Atlanta Falcons: Why Roddy White Is the Most Important Veteran

Atlanta Falcons' Roddy White will earn his fifth consecutive invitation to Pro-bowl this season if he continues to put up big numbers. White is one of the best receivers in the league, and a key factor to the Falcons' success.

Not only is he a key to the Falcons's success, but he is also a key to Matt Ryan's success. White is Ryan's most frequent target.

However, that will definitely change, this season.

Julio Jones will be handling the ball a lot more than White this season, but White expressed he was excited for the change. Jones was the sixth overall draft pick in 2011 and will be expected to take control on the field.

White will step up to be one of the most important play-makers.

White Takes on the Playmaker Role

White will fall back a little more from catching and take charge more from the inside. Jones is now the main target for Ryan and is also expected to put up big numbers. While Jones somewhat takes over White's role, White will face new responsibilities.

White has expressed that he is ready for the other receivers to come in a make moves, according to the Washington Post (original article from Associated Press).

"If we're going to go out there and sling it, then we've got to get everybody involved, especially Julio and Harry [Douglas]. They are going to very important to our offense and what we do on the field."

Coach Mike Smith still thinks that White is the No.1 receiver on the team, even if Jones possesses more athleticism.

Teammates of White's said he is a great play-maker and he will get the opportunity to use those skills a lot this season. His "speak your mind" attitude will contribute greatly to his new role. He's not afraid to say what needs to be said even if people don't want to hear it.

According to the Grits Blitz, Roddy is one of the most consistent play-makers on the team.

White Puts Up Big Numbers for Record Breaking Performances

Jones will not have too much work to do, but he has to be able to uphold the legacy White started. White lead the NFC in catches for the second consecutive season last year. Not only that, but he also had to most catches in the 2010 season of the whole league.

White is one of the best, if not the best, WR the Falcons have ever had. He had over a total of 100 receptions last season, putting him in second place in the league for receptions in 2011. He is a dynamic player alone, but he and [Matt] Ryan are a dynamic pair.

Last season, he and Ryan broke the career touchdown record for passer and receiver, according to David Choate of the Falcoholic.com.

White puts up incredible numbers every season and deserves to be named one of the best receivers in the league. The start of last season was a little shaky for him but he still managed to pull a second place ranking in receptions.

Being a Controversial Figure Does Not Affect White's Performance

White is the most controversial figure on the team, but he doesn't let that be a distraction. He's had a few Twitter incidents lately, but it's all a part of his personality.

His antics are not quite as serious as those of Dallas Cowboys' Dez Bryant, who arrested for domestic abuse earlier this summer. He likes to say what's on his mind and he's got the talent to back it up.

The way I see it, as long as he's not directly insulting anyone just being outright distasteful, it's not a big deal. If he were a sorry player, it would be a different story.

At the end of the day, White is concerned with the well being of his team. He knows what he has to do to help them succeed and he's willing to do it. His outspoken manner is something people will just have to deal with.