What Is To Stop The Atlanta Falcons From Dominating The NFC South For The Next 5 Years?

[Saca312]

The Atlanta Falcons has exploded this year, and they have young talent everywhere:

• Matt Ryan is looking like an MVP this year
• Julio Jones is Julio Jones
• Freeman and Coleman are the best speed/receiving runningback duo in the league.
• Their O-line is legit with Alex Mack in the center.
• Shanahan has laid a great offensive foundation.
• Sanu isn't a bad #2 WR.
• Their defense is young and improving.
• Vic Beasley, Remmer abuser, is the league sack leader and turning into a force.

The bottom line is the Falcons have an o-line, and a really flashy offense. They may as well have one of the top offenses in league history at this rate.

More importantly, they've really built their team right. Their draft picks took a while to show out, but now their defense is from terrible to mediocre; which is alright paired with their historical offense. They built their o-line well, and have been relatively healthy in that area the whole season.

Now, do I think the Panthers will be better next year?

Yes. Duh.

Why am I so confident? Well, it's rather simple.

When healthy, we're the most balanced team in the NFC. We have very few holes with our starters, and this offseason can be the one where we get the right pieces to finally build a solid roster. Our defense is far superior to the Falcons, and our offense can be deadly.

So, how will we be better? Here's five reasons:

1. Our O-line, When Healthy, Will Be A Top 5 line. Yes, I'm Serious.

PFF just ranked our o-line 17th in the league. Now, considering the fact we didn't have Kalil most of the year, we had Turner at RT, and, of course Remmers, this is very surprising. We're just mediocre when we have 4 out of 5 in that are considered backups.

That's pretty huge. That means our backups are effectively considered middle-of-the-pack good, and that's amazing for any team.

In 2015, we had a relatively healthy line. We were considered top 5 with Remmers starting at RT. That's really huge.

Now, imagine having this o-line, from left to right:

Oher, Norwell, Kalil, Turner, Williams

Doesn't sound too bad, does it.

Norwell has been graded by PFF as our best man this year on the line, and he's been a solid interior. Kalil has been one of the league's best for a long time, and Trai Turner had a pro-bowl season in 2015. Daryl Williams, at the least, is a definite upgrade over Remmers, and Oher is a solid LT.

We'd have one of the best interiors in the league, and have solid tackles as starters. We'd finally be able to get a run game going, and possibly decent pass protection.

If we remain healthy, I guarantee you we'd have a top 5 line.

2. Our Cornerbacks Aren't Rookies Anymore

Our rookies have had a full year of experience, and they've turned into solid starters at the minimum.

James Bradberry is a top 20 corner overall, according to PFF. He's been sound in his coverage. Daryl Worley leads every corners with tackles, and is in the top 12 in run defense for corners.

That's not too bad for two guys that were rookies thrown into the fire.

Let me get you excited about what they bring to the table.

Bradberry is showing up to becoming a top tier cornerback in the league, and Daryl Worley is getting the hang of it.

Our rookies have turned into studs just after their rookie season. They aren't making many mistakes anymore.

With Bradberry's growth, expect him to be at least top 10 next year. He's been shutting down receivers as of late, and expect Wilks to start letting Bradberry start leaving less cushion on receivers.

Worley is starting to round out as a solid corner as well as of late. We're not giving up much passes from WRs, and we're shutting them down pretty well. If anything, they fared really well against Mike Evans and Julio Jones.

Considering our last meeting involved the Falcons attacking us through their speed options against our Luke Kuechly-less linebacker corps, I'm sure the next go around will be a different story.

Now, there's no denying we have the 29th passing defense in the league. Now, I do not believe that all involves our corners at all. Considering the fact most of our yards come off of backups throughout the year, I truly don't think our rookies are the reason for it at all. 

When not considering the 1st Saints, Falcons, and Seattle game (where we lost our only good safety in Kurt Coleman,) we certainly would have a top 15 pass defense from the stats I'm looking at. 

