Atlanta Falcons: Filling the Void of T&A

Atlanta Falcons released Michael Turner and John Abraham. Turner and Abraham once represented the heart & soul of the Atlanta Falcons. Contributing to 3 straight playoff appearances from 2009-2013, two players who changed the misfortunes of the Falcons. The two veterans played pivotal roles in leading the Falcons to the 2013 NFC Championship against the San Francisco 49ers. With these two leaders departing who will the Falcons lean onto to replace two franchise cornerstones?

The argument for releasing Turner is the fact that he has reached passed the "death age" for NFL running backs. Turner turned 31 back in February. There are several options available on the open NFL market and both under the infamous age of 30. Reggie Bush age 28 seems to be a good, yet expensive Free Agent who has worked hard and achieved the role of a every down back. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints, the Falcons have the most game tape and film study covering Bush, than any other franchise searching for answers at the running back position.  Several rumor have emerged that Bush could end up pairing with Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford in Detroit. Representing one of the best triple threat combo’s in the NFL.

Steven Jackson (age 29) according to media reports has the greatest chance of replacing Turner in Atlanta. Jackson a powerful running back recorded 1042 yards on 251 carries averaging 4.1 per carry slightly under career average of 4.2, showcasing that Jackson can still be a solid performer for NFL suitors. Recently Jackson sat with Sirius XM NFL Radio "For where I'm at, going into Year 10, I'm not ready to step back and just become a primary backup or a reduced role guy to be part of a running back by committee,". Adding Jackson to the roster would give Falcons an Oregon State Beavers backfield of Rodgers and Jackson. Affording Jackson the opportunity for a featured role with a Super Bowl contender.

John Abraham was released and immediately Falcons soon to be NFC rivals started calling Abrahams agent. The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers emerged as Abraham's first visits during free agency. Both franchises are set to contend for the 2014 Super Bowl next season. How will the Falcons feel the void of a Hall of Fame worthy Defensive End who recorded 10 sacks last season? Abraham’s ten sacks represented 1/3rd of the Falcons overall total as a team last season.

News has emerged that the Falcons could look take a look at Michael Bennett (Buccaneers) and Cliff Avril (Lions). Bennett recorded a career best nine sacks during 2012-2013 season. At age 27, 6ft 4in and 254 pounds Bennett is a defensive weapon entering into the beginning of his prime. Among 4-3 defensive ends Bennett is probably the best agent available meaning the price tag could be pricey for his services.

 Avril tabbed as the best NFL defensive end on a open market that features Osi Umenyiora, and Richard Seymour is entering his sixth NFL season. Recorded 20 1/2 sacks over the past two seasons could anchor the Falcons defense for several upcoming seasons. While the two mentioned young defensive ends can produce at a Pro Bowl type level Thomas Dimitroff doesn't seem inclined on handing out huge contracts to outside free agents next season.  ESPN's Pat Yasinskas reports "General Manager Thomas Dimitroff has made it pretty clear he wants to take care of his own guys first. That means cornerback Brent Grimes, safety William Moore and left tackle Sam Baker are tops on the list. Oh, and the Falcons also want to sign quarterback Matt Ryan to a long-term extension sometime this offseason. And tight end Tony Gonzalez might decide to return for one more season".

Personal Opinion: Dimitroff's statement leaves us with the impression that Falcons are looking to the draft or toward lower end free agency to replace Abraham and Turner. Leaving Chris Canty (Giants), Ricky Jean Francois (49ers), and Jason Jones (Seahawks) as the free agents Falcons might covet the most. Rumors have Falcons eyeing Dwight Freeney and Osi Umenyiora, I don't buy the Freeney rumors of high interest. Yes some interest is there but its cliche' because every team has interest in a free agent player. Umenyiora I am buying as solid, age 31 a solid veteran who can provide a few seasons of strong play at a valuable position. Providing leadership and championship experience with a high level of play can send this Falcons team to a new level. Truth is Falcons have put themselves in a unsettling position by releasing Abraham and Turner. Atlanta would have to make a draft day trade to move up in the draft to acquire a young talent capable of "Filling the Void of T&A".

