It's time to suck all the cheer out of the end-of-year voting for one round, as we pick the worst player on the 2011 Falcons.
Please note that this isn't a vote on anyone's career, but just the season that just got through. There are players on this list who are enjoying otherwise fine lives in the NFL. Some of these players arguably had pretty decent season, but it depends on the perspective you're coming from, I suppose.
Let's meet our candidates.
Sam Baker: Ineffective, injured, benched, back into the game out of position and incredibly ineffective again. Baker was undone in part by circumstances out of his control, but it's not every day you see a three-year starter at left tackle and former first round pick riding the pine.
Peria Jerry: This nomination is also based on pedigree. Jerry simply didn't do a whole heck of a lot in 2011. Given his seeming effectiveness in short spurts, it's kind of puzzling that he couldn't get more snaps.
Thomas DeCoud: Routinely beat up for taking bad angles to the ball and missing on tackles, which is what I suspect he was nominated for here.
Ray Edwards: Great against the run but a major disappointment as a pass rusher. That's about all you need to know.
Dunta Robinson: Woeful in coverage throughout the year, though how much of that was scheme is up for debate.
Tyson Clabo: He makes this list for allowing a team-high number of sacks and committing a few penalties that really stuck with fans.
Garrett Reynolds: Mostly for bombing at right guard.
Matt Ryan, Tony Gonzalez, and Julio Jones: Yes, this somehow happened.
You know the drill. Vote!