez, Chicago

23. Jim Sorgi, Indianapolis

22. J.T. O’Sullivan, Cincinnati

21. Seneca Wallace, Seattle

20. Jon Kitna, Dallas

19. Kyle Boller, St. Louis

18. Dan Orlovsky, Houston

17. Brian Batch/Dennis Dixon, Pittsburgh

 

16. Alex Smith, San Francisco

The 49er shared some time starting last season, and has some good qualities under his belt. Despite a disappointing season in terms of performance, Smith is still an average backup for his position.

15. Kellen Clemens, New York Jets

He’s right in the middle of a battle for the starting job with Mark Sanchez, and so far he’s losing. But, if the gig does go to rookie Sanchez, Clemens could turn out to be a very serviceable replacement for the Jets.

14. Brady Quinn, Cleveland

The Browns’ Brady Quinn is in a very similar situation as Kellen Clemens is with the Jets, except for the fact he’s battling Derek Anderson. However, like Clemens above, Quinn would be a decent backup at QB.

13. Chad Henne, Miami

The future behind center for the Dolphins, Chad Henne gets more and more time each season. He likely won’t get into a rotation-like job with starter Chad Pennington, but Henne will do well in second on the depth chart.

12. Tyler Thigpen, Kansas City

Thigpen tried to hold together a crumbling Chiefs team last season, and did a decent job in the stats column, even as a starter. But now KC has brought in former Patriot Matt Cassel, who bumps Thigpen down to second.

However, he’s a good bet to step in and do well if Cassel has issues.

11. David Carr, New York Giants

David Carr looked fine with the Texans several years ago, but his ’07 job with the Panthers was disastrous. The Giants then picked him up, and he’s looked quite good in his limited preseason playing time.

10. Colt Brennan, Washington

The best quarterback to ever (by far) come out of a non-lower 48 state, former Hawaii QB Colt Brennan has greatly exceeded expectations in both of his preseasons with the NFL. If Campbell struggles for the ‘Skins, expect Brennan to step in and handle the game well.

9. Matt Leinart, Arizona

Leinart has never really come close to living up to expectations after a sensational trip through college at USC, but he’s a good backup for the Cards. If Kurt Warner has problems due to his age, Leinart could still possibly lead Arizona to a division title in a division so weak.

8. Matt Moore/Josh McCown, Carolina

Carolina has a quiet but effective group of backups for the slumping Jake Delhomme. Young Matt Moore was great at Oregon State several years ago, and he filled in well for Delhomme at the end of the ’07-’08 season.

Also accompanying him is former Raider Josh McCown, who has a lot of starting experience, and late-round draft pick Hunter Cantwell from Louisville.

7. Vince Young, Tennessee

The college superstar has had a bumpy road through professional football so far, but if things settle down, Young could end up as a big-time upper-end quarterback. Anyways, he’s certainly top-ten caliber for backups.

6. Jeff Garcia, Oakland

Jeff Garcia is probably secretly about 65-years old now, but he sure doesn’t show it. After successful one-year stints in Philly and Tampa Bay, Garcia is now among the candidates to fill-in for JaMarcus Russel if he is among the bottom of the league again.

5. Josh Freeman/Luke McCown, Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay has a terrible starter in Byron Leftwich, but behind him, it looks pretty good.

Josh Freeman has had a lot of hype after being drafted as their No. 1 overall pick, and Luke McCown is also there for insurance. Either one could be a fine starter for Tampa if they decide to bump out Leftwich.

4. Troy Smith/Cleo Lemon, Baltimore

The former Ohio State star crumbled in the National Championship, and no one heard of him after that. Until now.

Troy Smith has looked excellent in his preseason games, and is sparking some articles that he deserves a chance to compete with young Joe Flacco. Cleo Lemon is also a very recent addition from Jacksonville.

3. Travaris Jackson/Sage Rosenfels, Minnesota

They were the most ridiculed quarterbacks in the league a couple months ago, but now they should fit in well as backups behind Brett Farve (no need to say anything about him…ESPN’s already got it way over-covered)!

Travaris Jackson may not be the best passer, but he’s an excellent scrambler. Rosenfels also had some good experience in starter six games for up-and-coming Houston last year. Together, they make up a top-three backup duo.

 

2. Matthew Stafford, Detroit

The top pick in the draft is ranking high among fantasy players, and he has a chance to beat out Dante Culpepper before the season even begins. Otherwise, it’s just a high-level ranking on the backups list.

1. Michael Vick, Philadelphia

I seriously doubt Michael Vick needs any more media coverage. All I’m going to say is my opinion, and it looks pretty good. Vick could be an above-average starter in some places.

NFL ’09-’10 Previews: AFC South Title Race is Wide Open

The AFC South appears ready to once again become the league’s best division.

