Atlanta Falcons rookie NFL Head Coach Bobby Petrino has his work cut out for him after an off-season of turmoil. Michael Vick will most likely be suspended for the season leaving Quarterback responsibilities to the ordinary Joey Harrington. Petrino is an offensive minded coach who likes to use a spread offense throwing the ball downfield. Sportsbook.com has the Atlanta Falcons at 60 to 1 odds to win Super Bowl XLII.
The zone blocking scheme that previously had given the Atlanta ground game much success has been scratched in favor of a power running game. Warrick Dunn underwent back surgery July 21st and will most likely not be 100% by opening day but Jerious Norwood is a fast back with some nice moves. The Wide receivers welcome the addition of solid veteran Joe Horn who should compliment big red zone target TE Alge Crumpler. The offensive line is small and a bad fit for the power game that Petrino looks to employ.
New Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will keep running the traditional 4-3 Defense that was solid against the run last year. The departure of team leader DE Patrick Kerney will hurt the Defense. DT Rod Coleman is a fast bull rusher that consistently puts heat on opposing Quarterbacks but has nagging injuries and he might not be 100% healthy by opening day. DE John Abraham is an explosive player who creates havoc.
The Linebacking crew is a speedy unit that has an excellent Middle linebacker in Keith Brookings. Athletic LB Demorrio Williams tore his pectoral in the offseason and might not be ready for opening day. LB Michael Boley is a versatile and smart player who is on the brink of becoming a star. Cornerback Pro-Bowler DeAngelo Hall leads a young secondary that is suspect. Michael Koenen is good punter but the kicking situation this year sucks. Return and coverage units are better than average.
Brad Marchetti’s Opening Day Atlanta Falcons Power Ratings: 20-80 Scale
20- Poor
30- Well Below Average
40- Below Average
50- Average
60- Above Average
70- Very Good
80- Great
Quarterback : 50
Backs : 55
Receivers : 55
Offensive Line : 45
Defensive Line : 45
Linebackers : 55
Secondary : 55
Special Teams : 45
Coaching: 40
New England Patriots 2-1
San Diego Chargers 5-1
Indianapolis Colts 7-1
Chicago Bears 16-1
Baltimore Ravens 25-1
Pittsburgh Steelers 30-1
Cincinnati Bengals 25-1
Denver Broncos 25-1
Philadelphia Eagles 18-1
Dallas Cowboys 25-1
Carolina Panthers 25-1
Seattle Seahawks 18-1
New Orleans Saints 18-1
New York Giants 35-1
Jacksonville Jaguars 30-1
Kansas City Chiefs 60-1
New York Jets 40-1
Miami Dolphins 55-1
Tennessee Titans 60-1
Atlanta Falcons 60-1
Buffalo Bills 100-1
Washington Redskins 40-1
Arizona Cardinals 40-1
Saint Louis Rams 50-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 45-1
San Francisco 49ers 20-1
Minnesota Vikings 50-1
Green Bay Packers 40-1
Houston Texans 100-1
Oakland Raiders 75-1
Cleveland Browns 100-1
Detroit Lions 100-1