Injuries hindered our potential. Do not expect that to happen again next year.

3. Cam Newton WILL Be Healthy, And He WILL Be Back

There's no doubt about it. Cam Newton - by far - had his worst statistical season this year. 

It's happened to past MVPs as well, but it's definitely attributed with Cam being nearly killed on every play.

The NFL has already shown it cares nothing about Cam Newton with how they treat hits towards him. It was blatantly obvious against the Redskins on that no-call when Cam slid down. They just don't want this "thug, supposed-to-be-a-bust big quarterback" to be successful for some odd reason.

This year, Cam will finally not be sore all over. He'll more than likely have a healthier o-line compared to this year, and enjoy quality depth at every position, if necessary. His shoulder will be healed up, and I'm sure he'll definitely look to refine his skills.

Ron Rivera hinted towards an evolution offensively. This might indicate a variety of creative plays being implemented in Training Camp, instead to the long-developing plays that were dominant according to @Jeremy Igo. We'll certainly employ a more comfortable scheme to fully maximize Cam Newtons talents. 

Hope is for another reliable option for Cam other than Olsen that can catch to show up, and Kelvin Benjamin and Funchess to refine their route running. Once this occurs, we'd likely have a dangerous, scary offense. 

With Cam Newton at the helm, and proper protection, there's no one who can stop us.

4. Our LBers Are Still The Best; We Have One Of The Most Stout Front Sevens In The League

Our linebacker corps consist of Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, and Shaq Thompson. 

There's no doubt the Panthers have the most stout linebacker group in the league, with the most stacked depth ever seen. AJ Klein is starter level material for any other team, David Mayo showed up and flashed greatness against Tampa as of late, and Jeremy Cash is rounding out as a ST ace and preseason show-up.

Most other teams would kill just to have our backups as starters.

Our D-line also contains the nastiest DT rotation in the league; something we couldn't say back then. Star, Short, Love, and Butler have been one nasty rotation, with playmakers at every part of that depth. Our DEs also showed up, with a nice rotation of maximizing CJ and Addison's pass-rushing talents, coupled with Ealy's decent flashes.

We led the league in sacks for most of the year, and had the 3rd best run defense in the league most of the year as well.

No doubt that with some FA acquisitions, and draft hits, we'd have one of the nastiest defenses in the league. That's something the Failcons can't say.

5. Dave Gettleman Got Money For The First Time Ever, And A Top 10 Pick For The First Time Ever.

Considering how he's found gems at GoodWill in free agency, imagine what he'd do with this money?

Also, consider the fact we really wouldn't HAVE to use much money, just need to sign our plays and plug in at a few positions.

Here's my opinion on positions of necessity that have to be plugged in by next year:

• SS

That's it. We'd have starter quality players at every position. 

Now, depth, here's what I'd consider:

• Runningback
• 2nd TE
• LT depth
• Corner depth

Not too much honestly. DE isn't much of a problem because of our rotational aspect, but could use a near every-down starter. One could argue for a reliable possession receiver as well. Other than that, we'd pretty much be perfect in depth and starting material. This can easily be fixed with how much cap we have for this offseason, and we wouldn't have to get much players at all.

To add on top of that, it's Gettleman's first top 10 pick ever. In fact, it's his second top 25 pick ever. Last pick above pick #25 was Star Lotulelei, at #13. He's an integral part of our DTs, and a reason we went from having the worst in the league to one of the best DT rotation.

With the top 8 pick of the draft, we can snag a likely game-changer easily. From adding a deadly option with Fournette to generate the league's scariest run game, to a scary DE prospect like Barnett to create the deadliest front in the league. Heck, we could likely round out our secondary with Jamal Adams, and be considered one of the top tier defenses in the league.

The sky's the limit to the potential and importance of this offseason.

Bet on the 2015 GM of the year to completely revitalize this team to another Superbowl shot.

