Not Used to This: Higher Expectations for Falcons in '09

It may be only Mike Smith's second year flying with the Falcons, but Atlanta's expectations have soared.

Finishing a close second behind Carolina in 2008, the Falcons look towards a refined group—a younger, faster defense—to meet the expectations that many have to win the NFC South.

The offense should improve drastically with a pass-catching tight end, Tony Gonzalez, who will help the offense against teams with strong safety play.

Within Atlanta's team expectations are position group expectations. Below, is a breakdown of Atlanta's position groups, and what to expect from them.

Quarterbacks

If you thought Matt Ryan was going to be as successful as he was in his rookie season, then you should be giving folks advice in Vegas. Ryan posted a passer rating of 87.7 and threw for 3,440 yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

With Ryan possessing poise at the young age of 23, turnovers were limited as Ryan came through big for the Falcons in many clutch situations (see: Falcons vs. Bears). 

Ryan won't need to do much more, as the Falcons' running game will improve, as will the receiving unit. For the Falcons to be successful, Ryan needs to stay healthy (remember: Chris Redman and D.J. Shockley are backing him up) and throw for about 3,500-3,800 yards.

Running backs

Michael Turner broke out in his first year as a starting running back in the NFL, rushing for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns after playing four years as LaDainian Tomlinson's backup in San Diego.  

It would be asking too much to raise Turner's 2009 expectations considering he was a yard shy from 1,700. If Turner produces anywhere close to what he did in 2008, then the Falcons will be in good shape.

Jerious Norwood provides a nice complement to Turner, as he's electric in the open field. Norwood's 489 yards came on just 95 carries—averaging 5.15 yards per rush. That's a scary statistic, and he adds another home run dimension on kickoff returns.

Also making this group one of the best in the NFL is fullback Ovie Mughelli. Mughelli paved the way for the Falcons' tailbacks as they became one of the NFL's better rushing units.

Avoiding injury will be the biggest factor for the running backs to maintain expectations.

Wide receivers/tight ends

Receiver Roddy White came off one of the best seasons in Falcons' history, catching 88 passes for 1,382 yards.

After White, the receivers produced steadily, with Michael Jenkins having his best season as a pro.

Harry Douglas had a decent rookie season, putting up 320 yards in the slot.

Douglas will likely assume the slot role this year, but may see his playing time decrease with the addition of tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Gonzalez improves this receiving group immensely due to his ability to keep safeties honest over the middle, and his red zone scoring will be a valuable asset as the Falcons struggled inside the 20 at times in 2008.

Expectations for this group has risen with White's emergence as a Pro Bowl wide receiver and with acquiring the (arguably) best tight end in NFL history. This unit could be the key as to whether the Falcons reach the NFC Championship or slide into the playoffs as a Wild Card team.

Offensive line

The Falcons' o-line exceeded low expectations many had for them last season. The group limited the number of hits Ryan took, as they only gave up 17 sacks. Still a little green, there shouldn't be much of a drop off in performance, so raising their expectations may not suit them.

The biggest key for the offensive line is for Sam Baker to be healthy.

Defensive line

Atlanta's defensive front was only as good as shoulda-been Pro Bowler John Abraham was going to take them. And Abraham did well—tallying a Falcons' record 16.5 sacks in 2008.

But Atlanta needs to take its game to the next level defensively, as defensive coordinator Brian Van Gorder is going to need to find more ways for the line to get pressure on the quarterback.

Jamaal Anderson only had two sacks last season and was a non-factor in many games. More will be expected from the former first round draft pick as Abraham can't be the only threat to opposing quarterbacks.

While Jonathan Babineaux has one defensive tackle slot locked down, there will be a battle for the other spot as training camp approaches.

Jason Jefferson may have an early lead, but if rookie Peria Jerry can come back from an early mini-camp injury, then he'll have a say in who the Falcons field on the line.

Needless to say, with Abraham to expect more double teams from offenses, the Falcons need another pass rusher to emerge.

Linebackers

The common trend on defense was to go with youth and speed, and that's just what this unit is—made clear after the Falcons let Keith Brooking (last year's leading tackler) sign with the Cowboys and Michael Boley sign with the Giants.

Second-year linebacker Curtis Lofton looks to build on his rookie campaign, where he racked up 94 tackles at the Mike position.

With Brooking gone, Stephen Nicholas and Coy Wire will get their shots to shine.

The Falcons also addressed depth concerns by signing free agent Edmond Miles.

It will be hard to expect big things out of the linebacking unit, but they should do well against the run, given Lofton's play last season combined with the speed they possess.

Defensive backs

Chris Houston played nice last season, and more will be asked of him this time around. The Falcons organization is probably looking at Houston to be the player DeAngelo Hall wasn't by his end in Atlanta.

In 2008, Houston had 61 sacks and two interceptions. The Falcons will need Houston to become more of a lockdown corner and make more interceptions.

If Houston can end the season with four or five picks, it will be seen as success.

The Falcons and veteran strong safety Lawyer Milloy agreed to disagree and parted ways, opening up a gaping hole. Jamaal Fudge and rookie William Moore will look to fill the void.

Atlanta's pass defense was shaky at times last season, ranking 21st in the NFL (220.4 yards per game in 2008). Seeing who fills Malloy's role will be key, as well as who mans the corner opposite of Houston—whether it's Brent Grimes, Chevis Jackson or David Irons, who have limited expectations heading into this season.

In the end, what to expect

Expect Atlanta's offense to improve vastly. The Falcons running game was second best in the NFL as Turner helped Atlanta rush for 152.7 yards per game. Don't be surprised if that number improves this season with the offensive line's return and two running backs that can get the job done.

The passing game should improve under Ryan, too, although the numbers may not drastically change because of the running game.

Gonzalez's addition will allow the Falcons to use the middle of the field more which will help with ball control when they want to slow the clock down.

The defense will be much of the same, and could drop down a little because of youth. While many fans were calling for Brooking's head after Atlanta's first round playoffs game against Arizona, his leadership was invaluable and will be missed.

But with that said, there is more speed and more athletic talent on the defense—it's just littered with youth.

Fans' expectations

From fans I've spoken with, an NFC Championship appearance seems to be what many expect.

I think that is a fair assessment given if the Falcons go 12-4 or 11-5 and win the NFC South they may have a good shot at receiving a first round bye.

Falcons fans should be happy with winning one playoff game, whether it's in the Wild Card round or in the conference semis.

The questions at corner, safety, and whether Jamaal Anderson will live up to his own expectations remain to be answered—and those are what's keeping Atlanta from being a Super Bowl contender right now.