Atlanta Falcons Predictions | 2008 NFL Betting Picks
July 6, 2008
The Atlanta front office will be the first one’s not to hide the fact that the 2008 season will be a rebuilding year for their decimated franchise. After owner Arthur Blank lost his franchise player Mike Vick and head coach Bobby Petrino within a sixth month time frame, the owner made some steps towards restoring respectability. Quarterback Matt Ryan was drafted as the new face of the franchise and highly touted running back Michael Turner was signed to reestablish what was not long ago one of the top rushing attacks in the NFL. The Falcons could be hard pressed to top last season’s 4-12 record but new coach Mike Smith brings optimism for the Falcons. The 2008 NFL betting odds on the Atlanta Falcons to win the 2009 Superbowl is at 125-1 odds.
Offensive coordinator Mike Mularky wants to run a power running game and play smash-mouth football that doesn’t rely too much on QB Chris Redman. Redman is an accurate passer and a quality leader but he is only a temporary replacement until Matt Ryan takes over. Ryan has all of the measurables and intangibles necessary to become a solid, if not great NFL QB. Ryan could see some playing time this season because of his familiarity with the offensive scheme. Running back Michael Turner only has only 228 career carries but at 237 Lbs. with 4.40 speed and elusive moves, Turner could be a top NFL back this season. Behind Turner is another gamebreaker in Jerrious Norwood who is a top complementary running back with breakaway speed.
The O-line has some real sore spots but the Falcons acquired a left tackle in first-round pick Sam Baker out of USC. The 6′5″ 305 Lb. Baker will start immediately and is projected to be a solid starter if not a dominating player. Wide receiver Roddy White had a breakout season in 2007 and he could be even better this year. White is a good route runner with nice quickness off the line and big-play ability to score at anytime. Opposite of White will be vertical threat Laurent Robinson who showed solid hands in his rookie season. The #3 man will be rangy 6′4″ red-zone target Michael Jenkins. 3rd round draft pick Harry Douglas is a small wideout with blazing 4.3 speed and top-notch running after the catch ability. Rounding out the deep core of wideouts is sure handed veteran Joe Horn who will provide leadership to the younger wideouts still learning the game.
Rookie defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder will play an attacking 4-3 defense that will depend on creative blitzes to cover up for a lack of talent. The Falcons spent lavishly in Free Agency on the secondary but they will be hard pressed to fill the void left by top cover man DeAngelo Hall. Atlanta will be very green at cornerback but they have two solid vets at safety with Lawyer Milloy and Erik Coleman. The defensive line has been overhauled with the departures of DT’s Rod Coleman and Grady Jackson. The Falcons should be able to generate some pressure up the middle better this year however, with new DT’s Kindal Moorehead and Jonathan Babineaux. John Abraham is still a top pass-rusher off the edge but on the opposite side they must get more production from second year DE Jamaal Anderson who didn’t record a single sack in 16 starts last season.
The linebacking core is the strength of the defense led by emerging star Michael Boley on the strong side. Boley is versatile and talented against the run, in pass coverage or with his speed on destructive blitzes. Weakside linebacker Stephen Nicholas is a bone rattling tackler with 4.50 speed and will make an immediate impact as a first year starter. Sure tackling machine Keith Brooking will stay in the middle with 2nd round draft choice Curtis Loften as his heir apparent. Loften is a sledgehammer hitter with below average speed but excellent instincts. The special teams will get a boost with the signing of kicker Jason Elam who should find the confines of the Georgia Dome agreeable to his tremendous leg strength. Punter Michael Koenen has great height on his punts and Jerrious Norwood is a blue-chip kickoff return man.
The Atlanta Falcons will rely on plenty of young talent this season to contribute from the start but if they all live up to their billing, Atlanta could surprise. The O-line and QB positions are the biggest question marks but QB Chris Redman is actually a decent passer. The D-line will need to generate more of a pass-rush to help their young secondary. The coaching staff is filled with NFL veterans that should be an improvement over last year’s staff that was poor. If Michael Turner is the top-flight back the Falcons anticipated a 6-10 season isn’t out of the question.
2007 Atlanta Falcons NFL Betting Record: 8-8 ATS
2008 Atlanta Falcons NFL Betting Power Ratings:
Coaching: 6
Quarterback: 6
Running Backs: 8
O-Line: 4
Receivers: 6
Defensive Line: 6
Linebackers: 7
Secondary: 5
Special Teams: 8
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