The Atlanta Falcons are generally associated with difficult seasons and now difficult players. Atlanta struggled for years, hoping star personalities like Deion Sanders. It was not until 1998, when Chris Chandler and Jamal Anderson led Atlanta to a 14-2 record that Falcons playoff tickets carried any hope of being more than one and done appearances in the post season. The team lost the Super Bowl to the Denver Broncos and was never able to regain that stride after the defeat. Michael Vick brought new hope to the Georgia Dome in 2001. The rookie electrified the fans and the schedule seemed full of winnable games. Twice he took the team to the playoffs as developed his quarterback skills. His rare mix of speed, strength, and an arm led to memorable games against the Packers in the wild card round in 2002 and the Rams in the divisional round in 2004.
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The 2008 version of the Atlanta Falcons is trying to forget the dog-fighting scandal that took Vick to jail and left the Falcons without a quarterback or playoff tickets last season. The front office took the offseason to rebuild a team designed for the unique skills of Vick. The drafting of Matt Ryan give the team a more traditional quarterback in the making. He will have a good possession receiver in Michael Jenkins and a young playmaker in Roddy White who proved himself in a season that many ignored. The reality is that since the defense has not been close to stellar in the last few years the young offense will have to carry the load this year.
That offense includes an offensive line that many have doubts about. If they can play together then Ryan will be able to have time to avoid the blitzes every defense is sure to throw at him. The line will also need to create holes so Michael “The Burner” Turner will have a chance to live up to his free agent signing. He was the backup to LaDainian Tomlinson and was known for his great runs when the Pro Bowler was resting. The running back has a lot to prove. He has to prove he can be a full time back who can take the hits and endure the carries of an entire game and an entire season. The Falcons may actually be able to surprise everyone and make the postseason in the NFC South. Atlanta is one of four teams whose future is uncertain. The Bucs and the Panthers have historically been the powers in the division, but parity and age have closed the gap between all four teams. All the questions do not make Falcons playoff tickets likely, but if Ryan ends up being a true franchise quarterback and Turner is the real deal then the fans at the Georgia Dome could have a great season in front of them.