As theAtlanta Falconscontinue to take shape under second year head coachDan Quinn, the question of whether or not they will be able to maintain a 500 record this season may be harder than it looks.
TheAtlanta Falconswere 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, theFalconsopponents 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 theFalcons.
Not to mention, theAtlanta Falconshave one of, if not the toughest schedules in all of the NFL.
TheFalcons2016 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 theFalconsare 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 theFalcons’ first and second round draft picks,Keanu NealandDeion Jones, will be able to fit nicely intoQuinn’s overall defensive scheme.
The offensive line was a definite liability last season and should be much improved this season, especially with the edition ofAlex Mackat center.
With the addition ofMohamed Sanuat wide receiver, it looks likeMatt Ryanshould have enough weapons and protection to avoid many of last year’s mistakes.
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TheAtlanta Falconscertainly have made enough changes in the offseason to become a better than 500 team.
All in all, theFalconshave 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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