The Atlanta Falcons had an exciting off-season this year. It started with the loss of receiver Taylor Gabriel and running back Derrick Coleman. They also experienced losses on defense in the defensive line. To offset these losses, they gained a cornerback, tight end, and a guard. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley was also acquired at the NFL draft this year, making their receiver depth chart even more of a threat to opposing teams. Falcons fans are very excited about this new addition to the roster and cannot wait to see how he is utilized and implemented into the system. The Falcons also secured the time that some of its biggest stars will stay in Atlanta with the contract extensions of Matt Ryan, Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Keanu Neal, Vic Beasley, Deion Jones, and De’Vondre Campbell. These players are mainly defensive, creating an active group of talented players that will hopefully stay together for an extended period. However, the most significant talk of the offseason was the possibility of losing star wide receiver Julio Jones. He is possibly the best receiver in the entire league and the second highest paid. The loss would have been taken very hard, but the situation was avoided.

Going to the season, the Falcons were able to compete with any team in the league. Their roster has so many weapons and is too talented to lose by more than ten points, and at the same time, they should be blowing opponents out of the water. Looking at the schedule, playing the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia should be their toughest game of the regular season. The reigning Super Bowl champs are stacked on defense and offense, making them a formidable challenge for even the notorious Tom Brady and his New England Patriots to defeat. After this game, the Falcons play the Panthers at home and then the Saints, also a home game. These games, followed by yet another home game against the Bengals should be wins, building up momentum before playing Antonio Brown and the Steelers away in Pittsburgh. Later in the season, the Dirty Birds face off with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in Green Bay. This match-up should result in a very close game ending up with the Falcons on top at Lambeau Field.

Following the tough loss to the Eagles in week 1, the NFL season opening game, Atlanta played the Panthers the next Sunday. This win, 31-24 was much needed. It showed many strengths and weaknesses of the team. There are many areas, such as defense, that need improvement, but the talent of the group was shown. It was displayed so actively taking into consideration the circumstances of the win. The Falcons secondary did not play very well, but they still held Cam Newton and Carolina to only 24 points. A touchdown was given up late in the fourth quarter due to blown coverage by the Atlanta secondary, but the lead was still held onto to finish the game on top. This poor performance by the defensive backs was eye-opening, again, in the fact that the Falcons are talented and athletic enough to pull off a win even when playing poorly.

The Super Bowl hopes for the Falcons seem possible, but many improvements need to be made to make this dream come true. The defensive backs and secondary need to become closer and play more as a team to compete with top teams in the NFC South. With a better, tighter defense, Atlanta’s season hopes seem to be promising enough to at least make a long playoff run.