NFL Two-A-Days: Atlanta Falcons Season Preview

This is the continuation of my NFL Two-a-Days series of articles. This is directly from ESPN's Mike & Mike with the same questions, but my answers and season preview. Earlier today, I previewed the Miami Dolphins.

For the second of two previews of the day, I go to my favorite team, the Atlanta Falcons.

1. Is Matt Ryan ready for a bigger role in 2010?

The Falcons were 8-6 with Matt Ryan in the lineup last season. He seems to be a double digit interception kind of quarterback. That being said, I see Tom Brady-like intangibles in him. I think he is determined to improve every year, because the Falcons are set to run a lot of no huddle offense sets.  I do think he is ready for a bigger role and will make it to the next level.

2. Will Michael Turner bounce back after an injury-plagued 2009 season?  

It's a bit scary that he had 376 carries in 2008 and then couldn't stay healthy enough last season to make an impact. He claims to have lost weight this offseason, which was needed after playing a bit overweight last season. Head coach Mike Smith has said the carries would be more balanced this season, meaning Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood can create a three-headed monster. Turner will not have to be the workhorse this year that he was in 2008, and that adds years to his career.

3. Do the Falcons have the NFC's most underrated pass catching core?

The Falcons have perennial Pro Bowler Roddy White, who is a 1,000-yard season waiting to happen. Michael Jenkins is a good possession receiver, but has never lived up to his first round status. Jenkins is the ideal No. 2 wideout. Harry Douglas has great hands and tremendous speed, but missed all of last year. Eric Weems and rookie Kerry Meier are also noteworthy names, who add great depth. Tony Gonzalez is still the first ballot Hall of Famer he has always been.

4. Have the Falcons done enough to upgrade an inconsistent defense?  

The secondary was the primary weakness for this team, but they now have Dunta Robinson, the piece the defense needed: a No. 1 corner. Sean Weatherspoon should help the pass rushing side of things, along with John Abraham and young talents like Lawrence Sidbury and Kroy Biermann.

5. Record?

12-4, First in the NFC South (Go ahead Saints fans, start your rant now.)

Here is a link to Mike & Mike's page on ESPN.com, where you can check out their opinion on the Falcons.  Tomorrow, I will preview the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers.

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