The Atlanta Falcons suffered a disheartening defeat in Super Bowl 51 to the New England Patriots after being up 28-3. The defeat obviously tore out the heart of all Falcons fans. Moving forward to this season, Matt Ryan and company look to put that collapse far behind them. With their eyes focused on this year, the Falcons look to replicate the season they had last year but with a different outcome: to finish. Through the first three games, Atlanta has given heart attacks to their fans. With two of the first three games coming down to literally the finals seconds the Dirty Birds will need to improve in a several areas. So, how can the Falcons return to the Super Bowl?
To repeat as NFC Champions, the Falcons will need their star quarterback to maintain his level of play. Matt Ryan was the MVP of the league last year, and deservedly so. He threw for almost 5,000 yards with 38 touchdowns, to only 7 interceptions. He will need to put up similar numbers in order for the team to have a chance. Ryan is a motivational leader, and you know that there is no way he’s going into a game without getting his guys ready. With his big arm and offensive weapons, there is no need to worry about his level of play this year. The Falcons return to the Super Bowl is probable with Matt Ryan in MVP form.
Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman also play big roles for this Falcons team. Jones is one of the best wide outs in the league, but he needs to stay healthy. His explosiveness and big play mentality bring the Falcons the spark they need. On the other hand, Freeman had a big year last season. He rushed for over 1,000 yards (a feat in which he accomplished in 2015 as well) and 11 touchdowns. In order for this Falcons offense to be effective under new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, Devonta will need to run with the same speed and ability he did last year. Obviously, the Falcons have major trust in this man, as they recently signed him to a big deal. Atlanta’s return to the Super Bowl depends on the passing and running game balancing each other.
A big issue for the Falcons is their defense. The talent is not the question, and they are certainly improving. In the first three games under new defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel, the defense has shown a bend but don’t break mentality. Against the Chicago Bears, the defense held their ground, despite facing a first and goal. They even stepped up their game to slow down Aaron Rodgers and his magic. Then this previous weekend against the Lions, the defense bent but didn’t break again (albeit, it was a controversial call). The point is, the Falcons have the talent in Vic Beasley, Grady Jarrett, Desmond Trufant, etc. to make the leap. The question is if the young bloods can step up their game to elite level and perform.
The Falcons are no doubt one of the best teams in the NFL. They have the offensive firepower to beat anyone, but their defense can be iffy at times. The team is motivated more than ever to shut critics and haters up about their epic meltdown last year. If they play like last year with an even better defense, there is no doubt in my mind that this team can find themselves back in the Super Bowl, and this time actually holding the Lombardi Trophy.