by Knox Bardeen

Filed under: Atlanta Falcons, FanHouse Previews, NFL Predictions, NFL Analysis

FanHouse’s 2010 NFL Season Preview features our division-by-division predictions based on our tried and true “Heat Index” formula. Each team is graded on a scale of 1-10 (10 being highest) in five key categories: Offense, Defense, Special Teams, Coaching and Intangibles. The higher the score, the better we think the team will be this season.

Even with the injuries at the end of 2009 to star running back Michael Turner and quarterback Matt Ryan, the Atlanta Falcons managed to make franchise history. When the team won three straight games to finish the season, it secured a 9-7 record and completed Atlanta’s first-ever back-to-back winning seasons.

Just winning is not enough anymore. The Falcons have Turner and Ryan healthy, two great pass-catchers in Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, and general manager Thomas Dimitroff has bolstered the defense with acquisitions like Dunta Robinson and solid draft picks. A deep playoff run is the only thing that will satisfy the Falcons this season.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source >> FanHouse

DIXON NAMED STEELERS STARTER: Dennis Dixon was named the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback for Sunday’s season opener against the Atlanta Falc…
Source >> ESPN

Dennis Dixon was named the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback for Sunday’s season opener against the Atlanta Falcons
Source >> ESPN

Dennis Dixon was named the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback for Sunday’s season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, coach Mike Tomlin said.
Source >> ESPN

Adam Schefter often answers readers’ questions in his blog. Have a query of your own? Submit it right here. Q: The Saints and Colts still seem to be …
Source >> ESPN

Falcons coach Mike Smith FLOWERY BRANCH - The Atlanta Falcons don’t have to answer that same ol’ question: Hey, guys, when are y’all actually going to have two winning seasons in a row? Yet it’s the way they view getting a 44-year-long monkey off their backs that provides the best insight into why this long-suffering franchise may have finally …

Source >> Topix

The Atlanta Falcons signed eight players to the practice squad on Sunday, one day after trimming their roster down to 53 players.

Source >> Topix

Former Hurricanes cornerback Glenn Sharpe has always maintained he wasn’t guilty of pass interference covering Ohio State’s Chris Gamble on the controversial play in the 2002 national title game.

Source >> Topix

Worst to first has been the motto of the NFC South since its reception in 2002. Here are the worst to first finishes: Carolina finished last in 2002 and first in 2003 Atlanta finished last in 2003 and first in 2004 Tampa Bay finished last in 2004 and first in 2005 New Orleans finished last in 2005 and first in 2006 Tampa Bay finished last in 2006 …

Source >> Topix

Atlanta police have been called to southeast Atlanta neighborhood to reports of two people shot.

Source >> Topix