Strap yourself in for a player by player analysis of this years Falcons season. It may be long so if you can stick it out I thank you. Looking back on the season you have to really admire the spirit of the players on the Falcons roster for doing the unthinkable. But I, like many other fans are still disappointed with the lose to Arizona in the playoffs. But we should be greatful that there are greater things to come with key positions solved for years to come.

In this "review" I will assess the 3 things;

1.       Player Reviews and Ratings

2.       Coaching

3.       Offseason Moves

Don't worry guys not only is there another season but I will review your performance!

Player Reviews and Ratings

Offense;

LT Sam Baker: He played like a rookie yes, but when he was in the team seemed to played a lot better. Nothing against Todd Weiner but Sam played well and really solidified the left side of the line. What Baker's play really means is that the Falcons have found a true blindside tackle for many years. Rating: 8

LG Justin Blalock: I think that Justin probably got us into the playoffs, really the guy scored his first ever touchdown against the Vikings and won us that game, wow imagine if we had lost that! Well lets not. But really Blalock has had a great year after his rookie year was what we all remember as awful, giving up sacks, not blocking the run aggressively etc. However there are some things that remain the same. Blalock was the most penalised player along the Falcons line and on the Falcons offense. Every time there seemed to be a nice run or good play by someone if it was to be called back you could be that you'd be saying Blalock's name to follow. This is an area that I think he must improve in, being mentally strong down the stretch. Rating: 7

C Todd McClure: He deserves to have that "C" on his jersey next year. A veteran for the Falcons has been through a lot and really has embraced this new beginning. There is no statistic that I can use to indicate his great play but it seemed that if you watch great Falcons run performances he is getting off the line first and forcing his man back. What the Falcons need to do is give him a young gun who he can mentor so that this team has long term success. Rating: 9

RG Harvey Dahl: Big man, he is a large case to deal with if you are a linebacker, which you probably are not. What he did anchor was anchor a stronger right side for the Falcons which helped Turner pop large 10 yard gains. Harvey has a lot to improve on mainly his pass protection. It isn't perfect as teams really attacked Clabo and his side. Rating: 8

RT Tyson Clabo: Much can be said the same of Clabo, what he lacks is that pass protection ability. A lot of the time he was helped by Tight Ends and Running Backs to help keep Matt Ryan safe. He however is a monster on the run blocking. He mauls people and it was really funny watching the reactions of DB's when he swung on pitches and outside runs. Those swing plays showed that Clabo does have a little bit of athletic ability to moves in lateral directions which could mean with a little technique help he may be able to develop into a solid tackle or guard in the next few years. Rating: 8

TE Ben Hartsock/Justin Pelle: I thought I would talk about both these guys seeing as Pelle came on towards the end of the year in Hartsock's injury absence. First off Hartsock wasn't flashy at all, did anyone expect him to be? Short answer is no. But he did exactly what we all thought he would do and that is block, and block amazingly. Not only did he bolster the run game, he helped on pass protection for guys like I have mentioned before (Clabo). I think people really underestimate the what the injury did to our teams run game and also in pass protection too. In the run game the cut back lane was practically eliminated. The Cardinals game will show that the cut back lane for the Falcons was eliminated for the most of the game. Justin Pelle I thought did a great job towards the end of the year. I have mentioned before that maybe he is the answer vertically for the Falcons. Given he isn't really athletically gifted but he has very sure hands and can cut up the field very nicely. I think that people crying out for that Tight End need really must turn the volume down just a tad because not EVERY team needs a great tight end.  Rating (for both): 7.5

