NFL Predictions: 3 Reasons Atlanta Falcons Will Surprise Critics

The Atlanta Falcons head into the regular season with something to prove.

An embarrassing loss in the playoffs last year left many football fans and experts questioning the ability of this team.

People seem to think that the Falcon's lack of creativity on offense has hindered their potential. Matt Ryan is often said to not have the arm strength of a great NFL quarterback, and the fact that they haven't won a playoff game since 2004 doesn't help matters.

This year the Falcons are poised to show what this team can really do. Expect to see a lot out of them as they silence their critics. 

1) Explosive Offense

One of, if not the, biggest criticism the Atlanta Falcons receive is their lack of big play threats. Matt Ryan is constantly chastised for his low yards per pass average, and people want to see this offense open things up a bit.

The play call is normally pretty balanced. Michael Turner gets a good amount of the work load and Ryan throws enough passes to even it out. The Falcons game has always been more about working the clock and steadily making their way down the field.

This season we will see some changes. Thomas Dimitroff, Falcons' GM, addressed their play-maker problem by moving up to draft Julio Jones. The organization believes Jones can bring an explosiveness this team has been lacking in the past.

Let's face it, Michael Jenkins was not a dazzling performer. He made some decent catches but he was not the kind of player the Falcons wanted anymore.

Roddy White is a Pro Bowl receiver, but he has been getting more and more attention from opposing defenses. Tony Gonzalez was once a Pro Bowler and though he remains healthy and in good shape, he doesn't have the same impact he once did.

Jones is a quick, talented young receiver who knows how to make the big plays. They may be asking a lot from him right away, but he looks to be up to the task.

The Falcons also picked up Jacquizz Rodgers in the draft this year, another player with explosive ability. Rodgers probably won't see a ton of action, but we've already seen what he can do during the preseason. Ask Paul Kruger how his ankles are doing.  

2) Matt Ryan Will Continue to Improve

Matt Ryan has improved every year he has been in the NFL. Last year was his greatest success yet, as he threw for 28 touchdowns and just nine interceptions.

All signs point towards another impressive season. Ryan has stepped up into his role as the leader of this team, and he seems to like it that way. Everything you hear from the locker room is just what you'd expect from a leader of a team.

Ryan is one of the hardest workers. He is constantly watching film and studying opposing defenses. Every interview you hear from Falcons players about Ryan is overwhelmingly positive. 

Mike Mularkey was apparently a target for head coaching offers in the offseason, but he remains the offensive coordinator for Atlanta this year. Mularkey has been great with the Falcons and will continue to drive their offense, along with Ryan, in the right direction.

3) First Playoff Win Under Smith

Here's a prediction: The Falcons will win their first playoff game under Mike Smith this season.

Atlanta has made the playoffs twice in three years with Mike Smith and Matt Ryan at the helm. In Ryan's rookie year, Smith's first year coaching, the Falcons lost by six to the Arizona Cardinals.

Ryan threw two interceptions, fumbled on a botched handoff and was tackled for a safety in that game, and they still came close.

Last season they made their second trip to the playoffs only to be demolished by the soon to be Super Bowl champions, the Green Bay Packers.

So why do I think they will win in the playoffs this season?

FIrst of all, there are nine starters returning this year. That's a good beginning.

The Falcons just signed two veteran defensive backs, James Sanders and Kelvin Hayden, who are sure to benefit the secondary with their playoff experience. 

They also signed defensive end Ray Edwards in the offseason. He will add depth to their already solid D-line.

But most of important of all, Matt Ryan is ready for this win. He has another year under his belt and more experience running this offense. He has great chemistry with his receivers, and Michael Turner is still there to do his part. 

Atlanta is destined for a playoff victory.