The 2008 version of the Atlanta Falcons was very different than what fans in Atlanta are used to. The Falcons 2008 campaign had plenty of story lines: How will rookie Head Coach, GM, and QB Matt Ryan turn out? Will giving Michael Turner #1 RB carries and money pay off? Can Roddy White be an elite receiver? Well the team won 11 games, made the playoffs, and the rookie Head Coach, GM, and Matty Ice took home some hardware! Also, Turner was second in the league in rushing yards and Roddy White 4th in receiving yards. The question in the ATL is:

What’s going to happen in 2009?

The NFL was buzzing about Matt Ryan last season and has not stopped yet. The offense looks to continue it’s development to help a young defense. The offense was definitely upgraded when the Falcons traded for future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez. It should be nice for Ryan to have a lethal red-zone option and a safety valve under pressure.

The Falcons will be young and hungry on defense but will need to replace veterans Keith Brooking and safety Lawyer Milloy. 2009 Draftees Defensive Tackle Peria Jerry and safety William Moore look to be ready to contribute this season.  Let’s not forget about rookies Lawrence Sidburyand Vance Walker on the defensive line. These two young lineman should add depth and give John Abraham some much needed rest.

The Falcons in 2009 will look to build on a playoff run last season but have a tough schedule ahead. The Falcons will match-up with the NFC and AFC East teams along with the always competitive NFC South in which they play. Just to highlight some tough games: Week 3 @ New England Patriots, Week 7 @ Dallas Cowboys, and Week 11 @ NY Giants. If that wasn’t tough enough of course we always play @ New Orleans, Carolina, and Tampa Bay. So with the schedule so tough what do fans expect?

I expect the Falcons to be just as good as last year if not better. Think about it, to be better they would have to win 12 or more games. With that schedule I think 10 or 11 wins is a good season. I think the Falcons can win 12 but it will be a struggle. I am going to predict 11-5 again. But this year they will win the NFC South and get a first round bye.

Needless to say Falcons football in Atlanta is back. This town is buzzing and is no longer the worst pro team in Atlanta. All the things this franchise has had to deal with, I would not think any team in the NFL could turn it around as fast.

So, let’s get ready for the 2009 season and DEFEND the DOME!!