The Falcons might fly under the radar this season, between their solid offseason and the debacle that is the New Orleans Saints. Not to count out New Orleans, but this season, the gap between the Falcons and Saints seems smaller than it has for a while.
Here's Ryan Van Bibber with some analysis:
The Falcons can make the playoffs thanks to a big improvement in their secondary with the addition of Asante Samuel. The former Eagle excels in coverage; opposing passers completed just 47.5 percent of targets thrown in his direction last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Atlanta gave up 68 pass plays of 20 yards or more last season, the same number as the coverage-challenged Vikings (the Falcons also lost Brent Grimes for the last month of the season). Samuel also brings a knack for the pick, and getting the ball back into Matt Ryan's hands is never a bad thing.
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