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2009 Team Report: Atlanta Falcons

Quarterbacks

Starter: Matt Ryan
Backup(s): Chris Redman

Starting QB: Matt Ryan exploded onto the scene during 2008, generating a playoff run with the Falcons while throwing for 265/434, 3440 yards, 16 TDs and 11 interceptions (with 55/104/1 rushing). By the end of the year, he was the 16th best fantasy QB in the land -- he threw for more than 300 yards twice last season and for 250 or more yards five times during the 17 games he played. Entering 2009, the team has added perennial Pro Bowler Tony Gonzalez at the TE position and boasts Roddy White and Michael Jenkins at the WR position, with a good pass-catching back in Jerious Norwood also contributing. Ryan has a wide array of targets to pick from on any given down. Ryan has a year of NFL experience (and repetitions) in Atlanta's offense, which should help him start out the season more strongly than he did early in his rookie year. We expect to see Ryan improve on last season's numbers and for him to be among the top starters in the NFL during 2009.

Backup QB: Chris Redman is a career journeyman-level QB, who threw for 0 completions last year. He is firmly seated on the bench/underneath a set of ear phones as long as Matt Ryan is healthy. Redman last saw action during 2007, when he threw for 89/149, 1079 yards, 10 TDs and five interceptions for the Falcons over seven games of action. He'd been out of football since 2004 before rejoining the league with Atlanta in 2007.

Running Backs

Starter: Michael Turner
Backup(s): Jerious Norwood, Jason Snelling
Fullback(s): Ovie Mughelli

Starting RB: Michael Turner tore up the NFC in his first season as a starter, gaining 377/1699/17 rushing and 6/41/0 receiving to land at No. 2 among all fantasy RBs last year. He posted an outstanding 4.5 yards per carry during the 2008 campaign, a very high mark for a player with over 350 carries. He rushed for over 200 yards twice (Week 1, with 22/220/2 rushing and 1/6/0 receiving and Week 17 with 25/208/1) last season and had over 100 yards rushing in eight out of 17 games. Turner is the type of fantasy back that can carry a team to victory on any given week. The Atlanta offense has improved during the offseason with the addition of Tony Gonzalez, which will help Turner find more room to roam during 2009 -- he has one of the most enviable collections of teammates in the NFL. Look for Turner to be one of the most productive NFL backs during 2009 -- he should be high on your draft list.

Backup RBs: Jerious Norwood is a fine pass catching RB (36/388/2 receiving last season, in addition to 95/489/4 rushing) who is a perfect complement to Michael Turner. He was the 37th-best fantasy RB in the land last year, making Norwood a viable fill-in player in weeks when the matchup was particularly good, and he's a spectacular 'insurance policy' for Michael Turner. He went over 100 yards combined in week 3 (11/75/0 rushing and 1/30/0 receiving, vs. KC) and week 10 (6/17/0 rushing with 2/88/1 receiving vs. NO). Norwood is a threat to take the football to the house on any given play -- he has killer speed. If the need arises, he could step into the starting/featured role -- his career average rushing the ball is 5.8 yards per carry, and he averages 9.4 yards per reception during his time in the NFL thus far. Jason Snelling has seen spot duty over his three-year career.

Fullback: Ovie Mughelli is a fine leadblocking FB, but he's only generated 73 total yards rushing during his 4-year NFL career. Mughelli isn't a viable fantasy RB.

Wide Receivers

Starters: Roddy White, Michael Jenkins
Backups: Marty Booker, Brian Finneran

Starting WRs: Roddy White built upon his fine 2007 campaign (83/1,202/6 receiving) and increased his stats across the board in his first season working with Matt Ryan during 2008. He was the sixth-best fantasy WR in the land last year, far exceeding most peoples' expectations. He posted 100+ yards receiving efforts in seven of 17 games, while averaging an impressive 15.7 yards per reception. White is now firmly established as the No. 1 WR in Atlanta, and there is no reason to expect him to lose touches during 2009 - White is one of the stars in the NFL at this point in his career. Now that Matt Ryan has a year of experience under his belt as an NFL starter, White should be in a position to maintain or even improve on his 2008 numbers. White will turn 28 in November, so he's still got a young man's legs (and recuperative powers). Michael Jenkins was a lot more productive during 2008 (50/777/3) than he was during 2007 (53/532/4), going from 10 yards per reception to 15.5 per grab, his best mark over the past four years. The improvement landed him at No. 41 among all fantasy WRs, making Jenkins a valuable WR4 -- a guy to start on your other players' bye weeks or when the Atlanta passing game had a particularly juicy matchup. He posted just one 'goose-egg' all year (Week 2, vs. TB), and was usually in the 50-70 yards receiving neighborhood during the other 16 games in which he played. Jenkins isn't a starting-caliber fantasy wideout entering 2009, but he should be a useful guy to have on your bench for bye weeks or in case of injury.

