Atlanta Falcons 2009 Season Outlook: Expectations and Obstacles

played well at times last season but was inconsistent. He is in good position most of the time but needs to look for the ball instead of focusing on the receiver. If he can do this he will turn into a very good corner for Atlanta.

Houston will likely keep his job but the other corner position could be won by anyone. The Falcons are getting CB Von Hutchins back from injury and also drafted two corners (3rd round-Chris Owens and William Middleton in the fifth round).

Brent Grimes started the season last year opposite Chris Houston as the starter but got injured mid-way through the season. Dominique Foxworth stepped in and was the starter for the rest of the season. Chevis Jackson could also be in the mix as he was the nickel back and played well last year. This job is totally up for grabs and the competition will likely be tough.

The other position that may be up for grabs is the defensive end position opposite John Abraham.

Jamaal Anderson, the eighth overall pick in the '07 draft, has been the starter the last two years and has not lived up to expectations.

Reserves Chauncey Davis and Kroy Biermann both had superior numbers to Anderson while in backup roles. Atlanta also drafted DE Lawerence Sidbury in the fourth round out of Richmond. The competition for this starting slot also looks to be a fierce one.

Atlanta's success this season will depend on how much their defense has improved. If it has improved slightly to moderately then they will be a hard team to beat.

The linebacker position is the biggest question mark of the offseason. The team has little depth at linebacker and the open spot may be won by a player who may lack starter ability. However, even if this is so the Falcons defense has less holes than it did last year and should be able to perform better.

The Falcons may look to a veteran free agent linebacker before training camp starts.

One unknown is LB Robert James who was drafted in the fifth round last year. He was out all season with complications from a concussion but is healthy and back with the team now. He also could be a sleeper to contend for a starting position. 

My expectations of this team are high.

I believe they will contend for the NFC South crown and have a good chance of winning it. Due to the really tough schedules the teams in the NFC South face, one could see a team with nine wins taking the division crown.

My expectation is nine to 11 wins and another trip to the playoffs.

 

 

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