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2005 Team Report: Atlanta Falcons
Quarterbacks
Starter: Michael Vick
Starting QB: Michael Vick rebounded from his disappointing, injury-filled 2003 season to post one of his best years as a passer. His completion percentage was at an all time high (56.5) as was his yards per attempt (7.21). What really set Vick apart though was his incredible year rushing the ball. His 900 rushing yards were better than many of the running backs in the NFL, and he finished 12th among all fantasy QBs. The 2005 season should be a pivotal year for Vick, as he continues to improve as a passer, and the young Falcons WRs improve as well. If everything falls into place, Vick could be posting excellent numbers in 2005 and begin to climb back into the top tier of fantasy QBs.
Backup QB: Matt Schaub was a third round draft choice for the Falcons in 2004. He saw very limited action last year when Vick was injured, and he was less than impressive with his 42.0 passing rate and his 4 INTs to 1 TD. Despite this poor performance, Schaub returns as Vick's primary backup. Ty Detmer, the other QB on the roster, is entering his 14th season. The 38-year old journeyman has been with six different teams over the course of his career, and he has not thrown a regular season pass since 2001. If Vick or Schaub go down to injury for any length of time, you can expect that Atlanta will be scrambling to sign another veteran backup before too long.
Running Backs
Starter: Warrick Dunn, T.J. Duckett
Starting RB: Dunn and Duckett are one of the best RBBC combos in the league. Last year they combined for over 1900 yards from scrimmage and 17 TDs. Dunn averaged 4.2 YPC and Duckett averaged 4.9. As a team, the Falcons lead the league in rushing yards with 2672 and averaged 5.1 yards per attempt. Their 20 rushing TDs were ranked 3rd in the NFL. Dunn is still the feature back, posting 1400 yards from scrimmage and 9 TDs himself. He is entering his 9th NFL season for 2005, and his recent contract extension keeps him in Atlanta through the 2007 season. Expect him to lead the way for the Falcons again in 2005. Duckett is also signed through the 2007 season but will only really see significant carries if Dunn is injured. Duckett's size makes him a better goal line option for Atlanta though, so his TD numbers should still make him a solid fantasy back as well. Backup RBs: After Dunn and Duckett, the rest of the Falcon runners combined for just 79 rushing yards and 0 TDs. Rookies DeAndra Cobb and Marlion Jackson break camp as the backups.
Fullback: Justin Griffith was used primarily for his receiving skills last year, hauling in 22 receptions for 220 yards 1 score. He can also carry the ball, and has averaged 4.4 YPC over his first 2 years in the NFL (47 carries total). If either Dunn or Duckett were lost to an injury, Griffith would be the guy who would be expected to pick up the slack. Fred McCrary may have a shot at making the team as a second fullback in lieu of the team keeping another tailback. McCrary is a solid veteran who can do a little bit of everything.
Wide Receivers
Starters: Michael Jenkins, Dez White
Starting WRs: The 2004 campaign was not a good year to be an Atlanta wide receiver. As a team they ranked dead last in total completions (218), 31st in attempts (395), 28th in passing TDs (15) and 30th in total passing yards with only 2691. Peerless Price 'led' all wide receivers on the team with 575 receiving yards and 3 TDs. As a result, the team seems committed to a youth movement at the position. Price has been demoted, and the starting tandem is currently Dez White and Michael Jenkins, with an eye toward rookie 1st rounder Roddy White overtaking Dez White sooner rather than later. Michael Jenkins was the 29th overall pick in the 2004 draft, and the second pick for the Falcons last year. The Ohio State standout never really had much chance to shine last year and finished with just seven receptions for 117 yards. But he's already been named a starter and would have to completely flop for the team not to give him a chance for baptism by fire this year as a starter. He has great size and good speed and could be an effective redzone target, provided Michael Vick can get him the ball. Dez White finished 2004 with just 370 yards receiving and 2 TDs and seems better suited to a backup role. Backup WRs: Although listed as a backup officially, we expect that rookie 1st rounder Roddy White will be a starter at some point in 2005. White brings an interesting mix of speed and athleticism to the Falcons, but considering how much the Falcons love to run, he needs to improve his run blocking to be on the field the majority of team snaps. Last year, Brian Finneran posted his lowest totals as a receiver since his sophomore season back in 2000. But he has worth given his experience (7th NFL season) and reasonable contract, not to mention he seems willing to accept a backup role, an important factor given the Falcons long-term committment to Jenkins and Roddy White.
