As NFL fans, we live in some trying times. Time and again, both NFL owners and players have left us scratching our heads, wondering what- if anything- will happen in 2011. We live in dark times football fans, but I promise there is light at the end of the tunnel!
In the spirit of New York Giants owner John Mara's open letter to all fans entitled "Time To Get Back To Football," at this point it's in our best interest as fans to at least attempt to do just that. What better way to fight the offseason blues and build our hopes up for next season than to examine the current Falcons roster?
Since we are in 2011, which has been christened "Year of the Quarterback" by ESPN for reasons unknown, I feel it is appropriate to start with quarterbacks in this position-by-position roster breakdown.
Projected Depth Chart:
(Player: College, Years of Experience)
1. Matt Ryan: Boston College, 3 yrs
2. Chris Redman: Louisville, 8 yrs
3. John Parker Wilson: Alabama, 2 yrs
Departures: None. Matt Ryan isn't slated to become a free agent until the 2014 season, while both Redman and Wilson will be free agents come next offseason.
New Arrivals: None thus far. However, the Falcons, as with every other team in the NFL, are not yet allowed to sign any sort of free agents, undrafted rookies or otherwise. Redman has proven himself to be a capable backup QB in recent years.
Whether the Falcons are satisfied with Wilson as the No. 3 QB or are looking to give someone else the opportunity remains to be seen. I could easily see the Falcons getting an undrafted free agent like Pat Devlin out of Delaware or Adam Froman, another Louisville product.
What we can expect in 2011: The Falcon's own Pro Bowl QB and rising superstar Matt Ryan will look to lead an offense, recently bolstered by rookies Julio Jones and Jacquizz Rodgers, to a Superbowl victory in 2011. Ryan took some big steps forward in 2010, posting career highs in virtually every passing statistic (passing yards, passing TD's, completion percentage, and QB rating to name a few).
He also showed improved decision making, throwing only nine interceptions while also throwing 120 more passing attempts than in 2009. He has established himself as the unquestioned leader of the offense, and has proven himself to be the franchise QB we all hoped he would become.
Also expect the servicable veteran Chris Redman to continue being Ryan's primary backup, with John Parker Wilson likely remaining the third stringer for 2011.
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