The injury-prone Chris Chandler will probably run the offense again this year, but is not a favorite of head coach Dan Reeves. Rookie Michael Vick has shown a lot of poise in the pocket so far, although he is not ready to start just yet. Eric Zeier and Doug Johnson will battle for either the second or third-string job, depending on where Vick is positioned at the end of training camp.

Running back Jamal Anderson is now entering his second season of recovery from a knee injury, which prematurely ended his 1999 season. The Falcons are hoping he is completely recovered now, and returns to the form that helped lead Atlanta to an NFC Championship in '98. Rodney Thompson should press Maurice Smith for the backup job.

The Falcons made a good move in re-signing left tackle Bob Whitfield, who is their best lineman. Left guard Bob Hallen and Center Todd McClure should have their positions locked up, but the other two positions are still up for grabs. Rookie Kynan Forney has caught on quickly and appears to have the inside edge at right guard.

The top three wide receiver positions appear to be solid, with veterans Terance Mathis, Tony Martin, and Shawn Jefferson in the fold. Eugene Baker has also performed very well in the preseason, and may have a shot at becoming a real playmaker for the Falcons.

Falcon fans should also see a big difference in the style of play on defense this year. New defensive coordinator Don Blackmon has installed an attacking defense, instead of the read-and-react style used last season.

They have a very active set of linebackers who should excel in this new system. Jessie Tuggle has been sidelined with a thumb injury, but the recently reacquired Henri Crockett is showing that he can be a force at middle linebacker.

Atlanta has been blessed by a very solid group of defensive backs, and Conrad Hamilton's emergence as the nickel back makes them that much stronger. Overall, the first-string defensive unit has looked very sharp in the preseason.

Overview

Obviously, the Falcons consider Vick the quarterback of the future, but Chandler will have to show him the ropes this season. Chandler is a solid, but not spectacular, veteran that should do an adequate job, and if Jamal Anderson has a good season, the offense should be slightly above average. The defense appears to be very solid, and if the preseason is any indication, they should come up with more impact plays.

If the Falcons get off to a decent start, they may pull out a .500 season. But if things don't go their way early on, they could crumble and finish at the bottom of the division. I really don't see this team making the playoffs this year.