Atlanta Falcons
Key Additions: CB Dunta Robinson, LB Sean Weatherspoon
Key Subtractions: CB Chris Houston
The Falcons head into this season after dropping a bit after Matt Ryan's rookie season. Ryan saw his numbers decrease as far as total yards and completion percentage goes. But Ryan will bounce back this season, he is surrounded by too many good weapons not too. Micheal Turner fought in juries last season but had a stellar 2008 season, rushing for over 1,600 yards. Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez are two big targets that Ryan can rely upon. White caught 11 TD's and had over 1,200 yards receiving. Michael Jenkins is the teams number two receiver, but his numbers are not where the Falcons expect them to be. They need him to improve so it gives Ryan more options to look to. What it will come down to is will Turner be able to carry the load the entire season and remain healthy along with Tony Gonzalez. I believe that they will be healthier this year and last year was just bad luck and poor defense.
The Falcons defense probably cost them a shot at the playoffs last season. They were fifth worst in the NFL in passing yards allowed. This was subject to, what else, a bad pass rush. The Falcons had only 28 sacks all of last season. John Abraham on the outside and Justin Babineaux on the inside must play better and get more pressure on the quarterback. Sean Weatherspoon was drafted to improve the linebacking corps and Dunta Robinson will be the teams shut down corner. The Falcons have a strong unit as a whole, but they will have to come together and play a lot better if they wish to compete for a playoff spot this season.
Schedule:
1 Sun, Sep 12 at Pittsburgh
2 Sun, Sep 19 Arizona
3 Sun, Sep 26 at New Orleans
4 Sun, Oct 3 San Francisco
5 Sun, Oct 10 at Cleveland
6 Sun, Oct 17 at Philadelphia
7 Sun, Oct 24 Cincinnati
8 BYE
9 Sun, Nov 7 Tampa Bay
10 Thu, Nov 11 Baltimore
11 Sun, Nov 21 at St. Louis
12 Sun, Nov 28 Green Bay
13 Sun, Dec 5 at Tampa Bay
14 Sun, Dec 12 at Carolina
15 Sun, Dec 19 at Seattle
16 Mon, Dec 27 New Orleans
17 Sun, Jan 2 Carolina
The Falcons have the 20th hardest schedule in the NFL and opponents were 127-129 last season. They catch the AFC North and NFC West this season. The schedule appears favorable for the Falcons. They have three easier road games late in the season and finish their final two games at home against divisional opponents. Look for them to be in contention down the stretch.
Houston Texans
Key Additions: LB Danny Clark, K Neil Rackers, CB Kareem Jackson, RB Ben Tate, G Wade Smith
Key Subtractions: QB Rex Grossman, RB Ryan Moats, CB Dunta Robinson, G Chester Pitts
The Houston Texans have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, but have yet to reach the playoffs in their franchises entire existence. I believe this has a lot to do with coaching. The playoffs are a must for Gary Kubiac to keep his job. It will be interesting to see how he does now that he lost Kyle Shanahan as his offensive coordinator. Matt Schaub put up career numbers last season along with Andrea Johnson, yet the team failed to make the playoffs. Schaub threw for 4,770 yards and 29 TD's while Johnson caught 101 balls for 1,569 yards. They were the number one passing team in the NFL. Owen Daniels also plays a key role in that passing game as well along with Kevin Walter. But the Texans can not run the ball with consistency. Steve Slaton led the team in rushing with just 437 yards and he rushed for only 3.3 yards per carry. The Texans drafted Ben Tate who can be a nice balance to go with Slaton who bruise and get the tough yardage. This offense is too good to be playing at the level it has been in previous seasons.
The Texans defense has Pro Bowl players at several positions, yet as a whole do not put up the flashy numbers. The team ranks in the middle of the pack in almost every statistical category. They have a freak DE in Mario Williams who has 39.5 sacks in his four year career. The Texans need someone else to step up and alleviate the double team Williams draws. DeMeco Ryans leads the linebackers that also includes Brian Cushing, each Pro Bowlers. With the addition of Danny Clark, they are set. Careem Jackson replaces Robinson, who left for Atlanta in free agency. Beyond him, the Texans lack depth and the players are not putting up the numbers. They are going to need people to step up and contribute or they will struggle.
Schedule:
1 Sun, Sep 12 Indianapolis
2 Sun, Sep 19 at Washington
3 Sun, Sep 26 Dallas
4 Sun, Oct 3 at Oakland
5 Sun, Oct 10 NY Giants
6 Sun, Oct 17 Kansas City
7 BYE
8 Mon, Nov 1 at Indianapolis
9 Sun, Nov 7 San Diego
10 Sun, Nov 14 at Jacksonville
11 Sun, Nov 21 at NY Jets
12 Sun, Nov 28 Tennessee
13 Thu, Dec 2 at Philadelphia
14 Mon, Dec 13 Baltimore
15 Sun, Dec 19 at Tennessee
16 Sun, Dec 26 at Denver
17 Sun, Jan 2 Jacksonville
The Texans have the hardest schedule in the NFL and opponents were 140-116 last season. They catch the AFC West and NFC East this season, divisions with powerful teams in them. The Texans except for Week 4 at Oakland and Week 6 at home against the Cheifs. They also catch the Jets in an inter conference matchup on the road and the Ravens at home. Tough schedule any way you look at it, but the Texans are have too many weapons not to be a contender this season.
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