|
| The Falcons struggled at times defensively last season, ranking 24th overall. Their rush defense was the biggest disappointment, allowing 127.5 yards per game. First-round pick Peria Jerry hopes to provide a lift to the rush defense. The Falcons hope Jerry turns into the big, run-stuffing tackle they were lacking last season. Atlanta also needs some more playmakers in the secondary. They had just 10 interceptions last season. Chris Houston and rookie Chevis Jackson need to make some plays at cornerback. The pass rush for the Falcons is solid, though, with ends John Abraham and Jamaal Anderson doing a good job of pressuring the quarterback. Abraham remains one of the premier pass rushers in the game, getting 16 and a half sacks last season. The Falcons lost veteran Keith Brooking this offseason, but were able to replace him with another veteran linebacker, Mike Peterson. So the Falcons should see much of a dropoff at linebacker. The Falcons have a very good special teams unit. Harry Douglas emerged as a legit punt returner last season, averaging 11.9 yards per return. And Jerious Norwood remains one of the best kick returners in the game. These two are capable of big plays every time they touch the ball.
| |
|
The Falcons defense might be worth a spot start or two, but that is about it. They have a little sack potential with Abraham and Anderson, but their secondary doesn't cause a lot of turnovers and they will allow some points and yards. The special teams unit is above average, though. |
| |
| D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons LB Curtis Lofton (knee, ankle) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 13, and is probable for Week 10. He will play in the game. |
| Source: | |
| D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons LB Curtis Lofton (knee, ankle) was limited during practice Thursday, Nov. 12. He is expected to play in Week 10. |
| Source: | |
| CBSSports.com reports Atlanta Falcons LB Curtis Lofton (knee, ankle) practiced in full Wednesday, Nov. 11. |
| Source: | |
| D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons LB Curtis Lofton (knee, ankle) participated in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as questionable for Week 9 but is expected to play. |
| Source: | |
| D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux (ankle), WR Brian Finneran (ankle) and LB Curtis Lofton (knee, ankle) were limited during practice Thursday, Nov. 5. They are expected to play in Week 9. |
| Source: | |
| D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said LB Curtis Lofton will be given every opportunity to become an three-down player this season. |
| Source: | |
| NFL.com reports Atlanta Falcons LB Curtis Lofton (knee) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff games. |
| Source: | |
| AtlantaFalcons.com reports Atlanta Falcons LB Curtis Lofton (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Jan. 1. |
| Source: | |
| AtlantaFalcons.com reports Atlanta Falcons LB Curtis Lofton (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Dec. 31. |
| Source: | |
| J. Michael Moore, of AtlantaFalcons.com, reports Atlanta Falcons LB Curtis Lofton is expected to start at middle linebacker Week 1. |
| Source: |
|
Injury Concern.