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Atlanta Falcons Statistics from NFL.com
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NFL NFC South 2005 Atlanta Falcons
Published: 2005-08-30
2004 record: 11-5 (Won NFC South)
Playoffs:
Won NFC Divisional game vs. St. Louis Rams, 47-17
Lost NFC Conference game at Philadelphia Eagles, 27-10
Offense:
The Falcons led the NFL in rush yards and avg. per carry (5.1), ranked 30th in pass yards, and 16th in points/game. All-pro quarterback Michael Vick had 2,313 passing yards along with 902 rush yards (3rd all-time NFL single season rush yards for a quarterback). Vick totaled 17 pass/rush touchdowns. The running backs, Warrick Dunn (1,400 total yards) and T.J. Duckett (509 yards, 4.9 avg.) shared carries for a combined 17 touchdowns and along with Vick, will again be the focal point of the offense. The offensive line is a solid, veteran group that’s excellent in run schemes but again with the sacks, giving up 50. All-pro tight end Alge Crumpler led the team in receptions(48), receiving yards(774), and receiving touchdowns(6) and will again be Vick’s primary target this year. Sophomore wide receiver Michael Jenkins fills the #1 spot this season and is currently paired with Dez White with Peerless Price dropping to #3. The Falcons drafted wide receiver Roddy White(Alabama-Birmingham) with the 27th pick but White should have little opportunity unless injuries hit the top four. The emphasis is supposed to be more of a pass more/run less approach with Vick this season but this seems unlikely given the receivers are the weak link on offense again and Vick probably is convinced he’s his own better receiver than the wideouts. Offensive statistics should be similar to last season.
Defense:
Defensive coordinator Ed Donatell’s aggressive blitzing schemes had the Falcons defense ranked 2nd in NFC rush yards allowed, 22nd in NFL in pass yards/game, and 14th in points/game. The Falcons also ranked 1st in the NFL in sacks with 48 led by all-pro defensive end Patrick Kerney with 13 sacks (4th in the NFL) and defensive tackle Rod Coleman with 11.5 (tied 1st in the NFL for sacks by a defensive tackle). 2nd round pick, Jonathan Babineaux, an undersized defensive tackle fills in for the departed Ed Jasper(Oakland Raiders) but is not expected to make an immediate impact. The defensive line is excellent against the run and pass. All-pro outside linebacker Keith Brooking will be joined by new free agent middle linebacker Ed Hartwell (Baltimore Ravens), an excellent run stopper. The linebacker unit is solid against the run. Sophomore cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who missed 6 games last year to injury(hip), is showing solid cover skills. Cornerback Jason Webster, who also missed 6 games to injury(knee), returns opposite Hall. Strong safety Keion Carpenter returns after missing last season to injury(acl) and hard-hitting free safety Bryan Scott returns as the only starter in the secondary to play all 16 regular season games. The secondary, if healthy, should be much improved this season. The front 7 look to continue their success against the run and in pass pressure to limit the exposure to the secondary. The Falcons’ continued success on defense is critical to help the offense manage games.
Overall:
The Falcons face a much tougher schedule than last season outside the division and will now have competition against the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings, unlike last season. Prediction: 2nd in NFC South.
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Betting Odds
| Odds to Win: | |
Open | |
Line | |
Bet365 | |
VipSports | |
BetCris | |
Bodog | |
| Super Bowl XL | |
12/1 | |
12/1 | |
15/1 | |
12/1 | |
15/1 | |
N/A | |
| NFC Conference | |
6/1 | |
6/1 | |
8/1 | |
6/1 | |
6/1 | |
N/A | |
| NFC South | |
- | |
- | |
2.25/1 | |
1.2/1 | |
1.25/1 | |
N/A | |
(as of 8/30/05)
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2005 Atlanta Falcons Schedule
2005 Preseason
Date Opponent Time/Result
Aug 6 Indianapolis Won 27-21
Aug 13 Baltimore Won 16-3
Aug 19 Tennessee Lost 21-24
Aug 25 @Jacksonville Won 23-7
Sep 1 @Miami 7:30pm
2005 Schedule
Date Opponent Time/Result DIRECTV® Channel
Sep 12 Philadelphia 9:00pm
Sep 18 @Seattle 4:05pm 717
Sep 25 @Buffalo 1:00pm 709
Oct 2 Minnesota 4:15pm 713
Oct 9 New England 1:00pm 708
Oct 16 @New Orleans 1:00pm 709
Oct 24 N.Y. Jets 9:00pm
Week 8 BYE
Nov 6 @Miami 1:00pm
Nov 13 Green Bay 4:15pm 712
Nov 20 Tampa Bay 1:00pm 708
Nov 24 @Detroit 12:30pm
Dec 4 @Carolina 1:00pm 709
Dec 12 New Orleans 9:00pm
Dec 18 @Chicago 8:30pm
Dec 24 @Tampa Bay 1:00pm 712
Jan 1 Carolina 1:00pm 704
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