The 2010 Falcons: They’ll win 12 and play for the NFC title
Dunta Robinson: You wanted a cornerback, and here he is. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
For football, June is the silly season. Nothing much is happening, but everybody has an idea what will happen. Here’s where I add to the silliness. Here’s where I tell you why the Falcons will play for the NFC title on Jan. 23, 2011.
1. The NFC South is the league’s most fluid division. Not once in eight tries has it yielded consecutive division winners, not even when the reigning NFC South champ was also the Super Bowl winner. (Tampa Bay went from lifting the Lombardi Trophy in February 2003 to finishing 7-9 ten months later.) This is noteworthy because the New Orleans Saints, as we know, somehow won Super Bowl XLIV.
2. The Saints are vulnerable. They’ve had the usual post-Super round of controversy and then some. A lawsuit (since withdrawn and sent to arbitration) by the team’s former security director accusing Saints staffers of misusing Vicodin. Tight end Jeremy Shockey fainting in the weight room. Safety Darren Sharper getting into a Twitter fight with a former Minnesota teammate. Tackle Jammal Brown and running back Pierre Thomas wanting more money. The Saints weren’t that much better than the Falcons a year ago, and this time they won’t be as good.
3. The defensive upgrade begun in the offseason of 2009 will grow teeth in 2010. The Falcons changed five starters from 2008 to last season, but they didn’t get immediately better at every position. Some of that had to do with injury, and tackle Peria Jerry’s return to health stands to give the D-line a boost. The same should happen in the secondary with the advent of cornerback Dunta Robinson and at linebacker with the addition of Sean Weatherspoon. The Falcons actually nosed upward defensively in 2009 — they finished 21st in total defense, up from 24th in 2008. They should be close to the top 10 this season.
Loading ...4. If 2009 was as bad as it gets for Matt Ryan, the Falcons will be just fine. The quarterback wasn’t awful last season; he just wasn’t quite as precise as he’d been as a rookie. Yes, there were mitigating factors: Michael Turner got hurt and Jerious Norwood stayed hurt and the line didn’t block as well for the run as it had in 2008. But the Falcons’ whole offensive approach seemed a tad off last season. Too many short passes — that’s what happens when you add Tony Gonzalez — and not enough field-stretching. That figures to change in 2010. The Falcons have had a long time to scout themselves and see where they went wrong, and slot receiver Harry Douglas is due to return from knee surgery.
5. That never-consecutive-winning-seasons thing has finally gone away. Even Falcons insiders were of two minds about the much-discussed mark of ignominy: Some didn’t think it was a big deal, and some thought it was the biggest deal going. But now it’s gone, and the Falcons deserve great credit for taking a season going wrong and wringing a 9-7 record out of it. They know now that these coaches are clever enough to have a Plan B — as opposed to Jim Mora and Co. — and that there’s enough talent and resolve on this roster to persevere in the face of injuries and distractions. No, 2009 wasn’t a championship season, but it could well have been the season that prefigures a championship.
Prediction time: The Falcons will go 12-4, will beat Green Bay in the conference semifinals and will play Dallas in Dallas for the NFC title and the right to play in Super Bowl XLV, which is also in … er, Dallas. And how, you’re asking, will the Falcons fare against the Cowboys?
And I say: Let me hold onto a shred of mystery, please. It’s June. I see no reason to offer a prediction on the outcome of the 2011 NFC championship game until at least the Fourth of July.
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393 comments Add your comment
hiramsaint
June 20th, 2010
7:45 pm
do what ya gotta do-crymeanotherfalconsWINNINGseason
Tami
June 20th, 2010
8:08 pm
Interesting article, MB. Regarding your poll, I will go at least so far as to surmise that the Falcons of 2010 could go as far as a NFC South title. It’s way too early to think beyond training camp at this point, or should we even dare to think that they could win the Super Bowl title. We’ve all been dreaming of this for what…44/45 years now, and are still waiting for that dream to come true. So, while we won’t get too greedy with our dreams, a good place to start will always be in winning that division title.
