Looking Foward: The Falcons Have Problems To Fix But Still Have Bright Future

I am watching the MLB Network and spiraling into a deeper depression as every second passes. If you don't know what I'm talking about, the Falcons ran into a well-oiled machine in the Green Bay Packers, getting crushed 48-21 in the divisional round. A pick six by Tramon Williams seemed to be the straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak.

Now to the point of this article, looking into the future. 

The Free Agents

Jerious Norwood: Probably will not return after having numerous injury-filled season.

Jason Snelling: Should return.

Brian Finneran: The Falcons might be looking for better depth on the receiving core, leaving Finneran off the 2011-2012 roster.

Tony Gonzalez: All up to him and if he decides to return or retire.

Tyson Clabo: Maybe the Falcons top priority this offseason.

Harvey Dahl: Will likely return.

Justin Blalock: I think he is the worst of the three offensive line starters to be free agents. I think he is the expendable one and will not be back.

Trey Lewis: Toss up.

Stephen Nicholas: Could easily be replaced, but I'd say he will be back.

Mike Peterson: No. He's aging and can be replaced by youth.

Coy Wire: Good special teamer, he'll be back.

Brent Grimes (Restricted): After the season he had, there's no way the Falcons let him walk.

Brian Williams: Tough to say, they missed him against Green Bay. 

Matt Bryant: Great year, will be back.

Michael Kohnen: Good punter, should be back.

Needs

On the offensive side, the Falcons are pretty solid. Jason Snelling needs to return to give Atlanta two solid running backs. If they can re-sign, Clabo and Dahl, the offensive line will be fine. I think Justin Blalock is replaceable, possibly by Joe Hawley. Hawley is a guard/center and was a mid-round pick. Tight end could be a big need if Tony Gonzalez decides to retire, probably the second-round pick. Depth at wide receiver is also needed.

Defensively, they need to retain Grimes and Williams. A better pass rush is the Falcons' biggest need heading into the 2011 offseason. I think drafting a defensive end in the first round is the smart thing to do. Putting an edge rusher opposite John Abraham would help greatly. I love Kroy Biermann, but he's a rotational player. The linebackers are fine with Lofton, Weatherspoon and (likely) Nicholas. The secondary mainly needs more experience; the players themselves are fine. 

Spinning it Forward

On Saturday night, the Falcons simply showed they weren't ready for the bright lights yet. They ran into a hot team, a team that I think will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. The Atlanta Falcons will be an elite team for years to come. Retaining the core group, making a few additions and another good draft will put us in great position for the 2011 and 2012 season.