Backup WRs: Marty Booker signed midway through the preseason after Harry Douglas was put on IR. Booker is a former star who now finds himself carving out a niche as a backup and veteran presence. He made the team, and will see some action in 3WR sets. Brian Finneran is a long-time Falcon who has overcome two serious knee injuries (2006, 2007) to return to the rotation, but only managed 21/169/1 receiving. Douglas would be the guy to watch if something opens up higher in the depth chart during 2009.

Tight Ends

Starters: Tony Gonzalez
Backups: Justin Peelle

Tony Gonzalez has snagged more than 90 catches during the last two years (99/1172/5 during 2007; 96/1058/10 during 2008) while working with the likes of Tyler Thigpen, Damon Huard, and Brodie Croyle. He's been the No. 1 (as he was during 2008), No. 2 or No. 3 fantasy TE in nine of the last 10 seasons, with one 'disappointment' in 2005 when he finished seventh (due to having only two TDs that year, 78/905/2). Now, he is playing with an exciting playmaker named Matt Ryan, and he's joining a stacked offensive attack that is strong at every position across the board. Here is Gonzalez's assessment of his new home: 'The Chiefs get a high pick, and I get an opportunity to play with a team that's solidified itself as a contender at this point. I think it's worked out for both sides.' Gonzalez could be poised for another double-digit TD season in Atlanta this year. Justin Peele joined the Falcons during 2008 after two years in Miami; he was rarely utilized in the passing game, though. He's not likely to get more opportunities now that Gonzalez is in town.

Place Kicker

Jason Elam : After two consecutive years of struggling to find a kicker in preseason, and then bringing in Morten Andersen early in the regular season to fix the problem, the Falcons splurged in free agency last year. Jason Elam returned to the area of his childhood home and family and was fortunate enough to kick in a dome as a bonus. Elam hit 29 of 31 (93.5 percent) on field goals, scored 129 points, and led Atlanta to a 6th place ranking in kicker scoring. He also continued his streaks of always scoring at least 100 points and making at least one 50+ yard field goal every year. For 2009, the young coaching staff and offensive group return intact after their surprisingly successful rookie season. All signs are pointing in the right direction.

Kick and Punt Returners

Kick Returners: Jerious Norwood, Harry Douglas, Michael Turner, Thomas Brown, Eric Weems, Ovie Mughelli, Brian Finneran, Troy Bergeron

After showing hints of success as a rookie in 2006, RB Jerious Norwood handled most of the kickoff returns the last two years. Last year he averaged 25.7 yards on 52 returns. He should retain that role this year. WR/PR Harry Douglas averaged 19.7 yards on returns during his college career at Louisville, but only 11.5 yards on four returns during his rookie year last year. RB Michael Turner proved to be a capable backup kickoff returner for the Chargers in 2006 (36 returns, 26.5 avg.). RB Thomas Brown averaged 22.7 yards on 33 kickoff returns and scored one TD during his college career at Georgia. WR Eric Weems, FB Ovie Mughelli, and WR Brian Finneran each field one kickoff last year. WR Troy Bergeron, who handled kickoffs during his three years in the AFL, probably won't make the final roster.

Punt Returners: Harry Douglas, Jerious Norwood, Brian Finneran

The Falcons gave up on the Adam Jennings part way through last year and released him. Then rookie WR Harry Douglas took over the punt returner role and paid dividends. He averaged 11.9 yards on 19 returns and scored once. Jerious Norwood occasionally returned punts during his career at Mississippi State. WR Brian Finneran field several punts last year, and had a two yard return and three fair catches. The last time the Falcons ranked in the top ten in fantasy return points was 2003, although last year they came close with a 12th place finish.

Offensive Line

Projected Starters: LT Sam Baker, LG Justin Blalock, C Todd McClure, RG Harvey Dahl, RT Tyson Clabo
Key Backups: C/G Ben Wilkinson, G Brett Romberg, T Garrett Reynolds [R]

The Falcons offensive line play was one of the biggest surprises of the 2008 season. There were many questions heading into the season, but the Falcons line answered every one of them throughout the season and played inspired, hard-nosed football. Good coaching and a good scheme helped the players maximize their potential, and this unit should play well once again in 2009.

Team Defense

There was little to like about the Atlanta defense last season when they finished in the bottom third of the NFL in most categories. Only the 16.5 sacks by DE John Abraham kept the 2008 season from being a total bust for fantasy owners. The Falcons turned over a number of starting positions this offseason. Gone are NT Grady Jackson, OLBs Keith Brooking and Michael Boley, SS Lawyer Milloy and CB Domonique Foxworth. Free agency brought them only WLB Mike Peterson but Atlanta used seven of their eight draft picks on defense. First round DT Peria Jerry and intriguing small school talent DE Lawrence Sidbury were drafted to help Abraham in pass rush, and S William Moore is expected to become an immediate replacement for Milloy. Last year's second round pick, Curtis Lofton, will take over the huddle. The team hopes he'll fulfill his promise as an every-down player this year. Despite the turnover, it's unlikely that the Falcons will make the leap to a viable fantasy performer this season. They remain short on playmakers and will again struggle to get off the field quickly. This unit won't be worth consideration in fantasy leagues until they show improvement in all phases of the game.