hiramsaint
June 20th, 2010
8:20 pm
@ tami–i’m glad to finally here the first realistic falcon fan in along time. you are exactly right in your way of thinking. to many of y’all are already booking hotel rooms in dallas for next feb. when it’s only june in atlanta. to bad more fans can’t be discerning like tami. i’m a saints fan so this won’t mean much but thanks for being real tami
1-steeler-fan
June 20th, 2010
8:24 pm
sept-12th ATL FALCON’S VS STEELER’S “MATTY-ICE” 60MINS.of “STEELER FOOTBAL” I’VE SAID THIS SEASON WOULD BE YOUR SEASON OR Y’ALL SEASON,HARRY D,IS BACK THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON.I KNOW HARRY PERSONALLY HE COACHED MY SON’S BBALL TEAM AT THE ADIDAS BASKETBALL CAMP,BEFORE HELEFT FOR LOU’VILLE I GAVE HIM A VIDEO-TAPE OF HIM AND HIS TEAMMATES PLAYING AGAINST THE COACHES.BUT we will give you matt, 60mins.TONY-G,WILL NEED TO STAY IN AND BLOCK JAMES-LAMARR,will be comming for.i see your falcon’s in the NFC-CHAMPIONSHIP.FALCON’S-STEELER’S SOUPERBOWL.
Vick Supporter
June 20th, 2010
8:25 pm
NFC Title?!?!? LMAO! Not with a QB that can’t throw a deep out! LOL
PappyHappy
June 20th, 2010
8:29 pm
Think it would be poetic justice for Coach Smith and the Dirty Birds to clean the Cowkids’ clocks, and remind Jerry Jones that he was one of the architects of having the previous Falcon coaches slip out in the dead of night ………… and now Big Guy, you are dealing with a REAL MAN!!
MIchael59
June 20th, 2010
8:35 pm
hiramsaint, crack kills.
FalconsFan284
June 20th, 2010
8:39 pm
Saints Fans—–Did you all just willing ship some more depth to the Redskins?
hiramsaint
June 20th, 2010
9:04 pm
they are already odds over you to go to the superbowl so i can see where that may worry you if your a bettin’ man
hiramsaint
June 20th, 2010
9:05 pm
@ mikey –thats why you oughta leave that stuff alone!!
Freegumbo
June 20th, 2010
9:44 pm
I read this article about a week ago and I haven’t stopped laughing since. This coming from a team that was so excited just to have two winning season in a row. Now you’re going to win the Super Bowl!!! he he he he HA HA HA keep it up this so funny!!!
Freegumbo
June 20th, 2010
9:58 pm
I hear all the excuses of why the Falcon lost this game and that game, because this player and that player was injured. If the Saints didn’t lose Greer and Porter our two best pass defenders the Saints would have been undefeated using your logic,
Max
June 20th, 2010
9:58 pm
I say, if they win 10 games, it’s a big improvement over last year! Will matty ice EVER lose that baby
face?? NO! Will they win the division?? Probably not!! But Hey, they’ll come close!
Question..Why do all you “so called” beat writers keep bringing up H.Douglas & P.Jerry? Both UNPROVEN talents????
D-Will73
June 20th, 2010
10:13 pm
Geez, here we go again. It’s June and the AJC “sports writers” and the supposed “fans” have a bigger ego than Ocho Cinco. Why all this optimism? Do you have a track record of winning seasons? Hell, you imbeciles were going crazy at back-to-back winning seasons. Talk about an amazing feat(for you dolts anyways!). Just remember, these are the Falcons. They will FIND a way to disappoint. You guys are just like Cubby fans. Eternal optimists…doesn’t get you very far!!
hiramsaint
June 20th, 2010
10:14 pm
@ 284 –as suggested by you i did some research. ‘on the saints trade to washington’. brown missed all of last year.after hip and hernia surgeries. also his knees were starting to act up which restricted his lateral movement and in 2008 he lead the league in holding calls. at 3.62 mil i guess the saints staff just couldn’t see keepin him any longer . for 2 draft picks, albeit late round ones, i believe it was a good move. bushrod , though young , did a good job in browns place and looks to be there again this year
The Falcon and the Snowman
June 20th, 2010
10:17 pm
@Vick Supporter
June 20th, 2010
8:25 pm
NFC Title?!?!? LMAO! Not with a QB that can’t throw a deep out! LOL
_______________________________________________________________
Why would anyone think you know anything about quarterbacks? You’re not qualified to write about the position………………YOUR MAN IS ON THE BENCH
Freegumbo
June 20th, 2010
10:42 pm
Matty “ICE” (the one year wonder) NFL teams got one year of tape on him. Now have seen all the weaknesses in his game and will exploit them until you guys cry for VicK !!! Micheal the Burned-Out Turner used up all in one year. By the way the people who want remind Saints fans that we once showed up for games with bags on our heads this is true, at least we showed up. I have gone to Falcon home games and there were more Saints fans in the Stadium then Falcon fans. This year lose a game or two and Saints fans will be looking forward to our extra home game in the ATL
FalconsFan284
June 20th, 2010
11:40 pm
hiram—I’m not saying he was going to be a starter but losing a two time pro bowler does hurt the teams depth. I’ve been saying for weeks that the Saints have lost depth and this just furthers my point.
rekingball
June 21st, 2010
12:05 am
All these saint fans should stop fretting about where some sports writers rank their team in the middle of June.
