Black and Gold X's and O's | Examining the NFC South: Atlanta Falcons

I'm not a big fan of comparing yourself to other teams in your division when drafting or acquiring players. I think it often leads to mistakes. I think the best idea is to create the best football team one can.

I think that's what the Saints have done this offseason. It is interesting, though, to see what the other teams in the division look like as they get ready to head to Training Camp.

This week, I'll look at all three NFC South teams and determine how the Saints match up with each heading into the 2009 campaign.

Today I look at the Atlanta Falcons.

QB Matt Ryan

Ryan burst onto the scene in 2008 as he earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. "Matty Ice" will have an entire offseason under his belt, and should improve physically and mentally. However, teams in the division will have had a full season to better prepare for him and the Falcons offense.

I would expect an effective, yet less impressive sophomore campaign for Mr. Ryan.

RB Michael Turner

Turner was among the top five in MVP voting a season ago, and made his first Pro Bowl.

Look for the Falcons to continue to pound it on the ground in 2009 to try to keep the pressure off Ryan. However, defenses should have a better idea of how to stop Turner this season. Most likely, this will consist of stacking the box with eight defenders to make Ryan beat them.

TE Tony Gonzalez

Perhaps the best offseason acquisition by any team, Gonzalez will help in the short passing game, where Ryan can always check down if teams are putting a lot of pressure on Ryan (as I expect they will).

Gonzalez is a great red zone target, and can be effective in the run game as well, where he has always been underrated.

WR Roddy White

White had a breakout season in 2008. White is the Falcons' primary big-play receiver. Now with a short-to-intermediate target on the field in Gonzalez, White could be even more dangerous as teams cannot just play a deep cover-two shell and force Ryan to throw short.

White will likely see more man-to-man coverage, which he can exploit for even more big plays.

WR Michael Jenkins

Jenkins also had a bit of a coming-out party a season ago. He is more of a possession receiver who works the middle of the field. Jenkins can also hit the big play and provides a nice third leg to a potent passing attack for the Falcons.

LT Sam Baker

Baker was a nice surprise as a rookie protecting Ryan's backside. He excelled in the running game as well. If he can play as well in 2009 as he did in 2008, that will go a long way in keeping Ryan healthy, and giving him a chance to be as productive as he was in his rookie season.

Rest of the O-Line

The rest of the offensive line for the Falcons really opened up a lot of holes for Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood. It is key that they are able to do the same again.

If they are that same line as last year, Atlanta can have a top-five offense. If not, look for the offense to struggle in 2009.

DE John Abraham

Last year, Abraham was used mostly in passing situations to apply pressure to the other team's QB, and did so very well. He will most likely be used in that same role again this year. If he can be as effective, this will help a defense that struggled much of the season.

DE Jamaal Anderson

Anderson has been a bit of a disappointment so far, but apparently is working as hard as anyone in the Falcons organization this offseason. If his hard work pays off, the Falcons could have an explosive pass rushing tandem, which automatically improves their somewhat porous defense.

DT Peria Jerry

Jerry is a guy I thought could've been a top-10 selection in April's draft. The fact that he lasted until pick 24 has to be a bit concerning, or perhaps Atlanta got one of the steals of the draft.

Jerry is very quick and reminds me quite a bit of the Saints' Sedrick Ellis. If he can have the kind of rookie season Ellis did, once again Atlanta will be much improved on defense.

LB Curtis Lofton

Lofton had a nice rookie season, but was not considered a complete player a season ago. Look for him to make a jump in year two and to improve in coverage and space.

LB Mike Peterson

Peterson is familiar to head coach Mike Smith from his days as the defensive coordinator for Jacksonville. Peterson has always been a very good linebacker, and should continue to be in Atlanta where the coaches will use him to teach the youngsters, and expect him to make the calls and be the leader of the defense on game day.

S William Moore

Moore is another rookie on defense that will be counted on to start and provide quality play. He will need to as the Falcons, much like the Saints, suffered from poor safety play in 2008.

Moore did not show great range his senior season at Missouri, and often got lost in coverage. If he doesn't improve in these areas as a pro, he may need to play some linebacker for Atlanta.

CB Chris Houston

Houston is a guy I wanted the Saints to draft a few years ago when he came out from Arkansas. He has struggled a little bit his first couple of seasons, mainly because the Falcons have played a lot of zone coverages, when Houston is a good man-to-man corner. If they want to get the most out of Houston, they need to allow him to match up with a receiver one-on-one and go to work.

Other Corner: Who Knows?

Who is going to start opposite Houston appears to be a large question mark heading into the season. This will be key, as other teams will likely attempt to isolate this guy and work on him all day long.

Special Teams

Jason Elam is getting old, and his leg can't last forever. Michael Koenen is a good punter, perhaps the most proven in the division. Harry Douglas provides nice return ability.

Overall, the Falcons are a good young team that are looking to improve in 2009. Their schedule will be more difficult, and overcoming expectations could be another challenge. If they can avoid such pitfalls, the Falcons look to make a serious run at the division and the conference in 2009. Of course, the Saints will have something to say about it as well.

Looking at how the Saints match up, protecting Drew Brees against this team could be tough with the two good defensive ends. Also, running may not be as effective as it was a year ago, with Peria Jerry stuffing the gaps inside.

Offensively, Matt Ryan should be protected by his line, and the plethora of weapons will get open versus the Saints defense. The Saints should be able to stuff the run as they did a season ago.

Most likely, the Saints will want to play shootouts against this team again in order to defeat the Falcons.

Happy Memorial Day, and Geaux Saints!