Tight Ends
Starters: Alge Crumpler
Alge Crumpler was actually the leading receiver on the Falcons last year. He beat WR Peerless Price by almost 200 yards receiving, almost 4 yards per reception, and 3 receiving TDs, despite only playing in 14 games last year. His size and speed can cause serious mismatches in the defensive secondary, and he has greatly improved his ability to go down field, posting 17 plays of 20 yards or more last year compared to just 8 in 2003. He is clearly Vick's 'go to' guy and should be ready to secure his place as one of the NFL's elite TEs in 2005. Backup Dwayne Blakley had just 4 receptions for 35 yards last year, and neither he nor Eric Beverley should post any reasonable numbers unless Crumpler is injured. Place Kicker Todd Peterson : FA Jay Feely is off to NY, and well-traveled FA Peterson from SF joins the Falcons. He was 18 of 22 (81.8%) on FGs last year. The 49ers provided him the fewest scoring opportunities in the league. Atlanta ranked only 24th in providing opportunities to Feely. Other than one "off" year in Pittsburgh, Peterson has hovered around 80% throughout his career. He's a fairly reliable veteran. Kick and Punt Returners Kick Returners: DeAndra Cobb [r], Roddy White [r], Allen Rossum, DeAngelo Hall, Michael Jenkins The Falcons re-signed return specialist CB Allen Rossum to a four-year contract this offseason. He returned all but three of the kickoffs for the year, averaged 21.6 yards, and ranked fifth in the NFL in KR yardage. The Falcons indicated that he will probably just handle punt returns and defensive work this year, so he doesn't get over worked. Speedy sixth round draft pick RB DeAndra Cobb returned kickoffs (42.1 avg) for Michigan St. last year, and is the early favorite to take over the top spot. His 869 yards was third in the nation, and he scored once. Rookie WR Roddy White is working on special teams since he joined the team late, and is behind on offense. Other backups are second year players; the also speedy CB DeAngelo Hall (Virginia Tech) and versatile WR Michael Jenkins (Ohio State), whose experience is limited to practice, preseason, and college. Punt Returners: Allen Rossum, DeAngelo Hall, Michael Jenkins Rossum was even better on punt returns. No one else returned any the entire year. His 12.4 yard average was second in the NFL (Eddie Drummond was first). He scored once. His combined KR and PR stats placed him as the fifth best fantasy returner. Hall and Jenkins again are likely backups if Rossum gets hurt. DeAngelo Hall was considered one of the top PR prospects in last year's draft. Offensive Line
Projected Starters: RT Todd Weiner, RG Kynan Forney, C Todd McClure, LG Matt Lehr, LT Kevin Shaffer
This is an offensive line where the sum of its parts is much greater than the individual worth of each player but you have to wonder how much of the success could be directly attributed to the terrific coaching by retired guru Alex Gibbs. With Gibbs stepping down into a consulting position in 2005, it could have a huge impact on this group. None of the players have Pro Bowl ability but get by with hard work and sound technique. There is some experience among the starters, and they played well together in 2004. This group is much better at run blocking than they are at protecting the quarterback so anticipate Vick scrambling all over the field in 2005. Expect a dip from the awesome production from a year ago due to the loss of Gibbs. Team Defense President/GM Rich McKay, HC Jim Mora, Jr. and DC Ed Donatell sent shockwaves rippling through the NFC South, destabilizing the balance of power. After a forgettable 2003 season doomed by a preseason injury to Michael Vick, the front office and coaching staff got the ship righted pronto, making it all the way to the NFC Championship game. Mission One for Donatell was to retool Wade Phillips' 3-4 scheme to a more conventional 4-3 front, which was a better fit for their personnel. The Falcons finished sixth in the NFC both in scoring allowed (21.1 PPG) and total defense (325.4 YPG). They excelled at rushing defense as only Washington (81.5 YPG) was better against the run in the NFC than Atlanta (105.1 YPG). The birds of prey were #12 in the NFC against the pass (325.4 YPG), but this could be in part because they often were in the lead, forcing opponents into catch up mode. They were third in the conference in turnovers (29) and led the NFL in sacks (48). Brilliant FA DT acquisition Rod Coleman was instrumental in this last stat and a catalyst in their overall jump up in the rankings. Defensive Line
Starters: DE Patrick Kerney, DE Brady Smith, DT Rod Coleman, DT Chad Lavalais
Starting DL: Kerney has averaged double digit sacks and 50+ tackles since 2001. While he was a misfit as an undersized DE in Wade Phillip's 3-4, he flourished in Mora's attacking 4-3 (went from 35 solos in '03 to career high 58 in '04). The former Virginia lacrosse star lit up opposing RTs with a ridiculous seven sacks (and 22 solos) in the first month. When Coleman missed three games due to an in-season car accident, he was shutout month two. Once the former Raider returned, Kerney was shutout only two more times the rest of the regular season. Smith is coming up on a decade of NFL service, but he is just an average player. The latest news has Smith missing all of training camp and maybe the beginning of the regular season due to neck surgery. Second year player Khaleed Vaughn will open camp as starter. Stay tuned. Coleman's presence changes the defense, and he is the rare talent that makes everyone around him better. The compact frame (6'2" 285 lbs.), explosive power, cat-quick moves and relentless pursuit are reminiscent of John Randle in his prime. In only 13 games, he tied Kevin Williams for most sacks in the NFL by a DT (11.5)...the second time in three seasons with at least 11 sacks. The Falcons opted to not re-sign NT Ed "Leatherface" Jasper, as much to clear the decks for the promising Lavalais as due to Jasper's age. Backup DL: DTs that are 6'2" 286 lbs. and capable of turning in a 4.7 40 don't grow on trees. A superb athlete as a Texas prep, Babineaux was a multi-position (LB, DE, FB and punter) gridiron star, played on the #1 ranked basketball team in the state and also lettered in baseball. He blew up into a DT at Iowa, while preserving the movement skills of a smaller man. Has the explosion, change-of-direction and LB instincts to be disruptive and was voted All-American after finishing first in the Big 10 in sacks (11) and second in the nation in stops behind the LOS (25). Superior bloodlines (brother Jordan plays SS for the Seahawks) and probably won't surface in any Playmakers spin-offs with a 3.95 GPA in HS. He is immediately in the mix for the DT rotation. Paired with elite inside pass rushing presence Coleman, Babineaux should be a handful for NFC South interior OL for years to come. Lake was an undrafted West Virginia Mountaineer who has more of a wide-body, run stuffer profile. It's not glamorous, but occupying the OL allows Hartwell, Brooking and Williams to swarm to the ball. Davis has an opportunity to grab the important third DE role.
