We all know how incredible the 2008 season was for the Atlanta Falcons franchise. This team was in shambles at the end of 2007. Franchise QB indicted on dog fighting charges. Head coach quits 14 weeks into season. There was a lot of uncertainty as the off-season approached in 2008. But to the credit of Arthur Blank and Falcons President, then GM, Rich McKay, the organization acted quickly to keep this team from going the way of the hopeless Detroit Lions. In a matter of days in January 2008, the Falcons hired a new GM in Thomas Dimitroff, a new head coach in Mike Smith and an impressive supporting staff including offensive and defensive coordinators Mike Mularky and Brian Van Gorder, respectively. The new staff worked quickly to establish a new, but firm base for this team. Gone were fan favorites Warrick Dunn and Alge Crumpler. Gone was the talented but troublesome DeAngelo Hall. In their place was a crop of young, talented and hungry players who wanted to win. All the Falcons needed was a centerpiece to this "new" team. Enter Michael Turner and Matt Ryan. Turner proved in 2008 that he was just as capable as the guy he was backing up in San Diego. And Matt Ryan was anything but a bust. Ryan, in just his rookie season, brought more poise and leadership to the Falcons' offense than Mr. Vick did in 6 full seasons. The Falcons shocked the NFL world by going from a 4-12 2007 to a wildcard clinching 11-5 2008 season. Though the Falcons lost in the Division Round to the Arizona Cardinals, 2008 can't be looked at as anything but a success.
But now, its time to look towards the 2009 campaign. This Falcons team will have a huge mountain to climb in order to have a repeat trip to the playoffs. The team must overcome one of the toughest schedules in the NFL this season. Not only do they play 6 games in the overly competitive NFC South, but the Falcons must contend with 4 games against the tough NFC East and 4 games against the difficult AFC East. That in addition to games against the always tough Dallas Cowboys, in their new stadium no less, and the Chicago Bears will prove to be a heavy load for Matt Ryan and co.
Adding to that tough task, the Falcons must overcome history. At no time in franchise history have the Falcons had back-to-back winning seasons. They have come close. From 1971-1973, the Falcons had records of 7-6-1, 7-7 and 9-5, respectively. In 1977-1978, they had records of 7-7 and 9-7. And as recently as 2004-2005, the birds compiled 11-5 and 8-8 records.
A tough road, indeed. However, if 2008 taught us anything, do not count out this Atlanta Falcons team. Matt Ryan will be out to prove his rookie effort was no fluke. Head coach Mike Smith will be out to prove that he didn't just benefit from an easier schedule and is indeed in the class of NFL coaches. And GM Thomas Dimitroff will be out to prove that parting ways with a mainstay like Keith Brooking and a talented LB in Michael Boley was all part of a grand master plan to continue to develop this hot franchise through the NFL draft.
While there is some caution heading into the '09 season, there is just as much optimism for a great season. I look forward to writing a similar blog next off-season.
By Chris Culwell
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