The Atlanta Falcons entered last season with what looked to be one of the league’s most dangerous offenses. Second-year Matt Ryan only figured to build on his Rookie of the Year season in ’08, running back Michael Turner and wide receiver Roddy White were fresh off of career seasons and Pro Bowl appearances, and the addition of Tony Gonzalez at tight end gave the team a legendary veteran presence that completed a scary list of personnel.
But things didn’t go to plan. Ryan suffered through a sophomore slump, while Turner was plagued by a slow start and injury. In the mean time, the offensive line was ravaged by injuries.
But that could all change this season. Turner has been spotted in OTA’s looking much more fit than last season, and Ryan’s top-notch work ethic figures to help him respond after suffering through a season where he threw almost as many interceptions as touchdowns.
The good news is that everyone is back, and if the players can stay healthy and perform to their potential this time around, there is still a chance that this unit can be one of the league’s best.
NEWS AND NOTES …
In what figures to be the Falcons’ final move before training camp begins on Jul. 29, Atlanta opted to waive quarterback D.J. Shockley. The move takes Atlanta’s roster to 80 player- limit.
The former University of Georgia star was drafted by Atlanta in the seventh round in 2006, but never saw action in an NFL regular-season game while mostly serving as the teams’ third-string quarterback.
Former Arizona State linebacker Robert James has played in just one game during his two seasons with the Falcons, he’ll have to wait an extra month to make an impression this time around after the NFL announced he had tested positive for performance enhancing drugs.
The suspension will begin on Sat. Sep. 4, the weekend before the regular season begins. James is eligible to return to the active roster one month later after the Oct. 3 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.
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