While usual-superstar Peyton Manning tries to exploit defenses with his deadly connection to Reggie Wayne, Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson appear to have a little trick going themselves. All the while, the powerful RB duo of Chris Johnson and LenDale White anchor the defending AFC top seed winners.

With teams like Indianapolis, Houston, and Tennessee all together, the division title race seems like it could be a nail-biter all season long!

 

Indianapolis Colts

Offensive Overview

Peyton Manning is once again one of the league’s best QBs, and despite the loss of Marvin Harrison, he still has several good WR targets to pass to.

Reggie Wayne is an excellent top-10 wideout and has been impressive so far in the preseason, too. Besides him, young budding star Anthony Gonzalez anchors the other side.

The running game is up for grabs, though. Aging RB Joseph Addai looks like he might struggle unless rookie Donald Brown from UConn can step in a carry 40 percent or more of the load.

 

Defensive/Special Teams Overview

There isn’t much to really talk about in the Indianapolis defense. The end position is the best in the NFL, but the other units are simply a little above average.

On special teams, kicker Adam Vinatieri looks to rebound from a mediocre year last year to another top-five appearance.

 

Best Case

Manning and Wayne form a great connection and both finish in the top three, and Joseph Addai finds at least one more year left in him to give the Colts a first-round bye.

 

Worst Case

The unbalanced running game falters and Anthony Gonzalez ends up way over-hyped, plus Vinatieri slips even farther down the kicker rankings.

Indianapolis finishes third in the division and out of the playoffs.

 

Key Game: October 11 @ Tennessee

 

 

Tennessee Titans

Offensive Overview

Kerry Collins will decide the 2009/10 success potential for the Tennessee Titans. Collins seems ageless, but you never know when he could slip. Also, he has simply a mediocre group of wide receivers to target.

Justin Gage, free agent pickup Nate Washington, and rookie Kenny Britt appear poised to be the starters for the Titans, but none of them are above average for their slot. On the other hand, though, TE Bo Scaife is among the best pass-catching tight ends in the league.

However, it’s the running game that anchors this team. Chris Johnson, a young superstar out of ECU, looked great last year and should be a top-10 back once again. Behind him is LenDale White, who should get at least 35% of the carries to keep Johnson fresh, and he can also be used a very solid goal line back.

 

Defensive/Special Teams Overview

The defense is also another staple of the Titans, and could be one of the top in the country if they perform to their full potential.

Kicker Rob Bironas has excellent distance and is a good shot of being the best in the league.

 

Best Case

Nate Washington turns out to be a brilliant signing, and Kerry Collins finds another year to deliver the football consistently. Plus, the defense is a top-three squad and the Titans claim a first round bye once again.

 

Worst Case

The receivers underperform and Collins begins his decline, plus an injury to White or Johnson depletes the duo combination. The Titans still finish at .500 but fall out of the playoff picture.

 

Key Game: September 10 @ Pittsburgh

 

 

Houston Texans

Offensive Overview

The Texans were once a consistent occupant of the bottom of the standings, but they now appear on the rise. A lot of that success can be credited to young superstars Andre Johnson and Steve Slaton.

Quarterback Matt Schaub looked good last year, and it’s hard not to with Andre Johnson there. Kevin Walter is also a safe bet as a No. 2 WR.

The passing game opens up holes for the running game, and speedy Steve Slaton uses that to his great advantage. Slaton could easily be a top ten RB this season, despite being a rookie last year.

 

Defensive/Special Teams Overview

This could be a question mark for Houston this season, and maybe their breaking point. The line has its share of playmakers but the linebackers could really use an improvement.

Kris Brown is a risky target to pick this for but he also has the possibility of emerging as a top-five placekicker.

 

Best Case

Andre Johnson improves even from last year, and Kevin Walter looks great, too. Steve Slaton takes advantage of the passing completions and Houston has one of the best offenses in the league.

 

Worst Case

Matt Schuab isn’t quite the sleeper he is projected to be, and Andre Johnson falls out of the top five. Steve Slaton suffers the sophomore slump, the defense is in the bottom ten, and Houston gets driven out of contention by their tough divisional rivals.

 

Key Game: November 29 vs. Indianapolis

 

All in all, the AFC South title race is completely wide open for everyone. Even Jacksonville could state their case if Maurice Jones-Drew performs like expected and David Garrard has a breakout year by keeping Torry Holt stable for at least one more season.

So, which team do you think will take home the prize? Anyone could claim it, but there’s only one first place! Here’s my opinion…

 

No. 1. Tennessee Titans…12-4

No. 2. Indianapolis Colts….11-5

No. 3. Houston Texans….10-6

No. 4. Jacksonville Jaguars….7-9

NFL 2009-10: Preseason Power Rankings

Well, with the first NFL game since February kicking off tomorrow, it appears time to get back into the national addiction and start kicking off our own picks and predictions.

