Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Falcons are coming off of an unspectacular season in 2014, finishing 6-10 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. Although the 6-10 record was an improvement from 4-12 in 2013, Atlanta fell way short of expectations heading into the season.
Injuries on both sides of the ball played a role in the poor record, but lackluster play was also a big part as well. Steven Jackson is a shell of the player he was in St. Louis and averaged just 3.7 yards per carry last season, en route to 707 yards on the ground. Since losing Michael Turner, Atlanta has had a tough time staying effective in the rushing game.
Luckily, that could change this season by way of rookie running back Tevin Coleman — one of the biggest steals in the draft. Coleman, once rumored to be a possible first-round pick, fell all the way to the third round. He’s a back with breakaway speed and a home run threat on every play. Not to mention he played most of 2014 with a broken foot, showing the toughness he brings to this offense. With Coleman in the backfield and weapons on the outside in Roddy White and Julio Jones, Atlanta’s offense should come back in a big way.
On the other side of the ball, there’s a youth movement ready to take the defense to the next level. First-round pick Vic Beasley and second-rounder Jalen Collins should be day-one contributors on defense, improving the pass rush and secondary right away. Collins is a big corner to complement the already-great Desmond Trufant, giving the Falcons the ability to match up with opposing wide receivers. Beasley will join a depleted pass rush that only managed 22 sacks in 2014 and will replace free-agent bust Osi Umenyiora. Fifth-round defensive tackle Grady Jarrett could also contribute in Week 1, giving Atlanta four impact rookies for 2015.
The NFC South is full of question marks, which means the Falcons have a good chance to rebound and climb their way to the top of the division once again. Winning 10-plus games is not out of the question for Atlanta, so long as the rookies pan out the way they’re expected to.
