Here’s a look at the team preview for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League:
ATLANTA FALCONS
Coaching Staff:
- Head Coach– Dan Quinn (4th season with Falcons 32-21)
- Offensive Coordinator– Steve Sarkisian (2nd season in Atlanta)
- Defensive Coordinator– Marquand Manuel (4th year with Falcons)
ODDS TO WIN:
- NFC Championship- 10/1
- Super Bowl- 30/1
- Over/Under Win Totals- 9
Last 4 Season Win Totals:
- 2014- 6
- 2015- 8
- 2016- 13
- 2017- 11
The Offense
Quarterbacks:
Matt Ryan is in controls of the offense in his 11th season as the quarterback in Atlanta. He tossed for 20 touchdown passes and that was the lowest he has had since his rookie season. He is a pocket passer but they need to get back to the rollouts to be successful. Matt Schaub is the primary backup quarterback as the veteran is beginning his 14th NFL season.
Running Backs:
Florida State product Devonta Freeman enters his 5th season as the primary ball handler. He is an excellent open field runner. He didn’t get into the 1,000 yards rushing club last year as he was spending time in the concussion protocol two times. Tevin Coleman is a huge back that had 156 carries for 628 yards. He ran for five touchdowns and caught 27 passes for 299 yards. Ito Smith was drafted out of Southern Mississippi as a future running back.
Receivers:
Julio Jones is the go-to guy when the ball is tossed in the air. His concern was he couldn’t finish inside the red zone. Calvin Ridley, an Alabama product, was drafted and will be given the slot position. Austin Hooper will get time on the field as he improves.
Offensive Linemen:
Right guard Wes Schweitzer is a stalwart for the Falcons but must show improvement in pass protection. Veteran Brandon Fusco was signed to help out and Alvin Mack is back to play the center spot. This area of the team needs some help.
The Defense
Defensive Linemen:
The coaches made a decision to upgrade their players and now have a very nice pass rushing group. It consists of Grady Jarrett, Jack Crawford, Takkarist McKinley, and Vic Beasley. Deadrin Senat from South Florida was drafted to help with the run defense.
Linebackers:
Deion Jones, middle linebacker, led the team with 138 tackles and three interceptions. DeVondre Campbell returns along with Duke Riley. This is an area of concern.
Secondary:
Isaiah Oliver, a rookie from Colorado, was drafted to help cement the cornerback position. Robert Alford now can play inside which is a better spot for him. Keanu Neal, selected as a Pro Bowl alternate, will continue to showcase his physicality in the game.
Special Teams
Things could be better here as there is a need for punt returner and kickoff returner. Some players getting the attention to return are Ridley, Smith, Oliver and Reggie Davis. Matt Bosher is the kickoff man and just snagged a new 3-yr contract. He averages just short of 50 yards on 53 punts.
The Schedule
Preseason Schedule:
August 10 NY Jets AWAY 7:30 PM ET
August 17 Chiefs HOME 7 PM ET
August 25 Jaguars AWAY 7 PM ET
August 30 Dolphins HOME 7 PM ET
Regular Season Schedule:
(all games Eastern time)
September 6 Eagles AWAY 8:20 PM
September 16 Panthers HOME 1:00 PM
September 23 Saints HOME 1:00 PM
September 30 Bengals HOME 1:00 PM
October 7 Steelers AWAY 1:00 PM
October 14 Buccaneers HOME 1:00 PM
October 22 NY Giants HOME 8:15 PM
October 28 BYE WEEK
November 4 Redskins AWAY 1:00 PM
November 11 Browns AWAY 1:00 PM
November 18 Cowboys HOME 1:00 PM
November 22 Saints AWAY 8:20 PM
December 2 Ravens HOME 1:00 PM
December 9 Packers AWAY 1:00 PM
December 16 Cardinals HOME 1:00 PM
December 23 Panthers AWAY 1:00 PM
December 30 Buccaneers AWAY 1:00 PM
Other Information
Owner- Arthur M. Blank
General Manager- Thomas Dimitroff
Address- 4400 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, GA
Phone- 770-965-3115
Website- www.atlantafalcons.com
Stadium- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Capacity- 75,000 (expandable to 83,000)
Surface- FieldTurf