It’s too bad that the Hall of Fame game doesn’t have better teams…it might get more views than the Super Bowl if it was a good game. I’ll tell you what, though, I’m as impatient as ever for football to begin. And I’m also impatient to finish this stupid introduction and get on with the rankings!

 

1. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles were in the NFC Championship last year, and they could go even farther this year.

The defense lost some key players but remains solid. With a solid runner in Brian Westbrook (and even if he does get injured, enter LeSean McCoy), a veteran QB with Donovan McNabb (even if he doesn’t know about ties), and an improved receiving core featuring rookie Jeremy Maclin as well as DeSean Jackson, this is a balanced, talented team.

 

2. New England Patriots

Tom Brady turns this team from an above-average squad into a dynasty. The running game will have questions, though.

 

3. San Diego Chargers

If Norv Turner can prove himself to be a decent coach, this could be a dangerous force in the AFC.

Darren Sproles has almost proved himself to be an excellent pairing with LT. With Phillip Rivers and a solid receiving game, the Chargers may have the best offense in the league.

 

4. Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan. Roddy White. Michael Turner. How about that offense!?

 

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers go into this season coming off a Super Bowl win, but how effective will it be? Roethlisberger has had his problems this offseason, and Willie Parker is showing his age, too. The good thing is, it’s always the defense that makes the plays anyway!

 

6. Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning is still a top-three quarterback, and he won’t be lacking in targets. But will slipping Joseph Addai and rookie Donald Brown be enough to carry the running game? And how about the defense, or the tightening division?

 

7. Carolina Panthers

Despite a brutal schedule, one of the hardest of the decade (the worst team they play had a 7-9 record last year, and with the NFC East and AFC East on the schedule), the Panthers are still looking good.

Delhomme has had his moments, and is not the QB that we all saw against Arizona. The running duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart has the capability to once again be the league’s best. The defense has also grown younger, faster, and is more balanced.

 

8. New York Giants

This is another talented team with a brutal schedule, a mediocre QB, and a powerful running game. This should be a huge season for the Giants.

 

9. Minnesota Vikings

If they could only find a quarterback…imagine the possibilities!

 

10. Tennessee Titans

I hope Kerry Collins is ageless, or the Titans will certainly suffer a fall. But the defense and running game can carry this team to the playoffs.

 

11. New Orleans Saints

If the offense can continue to dominate, the Saints may finally get that playoff berth they’ve been looking for. Still, they have a very hard schedule to endure.

 

12. Dallas Cowboys

The running game is declining, the defense is no longer anything special, the schedule is very difficult, and Tony Romo is…well, Tony Romo.

 

13. Houston Texans

The Texans are one of the brightest spots in the league right now. Andre Johnson is a superstar receiver and Matt Schuab can deliver the ball. Steve Slaton is also a good back, and the defensive line is overpowering.

 

14. Baltimore Ravens

I’m serious when I say I have my doubts about the Ravens. Joe Flacco wasn’t a superstar last year, an it’s not happening now. The running game is an oddly assorted bunch, and the defense has begun it’s “aging out” period. This could be a tough battle for a playoff spot!

 

15. Arizona Cardinals

A long way from the NFC title, isn’t it? Kurt Warner just doesn’t have another season like last year in him, and the running game is questionable, too. But then again, how bad can a team with Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston as their top-three WRs be?

 

16. Green Bay Packers

If the defense holds its ground and Aaron Rodgers emerges as a balanced QB, this team could improve from last season. A bounce-back year from Ryan Grant is needed, though.

 

17. Chicago Bears

Beware, Jay Cutler is here. Beware, Jay Cutler, there’s nothing to throw to!

 

18. San Francisco 49ers

Mike Singletary has turned the 49ers into an improving team. But they still aren’t solid enough on the depth chart to compete.

 

19. New York Jets

The defense got a huge makeover that has turned it into a top-10 unit. Unfortunately, the offense still has issues.

 

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This would be an above .500 team if not for a terribly talented division. The running game should be excellent, but Brian Griese, Byron Leftwich, and rookie Josh Freeman is not exactly who you want competing for the starting QB job.

 

21. Miami Dolphins

It’s going to be very hard to repeat anything like last year’s season. Pennington just is not going to achieve consistency, and the defense could be heading slightly downhill, too. Ronnie Brown will handle the running game fine, but he’s no stud.

 

22. Cincinnati Bengals

Carson Palmer may not be a top-flight QB, but he’s better than Ryan Fitzpatrick. A lot better. And I also have a good feeling about Cedric Benson and the running game…so the Bengals could be an improved team. However, he is still not the one the team is looking for.

 

23. Seattle Seahawks

Read above. It’s not just Palmer replacing Fitzpatrick, it’s Hasselbeck replacing Wallace. And the running game may not have quite the same outlook. However, it is a very easy schedule for the Seahawks to devour.

