Preseason Is Over: Biggest Questions Facing the Atlanta Falcons

Now that the Falcons' all-AFC preseason has come and gone, questions still remain for this up-and-coming unit that is an 8-1 favorite to reach the Super Bowl in 2010.

Here we're going to answer the biggest issues that fans have had about Atlanta now that we've seen the actual product on the field. We're going to take a look at whether or not these issues have been addressed and their impact on Atlanta's chances for success in 2010.

Who Will Replace Michael Jenkins?

While Michael Jenkins has been considered a first-round bust throughout his career, his being out for the first month of the season hurts the Falcons' depth at WR, especially with rookie Kerry Meier out for the season.  Atlanta was able to asnwer this question during the third week of the preseason.

Although Harry Douglas saw limited time as he recovers from his own injury, he showed that he had the ability to make the tough catch against first-string defenses, especially on critical third down plays.

This is what Atlanta will need if they want to stop defenses from stacking up in the box and stopping the run.  Douglas can become that possession receiver that he was in 2008, and with his breakaway speed can become a threat in the open field.

Bringing Jenkins back will only increase their depth at wide receiver thanks to the progress of HD.

How Will the Defensive Line Perform?

The Defensive Line

Will Weatherspoon Make an Impact?

Ever since Sean Weatherspoon was drafted in the first round of the 2010 draft, people have raved about his energy and intensity.  Suffice it to say he has not changed his ways since coming to Flowery Branch.

He is giving Atlanta a playmaker with the brash ability to back up his talk.  In addition, he will make life easier for stud LB Curtis Lofton in regards to pursuing the ball handler. 

I believe that 'Spoon's presence will make a progressing defense even better as the season goes on.  His pass coverage skills will go in handy when Atlanta is facing multiple-receiver sets.  Expect his number to be called a lot this year.

Has The Burner Returned to Form?

Say what you will about the importance of QB Matt Ryan, but Turner is the key cog in this offensive machine.  Remember that when he went down against Carolina, the team wasn't nearly as dominant on offense, even with Jason Snelling filling in admirably.  That was as much as a factor in Atlanta not reaching the playoffs as Matt Ryan's turf toe injury.

So far, so good for The Burner.  Though he averaged less than 3 yards a carry against New England, he has looked very impressive throughout the preseason.  There are plans to rest him more as Snelling will see some carries, which will help him stay fresh for the 4th quarter. 

In addition, if it's true that they will use him in the passing game more, the thought of having Turner in the open field against a defenseless cornerback/safety is a scary one.

Is the Secondary Finally a Strength on Defense?

One of the biggest question marks facing the Falcons this offseason was their secondary, which ranked among the lowest in the NFL in 2009, especially on third down conversions. 

We didn't see prize free agent CB Dunta Robinson take the field during this preseason as Coach Smith kept him out due to a precaution, but the other players such as Erik Coleman and Chevis Jackson stepped up in limited duty.  When having an experienced pro like Robinson in the secondary, it will help players such as safety William Moore and Brent Grimes get more opportunities to make plays in the passing game.

Is Matt Ryan Ready To Take the Next Step?

Of course no discussion of Atlanta's progression can be made without their franchise QB Matt Ryan.  Throughout this offseason the talk was all about him not only getting healthier but also more accurate with his receivers. 

Results have been very mixed so far, but as of this time it looks as if there may need to be some fine tuning prior to Sept. 12 at Pittsburgh for the third-year QB.  Ryan was 24/45 in passing with one TD and one INT.  Although Atlanta was playing with a vanilla offensive scheme, that doesn't count for the average completion rate.

Another question was the lack of scoring within the red zone, which Atlanta excelled as the season progressed in 2009.  However, the fact that they only scored one TD and five FGs as a first team unit should send a message that Atlanta, and more specifically, Matt Ryan will need to be more aggressive if they want to upend their rival the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints.