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5 Atlanta Falcons Facing Make-or-Break Seasons

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5 Atlanta Falcons Facing Make-or-Break Seasons

Dan Quinn Atlanta Falcons Head Coach
Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons are a very solid looking team on paper. The team is playing in one of the weaker divisions in the NFL, and they could make the playoffs this season thanks to new head coach Dan Quinn. There are some players on this Falcons squad that are under pressure to produce this season, because some other players are gunning for their jobs. Here’s a look at five Atlanta Falcons that are facing make-or-break seasons in 2015.

5. Joplo Bartu

Joplo Bartu Atlanta Falcons
Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports

5. Joplo Bartu

Joplo Bartu Atlanta Falcons
Dale Zanine – USA TODAY Sports

Bartu is going to be hard pressed to find playing time with the Atlanta Falcons. With the additions of Brooks Reed, Justin Durant, and rookie Vic Beasley, the team is going to have trouble figuring out a way to get Bartu some action. Bartu is a decent player, but he needs to prove that he can win playing time. Otherwise, he may become expendable in the future for a Falcons team that now has decent linebacker depth.

4. Leonard Hankerson

Leonard Hankerson Atlanta Falcons
Brace Hemmelgarn – USA TODAY Sports

4. Leonard Hankerson

Leonard Hankerson Atlanta Falcons
Brace Hemmelgarn – USA TODAY Sports

Hankerson has shown some flashes since being drafted in 2011, but he has never had more than 38 catches in a year. Hankerson didn’t play last season and he needs to prove that he can contribute for this Atlanta team. He has a chance to do so thanks to Matt Ryan’s passing ability, but if he can’t figure out a way to produce this season with Ryan, he’ll have trouble finding work in the NFL.

3. Adrian Clayborn

Adrian Clayborn Atlanta Falcons
Andrew Weber – USA TODAY Sports

3. Adrian Clayborn

Adrian Clayborn Atlanta Falcons
Andrew Weber – USA TODAY Sports

Adrian Clayborn has shown some pass rushing ability when he has been able to stay on the field, but that has been his major problem. In four NFL seasons, Clayborn has missed a total of 28 games. In the other 36 games, he has 13 total sacks. Clayborn needs to prove that he can stay healthy for a full season and that his health issues are far behind him. He really needs to produce this season to keep a starting role.

2. Devonta Freeman

Devonta Freeman Atlanta Falcons
Jason Getz – USA TODAY Sports

2. Devonta Freeman

Devonta Freeman Atlanta Falcons
Jason Getz – USA TODAY Sports

When the Atlanta Falcons drafted Tevin Coleman, it was clear that the team didn’t have much faith in Devonta Freeman. Freeman struggled as a rookie, only getting 3.8 yards per carry, and his tiny 5-foot-8 frame could cause injury problems down the line. Granted, Coleman is about the same size, but he is also more explosive. If Freeman loses his starting job this season, he’ll probably only amount to being a career backup.

1. Sam Baker

Sam Baker Atlanta Falcons
Troy Taormina – USA TODAY Sports

1. Sam Baker

Sam Baker Atlanta Falcons
Troy Taormina – USA TODAY Sports

Sam Baker was a very solid tackle as recently in 2012. Then, injuries struck. Baker has missed 23 games in the last two seasons and he really hasn’t had an impact on the weak offensive line that the Falcons have. If Baker can’t stay healthy and be productive, the Falcons will likely move on from him in the 2016 offseason. This truly is a make-or-break season for the former first round pick.

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