1. Defensive end: John Abraham played 69 snaps in the playoffs and had zero tackles. He was more invisible than Manti Te?o?s girlfriend. That?s on Smith. Abraham, the team?s sack leader, never should have played in the final regular season game against Tampa Bay, when he suffered an ankle sprain. Smith: ?You can?t second-guess yourself as a coach.? No, but we can. The absence of a pass rush put too much pressure on the second and third layers of the defense. Edwards being a free agent bust, leading to his release, made matters worse. Help is needed.
2. Strong-side linebacker: Stephen Nicholas was average during the season. He was torched so often in the playoffs that he looked like a bigger Charles Dimry. The two opposing starting tight ends, San Francisco?s Vernon Davis and Seattle?s Zach Miller, combined for 13 catches for 248 yards and two touchdowns. Other than Sean Weatherspoon, it?s a weak group of linebackers.
3. Tight end: Gonzalez has one foot and four toes into retirement. Smith is holding out hope for a U-turn but that would be an upset. There are two legitimate first-round picks at tight end in this draft: Stanford?s Zach Ertz and Notre Dame?s Tyler Eifert. Expect the Falcons to try to maneuver to get one of them.
4. Offensive line: The Falcons need a bulldozer. The line was better than expected, primarily in pass protection, but needs to get stronger. Center Todd McClure might retire (or not be re-signed). Rookie guard Peter Konz could slide over to replace him, which would leave right guard open. Left tackle Sam Baker improved this season but with his contract up, his future is uncertain. An average unit that needs to get better.
5. Running back: The Falcons seem committed to running back by committee. That?s fine. But the committee can?t include Turner. He confirmed their pre-season fears that he had worn dead with a career-low average of 3.6 yards per carry. He ran well against Seattle but that was the exception. Jacquizz Rodgers is a keeper, but the offense needs a better running threat.
The Falcons have a tougher schedule next season: road games at San Francisco and Green Bay; home against Seattle, Washington and New England. They're likely losing Gonzalez, who often has been the difference between winning and losing. This team is good but it needs help.
They need to make some noise this offseason.
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Its going to be very hard for the Falcons to get back to even the playoffs next year. Alot of teams will get better while the Falcons probably sit on their hands.
Lots of holes to fill.
Super Bowl game coming up and I do not have that much interest in either team.
I have to think the Ravens will win as the QB with the most playing experience almost always overcomes in this game. Hope to feel the hype as it gets closer to game time.
