By: Shea Harman and Brett Houdeshell
The
2013-14 season as a whole hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for the
preseason Super Bowl predicted Falcons. But before we get into this season lets
backtrack a little. Atlanta ended their season merely inches away from the
Super Bowl to a very good SF 49ers team. The end of the season is always a
bummer for most teams, but you can’t go wrong with everyone playing their best,
all the starters healthy, and your Hall of Fame tight end coming back for
another season. Then it all went downhill. Most of you can probably guess what
happened next, injuries. This year the whole roster was plagued with them
ranging from offensive linemen, to special teams players, and even to wide receiver
Julio Jones who is now out for the year. On top of this they have played
multiple games without key starters such as Steven Jackson, Sean Weatherspoon,
Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White, and Asante Samuel. All of these injuries along with
lack of leadership have led to their abysmal record of just 3-9.
Julio Jones heading to the locker room after an injury.
(NFLSi.com)
Up
to this point Atlanta’s season has been a bust and is pretty much over.
Although they are tied with division opponent Tampa Bay they still sit at the
bottom of the NFC South, and are also tied for the second worst record in the
NFL. Coach Mike Smith has been quoted by saying that the rookies and
second-string guys will be getting more playing time the week of the Bills
game. Many would say that these actions signify the Front Office throwing in
the towel, but I have other thoughts. Even with a lot of normal starters
sitting, they did in fact win the game at Buffalo in overtime. To me, it
doesn’t seem like the Falcons are giving up necessarily, but are looking for a
new answer to the problem. Sometimes to find a new star you have to give the
backup a chance to let his talents shine, which is now a days known as the
Aaron Rodgers method.
If
the season were to end today the Falcons would have the 4th pick in the 2014
NFL Draft. All three teams in front of Atlanta will potentially need QB’s, which
opens the doorway for their original plans. And with the 4th pick in
the 2014 NFL Draft the Atlanta Falcons select…Jadaveon Clowney from South
Carolina. I can hear it now, sweet music to my ears. The Falcons defense was horrendous
this season, so far placing 20th in the league for passing defense and having
30th worst defense overall. During the 2013 offseason one of the main
goals was to upgrade our pass rush shortly after losing Defensive Captain John
Abraham. Unfortunately, the only real shopping done on the defensive line was
picking up free agent Osi Umenyiora, who is honestly getting on in years. But
with our new addition of Clowney he would help put pressure on opposing
quarterbacks along with taking up space in the running lanes. Many are opposing
this pick by stating that his attitude will only cause problems on the field
and in the locker room, but I have faith in the 6’6 250 lb. Defensive End. I
believe that wise veterans on the team such as Steven Jackson and Sean Weatherspoon
can coach him up and to make sure his actions are precise and his intentions
clear.
Jadaveon Clowney making an athletic play for the sack.
(Elevenathletes.com)
On a positive note, the Falcons drafts
picks from 2013 have showed great potential so far. When veteran CB Asante
Samuel was injured for a short period of time earlier this season, rookie
Corner Desmond Trufant has stepped up big time. Aside from his tackling he is
very versatile and can cover tight due to his amazing speed. In retrospect he
resembles former Falcon Brent Grimes from his early days in the sense that he
is not very physical, but can stay on your tail and “get up” when needed.
Desmond Trufant excited to be a Falcon shortly after the draft.
(FoxNews.com)
Overall the Falcons main concerns this
offseason should be focused on their Defensive/Offensive lines and secondary.
It’s hard for us fans to remain optimistic about the future when your team
can’t produce after having such high expectations. I do believe however, that it
is important for Falcons fans to stay positive. While we are at the bottom of
the league we must remember the night is darkest just before the dawn. Our team
hasn’t given up yet, so why should you? Even in the game against New England,
down big with 6 minutes Matt Ryan never quit and led the charge for a comeback.
Although they didn’t win, that is the type of stuff defines heart and can
potentially turn a team around. Maybe with a good offseason, healthy players,
and a little bit of luck our Dirty Birds can too.
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