Atlanta Falcons – 2009 Preview
2008 Record: 11-5
Head Coach: Mike Smith
The Falcons had it rough in 2007. Michael Vick, the cornerstone of their program, was imprisoned for dog fighting and their head coach quit. They finished with only 4 regular season wins. Nobody expected much out of them in 2008. Their remarkable offseason, however, paid off. They brought in franchise QB Matt Ryan, OT Sam Baker, LB Curtis Lofton, and WR Harry Douglas. They also welcomed RB Michael Turner and place kicker Jason Elam from the free agency. They surprised the nation with 11 regular season wins and a postseason appearance. Their season came to an end in the first round of the playoffs against the Arizona Cardinals.
With further improved team chemistry, expect the Falcons to see similar success with the chance of a longer postseason in 2009. As good as the Cardinals were in 2008, they were still working with a relatively inexperienced team. With Matt Ryan and all other key components returning, the Falcons will have another strong offense. Their defense might struggle with the departure of Dominique Foxworth, Keith Brooking, Mike Boley, and Grady Jackson. Draft picks Peria Jerry and William Moore will help fill those gaps.
The Atlanta Falcons begin their preseason at Jacksonville on Saturday, August 9th. They then play Indianapolis and Tennessee at home before playing at Baltimore on the 28th. They’ll take on Miami at home for their first regular season game on Sunday, September 13th.
Regular Season Schedule:
1 Sunday, September 13 vs. Miami 1:00 PM
2 Sunday, September 20 vs. Carolina 1:00 PM
3 Sunday, September 27 @ New England 1:00 PM
4 BYE
5 Sunday, October 11 @ San Francisco 4:05 PM
6 Sunday, October 18 vs. Chicago 8:20 PM
7 Sunday, October 25 @ Dallas 4:15 PM
8 Monday, November 2 @ New Orleans 8:30 PM
9 Sunday, November 8 vs. Washington 1:00 PM
10 Sunday, November 15 @ Carolina 1:00 PM
11 Sunday, November 22 @ NY Giants 1:00 PM
12 Sunday, November 29 vs. Tampa Bay 1:00 PM
13 Sunday, December 6 vs. Philadelphia 1:00 PM
14 Sunday, December 13 vs. New Orleans 1:00 PM
15 Sunday, December 20 @ NY Jets 8:20 PM
16 Sunday, December 27 vs. Buffalo 8:30 PM
17 Sunday, January 3 @ Tampa Bay 1:00 PM
Prediction: Expect the Falcons to make further strides with improved team chemistry in Mike Smith’s second season as head coach.
Record: 12-4
Odds that the Atlanta Falcons win the 2010 Super Bowl are 24-1 (According to Bodog.com)
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