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Atlanta: Soaring?
By Packattack247
Mike Vick. Selected 1st Overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. Led the Falcons one win from the Super Bowl in the 2004-05 Playoffs.
Still he gets no respect. He runs and is shot down by analysts. He tries pocket passing, and 8-8 no playoffs. Now in the 3rd
year of his new system, Vick looks to break out as a passer. Here is the breakdown of he supporting crew.
Quarterbacks: With Mike Vick as a superb starter and Matt Schaub as an excellent backup, this position is fortified. It
only gets better as they selected D.J. Shockley in the 7th round. This is a position in which the Falcons have several Starting
QB options.
GRADE: B+
Running-backs: Warrick Dunn had a career year last season, but don't expect him to have an encore performance this year.
T.J. Duckett has pretty much been a bust most of his career. He is in the last year of his contract and shouldn't make any
plans on returning. By adding of Jerious Norwood in the 3rd Round in the draft they have the speedy heir apparent to Warrick
Dunn. GRADE: B
Receivers: If Mike Vick improves this season it will be because Michael Jenkins and Roddy White step up. They are the
core of the unit and should be for some time. They both have potential, but haven't shown it yet. They obviously did something
right as they were both 1st Round picks. Tight End Algae Crumpler is still Vick's go to guy as he led the Falcons in receptions.
GRADE: B
Offensive Line: This is a solid unit that has enjoyed much success. They acquired Tackle Wayne Gandy for Chad Scott and
a 2007 Draft pick. This was after the loss of Kevin Shaffer. The Zone Blocking system has helped this unit improve and they
should be great for yet another season.
Defensive Line: Whenever you trade your 1st round pick and still get your man, you are a well GM-ed team. You'll hear
about 'the man' later but for now lets focus on John Abraham, sent to the Falcons for a 1st Rounder. He will team up with
Patrick Kerney and Rod Coleman to stop the run happy NFC South. GRADE: A
Linebackers: The bright spot on this crew has always been Keith Brooking, and he returns to help cracking skulls for the
Falcons. There really isn't much else here but the grade is still true. GRADE: B-
Secondary: Believe it or not, this is a team strength this season. Lawyer Milloy, Jimmy Williams, and DeAngelo Hall, will
team up this season to intimidate the NFL. There should be plenty of pickoffs in this squad as it should be. GRADE: B+
Specialists: Kicker remains a question but the Falcons have many options at Kick Returner headlined with Allen Rossum
and DeAngelo Hall. GRADE: B-
2006 Schedule
at Carolina Sept. 10th 1:00pm
Tampa Bay Sept. 17th 1:00pm
at New Orleans Sept. 25th 8:30pm
Arizona Oct. 1st 1:00pm
BYE
New York Giants Oct. 15th 1:00pm
Pittsburgh Oct. 22nd 1:00pm
At Cincinnati Oct. 29th 1:00pm
At Detroit Nov. 5th 1:00pm
Cleveland Nov. 12th 1:00pm
at Baltimore Nov. 19th 1:00pm
New Orleans Nov. 26th 1:00pm
at Washington Dec. 3rd 1:00pm
at Tampa Bay Dec. 10th 1:00pm
Dallas Dec. 16th 8:00pm
Carolina Dec. 24th 1:00pm
at Philadelphia Dec. 31st 1:00pm
(Times after Nov. 5th subject to change. NOTE All times eastern.)
RD 2- Jimmy Williams CB : Fell in love with him and chased him to the end. A
RD 3- Jerious Norwood RB: The possible heir to Warrick Dunn. A
RD 5- Quinn Ojinnaka T: Will provide depth. B
RD 6- Adam Jennings WR: Running routes is biggest weakness. B
RD 7- D.J. Shockley QB: A wonderful 3rd Option at QB. A
KEY LOSSES:
Chad Scott S (NO)
KEY ARRIVALS:
Lawyer Milloy (Buf)
John Abraham (NYJ)
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