Fix the Franchise: Atlanta Falcons edition

The Falcons have been around since the 1960’s and 2009 marked the first time they had consecutive winning seasons. They have been an inconsistent franchise, in 2009 that inconsistency led to two three game losing streaks, and that kept them from the NFL playoffs. It would be easy to say that the status quo on this tam is sufficient, but standing still does nothing, they have to get better, and get getter quickly.

The work on this team lies on the defense. The Falcons had just the 21st best defense in 2009, which was hurt by their first two draft picks being sidelined by injury early in the season. With just 28 sacks the primary need to upgrade the pass rush. The Falcons have done a decent job in upgrading their secondary by signing Dunta Robinson, and Matt Giordano, and they should get 2009 second round pick William Moore back for the 2010 season. That leaves the pass rush, which needs a big upgrade.

Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff has done a pretty good job in his three years on the job and he and head coach Mike Smith seem to have a good working relationship. If I were in charge I would not meddle, but I would insist that the Falcons draft a DE with the 19th overall pick. I would find Everson Griffen or Brandon Graham both acceptable at that point.

Other than that it seems that the Falcons are on the right track. They have some age issues at DE, and OLB, and every team’s O line can always use some fresh talent. I would like to see them use their offensive playmakers a little more creatively, but a good number of them were battling injuries late in 2009. We can excuse that for now, if their non production continues changes will have to be made.

Related Links:

•How to fix the bad NFL Franchises
•Atlanta Falcons news and notes
•2010 NFL Free Agents
•2010 NFL Mock Drafts
•MTR Football.com