 

24. Jacksonville Jaguars

Maurice Jones-Drew is an elite RB, and hopefully Garrard can establish any sort of foothold. The problem is, Jacksonville is inconsistent on being inconsistent, but by no means can they compete with this roster.

 

25. Washington Redskins

Clinton Portis has “bust potential,” Jason Campbell is not even a mediocre QB, and the receivers are low in talent. The defense is a strong point, but even that unit is overpaid.

 

26. Kansas City Chiefs

Matt Cassel will make sure the Chiefs aren’t quite as bad as last year’s team, but 6-10 seems to be about the ceiling for KC right now.

 

27. Buffalo Bills

Terrell Owens is not an improvement, he is a disaster. The team will lose wins because of him, not gain them. And the rest of the team isn’t too great, either.

 

28. Denver Broncos

What a mess this team has turned in to! I feel bad for Kyle Orton!

 

29. Oakland Raiders

They could even get in the upper half of the division standings, but that’s no great achievement. Darren McFadden carries too much weight for Oakland to progress.

 

30. St. Louis Rams

Torry Holt is gone, Marc Bulger might as well be gone, and Steven Jackson has big-time injury issues. Hang up the cleats for another year, Rams fans.

 

31. Detroit Lions

There is no way another winless season is possible, but the Lions will still be out of it for at least another several years. Kevin Smith should be fine carrying the runs, though, and Calvin Johnson is quick and explosive. However, they just lack too much experience to improve past 4-12.

 

32. Cleveland Browns

If the Lions can’t go winless, the Browns can. Oh boy, Cleveland, let’s hope Brady Quinn can survive this torture!

 

 

2009-2010 NFL Season Team Previews: Atlanta Falcons

2008 Record: 11-5, second in division

2009 Projection: 12-4, Division champ

 

Quarterbacks

Matt Ryan, coming into the league after a successful college career at Boston College, was nearly the pride of the NFL last season. His unexpected yet incredible talent let the Falcons finally forget about their mess (a.k.a. Michael Vick) and propelled Atlanta from a terrible season to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth.

Ryan racked up nearly 3,500 yards through the air last season, and he’s not about to stop. The Falcons’ quarterback is going to be there for many years to come.

Grade: A

 

Running Backs

Michael Turner, in his first year as a Falcon last season, was also spectacular, finishing second in the league in yards (with nearly 1,700). The combination of Turner and Ryan makes for a dangerous combo for opposing defenses, who have to worry about both the pass and the run.

Behind Turner on the depth chart is Jerious Norwood, who is a decent running back himself. He actually was able to total more than 800 yards of rushing and seven touchdowns last season.

He may find himself playing a significant amount of split-back formation with Turner.

Grade: A

 

Wide Recievers/Tight Ends

Atlanta has an array of balanced, talented recievers. Roddy White lead the team last season with nearly 1,400 yards. With Michael Jenkins and Harry Douglas, the Falcons are going to have several options to pass to on every play.

Future Hall-of-Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez is newly acquired from Kansas City. His play will certainly help fill what was a weak spot last year at tight end, and will also provide a safe option for still mostly inexperienced Ryan.

However, Gonzalez is not a long-term option, and the Falcons are probably already at work scouting out a young player to fill in once Gonzalez retires.

Grade: B+

 

Offensive Line

The Falcons’ offensive line will probably not change during the offseason. It currently is a balanced group that has some talent along the entire line.

Although they may not really have any star among the bunch, the line is always instrumental in providing Turner the space to run that he needs to succeed.

Grade: B-

 

Defense

On the defensive line, John Abraham remains as one of the most dangerous lineman out there. However, besides him, Atlanta has a weak spot in that category.

At linebacker, several important roster changes have been made this offseason. Brooking and Boley have left for other teams, but Mike Peterson arrives from the Jaguars to help stabilize this position.

Curtis Lofton is also coming off a good year and will also help the Falcons’ defense.

The loss of corner Dominique Foxworth is a huge loss for Atlanta, and Chris Houston will now have to fill in at a position possibly too important for his skill level. This could be a weakness to watch for in the upcoming season.

However, Erik Coleman definitely has the capability to help out Houston and produce some stats for himself, as well.

Grade: B

 

Special Teams

Jason Elam was a perfect fit for the Falcons last year after his previous stint with Denver. He finished 29-for-31 and led the league in percentage from 40+ yards: 100 percent (10/10).

Jerious Norwood is currently the kickoff returner, although he definitely has some areas to improve. Harry Douglas, the punt returner, is a solid player for the position.

Grade: B+

 

Despite having a very tough schedule this season, the Falcons looked poised to accomplish their latest goal of getting a win in the playoffs. The only question is if Ryan has the composure to lead this team that far.

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