It's All About Defense in 'The Dirty South'

By Chris McCaa

It's easy these days for Atlanta Falcons fans to forget the highly-publicized turmoil that two years ago threatened to derail any chance of success for the franchise in its foreseeable future.

But the team's near-complete collapse in 2007 has already become a distant memory, thanks to last season's success, which shocked professional prognosticators and fans alike, who have to feel good about what's brewing on the practice fields down at Flowery Branch for Atlanta's prospects in 2009.

Coming off a year in which the Falcons found salvation and a new face for the franchise in rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, the once beleaguered birds are wasting no time in building their squad around the arm of the Boston College alum.

With the addition of former Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Tony Gonzalez, the already potent offensive attack of the Falcons will boast another deadly weapon in its arsenal. Not only will Gonzalez join Roddy White as an attractive target down field for Ryan, but the former Chief should give the second-year quarterback room to breathe in the pocket and open holes for the Falcons running attack with superior blocking skills.

Though the future looks bright for Atlanta's offense, just a glance at the team's draft picks reveals the coaching staff's concern for the their shortcomings on the defensive side of the ball. With the departure of veteran defenders like Keith Brooking and Michael Boley, Atlanta's defense has some major holes to fill, and in order to do so, the coaching staff is quickly pumping new blood into the system.

With the acquisition of seven rookies in the 2009 draft, the Falcons are replacing nearly 50 percent of their defensive roster.

Such seemingly drastic measures prove prescient when considering the defense's lackluster performance in 2008. The Falcons lay claim to the dubious honor of holding the league's 24^th position in total defense, with a spot at number 25 in defending against the run.

Promising prospects like defensive tackles Peria Jerry and Vance Walker along with defensive end Lawrence Sidbury hope to improve these numbers and the attack at the line of scrimmage, currently spearheaded by right end John Abraham.

With a revamped defensive line and acquisitions at cornerback and safety, the Falcons hope to develop a high-quality counterpart to a first-class offensive attack.

For quality play on both sides of the ball will be essential for the Falcons if they plan on having success as they make their way through a schedule currently ranked the fourth most-difficult in the league.