What's New?
After falling apart down the stretch in 2006, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank sent head coach Jim Mora packing and replaced him with first-time NFL head coach Bobby Petrino, whose efficient passing attack at Louisville made him an attractive candidate. Little did Petrino know, however, that he would lose his starting quarterback before conducting his first training camp practice.
And for better or worse. Like it or not. Joey Harrington is the Falcons starting quarterback by default thanks to the legal situation incumbent Michael Vick finds himself in. Already charged with taking the games best running game and the league’s worst passing attack and forming a more balanced attack, Petrino now has to do it with a guy whose career has been shaky at best up to this point.
The only significant veteran addition to the lineup besides Harrington is that of wide receiver Joe Horn, who was brought in to give the passing game a boost and to give some of the younger receivers who have yet to fill their potential an idea of what it takes to be a successful receiver in the NFL.
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Jamaal Anderson, DE Arkansas
2nd Round - Justin Blalock, OG Texas
2nd Round - Chris Houston, CB Arkansas
3rd Round - Laurent Robinson, WR Illinois State
4th Round - Stephen Nicholas, LB South Florida
4th Round - Martrez Milner, TE Georgia
6th Round - Trey Lewis, DT Washburn
6th Round - David Irons, CB Auburn
6th Round - Doug Datish, C Ohio State
6th Round - Daren Stone, S Maine
7th Round - Jason Snelling, FB Virginia
Who's Gone?
If you’ve been paying attention to the sports world at all over the last few months, you already know Michael Vick will not be playing in a Falcons jersey this year... and most likely ever again. It appears at this time as if he will be lucky to get back into the league by 2009 at the very earliest. This is a particularly damaging blow to Atlanta. Despite Vick’s shortcomings in the passing game, he added a dynamic element on the ground that was tough to defend.
After the loss of Vick, perhaps the most significant departure is that of backup quarterback Matt Schaub, who was unwisely traded despite warning signs that perhaps he might be needed at some point down the road. The only other significant loss on offense was that of wide receiver Ashley Lelie, who just didn’t pan out as a free-agent acquisition. But then again, how many wide receivers have fared well in Atlanta during Vick’s tenure?
Defensively, the team took a huge hit as well when defensive end Patrick Kerney, who missed nearly half the ‘06 season with a torn pectoral muscle, opted out of the last two years of his deal and was quickly snatched up by the Seattle Seahawks. Also gone are linebackers Edgerton Hartwell and Ike Reese.
What Needs to Change?
The passing game on both sides of the ball needs a lot of work. The Falcons have got to throw the ball more effectively, especially now that they don’t have a guy behind center who can beat you with his feet. And Harrington actually is a better drop-back passer, and could surprise some people in this system. However, in my view he is going to have to be surrounded with better talent to get the job done.
The Falcons were near the bottom of the league in pass defense as well last year, and they didn’t do a lot to upgrade their secondary. Combined with the loss of one of their better pass rushers in Kerney, Atlanta’s defense is likely to get picked apart again this season.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 12th (331.9)
Rushing Offense - 1st (183.7)
Passing Offense - 32nd (148.2)
Overall Defense - 22nd (332.8)
Rushing Defense - 9th (103.6)
Passing Defense - 29th (229.3)
Prediction - With the Falcons forced into an overhaul on offense because of the Vick scandal, and holes left to fill on defense, particularly in the secondary, this isn’t shaping up to be a good year for the Falcons. Harrington failed miserably in Detroit, and while he may be surrounded by a better cast in Atlanta, there isn’t enough talent on this team to carry him to the playoffs and vice versa.
Record:4-12 and last in the NFC South