They should be worrying about Brees back giving out on him this season.
It is going to be tough for him to carry the entire team on his back two years straight, without something giving out.
rekingball
June 21st, 2010
12:14 am
saints fans, stop whining about how MB and some writer in Dallas rank your team.
The only ranking that matters is the one with the Ws, at the end of the season.
I believe at that time, there will not be that many, if any, saints fans infesting the AJC blogs. Maybe one of two of the really ignorant ones might still be running out from under the woodwork.
Geoff
June 21st, 2010
2:27 am
should we go ahead and thank you now bradley for the losing season?
FalconUGAFan
June 21st, 2010
7:03 am
Hiram there are plenty of us that are realistic about the Falcons and Saints chances. We just don’t always get on these blogs and go toe to toe with you and others not be named. Brees and Payton have proven themselves. Ryan and Smith..well not yet. Still remains to be seen what they can do. I would prefer they build a tradition similar to NE or Pittsburgh and I’m sure you would like to see the same in NO. This season is pivotal for both of us.
poor QB play 100% PUNK #2
June 21st, 2010
8:00 am
This pure Atlanta AJC hype no more . Show us. They must know of a pay off to believe the Falcon will win 12 game! They would not win 12 game on play station!! Trying to pushing buying ticket it is not working!!!
Pi$$onaDawg
June 21st, 2010
8:49 am
Can’t wait til Football starts and then the TRASH TALKING can be backed up!
Pi$$onaDawg
June 21st, 2010
8:51 am
Just let the season star so the Trash Talking can be backed-up.
rekingball
June 21st, 2010
9:06 am
The true story of what is, and what is to be, will be told on the playing field.
So to the saints fan infestation, hold on to your panties, and don’t get them all waded up between your butt cheeks.
The players will have the say in who is best in 2010.
SeenThisB4
June 21st, 2010
9:24 am
FalconUGAFan: You got that right. The Saints have to win this year to shut the “you got lucky” naysayers, especially those in Minnesota. Falcants have to win, or Smith will be invited not to return and the new mantra will be “never had three winning seasons in a row.” The Saints may not win 13 this year, but neither will the falcants, it’ll be another long brutal season, but right now I still think the Saints still have the clear advantage, injuries notwithstanding.
Ken Strickland
June 21st, 2010
9:36 am
You have to remember one thing about these Saint fans. After 20 consecutive yrs of establishing the bar for absolute futility, they know this team might very easily end up there again this yr. They’re a one trick pony that’s totally dependent on OFF and QB DBrees. Not too long ago they were a predominantly rushing OFF that featured RB DMcAlister. When he went down, they quickly became the ‘Aints once again.
Their team has been built primarily through trades and free agency, and their Super Bowl success was the result of these aging FA veterans having a one yr resurgence. The RETURN OF THE AINTS will quickly shut these clowns up. They haven’t made a single change, adjustment or addition that would remotely improve their team. Their OFF won’t be able to make for last yrs 25th ranked DEF again this yr.
The Falcons chose to purge their roster in 08 and completely rebuild, primarily through the draft. We’ll enter this season with one of the NFL’s quickest, fastest, youngest and most versatile and athletic teams overall. People that know football recognize the Falcons vast improvement in every area, compared to the lack of improvement for the Saints, and are starting to rate the Falcons ahead of the Saints for that reason.
So let these Saint loving clowns continue their performances, because their own team will shut them all up and force them to reach back into their closets for their paper bags once again.
Chop Buster
June 21st, 2010
10:29 am
We were competing in all of the games last year–except when Philly blew us out–even with a subpar secondary and many injured on offense. Imagine what we could do with Harry Douglas coming back in the slot, a healthy Ryan and Turner. On top of it, our defense can’t be any worse than it was last year so I have to say we’ll improve there as well. I’m not even counting on Peria being effective, but I do hope Moore finally gets on the field and plays through the entire season. Our young corners have a year of experience under their belt and we brought in some solid talent during the draft. In both games against New Orleans we were playing them tough with our secondary not playing well. I believe we’re going to take both games this year–call me homer if you like–that’s just how I see it based on last year. If we play to our potential and talent on the team, I don’t see why we can’t beat any of the teams on our schedule this year.
