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Atlanta Falcons: Will they be a 500 team this season?

By Kathryn Morrison

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the Atlanta Falcons continue to take shape under second year head coach Dan Quinn, the question of whether or not they will be able to maintain a 500 record this season may be harder than it looks.

The Atlanta Falcons were 8-8 last season, and according to Football Outsiders, are projected to be 7-9 this season, keeping them on the outside of the playoffs once again.

First of all, the Falcons opponents in the NFC South are better this year. It’s safe to say that the Carolina Panthers aren’t going anywhere, especially with the return of Kelvin Benjamin.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers should also be a better team this year, with Jameis Winston having another year under his belt. Additionally, the New Orleans Saints always seem to find a way to beat the Falcons.

Not to mention, the Atlanta Falcons have one of, if not the toughest schedules in all of the NFL.

The Falcons 2016 schedule consists of road games with the New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos, and Seattle Seahawks being some of their toughest opponents, with the latter two being back to back.

Home games consist of teams like the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and Kansas City Chiefs, making this one very challenging schedule.

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If the Falcons are going to improve on their record from last year they are going to have to take care of a few glaring issues.

The biggest issue is red-zone inefficiencies, consisting largely of turnovers and missed opportunities.

Furthermore, the defense must continue to improve. Hopefully the Falcons’ first and second round draft picks, Keanu Neal and Deion Jones, will be able to fit nicely into Quinn’s overall defensive scheme.

The offensive line was a definite liability last season and should be much improved this season, especially with the edition of Alex Mack at center.

With the addition of Mohamed Sanu at wide receiver, it looks like Matt Ryan should have enough weapons and protection to avoid many of last year’s mistakes.

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The Atlanta Falcons certainly have made enough changes in the offseason to become a better than 500 team.

All in all, the Falcons have four key factors that they must overcome in order to be that 500 team or better: the tough schedule, defensive improvement, offensive line play, and red-zone efficiency.

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