Linebackers
Starters: WLB Keith Brooking, MLB Edgerton Hartwell, SLB Demorrio Williams
Starting LBs: Brooking pumped out top five finishes among LBs from 2001-'03 (averaging 115 solos), mostly from MLB. After swapping positions with WLB Chris Draft last season, Brooking's solos fell off a cliff (77) from an IDP perspective. In actual football terms, he was his usual disruptive self. Draft was released shortly after the team snared Hartwell (the most coveted interior LB in FA by many teams). The former Raven studied at the feet of a master in Ray Lewis, but it was time for the understudy's career to take flight. His team leading 144 tackles for BAL in '02 (when Lewis missed significant time) suggest what he is capable of when the focal point of the defense. Williams may not start immediately, but it is just a matter of time. He has the tools to be a star but is still learning to play in reverse after a stint with Nebraska's medieval defense. He tracks the ball carrier with the ruthless efficiency of a terminator and is an explosive hitter with textbook, wrap up form. His agility and speed make him almost unblockable at times, and he could be a force blitzing from the edge. Backup LBs: Reese spent the past seven seasons in Philadelphia. He was promised by the coaching staff the opportunity to compete for the starting SLB position that had Williams' name penciled atop the depth chart. Beck was a third round selection from football powerhouse San Luis Obispo (highest ever Mustang) and was said to be rocketing up some boards leading up to the draft. He was dominant at his level, winning the 2004 Buck Buchanon Award for the nation's outstanding defensive player at the Division I-AA level. Beck showed he belonged with the big boys by flashing big time measurables for a LB at the combine (6'2" 231 lbs., 4.5, 41" VJ, 25 reps). Unfortunately he landed on IR and is lost for the year. Michael Boley is a run and chase guy. He is an athlete who can run well, with a background as an all-state RB, WR and kick returner as a prep. With Brooking in front of him, his biggest contribution initially will be on special teams.
Defensive Backs
Starters: CB DeAngelo Hall, CB Jason Webster, FS Bryan Scott, SS Keion Carpenter
Starting DBs: Hall ran the sixth fastest 60 m in the nation as a HS junior and is now one of the most dangerous speed merchants in the NFL. Atlanta was a fortuitous landing spot for Hall, where he was reunited with his Virginia Tech teammate and mentor, Michael Vick. He reminds some of another Falcon playmaker with preternatural speed... Deion Sanders. Like Prime Time, he is a threat to take it to the house every time he has the ball. HC Mora brought Webster with him from SF because of his familiarity with the system. While not a liability, Webster is not a difference maker, either. Scott is an ascendant, multidimensional talent. The 6'1" 220 former state (PA) 100 m champ played S/CB interchangeably for Penn St. He followed up a sensational rookie season with authority (#5 safety in solos). His 88 solos led the team (Brooking had 87), and were incredibly almost 50% more than the next closest Falcon. Scott is rehabbing a shoulder injury but should be back by the final preseason game. There is talk of a switch to FS, but in the ATL scheme that role translates to SS. Carpenter re-signed after missing '04 with a torn ACL... they may be looking to upgrade. Backup DBs: Mathis re-upped for a four year contract in the offseason. Between starting seven games while Hall recovered from a hip fracture and an additional four due to Webster's injuries, the nickel back unexpectedly nearly led the team's CBs in starts. Size has not been his meal ticket to the pros (5'9" 185), but he is a pesky bump 'n run technician and has good instincts in the slot. Hall was re-signed right after the draft (released earlier for cap reasons) to back up Scott at FS. HC Mora knows Heard well from their time with the 49ers. He is a utility guy who can play either safety position (for a depth player, it is always a plus to be versatile and have the ability to fill multiple roles).
Last modified: 2005-09-05 07:54:51
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