So, How Will The Panthers Stop The Falcons From Dominating The NFC South For The Next Five Years?

Simple.

By being better than them offensively, and defensively.

No doubt in my mind that we will achieve that.

(Based off of: http://boards.atlantafalcons.com/topic/4039371-what-is-to-stop-carolina-panthers-from-dominating-the-nfc-south-for-next-5-years/#comment-9772855. Only difference is I'm far more confident than this fellow Falcon fan.)

[L-TownCat]

Just 6 months ago ppl were asking the same of us.

 

Injuries, schedule, film study, staff changes all play a role in the season you have.

fug the birds.

 

ps: good content, thank you

[Daddy_Uncle]

Panthers 2015 >>>> falcons 2016

 

Nfl is a funny league and crazy poo happens. I think it will be a tlreal battle between us and them for the division next year. Draft well, be smart in FA and freaking stay healthy. 

[Saca312]

Just now, Daddy_Uncle said:

Panthers 2015 >>>> falcons 2016

 

Nfl is a funny league and crazy poo happens. I think it will be a tlreal battle between us and them for the division next year. Draft well, be smart in FA and freaking stay healthy. 

I think the Bucs may contend as well. They're young and upcoming, but it may be like 2-3 more years before things click for them.

It'll be us and the Falcons in the meanwhile, but we're better everywhere. Falcons coasting on an easy schedule in a weak league, and still barely made it into the playoffs as the #2 seed. They got an easy divisional game against a depleted Seattle team that plays like crap out of their 12th man stadium.

They haven't proven anything yet. They are way overhyped in this league.

[nctarheel0619]

23 minutes ago, Saca312 said:

1. Our O-line, When Healthy, Will Be A Top 5 line. Yes, I'm Serious.

 

24 minutes ago, Saca312 said:

Oher is a solid LT.

[Saca312]

8 minutes ago, nctarheel0619 said:

 

https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-ranking-all-32-offensive-lines-this-season/

Prior to the 2016 season:

Quote

2. Carolina Panthers (22nd)

Pass-blocking rank: 4th

Run-blocking rank: 6th

Penalties rank: 7th

Stud: If Trai Turner looked good as a rookie, he looked great in his sophomore year. Well worth Pro Bowl contention (and the spot we awarded him), there are a lot of teams wondering just how he was allowed to get all the way to the 92nd pick of the 2014 draft.

...

Summary: The tackles are the weak spot of this line, but not so weak where it really matters for them (pass protection). The strength is obviously the interior, where Andrew Norwell (building on a successful rookie year), Turner, and Ryan Kalil are amongst the best at their position. They’re a foundation for success on the line.

It's arguable that Oher would be our weakest link, but he's far superior to Remmers, especially in pass protection. We already have a stout interior, so we wouldn't need to rely on him too much in the run game anyhow. 

Once we have a healthy line, there's no doubt in my mind we'd be top tier. We already were top 5 in 2015 anyways. Don't act like we weren't.

 

[nctarheel0619]

Just now, Saca312 said:

https://www.profootballfocus.com/pro-ranking-all-32-offensive-lines-this-season/

Prior to the 2016 season:

It's arguable that Oher would be our weakest link, but he's far superior to Remmers, especially in pass protection. We already have a stout interior, so we wouldn't need to rely on him too much in the run game anyhow. 

Once we have a healthy line, there's no doubt in my mind we'd be top tier. We already were top 5 in 2015 anyways. Don't act like we weren't.

 

Jesus Christ, you can't be this dense.  We had to run max protect all the fuging time on that Super Bowl run.  Now, we can't do that because teams have learned to scheme against it.  Look at what the Vikes did vs a HEALTHY O-Line.  Broncos did the same poo again, and we got butt fuged.  Because Shula blows ass.  Until we get a competent OC, then, I'll get on board with this.  But, I don't think Oher will be remotely good this coming season.  

