2008 Atlanta Falcons

Written August 13, 2008 by Jason Lowry

We are less than a month away from the start of another NFL season, and Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 Atlanta Falcons season predictions. Last year everything went wrong before it even started with Michael Vick getting suspended and sent to jail for dog fighting. The Falcons went on to finish the season at 4-12, and are now facing a rebuilding time yet again. The Falcons have brought in Mike Smith to take over the head coaching job, and the team has already made some good moves for the future in selecting Matt Ryan with the 3rd overall pick in the draft and grabbing a solid running back from San Diego in Michael Turner. To see just what the Falcons are going to look like this year, lets take a look at just who they will be sending to the field this season.

Offense:
The offense is likely to struggle as they don’t really have an answer at quarterback just yet. It looks like Chris Redman will get the early edge to start, while rookie Ryan takes some time to learn the system. I think were not alone when we say we think Ryan will be on the field before seasons end. The running game should get a little boost from Turner, who finally gets his chance to shine as a starter, also the team has a great talent in backup Jerious Norwood and his big play ability. The receiving game has a player in Roddy White who finally had his breakout season, and along side him they think they might have another emerging star in 2nd year player Laurent Robinson. Where this unit is likely to struggle the most is at the offensive line, as it still has some questions. So far it looks likes they plan on sticking another first round pick from this year’s draft at left tackle in Sam Baker, and he could be the next solid player in this unit that already has great talent in center Todd McClure and guard Kynan Forney.
Falcons +7500 odds to win NFC Championship at Sportsbook.com

Defense:
The Falcons needed to address their defensive line this offseason, especially at tackle, but they failed to do so. That means ends John Abraham and Jamaal Anderson could see some time at the position during pass plays to help create pressure. As for run downs it looks like they are going to stick with Jonathan Babineaux and Rashard Moore at the tackle spots. Helping out the defensive line is a real solid group at linebacker that includes stud outside backer Michael Boley and the veteran Keith Brookings playing on the other side, while rookie Curtis Lofton is expected to take over in the middle. The secondary is okay, but is expecting a lot out of players who haven’t really showed it. One guy they can count on is veteran safety Lawyer Milloy, but Chris Houston and Von Hutchins are likely going to struggle replacing DeAngelo Hall, who is now with the Raiders. This unit isn’t that bad, but will likely put up not so good numbers thanks to the fact the offense won’t keep them off the field.
Falcons +20000 odds to win Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com

Special Teams:
The Falcons special teams hopes that it can be a big part of their upcoming season, as new kicker Jason Elam and putner Michael Koenen could really be counted on a lot this season as the offense doesn’t expect to move the ball to much. The return game could also play a big role and they could use big years from Norwood on kickoff returns and Adam Jennings on punt returns.
Falcons Over/Under 4.5 wins in 2008 at Sportsbook.com

Prediction: 4th in NFC South
This one was pretty simple, as this team just doesn’t have anywhere near the talent to compete every single week. With Carolina and New Orleans looking like they are going to be forces along with the Bucs this season in the South, we don’t see too many wins piling up for the Falcons. Our guess would put this team right around 3 to 4 wins this season.

If you are looking to place a bet on the Falcons season odds or any Falcons game this season, be sure to get over to Sportsbook.com and get an account started today. Also if you want to keep up with more on the Falcons, check out these great Falcon predictions.

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