Atlanta Falcons: 5 Biggest Storylines of the 2011 NFL Season

The Atlanta Falcons have quickly become on the top teams in the whole NFL. Last season they posted a NFC best 13-3 record securing home field advantage in the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Falcons, they only played in one playoff game losing badly to the Packers in the Georgia Dome. The Falcons have made some offseason moves creating many intriguing storylines.

5. Can Roddy White and Matt Ryan Build off Last Year?

Last year Roddy White broke the 100-catch milestone for a season compiling a total of 115 catches and over 1300 yards.  These stats helped the Falcons have one of the most feared offenses in the league.

Roddy White is now considered to be a premier wide receiver and with Matt Ryan throwing to him he should continue to be considered a premier threat on the outside. If Matt Ryan struggles and Roddy White has a down year, look for the Falcons to struggle to make the playoffs.

4. Does Tony Gonzalez Still Have It?

Tony Gonzalez has been considered the top tight end in the NFL this past decade. He simply produces out on the field totaling over 1,000 receptions for his career. Having said this, he has recently struggled to produce the way he once did years back in Kansas City.

Tony Gonzalez is 35 years old and one has to wonder if his legs still have it or if his production will follow the trend of most receiver/receiving tight ends—once you hit 35, production slows dramatically.

3. What’s Going to Be the Impact of Ray Edwards on the Defense?

Ray Edwards was one of the big fish in the sea of this year’s free agency class. He is a physical specimen standing 6’5” tall and weighing 270 pounds.

The Falcons gave him a pretty penny to line up opposite of former Pro Bowler John Abraham in hopes that he is the missing piece on the defense that could take the team over the top.

2. How Much Has the Secondary Improved?

The Falcons did not really add anything to the secondary in the offseason. They did re-sign Brent Grimes, but he was part of the team back in 2010.

Now without truly adding anyone to the secondary can one assume that by just letting the current young players develop is enough to fix a hole that has clearly plagued this Falcons team over the years?

1. What’s Going to Be the Impact of Julio Jones?

The Falcons' offense has some of real playmakers in Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez. So what did the Falcons do this draft—they traded up to obtain another huge offensive weapon in drafting Julio Jones.

Jones is 6’3”, weighing 220 pounds and is expected to make a huge impact on the opposite side of the field from White. The Falcons need him to make an instant impact if they want to be considered a top team in the NFC once again.