Quick Falcons thoughts...

It's been a while, but here are some end of the year Falcons musings...

Thank heavens the dreaded back-to-back winning seasons curse is finally off the Falcons back. It was a horrendous statistic that showed the inconsistencies of a poorly run franchise with even worse luck at times. But now that the team has put together back-to-back winning seasons, what is next? First, let’s put this year in perspective. It is no secret that the 2009 version of the Falcons went from playoff hopeful to playing for nothing down the stretch coincided with the Matt Ryan injury. It makes it a little easier to take knowing a win over the Giants would not have been enough to get in, but the last 2 weeks would have been a little more fun to watch.

Now, what needs to be addressed for 2010 to take another step in the right direction? First, the secondary needs a quick upgrade. There could be an uncapped year and Art can spend top dollar on free agent DB’s, or build through the draft. It has been mentioned on here that Joe Haden would be an excellent pick, but I doubt he will be around when the Falcons pick (19/20). Donovan Warren from Michigan and Kareem Jackson from Alabama have declared and are solid CB prospects that may be good fits.

However, there is another draft strategy that may be more effective. What about CJ Spiller with the Falcons 1st pick? Norwood has to be near the end of the road and has had injury issues the past few seasons. Turner can only have a couple more years left as a feature guy. Who better to bring in and use right away as a return guy and 3rd down back? He would give the Birds a huge special teams threat and be a potential feature back in 2-3 years. He may not be around at 19/20, but he would be an intriguing option if he is…

Another option is Javier Arenas from Alabama , who is a solid CB and a gifted return man. There are other CB options at the top of a lot of draft boards, but I would be hesitant to take Patrick Robinson from FSU or Trevard Lindley from Kentucky . Both are very gifted physically, but have had injury issues that make them risky.

If the Falcons decide to go the free agent route, I think the best available are Carlos Rogers (WAS), Richard Marshall (CAR), and Dunta Robinson (HOU). Either way, there needs to be an upgrade made in the secondary, along with some sort of pass rusher. It is painful to look at the sack numbers and see that Babineaux led the team from the DT spot. Abraham is likely gone and a big-time rusher from the end needs to be acquired (Marcus Spears?).

Now that we know Gonzo will be back, the offense might be in pretty good shape already. Another receiver would certainly help, but not before the defense is improved. I trust Dimitroff more than any other Atlanta GM ever besides Schuerholz, so lets get after it Tom and get this team better…