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Examining NFL Championship Sunday

NFL Championship Sunday features four of the most unique football teams in the NFL. New England Patriots high powered offense faces the legends of NFL defense Ray Lewis and Ed Reed in a 2012 AFC Championship rematch. Clearly the Ravens and Patriots are the cream of the crop in the AFC. Ravens style of defense is "Taylor Made" for postseason success led by HOF to be linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs. Since moving Jim Caldwell from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator the Ravens have become a more balanced on offense scoring over 30pts in two of their last four games. Torrey Smith has become the big play threat Baltimore believed he could become and Anquan Boldin has provided the veteran consistency Ravens needed on the other side of the hash marks. Against the Denver Broncos Torrey Smith looked like Larry Fitzgerald and Joe Flacco passed the football like Kurt Warner. If Baltimore can get that type of impact from the passing game to compliment Ray Rice the Ravens will be flying south for winter and headed to New Orleans. The only question would be what sermon will Ray Lewis preach on Sunday maybe "I can do all things through Christ" would be appropriate.

New England Patriots the model of offensive consistency and NFL postseason attraction is back in the AFC Championship. Tom Brady is undefeated in Foxboro during the postseason and no one questions Bill Belichick even if he is setting up cameras at Ravens practice facilities. Before and after spy gate Patriots continue to be the best franchise since the year 2001. Twelve years of dynasty type consistency builds confidence in any franchise and the ability to adapt has been even better. New England has gone from defensive show stoppers in the early 2000's to offensive juggernauts with Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd and  Stevan Ridley. Gronkowski is hurt but the Patriots still have enough weapons to keep the Ravens defense busy. All three of the Patriots Super Bowls have come as #1 or #2 seeds and controlling home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Forward to 2012- 2013 and the Patriots once again have full control of the home field category. Tom Brady's 2012-2013 offense has a lot of weapons and the young defense has been steady all season. In the end Patriots defense must stop the Ravens offense and become the "X Factor" that carries the Patriots to another Super Bowl.

Atlanta Falcons are like the great Phoenix bird born out of fire. For years the Falcons had what is considered possibly one of the best offenses in the NFL. Pro Bowl players at every position Tony Gonzalez, Michael Turner, Roddy White and the young "Matty Ice". We always focused the success of the offense on keeping Matt Ryan cool in the pocket and as the offensive line protection goes so does the Falcons. It was the failure of the offensive line in playoff games that led to playoff failures. Matt Ryan was sacked 28 times this season the worst of his career but the addition of Julio Jones allowed Ryan to have his greatest season as a NFL pro so far throwing 4,719 yards, 32TD's and 99.1 QBR all career highs. Ryan to White is almost as natural as Montana to Rice but can the combo produce a trip to the Super Bowl or orchestrate the take over of New Orleans in a Mardi Gras type festival on Bourbon Street for Falcons fans in New Orleans. Atlanta's "D-Block" defense is one of the best in the NFL overshadowed by the offensive talents the Falcons defense was 5th in scoring points allowed at 18.2 and only allowing more than 29pts twice during the regular season. Sean Weatherspoon is a Pro Bowl caliber player and top notch linebacker in the NFL. Asaunte Samuel, William Moore, Dunta Robinson and Thomas DeCoud monitor one of the best secondaries in the NFL. Falcons have a lot of talent minus the fact their best corner back Brent Grimes has been out all season long.

San Francisco 49ers probably the most feared team in the NFL playoffs is still breathing and ready to bring the heat to Hotlanta. San Francisco's defense is loaded with a list of All Pro and NFC Pro Bowl players Patrick Willis, Navarro Bowman, Aldon Smith, Justin Smith, Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner. In other words 49ers put fear into the heart of offensive coordinators league wide. What the 49ers poses in defensive talent as a collective group reminds me of the 1985 Chicago Bears. Add a up and coming offense to the mix and San Francisco looks more like a stick of dynamite ready to explode. Colin Kaepernick was beyond good in his first postseason appearance against the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional round, he was awesome rushing for 181 yards. Frank Gore provides a steady dose of smash and pound out of the back field and Vernon Davis when actively targeted is one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Michael Crabtree is exploding before the eyes of the 49ers faithful 9rec, 119yds and 2 TD's versus Packers.

Bottom Line: In my seasons prediction article I pin pointed the 49ers and Patriots as the top two NFL teams. Atlanta Falcons was ranked #3 "So Far, So Good" but is the Falcons home field advantage enough to flip #2 with #3?