WR Roddy White/Michael Jenkins/Harry Douglas: Roddy White had a great season to be the first Falcon since Terrance Mathis to have back to back 1000 receiving yard seasons. White made athletic grabs and received most of the balls thrown in the air. One play that may not be that significant but still sticks in my mind is when the Falcons played the Saints at New Orleans and it was 3rd and 21 and Matt Ryan dropped back to throw and actually found Roddy for a 25 yard pick up straight down the middle of the field. I was amazed that even on long yardage 3rd downs that converting it is even conceivable, yet commentators were hardly amazed shouting "Roddy White for the first down." Like it was a usual site and expected. Roddy however still can drop the ball it seems and very frustrating times, the Arizona drop (MAN! Imagine if he had got that!) and during that Carolina game (At Carolina). But all in all Roddy is the number 1 guy that we have been looking for which is why I give him this rating. Rating: 9

Michael Jenkins is a player I have always loved, always. I have wanted to succeed since he entered the league. I don't know why but he's just one of those guys I just really liked. Jenkins came leaps and bounds this year. He didn't grab an amazing number of TD's but he did grab clutch lobs in his direction. The catch, you know the one I’m talking about. And the ability to get that 3rd down when needed. What Jenkins REALLY needs to improve on is being a Red Zone threat. Like he is a big body guy and needs to be like Fitzgerald or Burress to go up there on an out slant or an in slant route. Then if next season holds true he may actually be getting that TD ratio up higher. Rating: 7.5

I think everyone sort of knew that Harry Douglas was electrifying especially when Adam Jennings liked the fair catch game. We all lost it when he returned that punt for a touchdown against Carolina, because a few weeks before the team had let Adam Jennings go and make his top career move choice of going to Detroit. But High Definition did a lot of great things in the slot, I am not going to names specifics, however he turned a 13 yard gain into a 25 yard gain or a 5 yard gain into an 80 yard gain. I think he can always improve especially since he and Matt Ryan seem to have a fondness of each other. Rating: 8

RB Michael Turner/Jerious Norwood/Ovie "The Thug Mug" Mughelli: To say that Michael Turner is a one and done player would be unfair when looking at what he did in the one year he was a starter. He broke records and just mauled people WITH the ball. It was amusing seeing the Lions and Chiefs and even the Panthers at the end of the year trying to tackle the man. Not only is he the MVP of this team, but I have his jersey =]. 17 Touchdowns, wow but what concerns most is the wow factor of the 376 carries he had. Maybe you should give Jerious a few more carries, maybe. But I think that the team really tried to run the ball this year, and I think next season his carries should decrease due to the fact that maybe the Birds might throw the ball a bit more. But all in all you have to appreciate what Michael did with expectations that are now through the roof for next season. I figure that I might as well include "The Thug Mug". He is an animal that clears out that lane simple as that. He deserves big credit for the run game and deserves that 10 rating. Rating: 10

If you like speed then you'll love cars that go fast, and if you love that too then I guess you already know who Jerious Norwood is. Norwood had a career year running for 4 TD's and receiving 2. He ran the ball 95 times for an average of 5.1; this is why I think next year he deserves more carries. Now I have heard that in the future we will lose Jerious because of how good a back he truly is, but I say why can't we keep him? He has been raised (in NFL terms) in Atlanta and finally the team is on the up. I don't see why he wouldn't make a great number 2 back. Rating: 9

QB Matthew Ryan: It has been written down that to draft a Quarterback in the top 5 means that immediate success can be ruled out unless you have a backup plan. Well Matt Ryan came along and changed history for the better. You could be seeing teams like Detroit drafting a QB number 1 and having immediate success....well maybe I should have posed that as a question that many would have laughed at. But the Rookie of the year has really truly brought us into a new, brighter era. He threw amazingly well timed throws that were precisely on target, he managed the game by audibling at the line of scrimmage, but most importantly he was a leader, a much needed one for the future of this franchise. Notice that not once have a really gone back to mention what used to be. I really just like to talk about what has just been and what will be in the future, and that future involves Matt Ryan as the franchise QB. Okay yes he made some huge rookie mistakes, majorly against Tampa 2 Defences. He forced throws of his back foot when really he should've just taken the sack. But compared to any other rookie QB in the history of the game he flies highly above them all, along with Joe Flacco. The future looks strong as I hope he can develop a better Red Zone air strike. Rating: 10

