The Atlanta Falcons' Keys To Success In '09

The Atlanta Falcons started their 3-day mini-camp today and all seemed well.

But what does the Dirty Birds need to exceed their already high expectations? 

Here's the Atlanta Falcons Keys to Success In '09:

Stay Healthy 

Yes, the Falcons stayed injury free for the most part last year except for the absence of Sam Baker through much of the '08 regular season. The Birds were able to get by without their future 'franchise tackle' because of the presence of veteran tackle Todd Weiner, who retired shortly after the season. 

But now, the Sam Baker has to stay on the field and gain the experience he didn't get when on the sidelines last season. Also, John Abraham. He was able to play through injury with his neck and shoulder but sat out the first day of training camp with those injuries.

Leadership Roles 

Matt Ryan already has the respect of the offense but who's going to be that guy for the defense, which finished 24th overall last season.  Is Curtis Lofton going to takeover? or is Mike Peterson going to step in and provide the defensive leadership the Falcons desperately need?

Jamaal Anderson's Performance 

Unlike a lot of Falcon's fans, I'm not ready to give up on Jamaal Anderson, who was a former 8th overall pick in '07. In Anderson's first two seasons he only has 2.5 sacks. 

But in Anderson's defense, Defensive Ends take a season or two to develop and on top of that, he had to learn two different defensive schemes. Also don't forget Anderson is an above-average runstopper, I believe that his pass rushing skill's will flourish this upcoming season and will be a HUGE key to the Falcon's success.

Linebacker Corps 

I think Curtis Lofton will have to biggest improvement out of every player on the Falcons' roster. Mike Peterson needs to prove he isn't washed up. Stephen Nicolas or Coy Wire has to play for the starting spot, then play to keep it.

PASS RUSH 

Yes, the final and most important key. In order to prevent the young secondary from being exposed...you NEED a pass rush. The best secondary in the league could get picked apart without a pass rush. 

For example, the Super Bowl XLIX Champs, Pittsburgh Steelers pass defense were first in the league because they were 2nd in sacks.