"When Seahawks came to the Georgia Dome I sat in section 101 and the Dome was ear piercing loud at times"

Betting Line: +8pts for the Ravens is shaky the game could be closer than expected take Patriots in a straight bet. 2011-2012 AFC Championship score was 20-23 Patriots, Sept 23rd 2012 Ravens defeated Patriots 30-31 both games.

Key to Victory: San Francisco's poor Red Zone offense (52.54%) versus Atlanta's great Red Zone defense (46.81%) is going to be key to which team wins the game. Calling Akeem Dent, Sean Weatherspoon and Jonathan Babineaux. Flip it around and the Falcons hot Red Zone scoring faces the 49ers terrible Red Zone defense. "Yes, terrible" 49ers allow opponents to score on 61.54% of trips to the Red Zone and Falcons score at a 59.09% clip in the Red.

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NFL Divisional Playoff Weekend

Last week I covered the NFL Wild Card weekend going 4 for 4 and bringing up several scenarios that would forever be sketched in the minds of fans and NFL writers. Pointing to the emotional ride in Baltimore of Ray Lewis's last game to the ultimate physical destruction of Robert Griffin III in Washington D.C. Twitter follower @TheEsquireof212 in New York asked which NFL teams would cover the lines. Suggestion Seattle Seahawks -3 over the Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens - 7 against the Indianapolis Colts that turned out great right Michael?

Now we enter the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs great story lines are endless this weekend as  Ray Lewis brings leads the Ravens into Mile High (great name for a stadium especially in Denver) to square off with Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. The offensive minded Green Bay Packers will try to strike a match at Candlestick Park against the feared defense of the San Francisco 49ers. While the Houston Texans look to revenge a 42-14 loss on December 10th to the New England Patriots and Tom Brady. Last but not least Rookie of the Year candidate Russell Wilson brings the spirit of the Seattle Seahawks 12thMan over 3,000 miles into the Georgia Dome facing high explosive offense of Matt Ryan's Atlanta Falcons.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos Jan 12th 4:30 pm EST (CBS)

Coming into Denver the Baltimore Ravens are playing for their leader and head General Ray Lewis and a chance at the AFC Championship. While the Denver Broncos offense and defense are playing at an elite level. Most sports writers are going to gloat over seeing the Ravens defense face off against Peyton Manning's Broncos offense but the real story is the Denver Broncos third rated defense. The same defense that carried Tim Tebow and his anemic offense to the AFC Divisional playoffs last season. They say Ray Lewis, I say Von Miller, they say Ed Reed I say Champ Bailey, they say Ravens defense I say Broncos defense. I am sure you get the point Peyton Manning is playing with the third best defense in the NFL best defense in the AFC. Broncos offense has scored over 30pts eleven times this season. During the regular season the Ravens have given up 23pts eight times losing six out of eight.

Prediction: Broncos score over 23pts and Willis McGahee will be available for the AFC Championship.

Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers Jan 12th 8:00 pm EST (FOX)

Perfect NFL classic match up 49ers and Packers at Candlestick doesn't get any better than seeing two historic franchises do battle in the playoffs. We can sit here and count championships on both sides but none of this matters on Saturday when Aaron Rodgers squares off against the vaulted 49ers defense and a healthy Justin Smith returning from injury. While the 49ers will enjoy home field advantage on Saturday, Rodgers is no stranger to playoff games on the road winner of three road playoff games and two road victories away from the all time record for Quarterbacks. Still the Packers offensive line has been a house of horrors plainly said "the Packers offensive line is terrible". Rodgers was sacked an NFL high 51 times during the regular season. Aldon Smith and the 49ers defensive front seven will be ready and well prepared to manhandle the Packers up front. Yes, Kaepernick is young his never played in the postseason "blah, blah" but he will be in front of 70,000 of his closes friends at the Stick.

