Author: Jason A. Martin Word Count: 590

The Atlanta Falcons are all about Michael Vick. As he goes, so do they. Is Vick really a prime time QB? That's something we'll discus in a moment. The Falcons were 8-8 last season, which was a 4 game drop from 2004. Over the last five seasons, they have been up and down, but 8 wins a year has been the average. Has anything changed?

Quarterbacks

Should Michael Vick run or pass? Last season he gave into the pressure to run less and pass more. The results were anything but superstar like. Vick passed for 2,412 yards and ran for 597 more over 15 games. This is going to be a critical year for Vick. Is he going to bust out and prove that here's a big time NFL QB or will he continue down the road to mediocrity? He's certainly above the average line, but how much higher? The Falcons need Vick to stay healthy if they are to have a shot at the playoffs in 2006. An alarming trend for Vick is his interceptions. They keep going higher each year. In 2005, he threw 13 picks and just 15 TDs.

Running Backs

The running game is one of the strengths of this Falcons team. Warrick Dunn is entering his 10th NFL season and he still has the juice. Here's the bottom line with Dunn. Give him the ball 17-20 times and he will get 85-100 yards. He's been improving over the past couple of years. Throw in Vick's ability to run and the ground game of the Falcons can give even the best defense fits. Their ground attack is definitely above average—one of the best in the league when you factor in Vick.

Receivers

You can't talk about catching passes and the Falcons without mentioning one of the best tight ends in the game—Alge Crumpler. He's the favorite target for Vick. He really evolved in 2004 and 2005 was even better. Crumpler could end up with a 1,000 yard season in 2006. The other main receivers, Roddy White and Michael Jenkins, have potential to really help this offense. Still, there are some questions coming into the 2006 season.

Defense and Special Teams

The defensive line of the Falcons is troublesome for opposing offenses. The line is anchored by John Abraham, Rod Coleman and Patrick Kerney. Offenses can't double each one of these guys. Darrell Shropshire has come on of late and really made an impression. If he develops out and starts at nose tackle, this could be one of the better defensive lines in the game. The linebacker unit is very impressive as well. The one soft spot right now is the secondary. Will Jimmy Williams play well out of the gate? If he does, the secondary will get a much-needed boost. Still, the defense of the Falcons ranks in the upper half of the league. The special teams are average at best. They could improve with play and time.

2006 Prediction

Unfortunately for the Atlanta Falcons they play in one of the tougher divisions in the NFC. They have a tough schedule in 2006. Outside of playing Carolina and Tampa Bay twice, they must also face New York (Giants), Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, the Giants again, Cincinnati, Dallas, Washington, Philadelphia and Baltimore. The Falcons look to be on a course for another 8-8 or worse season. I will go out on a limb and say the changes the Falcons made will propel them to a 10-6 season.

Jason A. Martin is a journalist and copywriter for various websites. You can view more of his articles by visiting his Sports Journalist website at SportsJournalist.org.

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