Fantasy Football Notes: Atlanta Falcons

After compiling a putrid 4-12 record during their 2007 campaign, the Atlanta Falcons decided it was time to turn things around.

To do so, they brought in running back Michael Turner, who they signed away from the San Diego Chargers, and gave a new face to the franchise by selecting quarterback Matt Ryan of Boston College with the No. 3 overall pick. The moves were definitely a step in the right direction, but no one could have foreseen how quickly this franchise was going to enjoy success.

The Falcons started the season in outstanding fashion, easily defeating the Detroit Lions 34-21, and then never looked back in compiling an 11-5 record. As a whole, the Falcons’ division went 40-24, with the worst record going to the 8-8 New Orleans Saints.

That goes to show just how impressive of a turnaround 2008 really was. Led by head coach Mike Smith, the Falcons are still not satisfied and will be looking to roll into the 2009 season with abandonment. 

KEY ADDITION:

Tony Gonzalez (TE) - To help solidify the Falcons’ offense further, the team acquired tight end Tony Gonzalez from the Kansas City Chiefs this off-season. He brings with him a string of twelve seasons in which he has missed a total of only two games; in other words, he brings consistency, something this team has lacked for way too long.

Expect him to be a very good target and safety net for Matt Ryan, especially in the red-zone. Although he is aging, going off his past three seasons, one should expect minimum stats of 900 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. 

KEY DEPARTURE:

The Falcons did not lose any key players during the off-season.

ROOKIE TO WATCH:

Peria Jerry (DT) - Although Peria Jerry is a little undersized for his position, the former Mississippi defensive tackle has an outstanding attitude and never gives up on the football field, consistently plugging away play after play.

He is expected to give the Falcons’ defense a solid boost and will most likely rotate on and off the field during his freshman campaign. This is to insure he remains fresh for the duration of his rookie season. With his determination and speed, Jerry could turn into a very solid player for years to come.

BRUNO BOYS SPOTLIGHT:

Matt Ryan (QB) - After a successful rookie year in which Ryan passed at a 61.1 percent clip for 3,440 yards and 16 touchdowns, the future looks even brighter in 2009. In trading for tight end Tony Gonzalez, the team added an excellent target for Ryan to work with, a perfect complement to wide receiver Roddy White. Paired with a running game that will force defenses to remain honest, Ryan very well could surpass last year’s numbers in solid fashion.

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