Prediction: San Francisco 49ers will keep the defense hunting all day forcing Aaron Rodgers to launch awkward and untimely passes down the field  while the "Smith Brothers" will be eager to clean house.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Atlanta Falcons Jan 13th 1:00pm EST (FOX)

Game of the week two perfectly good teams with contrasting styles squaring off at the Georgia Dome. Atlanta Falcons are a very finesse pass first team with multiple weapons controlled by one of the great young QB's in the NFL Matt Ryan. Seattle Seahawks are a brutal run heavy offense led by Rookie of the year candidate Russell Wilson and Marshawn "Beast Mode" Lynch. Falcons defense is very opportunistic with a ball hawking secondary with a very vanilla type NFL front. Seahawks are big up front, fast in the middle and HUGE in the secondary built on power and speed they posses the number one scoring defense in the NFL. Unfortunately many take this view of comparing offense against offense and defense versus defense this is the wrong approach. This is not Matt Ryan versus Russell Wilson, this is Ryan versus Sherman, Browner and the Legion of Boom. Tony Gonzalez and Jacquizz Rogers play will be the best measure of Falcons success in the NFC Divisional playoffs. Seahawks young linebackers KJ Wright and Bobby Wagner must challenge Gonzalez. On the other end Falcons must attack Marshawn Lynch and wrap up at the point of contact while keeping Russell Wilson in the pocket.

Prediction: One of the best playoff games in recent memory Matt Ryan will have the ball for the last drive seeking a game winning career defining touchdown against the leagues best defense... keyword "seeking"

Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots Jan 13th 4:30pm EST (CBS)

Based on the 42-14 thumping the Patriots handed the Texans in week 14 at Gillette Stadium many are predicting another double digit blowout. Silly Rabbits Trix are for Kids, Texans and Patriots match up really well despite the week 14 debacle Andre Johnson, and Arian Foster are real top 5 players at their positions. Texans defense is very underrated but can they handle Tom Brady?
Facts: Brady is (16-6) in the NFL playoffs a win over the Texans moves Brady over Joe Montana on the all time win list for QB's.Brady undefeated in the playoffs when attempting over 30 passes in a playoff game. Patriots running back Stevan Ridley finished the season with 1,230 rushing yards. Gronkowski is finally healthy. Last main point Brady has finally found chemistry with Brandon Lloyd and the Patriots 2013 team might be better than 2012.

Prediction: Texans will not lose 42-14 expect a closer match up on Sunday still Patriots offense is too much for the Texans to keep up shoot out???

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NFL: NFC 2013 Playoff Predictions

As the famous quote say's "Are You Ready For Some Football"? It's the end of summer the days are getting shorter and the sounds of fans cheering on their favorits past time fills the air.  Whispers of another exciting NFL season is being heard around the corner. NFL analyst and talk show radio hosts are putting together their seasonal outlooks and predictions of another great NFL season is starting to take shape.

This is the time of year @JMCSPORTSBOOK likes to analyze the upcoming season as well. Last season we were off, I admit it we pegged the NY Giants as 2011-2012 playoff observers, sitting at home watching the Eagles soar to the top of the NFC East. Well the Eagles flopped and the Giants turned into the G-Men of New York City. Winning their second Super Bowl and defeating the New England Patriots and Tom Brady.

This season the NFC is loaded with a list of talented Quarterbacks beginning with Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees desperately seeking their second Super Bowl appearance. Ultra talented and electric is Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers offense with the resurgence of Steve Smith at Wide Receiver and the health of the dual headed Running Back core of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. The partnership of Quarterback Jay Cutler and Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall brings an aerial attack to the rough and rugged style of the Chicago Bears (thanks Philbin) and the "Monsters of the Midway" at Soldier Field. 

Defense is the call in the NFC West where last seasons surprise 49ers boast what could be the NFL's best defense with Linebacker Patrick Willis. Travel North and we run into the Puget Sound where Head Coach Pete Caroll has amassed possibly the most talented secondary in the league led by Free Safety Earl Thomas.  

So what's the predictions for this season's NFC playoff race, who has the chance to be this years new kid on the block (49ers). What former Super Bowl Quarterback will bring their franchise back to the top? In a league where an average of  5 playoff teams from the previous season fails to make the playoffs annually here's the "Magic 8 Ball" for the 2012- 2013 NFC playoff picture.

