NFC South Division Analysed: Part III
Last but not least we are left with a team that has remained mostly the same this offseason but has a strong roster to push all the way to the NFC South Division title.
Yes we are talking about none other than the Atlanta Falcons a team which has much to prove this year.
Atlanta Falcons
Since the arrival of Head coach Mike Smith in 2008 the Atlanta Falcons have been the biggest contenders for the NFC South title along with the New Orleans Saints.
In 2011 the Falcons lost their division crown to the New Orleans Saints and even though they made it to their second straight postseason under Smith the franchise once again failed to deliver the goods in the playoffs.
Like all their previous playoff appearances under Smith the franchise were knocked out at the first hurdle once again.
Things seem to have gotten even worse for the Falcons this year.
For one the rest of the division has improved significantly this year while the Falcons have kept more or less the same roster leaving their playoff spot in doubt let alone their challenge for the NFC South title.
Secondly the team last year underperformed when faced with tough opposition and that situation does not seem to be remedied soon on the back of their offseason business.
Quarterback Matt Ryan will once again have the responsibility to lead the team forward and the offence has some big talent with wide receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White both more than capable of making big plays while running back Michael Turner provides great support on the rush however, last season they failed to deliver in big games especially in the wildcard playoff fixture against the New York Giants.
This year the fans will put additional pressure on the team as they grow frustrated with the lack of new arrivals.
For Mike Smith, Matt Ryan and the rest of the Falcons this is a make-or-break year with the team facing increased competition from the rest of the teams in NFC South while also facing fan pressure to qualify for the playoffs and for once win a playoff game.
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