Defensive Line

Starters: RDE John Abraham, DT Peria Jerry [R], DT Jonathan Babineaux, LDE Jamaal Anderson
Backups: DE Lawrence Sidbury, DE Kroy Biermann, DE Chauncey Davis, DT Jason Jefferson

Starting DL: John Abraham finished the 2008 season with a career high 16.5 sacks. More importantly, he played in all 16 games for the second straight season, as the Falcons made it a priority to keep him fresh all season long. Though Abraham is the only pass rusher of note on the Falcon roster, he should again be productive this season if his prior history of questionable durability doesn't catch up with him at age 31. Former first round pick Jamaal Anderson will again man the strong side end on early downs. Anderson has been a major disappointment in pass rush, but has held up well against the run. The Falcons will likely continue to use Anderson inside on passing downs, with Kroy Biermann playing end. Jonathan Babineaux returns inside, where he'll again see heavy duty as a penetrating tackle who can rush the passer. The other defensive tackle position was wide open before the draft after last season's starter, Grady Jackson, signed in Detroit. The potential competition was short-lived, however, as the Falcons grabbed the draft's most impressive penetrating tackle in Peria Jerry in the first round. Jerry and Babineaux should make a solid tandem of upfield players, but could struggle to hold up against the run every down.

Backup DL: Chauncey Davis will continue to provide quality depth, though not much in the way of pass rush, behind both John Abraham and Jamaal Anderson. Undersized edge rushing prospect Kroy Biermann showed some promise late last season and should begin to see more snaps as a situational pass rusher. The Falcons also added promising all-around end prospect Lawrence Sidbury in the draft. Sidbury could produce right away in a situational rushing role and eventually push Jamaal Anderson for playing time at LDE. Jason Jefferson will rotate in on base defensive downs at tackle. Late round pick Spencer Adkins will also likely be used as a nickel pass rusher at times.

Linebackers

Starters: WLB Mike Peterson, MLB Curtis Lofton, SLB Coy Wire
Backups: LB Stephen Nicholas, LB Tony Gilbert

Starting LBs: Curtis Lofton was very impressive against the run in base defensive packages last season and, with Keith Brooking and Michael Boley signing with other teams in free agency, Lofton is slated to move into an every-down role this season. Lofton should make the transition without difficulty and could be one of this season's most improved all-around players. Mike Peterson was signed to take over one OLB position in free agency. Head coach Mike Smith knows him well from Jacksonville and, assuming that the locker room distractions that cost him playing time last season are behind him, Peterson could carve out sizable playing time as a Falcon. Coy Wire and Stephen Nicholas will compete for snaps on the strong side. Wire took over for Michael Boley in the base defense late last season and has the early edge to remain in the lineup.

Backup LBs: Stephen Nicholas has yet to crack the starting lineup, but his cover skills and pass rush ability have earned him time in the Falcon subpackages. He'll get a chance to unseat Coy Wire for snaps during OTAs and training camp, and will continue to be a valuable contributor in the Atlanta 3-3-5 nickel package. Tony Gilbert is undersized, but a solid special teams player who will continue to backup Curtis Lofton in the middle.

Defensive Backs

Starters: CB Chris Houston, SS Jamaal Fudge, FS Erik Coleman, CB Chevis Jackson
Backups: S William Moore [R], CB Brent Grimes, S Thomas DeCoud

Starting DBs: Veteran strong safety Lawyer Milloy will not return this season, leaving Erik Coleman as the stabilizing force in the Falcon secondary. After getting into Eric Mangini's doghouse as a Jet in 2007, Coleman turned in a solid 95 total tackles and three interceptions last season. Jamaal Fudge had a slight edge on Thomas DeCoud to start at the other safety position before the draft, but rookie second round pick William Moore will get every opportunity to start at strong safety opening weekend. Houston returns at one corner position. He's flashed impressive man cover skills at times, but gives up too many big plays to be considered an elite corner. The loss of Domonique Foxworth to Baltimore in free agency leaves the other corner spot open to competition between Chevis Jackson and Brent Grimes. Jackson, who had earned the bulk of the nickel corner snaps late last season, is the favorite to start.

Backup DBs: With rookie William Moore now on the roster, Thomas DeCoud has little chance of moving to strong safety. He'll provide solid depth behind Erik Coleman at free safety. Moore may start the offseason with the second team at strong safety, but will supplant Jamaal Fudge shortly. Brent Grimes was in the mix to start last summer, but inconsistent play and injury pushed him down the depth chart. He'll likely start the season as the nickel corner.

Last modified: 2009-09-06 14:57:14