1.) San Francisco 49ers: This defense is elite Patrick Willis and Defensive End Justin Smith head the NFL's most talented defensive unit. Offensive additions of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham serve as new weapons for shaky Quarterback Alex Smith. Vernon Davis showed his still a top notch Tight End after being relegated to blocking duties under former Head Coach Mike Singletary... Prediction 12-4                                                                          

Key Home Games: 

Sept 16th vs. Det, 

Oct 16th vs. NYG                                    

Key Road Games:

 Sept 9th @GB, 

Dec 23rd @Sea

2.) Green Bay Packers: Criticize Green Bay's last-place defense in the land of cheese all you want but Charles Woodson, Desmond Bishop and BJ Raji still lineup for the Packer defense and their first five 2012 draft picks were defensive players. A-Rod still has the controls of the Green Bay offense and they won't miss a beat with former offensive coordinator Joe Philbin departing to Miami. "Green Bay Packers still rule the NFC North"... Prediction: 11-5                                                              

Key Home Games: 

Sept 9th vs. SF,

 Dec 9th vs. Det,                                        

Key Road Games: 

Mon Sept 24th @ Sea,

Nov 25th @NYG, 

Dec 16th @Chi

3.) Atlanta Falcons: After last seasons miserable 2 -24 defeat to the New York Giants in the NFC Wild Card will the Falcons bounce back? Questions have been raised about the competence of Matt Ryan to Rise Up in the playoffs. Despite four consecutive winning seasons the Falcons have not won a playoff gams since 2004. Falcons addressed several key areas of concern including the offensive line drafting Peter Konz out of Wisconsin to keep Matt Ryan cool as "ICE" in the pocket and the addition of Asante Samuel helps out a porous 2011 secondary. This could be Tony Gonzalez last hurrah. Prediction: 11-5                                                                                

Key Home Games: 

Sept. 30th vs. Car,  

Nov. 19th vs N.O.,

 Dec. 16th vs. NYG  

Key Road Games: 

Nov. 11th @ N.O., 

Dec 22nd @Det

4.) New York Giants: 2012 Super Bowl champions have arguably the best set of wide receivers in the National Football League Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz provide Eli Manning with a potent offense. David Wilson out of Virginia Tech was drafted with the Giants 2012 first round pick and looks dangerous coming out of the backfield at runningback or course Ahmad Bradshaw is the starter but Wilson still projects to get touches on this championship team. Osi Umenyiora's contract issues are over and the Giants defensive best rush is the best in the business. Giants play the leagues roughest second half schedule.... Prediction 9-7                                                                   

Key Home Games: 

Sept 5th vs. Dal,

Nov. 25th vs. GB,

Dec. 30th vs. Phi          

Key Road Games:

Oct. 14th @SF,

Dec. 16th @Atl, 

5.) Detroit Lions: Finally breaking through in their 2011-2012 seasonal campaign Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson team up again to wreck havoc on opposing secondaries. Stafford passed for 5,038 yards and 41 TD's shattering the Lions passing records for the most yards and touchdowns in a season. Megatron the receipients of 16 touchdown passes last season has become of the face of the franchise and the Lions are ready to become perennial playoff contenders. In contrast the Lions defense with the alway's notable Ndamukong Suh are looking to improve on defense after finishing 22nd (pass) and 23rd (rush) in the NFL. Prediction: 10-6                                                                       

Key Home Games:

Nov 18th vs. GB,

Dec 22nd vs. Atl,  

Dec. 30th vs. Chi      

Key Road Games:

 Sept 16th @SF,

Dec. 9th @ GB

6.) Seattle Seahawks: With one of the best homefield advantages in the NFL courtesy of the famed 12th Man the Seahawks are eager to prove that last seasons second half was not a fluke. Stacked with talent on defense Seattle is poised to become a top 5 unit. Safety Earl Thomas and the Seahawks secondary (3/4 2012 Pro Bowlers) are now being matched up front with a hungry defensive line. Rookie Quarterback Russell Wilson looked fantastic in pre-season games and looks to be the future, "no correct that" the now of the Seahawks and Pete Carrolls legacy. Marshawn Lynch is full "Beast Mode"  Sidney Rice and Braylon Edwards provide reliable targets... Prediction: 10-6                                                                                                

Key Home Games:

Sept 24 vs. GB,

Dec. 23 vs. SF                                      

Key Road Games:

 Oct 7 @ Car,

Oct 18 @ SF,

Oct 28 @Det,

Dec. 2 @ Chi

Note: Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears deserve special consideration their schedules are a little bit tougher and NFL playoffs only allows a total of 6 teams in the playoffs don't count them out . "Are You Ready For Some Football"???

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