MetryTyger
June 21st, 2010
12:14 pm
Ken Strickland. You’re serious? Are you truly serious ???
First of all, that “20 consecutive years of futiliy’ happened from 1967 to 1987 – 23 years ago.
Did you know that ’since’ 1987, the Saints overall record is ABOVE .500 ????? We have been to the playoffs 8 times since then, played in 12 playoff games, won 5 of them, and 4 in the last 4 years.
‘Aging FA’s who have made one-year resurgency? Darren Sharper is the only one that comes to mind that even comes close to matching that bizarre fantasy, and he is coming back in ‘10!
Where do you get that we ‘haven’t made a single adjustment or addition that would ‘remotely improve the team? Why do we have to be “remotely” improved anyway? WE WON THE SUPER BOWL, in case you missed it.
We lost 2 starters. TWO. Charles Grant and Scott Fujita. But we signed FA 3 Defensive linemen, including Bears starter Alex Brown, and 2 FA linebackers, plus we are welcoming 3 injured ‘09 draft choices back – WR A. Arrington and LB and Safety Arnoux from WF, plus 6 other part-time starters or contributors who were hurt most of last year and on IR.
The “25th ranked” defense hope you guys have always cracks me up. We had the 25th ranked defense in YARDS ALLOWED, but the FOURTEENTH ranked defense in POINTS ALLOWED. We also had the #1 Red Zone defense and #2 turnover ration defense in the entire NFL.
As far as I can tell, “Yards Allowed” does not go up on the scoreboard under “OPPONENTS POINTS”, points SCORED does.
I respect your opinions and your write to have them, but I must respectfull disagree.
One thing I DO agree with some Falcon fans on however, is that there is no reason the Falcons cannot have a great year in ‘10. I don’t know about the SB, but I do like Matt Ryan, he is a younger, taller Drew Brees. Of course, it all hinges on injuries.
Good luck this year, but not TOO much
ASHCAN.
June 21st, 2010
12:34 pm
Bradley you were the one who picked the falcons to go to the eastern conference championship.I would feel better if you said they will lose this year.LOLOL just kidden mark it could happen but i think the key is the defensive coordinater.Can he get it done?
ASHCAN.
June 21st, 2010
12:34 pm
Oops i meant hawks mark not falcons.
ASHCAN.
June 21st, 2010
12:38 pm
A falcons blog is not complete without the “choke”,were are ya dude?
Section 108
June 21st, 2010
12:47 pm
I hate to bring this up, but if we signed TO, that just might be the extra 2-3 wins we need to win the division.
tucker wright
June 21st, 2010
1:40 pm
dont forget “expert” Mark Bradley’s reasons why the colts would beat the saints in SB44: 1- Saints are lucky to be in SB. 2- The Saints all ready won their SB 3- The Saints peaked 3 months ago.
guy clearly knows what he is talking about…
Win Something First
June 21st, 2010
1:47 pm
Hey Falcons – remember the NFL only has 2 types of teams in it – those who’ve won a Championship and those who haven’t. The audicity of Mark Bradley to slight the Saints – they are what the Falcons aspire to be – Champions! Talk is cheap – put a championship banner in the Georgia Dome then you can talk – until then – tread lightly and speak softly!!
Falcon Fanatic
June 21st, 2010
2:23 pm
Much more favorable schedule this year, plus we are only playing 1 team coming off a bye week this season (4 last year), the Bengals at home. Keeping Turner healthy by giving more carries to Snelling will help. Abraham needs to “bring it” this year, and the secondary SHOULD be improved. Lets get some Falcons fans to the games this year and less people rooting for the other teams!
