Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2015 regular season. Today, the Atlanta Falcons.
2014 in a nutshell: The Falcons continue to be somewhat of an anomaly. Despite quality play at quarterback from Matt Ryan and a Pro Bowl season from electric wide receiver Julio Jones, the league’s worst-rated defense and a slew of offensive injuries cause Atlanta to lose 10-plus games for the second consecutive season.
Why 2015 could be different: They’ve addressed that ugly defense with early draft picks Vic Beasley and Jalen Collins, as well as free-agent additions Adrian Clayborn and Justin Durant. They still lack star power on D but have quite a lot of depth and plenty of upside at all three levels.
Major additions: New head coach Dan Quinn and a staff that features Kyle Shanahan should bring some new and much-needed energy to town.
Major losses: Veteran linebacker Sean Weatherspoon got away in free agency, and for some reason a line that has struggled decided to part ways with veteran guard Justin Blalock.
Breakout watch: On offense we’ll want to keep an eye on running back Devonta Freeman as they look to replace Steven Jackson with both Freeman and rookie third-round pick Tevin Coleman. On D, a lot of eyes will be on 2014 second-rounder Ra’Shede Hageman as they look for a star up front. Atlanta had just 22 sacks last season, and a big jump from Hageman inside should help edge rushers Clayborn, Kroy Biermann and Tyson Jackson get pressure.
Position to watch: A lot going on at cornerback. You could argue no team in football has invested as heavily in that position as Atlanta has in recent years, which probably suits Quinn well. With Collins teaming up with top 2013 picks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford, this secondary could have Legion of Boom-type potential. And don’t forget veteran Phillip Adams, who was signed away from the Jets.
Prediction: This team has as much talent as anybody in the NFC South, especially with Carolina and New Orleans experiencing tough offseasons and Tampa Bay still undergoing big changes. In fact, the law of averages indicates they’ll be healthier, which might actually be enough to reclaim the NFC South with 10 wins.