[Saca312]

6 minutes ago, nctarheel0619 said:

Jesus Christ, you can't be this dense.  We had to run max protect all the fuging time on that Super Bowl run.  Now, we can't do that because teams have learned to scheme against it.  Look at what the Vikes did vs a HEALTHY O-Line.  Broncos did the same poo again, and we got butt fuged.  Because Shula blows ass.  Until we get a competent OC, then, I'll get on board with this.  But, I don't think Oher will be remotely good this coming season.  

Broncos were shut out until the 4th quarter. They got lucky to exploit our true rookie secondary. Miller didn't get anything at all until later. 

We were running all over them and KB was smashing them. 

Oher got injured against the Vikes, and prior to that we were winning and on a roll.

Please, keep it up.

[nctarheel0619]

3 minutes ago, Saca312 said:

We were running all over them and KB was smashing them. 

Oher got injured against the Vikes, and prior to that we were winning and on a roll.

HAHA, we were winning and on a roll?  What fuging game did you watch?  I was there, and we got torched, and Cam got destroyed.  I was wrong, you are this dense.  I'm :dead:.  I'm done with you, your lack of knowledge is astounding.  Positivity is also moronic.

[Saca312]

Just now, nctarheel0619 said:

HAHA, we were winning and on a roll?  What fuging game did you watch?  I was there, and we got torched, and Cam got destroyed.  I was wrong, you are this dense.  I'm :dead:.  I'm done with you, your lack of knowledge is astounding.  Positivity is also moronic.

Remind me again, score before Oher was injured? Pretty sure it was 10-0.

Cam got destroyed once Remmers decided to try out LT.

You're just proving to be a delusional troll. No need for me to talk to you.

[nctarheel0619]

1 minute ago, Saca312 said:

Remind me again, score before Oher was injured? Pretty sure it was 10-0.

Cam got destroyed once Remmers decided to try out LT.

You're just proving to be a delusional troll. No need for me to talk to you.

Oher was the one that got destroyed and Cam got tackled for a safety.  We were also in max protect with Ed Dickson.  YEEESSHHHHHHHHHHH.  The lack of knowledge from you is worse than I expected.  Stop while you're behind man.  Keep making your positivity threads, and getting "liked" by people that believe your bull poo.  Luckily, I see right through it.  

[Saca312]

4 minutes ago, nctarheel0619 said:

Oher was the one that got destroyed and Cam got tackled for a safety.  We were also in max protect with Ed Dickson.  YEEESSHHHHHHHHHHH.  The lack of knowledge from you is worse than I expected.  Stop while you're behind man.  Keep making your positivity threads, and getting "liked" by people that believe your bull poo.  Luckily, I see right through it.  

That happened in the first quarter, yes? We were up 10-0 before Oher injured himself on that play?

One would agree one would look bad when injured on such a play, correct?

I see right through your pathetic trolling effort.

 

[nctarheel0619]

9 minutes ago, Saca312 said:

That happened in the first quarter, yes? We were up 10-0 before Oher injured himself on that play?

One would agree one would look bad when injured on such a play, correct?

I see right through your pathetic trolling effort.

 

Now, Michael Oher was injured the whole game even though he played the whole game?  I'm fuging dead.  Dude, it's not trolling when I'm clearly right.  I see right through your PATHETIC lack of knowledge.  Like I stated, please stop while you're behind.  

[Saca312]

4 minutes ago, nctarheel0619 said:

Now, Michael Oher was injured the whole game even though he played the whole game?  I'm fuging dead.  Dude, it's not trolling when I'm clearly right.  I see right through your PATHETIC lack of knowledge.  Like I stated, please stop while you're behind.  

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2593131-michael-oher-injury-updates-on-panthers-lts-concussion-and-return

Quote

Carolina Panthers left tackle Michael Oher hasn't played since he suffered a concussion in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings. He has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season.