Atlanta is a playoff caliber team w/ a decent amount of cap space...

[frash.exe]

looking at atlanta i think they're due for a little dropoff....

even if Ryan is throwing lasers all season their other phases won't be working so well (run game, defense)

[Woodie]

It's funny how so many people are talking about Matt Ryan as if he is already up there with the best QB's in the league. However, that is nowhere near the case. Sure he had a very good year...FOR A ROOKIE. But if you look at what he did on general terms, it was just a solid year. In fact, not a whole lot better than what we got out of Jake, and he really tailed off at the end of the year.

So before everyone jumps on his bandwagon assuming he will lead the team like Brady or Manning, they need to realize that he has not shown himself to be that type of QB yet. I realize that everyone is looking at his upside and making the leap that since he did so well as a rookie there will be a natural progression, but that is certainly no given. Many, many players come in and have a strong rookie year, then either level off or even fizzle out. Now, I don't think he will fizzle out, but I can see a leveling out of his play, though.

I also think last year was the perfect storm for Atlanta; new coach and attitude, few significant injuries, players and scheme without much tape to dissect, a relatively easy schedule, and low expectations. So the stage was set for them to have a good year. In fact, they remind me a lot of the 2006 Saints where everything fell just right.

[Jangler]

They were good last year, and nobody cared. Let's continue the tradition.

ESPN did.

Ryan will not have the year he had last year. So I'm not sceered.

[joemac]

I would much rather have our roster, from top to bottom, than theirs. Who cares about cap space? We are set with our team, so who cares how much space we have now? Hell, next year will probably be uncapped, and we have a billionaire owner.....so who gives a poo?

[carolinarolls]

They have a smart coach, smart owner, and were blessed with the "opportunity" to rebuild based on that dumbass Mike Vick's actions. His conviction was the best thing to happen to the Atlanta Falcons.

[SCpanther]

Maybe it's just wishful thinking but I don't see Turner and their run game being as dominant this year. Matt Ryan greatly benefited from that strong running game, and teams are going to really key in on it this season. I don't think they have the kind of dominant O-line to keep it up.

[carolinarolls]

Maybe it's just wishful thinking but I don't see Turner and their run game being as dominant this year. Matt Ryan greatly benefited from that strong running game, and teams are going to really key in on it this season. I don't think they have the kind of dominant O-line to keep it up.

I don't fear them being dominant either but I do think they have a little better grasp on filling holes and making decisions to get players to build a team around. They look like they have learned a valuable lesson from the Mike Vick Experiment and that translates (to me) to them being formidable opponents in the future

[monstercat]

Atlanta should be good, but so should the Panthers. I'm not about to concede anything until they beat us on the field. Ask the Saints how much good it does to the be pre season champions.

[Udogg]

Turner had 360+ carries last year. I don't wish ill on any player but I expect him to break down some time around the 3-6 game mark.

[Carolina Crazy V2]

I can't believe we still have that little cap room. How are we gonna sign our rookies?

[Urrymonster]

Turner had 360+ carries last year. I don't wish ill on any player but I expect him to break down some time around the 3-6 game mark.

I find it amazing that teams still lean on one running back for an entire season. History has proven that it shortens careers and thus wastes a big investment.

I simply expect Turner to have a mediocre season. Whilst I doubt he will break down this season, if they do not get him proper help or use Norwood more frequently then he will be pretty washed up after next season.

[Pantherman]

I can't believe we still have that little cap room. How are we gonna sign our rookies?

With I.O.U. until when peppers sign and traded to another team are he signs a long term contract.:hat:

[rayzor]

Turner had 360+ carries last year. I don't wish ill on any player but I expect him to break down some time around the 3-6 game mark.

the "rule of 370" in fantasy football...the idea that if an Rb has more than 370 carries in a season he is incredibly likely to fall apart. i've seen a lot of debate on the validity of that "rule" but in the small sample of those who have had 370 carries in a year, with a couple exceptions they don't do too well the following year.

if turner is out for any extended amount of time, the rest of the offense is going to suffer.

personally i would rather our best beat their best to prove whose 43 is better but in a race for the playoffs, i'd rather just get in play our best then.

[Section 505]

It's funny how so many people are talking about Matt Ryan as if he is already up there with the best QB's in the league. However, that is nowhere near the case. Sure he had a very good year...FOR A ROOKIE.

Ryan had 16 TDs, 11 INT, 3,440 YDS, 61% Comp, and 87.7 rating. Yes, average in the grand scheme, but good for a rookie.

His last four games of the regular season he had 3 TD's, 5 INT and his rating slipped to 76.1, which is nothing to write home to mom about. (@NO, TB, @MIN, STL). 2 good defenses, and 2 unbelievably bad defenses, but they went 3-1 and that's how they won the division (according to Solomon Wilcots of the NFLN).