First and Goal: Terrell Owens Edition

Here at First and Goal, I am a sad puppy today as we won't get to see the talent of everyone's favorite VH1 reality star Terrell Owens grace the sidelines of the Georgia Dome in the fall. 

Rumor has it that he is set to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals (because they don't already have enough diva receivers/reality stars) or the New York Jets, who have a coach with an ego the size of his waistline.

Notice the comments that Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff stated in a recent radio interview: “Nothing against (Owens) and what he has accomplished. But we like what we’ve got...and we’re going a different way.”

First Down: That could be implied in two ways. First, he likes the progress made by Pro Bowl receiver Roddy White and the depth with Michael Jenkins and a returning Harry Douglas.  Secondly, as we all know, T.O. isn't exactly the type of receiver that encourages unity among his teammates, as people from San Francisco to Philadelphia to Dallas can attest. I would say that he poisoned the Buffalo Bills locker room, but if no one was there to report it, does anyone care?

That said, I do think that he would've at least given Atlanta another solid receiver, even at his advanced age. Douglas is still recovering from injury and there is no way Jenkins can be counted upon as a true number two threat, and in a league that benefits wide receivers, it wouldn't hurt to have more firepower to take on the New Orleans Saints.

2nd Down: Now to players that actually will be in training camp at Flowery Branch.  Reports out of camp state that Atlanta's three headed running attack is looking stronger than ever. One of the things lost in the late-season injury to star RB Michael Turner is the emergence of Jason Snelling. Along with solid FB Ovie Mughelli, Atlanta has one of the league's best rushing attacks, which will make life much better for QB Matt Ryan.

A strong rushing game will keep defenses on their toes, especially when teams are expecting Ryan to throw. If they can pick up better lead blocks against blitzes, and then utilize their version of the Wildcat (oddly named the Dirty Bird,) I expect them to win more games on the road if they get an early lead. 

3rd Down: Apparently, the rushing game and the upgrades on the defensive end in the offseason is enough to give Atlanta some love in both the ESPN & CNNSI Power Rankings. ESPN has Atlanta ranked No. 8 and CNNSI has Atlanta ranked No. 9. 

The key to both publications giving Atlanta their respect is based on the health of Michael Turner, because as he goes, so do the Falcons.

4th Down: Although this has been covered by my fellow Bleacher Report brethren, I think that the advertisement by Samuel L. Jackson, or better known as Mace Windu, encourages fans to Rise Up.

There can be no words to describe the greatness that is Jules Winnfield, but he does a great job of highlighting the Falcons talent. Besides, if you can't root for Shaft's team, who can you root for?