Following an unfortunate overtime defeat in Super Bowl LI and being the first team in NFL history to lose a Super Bowl with a 25-point lead is sickening for the Falcons and all Atlanta sport fans. But Falcons head coach Dan Quinn is ready to overcome those scary thoughts of last year’s bitter loss against the Patriots and take on the 2017 season head on.
It will be interesting seeing if new OC Steve Sarkisian can follow in previous OC and now 49ers’ new head coach Kyle Shanahan footsteps. With one of the most explosive offensives in the league, it shouldn’t be hard for Starkisian to take over. Quarterback Matt Ryan is playing the best football in his career right now and Julio Jones, named the best receiver in the NFL, is a perfect combo. The dynamic duo of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman only get better and better each year by scoring red zone touchdowns with the help from a huge O line.
More good news for the Falcons with amazing back-to-back drafts, rookies played a huge role in the defense. With outstanding rookie linebacker Deion Jones and 2nd year sack machine Vic Beasley, the Falcons defense is growing into the NFL’s next best. Atlanta became the first team in NFL history to start four rookies on defense. With 2017 1st round pick Takk McKinley and 3rd rounder Duke Riley, they should live up to the potential of play makers like Jones and Beasley.
It’s not a surprise for a Super Bowl participant to have five primetime games, including three Sunday Night Football appearances in the 2017 season. The spotlight is on the Dirty Birds this year coming into their new and advance Mercedes Benz Stadium. Owner Arthur Blank is predicting another playoff run and hopefully finishing Super Bowl 52 with a W. That should be highly possible unless Cam Newton’s Panthers and Jameis Winston’s Bucs have something to say about it.
Record 11-5 NFC South (5-1) Points scored 540 Points against 406
Leading Passer- Matt Ryan 373- 534 4,944 yards, 69.9% Pass Comp 309 yards a game
Leading Rusher – Devonta Freeman carriers 227 with 1079 yards
Leading Receiver- Julio Jones Rec 83 with 1409 yards
Leading Touchdowns- Matt Ryan 38 touchdowns
Leading Tackles- Deion Jones 106 tackles
Leading Interceptions- Deion Jones 3
Atlanta Falcons Preseason Preview
QB Matt Ryan
RB Devonta Freeman
WR Julio Jones
LB Deion Jones
SS Keanu Neal
LB Vic Beasley
In the Game Magazine / South Georgia / August – September 2017
Atlanta Falcons Football Preseason Preview
TITLE?
Written by Carson Waggoner
[…] Atlanta Falcons […]