Defence; 

RE John Abraham: I am so proud to say that he is the most underrated defensive in the league. For someone who doesn't get in the Pro-Bowl he sure strikes fear into any and every tackle in the league. It didn't matter what side you were protecting Abe was coming after you. He in my opinion was the only, THE ONLY defender to step up in key situations. The only other player I can think that came up big was Foxworth. He sacked when he needed to and fought through pain most of the season. John now has a shot at a Superbowl and I am sure that is what he'll be fighting for next year. The best defender on our roster for miles. Rating: 9

DT Jon Babineaux: Babs elevated his game play once he got his contract we all knew that. But did we know it before he signed his contract? No. What really gets me excited is that Babs could really come on leaps and bounds if we find another pass rusher whether it be another DT or another edge rusher. 4.5 sacks were his best of his career and he has improved his numbers every year since entering the league. What I would like to see from Babs is really become a factor to other teams’ game plans and assert himself for an entire game. I'd like for him to take it to that NEXT level. Rating: 7

DE Jamaal Anderson: Really, what is it with this guy? Bobby Petrino really F worded us up on this guy. He isn't even a defensive end...COME ON! Okay I’ll think rationally again. Jamal had a nice little stretch in the middle of the season where he recorded two sacks. However he got injured and really wasn't the same since. Now at the beginning of the year I asked whether we should label this guy a bust. Well now I think you can be safe to say it. I mean only 2 sacks! In all honesty I don't think he was cut out for the NFL job. So the question is do we give him one more year? Or do we try and get someone else in to eventually replace him? I think we should sort of do both. Bring someone in, not a superstar guy but just someone who can eventually start if Jamal ends up enforcing the tag of bust that is labelled on him. That way we also have an insurance policy if the worst was to happen to Johnny the predator *Touch wood*. Rating: 4

OLB Keith Brooking: A lot has been said about whether Brooking has what it takes for another season, and sadly I am not here to reassure Brooking diehards that he does. In my view he is done. Now that doesn't mean his career is done in the NFL. He can still be a contributor whether it is for the Falcons or somewhere else. But this is a team on the up, and unless Brooking wants to stay and can handle small payments of money which most of us would call generous but what people in the NFL call "Minimum" then KB will have to look somewhere else. Keith often looked confused in coverage and couldn't cover the Tight End he once could. Also when blitzing he could get there, but couldn't tackle him. Sound like a motif? (Reoccurring theme) well that's because it is, he just wasn't as physical as he once was. Not only has he lost that toughness about him but hand-eye coordination has gone out the window. He had 0, repeat 0 interceptions this year. It wasn't that he had no opportunities, he had a basket full of cases where it seemed to hit him in the mitts but he couldn't haul it in. Rating: 6

MLB Curtis Lofton: For a Rookie Middle linebacker it seems that the adjustment is easier than when you are in college, and at the end of the year statistically it seems that way. However Lofton is a coverage liability and it is a must for him to improve on his coverage skills, the Cardinals game he also jumped on the underneath route giving up the first down. Lofton also seemed just a step behind Tight Ends and some slow running backs. He did do some good things particularly his sideline to sideline run stopping ability. Rating: 7

OLB Michael Boley: A player that many of us couldn't wait to see was Michael Boley and whether or not he could show why he could be a potential Pro-Bowl player this season. Unfortunately that expectation was cut as a strong first 4 games suddenly turned into complete and utter mediocrity. The thing with Boley was that he got to the ball and wrapped up the ball carrier. Not only that but he seemed to be a very athletic player who could take the ball away from the opposition. Some how, all of that was lost for most of this year. He tackling was woeful and to add to it he just didn't make an impact what so ever. He turned from an asset to the team, to a liability on defence. Now a question poses as to what we should do, resign him? Or let him possibly shine somewhere else. I say we should resign him. The reasoning behind this, he comes cheaper than what he did at the beginning of the year and he may, may, just come around and be the linebacker that we all hoped him to be. Rating: 6