Ken Strickland
June 21st, 2010
2:56 pm
METRY TYGER-I’m glad you responded to my post. It’s nice to know there are intelligent Saint fans who are capable of getting a point across intelligently, and without a lot of derogatory and downright vulgar remarks. This is truly going to be an interesting and exciting season for both teams.
kmart
June 21st, 2010
3:07 pm
falcons and hawks will never win a title lol
hiramsaint
June 21st, 2010
5:06 pm
@ ken- would you show me where the falcons ‘purged” and now have “ccompletely rebuilt”? i’m also confused on the quickest , fastest, youngest and most versatile part. i know of some players that may not fit that description but the falcons may have cut them and i don’t know about it yet. the odds makers on- line that i’ve checked have you all at 30 /1 to go to the superbowl- just below the 4-12 redskins of last year. as a last question , who are these people you know of that know football? mark , jeff , or d-led? i’d go with the odds makers because they have a reason to be right. the saints are 9/1 with them- #3 on the list i think
hiramsaint
June 21st, 2010
5:24 pm
@ ken -none of my above comments were meant to be abusive or derogatory. they are legitimate questions and also from now on i will try to remain this way though i hope some witty rivalry remarks{non-vulgar} won’t be taken to personally- thanks
MetryTyger
June 21st, 2010
6:03 pm
Ken, no problem.
If the Falcons fulfill their projections and the Saints don’t succumb to the seemingly prevailing “post Super Bowl collapse,” we could be looking at 2 Lombardi trophy caliber teams in the NFC South, with Carolina (IMO) not far behind. I think though, that Green Bay and Dallas will be right up there as well, and possibly the Vicomplainers if the old man doesn’t retire again.
SAINTS F THE FALCONS
June 21st, 2010
6:33 pm
HOW MANY SUPERBOWLS HAVE THE ATLANTA FALCONS WON??????
I REST MY CASE
Thinking Falcon Fans are CRAZY...
June 21st, 2010
6:53 pm
Falcons Win Range for 2010:
11-5 at BEST
7-9 at WORST
Saints Win Range for 2010:
15-1 at BEST
11-5 at WORST
rekingball
June 21st, 2010
7:17 pm
My question is this, does New Orleans have a daily newspaper?
hiramsaint
June 21st, 2010
7:28 pm
of couse silly- what major metropolitan area doesn’t?
Ken Strickland
June 21st, 2010
8:07 pm
HIRAMSAINT-my comments weren’t directed at you, but at some of the less civilized Saint fans who can’t seem to comment without resorting to a bunch of derogatory name calling.
To answer your questions. When a team hires a new GM and HC, and in 2yrs they replace the starting TE, WR, LT, RT, RG, QB, RB, K/PR, FG/K, DE, DT, both OLB’s, MLB and the entire secondary, THAT’S A MAJOR PURGE. That means you have committed to rebuilding. To turn a roster over like that in such a short 2yr period of time, and still make the playoffs without having a losing season, is an outstanding accomplishment.
We are one of the NFL’s youngest teams, even with veteran DE JAbraham, OC TMcClure, TE TGonzalez and OLB MPeterson. Our team, especially our DEF, has been built around speed, quickness and athleticism. We’ve stockpiled draft picks that will replace these veteran players. We won’t have to replace our 9-11yr veteran players with 9-11yr veteran free agents.
METRY TYGER-I could tell by your response there wouldn’t be any issues between us. The Cowboys, Vikings, Packers, Saints, Falcons and 49ers will all likely field solid teams. It’s going to take some doing for a team to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this yr.
hiramsaint
June 21st, 2010
8:53 pm
@ken -sorry . it sounded like you meant all that happened over this offseason. it does sound like alot of changes and rightfully so. i remember posting last season that i thought in maybe 2-3 years y’all may have a contender and i still believe so. i think it takes that period of time for players and schemes to jell into a unit instead of a number of skilled individuals. that is not a put down as the saints went thru the same thing with the addition of payton / brees. 1st yr good 2nd &3rd- building, 4th unit coming together and 5th, building on that. i hear alot of talk about us losing depth and no-one there with any to replace it but i’ll give our coaches props because they seem to be getting right thus far. though i ‘m not wishing the falcons good luck i’m sure they are on the rise and will do well. i’ve talked crap on here but mostly it’s rivalry stuff that sometimes gets out of hand
rekingball
June 22nd, 2010
8:38 am
Why do so many saints fans infest the AJC blogs, if NO has a newspaper, the NO paper doesn’t have a saints blog?
Thinking Falcon Fans are CRAZY...
June 22nd, 2010
2:18 pm
1st yr good, 2nd & 3rd rebuilding… don’t get your hopes up too high, Falcon fans, This statement is too vague and promises something that is just not fair to promise in the first place. The Saints did what they did with the BEST QB in the NFL, the Falcons have a 3rd year pro who got way too much cred early (he needs to thank Michael Turner for yr 1) and who still has not proven himself to be ANY better than Rex Grossman