07-Nov-2009 12:47pm
 
Atlanta Falcons
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Atlanta Falcons
    
 Year  Pts All  Yds All  Pass Yds  Pass TDs  Rush Yds  Rush TDs  Sacks  Ints  IR TDs  Fum  FR TDs 
200832555583526202032173410280
2007414568836472720411225160121
2006328532536632016621437121141
2005341520031371820631837160132
2004337520735261916812048194131
SUMMARY
Def / ST Rank: #24   
Overall: #301

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.
FANTASY OUTLOOK
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.
2009 Draft Guide - Def / STs
 # 1  Pittsburgh SteelersPIT  
 # 2  Philadelphia EaglesPHI Hot
 # 3  New York GiantsNYG  
 # 4  Minnesota VikingsMIN  
 # 5  Baltimore RavensBAL  
 # 6  New York JetsNYJ Sleeper
 # 7  Tennessee TitansTEN  
 # 8  Tampa Bay BuccaneersTAM  
 # 9  Arizona CardinalsARI  
 # 10  Dallas CowboysDAL  
 # 11  New England PatriotsNWE  
 # 12  Indianapolis ColtsIND  
 # 13  San Diego ChargersSDG  
 # 14  Chicago BearsCHI  
 # 15  Miami DolphinsMIA  
 # 16  Green Bay PackersGNB Sleeper
 # 17  Washington RedskinsWAS  
 # 18  Carolina PanthersCAR  
 # 19  Seattle SeahawksSEA Sleeper
 # 20  San Francisco 49ersSFO  
 # 21  Buffalo BillsBUF  
 # 22  Houston TexansHOU  
 # 23  Jacksonville JaguarsJAC Cold
 # 24  Atlanta FalconsATL  
 # 25  Oakland RaidersOAK  
 # 26  New Orleans SaintsNOR  
 # 27  Cincinnati BengalsCIN  
 # 28  St. Louis RamsSTL  
 # 29  Cleveland BrownsCLE  
 # 30  Kansas City ChiefsKAN  
 # 31  Detroit LionsDET  
 # 32  Denver BroncosDEN  
»  Hot -- Moving Up in the Player Rankings.
»  Cold -- Moving Down in the Player Rankings.
»  Injury Concern.
»  Sleeper.
» Auction values based on std 12-team scoring league with $100 cap.