CB Chris Houstan: I'll be brief with Houston’s review as that seemed to be the description necessary of his coverage skills. No, he wasn't all bad; it just seemed that he still has a lot to work on. He needs to stay physical and really get up to the line and jam those receivers because that's where he plays his best. Okay you will probably get burnt once in a while, but you have to keep at it. If you give guys room there's no way that you are going to be able to cover them. Still I would like to see him improve and come back next year with most vigour. Rating: 7

CB Dominique Foxworth: Geez, we need to keep this guy around. It seemed that he was spread more on the field than the Vegemite I eat for breakfast. He was really good in key situation when we needed to close out games à la Vikings, Rams and Carolina. I think that with Von Hutchins coming back it makes for interesting times in the competition for starting corners. From Von down to Grimes all are potential starters it should be interesting to see who steps up. But the first game as a starter for "The Fox" (I know I thought it all by myself) he just shut down the Saints receivers, he saved that touchdown when Brees tossed it to Colston I think it was. He can also stop the run which I find very impressive, I can remember continualy runningbacks trying to bounce it to the outside and run over some corners but he met them with huge force. I think he has one year left on his contract, I think we should resign him immediatly. Rating: 8.5

 
He actually could cover this man, to a certain extent.

FS/SS Erik Coleman/Lawyer Milloy: It's tough when analysing safety play because when they make a huge mistake it usually wont show up. In fact that goes for all defenders. The only stats that are out there for defenders are the good ones. No letting in touchdown, be it your fault or what have you, just good stats. Well Coleman was the second leading tackler for the Falcons with 95 this year, Milloy was 4th. It tells me that both were  large factors in stopping plays of either pass or run, a lot. Comparing with the other top defences in the league the Falcons two safeties contributed with 29% of the starting team tackles. Compared to 16% of the Ravens, 22% of the Steelers and 21% of the Eagles. It seems that we are giving up the big run and big pass far too often. Coleman played well this year but we have to stop the big run and pass because we wont ever be anywhere near the better defences if we don’t stop it. Milloy on the other hand really did a nice job and hopefully can stay as a mentor.  Rating: 7.5

K/P Jason Elam/Michael Koenen: Both these kickers proved highly valuable to the team. I was extremely impressed with Koenen. The record for fewest yards returned on a punt for a season is unbelievable. Really in the grand scheme of things I think it won us a few games. Jason Elam was clutch, not only was he clutch in the tight situations but he was consistent and made kicks when we needed them. I hope both these guys return especially Koenen because he is a Pro-Bowl punter in this league. Rating: 9

Coaching

Coaching for an Atlanta Falcons team usually means that one will undergo tough times. At first it's like a trip to Las Vegas, at first it's all gleamy and feels majestic but once you get down to what it really is it is just a slumhole with sketchy corners where you can't win anything. However for Mike Smith, Mike Murlaky and Brian VanGorder the job seemed fun, enjoyable and what is most important rewarding. They were rewarded for their fine play in the regular season with a playoff berth. Mike Smith I have to say has a raw style of coaching. He’s not going to get all technical nor will he dumb things down. No the Top hat we have come to know just helps players reach their full potential, which is what coaching is all about. Coaching in the NFL and coaching high school football are different but still very much the same, it involves getting your players to be the best they can be and that is exactly what Mike Smith has done.

Offseason Moves

Okay I know you’re probably sick of ready all of this writing and stuff but I thought I would briefly chip in with what I thought we should do for the offseason. I can only see us going in ONE direction, and that is defence. Offense does need some solidifying along the offensive line and adding a Tight End but all in all it is defence. We can go anywhere but maybe corner. I think we have a bundle of corners that we maybe could trade away so in the draft and maybe Free Agency expect us to attack Strong Safety, (Brooking) Outside linebacker and defensive line.

Grayson.