Could it really be anyone but the man the Falcons traded a raft of draft picks for?
All eyes will be on Julio Jones today, in the first regular season game of what we all hope will be an illustrious career. The sixth overall pick in the 2011 draft has blown away everyone by flashing considerable skill on the field and a world traveler sense of maturity off of it. It would be fair to say that expectations will be running a little high.
For this game, at least, Jones seems like a good bet to deliver big on his Jupiter-sized potential. He's matched up against tiny Tim Jennings, who stands 5'8". The Bears have to account for Roddy White, so it's not like they can afford to double team Jones, either. Add that to a stout Bears run defense that's likely to stymie Michael Turner somewhat and you've got a recipe for a nice game.
Look for Matt Ryan to find Jones early and often in this one. Even when he doesn't have the ball in his hands, it's going to be worth seeing how well he blocks, especially taking over for much ballyhooed blocker Michael Jenkins.
So there's your one Falcon to watch. Discuss!