Falcons Look To Fly High

Falcons' owner Arthur Blank greets all-pro tight end Tony Gonzalez

By Louis Mayeux

With the acquisition of 10-time all-pro tight end Tony Gonzalez, the Atlanta Falcons are blazing with Super Bowl fever.

Last year, the Falcons surprised the NFL, emerging from the wreckage of the Michael Vick dog-fighting disaster to go 11-5 while securing wild-card playoffs berth under first year coach Mike Smith. Rookie-of-the-year Matt Ryan displayed a veteran's poise and a big-play flair from his first game, leading the Falcons' ball-control offense with 3,440 yards passing and 16 touchdowns.

Gonzalez, the top receiving tight end in NFL history, should boost Ryan's passing success. Acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs, Gonzales will provide the steady 10- to 15-yard first-down gains, along with big plays. A devastating blocker, he'll also give strength to the Falcons' running game, a hallmark last season.

Michael Turner, a burly power back at 244 pounds, ran for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. Acquired from the San Diego Chargers, where he was LaDainian Tomlinson's backup, Turner blossomed at the Georgia Dome. Durable and reliable, he took the pressure off Ryan, chewing up tough first-down yardage when needed and often breaking out or big touchdown lightning bolts.

Along with Gonzales, Ryan next season will welcome the return of last year's stellar receiving corps, led by all-pro Roddy White along with big-play ace Michael Jenkins. Speedy back Jervious Norwood proved an able change of pace replacement for Turner.

Led by sack specialist John Abraham, the Falcons also displayed a strong defense last season. But defense remains a question for Atlanta, and general manager Thomas Dimitroff sought to shore up that potential weakness in the draft, with all selections defensive players.
Ole Miss defensive tackle Peria Jerry led the defensive haul as the team's first-round draft pick. However, questions are already rising about the 298-pound Jerry's durability after he suffered a sprained knee in the Falcons' minicamp.

During the off-season, the Falcons lost longtime stalwart linebacker Keith Brooking to the Dallas Cowboys. Free agent linebacker Mike Peterson, who comes from Tampa Bay, will replace him. Many Falcons fans welcomed the departure of Brooking after a pass-defense breakdown led to a key gain by the Cardinals in the playoffs defeat.

The loss exposed weaknesses in the Falcons' attack. The Cardinals shut down Turner, and Ryan struggled to handle the increased burden. Ryan's 11 interceptions last year point to a potential problem. This year, he'll have to increase his touchdown production if the Falcons are to fulfill their expectations.

With Dimitroff's front-office brilliance - he acquired Gonzalez with only the loss of a second round draft pick in 2010. Some more deft moves can be expected before training camp begins. All in all, the Falcons look to be a team on the rise. If they don't reach the top next season, they will likely keep building toward a championship.

Playing in the tough NFC south, even a quality Falcons team will battle to make the playoffs. But if Gonzalez provides the clutch catches and leadership, then there is no question that Ryan builds upon his rookie success, leaving Atlanta to look like a legitimate Super Bowl contender.