Studley021
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Atlanta Falcons 2016 Season Preview
Coming off a strong draft in which the Falcons added 3 starters to their team, the fan base is truly excited for the first time in a long time. Although preseason ended tonight with the Falcons 1-3, the change among this team is noticeable with new owner John Studley taking the reins.
Offense
The 1st string offensive line seems to have bought into the zone blocking scheme. The line returns 4 starters from the previous year and adds C Drew Bell from Maryland. Bell comes from a zone scheme in college and appears to be right at home on the Falcon's line. Matt Ryan took the line out to dinner the previous week, so chemistry is at an all time high with the first string group. Along with the offensive line, Ryan has plenty of weapons to utilize going forward with Superstar Julio Jones and long time Falcon Roddy White. If preseason is any indication, Tevin Coleman will be setting the league on fire with his legs this year.
Defense
If the Falcons are really going to "RISE UP", the defense must improve dramatically from last season. The addition of Terrance Knighton along the defensive line should improve the pass rush significantly. He is sure to take on a few double teams to open up the outside for 2nd year pass rusher Vic Beasley. Knighton was not the only addition in free agency that seems to be making waves on the defensive line. RE Glen Foster appears to have overtaken Adrian Clayborn for the starting spot during camp and preseason. Now comes the real reason the defense seems to be improved. Rookie FS Kaiwi Riley has emerged as the hard hitting playmaker the Falcons thought he would be when they took him in the 2nd round. Dan Quinn missed the playmaking FS he needed to control the secondary last year. The belief around Falcon's camp is that Riley is the man. Preseason has shown Riley continuously showing up to disrupt plays. 1st round draft pick MLB Lamarcus McBride from UGA will not be shown up by the 2nd round pick, however. Tonight against the Titans, he exploded onto the scene with several huge stops and monstrous hits.
Summary
If this defense improves and keeps up with the Falcon's offense, the NFC South better take notice. Preseason is just preseason but the first string offense looked explosive and dangerous throughout the 4 games. Depth could be an issue as the second and third string offense generally struggled during the games. These Falcons are destined to prove that the 4-11-1 record from last year is clearly in the rear view mirror. Stay tuned Falcon fans, opening day is one DAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!! RISE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!