Atlanta Falcons' Quest: 2010 NFL Schedule II

Last week, we discussed the first half of the Atlanta Falcons’ upcoming opponents next season, and the major questions for each game. 

Here is our second official Falcons Quest Instant Over-Analyzed Analysis of the Atlanta Falcons 2010 NFL Schedule, Part Two:

Nov. 7^th Buccaneers – Tampa is under its second season under Coach Raheem Morris. Will he still be around to coach this game? 

Last season, rookie QB Josh Freeman almost orchestrated a huge upset in the Georgia Dome? Will Atlanta be able to take advantage of a young Tampa defense?

Nov. 11^th Ravens – The Falcons conclude their three game home stand against Joe Flacco and the ever-ferocious Ravens defense. 

The challenge for Atlanta will be to prepare for one of the AFC North power houses on a short turnaround.  The most interesting matchup will be Flacco vs. Ryan. Also, will the Falcons secondary be able to handle the newly acquired WR Anquan Boldin?

Nov. 21^st @ Rams – This will be the Falcons’ first look at new Rams QB Sam Bradford, who is the first overall pick in the 2010 draft.  Coach Steve Spagnoulo will have this team’s defense ready to face the Falcons. 

Expect Atlanta to throw a lot of blitzes to confuse the rookie QB since the Rams are deficient on receivers.

Nov. 28^th Packers – Atlanta’s secondary will be tested against the passing attack of Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers. This should be a shootout on the Georgia Dome turf, however Atlanta should be able to utilize their running attack to buoy Green Bay’s aerial game.

Dec. 5^th @ Buccaneers – This is the first of Atlanta’s three consecutive games on the road. Last year, Atlanta was able to win a close game against their division rival, and this one will be no different. 

Dec. 12^th @ Panthers - The biggest question here will be whether or not Atlanta’s defense will have to face either Matt Moore or rookie QB Jimmy Clausen. 

The Panthers two-pronged running back tandem of Jonathan Stewart and D’angelo Williams has given the Falcons’ front four fits the past two seasons, and if WR Steve Smith develops a rhythm with either QB, Atlanta could be in for a challenge.

Dec. 19^th @ Seahawks – New Seahawk coach Pete Carroll has rebuilt this team, trading for QB Charlie Whitehurst as well as for former USC RB Lendale White in the offseason. Qwest Field in Seattle has been known to have one of the loudest crowds in the NFL. 

Will that wear down on Atlanta during the end of their three game road trip? 

Dec. 27^th Saints – This will be a Monday night game that could possibly be for the NFC South Division. 

As stated in last week’s article, the Falcons and Saints always have close matches, and if Atlanta’s offense is healthy during this time of the season, they should be able to finally conquer the Super Bowl Champions at the Georgia Dome.

Jan. 2^nd Panthers - The NFL has made the decision to have the final week of the season to feature divisional matchups. Atlanta may still need this game to win their division or to clinch a playoff spot, so it will be interesting to see who will be on the field for this one.

It seems that Atlanta will have a break in the beginning of their schedule with Big Ben being out, and teams such as the Cardinals and Eagles still trying to adjust to new QBs, which could play in the Falcons favor. 

The key will be the three game road trip later in the year, and the Monday night matchup against the Saints. 

A lot can change over the course of the offseason and preseason games, but as of this time I’m predicting Atlanta to be 11-5 . I do believe that their new additions on defense will make a huge difference.