For the past several years the Atlanta Falcons have been a playoff contender in the NFC, making the playoffs three of the last four seasons. Unfortunately, they have not won any of those three playoff games.
The Falcons are undoubtedly one of the most talented teams in the league, especially on offense. Matt Ryan calling the shots at quarterback and having multiple options to throw to, including wide receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones as well as future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez. Not to mention the dangerous running backs Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rogers.
Atlanta flexed their offensive muscles in their opening game this season, dropping 40 points on the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium. The Falcons made it look too easy, it all started on their opening drive when they marched down the field to take the initial lead.
It is certainly early, but if the Falcons can continue to have the offensive success they had this week then they will be a force to be reckoned with. Because unlike in the past, Atlanta seemed willing to be more aggressive with all their offensive weapons.
The Falcons lost their last two season openers (30-12 to Chicago in 2011 and 15-6 to Pittsburgh in 2010). And they made it to the playoffs both of those seasons, but each year they started the season off with a loss, this year they started the season off on the right note.
Sure, a win over the Chiefs isn’t the most impressive thing in the world. But when the Falcons’ rivals New Orleans is losing to rookie RG3 and the Redskins at home and the Buccaneers and Panthers combine to only score 26 points in Tampa’s win, Atlanta can feel much better about their situation.
The Falcons did what they haven’t done the past two seasons, come out in week one and show that they mean business and are a serious contender that shouldn’t be overlooked.
And it wasn’t just the talented offense that sealed this victory; the improved defense had a lot to do with this win as well. The Falcons forced three turnovers in week one, two interceptions and a recovered fumble.
Atlanta’s biggest weakness over the past few years has been their secondary. A very small defense altogether, including the undersized secondary — they decided to make some changes for this season.
None bigger than the addition of the pro bowl defensive back Asante Samuel who brings the ability to shut down the opposing team’s number one receiver.
Their offense has all the talent it could ask for and the defense is steadily improving, the Falcons should have a fairly good season in 2012, hopefully making it to the playoffs and getting over that hump of the first round.
Just like the past two seasons, if they don’t do so they have no one else to blame but themselves. They have one of the most talented teams and a good coach to lead them.
They play in a division that is always up in the air, never having a clear favorite from within.
If the Falcons can keep a steady pace this season, they might be able to win the NFC South and possibly move deeper into the playoffs for the first time since the Michael Vick era.
Tyler Rollason is a Winder-Barrow High School graduate and mass communications major at the University of West Georgia. You can e-mail comments about this column to tyrollason@yahoo.com.
